Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated from:

Councillor Alex McNaughton

Councillor Gordon Blair

Iain McNaughton, Sandbank Community Council

Jim Moir, HELP Project

Allan MacDonald , Amenity Performance Manager

The Chair thanked everyone for coming along to the meeting and confirmed it would be his last meeting of the Forward Dunoon and Cowal Group which he has Chaired for 10 years since the Group was formed in 2006.

Forward Dunoon and Cowal Group - 13 October 2016

The minute of the Forward Dunoon and Cowal Group 13^th October 2016 was approved as a correct record.

The Chair advised the group that the Off Road Mountain Biking Group and the  Forestry Commission had worked together to resolve a complaint regarding litter and that this matter had been satisfactorily dealt with.

Verbal update by HELP Manager.

There was no update on recent activity from the HELP Project, however, it was noted that the land ownership in Dixon Avenue had been clarified and was no longer an issue. The group also agreed that the work carried out by the HELP Project to improve and enhance small areas within the town was greatly appreciated.

Verbal update by Cowal Marketing Group.

Helen Dick on behalf of the Cowal Marketing Group and Argyll and the Isles Tourism Cooperative provided the following update:-

David Marshall in now the main contact for the Cowal Marketing Group. The new website is up and running and a paid role has been created to manage social media. The group has also received support from AITC to update its database.

Wild About Argyll has released Short Film Edits of the area as part of its ongoing activities.

50 people trained across Cowal have received World Host training and another 28 are due to be trained by the end of April – ambition is to have Cowal as a positive destination.  Training is free.

The Argyll & the Islands Tourist Co-operative is to hold its annual conference on the 21^st of March at the Loch Awe Hotel, Loch Awe. The theme is to be City & Coast Connections and aims to show how accessible Argyll is as a destination.

The Get Wild Cowal Group and the Forestry Commission are working on a tourism related project and it was noted that it is thought that the tallest tree in Europe is to be found in Ardentinny although this is awaiting verification.

Verbal update by PA23BID Manager.

Colin Moulson give an update on recent activities and explained that the events season will run between April and November this year. There was general discussion during which it was noted that:

·         The current PA23 BIDs initiative was entering its 5^th and final year and was due to finish on the 13^th of April 2018.

·         A ballot to ascertain whether there was support to continue into a second 5 year BIDs will be held later in the year. It was noted that there are key dates relating to the process which is laid down by legislation which must be strictly adhered to.

·         There was discussion regarding the programme of events and it was noted that the 5th Stage of the Scottish Rally will be held in the area on the 24^th of June  and that two new events an entry level triathlon and a Kids Mountain Bike Enduro event have been developed. It was also noted that the Vespa Club Rally had been cancelled.

Verbal update by Cowalfest Manager.

There was no update from the group.

• The group noted that the Dunoon Charette had been given the go-ahead.
• AICT advised the group that it planned to hold an event on the 24^th of April to provide local businesses and interested members of the community with an overview of BIDs, AITC activities and the Bute Alliance.
• It was noted that the planned opening of the Burgh Hall had been delayed but it was hoped that it would be open in April
• The Chair advised the group that the Argyll Coastal & Communities Trust had received £150,000 funding to develop a Hub project. Staff had been recruited to manage the 18 month project which was now accepting project ideas. The Secret Coast Trails footpath project and the Young Mountain Bikers Pump initiative had been put forward for consideration and groups with other project initiatives were encouraged to contact ACCT
• There was a brief discussion regarding grass cutting and it was noted that the schedule of works has not yet been finalised. There was also a brief discussion regarding the putting green layout and the feasibility of camping in the Castle Gardens during the Revival Festival in August.

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The Chair advised that this could potentially be the last meeting of the group as a new Council will be formed following the forthcoming elections and no future meeting date was set at present.</AI10>

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