Agenda and minutes

The Chair ruled that item 10 (a) of the agenda (South Kintyre Development Trust) would be taken earlier in the meeting to ensure that the presentation was heard due to access restrictions in the Burnett Building, Campbeltown after 12:30pm. This minute reflects the order in which discussions took place.

 

 

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

 

Apologies for absence were received from –

 

Lucy Sumsion, NFU Scotland

Neil McFarlane, Transport Scotland

Alison McGrory, Health and Social Care Partnership

Tracy Preece, Health and Social Care Partnership

John Bakes, Southend Community Council

 Mary McCallum Sullivan, Ardrishaig Community Council

 

The Chair apologised for IT issues which were preventing attendees in Campbeltown from participating in the meeting. IT support was requested to resolve problems to ensure that those in Campbeltown were able to participate.

No declarations of interest were intimated.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group held on Wednesday, 6 November 2019 were approved as a correct record subject to clarification at item 11 (a) of the minutes that Transport Scotland had agreed to investigate a solution to the issues with the road surface on the A83 at the entrance to Campbeltown and hoped this would be undertaken during the first quarter of 2020.

Report by Community Planning Manager

The group gave consideration to a report briefing them on the meeting of the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee held on 4^th December 2019 and its consideration of issues raised by Area Community Planning Group Chairs.

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group agreed to note the contents of the report.

 

(Reference: Report by Community Planning Officer, submitted)

Report by Committee Manager

The group gave consideration to a report confirming the governance arrangements of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group and specifically the Terms of Reference, membership and future meeting dates.

 

The Community Development Officer advised that she had liaised with a number of Community Development Trusts and had confirmation from 3 that they would be interested in becoming members of the group. The Community Development Officer agreed to pass the information for these Trusts to the Committee Manager.

 

Further discussion took place in respect of proposed venues for future meetings of the group with the Committee Manager agreeing to look into booking venues in Tarbert (August 2020); Campbeltown (November 2020); Lochgilphead (February 2021) and Islay (May 2021).

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group agreed:

 

1. to adopt the Terms of Reference submitted in the report (Appendix 1) and agreed that these 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. to adopt the membership of the group as outlined in the report (Appendix 2), with the addition of representatives from 3 Community Development Trusts;
3. that the membership of the group be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure currency and appropriateness for the work of the group as it develops over time; and
4. to adopt the meeting schedule and dates submitted in the report.

 

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, dated 5 February 2020, submitted)

 

 

Report by Community Planning Officer

The group gave consideration to the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Action Plan progress report.

                               

The Community Planning Officer advised that MAKI04 continues to be classed as not on track as an update has not yet been provided by Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The Community Planning Officer noted that she would continue to request updates from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and that once this has been received MAKI04 can be progressed in the tracker as appropriate.

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group agreed to note the content of the report.

 

(Reference: Report by Community Planning Officer, submitted)

 

Verbal update by Community Planning Officer

The Community Planning Officer provided a verbal update to the group regarding the results of the recent Place Standard survey. The Community Planning Officer advised that 1550 responses had been received, three times the number of responses received at the last consultation 2-3 years ago.

 

The Community Planning Officer noted that the results from across Argyll and Bute indicated that the main priority was the movement of people and results of the survey would be available publicly by the end of February.

 

The Community Planning Officer advised that the top 3 priority areas in the MAKI area were public transport, moving around and the local economy. The Community Planning Officer advised that the Community Planning Partnership will be holding a half day workshop in May to discuss actions and suggestions arising from the results of the survey to form the basis of a new action plan which is hoped to provide meaningful and impactful actions to address priority areas.

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group agreed to note the content of the update provided.

 

The Chair asked for a brief adjournment of the meeting to enable those in Campbeltown to join the meeting following the resolution of IT issues with the Video Conferencing facilities. The meeting adjourned at 10:05 and reconvened at 10:15am with all those present as per the sederunt.

