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Parents in ����ɬ are being invited to find out whether or not they are eligible for help towards the cost of their children’s school uniform and free school meals. Since 2015, all pupils in primaries one to three are entitled to a free school meal, however, children in primary four and above need to pay unless their parents meet the criteria set out by the Scottish Government. School clothing grants are also available for parents who get specific benefits.

NHS Highland has become aware of a case of COVID-19 in a staff member from Gelato Burger Restaurant in Oban. The individual is isolating at home as per national guidelines. No other cases of illness have been reported in staff members. The national guidance for contact tracing has been followed and, following this, a number of staff members have been identified as close contacts. These close contacts have been followed up and have been advised to self-isolate for 14 days. As a precautionary measure, testing is being arranged for those identified as close contacts.

Food businesses play a major role in ����ɬ’s economy. Many have continued to operate throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but some will be starting to open up over the coming days and weeks. To provide support for restarting business operations, the council’s Environmental Health Team has put together guidance from a range of trusted sources that will assist business to provide a COVID-secure environment for staff and customers.

Talented youngsters from schools across Dunoon and Cowal got creative during lockdown when they were tasked with building a 3D model of their favourite place in the area. The children could make their model using any materials they had lying around their house, provided they had permission from their parent or carer.

A contract to deliver the council’s £22 million pool and leisure centre for Helensburgh has been awarded to Heron Brothers Ltd. The contract will also deliver strengthened flood defences and improved public meeting space for residents and visitors.   The announcement follows a formal tender exercise run by the council to secure best value for investment in the development. Work will start on site in August 2020 with the new building opening to the public in August 2022. 

����ɬ Council has been awarded £315,000 funding from the Spaces for People Programme, to deliver temporary infrastructure to make it safer for people who choose to walk, cycle or wheel for essential trips and exercise during Covid-19. The fund, which is administered by Sustrans and funded by Transport Scotland, will provide more space for active travel in our town centres.

We issued a survey to parents and carers at the beginning of June, to find out what concerns they have about pupils returning to school after the summer. Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete this. We have read all your feedback and have collated these responses to answer your queries and, hopefully, provide you with some reassurance. When will pupils return to school?

Businesses in the hospitality and other sectors are being encouraged to collect customer and visitor details in accordance with new Scottish Government guidance.

Could you offer a child a home in a secure, loving environment? If so, ����ɬ Council is looking for you to come forward and apply to become a foster carer. There are always a number of young people looking for foster carers in ����ɬ, for a variety of reasons, either on a temporary basis while plans are made for their future, or for an extended period if they are unable to go back to their family.

Did you know that ����ɬ Council’s website not only contains lots of useful information for residents, businesses and visitors; it also offers a huge range of online services that make connecting with the council quick and convenient. By logging on to the website you can now make secure online payments at any time of the day or night using the online “Pay It” service for:  Council Tax, School meals Parking tickets Non domestic rates