THE leader of Argyll and Bute Council says talks with the Secretary of State for Scotland on the prospect of a rural growth deal for the area were “very positive”.

David Mundell met Aileen Morton and senior officials from the authority in Lochgilphead after a visit to Helensburgh and the Faslane naval base.

Cllr Morton said: “We’re clear that Argyll is the natural choice for a growth deal – it’s absolutely full of opportunities for economic success and prosperity.

"All of this potential can be unleashed through investment in Argyll and Bute’s key strengths like tourism and business innovation, while also overcoming barriers to growth like housing supply and digital connectivity.

“I was delighted to welcome Mr Mundell to Argyll and Bute to outline our progress over the past few months, and to let him know that local people overwhelmingly back a deal for their communities.

“It was really encouraging to hear that the UK government is looking forward to receiving our proposals and seeing them go through the process over the coming months.

“Our next steps are further meetings with the Scottish Government at both ministerial and MSP level, scheduled to take place in September.”

Speaking to the Advertiser after the talks, Mr Mundell said: “The UK government is very receptive to a rural growth deal for Argyll and Bute – we would work in partnership with the Scottish Government on that and I see no reason to think they would be any less receptive.

“The starting point is a proposal being put on the table by the council and I know they are hoping to be able to do that later in the year.

“From what I’ve seen and heard from the council so far, I’m confident they’re going to put forward a very solid proposal.”