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The drive to tackle the increasing impact of climate change on ����ɬ’s communities is continuing to gather pace.

At a meeting of ����ɬ Council’s Policy and Resources committee, councillors were updated on activity completed and under way by the Climate Change Board, including the Council’s comprehensive response to the Scottish Government’s recent consultation on new statutory guidance for Public Bodies' Climate Change Duties.

Amongst a range of proposals, the response recommended phased implementation of new duties and emphasised the need for practical support from government.

The Board’s report also highlights examples of the Council's integrated approach to climate action, which focuses on a combination of resilience and emissions reduction, and is demonstrated through a range of current initiatives including:

• Burnett Building Climate Adaptation Project - The Burnett Building on Campbeltown's waterfront provides a practical example of climate adaptation in action. Built in 1899 on reclaimed land, the building has experienced structural challenges directly attributable to climate change including rising sea levels, intensified rainfall, and saltwater intrusion. The Council's response utilised innovative, low-carbon engineering solutions to improve the building’s stability while delivering significant carbon savings of approximately 50.7 tonnes, a reduction of nearly 78% compared to traditional methods.

• Nature Restoration Fund initiative - The Council has agreed Phase 1 funding from the Nature Restoration Fund to begin an assessment of Council land assets. The initiative integrates carbon sequestration, biodiversity restoration, and climate adaptation through nature-based solutions

• Decarbonisation updates - The Council’s Decarbonisation Tracker system enables it to monitor progress on energy efficiency, including the rollout of enhanced building management system controls and the installation of renewable heat pilots, such as Air Source Heat Pumps. 4G communications systems have been installed at 33 sites, primarily schools, enabling remote access to Building Management Systems (BMS). This technology allows for quicker, more efficient, and more effective methodology for monitoring and energy management activities. In addition, thermostatic radiator valves have been installed throughout Cardross Primary School, Islay High School, and Dunbeg Primary School, providing improved temperature control and energy efficiency

• Fleet Transport - Measures are being implemented, including targeted driver efficiency training and route analysis to reduce fuel consumption, complementing the Council’s ongoing transition planning for vehicle electrification

• Community Planning Partnership activities - The Council's climate work includes comprehensive Community Planning Partnership arrangements, ensuring coordinated effort across multiple agencies and community stakeholders alongside its own operational activities. The partnership has developed the ����ɬ Climate Action Strategy which was formally approved in April 2025, establishing a region-wide, community-led approach to achieving net-zero and climate resilience through extensive engagement with communities and stakeholders.

• DRAX Foundation: LED lighting for schools - The Council’s partnership with the DRAX Foundation has delivered a programme to upgrade lighting to energy-efficient LEDs in seven schools located in the area surrounding Cruachan Power Station. Investment of partnership funding of approximately £148,000 has improved energy efficiency at Park Primary, Taynuilt Primary, Inveraray Primary, Dunbeg Primary, Dalmally Primary, Barcaldine Primary, and Lochnell Primary.

• Woodland Management Plan For Kilmory - Argyll Countryside Trust (ACT) has been commissioned to prepare a Woodland Management Plan for Kilmory Woodland, including a proposal for the restoration of Kilmory Walled Garden. The Plan will provide a review of Kilmory Estate’s woodland resource, focusing on encouraging more use and enjoyment of the woodlands by local people.

Councillor Luna Martin, the Council’s Policy Lead for Climate Change, Renewables and Net Zero, said: 

“The Council has submitted a thorough and constructive response to the Scottish Government’s consultation, highlighting the importance of rural and island authorities contributing to national ����ɬ.

“Our approach to integrated climate action focuses on building ����ɬ’s resilience to the impact of climate change while also achieving emissions reduction.

“This report showcases the proactive stance we are taking to fulfil our statutory climate duties. Examples such as the Burnett Building and Nature Restoration Fund demonstrate our commitment to delivering integrated and cost-effective solutions which build resilience and reduce emissions.”