 

 

Presentation by Amie Williams, Scottish Natural Heritage

Amie Williams of Scottish Natural Heritage gave the group an informative presentation on Marine Protected Area Management and Monitoring (MarPAMM). Ms Williams provided a brief overview of the project and the work packages that were being undertaken.

 

Ms Williams provided details of existing Marine Protected Areas in the Argyll region and noted that work was being carried out to raise the profile of the project and ensure that people had a better understanding of what the project was hoping to accomplish and what Marine Protected Areas could be used for. The Community Planning Officer advised that when further workshops in the local community had been arranged she would be happy to disseminate this information to partners to encourage attendance.

 

The Chair thanked Ms Williams for her presentation.

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided in the presentation.

 

(Reference: Report by Amie Williams, Scottish Natural Heritage, dated 5 February 2020, submitted)

 

Presentation by Kenny McNab, Clyde Fisherman’s Association

Kenny McNab of Clyde Fisherman’s Association provided the group with an informative presentation in relation to the work of the Clyde Fisherman’s Association. Mr McNab discussed the history of the Clyde Fisherman’s Association, the current staffing structure, the diverse range of work being carried out by the Association and the challenges that the Association is facing currently.

 

Mr McNab advised that in future he will no longer be acting as Chairman for the Clyde Fisherman’s Association and will be replaced by Tommy Finn but noted that he will remain the Chairman for the Clyde Fisherman’s Trust.

 

The Chair thanked Mr McNab for his presentation and invited Mr McNab to a later meeting to discuss the impact of Brexit on the fishing community when this is better known.

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided in the presentation.

 

Presentation by Head of Operations for Scotland North, Balfour Beatty

John Rennie of Balfour Beatty and Kelly Scott, SSE provided a presentation to the group in relation to the project currently being undertaken to replace the overhead electricity transmission line from Inveraray to Crossaig. Mr Rennie outlined the work planned as part of phase 1 of the project and noted that the team were happy to continue to liaise with the group to provide updates on work being carried out.

 

Discussion took place around benefits of the project for the local community and John Rennie confirmed that at the height of phase 1 up to 270 people could be working on the project, including local sub-contractors. It was noted that this level of workforce could have a positive impact on the local hospitality industry. Mr Rennie advised that the organisation was in conversation with the local school to discuss the possibility of providing Foundation Apprenticeships to local children and were keen to get ideas from the community on how they could make a positive contribution to the local area.

 

Councillor Horn asked if any update could be provided on concerns raised about the potential impact on tourism of the new pylons in Tarbert. Kelly Scott advised that conversations were ongoing with the local Community Council and the design team were in the process of creating a website where 3D representations of the pylons could be viewed. Kelly Scott noted that it was hoped that a video could be created between Balfour Beatty and SSE in future to publicise the works being carried out and the benefits to Argyll and Bute as much of the work is hidden away.

 

The Chair thanked Mr Rennie and Ms Scott for their informative presentation.

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided in the presentation.

 

John Rennie, Balfour Beatty and Kelly Scott, SSE left the meeting at this point.

 

 

Presentation by Eric Spence

Eric Spence of the South Kintyre Development Trust provided an update to the group in relation to South Kintyre Development Trust’s plans for 2020 and beyond.

 

Mr Spence provided information in relation to South Kintyre Development Trusts objectives, key strategies and projects that South Kintyre Development Trust have been involved in since their foundation. Mr Spence also provided details of the outcome of Community Action Plan surveys carried out for the 2020-2025 period and ways that South Kintyre Development Trust would assist with and liaise with other agencies to address these priority areas.

 

The Chair asked if invitation had been extended to local Community Councils to be part of the volunteer Board of Directors at South Kintyre Development Trust. Eric Spence advised that anyone was welcome to become a Director of the South Kintyre Development Trust and representatives would be welcome from different groups to ensure a diverse range of views were considered.

