Argyll and Bute stretches for over 100 miles, from Appin in the north to Campbeltown in the south. It has six towns, twenty-six inhabited islands and over 3,000 miles of coastline.

Tourism has become a vital part of the Argyll and Bute economy, alongside the more traditional industries of forestry, fishing and agriculture, and now new industries such as renewable energy and aquaculture are also flourishing.

Argyll and Bute offers wonderful quality of life, with wild and rugged countryside, stimulating culture and easy access to central Scotland and many of Scotland's most famous islands. Regular ferries run between the mainland and the islands, and there are airports at Tiree, Campbeltown and Islay.

Argyll and Bute has an excellent reputation for education. Primary school pupils consistently exceed national targets in reading, writing and mathematics and over 90% of secondary school pupils achieve at least five standard grades. Argyll College, which is a partner in the University of the Highlands and Islands project, is made up of nine learning centres spread across the region.

With more coastline than the whole of France, Argyll and Bute is the place to go for sailing, diving and fishing, as well as whale, dolphin and shark watching.

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