Leader's Report
Argyll and Bute Council · 26 November 2025
Back to Argyll and Bute Council — 26 November 2025 and its agenda
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL COUNCIL 26th November 2025 LEADER’S REPORT 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 The Leader of the Council routinely provides a report outlining their strategic activities for consideration at each meeting of Argyll and Bute Council, except for the annual budget meeting in February. 1.2 This report provides an update on the activities of the council Leader, Cllr Jim Lynch, for the period 15th September to 7th November 2025. 2. RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 Members are asked to consider the report. 2.2 Members are asked to note that any reports, briefings or copy correspondence referred to in the report can be requested as appropriate through the Leadership Support Manager, although it should be noted that some confidential reports provided by external organisations such as COSLA may be restricted. 3. LEADER ACTIVITY 15th SEPTEMBER TO 7TH NOVEMBER 2025: 3.1 Freedom of Argyll and Bute awarded to the Royal Regiment of Scotland: It was a pleasure to join the community and colleagues in Lochgilphead on Saturday 20th September, when the council formally conferred the Freedom of Argyll and Bute on the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Conferring the Freedom is never done lightly. It is the highest honour, the greatest mark of recognition and deepest respect, that is within our gift, as a local authority, to bestow, and is awarded only to those who have made outstanding contributions to life in Argyll and Bute.
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The Royal Regiment of Scotland and its soldiers past and present have done all of this and beyond, giving the most exceptional and matchless service not only to our local communities but to Scotland as a whole. There are strong historic connections between the Regiment and Argyll and Bute. These links date back hundreds of years to the raising of the 91st Argyllshire Highlanders in 1794 and the subsequent amalgamation with the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders in 1881 to become the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise’s). Since its formation the ASH built and developed deep-rooted associations with communities across Argyll and Bute who were and are still rightly proud to be connected to the famous ‘Argylls’. There are also well-established links between the local authority and the regiment, albeit the predecessors of each organisation. In 1979 the then Argyll and Bute District Council agreed to confer the Freedom upon the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Following local government reorganisation and acknowledging the ‘Argylls’ centuries of service, that award was reconferred by the new unitary authority in 2010. It was a privilege to deliver the valedictory at the short formal meeting in Kilmory which preceded the public ceremony. This took place on the regenerated Lochgilphead Front Green which, with its attractive events space and the stunning backdrop of Loch Gilp and Loch Fyne, made the ideal setting for this military spectacle. The Regiment had assembled within Lochgilphead earlier to march through the town with their pipes and drums and their famous mascot Cruachan IV – this was very much enjoyed by the people who lined the streets to watch the parade to the Green.
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At the Front Green, the Lord Lieutenant, the Provost, Major General Robin Lindsay CBE and our Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Sinclair, took the salute – following which Cllr Sinclair presented Major General Lindsay with the Freedom Scroll. This was a very positive event for Lochgilphead and one which I’m sure will be remembered for a long time. However, it is more than that – it is a reminder of just how much councils do that often goes unnoticed. This involved a lot of partnership working not only across a wide range of council services (from school buses, to catering, to roads and amenity services, to licensing and more) but with other agencies, including the Regiment themselves, Police Scotland and others. The logistics involved were quite challenging yet resulted in a quality event which was very well received by the community. 3.2 Here To Hear You Community Engagement: Since my last report to Council, we’ve had two further Here To Here You community conversation events. On 23rd September we were joined by a number of local residents in Lochgilphead for a standalone conversation event. Next, on 1st October, we travelled to Islay where we visited the Virtual Classroom at the Islay Gaelic Centre and met with members of Islay Community Council before joining members of the public for the Here To Hear You conversation. At both sessions, local residents were frank and open with us about issues of importance in their communities. That’s exactly why we wanted to embark on this engagement programme in the first place – to hear directly from local people. It’s been encouraging that we are able to have robust but consistently constructive conversations together. This is a new approach; we want to learn from it constantly, not only in terms of hearing about what matters to our communities, but about how best to engage with them. This engagement will continue over the remainder of this term and we will share feedback on the actions we’ve taken away from our conversations with communities. Unfortunately due to severe weather and related ferry service issues, we were unable to hold a planned session on the isle of Jura. We’ll look to reschedule this as soon as we can, as a priority. We’ve had eight dedicated conversations with specific communities between April and early October this year, and each one of those has yielded invaluable detail about those communities and has generated a variety of requests for action. It does take time to work through all of that
