Agenda and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:-

Jackie MacPherson, Argyll University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)

Laura Evans, Police Scotland

Caitlin Quinn, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

Iona MacPhail, Fyne Homes

Jane Cowen, Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust

Margaret Wallace, Argyll TSI

Becs Barker, Carr Gomm

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The minute of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group meeting, held on 1 February 2023 was approved as a correct record.

Presentation by Community Planning Partnership Lead

Consideration was given to a presentation by the Council’s Community Planning team on their recent consultation ‘Improving Lives in Argyll and Bute’. The presentation included information on the promotion of  the consultation; the support provided for non-digital participation and Community Groups and the responses received from the survey.  It was noted that the top three priorities were transport infrastructure, housing and community wellbeing.  Information on how the information collated from the consultation would be used to progress the 2024-2034 iteration of the Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan (ABOIP) was also provided.  

Decision

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

(Reference:  Presentation by Community Development Team, submitted)

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

Consideration was given to a report which provided matters discussed during a meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee held on 23 March 2023.  The Governance Officer outlined a number of key highlights from the meeting, which included the introduction of car parking charges by Forestry and Land Scotland and the undertaking of the Chair of the CPP Management Committee to prepare a response on behalf of the Management Committee in this regard.  The results and next steps of the Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan Consultation were also outlined.

Decision

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

(Reference:  Report by Committee Manager, dated 3 May 2023, submitted)

Report by Interim Argyll and Bute Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) Coordinator

The group gave consideration to a report which provided an update on ongoing wellbeing and prevention activity overseen and delivered by the HSCP Public Health team in Argyll and Bute.  The Interim Health Improvement Lead presented a number of key messages from the 2022 annual report of the Director of Public Health on Prevention.  The full report can be found at:-  https://indd.adobe.com/view/45cbb2d9-8f8d-44dd-a040-efe28296701c

Decision

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

(Reference:  Report by Interim Argyll and Bute Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) Coordinator, dated 3 May 2023, submitted)  

Consideration was given to a report which provided an update on the recent work and activities of Police Scotland within the MAKI area.  The report included information on Road Safety, Fraud Prevention, the roll out of Naloxone to all officers across Argyll and West Dumbartonshire and the reinstatement of the Pub Watch programme. 

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 a report which highlighted the performance and activity of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service within the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area during financial quarter 4 of 2022/23.  The report also included information on the Local Firefighter Training Plan; Road and Water Safety Campaigns; Community Engagement Activities and Home Fire Safety. 

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 Service, submitted)

Neil MacFarlane provided a short verbal update outlining the recent resurfacing works carried out at a number of locations throughout the MAKI area.  He advised that the areas in Ardrishaig and Port Ann, which had been highlighted at the last meeting as issues had now been resurfaced.  Mr MacFarlane outlined the planned resurfacing works which were scheduled to take place within the coming months and confirmed that the resurfacing works in Hall Street, Campbeltown required to address the ponding issue outside Café Bluebell had been carried out, and that he was due to meet staff from BEAR and their subcontractor to discuss the next phase of operations in the coming weeks. 

Discussion was had in relation to a number of minor accidents that had occurred as a result of the poor road layout on the approach to the roundabout at the trunk road in Campbeltown.  Mr MacFarlane advised that he was happy to look at erecting signage as an interim solution but that he would investigate the possibility of including a solution to this problem into works already planned at Kinloch Road so that the layout of the road would be obvious to those not familiar with the area.

Decision

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

Consideration was given to a presentation which outlined the background to the Citizens Advice Bureau and the provision of services across Argyll and Bute with offices in Lochgilphead and Helensburgh and outreach services available in Dunoon, Oban, Campbeltown and Mull. The presentation included information on the advice provided to clients since 2021; the audit and assessment standards that require to be met and staffing numbers and information on the training programmes provided to volunteers.  Ms Broadhurst outlined a number of services currently on offer and included the provision of advice to those worried about the rising cost of energy.  Partners noted the ongoing survey which sought the views of communities on the work that the Citizens Advice Bureau do and noted that they could participate.  The survey can be found at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ABCABCommunityPartnersSurvey/

Decision

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

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

The group gave consideration to a report which highlighted the ongoing workstreams of Forestry and Land Scotland within the MAKI area.  Information on Land Management Plans; Renewable Energy plans; the significant spread of the Larch-Phytophithora ramorum disease in the Kintyre area; the ongoing peatland restoration programme and a number of upcoming complex operations.

Decision

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

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

Consideration was given to an update from South Islay Development (SID) which included information on the appointment of the construction team to begin work on the Port Ellen Playing Fields; the response to the new fund set up by Ardbeg Islay single malt Scotch whisky to support community, and environmental projects on Islay and the installation of new fuel pumps at Port Ellen Filling Station. 

Discussion was had in relation to the issues faced due to the lack of child care provision on the island.  Ms McGillivray advised that work was ongoing with the Council’s Early Year’s team in the hope of securing a venue for this service. 

