Public reports pack
Argyll and Bute Council · 14 May 2025
Back to Oban Lorn & the Isles Area Community Planning Group — 14 May 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT Tel: 01546 602127 Fax: 01546 604435 DX 599700 LOCHGILPHEAD 9 May 2025 NOTICE OF MEETING A meeting of the OBAN LORN & THE ISLES COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP will be held BY MICROSOFT TEAMS on WEDNESDAY, 14 MAY 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. MINUTES (a) Oban, Lorn and the Isles Community Planning Group 12 February 2025 (Pages 5 - 14) 4. NATIONAL ISLANDS PLAN Presentation by the National Islands Plan Team Leader, Scottish Government 5. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING HIGHLIGHTS (Pages 15 - 18) Report by Partnerships Lead (Community Planning), Argyll and Bute Council 6. TRANSPORT Presentation by Community Development Team 7. PARTNER UPDATES (a) Police Scotland Update (Pages 19 - 26) Public Document Pack
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(b) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Update (Pages 27 - 32) (c) UHI Argyll Update (Pages 33 - 34) (d) Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau (Pages 35 - 38) (e) Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Public Health Update (Pages 39 - 42) (f) Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI) Update (Pages 43 - 44) (g) Health and Wellbeing Network Update (Pages 45 - 46) (h) Argyll and Bute Community Development Funding Connections Verbal Update (i) Opportunity for Verbal Updates 8. WHITE METER REMOVAL Presentation by Home Energy Efficiency Project Officer, Argyll and Bute Council 9. CLIMATE CHANGE (a) Climate Change Resilience Group Update (Short Life Working Group) Verbal Update from Chair of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group (b) Argyll and Bute Climate Action: Developing a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Argyll and Bute (Pages 47 - 94) Report by Climate Change Manager (c) Opportunity for Verbal Updates on community based initiatives 10. COMMUNITY FOCUS (a) Crossroads (Pages 95 - 106) Presentation by Joan Best, Crossroads 11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING - WEDNESDAY 13 AUGUST 2025 Oban Lorn & the Isles Community Planning Group Colin Buchanan (Chair) Councillor Julie McKenzie (Vice-Chair) Contact: Stuart Mclean, Committee Manager - 01436 658717 Karen Campbell, Senior Committee Assistant - 01631 567855
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MINUTES of MEETING of OBAN LORN & THE ISLES COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP held ON A HYBRID BASIS IN THE MCCAIG SUITE, CORRAN HALLS, OBAN AND ON MICROSOFT TEAMS on WEDNESDAY, 12 FEBRUARY 2025 Present: Colin Buchanan (Chair) Councillor Julie McKenzie, Argyll and Bute Council Stuart McLean, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Councillor Kieron Green, Argyll and Bute Council Councillor Willie Hume, Argyll and Bute Council Councillor Andrew Kain, Argyll and Bute Council Gordon Curran, Scottish Fire and Rescue Maureen Evans, Community Learning Services, Live Argyll Jim Tolmie, Oban District Access Panel Catriona Petit, Hope Kitchen Duncan Martin, Oban Community Council Sue Barnard, Oban Community Council John McLuckie, Community Development, Argyll and Bute Council Kirsty McLuckie, Community Development, Argyll and Bute Council Carol Flett, Co-Ordinator, Living Well Network Petra Pearce, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface Andy MacPherson, Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network Linda Duncan, Crossroads Judith Hawcroft, North Argyll Carers Mary Braithwaite, Luing Community Council Jane Metcalf, Coll Community Council Susan McRae, Skills Development Scotland Lucy Sumsion, National Farmers Union (NFU Scotland) Attending: Milly Legget, Area Plans Officer, Argyll and Bute Lucy Dunbar, Area Plans Officer, Argyll and Bute Ian Woodcock, Manager, Transport Scotland Dr Lynda Mitchell, ALIenergy Shaun Sinclair, Oban Lorn Rugby Club Ronald Gordon, Oban Lorn Rugby Club Mark McQueen, Oban Lorn Rugby Club 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and general introductions were made. Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of: Joan Best, Crossroads Councillor Amanda Hampsey Councillor Jim Lynch Caroline McArthur, NHS Highland Inspector Matthew Shaw, Police Scotland Page 3 Agenda Item 3a
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Gill Philpots, Kilmelford & Kilninver Community Council Theresa Bain, UHI Argyll Becky Hothersall, Poverty Alliance Tayna MacDougall, Family Mediation Argyll and Bute 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest intimated. 3. MINUTES (a) Oban, Lorn and the Isles Community Planning Group 13 November 2024 The Minute of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Wednesday 13 November 2024 was approved as a correct record. 4. AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS IN ARGYLL AND BUTE The Group gave consideration to a report which outlined the governance arrangements of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group (Area CPG) specifically the Terms of Reference, membership and future meeting dates. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group: 1. considered and adopted the Terms of Reference submitted at Appendix 1 and agreed that these be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure their ongoing currency and appropriateness for the work of the Area CPG as it develops over time; 2. considered and agreed the membership of the group at Appendix 2 and agreed that the membership of the group be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure currency and appropriateness for the work of the group as it develops over time; and 3. noted the future meeting dates of the Group as Wednesday, 14 May 2025, 13 August 2025, 12 November 2025, 11 February 2026 and 13 May 2026. (Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 5 February 2025, submitted) 5. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING Page 4
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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 December 2024. The report provided information on a number of cross cutting themes such as the Census – Population Update; Joint Strategic Needs Assessment from NHS Highland, CPP Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan; CPP Community Wealth Building; Argyll and Bute Council Equalities Outcomes Consultation and Audit Scotland’s Tackling Digital Exclusion. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council dated 4 February 2025, submitted) 6. ASPIRING PLACES - COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN ARGYLL AND BUTE 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 project review undertaken between April and September 2024; the Council agreed priorities for 2024-2027; the Council decision in September 2024; the revised project vision; the one digital space for Community projects in Argyll and Bute; the project scope and the next steps. Discussion took place in relation to how Community Groups could get involved with the project and it was advised that the project would be launched towards the end of March and that they would be publicising information widely on how to access the online digital space. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Project Manager and Project Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted) 7. ALI-ENERGY The Group gave consideration to a report delivered by Dr Lynda Mitchell of ALIenergy, who highlighted the work and charities that they work in partnership with. Dr Mitchell confirmed that ALIenergy’s main objective is to work with individual households to alleviate fuel poverty and energy education, especially over the last couple of years with the cost of living crisis. Current projects are based on storage heaters, which are common place in a number of homes in rural areas, due to no mains gas being available and working with P7-S2 pupils on energy education; delivering climate change and heating workshops. A pilot programme is ongoing for Page 5
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free smart controls to be installed in homes to measure how much heat is within the property. ALIenergy have also worked in partnership with Hope Kitchen, Lorn Health Options and Atlantis Leisure in the set-up of the Re-Store Shop in George Street, Oban, this initiative has been successful in its first year and recently won an Innovation Award at the ScottishPower Foundation Awards 2024. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Dr Lynda Mitchell, ALIenergy, submitted) 8. TRANSPORT SCOTLAND (a) Transport Scotland Partner Update Consideration was given to an update from Transport Scotland in relation to recent and upcoming works within the area specifically the removal of a sizable boulder overhanging that A828 at Ledaig; which can be viewed by following this link - https://youtu.be/99uIlCSuOLs - installation of signage along the A85 at Tyndrum to Dalmally and along the A85 Oban to Connel. Discussion took place on who decides which sections of the road network will be resurfaced and the speed limits and who is best placed to respond to queries on such matters. Mr Woodcock confirmed he would welcome queries concerning the trunk roads to be sent directly to him. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: report by Ian Woodcock Manager, Transport Scotland, submitted) (b) A83 Rest and Be Thankful Operational and Landslip Management Consideration was given to a presentation from Ian Woodcock from Transport Scotland on the ongoing traffic management arrangements at the Rest and Be Thankful. Ian provided information in relation to the daily and weekly management of the hillside, how information is communicated to the public and the various teams involved both on site and remotely. He explained there are 7 alert levels informed by weather forecasts, previous and current rainfall and time lapse videography; which dictate what travel management is put in place each day. Traffic signals are expected to be on the Rest and Be Thankful until May 2025, after which it will be open to two way traffic. An interim safety measure of a flatbed mesh fence is in Page 6
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place, a more permanent solution to remove this should be installed by the end of this year; and ground works for the long term solution should be completed by May 2025. It was pointed out to Ian that the consultation talks on the Rest and Be Thankful had visiting Arrochar but there was no meeting held in Oban. Ian agreed to pass the request to hold an event in Oban on to the major projects team. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Area Manager, Transport Scotland) 9. FERRY CONSULTATION The Group gave consideration to a report submitted by Kelly McKellar, Project Manager for the Council’s Piers and Harbours. The report introduced Partners to the ‘Argyll & Bute Council Mainland Ferries Study – Comparative Analysis of Options for Council-run ferries’ carried out by Caledonian Economics (Mainland Ferries Study). Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group:- 1. noted the content of this report; and 2. agreed to receive further updates on progress of the next stage of the study. (Reference: Report by Kelly McKellar, Project Manager Piers and Harbours, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted) 10. PARTNERS UPDATE (a) Police Scotland Consideration was given to an update which provided information on the ongoing work of the Service and information on serious and organised crime; acquisitive crime; road safety and road crime; violent crime; public protection and issues and questions raised by Community Councils and Councillors to the Communities Team in January 2025. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (b) Scottish Fire and Rescue Gordon Curran introduced himself to the Group as the new Station Page 7
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Commander in Oban. Gordon advised he is enjoying making himself familiar with the area and is very impressed with the Station at Soroba Road as well as the Officers. Gordon introduced a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ3 review of local performance across Oban, Lorn and the Isles for the period 2024-25. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan; incidents during this period; unwanted fire alarm signals; the drowning incident review; road and water safety campaigns; community engagement activities; East and West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute Local Senior Officer Activities; and home fire safety. Gordon advised the group that the local firefighters were undergoing Hot Fire training, which allows them to experience heat whilst doing their breathing apparatus training and that Wild Fire training will start in early spring as these have been on the rise over the last couple of years. Recruitment is also a priority with the hope that younger people get involved. Lucy Sumsion of NFU Scotland stated that members of the NFU community would benefit from advice on wild fires and that maybe the young farmers could be engaged with around recruitment opportunities. Maureen Evans of Community Learning reported that she had recently visited the Station with some young people for workshops which had been a well received and an enjoyable experience. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted) (c) Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Public Health Update 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 Argyll and Bute Joint Strategic Needs Assessment which was published in December 2024; the expansion of the Community Link Working service; the launch of the Mental Health Hub – Living Well in Argyll and Bute digital resource and mental health awareness and suicide prevention training available. The report also provided information on the work undertaken as part of the alcohol and drugs partnership; the screening inequalities grant funding Page 8
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which has been awarded to Argyll and Bute; the end of the Waverly Care contract and the end of the existing Living Well Network coordination. 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 February 2025, submitted) (d) Crossroads Update The Group considered a written report submitted by Crossroads, in the absence of Joan Best, the Chair, was happy to relay any questions on the report back to Crossroads. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Joan Best, Crossroads, submitted) (e) Living Well Network Update Carol Flett the Living Well Network Co-Ordinator for Oban, Lorn and the Islands advised that the funding for the Living Well Network was coming to an end as of March 2025. She was hopeful that funding could be secured to keep some of the current projects going. Carol confirmed that are still a couple of Network meetings to take place over Zoom and that the Public Health Team will take ownership of the Network Membership list going forward. Several third sector partners advised that they were not consulted over the decision to cut the Living Well Network Service and they were not aware of anyone who will be in a position to replace and/or replicate this service. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group: 1. noted the information provided; and 2. requested that their disappointment at the decision to withdraw the Living Well Network service be raised at the Community Planning Management Committee. (Reference: Report by Living Well Network Co-Ordinator, submitted) Page 9
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(f) Argyll and Bute TSI Consideration was given to an update from Petra Pearce from Argyll and Bute TSI. The update included information in relation to Chief Executive Officer, Takki Sulaiman’s, contribution to TSI Scotland Network’s document; activities of the Third Sector Support Advisor; Funding for third sector organisations; Day Services for Older People review; activities of the Wellbeing Development Manager; Winter welcome spaces and volunteer of the year awards 2025 which has two new categories for this year. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute TSI, dated January 2025, submitted) (g) UHI Argyll Consideration was given to a written update from UHI Argyll. The update included information on January start courses that are available; commercial courses available and open events and taster sessions. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by UHI Argyll dated 21 January 2025, submitted) (h) Opportunity for Verbal Updates Argyll and Bute Council, Economic Growth - Visitor Levy Consultation On behalf of colleagues in Economic Growth, the Committee Manager, advised that the Council is running a formal visitor levy consultation until 10 April 2025 and urged Partners to find out what it could mean for them and the area and to give their views. The consultation can be accessed here : council website. Stuart also confirmed that the Council will be hosting a series of drop-in events and online information webinars to help people in Argyll and Bute to find out more and get involved in assessing the possible introduction of a Visitor Levy. The online webinars will last one hour, to book a space please follow this link Visitor levy information events to take place across Argyll and Bute Stuart added that there is no requirement to book a space for the drop-in events which will be held across Argyll and Bute. Stuart highlighted that one such event will be hosted in Craignure Village Hall, Mull on 21 February from 1500-1800. Page 10
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11. CLIMATE CHANGE (a) Argyll and Bute Climate Action: Developing a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Argyll and Bute Consideration was given to a report providing an update on the Community Planning Partnership’s Argyll and Bute Climate Action Project: Developing a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Argyll and Bute. It was noted that the Project Manager was seeking recommendations for best groups at area level to inform development of the action plan and pilot projects. The Group discussed the possibility of setting up a short life working group on Climate Change Resilience; the Committee Manager outlined the considerations required to establish such a group. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group: 1. noted the approach and status of the project outlined in the report; 2. agreed to provide comments and feedback to the Project Manager (andy@act-now.org.uk) following the meeting; 3. agreed a Short Life Working Group be be formed to explore community resilience requirements as a consequence of climate change; 4. agreed that the Working Group would be led by the Chair; 5. agreed that any Partners who wish to be involved would confirm so to the Chair and that membership would be agreed at the first meeting of the Working Group; 6. agreed that the Working Group would meet monthly with regular reports of activity and progress reported to the Community Planning Group and updates also provided to the Management Committee; and 7. noted that any changes to the Working Group must be approved by the Area Community Planning Group (Reference: Report by Climate Change Project Manager, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust, dated 22 January 2025, submitted) (b) Opportunity for verbal updates on community based initiatives There were no verbal updates provided under this item. 12. COMMUNITY FOCUS Page 11
