Title: Piping Live
From the Piping Live music festival, Julie Fowlis presents the best of three concerts - Fred Morrison, Breabach and Treacherous
Orchestra onstage at Glasgow's Old Fruitmarket.
Transmitted: Saturday 12th March 2011
Time: 21:00
Title: Thar an Aiseig / Ferry Tales
The ferry is an intrinsic part of life in many communities throughout Scotland. From large vessels to small motor boats, the ferries transport people, goods and livestock from islands and peninsulas, providing a crucial connection with mainland Scotland.
Over a year, this series follows the people that run and use Scotland's ferries, often in the most beautiful scenic areas of Scotland. From family run businesses to large corporations, all striving to deliver the best service, despite the daily challenges of weather, timetables and engineering problems. From holiday travellers to commuters and school children, the ferry is vital to people for all sorts of reasons.
In this programme, skipper Kirsteen Morrison has big news for the crew of Belnahua ferry. The Renfrew Rose crosses the River Clyde for the last time and up in Orkney, the efforts of ferry operator Andrew Banks are celebrated in a new book. As always things are busy on the tiny island of Kerrera with the arrival of Sheila's baby and the opening of the parrot sanctuary.
Transmitted: Tuesday 15th March 2011
Time: 20:30
Title: Eorpa
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 16th March 2011
Time: 20:30
Title: SPL Dundee Utd v Hearts
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Dundee United host Heart of Midlothian at Tannadice.
Transmitted: Wednesday 16th March 2011
Time: 22:00
Friday, 4 March 2011
Travellers’ tales- a new literary guide tells story of Argyll and the Isles’ appeal for writers
The rich literary heritage of Argyll and the Isles is being put firmly on the map thanks to a new guide produced by VisitScotland and the University of Glasgow.
Featuring Inveraray Castle and the imposing stature of Ben Dorain, Literary Scotland: A Traveller’s Guide highlights 60 fascinating literary locations throughout the country, including the stunning settings for world-famous novels, the scenery that inspired poets and the birthplaces of some of the country’s most distinguished writers.
It is the first guide of its kind to be put together by VisitScotland and it is hoped it will appeal to residents and visitors alike.
Compiled in association with the University of Glasgow’s Department of Literary Studies and the Association of Scottish Literary Studies, it is available from VisitScotland Information Centres throughout the country and online.
Literary Scotland, which is divided into 13 geographical areas, was written by Alan Riach, a noted poet and Professor of Scottish Literary Studies at Glasgow University.
He said: “This little book is only a beginning, a first list of locations significant to writers or literary visitors to Scotland. I’ve included many familiar and also many unfamiliar names and places: Burns and Scott and MacDiarmid are all there of course, but also Mary MacLeod and Catherine Carswell, John Buchan and Irvine Welsh, Duncan Ban MacIntyre and Liz Lochhead. So many people – whether visitors or resident Scots – might not know how steeped in literature the landscapes they drive through or live in really are. The idea was simply to open a few doors, to suggest a few ways of thinking about what Scottish literature might do to help us really inhabit the country more fully.”
Also featured in the guide is Loch Katrine - the setting for Sir Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake, an 1810 poem credited with kick-starting the literary tourism phenomenon in Scotland.
French author Jules Verne was among those who subsequently came over to Scotland to write about its stunning scenery. It is a tradition which continues to this day, with novelists, journalists and bloggers from all over the world visiting the country to experience its unique landscape first hand.
Scottish author Iain Banks, writer of more than 20 novels, including The Bridge, Complicity and The Crow Road , describes the guide as: “A valuable introduction to the many fascinating links between Scotland and literature.”
David Adams McGilp, VisitScotland Regional Director for Argyll and the Isles, said: “Scotland has been a rich source of inspiration for writers for centuries and this new guide highlights just some of the fascinating places in Argyll and the Isles associated with literature. We hope it will appeal to people living in Scotland who want to learn more about Scottish writers and associated locations, as well as provide an interesting hook to visitors from further afield. We’ve seen a lot of interest from people visiting film locations in Scotland, so we hope the literary angle will have a similarly strong appeal.”
The guide is available to download from the websites of VisitScotland, ASLS and Creative Scotland.
