Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made. The Committee Manager outlined the procedure for the meeting.

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

Councillor Donald MacMillan BEM

Councillor Sandy Taylor

Fergus Murray, Argyll and Bute Council

Joanna MacDonald, Argyll and Bute HSCP

Donald Watt, Argyll and Bute HSCP

Alison McGrory, Argyll and Bute HSCP

Robert Judge, Live Argyll

Inspector Julie McLeish, Police Scotland

PC Laura Evans, Police Scotland

Lucy Sumsion, NFU Scotland

Samantha Stubbs, Third Sector Interface

Valerie Nimmo, Campbeltown Community Council

Catherine Anne MacAulay, Campbeltown Community Council

Linda Divers, Inveraray Community Council

Jane Cowen, Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust

Eric Spence, South Kintyre Development Trust

Phil Dickinson, Craignish Community Council

Fred Bruce, West Loch Fyne Community Council

Alyson MacGillivray, South Islay Development Trust

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minute of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday, 10 November 2020 was approved as a correct record.

Update by Local Network Manager, Transport Scotland

Neil MacFarlane, Transport Scotland, circulated a list of notable Transport Scotland roadworks on A83 and A82 Loch Lomondside as follows;

Completed:

A83 Tarbet To Arrochar Footway

Ongoing:

A83 Tarbet To Arrochar, additional drainage improvements now underway.

A83 Rest and Be Thankful

Upcoming:

A83 Campbelltown - Footway reconstruction Tarbert Road prior to carriageway reconstruction. Target start date late February/ March.

A82 Loch Lomond side night time convoy resurfacing – all of February to 9 March

A83 Clachan resurfacing from 18th to 22nd February

A83 Lit sign faces and bollards refurbishment

A83 Branch cutback proposals to be submitted by BEAR to TS

A83 Glen Kinglas Bunds – subject to contract completion

A83 Cairndow Signing scheme design underway.

A83 Campbeltown – consideration of BEAR pedestrian crossing report Kinloch Road

A83 Meall Mhor resurfacing 23 and 24 February

Neil provided a further verbal update around future plans for work on the A83, particularly highlighting the Rest and Be Thankful and the expected decision on a permanent solution being announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity in the Spring of 2021; the implications of lockdown restrictions and inclement weather on BEAR Scotland’s reconstruction programme; the plans for works on Hall Street in Campbeltown to be completed when possible; the agreement that the A82 Loch Lomond side convoy for resurfacing works would now likely take place during day time hours; and providing confirmation that a puffin crossing had been agreed as a requirement for Kinloch Road in Campbeltown.

The Chair asked that it was highlighted to the relevant parties that more, larger signage was required at the junctions of the A814 and A83 and at the junction of the A817 and A814 to advise that the road was not suitable for HGVs, Neil confirmed that he would liaise with the relevant Council officers regarding this.

Councillor Horn asked that flooding on the A83 south of Ronachan be brought to the attention of relevant BEAR Scotland officers and advised that a pothole at the West Loch Hotel, Tarbert, had been temporarily repaired 3 times in the previous 3 weeks and required a more substantial repair. Neil confirmed that he would raise these issues with the appropriate officers.

Councillor Armour advised that he was pleased that the works at Hall Street had not been forgotten but felt there should be an established timeline for works given that the issue had originally arisen 3 years ago. Neil confirmed that the planned start date for works was 22^nd of March 2021 and that consultation letters would be issued shortly around this.

Councillor Armour advised that at a recent Clyde Ferry Stakeholders Group meeting, a Transport Scotland representative had agreed to provide a response and report following the request for a service from Campbeltown to the Ayrshire coast and noted his displeasure that no response or report had been forthcoming thus far. Neil confirmed that he would raise this with the relevant department of Transport Scotland.

Councillor Armour confirmed that he was pleased to hear that works at Tarbert Road would be starting soon and urged that the puffin crossing planned for Kinloch Road be put in place as soon as possible.

Councillor Armour raised an issue regarding traffic at the junction of Burnside Street and Kinloch Road following the recent change in traffic management system resulting in Burnside Street becoming part of a one-way system, noting that often people could not see oncoming traffic very well when pulling out onto Kinloch Road. Neil confirmed that Council officers had been in contact with Transport Scotland regarding this and the potential solution to this issue would be to lengthen the yellow lines on Kinloch Road, however discussions were ongoing.

Decision

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

Update by Coastal Operations Area Commander, HM Coastguard

The Group considered a verbal update from David Graham, HM Coastguard, which detailed the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s response to Covid-19. David provided details of the changes which had been required for the safe running of Operation Centres in light of the pandemic; the requirement for continuous risk assessments; the ways in which the Agency were able to overcome staffing issues and provide resilience; the ways in which required training was facilitated by using digital platforms; the changes to guidance required around Search and Rescue operations; and the mutual aid provided to partners across Argyll, and the UK as a whole, throughout the pandemic.

David confirmed that there had been very few issues in the Argyll area during this difficult period and this was a testament to volunteers in the area.

Decision

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

Update by Area Service Manager – West Region, Scottish Ambulance Service

The Group considered a verbal update from Mark Benton, Scottish Ambulance Service, providing information around the Scottish Ambulance Service’s response to Covid-19. Mark advised that approximately 90% of Scottish Ambulance Service staff had received their first vaccine and there was a second dose plan in place. Mark confirmed that lateral flow testing and asymptomatic testing was in place for staff twice a week, highlighting that the service had reached a peak of demand over the previous 5-6 weeks where it had been stretched to its limits. Mark outlined details of the challenges faced by the service in light of lockdown restrictions and advised that focus was being placed on a wellbeing hub for staff who required support.

Decision

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

Update by Sergeant Iain MacNicol, Police Scotland

The Group considered an update from Sergeant Iain MacNicol, Police Scotland, detailing Police Scotland’s response to Covid-19 which included reacting to alleged breaches of Covid-19 restrictions and taking into account exempt circumstances in legislation and guidance; use of the Police Scotland four-step escalation principles; the use of enforcement by way of fixed penalty notices where required; changes to Police Scotland’s operating model in light of the pandemic; the provision and use of appropriate PPE for Officers; and partnership working to address issues and concerns across the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area.

The Chair asked about engagement with online platforms for reporting Covid-19 breaches, Sergeant MacNicol confirmed that this had been well publicised and there had been a good uptake around this, noting that it appeared to be a better system for many than dialling 101 and allowed people to receive feedback on their concerns if they provided contact details.

Councillor Armour highlighted concerns from local constituents around people travelling from the central belt to Kintyre to surf, in breach of lockdown restrictions. Sergeant MacNicol advised that he was unaware of any recent reports to Police in relation to this but confirmed that he would highlight this information to Sergeants in Campbeltown and ask them to monitor the car park at Westport Beach.

Rachel Whyte thanked the Police for their assistance in attending Kennacraig ferry terminal to deter people from travelling to Islay unnecessarily, noting that it had provided comfort to islanders. 

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Sergeant Iain MacNicol, Police Scotland, submitted)

Update by Watch Commander/Local Authority Liaison Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

The Group considered a report from James Sullivan, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ3 review of local performance across Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands for 2020-21.

James confirmed that SFRS had an emergency response in place and had suitable resilience in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. James advised that there had been an overall reduction in operational activity for SFRS across all areas in Argyll and Bute, providing an overview of incidents outlined within the report. James provided details around the ways in which people could engage with SFRS during this period of lockdown and noted that Lochgilphead fire station was being used as a hub for issuing Covid-19 test kits, with Campbeltown and Tarbert fire stations also being identified as potential locations for assisting with this in future.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the report.

(Reference: Report by James Sullivan, Watch Commander/Local Authority Liaison Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted)

Update by Strategic Development Manager, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface

The Group considered an update from Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface detailing their response to Covid-19 which included providing support to charities, social enterprises and community groups as well as the creation of an Argyll and Bute volunteering platform.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands 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 Third Sector Interface the Committee Manager would take back any questions to Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface and circulate any responses to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Samantha Stubbs, Strategic Development Manager, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface, dated January 2021, submitted)

Update by Customer Service Leader WS Inverclyde/Argyll & Bute, Department for Work and Pensions

The Group considered an update from the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) which detailed their response to Covid-19 as well as statistical information for the Argyll & Bute area and information on the Flexible Support Fund; Job Finding Support; Job Entry Targeted Support; the Kickstart scheme; the Restart Programme; Virtual Youth Hubs, local Job Centres; and assistance in finding work being provided to 18-24 year olds.

Lynn Campbell, DWP, advised that she unfortunately had to leave the meeting at this point for a short period, noting that she had provided a comprehensive written update for the Group’s attention and would be happy to answer any questions in relation to this. 

Decision

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

1.    considered and noted the information provided; and

2.    noted that in the absence of Lynn Campbell, Department for Work and Pensions, the Committee Manager would take back any questions to her and circulate any responses to the Group.

(Reference: Update by Lynn Campbell, Customer Service Leader WS Inverclyde/Argyll and Bute, Department for Work and Pensions, dated January 2021, submitted)

Update by Community Learning Team Leader, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group considered an update from Argyll and Bute Council’s Community Learning Service which detailed information around the No One Left Behind Initiative; the Digital Employability HUB; Online Self-Learning Bytes; A.S.K. AB; the Health and Wellbeing Project; Argyll and Bute’s Youth Voice on Lockdown; the Youth Advisory Panel; and the Community Learning and Development Plan.

Brian Smith, Community Learning Service Team Leader, particularly highlighted the A.S.K. AB Facebook page and online programme, encouraging the Group to share this information as widely as possible. Brian also asked the Group to promote the Youth Voice meeting, taking place on 11^th of February, as widely as possible to encourage attendance.

The Chair asked if it would be possible for local MSYPs to provide an update at the next meeting of the Group. Brian confirmed that he would approach local MSYPs around this, noting that they did have a large number of commitments to manage at present. The Chair advised that this could take the form of a short report to be included in the agenda pack if that would be more suitable. 

Decision

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

(Reference: Update by Community Learning Team Leader, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted)

Update by Islay Community Council

The Group considered an update from Rachel Whyte, Islay Community Council, detailing their activities and response to Covid-19 which included monitoring and servicing bus stop hand sanitiser units; communications with Islay Medical Centre, local Councillors and Police Scotland around travel concerns in breach of Covid-19 restrictions; and communications around a new Islay Ferry.  The update also provided information in relation to the cancellation of Feis Ile 2021; concerns around the impact of restrictions and funding available to local businesses; Argyll College activities; private childcare arrangements in light of the ongoing pandemic; Islay Resilience Group activities; airport passenger numbers; and information from Islay Medical Services in relation to their progress with the Covid-19 vaccine.

Rachel advised that the roads in Islay were in a dangerous state now and could not be considered fit for purpose, with several accidents and thousands of pounds worth of damage reported to the Community Council, noting that street lighting issues on Islay also continued to be a problem. Rachel confirmed that all Islay High School pupils had appropriate access to the internet to undertake lessons during the lockdown period.

Rachel raised concerns that Islay Resilience Group had not yet received their Council card for shopping in the local Co-op, following the decision of the Co-op to no longer accept cash payments. Antonia Baird, Community Development Officer, confirmed that she would follow this up and revert to Rachel following the meeting.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Rachel Whyte, Islay Community Council, submitted)

Update by West Loch Fyne Community Council

The Group considered an update from West Loch Fyne Community Council detailing their response to Covid-19 which included collaboration with Lochgair Association and Minard Community Trust; providing support to those shielding; encouraging residents to utilise local door to door delivery supply services; and ongoing monitoring of the needs of people in the area.

Decision

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

1. considered and noted the information provided; and
2. noted that in the absence of a representative from West Loch Fyne Community Council the Committee Manager would take back any questions to West Loch Fyne Community Council and circulate any responses to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Fred Bruce, West Loch Fyne Community Council, submitted)

Update by Inveraray Community Council

The Group considered an update from Inveraray Community Council detailing their response to Covid-19 which included assisting those shielding with accessing shopping; organising two lunches for elderly residents of the town using donations; providing local children with Easter eggs; running a painting competition for children; and providing adults and children with reusable face masks.

