Policy Leads Report
Argyll and Bute Council · 26 June 2025
Back to Argyll and Bute Council — 26 June 2025 and its agenda
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL COUNCIL 26th June 2025 POLICY LEADS REPORT 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 This report provides members with an update on key areas of activity for each Policy Lead Councillor. This aims to provide updates from all Policy Leads as regularly as possible, so that all members are informed, up-to-date and able to engage with current issues. This report covers the period since the last update provided to Council on 24th April up to 13th June 2025. 2. RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 Members are asked to consider the report. 3. POLICY LEAD FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT – Cllr Math Campbell- Sturgess 3.1 Introduction: This report provides an update on key activity in the Business Development portfolio, including economic development, employability, digital infrastructure, rural investment programmes and film/media promotion. 3.2 Economic development and regeneration: Rural Growth Deal (RGD): The Council’s RGD has now been signed off by both governments. Work continues with partners on priority projects including SAMS' Centre for Seaweed and Shellfish Innovation and Development at Dunstaffnage. Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF): We’ve secured £1.7m for the Luing Slate Quarry project and £250k for Fyne Futures. Work continues at Kilmory Business Park and Port Ellen Community Hub. Officers are addressing subsidy control requirements related to Luing.
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Tarbert Heritage and Place Programme: Following a successful National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) review, we are preparing two major funding bids (£850k to NLHF and c.£1m to Historic Environment Scotland) for summer 2025 submission. Focus is on place-making, housing needs, skills training and orientation improvements. CARS Programmes: Lochgilphead: Five priority buildings are now either complete or progressing well, with a sixth project approved. Three shopfront improvements are on track for June completion. Helensburgh: Priority Building 3 is progressing, with work likely to commence mid-June. All three owners of Priority Building 4 are now participating, with tender returns due end of May. 3.3 Business Gateway and UK Shared Prosperity Fund: The 2023–2025 Business Support Programme concluded with a 99.9% spend rate. Early impact data from 20 clients shows an impressive 43% increase in combined turnover and a 62% rise in FTE jobs. Transition year funding for 2025/26 (£200k) is already over 40% committed. Business Gateway supported: ● 152 new start-ups ● 301 existing businesses ● Customer satisfaction remains exceptionally high: 94%+ across all indicators Follow-up monitoring continues, and we await details of any post-UKSPF replacement scheme for 2026–27. 3.4 Employability Services: Despite annual funding cycles creating planning difficulties, strong outcomes were achieved: ● 472 individuals supported in 2024–25 (181 carried over from 2023–24, 291 new starts) ● 35% of new participants in 2024–25 moved into employment, with stronger results from those carried forward (49%)
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New service level agreements for 2025/26 have been signed with InspirAlba, Street League and Clyde Fishermen’s Trust. We continue to press for multi-annual funding commitments from the Scottish Government to enhance service stability. 3.5 Tourism: A range of tourism-related capital works progressed under the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund, including: ● Port Ellen motorhome site (opening imminent) ● Staffa conservation jetty work (Phase 2 fundraising underway) ● Glen Loin car park (application submitted) ● Clipper Race 2026: Oban has been confirmed as a host port 3.6 Film, Events and Creative Economy: Film production activity remains strong. Notable projects include: ● Jack of Spades (feature film by Joel Coen) filming at Kilberry and Kilmelford ● Whisky commercials in Oban and Easdale ● Anticipated location interest from major Hollywood director To date in 2025 there have been 34 filming enquiries and nine confirmed productions. Support continues for SEF-funded festivals, with Round 7 events now underway. 3.7 Digital Infrastructure and Resilience: Digital broadband coverage has improved slightly to 25% of premises with full fibre. Engagement with Openreach continues to monitor rollout across the region. Strategic meetings are planned to discuss the pace of delivery and local priorities. Digital resilience remains a concern, especially following recent storms. There is currently no identified funding for satellite phone support in community hubs but I will continue to work with officers to explore possibilities for resilience funding for communications for our more isolated areas.
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3.8 Community-led Local Development (CLLD): In 2024/25, £599,206 of CLLD funding supported 20 local projects. Key outcomes included community centres in Oban and Tiree, and youth and health initiatives across the area. The remaining underspend was less than £10k. The 2025/26 round is now live, with early grant allocations welcomed. 3.9 Islands Programme and Infrastructure: The Council has claimed £1.15m in funding for Tobermory and Tiree infrastructure in 2023/24. Funding for 2025/26 is anticipated and officers are preparing project proposals. Further updates will follow once allocations are confirmed. 3.10 Site Visits and Engagements: In mid-May, I undertook a two-day visit to Islay and Jura that had originally been planned for earlier in the year but postponed due to the weather (and I was lucky enough to have enjoyed near perfect weather this time around!). This visit allowed me to see first- hand the impact of Council-supported initiatives in our island communities, emerging economic opportunities, and the strength of community-led development. On Islay, I visited a range of local projects, including: ● Portintruan Distillery, currently under construction, where we saw the significant private investment being made in local production, jobs and training opportunities. ● Islay Development Initiative in Cornabus Forest, who outlined their plans to develop sustainable crofts and housing, and showcased their impressive community-run operations including a tree nursery, beekeeping, and recycling. ● Islay and Jura Community Enterprises, who operate the Mactaggart Leisure Centre in Bowmore, supported by both the Council’s Supporting Communities Fund and the Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) Fund. Their work continues to provide vital facilities for local residents.
