Agenda reports pack
Argyll and Bute Council · 12 November 2025
Back to Oban Lorn & the Isles Area Community Planning Group — 12 November 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT Tel: 01546 602127 Fax: 01546 604435 DX 599700 LOCHGILPHEAD 5 November 2025 NOTICE OF MEETING A meeting of the OBAN LORN & THE ISLES AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP will be held in the MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS, ALBANY STREET, OBAN, PA34 4AW AND BY MICROSOFT TEAMS on WEDNESDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 2025 at 10:00 AM, which you are requested to attend. Douglas Hendry Executive Director BUSINESS 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 3. MINUTE OF THE OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 13 AUGUST 2025 (Pages 5 - 12) 4. COMMUNITY FOCUS (a) Alcohol and Drug Forum - Recovery Cafe Presentation by Steering Group of Alcohol and Drug Forum 5. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE (Pages 13 - 16) Report by Partnerships Lead, Argyll and Bute Council 6. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP PRIORITIES (a) Transport Update Public Document Pack
Page 2
Presentation by Community Planning Team, Argyll and Bute Council (b) Housing Update Presentation by Community Planning Team, Argyll and Bute Council (c) Community Wellbeing Presentation by Community Planning Team, Argyll and Bute Council 7. ARGYLL AND BUTE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE PARTNERSHIP PUBLIC HEALTH TEAM (a) Working with Communities Presentation from Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Public Health Team. Please also find here the link to the video component of the presentation to be delivered by the Public Health team. (b) Partner Update - Public Health (Pages 17 - 22) Report by Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership 8. PARTNERS UPDATE (a) Scottish Fire and Rescue Update (Pages 23 - 30) (b) Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI) Update (Pages 31 - 34) (c) UHI Argyll (Oban) Update (Pages 35 - 36) (d) Oban, Lorn and the Isles Health & Wellbeing Network Update (Pages 37 - 38) (e) Live Argyll - Community Education Update (Pages 39 - 42) (f) Opportunity for Verbal Updates 9. CLIMATE CHANGE (a) Climate Change Update (Pages 43 - 52) Report by Climate Change Project Manager, Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust. (b) Climate Change Resilience Group Update (Short Life Working Group) Verbal update by Chair of Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group
Page 3
(c) Opportunity for verbal updates on Community Based Initiatives 10. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, 11 February 2026. Oban Lorn & the Isles Area Community Planning Group Colin Buchanan (Chair) Councillor Julie McKenzie (Vice-Chair) Contact: Stuart McLean, Committee Manager - 01436 658717 Karen Campbell - 01631 567855
Page 4
This page is intentionally left blank
Page 5
MINUTES of MEETING of OBAN LORN & THE ISLES COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP held in the OBAN COMMUNITY FIRE STATION, SOROBA ROAD, OBAN, PA34 4JY AND MICROSOFT TEAMS on WEDNESDAY, 13 AUGUST 2025 Present: Colin Buchanan (Chair) Stuart McLean, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Councillor Kieron Green, Argyll and Bute Council Councillor Luna Martin, Argyll and Bute Council Kirsty McLuckie, CommunityPlanning, Argyll and Bute Council Gordon Curran, Scottish Fire and Rescue Robert MacKay, ACHA Jim Tolmie, Oban District Access Panel Theresa Bain, UHI Argyll (Oban) Duncan Martin, Oban Community Council Kirsten Johnston, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface Andy MacPherson, Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network Jane Metcalf, Coll Community Council Aideen Shields, Oban Communities Collective Judith Hawcroft, North Argyll Carers Joan Best, Crossroads Attending: Stuart Green, Corporate Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Lucy Dunbar, Area Plans, Argyll and Bute Council Rona Gold, Community Planning, Argyll and Bute Council John McLuckie, Community Planning Argyll and Bute Council Matt Mulderigg, Community and Housing Development Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Deirdre MacKenna, The Ardchattan Centre 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.. Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of: Councillor Julie McKenzie, Argyll and Bute Council Councillor Willie Hume, Argyll and Bute Council Inspector Matthew Shaw, Police Scotland Maureen Evans, Live Argyll Community Learning Petra Pearce, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI) 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest intimated. 3. MINUTES Page 5 Agenda Item 3
Page 6
(a) Oban, Lorn and the Isles Community Planning Group 14 May 2025 The Minute of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Planning Group meeting held on 14 May 2025 was approved as a correct record. 4. ASPIRING PLACES: COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN ARGYLL AND BUTE - EVALUATION AND OPTIONS ON FUTURE RETENTION The Group gave consideration to a presentation by the Project Manager and Project Officer from Argyll and Bute Council, in relation to the Council’s Aspiring Places; Community Project in Argyll and Bute. The presentation provided background information in relation to the previous project approach; the Launch of the Argyll and Bute Voices & Aspiring Places Platform in March 2025; the Funding Connections Roadshow that was delivered during in various locations throughout April – May; the available funding streams; the number of expressions of interest and next steps. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the presentation. (Reference: Presentation by, Corporate Support Manager and Area Plans Officer, dated 13th August 2025, submitted) 5. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING HIGHLIGHTS The Group gave consideration to a report which outlined matters discussed during a meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee held on 6 June 2025. The report also provided information on the CPP Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan; CPP Community Wealth Building (CWB) Charter; Community Planning’s Priorities Transport and Introduction to Housing; Scottish Fire and Rescue’s – Service Review and also an update on changes of office bearers of the Area Community Planning Groups. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by John McLuckie, Partnerships Lead, dated 13 August 2025, submitted) 6. COMMUNITY PLANNING PRIORITIES (a) Transport The Group gave consideration to a presentation from the Community Planning Team, Argyll and Bute Council which highlighted information on how the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership will improve Page 6
Page 7
transport infrastructure. The presentation also highlighted the ABOIP agreed Objectives 2024-2034; the work by the CPP Management Committee and information on the actions of the Transport Integration Working Group and Community Active Travel Network. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the presentation. (Reference: Presentation by Rona Gold, Community Development Manager, dated 13 August 2025) (b) Introduction to Housing The Group gave consideration to a presentation from the Community Planning Team, Argyll and Bute Council which advised how the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership will improve housing. The presentation also highlighted the ABOIP agreed Objectives 2024-2034. Following the presentation, there was a question and answer session with the following statements made: • Are you aware of any funding, training or opportunities locally for construction skills development? • What data is available for housing locally and what data is missing? • Do you know of any land and assets belonging to your organisation or group that could be used for housing? • What local information could be shared with those at risk of homelessness? • What information do you have about workforce needs for local accommodation? The Community Development Team thanked Partners for their comments, advising that this was the start of an ongoing conversation on housing at Area Community Planning Groups. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the presentation. (Reference: Presentation by Rona Gold, Community Development Manager, dated 13 August 2025) (c) Housing Emergency Update Matt Mulderrig, Development Policy and Housing Manager, Argyll and Bute Council highlighted some of the recent activities within the housing system, following the emergency housing action plan put in place in June 2024; these activities included working with the Scottish Government; developing Strategic Development Frameworks to facilitate long-term Page 7
