Outer Hebrides Local Economic Forum
Minute of Meeting – Thursday 30 November 2006

Present:
M Maclennan (Chair), D M Macaulay (WIE), D McKim (CnES), A Macmillan (VS),     J Hay (Ch of Comm.), C Engebretsen (FSB),

Apologies:
J Macdonald (JC+), D Green (LCC), A Campbell (CnES), A Anderson (WIAA)

Also Present:
C I Maciver (CnES), I Morrison (WIE), D Manford (CnES / HITRANS)                 
 

1 Introduction

The Chairman welcomed Isla Macdonald and Martyn Tulloch of CnES who were presenting on the Migration Study and Sound of Harris Fixed Link proposal respectively.

2 Note of Previous Meeting

Approval of the minute was proposed by D Macaulay and seconded by A Macmillan.

3 Matters Arising

The Credit Union will be formally launched on 8th December, with trading and marketing activity commencing at that point.
C I Maciver also updated members on the Lewis Wind Power addendum which is now expected in December, with expectations that there will be similar output but fewer turbines.
The scale of the Beinn Mhor Power proposal has been reduced, resulting in a significant reduction in Community Benefit levels.
The small development at Pentland Road has been called in by the Scottish Executive, and will be the subject of a public enquiry.

4 Migration Study

Isla Macdonald of CnES presented the key issues identified by the Migration Study produced by Hall Aitken in conjunction with partners. Members cited the huge importance of the document in defining population change policy, and highlighted the need to sell ourselves better through area branding and the media.
Members approved the content of the report, and were given the opportunity to provide further comment on the detail of the study by 15 December, particularly on the key policy recommendations.
Action - OHLEF to recommend to CPP that a cross partner Working Group is established, reporting to OHLEF and similar to that involved in framing the Study, which will continue to develop strategy and future information requirements.
Action - members to provide any further comment on the content of the Study to the Forum by 15 December,  for forwarding to the Working Group

5 Regional Transport Strategy Consultation

Due to adverse weather conditions, Howard Brindley of HITRANS was unable to attend but asked that members engage with the consultation process and feedback comment to HITRANS. D Manford commented that a lot of effort had gone into ensuring island needs had been addressed in the draft strategy, and stressed the importance of continual development of the strategy in the future.
Action - WIE to produce draft response to HITRANS for distribution to members, seeking further comment. Response to HITRANS by 22 December.

Martyn Tulloch presented to members on the feasibility study re a Sound of Harris fixed link, an intrinsic element of local transport strategy, highlighting similar developments in Norway as exemplars. Members endorsed the principle of the project, while recognising the challenges inherent and the need to fund the project innovatively.

6 H&I Community Energy Company - Update

Members endorsed the success of HICEC’s activities to date, and recognised the role that CnES match funding has played in ensuring a high number of projects in the Outer Hebrides in relation to other areas. Members noted the need to maintain the momentum by ensuring continuing support.

7 NEET Strategy - Update

C I Maciver commented on the draft bid which is about to be finalised. The final document will go to CPP in December for endorsement, then submission to Scottish Executive. Members endorsed the strategy, which had been discussed at the previous OHLEF meeting.

8 Joint Working Proposal  - CnES / WIE

C I Maciver advised members of Audit Scotland’s positive comment on CnES / WIE joint working, and highlighted the aspirations in the paper on joint business planning and staff co-location. The proposal was cited as part of a bigger picture, seeking to deliver more joined up services in an efficient manner. Constraints would need to be addressed in relation to office accommodation and governance, and the challenge of delivery in peripheral areas and online resources was highlighted. Members endorsed the principle being brought forward and its alignment with Community Planning.  

9 Who Cares Wins - Update

I Morrison informed members of the successful initial phase of the Who Cares Wins project, aimed at encouraging business excellence in customer service. Members commented positively on the project and its’ success to date, welcoming the positive outcomes indicated in the report.

10 Meeting Dates 2007

The meeting dates for 2007 were agreed as follows:
22 February / 17 May / 23 August / 22 November
All dates three weeks prior to CPP quarterly meetings. 

11 AOB

D McKim advised members that a workshop involving CPP and all Forums is being planned for 14 March 2007, more details to follow.