Agenda and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

Dunoon Community Council;

Dee James, Argyll and Bute Rape Crisis;

Councillor Daniel Hampsey;

Councillor Liz McCabe;

Naomi Swann, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership;

Melony MacLean, ACHA;

Jen Broadhurst, Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau;

Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland;

Rhona Grant, Community Learning Services, Live Argyll;

John Brint, Ardentinny Community Council;

John Park, Sandbank Community Development Trust; and

Stephen Kelly, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Having noted the commitments of those in attendance, the Vice-Chair agreed to vary the order of business. This Minute reflects the order in which discussions took place.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minutes of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday 31 October 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 Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group (Area CPG) specifically the Terms of Reference, membership and future meeting dates.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal 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, subject to the inclusion of Fyne Futures, Friends of Glenan Woods and Castle House Museum, 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; and

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

(Reference: Report by, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 6 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 Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group and outlined the expected time commitment and information on the role.

Reeni Kennedy-Boyle nominated Bute Community Council representative Jean Moffat who confirmed that she would be happy to accept this position. With there being no other nominations, this became the decision of the group.   

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group agreed that Jean Moffat, Bute Community Council, be appointed as Chair.

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 6 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.

Discussion was had around the need for further discussion around the opportunities afforded by Community Wealth Building at a future meeting of the Area Community Planning Group.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the report.

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 6 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 Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(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 by Jennifer Dryden, Health Improvement Lead from 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 Bute and Cowal 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 Bute and Cowal 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

Consideration was given to a presentation by David Gould, Associate Researcher, Includem, in relation to Includem’s ADAPT Research Project. Information was provided in relation to Includem’s background as a Scottish charity dedicated to providing 24-hour, one-to-one support for young people and their families/carers; their normal operating processes when assisting young people who may be in conflict with the law; and funding from the Scottish Government’s Whole Family Wellbeing Fund to identify gaps and opportunities in provisions for young people who are in potential or actual conflict with the law.

It was noted that Includem were engaging with services and organisations across Scotland to identify gaps in current services and provisions for young people in order to create pilot projects that could work alongside existing services. It was noted that 12 broad themes had been identified across Scotland in relation to youth justice, with a variety of factors identified in relation to this and Includem were planning to design pilot projects around local needs. The Associate Researcher provided examples of current pilot projects, including bail support; structured deferred sentencing support; and restorative justice.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Leaflet by Includem, submitted and Presentation by Associate Researcher, Includem, tabled)

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.

Inspector Simonis highlighted the online safety webinar in conjunction with Neighbourhood Watch Scotland being held on the 27 February and it was noted that information on how to join had already been circulated to the group.

Discussion took place in relation to the ongoing consultation concerning proposals to close a number of Police Scotland properties across the country. Partners raised various concerns over the anticipated loss of service within the Bute and Cowal locality and neighbouring divisions.  

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group:

1.    considered and noted the information provided; and

2.    agreed that the Committee Manager would highlight to the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee, the concerns of the group regarding the proposed changes referenced within the engagement on proposed estate disposals.

(Reference: Report by Police Scotland, submitted)

The group gave consideration to a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ3 review of local performance across Bute and Cowal 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.

Chris Spence also provided information in relation to 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 Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

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

The group gave consideration to a written update from Rhona Grant, Live Argyll -Community Learning Services. The update provided information relating to adult literacy and numeracy provision; the HMI Community Learning and Development Progress Visit of Argyll and Bute Council; the newly elected MSYPs for Argyll and Bute and the findings from the consultation for youth’s living on Bute.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal 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)

Consideration was given to a written update from UHI Argyll. The update included information on January start courses that are available; the multiply programme which aims to support adults with no or low level maths skills get back into work and the open day held on 11 January which was well attended at both the Dunoon and Rothesay Centres and it was noted that another open day was provisionally scheduled for mid-March.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group:

1.    considered and noted the information provided; and

2.    noted that in the absence of a representative from UHI Argyll, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the group.

(Reference: Report by UHI Argyll, dated 22 January 2024, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from Janis Marshall Reilly from Argyll and Bute TSI. The update included information in relation to funding grants from the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund 2023-24; the commissioning of a Community Wealth Building strategy and action plan as part of the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership; funding 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 Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

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

Argyll and Bute Council’s Community Development Team

Ailie Law highlighted that the Community Development Team had recruited Aimie Dow as the new Community Development Officer for Bute and Cowal, advising that Aimie will be job sharing with her. Ailie also advised that a new Engagement and Communities Lead, Suzanne Mason had been recruited last year. Ailie concluded in highlighting that the Supporting Communities fund would be launched this week with applications open until mid-March.

Dunoon Gourock Ferry Action Group

Robert Trybis advised that 6 Community Councils were now backing Professor Neil Kay’s proposal to reintroduce a vehicle ferry service. He has also invited local Elected Members to meet with the Ferry Action Group and Community Councils to find out if there is progress on the leasing of the linkspan.

Councillor Sinclair, Argyll and Bute Council

Councillor Sinclair raised road safety concerns on the A815 through Sandbank and advised that there had been a further accident on that stretch of road. The Committee Manager advised that he had relayed the concerns of the group to the CPP Management Committee and that an update on potential road safety measures for Sandbank would be provided by the Roads Department at the next meeting of the group.

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 Bute and Cowal 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)

Report by Project Lead – Dunoon, Shaping Places for Wellbeing

Consideration was given to an update from Alex Wilde and Becky Hothersall from Shaping Places for Wellbeing Dunoon. It was highlighted that at the end of March the Community Link Lead Becky Hothersall would be leaving to take on a new role with Poverty Alliance.

The update provided information on inequality groups; how they share their learning; Place and Wellbeing Assessments and training opportunities; the Active Travel Plan for Dunoon; public transport discussions and a data led decision-making update.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Project Lead, Shaping Places for Wellbeing, Dunoon, submitted)

Presentation by Forest Ranger, Glenan Wood

Consideration was given to a presentation by Rhyddian Knight of Friends of Glenan Wood. Rhyddian highlighted that the woodlands is 148 hectares of unique Atlantic temperate rainforest which is managed by a small volunteer board in which he is the only full time employee and that his role is primarily community engagement.  Mr Knight advised that they have just finalised their programme for the year and are working on rebuilding their website to include an online booking page.

Rhyddian highlighted that the location of the woodlands is on the Cowal Way and right at the ferry terminal which brings opportunities for visitors as well as locals. It was noted that funding is a challenge for the woodlands.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Presentation by Forrest Ranger, Friends of Glenan Wood)

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 Bute and Cowal 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 6 February 2024, submitted)

Robert Trybis advised of an issue he had come across while out driving where a burn that crosses the A815 had burst its banks resulting in water flowing down to properties. He advised that the pipe under the road was not blocked but could not divert the volume of water.

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.

Discussion was had around the importance of Area Plans and the need for this to be subject to discussion at a future meeting of the Area Community Planning Group.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

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

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 30 April 2024.

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group would take place on Tuesday 30 April 2024.