THIS week's Councillor Column is written by Argyll and Bute Council's depute leader, Gary Mulvaney (Conservative).
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YOU never like to pre-empt fate when speaking about large capital projects in Argyll and Bute, but it is hard not to be pleased with the rate of progress that Heron Bros are making on the new waterfront leisure centre – all of which is in a Covid-compliant manner.
With all the steel work erected, the frame of the new leisure centre is now clearly visible, and it looks impressive. They continue to work on concrete flooring for the upper and lower levels of the building. Well done to the contractor and subs, and fingers crossed that it continues in this manner.
READ MORE: Waterfront leisure centre project gets £100,000 funding award
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WITH millions of Covid-19 vaccine doses secured by the UK government, there does seem to be end in sight for Covid and for us all to get back to a life without restrictions.
The question is when that will happen – and that is largely driven by how quickly we can vaccinate. So it is rather disappointing that in Scotland we somehow seem to be off the pace, and heavens forbid, behind England.
There are more than enough doses of vaccine here but according to GPs, there are bottlenecks getting it to them. Last week, England had vaccinated 56 per cent of over 80s, compared to just 13 per cent in Scotland. Less talk and more action needed from Nicola Sturgeon and her separatists.
READ MORE: Helensburgh doctor reassures public amid 'bottleneck' in Covid vaccine supply
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WITH the TSB branch in Helensburgh now closed and the town left with just two banks, there can be no more visible sign of the impact of how shopping and consumer habits have changed.
Whilst the trend to online commerce may seem irreversible, ultimately that decision is literally, in all of our hands. That one click with the likes of Amazon in the comfort of our homes may be innocuous at the time, but will have lasting consequences on our high streets and the vibrancy of our town centres.
Contrast that anonymous transactional experience with the opportunity of human interaction and warm personal experience available from local retailers, then the true value comes to the fore.
READ MORE: Letters to the Advertiser - January 28, 2021
For example, I cannot praise Val and the Toy Shop enough for going the extra mile as they worked with the health visitor team to support some children and families with gift-wrapped presents at Christmas. Not just great service but a joyful one too. You don’t quite get that as you checkout online.
So when Covid recedes, let’s make a point of getting back into our local shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and cinema that are right on our own doorstep and savour every single moment.
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