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A world-wide audience heard about PվɫÇéƬ and Bute’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 PվɫÇéƬ 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 PվɫÇéƬ and Bute’s young people were recognised at a prestigious award ceremony in Dunoon last week. A total of 34 finalists attended the 2020 PվɫÇéƬ and Bute Youth Awards in the Queens Hall for what was a very humbling and emotional evening. The winners were as follows:

PվɫÇéƬ and Bute’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. PվɫÇéƬ and Bute’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 PվɫÇéƬ showcased the area’s exceptional food and drink, and the benefits of living and working in PվɫÇéƬ and Bute, 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 PվɫÇéƬ and Bute 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 PվɫÇéƬ are getting on their bikes next month to cycle 2,053 miles in aid of Sport Relief. Using spin-cycles at LivePվɫÇéƬ 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.

“We have done everything we can, to secure the continued service of flights to Coll. Despite financial challenges, we have investment in place to continue subsidising the service by £280 per seat and we have successfully completed the first stage of recruitment for a dedicated fire safety crew for the airport, which is a safety requirement under CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) legislation.

The Leader of PվɫÇéƬ has called on the Scottish Government to commit now to a permanent solution for the A83, after another landslide closed the key route today (30th January). Councillor Aileen Morton said: