Issue - meetings

·         Issue regarding vacant shop premises in town centre is being addressed.  TCM is working with property owners and estate agents on improving the appearance of any vacant shops and is looking at available window space that can be offered to community/art groups for displays.  Also investigating the possibility of a temporary use option either for commercial use or for use by a group, and liaising with Business Gateway regarding possible business start-ups.

·         On a positive note, two recently vacated shop units have now been re-let, change of use planning applications have been submitted for two vacant units on Longrow and refurbishment of units on Main Street is still on-going.

·         Good progress is being made by the steering group of the Kintyre and Gigha Marketing Group.  Funding options from VisitScotland Growth Fund and Argyll and the Islands LEADER have been investigated.  Group members have been liaising with members of marketing groups from other areas in Argyll.   Membership lists which include all businesses and groups within Kintyre and Gigha are being compiled and each will be invited to join the constituted membership organisation.

Mary Dott introduced herself to the group and reported on various projects which she had been involved with.  These included:-

Campbeltown in Colour scheme - hand baskets which were supported by local businesses and maintained by the Streetscene team

New banner for the Mull of Kintyre run.

Street signage finger posts - review completed and a list has been compiled of any alterations and additions required to be made to these signs to bring them up to date. 

Connection Heritage trail banners - these should soon be in place.

Window display Competition (noting the town traders association had lapsed)

She advised the group of 2 other projects:

Malin Waters Thematic cruise

17 yachts would be departing from Largs via Campbeltown then to Derry.  They would berth in Campbeltown on 30 June where there would be a buffet reception at the sailing club.

Then return on 7 July and a dinner was planned for that evening in the Royal Hotel.

Kintyre and Gigha Marketing Group (under the banner of Argyll and the Isles Strategic Tourism Partnership)

There was a steering group who were taking this forward.  The second meeting was scheduled for next week.  Susan Paterson enquired if other groups would be invited to attend.  Mary affirmed that local groups would be involved and it was noted that Mary would provide updates from this steering group to the KIWG.

The Chair thanked Mary for her update

Jim Martin advised the group of the forthcoming Annual General meeting of the British Ayrshire Cattle Society which was scheduled for May 2013 and  would involve between 140-200 guests.  He expressed his hope that the Victoria Hall would be decorated in time for this prestigious event.

Action:  Agreed that a letter be sent from the KIWG advising the Director of Development and Infrastructure of this event and setting out the desire of the Group that the Victoria Halls could be painted externally prior to this.

The Chair informed attendees of the replacement for Aileen MacLennan, who was on maternity leave.

Mary Dott had been appointed to the positon and was based in the THI office at 3 Harvey’s Lane in Campbeltown.  She would be available on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

Reports by  Aileen MacLennan, Campbeltown Town Centre Manager.

There was a report from the Town Centre manager updating on local issues and events held in the local area.

The Chair asked that a letter be drafted to Councillor Dick Walsh, Leader of the Council, requesting the reinstatement of major event  funding apportioned to major events including the Mull of Kintyre Music Festival which needed more financial support.

Susan Paterson reported that next year marked the 20^th year of the Festival and commended the success of the event just held in August.

Ian Macintyre noted that the Tarbert Seafood Festival had also been a great success.