Agenda and minutes

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

 

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:-

 

Petra Pearce, Argyll and Bute TSI

Graeme Bruce, West Highland Housing Association (WHHA)

Elizabeth MacBrayne, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

John Beveridge, Laggan Community Council

Iona MacPhail, Fyne Homes

Michelle Mundie, Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA)

Heather Thomas-Smith, Argyll and the Isles Tourism Co-operative/Wild about Argyll

Kathleen O’Neill, CHARTS

Linda Mitchell, ALIEnergy

Neil MacFarlane, Transport Scotland

Jennifer Dryden, Argyll and Bute HSCP – Public Health

Lucia Cordani, LiveArgyll

Victoria Shaw, Calmac

Darren Gibb, Scottish Fire and Rescue

David Wilkinson, West Lochfyne Community Council

Allyson McGillivray, South Islay Development

Stan Philips, Chair of Climate Change Working Group

Kate Connolly, Community Cycling Ardrishaig

 

The Chair moved and the Committee agreed to vary the order of business to include additional Partner Updates and an additional item for Machrihanish Airbase Community Company (MACC), and to facilitate the attendance of Partners.  The order in which discussion took place is reflected within this minute.

.

 

There were no declarations of interest intimated. 

Minutes of Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group, held on Wednesday, 2 November 2022

The minute of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group, held on 2 November 2022 was approved as a correct record. 

The Group gave consideration to a report which highlighted the performance and activity of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service within the Mid Argyll Kintyre and the Islands area during financial quarter 3 of 2022/23.  The report also included information on the local firefighter training plan; unwanted fire alarm signals; road and water safety campaigns; community engagement activities and home fire safety. 

 

Discussion was had in relation to the engagement with local communities in preparation of annual bonfire celebrations; the advice provided to rural communities on how to deal with the incidence of a fire while waiting on the service to attend; the lack of opportunity for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to input into proposed housing developments in relation to the number and placement of hydrants and the types of properties responsible for the number of unwanted fire alarm signals. 

 

On behalf of the Area Community Planning Group, the Chair offered sincere condolences on the recent sad loss of a Scottish Fire and Rescue officer, who died in the line of duty. 

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. 

 

(Reference:  Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted)

Having noted the absence of a representative of Police Scotland, the Group gave consideration to a report which provided an update on their recent work and activities within the MAKI and Oban Lorn and the Isles areas.  The report included information on the development of the Communities and Partnerships Teams; the changes in the Community Council framework; the ongoing work with key partners to develop the ‘Not at Home’ protocol and the continued roll out of the ‘Distress Brief Intervention’ and the ‘Rural Watch Scotland’ schemes.

 

Discussion was had in relation to the new procedures in respect of attendance at Community Council meetings, with it being established that where possible attendance by a Police officer would continue and that the new centralised approach was to enhance the information Community Councils had access to.  Further discussion took place in relation to the farming community and specifically to the forthcoming lambing season.  Partners were interested to learn of any publicity campaigns being carried out by Police Scotland in relation to sheep worrying.  The Committee Manager agreed to raise this issue with Police Scotland and circulate the response in due course. 

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference:  Report by Police Scotland, submitted)

Having noted the apologies of the representative of Calmac, consideration was given to a brief update on the current situation with the Tarbert/Portavadie service and the Campbeltown to Ardrossan service which is scheduled to begin at the end of April. 

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference:  Report by Calmac, submitted)

Having noted the apologies of Ms Dryden, the Group gave consideration to a report which provided an update on ongoing wellbeing and prevention activity overseen and delivered by the HSCP Public Health Team in Argyll and Bute.  The report provided information on the launch of year 4 of the Living Well (Self-Management) community capacity building fund; the Community Link Working service which is commissioned by Argyll and Bute HSCP and delivered by the Third Sector and the launch of a new website which contains information about the Living Well Strategy and the wider health improvement work.  The website can be accessed at https://www.ablivingwell.org.

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference:  Report by Argyll and Bute HSCP – Public Health, submitted)

The group gave consideration to a report which highlighted the ongoing workstreams of Forestry and Land Scotland within the MAKI area.  Information on Land Management Plans; Renewable Energy plans; the significant spread of the Larch – Phytophthora ramorum disease in the Kintyre area; the ongoing peatland restoration programme; a number of upcoming complex operations and proposals to introduce car parking charges to a number of sites within the MAKI area was provided.

 

Concerns around the proposals were raised by a number of Partners, with the lack of consultation and engagement with the wider community a serious issue for many.  Discussion around the possibility of arranging a meeting between Forestry and Land Scotland and all Community Council’s was had with Mr Sutherland confirming that he was happy to facilitate this.  Having noted the strong feeling on this matter, the Chair suggested that this issue be fed back to the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee for further discussion and action.  

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group:-

 

1.    considered and noted the information provided; and

 

2.    requested that the Committee Manager relay the concerns of the group in relation to the proposals to introduce car parking charges to a number of sites within the MAKI area to the next meeting of the CPP Management Committee. 

 

(Reference:  Report by Forestry and Land Scotland, submitted) 

Consideration was given to an update from Campbeltown Community Council which outlined two community events scheduled to take place in February 2023, being run in partnership with South Kintyre Development Trust (SKDT); Inspiralba and Architecture and Design Scotland Climate Action Towns.  The update also outlined the concerns of the Community Council in relation to a number of road related issues. 

 

Discussion was had in relation to the poor condition of the road at the Esplanade, Campbeltown.  The Committee Manager agreed to raise this issue with the Council’s Roads and Infrastructure Services Department and circulate the response in due course. 

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference:  Report by Campbeltown Community Council, submitted)

The group gave consideration to a report which outlined the activities of Campbeltown and Kintyre Youth Services since the festive break. 

 

Members of the Kintyre Youth Action Group were also in attendance and provided an update on work they were leading on within their communities, which included representing local youth views on issues that they care about; running a number of community events such as local coffee mornings to raise funds for the people of Ukraine; the setting up of an LGBTQ+ Youth Forum and their involvement in a number of volunteer programmes such as local food banks. 

 

On behalf of the Area Community Planning Group, the Chair thanked the Members of the Kintyre Youth Action Group for their attendance, the information they provided and a number of Partners highlighted their support, and offered their services to the Action Group going forward.

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference:  Report by Community Learning Services, LiveArgyll, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from South Islay Development (SID) which included information on the new community hub at Port Ellen Playing Fields and the development of the £1 million Ardbeg All Islay Fund.

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference:  Report by South Islay Development, submitted)

 

 

Consideration was given to an update from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), which provided information on the number of claimants for Universal Credit and legacy benefits.  Further information was provided in relation to a number of targeted packages of support for the most vulnerable which included the benefit uprating; the new cost of living payments; the benefit cap rise and employment and support allowance. 

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference:  Report by Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), submitted) 

Consideration was given to a report which provided an update in relation to current workstreams of the Citizens Advice Bureau within Argyll and Bute.  The report included information on the ongoing rise in the number of clients seeking support with energy costs as the cost of living crisis continues and the additional supports available in the form of grants available within the MAKI area.  The report also highlighted the recruitment campaign about to begin for the spring cohort of volunteer trainee advisers and the annual consultation exercise with partner organisations in order to review the work of the bureau.  Partners noted that they could participate in the consultation which could be found at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ABCABCommunityPartnersSurvey/.

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference:  Report by Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, submitted)

Caitlin Quinn of Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) provided a brief presentation on the progress being made on the delivery of Phase 2 of the Inveraray to Crossaig project.  Ms Quinn outlined the construction of the new 45km overhead line between Port Ann and Crossaig substation and outlined the enabling works, which have included  forestry felling, the construction of permanent and temporary tracks and overhead line corridors.  She advised that the build involves the construction of 148 towers and the installation of 270km of conductor, and that the project was driven by load capacity and the current asset condition. 

 

Discussion around the use of the temporary and permanent tracks; the support provided to local communities to a number of projects such as local foodbanks and charities and the provision of funding towards a number of initiatives such as the local school safety initiative was had.   

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

Antonia Baird, Community Development Officer

 

Ms Baird advised that following discussions with the Chair, she had sought an update in relation to the recent work of the local foodbanks.  She advised as follows:

 

In 2022 Islay foodbank helped 103 people including 49 children. Some of those were helped just once, some multiple times. That was a large increase on 2021 where we helped 50 different people.

We are seeing increased use on Islay.

There are also now two community fridges on Islay also giving away free food to people in need.

 

Kintyre foodbank gave out parcels to 56 adults and 20 children in December 21 and 84 adults and 21 children in December 22.   They also gave all clients a Christmas parcel.

 

Supporting Communities Fund opening next week.  Bids must be in by 30^th March for approval by MAKI AC on 7 June 2023.