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(a) Oban Lorn Rugby Club Development Plans Consideration was given to a presentation by Ronald Gordon, Shaun Sinclair and Mark McQueen, members of Oban Lorn Rugby Club on their plans to develop a Community Sports Hub, which will incorporate the sports pitches at Glencruitten and Mossfield Stadium. The representatives confirmed that an agreement had been reached with the Council to lease and administer these facilities and that it was envisaged that the development would be progressed over eight phases, which would include the refurbishment and upgrading of the existing Rugby Club Building; a stand being built at the Glencruitten pitch; installation of flood lights, secure fencing and athletics track; drainage and levelling off the lower pitch; installation of storage facilities and wind turbines; a new access road being developed; facilities at Mossfield Stadium being upgraded; installation of car parking and the development of a Skate Park. Mr Gordon confirmed that the Rugby Club have held a number of positive conversations with local sports clubs and event organisers with support being secured from each, adding that with proper facilities in place larger events can be held and that Oban could become a key destination for sporting and cultural events. The representatives recognised that the plans are ambitious but achievable with the support of the local community and securing the required funding. Mr Sinclair added that this is a growth plan for future generations and that while a number of people from the area have achieved great success in sport, these individuals have only had the support of their families and local clubs. This Hub, with proper facilities, has the potential to support and encourages countless others. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Group:- 1. noted the information provided; and 2. wished the Rugby Club the very best of luck in their endeavours to develop a sporting hub within Oban. (Reference: Presentation by Oban Lorn Rugby Club, submitted) 13. DATE OF NEXT MEETING - WEDNESDAY, 14 MAY 2025 The Group noted that the next meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group would take place on Wednesday 14 May 2025 at 10.00am by TEAMS. Page 12
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Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group 6 May 2025 Community Planning Partnership Management Committee Meeting Highlights The Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee met on 16 April 2025. The briefing is for noting and relevant discussion. Summary The CPP Management Committee met on 16th April 2025 in the Council Chambers, Kilmory and via Microsoft Teams. The highlights from this meeting are here for members of the Area Community Planning Groups’ interest. Access to the reports and full agenda is found by following this link - Agenda for Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management Committee on Wednesday, 16 April 2025, 10:00 am - Argyll and Bute Council Highlights Area Community Planning Group (ACPG) Updates John McLuckie, Argyll and Bute Council, provided an overview of the ACPG reports from the meetings held in February 2025, highlighting key points from the meetings, including: The Oban, Lorn and the Isles (OLI) ACPG is establishing a short-term working group to explore community resilience requirements as a result of climate change. Concerns raised by partners at the Helensburgh and Lomond (HL) ACPG regarding the switch off of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) and the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN). Pippa Milne, Chair, confirmed that Iain MacInnes will provide an update to ACPGs on this. Concerns raised by Mid Argyll Kintyre and the Isles (MAKI) ACPG regarding the new reporting format by the Police to their meetings. The question was asked whether this was an issue for other ACPGs, with chairs present at the meeting feeding back that it was not. Superintendent Patricia Robertson, Police Scotland, agreed to Page 13 Agenda Item 5
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contact MAKI ACPG to explore the issues and what may be possible for future reporting. Sarah Davies (HL ACPG), Reeni Kennedy-Boyle (BC ACPG) and Colin Buchanan (OLI ACPG) raised concerns about the lack of consultation on the decision to end the Living Well Networks funding. Samantha Campbell, NHS Highland, agreed to provide an update on the work from NHS Highland of the developments regarding the cessation of funding to the Living Well Networks, to the ACPGs. She confirmed that Health Equalities Impacts Assessments had been carried out in advance of the decision to withdraw the funding. It was agreed that the information on the cessation of Living Well Networks funding be recirculated to ACPG members and any feedback on gaps this has caused will be fed back to Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership. Community Planning Self-Assessment Draft Improvement Plan Rona Gold, Argyll and Bute Council, provided an overview of the draft improvement actions from the CPP Management Committee session held with the Improvement Service (IS) on 21st March. The draft plan includes improvement actions for the next 15 months and Rona emphasised the importance of getting feedback and consensus on the improvement plan in order to take this forward. Partners came forward to support taking the actions forward: - Undertake mapping exercise to understand what mechanisms each individual partner has in place to understand the needs of individuals and communities Partners came forward to be part of a group looking at Engagement. - Engage with the Area Community Partnership Groups to understand what would be beneficial for them via CPP Board meeting cycle and build in a feedback loop Rona noted that work on this action has already started and it was agreed that this would be tied in initially with existing ACPG Chair and Vice Chair meetings. - Look to encourage active citizenship and communities to take part in CPP Rona is meeting with the Council’s Governance Manager to discuss working better with Community Councils and a 15-month short life working group will then be set up to move the action forward. Rona welcomed volunteers to join this group and a request will be circulated through the ACPGs. - Engage directly with Community Councils, outlining the role and purpose of the CPP to educate how Community Councils can get involved and influence It was agreed that is tied into the previous action. - Plan two face to face development days per year A working group of CPP Management Committee members will be set up to take forward planning face to face development sessions. It was noted that the next development session would be incorporated into a longer meeting of the already scheduled CPP Management Committee meeting on 6th June. Page 14
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- Learn from other CPPs in terms of good practice in this area
Rona will work with the Improvement Service to identify and share good
practice from other CPPs and it was suggested that this be added to future
CPP MC meeting agendas.
- Refresh Welcome Pack to ensure it is up to date
Partners volunteered to assist with updating the Welcome Pack.
Develop different approaches to sharing of Board information such as the use
of a podcast
It was noted that the first episode of the Argyll and Bute Community Planning
podcast was about to go live. You can listen to this following this link: { Argyll
and Bute Community Planning podcast - Episode 1}
- Develop process for individual partner organisations to provide a suitable
handover to new person joining the partnership
A number of volunteers agreed to be part of a working group to take this
action forward.
Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan 2024-2034 – Next Steps
The CPP team presented an update on the development of the agreed actions for
the CPP Management Committee under the three priority outcomes: Transport
Infrastructure, Housing and Community Wellbeing.
A specific session will be held on 6th June for the CPP Management Committee to
further discuss and input to these actions including considerations of resource
commitments.
Rona Gold highlighted that the presentation slides on the transport actions would be
shared with ACPGs at their May meetings.
CPP Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan
Climate Change Strategy was approved.
The Management Committee praised Andy’s work and it was agreed that the
strategy be shared nationally as an example of strong partnership working.
CPP Community Wealth Building (CWB) Short Life Steering Group
John McLuckie outlined key points of the Community Wealth Building Bill, published
at the end of March, which proposes duties for local authorities and specific public
bodies rather than Community Planning Partnerships.
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Takki highlighted a draft response to the Bill, agreed by the CWB Steering Group,
will be circulated to CPP Management Committee members for comment, before a
collective CPP response is submitted to the Bill’s ‘Call for views’ by 23rd May.
Community Justice Partnership
Mary Holt, Argyll and Bute Council, provided an overview of the draft Community
Justice Annual Report.
Mary highlighted the linkages between community justice and the priorities of
Transport Infrastructure and Community Wellbeing.
Community Learning and Development (CLD) Strategic Partnership Plan
Paul Ashworth, Live Argyll, presented the CLD Strategic Partnership Plan,
highlighting the progress made since the HMIE progress visit in January 2024, which
recognised a strong partnership approach and significant progress made, resulting in
the inspection being signed off with no further actions required.
Aspiring Places demonstration
Demonstration of the Aspiring Places platform following its launch in March
Fair Funding Guidace feedback
Rona Gold highlighted the fair funding of the voluntary sector guidance issued by the
Community Planning Improvement Board, which had been circulated to CPP
Management Committee members in February. It was agreed that the guidance
would be resent to partner organisations and discussed at the September meeting to
allow organisations sufficient time to consider whether they can sign up to “work
towards” the guidance.
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}
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OFFICIAL Page 1 of 7 OFFICIAL Area Planning Group Report for Oban, Lorn, Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands May 2025 Local Policing Priority What does this mean for your area? How can you help? In tackling Serious & Organised Crime benchmarks are not straight forward. The nature of the crime type is such that we often see the symptom rather than the cause, i.e. an increase in acquisitive crime if heroin were to become a problem in an area, or an increase in Serious Assaults if rival criminal factions are in dispute. The start to the year has been steady with 19 people prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance to date, but no one currently prosecuted for Supply. That said, I am aware of a number of investigations where we are working closely with other divisions in capturing and arresting criminals visiting our area, who have subsequently been prosecuted by these divisions. At the time of writing a proactive stop led to the arrest in MAKI of a person wanted for drug supply in another part of Scotland, found in possession of £2500. This money was seized. Your officers continue to undertake proactive patrols to identify and intercept those that might move and supply drugs. I am happy to report that we are yet to have any Serious Assaults recorded so far this year. This is unusual when compared against the 5-year average for our Policing area. However, with Summer demand, we are liable to see an inevitable increase as visitors to the area increase and nighttime economy incidents increase. Your local police request your help in tackling Drug related crime by reporting any suspicions you may have either in person or anonymously via 101 or via crime stoppers online: Crimestoppers in Scotland | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org) 0800 555 111 We rely on communities to provide us with the information that helps us tackle organised crime. Your intelligence is essential in securing warrants. Please, if you see, hear or suspect something, link with us directly or use the above information to voice your concerns. As you can see, your inputs help us take action. Page 17 Agenda Item 7a
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OFFICIAL Page 2 of 7 OFFICIAL Acquisitive Crime encompasses all Theft type crimes, including Housebreaking and Frauds. Crimes such as shoplifting sprees or a series of sheds being broken into can quickly distort figures and risk when analysing this group. Generally, the start of the year has seen a decerease in most crime types related to acquistive cirme, i.e. shop theft down by 64%. The exceptions to this involve Fraud, with an increase of 45% on the start of the year. These primarily relate to isolated incidents, normally involving buying and selling on Facebook Market Place. Where buying things online we recommend to make as many checks as you can and use methods of payment which are protected against Fraud. Other areas of risk involve people investing in Cryptocurrenty online. We have also seen two incidents of people entering buildings with intent to steal, but these have been derelict buildings, in areas that are not populated. The investigation into these incidents remains ongoing. They are believed to be unique in nature and are not recognised as part of a wider pattern. Your local police wants members of the APGs to help us by following us on our social media channels to help us spread crime prevention advice and guidance. Fraud Seminars can be provided by the Community Engagement team should you wish. Contact PS Alison who will pass your details on to the relevant team. Read tips on Argyll & Bute’s Trading Standards Website on practice to protect yourself from the activity of Rogue Traders. There are many strands to understanding road safety, from the amount of crimes, to the amount of accidents and injuries that occur upon our network. Police Scotland are one of many partner agencies that contribute to trying to improve the safety of local infrastructure. Our Response Officers and Road Policing Units continue to work hard to improve the safety of the road network by identifying and prosecuting those users committing offences. As such we have seen a general increase for the You can help your local Police by reporting anyone who is suspected of drink or drug driving within your community either in person, via 101 or via crime stoppers online: Crimestoppers in Scotland | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org) 0800 555 111 We are finding a trend where we are receiving feedback from partners and Community Councils of problematic driving standards ‘after Page 18
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OFFICIAL Page 3 of 7 OFFICIAL same period of last year of 39% for recorded offences. The offences leading the increase in recording are primarily Careless Driving, i.e. dangerous overtakes and vehicle defects, i.e. bald tyres. Again, drink and drug driving continues to be a blight on our communities with an 8.3% increase from last year. We continue to see the impact of this on communities and families of those affected. We can only ask that the community report any incidents as they occur so that we can help prevent tragedies from occurring. Only yesterday (30th April) Police responded to a person drifting over the white lines, causing danger to oncoming traffic and intercepted a person who appeared under the influence of drugs/alcohol (this case is ongoing). By people contacting us, we were able to prevent an accident and make both the driver and other road users safe. We cannot make a change in culture without the community’s support. the offending is occurring’. It is really important that Police are called at the time of the offending so we can catch the behaviour taking place. This helps us provide key evidence to take action and prosecute offending. It is also noted that people wish to remain anonymous in reports. Whilst this is a way to report, this does make the role of prosecuting offenders harder for Police. Where communities stand together to say know to certain crime types, we can make a real difference. Violent Crime covers a range of offences from Stalking, Assaults, Domestic Abuse through to the worst offence of Murder. Violent crime has remained reasonable stable, with only a 5% increase on figures for the year to date. The increase is down to a slight increase in Common Assaults (3 more than last year for the same period). Though we have seen a welcome decrease in emergency workers being attacked (this includes ambulance/hospital staff and police), dropping by 87% for this year to date. Please help us tackle Violent Crime by reporting any ASB or community concerns either in person via 101 or via crime stoppers online: Crimestoppers in Scotland | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org) 0800 555 111 As APG members, if you have identified problem areas, ASB hotspots, or licencees that are not acting in a responsible way, please link with us to advise of the problem. We can set up bespoke patrols and use our powers under Licensing Laws to ensure responsible practice. Page 19
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OFFICIAL Page 4 of 7 OFFICIAL However, threatening and abusive behaviour has seen an increase for the year to date, with incidents increasing 176%. There is no real pattern as to why this increase has occurred, but the crime type is one that normally occurs in the evenings and after the people committing the offence have ingested some form of intoxicant. Again, there is no clear demographic that is our main offender with this crime type, with varying ages and genders partaking in the offence. The sooner we are informed about an issue the less chance there is that it grows into an enduring community issue. This area of public protection spans a number of traditional crime types, including Child Protection, to crimes under Sexual Offences legislation. In the first quarter of this year a large amount of time and resource was put into the trying to locate a high-risk missing person on the Isle of Mull, Ms Clare Halliday. It is with regret that we have still been unable to locate her to date, but the investigation continues unbated, though scaled back. We’d like to thank the communities of Fionnphort and Iona for their help during this enquiry. They will have been aware of the Polcie Scotland Air Support Unit undertaking further coastline searches during the w/c 26th April. For the year to date I am pleased to advise that we have seen an 8% decrease in crimes related to this field of policing. Whilst we have had 4 rapes reported for the year to date (2 more than usual), all but one were in the context of relationships. With the one rape that was outside of the context, the parties were known to one another and the suspect quickly located by Police. There is no wider threat to the general public. Members of the APG can help us by reporting any concerns you may have regarding potential victims of Domestic Abuse or vulnerable persons, who may be being exploited or who may just need additional crime prevention support. Again, this can be reported through the channels previously discussed, but where serious safety concerns are present, better outcomes are achieved by in person reporting so we can properly understand the risks present. Page 20
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OFFICIAL Page 5 of 7 OFFICIAL Other relevant news from your local policing teams Community Council Reports: In the past couple of months there has been heighted engagement regarding the format of the monthly Community Council Reports, with some wishing for more bespoke localised reports. This continues to be a regular communication. In response to this, we will split the current report into 4: one for the OLI island framework, one for MAKI island framework, one for MAKI mainland and one for OLI mainland. Where time permits good news stories from these locations will be reviewed. It is important to realise that the officers producing these have many other responsibilities that include safeguarding members of our communities. These reports take time and whilst we want to communicate well with our communities, the reports, which are not statutory, have limited impact on positive outcomes for communities, compared to our other targeted work. That is why this work will always be prioritised and the reports will not be broken down more, as it would currently create too much burden on officers, diverting them away from essential work streams. We have previously discussed in this forum about what is done with the data provided – if nothing is done to progress community safety/policing priorities and the information requested is purely for interest, we are not fulfilling our obligations under the Data Protection act as a Data Controller by releasing it. Further, I have previously articulated the risk of identifying victims of crime in small communities, which is unacceptable, and reduces trust in Polcie and reduces reporting when it occurs. That risk remains and more finite reports open up that unacceptable outcome occurring. Again, should communities have set data work they wish reviewed, we will undertake it, as long as there is a legitimate Policing related purpose behind it, i.e. to support Neighbourhood/Farm Watch research, to identify a suspected crime pattern etc. Islay Antisocial Driving: We have received a number of reports regarding anti-social driving on Islay. Initially this was only from third party reports, but we are now getting members of the public phone the Police, which is welcomed. The area management team is reviewing efforts to get dedicated Road Policing Operations on the island to help support the island officers in tackling this problem. CCTV options have been reviewed with the Council and discussions remain ongoing to tackle this issue Drug Concerns: Concerns have been raised regarding drug activity in Campbeltown and the impact that is having on part of the community down there. Please allow me to assure those present that we are fully aware and working on the issues that this ongoing complex situation is producing. Your uniformed officers that patrol the streets are working closely with the division’s CID teams to identify, frustrate and prosecute drug supply and the knock-on impacts of this crime type. Divisional Commander Visits: Chief Supt Gary I’Anson has been visiting our area, undertaking island visits and key settlements, meeting with stakeholders. This hands-on approach has led to informed divisional Page 21
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OFFICIAL Page 6 of 7 OFFICIAL management. What does that mean for you? It means staffing and logistics of the current Police infrastructure is being reviewed on how to increase effectiveness. Area Commander Lee Page is working closely with the Chief Supt to review how the future of policing in OLI and MAKI might look and take shape. Where appropriate, engagement with stakeholders will occur. We will continue to update you as this develops. Youth Engagement Officers (YEO): Following on from the success of the Oban YEO, we have now recruited YEOs for both Campbeltown and Lochgilphead. We are looking to have them in place and operational by the start of the new school year. The vision is that the 3 YEOs will work as a team to help support the develop of the young in our area, working in tandem with schools and support/youth groups across OLI and MAKI. They will also support the ongoing Planet Youth work that is being undertaken in Lochgilphead and Oban. In analysing the demand within our policing area it has been determined that a large number of calls stem from residents not knowing which agency they should contact, resulting in linking with the Police as the agency of last resort. The below links are to help channel enquiries to the correct agencies: Useful Links/Contacts: • Argyll and Bute Communtiy Directory - https://abcd.scot/ - this excellent site signposts you to all available services in your area, be it advocacy, counselling, debt advice or animal welfare; • Crimestoppers – Crimestoppers in Scotland | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org) 0800 555 111 • Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime – www.scottishparc.co.uk • Women’s Aid - Home - Women's Aid (womensaid.org.uk) • Citizens Advice – 0808 164 6000 & https://www.abcab.org.uk/ - Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau is a local, independent charity which provides free, impartial and confidential advice and information to give you the tools you need to sort out any issues or problems; • Argyll and Bute Council Trading Standards – 01546 605 519 • Argyll and Bute Council – https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/my-council/how-contact-us • Transport Scotland – road related incidents and road closures - https://www.traffic.gov.scot/traffic-information/incidents • Scottish Water - https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/Help-and-Resources/Contact-Us 0800 0778 778 • NHS24 (including mental health support) – 111 or https://www.nhsinform.scot/ • Scam Share Bulletin Trading Standards Scotland Bulletin 6 June (mailchi.mp) • Age Scotland- Demetia Information and help- https://www.agescotland.org.uk/ • Neighbourhood Watch - sign up to to receive local alerts and bulletins for your community area - https://neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk/#0 Page 22
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OFFICIAL Page 7 of 7 OFFICIAL • Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) - https://www.sepa.org.uk/ - for pollution, environmental safety, flooding, waste disposal/carrying enquiries Follow us on Social Media and help share local appeals and education messages: • Facebook - Police Scotland Argyll and West Dunbartonshire • X (formerly Twitter) – PSOSArgyllBute and PSOS ArgWestDunb Report Completed by Insp Matthew Shaw on behalf of Area Commander Chief Insp Lee Page Email Address Matthew.shaw@scotland.police.uk Page 23
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Oban, Lorn and the Isles CPG Briefing Report Q4 2024/25 Performance & Activity Report From: 1st January 2025 To: 31st March 2025 Page 25 Agenda Item 7b
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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 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 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. Local Firefighter Training Plan Below is a list of subjects the operational crews have been focusing on within this period. Each subject has been covered both practically and theoretically and recorded in the Fire Service Training recording system. Training Subjects January/February/March • BA, Tactical Ventilation Q4 • Casualty Care Q4 • Road Traffic Collision (RTC) & Extrication Q4 • RTC Practical training • HAZMAT Q4 Page 26
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Accidental Dwelling Fires (ADF) Ward 3 Year Average 2023/24 2024/25 Oban North & Lorn 0 0 0 Oban South & the Isles 1.7 2 2 Community Board Total 1.7 2 2 ADF Casualties Ward 3 Year Average 2023/24 2024/25 Oban North & Lorn 0 0 0 Oban South & the Isles 0.7 0 0 Community Board Total 0.7 0 0 Deliberate Secondary Fire Setting Ward 3 Year Average 2023/24 2024/25 Oban North & Lorn 0 0 0 Oban South & the Isles 0.3 1 0 Community Board Total 0.3 1 0 Fires in Non-Domestic Property Ward 3 Year Average 2023/24 2024/25 Oban North & Lorn 1 2 1 Oban South & the Isles 2 1 4 Community Board Total 3 3 5 Page 27
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Casualties from Non-Fire Emergencies Ward 3 Year Average 2023/24 2024/25 Oban North & Lorn 6 8 1 Oban South & the Isles 1.7 0 2 Community Board Total 7.7 8 3 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Ward 3 Year Average 2023/24 2024/25 Oban North & Lorn 8.3 3 6 Oban South & the Isles 15.3 11 13 Community Board Total 23.6 14 19 Overview The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is dedicated to safeguarding the communities of Argyll & Bute through a multifaceted approach that includes emergency response, education, and prevention. Through these combined efforts, we help foster a safer and more resilient environment for the people of Argyll & Bute. To achieve these aims, we have built strong partnerships with Police Scotland, Education, and local Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCPs). In collaboration, we ensure a comprehensive approach. This coordinated approach allows us to address local challenges, share resources, and deliver effective safety programs that benefit the entire community. Community Engagement/LSO Activities • Continue to deliver Fire Safety advice via HFSVs (Home Fire Safety Visits) – See additional information contained at the end of this report. • We continue to work closely with Sensory Impairment officers throughout Argyll & Bute, providing much needed assistance to people with complex hearing and sight issues. Equipment is made available to those in need, along with a HFSV being conducted. • Continued representation on Argyll & Bute Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) for those affected by domestic violence. Page 28
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• Support Developing the Young Workforce through Careers Days in Oban, Tobermory, Lochgilphead, Dunoon, and Rothesay High Schools. • Continued support of the Partnership Approach to Water Safety (PAWS) group in Argyll & Bute and engage with the public through the #RESPECTTHEWATER campaign. • Engage with community groups utilising our Winter Thematic Action Plan (TAP). • Deliver annual Ice Safety Workshop across schools in Argyll & Bute, including all ten high schools. We also engaged with remote and rural schools over Microsoft Teams, where the safety message was well received. • Continue to support MCR Pathways in secondary schools. Several SFRS employees give up their time to support young people for an hour a week throughout term time, engaging with and mentoring each young person to make informed choices. • Continue to support the Violence Against Women Group (VAWG) in Argyll & Bute. • In partnership with Sensory Impairment, deliver vital safety messages into Sheltered Housing & Independent Housing complexes throughout Argyll & Bute. • We continue to support and assist in Adult Support & Protection (ASP) meetings, alongside partner agencies, to ensure safety measures are in place for vulnerable people throughout Argyll & Bute. Doddie Aid Challenge 2025 In February, our Area Management Team and operational staff participated in the Doddie Aid 2025 challenge, a 700-mile cycling event across Scotland to raise funds for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation. The team embarked on a journey from Stranraer to Edinburgh via Aberdeenshire, aiming to arrive in time for the Scotland vs. Ireland Six Nations match on the 9th February. Their efforts raised over £17500 supporting vital research and awareness for Motor Neuron Disease (MND), continuing the legacy of rugby legend Doddie Weir. The My Name'5 Doddie Foundation was established by rugby legend Doddie Weir in 2017 following his diagnosis with MND. The foundation is dedicated to funding research to find a cure for MND, supporting New Home Fire Safety Visit Referral Application Our new Home Fire Safety Visit (HFSV) policy and associated application went live on Wednesday 12 February. We will continue to support our partner agencies, to assist in this move. The current links to CSET (referral platform) will be replaced on our external website, members of the public and partners will then request a HFSV online via the new app. social media content and communications to partners will also be issued to highlight the changes to our criteria and processes. We will also invite partners to attend Microsoft Teams training sessions, to support this transition. Page 29
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One of the main highlights being SFRS commitment to protecting personal data in accordance with legislation, it is imperative that all data sharing containing personal information of individuals such as name and address etc., is transmitted to and from us via the new HFSV Portal or by Egress Secure Email. Therefore unfortunately, we are now unable to accept referrals via emails. To register for use of the new SFRS referral app, please contact our Safer Homes Team for support. Email: SFRS.HFSVadministrators@firescotland.gov.uk and one of the Safer Homes Team members will be in touch to provide further information. Page 30
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Principal and Chief Executive: Martin Jones 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, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group Meeting 14/5/2025 Open weeks We held an open week during w/c 24th March. This included taster/information sessions for the following: • Business Courses Information Session • Hair Salon Open Day (Dunoon only) • How to Combine Plants in your Garden • Access to College Information Session • Early Years Education: Playful Practice • Sowing Seeds and Planning Sustainable Vegetable Gardens • Health & Social Care Information Session • Maritime Chartwork Taster Session (Dunoon) • Beauty Taster Session (Oban only) Most sessions were networked and attendees could access them remotely or attend at their local centre. Some practical sessions were held only in the specific centre that hosts the relevant course(s). We plan to hold a further open week, with a similar format, in June. Modern Apprenticeship Programme UHI Argyll has continued to develop our Modern Apprenticeship programme, with numbers rising year on year. From April 2024 to March 2025, we have welcomed 73 new Modern Apprentices. At the prestigious Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, one of our apprentices was recently named winner of the Modern Apprentice of the Year SCQF Level 5 category. New short courses We have launched the following, April-start, short courses: • Business and Finance: An Introduction • Start date: Wednesday, April 23rd. Duration: 6 weeks. Time: 9.30am - 11am • Digital Skills for Beginners • Start date: Friday 25th April. Duration: 6 weeks. Time: 1pm-3pm • Developing Skills for Employment • Start date: Thursday 24th April. Duration: 6 weeks. Time: 2pm-4.30pm • English for Everyday (ESOL Level 4) • Start date: Wednesday, April 30th. Duration: 5 weeks. Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm Fee waivers are available (for those who are eligible) for all above courses. Commercial courses We are running the following commercial courses: Elementary Food Hygiene - full day. 12th May. Elementary Food Hygiene – full day (Ukrainian). 15th May Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Training (SCPLH – full day). 14th May or 4th June Page 31 Agenda Item 7c
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Principal and Chief Executive: Martin Jones 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 Academic year 2025-26 Staff and students are busy preparing for the final assessments of the 2024-25 academic year. Planning and preparations are well under way for the new academic year, and we plan to continue our “Keep Warm” initiative to provide regular updates and better support to our applicants to help them prepare for their new course. To ensure sufficient numbers, enabling courses to run, UHI Argyll in Oban are promoting, in particular, their 2 NC Beauty courses; NC Beauty Care and Make-Up Level 5 NC Beauty Care Level 6 Theresa Bain Cluster Centre Manager, UHI Argyll Theresa.Bain@uhi.ac.uk UHI Argyll (Oban) Glenshellach Ind Estate, Oban PA34 4RY Oban.Argyll@uhi.ac.uk Page 32
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Argyll & Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Community Planning Partnerships Update May 2025 Figure 1: Advice areas Feb, March April 2025 Figure 2: Advice areas April 2025-March 2025 The Bureau has continued to remain busy with a wide area of advice provision, benefits advice provision accounts for approximately 36-39% of all level 1 advice. Over the last quarter we Page 33 Agenda Item 7d
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supported 638 clients and provided 3295 distinct pieces of advice. Our client financial gain for this period is £388,715 for just over half of all overall clients accounting for an average of £1101 per eligible client. Debt advice has risen by 170% if we compare the last quarter with the same period last year, from 110 advice codes to 292, and debt clients have increased by 35%, demonstrating the complexity and higher prevalence of debt as a result of the increased cost of living across Argyll & Bute. The Bureau continues to collaborate with the LA with council tax debt advice and will support vulnerable clients to have a moratorium placed on their account while we work to gather relevant information to ensure all entitlements are in place. Over the course of 2024/25 the Bureau supported 1962 clients with 12,374 pieces of advice. Again benefits advice provision was the highest area of advice, accounting for 39% of all level 1 advice codes. Our advisers which consist in the main of volunteer advisers supported 1506 (or 77% of all) clients across the whole of Argyll & Bute to realise £2,015,347 in client financial gain, an average of £1,338 per eligible client. Volunteer recruitment As a partner organisation within the council’s Community Learning Partnership, we are delighted to have recruited our 21st volunteer adviser. Our in-house training development officer is supporting our latest cohort of volunteer advisers to complete the accredited adviser training program. Our next intake of trainees will be later this year and we ask colleagues to note this when speaking to members of the public and elsewhere as an extremely good opportunity to effect positive change in an ever complex world. Services with the Bureau Welfare Rights – support with all benefits issues including completing applications, submitting mandatory reconsideration requests and representation at tribunal/appeals. Housing Debt – support for people in housing arrears or facing debts that threaten tenure retention. FCA regulated support to address debts and seek free solutions includes court representation where required. Energy efficiency and debt support – Support to negotiate with Suppliers, seek debt reduction, change tariffs, submit complaints to suppliers and Ombudsman. Armed Services Advice Project, following the Royal British Legion withdrawing funding for holistic advice provision in Scotland the Bureau was successful in obtaining funding via the Veterans Foundation to continue supporting our armed services communities across Argyll & Bute. Patient Advice Support Service – We provide statutory advice on patient rights, complaints to GP’s, Health & Social Care Partnership, and can support submissions to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman. Page 34
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Money Talks – Income maximisation project looking to reduce costs, increase income through benefits entitlements and address low persistent debt. Clients can self-select areas of advice and support online https://www.moneytalkteam.org.uk/find-information Unpaid Carers Money & Welfare. – This is a new project funded provision of holistic advice to carers across Argyll & Bute. Support to access increase precarious income, care, raise issues, complete applications for Power of Attorney etc, address financial supports and access benefits. Generalist advice on Housing, Employment relationship, court processes, parking charge notices and neighbour disputes. Outreach Locations Bute & Cowal Dunoon [Food bank, Crossroads Carers (unpaid carers only) and JC+] Oban Lorn & the Isles Oban [Hope Kitchen, Carr Gomm, North Argyll Carers Centre (unpaid carers only) the Toy Library and JC+] Tiree Community Development Trust MAKI Campbeltown JC+, Dochas Carers Centre (unpaid carers only) Helensburgh & Lomond Helensburgh Carers Centre (unpaid carers only) Page 35
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1 Argyll & Bute Community Planning Partnership Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group Partnership update Date: May 2024 Partner update – Public Health The Public Health team are pleased to provide an update on some recent pieces of work. Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Training The Public Health team is proud to continue supporting mental health awareness and suicide prevention training for people who live or work in Argyll and Bute. Several training sessions are in the process of being planned for 25/26 and will be available to book on a new dedicated Suicide Prevention training platform on Turas Learn. This can be accessed here - Suicide prevention | Turas | Learn or contact nhsh.ab-sptraining@nhs.scot for more information. Free condoms by post A new condoms by post service is available across Argyll and Bute. Condoms can prevent HIV, sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. We have a wide range of condoms available. Complete a form on the website below to order free condoms and/or lube - these will be delivered in plain packaging to your chosen address. A range of condoms is available. This is a free and confidential service. A poster is also available for sharing widely. Please contact heather.mcadam@nhs.scot for more information. Sexual health | NHS Highland. Speakeasy training ‘Speakeasy’ training for trainers has been commissioned from NHS Tayside. Speakeasy is a preventative community education programme which helps parents and carers tackle issues around children growing up, including body changes, safety, relationships & sexual health. The course helps parents to build on what they already know about growing up relationships and sex. Fifteen individuals representing a diverse range of professions which work with families and young people attended the Page 37 Agenda Item 7e
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2 initial training sessions and we are currently developing a plan for roll out. Please contact heather.mcadam@nhs.scot for more information. Screening inequalities People living in the most deprived communities are less likely to take part in cancer screening programmes. During 24/25, 5 x £1500 small grant awards were made from NHS Highland’s Screening Inequalities Fund award to third sector organisations to increase knowledge and understanding of national screening programmes, so people can make an informed choice. Thanks to these organisations to working with us on this important issue. The five projects are using the funding to promote screening in the following ways: Jean’s Bothy In order to raise awareness of all the support that is provided in the local community to keep well, Jean’s Bothy hosted a community wellbeing festival for their service users and members of the local community. This had a focus on prevention of poor health and the importance of screening. Argyll Wellbeing Hub Argyll Wellbeing Hub are raising awareness of screening by providing a monthly “Health and Wellbeing Day”. They are holding a screening information session/presentation on a different screening topic following their Monday Wellbeing Walk. Following this, everyone present is offered a healthy seasonal lunch and the opportunity to discuss the information contained in the presentation. Oban’s Community Trust Rockfield Centre This group is aiming to use arts-based community engagement to increase knowledge of health screening programmes and their purpose with centre users, to normalise participation in screening and to build confidence and capacity within the group. This project will deliver 5 workshops over 11 weeks and will be aimed at those who traditionally are less likely to participate in screening. MECOPP MECOPP aim to produce screening information that is culturally appropriate to the Gypsy/Traveller Community and to cascade this through their networks and social media platforms. Additionally, they propose to organise a health rally to promote these and to invite the community and local services to inform and engage Kintyre Link Club Kintyre Link Club are aiming to deliver a community health project aimed at increasing awareness and participation in national screening programmes among underserved groups within the Kintyre area. They aim to have a couple of drop-in sessions within the next 12 months to educate and empower individuals about the Page 38
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3 importance of health screening programmes, addressing common misconceptions, and providing tailored information to overcome barriers. REPORT AUTHOR AND CONTACT Author Names: Jenny Dryden, Health Improvement lead Email: nhsh.abhealthimprovement@nhs.scot Page 39
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Report Oban, Lorn and the Isles Partner Update Paper Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface Date 1st May 2025 Prepared by Petra Pearce, Third Sector Support Adviser, OLI 1. Scottish Government, Parliament, the TSI landscape and policy activity TSI CEO has been working with TSI colleagues across Scotland to lobby the Scottish Government on third sector issues including fair funding, investment in prevention and our sector’s role in the Public Service Reform agenda. An updated briefing is being produced and forms the basis of an emerging ‘manifesto’ for the third sector. A TSI national two-day conference is being arranged for October/November 2025. Day one will focus on practice and operational improvement issues and day two will focus on policy and engagement with key change makers and peers. 2. Poverty Alliance Campaign – Scotland Demands Better This emerging new campaign includes a coalition of over 40 national organisations and TSIs will be supporting the engagement process with local groups across Scotland. The Scotland Demands Better campaign is seeking to activate a broad range of civil society organisations over the coming months to show support for greater action to address poverty and inequality. This activation will culminate in a demonstration in Edinburgh on 25th of October. There is strong evidence to show that a range of policies to address poverty are broadly supported by the public, but there is little sense of a unified movement pressing for greater action to deliver change. This campaign hopes to bring more coherence to the calls and to develop a greater sense of a unified anti-poverty movement. TSI CEO has joined the Poverty Alliance coordinated Scotland Demands Better steering group. The emerging key policy calls are: • A safety net that meets the cost of living (or) A Minimum Income Guarantee to provide a dignified life • Decent jobs for all (who need them) • Accessible and affordable services that meet people’s needs. 3. Community Wealth Building priorities and legislation The Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill was published on 20th March 2025 by the Scottish Government and highlights new duties to be placed on local authorities and specified community planning partners. The Bill aims to ensure consistent implementation of the community wealth building (CWB) model across Scotland. The Bill provides a CWB statement, provisions relating to the preparation of a CWB action plan, guidance on CWB and a list of specified public bodies that must have due regard to the guidance. The Scottish Parliament’s Economy and Fair Work Committee is running a ‘Call for views’ until 23rd May, to help inform its examination of the Bill during stage 1 of the process to decide if it should become an Act. The TSI will respond pending Board input. Page 41 Agenda Item 7f
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4. Work of the Wellbeing Development Manager Following on from the Board’s decision in February the Wellbeing Development Manager, in partnership with other local partners, has now recruited a Walking Development Coordinator. Their role will be to stimulate healthy walking activity in volunteer led groups across Argyll and Bute. 5. Trauma Informed training All TSI staff including our Positive Destinations team have now attended Trauma Informed training sessions and the CEO has in addition attended the Scottish Trauma Informed Leaders Training (STILT) course. All courses are designed to raise awareness of the 5 R's of becoming trauma-informed which are - Realizing - Recognizing - Responding - Resisting, and - Relationships The focus is on understanding the impact of trauma, identifying signs, providing supportive responses, preventing re-traumatization, and prioritizing strong, trusting relationships. We will be working on identifying which team members need to progress towards level 2 which is Trauma Informed Practice, but this is likely to mainly involve our Positive Destinations mentors. 6. Volunteer of the Year 2025 Nominations for the TSI Volunteer of the Year 2025 awards are now closed. This annual event is designed to recognise the outstanding work done by individuals and groups across the whole of Argyll and Bute. This year’s event will be held at the Rosslea Hall Hotel in Rhu. On Friday 6th June 2025, 3pm-6pm. Tickets are free and the link to book tickets can be found at https://voyargyllbute.co.uk/ 7. In-person visits in 2025 TSI Third Sector Support Officer, Petra Pearce will be in Oban on the 19th June and on Mull 20th June attending Funding Connections Events. 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 42
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Oban, Lorn and the Islands (including Mull and Iona, Coll, Tiree and Colonsay) Health and Wellbeing Network 01/05/2025 It has been a slow but very sure start for the ‘new’ Oban, Lorn and the Islands Health and Wellbeing Network. The e-mail list for the ‘old’ Living Well Network has been handed back to the HSCP Public Health Team and we started afresh on 1st April with a list of people who had responded to our short survey. We currently have 54 members of the Network. Members are sharing and receiving updates about support in our community. If you would like to join, 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. hwn@obancollective.org A meeting is planned for 6th May 2025, and all those who have indicated a willingness in being involved in ensuring the future of the Network are being invited to attend. We will be discussing progress to date, funding, what next and a possible face to face meeting followed by public event in Oban after the Summer. The meeting and event after the Summer, will follow a similar format to those held in May 2024, where 35 Network Members attended the meeting and then set up information stalls to share information with members of the public. A huge thanks from me, to all who are working to ensure the Network continues some of the work that has been done in the past. Your kind words and hard work, show how much you have appreciated the work I have done over the past 10 years. It is a pleasure to be working with you all. Carol Flett hwn@obancollective.org Page 43 Agenda Item 7g
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Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group Date: 30 April 2025 Argyll and Bute Climate Action: developing a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Argyll and Bute. 1.0 Purpose The purpose of this report is report is to provide an update on the Community Planning Partnership’s climate change strategy and to ask OLI ACPG for any further recommendations on groups to engage with to inform further development of the action plan. 2.0 Recommendations The CPG is asked to note the approach and status of the project outlined in the report and to provide any comments or feedback to the project manager. 3.0 Background The CPP’s Climate Change Working Group is producing a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Argyll and Bute. Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (ACT) are the employing body for the Climate Change Project Manager leading on the process, and the post (0.8 FTE) is funded by the CPP from end October 2023 to October 2025. This update sets out the current position. 4.0 Detail 4.1 Progress 4.1.1 Strategy The draft strategy was presented to the Climate Change Working Group, the CPP Full Partnership and Area CPGs over September to April 2025, with requests for feedback and comments including appropriate engagement opportunities. Based on the feedback received, the updated strategy was submitted to the CPP Management Committee and formally approved in April 2025. A copy of the strategy Page 45 Agenda Item 9b
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submitted to the Management Committee accompanies this set of papers, with the final version and appendices to be published on the CPP web pages. The strategy emphasises action on six key areas identified as being those most within the CPP’s ability to control or influence: o Infrastructure (including natural infrastructure) o Policy Influence o Skills, Procurement and Supply Chain o Resilience/Carbon Literacy o Risk Assessment o Crosscutting/Other Based upon feedback from communities and stakeholders, particularly in the wake of Storm Eowyn, the CPP Management Committee agreed that Resilience should be foremost among these. 4.1.2 Action Plan This was accompanied by an outline action plan, reviewed by two sessions of the Climate Change Working Group, also based around the six areas of action and using layout and structure similar to a range of action plans currently in place among CPP member organisations. A copy of the paper submitted to the Management Committee accompanies this set of papers. The Management Committee agreed that with the emphasis of the project for the remainder of the funded period should be to continue to work up the action plan and pilot projects. Further input at Area level on groups to engage with to inform further development of the Action Plan would be especially useful and the project officer would any further suggestions or recommendations on the most appropriate groups to contact, particularly with regard to community resilience. 4.1.3 Community Resilience The Management Committee noted views from participants, including Area CPGs, around the importance of community resilience and agreed that the project officer should emphasise activity around resilience, including support on climate change dimensions to community resilience plans. The Management Committee also noted feedback that engaging directly with communities such as via Community Councils to develop climate risk assessments to inform community resilience plans would likely represent better value for money with the budget available than seeking to commission a “top down” climate change risk assessment from the leading consultants in the field. Page 46
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OLI ACPG’s initiative to establish a sub group to work on community resilience plans resilience provides an excellent opportunity to take this forward and the Climate Change Project Manager is keen to work with the group to assist with climate change dimensions to this wherever practicable. 4.1.4 Legacy The Management Committee asked the Steering Group to consider the potential for use of any unsent budget to undertake further risk assessment and associated work around resilience beyond the end of October (ie beyond the current funded period), for the Management Committee to approve or otherwise at its meeting on 6 June. The Management Committee also asked the Steering Group to develop an outline proposal for a partnership project to take forward joint actions, also to consider on 6 June, including what future financial contribution CPP partners might make. An approach has been suggested in anticipation of eg successor to Lottery Climate Action Fund for formal partnerships, working across sectors, c£0.5-£1.5m over 3-5 years. 4.2 Next Steps Immediate next steps are: • Ongoing engagement at all levels, including Areas • Legacy proposals for Management Committee 6 June • Ongoing development of action plan • Support community resilience and risk assessments Andy Macpherson, Climate Change Project Manager For more information, please contact: Andy Macpherson andy@act-now.org.uk Page 47
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Executive Summary Climate change is one of the most serious threats that we face in Scotland. Rising temperatures, drier summers, wetter winters, sea level rise, and an increased risk of flooding, will all affect our lives. There is a global need to take action to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions which are responsible, but changes in climate will not be completely eliminated by these actions. We also need to find ways of adapting to the effects of climate change. We make Argyll and Bute climate ready by acting together to understand and adapt to our changing climate. It has been developed through an engagement process managed by the Argyll Countryside Trust (ACT) on behalf of Argyll & Bute’s Community Planning Partnership, Climate Working Group, with funding thanks to Argyll and Bute Council, NHS Highland, NatureScot and Argyll & Bute Third Sector Interface. A climate change strategy for Argyll & Bute Argyll & Bute Climate Action It links to Argyll & Bute’s Outcomes Improvement Plan for 2024 – 2034 which focusses on improving the outcomes of Transport Infrastructure, Housing and Community Wellbeing. This is a strategy and action plan for Argyll & Bute. A region wide, community led, net-zero, climate change resilient, adaptation plan, in support of the vision that: Page 49
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The heavy rain in early October 2023 caused £15m damage to infrastructure (mainly roads and bridges) in parts of Argyll & Bute Now and into the future, we want a thriving Argyll & Bute where our collective choices and actions enhance our continued wellbeing in a changing climate. Our climate change strategy seeks to tackle climate change, by working together to be: Climate friendly: Reduce Argyll & Bute’s greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change (mitigation). Climate Ready: Resilient and adapted to unavoidable climate change (adaptation), and Climate Just: Ensure all of our communities are included. 80% of the population of Argyll & Bute lives within 1km of the coast (97% within 10km of coast), and we have over 200km of road within 25m of the sea (at high tide). Page 50
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Climate Risk Impact Warmer, wetter winters: Increased rainfall volume and intensity Increased landslides, flooded water courses and more surface water Hotter, drier summers: higher average and higher peak temperatures, increased heatwave frequency and longer drought periods higher risk of human and animal heat stress, illness and mortality, crop failure, wildfires and freshwater scarcity More severe, and more variable weather events: Less predictable but more frequent storms, increased variability in wind speed and direction, higher peak wind speeds, higher rainfall intensity windblow, forest damage, road blockage, power line damage/power cuts, property damage, flooding, landslides Sea level rise and storm surges: increased coastal erosion coastal infrastructure damage and loss, coastal retreat or protection cost Multi-hazards affecting people, species and habitats: Combination of hazards compounding climate risks and impacts. Single actions less likely to address mitigation or adaptation. Solutions needs to maximise multiple benefits and work with natural processes Increased climate unpredictability Climate forecasts less predictable, actions need to be based on worst-case scenarios, resilience more dependent on agile and diverse actions Our strategy identifies the key climate risks impacting on Argyll & Bute and the areas in which we can take action to address them: Page 51
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Areas for Action Infrastructure Addressing demand and impacts of better transport infrastructure to reduce reliance on private cars and provide for those who do not have a car; Enhancing communications and grid infrastructure through maximising decarbonisation and renewable energy opportunities; Natural capital: managing our green and blue infrastructure to reduce emissions and support resilience. Policy influence Influencing national and regional public and non-public policies through the CPP’s collective voice in a way that recognises Argyll & Bute's distinctive geography and population. Skills, Procurement and Supply Chain Promoting opportunities for climate mitigation, adaptation and community wealth building through improving circular economies within Argyll & Bute. Increasing opportunities for individuals to gain the skills required to deliver climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience in an inclusive and just way. Risk Assessment Deepening our understanding of the risks and opportunities, including economic risks and opportunities, presented by climate change to Argyll and Bute as a whole and to specific communities and sectors. Resilience/Carbon Literacy Promoting carbon literacy and greater resilience, across all CPP sectors to empower individuals to bring about climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience in an inclusive and just way. Crosscutting/Other Encourage individuals, communities and agencies to take multiple actions and to identify new risks and opportunities. With fuel poverty nearly 50% higher than the Scottish average, and higher again in more rural areas, and private water supplies ten times the national average, our housing is largely insufficient to cope with our current climate and even less with the greater weather extremes forecast. Areas for action closest to the CPP’s remit and ability to control or influence:Page 52
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The principles and approach guiding the Strategy are: An enabling strategy, rather than creating new duties or replacing existing ones, it identifies gaps and opportunities, especially those made possible by working together. Alignment with the CPP priorities of: Transport Infrastructure , Housing and Community Wellbeing, which in turn are aligned to requirements in our national climate programmes. Embracing diversity, to recognise significant variation among our communities, places and landscapes, and that we are being affected by climate change in multiple ways. Focussing on common challenges across the region, such as the length and vulnerability of transport links, and our low population density that can make it harder to secure funding. Adapting as we build our understanding of the risks and opportunities we face, taking into account local knowledge and also local variations and capacity to adapt. In addition to incremental steps to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and transitional steps to enhance our capacity to adapt, there is also a transformational component: as we improve our ability to cope with climate needs we also improve our current circumstances. An example of this sort of transformational change is the importance of developing our local economy through developing appropriate local skills, produce and markets and the housing, energy and other infrastructure to support them. This reduces our transport and waste emissions at the same time as reducing our dependence on vulnerable, extended transport links and enables us to add value locally and reduce economic leakage, at the same time as supporting transformational growth sectors such as energy and valuing our natural capital. Engaging communities through networks of community champions linked to Climate Hubs centred on the four Argyll & Bute administrative areas. Developing resilience by developing skills and capacity to adapt to ongoing change alongside longer term transformational capital projects. Ensuring a socially just transition to a climate ready future: as we prepare for the impacts of the changing climate we do so in ways that are fair and tackle inequality. For more information please contact Andy Macpherson Climate Change Project Manager Argyll Countryside Trust andy@act-now.org.uk act-now.org.uk/cpp Page 53
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A climate change strategy for Argyll & Bute Argyll & Bute Climate Action 1 Page 55
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Contents Executive Summary............................................................................................................................3 1. What does climate change mean for Argyll and Bute? Identifying risks and impacts......8 1.1 Hotter, drier summers............................................................................................................9 1.2 Warmer, wetter winters........................................................................................................10 1.3 More severe weather events, and more variability.........................................................11 1.4 Sea level rise...........................................................................................................................13 2. Scoping Risk...................................................................................................................................14 3. Identifying the actions that will address them.......................................................................17 3.1 Mitigation to reduce our climate change gas emissions: Climate Friendly................17 3.2 Adaptation to unavoidable impacts of climate change: Climate Ready.....................23 3.3 Engagement: Climate Just...................................................................................................27 4. Vision, outcomes and objectives..............................................................................................29 5. Identifying opportunity areas for action.................................................................................31 5.1 Infrastructure.........................................................................................................................33 5.2 Policy Influence.....................................................................................................................34 5.3 Skills, Procurement and Supply Chain .............................................................................34 5.4 Risk Assessment....................................................................................................................35 5.5 Resilience/Carbon Literacy.................................................................................................36 5.6 Crosscutting/Other...............................................................................................................36 6. Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation.....................................................................................36 2 Page 56
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Executive Summary Climate change is one of the most serious threats that we face in Scotland. Rising temperatures, drier summers, wetter winters, sea level rise, and an increased risk of flooding, will all affect our lives. There is a global need to take action to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions which are responsible, but changes in climate will not be completely eliminated by these actions. We also need to find ways of adapting to the effects of climate change. We make Argyll and Bute climate ready by acting together to understand and adapt to our changing climate. It has been developed through an engagement process managed by the Argyll Countryside Trust (ACT) on behalf of Argyll & Bute’s Community Planning Partnership Climate Working Group, with thanks to Argyll and Bute Council, NHS Highland, NatureScot and Argyll & Bute Third Sector Interface for funding support and the Steering Group comprising volunteers from the Climate Working Group for further support. It links to Argyll & Bute’s Outcomes Improvement Plan for 2024 – 2034 which focusses on improving the outcomes of Transport, Housing and Community Wellbeing. This is a strategy and action plan for Argyll & Bute. A region wide, community led, net-zero, climate change resilient, adaptation plan, in support of the vision that: 1 2 3 Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust Community planning | Argyll and Bute Council Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan 2024-2034 | Argyll and Bute Council 1 2 3 3 Page 57
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The heavy rain in early October 2023 caused £15m damage to transport infrastructure (mainly roads and bridges) in parts of Argyll & Bute Now and into the future, we want a thriving Argyll & Bute where our collective choices and actions enhance our continued wellbeing in a changing climate. Our climate change strategy seeks to tackle climate change, by working together to be: Climate Friendly: Reduce Argyll & Bute’s greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change (mitigation) Climate Ready: Resilient and adapted to unavoidable climate change (adaptation), and Climate Just: Ensure all of our communities are included (engagement). Sea level rise and coastal impacts are a concern. 80% of the population of Argyll & Bute lives within 1km of the coast (97% within 10km of coast), and we have over 200km of road within 25m of the sea (at high tide). 4 Page 58
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Climate Risk Impact Warmer, wetter winters: Increased rainfall volume and intensity Increased landslides, flooded water courses and more surface water Hotter, drier summers: higher average and higher peak temperatures, increased heatwave frequency and longer drought periods Higher risk of human and animal heat stress, illness and mortality, crop failure, wildfires and freshwater scarcity More severe, and more variable weather events: Less predictable but more frequent storms, increased variability in wind speed and direction, higher peak wind speeds, higher rainfall intensity Windblow, forest damage, road blockage, power line damage/power cuts, property damage, flooding, landslides Sea level rise and storm surges: increased coastal erosion Coastal infrastructure damage and loss, coastal retreat or protection cost Multi-hazards affecting people, species and habitats: Combination of hazards compounding climate risks and impacts Single actions less likely to address mitigation or adaptation. Solutions needs to maximise multiple benefits and work with natural processes Increased climate unpredictability Climate forecasts less predictable, actions need to be based on worst-case scenarios, resilience more dependent on agile and diverse actions Our strategy identifies the key climate risks impacting on Argyll & Bute and the areas in which we can take action to address them: 5 Page 59
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Areas for Action Infrastructure Addressing demand and impacts of better transport infrastructure to reduce reliance on private cars and provide for those who do not have a car; enhancing communications and grid infrastructure through maximising decarbonisation and renewable energy opportunities; natural capital: managing our green and blue infrastructure to reduce emissions and support resilience. Policy Influence Influencing national and regional public and non-public policies through the CPP’s collective voice in a way that recognises Argyll & Bute's distinctive geography and population. Skills, Procurement and Supply Chain Increasing opportunities for individuals to gain the skills required to deliver climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience in an inclusive and just way. Promoting opportunities for climate mitigation, adaptation and community wealth building through improving circular economies within Argyll & Bute. Risk Assessment Deepening our understanding of the risks and opportunities, including economic risks and opportunities, presented by climate change to Argyll and Bute as a whole and to specific communities and sectors. Resilience/Carbon Literacy Promoting carbon literacy and greater resilience, across all CPP sectors to empower individuals to bring about climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience in an inclusive and just way. Crosscutting/Other Encourage individuals, communities and agencies to take multiple actions and to identify new risks and opportunities. With fuel poverty nearly 50% higher than the Scottish average, and higher again in more rural areas, and private water supplies ten times the national average, our housing is largely insufficient to cope with our current climate and even less with the greater weather extremes forecast. Areas for action closest to the CPP’s remit and ability to control or influence: 6 Page 60
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The principles and approach guiding the Strategy are: An enabling strategy, rather than creating new duties or replacing existing ones, it identifies gaps and opportunities, especially those made possible by working together. Alignment with the CPP priorities of Transport Infrastructure, Housing and Community Wellbeing, which in turn are aligned to requirements in our national climate programmes. Embracing diversity, to recognise significant variation among our communities, places and landscapes, and that we are being affected by climate change in multiple ways. Focussing on common challenges across the region, such as the length and vulnerability of transport links, and our low population density that can make it harder to secure funding. Adapting as we build our understanding of the risks and opportunities we face, taking into account local knowledge and also local variations and capacity to adapt. In addition to incremental steps to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and transitional steps to enhance our capacity to adapt, there is also a transformational component: as we improve our ability to cope with climate needs we also improve our current circumstances. An example of this sort of transformational change is the importance of developing our local economy through developing appropriate local skills, produce and markets and the housing, energy and other infrastructure to support them. This reduces our transport and waste emissions at the same time as reducing our dependence on vulnerable, extended transport links and enables us to add value locally and reduce economic leakage, at the same time as supporting transformational growth sectors such as energy and valuing our natural capital. Engaging communities through networks of community champions linked to Climate Hubs centred on the four Argyll & Bute administrative areas. Developing resilience by developing skills and capacity to adapt to ongoing change alongside longer term transformational capital projects. Ensuring a socially just transition to a climate ready future: as we prepare for the impacts of the changing climate we do so in ways that are fair and tackle inequality. For more information please contact Andy Macpherson Climate Change Project Manager Argyll Countryside Trust andy@act-now.org.uk act-now.org.uk/cpp 4 ACT Now | Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust4 7 Page 61
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1. What does climate change mean for Argyll and Bute? Identifying risks and impacts In short, the outlook for Argyll and Bute is overall increasing temperatures, with Hotter, drier summers Warmer, wetter winters More severe weather events, and more variability Sea level rise There are some common challenges across the region but there is also significant variation within and between communities, places and landscapes. More detailed information based on climate projections for 16 settlements across Argyll and Bute is in Appendix 1 and 2. The region’s characterising features of high geographical diversity, low population density, long coastlines, largely rural small, isolated and ageing communities and long distances all impact on considerations of what “good” climate action means for Argyll and Bute. However, we also have urban considerations with our largest single centre of population being Helensburgh, and other important settlements with urban issues but rural supply chains and correspondingly long and vulnerable transport and other communications links. 8 Page 62
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1.1 Hotter, drier summers Individual seasons vary and the cold and wet summer 2024 is in stark contrast to the hot, dry conditions prevailing in recent summers. Below we see summer temperatures for the overall Argyll River Basin area, which approximates closely to the overall Argyll and Bute area, with observed data and projected rise combined. Further climate projections specific to a representative set of 16 settlements across Argyll & Bute are in Appendix 1. In terms of the “drier” part, below are average summer precipitation rates for Argyll River Basin. 9 Page 63
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While temperature and precipitation projections indicate trends, another important consideration is minimum night time temperatures in summertime. The reason for this is that when there is less opportunity for buildings to cool down, the phenomenon of heat stress, particularly in vulnerable people, rises considerably. There is a strong link between heat stress and summer mortalities which are a growing trend particularly further south in the UK and Europe as temperatures increase with climate change, and a counterpart to the better known phenomenon of winter deaths due to cold and poorly heated and insulated housing. Current indications are that Argyll and Bute as a region is less likely to suffer water scarcity in coming decades than other parts of Scotland and the UK, although this does not rule out local impacts and potential infrastructure damage, as indicated in Scottish Water’s 2024 climate change strategy . About one third of the population of Argyll and Bute has a private water supply, which is ten times the Scottish average. This presents an Argyll-specific climate risk as private water supplies can be more vulnerable to interruption or contamination in periods of low rainfall or drought. 1.2 Warmer, wetter winters In contrast to the trend for hotter, drier summers, in winter observed data and projections both point to trends to warmer, wetter winters with fewer days of frost under the overall trend for increasing temperatures. 5 290224ScottishWaterAdaptationPlan.pdf5 10 Page 64
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We can also expect increases in severity and frequency of severe weather events. Damage and disruption from flooding and landslides is one example: the heavy rain in early October 2023 caused £15m damage to infrastructure (mainly roads & bridges) in parts of Argyll and Bute and was not even one of the series of named national storms that autumn. As at February 2025, damage from Storm Eowyn is yet to be calculated but even more widespread, with some communities without power or telecoms for five days. Severe weather - wind While we have some sophisticated modelling of future temperature and precipitation, wind is harder to model and the Met Office climate change centre states that Due to the lack of any observed trends, there haven’t been any studies so far which provide a link between changes in UK storminess and climate change . Notwithstanding, the frequency of storm events over 2023-24 and the significance of wind as in the diagrams below in these also point to the likelihood of more potential damage and disruption from wind. 1.3 More severe weather events, and more variability 6 UK and Global extreme events – Wind storms - Met Office6 11 Page 65
