Agenda and minutes

The Chair ruled and Partners agreed to alter the order of business of the Agenda by taking Item 8, the White Meter Removal after consideration of the Minutes of the previous meeting.

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

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

Councillor Julie McKenzie

Lucy Sumsion, National Farmers Union Scotland

Peter Bain, Oban High School

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minute of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Planning Group meeting held on 12 February 2025 was approved as a correct record.

Presentation by Home Energy Efficiency Project Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group heard from Jacqueline Westerman, Home Energy Efficiency Project Officer, regarding the ongoing White Meter Removal initiative.  Miss Westerman advised that Energy Suppliers have had five years to implement the removal of White Meters and replace these with Smart Meters and that this has proved a slow process especially in rural areas.  The message for householders is to contact their energy supplier as soon as possible as losing the Radio Teleswitch without a smart meter, will result in the higher tariff being applied.  Scammers are taking advantage of the fact that energy companies are being slow to roll out the switch over and anyone with concerns should contact Home Energy Scotland for free and impartial advice. 

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information referenced within the presentation.

Presentation by the National Islands Plan Team Leader, Scottish Government

The Group heard a comprehensive presentation from Megan McWilliams on the development and renewal of the Scottish Government National Islands Plan for Scotland. Megan provided the background to the Plan from the Islands Scotland (2018) to the Scottish Islands Survey Report in September 2024.

Megan advised that the current national islands plan overarching objective is to improve outcomes for island communities and features 13 strategic objectives with over 130 commitments. Whereas, the new National Island Plan seeks to be a more agile document, with fewer strategic objectives with a focus on additionality, fewer commitments and a clear allocation of responsibilities.

Partners noted that there is dedicated resource and capital budget to support the implementation of the Plan and that investments delivered to date include over £15 million capital since 2021-2022 through the Islands Programme, 71 projects on 51 islands supported. Francesco further advised that since December 2022 £3.4 million had been awarded through the Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund.    

There was a question and answer session and it was noted that the PowerPoint presentation will be provided to the area community planning group.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the presentation.

(Reference: Presentation by Megan McWilliams, Scottish Government, dated 14 May 2025)

Report by Partnerships Lead (Community Planning), 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 16 April 2025. The report also provided information on the Community Planning Self-Assessment Draft Improvement Plan; the next steps for the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan 2024-2034; the CPP Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan; CPP Community Wealth Building (CWB) Short Life Steering Group; the Community Justice Partnership; Community Learning and Development (CLD) Strategic Partnership Plan; a demonstration of the Aspiring Places Platform and guidance feedback on Fair Funding.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the report.

(Reference: Report by John McLuckie, Partnerships Lead, dated 14 May 2025, submitted)

Presentation by Community Development Team

The Group gave consideration to a presentation from the Community Development Team, Argyll and Bute Council which highlighted actions being taken to tackle transport issues in Argyll and Bute.

The Community Development Team advised that they would circulate reflective questions regarding transport provision within the locality and encouraged Partners to respond to these at their leisure.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered, discussed and noted the contents of the presentation.

(Reference: Presentation by the Community Development Team dated 14 May 2025)

The Group gave consideration to a report highlighting Police Scotland’s priorities for the Oban, Lorn and Isles area which covered serious and organised crime; crimes of theft and dishonesty; road safety and road crime; violent crime and public protection.

Inspector Shaw highlighted that there is a Motor Cycle Safety Event on Sunday 18^th May in the Carpark in Inveraray and that following feedback from partners on agricultural crime that future update will refer to this. Following MP and MSP correspondence concerning Taynuilt Pier, there is a plan for Police to engage with the Local Authority, Land Owners and Community to try to alleviate concerns and that the search for a missing woman on Mull is ongoing.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles  Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the report.

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

The Group gave consideration to a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ4 review of local performance across Oban, Lorn and the Isles for the period 2024/25. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan; accidental dwelling fires; wild fires; community engagement and Local Senior Office activities and the new home fire safety visit referral application.

Mr McGloin also advised that a Service Delivery Review had been undertaken with 23 options going forward to a public consultation which will open at the end of June 2025 and will remain so for 12 weeks.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the report.

(Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service dated January to March 2025, submitted)

Consideration was given to a written update from UHI Argyll. The update included information on an open week held in March; Modern Apprenticeship Programme; new short courses including Business Finance, Digital Skills for beginners, Developing Skills for Employment and Everyday English; commercial courses in Elementary Food Hygiene and Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Training and preparations are underway for the Academic Year for 2025-2026.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by UHI Argyll dated 25 April 2025, submitted)

Consideration was given to a written update from Citizens Advice Bureau. The update included information on advice provision and advice areas during February, March and April 2025; volunteer recruitment and services provided with the Bureau; and Outreach Locations within the area.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Citizens Advice Bureau dated May 2025, 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 regarding Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Training; Free condoms by post; Speakeasy training and screening inequalities.

The update also highlighted that 5 sector organisations were awarded small grants in 2024/25 to increase knowledge and understanding of national screening programmes, so people can make an informed choice and provided information on how they the organisations are using the money to promote screening.

A question concerning a Policy change with regards to Carers in the Community was raised, which Sarah Peacock confirmed that she would respond to.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Health Improvement Lead, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated May 2025, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update on the New Oban, Lorn and the Isles Health and Wellbeing Network, from Catriona Petit, which started afresh on 1^st April, information on how to become a member is included in the update;. Catriona also advised that a public event will take place at the end of the Summer and will focus on what the aspirations of the Network will be. The Group noted that Carol Flett’s role within the Network will change slightly and that her contact details were referenced within the update.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information.

(Reference: A report by Oban, Lorn and the Isles Health and Wellbeing Network dated 1 May 2025, submitted)

Kirsty McLuckie provided information on an upcoming ‘Funding Connections’ event that will be held in the Rockfield Centre, Oban on 19 June 2025 which will introduce Argyll and Bute Council’s new Aspiring Places Initiative. Kirsty advised that the event is focused on bringing together Community Groups and Third Sector Groups, TSI and various Council Teams, Community Development Team, Team coordinating the Community-Led Local Development Fund and Empty Business Property Support.

Kirsty also added that there will also be an Aspiring Places Project Gallery and if any Partners would like to see their project feature in the gallery to follow this link Aspiring Places.

(Reference: Verbal Update, Argyll and Bute Council, Community Development, May 2025)

Becky Hothersall – Poverty Alliance

Becky advised that Poverty Alliance host quarterly meet-ups for any local or regional organisations where the cost of living is relevant to their work and that the next event is being held on Tuesday 27 May from 10.30-12.30 via Zoom, future events can be found via the following link - A&B participation calendar.

Becky advised that the Poverty Alliance also co-ordinate a citizens' panel of people from across Argyll and Bute with experience of living on a low income or having high costs due to their rural location. The Panel aims to create opportunities for people with lived experience to be more involved in decision making.

Becky encouraged Partners to contact her via e-mail (Becky.hothersall@povertyalliance.org) should they have any questions.  

Catriona Petit – Hope Kitchen

Catriona advised of a new steering group which was established to start a new Development Trust in Oban and is looking for members to join; a new Recovery Group is starting on Monday 19^th May in Sadie’s Hall, Stevenson Street for peer to peer support on Alcohol and Drug problems, a launch of this group will take place on Saturday 17^th May at Station Square, Oban from 1pm – 4pm.

Verbal Update from Chair of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group

Colin Buchanan gave an update on progress made by the Short Life Working Group. The Chair confirmed that he had written to all Community Councils within the locality and that 2 had responded.  Colin further advised that all the Community Council’s resilience plans are out of date and require to be updated and that he would welcome anyone that would like to be involved in the work of the Group to contact him, specifically Community Council representatives.

(Reference: Verbal Update from Chair of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group, May 2025)

Report by Climate Change Manager

Consideration was given to a report providing an update on the Community Planning Partnership’s Climate Change Strategy. It was noted that the Project Manager was seeking further recommendations for groups to engage with and to inform of further development of the action plan.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group:

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

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

(Reference: Report by Chair of the Climate Change Action Group dated 30 April 2025, submitted)

Live Argyll

Miss Evans advised that a group of young people have got together to set up a group and will hopefully be in a position to to attend the next Community Planning Group meeting.

Catriona Petit – Hope Kitchen

Miss Petit advised that funding has been sought to enable the premises used by Re-Store to be purchased by Hope Kitchen.

Presentation by Kirsty MacKenzie, Carers Act Officer, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership

Kirsty MacKenzie gave an overview of the Carers Scotland Act 2016. The presentation provided information on the National Carer Strategy which sets out the commitment to support and involve carers as an equal partner; prioritising needs at different levels and the Council’s statutory responsibilities to unpaid carers.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles considered the information provided within the presentation.

(Reference: Presentation by Kirsty MacKenzie, Carers Act Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 14 May 2025, submitted)

Presentation by Joan Best, Crossroads

Joan Best gave a presentation on what services Crossroads provides within the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area. Joan advised that support is given to unpaid carers with particular reference to Respite support which can be from a couple of hours to a week, this allows them time to themselves. Providing support for the cared-for can include taking them out for a drive, lunch or a walk, or various activities if they cannot leave the house.

Joan advise that 95% of the people Crossroads supports are living with some kind of dementia diagnosis with activities tailored to their needs; there is a Monday group which is for bereaved cares and cared-for; a new group has started for the Gypsy Traveller community; referrals are received from a number of agencies such as Social Work, GPs and District Nurses; 123 unpaid carers are supported each week, with 12 on the waiting list, 245 hours of respite care per week are offered; staff travel around 700 miles per week and that funding comes from partly the HSCP through the Carers Act Funding and The National Lottery, Shared Care Scotland’s Creative Breaks, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface – Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, The Crerar Trust and various other local groups.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning group noted the information provided within the presentation.

(Reference: Presentation by Joan Best, Manager Crossroads, dated 14^th May 2025, submitted)

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group would take place on Wednesday 13th August 2025.