Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and general introductions were made.

Apologies were received from :-

Campbell Cameron, Community Broadband Scotland

Alison McGrory, NHS

Councillor Jim Anderson

No declarations of interest were intimated.

The minute of the Bute and Cowal Community Planning Group meeting of 3^rd October 2017 was approved as a correct record.

Report by Community Planning Manager

The Group gave consideration to a briefing note outlining the highlights from the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee meeting and full Partnership held on 5^th December 2017.

Decision

The Group noted the contents of the briefing note.

(Ref:  Briefing Note by Community Planning Manager, dated 6^th February 2018, submitted).

Presentation by Argyll and the Isles Tourism Cooperative (AITC)

The Group gave consideration to a presentation and video from Carron Tobin of Argyll and the Isles Tourism Cooperative (AITC).

Discussion took place around the ‘Wild about Argyll’ campaign and Ms Tobin agreed to circulate the online and video links.

Decision

The Group noted the presentation and information.

(Ref:  Presentation by Carron Tobin dated 6^th February 2018, submitted).

Discussion led by Community Development Officer on input to future meetings from representatives from Community Organisations to provide an update on their community-led action plans and what support they need from partners to develop them further.

The Community Development Officer for Bute and Cowal noted the opportunity for community groups to participate in CPG meetings to raise awareness of their projects and seek support from partners, and made a plea for local groups to take up this chance. It was noted that the Third Sector Interface links strongly to this work and agreed that Ms Macdonald should encourage the Bute Island Alliance to attend the May CPG metering which is in Bute, and work with Dunoon groups to encourage input from one of them to the August meeting which is to be held in Dunoon.

Presentation by Inspiralba

The Group gave consideration to a presentation from the Development Manager at Inspiralba.

She provided information on the census of Social Enterprise in Argyll and Bute, the characteristics and the future of Social Enterprise in the area.

Decision

The Group noted the presentation.

(Ref:  Presentation by Development Manager, Inspiralba dated 6^th February 2018, submitted).

Update by Visit Scotland

The Group gave consideration to an information strategy update report from the Regional Director of Visit Scotland.  The report detailed the background to the closures of the Tourist Information Centres across Argyll and Bute and provided figures in relation to those offices earmarked for closure.  It also noted that there would be regional hubs created in Islay, Mull, Oban and Rothesay.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.

(Ref:  Report by Regional Director, Visit Scotland dated 6^th February 2018, submitted).

Update by David Smart

The Group gave consideration to a progress report from the Head of Special Projects at Highland and Islands Enterprise. 

Decision

The Group noted the contents of the progress report.

(Ref:  Report by Head of Special Projects, HIE, dated 6^th February 2018, submitted).

Presentation by Brian MacDonald

Unfortunately there was no one in attendance from the Strategic Urban Regeneration Fund.  It was agreed this item would be discussed at the next B&C Community Planning Group meeting when discussing Outcome 1 (The Economy is Diverse and Thriving).

Update on recent and planned events

Unfortunately there was no one in attendance from No Fuss Events.  It was agreed this item would be discussed at the next B&C Community Planning Group meeting when discussing Outcome 1 (The Economy is Diverse and Thriving).

Presentation on actions in Bute and Cowal

The Group gave consideration to a report on the Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (ACT) Hubs Project, who have an active role in promoting tourism.  ACT was established in April 2014 with a main vision to maintain, enhance and promote the coast and countryside of Argyll so that residents and visitors can enjoy it forever.

Discussion took place on the range of objectives to help fulfil their vision.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.

(Ref:  Report by ACT Hubs Project Officer dated 6^th February 2018, submitted).

Report by Digital Liaison Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group gave consideration to a report providing an update on various digital infrastructure projects which are ongoing in the area including Superfast Broadband, other Broadband issues and mobile communications.

Decision

The Group noted the report.

(Ref:  Report by Digital Liaison Officer dated 6^th February 2018, submitted).

Report by Campbell Cameron

The Group gave consideration to a report from Campbell Cameron, CBS Adviser on Kyles Community Broadband (KCB) who have published a fresh State Aid Consultation for the supply of Superfast Broadband for the area of the Kyles of Bute.

