News

Council Modern Apprentice, Ashleigh Connor, has just passed her “blue light” training to allow her to drive Campbeltown’s fire engines in emergency situations. Twenty-year-old Ashleigh has been a retained firefighter for two years. As the crew was short of drivers, and Ashleigh as an apprentice HGV mechanic already held a Class 2 Licence, she decided to go for it. Training involved a week-long intensive course in Glasgow, comprising classroom and on-road work. Studies covered hazard awareness, motorway driving and understanding different types of roads.

Argyll and Bute Council is inviting people to have their say on the area’s housing needs. Over the next few months a survey will be carried out to give people the opportunity to help shape future planning for housing in Argyll and Bute, and help the council meet their current and future needs. The survey will be conducted by an independent company called Research Resource, on the council’s behalf.

Education staff from across Argyll and Bute recently attended a special awards ceremony in Inveraray to receive their SQA Professional Development Award (PDA) in Education Support. Louise Lawson, Argyll and Bute Council’s Manager for Inclusion and Equality, presented the certificates on behalf of the council to 18 classroom and additional support needs assistants before congratulating the candidates on their hard work and commitment.

A group of young people were treated to a VIP tour of Dunoon Primary School’s new East Wing, after winning a hard-fought competition. Primary seven pupils from schools across Cowal, recently attended Dunoon Grammar School for their induction into the secondary school. As part of this, the children took part in a STEM showcase event (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

In order to ensure public safety, a decision has been made to close Duchess Wood in Helensburgh until further notice. Part of the on-going management and maintenance of Duchess Wood includes undertaking a survey of the condition of the woodland. Unfortunately, the most recent survey has highlighted a number of safety issues which need to be addressed, including urgent remedial works to trees.

Findings from the ongoing investigations into flooding in Oban, along with possible solutions to address flood risks, will be shared with the local community at an informal drop in session between 1 and 3 pm on 20 June in the Corran Halls. There will also be a talk followed by open discussion session in the evening between 7pm and 9pm.  The project team is keen to share these findings with the local community including businesses affected by the recent flooding. Feedback will be sought to ensure that the options being developed are right for Oban. 

Businesses across Argyll and Bute are being reminded to check whether they need permission to put up advertising signs. Argyll and Bute Council has guidelines which give clear advice to local firms and residents. People planning to install new or replacement signs are being urged to check with the council before going ahead. Policy Lead for Planning and Regulatory Services, Councillor David Kinniburgh, said: “Signage, whether it’s on a building or an A board on the street, comes under the control of the council.

Three pupils from Dunoon Grammar School recently got the chance to work behind the scenes at STV’s the state-of-the-art studios in Glasgow. Blair McColm, Kane Lock and Dominic Rafferty visited the studios as part of their preparations for the Youth Philanthropy Initiative’s (YPI) national event, which takes place in Perth Concert Hall later this month.

A group of pupils from Dunoon Grammar School are celebrating the news that they have won an Apps for Good Employability Skills Award for innovation – beating off stiff competition from across the UK. The 2019 Apps for Good Employability Skills prizes is sponsored by Capgemini and celebrates young technology creators aged 10 to 18 who have come up with a great idea for a product that makes the world a better place.

Argyll and Bute Council has launched a consultation to ask its residents and businesses what they think about tackling waste throughout the area. In January 2021, the Scottish Government will introduce a ban on Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) going into landfill. Simply put, that means household waste that is biodegradable, such as food, garden waste and cardboard, can no longer be disposed of in landfill.