News

 Argyll and Bute Council is set to appoint a contractor to deliver the Helensburgh Waterfront development for public use in 2022. The council’s Business Continuity Committee today (25 June) agreed to award a multi-million pound contract to give Helensburgh a high quality swimming pool and leisure centre. The contract will also deliver strengthened flood defences for the site and improved public realm. Today’s decision follows a formal tender exercise run by the council to secure best value for investment in the development.

A report to Argyll and Bute’s Business Continuity Committee has highlighted the need for greater digital connectivity across the area to help with economic and wider recovery following the pandemic. Councillor Alastair Redman, Policy Lead for Economic Growth: “The COVID-19 pandemic has re-emphasised the critical importance of having reliable digital connectivity across Argyll and Bute. A reliable network has been essential for the council to continue to provide vital services.

Can you spare some time to help get food to people who need it over the summer? COVID-19 is affecting us all in different ways. Some people are experiencing extreme hardship and have no means of help in accessing food. We are seeking volunteer drivers and packers to get food to where it’s needed.

Work has begun on the £200,000 project to upgrade the lighting, including additional performance lighting, around Dunoon bandstand. The area is currently fenced off to allow the ground works to take place. The project was delayed by COVID-19 restrictions and contractors could only work on projects deemed as essential. We would anticipate works will be complete by the Autumn. There will also be an enhanced set-up for musicians playing there, with an on-site PA system and upgraded electrical supplies.

Small Isles Primary School has scooped its fifth Eco-Schools Green Flag. Run by Keep Scotland Beautiful, Eco-Schools is the largest sustainable schools programme in the world and encourages young people to take positive steps to ensure that we look after our environment.  Congratulating the school, Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Yvonne McNeilly said: “What a great achievement. The pupils, staff and parents should be extremely proud of themselves.

The Depute First Minister announced today that, if coronavirus continues to be suppressed, schools in Scotland could be fully re-opened in August. While there will be a number of things to consider, the health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff will remain the council’s number one priority.  In Argyll and Bute Education staff have put a huge amount of effort into preparing for a blended learning approach from August in our schools.  We are ready to use this if required should the situation change.

Community spirit in Argyll and Bute We love hearing from our residents about the efforts made by those in the community who are doing their best in light of the circumstances brought on by COVID-19. We are sharing with you an example of dedications we have received and we want to take this opportunity to recognise and thank you for all your hard work:

Head teachers will be getting in touch with parents and carers across Argyll and Bute today (Friday) to let them know what the council’s proposed plans are for children and young people returning to school in August.

Plans are moving ahead for construction work to restart at Dunoon Primary as soon as lockdown restrictions allow. The school has already undergone extensive work over the last few months as part of a £10.7 million investment by Argyll and Bute Council, including £5.08 million funding from the Scottish Government, to transform it into a school fit for the 21st Century.

Argyll and Bute Council continues to build its green transport fleet and has just taken delivery of 20 new Ultra Low Emission Vehicles, partially funded by the Scottish Government. Through Transport Scotland’s Switched-on Fleets Grant, for every three-year lease paid for by the council, the Scottish Government will pay the lease for an additional vehicle. This is conditional on the council taking a diesel car off the road for each new vehicle added.