Issue - meetings

Malcolm MacMillan updated the group on progress to date at Machrihanish Community Facility. These included the completion of new water supply, new central administrative offices, potential for new events in 2014, 2 new tenants and a visit by Creative Scotland. He also informed Members of a forthcoming event being held by Kintyre Agriculture Society in December.  He anticipated the completion of a further 5 new leases in 2014 and detailed that MACC would be implementing a new marketing strategy and thanked both Argyll and Bute Council and HIE for help and support received to date.

There was no update from Machrihanish Community Facility.

Jim Martin informed the group of the recent appointment of Malcolm McMillan as MACC manager.  He would commence as manager on 23 September.

Jim reported that there were 9 new tenants at the base with the possibility of a community shop and allotments.  Local sports clubs were in the progress of taking over some of the sports facilities at MACC.

The Chair thanked Jim for his update and welcomed Malcolm McMillan's attendance at future KIWG meetings.

There was no update from MACC.  Matthew Willis, Manager, had intimated his apologies.

Matthew Willis refuted comments made on Radio Scotland during the recent severe weather in Kintyre which reported on generators at the base which were connected to the grid.  He reported that the said generators were not connected and were in the process of being disposed of. 

Jim Martin advised that £300,000 had been spent on infrastructure at the base utilising the services of local contractors. He updated the group on other enquires which had been received at MACC. 

Councillor Horn took this opportunity to highlight the positive stories during the Kintyre Emergency and thanked all the services who assisted during this onerous time.  The Group conveyed their gratitude to all involved.

Jim Martin informed the group that the completion of various services were on target.  There were still outstanding issues in regards sewage

 There was no major update provided since the bulk of the work being undertaken recently would fall under the headings of  “housekeeping” and “infrastructure maintenance” at the moment

Cllr Donald Kelly noted that there were concerns re the infrastructure of the base being connected to the mains water supply since this may adversely affect the water pressure and treatment works in Campbeltown and even more so in the outlying areas Cllr Kelly requested that Jane McKenzie be asked to address this issue on behalf of Scottish water at the next KIWG meeting (He wished this copied to the  head of Scottish Water Douglas Millican) .  There is also a potential  issue re the sound of Kintyre houses being dependant on the base supply

David Rogers (HIE) indicated that there is currently  1.7 million being spent on these and related issues 

Matthew Willis introduced himself to the Group as the new manager at MACC.  He had commenced in post on 17 September and spoke regarding ideas and plans to market the facility.  He also reported on a forthcoming meeting with Scottish Water to discuss ongoing issues and regarding renewable opportunities.

The Chair thanked Matthew for his attendance and update.