• Agenda 

Minutes of Meeting of the Lochaber Area Committee held in the Council Chamber, Lochaber House, High Street, Fort William on Monday, 25 November, 2013 at 10.30 am

Present:

Mr A Baxter, Mr B Clark, Mr T MacLennan, Mr B Murphy

In attendance:

Mr W Gilfillan, Corporate Manager
Mrs D Ferguson, Senior Ward Manager (Ross, Skye and Lochaber)
Mr D Goldie, Head of Housing, Housing and Property Services
Mr C Kemp, Area Roads & Community Works Manager (Ross, Skye & Lochaber), Transport, Environmental and Community Services
Mrs N Young, Area Education Manager (West), Education, Culture and Sport Service
Miss J Maclennan, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr A MacInnes, Administrative Assistant, Chief Executive’s Office

Also in attendance:

Mr J Hutchison, Executive Director, Nevis Landscape Partnership
Ms P Jordan, Chairman, Nevis Landscape Partnership
Mr T Semple, Development Manager, Nevis Landscape Partnership

An asterisk in the margin denotes a recommendation to the Council.  All decisions with no marking in the margin are delegated to the Committee.

Mr T MacLennan in the Chair

Business

1. Apologies for Absence
    Leisgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr B Gormley, Mr A Henderson and Mr E Hunter.

2. Declarations of Interest
    Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following Declarations of Interest:-

Item 3 – Mr A Baxter and Mr B Murphy (Non-Financial)
Item 7 – Mr A Baxter (Non-Financial)
Item 9 – Mr B Murphy (Financial)
Item 10 – Mr A Baxter (Non-Financial)

3. Presentation by Nevis Partnership 
    Taisbeanadh le Com-pàirteachas Nibheis

Declarations of Interest:

Mr A Baxter declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds of being the Council representative on the Board of Nevis Partnership but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

Mr B Murphy also declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds of being both a member and Committee member of the Ben Nevis Race Association but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

A presentation was undertaken by Tricia Jordan (Chairman), John Hutchison (Executive Director) and Tristan Semple (Development Manager) of the Nevis Landscape Partnership. 

The Nevis Partnership had been formed in 1998 when, due to concerns over the Nevis area, a Nevis Working Party was established with the purpose of finding collaborative ways of managing the Nevis area that would be sustainable in the long term. In 2001 the Nevis Partnership was formed as a charitable company and comprised a range of organisations such as Community Councils, the Chamber of Commerce, The Highland Council, sportscotland and the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.

Since the company was formed, funding of more than £3m had been brought into the area, relating to mountain and path management, natural heritage and education and the Partnership had since progressed onto the Heritage Lottery Landscape Partnership Scheme with a value of £3.85m. A Stage 1 application for Scheme funding had been approved and the Partnership now required to obtain match funding and demonstrate that the Partnership could deliver the projects (approximately 20 projects in all) to qualify for Stage 2.

Details of the work undertaken to submit the Stage 2 application at the beginning of 2014 were provided covering the development phase challenges, project themes and Year 1 and 2 indicative budgets and contributions for the Scheme. Currently there was a projected shortfall of £150,000 in the match funding profile in Years 1 and 2 of the Scheme and work was ongoing to identify how to fill this gap. The delivery phase of the Scheme would commence in August 2014 and would run to 2019. Working with project managers, Forestry Commission, Highland Council and other partners would be required to deliver the scheme.

Ben Nevis projects would be a significant beneficiary of the Scheme receiving some £800,000 worth of investment. However, as a wide integrated scheme, other beneficiaries would include the Highland economy, local schools, the landscape, biodiversity, disability groups, visitors, the local community and wider society.

There had already been significant achievements to date with the project in developing stronger multi-partner approach to management/investment, improved cross-agency relations, facilitating partners in doubling available budgets and community engagement. There were opportunities for partners involved in the Scheme to double their budgets in areas such as archaeology, access and key infrastructure, tourism, Gaelic, education liaison, management and conservation and countryside rangers.

In terms of the Council’s involvement in the scheme, the Council had contributed £43,000 in year one of the scheme and it was hoped that this would be increased in future years. One of the Council’s proposals was the All-ability Trail and improvements to the Visitor Hub and improvements to the lower Nevis Path.

