Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated by Councillors Anderson, McGrigor, McKenzie, Moffat, Paterson, E Morton and Vennard.

The Executive Director of Customer Services advised that in terms of Standing Order 14 the following Notice of Motion by Councillor A Morton, seconded by Councillor McCuish had been received for consideration as a matter of urgency at this meeting:-

The Council notes:

a)     The multiple landslips which closed the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful as well as the Old Military Road diversion route on Tuesday 9^th October, with both roads remaining closed into the following week.

b)     That during the time of the road closures there were issues with other transport routes to and within Argyll and Bute, including a road closure on the alternate A82/A85 route.

c)     That the closure of the A83 has an enormously damaging impact on residents, commuters, visitors and businesses within Argyll and Bute, resulting in unacceptably long detours and delays.

The Council further notes that a request had already been made for a meeting of the A83 Taskforce to be held ASAP, and welcomes that a meeting is now scheduled for November 15^th.

The Council agrees that the failure of the most recent works to keep the road open through severe weather demands an urgent review of existing and future plans at the Rest and Be Thankful.

The Council requests that the Leader writes to the First Minister asking:

1)     That in addition to the A83 Taskforce meeting, a further meeting is arranged for a delegation from A&B Council (Cllrs A Morton, G Mulvaney, S Taylor and D Philand as well as appropriate officers) to meet with the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance regarding this ongoing, crucial issue for Argyll and Bute.

2)     That a full review is urgently undertaken of the options to provide a permanent solution for the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful. Recognising the Council’s request to Transport Scotland, from the start of 2013 onwards, that in addition to the current works (the Red Corridor identified in the Jacobs report) a permanent solution should also be progressed.

3)     That the Scottish Government, without further delay, formally commits to identifying and funding a permanent solution to keep the A83, and Argyll and Bute, open for business.

The Provost ruled that the motion be considered as a matter of urgency by reason of the current situation which is of utmost importance to the whole of Argyll and Bute.

The Council agreed to consider the motion and this is dealt with at Item 6 of these minutes.

The Provost offered congratulations to the Camanachd Association, the governing body of the Scottish sport of shinty, on reaching their 125^th anniversary.  The association was first constituted in the Victoria Hall, Kingussie, on 10^th October 1893.

On behalf of Argyll and Bute Council he wished the Camanachd Association well in its objectives of fostering, encouraging, promoting and developing this iconic team sport which has such a special place in Scottish community life.   The Association continues to support our rural communities and expand interest in shinty in urban communities. It is building on its already strong links with the Gaelic language. He congratulated all the players, clubs, officials, volunteers, administrators, supporters and sponsors who continue to make the sport of shinty truly unique.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Council noted that the Policy and Resources Committee had referred consideration of this item which asked the Council to approve the proposed overarching vision, key growth sectors and project themes which form the basis of the Rural Growth Deal.

Decision

The Council:-

a)    Noted the advice received from the Scottish and UK Governments and the support demonstrated via the public consultation in relation to a Rural Growth Deal;

b)    Agreed the proposed overarching vision, key growth sectors and project themes which form the basis of the Rural Growth Deal; 

c)     Approved the submission of a formal Rural Growth Deal proposition document by November 2018 to the Scottish and UK Governments to enable the process of formal negotiations to be progressed;

d)    Delegated authority to the Council’s Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader, Depute Leader and Leader of the largest opposition group to progress negotiations with UK and Scottish Government officials following submission of the formal Rural Growth Deal proposition document;

e)    Noted that in reaching a Heads of Terms Agreement with the Scottish and UK Governments it is likely that certain projects included as part of the Rural Growth Deal proposition will be either amended, removed or new projects included as part of the negotiations.

f)      Confirmed that a further report in terms of programme governance will come to council in due course.

(Ref: Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services dated 18 October 2018, submitted)

The Council noted that the Policy and Resources Committee had referred consideration of this item which sought approval of the Joint Local BSL Plan for Argyll and Bute 2018-2024.

Decision

The Council:-

1.     Agreed the proposals as outlined in the Joint Local BSL Plan for Argyll and Bute 2018 – 2024.

2.     Agreed the recommendations forthcoming from the Policy and Resources Committee of 18^th October in relation to approval of the Joint Local BSL Plan for Argyll and Bute 2018 – 2024.

3.     approved adoption of the Joint  Local BSL Plan for Argyll and Bute 2018 – 2024.

(Ref: Report by Executive Director of Customer Services dated 18 September 2018, submitted)

In terms of Standing Order 14 the following Notice of Motion had been received for consideration as a matter of urgency at this meeting.

The Council notes:

a)     The multiple landslips which closed the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful as well as the Old Military Road diversion route on Tuesday 9^th October, with both roads remaining closed into the following week.

b)     That during the time of the road closures there were issues with other transport routes to and within Argyll and Bute, including a road closure on the alternate A82/A85 route.

c)     That the closure of the A83 has an enormously damaging impact on residents, commuters, visitors and businesses within Argyll and Bute, resulting in unacceptably long detours and delays.

The Council further notes that a request had already been made for a meeting of the A83 Taskforce to be held ASAP, and welcomes that a meeting is now scheduled for November 15^th.

The Council agrees that the failure of the most recent works to keep the road open through severe weather demands an urgent review of existing and future plans at the Rest and Be Thankful.

The Council requests that the Leader writes to the First Minister asking:

1)     That in addition to the A83 Taskforce meeting, a further meeting is arranged for a delegation from A&B Council (Cllrs A Morton, G Mulvaney, S Taylor and D Philand as well as appropriate officers) to meet with the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance regarding this ongoing, crucial issue for Argyll and Bute.

2)     That a full review is urgently undertaken of the options to provide a permanent solution for the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful. Recognising the Council’s request to Transport Scotland, from the start of 2013 onwards, that in addition to the current works (the Red Corridor identified in the Jacobs report) a permanent solution should also be progressed.

3)     That the Scottish Government, without further delay, formally commits to identifying and funding a permanent solution to keep the A83, and Argyll and Bute, open for business.

Moved by Councillor A Morton, seconded by Councillor McCuish.

Decision

The Council unanimously agreed the terms of the Motion.