We asked what issues mattered to you and what changes you would like to see as a result of your vote.

This post-Election Special is going out today, Friday 4th May, from 1pm and will be repeated later this afternoon.

The results are in and in Ward 8 – Isle of Bute the elected councillors are Robert MacIntyre (SNP), Len Scoullar (Independent) and Isobel Strong (SNP)

In the run up to the local elections on May 3rd, Bute FM – your community radio station – invited all six local candidates in for interview.

The Big Election Special will be broadcast three times in the coming days: at 10am and again at 9pm on Tuesday 1st and also at 4pm on Wednesday 2nd.

We’ll also have a post-Election Special on Friday 4th from 1pm-1:30pm and will be announcing the results later that afternoon.

Collectively, the directors of Bute Community Media Limited, said: “We believe that we have appointed the right man for the job.

“Unquestionably, Douglas meets the criteria we set out at the beginning of our search which was based on proven experience, leadership, a hard-working ethic and, most importantly, a shared vision for Bute FM.

“Douglas is someone with whom we will work closely and work well together.

“With our strong team of volunteers combining the necessary virtues of experience and the exciting potential of our younger presenters, our objective is to develop the station.

“Douglas’ vast experience and proven abilities demonstrate clearly that he is a strong leader and an ambitious man and we are looking forward very much to an exciting new future for Bute FM.”

Jordan Lyon has also been confirmed as Bute FM’s new Assistant Station Manager.

It seems that there is much consternation surrounding the ferry fare increases detailed in Caledonian MacBrayne’s summer timetables for both Wemyss Bay to Rothesay and Colintraive to Rhubodach routes.

We contacted David Cannon, Public Affairs Manager for Caledonian MacBrayne, who told us: “…Return journeys starting in Bute (and all islands) pay the winter rate all year round.

I’ve got the Wemyss Bay/Rothesay fares to hand as I’ve had another query on this subject which was based on a misunderstanding that fares had risen by £1.75.

The winter rate of £6.35 for Rothesay/Wemyss Bay will go up to £6.80 from March 30th.  Rhubodach/Colintraive should be circa 14p on the return fare.

You should also be aware that the general fares increase (6.5% this year) is set by [the] Scottish Government through Transport Scotland. [Caledonian MacBrayne] have no say in it.”

Ferry fares for those coming from the mainland (with price rises compared to last year) are detailed below.

Wemyss Bay/Rothesay

Passenger single: 2012 = £4.75. 2011 = £4.45. (6.7% increase)

Passenger return: 2012 = £8.10. 2011 = £7.55. (7.3% increase)

Passenger 10 journey: 2012 = £33.50. 2011 = £31.50. (6.3% increase)

Car return: 2012 = £32.50. 2011 = £30.50. (6.6% increase)

Car 10 journey: 2012 = £114. 2011 = £107. (6.5% increase)

Colintraive/Rhubodach

Passenger single: 2012 = £1.50. 2011 = £1.40. (7.1% increase)

Passenger return: 2012 = £2.65. 2011 = £2.45. (8.2% increase)

Passenger 10 journey: 2012 = £10.40. 2011 = £9.75. (6.7% increase)

Car return: 2012 = £16. 2011 = £15.05. (6.3% increase)

Car 10 journey: 2012 = £56. 2011 = £52. (7.7% increase)

Bute FM wants you to let us know what you think about the service we are offering to our community and to share your suggestions on how we can improve this.

Why not take part in the survey here on the website http://www.butefm.com/category/get-involved/survey/ now?

Also, look out for our volunteers conducting surveys and canvassing in a street near you!

Further information about the Bute FM Community Consultation will appear on our website, Facebook profile and will be announced on-air.

Bute FM – Community Radio for the community; by the community.

Speaking to Graham Leonard on the lunch-time show she advised listeners to look out for forthcoming promotional material in the next few months in the form of posters, leaflets and adverts in national papers and magazines in addition to adverts on CalMac ferries, Glasgow Underground, Glasgow Central Station and both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports plus much more!

Visit the website to see what VisitBute is all about here

We must thank the following people for making this possible:

• June Gillies for giving us the opportunity to help her fundraise;

• Robin Chandler for coming up with both ideas;

• Stewart Laird and Graham Leonard for hosting two fantastic fundraising shows;

• Liz D, Chris Kinloch, Young Cameron, Mark McCormack and all the other volunteers who executive produced the shows;

• All the volunteers and visitors who popped in and lent their support and who collected sponsorship money at various locations on the island;

• Lastly, and most importantly, to all our listeners and supporters – both individuals and businesses – who donated cash and sustenance and showed great support for the cause.

Thank you all!

Bute FM Steering Group

If you would like to donate to Cystic Fibrosis Trust please visit http://www.justgiving.com/June-Gillies

Throughout the challenge Big Stoo will be accompanied by other volunteers who will either be joining him behind the microphone or taking the many requests and dedications that we are expecting.

Take part in the broadcast by phoning on 01700 502266, emailing studio@butefm.com or texting 07562 612747

On Thursday 3rd November there will also be a special “Love Songs” show with Graham Leonard which has already raised a significant amount for CFT. Tune-in to Bute FM from 12pm-4pm to hear the show.

Look out for sponsorship forms and please make an effort to donate to this worthy cause.

http://www.cftrust.org.uk/

http://www.justgiving.com/June-Gillies

Bute FM will once again be broadasting live from the event so keep an eye and an ear out for us, pop over and say hello!

For more information about the day contact:

David Anderson, Delhi House, 19 Craigmore Road,Rothesay, Isle of Bute. PA20 9LB

Telephone: 01700 505256

or visit Bute Highland Games website

The Bute Highland Games have gradually grown in status and strength, to their present position as one of the major events on the Highland Games calendar.

All competitions at Bute Highland Games are run in accordance with Amateur Rules and Regulations. The preparatory and organisational work is carried out by volunteers.