Argyll and Bute has been awarded Levelling Up funding of £20 million, one of a small number of Scottish councils to be supported in the UK government's Autumn Statement.

Welcoming the announcement, leader of Argyll and Bute Council, Councillor Robin Currie said: "This is very welcome news. Economic success for Argyll and Bute matters for all of us who live and work here, and, also for the wider national economy, given the area's contribution to key business sectors, such as tourism or food and drink. To deliver local and national benefit, Argyll and Bute needs local and national support.

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"There had been announcements about levelling up funding the day before the Autumn Statement and it's fair to say that I was extremely disappointed not to see Argyll and Bute included at that stage.

"We take every opportunity to promote Argyll and Bute's case for investment and support. This included me raising the need for funding for Argyll and Bute as an island authority with Michael Gove at the UK Islands Forum in October.

"I am very pleased therefore that Argyll and Bute is one of just four Levelling Up Partnerships announced for Scotland in the Autumn Statement.

"We look forward to working with the UK Government in turning this significant investment into economic growth."

Levelling up investment is available to deliver capital projects, not to fund day-to-day council services. It must be spent by 2025/26.

Work will begin on developing potential projects for delivery once further detail about any criteria for using the investment is available.