Category Archives: Environment

Tiree Transition and Future working group

Tonight the Community Council agreed there is a need to set up a working group that takes a longer term view about the future of the island, in particular issues relating to the changing climate and sea levels, and the impacts that scientists are warning  we should now expect to face.

Tiree, as a particular low-lying island, is likely to be among the most deeply affected parts of Scotland. Recently published estimates for the range of possible change in sea level we could see within the century make for sobering reading, especially when the effects of coastline erosion in light of increasingly stormy weather is taken into account.

Transition away from fossil fuels is likely to need to be greatly accelerated, and it will be vital to our island’s future that our infrastructure is prepared for that, and that local businesses are supported.

If you are interested in taking part in this group and beginning a discussion about these issues and what we might be asking be done in preparation – please get in touch with TCC member Phyl Meyer by e-mail at phyl@tireecommunitycouncil.co.uk

Marine Litter

Marine Litter

Stephanie Cope (TRS )  has submitted this  progress report to follow on from TCC’s  discussion  at its Dec meeting
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 Tiree Ranger Service [TRS] is currently engaged in the following actions with regard to marine litter:
1) Inviting community volunteers to become part of the project design and event planning process [see attached]:
I am seeking volunteers to create and adopt a long-term project plan for The Big Tiree Tidy; in addition to organising and running a follow-up 2019 beach cleaning event. My aim is to reduce the strain on TRS by delegating some tasks to willing and capable volunteers.
The first step will be a meeting between TRS, the new volunteers, and representatives from partner and stakeholder organisations. 
I would like to use this discussion to thrash-out some of the commonly suggested ideas, and their potential pitfalls (such as issues with the abuse of collection points at beaches; issues with beach litter being taken home and placed in holiday-let bins; the additional cost to A&BC of beach waste uplift; issues with Tiree’s capacity for sorting and recycle beach waste etc.) 
2) Producing a long-term project plan:
Once discussions have taken place, I would like to take the most feasible and island-appropriate ideas forward to draft up a long-term project strategy. TRS will then have a better sense of where financial support is required, and at what scale. 
3) Securing financial assistance:
Once these drafts are in place and we have a clearer plan, I intend to pursue grant funding to support delivery. 
In the short term, a one-off grant of ca. £500 would be sufficient to cover the cost of a single large event for 2019. In the longer term, partnership with other organisations may be required to sustain the effort into the future.
Working on the premise that TRS (and therefore TCDT) would be the organisation applying for funding, TRS would have to retain ultimate control over any activities financed by grants awarded to TRS/TCDT. 
That said, I believe that working closely with community volunteers would ensure delivery of a more considered and more appropriate project. I also believe that involving community members would aid succession once the current ranger leaves the post; increasing the longevity of this initiative. 
NGOs that TRS is currently in contact with:
– Surfers Against Sewage: I contacted SAS to register Tiree for an upcoming campaign. On doing so, I was told that the island had already been nominated. Manifestly, it would be good to ensure that effort and resources are not duplicated.
– Sea-Changers: This organisation looks like a potential source of short-term funding. TRS has two contacts in the organisation (Guy Grieve and Maya Plass). Maya will be visiting Tiree in August to lead an unrelated TRS session. 
– The GRAB Trust (Group for Recycling in Argyll and Bute): Terry Donovan plans to visit Tiree in mid-March, and has been extremely helpful and supportive so far. There appear to be some possibilities for long-term collaboration here. 
I hope this information is helpful.
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TCC thanks Steph for this report and will be actively encouraging  volunteers to contact Steph to take this initiative forward
TCC is also investigating what funding may be available from Scottish Government.
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Further to the above TCC Mike Russell MSP passed on this response he received from Scottish  Govt in reply to a direct approach to him by a Tiree visitor

SNH consultation on proposed marine Special Protection Areas for seabirds

EDIT – 11/10/16

Tiree Community Council made the following submission:

‘Tiree Community Council (TCC) considered the proposed Special Protection Area for Tiree and Coll at its public meeting on 7th September. We acknowledge that we do not possess relevant expertise in maritime ecology; our job is to represent the views and interests of our constituents on the electoral roll of the island. The matter was an agenda item, which was advertised in advance. The pSPA was also flagged prominently on the TCC website and comments were solicited. At the public meeting a member of the public commended the report as balanced. As a member of the pressure group No Tiree Array he had already provided a detailed submission to the consultation process. As Convenor I reported that I had held a meeting with two island fishermen, who were very concerned about the proposed SPA. They pointed out that fishing was one of the three pillars of the Tiree economy, and, significantly, encouraged young families to stay on the island. They pointed out that the bird population figures behind the proposals were at least ten years old and may not accurately describe the present situation. These fishermen had told me that, while the present local static gear fishery was not thought to impact significantly on the two bird species concerned, experience in other marine protected areas was towards tighter regulations as time went on. One of the fishermen made limited use of a set net for bait, and this catch was worth £15,000 a year to him. The other fishermen said he had made plans to buy equipment to start limited dredging and the proposed tightening of this form of fishing would load significant pressure onto his already fragile business. They were strongly against the proposals, and in particular, the inclusion of the south coast of the island. There have been no other comments to TCC about the pSPA.’

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Tiree Community Council are looking for feedback on the following SNH consultation.

http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/protected-areas/proposed-marine-spas/

(Special Protection Areas) SPA are particularly relevant for creel (static gear) fishermen, but also important for overall marine conservation and preservation of marine habitats.

Please leave feedback in the comments section on the website!

Deadline for the consultation is 21 September. If you would prefer to submit a response directly to SNH you can do so at the following link.

http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/protected-areas/proposed-marine-spas/