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The Leader of ����ֱ�� calls again for a permanent solution for the A83 following a new funding announcement from Scottish Government (5th March) Councillor Aileen Morton said: “The issues with the Rest and Be Thankful have been recognised for over a decade now, a decade in which a sticking plaster approach has been taken by the Scottish Government. This is a vital route for ����ֱ�� and Bute, for Scotland, and it’s time for a more substantial commitment to be made. 

����ֱ�� and Bute Registrars are putting on a free Wedding Showcase, in collaboration with HLCC Events, at the Civic Centre on Sunday 22 March, from 12.00-4.00pm, to help Helensburgh and Lomond couples who are planning their special day. The event brings together 32 of the best local vendors under one roof and is the ideal place to not only get great ideas but to potentially book everything you need for your big day. Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre is itself a fantastic, central venue to not only hold the ceremony, but to also celebrate the wedding reception.

The deadline is looming for any employers who would like to take the opportunity to recruit and train employees through the ����ֱ�� and Bute Employer Recruitment and Training Incentive (ABERTI). ABERTI is run by ����ֱ��’s Employability Team, under the new No One Left Behind employability delivery model. The scheme is aimed at helping people aged 16 to 67 years who are facing many barriers, to enter into sustainable employment.

“We must keep fighting for ����ֱ�� and Bute. Everyone who cares about ����ֱ�� and Bute must continue striving for the successful future it deserves and can achieve.” These were the words of ����ֱ��’s Leader on the day the Council set its budget for 2020/21. Councillor Aileen Morton said:

The Leader of ����ֱ�� has welcomed an additional £954,000 from the Scottish Government for island ferry services. Councillor Aileen Morton said: “����ֱ�� delivers a number of services other councils don’t have to, for example ferry services. We have been doing a lot of work therefore to raise awareness of ����ֱ�� and Bute’s unique challenges with decision-makers.

A world-wide audience heard about ����ֱ�� and Bute’s potential as a centre of seaweed farming excellence earlier this week at the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association (SSIA) conference in Oban. Members of the Economic Growth Team presented the council-commissioned Seaweed Farming Feasibility Study which sets out a template for setting up and running a seaweed farming business from conception right through to selling products to consumers. The report was produced by the SAMS Research Service (SRSL) and funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)

The Leader of ����ֱ�� has thanked members of the public for their help in making budget decisions. Councillor Aileen Morton said: “We would love to be able to do everything our communities want us to do, and to have everyone satisfied with the decisions the council makes about its budget.

Three members of the team at Oban Airport received long service medals from Depute Lord Lieutenant Andrew Campbell, at the airport, on 18 February. Tom Eddleston, Senior Airport Fire Officer, and Murray MacGregor, Crew Commander have both served at Oban Airport for 13 years. John McDonald, Airport Firefighter, has reached 12 years with the airport.

The achievements of ����ֱ�� and Bute’s young people were recognised at a prestigious award ceremony in Dunoon last week. A total of 34 finalists attended the 2020 ����ֱ�� and Bute Youth Awards in the Queens Hall for what was a very humbling and emotional evening. The winners were as follows:

����ֱ�� and Bute’s council has had its Scottish Government funding cut by more than the Scottish average, meaning millions of pounds will have to be cut from council budgets in 2020/21. ����ֱ�� and Bute’s capital budget (for investment in roads, schools and other assets) has been cut by 21% compared to the Scottish average of 17%. Its revenue budget (for the day to day running of services) has been cut by 1.4% compared to the Scottish average of 1%. Council Leader, Councillor Aileen Morton slammed the cuts: