Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone highlighting some new members of the Group including the newly elected Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament, and the three Elected Member representatives. 

The Chair then outlined the procedure for the meeting.

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

Donald McNeill, Forestry and Land Scotland;

Jeni West, Forestry and Land Scotland;

May Cross, Department for Work and Pension;

Teresa Robertson, Fyne Homes;

Kelly Scott, SSE;

Robert Judge, Live Argyll;

Sandra MacIntyre, We Are With You;

Donna Lockhart, Calmac;

Christopher Casey, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service;

Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland;

Heather Thomas-Smith, Argyll and the Isles Tourism Co-operative;

Councillor Tommy MacPherson;

Mairi MacCuaig, Argyll College UHI;

Jackie MacPherson, Argyll College UHI and

Dhonna McCallum, Argyll College UHI.

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday, 26 April 2022 were approved as a correct record.

The Group considered a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ1 review of local performance across Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands for the period 2022-23. In the absence of Barry Colvan, Darren Gibb spoke to the terms of the report. The report included information around incidents during this period, recent community engagement activities and the local firefighter training plan.

Decision

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

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

Consideration was given to an update by Sergeant Matthew Shaw which included information on the ongoing work of the Service and provided information on staff resourcing as well as a number of initiatives including Keep Safe – Ukranian Support and Doorstep Crime Guidance.  Information in relation to road safety was also provided in the report.

Sergeant Shaw also highlighted the increasing trend of drug drivers and drugs being brought into the area and added that road block operations had been in process which has resulted in good results and advised that they are increasing the footprint of these type of operations.

Sergeant Shaw spoke of the public engagement activities helping improve the way the policing service is delivered in local communities and advised of the launch of this year’s annual Police survey. He urged Partners to go online and complete the survey and give their views. 

Discussion was had around the installation of ANPR Cameras on the A83; the recent Rural Crime event held in Kintyre and the possibility of running similar events in correlation with neighbourhood watch meetings in the future.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Police Scotland, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to an update from Jen Broadhurst, Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). The update highlighted an unprecedented rise in requests for advice and support from clients across all areas of Argyll and Bute and outlined that the impact of the cost of living crisis had pushed energy enquiries up by 89% between September and July compared to the same period last year. Information was also provided on the relocation of the office to the Helensburgh Community Hub; the recommencement of the Volunteer Adviser Training Programme and the upcoming AGM, which is scheduled to take place on 22 November 2022. 

Discussion was had in relation to the waiting time for general enquires. Jen advised that for any urgent cases, appointments would be given within a fortnight or more often than not within a week.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, submitted)

The Group considered a public health update from Jennifer Dryden, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership. The update highlighted information regarding to the Money Counts Level 1 Training Course; Smoke Free Hospital Ground’s Legislation and Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Strategy Consultation.

Decision

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

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

The Group considered an update by Valerie Nimmo from Campbeltown Community Council. The update included information on disbursement of funds from Campbeltown Community Windfarm Fund; Ongoing work on the sea defences at the Esplanade; Concerns for the town centre traffic management; the resurfacing of the Esplanade and the deterioration of two empty buildings in the main street in Campbeltown.

Discussion took place in regards to the sea defences work; traffic management; the resurfacing of esplanade and around the wire around the SUStrans sculpture.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Valerie Nimmo, Campbeltown Community Council, submitted)

The Group considered a written update from Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust. The update included information on the Housing Project and the funding received for this; the representation at the Community Housing Network Group organised by Argyll and Bute Council Housing team; the proposal to Tarbert Harbour to provide a heritage experience to attract local residents and visitors to the village centre and the participation in online discussions regarding how to deliver affordable homes in the area.

Shona advised that any questions or comments for Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust in relation to the update should be forwarded to her and she will feed these back and request an update at the next meeting.

Decision

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

Action - Shona Barton to pass on Police Scotland’s details to the Trust and ask them to get in touch. 

(Reference: Report by Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust, submitted)

Having noted that there was no one in attendance from Argyll College UHI, the group gave consideration to a written update which included information on their new logo design; Graduation date for pupils attending Argyll College UHI; School link skills for work; Information on the school academic year ahead and information on the new Construction & Engineering Centre in Campbeltown which opened in May 2022.

