CAMPAIGNERS on the Isle of Bute took to the streets this week to protest Argyll and Bute Council’s decision to drop the island’s name from some of its promotional literature.
Members of the Stand Up For Bute campaign voiced their opposition to new Argyll and Bute Council (ABC) marketing slogans that separate the words Argyll and Bute. Locals feel the move could threatens the island’s reputation.
In December last year, 1750 people signed a petition demanding that the word Bute be reinstated to the council’s newly launched tourism marketing slogan “Choose Argyll. Love Argyll”.
On Thursday, however, Argyll and Bute Council launched another new “Choose Bute. Love Bute” logo and slogan.
Far from being satisfied with a slogan of their own, campaigners feel the new slogan is simply pandering to protesters.
“This move is nothing more than a sop to the community of the Isle of Bute,” said David Coll from Stand Up For Bute. “Argyll and Bute Council have made very clear that the area will continue to be promoted as ‘Choose Argyll. Love Argyll’, therefore having two different slogans will simply hamper attempts to promote Bute and Argyll and cause confusion to the people we are trying to attract to the area both as tourists and future residents.”
The group claims that council employees have been told to use the strapline “Choose Argyll. Love Argyll” in all email correspondence. It replaces the previous slogan of “Argyll and Bute: Realising our potential together”.
The Rural Growth Deal bid to Government is also entitled “Argyll: The Natural Choice”, despite the council area being Argyll and Bute.
“By using this logo, the council continues the diminution of the name Bute to the disadvantage of business, the local economy and the wellbeing of the community of Bute,” Coll continued. “Bute is a proud island and ABC have proved by their recent actions that they are prepared to ignore the fact that Bute has never historically or politically been part of Argyll.”
He added: “The area is called Argyll and Bute and should be promoted as Choose Argyll and Bute, Love Argyll and Bute.”
In launching the new slogans, the council said the campaign is part of its work to address Argyll and Bute’s falling population, by showcasing the area as a great place to live and work.
Provost Len Scoullar said: “Our promotion will focus on showing people exactly how they can enjoy a fantastic lifestyle and some great career and business opportunities too.
“With help from businesses and residents, telling us why they choose and love Bute, we will promote our success stories and show there is much, much more to the area than just beautiful scenery.”
Port Bannatyne, Scarrel Shore and Mount Stuart were selected from suggestions made by members of the public as their favourite spots on Bute and ABC will feature these locations in promotional photos of Bute.
Scoullar added: “Already, Bute has its fair share of innovative businesses, ranging from major employers to small artisan enterprises. However, like the rest of the region, Bute needs to attract skilled workers like teachers, healthcare workers, engineers and entrepreneurs to help it flourish.”
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