Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and general introductions were made.

 

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

 

Inspector Roderick MacNeill, Police Scotland

Councillor Barbara Morgan, Argyll and Bute Council

Guy Keating, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Fiona Jackson, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Jean Cook, Rhu and Shandon Community Council

Sephton MacQuire, Dunbritton Housing Association

 

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

 

The Minute of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Thursday, 5 November 2020 was approved as a correct record.

 

Update by Local Network Manager, Transport Scotland

Neil MacFarlane, Transport Scotland, circulated a list of notable reports and Transport Scotland roadworks on the A83 and A82 Loch Lomondside as follows;

 

Completed:

A83 Tarbet To Arrochar Footway

 

Ongoing:

A83 Tarbet To Arrochar, additional drainage improvements now underway.

A83 Rest and Be Thankful

 

Upcoming:

A83 Campbeltown - Footway reconstruction Tarbert Road prior to carriageway reconstruction. Target start date late February/ March.

A82 Loch Lomond side night time convoy resurfacing – all of February to 9 March

A83 Clachan resurfacing from 18th to 22nd February

A83 Lit sign faces and bollards refurbishment

A83 Branch cutback proposals to be submitted by BEAR to TS

A83 Glen Kinglas Bunds – subject to contract completion

A83 Cairndow Signing scheme design underway.

A83 Campbeltown – consideration of BEAR pedestrian crossing report Kinloch Road

A83 Meall Mhor resurfacing 23 and 24 February

 

This report contains planned interventions for the next 5 years, focus is on locking in the positive benefits of increased active travel seen during COVID - https://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/update-and-phase-1-recommendations-february-2021-stpr2/

 

This report focuses on the challenges that the Argyll and Bute region is facing and the potential options that could address these - Initial appraisal: Case for Change - Argyll and Bute - STPR2 (transport.gov.scot)

 

The National Transport Strategy, published last February, sets out our vision for transport in Scotland for the next 20 years - National Transport Strategy

 

Neil advised that the works listed were likely to be subject to change at short notice due to weather issues at this time of year. Neil provided a further verbal update on the Rest and Be Thankful, advising that solutions were being investigated in the short, medium and long term and it was hoped that the trunk road could return to 24 hour use with a two-way system in due course. Neil confirmed that the resurfacing works on the A82 Loch Lomond side would now take place during the day and a convoy system would be in place until around mid-March, although this would be weather-dependent. Neil advised that Transport Scotland were working on a number of initiatives in conjunction with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (LLTNP) and Argyll and Bute Council, particularly around the traffic management issues associated with the different ways people were travelling during the Covid-19 pandemic. Duncan MacLachan, Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust, confirmed that Guy Keating, LLTNP, had been in contact with Neil and was comfortable with the approach which was being taken.

 

In response to queries raised by Duncan in advance of the meeting, Neil provided further updates on a number of issues, including: improvement works to the railway bridge between Tarbet and Arrochar and the ways in which this could be assisted by support from community groups seeking funding from SUSTRANS; Transport Scotland’s project to widen sections of carriageway where required; improvement works to the A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan; regular inspection reports highlighting areas of concern in terms of drainage and potholes; the immediate re-programming of a resurfacing team to address pothole issues on the A83; and the ways in which the old A82 road could be used following improvement works being completed. Neil encouraged anyone who was interested to access the links to reports which had been circulated with the update for further information.

 

Councillor Paterson asked if Neil could provide a timescale as to when the main A83 trunk road at the Rest and Be Thankful would be operational 24 hours a day under a two-way system. Neil confirmed that this would be dependent on the activity of material on the hill, noting that Transport Scotland were looking at a number of short term options prior to the end of the financial year and would attempt to build up as much resilience as possible before the next winter period. Neil noted that work in the area was likely to be ongoing for a number of years and the Major Projects team were looking at long term solutions, with communications ongoing as to how to get the best outcome and value for money.

 

Councillor Paterson raised concerns around the current mitigation measures in place being adequate to deal with the movement on the hillside, particularly in light of the weather conditions. Neil confirmed that geological and geotechnical experts were aware of these issues and future planning was ongoing around this.

 

Neil advised that he was keen to work with the community in Arrochar around issues with parking, noting that a working group involving Transport Scotland, LLTNP and Argyll & Bute Council were investigating potential solutions such as additional parking provision and Traffic Regulation Orders. Further discussion took place around the ways in which parking issues in Arrochar could be addressed, with Councillor Paterson advising that he felt that an Emergency Traffic Regulation Order was necessary to put in place double yellow lines from the Loch Long hotel to the petrol station in Arrochar prior to the restrictions being lifted and a potential increase in traffic. Neil advised that consideration had to be taken of the views of local businesses and residents prior to putting a Traffic Regulation Order in place and this could take up to 18 months if any objections were received. Neil confirmed that an Emergency Traffic Order could be put in place within 21 days where required.

 

Sarah Davies, Helensburgh Community Council, enquired about cycle paths in Helensburgh and the different methods of funding available. Neil advised that he could not provide official advice around this as it was not part of the trunk road but was happy to be involved in conversations around this if it would be helpful, noting that SUSTRANS were likely to be the best source of funding for cycle paths.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

Update by Inspector Roderick MacNeill, Police Scotland

The Group considered an update from Inspector Roderick MacNeill, Police Scotland, detailing Police Scotland’s response to Covid-19 which included responding to an increase in public nuisance type calls resulting from increased reports of Covid-19 legislation breaches; monitoring visitors travelling from out with the area in breach of travel restrictions; utilising the ‘4 x E’s’ policing response; charging and issuing individuals with fixed penalty notices where required; maintaining resources across the area; and the use of PPE by officers.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

 

1. considered and noted the information provided; and
2. noted that in the absence of Inspector Roderick MacNeill, any questions would be fed back to him and any responses circulated to the Group.

 

(Reference: Report by Inspector Roderick MacNeill, Police Scotland, submitted)

 

Update by Watch Commander/Local Authority Liaison Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

The Group considered a report from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) highlighting the SFRS Financial Quarter 3 review of local performance across Helensburgh and Lomond for 2020-2021.

 

Albert Bruce, SFRS, highlighted concerns around an increase in fatalities and a link to those who may be spending more time at home during the pandemic and living isolated lifestyles. Albert noted that it was likely that there would be an increase in Road Traffic Collisions in the next report due to the weather conditions. It was confirmed that the SFRS were engaged in a lot of partnership working in various ways, including assisting colleagues in the Scottish Ambulance Service to gain access to properties; assisting with the provision of food parcels and medication during the lockdown period; and running test centres in fire stations to assist in plugging the gaps in the NHS provision of Covid-19 test kits.

 

Samantha Somers, Community Planning Officer, asked if there were any plans for fire station test centres in the Helensburgh and Lomond Area. Albert advised that at present there was a walk-in testing facility in Dumbarton and a mobile testing centre in Helensburgh, however further discussions and research were ongoing between SFRS and the Scottish Government in connection with more fire stations being used for this purpose.

 

Following a query from Councillor Paterson, discussion took place around the ways in which vulnerable people were identified and assisted during the lockdown period. Albert provided details around the ways multi-agency working assisted in identifying people at high risk and the difficulties associated with those who do not wish to engage, noting that there had been an increase in those requiring assistance in the community who were suffering from mental health issues. Further discussion took place around the changes in smoke alarm legislation which had been delayed until 2022 and the ways in which the SFRS were advertising this and would be able to provide assistance to people with this in future. Councillor Paterson advised that he was a member of the Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) board and would bring the information discussed to their attention at the next meeting.

 

John Lewis, Males Tales, requested further information around the demographic of people who had been involved in fatalities. Albert confirmed that the general demographic was males, over 60, who lived alone and had little in the way of family or support and noted that he would provide further information to John around this following the meeting. John offered his assistance in engaging with those suffering from mental health issues when restrictions allowed.

 

Alasdair MacCuish, Helensburgh Gaelic Group, asked why Cardross had not been included in the report. Albert confirmed that often the report would only include areas with recorded activity and so it could be that there was no activity in Cardross during this period, however he would investigate this and confirm with Alasdair following the meeting.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the report and information provided.

 

(Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted)

Update by Customer Service Leader WS Inverclyde/Argyll & Bute, Department for Work and Pensions

The Group considered an update from the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) which detailed their response to Covid-19 as well as statistical information for the Argyll & Bute area and information on the Flexible Support Fund; Job Finding Support; Job Entry Targeted Support; the Kickstart scheme; the Restart Programme; Virtual Youth Hubs, local Job Centres; and assistance in finding work being provided to 18-24 year olds.

