Agenda and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

Sarah Peacock, NHS Highland

John McLuckie, Argyll and Bute Council

Jane Metcalf, Coll Community Council

Maureen Evans, Live Argyll Community Development

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The minutes of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Wednesday, 11 February 2026 were approved as a correct record.

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group gave consideration to a report providing information relating to the appointment of a Chair of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group. The report also outlined the expected time commitment and information on the role.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group agreed to the re-appointment of Colin Buchanan as Chair of the Group.

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council dated May 2026, submitted)

Presentation by Lismore Community Trust

Members of the Lismore Community Trust gave a presentation on the organisation’s development from a charity supporting the Isle of Lismore to a Community Development Society. Mr Livingstone advised that this change enabled the Trust to acquire the local shop and Post Office after raising £80,000.

Mr Logie reported that the Trust has completed the purchase of land at Achnacroish for two affordable homes, supported by the Scottish Land Fund, and is now seeking funding for construction. The proposed semi-detached modular homes would be highly energy-efficient and built using natural, locally sourced materials, while avoiding toxic chemicals. Mr Livingstone added that the new residents would support both the shop and, potentially, the school.

The Trust also highlighted a number of other achievements, including the purchase of two electric bikes for community use, three red telephone boxes that host tourist information and local crafts, and securing National Lottery funding for an electric van to collect goods for the shop.

Future plans include the development of a new community hall and shop.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided.

(Reference: Presentation by Lismore Community Trust)

Report by Partnerships Lead, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group gave consideration to a report which outlined matters discussed during the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee Meeting held on 20 March 2026. The report provided information on the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan, CPP Governance and Membership, Climate Change, Community Wealth Building, CPP Improvement Plan and the appointment of a new Place Director.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Partnerships Lead, Argyll and Bute Council, dated April 2026, submitted)

Presentation by Community Planning Team, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group gave consideration to a presentation which was delivered by the Communities and Partnership Manager, Argyll and Bute Council. The presentation highlighted a summary of progress made; the agreed objectives and actions for the Transport Infrastructure, Housing and Community Wellbeing priorities; actions already underway on Workforce Housing and Community Wellbeing and a 12-month project to promote local options for carpooling.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided.

(Reference: Presentation by Communities and Partnership Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated May 2026)

Report by Democratic Services Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group gave consideration to a report that provided information in relation to the forthcoming Community Council elections and the potential implications for Community Council representation during this period. 

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group:

1.           noted the information provided within the report;

2.           noted the potential implications for Community Council representation during this period; and

3.           agreed to support the forthcoming Community Council elections by promoting awareness within their own communities and networks

(Reference: Report by Committee and Democratic Services Officer, dated May 2026, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to a report highlighting Police Scotland’s priorities for the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area including information on the ongoing work and priorities of the Service and information on Serious and organised crime, crimes of theft and dishonesty (acquisitive crime), road safety and road crime, ASB & violent crime and public protection. The report also highlighted some local policing news items, including the addition of officers wearing body worn videos, which will provide good evidence and hopefully speed up the court process.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Police Scotland dated May 2026, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s FQ4 review of local performance across Oban, Lorn and the Isles for the period 2025 – 2026. The report gave a breakdown of fires and special services incidents which occurred within the locality and provided information on Community Safety & Engagement Campaigns; the work of the Community Action Team, Kings Fire Service Medal Award and a recent recruitment campaign.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, dated 31 March 2026, submitted)

Consideration was given to a public health update from Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership’s Public Health Team on the ongoing wellbeing and prevention activities overseen and delivered by them in Argyll and Bute. The update provided information on the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention training being held across Argyll and online; the Speakeasy online bitesize sessions; the Argyll and Bute Alcohol and Drug Partnership; the Recovery Orientated System of Care framework; Planet Youth National Learning Event and Planet Youth Local Coalition Groups; the Medically Assisted Treatment Standards Experiential Programme 2025-2026 and the Sexual Health Needs Assessment.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated May 2026, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from the Health and Wellbeing Network, noting an invitation to all partners to their next meeting to be held in the Rockfield Centre on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at 11.30am.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Health and Wellbeing Network, dated 15 April 2026, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from Transport Scotland which provided information on a variety of different works recently completed and planned along the A85, A828 and the Rest and Be Thankful.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Transport Scotland, dated May 2026, submitted)

Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface

Petra Pearce highlighted that third sector, public, patient and carers representatives on Integration Joint Boards (IJBs) will now have a vote following a parliamentary hearing; information on the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill which was passed in February 2026 is now a statutory planning framework;  The Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill, passed on 19 March 2026, is likely to be positive for the third sector because it strengthens areas where voluntary organisations often make a distinctive contribution.

Miss Pearce confirmed that information on The Charities Accounts (Scotland) Amendment Act and updated guidance can be found on the OSCR website; and that the third sector sponsored ‘Our Voices Matter’, approach succeeded in stemming cuts to both third-sector grants and preventative and early-intervention services. Unfortunately, a significant area of cuts remained, specifically the Carers Centres which has experienced a 15% budget cut.

Miss Pearce further advised that the Rockfield Centre are organising Charities Day for 18 July 2026 with stalls costing £30 and that anyone interested should contact general@therockfieldcentre.org.uk. Finally, Argyll and Bute TSI and Council are pooling resources to organise a Funders Fayre which is scheduled to be held on Tuesday 16th June 2026 1230 to 1600.

Crossroads

Joan Best advised that Crossroads remains busy and are currently managing 122 clients with 16 on the waiting list, 300 hours of respite care is being delivered with existing clients also in need of additional hours.  Joan highlighted her concern of the 15% budget cut which has been made by the Health and Social Care Partnership and how this would affect their service.

Report by Climate Change Project Manager, Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust

The Group gave consideration to an update from the Climate Change Project Manager on progress with the Climate Change Strategy. Information was provided on overall project progress and timeline for the financial year; the Action Plan which was approved by the CPP Management Committee on 20 March 2026; the development of the business plan for a Climate Ready Region for Argyll and Bute and Community Resilience.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group:

1.    noted overall progress and timeline to the end of the CPP funded period (July 2026) and beyond,

2.    agreed to return any feedback on the draft climate Action Plan by the end of May to Andy Macpherson, CPP Climate Change Project Manager andy@act_now.org.uk;

3.    noted that the CPP Management Committee had approved the Action Plan for the CPP Climate Change Strategy and that a sub meeting may be necessary to identify leads for actions that fall across the remits of member organisations;

4.    noted that the CPP Management Committee supports the recommendations in the business case for an Argyll and Bute Climate Ready Region which had been submitted to the Scottish Government; and

5.    noted progress and limitations with supporting communities in developing resilience (emergency) plans and agreed to return suggestion’s of priority groups or actions for Oban, Lorn and the Isles to Andy Macpherson, CPP Climate Change Project Manager.

(Reference: Report by Climate Change Project Manager, Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust, dated April 2026, submitted)

Verbal update by Chair of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group

Colin Buchanan Group Chair confirmed that he would seek to engage with local Development Trusts on resilience projects and would feedback to a future meeting in liaison with Andy MacPherson.

There were no verbal updates provided under this item.

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, 12 August 2026

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group  would take place on Wednesday 12 August 2026.