Shona advised that any questions or comments for Argyll College UHI in relation to the update should be forwarded to her and she will feed these back and request an update at the next meeting.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Argyll UHI, submitted)

The group gave consideration to an update from Architecture and Design Scotland and Chiara Fingland spoke to the terms of the report. The report included information about what they have agreed since the last meeting of the Area Community Planning Group. This included agreeing the focus for year 2 with local partners and where they can support implementation of the Community Action Plan (CAP) with climate change considerations.

Chiara also noted that they have supported Campbeltown Community Council to work with Campbeltown Grammar Schools’ pupil council so that young people are more involved with local decision making. A potential project around improving recycling in the school and town is due to start autumn 2022.

Chiara also highlighted that that the learning from year 1 across all 7 Climate Action Towns has now been published and you can view on the link below.

https://www.ads.org.uk/resource/climate-action-towns-year-one-lessons-report  

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Chiara Fingland, Architecture and Design Scotland, submitted)

The group gave consideration to an update from South Islay Development and Alyson MacGillivray spoke to the terms of the update. The update highlighted that SID had received 2 completed tenders from contracting companies who were willing to do the construction work for the new building on the Port Ellen Playing Fields. However due to the rising construction costs SID have since been unable to award the contract to either parties.

Alyson highlighted that SID are now working with Argyll and Bute Council, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and a Procurement specialist to investigate options for the most cost-effective way forward.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by South Islay Development, submitted)

The group gave consideration to an update by Margaret Wallace of Argyll TSI which included information on the recent Volunteer of the Year Awards; the distribution of the Community Based Adult Learning Fund; the announcement expected from the Scottish Government on the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund; the new Joint Commissioning Strategy, as agreed by the Integration Joint Board, at its meeting on 30 March 2022; the Training Needs Analysis survey which has been sent out to the voluntary sector; the progress of the ABCD database (Argyll and Bute Community Directory) which has now over 872 organisations details and the YPG Mentor and Volunteer Placement Programme. 

Margaret highlighted that volunteers are in short supply and added that there was a decline after the pandemic.

Discussion was had around the funding received from the Community Health and Well Being fund and the Communities Directory. The Committee Manager agreed to take forward arrangements for a demonstration of the Community Directory at a future meeting.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Argyll TSI, submitted)

Community Development, Argyll and Bute Council

Antonia Baird highlighted some of the work undertaken by the Community Development Team. The update included information on risk management training given; the completion of the analysis of training needs survey and added with working with TSI should be able to provide training; Antonia also mentioned that there was a meeting held with the Scottish Mens Shed movement to find out information on if they were able to continue throughout the pandemic or if support is needed and spoke of the cost of living crisis.

Lastly Antonia wanted to congratulate the Dochas Centre who were recently awarded a grant of £200,000 to continue their befriending service and counselling which is made available throughout the area via telephone or zoom. 

Transport Scotland

Neil MacFarlane provided information of scheduled work which is to take place. This included the construction of a new footpath in Minard into Crarae Gardens; 3 Resurfacing projects along the A83; Future works on Butterbridge and Honeymoon Bridge, and also the sea wall in Ardrishaig; verge collapse on South Craleckan – North of Furnace; remedial works in Hall street in Campbeltown and pedestrian crossing and road drainage works on Kinlock Road in Campbeltown.

Discussion took place around the timescale for the works in Campbeltown and the pedestrian crossing.

MSYP for Argyll and Bute

Ryan MacIntyre introduced himself to the group and provided an update on road shows that he had attended and provided an update on scheduled events going forward. He added that they are trying to encourage young people to use their voices and are listening to young people’s issues. 

Ryan Highlighted that work on the Education Change programme was undertaken prior to it being presented to Council and highlighted that they are looking at ways to ensure young people’s voices are heard and used.

Community Council Elections

Shona Barton provided a short update on the process of the Community Council elections. She advised that the Community Council Elections are to take place on the 20 October 2022 and that nominations are now open. She advised that the closing date is 8 October 2022 and provided the following link to nomination packs:- https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/community-council-elections-20-october-2022

East Kintyre Community Council

Ian Brodie advised that the SSEN undersea cable from Carradale to Arran work is finished and SSEN Carradale substation delivered the last transformer on Tuesday. Ian highlighted that East Kintyre had an open day in Carradale on the 13 August which was very well attended and added that details and report of the event would be presented at the next meeting. Ian lastly spoke of the preparation for the by-election on the 29 September following the sad death of Councillor John McAlpine.

