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Helensburgh’s new £22 million state-of-the art leisure centre is now complete. The main contractors for the project, Heron Bros Ltd, officially handed the building over this week, on time, despite the global construction challenges faced during Covid.

51�Թ����App and Bute Council is giving residents the opportunity to make their homes warmer and more energy efficient FREE OF CHARGE. The council has received £2,011,323 from the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme to help residents make a range of energy efficiency improvements to their properties, including external/internal wall insulation, underfloor insulation, cavity wall insulation and loft insulation.

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY KEEP SCOTLAND BEAUTIFUL Environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful, has announced that Hermitage Park in 51�Թ����App and Bute has been presented with a Green Flag Award. The accolade acknowledges quality green open spaces across the country that help to boost our nation's health and wellbeing.

To help keep spending local, support businesses and protect jobs, businesses across 51�Թ����App and Bute are being encouraged to give their backing to the successful Scotland Loves Local card scheme.

What should a new Mull school campus look like, if funding becomes available for one?  The council is asking for islanders’ views on this question, as a key part of its work to bid for Scottish Government funding for Mull. The Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) is the Scottish Government’s programme for investment in education. The council is putting together a bid for LEIP funding for a new school campus on Mull. The LEIP does not fully fund projects; if the bid is successful additional funding would have to be secured from other sources. 

Ardrishaig residents and visitors will soon enjoy a new public square, improved car parking, gardens and seating as part of improvement works due to start early September.   The works include:  

    Leader of 51�Թ����App and Bute Council, Councillor Robin Currie said:  “We are so shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of our colleague Councillor John McAlpine. John served the area as a councillor over a number of years. He wanted the best for 51�Թ����App and Bute and we will remember him fondly for his commitment to the area. Our heartfelt condolences go to John’s family at this very sad time.”

Do you own or live near a short-term let business? 51�Թ����App and Bute Council is asking operators, residents, visitors and interested groups what they think a short term lets (STLs) licensing scheme should look like in the local area.

DEFRA has advised the council of avian influenza in wild bird carcasses on Islay. DEFRA is responsible for sampling and analysis of dead birds. The council has made them aware of reports of dead birds along the Kintyre, Islay and other west coast shorelines. We will continue to do all that we as a council can do to support the area. Whilst this is low risk to public health, the council advise the public and poultry keepers to follow this DEFRA guidance: Advice for the Public

51�Թ����App and Bute Council has launched a consultation to gauge public opinion on draft proposals to establish a Municipal Harbour Authority in Oban that will ultimately see the local authority take responsibility for areas of the bay that are currently unmanaged. The council is already the Harbour Authority for Oban North Pier, while CMAL/CalMac and Northern Lighthouse all have responsibilities for separate areas within the bay. This will not change, however, the approaches into and out of the bay are currently unregulated