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and do it all justice. We do need to be realistic – we can’t promise to fix everything, and we may not be able to do everything that we or communities would like us to do. However, we have promised to listen and we will continue to do that, learning from how this year’s series of events has played out and building on that for next year. We want to be able to speak with as many communities as we can. There’s a dedicated web page about the programme where future events will be advertised– watch this space. 3.3 COSLA activity: On 26th September I attended COSLA Leaders where the following agenda items featured: • COSLA Manifesto • Population Balance White Paper • Digital Strategy Refresh • Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers Pay Negotiations and Reduced Class Contact Time update • School and Education Reform – Independent Professional Advisor Appointment • Funding to Support Humanitarian Schemes • Distribution At the same meeting, COSLA agreed to a joint statement, in partnership with trades unions, condemning abuse and intimidation towards council workers. This sends a clear message that any form of abuse towards front line staff, who are carrying out their lawful duties, is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. At the beginning of October, trades union UNISON called for urgent action after figures highlighted that more than 75,000 assaults on public service workers were reported last year – that’s an average of 206 every single day. This is an increase of 15%, or 9,500 assaults, compared to last year’s figures. More than three in five of all assaults (63%) were suffered by council workers, including staff in education settings. There were also almost 7,000 ‘violent incidents’ in councils, again an increase of 17% on last year. Numbers like these are shocking and unpalatable. These are not simply statistics – it is vital to remember that these represent the experience of hardworking frontline employees and that behind each number sits a real person. No one should ever face any kind of abuse for simply doing their job. Here in Argyll and Bute, anyone who engages in abusive or aggressive conduct towards council staff may be asked to leave council premises,
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refused service, or have their access to council officers restricted. Where required, incidents will be reported to the police and legal action may be taken. The organisation has policies and procedures to deal with these unacceptable incidents when they occur. However, it is important to remember that as elected members, we too have a responsibility, both in condemning this kind of behaviour and ensuring that we abide by the Councillors Code of Conduct, which requires us to treat council staff with courtesy, respect and professionalism in all dealings – whether our interactions are formal or informal, in person, by email or online in any form. I welcome COSLA’s public stance in speaking out against a deeply concerning and totally unacceptable issue. COSLA has also issued a statement on the launch of the consultation ‘The Future of Council Tax in Scotland’ on 27th October. Resources Spokesperson Cllr Katie Hagmann said: “Local government has long called for a fairer and more proportionate Council Tax system – one that reflects the needs of our communities and supports our local services. Reform is long overdue. This important work marks the beginning of a process to build consensus around a better system of local taxation. “We have worked closely with the Scottish Government on this consultation. It is important that everyone has an opportunity to share their views on what a fairer Council Tax system might look like in the future. "Through this national conversation which will include consultation, town hall events, and expert roundtables – we aim to develop a shared and unified approach that delivers for all of Scotland. "COSLA is clear that any meaningful reform must be built on strong foundations informed by new research, the views of the public and the views of Local Government.” On 31st October there was a further COSLA Leaders meeting which covered the following topics: • Population Balance • Housing Emergency Action Plan and Housing (Scotland) Bill • Local Government Finance • Health and Social Care Viability • Integration Authority Voting Rights • SJC Working Group – Roadmap to £15 per hour Taskforce • SNCT Pay Negotiations • Reduced Class Contact Time Update • Digital Action Plan Review
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• Historical Child Abuse Redress Scheme • Distribution While these were considered in private session, if anyone has particular questions I’ll be happy to assist where I can. 3.4 Making the best use of purchasing power – signing the Buy Social Pledge, 24th October: It was a pleasure to welcome to Kilmory on 24th October, Aimee Spence and Jamie Lawson of Social Enterprise Scotland. This is the national membership body for social enterprises in Scotland and it seeks to empower them to thrive at the same time as doing business which benefits both people and the planet and contributes to community weath building. Social Enterprise Scotland is working with a number of organisations across Scotland to encourage them to sign the Buy Social Pledge. The pledge is a set of key commitments to responsible and sustainable business practices by: • Recognising fair work – promoting inclusive, ethical and fair employment • Reducing environmental impact – driving sustainability for a better tomorrow • Supporting social enterprises – strengthening communities through ethical procurement • Ensuring prompt payment – upholding fairness in financial transations • Measuring positive impact – tracking and reporting on sector spend It was a privilege to sign the Buy Social Pledge on behalf of Argyll and Bute Council alongside Douglas Hendry, the Executive Director with responsibility for Procurement.
