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����ֱ�� will invest £1.5 million of funding to further support local economic recovery from the impact of Covid. A series of measures, approved by Councillors will provide ongoing support as communities across the region cope with the challenges of the current cost of living crisis. ����ֱ�� and Bute will receive £1.449 million from the Scottish Government’s £80 million Local Authority COVID Economic Recovery (LACER) Fund. A number of initiatives will benefit from the funding. They include:

New proposals, which would see major investment in a host of ambitious projects across ����ֱ�� and Bute’s island communities, are in development. Councillors approved a range of options for possible inclusion in a funding bid to the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme (IP). The initiative is a five-year, £30 million investment to help the delivery of the National Islands Plan (NIP). It supports projects that encourage population growth, deliver on Scottish Government net-zero ambitions and support a green economic recovery from the impact of the pandemic.

Anyone on Islay planning to cast a vote at Bowmore Hall in next week’s local elections should now attend the ����ֱ�� and Bute Customer Service Point in Jamieson Street instead, not the Killarow Community Centre as previously advised. Bowmore Hall cannot be used due to safety concerns and, on exploring the logistics of people travelling to and from the Killarow Community Centre, the Council’s Customer Service Point has been selected as a more convenient location.

����ֱ�� has awarded the Freedom of ����ֱ�� and Bute to Patrick Stewart CVO, MBE, LLB, WS, FSA Scot in recognition of his service to the community. Mr Stewart served the Lieutenancy of ����ֱ�� and Bute for 33 years before retiring from his most role as Lord-Lieutenant in July 2020. In addition to his Lieutenancy work, Mr Stewart has a long history of involvement with the voluntary sector in ����ֱ�� and Bute.

Dear Parents/Carers,  We are saddened to see the historic building at Hermitage Primary destroyed by fire on Monday evening,  a police investigation is underway. 

Services from across the council have been working together, and with our emergency services partners, in responding to the fire in the annexe of Hermitage Primary School.   Our Education, Property, Building Standards and Health and Safety services are all involved in assessing and progressing action needed now that the fire is out. This includes arranging for demolition of the annexe, which began on Tuesday evening.  

Delivering medical equipment, transporting patients to hospital, transferring school pupils and welcoming tourists are just some of the critical roles air services play across ����ֱ�� and Bute. ����ֱ�� operates the West Coast Air Service linking Coll, Colonsay, Tiree and Islay to Oban. A new consultation is asking communities and businesses to help shape the future of this service ahead of awarding a new contract.

Residents and visitors will soon be able to enjoy new and improved facilities as the £1.5 million transformation of Lochgilphead’s Front Green nears completion. ����ֱ�� is leading the transformation project that includes a new public square, a long held community aspiration. The square will be available to hold public events. One of the first events is likely to be the community organised Lochgilphead Celtic and Pictish Festival. Children don’t have long to wait to try out the new play park. There is a range of new equipment to play on, including:

A community orchestra, youth café and LEGO club are just some of the projects to benefit from this year’s ����ֱ��’s Supporting Communities Fund. The fund is available to a range of community organisations including voluntary, charities and social enterprises. In total £90,000 of funding will benefit 47 projects, delivering vital support and activities in their communities.

����ֱ��’s ongoing work to develop nurturing cultures across its school communities has been highlighted in Education Scotland’s National Health and Wellbeing Review. The review was carried out by HM Inspectors and explores a range of approaches taken by local authorities to support the health and wellbeing of their young people, including ‘Our Children, their Nurturing Education’ – a strategy created by ����ֱ��’s education service to ensure children and young people have the emotional and psychological support they need.