Argyll and Bute Council's Empty Business Property Grant Scheme has supported 12 owners and tenants in bringing empty commercial properties back into productive use since its launch just three months ago.

The scheme, which has an allocation of £786,000 for the 2025/26 financial year, applies to business properties that have been empty for at least six months and are registered on the valuation roll. The council's dedicated Business Property Officer is currently engaging with a further 18 applicants, alongside a number of other enquiries.

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The grant is offered in addition to the extended Empty Property Relief Scheme, which can provide a discretionary 100 per cent extension of up to 12 months on rates for owners actively working to reoccupy their properties.

Council Leader, Councillor Jim Lynch, praised the scheme's early impact: "Just three months since its launch, 12 grants have been made to help owners and tenants to bring empty business properties back into productive use. This is a great step towards revitalising our local communities and our economy."

Applications are considered on a rolling basis until the funding is fully allocated, but successful projects must be completed and claimed before 31 March 2026.