Overall council response
What’s the council doing to help people affected?
We are achieving progress in clearing debris, addressing damage and re-opening many roads that had been closed. You can find the latest updates on our website - latest service status.
The weather that Argyll and Bute faced was entirely unprecedented. Its impact means that some routes need more considerable remedial action. We continue to dedicate effort to getting them re-opened when safe to do so, bringing in specialists where required. Our priority is on finding and delivering solutions that ensure the safety of our communities and our employees.
Where other services are affected, we are making alternative arrangements where possible.
At the same time, we are working to deliver ‘business as usual’ services and ensure Argyll and Bute moves on as quickly as possible.
Are you bringing in external support to deal with this?
The extensive work required to address impact to our roads network and other services is obviously causing significant additional costs. Therefore as well as the frontline response, officers are also engaging with the Scottish and UK Governments. The Bellwin scheme, for local authorities facing emergency situations, has now been activated and we welcome this given the considerable costs involved in a situation of this scale. The Leader of the council and the Chief Executive have spoken directly with the Scottish Government’s Transport Minister as well as highlighting the situation to the UK Government. We will continue this engagement at both political and officer level as a priority.
Roads / bridge / transport network
How do I find out if a road has re-opened?
Please see the web page for information - latest service status.
What are you doing about the A816 (Ardfern)?
We have set up a diversion, have brought in specialists, and are looking at all possible options for addressing the significant landslip at Ardfern. Please see the web page for updates -latest service status.
What about buses?
Some bus services in Argyll and Bute remain affected due to road closures resulting from last weekend’s adverse weather.
Visit our timetables section to check the latest timetables/routes before setting off on your journey
What about bins?
We have taken steps to keep impact on bin collections to a minimum. Please see the web page for information - latest service status.
Can the council provide sandbags?
We cannot unfortunately provide sandbags for all properties and businesses across the area, and it’s not something councils have a duty to do.
You can find information about protecting your home on the Ready Scotland website, and from Floodline Scotland.
For more information about different organisation’s roles, please see our Flood advice.
Schools
What arrangements are in place for pupils affected by the Ardfern landslip and for pupils affected by the B836 Glen Lean road closure?
We are putting plans in place for this and our Education Service is contacting parents directly.
What about support for businesses?
We want to do what we can to support local businesses affected by the extreme weather. As well as prioritising work to restore routes as quickly as possible, the council is continuing to look at what support is available for businesses, as unfortunately the council itself is not in a position to provide financial assistance.
As an example, we have triggered the Scottish Government’s Bellwin Scheme to help with the infrastructure costs that we are dealing with. As part of that we have enquired about whether support for communities is available through that scheme. Unfortunately, the Scheme does not allow for that.
Thank you to everyone who responded to our survey about the impact on local businesses. We will use what you told us to help source potential sources of funding support.
If we identify routes for financial support for businesses we will share information about them through our business network, website and social media channels.
In the interim we can offer free advice and information through our Business Gateway services. They can offer one-to-one support from their business advisers, and could potentially if of use, put you in touch with one of their expert help advisers for support in particular aspects of business recovery. Their support is free of charge and you would be welcome to contact them on 01546 604555 or email business.gateway@argyll-bute.gov.uk - Business Gateway support .
If your business premises have been forced to close, you are unable to trade and you have a rating liability, you may apply for unoccupied rates relief. Please advise the Business Rates Team of the change to your business circumstances.
Phone: 01586 555249, email ndr@argyll-bute.gov.uk or visit https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/business-and-licensing/business-rates
We will also encourage local people to help support local businesses wherever they can at this very challenging time.
Information
Where can I get updates on what’s happening?
Please see our website - latest service status, social media channels (Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), or sign up for email updates.
Health and Social Care Partnership services
What if I can’t travel easily to a medical appointment?
Please contact the clinic that made the appointment and find out if a ‘Near Me’ appointment can be arranged so they can attend virtually. For more detail please see the NHS Highland website.