Agenda and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

Councillor Gemma Penfold;

Morevain Martin, Garelochhead Station Trust;

Monica Leslie, Department for Work and Pensions;

Inspector Bart Simonis, Police Scotland;

Jayne Burnett, Visiting Friends;

Alan Morris, The Friends of Hermitage Park Association;

Nicola Stobie, ACHA;

Paul Monaghan, ACHA;

Neil MacFarlane, Transport Scotland;

Rhona Grant, Community Learning Services, Live Argyll;

Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland;

Duncan MacLachlan, Arrochar & Tarbet Comm Dev Trust/ Friends of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs; and

David Gould, Includem.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minutes of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday 7 November 2023 were approved as a correct record.

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The group gave consideration to a report which outlined the governance arrangements of the Helensburgh and Lomond Community Planning Group (Area CPG) specifically the Terms of Reference, membership and future meeting dates.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

1.    considered and adopted the Terms of Reference submitted at Appendix 1 of the report and to agreed that they would be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure their ongoing currency and appropriateness for the work of the Area CPG as it develops over time;

2.    considered and agreed the membership of the group at Appendix 2 of the report and agreed that the membership of the group would be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure currency and appropriateness for the work of the group as it develops over time;

3.    agreed that the Committee Manager would invite Helensburgh Business Group, Helensburgh and Lomond Carers, the British Legion, Police Scotland Youth Volunteers, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Youth Volunteers, Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network, and a Helensburgh and Lomond based Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament to join the membership of the group; and

4.    noted the future meeting dates submitted within the report.

(Reference: Report by, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 13 February 2024, submitted)

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The group gave consideration to a report providing information relating to the appointment of Chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group and outlined the expected time commitment and information on the role.

Angela Anderson nominated the Vice-Chair Sarah Davies, this was seconded by Fiona Baker. Sarah confirmed that she would be happy to accept this position and with there being no other nominations, this became the decision of the group.   

The Committee Manager advised that due to Sarah’s new position, a report would be considered at the next meeting seeking nominations to the Vice-Chair position. The Committee Manager encouraged partners to consider whether this was a role that they would be interested in fulfilling and if so to please contact him for further details.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group agreed that Sarah Davies be appointed as Chair.

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 13 February 2024, submitted)

Report by Health Improvement Lead, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership

Consideration was given to a public health update from Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership’s Public Health Team on the ongoing wellbeing and prevention activities overseen and delivered by them in Argyll and Bute. The update provided information on the Argyll and Bute Public Health Annual Report; the development of children and young people’s health and wellbeing profiles; ongoing health and wellbeing profile workshops; the Cool2Talk online support service for young people; and the annual Director of Public Health Report, which will be presented at the next cycle of the Area Community Planning Groups.

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 Argyll and Bute HSCP Public Health team, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Health Improvement Lead, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, submitted)

Presentation by Health Improvement Lead, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership

The group gave consideration to a presentation from Angela Coll, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership’s Public Health Team, on the Children and Young People’s Health and Wellbeing Profile for the Bute and Cowal area. The presentation provided information in relation to the Profile themes; the purposes of the Profiles; the layout of the report and how to navigate it; the reasons for any gaps in the Profiles; and the type of data in the Profiles and ways in which this could be used by partners.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Public Health Team, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership)

Presentation by Community Justice Coordinator, Argyll and Bute Council

Consideration was given to a presentation which provided information in relation to the draft Argyll and Bute Community Justice Plan 2023-27. The report provided details in relation to the National Strategy for Community Justice; the core membership of the Community Justice Partnership; the overall strategic context of the Vision for Justice in Scotland and National Strategy for Community Justice; the development of the Community Justice Outcome Improvement Plan (CJOIP); the Community Justice Pathways Assessment process; and the timescales for the consultation and publication of the plan.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Community Justice Co-Ordinator, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted)

Presentation by Research Associate, Includem

The Committee Manager advised that David Gould, Associate Researcher, Includem had submitted his apologies.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group agreed to continue consideration of this item at a future meeting.

The group gave consideration to a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ3 review of local performance across Helensburgh and Lomond for the period 2023-24. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan; incidents during this time period; unwanted fire alarm signals; road and water safety campaigns; community engagement activities; East and West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute Local Senior Officer Activities and home fire safety.

Officer McGloin also provided information regarding the British Heart Foundation’s application process for the supply and maintenance of defibrillators. He noted that applications were now open, and encouraged local community groups to apply. A link with information in relation to the application process is provided below:

https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/defibrillators/apply-for-a-free-defibrillator-for-your-community

Decision

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

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

Consideration was given to an update which provided information on the ongoing work of the Service and information on yearly crime statistics; fraud prevention and awareness, specifically relating to scam calls; personal safety inputs provided to Lomond and Argyll Advocacy Service staff; the success at the Divisional Recognition Awards 2023 and the support on the 16 days Against Gender Based Violence campaign.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Police Scotland, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to a written update by PC Drew Omand, Ministry of Defence Police. The update highlighted that the storms over the last few weeks had caused disruption in the area around His Majesty's Naval Base (HMNB) Clyde and surrounding roads and that there has also been an increase of drone pilots around the area of HMNB Clyde/Coulport which is a security concern and advised that any sightings should be reported.

