Agenda and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:-

Ian Brodie (Vice-Chair)

MSYP Alasdair Paisley

Jane Cowen, Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust

Becky Hothersall, Poverty Alliance

Caroline McArthur, Argyll and Bute HSCP

Kevin Allibone, DWP

Lucy Sumsion, NFU Scotland

Muriel MacKavaney, CHArts Argyll and Isles

Suzanne Mason, Engagement and Communities Lead, Argyll and Bute Council

Rory Munro, Argyll and Bute HSCP

Fergus Murray, Head of DEG, Argyll and Bute Council

Olena Mishanina, Argyll and Bute HSCP

Petra Pearce, Argyll and Bute TSI

Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland

Dave Wilkinson, West Lochfyne CC

Laura Stephenson, Argyll and Bute HSCP

Laurie Piper, Scottish Canals

Sgt Matt Shaw, Police Scotland

Tracy Robertson, Fyne Homes

Wendy Reid, Live Argyll

Valerie Nimmo, Campbeltown Community Council

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minutes of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group meeting held on 28 August 2024 were approved as a correct record.

Presentation by Resilience and Standards Manager, Caledonian MacBrayne

The Group gave consideration to a presentation from Victoria Shaw and John Kelly, Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), which provided an update on the works being carried out to accommodate new vessels on the Islay route. The presentation provided information in relation to the background of the project; the vessel delivery and project timelines; and provided information on the scope of works at Kennacraig (North and South), Colonsay and Port Askaig.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Resilience and Standards Manager, Caledonian MacBrayne, submitted)

Verbal Update by Chair, Cairnbaan Community Trust

The Group gave consideration to a verbal update from Jim Maitland, Cairnbaan Community Trust, in relation to the Group’s activities. Information was provided on the work the Trust had carried out in their first year which included setting up a website, providing regular updates to stakeholders, and establishing their corporate identity.  The Trust also held a success logo design competition with Lochgilphead Joint Campus and secured funding to produce a short film; We Are Cairnbaan.

It was also reported that the Trust had secured financial assistance from the Scottish Government Capital Asset Scheme and Scottish Land Fund.  The group had appointed consultants to produce a feasibility study and had submitted their request to purchase properties from FLS.  The deadline for a decision from FLS was now 3 weeks away and it was noted that current priorities are driven by deadlines which require to be met along with looking ahead to identifying and securing more funding for the future.

Decision

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

Presentation by Corporate Resilience Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group considered a presentation by Susan Donnelly, Corporate Resilience Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, in relation to community resilience in Argyll and Bute. The presentation highlighted that Community Resilience is when communities and individuals harness resources and expertise to help themselves prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies, in a way that complements the work of emergency responders.

The presentation also provided information in relation to why community resilience is so important, including details of potential risks and statutory sites; how community resilience is managed in Argyll and Bute; recent and future workstreams of the Resilience team; and historical activity across the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area. The presentation also provided details of how the Group could engage with and assist the Resilience team in achieving resilient communities across Argyll and Bute.

Susan encouraged partners to promote community resilience in their own communities by establishing who was taking responsibility and where kit bags previously supplied were being stored.  She further encouraged partners to signpost and promote materials which were available on the council website.

Decision

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

Presentation by Strategic Transportation Policy Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

Consideration was given to a presentation on Telecare and Broadband changes by Iain MacInnes, Strategic Transport Policy Officer and Luke Horner, Digital and Projects Support Officer. The presentation included information on the UK Government Guidance which highlighted that there would still be an option for a ‘landline only’ service and that they would not be switching off copper broadband, only analogue switching gear would be removed. It was advised that there have been 4 groups categorised as vulnerable, which are people with visual impairments, hearing impairments, registered disabled or a telecare user.  Mr MacInnes advised that battery back-up units would be provided for those classed as vulnerable in areas with no good mobile phone signal.

It was also noted that an information leaflet would be shared with the group post meeting, on the Council website and would also be distributed with the next round of council tax bills.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Strategic Transportation Policy Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted)

Report by Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, and Alcohol and Drug Partnership Co-Ordinator, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership

Consideration was given to a report from Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership’s Public Health Team on the ongoing wellbeing and prevention activities overseen and delivered by them in Argyll and Bute. The update provided information on the work of the Smoking Cessation Advisers who support people to quit smoking and have been promoting the Stoptober Campaign by raising awareness of the service;  the continued work to increase awareness of the five adult screening programmes; the work of the Living Well Networks and the community events held by them; the launch of Year 5 of the Living Well Grants; The Argyll and Bute Joint Strategic Needs Assessment which will be published in November and the Art of Hosting method used to engage with communities.

