Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. 

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillors Sir Jamie McGrigor and Jean Moffat. 

There were no declarations of interest intimated. 

The Minute of the previous meeting of the Argyll Islands Strategic Group, held on Thursday, 29 August 2019, was approved as a true record. 

Report by Scottish Government Island Liaison Directors

The group gave consideration to an update from the Scottish Government Island Liaison Team outlining recent activity and their plans for the future of the roles, particularly with the establishment of a dedicated Islands’ Policy Team within the Scottish Government. 

Having noted that Dannie Onn would be retiring from his role with the Scottish Government in February 2020, the Chair, on behalf of the group, wished him a long and happy retirement. 

Decision:

The Argyll Islands Strategic Group agreed to note the information provided.   

(Ref:  Update by Scottish Government Island Liaison Directors, dated 21 January 2020, submitted.)   

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The group gave consideration to an update which provided information on the first National Islands Plan recently launched as per the requirements of Part 2 of the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 together with the key priorities for our island communities as determined through a consultation that was carried out between April and July 2019.  Information on the development of an Implementation Route Map was also included. 

Discussion took place in respect of Island Community Impact Assessments and the possibility of funding to deliver some of the outcomes of the Plan. 

Decision:

The Argyll Islands Strategic Group agreed to note the information contained in the report.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated 21 January 2020, submitted.)

Written Update by Transport Scotland (no officer in attendance)

Consideration was given to an update provided by Transport Scotland on the Vessel Replacement and Deployment Plan.  Information in relation to the Islay vessel project; council projects and the replacement for the Ferries Plan 2013-22 was also included. 

Decision:

The Argyll Islands Strategic Group agreed to note the contents of the update. 

(Ref:  Update by Transport Scotland, dated 21 January 2020, submitted.) 

Councillor Horn joined the meeting at 11:00am, during discussion of agenda item 6. 

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Correspondence by Scottish Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands

Consideration was given to a letter from the Scottish Minister for Energy, Connectivity and Islands in response to queries raised at the previous meeting of the group. 

Decision:

The Argyll Islands Strategic Group agreed to note the content of the letter. 

(Ref:  Letter from Scottish Minister for Energy, Connectivity and Islands, dated 16 January 2020, submitted.) 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

The group gave consideration to a report providing an update on the ongoing review of Local Government electoral wards currently being undertaken by the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland, in light of the requirements of the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018. 

Decision:

The Argyll Islands Strategic Group agreed to note the update on the review of electoral wards by the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support, dated 21 January 2020, submitted.)   

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

The group gave consideration to a report providing information on the future governance arrangements for the Argyll Islands Strategic Group following the decision of the Council in September 2019.

Decision:

The Argyll Islands Strategic Group:

1.    noted the decision by Council in September 2019 and the creation of the Argyll Islands Sounding Board; and

2.    agreed the dates for meetings of the Sounding Board for 2020, as outlined at paragraph 3.4 of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support, dated 21 January 2020, submitted.)