ACPG Nov 25 Report for CPP MC
Argyll and Bute Council · 5 December 2025
Back to Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management Committee — 5 December 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Classification: OFFICIAL Management Committee Date: 5 December 2025 Agenda Item: Area Community Planning Groups – November 2025 Meetings 1. Purpose This paper highlights the key matters arising during the Area Community Planning Group (ACPG) meetings that were held in November 2025. 2. Recommendations The Management Committee is asked to note: a) The highlights from the meetings detailed at section 4 of the report. b) The appointment of Lindsey Young, Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network and Cardross Community Council, as Vice Chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group. c) The appointment of Caitlin McNeill, Argyll and Bute TSI, as Vice Chair of the MAKI Area Community Planning Group. d) The vacancy for Vice Chair of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group. 3. Background There are four Area Community Planning Groups, one in each of the Council’s administrative areas (Bute and Cowal; Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands; Helensburgh and Lomond; and Oban, Lorn and the Isles). Meetings were held on a variety of platforms, including purely virtual and on a hybrid basis using Microsoft Teams. Prior to the meetings, discussions took place with the Area Chairs and Vice Chairs and a standard agenda template was agreed. All four meetings were well attended by a variety of partners. 4. Highlights All Groups considered:
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Classification: OFFICIAL 4.1 Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan – Transport Infrastructure/Housing Each ACPG received an update from the Community Planning team on the development of a set of outcomes and outputs underpinning the agreed actions for the transport infrastructure and housing priorities, following input at the May and August ACPG meetings and June and September CPP Management Committee meetings respectively. The Community Planning team outlined the process through which the project documentation for each action would be ratified by the CPP Management Committee. 4.2 Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan – Community Wellbeing Each ACPG gave consideration to a presentation from the Community Planning team on the community wellbeing priority and the actions being developed to tackle related inequalities. Group members were invited to provide a verbal or written response to a set of questions linked to the long-term community wellbeing objectives agreed by the CPP Management Committee. The Community Planning team intimated that the feedback from the four Area Community Planning Groups would be collated and fed into further discussion at the CPP Management Committee session on 5th December. 4.3 Argyll and Bute HSCP – Working with Communities All four ACPGs were provided with an overview of the Working with Communities initiative which included details of activities to develop and enhance leadership skills across Argyll and Bute. The presentation also included information on related projects including Planet Youth, Public Living Rooms and the Living Well Self-Management Strategy. 4.4 Argyll and Bute CPP Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan Andy MacPherson from ACT provided an update on the overall progress of the climate change action plan, funding to support the development of Argyll and Bute as a Climate Ready Region, and the initial findings from the review of community resilience and emergency plans through engagement with community councils. 4.5 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service update The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) quarter 2 report presented details of local performance across each administrative area of Argyll and Bute for the period July to September 2025. The report included updates on fires and special services incidents, road and water safety campaigns,
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Classification: OFFICIAL partnership working through engagement in local schools in Helensburgh, a Fire Skills course in Oban, and the difficulty in recruiting and retaining volunteer fire fighters in MAKI. It was noted that there has been a delay with Service Delivery Review recommendations going to the SFRS Board which may have an impact on Helensburgh Fire Station. 4.6 Police Scotland update Police Scotland provided information on the ongoing work of the service including the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Violence Scotland, training for taxi drivers to help identify vulnerable passengers, the winter driving safety campaign, measures to prevent agricultural theft, fraud awareness, Argyll Road Safety Hubs, and clarification of a change to reporting structures introduced by the Scottish Government. 4.7 Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership update Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership’s Public Health Team provided an update on their ongoing wellbeing and prevention activities in Argyll and Bute, including the Stoptober campaign, a health event for the Gypsy/Traveller community, and ‘You Are Not Alone’ drama performances for secondary schools across Argyll and Bute. The update also provided information on the Joint Strategic Plan 2026-2031, an accessible version of the NHS Highland Equality Outcomes 2025-2029, and the Argyll and Bute Alcohol and Drug Partnership. 4.8 Argyll and Bute TSI update The Argyll and Bute TSI update highlighted information on the TSI manifesto, the Community Voices Survey, the Strategy Review 2026-2031, Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund years 5 and 6, the work of the TSI Scotland Network, and the new Third Sector Network for MAKI. 5.0 Bute & Cowal (Meeting Papers - LINK) The group gave consideration to the appointment of a new Vice Chair, however no nominations were received and this item was deferred to the next meeting. The group considered an update from UHI Argyll on the 2025 graduation ceremony at the Queen’s Hall, Dunoon, engagement with Dunoon Grammar and Rothesay Academy, and information on a number of new courses. Consideration was given to a report from Live Argyll, providing an update on local youth work activities including engagement with local groups, the forthcoming Youth