Featuring Inveraray Castle and the imposing stature of Ben Dorain, Literary Scotland: A Traveller’s Guide highlights 60 fascinating literary locations throughout the country, including the stunning settings for world-famous novels, the scenery that inspired poets and the birthplaces of some of the country’s most distinguished writers.
It is the first guide of its kind to be put together by VisitScotland and it is hoped it will appeal to residents and visitors alike.
Compiled in association with the University of Glasgow’s Department of Literary Studies and the Association of Scottish Literary Studies, it is available from VisitScotland Information Centres throughout the country and online.
Literary Scotland, which is divided into 13 geographical areas, was written by Alan Riach, a noted poet and Professor of Scottish Literary Studies at Glasgow University.
He said: “This little book is only a beginning, a first list of locations significant to writers or literary visitors to Scotland. I’ve included many familiar and also many unfamiliar names and places: Burns and Scott and MacDiarmid are all there of course, but also Mary MacLeod and Catherine Carswell, John Buchan and Irvine Welsh, Duncan Ban MacIntyre and Liz Lochhead. So many people – whether visitors or resident Scots – might not know how steeped in literature the landscapes they drive through or live in really are. The idea was simply to open a few doors, to suggest a few ways of thinking about what Scottish literature might do to help us really inhabit the country more fully.”
Also featured in the guide is Loch Katrine - the setting for Sir Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake, an 1810 poem credited with kick-starting the literary tourism phenomenon in Scotland.
French author Jules Verne was among those who subsequently came over to Scotland to write about its stunning scenery. It is a tradition which continues to this day, with novelists, journalists and bloggers from all over the world visiting the country to experience its unique landscape first hand.
Scottish author Iain Banks, writer of more than 20 novels, including The Bridge, Complicity and The Crow Road , describes the guide as: “A valuable introduction to the many fascinating links between Scotland and literature.”
David Adams McGilp, VisitScotland Regional Director for Argyll and the Isles, said: “Scotland has been a rich source of inspiration for writers for centuries and this new guide highlights just some of the fascinating places in Argyll and the Isles associated with literature. We hope it will appeal to people living in Scotland who want to learn more about Scottish writers and associated locations, as well as provide an interesting hook to visitors from further afield. We’ve seen a lot of interest from people visiting film locations in Scotland, so we hope the literary angle will have a similarly strong appeal.”
The guide is available to download from the websites of VisitScotland, ASLS and Creative Scotland.
Council capital budget proposals ready for debate
Argyll and Bute Council will discuss proposals to finalise its capital budget at a meeting on Thursday 10 March. The council has a total of £87.2 million in funding over the next three years.
The proposals include spending £15.5 million in the next three years on the area’s roads. In the first year £6.9 million would be spent on upgrading and maintaining the network, in the second year £4.8 million and in the third £3.8 million. Included in the 2011-12 amount is the £3 million approved at the council budget meeting on 10 February.
When it comes to school buildings there is £15.8 million to invest. The council will consider improvements like rewiring, window replacement and re-roofing to safeguard the condition of these buildings.
The proposals could also see money allocated to better lighting if approved. £600,000 has been set aside for new LED lighting as it’s more powerful, lasts longer and is lower energy.
Nearly £7 million pounds has been set aside for approval for community facilities and private sector housing. This could see Dunoon, Rothesay and Helensburgh having their swimming pools improved. The money could also see upgrades to the community education centres in Lochgilphead, Bute, Kintyre and Dunoon.
Leader of the council, Councillor Dick Walsh said “we have already made some of the toughest budget decisions in years and are undergoing a number of painful cuts but we must also concentrate on keeping our remaining buildings, schools, roads and libraries in the best possible condition we can for the future. The Capital plan aims to improve the potential of our people, our communities and our area.”
The Capital Plan includes some projects which have already been approved by the council. The CHORD programme will see investment in the waterfronts of Campbeltown, Helensburgh, Oban, Rothesay and Dunoon. The Tayinloan slip will have the breakwater and land bridge fixed so it will be fully compatible with the proposed ferry service to Gigha. In Helensburgh, the council will merge some of its smaller offices and bring staff together in one new building. Another project which has already got the go ahead is the Mull and Iona progressive care facility which will prevent local elderly people being moved to care homes on the mainland. In Dunoon’s John Street there’ll be work to alleviate the flooding at the Milton burn.
