Thank you for taking part in our consultations. Your feedback matters to us and we want to show you some of the issues we have consulted you on, and their outcomes:
Please be aware that there is often a time lag between survey and feedback as decisions have to be taken, often at committee, which meets according to schedule
| Consultation | Purpose | Consultation dates | Further information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport Strategy consultation | Seeking views on different transport issues to help us develop a Local Transport Strategy, and make a case for funding. | 7th October 25 - 18th November 25 | |
| Depopulation Research Survey | Find views to better understand how a lack of suitable housing to sustain the area’s workforce affects the decline in younger and working-age households. | 26th September 25 - 16th November 25 | |
| Review of Argyll and Bute Integration Scheme | Seeking views on a revised integration scheme that outlines how health and social care functions and services are delegated across Argyll and Bute. | 25th August 25 - 19th October 25 |
A report will be presented to Argyll and Bute Council in February 2026 to be formally presented to the Scottish Government in March 2026. |
| Proposed active travel route between Tarbert and Whitehouse | Find views on a proposed active travel route between Tarbert and Whitehouse | 18th August 25 - 30th September 25 | |
| Taxi and Private Car Hire Survey | To find out there is any significant unmet demand for taxis and / or overprovision of private hire vehicles in the locality of Argyll and Bute. | 24th July 25 - 24th August 25 | The survey was undertaken by LVSA and the results are currently awaited. |
| Housing need and demand assessment household survey | Looking for views to help understand the area's housing needs and neighbourhoods | 30th July 25 - 22nd August 25 |
3,299 valid responses received -including 2,071 face to face interviews 456 telephone interviews and 772 online. Representation in the responses was across each of housing market areas, age profiles and housing tenures. The raw data is being analysed; an interim report is due end October to be presented to committee in November. |
| Raising awareness of community projects | Seeking views to see if awareness of community projects has increased since the Aspiring Places platform’s launch. Feedback will help shape Aspiring Places to meet community needs. | 8th July 25 - 3rd August 25 | The responses are currently being compiled and collated. The full evaluation report is waiting for sign off which is currently in draft form. |
| Helensburgh Former Skating Pond | To find out about how people use the pond and its surroundings, and what the community would like to see happen there. | 16th June 25 - 7th July 25 |
The information gathering questionnaire was completed by 415 users of the skating pond. The results of the questionnaire as well as feedback from stakeholders have helped to shape the ideas of how the pond could be improved. A summary of some of the suggested improvements is shown in the document below. Any work will not happen immediately and could be phased over a number of years. The improvements will also depend on the budget available. If you would like to make any further comments or think anything you have said has been missed, please email Scott and Simmons by 25th September 2025 at: Options will be presented to Area committee later this year. Read the Consultation Feedback for Helensburgh former skating pond |
| ELC Provision survey - Mull and Iona | Hear views on the accessibility and suitability of the provision currently on offer in the Mull & Iona area. | 16th May 25 - 27th Jun 25 | There were 19 responses. View results of the consultation |
| ELC Provision survey - Oban, Lorn and the Isles | Hear views on the accessibility and suitability of the provision currently on offer in Oban, Lorn and the Isles. | 16th May 25 - 27th Jun 25 | There were 33 responses. View results of the consultation |
| Community Council Review 2026 | Notice of proposed amendments to the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils. | 22nd June 2025 |
Notice is hereby given, that Argyll and Bute Council, in exercise of the powers conferred upon it by Section 53 (1) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, proposes to amend the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils. A meeting of the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee, held on 21 August 2025, agreed to conduct a second period of public consultation on further proposed amendments to the Scheme over an 8 week consultation period. For more information, please click this link |
