Argyll and Bute Council is encouraging local residents, businesses, and community groups to come along to a public drop in event on Tuesday 11 March to help shape a long term vision for the future of the Oban area.

The beautiful Isle of Bute has long held a well-deserved reputation as a popular holiday destination – and now it could become a contender as the UK’s Town of Culture.

Argyll and Bute Council today set a budget to address a gap of more than £13 million in the council’s 2026-27 budget for day-to-day services.

‘Services could be lost. Local jobs could be lost. That’s the harsh reality. Setting the council budget must be about matching resources to greatest needs now and longer term.”

These were the words of Leader of the council, Councillor Jim Lynch, following the last committee meeting before the council sets its budget next week.

Argyll and Bute’s commitment to supporting the region’s cultural events has been re-affirmed with news of funding for a host of music, sporting and community celebrations in the coming year.

A range of priority projects in Argyll and Bute coastal communities are set to benefit new Crown Estate funding.

A funding initiative which has successfully delivered vital support for vulnerable families and individuals across Argyll and Bute is set for redesign and expansion.

Cardross Primary School has become the first Primary School in the world to achieve
Bronze Carbon Literate Educator status, recognising its commitment to embedding Carbon
Literacy across both staff and pupils.

Tarbert is just one of the town centres to benefit from £7 million of National Lottery Heritage Fund investment to help revitalise and breathe new life into historic buildings in need, helping boost local economies while strengthening connections between communities and the heritage on their doorstep.

As it prepares to set the budget for 2026/27, the council has set out some of the factors that affect decisions about how to use council funding.