Printed minutes
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
MINUTES of MEETING of OBAN LORN & THE ISLES AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP held in the MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS, ALBANY STREET, OBAN, PA34 4AW AND ON MICROSOFT TEAMS on WEDNESDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 2025 Present: Colin Buchanan, Luing Community Council (Chair) Councillor Kieron Green, Argyll and Bute Council Councillor Amanda Hampsey, Argyll and Bute Council Councillor William Hume, Argyll and Bute Council Gordon Curran, Scottish Fire and Rescue Maureen Evans, Live Argyll Community Learning Robert MacKay, ACHA Liz Jack, Transport Scotland Jim Tolmie, Oban District Access Panel Theresa Augaitis, UHI Argyll (Oban) Charles Steuart Fotheringham, Appin Community Council Duncan Martin, Oban Community Council Petra Pearce, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface Andy MacPherson, Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network Judith Hawcroft, North Argyll Carers Joan Best, Crossroads Attending: John McLuckie, Community Planning, Argyll and Bute Council Jennifer Dryden, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Kirsty McLuckie, Community Planning, Argyll and Bute Council Catriona Petit, Alcohol and Drug Forum – Recovery Café Kenny Crawford, Alcohol and Drug Forum – Recovery Café Stuart McLean, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and general introductions were made. Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of: Becky Hothersall, Poverty Alliance Fergus Murray, Argyll and Bute Council and Councillor Julie McKenzie, Argyll and Bute Council 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest intimated. 3. MINUTE OF THE OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 13 AUGUST 2025
Page 2
The minute of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group held on Wednesday, 13 August 2025 was approved as a correct record. 4. COMMUNITY FOCUS (a) Alcohol and Drug Forum - Recovery Cafe The Group gave consideration to a presentation by Kirsty McLuckie, Kenny Crawford and Catriona Petit. The presentation listed the partner organisations involved and the development of the Alcohol and Drug Forum since its inception in 2003. Partners were advised that a Community Development Officer Post will be filled by April 2026 to support the Forum in developing and enhancing services and streamlining access to support services and referral routes. Mrs McLuckie advised that Oban Recovery Community is available on Mondays 2pm – 5pm at Sadie Hall, Stevenson Street where peer to peer support, activities and food can be offered. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Alcohol and Drug Forum Recovery Café) 5. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE The Group gave consideration to a report which outlined matters discussed during the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee meeting held on 19 September 2025. The report provided information on the CPP Improvement Plan; Fair Funding Guidance; Climate Change and the Community Wealth Building Charter. The report also provided updates from each of the Area Community which took place in August 2025 and progress within each of the Priority Outcomes. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Partnerships Lead, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 2025, submitted) 6. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP PRIORITIES (a) Transport Update The Group gave consideration to a presentation which was delivered by the Partnerships Lead of the Community Planning Team. The presentation highlighted information on how the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) would seek to improve transport infrastructure taking into consideration the agreed objectives of the 2024- 2034 Argyll and Bute
Page 3
Outcome Improvement Plan (ABOIP). The presentation also included information on the project mandates to be signed off by the Community Planning Partnership in relation to Transport Infrastructure. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation from Partnerships Lead - Community Planning, Argyll and Bute Council) (b) Housing Update Consideration was given to a presentation which was delivered by the Partnerships Lead of the Community Planning Team. The presentation outlined information on how the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) would seek to improve housing, taking into consideration the agreed objectives of the 2024-2034 Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan (ABOIP). The presentation also included information on the discussions held during the CPP Management Committee in September 2025 which focused on Housing; the Construction Skills Development Working Group and communicating financial interventions on homelessness. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation from Partnerships Lead - Community Planning, Argyll and Bute Council) (c) Community Wellbeing Consideration was given to a presentation delivered by the Partnerships Lead of the Community Planning Team. The presentation outlined how the Community Planning Partnership would seek to improve Community Wellbeing, taking into consideration the agreed objectives of the 2024- 2034 ABOIP. The presentation noted that Community Wellbeing was the third highest priority across the whole area. The presentation also provided information on the agreed actions to be developed and next steps. Mr McLuckie highlighted a series of questions which would be circulated to Partners by email following the meeting. He advised that as part of the ongoing conversation, the Community Planning Team would welcome any additional comments in response to the questions. Decision
Page 4
The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation from Partnerships Lead - Community Planning, Argyll and Bute Council) 7. ARGYLL AND BUTE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE PARTNERSHIP PUBLIC HEALTH TEAM (a) Working with Communities Consideration was given to a presentation by the Senior Health Officer. The presentation offered an overview of the Working with Communities initiative and a number of the projects associated with it such as Planet Youth, Public Living Rooms and Living Well Self-Management Strategy. Miss Dryden also spoke of the importance of communities working together and the activities being taken forward to develop and enhance skills for leadership across Argyll and Bute. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated 12 November 2025) (b) Partner Update - Public Health 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 Stoptober campaign to encourage people to quit smoking; a Gypsy/Traveller community health event held in Ardrishaig in October; the Joint Strategic Plan for 2026 – 2031; the ‘You Are Not Alone’ drama performances for S2 pupils which took place in September across eight secondary schools in Argyll and Bute and the Planet Youth framework. The update also provided information on the accessible and easy read version of the NHS Highland Equality Outcomes (2025–2029); the first Speakeasy 'taster' webinars which were held in September; the Public Health Scotland (PHS) report on emergency hospital admissions and deaths as a result of unintentional injury and the Argyll and Bute Alcohol and Drug Partnership. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the
