Issue - meetings

Opportunity for verbal updates by Community Planning Partners

Inspire Inveraray

The Community Development Officer, Ms Baird advised that inspire Inveraray are completing a Community Action Plan Survey and are holding a community vision day on Saturday 10^th March in Inveraray Parish Church.

Councillor Horn

Councillor Anne Horn advised that Tarbert and Skipness Trust are still negotiating with Visit Scotland in taking over the tourist office premises in Tarbert.

Councillor Horn gave an update on the tragic accident of the Nancy Glen which took place on 18^th January 2018.  She advised that there have been concerns raised about the lack of a co-ordinated response protocol being in place to deal with incidents of this type.  It was noted that the Coastguard service is based in Belfast and there was a perceived difficulty in terms of accurate information being relayed during the initial rescue phase.  It was noted that the concerns had been discussed at the debrief meeting which took place following the incident.

Police Scotland

Michelle Rudsen of Police Scotland confirmed there will be 3 new probationers joining the force in May/June.  She advised they are preparing for the first music festival of the year in Carradale in April.  She also advised that Police Scotland are carrying out a Live Stock Worrying Campaign.

Ms Rudsen gave an update on the fire at Lochgilphead Joint Campus and confirmed the school is closed until further notice.  She advised the fire was an electrical fault and that there were no injuries.

Scottish Fire and Rescue

Andrew MacLure of Scottish Fire and Rescue gave an update to the Group.  He advised there was is currently a local recruitment campaign ongoing where 13 local people are attending the Oban Fire Station pre-selection day.  He gave an update on the transformation process which will commence next week which has gone through the consultation process.  He confirmed further information on this can be found at www.firescotland.gov.uk.

Councillor Robin Currie

Councillor Currie asked a question about the Community Asset Register Project.  Information was provided on the project.

Mary McCallum Sullivan, of Ardrishaig Community Council gave an update on the closure and possible loss of the Post Office in Ardrishaig but advised that it is exciting Scottish Canals are about to begin works and that money has been received from Shell to begin the clean-up of the Gleaner site. 

Councillor Sandy Taylor

Councillor Sandy Taylor gave an update on the road issues in the Mid Argyll area.  He advised there is an upcoming consultation on the future of local governance.

CalMac Ferries

David Cannon from CalMac Ferries advised the Group that CalMac are trying to find a way of engaging with the community more.  He discussed the new Directorate Board which has been set up not just to deal with ferries in particular but to deal with strategic issues affecting their communities.  He advised 12 people have been appointed representing communities from Lewis to Arran.

Opportunity for verbal updates by Community Planning Partners

David Smart of Highlands and Islands Enterprise provided details on the Argyll Enterprise Week, running from 6 to 10 November 2017, and asked Partners to circulate the information within their communities and through their social media channels.

Inspector McLeish provided a brief overview of the activities of Police Scotland within the area.  She updated on the number of road traffic accidents at Strone Point in Inveraray and of the concerns raised in relation to the signage and diversion routes in place for this area.  Inspector McLeish also advised of the new resources for the Campbeltown area; the local recruitment programme, which would begin towards the end of October; the ongoing review of Police estates and the Your View Counts website survey.  She asked that Partners take the time to complete the survey and encourage communities to take part.

Andy Buntin provided a brief update on the activities of Lochgilphead Community Council, which included the administration of a micro-grant scheme and the pursuit of an upcycling/recycling shop at Lingerton Waste Disposal Site.  Mr Buntin also advised of the change in arrangements for this year’s Remembrance Sunday Commemorations and the Crinan Charette, which was holding a show of plans relating to proposed works in Ardrishaig and at the Corran roundabout, and invited partners to attend.