Page 8
delivery and securing national funding investment into housing projects in the area. Mr Mulderrig also advised of various developments within the locality including Tobermory Worker Housing; exploring the feasibility of a 4 unit re-development in Campbell Street and West Highland developing a planning application for 16 social rent units at Dalmally. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the update. (Reference: Report by Report by Housing Strategy Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, 13th August 2025) 7. CLIMATE CHANGE (a) Climate Change Resilience Group Update (Short Life Working Group) Colin Buchanan gave an update on progress made by the Short Life Working Group. The Chair confirmed that he was struggling to get Community Councils within the locality to engage. He advised that he would contact each Community Council again and invite them to a TEAMS meeting later in the month. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the update. (Reference: Verbal Update from Chair of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group, 13 August 2025) (b) Opportunity for Verbal Updates on Community Based Initiatives Andy MacPherson advised the group that his post, ACT Climate Project Manager, had been extended to July 2026 with the emphasis on working with Communities. Mr Macpherson confirmed that he is looking to build Community Resilience across Argyll and Bute and will be exploring options to establish pilot groups within each of the administrative areas. Mr MacPherson further advised that there will be a meeting of Tiree Integrated on 26th August; he will be meeting with the Oban Climate Café on 27th August to discuss flooding, where communities can help themselves. (Reference: Presentation by Andy Macpherson, ACT Climate Project Manager dated 12 August 2025, submitted) Page 8
Page 9
8. COMMUNITY FOCUS - ARDCHATTAN CENTRE The Group heard a presentation from Deirdre MacKenna, a Trustee of the Ardchattan Centre, who advised that the Centre was previously the local primary school that was bought out by the Community. The focus of the Trustees is developing community, social and cultural wealth; the programme of events organised by the Trustees and Community Groups are reinstating of the ferry to Taynuilt to reunite the communities; guided walks; seasonal events within the centre; courses in arts and crafts; playgroup, coffee/tea/cake mornings/afternoons; learning about the local flora and fauna; wellbeing; cinema nights, games nights and craft fayres. Trustees are currently working with the Council’s Development Officer on developing a Strategic plan; place partnership plan; capital plan; commercial income and a programme of funding. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the presentation, which will be distributed to all the partners with the minutes. (Reference: Presentation by Deirdre MacKenna, The Ardchattan Centre, dated 13 August 2025) 9. PARTNERS UPDATE (a) Police Scotland Update There was no one in attendance from Police Scotland to speak to the report highlighting Police Scotland’s priorities for the Oban, Lorn and Isles area which covered serious and organised crime; crimes of theft and dishonesty; road safety and road crime; violent crime and public protection. Partners were encouraged to send questions pertaining to the update, to the Committee Manager who would forward them to the Police Scotland for a response. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the report. (Reference: Report by Police Scotland, dated August 2025, submitted) (b) Scottish Fire and Rescue Update The Group gave consideration to a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ1 review of local performance across Oban, Lorn and the Isles for the period April to June 2025. The report gave a breakdown of the 77 incidents within that period for fires and special incidents. Mr Curran also gave a presentation in respect of the Service Delivery Page 9
Page 10
advising that the public consultation runs until September. Following the closure of the public consultation the responses will be reviewed with a decision being made at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Board meeting in December. Partners are encouraged to share and respond to the consultation. There was a discussion surrounding the recruitment and training of volunteer fire fighters, and the need for them to be away from home and their main place of work for 4 days. Mr Curran advised that the Modular Task and Task Management had arranged training to take place at local stations, which was exclusive to Argyll and Bute. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service dated April to June 2025, submitted and Service Review Presentation, dated August 2025) (c) Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Update Consideration was given to an update from Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership’s Public Health Team which included information on Community Link Workers; Community Link Working – remote and island evaluation; Suicide Prevention Training; Argyll and Bute Living Well – Art of Hosting at the Living Well Programme; launch of Population Health Framework and Working Well with Communities Update. Partners were encouraged to send questions pertaining to the update, to the Committee Manager who would forward them to the Health and Social Care Partnership for a response. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Health Improvement Lead, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated August 2025, submitted) (d) Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI) Update Consideration was given to an update from Argyll and Bute TSI. The update provided information on the Scottish Government, TSI landscape and policy activity; public service reform and population health; work of the wellbeing development manager; ABTSI strategy review 2026-2031; and the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund; Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group Page 10
Page 11
considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute TSI, dated August 2025, submitted) (e) Health and Wellbeing Network Update An update was received from the Oban, Lorn and the Islands Health and Wellbeing Network which highlighted information on the next Health and Wellbeing Meeting which will be held on 4th September from 10.30am – 12.30pm; Funding has been applied for from the Supporting Communities Fund and if successful this will allow events to be organised for 2026 and face to face meetings in Oba and that there is a webinar scheduled for 21st August in respect of the digital switchover. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the update. (Reference: report by the Health and Wellbeing Network, dated August 2025, submitted) (f) Opportunity for verbal updates by Community Planning Partners North Argyll Carers Judith Hawcroft advised the Group on the various groups available through the North Argyll Carers, including the bereavement group and primary and secondary after school groups; activities provided for adult carers and young carers; a consultation is open until the end of August in relation to Fair Access to Care and a public meeting is scheduled for 19th August at Fuiran Gaelic Centre in Corran Halls. Crossroads Joan Best advised there will be a lot of pressure on unpaid carers if care package support is to be reduced and that funding is becoming more difficult to obtain. Joan advised that Crossroads have 28 staff and are providing 350 hours respite care and there is a waiting list for Oban, Mull and Tiree for support. Connecting Communities Collective Aideen Shields gave an update on the Re-Store Shop in George Street, Oban which has been providing workshops, reusing upcycled materials and delivering food rescue provision. Aideen confirmed that a development trust has been established to organise a community buy out of the building and that the trust will be holding a meeting in Rockfield Centre on 28th August from 7pm-9pm to discuss the buyout. On 18th October there is a table top event of children’s toys and preparation is underway for next year’s fashion show in April 2026. Anyone wishing to contact or ask questions can do so on hello@obancollective.org Page 11
Page 12
10. DATE OF NEXT MEETING - WEDNESDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2025 The date of the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 12th November 2025 and will be held by Microsoft Teams. Page 12
Page 13
Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership OLI Area Community Planning Group 12 November 2025 Community Planning Partnership Management Committee Meeting Highlights This briefing is for noting and relevant discussion. Summary The Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee met on 19th September 2025 in the 3 Villages Hall, Arrochar. The highlights from this meeting are here for the interest of members of the Area Community Planning Group. Access to the reports and full agenda is found by following this link – Agenda for Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management Committee on Friday, 19 September 2025, 10:00 am - Argyll and Bute Council Highlights CPP Improvement Plan Gary I’Anson, Acting Chair of the CPP Management Committee, highlighted the progress made against the actions in the CPP Improvement Plan, notably the updated Welcome Pack and the Community Planning podcast. Fair Funding Guidance John McLuckie provided an update on Fair Funding Guidance for the Voluntary Sector. A paper outlining the principles of fair funding for the voluntary sector was submitted to Argyll and Bute Full Council on 26 June 2025 – item 12 on Full Council agenda pack The Council agreed to sign up to the principles of the guidance and to work towards the aspirations the guidance contains. It was agreed that the paper can be used as a template for Community Planning Partners to use within their own organisations with progress to be reviewed at the December CPP Management Committee meeting. It was noted that the CPP cannot sign up to the guidance as a partnership unless all partners sign up to the principles. Climate Change Page 13 Agenda Item 5
Page 14
Andy Macpherson highlighted the Scottish Government aspiration to establish Regional Adaptation Partnerships across the country, through the existing Climate Action Network structure. Andy advised that funds have been obtained to develop a business case for an Argyll and Bute Regional Adaptation Partnership, and it was agreed that CPP partners would be invited to join a Short Life Working Group to develop the business case. It was noted that any funded development work may require a change to the Terms of Reference for the CPP Climate Change Steering Group however it was agreed this was not required immediately. Community Wealth Building Charter Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland, provided an update on behalf of the Community Wealth Building (CWB) Steering Group, which also includes Takki Sulamain, Argyll and Bute TSI; Alison McGrory, NHS Highland; Morag Goodfellow, HIE; and Ishabel Bremner, Argyll and Bute Council. Susan highlighted the CWB charter compiled by the group, with partners asked to review this within their organisations and confirm if they are willing to sign up at the December CPP Management Committee meeting. The Charter outlines the CPP’s commitment to, and its vision and shared principles on CWB, the role of partners as Anchor Institutions and next steps aligning with the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan, Argyll and Bute Council’s Economic Strategy and Climate Action priorities. Susan noted that Skills Development Scotland are one of the first anchor institutions to sign the charter and added that all CPP organisations are likely to be regarded as anchor organisations (those organisations present in a place, large scale employers, purchasers of local goods and services, etc). Area Community Planning Group (ACPG) Updates Gary I’Anson noted the paper reporting on the ACPG meetings held in August 2025, with the following points highlighted by the Community Planning team: - The appointment of Gill Simpson as Chair of Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group and the forthcoming appointment of a new Vice Chair at the November meeting. - The completion of Ian Brodie’s term as as Vice Chair of MAKI Area Community Planning Group. Priority Outcome – Transport Infrastructure Rona advised that a summary of the actions agreed at the CPP Management Committee Transport Infrastructure session in June will be circulated to those who attended. Partners will be invited to raise any concerns on content, with a follow-up session scheduled to provide an opportunity for final content amendment, following which a governance structure will be created to deliver the agreed actions. Partners were reminded that the actions had been created from discussions with partners and Page 14
Page 15
the wider community, looking at what was already being done and what the CPP can add value to. Priority Outcome - Housing Rona provided an overview of the Housing priority outcome, noting the six actions agreed by the CPP and the six actions from the Housing Emergency Summit which require CPP input, and highlighting that a number of actions are either underway or have been completed. The actions still to be started would form the basis of the discussions in the breakout sessions. Rona reaffirmed the importance of working with the Area Community Planning Groups both in terms of input to the overall CPP actions and feedback from this CPP event to help shape local actions. Presentations were delivered under the heading of ‘housing actions in the pipeline’ by Douglas Whyte, Housing Strategy Team Lead for Argyll and Bute Council; Ronnie MacRae, Housing Delivery Manager for SSEN; Morven Fancey, Head of Housing, Skills and Population at HIE; Michelle Mundie, Chief Executive of ACHA; and John Forbes, Community-led Housing Coordinator for Communities Housing Trust. All slides from the presentations are available through the link at the top of this highlight report. Attendees participated in breakout groups for the majority of the day, focused on shaping the six CPP housing actions not yet started: 1. Establish a construction skills development working group 2. Establish a partner land and assets working group; Identify and map public sector land and buildings which could provide workforce and affordable housing via repurposing and change of use. 3. Communication plan on financial interventions to prevent homelessness 4. Freedom to use Scottish Government housing funding more flexibly and as an allocation with local administrative control 5. Develop a strategic approach to evidencing the need for workforce housing in the public sector 6. Incorporate energy discussion points within CPP Climate Change Strategy Gary thanked everyone for their contributions to the discussions on Housing. The CPP team will share the outputs from these discussions and will arrange an online follow up session for attendees to make any further comments on the actions. Introduction to Priority Outcome – Community Wellbeing Rona introduced Community Wellbeing which will be the topic of the December CPP Management Committee meeting, and reminded partners of the long-term Community Wellbeing objectives agreed in the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan: - Broadening equality of access to Community Leadership opportunities - Furthering equality of access to services, facilities and community assets - Working with partners to maximise sustainability of community facilities and services Page 15
Page 16
- Enabling a voice in collective decision making
- Enhancing communication within communities
- Better understanding how communities achieve a sense of connection and
belonging
Close
Gary thanked everyone for attending and for their contributions to the complex topic
of Housing, noting it had been an excellent opportunity to meet and build
relationships for the work that the CPP needs to take forward.
