Oban Community Council:
Convenor Frank Roberts writes: The year end approaches, and so also does that of my first year as convenor of Oban Community Council. It has become clear to me that community council meetings tend to be a conduit for people’s concerns, many of which might be avoided by greater community involvement at an early stage.
One example was the proposed housing development at Ganavan. The massive local objection was unsuccessful given the stage at which concerns were raised, but this could have been avoided with a better initial consultation by the council. This has, however, led to a positive outcome – the decision of the OCC to embark on development of a Local Place Plan to inform future council decisions.
My main conclusion at the end of my first year is that Oban’s future needs greater involvement from its community. It is better to make your thoughts known in advance, than to complain afterwards.
And so as we all look forward to the holidays, as well as sending very best wishes to everyone, my wish for 2024 is to see many more Oban people coming forward to help influence the town’s future, and the first opportunity will be by helping with Oban’s Place Plan.
Seil and Easdale Community Council:
Christmas Greetings from Seil and Easdale Community Council.
2023 has been overall a good year for the islands of Seil and Easdale. Following the successful award of a Lottery Community Fund grant we have embarked on the provision of a sit on mower and the erection of a community shed to enable us to care for our assets and maintain paths in Ellenabeich.
In September we welcomed the return of the World Stone Skimming Championships and despite the weather had almost 1,000 visitors on the day. The event was most successful with the islands benefiting financially with Easdale Primary School Parents’ Association and the Seil Village Hall receiving support and importantly the donation from the organisers to the Community Council to add to other donations received this year to allow us to purchase a defibrillator.
We look forward to 2024 with initiatives to enhance the understanding of the role the slate islands have played over the years and in support of our museums both at Ellenabeich and Easdale and in the many other areas of tourist interest on the islands.
Nollaig Cridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ur.
Luing Community Council:
Even in winter the Isle of Luing is beautiful and welcoming. It’s abuzz with activity – the kids’ Christmas party, Christmas drinks in the Atlantic Islands Centre, delivery of Christmas post, the Craft Fair… But a few years ago, we would also have had the School’s Holly Tea, Nativity Play, and Christmas cards and tree decorations made by the children. Now the school stands silent, waiting for a decision on its proposed
closure, which we hope can be delayed.
2024 will be another year of challenges as Luing Community Council and residents help revive the island’s fortunes and make it easier for younger people to stay on Luing.
Along with the Isle of Luing Community Trust we’ll continue the Homes for Luing campaign, to make better use of houses and increase the number of permanent residents. We’ll be working with Argyll and Bute Council to improve the ferry service, and address flooding risks.
Luing has faced big challenges in the past, especially during the ups and downs of its historic slate industry, and with the community pulling together a very great deal can be achieved. Luing Community Council sends its warmest wishes to everyone for a healthy and enjoyable New Year!