Outer Hebrides Local Economic Forum
Minute of Meeting - Thursday 22 February 2007

Present:
M Maclennan (Chair), F Macdonald (Chair Elect), D Macaulay (WIE), D McKim (CnES), D Green (LCC), C Engebretsen (FSB), R Robertson (JC+)

Apologies:
J Macdonald (JC+), A Anderson (WIAA), A Macmillan (VS), M Burr (CnES)

Also Present:
C I Maciver (CnES), I Morrison (WIE), Sue Reilly and Susan McLellan (Scottish Executive)
 

1 Introduction

The retiring Chairman Murdo Maclennan welcomed Finlay Macdonald, who as new Chair of the WIE Board will take on the role of OHLEF Chair from the next meeting. Mr Maclennan also welcomed the representatives in attendance from Scottish Executive. Members thanked Mr Maclennan for his substantial contribution to the successful development of the forum, and wished him all the best for the future.

2 Note of Previous Meeting

Approval of the minute was proposed by D Macaulay and seconded by C Engebretsen.

3 Matters Arising

The Migration Study Working Group will report direct to CPP, and not to OHLEF as recommended at the last meeting.
OHLEF have responded to HITRANS and the response is provided in members’ papers.

4 Bulk Cargo study - Update

The Bulk Cargo Study, recently completed, is part of a long term strategic view to enable real development in the town of Stornoway, which would mitigate the severe constraints on land availability and in planning. The proposed location for the development is adjacent but separate from the existing Arnish Industrial Estate. Members were in agreement that the proposal is a real opportunity to change the face of the town, and would enable substantial regeneration and economic development. Members endorsed the reports’ findings and supported the progression of a more detailed investigation.

5 Community Planning – Audit Scotland Initial Review

Members discussed the report, highlighting the significant challenge for CPP and its’ subgroups to be an effective decision making body without legal status or governance arrangements.
Members also discussed how OHLEF were performing in relation to the Audit Scotland evaluation framework included in the full report. Derek McKim asked that members feed back to Iain Morrison on this evaluation, to facilitate discussion at the CPP Development Day. It was agreed that the assessment should based on OHLEF’s role as the economic development arm of the CPP, and the voice of the CPP in terms of economic development.
Sue Reilly indicated that community engagement will be key focus post election and David Green added that the Partnership as a whole needs to work up where it wants to be with community engagement, identifying what is practical rather than theoretical.
Action - Iain Morrison to distribute evaluation framework to all members for response by Friday 2 March.
Action - Sue Reilly to feedback to Scottish Executive on CPP challenges re legal status and governance

6 Renewable Energy - Update

C I Maciver presented a paper on the Lewis Wind Power addendum, which encompassed CnES Economic Developments’ comment to CnES Committee. CnES as principal consultee have recommended the project for approval to Scottish Executive, indicating the desirability of an early decision.
Members noted the significant socio economic benefits potentially arising from the project

7 Transport Strategy - Update

D Macaulay commented on the OHLEF letter to HITRANS emanating from previous discussions on HITRANS draft strategy, indicating that this is the conclusion of a key part of the consultation process. Members agreed that transport would remain at the forefront of the economic development agenda.

8 HIE Innse Gall Business Plan 2007/08

I Morrison presented the LEC’s Business Plan for 2007/08 highlighting that an extensive consultation process involving HIE and all the key partner agencies had taken place. Members were advised that HIE IG and CnES planned to develop further on an integrated business planning process for economic development in 2007. D Green advised members that Lews Castle College business planning process for 2007/08 is progressing now and will take cognisance of the HIE Operating Plan and the HIE IG Business Plan.
Members endorsed the Business Plan and its’ key objectives.

9 LEF Membership – Private Sector

Members discussed approaches to increasing the involvement of the private sector in OHLEF, including geographical / sectoral / organisational representation.
Action – D Macaulay to draw up a list of possible invitees. Members to feed in any further suggestions by 2 March 2007.

10 OHCPP Development Day 15 March 2007

D McKim advised members that full details on the Development Day will go out to CPP and its’ forums early in March, advising on content and format. D Green suggested that the LWP project could be a good case study for the CPP Development Day, in terms of addressing forums’ remit and agenda structure issues.
Action – Derek McKim to advise members on Development day content, and to consider possible inclusion of case study.

11 AOB

The remaining meeting dates for 2007 as follows:
17 May / 23 August / 22 November