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Plans to deliver almost one thousand new affordable homes for Argyll and Bute over the next five years received full support at a council meeting today.   The decision to approve the plan means there is potential to deliver 247 affordable homes this year and more than 750 units in the coming years.   The proposals are set out in the latest update to the Council’s Strategic Housing Investment plan (SHIP) which outlines housing development priorities for the region for 2023/24 - 2027/28.  

Oban could benefit from over £842,000 following a council decision to approve business proposals from the Business Improvement District (BID) in Oban for another five years. A postal ballot to approve a third term for BID4Oban will take place from 27 October to 8 December 2022.   The principle aim of the BID is to encourage businesses to invest and work together to help improve the local trading environment and boost customer and visitor numbers.  BIDs can only exist if there is support from a clear majority of local businesses in a vote.  

Plans for a new school campus on Mull took a step forward today when members of Argyll and Bute Council agreed to submit a business case and funding application to the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP). This decision follows a series of public engagement sessions on Mull over the last few weeks, to gather people’s views on what type of campus would work for the island. The sessions were well attended and overwhelming support was expressed.

Improving safety standards for short-term lets, creating positive visitor experiences and tackling antisocial behaviour for local residents – the aims of a new short-term licensing scheme that comes into force in Argyll and Bute from 1 October. New short term let business owners need to apply for the license from the 1st of October, with existing businesses invited to apply between January and 1 April 2023.

A former Mid Argyll councillor is to be awarded the Freedom of Argyll and Bute in recognition of almost four decades of service to the local community. Donald MacMillan BEM, or Donnie as he is more commonly known, represented the residents and communities of Argyll and Bute as a local independent councillor for almost 40 years. Often cited as one of Scotland’s oldest, longest serving elected members, his service as a councillor concluded in May this year aged 94.

“We need to see a significant leap forward towards a permanent solution our communities desperately need; where ground is broken and works progressed for both the interim and permanent solution at the Rest and Be Thankful”. These were the words of Councillor Robin Currie, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, at this week’s council meeting, calling for urgent action on a permanent solution for the new Rest and Be Thankful.

Councillors have put the wheels in motion on a new plan to provide free parking at the Helensburgh Waterfront car park.   Proposals for parking to be free for the first two hours, delivering a major boost to local people using Helensburgh’s newly-opened leisure centre and swimming pool, have been approved.   The move will also benefit the town’s businesses, allowing local people and visitors plenty of time to enjoy shops and other attractions around the waterfront area and town centre, with parking changes only applying after the two-hour window.  

A ‘top 10’ national tourism and cultural destination that reaffirms Bute as one of the best places to live and visit – these are just two of the roles campaigners have their sights set on for Rothesay Pavilion, if they can secure the additional funding needed to transform this much loved, iconic 20th century building. 

Outstanding Scottish school named Top 3 finalist for new $250,000 World’s Best School Prizes Dunoon Grammar School makes final 3 for World’s Best School Prize for Community CollaborationAn outstanding Scottish school has been named a Top 3 finalist for the new $250,000 World’s Best School Prizes, launched this year by T4 Education in collaboration with Accenture and American Express.

The deadlines have changed for people wishing to register to vote and/or request a postal vote in the Kintyre and Islands by-election. These changes are due to 19 September being a declared a national day of mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The new deadlines are as follows: Last day to register to vote - 12 September at midnight.Deadline to apply for a postal vote - 13 Septembe