It was hoped that Members would support the project. There was significant funding coming into the area over the next five years through the Nevis Landscape Partnership Scheme and, given that there were few projects like this, Members were invited to promote the project whenever possible.

In response to questions, Members were advised that, in terms of the long term strategy for the scheme and beyond its five year term, the detailed data, (such as visitor numbers to Ben Nevis), necessary for future planning purposes was not yet available.  As a small local community, the resources were not there to generate sufficient data to make the strategic arguments to Government on how to move forward. Hopefully, on completion of the scheme, more data would be available to aid long term planning.

In terms of the wider economy and returns on investment, the project was not an economic infrastructure project but a heritage lottery landscape partnership. It was about maintaining the legacy and natural heritage of an incredibly important area for the future.  In relation to the importance of future core funding for projects within the Scheme, an Integrated Management Working Group had been established to look at the future integrated management potential of Glen Coe and Nevis area. Further, SNH were in discussions with Highland Council to look at part funding a National Scenic Area Project Officer to maintain this National Scenic Area for the future.

Work would also be undertaken to upgrade the lower Ben Nevis path and to minimise erosion on the path from the Ben Nevis race.  Insofar as toilet provision on Ben Nevis was concerned, this was a project that had been discussed with Highland Council in the past and one possible solution was for local businesses to participate in the Highland Comfort Scheme.

In terms of the deer population, the Nevis Partnership did not have a policy on deer culling as it was not a landowner.  However it did encourage collaboration on this issue between the various landowners in the area.

On behalf of the Committee, the Chair thanked the representatives from the Nevis Partnership for their interesting and informative presentation.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the significant additional funding that the project would bring to the area, the planned projects and the stage of preparedness for the Stage Two application.

4. Regeneration and Creation of Event Space, Cameron Square, Fort
    William
    Ath-bhreith agus Cruthachadh de Làrach Tachartais, Ceàrnag
    Chamshroin, An Gearasdan

There had been circulated Report No. LA-10-13 (12kb pdf) dated 4 November 2013 by the Corporate Manager which summarised progress on the creation of an events area at Cameron Square, Fort William.

In response to trading difficulties facing High Street businesses, the Council had commissioned a feasibility study to consider the regeneration of Cameron Square.  Following wide community consultation and a public meeting in June 2012 an amphitheatre design was chosen for an events area with estimated costs of £540,000.  Funding had been made available from the Scottish Government allocation of £3m to Highland Council for “shovel ready” projects and, following a tendering exercise, a contract had been awarded to P1 Solutions Limited.  Work was expected to commence for the main contract at the end of January 2014.

An outline of future works was given which included the use of artwork from the community-led underpass artwork project and consultation with local arts groups for further exhibitions.  Further, a local group wished to install a bronze Model T Ford, and would be willing to raise the funds to do this (circa £80,000).  Foundations and lighting ducts were being included as part of the main contract to allow the sculpture to be easily installed at a future date.

Having welcomed progress being made on the regeneration of Cameron Square, the Committee NOTED the position.

5. Winter Maintenance Plan for 2013/14
    Plana Cumail Suas a’ Gheamhraidh airson 2013/14

There had been circulated Report No. LA-11-13 (122kb pdf) dated 6 November 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services (TECS) which invited Members to approve the Winter Maintenance Plan for the Lochaber Area for 2013/14.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that the Council’s Scheme of Delegation to City/Area Committees gave the Lochaber Area Committee the power to approve the winter maintenance plan within the strategy and budget allocated by TECS Committee.  The Winter Maintenance Policy ensured a consistent level of service between Areas and, as far as possible, the safety of drivers and pedestrians. Each Operational Area prepared its own Winter Maintenance Plan which set out the operational details required to deliver a service and comply with the Council’s policy.

The Council’s Winter Maintenance Policy set out the hierarchy of priorities for treatment, target times for treatment and the hours of operation.  The updated Winter Maintenance Policy was contained in Appendix A to the report detailing the winter maintenance routes and footways, including the order of treatment.  In advance of the winter period, plans were put in place to ensure the Council was well placed to meet the challenges of the coming winter and these arrangements were detailed in the report in respect of labour, vehicles and plant, treatments, proposed salt usage, provision of grit and salt bins, co-ordination and support for other services, dealing with exceptional conditions and community self-help.

During discussion, Members welcomed the report and made a range of comments, including:-

• regarding the revised priority route lists, where a secondary road incorporated a school bus route there had been concerns expressed that the area at the school be cleared by 8.30 a.m. prior to the arrival of parents and teachers.  This had been raised specifically by parents and Community Council representatives in relation to Ballachulish Primary School which was located at the end of the one of the secondary routes;
• it was queried whether provisions for emergency situations had been taken into consideration.  As an example, drains had previously caused problems at Drumfada and it took a long time for this situation to be dealt with.  It was hoped that similar emergencies in the future could be resolved more quickly; and
• the current year’s good weather during October had likely produced financial savings.

Responding to these and other queries, it was confirmed that addressing particular elements of routes before 8.30 a.m. where school bus routes were involved would be looked into and an update provided.  Also, where there might be particular issues caused by ice, it was explained that drivers would usually patrol areas and increase salt dosages at these locations.  Regarding emergency situations there were provisions for an emergency standby driver to be available for routes in question.

The Committee:-

i. APPROVED the Winter Maintenance Plan for the Lochaber Area for 2013/14
   which included the priority route information presented in Appendix B of the
   report; and
ii. AGREED that Mr A Baxter be informed as to the possibility of revising gritting
   arrangements on the Ballachulish loop to ensure that the school element of the
   route was gritted before 8.30 a.m.

6. Deprived Area Funds 2014/15 
    Maoin Sgìrean Bochda 2014/15

Members were reminded that, in relation to the Report considered by Committee on 26 August, 2013, applications to the Deprived Area Fund were being invited by 2 January, 2014 and that these would be considered by Council Officers and Partners to draw up an Area based plan for the use of the Funds to be brought to the Area Committee early in 2014.

Detail having been sought as to how the scheme would be promoted locally, the Committee:-

i. NOTED that applications to the Fund were being invited by 2 January 2014 and
   that these would be considered by Council Officers and Partners to draw up Area
   based plan for the use of the Funds to be brought to the Area Committee early
   in 2014; and
ii. AGREED to report back to Members how the scheme was to be promoted in
   the local area.

7. Kinlochleven High School Associated School Group Overview
Sealladh Coitcheann airson Buidheann Sgoiltean Co-cheangailte Àrd-  
    sgoil Cheann Loch Lìobhann

Mr A Baxter declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds that his daughter was a pupil at Kinlochleven Primary School.  Mr Baxter was also an Adviser to the Parent Teacher Family Forum at Kinlochleven High School and an Adviser to the Leven Centre Board but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. LA-12-13 (496kb pdf) dated 11 November 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which provided an update of key information in relation to the school within the Kinlochleven High School Associated School Group (ASG) and provided useful updated links to further information in relation to these schools.

It was confirmed that Kinlochleven ASG consisted of Kinlochleven High School and the following primary schools: Ballachulish, Duror, Glencoe, Kinlochleven and St. Brides.  In speaking to the report, the Area Education Manager highlighted pupil attainment and achievement together with appropriate improvement strategies, wider achievements and notable successes and made reference to the most recent Standards and Quality Report. 

In session 2012-13 there had been a large turnover in staff and consequential interruptions to learning for a range of reasons.  Staffing for session 2013-2014 was now settled with the Head Teacher having returned to the school and a substantive Depute Head Teacher appointed in August 2013.

During discussion, Member made specific reference to the success of pupils and teachers in south Lochaber and paid tribute to the asset that these schools provided to the local and wider communities.  Members welcomed the report and commented as follows:-

• concerns raised at the last meeting that reports on ASGs should include more than purely statistical information were reiterated;
• staffing issues experienced at Kinlochleven High School were widely acknowledged, however, more detailed information would have been helpful, drawing on what lessons might be learned for the future.  In particular, there had been disappointment that the Council had removed the Head Teacher by secondment without anticipating the wider impact that this would have on the school.  It would have been useful to have been given information on the processes involved in seconding staff; 
• regarding teacher recruitment difficulties earlier in the year, it was unclear what support the Council had provided at a central level.  It was also unclear whether recruitment difficulties were being experienced widely throughout the Highlands or if they were unique to Lochaber; 
• there had been concerns that the nursery roll at Duror was presently zero and, while it was known that this facility was being mothballed, further background information was requested and whether there was any likelihood of the facility reopening;
• there were concerns regarding buildings suitability and conditions in relation to Kinlochleven Primary School which, although a new building, had been deemed to have a “B” rating for suitability; and
• it was queried whether the High Life Highland statistics for the use of the Leven Centre included pupils using the facility for Physical Education.

Responding to these comments, it was confirmed that:-

• the report was in the agreed format for all Area Committees for the first round of information on ASGs.   The second round of information in the next academic year would build on this process;
• regarding staffing, the Head Teacher had been seconded and had now returned to Kinlochleven High School.  This arrangement had been undertaken in agreement between the Director and Head Teacher.  Recruitment generally had been a national issue and was not just a local concern.  Recruitment campaigns were currently underway which used innovative ways to attract suitably qualified personnel, particularly for smaller secondary schools.  An example of this was the recruitment of a cluster Head Teacher role for Kinlochleven and Ardnamurchan High Schools;
• the buildings suitability grading had been devised by the Scottish Government and the “B” status which applied to Kinlochleven Primary School represented a very suitable building for primary pupils and raised no concerns;
• enrolment for Duror nursery would take place in the local school during February/March 2014.  Additional advertisements and enrolment notification would be undertaken in the local community and a guarantee had been given to parents that, after this, a decision would be taken on its future viability; and
• there was no breakdown of the figures available relating to the use of the Leven Centre.

The Committee otherwise NOTED the content of the report.

8. Education Scotland Reports – Period August 2013 to November 2013
    Aithisgean Foghlam Alba – Tràth Lùnastal 2013 gu Samhain 2013

There had been circulated Report No. LA-13-13 (238kb pdf) dated 11 November 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which provided details on Education Scotland’s inspections of schools in the Lochaber Area during the period August 2013 to November 2013, for Members scrutiny and monitoring.   Supplementary information had been tabled at the meeting detailing the actions that the Council would be asking each school to address to continue to improve.

Education Scotland inspected and reported on the quality of education in a sample of pre-school centres and schools.  To support improvement, inspectors focussed on the quality of children and young people’s learning and achievement.  They took a particular interest in the development of children and young people’s skills and understanding in literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing which enabled access to the highest possible learning within a broad general education and beyond.

The outcomes for the Lochaber area evidenced both good practice and areas for improvement which each school would use to adapt its school ‘Improvement Plan’ and report annually the impact on learners through the annual Standards and Quality Report.  It was confirmed that Inspection reports would usually be presented to the Ward Business Meeting.  Based on the 5 quality indicators and despite standards having been raised, all schools in the Lochaber area had performed very well.  All Inspections in the Lochaber area had been signed off and there were no planned returned visits by Education Scotland.

The Committee NOTED the Education Scotland reports.

9. Housing and Property Services Performance Report – 1 April 2013 to
    30 September 2013 
    Aithisg Dèanadais a thaobh Taigheadais - 1 Giblean 2013 gu 30
    Sultain 2013

Declaration of Interest: Mr B Murphy declared a financial interest in this item as a temporary accommodation provider but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. LA-14-13 (26kb pdf) dated 6 November 2013 by the Interim Director of Housing and Property which provided information on how the Housing and Property Service performed in relation to Scottish Social Housing Charter and other performance indicators during the first two quarters of 2013/14.

Members were advised that the Scottish Housing Regulator had set out the performance indicators it would use to form part of its scrutiny of landlords.  The report provided information on performance in the first 6 months of 2013/14.  Most of the indicators were not directly comparable with previous statutory performance indicators which meant that it was not possible to obtain data retrospectively to allow reporting of data trends.

There were 1,300 council houses in Lochaber:  529 in Caol and Mallaig and 771 in Fort William and Ardnamurchan.  The report detailed performance in relation to repairs, cases of anti-social behaviour, tenancy management, rental arrears and homelessness/homeless prevention.

It was confirmed that there were ongoing resource implications arising from the need to develop and maintain performance monitoring systems relating to Scottish Housing Charter Performance Indicators, managed within the current Housing Revenue Account budget.  This was also a legal requirement under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010.

