It’s my turn this week and next to bring you the Friday update, and this week I’d like to highlight just some of the work and successes going on across the council. It’s easy sometimes to focus on the issues and problems we all have to deal with, but it’s really important to recognise too the great things that are happening. Here are just a few that together give some idea of the amazing range of skills and expertise we have in the council, and the different ways council services support life in Argyll and Bute.
New ways of helping communities Commercial Services have worked with banks to provide a temporary banking hub in the council’s Helensburgh civic centre, offering a lifeline to residents after the last bank in the town closed – New banking hub opens
Enabling people to vote Services across the council are swinging into action to make the arrangements needed for Argyll and Bute residents to vote in the Scottish Parliamentary Election on 7 May. Polling stations, ballot boxes, helicopters – all part of what needs organised. You can find out more here about making sure you can vote.
Attracting funding We welcomed an announcement this week of £5 million funding for a Clyde Engineering and Innovation Centre in Helensburgh and Lomond. This project is part of the £70 million Argyll and Bute Rural Growth Deal being led by Economic Growth colleagues.
Helping our young people succeed Thanks to the work of our Education Services, Argyll and Bute Council is in the top ten, out of 32 councils, for supporting learners into positive destinations, so better equipped than most to go on and build the lives they want. You can read more on the website.
Well done to everyone involved!
I’m heading up to Aberdeen this coming weekend, taking my daughter to her audition as she starts her journey towards studying to become a music teacher.
Hope you all have a great weekend too and if there is anything in particular you would like to hear about in my update next week, let me know at workingtogether@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Kirsty
Kirsty Flanagan
Executive Director
