Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group - 6 May 2025
Argyll and Bute Council · 3 June 2025
Back to Bute and Cowal Area Committee — 3 June 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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MINUTES of MEETING of BUTE AND COWAL COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP held BY MICROSOFT TEAMS on TUESDAY, 6 MAY 2025 Present: Jean Moffat, Bute Community Council (Chair) Councillor Gordon Blair Councillor Ross Moreland Councillor Peter Wallace Stuart McLean, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Reeni Kennedy-Boyle, Fyne Futures Andy MacPherson, Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network Lucy Sumsion, National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Inspector Bart Simonis, Police Scotland Rhona Altin, University of the Highland and Islands, Argyll John Miller, Scottish Fire and Rescue Janis Marshall Reilly, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI) Melony MacLean, Argyll Community Housing Association Fiona Gillesbie, Bute Resiliance Ann Campbell, Dunoon Community Development Trust Ian Woodcock, Transport Scotland Catriona Renfrew, Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Ann Kennovin, Community Learning, Argyll and Bute Attending: Councillor William Sinclair Rona Gold, Community Planning, Argyll and Bute John McLuckie, Community Planning, Argyll and Bute Ailie Law, Community Planning, Argyll and Bute Lucy Dunbar, Area Plans Officer, Argyll and Bute Milly Leggett, Area Plans Officer, Argyll and Bute Francesco Bertoldi, National Islands Plan Team Leader, Scottish Government Andrew Galloway, Local Democracy Reporter Chris Martin, Dunoon Observer The Chair ruled and Partners agreed to alter the order of business of the Agenda by taking Item 7, the National Islands Plan after consideration of the Minutes of the previous meeting. 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and general introductions were made. Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of: Rhyddian Knight, Friends of Glenan Woods Michelle Mundie, Argyll Community Housing Association Jen Broadhurst, Citizens Advice Bureau Rhona Grant, Live Argyll 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest intimated.
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3. MINUTES (a) Meeting of the Bute and Cowal Community Planning Group held on 4 February 2025 The Minute of the Bute and Cowal Area Planning Group meeting held on 4 February 2025 was approved as a correct record. 4. NATIONAL ISLANDS PLAN The Group heard a comprehensive presentation from Francesco Bertoldi on the development and renewal of the Scottish Government National Islands Plan for Scotland. Francesco provided the background to the Plan from the Islands Scotland (2018) to the Scottish Islands Survey Report in September 2024. Francesco advised that the current national islands plan overarching objective is to improve outcomes for island communities and features 13 strategic objectives with over 130 commitments. Whereas the new National Island Plan seeks to be a more agile document, with fewer strategic objectives with a focus on additionality, fewer commitments and a clear allocation of responsibilities. Partners noted that there is a dedicated resource and capital budget to support the implementation of the Plan and that investments delivered to date include over £15 million capital since 2021-2022 through the Islands Programme, 71 projects on 51 islands supported. Francesco further advised that since December 2022 £3.4 million had been awarded through the Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund. There was a question and answer session and it was noted that the PowerPoint presentation will be provided to the Area Community Planning Group. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the presentation. (Reference: Presentation by Francesco Bertoldi, Scottish Government, dated 6 May 2025) 5. APPOINTMENT OF VICE-CHAIR OF THE BUTE AND COWAL AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP The Group considered a report which provided information in relation to the appointment of a Vice-Chair of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group and outlined the expected time commitment and information about the role. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group agreed that Reeni Kennedy- Boyle, Fyne Futures be appointed as Vice-Chair. (Reference: Report by Committee Manager, dated 6 May 2025, submitted)
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6. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING HIGHLIGHTS The Group gave consideration to a report which outlined matters discussed during a meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee held on 16 April 2025. The report provided information on the Community Planning Self-Assessment Draft Improvement Plan; the next steps for Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan 2024-2034; the CPP Climate Change Strategy and Acton Plan; CPP Community Wealth Building (CWB) Short Life Steering Group; the Community Justice Partnership; Community Learning and Development (CLD) Strategic Partnership Plan; a demonstration of the Aspiring Places Platform and guidance feedback on Fair Funding. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by John McLuckie, Partnerships Lead, dated 6 May 2025, submitted) 7. TRANSPORT The Group gave consideration to a presentation from the Community Development Team, Argyll and Bute Council which highlighted actions being taken to tackle transport issues in Argyll and Bute. Following the presentation, there was a question and answer session with the following statements made: - It would be helpful to discuss the microcosms around transport integration within the locality. - Transport and the provision of it is critical to ensuring health and wealth within the locality. - Those Groups that have undertaken transport related surveys should be approached and encouraged to share information. - Community Councils should be invited to contribute to this area. The Community Development Team thanked Partners for their comments, advising that this was the start of an ongoing conversation on transport at Area Community Planning Groups. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered, discussed and noted the contents of the presentation. (Reference: Presentation by the Community Development Team dated 6 May 2025) 8. PARTNER UPDATES
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(a) Police Scotland Update The Group gave consideration to a report highlighting Police Scotland’s priorities for the Cowal, Bute and Helensburgh area which covered serious and organised crime; crimes of theft and dishonesty; road safety and road crime; violent crime and public protection. Ian further updated on the Summer action plan and motorcycling and the white lining in prime locations. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Police Scotland, dated April 2025, submitted) (b) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Update The Group gave consideration to a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ4 review of local performance across Bute and Cowal for the period 2024/25. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan; accidental dwelling fires; wild fires; community engagement and LSO activities and the new home fire safety visit referral application. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service dated January to March 2025, submitted) (c) Supporting Communities - verbal update The Group were provided with an update on supporting communities fund which is now open for applications until the end of May. Partners were encouraged to apply by contacting the community development team or accessing the website. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the update. (Reference: Verbal update by the Community Development Team) (d) Fyne Futures Update Consideration was given to an update which provided information on the ongoing work and priorities of Fyne Futures including their 20th anniversary of being a charity and social enterprise; a summary of their
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achievements included employability and volunteering; Bute produce – where people grow; ReStyle – from one good home to another and Bike Bute and the Active Travel project supported by Hitrans. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Fyne Futures, submitted) (e) Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) - Annual Update The Group gave consideration to ACHA’s annual update which provided information on their stock in Bute and Cowal; the regeneration programme; achievements since April 2024; work undertaken with communities; improvements to properties; sheltered housing; allocation and reletting of properties; exemplar estates; the customer involvement strategy; an update on their plans and performance benchmarking. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Argyll Community Housing Association dated 1 April 2025, submitted) (f) Dunoon Community Development Trust - Local Place Plan The Group considered a report by the Dunoon Community Development Trust which provided the background to the development of a Local Place Plan for Dunoon & Kirn. Dunoon Community Development Trust aims to submit their plan to Argyll and Bute Council for validation by November 2025. Ann Campbell provided further information on future funding from the Scottish Government to develop a local place plan, which will inform a community action plan with a focus on wellbeing. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Dunoon Community Development Trust dated 9 April 2025, submitted) (g) Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI) Consideration was given to an update from Janis Marshall Reilly from Argyll and Bute TSI. The update included information in relation to the Chief Executive lobbying of the Scottish Government on third sector issues such as fair funding; investment in prevention and public sector reform. Janis further advised that the community mental health fund now
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offers two years of funding rather than one. Information on upcoming events including a joint event with Scottish Poverty Alliance and the Annual Volunteer of the Year awards are listed on the TSI events webpage were also referenced. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute TSI, dated April 2025, submitted) (h) Public Health Update Consideration was given to a public health update from Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership’s Public Health Team on the ongoing wellbeing and prevention activities overseen and delivered by them in Argyll and Bute. The update provided information regarding Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Training; Free condoms by post; Speakeasy training and screening inequalities. The update also highlighted that 5 sector organisations were awarded small grants in 2024-25 to increase knowledge and understanding of national screening programmes, so people can make an informed choice and provided information on how they the organisations area using the money to promote screening. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Health Improvement Senior Lead, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated May 2025, submitted) (i) Transport Scotland Consideration was given to an update from Transport Scotland which highlighted the ongoing works at the rest and be thankful; completed works along the A82; resurfacing, layby improvements and Cairndow signage; ongoing works on the A82T and routine maintenance works; upcoming works for resurfacing, drainage improvement and 20mph roll out at Arrochar and Tarbet. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Area Manager, Transport Scotland, submitted) (j) UHI Argyll Update
