Draft Minutes

1. Present and apologies
   Present, Nikki Brown, John Butcher, Robin Webster, Catriona Renfrew, Nicola Greenall, John McColl and Ed Pybus. Apologies, Vicky Wince.
2. Minutes of March 2026 meeting.
   Agreed
3. Declarations of interest.
   John Butcher noted his holiday let affected by the rally and his engagement with the rally organisers, in a personal capacity. Ed noted his interest in the planning application for a shed in the community forest.
4. Health and Social Care Services
   This discussion had been widely publicised and several emails and comments had been received to feed into the discussion. Bernadette Cunningham from the Argyll and Bute CAB Patient Advice Service opened the session outlining her role in supporting patients to raise issues with the NHS. From the discussion we highlighted the following issues which we will seek to engage with the HSCP on.
   • Homecare: lack of service is a major issue.
   • Ambulances: long response times and coordination with other local responses, including the GPs, VETs and the coastguard.
   • Dunoon hospital: there seems to be no access to beds meaning people are staying at the IRH which is very difficult to visit.
   • Dentistry: waiting times are too long and new registrations are not happening.
   • Physio: waiting times are too long and there is no local service, which is available in other GP practices.
   • Telecare: access to this service.
   • Interloch transport: the service does not take carers.
   • Audiology: waiting times are over a year.
   Ed Pybus left the meeting after this item
5. Matters arising:
   • Bins update on request to Council.
     The Council have not responded to our further request and there have been reports of bins being removed from the Loch Lomond Road for financial reasons so seems we may not be able to progress.
   • Kilfinan Community Forest Board:
     Nicola Greenall will be our representative with Nikki as a substitute. CR to notify KCFC and obtain current constitution.
   • Mid Argyll discussion on Community Energy
     EP is arranging contact with project lead.
   • Resilience planning follow up with SSE.
     CR is continuing to pursue clear information on welfare support. The information we have for businesses is not very clear but agreed we should share and see what local businesses thinkCR.
   • Children’s issues update.
     EP reported that he had spoken to Live Argyll about libraries. They are interested in exploring ways that books can get to our communities in lieu of having a library van. Next step – arrange a meeting with interested people. EP
   • Early Years – Playgroup awarded only £216 after completing 12 page application form and asking for around £400. EP to chase up meeting with early years at ABC to discuss support.
   • EP is following up dropped curbs and pavements being buggy accessible to be followed up.
   • Portavadie Ferry and buses correspondence.
     Calmac agreed to meet with KCC, agreed we should invite to the May meeting CR.
   • Noted that since contacting CalMac replacement boats have been put on most days when the main vessel has been unavailable.
   • Buses – EP to follow up previous email but noted that buses in Argyll are now £2 per journey. Continue to see comments on Facebook about people being confused about when holiday service runs. ABC are re-tendering for the Cowal & Bute School and Local Bus Contract Package later this year.
   • Elderly befriender service changes.
     Letter back from service indicated the uncertainty over funding had meant they had to reduce services but they have since had better financial news.
   • Community Planning Housing and Wellbeing meetings. NB had left so agenda for next meeting. next meeting
6. Sewage discharge issues.
   CR reported on correspondence with the Council and SEPA, agreed paper to come to next meeting. CR. NG and RW reported funding obtained for testing.
7. TDDT minutes and action plan
   noted
8. Follow up to roads session.
   Speed limits, draft proposal for approval, comments to EP by 5/5/26
9. Rally Update.
   Further submission agreed by email, made to the Council, outlining how we developed our alternative route proposals and that the rally organisers had refused to accept any changes in the KCC area. No comments from local councillors, CR to make further contact.
10. Inaccurate information about the KCC position had been posted on Facebook, including by two Mull Car Club directors, agreed to submit a formal complaint. CR
11. The issue of the legality of restricting pedestrian access was raised at the Community councils’ liaison meeting with the rally organisers. The organisers stated the legal opinion is wrong. KCC need to keep up to date with this issue.
12. AGM Planning.
    CR to draft proposal based on discussion for approval at May meeting to finalise and agree communication and invites.
13. Councillor engagement.
    Draft letter to next meeting CR.
14. Police report.
    noted
15. Planning report.
    two KCC area applications noted
    • extension Madruga Tighnabruaich
    • shed Kilfinan community forest
16. Meetings
17. Community Planning.
    EP next meeting
18. AOCB
    Ardlamont forestry plan to be circulated for comments to EP/NG/RW
19. Future meeting dates for 2026. Next meeting set dates for the rest of the year.
    • 26th May 18.00
    • 30th June and AGM 15.00

All at Kyles Church Hall