The proposals include spending £15.5 million in the next three years on the area’s roads. In the first year £6.9 million would be spent on upgrading and maintaining the network, in the second year £4.8 million and in the third £3.8 million. Included in the 2011-12 amount is the £3 million approved at the council budget meeting on 10 February.
When it comes to school buildings there is £15.8 million to invest. The council will consider improvements like rewiring, window replacement and re-roofing to safeguard the condition of these buildings.
The proposals could also see money allocated to better lighting if approved. £600,000 has been set aside for new LED lighting as it’s more powerful, lasts longer and is lower energy.
Nearly £7 million pounds has been set aside for approval for community facilities and private sector housing. This could see Dunoon, Rothesay and Helensburgh having their swimming pools improved. The money could also see upgrades to the community education centres in Lochgilphead, Bute, Kintyre and Dunoon.
Leader of the council, Councillor Dick Walsh said “we have already made some of the toughest budget decisions in years and are undergoing a number of painful cuts but we must also concentrate on keeping our remaining buildings, schools, roads and libraries in the best possible condition we can for the future. The Capital plan aims to improve the potential of our people, our communities and our area.”
The Capital Plan includes some projects which have already been approved by the council. The CHORD programme will see investment in the waterfronts of Campbeltown, Helensburgh, Oban, Rothesay and Dunoon. The Tayinloan slip will have the breakwater and land bridge fixed so it will be fully compatible with the proposed ferry service to Gigha. In Helensburgh, the council will merge some of its smaller offices and bring staff together in one new building. Another project which has already got the go ahead is the Mull and Iona progressive care facility which will prevent local elderly people being moved to care homes on the mainland. In Dunoon’s John Street there’ll be work to alleviate the flooding at the Milton burn.
NFUS President Nigel Miller meets Richard Lochhead with CAP Reform and penalties on agenda
NFU Scotland’s new President, Nigel Miller, has used his first formal meeting with Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead, to map out the Union’s views and concerns around the planned reform of the Common Agricultural Policy.
Mr Miller also used the meeting, which took place in the Scottish Parliament today (Thursday, 3 March), to make the point that any new support scheme to emerge from the reform must be accompanied by a substantially more proportionate penalty system than that currently in place.
Speaking from Holyrood, Mr Miller said:
“The investigation into future support arrangements for Scotland, carried out by Brian Pack on behalf of the Scottish Government, has put Scotland ahead of the rest of Europe in mapping out what the nation’s farmers require to emerge from the CAP reform discussions. Those discussions will continue over the coming months and years and we must capitalise on the momentum we have built up here.
“The principles outlined in the Pack Report are good and highlight the need and justification for continued funding being targeted at those actively involved in farming here in Scotland. Where question marks remain, is over the best model for delivering that funding in Scotland and whether the LFA/non-LFA approach, as proposed in Pack, is correct.
“To ensure we have a grasp of what our members are thinking on this crucial issue, we have launched a questionnaire this week on the future direction of the Single Farm Payment. We have already looked at and considered several models for delivering support but no one model has been universally supported. The purpose of this consultation is to seek our members’ views on a range of principles for any new support system so that we can identify the priorities and discuss those with our politicians ahead of negotiations. It is still the big principles being debated at EU level that we need to influence.
“The questionnaire also tackles the emerging European question about the ‘greening’ of CAP and support payments and whether higher environmental standards should be driven through direct support payments – Pillar One – or through rural development – Pillar Two. Our initial gut feeling is Pillar One is more acceptable but we await the reaction from our members. The more immediate worry for them is that any attempts to ramp up environmental requirements, whether Pillar One or Pillar Two, will come with a greater level of cross-compliance and inspection.
“One condition of agreeing to new greening measures must be a revised penalty system – or it will be difficult to get industry buy-in. The existing inspection and penalty requirements around SFP are already responsible for a culture of fear - both for Government officials open to EU audit, and farmers who fear inspections and disproportionate penalties being attached to their SFP for what can be minor breaches of the rules.
“We need to make new a new, proportionate penalty system a key plank of any CAP reform discussions. Any inspection system must focus on outcomes and penalties properly recognise the difference between those acting illegally and those who have made a genuine mistake.
