Projects share out £600,000 windfall

ALMOST £600,000 has been handed out to 14 community-led projects across Argyll and the Islands.

The money, which is issued as part of Argyll and Bute Council’s LEADER programme, is awarded to projects that support economic growth and development.

The grants are awarded by the Local Action Group (LAG).

Iain MacInnes, chairman of LEADER LAG, said: ‘I am pleased to see these awards being made, helping to strengthen and support the local economy within Argyll and the Islands.

‘The community-led focus of LEADER recognises the unique natural and cultural heritage within our area. Despite recent uncertainties over EU funding, I am pleased that LEADER funding will continue over the next few years.’

Virginia Sumsion, from Food from Argyll, said: ‘The LEADER funding has enabled Food from Argyll to take on long-term developments which will benefit food and drink producers in the area as well as helping with infrastructure and depopulation issues.’

Other projects that have benefited from the programme include Taynuilt Sports Council: Access Improvement Works, Marketing Mull and Iona: Mull and Iona Marketing Organisational, Argyll Food Producers: Developing and Growing Argyll Food Economy, and Tiree Community Business Ltd: Gott Bay Moorings.