At a full council meeting last Thursday, a motion was put forward by Councillor Breslin to amend the decision to offer housing and support to 20 families, and take as many families as the council can – by housing the families in empty accommodation owned by the Ministry of Defence.

The motion stated there was a population decline in parts of Argyll and Bute, and the council should work with Registered Social Landlords and the MOD. It is estimated there are more than 300 empty MOD homes in the region.

However, an amendment was put forward by council leader Dick Walsh, seconded by Helensburgh Central councillor Ellen Morton, to resettle initially 20 families and set up a Refugee Resettlement Group.

The amendment also notes the council’s ‘desire’ to offer support for more families in the future.

The amendment was agreed on, with 28 votes against three in support of the original motion.

At the meeting, councillors also agreed to look into the possibility of a ‘name and shame’ scheme to address dog fouling in Mid Kintyre, with the possibility of rolling it out across the rest of Argyll and Bute.

Lomond North councillor Maurice Corry was selected as a representative for the council, alongside Councillor Robin Currie and Provost Len Scoullar, for a World War One commemoration event, set to be held on Islay in 2018.

It was also agreed the council’s representation on the Argyll Community Housing Association board would be reduced from five members to three.

Councillor Richard Trail was nominated as one of the members to serve on the board.