“At a European level, there is clearly a lack of communication between the Commission, the auditors and Member State Governments over inspections and penalty regimes. That filters all the way back to those farming on the ground and results in thousands of pounds being stripped back each year from producers for often minor errors. We would be keen to explore with Scottish Government and Westminster if there is a role for a new body at European level to look at proportionate enforcement.”
Mr Miller also used the meeting, which took place in the Scottish Parliament today (Thursday, 3 March), to make the point that any new support scheme to emerge from the reform must be accompanied by a substantially more proportionate penalty system than that currently in place.
Speaking from Holyrood, Mr Miller said:
“The investigation into future support arrangements for Scotland, carried out by Brian Pack on behalf of the Scottish Government, has put Scotland ahead of the rest of Europe in mapping out what the nation’s farmers require to emerge from the CAP reform discussions. Those discussions will continue over the coming months and years and we must capitalise on the momentum we have built up here.
“The principles outlined in the Pack Report are good and highlight the need and justification for continued funding being targeted at those actively involved in farming here in Scotland. Where question marks remain, is over the best model for delivering that funding in Scotland and whether the LFA/non-LFA approach, as proposed in Pack, is correct.
“To ensure we have a grasp of what our members are thinking on this crucial issue, we have launched a questionnaire this week on the future direction of the Single Farm Payment. We have already looked at and considered several models for delivering support but no one model has been universally supported. The purpose of this consultation is to seek our members’ views on a range of principles for any new support system so that we can identify the priorities and discuss those with our politicians ahead of negotiations. It is still the big principles being debated at EU level that we need to influence.
“The questionnaire also tackles the emerging European question about the ‘greening’ of CAP and support payments and whether higher environmental standards should be driven through direct support payments – Pillar One – or through rural development – Pillar Two. Our initial gut feeling is Pillar One is more acceptable but we await the reaction from our members. The more immediate worry for them is that any attempts to ramp up environmental requirements, whether Pillar One or Pillar Two, will come with a greater level of cross-compliance and inspection.
“One condition of agreeing to new greening measures must be a revised penalty system – or it will be difficult to get industry buy-in. The existing inspection and penalty requirements around SFP are already responsible for a culture of fear - both for Government officials open to EU audit, and farmers who fear inspections and disproportionate penalties being attached to their SFP for what can be minor breaches of the rules.
“We need to make new a new, proportionate penalty system a key plank of any CAP reform discussions. Any inspection system must focus on outcomes and penalties properly recognise the difference between those acting illegally and those who have made a genuine mistake.
“At a European level, there is clearly a lack of communication between the Commission, the auditors and Member State Governments over inspections and penalty regimes. That filters all the way back to those farming on the ground and results in thousands of pounds being stripped back each year from producers for often minor errors. We would be keen to explore with Scottish Government and Westminster if there is a role for a new body at European level to look at proportionate enforcement.”
GRANT SCHEME OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL FARMERS
NFU Scotland has secured a short window of opportunity for small farmers in crofting areas to submit final applications to the Crofting Counties Agricultural Grant Scheme (CCAGS).
In the past, small farmers, provided they met the necessary economic criteria, were eligible for the scheme. However, a recent Scottish Government announcement has stated that the scheme will be shut to non-crofters after 31 March, 2011.
It was earlier stated that non-crofters must have completed the scheme’s required Economic Status Test by 28 February, 2011 to have any CCAGS claims considered by the end of March. In discussions with Scottish Government, the Union understands that small farmers can still undergo the required economic test this month, providing they still have their CCAGS application submitted by 31 March.
Chair of NFU Scotland’s Crofting, Highlands and Islands Working Group, Mrs Jo Durno said:
"It remains a disappointment that many small farmers operating in Scotland's crofting counties will eventually be denied access to much-needed funding through a non-competitive scheme like CCAGS. However, this window to apply for the required economic test, and then apply to the scheme will soften the blow before access is shut in the future. Timings remain tight so those interested in applying will have to crack on with the process.
“Small farmers had been given little warning that their access to the CCAGS scheme was to close but now, after pressure from NFUS, there is an opportunity to get the necessary tests completed and claims in promptly to allow them to be considered before 31 March.
“Once that scheme closes to small farmers, we remain concerned that they will be at a competitive disadvantage compared to their crofting neighbours even though they both face the same physical and financial pressures.