The report also provided information on alcohol and drug prevention and early intervention; families affected by alcohol and drugs; Recovery Orientated Systems of Care (ROSC); the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership strategy and needs assessment; and the Alcohol and Drug Partnership Annual Report.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership and Alcohol and Drug Partnership Coordinator, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated October 2024, submitted)

Presentation by Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership

The Group gave consideration to a presentation from Heather McAdam, Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership which highlighted the work of the Argyll and Bute Alcohol and Drug Partnership. It was noted that the mission is to work with and for communities and organisation in Argyll and Bute to prioritise equality, diversity and health and wellbeing and foster environments and partnerships to nurture and support the flourishing of all and that the vision is for a thriving Argyll and Bute where everyone has the opportunity to live well.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Report by Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, tabled)

It was agreed that a short comfort break be taken at 11.15am with the meeting resuming at 11.25am.

Verbal Update by Area Manager, Transport Scotland

Consideration was given to an update from Ian Woodcock, Transport Scotland, on the ongoing management of the Rest and Be Thankful. Ian provided information in relation to the daily and weekly management of the hillside, how information is communicated to the public and the various teams involved both on site and remotely.  He explained there are 7 alert levels informed by weather forecasts, previous and current rainfall and time lapse videography; which dictate what travel management is put in place each day.

Traffic signals are expected to be on the Rest and Be Thankful until May 2025, after which it will be open to two way traffic.  An interim safety measure of a flatbed mesh fence is in place, a more permanent solution to remove this should be installed by the end of this year; and ground works for the long term solution should be completed by May 2025.

It was also noted that along with the Rest and Be Thankful, Transport Scotland are actively monitoring other sites which are vulnerable to landslides.

Decision

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

The Group gave consideration to 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 2024-25. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan; incidents during this period; unwanted fire alarm signals; road and water safety campaigns; community engagement activities; East and West Dunbartonshire and 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)

The Group gave consideration to an update from Transport Scotland in relation to recent and upcoming works on the A83. The update included details of works to manage hillside movement and material at the Rest and Be Thankful; investments in electrical signage; and repairs to Array Bridge. The update also included details of past and future scheduled maintenance works, including details of resurfacing schemes and routine footway, signing and drainage schemes.

Discussion followed about various roads issues across Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands which Ian agreed to investigate and report back to the Group.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Area Manager, Transport Scotland, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to a report from Live Argyll’s Community Learning Team in relation to their youth work in Kintyre. The report included information in relation to supporting the work of the Kintyre Youth Action Group (KYAG); the results of a recent consultation led by KYAG in relation to the views of local young people; collaboration between the Kintyre and Bute Youth Action Groups to enhance local youth voice across Argyll and Bute; an expedition to climb the Cobbler with KYAG, and future plans to climb Ben Nevis; work with Skills Development Scotland to provide an employability skills development programme; the delivery of accredited wider achievement awards to young people; support to the local Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP); and details of regular ongoing projects.

Decision

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

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

The Group gave consideration to the Kintyre Youth Action Group 2024 Consultation Report, which highlighted the importance of youth voice, and work carried out following the results of the previous consultation carried out in 2022. The consultation report also provided a breakdown of who had completed the survey, the results of the survey, and the analysis carried out by Kintyre Youth Action Group and the local MSYP of the results. The consultation report highlighted particular areas of interest from the consultation results, including extra support for young people; falling behind with learning; knowing where to go when young people need help; mental health; bullying; social media; life skills and employability; keeping fit and active; social and creative activities; transport; the environment; and vaping.

The consultation report explored the ways in which these areas were impacting local youth, and provided suggestions on how to improve on these areas. It was noted that the consultation results would be highlighted to local services, decision makers and stakeholders to raise awareness of the challenges faced by local young people, and to provide insight on local youth views.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Kintyre Youth Action Group, submitted)

The Group considered a report from MSYP Alasdair Paisley, who provided information on his recent work. The report provided information on collaboration with KYAG in relation to their recent consultation; discussions with local young people at the recent meeting of the Kintyre and Bute Youth Action Groups; assistance with training newly elected MSYPs; work with the Tarbert Academy Pupil Parliament; and future plans to increase consultation with local schools, fellow MSYPs, and Youth Action Groups.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to a report from Shopper-Aide, which provided an update on their work since the last meeting of the Group to overcome financial difficulties and source funding. The report included information on local meetings which were held to seek support and suggestions; support provided by local individuals and organisations to assist Shopper-Aide to continue running; planned fundraising activities; successful bids to local and national funding channels; and future plans to tighten up Shopper-Aide’s administration and decrease overall costs.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Director, Shopper-Aide, submitted)

Consideration was given to a report from Police Scotland which provided information on the ongoing work of the Service and information on areas including serious and organised crime; acquisitive crime, including fraud; road safety and road crime; violent crime; public protection. The report also provided information on the appointment of a new Area Commander and the results of a Road Policing Safety Day of Action on 22^nd August, which took place in Taynuilt.

