COUNCIL staff and members of the public from Helensburgh, and across Argyll and Bute, have been praised for the way they have pulled together to help the area through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Argyll and Bute Council's depute provost, Roddy McCuish also told the area's elected councillors this week that residents are depending on them more than ever while the coronavirus outbreak continues.

A meeting of the full council was convened via Skype on Tuesday, March 31 and was over in minutes, with councillors unanimously agreeing to emergency measures to ensure business can continue.

READ MORE: Helensburgh charity seeks volunteer help to deliver shopping and other essentials

Councillor McCuish, chairing the meeting in the absence of Provost Len Scoullar, said: “Thank you for all you are doing at this very challenging time.

“It is really heartening to see how much communities are pulling together, not just across Argyll and Bute but across the whole of the UK.

“Thanks also to the council staff who are going above and beyond the call of duty at what is a very hard time, and to volunteer groups as well.

READ MORE: Cardross Cares: new community help group set up in village

“The residents of Argyll and Bute are depending on us now more than ever. We should not let them down in any way and I know we will not.

“Keep well and keep safe.”

As part of the single item of business on the agenda, members noted the powers delegated to chief executive Pippa Milne to instruct executive action on any matter, after consultation with leader Aileen Morton or depute Gary Mulvaney.

It was also agreed that a new 'business continuity committee', headed by Councillors Morton and Mulvaney, will conduct other essential council business during the current lockdown period, with its meetings also to be held over Skype.

READ MORE: Helensburgh group asks community for donations to help older neighbours

Meetings of all other council committees, as well as the full council itself, have been suspended for the time being, as have meetings of the area's community planning partnership and local community planning groups.

The emergency arrangements will be reviewed by the end of June at the latest.

The other councillors who will serve on the new committee are Sandy Taylor (leader of the SNP opposition group), Lorna Douglas (deputy leader of the SNP opposition), Kieron Green (policy lead for health and social care), Yvonne McNeilly (policy lead for education), Robin Currie (policy lead for housing, roads and infrastructure services), Rory Colville (policy lead for support services) and Douglas Philand (leader of the Argyll and Bute First opposition group).

READ MORE: Click here for all the latest news headlines from across Helensburgh and Lomond