 

Jayne Burnett, Visiting Friends, asked for clarification around the impact of volunteering on benefits. Lynn confirmed that there was no restriction on volunteering, noting that people were encouraged to volunteer when initially registering for benefits. Lynn noted that only in individual circumstances, where an individual had reported health restrictions which had left them unable to work, would DWP investigate volunteering where it raised questions around this. 

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference: Update by Lynn Campbell, Customer Service Leader WS Inverclyde/Argyll and Bute, Department for Work and Pensions, dated January 2021, submitted)

 

Update by Strategic Development Manager, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface

The Group considered an update from Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI) detailing their response to Covid-19 which included providing support to charities, social enterprises and community groups as well as the creation of an Argyll and Bute volunteering platform.

 

Samantha Stubbs, TSI, provided a further verbal update to advise that a community lottery for Argyll was in the process of being instigated and further information would be circulated around this in due course.

 

Following a question from Jayne Burnett around the ways in which community groups could more easily communicate with each other and be aware of what services were available in the area, it was noted that the TSI discussed this at thematic network meetings and that a Council webpage had been set up which included details of local organisations who were providing adapted services throughout the pandemic. It was agreed that Kirsty Moyes, Community Development Officer, would contact Jayne following the meeting around this and would include information around the ways in which people could access and update this information in the regular communications and bulletins from the Community Development team.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference: Report by Samantha Stubbs, Strategic Development Manager, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface, dated January 2021, submitted)

 

Update by Helensburgh Community Council

The Group considered an update from Helensburgh Community Council, detailing their activities and response to Covid-19 which included holding monthly meetings via Zoom; running a set of webinars open to the community on a range of topics; holding weekly virtual meetings of the Planning Group to monitor planning applications; and upgrading the Helensburgh Community Council website. The update provided information on a range of local interests being pursued by Helensburgh Community Council and confirmed future plans for activities such as monthly beach cleans; the maintenance of shrub beds in Colquhoun Square; a celebration of the centenary of John Logie Baird’s invention of the television; and further work on ‘A Vision for Helensburgh’ and the Innovation Hub at the library to commence when restrictions allow.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference: Report by Helensburgh Community Council, submitted)

 

Update by Garelochhead Community Council

The Group considered an update from Carole Spencer, Garelochhead Community Council, detailing their activities and response to Covid-19 which included virtual meetings of the Community Council; the election of new members; the provision of face masks, children’s activity packs, fruit and vegetable boxes for the over 80s, and a telephone helpline for those requiring assistance; and work with the Portincaple community around a controversial planning application which had since been refused. Carole also advised that the Community Council were pursuing issues such as speeding; required works to Garelochhead cemetery as the onsite building had now been demolished and the cemetery gates had been removed; works around a further planning application for Station Road; a new pet track service; and communications with the Helensburgh Access Trust team to explore potential new routes for the Three Lochs Way.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference: Report by Hilary Worton, Garelochhead Community Council, submitted)

 

 

Update by Helensburgh and Lomond Food Bank

The Group considered an update from Helensburgh and Lomond Food Bank, detailing their activities and response to Covid-19 which included providing support to those in community who required it as an essential service which remained open throughout the pandemic; the re-design of the service in line with Covid-19 guidance and restrictions; the provision of leaflets to signpost people to other organisations who could provide assistance; an increased provision of non-perishable and fresh food items for those in need; the provision of special festive food bags and a £20 fuel allowance over the festive period; and the distribution of posters to raise awareness of how people can access the Food Bank if required . The update highlighted the hard work of volunteers and thanked those who had supported the Food Bank throughout the pandemic.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

 

1. considered and noted the information provided; and
2. noted that in the absence of a representative from Helensburgh and Lomond Food Bank, any questions would be fed back to them and any responses circulated to the Group.

 

(Reference: Report by Helensburgh and Lomond Food Bank, submitted)

 

 

Update by Community Learning Worker, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group considered an update from Argyll and Bute Council’s Community Learning Service which detailed information around the No One Left Behind Initiative; the Digital Employability HUB; Online Self-Learning Bytes; A.S.K. AB; the Health and Wellbeing Project; Argyll and Bute’s Youth Voice on Lockdown; the Youth Advisory Panel; and the Community Learning and Development Plan.

 

Ruth Cairns, Community Learning Worker, advised that she would be leaving her post for a role with the SFRS as the national officer for the youth volunteer scheme and discussion took place around her new role and the benefits the youth volunteer scheme could bring to young people in the area.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference: Update by Community Learning Team Leader, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted)

 

Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland (SDS)

 

Susan MacRae, SDS, advised that engagement was continuing with school pupils via online delivery and noted that young people appeared to be engaging more during this period of lockdown due to the way in which home schooling had been adapted. Susan noted that the focus for SDS was on school leavers, with many experiencing uncertainties and anxieties around what destinations were suitable for them due to the ongoing pandemic. Susan advised that SDS’s Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) team were continuing to work with people in need and would monitor the end of the furlough scheme closely. Susan noted that SDS were also monitoring the impacts of Brexit and Covid-19 across the Argyll and Bute area. Susan confirmed that SDS were working successfully alongside a number of partners, including the Council’s Community Learning and Development team.

 

Susan advised that she hoped to provide more information at the next meeting of the Group around school leaver destinations and a new tool being developed by SDS to monitor information around 16 and 17 year olds in the area. Following a query from Councillor Douglas, Susan confirmed that data for 16 and 17 year olds was used as the data received was more robust for that category of young people than for other age groups.

 

Carole Spencer advised that it may be beneficial to promote the Garelochhead Community Council helpline number to young people in the area requiring support or advice.

 

Allan Comrie, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT)

 

Allan Comrie, SPT, advised that the general advice was for people to avoid public transport, however there was an increasing need for people to access public transport to get to vaccination points. Allan confirmed that advice was available online for anyone who required to use public transport at this time and noted that priority was given for bus services to hospitals and vaccination points to allow people to access essential employment and healthcare.

 

Allan advised that SPT were working with Argyll and Bute Council and SUSTRANS on the Dumbarton to Helensburgh cyclepath and confirmed that this was now moving ahead at a good pace. Allan noted that allowances had to be made for issues such as land ownership problems which would have to be dealt with. Allan confirmed that work was also ongoing in relation to active travel and access to Faslane naval base from Helensburgh, noting that research was also being undertaken with SPT, Argyll and Bute Council and HiTrans around the feasibility of a rail connection.

 

Sarah Davies requested clarification around Allan’s role with SPT and how to get in touch with him. Allan confirmed that he was a Senior Transport Planner with SPT and provided Sarah with his e-mail address for any future correspondence.

 

Jayne Burnett, Visiting Friends

 

Jayne Burnett, Visiting Friends, advised that the Group were still operating and providing one-to-one befriending service, largely by telephone. Jayne advised that the group were still taking referrals for befriending and were trialling new technology for those with limited IT skills following receipt of funding from the Befriending Network.

 

Angela Anderson, Plastic Free Helensburgh

 

Angela Anderson advised that work was underway to achieve plastic-free status in Helensburgh within the next 12-18 months and noted that businesses and organisations would be approached around this to create a plan going forward. Angela advised that community engagement and beach cleans would also be continuing.

 

Angela Anderson, Fridays for Futures

 

Angela advised that a series of debates were being held to engage young people of voting age from each Holyrood parliamentary region who were interested in climate change and the environment. Angela noted that the West of Scotland debate would be held on 19^th of February 2021 and that they were also looking for students to devise and pose questions. Angela advised that the link to join was as below and requested that anyone who knew of anyone from the West of Scotland region who may be interested please put them in touch with her:

 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-future-speaks-west-scotland-tickets-137177059277?aff=erelexpmlt

 

Kirsty Moyes, Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

 

Kirsty Moyes, Community Development Officer, advised that the Supporting Communities Fund was now open for applications, with a deadline of the 20^th of March 2021. Kirsty confirmed that the application form and information around the criteria for the fund was available on the Council website and assistance was also available from Kirsty and the rest of the Community Development Team.

 

Duncan MacLachlan, Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust (A&T CDT)

 

Duncan MacLachlan, A&T CDT, advised that, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Three Villages Hall had been closed. Duncan noted that when the hall was able to re-open in line with restrictions it would be important to encourage organisations to use the space, and where possible to host meetings such as meetings of the Area Community Planning Group, to sustain the operation of the hall for the community. Duncan advised that throughout the pandemic, a team of volunteers were fulfilling required roles and would be happy to respond to any requests or enquiries.

 

Alasdair MacCuish, Helensburgh Gaelic Group

 

Alasdair MacCuish, Helensburgh Gaelic Group, advised that the Helensburgh Gaelic Group had been established in 1997. Alasdair noted that the group were in contact with the Council’s Gaelic Development Worker, Cristie Moore, and were hoping to receive funding and resources to encourage Gaelic speakers in the area to use their Gaelic and bring lapsed Gaelic speakers back to fluency. Alastair advised that the group were meeting by Zoom during the pandemic.

 

Discussion took place around Gaelic learning classes previously offered and Alastair confirmed that although the group usually met on Tuesday afternoons, evening meetings could be made available if there was sufficient interest and funding in place.

 

Scottish Government Guidance as of 19 January 2021

The Group gave consideration to the Scottish Government Covid-19 stay at home guidance as of 19 January 2021.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the guidance.

 

(Reference: Scottish Government Guidance as of 19 January 2021)

 

Letter from Council Leader to Secretary of State for Scotland

A letter to the Secretary of State for Scotland from the Leader of Argyll and Bute Council regarding Argyll and Bute’s Seafood Sector Sustainability was considered by the Group.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the letter.

 

(Reference: Letter from the Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, dated 15 January 2021, submitted)

 

There were no verbal updates from Community Planning Partners on the impact of the UK withdrawal from the EU.

Update by John Lewis, Males Tales

John Lewis, Males Tales, provided the Group with information around the background of Males Tales and their work supporting males with their mental health since the creation of the group in November 2019. John advised that male mental health was a huge issue, with suicide being the biggest killer of males under 45 in Scotland. John noted that support was available through various different avenues, including group peer support, one-to-one peer support and a buddy system. John advised that prior to the first period of lockdown in 2020, more than 50 males had attended Males Tales and during lockdown Zoom meetings had been held with an average attendance of approximately 10-12. John noted that when not in tier 4, the group did have permission to meet face-to-face from Scotland’s Minister for Mental Health.

 

John provided information around a number of activities undertaken by the group, including the sponsorship of a local football team; the hosting of a Christmas day event to combat loneliness; the launch of a Males Tales website (https://www.malestales.co.uk/) ; early discussions with a submarine service charity around supporting veterans and submariners in the area; and seeking funding to ensure that the group remained sustainable.

 

John confirmed that a Females Tales group would be launched in the summer, having recruited a number of female volunteers who were undergoing training. John advised that he ensured that he and all peer support workers went above and beyond the basic requirements for training.

 

John agreed to provide a copy of his presentation for circulation to the Group following the meeting.

 

Jayne Burnett agreed to send John a link to a paper on effective coping strategies for loneliness adopted by the Banks group following the meeting.

 

Councillor Paterson thanked John for his presentation and advised that this was a long overdue service. Following a query by Councillor Paterson, John confirmed that anyone who wished to volunteer with the group could get in touch via the website. Councillor Paterson asked about the age range of attendees of the group, John advised that there were attendees between the ages of 17-68, with most attendees in their 30s to mid 40s, however support was available to everyone regardless of their age or background.

 

Kirsty Moyes encouraged John to consider the Supporting Communities Fund as a potential avenue for funding.

 

Samantha Stubbs advised that a new pot of funding was becoming available and asked John to get in touch if he was interested in linking in with researchers on the project. Discussion took place around other male mental health support groups across Scotland and John confirmed that he hoped to link up with some of these groups when restrictions allowed.

 

Councillor Douglas requested clarification as to whether Males Tales would still be operating out of the Drumfork centre when restrictions were eased. John confirmed that the group would continue to operate out of the Drumfork centre and noted that the MOD had been very helpful to them and many of the attendees preferred a location which was outside of the town centre.

 

Morevain Martin, Garelochhead Station Trust, provided details of a Mindfulness March project which involved a 6 week mindfulness course, noting that this was a free project and she would be happy for this to be open to members of the Males Tales group. Morevain agreed to communicate further details around this to John by e-mail.

 

John advised that there was a long-term fear around mental health given the current lockdown situation and the potential for people to find it difficult to adapt to a different way of living when restrictions were eased.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

Report by Economic Growth Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group considered a report which provided an update on the latest position in relation to informal camping, following the setting up a Short Life Working Group in response to the rise in informal camping activity across Argyll and Bute and associated arising issues.

 

Angela Anderson asked that the following comment was brought to the attention of the Economic Growth Officer, alongside her contact details:

 

“There is a need and opportunity for facilities for camping and vans. There needs to be easy access to disposal of waste and rubbish. In Europe and especially in France, where camper sized vans are not permitted in villages Aires have parking, waste disposal, water, and rubbish facilities for a fee and time limited to 24 or 48 hours and shorter times for visits. Also there is likely to be safe walking and cycling routes to villages. Full camping, tents and vans are in very short supply in Scotland. In Europe these are often run by local or community authorities and are revenue generating. People are willing to pay for a safe space with showers toilets disposal and water.”

