Printed minutes
Argyll and Bute Council · 5 November 2025
Back to Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group — 5 November 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE MID ARGYLL, KINTYRE AND THE ISLANDS AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP HELD ON A HYBRID BASIS IN THE DAVAAR SUITE, KINTYRE COMMUNITY CENTRE, CAMPBELTOWN AND BY MICROSOFT TEAMS ON WEDNESDAY, 5 NOVEMBER 2025 Present: Councillor Anne Horn (Chair) Lynsey Innis, Committee and Democratic Services Officer, Argyll and Bute Council John McLuckie, Partnerships Lead - Community Planning, Argyll and Bute Council Antonia Baird, Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council Caitlin McNeill, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI) Robert Taylor, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Inspector Roddy MacNeill, Police Scotland Linda Tough, Community Learning Services, Live Argyll Jamie Titterton, Community Learning Services, Live Argyll Councillor Garret Corner Councillor John Armour Moira MacLaren, UHI Argyll Heather McAdam, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Maggie Clark, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Andy Macpherson, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (ACT) Valerie Nimmo, Campbeltown Community Council Chris Abell, Islay Community Council Sandy Taylor, Islay Community Council Susan Paterson, Shopper-Aide Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland Emma Oates, Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) Malcolm Sinclair, Lochgilphead Community Council Attending: Iain MacInnes, Strategic Transportation Policy Officer, Argyll and Bute Council Susan Donnelly, Corporate Resilience Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Ashley Glen, Argyll and Bute Youth Action Council Adelle McGeachy, Argyll and Bute Youth Action Council Andrew Galloway, Local Democracy Reporter, Argyll and Bute 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and general introductions were made. Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of: Muriel MacKaveney, Culture Heritage & Arts Assembly (CHARTS), Argyll & Isles; Jeni West, Forestry and Land Scotland; Becky Hothersall, The Poverty Alliance; Sarah Campbell, Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA); Caitlin Marini, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN); and Paul Ives, Shopper-Aide.
Page 2
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest intimated. 3. MINUTE OF THE MID ARGYLL, KINTYRE AND THE ISLANDS AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP HELD ON WEDNESDAY 27 AUGUST 2025 The Minute of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Wednesday 27 August 2025 was approved as a correct record. The Committee and Democratic Services Officer advised that following an action at the last meeting to contact the Scottish Ambulance Service and extend an invitation to attend a future meeting of the Group, that she has contacted them but is currently awaiting a response. Lynsey further advised that she is currently working with Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership colleagues to get in touch with the Service. 4. APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIR OF THE MID ARGYLL, KINTYRE AND THE ISLANDS AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP The Group gave consideration to a report providing information relating to the appointment of a Vice-Chair for the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group. The report also outlined the expected time commitment and information on the role. Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface representative Caitlin McNeill confirmed that she would be happy to accept this position and with there being no other nominations, this became the decision of the Group. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group agreed that Caitlin McNeill, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface, be appointed as Vice-Chair. (Reference: Report by Committee and Democratic Service Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 5 November 2025, submitted) 5. COMMUNITY FOCUS (a) Youth Action Council Youth Voice Model The Group gave consideration to a presentation on the Argyll and Bute Youth Action Council Youth Voice Model. The presentation highlighted that the purpose of the model was that it was to be led by young people to support the effective implementation of article 12 of the UNCRC by ensuring young people have a say and influence over issues that affect them at a local level. The presentation also provided feedback from young people in Kintyre and Bute Youth Action Groups; information on engagement with other organisations and representatives; the model remit and principles and how to get involved. Information on the Argyll and Bute Youth Action Council was also provided.