For More Information:
John McLuckie, Partnerships Lead, john.mcluckie@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Full minutes of CPP Management Committee meetings are found here: {Browse
meetings - Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management
Committee - Argyll and Bute Council}
Page 16Page 17
1 Argyll & Bute Community Planning Partnership Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group Partnership update Date: 12 November 2025 Partner update – Public Health Smoking Cessation – Stoptober campaign Stoptober is a national campaign encouraging people to quit smoking. The A&B Public Health team has developed a local campaign to raise awareness of the free NHS support available to people who want to quit. For the month of October, NHS Highland Smoke-Free Service is encouraging people to quit together. People are up to five times more likely to quit for good if they make it to 28 days smoke-free. https://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/news/2025/09/stoptober-campaign-launches-in- highland-argyll-and-bute/ Our smoking cessation advisers are working with local pharmacies to ensure people across Argyll and Bute have easy access to tailored support https://www.ablivingwell.org/smoking-cessation Gypsy/Traveller community event A health event was held in Adrishaig on 1st October for the local Gypsy/Traveller community. Organised by MECOPP's Community Health Worker, and funded by the Screening Inequalities Funding, this event was supported by many partner agencies. The health event aimed to raise awareness of health interventions including NHS Health Screening and Smoking Cessation, as well as information from AliEnergy, Page 17 Agenda Item 7b
Page 18
2 Scottish Fire and Rescue, Dochas and many other agencies. The event was well attended with positive feedback. Joint Strategic Plan Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) is developing a new Joint Strategic Plan for 2026 – 2031. Integration Joint Boards (IJBs) are required to create a Joint Strategic Plan (JSP). This is a high level plan of how the IJB will manage and deliver health and social care services using the resources and budgets they control. They must review and update this plan at least once every three years. Our proposed priorities: • Priority 1: Preventative and Community Based Care • Priority 2: Integrated and Person Centred Care • Priority 3: Financial and System Sustainability • Priority 4: Healthy and Engaged Workforce • Priority 5: Access and Tackling Health Inequality • Priority 6: Digital Transformation We will be consulting with communities, partners, and stakeholders between 10 October to 10 January 2025. We will communicate in person, online and through press during this period, but you can register or subscribe on the NHS Highland Engagement Hub to keep up to date with how this consultation is progressing. In October, the HSCP ran a series of Community Drop-ins to listen to communities to hear their views about the new Joint Strategic Plan. Have your say - help shape health and social care in Argyll and Bute | NHS Highland Watch out for our online survey here: NHS Highland Engagement Hub Page 18
Page 19
3 S2 Dramas The ‘You Are Not Alone’ drama performances for S2 pupils took place in September 2025 across eight secondary schools in Argyll and Bute. Three stories were embedded within the performance: Molly’s Story (about sending naked photos), Joel’s Story (about vaping) and Rob’s Story (about self-harm). Evidence shows that these are all relevant health issues experienced by many children and young people locally and nationally. The performance was followed by workshop discussions led by the Guidance Teachers with the support of attending partners from The Police’s Youth Engagement Officers, School Support Service and The Exchange. Planet Youth Update Planet Youth is a community-based framework focused on improving young people’s health, wellbeing, and relationships by working with parents, carers, schools, communities and organisations. It focuses on increasing protective factors and reducing risk factors to help children and young people make better and safer choices about their wellbeing. Over the last two years in Argyll and Bute, five secondary schools and communities have been avidly involved with Planet Youth. In 2025 Planet Youth continues to grow locally with all ten state secondary schools now on-board. Page 19
Page 20
4 A Planet Youth community event, ‘Growing up in Oban’, took place in September This was a great opportunity for families, children and young people to see the vast variety of fantastic clubs, activities and groups available locally. Approximately 200 community members attended and the feedback was excellent. On 25th March 2026, the Planet Youth team will be hosting Youth Voice Conference, which aims to: amplify the voices of young people and enable them to share their live experiences, priorities and ideas directly with decision-makers, inform strategic planning, and celebrate and embed Youth Voice as a vital force in building a healthier, safer and more hopeful future for Argyll and Bute. If you require further information please contact argyllandbute@planetyouth.scot Equality Outcomes – Accessible Easy Read version An Easy Read version of the NHS Highland Equality Outcomes (2025–2029) has now been co-designed and tested with children, people whose first language is not English and people with a learning disability. This accessible version will make the Equality Outcomes more meaningful and user-friendly for the public. Although the official launch is not until later in the month, we wanted to highlight this development as it reflects a growing commitment to ensuring our plans are accessible to all. Speakeasy The first Speakeasy 'taster' webinars were held on 24th September. Speakeasy is a learning programme for parents, carers and adults working with children and young people, delivered informally as one off session or a block of up to eight sessions. It: • Helps to tackle complicated and difficult issues around children growing up, including body changes, safety and relationships and sexual health. • Works with groups of parents and carers to provide age-appropriate information, resources and support to enable them to confidently discuss these subjects in the home. • The course helps parents to build on what they already know about growing up relationships and sex to help children make safer choices. This is supported by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Curriculum for Excellence and reflects the results shown in The Chat research: theChat.scot – the Chat is a conversation with parents and carers about where, what, when, why and how children and young people learn about relationships, sexual health and parenthood. 42 people attended the sessions, which evaluated positively. Discussions are ongoing regarding taking this forward, both as webinars and face-to-face delivery. Page 20
Page 21
5 Public Health Scotland (PHS) report on emergency hospital admissions and deaths as a result of unintentional injury Unintentional injury is a major cause of premature death and ill health in Scotland. Unintentional injuries can occur in any age group, but children and the elderly are more vulnerable. The term ‘unintentional injury’ is used rather than ‘accidents’ as ‘accident’ implies that events are unavoidable when a high proportion of these incidents are preventable e.g. falls, road traffic accidents etc. PHS will be publishing an annual unintentional injury annual report on October 28th. While the report itself it is at a national level, analysis is provided down to Local Council level in additional tables. The Public Health team would like to report back on A&B data for consideration at the next ACPG meeting. Argyll and Bute Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) The ADP is delighted to launch the ADP Strategy 2025-2027, which focuses on the three pillars of Prevention, Recovery Orientated Systems of Care (ROSC) and a Public Health Approach to Justice. The strategy outlines the priorities identified by the ADP, stakeholders and national directives, acknowledging the changing environment with national plans and challenging financial climate. It includes evidence from local data, stakeholder engagement, national strategy and frameworks. The golden thread running through the strategy is a focus to strengthen our partnerships as the foundation of all our activity, working closely with people with lived and living experience. In addition to the document, a short animated video about the strategy has also been produced. The ADP Support Team has produced the first ADP Bulletin, which highlights some of the recent activity within the ADP and community ADP Autumn Bulletin ADP Support Team look forward to producing regular bulletins and welcome feedback on what Community Planning Partners would like to see. The ADP Annual Report 2024-2025 is also available, the report demonstrates with wide range of activities, progress and developments delivered throughout the year. The Medically Assisted Treatment Standards (MAT) Experiential Programme Report for 2024 – 2025 has also been shared to inform feedback and further improvements in developing MAT Standards. The strategy and reports are available to view on https://www.argyllandbuteadp.info/resources-and-links-W21page-5 Page 21
