PRESENT : Alan Mc Connochie, Sandy Brunton, Michael Ackerley, Derek Crook, Jenny Smith, Jo Reade, Pat Logan, Alan Parker, John Cable.

APOLOGIES : Tom Bettley, Olive Brown, Georgia O’ Neill.

MINUTES : Minutes of the meeting on 2nd February 2004 proposed by Derek and seconded by Michael.

BOARD ELECTIONS : Sandy, Tom, Alan and Michael were re-elected as President, Treasurer, Secretary and Vice-President respectively.

MATTERS ARISING : Georgia has e-mailed all members advising them they can advertise for staff on our website.

ARGYLL & BUTE LOCAL PLAN - <MICHAEL> pointed out several good and bad points and will draft a response to the plan and forward a copy to <GEORGIA> requesting she send a circular e-mail to members.

TRAVEL SHOW - Holiday Mull will attend the show with the Chamber and Abby Kirsop from the TIC will also attend. Alan Parker will be the Rep. from Holiday Mull and Alan Mc and Sandy will arrange a meeting to help plan the event.

ANNUAL DINNER - The Annual Dinner was a great success as was the idea of holding the AGM prior. The Ardachy House Hotel was an excellent venue and Jim Mather MSP proved to be an informative and entertaining speaker. Our business breakfast with the MSP was also extremely useful although some present seemed to find it more difficult to focus than others !

CONSTITUTION - <ALAN MC> will issue a copy of the constitution to Board members for discussion at the next meeting.
PUBLICITY - <SANDY> will forward an article with photo from Olive to the Muilleach.

PRESIDENT : <SANDY> will draft a response to the National Trust re their plans for Mull & Iona.

Sandy reported that, according to a recent meeting on the Island, Mull was the 2nd best place in Scotland to place wind turbines due to the wind energy available. A short discussion followed on the benefits and implications this could involve.

WEBSITE - No report in Georgia’s absence.

TREASURER - No report in Tom’s absence.

SECRETARY - Alan reported on correspondence received in the month.

AOCB - John advised on a Green Tourism Business Scheme for accommodation providers. John read out points of interest from a Green Charter he has produced. Members of the scheme would have to pay to join and remain a member. Membership of the Tourist Board would not be a necessity. All present thought this a worthy scheme and all voiced support.

Following a general discussion on Island matters <PAT> will produce a paper on an “Island Forum” and e-mail to Board members prior to the next meeting and <DEREK>will do the same for a “Focus on Transport”.

Ideas for a Volunteer Form - next agenda.