Decision

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

1. considered and noted the information provided; and
2. noted that in the absence of a representative from Inveraray Community Council the Committee Manager would take back any questions to Inveraray Community Council and circulate any responses to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Linda Divers, Inveraray Community Council, submitted)

Update by Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust

The Group considered an update from Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust detailing their response to Covid-19 which included supporting the Team Tarbert volunteer group through Scottish Government Supporting Communities Fund, Force 9, Fern Community Benefit Fund and STV Appeal funding. The update advised that through successful partnership working the Trust were able to provide assistance in a number of areas including; co-ordination of food delivery in Tarbert and Skipness; the provision of food and fuel vouchers; payment of volunteers expenses; the provision of online and digital content to combat isolation and loneliness; the provision and delivery of activity and mindfulness packs; supply of PPE for volunteers; and the provision of 10 laptops to Tarbert Academy and Tarbert Primary School. The update advised that future plans for the Trust included a hardship fund continuing until the end of March 2021; the extension of after school care for holiday provision; the construction of a socially distanced meeting venue for older people; the continuation of online and digital support; and the provision of PPE to support public venues when they are able to re-open.

Decision

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

1. considered and noted the information provided; and
2. noted that in the absence of a representative from Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust the Committee Manager would take back any questions to Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust and circulate any responses to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Jane Cowen, Secretary, Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust, dated 19 January 2021, submitted)

Ian Brodie, East Kintyre Community Council (EKCC)

The Chair advised that vaccines had arrived in East Kintyre and that the local doctor had begun to vaccinate eligible people. The Chair confirmed that the resilience projects were ongoing, having largely continued from the initial lockdown period, with people putting in place methods for obtaining food, money and assistance where required. The Chair noted that EKCC were monitoring the situation and were available to provide support if needed, advising that many local people were already aware of relevant phone numbers through word of mouth and documents previously circulated locally.

Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland (SDS)

Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland, advised that following the return to lockdown restrictions, SDS had largely returned to online delivery of services via Microsoft Teams. Susan referenced the difference between the different lockdown periods, noting that young people appeared to be engaging more as the schools were up and running online. Susan noted a rise in anxiety among young people during this period of lockdown, with many concerned around exam results, assessments and online learning.

Susan provided information around an ‘I Can Do Anything’ day being run virtually for young people to attend and gain insight from a number of speakers and employers, advising that all local schools had engaged with this and she hoped to provide feedback on this event at the next meeting of the Group. Susan confirmed that SDS were currently in the process of contacting young people thinking about leaving school this year to check if they had plans in place or provide support where needed, advising that there appeared to be more uncertainty around this this year than last as many young people had already made plans for their departure from school prior to the initial period of lockdown in 2020.

Susan noted that SDS were in the process of collating information around the different grants available at this time and would share this information with the Group when it was available.

Antonia Baird, Community Development Officer

Antonia Baird, Community Development Officer, advised that the Supporting Communities Fund was now open for applications, with a deadline of the 11^th of March 2021. Antonia confirmed that there were four new criteria for the fund this year, with information available on the Council website and assistance available from the Community Development Team.

Councillor John Armour

Councillor Armour expressed his frustration at non-attendance of partners at meetings of the Group, noting that he had also raised this issue at the previous meeting of the Group. Councillor Armour advised that he was unaware of what solution was required to increase attendance, however he felt that improvement was required to support meetings going forward. The Committee Manager, advised that a number of written updates had been submitted on the response to Covid-19 following a request to partners and noted that the attendance at the meeting from partners was improved from the previous meeting. The Committee Manager confirmed that where there was not a representative in attendance to speak to a report, the Committee Manager had offered to feedback any questions to them and circulate responses to the Group. The Committee Manager also confirmed that the feedback around non-attendance from the previous meeting had been communicated to the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee in December 2020.

Councillor Armour voiced his disappointment that a Council seminar had been scheduled at the same time as the meeting of the Group, noting that the Group meetings were scheduled well in advance and this had impacted the attendance of Councillors at the meeting,.

