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The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Local Grants and Digital Development programme, which provides funding for projects bringing civilian and armed forces communities together, will be open for applications until 30 September. In line with the guidance for applicants, if you would like feedback on your application first, you can send it to the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute Local Covenant Partnership for consideration at its next meeting on 14 September.

¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ has welcomed figures released this week which show that the number of young people in the area who are on the path to sustainable employment is well above the national average. Participation measure figures, released by Skills Development Scotland, show that 94.2% of young people in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute aged between 16 and 19 are currently in employment, education or training – the national average being 91.8%. This means ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute is in the top 8 of 32 local authority areas.

A voluntary group is making the seafront at Kirn more welcoming and comfortable for the community and visitors thanks to the enthusiasm of local volunteers, organisations and funding from the council’s Sustainable Community Initiative Fund. EnviroKirn Action Group was founded in 2001 and is now a charity. It funds its project work through an annual appeal and sourcing grants.

¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute was represented at an international conference in America earlier this month, when the Council’s Head of Education for Lifelong Learning and Support/Chief Education Officer flew to Montana to attend the International Symposium for Innovation in Rural Education (ISFIRE). Anne Paterson funded the trip herself and made the 8,000 mile round journey to take part in the conference, which this year focussed on Communities and Partnerships: Strengthening Rural Education.

The council’s ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Islands Strategic Group has welcomed a pilot initiative that will see five Scottish Government employees volunteering as ‘Island Liaison Partners’ to improve the Scottish Government’s understanding of the specific challenges facing ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute’s islands. The role of the Island Liaison Partners will be to build knowledge, understanding and relationships with communities and local partners on the islands. Specific objectives will be to:

The case for ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute’s Rural Growth Deal has had a further boost following the latest ‘very positive’ discussions with the UK Government.  ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ leader, Councillor Aileen Morton, met with David Mundell, Secretary of State for Scotland, in Lochgilphead on Tuesday, August 28.  Mr Mundell had travelled to ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute for the latest in the council’s series of high-level meetings with both the Scottish and UK governments, making the case for additional investment in the area.

Could you offer a child a home in a secure, loving environment? If so, ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ is looking for you to come forward and apply to become a foster carer. There are currently a number of young people looking for foster carers in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute, either on a temporary basis while plans are made for their future, or for an extended period if they are unable to go back to their family.

Education staff and pupils were praised today (Thursday) when ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥â€™s Annual Education Plan was approved the Community Services Committee.   The plan has been prepared in line with the requirements of the Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act 2000, and brings together a range of information about the work of the service for parents, pupils, staff, carers and communities.  

Chaidh moladh a dhèanamh air luchd-obrach foghlaim is sgoilearan an-diugh (Diardaoin) agus Comataidh nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd a’ cur aonta ri Plana Foghlaim Bliadhnail Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal is Bhòid.   Chaidh am plana ullachadh a rèir chumhachan Achd Inbhean Sgoiltean na h-Alba msaa 2000, agus sa phlana gheibhear taghadh farsaing de dh’fhiosrachadh air obair na seirbheis do phàrantan, sgoilearan, luchd-obrach, luchd-cùraim agus coimhearsnachdan.  

¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥â€™s Housing Services Team brought a total of 55 empty homes back into use last year- double the annual target.    This was just one of the team’s successes highlighted at today’s Community Services Committee.