Rural growth seals £70m as deal done
A deal worth £70m to Argyll and Bute’s economy has been signed.
The Rural Growth Deal (RGD), finalised on February 11, includes £25m each from the Scottish and UK Governments and at least £20m from Argyll and Bute Council and partners, and is aimed at creating opportunities for people living in the region and attracting future investment.
With the signing, Argyll and Bute Council, the UK Government and Scottish Government will agree the themes for the 10-to-15year RGD programme of investment.
Aquaculture, tourism, housing, digital connectivity and skills for a rural economy are among the sectors to be developed.
Councillor Robin Currie, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said: ‘The Rural Growth Deal is about turning economic potential into a successful future for Argyll and Bute. This transformational investment will focus on connecting our high value business sectors with national and international business markets to attract additional skills, residents, visitors and businesses and on growing benefit from our fantastic natural assets.
‘Reaching this milestone has been a partnership effort. Thank you to everyone involved. Especially in these times of unprecedented challenge. This is an important day for Argyll and Bute.’
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson added: ‘This deal will drive and deliver projects, designed by local partners, that will help to reinvigorate the region’s economy and build strategically for its long-term growth and prosperity.
‘At a time of such economic uncertainty and challenge, the projects and investment committed through the deal will be more important than ever and will play a key role in the region’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
‘Investments through the deal will create new jobs, protect existing jobs and extend economic opportunities to communities, businesses and individuals across the region.
‘I appreciate all the hard work Argyll and Bute Council and its partners have put in to get us to this point.
‘We will continue to work with Argyll and Bute Council over the coming months to help it develop the projects to unlock investment and drive inclusive growth across the area as swiftly as possible.’
‘These innovative and ambitious plans will unlock jobs, opportunities and sustainable growth for communities in the region,’ said UK Government Minister Iain Stewart.