Iona Community Council

Draft minutes of the quarterly and Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Iona Village Hall on Wednesday 5 June 2024 at 7.30pm

Present: Shiona Ruhemann (chair), Dot Stewart, Toben Lewis (minutes), Katy Russon, Rob MacManaway, 19 members of the public.

Apologies: Jane Martin, Cllr Willie Hume

Minutes of the previous meeting: signed off without amendments

Iona Community Council AGM Report and Accounts

Dot read a report from Jane Martin—

In the three months since the last Community Council meeting we’ve dealt with a wide range of topics. Some will be covered by the agenda tonight and have taken up a fair bit of time to keep up to date, asking questions and pushing back. These include the breakwater and associated works of mooring, toilets and piers; and the Mull Campus.

Iona Community Council (ICC) met with Argyll and Bute Council (A+BC) in April to move forward the discussion on bins, bulk uplift, toilets and grass cutting. Actually being able to look at the facilities was really useful as you’ll hear later in the meeting, although progress is slow.

We answer a range of queries, sometimes tourist information, sometimes trying to explain island operations and sometimes sharing our experiences as what seems like a difficult journey might just be how things work.

A by-election was held in May but we didn’t get any candidates for ICC however we have had new nominees/ reps for SWMID (Ailidh Lennon) and Iona Cathedral Trustees (Neil Bruce) and are exploring another new rep. We still welcome assistance so if you have a topic you are passionate about or a project you could help ICC pursue, get in touch. Thank you to everyone who supports ICC.

ICC has the opportunity to be involved in a range of consultations and will share relevant ones such as the Scottish Power Windfarm event on 12 June 2-4pm in the hall. We give advice on organising these public events (advice isn’t always taken) and attend where we can. Another notable meeting was hosted by the MICT Housing Project Officer at the Argyll Hotel.

We’ve also been active on vehicle permits, a regular on our agenda and again you’ll hear more on this later.

There are also lighter moments – we were asked if the Book of Kells should come back to Iona. Imagine the security!

So, another busy three months for Iona Community Council.

Over to Katy for a summary of the finances.

Katy Russon –

Accounts have been prepared and independently examined. The only income is the yearly grant from A+BC. Expenditure is renting the Village Hall and maintenance on the notice board.

Reports from organisations:

Iona Renewables

Shiona Ruhemann –

Lots of ongoing support from everyone involved in the project, our currents funders, and e.g. the head of the Ground Source Heat Pump Association for Scotland (GSHPA – also chair of GSHPA UK). GSHPA has recently got closely involved because the Iona project is a vital pilot for this kind of Heat Network (Shared Ground Loops) in rural areas; GSHPA sees Iona as so far ahead and so nearly there. Jenni Minto is also closely involved and Ministers are directly engaged.

 

Scottish Government officials have come back with four arguments that obstruct funding. Two of these are unequivocally wrong and disproven. A third doesn’t present an actual issue but appears premised on the assumption that islands are inherently unable to run their own assets, which is not a viable position. A fourth is that capital costs are not re-confirmed – SG has had a proposal and part-funding request since late summer to address this; at most this is an issue of sequencing (that has been in SG’s hands), not an obstruction to funding. We’ve asked the Minister urgently to oversee revision and correction of the four arguments.

Officials have again raised a proposal of assessing different technology options as a “unique opportunity”. This would be the fourth time we’re put through this “unique opportunity”, which Scottish Government’s own consultants have already comprehensively addressed. We’ve confirmed to the Minister that we won’t be doing this.

We’ve asked the Minister to visit Iona and listen to the community’s experience; taking forward the proposal to confirm capital costs is a priority.

Discussion –

Jane Kindlen congratulated and thanked Shiona and IR / IEL for their perseverance and tenacity. Mhairi Killin said this is illustrative of the top-down imposed approach, as also in the current drive for offshore wind farms – favouring large corporate farms over supporting successful community led projects. Encouraged attendance at the Machair Wind Farm consultation next week. Wallace: the industry needs to be on board or the Scottish Government will never support it. SR: we have them on board, and have had throughout the project. A lot of businesses and industry professionals have been helping the project at risk and on spec because they strongly support it and know its value.

Iona Broadband Committee

Rob MacManaway read a report from Gordon MacCormick –

Scotland R100

The R100 Delivery schedule for Mull and Iona was updated at the end of April. The new fibre network is now scheduled to be complete and ready for connections, in the different intervention areas, as follows:

Craignure and Pennyghael – by the end of June 2024.
Ross of Mull and Iona – by the end of September 2024.
North West of Mull – by the end of March 2025.

