The group - a partnership between the Alliance of Independent Councillors (AIC) and the Liberal Democrat and Conservative groups - replaces the previous coalition between the AIC and the SNP.

Several senior councillors’ appointments remain unchanged, among them:

Provost – Councillor William Petrie

Leader of the Council and spokesperson for Leadership and Economy – Councillor Dick Walsh

Spokesperson for Transport and Infrastructure – Councillor Duncan MacIntyre

The council agreed the following appointments this morning:

Depute Leader and spokesperson for Education and Lifelong Learning – Councillor Ellen Morton

Spokesperson for Enterprise, Energy, Culture and Tourism – Councillor Neil Mackay

Spokesperson for Social Affairs – Councillor Andrew Nisbet

Spokesperson for Environment – Councillor Bruce Marshall

Spokesperson for Rural and Island Affairs, Housing and Gaelic – Councillor Robin Currie

Spokesperson for Third Sector and Communities – Councillor Rory Colville

Depute Provost and Spokesperson for European Issues – Councillor Len Scoullar

Chair of Helensburgh and Lomond area committee – Councillor Vivien Dance

Depute Chair of Helensburgh and Lomond area committee – Councillor Al Reay

Depute Spokesperson for Education and Lifelong Learning – Councillor Vivien Dance

Depute Spokesperson for Third Sector and Communities – Councillor Alex McNaughton

Depute Spokesperson for Rural and Island Affairs, Housing and Gaelic – Councillor Duncan MacIntyre

Depute Spokesperson for Environment – Councillor Alison Hay

Depute Spokesperson for Transport and Infrastructure – Councillor Al Reay

Depute Spokesperson for Social Affairs – Councillor Elaine Robertson

Depute Spokesperson for Enterprise, Energy, Culture and Tourism – Councillor Rory Colville

Councillor Walsh said: “We have a new, talented and energetic group at the helm as we steer Argyll and Bute through what will be a very challenging time.

“I am very pleased that the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives have joined with us to work in partnership for our communities. We have a significant task ahead in ensuring the sustainability of long term service delivery to our residents, and we will ensure we focus on doing what is right in the long term, rather than trying to score any short term political points.

“There are tough times ahead, and difficult choices are going to have to be made which require firm and steady leadership. I’d like to reassure the people of Argyll and Bute that that leadership is in place and ready to strive for the best possible outcomes for the people it represents.”

Councillor Morton, Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said; “We have clearly joined the administration at a very difficult time, given the national economic situation. But we will do our very best to work positively and in partnership with our fellow councillors and communities to ensure the best results for our residents.

The Leader of the Conservative group, Councillor Gary Mulvaney, said: “The council now has a very strong leadership team, committed to working for and with the people of Argyll and Bute. We will set aside any party loyalties in the interests of the people we were elected to serve.”