Improved community health and wellbeing, support for existing local businesses, housing and job opportunities, and attracting new business, are just some of the benefits of ongoing place based regeneration projects across Argyll and Bute.

The three national awards Argyll and Bute Council is shortlisted for are:

• The transformation of Lochgilphead’s Front Green and Argyll Street is shortlisted at the Scotland Loves Local Awards, in the Streets and Spaces category
• Campbeltown town centre regeneration is shortlisted at the Scotland Loves Local Awards, in the Town Centre Living category
• Helensburgh’s Colquhoun Square is a finalist in the 2022 Urbanism Awards in the Great Place category

Lochgilphead’s Front Green has recently reopened following a £1.6 million transformation. Extensive works have delivered a long-held community aspiration for more people to use the front green for community events and recreation. The works included a new public square, refurbishing the play park, new seating areas and walking and cycling facilities. The Colchester Square and Argyll Street public realm works completed in 2021 after a £500,000 investment in the town.

Voted Scotland’s most improved place in 2020, the appearance and vibrancy of Campbeltown town centre has transformed following investment of £13 million as part of ongoing regeneration in the area. The project resulted in repairs to 40 buildings in the town including 11 key tenement buildings, 58 flats and 26 commercial units, bringing many vacant units back into use.

Recognised as one of the most enduring, most improved urban environments of the last decade, Helensburgh’s Colquhoun Square is a finalist in this year’s Urbanism Awards.

Completed in 2015, Argyll and Bute Council helped to transform the town centre by creating an attractive and flexible public space to hold community events, festivals and markets. The improvement works also enhanced the visitor experience by creating seating areas and an outdoor museum. The awards will take place on 23 November.

Councillor Robin Currie, policy lead for the economy and rural growth, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for awards that recognise successful place based regeneration across Argyll and Bute.

“We are seeing the benefits of ongoing investment - from new businesses starting up to housing opportunities and more people moving to the area. Investment in key areas creates a new vibrancy for communities and helps attract further funding. There are great things happening across Argyll and Bute as we continue our commitment to deliver economic success for the area.”

The Scotland Loves Local Awards are a celebration of all that is great about our nation’s towns and neighbourhoods – recognising and rewarding remarkable dedication, innovation and commitment towards shaping a sustainable, successful future with localism at its heart. The awards take place on 16 November.