"What all active land managers in crofting areas need in the future is a fit for purpose package of non-competitive, practical measures that are adequately funded. This would allow all farmers and crofters across Scotland to contribute in different ways to securing a range of economic, environmental and social benefits. Such an overhaul must form part of the on-going deliberations about the next Scotland Rural Development Programme."
In the past, small farmers, provided they met the necessary economic criteria, were eligible for the scheme. However, a recent Scottish Government announcement has stated that the scheme will be shut to non-crofters after 31 March, 2011.
It was earlier stated that non-crofters must have completed the scheme’s required Economic Status Test by 28 February, 2011 to have any CCAGS claims considered by the end of March. In discussions with Scottish Government, the Union understands that small farmers can still undergo the required economic test this month, providing they still have their CCAGS application submitted by 31 March.
Chair of NFU Scotland’s Crofting, Highlands and Islands Working Group, Mrs Jo Durno said:
"It remains a disappointment that many small farmers operating in Scotland's crofting counties will eventually be denied access to much-needed funding through a non-competitive scheme like CCAGS. However, this window to apply for the required economic test, and then apply to the scheme will soften the blow before access is shut in the future. Timings remain tight so those interested in applying will have to crack on with the process.
“Small farmers had been given little warning that their access to the CCAGS scheme was to close but now, after pressure from NFUS, there is an opportunity to get the necessary tests completed and claims in promptly to allow them to be considered before 31 March.
“Once that scheme closes to small farmers, we remain concerned that they will be at a competitive disadvantage compared to their crofting neighbours even though they both face the same physical and financial pressures.
"What all active land managers in crofting areas need in the future is a fit for purpose package of non-competitive, practical measures that are adequately funded. This would allow all farmers and crofters across Scotland to contribute in different ways to securing a range of economic, environmental and social benefits. Such an overhaul must form part of the on-going deliberations about the next Scotland Rural Development Programme."
FINAL FAREWELL TO HMS CAMPBELTOWN
Campbeltown will mark an extremely historic occasion next week when HMS Campbeltown sails into its namesake town for the very last time.
The Type 22 Frigate has a long affiliation with the town and its people. However, this will be the ships final curtain call before she is decommissioned this summer after 22 years’ service to the Royal Navy across the globe.
In true Campbeltown form, a number of celebrations are scheduled to take place to mark this poignant occasion.
These include a grand parade through the streets of Campbeltown which will echo that of the ship’s first visit to the town in 1989. This will take place in the town’s Main Street at 5.30pm on Wednesday 9th March 2011.
During this, the Captain of HMS Campbeltown, Lt Cdr Keri Harris, will present the ship’s bell from the first HMS Campbeltown, which destroyed the dock gates at the French port St Nazaire in 1942, to the Provost of Argyll and Bute, Councillor William Petrie.
This bell will go on display in Aqualibrium for the duration of the ship’s stay from Wednesday 9th March until Monday 14th March. Captain Harris will also return a silver plaque to the town which was originally presented to the ship in 1989.
Councillor Rory Colville, said: “This is a very sad time for the people of Kintyre. The town has a long affiliation with HMS Campbeltown and we will be extremely sad to see the ship set sail from Campbeltown Loch for the last time.”
The warship will open her gangway to members of the public on Saturday 12th march 2011. Buses will depart from Campbeltownm Bus Terminal at 9.45am and every 30 minutes thereafter until the last trip at 11.45am.
A football match between Campbeltown Pupils and the ships company will also take place on Sunday 13th March at 1pm at Kintyre Park, Campbeltown,and a darts competition will take place in the Burnside Bar on Sunday evening at 8pm.
Taking part in the parade will be some of the ship’s company, along with Campbeltown Sea Cadets and representatives from the Royal British Legion, the Royal Air Force Association, the Army Cadet Force, Girl Guide Association, Strathclyde Police, the Ambulance Service, Fire Brigade and Young Fire Fighters, Royal National Lifeboat Association and the Harbourmaster.
The parade will begin at 5.30pm when Kintyre Schools Pipe Band will lead the first group of organisations down Castlehill to the Town Hall. This will be followed by the Sound of Kintyre Pipe Band which will escort the ship’s company and the Sea Cadets.