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided by Mr Spence and noted the work already undertaken by South Kintyre Development Trust.

 

Councillor Donald MacMillan BEM left the meeting at this point.

 

 

 

Presentation by Anthony Standing, Skills Development Scotland

Anthony Standing, Skills Development Scotland, provided information to the group with a presentation relating to the work of Skills Development Scotland. Mr Standing provided information and statistics regarding Modern Apprenticeships in the Argyll and Bute and MAKI areas.

 

Mr Standing noted that the largest uptake of Modern Apprenticeships in the MAKI area were in the Construction, Social Care and Food and Drink industries, with 43 of the 80 frameworks available in operation in the MAKI area. Mr Standing noted that Modern Apprenticeships were part of a demand based service and promotion of Modern Apprenticeships was being carried out in schools, with employers, with parents and with pupils. Mr Standing noted that Foundation Apprenticeships were also becoming more popular with children in the last years of secondary education.

 

Mr Standing advised that Skills Development Scotland hoped to arrange a lunchtime event for local councillors to attend and be provided with further information in relation to Modern Apprenticeships in order to further publicise the benefits of them.

 

The Community Planning Officer advised that MAKI appeared to be performing well based on the statistics produced and suggested that further discussion took place at the next meeting of the CPP Management Committee around possible ways to build on the action.

 

The Chair thanked Mr Standing for his presentation.

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group agreed to note the contents of the presentation.

 

Due to the time restrictions of access to the building in Campbeltown where Video Conferencing was taking place, those attendees in Campbeltown left the meeting at this point.

 

Anthony Standing, Skills Development Scotland, left the meeting at this point.

 

 

 

Presentation by Heart of Argyll Wildlife Organisation

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group were provided with an update by Oly Hemmings and Pete Creech of the Heart of Argyll Wildlife Organisation. Pete Creech provided an outline of the role of Heart of Argyll Wildlife Organisation and the requirement for the service in Argyll and Bute.

 

Mr Creech provided information in relation to the formal and informal education programmes provided by Heart of Argyll Wildlife Organisation which had benefitted 10 schools in the past year as well as the local Scout group and Kilmartin Museum.

 

Mr Creech gave details of events held during school holidays, recent collaboration with media and research projects and the tourist information service that the organisation has provided following the closure of local Tourist Information offices. 

 

Mr Creech suggested that following the presentation from Anthony Standing of Skills Development Scotland at the meeting it may be beneficial for the group to liaise with Mr Standing regarding potential Environmental and Tourism apprenticeships in the area. The Community Planning Officer agreed to provide Mr Creech and Ms Hemmings with the contact details for Anthony Standing and the local Skills Development Scotland representative.

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided during the update and noted the work already undertaken by Heart of Argyll Wildlife Organisation.

 

Oly Hemmings and Pete Creech, Heart of Argyll Wildlife Organisation left the meeting at this point.

 

 

Councillor John Armour

 

Councillor Armour voiced his frustration at the IT issues experienced during the meeting which had caused those attendees in Campbeltown to be unable to participate in sections of the meeting. Councillor Armour also noted that he was unhappy that access restrictions to the building used for VC facilities in Campbeltown meant that attendees in Campbeltown had to leave the meeting early and were therefore unable to provide partner updates.

 

The Committee Manager noted that alternative venues had been investigated, including the local police offices, however they also close at 12:30pm and access would not be possible after this time. The Committee Manager advised that the time for the meeting today had been brought forward to 9:30am to accommodate for the large agenda but unfortunately had still resulted in the meeting continuing until after 12:30pm and noted that scheduling of agendas would be looked at to ensure meetings did not run on longer than expected. The Committee Manager noted that the issues with building access had been investigated previously but she would look into these again to seek a suitable resolution.

 

Councillor Armour suggested that Partners Updates were scheduled earlier in the meeting to ensure all could contribute and the Chair agreed that these could be discussed in future following the agreement of previous minutes. The Community Planning Officer advised that she would be happy to provide her presentation later in the agenda if this would be helpful.

 

Councillor Armour advised that Bear Scotland had agreed at an earlier meeting that they would look into repairs for the A83 entrance to Campbeltown and the road and pavement around Campbeltown Picture House. Councillor Armour noted that this work did not appear to be scheduled on Bear Scotland’s Spring schedule and asked that an approach was made to Bear Scotland to ask that these repairs be carried out as a matter of urgency.

 

Councillor Anne Horn

 

Councillor Horn advised that she had reported the poor condition of the road on the A83 at the entrance to Campbeltown to Bear Scotland yesterday.

 

Councillor Horn noted that the Citizens Advice Bureau provide a patient advice and support service for those with issues involving the NHS and this had been raised at a Health and Wellbeing Network meeting for information.

 

Councillor Horn advised that Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust are investigating local housing issues and are hoping to come to a future meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group to discuss this.

 

Councillor Horn advised that in Tayinloan a new play park will be opening on Saturday 8^th February. Councillor Horn noted that the local community and other agencies had put in a lot of work and raised a lot of money for this project.

 

Councillor Robin Currie

 

Councillor Currie advised that he was frustrated at the IT issues which had occurred during the meeting and this was an ongoing issue with meetings involving Video Conferencing facilities.

 

Councillor Currie advised that at a recent meeting in Arrochar, a representative from Transport Scotland had advised that a tender would be going out for works on the A83 Rest and Be Thankful in January with a possible start date for works of March and a lane closure in place which was hoped to end in mid-summer. Councillor Currie noted that information received following this meeting has indicated that work may no longer be completed and asked that this was clarified with Transport Scotland.

 

Duncan Litster, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

 

Duncan Litster provided an update from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for the period up to 31^st December 2019. Mr Litster noted that there had been no road traffic accident fatalities in this period but unfortunately there had been 1 fire fatality during this period. Mr Litster noted that there had been an increase in incidents up to the period of 31^st of December but many were in relation to an increase in fire alarm signals – properties involved in this increase have been identified and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are working with the owners to decrease the number of incidents. Mr Litster noted that a new support role is in place in the MAKI area and this member of staff will mostly provide support to Campbeltown, Islay and Jura areas.

 

Andy Buntin, Lochgilphead Community Council

 

Andy Buntin advised that the next round of the Conservation Fund would begin on the 25^th of April 2020 and information gathering was ongoing at present. Mr Buntin noted that James Lafferty had been announced as the Project Manager and this was good news following his work in Campbeltown and Inveraray.

 

Mr Buntin noted that issues had been raised with Live Argyll regarding the library not opening due to staff absence. A meeting had taken place with Live Argyll on Monday and Jim Lynch had agreed to take these issues forward.

 

Mr Buntin advised that he would like to pass on thanks to the Police and other services who had assisted the area during Storm Brendan.

 

PC Michelle Rusden, Police Scotland

 

Michelle Rusden advised that a new Youth Engagement Officer had been employed in Lochgilphead who would be working in schools and with teachers. PC Rusden noted that resources for Police Scotland across the MAKI area are full and the area has had several employee transfers from England of very experienced staff. PC Rusden noted that at present there is an ongoing campaign to recruit special constables for the MAKI area.

 

PC Rusden advised that the post of Local Authority Liaison was being disbanded and so she would be unable to attend further meetings of the group. PC Rusden advised that she would update as soon as possible on arrangements for the future.

 

Shona Barton, Committee Manager

 

Shona Barton advised that the IJB would be beginning the consultation with regards to their budget over the next few weeks. Ms Barton noted that the consultation was not live yet but would be distributed to members of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, 6 May 2020 within the Columba Centre, Isle of Islay.

The next meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group will take place on Wednesday, 6 May 2020 at 10:30am within the Columba Centre, Isle of Islay.