PRESENT:

Sandy Brunton, Tom Bettley, John Cable, Georgia O’Neill, Alan Parker, Michael Ackerley, Chris Reade

APOLOGIES:

Olive Brown, Jo Currie, Derek Crook

MINUTES:

Minutes from meeting 2^nd May proposed by John, seconded by Tom.

MATTERS ARISING:

TRAVEL SHOW

John has a price for a new display board – approx £200 (including stand).  The Ross of Mull Historical Society also have one of these displays <JOHN> will contact Linda McCallum about their stand.  Alternative option of A0 print would be approx £30.

Booking contracts for next year’s show have arrived already.  The cost for the stand will be £1100, half of which is required now.  Another cost that might be incurred is insurance for those attending.  It is still undecided whether we shall attend next year or not. John received letter from Maureen McMillan about the VisitScotland changeover.  VisitScotland will be reviewing all TICs.  A transitional fund is available – our costs for next year’s travel show may already have been covered by this fund.

Information packs have been sent out as a result of this year’s show.  The cost of sending came to approx £100.

ROADS:

A well attended public meeting organised by the Community Council was held on 27^th May.  A discussion took place about this meeting.  It was felt that, despite the high attendance, the effects that the new weight restrictions will have on the entire population of Mull is not widely known.  John had received a letter from Alan Reid who had in turn received a letter from Argyll & Bute Council in response to his comments about the roads.  He said that their response was not encouraging.

MEMBERSHIP:

Sandy has sent blurb to Georgia for renewal letter.  £1120 has been received in standing orders.

PRESIDENT:

Sandy reported on correspondence received.

Capability Scotland sent details of training courses for dealing with disabilities.  <Georgia>  will email details to members.

Postwatch sent letter to Chamber offering to come and give a presentation.  Possible subject for winter meeting?  Georgia had received a reply straight away after contacting Postwatch about the future of Mull’s postal service after competition with the Royal Mail is allowed to increase.

Learndirect Scotland – courses available online for businesses.

The West of Scotland Chamber meeting was cancelled.

Sandy attended the Insuleur meeting in Brussels.  He commented that some of the countries attending the meeting had actual ‘Ministers for Islands’.  Next annual meeting to be held in Sicily.

Local Economic Forum has published its strategy for Argyll & the Islands.

WEBSITE:

Trouble again with Freezone who host mullchamber.org.  Hackers from Turkey have been targeting the site.  Photo Gallery updated.  A company promoting a ‘Balamory’ stage-show tour have asked for a link to promote the show. Georgia had enquired about what discounts might be made available for Mull children to see the show – but little has been offered.  It was felt that the business had little to do with Mull or the promotion of Mull and, as it is not a member, should not be advertised.

TREASURER:

Tom reported a balance of £4,418.54

SECRETARY:

Various fundraising events have been advertised in Chamber News

AOB:

The final draft of the local plan is now available.  There will be a public meeting.  <Sandy> will email details to Georgia

Renewable Energy Forum – last meeting cancelled.  Michael asked for any issues that might be raised at the next meeting.  John requested that tidal and wave power be discussed and Alan asked for Biomass.

Ferry Committee AGM to be held on 14^th June 7.30pm Craignure Hall.  Alan volunteered to attend.

Alan discussed the probability of Broadband being available in July.  He will know more after attending a meeting tomorrow.