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At this point it’s worth reminding community groups across Argyll and Bute that they have the chance to turn their ideas into reality through our Community Benefit Scheme. This scheme is part of our commitment to delivering wider social, economic, and environmental benefits for local communities. When the council awards a contract, it works closely with suppliers to provide added value through community-focused support. Running since September 2020, the scheme allows contractors and suppliers appointed by the council to select from a list of community benefit requests submitted by local groups. These benefits can range from sponsoring a local sports team, donating building or decorating materials, helping with planting or weeding, to offering work experience or apprenticeships—anything that helps strengthen the community. Many groups have already seen the positive impact of the scheme, and examples of successful projects are available on our website. Local groups and organisations can submit a request by emailing communitybenefits@argyll-bute.gov.uk . The council reviews each submission and adds it to the community benefit wish list, which is regularly shared with suppliers to see if they can help to support a request.
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3.5 Convention of the Highlands and Islands, and Highlands and Islands Leaders Group: The Autumn session of the Convention of the Highlands and Islands (COHI) took place on Arran on 2nd and 3rd November. Ahead of travelling to COHI and by way of preparation, the Highlands and Islands Leaders Group held a Teams call on 30th October to consider the COHI agenda and also for discussion about the following: • Reduced Class Contact Time update • Digital Education • Community Benefit • Island/local representation on national and regional bodies In addition, colleagues will also recall that we agreed a Rural Manifesto for Argyll and Bute at the September meeting of the Council. We subsequently took this to this HILG meeting to help that group as a starting point for discussion on the development of a regional manifesto in the run-up to the Scottish Parliamentary Elections in May next year. COHI offers the opportunity for partners from across the Highlands and islands region to meet directly with a range of Scottish Government ministers and represent on the unique issues that affect our communities. Agenda items at this session were: • Highlands and Islands Regional Economic Partnership Update • Crown Estate Scotland – Creating Lasting Value for Scotland • Making More of Crofting Tenure in Rural Population Policy • Community Wealth Building • Health and Social Care Integration • Skills Development Scotland Workforce North Update The Deputy First Minister had also asked for an update on the connectivity issues affecting the island of Tiree following Storm Amy, in which the subsea internet cable was damaged. At the time of writing this report, my understanding is that BT have plans for a repair vessel to attend within the next week although weather may yet affect this. The council has provided what support and taken what action it can, including making preparations to provide, if necessary, a Starlink system to Tiree Campus to allow learning and teaching to be able to resume as planned after the October holiday period. BT have now installed a system at the school which has been accepted as a priority site. Starlink connections have also been provided to a number of other priority sites on the island.
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Our IT team were able to redirect our Starlink system to the Tigh an Rudha Care Home instead which also had an urgent need for connectivity to be restored. Support for registration services has come from teams on nearby islands who have provided remote assistance. 3.6 Housing – general update: Housing Association Chairs Discussion: On 24th October I had the opportunity to join the Chairs of each of the major housing associations in Argyll and Bute during one of their regular meetings over the course of the year. Working together is key in the context of Argyll and Bute’s housing emergency, and we discussed ways that we can strengthen partnership working as we tackle this situation together – no single agency can tackle this alone. New housing research initiative: As part of our housing emergency drive, we have launched a new research initiative to help us understand and ultimately take action on how housing availability impacts our key population challenge. Funded by the Scottish Government’s Addressing Depopulation Fund, the project will look at how housing influences people’s decisions to stay, leave, or relocate to the area. The research focuses on two key areas: • Younger and working-age households: What are the experiences of people aged 16–44 living in Argyll and Bute? For those who have left, what influenced that decision—and could better housing options encourage them to return? • Workforce housing: What types and numbers of affordable, suitable homes are needed to support Argyll and Bute’s current and future workforce? The first survey, of the 16 to 44 age group, closed earlier this month while the workforce housing element also launched at the beginning of November. It aims to assess whether local businesses are struggling to recruit or retain staff due to a lack of housing, and whether a shortage of housing is a barrier to growing the economy. Hearing directly from those who are affected by housing challenges means we can better identify how to support our communities and what action is needed to bring about workable solutions. Findings from both surveys will feed into our Housing Need and Demand Assessment and will help shape further partnership working to look at
