ÓûÂþɬ

Partnership working is highlighted as key to ÓûÂþɬ’s recovery from the impact of covid-19, in an action plan agreed today. The ÓûÂþɬ Recovery Action Plan outlines key themes for action to support the area in moving on from the pandemic and shaping the ‘new normal’. These themes include:

Turning ÓûÂþɬ’s £50 million rural growth deal into action for the area took another step forward today, with the Policy and Resources Committee agreeing to invest £150,000 in developing project business cases. With £50 million secured from the UK and Scottish Governments, the next step will be to agree ‘heads of terms’ with both governments. This will set out the ways in which the funding will be used for ÓûÂþɬ.

Pupils in secondary schools across ÓûÂþɬ are delivering top marks for exam performance according to new figures released by the Council’s Community Services Committee. The latest Education Performance Data Analysis for 2020 shows that schools in the area achieved excellent results which outperformed national averages. Figures for ÓûÂþɬ this year show that:  ·  National 4 results are above the national average by 9.1% ·  National 5 results are above the national average by 2.5%

What makes ÓûÂþɬ a great place to learn and teach? Who better to ask than our Chief Education Officer, Anne Paterson, who’s retiring after nearly four decades teaching in the area.  How long have you worked in education in ÓûÂþɬ? I began working in January 1982 in Park Primary School as a brand new teacher, so almost 39 years. What roles have you held?

Council welcomes A83 announcement Councillor Robin Currie, Leader of ÓûÂþɬ Council: “Following correspondence from the council to the First Minister, the announcement of a temporary bund to help protect the Old Military road is welcome in addition with a commitment from Scottish Government to progress an accelerated timescale for a permanent solution. This is good news as we simply cannot wait another decade with further disruption for the A83.

The council has published an update on its preparations to meet an estimated funding gap of more than £6 million next year. Reports that will be considered at next week’s Policy and Resources Committee set out progress in identifying options for cutting costs, making savings and raising income. Councillor Gary Mulvaney, Policy Lead for Financial Services, explained the particular funding challenges facing ÓûÂþɬ:

The council’s Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee has endorsed Zero Waste Scotland’s Household Recycling Charter and its Code of Practice. This reinforces the council’s commitment to reducing its carbon emissions and tackling climate change. ÓûÂþɬ already complies with the majority of the essential requirements outlined in the charter’s Code of Practice. However, that Code of Practice is coming under review in the light of new legislation, including the Deposit Return Scheme and the Landfill Ban.

The council’s Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee approved a new approach to encourage and support the use of electric vehicles throughout ÓûÂþɬ. This will help tackle climate change. The council will develop its network of electric vehicle charging points. It will seek government funding and introduce fees for the electricity used to make sure that the programme is sustainable.

Ongoing investment in ÓûÂþɬ’s roads continues to show some improvements in the overall network condition. As a result, ÓûÂþɬ remains in the top five fastest improving Scottish Local Authorities in terms of road condition. The council’s Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee endorsed the Annual Status and Options Report (ASOR) this week. The ASOR summarises the council’s road assets as at April 2020 and sets out future investment options to be considered.

A £2.7 million project to regenerate Rothesay’s historic buildings and assist the growth of the local economy continues to deliver strong results.   The Rothesay Townscape Heritage programme is funded by National Heritage Lottery Fund (NHLF), Historic Environment Scotland (HES), ÓûÂþɬ Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), LEADER, and through Smarter Choices Smarter Places. Two million pounds from the total fund is being made available to property owners through the offer of grant support.