Councillor Anne Horn

Councillor Horn echoed the disappointment of Councillor Armour regarding the scheduling of a Council seminar at the same time as a meeting of the Group, advising that she has raised this with the relevant Council officers.

Scottish Government Guidance as of 19 January 2021

The Group gave consideration to the Scottish Government Covid-19 stay at home guidance as of 19 January 2021.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the guidance.

(Reference: Scottish Government Guidance as of 19 January 2021)

Letter from Council Leader to Secretary of State for Scotland

A letter to the Secretary of State for Scotland from the Leader of Argyll and Bute Council regarding Argyll and Bute’s Seafood Sector Sustainability was considered by the Group.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the letter.

(Reference: Letter from the Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, dated 15 January 2021, submitted)

Update by Islay Crab Exports Ltd on impact of UK withdrawal from EU

The Committee Manager confirmed that there was no one in attendance from Islay Crab Exports Ltd to update the Group on the impact of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU on their business.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group agreed to invite a representative from Islay Crab Exports Ltd to the next meeting of the Group.

Rachel Whyte, Islay Community Council

Rachel Whyte advised that a £7.75m support fund had been announced by Fergus Ewing to support fishermen, seafood businesses and ports and harbours impacted by the UK withdrawal from the EU.

Shona Barton, Committee Manager

The Committee Manager advised that the Council’s Chief Executive had been approached to provide a report updating the Group on the Council’s response to the UK withdrawal from the EU, however given the timescales of the agenda for the meeting being issued in relation to the EU exit date it was agreed that this report would be brought to the next meeting of the Group.

Update by Eric Spence, South Kintyre Development Trust

The Committee Manager advised that unfortunately due to illness Eric Spence, South Kintyre Development Trust (SKDT), had been unable to prepare the planned presentation regarding SKDT and their role as lead organisation in the Kintyre Community Resilience and Recovery response.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group agreed to continue consideration of this item to the next meeting of the Group.

Report by Economic Growth Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group considered a report which provided an update on the latest position in relation to informal camping, following the setting up a Short Life Working Group in response to the rise in informal camping activity across Argyll and Bute and associated arising issues.

Councillor Horn advised that a report on Informal Camping had previously been requested to come to the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee in December 2020 and requested clarification on when the report would be brought to a meeting of the Area Committee due to the very important nature of the issues and likelihood that these issues would continue throughout 2021. The Committee Manager confirmed that a report on this issue was expected to come to the March 2021 Area Committee.

Rachel Whyte confirmed that informal camping activity continued to be a high priority for Islay Community Council and advised that they were keen to be involved in the consultations around this, with a view to action being taken imminently.

Decision

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

1.    noted the contents of the report and progress to date;

2.    agreed to continue to collaborate to attempt to address the challenges faced due to increased informal camping activity;

3.    noted that work would progress on actions identified from the Short Life Working Group; and

4.    noted that in the absence of the Economic Growth Officer the Committee Manager would take back any questions and circulate any responses to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Economic Growth Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 3 February 2021, submitted)

Demonstration by Community Planning Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

Samantha Somers, Community Planning Officer, provided a demonstration to the group of BaseCamp, an online website which allows members of the Area Community Planning Group (ACPG) to access relevant documents relating to the ACPG; provide information on action points arising from the meetings or action plans; share information about relevant items of interest with other members; and provides better networks with other ACPG members in between meetings.

Samantha confirmed that she would circulate an e-mail to the Group distribution list following the meeting to ascertain the correct contact from each organisation to access Basecamp.

Decision

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

1.    thanked the Community Planning Officer for the informative demonstration and noted the information provided in the presentation; and

2.    noted that the Community Planning Officer would contact Group Members to confirm the details of those who wished to be invited to access BaseCamp.

(Reference: Presentation by Community Planning Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, dated February 2021, submitted)

Report by Gaelic Development Worker, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group considered a report which provided information on the role of the Gaelic language in Argyll and Bute; provided details of the value that the Gaelic language could bring to the improvement outcome; and encouraged partners to continue to support the promotion and usage of the Gaelic language. 

