MINUTES OF THE BUTE COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2018 AT THE MUSEUM 7 STUART STREET ROTHESAY Those Present: Apologies: Declarations of Interest: Adoption of Previous Minutes: Matters Arising: Police Report: Marlene Hill Chairman, John McCallum Vice Chairman, Jan Cochrane, Ronnie Falconer, Duncan Ferguson, Iain Gillespie, Hamish Kirk, Robert Macintyre Transport Representative, Keith McIntyre Treasurer, Ian McKay, Iain Morrison. Ruth Tyler Secretary. Councillor Jim Findlay, Councillor Len Scoullar, Sergeant Scott Stewart (Rothesay), and a police colleague. Seventeen members of the public. Councillor Jean Moffat [her report showed that she was attending another meeting] Nikki Lyle [given after the meeting] None. The adoption of the Minutes of the meeting on 17 October 2018 was agreed. Marlene Hill mentioned a meeting with CalMac and the council. Sergeant Scott Stewart spoke on the subject of abandoned vehicles. The police do not deal with this. It is covered by Argyll and Bute Council, and he suggested that abandoned vehicles should be reported on the Argyll and Bute Council website, by filling in the blanks. (The council website then gives a reference number, to quote on follow up enquiries). A council officer will then act and put a notice on the windscreen. If the vehicles are reported to the police, they put it on to the council website. It is only if the vehicles are dangerous, or in a dangerous position that the police get involved. Sergeant Stewart said that not having a tax disc displayed did not mean that the vehicle was not taxed. Councillor Jim Findlay asked what happens if the vehicle was not SORN [Statutory Off Road Notification], and not taxed (information from the DVLA website). Sergeant Stewart replied that the police go back to the DVLA and build information and if the vehicle is used, it will be stopped. John McCallum mentioned yellow stickers on vehicles in the car park, which had been there for a month. Sergeant Stewart suggested that Bute Community Council invite the relevant person from Argyll and Bute Council to a meeting, because Argyll and Bute Council can give 7 days notice before seizure of the vehicle. Marlene Hill agreed. Robert Macintyre asked Sergeant Stewart if the police knew how many vehicles were abandoned on Bute, how many were reported. Sergeant Stewart said that very recently a list had been started in the police station, of probably 7 vehicles. A member of the public mentioned boats on trailers in a disabled space at Bishop Street. Sergeant Stewart said it was a Local Authority matter, it could be an obstruction outside of a house needing disabled access, but might not be an obstruction if in a car park. 1
Police Report Sergeant Stewart said that since 17 October 2018 to 21 November 2018 there had been 170 incidents reported on the Isle of Bute, (none serious), including 26 crimes, 13 detentions, 5 assaults, and 3 acts of vandalism He said that Police Inspector Duncan Maclean was retiring and being replaced by Inspector Fiona Davidson of Dunoon. Councillors Reports: Councillor Len Scoullar had provided copies of his report. He spoke on the matter of Bute not going to be on promotional material. Councillor Jim Findlay gave background information concerning the strapline, and said that there were demotivated council employees on Bute. Councillor Scoullar stated that Live Argyll was an independent organisation and that Argyll and Bute Council had no control over it. He suggested that concerns over the decision should be made to the relevant boards. He said there will be no change to the council name, it will still be Argyll and Bute Council, and they will not be replacing the logo. He said that there had been public consultation concerning Live Argyll on 20 June 2017, and approval was given before Live Argyll was constituted. He said that Argyll and Bute needed to attract investment, and that it was the intention to highlight the need to work together, for benefits for all the community. He said that Live Argyll held charitable status and their spending had saved 600,000 [presumably from Argyll and Bute Council budget]. Iain Gillespie asked if Argyll and Bute Council could not have said to keep Bute in the name. Councillor Scoullar said that in consultation, no one had a problem [with the name] and that it had been approved by the council in consultation with Scottish Government. A member of the public agreed that it was to attract funding from other areas, but hadn t known what the name would be. Her objection was to the strapline Choose Argyll Love Argyll. It was a Leisure Trust (Enterprise companies). She asked who in the council decided, and whether it went to committee, and how many on the panel live on Bute. She asked who consulted Bute. Councillor Scoullar said that there had been 6 questions and 907 responses had said yes to the name, but that it was not the council s idea to do away with the name of Bute. He was aware that people were annoyed. He suggested that Marlene Hill write to the Chief Executive (Councillor Scoullar will give her the address). Councillor Scoullar had already spoken to the Chief Executive. Ronnie Falconer said that we live in Argyll and Bute and asked that the Chairman write, in strong terms. He said that Bute was insulted. Iain Morrison thought it extraordinary that Argyll and Bute Council should exclude Bute and that it was contrary to working together. Councillor Scoullar said that in the setting up, the name was not given, the name was only given after approval was received. Iain Morrison asked if the council could reconsider. Marlene Hill asked Councillor Scoullar to explore options. 2
Councillors Reports A member of the public stated that Bute is a county and has been since 1875. A member of the public said that as it [Live Argyll] was a charity, what would happen when the money ran out, would employees at Bute swimming pool and library be made redundant. Duncan Ferguson referred to Glasgow where contract conditions were revisited and employees had to re-apply for their jobs. A member of the public said that the board consisted of 7 people, from local authority and private members, and that services hadn t suffered, but had improved, in that the library now didn t shut at lunchtime. A member of the public asked if there should be a petition. Councillor Scoullar suggested waiting until a response has been received from the Chief Executive Councillor Findlay said he and Councillor Moffat were involved with the Pavilion project (charity) and he suggested Marlene Hill invite a representative to a meeting. Marlene Hill suggested that as Councillor Moffat wasn t present, everyone could read her [Councillor Moffat s] report at home. Marlene Hill and Robert Macintyre spoke concerning car parking charges. (A friend travels to Dunoon - free car park, catches ferry to Gourock, free car park - will be charged at 9 per day). The Scottish Islands Bill was mentioned. Councillor Findlay said it would be treated the same as mainland. The history being that the council unanimously approved car parking charges to be increased in the fiscal year, producing revenue. Every councillor in the chamber voted on increases of 8%, which the council would consider implementing, and where charges were not existing, then it would be what the market would bear. This was not presented to all councillors. One charge went from 1 a day, to 9 a day. At Arrochar the charge stands, so people are parking on verges and green lanes [instead of paying the parking charge]. Councillor Findlay suggested that Bute Community Council write. He said that the new charges should be sympathetic and strategic. Someone said that people park at the Discovery Centre and then go on the ferry. Hamish Kirk asked if the land in the centre of Rothesay could be used for parking. Marlene Hill replied that this is not council land, but is in private ownership. Jan Cochrane said that the machines for paying for parking in The Square are not working, so the council is losing revenue. A member of the public asked what the parking limits in East Princes Street are. She was told 30 minutes. 3
Councillors Reports Robert Macintyre said that 9 a day at Arrochar is the same as in the Lake District. Hamish Kirk asked what the parking charges were in Oban and Lochgilphead. Councillor Findlay said people park in Oban overnight and go home on the ferry and that there are no parking charges in Lochgilphead. Councillor Findlay said that he had been approached by businesses near the Post Office who said that because of the zealous traffic warden, shoppers now don t come to that end. Redeveloping the area by hard landscaping was mentioned. Marlene Hill said that if people park for more than 20 minutes by For Bute shop she puts a note on their car. A member of the public said she couldn t do her shopping in 20 minutes. Lade Foot Bridge: Hamish Kirk spoke about the Lade Foot Bridge (for pedestrians and used by children). He said it is a busy thoroughfare, which was blocked off a month ago by Argyll and Bute Council, the bridge has been closed with a fence. This is for temporary repairs, it is a steel bridge with wood, the wood has been replaced by chipboard. Hamish Kirk wrote, and it is being repaired/put into a safe condition. Ownership was discussed. Marlene Hill said the council denied ownership and then admitted it. A contractor has been asked to repair the bridge. Robert Macintyre said that after previously speaking to Marlene Hill, he had asked Hansons. Councillor Scoullar said a contractor has been appointed. Hamish Kirk said it shouldn t be expensive, and that it proves the power of the Community Council. It is a platform that can get things done. Decommissioning Of Oil Rigs at Loch Striven: Marlene Hill said she has looked into it, and that it has been done since early in the 1980 s. She said that the rigs are cleaned and cleared beforehand, so there is no pollution, and they are put into winter wet docks. She said that this could interest people for the day, as it is something different, and that there are employment opportunities. She said that the rigs attract marine life. Ronnie Falconer spoke on the matter from a planning point of view, and said he had tried to find out more information via Fairlie Community Council who are discussing the decommissioning proposals with Peel Ports. Tours for local school children were mentioned. It was also stated that the article in The Buteman was written by a pressure group. Someone asked if it was a real possibility, a real proposal or not. Ronnie Falconer to find out if it is true. A member of the public wanted to have more information. Councillor Scoullar suggested that Ronnie Falconer contacts Peel Ports (the former company). John McCallum said that 20 years ago there had been gas tankers there, and boats between the war years. Jan Cochrane asked how big and how unsightly they [the oil rigs] would be. Would they discourage people from visiting the area, or spoil the nice views. 4
Community Emergency Plan Report - Ronnie Falconer: Ronnie Falconer took it that his report had been read. He said that there is to be a meeting on 29 November 2018 with Argyll and Bute Civil Contingencies Emergency Services and the Resilience Team at Eaglesham House at 10.30. Extreme high tides have in the past occurred around the Christmas / New Year period. He asked if the previously approved walkie talkies could be purchased yet, but was told that the cheques were not set up yet because of difficulties with the bank. Planning Reports: Ardyne Point Fish processing facility proposal pre-application consultation now withdrawn. The original application approved some time ago remains valid. Regarding a new Planning Application for 2 water tanks of significant size at the facility these would be visible at Port Bannatyne and Rothesay. A full Visual Impact Assessment had been prepared (see council website). Likely they would be painted to blend into the background. Bute Community Council will be consultee and should indicate whether in favour or objecting. Ronnie Falconer said it could be an employment possibility, and with the proposed screening etc doesn t look too bad in his opinion. Iain Morrison asked for an artist s impression. Marlene Hill asked if the answer had to be given then. Ronnie Falconer said it could not wait until January, needs feedback within 2 weeks. John McCallum asked about the cleared ground at Ascog, he had heard that there were to be 2 bungalows, (he had asked someone known to him) but there was no definite planning. Ronnie Falconer said there was no planning yet. Planning Matters General: Marlene Hill said that she had been to a planning meeting at Mount Pleasant, and that she will go to another planning meeting next year A member of the public said that there are replacement windows suitable for old buildings, and that in Argyle Street the new windows looked like the old ones. A member of the public said that wooden windows cost a fortune, and Planning do pass pvc. Marlene Hill mentioned The Royal Hotel. Neglected Properties: John McCallum said that Mr Gilmour does not take calls. A councillor had said that it was in The Buteman. Ronnie Falconer apologised if it had been, and he had missed it. Robert Macintyre referred to neglected buildings. Marlene Hill said there were 7 people on board to do up shops, but not Slavens or Mcintyres. Robert Macintyre mentioned a bus crashing into a bank. John McCallum spoke of the windows at Watergate, he has been told that when the owner has money, he will replace them, but the council have no money and the owner has no money. Someone said that Watergate is boarded up with chipboard. 5
Neglected Properties General Concerns: Licensing Report Jan Cochran: Transport Report: Marlene Hill said she is going on the board of ACHA, they only have 4 meetings a year. A member of the public mentioned cars travelling at speed in Stuart Street near the museum, and it was queried whether the pavements should be adjusted, or the radius reduced, but the proposal could lose 2 or 3 parking spaces. There will be an update early in December. A speed limit of 20 miles per hour was discussed. No report. Robert Macintyre mentioned a hard copy of the report but no one had this. He spoke about ferry sailings, from March to October, and said that it had been a beautiful summer. Passengers were down by 3%, Coaches down by 6%, Cars were up Commercial vehicles Total Bute to Wemyss Bay peak August 87,000 July 85,000 June 87,000 October 61,733 to 53,000 Marlene Hill said the shop keepers said it had been a bad summer for trade. Robert Macintyre said that in relation to CalMac, David Herriot was going to Glasgow on 22 November 2018 for a meeting. A member of the public asked how many cancelled sailings there had been, from March to October, and how many in October. Another member of the public asked how many diverted ferries there had been. Ronnie Falconer asked if the increase was due to the weather, or Health and Safety issues. Robert Macintyre said the final decision rested with the skipper. Ronnie Falconer referred to cars having to wait in the middle of the road at Wemyss Bay at the time of the last Highland Games - the Sheepdog Trials are understood to be at the same time as the Highland Games in 2019 and will be beneficial to the island, and asked if at Wemyss there were any specific proposals for extra passenger only ferries. Marlene Hill and John McCallum said that CalMac are re-arranging. Councillor Scoullar mentioned Rothesay Pier and 2.5 million, people can only make representation - the skipper decides. Wemyss to Gourock, Gourock can t take heavy lorries. They are going to do something to the ramp. 6
Transport Report Holiday, Leisure and Tourism Report: Treasurer s Report: Correspondence: Any Other Competent Business: John McCallum said that there are 2 lifts at Rothesay Pier, but they are the sort to be inside, like hotel lifts. No report. Ronnie Falconer asked for members of Visit Bute to be invited to a Bute Community Council meeting. Marlene Hill will do this for January. Councillor Findlay said he is one of 3 councillors involved with Visit Bute. No report. Keith McIntyre said it the bank will be chased again. Councillor Findlay suggested that someone contact SMP Mike Russell about banking. (Robert Macintyre suggested that Marlene Hill, John McCallum, and Keith McIntyre (as signatories) sign the form. A member of the public suggested that all three go to the bank together. (Hamish Kirk said that the Friends of the Castle are having the same problem). None. Marlene Hill said that The Buteman were looking for people to go on the board. Robert Macintyre was concerned that soon there wouldn t be The Buteman. Someone said that The Dunoon Observer will step in if there is no Buteman. It was mentioned that the American company will get rid of the small newspapers. A member of the public referred to pension issues with these newspapers. Marlene Hill asked for a show of hands as to who bought The Buteman. Hamish Kirk said that the local radio station had asked that the secretary for Bute Community Council notify them of meetings. Marlene Hill said that she is in touch with the radio station. [The venue and date of this month s meeting had been announced on the radio]. Hamish Kirk said that John Finney SMP for the Green Party would be visiting the Island on 30 November 2018. Iain Gillespie mentioned he had been approached by Shore Pickers/Beach Watch in relation to lamp posts. Marlene Hill said that Iain Gillespie is Chairman of Bute in Bloom and mentioned Apple Tree Nurseries. A member of the public asked if ButeFest was going back on The Meadows. Marlene Hill said that was just a rumour. Another member of the public said that it would stay at Ettrick Bay. Next Meeting: There will be no meeting in December, the next meeting will be at The Museum Rothesay at 7 pm on Wednesday 16 January 2019. 7