This week I have two opportunities to share with you.
The first is something genuinely uplifting happening this month that shines a light on the strength, compassion, and resilience within Argyll and Bute.
On Tuesday 17 February at 7pm, we’ll be hosting the online premiere of An Argyll and Bute Welcome, a powerful new documentary created by local filmmakers AyeGlas. The film follows the stories of families who have rebuilt their lives here after fleeing conflict, including people from Syria, Ukraine, Sudan and Afghanistan. It beautifully captures not only their courage, but also the warmth and support they’ve found from our communities.
After the premiere, there’s a live Q&A with Andy and James (the filmmakers), members of our Council’s resettlement team, and some of the residents featured in the film. It’s a great chance to hear more about their experiences and the work happening behind the scenes to help people feel safe, settled, and part of day‑to‑day life in their new home.
If you’d like to join in, learn more, or sign up, all the details are available on the event page.
It’s a wonderful reminder of the difference our teams help make — directly or indirectly — simply by working together to create a place where everyone can belong.
More information can be found here – Online premiere of powerful Argyll and Bute documentary – My Council Works
The second is an opportunity to play a direct part in strengthening local democracy.
I’m sure you are aware that the Scottish Parliamentary Elections take place on Thursday 7th May 2026. In my role as Returning Officer for the Argyll and Bute Constituency, it’s my responsibility to take forward the arrangements to deliver the Poll, and the Election Team are currently working hard to put arrangements in place for that. We still have a few vacancies for Polling Staff across the Council area, and the Team would be particularly keen to hear from anyone who is interested and available to work on Bute, Mull, and Islay. We are also looking for staff in the Dunoon, Cowal and Oban areas. If you are interested, please e-mail the Team directly at electionstaffing@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Have a good weekend.
Pippa
Pippa Milne
Chief Executive
