Area Community Planning Group Updates (John McLuckie)
Argyll and Bute Council · 16 April 2025
Back to Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management Committee — 16 April 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: April 2025 Agenda Item: Area Community Planning Groups – February 2025 Meetings 1. Purpose This paper highlights the key matters arising during the Area Community Planning Group (ACPG) meetings that were held in February 2025. 2. Recommendations The Management Committee is asked to consider: a) The concerns of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands (MAKI) ACPG on a new format of reporting from one of the partners; detailed at 4.4. The Management Committee is asked to note: a) The highlights from the meetings detailed at section 4 of the report. b) The concerns raised by partners at the Helensburgh and Lomond (H&L) ACPG around the switch off of the Radio Teleswitching Service (RTS) and Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). See section 6.0 of this report ‘Cove and Kilcreggan’. c) The disappointment of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles (OLI) ACPG at the decision to end the funding for Living Well Networks. d) That the Governance Arrangements, specifically Terms of Reference and membership, were considered and adopted for the next year, subject to the inclusion of two new members for both the Bute and Cowal (B&C), and H&L ACPGs, representing the National Farmers Union, Scotland (NFUS), and Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA). e) The establishment by the OLI ACPG of a Short-Term Working Group to explore community resilience requirements as a result of climate change. f) The change in dates of the Bute and Cowal, and Helensburgh and Lomond ACPG meetings, scheduled for May 2026, to late April 2026. 3. Background
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Classification: OFFICIAL 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 discussion took place with the Area Chairs and Vice Chairs and a standard agenda template was agreed. All 4 meetings were well attended by a variety of partners. 4. Highlights All Groups considered: 4.1 Area Community Planning Group Governance Arrangements Each ACPG gave consideration to a report outlining the governance arrangements for the group and agreed to adopt the Terms of Reference which would be reviewed on an annual basis. Each ACPG also agreed to the membership which would also be reviewed on an annual basis with new members representing the National Farmers Union, Scotland (NFUS), and Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), being added to the membership for the Bute and Cowal, and Helensburgh and Lomond ACPGs. The Bute and Cowal, and Helensburgh and Lomond ACPGs, also agreed to a change in meeting dates from May 2026, to late April 2026. 4.2 Aspiring Places – Community Projects in Argyll and Bute Each ACPG gave consideration to a presentation by the Aspiring Places Project team. The presentation provided background information in relation to the previous project approach and how this has evolved following review and agreement on the Council’s priorities for 2024-27, leading to the revised project vision to create a digital space for community projects in Argyll and Bute. 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. 4.3 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Update The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) quarter 3 report presented details of local performance across Argyll and Bute for the period 2024-25. The report included updates on the local firefighter training plan, incident numbers recorded during the reporting period, the new Home Fire Safety Visit
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Classification: OFFICIAL policy, and road and water safety campaigns, as well as highlighting community engagement and Local Senior Officer activities. 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; the work of Youth Engagement Officers, the continued work on pro-actively engaging with the public in the locality and a renewed focus on driver behaviour safety aimed at new and young drivers. Concerns were expressed at the MAKI meeting that the new format of police reports for community council meetings did not contain information pertinent to the area and it was agreed that this would be higlighted to the CPP Management Committee to establish if this view was shared by other Area Community Planning Groups, or if the matter would just be considered at a MAKI area level. 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 the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment published in December 2024, the Community Link Worker service expansion, the launch of the Mental Health Hub – Living Well in Argyll and Bute digital resource, and training opportunities in mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The update report also highlighted the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership work, screening inequalities grant funding for Argyll and Bute, and the end of the Waverley Care contract and local Living Well Network coordination funding. 4.6 Argyll and Bute TSI Update The update from Argyll and Bute TSI provided details of ongoing Support Advisor activities, the Chief Executive’s contribution to a TSI Scotland Network document, funding for third sector organisations, a review of Day Services for Older People, Wellbeing Development Manager activities, Winter Welcome spaces and the Volunteer of the Year Awards 2025. 4.7 Transport Scotland update
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Classification: OFFICIAL The groups gave consideration to an update from Ian Woodcock from Transport Scotland on the ongoing traffic management arrangements and hillside monitoring regime at the Rest and Be Thankful with information also provided on planned road works on the A82, A83, A85 and A828. 4.8 Argyll and Bute CPP Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan Consideration was given to an update from Andy MacPherson from ACT on the progress of the CPP Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. Andy highlighted that he is working with the Council’s resilience team to enhance local resilience following Storm Èowyn, and following discussion, the OLI ACPG agreed to establish a Short-Term Working Group to explore community resilience requirements. 4.9 Argyll and Bute Visitor Levy Each ACPG was advised that the Council is running a formal visitor levy consultation until 10 April 2025 with a series of hosted drop-in events and online information webinars arranged to help people in Argyll and Bute to find out more and get involved in assessing the possible introduction of a Visitor Levy. 5.0 Bute & Cowal (Meeting Papers - LINK) A written update from UHI Argyll included information on January start and commercial courses, open events and taster sessions, and successful delivery of a Maritime Rope Workshop course which is hoped to be replicated in the future. Shona Edwards, Community Learning Worker for LiveArgyll reported that the local Community Learning team had use of the upstairs of the Moat Centre Library for youth work and adult learning, and that there will be promotional work this year to celebrate the history of the Library which will be 50 years old. Ann Kennovin, Community Learning Worker hoped that they could encourage young people to contribute to the Youth Work Bill which is currently out for consultation, and highlighted their continuing work with primary 7 students to ensure a smooth transition into secondary school. Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland (SDS), confirmed that funding for national training initiatives will soon pass from SDS to the Scottish Funding Council and that officers are working to ensure that service users experience a smooth transition. Susan also advised they she is continuing to deliver the PACE programme to support those facing reducing into positive destinations. Linda Payne and Donna Canavan delivered a presentation on behalf of Waterbaby Arts, a non-profit charity organisation that provides workshops, support and services
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Classification: OFFICIAL across four Council areas providing movement and creative arts classes which are accessible to people of all ages with disabilities in a safe environment. Mary-Lou Anderson, Engagement Officer, provided an update on behalf of the Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network in the Tighnabruaich area. ABCAN has been assisting the local Community Council and Community Trust in developing a Local Place Plan. A recent survey across the area received a 25% return rate and a report with goals and recommendations will be fed back to the ABCAN Steering Group. Amie Dow, Community Development Officer, highlighted the launch on 31st March 2025 of the Supporting Communities Fund. 6.0 Helensburgh & Lomond (Meeting Papers - LINK) A written update from LiveArgyll was provided by Rhona Grant and Caroline Whitson, on local adult learning and youth services, the Independent Review of Community Learning and Development and the work of the MSYPs. Paul Ashworth, Services and Support Manager, gave a verbal update on the changes to local facilities to maintain provision of services following the damage to the Leisure Centre caused by Storm Èowyn. Further discussion took place on the impact of the move of the library to the pavilion in Hermitage Park. David Hagerty, Council’s Community Development Officer, provided an update on the ongoing work with local community groups, including the Princess Louise Hall, Welcome In, Kirkmichael Community Development Group, Parents for Change, Helensburgh Hub and Jean’s Bothy. A written update provided information from Helensburgh Community Hub on the launch of Helensburgh Repair café and the Helensburgh Book Festival, with Gill Simpson adding that she is in the process of creating a new 5 year plan alongside Community Enterprise with community partners able to assist by engaging with Community Enterprise. Consideration was given to a report from Fun First outlining sessions offered outdoors and for new and expectant parents. Fun First also expressed gratitude for a grant from the Armed Forces Covenant and highlighted the appointment of a new Service Manager and ongoing training for new leaders. Information in a written update from Helensburgh Community Council included a Judicial Review of the Helensburgh Waterfront Development, a Helensburgh Local Place Plan, the removal of the Bank of Scotland branch and the Music in the Square Fund. Sarah Davies also highlighted two vacancies on the Community Council and the forthcoming events to consult on the local place plan and the proposed Visitor Levy. The group considered a report from the Helensburgh and Lomond Living Well Network highlighting that the funding for the service has been withdrawn and expressing thanks for the input of past and present coordinators.
