Issue - meetings

Reeni Kennedy-Boyle advised that Fyne Future were an environmental charity, and a big part of their focus was on providing goods and services demonstrating a low carbon economy. She provided examples of their work, including the redistribution of just under 30,000kg of furniture within the community. She advised that there were gaps in the provision of this kind of service across Argyll and Bute, and they were keen to bolster provision and support initiatives in other areas where possible to avoid useful resources going to landfill.

Reeni also provided information on their electric bike scheme, and advised that they were supportive of more active travel activity in the area to reduce parking issues. She advised that 12,000 miles had been cycled on the 16 electric bikes and 1 wheelchair companion bike in the last year, and it was the first island-based community-run electric bike scheme in Scotland.

Reeni provided further information in relation to other projects, including the work of Bute Produce in growing and distributing green boxes; work with local organic beef producers; and continued work on other energy projects. She advised that their wind turbines had recently returned their first gift aid amount, and noted that she would be happy to discuss the process for this with any community groups who were considering embarking on their own energy projects.

Ann Campbell advised that Dunoon Community Development Trust were working with a new group of local volunteers on a food growing partnership, in conjunction with Kirn Primary School. She noted that an open day was being held on 7 May for anyone who may be interested in attending, and this would coincide with the school’s Spring Fair.

Ann also provided information in relation to the Dunoon Bothy project, where e-bikes would be available for local community members to test, and noted that discussions were ongoing with partners around the theme of active travel. She noted that discussions were also taking place with Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (ACT), following their successful ACT Now project in Lochgilphead.

PC Laura Evans advised that she would be happy to ask an officer to attend any events where active travel was being promoted, as the Police had bicycle marking kits which could be useful.

Alastair Moodie advised that the local community Facebook page was often used for recycling unwanted furniture. He noted that he would like to see a campaign to reduce household and food waste.

Discussion took place in relation to the implementation of electric vehicle charging points, and the barriers around this. It was agreed that a representative from the Council’s Roads and Infrastructure Services department, and a representative from SSE, would be invited to a future meeting of the Group to discuss this. The Chair also agreed to raise concerns about SSE’s protocols regarding surveys for electric vehicle charging points with the Climate Change Working Group to try to progress a solution. Stuart McLean noted that a report in relation to electric vehicle charging points had been considered by the Council’s Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee in December and was available to view on the Council’s website for anyone who may be interested.