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The case for º£½ÇÉçÇø and Bute’s Rural Growth Deal has had a further boost following the latest ‘very positive’ discussions with the UK Government.  º£½ÇÉçÇø and Bute Council leader, Councillor Aileen Morton, met with David Mundell, Secretary of State for Scotland, in Lochgilphead on Tuesday, August 28.  Mr Mundell had travelled to º£½ÇÉçÇø and Bute for the latest in the council’s series of high-level meetings with both the Scottish and UK governments, making the case for additional investment in the area.

The council’s º£½ÇÉçÇø Islands Strategic Group has welcomed a pilot initiative that will see five Scottish Government employees volunteering as ‘Island Liaison Partners’ to improve the Scottish Government’s understanding of the specific challenges facing º£½ÇÉçÇø and Bute’s islands. The role of the Island Liaison Partners will be to build knowledge, understanding and relationships with communities and local partners on the islands. Specific objectives will be to:

º£½ÇÉçÇø and Bute was represented at an international conference in America earlier this month, when the Council’s Head of Education for Lifelong Learning and Support/Chief Education Officer flew to Montana to attend the International Symposium for Innovation in Rural Education (ISFIRE). Anne Paterson funded the trip herself and made the 8,000 mile round journey to take part in the conference, which this year focussed on Communities and Partnerships: Strengthening Rural Education.

Could you offer a child a home in a secure, loving environment? If so, º£½ÇÉçÇø and Bute Council is looking for you to come forward and apply to become a foster carer. There are currently a number of young people looking for foster carers in º£½ÇÉçÇø and Bute, either on a temporary basis while plans are made for their future, or for an extended period if they are unable to go back to their family.

º£½ÇÉçÇø and Bute Council’s Housing º£½ÇÉçÇø Team brought a total of 55 empty homes back into use last year- double the annual target.    This was just one of the team’s successes highlighted at today’s Community º£½ÇÉçÇø Committee.   

Chaidh moladh a dhèanamh air luchd-obrach foghlaim is sgoilearan an-diugh (Diardaoin) agus Comataidh nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd a’ cur aonta ri Plana Foghlaim Bliadhnail Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal is Bhòid.   Chaidh am plana ullachadh a rèir chumhachan Achd Inbhean Sgoiltean na h-Alba msaa 2000, agus sa phlana gheibhear taghadh farsaing de dh’fhiosrachadh air obair na seirbheis do phàrantan, sgoilearan, luchd-obrach, luchd-cùraim agus coimhearsnachdan.  

Education staff and pupils were praised today (Thursday) when º£½ÇÉçÇø and Bute Council’s Annual Education Plan was approved the Community º£½ÇÉçÇø Committee.   The plan has been prepared in line with the requirements of the Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act 2000, and brings together a range of information about the work of the service for parents, pupils, staff, carers and communities.  

The council’s Planning Service is focused on ensuring that º£½ÇÉçÇø and Bute is open for business and supporting economic growth by offering the high-quality service demanded by business and residential customers. That’s the message the service gave to the Scottish Government when it presented its 2017/18 Planning Performance Framework (PPF) Annual Report for scrutiny and scoring.

Air quality in º£½ÇÉçÇø and Bute is very good with low pollution indicators, a major factor for the wellbeing of its residents and visitors. The Planning, Protective º£½ÇÉçÇø and Licensing Committee heard this good news on 22 August 2018.

º£½ÇÉçÇø and Bute Council is holding a recruitment fair in Oban next month to showcase the variety of cleaning and catering jobs that are currently available in the area.   The event will take place on 19th September in Lorn House, from 10am until 3pm.