Printed minutes
Argyll and Bute Council · 7 May 2025
Back to Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group — 7 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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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE MID ARGYLL, KINTYRE AND THE ISLANDS AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP HELD ON A HYBRID BASIS IN THE TEMPLAR ARTS AND LEISURE CENTRE, TARBERT AND BY MICROSOFT TEAMS ON WEDNESDAY, 7 MAY 2025 Present: Councillor Anne Horn (Chair) Melissa Stewart, Democratic Services Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Rona Gold, Communities and Partnership Manager, Argyll and Bute Council John McLuckie, Partnerships Lead - Community Planning, Argyll and Bute Council Antonia Baird, Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council Councillor John Armour Councillor Garret Corner Susan Paterson, Shopper-Aide Victoria Shaw, CalMac Terry Williams, CalMac Valerie Nimmo, Campbeltown Community Council Linda Tough, Community Learning Services, Live Argyll Inspector Matthew Shaw, Police Scotland Darren Gibb, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Jeni West, Forestry and Land Scotland Caitlin McNeil, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI) Ian Woodcock, Transport Scotland Sarah Campbell, Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) Heather McAdam, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Caitlin Quinn, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Muriel MacKaveney, Culture Heritage & Arts Assembly (CHARTS), Argyll & Isles Moira MacLaren, UHI Argyll Becky Hothersall, The Poverty Alliance Andy Macpherson, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (ACT) Malcolm Sinclair, Lochgilphead Community Council Chris Abell, Islay Community Council Sandy Taylor, Islay Community Council Lucy Sumsion, National Farmers' Union Scotland (NFU Scotland) Attending: Councillor Jan Brown Councillor Dougie McFadzean Philip Moorcroft, Kintyre Coastal Network Francesco Bertoldi, National Islands Plan Team Leader, Scottish Government Jane Cowan, Tarbert After School Care Sheila Campbell, Tarbert Castle Volunteers Andrew Galloway, Local Democracy Reporter, Argyll and Bute 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and general introductions were made.
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Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of: Iona MacPhail, Fyne Homes; Fergus Murray, Head of Development and Economic Growth, Argyll and Bute Council; Jamie Titterton, Community Learning Services, Live Argyll; Jen Broadhurst, Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau; and Ian Brodie, East Kintyre Community Council. 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 5 FEBRUARY 2025 The Minute of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Wednesday 5 February 2025 was approved as a correct record. 4. NATIONAL ISLANDS PLAN The Group gave consideration to a presentation on the National Islands Plan by the National Islands Plan Team Leader from the Scottish Government. The presentation provided background on the plan from the Islands Act in 2018 to Scottish Islands Survey Report in September 2024 and highlighted that the current National Islands Plan features 13 strategic objectives and over 130 commitments. The presentation also provided an overview on the 2023 public consultation; the 2023 Scottish Islands Survey; the key principles of the new National Islands Plan; the draft structure of the new National Islands Plan and it was noted that it was hoped that the Plan would be published later in 2025. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by National Islands Plan Team Leader, Scottish Government) 5. COMMUNITY FOCUS (a) Tarbert Castle Volunteers Consideration was given to a verbal update from Sheila Campbell, Tarbert Castle Volunteers which highlighted the history of the castle and what has happened since it fell into disrepair. Sheila highlighted that they have gradually made the area safe for people to enjoy, and introduced sheep to keep the grass down; made benches and information points; built a viewing platform and steps; made picnic tables for the area and have opened an orchid. Sheila advised that in 2019 they had an archaeological dig where they found a number of artifacts but also the markings of portcullis’ which are rare, and that they
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hope to receive funding to do another archaeology dig. Sheila highlighted that the main focus of the 20 volunteers is to continue with the maintenance and their work parties which are the first Saturday of every month to repair, improve and maintain the area. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Verbal Update from Tarbert Castle Volunteers) (b) Tarbert After School Care Consideration was given to a verbal update from Jane Cowan, Tarbert After School care which highlighted that Tarbert After School Care is the only childcare provision in Tarbert and has been running since 2009, providing care to 16 children every day during term time. Jane highlighted the benefits of providing this after school care and highlighted that they have received a grant from the Robertson Trust which allows them to provide 2 spaces for fee waivers, with assessments on candidates being done in partnership with the Primary School. That funding runs out this year and they would be looking at a further funding bid to maintain or increase the number of free places. It was highlighted that they provide 2.5 hours of care afterschool, 5 days a week and also that there are 4 holiday weeks, 1 in Easter, 2 in Summer and 1 in Autumn funded by BBC Children in Need which helps parents continue to work during school holidays. It was noted that the Manager of the After School Care has been looking at how they can support Children with learning difficulties who are Secondary School age as they currently only provide care to those of Primary School age. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Verbal Update from Tarbert After School Care) 6. TRANSPORT The Group gave consideration to a presentation from the Community Development Team, Argyll and Bute Council which highlighted actions being taken to tackle the transport issues in Argyll and Bute. Following the presentation, the partners participated in a question and answer session with the below questions being asked. 1. Where are there timetabling issues? 2. Do you know of any groups interested in Active Travel that may want to be part of the network?