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The itinerary also included visits to the Port Ellen Community Hub and motorhome facilities, Islay Energy Trust, the Islay Gaelic Centre, and local housing developments in Port Charlotte and Kilarrow. I also visited Jura, accompanied by Fergus Murray, Head of Development and Economic Growth, and ward councillor colleague Cllr Dougie McFadzean. My thanks to both for their time in putting the visit together. Our time on Jura included:
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● A meeting with Jura Development Trust to discuss infrastructure challenges and development opportunities. ● Visits to local enterprises such as The Antlers café and bistro, and Deer Island Rum. This visit was a valuable opportunity to see how public and private investment is being harnessed in our island communities, to support sustainable development, inclusive growth, and place-based regeneration. 4. POLICY LEAD FOR CARE SERVICES – Cllr Dougie McFadzean 4.1 Introduction: The following Policy Lead report outlines some of the recent challenges, opportunities and achievements of Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership. Like other health and social care partnerships across Scotland and indeed the whole of the UK, there are a number of current and future challenges to contend with, including funding, recruitment and retention, and growing demands on care provision. Argyll and Bute HSCP is actively tackling these challenges head-on. Our Integration Joint Board has begun holding its meetings in different locations across Argyll and Bute in an effort to connect better with our communities and colleagues. Our first such ‘travelling’ board meeting took place in Oban on Wednesday 28th May. The meeting was well attended in person and was well received by our colleagues. We’ll hopefully be meeting in Helensburgh and Dunoon in the coming months. 4.2 Finance: Our HSCP continues its work on establishing how it intends to address its financial pressures in the current year and for the 2026/27 financial year. It is anticipated that consultation with communities on the first proposals will start over the summer period. The scale of the projected deficit for 2026/27 is such that significant changes to service delivery are likely. The HSCP has been working with Hub North on a strategic review of residential care provision. The first stage is now complete and its findings have been reported to the Care Home and Housing Project Board and the Finance and Policy Committee. This work focusses on population modelling through to the 2040s, the condition of HSCP operated/council owned estate and the current capacity delivered by both independent and HSCP care homes. This work clearly demonstrates increasing demand along with a mismatch between current and future demand and capacity. Therefore it has been agreed that this work will proceed to the next stage which will look at options for addressing the issues raised in the stage 1 report.
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The refurbishment and re-modelling of the care home on Tiree is now in its final stages and an opening event is being planned in August. This project has been funded by the HSCP, Argyll and Bute Council and the Scottish Government Islands Programme. Staff accommodation issues are now being addressed by the HSCP and it now has eight additional residential rooms available to support recruitment of staff and/or to reduce accommodation costs associated with temporary staffing. These are mainly on islands at present, with six more anticipated to become available in the Oban area over the course of the summer. This has been enabled by the partnership project between the HSCP, Shelter and Argyll and Bute Council. Funding to enable this has been provided by the HSCP, the council Strategic Housing Fund and Shelter/the Scottish Government. This project also won the Innovation award at the UK Empty Homes Network conference in May 2025. 4.3 Children, Families and Justice Services: The Bairns Hoose was opened on 6th May 2025 with the first Scottish Child Interview Model interview taking place the following week. There is now an exemplary environment for children involved in the child protection system to both be interviewed and to receive support in their recovery from trauma. The opening was supported by staff from the core partners of police, social work, health and education. The crucial role of the Scottish Government in funding this development requires to be recognised.
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Grant funding has been received to support further Bairns Hoose developments over the next year. Focus will be on consolidating investigative practice, developing the recovery model and exploring how the service is further evolved to meet the needs of children in our remote and island communities. It is intended that West Dunbartonshire will make use of our facilities in Helensburgh. Extensive work is being carried out to stabilise Children and Families social work staffing levels. While staffing levels remain challenging, significant and immediate child protection matters will take priority. Self-evaluation and quality assurance work in relation to child protection processes within Argyll and Bute is continuing apace. We are investing in bringing managers from across the wider children’s partnership together for a series of face to face meetings. The aim remains examining and strengthening consistency and standardisation of processes and approaches. Statutory Social Work Team Managers come together every day in a ‘concern’ huddle to deal with any new issues raised over the course of the previous 24 hours. This is acting as a significant safety net. At the start of May the Care Inspectorate published a report on a thematic review of Social Work governance. Not unsurprisingly, they have reported that there is no consistent model of governance across Scotland with Social Work managed to varying degrees by councils and IJBs. It is recognised that there should be an overall Social Work Governance meeting for each local authority area. Time needs to be taken to digest and reflect on the report before advising on implications for Argyll and Bute. Strategic service reviews are continuing to progress across Children’s Health Services. Maternity services are likely to be the first to report. The aim is to future proof services taking into consideration demographic projections, budgetary constraints and anticipated need. 4.4 Health and Community Care: In line with the national picture, budget and staff pressures are affecting health and community care services. A Care at Home efficiency plan has been developed, which focuses on prioritising need more consistently. Work is ongoing to develop clear communication about what the HSCP is able to deliver or provide. The needs of the most vulnerable adults – those at end of life care or where there are protection concerns – continue to be prioritised.
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4.5 Care at Home: Discussion and workshops have taken place with front line carers as part of organisational redesign. The role of front-line carers is now being refreshed and evaluated as part of the process. A focus on reassessment and allocation of new resources is in place. We are supporting the delivery of care reviews and ensuring that within the finite funded resource we are prioritising care where it is required. 4.6 Care Homes Strategy: The strategic work on care home bed projections continues. It is important to note that the capital work on Thomson Court is at this moment in time paused because of lack of funding. We are exploring options to restart this development as the need for provision on Bute is well recognised. 4.7 Whole System Approach: A bid has been submitted to the Scottish Government for a whole systems approach sitting under the umbrella of unscheduled care which supports the integrated adult plan of bolstering community approaches. Services are joining to deliver a whole systems planning approach. 4.8 Hospital at Home: A bid for second year funding has gone in for the Oban Hospital at Home project with expansion and focus of GP and ambulance pathways and seven days working, as well as scoping of the functions of this approach beyond Oban. 4.9 Campbeltown Hospital: The hospital has coped well with six beds and has not required any escalations out with the area. Four-weekly reports are being sent to local Elected Members. There was a small fire in the hospital overnight on the 5th of May. No services or patients were affected. De-briefs are underway. 4.10 Strategic Planning, Performance and Technology: The Swan 2 Network upgrade has been successfully completed at Campbeltown Hospital ahead of schedule providing an upgraded infrastructure for our integrated staff group. On 27th May the final switchover to an upgraded digital telecare system will also be completed with commissioned partners Hanover. This will continue to be risk assessed and monitored and any business continuity planning upgraded as required. Pan-Highland area whole system strategic planning continues to develop with current scoping being undertaken with partners around transformation projects to support capacity and resource to expedite transformation delivery.
