Argyll the Islands Enterprise (AIE) is hosting a two-day conference on the Island of Mull exploring the opinions of island communities on their current transport infrastructure and their aspirations for the future.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) chairman and renowned historian and writer, Dr Jim Hunter is the keynote speaker at the event, which takes place on Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd October at the Isle of Mull Hotel, Craignure.

AIE chief executive, Ken Abernethy - who will be addressing delegates on the Wednesday - said: "It is widely accepted throughout the region that transport issues are at the heart of vibrant communities.  The aim of the Argyll Atlantic Islands Transport Conference is to look at the issues concerning how well our islands are served at the moment in terms of all types of transport.

"At the end of the two days, we hope to have created an action plan which will assist progress towards developing a more integrated transport network for our islands."
 
The Argyll Atlantic Islands Transport Conference is being chaired by Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, chairman of Argyll and Bute Council's transport spokesperson.  Other speakers on the first day include Tom Matthew, HIE's transport policy manager and Sandy Brunton from the Mull and Iona Community Trust.

On day two of the seminar, delegates will hear from other islands in the HIE region.  Sharing their island transport experiences will be Jeremy Baster from Orkney Islands Council and Murdo Murray from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.  The conference will also feature a range of practical workshop sessions over the two days.

Anyone wishing to attend should contact Stewart Meikle on tel: 01349 864473 or email: transportconf@aol.com as soon as possible.