News

Successful partnership working between Argyll and Bute Council and Police Scotland, which secured a conviction following a horrific livestock attack last year, has led to improved working practices which could be shared throughout Scotland.

A group of S4 French pupils from Dunoon Grammar School had an interesting day out when they were invited along to PG Paper’s head office in Greenock.   Being one of the largest exporters in Scotland, the visit provided students with an informative insight into what the paper trading business is like. It also and enabled them to see how important it is to have language skills, and an awareness of cultural differences, when dealing with international clients.

We have had reports that a company called www.safetyguide.co.uk are trying to sell safety guides to local businesses, saying that the guides will be going to help local schools. Please note: We have no connection with this company, do not endorse their products and do not ask people to support their schools in this way.

The right of everyone in Argyll and Bute to be treated fairly will be protected by a range of priorities designed to tackle all forms of discrimination. Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy and Resources committee today (February 14) agreed seven Equality Outcomes for the period 2019-2023, setting out clearly that the council will not tolerate discrimination, harassment or victimisation of anyone who comes into contact with the Council – employees or service users. The Equality Outcomes agreed are: Workforce

Chaidh diofar phrìomhachasan a stèidheachadh a tha a’ dèiligeadh ris gach seòrsa leth-bhreith gus dìon a chur air a’ chòir a th’ aig a h-uile neach ann an Earra-Ghàidheal is Bòd gun tèid dèiligeadh riutha ann an dòigh chothromach.

You’ll soon be able to grab a Subway sandwich designed by pupils from Dunoon Grammar School. A business savvy team from the school have won Subway’s 2019 ‘Design a Sub’ competition, and their creation – called ‘Carnival Crunch’ – will be available in Subway stores across the West of Scotland in the near future. We’re not sure what the filling will be, but we’ve no doubt it will be absolutely ‘sub-lime.’ Congratulations also to the enterprising pupils on the school’s ‘Brain Buster’ team who scooped Subway’s top prize for their social media campaign.

The Helensburgh Waterfront Development has reached another milestone with the publication of the public Contract Notice. Following the awarding of planning permission for the £18million project last month, contractors are now being invited to bid for the awarding of the contract which will result in a new leisure centre and swimming pool opened in the town, replacing the existing facility which will be demolished.

Planning a trip between Oban and Coll, Colonsay and Tiree after 15 May? Please check the ferry timetables at www.calmac.co.uk As it stands, there will be no scheduled flights for at least six weeks from that date, while we work towards putting a new air services contract in place. A procurement process for a new three-year contract failed to attract an acceptable bid, and funding legislation means that, should a bid be accepted after a second procurement process, the contract could not begin until 28 June at the earliest.

There are lots of opportunities for people who work in the care sector. Take William, Caroline and Stephanie for example: all three work as home carers and have gone on to gain their SVQ certificates whilst at work.   William and Caroline  

Argyll and Bute Council has a budget gap of £7.9million to fill when it meets to set its budget on Thursday, February 21. The Scottish Government’s funding allocation to the council means in effect another 1.6% reduction in funding for core services in 2019/20. This follows savings of £51m over the past 9 years.