Councillor's Column - Dougie Philand, Mid Argyll, June 27 2025
It was with great pleasure I attended a private function to celebrate the Moderator of the church of Scotland’s accession into office. This was held in St Cuthberts Parish Church in Edinburgh.
It was a very informal evening where guests were able to socialise and meet new acquaintances. The evening was excellent and new friendships were formed.
I attended an information session held in Ardrishaig North Hall where the King George the V development group presented their plans for the refurbishment of the park area.
The meeting was well attended and an excellent question and answer session for each topic was well received by the members of the public. The group are forging ahead with their plans and deserve all the support from the community to make the plans a reality.
A real highlight was being present to meet the crew of Zulu Squadron who were Royal Navy personnel who were stationed on a minesweeper which had docked in Oban.
There was an informal gathering on the Friday evening and on the Saturday the whole crew marched through the town of Oban from the Train Station to the North Pier. I had the honour of being invited to take the salute whilst the Navy personnel marched past.
I attended the A83 Task Force meeting which involves local and national politicians businesses and other interested parties. This is a worthwhile group as it is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for transport Fiona Hyslop and therefore important issues are raised directly with her regarding the rest and be thankful project and other A83 issues. I raised in particular the narrows at Erines as this project seemed to have fallen off the radar but hopefully we will get an update at the next meeting.
As part of the Provost’s portfolio I am a commissioner for the Northern Lighthouse Board which is responsible for the lighthouses and buoys around Scotland and the Isle of Man.
Part of the duties is annual inspections of the lighthouses around Scotland. On this occasion it was a three-day inspection visit to various lighthouses in the east coast of Scotland. It proved to be very fascinating as we had to inspect lighthouses where no members of the public have been.
It proved to be most educational to assist with fulfilling the role of commissioner and thanks must go to all the staff of the board for their dedication and enthusiasm for their job.
Lastly Argyll and Bute Council’s thoughts are with Councillor Jan Brown who lost her beloved Sandra. I attended the funeral service at Cardross which was a celebration of her life which left an imprint on all who attended. Rest in Peace dear Sandra.
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