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3. Do you know of particular parts of the population that are impacted negatively by transport-related issues? 4. Are there community transport options in your area? Or car share/ pooling schemes? How can the CPP help promote these? 5. Has there been engagement on transport locally? Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided and that this would be the start of ongoing conservations on transport at Area Community Planning Groups. (Reference: Presentation and discussion facilitated by Community Development Team) 7. 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; violent crime and public protection. It was noted within the report that following feedback on the format of the monthly Community Council Reports that they would be splitting the current report into 4: one for the OLI island framework, one for MAKI island framework, one for MAKI mainland and one for OLI mainland. The update also provided information on reports regarding anti-social driving on Islay; drug concerns in Campbeltown; the Divisional Commander visits to the area and the new Youth Engagement Officers recruited for Campbeltown and Lochgilphead. A discussion followed regarding speed signage and Councillor Armour advised that he that would take forward an action regarding the possible funding of flashing speed signs, linking in with community councils in due course should funding be identified. Ian Woodcock undertook an action to obtain some advice for Campbeltown Community Council regarding buffer zones on approach into Campbeltown. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Police Scotland, submitted) (b) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Update The Group gave consideration to a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue
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Service’s (SFRS) FQ4 review of local performance across Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands for the period 2024-25. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan; incidents during this period; unwanted fire alarm signals; community engagement activities; East and West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute Local Senior Officer Activities; and home fire safety. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided, and it was agreed that reporting on wildfires would be incorporated into an appropriate quarterly report going forward. (Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted) (c) Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership 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 Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Training available to those in Argyll and Bute; a new condoms by post service available in Argyll and Bute and ‘Speakeasy’ training for trainers. The update also highlighted that 5 sector organisations were awarded small grants in 2024/25 to increase knowledge and understanding of national screening programmes, so people can make an informed choice and provided information on how they the organisations are using the money to promote screening. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Health Improvement Lead, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated May 2025, submitted) (d) Forestry and Land Scotland Update 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; work to combat phytophthora ramorum disease in larch trees; progress with peatland restoration; and details of upcoming complex operations. It was advised that Balfour Beattie, who are carrying out construction works on the Fire Tower Trail in Achnabreac, were going through the formal planning process to completely close the site for 12 months. While at the moment the site is open to the public at weekends, people are not adhering to the signage and safety advice, and as a result Balfour Beattie have taken the decision to close it completely, until the
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works are complete. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Forestry and Land Scotland, dated May 2025, submitted) (e) Live Argyll Community Learning Services Update Consideration was given to an update report from the Live Argyll Community Learning Service, which provided an update on Adult Learning and Youth Work in Mid Argyll and Kintyre. The report provided information on the Rainbowfest being held in June in Dunoon; the Mid Argyll Community Learning Hub which continues to run every Tuesday; the Mid Argyll Self-Advocacy Skills Workshop sessions; the Mid Argyll Let’s Grow Group who continue to meet weekly; the new Mid Argyll Women Coming Together Group; Mid Argyll Digital Skills for life sessions; the Kintyre Community Learning Hub which continues to offer a wide range of support and accredited learning in a variety of subjects; the Kintyre Adult Learning and Mari Allibone Alzheimers Scotland partnership; Kintyre Youth Action Council; Kintyre Youth Action Group trips; the Friday Night ‘Street Sports’ programme which ran throughout February and March and the continued support provided to groups of young people in schools to achieve wider achievement awards. 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) (f) Shopper-Aide Update The Group gave consideration to an update from Susan Paterson, Shopper-Aide which provided information on the Services for older people in Kintyre survey which they had undertaken. It was highlighted that the purpose of the survey was to find out what was needed and the aspirations of the older generations so that they could develop the type of services needed by those over 60 in Kintyre. The survey asked a number of questions and it was noted that the most contentious issue was transport where of 37 submissions, 18 of those included information on the difficulties and lack of means of getting out and about. It was highlighted that overall aspirations seemed to be the continuation of Shopper-Aide and Launder-Aide, better transport and access to appointments, more social groups for different groups of people who do have difficulty getting out and more ways of finding out about what is going on in the area. Councillor McFadzean invited Shopper-Aide to reach out to him regarding concerns expressed regarding lack of remote access for medical appointments
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which he would raise with the HSCP. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Shopper-Aide, submitted) (g) Campbeltown Community Council Update Consideration was given to an update from Campbeltown Community Council which highlighted that two members of the Community Council recently participated in the Campbeltown Airport Users and Community Engagement Forum; their concerns in relation to the reduction in bed numbers and the ongoing staff shortages at Campbeltown Hospital; their delight at the opening of the second Pharmacy in Campbeltown and the planned VE celebrations on 3 May 2025. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Campbeltown Community Council, submitted) (h) Transport Scotland Update Consideration was given to an update from Transport Scotland which highlighted that there is currently ongoing works at the Rest and Be Thankful for the erection and repair of the hillside debris netting as well as planned drainage works; footway repair works are planned at Millknowe Road; the Campbeltown Active Travel Scheme which is still to go forward with Public consultation; planned works for the footway at Kilchenzie; design works for this financial quarter which are Loch Shira slope and drainage improvements, Inveraray seawall GPR survey and Ardgartan to Cairndow Natural Terrain Hazard Assessment. It was noted that for this financial year they are focussing on a number of drainage improvement schemes with a view to rectify the ongoing issues. The update also provided information on recently completed works; ongoing works and upcoming works. In response to questions, Ian Woodcock would revert to the group regarding whether there is a comprehensive list of all works being undertaken by Bear Scotland; close proximity to the road of branches following tree cutting north of Stonefield which was affecting HGVs; and the active travel programme in Campbeltown and whether the crossing points could be prioritised separately from the rest of the programme to allow those to be implemented within the current financial year. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the
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information provided. (Reference: Report by Area Manager, Transport Scotland, submitted) (i) Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI) Update The Group gave consideration to an update from Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI). The update provided information on in person visits which Caitlin is planning on doing; Scottish Government, Parliament, the TSI Landscape and policy activity; the Poverty Alliance campaign which the TSI is supporting through the engagement process with local groups across Scotland; Community Wealth Building priorities and legislation; the work of the Wellbeing Development Manager and trauma informed training which all TSI staff have attended. 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, dated 7 May 2025, submitted) (j) Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) Update The Group gave consideration to ACHA’s annual update which provided information on their stock in Mid Argyll, Kintyre and Islay; the regeneration programme; achievements since April 2024; work undertaken with communities; improvements to the Duncholgan travelling persons site; sheltered housing; allocation and reletting of properties; exemplar estates; the customer involvement strategy; an update on their plans and performance benchmarking. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Argyll Community Housing Association, dated 7 May 2025, submitted) (k) Opportunity for Verbal Updates The Poverty Alliance Becky Hothersall highlighted work of the Citizens Panel and spoke about a free upcoming Anti-Poverty meet-ups taking place via Zoom on Tuesday 27th May, from 10am to 12 Noon that would focus on using human rights as a tool to help address the cost of living in rural areas. Attendees can register for the event at – https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/_rlU5g5sQbiM0isi6TAssQ
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Culture Heritage and Arts Assembly (CHARTS) Muriel MacKaveney spoke about the Creative Minds project partnering with Campbeltown Link Club; the Heritage Awards Scheme; the re-opening of Campbeltown Museum, anticipated by the end of May; and a Gaelic Landscape event due to take place on Tuesday 13th May 2025. Argyll and Bute Council’s Community Development Team Antonia Baird highlighted that there would be a Funding Connections Roadshow in May travelling around the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area, showcasing the funding that is available, to which Partners are invited to attend at the below locations. Islay Gaelic Centre - 12th May, 10am – 1pm Jura Customer Service Point – 12th May 3pm – 4pm Lochgilphead Community Education Centre – 13th May 12.30pm – 3.30pm Antonia also invited partners to participate in an Ideas Bank and highlighted funding opportunities via the Supporting Communities Fund. (l) Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Update Consideration was given to an update from Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau which provided statistical information on the number of clients who had contacted the Bureau between February and April 2025 and the advice areas required; volunteer recruitment with them having recruited their 21st volunteer adviser with the next intake of trainees being later this year and services that the Bureau provides Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Isles Area Community Planning Group: 1. noted the information provided; and 2. noted that in the absence of a representative from Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group. (Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, dated May 2025, submitted) 8. CLIMATE CHANGE (a) Kintyre Coastal Network Consideration was given to a presentation from Philip Moorcroft, Kintyre Coastal Network. The presentation highlighted that they are a community led marine restoration group based in Kintyre established in 2024 and are a not for profit community group financed by grant funding. The presentation also provided information on membership and partnerships; funding; aims and projects; their
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marine litter survey, beach cleans and project – marine litter; the importance of seagrass; where the project is located and marine education which is provided to schools and communities. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Presentation by Kintyre Coastal Network, submitted) (b) Opportunity for verbal updates on community based initiatives There were no verbal updates provided under this item. (c) 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 Climate Change Strategy. It was noted that the Project Manager was seeking further recommendations for groups to engage with and to inform of further development of the action plan. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Isles Area Community Planning Group: 1. noted the approach and status of the project outlined in the report; and 2. agreed to provide comments and feedback to the Project Manager (andy@actnow.org.uk) following the meeting. (Reference: Report by Climate Change Project Manager, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust, dated 30 April 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 16 April 2025. The report highlighted that the Management Committee had noted the concerns raised by the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands ACPG regarding the new reporting format by the Police to their meetings and Police Scotland agreed to contact the Group to explore the issues and what may be possible for future reporting. The report also provided information on the Community Planning Self-Assessment Draft Improvement Plan; the next steps for the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan 2024-2034; the CPP Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan; CPP Community Wealth Building (CWB) Short Life Steering Group; the Community Justice Partnership; Community Learning and Development (CLD) Strategic Partnership Plan; a demonstration of the Aspiring Places Platform and guidance feedback on Fair Funding.
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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 7 May 2025, submitted) 10. 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 10am on Wednesday 27 August 2025 on a hybrid basis by Microsoft Teams and in the Council Chambers, Kilmory, Lochgilphead.