Argyll and Bute residents get their say on environment strategy

Argyll and Bute residents have the opportunity to comment on the local authority’s newly proposed historic environment strategy from now until Monday 14th September. 

The region boasts a rich built heritage and wider historic environment which is a key asset for the area. The council is involved in a number of town centre regeneration initiatives – most notably in Campbeltown, Rothesay and Inveraray – which are improving the character and appearance of the town centre and make a tangible difference to local businesses and employment opportunities in the area.

This strategy aims to provide an overarching framework which will help the council and communities positively manage and benefit from the historic environment. The strategy includes an action plan with real practical measures for delivery over the next five years. 

Councillor David Kinniburgh, policy lead for planning and regulatory services, said of the draft strategy, “This is the first time we’ve produced something like this and we are eager to hear the views of all stakeholders, from arts, heritage and culture organisations to funding partners and the general public. 

‘’People can give their comments online via a specially developed response form. If we have a really high level of response we could look at hosting specific workshops/focus groups to discuss different elements of the proposals. 

‘’Argyll and Bute’s unique built heritage belongs to all of us, which is why the council wants the input of the community into this new strategy. Community engagement has been a real hallmark of our townscape heritage initiatives in Rothesay and Campbeltown and we want to replicate that in the development of this area-wide, inclusive strategy.

‘’We welcome all constructive feedback and will use it to inform the completed strategy, which should be published by the end of this year.”