Agenda and 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

There were no declarations of interest.

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.

Report from the Chair of the Climate Change Working Group

Report by Angela Anderson, Argyll and Bute Time for Change Group

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.

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)

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)

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:

1.  considered and noted the information provided; and
2. noted that in the absence of a representative from Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Forestry and Land Scotland, submitted)

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:

1.  considered and noted the information provided; and
2. noted that in the absence of a representative from Argyll TSI, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Argyll TSI, submitted)

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)

The Group considered a written update from Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust.

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 any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

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)

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 9^th 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 3^rd 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.

Report By Robert Beauchamp, Centre of Business and Economic Research (Cber)

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)

Update from Michelle Mundie, Chief Executive, Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA)

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 4^th 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)

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.

Presentation by Iona MacPhail, Chief Executive of Fyne Homes

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.

Presentation by Dr Lynda Mitchell, Manager ALIenergy

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.

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.

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.

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.