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alternative housing models and address the needs of employers and the workforce which have come up through the research activity. General update: We are due to consider the Strategic Housing Investment Plan and the Local Housing Strategy Annual Update at November council. The latter reports progress on a set of key outcomes and incorporates our Housing Emergency Action Plan. There is considerable detail within both reports but I would highlight some key facts and figures against the outcomes below: Outcome 1: Housing Supply and Place-making • 78 new homes completed • 44 affordable homes via Strategic Plan • 31 homes added via transfers, purchases, buybacks • 2 community projects (Colonsay and Gigha) • 49 empty homes brought back into use • 3,024 households on HOMEArgyll Register (↓5.8%) • 738 social lets (↓14.2% from target of 860) Outcome 2: House Condition, Energy Efficiency & Poverty • 281 homes upgraded via £2.179m funding • 53 homes improved via £325k grants • 954 Warmer Homes measures installed • £7.495m income generated for households • New Scheme of Assistance approved Outcome 3: Specialist Provision & Independent Living • 267 RSL homes adapted • 60 private homes adapted • 841 TEC installations • 12 new specialist homes (27%) • Revised Housing Contribution Statement approved Outcome 4: Housing Options & Support • 459 homeless applications (↓7%) • 35 mental health/addictions referrals • 70.5% had planned departure • 35 weeks average wait for permanent housing (↑ from 31) • Rough sleeping before presentation ↓ from 7% to 4%
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3.7 Economic growth – general update: UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF): Colleagues will recall an update to the Policy and Resources Committee in October setting out progress on the projects across Argyll and Bute which will benefit from the final allocation of £1.4m from the UKSPF. Argyll and Bute’s UKSPF investment plan focuses on the key priorities of communities and place; supporting local business; and people and skills. The projects benefiting from the final tranche include schemes offering employability support, capital projects delivering community spaces and sports facilities, support for extra-curricular activity in every secondary school in Argyll and Bute, work to develop tourism as well as the development of a robotics course at Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS). This is the final year of this particular funding scheme and officers have started evaluation of the overall programme. This will consider the lasting impact of projects and assess lessons learned throughout the process, including the quality of collaboration with partners and investment planning. This will allow us to make the most of any replacement scheme or successor programme. We will continue to work proactively with partners – through COSLA and through officer organisations like the Scottish Local Authorities Economic Development group (SLAED) to seek more clarity on future funding streams and how we can ensure Argyll and Bute is best placed to access these. Rural Growth Deal: The Rural Growth Deal Programme Management Office continue to work with project lead partners to develop business cases and the next stages of project development. At the moment the focus is on the Kintyre Sea Sports and Tobermory Housing projects. The Rural Skills Accelerator Programme outline business case was submitted to the Scottish Government in September. Work has also progressed on the business justification cases for each element of this programme. These will have to be endorsed by central government before funding can be drawn down. Lorn ARC economic boost: Two key projects in the Oban area are making good progess, both funded through the Lorn Arc Tax Incremental Finance (TIF) agreement. This agreement was extended by ten years in February this year to allow extra time to implement key infrastructure and development improvements which are expected to make a significant economic boost to the local economy.
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Link Housing Association has submitted planning applications for Phase 4 of the development at Dunbeg, which has already delivered 375 affordable homes alongside major infrastructure upgrades. The latest phase will include around 430 homes including social and mid-market rentals, student housing, shared equity, private sale and plots. A new trunk road roundabout will be constructed on the A85 as well as a new residential link road. There will also be a commercial area offering scope for a hotel, drive-through restaurants and a small supermarket. Substantial progress is also being made at Oban Airport Business Park with initial site works now completed. Planning consent has been granted for two initial buildings to be developed and the design team and main contractor have been appointed, with the majority of work expected to be completed in 2026. It is estimated that the two developments could add between £50m-£179m to the local economy. Empty Business Properties Grant scheme: In the three months since its launch, this scheme has supported 12 owners and tenants of empty business properties. We introduced the scheme to help owners and tenants to return empty business properties to productive use. The grant scheme has an allocation of £786,000 for the 2025/26 financial year, and applies to business properties that have been empty for at least six months. It is open to owners and lessees of properties registered on the valuation roll. The scheme is in addition to the extended Empty Property Relief (EPR) Scheme whereby empty business property owners could be eligible for a discretionary 100% EPR extension of up to 12 months if they are actively working to bring their property back into use. With 12 grant offers having been made, the team are also engaging with a further 18 applicants at the time of writing, alongside numerous other enquiries. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until funding is allocated in full. This means that whilst the fund is open there is no deadline for applications, but successful projects must be completed and claimed before 31 March 2026. It’s great to see the positive impact that the Empty Business Property Grant Scheme is making in such a short space of time and this activity is a very positive step towards revitalising local communities and our overall economy.