Page 3
The Group commended Jamie and the Youth Action Council members for the great work undertaken. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation from Community Learning Worker, Live Argyll, submitted) 6. PREVENTATIVE POLICING The Group gave consideration to a presentation on Preventative Policing from Inspector Roddy MacNeill of Police Scotland. The presentation provided information on Argyll Road Safety Hubs, which, in partnership with the Institute of Advanced Motorists, the Camera Safety Partnership and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has delivered road safety inputs to a number of communities within Argyll and Bute and provide presentations to secondary schools pupils. Information on fraud awareness and the Herbert Protocol for missing persons as well as links to general safety advice and help was also provided within the presentation. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation from Police Scotland, submitted) 7. CLIMATE CHANGE (a) Argyll and Bute Climate Action: a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Argyll and Bute Consideration was given to a report and presentation which provided an update on the overall progress of the climate change strategy; progress with developing a legacy proposal, shaped by the Scottish Government’s aspirations; funding support for Argyll as Climate Ready Region and initial findings from the review of existing community resilience and emergency plans through engagement with community councils. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group: 1. noted the overall progress since the August update, with some work on community resilience and legacy/ongoing partnership proposals brought forward and pushing back some work on the Action Plan, and a timeline to July 2026; 2. noted the significance of the Scottish Government’s aspirations and support for developing an Argyll and Bute Climate Ready Region; 3. noted the initial findings from review and engagement to date on community
Page 4
resilience/emergency plans; and 4. agreed to suggest opportunities for sharing learning and best practice following the meeting. (Reference: Report by Climate Change Project Manager, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust, dated 22 October 2025, submitted) (b) Opportunity for verbal updates on community based initiatives There were no verbal updates provided under this item. 8. TELECARE AND DIGITAL RESILIENCE Consideration was given to a report which provided information on the plans that the Telecare Service within Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership have in place to support its clients during occasions of long power cuts. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group: 1. noted the contents of the report; and 2. agreed to have conversations with family, friends, clients and community members who are Telecare users or who may be vulnerable in the event of a power cut to discuss their own personal communication plan in advance of an event occurring. (Reference: Report by Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Lead, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated 5 November 2025, submitted) 9. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING HIGHLIGHTS The Group gave consideration to a report which outlined matters discussed during the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee meeting held on 19 September 2025. The report provided information on the CPP Improvement Plan; Fair Funding Guidance; Climate Change and the Community Wealth Building Charter. The report also provided information on the updates from each of the Area Community Planning Groups, which took place in August 2025 and progress within each of the Priority Outcomes. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Partnerships Lead, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 27 August 2025, submitted)
Page 5
10. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP PRIORITIES (a) Transport and Housing Update The Group gave consideration to a presentation which was delivered by the Partnerships Lead of the Community Planning Team. The presentation highlighted information on how the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) would seek to improve transport infrastructure and housing taking into consideration the agreed objectives of the 2024-2034 Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan (ABOIP). The presentation also included information on the project mandates to be signed off by the CPP in relation to Transport Infrastructure; the CPP Management Committee in September which focused on Housing; the Construction Skills Development Working Group and communicating financial interventions on homelessness. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation from Partnerships Lead - Community Planning, Argyll and Bute Council) (b) Community Wellbeing Consideration was given to a presentation which was delivered by the Partnerships Lead of the Community Planning Team. The presentation outlined how the Community Planning Partnership would seek to improve Community Wellbeing, taking into consideration the agreed objectives of the 2024-2034 ABOIP. The presentation noted that Community Wellbeing was the second highest priority for the Islands in the MAKI area; third highest for the towns in the area and overall, the third highest priority across the whole area. The presentation also provided information on the agreed actions to be developed and next steps. John outlined a series of questions which would be circulated to Partners by email following the meeting. He advised that as part of the ongoing conversation, the Community Planning Team would welcome any additional comments in response to the questions. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation from Partnerships Lead - Community Planning, Argyll and Bute Council) 11. ARGYLL AND BUTE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE PARTNERSHIP PUBLIC HEALTH TEAM (a) Partner Update - Public Health
Page 6
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 Stoptober campaign to encourage people to quit smoking; a Gypsy/Traveller community health event held in Ardrishaig in October; the Joint Strategic Plan for 2026 – 2031; the ‘You Are Not Alone’ drama performances for S2 pupils which took place in September across eight secondary schools in Argyll and Bute and the Planet Youth framework. The update also provided information on the accessible and easy read version of the NHS Highland Equality Outcomes (2025–2029); the first Speakeasy 'taster' webinars which were held in September; the Public Health Scotland (PHS) report on emergency hospital admissions and deaths as a result of unintentional injury and the Argyll and Bute Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP). Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated November 2025, submitted) (b) Working with Communities Due to the technical difficulties experienced by the representative from the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, it was agreed that the presentation would be circulated after the meeting, and any questions could be addressed by email. 12. PARTNER UPDATES (a) Police Scotland Update The Group gave consideration to a verbal update from Inspector Roddy MacNeill who advised that they are trying to increase focus on victims of domestic violence, increasing advocacy service referrals and increase non harassment orders. Inspector MacNeill further advised that he is trying to get an officer from the safeguarding team into the area for a reasonable time to offer support to victims of domestic violence. Inspector MacNeill highlighted that the custody division will be increasing referrals after arrests to refer as many people as possible into the appropriate services to try and break any cycles of reoffending. Inspector MacNeill added that they have around 160-170 officers trained in Distress Brief Intervention. Inspector MacNeil highlighted that he has been successful in obtaining funding to purchase DNA marking kits to mark plant machinery, which will be a service offered free of charge and give extra protection to owners. Lastly, Inspector MacNeill acknowledged the challenges in attending all Community Council meetings due to the volume of meetings and current
