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The new Lismore ferry is expected to arrive at Port Appin this month and be ready to serve the community once the Passenger Safety Certificate is issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Once sea trials and final checks have been completed successfully, the vessel should depart Pembroke on 13 December to begin its 302 nautical mile journey to its destination. This is heavily dependent on suitable weather conditions at the time. Until it is ready for service, the current ferry will remain in operation.

����ֱ�� have launched a website () which explains changes it is proposing to the way schools in ����ֱ�� and Bute are led.The website invites parents, carers and residents in ����ֱ�� and Bute to examine the proposals, understand them and have their say. Schools in ����ֱ�� and Bute face falling pupil numbers and challenges in recruiting staff. Scotland-wide education reform is on the way and it is vital that local school leaders are ready and resourced appropriately.

Members of the public will be asked for views on proposals on where to position future electric vehicle chargers in ����ֱ�� and Bute, through a consultation in the New Year. The Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee approved the proposed list today (2 December) which has been developed following a seminar with elected members in September.

����ֱ�� is prepared to be the Harbour Authority for the unmanaged section of Oban Bay. ����ֱ�� and Bute Harbour Board took the decision at today’s meeting (2 December). This was one of options outlined in an independent report by Caledonian Economics, which addressed safety concerns in the bay and outlined how to move to a Statutory Harbour Authority (SHA) within the shortest timeframe.

Do you fancy an exciting career change? ����ֱ�� is running a campaign to recruit new childminders, particularly on the Isle of Bute and in the Mid ����ֱ�� area where there is a particular shortage. The Council’s Early Years Team will help guide interested parties through the whole process, from the initial enquiry right through to registering with the Care Inspectorate. Financial assistance is also available to purchase a range of equipment, such as pushchairs and stairgates, and to make small home adaptations.

There is just one week left to apply for a proxy vote if you live in the Lomond North ward, want to vote in the upcoming by-election but can’t get to the polling station in person. A proxy vote is where you appoint someone to attend at the polling station and cast your vote on your behalf. You can download a proxy voting application form from Voting in the Scotland by-elections | Electoral Commission or by calling 0800 980 0470 to ask for a form.

Community projects across ����ֱ�� and Bute continue to benefit from the Council’s Supporting Communities Fund. From youth groups to community woodlands, swimming clubs to community transport, the Council is helping a range of initiatives, providing vital lifelines and services in the area.    The 2022/2023 Supporting Communities Fund is now open for applications.  If you are a not-for-profit organisation, apply to the Fund and you could be eligible for potentially up to £2,500 to help projects happening in your community.

Issued by Culture, Heritage and Arts Assembly (CHARTS)  Five locations across ����ֱ�� and Bute will be bathed in light next month to celebrate the anniversary of the birthday of Colmcille/St Columba. Each site will be spectacularly lit by projections featuring the artwork of artists at 7pm on 7 December 2021.

The findings of an independent options appraisal into long-term arrangements for managing Oban Bay will be considered by ����ֱ�� and Bute Harbour Board next week. The report by Caledonian Economics outlines the best options available at this time to address safety concerns in the bay and move to a Statutory Harbour Authority (SHA) within the shortest timeframe. It identifies that that either CMAL or the council progresses a Harbour Order to assume responsibility for Oban Bay and its approaches.

Former Lord-Lieutenant of ����ֱ�� and Bute Patrick Stewart CVO, MBE, is to be awarded the freedom of ����ֱ�� and Bute, in recognition of more than three decades of service to the local community. In his role as a solicitor in the Campbeltown family firm of Stewart, Balfour and Sutherland, Mr Stewart developed particular expertise in a number of legal issues significant to ����ֱ�� and Bute, including agriculture, forestry, company law and the marine environment.