Agenda and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:-

Iona MacPhail, Fyne Homes

Kim Ritchie, Moving on Mid Argyll

MSYP Alasdair Paisley, Scottish Youth Parliament

Dawn Park, Community Learning Service – Live Argyll

Linda Tough, Community Learning Service – Live Argyll

Margaret Wallace, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface

Donald McNeil, Forestry and Land Scotland

Becky Hothersall, Poverty Alliance

Becs Barker, Carr Gomm

Richard Stein, North Knapdale Community Council

Olena Mishanina, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership

Graeme Bruce, West Highland Housing Association

Laurie Piper, Scottish Canals

Heather Thomas-Smith, Argyll and the Isles Tourism Co-Operative (Wild About Argyll)

May Cross, Department for Work and Pensions

Lix Armstrong, Ardrishaig Community Council

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minutes of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group meeting held on 31 January 2024 were approved as a correct record.

Presentation by Project Manager – ACT Now, Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust

The Group gave consideration to a presentation from Jamie Joyce, ACT Now Project Manager and Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network (ABCAN) Team Lead. The presentation provided information in relation to ACT Now’s local projects, including a community bicycle scheme and outdoor STEM learning projects. It was highlighted that funding was being sought to continue and expand the community bicycle scheme.

Mr Joyce also advised that the ABCAN hub model was now up and running with a delivery team made up from community organisations, freelancers, and ACT employees who were delivering community climate engagement in all 4 administrative areas. The presentation included information on funding distributed to groups looking to act on climate change; the creation of the Argyll & Bute Specific Carbon Literacy Training Course; the delivery of 3 regional climate assemblies, focussing on Energy, Housing, and Food; the new ABCAN website and online network; and the ABCAN Aims for 2024/25.

Discussion took place in relation to the ban on wood-burning stoves in new build homes, and the work of the organisation on the islands.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Presentation by ACT Now Project Manager and ABCAN Team Lead, submitted)

Report by Climate Change Project Manager – ACT Now, Argyll and the Isles Coast and Country Side Trust (ACT)

The Group gave consideration to a report providing an update on the Community Planning Partnership’s Argyll And Bute Climate Action project: Developing a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Argyll and Bute.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the approach and status of the project as outlined in the report.

(Reference: Report by Climate Change Project Manager – ACT Now, Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust, dated 16 April 2024, submitted)

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll & Bute Council

The group gave consideration to a report which outlined matters discussed during a meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee held on 10 April 2024. Melissa Stewart, Democratic Services Manager, highlighted the Management’s Committee response to an issue raised by the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group in relation to proposals for Greenock Police Station; a proposed new governance structure for the Community Planning Partnership to assist in delivering actions from the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan (ABOIP); updates to the Transport Infrastructure, Housing and Community Wellbeing ABOIP outcomes; and progress with relevant projects, including an update to the Terms of Reference for the Climate Change Working Group.

Rona Gold, Community Planning Manager, provided clarification in relation to discussions about the governance structure of the Community Planning Partnership, having noted some disagreements with the proposals expressed at the Management Committee meeting and within a report that featured on the agenda for this meeting. It was highlighted that no decisions had been made in relation to this matter and partners would be working together to ensure that the meetings taking place were meaningful, and allowed as much time and resource as possible for action and progress on the ABOIP outcomes. It was noted that a development session with CPP partners would be held in June, and details of this session would be circulated to relevant partners in due course.

Decision

The Mid Argyll. Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the report.

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 1 May 2024, submitted)

Report by Governance Officer, Argyll & Bute Council

Consideration was given to a report which provided an update on the membership of community councils in the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area following the closure of the nomination period for the interim by-elections. Melissa Stewart highlighted that a large proportion of posts remained vacant in the area.

Discussion took place around the struggles that community councils faced with attracting new community councillors; ways in which community councils could work together to form caucus arrangements;  engagement with the Democracy Matters consultation; high workload of community councillors; difficulties with the level of complex process and regulation around community councils; support available for community councils; and the potential requirement for additional visits to community councils to discuss their concerns.

