News

Argyll and Bute Council is making positive progress in the delivery of its Gaelic Language Plan. At a meeting of today’s Community Services Committee, members were updated on the work that has been carried out to date by the council and its partners to promote a positive image of Gaelic, and increase its learning and general use.  Councillor Robin Currie said: “I am extremely pleased with the progress that has already been made to meet the outcomes set out in our Gaelic Language Plan.

Argyll and Bute Council has been ranked as the sixth top local authority in Scotland for the number of young people who are moving on to positive destinations when they leave school. The latest figures, published by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), show that 94.8% of 16 to 19 year olds in Argyll and Bute are in employment, education or training - up 0.6% from 2018 and 3.2% higher than the national rate for the fourth year running.

Argyll and Bute Council has reaffirmed its commitment to preventing homelessness arising from domestic abuse. At a meeting of today’s Community Services Committee, members agreed to sign the Make a Stand Pledge. Developed by the Chartered Institute of Housing, in partnership with Women’s Aid and the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance, the Make a Stand Pledge was created to encourage housing organisations to make a commitment to support people experiencing domestic abuse.

Tha Comhairle Earra Ghàidheal is Bhòid air a gealladh a dhaingneachadh gun dèanar a h-uile dìcheall airson stad a chur air cùisean dìth dachaigh air sgàth droch-dhìol san teaghlach.

Inveraray’s George Hotel won the coveted Pub of the Year accolade AND Hotel Bar of the Year at the 24th annual Scottish Bar and Pub Awards, organised by Media World, publishers of Scottish licensed trade magazine, DRAM. The event is the longest-established awards of its kind in Scotland. Pub of the Year was in recognition of The George being the crème de la crème out of all the awards winners on the night, while in the Hotel Bar of the Year category The George saw off stiff competition from Dakota Hotel Glasgow, The Raeburn in Edinburgh and East Kilbride’s Torrance Hotel.

Argyll and Bute Council’s Chief Executive has apologised to local communities on Mull and Iona for a flawed parking-management exercise. A report going to next week’s Oban, Lorn and the Isles (OLI) Area Committee recommends that a disputed TRO (traffic regulation order) is revoked, and that ways are identified of improving the council’s engagement with communities around TROs. Chief Executive, Cleland Sneddon, said: “Off street parking management can bring benefits to areas where parking options are limited.

McCaig’s Tower, Oban, will light up green during the week beginning 2 September to encourage families and friends to have discussions about organ donation. This year’s Organ Donation Week takes place between 2 and 8 September. Currently, at least one person on average dies every day in need of an organ transplant, often because families haven’t discussed the subject and made their wishes clear.

Argyll and Bute Council is seeking your views on a new strategy which aims to encourage and enable people who wish to grow their own food. Last month, councillors on the Policy and Resources Committee approved the draft Argyll and Bute Council Food Growing Strategy, which is now subject to a four-week public consultation before being presented to full council for final approval.

Martin Compston is filming a new BBC drama in Cove, Argyll and Bute. The Nest will be filmed at a house called Cape Cove on the shore of Loch Long. A wealthy couple and a teenage girl make a pact that will change all of their lives forever, in a new five-part drama from Bafta and RTS Award-winning writer Nicole Taylor.

The Argyll and Bute Council-operated Easdale Ferry ML Fladda rescued two kayakers from treacherous waters in the Sound of Insh this afternoon. Members of the public are being urged to take care and pay close attention to the conditions after today’s rescue, which took place at 12.30pm. The ferry crew responded to a visual sighting of two kayakers in difficulty and the alarm was raised, with the kayakers located around a mile north of Easdale. One kayak had capsized, with the paddler losing the vessel and holding on to the other occupied kayak.