Councillor's column - Jan Brown, Mid Argyll, February 13 2026
It’s great to see the evenings beginning to stretch out. My garden is full of snowdrops and the first crocus appeared this weekend. The birds are busy and the sound of the blackbirds are welcome.
I’m looking forward to all that spring brings, flowers, lambs, brighter clothes, not so many jumpers and big coats, gardening, people wandering and not rushing to get out the cold wind and rain.
Time for a chat on the street and, of course, the World Cup. Should we have a public holiday to celebrate the fact that the Scotland football team made it to the finals, and we get to appear on the big stage? Let me know what you think about the proposal for a new public holiday.
I see the schedule for the Mid Argyll Music festival is out and I hear that the entries are coming in at pace. I really enjoyed being there last year and look forward to this year’s event.
Ardrishaig Gala have started putting out plans for this year’s event. I know that organisations are gearing up and starting to put their plans in place for events across Mid Argyll and beyond.
There are plenty opportunities to get involved and I know that everyone will be made more that welcome, so get out there and get stuck in. I know you’ll get more out of being involved than what you put in.
I’m so looking forward to going to as many galas, festivals, family days and open days as I can over the course of the summer.
As we near the end of February all thoughts and talk at council is about the budget.
I know you keep hearing about how dreadful this years budget will be and yes, it is going to be hard for us to get the best we can for our communities.
Due to the cost of living and increases our money doesn’t go as far as it did last week and the week before. It’s the same for us at council, everything we buy, provide and need gets more expensive every week as well. The council must rely on the money it gets from the Scottish Government who in turn can only pass on what they get from Westminster.
We will use every penny we get to ensure the services we all use every day will still be there.
I will be affected just as much as you, I pay council tax, rent, use services, shop locally and use as much as possible local shops.
You’re not alone in this struggle but remember there is help out there.
Ali Energy, Citizens Advice, Welfare rights, MOMA, MS Centre, MYADS, the HUB in Lochgilphead is open every Tuesday for help on a raft of issues so please reach out even if it’s just for a chat and a cuppa.
You can ask me and I’ll help in any way I can, get advice, ask questions whatever I can.
Thank you and please be kind to each other.
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