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Wind direction is of especial importance for Argyll and Bute due to the central role of marine transport in the area. Ferry and marine tourism operators have commented on the significance of wind direction events disrupting services and impacting upon coastal infrastructure, in addition to householders’ accounts of damage to roofs due to strong winds from unusual directions. Severe weather – heavy rain or snow The graph below shows historic and projected incidence of intense rainfall events, noting that “future changes in extreme rainfall events could be almost 10 times more frequent in Northwest Scotland in 2080 compared to the 1980s, whilst in the south of the UK the value is closer to three times more frequent.” 6 UK and Global extreme events – Wind storms - Met Office7 7 12 Page 66
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Sea level rise, both absolute and from storm surges, is a major concern for Argyll and Bute. 80% of the region’s population lives within 1km of the coast (97% within 10km), and we have over 200km of road within 25m of the sea (at high tide), especially in Cowal and Bute. Replacement costs of sea defences for this stretch were estimated at £300m in 2015 prices. This would be equivalent to approximately £420m today due to inflation alone, with the actual figure likely significantly greater due to increased materials costs and more severe climatic conditions predicted. Below we see projected sea level rise for Tobermory to the end of the century under a range of carbon emission scenarios. The upper two lines, green and blue, represent the most likely outcomes as these are based on current and historical global emissions trends. The difference between the two is that the green line, suggesting 0.6m rise at the end of the century, is the mid range of the high emissions scenario whereas the blue line, at over 0.9m, represents what is described as the “upper end allowance” to take into account the most severe impact projections, drawn from UK Government guidance on data interpretation to inform coastal flood planning : 6 Flood and coastal risk projects, schemes and strategies: climate change allowances - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 8 1.4 Sea level rise 8 13 Page 67
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The Dynamic Coast project provides an excellent tool to aid visualising impacts of sea level rise which can readily be applied at a scale from one square kilometre upwards. Taking Campbeltown as an example, the image below indicates the effect of a sea level rise under both the likely high emissions scenario and also the potential reduction if global emissions were cut rapidly: HES vs LES dashboard9 9 The combined Highland and Argyll flood risk management plan estimates 15,000 homes at risk of flooding (Highland as well as Argyll) increasing to 38,000 by the 2080s due to climate change. 2. Scoping Risk The processes of developing risk assessments in support of adaptation plans taken by Climate Ready Clyde and other regional climate change plans have started with screening the UK Climate Change Committee’s Climate Change Risk Assessment (UKCCRA) to identify a core set of risks and opportunities. For Argyll and Bute Climate Action this comprised a peer group review of the initial scoping by the project manager of the set of 61 strategic risks identified by UKCCRA and grouped into 5 categories: Natural Environment and Assets; Infrastructure; Health, Communities and Built Environment; Business and Industry; and International Dimensions. 14 Page 68
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UK Climate Change Risk Assessment: Scoping Risks and Opportunities for CPP - project officer scoping Risk/ Opportunity Category Description In/ Out Rationale UKCCRA Score CPP Outcome I Infrastructure Risk I12. Transport High and low temperatures, high winds, lightning In Water transport inparticular is highly affected by wind More action needed Transport & Infrastructure Risk I13. Digital High and low temperatures, high winds, lightning In Digital infrastructure is already vulnerable Further investigation Transport & Infrastructure B Business and Industry Risk B1: Flooding of business sites Increase in flood risk In Known issue in multiple areas More action needed Transport & Infrastructure Risk B2: Coastal business locations and infrastructure Coastal flooding, extreme weather, erosion, and sea level rise In Known issue in multiple areas More action needed Transport & Infrastructure Risk B5: Employee productivity Infrastructure disruption and higher temperatures in working environments In Often underacknowledged as a risk in other areas Further investigation Housing Risk B6: Disruption to business supply chains and distribution networks Extreme weather In Transport & other links already extended & vulnerable, possible opportunities from pooling resources, early warning systems More action needed Transport & Infrastructure H Health, Communities, and the Built Environment Risk H1. Health and wellbeing High temperatures In Disproprortionate effects on most vulnerable More action needed Housing Risk H3. People, communities, and buildings Flooding In Already a known issue More action needed Housing Risk H4. Viability of coastal communities Sea level rise In Especially when combined with surface water and storm surge More action needed Housing Risk H5. Building fabric Moisture, wind and driving rain In Already a known issue Further investigation Housing Risk H7. Health and wellbeing Changes in indoor and outdoor air quality In Potentially also "Housing" due to incidence of damp in housing stock Further investigation Wellbeing Risk H8. Health Vector-borne disease In Particularly with some species moving further north and impact of flooding Further investigation Wellbeing Risk H9. Food safety and food security Higher temperatures (food safety) and extreme weather (food security) In Knock on effects of weather on transport infrastructure Further investigation Wellbeing These 5 categories were then aligned with the CPP outcomes of Transport Infrastructure, Housing and Community Wellbeing. This has necessarily been an arbitrary exercise as many of the risks are crosscutting. “Community” was interpreted to include non human communities in order to fit nature and biodiversity within the set of three outcomes. 15 The result is a set of 7 proposed risk groups, cross checked with lived experience drawn from stakeholder meetings and feedback from the ABCAN Climate Action Network: Flooding (water courses and surface water) Heavy rainfall, storms and landslides Temperature change, heatwaves and drought Wildfires Sea level rise & coastal erosion Multi-hazards affecting people, species, habitats Anything else? An initial scoping In/Out was suggested, with a short rationale for scoping each risk In/Out included, based on the CPP’s remit and ability to take action or have influence in relation to the respective risks. The full spreadsheet is provided in Appendix 3 with the image below providing a snapshot for illustration. Page 69
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Currently 2050s to 2080s Salmon production £0.5m- £5m/year £5m-£25m/year Whisky production £5m- £25m/year Over £25m/year Impact on forestry from wildfires £5m- £25m/year £18m-£80m/year Following the initial scoping and peer scoping, the findings were presented to the September meeting of the CPP Full Partnership, Climate Change Working Group and Area Community Planning Groups. The Full Partnership meeting was in person and participants were asked to indicate their perception of these risks based on their own experience either personally or upon their organisations or areas of work, with the results being: Heavy rainfall, storms and landslides 84% Flooding (water courses and surface water) 66% Sea level rise & coastal impacts 47% Multi-hazards affecting people, species, habitats 25% Temperature change, heatwaves and drought 25% Wildfires 19% Anything else? Possible other unknowns 3% Several CPP members have risk assessments planned for this year or the immediate future. Various regional adaptation initiatives have commissioned consultant support in developing risk assessments and Risk/Economic Assessment is proposed as one of the set of ten measures in the Gaps and Opportunities section. In support of this, key findings from Highland Adapts’ recently published risk and opportunity and economic assessments relating to a set of key sectors comparable to Argyll and Bute are cited in the expectation that these can be replaced with Argyll- specific assessments over the action plan development phase. Risk and Opportunity Assessments by key Sectors from Highland Adapts The analysis includes circular economy considerations which resonate strongly with Argyll and Bute’s proposed approach to Community Wealth Building. In September 2024 Highland Adapts released their economic analysis of three key sectors which form part of their wider ongoing Climate Risk and Opportunity Assessment. This includes risks to: Economic Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on Highlands (highlandadapts.scot)10 This scoping is emphatically not about what risks are the most important, but about what are within the CPP’s scope and ability to take action. Assessment of risks facing local communities including their health and wellbeing is proposed as the priority area closest to the CPP remit. 16 Page 70
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Crucial to efforts to mitigate our contribution to climate change is the concept of “net zero”. This is the approach to mitigation adopted by the Scottish and UK Governments on the basis that while we can seek to reduce emissions from our actions and processes we cannot always eliminate them altogether. Net zero requires that where we are unable to reduce emissions to zero in some areas we need to ensure that in others we go beyond zero such as by appropriately managed afforestation, peatland and marine (blue carbon) restoration and more controversially through carbon capture and storage technology. This is of particular significance to Argyll and Bute with extensive areas of forest and peatland, extensive coastline and a small population relative to the area. A critical point is that these existing reserves do not constitute carbon reduction: only restoration or creation of new reserves would achieve this. The Operational Plan underlying the strategy notes that, “it is expected that Mitigation will mostly be directed and mandated through national regulatory and incentive programs” in order to 3. Identifying the actions that will address them 3.1 Mitigation to reduce our climate change gas emissions: Climate Friendly identify the opportunities for Argyll and Bute to reduce emissions at least in line with national targets maximise the sequestration of carbon in our natural landscapes highlight areas where action is needed in the next five years to prepare the ground for these changes what we can leave to national processes to deliver, and where we can help quicken the pace of change identify region-wide approaches and also take account of the variation in opportunities across different communities, places and landscapes 17 Page 71
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Not all bodies have a published Carbon Management/Decarbonisation Plan. Some report that this is planned or in progress and there are potential opportunities in joint working and skill and data sharing across the CPP to support this. The Scottish Government expects to develop templates for area-wide emissions to complement individual bodies’ reports over the next year to 18 months, which may bring wider emissions within scope of the CPP partner bodies’ duties. Similarly, the Scottish Government have work in progress to make reporting requirements around Scope 3 emissions (supply chain) clearer and more robust. Most of the CPP partner members have Public Body Climate Change reporting duties under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act based on the current (2022-23) set of reports as published by the Sustainable Scotland Network , and collectively these organisations bodies have averaged reductions of 41% since their baseline reporting years. Reductions are presented as percentage rather than as gross figures because many of the bodies cover wider geographic areas than Argyll and Bute. These are summarised in the Emissions 2023 tab of the spreadsheet GORE Gaps Opportunities Risks Emissions reproduced in Appendix 3. 11 https://sustainablescotlandnetwork.org/slickr_media_upload?id=200512 Currently the two emissions data sets specifically covering the Argyll and Bute boundary are Argyll and Bute Council’s emissions figures as presented in its Climate Change Duties Report , and the Local Authority Greenhouse Gas Map from the National Atmospheric Emissions Laboratory. Due to the high area of afforested land, land use in Argyll delivers a net saving of 532 ktCO2e making our total emissions across all sectors only 257 ktCO2e despite being the second largest county by area. This also translates to 3 tonnes per capita which is 25% under the global average of 4 tonnes (although to have the best chance of avoiding a 2℃ rise in global temperatures, the average global carbon footprint per year needs to drop to under 2 tons by 2050). These can easily be interpreted as a recipe for inaction, but if we discount the forestry figure, our regional emissions come to 676 ktCO2e with our per capita emissions up correspondingly. 12 13 14 Reports (sustainablescotlandnetwork.org)11 Local Authority GHG Map (beis.gov.uk)14 2021-22 figures used. 2022-23 figures have been published but GHG Map still using 2021.13 18 Page 72
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In order to enable some form or comparison, the gap and opportunity analysis exercise looked at percentage emissions changes for these organisations in order to enable a picture of the overall relative direction and pace of travel. Argyll and Bute Council’s emissions figures refer to its own operations rather than to the area as a whole, so the figures are not directly comparable with the Local Authority Greenhouse Gas Map. 11 Other public bodies operating in the region produce their own emissions plans and reports. Meetings to date have identified that for some of these they are currently revising decarbonisation/carbon management plans. However, the other public bodies operating in the area work to different geographical boundaries, with some operating only in part of the area, and others covering wider regional areas such as Argyll and Highland, or operating nationally, so again this means that figures for the various organisations from these reports are not directly comparable. Collectively, the public bodies in Argyll with climate reporting duties have achieved an average reduction of 41% in carbon emissions over the period in which they have been reporting (usually around 10 years) and common consensus is that the easy wins have long since been made with further reductions largely dependent upon major infrastructure developments to support lower carbon energy and transport. 19 Page 73
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Argyll and Bute Climate Action: Summary of CPP Public Body Climate emissions From partners covered by Climate Duty reporting requirements CPP Member Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3 Total emissions Emissions trend from baseline Emissions change from baseline Geography Note Direct emissions from sources that the organisation owns or controls directly Indirect emissions and purchased energy Everything outside Scope 1 and 2. Also value and supply chain, waste, commuting and home working All bodies have had fluctuations including from changing reporting requirements Baseline years vary and all bodies have benefited from decarbonisation of electricity Argyll and Bute Council 8700 3780 14000 26500 Down Down 33% A&B UHI Argyll A&B Health and Social Care Partnership/NHS Highland 19620 6211 731 26560 Down Down 25% Highland and A&B Highlands and Islands Enterprise 147 165 183 495 Down Down 67% H&I,A&B Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park 123 73 47 243 Down Down 37% Multiple LA Areas Police Scotland 26557 9929 2874 39360 Down Down 43% Scotland Scottish Ambulance Service 23500 930 1150 25600 Down Down 9% Scotland Scottish Enterprise 372 195 738 1300 Down Down 78% Scotland Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 10837 3632 777 15246 Down Down 35% Scotland NatureScot 352 216 346 915 Down Down 42% Scotland SEPA 395 510 837 1742 Down Down 47% Scotland Skills Development Scotland 158 198 1682 2038 Down Down 47% Scotland SportScotland [blank] 584 106 690 Down Down 60% Scotland Strathclyde Partnership for Transport 447 2466 291 3204 Down Down 68% Clyde HITRANS 1 6 7 Down Down 56% H&I, A&B VisitScotland 79 203 617 899 Down Down 73% Scotland Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) 40000 28154 6600 74850 Down Down 31% UK Crofting Commission 0.5 3 12 15 Down Down 23% Scotland Forestry Commission (Scottish Forestry) 40 45 213 298 Up Up 12% Scotland Forestry Commission (Forest & Land Scotland) 2352 511 556 3418 Down Down 9% Scotland CALMAC -CMAL Scotland Scottish Water 39000 85000 93000 217000 Down Down 53% Scotland Average reduction 41% Beyond the public sector, emissions information is much less readily available and there is limited scope for the strategy via the CPP to place requirements on other bodies to take action or make information available, although there is some potential such as via incentive uptake rates where these are reported and this will be an important consideration for the route map. A useful piece of terminology to help understand how carbon emissions are reported is the distinction between Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions. Scope 1 refers to direct emissions from sources that the organisation owns or controls directly, such as emissions from fleet vehicles or boilers for heating buildings. Scope 2 is indirect emissions and purchased energy such as purchased electricity for heating buildings or running equipment. Scope 3 is more complex as this covers everything outside Scopes 1 and 2, including procurement and the wider supply chain, commuting and homeworking and also waste. For most CPP partners, Scope 3 is the hardest to measure category of emissions. The operational plan makes specific reference to sequestration. This is the term for capturing, stabilising and storing carbon rather than have it escape into the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. Estimates for economic opportunities for carbon sequestration range from £8.7m, based on restoring 10% of local degraded peatland, to more than £3bn when looking at longer-term high value integrated projects .15 Carbon sequestration Argyll and Bute research | HIE15 20 Page 74
