Public reports pack
Argyll and Bute Council · 13 May 2025
Back to Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group — 13 May 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT Tel: 01546 602127 Fax: 01546 604435 DX 599700 LOCHGILPHEAD 6 May 2025 NOTICE OF MEETING A meeting of the HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP will be held ON A HYBRID BASIS BY MICROSOFT TEAMS AND IN THE TEMPLETON ANNEXE IN THE HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND CIVIC CENTRE on TUESDAY, 13 MAY 2025 at 10:00 AM, which you are requested to attend. Douglas Hendry Executive Director BUSINESS 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 3. MINUTE OF THE HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP, HELD ON TUESDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2025 (Pages 5 - 14) 4. LANDLINE SWITCH-OVER Presentation by EE BT Digital Voice Engagement Lead for Scotland 5. COMMUNITY BENEFITS (Pages 15 - 38) Presentation by Contract and Demand Management Officer, Argyll and Bute Council 6. TRANSPORT Discussion facilitated by Community Development Team 7. PARTNER UPDATES (a) Police Scotland Update - TO FOLLOW (b) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Update (Pages 39 - 44) Public Document Pack
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(c) Live Argyll Update (Pages 45 - 46) (d) Transport Scotland Update (Pages 47 - 48) (e) Public Health Update (Pages 49 - 52) (f) Argyll and Bute Council Community Development Team Update (Pages 53 - 54) (g) Argyll and Bute TSI Update (Pages 55 - 58) (h) Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Update (Pages 59 - 62) (i) Fun First Update (Pages 63 - 66) (j) Helensburgh Community Council Update (Pages 67 - 68) (k) Rhu and Shandon Community Council Update (Pages 69 - 70) (l) Destination Helensburgh Update (Pages 71 - 72) (m) Plastic Free Helensburgh Update (Pages 73 - 74) (n) Opportunity for verbal updates 8. COMMUNITY FOCUS (a) Visiting Friends - Prevention of loneliness and isolation Presentation from Manager, Visiting Friends 9. CLIMATE CHANGE (a) Climate Change Working Group Highlight Report (Pages 75 - 132) Report by Climate Change Project Manager, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (b) Opportunity for verbal updates on community based initiatives 10. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE (Pages 133 - 136) Report by Partnerships Lead, Argyll and Bute Council 11. COMMUNITY WEALTH BUILDING (Pages 137 - 138) Report by the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group Community Wealth Building Short Term Working Group 12. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 19 August 2025
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Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group Sarah Davies (Chair) Gill Simpson (Vice-Chair) Contact: Joanne Gaughan, Member and Committee Services Assistant - 01436 658812
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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP HELD ON A HYBRID BASIS BY MICROSOFT TEAMS AND IN THE MARRIAGE SUITE IN THE HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND CIVIC CENTRE ON TUESDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2025 Present: Sarah Davies, Fun First/Plastic Free Helensburgh/Helensburgh Community Council (Chair) Gill Simpson, Helensburgh Community Hub (Vice Chair) Stuart McLean, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council John McLuckie, Partnerships Lead - Community Planning, Argyll and Bute Council David Hagerty, Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council Councillor Fiona Howard Elizabeth Lambert, Helensburgh Community Council Andy Macpherson, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (ACT) Inspector Bart Simonis, Police Scotland Christopher Spence, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Rhona Grant, Community Learning Services, Live Argyll Paul Ashworth, Services and Support Manager, Live Argyll Caroline Whitson, Community Learning Services, Live Argyll Sheelagh O’Reilly, Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council Katrina Sayer, Jean’s Bothy Ian Woodcock, Transport Scotland Angela Anderson, Time for Change Argyll and Bute/Plastic Free Helensburgh Angela Coll, NHS Highland Alasdair MacCuish, Helensburgh Gaelic Group Kirsten Gibson, UK Cycling Allan Comrie, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) Attending: Councillor Paul Kennedy 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of: Councillor Gemma Penfold Councillor Mark Irvine Lindsey Young, Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network/Cardross Community Council Morevain Martin, Garelochhead Support Trust Caryl Mclean, Third Sector Interface Fiona Baker, Destination Helensburgh/Rhu & Shandon Community Council Olena Mishanina, NHS Highland Jon Fletcher, Royal Navy Louise Mathis, UHI Argyll Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland Jen Broadhurst, Argyll and Bute Citizen’s Advice Bureau Becky Hothersall, Poverty Alliance Natalie Lewis, Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity Vicky Brindley, Naval Families Federation Page 5 Agenda Item 3
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Veronica Ferguson, Living Well Network The Chair welcomed Hazel MacInnes and Joanne Gaughan to the meeting and noted her thanks to Julieann Small for the support she had offered to the Area Community Planning Group. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest intimated. 3. MINUTE OF THE HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP, HELD ON TUESDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2024 The Minute of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday 12 November 2024 was approved as a correct record. The Group considered the actions from the previous meeting and noted that the majority were completed or in the process of being completed, with the exception of the action in relation to Jayne Burnett delivering a presentation concerning Visiting Friends which will be carried forward to a future meeting. The Group also agreed to carry forward updates on the removal of white meter connectivity and the PTSN switch-off, noting that the next meeting coincides with the point of switch off. Having noted the commitments of those in attendance, the Chair agreed to vary the order of business to facilitate attendees. This minute reflects the order in which items were discussed. 4. PARTNER UPDATES (a) Live Argyll Update The Group gave consideration to an update from Rhona Grant and Caroline Whitson, Live Argyll. The update provided information on Adult Learning Provision in Helensburgh; Helensburgh and Lomond Youth work/services; Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament; and the Independent Review of Community Learning and Development. Paul Ashworth, Services and Support Manager, Live Argyll, gave a verbal update on the work being undertaken to deliver the service after the damage sustained to the Leisure Centre during Storm Eowyn. Mr Ashworth confirmed that the library’s books and facilities have moved to the vacant pavilion in Hermitage Park and that he hopes that the gym will be open within the next week. There was discussion around the decision making process involved in the reorganisation of LiveArgyll services following the storm, the Vice-Chair sought reassurance that the library move would be a temporary measure and that it would not result in a closure or reduction in library services in the longer term. In particular the services provided for underserved members of the community were highlighted. These included the learning cafe, community learning, activities for young families and the provision of computer facilities and a welcoming space. The Chair as a trustee of the Friends of Hermitage Park expressed disappointment Page 6
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that information regarding the move of the library had gone out publically before this had been discussed or agreed with all those involved. She noted that a number of groups who regularly use the community room would no longer be able to. Action – Paul Ashworth to liaise with Eileen McKay around the proposed relocation of the Waverley model within Helensburgh Leisure Centre. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Live Argyll, submitted) 5. AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUPS GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS The Group gave consideration to a report which outlined the governance arrangements of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group (Area CPG) specifically the Terms of Reference, membership and the future meeting dates. Action - Gill Simpson to provide contact details for Centre 81 to Committee Manager. Action – John McLuckie to provide the Vice-Chair with further details on Area Community Planning Action Plans. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group: 1. considered and adopted the Terms of Reference submitted at Appendix 1 of the report and to agree that they would be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure their ongoing currency and appropriateness for the work of the Area CPG as it develops over time; 2. considered and agreed the membership of the group at Appendix 2 of the report, subject to the inclusion of the National Farmers Union, Scotland and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), and that the membership of the Group would be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure currency and appropriateness for the work of the group as it develops over time; and 3. noted the future meeting dates submitted within the report subject to the change of the date for February 2026. (Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 4 February 2025, submitted) 6. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING Page 7
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The Group gave consideration to a report which outlined matters discussed during a meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee held on 6 December 2024. The report provided information on a number of cross cutting themes such as the Census – Population Update; Joint Strategic Needs Assessment from NHS Highland, CPP Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan; CPP Community Wealth Building; Argyll and Bute Council Equalities Outcomes Consultation and Audit Scotland’s Tackling Digital Exclusion. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council dated 4 February 2025, submitted) 7. CLIMATE CHANGE (a) Argyll and Bute Climate Action: developing a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Argyll and Bute Consideration was given to a report providing an update on the Community Planning Partnership’s Argyll and Bute Climate Action Project: Developing a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Argyll and Bute. Andy MacPherson advised that he was working with the Councils resilience team with a view to enhance resilience at a more local level after lessons learned following Storm Eowyn. Action – Andy MacPherson and Angela Anderson to discuss making complex information more accessible. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the approach and status of the project outlined in the report. (Reference: Report by Climate Change Project Manager, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust, dated 22 January 2025, submitted) (b) Opportunity for verbal updates on community based initiatives There were no verbal updates provided under this item. 8. ASPIRING PLACES - COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN ARGYLL AND BUTE The Group gave consideration to a presentation by Project Officers from Argyll and Bute Council, in relation to the Council’s Aspiring Places; Community Project in Argyll and Bute. The presentation provided background information in relation to the revised approach which is deemed to be more sustainable, dynamic, and an efficient way to not only capture community projects, but allow community groups to use CONSUL Democracy as a ‘shop window’ to attract funders and promote collaboration. Page 8
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Lucy Dunbar and Milly Leggett outlined the project’s next steps and noted that it will launch at the end of March 2025. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Corporate Support Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted) 9. PARTNER UPDATES (a) Police Scotland Update Consideration was given to an update which provided information on the ongoing work of the Service and information on serious and organised crime; acquisitive crime; road safety and road crime; ASB and violent crime; public protection; domestic abuse; youth engagement and introduction of a new mobile police office. Inspector Simonis thanked Partners and communities on behalf of local policing for the assistance provided in the wake of Storm Eowyn. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Police Scotland, dated January/February 2025, submitted submitted) (b) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Update The Group gave consideration to a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ3 review of local performance across Helensburgh and Lomond for the period 2024-25. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan; accidental dwelling fires; casualties; deliberate secondary fire setting; fires in non-domestic property; casualties from non-fire emergencies; unwanted fire alarm signals; incidents and activities of note and community engagement activities. Christopher Spence highlighted the change in policy regarding Fire Safety Home Visits, specifically that visits will only now be made to those who meet criteria as a ‘high risk’ individual. Following a question about community engagement in the Helensburgh and Lomond area it was noted that a Young Firefighters Group is to be set up in Helensburgh and Lomond in the near future. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. Page 9
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(Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted) (c) 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 on the Argyll and Bute Joint Strategic Needs Assessment which was published in December 2024; the expansion of the Community Link Working service; the launch of the Mental Health Hub – Living Well in Argyll and Bute digital resource and mental health awareness and suicide prevention training available. The report also provided information on the work undertaken as part of the alcohol and drugs partnership; the screening inequalities grants funding which has been awarded to Argyll and Bute; the end of the Waverly Care contract; and the end of the existing Living Well Network coordination. Angela Coll highlighted that training is taking place for new Community Link Workers recently appointed, and noted that the comments from the Group with reference to the end of the Living Well Network will be fed back to Management. The Vice-Chair wanted to put on record her disappointment at the decision to withdraw funding from the Living Well Network. Action – Detail on what community consultation had taken place in reaching the decision to withdraw funding from the Living Well Network to be circulated to Partners. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated February 2025, submitted) (d) Argyll and Bute Council’s Community Development Team Update Consideration was given to an update from David Hagerty, Community Development Officer at Argyll and Bute Council. The update included information on the ongoing work with community groups, including the Princess Louise Hall; Welcome In; Kirkmichael Community Development Group; Parents for Change group; Helensburgh Hub and Jean’s Bothy. The report also included details of collaborative work with the TSI and the Aspiring Places project. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. Page 10
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(Reference: Report by Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted) (e) Helensburgh Community Hub Update Consideration was given to a written update from Helensburgh Community Hub which provided information on the launch of Helensburgh Repair café; Helensburgh Book Festival, and the Hub’s 5 year plan. Gill Simpson highlighted that she is in the process of creating a new 5 year plan alongside Community Enterprise, and noted a request for Partners to assist by engaging with Community Enterprise. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Helensburgh Community Hub, submitted) (f) Argyll and Bute TSI Update Consideration was given to an update from Caryl Mclean from Argyll and Bute TSI. The update included information about the Day Services for Older People review; Volunteer of the Year 2025 Award; activities of the Wellbeing Development Manager; Winter Welcome Spaces and the Argyll and Bute Resilience and Transformation fund. The Chair highlighted that Helensburgh is the location of the Volunteer of the Year Awards ceremony this year. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute TSI, submitted) (g) Transport Scotland Update Consideration was given to an update from Transport Scotland which highlighted the continuing traffic management arrangements at the Rest and Be Thankful, and that traffic management and hillside monitoring is being conducted as per the day to day Management Plan, as well as being co-ordinated with the ongoing ground investigation works relating to the long term solution; the report also provided an update on ongoing and planned works on the A82. Action – Ian Woodstock to provide an update at the next meeting on the issue of safety cameras and to request that the ferries directorate provide an update on the Gourock to Kilcreggan ferry at a future meeting of the Community Planning Group. Decision Page 11
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The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Area Manager, Transport Scotland, submitted) (h) Fun First Update Consideration was given to a report by Fun First which highlighted existing and upcoming sessions including those for new and expectant parents, and outdoor sessions; expressed gratitude for a grant from the Armed Forces Covenant; appointment of a new Service Manager and ongoing training of three new leaders. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report from Fun First, submitted) (i) Helensburgh Community Council Update Consideration was given to a written update from Helensburgh Community Council which included information about a Judicial Review regarding the Helensburgh Waterfront Development; work on a Helensburgh Place Plan; the removal of the Bank of Scotland branch, and the Music in the Square Fund. Sarah Davies highlighted that there are 2 vacancies on the Community Council , as well as the upcoming events being held to consult on the local place plan and the proposed Visitor Levy. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the provided information. (Reference: Report by Helensburgh Community Council, submitted) (j) Helensburgh and Lomond Living Well Network Update Consideration was given to a report from Helensburgh and Lomond Living Well Network which outlined the service provision of the Network and that funding for the service has been withdrawn. The report also noted and expressed thanks for the input of past and present coordinators. Veronica Ferguson, Helensburgh & Lomond Living Well Network Coordinator, sent apologies, and thanked everyone for the opportunities to work together that were created since being in post, and noted her disappointment that there will no longer be a coordinator and will be in touch with everyone in the network to suggest they all keep in touch. The Chair noted thanks to Veronica for her support and attendance at meeting of the Community Planning Group. Page 12
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Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report from Helensburgh and Lomond Living Well Network, submitted) (k) Opportunity for Verbal Updates Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council - Digital switch over The Group noted that Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council continue to have serious concerns around the PTSN and RTS switch-off. Action – The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group agreed that concerns around the PTSN and RTS switch-off be highlighted to the CPP Management Committee in March 2025. Helensburgh Gaelic Group In the absence of a representative from the Helensburgh Gaelic Group the Committee Manager advised that the Group continues to meet on Tuesdays in Helensburgh Parish Church at 1330 and all are welcome. Poverty Alliance In the absence of a representative from the Poverty Alliance the Committee Manager advised that the next anti-poverty meet-up takes place on Monday February 24th, details can be found at: https://www.povertyalliance.org/event/argyll-and-bute-meet-up-anti-poverty- sharing-and-networking-event/ Visitor Levy Proposal On behalf of colleagues in Economic Growth, the Committee Manager, advised that the Council is running a formal visitor levy consultation until 10 April 2025 and urged Partners to find out what it could mean for them and the area and to give their views. The consultation can be accessed here: council website. Stuart also confirmed that the Council will be hosting a series of drop-in events and online information webinars to help people in Argyll and Bute to find out more and get involved in assessing the possible introduction of a Visitor Levy. The online webinars will last one hour, to book a space please follow this link Visitor levy information events to take place across Argyll and Bute Stuart added that there is no requirement to book a space for the drop-in events which will be held across Argyll and Bute. Stuart highlighted the event in Helensburgh on 20 March, hosted in the Victoria Halls 4.00pm-7pm. (l) Argyll and Bute Citizen's Advice Bureau Update Consideration was given to the report which provided statistical information and Page 13
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details of Advice Provision and Services within the Bureau, and gave information on volunteer and paid recruitment currently being undertaken. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report from Argyll and Bute Citizen’s Advice Bureau) 10. COMMUNITY WEALTH BUILDING Consideration was given to a verbal 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. Gill Simpson provided information on the work being undertaken to explore different aspects of community wealth building; ways of generating resource; skills and experience to build wealth as a community; vehicles to deliver Community Wealth Building; next steps, including sharing best practice with other communities in Argyll and Bute who are ahead with their projects, as well as other Councils. Action – Committee Manager to invite a representative of the Community Benefit Team to a future meeting of the Community Planning Group. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Verbal update from the Area Community Planning Group Community Wealth Building Short-Term Working Group) 11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The Group noted that the next meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group would take place on Tuesday 13 May 2025. Page 14
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Page 1 of 14 Achieved Community Benefits 1st Apr 2023 – 31st Mar 2024 The Procurement, Commercial and Contract Management Team (PCCMT) is committed to maximise Community Benefits from its procurement activities and to delivering wider benefits for its communities when purchasing the required goods, services and supplies for Argyll and Bute. We have been working closely with our suppliers to deliver additional social, economic and environmental value to our society and the table below shows the 74 Community Benefits achieved through Contract Management, Contract Awards and the Request List during the period from 1st Apr 2023 to 31st March 2024. Ward Method Number Cowal Contract Management 1 Dunoon Contract Management 7 Helensburgh & Lomond South Contract Management 3 Helensburgh Central Contract Management 4 Isle of Bute Contract Management 2 Kintyre and The Islands Contract Management 8 Lomond North Contract Management 7 Mid Argyll Contract Management 10 Oban North and Lorn Contract Management 3 Oban South and The Isles Contract Management 19 South Kintyre Contract Management 10 Total: 74 The following table provides further details. Page 15 Agenda Item 5
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Page 2 of 14 Achieved Community Benefits 2023/24 Total: 74 Council Ward: Cowal (1) Contract Title Supplier Benefit General Maintenance Term Contract - East Argyll (Lot 1) John Brown Strone Ltd Transported 100 used slabs from Clyde cottage to upper Cowal bowling club for a patio. Council Ward: Dunoon (7) Contract Title Supplier Benefit General Maintenance Term Contract - East Argyll (Lot 1) John Brown Strone Ltd Recruited 3 new apprentices - plumber, painter and electrician (16-18 year olds). Donated materials and electrician’s time to Velvet Path Riding School for the RDA at Innellen to achieve electrical compliance certificate. Supporting the Dunoon rally with forklift services to set out hay bales for crash barriers. Provided herris fencing panels at Punk on the Peninsula Festival at Dunoon’s Coal Pier. Donated the old school bell from Toward Primary School to the museum. Donated the projector from Innellan Primary School to the Men’s Shed. General Maintenance Term Contract - East Argyll (Lot 2) DCF Joiners & Builders Provided 2 additional blinds for St Muns Primary School (£200). Page 16
