News

Dalintober Primary School and Nursery in Campbeltown has received top marks from Education Scotland following a recent inspection of the school. In the report, inspectors praised the head teacher’s vision and strong leadership for inclusion that benefits children across the school and early learning class. Her values are embraced and demonstrated by staff and the whole school community.

Top civil servants from the Scottish and UK Governments visited Argyll and Bute this month to hear how a Rural Growth Deal could help the area thrive and achieve long-term economic success.

On July 1, the council will introduce a new improved advice service, aimed directly at helping the most vulnerable people in our communities, throughout Argyll and Bute. The service builds upon the existing advice services which are available from a wide range of local and national agencies or third sector organisations, and introduces a range of improvements which will reinforce this partnership working to ensure that those seeking advice will be able to access appropriate services.

The local totals from Argyll and Bute from the Euro Elections 2019 have been announced. The six MEPs for Scotland will be announced on Monday 27 May 2019. Change UK - the Independent Group -505 Conservative and Unionist Party - 3985 Labour Party - 1197 Liberal Democrats - 5019 Scottish Green Party - 2255 Scottish National Party -11,366 The Brexit Party - 5450 UK Independence Party (UKIP) - 568 Edgar, Gordon - 141 Parke, Ken -43

Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy and Resources Committee has agreed to pursue the transfer of lifeline ferry services to Transport Scotland, services currently being subsidised by the council by £1million. The provision of lifeline ferry services is the responsibility of Transport Scotland. These small, local services were likely to have been operated by Strathclyde Regional Council and were taken over by Argyll and Bute Council when the single tier authorities came into being. The four ferries currently operated by the council are:

Tha Comataidh Poileasaidh is Ghoireasan Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal is Bhòid air aontachadh iarraidh air Còmhdhail Alba na seirbheisean aiseig riatanach san sgìre a ghabhail os làimh, seirbheisean a tha a’ faighinn subsadaidh luach £1 millean bhon Chomhairle an-dràsta.

The journey votes from Gigha make to be counted sparked interest again today/on Friday. Charles Reppke, Returning Officer for Argyll and Bute’s European Election, became the centre of tourist attention when he took to the sea to collect Gigha’s ballots. Charles, who has been key in organising Argyll and Bute’s elections for more than 20 years, said:

A talented team of pupils from Hermitage Primary School took second place in the Scottish European Educational Trust’s National Euroquiz Final of 2019. The event was held in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament and saw the Hermitage youngsters battle it out against St Mary’s Primary School of Duntocher in what was a nail biting final round. Hermitage fought hard but were pipped to the winning post by St Mary’s.

Kilcreggan Primary School’s Pre-5 Unit has received a glowing report from the Care Inspectorate, having been graded as ‘good’ in every category. Inspectors found that staff were welcoming, kind and caring, and took time to listen to the children. Open-ended questions were used to encourage pupils to problem solve, and Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PAThS) were in place to empower children to make positive choices through social and emotional learning.

Overall spend on roads, lighting, piers and harbours capital investment on Islay and Jura will be in the region of £1.6 million during 2019-20. Over 1000 tonnes of bituminous surfacing material will be used to resurface roads and footways on the islands. Where possible, local materials are being sourced for surfacing and repairs. This brings financial benefits to the local economy, saving money on haulage and freeing up valuable space on local ferries.