Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated from:

Councillor Dick Walsh

Councillor James McQueen

Helen Dick, Argyll and the Isles Tourism

Forward Dunoon and Cowal 1 October 2015

The minute of the Forward Dunoon and Cowal Group 1 October 2015 was approved as a correct record.

Arising from item 3a (Local Boundary Commission Proposals for Cowal) The Chair advised that there were still significant concerns in regard to the proposals for Cowal.  The Area Governance Officer advised that there had been no update from the LGBC to date following the close of the public consultation and therefore no substantive update.

Report by Faith Tourism Coordinator.

The Group considered a report which provided an overview of the Cowal Faith Tourism project, with the following points noted:

·         Councillor Blair had previously met with Gilbert Markus and felt that the proposals by the Faith Tourism initiative were a positive for the Cowal area but that consultation with the Presbytery of Argyll (who could potentially take a lead on this) was required. 

·         The group noted that the next stage should be a marketing exercise and an appropriate group needs to be identified to take this forward.

·         Councillor Blair expressed that as well as multi faith tourism, a historical perspective should be explored.

Actions

1.    Catriona Craig will take the submitted report to the next Cowal Marketing Group to see if the group can help with any marketing needs.

2.    Councillor Blair would continue to discuss this with the Sandbank Community and Councillor Marshall would take this forward in Kilmun.

3.    Faith Tourism to be put on to the next Forward Dunoon and Cowal meeting in April with reports back from Councillors Blair and Marshall, following their discussions in the community, and from Catriona Craig on behalf of the Cowal Marketing Group.

Verbal update by Dunoon Regeneration Party representative.

Caroline Cuddihy from the Dunoon Regeneration Party provided the group with a verbal update on the projects being undertaken by the Party, which included:

·         The Jingle Bus event which was recently taken over by the Dunoon Regeneration Party after the existing organiser was no longer able to continue with the event.

·         Rose Gardens Dunoon – Works have been undertaken to improve the general look of the area and proposals are in place for the Dunoon Regeneration Party to purchase the gardens, local library and public toilets in order to create a community centre and pavilion for use by the local community.

·         Crazy Golf, West Bay Dunoon – Members of the DRP undertook a clean up of the crazy golf area.

The Dunoon Regeneration party are currently in the process of forming a SCIO which will lead to them forming a community development trust. Caroline emphasised that the party will always consult with Argyll and Bute Council before undertaking any maintenance work in the Cowal area to ensure that this did not impact on existing jobs/responsibilities.

Actions

1.    The Senior Area Committee Assistant to add a presentation by the Dunoon Regeneration Party to the April Bute and Cowal Area Committee agenda.

2.    It was suggested that Caroline look into the Coastal Communities Fund once the group is constituted.

Verbal update by Marine and Coastal Development Manager.

The Marine and Coastal Development Manager took the Group through a presentation which highlighted ongoing and future Marine Environment projects in the Cowal area. Which included; the proposed development site at Ardyne, the Dunoon pier project, Ardcastle, Loch Fyne – Timber handling pier and Portavadie Marine Distillery.

The Group held a conversation regarding the various sites mentioned as well as discussing regional marine planning, marine protected areas and the Clyde regulating order.

Actions

Verbal update by Amenity Performance Manager.

The Amenity Technical Officer informed the Group that one tree for every tree felled due to health and safety reasons in 2015, a further tree will be planted at the site surrounding the Glenmorag car park, Dunoon and that the opportunity would be taken to introduce colour to the area.

Verbal update by Support Worker – HELP.

Jim Moir, Help Project provided the Group with the following verbal update:

As part of HELP’s employment programme there was an opportunity to complete an environmental project where young people can take on a volunteer project to help them develop their skills and make a positive contribution to their local community. The chosen site for the 2015/2016 environmental project in Cowal was the unkempt piece of land at the bottom of Moir Street, Dunoon.

The area has been cleared of all overgrown grass with the next stages being to section the area into three, with a gravelled area and large planter, a blocked pathway through the centre of the area and wild grass seed planted against the wall.

Actions

1.    Amenity Services to address the exposed earth cable on the site.

2.    Amenity Services to address the intruding pavement issue.

3.    Members suggested a sculpture for the site, Jim to look into this.

4.    Amenity services to enquire what happened to the railing sculptures and bench that was located outside the Burgh Hall.

5.    Members suggested the HELP project could be involved in signs in the Cowal area, Jim agreed to look into this.

Verbal update by Cowal Marketing Group.

Catrina Craig from Cowal Marketing Group provided the group with the following verbal update:

·         The Cowal Marketing Group are currently reproducing the Cowal Map which should be published on their website by the end of March 2016.

·         The group were informed that Helen Dick had been employed by the Argyll and Isles Tourism Committee as the development agent for Cowal.

·         It was noted that there was no formal date as yet for AITC’s annual event.

·         A Get Wild About Argyll workshop will take place in early 2016 and further information will be circulated to members of the group.

A discussion was held regarding whether a large event venue and attached accommodation in the Cowal Area would be a feasible idea.

Verbal update by PA23BID Manager.

Colin Moulson, PA23 BID took the group through a series of slides which highlighted past, present and future events that are taking place in the Cowal Area, these included:

·         The Mod revival weekend which following on from previous success is scheduled to take place on the 13^th August 2016.

·         The Sunset Ceremony which is an annual event held on the Thursday before Cowal Games.

·         Dunoon Book Festival

·         Footgolf which Colin is hoping will be available seven to eight months of the year.

·         Scottish XC Mountain biking which will take place on the May bank holiday.

·         Cowal road cycling sportiff in June

·         POC Scottish Enduro series Mountain Biking on the 10^th and 11^th September 2016.

·         Dunoon town open day to take place on the 2^nd of April and to include the official opening of the Pier Building.

·         Dunoon ultra run September 2016.

Colin informed the group that a review of there current business plan was in progress and that a departure from the original plan was required to address the needs of Dunoon.

Actions

1.    Councillor Blair suggested the HELP project link into the local Mountain Biking group, Jim Moir agreed to look into this.

2.    Amenity services to look into improving the moss and weeds situation at the Argyll Gardens.

Verbal update by Cowalfest Manager.

Iain McNaughton informed the Group that Cowalfest had connected with a group in Gran Canaria which provides a wider European linkage.

He also informed the group that a meeting with No Fuss Events had taken place and that they are keen to operate in the area, particularly Bishops Glen.  Iain agreed to raise the issue of promoting the Cowal Way with Cowalfest.

Discussion regarding potential agenda items for:

Outcome 3: Education, Skills and Training Maximises Opportunities for all

Outcome 4: Children and Young People have the Best Possible Start

The Area Governance Officer invited agenda items from the Group under themes 3 or 4.  There were no items forthcoming but Group noted the proposed agenda for the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group being held on the 9^th February 2016, 9.30am, Eaglesham House, Rothesay.

Public Conveniences

The Amenity Technical Officer provided the Group with a breakdown of PC facilities in Bute and Cowal which had previously been requested at the October Forward Dunoon and Cowal meeting.

Actions

1.    Councillor Breslin requested that Amenity Services look into making sure the putting green in Dunoon is open this year by applying less restrictive criteria to the terms of the lease.

2.    Amenity Services to look into the length of the existing lease of the crazy golf, West Bay and report back to the Group.

3.    Senior Area Committee Assistant to invite Iain Hurrell to the next Forward Dunoon and Cowal meeting to discuss APS for Argyll.

Date of Next Meeting

The next Forward Dunoon and Cowal meeting will be held on Thursday 14^th Aril 2016, 10am, 22 Hill Street, Dunoon.