D Macaulay confirmed that the Aquaculture Forum had now nominated Ole-Petter Krabberod as their representative to the LEF.

C I MacIver reported that a response was still awaited from the Central Support Unit in regard to the invitation to visit the Western Isles.

As it had not been possible to complete a schedule for LEF meetings, it was agreed to postpone this item until the next meeting.

D Macaulay reported that no formal feedback had been received in regard to the Action Plan as yet. Members, however, noted that press reports suggested that the WI LEF Plan had been well received. It was agreed that the formal response would be circulated as soon as it became available.

Members noted the minutes from the Ministerial Taskforces and related actions. R Murray sought clarification in regard to the Taskforce action requiring HIE to review the scope for developing a business gateway. It was believed that this exercise would seek to develop greater customer focus by seeking amalgamation of existing services and products rather than the creation of a separate entity.

Related to this D Macaulay outlined that HIE are presently undertaking a "product and process review" in order to evaluate services and how they are delivered. As this exercise may prove pertinent to the overall delivery of business development services, it was agreed to feedback developments to the LEF.

C I MacIver outlined that the first three actions points within the WI LEF Action Plan had to be completed by 31 December. Two papers were presented in regard to these actions.

Paper one addressed the implementation of a WI LEF Communications Strategy. Members agreed the outlined strategy and agreed to add Press Issues as an on-going agenda item. It was also agreed to progress the WI LEF website and for a paper in regard to developments to be circulated at the next meeting.

Paper two addressed a proposed structure in regard to the introduction of new business support programmes. The paper was agreed as presented.

It was agreed that all actions would be moved forward at the earliest opportunity. It was agreed that each lead body would provide an update on developments at subsequent LEF meetings.

R Murray updated the LEF in regard to the recently completed CnES project initiation exercise. This had identified some 115 capital projects. These projects were prioritised and scored down to 50. It is anticipated that available funding will only allow 10 projects to proceed within available budgets. It was agreed to circulate the LEF with the 10 projects upon completion of the exercise.

Related to this it was agreed that the WIE Business Plan would also be circulated to the LEF.

D McKim outlined recent developments in regard to the potential for renewable energy. Members agreed that this sector offers enormous potential for economic development. It was agreed that this should be a regular agenda item for future meetings.

The Forum agreed to reconvene on Thursday 17th January 2002.