Agenda and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

Fiona Baker, Destination Helensburgh and Rhu Community Council;

Alasdair MacCuish, Helensburgh Gaelic Group; and

Becky Hothershall, Poverty Alliance

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minute of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Monday 2 February 2026 was approved as a correct record.

The Group noted 2 updates to the approved minutes from 11 November 2025 item 6 – Community Focus, which should have read “Fiona Baker of The Baird TV Centenary Trust (JLBTV100) and Destination Helensburgh” and that it was specifically “JLB Walking Trail” leaflets which were available. 

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

Presentation from Helensburgh and Lomond Summer Family Project.

Consideration was given to a verbal presentation by Kirsten Davidson of Live Argyll who introduced the launch of a new project named Guardians of the Hidden Tales; A Family Summer Quest, set up in partnership between Live Argyll Community Learning Team, the Book Nook within Helensburgh Community Hub, Helensburgh Library, Fun First and the Hill House, with the purpose of filling the gap left from cessation of the Summer Reading Challenge. The project would run through July and August and would  combine promotion of reading along with other activities via a form with details of the Quest and a map of Helensburgh parks, landmarks and organisations. The organisers advised that they would promote the project through schools, clubs and media.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Live Argyll)

Presentation by Community Planning Team, Argyll and Bute Council.

The Group gave consideration to a presentation delivered by the Partnerships Lead of the Community Planning Team. The presentation highlighted the process to date; how the Management Committee had moved actions forward since the Argyll and Bute Outcomes and Improvement Plan (ABOIP) was published; noted the actions which would be taken forward under each of the 3 priorities which had been approved by the Management Committee; noted the actions which were underway and those which were being refined through discussion to be taken in the next phase.

Action – John McLuckie to share slides with Committee Services to distribute to the Group.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Partnerships Lead)

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 (SLWG) including considering the priorities and noting the positive impact of actions on Active Travel, EV driver experience and aspects of public transport. Lindsey noted a request to invite Emily Davie, Mobility Partnership Programme Manager, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to a future meeting. Lindsey highlighted that the SLWG would connect with the new groups identified in the Argyll and Bute Outcomes and Improvement Plan update and would continue to seek engagement from the Community Councils not yet involved with the SLWG.

Decision

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

(Reference: Verbal Update by Chair of Helensburgh Transport SLWG)

Report by Committee and Democratic Services Officer, Argyll and Bute Council.

The Group gave consideration to a report that provided information in relation to the forthcoming Community Council elections and the potential implications for Community Council representation during that period.

Action – Committee Services to provide a timeline for when Community Councillor Approved Duties information would be made available on the Council website.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

1.    noted the information provided within the report;

2.    noted the potential implications for Community Council representation during this period; and

3.    agreed to support the forthcoming Community Council elections by promoting awareness within their own communities and networks

(Reference: Report by Committee and Democratic Services Officer dated April 2026, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to a report highlighting Police Scotland’s priorities for the Cowal, Bute and Helensburgh area including information on the ongoing work and priorities of the Service and information on Serious and organised crime, crimes of theft and dishonesty (acquisitive crime), road safety and road crime, ASB and violent crime; and public protection. The report also highlighted some local policing news items, including 2026’s Spring Community Update. Inspector Bart Simonis highlighted engagement with farmers to reduce acquisitive crime; reintroduction of speed cameras on the A82; advised all local officers now wear Body Worn Cameras and successful recruitment of a new Community Officer.

Action – Inspector Simonis to arrange update reports to Community Councils.