The report advises that KCB Board plan to issue a fresh invitation to tender shortly for that service to be provided via the usual procurement channels.  It is expected that project costs of c. £2.5m will be delivered via SRDP managed funds.  The full project paper which will be completed for HIE approval will detail the project costs, funding package and on-going project sustainability.

The SAPC seeks to identify if any commercially provided service is proposed for the project area.

Decision

The Group noted the information report.

(Ref:  Report by CBS Adviser dated 6^th February 2018, submitted).

Presentation by Regional Manager

The Group gave consideration to a detailed presentation from the Regional Manager of ACHA.

Ms MacPhail discussed the key issues which are stock rationalisation, investment and regeneration, ACHA’s Estate Management Action Plan, Community Action Fund; and Argyll Homes for All (AHFA).

Ms MacPhail advised that there is £2,500 available in the Community Action Fund for the Bute and Cowal area and asked that if anyone was interested in a grant before the end of the financial year to contact her.

Decision

The Group noted the presentation.

(Ref:  Presentation by Regional Manager, ACHA, dated 6^th February 2018, submitted).

Update by Corporate Affairs Manager

Unfortunately there was no one in attendance from Scottish Water.  It was agreed this item would be discussed at the next B&C Community Planning Group meeting when discussing Outcome 2 (We have Infrastructure that supports sustainable growth).

Opportunity for Verbal updates by Community Planning Partners

Scottish Fire and Rescue

Mr McLaughlin from Scottish Fire and Rescue gave an update to the Group.  He advised that there have been 250 fire incidents in the last quarter and they have attended 175 home fire safety visits in the area.  He confirmed that they ran a local campaign and undertook 39 home fire safety visits locally and advised they are available for anyone and to get in touch with the local office if you require one.

In responding to a question about fire hydrant checks Mr McLaughlin agreed to provide the requested information to Hunter’s Quay Community Council.

He discussed the young volunteer firefighter programme. and agreed to circulate information on this to the group.

Police Scotland

Paul Robertson from Police Scotland gave an update to the Group on the last quarter.  He confirmed that Bute and Cowal have a new Inspector called Duncan McLean who will be moving to the Dunoon area next month.

He advised the festive period went very well with less violence and anti-social behaviour crimes with an ongoing action plan in the key hot spot areas.  He confirmed there has been a reduction overall in the last quarter.

He advised that the new Youth Engagement Officer is continuing to progress and develop and Mr Mitchell at Dunoon Grammar School has been very supportive in working alongside them. He is also developing a Police Scotland Youth Volunteer group and will shortly be advertising for adult volunteers. ,

He advised that he is continuing to work closely with the licenced premises in the area to help reduce the amount of crimes.

Third Sector Update

Alistair McLaren gave an update to the Group on the traumatic and difficult year that Argyll TSI has faced with staffing difficulties but confirmed that interviews are taking place soon for a new Chief Executive which will be the start of something new.

CalMac Ferries

Blair Moglia from CalMac Ferries gave an update on the last Community and Stakeholder Board meeting which took place on 19^th January and confirmed that the Terms of Reference for the group and all minutes are on the CalMac website.

Report by Area Committee Manager

The Group gave consideration to a report on the dates of future meetings of the Bute and Cowal Community Planning Group.

Decision

The Group agreed the dates as follows:-

• Tuesday 14^th August 2018 at 10am in the Timber Pier Building, Dunoon
• Tuesday 6^th November 2018 at 10am in Eaglesham House, Rothesay
• Tuesday 5^th February 2019 at 10am in the Timber Pier Building, Dunoon
• Tuesday 7^th May 2019 at 10am in Eaglesham House, Rothesay

Discussion facilitated by the Area Governance Manager on items for inclusion on the agenda for the next meeting.

Outcomes to be discussed:-

Outcome 3 – Education, skills and training maximises opportunities for all.

Outcome 4 – Children and young people have the best possible start.

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group would take place at 10.00am on Tuesday 1^st May 2018 in Eaglesham House, Rothesay.