Minister meets with Scottish recipients of levelling up funding

Minister John Lamont has met with Scottish businesses, community groups and local partners in the west of Scotland who have received levelling up funding from the Government.

The minister visited Mull, Arran and the mainland, including council areas which have received more than £100 million.

The Minister said: "It was absolutely inspirational to see talented and committed people making the most of funding from the UK Government. We want rural communities across Scotland to thrive, and we are acutely aware that island communities face particular challenges.

"Islanders are resourceful and dedicated, however, and rise magnificently to those challenges. I am proud we are helping them. Rich in natural resources, our islands are presented with great opportunities to maximise – in a sustainable way – their potential and make themselves a genuine option for young people looking to raise families.

"On Mull, it was very special to be out on a flat-calm Loch Spelve talking to family-run Inverlussa Mussels, awarded £200,000 from our UK Seafood Fund to help upgrade their facilities with renewable energy supply.

"Tobermory Harbour Association has a tremendous track record and there’s clearly more to come with the transformation of the Aros waterfront, while Mull and Iona Community Trust are busy with everything from island transport to affordable home building, and keeping Ulva primary school open."

"And it was a delight to revel in the community spirit of Arran at the Lochranza Country Inn, which received £300,000 UK Government funding to buy out the last remaining pub in the village."

Image by hendersona980 from Pixabay