News

Volunteers are being sought on Bute to take part in a new project which aims to further strengthen links between the local community and New Scots on the island. The project, named Sawa (Syrian Arabic for ‘together’), will enable New Scots to develop language skills previously learned through ESOL, and will give islanders the opportunity to get to know them better by working in partnership and sharing experiences.

Essential resurfacing work, to improve the facility, will take place at Westland Amenity Site, on Bute, until 18 November. This is because of poor weather conditions during critical stages of the work. This means the site will only be open to cars. Vans and cars with trailers will not be able to visit. Please plan ahead if you think you may have large items to recycle. The site, which is run by Renewi, will operate a reduced service for the four days so that householders can recycle or dispose of some essential items from the home.

Delivering medical equipment, transporting patients to hospital, welcoming tourists and providing vital links to the mainland are just some of the critical roles air services play across Argyll and Bute.   A new Scottish Government consultation has launched to consider the future of aviation services in Scotland.   Argyll and Bute Council is encouraging communities and businesses to have their say on the importance of regular and reliable air services to the region.  

The candidates standing for election in the Argyll and Bute Council Lomond North ward have now been confirmed. There is one vacant seat in the Lomond North ward and the by-election takes place on 16 December 2021. The election candidates are listed below in alphabetical order:

If you want to take part in next month’s Lomond North by-elections but can’t get to the polling stations, there are other ways to make sure you have your say. You can apply for a postal vote – it’s quick and easy to do. You can find out how to apply at Voting in the Scotland by-elections | Electoral Commission . The by-election takes place on 16 December 2021 and is to elect one councillor in the Lomond North ward, where there is currently a vacancy.

Dunoon Primary School has been shortlisted for a national Learning Places Scotland Award, bringing the total number of finalists from Argyll and Bute Council up to three. The school has undergone a thorough refurbishment as part of a £10.7 million investment by the Council, including £5.08 million funding from the Scottish Government, to transform it into a school fit for the 21st Century, whilst maintaining its listed building status.

Look out for Live Argyll staff at Helensburgh Central Station, providing covid lateral flow tests for people without symptoms. They’ll be there during COP26 and the week after. You can also go to the Victoria Halls in Helensburgh, Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm. Regular testing plays a vital part in keeping people safe from covid by breaking chains of transmission. Read more:

Argyll and Bute Council’s climate change event has been hailed a success. The family friendly event was held in the Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre on Saturday and enabled people to discover how they can become more climate friendly in their everyday lives. Visitors had the chance to try out an electric bike; find out how ways to make their home more energy efficient; and see the council’s wide range of electric vehicles.

Pupils from Gigha Primary School are preparing to host a creative arts festival for children on the island next year as part of innovative approach to promote positive health and wellbeing through creative activities. The project has been awarded £13,500 following a competitive application process to Education Scotland’s Creative Wellbeing Fund and will see Gigha pupils joining forces with children from Clachan, Achahoish, Rhunahaorine and Glenbarr primaries, to work in partnership with specialist artists and performers in the run up to the main event.

Pupils and staff from Dunoon Grammar School took to the global stage once again this week when they made a passionate contribution to a high-profile COP26 event. Hosted by Accenture and T4 Education, the organisers of World Education Week, the school were invited to showcase their innovative approaches to Climate Education to a world-wide online audience which included leaders from the business, education and policy sectors.