Agenda and minutes

The Chair ruled, and the Area Community Planning Group agreed, to vary the order of business and consider Agenda Item 10b ‘Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Update’ after Agenda Item 3 (MINUTE) in order to facilitate the reporting Officers attendance at another meeting.

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

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

Becky Hothersall, Poverty Alliance;

Seonaid Cameron, Argyll Community Housing Association; and

Councillor Mark Irvine

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minute of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday 19 August 2025 was approved as a correct record, subject to the following amendment:

Item 6 (a) - Transport Update

To replace ‘He further noted the actions to establish a Helensburgh Transport Working Group and to consider a Community Active Travel Network’ with ‘He further noted the actions to establish a Transport Integration Working Group for the whole of Argyll and Bute and to consider a Community Active Travel Network’.

The Group considered the actions from the previous meeting and noted that the majority were completed or in the process of being completed.

The Group considered a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ2 review of local performance across Helensburgh and Lomond for the period 2025-26. The report included statistics on the activity of the Service.

Andrew McGregor of Scottish Fire and Rescue highlighted good Partnership Working through engagement in schools and noted that there has been a delay in recommendations going to the Board regarding the Service Delivery Review which may impact Helensburgh Fire Station.

Decision

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

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

Report by Senior Committee Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

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

Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network and Cardross Community Councils representative Lynsey Young confirmed that she would be happy to accept this position and with there being no other nominations, this became the decision of the Group.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group agreed that Lindsey Young of Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network and Cardross Community Council, be appointed as Vice-Chair.

(Reference: Report by Senior Committee Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 12 November 2025  submitted)

Presentation on the John Logie Baird Centenary Celebrations from the JLBTV100 Group.

Fiona Baker of Destination Scotland delivered a presentation which highlighted the events being held from September 2025 to April 2026 to celebrate the centenary of John Logie Baird’s first public demonstration of television, including Dorothy’s Big Adventure and Sandwich Board Parade. Miss Baker directed Partners to the website jlbtv100.org for further information and advised that leaflets are available from Destination Helensburgh on Sinclair Street.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation from JLBTV100, submitted)

Presentation by Thomas Guy-Conroy, Youth Work Lead, Live Argyll

Thomas Guy-Conroy delivered a presentation which introduced the Argyll and Bute Youth Action Councils (ABYACs) and highlighted their remit, principles and Terms of Reference. Mr Guy-Conroy encouraged Partners seeking to include a youth voice in their organisation to engage with the ABYACs.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the

provided information.

Action – Governance to distribute the presentation and contact details to the Group.

(Reference: Presentation by Thomas Guy-Conroy, Youth Work Lead, Live Argyll, submitted)

Update by Community Planning Team, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group gave consideration to a presentation which was delivered by the Partnerships Lead of the Community Planning Team. The presentation highlighted information on how the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) would seek to improve transport infrastructure taking into consideration the agreed objectives of the 2024-2034 Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan (ABOIP). The presentation also included information on the project mandates to be signed off by the CPP in relation to Transport Infrastructure.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation from Partnerships Lead - Community Planning, Argyll and Bute Council)

Update by Community Planning Team, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group gave consideration to a presentation which was delivered by the Partnerships Lead of the Community Planning Team. The presentation highlighted information on how the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) would seek to improve housing taking into consideration the agreed objectives of the 2024-2034 Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan (ABOIP). The presentation also included information on the discussions held during the CPP Management Committee in September 2025 which focused on Housing; the Construction Skills Development Working Group and communicating financial interventions on homelessness.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation from Partnerships Lead - Community Planning, Argyll and Bute Council)

Presentation by Community Planning Team, Argyll and Bute Council

Consideration was given to a presentation which was delivered by the Partnerships Lead of the Community Planning Team. The presentation outlined how the Community Planning Partnership would seek to improve Community Wellbeing, taking into consideration the agreed objectives of the 2024-2034 ABOIP. The presentation noted that Community Wellbeing was the second highest priority for Helensburgh and for the area overall. The presentation also provided information on the agreed actions to be developed and next steps.

