News

Delivering medical equipment, transporting patients to hospital, welcoming tourists and providing vital links to the mainland are just some of the critical roles air services play across Argyll and Bute.   A new Scottish Government consultation has launched to consider the future of aviation services in Scotland.   Argyll and Bute Council is encouraging communities and businesses to have their say on the importance of regular and reliable air services to the region.  

The candidates standing for election in the Argyll and Bute Council Lomond North ward have now been confirmed. There is one vacant seat in the Lomond North ward and the by-election takes place on 16 December 2021. The election candidates are listed below in alphabetical order:

If you want to take part in next month’s Lomond North by-elections but can’t get to the polling stations, there are other ways to make sure you have your say. You can apply for a postal vote – it’s quick and easy to do. You can find out how to apply at Voting in the Scotland by-elections | Electoral Commission . The by-election takes place on 16 December 2021 and is to elect one councillor in the Lomond North ward, where there is currently a vacancy.

Dunoon Primary School has been shortlisted for a national Learning Places Scotland Award, bringing the total number of finalists from Argyll and Bute Council up to three. The school has undergone a thorough refurbishment as part of a £10.7 million investment by the Council, including £5.08 million funding from the Scottish Government, to transform it into a school fit for the 21st Century, whilst maintaining its listed building status.

Look out for Live Argyll staff at Helensburgh Central Station, providing covid lateral flow tests for people without symptoms. They’ll be there during COP26 and the week after. You can also go to the Victoria Halls in Helensburgh, Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm. Regular testing plays a vital part in keeping people safe from covid by breaking chains of transmission. Read more:

Argyll and Bute Council’s climate change event has been hailed a success. The family friendly event was held in the Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre on Saturday and enabled people to discover how they can become more climate friendly in their everyday lives. Visitors had the chance to try out an electric bike; find out how ways to make their home more energy efficient; and see the council’s wide range of electric vehicles.

Pupils from Gigha Primary School are preparing to host a creative arts festival for children on the island next year as part of innovative approach to promote positive health and wellbeing through creative activities. The project has been awarded £13,500 following a competitive application process to Education Scotland’s Creative Wellbeing Fund and will see Gigha pupils joining forces with children from Clachan, Achahoish, Rhunahaorine and Glenbarr primaries, to work in partnership with specialist artists and performers in the run up to the main event.

Pupils and staff from Dunoon Grammar School took to the global stage once again this week when they made a passionate contribution to a high-profile COP26 event. Hosted by Accenture and T4 Education, the organisers of World Education Week, the school were invited to showcase their innovative approaches to Climate Education to a world-wide online audience which included leaders from the business, education and policy sectors.

Argyll and Bute is set to benefit from over £2 million of UK Community Renewal Funding. Part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up Agenda, funding will stimulate growth in the area and help deliver community projects.   Argyll and Bute Council submitted the bids to the UK Government on behalf of organisations and council services who are investing in skills, place making, the community and supporting people into employment. The award of £2 million is one the largest in Scotland and came from a total allocation of £18.4 million.  

Shoppers across Argyll and Bute can help boost the local economy by backing a groundbreaking local gift card scheme. Argyll and Bute local gift cards are now available to buy, giving people another way to spend local and help support businesses in their communities. With a range of businesses to choose from including restaurants, hotels and gift shops, bike hire, local attractions and toy shops, the cards makes the perfect Christmas present.