A landmark conference on a sustainable regeneration plan for the Glenkens will take place online next week.

And interest in the Inaugural Glenkens Summit is strong with around 70 people already registered to attend.

The keen response from the local community engagement has delighted organisers Glenkens and District Trust.

Chairperson Fiona Smith told the News: “Our target is to try and get 100 people.

“The more public engagement we have the better the final product will be.”

Main topic for debate at the Zoom event will be the Glenkens and District Community Action Plan.

The five-year programme envisages a new future for the area built on a dynamic low carbon economy and vibrant communities.

Discussion will focus on four main themes: a connected community; an asset-rich community; an economically flourishing community; and a carbon neutral community.

The event will also feature a panel of speakers from across Scotland.

Ailsa Clarke, chief executive of Argyll and Bute social enterprise consultancy Inspiralba, Centre for Local Economic Strategies chief Neil McInroy and Scottish Communities Climate Action Network chairman Phillip Revell will field questions from attendees.

Mrs Smith said: “There will be a chance to hear inspiring stories and debate the nature of our community, both now and what it could be in the future.

“In particular, the focus will be on how we all work together to achieve the goal of the Glenkens and District Community Action Plan.

“The goal set out in the plan is that we will be a connected, resilient and carbon neutral place.

“One where people will want to live, work and visit, to bring up their families and to grow old.

“It will be somewhere that other places in Scotland look to for inspiration.”

The Inaugural Glenkens Summit takes place on Tuesday, March 2, at 7pm by Zoom and will be facilitated by Community Enterprise.

Jane Morrison-Ross, who has recently taken on the role of chief executive of South of Scotland Enterprise, will deliver the closing remarks.

The summit is open to the whole community and to anyone with an interest in the Glenkens.

Registration for the event can be done at https://tinyurl.com/glenkens.

People are asked to send their questions for the speakers in advance.

They can do so by contacting Douglas Westwater of Community Enterprise at douglas@communityenterprise.co.uk or on 07989306374.