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Internal transformation is being refreshed with additional board oversight with Cllr Mulvaney supporting. Cllr Moreland is also providing additional oversight to the Hospital Dialysis Review in his capacity as co-chair of the Strategic Planning Group. The new strategic plan will be presented to the Integration Joint Board in September 2025 and, pending approval, will progress to consultation. Further to consultation the final plan will be presented to the IJB by March 2026. In the interim current priorities are maintained until this is in place. 5 POLICY LEAD FOR CLIMATE CHANGE, RENEWABLES AND NET ZERO – Cllr Luna Martin 5.1 No Mow May and Let It Bloom June: I was delighted to bring the Supporting our Pollinators motion to council which aims to support the “No Mow May” and Let it Bloom June” initiatives. These initiatives help to promote biodiversity and combat climate change by allowing more wildflowers and grasses to grow. This will help to create vital habitats for pollinators such as bees and butterflies which help to pollinate crops and maintain healthy and diverse ecosystems. I am hopeful that efforts will continue to support pollinators for many years to come and will allow Argyll and Bute to become a leading example of a thriving, biodiverse region.
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5.2 Scottish Government Climate Change Duties Consultation: The recent Scottish Government consultation on new statutory climate change guidance has been a constructive and significant development, offering clearer direction on how Argyll and Bute Council can most effectively enhance its response to the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change. This guidance specifically addresses how public bodies are to meet their three core statutory climate change duties: firstly, to act in the way best calculated to contribute to emissions reduction targets (mitigation); secondly, to act in the way best calculated to help deliver Scotland’s National Adaptation Plan (adaptation); and thirdly, to act in a way that the Council considers most sustainable. The draft guidance provided a comprehensive framework, outlining practical expectations for these duties across all council functions. To ensure a robust and representative view, the consultation document was shared extensively across all council services, inviting diverse perspectives and expertise from every part of the organisation. This wide engagement was invaluable, allowing us to develop a holistic and well- considered response that reflects our collective understanding. The response was subsequently approved by the Climate Change Board early May and formally submitted on 19th May 2025. 5.3 Burnet Building, Campbeltown – Successful Low Carbon Adaptation: The successful stabilisation of the Grade A-listed Burnet Building in Campbeltown provides a compelling local exemplar of Argyll and Bute Council’s commitment to innovative and low-carbon climate adaptation measures for our significant built heritage. This historic asset, constructed on 19th-century reclaimed land, faced escalating structural challenges directly attributable to current climate change impacts.
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In response, the Council sanctioned the use of Geobear’s geopolymer resin injection technology. This cutting-edge, minimally disruptive technique effectively stabilised the building, and critically, delivered substantial environmental benefits. Compared to the estimated 65 tonnes of CO₂ emissions from traditional underpinning methods, this innovative solution generated only approximately 14.3 tonnes, achieving a carbon saving of nearly 78% (around 50.7 tonnes CO₂). This outcome directly supports our statutory climate change duties and emissions reduction targets. The Burnet Building project therefore not only secures a valuable community and Council asset for the future but also serves as an important model for addressing similar climate-related structural vulnerabilities elsewhere. 5.4 Positive progress: ACT to deliver Kilmory Woodland and Garden Plans: We are pleased to report significant positive progress in our nature restoration efforts. Following effective cross-service collaboration, a Service Level Agreement has now been successfully finalised and issued to our key environmental delivery partner, Argyll & Isles Coast & Countryside Trust (ACT). This achievement unlocks vital Nature Restoration Funding. It enables ACT to proceed with two important foundational projects: the development of a comprehensive Woodland Management Plan for the Kilmory Estate, aligning with Scottish Forestry's best practice, and the creation of a
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Business Case for the future restoration of the historic Kilmory Walled Garden. These initial projects are crucial for supporting the Council's biodiversity objectives and will inform future nature-based solutions. They will also complement the strategic development of the Kilmory Business Park by helping to integrate sustainable land management and enhance local amenity value. Furthermore, this work will pave the way for potential future funding applications and wider community engagement, contributing positively to Argyll and Bute's natural heritage. 6 POLICY LEAD FOR COMMUNITY PLANNING AND CORPORATE SERVICES – Cllr Mark Irvine 6.1 Introduction: It’s been another busy and highly productive period across Community Planning and Corporate Services, and I want to take a moment to express my thanks to all our officers and teams for their continued energy, professionalism, and commitment. 6.2 Governance: We’ve now begun the consultation for the first stage of the four-yearly review of the Council’s Scheme of Establishment for Community Councils. This initial eight-week consultation phase runs until Sunday 22nd June 2025 and will then be reported to the Policy and Resources Committee. It’s a great opportunity to build on what we’ve learned over the past four years—particularly in relation to the complaints process—and I’m grateful to the team for their thoughtful work in shaping this review. Looking ahead, preparations for the Scottish Parliament Elections in May 2026 are already underway. The team are making great strides on the early groundwork, ensuring we’ll be well positioned for the year ahead. Thanks to an award of up to £100K from the Place Based Investment Fund, we’re also progressing with the replacement of analogue CCTV systems with modern IP (Internet Protocol) -compliant systems. This will mean a more reliable and effective service for Police Scotland and our communities. 6.3 Licensing and Related Matters: The new 10 per cent taxi fare increase, approved by the PPSL Committee, came into effect on 22nd April. In line with Committee decisions, a company has been commissioned to carry out a new taxi survey across Argyll and Bute.
