The Ballygrant Hall Association has been awarded £2,848 via the Community Economic Development (CED) programme, to purchase information boards and signage - as well as carry out other improvements in Ballygrant and Keills, two villages on Islay.

CED is a European-funded initiative which is managed locally by Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE).  The programme aims to facilitate 'bottom-up' community development through an integrated package of actions at local level.

The Ballgrant Hall Association's £6,000 project includes the planting of trees around the Ballygrant picnic area and the installation of wind and weatherproof notice boards in Keills and Ballygrant.  Furthermore, slate plaques highlighting the area's rich history - including its lead mining and flax weaving industries - will be erected in both villages.

Chairman of the Ballygrant Hall Association, Libby Morris said: "We hope that the project will make local people, especially young people, more aware of their heritage.  Everyone in the group has learned more about their surroundings as we researched the history together.

"It's been hard work but we all enjoyed the experience and we are grateful to the CED and other public bodies for their funding support, and to our community for the voluntary help."

Clare Strain, the local CED officer said: "One of the aims of the CED programme is to support projects which help to develop and enhance the area's natural environment and cultural heritage.

"This project in Ballygrant and Keills will help to boost local pride and community confidence as well as helping to raise awareness of the historical heritage of the two villages."

Matching funding for the project has also come from the Community Environmental Renewal Scheme and from Argyll and Bute Council.