Argyll and Bute Council will direct £141,000 from the Scottish Government’s Island Cost of Crisis Emergency Fund (the same amount as last year) to once again support Argyll and Bute Council Love Local Giftcards, grants to local food banks and free school meal top-ups.

Set up in 2022, the fund aims to support urgent action to help island residents facing financial challenges. This is the third consecutive year that Argyll and Bute has benefitted.

The council’s depute policy Lead for Islands and Rural Communities, Councillor Jim Lynch, said: “Estimates indicate that islands are facing around 20% to 66% higher costs of living than the UK average with high fuel costs, a colder climate and the lack of consumer choice intensifying the impact of the continuing cost crisis.

“Support from the Cost Crisis Emergency Fund will deliver immediate help to people in our island communities who are most affected by these significant cost of living challenges.”