Cristie Moore, Gaelic Development Worker, requested assistance from the Group in promoting the ongoing survey on the Gaelic language and invited Group members to pass her details to any contacts who may be interested in supporting work around Gaelic.

Neil MacFarlane confirmed that he would be happy to provide assistance to Cristie around road signage where required.

Susan MacRae advised that Skills Development Scotland were trying to improve the engagement offered in Gaelic and noted that she would contact Cristie around this following the meeting.

Decision

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

1. to support the promotion of Gaelic where possible;
2. to consider Gaelic as an option when looking at new and existing initiatives;
3. to connect interested parties with the Gaelic Development Worker;
4. to have an awareness of the Argyll and Bute Gaelic Language Plan and where possible support the objectives;
5. to note the information provided in relation to Colmcille 1500 funding and celebration which relates to initiatives linking Scotland and Ireland; and
6. to complete and promote the survey on the Gaelic language, noting that all views were welcome regardless of interest or knowledge of the Gaelic language.

(Reference: Report by Gaelic Development Worker, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 3 February 2021, submitted)

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group considered a briefing note which provided information around matters discussed during a virtual meeting of the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee, held on 2^nd December 2020.

The Group discussed frustrations around non-attendance at meetings and potential solutions for increased attendance. Councillor Armour suggested that it may be beneficial to host the meetings in the evenings instead, the Committee Manager confirmed that this was something that had been researched previously with issues noted around public transport availability in the evenings and strategic partners being more accessible during the day time. The Committee Manager advised that depending on the agreed format for future meetings these issues may not have as big an impact on attendance as previously considered, however it was difficult to make a decision until the format had been agreed. Discussion took place around the potential for future virtual or hybrid meetings.

Councillor Horn suggested that research be undertaken as to why people were not attending the meetings and it was agreed that the Committee Manager would arrange a survey to be distributed to Group members in an attempt to ascertain the reasons for non-attendance of partners. The Committee Manager agreed to bring a report around the results of this survey to the next meeting of the Group.

Brian Smith advised that broader discussion may be useful around the barriers to young people attending meetings and the Committee Manager agreed to feed this information back to the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee. Antonia Baird advised that Youth Forums had previously been welcomed to attend the meetings and found them to be interesting and beneficial, Antonia advised that she would be happy to be part of a broader discussion around this.

Rachel Whyte suggested that it may be beneficial when writing to partners to confirm that a depute can attend meetings where required, the Committee Manager agreed that this could be communicated to partners.

Decision

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

1.    considered and noted the briefing note;

2.    agreed that the Committee Manager would carry out a survey of all members of the Group to ascertain potential solutions for better attendance and provide a report on the results of this survey at the next meeting of the Group;

3.    agreed that potential barriers to youth engagement with meetings be raised with the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee; and

4.    agreed that the Committee Manager would communicate to all members of the Group that they could send a depute to the meetings if unable to attend personally.

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 3 February 2021, submitted)

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group reviewed a report providing information around the Group’s current Terms of Reference, membership and meeting dates scheduled until May 2022.

The Chair requested that the Committee Manager check that the Group’s members remain in post and are the relevant contact for their organisation. The Committee Manager requested that anyone who was aware of changes to contacts for member organisations please let her know. The Committee Manager agreed to approach a representative of the Calmac Community Board to ask if they were interested in being a partner of the Group following suggestions from Group members.

Decision

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

1.    considered and adopted the Terms of Reference as attached to the report (Appendix 1) and agreed that they be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure their ongoing currency and appropriateness for the work of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group as it develops over time;

2.    considered the membership of the Group as attached to the report (Appendix 2);

3.    agreed to make required changes to the membership of the Group to update relevant organisational contacts and invite a representative from Calmac Community Board;

4.    agreed 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;

5.    noted the meeting schedule and dates submitted in the report; and

6.    agreed that the next meeting of the Group would take place on 28^th April 2021 instead of May 5^th 2021 as noted in the report.

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 3 February 2021, submitted)

The next meeting of the Group will take place at 10.00am on Wednesday, 5 May 2021.

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group would take place on Wednesday, 28 April 2021.