 

 

Transport Scotland

 

Having noted the apologies of Neil MacFarlane, the Committee Manager provided the following update on his behalf:-

 

There are no major resurfacing works planned at the moment owing to the weather and the time of year, we have actually had to postpone the priority works at Honeymoon Bridge owing to the current conditions.

 

I do not have a definitive date for BEAR to return to Hall Street for the footway repair at the Café.

 

Finally I am having my joint Route Tour with BEAR personnel next week to scope works for the next one to three years. If attendees want to send me specific locations for consideration this would be an opportune time.

 

Councillor Armour raised the ongoing issue of the pavement on Hall Street in Campbeltown and expressed his disappointment that no update had been provided in this regard.  The Committee Manager agreed to feedback the comments to Mr MacFarlane and circulate the response to the Area Community Planning Group in due course. 

 

Rachel McNicol, ALIEnergy

 

Ms McNicol provided a brief update on the current workstreams being progressed by ALIEnergy, which included the provision of support to those experiencing financial difficulty and fuel poverty.  She provided information on a number of funding streams that aimed to alleviate child poverty which included working in partnership with Inspiralba to introduce a new Parental Employability Support Fund and accessing funds from Children in Need.  Ms McNicol further advised of a recent meeting with Brendan O’Hara MP to highlight the issues faced across Argyll and Bute and the continued efforts to raise awareness of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) opportunities also.

 

 

 

Becs Barker, Community Contacts, Carr Gomm

 

Ms Barker introduced herself to the Group and provided a brief outline of the role of the Community Contacts team within Carr Gomm, which is to provide impartial advice to the residents of Argyll and Bute on self-directed support; to assist in accessing independent support and social care and in navigating the system.  Ms Barker advised that Stuart Scott is the contact for the MAKI area and that the team could be contacted at communitycontactsab@carrgomm.org.

 

 

Argyll and the Isles Tourism Co-operative/Wild about Argyll

 

Having noted the apologies of Heather Thomas-Smith, the Committee Manager provided the following update on her behalf:

 

The AITC (Argyll & Isles Tourism Co-operative/Wild About Argyll) are currently supporting member businesses through the legislative changes that are currently coming into being (or have already done so) and looking into how those changes will affect local tourism facing businesses in the long term. The legislation includes DRS (Deposit Return Scheme), STL (Short-term Let) and the proposed restrictions on marketing alcohol. We are also encouraging businesses to look at opportunities for improving their green credentials to encourage sustainable tourism in the area, something more visitors are now seeking.  The AITC Summit will be on the 22nd March 2023, venue TBC.

 

East Kintyre Community Council

 

The Chair provided a short update on recent activities within the East Kintyre Community Council area.  He advised of the sale of a large portion of private land at Carradale Harbour and of the upcoming MOWI development.  He advised that more information on this development could be found at the East Kintyre Community Council’s Facebook page. 

 

 

The group welcomed Shirley Nicolson, Senior Support Worker with Lochside Champions to the meeting.  Shirley spoke to the written update provided which was a series of questions and responses from the consultation on the provision of their service and covered a number of topical areas, including Diverse Economy and Skilled Workforce; Financial Inclusion and Housing and Transport Infrastructure. Shirley introduced two of the people she supports, Anne and Iain, who provided information on a number of issues which affect them in their daily life and included difficulties in accessing the everyday activities that so many take for granted, such as being able to visit friends and family, gain meaningful employment or live independently. 

 

Discussion was had in relation to the lack of a Pingo bus service in the Mid Argyll area; possible volunteering opportunities and the provision of core and cluster housing.  A number of Partners pledged their support and gave an undertaking to get in touch with Shirley following the meeting to take forward discussions in respect of the issues highlighted.

 

On behalf of the Area Community Planning Group, the Chair thanked the Members of the Lochside Champions for their attendance and the information provided. 

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group agreed to consider and note the information provided.

 

(Reference:  Written submission by The Lochside Champions, submitted)  

 

Demonstration by Argyll TSI

Phil Ashby from Argyll TSI provided a short demonstration on the Community Directory, a system that will allow users to locate the details of a range of services throughout Argyll and Bute.  Discussion was had on the ability of services to register on the system; the analytics used within the system and the possibility that these can be developed to assist in early intervention where necessary.  Further discussion took place in relation to the possibility of introducing a referral system and the business card which the Emergency Services currently distribute where appropriate. 

 

The Community Directory can be found at https://abcd.scot.

