WESTERN ISLES LOCAL ECONOMIC FORUM MEETING

25th September 2003, 12.00, Western Isles Enterprise, Stornoway

Present:         
M. MacLennan, WIE
Angus Campbell and Archie Campbell, CnES (from agenda item 5)
C. Engebretsen, FSB
D. Green, LCC
R. Robertson, ES

 Also present: 
C. I. MacIver, WIE;
D. McKim, CnES (from agenda item 5)                    

1. Welcome & Apologies

M. MacLennan opened the meeting and welcomed those present.  Apologies were relayed from D. Macaulay, WIE; B. Howat, CnES; B. Stewart, ES; A. MacMillan, WITB and A. McCallum, CoC.

2. Note of meeting held on 14th August 2003

The note of the meeting was agreed. 

3. Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.  

4. LEF Action Plan: Economic Development Framework                

Members noted the update with the following key points being made:

• Gaelic Heritage and Cultural Development: the importance of Gaelic heritage was noted, but there was a feeling that cultural development required a broader definition to ensure inclusion of all kinds of cultural expression.                       
• Provision of Lobbying and Strategic Support Towards the Establishment of a Gaelic Television Service: it was noted that this target may need revision following the publications of the Communications Bill and developments within the broadcasting industry
• Revision / Update: due to developments since the initial preparation of the economic development framework document, it was agreed that the document should be revisited to bring it up to date.  A revised strategy document will be presented at the next LEF meeting.

5. LEF Information                               

The information papers were noted. 

6.  AOB

                                                              
Archie Campbell noted that CnES had endorsed a draft proposal from the Western Isles Alternative and Renewable Energy Partnership (WIAREP) in regard to the establishment of a Community Well-Being Trust.  The endorsement of the LEF for this approach was sought.  It was agreed that the proposals would be formally presented to and discussed by the LEF at their next meeting    

C. Engebretsen sought discussion in regard to broadening the membership of the LEF to include additional representation from the private sector.  It was agreed that additional membership was possible but that invitations to join the LEF should be based on sectoral analysis, with invitations being made to industry representative bodies rather than to individuals.  It was agreed that the issue of membership should be discussed at the next LEF meeting.