Medieval Kintyre Project Sub-group
Minutes of Meeting 03-03-26
Held by Teams
Present: M McDonald (Chair), V Nimmo (Minutes), E McTaggart, K Pytasz, R Colville, G Lawson, A Baird
Welcome: M McDonald welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Apologies J Nimmo, T Murphy N Lowden, M MacKaveney
Minutes 03-02-26
Matters arising – Technical In-person meeting 06-03-26 cancelled, rescheduled for 24-04-26
Council Update
No Council officers present.
MMcD reported on recent interactions with Council officials. Following an intervention by Councillor Kean, who noted that the original Minute of Agreement between A&BC and KKCPA was still active until 31-12-2040 and superseded the later draft Heads of Terms, which had enabled us to proceed with obtaining grants for the emergency phase in late 2024.
MMcD is now liaising with Susan Mair, from the Council’s legal department to produce a Heads of Terms which will meet our needs and the requirements of our potential funders. This needs to reflect that KKCPA is leading the Medieval Kintyre Project, but that it is a joint project with LOAF. Also, it needs to stipulate which parts of the scheduled monuments and which graveslabs the group has responsibility for.
Lease terms need to be for minimum of 20 years.
It was agreed that AB&C should be advised of a deadline for the Heads of Terms as 31-03-26. This is necessary for our grant applications and to minimise further storage costs for the graveslabs.
Treasurer’s Report
Today 03-03-26, the group’s available balance stood at £23,137.11 (Twenty three thousand, one hundred thirty seven pounds eleven pence).
Funds boosted by recent grants.
£14500 from WKCF for removal of slabs at Kilchenzie for conservation
£4000 from CCWF, £1000 from Kintyre Club & £125 from Anne Stewart Knitwear, all for conservation for Kilkivan slabs.
£3200 from WKWT to pay for production of tender documents by KP.
KP’s initial tender invoice for £1600 has been paid.
The cost of the storage of the slabs is a real problem. Grants have been given for restoration not storage. Hence Heads of Terms needed urgently.
AB suggested that we apply to Architectural Heritage Fund or the Community led Local Development Fund for a grant to cover these additional costs.
To be added to next month’s Agenda.
Chairperson’s report
Although not part of the Medieval Kintyre Project MMcD advised, for our information, that the quote from Nic Boyes of restoring the 27 (not 12) graveslabs damaged at Kilchenzie was £33,000.
MMcD also gave notification of a new Trustee for KKCPA, Sarah Boyland, a retired teacher and hospital chaplain.
Update from K Pytasz
HES Tender – only awaiting the HoTs for a decision to be made regarding the funding
Dr Burman was happy to organise and chair a conference. There would be travel costs for him and any speakers. RC advised that this should be postponed until after HofT agreed and the problematic costs of stone storage have been dealt with. The stone removal from Kilchenzie should also be delayed until we hear from HES, and until better weather.
KP indicated that setting up a Sharepoint has had problems but hoping that these would be resolved soon. This will enable everyone to see all the pertinent reports, budgets, and documents we hold.
Update from V Nimmo
LOAF has received £1000 from MOWI. Press Release was agreed.
VN to meet with C McLellan to finalise GoFundMe page. GL queried how or where any money received on this page would get to our accounts as she had not provided bank details, only a postcode. VN to check with CMcL.
AOCB
A technical group meeting to take place in person on Friday 24th April 2026 in Campbeltown Library.
Future sub-group meetings 03-05-26 and 02-06-26.
Date of Next Meeting – Tuesday 7th April 2026 at 10.30am via Teams.
