£2M boost for Argyll economy, plus £175k for Oban drone hub
Argyll and Bute is set to benefit from over £2 million of UK Community Renewal Funding, writes Sandy Neil.
Part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up Agenda, funding will stimulate growth in the area and help deliver community projects.
Argyll and Bute Council submitted the bids to the UK Government on behalf of organisations and council services who are investing in skills, place making, the community and supporting people into employment.
The award of £2 million is one the largest in Scotland, and came from a total allocation of £18.4 million.
Successful initiatives include £407,715 for the new Seaweed Academy, helping to create the UK’s only dedicated seaweed industry facility, near Oban, offering training, education and business development.
Nearly £175,000 will also go to the West Coast UAV Innovation Logistics and Training Hub in Oban, after successfully trialling unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs) or drones to transport medical supplies to islands. Funding will commission a business case to support the further use of drones.
Almost £185,000 has also been given to MACC Hydrogen Futures – a feasibility and design project to help establish a green hydrogen production and distribution facility at the Machrihanish Airbase outside of Campbeltown.
Funding of £359,652 will help expand the Dunoon Project team looking to develop a nearby forest into a world class tourism offering. Meanwhile in Tarbert, £262,395 will help establish a team to complete business plans and planning applications as a prelude to a £13 million transformation project to regenerate the town.
A similar sum of £265,200, to aid access to ethical and responsible means of carbon sequestration, will be made available to organisations looking to offset their carbon emissions.
A further £102,000 will go towards curriculum development for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Hubs projects, while £275,253 will help drive economic growth through a bounce back curriculum that includes employer focused education and training in remote and rural areas.
Councillor Robin Currie, policy lead for the economy and economic growth, said:
‘Fostering innovation and expertise across Argyll and Bute is absolutely essential in attracting more jobs and investment to the area.
‘We are delighted with the scale of the award for the area which will help drive positive change improving places for our communities and attracting further investment.
‘The council works hard to source and secure funding opportunities to help grow the area. We are pleased that the hard work has paid off and communities will benefit from a range of innovative projects. We look forward to showcasing the very best Argyll and Bute can offer.’