Agenda and minutes

The Vice Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

Amie Dow, Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council;

Melony MacLean, Argyll Community Housing Association;

Inspector Bart Simonis, Police Scotland;

Councillor Audrey Forrest;

Dorothy McDonald, Bute Business Improvement District; and

Rhyddian Knight, Friends of Glenan Wood.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minute of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday 13 August 2024 was approved as a correct record.

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group gave consideration to a report which outlined matters discussed during the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Full Partnership meeting held on 16 September 2024. The report provided information on the Argyll and Bute Employability Partnership Delivery Plan for 2022-25; the CPP initiative to develop a Climate Change Strategy and Framework; the history of Community Wealth Building within the Community Planning Partnership; the key priorities for the new Regional Transport Strategy for the development of transport in the region over the next 20 years; the current housing emergency and the action plan agreed in June 2024 and the proposed Population Health Framework for Scotland which is to be adopted by the Scottish Government, CoSLA, Public Health Scotland and Health Boards.

John McLuckie highlighted that the meeting had around 40-45 delegates present and that the majority of conversations were on the 3 priority themes which the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan for 2024-34 will focus on, specifically Transport Infrastructure, Housing and Community Wellbeing.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 5 November 2024, submitted)

Verbal Update from Corporate Resilience Manager and Resilience Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

Consideration was given to a presentation from Susan Donnelly, Corporate Resilience Manager from Argyll and Bute Council in relation to Community Resilience in Argyll and Bute. The presentation highlighted the importance of communities and individuals harnessing resources and expertise to prepare, respond and recover from emergencies, in a way that complements the work of emergency responders.

The presentation also provided information in relation to why Community Resilience is so important, including details of potential risks and statutory sites; how Community Resilience is managed in Argyll and Bute; recent and future workstreams of the Resilience team and ongoing activity across the Bute and Cowal area. The presentation also provided details on how Partners could engage with Argyll and Bute Council in achieving resilient communities across Argyll and Bute.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Corporate Resilience Manager, Argyll and Bute Council and Resilience Officer, Argyll and Bute Council)

Report by Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership and Alcohol and Drug Partnership Coordinator, 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 work of the Smoking Cessation Advisers who have been promoting the Stoptober Campaign by raising awareness of the service;  the continued work to increase awareness of the five adult screening programmes; the work of the Living Well Networks and the community events held by them; the launch of Year 5 of the Living Well Grants; The Argyll and Bute Joint Strategic Needs Assessment which will be published in November and the Art of Hosting method used to engage with communities.

The report also provided information on alcohol and drug prevention and early intervention programmes; work commissioned by Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs; ongoing work to support the recovery community in Argyll and Bute and the engagement being taken forward by the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Support team.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership and Alcohol and Drug Partnership Coordinator, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated October 2024, submitted)

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

The Group gave consideration to a presentation from Angela Coll, Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership which provided information on the Argyll and Bute Alcohol and Drug Partnership. The presentation highlighted that the mission of the Partnership is to work with and for communities and organisation in Argyll and Bute to prioritise equality, diversity and health and wellbeing and foster environments and partnerships to nurture and support all. Angela also outlined the Partnerships vision for a thriving Argyll and Bute where everyone has the opportunity to live well in vibrant, flourishing communities.

Angela asked the Group for feedback on how they would like to receive information on the Partnerships work and how they would want to be involved with the work of the Public Health Team.

Reeni Kennedy-Boyle advised that Fyne Futures work with many people with barriers to employment and that information could be fed through the Argyll and Bute Employability Programme. Rhona Grant advised that the Community Learning team undertake a significant amount of partnership working and are looking at partnerships around the new Community Learning and Development Partnership and that she would contact Angela separately. Shona Edwards added that information being provided via Sub Groups would be useful.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Report by Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership)

Presentation by Strategic Transportation Policy Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

Consideration was given to a presentation regarding the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) from the Strategic Transportation Policy Officer and Digital and Projects Support Officer, Argyll and Bute Council. The presentation provided information on the UK Government Guidance which highlighted that there would still be an option for a ‘landline only’ service as the Communications Act (2003) means all consumers in the UK will have access to a landline service should they choose to do so.

Mr Frederick Horner advised that communication providers must not undertake any non-voluntary migration until they have confidence and that they are taking all possible steps to protect vulnerable people throughout the migration process, adding that there have been 4 groups categorised as vulnerable, which are people with visual impairments, hearing impairments, registered disabled or a telecare user. Mr Frederick Horner also advised that should people be categorised as vulnerable then they should contact their provider to advise them of this.

