12/08/2026
Cumbrae Community Council
Draft Minutes of the Meeting held on Thursday 25 June 2026
Attendance: Alex Harvie (Chair), Duncan Fraser (CCC), Angus Campbell (CCC), John McHenery (CCC), Kari Lundy (CCC), Robert Wilson (CCC), Gregor Harvie (Adviser CCC), Lorraine Fraser (Cumbrae Forum), Scott Watson (CNI), Paul Kernachan (Wee Cumbrae), Jim Heaney (NAC), Dianne Smith, Fiona and Jack from Tree-O, Calum Corral (Largs and Millport), Cllr Collier, Cllr Murdoch + members of the public, 24 total
Apologies: Graham Wallace (Adviser CCC), Canon Alec (Cathedral), Jan Wilkie (CCDC), Cllr Marshall
· Chair declared the meeting quorate.
· No declarations of interest.
· Minutes of previous meeting approved: https://cumbrae.org/CCC_Minutes.html
· You tube link to video of the meeting: https://youtu.be/Rd4a2RyTwkc?si=gMCfO37jl5iOeFrC
Quick updates – organisations
Police
Police Scotland reported two recorded crimes during the reporting period. No wider issues of concern were highlighted and the overall position on the island remained quiet.
Action: Obtain new Coastguard contact following personnel changes.
Isle of Cumbrae Tourism Association (IOCTA)
The tourist season had begun positively, although ferry capacity and service reliability continued to affect visitor numbers and the island economy.
Cumbrae Community Development Company (CCDC)
A written report was received covering recent activities and ongoing projects.
Community events, including the Cumbrae Queen celebrations, Millport 10-Mile Run and Classic Car Rally, had been well attended. Further events were scheduled over the summer and autumn.
The Titanic exhibition at Garrison House continued to attract positive feedback. Community support sessions were now being delivered regularly at Garrison House, providing advice on funding opportunities, volunteering and cost of living support.
Restoration works at Garrison House were progressing, with further window replacement planned.
The Short Life Working Group on overnight parking and camping had agreed actions to promote a "Respect Our Island" campaign, review motorhome parking arrangements, improve waste provision and continue raising ferry fare concerns nationally.
Discussion on proposals relating to West Lodge had been deferred until August. The North Ayrshire Council Repurposing Grant remained on hold pending revised guidance.
Installation works associated with the Pit Stops project were nearing completion, with the remaining site expected to become operational shortly. Planned refurbishment works to the Millport Holiday Apartments would be undertaken during the winter.
Action: Continue implementation of the Short Life Working Group action plan and complete commissioning of the Pit Stops facilities.
Field Studies Council (FSC)
A positive update was received on visitor numbers and educational activity.
Ferry Users Group (FUG)
Continuing concerns were expressed regarding ferry reliability, reduced carrying capacity and delays caused by the current timetable. These issues were having a significant impact on residents, businesses and visitor numbers.
It was agreed that further engagement with the local media should be undertaken to highlight the cumulative impact of transport issues on the island.
Actions:
Continue engagement with ferry operators and relevant agencies regarding timetable reliability and vessel capacity.
Develop a coordinated programme of media engagement highlighting the impact of ferry services on the island economy.
Wee Cumbrae
The cost of marine surveys for the pontoons had proved significantly higher than anticipated and alternative funding options would be explored.
Progress continued on renewable energy proposals. The One Wave project had successfully delivered a beach event involving international musicians, and positive discussions had taken place with VisitScotland regarding future promotion of the island.
Quick updates – key island projects
Place Plan
There was a discussion about the recent North Ayrshire Council review of the second homes council tax premium.
Concern was expressed that local evidence indicated adverse impacts on the island, including a reduction in second homes, an increase in properties for sale, lower average property values and more vacant properties.
It was noted that the Council had reached a different conclusion based on its assessment of the available evidence, including changes in the use of some properties as short-term holiday accommodation.
The meeting agreed that the cumulative effects of housing policy and ongoing ferry service reductions on the island economy should continue to be monitored and evidenced.
Actions:
Continue collecting evidence on the economic and community impacts of the second homes council tax premium.
Prepare further representations to stop any future increase in the premium being proposed.
Carbon Neutral Islands project
A positive progress report was received.
Thirty of the latest thirty-one solar PV and battery installations had been completed, with the remaining installation awaiting a network connection. Retrofitting of emergency power systems to earlier installations was nearing completion.
The temporary construction compound had been removed and the project was awaiting the outcome of Scottish Government funding for the next phase of installations.
A "Cumbrae Model" white paper is being prepared to share lessons from the project nationally. Work was also progressing with partners on improved approaches to domestic retrofit for island communities.
The Pit Stops project was almost complete.
Japanese knotweed had been identified at Kames Bay and treated promptly by North Ayrshire Council. It was noted that the stand is in an extremely prominent and trafficked position, and there was an ask for some form of fencing/containment of the knotweed.
Actions:
Continue monitoring and treatment of Japanese knotweed.
Investigate appropriate temporary protection of affected public areas.
Present the completed "Cumbrae Model" report to a future meeting.
Cumbrae Walking Orchard and Gem of the Clyde
An update was received on ongoing environmental improvement works, community engagement and partnership activity. The Community Council has secured funding from The Kelburn Windfarm towards signage. Project development continued as planned.
Actions:
· Jim(NAC): Connect Walking Orchard team with NAC Biodiversity Officer Neil Lockrey.
· Councillor Collier: Share West Kilbride Environmental Group orchard contact details with Walking Orchard team.
· Gregor: Build Walking Orchard page on Community Council website.
Issues arising
Latest planning and licensing applications
No significant planning or licensing matters requiring action were reported.
North Ayrshire Council update
A written report provided operational matters affecting the island, including environmental maintenance and infrastructure issues.
Pier toilet block: Deemed structurally unsafe; fencing erected, demolition contractor being appointed urgently. 5 Scope confirmed as toilet block only (not adjacent office/shed).
Actions:
Jim (NAC): Follow up on road damage at back of island.
Jim: Explore fencing/isolation of knotweed stand at Kames Bay.
Councillors' updates
Councillors acknowledged the significant challenges currently facing the island, particularly ferry reliability, transport infrastructure and wider economic pressures.
AOB
Support for Fairlie Community Council: It was noted that Fairlie is leading in responding to wind turbine proposals North of Dalry, White Hill, and that CCC is following their objections.
Next meeting
The next meeting of Cumbrae Community Council will be held on Thursday 27 August 2026.
Action summary
Action
Lead
Progress actions arising from the overnight parking and camping working group.
CCDC
Continue engagement on ferry reliability, capacity and timetable issues.
Ferry Users Group
Coordinate media engagement on the economic impacts of ferry services.
Chair / Ferry Users Group
Continue monitoring the impacts of the second homes council tax premium and prepare further evidence if required.
Community Council
Complete the current phase of Carbon Neutral Islands installations and report on the next funding phase.
Carbon Neutral Islands Project
Continue monitoring and treatment of Japanese knotweed and consider temporary protection measures where appropriate.
North Ayrshire Council
Present the completed Cumbrae Model report at a future Community Council meeting.
Carbon Neutral Islands Project
