‘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.

Gigha Primary School and ELC is set to receive the Gold Award from UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting Schools programme. The school is the latest in Argyll and Bute to achieve this accreditation, with all schools now holding a gold, silver, or bronze award with 100% of schools now accredited by UNICEF.

Registrars across Argyll and Bute carried out 484 marriages and 33 civil partnerships in 2025, and the strong demand shows no sign of easing, with 404 ceremonies already booked in this year.

Argyll and Bute Council’s website makes it easy for residents, businesses and visitors to access information, carry out transactions and keep up to date with all the latest news.