Area Community Planning Groups report
Argyll and Bute Council · 19 September 2025
Back to Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management Committee — 19 September 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: 19 September 2025 Agenda Item: Area Community Planning Groups – August 2025 Meetings 1. Purpose This paper highlights the key matters arising during the Area Community Planning Group (ACPG) meetings that were held in August 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 Gill Simpson, Helensburgh Community Hub, as Chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group. c) The completion of Ian Brodie’s term as Vice Chair of the MAKI 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: 4.1 Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan – Transport Infrastructure Each ACPG received an update from the Community Planning team on the transport infrastructure priority, following input at the May ACPG meetings and
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Classification: OFFICIAL June CPP Management Committee meeting to develop a set of outcomes and outputs underpinning the agreed actions. The Community Planning team outlined the process through which the project documentation for each action would be ratified by the CPP Management Committee at its meeting on 19th September. The Helensburgh and Lomond ACPG agreed to establish a Helensburgh Transport Working Group. 4.2 Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan – Housing Each ACPG gave consideration to a presentation from the Community Planning team on the housing priority and the actions being developed to tackle housing-related inequalities. Group members were invited to provide a verbal or written response to a set of questions linked to the long-term housing 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 19th September. 4.3 Local Housing Strategy All four ACPGs were provided with an update on activities following the Housing Emergency Action Plan put in place in June 2024. Each group received information on engagement with the Scottish Government, external investment, energy efficiency and fuel poverty, worker accommodation and details of housing developments in the local administrative area. 4.4 Argyll and Bute CPP Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan Andy MacPherson from ACT provided an update on the extension of his post to July 2026 and emphasised the ongoing work with building community resilience including options to establish pilot groups in each administrative area. 4.5 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service update The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) quarter 1 report presented details of local performance across each area of Argyll and Bute for the period April to June 2025. The report included updates on accidental dwelling fires, deliberate secondary fire setting, wildfires, fires in non-domestic properties, casualties from fire and non-fire emergencies, unwanted fire alarm signals, while highlighting community engagement and Local Senior Officer activities. Members also received a presentation on the Service Delivery Review which is considering operational models to meet Scotland’s changing risks and demand, with a public consultation on plans open until September.
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Classification: OFFICIAL The Helensburgh and Lomond ACPG sought clarification for the November meeting on the specific areas to which the statistics presented referred. 4.6 Police Scotland update Police Scotland 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 agricultural crime. 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 Community Link working, Suicide Prevention training, Art of Hosting for the Living Well Programme, and updates on Working Well with Communities and the launch of the Population Health Framework. 4.8 Argyll and Bute TSI update The Argyll and Bute TSI update highlighted information on Public Sector Reform and population health, the Scotland Demands Better campaign, years 5 and 6 of the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, the refresh of the Community Directory and Funding platform and the Argyll and Bute TSI Strategy review 2026-2031. 4.9 Argyll and Bute Council – Aspiring Places update An update was provided by the Aspiring Places team on the launch of the Argyll and Bute Voices platform and Aspiring Places digital space, the recent Funding Connections Roadshow, available funding streams, and information on expressions of interest and next steps for the project. 5.0 Bute & Cowal (Meeting Papers - LINK) The group considered a report from Live Argyll which provided an update on local youth work activities including the Summer Give Programme and the opening of a new youth space at Dunoon Foodbank. Ian Woodcock, Transport Scotland, provided an update on the ongoing works on the A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan, the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful and the implementation of 20mph zones in Tarbet and Arrochar. Ann Campbell provided an update from Dunoon Community Development Trust on the development over the past year of a Local Place Plan and Community Action
