Venue: COUNCIL CHAMBERS, KILMORY, LOCHGILPHEAD and Via Microsoft TEAMS
Contact: Shona Barton, Governance Manager; Tel: 01436 657605
No. | Item | |
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Welcome and Apologies Minutes: The
Chair welcomed everyone and outlined the procedure for the meeting. Apologies
for absence were intimated on behalf of: Neil MacFarlane, Transport
Scotland Donald McNeill, Forestry and Land
Scotland; Jeni West, Forestry and Land
Scotland; Barry Colvan, Scottish Fire and
Rescue; Margaret Wallace, Argyll and Bute
TSI; Emma Clark, Wild About Argyll; Kathleen O’Neill, CHARTS; Kelly Scott, SSE; Petra Pearce, Argyll and Bute
TSI; Graeme Bruce, West Highland
Housing Association Lauren Worrell, National Farmers
Union |
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Declarations of Interest Minutes: There were no declarations of interest. |
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Minutes |
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Minutes: The
minutes of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning
Group meeting held on Wednesday, 31 August 2022 were approved as a correct
record. The Group agreed to a variation in the order of business to facilitate
partner attendance, these minutes reflect the order that items were considered. |
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Climate Change |
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Highlight Report from Climate Change Working Group Report from the Chair of the Climate Change Working Group Minutes:
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Time for Change Report Report by Angela Anderson, Argyll and Bute Time for Change Group Minutes: The
Group considered an update by Angela Anderson from Time for Change Argyll and
Bute. Angela advised that Time for Change is a group of residents who are
campaigning to raise awareness of climate change. Angela
highlighted that as a group they are increasingly concerned with the need to
build resilience in all areas and communities in Argyll and Bute. She added
that they had had a great response from organisations during the covid pandemic but advised that with the current economic,
energy and climate situation we should be encouraging greater partnership
working. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered
and noted the information provided. |
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Partner Updates |
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Police Scotland Update Minutes: Consideration
was given to a report presented by PC Laura Evans which highlighted the
Dementia Safeguarding Tag, which is due to be launched in November 2022 with
support from Alzheimer Scotland. The aim
of the project is to provide everyone living with Dementia a Safeguarding Tag,
which is a small discreet device that can be attached to a bag or in a
purse. The Tag can be tapped against any
smartphone, which will then flag up the name of the person and who to contact
if they are in need of assistance. Promotional flyers, information of how to
get a tag and liaising with local shops and supermarkets will be cascaded in
due course. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered
and noted the information provided. (Reference:
Report by Police Scotland, submitted) |
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Argyll and Bute Health & Social Care Partnership Update Minutes: The
Group considered a public health update from Jennifer Dryden, Argyll and Bute
Health and Social Care Partnership. The update highlighted information on the
Public Health Team Annual Report for 2021-22 and the Mid Strategy Living Well
Report for 2019-21. 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) |
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Forestry and Land Scotland Update Minutes: The
Group considered a written update highlighting land management plans at Carradale, Beinn Ghuilean and South Knapdale. Civil engineer works at Rhonadale
Bridge in Carradale and an update on Phytophthora ramorum and the
environment. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group:
(Reference:
Report by Forestry and Land Scotland, submitted) |
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Third Sector Interface Update Minutes: The
group gave consideration to a written update which had been provided by
Margaret Wallace of Argyll TSI. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group:
(Reference:
Report by Argyll TSI, submitted) |
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Campbeltown Community Council Update Minutes: The
Group considered an update by Valerie Nimmo, Campbeltown Community Council. The
update highlighted that traffic management is still a big issue in
Campbeltown. The Community Council are
also working on a Climate Change Resilience Plan and also working on pathway
improvements, but are failing to get funding. Chris Abell of Islay Community Council advised that Islay had
received funding for pathways and he would send Valerie details of who to
contact for assistance. 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) |
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Tarbert & Skipness Community Trust Update Minutes: The
Group considered a written update from Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group:
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Scottish Fire and Rescue Update Minutes: The
Group considered a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s
(SFRS) FQ2 review of local performance across Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the
Islands for the period 2022-23. The report included information on the local
firefighter training plan, incidents during this time period and recent
community engagement activities. They
are also very busy this week with bonfires and fireworks, giving advice to
local communities and schools. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered
and noted the information provided. (Reference:
Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue, submitted) |
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Opportunity for verbal updates by Community Planning Partners Minutes: Transport Scotland Shona
Barton gave an update on behalf of Neil MacFarlane highlighting providing
details on various projects which are happening around the MAKI area. It was noted that a copy of the information
would be circulated to the Group by e-mail. Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Jen
Broadhurst advised that the CAB’s Volunteer Adviser Training Programme
recommenced in September, and they now have 5 new volunteers progressing well
at this time, these trainees will start to provide advice in the spring once
they have completed their training. The CAB have secured extra funding to support
households across the area to access energy advice. Individuals can now access advice and support
with the Money Talk Team through a dedicated website www.moneytalkteam.org.uk
where they can look at options of how to maximize their household income. The date of the AGM has changed to 9th
December at the Helensburgh Community Hub. Community Council Elections Shona Barton advised that the Community
Council elections took place in October, 17 Community Councils failed to secure
enough nominations to be validly constituted.
The Council is currently in the process of running a further by-election
process with a closing date for
nominations of Thursday 3rd November 2022. 39 Community Councils were formed and have
had or are in the process of having their Inaugural Meetings. Shona highlighted that all Community Councils
are advised to nominate a representative to attend the Area Community Planning
Meetings in their areas. UHI Argyll Jackie MacPherson advised that the UHI held their first face to face event in 3 years which was the Graduation of Students in the Queens Hall in Dunoon. The new academic year has started with a more flexible approach where students can attend the UHI facility or stay at home. Students are reminded that the UHI is a warm space and they are supporting students with providing a breakfast/lunch during this cost of living crisis. |
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Cber - The Socio-Economic Impact of Calmac Ferries Report By Robert Beauchamp, Centre of Business and Economic Research (Cber) Minutes: The
Group considered a presentation by Robert Beachaump.