Page 22
6 REPORT AUTHOR AND CONTACT Author Names: Angela Coll Health Improvement Senior Email: nhsh.abhealthimprovement@nhs.scot Page 22
Page 23
Oban, Lorn and the Isles CPG Briefing Report Q2 2025/26 Performance & Activity Report From: 1st July 2025 To: 30th September 2025 Page 23 Agenda Item 8a
Page 24
Introduction Welcome to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Community Board Performance Report. This performance report is designed to provide citizens, stakeholders and partners with information relating to Community Board based activity undertaken by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Whilst using historic statistical benchmarking data, consideration must be taken of the somewhat random nature of fire related incidents and events, and how this can pose difficulties in interpreting emerging patterns and trends. This is of specific relevance where Community Board level data is analysed due to the relatively small number of actual incidents/events that occur in Community Board areas. However, regardless of statistical anomalies, emerging patterns and trends in fire related incidents and events can assist the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Community Planning Partners plan and implement preventative intervention initiatives to target reducing fire related incidents and events. About the statistics within this report The activity totals and other statistics quoted within this report are published in the interests of transparency and openness. They are provisional in nature and subject to change as a result of ongoing quality assurance and review. Because all statistics quoted are provisional there may be a difference in the period totals quoted in our reports after local publication which result from revisions or additions to the data in our systems. The Scottish Government publishes official statistics each year which allow for comparisons to be made over longer periods of time. Report Generated on 30/10/2025 Page 24
Page 25
Oban North & Lorn Q2 2025-26 Page 25
Page 26
Oban South & the Isles Q2 2025-26 Page 26
Page 27
Community Safety & Engagement Argyll & Bute Fire Skills In September we held our first Fire Skills course in Argyll & Bute. The course proved a success, thanks to the commitment and teamwork of the young participants. They took part in practical activities aimed at building confidence, learning new skills, and working together. Their enthusiasm made the experience positive and impactful. Thanks also go to partner organisations Developing the Young Workforce, Live Argyll, Scottish Ambulance Service, and Argyll & Bute Education for their support. Station Open Days This summer, fire stations in Helensburgh, Lochgoilhead, Tobermory, and Oban welcomed the public for a series of open days. Visitors had the chance to meet local crews, explore fire and rescue equipment, and take part in activities focused on safety and awareness. The events helped strengthen ties with the community and offered valuable insights into the work of our teams. We’re grateful to our youth volunteers and partner organisations support, and everyone who donated to local charities. Your support made a real difference. We look forward to welcoming you again at future events. Page 27
Page 28
Road & Water Safety During this reporting period, we’ve continued collaborating with partners across Argyll & Bute, including Police Scotland, the RNLI, and local businesses, to support road and water safety campaigns across the local authority area. We remain active in the Partnership Approach to Water Safety (PAWS) and regularly attend Argyll & Bute’s quarterly safety meetings. Our Community Action Team and local crews have also delivered Water Safety Scotland presentations in schools, helping raise awareness and promote safer behaviours around water. We supported this year's World Drowning Prevention Day at Lomond Shores, Loch Lomond, by providing water safety information and demonstrating a simulated water rescue using our dedicated water safety resources. Community Action Team • Post Domestic Incident Response (PDIR) following every domestic incident: Offers homeowners a free safety check and installation of alarms where applicable. • Representation on Multi Agency Risk Assessment (MARAC) for those affected by domestic violence. • Continue to support ‘Make the Call’ campaign and On Call recruitment drive for retained and volunteer stations within Argyll and Bute • Engaging with communities utilising Summer/Autumn Thematic Action Plans TAP (Thematic Action Plan) Page 28
Page 29
• Establishing “Referral Pathways” with our partnership agencies. Empowering new referral groups to help us arrange Home Fire Safety Visits for some of our most vulnerable groups in our communities. Page 29
Page 30
This page is intentionally left blank
Page 31
1. Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund (years 5 and 6) The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund (year 5 and 6) reference panel met on 12th October to make final decisions on who to fund. All successful applicants applied for two-year funding. In summary, 19 organisations have been fully funded for 2 years with 44 out of 71 receiving funding at some level for both Year 1 and Year 2. The panel was chaired by ABTSI’s CEO as fund administrator and as well as representatives from the National Lottery, the council and the NHS we were joined by two lived experience representatives. This year’s funding round forms part of the government’s multi-year fairer funding evaluation pilot programme. 2. Strategy review 2026-2031 – now known as Community Voices Consultants SKS have been working hard on devising and distributing the survey that will provide the lead in questions to more detailed focus group work on a sector and TSI strategy and state of the sector report. This can be accessed here:- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/argyllbute Please distribute across your networks including friends and family as many of us use community services at some level. Some groups have also offered to host focus groups for which they will be paid. Full details of the programme as a reminder accessible from our website:- https://www.argylltsi.org/community-voices-speaking-up-for-argyll-and-the-isles/ We are planning to hold three meetings of the strategic advisory group and some board members have expressed an interest in supporting this work. Dates to come. 3. HR advice and building sustainable back-office services Last quarter it was reported that we were in discussions about strengthening our HR freelancer offer for TSOs and this quarter there has been further call for such services from more organisations. In parallel discussions have been ongoing with others in the sector (EDAS, Community Enterprise, Social Enterprise Scotland and others) about whether we could collectively deliver a combined value for money service and a development day is planned for 12th November. Report Oban, Lorn and the Isles Partner Update Paper Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface Date 3rd November 2025 Prepared by Petra Pearce, Third Sector Support Adviser, OLI For Period 21st July 2025 to 17th October 2025 Page 31 Agenda Item 8b
Page 32
