Agenda and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:-

Iona MacPhail, Fyne Homes

Michelle Mundie, ACHA

Caitlin Quinn, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

Kelly Scott, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

Fergus Murray, Argyll and Bute Council

Dave Wilkinson, West Lochfyneside Community Council

Jane Cowen, Tarbert and Skipness Community Trusty

Kathleen O’Neill, Culture Heritage and Arts (CHArts) Argyll and Isles

Tommy Gore, Calmac

Neil MacFarlane, Transport Scotland

May Cross, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

There were no declarations of interest intimated. 

The Minutes of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group meeting held on 30 August 2023 were approved as a correct record. 

The group gave consideration to a report which outlined matters discussed during a meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee held on 7 September 2023.  The report included information on a number of cross cutting themes such as Climate Change, Financial Inclusion and Community Wealth Building and an update on the development of the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan (ABOIP).

Decision

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

(Reference:  Report by Committee Manager, dated 1 November 2023, submitted)

Having noted the content of the report provided by Scottish Canals on the planned winter works for 2023/24 at the Crinan Canal, the group gave consideration to a verbal update from the Head of Customer Experience and Delivery.  Mr Piper advised that this was year 3 of a 5 year investment programme at the Crinan Canal.  He outlined the work programme which included extensive refurbishment of large bits of steel and infrastructure and advised that the works were necessary to keep the canal fit for purpose.  Mr Piper further advised of the continued engagement with local businesses and communities and outlined the efforts made to ensure the canal will be open by mid-April rather than the previously anticipated timescale of end of May 2024. 

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the report and the information provided by the Head of Customer Experience and Delivery, Scottish Canals.

(Reference:  Report by Scottish Canals, submitted)

The group gave consideration to a presentation by members of the Kintyre Link Club.  The presentation outlined the background and aims of the mental health club run by members for members, which are to reduce isolation and increase opportunities for local people suffering from poor mental health.  It also provided information on the funding required and the support provided by other partner organisations within the area.

Decision

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

(Reference:  Presentation by Kintyre Link Club, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to a report and presentation from Rory Munro, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, on the adult health and wellbeing profile for the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Public Health Intelligence Team, Argyll and Bute HSCP, dated March 2023, submitted)

The Chair took the opportunity to advise that the council declared a Housing Emergency within Argyll and Bute in June due to a rise in homelessness post-pandemic and an increasing lack of housing choice in the area. 

He advised that in order to build the strategy to tackle Argyll & Bute's housing emergency, a Summit event had been scheduled to bring together delivery partners, community stakeholders, funders, business leaders, public sector bodies and housing organisations to debate, prioritise and programme solutions to increase housing supply. He advised that together, partners will be asked to forge commitments aimed at tackling housing shortage by maximising resources, pursuing innovation, coordinating planning and targeting delivery capacity. 

Councillor Armour advised that there would be further information provided in the items that follow on issues faced locally.  He further advised that ACHA would bring their annual report to the next meeting of the group for consideration.

.

.

Consideration was given to a report which provided information on housing services, including welfare and benefits support, housing allocations, lettings, voids and tenant welfare; capital improvements; cyclical maintenance; a number of on-site developments and financial highlights.   Further information on the governance of the association; investing in communities and the view from subsidiary company Fyne Futures was also provided. 

Decision

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

(Reference:  Report by Fyne Homes, submitted) 

The group gave consideration to a report from the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust (IGHT) and a presentation by the Business Development Manager on the background of the trust together with its main objectives and achievements to date.  Information relating to the work being carried out in respect of affordable housing; an update on the progress of the new housing development and an insight to the long-term aspirations for housing on Gigha was also provided. 

Decision

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

(Reference:  Report by Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust, submitted)

The group gave consideration to a presentation which provided an overview of the project at Scalasaig on the Isle of Colonsay.  An outline of the current situation and the significance of community-led housing in the drive towards a sustainable resident community on the island was also provided.

Decision

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

(Reference:  Presentation by Colonsay Community Development Company, 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 fraud prevention and awareness; the cyber-enabled crime of sextortion; Bereavement Support; Road Safety and community intelligence.

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 2 of 2023/24.  The report included information on the local firefighter training plan; unwanted fire alarm signals; road and water safety campaigns; community engagement activities; East and West Dunbartonshire Argyll and Bute Local Senior Officer 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)

Having noted that the Roads and Networks Manager of Transport Scotland had submitted apologies due to emergency works, the Governance Officer provided the following update in his absence:- 

“The forthcoming overnight resurfacing works scheduled to take place between 5 November and 15 December at the following locations:-

• South of Ardgenvan
• West of Strone Point
• East of Strone Point (Achnatra)
• West of Craigs
• North of Erines Phase 2
• North of Artilligan
• North of Carrick Cemetery

There will also be fewer amnesties on some individual projects than others as the overall width of carriageway, to pass the works safely, varies.”

