In this issue:
What's new?
Our Veteran’s and LGBTQ+ employee-led community groups have now moved beyond the pilot phase and will continue as established employee-led communities throughout 2026 and beyond.
Feedback from the pilot has been very positive, highlighting the value of having a dedicated space for peer support, information sharing and employee voice. Colleagues have told us the groups help create connection, understanding and a sense of belonging.
The groups will continue to be employee-led and will meet regularly online via Microsoft Teams, ensuring they remain accessible to colleagues across the organisation.
Looking ahead to 2026, plans include developing dedicated pages on My Council Works for each group, bringing together information and resources, as well as supporting the creation of new employee-led communities based on colleague interest.
If you’re interested in joining an existing group, finding out more, or suggesting ideas for future communities, visit the Employee‑Led Communities page on My Council Works or get in touch with us on organisationaldevelopment@argyll-bute.gov.uk.
STEM volunteers – help inspire the next generation
Do you work in council services that use science, technology, engineering or maths skills (STEM)?
We’re looking for volunteers to help with STEM Fest 2026 will take place on 27 May at Hermitage Academy, Helensburgh, offering S2 pupils a hands‑on introduction to the wide range of STEM careers available here in Argyll and Bute.
We’re keen to hear from anyone who could support the Council’s presence — whether that’s spending some time speaking with pupils, contributing a small activity or demonstration, or showcasing the work you do.
Council STEM roles include areas such as environmental health, climate and biodiversity, public health, waste and recycling, IT and digital services, cyber security, engineering, planning and finance.
If you can help, please contact Felicity Conway.
What do you most like about where you live and what could be improved?
As we prepare for our Local Development Plan 3, we’re keen to hear what communities think of where they live using our Place Standard Tool We’re asking residents to share feedback across a number of key themes including housing, public transport, natural spaces, work and facilities. Your feedback will help guide how communities in Argyll and Bute grow and develop in the years ahead.
Share your views about where you live.
We’re also looking to understand the outdoor play opportunities children and young people have in your local area. This includes everything from playparks to informal places where children enjoy playing. This will help to identify any gaps and guide future development and potential funding. There are two surveys, one for adults and one for children. We would love to hear directly from our young people.
Coming up
Online training for council officers – Councillors’ Code of Conduct
Many of us work with elected members as part of our day-to-day duties. The Standards Commission for Scotland is running online training aimed at raising awareness of the Code and to answer any questions you may have on how you can help councillors comply with it.
Friday 22 May, 10-11.30am
Join the Microsoft Teams meeting
Meeting ID: 358 697 859 158 35
Passcode: Yd9ea2K5
For anyone unable to join, the Standards Commission hope to record the presentation and will publish the recording on the Standards Commission website after. You can also access guidance, advice notes, and a range of other helpful resources about the Code on the Commission’s website.
Digital Skills Survey reminder
We’re really passionate about helping everyone grow their digital skills, and we’d love to hear from you. By taking a few minutes to complete this digital skills survey, you’ll help us understand what support and training would be most helpful for you. Our goal is to make sure you feel confident and supported in using digital tools—both at work and in your everyday life.
Your responses will shape how we plan our Learning and Development over the next year. The survey topics include:
- Confidence in M365 and other digital tools
- Digital working practices
- Cyber security and Data Protection
- Any barriers and training needs
All responses are anonymous. The survey is open until 2 April.
If you would prefer a paper copy of this survey, please contact:
Sharon Atkinson on 01369 70 8507 or email Sharon.atkinson@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Help for your teens
It’s coming up to exam season so we know that many of you are supporting your teens as they prepare. It can be a challenging time for everyone.
Colleagues in Education have produced some handy tips to help your child – see below.
You’ll also find lots of helpful information at ParentClubScotland including tips on how to manage exam stress and how to help teens study.
Gaelic Gathering
We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to our fifth Gaelic Gathering taking place in the Corran Halls, Oban, May 15.
Read more about the event and book your place for the fifth Gaelic Gathering
Congratulations
Celebrating recognition – how it feels to be nominated
When we talk about recognition, we often focus on the reasons someone is nominated — the dedication they show, the impact they make and the difference they create for colleagues and communities. But equally powerful is hearing directly from our nominees about what the experience meant to them.
This month, we’re delighted to share reflections from Morag Gillies – Learning Disability Resources Manager who received a nomination for being a dedicated, inspiring manager who puts clients first, communicates openly and leads her team with positivity, transparency and strong problem-solving skills.
