Comment posted McCuish announces details of ‘team fit to build recovery in Argyll and Bute’ by Ken MacColl.
Luck is always a useful component when engaged in government but I can assure Bob Chicken that her colleagues and friends are well aware of Anne Horn’s abilities and her suitability for this appountment.
Apropos Mairi’s comment at #1 I suspect that Roddy is not banking on Mr Walsh’s support!
Recent comments by Ken MacColl
- The Stones, The Stars and Professor Thom
Genuinely sorry to miss this talk but Putechan Lodge is a long haul from Oban!
Professor Sandy Thom is the grandfather of my sister-in-law and was a genuine polymath-with wideranging interests and considerable expertise in engineering, mathematics, astronomy, sailing and almost any other field that attracted his interest.He was truly “a living example of the power of a flexible mind and a versatile disposition.”
During the war he worked on the aereodynamics of fighter aircraft.
Only after retiring from the Professorial Chair of Engineering Science at Oxford did he devote his undivided attention to one of his many other interests, the locatin and distribution of megalithic monuments across the west coast of Scotland and further afield.He worked closely with Marion Campbell in Mid Argyll. He is considered to be the father of archaeoastronomy.
If you are able, go to the talk and enjoy.
Then support the campaign to safeguard the Sighthill Stone Circle. - Disappointing stunting from Michael Russell
And, W.S., if you reveal your name, will we be entitled to make assumptions or presumptions about your ethnicity -as if it should matter? - Another question for Andrew Mitchell
Were it not for whistleblowers and serious investigative jounalists-for too few around at present-we would know far less about those entrusted with our government. - Campbell Cameron: Saying Yes
Pot, kettle , black….responding to Gus mackay is rarely a productive exercise but could I suggest that while the march was in support of Independence for Scotland, those who carried placards stating “YES” were in support of that cause.
My family had a long tradition of active support for the Labour party in Argyll and I recall how my father used to explain to me when I was a child the importance of countries like India and Ireland gaining control over their own destiny. Mind you he also spoke about the obscenity of nuclear weapons and the massive importance of the NHS and the principle that care should be free at the point of delivery.At that time the abolition of the House of Lords was a stated aim of the party.As a working class boy who got to university he would have been appalled at the notion of the Labour Party introducing student fees. I suspect that he would not have been singularly unimpressed with either Blair or Brown.
Devolution, even in times of financial stricture, has mostly worked well for Scotland and it has worked best in those areas where services, like Health and Education are in our Holyrood’s control and our own priorities are able to be addressed – contrast those with the chaos under Westminster control! The progression to independence is part of the process started in 1999 and perhaps the most significant factors of Saturday’s rally were the contributions from Dennis Canavan, Ruth Wishart and the growing Scottish Labour for Independence movement. - Campbell Cameron: Saying Yes
I am the bloke in the blue fleece and I am entitled to look older than Campbell Cameron for the simple reason that I am considerably older.Campbell is as hale and hearty as ever.
powered by SEO Super Comments
Is it not a bit odd to announce the Chair of Cowal and Bute Area Committee before one third of that area has even had a chance to elect its councillors?
I realise Roddy is trying to steal a march here, and this sort of manoeuvring is to be expected. But is it not a bit disrespectful towards the people of Dunoon that their councillors are – by dint of timing – not even in the reckoning?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
No spokesperson for the Environment?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I note ‘education and learning’ has been kepy open for mr Breslin or another? Another day would have been better, but new admin very keen to get off starting blocks.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Phil, I think you may need to edit your comment. The word “bllocks” either needs one less “L” or an additional “O”.
Sorry – couldn’t resist!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Oops, thanks Bob! Corrected….
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
If this is going to be a truly progressive alliance they will need to tackle the iniquitous social care charging system as a matter of urgency.
An independent survey has shown that it charges some of the highest rates in Scotland. It seems to regularly bill service users for services they haven’t received and appears to have been designed by the finance department for the finance department and not for the service users or their care managers.
Either by luck or design the Progressive Alliance has made an inspired choice in Anne Horn as the champion for vulnerable adults. I hope that her sound understanding of their problems, allied to her well known propensity for hard work, will start to overcome many of the problems of social care and bring more fairness to the system.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Totally agree,
I spoke to councilor McCuish last year about the deliberate exclusion of service users in any crucial engagement regards charges for service provision and he was shocked that there was no dialogue regards charges with clients.
I suspect the officers done the deal with well paid mangers in the voluntary sector and the commissioning team.If so, it’s absolutely shameful by Loudon.
Through ForArgyl, I again challenge Sally Loudon, Douglas Hendry, or Jim Robb (Adult Care)to a proper consultation in the Corran Halls with the appropriate councilors. True to form they have run away. Cowards!
I would urge Councilor McCuish to order a review of these charges immediately. I am being charged 75% of my disposable income.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Luck is always a useful component when engaged in government but I can assure Bob Chicken that her colleagues and friends are well aware of Anne Horn’s abilities and her suitability for this appountment.
Apropos Mairi’s comment at #1 I suspect that Roddy is not banking on Mr Walsh’s support!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Nice to be smiling this morning
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Oh yes, one more thing on the Social Care agenda. How about planning for returning the unique services of Neighbourhood Networks to our communities?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I think it is safe to say Education has been kept as to be concluded until after the result of today’s election. I don’t know Michael Breslin but, from what I have heard, he is the obvious candidate for the role.
