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An ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ worker has scooped a prestigious award for her work to combat the problem of empty homes. Empty Homes Officer Kelly Ferns has been named Outstanding Individual at the Howdens Scottish Empty Homes Champions of the Year Awards for her commitment and dedication to empty homes work. Her collaborative approach and passion as well as consistent results were recognised by the panel.

¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥â€™s education service has made significant improvements over the last 12 months, and staff are working hard to continue to raise attainment in schools. These were the findings of HM Inspectors of Education (HMIE) in a report published today (Monday), following their visit to the local authority last month, which confirmed that they will make no more visits to the Council in connection with the inspection of the Council as Education Authority in September 2016.

Join us in Oban for the latest in our programme of events across the country. Since May this year the organisations behind the Local Governance Review have been encouraging community groups to hold Democracy Matters conversations across the country. The ideas generated through these conversations are being gathered and will ensure that the outcomes of the review focus on what local people have identified.

A fantastic development opportunity is available in Campbeltown at the former council offices at Witchburn Road. This beautiful building, close to the town centre, enjoys a views towards Ben Gullion. It requires some renovation but has the potential for a characterful renovation to either residential or commercial use, subject to permissions. The building offers over 187 m2 of space across two floors of this handsome stone building.

Rosneath Primary School is setting a leading example when it comes to creating links with the local community.   Head teacher Emma McDiarmid and Gregor Morrison, who is currently Acting Head at the school, have been working hard to build a strong community spirit, and engage parents and carers in their children’s learning.  

At the start of our fostering campaign we heard from one of our foster families about what life is like looking after a child in care. This week we’re finding out what it’s like working on the other side - the ones who support foster carers and young people.  

¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ has welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to identify a permanent solution that will bring an end to disruption on the A83 Rest and Be Thankful, in addition to the current mitigation measures. Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson, made the commitment at the A83 Taskforce meeting in Inveraray today (Thursday, November 15).

¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ is holding a recruitment fair in Helensburgh next week to showcase the variety of cleaning and catering jobs that are currently available in the area.   The event will take place on Wednesday 21 November in the Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre from 10.30am until 3pm.  

The Leader of ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ has welcomed a campaign by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), for fair funding for local government. Councillor Aileen Morton, said: “People across ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute will be only too aware of the impact years of funding cuts are having on their council services. Schools, road maintenance, bin collections, social care, building standards - these and more essential, every-day services depend on council funding.

Schools across ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute have been awarded a prestigious national award from sportscotland, the national agency for sport, for this academic year. The sportscotland School Sport Award is given for innovation and achievement in delivering school sport and nine schools in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute have passed with flying colours.