¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥

¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ has reaffirmed its commitment to preventing homelessness arising from domestic abuse. At a meeting of today’s Community Services Committee, members agreed to sign the Make a Stand Pledge. Developed by the Chartered Institute of Housing, in partnership with Women’s Aid and the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance, the Make a Stand Pledge was created to encourage housing organisations to make a commitment to support people experiencing domestic abuse.

¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ has been ranked as the sixth top local authority in Scotland for the number of young people who are moving on to positive destinations when they leave school. The latest figures, published by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), show that 94.8% of 16 to 19 year olds in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute are in employment, education or training - up 0.6% from 2018 and 3.2% higher than the national rate for the fourth year running.

¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ is making positive progress in the delivery of its Gaelic Language Plan. At a meeting of today’s Community Services Committee, members were updated on the work that has been carried out to date by the council and its partners to promote a positive image of Gaelic, and increase its learning and general use.  Councillor Robin Currie said: “I am extremely pleased with the progress that has already been made to meet the outcomes set out in our Gaelic Language Plan.

Tha Comhairle Earra Ghàidheal is Bhòid a’ dèanamh adhartais is i a’ lìbhrigeadh a Plana Gàidhlig. Chaidh fios a chumail ri buill den Chomataidh air Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd air an obair a rinneadh gu ruige seo leis a’ chomhairle agus a com-pàirtichean is iad a’ brosnachadh ìomhaigh na Gàidhlig agus a’ toirt ionnsachadh is cleachdadh na Gàidhlig am feabhas. Thuirt an Comhairliche Robin MacMhuirich: “Tha mise fìor thoilichte leis an adhartas a th’ ann gu ruige seo airson builean a’ Phlana Ghàidhlig againn a choileanadh.

The catchment area for St Columba’s Primary School in Oban is to be widened. The decision was made at today’s meeting of ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥â€™s Community Services Committee, and comes as a result of a formal request made by St Columba’s Parent Council. St Columba’s is the only denominational school within 80 miles of Oban, but the current catchment area only covers Oban and Dunbeg. By expanding this, the school will now cover the same mainland catchment area as that of Oban High School.

¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥â€™s Chief Executive has apologised to local communities on Mull and Iona for a flawed parking-management exercise. A report going to next week’s Oban, Lorn and the Isles (OLI) Area Committee recommends that a disputed TRO (traffic regulation order) is revoked, and that ways are identified of improving the council’s engagement with communities around TROs. Chief Executive, Cleland Sneddon, said: “Off street parking management can bring benefits to areas where parking options are limited.

Inveraray’s George Hotel won the coveted Pub of the Year accolade AND Hotel Bar of the Year at the 24th annual Scottish Bar and Pub Awards, organised by Media World, publishers of Scottish licensed trade magazine, DRAM. The event is the longest-established awards of its kind in Scotland. Pub of the Year was in recognition of The George being the crème de la crème out of all the awards winners on the night, while in the Hotel Bar of the Year category The George saw off stiff competition from Dakota Hotel Glasgow, The Raeburn in Edinburgh and East Kilbride’s Torrance Hotel.

McCaig’s Tower, Oban, will light up green during the week beginning 2 September to encourage families and friends to have discussions about organ donation. This year’s Organ Donation Week takes place between 2 and 8 September. Currently, at least one person on average dies every day in need of an organ transplant, often because families haven’t discussed the subject and made their wishes clear.

¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ is seeking your views on a new strategy which aims to encourage and enable people who wish to grow their own food. Last month, councillors on the Policy and Resources Committee approved the draft ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Food Growing Strategy, which is now subject to a four-week public consultation before being presented to full council for final approval.

The ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥-operated Easdale Ferry ML Fladda rescued two kayakers from treacherous waters in the Sound of Insh this afternoon. Members of the public are being urged to take care and pay close attention to the conditions after today’s rescue, which took place at 12.30pm. The ferry crew responded to a visual sighting of two kayakers in difficulty and the alarm was raised, with the kayakers located around a mile north of Easdale. One kayak had capsized, with the paddler losing the vessel and holding on to the other occupied kayak.