Emma Roddick MSP and Jenni Minto MSP Urge UK Government to Sign Argyll and Bute Growth Deal Without Delay

Text of Letter:

Dear Mr Murray

Further to Ms Minto’s previous letter of 26th September, we are writing to you as elected representatives for Argyll and Bute in the Scottish Parliament, to urge the UK Government to sign the Argyll and Bute Growth Deal without any further delay. 

As you are aware, both the Scottish and UK Governments had each committed £25 million to projects in the area over the next decade.  This included essential funding for additional housing developments and significant enhancements to local facilities. Notably, the historic Rothesay Pavilion, which has been closed since 2015, was due to receive funding for its highly anticipated refurbishment. 

It is estimated that the implementation of the deal could create 300 jobs and attract an additional 70,000 visitors to the area each year. Argyll and Bute Council has, therefore, made clear its dissatisfaction with the UK Government’s decision to leave the area in limbo, as the only region of Scotland without some form of growth deal in place. 

The First Minister has reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s unwavering commitment to the deal and its eagerness to sign it at the earliest opportunity. It is of the utmost importance that the communities of Argyll and Bute are afforded the opportunity to benefit from these new economic opportunities as soon as possible.  We strongly urge the UK Government to fulfil its promises to our constituents and sign the Argyll and Bute Growth Deal without further delay.