FOUR areas of Argyll and Bute will form a key part of a campaign to boost the area’s population after a unanimous decision by councillors.

The Rosneath Peninsula, Bute, Kintyre from Tarbert to Southend, and Tiree and Coll, have all been identified as ‘repopulation zones’ as part of a programme of work.

The zones are defined in a council report as areas which should show boldness in economic transformation, and a person-centred approach.

They should also “consider the impact on vulnerable families” in order to attract young working age people to the areas.

The authority’s policy and resources committee also unanimously agreed to take forward a pilot project which takes a thematic approach to addressing population challenges.

It will include the settlement officer post for a year, funded by the council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

READ MORE: Covid deaths rise again in Argyll and Bute as latest figures are revealed

Executive director Kirsty Flanagan said: “Following the writing of the report, (chief executive) Pippa Milne had engagement with HIE, who confirmed they were happy for officers to work on housing, but we should identify zones for further activity.

“We have given this further consideration and are of the view we should pick up an area within each administrative area.

“We feel this provides a good mix.

“The feeling was that if we did not identify repopulation zones we could be left behind, and we do not want to miss out.

“We recommend that members support taking forward a pilot project, resourced by a settlement officer, and also focus on repopulation zones for further research.”