Work is progressing in moving on from the significant rainfall of October 7/8.
We continue to take action as a council, and with partners, to repair damage, and adapt and restore the road network and services affected.
Thank you to everyone involved in communities across Argyll and Bute in helping the area move on.
Business Support
We want to do what we can to support local businesses affected by the extreme weather. As well as prioritising work to restore routes as quickly as possible, the council is continuing to look at what support is available for businesses, as unfortunately the council itself is not in a position to provide financial assistance.
As an example, we triggered the Scottish Government’s Bellwin Scheme to help with the infrastructure costs that we are dealing with. As part of that we enquired about whether support for communities is available through that scheme. Unfortunately, the Scheme does not allow for that.
We are also raising the need for Scottish Government support for Argyll and Bute communities that is equal to the support other areas are receiving following Storm Babet.
We also surveyed businesses on the impact on them. Thank you to everyone who responded. We will use what you told us to help source potential sources of funding support.
If we identify routes for financial support for businesses we will of course share information about them through our business network, website and social media channels.
In the interim we can offer free advice and information through our Business Gateway services. They can offer one-to-one support from their business advisers, and could potentially if of use, put you in touch with one of their expert help advisers for support in particular aspects of business recovery. Their support is free of charge and you would be welcome to contact them on 01546 604555 or email business.gateway@argyll-bute.gov.uk - Business Gateway support .
If your business premises have been forced to close, you are unable to trade and you have a rating liability, you may apply for unoccupied rates relief. Please advise the Business Rates Team of the change to your business circumstances.
Phone: 01586 555249, email ndr@argyll-bute.gov.uk or visit https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/business-and-licensing/business-rates
We are also encouraging local people to help support local businesses wherever they can at this very challenging time.
Roads and Bridges
Various roads and bridges across the area were affected by landslips, debris, or other weather impacts.
Our Roads Teams have been working hard to clear debris, repair damage and rebuild bridges, and have safely re-opened a number:
- A816 emergency diversion route
- A816 Kilmelford Bridge
- A816 Kilninver Bridge
- B836 Glen Lean bridge route
- A814 Glen Douglas
- A815 Loch Eck
- B840 Ford to Claddich
- A815 north of St Catherine’s
- U18 Kilmore to Glen Lonan
For updates on the A83, A85 and other trunk roads, please see www.traffic.gov.scot
Buses
Please visit our Timetables Directory to check the latest timetables/routes before setting off on your journey.
Flooding
If you have been affected by flooding, here is some information that may be of use - Flood recovery support
Flood alerts - www.sepa.org.uk
Protecting your home from flooding - www.ready.scot and Floodline Scotland have information about dealing with flood risks to your home.
Oban Flooding
We are keen to do all we can as a council to increase flood resilience in the area. Following flooding in Oban we are:
- We want to do what we can to support local businesses adversely affected by the recent extreme weather. We continue to look at what support is available for businesses. Feedback from a recent survey about the impact on local businesses will help source potential funding support.
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During the unprecedented rainfall on 7th and 8th October, the pumping systems worked throughout the event but were exceeded by the sheer volume of water. We have already put in an additional pump and repaired one of the original pumps, which was damaged by the extreme weather.
To reduce the risk of flooding further, we are also progressing with the relocation of the control cabinet and replacement of the pumps.
- SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) leads the development and construction of Flood Protection Schemes. Argyll and Bute Council has included Oban within the list of future, potential flood protection schemes put forward to the Scottish Government for the next cycles of schemes. Oban is included within Cycle 3, currently anticipated to run from 2026-35. We will apply for funding to the Scottish Government when applications open.
Power supplies
Weather can sometimes affect power supplies. In case that ever affects you, you can find information and useful numbers on www.ready.scot
Private water supplies
Actions to take regarding private water supplies potentially affected by flooding.
Weather forecast
For the latest forecast please see www.metoffice.gov.uk