Rural growth deal worth £70m signed for Argyll and Bute

The Scottish and UK Governments have signed a £70m growth deal for Argyll and Bute, which includes the renovation of the grade A listed Rothesay Pavilion.

The ten-year rural growth deal was put on hold last year but each Government has now committed £25 million, with the local council and others contributing a further £20 million.

Part of the deal is £9m to finish the refurbishment of the 1938 art deco Rothesay Pavilion on the Isle of Bute, creating an events space, offices and cafe.

Scottish aecretary Ian Murray and deputy first minister Kate Forbes took part in a signing ceremony in Rothesay on Monday, along with council leader Jim Lynch.

Murray said: “It was an absolute privilege to visit the Isle of Bute to sign the transformational £70m Argyll and Bute rural growth deal.

“Being the final of Scotland’s 12 city and growth deals, it was an extra special moment.

“This means a package of more than £3bn UK Government and partner investment is driving local growth and improving living standards for communities the length and breadth of Scotland.”

Forbes said: “Argyll and Bute is full of potential with its rich history, spectacular scenery, vibrant communities and abundance of natural resources.

“We are providing £25m through this deal to create jobs, attract investment and secure the region’s economic future.

“The deal will support projects to drive innovation in marine science, support training that enables local people to access jobs and boost tourism to deliver sustainable economic growth.”