INITIATIVE WORKING GROUP held in COUNCIL CHAMBERS, TOWN HALL, on MONDAY 11 th JUNE 2007 at 10.00 a.m.

Councillor Donald Kelly opened the meeting by welcoming and thanking everyone for attending the June meeting of the Kintyre Initiative Working Group. At the last Area Committee it was decided between the 6 Councillors that the 3 local Councillors would chair the Kintyre Initiative Working Group for 18 months each. It had been agreed that Councillor Donald Kelly would chair first then Councillor John Semple then Councillor Rory Colville. Jim Martin was proposed to be Vice Chairman with Les Howarth seconding this motion. Councillor Kelly welcomed Jim Mather Constituency MSP, Councillor John Semple, Jamie McGrigor MSP, Mary Turner, Charles Murphy and Alan MacDonald. Councillor Kelly intimated that the Group has evolved over the last 4 years with new initiatives and events taking place. He suggested that for the next meeting a list of potential new people to come onto the KIWG be brought. He suggested that the Committee try to enlist new members for the KIWG. As it was Deirdre Forsyth’s last meeting Councillor Kelly thanked her for all the work and guidance that she gave and wished her a long and happy retirement. Jim Martin then presented a gift from KIWG and Kintyre and Argyll Events Ltd.

1. APOLOGIES

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Ann Horn, Sheena MacAlister, Alan Reid MP, Fyne Homes, Councillor Rory Colville and Robert Millar.

2. MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 5th February 2007 were approved. A copy of the cross border co-operation linking sailing and other initiatives is attached.

3. FERRY INITIATIVES

Jim Mather gave the group an update on the current situation in regard to the Ballycastle Ferry. The First Minister will be meeting Rev. I. Paisley in the next few days and it was hoped that the ferry might be discussed. Councillor Kelly has also received positive correspondence from the Rev. I. Paisley.

4. UPDATE ON INITIATIVES/PRIORITIES AND THEMES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

Dunfermline Car Club – It was agreed to take this item off the agenda until DCC can give a firm proposal.

Campbeltown to Railway Walk – Laggan Community Council are continuing to talk to local farmers. It was agreed to write to Laggan Community Council inviting them to a future meeting for an update.

Westport – Deirdre Forsyth intimated that Councillor Rory Colville hopes to have a composting toilet situated at Westport on a regular basis. The Group will receive an update from him at the next meeting.

Yellow Book – Kevin Williams gave an update on the Yellow Book. After discussion it was agreed to invite Andrew Robertson to a future meeting. It was also agreed to reform the Campbeltown Action Group.

Page 1 of 5 Banner Project – A banner has been situated on Castlehill to see how it stands up to the weather. A meeting is organised for the 27 th June at Dell Road and an update will be given at the next meeting. Deirdre Forsyth intimated that she is going to carry on with this subgroup after her retirement.

Mull of Kintyre Pipe Band Championships – Jim Martin from Kintyre and Argyll Events Ltd. advised the Group that after a stormy start to the day where two marquees were lost due to the weather the event proved to be profitable with a good start for next years event. The venue may be changed to Kintyre Park next year. 16 Pipe Bands took place in total and the sub group will meet again shortly to organise 2008’s event.

A83 Route – Research still to be done on a heritage route from Clachan to Campbeltown this to come off the agenda until there is a positive report available.

Opportunity Kintyre – Mary Turner intimated that Opportunity Kintyre started 18 months ago but the Enterprise Facilitator Lynn Hamill was only appointed in February. To date Lynn has met 320 people and has formed links. She has 20 clients she is doing business mentoring with. It was agreed to invite Lynn to a future meeting to give a presentation.

Harbour Initiative – Councillor John Semple agreed to form a sub group with a view of taking forward the development of Campbeltown Harbour.

5. INITIATIVES/PRIORITIES AND THEMES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

None at present.

6. MILITARY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD (POSSIBLE OPTIONS FOR RAF MACHRIHANISH)

Military Asset Management are still interested in the RAF Machrihanish, but the MOD have still not decided whether to dispose of the site.

7. UPDATE/REPORT ON NEW GOLF COURSE

A brochure for American market was passed round the Group with work now started on the new golf course.

8. VESTAS

No report at present but Ken Abernethy stated that there was no change at the moment, expansion’s still being discussed. They are tied to the site until 2012.

9. CONSULTATIVE ITEMS

a) Ltd. – No report. Councillor Donald Kelly intimated that he has contacted Scott Grier regarding Loganair putting on a weekend service.

b) Highlands and Islands Airports Limited – Figures circulated to Group and a copy is attached for information. Derrick Lang intimated that the figures for this year are similar to last year. There will be between 600 and 700 cadets on site for flight training in July and August. At the end of July the Saab 340 will be in because of maintenance to Twin Otter. At present there are 2 homebase aircrafts one is a microlight and the other is Mrs. Turners. Fuel is still available. There has been no dialogue from Defence Estates which makes it hard to market the site.

c) Defence Estates – No report available.

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10. FARMING REPORT/INITIATIVES

No report available.

11. TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES TARBERT/A83/CAR PARKING

It was reported that Tarbert Harbour Authority have a report from a consultant and due to the lack of funding means they see no alternative to managing demise of The East Pier. The Waverley is safe this year, but subject to engineers’ inspection.

The East Pier is still needed as a deep water landing place with £350,000 required to make it viable.

The parking issue in the THA’s view is that the current car parking area is available to the public. There is nothing in Council’s the capital project for any parking in Tarbert. The recent Scottish Series highlighted how difficult parking is in the area. It was agreed to ascertain the position with Andy Law and put Tarbert parking into Area Plan.

12. WRITTEN REPORTS FROM COUNCIL SERVICES, JOB CENTRE PLUS, ARGYLL COLLEGE, JAMES WATT COLLEGE AND A.I.E.

Council Services – Ian Fawcett gave an update on Roads and Amenity Services; a copy is attached. Councillor John Semple asked if there could be anything done about the traffic which turns at the Big Kiln, it was agreed that this was a police matter and Ian Fawcett agreed to discuss this with the police.

Jobcentre Plus – 144 Male and 52 Female unemployed. After discussion it was agreed to try and get figures from people who are in work rather than unemployed. Jim Mather MSP will try and track these figures down.

Argyll College – Report circulated and attached to this minute for information.

James Watt College – No report available.

H.I.E. A & I - Reports attached for information.

13. TOURISM/LEISURE INITIATIVES/KINTYRE WAY

It was reported that a meeting had taken place between the Long and Winding Road and the Forestry Commission to identify the key issues some of which will take many years to sort out. The interest shown has exceeded what was expected in the first year. Accommodation was discussed with complaints from 22 walkers about standards and food quality in the local hotels. It was agreed to write to the local hoteliers and ask them what their policy is on using “Quality Argyll” foods. It was agreed that an abattoir is needed in the area so that local produce is more easily obtained.

Alan MacDonald showed a booklet which was available in Tarbert which covers a range of activities in the Tarbert area. Activities in Kintyre could be included.

Maryanne Stewart commented on the 2 nd very successful Mull of Kintyre 10K and ½ Marathon which had taken place on 27th May. It was agreed to write to the Rotary Club to put the Barbour brothers forward for Citizens of the Year.

14. SCOTTISH WATER REPORT

A presentation was given by Scottish Water recently at the Area Committee a copy can be obtained on request from Linsay MacPhail, Area Office, Dell Road, Campbeltown. Page 3 of 5 The value of the Loch to Campbeltown was not to be underestimated. Jim Mather MSP agreed to take over from George Lyon MSP to meet regularly with Scottish Water.

15. A.O.B.

Derrick Lang stated that a new surf shop was opening in the Town and wondered if anything could be set up at Westport perhaps if the way of accommodation or burger stall. It was agreed to ask Councillor Colville regarding this.

Hostels were discussed and a letter is to be sent to the SYHA asking if they have any proposals for hostels in the Kintyre area. It was agreed that this is something that the Kintyre Marketing Group could take forward.

Jim Mather MSP raised the format of the KIWG and suggested that we involve other stakeholders to get it mapped more constructively. It was agreed that the Group has to evolve and move forward and concentrate on what will make Kintyre work.

Jamie McGrigor MSP stated how Springwatch has increased tourism in and that remote places can be helped by media coverage.

16. DATE OF NEXT MEETING – Monday 27 th August 2007 at 10.00 a.m. in the Town Hall, Main Street, Campbeltown.

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SEDERUNT SHEET

KINTYRE INITIATIVE WORKING WORKING GROUP

11 JUNE 2007

Name Organisation

Donald Kelly Chairman, Councillor - Council Kevin Williams Argyll and Bute Council Alan MacDonald Tarbert Harbour Authority John Semple Councillor South Kintyre – Argyll and Bute Council Maryann Stewart ACVS Jim Mather M.S.P. Alastair McKinlay Public Member Leslie K. Howarth Leslie K. Howarth Consultancy D. Lang H.I.A.L. John Lamont H.I.A.L. Ken Abernethy H.I.E. A & I Tom Charman Scottish Natural Heritage Charles Murphy Campbeltown Sewage Taskforce Mary Turner Opportunity Kintyre Jim C Martin Campbeltown Community Council Deirdre Forsyth Argyll and Bute Council Ian Fawcett Argyll and Bute Council Craig Hunter Campbeltown Courier Jamie McGrigor M.S.P. Linsay MacPhail Argyll and Bute Council

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