Western Isles Local Economic Forum

Note of meeting held on Thursday 14th June 2001, WIE Boardroom

Present:

D MacInnes, D Macaulay (WIE)
R Murray, B Howat (CnES)
M Campbell (Employment Service)
Dr.F Rennie (LCC)
C Engebretsen (FSB)
A MacMillan (WITB).

Also present: C I MacIver (WIE) and A MacLeod (CnES)

Apologies: A MacKinnon (Chamber of Commerce)

1. Introduction and Welcome

Duncan MacInnes opened the meeting, welcomed those present and gave an overview of the work and tasks of the LEF.

2. Appointment of Chair

Duncan MacInnes sought nominations from those present for the position of Chair of the LEF. The value of a private sector chair was discussed, as was the value of a rotational chair. Duncan MacInnes was nominated and appointed as interim Chair.

3. National Guidelines

Duncan MacInnes spoke to the National Guideline papers and drew attention to the Year 1 tasks and to the Executive's timetable. The Forum discussed, at length, both the papers and the serious difficulties facing the economy of the Western Isles. There was agreement to the following:

1. the mapping exercise would be targeted for completion to allow discussion by a LEF meeting towards end July
2. draft criteria for "what works" would be developed and if appropriate market research undertaken
3. the LEF would also aim to meet at the beginning and end of September to discuss progress

4. WI LEF - Operating Guidelines

The meeting agreed to the Guidelines as outlined in the Paper.

5. Membership - Business Representation

D Macaulay confirmed the Scottish Executive had confirmed support for the membership of the WI LEF, subject to an additional representative from the business community. Due to the economic importance of the local aquaculture sector members agreed to seek a LEF representative from the Western Isles Aquaculture Forum.

6. Central Support Team

The Ministerial Taskforce paper was noted. It was agreed that the WI LEF would write to the Central Support Team, inviting them to hold at least one of their seminars in the Western Isles.

7. A Web Enabled Network

The Forum noted the Paper.

8. Performance Measurement Framework

The Forum noted the Paper.

9. Tasks Year 1

As this point had been dealt with extensively at Agenda Item 3 there was no additional discussion. It was agreed that officers would move forward with tasks over the next month.

10. AOB

No date was set for the next meeting. Upon completion of the mapping exercise a meeting will be arranged to agree development of Action Plan. The meeting will be arranged by e-mail in due course.

As there was no further business the Chairman closed the meeting and thanked those in attendance for their contributions.