Donald Cameron, Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, and Councillor Alastair Redman (Kintyre and the Islands) have welcomed news that Argyll and Bute Council is to invest £1.6m in Islay, Jura and Colonsay during 2019. The investment will be made in improving roads, lighting, piers and harbours in the three islands.

Mr Cameron said: "It is very good news indeed that the Council is making this investment in these island communities and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Alastair Redman and his colleagues for their hard work in making the case for the islands.

"I am particularly pleased to see the commitment to using local materials which reduces the need to transport it from other parts of the country.

"Argyll and Bute Council has a duty of care for sustaining remote and island communities in its area and it is reassuring to see it acting on its responsibilities. Having visited Islay several times recently with Councillor Redman, it is abundantly clear that much of the road network is deteriorating so I am especially pleased to see resources directed here."

Councillor Redman said: "I am sure that this announcement will be welcomed by residents in all three islands. I know from my personal experience how strongly local people feel about the need to upgrade our essential infrastructure and make it more resilient.

"This money will not address everything that needs to be done but it represents a good start and is a vote of confidence in the islands' future."