It was highlighted that BT are allowing people to retain the same number and providing it for the same cost and for most customers the switch over would be as simple as connecting their phone handset to a router rather than a phone socket on the wall and that customers who don’t have or want broadband will be moved to a new ‘dedicated landline service’.

The Group highlighted there concern in relation to the PSTN switch off, particularly for Island users. Mr MacInnes advised that battery back-up units would be provided for those considered ‘vulnerable’ in areas with limited signal and that further mitigation would be explored.

Discussion took place in relation to the accessibility of information. Mr MacInnes advised that he hopes that leaflets will be included within the next round of Council Tax notifications and that he would explore options of providing leaflets in different languages.

Decision

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

agreed that the Strategic Transportation Policy Officer be invited to a future meeting of the Group to provide further information.

(Reference: Presentation by Strategic Transportation Policy Officer and Digital and Projects Support Officer, Argyll and Bute Council)

Consideration was given to an update which provided information on the ongoing work of the Service and information on serious and organised crime; acquisitive crime; road safety and road crime; violent crime; public protection; the work of the Youth Engagement Officer for Bute and Cowal; the continued work on pro-actively engaging with the public in the locality; Winter Safety campaigns and the work on supporting local businesses through the festive season.

Sergeant Marshall highlighted that a Youth Club for Dunoon is currently being established at the Foodbank, 22 Kirk Street, it is hoped it will open early the new year.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Police Scotland, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ2 review of local performance across Bute and Cowal for the period 2024-25. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan; incidents during this 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.

Decision

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

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

The Group gave consideration to an update from Reeni Kennedy-Boyle from Fyne Futures. The update highlighted that Fyne Futures had been awarded £2500 from the Supporting Communities Fund, which has supported the project around volunteering and food sharing with the programme now in the final few weeks of operation. Reeni highlighted that people of all abilities and ages have taken part in the horticultural activities at sites around Rothesay and Port Bannatyne and that the project has been successful in bringing people together, improving health and wellbeing and tackling food insecurity and poverty with dignity.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Fyne Futures, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from Rhona Altin, UHI Argyll. The update included information on the 2024 Graduation which was held on 27 September in the Queen’s Hall in Dunoon with 75 graduates and their guests in attendance; a coffee morning held on 30 September in the Dunoon Centre with support of the Highlands and Islands Students Association to raise money for McMillan Cancer Support; stalls at community events; English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) qualifications, and a planned open day on 13 November in all centres.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by UHI Argyll, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from Argyll and Bute TSI. The update provided information on policy activity; local strategic partnerships; Community Wealth Building progress; Internal matters, contracts, sector support and strategic action plan delivery; the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund Year 4 grant; the continued support given to the Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network and the work of the Wellbeing Development Manager.

Janis highlighted that she had successfully ran her first events in Dunoon which was a volunteer conference for the Cowal area with around 45 people in attendance and also a volunteer fayre with around 25 organisations in attendance.

Decision

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

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

Live Argyll Community Learning Services

Rhona Grant highlighted that the Youth Worker in Dunoon is working with the Police Youth Engagement Officer on establishing the new youth club and that they continue with the literacy support, working with people who have barriers and challenges to learning. Rhona advised that the new Community Learning and Development Strategic Partnership Plan 2024-27 is now complete with themes and shared priorities around digital skills; core skills for learning, life and work; health and wellbeing; your voice; the learning offer; and improve how they work as a partnership.

Shona Edwards highlighted the work being undertaken on Bute which includes working with adult learners on basic digital skills, which she now has a waiting list for, and the work with the Bute Men’s Group around mental health support. Shona also advised that she is working with Bute Action Group and the Kintyre Youth Action Group to find ways to enhance local youth participation.

Committee Manager Update

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 Bute and Cowal area. Mr McLean encouraged partners to refer any individuals or groups who may be interested to contact him regarding their inclusion within the membership.

Mr McLean also highlighted a number of Trust Funds which are available within the Bute and Cowal Area including The Third Marquis of Bute’s Silver Wedding Dowry Fund which is available for any girl resident in Rothesay being married in December of any year and The Provost’s Fund (Bute) which is available for the deserving poor of the Burgh of Rothesay. Mr McLean highlighted that both these funds close to applicants on the 22 November 2024.

