Agenda and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

Councillor Robin Currie

Councillor Anne Horn

Councillor Donald MacMillan

Councillor Dougie Philand

David Jardine, Forestry Commission

Jim Frame, SEPA

Ben Tustin, SEPA

Dave Kent, South Knapdale Community Council

Fred Bruce, West Lochfyneside Community Council

Mary MacCallum Sullivan, Ardrishaig Community Council

The Minute of the Mid Argyll Partnership meeting held on 28 October 2015 was approved as a true record.

Partners agreed to note the Minute of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group, held on 11 November 2015. 

The Chair congratulated Andy Buntin, Convenor of Lochgilphead Community Council on his recent appointment as Chair of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group. 

Having noted the time constraints faced by guest speakers and Members, the Chair and the partnership agreed to take the remaining agenda items out of sequence.

Euan Thomson, Assistant Clinical Dental Director

The Partnership considered a verbal update by Euan Thomson, Assistant Clinical Dental Director of NHS Highland, who provided an update on the recent changes in dental cover in the area.  Mr Thomson advised that dentistry is being “re-balanced” all over Scotland, with regular patients being transferred to a general dental register leaving practitioners to treat patients with special needs under a public dental register.  Mr Thomson outlined the implications of these changes in the Mid Argyll area, which included the reduction of service in Furnace and staffing changes in the Lochgilphead practise.  Discussion took place in respect of the ability to recruit and retain dentists to the area, with Mr Thomson advising that there is a lack of people willing to relocate to the area, despite the financial incentives offered.  Further discussion in relation to the services offered in other areas such as Tarbert and Oban and possible locations for extension to the Lochgilphead practise was had.  Mr Thomson advised that he was hopeful that the imbalance in the area would be rectified over the course of the next year. 

Mr Thomson provided a verbal update in relation to dental services for children and young persons.  He spoke of changes in the way services are delivered to children from infancy to primary school ages, with the introduction of the Child Smile programme and the Endip Initiative, which have replaced the treatment programmes which previously took place in schools.  Mr Thomson advised that the aims of these programmes was to capture children who may have otherwise slipped through the net, with the focus being on families in areas of deprivation and “looked after” children.  Discussion took place in respect of the referrals system and the link in to the Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) movement. 

The Chair thanked Mr Thomson for the information provided and for the ongoing work in the area to address the short fall.  Mr Thomson asked Partners to email him directly at euan.thomson@nhs.net should anything else occur. 

The Partnership were given a verbal update from Darlene Russell and Jacqui MacPherson of Argyll College in relation to the ways in which the College identify the skills needed within communities and general information on the courses available in the local area.  Discussion was had in relation to a number of misconceptions surrounding local facilities.  Ms Russell agreed to forward a regular newsletter, outlining developments within the college and its courses to the Senior Area Committee Assistant, who in turn would circulate to Partners by email.   Further discussion took place in relation to access courses; the development of courses in line with the new Integration Joint Board and specifics in relation to hospitality and travel and tourism courses.  Partners noted that the college ran a restaurant premises in Oban offering “on the job” training, Mrs MacPherson advised that although there had been extensive enquiries they were unable to locate a comparable premises in Mid Argyll.  Discussion was had in relation to the facilities in the recently closed Resource Centre in Lochgilphead with the Area Governance Manager agreed to furnish the Council’s Head of Facility Services with Ms Russell’s contact details in an effort to open discussions. 

The Chair thanked both Ms Russell and Mrs MacPherson for the information provided. 

Decision:

The Partnership noted that Argyll College would be invited to attend the next meeting of the Partnership where Outcome 3:  Education, Skills and Training maximises opportunities for all, was being discussed, and further agreed that an update on the progress of implementation of modern apprenticeship schemes within the Council would also be tabled at that meeting. 

