Agenda and minutes

Apologies were intimated on behalf of Councillor Andrew Kain.

Councillor McKenzie declared a non-financial interest in item 11 (Supporting Communities Fund 2025/26) due to a connection with one of the intended recipients.  She remained in the meeting but took no part in the discussion or decision making.

 

The Minute of the meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee, held on 11 June 2025 was approved as a correct record.

 

The Minute of the meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group, held on 13 August 2025 was noted.

 

The Democratic Services Manager advised that a number of written questions had been received in advance of the meeting.  Questions were taken in the following order.

 

Question 1 – Alison Rennie

 

The 2019 Oban Flood Study identified the clearance of the Black Lynn including the removal of Japanese Knotweed, in particular, as significant matters of 'clearance and repair' (The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009). At the most recent meeting of this Committee, and in e-mail correspondence subsequently, I was advised, and observed myself, that work was being undertaken to address the Japanese Knotweed infestation by limited spraying. I was also advised that additional personnel were to be trained in the process of injecting the Knotweed. More recently I have learned that this is no longer the case and that no further work will be undertaken with regard to clearing obstructions from the Black Lynn, including Japanese Knotweed.

 

Please could the Area Committee be given a definitive statement on this matter, specifically:

 

does the Council now reject the recommendations of the 2019 Flood Study report; and,

 

does the Council intend to do nothing regarding the existing Japanese Knotweed and other obstructions in the Black Lynn?

 

The Operations Manager, Mr Murphy, advised that colleagues from the Flooding Team were no longer responsible for the Japanese Knotweed and that this would now fall within his responsibilities.  A tender had been issued for the training of operatives and Mr Murphy would be meeting with contractors this week to discuss assistance with treatment including stem injection, to start within the next month or so. 

 

Regarding the flooding, Mr Murphy advised that he understood the new pumping station controls were now operational and obstacles from the Black Lynn had been removed.

 

Mrs Rennie asked for clarification that in relation to Japanese Knotweed the clearance of would now be either put out to tender or taken on by an operative within the Roads and Infrastructure Service.  Mr Murphy confirmed that this was the case.

 

Mrs Rennie followed up with a question concerning the build-up of silt which has contributed for the Japanese Knotweed to take root.  With it being an artificial waterway silt build-up would continue and require regular clearance.  Is that being looked at?

 

Mr Murphy advised a survey had been carried out on behalf of colleagues in the Design Team to see if dredging the Black Lynn would make a difference to the silt build-up.  The outcome of that survey was that it would make no difference and as a result there would be no dredging taking place.  He advised that this matter would be picked up in the weekly briefing in order that all Members are kept up to date with what is going on.

 

Question 2 – Phil Hamerton

Please could you provide an update on the possible development of short-term let control areas in Argyll & Bute, specifically:

1. when does the Council propose to bring forward its proposals in relation to short-term let control areas;

 

2. how will any proposals be consulted upon; and

 

3. when would any proposed control areas be expected to be created?

 

As the relevant Policy Lead, Councillor Green advised that the target had always been Summer of next year for implementation of any potential control areas.  The consultation that would proceed that would be the first half of 2026, in line with the statutory timescale, and a decision to commence that was anticipated to come at start of next year, possibly later this year.  He confirmed that the consultation would involve all relevant stakeholders such as businesses, wider sector, community councils and the public. 

 

Question 3 – Frank Roberts

As has been the case for some years now, there has been a complete failure by the Council Wardens to even attempt to enforce parking regulations at Ganavan.  To all intents and purposes this appears to be a decision taken consciously, as evidenced by:

• Wardens have from time to time been seen attending, usually in the morning, when they take a photograph of the car park and then drive away whilst taking no enforcement action against any of the infringing vehicles that are inevitably present.
• In past years in response to enquiries from camper van occupants, wardens have been overheard advising that they may indeed stay overnight because “we never ticket vehicles that stay here”.
• During this and the previous two summers, I have never seen a warden carrying out enforcement duties at Ganavan, despite widespread and obvious breach of the regulations.

The Council is clearly losing significant revenues both because it is accepted by many visitors that they do not need to purchase a ticket, and so choose not to, and that vehicles parked contrary to the regulations will not attract a penalty notice. Therefore, I would like to ask:

1. Have the wardens been instructed not to attend and enforce the regulations at Ganavan, or is this a decision taken of their own initiative?
2. How many fixed penalty notices have been issued during this summer at Ganavan?
3. Has the Council ever conducted an exercise to estimate the revenues that are being lost because of non-enforcement of its own regulations?

The Chair advised that she was deeply uncomfortable with questions seeking to discuss council staff at this committee given they can be identified in small communities because of the jobs they do. She noted that wardens do a mammoth task in a difficult job and that they should be congratulate.  As this was an operational question, she passed the question over to Mr Murphy to respond to.

 

The Operations Manager advised there are 8 wardens to cover the whole of Argyll and Bute.  He advised that the responsible officer for provision of the number of fixed penalties issued was off on leave but that he would provide a response via the Committee as soon as he had the information.  He also agreed with concerns express about failure to enforce at this forum but indicated that as it was raised he would take up this matter with his colleague, Hugh O’Neill.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Presentation by Chair of Cultural Heritage and Arts Assembly for Argyll and Isles.

The Committee gave consideration to a presentation by the Chair of the Cultural Heritage and Arts Assembly (CHARTS) for Argyll and the Isles. The presentation included information on the strategic aims, key projects and impact of partnership working on both regional and local areas and provided highlights of key projects throughout the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area. Mr Adams also provided information in relation to funding streams and the benefits of the continued support received from Argyll and Bute Council.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee considered and noted the information provided in the presentation.

