News

“The challenges we face are substantial. We need to have the ambition, the determination and the drive to do more than just survive, to do more than just protect the existence of this council and its essential services. “Setting a responsible budget for Argyll and Bute is about making choices that support people and communities now, and also look after the future of Argyll and Bute – and that’s what we’ve done.” These were the words of Councillor Aileen Morton, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, following the budget-setting meeting today (21 February).

Len Scoullar, Councillor for the Isle of Bute and Provost of Argyll and Bute, said: “Words cannot begin to explain the pain and anguish being felt by everyone in our very caring community here on Bute. Alesha will never be forgotten by the people of Bute, and my thoughts are with Alesha’s loved ones at this most awful time.”

A team of budding young entrepreneurs from Dunoon Grammar School will see a tasty sandwich they created being sold in over 100 fast food stores across the West of Scotland, after winning a national competition organised by Subway.   More than 80 entries were submitted to the fast food giant’s annual ‘Design a Sub Challenge’, but only six teams made it through to the ‘Dragon’s Den’ style finals in Glasgow – two of which were from Dunoon Grammar.  

Successful partnership working between Argyll and Bute Council and Police Scotland, which secured a conviction following a horrific livestock attack last year, has led to improved working practices which could be shared throughout Scotland.

A group of S4 French pupils from Dunoon Grammar School had an interesting day out when they were invited along to PG Paper’s head office in Greenock.   Being one of the largest exporters in Scotland, the visit provided students with an informative insight into what the paper trading business is like. It also and enabled them to see how important it is to have language skills, and an awareness of cultural differences, when dealing with international clients.

We have had reports that a company called www.safetyguide.co.uk are trying to sell safety guides to local businesses, saying that the guides will be going to help local schools. Please note: We have no connection with this company, do not endorse their products and do not ask people to support their schools in this way.

The Helensburgh Waterfront Development has reached another milestone with the publication of the public Contract Notice. Following the awarding of planning permission for the £18million project last month, contractors are now being invited to bid for the awarding of the contract which will result in a new leisure centre and swimming pool opened in the town, replacing the existing facility which will be demolished.

There are lots of opportunities for people who work in the care sector. Take William, Caroline and Stephanie for example: all three work as home carers and have gone on to gain their SVQ certificates whilst at work.   William and Caroline  

Argyll and Bute Council has a budget gap of £7.9million to fill when it meets to set its budget on Thursday, February 21. The Scottish Government’s funding allocation to the council means in effect another 1.6% reduction in funding for core services in 2019/20. This follows savings of £51m over the past 9 years.

Argyll and Bute Council has signed up to a cutting-edge wireless network system that can send data between wireless devices and businesses and organisations without the need for cellular or Wi-Fi. The IoT Scotland ‘Internet of Things’ network was launched today (Friday, February 8) by Glasgow-based Boston Networks. IoT Scotland will provide a wide area wireless sensor network for applications and services to collect and send data from devices, supporting businesses to develop new and innovative applications and change the way they work.