Decision

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

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

The Group gave consideration to a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s FQ4 review of local performance across Helensburgh and Lomond for the period Q4 2025 – 2026. The report gave a breakdown of fires and special services incidents which occurred within the locality and provided information on Community Safety & Engagement Campaigns; and the work of the Community Action Team.  Station Commander Adrian Rice highlighted that the Kings Fire Service Medal had been awarded to Gerry Ralston for his 37 years of dedicated service and the Chair expressed congratulations on behalf of the Group.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service dated May 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 the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention training being held across Argyll and online; the Speakeasy online bitesize sessions; the Argyll and Bute Alcohol and Drug Partnership; the Recovery Orientated System of Care framework; Planet Youth National Learning Event and Planet Youth Local Coalition Groups; the Medically Assisted Treatment Standards Experiential Programme 2025-2026 and the Sexual Health Needs Assessment. Rebecca Roberson highlighted the planned delivery of Mental Health and Wellbeing Training and noted the partnership working of Planet Youth with Youth Action Councils.

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 April 2026, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from Transport Scotland which provided information on a variety of different works recently completed and planned along the A83 and A82. The report highlighted the status of ongoing work to assess the options to deliver enhancements to the Gourock-Kilcreggan ferry service. Ian Woodcock highlighted the recently delivered additional road signage and road lining to indicate the new 20mph Zones and noted that further interventions would be delivered, in particular around the Primary School.

Action – Ian Woodcock to investigate how Transport Scotland monitor the impact of closure of the A814 (Whistlefield to Arrochar) on A82 traffic volume.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Transport Scotland dated April 2026, submitted)

Consideration was given to a report by Helensburgh Foodbank which highlighted the purpose and activities of the organisation, and noted that their Management Committee had begun the process of becoming a registered charity.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Helensburgh Foodbank dated April 2026, submitted)

Consideration was given to a report from Helensburgh Community Council which included updates about issues raised by the public; town improvement; LLP; Resilience Plan and Community Events.  Elizabeth Lambert highlighted that the Community Council were expecting to have more vacancies after the AGM in May and would be working on recruitment.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the

information provided.

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

Consideration was given to a report from Helensburgh Community Hub which highlighted upcoming events including Summer family fun programme; Helensburgh Book Festival 2026; Noir at the Bar; Dolly Parton Imagination Library; Book Nook visits; Pride 2026; Hub AGM and Trustee recruitment and information about regular Hub activities.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the

information provided.

(Reference: Report from Helensburgh Community Hub dated May 2026, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from the Live Argyll Community Learning Service, which provided an update on Youth Work in Helensburgh and Lomond. The update included information on Helensburgh and Lomond Youth Action Council; Hermitage Academy; Parklands; and Friday Night Football.  Caroline Whitson introduced Kirsten Davidson of Live Argyll who would focus on IT support through the Learning Café.

Alex Edmonstone 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 and noted that the responses provided a compelling case resulting in no reduction in services.  Mr Edmonstone noted the work being undertaken to prepare for reopening Helensburgh Leisure Centre and highlighted extensive communication by Live Argyll to community members via multiple channels.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the

information provided.

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

Consideration was given to a report by UHI Argyll which highlighted current focus areas including examinations; marketing for courses starting in autumn; promotion events; and viability of a new central facility.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by UHI Argyll dated May 2026, submitted)

Consideration was given to a report by Community Development which highlighted current focus areas including Community Engagement Training; Funding Connections Roadshow; Repopulation seminars; Men’s Shed; Princess Louise Hall; Helensburgh and Lomond Recovery Network; and Community Development Officer support opportunities.  David Hagerty highlighted the launch of the Supporting Communities Fund and noted it would be open until 6 July.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Community Development Officer dated May 2026, submitted)

Friends of Hermitage Park

Consideration was given to a verbal report by Alan Morris who highlighted the launch of a Health Walk project, promoting walking and wheeling with local volunteers trained as walk leaders with the key objective of increasing activity in the Park. Mr Morris noted vacancies for Trustees and invited support from the Group.

Action – Alan Morris to share a poster for the project with Committee Services for distribution to the Group.

Jean’s Bothy

Consideration was given to a verbal report by Katrina Sayer who highlighted current focus areas including Mental Health Awareness promotion in local supermarkets; Mindful Meal Event; launch of Friends of Jean’s Bothy which would work to secure funding; and noted vacancies for Trustees.

