Rural growth deal confirmation announcement welcomed

The authority announced on Wednesday October 30 that the £70 million deal was on course after a spending review by the UK Government.

The treasury’s share of the deal had initially been put on hold, but chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves has given it the go-ahead again.

Councillor Ross Moreland, Liberal Democrat, Dunoon, shared leader Councillor Jim Lynch’s delight at the news.

Councillor Moreland, who shares the deputy leadership with Councillor Audrey Forrest, SNP, Dunoon, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It is obviously very good news for Argyll and Bute to have the UK government commit to its share of the rural growth deal.

“The timing of the general election obviously slowed down the final confirmation of the deal but I am grateful to both governments for getting the deal over the line so quickly.

“The rural growth deal will allow us to deliver projects across Argyll and Bute, that could have a significant impact on our economy and the people of Argyll and Bute so it was vital that it went ahead in full, and I am delighted we will now be able to push forward with these investments.”