WESTERN ISLES LOCAL ECONOMIC FORUM MEETING

6h November 2003, 12.00, Western Isles Enterprise, Stornoway

Present: 
D. Macaulay, WIE
A. Campbell and B. Howat, CnES
C. Engebretsen, FSB

Also present: C. I. MacIver, WIE; D. McKim, CnES                   

In the absence of M. MacLennan, A. Campbell chaired the meeting.

It was agreed that Agenda item 4 (Presentation: Scottish Natural Heritage) be moved to the beginning of the meeting.

D. MacLennan (SNH), therefore, provided a presentation in regard to the work of that organisation.  The presentation overviewed the aims, objectives and statutory responsibilities of SNH.  Areas of potential economic opportunity were identified, as was scope for greater partnership working between SNH, other local agencies and local industries such as the aquaculture sector.

Subsequent to the presentation the LEF agreed that engagement with other regulatory bodies should be sought.

1. Welcome & Apologies

With the conclusion of the presentation, A. Campbell opened the meeting and welcomed those present.

Apologies were relayed from M. Maclennan, WIE; B. Stewart, ES; A. MacMillan, WITB, D. Green and F. Rennie (LCC).

2. Note of meeting held on 25th September 2003

The note of the meeting was agreed. 

3. Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.  
 
4. Presentation: Scottish Natural Heritage

This item was taken ahead of the formal meeting.

5. LEF Action Plan: Economic Development Framework

Framework Update: LEF members noted the written updates provided.  In addition to the update papers, the following was noted:

• detailed information had been provided by WIE to the Scottish Executive in regard to job dispersal opportunities to the Western Isles. 
• progress was being achieved in regard to the Consumer Direct and Department of Works & Pensions.  It was highlighted that local partnership working was seen as a major contributor towards the progress achieved by the Consumer Direct project
• Western Isles Branding: proposals have been received from consultants and these were presently being reviewed.
• Gaelic Heritage & Culture: the potentials in regard to the establishment of a “Celtic Ring” as both a cultural and tourism were flagged up    

Report to the Scottish Executive: Action Plan Update: LEF members noted the written updates provided

Framework Update: Action Plan Phase II: LEF members noted the written updates provided and discussed the need to review and where appropriate to refresh the Creating Communities of the Future (CCoF) document.  It was agreed that the key CCoF partners should convene a workshop in January 2004.  The workshop will be organised by WIE. 

Membership of the LEF was discussed and it was agreed that the key principle should be flexibility rather than bringing in new members at this stage.   

6. Community Well-Being                                                              

A paper from the Western Isles Alternative & Renewable Energy Partnership (WIAREP) was presented.  This paper outlined proposals for the establishment of a “Community Well-Being Trust”, which would seek to maximise benefits to the Western Isles from the establishment of renewable energy production.

The LEF endorsed the principles of the paper, but recognised that further detail would require to be subsequently developed.              
           
7. Dates 2004                                                                        

A paper outlining proposed dates for LEF meetings in 2004 was circulated. 

8. AOB                                                                        

A Campbell requested that the issue of Trade Unions be placed on the agenda for the next LEF meeting.