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  Time is running out for anyone wishing to play a key role in the future of the stunning, redeveloped Hermitage Park by taking a tenancy within the new Pavilion.   Closing date for expressions of interest in the new Pavilion is 26 October 2018 at 12 noon.   This is a fantastic opportunity to get in at the beginning of an exciting venture that is part of the social and economic development of Helensburgh.

Festive lighting will be delivered in Inveraray and Lochgilphead, by local organisations, in 2018. Funding for Lochgilphead Festive Lights Committee and Inveraray Community Council was agreed by Mid Argyll, Kintyre and Islay Area Committee on Wednesday (10 October). Lochgilphead Festive Lights Committee has been awarded £5,000 to project manage the set-up, commission a contractor testing, maintaining and removal of the lights as well as organising the much anticipated “switch-on” event.

A rural growth deal for ������Ƶ will take another step forward if an outline proposal is agreed at a special meeting of Council next week. A report going to Council sets out an ambitious, multi-million pound proposal for UK and Scottish Government investment in growing ������Ƶ’s economy. Council Leader, Councillor Aileen Morton, explained why the Council is seeking a rural growth deal:

Argyll needs and deserves a long-term solution for the Rest and Be Thankful. This is the view of ������Ƶ Council. While councils are not responsible for trunk roads like the A83, we will continue working with relevant organisations and the Scottish Government to provide whatever support we can in delivering a solution. We note your comments and will include the impact the road’s closure is having on you and local businesses in our work to raise awareness of the need for long-term improvement action.

Independent shops in Dunoon have the chance to learn tips on store design, window display and visual merchandising from a leading expert, who has worked with top city retailers. This training event, organised by ������Ƶ Council, is at Dunoon Burgh Hall, on 23 October, at 6.30pm, and complements the grant-funded repairs to properties on Argyll Street, which includes a number of shop fronts.

 The council leader has welcomed news that just over £500,000 of funding has been allocated to ������Ƶ for three projects supporting the growing tourism sector.  Councillor Aileen Morton said: “I’m delighted to see that projects on three of our islands – Mull, Islay and Tiree – have been allocated money through the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

A little girl from Kilninver Primary School’s pre-5 unit has created a recipe book of smoothies to encourage her fellow pupils to eat healthily. Four-year-old Heidi Martin loves fruit and vegetables at snack time and was keen to make sure that her passion was passed on.  With some help from her teachers, Heidi wrote out her favourite recipes and drew colourful illustrations to accompany them to form a book. Not only were her friends and teachers impressed, but Heidi’s actions also caught the attention of the school’s cateri

������Ƶ Council is reviewing its polling districts and polling places and is asking local residents for their views on how it’s currently done and on any changes being made to the location of polling stations. We welcome input from all residents, particularly from groups or individuals representing people with access or mobility difficulties.

Almost 6000 people have signed up to the council’s new Customer Outreach Service which allows them to be alerted to important service updates in their area by text or email. The new system was set up to ensure residents of ������Ƶ were being given the most relevant and topical information in a way that best suits them. Members of the public can choose which updates they want to receive and whether they want to be given that information in an email or a text message to their mobile phone.

From October 2018, ������Ƶ Council will no longer charge burial and cremation fees for children and young people under 18 years old. This puts in place national guidance agreed by the Scottish Government and COSLA and will provide consistency across Scotland as to when the charges for adult burials are levied. Currently, ������Ƶ does not charge burial and cremation fees to children under the age of 16.