The Group gave consideration to an update by James Paterson which highlighted his team’s continual work in trying to improve the barriers faced by people when taking up employment in Argyll and Bute’s most rural areas. Four geographical areas are being focused on, Coll and Tiree; Kintyre, Bute and the Rosneath Peninsula.

James added that they are in the process of recruiting a new Settlement Officer following the resignation of previous post holder. He advised that it is anticipated that a full report will be provided to Council in April next year.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by James Paterson, Senior Economic Growth Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted)

Consideration was given to a report which highlighted the ongoing work of Inveraray Community Council, including the local communities vision for the future of Inveraray and its people. The plan considered opportunities in 4 areas, Business and Commerce; Infrastructure and Development; Health and Wellbeing and Community Cohesion and Pride. 

Alyssa Stewart and Linda Divers spoke of the action plan that Inveraray Community Council had recently completed. They advised of the grant awarded by the Council of £1500 and the process involved.

They spoke of community engagement work; an open day held at a local church; negative feedback received and the struggle with the lack of volunteers. They added they are trying to encourage people advising that the Community Council will help take forward any recommendations or plans with the help of others. They talked of the work that they are currently involved in with the Pier and added they are in discussion with young people to help create somewhere for them to play football, highlighting discussions with the local primary school who have an unused field that could be improved into a sports pitch for children.

Discussion was had around the great presentation given and good work the community council had been doing. Partners were encouraged to look at the Community Action Plan and if they see themselves as partners listed as potential partners to reach out to Inveraray Community Council to offer support.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Inveraray Community Council, submitted)

Consideration was given to a report which highlighted the ongoing work of the Climate Change Working Group. The report outlined the proposal to produce a strategic Action Plan as a means to address the climate emergency in Argyll and Bute; the development of governance arrangements and structures to support the Climate Change Project Officer post. Information was also provided on the funding options for the project.

The Chair advised that any questions or comments in relation to the update should be forwarded to the Chair of the Climate Change Working Group, Stan Philips.

 Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Stan Phillips, Chair of the Climate Change Working Group, submitted)

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

Consideration was given to a briefing note which provided information on matters discussed during a meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee, held on 22 June 2022.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the briefing note.

(Reference: Report by Shona Barton, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted)

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The group gave consideration to a report which provided information in relation to the appointment of a Vice-Chair for the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group. The report outlined the expected time commitment and provided information on the role. 

Councillor Jan brown nominated Councillor John Armour on an interim basis. John agreed that he would be happy to take up the post of Vice-Chair until after the Community Council elections as he feels this position would be more suited for a Community Council representative or other partner. With there being no other nominations, this became the decision of the group.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group appointed Councillor John Armour as Vice-Chair for a period of initially 6 months. Review will take place at the February Meeting of the CPG.

(Reference: Report by Shona Barton, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 31 August 2022, submitted)

Verbal update by Committee Manager.

The Committee Manager provided a verbal update on the review of future meeting arrangements. She advised that the next meeting in November would be held in the afternoon. Shona highlighted the options for future meetings and asked for views on whether to continue with fully remote or hybrid where there is an option to meet in person with some joining via MS Teams.

Discussion took place within the group regarding what attendees preferred and Shona added that the team now have quite sophisticated equipment in the Chambers in Kilmory which will allow members to choose whether to attend in person or remotely. She also advised that the Council was in the process of procuring equipment for to facilitate Hybrid meetings for the Area Committees that we would be able to use for CPG, however added that we would need to use in facilities where there was a reliable Wi-Fi connection.

With all members in agreement it was decided that the next meeting would be held on a Hybrid Basis from the Council Chambers in Kilmory with the option available for members to join remotely.

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 2^nd November 2022 at 10.00am.

The Chair thanked everyone in attendance at the meeting, and thanked all partners for their continued proactive work in the community.

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group would take place on Wednesday, 2 November 2022 at 2.00pm.