Frequently asked questions about moving to Argyll and Bute

Business Gateway

I am thinking about relocating to Argyll and Bute and starting my own business, what support is available?

Argyll and Bute Council’s Business Gateway service can provide information and support to help you start and grow your business in our area. We have a team of experienced advisors who can discuss your business plans and help identify the support available.

To contact Business Gateway please telephone 01546 604555 (Monday – Friday, 0900-1700) or email business.gateway@argyll-bute.gov.uk

You can check out our Facebook page or website Business Gateway for further information.

What can Business Gateway help me with?

Business Gateway can help in a number of ways, providing advice, training, expert help or information tailored to your business.

Whatever stage you are at, you can meet with an experienced local business advisor, by phone or video call, to discuss your business. As well as years of experience in helping businesses, all our advisors have also either run their own business or spent time in the commercial world.

Advisors can offer support on a wide range of topics, from improving profitability and sustainability, understanding legal and regulatory requirements, to getting a new business off the ground or exploring funding options to expand.

Our advisors can also signpost you to other relevant services, make referrals, share useful contacts and help you navigate the wider business support landscape.

The case studies below highlight how businesses have benefited from Business Gateway support.

• Growth for Helensburgh garden design business
• Iona jewellery business set to expand into international markets
• Yacht rigging business accelerates growth after successful launch

What business grants are available in Argyll and Bute?

Argyll and Bute Council has a range of schemes providing financial assistance for businesses based in Argyll and Bute. This includes a start-up grant of up to £1000 and a business development grant of up to £5000-  Financial support and grants for businesses

Business Gateway can also signpost to funding available from other organisations.

Communities

How can I meet people in my community?

There are many ways to meet people in your new community. Many local clubs are held in our village halls and community centres with information displayed on notice boards. Here you can find a full list of our village halls and community centres across Argyll and Bute.

Community Councils are also active across Argyll and Bute and they bridge the gap between communities and Local Authorities. While Community Councils’ primary statutory purpose is to represent the views of their community to Local Authorities and other public bodies, most Community Councils also involve themselves in a wide range of other activities, including fundraising, running community events, and educational projects.

We have 56 Community Councils across Argyll and Bute, and they are a great way to both meet people in the community and get to know what is going on locally. Find your local community council

What sports clubs can I join in Argyll and Bute?

Across Argyll and Bute there are a variety of sports clubs to get involved in. Here you can find a list of all of our sports and leisure facilities which offer a variety of indoor and outdoor sports. Due to Argyll and Bute being rural we have a wide offer of outdoor activities, some of our community run clubs are easier to find on noticeboards at local sports grounds or by searching on social media. Sometimes it is best to ask in your local leisure centre if you are looking for a specific sports club.

How can I get involved in volunteering in Argyll and Bute?

There are so many types of volunteer opportunities available in Argyll & Bute. Here you can search for the latest opportunities and register with the ones that suit you the most.

Is there a way to meet people who have recently made the move to Argyll and Bute?

We have set up a relocation network, connecting new residents with those who have also made the move to Argyll and Bute. You can leave your contact details here if you wish to be put in contact with others who have made the move. Please complete the form to get in touch

What support services are available in my community?

There are many critical services available within Argyll and Bute. The Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface Directory aims to publicise these organisations and share them with the community.

How can I get involved in the Culture, Heritage and Arts sector across Argyll and Bute?

The Council’s aim for the culture, heritage and arts sector is to be sustainable and growing – generating creative industry jobs for the future. You can visit CHARTS for more information on what is going on across Argyll and Bute, and how to get involved. 

You can also access information on halls, theatres, museums, cinemas, and arts across Argyll and Bute.

How can I stay up to date on community development news and local updates?

The Community Development Team distribute their monthly Bulletin, which you can read from here or you can sign up to have it sent directly to your mail box. The bulletin contains information on events, training courses, jobs, community- led initiatives and much more.

What community events are going on across Argyll and Bute?

Some useful websites to explore and see what is going on across Argyll and Bute include:

Live Argyll – you can sign up to receive regular updates on what’s happening in your local leisure centres, libraries and halls.

Wild about Argyll also has a useful ‘what’s on section’ where you can filter what’s on by location.

What annual events and festivals happen across Argyll and Bute?

Wild about Argyll have put together a list of the annual events across Argyll and Bute.

Early years and childcare

Where can I find answers to questions about registering my child for Early Learning and Childcare?

Early Learning and Childcare FAQs can be read here

If you have further questions the Early Years Team will be happy to advise you.

You get in touch with the team here

Where can I find Early Learning and Childcare information?

The Early Years Parents Handbook can be downloaded here

Housing

How do I register for social housing in Argyll and Bute?

• A common housing register operates within Argyll and Bute, supported by the four main Registered Social Landlords operating within the Argyll and Bute Council area; Dunbritton Housing Association, West Highland Housing Association, Fyne Homes and Argyll Community Housing Association.
• In addition, a number of specialist housing associations offering supported housing also have properties within Argyll and Bute. A list of these specialist agencies can be found at Home Argyll | Social housing
• All of the agencies above can be contacted directly, or through the Home Argyll partnership Renting from a Housing Association | Argyll and Bute Council (argyll-bute.gov.uk) . Alternatively applications can be made at the following web address Home – Homechoice (homeargylladmin.co.uk)
• Guidance relating to making an application for social housing can be found at Home Argyll | Social housing
• A summary of social housing currently available can be found at Home Argyll | Available homes

Where is the best place to look for private property to rent and/or buy in Argyll and Bute?

• If you want to buy, there is a great choice of family homes, flats, cottages and rural properties. You can simply visit well-known sites such as Rightmove, S1 Homesand Zoopla.
• More detailed guidance and information is available at Buying or building your own home | Argyll and Bute Council (argyll-bute.gov.uk), or for rentals Renting a property in the private sector | Argyll and Bute Council (argyll-bute.gov.uk)

What are my options for self-build in Argyll and Bute?

• There are plots of land for sale if you are interested in building your own home. You can view a list of local estate agents at https://abplace2b.scot/live/estate-agents/   or simply visit well-known sites such as Rightmove, S1 Homesand Zoopla. The council website can provide you with advice on gaining planning permission.
• More detailed guidance and information is available at  Buying or building your own home | Argyll and Bute Council (argyll-bute.gov.uk) and https://www.homeargyll.co.uk/content/advice-home-ownership/

The property I am looking at purchasing in Argyll and Bute has disrepair issues, is there support available for improving the quality of my potential home?

• Information regarding repairing and maintaining your home can be found at Repairing and maintaining your home | Argyll and Bute Council (argyll-bute.gov.uk)
• Like other councils, Argyll and Bute Council has a Scheme of Assistance available to help fund certain needs-assessed adaptations to your house. Information on this can be found at https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/migrated_files/scheme_of_assistance_2015.pdf
• Argyll and Bute Council’s Housing Strategy recognises the need to make the most of existing housing stock to help meet housing demand in the area. An Empty Homes initiative has been developed, and advice on this can be found at Empty Homes | Argyll and Bute Council (argyll-bute.gov.uk)

Help getting into work

I am currently living in/ relocated to Argyll and Bute and I am looking for employability support.

All employability support available can be found here – helping people into work