Also taking part will be Campbeltown Brass which will play as people wait for the parade to begin as well as during the inspection of the ship’s company and the Sea Cadets by the Lord Lieutenant of Argyll and Bute, Kenneth McKinnon.
A special guest will be Nick Beattie whose father, Lt Cdr Sam Beattie was the commanding officer of the original HMS Campbeltown. Sam Beattie was one of five of the ship’s company to receive the Victoria Cross for the part they played in ‘the most daring raid of all’.
The visit will end on Monday 14th March and Campbeltown will put its best foot forward to mark this historic but sad occasion.
Scottish Youth Parliament members to challenge Scottish party leaders
Argyll and Bute members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MYSP’s) are getting the chance to quiz the leaders of the country’s five major political parties in a sitting on the 12th March in Inverclyde.
Argyll and Bute has three MYSP’s, two for Argyll and Bute and one for Helensburgh and Lomond; Sarah Taylor from Lochgilphead, Ryan MacAllister from Oban and Jeanna Sally from Helensburgh.
The MYSP’s will be questioning their Holyrood colleagues on key issues affecting young people. They’ll touch on things like sectarianism, equally pay and more help for first-time buyers looking for a home.
Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Argyll and Bute, Sarah Taylor says she’s really looking forward to the event.
She added “I’m really excited by the opportunity the Scottish Youth Parliament leader’s debate provides for me to question Scotland’s political leaders on the main issues affecting young people. I know people in my constituency are worried about government cuts, the future of higher education and how we create a fairer and better Scotland.”
This is the last sitting for MYSP’s and there’ll be another election in March.
Argyll and Bute has three MYSP’s, two for Argyll and Bute and one for Helensburgh and Lomond; Sarah Taylor from Lochgilphead, Ryan MacAllister from Oban and Jeanna Sally from Helensburgh.
The MYSP’s will be questioning their Holyrood colleagues on key issues affecting young people. They’ll touch on things like sectarianism, equally pay and more help for first-time buyers looking for a home.
Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Argyll and Bute, Sarah Taylor says she’s really looking forward to the event.
She added “I’m really excited by the opportunity the Scottish Youth Parliament leader’s debate provides for me to question Scotland’s political leaders on the main issues affecting young people. I know people in my constituency are worried about government cuts, the future of higher education and how we create a fairer and better Scotland.”
This is the last sitting for MYSP’s and there’ll be another election in March.
Additional consultation agreed for school estate review
Argyll and Bute Council agreed yesterday (3 March 2011) to hold a series of pre consultation meetings with ten communities that potentially would be affected by its schools estate review.
This innovative approach arose from discussions with the Argyll Rural Schools Network and a wide range of groups and individuals who met with Councillor Ellen Morton, the council’s spokesperson for education, during a widespread programme of visits to schools.
The pre-consultation will ensure the council has a full and complete understanding of the impact its school review will have on communities. The opinions and information collected at the meetings will be used when considering whether the council should progress its proposals to formal statutory consultation or to withdraw the proposals.
Key community representatives, ARSN, parent council members and school representatives will be invited to the meetings, which will be conducted jointly between council officers and the affected communities.
Councillor Morton, spokesperson for education said:
“I want to highlight the positive involvement of the Argyll Rural Schools Network in discussions with the council that has helped us develop our new approach. I also want to thank all of the parents, staff and others with whom I met on my school visits for the courtesy I received from every quarter.
“The agreed approach is designed to ensure that all viable alternatives are identified and assessed to better inform the council on the decisions it will face.”
Informal consultation will take place between March 28 and 4 April, in the form of facilitated workshops, with the results helping to shape proposals which will be presented to council on 19 April. This is later than originally proposed to allow a minimum period of 25 days for preparation.
Parent groups, teachers, community groups, elected members and the Argyll Rural Schools Networks will be invited to take part in the discussion meetings.
Once the informal discussions are completed community impact assessments will be prepared and discussed with community groups before they are submitted to council. These assessments will inform decisions taken over which proposals will go forward for formal consultation.
This innovative approach arose from discussions with the Argyll Rural Schools Network and a wide range of groups and individuals who met with Councillor Ellen Morton, the council’s spokesperson for education, during a widespread programme of visits to schools.
