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Efforts to help accelerate the growth of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute are to be boosted by additional funding of almost £500,000. Phase Two of the Business Gateway Local Growth Accelerator Programme (LGAP) will see a £483k business support programme delivered by the Business Gateway team. It was approved today (March 7) by the council’s Environmental, Development and Infrastructure Committee. It follows Phase One of the programme, which closed in December last year.

¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ will soon begin consultation on a new waste strategy it is developing to meet a new government ban on Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) going to landfill which comes into operation in 2021. Biodegradable waste is any waste capable of undergoing anaerobic or aerobic decomposition, such as food, garden waste, and paper and cardboard.

A talented team of pupils from Hermitage Academy have made it through to the UK finals of the Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP Robotics Challenge.   The youngsters beat off stiff competition in the West of Scotland heat last month and will now go head to head with other teams from across the country at The Big Bang Fair in Birmingham on 15 March.  

Chaidh an dàrna Cruinneachadh Gàidhlig ann an Earra-Ghàidheal a chumail air Disathairne (2 Màrt)  ann an Talla a’ Chorrain san Ã’ban. Bha còrr is 60 neach an làthair airson latha air leth feumail is inntinneach,  far an robh am prìomh neach-labhairt, an Leas Phrìomh Mhinistear Iain Swinney BPA, ag iarraidh air daoine adhartas nas luaithe a dhèanamh gus piseach a thoirt air suidheachadh na Gàidhlig.

A group of pupils from Dunoon Grammar have scooped the top prize in a national competition for the third year running. The business and computing pupils beat off stiff competition from across Scotland when they won the Apps for Good Scotland event again, with a further two teams from Dunoon Grammar also sharing third prize.

The second ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Gaelic Gathering took place at Corran Halls in Oban on Saturday (March 2). More than 60 delegates enjoyed a packed full day, with a call to increase the pace of Gaelic language development delivered by keynote speaker John Swinney MSP, the Deputy First Minister. The theme was picked up by policy and practice experts who included Shona MacLennan for Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Dr Gillian Munro for Ionad Chaluim Chille ÃŒle and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.

The Winter Gardens Discovery Centre in Rothesay has reopened following over £500,000 worth of renovation works. Significant external repair work was carried out at the Category A-Listed building, including replacement of roof coverings, overhaul of windows and installation of new light fittings. Additionally, metal panels and fixtures were replaced and the exterior of the building freshly decorated.

Our #proudtocare campaign is still going strong in a bid to highlight the difference that carers make to peoples' lives and promote the opportunities that a career in the care sector can provide.

The Leader of ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ has welcomed today’s announcement that ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute is to benefit from an allocation of £1,242,000 from the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund.   The Town Centre Fund is aimed at driving forward economic growth and helping town centres to become more diverse and sustainable.  

This week is Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2019. As a council we are proud to run the 'Growing Our Own' scheme â€“ introducing youngsters to a professional working environment. Since 2014, ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ has employed over 50 modern apprentices. These are some of our current modern apprentices who are working throughout various departments within the council: