Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Anne Horn and Julie McKenzie.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

Argyll Islands Sounding Board held on 6 November 2024

The Minutes of the meeting of the Argyll Islands Sounding Board held on 6 November 2024 were approved as a correct record.

The Chair sought agreement from the Board at this point to re-order the Business and to take Agenda item 4  (UPDATE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL ISLANDS PLAN) following item 9 of the Agenda, as Francesco Bertoldi, National Islands Plan Team Leader of the Scottish Government Islands Team, who was be presenting this item, would not be available to join the meeting until 2.40pm. The Argyll Islands Sounding Board agreed to re-order the Business as proposed by the Chair. This Minute therefore reflects the order in which the Business was considered.

Verbal update by Communities and Engagement Lead

The Board received a verbal update on islands specific community engagement activity from the Communities and Engagement Lead.

The update included information on the following community engagement events – Funding Connections events on Bute, Islay and Jura; Local Place Plan meetings with communities on Luing, Jura, Coll, Mull, Lismore, Colonsay and Islay; Here to Hear you events on Coll, Bute, Islay, Jura, Gigha and Mull; presentations on the Islands Plan to all Area Community Planning Groups.

Decision

The Argyll Islands Sounding Board noted the information provided in the verbal update.

(Reference: Verbal update by Communities and Engagement Lead)

Report by Marine Operations Manager

The Board gave consideration to a written update on Marine Operations from the Marine Operations Manager.

The update included information on ongoing projects; longer term projects and pipeline; Oban Harbour Revision Order; Craignure Terminal; Craignure Passenger Access System; Iona Breakwater, Fionnphort overnight berthing facility; Port Askaig; Campbeltown Harbour; Rothesay Quay; installation of passenger access facility at Feolin; shore side electrical supply; and Council ferries.

Decision

The Argyll Islands Sounding Board noted the information provided in the written update.

(Reference: Written update by Marine Operations Manager, submitted)

Verbal Update by Strategic Transportation and Infrastructure Manager

The Board gave consideration to a written update on Air Services from the Strategic Transportation and Infrastructure Manager.

The update included information on the background of air services; the current contractor; passenger figures and flight statistics; UK Government’s Regulator’s Pioneer Fund; multi agency exercises; Council investment at airports and the relief firefighter campaign. The Board also gave consideration to a report that had been presented to the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee at the meeting on 19 December 2024 on the draft Active Travel Strategy.

Decision

The Argyll Islands Sounding Board noted the information provided in the written update.

(Reference: Written update by Strategic Transportation and Infrastructure Manager; and report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, submitted)

Verbal update by Network and Standards Manager

The Board received a verbal update on roads from the Network and Standards Manager.

The update included information on the Capital Programme; surface dressing works; Storm Eowyn repairs; the delivery of tar to islands and the trialling of cold tar mixes for the islands.

Decision

The Argyll Islands Sounding Board noted the information provided in the verbal update.

(Reference: Verbal update by Network Standards Manager)

Verbal update by Development Policy and Housing Manager

The Board received a verbal update on housing from the Development Policy and Housing Manager.

The update included information on planning consents issued since the Housing Emergency was declared; delivery of the Rural Growth deal investment across Mull and Islay; potential investment through the Community Regeneration Fund; worker housing in Tobermory; improving home energy efficiency and fuel poverty; empty homes for workers; Registered Social Landlord activity and Community Housing Projects.

Decision

The Argyll Islands Sounding Board noted the information provided in the verbal update.

(Reference: Verbal update by Development Policy and Housing Manager)

Report by Senior Development Officer

The Board gave consideration to a report on renewable energy developments on islands, and on the mainland, in Argyll and Bute.

Decision

The Argyll Islands Sounding Board noted the content of the submitted report.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 7 May 2025, submitted)

Report by Transformation Projects and Regeneration Manager

The Board gave consideration to a report setting out an overview of the funding that benefitted island communities within Argyll and Bute, over and above the core work that the Council undertakes.

Decision

The Argyll Islands Sounding Board noted the funding being directed towards islands-based projects and the opportunities for future funding to be sought.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated April 2025, submitted)

Verbal update by Scottish Government Islands Team

The Board received a verbal update on the development of the National Islands Plan from the National Islands Plan Team Leader within the Scottish Government Islands Team.

The update included information on the main themes that had emerged from the public consultation; community engagement carried out on the islands; awareness and effectiveness of the current Plan; principles that were guiding the development of the new Plan and the streamlining of commitments for the Plan.

Decision

The Argyll Islands Sounding Board noted the information provided in the verbal update.

(Reference: Verbal update by National Islands Plan Team Leader)

Members were invited to raise any other competent Business they wished to discuss.

The Network and Standards Manger provided an update on the Scottish Government funded playparks. The one in Tobermory is complete and open to the public, work on two playparks on Bute would start next month and details are being finalised for the playpark in Port Ellen before it goes out to tender.

The Head of Development and Economic Growth reported that there was currently a public consultation being carried out by the Scottish Government on a potential levy on cruise ship passengers.  He advised that Officers were responding on a neutral basis seeking clarification on the details of the proposed levy.

The Argyll Islands Sounding Board noted that Committee Services would liaise with the Leaders office and Officers and confirm the date of the next meeting in due course.