In this issue:
What's new?
World Gaelic Week
Mairi Maclennan joined the council in 2024. Her role as Gaelic Development Worker aims to increase the learning, use and visibility of Gaelic for individuals, groups and communities across Argyll and Bute.
To mark World Gaelic Week, Mairi has worked with the training department to launch a new Beginners Gaelic eLearning course on LEON. You can find out more about the new course in our training section below.
To get you started, here are a few phrases from Mairi – some you may already know. Why not give them a go?
Fàilte | Welcome = faal-chuh
Slàinte | Cheers = slan-chuh
Cèilidh | Ceilidh = kay-lee
Do you speak Gaelic? A bheil Gàidhlig agad = A veil Ga-lick ackat?
I’m learning Gaelic/ Tha mi ag ionnsachadh Gàidhlig = Ha me ack ewn-sa-chagh Ga-lick
Mòran taing / Many thanks = moran tayn-g
Tiorraidh an-dràsta/ bye for now = cheery an dras-tah
Le dùrachd/ best regards = le door-achk
Throughout World Gaelic Week events and activities are taking place online and in person. Visit What’s On – Seachdain na Gaidhlig for more details.
Cyber Scotland Week – Can’t hack it?
This week, we’re supporting CyberScotland Week 2026, highlighting the everyday actions we can all take to improve our cyber awareness and resilience. You can find lots of useful information about staying safe online on the CyberScotland website.
Here are a few basic steps to remember:
Using strong passwords is just one way to keep your data safe.
Don’t click links you don’t trust.
We also have training on My Council Works to help you with personal cyber security.
Have Your Say – Digital Skills Survey 2026
We are inviting all employees to complete the Digital Skills Survey 2026. This survey will help us understand your confidence in using digital tools, identify any barriers you face, and shape the training and support we provide across the organisation.
Your feedback is essential in helping us ensure that everyone has the skills, tools and support they need to work effectively in an increasingly digital environment.
The survey should take around 10 minutes to complete, and your responses will remain confidential.
You can access the survey at Digital Skills Survey 2026 – Fill in form.
Thank you for taking the time to share your views, your input will directly influence the development of future resources, training opportunities and digital support.
Closing date for all responses is 20 March 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Atkinson.
Council news now on WhatsApp
We now have our very own council channel on WhatsApp, making it easier than ever for you to stay connected with local news, updates, and important service information.
We’ll share quick, reliable updates straight to phones – from weather disruptions to key council announcements, community initiatives, and opportunities to get involved.
Please note this is a broadcast channel only and different from the WhatsApp messenger platform, which should not be used for council communication. Please remember to refer to the Acceptable Use Policy.
How to find us
In WhatsApp – go to updates an
d search for Argyll and Bute News or you can scan the QR.
The Comms Team
Coming up
Anyone for golf?
The annual Argyll and Bute Council golf day will take place on the May bank holiday on 4 May. This year, we’re holding it at Glencruitten Gold Course in Oban.
If you are interested in taking part, please get in touch with Susan Tyre.
Are you planning on retiring within the next 10 years?
Dates are available throughout the year to attend courses run by Financial education specialists Affinity Connect. These interactive, online information sessions last for around two and a half hours and cover the key aspects of planning for a financially secure future.
Find out more about the course and how to book a session.
Reminder – a new way to contact HR and Organisational Development (HROD)
Our new HROD enquiry online form has now replaced multiple email addresses. This makes it easier for you to submit enquiries and for HROD to direct to the most relevant team.
From Monday 2 March, the following emails will no longer be in use:
- HROnline
- HRServiceCentre
- HREmployeeRelationsEnquiries
- TrainingCentre
- Performance
If you have any new enquiries, please complete the HROD Enquiry Form. You are still able to call HR: HR Contents | MyCouncilWorks.
HROD Team
Congratulations
Kasia Ochman, from Financial Services is about to take on an epic challenge, all for a great cause. Here she explains more – please help support her if you can. Good luck Kasia!
“I’m taking on the 10 Days of 5K Challenge this March to raise money for Cancer Research UK. I’m lucky not to have been personally affected, but with 1 in 2 of us likely to face cancer in our lifetime, I want to do my bit while my legs still cooperate.
I’m not a regular runner — in fact, my relationship with running is mostly “running late” — so doing ten 5Ks in ten days will definitely push me. But it’s nothing compared to the fight that people living with cancer go through every day.