The Partnership gave consideration to a report outlining the position of the Forestry Enterprise Scotland in relation to the support given to the “Rural Skills” programme in Mid Argyll; the replacement for the Forestry Apprenticeship; the full-time internship for a forestry student and the position in relation to the development of a volunteering programme.  Discussion took place in respect of the success of local people securing apprenticeships, with Ms McCallum advising that she was only aware of two local boys who had begun their careers with an apprenticeship.  She advised that both had done well and were still working with the Forestry Enterprise Scotland in Mid Argyll.  Further discussion took place in respect of funding for apprenticeships with the Chair suggesting that there were changes being made at Government level which may be of benefit to large employers.   

The Chair thanked Mrs MacCallum for the information provided. 

The Area Governance Manager took the opportunity to provide an update, which had been provided by SEPA.  She advised that SEPA had begun looking into modern apprenticeships in relation to SOA 3, however she stressed that they may not necessarily provide a local opportunity, given SEPA’s national role.  Mrs MacLeod further advised that in the past SEPA had provided job opportunities for Graduates and Trainees and that they try to ensure that any vacancies, are publicised locally, although their website was still the main source for jobs and vacancy information. 

Mrs MacLeod advised that as always Partners are able to contact SEPA directly in relation to any new or ongoing environmental issues/concerns. 

Update by Argyll and Bute Council’s Projects and Renewables Manager

The Partnership gave consideration to a verbal update by the Council’s Senior Planning Development Officer, who advised that the funding bid had been successful and that the tender process had now begun.  Mrs Watkiss advised of the ongoing discussions with the Mid Argyll Initiative (MAI) and both Lochgilphead and Ardrishaig Community Councils.  She advised that this was still very much a work in progress.  Discussion took place in respect of the delay in the process, with both Mr Buntin and Mr Laughton in their capacity as Convenors of Lochgilphead and Ardrishaig Community Council’s respectively advising that they were happy to wait until April to continue the process.  Concern over the use-by date of the secured funding was expressed, with Mrs Watkiss confirming that the timetable was still to be agreed.  Discussion in relation  to the involvement of Community Council’s bordering the canal corridor was had with Mary Smyth requesting that Craignish Community Council be included in discussions going forward.  Mrs Watkiss spoke of the intention to host an information evening and that she would keep all Community Council’s informed of progress. 

The Chair thanked Mrs Watkiss for the information provided.

Decision:

The Partnership noted that an update on progress would be brought to the next meeting of the group. 

Update by Argyll and Bute Council’s Projects and Renewables Manager

The Partnership gave consideration to a verbal update by the Council’s Senior Planning Development Officer, who outlined a number of programmes which aimed to improve the digital infrastructure across Mid Argyll, making specific reference to the project on the Craignish peninsula and the role out of superfast broadband, which was now available in Lochgilphead and Tarbert.  She advised that it would be available in both Furnace and Inveraray over the course of the next six months.    Discussion took place in respect of the role out of the mobile infrastructure project; the changes to legislation in respect of requirements for coverage and the ways in which people can find out about when their area is due to get superfast broadband. 

The Chair thanked Mrs Watkiss for the information provided.  

Kathleen Johnston, Quality Improvement Officer

Partners gave consideration to a verbal update from Kathleen Johnston, Quality Improvement Officer, who advised that Argyll and Bute Council are part of the Early Years Collaborative, which is a national strategy aimed at improving outcomes for children both now and in the future.  She advised that Kintyre had been the first area within Argyll and Bute to benefit from partnership working between community planning partners, including those in the private sector, who are involved in work with children and young people.   Ms Johnston explained that an objective of the programme was to improve the links between agencies in order to deliver the key aims.  She further explained that the programme was currently being rolled out in the Cowal area, which faced different challenges, from the differing backgrounds of the people to the geographical area.  Discussion took place in respect of ways in which the programme can assist the health of mothers as well as children and how information learned from the Kintyre roll out could assist in the Cowal roll out.  Ms Johnston advised that the design of the pathway was about utilising existing resources, but that it was recognised that for some projects there would be an increase in resources.  She further advised that the team had looked towards their assets to assess what has worked well and what can be utilised with a view towards the sustainability of the project. 

The Chair thanked Ms Johnston for the information provided. 

Edward Laughton, Convenor of Ardrishaig Community Council advised that they are currently heavily involved in supporting the Mid Argyll Initiative (MAI) and progressing works in relation to A’Curach Windfarm.  Mr Laughton further advised of a Youth Hub which had been set up in premises between the Co-op and the local newsagents/post office premises.  Mr Laughton confirmed that the Community Council had responded directly to the Leader of Argyll and Bute Council by letter in response the Planning Our Future consultation. 

Inspector Julie McLeish of Police Scotland advised of the appointment of the new Chief Constable, Phil Gormley.  She advised that it is anticipated that there will be  some changes ahead.  Inspector McLeish advised that Chief Constable Gormley was driven towards local community policing.  She further advised that priorities continue to be road safety, anti-social behaviour and drugs. 

Adrian Davis of Inveraray Community Council spoke of the development of the Community Company which had been created around 18 months ago, with a view to the purchase of the pier.  He outlined a number of issues which had arisen in relation to the Community Right to Buy.  Mr Davis also spoke of a successful meeting of the local community in order to discuss options for the refurbishment of the Community Hall and the poor state of the A83. 

Betty Rhodick advised of arrangements for the local Armed Forces Day, which is taking place on 18 June 2016 on the Front Green, Lochgilphead. 

Andy Buntin of Lochgilphead Community Council advised that the Community Council had also responded directly to the Leader of the Council by letter in response to the Planning Our Future consultation.  He advised that similar to Ardrishaig Community Council, they were concentrating on A’Curach Windfarm development.  Mr Buntin advised that the recent family ceilidh and information evening in the Argyll Hotel, had been a success.  He advised that the online consultation was ongoing  and that it was hoped that a public meeting would be held at the end of February. 

Jim Malcolm of Dunadd Community Council advised that they were also concentrating on the A’Curach Windfarm development.  He spoke of the pooling of resources between Lochgilphead, West Lochfyneside and Dunadd Community Council’s where following Lochgilpheads ceilidh evening, they had hosted a coffee morning and West Lochfyneside held an afternoon tea.  He advised that it was hoped that this would encourage participation and engagement from other members of the community.  

Lynda Syed on behalf of Furnace Community Council advised of the disappointment that  work behind houses on the shore side has ceased after 2 days.  She outlined the current priorities, including continuing the fight for proposals on the speed limit between the villages of Furnace and Minard. 

On behalf of Argyll TSI, Lynda Syed updated the group in relation to the success of the Christmas lunch and delivery service that took place from the Parish Church hall in Lochgilphead on Christmas Day, and the forthcoming Walking Football Festival in Lochgilphead.  Ms Syed circulated the current TSI newsletter to Partners.

Antonia Baird, Community Development Officer advised Partners that the closing date for Third Sector Grant applications was 8 February 2016; and highlighted the success of Dave Kent of South Knapdale Community Council who had been awarded £625 in the Health and Wellbeing Network Bingo.   It was also noted that the Future Funding event has been postponed and it is hoped that it will now take place in April or May. 

The Partnership noted that the themes for the next meeting would be:-

Outcome 1:  The economy is diverse and thriving; and

Outcome 5:  People live active, healthier and independent lives.

The Chair advised that members of the Partnership should look at these outcomes prior to the next meeting and think about how they impact their community.  He advised that we can then use the Partnership to bring together common issues and then carry these forward to the ACPG. 

There was no other business discussed. 

Following discussions in relation to suitable dates for the next two meetings of the Partnership, it was agreed that these would take place on:-

Wednesday 27^th April 2016 at 10.00am and Wednesday 29^th June 2016 at 10.00am, within the Council Chambers, Kilmory, Lochgilphead.