COUNCIL WELCOMES TARBERT'S BIG CATCH

Argyll and Bute Council has welcomed the news that Tarbert Loch Fyne has secured £984,500 from the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Regeneration Fund.

Councillor Dick Walsh, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council said, “I am absolutely delighted at the news about Tarbert and, on behalf of the council, who are joint applicants, I would like to wholeheartedly congratulate all those involved in preparing the bid. It is yet another huge boost for the local economy and for the economy of Argyll and Bute as a whole.”

Local Councillor Anne Horn said, “This is fantastic news for Tarbert. The decision to award this funding towards the regeneration of the town centre will be welcomed by all those who have worked so hard for a positive outcome.

I congratulate the Harbour Board for leading the application, and am delighted that it has been successful. Everyone associated with the town is now looking forward to seeing the work start and the waterfront area become the major attraction it should be.

This scheme is a great example of the Scottish Government empowering local communities to make their own decisions regarding a sustainable future, and I am thrilled that Tarbert has been recognised as a worthy recipient.”

Argyll and Bute Council is contributing £103k as match funding for the Tarbert bid.

Tarbert was one of 48 Scottish towns to receive a share of the £40 million which is the first tranche of the £60 million fund and is one of six bids from Argyll and Bute. The remaining £20 million is due to be allocated later this year.

Councillor Walsh added, “I am of course extremely disappointed that other areas of Argyll and Bute have not been successful at this stage. The competition was very stiff and of 133 bids, only 48 were successful. However, we have received constructive feedback on all the bids and will be working hard to make the best possible case when we submit bids for a share of the remaining £20 million.

Successful or not, we must bear in mind that any money which helps to kick start the local economy is to the benefit of everyone and not just the immediate locale.”