Councillor's Column - Dougie Philand, November 29 2024
It is my pleasure to once again submit my report for the councillor’s column and thanks the Advertiser for the continued support for this.
It is really important to highlight the proposal that is being worked up and that is of the Visitors Levy.
The Scottish government has passed legislation which will allow local authorities to set a visitors levy on overnight stays in accommodation with the purpose to develop support and sustain facilities and services for or used by visitors to a local authority area for leisure or business purposes.
Argyll and Bute Council are currently working up the details of how this would be implemented in Argyll assuming it was agreed to take this forward.
There will be a consultation period before any decisions are made and it is vitally important that as much feed back as is possible come into the council particularly the impact it will have on businesses to allow elected members to obtain all the pros and cons of the scheme if implemented.
So, I would urge readers to let their views be known.
I was delighted to attend a ceremony to celebrate council staff’s achievements in obtaining qualifications in their respective jobs.
It was eye-opening to see the sheer commitment of staff and all the hard work and efforts put into their respective courses remembering this was on top of their day time jobs and personal commitments.
Well done to all of those who achieved their respective qualifications.
Provost duties
Oban hosted the Royal National Mod this year which was a huge success and it was my privilege to hand over the Royal National Mod flag to the leader of Highland Council who are going to host the Mod next year in Lochaber.
It was an amazing spectacle to hear the pipes and drums marching down Oban main street gathering at the pier area.
Added to this many of the choirs also sang entertaining the crowd which was large. Congratulations to all who participated, organised and supported the Mod and we in Argyll wish Lochaber all the best for next year.
I recently attended a launch of the Arrochar Tarbet community council place plan in the 3 villages hall in Arrochar.
This event was a milestone in the local communities aspirations what they wish to see being developed in their local area.
It was so good to see the event supported by many locals and also Dame Jackie Bailey MSP, who has been a great supporter of the local area.
I was delighted to be chaperoned by Councillor Shonny Paterson, one of the local members who was clearly engaged in the development of the plan. Well done to all who participated.
I was honoured to be invited to open a new phase of affordable housing in Lochgilphead built by M&K MacLeod Construction.
The ceremony was well attended by all who had contributed to making the phase such a success and it was great to have a photo of James MacMillan who cut the first turf along with Iona MacPhail the chief executive of Fyne homes and myself who opened the project.
Again congratulations to everyone for making the event such a success.
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Childcare and Education Worker - ARB15733 - Argyll and Bute Council
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Latest News
JOBS
Childcare and Education Worker - ARB15733 - Argyll and Bute Council
Sign up to our daily Newsletters
Permission Statement
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I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
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