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Classification: OFFICIAL Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council provided a verbal update with serious concerns remaining around the PSTN and RTS switch-off. It was agreed that these concerns would be highlighted to the CPP Management Committee. The Committee Manager highlighted the ongoing meeting arrangements for Helensburgh Gaelic Group and the Poverty Alliance. Consideration was given to the report from Argyll and Bute Citizen’s Advice Bureau which provided statistical information, details of advice services, and volunteering and paid roles within the Bureau. Gill Simpson provided a short update on the work of the Community Wealth Building Short Term Working Group to explore ways of generating resources locally, developing skills and experience to build wealth as a community, the vehicles to deliver Community Wealth Building, and next steps including sharing best practice with other Councils and other communities in Argyll and Bute. 7.0 Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands (Meeting Papers - LINK) David Conner from Kintyre Recycling provided a verbal update highlighting their work with 47 schools and more than 10 charity shops across Argyll and Bute. The charity has doubled its capacity since 2022 when a pre-loved school uniform scheme was also introduced in conjunction with Inspiralba. Kintyre Recycling currently employs 4 people and is progressing the development of a bike centre. Adele Martin, Eryne Barr and Megan Elliot, InspirAlba, delivered a presentation on the Spark Your Purpose Project, a pre-employability program designed to support individuals aged 16-17 in discovering and pursuing their unique career paths, and the Parental Employability Support Fund, offering one-to-one support to help identify an individual's goals any issues that might be getting in the way. Ali Martin, Support and Development Worker, highlighted the work of Minority Ethnic Carers of People Project (MECOPP) in working with Gypsy/Traveller communities in rural and urban Scotland as well as the support provided to Black and Minority Ethnic carers, the development of a strategic response to identified gaps in service provision and the assistance provided to statutory and voluntary service providers. The presentation also provided an overview on who Gypsy/Travellers are and where they live, their culture, traditions and values, and the barriers and challenges which affect the way they live their lives. The group considered an update report from LiveArgyll on Youth Work in Kintyre which highlighted the work of the Kintyre Youth Action Group, collaboration with Skills Development Scotland to provide an employability skills programme to learning support students, wider achievement awards, the return of the Friday Night ‘Street Sports’ programme and the online directory of programmes and activities aimed at young people in Kintyre. Consideration was also given to a report on Adult Learning which included information on the Kintyre Community Learning Hub, the Mid Argyll Learning Hub, the partnership between Kintyre Adult Learning and Mari Allibone Alzheimers Scotland, the Let’s Grow Group and Give Back Group Accredited
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Classification: OFFICIAL Learning, the Community Centre garden project and forthcoming LGBTQ+ community engagement event. An update was provided by Paul Ives of Shopper Aide who highlighted that they have been overwhelmed by support from the local community since the last Area Community Planning Group meeting. Paul added that they are currently undertaking a survey to understand the changing needs of older people in Kintyre help gather qualitative feedback to ensure that the service continues to meet the needs of the community. A written updated highlighted the Forestry and Land Scotland work on local Land Management Plans, combatting Phytophthora ramorum in larch trees, progression with peatland restoration and details of upcoming complex forestry operations. In the absence of Alasdair Paisley, Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, the Democratic Services Manager provided an update which highlighted the transport issues raised through a recent consultation with young people at Tarbert Academy. It was highlighted that Alasdair’s current focus was on finding the support in Lochgilphead and Campbeltown for a later bus along Kintyre, as well as helping consult for the upcoming Youth Work Bill and the Scottish Youth Parliament’s new manifesto. Councillor Horn provided an update to the Group on behalf of the Council which included the exploration of a potential pilot telecare project with BT and Openreach and the related risk of scam callers, and the consultation on the Council’s 2025 budget, details of which can be found on the Council website. 8.0 Oban, Lorn and the Isles (Meeting Papers - LINK) Dr Lynda Mitchell detailed the work of ALIenergy and the range of charities they work in partnership with, highlighting ALIenergy’s main objective to work with individual households to alleviate fuel poverty and energy education. Current projects include work around storage heaters in rural areas where no mains gas is available, work with P7-S2 pupils on energy education, the delivery of climate change and heating workshops, and a pilot programme for 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 Oban, an initiative which has been successful in its first year and which has recently won an Innovation Award at the ScottishPower Foundation Awards 2024. A report from Kelly McKellar, Project Manager for Argyll and Bute Council’s Piers and Harbours, highlighted the Argyll and Bute Council Mainland Ferry Study carried out in 2024 by Caledonian Economics. The group considered a written update from Crossroads provided by Joan Best. The Living Well Network Co-Ordinator for Oban, Lorn and the Islands, Carol Flett, advised that the funding for the Living Well Network was coming to an end as of
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Classification: OFFICIAL March 2025 and added 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. The group requested that their disappointment at the decision to withdraw the Living Well Network service be raised at the CPP Management Committee. The group considered a written report from UHI Argyll which included information on courses starting in January, commercial courses, open events and taster sessions. Consideration was given to a presentation by Ronald Gordon, Shaun Sinclair and Mark McQueen, members of Oban Lorne 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 and installation of car parking and the development of a Skate Park. Ronald 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. 9.0 Further Actions It is requested that the Management Committee note the report and the successful meetings held in February 2025. 10.0 Implications Strategic Implications Meetings of the Area Community Planning Group held in February covered elements of the three priorities in the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan. 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