By Teams.
Present. Acting chair – Valerie Nimmo (LOAF), Krystyna Pytasz, Rory Colville (KKCPA), Gill Lawson, KKCPA, treasurer. Muriel Mackaveney (CHARTS), David Rennie, (Argyll and Bute officer), Elizabeth McTaggart (LOAF) Jan Nimmo ( LOAF).
Welcome
VN welcomed all to the meeting, especially Muriel Mackaveney, who will enable us to liaise with CHARTS.
Apologies.
Marion McDonald (KKCPA), Tom Murphy (Argyll and Bute officer), Nick Lowden (Argyll and Bute officer), Antonia Baird (A&B)
Minutes of previous meeting:
1 April 25, previously circulated. Approved unanimously.
Matters arising:
Creation of Savings account for KKCPA not yet completed. This will free up KKCPA current a/c for Medieval Kintyre income and outgoings
Treasurer’s report:
All invoices for emergency work have now been paid.
Balance in Account – £3,864.00
In addition, £7,000.00 from FERN for large project plus £500.00 cost of living increase from FERN
Treasurer had produced accounts of the emergency project for LOAF. This info will be circulated to everyone.
Query from treasurer about the increase in maintenance costs for the three sites as little detail attached. DR advised sending email to TM and NL.
Chair report from Marion McDonald: (This was read by VN)
My apologies for not being there today.
I had a very constructive phone meeting on the 23rd April with James Lafferty, Lochgilphead CARS Project Officer from Transformation, Projects and Regeneration at the Council.
We spoke about our vision for future long-term maintenance at all three sites and how The Project would like local companies/ tradesmen to be involved in that. We also spoke about using the sites as a possible training resource in the future.
James was very positive and is in the process of running workshops in Tarbert in the coming months on a variety of skills training, including the use of lime mortars.
He was frank enough to admit that knowing we could potentially have future work for local businesses, and sites where lime mortars and masonry skills would be used would be seen as a distinct advantage for his funding applications, and also a ‘selling point’ for local trades – that there is work available out there locally on a longer-term basis….
Again, we spoke about joint working and James is very keen that we use his example of training local businesses to possibly provide the skills which are required for on-going maintenance could be a key selling point in both of our funding applications.
In partnership with The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) CARS are hosting an event in Lochgilphead Parish Church Hall on the 28th May 2025 aimed at those directly involved in the maintenance of church buildings in a voluntary capacity. We could book a place and attend – but the event may be directed at actively worshipping buildings rather than ruins?
Here is the link which tells you what the course entails and how to book:
https:// www.spab.org.uk/whats-on/courses/maintaining-scottish-churches-lochgilphead
I know Val will fill you in on the progress with CHARTS, merchandise, and the progress with the drone footage.
Krystyna will be talking about time scales for the next grant applications, and our ongoing discussions with the Pilgrim Trust. Earlier in the year Krystyna had sent some small project ideas which could be funded from local sources such as west Kintyre windfarm Trust, etc. As soon as these funds are open for applications – I shall start working on the paperwork. We can use the £7,000 from the FERN Cour Windfarm Trust to fund some of them, as that money really needs to be used by the end of June if possible.
Finally, if Gill hasn’t already mentioned it – we have been given an additional £500 Cost of Living award from FERN, via Foundation Scotland who manage the fund on their behalf. The amount is unrestricted – so can be used for any part of the project.
Update from Council
Council’s Economic Development Group had worked very positively with James Lafferty. The Group should develop links with his courses. These are useful, particularly in building and maintenance skills. They were also popular with local businesses.
In response to question by RC about the broken stones at Kilchenzie, DR suggested an email to TM about how or when they would be repaired.
Update from Krystyna
Skills training can be incorporated into the main project
Consider inserting a clause into contracts that local tradesmen should be trained in the main project, so that local tradesmen are familiar with the sites.
Press release now been signed off by HES. KP to send to VN for distribution. Include A&B Coms team in distribution.
VN requested an update on funding applications for the next stage of the work.
HES has committed informally, HLF likely to follow. Pilgrim Trust has expressed a commitment to Killean. KP will also contact Dalrymple Trust again.
KP raised the prospect of informal contact with 3 Celtic Church projects in the Western Isles. The umbrella title could be ‘The Kingdom of the Isles’ and include mediaeval churches of similar design and historically connected to St Columba.
Strathclyde University has expressed an interest in such a research project.
Aspiring Places
VN attempted to apply but would not accept 2 joint constituted groups.
DR advised submitting the partnership agreement, (LOAF/KKCPA).
Aspiring Places holding a Funding Connection Event in Lochgilphead on 13th May
Action Plan
EMcT modelled hat designed and produced by Anne Stewart Knitwear in a style based on the church and stones at Kilkivan. Jumper has already been sold with LOAF benefitting from
some of the proceeds. Anne requested more leaflets to link with her merchandise. Small amendments needed, including QR code and links to our website and the websites for those
ffering goods for sale. (Anne Stewart, Knitwear, Simon Rochford, pottery)
VN to send KP photographs of jumper and hats.
Signs are needed within the three sites, describing the project and the work being carried out. KP to suggest wording. VN will approach Argyll signs for quotation to print on
Aluminium.
JN to photograph the historic grave markers, to add to the archive. Suggested a blog online to update public regularly. VN to check with Cameron McLellan if he could facilitate this.
Kintyre Antiquarians & Natural History Society has agreed to donate £1000 to fund drone footage to provide a record of the 3 sites at present. Need specification of exactly what is
required.
Youth involvement.
3 young people are to do the voice over for drone photos of the removal of stones at Kilkivan.
EmcT and JN working with Drumlemble Primary School (DPS) on a historical Curriculum project based on the stones.
Children to visit Saddell Abbey to see stones there in June, then design a shelter for the returning stones at Kilkivan. A further visit to Kilchenzie and Killean is planned in September.
LOAF will apply to Laggan CC, Tangy windfarm for funding for the trip.
CHARTS
Muriel Mackaveney agreed Press release was a valuable tool, as were Social media apps, blogs etc.
DPS – exhibition space available within Campbeltown Museum.
Important to highlight conservation work.
There is much interest in a St Columba trail.
Forthcoming event – display of 1843 Gaelic Bible, from Killean?
Date of next meeting – 4 June 25. 10.30. Teams