The pre-consultation will ensure the council has a full and complete understanding of the impact its school review will have on communities. The opinions and information collected at the meetings will be used when considering whether the council should progress its proposals to formal statutory consultation or to withdraw the proposals.
Key community representatives, ARSN, parent council members and school representatives will be invited to the meetings, which will be conducted jointly between council officers and the affected communities.
Councillor Morton, spokesperson for education said:
“I want to highlight the positive involvement of the Argyll Rural Schools Network in discussions with the council that has helped us develop our new approach. I also want to thank all of the parents, staff and others with whom I met on my school visits for the courtesy I received from every quarter.
“The agreed approach is designed to ensure that all viable alternatives are identified and assessed to better inform the council on the decisions it will face.”
Informal consultation will take place between March 28 and 4 April, in the form of facilitated workshops, with the results helping to shape proposals which will be presented to council on 19 April. This is later than originally proposed to allow a minimum period of 25 days for preparation.
Parent groups, teachers, community groups, elected members and the Argyll Rural Schools Networks will be invited to take part in the discussion meetings.
Once the informal discussions are completed community impact assessments will be prepared and discussed with community groups before they are submitted to council. These assessments will inform decisions taken over which proposals will go forward for formal consultation.
ACHA SIGN THREE YEAR SHARED SERVICES IT CONTRACT WITH ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL
Norman Beaton Chairman of Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) met Council Leader Dick Walsh recently to sign a three year contract which will see the council delivering ACHA’s core information technology service.
ACHA’s IT department specified its needs having considered the current and potential future objectives of the organisation for its tenants. The council IT Team were tested against that specification with national private sector suppliers through an EU compliant tendering process and demonstrated a thorough understanding of the demands faced by ACHA to provide a high quality service to its clients and its aspirations to be a leader in the housing sector. The contract, which will generate almost £1.5m of additional revenue for the council, is one of its first shared service partnerships. This partnership will go some way to fulfilling this goal. ACHA will benefit from access to the Wide Area Network of the Broadband pathfinder installation and a Local Area Network solution which includes the latest Unified Communications and SharePoint technology from Microsoft, a virtualised server environment and a new contact centre solution from Clarity in the USA. These new and innovative systems will be installed by the council’s IT team who will ensure ACHA’s IT needs are delivered to the highest standards. The on-going services will be managed in conjunction with ACHA’s IT team.
Following the signing of the contract Council Leader Dick Walsh said, “I am delighted that the council has been given this opportunity to form this shared service partnership with ACHA. We are incredibly proud of the Council’s IT service and I hope that this initial contract period is the start of a long relationship in the technology sector with ACHA.”
ACHA’s Chairman Norman Beaton said, “The IT department of the Council is to be congratulated on winning the contract to provide services to ACHA. We look forward to seeing the benefits of this partnership rolling out to our tenants, other service users and our staff over the next three years. In these difficult economic times we are delighted that we are able to work closely with the Council to deliver a mutual benefit.”
ACHA’s IT department specified its needs having considered the current and potential future objectives of the organisation for its tenants. The council IT Team were tested against that specification with national private sector suppliers through an EU compliant tendering process and demonstrated a thorough understanding of the demands faced by ACHA to provide a high quality service to its clients and its aspirations to be a leader in the housing sector. The contract, which will generate almost £1.5m of additional revenue for the council, is one of its first shared service partnerships. This partnership will go some way to fulfilling this goal. ACHA will benefit from access to the Wide Area Network of the Broadband pathfinder installation and a Local Area Network solution which includes the latest Unified Communications and SharePoint technology from Microsoft, a virtualised server environment and a new contact centre solution from Clarity in the USA. These new and innovative systems will be installed by the council’s IT team who will ensure ACHA’s IT needs are delivered to the highest standards. The on-going services will be managed in conjunction with ACHA’s IT team.
Following the signing of the contract Council Leader Dick Walsh said, “I am delighted that the council has been given this opportunity to form this shared service partnership with ACHA. We are incredibly proud of the Council’s IT service and I hope that this initial contract period is the start of a long relationship in the technology sector with ACHA.”