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The work is well underway, and I appreciate the team’s efforts in engaging operators and progressing this vital research. 6.4 Compliance and Regulatory: Our teams continue to deliver outstanding support to those most in need. Through Welfare Rights intervention, £1.51 million in financial gains were achieved in March and April alone. This includes: £141,440 for those affected by cancer, through our Macmillan Partnership £119,860 via referrals through the Welfare Advice and Health Partnership (WAHP) project in the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area. My thanks go to the officers supporting this essential, life-changing work helping the most vulnerable in our communities. 6.5 Member Zone: One longstanding improvement I’d discussed with the team is the ability to ‘drop a pin’ while travelling in rural parts of my ward— something not always easy to do when time and conditions are tight. I’m pleased that the service is now exploring ways to enhance Member Zone with this functionality. It’s not a top-tier priority, but a really useful idea that could make life easier for us all and benefit our communities through more accurate reporting. 6.6 iTrent: Thanks to additional funding approved by Policy and Resources Committee in early May, the iTrent remediation work is progressing well. The team is growing, and I appreciate the effort going into strengthening capacity. 6.7 Performance Excellence: The draft corporate plan was approved by Policy and Resources in May and will now be considered at full Council in this June meeting. Chief Officers have already begun looking closely at Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the plan, with further sessions planned to explore how the Local Government Benchmarking Framework might align. A recent dashboard demo at the Senior Leadership Forum was very well received, and work on the Corporate Improvement Plan (including Best Value recommendations) is also advancing steadily. 6.8 Flexible Retirement: The changes to our policy, enabling those aged 55+ to apply for flexible retirement, were approved by the Policy and Resources Committee and are now being implemented. A meaningful improvement, and thanks to all involved in taking it forward.
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6.9 ICT: With 59 staff and responsibility for 200+ systems, ICT supports around 2,000 users across offices, schools, and home working setups. Socitm (Society for Innovation, Technology and Modernisation) Benchmarking continues to rank the Council’s service among the most cost-efficient and high-performing in the UK. That’s no small feat—and it’s thanks to the dedication of engineers, cyber teams, developers, and support staff. Well done to all. In May, the Compliance and Security team conducted a targeted phishing exercise with 100 high-risk users. This proactive test helps strengthen awareness and forms part of our broader resilience strategy. I’ve had good conversations with the team about our posture and I’m reassured that we’re not just resilient, but forward-thinking when it comes to cyber threats. 6.10 MS365 and AI: The new AI Policy was approved in May, and training materials are being added to the Hub, with sessions for councillors also planned. I’m particularly pleased to see the uptake of SOCITM/Microsoft’s free Digital Champion training in June—with Council staff among those attending. We’re also preparing for a pilot deployment of Microsoft Copilot, starting with a security assessment and recommendations ahead of the proof-of- concept project over the summer. As we adopt AI tools, we’re rightly placing equal importance on training, governance, and data protection. 6.11 Education Network Transformation: A major project is underway to overhaul and modernise the education network. This work will support secure, high-speed learning environments capable of enabling digital tools like AI, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality, and gaming-based learning. Officers are leading on technical upgrades, including a migration from SWAN1 to SWAN2 and improvements to content filtering and authentication—making digital classrooms more efficient and less disruptive. 6.12 Communications Team: We continue to balance reactive support with proactive development. The team are currently supporting: Tobermory Campus Helensburgh Leisure Centre Rothesay Pavilion Council and committee decisions
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We’re also progressing communications work, including: ‘You Said, We Did’ – clarifying how community feedback informs council action Weekly news round-ups, media FOIs and public enquiries Looking ahead, priorities will be the summer social media campaign and a review of the Council’s social media policy. And finally, I’m delighted to say we’re finalists in the PRCA Awards under the ‘Digital and Social Media’ category for our Christmas recycling campaign. Huge congratulations to the team on this recognition—you continue to do an excellent job. Fingers crossed for a win in November! 7 POLICY LEAD FOR EDUCATION – Cllr Audrey Forrest 7.1 The Promise, Scotland: Fraser McKinley, Chief Executive of The Promise Scotland, was delivering the opening keynote speech at a recent national conference. During a Q&A session he referenced the ‘excellent’ work being done in A&B education services to keep the promise. He said that in a lot of areas Keeping the Promise is still seen as a role predominantly for children’s services, however in A&B education are really driving change and modelling good practice for other areas. 7.2 Head Teacher Conference: The latest Head Teacher Conference took place on 30th April at the Corran Halls, Oban. The event was facilitated by the Mudd Partnership and focused on Strategic Leadership. The Mudd Partnership work with leaders in the public, private and third sector to support leadership development.
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Edward Taylor, a Primary 5 pupil at Craignish Primary School has been crowned the winner of Argyll and Bute’s regional heat in the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists’ (RCSLT) VoiceBox competition – a national joke-telling contest designed to raise awareness of the fun and importance of communication. The national final is being held on 5th June in the Scottish Parliament – good luck Edward! 7.3 STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths: 24 of our schools engaged in an interdisciplinary STEM project, Climate Smarter. This culminated in a celebratory event at Corran Halls, Oban in May and was a great success. 155 pupils and 59 parents/teachers attended the event, showcasing their final projects and participating in various workshops and talks from 20 industry professionals, as well as the Argyll and Bute STEM team. The standard of work was exemplary and a credit to our teachers and pupils. Prosper have committed to delivering the project again in Argyll and Bute over the next two years. The winners were: Climate Smarter Winner - Small Isles Primary School Climate Smarter 2nd - Park Primary School Climate Smarter 3rd - Tayvallich Primary School STEM Challenge - Winner: Taynuilt Primary School STEM Challenge - Runner up: Bowmore Primary School Well done to all involved! 7.4 Developing the Young Workforce (DYW): Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) funding has been secured from the Scottish Government for two further years. This will allow DYW and Education to continue their partnership work in supporting young people to understand and develop the skills and attributes needed to achieve and sustain positive employment destinations post-school. Particular targets for the coming year include: instigating partnerships with those Argyll and Bute businesses and employers with whom schools do not yet have links Increasing the number of bespoke, personalised work placements for young people Supporting those young people most in need of employability support through further developing DYW partnership with MCR Pathways and InspirAlba.