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 Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust, which included information on the progress of their Community Plan 2; the purchase of the old Fishermen’s Co-op in Tarbert; the agreement of large grant criteria; an award made to the Bowling Club for a multi-use games area; and other projects in the local area. The update also provided information on the Tarbert Against Coastal Litter (TACL) project, in consultation with Loughborough University, which had resulted in 4 beach cleans and 396kg of litter being collected.

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)

Kintyre Link Club

Tracy Chambers from Kintyre Link Club highlighted to the Group that it is Carers Day on 21 November and explained there would be various events throughout Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands to mark the occasion.  In Kintyre they are holding an arts and crafts afternoon on Tuesday 19^th in the Community Centre and invited anyone in the area drop in.

Community Development

Antonia Baird advised that the Community Development Team are currently providing training helping communities to develop Local Place Plans as there is a deadline of 30 June 2024 to have those plans in place.

Caitlin McNeill introduced herself as the new Third Sector Support Advisor.  Consideration was then given to a report from Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface which provided information on Scottish Government, Parliament, the TSI landscape and policy activity, Community Wealth Building (CWB) progress, ABTSI strategy development preparations, Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network (ABCAN); and the work of the Wellbeing Development Manager.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Third Sector Interface, submitted)

Report by Community Learning Manager and Adult Learning Team Leader, Live Argyll

The Group gave consideration to a presentation from Rhona Grant, Live Argyll Community Learning Team, in relation to the Argyll and Bute Community Learning and Development (CLD) Strategic Partnership Plan for 2024-27. The presentation provided details of the requirements to produce the Plan; the focus of community learning and development on tackling inequality and delivering social justice; methods used to inform the new Plan; the core vision and values of the Plan; the ways in which a collaborative approach would be utilised to target provision to those who need it; and details of the Community Learning and Development Partners involved in progressing the Plan.

The presentation also highlighted the Plan’s themes and shared priorities of digital skills; core skills for learning, life and work; health and wellbeing; your voice; the learner offer; and improving how we work as a partnership. It was noted that progress on these priorities would be communicated to the Community Services Committee; Community Planning Partnership; and local Area Community Planning Groups going forward.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Community Learning Manager and Adult Learning Team Leader, Live Argyll, submitted)

Report by Climate Change Project Manager, Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (ACT)

Consideration was given to a report providing an update on the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership’s Argyll and Bute Climate Action Project: Developing a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Argyll and Bute. It was noted that the Project Manager was seeking feedback from Partners on the draft Strategy and Action Plan, prior to submitting a finalised version to the upcoming Community Planning Partnership Management Committee meeting in December.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group:

1.    noted the approach and status of the project outlined in the report; and

2.    agreed to provide comments and feedback to the Project Manager following the meeting.

(Reference: Report by Climate Change Project Manager, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust, dated 28 October 2024, submitted)

Report by Democratic Services Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group gave consideration to a report providing the results of a recent survey carried out in relation to meeting arrangements. The report outlined the key points for consideration, based on Partner feedback, and sought suggestions from Partners in relation to how the results of this survey could be utilised to improve future meeting arrangements.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group:

1. noted the results of the survey, as outlined in the report; and

2. Agreed meetings would continue to be held on a hybrid basis, at multiple locations throughout the area which had access to good wifi connections; and that the desire to see some meetings take place in the afternoon would be taken into consideration.

(Reference: Report by Democratic Services Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 6 November 2024, submitted)

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group gave consideration to a report which outlined matters discussed during the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Full Partnership meeting held on 16 September 2024. The report provided information on the Argyll and Bute Employability Partnership Delivery Plan for 2022-25; the CPP initiative to develop a Climate Change Strategy and Framework; the history of Community Wealth Building within the Community Planning Partnership; the key priorities for the new Regional Transport Strategy for the development of transport in the region over the next 20 years; the current housing emergency and the action plan agreed in June 2024; and the proposed Population Health Framework for Scotland which is to be adopted by the Scottish Government, CoSLA, Public Health Scotland and Health Boards.

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, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 5 November 2024, submitted)

Report by Democratic Services Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group gave consideration to a report providing information on the role of Chair of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group, and seeking nominations from Partners for this position.

The Group thanked Councillor Armour for his commitment during his term as Chair.  Councillor Armour stated he had really enjoyed Chairing the Group but had to step down due to competing Council commitments, he will however continue to attend the meetings.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group unanimously agreed to appoint Councillor Anne Horn as Chair.

(Reference: Report by Democratic Services Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 6 November 2024, submitted)

Wednesday, 5 February 2025

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group would take place on Wednesday, 5 February 2025.