Page 7
resourcing pressures. He advised that work was ongoing to ensure the report format complies with GDPR requirements and confirmed that attendance would be prioritised where specific items of business were to be discussed. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Verbal update from Police Scotland) (b) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Update The Group gave consideration to a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ2 review of local performance across Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands for the period 2025-26. The report gave a breakdown of fires and special services incidents which occurred in the MAKI Area within that period and provided information on the Fire Skills course ran in Oban; station open days; road and water safety campaigns and the work of the Community Action Team. The difficulty around the recruitment of retained and volunteer fire fighters was discussed and the Chair encouraged partners who may have employees interested in becoming a retained firefighter to get in touch with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service directly. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted) (c) Live Argyll Community Learning Services - Youth Learning Update Consideration was given to a report from the Live Argyll Community Learning Service, which provided an update on Youth Work in Kintyre. The report provided information on the work of the Kintyre Youth Action Group; the West Dumbartonshire Youth Voice Visit; the NSPCC Child Safety Online Project; the Kintyre and Bute Exchange Visit and Surfing and the Youth Voice Showcase event which is being held in Dunoon on 24 November where the new Youth Voice Ambassador will be introduced. Information on regular ongoing projects was also provided. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Live Argyll Community Learning Services, dated November 2025, submitted)
Page 8
(d) Live Argyll Community Learning Services - Adult Learning Update Consideration was given to an update from the Live Argyll Community Learning Service, which provided an update on Adult Learning in both Mid Argyll and Kintyre. The update included information on Skills for Life, Learning and Work; Digital Skill; Employability; Health and Wellbeing and a number of courses and projects that had taken place since the last meeting of the Group. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Live Argyll Community Learning Services, submitted) (e) Shopper-Aide Consideration was given to an update from Shopper-Aide which highlighted that following their survey report earlier in 2025, a Focus Group Listening Café was held on 1 September in Campbeltown. The session explored three key questions: What does independence mean for an older person?; What does Shopper-Aide do well and what more could they do? and What more can be done for older people in Kintyre?. Susan provided a comprehensive summary of discussions, highlighting both the strengths to build upon and the barriers currently impacting service delivery. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Shopper-Aide, submitted) (f) Tarbert & Skipness Community Trust The Group gave consideration to an update from Tarbert & Skipness Community Trust which highlighted that over £200,000 in grants had been distributed during 2024-2025, supporting 35 local organisations over the past 8 years. These included maintenance, sports, health and wellbeing, and events and festivals grants. It was noted that a drop in event was held in August to update the Community Plan with housing identified as a key issue and that the Trust had purchased the old Fisherman's Co-op in 2024, which is currently being renovated and that community input is being sought to shape its future use. The building is expected to partially open in Spring 2026. The Chair, Councillor Horn took the opportunity to highlight a recent meeting with the Heritage Lottery Fund where a number of priority buildings were approved to be put back onto the market and potential funding for shop front improvement was discussed.
Page 9
Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Tarbert & Skipness Community Trust, submitted) (g) Transport Scotland Update Consideration was given to an update from Transport Scotland which provided information on a variety of different works recently completed and planned along the A83; the impact of Storm Amy; the work on the Rest and Be Thankful; the implementation of the 20mph zones within a number of towns in the area and the development of a scheme to cut back the vegetation harder/further on the A83 which is to be implemented during autumn/winter. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided.(Reference: Report by Transport Scotland, submitted) (h) Forestry and Land Scotland Update November 2025 The Group gave consideration to a report which highlighted the ongoing workstreams of Forestry and Land Scotland within the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area. Information was provided in relation to local Land Management Plans and upcoming works in Carradale, Beinn Ghuilean and Kilmichael. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Forestry and Land Scotland, dated November 2025, submitted) (i) Opportunity for Verbal Updates There were no verbal updates provided under this item. (j) Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI) The Group gave consideration to an update from Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI). The update provided information on the new Third Sector Network for MAKI; HR advice and building sustainable back-office services; Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund year 5 and 6; the Strategy review 2026-2031 and the work of the TSI Scotland Network. Caitlin highlighted the Community Voices Survey which the TSI are conducting and encouraged partners to complete this. The survey can be found here: Have Your Say: Help Shape Third Sector Support in Argyll and Bute - Argyll & Bute Third Sector Interface
Page 10
Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface, submitted) 13. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The Group noted that the next meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group would take place at 10.00am on Wednesday 4 February 2026 on a hybrid basis in the Council Chambers, Kilmory, Lochgilphead and by Microsoft Teams.