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Recruiting a further DYW Co-ordinator to ensure employability support extends to children and young people across primary schools and to those who are part of our neuro-diverse community. The DWY Conference was held at the Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre on 13th June 2025. The theme of this year’s event was Enterprise and Entrepreneurship and how we can develop entrepreneurial skills in our children and young people that will help them to build the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed in the world of work. We heard from a range of guest speakers and held a number of interactive workshops designed to meet the needs of all our partners. I had the pleasure of delivering the closing remarks at the conference which was, as always, an enjoyable and well received event. Thanks to everyone who helped to organise such a successful day. 7.5 Community Learning: Community Learning, for which the Council’s Education Service has statutory responsibility, had a very successful return visit from HMIe in the spring, as a follow-up to their Progress Visit of January 2024. HMIe inspectors recognised ongoing improvement in the key areas they had previously highlighted, specifically in the quality of Community Learning’s planning and evaluation cycle. They were confident that Community Learning in Argyll and Bute is in a good position to maintain improvement and continue to support and empower learners across all Argyll and Bute’s communities. 7.6 Rights Respecting Schools: We are now only one school away from having 100% of our schools accredited in relation to their RRS journey. We believe this will be achieved before the end of term. The RRS Award recognises those schools who create safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive. Embedding these values in daily school life gives children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens.
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8 POLICY LEAD FOR FINANCE AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES – Cllr Ross Moreland 8.1 Financial Services: Annual Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025: At the time of writing, the team are working on completion of the statutory annual accounts for the year ended 31st March 2025. This is a significant and highly technical piece of work that requires to be completed in accordance with proper accounting practice and by the statutory deadline of 30th June 2025. There has been one major change to the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom 2024-25, with the adoption of IFRS16 Leases from 1st April 2024. This introduces new technical accounting requirements for leases and lease type arrangements and extends to our PPP arrangements in respect of the school estate (DBFM and NPDO contracts). The team has engaged with MUFG, our current treasury advisors, to provide specialist technical services in this respect. Budget Outlook 2026-27 to 2030-31: The Budget Outlook reported to the Policy and Resources Committee on 8th May 2025 outlined a projected budget gap of £9.6m for 2026-27 rising to £33.8m by 2030-31, based on the mid-range scenario. The Budget Outlook continues to be monitored on an ongoing basis and reported through the Policy and Resources Committee. Benefits: Housing Benefit speed of processing performance has been strong during the 2024/25 financial year. From 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025, new claims were processed in an average of 14.67 days, and changes in circumstances in 3.35 days. Both are within our internal target of 21 days for new claims and six days for changes. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published national performance data covering the period 1st April 2024 to 31st December 2024, during which our average processing times were 12 days for new claims and four days for changes in circumstances. This compares favourably with the Scottish averages of 20 days and six days respectively. This strong performance supports timely access to Housing Benefit, helping to reduce the risk of rent arrears and promoting housing stability for claimants. Council Tax: Council Tax collection performance in 2024/25 was strong, with £1.234 million collected above the Council’s budgeted income of £63.278 million. This positive outcome reflects improved collection rates,
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continued recovery efforts, and successful implementation of policy measures. Second Homes: Council Tax income collected specifically in respect of second homes for the 2024/2025 year was £3.864 million, £0.115 million more than was budgeted. Work is underway with services across the Council to review the impact of the policy to charge double Council Tax on Second Homes. Non Domestic Rates (NDR): In 2024/25, the Council recovered 93.51% of the total Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) billed for the current year. While this represents a slight decrease in percentage terms compared to the previous year, it is important to note that there were significant late-year changes to the NDR valuation roll. On 30 March 2025, the Assessor implemented rateable value increases exceeding £3 million. In terms of the national picture and the year end processing for 2024/25, the Council contributed £46.985 million to the national Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) pool, an additional £5.780 million more than the Scottish Government’s guaranteed distributable amount of £41.205 million for Argyll and Bute for the year. Scottish Welfare Fund: In 2024/25, the Council spent a total of £549,134 through Community Care Grants and Crisis Grants, providing vital support to the most vulnerable members of our community. This funding helped individuals remain in their homes, avoid the need for residential care, and recover from personal crises or emergencies. This level of spend exceeded the £458,254 in core programme funding provided by the Scottish Government. However, it was managed within the overall resources available, and the full amount of additional top-up funding provided by the Scottish Government in February 2025 was not required. The year-end underspend will be carried forward into 2025/26 as a specifically earmarked reserve, ensuring continuity of support into the new financial year. We have continued to maximise use of the SWF to ensure that people who are eligible receive appropriate and timely assistance when most needed.
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Discretionary Housing Payments: In 2024/25, the Council spent £968,036 in Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) funding against a total programme allocation of £1,069,525. These funds play a key role in helping households sustain their tenancies and avoid homelessness. DHP funding is allocated across three categories: Benefit cap mitigation Bedroom tax mitigation Local Housing Allowance (LHA) reform and other financial hardship- related DHPs The Council’s year-end return to the Scottish Government confirms that all funding provided to mitigate the benefit cap was fully utilised. However, there was a slight underspend in the bedroom tax category. Spend relating to Local Housing Allowance reform and wider financial hardship remains particularly low. This highlights the need to consider a targeted take-up strategy, especially aimed at tenants in the private rented sector who are in rent arrears but may not be aware of their eligibility for support. To address this, a new DHP policy is being developed. It will include relaxation of the current financial hardship criteria, allowing greater flexibility to support those facing genuine and ongoing financial difficulties. It is anticipated that the revised policy will be presented to Council for consideration later in 2025. Visitor Levy: The consultation period for the proposed Visitor Levy closed on 10th April 2025. The Council received over 3,500 responses, following extensive engagement efforts with businesses, residents, and visitors to gather views on the proposed levy. To support an objective evaluation of the feedback, external consultants have been appointed to analyse the responses. A full report is expected to be presented to Council later in 2025. 8.2 Commercial Services: Catering and Cleaning Service wins two national awards: The service has been successful in securing two national awards for the wild venison in schools pilot:- Winner of ‘Best Sustainability Project in UK’ at the Public Sector Catering Awards held in London on 24th April 2025
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Winner of the ‘Sustainability’ Award at the ASSIST 2025 Scottish National Awards The Catering team, in collaboration with Education and Procurement, and supporting the local start-up company, Wild Jura, have introduced venison to children and young people on Islay and Jura, who may not have previously had access to this locally sourced product. The project enables the company to provide venison cuts to local businesses, which previously required transportation from the mainland. The initiative promotes community wealth-building and educates young people about making healthy food choices. By replacing more traditional mainland meat products (like chicken or beef) from a national supplier, Wild Jura venison reduces food miles, contributing to sustainability. Additionally, the required culling of deer to manage the population on Jura helps prevent overgrazing, which can damage vegetation and hinder biodiversity, supporting Scotland’s net-zero and environmental goals. The children have also been influential in development of the menu’s and learning about the importance of food provenance, local food, sustainable wildlife management and supporting local businesses. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and Sophie, also called in to Small Isles Primary School on Jura during their Scottish islands visit in May and enjoyed sampling the venison meals. Moving forward, the Council are keen to explore further opportunities across Argyll and Bute and potentially expand this initiative to more schools.
