·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp

The expected departure of new Lismore ferry, for Port Appin this week, has unfortunately been rescheduled. Recent poor weather conditions mean it would be safer to wait for a fair weather window. It will also give us the opportunity to make final adjustments on-site to ensure it meets highest quality standards that we need so that it delivers an effective service for our communities. Until then, the current ferry will remain in operation keeping the service between Lismore and Port Appin running as normal.

Regeneration work continues to turn Lochgilphead’s Front Green into an improved public space where more people can come together to enjoy community events and general recreation. The project has received a welcome boost with additional funding from the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Scheme. Funding will enable upgrade of part of the footpath between the Front Green and the A83, Lochnell Street, using the same local stone as used in Colchester Square. Work to date includes:

Council services will be encouraged to reduce their use of Single Use Plastic (SUP) products and changes have been made to procedures to encourage alternative options to be explored. The council’s Climate Change Board made this recommendation in September and it was confirmed today (9 December) by the Policy and Resources Committee. This is a significant step because members of the public regularly highlight SUPs as one of their main environmental concerns.

·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp Council has published an updated procurement strategy and ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp which offers guidance and support for businesses bidding to work with the Council.   The Procurement Strategy and Sustainable Procurement Policy 2022-25 provides information for local organisations and businesses, outlining how the council will acquire the goods and services it needs over the next three years.  

·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp Council has re-affirmed its long-term commitment to tackling the climate emergency and achieving its ambitious net zero emissions targets. The latest version of the council’s Decarbonisation Plan has been approved and sets out its three-year strategy for tackling the threat of climate change and achieving net zero emissions across ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp.

Attracting new people to the area, supporting businesses, communities and the hospitality and tourism sectors – ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp Council is committed to long-term economic and social recovery from the pandemic.   As part of its Recovery Strategy, the Council is investing an additional £110,000 to deliver ongoing recovery measures including the recruitment of two temporary posts.   The posts will focus on building back stronger communities and supporting economic recovery. The roles include:  

·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp Council will seek national funding support to meet pandemic and EU exit costs of completing Rothesay Pavilion’s transformation as a national centre for arts and popular culture. The Pavilion, built in 1938 on the island of Bute, is one of Scotland’s grade A listed buildings and of unique international architectural significance.

The new Lismore ferry is expected to arrive at Port Appin this month and be ready to serve the community once the Passenger Safety Certificate is issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Once sea trials and final checks have been completed successfully, the vessel should depart Pembroke on 13 December to begin its 302 nautical mile journey to its destination. This is heavily dependent on suitable weather conditions at the time. Until it is ready for service, the current ferry will remain in operation.

·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp Council have launched a website () which explains changes it is proposing to the way schools in ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp are led.The website invites parents, carers and residents in ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp to examine the proposals, understand them and have their say. Schools in ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp face falling pupil numbers and challenges in recruiting staff. Scotland-wide education reform is on the way and it is vital that local school leaders are ready and resourced appropriately.

·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp Council is prepared to be the Harbour Authority for the unmanaged section of Oban Bay. ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp Harbour Board took the decision at today’s meeting (2 December). This was one of options outlined in an independent report by Caledonian Economics, which addressed safety concerns in the bay and outlined how to move to a Statutory Harbour Authority (SHA) within the shortest timeframe.