If you were listening to the budget this week you’ll have heard the UK Government announce the funding for our Rural Growth Deal. Together with the Scottish Government’s investment and other match funding this means that £70 million of investment has been secured for the area. The announcement was a huge relief after being told back in September that our deal was on hold.
As with many things, this deal has taken years to come to fruition with many people contributing to the development of the projects and the creation of detailed business plans. Being passionate advocates for Argyll and Bute’s potential, we weren’t about to give up and the last month has seen a lot of team working and optimism secure support to get us over the final hurdle.
Councillor Lynch, Leader of the Council spoke at our Senior Leadership Forum today to highlight the importance and value he places on members and officers working as a team.
That team work saw Cllr Lynch and I meet with the Secretary of State for Scotland and the First Minister in addition to reaching out to other MPs and MSPs, to speak up for Argyll and Bute and the importance of our Rural Growth Deal. Supporting our elected members to advocate for our area either nationally or locally is an important part of our work. We have different roles but we need each other to get the best outcomes for our area.
We have also received positive news regarding our Levelling Up Partnership, now rebranded as Community Regeneration Partnership Funding. The UK Government has advised us that they are still committed to up to £20m of funding for Argyll and Bute. We understand that the funding is likely to focus on economic growth and we await further details.
Confirmation of investment of up to £90m for Argyll and Bute this week has made it feel like Christmas has come early. And talking of Christmas …
Christmas eCard competition
Today is 1 November and already everyone’s thoughts are beginning to turn towards Christmas, where did the year go?
A real pleasure for me is seeing your Christmas themed cards and once again, I am delighted to run a competition for colleagues, friends and families to submit their entries for my official Christmas eCard.
Once again, there will be three chances to win as the Leader and the Provost will be making their own selection for their official Christmas E-Card.
In addition to being the official card, I will happily fund a prize for the winners as a token of thanks. All we ask is that you take the image in Argyll and Bute.
Our colleagues in Comms and the Web Team will work their magic in adding a Christmas sparkle and message to the cards before we issue to colleagues and customers. For inspiration, you can see the winner’s pictures from last year’s competition below.
Please send your photos to chief.executive@argyll-bute.gov.uk by Monday 2 December.
Have a lovely weekend
Pippa
