Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:-

Councillor Sandy Taylor

Alasdair Bennett, East Kintyre Windfarm Trust

Craig Mullen, Community Investment Manager, SSE

There were no declarations of interest intimated. 

The Minute of the previous Annual General Meeting of the Argyll and Bute Windfarm and Renewables Trust held on 8 September 2020 was approved as a true record. 

The group gave consideration to the annual report and audited accounts of East Kintyre Windfarm Trust to the year ending 31 March 2021, having heard from Ian Brodie. 

Decision:

The Argyll and Bute Windfarm and Renewables Trust agreed to note the detail provided. 

(Reference:  Annual Report and Audited Accounts by East Kintyre Community Council Windfarm Trust, submitted.) 

The group gave consideration to the annual report and statement of accounts of West Kintyre Windfarm Trust to the year ending 31 March 2021, having heard from Margaret Pratt. 

Discussion took place around the criteria for making awards, with the Trust agreeing that the current criteria was restrictive and outdated.  The Committee Manager agreed to take forward discussions with the Windfarm Trusts, the energy companies and the Council’s Legal Services to progress this matter.   

Decision: 

The Argyll and Bute Windfarm and Renewables Trust agreed to note the detail provided.

(Reference:  Annual Report and Statement of Accounts by West Kintyre Community Council Windfarm Trust, submitted.) 

The group gave consideration to the annual report and associated accounts of Inveraray Windfarm Trust to the year ending 31 March 2021. 

Decision:

The Argyll and Bute Windfarm and Renewables Trust agreed to note the detail provided. 

(Reference:  Annual Report and Accounts by Inveraray Windfarm Trust, submitted.)

Consideration was given to a report by ALIenergy outlining the background of the sustainable energy charity, together with an overview of current and recent projects and activities. 

Decision

The Argyll and Bute Windfarm and Renewables Trust agreed to note the information provided.

(Reference:  Report by ALIenergy, submitted.)   

The group gave consideration to a report by ALIenergy providing an update on education and skills development activity for Argyll and Bute Windfarm and Renewables Trust. 

Discussion took place in respect of the recent STEM activity that had taken place in schools and the efforts of ALIenergy in maintaining and developing networks with Community Council’s and other relevant groups. 

Decision

The Argyll and Bute Windfarm and Renewables Trust agreed to note the information provided.

(Reference:  Report by ALIenergy, submitted.)

Siobhan Jarvie of ScottishPower Renewables provided a brief update of local site activity within the area, including the Beinn an Tuirc III project, which is nearing completion; the Erraghail hybrid project and the submission of the joint bid between ScottishPower Renewables and Shell to the latest ScotWind Leasing Round in relation to floating off-shore windfarm development opportunities. 

Having noted her intention to step down at the end of her current term as a local Councillor, the Chair took the opportunity to thank all Members of the Trust for their continued hard work and support of local communities.