| Second green bin collections | Hear views on the collection of second green bins from some households that meet certain criteria. | 3rd Apr 25 - 15th May 25 |
There were 822 responses to the consultation. New bin policies balance need with responsibility With the help of the views of consultation responses, the Council has updated its approach to providing second green bins. In recognising there are some circumstances where some households will require an additional second green bin for general waste, the new criteria will target those in most need:
Households that qualify for an additional green general waste bin will still receive them free of charge. The Council will check every two years to see if they are still needed and, if not, they will no longer be collected and emptied. |
| Bus travel survey | To hear about experiences of travelling by bus, views on local bus services and what would make bus travel more appealing to make the bus services more sustainable in the future. | 19th Mar 25 - 30th Apr 25 | The responses are currently being compiled and a report will be written - due August 2025, which will be published shortly thereafter. |
| Lochgilphead Front Green to Crinan Canal Active Travel Route | Hear your views on the latest design drawings for a walking, wheeling and cycling route between Lochgilphead Front Green and the Crinan Canal. | 4th March 25 - 15th April 25 | The consultation received 99 responses, with 59% of respondents supportive of the proposal. A report went to Mid Argyll Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee on 28 Feb 2024 where Members agreed to support the continuation of the project. The project is currently in design stage 3 and will progress to design stage 4 If it receives 2025/26 funding from Transport Scotland. |
| Argyll and Bute Visitor Levy | Gather views on a visitor levy for Argyll and Bute | 16th Jan 25 - 10th Apr 25 |
The findings of an independent consultation analysis was presented to elected members at a seminar on 1st September 2025. The report will then be discussed by elected members at a full council meeting on 24th September 2025 to help inform a decision on whether or not to progress a visitor levy scheme in Argyll and Bute. Should it be decided to introduce a visitor levy scheme the council will also consider whether any potential changes might be required to the draft visitor levy scheme in light of the consultation findings, and within the parameters of the legislation. If the approval is granted to take forward a visitor levy scheme in Argyll and Bute, this would trigger the statutory requirement to enter an 18-month implementation period. The earliest a visitor levy scheme could be operational across Argyll and Bute would be April 2027. |
| Aspiring Places: helping raise awareness of community projects | To collect information about aspirational community projects across Argyll and Bute in one digital space to support community groups in attracting funding for their projects. | 28th Jan 25 - 31st Mar 25 |
There were 250 responses to the consultation. The survey findings will establish a baseline and support an evaluation of the project's success. It is intended that a further survey is conducted in September 2025 to measure the change in awareness of community projects. Aspiring places pre-project survey results
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| Budget Survey | Faced with one of its highest budget gaps in recent times, we are asking communities for their views on what services we should prioritise. | 20th Jan 25 - 14th Feb 25 | Budget survey findings report |
| Equality Outcome Setting | Looking for opinions on six new draft equality outcomes | 27th Nov 24 - 10th Jan 25 |
There was a total of 24 responses, 20 from individuals and 4 from organisations. The response was in favour of the equality outcomes proposed. As a council we believe in the principle of equality and opportunity: everyone should have the chance to succeed. We recognise our responsibilities as a service provider and employer to encourage the fair treatment of all individuals and to tackle inequalities. The Equality Act (2010) requires the council to: Eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation |
| Helensburgh in motion | Seeking views on a potential walking and cycling improvements in the east side of Helensburgh that will make it safer and easier for more people to choose to walk and cycle to nearby services and facilities. | 23rd Nov 24 - 5th Jan 25 | |
| Customer Service Contact Preferences Survey 2024 | Review how customers access services and ways to develop future customer service delivery. To help us adapt to meet the changing needs of our customers. | 20th Nov 24 - 20th Dec 24 |