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Classification: OFFICIAL Plan for Dunoon. Ann invited members to refer to the draft Local Place Plan and offer feedback. 6.0 Helensburgh & Lomond (Meeting Papers - LINK) The group gave consideration to the appointment of a new Chair, and with one nomination received for the position, Gill Simpson was appointed as the new Chair of Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group. Paul Ashworth, Live Argyll Service and Support Manager, provided an update on the appointment of a specialist contractor to undertake roof repairs on Helensburgh Leisure Centre, the impact assessment with Council colleagues on the proposed closure of Cardross Library, and the local survey and engagement underway in Cardross with library members and school pupils. Following discussion amongst members, Paul agreed to liaise with colleagues to produce a child-friendly version of the library survey and add the survey link to Live Argyll’s website, with the survey link also to be circulated to group members. Caroline Whitson, Live Argyll Adult Learning Lead, highlighted the work of the adult learning and youth work teams in the Helensburgh area. A presentation on the plans in place to support Telecare users in the event of a prolonged power outage was delivered by Samantha Somers, Technology Enabled Care Lead with Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership. The presentation highlighted to members the service’s Critical Recovery Plan and traffic light system to monitor connections and manage crisis situations. Ian Woodcock, Transport Scotland, provided an update on the A82 and A83 road closures and the business case for potential changes to the Gourock to Kilcreggan ferry route. The group noted the update from David Hagerty, Argyll and Bute Council Community Development Officer, on the ongoing work with community groups, Supporting Communities Fund and information on the Recovery Oriented Systems of Care. Gill Simpson provided an update on behalf of Helensburgh Community Hub, highlighting Helensburgh’s first Pride event, the launch of Helensburgh Repair Café and a forthcoming collaboration with Fun First. The group noted a written update from Helensburgh Community Council, which included information on plans to send the Local Place Plan out for consultation, Music in the Square and an update on the status of office bearers. Rhu and Shandon Community Council provided a written update on the Local Place Plan development, ongoing forestry work, work being taken forward by the Environment and Infrastructure Group including traffic volume and Active Travel, and work to address the impact of bank charges on charitable groups and the lack of public toilets in Rhu. The update was noted by ACPG members.
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Classification: OFFICIAL The group noted the update from UHI Argyll on increased interest in particular courses and the ongoing collaboration with Hermitage Academy. Jacqui Willis, Grab Trust, provided an update on the Trust’s work on a CivTech Challenges contract, which if successful, would allow the Trust to seek an innovative solution to the marine litter sink at Arrochar. Partners were invited to support the Trust with financial contributions and to share the funding request through their networks. The group considered a verbal update from Morevain Martin, Garelochhead Support Trust, on the upcoming activities of the Trust. Fiona Baker, Destination Helensburgh, highlighted the number of visitors asking about the provision of public toilets in Helensburgh following the closure of the facilities on the pier. Cllr Howard noted that this had been raised within the Council. A verbal update was provided by Angela Anderson, Plastic Free Helensburgh, including work funded by Surfers Against Sewage to test for marine contaminants, and the support available for partners wishing to take part in the next Water Blitz event. The group considered a verbal report from Angela Anderson, Time for Change, highlighting engagement work with local farmers in relation to climate change and the effects of climate change policies. Lindsay Young, Cardross Community Council, updated group members on the focus of the community council on the potential impact of local house building on the Local Place Plan. The group gave consideration to a presentation by Jon Simmons, Director of Scott and Simmons Landscape Architects, outlining the project to develop options for the former Helensburgh Skating Pond. The presentation highlighted the need to balance the needs of local users with ecological and environmental impacts and noted that the options would be presented to Argyll and Bute Council for consideration, with the results published after the December meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee meeting. The group considered a report on the work of the Community Wealth Building Short- term Working Group, highlighting what realistic local action could be taken to progress Community Wealth Building and the outcome that a small amount of funding would be sought to fund a project officer to establish a community collective to explore creating a community shop. 7.0 Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands (Meeting Papers - LINK) The group considered a presentation from Karen McCurry, Manager of the Mid Argyll MS Centre (Snowdrop Argyll), which outlined the history of the centre and the challenges faced by community members in accessing support, and which