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Page 3 of 14 Council Ward: Helensburgh and Lomond South (3) Contract Title Supplier Benefit Bathymetric Surveys Term Contract - 2022-2024 Aspect Land & Hydrographic Surveys Ltd A donation of £750 to Hermitage Academy pupil support group. General Maintenance Term Contract - East Argyll (Lot 2) DCF Joiners & Builders Provided extra blinds to John Logie Baird Primary School (£150.00). Provided financial support to Ardencaple Boys Club Under 11's for Strips (£500.00). Council Ward: Helensburgh Central (4) Contract Title Supplier Benefit General Maintenance Term Contract - East Argyll (Lot 2) DCF Joiners & Builders Completed £7.5k of building repair and refurbishment works at Helensburgh football pavilion (April to Aug 2023). Completed a shower room upgrade in a local charity-run old folks home Abbeyfield (4 flats in Helensburgh). Fitted a new PIR (Passive Infrared Sensor) at Helensburgh Leisure Centre (£150.00). Laying of slabs in outdoor area at Parklands School, Helensburgh. Council Ward: Isle of Bute (2) Contract Title Supplier Benefit Older People's Care Home Palm Court Residential Home Due to the closure of Palm Court Residential Home, one resident moved to own tenancy with support. The owners of Palm Court donated furniture and furnishings from the home to the resident for their new property. The owners donated profiling beds to Thomson Court, Rothesay. Page 17
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Page 4 of 14 Council Ward: Kintyre and The Islands (8) Contract Title Supplier Benefit General Maintenance Term Contract - West Argyll (Lot 3) McEachern Bros Provided financial support to Port Ellen Primary School Parents Association. Provided financial support to Port Ellen Football Club. Carried out building repairs on the village playhouse. Recruited a mature plumbing apprentice. Purchased a toy storage unit for Port Ellen School to use as a dry box for sporting equipment. Provided labour/various support setting up for lifeboat gala day. Provided materials for Islay museum in Port Charlotte makeover and Bruichladdich distillery provided the labour. Provision of School Transport on Islay Islay Minibus & Taxi Hire Ltd Providing weekly transport for the Senior Citizens Lunch Club on Islay free of charge. Council Ward: Lomond North (7) Contract Title Supplier Benefit Debt Collection Services Walker Love A donation of £250 to Rhu Primary School Parent Council towards a roof canopy. This will allow pupils to use the playground outdoor space all year round. General Maintenance Term Contract - East Argyll (Lot 2) DCF Joiners & Builders A donation of a video camera to Rhu Amateurs and completed repairs to the clubhouse (£2,500.00). Re-covered the shed at Rhu Hall (£600.00). Completed repairs at Rhu Community Hall. Re-roofed the shed at Rhu Community Centre garden. Donated £1,000 to Rhu Amatuers for hire of bus. Painted a classroom at Rosneath Primary School (£500-£600). Page 18
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Page 5 of 14 Council Ward: Mid Argyll (10) Contract Title Supplier Benefit General Maintenance Term Contract - North & East Argyll (Lot 3) Oban Electrical Services Ltd Assisting Argyll and Bute Council Property Services with office moves. General Maintenance Term Contract - West Argyll (Lot 1) MacLeod Construction Ltd Work experience - 2 pupils from S4/S6, Lochgilphead Joint Campus, are invited twice a week. Donations made to local nursery. Supplied Lochgilphead Joint Campus with new football strips and shinty strips. Put up remembrance Sunday red lights at church and war memorial. Put up Xmas lights in Lochgilphead town centre. Assisted Kilmartin school pupil’s plant trees/shrubs in ELC garden and extra jobs while doing roofing, e.g. fixing fencing. Support and sponsorship of Mid Argyll Triathalon event in Lochgilphead (Sept 2023). Page 19
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Page 6 of 14 Council Ward: Mid Argyll (10) /contd Contract Title Supplier Benefit General Maintenance Term Contract - West Argyll (Lot 1) MacLeod Construction Ltd Attendance at Lochgilphead Job Centre careers fayre. Professional Services to Carry Out a Route Options Appraisal and Produce a Concept Design for an Active Travel Route between Lochgilphead Front Green and the Crinan Canal Stantec UK Ltd The Consultant’s STEM co-ordinator undertook events at the Joint Campus with 60 young people in S2 and S3. Page 20
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Page 7 of 14 Council Ward: Oban North and Lorn (3) Contract Title Supplier Benefit General Maintenance Term Contract - North & East Argyll (Lot 3) Oban Electrical Services Ltd Installation of a defibrillator at Lismore Primary, which was donated by local firefighters. Supplied and fitted new lighting to Isle of Lismore community shop, following community buy out. Provision of Air Services between Oban and the Islands of Coll, Colonsay and Tiree Hebridean Air Services Ltd Hebridean Air Services Ltd have recruited a relief pilot to support the main pilot in the operation of this service, the new employee has relocated to the Oban area and is now working out of the airport. Page 21
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Page 8 of 14 Council Ward: Oban South and the Isles (19) Contract Title Supplier Benefit Energy Efficiency Contractors FES FES fully supported Oban High School to set up the school’s impressive vast Christmas light display. General Maintenance Term Contract - North & East Argyll (Lot 3) Oban Electrical Services Ltd Donating £1,000 to St Columbus School for shinty team strips. Installation and maintenance support for the ‘light up a life’ tree at Oban Hospice, where this is the 18th year of support. Donation of £500 to St. Columbus Primary School for shinty equipment. Put up the Christmas lights at Oban High School. Installed a Argyll & Bute Council defibrillator at Oban North Pier by completing the electrical and mounting works. Page 22
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Page 9 of 14 Council Ward: Oban South and the Isles (19) /contd Contract Title Supplier Benefit General Maintenance Term Contract - Tiree & Coll CKR Island Construction Ltd Completed beach cleaning on Tiree on 21st May 2023, 31st May 2023, and again in July 2023. Assisted setting up the Tiree Music Festival and also with evacuation. Sponsored a member of the Oban ladies Rugby team Volunteer support for Tiree’s solar project by helping stock an old telephone box with food/ household supplies and delivering food parcels to those in need. Completed a beach cleaning at Balephuil and Scarinish on Tiree, October 2023. Support of machinery (scissor lifts) to complete cleaning An Talla Community Hall (article of thanks in Tiree newspaper). Raffle prizes at community fireworks. Page 23
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Page 10 of 14 Council Ward: Oban South and the Isles (19) /contd Contract Title Supplier Benefit General Maintenance Term Contract - Tiree & Coll CKR Island Construction Ltd Donation of time and mobile plant to put the Tiree school Christmas decorations up and take them back down in the New Year. Took part in the Charity Tractor run on boxing day in a forklift (£10 entrant fee) total raised £2k - money raised going towards the air ambulance and Christmas events for older people and kids. Donation of food stocks x 2 for the Solar Food Project. Page 24
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Page 11 of 14 Council Ward: Oban South and the Isles (19) /contd Contract Title Supplier Benefit Surface Dressing Works 2023 Kiely Bros Delivered & spread spare red chip dressing on Strachur shinty pitch car park. Tobermory Cemetery TSL Contractors Supported the Community Food Bank in Tobermory by donating a large fridge freezer that will provide additional capacity for storing produce. Page 25
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Page 12 of 14 Council Ward: South Kintyre (10) Contract Title Supplier Benefit General Maintenance Term Contract - West Argyll (Lot 2) McKinven & Colville Recruiting a new apprentice joiner. Installing electrical lighting for the sunshine garden room at Campbeltown Hospital. Put up Christmas lights in Campbeltown town centre. Campbeltown Flood Protection Scheme Dawson Wam Cleaning of the block paving on Harvey’s Lane, Campbeltown. Completed a rebuild of the stone wall at Tomaig Road, Campbeltown. Page 26
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Page 13 of 14 Council Ward: South Kintyre (10) /contd Contract Title Supplier Benefit Campbeltown Flood Protection Scheme Dawson Wam Painting of the Meadows goal post in Campbeltown. Purchased Lego Education Spike Prime Set for Drumlemble Primary School. Donated £5,000 to Kintyre Sea Sports. Donated musical instruments to Live Argyll youth work. Page 27
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Page 14 of 14 Council Ward: South Kintyre (10) /contd Contract Title Supplier Benefit Campbeltown Flood Protection Scheme Dawson Wam Delivered a Project/Safety presentation to the local Primary Schools on 12th March 2024. Page 28
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Page 1 of 6 Achieved Community Benefits Q1-Q2: 1st Apr 2024 – 30th Sep 2024 The Procurement, Commercial and Contract Management Team (PCCMT) is committed to maximise Community Benefits from its procurement activities and to delivering wider benefits for its communities when purchasing the required goods, services and supplies for Argyll and Bute. We have been working closely with our suppliers to deliver additional social, economic and environmental value to our society and the table below shows the 31 Community Benefits achieved through Contract Management, Contract Awards and the Request List during the period from 1st April 2024 to 30th September 2024. Ward Method Number Cowal Contract Management 1 Dunoon Contract Management 6 Helensburgh & Lomond South Contract Management 1 Kintyre and The Islands Contract Management 3 Mid Argyll Contract Management 2 Oban South and The Isles Contract Management (11) Request List (1) 12 South Kintyre Contract Management (5) Request List (1) 6 Total: 31 The following table provides further information. Page 29
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Page 2 of 6 Classification: OFFICIAL Q1 and Q2 Achieved Community Benefits 2024/25 Total: 31 Council Ward: Cowal Contract Title Supplier Benefit General Maintenance Term Contract - East Argyll (Lot 1) John Brown Strone Ltd 1. Sponsors of Blairmore Golf Club. Council Ward: Dunoon Contract Title Supplier Benefit General Maintenance Term Contract - East Argyll (Lot 1) John Brown Strone Ltd 2. Donated glass panels to the men’s shed in Dunoon, which are being recycled to make greenhouses. 3. Donation of a joiner for the Dunoon Burgh Hall Auction. 4. Assisting the Community Development Trust by donating a tele-handler/operative to deliver gardening materials to Struan Lodge. 5. Donated a tele-handler/operative at the Cowal Argyll Rally. 6. Sponsors of Cowal Highland Gathering. 7. Sponsors of the Stay Fresh Festival. Page 30
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Page 3 of 6 Classification: OFFICIAL Council Ward: Helensburgh & Lomond South Contract Title Supplier Benefit General Maintenance Term Contract - East Argyll (Lot 2) DCF Joiners & Builders 8. Rectification work at Colgrain Primary School after vandalism. Council Ward: Kintyre and The Islands Contract Title Supplier Benefit General Maintenance Term Contract - West Argyll (Lot 1) MacLeod Construction Ltd 9. 1 Work experience placement in Islay – (1 week). 10. 1 Working Right/MAYDS work placement on Islay (12 weeks). 11. Sponsored the woodwork prize for Islay High School’s end of term awards (donated tool bag and tools). Council Ward: Mid Argyll Contract Title Supplier Benefit General Maintenance Term Contract - West Argyll (Lot 1) MacLeod Construction Ltd 12. 2 work experience placements in Lochgilphead (1 week). 13. Donated wood and tyres to MAKI pups outdoor nursery. Council Ward: Oban South & The Isles Contract Title Supplier Benefit General Maintenance Term Contract – Tiree & Coll CKR Island Construction Ltd 14. Support at Tiree Music Festival. 15. Solar food project donation of £200 raised at Tiree agricultural show from selling dog treats. 16. Annual sponsorship of Oban ladies rugby player Drew Buckley. Page 31
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Page 4 of 6 Classification: OFFICIAL Council Ward: Oban South & The Isles Contract Title Supplier Benefit General Maintenance Term Contract - West Argyll (Lot 1) MacLeod Construction Ltd 17. Supported Tiree Music Festival by lending Heras fencing. General Maintenance Term Contract - North & East Argyll (Lot 3) Oban Electrical Services Ltd 18. Installed a defibrillator at Mossfield Stadium, Oban, purchased by local teams. 19. Support to Dove centre local hospice, providing labour for move into new premises and sharing contacts for material suppliers. 20. New local trainee electrician through Working Right Training Scheme, potential move to apprentice after 12 weeks. 21. Donated a new solar panel and invertor to Oban High School Eco Committee to allow them to undertake a new rain water harvesting project. 22. Donated £1,500 to Oban Pipe Band. Page 32
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Page 5 of 6 Classification: OFFICIAL Council Ward: Oban South & The Isles Contract Title Supplier Benefit Rural Growth Deal - Business Case Support Phases 1&2 Stantec 23. Various supply chain and poverty initiatives. Rural Growth Deal - Housing on Isle of Mull - Site Infrastructure Construction Works contract TSL Contractors 24. Donating £500 to Mull Community Sports Minibus. Debt Collection Services Walker Love 25. Donating £250 to ALI Energy for affordable warmth advice services. Council Ward: South Kintyre Contract Title Supplier Benefit Campbeltown Flood Protection Scheme Dawson Wam 26. Supplied a junior goal post for Kinloch Park, which will be installed by Argyll & Bute Council amenities team. Page 33
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Page 6 of 6 Classification: OFFICIAL Council Ward: South Kintyre Contract Title Supplier Benefit General Maintenance Term Contract - West Argyll (Lot 2) McKinven & Colville 27. Donated 35 Hi Vis jackets and torches to Campbeltown Brownies for their walking activities. 28. Employed 2 labourers (school leaver and new person to the area). 29. Sponsored golf competition at Machrihanish Golf Club. 30. Installed signage at the Aqualibrium leisure centre. 31. Removal of old furniture from Castlehill Primary School. Page 34
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Argyll and Bute Council 1. Sustainable Procurement and Community Benefits The previous Procurement Strategy created a community benefit wish list on the council’s website. More information can be found on this page Community Benefits | Argyll and Bute Council, and an extract is below with a link to the list and information on how to submit your requests: A ‘Community Benefit’ scheme has been running since September 2020, which allows community groups to request help in achieving their goals, or ‘fulfilling their wishes’. This can include things like sponsoring a local sports team, donations of labour or materials, work experience or apprenticeships – anything that will help your community. Local community groups or organisations can submit a request by contacting us at communitybenefits@argyll-bute.gov.uk. The request will then be reviewed and added to our community benefit wish list, which will be shared with the council’s suppliers on a regular basis to ask if any of the requests can be supported. Please visit our interactive community benefits map to see all current requests and examples of completed benefits that have been delivered by some of our suppliers by contractual agreement, or through good will. There is further information available on community benefits within the Councils new procurement strategy. Extracts from the council webpages and the procurement strategy which refer to community wealth building and community benefits are below to help. Sustainable Procurement: Sustainable Procurement | Argyll and Bute Council The council’s Sustainable Procurement Strategy can be found here: Sustainable Procurement Strategy For this strategy, the council has five key strategic procurement objectives: 1. Good governance. 2. Value for money to support council’s financial challenges. 3. Empowering local suppliers, supporting community wealth building and local economic growth. 4. Provide effective and efficient procurement for our stakeholders. 5. Procurement to be a strategic partner for all our council services The strategy states that: Community benefits are considered for all procurement exercises above £100,000 for goods and services; and £2,000,000 for works. This is explained on the council website: Community Benefits: Page 35
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Community Benefit Clauses enable the Council to include contractual requirements in contracts to ensure that suppliers deliver wider social benefits as part of the contract. The Council's Community Benefits Clauses in Procurement Guide requires Community Benefit Clauses in tenders for supplies and services contracts over £100k and all works contracts over £2m (or lower if appropriate) unless there is a compelling justification not to do so. The strategy also states that it aims to: Integrate Community Benefits Wish-list’s within our community benefits process. (source: Strategy, page 8) The section in the strategy which has a main focus on community benefits is: 5.2.3 Empowering local suppliers, supporting community wealth building and local economic growth. This can be found on pages 13 and 14 of the Strategy where it says. Aims • To secure wider social, economic and environmental benefits for the local area and ensure those benefits are realised. • Increased opportunities for local suppliers to help grow the local economy. • Increased engagement and collaboration with suppliers and the SDP. • To develop resilient local supply chains, providing clear advice and consistent approaches to procurement and community benefits, ensuring businesses are aware of, and are able to take advantage of, procurement opportunities supported by a programme of active and innovative supplier engagement and development support. • To increase the knowledge and understanding of the benefits of sustainable procurement of all council staff who participate in the procurement process and make better use of the expertise within the council to ensure wider sustainable outcomes are achieved. How we will do it • We will analyse the supply chain in Argyll and Bute to identify specific areas of strength and opportunities to develop specific sectors, and work closely with the SDP to deliver effective supplier engagement to include online advice and guidance and targeted events relating to specific tenders to improve the capability of local businesses to bid for contracts. • Optimisation of community benefits via contractual community benefits and the community wish-list - explore how procurement can support community wishes and priorities such as poverty reduction and improve equality. • Continue to support the national meet the buyer event and to hold, at least annually, one council meet the buyer session and relevant tender talk session in conjunction with the SDP. • Provide support to wider council teams with their sustainability and net-zero targets as required; including updating templates to meet the changing needs of the council and the Scottish Government, and adapting procurement processes to support these targets whilst still complying with Procurement Regulations. What will the outcome be? Page 36
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• Increased opportunities for local businesses, co-operatives, Supported Businesses and Third Sector organisations. • To secure wider social, economic and environmental benefits for the local area and ensure those benefits are realised. • We will have supported small local businesses to access existing supply chains and increased their capability to successfully bid for contracts. • Greater outcomes achieved for local communities. • Community wish-list being delivered by contracted suppliers. Here is a link to the Community Benefits Clause Guidance: Community Benefit Clauses - Guidance for Tenderers 2022 2. Community Benefits in Renewables Projects Information on this can be found here: Renewable Energy | Argyll and Bute Council We want to make sure that maximum benefit is achieved for the communities of the area from renewable energy developments. Already many households, community organisations and businesses are seeing the benefits from making their own renewable energy but other benefits can include: • Community benefits; and • Economic benefits. Community benefits Many renewable schemes offer community benefit. Community benefit is voluntary payment which, in most cases, makes grants available to local communities to deliver services, facilities and local improvements. You can find out which areas are covered by community benefit schemes through our community benefits interactive map. You can also view our guidance for dealing with community benefits which can help if you are considering setting up a new community benefits scheme. To help community organisations setting up community benefit funds, see the community benefit toolkit available from the Local Energy Scotland website. This information was compiled by the Communities and Partnership Manager through contact with relevant council services for sharing with H&L Area Community Planning Group. 01/04/2025 Page 37
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Helensburgh & Lomond CPG Briefing Report Q4 2024/25 Performance & Activity Report From: 1st January 2025 To: 31st March 2025 Page 39 Agenda Item 7b
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Introduction Welcome to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Community Board Performance Report. This performance report is designed to provide citizens, stakeholders and partners with information relating to Community Board based activity undertaken by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Whilst using historic statistical benchmarking data, consideration must be taken of the random nature of fire related incidents and events, and how this can pose difficulties in interpreting emerging patterns and trends. This is of specific relevance where Community Board level data is analysed due to the small number of actual incidents/events that occur in Community Board areas. However, regardless of statistical anomalies, emerging patterns and trends in fire related incidents and events can assist the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Community Planning Partners plan and implement preventative intervention initiatives to target reducing fire related incidents and events. Local Firefighter Training Plan Below is a list of subjects the operational crews have been focusing on within this period. Each subject has been covered both practically and theoretically and recorded in the Fire Service Training recording system. Training Subjects January/February/March • BA, Tactical Ventilation Q4 • Casualty Care Q4 • Road Traffic Collision (RTC) & Extrication Q4 • RTC Practical training • HAZMAT Q4 Page 40
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Accidental Dwelling Fires (ADF) Ward 3 Year Average 2023/24 2024/25 Helensburgh & Lomond South 1.3 0 2 Helensburgh Central 1.7 1 2 Lomond North 2.3 3 2 Community Board Total 5.3 4 6 ADF Casualties Ward 3 Year Average 2023/24 2024/25 Helensburgh & Lomond South 0 0 0 Helensburgh Central 0.3 1 0 Lomond North 0 0 0 Community Board Total 0.3 1 0 Deliberate Secondary Fire Setting Ward 3 Year Average 2023/24 2024/25 Helensburgh & Lomond South 1.7 1 3 Helensburgh Central 0.3 0 1 Lomond North 1.3 1 0 Community Board Total 3.3 2 4 Fires in Non-Domestic Property Ward 3 Year Average 2023/24 2024/25 Helensburgh & Lomond South 1 0 0 Helensburgh Central 1 0 1 Lomond North 1 1 3 Community Board Total 3 1 4 Page 41
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Casualties from Non-Fire Emergencies Ward 3 Year Average 2023/24 2024/25 Helensburgh & Lomond South 1.7 0 1 Helensburgh Central 0.7 1 1 Lomond North 0.7 1 1 Community Board Total 3.1 2 3 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Ward 3 Year Average 2023/24 2024/25 Helensburgh & Lomond South 0.3 0 0 Helensburgh Central 14 9 8 Lomond North 6 4 9 Community Board Total 20.3 13 17 Overview The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is dedicated to safeguarding the communities of Argyll & Bute through a multifaceted approach that includes emergency response, education, and prevention. Through these combined efforts, we help foster a safer and more resilient environment for the people of Argyll & Bute. To achieve these aims, we have built strong partnerships with Police Scotland, Education, and local Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCPs). In collaboration, we ensure a comprehensive approach. This coordinated approach allows us to address local challenges, share resources, and deliver effective safety programs that benefit the entire community. Community Engagement/LSO Activities • Continue to deliver Fire Safety advice via HFSVs (Home Fire Safety Visits) – See additional information contained at the end of this report. • We continue to work closely with Sensory Impairment officers throughout Argyll & Bute, providing much needed assistance to people with complex hearing and sight issues. Equipment is made available to those in need, along with a HFSV being conducted. Page 42