There were a total of 580 responses. Telephone and email are still the preferred channels of choice for contacting the council, followed by online service and then face to face at Service Points. Customers said their priority was to get a responsive service with great ease of access to information. 92% had used the council website in the past year. |
| Helensburgh and Lomond ELC provision survey | Argyll and Bute Council’s Early Years team carried out a survey to seek views on the effectiveness of our provision and delivery of funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) in the Helensburgh and Lomond (HL) area. | 29th Nov 24 - 13 Dec 24 | Helensburgh and Lomond ELC provision survey - results |
| Sustainable Procurement Strategy 2025/28 | To hear views on the draft strategy and the priorities within them. | 1st Nov 2024 - 28th Nov 2024 | Draft Sustainable Procurement Strategy 2025/2028 |
| Have your say on Tarbert to Kennacraig active travel plans | Invited people to have their say on a proposed walking and cycling route between the ferry terminals at Tarbert and Kennacraig | 27th Sept 2024 - 30th Oct 2024 | |
| Argyll and Bute Visitor Levy - pre- consultation survey | To seek views to help us develop a draft Visitor Levy scheme and prepare for our formal consultation period | 11th Oct 2024 - 28th Oct 2024 | Argyll and Bute visitor levy |
| Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) | To seek input from members of the public, local businesses, and stakeholders on the Draft Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES). | 27th Sept 2024 - 13th Oct 2024 | Summary - Draft Argyll and Bute Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy |
| Campbeltown walking, cycling and parking plans | Argyll and Bute Council was seeking feedback from people in Campbeltown on plans to improve walking and cycling routes in the town. | 28th Aug 2024 - 10th Oct 2024 | The consultation has closed and consultants are currently tabulating the results for report, which will be presented to Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee in due course. |
| Dalmally Primary School catchment area | Argyll and Bute Council sought views on a Proposal to formally extend the catchment area of Dalmally Primary School. | 26th Aug 24 - 4th Oct 24 | School consultations and proposals |
| Rothesay seafront walking and cycling link | Invited people on the Isle of Bute to have their say on plans to make further improvements to the island’s walking and cycling links | 28th Aug 24 - 30th Sept 24 | The consultation has closed and consultants are currently tabulating the results for report, which will be presented to Bute and Cowal Area Committee in due course. |
| Gaelic school consultation | The Education Service undertook a 10 week consultation to ascertain the demand for an all Gaelic School within Argyll and Bute. | 22nd Apr 24 - 30 Jun 24 | |
| Argyll and Bute Council’s British Sign Language Plan 2024-2030 | Gathering opinions about our draft plan new local British Sign Language plan (Argyll and Bute BSL Plan 2024-2030). | 2nd May 24 - 20th June 24 | Read the draft British Sign Language plan |
| Survey for Businesses | Gathering collective feedback from businesses across Argyll and Bute to assist in developing appropriate actions in the short, medium to longer term for the business community. | 18th Apr 24 - 6th May 24 | Overall summary of business survey |
| A849-280 Pennyghael Bridge Replacement | Proposal to replace the existing bridge which is located in Pennyghael further Downstream and improve the alignment of the carriageway | 8 Apr 24 - 3 May 24 | 29 responses to the consultation were received. The project has been put in abeyance pending funding. Bridges are prioritised based on network criticality, the design life remaining of existing structures, the current condition of existing structure and cost. |
| Oban town centre north active travel route | We were looking for your views on the concept designs for new active travel improvements around The Corran Esplanade and George Street in Oban | 15 Mar 24 - 5 Apr 24 | Oban Town Centre North active travel |
| Draft Development Policy Scheme | Seek the views of the public on the content of the Participation Statement which sets out how we intend to carry out engagement. | 23 Feb 24 - 25 Mar 24 | Draft Development Policy Scheme |
| Argyll and Bute HSCP Budget Simulator | We used a budget simulator for you to tell us where you would increase, maintain or reduce investment in services to reach the £11.4 million savings target. | 14 Feb 24 - 10 Mar 24 | Joint Strategic Plan 2022 to 2025 |
| Dunoon to Hunters Quay active travel route | Revised design with a stronger emphasis on widening the existing path and Improving crossing facilities over the A815. | 29 Jan 24 - 23 Feb 24 | Dunoon to Hunters Quay active travel route |