The update also provided information on internet safety and road safety awareness which is being delivered in local schools in collaboration with Police Scotland; the rise in fly tipping on Ministry of Defence land and information on the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers who are looking for opportunities to support the local community.

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 Ministry of Defence Police, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Ministry of Defence Police, submitted)

The group gave consideration to an update from Sarah Davies, Helensburgh Community Council. The update provided information on the current position in relation to the submission of a bid for the Waterfront; the Pier Regeneration Project; the provision of warm spaces and the petition to the Scottish Government to prioritise local participation in planning decisions.

Sarah advised that following the sad passing of the Convenor Norman Muir, the Vice-Convenor Peter Brown has been acting as Convenor and that the Community Council will elect a new Convenor at the May AGM.

Sarah reminded the group that the Community Council meetings are public and open to all.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Helensburgh Community Council, dated February 2024, submitted)

The group gave consideration to an update by Sarah Davies from Fun First which highlighted that they continue to provide sessions for pre-school children and their parents with at least one session available every day in either Helensburgh, Cardross, Garelochhead or Rosneath; a grant had been received from the TSI Health and Wellbeing Fund to fund Fun First Friends sessions this year and leaders and committee members participated in First Aid for Mental Health training in November.

Sarah highlighted that training is to be held in March to run outdoor sessions for parents and children, with Under the Trees Outdoor Learning from Falkirk delivering the training.

Sarah advised that they are currently looking to recruit two new leaders and are always looking for new and interested members of the community to join the committee. It was noted that their AGM would be held on Wednesday 24 April at 7.30pm via Zoom and Sarah encouraged partners to join.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Fun First, dated February 2024, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update by Angela Anderson, Plastic Free Helensburgh. The update highlighted that they had purchased four 2 minute litter picking stations with the grant received from the Supporting Communities Fund, the successful event with Scottish Water in November promoting their “ban the wipes” campaign and the question put to the Area Committee in December in relation to flooding and blocked drains in Helensburgh.

Information was also provided on the combined beach cleans with Helensburgh Community Council.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Plastic Free Helensburgh, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from Gill Simpson from Helensburgh Community Hub. The update provided information on the Reading Minds Book Festival which is to be held on the 22-24 March in collaboration with Jean’s Bothy and Helensburgh and Lomond Carers Centre; the Hub being chosen to be one of four Scottish programmes to be part of the exhibition in the Scottish Parliament being hosted by The Dollywood Foundation in March; reading for pleasure activities and collaborations; volunteer numbers and the need for collaboration to create a funded gardening project.

The Chair highlighted her thanks to the Hub for the great work they do on the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Programme and advised that through her work at Fun First she directs people to this programme.

Gill highlighted the need for volunteers in the Helensburgh and Lomond Area and a need for this to be co-ordinated. Gill encouraged partners to get in touch with her if they are interested in doing some work around volunteering for the area.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Helensburgh Community Hub, dated February 2024, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from David Hagerty, Community Development Officer at Argyll and Bute Council. The update included information on the Supporting Communities Fund 24/25, which is now open for applications; the Education Scotland inspection which was recently completed in January; the joint Webinars with NHS Public Health and the appointment of the Council’s new Gaelic Development Officer.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from Caryl Mclean from Argyll and Bute TSI. The update included information in relation to funding grants from the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund 2023-24; funding which was available from the Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network Fund; future consultation and development of a TSI Strategy for 2024-29; the launch of the new TSI website on 20th February; and work with the SCVO on a fairer funding campaign.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute TSI, dated February 2024, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from Argyll and Bute Citizen’s Advice Bureau which provided statistical information on the number of clients who had contacted the Bureau between January and December 2023; the Volunteer Advisor training programme; the annual programme of energy efficiency advice sessions and services that the Bureau provide.

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 Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update by Victoria Daveney, UHI Argyll. It was highlighted that they have around 40 students this semester beginning a range of course in Helensburgh with several students from Hermitage Academy attending college on a regular basis as well as several Ukrainian students on ESOL courses.

Information was also provided on the courses for semester 2 and information on the open day held in January which was well attended, it was noted that a further open day was scheduled for 12 March.

Victoria highlighted that the college building works are almost complete with only external painting to be completed and that the new classrooms are being put to good use and the new student hub proving popular with students.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by UHI Argyll, submitted)

The group gave consideration to an update from Rhona Grant, Live Argyll -Community Learning Services. The update provided information on the HMI Community Learning and Development Progress Visit of Argyll and Bute Council; the newly elected Members of Scottish Youth Parliament for Argyll and Bute and the independent review of Community Learning and Development which has been actioned by the Minister for Higher Education, Further Education and Skills.

