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51�Թ����App and Bute was represented at an international conference in America earlier this month, when the Council’s Head of Education for Lifelong Learning and Support/Chief Education Officer flew to Montana to attend the International Symposium for Innovation in Rural Education (ISFIRE). Anne Paterson funded the trip herself and made the 8,000 mile round journey to take part in the conference, which this year focussed on Communities and Partnerships: Strengthening Rural Education.

The council’s 51�Թ����App Islands Strategic Group has welcomed a pilot initiative that will see five Scottish Government employees volunteering as ‘Island Liaison Partners’ to improve the Scottish Government’s understanding of the specific challenges facing 51�Թ����App and Bute’s islands. The role of the Island Liaison Partners will be to build knowledge, understanding and relationships with communities and local partners on the islands. Specific objectives will be to:

The case for 51�Թ����App and Bute’s Rural Growth Deal has had a further boost following the latest ‘very positive’ discussions with the UK Government.  51�Թ����App and Bute Council leader, Councillor Aileen Morton, met with David Mundell, Secretary of State for Scotland, in Lochgilphead on Tuesday, August 28.  Mr Mundell had travelled to 51�Թ����App and Bute for the latest in the council’s series of high-level meetings with both the Scottish and UK governments, making the case for additional investment in the area.

Could you offer a child a home in a secure, loving environment? If so, 51�Թ����App and Bute Council is looking for you to come forward and apply to become a foster carer. There are currently a number of young people looking for foster carers in 51�Թ����App and Bute, either on a temporary basis while plans are made for their future, or for an extended period if they are unable to go back to their family.

Education staff and pupils were praised today (Thursday) when 51�Թ����App and Bute Council’s Annual Education Plan was approved the Community Services Committee.   The plan has been prepared in line with the requirements of the Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act 2000, and brings together a range of information about the work of the service for parents, pupils, staff, carers and communities.  

Chaidh moladh a dhèanamh air luchd-obrach foghlaim is sgoilearan an-diugh (Diardaoin) agus Comataidh nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd a’ cur aonta ri Plana Foghlaim Bliadhnail Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal is Bhòid.   Chaidh am plana ullachadh a rèir chumhachan Achd Inbhean Sgoiltean na h-Alba msaa 2000, agus sa phlana gheibhear taghadh farsaing de dh’fhiosrachadh air obair na seirbheis do phàrantan, sgoilearan, luchd-obrach, luchd-cùraim agus coimhearsnachdan.  

51�Թ����App and Bute Council’s Housing Services Team brought a total of 55 empty homes back into use last year- double the annual target.    This was just one of the team’s successes highlighted at today’s Community Services Committee.   

Air quality in 51�Թ����App and Bute is very good with low pollution indicators, a major factor for the wellbeing of its residents and visitors. The Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee heard this good news on 22 August 2018.

The council’s Planning Service is focused on ensuring that 51�Թ����App and Bute is open for business and supporting economic growth by offering the high-quality service demanded by business and residential customers. That’s the message the service gave to the Scottish Government when it presented its 2017/18 Planning Performance Framework (PPF) Annual Report for scrutiny and scoring.

Talented young people from four different island communities in 51�Թ����App and Bute have joined forces to create a unique Gaelic comic book which celebrates the area’s rich culture and heritage.   The comic, “Na Gaisgich” was written by primary seven pupils from Islay, Jura, Mull and Tiree as part of a transition project for going into secondary school.   The pupils were all learning Gaelic as a second language at school and were able to create the comic as a result of funding from the Scottish Government.