September 2000

REVISED MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF LOCHABER LIMITED

Held: Tuesday 26th September 2000, Lochaber Limited.

The Minutes have been revised to exclude items of Commercial Confidence.

PRESENT: Co. Secretary Mr G. McIntyre, Directors Mr K. Larson, Mrs K. MacGregor, Mr A. Race, Miss C. Walker, Mr L. Young (In the Chair), Mr D. Wright, Mr S. MacDonald, Mr G. Gardiner; Staff Mr S. Dingwall, Mrs A. Boyle, Mrs A. Gainsford, Ms C. Wright, Mrs M. Cameron (Part).

APOLOGIES: Chairman Mr A. Rogers, Vice Chairman Cllr. A. McFarlane Slack, Mr A. McLean, Dr R. MacLeod, Chief Executive Mrs J. Wright.

i). Mr Young, who was in the chair, opened the meeting by expressing congratulations to Christine Walker and intimated, on behalf of the Board, his gratitude for the contribution she has made to the Lochaber community and the work of the Board in her time served with Lochaber Limited. Miss Walker is leaving the area to take up a new position and to get married. She thanked the Board for their best wishes and acknowledged the benefit of the experience she had gained.

ii). MINUTES:

The minutes of the meeting of Tuesday 25th July 2000 were approved. The revised minutes of the meeting of Tuesday 25th July 2000 were approved. Matters arising: Mr Dingwall advised that the HIE Marks 2 paper had been approved and an ERDF bid lodged by HIE.

iii). CASES FOR APPROVAL.

Item (iii) has been deleted to protect commercial confidentiality.

iv). CHAIRMAN'S REPORT.

Correspondence: There was no correspondence to report. Chairman's/Chief Executive Meeting, 22nd August: The main topic was Henry McLeish's report of which there has been no conclusion as yet. It is looking likely that the LECs would become subsidiary companies of HIE.

Annual Report Launch: It was reported that the launch had been successful both with the press and the public.

Initiative at the Edge Conference: It was reported that the conference had been very successful with a good representation of community reps and politicians.

Inward Investment Update: Progress is being made in securing a tenant for Carn Mor House. Recent press announcements have been premature.

HIE Board Visit: Mr Young advised the Board of a date for Directors diaries being the evening of Monday 13th November for Dinner with the HIE Board as part of their visit to Lochaber.

v). CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT.

Unemployment Statistics: Mr Young advised that unemployment figures continue to remain low. I n August the level was 2.2% for Lochaber.

Assisted Areas Map: Mr Dingwall advised that the DTI had made a submission to Brussels and it would be 2 months before a decision was received. Thereafter, De Minimus will hopefully, no longer be an issue.

 Lochaber Euro Team Projects: Mr Dingwall advised that the project list was circulated for information. It was noted that it would be a rolling programme, over the next 6 years. Bids submitted in September were highlighted. The programme will be updated in January following December approvals.

Kinlochleven Regeneration: Mr Dingwall advised that the updated strategy was circulated for information. Mr Dingwall outlined that the new strategy identified what had been achieved, consultations undertaken, and the range of strategic projects with potential funding and lead agencies noted. This will now be widely circulated and project details will be worked up by the lead agency.

Property Update: Mr Dingwall advised that the extension to Carn Mor House is now fully worked up to planning and tender stage. Sco-fro have now taken over the lease of 10,000 square foot unit at Annat Point Industrial Estate for production of their added value range, with 14 FTE's currently employed. Claymore Creameries are to remain in occupation of their unit at Annat Point for a further 5 year term. Two business proposals are currently being looked at for Kinlochleven business units.

HOST Tourism Strategy: Mr Dingwall advised that the HOST Tourism Strategy and Lochaber Limited's first responses, was circulated. Directors should make any comments on this to Jacqueline McDonell by 3rd October.

vi). A.O.C.B. Nothing to report.

vii). DATE & TIME OF NEXT MEETING:

Tuesday 31st October 2000, 11.30am, Duror Village Hall.