Communities, businesses and island residents across Argyll and Bute are set to benefit from a package worth almost £1.6 million to drive regeneration, economic growth, improvements to community infrastructure and targeted cost-of-living support.

The funding brings together allocations from the Council's Crown Estate Scotland revenue and the Scottish Government's Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund (ICCEF), alongside support to develop future bids to the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF).

Argyll and Bute Council has confirmed it will receive £3.89 million in Crown Estate Scotland revenues for 2026/27, up from £2.36 million the year before. Following earlier decisions in May, a further £1.42 million has now been directed to priority initiatives across the area.

Backed projects include an expansion of business support grants (£300,000), the Kintyre Seasports Rural Growth Deal Project (£300,000), the Tarbert Heritage Scheme (£250,000), a new Marine Tourism Infrastructure Fund (£150,000), and upgrades to the Helensburgh Skating Pond (£100,000). Funding has also been earmarked for the Tarbert Harbour Community Water Sports and Activity Hub, Bowmore Hall, Jacobs Ladder stabilisation works in Oban, Kilmartin House Museum and wider heritage regeneration schemes.

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An additional £145,000 from the ICCEF will deliver practical help to islanders facing ongoing cost-of-living pressures. This includes £85,000 for ALIenergy's Affordable Warmth Service Energy Support Project, providing energy vouchers for up to 1,250 island households; £38,000 for white goods support for eligible low-income households; and £22,000 for island foodbanks and community food organisations serving Islay, Bute, Tiree, Mull and Iona, Jura and Gigha.

Several schemes have also been endorsed to progress to the next stage for potential support via the Scottish Government's RCGF. Proposals in Oban, Ardrishaig, Rothesay, Ardchattan and Tiree are seeking more than £4 million in combined funding for community facilities, regeneration and economic development.

Councillor Jim Lynch, Policy Lead for Economic Development, Housing, Communities and Islands, said: "This investment represents a significant commitment to communities across Argyll and Bute. It will help support economic growth, improve community facilities, strengthen our coastal and island communities and provide practical assistance to residents who continue to face financial pressures.

"The projects being supported will deliver lasting benefits, helping to attract additional investment, support local businesses and provide communities with the facilities and infrastructure they need to thrive. We look forward to working with our partners to maximise the impact of these funds for local people."