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• Continued representation on Argyll & Bute Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) for those affected by domestic violence. • Support Developing the Young Workforce through Careers Days in Oban, Tobermory, Lochgilphead, Dunoon, and Rothesay High Schools. • Continued support of the Partnership Approach to Water Safety (PAWS) group in Argyll & Bute and engage with the public through the #RESPECTTHEWATER campaign. • Engage with community groups utilising our Winter Thematic Action Plan (TAP). • Deliver annual Ice Safety Workshop across schools in Argyll & Bute, including all ten high schools. We also engaged with remote and rural schools over Microsoft Teams, where the safety message was well received. • Continue to support MCR Pathways in secondary schools. Several SFRS employees give up their time to support young people for an hour a week throughout term time, engaging with and mentoring each young person to make informed choices. • Continue to support the Violence Against Women Group (VAWG) in Argyll & Bute. • In partnership with Sensory Impairment, deliver vital safety messages into Sheltered Housing & Independent Housing complexes throughout Argyll & Bute. • We continue to support and assist in Adult Support & Protection (ASP) meetings, alongside partner agencies, to ensure safety measures are in place for vulnerable people throughout Argyll & Bute. Doddie Aid Challenge 2025 In February, our Area Management Team and operational staff participated in the Doddie Aid 2025 challenge, a 700-mile cycling event across Scotland to raise funds for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation. The team embarked on a journey from Stranraer to Edinburgh via Aberdeenshire, aiming to arrive in time for the Scotland vs. Ireland Six Nations match on the 9th February. Their efforts raised over £17500 supporting vital research and awareness for Motor Neuron Disease (MND), continuing the legacy of rugby legend Doddie Weir. The My Name'5 Doddie Foundation was established by rugby legend Doddie Weir in 2017 following his diagnosis with MND. The foundation is dedicated to funding research to find a cure for MND, supporting New Home Fire Safety Visit Referral Application Our new Home Fire Safety Visit (HFSV) policy and associated application went live on Wednesday 12 February. We will continue to support our partner agencies, to assist in this move. The current links to CSET (referral platform) will be replaced on our external website, members of the public and partners will then request a HFSV online via the new app. social media content and communications to partners will also be issued to highlight the changes to our criteria and processes. We will also invite partners to attend Microsoft Teams training sessions, to support this transition. Page 43
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One of the main highlights being SFRS commitment to protecting personal data in accordance with legislation, it is imperative that all data sharing containing personal information of individuals such as name and address etc., is transmitted to and from us via the new HFSV Portal or by Egress Secure Email. Therefore unfortunately, we are now unable to accept referrals via emails. To register for use of the new SFRS referral app, please contact our Safer Homes Team for support. Email: SFRS.HFSVadministrators@firescotland.gov.uk and one of the Safer Homes Team members will be in touch to provide further information. Page 44
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Classification: OFFICIAL Community Learning Services update April 2025 Adult Learning Provision Helensburgh We are currently delivering the majority of our Adult Learning Provision from Helensburgh Parish Church Halls, following the repurposing of Helensburgh Library space. Please contact Caroline Whitson or Eileen Kay with any enquiries. Managing Your Money – Brand new budgeting short course. New sessions will run regularly throughout the year in various locations. Please contact Caroline Whitson if you would like a course run in your own premises. Adult Literacy and Numeracy support – A range of support for adults requiring help with reading, writing or numbers, including the innovative Citizen Literacy website. National Databank – Vodafone and O2 sim cards available with call, texts and data for up to 6 months. Available by arrangement with Caroline Whitson. Digital Device Lending Service – Now available - Laptops and tablet devices are available, with or without mobile data, for adults aged 18 and over who have been referred by a partner agency. Lending period will be between 3 and 6 months. Regular attendance at The Learning Café (Helensburgh Library) is required as part of the lending agreement, as is registering with Learn My Way online learning. Referrals can be made directly to Caroline Whitson. Room For You – Partnership programme with Jean’s Bothy, Helensburgh Community Hub and A & B Community Development. Quiet reading and reflection spaces in Jean’s Bothy and the Community Hub. Learning Café – Learning and employability drop-in service every Wednesday afternoon in Helensburgh Parish Church Halls, 1 -2.30. Tea/coffee/rolls/soup/biscuits. Conversation Café – General conversation with tea/coffee/biscuits in Helensburgh Parish Church Halls every Thursday morning 10:15 – 11:15. Jean’s Bothy – Digital Drop-in Service – for existing and new Bothy members. Frist Thursday of every month in Jean’s Bothy 2.30 -4.30. Digital Boost – Advanced IT Support group for learners who have previously attended Get IT Started. First Wednesday of each month in Helensburgh Parish Church Halls 10 – 12. Health Issues in the Community (HIIC) – New cohort with Jean’s Bothy has commenced and will run until summer 2025. HIIC Please contact Caroline Whitson with any enquiries. Contact: Caroline Whitson Caroline.Whitson@liveargyll.co.uk tel: 01436658707 Eileen Kay Eileen.Kay@liveargyll.co.uk tel: 01436658743 Page 45 Agenda Item 7c
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Classification: OFFICIAL Update for Youth Work in H&L Helensburgh and Lomond Youth Action Group now has an average attendance of 9 young people aged from 14-16 and will start to plan for a Summer GIVE programme in the coming weeks. Free Summer football is being planned for the first 4 weeks of the summer holidays, due to the Hermitage 4g pitch being fully booked on Friday nights staff are looking at other options to see what would have best impact for young people to attend Thomas Lead Youth work staff member has recently completed his Lowland Leader Assessment and Camping Leader Assessment through mountaineering Scotland, This will provide the opportunity for the service to deliver outdoor educational programmes within Argyll and Bute. Contact: Thomas Guy-Conroy – Thomas.guy-conroy@liveargyll.co.uk Page 46
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Classification: OFFICIAL Helensburgh and Lomond CPG - Transport Scotland Update • Rest & Be Thankful – currently, there are ongoing works for the erection & repair of the hillside debris netting as well as planned drainage works, all working in coordination with the ground investigation team working on behalf of Major Projects in relation to the design of the debris flow shelter. Please note that there are a number of road closures to the A83T planned for during May & June of this year, with the OMR being utilised as the diversion route. Further details of the dates will be issued from the GI contractor in due course. We are also continuing to monitor the hillside as per our landslide management plan. • Other design works of note for this FY are completing the advance directional tourist signs ready for installation • This financial year we are focussing on a number of drainage improvement schemes with a view to rectify the ongoing issues A82 Tarbet to Inverannan – update as follows; “The Scottish Government remains committed to improving the A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan. We are continuing to take forward the detailed development and assessment of the preferred option for the A82 Tarbet to Inverarnan scheme, however, it is important to note that delivery of the scheme itself can only commence if it is approved under the relevant statutory procedures. The Scottish Government has been clear that construction work on the A82 Tarbet to Inverarnan scheme would not take place at the same time as the A83 Rest and be Thankful scheme in order to avoid significant disruption for local residents and businesses. Subject to the successful completion of the statutory process, the programme for delivery of the A82 Tarbet to Inverarnan scheme will need to be considered carefully to avoid overlap with the work on the A83. We are therefore not able to advise of anticipated timescales for delivery at this time, but Transport Scotland remains committed to engagement with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority as the scheme development progresses.” Ongoing Works; • A82 between Balloch & Tarbet – currently BEAR is replacing the filter drain material on the verges with recycling the stone where feasible and the layby improvements scheme still needs the remaining bollards to be installed, both of which should be completed over the forthcoming weeks Recently completed works; • Numerous landscaping/tree felling/verge clearance/Ash Die Back works along the length of the A82 between Tarbet to Falls of Falloch • Resurfacing works at North of Luss, North of Stoneymollen Roundabout, & West of Ardgarten Upcoming works; • Resurfacing works planned for North of Crainlarich & Beinn Odhar with other locations yet to be committed to the forward programme • Drainage improvement works at Tarbet Page 47 Agenda Item 7d
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Classification: OFFICIAL • 20mph roll out at Arrochar & Tarbet Third party works by SSE are planned at Arrocher, using traffic signals, for around 6 weeks during May & early June. Page 48
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1 Argyll & Bute Community Planning Partnership Area Community Planning Group Partnership update Date: May 2024 Partner update – Public Health The Public Health team are pleased to provide an update on some recent pieces of work. Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Training The Public Health team is proud to continue supporting mental health awareness and suicide prevention training for people who live or work in Argyll and Bute. Several training sessions are in the process of being planned for 25/26 and will be available to book on a new dedicated Suicide Prevention training platform on Turas Learn. This can be accessed here - Suicide prevention | Turas | Learn or contact nhsh.ab-sptraining@nhs.scot for more information. Free condoms by post A new condoms by post service is available across Argyll and Bute. Condoms can prevent HIV, sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. We have a wide range of condoms available. Complete a form on the website below to order free condoms and/or lube - these will be delivered in plain packaging to your chosen address. A range of condoms is available. This is a free and confidential service. A poster is also available for sharing widely. Please contact heather.mcadam@nhs.scot for more information. Sexual health | NHS Highland. Speakeasy training ‘Speakeasy’ training for trainers has been commissioned from NHS Tayside. Speakeasy is a preventative community education programme which helps parents and carers tackle issues around children growing up, including body changes, safety, relationships & sexual health. The course helps parents to build on what they already know about growing up relationships and sex. Fifteen individuals representing a diverse range of professions which work with families and young people attended the Page 49 Agenda Item 7e
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2 initial training sessions and we are currently developing a plan for roll out. Please contact heather.mcadam@nhs.scot for more information. Screening inequalities People living in the most deprived communities are less likely to take part in cancer screening programmes. During 24/25, 5 x £1500 small grant awards were made from NHS Highland’s Screening Inequalities Fund award to third sector organisations to increase knowledge and understanding of national screening programmes, so people can make an informed choice. Thanks to these organisations to working with us on this important issue. The five projects are using the funding to promote screening in the following ways: Jean’s Bothy In order to raise awareness of all the support that is provided in the local community to keep well, Jean’s Bothy hosted a community wellbeing festival for their service users and members of the local community. This had a focus on prevention of poor health and the importance of screening. Argyll Wellbeing Hub Argyll Wellbeing Hub are raising awareness of screening by providing a monthly “Health and Wellbeing Day”. They are holding a screening information session/presentation on a different screening topic following their Monday Wellbeing Walk. Following this, everyone present is offered a healthy seasonal lunch and the opportunity to discuss the information contained in the presentation. Oban’s Community Trust Rockfield Centre This group is aiming to use arts-based community engagement to increase knowledge of health screening programmes and their purpose with centre users, to normalise participation in screening and to build confidence and capacity within the group. This project will deliver 5 workshops over 11 weeks and will be aimed at those who traditionally are less likely to participate in screening. MECOPP MECOPP aim to produce screening information that is culturally appropriate to the Gypsy/Traveller Community and to cascade this through their networks and social media platforms. Additionally, they propose to organise a health rally to promote these and to invite the community and local services to inform and engage Kintyre Link Club Kintyre Link Club are aiming to deliver a community health project aimed at increasing awareness and participation in national screening programmes among underserved groups within the Kintyre area. They aim to have a couple of drop-in sessions within the next 12 months to educate and empower individuals about the Page 50
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3 importance of health screening programmes, addressing common misconceptions, and providing tailored information to overcome barriers. REPORT AUTHOR AND CONTACT Author Names: Jenny Dryden, Health Improvement lead Email: nhsh.abhealthimprovement@nhs.scot Page 51
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Community Development Helensburgh & Lomond: ACPG Update: March / April for May Meeting Supporting Communities Fund – The Supporting Communities Fund is open until the 26th May and invites applications from Community groups and organisations across A&B. The fund offers awards up to £1500, and this year has moved online to improve access: More information and pre application support can be found here: https://www.argyll- bute.gov.uk/my-community/communities-and-partnerships/supporting-communities-fund Princess Louise Hall – Group are meeting fortnightly with Rona Gold, CD team, and Estates to discuss steps prior to final lease agreement. The group are now in receipt of building survey recently commissioned by A&B Council which shall allow for a staged approach to building works. The group are in discussions with funders and have identified some who may support the project. Group had an Easter sale and event over the weekends of 12-14th April and 18-20th. Members of the CD team had volunteered and helped the group prepare for these sales. Kirkmichael Community Development Group : held cycling day on Saturday 29th March with Cycling UK – in spite of poor weather the session was moderately well attended with community interest in the groups future plans for the playground and pitch. The group have engaged recently with the Amenities and Community Development department; yet are keen to have a wider discussion to realise their ambitions. KCDG would welcome any involvement from interested parties. KCDG have produced an outline sketch for discussion and how they envision possible developments. Discussions with a number of community organisations on subject of facility development and management, including local bowling clubs, Gibson Hall, Helensburgh Rugby Club. There are a lot of Page 53 Agenda Item 7f
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commonalities between groups as looking to manage running costs and develop use of their respective buildings. A possible area for action is energy costs and groups have been directed to relevant funds including Business energy Scotland’s Loan and cashback scheme which is also open to charities https://businessenergyscotland.org/smeloan/ Friends of Hermitage Park – held a Fun day on Easter Saturday in Hermitatge Park. This is part of the group’s aim of adding to the life of the park and encouraging wider use; while engaging new members to build their organisation. The event was organised by the Events Team at Helensburgh Civic Centre, and delivered in partnership with the Friends of hermitage Park. Rhu and Shandon CC – have met with the Community Payback Work Supervisor and CDO to discuss potential programme of works to help improve drainage on Lover’s Lane. a core path in the village. Group in discussion on how to repair path after heavy rainfall in Storm Eowyn. This fits with elements of “place” in the groups engagement for their local place plan. Page 54
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Report: Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group Paper: Third Sector Interface (TSI) Date: 13/5/25 Prepared by: Caryl Mclean Scottish Government - TSI The CEO continues working with TSI colleagues across Scotland to lobby the Scottish Government on third sector issues including fair funding, investment in prevention and our sector’s role in the Public Service Reform agenda. The TSI Network Scotland is producing a policy position matrix for use ahead of the election manifesto production period. Fairer Funding The local Community Planning Partnership in December 2024 agreed to adopt in principle the SCVO and TSI Network Scotland’s joint document on Fairer Funding for the sector which outlines the importance of multi-year funding agreements, funding for core activity and early release of funding. The Chief Executive is working with partners on a local version as a charter for the CPP, which will be adopted by partners hopefully in September 2025. Meeting with Argyll and Bute Council Chief Executive A meeting took place between Argyll and Bute’s Chief Executive and your CEO in April 2025. A wide- ranging conversation took place where we discussed shared concerns about the stability and viability of the local sector, establishing a budget for The Promise, prevention at a time of continuing pressures on public sector budgets, using the TSI’s funding platform and Fair Funding for the third sector. Poverty Alliance Campaign – Scotland Demands Better This emerging new campaign includes a coalition of over 40 national organisations and TSIs will be supporting the engagement process with local groups across Scotland. This fulfils one of our core purposes which is to contribute to tackling inequality and poverty. The Scotland Demands Better campaign is seeking to activate a broad range of civil society organisations over the coming months to show support for greater action to address poverty and inequality. This activation will culminate in a demonstration in Edinburgh on 25th of October. Community Wealth Building priorities and legislation The TSI has been playing a key role in promoting Community Wealth Building in Argyll and Bute via the Community Planning Partnership and an associated multi-partner steering group. The main purpose is to promote the implementation of the recommendations made in a TSI funded CWB action plan for Argyll and Bute. Page 55 Agenda Item 7g
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The Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill was published on 20th March 2025 by the Scottish Government and highlights new duties to be placed on local authorities and specified community planning partners. The Bill aims to ensure consistent implementation of the community wealth building (CWB) model across Scotland.The Bill provides a CWB statement, provisions relating to the preparation of a CWB action plan, guidance on CWB and a list of specified public bodies that must have due regard to the guidance. Section 5 of the Bill relates specifically to the preparation, publication, implementation and review of a local CWB action plan, which will be a live working document, by a ‘community wealth building partnership’ comprising the local authority and ‘relevant public bodies’. The Scottish Parliament’s Economy and Fair Work Committee ran a ‘call for views’ until 23rd May, to help inform its examination of the Bill during stage 1 of the process to decide if it should become an Act. It is proposed that the TSI submit a corporate response based on our local experience. Funding environment – IJB and Council The public sector funding environment continues to tighten and the IJB in particular has approved a budget that will see a further £12m in savings. Unusually the language of the supporting budget papers is particularly stark in stating that Argyll and Bute’s Health and Social Care budget is unsustainable. As the health element is protected the cuts predominantly fall on social care thus leading to a spiral of increasing eligibility thresholds, lower investment in preventative community- based care services and rising demand. Volunteer of the Year Awards (VOY) This year the TSI VOY awards will be held on the 6 June at the Rosslea Hall Hotel, Rhu. As usual a significant number of nominations were received. Internal matters, contracts, sector support and strategic action plan delivery 1. Argyll and Bute Resilience and Transformation Fund The TSI on behalf of the Argyll and Bute LAG in January launched a small, targeted fund which sought to support Argyll and Bute’s Third Sector Organisations (TSOs), specifically those who can be classified as community anchor organisations, to transform the way they work at a time of significant financial challenge. Launched on 24th January, applications closed on 3rd February 2025 and funds were disbursed two weeks later. 22 applications were received and 5 grants made. Follow up activities by partners will continue as it is clear that there is great demand for support to transform business plans, models and financial practice. This has been factored into our new draft business plan. 2. Funding awards to the TSI The TSI has received its grant letter for 2025-2026 at a standstill level. In better news the TSI has received grant letters for a pilot for two-year funding for the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund (years 5 and 6). Page 56
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3. Strategy review, Business Planning, Annual Reviews and local area plans The tender that will lead to the new 2025-2030 strategy is on the TSI website. The tender has been readjusted to reflect coproduction methodologies and the principles of CWB. We intend this development process to not only lead to data about the issues and challenges faced by our local sector and subsequently the services the TSI will offer but it will also seek to improve and retain engagement and focus group skills in Argyll and Bute by partnering national providers with local practitioners and possibly an apprentice. 4. Work of the Wellbeing Development Manager Following on from the Board’s decision in February the Wellbeing Development Manager, in partnership with other local partners, has now recruited a Walking Development Coordinator subject to satisfactory references. Their role will be to stimulate healthy walking activity in volunteer led groups across Argyll and Bute. 5. Trauma Informed training Several TSI staff including our Positive Destinations team have now attended Trauma Informed training sessions and the CEO has in addition attended the Scottish Trauma Informed Leaders Training (STILT) course. Page 57
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Argyll & Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Community Planning Partnerships Update May 2025 Figure 1: Advice areas Feb, March April 2025 Figure 2: Advice areas April 2025-March 2025 The Bureau has continued to remain busy with a wide area of advice provision, benefits advice provision accounts for approximately 36-39% of all level 1 advice. Over the last quarter we Page 59 Agenda Item 7h
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supported 638 clients and provided 3295 distinct pieces of advice. Our client financial gain for this period is £388,715 for just over half of all overall clients accounting for an average of £1101 per eligible client. Debt advice has risen by 170% if we compare the last quarter with the same period last year, from 110 advice codes to 292, and debt clients have increased by 35%, demonstrating the complexity and higher prevalence of debt as a result of the increased cost of living across Argyll & Bute. The Bureau continues to collaborate with the LA with council tax debt advice and will support vulnerable clients to have a moratorium placed on their account while we work to gather relevant information to ensure all entitlements are in place. Over the course of 2024/25 the Bureau supported 1962 clients with 12,374 pieces of advice. Again benefits advice provision was the highest area of advice, accounting for 39% of all level 1 advice codes. Our advisers which consist in the main of volunteer advisers supported 1506 (or 77% of all) clients across the whole of Argyll & Bute to realise £2,015,347 in client financial gain, an average of £1,338 per eligible client. Volunteer recruitment As a partner organisation within the council’s Community Learning Partnership, we are delighted to have recruited our 21st volunteer adviser. Our in-house training development officer is supporting our latest cohort of volunteer advisers to complete the accredited adviser training program. Our next intake of trainees will be later this year and we ask colleagues to note this when speaking to members of the public and elsewhere as an extremely good opportunity to effect positive change in an ever complex world. Services with the Bureau Welfare Rights – support with all benefits issues including completing applications, submitting mandatory reconsideration requests and representation at tribunal/appeals. Housing Debt – support for people in housing arrears or facing debts that threaten tenure retention. FCA regulated support to address debts and seek free solutions includes court representation where required. Energy efficiency and debt support – Support to negotiate with Suppliers, seek debt reduction, change tariffs, submit complaints to suppliers and Ombudsman. Armed Services Advice Project, following the Royal British Legion withdrawing funding for holistic advice provision in Scotland the Bureau was successful in obtaining funding via the Veterans Foundation to continue supporting our armed services communities across Argyll & Bute. Patient Advice Support Service – We provide statutory advice on patient rights, complaints to GP’s, Health & Social Care Partnership, and can support submissions to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman. Page 60
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Money Talks – Income maximisation project looking to reduce costs, increase income through benefits entitlements and address low persistent debt. Clients can self-select areas of advice and support online https://www.moneytalkteam.org.uk/find-information Unpaid Carers Money & Welfare. – This is a new project funded provision of holistic advice to carers across Argyll & Bute. Support to access increase precarious income, care, raise issues, complete applications for Power of Attorney etc, address financial supports and access benefits. Generalist advice on Housing, Employment relationship, court processes, parking charge notices and neighbour disputes. Outreach Locations Bute & Cowal Dunoon [Food bank, Crossroads Carers (unpaid carers only) and JC+] Oban Lorn & the Isles Oban [Hope Kitchen, Carr Gomm, North Argyll Carers Centre (unpaid carers only) the Toy Library and JC+] Tiree Community Development Trust MAKI Campbeltown JC+, Dochas Carers Centre (unpaid carers only) Helensburgh & Lomond Helensburgh Carers Centre (unpaid carers only) Page 61
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Scottish Charity SCO37292 Annual Report 2025 Fun – Friendship-Community Fun First continues to provide sessions for pre school children and their parents with sessions every day somewhere between Helensburgh, Cardross, Garelochead and Rosneath. All our sessions are popular in particular our Wednesday Fun First Friends sessions which, due to demand, now run weekly rather than fortnightly in the Drumfork Centre. These sessions welcome new and expectant families to the area providing a congenial space for adults and children to relax and get to know each other. Leaders can easily establish relationships and signpost to other organisations and support services. The increase in sessions has been possible due to a generous grant from the TSI’s Health and Wellbeing fund. We would like to thank Caryl McClean our area TSI support worker for her advice and support with developing this. We now have health visitors attending sessions monthly as follows- Rosneath last Monday of month, Garelochead first Wednesday and Helensburgh Community Hub last Friday. Following the completion of our Outdoor Training it has been great to see our new Tuesday sessions in Hermitage Park grow and thrive. The leaders have worked hard to develop a fun and educational curriculum based around stories, books and craft activities. These sessions received funding from the Argyll and Bute Supporting Communities Fund which included time for training and curriculum development. We also received funding from ABCAN for equipment to enhance these sessions and we thank both The Toy Shop and Grasshopper Toys for their support. A new Nursery session at Drumfork nursery has been added at their request. This is proving popular with the children, parents and the nursery. It is unfortunate that some of our sessions have needed new venues brought about by the closure of the Leisure Centre and operational changes at Cardross Library. This happened overnight, with little or no notice and has resulted in an increase in our costs. We are particularly grateful to Gemma Penfold who has allowed us to use the LCI Dance studio to house our popular Monday sessions and to Cardross Bowling Club for hosting Page 63 Agenda Item 7i
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our Cardross sessions. Unfortunately, there appears to be no timetable for our return to Helensburgh library and Cardross library is now under threat of closure. This year we trialled some summer holiday sessions which were well received and something to further consider for this and future years. Staffing continues to be with our trained leaders and administrators whom we continue to pay the Living Wage. Recent increases have inevitably increased the costs of running our small but vital charity. We have said goodbye to Becky who has taken up a position at Lomond Nursery and Natalie who recently welcomed her third child. Mel, Lynne and Vickie have joined Jo, Ellie, Frances, Amie and Hannah.We are lucky to receive excellent applicants when we advertise new positions. Sadly, Fiona Gunn resigned for personal reasons service administrator, but we have been lucky enough to appoint Anna Mason to replace her. An organization is only ever as good as the staff who work for it, and we thank all our leaders experienced or new and of course particular thanks must go to our fantastic manger Jennie for her dedication and hard work. We have been delighted to receive grants from the TSI Health and Wellbeing Fund, Argyll and Bute Early Years, the Argyll and Bute Supporting Communities Fund, ABCAN, the Robertson Trust and an extremely generous three year one from the Armed Forces Covenant. Helensburgh Heart have provided us with a grant to provide tablets for our leaders to gather feedback and attendance details to support grant applications. Without these Fun First would not be able to run and thanks must go to Fiona Gunn and now Anna for their hard work and expertise in completing successful applications. This means our fun, educational and supportive sessions are open to all regardless of income and our service can continue to operate on a donation only basis. We need to continue to look for fundraising opportunities wherever we can. Parties continue to be an important part of our annual programme. They are held in Victoria Halls and offer a chance for the whole Fun First community to come together. They raise funds and provide a positive social occasion. Father Christmas( our retired chair David) attended our Christmas one and we received a generous donation of Easter Eggs recently from a contractor working at the base. Fundraising and social activities included theHermitage Academy Christmas Fayre, Christmas bauble painting with Pitter Patter Potter and an adult Christmas Quiz and painting session, once again at Pitter Patter Potter. We also recently provided a craft stall and other activities at the inaugural Hermitage Park Easter event. We thank Helensburgh Community Hub for their support as a venue and their provision of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for our Helensburgh members. We thank the volunteers who make up our committee for their hard work and support and in particular the four new members who have joined us recently. We are always Page 64
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looking for new members. The commitment is a monthly zoom meeting and help at events and fund raising when possible. I have been the Chair of Fun First since 2019, and it has been my absolute pleasure to see the organisation grow and thrive, both during and after the pandemic years. Feedback from our users confirms the vital role we play in the lives of Helensburgh area families. Thank you to everyone who has helped or continues to help in even the smallest way. Please contact contactfunfirst@gmail.com for further information about our service. Sarah Davies Chair Fun First -Tel 07845 193590 Page 65
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Helensburgh Community Council Partner Update May 2025 ▪ Work on a Helensburgh Local Place Plan continues to take up a lot of time and energy. The initial questionnaires have been analysed. Well attended Focus Groups and Drop-in sessions then considered the findings further. A full day Engagement Event took place at the Parish Halls More than three hundred members of the community, spanning all ages, came along to share their views. Visitors were able to engage with community organisations and projects, including Helensburgh Pier, Helensburgh Skatepark Project, the Save the Tower Campaign, Kirkmichael Development Trust, Jean’s Bothy, Helensburgh Community Hub, the Community Woodlands Group and Helensburgh and District Access Trust. Grey Matters provided refreshments. It was a positive event. Thanks to David Hagerty our Community Development Officer and the team from the Argyll and Bute Aspiring Places for spending the day with us and talking with a wide variety of groups and individuals. Three of our local councillors attended along with Dame Jackie Baillie our local MSP Please visit www.visionforhelensburgh.org for further information and updates. Currently a first draft of the Plan is being produced. The plan will then go out for further consultation with the community, Argyll and Bute councillors and our neighbouring Community Councils. ▪ A well attended information day for the proposed Banking Hub was hosted by Cash Access Uk in the Parish Halls. ▪ Our Music in the Square Fund has for the last three years successfully provided support for musical groups and community events. The fund has now been allocated, and applications are closed. ▪ The Community Council took part in the Argyll and Bute Visitor Levy consultation and online Resilience Training. Further information concerning the Judicial Review will be shared when available. ▪ Public questions at our meetings have included transport concerns related to the changes in the route and timetable of the First Bus provision between Helensburgh, Dumbarton and Glasgow and the increase in concessionary fairs on Scot Rail. Empty premises in the town centre are also of concern. By far the greatest number of questions raised, however, have concerned the repair and reopening of the Helensburgh Leisure Centre, including the relocation of the gym and library provision. The community is keen to have clarity on the next steps as soon as possible. Page 67 Agenda Item 7j
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▪ We want to congratulate the Save the Tower Arts Centre campaign for all their hard work and on their successful application to the Scottish Land Fund for which they received over £205,000 for a community buy out. ▪ Due to relocation and illness the Community Council currently has four vacancies. The next meeting will be the AGM on 29th May 7:00pm Civic Centre Annex. All Welcome come along and find out more about all our activities. Page 68
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RHU AND SHANDON COMMUNITY COUNCIL Community Planning Group May 2025 RSCC is continuing work on drafting the Local Place Plan. Working in partnership with the newly formed Rhu and Shandon Community Trust, and assisted by Community Enterprise, an on-line and paper survey was conducted in February and March. This was followed by a 3 day drop-in event at Rhu and Shandon Parish Church hall in March. 345 responses were received representing 20% of the electoral roll for Rhu and Shandon. The draft LPP will be circulated towards the end of May and there will be a further community engagement event for feedback before the final LPP is submitted to Argyll and Bute Council. The CC participated in the WaterBlitz event at the end of April sampling water quality of burns flowing out on to the Gareloch shore. A new charity, Rhu and Shandon Community Trust, has been awarded charitable status with compliance for community right to buy and asset transfer. The new charity has been established in response to managing the community purchase of Ardenconnel Wood in Rhu and has embraced a broad scope for general community development and support. Page 69 Agenda Item 7k
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What has Destination Helensburgh delivered so far? 2024 VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE AND WEBSITE: OVER 9K IN-PERSON & 83K WEB VIEWS ▶ Our Visitor Information Centre (VIC), is an authorised iKnow partner of VisitScotland. ▶ The VIC hosts information on local events, activities and attractions, and in 2024 welcomed over 9K people, with c. 28K visitors and over 83K page views on our website. ▶ Our What’s On Calendar currently has over 200 events listed for the rest of 2025, with more added every week. In 2024, 4.2K users visited the What’s On Page on the website. Other most visited pages include Eating and Drinking, Shopping and Dog Friendly Helensburgh & Lomond. We see peak traffic around dates like Valentines’ Day, Bonfire Night, and right now in March 2025 the Helensburgh Book Festival is one of our most visited pages, showing that people come to us to find information. ▶ We sell tickets on behalf of local organisations for their events at no cost. 2024 SOCIAL MEDIA: OVER 496K REACH ▶ Our November-December posts promoting local shops and activities had 269.8K views on social media across 63.8K users with an engagement rate of 9.8%. ▶ 104 local shops, restaurants and accommodation providers were posted about in the campaign which focussed on Festive Shopping and #ShopLocal #EatLocal #LoveHelensburgh. ▶ We post once a week on social media with a round up of local events, and this is very popular, reaching over 221K in 2024, with 3.8K engagement. ▶ We reached over 496K via our social posts in 2024 (Facebook/Instagram). 2024 MEDIA ADVERTISING: TOTAL POTENTIAL REACH 1.98 MILLION We placed advertising in the following publications (both print and online editions): ▶ Scots Magazine – 4 Issues. ▶ Holiday West Highland Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter - 80K print copies distributed to over 500 outlets across the region. We also provided editorial content to promote the local area. ▶ West Coast Festivals Guide. ▶ Landmark Press Bedroom Folders Loch Lomond, Cowal & Bute 2024-2025. destinationhelensburgh.org Page 71 Agenda Item 7l
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SINCE WE STARTED IN 2021: ▶ Have spent a total of £25.8K on promoting the local area, including a successful application to the VisitScotland Destination & Sector Marketing Fund. ▶ Hosted 3 Social Media Influencer visits to the area – during the campaign period total reach 353.7K, engagement 41.5K. Plus, blogs on the influencer pages which they repost continue to gather even more views and engagement. ▶ Organised a digital video promoting the area to be displayed on the giant digital billboards at Glasgow Queen Street for 2 weeks, estimated footfall 861K, plus poster billboards in 6 major ScotRail stations, and 80 smaller panels on various trains across Glasgow suburban routes and the Glasgow to Edinburgh route. Also organised a Destination Helensburgh banner to be displayed at Glasgow Queen Street Station for the launch of new ScotRail Highland Explorer active travel train. ▶ Provided content to include Helensburgh in the ‘Friendliest towns to visit in Scotland’ entry on the international TravelAwaits website, which was then featured in 2024 in the Daily Record. ▶ Welcomed guests from visiting Cruise Ship Silversea Silver Endeavour. We worked with the shore excursion company to organise tours with local providers; a shuttle bus into town; notified shops about the opportunity; and greeted passengers at Rhu Marina with a bagpiper, shortbread and a map of local attractions. ▶ Delivered familiarisation trips for guest experience staff from Cameron House, and developed opportunities for visitor growth by engaging with tourism stakeholder organisation. ▶ Used a local company to create 4 seasonal videos promoting the area which can used each year, and used a local professional photographer to capture images to promote the area. ▶ Provided the content for the Discover Helensburgh App developed by Argyll and Bute Council. ▶ Created a shopping map of the town for visitors, and take part in Argyll & Bute Loves Local Gift Card campaigns. ▶ Engage with tourism industry stakeholders at events. destinationhelensburgh.org Page 72
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Plastic Free Helensburgh report to H&L ACPG May 2025 Storm Eowyn cleared much of the debris from Craigendoran and Helensburgh Pier to sea. Monthly joint PFH and HCC, last Saturday in the month, 100m stretch from the Pier to the Hendry Bell Monument commenced 28/03/2025 March. There was sufficient incoming rubbish entangled seaweed and wood to fill the 20 yard skip. Thanks to A&B for the skip and Tractor driver David Howie Drumfork Farm. And additionally as well as heaving wood into the skip 30 people cleaned and collected 84kgs/ 379litres of rubbish. 19th April 2025 East Bay 16 people collected 25kg and 73litres plus 280kgs ~ 200lites of sand and small debris from centre piece. 26/04/2025 Saturday at the Pier 17 people 12kgs 55 litres. This represented hundreds of small pieces and a huge effort. Cleans will continues until October. Great British Water Blitz PFH sample 16 burns and outlets along the front and up through the town and periphery. Rhu and Shandon sampled 20 places and Cardross 3. Combined we collected 1% of the UK wide results. Happy to report that other than two burns in Helensburgh and one outlet in Rhu that tested moderate for PO4 and NO3 and two outlets in Shandon with concerning high levels the rest were in good health on this test. Thanks to all the teams. UK wide results https://www.freshwaterwatch.org/pages/great-uk-waterblitz- results?utm_source=https%3A%2F%2Fmail.earthwatch.org.uk%2Fearthwatcheulz%2F&utm_medi um=email&utm_campaign=GUKWB+Thank+you&utm_term Report on CCAP Coastal Change Adaptation Plan Enabling meeting Garelochhead to Cardross. This gave an overview of work by JBA consulting and council officers on 1st stage . Stage 1: Use of available data and studies to summarise coastal hazards, risks, associated economic impacts and frame it in the context of coastal adaptation planning. The outcome is to highlight the direction of travel within the context of CCAPs Page 73 Agenda Item 7m
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Date: 30 April 2025 Argyll and Bute Climate Action: developing a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Argyll and Bute. 1.0 Purpose The purpose of this report is report is to provide an update on the Community Planning Partnership’s climate change strategy and to ask the ACPG for any further recommendations on groups to engage with to inform further development of the action plan. 2.0 Recommendations The CPG is asked to note the approach and status of the project outlined in the report and to provide any comments or feedback to the project manager. 3.0 Background The CPP’s Climate Change Working Group is producing a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Argyll and Bute. Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (ACT) are the employing body for the Climate Change Project Manager leading on the process, and the post (0.8 FTE) is funded by the CPP from end October 2023 to October 2025. This update sets out the current position. 4.0 Detail 4.1 Progress 4.1.1 Strategy The draft strategy was presented to the Climate Change Working Group, the CPP Full Partnership and Area CPGs over September to April 2025, with requests for feedback and comments including appropriate engagement opportunities. Based on the feedback received, the updated strategy was submitted to the CPP Management Committee and formally approved in April 2025. A copy of the strategy submitted to the Management Committee accompanies this set of papers, with the final version and appendices to be published on the CPP web pages. Page 75 Agenda Item 9a
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The strategy emphasises action on six key areas identified as being those most within the CPP’s ability to control or influence: o Infrastructure (including natural infrastructure) o Policy Influence o Skills, Procurement and Supply Chain o Resilience/Carbon Literacy o Risk Assessment o Crosscutting/Other Based upon feedback from communities and stakeholders, particularly in the wake of Storm Eowyn, the CPP Management Committee agreed that Resilience should be foremost among these. 4.1.2 Action Plan This was accompanied by an outline action plan, reviewed by two sessions of the Climate Change Working Group, also based around the six areas of action and using layout and structure similar to a range of action plans currently in place among CPP member organisations. A copy of the paper submitted to the Management Committee accompanies this set of papers. The Management Committee agreed that with the emphasis of the project for the remainder of the funded period should be to continue to work up the action plan and pilot projects. Further input at Area level on groups to engage with to inform further development of the Action Plan would be especially useful and the project officer would any further suggestions or recommendations on the most appropriate groups to contact, particularly with regard to community resilience. 4.1.3 Community Resilience The Management Committee noted views from participants, including Area CPGs, around the importance of community resilience and agreed that the project officer should emphasise activity around resilience, including support on climate change dimensions to community resilience plans. The Management Committee also noted feedback that engaging directly with communities such as via Community Councils to develop climate risk assessments to inform community resilience plans would likely represent better value for money with the budget available than seeking to commission a “top down” climate change risk assessment from the leading consultants in the field. 4.1.4 Legacy The Management Committee asked the Steering Group to consider the potential for use of any unsent budget to undertake further risk assessment and associated work Page 76
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around resilience beyond the end of October (ie beyond the current funded period), for the Management Committee to approve or otherwise at its meeting on 6 June. The Management Committee also asked the Steering Group to develop an outline proposal for a partnership project to take forward joint actions, also to consider on 6 June, including what future financial contribution CPP partners might make. An approach has been suggested in anticipation of eg successor to Lottery Climate Action Fund for formal partnerships, working across sectors, c£0.5-£1.5m over 3-5 years. 4.2 Next Steps Immediate next steps are: • Ongoing engagement at all levels, including Areas • Legacy proposals for Management Committee 6 June • Ongoing development of action plan • Support community resilience and risk assessments Andy Macpherson, Climate Change Project Manager For more information, please contact: Andy Macpherson andy@act-now.org.uk Page 77
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A climate change strategy for Argyll & Bute Argyll & Bute Climate Action 1 Page 79
