Agenda and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were intimated by:-

Councillor Robin Currie

Councillor Anne Horn

Councillor Donnie MacMillan

Councillor Dougie Philand

Councillor Sandy Taylor

David Jardine, Forestry Commission

Ben Tustin, SEPA

Jim Frame, SEPA

Mary Smyth, Craignish Community Council

Having noted that the Chair, Councillor Taylor had sent his apologies, the Vice Chair, Andy Buntin assumed the role of Chair for the duration of the meeting. 

The Minute of the previous meeting of the Mid Argyll Partnership (MAP) held on 27 April 2016 was approved as a true record. 

The Partnership agreed to note the Minute of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group held on 11 May 2016. 

There were no matters arising.

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

The Partnership gave consideration to an update on the Crinan Canal Charrette, and a series of “Rethink the Link” events which were held at various locations across Mid Argyll between the 27^th and the 30^th of April 2016. 

The Senior Planning Development Officer outlined the main issues arising from the Charrette, which included better walking and cycling connections between Lochgilphead, Ardrishaig and the canal; better signage to and from the canal and key opportunity sites where the development or redevelopment could secure improved facilities and environment. 

Ms Watkiss advised that an action plan summarising the ideas generated at the events is in the process of being developed, and that moving forward, it is hoped that the momentum of the charrette is maintained by the development of a delivery group, which is to involve local community groups as well as Argyll and Bute Council and Scottish Canals.  She advised that ideas generated by the charrette will feed into the potential projects to be considered for support through the Tarbert and Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund. 

Discussion took place in respect of other funding opportunities and the inclusion of outlying villages along the canal corridor.  Ms Watkiss advised that the charrette feedback exhibition panels are available to view online at https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Exhibition-Panels-160623-SMALLEST.pdf.

The Chair thanked Ms Watkiss for the information provided.  Ms Watkiss left the meeting at this point.   

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 29 June 2016, submitted.)

Discussion on outcomes of report previously circulated

The Chair spoke of the Economic Forum report which had been published in February 2016 and invited Partners to make comment on areas of the report which was of particular interest to them. 

Dave Kent of South Knapdale Community Council spoke of the ongoing issues with digital connectivity and enquired as to the progress of a mast sharing update.  The Chair advised that this was a slow process but that Councillor Taylor was working on this.  Further discussion took place in respect of the Economic Forum activities with the Community Governance Manager agreeing to circulate the planned meeting schedule of this Committee. 

Further discussion was had in relation to the availability of fibre optic in certain areas, particularly Inveraray where it is advertised as being available but is not.  The Chair advised that there would be an update on this matter under Outome 2:  We have infrastructure that supports growth, at the next meeting of the MAKI Community Planning Group. 

The Chair noted that there had been no submission of items for discussion under Outcome 2:  We have infrastructure that supports growth, but advised that discussions under agenda item 5 (Economic Forum Update) touched on this.  He also advised that there would be an update from Community Broadband Scotland at the MAKI CPG meeting on 10 August 2016. 

General discussion took place in respect of implementing the Single Outcome Agreement amid Council budget restraints; the poor state of roads within the South Knapdale area and the issues faced by the Lochgilphead Armed Forces Committee in the run up to Armed Forces Day on 18 June 2016.  The Community Governance Manager agreed to feedback the comments of Partners to the appropriate officers of the Council.  

Members were given a verbal presentation by Inspector Julie McLeish, who provided a brief overview of work in the Mid Argyll area.  She spoke of the positive response to the recent air weapon amnesty; the implementation of the new Chief Constable Phil Gormley; the decrease in dishonest crimes such as theft and housebreaking; the slight increase in violence; the increasing detection rates and the challenges faced by Police Scotland in relation to cybercrime, terrorism and road safety.  

Inspector McLeish spoke of the “Your View Counts” consultation and advised that it was possible to take part by accessing the Police Scotland website. She also spoke of budget cuts affecting Police Scotland, and advised that they were looking at efficiency measures rather than service cuts. 

Discussion was had in relation to community engagement; the possibility of holding monthly drop-in sessions at Lochgilphead Police Station; the cycling policeman who is increasing visibility in the local area; and road policing resources.   

The Chair thanked Inspector McLeish for the information provided.  

The Partnership gave consideration to a short presentation outlining the priorities of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.   Group Manager McLean spoke of the prevention and protection activity carried out in the Mid Argyll area over the last 12 months.  He highlighted a number of initiatives including home fire safety visits, bonfire strategies and road safety.  He spoke of the four main stations covering the Mid Argyll area, and advised of the recruitment issues of each station.  Group Manager McLean further advised of the expansion of the young firefighter scheme in the area, and outlined the life skills and responsibilities it affords young people. 

Discussion took place in respect of road safety with Group Manager McLean advising road traffic collisions are a major concern in Argyll and Bute and as such funding was provided to allow for a full-time partner to work with the Road Safety Group, which identifies issues and raises awareness of road safety. 

The Chair thanked Group Manager McLean for the information provided. 

The Chair advised that the issue of street furniture was brought to his attention at the last meeting of the MAKI Community Planning Group by the Youth Forum.  Mr Buntin circulated photographs of signage outside a local store in Lochgilphead which was causing an obstruction.  Inspector McLeish advised that there are restrictions which apply to signage on a public footpath.  Mr Buntin advised that with the possibility of improvements as a result of the Charrette it was important that the issue is addressed, and suggested that this matter be brought to a future meeting of the Partnership for further discussion. 

The Partnership gave consideration to an update from the Project Manager of Carr Gomm, who advised that the organisation had been commissioned by NHS Highland to carry out a two year project on whether social prescribing would work in Argyll and Bute.  Ms Grehan advised that Carr Gomm would be looking into whether or not communities have support networks which would support individuals presenting at their GP’s with non-clinical needs.  She advised that the pilot area is Mid Argyll, and outlined the steps taken so far in gathering information from providers and GP’s on what is available and what information could benefit GP’s, with a view to lightening their caseloads.  Ms Grehan advised that the next step was to meet with Community Councils to ascertain whether they currently play a role in this support, or whether they have capacity to provide this role in the future if the relevant information was made available to them. 

Discussion took place in respect of the differences between urban and country living; the difficulties of addressing patient confidentiality and joint networking in communities. 

The Chair thanked Ms Grehan for the information provided.

Mary McCallum Sullivan of Ardrishaig Community Council spoke of the community engagement with the Charrette process and advised that they were looking forward to good outcomes. 

Jim Malcolm of Dunadd Community Council advised that as a result of the A’Cruach Windfarm development and consultations they now had a full quota of Community Council members. 

Betty Rhodick advised of the forthcoming Celtic Pictish Festival set to take place on 6 August 2016.  The Senior Area Committee Assistant agreed to circulate posters to all Community Council’s in the area. 

Antonia Baird, Community Development Officer advised that as a result of the circulation of list of potential speakers for Community Council meetings, she had received an email from David Jardine of the Forestry Commission advising that they would be willing to attend Community Council meetings in Mid Argyll on a “need to attend” basis.  She advised that this would normally be in respect of the consultation on the update of the Land Management Plans for a particular forest, in relation to a particular development proposal which might affect a forest or if a particular local issue had arisen which the Forestry Commission Scotland may be involved in resolving.  Ms Baird advised that she would circulate Mr Jardine’s contact details.

Linda Syed of Furnace Community Council advised that the reinstatement of the shoreline at Queen Elizabeth Cottages in Furnace was now complete.  She advised that local residents had celebrated by throwing a street party.  Ms Syed further advised of issues faced by local residents battling Japanese Knotweed growing on Council land.  She advised that she would appreciate information from anyone else who has found themselves in a similar situation.  Ms Syed advised that Furnace Community Council AGM was scheduled to take place in July.    

Linda Syed in her capacity as representative of Argyll TSI advised of the difficulties faced in finding a group of people to take over the running of the very successful annual Lantern Parade, which until recently had taken place on Bonfire weekend in Lochgilphead.  She advised that appeals were being run in the local press to find a suitable Event Management Team to take the event forward.  She advised of a presentation given to Lochgilphead Community Council by Artmap and the funding opportunities for the event.  She advised that any offer of help would be greatly appreciated, and urged other Community Council’s to spread the word in their communities. 

The Community Governance Manager spoke to the terms of reference for the Partnership and advised that Councillor Taylor had intimated his intention to stand down from the post of Chair.  Ms Elliott outlined the process for nomination of Chair and Vice Chair. 

Linda Syed nominated Andy Buntin for the position of Chair of the Mid Argyll Partnership.  This was seconded by Betty Rhodick. 

Betty Rhodick nominated Linda Syed for the position of Vice Chair of the Mid Argyll Partnership.  This was seconded by Andy Buntin. 

With no-one being otherwise minded, this became the decision of the Partnership. 

Outcome 3:  Education, skills and training maximises opportunities for all; and

Outcome 4:  Children and young people have the best possible start

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

Outcome 3:  Education, skills and training maximises opportunities for all; and

Outcome 4:  Children and young people have the best possible start

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.

Partners agreed that the next meeting of the Partnership would take place on Wednesday 28^th September 2016 at 10.00am, within Room 1, Lochgilphead Community Centre.