Latest Update on the Settlement Project Support Officer Actions
Argyll and Bute Council · 18 December 2025
Back to Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee — 18 December 2025 and its agenda
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 18th DECEMBER 2025 LATEST UPDATE ON THE SETTLEMENT PROJECT SUPPORT OFFICER ACTIONS 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 The purpose of this paper is to provide the Economic, Development and Infrastructure Committee (EDI) with an update on the progress of the Settlement Project Support Officer actions since the current post-holder came into place on the 2nd June 2025. Furthermore, this paper outlines the proposed approach to be taken forward for the Settlement Project for the remainder of the currently funded period (end May 2026). A new application for part funding for this post was submitted to the Scottish Government at the start of November 2025. 1.2 The Settlement Project Support Officer works with, but is not limited to, the four Repopulation Zone communities in Argyll and Bute, which were agreed at the Policy and Resources Committee on the 14th October 2021. These are the Isles of Coll and Tiree, the Isle of Bute, the Kintyre and the Rosneath peninsulas. The Settlement Project Support Officer works with these communities to support active relocation and population retention as well as to gather local knowledge and insight on the challenges individuals face when seeking to remain in or relocate to the Repopulation Zones in Argyll and Bute. 1.3 The previous post-holder moved to another council post in April 2024. A new Settlement Project Support Officer was appointed and started on 2nd June 2025. The post is part-funded by the Scottish Government and funded for 12 months by the Addressing Depopulation Delivery Plan (ADAP)/Islands Fund. The Scottish Government is currently working to develop a second phase of this funding to begin in 2026, for which a new application for part funding was submitted in November 2025. 2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 Environment, Development & Infrastructure Committee members are asked to: • Note that this report highlights the progress on actions to date. • Review the Settlement Project Support Officer actions and updates. • Agree that the Proposed Settlement Project Support Officer Actions (see Table 2) should progress. • Agree that a further report will be provided to the Committee Meeting in April 2026.
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3.0 DETAIL 3.1 The recent release of Scotland’s Census 2022 (Rounded Population Estimates) has provided more up-to-date information on Argyll and Bute’s demographic challenges. Between 2011 and 2022, the population of Argyll and Bute decreased by -2.4%. (See Appendix 1). 3.2 As well as a declining population, the 2022 census findings further highlighted an ageing population. When compared to all other Scottish council areas, Argyll and Bute has the largest proportion of the population aged 65 and over, at 27.2%. (See Appendix 1). 3.3 National Records of Scotland (NRS) Sub-National Population Projections, published in October 2025 but based on the NRS 2022 Mid-Year Population Estimates, project that between 2022 and 2032 Argyll and Bute’s population will decline by 0.8%. The data provided shows that this projection is due to ‘natural change’ outweighing ‘net migration’. This is in comparison to the NRS Sub-National Population Projections published in 2020 which used NRS 2018 Mid-Year Population Estimates to project that Argyll and Bute’s population would decline by 5.9% by mid-2028. 3.4 When projecting Argyll and Bute’s population in 2032, there exists a 10.8% difference between the projections of the 2018-based estimates and the projections of the 2022- based estimates. The 2022-based estimates project less population decline than the 2018-based estimates by the year 2032. 3.5 NRS Population Estimates for 2024 evidence that Argyll and Bute has the smallest population of young people between ages of 0-15 years (13.89%), and the second largest population of older people (27.73%). Demographic data continues to evidence Argyll and Bute’s aging and declining working-age population. 3.6 The Argyll and Bute Settlement Project Support Officer works closely with the Settlement Officers in the Western Isles, Northwest Highland and Inverclyde, as well as colleagues from Argyll and Bute Council, HIE, and the Scottish Government Islands Team. This includes collaboration with the Private Sector Settlement Officer within Argyll and Bute Council’s Housing team. This collaboration helps to recognise the place-based barriers to population retention and attraction and support measures to address population decline. 3.7 Table 1 below outlines the actions undertaken by the Settlement Project Support Officer since the 2nd June 2025. Followed by Table 2 which identifies proposed actions for the remainder of the current funded term, end of May 2026,. It is hoped funding will be secured for 2026/27.
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Table 1: Update on Settlement Actions since 2nd June 2025 Initiative Aim Progress to date – 11th November Partnership Working Supporting relocation Direct provision of resources and information to individuals and families who get in contact with the Settlement Project inbox. The SPSO has responded to 7 enquiries regarding the relocation of 16 individuals to Argyll and Bute (See Appendix 3). ABC Housing Team Supporting population retention Work with the Education team to deliver sessions with young people focussed on identifying career opportunities within Argyll and Bute Initial outreach made to the DYW team. ABC DYW Team ABC Employability Team Housing Collaborate with Housing on a consultation to track housing journeys, decisions and future appetites to live and work in Argyll and Bute and to understand barriers to relocating and remaining in Argyll and Bute. Provided input into the consultation, which is now live. ABC Housing Team
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Table 1: Update on Settlement Actions since 2nd June 2025 (continued) Initiative Aim Progress to date – 11th November Partnership Working Information gathering and sharing Complete site visits across Argyll and Bute, speaking to locals and community organisations and other relevant stakeholders to understand barriers. Consultation of all individuals previously in contact with the settlement inbox to understand how Settlement Project inbox assisted individuals in their move and whether it influenced their decision to move, Development of the Monthly Economic Briefing with a specific focus on the ‘Population’ section aiming to ensure colleagues are well informed to make decisions that contribute to the growth of Argyll and Bute’s population. The SPSO has completed 3 site visits to Bute, Tiree and the Kintyre Peninsula. Site visits have involved extensive engagement with local council officers, community organisations, businesses and members of the public. The SPSO is gathering an evidence bank of qualitative information regarding barriers to relocating to and remaining in Argyll and Bute (See Appendix 2). Discussions were held with the James Hutton Institute, regarding their economic modelling of the consequences of having one individual leave Tiree. Complete. Learnings were used to inform the proposed updates to abplace2b.scot and continue to inform Settlement Project responses. Tiree Community Development Trust ABC Employability Team InspirAlba Lochgilphead CARS Project Officer Business Gateway Officers James Hutton Institute
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Table 1: Update on Settlement Actions since 2nd June 2025 (continued) Initiative Aim Progress to date – 11th November Partnership Working Information gathering and sharing Contribution to Scottish Government understanding of population issues facing Argyll and Bute. The Settlement Project Support Officer (SPSO) has redesigned Monthly Economic Briefings to promote increased engagement and has contributed to 4 briefings. Completion of an Interim Monitoring and Evaluation Report for the Scottish Governments ADAP team covering activities progressed thus far and challenges incurred. Engagement with local government and third sector colleagues focussed on repopulation and presentation at the ‘Depopulation Knowledge Exchange Event’ in September 2025. Presenting on Argyll and Bute’s unique demographic situation, activities progressed and activities planned. The Scottish Government Community Support Officers (CSO) across Scotland The Scottish Government HIE Scottish Rural Action The James Hutton Institute Childcare Collaborate to understand the effects of Childcare as a disincentive to relocating to or remaining in Repopulation Zones and to address this issue in order to support relocation. Discussions with Tiree Community Development Trust regarding the lack of childcare service and impacts for population growth and retention. Connected the community with a range of appropriate funding sources. Tiree Community Development Trust HIE CALA
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Table 2: Proposed Settlement Officer Actions for remainder of funded term Initiative Description Aim Community Engagement Continue to carry out site visits across the repopulation zones and other communities to engage with them and gather insight into the barriers and opportunities for population retention and growth, sharing this knowledge across the zones and the wider council as appropriate. Data-informed decisions and stronger alignment between local policy and community needs. Supporting relocation Continue to respond to relocation enquiries through the Settlement Project inbox and other sources. The Settlement Project Support Officer (SPSO) will continue to provide tailored advice and signposting to individuals and families considering a move to any part of Argyll and Bute. Since April 2023, this work has directly supported 18 relocation enquiries involving approximately 40 individuals. Increased relocations through direct engagement and personalised guidance Strategic Relocation Communications Continue to assist in developing and implementing updated relocation marketing on the abplace2b.scot website, promoting Argyll and Bute as a place to live and work for economically active families. The SPSO has produced initial draft proposals for updates to the site, from a relocation point of view, including additional information on housing, education and employment opportunities in Argyll and Bute. The abplace2b.scot site was set up by the Communications Team as an area-wide resource, for the council and partners to use to attract skills and people to the area. As intended the site is used by council and partners in the public and private sector in Argyll and Bute (increasing appeal, use and promotion of the site). The Comms/Web Teams are assessing future site maintenance needs and development options. This assessment is expected to be complete by the end of November. Proposed updates, including those of the Settlement Project Support Officer, will then be considered within the context of what is possible and what accommodates all demands on and Improved visibility and accessibility of relocation information, leading to higher enquiry volumes and stronger perceptions of Argyll and Bute as a viable place to live and work.
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uses of the website. Information sharing Continue to compile qualitative evidence from community engagement and quantitative data for presentation to Council, ensuring that councillors and officers can make informed, data driven decisions. Continue to contribute to the Monthly Economic Briefing, which now includes a dedicated population section to keep internal and external stakeholders informed to ensure population issues are embedded in wider economic decision-making. Ensure internal and external stakeholders informed to ensure population issues are embedded in wider economic decision-making.
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Table 2: Proposed Settlement Officer Actions for remainder of funded term (continued) Initiative Initiative Initiative Childcare Conduct an internal economic impact assessment of childcare provision on Tiree using data collected by Tiree Community Development Trust and modelled by the James Hutton Institute, exploring how the lack of early- years services affects local economic development and population sustainability in a small catchment area. Findings will be used to develop a replicable evidence-based model to support other communities in accessing funding or piloting solutions. Communities are better informed to strengthen local childcare provision, enabling families to remain in or move to rural areas Youth Engagement Pilot youth engagement activities with local schools by working with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) and internal Employability Team colleagues to highlight career and training opportunities available in Argyll and Bute. Improved awareness of local opportunities among young people, contributing to long-term population retention. Repopulation Partnership Investigate the possibility of setting up and leading a Repopulation Partnership group. This group is likely to include colleagues from Employability and Business Gateway teams within Economic Growth, Housing, DYW, Community Development and Communications. Support the delivery of the current actions outlined in the Economic Strategy Action Plan, 2025- 2028 with focus on the People strategic priority. Ensure the strategic alignment of all repopulation- related initiatives under the council’s population priorities.
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4.0 CONCLUSION 4.1 Recent data published by the Scottish Census 2022 has provided further insight into the demographic challenges facing Argyll and Bute, specifically an ageing and declining population. Census findings show that between 2011 and 2022, Argyll and Bute’s population has decreased by -2.4%. Moreover, compared to all other Scottish council areas, Argyll and Bute has the largest proportion of the population aged 65 and over (27.2%). However, the percentage difference between 2018-based and 2022- based projections for Argyll and Bute’s population in 2032 is 10.8%, meaning the 2022-based estimates project less population decline than the 2018-based estimates by the year 2032. 4.2 To help mitigate the projected decline in population by 2032, Table 1 provides an update on the progress of the Settlement Project Support Officer Actions. Table 2 outlines further proposed actions for consideration. A further update report will be provided to committee in April 2026. 5.0 IMPLICATIONS 5.1 Policy – The overarching vision of Argyll and Bute Council’s current Economic Strategy, 2024-2034 is that Argyll and Bute’s economic success is based on a growing population. 5.2 Financial – A bid for £22,500 was submitted to the Scottish Government in early November 2025 for continued part funding for the SPSO role in 2026/27. 5.3 Legal - All appropriate legal implications will be taken into consideration. 5.4 HR – funding from the Scottish Government has allowed the Settlement Project Support Officer post to be extended to the end of May 2026. An application for further funding from the Scottish Government was submitted in November 2025. 5.5 Customer Service – none. 5.6 Risk – none. 5.7 Climate Change – none. 5.8 Fairer Scotland Duty - The Fairer Scotland Duty, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, came into force in April 2018. The duty places a legal responsibility on particular public bodies in Scotland, such as Argyll and Bute Council, to pay due regard to (actively consider) how they can reduce inequalities of outcome, caused by socio- economic disadvantage, when making strategic decisions and how this has been implemented. 5.9 Equalities (protected characteristics) - all activities will comply with all Equal Opportunities/Fairer Scotland Duty policies and obligations. 5.10 Consumer Duty - none.
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5.11 Island Communities - the activities of the Settlement Project Support Officer cover three islands; Tiree, Coll and Bute. 5.12 Children’s Rights and Wellbeing – none. Kirsty Flanagan, Executive Director responsible for Development and Economic Growth 10th November 2025 For further information contact: Ishabel Bremner, Economic Growth Manager ishabel.bremner@argyll-bute.gov.uk Olivia Brown, Settlement Project Support Officer olivia.brown@argyll-bute.gov.uk
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Appendix 1: Scotland’s Census 2022- Rounded Population Estimates Population change, 2011 to 2022, council areas in Scotland. Source: Scotland’s Census 2022 The 65 and over age group as a proportion of the population, 2022, council areas in Scotland. Source: Scotland’s Census 2022
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Appendix 2: Barriers to Settlement from Community Engagement Visits thus far Table 2: Barriers to Settlement from Community Engagement Visits thus far Tiree Coll Bute Kintyre Rosneath The availability and affordability of housing. No pre-3 childcare. 46% of housing is not occupied all year round (TCDT) Ferry booking system for residents impacts retention. Employment opportunities are underpinned by housing availability. Further education requires relocation. No vet service. Demand on community to participate resulting in volunteer burnout. Cost of living. The affordability and availability of housing. Lack of permanent contracts, seasonality of employment/ high underemployment. Restricted elderly/ adapted housing. Need for family homes. The reliability of the ferry is impacting the retention of businesses and residents. Limited on-island support for businesses. Business premises for SMEs. Limited access to on-island training/ education/ skills development. Limited affordable housing is a significant challenges for recruiting essential workers- HSCP/ Education. High proportion of STL/ vacant homes. Significant number of individuals relocating during retirement, driving up property prices. Limited rental market. Unreliable flight, the ferry is a relief vessel that operates seasonally- Reduces tourism and subsequent economic impact on businesses. Lack of public transport provision allowing individuals to attend employment. Limited employment opportunities/ loss of industry. Lack of permanent contracts and seasonality of employment. Limited subject choice in schools. Lack of youth opportunities from age 14+. Limited wraparound childcare.
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Appendix 3: SPSO Relocation Enquiries Table 3: SPSO Relocation Enquiries Enquiry Reason for Enquiry Location Economically Active 1. Information on housing, broadband provision, moving companies, ferries, general information regarding Bute Rothesay Yes 2. Information on ferries Bute Unknown 3. Information on housing, ferries, moving companies and storage facilities, and employment Bute Yes 4. Information on housing Lochgilphead Yes 5. Information on housing, communities and employment Argyll and Bute Yes 6. Information on housing, communities and employment Argyll and Bute Yes 7. Information on housing Dunoon Yes