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������Ƶ Council is beating the Scottish average for getting national funding to local businesses affected by COVID-19. As of 14 April, the council had processed nearly 900 applications and has been able to match 95% of these (839) to funding support criteria, compared to a national average of 85%. The number of applications being submitted to the council continues to grow.

The council’s Business Continuity Committee today (16 April) adopted ������Ƶ’s first Community Food Growing Strategy, aimed at encouraging and empowering people to grow their own food. The finalised ������Ƶ Council Community Food Growing Strategy reflects the already-established culture of individuals, community groups, care homes, and school gardens all growing our own food.

Oban North Pier Pontoons, and the Harbour Building, have made a substantial contribution to the marine tourism offer of the town, and the wider ������Ƶ area, according to an independent review. The council’s Business Continuity Committee today (16 April) considered a report showing that the pontoons have out-performed original forecasts and that the additional vessels and visitors they attract to Oban have made a positive impact to the local economy.

A Scottish Government report has highlighted that ������Ƶ Council’s planning service continues to provide a high quality service to businesses and residents. The council submitted its 2018-2019 Planning Performance Framework (PPF) to Scottish Ministers and received a highly positive response. Across the 13 performance indicators assessed, 10 were rated ‘green’ and three ‘amber’.

We are working hard to deliver as many of our normal services as possible at this difficult time and we are grateful to the vast majority of the public who are supporting us in our efforts. However, there is a minority putting our workers and their communities at risk through irresponsible behaviour.

������Ƶ Council's education service is committed to ensuring that no young people in the area have to go without access to free period products during the Covid-19 crisis, when the usual availability in schools is restricted and when it is more difficult to get products from shops. Many schools distributed period products to pupils before they closed, however, as the current Covid-19 Government restrictions continue, the council wants to ensure that pupils’ wellbeing needs continue to be met.  

Critical services are still required to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic and in ������Ƶ, the council’s Regulatory Services is working with Police Scotland to ensure that these businesses work safely to protect their staff and the wider community. This is a common approach, agreed across all Scotland’s 32 local authorities. Both council officers and police will take the approach of Engage, Explain and Enforcement. Enforcement will only happen if public health is compromised, or the business will not co-operate.

“We will beat this with co-operation, collaboration and community spirit.” These were the words of Councillor Aileen Morton, Leader of the ������Ƶ Council, in advance of the first meeting of the council’s Business Continuity Committee (BCC).

Our Caring for People coronavirus helpline 01546 605524 will be open between 10am and 1pm on Easter Friday and Monday. This is also the Local Assessment Centre for anyone who has been asked to stay at home for 12 weeks (shielding). This is for support for those impacted in our community and is not an emergency line. When our offices are closed, we have a number of emergency contact details including: Social work services – 01631 566491 or 01631 569712

������Ƶ Council has taken the decision to close its car parks at Luss, Arrochar (Glenloin 1 and 2) and Duck Bay during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Our message for visitors is: “please stay away so we can welcome you back soon.” National guidance is clear – only travel if it’s essential. We all have a duty to act responsibly and keep each other safe from the threat of COVID-19. We want to welcome visitors back to ������Ƶ, but once it is safe to travel.