Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and general introductions were made.

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:-

Katie Evamy, ALIEnergy

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 2 October 2018. 

The Minute of the previous Annual General Meeting of the Argyll and Bute Windfarm and Renewables Trust held on 2 October 2019 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 2019, having heard from Alastair Bennett.

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 2019, having heard from Margaret Pratt. 

Discussion took place on the options available to Trusts for investment of funds to increase return.  Ms Barton agreed to investigate with the Council’s Strategic Finance Team what advice was available and circulate this to Trustees. 

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 2019, having heard from Janet Riddoch. 

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.)

The group gave consideration to a report by ALIEnergy outlining the background and staff detail of the company, together with current and recent projects and activities.

Decision:

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

(Reference:  Report by ALIEnergy, submitted.)

Discussion facilitated by Scottish Power Renewables

Natasha McBain from Scottish Power Renewables (SPR) outlined the reporting structure which should be followed when itemising the allocation of funds.  She advised that although the annual reports provide detail on the projects which have been supported, SPR are keen that the allocation of funds is broken down to show specifically how much of the total cost is being met from their contribution. 

Discussion took place on the best way for this information to be provided with the least amount of effort for all parties, with it being noted that a reporting template was available. 

Decision:

The Argyll and Bute Windfarm and Renewables Trust agreed:-

1.    to note the request from SPR for a more detailed breakdown of funds allocated; and

2.    that a copy of the reporting template would be circulated to all Trustees. 

Mr Bennett asked a question around the SPR newsletter which detailed an award of funding which had been made to Campbeltown Hospital.  Ms McBain agreed to look into this question and report back.

Mr Bennett asked if a copy of the original document which set up the Trust could be provided.  Ms Barton agreed to investigate if this was available. 

Discussion took place on the criteria for making awards with it being noted that the current criteria was quite restrictive and that if it could be amended it may allow for more imaginative awards to secure longer term sustainability.  Ms Barton agreed to look at possible options.