A climb up Mount Kilimanjaro … A 250-km Arctic dog sled trip … What next for the intrepid Shonna Derrett and Mary Galloway who take on challenging expeditions to raise money for charity? Find out in their conversation here with Pippa about their adventures and motivation for fundraising. And as we recognise this year’s Volunteers Week, hear also from Robin Miller, Project Coordinator from the charity , which relies on the valuable contribution of volunteers, and benefits from the fundraising exploits of Shonna and Mary.
Pippa's Podcasts
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¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ is full of great people and here I take the opportunity to promote some of the incredible activity that goes on and to make visible some of the efforts that can go unnoticed.
Thank you to everyone who participated and for the difference you are making for ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute.
Pippa Milne
Chief Executive
If you have any ideas about subjects we can cover on any future podcasts please get in touch with us at workingtogether@argyll-bute.gov.uk
You may remember the recent news about our Empty Homes Team picking up the ‘Outstanding Team Award’ at the 2022 Scottish Empty Homes Awards, and how we had five entries shortlisted as finalists this year. Here, Pippa has the pleasure of speaking with Kelly Ferns, Empty Homes Officer who collected the team award, along with Innes MacQueen and Simon McVicar, who are owner/renovators of properties that were finalists at the Awards and how they were able to transform long-empty properties into modern occupied homes.
To celebrate its 14th birthday, Oban Airport is holding an Open Day on Saturday 25th June 2022. Listen in here to Pippa in conversation with Station Manager, Tom Eddleston, about events on the , some very exiting drone trials that are currently underway, and how the Airport is becoming a popular filming location.
For this year’s Refugee Week, we are focussing on Ukraine and how the Council is working in partnership with a number of organisations in the area to welcome refugee families fleeing the conflict. Listen here to Pippa in conversation with Morag Brown (Business Improvement Manager and Resettlement Lead), Hannah Greening (Resettlement Coordinator), Mark Parry (Environmental Health Officer), Luidmyla Momotenko (Community Interpreter), Michaela Wilson (Teacher at Tighnabruaich Primary School, where some resettled Ukrainian youngsters are already attending), and Housing Association representatives Michael Driscoll (West Highland) and Iona MacPhail (Fyne Homes).
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What is the most unusual animal that has been present at a wedding? And what is the best location for a ceremony in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute? Pippa speaks here with Julie McLellan, Senior Registrar and Service Point Manager, about how the Council’s registration service does its best to accommodate the dreams of happy couples. And it’s not just weddings – You might be surprised to hear what a wide range of other services our Registrars offer.
More information on Marriage and Civil Ceremonies can be found on the Council website or on Instagram /abregistrars.
Roads, schools, parks, regeneration, dementia, refugees, cost of living…all by 11am. The council’s Communications Team was named Scotland’s In-house Team of the Year 2022 at the recent Public Relations and Communications Association Awards. With communication key in helping people get the support and services they need from us, we hear about the award from Jane Jarvie and Ruth Crosbie from the Communications Team – and why it is a tribute in part to our local communities.
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Why are more and more people listening in to podcasts? What are the key issues facing local government that we should all be thinking about and discussing? On International Podcast Day join Pippa and Jane Jarvie, Communications Manager, in considering these questions.
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Why not consider a career in Environmental Health? Listen here to Pippa in conversation with Alan Morrison, Regulatory Services and Building Standards Manager, along with retiring Environmental Health Manager, Iain MacKinnon, who reflects on his 45-year-long career in the Environmental Health service in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, which encompasses parts of ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute in its extensive 720-square-mile area, is currently consulting on a five-year Partnership Plan. As we embark on the Summer holiday season, Pippa catches up with the National Park’s Chief Executive, Gordon Watson, along with Ranger Manager, Leigh Hamilton, who is also the Water Safety Lead for the Park.
Find out more about visiting the and have your say on the before the closing date of 19th July 2023.
Congratulations to our Helensburgh-based colleagues who got muddy all for a good cause last Saturday when they took on Cancer Research UK’s in Strathclyde Country Park, and as if taking on the challenge itself wasn't enough, the team were dressed as coos! The ‘Cooncil Coos’ are Dianne Richardson, Claire Brabender, Claire Cairns, Jane MacGregor, Karen Malloy, Maria Brabender, Pauline Picken and Jade Turner, and in our 100th podcast, which was recorded prior to the event, Pippa catches up with some of the ‘herd’ to hear more about it.
There’s still time to make a donation, so please go to the before the end of June.