Kick-starting the economy, in a safe way, is of utmost importance to us.

In recent weeks we have worked closely with town centre groups, businesses, Police Scotland and Transport Scotland to put measures in place that will make a practical difference at this crucial time.

Together, we developed guidance for businesses to support them to plan and manage real concerns around queuing in our town centres, while complying with physical distancing.

As hospitality plays such a major role in our economy, we put in place a fast-track system for liquor licensing, through the use of occasional licences, that ensures standards are maintained.

Moving forward, as we ease out of lockdown, we will take every opportunity to draw on national recovery plans, as well as developing local initiatives, to look after the economic and community health of Argyll and Bute.

Cllr Alastair Redman