Here are Morag’s reflections: “The recognition nomination was a surprise with very kind feedback. I have amazing teams and seniors. I couldn’t achieve anything without their support, plus the trusted input and wise counsel of the Depute Learning Disability Resources Manager.”
Please help us spread the word and promote AB Recognition so we can continue to celebrate the fantastic contribution that our employees make every day.
Keep on running Kasia!
Last month we featured Kasia Ochman’s epic 10‑day 5K challenge for Cancer Research UK. We caught up with Kasia to ask how she’s getting on.
A huge thank‑you to everyone who’s supported my 10‑day 5K challenge for Cancer Research UK! I’m not quite finished yet, but I’m very close — despite battling my non‑runner legs, Scottish weather, mud, and a collection of aches I didn’t know existed.
Your generosity has been amazing. My original £150 target was smashed before I even started, and after upping it to £200, £250 and now £350, I’m just shy of the latest goal.
Every donation means a lot. It all helps fund vital cancer research, and it gives me the boost I need when my legs are begging me to rethink all my life choices. And if you haven’t donated yet, there’s still time to chip in to Kasia’s fundraiser.
Thank you
Kasia
Out and about
The John McAlpine Playpark
A £100,000 upgrade of Tarbert’s playpark was completed in late 2024 following a successful partnership between Argyll and Bute Council and the local community. Co‑designed with residents, the new space offers children and young people a high‑quality outdoor area that supports health, wellbeing and play.
The project owes much to the late Councillor John McAlpine, whose dedication and advocacy helped secure the funding needed. Although John passed away in July 2022, the community and his family agreed that naming the playpark in his honour would be a fitting tribute.
Earlier this month, Executive Directors Kirsty Flanagan and Douglas Hendry visited Tarbert to officially open the John McAlpine Playpark, joined by John’s wife Karen, son Sam, along with Hugh O’Neill (Roads and Streetscene Manager) and Julian Green (Team Leader – Operations). The opening was well attended by Tarbert locals along with staff and children from Tarbert After School Club and lifelong friends of John.
Despite torrential rain, the event was well attended — a reflection of the high regard in which John was held.
Step aside Peter Jones, there’s a new dragon in town.
Ross McLaughlin, Head of Commercial Services, recently became a dragon for the day when he joined a panel of judges at Cardross Primary School.
Primary 6 and 7 pupils, demonstrated creativity, teamwork and confidence when they presented their innovative business ideas in a Dragon’s Den-style pitch along with local business owners, Kelly Girling, Head Teacher of Cardross Primary School, Nick Henry, Principal Teacher, and Ross.
Having taken part in the Robopreneurs entrepreneurship project, delivered in partnership with the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), two of our teams have successfully progressed to the regional finals
Well done to everyone involved.
Training opportunities and useful resources
Accessing LEON from a personal device when single sign on does not work
During the recent network outage, some of you may have been unable to carry out your usual work due to lack of access to council systems. This may be a good opportunity to complete any outstanding mandatory training or focus on personal development activities.
Please note that LEON can still be accessed even if single sign-on is unavailable; however, this must be set up in advance as access to your work email is needed.
Step by step guide:
- Go to the LEON log in page
- Select the Standard Log in tab and then click “Trouble signing in”
- In the next screen enter your work email address and click search.
- An email will be sent to your work email address with a link to reset your password.
- Reset the password following the instructions in the email
Once you’ve set up your password, you can continue using single sign-on as normal. If there are any future network issues and single sign-on isn’t available, you can log in using your email and password instead. Please ensure you remember the password or save it securely in your browser as resetting the password is only possible with access to your work email.
Discover the latest addition to LEON
There’s a new data tile on the LEON hub. This feature provides easy access to a comprehensive selection of courses and webinars designed to enhance your data skills and support more efficient data usage. Explore these resources to make the most of the data tools at your disposal.
What's on
There are lots of activities taking place across the Easter period. Here are just a few –
Easter at Ardkinglas Woodland Garden
3 – 6 April –
100th year of Bute Museum
Activities throughout April to September
Coll connections folk festival
Every day between 04 Apr 2026 and 09 Apr 2026
Oban Arts and Crafts Market
4 April
Live Argyll is running its Easter camps throughout the holidays including football, running, multi-sports and gymnastics
If you’re looking for more ideas on what to do with your kids over the holidays, there are lots of great activities to keep everyone happy, whatever the weather.
Newsflashes from March
- CEX update – our commitment to fairness, flexibility, and opportunity
- CEX update – supporting life in Argyll and Bute
- CEX update – another busy week
- Message from the Returning Officer, Scottish Parliamentary Election on 7th May 2026
- Council now in pre-election period
- CEX update – inspiring the next generation