Business        

1.                  Election of Office Bearers

The Chairman asked for nominations for the post of new chairman John Wilson proposed Michael Elwis seconded by Jimmy Henderson.  Ronnie Campbell was nominated to continue as vice-chair proposed by John Wilson seconded by Michael Ackerly.

Mr Elwis requested a sight of the list of the past committee for consideration, as it was felt that some local organisations are not being adequately represented due to non-attendance at meetings of their nominated representatives.

2.                  Summer Timetable 2004.

The members were pleased to note that it is Mr Fox’s intention, subject to the availability of the 2^nd linkspan and the 3^rd vessel in Oban, to switch the Saturday sailing times on the Oban/Craignure to the normal weekday operating times.  Secretary to write to Mr Fox commending his decision and requesting that the first sailing on a Saturday departing Craignure at 0700, to connect with the Oban - Glasgow train, also the last sailing on Saturday depart Oban at 2000 with the ferry berthing overnight at Craignure.   This sailing to be for the peak months of the season only.

Bill Pollock advised that Morvern Community Council had responded favourably to his draft proposals for the Bus/Ferry connection for the Fishnish /Lochaline service.  Secretary to forward a copy to Peter Clark for his consideration.  Mr Pollock is currently compiling a draft timetable for the Tobermory/Kilchoan service in corporating the associated bus connections, on completion he will forward the same to Mr Clark

A.O.C.B.

The Committee considered a complaint from local farmers that livestock being carried in floats below a threshold number of 6 cattle and 30 sheep on the Oban/Craignure, Fishnish/Lochaline, Tobermory/Kilchoan and Fionnphort/Iona services, are being charged at the Oban/Outer Isles “on the Hoof Rates”.  Secretary to write Cal-Mac to seek an explanation for the unreasonable charges.

Mr Pollock advised that it is proposed to have the Tobermory/Craignure service bus run down the Back Brae and along Tobermory Main Street in future.  Secretary to write Argyll & Bute Council intimating the members concern at the proposal on the following counts.  Firstly, the Health & Safety element of having a bus stop at the bottom of the Back Brae. Buses using this route would add considerably to the traffic congestion already experienced on the Main Street during the peak summer months. Also if the bus was detained in Tobermory due to congestion passengers could readily miss their ongoing connections.

Close of meeting.

The meeting closed at 9.55pm with a vote of thanks to the Chair.