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‘Slime’ and similar products are expected to be among the most popular children’s gifts this Christmas. If you have bought slime, or are planning to do so, please be aware that products that do not carry the ‘CE Mark’ are far more likely to be unsafe. If you have any concerns or questions about a particular product, call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or get in touch with our Trading Standards team on trading.standards@argyll-bute.gov.uk

An ongoing regeneration project in Rothesay is progressing well, councillors have heard. The Rothesay Townscape Heritage (TH) Phase 2 project is a five-year heritage-led regeneration project that will allow property owners to safeguard historic buildings and shopfronts while also developing skills and hosting events celebrating the island of Bute’s heritage.

Discussions between the council, Helensburgh Seafront Development Project (HSDP) Group and Waverley Excursions will help plan for the future use of Helensburgh Pier. The 147-year-old timber pier was temporarily closed on advice by consultants Arch Henderson, who recommended that a detailed structural analysis be carried out to confirm the structural integrity of the pier. Timber testing is currently underway, by specialist contractor Evova BM TRADA, at the timber pier.

A reduction in the council’s annual grant announced by the Scottish Government this week has left PվɫÇéƬ facing a £9million budget gap for the next financial year. It is another significant cut in our funding, which is extremely disappointing. It will clearly impact on our residents and communities.

It’s always lovely to feel and see things changing as Christmas gets closer – even if some might say the whole festive season gets started a little too early these days. Of course it is inescapable once television and radio adverts switch to their Christmas focus, and shops roll out their festive decorations. It’s a lovely time of year though, and we are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world where even the winter weather doesn’t take away from the scenery and feeling of community.

The council’s policy and resources committee has agreed that 12 events and festivals will share £113,000 funding to help create attractions that will increase the appeal of PվɫÇéƬ and Bute as a world-class tourist destination. These include a literary event on Bute and a dance festival, as well as music festivals in Kintyre, Oban and Tiree. That funding is being made available for a portfolio of strategic events demonstrates the importance this industry has to economic development in the area.

Pupils at Dunoon Grammar School have ‘scooped’ themselves a year’s supply of ice cream after winning an international competition. Business Management pupils - Claire Lauffer, Eleanor Hill, Kim Kerr and Matthew MacDuff - beat off stiff competition from across the UK to win the School of Marketing’s ‘Ice Cream Dream’, sponsored by Walls.  

Christmas is a magical time for children: the excitement of putting baubles on the tree; searching the night sky for Santa’s sleigh; the joy of leaving a carrot for Rudolph and a glass of milk for Santa on Christmas Eve… the list in endless.   But, as many people with children will understand, some of this magic begins to fade as they grow older. This was the case for Moyra and Peter Paterson from Campbeltown.  

  Jean Muir Every resident of Bute will be watching the progress of the £14million refurbishment of Rothesay Pavilion with great interest – but few have the famous building as close to their hearts as local woman Jean Muir.

Councillors have given their backing to proposed heritage-led regeneration projects for Lochgilphead and Helensburgh. At today’s (Thursday’s) meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee, elected members agreed recommendations to consider a potential financial commitment of £386,220 from the council towards a Lochgilphead Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS), and £500,000 for a Helensburgh CARS. Final financial approval will be subject to the council’s budget setting process.