Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mary Jean Devon and Robert Macintyre.

There were none intimated.

Short Life Working Group: Our Islands, Our Future – 13 May 2014

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Short Life Working Group on Our Islands: Our Future held on 13 May 2014 were approved as a correct record.

Report by Head of Economic Development

The Chair extended his thanks to Audrey Martin and Fergus Murray for the preparation of the Priorities and Objectives report within such a short timescale.

The Group considered a draft report which was intended would be considered by the Council in June, updating them on the work undertaken by the Short Life Working Group, seeking approval of proposed priorities and actions for the Group and seeking agreement to change the name of Group.

Audrey Martin spoke to the report advising that there was some further work she would like to do to the report before presenting it to the Council.  Fergus Murray advised that it would be useful to add a Glossary of Terms to the report and also to issue a press release explaining the content of the report.  Members held a discussion and suggested some minor amendments to the report.

Decision

It was agreed that further work be done to the report as outlined by Audrey Martin and Fergus Murray, and including the amendments suggested by Members, then circulated around the members of the Group for comment before being presented to the pre-agenda briefing of the Council on 12 June 2014.

(Reference: Report by Head of Economic Development dated 30 May 2014, submitted)

Verbal update from Head of Economic Development

The Head of Economic Development, Fergus Murray, advised that he had written to both Highland Council and North Ayrshire Council to gain an understanding on their views with regards to lobbying on behalf of island communities outwith the three islands partnership.  He advised that he had not yet received a response from either Council but would continue to pursue this.

Decision

The Short Life Working Group noted the verbal update by the Head of Economic Development.

(Reference: Verbal update by the Head of Economic Development)

Press release dated 23 May 2014

A press release dated 23 May 2014 advising of a meeting between the Council and the Minister for Local Government, Derek Mackay MSP, which had taken place in Rothesay on 20 May 2014 regarding the future of the Islands in Argyll and Bute had been circulated for information.

Decision

The Short Life Working Group -

1.      Noted the press release.

2.      Agreed that the Chair would discuss with the Leader of the Council the possibility of setting up a meeting with the Secretary of State, when possible, to raise his awareness of Argyll and Bute’s island problems, and if possible arrange for the Short Life Working Group to meet him.

(Reference:  Press release dated 23 May 2014, submitted)