Area Community Planning Group Report
Argyll and Bute Council · 6 June 2025
Back to Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management Committee — 6 June 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
Classification: OFFICIAL Management Committee Date: 06 June 2025 Agenda Item: Area Community Planning Groups – May 2025 Meetings 1. Purpose This paper highlights the key matters arising during the Area Community Planning Group (ACPG) meetings that were held in May 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 reappointment of Reeni Kennedy-Boyle, Fyne Futures, as Vice Chair of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group. c) The resignation of Sarah Davies as Chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond 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
Page 2
Classification: OFFICIAL Each ACPG gave consideration to a presentation from the Community Planning team on the transport infrastructure priority and the actions being developed to tackle transport-related inequalities. Group members were invited to provide a verbal or written response to a set of questions linked to the long-term transport infrastructure 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 6th June. 4.2 Argyll and Bute CPP Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan Andy MacPherson from ACT provided an update on the approval of the CPP Climate Change Strategy and on the approach to developing the associated Action Plan. Andy highlighted the importance of the resilience strand within ongoing work, options for future funding and a further offer to engage with local groups. 4.3 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Update The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) quarter 4 report presented details of local performance across Argyll and Bute for the period 2024-25. The report included updates on accidental dwelling fires, deliberate secondary fire setting, 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. It was agreed that reporting on wildfires would be incorporated into future quarterly reports. Members were also advised that a Service Delivery Review had been undertaken with a public consultation opening at the end of June 2025 to consider a range of proposals. 4.4 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, highlighting in particular local policing and community engagement activities. 4.5 Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership’s Public Health Team provided an update on the ongoing wellbeing and prevention activities overseen and delivered by them in Argyll and Bute. The update highlighted Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention training, Speakeasy training and small grants awarded to five sectoral organisations to promote knowledge and understanding of national screening
Page 3
Classification: OFFICIAL programmes. Concern were raised at the Helensburgh and Lomond ACPG regarding the resilience of telecare centres during lengthy power outages and whether checks were being carried out on individuals affected by the smart meter switchover. It was agreed an update on both these issues would be provided at the August meeting. 4.6 Argyll and Bute TSI Update The update from Argyll and Bute TSI provided information on Scottish Government lobbying carried out on third sector issues including fair funding, investment in prevention, and public sector reform; the 2-year funding now offered through the community mental health fund; the forthcoming joint event with Scottish Poverty Alliance and the Annual Volunteer of the Year awards in Rhu. 4.7 LiveArgyll update Each ACPG was provided with an update on local LiveArgyll activity including P7 transition work with rural schools in Cowal, the Community Learning Hubs in Mid Argyll and Kintyre which continue to offer support and accredited learning opportunities, a new group for young people in OLI and adult leaning provision and youth work in the Helensburgh area. The concern raised at the Helensburgh and Lomond ACPG regarding a proposed reduction in library and leisure services provision will be addressed through the Communities and Partnership Manager communicating and meeting with a senior LiveArgyll manager. 4.8 Argyll and Bute Council – Community Development update An update was provided by the Community Development Officer for each area highlighting the Supporting Communities Fund, forthcoming Funding Connections Roadshows and the range of work ongoing to support community groups. 5.0 Bute & Cowal (Meeting Papers - LINK) The group considered a report from Stuart McLean outlining information relating to the appointment of a Vice Chair for the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group. It was agreed that Reeni Kennedy-Boyle, Fyne Futures, be reappointed as Vice Chair of the group. Francesco Bertoldi delivered a presentation on the development and renewal of the Scottish Government’s National Islands Plan. Group members noted that the new
Page 4
Classification: OFFICIAL plan contains fewer strategic objectives and commitments with a greater focus on allocation of responsibiities and the provision of a dedicated resource and capital budget. An update was provided by Fyne Future which included information on their 20th anniversary of being a charity and social enterprise, ongoing employability and volunteering work and plans to become Scotland’s first island-based community supported agriculture scheme. The group considered the annual update from Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) which included information on housing stock in Bute and Cowal, work undertaken with communities; sheltered housing; allocation and reletting of properties; customer involvement strategy and an update on their plans and performance benchmarking. Ann Campbell from Dunoon Community Development Trust spoke to a report which provided the background to the development of a Local Place Plan for Dunoon and Kirn which the Trust aims to submit for validation by November 2025. Consideration was given to an update from Transport Scotland which highlighted the ongoing works at the Rest and Be Thankful, completed works along the A83 including resurfacing and signage at Cairndow, ongoing works on the A82, routine maintenance works and upcoming works for resurfacing, drainage improvement and the rollout of 20mph zones at Arrochar and Tarbet. A written update from UHI Argyll included information on an open week held in March, the Modern Apprenticeship Programme which welcomed 73 new apprentices over the past year, short courses, commercial courses and plans for the Academic Year 2025-2026. An update was provided on behalf of South Cowal Community Council following the formal approval of a development trust for the South Cowal area. The purposes of the trust include the prevention or relief of poverty, the advancement of education, the advancement of citizenship or community development, the provision of recreational facilities or the organisation of recreational activities, and the advancement of environmental protection or improvement. The group considered and noted the contents of a presentation delivered by the Area Plans team on the Aspiring Places portal, a new digital space for community groups and organisations across Argyll and Bute to share information about projects that they would like to carry out. 6.0 Helensburgh & Lomond (Meeting Papers - LINK) The group gave consideration to a presentation by Sodhi Dhillon, EE and BT Digital Voice Engagement Lead for Scotland, which provided background information on the Public Switched Telephone Network switch-off and the replacement broadband- based Digital Voice. Sodhi highlighted how BT will identify vulnerable customers and
Page 5
Classification: OFFICIAL how they would be supported during the transition, and it was noted that a dedicated landline service would continue to be provided for customers without broadband. Ashley MacKay, Argyll and Bute Council’s Contract and Demand Management Officer, spoke to a report and presentation on community benefits, highlighting achievements during financial year 2023-24 and during the first two quarters of 2024-25. Ashley highlighted the definition of community benefits, outlined the Council’s aims and implementation methods, and presented detail on how procurement methods which include community benefits can maximise social, economic and environmental benefit to local communities. The group noted the update from Transport Scotland which highlighted the ongoing works at the Rest and Be Thankful and between Tarbet and Inverarnan, as well as ongoing work on other sections of the A82 and the rollout of 20mph zones at Arrochar and Tarbet. Consideration was given to a report by Fun First which highlighted existing and upcoming sessions for pre-school children and their parents including new outdoor sessions and summer holiday sessions, details of staffing changes and fundraising activities, and the opportunity for new volunteer members to join the committee. Sarah Davies spoke to a written update from Helensburgh Community Council which included information about the Local Place Plan, a proposed banking hub, the Music in the Square Fund, participation in the Visitor Levy consultation, participation in resilience training, and the success of the Save the Tower Arts Centre in securing funding for a community buy-out. Sarah also advised that there were four vacancies on the Community Council and that they would be looking to co-opt members at their AGM which was being held on the last Thursday of the month. A written update from Rhu and Shandon Community Council included information about the Local Place Plan, a WaterBlitz event and the establishment of a new charity, Rhu and Shandon Community Trust in response to managing the community purchase of Ardenconnel Wood. The group considered a report from Destination Helensburgh which highlighted achievements in social media, media advertising and through their Visitor Information Centre and website, as well as activities completed since the organisation started in 2021. An update from Angela Anderson, Plastic Free Helensburgh, provided details on the recent work carried out by beach clean-up teams, and highlighted a project to test water quality at Helensburgh Pier for a year. Angela Anderson also advised that Time for Change had a new initiative to connect with farmers via stalls at agricultural shows to find out how policy decisions were affecting them, and to seek their input on climate change. Becky Hothersall, Poverty Alliance, updated the group on work with Argyll and Bute Council and TSI on the Taking Action on Rural Poverty project (TARP) which hosted a quarterly anti-poverty meet up for groups where the cost of living is an issue. It
Page 6
Classification: OFFICIAL was noted that the next meeting would focus on applying a human rights lens to combat poverty in communities, focusing on transport and food. Becky advised that the Poverty Alliance also coordinates a citizens panel to create opportunities for people with lived experience of living on a low income or having high costs due to their rural location, noting that the panel members were keen to contribute to a broad range of work, particularly on the topics of food costs and community resilience to extreme weather. Allan Comrie of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) updated the group on the current consultation on the Strathclyde Regional Bus Strategy and encouraged participation from members. Sheelagh O’Reilly, Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council, encouraged members to read the documentation relating to Argyll and Bute Council’s proposed amendments to the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils, in particular the proposals contained in Appendix 5 relating to Existing (and Proposed) Administration Grant Levels. The group considered an update from Helensburgh Community Hub which highlighted the work of the Hub and their next 5-year plan, June Pride Month activities, Volunteer Week celebration lunch, the upcoming Hub AGM as well as information about the successful Helensburgh Book Festival. A presentation from Jayne Burnett, Visiting Friends, outlined the benefits of social connections on physical and mental health, factors shaping social connection through the Social Ecological Model, the benefits of 1:1 befriending over groups, the impact of Covid, the misconception that loneliness is an ‘old people’ issue, and future planning for the service. Consideration was given to a report updating the group on the activity of the Community Wealth Building Short-Term Working Group, which was established at the August 2024 meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group. The report highlighted the STWG activity from February to May which included learning from other parts of Argyll and Bute and learning about Community Benefits. 7.0 Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands (Meeting Papers - LINK) The group gave consideration to a report from Jeni West highlighting work on local Land Management Plans, combatting phytophthora ramorum disease in larch trees, progress with peatland restoration, and details of upcoming complex operations. Jeni advised that Balfour Beattie, who are carrying out construction works on the Fire Tower Trail at Achnabreac, were going through the formal planning process to completely close the site for 12 months. Francesco Bertoldi delivered a presentation on the development and renewal of the Scottish Government’s National Islands Plan. Group members noted that the new plan contains fewer strategic objectives and commitments with a greater focus on
Page 7
Classification: OFFICIAL allocation of responsibiities and the provision of a dedicated resource and capital budget. The group considered the annual update from Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) which included information on housing stock in Mid Argyll, Kintyre and on Islay, work undertaken with communities; sheltered housing, allocation and reletting of properties, customer involvement strategy, improvements to the Duncholgan travelling persons site, and an update on their plans and performance benchmarking. Becky Hothersall, Poverty Alliance, updated the group on work with Argyll and Bute Council and TSI on the Taking Action on Rural Poverty project (TARP) which hosted a quarterly anti-poverty meet up for groups where the cost of living is an issue. It was noted that the next meeting would focus on applying a human rights lens to combat poverty in communities, focusing on transport and food. Becky advised that the Poverty Alliance also coordinates a citizens panel to create opportunities for people with lived experience of living on a low income or having high costs due to their rural location, noting that the panel members were keen to contribute to a broad range of work, particularly on the topics of food costs and community resilience to extreme weather. Consideration was given to a verbal update from Sheila Campbell, Tarbert Castle Volunteers, which highlighted the history of the castle and work done which has gradually made the area safe for people to enjoy, including the introduction of sheep to keep the grass down, the installation of benches, information points, a viewing platform and picnic tables, and the opening of an orchard. Jane Cowan, Tarbert After School Care, provided a verbal update on the service which is the only childcare provision in Tarbert, has been running since 2009 and which provides care to 16 children every day during term time. Jane highlighted the benefits of providing after-school care and highlighted that they would be looking at a funding bid to maintain or increase the number of free places. The group gave consideration to an update from Susan Paterson, Shopper-Aide, providing information on the results of a recent survey on the services for older people in Kintyre. The survey had asked a number of questions and it was noted that the most contentious issue was transport, with responses highlighting the need for better transport and access to appointments, more social groups for different groups of people who do have difficulty getting out, and more ways of finding out about what is going on in the area. An update from Campbeltown Community Council highlighted participation in the recent Campbeltown Airport Users and Community Engagement Forum, concerns in relation to the reduction in bed numbers and the ongoing staff shortages at Campbeltown Hospital, delight at the opening of a second pharmacy in Campbeltown, and the planned VE celebrations in May 2025. Muriel MacKaveney, Culture, Heritage and Arts Assembly (CHARTS), provided a verbal update on the Creative Minds project partnering with Campbeltown Link Club,