Openreach have begun preliminary work in the Craignure area and have been carrying out some of the pole replacements, on Mull and Iona, that are required for the new network.

Much of the network build requires road works permits from Argyll & Bute Council and while a works programme has already been agreed, the order of the works has changed, so Openreach are in discussions, with the Council, to get permission for an earlier start to some of those works.

While it is doubtful, that the Craignure and Pennyghael end of June schedule will be achieved, we should see increasing evidence, over the next few weeks, that the building of the new network from Craignure down to Iona, is finally underway.

Landline Telephones – PSTN Switch Off

BT has revised its timetable for migrating all UK landline telephones, from its Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), over to the Broadband network.  

This had been scheduled for completion by the end of December 2025. The deadline for completion has now been extended, by thirteen months, until the 31st of January 2027.

In Scotland, the migration process is still expected to begin in the Summer of 2024, but the revised timetable should ensure that, in our area, our landline telephones will be migrated straight on to the new R100 fibre network, rather than onto our existing copper broadband network.

Ferries and Breakwater

Finlay MacDonald –

Ferries

The coming winter the train will be affected with speed restrictions due to repairs. This will affect connections as it will get to Oban later and leave for Glasgow earlier. There are mitigations in place for the two vessel timetable but it will be close to impossible on the one vessel timetable. It may be that connections in one direction work on certain days, and the opposite direction on alternate days. Awaiting a response to that suggestion.

Ferry Committee met with the new interim CEO of CalMac, who seems informed and pleasant. Discussions were had around the Frisa and Coruisk constantly being the only two vessels assigned to Mull, because the Isle of Mull is constantly being moved elsewhere. In situations where other islands are without a ferry it is of course necessary to reallocate a boat, but in situations of wanting extra capacity for (for example) a music festival it is less necessary.

The booking website is still having issues. Now have a direct contact to send issues and anomalies with the website and ticketing, please send those to Finlay.

Breakwater

A+BC are ready to announce who has been awarded the breakwater contract, they are awaiting final approvals from Nature Scotland and SEPA. Hold up is around sea grass and methodology around construction. Nature Scotland and SEPA are awaiting responses from A+BC before they can finalise theirs.

Shiona Ruhemann –

Mooring area

The A+BC response (28 March) was that a mooring area cannot be considered with the Breakwater, even if separately funded, because it’s been raised too late ("it is not possible to amend this scope at such a late stage”). ICC responded that moorings are included in The Sound of Iona Masterplan (South West Mull and Iona Development: 2013). The Masterplan was signed off bye the Council (OLI Area Committee). We’ve continually asked for it be factored into the Breakwater development, and community reps at every forum (including years of work through the Harbours group) have repeatedly highlighted moorings and/ or reinstated pier infrastructure. Our genuine questions are: how much lead-in time does the Council require if 11 years is not enough? If sign off by the Area Committee is not high enough, what level of sign off is required? We’ve also asked questions about the Harbours Board meeting of 21 March, and followed up on Finlay’s question of 28 March about reinstatement of a useable pier (if not creation of a mooring area). We’ve not had a response.

Discussion –

Rob MacManaway: read something about Transport Scotland instructing CalMac to be realistic with the maintenance schedule this winter. Do you think the expectations are more realistic? Finlay: the time for the boats being out for maintenance used to be 2 weeks per vessel, it’s now 4.  With the age of the boats, more time is just needed.

National Trust for Scotland

Harrie Burney –

Breakwater – The paperwork for the breakwater site is complete. During meetings we have been asking for the replacement public toilets to be expanded in line with increased visitor numbers and to include a bin shelter or housing to protect larger bins. We've been told that this isn't an option the council would consider as the toilet block replacement isn't a priority aspect of the build.

Broadband – We've been working with Openreach on the wayleave for the new broadband service. We are waiting for confirmation from Openreach that everything is agreed and this should be complete soon

Maol Cottage – Met with Helen MacDonald and Kate Payton from MICT and have outlined the next steps for getting Maol cottage renovated and creating a second small unit in the byre as well. The archaeology team has digitally recorded the cottage, byre and kailyard behind them.  I'm arranging drawings and outline costs of the project to take it forward for affordable housing.

Corncrake – The corncrake surveying has started and Emily Wilkins and the volunteer corncrake counters will be busy over the coming weeks. Thank you to everyone who has left long grass and corncrake friendly habitat.

We have received some complaints about corncrake disturbance and it's worth mentioning that corncrake are Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (as amended by the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004) Meaning it is an offence to intentionally disturb these birds whilst they are building a nest, or in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young; or to disturb dependent young even if not in the nest.

Bioblitz week – At the start of April we held a Bioblitz of key areas of the farm with the NTS Nature Conservation team, the weather was terrible but it was successful regardless, helping us to get a baseline biodiversity study for the farm. Later that week Jeff Waddell, head of Nature Conservation and Nicky Downing, Farmland Conservation Officer and Alan Barrow, Estates Manager joined me to discuss the details of future farm management plan for Maol. I am busy working on this document at the moment.

Seasonal Rangers – Peter Skinner, Dougie Brunton and Louise King have already been busy engaging with visitors this season. On Tuesdays we will have a seasonal ranger present at the Shelter, joined by Emily, volunteers or other colleagues.

Paths – I was contacted earlier in the year about a stretch of path along to the abbey from the village. Bob Brown the head of Paths team came out to survey it and additional work is being planned to direct the water away from the path and extend the stone built section.

Drainage – In the process of organising an archaeological dig to repair the broken drains that cross the field below the Columba Hotel, this is likely to take place in September. Other sites where drainage is an issue have been raised and we're looking at what needs to be done next.

Mink – There is a project that we are involved with, in its early stages looking at getting funding for smart digital mink traps that send a text when they've been triggered, making them more time effective. If anyone is interested in being involved in a pilot get in touch and we'll pass on your details.

Iona Community

Caro Penney –

MacLeod Centre’s future direction is now toward creating accommodation for use of island and Iona Community staff. No timelines yet, but a positive direction.

Discussion –

General agreement that Mac news is positive.

SWMID

Ailidh Lennon –

Personnel changes

New appointment of a CEO. Sarah Robinson Frood. Sarah is based in Cove, near Helensburgh, and will be working remotely with in-person visits planned on a monthly basis. She has a community development background, runs a consultancy business and has worked with lots of community groups in Argyll and Bute.

Just newly in post, she has met with all staff online and is conducting a review of the work underway. First steps are to understand both the roles of the staff and the organisation’s focus for the year to ensure roles and responsibilities can deliver on SWMID plans

Philip Yeilder has stepped down as forest manager. Interviews for a sawmill and forest worker have taken place this week with plans to have the sawmill operating 5 days a week (currently only one sawmill operator). This role will also pick up some of the practical jobs in the forest that were part of Phil’s remit, as part of the consolidation and review process currently underway.

Aird Fada Seaweed farm

This year’s harvest of sugar kelp, winged kelp and wild oar weed has been completed successfully, but still some significant challenges. Sarah is working with Leigh, Aird Fada project officer, to review and put together a plan for going forward regarding biodiversity management and economic viability. Any questions I can feed back to Leigh to answer.

Forest Crofts

The creation of 6 forest crofts were approved by the crofting commission early this year after a lengthy process. There is one final hurdle involving an appeal process that we are currently waiting on to be concluded but should be resolved in the next couple of months. In the meantime, we have re-established the woodland croft working group who will decide on an allocation process so that we have this in place and are ready to allocate as soon as possible.

Housing

Still progressing housing interest for affordable housing in Bunessan with support in place from Argyll and Bute council and West Highland Housing Association, who have agreed on the project, so it is now in the hands of WHHA to deliver.

Additionally, SWIMID are currently looking to secure some land to deliver their own housing in the Ross of Mull, specifically for key workers, seasonal staff.

In terms of Iona, we are aware that MICT have held a surgery with a representative from the council and NTS to discuss the housing issue, look at some existing buildings that could potentially be brought back into use and to assist residents to register on the housing list, so the need is properly reflected. Our role would be to assist MICT unless something from the community is brought to SWIMID to look at.

MICT

Rob MacManaway –

Housing Consultation was the most Iona-involved event. Currently involved in affordable housing up at Tobermory.

Discussion –

Philip Ruhemann: asked if Moray was involved with smart meter problems individually or if MICT was involved. RM: doesn’t think MICT is involved.

Discussions:

Vehicle Permits

Shiona Ruhemann –

Needs ongoing, active management by everybody on the island. As a reminder of the background, in 2017, ICC formed a subcommittee to respond to long-standing concern about vehicle permits. Three options were considered with extensive consultation, and a unanimous decision in support of the option to enforce the existing Road Traffic Order (RTO). The subcommittee had to do a great deal of work with A+BC to get the enforcement back. There are periods when the permit system is working well, but also periods of concern. A lot of concern has coalesced in recent weeks. ICC’s recent email asked again that everyone plays their part. We also followed up with the Council, and received an immediate and positive response from Louise Hyde. Another meeting with the Council is possibly needed. Some main issues:

Resident permits apply to people who live on Iona at least 8 months out of EVERY year, not just one year. Evidence requests are currently limited to V5s, but Iona voters roll is also part of the evidence. Should voters roll and/ or another form of evidence be requested? It’s critical that all businesses routinely manage their staff’s expectations and permit applications, and address any errors; there are complaints about non-residents having resident permits.