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Contents Executive Summary............................................................................................................................3 1. What does climate change mean for Argyll and Bute? Identifying risks and impacts......8 1.1 Hotter, drier summers............................................................................................................9 1.2 Warmer, wetter winters........................................................................................................10 1.3 More severe weather events, and more variability.........................................................11 1.4 Sea level rise...........................................................................................................................13 2. Scoping Risk...................................................................................................................................14 3. Identifying the actions that will address them.......................................................................17 3.1 Mitigation to reduce our climate change gas emissions: Climate Friendly................17 3.2 Adaptation to unavoidable impacts of climate change: Climate Ready.....................23 3.3 Engagement: Climate Just...................................................................................................27 4. Vision, outcomes and objectives..............................................................................................29 5. Identifying opportunity areas for action.................................................................................31 5.1 Infrastructure.........................................................................................................................33 5.2 Policy Influence.....................................................................................................................34 5.3 Skills, Procurement and Supply Chain .............................................................................34 5.4 Risk Assessment....................................................................................................................35 5.5 Resilience/Carbon Literacy.................................................................................................36 5.6 Crosscutting/Other...............................................................................................................36 6. Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation.....................................................................................36 2 Page 80
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Executive Summary Climate change is one of the most serious threats that we face in Scotland. Rising temperatures, drier summers, wetter winters, sea level rise, and an increased risk of flooding, will all affect our lives. There is a global need to take action to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions which are responsible, but changes in climate will not be completely eliminated by these actions. We also need to find ways of adapting to the effects of climate change. We make Argyll and Bute climate ready by acting together to understand and adapt to our changing climate. It has been developed through an engagement process managed by the Argyll Countryside Trust (ACT) on behalf of Argyll & Bute’s Community Planning Partnership Climate Working Group, with thanks to Argyll and Bute Council, NHS Highland, NatureScot and Argyll & Bute Third Sector Interface for funding support and the Steering Group comprising volunteers from the Climate Working Group for further support. It links to Argyll & Bute’s Outcomes Improvement Plan for 2024 – 2034 which focusses on improving the outcomes of Transport, Housing and Community Wellbeing. This is a strategy and action plan for Argyll & Bute. A region wide, community led, net-zero, climate change resilient, adaptation plan, in support of the vision that: 1 2 3 Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust Community planning | Argyll and Bute Council Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan 2024-2034 | Argyll and Bute Council 1 2 3 3 Page 81
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The heavy rain in early October 2023 caused £15m damage to transport infrastructure (mainly roads and bridges) in parts of Argyll & Bute Now and into the future, we want a thriving Argyll & Bute where our collective choices and actions enhance our continued wellbeing in a changing climate. Our climate change strategy seeks to tackle climate change, by working together to be: Climate Friendly: Reduce Argyll & Bute’s greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change (mitigation) Climate Ready: Resilient and adapted to unavoidable climate change (adaptation), and Climate Just: Ensure all of our communities are included (engagement). Sea level rise and coastal impacts are a concern. 80% of the population of Argyll & Bute lives within 1km of the coast (97% within 10km of coast), and we have over 200km of road within 25m of the sea (at high tide). 4 Page 82
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Climate Risk Impact Warmer, wetter winters: Increased rainfall volume and intensity Increased landslides, flooded water courses and more surface water Hotter, drier summers: higher average and higher peak temperatures, increased heatwave frequency and longer drought periods Higher risk of human and animal heat stress, illness and mortality, crop failure, wildfires and freshwater scarcity More severe, and more variable weather events: Less predictable but more frequent storms, increased variability in wind speed and direction, higher peak wind speeds, higher rainfall intensity Windblow, forest damage, road blockage, power line damage/power cuts, property damage, flooding, landslides Sea level rise and storm surges: increased coastal erosion Coastal infrastructure damage and loss, coastal retreat or protection cost Multi-hazards affecting people, species and habitats: Combination of hazards compounding climate risks and impacts Single actions less likely to address mitigation or adaptation. Solutions needs to maximise multiple benefits and work with natural processes Increased climate unpredictability Climate forecasts less predictable, actions need to be based on worst-case scenarios, resilience more dependent on agile and diverse actions Our strategy identifies the key climate risks impacting on Argyll & Bute and the areas in which we can take action to address them: 5 Page 83
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Areas for Action Infrastructure Addressing demand and impacts of better transport infrastructure to reduce reliance on private cars and provide for those who do not have a car; enhancing communications and grid infrastructure through maximising decarbonisation and renewable energy opportunities; natural capital: managing our green and blue infrastructure to reduce emissions and support resilience. Policy Influence Influencing national and regional public and non-public policies through the CPP’s collective voice in a way that recognises Argyll & Bute's distinctive geography and population. Skills, Procurement and Supply Chain Increasing opportunities for individuals to gain the skills required to deliver climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience in an inclusive and just way. Promoting opportunities for climate mitigation, adaptation and community wealth building through improving circular economies within Argyll & Bute. Risk Assessment Deepening our understanding of the risks and opportunities, including economic risks and opportunities, presented by climate change to Argyll and Bute as a whole and to specific communities and sectors. Resilience/Carbon Literacy Promoting carbon literacy and greater resilience, across all CPP sectors to empower individuals to bring about climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience in an inclusive and just way. Crosscutting/Other Encourage individuals, communities and agencies to take multiple actions and to identify new risks and opportunities. With fuel poverty nearly 50% higher than the Scottish average, and higher again in more rural areas, and private water supplies ten times the national average, our housing is largely insufficient to cope with our current climate and even less with the greater weather extremes forecast. Areas for action closest to the CPP’s remit and ability to control or influence: 6 Page 84
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The principles and approach guiding the Strategy are: An enabling strategy, rather than creating new duties or replacing existing ones, it identifies gaps and opportunities, especially those made possible by working together. Alignment with the CPP priorities of Transport Infrastructure, Housing and Community Wellbeing, which in turn are aligned to requirements in our national climate programmes. Embracing diversity, to recognise significant variation among our communities, places and landscapes, and that we are being affected by climate change in multiple ways. Focussing on common challenges across the region, such as the length and vulnerability of transport links, and our low population density that can make it harder to secure funding. Adapting as we build our understanding of the risks and opportunities we face, taking into account local knowledge and also local variations and capacity to adapt. In addition to incremental steps to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and transitional steps to enhance our capacity to adapt, there is also a transformational component: as we improve our ability to cope with climate needs we also improve our current circumstances. An example of this sort of transformational change is the importance of developing our local economy through developing appropriate local skills, produce and markets and the housing, energy and other infrastructure to support them. This reduces our transport and waste emissions at the same time as reducing our dependence on vulnerable, extended transport links and enables us to add value locally and reduce economic leakage, at the same time as supporting transformational growth sectors such as energy and valuing our natural capital. Engaging communities through networks of community champions linked to Climate Hubs centred on the four Argyll & Bute administrative areas. Developing resilience by developing skills and capacity to adapt to ongoing change alongside longer term transformational capital projects. Ensuring a socially just transition to a climate ready future: as we prepare for the impacts of the changing climate we do so in ways that are fair and tackle inequality. For more information please contact Andy Macpherson Climate Change Project Manager Argyll Countryside Trust andy@act-now.org.uk act-now.org.uk/cpp 4 ACT Now | Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust4 7 Page 85
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1. What does climate change mean for Argyll and Bute? Identifying risks and impacts In short, the outlook for Argyll and Bute is overall increasing temperatures, with Hotter, drier summers Warmer, wetter winters More severe weather events, and more variability Sea level rise There are some common challenges across the region but there is also significant variation within and between communities, places and landscapes. More detailed information based on climate projections for 16 settlements across Argyll and Bute is in Appendix 1 and 2. The region’s characterising features of high geographical diversity, low population density, long coastlines, largely rural small, isolated and ageing communities and long distances all impact on considerations of what “good” climate action means for Argyll and Bute. However, we also have urban considerations with our largest single centre of population being Helensburgh, and other important settlements with urban issues but rural supply chains and correspondingly long and vulnerable transport and other communications links. 8 Page 86
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1.1 Hotter, drier summers Individual seasons vary and the cold and wet summer 2024 is in stark contrast to the hot, dry conditions prevailing in recent summers. Below we see summer temperatures for the overall Argyll River Basin area, which approximates closely to the overall Argyll and Bute area, with observed data and projected rise combined. Further climate projections specific to a representative set of 16 settlements across Argyll & Bute are in Appendix 1. In terms of the “drier” part, below are average summer precipitation rates for Argyll River Basin. 9 Page 87
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While temperature and precipitation projections indicate trends, another important consideration is minimum night time temperatures in summertime. The reason for this is that when there is less opportunity for buildings to cool down, the phenomenon of heat stress, particularly in vulnerable people, rises considerably. There is a strong link between heat stress and summer mortalities which are a growing trend particularly further south in the UK and Europe as temperatures increase with climate change, and a counterpart to the better known phenomenon of winter deaths due to cold and poorly heated and insulated housing. Current indications are that Argyll and Bute as a region is less likely to suffer water scarcity in coming decades than other parts of Scotland and the UK, although this does not rule out local impacts and potential infrastructure damage, as indicated in Scottish Water’s 2024 climate change strategy . About one third of the population of Argyll and Bute has a private water supply, which is ten times the Scottish average. This presents an Argyll-specific climate risk as private water supplies can be more vulnerable to interruption or contamination in periods of low rainfall or drought. 1.2 Warmer, wetter winters In contrast to the trend for hotter, drier summers, in winter observed data and projections both point to trends to warmer, wetter winters with fewer days of frost under the overall trend for increasing temperatures. 5 290224ScottishWaterAdaptationPlan.pdf5 10 Page 88
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We can also expect increases in severity and frequency of severe weather events. Damage and disruption from flooding and landslides is one example: the heavy rain in early October 2023 caused £15m damage to infrastructure (mainly roads & bridges) in parts of Argyll and Bute and was not even one of the series of named national storms that autumn. As at February 2025, damage from Storm Eowyn is yet to be calculated but even more widespread, with some communities without power or telecoms for five days. Severe weather - wind While we have some sophisticated modelling of future temperature and precipitation, wind is harder to model and the Met Office climate change centre states that Due to the lack of any observed trends, there haven’t been any studies so far which provide a link between changes in UK storminess and climate change . Notwithstanding, the frequency of storm events over 2023-24 and the significance of wind as in the diagrams below in these also point to the likelihood of more potential damage and disruption from wind. 1.3 More severe weather events, and more variability 6 UK and Global extreme events – Wind storms - Met Office6 11 Page 89
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Wind direction is of especial importance for Argyll and Bute due to the central role of marine transport in the area. Ferry and marine tourism operators have commented on the significance of wind direction events disrupting services and impacting upon coastal infrastructure, in addition to householders’ accounts of damage to roofs due to strong winds from unusual directions. Severe weather – heavy rain or snow The graph below shows historic and projected incidence of intense rainfall events, noting that “future changes in extreme rainfall events could be almost 10 times more frequent in Northwest Scotland in 2080 compared to the 1980s, whilst in the south of the UK the value is closer to three times more frequent.” 6 UK and Global extreme events – Wind storms - Met Office7 7 12 Page 90
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Sea level rise, both absolute and from storm surges, is a major concern for Argyll and Bute. 80% of the region’s population lives within 1km of the coast (97% within 10km), and we have over 200km of road within 25m of the sea (at high tide), especially in Cowal and Bute. Replacement costs of sea defences for this stretch were estimated at £300m in 2015 prices. This would be equivalent to approximately £420m today due to inflation alone, with the actual figure likely significantly greater due to increased materials costs and more severe climatic conditions predicted. Below we see projected sea level rise for Tobermory to the end of the century under a range of carbon emission scenarios. The upper two lines, green and blue, represent the most likely outcomes as these are based on current and historical global emissions trends. The difference between the two is that the green line, suggesting 0.6m rise at the end of the century, is the mid range of the high emissions scenario whereas the blue line, at over 0.9m, represents what is described as the “upper end allowance” to take into account the most severe impact projections, drawn from UK Government guidance on data interpretation to inform coastal flood planning : 6 Flood and coastal risk projects, schemes and strategies: climate change allowances - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 8 1.4 Sea level rise 8 13 Page 91
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The Dynamic Coast project provides an excellent tool to aid visualising impacts of sea level rise which can readily be applied at a scale from one square kilometre upwards. Taking Campbeltown as an example, the image below indicates the effect of a sea level rise under both the likely high emissions scenario and also the potential reduction if global emissions were cut rapidly: HES vs LES dashboard9 9 The combined Highland and Argyll flood risk management plan estimates 15,000 homes at risk of flooding (Highland as well as Argyll) increasing to 38,000 by the 2080s due to climate change. 2. Scoping Risk The processes of developing risk assessments in support of adaptation plans taken by Climate Ready Clyde and other regional climate change plans have started with screening the UK Climate Change Committee’s Climate Change Risk Assessment (UKCCRA) to identify a core set of risks and opportunities. For Argyll and Bute Climate Action this comprised a peer group review of the initial scoping by the project manager of the set of 61 strategic risks identified by UKCCRA and grouped into 5 categories: Natural Environment and Assets; Infrastructure; Health, Communities and Built Environment; Business and Industry; and International Dimensions. 14 Page 92
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UK Climate Change Risk Assessment: Scoping Risks and Opportunities for CPP - project officer scoping Risk/ Opportunity Category Description In/ Out Rationale UKCCRA Score CPP Outcome I Infrastructure Risk I12. Transport High and low temperatures, high winds, lightning In Water transport inparticular is highly affected by wind More action needed Transport & Infrastructure Risk I13. Digital High and low temperatures, high winds, lightning In Digital infrastructure is already vulnerable Further investigation Transport & Infrastructure B Business and Industry Risk B1: Flooding of business sites Increase in flood risk In Known issue in multiple areas More action needed Transport & Infrastructure Risk B2: Coastal business locations and infrastructure Coastal flooding, extreme weather, erosion, and sea level rise In Known issue in multiple areas More action needed Transport & Infrastructure Risk B5: Employee productivity Infrastructure disruption and higher temperatures in working environments In Often underacknowledged as a risk in other areas Further investigation Housing Risk B6: Disruption to business supply chains and distribution networks Extreme weather In Transport & other links already extended & vulnerable, possible opportunities from pooling resources, early warning systems More action needed Transport & Infrastructure H Health, Communities, and the Built Environment Risk H1. Health and wellbeing High temperatures In Disproprortionate effects on most vulnerable More action needed Housing Risk H3. People, communities, and buildings Flooding In Already a known issue More action needed Housing Risk H4. Viability of coastal communities Sea level rise In Especially when combined with surface water and storm surge More action needed Housing Risk H5. Building fabric Moisture, wind and driving rain In Already a known issue Further investigation Housing Risk H7. Health and wellbeing Changes in indoor and outdoor air quality In Potentially also "Housing" due to incidence of damp in housing stock Further investigation Wellbeing Risk H8. Health Vector-borne disease In Particularly with some species moving further north and impact of flooding Further investigation Wellbeing Risk H9. Food safety and food security Higher temperatures (food safety) and extreme weather (food security) In Knock on effects of weather on transport infrastructure Further investigation Wellbeing These 5 categories were then aligned with the CPP outcomes of Transport Infrastructure, Housing and Community Wellbeing. This has necessarily been an arbitrary exercise as many of the risks are crosscutting. “Community” was interpreted to include non human communities in order to fit nature and biodiversity within the set of three outcomes. 15 The result is a set of 7 proposed risk groups, cross checked with lived experience drawn from stakeholder meetings and feedback from the ABCAN Climate Action Network: Flooding (water courses and surface water) Heavy rainfall, storms and landslides Temperature change, heatwaves and drought Wildfires Sea level rise & coastal erosion Multi-hazards affecting people, species, habitats Anything else? An initial scoping In/Out was suggested, with a short rationale for scoping each risk In/Out included, based on the CPP’s remit and ability to take action or have influence in relation to the respective risks. The full spreadsheet is provided in Appendix 3 with the image below providing a snapshot for illustration. Page 93
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Currently 2050s to 2080s Salmon production £0.5m- £5m/year £5m-£25m/year Whisky production £5m- £25m/year Over £25m/year Impact on forestry from wildfires £5m- £25m/year £18m-£80m/year Following the initial scoping and peer scoping, the findings were presented to the September meeting of the CPP Full Partnership, Climate Change Working Group and Area Community Planning Groups. The Full Partnership meeting was in person and participants were asked to indicate their perception of these risks based on their own experience either personally or upon their organisations or areas of work, with the results being: Heavy rainfall, storms and landslides 84% Flooding (water courses and surface water) 66% Sea level rise & coastal impacts 47% Multi-hazards affecting people, species, habitats 25% Temperature change, heatwaves and drought 25% Wildfires 19% Anything else? Possible other unknowns 3% Several CPP members have risk assessments planned for this year or the immediate future. Various regional adaptation initiatives have commissioned consultant support in developing risk assessments and Risk/Economic Assessment is proposed as one of the set of ten measures in the Gaps and Opportunities section. In support of this, key findings from Highland Adapts’ recently published risk and opportunity and economic assessments relating to a set of key sectors comparable to Argyll and Bute are cited in the expectation that these can be replaced with Argyll- specific assessments over the action plan development phase. Risk and Opportunity Assessments by key Sectors from Highland Adapts The analysis includes circular economy considerations which resonate strongly with Argyll and Bute’s proposed approach to Community Wealth Building. In September 2024 Highland Adapts released their economic analysis of three key sectors which form part of their wider ongoing Climate Risk and Opportunity Assessment. This includes risks to: Economic Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on Highlands (highlandadapts.scot)10 This scoping is emphatically not about what risks are the most important, but about what are within the CPP’s scope and ability to take action. Assessment of risks facing local communities including their health and wellbeing is proposed as the priority area closest to the CPP remit. 16 Page 94
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Crucial to efforts to mitigate our contribution to climate change is the concept of “net zero”. This is the approach to mitigation adopted by the Scottish and UK Governments on the basis that while we can seek to reduce emissions from our actions and processes we cannot always eliminate them altogether. Net zero requires that where we are unable to reduce emissions to zero in some areas we need to ensure that in others we go beyond zero such as by appropriately managed afforestation, peatland and marine (blue carbon) restoration and more controversially through carbon capture and storage technology. This is of particular significance to Argyll and Bute with extensive areas of forest and peatland, extensive coastline and a small population relative to the area. A critical point is that these existing reserves do not constitute carbon reduction: only restoration or creation of new reserves would achieve this. The Operational Plan underlying the strategy notes that, “it is expected that Mitigation will mostly be directed and mandated through national regulatory and incentive programs” in order to 3. Identifying the actions that will address them 3.1 Mitigation to reduce our climate change gas emissions: Climate Friendly identify the opportunities for Argyll and Bute to reduce emissions at least in line with national targets maximise the sequestration of carbon in our natural landscapes highlight areas where action is needed in the next five years to prepare the ground for these changes what we can leave to national processes to deliver, and where we can help quicken the pace of change identify region-wide approaches and also take account of the variation in opportunities across different communities, places and landscapes 17 Page 95
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Not all bodies have a published Carbon Management/Decarbonisation Plan. Some report that this is planned or in progress and there are potential opportunities in joint working and skill and data sharing across the CPP to support this. The Scottish Government expects to develop templates for area-wide emissions to complement individual bodies’ reports over the next year to 18 months, which may bring wider emissions within scope of the CPP partner bodies’ duties. Similarly, the Scottish Government have work in progress to make reporting requirements around Scope 3 emissions (supply chain) clearer and more robust. Most of the CPP partner members have Public Body Climate Change reporting duties under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act based on the current (2022-23) set of reports as published by the Sustainable Scotland Network , and collectively these organisations bodies have averaged reductions of 41% since their baseline reporting years. Reductions are presented as percentage rather than as gross figures because many of the bodies cover wider geographic areas than Argyll and Bute. These are summarised in the Emissions 2023 tab of the spreadsheet GORE Gaps Opportunities Risks Emissions reproduced in Appendix 3. 11 https://sustainablescotlandnetwork.org/slickr_media_upload?id=200512 Currently the two emissions data sets specifically covering the Argyll and Bute boundary are Argyll and Bute Council’s emissions figures as presented in its Climate Change Duties Report , and the Local Authority Greenhouse Gas Map from the National Atmospheric Emissions Laboratory. Due to the high area of afforested land, land use in Argyll delivers a net saving of 532 ktCO2e making our total emissions across all sectors only 257 ktCO2e despite being the second largest county by area. This also translates to 3 tonnes per capita which is 25% under the global average of 4 tonnes (although to have the best chance of avoiding a 2℃ rise in global temperatures, the average global carbon footprint per year needs to drop to under 2 tons by 2050). These can easily be interpreted as a recipe for inaction, but if we discount the forestry figure, our regional emissions come to 676 ktCO2e with our per capita emissions up correspondingly. 12 13 14 Reports (sustainablescotlandnetwork.org)11 Local Authority GHG Map (beis.gov.uk)14 2021-22 figures used. 2022-23 figures have been published but GHG Map still using 2021.13 18 Page 96
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In order to enable some form or comparison, the gap and opportunity analysis exercise looked at percentage emissions changes for these organisations in order to enable a picture of the overall relative direction and pace of travel. Argyll and Bute Council’s emissions figures refer to its own operations rather than to the area as a whole, so the figures are not directly comparable with the Local Authority Greenhouse Gas Map. 11 Other public bodies operating in the region produce their own emissions plans and reports. Meetings to date have identified that for some of these they are currently revising decarbonisation/carbon management plans. However, the other public bodies operating in the area work to different geographical boundaries, with some operating only in part of the area, and others covering wider regional areas such as Argyll and Highland, or operating nationally, so again this means that figures for the various organisations from these reports are not directly comparable. Collectively, the public bodies in Argyll with climate reporting duties have achieved an average reduction of 41% in carbon emissions over the period in which they have been reporting (usually around 10 years) and common consensus is that the easy wins have long since been made with further reductions largely dependent upon major infrastructure developments to support lower carbon energy and transport. 19 Page 97
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Argyll and Bute Climate Action: Summary of CPP Public Body Climate emissions From partners covered by Climate Duty reporting requirements CPP Member Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3 Total emissions Emissions trend from baseline Emissions change from baseline Geography Note Direct emissions from sources that the organisation owns or controls directly Indirect emissions and purchased energy Everything outside Scope 1 and 2. Also value and supply chain, waste, commuting and home working All bodies have had fluctuations including from changing reporting requirements Baseline years vary and all bodies have benefited from decarbonisation of electricity Argyll and Bute Council 8700 3780 14000 26500 Down Down 33% A&B UHI Argyll A&B Health and Social Care Partnership/NHS Highland 19620 6211 731 26560 Down Down 25% Highland and A&B Highlands and Islands Enterprise 147 165 183 495 Down Down 67% H&I,A&B Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park 123 73 47 243 Down Down 37% Multiple LA Areas Police Scotland 26557 9929 2874 39360 Down Down 43% Scotland Scottish Ambulance Service 23500 930 1150 25600 Down Down 9% Scotland Scottish Enterprise 372 195 738 1300 Down Down 78% Scotland Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 10837 3632 777 15246 Down Down 35% Scotland NatureScot 352 216 346 915 Down Down 42% Scotland SEPA 395 510 837 1742 Down Down 47% Scotland Skills Development Scotland 158 198 1682 2038 Down Down 47% Scotland SportScotland [blank] 584 106 690 Down Down 60% Scotland Strathclyde Partnership for Transport 447 2466 291 3204 Down Down 68% Clyde HITRANS 1 6 7 Down Down 56% H&I, A&B VisitScotland 79 203 617 899 Down Down 73% Scotland Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) 40000 28154 6600 74850 Down Down 31% UK Crofting Commission 0.5 3 12 15 Down Down 23% Scotland Forestry Commission (Scottish Forestry) 40 45 213 298 Up Up 12% Scotland Forestry Commission (Forest & Land Scotland) 2352 511 556 3418 Down Down 9% Scotland CALMAC -CMAL Scotland Scottish Water 39000 85000 93000 217000 Down Down 53% Scotland Average reduction 41% Beyond the public sector, emissions information is much less readily available and there is limited scope for the strategy via the CPP to place requirements on other bodies to take action or make information available, although there is some potential such as via incentive uptake rates where these are reported and this will be an important consideration for the route map. A useful piece of terminology to help understand how carbon emissions are reported is the distinction between Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions. Scope 1 refers to direct emissions from sources that the organisation owns or controls directly, such as emissions from fleet vehicles or boilers for heating buildings. Scope 2 is indirect emissions and purchased energy such as purchased electricity for heating buildings or running equipment. Scope 3 is more complex as this covers everything outside Scopes 1 and 2, including procurement and the wider supply chain, commuting and homeworking and also waste. For most CPP partners, Scope 3 is the hardest to measure category of emissions. The operational plan makes specific reference to sequestration. This is the term for capturing, stabilising and storing carbon rather than have it escape into the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. Estimates for economic opportunities for carbon sequestration range from £8.7m, based on restoring 10% of local degraded peatland, to more than £3bn when looking at longer-term high value integrated projects .15 Carbon sequestration Argyll and Bute research | HIE15 20 Page 98
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ACT are participants in the Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (FIRNS), working to develop a project integrity charter and a governance and enterprise model. The outcome of this project and the other 26 FIRNS projects currently being worked through in Scotland will help to define how natural capital finance can work in Scotland and support delivery of climate action specific to Argyll and Bute, while also potentially helping to address widespread perceptions that more could be done to improve the social and economic as well as environmental impacts of land use, land use change and forestry. Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (FIRNS) project | Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust Steering Group partners have emphasised the importance of ensuring that sequestration measures and any emissions reductions claimed are genuine, and also the risk of the high amount of forestry in Argyll and Bute artificially reducing per capita and per hectare emissions and that this could be misinterpreted as a recipe for inaction and complacency on climate change. Discussions of carbon sequestration are further nuanced by the concepts of offsetting and a newer and less well known alternative, “insetting”. This concept will be of increasing importance for Argyll and Bute. Offsetting refers to the buying of carbon credits to offset carbon emissions that a body is unable or unwilling to reduce, and has been the subject of repeated criticisms concerning how robust the models employed are and how genuine and lasting any emission savings are. Insetting has been described by the Carbon Literacy Project as “carbon insetting focuses on doing more good rather than doing less bad within one’s value chain. Instead of investing in projects outside their value chains, companies engaging in carbon insetting invest in reducing carbon emissions within their own value chains. At the same time, these projects can also create positive impacts on communities, landscapes and ecosystems.”17 https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2023- 05/woodland_and_forestry_strategy_april_2011_ac.pdf 16 An important point of clarification is the distinction between commercial forestry, typically involving a single tree species planted and then harvested on a 35-40 year cycle, and native woodland with a wider variety of species, including ancient woodland and rainforest. Fast growing commercial species capture carbon more quickly while growing, but if used for biomass once harvested this carbon is then released again into the atmosphere, and the disturbance of soil during planting and harvesting releases further carbon (forest soil typically stores twice as much carbon as the trees). The Argyll and Bute Woodland and Forestry Strategy notes that “While new woodland is an excellent means of sequestering atmospheric carbon and will play an important role in Scotland’s response to climate change mitigation, protecting sensitive peat soils – major carbon stores in their own right – is critical to prevent unnecessary carbon liberation” and that “Maintaining and expanding the native woodland resource will also be important in generating longer-lived carbon stores”. Carbon Insetting vs Carbon Offsetting - The Carbon Literacy Project17 21 Page 99
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Argyll has some of the finest remnants of temperate rainforest in all of Europe. Restoring the rainforest and associated habitats of Argyll & the Isles will give rainforest biodiversity the best chance to adapt to our changing climate, to sequester carbon and to prevent soil erosion and flooding. Scottish Rainforest restoration projects are creating the equivalent of 40 new full-time jobs and investing £3.2 million in rural communities, with over half of that investment being in Argyll. Distinctions between mitigation/reducing carbon emissions, and adaptation/taking action to reduce the impacts of unavoidable climate change can be blurred and in the case of CPP partners, and opportunities for reducing emissions through working in partnership, this is even more the case. The subtleties of offsetting and insetting are of major potential significance for Argyll and Bute. Research by the Scottish Association for Marine Science for Highland and Islands Enterprise on optimising carbon sequestration opportunities in Argyll and Bute indicates that terrestrial ecosystems in Argyll and Bute hold between 587-990 MtCO2e (million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent), of which 510-898 MtCO2e comes from soils to 1 m depth and 77-90 MtCO2e is held within the aboveground vegetation, half of which is held within the woodlands and forests. Put another way, soil stocks alone hold more than ten times Scotland’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. For the marine environment, the same research indicates that the marine sediments of Argyll and Bute hold an estimated 166 MtCO2e carbon. Another example is the CPP’s role in prevention and enhancing resilience and addressing vulnerability: if collective action on resilience and community wellbeing can reduce demand on emergency services this can also reduce Scope 1 emissions due to fleet emissions for these organisations, which for this category of services is their greatest single source of emissions. 18 https://www.hie.co.uk/media/13011/optimising-carbon-sequestration-opportunities-in-ab-sams-wp1-and-3.pdf 18 The examples above indicate the amount of carbon stored in land and the potential for enhancing carbon storage through land management, but bringing, for example, peatland and woodlands into positive management also offer opportunities to reduce flood and wildfire risk as well as enhancing biodiversity, local amenity and creating job opportunities. 22 Page 100
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3.2 Adaptation to unavoidable impacts of climate change: Climate Ready With global carbon emissions continuing to rise and increasing incidence of different and extreme weather events and temperature records, the importance of adaptation continues to grow. Mitigation is expected to be mostly driven by existing national plans and targets, complemented by partnership opportunities, and many of the easy wins have already been made. Adaptation is less explored and at the same time frequently of greater understandable importance and immediacy to communities: impacts of road and other transport closures, floods and high rain and winds all provide recent examples felt by all throughout the region. These threats are compounded by the length and vulnerability of transport links and also the low population density making capital funding harder to access, but conversely where taking measures to support community resilience, compounded with building upon local knowledge and experience and wider reviews such as the 2023 Scotland Adaptation Progress Report can identify opportunities. As with mitigation, key achievements or opportunities are indicated where possible and recurrent or major themes are brought into a short list of potential measures. Organisations do not currently have to have published adaptation plans but this is under review and the Scottish Government may mandate this in future for public bodies. Although addressed to the Scottish Government, the top ten of the 51 recommendations from the Progress Report are also relevant at local level: Ensure that support for adaptation alongside decarbonisation is included in key building policies Address data gaps on impacts to buildings and adaptation actions by utilising already available data to track resilience of the building stock, monitoring of samples of existing buildings in at-risk locations, and home resilience reporting that include assessments of flood and overheating resilience. Proactive adaptation measures for overheating and flood resilience in buildings. Identifying at-risk buildings, awareness raising, training and engagement on property- level flood protection. Address data gaps on Scottish business preparedness, availability of capital and insurance for adaptation, and the effectiveness of business adaptation actions. Measures for reducing water use by business. Supply chain resilience to climate hazards Adaptation reporting requirements 19 https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/adapting-to-climate-change-progress-in-scotland/19 23 Page 101
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Initiatives for place-based and cross-sectoral adaptation and including support for vulnerable areas and sectors Long-term planning, including monitoring of weather-related incident response The UK Climate Change Committee’s 10 adaptation principles applied to Argyll & Bute Principle Progress/Opportunities for Action 1 A vision for a well adapted UK Proposed vision: “We make Argyll and Bute climate ready by acting together to understand and adapt to our changing climate” 2 Integrate adaptation into other policies Examples include links with flood resilience plans, community risk register, housing and transport policies, sustainable procurement, carbon literate training. 3 Adapt to 2°C; assess the risks for 4°C Always work to high emissions scenarios 4 Avoid lock-in (eg building new homes without designing in adaptations to future conditions such as extreme heat) This links well with integrating with other policies, by seeking to identify co benefits and also to avoid reliance on a single action or technology. The geographic scale and diversity of Argyll and Bute also mandate this approach. Also the importance of factoring climate into eg major infrastructure projects. 5 Prepare for unpredictable extremes This requires an acceptance that the unexpected can happen and emphasises the need to enhancing overall resilience in addition to specific flood/heatwave etc measures 6 Assess interdependencies This is one of the great strengths of the CPP model where many of the key agencies and partnership working can help to address interdependencies. Many adaptation measures can also have strong links with mitigation. 7 Understand threshold effects Things happen fast after thresholds or tipping points are crossed (eg algal blooms when water is over 17 centigrade), meaning a new course of action may be needed, but adaptation plans have often focussed on gradual changes over time. Building up a bank of threshold effects appropriate to Argyll can inform how to take these into account. 8 Address inequalities Working through the CPP priority outcomes around Transport Infrastructure, Housing and Community Wellbeing provides a strong basis for this. There are well documented links between climate vulnerability and social inequality and the community remit of the CPP can support prioritising accordingly. 9 Consider opportunities Meetings with key partners and literature review to inform the gap and opportunity analysis have identified 6 main opportunity areas for action: Infrastructure Policy Influence Procurement and Supply Chain Collaboration Risk/Economic Assessment Resilience/Carbon Literacy Training Skills Development 10 Funding, resourcing, metrics, research A specific task in the operational plan is to identify funding and pilot opportunities. 24 Page 102
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A climate risk assessment for Argyll and Bute will be required as part of ongoing work, and one proposed priority area for action is to collaborate with Community Planning partners who are starting their own processes of developing adaptation plans who need to undertake climate risk assessments. The first draft of this strategy circulated in March 2023 proposed the set of 15 headline “Consequences ” identified by Adaptation Scotland as a starting point for scoping climate risk in Argyll to inform future risk assessment work. The productivity of our agriculture and forests: potential to improve growing conditions and increase the productivity of agriculture and forestry, but also threats from more variable and extreme weather to the spread of pests and diseases. The occurrence of pests and disease The quality of our soils: We rely on soils to sustain biodiversity, support agriculture and forestry, regulate the water cycle and store carbon. Soils and vegetation may be altered by changes to rainfall and increased temperatures - as well as the way we use the land. The health of our natural environment: Climate change may affect the delicate balance of Scotland’s ecosystems and transform Scotland’s habitats and biodiversity, adding to existing pressures. Some distinctive Scottish species may struggle and could be lost, invasive non-native species may thrive, while a degraded environment may not be able to sustain productive land or water supply. Temperate rainforest is especially susceptible to the impacts of climate change: Argyll has some of the best examples of this in Europe, with unmitigated climate change, climatic suitability for temperate rainforest could be lost from Argyll by the end of the century. The security of our food supply: Although Scotland may be able to grow more food, this will not offset the impact global disruption has on us. The effects of increased volatility in the global commodity market due to exposure to extreme climatic events has an impact on supply and cost of food. The availability and quality of water: Summer droughts may become more frequent and more severe causing problems for water quality and supply. The increased risk of flooding The change at our coast: More coastal flooding, erosion and coastline retreat. The health of our marine environment: The changes will present both threats and opportunities to our commercial fisheries and aquaculture. 20 Adaptation: Risk Assessment 25 Page 103
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The resilience of our businesses: Climate change and associated extreme weather may disrupt transport, energy and communication networks in Scotland and around the world. This could impact on markets, affect supply chains and raise insurance costs. The health and wellbeing of our people: A warming climate may provide more opportunity to be outdoors and enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle, while reducing mortality in winter. However, it could affect patterns of disease and other health issues. Climate change and associated extreme weather may disrupt the lives of individuals and communities, limiting access to vital services and impacting on people’s physical and mental health. Our cultural heritage and identity: The changing climate is already altering our unique Scottish landscape and threatening our historic environment through coastal erosion, flooding and wetter, warmer conditions. The security and efficiency of our energy supply: In addition to local generation and transmission, impacts on global energy markets may also affect energy supplies in Scotland and consequently our overall energy security. The performance of our buildings Infrastructure – network connectivity and interdependencies: Our infrastructure is closely inter-linked and failure in any area can lead to wider disruption across these networks. In line with the methodology developed by Climate Ready Clyde and subsequently adopted in modified form by subsequent regional climate initiatives, these and the set of 61 risks identified in the UC Climate Change Committee’s Climate Change Risk Assessment (Summary for Scotland) were put through a screening and scoping exercise by the project manager and peer groups to identify a set of key risk areas, and also presented to the CPP Full Partnership, Climate Change Working Group and Area Community Planning Groups for corroboration with their own experience. 26 Page 104
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We are using “climate just” as shorthand for Just Transition. The Scottish Government has defined just transition as “A just transition is both the outcome – a fairer, greener future for all – and the process that must be undertaken in partnership with those impacted by the transition to net zero. Just transition is how we get to a net zero and climate resilient economy, in a way that delivers fairness and tackles inequality and injustice.” 3.3 Engagement: Climate Just In the context of developing a climate change strategy for Argyll and Bute, engagement spans: Core Community Planning Partnership partners Wider CPP partners CPP technical partners National technical partners and networks Wider Argyll & Bute institutions and networks Communities across Argyll and Bute, including Administrative areas Individual locations and settlements The three guiding principles underlying the ABCA business case are fundamental to the engagement approach: Argyll and Bute communities, places and landscapes are being affected by climate change in different ways. There are likely to be common challenges across the region but there will also be significant variation within and between communities, places and landscapes. The proposed climate risk and opportunity assessment and follow on mitigation, adaptation planning and implementation must identify region-wide climate risks and opportunities for action and take account of local variations and capacity to adapt. All aspects of the initiative will be carried out in an inclusive and accessible way and reflect on just transition. Priority will be given to ensuring that communities, physical or virtual, are engaged in these processes and that local knowledge and experience is valued and used. 21 https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/strategy- plan/2021/09/transition-fairer-greener-scotland/documents/transition-fairer-greener- scotland/transition-fairer-greener-scotland/govscot%3Adocument/transition-fairer-greener- scotland.pdf 21 27 Page 105
