Agenda and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

Reeni Kennedy-Boyle, Fyne Futures

Michelle Mundie, Argyll Community Housing Association

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minute of the Bute and Cowal Area Planning Group meeting held on 5 November 2024 was 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 the future meeting dates.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Planning Group:

1.    considered and adopted the Terms of Reference submitted at Appendix 1 of the report and to agree 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 the National Farmers Union, Scotland and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), 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 subject to the change of the date for May 2026 to 28 April 2026.

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 4 February 2025, 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 6 December 2024. The report provided information on a number of cross cutting themes such as the Census – Population Update; Joint Strategic Needs Assessment from NHS Highland, CPP Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan; CPP Community Wealth Building; Argyll and Bute Council Equalities Outcomes Consultation and Audit Scotland’s Tackling Digital Exclusion.

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 4 February 2025, submitted)

Presentation by Corporate Support Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group gave consideration to a presentation by the Corporate Support Manager,  Argyll and Bute Council, in relation to the Council’s Aspiring Places; Community Project in Argyll and Bute. The presentation provided background information in relation to the revised approach which is deemed to be more sustainable, dynamic and an efficient way to not only capture community projects, but allow community groups to use CONSUL Democracy as a ‘shop window’ to attract funders and promote collaboration.

Stuart Green outlined the projects next steps and that it will launch at the end of March 2025.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Corporate Support Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, 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 2024/25. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan; accidental dwelling fires; casualties; deliberate secondary fire setting; fires in non-domestic property; casualties from non-fire emergencies; unwanted fire alarm signals; incidents and activities of note and community engagement activities.

Christopher Spence advised there will be a change to the pathway system which will be hosted on a new platform from 12 February which will require re-registration.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, 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 Argyll and Bute Joint Strategic Needs Assessment which was published in December 2024; the expansion of the Community Link Working service; the launch of the Mental Health Hub – Living Well in Argyll and Bute digital resource and mental health awareness and suicide prevention training available.

The report also provided information on the work undertaken as part of the alcohol and drugs partnership; the screening inequalities grants funding which has been awarded to Argyll and Bute; the end of the Waverly Care contract; and the end of the existing Living Well Network coordination.

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, dated February 2025, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from Transport Scotland which highlighted the continuing traffic management arrangements at the Rest and Be Thankful and that there is a final section of debris flow barrier still to be installed at sectors 3a and 3b which is planned for February; the Cairndow signage improvement works are ongoing and that they are still waiting on SSE to determine power connection and that the emergency works at Furnace were successfully completed during November 2024 to mitigate river erosion.

Mr Woodcock also provided the Group with note of planned works at Ardgarten, work on Fyne Bridge and drainage works at Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, Succoth.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Area Manager, Transport Scotland, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from Janis Marshall Reilly from Argyll and Bute TSI. The update included information in relation to Chief Executive Officer, Takki Sulaiman’s, contribution to TSI Scotland Network’s document; activities of the Third Sector Support Advisor; Funding for third sector organisations; Day Services for Older People review; activities of the Wellbeing Development Manager; Winter welcome spaces and volunteer of the year awards 2025 which has two new categories for this year.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute TSI, dated January 2025, submitted)

Consideration was given to a written update from UHI Argyll. The update included information on January start courses that are available; commercial courses available and open events and taster sessions. Rhona Aitken reported that the Maritime Rope Workshop course was a success and they are hoping to replicate this in the future.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by UHI Argyll dated 21 January 2025, submitted)

Live Argyll Community Learning Services

Shona Edwards reported that the Community Learning team had use of the upstairs of the Moat Centre Library for youth work and adult learning and that as the Library will be 50 years old this year there will be some promotional work  on this to celebrate the History of the Library.

Ann Kennovin highlighted that the youth work bill was out for consultation and they were hoping to get young people to contribute and that they are continuing to work with primary 7 students to ensure a smooth transition into secondary school

Skills Development Scotland

Susan MacRae confirmed that duding for national training initiatives will soon pass from Skills Development Scotland to the Scottish Funding Council and that officers are working to ensure that service users experience a smooth transition. Susan also advised they she is continuing to deliver the PACE programme to support those facing reducing into positive destinations.

Argyll and Bute Council, Economic Growth - Visitor Levy Consultation

On behalf of colleagues in Economic Growth, the Committee Manager, advised that the Council is running a formal visitor levy consultation until 10 April 2025 and urged Partners to find out what it could mean for them and the area and to give their views. The consultation can be accessed here : council website.

Stuart also confirmed that the Council will be hosting a series of drop-in events and online information webinars to help people in Argyll and Bute to find out more and get involved in assessing the possible introduction of a Visitor Levy.

The online webinars will last one hour, to book a space please follow this link Visitor levy information events to take place across Argyll and Bute Stuart added that there is no requirement to book a space for the drop-in events which will be held across Argyll and Bute. Stuart highlighted 2 events in particular, Rothesay on 10 March, hosted in the Academy 4.30pm-7pm and in the Queen Hall, Dunoon, on 28 March 4pm-7pm.

Report by Sergeant Sophie Marshall

Consideration was given to an update which provided information on the ongoing work and priorities of the Service and information on Serious and organised crime, crimes of theft and dishonesty, road safety and road crime, violent crime and public protection. The report also highlighted some local policing news items, including the recruitment of 5 new probationary officers on Bute with 2 in Dunoon and forward planning issues.

Inspector Bart Simonis advised that Friday’s storm was challenging for Argyll and Bute, and that he had witnessed great partnership working to keep things moving throughout the area.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Police Scotland dated January 2025, submitted)

Update by Linda Payne, Chairperson of Waterbaby Arts

Consideration was given to a presentation by Linda Payne and Donna Canavan, Chairperson of Waterbaby Arts, a non-profit charity organisation that was started in Glasgow.  Waterbaby Arts provides workshops, support and services across four Council areas providing movement and creative arts classes which are accessible to people of all ages with disabilities. At the heart of the initiative of the organisation is the provision of a safe environment for a variety of people and their families to encourage children to participate in movement and the arts.

The Chair thanked Linda and Donna for their presentation and short video and wished them every success for the future.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Donna Canavan and Linda Payne, Chairperson of Waterbaby Arts)

Report by Andy MacPherson, Climate Change Project Manager

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.

Andy MacPherson advised that he was working with the Councils resilience team with a view to enhance resilience at a more local level after lessons learned following Storm Eowyn.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group noted the approach and status of the project outlined in the report.

(Reference: Report by Climate Change Project Manager, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust, dated 22 January 2025, submitted)

Presentation by Mary-Lou Anderson, Bute & Cowal Engagement Officer

Consideration was given to a verbal update by Mary-Lou Anderson, Engagement Officer who works in the Tighnabruaich area in a team of three who job share. Mary-Lou advised that they have been assisting the Community Council and the Community Trust in developing a Local Place Plan. A survey was launched throughout the area with a 25% return rate and that they are now in a position, to create a report to feed back to the Steering Group with some goals and recommendations.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Mary-Lou Anderson, Bute & Cowal Engagement Officer)

Argyll and Bute’s Community Development Team

Aimie Dow highlighted the Supporting Communities Fund would be launched on 31 March 2024.

Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface

Janice Marshall Reilly thanked the teachers for all their support during the storm when schools were closed and in providing activities for the children. She further highlighted the event for Community and Management in Gaelic which was really insightful delivered by the Gaelic Development Office.

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 6 May 2025

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group would take place on Tuesday 6 May 2025.