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The planned capital roads programme for 2020/21 includes an allocation of just over £1.12m for Bute and Cowal. The programme will focus on a mix of carriageway resurfacing schemes that deliver the best value for money for the roads’ network. It does not simply concentrate on roads in the worst condition, but also treats roads at an earlier stage to prevent them deteriorating further.

The Leader of 51�Թ����App and Bute Council 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 51�Թ����App and Bute, for Scotland, and it’s time for a more substantial commitment to be made. 

51�Թ����App 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 51�Թ����App and Bute Employer Recruitment and Training Incentive (ABERTI). ABERTI is run by 51�Թ����App and Bute Council’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 51�Թ����App and Bute. Everyone who cares about 51�Թ����App and Bute must continue striving for the successful future it deserves and can achieve.” These were the words of 51�Թ����App and Bute Council’s Leader on the day the Council set its budget for 2020/21. Councillor Aileen Morton said:

The Leader of 51�Թ����App and Bute Council has welcomed an additional £954,000 from the Scottish Government for island ferry services. Councillor Aileen Morton said: “51�Թ����App and Bute Council 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 51�Թ����App and Bute’s unique challenges with decision-makers.

A world-wide audience heard about 51�Թ����App 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 51�Թ����App and Bute Council 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 51�Թ����App and Bute’s young people were recognised at a prestigious award ceremony in Dunoon last week. A total of 34 finalists attended the 2020 51�Թ����App and Bute Youth Awards in the Queens Hall for what was a very humbling and emotional evening. The winners were as follows: