CENTRAL SCOTLAND GREEN NETWORK
MINUTES OF PARTNERSHIP BOARD MEETING
AT GLASGOW & CLYDE VALLEY GREEN NETWORK PARTNERSHIP OFFICE
24 JANUARY 2013
Present:
CSGN Partnership Board
Keith Geddes (KG) (Chair)
Helen Zealley (HZ)
Andrew Bachell (AB)
Stuart Tait (ST)
Andrew Mickel (AM)
David Henderson-Howat (DHH)
Sheila Beck (SB)
John McDowall (JMcD)
Derek McCrindle (DMcC)
Lead Partners
Chris Nevin (CN) (SNH)
Ron McCraw (RMcC) SNH
Phil Baarda (PB) (SNH)
CSGN Support Unit
Sue Evans (SE)
Christine Kelly (CK) (minutes)
1. Welcome & Apologies
Apologies were received from John Bury, Simon Rennie, Iain McTaggart and Neil Langhorn.
2. Minutes of Meeting of 15 November 2012
DHH advised that his name had been omitted from the attendees list. With this correction, the
minutes were accepted as a correct record of the meeting.
3. Matters Arising (Paper 1)
Item 3, Health Agenda – SB asked for clarification on the health agenda action in the matters arising
paper as she had been unable to attend the November meeting.
SE advised that the action was to find out if CSGN is targeting the right areas in the NHS and to
ensure that we are reaching key NHS contacts.
HZ asked if there was a specific purpose for asking for this information.
DHH confirmed that it was to ensure there was a fit between the key issues in the health agenda and
CSGN. DHH suggested that he could ask Kevin Lafferty (KL) from FCS to speak to SB/HZ if they
wished. SB advised that KL is known to her.
SB reported that, following a discussion of CSGN at a meeting of the Scottish Managed Sustainable
Health Network (SMasH), SR has been asked to give a presentation at the next network event on 18
March 2013. SB will also be attending the event.
Item 3, CSGN award Category at Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning - The action by NL was
noted and KG was keen that the board members promote this with any contacts they have. Stuart
Tait advised that he has a contact, John McNairney.
Item 5, CSGN Forum, 4 June 2013 – SE advised that a draft Forum programme should be ready in
the next few days. KG asked SE to send the draft programme to the board when it was available.
Action: CSGNSU
Sir Peter Housden is to be invited to speak at the event and a letter will be sent week commencing 28
January.
Action: CSGNSU
Item 6, NPF3 Update – CN advised that the nomination was submitted on 14 December and
comments from the board were appreciated. In addition to the CSGN nomination, there were a further
6 submissions in favour of CSGN. To date, there has been no direct feedback from Scottish
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Government. Consultation continues, and it was noted that NL was not at the board meeting as he
was attending an NPF3 meeting in Stirling.
The main issues report will go out for consultation in March 2013 and there will be a minimum 12
week consultation period.
KG thought that it would be worthwhile to host a stakeholder review during the consultation period.
This was agreed.
Action: FCS/CSGNSU
Item 7, SGF&DD & Community Growing – SE advised that a full draft of the SAGS guide should be
ready by March 2013 and will be launched at their AGM in June by the Minister. This was noted.
A meeting has still to take place with the SGF&DD to look at actions for the next work plan.
Action: CSGNSU
4. Chair’s Report (Paper 2)
The Chair’s report was tabled at the meeting and introduced by KG:
NPF3 Submission; a positive and useful stakeholder meeting was held in Glasgow to help inform our
submission to NPF3. Speakers included Graeme Purves and Johnny Hughes. The finalised document
was submitted timeously and thanks to those Board members who contributed to the finalised
document and to Chris Nevin for putting it together.
Local Authority Concordats; the concordat signing process continues as planned. Since the last
board meeting we have signed Concordats with West Lothian, Falkirk and East, North and South
Ayrshire. The actual signing ceremonies have allowed us to develop our relationship with key players
in each council. The combined Ayrshire signing was particularly useful allowing us to present to the
Ayrshire Economic Forum which included representatives from the private sector.
Engagement with Local Groups;I had a useful meeting with Communities Along the Carron
(CATCA) to discuss their plans to complete a route from the Forth through to Carron Reservoir. They
have already been supported by CSGN through a grant towards the construction of a new bridge
across the Carron. They have now submitted a further application to the CSGN Development Fund
towards a further crossing. They have a completed River Carron Feasibility Study which provided
priced engineering costs to carry out the works along the river. I indicated that CSGN’s main role
would be to act as a “cheerleader” for the project and to suggest ways of helping to secure the
necessary funding.
Following on from the West Lothian Concordat signing Sue and I met with representatives from a
number of local Livingston groups who have received support from CSGN and were given a tour of
“green” parts of the town which have benefitted.
John Muir Trail; work continues in a number of areas including;
Opening; East Lothian Council has produced an attractive proposal for the opening of the trail (April
st
21 2014) that would involve local communities and schools. We are looking to hold a meeting with all
councils along the route in March to discuss a coordinated approach to raise the profile of the
completed route.
Branding; Meetings with the brand developer are being held to create a suitable brand and
associated images. A further meeting is to be held in February to help finalise the proposal.
John Muir Working Group; an ambitious set of ideas has now been developed that involve events
ranging from themed events on National Nature Reserves to exhibitions at the John Muir Birthplace to
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mark John Muir Day, the development of a digital app and the route opening in 2014. The events will
be spread over 2013-the Year of Natural Heritage and into 2014.
Leith Highline Project; imaginative and impressive proposals have been developed by an Edinburgh
based French architect, Pierre Forissier, to rebuild a Leith Walk bridge that would form part of the
Edinburgh cycleway network and would also provide space for community gardening. It has the
support of the Leith community and local stakeholders. John Bury and I met with ELGT, the architect
and Edinburgh Council Leader, Andrew Burns and his colleague, Lesley Hinds who has responsibility
for transport. A submission will be made to the CSGN Development Fund but it may be that a different
route will have to be taken to secure the £20k necessary for the technical feasibility study. However
meetings have been held with a variety of potential funders and I am confident that we can secure the
necessary resources. The project fits in with CSGN, Government and city council goals and could be
in the right place at the right time as it would make a major contribution to an area that has been
severely damaged by the tram project.
CSGN Flagship Projects; the John Muir Trail, the Leith Highline project are just two examples of the
type of projects that could be classified as CSGN “Flagship” Projects in that they demonstrate best
practice along with a bit of creativity. Sue has produced a short note on the flagship concept and I
have asked her to produce a board paper on the subject for our next meeting.
Action: CSGNSU/SE
Other Meetings/Events; these have included;
Attending a Year of Natural Scotland Conference sponsored by SNH and VisitScotland;
Attending a SNH Best Practice event, “Beyond GDP”
Attending the Year of Natural Scotland Parliamentary reception.
Speaking at a Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport event on active travel.
Meeting with Andy Neal, Chief Executive, Essential Edinburgh, to discuss a possible “Greening
George Street” project.
Media; Simon and I met with Marjorie Calder from the Big Partnership to discuss media milestones for
2013 and impressed on Marjorie the need to ensure that all Board members were able to make a
contribution, particularly through professional magazines.
5. Report on 2012/2013 Milestones (Paper 3)
SE introduced the paper as follows:
There has been good progress against 12 of the milestones (previously reported good progress
against 14). Two have slipped back to ‘amber’ but are recoverable - Employment & Training and
Active Travel.
SE advised that CSFT/CSGNSU are now delivering over 5 full time equivalent staff members to
support the CSGN.
6. Outline Content, Strategic Intent and Milestones for the 2013-16 Work Plan (Paper 4)
SE introduced the paper and advised that a full draft work plan will be brought to the March board.
Action: CSGNSU/SE
At the November meeting, the board discussed the process and timeline and key issues which could
have an impact on the next work plan.
The board then discussed and commented on Annex 4.1
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Woodland creation text – DHH asked for text to be updated
Community planning & SOAs – HZ suggested both required explanatory text
Third strategic intent bullet to be reworded – insert “including SOAs” and “levels of”
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Community Growing – need to discuss with Scot Gov Food and Drink Division
GF living – need to discuss with Housing STWG
SE2 – bullet 1 – extend to Year 3 to reflect review of SDPs etc in 2015/16.
AB noted that whilst he was content with the Milestones, he felt that overall the CSGN is still tackling
issues on a very broad front and that it is difficult to know if what we’ve done has made a difference or
will make a tangible difference.
AB asked that lead partner officers and the SU meet to look at this critically and look at how we can
demonstrate that we are making a difference.
Action: FCS/SNH/CSGNSU
KG confirmed that the full draft plan will be brought to the March meeting to be signed off for
implementation on1 April 2013.
Action: CSGNSU
7. SNH LIFE+ Project Proposal (Paper 5)
This paper was introduced by Phil Baarda.
PB advised that the project aim is to demonstrate the implementation of integrated habitat networks
across the CSGN area. This is a high value flagship project that will get work on the ground and
provide a wide range of environmental benefits.
The project will include mapping work but the focus will be on delivery on the ground.
DMcC asked about the match funding of the project.
PB advised that LIFE + is likely to give 50% matched funding against the current project value of
£3.5m. The project application needs to be submitted by June 2013. If the application is successful it
will run for five years from July 2014.
The board were very supportive of the LIFE + project and asked if they could offer any help.
PB advised that there was still time to offer up projects. Deadline is mid February.
SE suggested CATCA and Dedridge Burn. Dedridge Burn contact is Graeme Hedger. SE will contact
CATCA.
Action: CSGNSU
SE also suggested contacting SWT about their projects in Cumbernauld. PB is meeting with Jonny
Hughes from SWT and will raise this.
AB advised that the project will provide a physical green network, working with both public and private
sectors and will be delivered in the next five years.
PB asked for suggestions for a suitable title for the project and on any ideas as to how he could
engage the private sector in the proposal. Suggestions to PB.
Action: All
AM asked if the board could have an update in September/November 2013 and June 2014 before the
July 2014 start. Then an update in autumn 2014, followed by an annual update to the board. This was
agreed.
Action: SNH
8. Update on the John Muir Trail (Paper 6)
RMcC introduced this item.
RMcC advised that good progress is being made with the route planning and implementation.
However, there is significant action required to resolve the route between Strathblane and Balloch in
time for the launch in April 2014.
RMcC updated on the board on the three route options.
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Option 1 – Kilpatrick Hills - was the original proposal.
The favoured option is now to go through Mugdock Country Park and the Kilpatrick Hills. This option is
best for users, has great views but is the most expensive. The route will need to go through an FCS
sitka plantation (3km), not due for felling for around five years. Discussions with FCS are ongoing and
a technical study is to be carried out. Hopefully, survey results will be available by March 2013.
Estimated cost for this route is c£250k, with funding likely to be needed from a partnership of FCS,
SNH and others, possibly funding available from Sportscotland.
Option 2 – Killearn – Mill of Haldane - this is a less costly option but still has lots of opposition and
would be more difficult to implement.
Option 3 – Killearn – south Loch Lomondside – this route is the most unpopular with local landowners
and community representatives. It is unlikely to be pursued given the level of opposition.
There is still lots of work to do in Edinburgh; between Blackness & Bo’ness; between Strathblane &
Balloch; and Balloch and Helensburgh.
It is hoped that there will be match funding to help meet the £450k costs at Blackness from Sustrans
and Sportscotland. Other funding is being committed through SRDP and from Network Rail.
SNH has committed £450k over two years. Currently the overall cost of the route is now at £1.760M.
Signposting and waymarking – The Local authorities have been consulted and SNH is about to
engage with Sustrans through a partnership agreement to deliver survey and analysis of
existing/needed signs, design, tender package and site management services
Branding – RMcC is working with a Focus Group. The website is in development. Work is ongoing
with the map guide. Route artwork is coming along. KG asked that the JM profile being used as the
logo be checked with the family.
Action: SNH
The launch of the route will most probably take place in East Lothian with related events with the other
8 local authorities. Meetings are to be arranged.
Risks – The project is currently at ‘amber’ but should go ‘green’ in April. In the long term, decisions on
the overall management of the brand/ route and the physical maintenance of the route are the main
risks to resolve.
KG noted that the West Highland Way started life in a much worse physical condition than will be the
case for the JMT.
9. Update on the ‘Place for Growth’ Work Strand (Paper 7)
V&DL – Milestones to 2015
Projects addressing VDL received priority in the 2012/3 CSGN Development Fund and 8 projects
have received funding from the Fund. Two of the projects also won major awards in 2012.
Scottish Award for Quality Planning was awarded to GCC Stalled Spaces Initiative and a
Landscape Institute Award was won by E&LGT and ECC.
The CSGNSU carried out an analysis of vacant and derelict sites owned by the NHS in the CSGN
area on behalf of FCS to allow discussions with Scottish Government Health Department and the
Green Exercise Partnership.
V&DL has also been retained as a priority in the 2013/4 Development Fund.
KG advised that the Development Fund does not close until 25 January so we currently do not know
how many applications have been received.
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AM will give NL the name of the contact he deals with.
Action: AM
Green Network Businesses
Draft examples of business case studies were tabled at the meeting which were very welll received
from the board.
SE advised that the CSGNSU is currently working with businesses to ensure that the documents are
‘business friendly’ and sending out a positive message for businesses. Board members were asked to
promote the business case studies in their networks. The online documents will be fours sides of A4,
whilst the printed documents will be double-sided.
Given its importance to Scotland, the board felt it would be useful to have a business from the whisky
industry – e.g. Diageo. There site at Leven should be investigated.
Action: CSGNSU
RMcC noted that a set of active travel case studies was also in production for SNH by Paths for All
and that these will also be used to target both public and private sectors. SE to speak to RMcC
outwith the meeting to learn more about these.
Action: CSGNSU/SNH
DM agreed to consider the suitability of SE’s inward investment businesses. SE asked if Scottish
Enterprise could provide feedback on the graphics and marketing. The board agreed with this
suggestion. DMcC to progress.
Action: DMcC
It was proposed that DMcC should be the board member to front the business case studies. This was
agreed. BIG Partnership will be brought on board to help with this.
Action: CSGNSU
Employment & Training/Green Jobs
SE updated the board on the ‘green jobs’ workshop which took place in October 2012.
Following discussion, DHH noted that whilst the definition of a green job would have value, achieving
a sectoral definition is not a priority area for CSGN.
AMcM proposed that we should just establish how many jobs we have created (not whether they were
green or not).
KG advised that he had met with John Swinney to discuss E&T and he had received a letter from
Angela Constance.
KG reported that there are lots of local authorities undertaking E&T programmes. In Fife, for example,
there is the ‘Young Peoples Initiative’.
FCS has put in a significant amount of funding into supporting training opportunities with BTCV and
others. 2012/13 - £699k.
SB asked if DHH could provide SB with the training to jobs figure.
Action: FCS
DHH suggested that the milestone on defining green jobs should be removed.
It was suggested that the Development Fund application and reporting process should capture
information on E&T and be used to capture good practice
Action: FCS
DMcC asked if we should have a ‘community benefits clause’. SE noted that often the work packages
last only a few weeks so it might be difficult to have this requirement in all contracts. However, more
thought could be given to this.
Action: FCS
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10. Update on the NPF3 and the CSGN nomination
Taken in the matter arising.
11. Update on the Governance Review
CN reported as follows:
There will be a meeting of the Review Team on 7 February 2013.
Interviews will take place between 26 and 28 February. It is likely that 15 people will be interviewed
including, the Partnership Board, external partners, CSGNSU, SNH and FCS.
A draft report on findings should be available for the March board.
12. Update on Influencing Development Planning, Development Management and Community
Planning
CN advised that there was no further update.
13. Update on the Housing Short Term Working Group (STWG)
SE reported as follows:
greenspace scotland is preparing an open space and housing report that will be ready for the next
meeting of the Group which is taking place on 12 February in Glasgow. There is also a stakeholders’
event planned for 17 April in Glasgow. This will be a half day event. A report on the Housing STWG
will be prepared for the May board meeting.
Action: CSGNSU
14. Any Other Competent Business
Land Use Strategy Next Steps Action Plan
HZ updated the board.
The event was well attended at Victoria Quay with lots of workshop activity.
Key messages were:
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increased interest from farmers.
a growing willingness from farmers to make greening work.
More advisory services (following demise of FWAG) and demonstration sites are needed.
HZ asked what CSGN could bring to the table in terms of exemplars?
DHH noted FCS’s work on starter farm businesses and integrated land use showing how farming and
forestry can work together.
2013 Forum Theme
SE advised that the Forum will have a focus around the ‘Year of Natural Scotland’ and will be badged
with the YONS logo. AB advised that SE should contact Dougie Pollock at SNH Battleby for this
information.
Action: CSGNSU
SE gave a brief update on the proposed programme for the day which is likely to include themes on
Environment & Transport, Water Management, Employment & Training, Climate Change, and will
include a ‘guided walk’ of Heriot Watt to look at its Green Flag management SE’s suggestions were
well received by the Board.
May Board Meeting
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KG advised that the May meeting has been rescheduled from 16 May to 9 May due to KG’s annual
leave. A venue for this meeting has still to be arranged. AB noted his apologies for this meeting.
(Since the meeting a venue has been booked at BRE Visitor Centre, Ravenscraig, Motherwell).
Action: CSGNSU
15. Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on 21 March at CSFT’s Office, Hillhouseridge, Shottskirk Road, Shotts
ML7 4JS. The meeting will start at 1.30pm and lunch will be available from 12.30pm.
CK/January 2013
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