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 Live Argyll Community Learning Services, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Live Argyll Community Learning Services, submitted)

The Helensburgh Gaelic Group

In the absence of Alasdair MacCuish, the Committee Manager provided the following update which was submitted during the meeting:

The Helensburgh Gaelic Group are still very much alive and kicking. We are 50% through this term and will start again after Easter. We welcome everybody to our group in Helensburgh Parish Church on Tuesday afternoons 1:30 to 3:30.  

Transport Scotland

In the absence of Neil MacFarlane the Committee Manager provided the following update which was submitted before the meeting:

A number of storm damaged trees were removed from the Loch Lomond cycleways. It should be noted that Transport Scotland are only responsible for some sections of this route with the others being maintained by the Park or the respective Local Authority.

Improvements to Loch side laybys are forthcoming, an example of the type of work being undertaken is the replacement of bollards with one which have solar powered technology built in.

Design work is underway to replace the fleet of Tourist Information signs on the loch side.

Drainage works are ongoing at the A83 Rest and be thankful.

Destination Helensburgh

Fiona Baker highlighted that Destination Helensburgh have over 180 events scheduled for Helensburgh and Lomond this year and that they have been doing a lot of social media promotions to attract visitors to the locality. Fiona advised that engagement numbers remain very high.

Strathclyde Passenger Transport, (SPT)

Allan Comrie advised that there is no change to the supported services or timetables that SPT provide and that there is no change to concessionary fares for rail and ferry, advising that there would be an increase of 8.7% for rail and ferry fares in March/April time. Allan highlighted that SPT had lost capital funding from the Scottish Government as part of the Scottish Government budget but that they understand that other than capital funding may be available but this has not yet been confirmed.

Presentation by Living Well Network Co-ordinator

The group gave consideration to a presentation from Veronica Ferguson, Helensburgh and Lomond Living Well Network. The presentation included information on what the Living Well Network are and the work they have been doing. It was highlighted that The Living Well Network is currently distributing funding received from the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (ADP) to local charities doing work in the community that meets the ADP priorities.

Veronica highlighted that they are hosting a Living Well event in Helensburgh Leisure Centre on the 16 June to encourage people to get out of their homes and see what is available to them.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Helensburgh and Lomond Living Well Network Co-ordinator)

Presentation by Corporate Support Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

Consideration was given to a presentation by the Corporate Support Manager from Argyll and Bute Council, in relation to the Council’s Area Plans. The presentation provided background information in relation to the Plans, as well as details of the 8 Locality Plans across Argyll and Bute, and the purpose and principles of the Plans. The presentation also included context about the scope of the Plans; the importance of community engagement and efficient use of resources in the development of the plans; the overall approach, governance and phasing of the Plan’s development; and the ways in which information from the development of the Plans would be utilised.

The Corporate Support Manager noted that it was hoped that the Area Plans would maximise the opportunities for funding for local projects. It was anticipated that the Plans would be developed and owned by the communities, and the Area Community Planning Groups would have an important part to play in the development of the Plans. He emphasised that the Plans were not seeking to take ownership of projects away from local community groups.

The presentation provided details of how partners could assist with the Area Plans by identifying community groups in the area; identifying physical locations suitable for hosting consultation documents; and encouraging community partners to engage with the development process. The Corporate Support Manager advised that he would provide a list of currently identified community groups for circulation to the Group following the meeting, in order to reduce duplication in identifying any additional groups for consultation.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Corporate Support Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted)

Presentation by Project Officer, Live Argyll

The Group gave consideration to a presentation on the John Logie Baird (JLB) Innovation Hub by Pat McCann on behalf of Live Argyll. The presentation included information on what the JLB Innovation Hub is and who it aims to support; what it offers to users and the various subscription packages and casual user prices.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Project Officer, Live Argyll, submitted)

Report by Climate Change Project Manager

The group considered a report from the Climate Change Project Manager, which provided an update on the Community Planning Partnership’s Argyll and Bute Climate Action project. The update included information in relation to the background and work of the Climate Change Working Group; funding requirements to support the implementation of a Climate Change Project Manager post; an overview of the work of the Climate Change Project Manager to date and future plans; collaboration with the Argyll & Bute Climate Action Network Hub; and updated governance arrangements for the Climate Change Working Group.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the approach and status of the project, as outlined in the report.

(Reference: Report by Climate Change Project Manager, ACT Now, dated 13 February 2024, submitted)

Report By Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The group gave consideration to a report which outlined matters discussed during a meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee held on 12 January 2024. The report provided a summary of a presentation in relation to the Council’s Area Plans, as well as information on matters arising from previous Area Community Planning Group meetings across Argyll and Bute. The report also included updates on a number of cross cutting themes such as Climate Change; Financial Inclusion; Digital Communities; the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan (ABOIP) for 2024-34; and Community Wealth Building.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 13 February 2024, submitted)

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 7 May 2024.

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group would take place on Tuesday 7 May 2024.