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Island projects secure funding: Four Argyll and Bute projects will benefit from the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme and Carbon Neutral Islands Fund, which aims to create and safeguard infrastructure projects on islands. This is fantastic news and means that a range of innovative local projects can receive support and deliver various benefits for island residents. The successful projects and funding awards are: Islands Programme: • Redevelopment of the former Royal Hotel on Bute - £400,000 • Community Halls Digital Hubs, Colonsay, Jura, Luing and Lismore, £125,000 • Lighthouse Keepers Cottages Heritage Project, Tiree - £306,050 • Ulva Landing Craft, Ulva - £40,020 Carbon Neutral Islands Fund: • Decarbonisation of Islay Community Buildings (phase 2) - £401,843 3.8 Leader Correspondence: Over this period, I’ve represented to a number of Scottish and UK Government ministers on various issues, including: Cabinet Secretary for Transport: highlighting ferry capacity issues which continue to present challenges to various island communities. With the winter period now imminent we will continue to represent on this particular issue given the impact on all aspects of island life. I also wrote to the Cabinet Secretary to seek clarity on Active Travel Infrastructure Fund conditions which would help us to move along projects on Islay. Secretary of State for Scotland: I have written to Douglas Alexander MP following his appointment to the Scotland Office. We have enjoyed a good working relationship with the Secretary of State for Scotland over the past almost-two years and we are keen to see that continue. I am hoping to receive a substantive response from him soon but will remain in contact given the value of maintaining effective partnership working in the context of HM Naval Base Clyde. Visitor Levy: In line with the Council’s decision at its September meeting, I have written to both the Scottish and UK Governments on Visitor Levy matters.
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I have asked the Minister for Public Finance if the Scottish Government will consider amending legislation to allow for a flat or tiered rate model rather than the percentage-based approach, setting out some of the context of our particular tourism sector and sharing some of the feedback we received on this aspect while the consultation was ongoing. I have also asked if the Scottish Government will join us in lobbying the UK Government to consider changes to VAT regulations – again responding to feedback received from local businesses and others who responded during the consultation. I have written directly to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pointing out the contribution that Argyll and Bute makes to the Treasury (with conservative estimates putting this at around £200m from whisky duty alone). We have asked for exploration of changes in relation to VAT thresholds, the treatment of levy income in the VAT context, and any other flexibilities that may be possible. I will keep colleagues updated on any responses I receive. 3.9 And finally…: I finished this report in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday, when communities across Argyll and Bute will gather to commemorate those who served their countries at war and who paid the ultimate sacrifice. I was heartened to hear that some of our refugees from Afghanistan were making plans to participate in local Remembrance services. Those who have fled Afghanistan and ultimately settled here have also served this country and put themselves and their families at very tremendous risk to do so. We are approaching the tenth anniversary of the arrival of our first refugee families who came from Syria to the isle of Bute late in 2015. Since then we have welcomed others from Ukraine, Sudan and Afghanistan. I am proud that we were one of the first local authority areas in Scotland to welcome refugees and even more proud of the welcome and support that local communities have offered to these families who have escaped unimaginably horrific circumstances. Our resettlement work is recognised nationally as good practice. In an ideal world there would be no need for people to flee in terror from their homes, but while that need exists, I am glad that they have been able to feel safe and welcome in our communities.
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4. CONCLUSION 4.1 This report highlights the activities of the Leader of Argyll and Bute Council for the period 15th September to 10th November 2025. Councillor Jim Lynch Leader, Argyll and Bute Council 10th November 2025 For further information please contact Aileen McNicol, Leadership Support and Member Services Manager, telephone 01546 604014 or email aileen.mcnicol@argyll-bute.gov.uk