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

 

1. noted the contents of the report and progress to date;
2. agreed to continue to collaborate to attempt to address the challenges faced due to increased informal camping activity;
3. noted that work would progress on actions identified from the Short Life Working Group; and
4. noted that in the absence of the Economic Growth Officer, any questions would be fed back to them and any responses circulated to the Group.

 

(Reference: Report by Economic Growth Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 11 February 2021, submitted)

 

Demonstration by Community Planning Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

Samantha Somers, Community Planning Officer, provided a demonstration to the group of BaseCamp, an online website which allows members of the Area Community Planning Group (ACPG) to access relevant documents relating to the ACPG; provide information on action points arising from the meetings or action plans; share information about relevant items of interest with other members; and provides better networks with other ACPG members in between meetings.

 

Samantha confirmed that she would circulate an e-mail to the Group distribution list following the meeting to ascertain the correct contact from each organisation to access Basecamp.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group;

 

1.    thanked the Community Planning Officer for the informative demonstration and noted the information provided in the presentation; and

2.    noted that the Community Planning Officer would contact Group Members to confirm the details of those who wished to be invited to access BaseCamp.

 

(Reference: Presentation by Community Planning Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, dated February 2021, submitted)

 

Report by Gaelic Development Worker, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group considered a report which provided information on the role of the Gaelic language in Argyll and Bute; provided details of the value that the Gaelic language could bring to the improvement outcome; and encouraged partners to continue to support the promotion and usage of the Gaelic language. 

 

Cristie Moore, Gaelic Development Worker, outlined Gaelic resources and activities in the Helensburgh and Lomond area and asked anyone who was aware of any other Gaelic activity in the area to please get in touch with her. Cristie requested assistance from the Group in promoting the ongoing survey on the Gaelic language and invited Group members to pass her details to any contacts who may be interested in supporting work around Gaelic.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group agreed:

 

1. to support the promotion of Gaelic where possible;
2. to consider Gaelic as an option when looking at new and existing initiatives;
3. to connect interested parties with the Gaelic Development Worker;
4. to have an awareness of the Argyll and Bute Gaelic Language Plan and where possible support the objectives;
5. to note the information provided in relation to Colmcille 1500 funding and celebration which relates to initiatives linking Scotland and Ireland; and
6. to complete and promote the survey on the Gaelic language, noting that all views were welcome regardless of interest or knowledge of the Gaelic language.

 

(Reference: Report by Gaelic Development Worker, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 11 February 2021, submitted)

 

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group considered a briefing note which provided information around matters discussed during a virtual meeting of the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee, held on 2^nd December 2020. Samantha Somers gave an overview of the briefing note, particularly highlighting discussions around local procurement; the child poverty action plan; wild camping; and the A83. Samantha also provided details around the climate change sub-group of the CPP Management Committee, advising that a directory was being created of climate change initiatives being progressed by community planning partners across Argyll and Bute. Samantha asked that anyone involved in any climate change initiatives please contact her in this regard.

 

Angela noted that the Helensburgh and Lomond area also includes the A82 up to Inverarnan and the road required improvement, particularly due to the increase in usage when being used as a diversion route during road closures. Alasdair noted that Neil had provided a brief update on this section of road earlier in the meeting and Samantha provided details of discussions which had taken place in relation to this section of road at a working group meeting.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the briefing note.

 

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 11 February 2021, submitted)

 

 

Report by Community Planning Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group reviewed a report providing information around the Group’s current Terms of Reference, membership and meeting dates scheduled until May 2022.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group;

 

1.    considered and adopted the Terms of Reference as attached to the report (Appendix 1) and agreed that they be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure their ongoing currency and appropriateness for the work of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group as it develops over time;

2.    considered the membership of the Group as attached to the report (Appendix 2);

3.    agreed that the membership of the Group be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure currency and appropriateness for the work of the Group as it develops over time; and

4.    noted the meeting schedule and dates submitted in the report.

 

(Reference: Report by Community Planning Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 11 February 2021, submitted)

 

The next meeting of the Group will take place at 10.00am on Thursday, 20 May 2021.

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group would take place on Thursday, 20 May 2021.