Agenda and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

Councillor Fiona Howard, Argyll and Bute Council

Morevain Martin, Garelochhead Support Trust

Jillian Barclay, Royal Navy Families and People Support

Sophia McArdle, Royal Navy Families and People Support

Becky Hothershall, Poverty Alliance

SC Adrian Rice, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minute of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday 11 November 2025 was approved as a correct record.

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

Alex Edmonstone, Live Argyll, noted the action for the Waverley model was on hold.  Mr Edmonstone further advised the Group of a consultation currently being undertaken to seek information on the needs of Live Argyll service users ahead of a potential reduction in budget. He encouraged the Group to share the details of the consultation with their networks and promote participation.

Concerns were raised by Group members regarding public confusion around potential facility closures. Mr Edmonstone agreed to review communication approaches.

Action – Alex Edmonstone to review communication with communities.

Report by Governance Officer, Argyll and Bute Council.

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

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Community Planning Group:

1.          adopted the Terms of Reference submitted at Appendix 1 and agreed that these 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.          agreed the membership of the group at Appendix 2 and 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

3.         noted the future meeting dates of the Group as:

•           Tuesday 12 May 2026

•           Tuesday 18 August 2026

•           Tuesday 10 November 2026

•           Monday 1 February 2027

(Reference: Report by Senior Committee Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 2 February 2026, submitted)

The Chair noted that the presenter for the next item of the Agenda (Community Focus) was delayed and it was agreed to take this item when the presenter was in attendance.

Presentation by Project Manager, Argyll and Bute Council.

The Group gave consideration to a report providing information on an evaluation which had been completed in respect of the Aspiring Places initiative. The report highlighted the key findings, including levels of participation, user satisfaction and challenges.  Stuart Green highlighted that the existing site would remain while the review was carried out; that the Funders Forum Steering Group would work with communities at appropriate stages and that the review outcomes would inform improvements to the Aspiring Places initiative.

Action – Stuart Green to provide details of the number of projects funded to date to the Group

Action – Stuart Green to seek an answer from the Funders Forum to the question of collaborative new groups being established through platform use.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted:

1.          the successful launch of the Aspiring Places platform and that it remained a live site for the benefit of communities, funders and the Council;

2.          the key findings from the evaluation of the scheme as set out in paragraphs 3.7 to 3.10 of the report; and

3.          an emerging need to develop a more sustainable approach to managing grant funds in an equitable manner for the Council and  communities alike and therefore the Council was undertaking a review of the internal approach and practices in the management of grant funding.

(Reference: Report by Corporate Support Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 7 January 2026, submitted)

The Chair advised that she had received a request from Police Scotland to re-order the Business and to take Agenda item 9(a) (Police Scotland Update) followed by Agenda item 8 (Crimestoppers and Community Intelligence) next to allow them to leave the meeting and attend other business. This was agreed by the Group.

The Group gave consideration to an update which provided information on Police Scotland’s priorities in the Helensburgh and Lomond area as well as information on Acquisitive Crime; Road Safety; ASB/Violence; Public Protection; and Local News.  Inspector Bart Simonis highlighted upcoming initiatives including collaboration with the British Horse Society to promote Operation #LoseTheBlinkers via a high-profile event which includes promotion of safety for cyclists and collaboration with Hermitage Academy to reduce vaping in young people via a campaign to identify shopkeepers in breach of their licence.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the

information provided.

(Reference: Report by Police Scotland, dated January 2026, submitted)

Presentation by Police Scotland.

The Group gave consideration to a verbal presentation from DI Michael Lochrie, Police Scotland, who highlighted a campaign which would be launched on 9 February in collaboration with Crimestoppers including information about identifying what organised crime was; the impact of drugs in communities; money laundering and how it affected communities; and promotion of anonymous opportunities to report criminal activity.  DI Lochrie highlighted the importance of communities as a primary resource for intelligence gathering and noted the value of Community Planning Group support in promoting the campaign with their networks.

Action – Governance to distribute Campaign promotional materials to the Group on behalf of DI Lochrie.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the

information provided.

(Reference: Presentation from Police Scotland)

Presentation on Banking Hubs by Regional Manager, Cash Access UK.

The Group gave consideration to a presentation by Lesley Wilson, Regional Manager, Cash Access UK who highlighted the background to the set-up of a Banking Hub including how a location is chosen, the timescales involved and what customers could expect from community cash and banking services. Ms Wilson noted that a potential location had been established in Helensburgh and that updates would be provided to the community in due course.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation from Cash Access UK)

Presentation 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 a summary of progress made; outlined agreed objectives and actions for the Transport and Housing priorities; noted that the objectives for the Community Wellbeing priority would be refined at the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee on 20 March and highlighted that 3 thematic sessions would take place to finalise the actions and establish available partner input and resources. 

