OUTER HEBRIDES LOCAL ECONOMIC FORUM MEETING

Minutes of Meeting held in WIE - Thursday 25 August 2005

Present: 

M Maclennan, WIE (Chair)
D Macaulay, WIE
B Howat, CnES
R Murray, CoC
R Stewart, Job Centre Plus
D Green, LCC
A Macmillan, VS 
C Engebretsen, FSB

Apologies: 
A Campbell CNES
A Anderson WIAA

Also Present:   C I Maciver, L MacPherson, I Morrison, Wilson Malone (Sc Exec)                      
 

1. Welcome 

Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed those present. In particular he welcomed Wilson Malone (Head of Energy and Telecommunications with the Scottish Executive), who is visiting the islands to gain perspective on the wind farm planning applications to be assessed by the Executive.

2. Minute of meeting held on 19th May 2005

Approval of the minutes was proposed by D Green and seconded by B Howat. 

3. Matters Arising

Windfarm Applications – B Howat stated that there is still active engagement with developers on community benefit and environmental implications W Malone stated that there is no precedent in terms of handling the North Lewis application, and that the 3 major projects being proposed constituted 1/3 of the total aspiration of 6GW target for Scotland. W Malone also indicated that the Executive recognised that an early decision on the applications, irrespective of the outcome, would be desirable for all involved. D Macaulay commented that scope for business development is already being limited by internal grid capacity.

Branding Project – D Macaulay confirmed that the next stage is being progressed, with consultants appointed. A presentation on progress will be made to the LEF at the next meeting in November.

Forum Membership – CNES are addressing the possibility of TU representation on the LEF

Road Fuel /Transport costs – CNES to circulate a copy of the OFT report to members

4. Regional Accounts 2003

C I Maciver presented the summarised findings from the Regional Accounts Study. The significant decrease in employment in the agriculture, fishing and fish farming sector between 1997 and 2003 was noted and concern was expressed regarding long term prospects for the sector. It had been hoped that WIAA would provide a presentation on developments in the aquaculture sector at the meeting, and members requested that a presentation be made to the LEF at the next meeting.

B Howat noted the expected benefits to the economy from wind farm applications of £166M would clear the WI trade deficit of £163M. D Macaulay commented that the report showed an economy experiencing significant change, with changes in primary sector activity levels having a detrimental and significant effect on the trade deficit.
 
5. Creating Communities of the Future – Launch / Action Plan

C I Maciver confirmed that the refreshed document had been launched locally in June, and that there is hoped to be a launch in Edinburgh in September. C I Maciver stated that the Action Plan is to be a living document with actions reviewed on a regular basis and revised / updated as required. Particular note was made of the limitations of the existing Grid infrastructure, and the islands dependency on decisions by organisations based out with the area, including SSE, and Highland Council.

6.  HIE Strategy Review 

D Macaulay provided a presentation to update members on the HIE strategy review and consultation. Members noted the findings, and endorsed the importance being placed on population growth, in light of the challenges being faced in the Outer Hebrides. D Green commented in relation to the aspirations for UHI, and the need for provisions and services to cascade throughout the area, to ensure optimum regional benefit.

7. Tourism Strategy Update

A Macmillan provided background to a paper updating members on the Tourism Strategy review. Many positives have been identified in the process of integrating Visitscotland and ATBs, with associated reviews delivering economies of scale. It is expected that the new strategy will be finalised by the end of 2005. It is anticipated that a Tourism conference will be organised locally during Spring 2006.

A Macmillan commented that it is evident, as backed up by the Branding project findings, that there is a need to maintain an OH identity distinct from the rest of Scotland. The importance of the industry associations close involvement in the development and delivery of the new strategy was highlighted.
 
8. Stornoway Regeneration Group / Township Heritage Initiative

Members endorsed the update and Action Plan provided. D Green emphasised the need for a clear articulation of the training requirements to be addressed in implementing the Action Plan. R Murray indicated that a paper is currently being drawn up which will identify the skills required to deliver the Action Plan.

9. Action Plan – Progress Report

Members noted the update on the Action Plan. L MacPherson indicated that Community Planning P’ship website will be progressed when funding is in place, possibly within the next two months. Members agreed that OHLEF website refresh and implementation would be progressed when greater clarity on overall CPP website structure is provided.

I Morrison also confirmed a HIE Business Services website is in preparation, and discussions with CNES are aiming at further service co-ordination, through information pack and website based resources.

10. AOCB

Members were invited to a presentation by Dr Deborah Roberts on the Regional Accounts 2003 study, taking place on 31st August 2005.

Next meeting to be held on 24 November 2005 at WIE office.