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Helensburgh Waterfront Development (Commercial Area): Following the report tabled at Policy and Resources Committee on 15th August 2024, officers have been implementing the agreed recommendations, including proceeding with negotiations to agree detailed Heads of Terms with Forrest Developments Ltd for the sale of the Helensburgh Waterfront commercial area, with the provisionally agreed terms to be reported to a future Policy and Resources Committee. Helensburgh Leisure Centre (HLC): Following my previous update to Council in April 2025 regarding the devastating effects of Storm Eowyn, Property Services continue to work hard to assist with the recovery work across the Council estate. I recently visited HLC with Councillor Mulvaney and officers to see first-hand the progress that has been made so far and would like to thank all involved for their hard work. With specific regard to HLC the following update can be provided:- - The roof has been damaged to such an extent that the entire roofing system requires to be removed and re-laid layer by layer. A technical specification for the roofing repairs works is in progress and nearing completion. - As a result of almost 60% of outer roofing materials being lost during the storm, an internal rainwater capture system has been installed to protect the internals from further water damage, whilst allowing roofing contractors to work on the building from above. These measures have been recommended by the insurers and disaster recovery experts. - Discussions and tendering with contractors are underway with regard to our specific technical and operational requirements. - Ongoing discussions with loss adjustors and insurers who are progressing our claim. - Alternative arrangements are in place to allow for gym and fitness classes to operate.
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In terms of a timescale for re-opening, the aim is achieve this as soon as practicable. It is not possible at this time to give a definite timescale due to the various key steps and survey works/repairs that are ongoing. The timescale for completion will be dependent on those and also on the availability of the roofing materials, availability of specialist labour and sequencing of the repairs. Based on the information available at the moment, a reasonable estimate for reopening could be no later than the first quarter of the calendar year 2026. Further updates will be provided when in a position to do so. Tobermory Campus Project: A key milestone was marked on 14th May 2025 when all key partners involved in the project met at Kilmory to launch Hub Stage 1 and Stage 2. The session outlined progress to date and discussed the design strategy, the programme, cost plan, procurement, risks and opportunities. Another key step in the project is to launch a statutory education consultation, as required under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. A proposal paper for the relocation of the existing campus to the new build site in Tobermory South was tabled at the Community Services Committee on 5th June, where it was agreed:- “to adopt the draft Proposal, as set out in Appendix 1, as a “Relevant Proposal” that is now to proceed to a statutory consultation under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, in accordance with the timeframe as set out with the draft Proposal Paper”. As per the proposal paper, a public meeting will be held at the Tobermory 2-18 campus to consult on the proposal to relocate the current Tobermory 2-18 Campus to a new purpose-built 2-18 campus school building. All updates and information in respect of the project can be found on the dedicated webpages here. Kilmory Business Park: Work is well underway at the new Kilmory Business Park on the outskirts of Lochgilphead, having made the most of the welcomed dry and sunny start to summer. Road formation is well progressed and utilities and infrastructure are in the process of being laid. This is a joint venture in terms of land and funding from the Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and local business M & K MacLeod. The new business park will provide new commercial spaces to serve Mid Argyll and beyond and there are already tenants associated with the renewables sector and power transmission in situ.
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The Council will retain ownership of several serviced business sites and provide opportunities for future economic growth and investment in our area. The infrastructure works are scheduled to be completed late in 2025. Ground has also recently been broken at the other new Council Business Park at Oban Airport and more updates will follow in future reports. Events Team: The Events Team have also made the most of the recent warm and sunny weather conditions by hosting a number of successful events at the Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre. These included a large Communion, Rave on the Clyde, the annual weekend long Beer and Gin Festival as well as several weddings. Several thousand revellers and guests have enjoyed the facilities and brought a buzz into the town centre, local businesses, restaurants and bars during these events. A family day event is proposed again for the Front Green on Lochgilphead on the 28th June 2025.
