Held by Teams
Present: M McDonald (Chair), V Nimmo (Minutes), E McTaggart,
K Pytasz, G Lawson, N Lowden, M Mackaveney, R Colville
Welcome: M McDonald welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Apologies Jan Nimmo, Antonia Baird, Tom Murphy
Minutes of Meetings 06-05-25: Agreed as correct
Treasurer’s Report
Account Balance £10,114.16, having paid KP £1250, part payment for mini-project 1 (assessment of architectural significance of Killean)
KKCPA Trustees have agreed to a separate Savings Account, which GL is in process of setting up.
GL queried the maintenance costs and proposals provide by TM, which appeared to indicate that A&B operatives were increasing from 14 visits/ year to 21 visits with a 47% increase in costs. More than 14 considered unnecessary.
NL to ask TM to clarify. KP to provide a list of additional work which will be required on completion of project.
This year’s more regular grass cutting was welcomed.
Council Update
In response to questions re plans to restore graveslabs at Kilchenzie (mistake in Agenda), NL stated that all A&B operatives would be attending a Memorial Headstone Inspection Training, this week, which would be aligned with HES requirements. Subsequently there would be a policy in place to inspect regularly.
Skills to repair are not available within Council, will require to employ an external stonemason.
RC questioned if it was permitted by BBC Alba to film within cemetery at Kilchenzie and if it was safe.
KP stated that A&B need to identify the risks at the sites, rather than shutting off completely. KP has asked for a meeting with Health & Safety Officer, which hasn’t happened. Heras fencing at Killean is in a dangerous state. NL to contact Health & Safety and arrange this meeting.
Chairperson’s report
Mini projects1 and 2 at Killean going ahead, both funded.
Application to WKCWF to be made for restoring cast iron railings and gate at Kilchenzie.
FERN (Cour), an extension was granted to end of June to spend money received.
RC suggested that local Council operatives might respond more quickly but it was agreed that the presence of senior officials was important. As these officials are very busy, it was suggested that Council update would be moved to first item on the Agenda, as their presence was much appreciated.
KKCPA AGM will take place on Friday 8th August 2025 at 3.00pm in Tayinloan Village Hall.
Update from K Pytasz
Nick Boyes has completed Project 1A – report by end of next week.
Project 1
KP researching significance of east wall at Killean Project 1 B.
Early findings suggest that East wall is of great importance and would be the driving force for whole project.
HES/HLF probably funding 80% of the project, leaves a shortfall of approximately £130,000. Suggested meeting before applying to further funders.
Killean East Wall is now a priority. VN unhappy that plans to bring the graveslabs back to Kilkivan within two years may be delayed.
Restoration of Kilkivan slabs will cost approximately £75,000
Update from V Nimmo
LOAF has been awarded £2600 to fund project 3, the design of the shelter for the graveslabs on their return to Kilkivan.
Press Release had been sent out to:-
Campbeltown Courier
BBC History Programme
CHARTS
A&B Coms Team
BBC Alba
BBC news
Scottish Banner
The latter is published in the US. It was suggested at LOAF’s AGM that we set up a PayPal account so that a Justgiving page could be set up. VN and GL will explore possibilities for addressing this matter.
Argyll signs have been requested to provide a price for information boards at the 3 sites.
Anne Stewart Knitwear has been successful on selling another jumper based on Kilkivan. J Nimmo to include this as item in her blog on our website. MMcD queried if designs based on the other sites might be possible.
EmcT provided update on Drumlemble School project (attached).
AOCB – none
Date of Next Meeting – Tuesday 1stJuly 10.30am via Teams.