4. Scottish Government, Parliament, the TSI landscape and policy activity TSI Scotland Network has now published a summary manifesto which has been sent to all the main political parties ahead of the Scottish Parliamentary elections in May 2026. This work was derived from the seven third sector relevant policy papers as reported last quarter and this is being formatted ahead of publication hopefully next week. ABTSI’s CEO worked on two groups – Rural issues and Public Service Reform. Following on from TSI meetings in May and June 2025 with Jenni Minto MSP in her capacity as Public Health Minister, Labour leader Anas Sarwar MSP and the SNP’s head of policy ABTSI’s CEO along with other third sector representatives met with the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley Anne Somerville MSP in August. It was a high-level meeting but all parties were able to impress upon the Cabinet Secretary that TSO resilience was fragile because of the unstable and unpredictable funding environment combined with high demand. The TSI national two-day conference took place on 28th and 29th October 2025 at the SECC in Glasgow with over 120 TSI staff attending each day from around the country. Day one focused on practice and operational improvement issues and day two focused on policy and engagement with key change makers and stakeholders at local and national levels. For day one the Head of Regulation at OSCR was the keynote speaker and for day two the government minister for public service reform, Ivan Mckee MSP, was speaking. ABTSI was one of three TSIs helping to organise the event, with the CEO drafting the agenda, Janis helping on conference delivery and Lauren helping on conference booking. On day two of the TSI conference A&B TSO representatives led a workshop on Prevention in Action. The Living Well Physical Activity Programme and Lorn & Oban Healthy Options are two collaboratively designed and delivered health and wellbeing prevention programmes within Argyll & Bute. The workshop invited attendees to explore the challenges, successes and hopes for the future of health and wellbeing within Argyll & Bute and for the rest of Scotland with Emma King-Venables: Falls, Frailty & Prevention Lead for Argyll & Bute HSCP. Gill Bruce: Development Manager & Clinical Lead, Lorn & Oban Healthy Options. Alex Edmonstone: Commercial Operations Manager, liveArgyll. It was great to see local organisations in the spotlight at a national level. Finally, ABTSI work with the Poverty Alliance project, Taking Action on Rural Poverty, is doing really well. As well as working together on facilitating the voice of lived experience in local policy design work we have also worked together on a presentation to the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs in about challenges in rural Scotland. Any groups that would like an in-person or on-line meeting to discuss the support available from TSI or would like the TSI to attend an event please get in touch with petrapearce@argylltsi.org.uk Sources of funding for Third Sector Groups can also be accessed via https://argylltsi- funding.org.uk/ Page 32
Page 33
Page 33
Page 34
This page is intentionally left blank
Page 35
Principal and Chief Executive: Joe Wright www.argyll.uhi.ac.uk UHI Argyll is a trading name of Argyll College Ltd a charity registered in Scotland No SC026685 Registered address: West Bay, Dunoon, PA23 7HP UHI Argyll – Oban: Update for Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group 21/10/2025 General The 2025–26 academic year is now well underway, with the majority of centres operating at almost full student capacity. Access-level courses remain in high demand, particularly Access to Care (Level 5), which is currently full. Graduation Our 2025 graduation took place on 26th September at Queen’s Hall, Dunoon. Sixty-five graduates from across Argyll and the islands gathered with family, friends, and staff to celebrate their achievements across Further Education, Higher Education, and Modern Apprenticeships. In addition to celebrating general academic achievement, individual students from Dunoon and Rothesay received special recognition awards: HE Student of the Year (Dunoon), and FE Student of the Year (Rothesay). We were honoured to welcome guest speaker Jenni Minto MSP, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, who shared reflections on her career and praised the determination and resilience of our students. Modern Apprenticeship Programme – Employer Engagement Event On Tuesday 28th October 2025, UHI Argyll are hosting a Modern Apprenticeship Employer Engagement Event at the Oban Centre. The session will offer Argyll’s employers the opportunity to explore the benefits of apprenticeships, hear success stories from participating businesses, and connect with UHI Argyll’s Apprenticeships Team for expert guidance on work-based learning. School/ Community Engagement Staff from the Oban centre attended an event at Oban Youth Café in August, offering course advice to school leavers. There will also be representation at Oban’s Job Centre Page 35 Agenda Item 8c
Page 36
Principal and Chief Executive: Joe Wright www.argyll.uhi.ac.uk UHI Argyll is a trading name of Argyll College Ltd a charity registered in Scotland No SC026685 Registered address: West Bay, Dunoon, PA23 7HP Employability Services Fayre on Friday, 24th October as well as at OHS’s MCR pathways information event on Wednesday, 12th November. New short courses We have launched the following short horticulture courses: · 3 Free online taster horticulture courses developed by UHI Argyll Horticulture department, available via the OpenLearn Create website; OLCreate: UHI Horticulture | OLCreate • Plant Biology – 10 hours • Garden and planting design – 15 hours • Plant propagation – 20 hours Additional Horti courses; (not free) · Drystone Walling: (Dunoon) – Starts Thursday 19th February 2026 for 6 weeks (Helensburgh)- Starts Thursday 8th January 2026 for 6 weeks. · Introduction to Garden Design: Online on Monday evenings 6–8.30pm, from 20th October for 13 weeks Commercial courses We are running the following commercial courses: · Elementary Food Hygiene - full day: 11th November; 9th December; 27th January 2026; 17th February 2026 · Personal Licence - full day: 25th November; 11th December; 29th January 2026; 24th February 2026. For more information on our commercial courses, please contact ACBusiness@uhi.ac.uk Page 36
Page 37
Oban, Lorn and the Islands (including Mull and Iona, Coll, Tiree and Colonsay) Health and Wellbeing Network 29/10/25 Twenty two Network Members attended a very successful Health and Wellbeing Network meeting in Oban on 4th September in Oban. The meeting did exactly what it says in the title with all Network members sharing information about the work they are currently doing and the support they can provide for people in our communities. We finished with group discussions answering four questions about the way forward for the network. The Network has been successful in its application for funding from the Supporting Communities Fund. We will now be able to plan Health and Wellbeing Events in 2026, in Oban and on the Isle of Mull. These events will be similar to events held in recent years on the Isles of Coll and Tiree and in Oban where members of the public were invited to come along and find out about the support that is available from network members. The funding will also allow us to hold a face to face meeting for network members in Oban in 2026. Network members continue sharing and receiving updates about support in our community. If you would like to join the Network, please follow the link https://forms.office.com/e/c9myhB8GFr and you will be added to the e-mail list of Network Members. Or please e-mail our Network Coordinator Carol and she will let you have the link to join the Network. Carol Flett Oban, Lorn and the Islands Health and Wellbeing Network Coordinator hwn@obancollective.org Page 37 Agenda Item 8d
Page 38
This page is intentionally left blank
Page 39
Community Learning Services update November 2025 Adult Learning Provision Oban We are currently delivering the majority of our Adult Learning Provision from Oban Library. Adult Achievement Awards – We are delighted to have been accepted by Newbattle Abbey College as an accredited centre for the delivery of Adult Achievement Awards. These awards are SQA accredited and are flexible to reflect almost any learning undertaken by participants. Available to adults aged 16, in award levels 2 to 6, with no entry level requirements. Adult Achievement Awards - Newbattle Abbey College Employability Drop-In – Every Tuesday from 10am-12pm at Oban Library. We provide help with CV’s, job searches and applications. Free Tea/coffee/biscuits. IT Drop-in – Every Tuesday afternoon from 2-4pm. We provide help with getting online, using devices and applications. Free Tea/Coffee/Biscuits. National Databank – Vodafone and O2 sim cards available with free calls, texts and data for up to 6 months. Available by arrangement with Scott Douglas. SQA – We can offer a wide range of SQA accredited qualifications including Employability, Wellbeing, Volunteering, Communication and Leadership. Please contact Scott Douglas for more information. Managing Your Money – We have a new budgeting short course. Sessions can be run throughout the year. Please contact Scott Douglas for more information. Adult Literacy and Numeracy support – A range of support for adults requiring help with reading, writing or numbers, including the innovative Citizen Literacy website. Flash Fiction 500 – Monthly Creative Writing Challenge. Open to residents of Argyll & Bute aged 18 and over. Winner and runners-up published at https://liveargyll.co.uk/flash-fiction/ Music group in partnership with Hope Kitchen – Group guitar lessons from 12-1pm and an informal sing-song session from 2-3.30pm at the Undercroft, Church Centre, Glencruitten Road, Oban. Contact: Scott Douglas scott.douglas@liveargyll.co.uk Tel 01631 567977 / 0791755 7279 (17.5 hours per week). Monday & Tuesday 9-5 and Friday 12-4 Page 39 Agenda Item 8e