I’ll be running for them, for the people we love, and for all of us. If you can, please show your support and make a donation. Every bit truly helps.
Thank you.
You can help support Kasia on her fundraising page below or scan the QR code
Council leads the way with state-of-the-art transport
The Council’s Integrated Transport Team works closely with local operators to deliver safe, reliable and high quality transport for our communities.
A recent example of this strong partnership is a significant investment by Garelochhead Coaches, who have taken delivery of a Volvo B8L MCV Evoseti triaxle doubledecker for use on the Garelochhead to Hermitage Academy school service.
Costing £318,000, this state-of-the-art vehicle is one of the largest buses operating in the UK, with capacity for 98 seated passengers, and is the first of its type to be ordered in Scotland. The investment underlines the operator’s long-term commitment to supporting Council contracted school transport and meeting future demand.
The bus is fully Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) compliant and features modern passenger comforts including next stop audio announcements, forced air ventilation to maintain a comfortable cabin environment, and ergonomic, high back coach style seats trimmed in durable synthetic leather. Well done to everyone in the team who helped make this happen.
Out and about
During Cyber Scotland Week 2026, team members from our ICT and Digital Team, including Head of Service Jane Fowler attended an event at Strathclyde University to find more about protecting our essential services from the ever-increasing threat of cyber-attack. It provided a great opportunity for colleagues who are based in different areas to meet up, share insights, learning and make new connections in this fast-moving area of work. It was also a good opportunity to catch up with former colleague David Ritchie, who is now Chief Information Security Officer at the Digital Office. Everyone took away something different from the event and will use their new knowledge and connections to continue to do our best to keep the council safe.
Earlier this month Executive Directors, Douglas Hendry and Kirsty Flanagan visited Dunoon Grammar school to meet with the Senior Education Management Team to kick off the implementation phase of the Education Review. The independent Review which was carried out last year aimed to ensure that the Education Service’s design and delivery model is efficient, effective, and capable of improving outcomes for children and young people while supporting financial sustainability.
The review found that the service requires redesign to meet current pressures, strengthen leadership capacity, improve equity, and support improved outcomes.
Ten strategic recommendations for service improvement were made by the review team and this recent meeting focused on setting the foundations for the next phase of work as we move towards implementation.
Workstream leads and core team members, have been identified and governance arrangements established. Initial timelines for each workstream have been set out and more detailed project plans will be signed off by the Project Board at their first meeting on 17 March.
Across Argyll and Bute, good things are happening with lots of regeneration, investment, and planning for growth. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been lucky enough to visit just a few of the projects, already completed and under way. Many of you have been involved in some of these projects.
Last week, I was in Tarbet with Destination Lomond. It was great to see the improvements made to the car park and coach areas, made possible in part by the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF). We also visited the refurbished Kirk restaurant now owned by the Lomond Group, who have recently opened up Luss Distillery and visitor centre.
In Helensburgh I met with the consultants appointed to deliver the Clyde Mission Masterplan in Helensburgh and discuss what the Masterplan could deliver for Helensburgh and Dunoon. During the meeting, we went for a tour of the town, then to Faslane and back to East Clyde Street to meet colleagues.
The next day I travelled to Skye to take part in a strategy day with the West Highland Chamber of Commerce. This group looks to cover most of Argyll, Arran, Lochaber, Skye, and the Western Isles promoting the area for business. It was an interesting discussion on how we can retain wealth in our area through economic activity.
Finally last week I met with managers from Development and Economic Growth. As always, it’s good to meet in person and hear updates from everyone across services.
Training opportunities and useful resources
Gaelic training course
Are you looking to learn something new and connect more deeply with our local culture? Our new Beginners Gaelic Module on Leon is a great opportunity to start your journey with the Gaelic language in a friendly, supportive environment.
Learning Gaelic isn’t just about language- it’s about strengthening our connection to community, heritage and inclusive public service. Developing even a basic understanding can enhance engagement with Gaelic speaking communities and demonstrate our commitment to celebrating and supporting Scotland’s rich cultural identity.
Whether you’re completely new to Gaelic or just curious about the language you see and hear around you, this course will introduce you to everyday words and phrases. You’ll build confidence step by step, with practical language you can use in greetings and simple conversations.
The development of this course will be ongoing, with further modules added in over time to allow for natural language progression.
Managers can monitor their team’s training records at any time via the Reports section on LEON.
Staying up to date helps ensure we’re all working safely, effectively, and in line with our values