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)

Consideration was given to an update from Campbeltown Community Council which outlined the plans to host a picnic on Kinloch Green on Sunday 7 May to mark the coronation of King Charles III.  The report also provided information on the ongoing work to restore the footpath between the Trench Point and Slatyfarlan; the creation of a community garden together with the opportunity for food growing, as identified in the 2022-2027 iteration of the Campbeltown Community Action Plan and the queries received about the current availability and future strategy for the provision of EV charging points within the town. 

Decision

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

(Reference:  Report by Campbeltown Community Council, submitted)

Having noted the apologies of Jane Cowen of Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust, the group gave consideration to a report which provided information on the ongoing work to take forward the plans outlined in the SHIP for 30 new houses by 2026; the opening of the Tarbert Heritage project for the 2023 season; the donation of the skeleton of a Cuvier beaked whale and the plans to display them and the annual beach clean which took place over the weekend of 28-29 April. 

Decision

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

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

Consideration was given to a report which provided an update on the work of Argyll TSI during the period 16 February to 21 April 2023.  The report included information on Local Strategic Partnerships; Future Funding opportunities as a result of the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund and events taking place across Argyll and Bute,  which included the Volunteer of the Year event.  Further information was provided in relation to the new and improved digital platform for volunteering; the Argyll and Bute Positive Destination programme and the Argyll and Bute Community Directory, which can be found at https://abcd.scot/

Decision

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

(Reference:  Report by Argyll TSI, submitted)

East Kintyre Community Council

The Chair provided a short verbal update on the planned activities taking place in East Kintyre to celebrate the Kings Coronation.  He advised of a number of community events including an afternoon tea for the over 75’s; a gala day with the local primary school hosting sporting events and the unveiling of a commemoration bench. 

Kintyre Youth Action Group

Members of the Kintyre Youth Group provided an update on the work they were leading on within their communities, which included representing local youth views on issues that they care about; running a number of community events such as local coffee mornings to raise money that would enable them to purchase and donate books for mental health to Campbeltown Library and a number of events which are due to take place at the beginning of the summer in Ardrishaig supporting the LGBTQ+ movement. 

Report by Project Officer

Jackie Westerman, Home Energy Efficiency Project Officer for Argyll and Bute Council provided a short update on the Energy Efficient Scotland:  Area Based Scheme and how it is delivered within the Council area.  Ms Westerman advised that the premise of the scheme is to contribute towards the Scottish Governments target of net-zero emissions by 2040, by retro-fitting insulation measures to homes, and to target fuel poverty within the area and outlined the grants and funding available to install the energy efficiency improvements. 

Decision

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

(Reference:  Report by Project Officer, submitted)

Report by Chair of the Climate Change Working Group

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 process as the best, and most thorough way to address the climate emergency in Argyll and Bute; the approved governance arrangements for the Climate Change Project Manager’s post and the ongoing work in respect of the recruitment process involved for the post of Project Manager.   

Decision

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

(Reference:  Report by Chair of the Community Planning Partnership Climate Change Working Group, submitted)

Report by Senior Design Officer, Architecture and Design Scotland

Consideration was given to a report which provided an update on the workstreams of the Climate Action Towns group since the last meeting of the MAKI ACPG.  The report highlighted the support around the development of the Campbeltown Community Action Plan, to ensure it considers full climate change and climate risks and the assistance provided in involving local people and businesses in developing the action plan.  It was also noted that a Gathering event bringing together the nine Climate Action Towns to share learning and networking would take place on an online platform on 12 May 2023. 

Decision

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

(Reference:  Report by Climate Action Towns, submitted)

Report by Janice Gale

Consideration was given to a report on the recently formed Community Cycle Ardrishaig, a registered charity which seeks to promote cycling as a green and environmentally friendly activity for all ages and abilities.  The report outlined the background and context of the charity and outlined their visions, which include the provision of a weekly program of led bike rides and other activities such as maintenance and activities to suit all ages.  Ms Gale advised that the charity were actively seeking volunteers and supporters to help them establish their service.  She provided the email address of the charity, ardrishaigcycling@aol.com and implored people to get in touch if they could assist. 

Decision

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

(Reference:  Report by Community Cycling Ardrishaig, submitted) 

Presentation by Project Officer

The group gave consideration to a presentation by Jamie Joyce of Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust.  The presentation provided an update on the current workstreams of the Trust which seek to support Argyll and Bute communities adopt strategies to tackle climate change as well as a look ahead to the development of a training event for children and young people to develop their knowledge on climate change, promote positive action and foster resilience in a changing world. 

Decision

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

(Reference:  Presentation by Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust, submitted)

The Chair advised that it had been anticipated that Islay Connections would provide a presentation on their work at this section of the agenda, however on this occasion it had not been possible to do so.  He advised that it is anticipated that they will attend a future meeting to present this item. 

Wednesday, 30 August 2023

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted that their next meeting was scheduled to take place on Wednesday 30 August 2023 at 10:00 am on a hybrid basis.

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