Issue - meetings

There was no update from Kintyre Way.

Susan Paterson reported on the possibility of  landscape partnership on the Kintyre Way, following a recent meeting  held with representatives from other organisations.  The only issue being that the ruling dictated that the area in question was 200 sq. km; however, there was a possibility of using 2 different areas and 2 groups.  The Chair stated that this was an exciting project and requested the date of the next meeting.

Councillor Horn advised the group that the first apprentice appointed to the Kintyre Way project has now been in post for 6 months and adverts had been placed for a 2^nd apprentice.

Andy Holby reported that the first apprentice had commenced his personalised training programme.  He advised of the ongoing extension work on the Kintyre Way which he hoped would be completed and in place by Spring 2014.  In regards the access to Machrihanish Beach at Westport, Andy informed the group that 3 options had been identified and negotiations were in progress to advance these.

Andy reported that an application to Landscape Heritage Trust was in progress.  He advised of a meeting being held on 4 October, 2013 in Templars Hall, Tarbert to look at a Landscape Partnership Bid.

The Chair introduced Andrew Holtby to the group.  Andrew updated the group that he and 2 colleagues were now in place as part of the Coast Community Fund project.  Their remit was to provide training to the unemployed  as part of a new scheme and this would involve extending the Kintyre Way.  He advised that 2 trainees had been taken on for a 6 month period as part of the scheme.

Andrew related some issues of concern on the Kintyre Way, whereby walkers presently needed to use the A83 as part of the route.  He and the team were hoping to address this and they were tasked with various route options to determine a solution.

The Chair thanked Andrew for his attendance and would appreciate regular updates to the group.

Update and introduction of new Kintyre Way staff Members.

The Chair advised that John Bakes had sent his apologies. 

Councllor Horn reported that the 2 new Kinytre Way employees were in place and that an introduction at a future KIWG meeting would be arranged.

John Bakes updated the group on the appointment of 3 new staff and the leasing of a new property in Campbeltown. 

The new positions would consist of:

New ranger, marketing person, project manager - funding was available for 2 years.

Councillor Semple enquired if plans were in place to ensure the sustainability of these positions for longer periods.  John Bakes affirmed that plans were being devised to progress this.

Councillor Horn advised that the Tourist Office visitor centre in Tarbert would be ideal to display Kintyre Way information.  John Bakes agreed that they would utilise this venue for advertising literature.

Marcus Adams and John Bakes reported Good News from the Kintyre Way.

The Coastal Communities funding application had now come to fruition and the Kintyre way has obtained 240K for coastal communities funding

Part of this funding is for marketing and project managers’ post.

This funding will also the Kintyre way to be extended to Campbeltown and improving the safety of the route by moving the  path  away  from the road.

The funding is for a 2 year project and it is hoped that it will create 11 jobs, some of which will be full time. 

There remain  issues with the existing route

ABSEN is hopefully going to assist employing someone to maintain the existing route. Which is important because te funding is for the extension not the current route and every walker adds £3-500 to the local economy so this is substantial 

Alan Reid noted that this was good news particular since the funding source was so heavily oversubscribed

Cllr Kelly  asked whether this money was primarily for jobs or for infrastructure- the answer was for both and there is a breakdown in the application

The ranger will manage a small number of labourers on the route, however, it is hoped that there will also be some input from students on work placements including some from Argyll College.  The details of this student involvement still needs to be finalised, but ensuring sustainability will be part of the remit of the project manager.

It was noted that the Kintrye way needs 40K PA to keep the route open and that this is not a large amount.

John Bakes reported on a positive month in terms funding which had been received.  This amounted to £15k from Argyll and Bute Council and a sponsorship deal from RES amounting to £30k over the next 3 years  In addition, an application to Coastal Communities Funding was at the 2nd stage. 

 He reported that the AGM was scheduled for:-

Wednesday, 31 October 12 Noon at Argyll Hotel Bellanchantuy