Sound of Mull Working Group

The establishment of a locally orientated working group to steer this project is a unique feature of this SSMEI project. It is hoped that this will result in a plan that is representative of the interests and users of the Sound of Mull.

The Sound of Mull (SoM) Working Group is the key element in developing the Sound of Mull Marine Spatial plan and its remit will be to:
• Advise on the development of the Sound of Mull Marine Spatial Plan and steer its progress in conjunction with the project officers.

• Support the preparation and implementation of the Sound of Mull Marine Spatial Plan.

• Discuss and provide information regarding:
• the spatial use of the area by sectors, areas of natural, cultural and heritage interest and importance
• sectoral interactions and informal/formal management practices
• areas suitable for activities and development
• the environmental capacity study and socio-economic evaluation.

• Discuss relevant issues and cooperate to develop solutions.

• Ensure the consultation and participation of local stakeholders and the wider community in development and implementation of the plan.

• Identify the need for further research, plans and/or programmes.

HOW WAS THE WORKING GROUP ESTABLISHED?

The process of establishing members of the SoM Working Group was started at the outset of the project in 2007.

This first involved indentifying identifying the main sectors and interests within the area and then determining representatives and contacts for these. This was done using existing local knowledge, research and talking to those within the area.

Following this, information on the project including a project brief, working group brief and a question and answer document were all sent out to relevant individuals, associations, businesses and regulators.

This was then followed up with one to one meetings with each stakeholder to allow a more fuller discussion of their interests in the area, the project and any concerns or issues they had.

This allowed the project officers to establish willing representatives from each interest and gain a fuller understanding of the project area.

A list of the members is available from Document Downloads.

The first meeting of the working group was held on the 14th November 2007 in Craignure, Isle of Mull.

WHO MAKES UP THE WORKING GROUP?

Relevant representatives of users of the Sound of Mull marine and coastal environment, local communities and regulators make up the SoM Working Group. A full list of these can be found in the PDF document under Document Downloads.

These representatives will be members of the SoM Working Group for the 3 years of the project unless they leaves the organisation which theyrepresents, in which case another suitable person will be asked to attend.

WHO IS THE CHAIR OF THE WORKING GROUP?
The Chair for the first meeting was Councillor Mary-Jean Devon from Argyll and Bute Council. At the first meeting the members of the SoM Working Group were asked to elect a chairperson and several suggestions were put forward. John Wilson from the Isle of Mull was voted to the position of Chair by the working group to oversee future meetings of the group.

Councillor Mary-Jean Devon from Argyll and Bute Council and Councillor Michael Foxley are the vice-chairs for the SoM Working Group. The vice-chairs support the chair and will convene meetings in absence of the chair.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further information on the Working Group and meeting minutes are available from the Document Downloads section.