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The Leader of ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº Council secured a ‘sympathetic’ response to the area’s need for ferry funding, when she took ÄÛ²ÝӰԺ’s case to the Scottish Government’s Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands. In a meeting held today (28 January), Councillor Aileen Morton raised the funding and service issues affecting ferries across ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº, with Paul Wheelhouse MSP. Councillor Morton said:

Staff at Kilninver Primary have introduced an ingenious way of encouraging pupils to eat more fruit and vegetables, whilst reducing the school’s food waste at the same time. Known as ‘Fruit Fridays’, any fresh fruit and vegetables that are left over from the week are prepared, attractively presented and shared out amongst the children on a Friday, encouraging them to eat more healthy and to try new things.

Nine cultural events across ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº are set to share funding of £90,000 following agreement at a meeting of the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee. The events funded will take place across ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº:

Catering staff at Lochgilphead Joint Campus have got behind ‘Veganuary’ by providing pupils with a delicious vegan option every day at lunchtime. From vegetable fajitas and sweet potato curry, to bulgar wheat salad and pesto and chickpeaflat bread, pupils have fully embraced the delicious new food options available, with vegan options selling out quickly. Head Teacher Ann Devine said: “I would like to commend the catering team for their tremendous efforts to promote sustainability and healthy eating in the school. 

Excitement is in the air at three Kintyre schools this week, as pupils prepare to take part in a series of animation workshops with Aardman Animations, the creators of some of the UK’s best loved characters, including Wallace and Gromit.

Parents of children in ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº who were born between 1 March 2017 and 28 February 2018, are being invited to register them for a funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) place next week.

ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº Council’s canteen at Kilmory Castle in Lochgilphead has been awarded Healthy Living Plus status for the first time. Healthy Living Plus is the highest level of Healthy Living awards available, and rewards catering establishments that demonstrate a greater commitment to supporting healthier eating through their menus; food and drink preparation; marketing and promotional activities; food presentation; and point of sale.

ÄÛ²ÝӰԺ’s Council Leader raised the challenges facing the area with Scotland’s Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy, at a positive meeting on Friday (17 January). Councillor Aileen Morton, along with council Chief Executive Pippa Milne, met with Kate Forbes to discuss the geographic, population and financial challenges that set ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº apart from other areas. Councillor Morton said:

Two schools in ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº have been awarded the prestigious Silver Rights Respecting School Award by Unicef UK. Lochdonhead and Ulva Primary Schools, both on the Isle of Mull, were presented with the award for their work in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into practice within the school and beyond. This much sought after award sees schools work alongside Unicef to create safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive.

ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº Council is appealing to residents on Coll to save the island’s air service by filling airport-safety jobs. The council advertised four posts each on Coll and Colonsay. These roles will enable flights to land and leave from the islands by ensuring that their airports meet CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) regulations.  The council received a good level of response from Colonsay. More roles however need to be filled on Coll if the island’s air service is to continue.