The local authority, in partnership with Hub North Scotland, is planning new secondary schools for Oban and Campbeltown, as well as the new Kirn Primary School in Dunoon.

The main contract for delivery of the brand new schools has been awarded by hubNorth Scotland to Morrison Construction and there are opportunities for local companies to get involved either as sub-contractors or suppliers for these significant projects.

Helensburgh Central councillor Aileen Morton, the council’s policy lead for Education and Lifelong Learning, is keen to ensure that local businesses are aware of the potential available for them as a result of the council’s investment in new schools for the future.

She said: “We are making a significant commitment and investment in new schools which will bring major benefits for our young people and our communities. Through the Meet the Buyer events, we hope to extend these benefits and opportunities to the local business community.

“Here in Argyll and Bute we have lots of locally owned companies who have the skills, expertise, local knowledge and capacity to play a part in these major projects. I would encourage businesses to come along to their local Meet the Buyer event to find out more and get involved.” Hosted by hubNorth Scotland and Morrison Construction, the Meet the Buyer sessions start off in Dunoon’s Queen’s Hall on Tuesday, January 20, 2015. It is Oban’s turn on Wednesday, January 21 when the team will be in the town’s Corran Halls. The last event is in Aqualibrium, Campbeltown on Thursday, January 22.

The events will allow interested local businesses to come along and meet the Morrison Construction procurement team as well as representatives from Argyll and Bute Council, Business Gateway and industry body Construction Industry Training Board.

Local businesses are encouraged to come along to any of the events which run between 1pm and 5pm. One-to-one sessions are also available but must be pre-booked. You can do this at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CVDZPCZ or visit www.morrisonconstruction.co.uk to find out more.