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Parallel to ABCA strategy development is the Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network (ABCAN) project with Scottish Government funding in support of outcomes including: Widen participation by engaging new communities and strengthening existing activity. Increase in community led climate change mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity projects, driven by communities themselves, contributing to a fair and just transition to net zero. Increasing community resilience and knowledge of how to respond to climate change; Strengthened and increased collaboration and knowledge sharing across and between community groups, public, private and 3rd sector partners leading to an acceleration in community action Minority and disadvantaged communities are visible, confident and active within the network, taking part and leading climate action activities. Increase in community climate literacy, which directly leads to a 5 - 15% reduction in participant’s carbon footprints. Increase in involvement in policy setting, decision making and local place planning with climate lens by communities. This parallel initiative greatly enhances the reach of the overall ACT/CPP climate effort. Although separately funded and staffed, the two projects are working in close collaboration and a basis for distinction is that ABCAN Hub has more of a grassroots and community focus whereas ABCA Strategy is slightly more oriented towards institutions, but can also ensure that the grassroots activity and aspirations from the Hub have a strategic voice. 22 ACT Now | Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust22 This collaboration includes working with Argyll and Bute Council to support the inclusion of the “Climate Lens” in developing Local Place Plans with community councils and other bodies across the region. 28 Page 106
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Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership has three priority outcomes: Transport Infrastructure Housing Community Wellbeing. This principle is followed here and in Appendix 5 the CPP outcomes are aligned against national and wider climate outcomes including National Performance Framework Net Zero Nation, UN Sustainable Development Goals and most significantly for this strategy the five outcomes of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan (SNAP3) : Public Services and Infrastructure: Public services are collaborating in effective, inclusive adaptation action. Communities: Communities creating climate-resilient, healthy and equitable places. Nature Connects: Nature connects across our lands, settlements, coasts and seas. Economy, Industry and Business: Economies and industries are adapting and realising opportunities in Scotland’s Just Transition. International: Scotland’s international role supports climate justice and enhanced global action on climate adaptation. 4. Vision, outcomes and objectives 23 Vision Our vision is that We make Argyll and Bute climate ready by acting together to understand and adapt to our changing climate Outcomes Climate change: Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)23 29 Page 107
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Scottish National Adaptation Plan Outcomes Argyll & Bute Community Planning Partnership Outcomes Public Services and Infrastructure: Public services are collaborating in effective, inclusive adaptation action. Transport Infrastructure Communities: Communities creating climate-resilient, healthy and equitable places. Housing, Community Welbeing Nature Connects: Nature connects across our lands, settlements, coasts and seas. Community Wellbeing Economy, Industry and Business: Economies and industries are adapting and realising opportunities in Scotland’s Just Transition. Transport Infrastructure, Housing International: Scotland’s international role supports climate justice and enhanced global action on climate adaptation. Transport Infrastructure, Community Wellbeing The alignment of the five outcomes of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan with the CPP outcomes is: Objectives Governance and leadership Identifying leadership and champions (organisations and community) Liaison and reporting with CPP structures Vision and theory of change Engagement strategy Logo, branding and image Understanding the challenge Audit & gap analysis Mitigation Adaptation Engagement The objectives for the strategy are grouped under three work packages agreed by the CPP 30 Page 108
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Planning and implementation Quick win opportunities Pilot projects Training Funding Scope options for planning and implementation (Transport, Housing, Community Wellbeing) Proposals for taking forward specifics under these are listed in the Task List in Appendix 6.2. This refers to working up the strategy. The Action Plan is then to be developed with partners in the remaining half of the project to take forward delivery under the principal Areas for Action identified through the gap and opportunity analysis. 5. Identifying opportunity areas for action We started with a need to find out what is already happening and where there are gaps or opportunities and greatest risks. This cuts across mitigation, adaptation and engagement. This has been informed through: Review of CPP partners’ Climate Change Duty reports Review of partners’ climate change plans where published Review of other regional climate plans Review of other plans and strategies relevant to Argyll and Bute Support from Sniffer/Adaptation Scotland and Sustainable Scotland Network Meetings with stakeholders including CPP representatives Feedback from the wider community mainly via the A&B Climate Action Network Hubs In Argyll and Bute, the most comprehensive and consistent information relating to the overall picture of current climate action comes from the Climate Duty reports provided by the public bodies operating in the area. This provides a strong although not perfect match with the main bodies in the CPP and consequently this can provide an illustration of both activity within the CPP and potential gaps where the CPP may have agency or capacity to take action, either collectively or by constituent bodies. 31 Page 109
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These are complemented by published climate strategies but not all organisations have these and some treat items such as risk assessments as confidential internal documents Meetings with stakeholders have included suggestions relating to other organisations, and these are currently excluded from the analysis as “informal”, although they may inform discussion on developing the action plan. A collaboration with Argyll & Bute Third Sector Interface is under development to undertake a comprehensive audit of the sector across Argyll and Bute including elements on climate readiness which can further inform the development of the Action Plan in support of this strategy over 2025. Likewise, meetings with stakeholders outside the public sector have revealed a wide range of action but less regarding reporting requirements relating to these. Future work including business grants and agricultural/land management payments will include elements of carbon and other environmental reporting but these are currently work in progress to be captured within the Action Plan as this is developed over 2025. A collaboration with Argyll & Bute Third Sector Interface is under development to undertake a comprehensive audit of the sector across Argyll and Bute including elements on climate readiness which can further inform the development of the Action Plan in support of this strategy over 2025. Developing the Action Plan also needs to be informed by local knowledge from partners and the wider community, requiring ongoing engagement to complement the literature review and meetings held to date. Building upon the literature review and engagement, a set of opportunity areas for action was developed, aligned against key findings from the partners’ published Public Body Climate Duty reports: Infrastructure Policy Influence Procurement and Supply Chain Collaboration Risk/Economic Assessment Resilience/Carbon Literacy Training Skills Development (Subsequently combined with Procurement and Supply Chain) Other 32 Page 110
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These categories of measures were reviewed by peers via a spreadsheet with three columns of drop down boxes in order to prioritise measures associated with the Climate Duty reports to establish a group of thematic measures appropriate to the CPP’s remit and scope of control and influence in order to inform ongoing development of the Action Plan. Opportunity Areas for Action 5.1 Infrastructure Infrastructure is a primary concern in Argyll and Bute, with the length and vulnerability of the transport network to flooding, landslides and coastal impacts attracting comment from nearly all stakeholder and community meetings. The region’s geography also 33 Page 111
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that marine and air transport links are major considerations in addition to road and rail. 5.2 Policy Influence “Policy influence” covers areas that are not within the CPP’s ability to control but where the collective voice of the CPP or its individual members may seek to inform or influence policy. This is seen as an important role for the CPP by many, with a common perception that many climate-related policies are more suited to densely populated and predominantly urban areas rather than to Argyll and Bute’s distinctive geography and population. There is less consensus among stakeholders on the extent to which this is a concern for the Community Planning Partnership as distinct to the specific groups within the CPP with expertise and responsibility for transport infrastructure and links with flood resilience planning. There is more consensus among stakeholders on the CPP’s role in addressing demand and impacts upon transport infrastructure including propensity to travel and potential to influence travel choices to reduce reliance on private cars, noting that 30% of households in Argyll and Bute do not have a car. Communications and grid infrastructure are also major concerns: enhancing grid capacity is a key element of decarbonising both transport (electric vehicle charging) and housing as well as enabling further renewable energy developments in the region which is seen as a key economic and climate opportunity. Addressing digital exclusion is a priority for Argyll and Bute and the resilience of telecommunications links in the face of climate change was a repeated theme in stakeholder meetings, including some concerns over the switchover from physical copper-based landlines to internet-based services. Natural or Green/blue infrastructure is a major consideration for Argyll and Bute, with nature based solutions such as natural flood risk management to complement hard engineering where appropriate as well as the carbon saving opportunities – and potential economic opportunities – associated. 5.3 Skills, Procurement and Supply Chain Community Wealth Building is seen as a major climate change opportunity including in terms of shortening supply chains, strengthening local markets and the local economy, supporting jobs and skills development and a just transition to a greener economy. 34 Page 112
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Multiple stakeholders commented on the potential for the CPP’s combined procurement activity to support community wealth building in addition to potentially reducing duplication and transport impacts. Procurement is a tightly regulated area and all CPP budgets are under pressure, so there is a need to balance climate change considerations alongside affordability, availability value for money, fitness for purpose and other best value considerations. This is an area that falls within Scope 3 emissions, and as such likely to be subject to increasing reporting requirements. Several CPP partners have provided instances where local providers have been able to deliver in preference to large providers from outside the region, enabling money to stay within the region and supporting local employment and skills at the same time as delivering best value. Supplier engagement programmes have been seen as a valuable tool and an area where there are further opportunities for reducing economic leakage and shortening elements of some supply chains. 5.4 Risk Assessment Several CPP partners are at similar stages of starting climate adaptation and associated risk assessment processes. Stakeholders have indicated the potential value in working together on this as well as sharing existing information, and several have also emphasised the importance of factoring in economic assessments. Examples of risk and economic assessments and methodologies from Highland Adapts are included in the appendices. Commissioning a risk assessment for Argyll and Bute with emphasis on community wellbeing is proposed as the best fit with CPP outcomes, with the opportunity to do this from existing project resources. Natural or Green/blue infrastructure is a major consideration for Argyll and Bute, with nature based solutions such as natural flood risk management to complement hard engineering where appropriate as well as the carbon saving opportunities – and potential economic opportunities – associated. 35 Skills development and education is seen as one of the most important areas to address the trend to a declining and ageing population in Argyll and Bute as well as to strengthening the economy and community wellbeing. In the context of climate change, this is further important through the role of skills development in supporting a just transition to a lower carbon and more resilient economy. Skills development, including education, is presented separately to resilience and carbon literacy training on the basis that resilience and carbon literacy training are specific and well defined exercises as distinct to the much broader range of activity around skills development and education across Argyll and Bute. Page 113
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As the group of organisations and community representatives working together to achieve improvements across Argyll and Bute in ways which promote prevention, reduce inequalities and build community capacity, the CPP is strongly placed to work in multiple ways to develop overall resilience in the community in addition to measures more specific to climate change. There are also opportunities to integrate this with place planning in addition to developing and delivering resilience training at multiple levels across the region, such as the online climate resilience training currently being piloted by the Argyll & Bute Community Action Network. Carbon Literacy training is more well established and recognised and this in addition to enhancing individuals’ empowerment and agency with regard to climate change can also support employability. When presenting the set of proposed areas of action to the CPP Full Partnership for attendees to indicate their priorities, some respondents indicated “other”: subsequent discussion with these respondents indicated that this was from desired actions that cut across multiples of these areas of activity rather than fitting into any one category. 5.6 Crosscutting/Other 6. Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation Because the Argyll & Bute Climate Change Strategy is not a statutory requirement, it cannot place reporting or other duties upon the CPP partners and the Climate Change Public Body Duty reporting requirements provide a means by which the partners’ climate activity can be monitored and reported. 36 The new Scottish National Adaptation Plan emphasises the need to support people and communities most vulnerable to climate impacts and building resilient, healthy, and equitable places, including rural, island and coastal communities. The Scottish Government defines resilience as “Communities and individuals harnessing resources and expertise to help themselves prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies, in a way that complements the work of emergency responders”. 5.5 Resilience/Carbon Literacy Page 114
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Funding for Argyll & Bute Climate Action runs until October 2025 meaning that there is no dedicated resource for monitoring and reporting of the strategy as a whole after October 2025. Feedback from meetings with partners to date has been supportive of an approach based around existing Public Body Climate Duty reporting requirements, such that ongoing activity can be captured and new projects brought within the same framework wherever possible. This has the potential to offer a basic level of monitoring not only of the activity of public sector partners but also through the “Wider Influence” section where they in turn can have broader impact through partnership or client working. The Sustainable Scotland Network does a national level assessment of the Public Body Duty reports, typically made available in May-June after individual bodies’ reports are submitted at the end of the calendar year. At present there is no provision for regional- level assessment although this is a recognised issue. There may be some potential for Sniffer/Adaptation Scotland to provide some assistance with evaluation of the adaptation components of the strategy beyond the funded period but this would not replace the need for ongoing monitoring and reporting. This approach seeks to reduce extra reporting as much as possible there would still be resource implications associated. This would entail a requirement for the CPP to identify an individual and make time available (suggested two days) to review the partners’ published reports and SSN national assessment, and present this to the Climate Change Working Group autumn meeting. 37 For more information please contact: Andy Macpherson Climate Change Project Manager Argyll Countryside Trust andy@act-now.org.uk act-now.org.uk/cpp Page 115
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Page 1 of 9 Argyll and Bute Climate Action: A Climate Change Strategy for Argyll and Bute Climate Change Working Group 4 March and 9 April 2025. Discussion Document: Sample Action Plan The CPP Management Committee approved the draft climate change strategy at its meeting of 6 December 2024, with a set of priority Areas for Action identified, and the focus for the remainder of the funded period (to end October 2025) on developing the Action Plan. The priority Areas for Action are • Transport and Infrastructure • Policy Influence • Skills, Procurement and Supply Chain • Risk Assessment • Resilience/Carbon Literacy • Crosscutting/Other A sample Action Plan for discussion is provided below, in a format used by a range of current plans across the CPP. The actions in this are samples and are not offered as a complete set. They are drawn from • Examples from CPP partners’ existing climate plans and Climate Change Duty reports; • Examples from other CPP partners’ plans; • Suggestions made by Climate Change Working Group, and wider CPP members and stakeholders. It is proposed that the final action plan should comprise priority actions within the CPP’s scope to control or influence, with an appendix listing all known actions in the region. Request to the Climate Change Working Group Remembering that the CPP is “the group of organisations and community representatives working together to achieve improvements across Argyll and Bute in ways which promote prevention, reduce inequalities and build community capacity”, and the Climate Change Working Group’s remit to share expertise and knowledge to support the development and delivery of the Argyll and Bute Climate Action Strategy and Action Plan, CCWG members are asked to consider two questions in the World Café session on Tuesday 4 March: • What do you think are the three most important climate actions for the CPP? • Who should lead on those actions? Page 117
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Page 2 of 9 Area for Action: Transport and Infrastructure • Addressing demand and impacts of better transport infrastructure to reduce reliance on private cars and provide for those who do not have a car. • Enhancing communications and grid infrastructure through maximising decarbonisation and renewable energy opportunities. • Natural capital: managing our green and blue infrastructure to reduce emissions and support resilience What Why Who When Code Action Description Lead Timescale TI1 Grid constraints Identify areas with available grid capacity and prioritise projects in these locations. LHEES TI2 Grid constraints Identify the LHEES priority areas impacted by grid constraints. LHEES TI3 Grid constraints Develop plans and investment streams to resolve grid constraints in LHEES priority areas. LHEES TI4 Decarbonisation Pathways Consider how locally generated electricity that cannot be exported to the grid could be utilised. TT5 Decarbonisation Pathways Investigate decarbonisation pathways using emerging technologies or existing technologies in new ways TI6 Develop and Implement Waste Strategy Implementation of the Waste Strategy transitioning to Landfill ban compliant Residual Waste Recovery solutions by 2025. A&BC TI7 Promote the Waste Hierarchy through community Education Reduce amount of waste and improve recycling rates TI9 Heat Networks Evaluate the feasibility of the proposed heat networks described in the LHEES strategy. RSLs, LDP, LHEES TI20 Heat Networks Prioritise viable heat networks and support the implementation of the most viable ones. RSLs, LDP, LHEES TI21 Heat Networks Promote and facilitate the implementation of shared ground loop opportunities. RSLs, LDP, LHEES TI22 Nature Networks Address vulnerability and potential mitigation and adaptation opportunities with Argyll’s natural heritage Page 118
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Page 3 of 9 What Why Who When Code Action Description Lead Timescale TI23 Rainforest restoration Work with landowners, land managers and communities to protect and restore rainforest at landscape scale ACT/ASR TI24 Peatland restoration Work with landowners, land managers and communities to protect and restore peatlands at landscape scale ACT/NS TI26 Develop natural infrastructure pilots Eg options for land management to reduce flood/landscape risk to vulnerable settlements and infrastructure TI27 Work in partnership with land owners and land managers to manage urban drainage proactively Local flooding caused by debris from land management activities blocking drainage Area for action: Policy Influence Influencing national and regional public and non-public policies through the CPP’s collective voice in a way that recognises Argyll & Bute's distinctive geography and population. What Why Who When Code Action Description Lead Timescale PI1 Liaise with Scottish Government on rural policy considerations Fit of national policies with Argyll and Bute geography, economy and demography CPP PI2 Liaise with central government over telecoms resilience: Digital switchover Widespread community concerns over resilience of replacement to copper landlines CPP/C& BC PI3 Liaise with service providers over telecoms resilience: Example of ensuring backup generators and fuel where necessary for telecoms masts PI4 Grid Capacity Current lack of grid capacity seen as barrier to renewables and decarbonisation across Argyll PI5 Community Benefit/Shared Ownership of Renewables Development of revenue streams to support local empowerment and regeneration through circular economy PI6 Community Benefit/Shared Examples from Norway of shared ownership of fish farms, often run by parent Page 119
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Page 4 of 9 What Why Who When Code Action Description Lead Timescale Ownership of local industry companies to those operating in Argyll P17 Just Transition Identify suitable decarbonisation approaches for remote rural and island communities. P18 Just Transition Maximise funding and investment in remote rural and island decarbonisation projects. Economic Develop ment, LHEES, SG P19 Explore potential for forest crofts To help address trends of depopulation and ageing population. Area for action: Skills, Procurement and Supply Chain Increasing opportunities for individuals to gain the skills required to deliver climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience in an inclusive and just way. Promoting opportunities for climate mitigation, adaptation and community wealth building through improving circular economies within Argyll & Bute. These were originally two separate items, Skills Development and Procurement & Supply Chain, but they have been merged here in line with the conventions across a range of CPP and wider partners. What Why Who When Code Action Description Lead Timescale SPSC1 Identify groups best place to lead on skills development Establish clarity among large number of stakeholders Employability/Skills Development Partnership, SDS SPSC2 Climate Education Pathways Address training and qualification gaps to enable young people to live and work in green sector in Argyll A&BC, ACT/ABCAN SPSC3 Skills and Supply Chain Support the development of the supply chain while also identifying skills required for energy efficiency and heat decarbonisation. SPSC4 Food & Drink - Compile a list of all courses offered by colleges and survey businesses to ensure offer matches needs SDS Page 120
