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On July 1, the council will introduce a new improved advice service, aimed directly at helping the most vulnerable people in our communities, throughout PվɫÇéƬ and Bute. The service builds upon the existing advice services which are available from a wide range of local and national agencies or third sector organisations, and introduces a range of improvements which will reinforce this partnership working to ensure that those seeking advice will be able to access appropriate services.

The local totals from PվɫÇéƬ and Bute from the Euro Elections 2019 have been announced. The six MEPs for Scotland will be announced on Monday 27 May 2019. Change UK - the Independent Group -505 Conservative and Unionist Party - 3985 Labour Party - 1197 Liberal Democrats - 5019 Scottish Green Party - 2255 Scottish National Party -11,366 The Brexit Party - 5450 UK Independence Party (UKIP) - 568 Edgar, Gordon - 141 Parke, Ken -43

PվɫÇéƬ’s Policy and Resources Committee has agreed to pursue the transfer of lifeline ferry services to Transport Scotland, services currently being subsidised by the council by £1million. The provision of lifeline ferry services is the responsibility of Transport Scotland. These small, local services were likely to have been operated by Strathclyde Regional Council and were taken over by PվɫÇéƬ when the single tier authorities came into being. The four ferries currently operated by the council are:

Tha Comataidh Poileasaidh is Ghoireasan Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal is Bhòid air aontachadh iarraidh air Còmhdhail Alba na seirbheisean aiseig riatanach san sgìre a ghabhail os làimh, seirbheisean a tha a’ faighinn subsadaidh luach £1 millean bhon Chomhairle an-dràsta.

The journey votes from Gigha make to be counted sparked interest again today/on Friday. Charles Reppke, Returning Officer for PվɫÇéƬ and Bute’s European Election, became the centre of tourist attention when he took to the sea to collect Gigha’s ballots. Charles, who has been key in organising PվɫÇéƬ and Bute’s elections for more than 20 years, said:

A talented team of pupils from Hermitage Primary School took second place in the Scottish European Educational Trust’s National Euroquiz Final of 2019. The event was held in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament and saw the Hermitage youngsters battle it out against St Mary’s Primary School of Duntocher in what was a nail biting final round. Hermitage fought hard but were pipped to the winning post by St Mary’s.

Kilcreggan Primary School’s Pre-5 Unit has received a glowing report from the Care Inspectorate, having been graded as ‘good’ in every category. Inspectors found that staff were welcoming, kind and caring, and took time to listen to the children. Open-ended questions were used to encourage pupils to problem solve, and Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PAThS) were in place to empower children to make positive choices through social and emotional learning.

Overall spend on roads, lighting, piers and harbours capital investment on Islay and Jura will be in the region of £1.6 million during 2019-20. Over 1000 tonnes of bituminous surfacing material will be used to resurface roads and footways on the islands. Where possible, local materials are being sourced for surfacing and repairs. This brings financial benefits to the local economy, saving money on haulage and freeing up valuable space on local ferries.

School pupils from across PվɫÇéƬ and Bute came together to celebrate diversity and equality when they took part in Oban’s first ever Pride Parade on Saturday.   The youngsters were representing an LGBTQI+ group which has been established by PվɫÇéƬ’s Education Services as part of its commitment to embed a culture and ethos of inclusion and equality.   Young people travelled from as far afield as Dunoon and Campbeltown to attend the event, and met at Oban High for breakfast before marching to Station Square to join the main parade.  

Congratulations to Dunbeg Primary on gaining its seventh Green Flag from Eco Schools. The school's clans have been working hard on addressing a range of topics as part of their clan activities, resulting in a positive impact on sustainability at a local and even global level. #abplace2b