OBAN Lorn and the Isles’ area committee chair has spoken of the importance of a balanced budget for Argyll and Bute Council in 2026.
Councillor Kieron Green (Independent, Oban North and Lorn) has also reflected on the successes and challenges for the authority in 2025, locally and nationally.
Highlights have included attracting key national events to Oban, while some difficult decisions have been made, including the location of a new Mull Campus.
Councillor Green, who is chair of the council’s Oban Lorn and the Isles area committee, now hopes to meet more challenges in the New Year, including the budget setting in February.
In relation to the successes and challenges for the council in 2025, he said: “Attracting and retaining key events, such as the Clipper Race and the Royal National Mod in 2028 demonstrate that Oban is perceived as a leading year-round destination.
“With tourism underpinning the local economy it’s been heartening to see the dedication of volunteers in organising committees, and the work of Oban BIDS (Business Improvement Districts) in supporting us to achieve this.
“Issues in the area where there has been a lack of a clear consensus from the community – such as with the location of a new school on Mull, or progressing towards the introduction of a visitor levy have required the council to show leadership and take difficult decisions.
“That the council administration has met these challenges shows that we have the continued strength to lead Argyll and Bute for the remainder of this council term.”
Looking ahead to 2026, he continued: “I look forward to establishing better channels for the area committee as a whole to engage with communities.
“This will ensure that communities have the assurance we are committed to taking their best interests forward to the council.
“Where we have reached the point of taking final decisions on issues which have caused division it will be important to be able to provide reconciliation and rebuild trust where there is a perception that has been lost.”
In relation to the council meeting its challenges in the last full calendar year before the next election is due, Councillor Green added: “The council has statutory obligations to deliver services within a balanced budget. As councillors we must achieve that, balancing the competing needs of different interests.
“If we are unable to do that then decisions will be taken out of our hands, removing local accountability. That is a scenario which I don’t think could be tolerated and must be avoided at all costs.”
