Democracy Spraffa

Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust 3

Argyll and Bute Council · 1 November 2023
Back to Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group — 1 November 2023 and its agenda

Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.

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Page 1

Tarbert and Skipness
Community Trust
Community Plan 2023 to 2026

Page 2

Wellbeing Housing
Climate
Change
Housing Employment
Amenities
Housing
Connectivity
The top three issues for the younger
members of the community are:
The village of Tarbert has a long history influenced both as a safe natural harbour on
the west coast of Scotland and as a strategic point guarding access to Kintyre and the
Inner Hebrides.  It is situated around East Loch Tarbert at a narrow isthmus at the north
end of Kintyre.   This important location has influenced its development over time with
Tarbert Castle's strategic position and the growth of the fishing industry shaping the
village. 
The village hugs the natural harbour and quayside and nowadays tourism and the
marina are major economic drivers. The village has its own primary and high schools,
health services and a wide range of retail outlets and non-essential service providers.
In any village some retail outlets close, offering opportunities for other activities.
There are several vacant sites and buildings in disrepair in key locations, namely the
Tarbert Hotel, two former filling stations, the VisitScotland property and the old Londis
store.
Following a recent survey and discussions with a wide range of the community:
Tarbert Skipness
The top three issues for the adult
community of Tarbert are:
Following a recent survey and discussions with a wide range of the community the top
three issues for the adult community of Skipness are:
Skipness is a village on the east coast of Kintyre in Scotland, located just over 7 miles
(11 km) south of Tarbert and facing the Isle of Arran.  The village is accessed by a
single track road that is in urgent need of repair.  The village is located adjacent to
stunning beaches and is a popular destination for holiday makers.
The village boasts several facilities including:
• Skipness Castle
• The Seafood Cabin
• Skipness smokehouse and shop
• St Brendan's Chapel
• Village Hall
• Village Shop
Road Repair
& Traffic
Management

Page 3

Healthier
Competitive,
Educated &
Working
Work with partners  to
address dampness and poor
insulation of housing
Address water quality and
supply to Skipness and
Claonaig.
Promote walking and cycling
Improve play facilities
Renovate tennis courts into
accessible games space
Develop opportunities that
help address mental health
challenges in younger and
older isolated residents
Work with partners for
construction of affordable
homes in Tarbert
Agree plan for housing in
Skipness
Work with partners to
improve strength, quality,
and reliability of broadband
and mobile coverage –
Skipness
Support development of
Tarbert Harbour Authority
initiatives 
Promote apprenticeships 
Develop proposals for
commercial space 
Develop Tarbert Life
heritage project to include
heritage trail and archive of
Tarbert and Skipness
community in searchable
database
Repair Claonaig to Skipness
Road
Improve the footpath network
within Tarbert.
Create new cycle/pedestrian
path to Kennacraig ferry
terminal.
Develop and implement plan
to reduce marine plastic waste
Renovate Skipness Village Hall
Organise and complete beach
and verge cleans
Develop and launch
community energy
management courses to
minimise energy usage
Agree management plan for
cars and camper vans
Improve traffic calming
measures in both Tarbert
and Skipness
Create an Emergency Plan
working collaboratively with
the Emergency Services
Manage ongoing dispersal of
funds to advance the
Community Plan from
windfarm and other funds
Greener &
Sustainable
Inclusive, Fair &
Caring
Maintain current services
including cash point, post
office, library, village hall.
healthcare, Tarbert
Academy, emergency
services.
Investigate potential for
operation of a local transport
scheme.
Welcoming,
Vibrant &
Confident