A £250,000 boost will help deliver a new business and visitor draw for Mid Argyll.

At a meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee, councillors agreed to allocate £250,000 from the Tarbert and Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund to Scottish Canals for the Gleaner Phase 2 scheme.

The plan would transform the remaining part of the former Gleaner oil depot at Ardrishaig into a craft whisky distillery, complete with a courtyard, viewing terrace, tasting rooms and on-site accommodation.

For this second stage, landowner Scottish Canals will partner with Spectrum Spirits Limited to progress the regeneration of both the ex-Gleaner site and neighbouring Pier Square.

The project is expected to support around fifteen full-time equivalent posts and attract up to 15,000 visitors annually.

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The council grant will contribute to remediation and redevelopment of the northern section of the former depot, where the distillery, office space and servicing facilities are planned. Located beside Pier Square, the plot sits at the Crinan Canal terminus, a key landmark in the heart of Mid Argyll.

The intention is not only to create a craft distillery, but also to bolster the existing restaurant and proposed accommodation at Pier Square, building an appealing destination for residents and tourists alike.

Councillor Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council said: "This exciting project for the area will complete the Tarbert and Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund. It seeks to deliver a fantastic new facility which is capable of creating new jobs, enhancing the appearance of this derelict site for the local community, encouraging more visitors to stop in Ardrishaig and providing a further welcome boost to the local economy."

The Tarbert and Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund was established in 2016, with £3 million set aside to back regeneration and economic development in Lochgilphead, Ardrishaig and Tarbert.

The first phase of the Gleaner project finished in 2019, delivering the Egg Shed facility along with public realm and parking works in Ardrishaig.

Other completed schemes include improvements to Lochgilphead Front Green, harbour facilities at Tarbert, public realm upgrades in Ardrishaig, works on Argyll Street in Lochgilphead, and junction improvements at Barmore Road/Garvel Road in Tarbert.