Minutes of Meeting at the Isle of Mull Hotel

2^nd June 2008

Present                  Mr S Brunton     Ms J Chauvet    Ms G O Neill   Mr M  Ackerely

Apologies              Jo Curry    Joe Reade

Minutes of Last Meeting – amendments – Treasurers report – credit

balance of £3205.69.

Matters arising from minutes of last meeting – an offer to print 1000

stickers free of charge has been accepted.

AP – Jane and Georgia to look at design and adding logo to members websites and

letterheads.

Internet Banking – Michael had investigated and the relevant paperwork

was signed by S Brunton and J Chauvet to activate changes.

CalMac DVD – it would appear that the DVD is not being played on the

Ferry very frequently.

AP – S Brunton to speak to Hugh MacPhee.

Food Initiative – Jane reported back to the Committee on progress made

since last meeting;-

• Information received from MICT
• Information about funding from James Hilder (MICT)
• Collating details of all producers on Mull – food and non food products
• Contacted Fergus Younger with regard to the local Argyll initiative
• Attended a meeting with Jim Mather MSP, council representatives, HIE and other producers from around Argyll to discuss local and national issues, how to promote Argyll products, transport, looking at successful initiatives already in place and support for producers and food initiatives
• ‘attended’ an online Branding Seminar with “The Black Farmer”
• Sandy reported on a meeting with Eric Walton and explained about the Walton operation – distributing produce to the East coast as well as to Skye and Campbelltown. May be an opportunity to build on that distribution service

The committee identified two challenges facing producers – distribution on Mull and the bigger picture of disturbing off Island. 

AP –Jane to continue with investigating a distribution service. Also how to link in Food Festival with a public networking event. To contact Alistair Dobson – Taste of Arran Initiative. To speak to Drew Collier at CalMac re – more produce on ferry.

Transport – Coll, Colonsay and Oban airports are now licensed. Scheduled flights could start soon.

Michael received a response from his letter regarding tickets not being collected. The issue will be investigated by the CalMac finance department.

Roads – still a major problem all over the island being particularly bad on the Pennyghael to Bunessan stretch.

AP – Jane to draft letter to our local councillors

Ferry Committee – AGM did not take place due to very poor attendance.

AP – Michael to make contact with Ronny Campbell

Ferry DVD – not being played as promised.

AP – Sandy to approach Hugh/ Iain Erskine

Passing Places signs – it was noted that there were new police signs on the Salen to |Aros stretch of road which would seem to have stopped tourists stopping and parking.

AP – Jane to write to the police to assess whether this is to be extended to other popular “parking places”

CalMac – it would appear that the walkways were still causing problems and this is resulting in boats running late and passengers having to use the car deck to board. Connecting transport links were also being missed.

AP – Michael to write to CalMac and try to get a definitive explanation as to why this was still an issue.

President’s Report – following and observation by a Chamber member, it has been duly noted that the website needs updating.

AP – Georgia to due the initial updating. Jane and Georgia to work together to make sure it remains current.

Update from Holiday Mull – non-accredited holiday accommodation providers will be accepted at EXPO 2009. HMI will not be attending EXPO 2009

AP – Sandy to follow up.

Treasurer’s Report – Credit balance of £4355.90

Secretary’s Report – membership renewals have been collected. Georgia has set up broadcast facility from the web site. Georgia has replied to the MOD Committee.

Next meeting – Isle of Mull Hotel, Monday 7^th July 2008