The ongoing work in the town's Bridgend Street, opposite St Andrew's Hall, is part of a special scheme giving local youths valuable skills experience, while helping to improve the visual appearance of the area at the same time.

Prior to the start of work the strip of land had been left overgrown for many years after the demolition of a number of shops - but it will soon be a pleasant place for passers-by to sit and watch the world go by, with work moving on apace at the site.

The project is the brainchild of Argyll and Bute Council and Argyll College, in partnership with Careers Scotland and Argyll Training, and came about after a government paper called on authorities across Scotland to look at ways of improving opportunities for young people aged between 16 and 19.

As part of the scheme developed in response by Argyll and Bute Council, a small amount of cash was made available to provide such opportunities for Rothesay youngsters during the current financial year.

A spokesperson for Argyll College told us: "After a number of meetings with local groups, a partnership project was agreed to give a group of 'winter leavers' the opportunity to pick up skills and qualifications in a short landscaping course.

"This has the added benefit of developing an unsightly gap into a garden area, with seating which can be enjoyed by the community.

"Though the project is being led by Argyll College, everyone has been amazed by the positive response and generosity which has been shown by the traders who have premises near the area under development.

"On behalf of the local implementation group and the wider community, I would like to thank all those who donated to the project, and can assure them that it will all be used to enhance the final appearance of the garden."

The local firms and groups which have donated funds or materials to the project are the Islander Bar, Cowal Building and Plumbing Supplies, Paul Simpson, Wilson's Newsagent, Nadia's Hair and Beauty, Ronnie Hair (trading as Bute Hire), Mill Street Garden Centre, the West End Cafe and Diane's Hair and Body Salon.