Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and general introductions were made. 

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:-

Alison McGrory, Health Improvement Principal, NHS Highland

Campbell Cameron, Community Broadband Scotland

Jean Mary Knowles, Islay and Jura Transport Forum

There were no declarations of interest intimated. 

The Minute of the meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group, held on 4^th October 2017 was approved as a correct record, subject to the amendment on page 8, item 8, which should read “Having given consideration to the plan, some of those present at the meeting expressed dissatisfaction and concern as the plan did not contain issues known to them from particular communities within Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands, and advised that they were not in a position to agree to the current version of the Plan”.

The Minute of the meeting of the Short Term Working Group, held on 23^rd October 2017 was approved as a correct record.

The Minute of the meeting of the Mid Argyll Partnership, held on 20^th November 2017 was noted. 

Report by Area Committee Manager

The Group considered a report providing information relating to the appointment of a Vice-Chair for the MAKI Area Community Planning Group, outlining the expected time commitment and giving information on the role.

Decision

The Group agreed to re-consider this appointment at the next meeting of the Mid Argyll Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group on 2^nd May 2018.

(Ref:  Report by Area Committee Manager dated 7^th February 2018, submitted).

Report by Community Planning Manager

The Group gave consideration to a briefing note outlining the highlights from the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership (CPP) meeting held on 5^th December 2017.

Decision

The Group noted the contents of the briefing note.

(Ref:  Briefing Note by Community Planning Manager, dated 7^th February 2018, submitted).

The Group gave consideration to the proposed Area Community Action Plan for MAKI.  At the last MAKI Community Planning Group meeting on 4^th October 2017, the Group did not agree the actions within the draft Community Planning Action Plan and agreed to form a Short Term Working Group to look at the plan.  The Group met on 23^rd October 2017 and agreed an amended plan which was presented for consideration at an informal meeting of the CPP Management Committee held on 5^th December 2017.  The Management Committee agreed to approve the plan in principle to be formally agreed at the next Management Committee meeting scheduled in March 2018.

Decision

The Group agreed the MAKI Area Community Planning Action Plan for 2018/19.

(Ref:  Report by Community Planning Manager dated 7^th February 2018, submitted).

Presentation by Argyll and the Isles Tourism Cooperative Ltd (AITC)

The Group gave consideration to a presentation and video from Carron Tobin of Argyll and the Isles Tourism Cooperative (AITC).

Discussion took place around the ‘Wild about Argyll’ campaign and Ms Tobin agreed to circulate the online and video links.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided and thanked Ms Tobin for a very interesting presentation.

(Ref:  Presentation by Carron Tobin dated 7^th February 2018, submitted).

Fred Bruce, West Loch Fyne Community Council will provide an update on their community led action plan

Fred Bruce, Convener of West Lochfyne Community Council was in attendance to provide an update on their Community Action Plan.  He provided information on issues affecting the West Lochfyne area including the possible closure of the shop in Minard, the difficulties in terms of the condition of the A83, the difficulties with broadband in the area and the falling roll of the local primary school.

He also provided information on the initiatives being supported through the windfarm trust money including the refurbishment of Minard Hall.

Discussion took place on the condition of the A83, particularly in relation to the layby’s, lack of litter bins, potholes and the difficulties caused by frequent road closures.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided and agreed to include information on the A83 issues raised in the highlight report which goes to the next CPP Management Committee.

Presentation by Inspiralba

The Group gave consideration to a presentation from the Development Manager at Inspiralba.

She provided information on the census of Social Enterprise in Argyll and Bute, the characteristics and the future of Social Enterprise in the area.

Decision

The Group noted the presentation.

(Ref:  Presentation by Development Manager, Inspiralba dated 7^th February 2018, submitted).

Update from Visit Scotland

The Group gave consideration to an information strategy update report from the Regional Director of Visit Scotland.  The report detailed the background to the closures of the Tourist Information Centres across Argyll and Bute and provided figures in relation to those offices earmarked for closure.  It also noted that there would be regional hubs created in Islay, Mull, Oban and Rothesay.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided and asked that the Regional Director attend a future Community Planning Group meeting.

(Ref:  Report by Regional Director, Visit Scotland dated 7^th February 2018, submitted).

Update from David Smart

The Group gave consideration to a progress report from the Head of Special Projects at Highland and Islands Enterprise. 

Decision

The Group noted the contents of the progress report. 

The Chair thanked David Smart for his past attendance and input as this was David’s last meeting.

(Ref:  Report by Head of Special Projects, HIE, dated 7^th February 2018, submitted).

Report by ACT Hubs Project Officer

The Group gave consideration to a report on the Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (ACT) Hubs Project.  ACT was established in April 2014 with a main vision to maintain, enhance and promote the coast and countryside of Argyll so that residents and visitors can enjoy it forever.

Discussion took place on the range of objectives to help fulfil their vision.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.

(Ref:  Report by ACT Hubs Project Officer dated 7^th February 2018, submitted).

Report by Graduate Digital Liaison Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group gave consideration to a report providing an update on various digital infrastructure projects which are ongoing in the area including Superfast Broadband, other Broadband issues and mobile communications.

Decision

The Group noted the report.

(Ref:  Report by Digital Liaison Officer dated 7^th February 2018, submitted).

Update by Team Leader - East

Douglas Whyte, Team Leader – East gave an update to the Group on the Strategic Housing Investment Plan.  He advised that the Strategic Housing Investment plan (SHIP) is the key statement of housing development priorities in the Argyll & Bute area and the plan guides the allocation of government and other funding and forms an essential part of the LHS.

He advised that the SHIP must be agreed with the Scottish Government and is based on a robust and credible housing needs and demands assessment.  He confirmed SHIP is updated and submitted to the Scottish Government on an annual basis and was last submitted in October 2017.

Mr Whyte advised that 36 out of 83 projected completions for Argyll and Bute for 2017/18 (43%) in MAKI which includes 18 units at the West Highland Housing site at Imereval, Port Ellen, 6 units at the Fyne Homes site in Minard and 12 units at the Old High School Fyne Homes site in Lochgilphead.

He further advised that 36 out of 166 projected completions for Argyll and Bute for 2018/19 (22%) in MAKI which includes 20 units at the ACHA site on Bowmore, Islay and 16 units at the Old High School Fyne Homes site in Lochgilphead.

He confirmed there are 43 units planned at Imereval, Port Ellen, Minard, Tarbert, Inveraray, Kellis, Jura and Colonsay.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.

(Ref:  Verbal update by Team Leader – East dated 7^th February 2018, submitted).

Presentation by Regional Manager

The Group gave consideration to presentation from the Regional Manager of ACHA.

Ms Angus discussed the key issues which are stock rationalisation, investment and regeneration, ACHA’s Estate Management Action Plan, Community Action Fund; and Argyll Homes for All (AHFA).

Decision

The Group noted the presentation.

(Ref:  Presentation by Regional Manager, ACHA, dated 7^th February 2018, submitted).

Update by Corporate Affairs Manager

The Group gave consideration to a report from Scottish Water detailing the flooding issue and water resilience project in Tarbert.

The report advised that Scottish Water will be commencing with a 10 to 12 week programme of investment in water network and Corrie Construction will be carrying out the work on behalf of Scottish Water.  The report confirmed that the work will take place in streets surrounding Tarbert Academy and the work will allow customers to continue to enjoy fresh drinking water and reduce the chances of pipes bursting.

Decision

The Group noted the briefing report and asked that a representative from Scottish Water be in attendance at the next meeting of the MAKI Community Planning Group in Islay in May to discuss flooding issues on the island.

(Ref:  Report by Scottish Water dated 7^th February 2018, submitted).

Opportunity for verbal updates by Community Planning Partners

Inspire Inveraray

The Community Development Officer, Ms Baird advised that inspire Inveraray are completing a Community Action Plan Survey and are holding a community vision day on Saturday 10^th March in Inveraray Parish Church.

Councillor Horn

Councillor Anne Horn advised that Tarbert and Skipness Trust are still negotiating with Visit Scotland in taking over the tourist office premises in Tarbert.

Councillor Horn gave an update on the tragic accident of the Nancy Glen which took place on 18^th January 2018.  She advised that there have been concerns raised about the lack of a co-ordinated response protocol being in place to deal with incidents of this type.  It was noted that the Coastguard service is based in Belfast and there was a perceived difficulty in terms of accurate information being relayed during the initial rescue phase.  It was noted that the concerns had been discussed at the debrief meeting which took place following the incident.

Police Scotland

Michelle Rudsen of Police Scotland confirmed there will be 3 new probationers joining the force in May/June.  She advised they are preparing for the first music festival of the year in Carradale in April.  She also advised that Police Scotland are carrying out a Live Stock Worrying Campaign.

Ms Rudsen gave an update on the fire at Lochgilphead Joint Campus and confirmed the school is closed until further notice.  She advised the fire was an electrical fault and that there were no injuries.

Scottish Fire and Rescue

Andrew MacLure of Scottish Fire and Rescue gave an update to the Group.  He advised there was is currently a local recruitment campaign ongoing where 13 local people are attending the Oban Fire Station pre-selection day.  He gave an update on the transformation process which will commence next week which has gone through the consultation process.  He confirmed further information on this can be found at www.firescotland.gov.uk.

Councillor Robin Currie

Councillor Currie asked a question about the Community Asset Register Project.  Information was provided on the project.

Mary McCallum Sullivan, of Ardrishaig Community Council gave an update on the closure and possible loss of the Post Office in Ardrishaig but advised that it is exciting Scottish Canals are about to begin works and that money has been received from Shell to begin the clean-up of the Gleaner site. 

Councillor Sandy Taylor

Councillor Sandy Taylor gave an update on the road issues in the Mid Argyll area.  He advised there is an upcoming consultation on the future of local governance.

CalMac Ferries

David Cannon from CalMac Ferries advised the Group that CalMac are trying to find a way of engaging with the community more.  He discussed the new Directorate Board which has been set up not just to deal with ferries in particular but to deal with strategic issues affecting their communities.  He advised 12 people have been appointed representing communities from Lewis to Arran.

Report by Area Committee Manager

The Group gave consideration to a report on the dates of future meetings of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group.

Decision

The Group agreed the dates as follows:-

• Wednesday 8^th August 2018 at 10am in Campbeltown
• Wednesday 7^th November 2018 at 10am in Lochgilphead
• Wednesday 6^th February 2019 at 10am (venue tbc)
• Wednesday 1^st May 2019 at 10am in Islay

Discussion facilitated by the Area Committee Manager on items for inclusion on the agenda for the next meeting.

Outcomes to be discussed:-

Outcome 3 – Education, skills and training maximises opportunities for all

Outcome 4 – Children and young people have the best possible start

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group would take place at 10.30am on Wednesday 2^nd May 2018 in the Customer Service Point, Bowmore, Isle of Islay with VC facilities available in the Burnett Building, Campbeltown and Kilmory, Lochgilphead.