Issue - meetings

Anne Hilditch from Ardchattan Community Council spoke on the core paths between Connell and Kilcreggan Bridge.  Anne advised that before path network, it was a Forestry Commission walk with colour posted marks which was very popular.  This leaves a huge part of the area now being utilised.  She advised that tourism is so important to Argyll and Bute and thinks money should be funded for the popular core paths.  The use of the core paths ranged from someone from a disability to serious walkers and climbers.

The Chair advised that there was an application made for Tyndrum and Oban in March for £30K and she was waiting to hear good news regarding the network of paths.

Douglas Grierson advised there was excellent feedback from Community Councils on the safe routes to schools and that it keeps people in the area and the population active.

Decision

 The Group noted the information provided and agreed:

i.       That core paths and walking routes should be properly advertised and effectively integrated with local transport networks, and asked that Douglas Blades be invited to  the next meeting to discuss the potential for this to happen.

ii.       That Ishabel Bremner, Economic Development Manager, provide information to the next meeting of the group about the potential for LEADER funding to be used for Core Path Development.

iii.      That Arlene Cullum, Social Enterprise Manager be asked to attend the next meeting of the group to provide general funding information to groups who may be interested in developing Core Paths.

iv.      That Andrew Campbell, Scottish Natural Heritage, be asked to attend the next meeting of the group to provide update on the development of the Oban Tyndrum Path.

v.      That David Adams McGilp of the Strategic Tourism Partnership be invited to attend the next meeting of the group to provide support and information on how the issue of Core Paths as an economic tourism driver for the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area can be progressed in a strategic way.