Gill Simpson highlighted that within the Group that she would champion the Community Wellbeing priority, that Lindsey Young would champion the Transport priority and that there was an opportunity for a Group member to put themselves forward to champion the Housing priority.  Ms Simpson further noted a potential collaboration opportunity for the Group with the Argyll and Bute Armed Forces and Community Partnership.

Action – Group members interested in joining the thematic sessions to contact John McLuckie.

Action – Group members interested in the Housing champion role to contact Gill Simpson.

Action – Gill Simpson to investigate collaboration opportunities with Argyll and Bute Armed Forces and Community Partnership.

Decision

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

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

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 2025-26. The report gave a breakdown of fires and special services incidents which occurred in the Helensburgh and Lomond Area within that period and provided information on Community Safety Campaigns; On-Call Firefighter Training; the Christmas Gift Appeal and the work of the Community Action Team.

The Chair noted apologies from SFRS and highlighted the extension to the current Service Delivery Review consultation.

Decision

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

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

Consideration was given to an update from the Live Argyll Community Learning Service, which provided an update on Adult Learning and Youth Work in Helensburgh and Lomond.  The update included information on Adult Achievement Awards; Learning Café; National Databank; Digital Lending Service; SQA; Managing Your Money; Adult Literacy and Numeracy Support; Jean’s Bothy; Digital Boost; Scottish Mental Health First Aid training; Health Issues in the Community; Live Argyll Youth Showcase Event; and Helensburgh and Lomond Youth Council.

It was highlighted that as part of Argyll and Bute Council’s budget-setting process, Live Argyll had been asked to carry out a consultation on their services to understand how potential changes may affect adult learning programmes and learners. Partners were encouraged to complete the survey and provide the feedback required.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Live Argyll Community Learning Services, dated February 2026, submitted)

Consideration was given to a report from Helensburgh Community Council.

Elizabeth Lambert highlighted submission of the Place Plan and noted that the Community Council were currently working on an Emergency and Resilience Plan and promoting ongoing consultations.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the

information provided.

(Reference: Report from Helensburgh Community Council, dated January 2026 submitted)

Consideration was given to a report from Helensburgh and Lomond Community Development which included information about the work of the Helensburgh and Lomond Recovery Network; Kirkmichael Community Development Group/Scottish Men’s Shed Association; Princess Louise Hall Committee and UHI Argyll.

David Hagerty highlighted the upcoming second meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Recovery Network and sought input from Group members involved in recovery and health and wellbeing, and noted the work taking place to establish a new Men’s Shed in Kirkmichael.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the

information provided.

(Reference: Report from Helensburgh Community Development, dated February 2026, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to an update from Jen Broadhurst from Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau. The update highlighted that between January 2025 and December 2025 they had supported over 2000 clients, with 65% of clients being new to the service, with the vast majority of cases being welfare rights and Benefit enquiries. Information on volunteer recruitment; their new services such as Energy Debt Advice and Homelessness Prevention Pilot; existing services; outreach locations; research areas and their stakeholder survey were also provided.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, dated January 2026, 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 and A82.

Mr Woodcock highlighted that the decisions around permanent implementation of the current temporary 20mph zones would take place after public consultation; the Rest and Be Thankful was at the lowest alert level and after current works were complete would be free of traffic management.

Action – Ian Woodcock to request a regular written update for the Helensburgh and Lomond CPG on the progress of the Kilcreggan/Gourock/Dunoon ferries from the appropriate Transport Scotland team.

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 which included a focus on connection and community; Helensburgh Book Festival; Helensburgh Repair Hub; and upcoming events. Gill Simpson highlighted the upcoming Book Festival and encouraged Group members to promote it within their networks.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the

information provided.

(Reference: Report from Helensburgh Community Hub, submitted)

Consideration was given to a report from Rhu and Shandon Community Council which included commencement of work on development of a Community Emergency Plan; ongoing work developing a Local Place Plan; concerns around flooding, the impact of the HSDF, potential closure of public toilets; and the success of the Christmas Lights Switch-on event.

It was noted that the Community Council were shocked and saddened by the passing of their long-standing Secretary Jean Cook, and that the Community Council had expressed gratitude for her community work.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the

information provided.

