Argyll economy ‘rolling forward’ but more work needs to be done

A YEAR on from its initial report on the region’s economy, Argyll and Bute Economic Forum has released an upbeat assessment of progress.

Forum chairman Nicholas Ferguson CBE said: ‘Overall, we are very encouraged by progress that has been made. The great majority of our recommendations are being implemented.’

The January 2016 economic forum report focused on the areas seen as being vital to the region’s future – tourism, food and drink and education.

Formed in 2015, the forum brings together leaders from the business, education and public sectors to assist in building a prosperous economy for Argyll and Bute.

Key recommendations in each of these categories came out of the 2016 report, and this week the chairman noted: ‘Altogether we are encouraged by the number of ini- tiatives that are taking place. We will continue to monitor progress and keep up the pressure.’

Tourism marketing, largely through Argyll and the Isles Tourism Co-operative, improved markedly, while visitor spend grew by more than one-third. In Mid Argyll, early discussions are under way towards securing World Heritage Status for Kilmartin Glen, one of the key recommendations. This, said Nicholas Ferguson, is a long process but ‘something which I am committed to making happen’.

The review also notes that there has been considerable fundraising success for Kilmartin Museum in pursuit of ambitious expansion plans. The review notes that considerable challenges remain, including transport links, mobile and broadband connectivity and affordable housing. Greater focus is also needed on forging links between schools and local businesses.

Recording that ‘nothing further has been done’ on the A83, the review goes on: ‘This is a serious issue and the half measures [debris fences at the Rest and be Thankful], as we saw last winter, are clearly inadequate. The A83 remains very poor between Tarbert and Lochgilphead.

Sir Nicholas added: ‘The forum has met twice over the year, and as a businessman I have been really impressed by the commitment of the various partners. The 2016 economic forum report has been taken as a very serious business plan for Argyll and Bute, which I am delighted about.

‘All in all, the local economy is rolling forward faster than we expected, and we aim to continue that progress.’