Councillors considered the Scottish Government’s Depopulation Action Plan at a meeting of the full council and agreed there is a need for greater focus on more radical actions, coupled with greater resources, to reverse negative population trends.

The leader of Argyll and Bute Council, Councillor Jim Lynch, said: “We are dedicated to creating new employment opportunities, regenerating our town centres and improving community facilities so that we can attract and retain new residents and businesses to Argyll and Bute.

“We are one of 14 local authorities in Scotland with a declining population and we must take whatever steps are necessary to reverse this. We will continue to engage with the Scottish Government for further resources so that together we can build on what is important to our communities and continue to create the prosperous future that Argyll and Bute deserves.”