ARGYLL and Bute Council’s leader has vowed to work for the area’s Rural Growth Deal to be signed as soon as possible after funding was put on hold by the UK Government.

Reports on Wednesday, September 25 said that the UK Government would not make a final decision on a funding commitment until after a review of national finances.

The Scottish and UK Governments had each committed £25 million towards projects in the area over the next 10 years, including Rothesay Pavilion and a watersports training facility in Campbeltown.

Councillor Jim Lynch (SNP, Oban South and the Isles), who became leader of the council in April, remains hopeful for the growth deal and insists that talks remain ongoing.

He said: “We want to see Argyll and Bute’s Rural Growth Deal signed as soon as possible.

“We’re working proactively and positively at all levels with the UK Government to press that case and to ensure that Argyll and Bute, as the final local authority in Scotland to have its deal signed, sees projects on site and starting to deliver the transformation and growth our communities deserve.”

The funding package also included developments on Mull and Islay which were earmarked to receive financial backing.

Scottish first minister John Swinney had promised to sign the deal as part of his programme for government earlier this month, and said he remained “wholly committed” to the deal.

A page on the council’s website about the Rural Growth Deal says that it aims to deliver at least 300 new jobs, create 6,500 square metres of business space, and deliver training opportunities to 6,000 students and people.

The authority and its partners are due to deliver £20m in addition to the £25m each from the Scottish and UK Governments.

A spokesperson for the UK Government told the BBC that they understood the decision was “challenging” and would look to provide clarity as soon as possible.