The Transport subcommittee is undertaking a collection of records of costs islanders have incurred due to ferry disruptions.

If you wish to record your experiences please DOWNLOAD the form here.
The form does not work in a web browser, it needs to be downloaded and then once complete, press Email to CCC.

Paper copies and drop off points are available in the Post Office, shop and hotel

Argyll and Bute Council Repopulation Survey Web Template

Repopulation Zone Survey (argyll-bute.gov.uk)

To address population challenges across Argyll and Bute, the Settlement Project was developed. The aim of the project is to work with four ‘Repopulation Zone’ communities across Argyll and Bute, these include Tiree & Coll, Bute, and the Rosneath and Kintyre Peninsulas. Understanding the barriers impacting people remaining and relocating to these communities is key to the success of this project.

Following interviews with residents and key community groups, as well as community engagement visits to all of the Repopulation Zones, the Settlement Project Support Officer would like to widen participation in the ongoing research through the release of the Repopulation Zone Survey.
The aim of the survey is to understand from those currently living in a Repopulation Zone

• What YOU believe are the barriers to people remaining and relocating to your community.

• What initiatives YOU believe could be introduced to support people to remain and/or relocate to your community.

The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

All participant information will be anonymised.

For further information regarding settlement support, please contact Milly.Leggett@argyll-bute.gov.uk

The Transport subcommittee is undertaking a collection of records of costs islanders have incurred due to ferry disruptions.

If you wish to record your experiences please DOWNLOAD the form here.
The form does not work in a web browser, it needs to be downloaded and then once complete, press Email to CCC.

Paper copies and drop off points are available in the Post Office, shop and hotel

We are excited to share this opportunity for someone with community development skills and experience to join our team.

In this permanent full time post, you will support community organisations in Oban, Lorn and the Isles to help them to achieve their
aims, and work with partners to ensure community priorities can be met. We are looking for a self-starter who is motivated to help communities in the area to thrive and develop.

As part of the team you will receive access to training and skills development opportunities.

Whilst the post is advertised for 35 hours per week, we are open to discussions on flexible working arrangements.  For more information or to discuss this post, please contact Kirsty Moyes, Community Development and Building Back Stronger Team Leader -
kirsty.moyes@argyll-bute.gov.uk, 01436 657635.

The closing date is Friday 2nd December 2022 and applications can be made via myjobscotland [https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/argyll-bute-council/jobs/community-development-officer-oban-lorn-and-isles-305834].

You can reply to this email or respond in Basecamp [https://launchpad.37signals.com/4301250/invitations/e2a2210ce9c37f7307f61d9a3eb4b860?return_to=https%3A%2F%2F3.basecamp.com%2F4319768%2Fbuckets%2F20329025%2Fmessages%2F5572300278].

The post of Airport Firefighter and AGCS (Airport Supervisor) for Coll is ‘live’. Details
can be found on MyJobScotland or use the link below.

https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/argyll-bute-council/jobs/airport-supervisor-agcs-operator-304789

Let’s get the word out there folks – closing date is 25th Nov 2022.

Regards

Tom Eddleston
Station Manager
Oban & The Isles Airports
North Connel
Argyll, PA37 1SW

T. 01631572914
M. 07920 586741

www.obanandtheislesairports.com

From: Thomas Eddleston

ARGYLL & BUTE COUNCIL- ROADS AND AMENITIES WORKS

An unfortunate delay in the delivery of materials to the island has led to an interruption to work on the road to Sorisdale.
However, two further days’ work are now scheduled to take place on the Sorisdale road on: Wednesday 5th October & Thursday 6th October

Minutes of Transport subcommittee meeting 10.9.2022 : View pdf

COLL MEDICAL PRACTICE

FLU VACCINATION NOTICE - 2022

In deference to the period of mourning attendant upon the Queen's death, our Tuesday meeting will be postponed until 18th October

Tonight's CCC Ordinary Meeting has had to be postponed until 13th September 2022.

Many apologies to all concerned .

The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) is undertaking a consultation and engagement exercise as part of the re-procurement of the national air ambulance service for Scotland.

 SAS provides the air ambulance service to mainland Scotland and its islands. It is the only wholly publicly funded air ambulance service in the United Kingdom and is an invaluable resource to the Scottish public.

The aircraft used by the Air Ambulance Service are owned and operated by a private company on a contractual basis and the current contract is due to expire. To support the development of a new air ambulance contract, a project team has been established and an important task for the team is to consult with all stakeholders. Following the consultation exercise, the formal process of selecting a provider for the new air ambulance contract will be taken forward.

 We want to ensure we gather opinions from everyone with a view on this important element of the Service before arrangements are renewed.

 We are looking to arrange focus groups on MS Teams with members of the public and ask for slots on the agenda of existing meetings in August 2022.

 If you would be interested in attending, and/or work with a group we can attend, then please email us on: sas.airamb@nhs.scot

 Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further queries:
chris.purnell@nhs.scot

 Kind Regards,
 Chris Purnell

ARGYLL AND BUTE HSCP LAUNCHES STRATEGIC PLAN

Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) is delighted to be launching our new Joint Strategic Plan for the next three years.
Over the last year, we have engaged with our partners, stakeholders, staff and the people of Argyll and Bute to share their ideas and questions which have shaped and informed our strategic objectives and priorities.

Our plan sets our strategic direction for the next three years, our priorities and commissioning intentions, our strategic objectives, how we will get there, what we will spend and how we will monitor and measure as we work towards our vision to support people in Argyll and Bute to lead long, healthy, independent lives.

