Plans to upgrade play park facilities in Helensburgh and Lomond have taken a major step forward.

Argyll and Bute Council recently carried out a public consultation to seek feedback on how communities would like to see Scottish Government funding of £938,000 allocated to play parks in the area.

The plans were given final approval by the authority's environment, development and infrastructure committee on Thursday.

Helensburgh and Lomond is being allocated £368,500 to improve 11 parks in the area. 

Where is the funding to be allocated?

  • Hermitage - £30,000

  • Kirkmichael - £25,000

  • Red Guantlet - £20,000

  • Arrochar - £40,000

  • Bendarroch - £40,000

  • Howie - £40,000

  • Kidston - £20,000

  • Kilcreggan/Cove - £40,000

  • Rhu - £50,000

  • Tarbet - £20,000

  • Cardross - £15,000

Meanwhile, five play areas in Bute and Cowal will share in an allocation of £167,500, 11 facilities in Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands will get a share of £368,500, and in Oban, Lorn and the Isles, £33,500 will be spent on a single play park, in Tobermory.

Work is expected to start in the new year.

More than 1,000 adults and 400 young people took part in the consultation.

The council will now contact community councils and disability forums to inform them of the plans and ensure maximum engagement locally.

Councillor Ross Moreland, the council’s policy lead for climate change and the nvironment, said: “Throughout this process, it’s been clear how much value our local communities place on children and young people having easy access to good quality play parks which offer a safe, fun environment.

“The feedback we have received from local people has been extremely valuable and an integral part of the scheme from the outset and we now look forward to beginning work on the new facilities in 2024.”