Agenda and minutes

Due to the restricted use of the facilities in the Burnett Building, Campbeltown, the Chair ruled and the Group agreed to take the agenda items out of sequence to accommodate officers in attendance from this venue.  This minute reflects the order in which discussion took place. 

.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting, and made particular mention of Kenny McNab of the Clyde Fisherman’s Society and Garry McLean of the National Farmers Union Scotland, who were attending their first meeting as Partners.  General introductions were made.

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:-

Yvonne Angus, ACHA

Mary McCallum-Sullivan, Ardrishaig Community Council

Margaret Wallace, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface

Colin Renfrew, Fyne Homes

Lorraine Paterson, Health and Social Care Partnership

Dawn Park, Kinytre Youth Forum

Robert Judge, Live Argyll

Alison Hay, Mid Argyll Chamber of Commerce

Tracy Preece, NHS Highland

Councillor Anne Horn

Councillor Sandy Taylor

There were no declarations of interest intimated. 

The Minute of the meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group held on Wednesday, 6 February 2019 was approved as an accurate record.

Report by Health Improvement Principal 

The group gave consideration to a report which outlined the works currently being progressed by the eight local Health and Wellbeing Networks in Argyll and Bute.  It highlighted the responsibilities of the Networks which included developing local action plans, holding local networking meetings and allocating the Health and Wellbeing small grant fund. 

The Health Improvement Principal Officer provided information in relation to the future role of the Health and Wellbeing Partnership, which included information on the findings of an evaluation carried out in January 2019 as a result of falling attendance rates at partnership meetings and a lack of engagement from Community Planning partners; the merger of the working group for the Outcome 5 delivery plan with the Health and Wellbeing Partnership, which has culminated in the conclusion of the delivery plan for Outcome 5; the Health and Wellbeing priorities for 2019-20 and connecting Outcome 5 with the four Area Community Planning Groups.  Ms McGrory further advised that the annual report of Health and Wellbeing activity is published each year and will be published in June 2019 at www.healthargyllandbute.co.uk. 

The Health Improvement Principal Officer agreed to provide to the Senior Committee Assistant for circulation to the wider group a flier in respect of a Health and Wellbeing event taking place on Friday, 10 May 2019 at 12.30pm in Inveraray for Partners who wished to attend.  She also agreed to forward for circulation a link to the Survey Monkey highlighted in the report, and asked Partners to take the opportunity to complete the survey to enable improvements to the MAKI Health and Wellbeing Network. 

The Chairman thanked the Health Improvement Principal Officer for the information provided. 

Decision:

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group agreed to note the information provided.

(Ref:  Report by Health Improvement Principal Officer, dated 1 May 2019, submitted.)

The group gave consideration to a report which outlined the background and provided information on the recent changes to the Locality Planning Group arrangements, which saw the nine locality planning group model dissolved in favour of a four locality planning group model.  This was formally agreed by the Argyll and Bute Integrated Joint Board in October 2018 and it is hoped that the new model will be operational in June 2019. 

Discussion took place in respect of representation on the newly formed groups, with concern being expressed particularly in relation to the islands.  The Chair, Mr Buntin outlined the ways in which the Mid Argyll contingents proposed to work with the new arrangements.  Further concern was raised as to whether the IJB would take cognisance of unofficial Health Forums.  The Health Improvement Principal Officer outlined the legislation and guidance from the Scottish Government and advised that these were Locality Planning Groups and not engagement groups.  Ms McGrory further advised of the ongoing discussions taking place with the Third Sector Interface to ensure appropriate representation on the groups, and advised that representation from the three communities within the MAKI locality was being sought.  

The Area Committee Manager asked for information on the selection process for the new LPG’s to be provided and circulated to the wider group. 

Decision:

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

1.    note the information provided; and

2.    feedback the comments and concerns of the group to the CPP Management Committee for consideration.   

(Ref:  Report by Associate Director of Public Health, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated 1 May 2019, submitted.)

The group gave consideration to a report and verbal presentation by Gill Chasemore, who outlined the principle aim of the support group and highlighted the difficulties faced by the group in trying to reach out to more people, particularly those who struggle to get to Bowmore due to issues such as poor health, remoteness and poor transport.  She also outlined a number of other projects and activities offered by the group, which afford people an opportunity to lead as healthy a life as possible.   

Discussion took place in respect of fuel poverty, the difficulties for some in navigating the benefits system particularly in relation to Personal Independence Payments and the costs of living on an island.  Partners in attendance offered to assist Ms Chasemore with some of the issues raised and the Chair agreed to provide information to Ms Whyte of Islay Community Council directly in relation to outreach workers from the Department of Work and Pensions.

The Chair thanked Ms Chasemore for the information provided.

Decision:

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group agreed to note the information provided. 

(Ref:  Report by Chit Chat Development Officer, Islay and Jura Community Enterprises Ltd, dated 1 May 2019, submitted.) 

