BALLOT papers are out and people across Bute are being encouraged to pledge their support for a second term for the island’s business improvement district (BID).
The man who reversed the fortunes of the once-beleaguered Bute BID programme said it is vital that a resounding yes vote is recorded to ensure business development and growth.
Phil Prentice told The Isle of Bute News: “The renewal papers are out. Argyll and Bute Council is positive about the BID and is supporting and recommending support for a second term.
“If businesses haven’t yet received their papers, they are on the way and we need to secure a yes vote.”
The man behind the successful transformation of the body and leader of developing towns across Scotland is currently heading the successful Clippers programme in Oban as part of the Oban BID team.
Oban is forming part of Leg 8: The Atlantic Homecoming, where race crews will take on a furious downwind battle from North America towards the race finish port of Portsmouth.
The Argyll town is one of the last stops on the global route and has played the ideal host to crews, families, visitors and residents, all played out under Mediterranean sunshine.
Phil Prentice cites the Clippers stopover as one aspect of a successful BID that focuses on tourism and events.
As well as berthing the clippers in Oban Bay and producing a thrilling sight, there is a week-long celebration of food, music, culture and sailing ahead of the weekend departures.
“This is what a good BID can do and what Bute BID is doing across the island is really only the start of investment in business through tourism, events and grants,” Mr Prentice noted.
Martin Duncan, chair of the Bute BID team, and his colleagues have been out on talks, visits and consultations. He said they have listened and are acting on what businesses would like to see in the next term and are removing what they do not want to see.
Phil Prentice said: “This is business-led, it is people-led and a new term, a second term for the Bute BID team is a vote for positive things to happen on Bute.
“It is the only show in town that can bring people and events together. This is our time. We need a yes vote.”
The prospect of a second term for the Bute BID team comes amid a growing renaissance and recognition for Bute, with developments including Adventure Lane, the Pavilion, the Winter Garden, the refurbishment of the Royal Hotel, the hope of bringing an international people’s meeting to the island and being shortlisted this week as a contender to be the UK Town of Culture 2028.