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9 POLICY LEAD FOR PLANNING AND REGULATORY SERVICES – Cllr Kieron Green 9.1 Introduction: In April and May I chaired meetings of the Planning, Protective Services and Licensing (PPSL) committee on the 9th April, 23rd April, and 21st May, the Licensing Board on 22nd April and a number of Local Review Bodies, Civic Licensing Hearings and Short Term Lets Hearings. I was present during the Customer Service Excellence Audit for Building Standards on 1st May in Helensburgh. At this the auditor reviewed evidence presented by officers, was able to see first-hand locations where the team had involvement with dangerous buildings, and spoke with stakeholders and partners, customers and agents, and staff. Four further assessed elements have now met a compliance plus level, which now make up over half of those in the standard. This thoroughly deserved result reflects the commitment of the service to engaging with customers, responding to feedback, and going above and beyond to meet expectations. The COSLA Environment and Economy Board meeting on 2nd May saw discussions around mandatory national training for Councillors taking planning decisions and the potential introduction of a cruise ship levy. 9.2 Development Management: New casework during 2025/26 remains at levels which place a heavy demand on existing resources. However performance by teams has been excellent, and supported by additional resource the trend of reducing outstanding items has now continued for eight successive quarters. The Central Validation Team consistently works to a target of undertaking a first check within five working days from receipt. New householder applications can now be expected to be determined in an average of under eight weeks, discounting delays outside the control of the planning authority, with other new local applications having an average determination time of under 12 weeks. Planning fee income was £496k over budget during 2024/25, and requests have been made to carry forward the following: £50k to support additional use of agency staff to process ‘legacy’ applications, £100k to continue with consultation contracts, £250k as a contingency should representation be necessary at Public Local Inquiries, and £86k for a temporary graduate planner post. The National Planning Improvement Framework (NPIF) Report Self- Assessment Report was discussed with stakeholders on 27th March, with positive feedback indicating that the improvement actions proposed were
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generally in alignment with customer requirements and expectations of the Planning Service. 9.3 Development Policy: An updated Local Development Plan 3 (LDP3) Development Plan Scheme has been approved by PPSL that provides an improved alignment of timescales with the Oban and Helensburgh Strategic Development Frameworks, and the Housing Need and Demand Assessment. Feeding in to the LDP3 process, mapping for 20 minute neighbourhoods is being progressed. A letter issued by the Chief Planner and Minister for Public Finance on 28th April provides updates on the annual review of the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), a review of guidance on flood risk, the publication of draft Biodiversity planning guidance, and the introduction of six-monthly reporting on timescales for the production of a new LDP, with the expectation that these should be in place by May 2028. 9.4 Building Standards: Argyll and Bute Building Standards team received the Scottish Local Authority Building Standards Scotland award in the category of Outstanding Service and Commitment for supporting eight other local authorities over nine years through commercialisation work. With this being on top of the results for the Customer Service Excellence Audit, the Scottish Government National Performance Award in November as well as individual staff successes in gaining personal qualifications, the team are to be congratulated on their successes. During 2024/25 income exceeded expenditure by £95,659, with approval being sought to carry this forward to fund the Building Standards Investment Plan 2025-27. Initial income for 2025/26 is comparable with 24/25 levels, but the lack of commercial income forecast this year due to falling demand for warrants across Scotland poses a budget pressure. As part of the Building Standards Investment Plan 25/27 a Building Standards Inspector post has been created to focus on carrying out inspections during construction. 9.5 Regulatory Services: An online application, charges, and payment system is now in place for Section 50 Food Hygiene Certificates, delivering on one of the budget savings for 2025/26. Successful recruitment to posts within the Animal Health and Welfare, and Food Safety Teams will support ongoing operations in these areas, although it remains challenging to attract Environmental Health Officers.
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Alternative career pathways have been developed although at present some vacancies remain. The Scottish Government have confirmed the Private Water Supply Emergency Bottled Water Scheme will continue for 2025, with Local Authorities and Scottish Water reimbursed for supporting individuals and communities. Where there is a loss of supply, or insufficient wholesome water to households in domestic properties on private water supplies, this allows for bottled water to be collected from storage points by individuals. 9.6 Short Term Lets: The team is continuing to prioritise new applications for licences, whilst making steady inroads into the number from existing operators. With over 2,400 licences already determined, and under 900 remaining, maintaining the current progress of around 200 determinations a month should see accumulated applications cleared by Autumn this year. Progress is also being made with developing renewals procedures, revisions to the Short Term Let Policy, and reviewing finances. Permanent staffing to handle Short Term Lets Licensing is to be a Team Lead, two Licensing Officers and four Licensing Assistants, with Temporary Licensing Assistants added during periods of high workload. 10 POLICY LEAD FOR ROADS, TRANSPORT AND AMENITY SERVICES – Cllr John Armour 10.1 Introduction: Since my last report to Council in April 2025, I have continued to have regular catch ups with Council officers and partners such as HiTRANS, Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd and others, as well as attending meetings such as the Craignure Marine Infrastructure Liaison meeting. I have done my best to capture as much of this as possible in this report, however with such a wide ranging remit it is not possible to capture every piece of work which is ongoing. As always, if anyone has any queries or questions they would like me to pick up, I will be happy to try to assist. Here are some of the works that have been taking place since my last report. 10.2 Ferries: Since my appointment as Policy Lead, I have been keen to find out more about how each service works and get out and about to hear from those on the ground. I had a very productive and informative day at the three mainland Council run ferries with Scott Reid (Marine Operations Manager) and Robert Paton (Ferries Technical Officer).
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I travelled from Cuan to Luing, Seil to Easdale and from Port Appin to Lismore. I was most interested to hear from the crew on all the vessels and it gave me a great insight into the work they do and the challenges that they and islanders face. It was also good to meet some locals who were keen to give me their views on the service. It was a really enjoyable day and has allowed me to be much more informed on the workings of our ferry network. I also plan to visit the Port Askaig to Jura Ferry sometime soon. 10.3 Rest and Be Thankful Taskforce Meeting: I attended a meeting of the Rest and Be Thankful Taskforce on 29th May which was chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, Fiona Hyslop. A number of points were raised during this meeting:- The Cabinet Secretary met with the Head of News at BBC Scotland to discuss the importance of accuracy in reporting on the Rest and Be Thankful works and road status, given the potential impact on local residents and businesses as well as visitors planning journeys to Argyll and Bute. This was a positive discussion and the points made were taken on board. Discussions were had in respect of more business resilience being built up at the request of the Cabinet Secretary, and it was noted that contact with road haulage firms would take place with a view to getting more engagement with different sectors such as tourism and farmers. With this in mind, Transport Scotland will be arranging round table events with relevant sectors as mentioned above to ensure effective engagement, as well as Argyll and Bute Council.
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Phase 1 has been completed on the lower section of the RABT (last year), and the current fencing works above the A83 are due to be completed later this year, all going well round about August. Update on medium to long term works: The legislative process is ongoing for the relevant solutions with the Objection period having closed. Structural Soils Ltd are currently working through the objections at present, as it is a restricted process no further details re objections can be released at this time. Structural Soils Ltd have received representation outside the consultation in relation to avoid works on Fridays which they are looking to reprogramme where able, and also about scope to avoid programming any works during the Inveraray Highland Games. Structural Soils Ltd showed the group some slides to demonstrate the time needed in relation to these works and why they require full closure of the A83. The pictures below show the size of the cranes required and how far they are extending to. Further discussions were had on the issues locally with closures and Transport Scotland reiterated that they will only close the road when necessary. I raised issues with scrub cutting along the A83 and asked that when this is going on, Transport Scotland cut higher up the tree as it is damaging HGVs.