The plan is aspirational and ambitious and has four key elements which will inform everything that we do:

• Prevention, Early Intervention and Enablement
• Choice and Control and Innovation
• Living Well and Active Citizenship 
• Community Co-production (working with communities to produce local community services)

Fiona Davies, Chief Officer of Argyll and Bute HSCP, said:

“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to take part in our recent consultation on the development of our new Strategic Plan for 2022-25. The Plan is extremely detailed and sets out our strategic direction for the next 3 years which is to be ambitious, values based and aspirational around what we can achieve and to support the remobilisation of services following the impact that the pandemic has had on our services, workforce and society as a whole.
Being a remote and rural HSCP brings with it a lot of opportunities for working and also leisure activities but at the same time there are challenges in delivering health and social care services across such a large geographic area.  With the recent rise in the use of technology, and the increase in local community based practices, we have the opportunity to share and spread and learn, develop the way we deliver services, preparing us for the future.
We have developed four new priorities for this Strategic Plan and we have set out our intentions on how all of our services and processes, will be delivered.
We want to continue the conversation with everyone in Argyll and Bute on how we can transform services, how we empower people to have their voices heard, their experiences valued and to hear collective evidence on how we are keeping to our objectives and priorities.” 

Survey on CalMac’s booking system
Coll Community Council Transport Subcommittee

A survey for Coll's permanent residents.

CalMac is struggling to deliver a lifeline service that answers our needs. The remedy is for the Scottish Government to buy, build or lease a number of ferries and deploy them as soon as possible. But every indication is that this will not happen in the near future.

To try and help our current situation, we want to look at what options exist and which ones are most likely to improve matters in the short term.

• Survey forms are available at The Post Office, Coll Stores & Coll Hotel.
  Secure ballot boxes are located here too.
• Or download and print the survey HERE
• Or, complete the survey online

Deadline : 15th May, 2022

ARGYLL & BUTE COUNCIL ELECTION 2022

Tiree Community Council have kindly sent CCC an invitation for anyone on Coll to join their election hustings :

** Zoom link for Tiree Hustings ***

Please follow the link below to join in with Tiree's hustings. 

We will be starting at 7pm on Friday the 29th of April.  

As usual, please remain muted until you wish to speak, and always through the chair, as this helps the call run smoothly.  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82574905408?pwd=S2ZRWFBUODY0WmZKN1BwQkhFYTdYUT09#success 

Good morning Kirsty,

Thank you for your email.

With reference to your request for the questions in a document format, please find attached the community organisation questions for the PSO Consultation.  Please accept my apologies that this is not available in an editable format, a PDF is the only option to export the questions from the online SurveyMonkey survey portal.  For your information, I have also attached a copy of the individual and business questions.

In relation to the timescale, experience of other community surveys has shown that 3 weeks is considered sufficient to enable the vast majority of residents and organisations to respond and that very few responses are received after 3 weeks when surveys are open for longer. However, if Coll Community Council require additional time to submit a response to the consultation I would be pleased to update the survey results to include Coll Community Council’s response once received.  For avoidance of doubt, we will provide an initial set of results from the consultation to potential tenderers for the air service following the consultation deadline but, as you’ve highlighted that the response timescale is likely to be a problem for Coll Community Council, I will update the results following receipt of Coll Community Council’s response to provide a v2 of the results.

As you will see from the questionnaire, the survey focusses on use of the PSO Air Service and its importance to the community.  The purpose of the survey is to enable potential tenderers for the future PSO Air Service to understand the importance of the PSO Air Service, how it is used and aspirations for future use.  This will assist potential tenderers to identify how bests to serve residents, community and business needs and aspirations when designing their service offer as part of their tender submission.

I trust the above clarifies the purpose of the consultation and will assist Coll Community Council to provide a response.

Regards,

Colin Young
Strategic Transportation Delivery Officer
Argyll and Bute Council
The Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre
38 East Clyde Street
Helensburgh
G84 7PG

Whitegates
Whitegates Road
Lochgilphead
PA31 8SY

Tel: 01546 604275
E-mail: colin.young@argyll-bute.gov.uk

Census 2022 Information

To:  Community Council Secretaries and/or Conveners

Dear Colleagues,

Please see information below received from Police Scotland regarding scams linked to the requirement for all homes to have interlinked fire and smoke alarms by next month.

I'd be grateful if you could please arrange to circulate wider within your communities to raise awareness.

Kind Regards
Melissa

Melissa Stewart
Governance Officer
Argyll and Bute Council
Kilmory
Lochgilphead
Argyll
PA31 8RT
Direct Dial: 01546 604331
Mobile No: 07785 456127
email:  melissa.stewart@argyll-bute.gov.uk

Calmac Essential Services timetable, 3rd-23rd Jan.

The recent rapid spread of Covid19 has resulted in many absences within our crew and port teams.
As a result, and to give our customers a greater degree of certainty, we will operate an Essential Services Temporary Timetable on this route from 3 January 2022.

Read full update here -|- Please see here for timetable changes

Dear Sir/Madam

Scottish Government have published an on line consultation, to help inform the development of a new Aviation Strategy for Scotland. The following is a link to the document: Discussion document to inform the development of an Aviation Strategy (transport.gov.scot) https://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/disability-and-transport-findings-from-the-scottish-household-survey-1/

The discussion document will be used as the basis for consultation with the aviation sector, business, tourism and local communities. These discussions, alongside the responses to the online public consultation, will inform the future development of Scottish Government's Aviation Strategy.

Argyll and Bute Council currently subsidises air services to Coll, Colonsay and Tiree at a cost of £2.05M over a contract period of 4 years. A commercial air service is also operated to Islay on the back of the Public Service Obligation contract. Argyll and Bute Council also own and operate three airports Oban, Coll and Tiree at an annual cost of £700k. Council Officers are at present drafting a response to the consultation around the following key points:-

• Aviation forms a crucial, often lifeline, element of the transport network in many parts of the Argyll and Bute area. From the transfer of school pupils in Colonsay and Coll to the transfer of patients and medical staff from all the islands and the most remote parts of the mainland to and from the acute hospitals within the central belt.
• Ensuring that aviation policy prioritises support for those islands and regions where surface (sea or land) transport does not offer a competitive alternative to air links.
• Ensuring that the Scottish Government uses this welcome review of the governance and support of air services to consider alternative structures and funding mechanisms that can best deliver improved affordable connectivity. As the consultation highlights, we have a national operation model where 4 different bodies - Argyll and Bute Council, Orkney Council, Sheltand Council and HIAL/Transport Scotland - support airports and Public Service Obligation air services, whereas a more coordinated and cohesive approach may realise reduced running costs (procurement, advertising, training, bundling of routes etc).

The consultation document sets out a number of questions, (extracted and enclosed with this email as a word document for ease), and the deadline for responses is the 21 January 2022. We have not been contacted directly regarding the consultation and it has been unfortunately poorly advertised. The following was posted on Transport Scotland Facebook 19th October:-

"Following the launch of the Scottish Government Aviation Strategy consultation, Transport Scotland will be visiting a number of airports to help more people have their say. Visits will take place on the following dates:
Kirkwall (Thursday 28 October)
Sumburgh (Friday 29 October)
Stornoway (Monday 1 November)
Barra (Wednesday 3 November)
Dundee (Friday 5 November)
Inverness (Tuesday 9 November)
Wick Assembly Rooms (Wednesday 10 November)
Benbecula (Friday 12 November)
Campbeltown (Monday 15 November)
Islay (Tuesday 16 November)
Tiree (Wednesday 17 November)"

We are sending a notification of this public consultation out to interested stakeholders and Community Councils, to raise awareness, and also to advise your Community Council can also send any comments or issues they would like to raise to Council officers (myself and Iain MacInnes), and we can include these within the Council's official response.

Please just me know if you have anything you would wish included within the Council response and I would be grateful if you could assist in raising awareness of this important consultation.

Best regards
Moya
Moya Ingram CEng MICE
Strategic Transportation and Infrastructure Manager
Development and Infrastructure Services
Argyll and Bute Council
Whitegates Office
Lochgilphead
PA30 8SY
Tel: 01546 604 190

Dear Julian,

Kirsty and I had a 2nd Team meeting on Friday December with SSEN and partners working on the new power cable.  This meeting was purely about the proposed oral history project but they did mention that the actual work is scheduled to begin with the laying of the cable in mid Feb 2022.

Please can you pass the attached information on for information and action to CCC members.  Plus, can it be posted on the CCC website as well so that it goes out into the community?

Kind regards,
Jane.

To island stakeholders

In the coming days and weeks, we expect to see a continued and potentially rapid rise in cases, and for Omicron to account for a rising share of these cases. Given these developments, we are asking you to put in place contingency plans immediately.

Given the significant risk posed by Omicron, the Scottish Government has agreed it would be inappropriate to lift any of the protections currently in place. On top of this, the Scottish Government agreed that compliance with the existing protections must be strengthened – although in isolation alone that may not be enough.

We require all businesses and sectors to continue to consider ways to strengthen compliance with current baseline measures - taking extra efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 throughout the winter period. That includes asking businesses to maximise working from home for their employees where possible. Put simply, this means that if you and your employees were working from home at earlier stages in the pandemic, then we would ask that you do so again now. Working from home will be strongly encouraged for businesses until the middle of January 2022 at which time this position will reviewed.

The current protections will be kept under daily review at this stage.

The Scottish Government is looking at all options right now to help the country and our NHS get through the challenging winter period ahead. Nothing is off the table, including an extension and strengthening of the current COVID certification scheme to a much wider range of sectors and venues, and other measures that we could rapidly deploy if the need arises.

But the Scottish Government is also aware that after two years of tough, but necessary restrictions, and the social and economic harms they have caused, it is even more important to minimise further restrictions as much as possible. By working with businesses, sectors and health experts, the Scottish Government is determined to get that balance right.

Following on from public health advice, which is based on the evidence of risk regarding Omicron, the Scottish Government is asking individuals to think more carefully about unnecessary contacts, especially in crowded places, and advising Christmas work parties to be deferred. We know this is extremely difficult and will have a big impact on the hospitality industry so we are pressing the UK Government to provide the financial support businesses need. But we believe this is essential to help slow transmission.

Also crucial to ensuring further restrictions and disruption to businesses is minimised is regular testing and vaccinations. The Scottish Government is asking everyone to do a lateral flow test before mixing with people from other households - and on every occasion you intend doing so. It is important to remember that you can have this virus even if you have no symptoms.

Test & Protect is conducting enhanced contact tracing for all cases linked to the Omicron variant, but more generally, if someone has symptoms of COVID, or has been identified as a close contact, they should book a PCR test and self-isolate immediately until they get the result. If their result is negative, and they were not told they were a close contact of Omicron, they can end their isolation at that point if they are also doubled vaccinated. Otherwise, they must continue to isolate for the full ten day period. Those identified as a close contact of someone with a suspected case of Omicron will be required to self-isolate for ten days regardless of vaccination status. And from 11 December, all household contacts of any confirmed COVID case must also isolate for 10 days regardless of vaccination status and PCR test result.

We know this is tough for businesses dealing with staff isolations during the busy Christmas period, but strict compliance with the isolation rules will significantly help us break the chains of transmission and keep our economy moving. Scotland is currently the most vaccinated part of the UK but we can’t become complacent.

To assist those with staff, if businesses have 10 and more staff you can register for LFD kits here nss.covid19testingsupport@nhs.scot

The Scottish Government is currently working with health officials to increase our vaccination capacity and improve the supply and availability of the vaccine. We are also working to increase demand for the vaccine, and booster doses, by encouraging even more people to take up the offer of the vaccine. You can play your part by encouraging your employees to get vaccinated.

If we follow these steps we give ourselves, your businesses, and our communities, the best opportunity of making Christmas and New Year as safe as possible – while maximising our ability to navigate this challenging festive period with as little disruption, for the shortest period of time, as possible.

To assist you, you may find the attached hyperlinks helpful –Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: First Minister's speech – 10 December 2021 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) https://www.gov.scot/publications/omicron-scotland-evidence-paper/

We would appreciate your support in promoting these messages throughout our islands to protect our communities. If you have any queries please contact info@islandsteam.scot

Alanis MacArthur
Islands Policy Officer (TRS)
Rural & Islands Communities Team
Directorate for Agriculture and Rural Econom
Gov.scot

Storm damage : 18:00 hrs, 7th December 2021

Due to an uprooted tree leaning on the 11kV electricity lines near Arinagour, the power to the north end of Arinagour has been switched off. Engineers will have to get to Coll before removal can be safely attempted and the power will remain off until this is done. Engineers are expected to arrive early tomorrow afternoon (8th Dec).

The affected are those north and west of the cenotaph, within Arinagour. This includes The Surgery, The Hotel, An Cridhe, Fire Station, The Water Works and Petrol Pumps.

Outside the village, beyond the Water Works and beyond The Surgery, properties remain ON, as is the main section of the village and Calmac Pier.

Coll Community Council will be facilitating the community to join public meetings on-line via Microsoft Teams.
This commences with the AGM on 28th December 2021.

Microsoft Teams has been chosen as it is the most confidential and secure option available to the Community Council.
To join in on-line, there is a need for you to register your interest. Once you have signed up showing your interest, an email will be sent to you prior to the meeting. It will show the link you need to click to join the meeting.

More information can be found here

To register your interest, please sign up here

NHS Highland and Argyll and Bute HSCP Vaccination FAQs - Link Here

Update for key stakeholders: 26 November 2021 - Link here

The new housing measures [for birds], which will come into force on Monday 29 November, mean that it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the UK to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease.

Click the link for full retails

Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership is delighted to be holding its first ever digital online community consultation on our next three year Strategic Plan.  This Plan outlines the HSCP's vision and values and details how health and social care resources are governed, allocated and operationally managed.

We really want to hear from our local communities and empower the people of Argyll and Bute to have their own voices heard, their experiences valued and to tell us what they would like included in the Plan.

We have arranged an online webinar event for the 25 November at 3pm-4pm which will be led by Fiona Davies (Interim Chief Officer) and Caroline Cherry (Head of Adult Services, Older Adults and Community Hospitals). This will include a short presentation and also an opportunity for the public to ask questions and suggest ideas.

If you cannot make the webinar, it will be available up to the 9th December for viewing and comments and questions can still be posted
online via 'Slido' digital community listening tool. We also have an online community consultation survey for more detailed feedback.

To access all the links  click https://www.bit.ly/ABStrategicPlan

Please see the poster attached for further details and if you would like to request a print-ready version of the poster, please contact Emma @ emma.mason7@nhs.scot for a high resolution version.

Kind Regards,
Kristin Gillies Senior Service Planning Manager
Alison Ryan Service Planning Manager
Many Thanks
Emma Mason
Planning Department Secretary
Campbeltown Hospital
Ralston Road
Campbeltown
PA28 6LE 

Please find our latest stakeholder update attached. Please direct enquiries to  nhshighland.feedback@nhs.scot.

Elaine Booth
Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership

Communications Officer
Victoria Integrated Care Centre
Helensburgh T. 07973740014

HI Julian,

I have been notified of an incidence of Blue Green Algae on the North East edge of Loch Duin on Coll, I am sure you will already be aware but wanted to let the Community Council know in case they are able to post any notices to warn people as appropriate. It is relatively late in the season for the blooms however he warm temperatures appear to have led to later than usual occurrences according to SEPA who monitor these blooms and notify ourselves as appropriate.

If you need more information please let me know, in addition the following is a good source of information and also allows users to log
potential  sightings

Bloomin' Algae | UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (ceh.ac.uk) https://www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/bloomin-algae

Kind regards

Jacqui Middleton

EHO - Public Health and Housing
Argyll and Bute Council
Kilmory
Lochgilphead
PA31 8RT

Please see below latest Press Release -
 Free Sleepio & Daylight Cognitive Behaviour Apps available to everyone
https://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/News/Pages/FreeSleepioDaylightCognitiveBehaviourAppsavailabletoeveryone.aspx

Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) is pleased to announce free access to Sleepio and Daylight
https://go.bighealth.com/en-gb/nhs-staff#:~:text=Free%20access%20to%20Sleepio%20and,staff%20returning%20to%20the%20workforce
Cognitive Therapy Behaviour Apps for all NHS staff and members of the public.

THE HSCP recognise that anxiety and poor sleep are long standing problems for many people,  it is important to look after your own mental health and wellbeing.  People struggling with poor sleep, insomnia or anxiety are being encouraged to take advantage of the online CBT programmes. Both programmes are available to compliment other digital cognitive behaviour therapies (CBT) available and provided free in Argyll and Bute.

Sleepio and Daylight Apps are NHS accredited programmes provided by company Big Health, co-founded by Oxford University sleep expert Professor Colin Espie. The online resources allow people to access CBT therapies in the comfort of their own home and time.

Nicola Gilliespie, Head of Mental health Service said: “We are really pleased to be adding Sleepio and Daylight to our programme of digital therapies.

“Difficulties with sleep and anxiety can have a negative impact on many aspects of peoples health and wellbeing. The programmes are early intervention programmes to help teach people to learn and develop self-management coping skills, to help prevent the symptoms from getting worse, and the need for professional services.

Accessing support through Daylight or Sleepio for Wellbeing click here
https://go.bighealth.com/en-gb/nhs-staff#:~:text=FreeaccesstoSleepioand,staffreturningtotheworkforce 
-
 Elaine Booth

 Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership

 Communications Officer
 Victoria Integrated Care Centre
 Helensburgh
 T. 07973740014

 For out-of-hours press enquiries please contact the Raigmore
switchboard on 01463 704000 and ask for the duty communications manager 

Dear Sir/Madam,

MARINE (SCOTLAND) ACT 2010, PART 4 MARINE LICENSING

00009500 - Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc - Cable Replacement - Port Langamull, Mull to Sorisdale Bay, Coll

The Licensing Officer for this case is David Hutchison

A marine licence has been requested under the above Act to deposit a cable between Mull and Coll at a location below the level of Mean High Water Springs.  Licence application details 00009500 - Cable Replacement - Port Langamull, Mull to Sorisdale Bay, Coll - Marine Licence | Marine Scotland Information 
https://marine.gov.scot/ml/00009500-cable-replacement-port-langamull-mull-sorisdale-bay-coll-marine-licence

Should you have any comments on these proposals, I would be grateful if they could be forwarded to me in an electronic format
(MS.MarineLicensing@gov.scot) or as a hard copy within 21 days of the date of this email.

If you require an extension to the consultation period, please inform me in writing as soon as possible and within 21 days of this email.

If an extension request or a written reply to this consultation is not received within 21 days, it will be assumed that you are content with
the proposals.

Any licence that is subsequently issued for the proposed works will be made available on Marine Scotland Information at the address above.


Kind regards,

David

David Hutchison
Marine Licensing Casework Officer

Marine Scotland - Marine Planning & Policy

Scottish Government | Marine Scotland | 375 Victoria Road | Aberdeen |
AB11 9DB

Email:                  david.hutchison2@gov.scot
Website:             http://www.gov.scot/marinescotland

http://www.gov.scot/marinescotland

http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Licensing/marine/MLFAQ

Please see link above for latest information on short term lets regulations with a final date for  consultation being 29th October 2021.

Dear Stakeholder,

Our water and waste water services support daily life for millions of
people across Scotland.

We want to listen to your views on our service, update you on our
performance and share our plans for the future.

Our Annual Consultative Meeting will be hosted online by our Chair, Dame
Susan Rice, DBE and Chief Executive, Douglas Millican.

Customers can register to receive a unique login and view this year's
update FROM 10AM ON WEDNESDAY 6 OCTOBER at WWW.SCOTTISHWATER.CO.UK/ACM
[1]

If you would like to ask our Senior Leadership Team a question, visit
our digital platform and complete the online form available no later
than Wednesday 20 October.

We will respond direct to all questions after this date and post key
themes on our website.

If you do not have access to our website, call our Customer Helpline on
0800 0778778 for assistance with an alternative format.

SW Public
 General


 Scottish Water

 www.scottishwater.co.uk

Good morning Community Councils, I am forwarding an email from The
Conservation Volunteers & OVO Energy offering free trees. Further
details can be found in the email below,

All the best for now,

Marina.

Marina Curran-Colthart,

Local Biodiversity Officer,

Argyll and Bute Council,

Minicipal Buildings,

Albany Street,

Oban.

PA34 4AW

FROM: The Conservation Volunteers & OVO Energy <idt@tcv.org.uk>
 SENT: 10 September 2021 15:00
 TO: Curran-Colthart, Marina <Marina.Curran-Colthart@argyll-bute.gov.uk>
 SUBJECT: TOGETHER we will plant over 2 MILLION TREES! ?

 [1]

 We CAN make a difference.

 Together we continue to smash our tree planting targets for climate,
wildlife and communities.

 But we have only just begun. This year we are going further than ever
before:
 2 MILLION TREES in the ground by the end of this tree planting season!

CLAIM YOUR FREE TREES NOW [2]

PLANTING BY NUMBERS – what we’ve all achieved so far...

 OVO Energy [3] members with carbon-cutting upgrades have pledged
another 600,000 carbon-busting trees for local green spaces – the most
trees pledged to date.

 Trees. They’re not just nice to look at. These wooden wonders
literally eat carbon out of the air, improving the air we breathe and
enhancing our local community green spaces for the benefit of people and
wildlife alike – that’s why we looove them!

CLAIM YOUR FREE TREES NOW [4]

MEET THE TREE PLANTERS...

 None of our fantastic achievements could happen without the help of YOU
- wonderful volunteers and communities coming together to make a real
difference.

 We have updated our webpage [5] with further insights as to where the
planting is happening and, as always, we'll endeavour to share your
fantastic events across our social media channels - just be sure to tag
us in your posts and use the #IDigTrees [6] hashtag!

Twitter [7] | Facebook [8] | Instagram [9] | LinkedIn [10]

 [11]

 [12]

CLAIM YOUR FREE TREES NOW [13]

 I Dig Trees with OVO Energy is now in its seventh year. This fantastic
partnership programme goes from strength to strength and is a great
opportunity for any community group or volunteer to join in, feel good
and make a real difference.

 As the old proverb goes, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years
ago. The second-best time is now.”

 For climate. For wildlife. For communities – I Dig Trees [14]!

Best wishes,

 SARAH CLARKE
 TCV Senior Corporate Administrator 

Dear Argyll and Bute Community Councils,

You may already be aware of the various initiatives planned to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Communities and organisations across the area are getting involved in these projects and the Lord-Lieutenant of Argyll and Bute, Mrs Jane MacLeod, would be delighted to hear about any activities that your community council may be considering or planning.

Below is some information about two of the Platinum Jubilee commemoration initiatives that may be of particular interest here in Argyll and Bute.

Queen’s Green Canopy – Plant a Tree for the Jubilee
The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is encouraging people, local groups, private companies and public organisations across the whole of the UK to get involved in ‘planting a tree for the Jubilee’.

The aim is to start planting trees during the planting season, October 2021 to March 2022. From October, all planting projects can be uploaded to an interactive, nationwide QGC map. Trees planted (whether individual or as part of wider woodlands) will, together, create a sustainable legacy for future generations, marking the Queen’s 70-year reign and service, as well as contributing to tackling climate change.  

You can find out more and sign up online at The Queen’s Green Canopy (queensgreencanopy.org)  - please remember to let the Lieutenancy know about your plans!

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacons, Jubilee Weekend, 2nd to 5th June 2022
Some of you may well have organised commemorative beacons in previous years and will be well acquainted with the concept of a nationwide chain of beacons across the country. For the Platinum Jubilee, it is hoped that this will be a particularly popular and dramatic countrywide commemoration and for the first time there will also be beacons in each of the capital cities of the Commonwealth, joining those which will be lit in a wide range of locations across the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories.

There are different types of beacons which can be used for this exciting commemoration project and local groups and organisations are encouraged to get involved. Here too there will be an interactive list as more and more communities sign up between now and Platinum Jubilee Weekend 2022.
If you are interested in organising a Platinum Jubilee Beacon in your community, please visit Queen’s+Platinum+Jubilee+Beacons+Guide+2021+08+09.pdf (squarespace.com) in the first instance for more information and to find out how to sign up. Again, please do let the Lord-Lieutenant know if you are hosting a beacon in your local area.

We do hope that you are able to consider some kind of commemoration in your local community – both projects offer opportunities for a wide range of people and organisations to get involved and to add vibrancy to community life.

If you are aware of any other local people or organisations who may be interested, please do let us know, or feel free to pass this information to them, again with the encouragement to keep in touch with the Lord-Lieutenant about their plans.

To highlight your activity to the Lord-Lieutenant, please contact lord-lieutenant@argyll-bute.gov.uk in the first instance – and any photographs of your endeavours are also always welcome.

With thanks for your kind attention, and best regards,  On behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant of Argyll and Bute, Mrs Jane MacLeod

Early Notice of a Coll Community Council by-election

Over the past three years, changes in several Community Council members personal circumstances has led to enough vacancies to trigger a by-election.

In general, a person is entitled to stand for election provided he or she has achieved 16 years of age on the day of election and is a Coll resident. The person must also have his or her name in the Coll electoral register for local government elections.

Pending a definite date for the beginning of the by-election process, we would urge every eligible resident to consider standing as a Community Councillor.

Good Morning,

I am pleased to advise that the Clansman will return to Argyll waters
this week, and will resume full timetabled activities once more from
Thursday AM. This follows the successful completion of the unscheduled
dry dock visit of the MV Hebrides, which was accomplished a little
earlier than anticipated.

Until tomorrow evening, we will continue with the adjusted network plans
which have been previously published.

The temporary absence of the Clansman, even with the LOTI being
redeployed to us, has caused impact to a number of communities and
customers, and I would like to extend my apologies for this, together
with my thanks for your support. Your understanding of the situation,
and indeed to that of our ports teams who have worked continually to
minimise these impacts, is particularly appreciated.

With kind regards,

Don

DON MCKILLOP

Area Operations Manager - Argyll & Lochaber

CalMac Ferries Ltd

Proposed work on outfall at Arinagour Pier

MIDDLE PIER OUTFALL EXTENSION

THIS WORK SCHEDULED TO BEGIN ON 6th  SEPTEMBER, HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO A SHORTAGE OF ESSENTIAL MATERIALS.

FERRIES COMMUNITY BOARD (FCB)
Quarterly Board Meeting 3 Sept, 2021
informal notes by K MacFarlane (in attendance)

* These notes are not “official” and any mistakes are my responsibility.*

HELD-OVER ITEMS

• review of impacts of RET – it’s been a success, says the report!
• Link : https://www.transport.gov.scot/media/49397/evaluation-of-road-equivalent-tariff-on-the-clyde-and-hebridean-network.pdf
• due to increase in number of dogs being brought aboard,  plans to consult in 2022 on ticketing system (for management, not charging £)

TRANSPORT SCOTLAND REPORT

• the Minister for Transport (Graeme Dey) has been visiting various islands – following this meeting, Donnie MacInnes and I have issued him an invitation to come to Coll/Tiree
• the Islands Connectivity Plan is going out to public consultation soon; it will contain options for the successor scheme to the Ferries Plan 2013 which expires in Dec 2022
• the next plan will be more complex and will encompass socio-economic issues as well as straight costs
• very important time for us all to get involved in consultations

CMAL REPORT

•  Islay will get at least 1 new ship (since this meeting, it has been announced that 2 will be built for Islay) by 2024 (ish?)
• Mallaig-Lochboisdale will get a new vessel by 2025 followed by :
• Oban-Craignure / Ardrossan-Brodick
• Barra-Oban
•  Coll/Tiree/Colonsay
• the Heb Isles/Isle of Arran/LOTI are already travelling under certain MCA restrictions
• no further update on when new ferries will be ready – Glen Sannox by July/Sept 2022 & Hull 802 mid 2023?

CALMAC REPORT

• drydocking arrangements will begin earlier this year hopefully to reduce the impact of  delays and knock-on effects during the winter period
• hoping to announce the School Bus Discount Scheme very soon with TS and the FCB (since this meeting, it was confirmed on 16 Sept)
• CalMac have maintained an active cadet and apprentices recruitment programme, together with an active schools visiting programme
• aware of calls for prioritising space on ferries – be aware there is a real mix of views but they will be looking at pricing structures

FCBOARD DISCUSSION

• the Board aims to be more independent of the ferries contractor and there was discussion about having an independent website
• agreed to the formation of a new subgroup, “Service Improvements and Information Gathering” and I have joined this

Next Quarterly Board Meeting : 3rd December, 2021

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME WITH ANY ISSUES YOU WISH RAISED :

kirsty.macfarlane1960@gmail.com

(07967) 387021

Good Morning,

As a result of a technical issue with the MV Hebrides, the vessel is
required to move from its Hebrides operating area to dry dock, for a
period of approximately one week, from next Tuesday morning. As a
consequence, it is necessary to undertake a range of vessel
re-deployments to ensure service across the wider network, however this
will unfortunately see a range of service cancellations on outer
Hebrides routes, and they are now being published.

This programme of vessel re-deployments includes seeing a need to
temporarily relocate the MV Clansman from our Argyll operating area from
early next week, with the MV Lord of The Isles moving to an Oban
operating base from next Monday afternoon. This vessel, in conjunction
with the MV Isle of Mull, will undertake Craignure services, as well as
services to Coll, Tiree and Colonsay.

There are no service cancellations envisaged on any Argyll routes as a
result of this swap-over. Argyll timetables will remain as published. To
further minimise any impacts, actual deployment of these vessels on
these routes will be determined based on expected route demand and
bookings, and on a rolling basis. Consequently all ports will see a
combination of visits from either vessel.

With the 'LOTI and the 'Mull not possessing like-for-like lift capacity,
nor that of the 'Clansman, should any customers be affected by any
capacity issues, they will be directly contacted and offered alternative
sailings should that be required.

I will keep you posted on any key developments, including when we can
firmly anticipate the return of the 'Clansman to the Argyll area.

With kind regards,

Don

DON MCKILLOP

Area Operations Manager - Argyll & Lochaber

CalMac Ferries Ltd

Good afternoon,

I'm getting in touch to make you aware of some forthcoming Scottish Water works for the Isle of Coll.

A £57,000 investment project to extend the existing outfall at Arinagour Pier is set to begin at the beginning of September (exact date
TBC) and will help improve the marine environment by taking effluent into deeper and faster flowing waters.

Corrie Construction will be carrying out the work on behalf of Scottish Water at the lowest tides in September and October (work will take place for 1 week during each month). A marine licence has been secured.

While we anticipate this project having very little impact on customers due to the location and timing of the work, there will be some localised construction traffic and noise. We will do all we can to keep any disruption to a minimum.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about this work.

Many thanks and best wishes,

Laura

Laura Boyce
 Scottish Water
 Buchanan Gate Business Park,

Cumbernauld Road, Stepps,

Glasgow

G33 6FB

 Dear Secretary,

 I wonder if you would be able to help (or know someone who could)?

 My name is Peter Rivers and for the last year, myself, my wife and our
five-year-old daughter, have been living on Muck. We have really loved
living here and feel we have adapted well to island life, however; our
temporary accommodation is about to come to an end and there is no
immediate possibility of long-term accommodation becoming available any
time soon. So, I was wondering what the situation is on Coll with
regards to long-term property rentals?

 Do you know of anything to rent, or know anyone we could get in touch
with? Any help would be greatly appreciated as we are really keen to
stay in the Inner Hebrides if at all possible.

 Yours sincerely

 Peter Rivers

Population decline is a real threat to the sustainability of many, although not all, of Scotland’s island communities. During the consultation for the National Islands Plan, depopulation was the top priority issue identified by respondents...........

Please read more in the link above

Julian

************************************************************
Classification: OFFICIAL

Thanks Julian,

As an aside we are visiting Coll on 21st July to do some risk assessment and sampling work, so if any residents would like to discuss their water supplies or potential for grant assistance for improvements then feel free to pass on my details and we will try to arrange a visit to them if they wish.

Thanks again (ps the article got one thing wrong in that the grant is not means tested - only if the individual wishes to apply for additional monies is it means tested for the additional part)

Jacqui Middleton
EHO – Public Heath and Housing
Argyll and Bute Council
Kilmory
Lochgilphead
PA31 8RT 

Good afternoon

I hope you are well. I just wanted to let you know that Jenni is going
to be visiting Coll on the morning of Thursday 22nd July. She hopes to
hold an advice surgery, provisionally at An Cridhe, I will likely book
from 0945-1130 as we will be restricted on travelling much further as we
are returning to Oban on the 1230 ferry. We would be grateful if you can
let the community know so they can book meeting appointments with us and
we are open to any suggestions of visits near An Cridhe to discuss any
local concerns.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards

Heather

Heather Wolfe | Parliamentary Assistant to Jenni Minto MSP
 M3.06, The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP
 Telephone: 0131 348 5106 Mobile: 07917 512080 [1]
 Email: Heather.Wolfe@parliament.scot

To goto the link in the image in the link, please click here:

Community voices sought for the West Coast Ferry Board....

REGARDING THE FIRE ON FRIDAY 30TH APRIL 2021

TURN UP AND GO

As we commence the Summer season, and whilst social distancing continues to impact the number of passengers we can carry, we will again protect some passenger spaces on all sailings from Coll and Tiree to the mainland and vice versa. These “Turn Up and Go” spaces will not be available for advance purchase, and are aimed at aiding those who may require short notice and on-the-day travel.

We will start the season with enabling 4 such passenger spaces on every sailing, which will be released on the day of travel. This figure will be monitored and reviewed as necessary, and CalMac will be urging all travellers to book in advance, including through posts on its social media platforms.

As with last year, it would be immensely beneficial if it was possible for the message to book in advance (and indeed as early as possible) to be shared amongst the community.

Survey Closed

MULL AND COLL COMMUNITIES ENCOURAGED TO HAVE THEIR SAY:

Good morning,

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution is hosting an online consultation event on the planned replacement of the 11kV submarine electricity cable which runs between Mull and Coll.

As part of that development, the project team is looking to engage with local customers, communities and stakeholders to seek their views as they finalise the details and prepare the necessary applications process.

A representative from our RIIO-ED2 team will also be present to capture views on our 2023 to 2028 investment programme.

In order to gather opinions and answer any questions, the Submarine Cable team will be holding a series of four, 50-minute long, online engagement events. The sessions will be held between the following times:

TIME: 2PM TO 6PM

DATE: THURSDAY 15TH OF APRIL

Should you be interested in participating, then please register by emailing submarinecables@sse.com

Dear All,

The replacement of Cliad Bridge on the Isle of Coll has now been re-tendered. We have awarded the contract for site works to start on Monday 22 March 2021.

We expect the public road to remain fully open to vehicles, pedestrians and other road users at all times during the works. A temporary bridge will be installed to allow vehicles to continue along the B8071. Once a programme for the works has been accepted I shall forward it to this group in a suitable format.

The Principal Contractor, D MacDougall Contractors Ltd, will carry out the works.

The key dates we currently have for this retendered scheme are:

• Site Start Date: 22/03/2021
• Site Completion Date: 22/07/2021

However, these could change and we will update you if required.

There are specific engineering requirements around roads structures and the statement below provides background on how they are designed:

_The works are designed in accordance with Codes of Practice for vehicular loading; and must also comply with SEPA requirements. Extensive consultations have been undertaken to provide a Best Value engineering scheme. Best Value is achieved by considering a number of factors which include; nature of the ground, access to the island, catchment area, watercourse alignment, available materials, existing levels, temporary diversion for road users whilst complying with SEPA requirements, other stakeholder requirements, COVID legislation and current Codes of Practice._

If anyone wishes to be added to the distribution list for future Cliad Bridge updates, please let me know at jamie.salmon@argyll-bute.gov.uk

Kind Regards,
Jamie
JAMIE SALMON GMICE
Graduate Engineer
INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN
Argyll and Bute Council
01546 604 429
07500 572 915
jamie.salmon@argyll-bute.gov.uk

Argyll and Bute Council is considering the best way to manage cemeteries in the coming years and would like to hear your views. We have identified various options and would like to find out what our communities think before developing plans for the longer term.
We would be grateful if you could give your thoughts through the consultation.

We would very much appreciate hearing from you by Friday 26 February 2021.
If you would like any further information, please contact  Hugh O’Neill at hugh.o’neill@argyll-bute.gov.uk.

Scottish Government Short Term Lets Consultation September 2020.

Dear Mr Stewart,

Unlike the areas studied in the context of the 2019 consultation, Coll lies in a remote island location with a small population of about 170. The island has very little infrastructure, is predominantly rural and here is sparse economic activity with few job opportunities. The island is classified as a very remote rural location according to the Scottish Government eight-fold Urban Rural Classification.

In this context the purpose of The Islands (Scotland) Bill, as passed, is to ensure the impact of Scotland-wide policies and legislation is understood in relation to island communities. Coll Community Council would like to see specific evidence of this within the proposals resulting from the current consultation.

A more specific matter has been raised by our Development Trust, Development Coll, which operates a 5-star bunkhouse on the same site as the island's community hall. The question is whether or not bunkhouses and hostels should be added to the list of exclusions in the 2019 consultation paper and particularly those which feature in the Scottish Independent Hostels Guide.

It would have been better if Coll Community Council had been informed about the two consultations by the Scottish Government in a timeous fashion rather than by concerned parties as late as Thursday 8th October 2020, the deadline for the consultation being 16th October 2020. The most efficient way to communicate with us is through the Governance Office at Argyll and Bute Council.

Yours sincerely

Julian Senior
Hon Secretary
Coll Community Council

Reply: Reply from Mr Stewart

The replacement of Cliad Bridge on the Isle of Coll is programmed to start site works on Thursday 12th November 2020, with site works programmed to be completed by late December / early January. The public road is expected to be fully open to vehicles, pedestrians and other road users at all times during the works, with a temporary bridge being installed to allow vehicles to continue along the B8071. I attach the full Programme for the works; this, along with all dates are subject to change as the project progresses - I shall forward revised Programmes as the Contractor provides them. The Principal Contractor, Beaver Bridges, will carry out the majority of the works to replace the structure.

Scheldule of works

• General letter
• Public consultation letter

• Flyer Join the Conversation with dates & links
• Invitation to contribute to the Conversation with the People of Scotland on future services
• Open call feedback template
• Equality monitoring
• Privacy statement Open call