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Â鶹¸ßÇå and Bute Council has welcomed figures released this week which show that the number of young people in the area who are on the path to sustainable employment is well above the national average. Participation measure figures, released by Skills Development Scotland, show that 94.2% of young people in Â鶹¸ßÇå and Bute aged between 16 and 19 are currently in employment, education or training – the national average being 91.8%. This means Â鶹¸ßÇå and Bute is in the top 8 of 32 local authority areas.

A voluntary group is making the seafront at Kirn more welcoming and comfortable for the community and visitors thanks to the enthusiasm of local volunteers, organisations and funding from the council’s Sustainable Â鶹¸ßÇå Initiative Fund. EnviroKirn Action Group was founded in 2001 and is now a charity. It funds its project work through an annual appeal and sourcing grants.

Â鶹¸ßÇå 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 Â鶹¸ßÇå 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 Â鶹¸ßÇå 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 Â鶹¸ßÇå and Bute’s Rural Growth Deal has had a further boost following the latest ‘very positive’ discussions with the UK Government.  Â鶹¸ßÇå 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 Â鶹¸ßÇå 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, Â鶹¸ßÇå 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 Â鶹¸ßÇå and Bute, either on a temporary basis while Â鶹¸ßÇå 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 Â鶹¸ßÇå and Bute Council’s Annual Education Plan was approved the Â鶹¸ßÇå 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.  

Â鶹¸ßÇå 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 Â鶹¸ßÇå Services Committee.   

Air quality in Â鶹¸ßÇå 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.