Decision

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

Consideration was given to a report which provided an update on the recent and upcoming activities of both the Kintyre and Lochgilphead Youth Work.

The Chair noted that Poppy Lynn Englefied and Chloe Reed were in attendance to provide a verbal update on the Kintyre Youth Action Group’s recent and ongoing activities.  They advised of the ongoing work to set up a youth LGBT Forum in the community; their work with the Women’s Aid charity to help find ways to reach young victims of domestic violence; the installation of a clean box at Campbeltown Skate Park and a number of fundraising initiatives.

The Chair took the opportunity to thank both Poppy and Chloe for their participation. 

Decision

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

(Reference:  Report by Live Argyll Community Learning Team, submitted)

Consideration was given to a report from South Islay Development, which included information on the progress of works on the new community hub and motorhome extension at Port Ellen Playing Fields; the upgraded facilities in Ramsay Hall and the childcare facility provided by Sonas Childcare. 

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 a public health update from Rory Munro, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership on the ongoing wellbeing and prevention activities overseen and delivered by the HSCP Public Health Team in Argyll and Bute. The update provided information on the alcohol and drug partnership with it being highlighted that the Scottish Government consultation on Minimum Unit Pricing is now live. Information was also provided on the alcohol and drug partnership grant funding to support the delivery of alcohol and drug prevention work in local communities; the coproduction training which was undertaken by two members of the public health team; the support given on the provision of good conversations training and the adult health profiles produced by the Health Intelligence Team.

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)

Consideration was given to an update from Argyll and Bute Citizen’s Advice Bureau which provided statistical information on the number of clients  who had contacted the Bureau between January and September 2023; the recruitment campaign for volunteer advisors; the annual programme of energy efficiency advice sessions and services that the Bureau provide.

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, dated October 2023, 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; the significant spread of the Larch-Phytphiathora Ramorum disease in the Kintyre area and its spread to other areas; 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 which included information on housing issues in Tarbert and Skipness; the recent White Shore Path and Cycle Stand beach clean; the re-location of Tarbert Life to the “Purple Door” on the quayside; the new Community Plan, with it being noted that the full version could be made available by request; the dispersal of community benefit funding and the re-development of Skipness Hall and the Tarbert Heritage and Regeneration Scheme.  Information relating to the Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust AGM scheduled to take place on 22 November 2023 followed by the Tarbert Castle AGM was also provided.

Decision

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

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

The group gave consideration to a report which outlined the current workstreams of the Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI).  Information included the TSI national network response to the cost of living crisis; the first meeting of the Scottish Cabinet re-commencement of travelling cabinets and the lobbying of the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care about the importance of working directly with third sector organisations and the importance of three-year funding and full cost recovery.  Further information in relation to Local Strategic Partnerships; Climate Action Networks and the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund was also provided. 

Decision

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

(Reference:  Report by Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI), submitted)

The Council’s Community Development Officer advised that online training sessions were being offered on 30 November 2023 and 6 December 2023 to assist local communities in drafting Community Action Plans and Local Place Plans.  Ms Baird advised that to secure a space on these sessions you could email her at antonia.baird@argyll-bute.gov.uk.

Ms Worrell of the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) advised of the social media campaigns on how the use of fireworks affects livestock.  She also outlined the upcoming live Facebook Q & A session run in conjunction with Police Scotland on rural access and crime issues, taking place on 8 November 2023 at 7pm.  She asked that any questions for this session could be emailed directly to her at  lauren.worrell@nfus.org.uk. 

Ms Worrell also outlined the work of NFUS on ferry issues with particular concerns around the Islay service.  She advised that NFUS are working with Calmac and United Auctions to try and make sure a satisfactory level of service is maintained through the winter time table. 

Muriel MacKaveney of CHArts Argyll and the Isles advised that CHARTS is a growing network of artists, makers, producers and spaces, who value creativity and the impact it has on individuals and communities.  She outlined a number of projects in the Kintyre area and advised that more information could be found at www.chartsargyllandisles.org.

The Group gave consideration to an update on the Climate Change Hub from Angela Anderson.  Ms Anderson highlighted that the consortium of Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (ACT), Third Sector Interface (TSI) and Time for Change (TFC) had submitted an application for the Climate Hub and had presented the application to the Scottish Government Advisory Board on Friday 27 October 2023.  She further advised that it is anticipated that the outcome of the bid would be announced during the latter half of November 2023.

Ms Anderson also highlighted that they had applied for funding for four part-time posts, one for each of the four administrative areas and that ACT will supply day to day support, TSI will provide ICT and secretariat assistance and TFC will assist as needed.

Decision

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

Wednesday, 31 January 2024

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted that their next meeting was scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 31 January 2024 on a hybrid basis. 

The Chair thanked everyone in attendance at the meeting.