I have been crisscrossing my council ward the past few days visiting my constituents, local businesses, third sector employers and attending numerous council meetings.
On the 15th of June I spoke with the Islay Development Initiative's leadership and staff about the terrific working being done to promote economic growth on Islay for the benefit of the community in a sustainable way.
Islay's infrastructure, housing and transport needs were also discussed at length. I made it clear that I will do all that I can to make sure my local ward's voice is heard and not ignored.
I have continued to raise the shocking condition of Masefield road in Port Ellen and the Hospital road in Bowmore with Argyll's roads management and I will not let up until this matter is resolved.
On the 20th after attending Argyll and Bute's latest planning meeting where I supported numerous job creating developments for Argyll I visited my constituents and local business owners in Tarbert and Skipness.
There was deep and justifiable concern among the businesses in Tarbert in regards to Scottish Water's sewer flood alleviation project that will see large parts of Tarbert's water front roads closed for up to nine weeks. This work is long overdue and certainly needs to be done but it is essential that any disruptions to businesses are kept to a minimum. I will be contacting Scottish Water directly to press this very important point.
On a lighter note I was pleased to see that among the terrific products being sold at Tarbert's superb Loch Fyne Gallery are Islay whisky flavored chocolate bars. It's great to see another local product selling so well and just one more reason to pop in to this fine business whether your local to Tarbert, visiting or just passing through.
Cllr Alastair Redman