Community Gardens Flower Show

Consideration was given to a verbal report by Fiona Howard who introduced the launch of a Flower Show to promote the work of Community Gardens and highlighted support for the event by Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust and Grey Matters.

Action – Fiona Howard to share promotion materials with Committee Services for distribution.

Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council

Consideration was given to a verbal report by Sheelagh O’Reilly who highlighted the launch of a housing needs survey and sought support from the Group to promote it within their networks.

Action – Sheelagh O’Reilly to share the link with Committee Services for distribution.

Plastic Free Helensburgh/Time for Change

Consideration was given to an update from Angela Anderson who highlighted the ongoing work by Plastic Free Helensburgh including beach cleans and community outreach, and from Time for Change who had delivered a briefing of the Scottish Government Draft Climate Change Plan in various locations, and the intention to reach out to newly elected MSPs.

Royal Navy Families and People Support

Consideration was given to a verbal report by Christine Stewart who highlighted the launch of The Cave, a drop-in club for in high school pupils in Churchill with a promotion event on 9 June and the opening on 18 August.

Partnership working

The Chair advised the Group that she would be working with Councillor Fiona Howard as Chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee to secure greater engagement between HMNB Clyde and the Helensburgh and Lomond Community.

Action – Gill Simpson to liaise with Navy representation to the Community Planning Group to promote engagement.

Consideration was given to a report by Argyll and Bute TSI which highlighted current focus areas including Integration Joint Boards (IJBs); Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill; The Promise and children’s services legislation; Local strategic partnerships; Strategy Review; and Positive Destinations funding. Lucy Taylor-Bloom highlighted the launch of an AI Awareness survey and sought support from the group to promote it through networks.

Action – Lucy Taylor-Bloom to share survey link with Committee Services for distribution.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute TSI dated May 2026, submitted)

Consideration was given to a report by Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network which highlighted current workstreams including funding; focus on food sustainability; Helensburgh Repair Hub; Carbon Literacy training; and Eco Clubs in schools.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network dated May 2026, submitted)

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

The Group gave consideration to an update from the Climate Change Project

Manager on progress with the Climate Change Strategy. Information was provided on overall project progress and timeline for the financial year; the Action Plan which had been approved by the CPP Management Committee on 20 March 2026; the development of the business plan for a Climate Ready Region for Argyll and Bute and Community Resilience.

The Chair, on behalf of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group recorded her thanks to Andy MacPherson for the positive contribution that he had made within Climate Change and agreed to his ongoing updates to the Community Planning Group.

Action – Gill Simpson to investigate formal alignment of the development of the business plan for a Climate Ready Region for Argyll and Bute with the Local Development Plan 3.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

1.    noted overall progress and timeline to the end of the CPP funded period (July 2026) and beyond,

2.    agreed to return any feedback on the draft climate Action Plan by the end of May to Andy Macpherson, CPP Climate Change Project Manager andy@act_now.org.uk;

3.    noted that the CPP Management Committee had approved the Action Plan for the CPP Climate Change Strategy and that a sub meeting may be necessary to identify leads for actions that fall across the remits of member organisations;

4.    noted that the CPP Management Committee supports the recommendations in the business case for an Argyll and Bute Climate Ready Region which had been submitted to the Scottish Government; and

5.    noted progress and limitations with supporting communities in developing resilience (emergency) plans and agreed to return suggestions of priority groups or actions for Bute and Cowal to Andy Macpherson, CPP Climate Change Project Manager.

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

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 20 March 2026. The report provided information on the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan, CPP Governance and Membership, Climate Change, Community Wealth Building, CPP Improvement Plan and the appointment of a new Place Director.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Partnerships Lead, Argyll and Bute Council dated April 2026, submitted)

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 18 August 2026.

The next meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group was noted as Tuesday 18 August 2026.