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A former Mid ���ϸ������� councillor is to be awarded the Freedom of ���ϸ������� and Bute in recognition of almost four decades of service to the local community. Donald MacMillan BEM, or Donnie as he is more commonly known, represented the residents and communities of ���ϸ������� and Bute as a local independent councillor for almost 40 years. Often cited as one of Scotland’s oldest, longest serving elected members, his service as a councillor concluded in May this year aged 94.

“We need to see a significant leap forward towards a permanent solution our communities desperately need; where ground is broken and works progressed for both the interim and permanent solution at the Rest and Be Thankful”. These were the words of Councillor Robin Currie, Leader of ���ϸ������� and Bute Council, at this week’s council meeting, calling for urgent action on a permanent solution for the new Rest and Be Thankful.

Councillors have put the wheels in motion on a new plan to provide free parking at the Helensburgh Waterfront car park.   Proposals for parking to be free for the first two hours, delivering a major boost to local people using Helensburgh’s newly-opened leisure centre and swimming pool, have been approved.   The move will also benefit the town’s businesses, allowing local people and visitors plenty of time to enjoy shops and other attractions around the waterfront area and town centre, with parking changes only applying after the two-hour window.  

A ‘top 10’ national tourism and cultural destination that reaffirms Bute as one of the best places to live and visit – these are just two of the roles campaigners have their sights set on for Rothesay Pavilion, if they can secure the additional funding needed to transform this much loved, iconic 20th century building. 

Outstanding Scottish school named Top 3 finalist for new $250,000 World’s Best School Prizes Dunoon Grammar School makes final 3 for World’s Best School Prize for ���ϸ������� CollaborationAn outstanding Scottish school has been named a Top 3 finalist for the new $250,000 World’s Best School Prizes, launched this year by T4 Education in collaboration with Accenture and American Express.

The deadlines have changed for people wishing to register to vote and/or request a postal vote in the Kintyre and Islands by-election. These changes are due to 19 September being a declared a national day of mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The new deadlines are as follows: Last day to register to vote - 12 September at midnight.Deadline to apply for a postal vote - 13 Septembe

On Sunday at 12.45, ���ϸ������� and Bute’s Proclamation, announcing a new Monarch, will take place at Lochgilphead Front Green. This will follow Scotland’s Proclamation at 12.30. To enable this, roads immediately leading up to Colchester Square (���ϸ������� Street and A83) will be closed for a short time. Diversions will be in place; given alternative roads available, HGVs will be asked to wait. Roads will re-open as soon as possible after the Proclamation has been read. Attached is information on parking options at this time. For anyone affected – thank you for your co-operation.

Like other public organisations, the council has followed national guidance on flag-flying following the sad passing of Her Majesty the Queen. Following confirmation of Her death on the evening of Thursday 8th September, the Union flag was flown at half-mast on all council flagpoles. It will be restored to full mast from just before 11am on Saturday 10th September, until just after 1pm on Sunday 11th September. During this period, the King will be officially proclaimed nationally (on Saturday) and locally (on Sunday).

  Councillor Maurice Corry, Provost of ���ϸ������� and Bute has paid tribute to Her Majesty, saying:   “We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  Her decades of tireless service to the nation mean that she is the only Monarch most of us have ever known. Throughout our lives she has celebrated the nation’s successes and commiserated with us in times of challenge.  Her role was high profile and international, with her work extending across the Commonwealth she so clearly valued. It is difficult to imagine her absence.

Twenty-three footpaths across ���ϸ������� and Bute will benefit from an additional £500,000 investment as part of an ongoing ���ϸ������� to improve the quantity and quality of dropped kerb crossing points, and overall service improvement works. The work includes resurfacing footpaths and improving access for all abilities by dropping kerbs at crossing points. Work will start towards the end of the year across a number of locations including Islay, Rothesay, Mull, Helensburgh, Innellan and Oban.