| Scottish Water policy consultation | The policy proposals designed to protect our water, sewerage and drainage services; better understand the impacts of climate change on these services; and, maximise the benefits that can be delivered for the people of Scotland. | 17 Jan 24 - 21 Feb 24 | Scottish Water policy consultation |
| Oban Town Centre North Active Travel | Argyll and Bute Council have appointed LUC as consultants to explore the opportunities for new active travel improvements around The Corran Esplanade and George Street in Oban. | 7 Dec 23 - 12:00 - 12 Jan 24 | |
| Customer Service Strategy consultation | Looking for your views on our new Customer Service Strategy, Customer Charter and Action Plan. | 13 Dec 23 - 15 Jan 24 |
The outcomes of the consultation will be considered and inform the final version of the Strategy, which have been presented to Councillors for approval in spring 2024. The Action Plan that accompanies the Strategy will then be implemented over the following three years. |
| A846-270 Glenegedale Bridge Replacement consultation | Consultation on the feasibility design of the replacement of Glenegedale Bridge on the A846. | 29 Sep - 31 Oct 23 | Glenegedale Bridge Replacement Information |
| A816-120 Oude Bridge Replacement consultation | Consultation on the feasibility design of the replacement and realignment of Oude Bridge on the A816. | 29 Sep - 31 Oct 23 | Oude Bridge Replacement Information |
| Southend Primary School consultation | Seeking views on a proposal that education provision at Achaleven Primary School be discontinued with effect from 31st May 2024. | 31 Aug - 27 Oct 23 | School consultations and proposals |
| Achaleven Primary School consultation | Seeking views on a proposal that education provision at Achaleven Primary School be discontinued with effect from 31st May 2024. | 31 Aug - 27 Oct 23 | School consultations and proposals |
| Lochgilphead Front Green to Crinan Canal Active Travel route | Looking to identify the best option for an active travel route that links the Lochgilphead Front Green (recently upgraded public realm project) with the Crinan Canal (NCN 78) and to produce a concept design. | 4 Sep 23 - 28 Sep 23 | Lochgilphead Front Green to Crinan Canal Active Travel Route |
| Luing Primary School consultation | Seeking views on a proposal that education provision at Luing Primary School be discontinued with effect from 31st May 2024. | 15 Jun 23 - 13 Sep 23 | School consultations and proposals |
| Minard Primary School consultation | Seeking views on a proposal that education provision at Minard Primary School be discontinued with effect from 31st May 2024. | 15 Jun 23 - 13 Sep 23 | School consultations and proposals |
| Islay School and Public Transport Survey | The contract for providing School and Public Transport on Islay (Service No. 450 & 451) ends in November 2023. To ensure that the next contract provides the maximum benefits within the available budget, consultation was looking for views of people who use these services | 17 Jul 23 - 28 Aug 23 | 193 responses were received. Bus routes were extended, within available funds, to the hospital and the new housing estate, west of Port Ellen, as per responses. |
| Budget setting | We all need and use council services, at all stages of our life. Argyll and Bute is facing an estimated gap in funding for its council services of more than £40 million over the next five years, with a gap of over £10 million in 2024-25 alone. A budget simulator was available for people to use to show their priorities for council services | 19 Jun 23 - 11 Aug 23 | Budget simulator exercise - findings |
| Empty Property Relief Consultation | Looking for input and ideas on how empty business properties could be used to support Argyll and Bute’s economic growth. | 4 Jul 23 - 4 Aug 23 | |
| Play park funding | Looking for your views on your priorities for using funding to improve our council-managed play parks. | 24 May 23 - 14 Jul 23 |
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| Helensburgh to Garelochhead Active Travel Route | Looking for views on the development of an active travel route linking the short section of new cycleway at the Helensburgh Waterfront Development in the centre of Helensburgh, with Rhu, Shandon, HMNB Clyde and Garelochhead. | 20 Jun 23 - 11 Jul 23 |
The consultation report has been completed and feedback is being considered as part of Technical design stage. |
| Dunoon to Hunters Quay active travel route | Plans to link Dunoon and Hunters Quay with a new active travel route will make it easier and safer to walk, cycle and wheel for residents and visitors. | 15 May 23 - 20 Jun 23 | Dunoon to Hunters Quay active travel route |
