A big thank you to Douglas for providing the update last week while I was holidaying on the shore of Loch Lomond.
Raising awareness of Argyll and Bute nationally, and building partnerships that could help us as a council, is a key part of the work of a council’s Chief Executive. So a priority for me this week was representing Argyll and Bute at Convention of the Highlands and Islands (COHI) in Shetland. The Convention is chaired by the Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, and seeks to strengthen alignment between the Scottish Government and member organisations in order to support a fair, green and growing economy. It’s also a forum for exchanging ideas on strategic issues affecting the people of Argyll and Bute and the wider Highlands and Islands. CoHI meets twice a year, in spring and autumn, and the meeting location alternates between a mainland and island council areas. Meetings are hosted by the area’s local authority and are open to the public. For any fans of the Shetland TV series, you might recognise the photo in this post of a famous Lerwick location.
The council’s Depute Leader Cllr Audrey Forrest and I brought Argyll and Bute’s perspective to discussions on topics that are key for our area – Housing, Transport and Digital Connectivity, amongst others.
These meetings provide an important opportunity to develop the understanding of government and other agencies in relation to some of the challenges we face but also a chance to highlight the great opportunities and potential on offer.
In addition to the formal meeting there is also time to pick up issues with other council colleagues and with senior representatives of organisations like HIE, HiTRANS, UHI and Crown Estate. Building and maintaining strong positive relationships with these organisations is invaluable in helping to achieve our own priorities.
This was the first meeting chaired by Kate Forbes MSP and it was heartening to hear that she is keen to focus on action, a sentiment that is echoed strongly by all the local government representatives round the table. We look forward to seeing how this develops when we next meet in Highland next March.
That same approach to developing and maintaining strong constructive partnerships is just as important in our own area where working with our communities and other local organisations is key to our shared success.
Since my last update, COSLA has agreed to implement the pay offer made to SJC staff. While the GMB and Unite unions accepted the offer, Unison has not. Discussions are continuing with all the trade unions but Leaders recognised the importance of making payments to staff ahead of Christmas. Read an open letter from the COSLA President about the pay award.
Look out for more information over the next few weeks about the pay award and when council employees will receive it.
As a lover of podcasts, I’m off to watch a live show of my favourite, The Rest is Politics. I hope you all have a great weekend.
Pippa
Pippa Milne
Chief Executive