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ACT are participants in the Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (FIRNS), working to develop a project integrity charter and a governance and enterprise model. The outcome of this project and the other 26 FIRNS projects currently being worked through in Scotland will help to define how natural capital finance can work in Scotland and support delivery of climate action specific to Argyll and Bute, while also potentially helping to address widespread perceptions that more could be done to improve the social and economic as well as environmental impacts of land use, land use change and forestry. Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (FIRNS) project | Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust Steering Group partners have emphasised the importance of ensuring that sequestration measures and any emissions reductions claimed are genuine, and also the risk of the high amount of forestry in Argyll and Bute artificially reducing per capita and per hectare emissions and that this could be misinterpreted as a recipe for inaction and complacency on climate change. Discussions of carbon sequestration are further nuanced by the concepts of offsetting and a newer and less well known alternative, “insetting”. This concept will be of increasing importance for Argyll and Bute. Offsetting refers to the buying of carbon credits to offset carbon emissions that a body is unable or unwilling to reduce, and has been the subject of repeated criticisms concerning how robust the models employed are and how genuine and lasting any emission savings are. Insetting has been described by the Carbon Literacy Project as “carbon insetting focuses on doing more good rather than doing less bad within one’s value chain. Instead of investing in projects outside their value chains, companies engaging in carbon insetting invest in reducing carbon emissions within their own value chains. At the same time, these projects can also create positive impacts on communities, landscapes and ecosystems.”17 https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2023- 05/woodland_and_forestry_strategy_april_2011_ac.pdf 16 An important point of clarification is the distinction between commercial forestry, typically involving a single tree species planted and then harvested on a 35-40 year cycle, and native woodland with a wider variety of species, including ancient woodland and rainforest. Fast growing commercial species capture carbon more quickly while growing, but if used for biomass once harvested this carbon is then released again into the atmosphere, and the disturbance of soil during planting and harvesting releases further carbon (forest soil typically stores twice as much carbon as the trees). The Argyll and Bute Woodland and Forestry Strategy notes that “While new woodland is an excellent means of sequestering atmospheric carbon and will play an important role in Scotland’s response to climate change mitigation, protecting sensitive peat soils – major carbon stores in their own right – is critical to prevent unnecessary carbon liberation” and that “Maintaining and expanding the native woodland resource will also be important in generating longer-lived carbon stores”. Carbon Insetting vs Carbon Offsetting - The Carbon Literacy Project17 21 Page 75
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Argyll has some of the finest remnants of temperate rainforest in all of Europe. Restoring the rainforest and associated habitats of Argyll & the Isles will give rainforest biodiversity the best chance to adapt to our changing climate, to sequester carbon and to prevent soil erosion and flooding. Scottish Rainforest restoration projects are creating the equivalent of 40 new full-time jobs and investing £3.2 million in rural communities, with over half of that investment being in Argyll. Distinctions between mitigation/reducing carbon emissions, and adaptation/taking action to reduce the impacts of unavoidable climate change can be blurred and in the case of CPP partners, and opportunities for reducing emissions through working in partnership, this is even more the case. The subtleties of offsetting and insetting are of major potential significance for Argyll and Bute. Research by the Scottish Association for Marine Science for Highland and Islands Enterprise on optimising carbon sequestration opportunities in Argyll and Bute indicates that terrestrial ecosystems in Argyll and Bute hold between 587-990 MtCO2e (million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent), of which 510-898 MtCO2e comes from soils to 1 m depth and 77-90 MtCO2e is held within the aboveground vegetation, half of which is held within the woodlands and forests. Put another way, soil stocks alone hold more than ten times Scotland’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. For the marine environment, the same research indicates that the marine sediments of Argyll and Bute hold an estimated 166 MtCO2e carbon. Another example is the CPP’s role in prevention and enhancing resilience and addressing vulnerability: if collective action on resilience and community wellbeing can reduce demand on emergency services this can also reduce Scope 1 emissions due to fleet emissions for these organisations, which for this category of services is their greatest single source of emissions. 18 https://www.hie.co.uk/media/13011/optimising-carbon-sequestration-opportunities-in-ab-sams-wp1-and-3.pdf 18 The examples above indicate the amount of carbon stored in land and the potential for enhancing carbon storage through land management, but bringing, for example, peatland and woodlands into positive management also offer opportunities to reduce flood and wildfire risk as well as enhancing biodiversity, local amenity and creating job opportunities. 22 Page 76
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3.2 Adaptation to unavoidable impacts of climate change: Climate Ready With global carbon emissions continuing to rise and increasing incidence of different and extreme weather events and temperature records, the importance of adaptation continues to grow. Mitigation is expected to be mostly driven by existing national plans and targets, complemented by partnership opportunities, and many of the easy wins have already been made. Adaptation is less explored and at the same time frequently of greater understandable importance and immediacy to communities: impacts of road and other transport closures, floods and high rain and winds all provide recent examples felt by all throughout the region. These threats are compounded by the length and vulnerability of transport links and also the low population density making capital funding harder to access, but conversely where taking measures to support community resilience, compounded with building upon local knowledge and experience and wider reviews such as the 2023 Scotland Adaptation Progress Report can identify opportunities. As with mitigation, key achievements or opportunities are indicated where possible and recurrent or major themes are brought into a short list of potential measures. Organisations do not currently have to have published adaptation plans but this is under review and the Scottish Government may mandate this in future for public bodies. Although addressed to the Scottish Government, the top ten of the 51 recommendations from the Progress Report are also relevant at local level: Ensure that support for adaptation alongside decarbonisation is included in key building policies Address data gaps on impacts to buildings and adaptation actions by utilising already available data to track resilience of the building stock, monitoring of samples of existing buildings in at-risk locations, and home resilience reporting that include assessments of flood and overheating resilience. Proactive adaptation measures for overheating and flood resilience in buildings. Identifying at-risk buildings, awareness raising, training and engagement on property- level flood protection. Address data gaps on Scottish business preparedness, availability of capital and insurance for adaptation, and the effectiveness of business adaptation actions. Measures for reducing water use by business. Supply chain resilience to climate hazards Adaptation reporting requirements 19 https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/adapting-to-climate-change-progress-in-scotland/19 23 Page 77
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Initiatives for place-based and cross-sectoral adaptation and including support for vulnerable areas and sectors Long-term planning, including monitoring of weather-related incident response The UK Climate Change Committee’s 10 adaptation principles applied to Argyll & Bute Principle Progress/Opportunities for Action 1 A vision for a well adapted UK Proposed vision: “We make Argyll and Bute climate ready by acting together to understand and adapt to our changing climate” 2 Integrate adaptation into other policies Examples include links with flood resilience plans, community risk register, housing and transport policies, sustainable procurement, carbon literate training. 3 Adapt to 2°C; assess the risks for 4°C Always work to high emissions scenarios 4 Avoid lock-in (eg building new homes without designing in adaptations to future conditions such as extreme heat) This links well with integrating with other policies, by seeking to identify co benefits and also to avoid reliance on a single action or technology. The geographic scale and diversity of Argyll and Bute also mandate this approach. Also the importance of factoring climate into eg major infrastructure projects. 5 Prepare for unpredictable extremes This requires an acceptance that the unexpected can happen and emphasises the need to enhancing overall resilience in addition to specific flood/heatwave etc measures 6 Assess interdependencies This is one of the great strengths of the CPP model where many of the key agencies and partnership working can help to address interdependencies. Many adaptation measures can also have strong links with mitigation. 7 Understand threshold effects Things happen fast after thresholds or tipping points are crossed (eg algal blooms when water is over 17 centigrade), meaning a new course of action may be needed, but adaptation plans have often focussed on gradual changes over time. Building up a bank of threshold effects appropriate to Argyll can inform how to take these into account. 8 Address inequalities Working through the CPP priority outcomes around Transport Infrastructure, Housing and Community Wellbeing provides a strong basis for this. There are well documented links between climate vulnerability and social inequality and the community remit of the CPP can support prioritising accordingly. 9 Consider opportunities Meetings with key partners and literature review to inform the gap and opportunity analysis have identified 6 main opportunity areas for action: Infrastructure Policy Influence Procurement and Supply Chain Collaboration Risk/Economic Assessment Resilience/Carbon Literacy Training Skills Development 10 Funding, resourcing, metrics, research A specific task in the operational plan is to identify funding and pilot opportunities. 24 Page 78
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A climate risk assessment for Argyll and Bute will be required as part of ongoing work, and one proposed priority area for action is to collaborate with Community Planning partners who are starting their own processes of developing adaptation plans who need to undertake climate risk assessments. The first draft of this strategy circulated in March 2023 proposed the set of 15 headline “Consequences ” identified by Adaptation Scotland as a starting point for scoping climate risk in Argyll to inform future risk assessment work. The productivity of our agriculture and forests: potential to improve growing conditions and increase the productivity of agriculture and forestry, but also threats from more variable and extreme weather to the spread of pests and diseases. The occurrence of pests and disease The quality of our soils: We rely on soils to sustain biodiversity, support agriculture and forestry, regulate the water cycle and store carbon. Soils and vegetation may be altered by changes to rainfall and increased temperatures - as well as the way we use the land. The health of our natural environment: Climate change may affect the delicate balance of Scotland’s ecosystems and transform Scotland’s habitats and biodiversity, adding to existing pressures. Some distinctive Scottish species may struggle and could be lost, invasive non-native species may thrive, while a degraded environment may not be able to sustain productive land or water supply. Temperate rainforest is especially susceptible to the impacts of climate change: Argyll has some of the best examples of this in Europe, with unmitigated climate change, climatic suitability for temperate rainforest could be lost from Argyll by the end of the century. The security of our food supply: Although Scotland may be able to grow more food, this will not offset the impact global disruption has on us. The effects of increased volatility in the global commodity market due to exposure to extreme climatic events has an impact on supply and cost of food. The availability and quality of water: Summer droughts may become more frequent and more severe causing problems for water quality and supply. The increased risk of flooding The change at our coast: More coastal flooding, erosion and coastline retreat. The health of our marine environment: The changes will present both threats and opportunities to our commercial fisheries and aquaculture. 20 Adaptation: Risk Assessment 25 Page 79
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The resilience of our businesses: Climate change and associated extreme weather may disrupt transport, energy and communication networks in Scotland and around the world. This could impact on markets, affect supply chains and raise insurance costs. The health and wellbeing of our people: A warming climate may provide more opportunity to be outdoors and enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle, while reducing mortality in winter. However, it could affect patterns of disease and other health issues. Climate change and associated extreme weather may disrupt the lives of individuals and communities, limiting access to vital services and impacting on people’s physical and mental health. Our cultural heritage and identity: The changing climate is already altering our unique Scottish landscape and threatening our historic environment through coastal erosion, flooding and wetter, warmer conditions. The security and efficiency of our energy supply: In addition to local generation and transmission, impacts on global energy markets may also affect energy supplies in Scotland and consequently our overall energy security. The performance of our buildings Infrastructure – network connectivity and interdependencies: Our infrastructure is closely inter-linked and failure in any area can lead to wider disruption across these networks. In line with the methodology developed by Climate Ready Clyde and subsequently adopted in modified form by subsequent regional climate initiatives, these and the set of 61 risks identified in the UC Climate Change Committee’s Climate Change Risk Assessment (Summary for Scotland) were put through a screening and scoping exercise by the project manager and peer groups to identify a set of key risk areas, and also presented to the CPP Full Partnership, Climate Change Working Group and Area Community Planning Groups for corroboration with their own experience. 26 Page 80
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We are using “climate just” as shorthand for Just Transition. The Scottish Government has defined just transition as “A just transition is both the outcome – a fairer, greener future for all – and the process that must be undertaken in partnership with those impacted by the transition to net zero. Just transition is how we get to a net zero and climate resilient economy, in a way that delivers fairness and tackles inequality and injustice.” 3.3 Engagement: Climate Just In the context of developing a climate change strategy for Argyll and Bute, engagement spans: Core Community Planning Partnership partners Wider CPP partners CPP technical partners National technical partners and networks Wider Argyll & Bute institutions and networks Communities across Argyll and Bute, including Administrative areas Individual locations and settlements The three guiding principles underlying the ABCA business case are fundamental to the engagement approach: Argyll and Bute communities, places and landscapes are being affected by climate change in different ways. There are likely to be common challenges across the region but there will also be significant variation within and between communities, places and landscapes. The proposed climate risk and opportunity assessment and follow on mitigation, adaptation planning and implementation must identify region-wide climate risks and opportunities for action and take account of local variations and capacity to adapt. All aspects of the initiative will be carried out in an inclusive and accessible way and reflect on just transition. Priority will be given to ensuring that communities, physical or virtual, are engaged in these processes and that local knowledge and experience is valued and used. 21 https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/strategy- plan/2021/09/transition-fairer-greener-scotland/documents/transition-fairer-greener- scotland/transition-fairer-greener-scotland/govscot%3Adocument/transition-fairer-greener- scotland.pdf 21 27 Page 81
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Parallel to ABCA strategy development is the Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network (ABCAN) project with Scottish Government funding in support of outcomes including: Widen participation by engaging new communities and strengthening existing activity. Increase in community led climate change mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity projects, driven by communities themselves, contributing to a fair and just transition to net zero. Increasing community resilience and knowledge of how to respond to climate change; Strengthened and increased collaboration and knowledge sharing across and between community groups, public, private and 3rd sector partners leading to an acceleration in community action Minority and disadvantaged communities are visible, confident and active within the network, taking part and leading climate action activities. Increase in community climate literacy, which directly leads to a 5 - 15% reduction in participant’s carbon footprints. Increase in involvement in policy setting, decision making and local place planning with climate lens by communities. This parallel initiative greatly enhances the reach of the overall ACT/CPP climate effort. Although separately funded and staffed, the two projects are working in close collaboration and a basis for distinction is that ABCAN Hub has more of a grassroots and community focus whereas ABCA Strategy is slightly more oriented towards institutions, but can also ensure that the grassroots activity and aspirations from the Hub have a strategic voice. 22 ACT Now | Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust22 This collaboration includes working with Argyll and Bute Council to support the inclusion of the “Climate Lens” in developing Local Place Plans with community councils and other bodies across the region. 28 Page 82