 

(Reference: Presentation by Chair, Cultural Heritage and Arts Assembly for the Argyll and Isles, dated August 2025, submitted)

 

 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services

The Committee gave consideration to the Area Performance Report for financial quarter 1 of 2025/26 (April – June 2025) which illustrated the agreed performance measures for this period.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee noted the performance and supporting commentary as presented.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services, dated 12 August 2025, submitted)

 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services

The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided links to the recent activities of Roads and Infrastructure Services.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee noted the contents of the report.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, dated August 2025, submitted)

 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services

Consideration was given to a report providing details on the council’s recycling and landfill diversion performance along with national policy, targets and regulations which are likely to impact on future performance.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee noted the details as outlined in the report and the national policy drivers that would likely impact over the coming years.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, dated August 2025, submitted)

 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services

Consideration was given to a report on the Agnes Angus Bequest and for the accumulated funds to be used for “purposes of public utility and for the benefit and advantage of the community of Oban”.

Motion

To approve the report recommendations with the addition of a further decision that given that this bridge will be funded by Miss Agnes Angus’s generous bequest and will serve as a lasting piece of infrastructure connecting our community’s sports facilities, it is proposed that officers explore the possibility of naming the bridge after Agnes Angus, with placement of a commemorative plaque at project completion. This would ensure that her contribution to our community is permanently recognised and remembered by all who use these facilities for generations to come

This was moved by Councillor McKenzie and seconded by Councillor Luna Martin, and was unanimously agreed by the Committee

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee agreed:

1.    in principle to allocate the funding available from the Miss Agnes Angus Bequest for the purpose of installing an access bridge/culvert linking the adjacent rugby club to Mossfield Stadium;

2.    that the service further assess the options available ensuring the cost and deliverability of the proposed access bridge/culvert, prior to construction; and

3.    to explore the possibility of naming the bridge after Agnes Angus, with placement of a commemorative plaque at project completion. 

(Reference, a report by the Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure, dated August 2025, submitted)

 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support.

Consideration was given to a report on the current arrangements in place regarding the lease agreement with Oban and Lorn Community Enterprise Board and invites the committee to consider nominating a second representative to serve on the Board, following the resignation of Councillor Martin.    

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee agreed to continue this item to next meeting, to allow discussions with Atlantis Leisure on the timings of their meetings.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support, dated 7 July 2025, submitted)

Councillor McKenzie, having declared a non financial interest in the next agenda item did not partake in any discussion or decision but remained within the meeting.

 

The Committee agreed that Councillor Green would assume the Chair during consideration of the following item.

 

 

Report by Chief Executive

Consideration was given to a report which detailed recommendations for the award of the Council’s Supporting Communities Fund (SCF) for the 2025/26 round of funding that had been made available for distribution by Council to organisations in the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee agreed that the 16 applications, marked as ‘Award’ and ‘Partial Award’ within Appendix 1 of the report, are awarded funding from the Supporting Communities Fund Budget totalling £22,500, as follows:

 

	Ref		Applicant		Award/No Award		Requested Amount	Recommended Award 2025/26
	1		Ardchatten Centre		Award		£1,500.00	£1,500.00
	2		Oban Connecting Communities Collective/Oban Youth Café		Award		£1,355.40	£1,355.40
	3		Isle of Lismore Art Group		Award		£1,500.00	£1,500.00
	4		Appin Community Development Trust		Award		£1,300.00	£1,300.00
	5		Dalmally Community Development Trust		Award		£1,500.00	£1,500.00
	6		Tiree Makery CIC		Award		£1,500.00	£1,500.00
	7		Avich & Kilchrenan Community Heritables (AKCH)		Award		£1,150.00	£1,500.00
	8		An Iodhlann		Award		£1,500.00	£1,500.00
	9		Dalmally Primary Parent Council		Award		£1,500.00	£1,500.00
	10		Oban Badminton Club		Award		£1,428.00	£1,500.00
	11		Appin Agricultural Show		Award		£1,500.00	£1,500.00
	12		Lismore Historical Society		Award		£1,500.00	£1,500.00
	13		Oban Pride		Award		£1,500.00	£1,500.00
	14		Kilmelford and Kilninver Community		Award		£1,500.00	£1,500.00
	15		Spotlight Musical Theatre Group		Award		£1,500.00	£1,500.00
	16		Oban Bowling Club		Partial award		£1,500.00	£766.60
	17		Police Scotland Youth Volunteers		No award		£1,500.00	£0.00
	18		Lismore Community Trust		No award		£1,500.00	£0.00
	19		Oban Mod		No award		£1,500.00	£0.00
	20		Isle of Seil Coastal Rowing Club		No award		£1,500.00	£0.00
	21		Oban Festive Lights		No award		£1,500.00	£0.00
	22		Oban Camanachd Club		No award		£1,500.00	£0.00
	23		Anamcara Fas Gadh		No award		£1,500.00	£0.00
	24		Oban Youth Shinty		No award		£1,200.00	£0.00
		TOTAL				£35,733.40			£22,500.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive, dated 28 July 2025, submitted)

 

Councillor McKenzie resumed the Chair, thanking Councillor Green for standing in.

Report by Executive Director

Consideration was given to a report providing information on the impact and spend of funding awarded to community projects from the Council’s Supporting Communities Fund in 2023/24.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee noted the positive contribution of the Supporting Communities Fund detailed in section 4 and within the attached table; and that no funds were to be returned.

 

 (Reference: Report by Chief Executive, dated 10 September 2025, submitted)

 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing information on the number of applications that have been received for support from the John of Lorn Bequest.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee noted the number of awards made from the John of Lorn Bequest since the last meeting of the Area Committee in June 2025.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 10 September 2025, submitted)

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee workplan was before members for information.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee noted the contents of the workplan.

 

(Reference: Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee workplan, dated 10 September 2025, submitted)