Matters arising from Area Community Planning Groups (Stuart McLean)

Argyll and Bute Council · 7 December 2022
Back to Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management Committee — 7 December 2022 and its agenda

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Management Committee 
Date: December 2022 
Agenda Item: 
Area Community Planning Groups – November 2022 Meetings 
1. Purpose 
This paper presents key matters arising during the Area Community Planning
Group meetings that were held virtually in November 2022. 
2. Recommendations 
The Management Committee is asked to: 
a) note the Highlights detailed at section 4 of the report; and 
b) note that Ryan MacIntyre (Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament) was
appointed to the position of Vie-Chair of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles 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). 
All meetings were held on a virtual 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.  There was good attendance at all 4 meetings by a
variety of partners. 
4.     Highlights 
All groups considered:
. 
 Climate Change Working Group 
Stan Philips, Chair of the Climate Change Working Group, submitted an update
report that highlighted the actions being taken forward to address the climate

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emergency in Argyll and Bute; the development of governance arrangements and
structures to support the Climate Change Project Officer post. 
 Time for Change 
Representatives from Time for Change Argyll and Bute advised that they were a
group of residents who are campaigning to raise awareness of climate change. Time
for Change advised that they are increasingly aware of the need to build resilience in
all areas and are working with civil contingencies within the council and other
partners to that effect. 
 CEBR - The Socio-Economic Impact of CalMac Ferries 
Robert Beauchamp, The Centre for Economics and Business, spoke to The Socio-
Economic Impact of CalMac Ferries report. The report was a quantitative analysis of
the impacts of CalMac as a company (employment, Gross Value Added, turnover,
and employee compensation supported directly and through the supply chain) and of
impacts of service levels on island communities (ferry users’ welfare, economic
activity, employment, population). 
 Argyll and Bute Health & Social Care Partnership Update 
The Groups considered a public health from the Argyll and Bute Health and Social
Care Partnership. The update highlighted information on the Public Health Team
Annual Report for 2021-22 and the Mid Strategy Living Well Report for 2019-21. 
 ALIenergy - Bute and Cowal, Helensburgh and Lomond and Mid Argyll,
Kintyre and the Islands 
A presentation given by Dr Lynda Mitchell of ALIenergy (B&C and MAKI) and Rachel
McNicol (H&L) was considered by the afore-mentioned Groups. The update included
information on what ALIenergy are working on including Affordable Warmth,
Education, and Local Energy Projects. The update It was noted that ALIenergy can
access a number of interventions for clients experiencing energy cost crisis such as
the Fuel Bank Foundation; Scottish Government Home Heating Support Fund;
Glasspool Trust; and Argyll and Bute Flexible Food Fund. 
 Argyll Community Housing Association - Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands
and Oban, Lorn and the Isles 
Both the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands and Oban, Lorn and the Isles received
an update from Michelle Mundie, Chief Executive, Argyll Community Housing
Association (ACHA). Ms Mundie highlighted some of the Association’s recent

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investments in new housing stock, specifically 10 new units at Inveraray in June
2022, 4 units at Tarbert, 2 new units at Millknowe and the new developments
planned at Dalintober and Port Ellen. It was noted that ACHA tenant Cathy Grant of
Glendaruel had been elected Chair of the Association and that Lachlan Woods of
ACHA had received recognition at the UK National Awards where he received the
award Energy Champion of the Year. 
Bute & Cowal 
Laura Walker, on behalf of Strachur Joint Efforts, advised that they had received ten
thousand pounds from the Big Lottery Fund to create opportunities for young people
in the area. Laura highlighted some of the events and activities that have
subsequently been created including a pop up café, with different themes for each
and opportunities to develop skills such as cooking, customer service and budgeting.
Laura added that this project would provide young people with qualifications to add
to their CV. 
The Group gave consideration to an update from Sandy McLeod of Argyll and Bute
TSI which included information on the positive feedback received regarding the
Community Directory; the conversation café hosted ahead of the launch of the next
round of Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Funding; the Positive Destination
Scheme; volunteer events held to encourage new volunteers for organisations and
free online training available for volunteers and staff members of organisations. 
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) submitted an update regarding the
number of customers claiming universal credit and legacy benefits; job seekers
allowance; employment and support allowance; and income support. The report also
covered information on recruitment events held by Rothesay and Dunoon Job
centres; the new telephone shared line number with New Style Employment &
Support Allowance; fuel direct; broadband social tariff; health adjustment passports;
managed moves to Universal Credit; the influx of pension credit claims; disability
cost of living payment stakeholder toolkit; cost of living payment; Government plans
to cut energy bills; the raised Administrative Earnings Threshold; Personal
Independence Payment (PIP) claims and Adult Disability Payments (ADP). 
Reeni Kennedy Boyle of Fyne Futures provided the Group with a verbal update
including information on the volunteer programme; ongoing collaboration work with a
variety organisations; the employability programme extension; and the environmental
work that had been completed. 
Partners also considered an update from Iona MacPhail, Chief Executive of Fyne
Homes. The update included information on the AGM held in October; property lets
for 2021/2022; maintenance and Fyne Futures. Iona also highlighted that Fyne
Homes is unique due to its 3 Wind Turbines which are situated in Glenbarr and

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added that profits are distributed between Fyne Homes, Fyne Futures and the
Community of Glenbarr. Discussion was had around sustainability and Iona
highlighted that new builds are being developed to a high quality and the challenge
will be for retrofitting.
Helensburgh & Lomond
The Group considered a report from Shona Barton, Governance Manager, regarding
the results of a future meeting arrangement survey undertaken following the August
meeting. Thirty-three responses were received with the majority of respondents
confirming they would like the option for either face to face or Hybrid meetings. It
was also highlighted that respondents were happy to continue with daytime meetings
with the majority in favour of these being held in the morning, with venues across the
area being used – but with the option to have Hybrid arrangements in place.
Plastic Free Helensburgh, represented by Angela Anderson, thanked Argyll and Bute
Council for arranging Climate change training for all Councillors and also thanked
Scottish Water for their plans to have a top up tap at the start of the John Muir Way.
Angela also provided information on the Cardross Warm Homes Event; the single-
use plastic ban; beach clearing and Marine Debris and the Anchor Group.
The Group considered an update from Sarah Davies, Helensburgh Community
Council. Sarah highlighted that all 20 positons on the Community Council were filled
following the recent election. The update also included information on the completion
of the new leisure centre; the litter bin survey; the refurbishment and replanting of the
Memorial Garden in Hermitage Park; the Helensburgh to Dumbarton cycleway and
the positive development of a future role for the town pier. The Community Council
reported that they will continue the maintenance of the shrub beds in the square and
the monthly beach cleans, in conjunction with Plastic Free Helensburgh. It was also
highlighted that the group had collected more than 100kg of rubbish on a recent litter
pick and that they had applied for a grant of £250 from the Grab Trust to cover the
payment of skip.
The Group gave consideration to a presentation from Norman McNally, Helensburgh
Community Council on Vision for Helensburgh which was established to gather
community and visitor information on how residents and visitors see Helensburgh
and how they would like to see it flourish. Norman highlighted that they had received
over 2000 comments but that the project was put on hold due to the Pandemic. A
re-evaluation workshop was held during the autumn of 2021 in the Victoria Halls,
Helensburgh. Following the workshop, four ‘burning’ topics were identified – A total
Kidston to Craigendoran Waterfront Strategy; Environment; Amenities for youth,
young families and visitors, and Local Connectivity/mobility which will now be taken
forward by the Group.

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Consideration was given to an update from Sarah Davies from Fun First. Sarah
highlighted that they continue to run six Funtime and one fitness session weekly for
parents and children under five and monthly Fun First Friend Sessions. The update
also included information on new committee member volunteers from the
community; a Halloween party and the planned Christmas party. Discussion took
place in regards to the successful recruitment of volunteers. 
Destination Helensburgh advised that they had witnessed an increase in visitor
numbers to the Information Centre and that their gift shop Highlandman’s Road is
proving to be popular. The Group advised that they continue to promote
Helensburgh and Lomond through various media channels and that they had
launched the “Discover Helensburgh” walking trails app. 
Gill Simpson on behalf of Helensburgh Community Hub, provided an overview of the
Hub’s activities. Gill advised that they are currently promoting reading for pleasure
with two major collaborations developed, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and
the spring book event in collaboration with the Hub, Jean’s Bothy and H&L Carers.
The update also included information on the ongoing support for volunteers and
groups across the area and ways they can welcome people in over the winter
months and community engagement. 
The Community Focus item highlighted the work of the Helensburgh and Lomond
Foodbank which is an independent community foodbank operated by unpaid
volunteers and all the food is shared with those in need. The update also highlighted
the amount of food bags issued and the amount of adults and children supported,
between 01/07/21 to 30/09/21 and from 01/07/22 to 30/09/22 there was an increase
of 37.3% in food bags issued and an increase of 67.6% in numbers supported. It was
added that the increase illustrates the adverse impact that the rise in the cost of
living is having on the local community, particularly those with children. It was
reported that should demand continue to rise, as is anticipated, there is a concern
that this charitable food aid response will become unsustainable. 
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands 
The Group considered a written update from Forestry and Land Scotland which
highlighted the land management plans at Carradale, Beinn Ghuilean and South
Knapdale. Civil engineer works at Rhonadale Bridge in Carradale and an update on
Phytophthora ramorum and the environment. 
Campbeltown Community Council highlighted that traffic management is still a big
issue in the area with work on a Climate Change Resilience Plan and pathway
improvements ongoing.

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Jackie MacPherson, on behalf of University of Highlands and Islands (UHI), advised
that they held their first face to face event in 3 years which was the Graduation of
Students in the Queens Hall in Dunoon. The new academic year has started with a
more flexible approach where students can attend the UHI facility or stay at home.
Students have been reminded that the UHI is a warm space and they are supporting
students with providing a breakfast/lunch during this cost of living crisis. 
Kintyre Food Banks, represented by Mary Ann Stewart, highlighted in 2012 they had
4 clients per week attend the food bank compared to 58 adults and 25 children in
October 2022. She advised that the Food Bank had received funding to allow them
to offer not only food, but meals and basic essentials to people. The foodbank opens
2 mornings a week but volunteers are available to make up emergency parcels when
required. The process of making up the Christmas hampers has started with a small
gift also included. 
The Mid Argyll Youth Development Services (MAYDS) delivered the Community
Focus item. Fiona Kalache, Operations Manager of MAYDS gave an overview of the
work carried out within the Mid Argyll Youth Development Services which includes
free swimming lessons, supporting 117 young carers across the MAKI area, access
to Counselling, Outreach/drug and alcohol education. Employability Training which
has successfully seen some young people enter apprenticeships with local trades. It
was also noted that there had been the opportunity for free driving lessons for youths
on Islay. MAYDS has more recently purchased adjacent property to the centre where
they hope to develop a skate park. They have also been distributing free fuel and
food tokens due to the cost of living crisis and have received funding from Scot Spirit
which allowed some of the young carers to go away for respite to Park Dean Holiday
Parks. 
Oban, Lorn and the Isles
The Group agreed to appoint of Ryan MacIntyre, Member of the Scottish Youth
Parliament, (MYSP) to its membership and to the position of Vice-Chair for the
Oban, Lorn & The Isles Area Community Planning Group.
Aideen Shields gave a presentation on the projects that the Isle of Kerrera
Development Trust are involved with, specifically the completion of the north/south
road, which enables residents to safely access the lifeline ferry. Aideen advised that
a funding package had recently been secured to commence on the final phase of
renovation to the Old School, due to open as a community hub in summer 2023. The
Development Trust are also aspiring to undertake further projects such as Council
adopted road improvements,  adopting of the new north/south road and increased
ferry capacity.
Oban Access Panel representative Jim Tolmie highlighted their campaign to make
braille labelling statutorily on foodstuffs. Jim advised that a flyer had been produced

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and that they have been working with Disability Quality Scotland and Sight Scotland.
While support has been given by Holyrood to this initiative the labelling of foodstuffs
must go to the Food Standards Agency for agreement.
Argyll and Bute Regional Engagement Co-ordinator for Scottish Communities
Climate Action Network advised that the Scottish Communities Climate Action
Network (SCANN) is a volunteer-led network with membership open to any
community group across Scotland that is taking action on the climate crisis and to
any organisation that is involved with or supports such community-led action. 
Emma Sutcliffe on behalf of Dunollie Museum Castle provided the Community Focus
item. Emma highlighted that over 16,000 people had visited since April 2022,
following restoration works. Emma highlighted the social impact the museum has
had as well as some of the groups on offer, such as the New Routes Health and
Wellbeing Group, Threads and Yarns Group and the Gaelic Language sessions
which are delivered online and in partnership with the Furan Gaelic Centre.
4.1 Community Council Elections 
All 39 community council inaugural meetings to formally constitute the community
councils who had sufficient membership as at the election on 20 October 2022 took
place between 26 October and 29 November.  A further by-election was organised
for 15 December for those who did not reach the membership threshold.  The
nomination period for the by-election returned sufficient numbers to allow a
community council to be formed in 14 other areas and dates for meetings (following
the date of election) are now being progressed.  
Unfortunately Kilfinan, Lochgilphead and Sandbank could not be formed due to lack
of candidates coming forward and as a result have been placed in a dormant state
until sufficient interest from within the community is forthcoming that would result in a
strong and sustainable community council being formed.  There have already been
discussions with 2 of the community council areas about candidates who would be
willing to put forward a nomination.  This is currently being progressed by officers.
4.2 Further Actions 
It is requested that the Management Committee note the report and the successful
meetings held in November 2022. 
5.0     Implications 
Strategic Implications Meetings of the Area Community Planning Group held
in April covered various Outcomes.
Consultations No prior circulation of this report.

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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: 
Shona Barton, Governance Manager, shona.barton@argyll-bute.gov.uk