ALMOST a quarter of a million pounds is being given to transform a derelict site in a seaside town.

The funding of £234,500 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will be used to develop part of Guildford Square in Rothesay, where planning permission has been granted for a block of flats above retail space.

The site has been seen as an eyesore for 25 years but the cost of redeveloping it has prevented work from being carried out before now. Local building firm George Hanson Contractors will carry out the project.

HIE area manager Douglas Cowan said: "Hopefully our funding will enable work to proceed."