OUTER HEBRIDES LOCAL ECONOMIC FORUM MEETING
Minutes of Meeting held in WIE - Thursday 18 May 2006
Present:
M Maclennan, WIE (Chair)
D Macaulay, WIE
A Campbell CNES
D Green, LCC
A Macmillan, VS
J Hay, Chamber of Commerce
C Engebretsen, FSB
Apologies:
D McKim, CnES A Campbell CNES
A Anderson, WIAA
M Burr, CnES
C Engebretsen, FSB
R Stewart, Job Centre Plus
Also Present: C I Maciver (CnES), I Morrison (WIE), N Jarvie (CoC)
1. Welcome
Murdo Maclennan, Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed those present.
2. Minute of meeting held on 23rd February 2006
Approval of the minutes was proposed by D Macaulay and seconded by D Green.
3. Matters Arising
Branding Project
D Macaulay stated that issues relating to State Aids have now been considered in detail, a compliant forward plan has been agreed, and the funding package for the first phase of the project is expected to be in place shortly.
Who Cares Wins
D Macaulay confirmed that funding package had been approved and the project had been launched to the business community last week, with a positive response from all.
4. EU 2007 – 2013 DTI Consultation
D Macaulay advised members that this is likely to be the last significant support program from EU in the H&I area, and emphasised the importance of a strategic approach, possibly addressing fewer, larger projects with significant impact. A short list of potential projects to be funded will be drawn up by partners involved.
Members discussed issues relating to State Aids and the need to develop WI Development Strategy Group’s engagement with the community.
D Green indicated that it is likely that UHI will be invited to be a co-financier and that this could have a bearing on local strategies.
Members suggested that references to Western Isles in the documents should be changed to Outer Hebrides in line with area branding initiative.
LEF endorsed the guiding principles identified in the paper and D Macaulay indicated that a response would be submitted by CNES on behalf of partners in the next few days.
5. Transport Strategy
J Hay informed members that Chamber of Commerce members had been surveyed 2 years ago and the findings showed that transport in general was the issue of greatest significance to their businesses, particularly the cost of air travel and inadequate number of ferry sailings both inter island and island / mainland. The lack of representation of private sector end users on the SSAC was highlighted as was the necessity for the community and key partners to voice their aspirations and concerns consistently.
A Campbell reminded members that the ferry route tender process is about providing exactly the same service as at present, and indicated that Working Time Directive is having a significant effect on crewing requirements. D Macaulay informed members that evidence has shown that new routes invariably generate greater demand than anticipated, while new vessels similarly increase demand.
Members discussed the introduction of reduced ferry fares on a pilot basis to determine the real economic impact accruing.
D Macaulay emphasised the importance of maintaining good contact with HITRANS on these matters and agreed to contact Donald MacNeill and to liaise with Chamber of Commerce.
Members discussed the need for a master plan covering short, medium and long term aspirations, including fixed links inter island and islands / mainland and radical changes to air and sea transport provision to better meet the needs of all sectors of the community. D Green indicated the importance of bringing alternative / renewable energy sources in transport onto the agenda.
M Maclennan suggested that CPP should agree a 2020 vision for transport in consultation with the community and the business sector. Members agreed that action should be taken to state our aspirations, given that there seems to be a political will for investment in transport infrastructure at present.
Members agreed that research should be commissioned to identify what general public and business community views are on future transport provision issues.
6. Renewable Energy Update
C I Maciver informed members that the report provided to members at last OHLEF is now out of date, as there have been significant changes in the BMP proposal, with a reduction in output to 159MW. CnES, as principal consultee will take a view in June. LWP are also expected to come forward with revised proposals in July, and it is hoped that a revised paper outlining the benefits accruing will be available for presentation to members at the next OHLEF meeting in August.
Other issues of note include the establishment of a RE supply Chain Group under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce, establishment of the Hydrogen Lab at Lews Castle College and the study (ongoing) on the feasibility of a west coast subsea cable to enable grid connection.
D Green pointed out that there has been a lot of interest from outside the area in OH hydrogen activities, with a sense that there is a coherent and strategic plan in place.
It was also confirmed that CNES, WIE, and Camcal Ltd would have a presence at the “All Energy” Exhibition in Aberdeen week commencing 22 May 2006.
7. WIE Tourism Policy
I Morrison informed members on WIE’s revised policy on tourism, particularly relating to the accommodation sector, in light of changing market conditions. A McMillan welcomed the clarification, supporting the approach, commending the focus on quality and adding that VisitScotland are impressed with the positive moves in the tourism sector in the Outer Hebrides.
8. AOB
The next meeting is scheduled to be held on 31st August 2006
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