Following the announcement by Boris Johnson of growth deal funding for ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute, Leader of ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥, Councillor Aileen Morton said:
“We have worked hard to develop and promote a rural growth deal that will transform ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute’s natural resources into long term success for the area, and into drivers for growth in the UK and Scottish economies.
"We are ambitious for ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute, and we have strong local backing for this deal.
"It is in everyone’s interest that rural Scotland thrives. Momentum is clearly building to deliver our bid, and with it the area’s hopes and expectations.
"We look forward to working further with the UK and Scottish Governments to deliver this rural growth deal to ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute.â€
Councillor Gary Mulvaney, Depute Leader said:
“Investment could see ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute lead the world through innovation in business sectors such as marine science. It could develop key routes to market for our world-renowned food and drink produce. It could bring the people and talent we need for our future.
"The more support ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute gets from the UK and Scottish Governments, the more ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute can thrive and in turn support the UK and Scottish economies.
"The sooner we receive funding the sooner we can get to work on delivering growth for the local, UK and Scottish economies.
"Today’s news takes us another step closer to delivering growth for the people of ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute.â€
Notes
The bid comprises sixteen different projects that would bring together local and national organisations, as well as public and private sector agencies, to transform ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute’s economy.
The deal proposals cover the length and breadth of ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute. They’re based on three key themes:
- Attracting: additional skills, training and learning opportunities; new residents, visitors and businesses
- Growing: doing more of what works; making more of our natural and built resources
- Connecting: our high value business sectors with national and international business markets; our local economic successes with national strategic priorities
More information on the Rural Growth Deal is available on the council website at /rgd