Mr McLuckie outlined a series of questions which would be circulated to Partners by email following the meeting. He advised that as part of the ongoing conversation, the Community Planning Team would welcome any additional comments in response to the questions.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation from Partnerships Lead - Community Planning, Argyll and Bute Council)

Report by Health Improvement Senior, 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 Stoptober campaign to encourage people to quit smoking; a Gypsy/Traveller community health event held in Ardrishaig in October; the Joint Strategic Plan for 2026 – 2031; the ‘You Are Not Alone’ drama performances for S2 pupils which took place in September across eight secondary schools in Argyll and Bute and the Planet Youth framework.

The update also provided information on the accessible and easy read version of the NHS Highland Equality Outcomes (2025–2029); the first Speakeasy 'taster' webinars which were held in September; the Public Health Scotland report on emergency hospital admissions and deaths as a result of unintentional injury and the Argyll and Bute Alcohol and Drug Partnership.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated November 2025, submitted)

Presentation from Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Public Health

Please find here the link to the video component of the presentation to be

delivered by the Public Health team.

The Group gave consideration to a presentation which was delivered by Jenny Dryden, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership. The presentation offered an overview of the Working with Communities initiative and a number of the projects associated with it such as Planet Youth, Public Living Rooms and Living Well Self-Management Strategy. Miss Dryden also spoke of the importance of communities working together and the activities being taken forward to develop and enhance skills for leadership across Argyll and Bute.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and

Social Care Partnership, dated November 2025, submitted)

Update by Lindsey Young, Group Lead

Lindsey Young delivered a verbal update on the establishment of the Helensburgh Transport Short Life Working Group. Miss Young advised that she has contacted the Community Planning Partnership to confirm the level of involvement they would like to have with the Group; a number of Community Councils in the Helensburgh and Lomond Area have assigned a representative to the Group and that any additional nominations should be sent to her directly.

Decision

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

(Reference: Verbal update from Helensburgh Transport Short Life Working Group Lead, submitted)

The Group considered a report which provided information on Police Scotland’s priorities in the Helensburgh and Lomond area.  Inspector Bart Simonis  of Police Scotland highlighted the local focus on the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence Campaign, noting the positive uptake of the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Violence Scotland; Taxi Driver training to help identify vulnerable passengers, which is linked to their licence approval; the high visibility of patrols during the Winter Safety driving campaign and engagement with local farmers, providing DNA selector kits to mark agricultural equipment as a theft prevention measure.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Police Scotland, submitted)

Consideration was given to a report from Live Argyll Community Learning Services, which provided an update on adult learning provision in Helensburgh, including Adult Achievement Awards, Learning Café and Adult Literacy and Numeracy support. Caroline Whitson also highlighted the Mental Health First Aid Training which the team have delivered, and noted that Partners can book future training sessions with her team.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report from Live Argyll, submitted)

Consideration was given to a report from Helensburgh Community Council.  Elizabeth Lambert highlighted the development of the Place Plan and noted that the Community Council are hosting an upcoming meeting of local businesses and Police Scotland to discuss issues around shoplifting.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report from Helensburgh Community Council, submitted)

Consideration was given to a report from Helensburgh and Lomond Community Development.  David Hagerty highlighted the collaboration between Community Development, the NHS and Alcohol and Drugs Partnership to establish a quarterly Recovery Network in the Helensburgh area that will offer opportunities for agencies to come together to coordinate services to help in people’s recovery from addiction.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report from Helensburgh Community Development, submitted)

Consideration was given to a report from Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface.  Third Sector Support Adviser for Helensburgh and Lomond. Caryl McLean, highlighted that the service is carrying out a Community Voices survey and encouraged Partners to share the link with their networks.  Caryl advised that she is moving on from her post in December.  The Chair, on behalf of the Group,  thanked Caryl for her hard work and dedication and wished her well for the future.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report from Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface, submitted)

Consideration was given to a report from Transport Scotland which provided information on a variety of different works recently completed and planned along the A83; the impact of Storm Amy; the work on the Rest and Be Thankful and the development of a scheme to cut back the vegetation at Crianlarich Bypass. Mr Woodcock advised that the decisions around the future of the Kilcreggan/Gourock/Dunoon ferry services are anticipated by the end of this year.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report from Transport Scotland, submitted)

Consideration was given to a report from Helensburgh Community Hub.  Gill Simpson highlighted the Hub’s financial contribution to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library which is in its third year and that this is supported by income generated via the Book Nook. Miss Simpson also advised that the last Repair Hub date for 2025 will be on Saturday November 29 from 10.30-12pm, she is working with Argyll and Bute Council’s refugee support team and yoga teacher, Roni Ferguson, to offer wellbeing sessions for Afghan women refugees and is creating more social and support events and activities for LGBTQ+ groups.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report from Helensburgh Community Hub, submitted)

Plastic Free Helensburgh

Angela Anderson highlighted that the group will attend a Stop Climate Chaos march in Glasgow Green and will continue to collect rubbish and talk to various groups round the town.

Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network

Lindsey Young advised that she had attended a well-attended Food For Thought event in Oban; Community Woodlands event at Cove Park; engagement with schools including that promoted a sustainable Christmas project and a Climate Event at Hermitage Academy.

Committee Manager

The Committee Manager highlighted that the Governance Arrangements of the Group would be considered at the next meeting, including the membership, advising that the Membership is drawn from public sector, third sector, private sector, community organisations and partnerships operating within the Helensburgh and Lomond area. Mr McLean encouraged partners to refer any individuals or groups who may be interested to contact him regarding their inclusion within the membership.

Jean’s Bothy

Katrina Sayer highlighted activity undertaken during the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival and sought input from Partners for collaborative working around sourcing funding and establishing a Mental Health Forum.

Councillor Fiona Howard

Councillor Fiona Howard advised that the Council are committed to supporting Live Argyll during the closure of the Helensburgh Leisure Centre and that the repairs continue with the temporary roof solution to be installed before the end of November to allow internal work to be undertaken. Councillor Howard confirmed that the Leisure Centre is scheduled to reopen by April 2026.

Rhu and Shandon Community Council

Fiona Baker highlighted the ongoing work of the Community Council on the Place Plan and addressing the issue of flooding at Shandon.  Miss Baker noted the ongoing work of Rhu and Shandon Community Trust to secure the Ardenconnell Wood purchase and advised that funding had been secured to repair the Lovers Lane walkway in Rhu.

Destination Helensburgh

Fiona Baker highlighted the current repair work being undertaken on their building as part of the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme; the Winter Events schedule and funding that had been secured to produce paper versions of the Helensburgh Walking Trail.

Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council

Sheelagh O’Reilly highlighted that the Community Council have agreed to join a Transformative Action for Resilient Coastal Communities  Community network that is being managed by the University of Glasgow and noted the intention of the Community Council to install a memorial bench to honour the late Alistair MacIntyre.

Consideration was given to a report and presentation which provided an update on the overall progress of the climate change strategy; progress with developing a legacy proposal, shaped by the Scottish Government’s aspirations; funding support for Argyll as Climate Ready Region and initial findings from the review of existing community resilience and emergency plans through engagement with community councils.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Community Planning Group

1.    Noted the overall progress since the August update, with some work on community resilience and legacy/ongoing partnership proposals brought forward and pushing back some work on the Action Plan, and a timeline to July 2026.

2.    Noted the significance of the Scottish Government’s aspirations and support for developing an Argyll and Bute Climate Ready Region

3.    Noted the initial findings from review and engagement to date on community resilience/emergency plans, and agreed to feedback opportunities for sharing learning and best practice to the Climate Change Project Manager (andy@act-now.org.uk).

(Reference: Report by Climate Change Project Manager, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust, dated 29 October 2025,, submitted)

Rhu and Shandon Community Council

Fiona Baker noted that a Resilience Expert had been co-opted to the Community Council.

Cardross Community Council

Lynsey Young advised that members of the Community Council would soon be undertaking resilience training.

Report by Partnerships Lead

The Group gave consideration to a report which outlined matters discussed during the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee meeting held on 19 September 2025. The report provided information on the CPP Improvement Plan; Fair Funding Guidance; Climate Change and the Community Wealth Building Charter. The report also provided information on the updates from each of the Area Community Planning Groups, which took place in August 2025 and progress within each of the Priority Outcomes.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Partnerships Lead, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 11 November,  submitted)

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 10 February 2026.

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group would take place on Tuesday 10 February 2026.

Sheelagh O’Reilly raised concerns around the clarity of some of the PowerPoint presentations delivered during the meeting, particularly when projected onto the large screen.  Miss O’Reilly encouraged Partners to consider the needs of visually impaired attendees when preparing slides advising that light coloured text is less visible under strong lighting.