Page 40
Update for Youth Work in Oban Summer Activities: The GIVE programme this Summer had 18 young people signed up. They completed a number of volunteering activities including, beach/woodland cleans, volunteering at Greenshoots and Dunollie and learning CPR at the Fire Station. The rewards included a Scavenger Hunt, Inflatable at Atlantis and a trip to the Cinema in Fort William. Summer Sensations – 231 P6 & P7 children signed up this summer making it the most attended in our 21 years. Children from the OHS catchment area (including Lismore & Tiree) attended the two day event where they took part in a huge range of activities at Atlantis Leisure and OHS. Youth Action Groups: Oban YAG meet on a Monday from 4.00 – 5.00 in the Oban Youth Café building at the top of George Street. They recently attended the Planet Youth Event in the Corran Halls where they got young people attending to complete a survey about the activities they do out with school and will publish the results of that shortly. There are currently 8 members ranging from S2 – S5. At present they are working on setting up a Youth Action Council and attending the Showcase event (see below). New members are always welcome. Dalmally also have a Youth Action Group who work on local projects. Oban, Lorn & the Isles Youth Action Council: OLI Youth Action Council will bring together young people from different youth organisations in the area and will meet on a regular basis. They are proposing that every third meeting, local councillors will be invited to attend to hear what the youth council have been up to and to discuss potential issues and challenges that the young people in their area have. This will also give the young people an opportunity to take a key role in the local community decision making process ensuring that Article 12 of the UNCRC is being adhered to (Young People have the right to have their views heard). The group hope to hold their first meeting in January 2026. Showcase Event Linking in with the above, a pilot YAC has been running in Campbeltown and Rothesay and there is an event in Dunoon on Monday 24th November to highlight this and showcase all the Youth Work that Community Learning has been involved in, throughout Argyll and Bute. Fire Skills Course 8 S3 pupils recently took part in a 4 Day Fire Skills Course at Oban Fire Station. This is a partnership between SFR, Community Learning, DYW and OHS. Young people had the opportunity the learn Fire Skills, First Aid, Team Building and many other things. They finished with a demonstration of what they had learned and a presentation of their certificates with parents, school staff etc attending. Oban High School Currently completing Dynamic Youth Awards with the young people that took part in the Fires Skills Course. Work with various groups to achieve Dynamic Youth Awards and Saltire Awards is ongoing. Page 40
Page 41
Planet Youth Event – Growing up in Oban The aim of this event was to encourage families to come along to see all the brilliant local clubs, sports, and activities available for children and young people in Oban. This was held on Sunday 21st September and was attended by over 200 people of all ages. Lock-In The annual Lock-in at Atlantis, organised by H2O, took place on 24th November. S1 pupils get the opportunity to spend the whole night at Atlantis where they can take part in a whole range of activities and try and stay awake until the morning. 134 young people attended. Contact: Maureen Evans, Youth Work Lead Maureen.evans@liveargyll.co.uk (21 hours per week, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday) Page 41
Page 42
This page is intentionally left blank
Page 43
Page 1 of 5 Date: 29 October 2025 Argyll and Bute Climate Action: a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Argyll and Bute. Update to Oban, Lorne & the Isles Area Community Planning Group 1.0 Purpose This report provides an update on overall progress with the climate change strategy, in particular on three points: • Overall progress • Legacy: progress with developing a legacy proposal, shaped by the Scottish Government’s aspirations for and funding support for Argyll as Climate Ready Region (formerly known as Regional Adaptation Partnership). • Community resilience/emergency plans: initial findings from review of existing plans and engagement with community councils 2.0 Recommendations The ACPG is asked to • Note overall progress since the August update, with some work on community resilience and legacy/ongoing partnership proposals brought forward and pushing back some work on the Action Plan, and a timeline to July 2026 • Note in particular the significance of the Scottish Government’s aspirations and support for developing an Argyll and Bute Climate Ready Region • Note the initial findings from review and engagement to date on community resilience/emergency plans, and suggest opportunities for sharing learning and best practice. 3.0 Detail 3.1 Overall progress since August ACPG meeting The funded period was originally due to end at the end of October 2025 but the CPP Management Committee agreed to reallocate elements of the budget in order to keep the project manager in post until July 2026 in order to support work on developing legacy proposals and support community councils developing resilience plans. These new deliverables over the extended period are within the same original Page 43 Agenda Item 9a
Page 44
Page 2 of 5 budget, although the project has subsequently secured further external (Scottish Government) funding to support specifics relating to the Climate Ready Region. Work with community groups on resilience is due to start in earnest in November but the project officer has been making contact with community councils and other groups across Argyll and Bute to build up a picture of what has been working well and areas on which to concentrate. In the same timeframe, the Scottish Government announced support for Argyll and Bute to develop its own regional climate adaptation partnership, as part of its aspiration for all of Scotland to develop Climate Ready Regions (formerly referred to as regional adaptation partnerships). Bringing forward work on resilience plans and Climate Ready Region development has pushed back completion of the overall Action Plan supporting the climate change strategy, in part due to the time spent on these other workstreams and in part the new workstreams necessarily generate new actions. The target to submit the draft action plan to the Climate Change Working Group and subsequently Management Committee in October is likely to slip into November (this update is written on 22 October) but the target to submit in time for the Management Committee to review at its December meeting and thereafter to publish for consultation remains. The revised timeline submitted to the CPP Management Committee is 3.2 Legacy/Ongoing Partnership Work: A Climate Ready Region for Argyll and Bute Page 44
Page 45
