ARGYLL and Bute Council’s leader has urged the UK and Scottish Governments to progress the area’s rural growth deal, supporting the area’s recovery from the impact of coronavirus.
Councillor Aileen Morton has written to the Secretary of State for Scotland and to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Island and Connectivity following the council’s recent agreement of an economic recovery plan for Argyll and Bute with features the £50 million rural growth deal – funding from both governments of £25 million each in support of council projects based on attracting growing and connecting the Argyll and Bute area.
Councillor Morton said: “We have to look after our economic health as well as our physical health for our communities to live well. Jobs lost, businesses at risk, regeneration on hold – an unhealthy economy drags everyone down in some way.
READ MORE: £50m rural growth deal cash confirmed for Argyll and Bute
“Our rural growth deal can and will play a key role in Argyll and Bute’s Covid-19 recovery. Moving it ahead at pace has always been absolutely crucial for Argyll and Bute, even before the pandemic took its toll. The area faces unique challenges of a falling population and diverse geography.
“The deal is all about bringing transformational investment into the area, to turn economic opportunities into growth and a sustainable future for Argyll and Bute. Making Argyll and Bute economically successful will also contribute to a UK-wide economic recovery.
“We would urge both governments therefore to work with us in delivering with urgency the economic support Argyll and Bute needs.”
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