“Our Deal could bring hundreds of new jobs, affordable housing and long-term economic growth to ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute. But as it stands we are the only area in Scotland without a growth deal. Understandably, locally people want to know what can be done to change this and bring this much needed investment to ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute.â€
The Deal has been developed by the council, Scottish and UK governments and partners. The UK Government has advised that its £25 million contribution is on hold while it carries out a spending review ahead of the budget on 30 October
Councillor Ross Moreland, Depute Leader and Policy Lead for Finance:
“The Deal is designed to deliver vital benefits for ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute and its long-term economic growth.
“Economic growth is the only way to improve the prosperity of our communities and make people better off.
“¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute boasts key industries that support not only our local economy, but that of Scotland and the UK more widely, from tourism to food and drink to marine science and clean energy. Our geographic location lends itself well to inward investment and climate-friendly ways of living and working.
“Scotland and the UK need important rural and island areas like ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute to succeed, and the growth deal is key to achieving that success.
“We are concerned that as it stands we are the only area in Scotland without a deal, and remain in contact with both governments about progressing this for ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute. We look forward to engaging with the Chancellor and the Scotland Office in the weeks ahead to get the Deal back on track.
“Anyone keen to join us in standing up for ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute is welcome to show support by clicking ‘yes to the deal’ on our website.â€
Find out more here - Support your Rural Growth Deal
The deal is designed to:
- Deliver at least 300 additional jobs
- Create 6,500 m2 of new business space
- Deliver training opportunities to over 6,000 students and individuals
- Support local businesses to thrive
- Construct new housing and worker accommodation to help address the local housing emergency
- Generate over 70,000 additional visitors to the area per annum