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10.4 Support for No Mow May and Let It Bloom June: The Council agreed to support the No-Mow-May and Let-It-Bloom-June campaigns, run by the organisation Plantlife, as examples of easy ways to encourage natural grass and wildflower growth which play a part in supporting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Research from The Butterfly Conservation organisation reports that more than half of UK butterfly species are now in long term decline. There are over 20 million gardens in the UK, so even the smallest areas allowed to flourish can deliver environmental benefits for nature, people and places. The Council is now considering what it can do to support the objectives of initiatives such as No Mow May within the context of its overall grass- cutting and local maintenance programmes and available resources. This will include reviewing all the green spaces for which the Council has responsibility. This includes everything from parks to land around council buildings, school facilities to play parks, and other open spaces such as roadside verges. An example of the Council’s current maintenance schedule is for roadside verges, it cuts a one metre strip of roadside verge which includes the services and sightlines. The timing of cut fits with encouraging a second flush of flowering plants whilst retaining wild plants out with this strip. Maintenance plans are reviewed annually, and local teams work with community led projects to improve plant diversity without compromising road safety. The Council has a large land estate and to give some idea of scale, we cut 32.4 million square metres of grass each year - we know that our communities expect a standard of care for our green spaces so balancing the practicalities of that with protecting pollinators and their habitats will take careful consideration and planning, and the support of local groups. It is important work and we have to get it right for our environment and our people. Officers will consult with the Policy Lead for Climate Change, Renewables and Net Zero and myself on the review of the grass cutting programme. There will then be a report back to the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee. 10.5 Roads Reconstruction Programme: Officers continue to work hard to deliver the Roads Capital Programme, details of which can be found here Roads Capital Programme 2025/26 | Argyll and Bute Council The Council have also been successful in getting £150,353 of Strategic Timber Transport Scheme (STTS) funding for A819 at Electric Cottage.
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This will be phase 5 of the project which has seen funding support from STTS over several years to this point – well done to officers for achieving this funding. 10.6 A816 Rockfall: You will be aware of the rockfall on the A816 (just north of Ardfern, towards Craobh Haven), which resulted in the road being partially closed on 4th April 2025. Officers undertook works to clear the debris straightaway, which included:- Creating an earth ramp to get the machinery up the slope to begin work and remove the loose rock; Building ‘benches’ or flat steps into the slope so that any other loose rock will land on the flat areas and not fall onto the road; Clearing loose materials from the benches Forming a row of concrete blocks, two metres offset from the road edge, at the bottom of the slope as a permanent barrier against further debris reaching the road. The road was subject to one lane being open, managed by traffic lights to ensure the travelling public could continue their day to day activities. The road is now back to two lanes with a two metre verge to the blocks protecting the road from any further loose rocks – our thanks go out to all officers and partners involved in getting this road re-opened and made safe for the public. 10.7 Drone Technology: For a number of years now, Council officers have been working with drone technology and have conducted a number of successful trials across the region. The Council collaborated with private company Skyports to carry out a large volume of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) trials over the west coast of Scotland. Completed last August, the year-long project received funding totalling £250,000 through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s Regulators’ Pioneer Fund (RPF) and a report on the trials has now been approved by Councillors. The aim of the project was to examine the feasibility of creating low- density airspace over rural areas that would enable drones to be deployed safely alongside regularly scheduled manned aircraft. The Council carried out trials for school meal deliveries and worked with partners including
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Royal Mail and NHS on deliveries of mail, medication to hospitals and equipment between Islay and Jura. The Roads and Infrastructure Service also arranged trials for use in vegetation management along the River Ba on Mull while Scottish and Southern Electric Networks used drones for a transmission powerline from Dunoon to Arrochar. Network Rail also deployed the technology on railway inspections between Taynuilt and Dalmally. While discussions are still ongoing with the Civil Aviation Authority, these trials have been extremely valuable in establishing the benefits drones would bring to delivery of services in Argyll and Bute. A key aspect of the report involves outlining the benefits and impacts drone services can bring to remote island communities and seeing how this could help the expansion of drone networks within these areas. It also enhances the feasibility of establishing a permanent drone base such as the Advanced Air Mobility Hub at Oban Airport, which has been allocated £4 million through the Rural Growth Deal programme subject to a successful business case being approved. 10.8 Play Parks: Works in Kintyre play parks have started, with the anticipated duration of works taking around six to eight weeks for completion – I am looking forward to seeing the finished articles and our young people enjoying these newly improved spaces. Officers continue to progress works in relation to play parks across Argyll and Bute and updates will continue to be provided to members by the service. In late 2024, the Council worked with local people and groups, who co- designed the playpark, to ensure that children and young people in Tarbert have a wonderful outdoor facility which contributes to their mental and physical health and wellbeing – as well as being simply a great place to play outside. Many people have been involved in bringing this vision to life, but one of those who campaigned so passionately for a playpark in Tarbert is sadly no longer with us to see the enjoyment it brings to the community. The late Councillor John McAlpine played a key role in ensuring that this project was able to secure the funding it needed to make it a reality and was tireless in his determination to ensure that the village he loved so much could benefit from a new playpark. Sadly, John passed away in July 2022 and did not see the results of his hard work and dedication.
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Following discussions with his family and the local community and given his service to the community over many years, a very fitting tribute to John would be for the new playpark to bear his name and this has been considered initially at the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee. 11. CONCLUSION 11.1 This report provides members with an update on each of the Policy Lead portfolios. Policy Lead Councillors will be happy to discuss any particular issues with colleagues as required. Argyll and Bute Council – Policy Lead Councillors Report – 13th June 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