ACHA’s Chairman Norman Beaton said, “The IT department of the Council is to be congratulated on winning the contract to provide services to ACHA. We look forward to seeing the benefits of this partnership rolling out to our tenants, other service users and our staff over the next three years. In these difficult economic times we are delighted that we are able to work closely with the Council to deliver a mutual benefit.”
Gàidhlig a’ tilleadh gu Coilltean na h-Alba
Tha Bòrd na Gàidhlig air aonta a thoirt do Phlana Gàidhlig Choimisean na Coilltearachd Alba.
Tha am Plana còig bliadhna seo (2010-2015) a’ cur am follais ciamar a thèid a’ Ghàidhlig a chleachdadh leis a’ Choimisean an dèiligeadh leis a’ phoball agus leis na prìomh bhuidhnean-seilbhe.
Thuirt Bob Mac an Tòisich, stiùiriche Choimisean na Coilltearachd Alba:
“Tha seo na deagh naidheachd dhuinne agus na ceum mòr a chum àrd-amasan Phlana Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig.
“Tha sinn ann an suidheachadh air leth airson ruighinn air muinntir na h-Alba air fad. Tha am plana a’ cur am follais nan iomadh dhòigh anns an tèid Gàidhlig a chleachdadh sa leithid inbhe chorporra, soidhnichean, bileagan ‘s foillseachaidhean agus làrach-lìn a’ Choimisein.
“Tha àite mòr aig a’ Ghàidhlig an dualchas na h-Alba; ar n-inbhe nàiseanta; beatha cultarail agus fiù ar cruinn-eòlas. Tha an aibidil Ghàidhlig a’ tarraing air ainmean chraobhan na dùthcha agus ’s ann sa Ghàidhlig tha mòran de chruth-tìre na dùthcha air ainmeachadh is comharrachadh.
“Tha sinn air leth toilichte gum faigh sinn a-nis air cur gu mòr ri oidhirpean a dh’ionnsaigh ath-nuadhachadh na Gàidhlig; a’ neartachadh inbhe a’ chànain agus a’ brosnachadh dhaoine gu bhi ga cleachdadh is ga h-ionnsachadh."
Chaidh Plana Gàidhlig Choimisean na Coilltearachd Alba a chur ri chèile a rèir nan slatan-tomhais reachdail ann an Achd na Gàidhlig (Alba) 2005, le mothachadh air Plana Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig agus an stiùireadh air Deasachadh Phlanaichean Gàidhlig.
Tha am Plana còig bliadhna seo (2010-2015) a’ cur am follais ciamar a thèid a’ Ghàidhlig a chleachdadh leis a’ Choimisean an dèiligeadh leis a’ phoball agus leis na prìomh bhuidhnean-seilbhe.
Thuirt Bob Mac an Tòisich, stiùiriche Choimisean na Coilltearachd Alba:
“Tha seo na deagh naidheachd dhuinne agus na ceum mòr a chum àrd-amasan Phlana Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig.
“Tha sinn ann an suidheachadh air leth airson ruighinn air muinntir na h-Alba air fad. Tha am plana a’ cur am follais nan iomadh dhòigh anns an tèid Gàidhlig a chleachdadh sa leithid inbhe chorporra, soidhnichean, bileagan ‘s foillseachaidhean agus làrach-lìn a’ Choimisein.
“Tha àite mòr aig a’ Ghàidhlig an dualchas na h-Alba; ar n-inbhe nàiseanta; beatha cultarail agus fiù ar cruinn-eòlas. Tha an aibidil Ghàidhlig a’ tarraing air ainmean chraobhan na dùthcha agus ’s ann sa Ghàidhlig tha mòran de chruth-tìre na dùthcha air ainmeachadh is comharrachadh.
“Tha sinn air leth toilichte gum faigh sinn a-nis air cur gu mòr ri oidhirpean a dh’ionnsaigh ath-nuadhachadh na Gàidhlig; a’ neartachadh inbhe a’ chànain agus a’ brosnachadh dhaoine gu bhi ga cleachdadh is ga h-ionnsachadh."
Chaidh Plana Gàidhlig Choimisean na Coilltearachd Alba a chur ri chèile a rèir nan slatan-tomhais reachdail ann an Achd na Gàidhlig (Alba) 2005, le mothachadh air Plana Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig agus an stiùireadh air Deasachadh Phlanaichean Gàidhlig.
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