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Plans are progressing for local events that will support the aims of the global climate change conference planned in Glasgow later this year. Included is an event in Helensburgh that will raise the question – what do we need to do to make ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute the UK’s first net zero region?

¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ has given the green light for a new native woodland in Lochgilphead, as part of its work to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045. The scheme will see woodland planted across 60 hectares of council-owned land, located mostly around Kilmory. It will be delivered through a partnership between the council and ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (ACT).

Local businesses affected by the covid pandemic can soon apply for covid-recovery grants from a fund of more than £500,000. The council, at its meeting today of the Policy and Resources Committee, approved the launch of the Covid Hardship Fund, to support businesses facing financial difficulties due to the pandemic. Three levels of grant award will be available: ·         £2,000 for businesses with no employees

¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ has approved funding for five new community projects via the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP). Over the next year, £561,000 will go to support a range of local projects across ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute:

Local businesses are being encouraged to find out how a new gift card scheme, approved by ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ today, could help them. The aim of the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute Loves Local Gift Card initiative is to encourage local shopping, drive footfall to community businesses and keep spend local in the local area for longer. The cards are suitable for small independent and national retailers with no costs to individual businesses. They can be used for face-to-face transactions, and online where a business has a ‘bricks and mortar’ presence in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute.

¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ is looking for a buyer for the former Port Ellen Schoolhouse on Islay. Situated close to Port Ellen Primary School, the property is for sale at offers over £95,000 and will appeal to buyers keen on a renovation project. Built in 1965, the schoolhouse is a single storey, detached four-bedroom bungalow with a internal area of 118m2 and private off-road parking.

Secondary pupils across ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute are celebrating today after achieving top marks in their exams and outperforming national averages. Figures for ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute this year show the following pass rates:

Dunoon’s appeal as a fantastic location for cyclists and walkers moves into top gear this week with the launch of the new Dunoon Bothy Project   The Bothy will offer a range of activities for both experienced and new cyclists and walkers from its temporary base at the town’s pier.   Operated by Cycling UK and part funded by ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥, the new facility is based on the successful Gourock Bothy which has proved a major attraction for Inverclyde locals and visitors since 2018.     

Following a tree survey in the early stages of the project, it was determined that a number of trees along the A83 were in poor health, overshadowed or dying. Work to remove the damaged trees will start on 9 August 2021.   Trees being removed, will be replaced with Hornbeam, specially chosen for the avenue along Poltalloch Street, as it is more salt tolerant than the Horse Chestnut. All existing healthy trees will be protected during the works.   On the plan below, trees coloured red are to be removed and green trees will remain. 

Do you want to make your home more energy efficient?Residents in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute are being given the opportunity to make their homes warmer and more energy efficient through the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme. ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ has been awarded £1,742,819 to help residents make energy efficiency improvements to their properties. These include external/internal wall insulation, underfloor insulation, cavity wall insulation and loft insulation. The programme is available to: