Agenda and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were intimated by:-

Jim Frame, SEPA

Ben Tustin, SEPA

David Jardine, Forestry Commission

Jennifer Nicol, HIE

Mary McCallum Sullivan, Ardrishaig Community Council

Dave Kent, South Knapdale Community Council

The Minute of the previous meeting of the Mid Argyll Partnership (MAP) held on 28 September 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 9 November 2016.

Betty Rhodick of Lochgilphead Community Council advised that date of the Armed Forces Day 2017, had been changed to 10 June 2017.

The Chair updated the group in relation to his discussions with Police Scotland in relation to the “Your View Counts” consultation; the Rural Watch initiative and the drop in surgeries, the trial of which had been very successful. 

Update by Jackie MacPherson, Argyll College

The group gave consideration to a presentation which outlined the modern and foundation apprenticeship opportunities available in the Mid Argyll area.  Ms McPherson of Argyll College spoke of the positive partner relationships between Argyll College, Lochgilphead Joint Campus and Skills Development Scotland, which assist in the delivery of a positive outcome for students.  She also spoke of the commercial courses such as First Aid and Food Hygiene, all of which are welcomed by the local community.  Ms McAlpine of Argyll College spoke of the engagement of communities and the part they play in setting future course formats. 

Discussion was had in regard to the development of the Health and Social Care courses; the minimum number for courses criteria and transport issues within the area.

Having previously noted the apologies of David Jardine, the Community Governance Manager advised that the Forest Enterprise Scotland Modern Apprenticeship scheme had come to an end, due to the completion of the European Social Fund project.  Ms Elliott advised that further funding was being sought and when it is secured it is hoped to re-introduce a Forestry Modern Apprenticeship. West Argyll Forest District, which has been a leader in Forestry Apprenticeships, hopes to be involved in this process when it comes on stream.

The Chair noted that small businesses were also providing apprenticeship opportunities.  He advised that having received a presentation from the Manager of MACPool at the last meeting of Lochgilphead Community Council, he was pleased to note the progress being made by the young apprentice there.  He advised of not only the career opportunity that is afforded but the essential life skills being developed. 

The Chair thanked both Ms McPherson and Ms McAlpine for the information provided. 

Councillor Donald MacMillan joined the meeting at 11.30am. 

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Inspector McLeish of Police Scotland provided information on the Festive Safety campaign.  She also provided a brief update on efficiency savings and advised that the information relating to Police station closures previously reported by the press was misleading.  She advised that the purpose of the efficiencies was not to reduce the service but to look into the possibility of co-locating with other service providers in an effort to modernise facilities to cope with modern day policing. 

Fred Bruce of West Lochfyne Community Council issued a plea to members to encourage participation on the local health forums.  He outlined the good work carried out by the health forum and advised that this was an opportunity for local communities to make a difference in areas which matter most to them.  He also advised of the recent EE Communications presentation given to the Community Council providing information on the new emergency service system. 

The Community Development Officer advised that the Third Sector grants were now open to Community Council’s.  She advised that information was due to be released on 19 December 2016 and she would arrange to have this circulated by the Community Council Liaison Officer. 

Lynda Syed of Furnace Community Council and Argyll Third Sector Interface (TSI) advised of the SMART meters which are being installed in the area.  She outlined the purpose of these meters and confirmed that they were free.  She asked people to be mindful of vulnerable persons within their areas who may be concerned when approached by the company. 

Ms Syed further advised of the Mid Argyll Action Plan, which is currently in draft form and will be presented to the Integrated Joint Board (IJB) in December for finalising.  She advised that she would send the information to Community Councils and asked them to provide feedback as the plan would continue to grow and change. 

Ms Syed also circulated information on the work being carried out by Argyll TSI over the festive season and appealed for volunteers and willing participants. 

Sgt Iain MacNicoll of Police Scotland asked all to be aware of a number of scams within the area.  He advised that these take the form of both email and telephone correspondence and outlined a particularly nasty case in the Tarbert area. 

Andy Buntin of Lochgilphead Community Council advised of the progress being made in the pursuit of the Lochgilphead Coat of Arms.  He advised that it was hoped that the use of the Coat of Arms would help in the promotion of the town.  Mr Buntin also asked Community Councillors to ensure that they respond to the Boundary Commission consultation and the Council’s Budget consultation. 

Report by Community Governance Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The group gave consideration to a report outlining the current working arrangements Community Council’s have in place in other areas with regards to linking into Area Community Planning Groups and to recommended new ways of working which would facilitate participation with key strategic partnerships within the area such as Area Community Planning Groups (ACPGs) while taking into account the fact that Community Councillors are volunteers with a variety of demands on their time. 

Discussion took place in respect of the engagement with organisations and services, the original purpose of the Mid Argyll Partnership and administration support and associated costs.  Having taken into account the comments of the group and the lack of Community Council representation at the present meeting, the Community Governance Manager agreed to ask the Community Council Liaison Officer to circulate the information to all Community Councils with a request that this item be added to Community Council agendas for discussion with a deadline for returning views and other proposals for alternative ways of working.  Partners agreed that this item be included on the agenda for the next meeting of the Mid Argyll Partnership.

There was no other business discussed. 

The group agreed that the next meeting would focus on proposed ways of working.  

The date for the next meeting of the Mid Argyll Partnership was still to be confirmed.