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Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership has three priority outcomes: Transport Infrastructure Housing Community Wellbeing. This principle is followed here and in Appendix 5 the CPP outcomes are aligned against national and wider climate outcomes including National Performance Framework Net Zero Nation, UN Sustainable Development Goals and most significantly for this strategy the five outcomes of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan (SNAP3) : Public Services and Infrastructure: Public services are collaborating in effective, inclusive adaptation action. Communities: Communities creating climate-resilient, healthy and equitable places. Nature Connects: Nature connects across our lands, settlements, coasts and seas. Economy, Industry and Business: Economies and industries are adapting and realising opportunities in Scotland’s Just Transition. International: Scotland’s international role supports climate justice and enhanced global action on climate adaptation. 4. Vision, outcomes and objectives 23 Vision Our vision is that We make Argyll and Bute climate ready by acting together to understand and adapt to our changing climate Outcomes Climate change: Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)23 29 Page 83
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Scottish National Adaptation Plan Outcomes Argyll & Bute Community Planning Partnership Outcomes Public Services and Infrastructure: Public services are collaborating in effective, inclusive adaptation action. Transport Infrastructure Communities: Communities creating climate-resilient, healthy and equitable places. Housing, Community Welbeing Nature Connects: Nature connects across our lands, settlements, coasts and seas. Community Wellbeing Economy, Industry and Business: Economies and industries are adapting and realising opportunities in Scotland’s Just Transition. Transport Infrastructure, Housing International: Scotland’s international role supports climate justice and enhanced global action on climate adaptation. Transport Infrastructure, Community Wellbeing The alignment of the five outcomes of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan with the CPP outcomes is: Objectives Governance and leadership Identifying leadership and champions (organisations and community) Liaison and reporting with CPP structures Vision and theory of change Engagement strategy Logo, branding and image Understanding the challenge Audit & gap analysis Mitigation Adaptation Engagement The objectives for the strategy are grouped under three work packages agreed by the CPP 30 Page 84
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Planning and implementation Quick win opportunities Pilot projects Training Funding Scope options for planning and implementation (Transport, Housing, Community Wellbeing) Proposals for taking forward specifics under these are listed in the Task List in Appendix 6.2. This refers to working up the strategy. The Action Plan is then to be developed with partners in the remaining half of the project to take forward delivery under the principal Areas for Action identified through the gap and opportunity analysis. 5. Identifying opportunity areas for action We started with a need to find out what is already happening and where there are gaps or opportunities and greatest risks. This cuts across mitigation, adaptation and engagement. This has been informed through: Review of CPP partners’ Climate Change Duty reports Review of partners’ climate change plans where published Review of other regional climate plans Review of other plans and strategies relevant to Argyll and Bute Support from Sniffer/Adaptation Scotland and Sustainable Scotland Network Meetings with stakeholders including CPP representatives Feedback from the wider community mainly via the A&B Climate Action Network Hubs In Argyll and Bute, the most comprehensive and consistent information relating to the overall picture of current climate action comes from the Climate Duty reports provided by the public bodies operating in the area. This provides a strong although not perfect match with the main bodies in the CPP and consequently this can provide an illustration of both activity within the CPP and potential gaps where the CPP may have agency or capacity to take action, either collectively or by constituent bodies. 31 Page 85
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These are complemented by published climate strategies but not all organisations have these and some treat items such as risk assessments as confidential internal documents Meetings with stakeholders have included suggestions relating to other organisations, and these are currently excluded from the analysis as “informal”, although they may inform discussion on developing the action plan. A collaboration with Argyll & Bute Third Sector Interface is under development to undertake a comprehensive audit of the sector across Argyll and Bute including elements on climate readiness which can further inform the development of the Action Plan in support of this strategy over 2025. Likewise, meetings with stakeholders outside the public sector have revealed a wide range of action but less regarding reporting requirements relating to these. Future work including business grants and agricultural/land management payments will include elements of carbon and other environmental reporting but these are currently work in progress to be captured within the Action Plan as this is developed over 2025. A collaboration with Argyll & Bute Third Sector Interface is under development to undertake a comprehensive audit of the sector across Argyll and Bute including elements on climate readiness which can further inform the development of the Action Plan in support of this strategy over 2025. Developing the Action Plan also needs to be informed by local knowledge from partners and the wider community, requiring ongoing engagement to complement the literature review and meetings held to date. Building upon the literature review and engagement, a set of opportunity areas for action was developed, aligned against key findings from the partners’ published Public Body Climate Duty reports: Infrastructure Policy Influence Procurement and Supply Chain Collaboration Risk/Economic Assessment Resilience/Carbon Literacy Training Skills Development (Subsequently combined with Procurement and Supply Chain) Other 32 Page 86
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These categories of measures were reviewed by peers via a spreadsheet with three columns of drop down boxes in order to prioritise measures associated with the Climate Duty reports to establish a group of thematic measures appropriate to the CPP’s remit and scope of control and influence in order to inform ongoing development of the Action Plan. Opportunity Areas for Action 5.1 Infrastructure Infrastructure is a primary concern in Argyll and Bute, with the length and vulnerability of the transport network to flooding, landslides and coastal impacts attracting comment from nearly all stakeholder and community meetings. The region’s geography also 33 Page 87
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that marine and air transport links are major considerations in addition to road and rail. 5.2 Policy Influence “Policy influence” covers areas that are not within the CPP’s ability to control but where the collective voice of the CPP or its individual members may seek to inform or influence policy. This is seen as an important role for the CPP by many, with a common perception that many climate-related policies are more suited to densely populated and predominantly urban areas rather than to Argyll and Bute’s distinctive geography and population. There is less consensus among stakeholders on the extent to which this is a concern for the Community Planning Partnership as distinct to the specific groups within the CPP with expertise and responsibility for transport infrastructure and links with flood resilience planning. There is more consensus among stakeholders on the CPP’s role in addressing demand and impacts upon transport infrastructure including propensity to travel and potential to influence travel choices to reduce reliance on private cars, noting that 30% of households in Argyll and Bute do not have a car. Communications and grid infrastructure are also major concerns: enhancing grid capacity is a key element of decarbonising both transport (electric vehicle charging) and housing as well as enabling further renewable energy developments in the region which is seen as a key economic and climate opportunity. Addressing digital exclusion is a priority for Argyll and Bute and the resilience of telecommunications links in the face of climate change was a repeated theme in stakeholder meetings, including some concerns over the switchover from physical copper-based landlines to internet-based services. Natural or Green/blue infrastructure is a major consideration for Argyll and Bute, with nature based solutions such as natural flood risk management to complement hard engineering where appropriate as well as the carbon saving opportunities – and potential economic opportunities – associated. 5.3 Skills, Procurement and Supply Chain Community Wealth Building is seen as a major climate change opportunity including in terms of shortening supply chains, strengthening local markets and the local economy, supporting jobs and skills development and a just transition to a greener economy. 34 Page 88
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Multiple stakeholders commented on the potential for the CPP’s combined procurement activity to support community wealth building in addition to potentially reducing duplication and transport impacts. Procurement is a tightly regulated area and all CPP budgets are under pressure, so there is a need to balance climate change considerations alongside affordability, availability value for money, fitness for purpose and other best value considerations. This is an area that falls within Scope 3 emissions, and as such likely to be subject to increasing reporting requirements. Several CPP partners have provided instances where local providers have been able to deliver in preference to large providers from outside the region, enabling money to stay within the region and supporting local employment and skills at the same time as delivering best value. Supplier engagement programmes have been seen as a valuable tool and an area where there are further opportunities for reducing economic leakage and shortening elements of some supply chains. 5.4 Risk Assessment Several CPP partners are at similar stages of starting climate adaptation and associated risk assessment processes. Stakeholders have indicated the potential value in working together on this as well as sharing existing information, and several have also emphasised the importance of factoring in economic assessments. Examples of risk and economic assessments and methodologies from Highland Adapts are included in the appendices. Commissioning a risk assessment for Argyll and Bute with emphasis on community wellbeing is proposed as the best fit with CPP outcomes, with the opportunity to do this from existing project resources. Natural or Green/blue infrastructure is a major consideration for Argyll and Bute, with nature based solutions such as natural flood risk management to complement hard engineering where appropriate as well as the carbon saving opportunities – and potential economic opportunities – associated. 35 Skills development and education is seen as one of the most important areas to address the trend to a declining and ageing population in Argyll and Bute as well as to strengthening the economy and community wellbeing. In the context of climate change, this is further important through the role of skills development in supporting a just transition to a lower carbon and more resilient economy. Skills development, including education, is presented separately to resilience and carbon literacy training on the basis that resilience and carbon literacy training are specific and well defined exercises as distinct to the much broader range of activity around skills development and education across Argyll and Bute. Page 89
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As the group of organisations and community representatives working together to achieve improvements across Argyll and Bute in ways which promote prevention, reduce inequalities and build community capacity, the CPP is strongly placed to work in multiple ways to develop overall resilience in the community in addition to measures more specific to climate change. There are also opportunities to integrate this with place planning in addition to developing and delivering resilience training at multiple levels across the region, such as the online climate resilience training currently being piloted by the Argyll & Bute Community Action Network. Carbon Literacy training is more well established and recognised and this in addition to enhancing individuals’ empowerment and agency with regard to climate change can also support employability. When presenting the set of proposed areas of action to the CPP Full Partnership for attendees to indicate their priorities, some respondents indicated “other”: subsequent discussion with these respondents indicated that this was from desired actions that cut across multiples of these areas of activity rather than fitting into any one category. 5.6 Crosscutting/Other 6. Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation Because the Argyll & Bute Climate Change Strategy is not a statutory requirement, it cannot place reporting or other duties upon the CPP partners and the Climate Change Public Body Duty reporting requirements provide a means by which the partners’ climate activity can be monitored and reported. 36 The new Scottish National Adaptation Plan emphasises the need to support people and communities most vulnerable to climate impacts and building resilient, healthy, and equitable places, including rural, island and coastal communities. The Scottish Government defines resilience as “Communities and individuals harnessing resources and expertise to help themselves prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies, in a way that complements the work of emergency responders”. 5.5 Resilience/Carbon Literacy Page 90
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Funding for Argyll & Bute Climate Action runs until October 2025 meaning that there is no dedicated resource for monitoring and reporting of the strategy as a whole after October 2025. Feedback from meetings with partners to date has been supportive of an approach based around existing Public Body Climate Duty reporting requirements, such that ongoing activity can be captured and new projects brought within the same framework wherever possible. This has the potential to offer a basic level of monitoring not only of the activity of public sector partners but also through the “Wider Influence” section where they in turn can have broader impact through partnership or client working. The Sustainable Scotland Network does a national level assessment of the Public Body Duty reports, typically made available in May-June after individual bodies’ reports are submitted at the end of the calendar year. At present there is no provision for regional- level assessment although this is a recognised issue. There may be some potential for Sniffer/Adaptation Scotland to provide some assistance with evaluation of the adaptation components of the strategy beyond the funded period but this would not replace the need for ongoing monitoring and reporting. This approach seeks to reduce extra reporting as much as possible there would still be resource implications associated. This would entail a requirement for the CPP to identify an individual and make time available (suggested two days) to review the partners’ published reports and SSN national assessment, and present this to the Climate Change Working Group autumn meeting. 37 For more information please contact: Andy Macpherson Climate Change Project Manager Argyll Countryside Trust andy@act-now.org.uk act-now.org.uk/cpp Page 91
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Page 93 Agenda Item 10a
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Crossroads North Argyll Respite for Unpaid Carers OLI Community Planning Group Wednesday, 14th May at 10am Page 94
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Background • Crossroads North Argyll is a Charity based in Oban, covering Oban, Lorn and the Isles. We were incorporated in May 2002. • We provide a service in Oban, Taynuilt, Dalmally and Kilchrenan; Benderloch and Appin; south of Oban to Kilmelford and the Isle of Seil and all places in between. • We also have a service on the Isle of Mull and are hoping to start a service on the Isle of Tiree. Page 95
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Staff • We have: • 1 full-time Manager • 1 full-time Assistant Manager • 1 Development Worker(30hrs) • 1 Admin Worker(30hrs) • 24 Care Attendants working variable hours Page 96
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Board Members Our Board are made up of existing Unpaid Carers and Bereaved Carers. We have 6 people on the Board who have a wealth of experience and knowledge of Unpaid Carers. Our Chairperson is Elaine Robertson, who has been with the organisation from the beginning. They are all volunteers and are a very active Board. Page 97
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What do we do? • Crossroads provides respite for Unpaid Carers. • So, what is respite? • Respite, also known as a short break, can be from a couple of hours a week, to a weekend or weeklong break. • Even a short break each week helps the Unpaid Carer do something for themselves, such as meeting up with friends, going to the hairdressers or even catching up on sleep. This all helps them to carry on in their caring role. Page 98
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What does that mean for the Unpaid Carer and Cared-for • We provide between 2hrs and 9hrs respite per week depending on what the Unpaid Carer is assessed as needing. • We take the Cared-for person out for a drive, lunch, a walk, whatever they would like to do. If they are not able to leave the house, we do activities at home e.g., jigsaws, baking, listening to music, reminiscing. • 95% of the people we support are living with some kind of dementia, so the activities we provide are tailored around their skills and needs. It is important to keep people active physically and mentally. Page 99
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Groups • We also run groups: • The Monday Group –is a mixture of bereaved carers and cared-for. • The staff pick the members up from their homes to take them for lunch at different places across Oban and out with or to places of interest. • The group members decide where they want to go each week. Page 100
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Groups cont … • We also run a group for Gypsy/Traveller Unpaid Carers and Cared-for. • We meet every two weeks, doing basket- weaving, which is very much part of their culture. • They say it is very important to keep their culture alive, which this group does by bringing them all together. Page 101
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Referrals • We receive referrals from: • Social Work • North Argyll Carers Centre • The Dementia Team • GP • District Nurses • Self referral Page 102
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Hours provided • We support 123 Unpaid Carers per week and have 12 on the waiting list • We provide 245 hours of respite each week • Our staff travel around 700mls each week Page 103
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Funding • Crossroads is a registered Charity. • We are part funded by the Health and Social Care Partnership through the Carers’ Act Funding. • Our main funding comes from external funders e.g. The National Lottery, Shared Care Scotland’s Creative Breaks, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface –Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, The Crerar Trust. • We have been lucky to receive funding from smaller funders in Oban e.g. The Rotary, The Inner Wheel, Oban and Lorn Dementia Support Group, Oban Country Dancing, Oban and District Classic Vehicle Club. Page 104