Agenda and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:-

Kevin Lewis, Machrihanish Dunes

Tommy Millar, The Laggan Community Council

Alan Baker, Campbeltown Community Council 

The Minute of the Campbeltown Ferry Sub-group meeting held on 6 January 2016 was approved as a true record. 

The Area Committee Manager spoke to the remit of the group and the terms of reference currently associated with the Ferry Sub-group which had previously been aligned to the Kintyre Initiative Partnership.  Ms Barton advised that as the Kintyre Initiative Partnership had been wound up, having successfully delivered the aims and objectives of the group, it may be more appropriate for the group to report to the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee. 

Mr Richmond of Calmac outlined the structure of other Ferry User groups he works with, and the role they perform in relation to assisting with the setting of timetables.  He further advised of the timescales involved in setting timetables, with discussion in relation to the Summer 2017 timetables taking place.  Members of the group noted that it was hoped that the consultation in this regard would be under way by the end of March 2016.  Mr Richmond advised that he would outline proposals on the Summer timetable 2017 by email to the Chair of the group, Councillor Horn, at the appropriate time and request that feedback be provided.  Mr Richmond advised that once all feedback had been received, it would be collated and fed back to Transport Scotland for agreement.    

Members of the group agreed that going forward they would like a group specifically for the purpose of being engaged in the consultation process for the setting of timetables.  It was agreed that this group would be known as the Campbeltown Ferry Committee and would link into the Clyde Ferry User Group.  Members of the group further agreed that a sub-group would be required for dealing with other matters relating to the Campbeltown to Ardrossan Ferry Service.  They agreed that this group would meet on an informal basis, as and when issues arose.

The Area Committee Manager agreed to look into the governance arrangements of similar groups and pull together a draft Terms of Reference, including possible membership for the Campbeltown Ferry Committee and circulate to Members for discussion, ahead of the next meeting of the group.    

The next meeting of the group will take place on Wednesday 4^th May 2016 within Room 2 of the Community Centre, Stewart Road, Campbeltown.