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����Ů�� will submit a multi-million pound funding bid to the UK and Scottish Governments that would see investment in areas as wide ranging as transport, broadband, education and market-leading business innovation. The bid comprises sixteen different projects that would bring together local and national organisations, as well as public and private sector agencies, to transform ����Ů��’s economy for local and national benefit. The bid was agreed at today’s special meeting of full Council.

Did you know there are many types of foster carers? There are indeed those who provide young people in care with a secure, stable home throughout childhood, and if possible, up to the age of 21.

Did you know that foster carers can come from a variety of backgrounds. Our criteria covers a wide age range, as long as you are healthy; any gender; any sexual orientation; any relationship status. The most important thing is that young people are matched with people who will give them love and stability. *Dave is a single foster carer with ����Ů��. He became involved in fostering because he wanted to help make a difference to a young person’s life.

  We're kicking off our fostering appeal this week to try and encourage more people in ����Ů�� and Bute to come forward and be assessed to become foster carers. Moyra Paterson and her husband Peter both have full-time jobs and have been foster carers for six years now. We caught up with the couple to find out all about it.....  

  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 ����Ů��, 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.

����Ů�� needs and deserves a long-term solution for the Rest and Be Thankful. This is the view of ����Ů��. 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.

A rural growth deal for ����Ů�� and Bute 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 ����Ů�� and Bute’s economy. Council Leader, Councillor Aileen Morton, explained why the Council is seeking a rural growth deal:

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

 The council leader has welcomed news that just over £500,000 of funding has been allocated to ����Ů�� and Bute 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.