News

Work on £200,000 worth of improvements to the Category A-listed Avenue Screen in Inveraray is underway. The Avenue Screen’s existing render needs to be entirely removed and replaced. Weather-proofing works are also required on the screen and will be carried out as part of the contract, which is part of the council’s drive to protect Inveraray’s stunning architectural appearance following previous major repair and conservation works to a string of buildings in the town.

  Councillor Donnie MacMillan, councillor for Mid Argyll, has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to local government. Donnie (91) has served Argyll and Bute as a local councillor for nearly 35 years. Following the announcement, in this year’s New Year’s Honours List, Donnie said:

Checking your 'slime' and similar products are safe

An ongoing regeneration project in Rothesay is progressing well, councillors have heard. The Rothesay Townscape Heritage (TH) Phase 2 project is a five-year heritage-led regeneration project that will allow property owners to safeguard historic buildings and shopfronts while also developing skills and hosting events celebrating the island of Bute’s heritage.

Discussions between the council, Helensburgh Seafront Development Project (HSDP) Group and Waverley Excursions will help plan for the future use of Helensburgh Pier. The 147-year-old timber pier was temporarily closed on advice by consultants Arch Henderson, who recommended that a detailed structural analysis be carried out to confirm the structural integrity of the pier. Timber testing is currently underway, by specialist contractor Evova BM TRADA, at the timber pier.

A reduction in the council’s annual grant announced by the Scottish Government this week has left Argyll and Bute Council facing a £9million budget gap for the next financial year. It is another significant cut in our funding, which is extremely disappointing. It will clearly impact on our residents and communities.

It’s always lovely to feel and see things changing as Christmas gets closer – even if some might say the whole festive season gets started a little too early these days. Of course it is inescapable once television and radio adverts switch to their Christmas focus, and shops roll out their festive decorations. It’s a lovely time of year though, and we are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world where even the winter weather doesn’t take away from the scenery and feeling of community.

The council’s policy and resources committee has agreed that 12 events and festivals will share £113,000 funding to help create attractions that will increase the appeal of Argyll and Bute as a world-class tourist destination. These include a literary event on Bute and a dance festival, as well as music festivals in Kintyre, Oban and Tiree. That funding is being made available for a portfolio of strategic events demonstrates the importance this industry has to economic development in the area.

Pupils at Dunoon Grammar School have ‘scooped’ themselves a year’s supply of ice cream after winning an international competition. Business Management pupils - Claire Lauffer, Eleanor Hill, Kim Kerr and Matthew MacDuff - beat off stiff competition from across the UK to win the School of Marketing’s ‘Ice Cream Dream’, sponsored by Walls.  

Christmas is a magical time for children: the excitement of putting baubles on the tree; searching the night sky for Santa’s sleigh; the joy of leaving a carrot for Rudolph and a glass of milk for Santa on Christmas Eve… the list in endless.   But, as many people with children will understand, some of this magic begins to fade as they grow older. This was the case for Moyra and Peter Paterson from Campbeltown.