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Following Storm Barra, on 7 December, things have been moving quickly to make Ardbeg Road safe after damage to the sea wall. The following day, council engineers and operatives were on site carrying out an initial assessment, organising traffic management and clearing the road of debris. By 9 December our team, working with contractors, arranged to carry out emergency, temporary repairs after conducting drone surveys to understand the extent of the damage. By the weekend, the work undertaken included:

Eight schools in ����ֱ�� and Bute have received accreditation from the Council for their work in continuing to develop nurturing cultures and approaches across school communities. The nurture programme is part of a wider strategy by the council, ‘Our Children, Their Nurturing Education (OCTNE)’, that aims to ensure that children and young people have the emotional and psychological support they need.

The timetable of engagement for the proposed Collective Leadership Model for our schools has been extended. Our community councils, parent councils, teachers, school staff and people of ����ֱ�� and Bute will now have until the 4 March 2022 to provide feedback on the proposal. This date has been extended by one month from the initial date of 4 February 2022. The Council are committed to giving everyone the time they need understand and have conversations around the proposed model, before providing their feedback.

The expected departure of new Lismore ferry, for Port Appin this week, has unfortunately been rescheduled. Recent poor weather conditions mean it would be safer to wait for a fair weather window. It will also give us the opportunity to make final adjustments on-site to ensure it meets highest quality standards that we need so that it delivers an effective service for our communities. Until then, the current ferry will remain in operation keeping the service between Lismore and Port Appin running as normal.

Regeneration work continues to turn Lochgilphead’s Front Green into an improved public space where more people can come together to enjoy community events and general recreation. The project has received a welcome boost with additional funding from the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Scheme. Funding will enable upgrade of part of the footpath between the Front Green and the A83, Lochnell Street, using the same local stone as used in Colchester Square. Work to date includes:

Council services will be encouraged to reduce their use of Single Use Plastic (SUP) products and changes have been made to procedures to encourage alternative options to be explored. The council’s Climate Change Board made this recommendation in September and it was confirmed today (9 December) by the Policy and Resources Committee. This is a significant step because members of the public regularly highlight SUPs as one of their main environmental concerns.

����ֱ�� has published an updated procurement strategy and policy which offers guidance and support for businesses bidding to work with the Council.   The Procurement Strategy and Sustainable Procurement Policy 2022-25 provides information for local organisations and businesses, outlining how the council will acquire the goods and services it needs over the next three years.  

����ֱ�� has re-affirmed its long-term commitment to tackling the climate emergency and achieving its ambitious net zero emissions targets. The latest version of the council’s Decarbonisation Plan has been approved and sets out its three-year strategy for tackling the threat of climate change and achieving net zero emissions across ����ֱ�� and Bute.

Attracting new people to the area, supporting businesses, communities and the hospitality and tourism sectors – ����ֱ�� is committed to long-term economic and social recovery from the pandemic.   As part of its Recovery Strategy, the Council is investing an additional £110,000 to deliver ongoing recovery measures including the recruitment of two temporary posts.   The posts will focus on building back stronger communities and supporting economic recovery. The roles include:  

����ֱ�� will seek national funding support to meet pandemic and EU exit costs of completing Rothesay Pavilion’s transformation as a national centre for arts and popular culture. The Pavilion, built in 1938 on the island of Bute, is one of Scotland’s grade A listed buildings and of unique international architectural significance.