1. Name and Status of the Sub-Group

The group is called the Kilfinan Community Council Forestry Advisory Sub-Group.

It is an advisory group set up by Kilfinan Community Council. It does not make decisions. Its role is to support and inform the Community Council on forestry matters in the local area.

2. Purpose of the Sub-Group

The Sub-Group exists to:

• Provide clear and balanced advice to Kilfinan Community Council on forestry issues affecting the Kilfinan parish.
• Support the Community Council when responding to statutory forestry consultations and other proposals.
• Make sure community views, local knowledge, and local land-use priorities are reflected in forestry planning and discussions.

3. Scope of Work

The Sub-Group may look at and provide advice on topics such as:

• Statutory consultations from Scottish Forestry.
• Consultations from landowners and land managers, including Long-Term Forest Plans, Felling and Restocking Plans, and Environmental Impact Assessments.
• Work to develop a landscape-wide forestry vision or land-use framework that reflects community priorities.
• Topics relating to commercial forestry, community woodlands, biodiversity, landscape impacts, peatland and habitat management, and timber transport.
• Any other related issues that Kilfinan Community Council may ask for advice on.

4. Authority and Decision-Making

• The Sub-Group cannot make decisions, issue public statements, or send consultation responses on behalf of Kilfinan Community Council.
• All advice and recommendations must be approved by the Kilfinan Community Council.
• The Sub-Group works according to the governance and procedures of Kilfinan Community Council.
• The Sub-Group should aim to reach agreement by consensus. If consensus cannot be reached, the group may present a range of advice or options for Kilfinan Community Council to consider.

5. Membership

• Members of the Sub-Group are approved by Kilfinan Community Council and may include Community Council members and members of the local community.
• The group should aim to include people with relevant knowledge or experience, such as forestry, ecology, land use, planning, or community engagement.
• Membership will be reviewed each year.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

• The Sub-Group may choose a member to act as a lead or chair for meetings.
• A member should record key points, any agreed advice, and any actions.
• All members should take part constructively, share relevant information, and respect the views of others.

7. Meetings and Administration

• Meetings will be held when needed, usually in response to consultations.
• A meeting can go ahead when at least three members are present.
• Advice may be agreed at a meeting or, where necessary, by email.

8. Engagement with Stakeholders

The Sub-Group may speak with and gather information from:

• Local residents and community organisations.
• Private landowners and estate managers.
• Forestry and Land Scotland, Scottish Forestry, Argyll and Bute Council, and other relevant bodies.
• Environmental, biodiversity, recreation, or land-use groups.

Any engagement should be shared with, or reported back to, Kilfinan Community Council to ensure transparency.

9. Code of Conduct and Conflicts of Interest

• Members must follow the National Code of Conduct for Community Councillors.
• Any conflict of interest—financial, personal, or organisational—must be declared at the start of each meeting.
• Members with a conflict of interest may be asked to step back from the discussion.

10. Review of the Terms of Reference

This Terms of Reference will be reviewed every year by Kilfinan Community Council, or earlier if needed due to changes in legislation, guidance, or local circumstances.

Any changes must be approved at a formal meeting of Kilfinan Community Council.