| St Joseph's Primary School Consultation | Seeking views on a proposal to extend the catchment area for St Joesph’s Primary School to the whole Helensburgh and Lomond area. | 16 Mar 23 - 12 May 23 | School consultations and proposals |
| Improving Lives in Argyll and Bute | The Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership wanted to know what you would like to see improved for people living in Argyll and Bute. | 5 Dec 22 - 31 Mar 23 | Community Planning |
| Burnside Square - future options | As part of the Campbeltown Flood Protection Scheme, views were sought on future plans for Burnside Square | 3 Oct 22 - 24 Oct 22 | |
| Parking Review | We are reviewing technologies and systems that may deliver benefits for on and off-street parking throughout Argyll and Bute, and were looking for your views on parking issues and priorities in your area. | 31 Aug 22 - 9 Oct 22 | Parking review |
| Mull campus | What would a new Mull school campus look like, if funding becomes available for one? The council was asking for islanders’ views on this question, as a key part of its work to bid for Scottish Government funding for Mull. | 11 Aug 22 - 9 Sep 22 | Mull campus |
| Oban Municipal Harbour Consultation | A consultation was held to gauge public opinion on draft proposals to establish a Municipal Harbour Authority in Oban that will ultimately see the local authority take responsibility for areas of the bay that are currently unmanaged. | 15 Jul 22 - 26 Aug 22 | Oban Municipal Harbour |
| Short-term let licensing consultation | Views were sought on the Council's draft policy statement, which includes the proposed additional conditions at Appendix 4, to assist in the development of the Council’s licensing regime prior to the new regime being reported to the appropriate Council Committee for careful consideration, discussion as necessary and final approval. | 15 Jul 22 - 5 Aug 22 | Argyll and Bute Council Policy Statement (approved by the council in September 2023) |
| Community Council Review 2022 - Stage 2 | Consultation on Proposed Amendments to the Council’s Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils | 20 May 22 - 15 Jul 22 | Community Council Review 2022 |
| Electric Vehicle Chargers | We invited people to have their say on where additional Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) points should be located, in the event that funding becomes available to expand the scheme. | 26 May 22 - 30 Jun 22 | Electric vehicles (EVs) |
| Gibraltar Street Oban | Argyll and Bute Council has commissioned TGP Landscape Architects to design a new public realm for Gibraltar Street, Oban (the pedestrian link between the town centre and Tesco), and consulted on the design options | 14 Jun 22 - 29 Jun 22 |
Gibraltar Street public realm project - Consideration of options The consultation process carried out in 2022 did not provide clear support for a single option and raised some concerns about the proposed scheme. Whilst the design team have tried to address these, they have not been shared with stakeholders at this stage and so there is no further feedback to share. Further |
| ELC Provision Survey - Oban Lorn and the Isles | Following the recent phasing of 1140 funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) in the Oban Lorn and Isles area, Early Years consulted with parents/guardians on the accessibility and suitability of the provision on offer. | 10 May 22 - 25 May 22 |
There were 61 responses received. |
| Argyll and Bute Council West Coast Air Services PSO | Views were sought to help shape the future of Argyll and Bute air services ahead of awarding a new contract for the service from 2023 onwards. Argyll and Bute Council operates the West Coast Air Service to Coll, Colonsay, Tiree and Islay. | 8 Apr 22 - 1 May 22 | Argyll and Bute Local Transport Strategy Issues Report |
| Community Council Review 2022 | A public consultation exercise was carried out into the proposed amendments to Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils. | 1 Mar 22 - 22 Apr 22 | Community Council Review 2022 |
| Education Change Programme – Empowering Our Educators | A wide ranging community engagement and consultation exercise was carried out to discuss and co-develop proposals for the future delivery of education in Argyll and Bute. | 29 Nov 21 - 31 Mar 22 | Report and minutes of Community Services Committee held on 25th August 2022 |
| Free period product provision | Views were sought on the introduction of free period products, to make sure everyone can access this service in a way that suits them. | 4 Feb 22 - 4 Mar 22 | Free period products – consultation findings report |
