Helensburgh Online

Naval Base Plays Its Part on Armed Forces Day The country’s first ever Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27, was a resounding success, with dozens of events being held the length and breadth of the UK. Read more

Federation of Small Businesses Predict Upturn

FSB statics reveal small businesses which were hit hard by the worst of the credit crunch and the recession nearly a year ago are starting to experience a tentative recovery.

Executive Decisions on CHORD Programme

The CHORD Programme is Argyll & Bute Council Town Centre and Waterfront Regeneration Projects for Campbeltown, Helensburgh, Oban, Rothesay and Dunoon. Cllr Robb comments on recent events.

ARGYLL AND BUTE LOCAL PLAN TAKES ANOTHER STEP FORWARDS Argyll and Bute’s Local Plan – a detailed development blueprint focusing on land use - looks set to be formally adopted by the Council in August. Read more

The battle-to-come for Helensburgh gets more interesting as Lib Dems declare against Trident 2

In what has been called the resurrection of nuclear politics, Lib Dem Leader, Nick Clegg has taken his party firmly into an Anti-Trident stance. His commitment is fuelled by financial priorities - seeing far greater economic return on an alternative use of the minimum of £20 billion replacing Trident will cost. click here for full story by forargyll.com

Crown conclusions give Vale public inquiry its day The Crown Counsel has concluded that there should be no criminal proceedings in relation to the outbreak of C Difficile at Vale of Leven Hospital. Read more

ARGYLL AND BUTE JOINS ARMED FORCES DAY FLAG-RAISING Argyll and Bute Council raised a special flag this morning in support of the first ever Armed Forces Day.

The authority joined many other Councils and other organisations throughout the UK in raising the specially-commissioned Armed Forces Day flag. Read more

Tartan Harmony

An exciting new ‘ladies only’ singing group is forming in Helensburgh and is currently seeking members. The chorus is open to women of all ages from teen to retirement (and beyond) who are interested in singing four-part a cappella in the barbershop style. All voice ranges are welcome, but ladies with lower voices are particularly needed.

ARGYLL AND BUTE LAUNCHES HIGH PROFILE DESIGN AWARDS A new award scheme aimed at recognising, promoting and celebrating exceptional design quality across Argyll and Bute was launched on Monday, June 22).

The Sustainable Design Awards aim to promote best practice and ensure that the area becomes a hotbed of sustainable design talent and activity. Read more

MSP AND COUNCILLORS VISIT MULTI-MILLION POUND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS IN HELENSBURGH Jackie Baillie MSP and local councillors today visited a major upgrade of the waste water infrastructure in Helensburgh, which will bring substantial environmental improvements to the town when it is completed shortly. Scottish Water has finished the last of the key projects in the upgrade, at Lomond Street, and expects to complete the final project, at Craigendoran Pier, by the end of July. Read more

July 4/5 Ramblers Walks

Helensburgh and West Dunbartonshire Ramblers have planned two walks for this weekend.

HOMECOMING LEGACY FOR SCOTS

In the Year of Homecoming, we should do all we can to ensure the language of Burns is celebrated and supported throughout Scotland – that is the Culture Minister’s message to the Voices of the West minority languages conference in Inverness today.

Speaking at the conference – which explores aspects of minority language policy and promotion – Michael Russell stated his continued commitment to working with the sector on development of the Scots language.

INFLUENZA A (H1N1) UPDATE

Scotland has seventeen new laboratory confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1), taking the total number to 566.

Of the new cases, 16 are in Greater Glasgow and Clyde and one is in Highland.

CASH BOOST FOR ARGYLL AND BUTE ROADS

The amount of money to be spent on roads in Argyll and Bute in the
current financial year has been increased by 1.5million.

The Council Executive Committee took the decision today to accelerate
the capital spend on roads in 2009/10 from 4.5million to 6million a
33% increase.

Councillors heard how a national road condition survey last year had
concluded that Argyll and Bute Council had the highest percentage of
roads needing attention of any Scottish local authority.

Race for life

BIG hearted base workers pulled out all the stops on Sunday, June 7, when they took part in the Race for Life at Glasgow Green.

