MULL & IONA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Minutes of the meeting held on 5th February 2007 in Craignure Hall
PRESENT: Sandy
Brunton, Michael Ackerley, Alan Parker, Tom Bettely, Georgia O'Neill, John
Cable, Derek Crook
APOLOGIES: Jo Currie
Minutes of the January 2007: Acceptance proposed by Michael Ackerley,
seconded by Tom Bettely. Passed nem con.
Matters arising from the January Minutes.1 Caravans/travellers at
unlicensed sites. A & B Council are still following up this matter but it
is legally difficult for the police to remove unauthorised occupation of
public areas. Raised barriers would provide some answer but maintenance of
the barriers would be costly which is why large boulders have now been
placed across entrances to such sites as the one in Glen Mor.
Unfortunately this means that short stops for viewing by tourists are also
prevented. Not a help to the tourist trade.
2 Marine Park Questionnaire. John Cable has submitted the Chamber's
response to the questionnaire and this response has been largely endorsed
by Holiday Mull. The Chamber's response will be put on its website.
3 Transport strategy Sandy has sent the Chamber's response to Hitrans and
has received acknowledgement. This document is also to go on the Chamber's
website. The document is also the Chamber's response to Argyll & Bute
Council's document "Moving Forward. Local transport Strategy" and will be
emailed to Nicola Debenham at A&B Council and also forwarded to our MP and
MSP and to Keep Mull Moving. Holiday Mull is to be asked to be asked if
they will endorse this because of its importance and to promote joint
action by both bodies where it is appropriate. John Cable reported that
that Councillor McGaskill has replied to John's email asking why A&B
Council have not asked The Scottish Executive to grant derogation on the
matter of weight-restrictions on Mull roads to the effect that he has now
instructed the relevant officers to deal with the matter immediately.
Georgia O'Neill has produced for the Chamber an amusing animated web item
on driving on single-track roads. It was agreed that Alan Parker contact
Calmac to see if the ferry company would agree to using it on their large
screen displays and to bring the item to the attention of Councillor
Gillies on Tiree. This item is also to be on the Chamber's website
AGM and Annual Dinner. Jo Currie had agreed to organise this event for the
16th/17th March at Highland Cottage, Tobermory. The dates and venues are
to be posted to members. All Board members are to check the membership
list to see who could be approached to agree to be nominated for the
Board. It was felt that the Board needed new members. Derek and Michael
would analyse patterns in the membership list. Tom announced that he would
not be seeking re-election and by acclaim he was heartily thanked for all
the work that he had done as Treasurer for so many years.
Treasurer's report. A balance of £3752.76 was reported and the accounts
had been sent for audit. Michael was thanked for his help in the
preparation of these accounts.
President's Report. A great deal of circular mail had been received but
much of it was in the form of invitations from various organisations on
the mainland and attendance was not considered economic or convenient.
Where opportunity arose mainland organisations would be invited to hold
some of their events on Mull and Iona.
Travel Expo 07 The total cost, to be shared equally between the Chamber
and Holiday Mull, was £1410. It was
agreed the Chamber's contribution be paid.
AOB.. Derek was thanked for offering to take minutes at future meetings.
These would be forwarded to Georgia for dissemination to the membership
and entry on our website. Derek would also forward to Georgia a less
formal account drawn from the minutes for similar dissemination.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING: 5th March 2007
