News

Argyll and Bute Council is prepared to be the Harbour Authority for the unmanaged section of Oban Bay. Argyll and Bute Harbour Board took the decision at today’s meeting (2 December). This was one of options outlined in an independent report by Caledonian Economics, which addressed safety concerns in the bay and outlined how to move to a Statutory Harbour Authority (SHA) within the shortest timeframe.

Do you fancy an exciting career change? Argyll and Bute Council is running a campaign to recruit new childminders, particularly on the Isle of Bute and in the Mid Argyll area where there is a particular shortage. The Council’s Early Years Team will help guide interested parties through the whole process, from the initial enquiry right through to registering with the Care Inspectorate. Financial assistance is also available to purchase a range of equipment, such as pushchairs and stairgates, and to make small home adaptations.

There is just one week left to apply for a proxy vote if you live in the Lomond North ward, want to vote in the upcoming by-election but can’t get to the polling station in person. A proxy vote is where you appoint someone to attend at the polling station and cast your vote on your behalf. You can download a proxy voting application form from Voting in the Scotland by-elections | Electoral Commission or by calling 0800 980 0470 to ask for a form.

Community projects across Argyll and Bute continue to benefit from the Council’s Supporting Communities Fund. From youth groups to community woodlands, swimming clubs to community transport, the Council is helping a range of initiatives, providing vital lifelines and services in the area.    The 2022/2023 Supporting Communities Fund is now open for applications.  If you are a not-for-profit organisation, apply to the Fund and you could be eligible for potentially up to £2,500 to help projects happening in your community.

Issued by Culture, Heritage and Arts Assembly (CHARTS)  Five locations across Argyll and Bute will be bathed in light next month to celebrate the anniversary of the birthday of Colmcille/St Columba. Each site will be spectacularly lit by projections featuring the artwork of artists at 7pm on 7 December 2021.

The findings of an independent options appraisal into long-term arrangements for managing Oban Bay will be considered by Argyll and Bute Harbour Board next week. The report by Caledonian Economics outlines the best options available at this time to address safety concerns in the bay and move to a Statutory Harbour Authority (SHA) within the shortest timeframe. It identifies that that either CMAL or the council progresses a Harbour Order to assume responsibility for Oban Bay and its approaches.

Argyll and Bute Council fought off stiff competition from across the country to win the hotly contested Early Years and Childcare Development category at last night’s Learning Places Scotland Awards.

Former Lord-Lieutenant of Argyll and Bute Patrick Stewart CVO, MBE, is to be awarded the freedom of Argyll and Bute, in recognition of more than three decades of service to the local community. In his role as a solicitor in the Campbeltown family firm of Stewart, Balfour and Sutherland, Mr Stewart developed particular expertise in a number of legal issues significant to Argyll and Bute, including agriculture, forestry, company law and the marine environment.

Argyll and Bute Council has approved plans to boost the supply of affordable housing on Colonsay. Councillors have agreed that £254,000 from the Strategic Housing Fund should be allocated to build five affordable houses at Port Mor on the west of the island. The project will also involve infrastructure upgrades, including an improved access road to three existing crofts at Port Mor, and will enable Colonsay Community Development Company potential to provide mains water to the crofts.

Argyll and Bute’s Local Housing Strategy (LHS), outlining the council’s vision and investment priorities for the area’s housing sector, has been submitted to the Scottish Government for ministerial approval. The five-year strategy sets out the joint approach the Council and its partners will take to delivering high quality housing and housing-related services across Argyll and Bute.