Three community-led projects on the Isle of Arran will share more than £800,000 in funding from the Scottish Government's Islands Programme.

The funding, which supports locally developed critical infrastructure, was announced today and will deliver significant construction and regeneration projects across the island.

The three successful infrastructure projects and their allocated funding are:

• Arran Youth Foundations, Youth Centre: £382,399 to build a new, bespoke replacement youth centre in Lamlash.

• Brodick Hall Island Hub: £323,925 to transform and refurbish the vital community space, with critical investment in the building’s fabric.

• Lochranza Securing a Future in Marine Tourism: £129,718 to rejuvenate and extend critical marine infrastructure at Lochranza to attract more marine visitors.

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Graeme Johnston, Youth Work Project Manager at Arran Youth Foundations, called the funding "transformational," stating the money would allow them to replace their current facility with a modern structure that will "stand here for decades to come."

Robert Cumming, Secretary of Lochranza and Catacol Sea Society, confirmed the specifics of the construction work planned for the village:

"We will be extending and refurbishing the pontoon, and also creating moorings in the bay. It is going to make such a difference to this village, and to the people who come in on yachts."

Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Islands and Housing, highlighted the successful collaboration: "All three projects are fine examples of successful partnership working between Council services and the local community to secure funding and deliver regeneration and infrastructure projects. I know a lot of hard work went into the application process, so I would like to congratulate everyone connected to all three projects for securing this significant funding."

The funding announcement coincided with North Ayrshire Council hosting the autumn Convention of the Highlands and Islands in Brodick Hall, chaired by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes.