GRASS roots democracy has been given a fillip with a new start for the community council in Kilfinan.
The revived council aims to serve as a vital platform for residents in and around Kames, Millhouse and Tighnabruaich.
The convener of Kilfinan Community Council (KCC), Ed Pybus, explained the newly formed body is already actively addressing current hot topics in the area including the condition of local roads, the upcoming national landline switch-off, and improving community resilience.
Mr Pybus emphasised the importance of local representation.
He said: “The community council is important to allow everyone in the community’s voices to be heard on a range of important issues.
“It gives us a formal and unified way to raise concerns, share ideas, and influence decisions that directly affect our lives.”
In addition to immediate concerns, KCC is also working in partnership with ABCAN (Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network) to develop a Local Place Plan.
This community-driven initiative will contribute directly to Argyll and Bute Council’s next ten-year area development plan, helping shape the future of the region with sustainability and community priorities at its core
There are 56 community councils across Argyll, most of them are inactive. That included Kilfinan until now.
Speaking to this newspaper, the convener said: “I hope the restoration of KCC will encourage other areas without an active community council to look to forming one, and that everyone is encouraged to engage with their local community council.”
The community council structure was created in the Local Government (Scotland) Act of 1973.
Since then, the body has grown in its remit across the country.
Community Councils make important contributions to their communities by engaging with local people on the issues that matter to them.
Members of community councils work to change their area for the better.
Mr Pybus said: “Successful communities include a wide range of views and draw on a wide range of skills and experiences.
“For me, it’s important to ensure the voices of those who may feel excluded are able to share their views and opinions and this makes our communities stronger and more successful.”
The KCC convener stated “a successful community is like a healthy ecosystem.
“A healthy ecosystem is made up of a wide range of organisms, working together.
“A healthy, successful community is the same it needs to involve everyone to be successful.”
Kilfinan Community Council meetings are held at Kames Village hall. The next meetings will be at 6pm on May 27 and 3pm on June 24, which will also be the body’s AGM.
Everyone is welcome to the monthly community council meetings.
For more information or to get involved, please contact: Ed Pybus, Convener, Kilfinan Community Council 07930 536 963