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Classification: OFFICIAL Voice Showcase event, and information on the Dynamic Youth and Youth Achievement Awards. The group noted the report provided by the Community Development team advising that the Supporting Communities Fund applications were considered at the four Area Committees in September with 20 groups in Bute and Cowal securing funding. The report also advised that the Community Development team would be working across Argyll and Bute to strengthen networks offering assistance and recovery opportunities for those who have experienced addiction. Ian Woodcock, Transport Scotland, provided an update on the ongoing and completed works on the A82, and the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful. Ed Pybus, Kilfinan Community Council, highlighted the development of a community plan focusing on resilience, with the next community council meeting focusing on roads, speed limits, potholes and cycle lanes. Rhydian Knight, Friends of Glenan Wood, advised that a number of community engagement events had taken place recently and directed partners to their website for details of past and future events. The group considered a presentation from Rachel McLean, Community Link Worker Service Team Leader, WithYou, on support provided to anyone affected by drug or alcohol use to make a positive change to their circumstances. Community Link Workers are based in 6 GP surgeries in Cowal and a range of support services are offered, including 1:1 support, psychosocial interventions, group work, support for friends and family and support to access residential rehabilitation. 6.0 Helensburgh & Lomond (Meeting Papers - LINK) The group gave consideration to the appointment of a new Vice Chair. Lindsey Young, Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network (ABCAN) and Cardross Community Council, was nominated and confirmed she was happy to accept the position. Consideration was given to a report from Live Argyll Community Learning Services, which highlighted adult learning provision in Helensburgh, including Adult Achievement Awards, Learning Café, and adult literacy and numeracy support. Caroline Whitson, Adult Learning Lead, also highlighted the delivery of Mental Health First Aid training and noted that partners can book training sessions through the team. The group noted the report provided by the Community Development team and David Hagerty, Community Development Officer, highlighted the collaboration with the NHS and Alcohol and Drugs Partnership to establish a quarterly Recovery Network in the Helensburgh area, offering opportunities for agencies to coordinate services to support individuals’ recovery from addiction.
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Classification: OFFICIAL Ian Woodcock, Transport Scotland, provided an update on work on the A82 and A83 highlighting the work on the Rest and Be Thankful and the impact of Storm Amy. Ian advised that the decision around the future of the Kilcreggan-Gourock-Dunoon ferry services is anticipated by the end of the year. Thomas Guy-Conroy delivered a presentation on the Argyll and Bute Youth Action Council (ABYAC) model, highlighting the remit and principles including how it will be led by young people, how it will support the implementation of article 12 of the UN Convention on Rights of a Child (UNCRC), and how partners seeking inclusion of a youth voice in their organisation could engage. Fiona Baker, Destination Scotland, presented on the range of events being held between September 2025 and April 2026 to celebrate the centenary of John Logie Baird’s first public demonstration of television. Further information is available from the dedicated website and from the Destination Helensburgh premises. Lindsey Young provided an update on the Helensburgh Transport Short Life Working Group, including communication with the CPP, the representatives assigned to the group by community councils in the Helensburgh and Lomond area, and the offer for her to receive any additional nominations to the group. The group noted a report from Helensburgh Community Council, which included the development of the Local Place Plan, and a forthcoming meeting with local businesses and Police Scotland to discuss shoplifting. Consideration was given to a report from Helensburgh Community Hub, highlighting the Hub’s contribution to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and current work to offer wellbeing sessions to Afghan women refugees, and social and support events and activities for LGBTQ+ groups. Angela Anderson provided a verbal update on behalf of Plastic Free Helensburgh, to highlight the group’s attendance at a Stop Climate Chaos march in Glasgow as well as ongoing work to collect rubbish and engage with local groups in Helensburgh. Lindsey Young provided an update on behalf of ABCAN, highlighting engagement with schools to promote a sustainable Christmas Project and Climate Event at Hermitage Academy, and a Community Woodlands event at Cove Park. Katrina Sayer, Jean’s Bothy, updated the group on Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival activities and sought collaborative working with partners to source funding towards establishing a local Mental Health Forum. Fiona Baker, Rhu and Shandon Community Council, provided an update on the Local Place Plan and the flooding issue at Shandon. Fiona also highlighted the ongoing work of Rhu and Shandon Community Trust to secure the purchase of Ardenconnel Wood and the securing of funding to repair the Lovers Lane walkway in Rhu. Fiona also provided an update on behalf of Destination Helensburgh to highlight the current repair work being undertaken on their building as part of the Conservation
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Classification: OFFICIAL Area Regeneration Scheme, the Winter events schedule and the securing of funding to produce paper versions of the Helensburgh Walking Trail. Sheelagh O’Reilly, Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council, highlighted that the community council have agreed to join a Transformative Action for Resilient Coastal Communities network which is managed through the University of Glasgow. 7.0 Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands (Meeting Papers - LINK) Jamie Titterton and a group of local young people delivered a presentation on the Argyll and Bute Youth Action Council (ABYAC) model, highlighting the remit and principles including how it will be led by young people, how it will support the implementation of article 12 of the UN Convention on Rights of a Child (UNCRC), and how partners seeking inclusion of a youth voice in their organisation could engage. The group noted a report from the Live Argyll Community Learning Service providing an update on youth work in Kintyre, which highlighted the work of the Kintyre Youth Action Group in the development of the Argyll and Bute Youth Action Council (ABYAC), the forthcoming Youth Voice Showcase event in Dunoon, and the NSPCC Child Safety Online project. Consideration was also given to an update on Adult Learning in Mid Argyll and Kintyre, including information on recent courses and projects such as Skills for Life, Learning and Work. Ian Woodcock, Transport Scotland, provided an update on the ongoing work on the A83 including at the Rest and Be Thankful, and the impact of Storm Amy. Ian also highlighted the progress of implementing 20mph zones within local settlements and the scheme developed to further cut back vegetation along the A83. The group noted a verbal update provided by Shopper-Aide, highlighting the discussions and outputs from the first meeting of a Focus Group Listening Café, which explored questions around what independence means for older people, what Shopper-Aide does well and what more could it do, and what more can be done for older people in Kintyre. The group gave consideration to a report on the plans that the Telecare Service within Argyll and Bute HSCP have in place to support clients during long power cuts, with members agreeing to expand conversations with Telecare users in their communities to discuss personal communication plans in advance of a power cut occurring. The group considered an update from Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust, which highlighted that over the past 8 years, £200,000 had been distributed to 35 local organisations to support sports, health and wellbeing, events and festivals, and maintenance projects. It was noted that the Trust had purchased the old Fisherman’s Co-op in Tarbert, and while it is being renovated, community input is being sought to shape its future use.
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Classification: OFFICIAL Consideration was given to a report from Forestry and Land Scotland, highlighting Land Management Plans and forthcoming work in Carradale, Beinn Ghuilean and Kilmichael. 8.0 Oban, Lorn and the Isles (Meeting Papers - LINK) The group considered an update from UHI Argyll highlighting the progress of the 2025-26 academic year, the 2025 graduation ceremony at the Queen’s Hall in Dunoon, the Modern Apprenticeship programme, engagement with local schools, and information on a number of new short courses. The group noted a report from Live Argyll Community Learning Service on Adult Learning in the Oban area, which highlighted a range of local support including the Employability Hub, IT drop in, the National Databank, and information on adult literacy and numeracy support, and a music partnership with Hope Kitchen. Joan Best, Crossroads, provided a verbal update on fundraising events taking place during the Winter Festival, the ongoing challenges of securing funding, and highlighted that the Dementia Craft Group will be making decorations for the Christmas Tree display at St Conan’s Kirk. The OLI Alcohol and Drugs Forum provided an update which covered the forum’s history (est. 2003), its wide membership, and its Recovery-Oriented System of Care approach, which promotes community-led recovery. Recent work includes supporting Oban Recovery Community and recovery events. Future plans include stigma reduction and CRAFT training (Community Reinforcement and Family Training). A new test-of-change role, the Oban Development Worker Project funded by the ADP, will start in April 2026 to improve referral pathways, strengthen partnerships, and ensure lived experience shapes services. The group noted a written update from the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Health and Wellbeing Network including information on the network meeting in September, and funding received from the Supporting Communities Fund which will enable the network to provide a range of health and wellbeing events in 2026. Jim Tolmie, Oban and District Access Panel, provided a verbal update which highlighted a good response to the Accessible Travel consultation, with the consultation having been extended to give individuals the opportunity to respond by phone as well as electronically, The group noted the verbal update from Catriona Petit regarding Oban Re-Store which had recently won the One to Watch award at the Social Enterprise Scotland Awards. Catriona added that the Oban Development Trust had been successful in obtaining funding from the Scottish Land Fund to buy the shop building and carry out essential repairs. Colin Buchanan advised on the challenge of community councils engaging with the Climate Change Resilience Short Life Working Group and Colin confirmed he will invite all local community councils to a meeting in December while continuing to work
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Classification: OFFICIAL alongside Andy Macpherson, the Council’s Resilience Officer and the local Community Development Officer. 9.0 Further Actions It is requested that the Management Committee note the report and the successful meetings held in November 2025. 10.0 Implications Strategic Implications Meetings of the Area Community Planning Groups held in November included discussion on the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan priority of community wellbeing. Consultations No prior circulation of this report. Resources No direct resource implications however consideration of the issues raised and following courses of action may have a knock on effect on finance and/or staff resource Prevention Contributes to the prevention agenda Equalities Contributes toward reducing inequalities For More Information: John McLuckie, Partnerships Lead, john.mcluckie@argyll-bute.gov.uk