Page 8
Classification: OFFICIAL the Heritage Awards Scheme, the re-opening of Campbeltown Museum, and a forthcoming Gaelic Landscape event. Philip Moorcroft delivered a presentation on Kintyre Coastal Network, a community- led marine restoration group based in Kintyre and established in 2024. The presentation provided information on the group, its partnership work, its aims and current projects including a marine litter survey, seagrass regeneration and marine education. The group considered a report from Transport Scotland which highlighted The current ongoing works at the Rest and Be Thankful for the erection and repair of the hillside debris netting, planned footway works at Millknowe Road and Kilchenzie, the Campbeltown Active Travel Scheme, and further drainage improvement schemes on the A83. In response to a number of questions from group members, Ian Woodcock, Transport Scotland, agreed to provide further information. 8.0 Oban, Lorn and the Isles (Meeting Papers - LINK) Megan McWilliam delivered a presentation on the development and renewal of the Scottish Government’s National Islands Plan. Group members noted that the new plan contains fewer strategic objectives and commitments with a greater focus on allocation of responsibiities and the provision of a dedicated resource and capital budget. Becky Hothersall, Poverty Alliance, updated the group on work with Argyll and Bute Council and TSI on the Taking Action on Rural Poverty project (TARP) which hosted a quarterly anti-poverty meet up for groups where the cost of living is an issue. It was noted that the next meeting would focus on applying a human rights lens to combat poverty in communities, focusing on transport and food. Becky advised that the Poverty Alliance also coordinates a citizens panel to create opportunities for people with lived experience of living on a low income or having high costs due to their rural location, noting that the panel members were keen to contribute to a broad range of work, particularly on the topics of food costs and community resilience to extreme weather. Jacqueline Westerman, Home Energy Efficiency Project Officer, delivered an update on the white meter removal process, highlighting that the replacement of white meters with smart meters has proved to be a slow process especially in rural areas. Jacqueline said that the message for householders is to contact their energy supplier as soon as possible as losing the Radio Teleswitch service without having a smart meter will result in a higher tariff being applied. Consideration was given to an update on the new Oban, Lorn and the Isles Health and Wellbeing Network which started on 1st April 2025. The update included information on how to become a member, highlighted a public event which will take place at the end of the summer to focus on the aspirations of the network, with the group also noting that Carol Flett’s role within the network will change slightly.
Page 9
Classification: OFFICIAL Catriona Petit, Hope Kitchen, advised of a new steering group which is looking for members and has been established to start a Development Trust in Oban, and highlighted a new recovery group starting in Oban for peer to peer support on alcohol and drug problems. OLI ACPG Chair, Colin Buchanan, provided an update on the Climate Change Resilience Short-Life Working Group, confirming that he had written to all Community Councils within the locality with two responses having been received. Colin further advised that local Community Council’s resilience plans require to be updated and that he would welcome contact from anyone that would like to be involved in the work of the short-life working group, particularly Community Council representatives. Kirsty MacKenzie, Carers Act Officer, delivered a presentation on the Carers Scotland Act 2016, providing the group with information on the National Carer Strategy, which sets out the commitment to support and involve carers as an equal partner, and the Council’s statutory responsibilities to unpaid carers. The group noted the information provided in a presentation delivered by Joan Best, Crossroads, including the services provided by Crossroads within the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area. Joan highlighted the support given to unpaid carers with particular reference to respite support and advised that support provided for the cared-for can include taking them out for a drive, lunch or a walk, or various activities if they cannot leave the house. 9.0 Further Actions It is requested that the Management Committee note the report and the successful meetings held in May 2025. 10.0 Implications Strategic Implications Meetings of the Area Community Planning Groups held in May included discussion on the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan priority of transport infrastructure. 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
Page 10
Classification: OFFICIAL For More Information: John McLuckie, Partnerships Lead, john.mcluckie@argyll-bute.gov.uk