Video Presentation

The Community Planning Officer presented a video that was now available showcasing the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Full Partnership meeting that took place on Wednesday, 28 March 2019 in the Queens Hall, Dunoon.  She outlined the part that pupils from Dunoon Grammar School played in making the event a success, sentiments which the Chair echoed. 

The video for the CPP Full Partnership can be found at https://vimeo.com/332182960

Decision:

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group agreed to note the information provided. 

(Ref:  Video by Community Planning Manager, submitted.)

Report by Community Planning Manager

The Community Planning Officer outlined the engagement plan for the next iteration of the tracker and took the group through the progress of actions currently identified on the Area Community Planning Action Plan tracker.  Discussion took place in respect of the actions which were classed as not on track, with members of the group being satisfied that actions are being progressed where necessary and work is ongoing to pursue these actions.

Decision:

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group agreed to note the information provided. 

(Ref:  Report by Community Planning Manager, dated 1 May 2019, submitted.)

Update by HIAL

The group gave consideration to a verbal update from Niall Colthart of Highlands and Islands Airport Limited (HIAL) who advised that the airport had seen a rapid growth over the last few years, increasing from 6 to 40 staff.  Mr Colthart outlined the difficulties faced by the airport in retaining staff due to a shortage of housing on the island and advised that on any given day a certain number of staff require to be on site otherwise the airport could not operate.  Mr Colthart also provided information in relation to future plans to expand the airport building and destinations.  He advised that in his view the option to allocate “key worker status” was important in regard to housing allocation and this was something which should be highlighted.    

Discussion was had on temporary accommodation options to provide a short term solution; the need to provide a long term solution not only for the airport but also for other services on the island; the importance of the Community Housing Assessment Toolkit which can be accessed at https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/housing/housing-strategies-consultations-and-research-0 and the Islay Strategic Housing overview. 

Decision:

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

1.    note the information provided; and

2.    feedback the comments and concerns of the Group to the CPP Management Committee for their consideration and action.

Update by Coastguard

The Area Committee Manager advised that there had been no one available to attend this meeting, but that a written update had been provided, as outlined below: 

“We currently have 3 volunteer Coastguard rescue teams across the two islands, Port Charlotte, Port Ellen and Jura (Craighouse).

All are trained in:  Lost & missing person search, water safety & rescue, emergency responder casualty care and response to ordnance & abandoned pyrotechnics.  In addition, Port Charlotte are trained and equipped to carry out rope (cliff) rescue.  All 3 teams now have 4x4 capability following the recent issue of a vehicle to Port Ellen.

All three teams operate from their own locations and maintain their own resilience, but are now working better together as a joint response to incidents rather than isolated teams operating independently.  The volunteers are also working very well alongside partner agencies on the island and engaged in the islands community emergency plans.  

Over the last couple of years we have increased our capability on the islands by reviewing the distribution of volunteer numbers, increasing full time officer and training support, upgrading equipment and improving estates & vehicles.

We recently held a new start Core Skills course on Islay which uplifted our numbers across the islands, we are aiming to build on that and recruit more volunteers over the next 12 months.

The recent loss of power outage on Colonsay was a good opportunity to demonstrate the teams ability to work with others and respond to an incident outside of their normal working area.  Volunteers from all 3 teams were transported by the RNLI to Colonsay to assist with communications and welfare for vulnerable people.  Other recent incidents include several missing person searches alongside Police Scotland, responding alongside the RNLI to vessels in distress and a number of helicopter landing sites supporting both HMCG helicopters and SAS heli-med.”

Discussion took place in respect of representation of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on the core membership of the group. 

Decision:

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group requested that the Area Committee Manager:

1.    extend an invitation to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to sit on the membership of the group; and

2.    invite them to provide an update on the progress of works within the MAKI locality at a future meeting. 

Update by South Islay Development Trust

The group gave consideration to a presentation from Alyson MacGillivray from South Islay Development Trust outlining the development of the Community Action Plan.  She advised of the need to evaluate the progress of each of the projects highlighted by the community in 2011 and the ways in which the evaluation was carried out.  She spoke of the assistance the Trust received from Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) in facing the challenges brought about by updating the action plan.  Ms MacGillivray outlined the priorities for South Islay Development Trust and how they engaged with the community to develop these.  She outlined the next steps and advised that the Action Plan is a working document, which is flexible and constantly changing with the needs of the South Islay community.  Discussion was had in relation to the Port Ellen Playing Fields Development with Ms MacGillivray outlining the consultation event hosted by the Trust which took place on Saturday, 27 April 2019 and the steps involved in taking the project forward. 

The Chair thanked Ms MacGillivray for the informative presentation.

Decision:

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group agreed to note the information provided.  

