Thirty-six long-term empty properties across Argyll and Bute have received support through the Council's Empty Business Property Grant Scheme in the past half-year.

The premises span offices, shops and hospitality venues, as well as residential units and holiday accommodation.

Around £560,000 in grant funding, alongside £80,000 in non-domestic rates relief, has helped bring disused buildings back into productive use, improve the look and feel of town centres, and stimulate the local economy. Participants also receive guidance from a dedicated Empty Business Property Officer throughout the process.

The scheme is open to owners and tenants of properties on the valuation roll that have been vacant for at least six months. Support can cover repurposing or refurbishing empty premises to enable reoccupation, relocating new businesses to Argyll and Bute, and helping existing firms expand so they can remain locally. Where appropriate, it can also assist with change-of-use applications to residential to help address the area's housing emergency and population decline.

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Grants ranging from £3,500 to £50,000 have already underpinned projects including: a new 11-bed aparthotel in a Category C listed building in Campbeltown; conversion of a former Campbeltown bakery into a retail outlet; development of a community-owned commercial unit in Tarbert; creation of a construction hub in Tarbert within the former Bank of Scotland; refurbishment of hair and beauty salons in Lochgilphead; full refurbishment of shops on Hillfoot Street in Dunoon; repurposing of two former banks on Argyll Street in Dunoon; conversion of the Mackintosh Club in Helensburgh into an artist studio; and the remodelling of a restaurant/bar and retail shop in Rothesay.

Councillor Math Sturgess Campbell, Policy Lead for Business Development, said: "Bringing empty properties back into use makes our town centres more attractive, vibrant and prosperous. Grant funding, coupled with appropriate support, can help make properties fit for new businesses, allow successful companies to expand or, with the right permissions, create much needed homes for local families. I look forward to seeing what more can be achieved in partnership as we work creatively with our local developers."