 

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the demonstration provided.

 

(Reference:  Demonstration of Community Directory by Argyll TSI)

The group gave consideration to a report and presentation by Tim Bailey of Machrihanish Airbase Community Company (MACC).  Mr Bailey outlined the background of MACC and of the support it provides to the local community with direct spending on local contractors and charitable donations to local good causes.  He advised of a number of key projects that would benefit both MACC and the local community, which included a datacentre and the production of hydrogen as a means of local electricity generation.  Mr Bailey sought the support of Partners in bringing the project start date of 2032 forward to enable the reversal of the projection of population decline within Argyll and Bute, bringing jobs to the area and increasing the local economy.  Ms Quinn of SSE advised that she was happy to have more in-depth discussions with Mr Bailey outwith the meeting. 

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference:  Report and Presentation by Tim Bailey, MACC Developments Limited, submitted)

Report by Chair of the Climate Change Working Group

Consideration was given to a report which highlighted the ongoing work of the Climate Change Working Group.  The report outlined the plans of the Working Group to produce an Action Plan, which will look to establish a region-wide climate risk assessment and develop an integrated set of adaptation, mitigation and engagement actions.  The report also outlined the need to employ a Climate Change Project Manager within the current financial year to lead on the production of the Action Plan and the ongoing work to establish a funding package to support the post.

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference:  Report by Chair of the Community Planning Partnership Climate Change Working Group, submitted)

Verbal Update by Kate Connolly

Having noted the apologies of Ms Connolly, Councillor Brown provided a short update on the project.  She advised that following the withdrawal of funding for the original Bike Bothy in Ardrishaig a group of local people had formed the Community Cycling Ardrishaig group.  She advised that they currently meet every Monday and that they have their own Facebook page.  The Committee Manager advised that Ms Connolly hoped to be in attendance to provide a further update at the next meeting of the MAKI ACPG.  

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

Consideration was given to a report which provided an update on the workstreams of the Climate Action Towns group since the last meeting of the MAKI ACPG.  The report highlighted the ongoing work to support the development of the Campbeltown Community Action Plan, to ensure that it considered future climate change and climate risks and the next steps in the process.  The report also highlighted the upcoming training sessions and the support being provided in running two community climate action events in February 2023.  

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. 

 

(Reference:  Report by Climate Action Towns, submitted)

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

Consideration was given to a report which provided information on matters discussed during a meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee, held on 7 December 2022.  The Committee Manager outlined a number of key highlights from the meeting, with it being noted that the closing date for the consultation survey being conducted by the MSYP’s in respect of the review of the Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan had been extended until 14 February 2023.  Partners were encouraged to take part in the consultation, which can be found at:- tinyurl.com/3yf3xe8j

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group agreed to consider and note the contents of the report.

 

(Reference:  Report by Committee Manager, dated 1 February 2023, submitted)

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The group gave consideration to a report which outlined the governance arrangements of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group (Area CPG) specifically the Terms of Reference, membership and future meeting dates. 

 

The Committee Manager confirmed that organisational contacts could be updated as required, and noted that any suggestions for new organisations to join the group could be submitted to Stuart McLean or Lynsey Innis following the meeting.

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group:

 

1.    considered and adopted the Terms of Reference at Appendix 1 of the report and agreed that these be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure their ongoing currency and appropriateness for the work of the Area CPG as it develops over time;

 

2.    considered and agreed the Membership of the group at Appendix 2 of the report and agreed that this would be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure currency and appropriateness for the work of the group as it develops over time; and

 

3.    noted the future meeting dates submitted within the report. 

 

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 1 February 2023, submitted)

 

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group considered a report which provided information relating to the appointment of a Vice-Chair of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group and outlined the expected time commitment and information about the role.

 

Discussion was had on possible candidates, with it being noted that the preferred option was someone from a local Community Council rather than an elected member.  Councillor Armour indicated his willingness to remain in the role until such time as a more suitable candidate could be found. 

 

The Committee Manager agreed to email all Community Council’s with information on the role and seek nominations.    

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group agreed that Councillor John Armour be re-appointed as Vice-Chair for a period of 6 months.

 

(Reference:  Report by Governance Manager, dated 1 February 2023, submitted)

 

Wednesday, 3 May 2023

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted that their next meeting was scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 3 May 2023 at 10:00am on a hybrid basis.

 

The Chair thanked everyone in attendance at the meeting, and thanked all partners for their continued proactive work within the community.