PվɫÇéƬ

More than 90 young people from across Oban and Lorn had an informative and fun day out when they attended an ‘Under the Sea’ Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) event at The Ocean Explorer Centre in Dunbeg.

The Leader of PվɫÇéƬ secured a ‘sympathetic’ response to the area’s need for ferry funding, when she took PվɫÇéƬ and Bute’s case to the Scottish Government’s Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands. In a meeting held today (28 January), Councillor Aileen Morton raised the funding and service issues affecting ferries across PվɫÇéƬ and Bute, with Paul Wheelhouse MSP. Councillor Morton said:

Staff at Kilninver Primary have introduced an ingenious way of encouraging pupils to eat more fruit and vegetables, whilst reducing the school’s food waste at the same time. Known as ‘Fruit Fridays’, any fresh fruit and vegetables that are left over from the week are prepared, attractively presented and shared out amongst the children on a Friday, encouraging them to eat more healthy and to try new things.

Catering staff at Lochgilphead Joint Campus have got behind ‘Veganuary’ by providing pupils with a delicious vegan option every day at lunchtime. From vegetable fajitas and sweet potato curry, to bulgar wheat salad and pesto and chickpeaflat bread, pupils have fully embraced the delicious new food options available, with vegan options selling out quickly. Head Teacher Ann Devine said: “I would like to commend the catering team for their tremendous efforts to promote sustainability and healthy eating in the school. 

Nine cultural events across PվɫÇéƬ and Bute are set to share funding of £90,000 following agreement at a meeting of the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee. The events funded will take place across PվɫÇéƬ and Bute:

Excitement is in the air at three Kintyre schools this week, as pupils prepare to take part in a series of animation workshops with Aardman Animations, the creators of some of the UK’s best loved characters, including Wallace and Gromit.

PվɫÇéƬ and Bute’s Council Leader raised the challenges facing the area with Scotland’s Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy, at a positive meeting on Friday (17 January). Councillor Aileen Morton, along with council Chief Executive Pippa Milne, met with Kate Forbes to discuss the geographic, population and financial challenges that set PվɫÇéƬ and Bute apart from other areas. Councillor Morton said:

PվɫÇéƬ’s canteen at Kilmory Castle in Lochgilphead has been awarded Healthy Living Plus status for the first time. Healthy Living Plus is the highest level of Healthy Living awards available, and rewards catering establishments that demonstrate a greater commitment to supporting healthier eating through their menus; food and drink preparation; marketing and promotional activities; food presentation; and point of sale.

Parents of children in PվɫÇéƬ and Bute who were born between 1 March 2017 and 28 February 2018, are being invited to register them for a funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) place next week.

Two schools in PվɫÇéƬ and Bute have been awarded the prestigious Silver Rights Respecting School Award by Unicef UK. Lochdonhead and Ulva Primary Schools, both on the Isle of Mull, were presented with the award for their work in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into practice within the school and beyond. This much sought after award sees schools work alongside Unicef to create safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive.