Rural growth funding is a step in the right direction, says Redman
Argyll and Bute Council’s new policy lead for economic growth has added his voice to those welcoming the £50 million Rural Growth Deal announced last week.
And Councillor Alastair Redman hopes that the funding, split between the UK and Scottish Governments, can further boost the ‘huge success story’ of the area’s economy.
The deal was clinched on Wednesday, October 2, with £25 million each coming from the Scottish Government and Westminster.
Councillor Redman, a Conservative who represents Kintyre and the Islands, was appointed as policy lead for economic growth last month, and has joined his fellow councillors in positive receipt of the news.
However, he also warned that challenges lie ahead for Argyll and Bute, with several areas being key priorities for the cash injection.
Councillor Redman said: ‘This £50 million investment from the UK and Scottish Governments is very welcome indeed and much needed.
‘There can be little doubt that our Argyll and Bute economy is a huge success story with key business sectors like food and drink.
‘In particular our world-famous whisky and aquaculture industries, tourism, marine science, defence industries with a focus on engineering are all seeing the most potential for growth, but with this success comes many challenges.
‘The main priorities for Argyll and Bute with this new investment will be transport and infrastructure, skills and education, digital connectivity, housing and our growing low carbon economy.
‘While this investment will not resolve all of our constituency’s challenges relating to economic growth it is certainly a welcome step in the correct direction.’
The council said that the deal was aimed to attract additional skills, training and learning opportunities, and new residents, visitors and businesses to Argyll and Bute.
It is also intended to make more of the area’s natural and built resources, and connect high value business sectors with international markets.