Melissa Stewart and Rona Gold agreed to discuss how they could support community councils in relation to the issues raised following the meeting. It was noted that a meeting between community councils and senior leadership officers at the Council was being arranged, and further details in relation to this meeting would be circulated in due course. Community councils were encouraged to send any suggested agenda items for this meeting to Melissa Stewart.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Governance Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 1 May 2024, submitted)

Report by Chief Executive Officer, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface

Consideration was given to a report and presentation in relation to Community Wealth Building. The report confirmed that the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee formally received the Community Wealth Building report commissioned in 2023 at its meeting of 10 April 2024.  It was highlighted that the recommendations in the report were categorised in five sections: spending; workforce; inclusive ownership; finance; and land and property.

It was noted that the Community Planning Partnership had requested that Area Community Planning Group provide feedback in relation to the implementation and priority actions identified in the report and appendices.

Discussion took place in relation to the difficulties of retaining wealth within the community, in particular where this may involve large companies and a lot of specialised knowledge to access possible benefits.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning group:

1.    noted that a steering group of CPP partners oversaw the delivery and production of the two reports at Appendix 1 and 2 of the report;

2.    agreed to forward any comments on implementation and priority actions within the final report ‘Community Wealth Building in Argyll and Bute: A Framework for Action’ at Appendix 1 by e-mail to Iona Campbell following the meeting for consideration and action where appropriate; and

3.    agreed to forward any comments on the implementation and priority actions within the two ‘Models of Opportunity’ at Appendix 2  by e-mail to Iona Campbell following the meeting for consideration and action where appropriate.

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive Officer, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface, dated 1 May 2024, submitted)

Report by Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership

Consideration was given to a public health update from NHS Highland. The update focussed on The Annual Report of the Director of Public Health 2023 (NHS Highland): ‘Medication & Public Health – Do the Right Thing’. The report examined public health challenges and the benefits and drawback of prescribed medicines.

Discussion took place in relation to the benefits of social prescribing; work to reduce the stigma around Hepatitis C; the benefits of making use of local third sector organisations; the role of the local Community Link Worker; the need for GPs to regularly review the medication prescribed to patients; the need for increased public education around the appropriate use of social prescribing.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Health Improvement Senior, NHS Highland, submitted)

Report by Trustee, Moving on Mid Argyll (MOMA)

The Group gave consideration to a report from Moving on Mid Argyll in relation to the ‘A Food Share Operation for Mid Argyll’ project. The report provided information in relation to the background and requirement for the project; the process followed to date; funding and equipment required; future key dates; and possible future workstreams. It was noted that a representative from Moving on Mid Argyll had been unable to attend the meeting, but they hoped to provide a presentation at the next meeting of the Group.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Trustee, Moving on Mid Argyll, dated 16 April 2024, submitted)

Having noted those in attendance, the Chair agreed to vary the order of business to facilitate scheduled presentations. This minute reflects the order in which items were discussed.

Consideration was given to a report from Police Scotland which provided an update on the recent work and activities of Police Scotland within the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area.  The report included information in relation to management changes and additional resource in the local area; work to reduce instances of youth disorder; and engagement with the Lifelines Scotland project. The update also provided information and literature in relation to the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland initiative.

Sgt Shaw advised that, as a result of increased capacity for community engagement through management changes, he would be happy to explore the possibility of bringing some additional information regarding Police Scotland statistics to a future meeting of the Group. It was agreed that this would be beneficial.

Discussion took place in relation to the importance of partnership working with the Police. The difficulties around recruiting and housing Police staff on Islay, particularly during periods of peak Summer activity, were explored by the Group. Sgt Shaw agreed to feedback these concerns following the meeting.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference:  Report by Police Scotland, submitted)

Presentation by Sidekick – Inclusive Islay and Jura

The Group gave consideration to a presentation from Sidekick – Inclusive Islay and Jura. The presentation provided information in relation to the background and creation of the Group, as well as the Group’s mission statement: ‘We will develop projects and resources to enable people with additional support needs on Islay and Jura to live life to the full’. It was highlighted that Sidekick was comprised of volunteers, who juggled the work alongside additional commitments.