It was highlighted that the Phase 2 report was a quantitative analysis of the
impacts of CalMac as a company (employment, Gross Value
Added, turnover, and employee compensation supported directly and through the
supply chain), and of impacts of service levels on island communities (ferry
users’ welfare, economic activity, employment, population), based on Phase 1
findings, desk research, analysis, fieldwork and socio-economic modelling.. Discussion
took place on what the report will be used for and whether there are any calculations
of actual costs imposed on Islanders. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered
and noted the information provided. (Reference:
Report by Robert Beauchamp, submitted) |
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UPDATE FROM ARGYLL COMMUNITY HOUSING ASSOCIATION Update from Michelle Mundie, Chief Executive, Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) Minutes: Michelle Mundie introduced herself as ACHA’s new
chief executive and provided a verbal update highlighting some of the recent work. It was noted that ACHA had held their AGM in
September where ACHA tenant Cathy Grant of Glendaruel was elected as Chair of
the Association. Employee Lachlan Woods
had attended the National Awards where he received the award Energy Champion of
the Year, an award that covered the whole of the UK. ACHA’s investment in new housing stock saw 10 new
units at Inveraray in June 2022, 4 units at Tarbert
to be signed off in December, 2 new
units at Millknowe which are dementia friendly to be
signed off on 4th November.
New developments will be coming on stream including at Dalintober and Port Ellen. A rent consultation is about to commence and all
tenants will be written to. Discussion took place in regard to the demolition of
the derelict houses at Dalintober with it being noted
that decision on this was expected imminently.
The Group also noted issues around meters being changed following the
installation of Air Source Heating systems – Michelle agreed to look into this
further and report back. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered
and noted the information provided. (Reference:
Report by, Michelle Mundie, Chief Executive of ACHA submitted) |
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Minutes: Community Focus a) Mid Argyll Youth Development Services (MAYDS) The Group welcomed Fiona Kalache, Operations
Manager of MAYDS to the meeting who gave an overview of the work carried out
within the Mid Argyll Youth Development Services which includes free swimming
lessons, supporting 117 young carers across the MAKI area, access to
Counselling, Outreach/drug and alcohol education. Employability Training which has successfully
seen some of our young people into apprenticeships with local trades. It was also noted that there had been the
opportunity for free driving lessons for youths on Islay. MAYDS has more recently purchased adjacent property
to the centre where they hope to develop a skate park. They have been giving out free fuel and food
tokens due to the cost of living crisis and have received funding from Scot
Spirit which allowed some of the young carers to go away for respite to Park
Dean Holiday Parks. It was noted that the MacTaggart Cyber Café is up
and running on Islay. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group commended the
work being undertaken by the Service and noted the information provided. |
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Presentation by Iona MacPhail, Chief Executive of Fyne Homes Minutes: Iona MacPhail the new chief executive of Fyne Homes
gave a presentation that highlighted the number of housing stock they have in
the MAKI area, their maintenance programme and capital improvement works. Discussion took place on whether Fyne Homes had any
plans to build in South Kintyre with Iona noting that it could be something
which was considered if an appropriate site were identified. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered
and noted the information provided. |
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ALIenergy Presentation by Dr Lynda Mitchell, Manager ALIenergy Minutes: A presentation
given by Dr Lynda Mitchell of ALIenergy was
considered by the group. The update included information on what they are
working on including Affordable Warmth, Education, and Local Energy Projects.
The update also included information on fuel poverty around Scotland with
Argyll and Bute being rated as one of the most at risk. It was also highlighted that the majority of
households across North West Scotland are now likely to be suffering with fuel
poverty or will in the near future, as we approach winter. Dr
Mitchell advised that ALIenergy can access a number
of interventions for clients experiencing energy cost crisis such as the Fuel
Bank Foundation; Scottish Government Home Heating Support Fund; Glasspool Trust; and Argyll and Bute Flexible Food Fund. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group thanked Dr Mitchell for the informative presentation and agreed that it would be circulated to the Group. |
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Community Focus |
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Minutes: Mary
Ann Stewart of Kintyre Food Bank based in Campbeltown gave a verbal update
highlighting that when they started in 2012 they had 4 clients per week attend
the food bank compared to October 2022 where 58 adults and 25 children attend
per week. She advised that they receive
funding to allow them to offer not only food, but meals and basic essentials to
people. The foodbank opens 2 mornings a
week but volunteers are available to make up emergency parcels when required. The process of making up the Christmas
hampers has started where a small gift is also included. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group thanked Mary
Ann for her presentation and commended her and the Food Bank for the valuable
work they carry out. |
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Management Committee Update Minutes: 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 6 October 2022. Shona
Barton, spoke to the report and highlighted updates on topics including the; Mid
Argyll and Lochgilphead Place Review, the CPP Annual Report and the cost of
living crisis and the support available from within the Council. Shona
also highlighted the GM Duncan Fund available to the residents of former burgh
of Campbeltown, the criteria to access the fund is that individuals must be on
an income of £200 or less per week.
Information is available on the council website and leaflets are
available in Keeping it Local in Campbeltown. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered
and noted the briefing note. |
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Date of Next Meeting Minutes: 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, 1 February 2023 @
10.00am with Hybrid being the most favourable way to host the meeting. |