Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillors Anne Horn and Julie McKenzie. 

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minute of the previous meeting of the Argyll Islands Sounding Board, held on 11 November 2025 was approved as an accurate record.

Presentation by the Scottish Government Islands Team

The Board received a presentation outlining the development of the new National Islands Plan for Scotland.  The presentation included feedback from consultation and survey work; a streamlined set of strategic objectives; proposed new commitments and arrangements for implementation and monitoring from financial year 2026/27.

Decision

The Argyll Islands Sounding Board noted the information provided.

(Reference:  Presentation by the Scottish Government Islands Team, dated 26 March 2026, submitted)

Please follow the link Consultations | Argyll and Bute Council to find details of consultations that are open and those that have taken place within the last 6 months, including on the islands.

In the absence of the Communities and Partnerships Manager, the Chair advised Members of the link to current and recent consultations available on the Council’s website (Consultations | Argyll and Bute Council).  Councillor Lynch confirmed that the Committee and Democratic Services Officer would arrange feedback on any questions raised by Members.

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure

The Board considered a report which provided an update on piers and harbours marine works on islands across Argyll and Bute, including progress on major infrastructure projects, the Small Vessel Replacement Programme, and repairs following Storm Eowyn.

Decision

The Argyll Islands Sounding Board agreed to note the contents of the report.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure, dated 26 March 2026, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Board considered a report providing an update on strategic transportation and digital activity across Argyll and Bute, including progress on active travel projects, air services, digital connectivity, and digital hub initiatives.

Decision

The Argyll Islands Sounding Board agreed to note the contents of the report.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated 26 March 2026, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Infrastructure

The Board considered a report which provided an update on Roads and Infrastructure Services activity across the islands, including progress on capital works, Storm Eowyn recovery, play park upgrades, and ongoing challenges relating to ferry resilience and compliance with the Scottish Government ban on landfilling biodegradable municipal waste.

Decision

The Argyll Islands Sounding Board agreed to note the works ongoing as listed within the report.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Infrastructure, dated March 2026, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Board considered a report providing an update on Housing Service activity across the islands, including the Housing Emergency, housing need and demand, homelessness, affordable housing delivery, non‑effective stock, energy efficiency measures, and progress towards a new Local Housing Strategy.

Decision

The Argyll Islands Sounding Board considered and noted the content of the report. 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated March 2026, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Board considered a report providing an overview of funding streams supporting island‑based projects, including regeneration, place‑based investment, Crown Estate funding, Scottish Government island programmes, cost‑of‑living support, and rural growth initiatives, together with opportunities to seek future funding.

Decision

The Argyll Islands Sounding Board agreed to note the funding being directed towards island-based projects and the opportunity for future funding to be sought. 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated February 2026, submitted)

There was no other competent business discussed.

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.