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We kicked off our #proudtocare campaign on Monday to highlight how much carers matter and are valued in people’s lives, and all the different reasons people have for choosing the care sector. We asked you if experience in home care can help you get jobs in other professions?

People living in 51�Թ����App and Bute are being given the opportunity to make their homes more energy efficient as a result of the Scottish Government’s Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland: Area Based Scheme (HEEPS: ABS).

Work on £200,000 worth of improvements to the Category A-listed Avenue Screen in Inveraray is underway. The Avenue Screen’s existing render needs to be entirely removed and replaced. Weather-proofing works are also required on the screen and will be carried out as part of the contract, which is part of the council’s drive to protect Inveraray’s stunning architectural appearance following previous major repair and conservation works to a string of buildings in the town.

51�Թ����App and Bute Council is currently carrying out a review of all residents who currently receive a 25% Single Person Discount (SPD) on their council tax.   SPD is claimed when an adult is the sole adult occupant of the property. Whilst most residents who claim the discount are genuinely eligible, there are a minority who are attempting to deceive the system.  

Children who turn five between 1 March 2019 and 28 February 2020 should be registered for primary school during the week beginning Monday 14 January 2019. Parents should take their children to their local primary school to register during that week, between 10am and 3pm. If your child is not already receiving pre-school education in 51�Թ����App and Bute, you will need to bring their birth certificate with you when you register.

  Councillor Donnie MacMillan, councillor for Mid 51�Թ����App, has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to local government. Donnie (91) has served 51�Թ����App and Bute as a local councillor for nearly 35 years. Following the announcement, in this year’s New Year’s Honours List, Donnie said:

‘Slime’ and similar products are expected to be among the most popular children’s gifts this Christmas. If you have bought slime, or are planning to do so, please be aware that products that do not carry the ‘CE Mark’ are far more likely to be unsafe. If you have any concerns or questions about a particular product, call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or get in touch with our Trading Standards team on trading.standards@argyll-bute.gov.uk

An ongoing regeneration project in Rothesay is progressing well, councillors have heard. The Rothesay Townscape Heritage (TH) Phase 2 project is a five-year heritage-led regeneration project that will allow property owners to safeguard historic buildings and shopfronts while also developing skills and hosting events celebrating the island of Bute’s heritage.

Discussions between the council, Helensburgh Seafront Development Project (HSDP) Group and Waverley Excursions will help plan for the future use of Helensburgh Pier. The 147-year-old timber pier was temporarily closed on advice by consultants Arch Henderson, who recommended that a detailed structural analysis be carried out to confirm the structural integrity of the pier. Timber testing is currently underway, by specialist contractor Evova BM TRADA, at the timber pier.

A reduction in the council’s annual grant announced by the Scottish Government this week has left 51�Թ����App and Bute Council facing a £9million budget gap for the next financial year. It is another significant cut in our funding, which is extremely disappointing. It will clearly impact on our residents and communities.