News

Focusing roads’ maintenance expenditure on improving roads classified as ‘amber’ as well as  ‘red’ is good practice and more cost-effective by avoiding greater expenditure by leaving the road condition to deteriorate further. This was one of the conclusions made by a review panel for the Audit and Scrutiny Committee, which considered how the Operations Team prioritised roads maintenance work, how surfacing methods used were determined and what other technologies had been considered. Other findings included:

Argyll and Bute Council has welcomed the announcement of a £50million Rural Growth Deal as a ‘transformational vote of confidence’ in the area. The council has been championing a deal for Argyll and Bute with the UK and Scottish Governments, based on a number of projects developed with public and private sector partners. Today (Wednesday 2 October) the UK and Scottish Governments announced investment of £25million each in Argyll and Bute.

When Louise Nicol was given the opportunity to work as a supply teacher at Rothesay Joint Campus on a temporary, three month basis, she jumped at the chance. Much to Louise’s delight, the position got extended and, 22 years later, she is still working at the school and has moved up the ranks to become head teacher. Louise started her teaching career at Trinity High School in Renfrew, where she worked as an English teacher, before making the move to Bute in 1997.

Inspiring, effective leaders are invited to apply for the role of Chief Executive of Argyll and Bute Council. Councillor Aileen Morton, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, outlined what makes Argyll and Bute a great career and lifestyle choice: “Beautiful, ambitious, welcoming – that’s how I would sum up Argyll and Bute. "We have stunning scenery, award winning businesses and services, and warm, tight-knit communities.

Free training is available for local businesses in everything from book keeping to social media and video production. The council’s Business Gateway Service delivers training designed to help businesses start-up and grow. It takes place in locations across Argyll and Bute and covers a wide range of topics. The council’s Policy Lead for Economic Growth, Councillor Alastair Redman, encouraged local businesses to take advantage of the support available.

Councillor Aileen Morton and representatives from seven other councils met Scottish Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop at Holyrood this week to discuss population decline. When the NRS (National Records of Scotland) published their population projections early in 2018, the leader of Argyll and Bute Council decided that the continuing and increasing west coast depopulation trend needed action.

An event to promote awareness of Modern Day Slavery is being held in Helensburgh’s Victoria Halls on 24 October, from 2.00 - 5.00pm. Run by Migrant Help and Rah Rah Community Theatre Company, the event uses theatre and role play to educate on the signs of trafficking.

Planning and development proposals for 2020 to 2030 in Argyll and Bute have been set out in the council’s latest proposed Local Development Plan. Councillors at this week’s meeting of the full council approved the proposed Local Development Plan 2, and it will now go out for an eight-week public consultation later this year.

Argyll and Bute Council has today established a Climate Change Environmental Action Group to support the ongoing national and international response to climate challenges. With the issue of climate change causing grave concern around the world, the council recognises that everyone has a duty to take whatever action they can to make a difference. Argyll and Bute Council has already undertaken work to reduce its carbon footprint and protect the environment, and the area currently has the lowest rate of CO2 emissions per head of population in the UK.

Over 900 new affordable homes look set to be built in Argyll and Bute over the next five years as part of the council’s revised Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP). These properties are in addition to the 192 homes already completed since 2017 and the 161 that are expected to be finished by April next year. The updated SHIP proposals were approved at today’s meeting of Argyll and Bute Council and will now go forward to the Scottish Government for consideration, outlining the council’s strategic investment in affordable homes over a five-year period, up to 2024/25.