I thought George Freeman might by appointed as Deputy Leader due to his somewhat lengthy experience (sorry George!) within the Council however, that said, John Semple is a fine candidate for the job and I have no doubt he will support Roddy McCuish superbly.
A number of other very sensible choices. Good to see George returning to the role of Housing Spokesperson. It was shamefully stripped of him and his knowledge in this area means he is comfortably the best man for the job.
I am also very pleased to see James Robb as the Finance Spokesperson. He has proven he has a fine grasp of LG finances and it is unlikely that some of the financial errors made in the past two years will get by him as easily as they got by the previous administration (deliberately or otherwise).
The staff liaison role, if the anecdotal (I put that in for Simon) evidence that ARSN has picked up over the past 18 months is anything to go by, is a very welcome and overdue idea. Dougie Philand is an ideal choice, approachable, very fair and a track record of putting the job before himself.
Other choices which were no brainers based on previous experience and clearly communicated commitments are Anne Horn as the Adult’s Champion, Elaine Robertson as Carer’s champion and Louise Glen-Lee’s spokesperson role.
All in all it would appear the right people have been selected for the right jobs and it is good to see that the majority of the deputies are new councillors – hopefully this aid in development and stand them in good stead for future roles
Good luck to all of them.
And as a last point – James as Chair of H&L Area Committee – fantastic! Cllr Dance always liked to lord over any position of authority she had, somewhat satisfying to see she has next to none now.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Integrity – Thumbs up just for your last sentence :.)
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
This is a not-so-little ‘challenge’ for the new chair of education – whoever that may be.
http://neverseconds.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/tuesday-8th-may.html
This has gone truly viral, and has even been (mis)-reported by the Daily Mail.
And yes – I know it is a school in Argyll. In the Minister for Education’s own constituency. Expect this to reach the BBC and news outlets today, is my guess.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Mairi, brilliant link. How do you know its Argyll though? Had a look for more info, but couldn’t find any.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/index.html
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Lochgilphead Joint Campus – named and shamed!!!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I find it very difficult to believe that these photos are of meals at the Lochgilphead joint campus, because the ‘Eatwell Plate’ on the ‘Healthy Hub’ section of the school’s website indicates an approx. 30% fruit & veg content in a balanced diet. Something doesn’t add up.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Take my word for it, CSB. I hate it when people say that to me, but it is.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Also, the story and the pictures have just been on “The Wright Stuff”, Anne Diamond expressing disgust, etc, etc.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Newsroom – might be worth putting this ‘school-dinners’ side-show in a separate story.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Off Topic,
Can I get a lift at the usual place, and time, this Sunday. Thank You.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Took your prompt below, Mairi. Done. Thanks.
Awful looking stuff, isn’t it.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Thanks Mairi. I know my kids often complain that the stuff is tasteless and unhealthy.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Delighted to see James Robb as Helensburgh and Lomond area chairman. First job: stop the CHORD destruction of Colquhoun Square. Second job: Take charge of the CHORD board.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Third job: Don’t let Vivien Dance anywhere near the CHORD project
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
ALL CORD schemes throughout Argyll must be put into suspension and reviewed. In fact even the principles behind CORD needs looking into and a fresh alternative brought forward.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
This would be wise. Much of the programme is formless and in disarray. It has now lost a key member of staff, its Programme Coordinator. who is moving south to a new job.
All in all, this has to be the right moment for executive intervention and reform – and no consultants. If council officers are not up to doing this themselves, they are not up to their jobs.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Ta for that Newsroom.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
And don’t let Vivien Dance anywhere near the Planning Committee in future! Her close links with property developers in Helensburgh make her unfit to serve on that committee in a proper way. Send her elsewhere!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
As far away from Argyll & Bute as possible.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Robert MacIntyre as Chair of Bute & Cowal Area Committee??
Will he stay awake long enough to get past the round of “Good Mornings”
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I suggest Argyll First change their group name to the more appropriate MONEY FIRST . Thirty pieces of silver to betray 305 years of successful Union .
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
what a vindictive and narrow minded attitude. You may not agree with an individuals politics but you should at least respect their right to have another perspective than yours. At least Argyll First have the temerity to put aside any doctrinal differences for the benefit of the local community with a wish to at least improve and open up the Argyll and Bute Council functions that require serious attention. They also put their names to their comments and actions as do I. ITS A PITY YOU ARE NOT BRAVE ENOUGH to do similar. What have you got to hide?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Islay for ever: No mention of the people and the land of SCOTLAND being sold out to the puppet prince william just for the protection of the engaylish
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
There you go again , the mask slips to display the ugly racist anti – English nastiness of the Scottish Nationalists
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Islay for ever
Don’t class me with the Scottish nationalists, the SNP have sold us out just like the lords and lairds of old (look up salmond and agenda21 treaty of Rio) as for a “mask” sorry but I don’t wear one, I have no need of a king queen or Pope LOL as for “ugly racist anti engaylish” well that just has my sides splitting, guess the white settler English in Scotland have had a humour bypass my English business partners have always found the funny side to the “engaylish title or my favourite engerland (German queen)
But guess Argyll has gone all PC on me since I was away working in England and Wales
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I think this is meant as a punishment for the people of Bute and Cowal!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0