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Argyll and Bute Council will seek national funding support to meet pandemic and EU exit costs of completing Rothesay Pavilion’s transformation as a national centre for arts and popular culture. The Pavilion, built in 1938 on the island of Bute, is one of Scotland’s grade A listed buildings and of unique international architectural significance.

Attracting new people to the area, supporting businesses, communities and the hospitality and tourism sectors – Argyll and Bute Council is committed to long-term economic and social recovery from the pandemic.   As part of its Recovery Strategy, the Council is investing an additional £110,000 to deliver ongoing recovery measures including the recruitment of two temporary posts.   The posts will focus on building back stronger communities and supporting economic recovery. The roles include:  

Argyll and Bute Council has re-affirmed its long-term commitment to tackling the climate emergency and achieving its ambitious net zero emissions targets. The latest version of the council’s Decarbonisation Plan has been approved and sets out its three-year strategy for tackling the threat of climate change and achieving net zero emissions across Argyll and Bute.

Council services will be encouraged to reduce their use of Single Use Plastic (SUP) products and changes have been made to procedures to encourage alternative options to be explored. The council’s Climate Change Board made this recommendation in September and it was confirmed today (9 December) by the Policy and Resources Committee. This is a significant step because members of the public regularly highlight SUPs as one of their main environmental concerns.

Argyll and Bute Council has published an updated procurement strategy and policy which offers guidance and support for businesses bidding to work with the Council.   The Procurement Strategy and Sustainable Procurement Policy 2022-25 provides information for local organisations and businesses, outlining how the council will acquire the goods and services it needs over the next three years.  

The new Lismore ferry is expected to arrive at Port Appin this month and be ready to serve the community once the Passenger Safety Certificate is issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Once sea trials and final checks have been completed successfully, the vessel should depart Pembroke on 13 December to begin its 302 nautical mile journey to its destination. This is heavily dependent on suitable weather conditions at the time. Until it is ready for service, the current ferry will remain in operation.

Argyll and Bute Council have launched a website (www.EmpoweringOurEducators.co.uk) which explains changes it is proposing to the way schools in Argyll and Bute are led.The website invites parents, carers and residents in Argyll and Bute to examine the proposals, understand them and have their say. Schools in Argyll and Bute face falling pupil numbers and challenges in recruiting staff. Scotland-wide education reform is on the way and it is vital that local school leaders are ready and resourced appropriately.

Members of the public will be asked for views on proposals on where to position future electric vehicle chargers in Argyll and Bute, through a consultation in the New Year. The Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee approved the proposed list today (2 December) which has been developed following a seminar with elected members in September.

Argyll and Bute Council is prepared to be the Harbour Authority for the unmanaged section of Oban Bay. Argyll and Bute Harbour Board took the decision at today’s meeting (2 December). This was one of options outlined in an independent report by Caledonian Economics, which addressed safety concerns in the bay and outlined how to move to a Statutory Harbour Authority (SHA) within the shortest timeframe.

Do you fancy an exciting career change? Argyll and Bute Council is running a campaign to recruit new childminders, particularly on the Isle of Bute and in the Mid Argyll area where there is a particular shortage. The Council’s Early Years Team will help guide interested parties through the whole process, from the initial enquiry right through to registering with the Care Inspectorate. Financial assistance is also available to purchase a range of equipment, such as pushchairs and stairgates, and to make small home adaptations.