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Classification: OFFICIAL highlighted the work of the centre, and the delivery of the Snowdrop Argyll and the Long-Term Conditions Outreach projects across the MAKI area. The group noted the report from the Live Argyll Community Learning Service, which provided an update on adult learning activities including those delivered through the Mid Argyll Community Learning and Employability Hub and the Kintyre Workshop/Hub. Ian Woodcock, Transport Scotland, provided an update on the ongoing work at the Rest and Be Thankful and the drainage and resurfacing works in a number of locations along the A83. Ian also highlighted the progress of implementing 20mph zones within settlements on the Kintyre peninsula and the plans by BEAR Scotland to cut back vegetation along the A83 during the autumn and winter months. The group considered the report submitted by Forestry and Land Scotland, providing details on local Land Management Plans, peatland restoration progress and work to combat Phytophthora ramorum. The group noted the update from Antonia Baird, Argyll and Bute Council Community Development Officer, on the Community Benefit Fund and related community engagement events arising from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks’ (SSEN) infrastructure work in the MAKI area, and a forthcoming third sector networking event in partnership with Argyll and Bute TSI being held in Tarbert. Caitlin Marini, SSEN, provided further information on the in-person and network events being held in relation to the launch of the new Community Benefit Fund, noting that the fund would only be available in those areas where SSEN work was being carried out. Chris Abell, Islay Community Council, expressed disappointment that the partner updates didn’t include an update from Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS). It was noted that while SAS was not a formal partner of MAKI ACPG, they had previously expressed willingness to attend meetings and provide updates, and it was agreed that SAS would be extended an invitation to attend a future meeting. The group noted a verbal update provided by Shopper-Aide, which highlighted the setting up of a Focus Group Listening Café, three-year funding received from the National Lottery, donations received from local people and groups, and the considerable support provided by Antonia Baird, Community Development Officer, and Inspiralba. The group received a presentation by Danny Renton, CEO of Seawilding, outlining the work of the charity in Loch Craignish which includes native oyster and seagrass habitat restoration to deliver climate change, Community Wealth Building, marine ecosystem and local economic benefits. The group gave consideration to the appointment of a new Vice Chair following the completion of Ian Brodie’s term in the Vice Chair position. The Chair thanked Ian for his commitment and support, and there being no nominations, it was agreed that the
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Classification: OFFICIAL appointment of a new Vice Chair would be considered at the next meeting of the MAKI ACPG. 8.0 Oban, Lorn and the Isles (Meeting Papers - LINK) OLI ACPG Chair, Colin Buchanan, provided an update on the creation of an ACPG Climate Change Resilience Group and confirmed that each local Community Council would be contacted and invited to attend an initial meeting. The group considered a presentation by Deirdre MacKenna, Trustee of the Ardchattan Centre, who highlighted the focus of the centre in developing community, social and cultural wealth, the varied programme of activities and events, and ongoing work with the Community Development Officer, to develop strategic, partnership, capital and commercial income plans. The group noted a written update from the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Health and Wellbeing Network including information on the network’s next meeting and an application made to the Supporting Communities Fund. Judith Hawcroft, North Argyll Carers, provided the group with a verbal update on the support offered including a bereavement group, primary and secondary after-school groups, activities for adult and young carers, and highlighted the Fair Access to Care consultation and forthcoming public meeting in Oban. Joan Best, Crossroads, provided a verbal update on the support and respite care provided by the organisation, and highlighted the waiting list for support and the increased pressure that would result from a reduction in care package support. The group noted an update from Aideen Shields, Connecting Communities Collective, which included the establishment of a development trust to take forward a community buy-out of the Re-Store shop in Oban and the preparations for a fashion show in April 2026. 9.0 Further Actions It is requested that the Management Committee note the report and the successful meetings held in August 2025. 10.0 Implications Strategic Implications Meetings of the Area Community Planning Groups held in August included discussion on the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan priority of housing. Consultations No prior circulation of this report. Resources No direct resource implications however consideration of the issues raised and following courses of action
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Classification: OFFICIAL 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