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Page 5 of 9 What Why Who When Code Action Description Lead Timescale SPSC5 Food & Drink Ensure the needs of the industry are recognised in the Regional Skills Investment Plan - engage with sector to identify skills gaps SDS SPSC6 Audit of skill greening opportunities Establish potential for green skills training to enhance employability and skills available to complement mainstream skills SPSC7 Rainforest squad Empower forestry trainees with transferable skills ACT SPSC8 Identify community wealth building opportunities in public procurement Support transformation of local economy to more circular and less extractive; enhance opportunities to create and add value locally; Community Wealth Building working group SPSC9 Identify opportunities to reduce transport mileage associated with procurement Reduce road miles through developing local supply and value chains, enhancing resilience, reducing emissions SPSC10 Bring low carbon food into public procurement Opportunities to build upon initiatives such as introducing local venison to school meals CPP Procurement Leads SPSC11 Develop capacity to support local markets Community venison larder SPSC12 Develop comprehensive GIS map of food and drink supply chain map of Argyll and Bute. This should include identifying by products and potentially valuable waste streams SPSC13 Increase the proportion of locally produced F&D used by the Public Sector Including ABC & HSCP by establishing gross requirements, educating providers, and using dynamic purchasing CPP Procurement leads SPSC14 Identify and share examples of good practice around Including utilisation of waste materials as feed stock for other processes A&BC Page 121
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Page 6 of 9 What Why Who When Code Action Description Lead Timescale management of food waste SPSC15 Support delivery of the Argyll and Bute Growing Strategy Greater local and community involvement in food production ACT, A&BC SPSC16 Reduce Council use of disposable and single use plastics across all departments and settings Reduce plastic entering waste stream Procurement and Commercial Services, all Council Services SPSC17 Extend and explore pre-ordering for school food to reduce food waste Reduce waste, financial savings Procurement and Commercial Services, all Council Services Area for action: Risk Assessment Deepening our understanding of the risks and opportunities, including economic risks and opportunities, presented by climate change to Argyll and Bute as a whole and to specific communities and sectors. What Why Who When Code Action Description Lead Timescale RA1 Scope UK Climate Change Risk Assessment at Argyll level Review of overarching risk at Argyll scale CPP Climate Manager Mar 2025 RA2 Review CPP partner risk assessments where available Make use of existing resource of risk assessments across all partners CPP Climate Manager, CPP partner bodies June 2025 RA3 Community - oriented risk assessment for Argyll & Bute: Support communities developing resilience plans Risk assessment with emphasis on community wellbeing: OLI Area pilot CPP Climate Manager Sep 2025 RA4 Community - oriented risk assessment for Argyll & Bute: Workshops to bring local Importance not only of local knowledge and experience but also extend ownership of CPP Climate Manager Sep 2025 Page 122
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Page 7 of 9 What Why Who When Code Action Description Lead Timescale knowledge and experience into risk assessments risk assessment and resultant plans Area for action: Resilience/Carbon Literacy Promoting carbon literacy and greater resilience, across all CPP sectors to empower individuals to bring about climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience in an inclusive, informed and just way. What Why Who When Code Action Description Lead Timescale RCL1 Promote carbon literacy and greater resilience, across all CPP sectors Empower individuals to bring about climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience in an inclusive and just way. ACT, A&BC Sep 2025 RCL2 Collaborate with A&BC Resilience on resilience training and messaging Clear and consistent messaging and training ACT June 2025 RCL3 Ensure all communities have up to date emergency/resilien ce plans Major area for CPP influence and agency A&BC RCL4 Establish ACPG sub group to drive resilience action at Area level Maximise available resource to coordinate training and make use of local knowledge, experience and networks OLI ACPG working group Sep 2025 RCL5 Develop register of resilience resources Asset mapping including identifying gaps in provision Resilience working group Sep 2025 RCL6 Identify collective procurement options for vital qualifications and insurance for resilience workers Examples of first aid. chainsaw training, certification and PLI for community members engaged in resilience response RCL7 Engage with CPP partners on critical local infrastructure Example of ensuring backup generators and fuel where necessary for pumped water supply RCL8 Deliver/support delivery of Carbon Literacy training among communities Support informed choices on low carbon and climate readiness ACT RCL9 Sustainable energy resilient communities Enhance community resilience by encouraging communities to CPP Page 123
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Page 8 of 9 What Why Who When Code Action Description Lead Timescale formulate localised “place-based” energy decarbonisation plans. RCL10 Sustainable energy resilient communities Explore mechanisms enabling communities to maximise energy generation benefits in their area. I.e. promote Community wealth building LHEES, Economic Development RCL11 Fuel poverty Prioritise installing heat networks or heat pumps in homes that use direct electric heating. RSLs, Landlords, Homeowners RCL12 Fuel poverty Focus on homes where poor energy efficiency contributes to fuel poverty. ABS Child Poverty Forum LHEES RCL13 Energy Efficiency Measures Engage with private sector building owners and tenants to encourage greater adoption of energy efficiency initiatives ABS RCL14 Energy Efficiency Measures Signposting to enable building owners to identify potential resources to fund energy efficiency works. SG ABC EST HES RCL15 Energy Efficiency Measures in Mixed Tenure Properties Engage with stakeholders in mixed tenure properties to implement energy efficient measures for the entire building. Housing, RSLs RCL16 The community knows it needs to decarbonise Enhance the community's knowledge and consciousness of the necessity to decarbonise. CPP, third sector RCL17 Business decarbonisation requirements Increase engagement with the business community to raise awareness of energy efficiency and heat decarbonisation requirements. BG, A&BS Business Support Area for Action: Crosscutting/Other Encourage individuals, communities and agencies to take multiple actions and to identify new risks and opportunities. What Why Who When Code Action Description Lead Timescale CC1 Argyll & Bute Climate Action - develop overarching climate strategy To establish overall trends and priorities for action within the CPP’s agency to CPP Climate Change Manager Oct 2025 Page 124
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Page 9 of 9 What Why Who When Code Action Description Lead Timescale and action plan for Argyll control or influence CC2 Identify pilot projects and funding opportunities in support of climate action To inform climate action appropriate to Argyll’s geography, economy and demographic CPP Climate Change Manager Oct 2025 CC3 Develop Net Zero Route Map Develop a Net Zero Route Map in support of updating and revising the Decarbonisation Plan A&BC Page 125
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Executive Summary Climate change is one of the most serious threats that we face in Scotland. Rising temperatures, drier summers, wetter winters, sea level rise, and an increased risk of flooding, will all affect our lives. There is a global need to take action to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions which are responsible, but changes in climate will not be completely eliminated by these actions. We also need to find ways of adapting to the effects of climate change. We make Argyll and Bute climate ready by acting together to understand and adapt to our changing climate. It has been developed through an engagement process managed by the Argyll Countryside Trust (ACT) on behalf of Argyll & Bute’s Community Planning Partnership, Climate Working Group, with funding thanks to Argyll and Bute Council, NHS Highland, NatureScot and Argyll & Bute Third Sector Interface. A climate change strategy for Argyll & Bute Argyll & Bute Climate Action It links to Argyll & Bute’s Outcomes Improvement Plan for 2024 – 2034 which focusses on improving the outcomes of Transport Infrastructure, Housing and Community Wellbeing. This is a strategy and action plan for Argyll & Bute. A region wide, community led, net-zero, climate change resilient, adaptation plan, in support of the vision that: Page 127
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The heavy rain in early October 2023 caused £15m damage to infrastructure (mainly roads and bridges) in parts of Argyll & Bute Now and into the future, we want a thriving Argyll & Bute where our collective choices and actions enhance our continued wellbeing in a changing climate. Our climate change strategy seeks to tackle climate change, by working together to be: Climate friendly: Reduce Argyll & Bute’s greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change (mitigation). Climate Ready: Resilient and adapted to unavoidable climate change (adaptation), and Climate Just: Ensure all of our communities are included. 80% of the population of Argyll & Bute lives within 1km of the coast (97% within 10km of coast), and we have over 200km of road within 25m of the sea (at high tide). Page 128
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Climate Risk Impact Warmer, wetter winters: Increased rainfall volume and intensity Increased landslides, flooded water courses and more surface water Hotter, drier summers: higher average and higher peak temperatures, increased heatwave frequency and longer drought periods higher risk of human and animal heat stress, illness and mortality, crop failure, wildfires and freshwater scarcity More severe, and more variable weather events: Less predictable but more frequent storms, increased variability in wind speed and direction, higher peak wind speeds, higher rainfall intensity windblow, forest damage, road blockage, power line damage/power cuts, property damage, flooding, landslides Sea level rise and storm surges: increased coastal erosion coastal infrastructure damage and loss, coastal retreat or protection cost Multi-hazards affecting people, species and habitats: Combination of hazards compounding climate risks and impacts. Single actions less likely to address mitigation or adaptation. Solutions needs to maximise multiple benefits and work with natural processes Increased climate unpredictability Climate forecasts less predictable, actions need to be based on worst-case scenarios, resilience more dependent on agile and diverse actions Our strategy identifies the key climate risks impacting on Argyll & Bute and the areas in which we can take action to address them: Page 129
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Areas for Action Infrastructure Addressing demand and impacts of better transport infrastructure to reduce reliance on private cars and provide for those who do not have a car; Enhancing communications and grid infrastructure through maximising decarbonisation and renewable energy opportunities; Natural capital: managing our green and blue infrastructure to reduce emissions and support resilience. Policy influence Influencing national and regional public and non-public policies through the CPP’s collective voice in a way that recognises Argyll & Bute's distinctive geography and population. Skills, Procurement and Supply Chain Promoting opportunities for climate mitigation, adaptation and community wealth building through improving circular economies within Argyll & Bute. Increasing opportunities for individuals to gain the skills required to deliver climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience in an inclusive and just way. Risk Assessment Deepening our understanding of the risks and opportunities, including economic risks and opportunities, presented by climate change to Argyll and Bute as a whole and to specific communities and sectors. Resilience/Carbon Literacy Promoting carbon literacy and greater resilience, across all CPP sectors to empower individuals to bring about climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience in an inclusive and just way. Crosscutting/Other Encourage individuals, communities and agencies to take multiple actions and to identify new risks and opportunities. With fuel poverty nearly 50% higher than the Scottish average, and higher again in more rural areas, and private water supplies ten times the national average, our housing is largely insufficient to cope with our current climate and even less with the greater weather extremes forecast. Areas for action closest to the CPP’s remit and ability to control or influence:Page 130
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The principles and approach guiding the Strategy are: An enabling strategy, rather than creating new duties or replacing existing ones, it identifies gaps and opportunities, especially those made possible by working together. Alignment with the CPP priorities of: Transport Infrastructure , Housing and Community Wellbeing, which in turn are aligned to requirements in our national climate programmes. Embracing diversity, to recognise significant variation among our communities, places and landscapes, and that we are being affected by climate change in multiple ways. Focussing on common challenges across the region, such as the length and vulnerability of transport links, and our low population density that can make it harder to secure funding. Adapting as we build our understanding of the risks and opportunities we face, taking into account local knowledge and also local variations and capacity to adapt. In addition to incremental steps to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and transitional steps to enhance our capacity to adapt, there is also a transformational component: as we improve our ability to cope with climate needs we also improve our current circumstances. An example of this sort of transformational change is the importance of developing our local economy through developing appropriate local skills, produce and markets and the housing, energy and other infrastructure to support them. This reduces our transport and waste emissions at the same time as reducing our dependence on vulnerable, extended transport links and enables us to add value locally and reduce economic leakage, at the same time as supporting transformational growth sectors such as energy and valuing our natural capital. Engaging communities through networks of community champions linked to Climate Hubs centred on the four Argyll & Bute administrative areas. Developing resilience by developing skills and capacity to adapt to ongoing change alongside longer term transformational capital projects. Ensuring a socially just transition to a climate ready future: as we prepare for the impacts of the changing climate we do so in ways that are fair and tackle inequality. For more information please contact Andy Macpherson Climate Change Project Manager Argyll Countryside Trust andy@act-now.org.uk act-now.org.uk/cpp Page 131
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Classification: OFFICIAL Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group 6 May 2025 Community Planning Partnership Management Committee Meeting Highlights The Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee met on 16 April 2025. The briefing is for noting and relevant discussion. Summary The CPP Management Committee met on 16th April 2025 in the Council Chambers, Kilmory and via Microsoft Teams. The highlights from this meeting are here for members of the Area Community Planning Groups’ interest. Access to the reports and full agenda is found by following this link – - Agenda for Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management Committee on Wednesday, 16 April 2025, 10:00 am - Argyll and Bute Council Highlights Area Community Planning Group (ACPG) Updates John McLuckie, Argyll and Bute Council, provided an overview of the ACPG reports from the meetings held in February 2025, highlighting key points from the meetings, including: The Oban, Lorn and the Isles (OLI) ACPG is establishing a short-term working group to explore community resilience requirements as a result of climate change. Concerns raised by partners at the Helensburgh and Lomond (HL) ACPG regarding the switch off of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) and the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN). Pippa Milne, Chair, confirmed that Iain MacInnes will provide an update to ACPGs on this. Concerns raised by Mid Argyll Kintyre and the Isles (MAKI) ACPG regarding the new reporting format by the Police to their meetings. The question was asked whether this was an issue for other ACPGs, with chairs present at the meeting feeding back that it was not. Superintendent Patricia Robertson, Police Scotland, agreed to Page 133 Agenda Item 10
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Classification: OFFICIAL contact MAKI ACPG to explore the issues and what may be possible for future reporting. Sarah Davies (HL ACPG), Reeni Kennedy-Boyle (BC ACPG) and Colin Buchanan (OLI ACPG) raised concerns about the lack of consultation on the decision to end the Living Well Networks funding. Samantha Campbell, NHS Highland, agreed to provide an update on the work from NHS Highland of the developments regarding the cessation of funding to the Living Well Networks, to the ACPGs. She confirmed that Health Equalities Impacts Assessments had been carried out in advance of the decision to withdraw the funding. It was agreed that the information on the cessation of Living Well Networks funding be recirculated to ACPG members and any feedback on gaps this has caused will be fed back to Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership. Community Planning Self-Assessment Draft Improvement Plan Rona Gold, Argyll and Bute Council, provided an overview of the draft improvement actions from the CPP Management Committee session held with the Improvement Service (IS) on 21st March. The draft plan includes improvement actions for the next 15 months and Rona emphasised the importance of getting feedback and consensus on the improvement plan in order to take this forward. Partners came forward to support taking the actions forward: - Undertake mapping exercise to understand what mechanisms each individual partner has in place to understand the needs of individuals and communities Partners came forward to be part of a group looking at Engagement. - Engage with the Area Community Partnership Groups to understand what would be beneficial for them via CPP Board meeting cycle and build in a feedback loop Rona noted that work on this action has already started and it was agreed that this would be tied in initially with existing ACPG Chair and Vice Chair meetings. - Look to encourage active citizenship and communities to take part in CPP Rona is meeting with the Council’s Governance Manager to discuss working better with Community Councils and a 15-month short life working group will then be set up to move the action forward. Rona welcomed volunteers to join this group and a request will be circulated through the ACPGs. - Engage directly with Community Councils, outlining the role and purpose of the CPP to educate how Community Councils can get involved and influence It was agreed that is tied into the previous action. - Plan two face to face development days per year A working group of CPP Management Committee members will be set up to take forward planning face to face development sessions. It was noted that the next development session would be incorporated into a longer meeting of the already scheduled CPP Management Committee meeting on 6th June. Page 134
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- Learn from other CPPs in terms of good practice in this area
Rona will work with the Improvement Service to identify and share good
practice from other CPPs and it was suggested that this be added to future
CPP MC meeting agendas.
- Refresh Welcome Pack to ensure it is up to date
Partners volunteered to assist with updating the Welcome Pack.
Develop different approaches to sharing of Board information such as the use
of a podcast
It was noted that the first episode of the Argyll and Bute Community Planning
podcast was about to go live. You can listen to this following this link: { Argyll
and Bute Community Planning podcast - Episode 1}
- Develop process for individual partner organisations to provide a suitable
handover to new person joining the partnership
A number of volunteers agreed to be part of a working group to take this
action forward.
Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan 2024-2034 – Next Steps
The CPP team presented an update on the development of the agreed actions for
the CPP Management Committee under the three priority outcomes: Transport
Infrastructure, Housing and Community Wellbeing.
A specific session will be held on 6th June for the CPP Management Committee to
further discuss and input to these actions including considerations of resource
commitments.
Rona Gold highlighted that the presentation slides on the transport actions would be
shared with ACPGs at their May meetings.
CPP Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan
Climate Change Strategy was approved.
The Management Committee praised Andy’s work and it was agreed that the
strategy be shared nationally as an example of strong partnership working.
CPP Community Wealth Building (CWB) Short Life Steering Group
John McLuckie outlined key points of the Community Wealth Building Bill, published
at the end of March, which proposes duties for local authorities and specific public
bodies rather than Community Planning Partnerships.
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Takki highlighted a draft response to the Bill, agreed by the CWB Steering Group,
will be circulated to CPP Management Committee members for comment, before a
collective CPP response is submitted to the Bill’s ‘Call for views’ by 23rd May.
Community Justice Partnership
Mary Holt, Argyll and Bute Council, provided an overview of the draft Community
Justice Annual Report.
Mary highlighted the linkages between community justice and the priorities of
Transport Infrastructure and Community Wellbeing.
Community Learning and Development (CLD) Strategic Partnership Plan
Paul Ashworth, Live Argyll, presented the CLD Strategic Partnership Plan,
highlighting the progress made since the HMIE progress visit in January 2024, which
recognised a strong partnership approach and significant progress made, resulting in
the inspection being signed off with no further actions required.
Aspiring Places demonstration
Demonstration of the Aspiring Places platform following its launch in March
Fair Funding Guidace feedback
Rona Gold highlighted the fair funding of the voluntary sector guidance issued by the
Community Planning Improvement Board, which had been circulated to CPP
Management Committee members in February. It was agreed that the guidance
would be resent to partner organisations and discussed at the September meeting to
allow organisations sufficient time to consider whether they can sign up to “work
towards” the guidance.
For More Information:
John McLuckie, Partnerships Lead, john.mcluckie@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Full minutes of CPP Management Committee meetings are found here: {Browse
meetings - Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management
Committee - Argyll and Bute Council}
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CWB update to H&L CPG November meeting This note is to update the Helensburgh and Lomond Community Planning Group (H&L CPG) partners on the activity of the short-term working group (CWB STWG) established at the August meeting of the H&L CPG. Membership of the CWB STWG: Angela Anderson (Plastic Free Helensburgh, Helensburgh Litter Pickers, A&B Climate Action Network) Fiona Baker (Rhu Community Council, Destination Helensburgh) Sarah Davies (H&L CPG chair, Helensburgh Community Council, Fun First) Fiona Howard (A&B councillor) Morevain Martin (Garelochhead Station Trust) Caryl McLean (A&B TSI) Gill Simpson (H&L CPG vice-chair, Helensburgh Community Hub) Activity Feb-May: - Learning from other parts of Argyll and Bute Members of the sub-group visited Oban in March to better understand how community groups there work together as this could potentially provide a model for Helensburgh and Lomond. The Connecting Communities Collective is a charities partnership in the Oban area that was set up in 2023. It grew out of the understanding that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts; that by working together, essential sector organisations can better utilise resources, share learning, and reach to serve more people in their communities. In response to this, the Collective came together to address the challenges facing organisations regarding resources and capacity for partnership work and have started several joint projects. Connecting Communities Collective - Community benefit The group has recognised the need to better understand how the concept of community benefit works. Community benefits are commitments made by developers or public sector partners to provide social, economic or environmental value to the local community (mainly through planning and procurement processes) beyond the primary purpose of the project. There is the potential for communities in Helensburgh and Lomond to benefit more from current processes, and to have a voice in shaping how community benefits processes develop in the future. Page 137 Agenda Item 11
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