Argyll and Bute Council is committed to delivering wider benefits for its communities and when it awards a contract, it works closely with the suppliers/companies involved to deliver additional social, economic, and environmental value to local communities through its Community Benefit Scheme.

The scheme, which has been running since September 2020, allows community groups to request help in achieving their goals. This can include things like sponsoring a local sports team, donations of labour or materials, work experience or apprenticeships.

Robertson Construction Central West is the contractor for Rothesay Pavilion and, since the company started working on the project, it has delivered several local benefits. For example:

• The company has employed a full-time local site supervisor and local teleporter operator and has taken on local labour temporarily when required.
• It has opened business accounts with local suppliers.
• The company has employed Bute Blacksmiths to carry out major works throughout the project.
• Robertson has supplied a local nursery with hi-viz vests and is creating an outside stage for the children to do displays on.
• The company has engaged with the local food bank and is installing a handrail in the back shop.
• It has also made donations to the food bank as well as the local charity shop
• The Project Manager has volunteered his services to advise on the installation of a play area along the front for Rothesay BID.
• The company hand-delivered local newsletters to neighbours and supplied them with timber and small items of building materials as a gesture of goodwill.

The council’s policy lead for islands, Councillor Liz McCabe, said: “The Rothesay Pavilion Project is of huge significance to everyone on Bute, and Robertson Construction Central West is doing a tremendous job in helping to bring it back into use.

“The company has embedded itself in the local community and has gone above and beyond to support local businesses and give something back. The range of benefits that Robertson has already provided speaks for itself and I would like to thank them on behalf of the local community.”

Policy lead for procurement, Councillor Alastair Redman, added: “The Community Benefit Scheme is a great way for companies that have been awarded council contracts to really contribute to the local community. I would encourage local groups and organisations to register their requests for the community benefit wish list on the council website: Community Benefits list | Argyll and Bute Council (argyll-bute.gov.uk).”

Andy McLinden, regional managing director, Robertson Construction Central West, commented: “Working closely with Argyll and Bute Council we have been identifying initiatives that they already have running where we can lend support, but also looking at other activities where we can add tangible social impact.

“Our team has received a warm welcome to Bute, and we are delighted to be working with local suppliers, local workforce and assisting across the wider community. Being a responsible neighbour and creating positive impact is all part of what we do.”