Iona Community Council

Draft minutes of the quarterly meeting held in Iona Village Hall on Wednesday 4 September 2024 at 7.30pm

Present: Shiona Ruhemann (chair), Dot Stewart, Toben Lewis (minutes), Katy Russon, Jane Martin, 11 members of the public, and 1 visitor.

Apologies: Rob MacManaway, Gordon MacCormick

Minutes of the previous meeting: signed off without amendments

Iona Community Council Report

Jane Martin—

In the last three months:

Bins have surprisingly not featured. Mull Campus, broadband, breakwater, car permits, visitor levy, planning, public toilets, community research jointly with Village Hall team all have.

There’s a lot of general correspondence including volunteer queries, requests to meet people, funding questions.

We have promoted relevant events such as the Gaelic Name Places survey out recently.

We have been contacted by someone looking to put a bench on the island if anyone is wanting one on their land.

We have been a conduit for various other organisations such as the Islands Federation.

We recently met with our MSP when she visited the island as well.

Reports from organisations:

Iona Village Hall Community Trust

Jane Martin read a report from Anja Jardine –

A busy summer is drawing to an end, and we would like to thank everybody who supported the events in the hall.

The Golf disco was a very successful fundraiser for us. Many families joined the first part of the night filled with ceilidh dancing and games, followed by a busy disco. We took in £2877.40 through door and the bar.

It was the first event for which the 'Hall's angels' were deployed. 'Hall's angels' is a group of island residents who have signed up to help out at IVHCT staged event. If you would like to join, please contact Anja. Once on our list, there is no pressure to have to help at every occasion - we will post our need on a WhatsApp group and you can offer your help if you want.

As for future fundraising/IVHCT organised events, we are hoping to stage a Fireworks night on Saturday, 2nd of November. There will be a Christmas Craft fair on Saturday, 30th November. We also hope to put on films over the winter but we have not yet set dates for this.

The hall has received sports funding which we hope to invest into new sports equipment. One popular proposal is to purchase Pickle Ball equipment. We will investigate further and will let you know what the funding will be used for.

Our issue with SSE has been resolved. Since last year we had been charged extortionately by changing to a new rate without contacting us. We took our complaint to the Ombudsman, who decided in our favour. We have now been credited with over £9000 and a £150 courtesy payment. An apology letter should follow. We will also need to establish a new contract with a new rate.

Lastly, IVHCT has, in partnership with ICC commissioned Community Enterprise to conduct a community based research to capture any issues, challenges and priorities of people living and working on lona. We are currently developing a survey with Community Enterprise which will be sent out to lona residents in the near future.

Iona Renewables

Shiona Ruhemann –

The technology the Iona project uses is Shared Ground Loops (SGL). Being an innovative project with this technology, and on an island, has been very challenging. Partly due to the change of Government in July, UK/ devolved governments are changing attitudes to/ increasingly interested in Shared Ground Loops, and in organisations like the Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA) helping these governments to do more with this technology.

GSHPA is quite newly involved with our project and is very strongly supportive of it. GSHPA considers the Heat Network on Iona to be the critical breakthrough project for SGLs in rural areas, way ahead of anywhere else, which should have strong Scottish Government support. Meanwhile, as reported last meeting, Scottish Government officials have communicated four obstacles: two are unequivocally factually wrong; one is about sequencing, not viability; the final obstacle seems to be an opinion about island communities’ inability to install and operate their own assets – which isn’t defensible, and is very ironic as we sit in Iona’s beautiful new Village Hall, installed, operated and maintained by the island community, with consistent work to cover Hall costs.

Since the last meeting, we’ve studied carefully all the available recent due diligence assessments of the project, together with our external technical advisers, including GSHPA. All of us confirm this information presents no reason that the Iona project cannot proceed. It only reconfirms the logical sequence of progressing the Iona project, particularly given the fact that had it had gone over a COVID-created cliff. This logical and necessary sequence was set out in December 2022 in an external report funded by Scottish Govt and discussed with SG officials. The main due diligence report explicitly recommends that exactly all of these known actions that we’ve been trying to progress for three years are progressed as conditions of funding – thereby reconfirming an agenda for delivering the project.

IEL and GSHPA have therefore written jointly to the Minister through our very supportive MSP, asking for a joint in-person meeting to progress the Iona project in line with what officials have communicated and the due diligence. We’re also working on cash reserves, with specialist support; and on options immediately to make the progress we can with a potential lead contractor. We’ve made clear to SG that we will progress this project; we won’t go back to square one again.