Page 5
information provided. (Reference: Report by Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated November 2025, submitted) 8. PARTNERS UPDATE (a) Scottish Fire and Rescue Update The Group gave consideration to a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ2 review of local performance across Oban, Lorn and the Isles for the period 2025-26. The report gave a breakdown of fires and special services incidents which occurred in the Area within that period and provided information on the Fire Skills course ran in Oban; station open days; road and water safety campaigns and the work of the Community Action Team. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, dated 12 November 2025, submitted) (b) Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI) Update The Group gave consideration to an update from Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI). The update provided information on the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund year 5 and 6; the Strategy review 2026-2031; Human Resources advice and building sustainable back-office services and the work of the TSI Scotland Network. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface, dated November 2025, submitted) (c) UHI Argyll (Oban) Update The Group gave consideration to an update from UHI Argyll (Oban) which highlighted the progress of the 2025/26 academic year; the graduation of 65 students in September; Modern Apprenticeship Programme; School Community Engagement and the new Short Courses that are available. Decision
Page 6
The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Update by UHI Argyll (Oban), dated 12 November 2025, submitted) (d) Oban, Lorn and the Isles Health & Wellbeing Network Update The Group gave consideration to an update from the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Health and Wellbeing Network which provided information on a recent Network Meeting in September; funding received from the Supporting Communities Funding which will enable the Network to provide Health and Wellbeing events in 2026 and the link for network members to continue to share and receive information. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Update by Health and Wellbeing Network, dated 12 November 2025, submitted) (e) Live Argyll - Community Learning Update The Group gave consideration to a report from Live Argyll Community Learning Service which provided an update on Adult Learning in Oban Area. The report also provided information on the Employability Hub; IT drop in; National Databank; SQA accredited qualifications available; Money Management; Adult literacy and numeracy support; Monthly creative writing challenges open to Over 18s and a Music Group in partnership with Hope Kitchen providing guitar lessons at Undercroft Church Centre, Glencruitten Road. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Live Argyll Community Learning Services, dated 12 November 2025, submitted) (f) Opportunity for Verbal Updates Joan Best – Crossroads Joan advised that Crossroads remains busy due to a lack of unpaid carers in the community and that securing funding remains a big challenge. Crossroads will be holding fundraising events during the winter festival including a bingo night; gypsy traveller basket weaving and a silent
Page 7
auction for a Robert MacIntyre signed shirt. Joan further advised that the Dementia Craft Group will be making and supplying decorations for the Christmas Tree display at St Conan’s Kirk. Jim Tolmie – Oban and District Access Group Jim advised that the Accessible Travel consultation had received a good response and that the deadline has been extended to 17th November. Mr Tolmie further advised that individuals can now respond via telephone as well as the formal, electronic response. Catriona Petit – Re_Store Oban Development Trust Catriona advised that Oban Re_Store had recently attended the Social Enterprise Scotland Awards and won the One to Watch award and will now be considered for the associated British Award. Catriona also advised that Oban Development Trust were also successful in obtaining funding from the Scottish Land Fund and that the property in George Street, Oban is now a community asset. Committee Manager Update The Committee Manager highlighted that the Governance Arrangements of the Group would be considered at the next meeting, including the membership, advising that this is drawn from public sector, third sector, private sector, community organisations and partnerships operating within the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area. Mr McLean encouraged partners to refer any individuals or groups who may be interested to contact him regarding their inclusion within the membership. 9. CLIMATE CHANGE (a) Climate Change Update Consideration was given to a report and presentation which provided an update on the overall progress of the climate change strategy; progress with developing a legacy proposal, shaped by the Scottish Government’s aspirations; funding support for Argyll as Climate Ready Region and initial findings from the review of existing community resilience and emergency plans through engagement with community councils. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group:- 1. Noted the 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;
Page 8
2. Noted the significance of the Scottish Government’s aspirations and support for developing an Argyll and Bute Climate Ready Region; and 3. Noted the initial findings from review and engagement to date on community resilience/emergency plans, and agreed to feedback opportunities for sharing learning and best practice to the Climate Change Project Manager (andy@act-now.org.uk). (Reference: Report by Climate Change Project Manager, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust, dated 22 October 2025, submitted) (b) Climate Change Resilience Group Update (Short Life Working Group) Colin Buchanan advised it remains a challenge to get Community Councils to engage with the Climate Change Resilience Short Life Working Group. Discussion took place around the differing resilience needs of urban areas and smaller communities and what preparation is required. Colin confirmed that he will approach and invite all local Community Councils to a meeting to be held in December and will continue to work alongside Andy MacPherson ACT, the Council’s Resilience Officer and Community Development Officer. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Verbal update by Chair of Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group, dated 12 November 2025) (c) Opportunity for verbal updates on Community Based Initiatives There were no verbal updates provided under this item. 10. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The Group noted that the next meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group would take place on Wednesday, 11 February 2026 on a hybrid basis