Outer Hebrides Local Economic Forum
(Draft) Minute of Meeting - Thursday 23rd August 2007

Present:
Cllr Archie Campbell (CnES), David Green (LCC-UHI), Donnie Macaulay (HIE IG),
Derek McKim (CnES), Ken Kennedy (WI C of C)

Also Present:
Calum I Maciver (CnES), Iain Mackinnon (CnES), Archie Macdonald (HIE IG)
 

1. Welcome and Apologies

Apologies were received from Finlay Macdonald (HIE IG and LEF Chair), Angus Macmillan (VisitScotland) and Charles Engebretsen (FSB).

A Campbell agreed to chair the meeting in Finlay Macdonald’s absence and welcomed those present.

2. Minute of the Meeting of 22nd February 2007

Approval was proposed by D Macaulay and seconded by D McKim.

3. Matters Arising from these Minutes

Item 4 – Bulk Cargo Study Update

D Macaulay reported that the project was still proceeding with a further meeting last week but still with many high-level, strategic issues under discussion.

Item 5 – Community Planning – Audit Scotland Review

D McKim reported that this matter would be on the agenda for the next Community Planning Partnership (CPP) meeting on 12th September which Enterprise Minister, Jim Mather, is likely to attend.

Item 6 – Renewable Energy Update

CI Maciver reported that both the North Harris Trust and Beinne Mhor applications were now to be the subject of public enquiries and that the Scottish & Southern Energy application had been submitted to CnES with a public consultation process commencing next week.

Item 9 – LEF Membership – Private Sector

D Macaulay indicated that he would circulate a list shortly and invite further suggestions. Members were mindful, however, of possible changes to local representative groups, such as the LEF, under the new Scottish administration.

4. Outer Hebrides Client Organisation Forum

I Mackinnon, Director Technical Services CnES, gave a presentation on the above. Members noted the membership comprised the main public sector organisations in the area responsible for commissioning construction projects, and the Forum’s principle objectives:-

• To improve coordination between client organisations
• Provide transparency for the contracting sector
• Facilitate growth and enhance capacity of local contracting sector
• Strengthen economic well-being of the Outer Hebrides

Members supported these objectives, the Forum’s continued efforts in achieving its aims and the work done with the sector to date. It was noted that a further workshop was planned probably facilitated by Lorna Macaulay, Head of Skills HIE IG and Jenny Maciver of the CITB.

5. Ferry Users’ Group – LEF Representation

D Macaulay reported on this request.

Action - Members agreed that the LEF (A Macdonald) would write to the three main private sector organisations on the LEF asking if they wished to nominate a representative, in addition to those public sector members already in membership of the Ferry Users’ Group.

6. Outer Hebrides Migration Study Action Plan

CI Maciver spoke to the paper summarising the strategic and project level activities agreed between the partners. Members acknowledged the high level of importance of this issue for the area and the need to ensure that the impetus was maintained.

Members agreed that additional human and financial resources may be needed for this purpose.

Action - Matter to be raised as an action point from the LEF to the next CPP meeting on 12th September.

7. AOCB

D Macaulay intimated that a bid was being prepared for LEADER rural development funding with CnES leading. Expressions of interest were due to be submitted next week with a full business plan by the end of October. A local steering group has been formed for this purpose.

Date of next meeting – 22nd November 2007.

There being no other business the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair.