MULL & IONA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Minutes of the meeting held on the 1st December 2003 in the CRAIGNURE HALL
PRESENT : Alan Mc Connochie, Tom Bettley, Sandy Brunton, Michael Ackerley, John Cable, Derek Crook, Georgia O’Neill.
APOLOGIES : Olive Brown.
MINUTES : Minutes of the meeting on 3rd November 2003 proposed by Derek and seconded by Tom.
Julie Peyton of ’Tobermory in Bloom’ made a presentation to the Chamber. The Board supports ’T in B’s aims and is happy to assist in the quest for funds required for projects.
MATTERS ARISING : DRIVING ON MULL - Sandy displayed materials in use elsewhere and will write to Cal. Mac. to further this project as previously discussed with them.
STRAG - <ALAN> will organise a meeting in the new year to discuss how to keep the momentum going. Alan displayed a form he had completed on behalf of the Distillery from Halcrow who have been commissioned by HITRANS to look into the importance of rural roads in the Highlands and Islands.
CAL.MAC. - Sandy discussed the Short Sea Crossing with Angus Johnston of the AIE who advised Sandy that an Argyll wide strategy on transport issues is imminent. Michael had been attending the Ferry Committee meeting in the next room and joined us to present an update. Issues included -
Winter timetable - Requested extension to summer sailings which Cal.Mac. will consider for 2004.
Alteration to times of ferries - under consideration.
Request minimum of 3 round trip sailings per day in winter.
Luggage container for ferry - unlikely.
New online booking service - 2004.
2nd linkspan unlikely to be built in 2004.
Tickets purchased may be timed for specific ferry to discourage ‘no shows’.
Summer 2004 timetable is fixed for 5 years to assist in tendering process.
PRESIDENT : Sandy did not attend the Insuleur meeting in Corsica as there was no concession on membership cost. In future we may be able to attend as an observer instead of a member.
WEBSITE - Sandy provided images and content for the Ross of Mull. The Zynet site will be re-launched. Georgia suggested including adverts for seasonal staff on site. Sandy requested a link to the AIE on front page. How best to publicise the site and Chamber - next meeting.
TREASURER - Tom reported a balance of £3771.17.
SECRETARY - Alan reported he had been contacted the local tourist board advising that Holiday Mull will be attending the Travel Show and wish to do so with us. Alan will advise of future contact. <ALAN> will seek advice on how best to use list of contacts.
AOCB - John reported on disability legislation which will affect many businesses and on a Green Tourism Seminar he attended. <JOHN> will prepare an article for the site.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING - 5th January 2004 in the Craignure Hall at 8pm.
