Note of meeting held on Thursday 17th August 2001, WIE Boardroom

Present:

D MacInnes and D Macaulay (WIE)
R Murray and B Howat (CnES)
M MacInnes (Employment Service)
D Green (LCC)
C Engebretsen (FSB)
R Adam (CoC)
A MacMillan (WITB)

Also present: C I MacIver (WIE) and D McKim (CnES)

1. Welcome and Apologies

Duncan MacInnes opened the meeting and welcomed those present.

2. Note of Meeting held on 14th June 2001

The note of the previous LEF meeting was agreed.

3. Matters Arising

D Macaulay confirmed that an invitation had been extended to a representative from the Aquaculture Forum to join the LEF. A verbal acceptance has been received, with a formal response anticipated shortly.

D Macaulay outlined that the Central Support Team had been verbally informed of the LEFs invitation to undertake a future meeting in the Western Isles. A written invitation will be forwarded.

4. LEF Tasks

C I MacIver spoke to the papers provided to the Forum in regard to the mapping exercise. The Forum discussed the papers and it was agreed that:
· ES and membership organisation services should be identified within the mapping
· That the identified areas of overlap should be explored within the Action Plan
· That response should be sought from the business community
· That the potential for a "gateway" approach should be explored

C I MacIver outlined the requirements for the LEF Action Plan. The Forum agreed that the plan should be progressed "in house".

5. Measurement Framework

The Forum noted the Paper.

6. Forum Website

The Forum noted the paper. In addition to providing information via the website it was suggested that information could be forwarded to libraries and community councils.

7. Date of Next Meeting

The Forum agreed to reconvene on Friday 14th September at 12.00pm in the WIE Boardroom to discuss the first draft of the Action Plan.

8. AOB

Substitutes. The Forum agreed that it would be appropriate for organisations to provide a substitute to cover for nominated representatives.

Acronyms. It was agreed that a listing would be provided in support of Forum papers.

Observers. It was agreed that observers could attend meetings. To ensure appropriate administration the attendance of observers should be notified in advance.

Performance Measurements for Forums. D Macaulay outlined that a Performance Measurement seminar would be held in Nairn on 28th August. Forum members were encouraged to attend. C I MacIver would attend on behalf of WI LEF.

Agricultural Strategy. D Macaulay outlined that Measure 35 of the "Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture" charged WIE with developing a Western Isles strategic agricultural framework. It was agreed that this would be an appropriate project to develop under the auspices of the LEF and Community Planning.

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