Amy Dunnachie of Jura Development Trust spoke of the ongoing work to implement the Community Action Plan.  She advised that issues such as affordable housing; the continuation of the core path project; connectivity and renewable energy schemes continued to be priorities for the Trust, and spoke of the training and support being offered in progressing these issues.  Ms Dunnachie outlined a number of other projects being rolled out by the Trust such as the small scale community composting scheme and a community fridge for encouraging food sharing.  She spoke of the relationships the Trust have built with Visit Scotland; the consultation of the Islands Plan and the improvements being made to the village.  Debs Bryce also provided some input from a Community Council perspective.    

Discussion was had on the possibility of establishing a local lettings policy; the speed limits outside the local school on Craighouse and the possibility of establishing a concession for residents on the island using the ferry between Jura and Islay. 

The Chair thanked Ms Dunnachie and Ms Bryce for the information provided.

Decision:

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group agreed to note the information provided. 

Update by Jura Community Council

The group were given a verbal update by Debs Bryce of Jura Community Council who advised that the ferry was now running in its eleventh year.  She advised of the passenger increase since 2016 and outlined a number of officials that use the service to travel to and from meetings and the ways in which it has helped the NHS.  Ms Bryce further advised that the service is recognised by Transport Scotland and receives a fund subsidy from them in order to maintain the service.  Ms Bryce advised of the issues relating to signage for the ferry and sought assistance from the group in bringing this to the attention of the Council with a request that they provide signage on the Tayvallich side.  She outlined future plans for the service which included the possibility of increasing the size of the vessel to accommodate more passengers and the extension of service to include travel from Islay. 

Discussion took place in respect of the constraints on the council run Jura ferry; the timetable issues between the ferry and other forms of transport and the difficulties faced by the school who must pay for the ferry in order to transport pupils to Islay for swimming lessons. 

The Chair thanked Ms Bryce for the information provided.  

Decision:

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

Opportunity for verbal updates by Community Planning Partners

Antonia Baird, Community Development Officer

Ms Baird advised that she was hosting an “Engaging with Communities” event in the Community Centre, Lochgilphead on Tuesday, 11 June 2019 and invited all to attend. 

Islay Community Council

Mr Porteous advised that the Community Council had put a case forward to Argyll and Bute Council for additional funding, he advised that they hadn’t heard anything for a while and were concerned that it had been lost in communication.  The Area Committee Manager advised that it had been given consideration by the Policy and Resources Committee, but had been continued until their meeting on 16 May 2019 to allow for further information to be provided. 

Carradale Community Council

Mr Brodie read out a statement from the Planning Sub-committee, Carradale Community Trust highlighting their development strategy for 2019-2022.  Mr Brodie advised that Carradale Community Trust would be attending the next meeting of the ACPG on 7 August 2019 to present a full update. 

Scottish Fire and Rescue

Watch Manager Duncan Litster provided a breakdown of incidents relating to the MAKI area for quarter 4 of 2018/19.  He highlighted activities taking place within local communities including the successful Fire Skills Course for 12 – 18 year olds in Campbeltown and the recruitment campaign for Port Charlotte which requires 5 retained firefighters, and confirmed that it would be possible for the training programme to be carried out on the island and at weekends.  Mr Litster provided information on the upcoming Biker Down campaign and advised that Lochgilphead Fire Station had recently received a kit from the Smoky Paws Society to assist in animal recovery. 

Lochgilphead Community Council

The Chair, Mr Buntin provided a progress update in relation to the Front Green and Colchester Square regeneration project and outlined areas of funding being sought.  Mr Buntin urged Partners passing through Ardrishaig to stop at Pier Square and visit the mini Kelpies.  He also advised that the paddle steamer, the Waverley was due to visit Ardrishaig on Friday, 2 August 2019. 

Clyde Fisherman’s Association

Kenny McNab thanked the group for inviting the Association to join the membership of the group.  He outlined the background to the Association and the Inshore Fisheries Alliance and advised that he would provide a full presentation to the next meeting of the ACPG in August 2019.  HE also highlighted the current discussion paper on the future of fisheries in Scotland and urged members of the group to take part.  The discussion paper can be accessed using this link:-

https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-discussion-paper-future-fisheries-management-scotland/pages/1/  

National Farmers Union of Scotland

Garry McLean highlighted the increasing number of livestock worrying in Argyll and spoke of the proposals for new legislation for repeat offenders and the possibility of increasing the penalty.  He stressed that it is important for people to be aware of the responsibilities that come with using the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. 

Young person involvement in Area Community Planning

The Area Committee Manager advised on work which is ongoing to enable more participation from young people in Area Community Planning and talked about the possible barriers in regard to attendance at meetings.  It was noted that representatives from the Youth Forum would be invited to the next meeting of the Group in August.   

The next meeting will take place at 10.00am on Wednesday, 7 August 2019, venue to be confirmed.

The group noted that the next meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group would take place at 10.00am on Wednesday, 7 August 2019 within the Inveraray Inn, Inveraray.