The leader of Argyll and Bute Council is appealing for the government’s support to aid the community’s economic recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The region’s rural growth deal aims to bring substantial investment to the area, boost existing business and make the most of its natural and built resources.
Crucially, the deal will be used to help attract visitors and new residents to address its population decline.
The Scottish and UK Governments have each committed £25 million in support of projects designed by the council to deliver success across Argyll and Bute.
Officials have been working hard to see the funding delivered as swiftly as possible to enable the authority to turn opportunities into economic success.
Councillor Aileen Morton has now written to the Secretary of State for Scotland MP Alister Jack and to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Islands and Connectivity, Michael Matheson, appealing for their help in taking the next steps.
She believes coronavirus and the challenges of lockdown have made the region’s need even more urgent.
Mrs 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.
“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 next stage in the process is to agree Heads of Terms, which will set out how the £50 million funding will be put to use for Argyll and Bute.
Mrs Morton added: “Making the region 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.”
Experts have warned the local economies of the north and north-east will be among the hardest hit in Britain by the coronavirus pandemic.
Tourism is worth £5 billion to Scotland each year and accounts for about 15% of all jobs in Argyll and Bute.