Mr McLean also advised on the availability of The Lamont Bequest which is open to residents of the Parish of Kilfinan with successful individual applicants receiving £50, while those that are applying on behalf of their family receiving £100. It was advised that applications would only be considered if applicants are in receipt of a qualifying benefit and that applications are evaluated quarterly.

Dunoon Community Development Trust

Ann Campbell highlighted that over the last 18 months, the Dunoon Community Development Trust had been undertaking community engagement work concerning the local place plan and that a meeting would be organised with partners to discuss the responses. Ann advised that the Trusts AGM would be held on the 22 November and encouraged partners to look at their events page ‘What’s on Dunoon’.

Presentation by Development Officer, The Poverty Alliance

Consideration was given to a presentation from Becky Hothersall from The Poverty Alliance on their Taking Action on Rural Poverty project. It was highlighted that the 3-year project is taking a collaborative approach to develop new ways of addressing the rural cost of living in Argyll and Bute and Aberdeenshire, as income based measures do not take account of the higher cost of living in rural and Island Scotland, which is between 15% to 30% higher than urban areas of the UK. Becky advised that the Alliance aims to develop practical, local measures aimed at reducing the rural premium.

The presentation also provided information on the ongoing work of the Alliance which included establishing a citizen’s panel of 13 people from across Argyll and Bute and associated next steps; support offered to rural organisations and how to join them and be part of Scotland’s anti-poverty movement.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Development Officer, The Poverty Alliance, submitted)

Verbal Update from Area Manager, Transport Scotland

Consideration was given to a presentation from Ian Woodcock from Transport Scotland on the ongoing traffic management arrangements at the Rest and Be Thankful. The presentation provided information on the hillside monitoring regime with it being highlighted that daily and weekly monitoring is undertaken by a dedicated engineering team. Ian highlighted work undertaken to ensure continued access to Argyll including a number of projects to improve and enhance the Old Military Road.

Discussion took place in relation to the temporary boulder fence and the prospect of two way traffic being reintroduced on the Rest and Be Thankful. Ian advised that Transport Scotland are hopeful of installing fixed debris flow mesh fencing early in the new year which would culminate in the removal of the temporary boulder fence and thereafter the reintroduction of two way traffic.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Area Manager, Transport Scotland)

Presentation from Warden Ecologist, Holy Loch Nature Reserve

The Group gave consideration to a verbal update from Neil Hammett, Warden Ecologist, Holy Loch Nature Reserve. Neil highlighted that the reserve is managed by a voluntary group and comprises of 24 acres of ungrazed land which they conserve as much as they can. Neil advised that he has now counted 1200 species of insects living within the reserve and that they also have 2 kingfishers living within the reserve which have proved very popular with visitors. It was highlighted that they are part of a network funded by the Welcome Foundation and are hoping to expand the reserve by asking landowners to donate or lease part of their land.

Decision

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

(Reference: Verbal Update from Warden Ecologist, Holy Loch Nature Reserve)

Verbal Update from Woodland Coordinator, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust

The Group gave consideration to a presentation from Ian Dow, Woodland Coordinator, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (ACT) on the West Cowal Rainforest Restoration project. The presentation provided information on ACT’s structure and projects; the Rainforests Projects elements; the Rainforest Heatmaps and Landscape Context and the Gibellula Zombie Fungus which was found and the publicity of this.

Ian also advised that the West Cowal landscape scale habitat restoration project has the potential to provide training, volunteer and education opportunities; boost sustainable tourism opportunities and visitor numbers to the area; increase local opportunities for employment and bring investment to the area; be an exemplar of evidence led habitat restoration and demonstrate how productive land use and connected nature networks can coexist and contribute towards improving the health and wellbeing of West Cowal residents and visitors alike.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Woodland Coordinator, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust)

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

Consideration was given to a report providing an update on the Community Planning Partnership’s Argyll and Bute Climate Action Project: Developing a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Argyll and Bute. It was noted that the Project Manager was seeking feedback from Partners on the draft Strategy and Action Plan, prior to submitting a finalised version to the upcoming Community Planning Partnership Management Committee meeting in December 2024.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group:

1.    noted the approach and status of the project outlined in the report; and

2.    agreed to provide comments and feedback to the Project Manager (andy@act-now.org.uk) following the meeting.

(Reference: Report by Climate Change Project Manager, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust, dated 28 October 2024, submitted)

There were no verbal updates provided under this item.

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 4 February 2025.

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group would take place on Tuesday 4 February 2025.