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Consideration was given to a written update from UHI Argyll. The update included information on an open week held in March; Modern Apprenticeship Programme; new short courses including Horticulture, Maritime and Nursing, commercial courses and the Academic Year for 2025-2026. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by UHI Argyll dated 25 April 2025, submitted) (k) Citizens Advice Bureau Update Consideration was given to a written update from Citizens Advice Bureau. The update included information on advice provision and advice areas during February, March and April 2025; volunteer recruitment and services with the Bureau. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Citizens Advice Bureau dated May 2025, submitted) (l) Opportunity for Verbal Updates South Cowal Community Council In the absence of South Cowal Community Council the Committee Manager presented the following update on their behalf: South Cowal Community Council agreed some months ago to set up a development trust for the South Cowal area. An application was submitted to OSCR in late December and the trust was formally approved last week. The founding trustees are Michael Breslin, Alan Stewart, Martin Anstess, Alasdair Finlay and Mike Geraghty. Here are the purposes of the trust: "the prevention or relief of poverty", "the advancement of education", "the advancement of citizenship or community development", "the advancement of the arts, heritage, culture or science", "the advancement of public participation in sport", "the provision of recreational facilities, or the organisation of recreational activities, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the persons for whom the facilities or activities are primarily intended", "the advancement of environmental protection or improvement"
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The trust is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation and further information will be available in due course. Live Argyll Ann Kennovin provided the Group with an update on the work streams of Live Argyll including:- Youth Services in Cowal and the Easter Give Programme; Volunteering at a local care home; Heart Start Programme; P7 transition for rural schools; support Dunoon Grammar with their transition; meeting with parents of children staying at the hostel; Social 22 and wider achievement and attainment strategy. 9. CLIMATE CHANGE (a) Opportunity for verbal updates on community based initiatives There were no verbal updates proved under this item. (b) Climate Change - A Climate Change Strategy Consideration was given to a report providing an update on the Community Planning Partnership’s Climate Change Strategy. It was noted that the Project Manager was seeking further recommendations for groups to engage with and to inform of further development of the action plan. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group:- 1. noted the approach and status of the project outlined within the report; 2. agreed to provide comments and feedback to the Project Manager (andy@actnow.org.uk) following the meeting; and 3. agreed that future climate change items be included earlier on the agenda. (Reference: Report by Chair of the Climate Change Action Group dated 30 April 2025, submitted) 10. COMMUNITY FOCUS (a) Dunoon Youth Football League The Group were advised that no representative was available from the Dunoon Youth Football League for this meeting. It was highlighted that the Football League have their festival weekend scheduled for 17-18 May
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which is advertised on their website. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group noted that the Dunoon Youth Football League would present to a future meeting of the Group. (Reference: Verbal update by the Community Development Team) 11. ASPIRING PLACES PORTAL The Group gave consideration to a presentation by the Area Plans team in relation to the Council’s Aspiring Places; Community Project in Argyll and Bute which was launched in March 2025. Aspiring Places is 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. The vision is to create a vibrant bank of community projects that supports joint working and connects community groups to the Community led local development fund and potential external funding opportunities. The presentation provided background information to the platform which is more sustainable, dynamic and an efficient way to not only capture community projects, but allow community groups to use the digital space as a ‘shop window’ to attract funders and promote collaboration. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the presentation. (Reference: Verbal update and Presentation by the Area Plans Team) 12. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The Group noted that the next meeting of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group would take place on Tuesday 12 August 2025.