Iona Broadband Committee

Jane Martin read a report from Gordon MacCormick –

Scotland R100

The R100 Delivery schedule for the Ross of Mull and Iona was updated at the beginning of August. The new fibre network is now scheduled to be complete, and ready for connections, by the end of December 2024.

The build work on the Ross of Mull is well underway and part of the network in the Bunessan area is reported to be live and undergoing testing.

The build work on Iona is expected to begin mid September and take five to seven weeks to complete.

A community meeting will be held on the 25th September at 11am in the Hall, to allow residents to ask questions about the build and the new fibre network.

Broadband Equipment – Iona Exchange

There have been a number of broadband connection issues over the past few months which have been more difficult to resolve than normal, and some subscribers have been told that they require a new connection, as their existing connection is unrepairable.

It is public knowledge that the ADSL technology used in our Iona exchange is well past its use by date, and I’ve been asked whether those connection issues are being caused by age related failures of the broadband equipment within the exchange? The answer to that is, no, they are not.

While equipment failures do happen, BT continue to maintain and replace the equipment as required, and it continues to work, within its design limits, just as it has for the last twenty years.

When BT say that a connection is unrepairable, the connection that they are referring to, is the route that they have built onto their broadband systems, to connect your ISP, through those systems, to your telephone line within the Iona exchange. When things go wrong with one of those connections it is often easier to scrub that connection completely and build a new one.

As most people are aware, the way that our broadband network is set up is unique. That uniqueness has been the main cause of our connection issues over the past twenty years.

There are only a small number of people in BT Wholesale who understand how our network is built, and how to route a connection through to Iona correctly. Whether an order for an Iona connection is successful, or not, depends entirely upon that order appearing on their systems, in front of one of those people.

However, we do have a procedure in place with BT, whereby, when one of those connection issues arises, we contact them with the details and they ensure that a case handler, with knowledge of our network, and the ability to work across all parts of BT, is tasked with resolving the issue.

I am currently working with BT to resolve issues affecting three of their Iona customers. Each case arose for different reasons, but all were very quickly complicated by mistakes made by BT Broadband, BT Wholesale, and BT Retail, which resulted in telephone numbers being lost, or changed, the wrong type of broadband product being ordered for the lines, and the usual incorrect routing issues, to list just some of the things that have gone wrong with those cases.

In conclusion – connection issues have increased over the past few months, but they are not the result of equipment failures in the exchange. Instead, they are due to mistakes being made by customer service personnel during normal procedures, for example, changing an ISP, changing account details, or doing a cease and reprovision of broadband service on an existing line.

There’s not much that we can do to improve the training given to BT’s employees, but we can intervene with BT, on a subscribers behalf, and assist them in resolving those type of issues.

So, if anyone is having ongoing connection issues with BT they should contact, an IC Councillor, or, myself Gordon MacCormick, directly.

Discussion –

Adam Robb is looking for accommodation for 4 workers for 5-7 weeks.

There were questions regarding existing broadband contracts being transferred to the new fibre optic; and if contracts will be rolled over or if new connections will be required.

Ferries and Breakwater

Finlay MacDonald –

Winter timetable is only up until New Year because it’s unknown when the new ferries will come in. They hope to confirm the rest in October. There are a number of spells running Frisa only.

The priority scheme is being extended to another couple of islands (the final 10% of a sailing being released 72 hours before. It’s not the priority scheme we have been asking for, and this has been reiterated to CalMac, though it is more helpful than not.

The Sunday ferry no longer waits for the last bus across Mull. This is a bus timetabling issue, it leaves Craignure too late. If it was scheduled to leave ten minutes earlier but ran late there would be less effect on the ferry. It is unlikely it will be solved this timetable but hopefully it will be by March.

Discussions with CMAL about their procurement system are ongoing.

The trains are running later into Oban and earlier out of Oban. The Frisa struggles to keep up with their timetable so this could create problems. For example, stranding the bus passengers today.

We are in a holding position with the breakwater waiting for licenses to be granted. Sea grass is a central issue, including how to deal with restitution for removing sea grass.

Discussion –

Katy Russon asked how early the bus could be timetabled to leave. FM: there’s a lot of variables including trains. The breakwater will make most of these hour of work issues disappear.

Health

Jane Martin read a report from Rhona Hastings –

A couple of locum GPs working with Mull & Iona Medical Group are considering a longer term position and possible permanent appointment. Further update in due course.

A reminder to residents who are patients of MIMG and might be overdue chronic disease reviews to make an appointment via the Patient Facilitators in Bunessan.

There may be training for Community First Responders in early November that would cover Iona, we await final confirmation of dates and venue. This will be over two years from when the first request went out for people who might be interested. Rona has undertaken a higher level of training but is still waiting on equipment and to be on the SAS system. Therefore at this current time there is no official Community First Responder service for Iona and people should be reminded to contact 111 if seeking advice for non-urgent issues and 999 if it is life threatening.

Discussion –

Sarah MacDonald noted that Oban High students can be registered with the Oban practice as a visitor, and as it’s now connected as one practice so is fairly straightforward. Finlay MacDonald asked about lack of appointment slots during the winter ferry timetable, and if the doctors could take a later ferry to allow for more people to be seen. SR asked if potential GP recruitment is for Bunessan surgery – unknown.

SWMID

Ailidh Lennon –

Board is meeting monthly. There is a lot going on at the moment organising many projects, none are currently directly related to Iona. If anyone is wanting details of a certain project please contact Ailidh who will be happy to update.

The new CEO is very proactive and SWMID is looking to be on track to meet its targets this year.

New subgroups will be created in the near future, including a renewables one, if anyone is interested in joining.

Discussion –

Shiona Ruhemann asked if SWMID is getting involved in the Mull Campus. AL: it doesn’t appear the Board is keen on getting involved at this point. Katy Russon: there was a survey done for the Ross of Mull and the opinions were understandably varied, so it would be difficult for one organisation to speak on behalf of the people when there isn’t a clear directive from the residents. SR: SWMID was very involved in the first wave, focused on a strong, consultative, fair process, which was helpful. AL: willing to bring it up at the next meeting. SR: ICC is keen to meet the CEO but it wasn’t possible during her visit this week; we’d like to have a zoom with her to discuss various Iona issues.

Discussions:

Mull Campus

Shiona Ruhemann –

We’ve recently sent an island update through mail chimp. That includes ICC correspondence with the Mull Campus Team on priority issues for Iona – particularly that the Council needs to confirm whether the option of Iona children attending Oban High School on the same funded terms is affected or not; and depending on scenarios, the Council must thoroughly assess risks and impacts of Iona children commuting 3+ hours every day.

Some more info from recent documents: January 2029 is the current forecast for completion. Council funding has not been released, but there is agreement to progress a business case and seek Committee approvals at key milestones. A Mull Campus could become a shared community facility. A call has gone out for available sites.

ICC has been informed we’re on a Community Sounding Board potentially for the next five years. The primary remit is “to provide advice and feedback to the Mull Campus Project Team on community engagement and communication matters during all project stages“.

Mull Campus Team has sent out notice that they are holding a session in the Hall on Iona on 25 September, 12:15-14:15, although there was no consultation with the Community Sounding Board on this community engagement or communication matters related to it. The purpose of the meeting is unclear but it seems the Team wants to discuss generic issues about what a site needs, whilst they don’t want to discuss any specific issues about sites and implications. Important that people attend and say what they themselves consider is important for the Team to hear.

Katy Russon:The Council’s understanding is the funding has to be a like for like campus, so it will have to be an age 3-18 school. Which, if sited outside of Tobermory, would mean there is no longer a primary school in Tobermory. All site suggestions need to be in by 13 September.

Discussion –

Sarah MacDonald asked if they have stated what the intention is for Iona pupils. KR: they have stated that Oban High School and hostel would remain an option, but they have not confirmed that would remain a funded option. SM: some pupils thrive in the hostel environment, some might want to come home at night, it should be a fully funded choice for each family. Neil Bruce: the minutes that came out of that meeting stated there was no intention of the new campus affecting any other schools, but if the campus is moved out of Tobermory that would trigger a review of catchment areas. KR: that could be for primary as well as secondary schools. NB: the difficulty is getting an assurance from the Council that parents will be given the choice, because that is not how it works anywhere else. KR: there are overlapping catchment areas in Scotland already although that’s denominational schools.

Further discussion ensued.

AOB:

Meeting in Hall on 5 Sept at 7pm

A visitor, Rev. Y Gooljary, wished to give a reminder of a meeting he is hosting in the Hall on 5 September through Challenging Racism Scotland as per fliers distributed on Iona.

Visitor levy

Jane Martin –

This is a mechanism which allows local authorities to decide to introduce a levy or tax charged on overnight accommodation. It is the LA’s choice whether to implement and the level of the charge. The money raised is reinvested in services and facilities used by tourism and business visitors.

This is not a new idea and is common across Europe with Berlin charging 5% and Amsterdam now 12.5% on accommodation. There are usually variations on number of nights and also level of accommodation.

The Scottish Government will prepare Regulations, which will include exemptions, number of night stays included in the levy and so on. Parliament said that island authorities needed to take into account the partial ICIA which had been undertaken as part of the preparation of the bill it considered, but it was up to them to take island residents fully into account

Argyll and Bute Council is setting up a Short Life Working Group and a Shadow Visitor Levy Forum to look at how the levy might be implemented, with an officers’ working group drafting proposals. Consultation will be invited likely from November from communities and businesses on the possible introduction. Jim Lynch said mid August that autumn 2026 would be the earliest for A&B.

The key points include island residents having to be off island overnight in Oban, or elsewhere to attend a meeting or appointment on the mainland, will pay the levy as it stands at present. Also people who have to have a night’s accommodation due to the failure of transport connections.

At the moment it is not clear if ABC can make any exemptions on its own, or if it needs to seek to influence the Scottish Ministers to do so within the Regulations before the Act is implemented.

ICC might wish to consider writing to the authors of the report, Kirsty Flanagan, Executive Director responsible for Economic Growth and Councillor Jim Lynch, the Leader of the Council to seek clarification on the LA’s role and to highlight the issue of medical appointments in particular. It may be that the health board support can be increased to include the levy for example.

It would also be beneficial to share with Jenni Minto, local ward councillors and those who are on the health board from ABC, as this will be a widespread issue for those on other islands and rural communities.

What are people’s thoughts just now and also to encourage everyone to think it over and participate in the consultation when it is released. ICC will share.

Discussion –

Sarah MacDonald: it feels like a double whammy attack on short term let providers. We’ve just had to go through licensing and now we either have to put up our rates or absorb it ourselves. Scotland relies on tourism and this does not encourage tourism. Phil Ruhemann: all the certification required for the licensing costs more on islands and should have been caught by the Islands Act. This needs to be fed in in response to the consultation. Katy Russon: it’s already being brought in in Edinburgh at 5%. The added admin is daunting for accommodation providers. Neil Bruce: the Councils report doesn’t make any mention of unintended consequences such as island residents having to travel off island and stay elsewhere for medical appointments, etc. SR: we should raise early with the Council and include the MSP, who’s very focused on island issues. JM: ICC will write to local councillors, the MSP, and minister and will promote the consultation when it’s open.

Further discussion included uncertainty on who is charged and who isn’t, who will hold the administrative onus, etc.

Bench request

There is a family wanting to donate a bench in memoriam of a family member, if anyone wants a bench, let Jane know.

Discussion –

Phil Ruhemann has asked if a plaque from a broken bench could be put on the new bench. The Parish Church may be interested if so. Rick Johnston: Columba Hotel would also have a space.

Parish Church

A Nominating Committee for the linked parishes of Iona and Ross of Mull with North Mull (Shiona is the Iona rep) has identified  the person whom they wish to propose to the congregations of Mull and Iona to be our new Minister. Rev Amanda MacQuarrie will take services in Salen and Bunessan (10am) and Salen (2pm) on 22 September as Sole Nominee for this post. After the service, members and adherents will vote on Rev MacQuarrie’s appointment. Very good news.

Bins

Sarah MacDonald noted there are no public bins beyond the Abbey.

Discussion –

Katy Russon: a new bin was put at the North End gate, but it disappeared within a week. Investigation is required. There are further outstanding issues from the last meeting with the Council that also need followed up.

Council work outsourcing

Katy Russon –

The Council is looking to outsource some of its on island work, including grounds maintenance and cleaning the toilets. If anyone is interested speak to Rob MacManaway. It may also be worth that person suggesting verge cutting and ditch clearing as jobs the Council could undertake.

Date of next meeting: 4 December 2024