PRESENT:

Sandy Brunton, Michael Ackerley, Tom Bettley, Derek Crook, John Cable, Georgia O’Neill

APOLOGIES:

Alan Parker, Olive Brown, Jenny Smith, Joe Reade

MINUTES:

Minutes from meeting 1st November proposed by Tom, seconded by Michael.

MATTERS ARISING:

Weight restrictions

<John >  will find out if oil deliveries will be subject to the new vehicle weight restrictions.

Transport

Michaels’ resignation has been accepted by the Ferry Committee but the Chamber’s request to continue receiving minutes from the Committee was rejected, unless the Chamber names a new representative to attend Committee meetings.

CONSTITUTION:

The sub-committee have held 2 telemeetings and have reworked the constitution up to part 4, ‘Membership’.  Board members have received copies of the work in progress.  Next telemeeting, Weds 8th Dec 8pm

WINDSAVE:

Derek has been looking at a new wind turbine now available for individual houses.  He has been in contact with the company Windsave with a view to co-ordinating the installation of turbines on the island.  He suggested that the Chamber holds a winter event to provide any interested parties with the relevant information about this renewable energy option.  A representative from Windsave could be invited to give a presentation.

VISITSCOTLAND CHANGEOVER:

John reported about the meeting he attended in Oban last month regarding the changeover of VisitScotland in April next year.  <Georgia>  will email his report to all members.  The board agreed that John’s expenses to attend the meeting should be reimbursed by the Chamber.  <John> will write to the Minister for Tourism outlining concerns raised about how the changeover will be achieved in the short space of time between now and April.

LOCAL FOOD INITIATIVE

Georgia asked board members their views on the new initiative started by MICT to promote a local ‘brand’ for produce and crafts made on Mull and Iona.  A short discussion ensued, the general opinion being that the Chamber should support the scheme, but would need to be kept up to date with its progress.

TREASURER:

Tom reported a balance of £5063.40

SECRETARY:

Tom brought mail received during the month

AOB:

Derek has been tirelessly collating his transport lobby list that now runs to 6 pages