Fiona Howard - Councillor Helensburgh Central

23/08/2026

Have your say ...

🚨THE FUTURE OF OUR CARE HOMES
🚨PLEASE HAVE YOUR SAY

Argyll and Bute HSCP is asking communities to help shape the future of care homes across Argyll and Bute.

The engagement is open until 12 October 2026.

I would strongly encourage everyone to take an interest and get involved.

The truth is, we don’t know what the future may bring. At some point in our lives, a parent, a partner, loved one, or indeed any one of us may require residential care. That makes the future of care home provision something that has the potential to affect every family and every community across Argyll and Bute.

If that day comes, the things being considered now will matter enormously. Will suitable care be available? Will it be close to home, family and friends? Will people be able to remain connected to the community in which they have spent their lives? What should good residential care in Argyll and Bute look like in the years ahead?

Those questions have particular importance across our rural and island communities, where geography, transport, workforce pressures and distance from family can make accessing care considerably more complicated.

This engagement gives us an opportunity to consider about those questions now and to shape what care home provision should look like for the future. Please take some time to consider what you would want for yourself or someone you love, and make your views known before 12 October.

You can email your views to -
[email protected]

Details can be read here-

https://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/news/2026/08/community-views-sought-on-the-future-of-care-homes-in-argyll-and-bute/

🚨Information does not yet seem to be available on when an online survey will be available yet. I will write to the Chief Officer, Evan Beswick to request further information and timelines on this.

22/08/2026

Helensburgh Skating Pond Update
Works to repair the paths and remove the boardwalk began on Monday 10th August 2026 for three weeks and will also include the removal of Rhododendron Ponticum and car park improvements. All native dead wood will be left on site for the creation of bug hotels. These works have been possible due to funding from Crown Estates.
Officers continue to explore options and funding for the delivery of the preferred Hybrid Option which delivers both ecology and visitor benefits, as presented at the December 2025 Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee. Further funding in addition to the £75K Nature Restoration Fund is required for the pond works to progress

19/08/2026

One of the kindest, most dedicated councillors I have been fortunate to call friend has sadly moved on to a higher place.
Provost Dougie Philand has passed away after a long battle with cancer. A devoted public servant Dougie was a true gentleman whose dry sense of humour and sharp wit will be sorely missed. This photo was taken a few years ago at the Helensburgh Pipeband Championship.

06/08/2026

A great opportunity to find out about Ai

Curious about Artificial Intelligence?

Join us for this FREE session to discover what AI is, how it's already part of everyday life, and explore its opportunities, limitations and real-world applications through live demonstrations.

📅 Friday 21 August
📍 Victoria Halls, Helensburgh
🎟️ Free, but booking is essential: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/awareness-of-artificial-intelligence-ai-and-its-applications-tickets-1993836024221

05/08/2026

I would like to thank LiveArgyll and Friends of Hermitage Park for sponsoring this event, Val Reid for keeping me right and for all her time and work, Grey Matters - Active Ageing for running the tearoom, Argyll and Bute Council for providing the first prize and of course, every community gardener who took part and made this first Growing Communities event such a success.
The stall holders were amazing and added so much to the friendly, welcoming atmosphere of the day and our Depute Provost Councillor Jan Brown https://www.facebook.com/share/18P6KauQvZ/ did us proud opening the show and presenting the prizes.
The lovely Petra Ross popped along and took some great photos which I will post tomorrow

A lovely local project in bloom 🌱🌼

31/07/2026

Only one more sleep! Pop in and say hi, meet our lovely stall holders and enjoy the fruits of the labours of our community gardens .If you are joining in at the waterfront rally, pop in for coffee and cake on your way down or on your way home!

28/07/2026

Why? Just why? Someone must know who did this ...

22/07/2026

NEED HELP WITH BACK TO SCHOOL?

With the summer holidays underway, families across Argyll and
Bute are being encouraged to check whether they could be entitled to financial support to help with the cost of school clothing and meals ahead of the new term.

Eligible families can receive a school clothing grant of £127.20 for each child attending primary school and £159 for each child attending secondary school.

The summer holidays can place extra pressure on household budgets, particularly when parents and carers are preparing children for the return to school in August. Costs associated with school uniforms and other essential clothing can quickly add up and families are being encouraged to explore the support available to them.

Even if you have not qualified in the past, a change in circumstances could mean you are now eligible. Eligibility is based on household income and certain benefits, including Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit and some Universal Credit claims.

Full eligibility details and the online application form are available at:

https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/council-tax-and-benefits/benefits-and-grants/free-school-meals-and-clothing-grant

All children in Primary 1 to Primary 5 are automatically entitled to free school meals during term time. However, parents and carers must still submit an income-based application if they wish to be considered for a school clothing grant, school holiday meal payments or other additional support.

Children in Primary 6 and Primary 7 may also be eligible for free school meals if their parent or carer receives the Scottish Child Payment on their behalf.

Applications for free school meals can be made at any time during the school year. However, support is normally awarded from the date an application is received, so families are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Applications for school clothing grants for the 2026/27 academic year must be submitted by 31 March 2027.

05/07/2026

We are very lucky to have Jamie based in Argyll and Bute. This is an amazing achievement.

Congratulations to Jamie Joyce, our Climate Manager, now certified as a Carbon Literacy Consultant 🌍 the highest trainer status awarded by the The Carbon Literacy Project, and held by just 12 trainers across the global network.

Jamie leads Carbon Literacy training for the Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network (ABCAN), helping businesses, community groups and organisations across the region build a low-carbon culture and become climate resilient.

Well deserved, Jamie 👏

Read more: https://buff.ly/Mdm5rJL