By Hannah O’Hanlon
Councillors across Argyll and Bute have welcomed news that the authority has been awarded £20 million, as one of just four Scottish councils to receive levelling up investment.
But, with the council covering such a vast area, some elected representatives are concerned the funding will not stretch far as they eye up projects in their wards worthy of a share.
The news was announced in last week’s UK Government Autumn Statement.
The authority’s leader, Councillor Robin Currie, of the Kintyre and the Islands ward, said: “Economic success for Argyll and Bute matters for all of us who live and work here and also for the wider national economy, given the area’s contribution to key business sectors such as tourism or food and drink. To deliver local and national benefit, Argyll and Bute needs local and national support.
“We take every opportunity to promote Argyll and Bute’s case for investment and support.
“This included me raising the need for funding for Argyll and Bute as an island authority with Michael Gove [Rt Hon Michael Gove MP; Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities; Minister for Intergovernmental Relations] at the UK Islands Forum in October.
“I am very pleased therefore that Argyll and Bute is one of just four levelling up partnerships announced for Scotland in the Autumn Statement.
“We look forward to working with the UK Government in turning this significant investment into economic growth.”
Fellow Kintyre and the Islands councillor Alastair Redman is also pleased with the investment, saying: “Broadly speaking, levelling up partnerships aim to work from the bottom up to unlock challenges and opportunities, with UK Government officials working with us to identify a list of potential projects from which final projects are agreed.
“This hugely welcome news and such large-scale investment in our islands is something that I have been lobbying for relentlessly as councillor for the Kintyre and the Islands ward.”
He believes the main priority for investment on Argyll and Bute’s islands should be roads.
“We need large-scale development of our crumbling infrastructure and that means a lot more resurfacing and culvert clearing than just more piecemeal patchwork,” he said.
“Jet patching is very well and good as a quick-fix that will last a few days. If this money can be used on our roads then it should.
“We have had huge economic growth on some of our islands, with our world-class distilleries which have generated huge tax revenue for the Exchequer through whisky tax; surely it’s only fair that we see some of that back through investment in our roads.”
The ward’s third and final representative, Councillor Dougie McFadzean, also welcomed the news but has concerns about how far the funding will stretch.
“£20 million sounds like a lot of money,” said Councillor McFadzean, “but when we consider our huge geographical area, our infrastructure challenges, our disparate and very remote communities, our 23 inhabited islands and the lack of affordable housing, it really won’t go very far.
“It is little compensation for the mess that has been ‘Brexit’ and the ending of European Union investment in our fragile community.
“The criteria for the use of these funds has not been provided as yet, but my understanding is the money should be used for capital spending (bricks and mortar), so I will ensure, on behalf of my constituents, that Kintyre and the Islands will benefit as much as possible from the funds.”
South Kintyre councillors John Armour and Jennifer Kelly share his concerns that the money may not go far but are keen to see their ward benefit, if possible.
“This kind of investment in Argyll and Bute is very welcome but hardly compensates for the loss of vital funds lost due to the chaotic Brexit we have had to endure,” said Councillor Armour.
“As the criteria has yet to be clarified, it is too early to say what specific projects will qualify for the funding, but I will as always fight for the best deal possible for South Kintyre.”
Councillor Kelly said: “Whilst I am delighted that Argyll and Bute has been selected to receive levelling up funding, I am very aware £20 million will not go far across our expansive council area.
“It is therefore imperative that the allocation of the fund is well thought out to ensure we are using this investment as wisely as possible for the benefit of the area.
“I would like to see a proportion of this funding go towards the Kintyre Seasports project as I believe this facility will benefit both locals and tourists – providing recreational and educational opportunities for all ages.
“I would also be keen to see the fund supporting and furthering the great work already carried out by the Campbeltown Regeneration project by upgrading some key buildings within the town such as the Victoria Hall and Aqualibrium, both of which are in a poor state externally and require significant works to be brought back up to standard.”
Levelling up investment is available to deliver capital projects, not to fund day-to-day council services, and it must be spent by 2025/26.
Argyll and Bute Council says work will begin on developing potential projects for delivery once further detail about any criteria for using the investment is available.