During discussion, Member welcomed the report and raised the following points:-

• it was queried whether cases of rental arrears were connected to recent welfare benefit changes removing the subsidy for under occupancy; and
• there had been a recent announcement that Inverness was going to pilot an arrangement whereby, rather than money being paid directly to the landlord, this would be the responsibility of tenants.  It would appear likely that as a result of this and the removal of the subsidy of under occupancy there could be a considerable increase in rental arrears and it was queried if the Council was prepared for such an increase.  It was also queried whether the Discretionary Housing Payment was limited to two years.

Responding to these queries, it was explained that:-

• welfare benefit changes would likely have had an impact on rental arrears on a Highland-wide basis.  However, there was evidence of some degree of recovery on account of increases in Discretionary Housing Payments for the Council in the current year.  There were wider economic issues affecting many tenants which could also affect rent arrears levels and this was a national issue;
• universal credits would be rolled out from today for the Inverness post code areas.  This would represent a fundamental change to the way in which people received benefit through one single payment and it would then be a matter for individuals to budget with that amount, including for rent.  There were concerns on the impact this might have on rental arrears; and
• in relation to Discretionary Housing Payment, the Council received an increase in its fund for the current year which would enable it to address some of the challenges within the current financial year but there was no certainty on how much would be available under the Discretionary Housing Payment for future years.

The Committee NOTED the information provided on Housing and Property Service performance for the period 1 April 2013 to 30 September 2013.

10. Sailwest – Conclusion of EU Funded Marine Facilities Project
      Sailwest – Deireadh den Phròiseact Goireasan Mara, Maonaichte
      leis an AE

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Baxter declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds of being Chair/Director of the Kinlochleven Community Trust but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. LA-15-13 (15kb pdf) dated 4 November 2013 by the Corporate Manager which summarised the EU funded Sailwest project, its impact on Lochaber and the potential for future funding.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that an INTERREG IV bid had been made in 2007 for a project involving partners in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the West Coast of Scotland which involved provision of infrastructure and related marketing campaign.  Infrastructure projects (installation of pontoons) for Lochaline and Mallaig were put forward as well as a feasibility study for the provision of marine facilities at Kinlochleven, Knoydart and the Small Isles.

The report detailed the overall objectives of the Sailwest project, the range of partners involved and funding arrangements.  An evaluation of both the outputs and outcomes from the project was around 75% complete and early drafts indicated that all the expected outputs had been exceeded.  For Lochaline, the marine facilities had brought significant increases in economic activity and the community had installed on-shore facilities including a laundrette and showers and was looking to expand further.  In Mallaig, the community was also looking to build on-shore facilities with a planning application having recently been submitted.

There was considerable support to make a submission to INTERREG V once it became established for projects which had been considered under the original feasibility study at Kinlochleven, Small Isles and Knoydart.  It was suggested that the Council look favourably on the allocation of grant-funding to such a project to build on the infrastructure improvements and marketing carried out over the past three years.

During discussion, Members welcomed the report and queried whether future projects for INTERREG V could benefit Fort William for such projects as the marina development.  A request was made for an update on the proposed facility at the waterfront.

In response, it was unclear what the criteria would be for INTERREG V but it was known that there would not be a specific marine tourism element as for INTERREG IV.  The other themes had been renewable energy, social inclusion and cultural tourism and it was hoped that a suitable project could be packaged to reflect these themes which might still include marine tourism.  As feasibility studies had already been carried out, it would be important to progress the proposed marine facilities for Kinlochleven, Knoydart and the Small Isles to implementation stage.  If the Fort William marina development could be taken to the feasibility stage this would be helpful to identify costs for any funding bid.   Progress with the potential private sector marina development in Fort William was not currently available, but an update report would be provided to Members.

The Committee:-

i.  NOTED and welcomed the results from the Sailwest project; 
ii. AGREED in principle to further partnership working aimed at developing a further
    Sailwest project; and
iii. AGREED that the Ward Manager report back to Members, at a Ward Business
    Meeting, progress in relation to the potential marina development in Fort William.

11. Minutes 
      Geàrr-chunntas

There had been circulated Minutes of Meeting of the Lochaber Area Committee held on 26 August 2013, which had been approved by the Council on 5 September and which were NOTED.

The meeting concluded at 11.50 am.