Second-home owners can use the car only between jetty and house on arrival and departure – there are some specific concerns.

There was a lot of frustration about a vehicle that was driven all over the island when it was brought here for a specific job for one of the businesses. There are concerns about people bringing vehicles for events who don’t need to, and then using them outside the remit. A+BC has asked the businesses/ self-catering etc on Iona to make permit requests on behalf of people they are hosting. This also allows the local business to have proactive conversation with visitors and encourage solutions other than bringing a vehicle. Council has to deal with upset, irate people when they are denied a permit, and support to the Council team from the host is needed.

The Council has raised an issue about fire service having pemits.

Please report issues to the Council.

Discussion –

Dot Stewart: has spoken to fire service to ask that scheduled visits have correct permits. Rick Johnston: has experience of permit being denied because of V5 on a leased car — not complaining, this was a good example of the process working. So rules are being followed, we just need to make sure the right evidence is provided. Finlay MacDonald: any rule will have a way around it. Phil Ruhemann: how do we police / regulate the permits that are only for pier to house and back? SR: please report issues to the Council so they can act. Further discussion included: resident permits largely working with notable exceptions; essential that businesses communicate to staff and visitors about permits and manage use – consistently, routinely, and proactively; and reporting infractions to the Council.

Mull Campus

Katy Russon –

Council has agreed to accept LEIP funding and build a new campus. There will be consultations as to where and what that new campus will be.

Breakwater and toilets

Shiona Ruhemann –

We’ve pursued with A+BC that the design and capacity of the toilets need to be updated – rather than a like-for-like replacement as installed in the early 1960s if not earlier. We’ve got nowhere.

Discussion –

Finlay MacDonald: we should also check that portaloos or similar are in place in the time between when the public toilets are knocked down and new ones built.

Public bins and bulk uplift

Rob MacManaway –

Bulk uplift this coming winter will be on a set date, and seeking to tie down a fixed time frame with the Council in advance; items are to be brought down and put directly in the lorry. They will try for twice in the winter.

A bin was put up at the North End, but there was an issue with it being removed by person/s unknown. Notices are meant to go up on public bins identifying which ones are private and which ones are public.

At the moment people come across from Mull to clean toilets, strim, etc. The Council has intimated that if someone on the island is interested in taking on this work that facilities and training could be provided.

Discussion –

Finlay MacDonald: felt the rubbish pile from last winter was more of an issue because the Council didn’t arrive to remove it.

AOB:

Sound of Iona Music Festival

21-22 June in the Hall, Library, and Rookery Cafe. 240 tickets sold. 28 people will be working at the event (paid and volunteer). Fife Medical will be on site for first aid and two security persons. Lots of other local businesses involved as well. All attendees camping or sourced local accommodation. Goes from 11am to last act at 11.15pm across the three venues. Ticket holders will have wrist bands. Licensed bar in the Hall.

Discussion –

Rowena Brown: will West Coast Motors be putting on extra busses? Dot Stewart: Unknown, but probably, also Will is very happy to answer questions if you ask him.

Church of Scotland

Shiona is Iona Parish Church rep on the Nominating Committee to recruit a minister for the entirety of Mull and Iona. Care Crawford is in a formal role on Iona through Church of Scotland, including a pastoral role, and may be contacted if needed.

Machair Wind Farm consultation

About an offshore wind farm near Islay and Colonsay. The projects are being run by Canadian and Irish companies. Being held 12 June, 2-4 in the Village Hall. Led by SSEN. Many concerns in other areas include the on-land infrastructure required to take the power from the wind farms to the grid. The most recent planning application for a different but similar project in Scotland covered an area as large as Prestwick Airport. It appears the project is going ahead despite this being a ‘consultation’.

Discussion –

Katy Russon: what is the feeling on other islands, particularly Islay and Colonsay? Unknown. Neil Jardine: we will be able to see them, but the infrastructure and industry is unlikely to affect us here. Concerned about creep of scope. Mhairi Killin: have contact with people in Lewis and Harris, there are already compulsory purchase orders of croft land and there is little to no local community benefit. The communities fighting these projects are taking the planning route as that is the potential weak area.

Date of next meeting: 4 September 2024