(Reference: Report from Rhu and Shandon Community Council, dated February 2026, submitted)

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 training opportunities; Argyll and Bute Alcohol and Drug Partnership; Planet Youth; Recovery Oriented System of Care; and a Screening Inequalities event in Campbeltown.

Victoria Bola-Okerinde highlighted the training opportunities available for Mental Health First Aid, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills and Safe Talk.

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 February 2026, submitted)

Consideration was given to a report from UHI which included details of ongoing and upcoming learning opportunities and courses and the upcoming Hermitage Academy Careers Fair.

The report highlighted the challenge of low uptake and the work of UHI to increase awareness of UHI Argyll in Helensburgh.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the

information provided.

(Reference: Report from UHI, submitted)

Jean’s Bothy

The Group considered a verbal update by Katrina Sayer who highlighted ongoing work including welcoming a Psychotherapy student who was able to offer individual and group sessions; participation in the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival in autumn; and the launch of a second series of podcasts.

Cardross Community Council

The Group considered a verbal update by Lindsey Young who highlighted the ongoing work to prepare a Local Place Plan to be ready for consultation in March and the work of ABCAN, which was focused on education, with a Climate Change event scheduled in Hermitage Academy.

Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council

The Group considered a verbal update by Sheelagh O’Reilly who highlighted the ongoing work to develop household and emergency planning; planning guidelines for bench placement; and ongoing discussions around a memorial for Alastair MacIntyre.

Helensburgh Gaelic Group

The Group considered a verbal update by Alasdair MacCuish who highlighted ongoing learning in Helensburgh and Arrochar and noted an upcoming Gaelic Gala Day in Arrochar, with information available on their Facebook page.

Visiting Friends

The Group considered a verbal update by Jayne Burnett who highlighted that the next coffee morning for clients and volunteers would be hosted on 14 February in the Helensburgh Community Hub.

Argyll and Bute TSI

Lucy Taylor-Bloom introduced herself to the Group as the new Helensburgh and Lomond Support Advisor and welcomed opportunities to make connections with Group members.

Destination Helensburgh

The Group considered a verbal update by Fiona Baker who highlighted that they were back to normal opening hours; were working on producing walking trail maps in paper form and were updating the architectural trail map. Ms Baker advised that while the JLB TV100 group had been unsuccessful in their Parade funding bid, there would be various events held this year.

Rhu and Shandon Community Development Trust

The Group considered a verbal update by Fiona Baker who highlighted the completion of the upgrades to Lovers’ Lane and recently awarded funding for new projects.

Presentation by Climate Change Project Manager, Argyll & the Isles Coast

and Countryside Trust

The Group gave consideration to an update on progress with the climate change strategy, which provided information on the progress and timeline; ongoing partnership work: developing a business case and governance options for a Climate Ready Region for Argyll and Bute;  and Community resilience/emergency plans: initial findings from review of existing plans and engagement with community councils.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

1.    noted the overall progress since the October update;

2.    agreed to return any feedback on the draft climate Action Plan, by 20 February to Andy Macpherson, CPP Climate Change Manager andy@act-now.org.uk;

3.    noted the progress on developing an Argyll and Bute Climate Ready Region, and to provide any feedback on the forthcoming business case and governance model funding options by 20 February to the above contact; and

4.    noted the progress on review and engagement to date on community resilience/emergency plans, with any further input welcome.

(Reference: Report by Climate Change Project Manager, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust, dated 20 January 2026, submitted)

There were no verbal updates provided.

Report By Partnerships Lead, Argyll and Bute Council.

The Group gave consideration to a report which outlined matters discussed during the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee meeting held on 5 December 2025. The report provided information on the appointment of the new Chair of the CPP Management Committee; the CPP Improvement Plan; Fair Funding Guidance and Community Wealth Building (CWB) Charter and Climate Change. The report also provided information on the updates from each of the Area Community Planning Groups, which took place in November 2025; progress within each of the Priority Outcomes; the presentations on the Argyll and Bute Employability Partnership (ABEP) and Economic Strategy and Single Authority Model (SAM).

John McLuckie highlighted the links in the report to the revised CPP Welcome Pack and noted that the CPP had launched a podcast.

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 2 February 2026, submitted)

Update by Group Lead.

The Group gave consideration to a verbal update by Lindsey Young, who highlighted the ongoing actions of the Short Life Working Group including collating input to share with the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee; attending the Transport Thematic Session on 24 February; and exploring links to Community Councils not already involved.

Decision

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

(Reference: Verbal report by Helensburgh Transport Short Life Working Group Lead)

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 12 May.

The next meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Community Planning Group will take place on Tuesday 12 May 2026.