Kirsten McKenzie provided examples of Sidekick’s projects, including the implementation of an all-terrain wheelchair to allow those with different abilities to use the local beaches; the creation of an all ability bike network on Islay; the co-ordination of a summer activity week; and an appearance on Ben Fogle’s Scotland’s Sacred Islands television programme.

The importance of co-ordination with other agencies to overcome challenges was highlighted. It was noted that Sidekick were dealing with ongoing work around planning permission for bike sheds; the potential impacts of planned developments; the need for walkways to be accessible; the co-ordination of a pop up café and the logistics around this; and the co-ordination of a significant amount of paperwork to request funding for projects.

It was noted that Sidekick would appreciate assistance from partners in relation to the planning process; improvements in accessibility; funding and the management of funding requests. Partners suggested that it may be beneficial for Sidekick to liaise with ACT Now and the Council’s Sustainable Transport Co-Ordinator in relation to their bicycle scheme.

Councillor McFadzean agreed to liaise with Sidekick in relation to the logistics of the new sensory room being implemented as part of the Council’s new Learning Centre on Islay.

The Chair congratulated Sidekick on their work to date, and thanked them for their presentation.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Presentation by Sidekick – Inclusive Islay and Jura, tabled)

The group gave consideration to a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ4 review of local performance across Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands for the period 2023-24. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan; incidents during this time period; work to reduce call outs for Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS); road and water safety campaigns; community engagement activities; the activities of the East and West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute Local Senior Officer; and ways to request a home fire safety visit. 

SC Darren Gibb highlighted an online survey which SFRS were carrying out to consider future changes to their operation. It was agreed that a link to the survey would be circulated to the Group following the meeting.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI), which provided an update on their work during financial quarter four of 2023-24. The update included information in relation to changes to the Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Act 2023; local strategic partnerships; the Community Wealth Building report; Community Planning Partnership organisational changes; the Sector funding for 2024-2025; the Funders Fayre 2024 held in Oban; a fourth year of funding of the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund; TSI Board member recruitment; testing of new models of co-location; work by the Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network; the Sustainable Food Partnership online event; consultations on a new strategy and a local sustainable funding campaign; research proposal for mapping Argyll and Bute’s early intervention services; and TSI’s hosting of a Wellbeing Development Manager post, funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and the HSCP.

Petra Pearce invited partners to make nominations to the Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface Volunteer of the Year Awards.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface, submitted)

Consideration was given to a report from Campbeltown Community Council which provided an update on welcome progress on the Trench Point Path; continued promotion of a survey in relation to a new Campbeltown pharmacy; and welcome planned improvement works to the road surface on the Esplanade.

Discussion took place around concerns about the negative impacts on local people and businesses as a result of multiple simultaneous road closures on the A83, which were in close proximity to each other.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group:

1.    considered and noted the information provided;

2.    agreed to raise concerns about the recent road closures on the A83 with Transport Scotland following the meeting; and

3.    agreed to highlight concerns about the recent road closures on the A83 to the Community Planning Partnership following the meeting.

(Reference: Report by Campbeltown Community Council, submitted)

The group gave consideration to a report which highlighted the ongoing workstreams of Forestry and Land Scotland within the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area.  Information was provided in relation to local Land Management Plans; work to combat phytophthora ramorum disease in larch trees; progress with peatland restoration; details of upcoming complex operations; engagement at a STEM event for local high school pupils; and the planned future use of electric vehicles.

