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“We must keep fighting for ������Ƶapp. Everyone who cares about ������Ƶapp must continue striving for the successful future it deserves and can achieve.” These were the words of ������Ƶapp Council’s Leader on the day the Council set its budget for 2020/21. Councillor Aileen Morton said:

The Leader of ������Ƶapp Council has welcomed an additional £954,000 from the Scottish Government for island ferry services. Councillor Aileen Morton said: “������Ƶapp Council delivers a number of services other councils don’t have to, for example ferry services. We have been doing a lot of work therefore to raise awareness of ������Ƶapp’s unique challenges with decision-makers.

A world-wide audience heard about ������Ƶapp’s potential as a centre of seaweed farming excellence earlier this week at the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association (SSIA) conference in Oban. Members of the Economic Growth Team presented the council-commissioned Seaweed Farming Feasibility Study which sets out a template for setting up and running a seaweed farming business from conception right through to selling products to consumers. The report was produced by the SAMS Research Service (SRSL) and funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)

The Leader of ������Ƶapp Council has thanked members of the public for their help in making budget decisions. Councillor Aileen Morton said: “We would love to be able to do everything our communities want us to do, and to have everyone satisfied with the decisions the council makes about its budget.

Three members of the team at Oban Airport received long service medals from Depute Lord Lieutenant Andrew Campbell, at the airport, on 18 February. Tom Eddleston, Senior Airport Fire Officer, and Murray MacGregor, Crew Commander have both served at Oban Airport for 13 years. John McDonald, Airport Firefighter, has reached 12 years with the airport.

The achievements of ������Ƶapp’s young people were recognised at a prestigious award ceremony in Dunoon last week. A total of 34 finalists attended the 2020 ������Ƶapp Youth Awards in the Queens Hall for what was a very humbling and emotional evening. The winners were as follows:

������Ƶapp’s council has had its Scottish Government funding cut by more than the Scottish average, meaning millions of pounds will have to be cut from council budgets in 2020/21. ������Ƶapp’s capital budget (for investment in roads, schools and other assets) has been cut by 21% compared to the Scottish average of 17%. Its revenue budget (for the day to day running of services) has been cut by 1.4% compared to the Scottish average of 1%. Council Leader, Councillor Aileen Morton slammed the cuts:

Business contacts were made and orders were generated when members of Food from Argyll showcased the area’s exceptional food and drink, and the benefits of living and working in ������Ƶapp, at Scotland’s Speciality Food Show, at Glasgow’s SECC, in January. The show attracts buyers from delicatessens, farm shops, and specialist food retailers from throughout Scotland and the North of England. More than 4500 visitors attended the show, over three days.

People across ������Ƶapp who have completed a development in the past three years can enter the council’s 2020 built environment Design Awards. The awards recognise, promote and celebrate examples of exceptional design quality, with a focus on sustainability, which reflects the council’s commitment to meeting its climate change responsibilities.

Energetic employees from across ������Ƶapp Council are getting on their bikes next month to cycle 2,053 miles in aid of Sport Relief. Using spin-cycles at LiveArgyll leisure centres, staff will follow a virtual route around all 81 school establishments in the area, starting at Southend Primary in South Kintyre, and finishing up at Aringour Primary on the Isle of Coll.