Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated from:

Councillor Gordon Blair

Councillor Alex McNaughton

Colin Moulson, PA23 BID

Derek Matthews, Amenity Technical Officer

Janet McKellar, HELP

Forward Dunoon and Cowal 12 January 2016

The minute of the Forward Dunoon and Cowal Group 12 January 2016 was approved as a correct record.

The Area Governance Manager informed the Group that no further updates from the Boundary Commission had been received.

Councillor Michael Breslin informed the Group that there was still no resolution for the leasing of the putting green whilst the Queen’s Hall is closed.

Action

Area Governance Manager to raise the putting green item with the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services.

Verbal update by Councillors Blair and Marshall and Catriona Craig

Catriona Craig provided the Forum with a verbal update on Cowal Marketing Groups engagement with the Faith Tourism project, the following points were noted:

·         Catriona took the project to the last Cowal Marketing Group Meeting.

·         Faith Tourism is now advertised on the Visit Cowal website.

·         Gilbert Markus will attend the Cowal Marketing Group AGM to discuss the project further.

Councillor Marshall provided the Forum with a verbal update on progress being made in regards to marketing Faith Tourism in the Cowal Area, the following points were noted:

·         He attended the last meeting.

·         A brochure has now been produced.

·         There is currently an issue surrounding the best way to distribute the brochures.

Action

Councillor Marshall requested that Gilbert Markus be contacted to find out when the printing re run of the brochures would be completed and if a copy could be sent electronically to the Forward Dunoon and Cowal Group.

Verbal update by Iain Hurrell

Iain Hurrell took the Forum through two APPS for Argyll initiative which he has developed. One focused on marine tourism which has been running for some time and the other land tourism which is currently in progress.

Iain demonstrated how the Marine tourism APP worked, what information is available on it which is broken down into accommodation, marinas, activities, marine retail, marine tourism, marine trades, places, professional services and the current tourism websites that the APP is connected to.

Iain also provided the Group with a statistical breakdown on the digital traffic and number of businesses promoted on the APP as well as explaining that the purpose of it is to provide all information in one place, required for a sailing trip.

Action  

Iain will report back to the Group with an update after he has met with Visit Scotland.

Verbal update by Amenity Technical Officer

An amenity services representative was not present at the meeting. Councillor Breslin expressed concern at the lack of response on this item.

Action

The Area Governance Manager will raise this item with the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services.

Verbal update by Economic Growth Officer

The Chair ruled and the Group agreed for this item to be deferred to the June meeting in order for the service to have sufficient time to provide a comprehensive update.

No items of business raised.

Helen Dick provided the Forum with the following verbal update:

·         AITC are currently working with marketing organisations including Visit Cowal, Argyll Secret Coast and Visit Bute.

·         Meetings are being set up with local businesses to ascertain what level of input they require from AITC.

·         Work is being undertaken on the Cowal Map

·         A Get Wild workshop which had a focus on outdoor activities and wildlife has taken place.

·         A networking group is currently being formed.

·         AITC are keen to promote awareness of workshops taking place.

·         Collaborations are on-going with Destination marketing groups.

·         AITC have issued a survey for completion by the Cowal Marketing group.

·         Currently helping Kirn primary school with a funding application.

A discussion regarding the lack of linkage into Marine Tourism and the relevance of the Cowal Map in a digital era was held by the Group.

Verbal update by HELP Manager.

Janet McKellar from the HELP Project had submitted apologies to the meeting and therefore no update was provided.

Verbal update by Cowal Marketing Group.

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

·         A new Visit Cowal website is currently under construction.

·         Cowal Marketing Group’s AGM will be held in May, date still to be confirmed.

Action

Senior Area Committee Assistant to ascertain information on how the Dunoon Wooden Pier Building is booked along with additional information such as costs and report back to the Group.

Verbal update by PA23BID Manager.

Colin Moulson, PA23 BID had submitted apologies to the meeting so therefore no update was provided.

Verbal update by Cowalfest Manager.

A representative from Cowalfest was not present at the meeting. Councillor Breslin informed the Group that Cowalfest were currently looking to secure the Maquettes Kelpies to be displayed on the breakwater at Dunoon Pier during Cowalfest.

Discussion regarding potential agenda items for:

Outcome 1: The Economy is Diverse and Thriving

Outcome 5: People Live Active, Healthier and Independent Lives

The Area Governance Officer invited agenda items from the Group under outcomes 1 or 5.  There were no items forthcoming but the Group noted the proposed agenda for the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group being held on the 10^th May 2016, 10am, Timber Pier Building, Dunoon. No additional items for inclusion on the agenda were noted.

The Group held a discussion over concerns that not enough local businesses were members of the Cowal Marketing Group. Helen Dick informed the Group that she is aware of this and is currently trying to address the situation by engaging with as many local businesses as possible.

The next Forward Dunoon and Cowal meeting will be held on Thursday 16th June 2016, 10am, 22 Hill Street, Dunoon.

Date of Next Meeting

The next Forward Dunoon and Cowal meeting will be held on Thursday 16^th June 2016, 10am, 22 Hill Street, Dunoon.