EIGHT Argyll and Bute projects have been given injections of cash to help their work in the community.

The UK Government announced the latest grants under their "levelling up" efforts across the country.

More than £2 million will be spent on projects in Argyll and Bute as part of funding of £18m for initiatives across Scotland.

The government says the following schemes will get funding:

  • Curriculum Development for STEM Hubs Project - £102,000
  • Driving Economic Growth Through A Bounce Back Curriculum For Argyll & Bute - £275,253
  • MACC Hydrogen Futures Viability study - £184,793
  • Optimising carbon sequestration for community wealth building - £265,200
  • Recovery and regeneration of Tarbert - £262,395
  • The Dunoon Project Stage Two - £359,652
  • The Seaweed Academy - £407,715
  • West Coast UAV Innovation Logistics and Training Hub - £173,400

The money from the Community Renewal Fund is part of the same Levelling Up Fund that last week gave £19 million to neighbouring West Dunbartonshire Council to buy and regenerate the Artizan Centre and surrounding area in Dumbarton.

In a statement, Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack said: "This £18m for 56 projects will help strengthen communities across Scotland.

"From helping to develop a 21st century carbon-neutral village, to boosting skills, employment and enterprise, encouraging tourism, supporting performing arts and investment in cyber and digital - this money is being spent on projects that matter most to people."