Jeni West advised that the Land Management Plan for Carradale had been amended, with an increase to four coupes being felled over the next 12 months. Jeni West agreed to provide details of this to East Kintyre Community Council, following the meeting.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference:  Report by Forestry and Land Scotland, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update report from the Live Argyll Community Learning Service, which provided an update on Adult Learning. The update included information in relation to different workstreams, including Core Skills for Life Learning and Work; Health and Wellbeing; Digital Skills; and Your Voice. The update particularly highlighted work taking place in the Mid Argyll Adult Learning Hub, on the organisation of a second LGBTQ+ community engagement event. and with the Lochside Enterprise Group; Let’s Grow Group; MS Argyll – Snowdrop Give Back Group; and Community Centre Garden Project.

The update also provided details of a celebration of Adult Learning, being held in the Inveraray Inn on the 22^nd May.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. 

(Reference: Report by Live Argyll Community Learning Service, submitted)

The Group considered an update from MSYP Alasdair Paisley in relation to his work as a representative of the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP). The update included information about MSYP Paisley’s training; work on the SYP’s National Campaigns, including the identification of the most important topics for young people in Argyll and Bute; and MSYP Paisley’s anticipated attendance at the upcoming sitting of the SYP in June.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by MSYP Alasdair Paisley, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update report from the Live Argyll Community Learning Service, which provided an update on Youth Work in Kintyre. The update provided information in relation to the work of the Kintyre Youth Action Group; feedback from young people and parents/guardians following the completion of the Friday Night ‘Street Sports’ Project and Kintyre Youth Filmmaking Project; Kintyre Youth Action Group’s ‘GIVE’ Easter programme; and participation of Campbeltown Grammar School’s pupils in the Dynamic Youth Awards. The update also provided information on regular ongoing projects, as well as scheduled future projects, including the upcoming RainbowFest.

The Chair welcomed Ashley Glen and Dahlia Techner, who were in attendance to provide a verbal update on Kintyre Youth Action Group’s recent and ongoing activities, as follows:

“Since the last meeting we have been involved in a few different activities. We recently completed our Easter GIVE programme where we organised and completed local volunteering activities. We delivered fun activities to older people who live in care homes and sheltered housing. We also completed litter picks and made foodbank donations. These were all delivered in both Campbeltown and Tarbert.

We’re now getting ready to help run the next annual Rainbowfest event, taking place on June the 8th in Campbeltown. We are currently preparing decorations for the event and organising our arts and crafts activity stalls which we will be delivering on the day. This family friendly event will be held in the Victoria Hall between 11 and 3.

Soon we will begin our training for our Ben Nevis fundraiser in August. We will be climbing Ben Nevis with young people from other Action Groups in Argyll and Bute and raising money for our community projects and youth group activities.

We are also getting ready for our upcoming Kintyre youth consultation. We plan to do these every two years. The last one in 2022 was very useful in helping us and other services to plan projects and activities for local young people. We will be delivering another one later this year with the aim of getting even more young people to complete it.”

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. 

(Reference: Report by Live Argyll Community Learning Service, submitted)

The Group considered a newsletter produced by South Islay Development, which provided information in relation to The Ardbeg All Islay Fund; the progress of works at Port Ellen Playing Fields; and a family ceilidh being hosted by Port Ellen Filling Station.

Discussion took place in relation to awards made from the Ardbeg All Islay Fund to a wide variety of projects, as well as the success of the engagement and process around the Fund.

The need for revenue funding to progress the Sonas Childcare project was highlighted as a priority, noting that childcare was an important need for the local community.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Newsletter by South Islay Development, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from Caledonian MacBrayne in relation to the progress of works at Kennacraig ferry terminal.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Caledonian MacBrayne, submitted)

No verbal updates were provided.  

Consideration was given to an update from Scottish Canals in relation to their planned winter works programme for 2023/24 and reactive works to repair a dummy lock at the Crinan Canal. The update provided information in relation to the work that had been carried out; future planned works; the re-opening of the Canal and car parks; and how to remain up to date with the progress of works at the Canal.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Scottish Canals, submitted)

Wednesday, 28 August 2024

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group would take place on Wednesday, 28 August 2024. It was agreed that arrangements would be made to host this meeting in the afternoon.