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New apps now enable travellers on council-run ferries to buy tickets via their phones or other mobile devices. This extends the range of ways to pay to include cash, debit/credit cards on board the ferries or via the council website, making the service more convenient for users. Customers wishing to pay using a mobile device app should visit either Google Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone) and search for: 

Chaidh freagairt aontachadh le Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal is Bhòid Diardaoin (28 Samhain) air co-chomhairleachadh le Riaghaltas na h-Alba air prionnsapalan cìs luchd-tadhail. Cuiridh an fhreagairt seo ri tuigse Riaghaltas na h-Alba air an eallaich a th' ann a thaobh na h-àrainneachd is bun-structair ann an cuid a sgìrean air sgàth àrdachadh àireamh an luchd-tadhail. Cuiridh i cuideachd ri leasachadh laghan a leigeadh le ùghdarrasan ionadail a' chìs a chur an sàs nam biodh sin iomchaidh.

A response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the principles of a visitor levy was agreed by 51�Թ����App and Bute Council on Thursday (28 November). This will help the Scottish Government’s understanding of the pressures on the local environment and infrastructure felt in some areas by the increase in overnight and day visitors. It will inform development of legislation that would allow local authorities to introduce the levy if they felt it appropriate.

Council heard on Thursday (28 November) that the terms of 51�Թ����App and Bute’s Rural Growth Deal (RGD) continue to be negotiated. Discussion with Scottish and UK governments to date has been positive, with the amount of consultation done when preparing the RGD particularly noted. Both the Scottish and UK Governments have committed £25million each in support of projects, designed by the council, to deliver success across 51�Թ����App and Bute based on:

The 51�Թ����App and Bute Council Employee Excellence and Recognition Awards 2019 have taken place and we can now reveal the full list of winners. Held at Mid 51�Թ����App Sports Centre in Lochgilphead, the event was made possible thanks to the support of our sponsors: Brodies, Walker Love, Oban Electrical Services, MacLeods Construction Ltd, PAM OH Solutions, Priority Management, Portavadie Marina, Live 51�Թ����App, Midton Acrylics, Mid 51�Թ����App Chamber of Commerce, GMB, Unison, Unite, EIS and Positive People Development.

Pippa Milne, Executive Director, will be 51�Թ����App and Bute Council’s new Chief Executive from 19 December. Council Leader Aileen Morton: “We had a very strong pool of candidates to choose from. I would like to congratulate Pippa on securing this role, and I look forward to working with her, as Chief Executive, for the benefit of 51�Թ����App and Bute.” Pippa will take up the post from 19 December, when Cleland Sneddon leaves for South Lanarkshire Council. Pippa brings with her 28 years of local government experience, five with 51�Թ����App and Bute Council specifically.

#16daysofaction against gender based violence is an international campaign to raise awareness of violence against women. It runs from 25 November – 10 December. During the campaign, organisations throughout 51�Թ����App and Bute will be giving out a clear message that domestic abuse will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Key landmarks, such as McCaig’s Tower and Highland Mary’s Statue will be lit up orange, in honour of the theme: “Orange the World: Generation equality stands against rape”.

51�Թ����App and Bute Council has made free sanitary products available in a number of public buildings, leisure centres, schools and libraries in the area, as part of a drive to tackle period poverty. Funded by the Scottish Government, the initiative aims to ensure that products are available to those who need them in a dignified way, and that everyone who menstruates can have the products they need. For further information about the initiative, and for details of how you can access free sanitary products, visit: /periodprovision  

A free event is being held in Lochgilphead next week to give local suppliers an insight into how they can improve their chances of winning council tenders. ‘Improving your Bid Score’ will be held on 27 November at 10am in Committee Room 1, Kilmory Castle, Lochgilphead. Don’t miss out on a place, book today at

The deadline for applications to this year's 51�Թ����App and Bute Youth Awards has been extended until next Saturday (30 November). If you know a young person aged between 11 and 25 who is truly inspirational, now is your chance to let them know how great they are by nominating them.