Kirsty Randall from Colgraine, Nicky Spowage from Garelochhead and Teresa Smith from Helensburgh, who work in the base’s Spar Shop, covered the five kilometre course in aid of Cancer Research UK, raising an impressive £1,000 in the process.

WALK THIS WAY� TAIL O� THE BANK MARINE DON EMBARKS ON A YOMP WITH A DIFFERENCE ON TRAVISTREK A decorated, 12-year veteran Royal Marine from Greenock will turn from Fleet protection to feet protection when he attempts to walk the West Highland Way with charity fundraiser Scott Cunningham and his wonderful guide dog, Travis, next weekend.

As the Royal Navy’s ‘sea soldiers’ Marines are no strangers to yomps – extended speed marches over rough terrain – but the 95 miles of Scotland’s longest trail will test even their endurance.
Read more

COUNCIL WELCOMES FORESTRY ANNOUNCEMENT Argyll and Bute Council has today welcomed the news that, following consultation, the Government’s proposal to lease parts of Scotland’s national forests to private companies will not be taken forward.

In a press statement made today, Minister for the Environment, Roseanna Cunningham, announced a package of measures to ensure that Scotland’s national forests make a bigger impact on tackling climate change. Read more

The fascinating story of the Rosneath naval base The fascinating story of the Rosneath naval base in World War Two was outlined to members of Helensburgh Heritage Trust at their meeting in Helensburgh Tennis Club on Wednesday evening. Read more

Vision for the Vale of Leven Hospital Responding to criticism of the Argyll & Bute Council response to the Consultation on the Vision for the Vale of Leven Hospital by Jim Moohan of Hospitalwatch, Councillor James Robb, commented Read more

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Sunday, June 28, Helensburgh and West Dunbartonshire Ramblers On Sunday, June 28, Helensburgh and West Dunbartonshire Ramblers are once again walking from Glen Coe.
Lying in the midst of some of the most dramatic Scottish mountains, Meall Lighiche (Doctor’s Hill) is approached along a narrow valley off the NW end of Glen Coe. The Allt na Muidhe is followed to the col from where the ascent to Creag Bhan and the summit ridge is made. Return is by the outward route.

Sport

July 4/5 Ramblers Walks

Helensburgh and West Dunbartonshire Ramblers have planned two walks for this weekend.

Entertainment

Tartan Harmony

Scottish Government

Scottish Environment Protection Agency New environmental regulations needn't be costly In the current economic climate it is essential businesses are prepared for new regulations, as failure to comply could lead to increased costs.

MoD and Faslane

Race for life

BIG hearted base workers pulled out all the stops on Sunday, June 7, when they took part in the Race for Life at Glasgow Green.

Argyll & Bute Council News

Telecare Celebrates Quality Service Award Staff in Argyll and Bute Council’s Telecare Service have good reason to celebrate. After months of hard work, they have gained the Telecare Quality Service Award.

The Award demonstrates that the Argyll and Bute Telecare Service is compliant with the Association’s Code of Practice.

Councillor George Freeman, Argyll and Bute Council Spokesperson for Housing and Communities said, "Staff across the organisation are delighted to have achieved this Code of Practice standard. The Code encourages the provision of good quality customer service as it officially recognises service providers who meet its demanding criteria.

"The Telecare Service offers lifeline services to 1300 people across Council area. These services provide support which helps potentially vulnerable people maintain their independence in the community. Customers are primarily elderly people, but also include a growing number of people of all ages."

A simple to use pendant alarm system means that assistance is readily available, 24 hours a day. At the touch of a button, customers are connected to one of the response centre staff who will offer appropriate support. This can include contacting a family member or friend, or if necessary, alerting the emergency services.

Moira MacVicar, the Council's Community Support Development Manager said "To reach this standard we needed to have very detailed procedures covering all aspects of our operations, and had to demonstrate that our service delivery follows these. Independent audits assess whether a service is code compliant and is reviewed on an annual basis."

For more information contact: Nancy McLaren, Argyll and Bute Council, Kilmory, Lochgilphead, Argyll PA31 8RT. Telephone: 01546 604275.