Argyll and Bute, on the west coast, is one of the largest, most diverse and most sparsely populated local authority areas in Scotland. The population is 87,130 (NRS 2016). 45% of Argyll and Bute’s population live in areas classified as ‘remote rural’; 7% live in areas classified as ‘accessible rural’ (Argyll and Bute Council website). Argyll and Bute also has 23 inhabited islands (Census 2011).
The Council delivers a wide range of services designed to reflect the very varied needs of the population.