Page 3 of 5 As noted above, the Scottish Government has provided some funding in the current financial year to support development of a Climate Ready Region for Argyll and Bute. In previous updates this has been referred to as a Regional Adaptation Partnership but the preferred Scottish Government terminology is now Climate Ready Region. The support is for: • Climate literacy and resilience training (to be delivered by Argyll & Bute Climate Action Network) • Officer time and engagement to develop proposals for governance models and business case (ABCAN and CPP Climate Change Manager) • Consultant support for governance and business case development • Plus in kind support from Verture/Adaptation Scotland An invitation to quote for the business case work is on Public Contracts Scotland at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=OCT 541319 and a more detailed briefing and request for expert input to the short term working group to steer the consultants’ work has been circulated round the CPP’s Climate Change Working Group. Community resilience is likely to be of particular interest to the Scottish Government for the Argyll & Bute Climate Ready Region 3.3 Community resilience/emergency plans The CPP Management Committee agreed that resilience and carbon literacy training should be foremost among the six priority areas for action in the climate change strategy and that a priority action for the climate change project manager should be to make use of available budget (the extended time in post) to support communities on climate change risk aspects of resilience plans. This is will correspond to roughly 20 days per Area if an equal number of days is allocated to each Area. The emphasis on resilience and carbon literacy is also of interest to interest to the Scottish Government and this is reflected in the extra funding in the current financial year to support development of a Climate Ready Region. The climate change project manager has reviewed existing resilience/emergency plans (the terms are frequently used interchangeably) where these are available. Some community councils and other groups may have plans that have not been made public and it is emphasised that the project manager is working under a funding agreement with the Council and other CPP funders that includes a confidentiality clause. Oban, Lorne & the Isles ACPG has established an Area-level working group on resilience. This has brought its own challenges but provides an excellent means of identifying priorities and recurrent themes at Area level as well as enabling local groups to share experience and information and reducing duplication. This is the Page 45
Page 46
Page 4 of 5 best model that has emerged so far in terms of supporting communities across an Area to develop resilience plans and to develop Area-level responses where these are appropriate. The project manager has also met community councils or representatives thereof in the other Argyll and Bute administrative Areas. This has been on the basis of where groups have been able to engage so far and an early task will be to develop a plan to reach as many of the community councils as feasible over the time available. One approach may be for the project manager to work with a small selection of community councils to take a resilience/emergency plan from start to finish so that the learning can be shared with other groups. Key findings so far are • My role is to advise on the aspects related to climate change, but in practice these are inseparable from the many other aspects impacting upon community resilience. • I have reviewed all the existing plans that I have access to. While there are common themes, many are out of date, and they vary enormously in depth. • What they have in common is that any resilience planning is better than none. • There is sometimes confusion over terminology and whether a resilience plan is more an emergency plan of a broader social and economic resilience plan or community action plan. It may be useful to use the term “emergency plan” for clarity: the aim is to support and communities’ resilience through developing emergency plans. • Rural and isolated communities are often at greatest risk of being cut off and deprioritised due to low population, but often also have more agency. “Do nothing” while waiting for emergency services is not an option and being able to make call handlers aware that even under best case scenarios, response times are significant is seen as a valuable piece of knowledge to share. • There are widespread concerns about capacity within communities: often it is the same group of volunteers doing everything, and in some areas some 70% of the population are over 65. • On several occasions already meetings have been postponed (3 months plus) because groups are too stretched or a key person is unwell. Other groups have advised that they simply do not have capacity to engage. • Widespread agreement that the most vulnerable should be protected but concerns over GDPR implications of this. There are varying interpretations of the role of the Health & Social Care Partnership and what constitutes a vulnerable person. Page 46
Page 47
Page 5 of 5 • HSCP, emergency services and many others do excellent work, including proactive work, much of which can go unnoticed. While there are shortcomings there is also much working well. • There is understandable reluctance to advertise either vulnerability, or conversely ownership of valuable items such as power tools, quad bikes. • Most groups say that during an emergency, people tend to pitch in but outside of emergencies people are concerned about liability issues. People are uncertain to what extent they are covered by a community council’s insurance. • Developing household resilience is highly desirable and InspirAlba and others are doing excellent work but stockpiling supplies and investing in equipment is out of reach of too many vulnerable households. • Flooding is seen as a priority in some areas but in others, the major concern is high wind and associated impacts. • SSEN etc may provide assistance to key groups during emergencies, but concerns over ability to pay and reclaim, or to be able to travel to safer locations. • Concerns with telecoms and especially loss of analogue land lines: a fear expressed at various meetings is “people will die”. Some groups have expressed interest in procuring 2 way radio or satellite phones. Provision of temporary internet, such as from boat owners with satellite internet, has been seen as a very valuable improvised response in some cases. • Community Action Plans and Local Place Plans can offer valuable information and in an ideal world, combining these with developing community resilience plans would be ideal. In practice, some groups have said that they are already overstretched developing their LPPs. • General recognition that emergencies are likely to get more frequent and serious even before bringing in the climate change considerations. • There are some parallel processes including the SEPA-led regional flood risk assessment for Highland & Argyll, and the Coastal Change Adaptation studies led by the Council (the project manager has been invited to the Campbeltown working group). Andy Macpherson, Climate Change Project Manager For more information, please contact: Andy Macpherson andy@act-now.org.uk Page 47
Page 48
This page is intentionally left blank
Page 49
Argyll & Bute Climate Action: November 2025 update • Priority areas within the CPP’s ability to control or influence: – Infrastructure [includes natural] – Policy Influence – Skills, Procurement and Supply Chain – Resilience/Carbon Literacy – Risk Assessment – Crosscutting/Other • Ongoing work on action plan, Climate Ready Region (extra SG funding), resilience/emergency planning “We make Argyll and Bute climate ready by acting together to understand and adapt to our changing climate” 1 Page 49
Page 50
OLI Area Community Resilience/Emergency planning • Project manager post extended to Jul 2026 incl support community emergency plans • Approx. 20 days per Area from Nov • Seeking pilot groups across A&B Areas • OLI working group best model so far • Community resilience of strong interest to Scottish Govt for Climate Ready Region 2 Contact: Andy Macpherson, ACT climate project manager andy@act-now.org.uk Page 50
Page 51
Findings so far: existing plans, engagement • Confusion over terminology. We mean emergency planning • Severe weather events and impacts getting worse irrespective of views on climate change • Lack of capacity in communities: many households and communities already overstretched • Response times in isolated areas • Who is “vulnerable” and how to protect privacy • Concerns over insurance/liability • Uncertainly over role of HSCP • Comms outages and perception of loss of copper landlines “people will die” • Where to find funding for equipment also kit choices, storage and training • Lots of good work but not always acknowledged • Local knowledge of key threats: not same in all areas • Most isolated areas often have strong skill sets and autonomy • Many areas have strong sense of community and understanding of particular needs • Lessons from covid and previous crises well embedded in some areas • Varying level of detail and ambition in plans but a little preparedness can go a long way • Scottish Govt recognition of importance of community resilience to an Argyll & Bute Climate Ready Region 3 Page 51
Page 52
This page is intentionally left blank