Top civil servants from the Scottish and UK Governments visited ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp this month to hear how a Rural Growth Deal could help the area thrive and achieve long-term economic success.
Alasdair MacLeod and Christopher Thomson from the Scottish Government joined Neil MacLennan from the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland, and David McIntosh of the Scottish Futures Trust on the two-day visit, where officers from ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp Council outlined the case for a Rural Growth Deal – which is seen as a key part of the drive to reverse the decline in population.
Forecasts estimate that by 2027 ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp will need 10,000 more people to boost business development activity and deliver services for Argyll and the West Coast of Scotland.
The area already boasts a world class food and drink industry and benefits from its unrivalled natural beauty, making it a hotspot for tourists as well as film and TV productions. Harnessing local innovation and business excellence is an important next step in helping ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp achieve its full potential as a great place to live, work, visit and invest.
Councillor Aileen Morton, Leader of the Council and Policy Lead for Economic Development, said: “We believe that ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp can make a strong contribution to the Scottish and UK economies, and that just like cities, rural communities have a right to access new opportunities that will bring inclusive growth.
“It is in everyone’s interest that rural Scotland thrives, and our Rural Growth Deal is vital to unlocking investment across the whole of ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp.
“We have strong backing from local residents and businesses for our Deal, and, along with our partners, we’re working with UK and Scottish Governments to bring about the transformational investment that we need.â€
A public consultation attracted more than 900 respondents, with 97% saying they support a Rural Growth Deal.
Members of both the Scottish and UK Parliaments have also backed the plans.
The proposals for a Rural Growth Deal are designed to deliver success across ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp, based on three key drivers:
- Connecting: our high value business sectors with national and international business markets; our local economic successes with national strategic priorities
- 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
More information on the Rural Growth Deal is available on the council website at /rgd