MINUTES OF THE MULL COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 13^th SEPTEMBER 2006, CRAIGNURE HALL

PRESENT:

Linda Cameron, Chair

         Steve Barlow, Tobermory             Bert Leitch, Ulva Ferry

         Fiona Brown, Pennyghael/Tiroran  Tony Proud, Dervaig

         Ronnie Campbell, Bunessan,        Hazel Yule, Tobermory

         Jim Corbett, Lochbuie,                 Councillor Alistair MacDougall

         Adrian Fitness, Craignure              Linda Dawson, Minute/Correspondence Secretary

                                                            Approximately 25 members of the public in attendance

1.      Apologies:

Paul Forster, Salen    Lorn McLeod (Non-Executive Director of CalMac)

Mull Community Council had met during August regarding the following:

Public Meeting held in Salen 26th July 2006 to discuss the proposed Salen-Tobermory Road.  Unanimous decision by show of hands, no traffic lights wanted in Salen village or anywhere else on the island.  Hope that the two Argyll and Bute Councillors in attendance had observed the meetings feelings.  Group now set up, separate from Community Council.

CalMac requested to meet with Mull Community Council.  Meeting duly held 15^th August 2006 Isle of Mull Hotel, Craignure.  Board Directors going to be in attendance at MCC September meeting.  CalMac representatives would also like to attend this meeting.  Approved.

1.      Minutes and matters arising from the Meeting held Wednesday 12th July 2006:

1.1     Minutes:

All items approved as an accurate record.  Proposed by Hazel Yule, seconded by Fiona Brown

1.2     Action Points:

Big Art Project:

Although told Community Council would be kept informed, article published in Round and About.  Focus group has now been formed.  Lee Hendrick appointed as part-time Project Officer.  Letter to be sent
 Action: LD

Ambulance/Fire and Rescue:

AF reported-no reply received to date

Marquee:

Letter circulated prior to meeting from Tony Proud regarding above.  Use has diminished due to its current state.  Isle of Jura had not happened.  The marquee has suffered over time through wear and tear and possible neglect.  TP requested that the marquee be sent to Inverhall for repairs.  Company unable to give estimate until see the work needed.  RC suggested that other companies be asked to quote for the work, but this would incur further costs.  Following discussion, committee agreed that the marquee be sent to Inverhall.  Once repaired would advertise and could be hired out with confidence.              Action: TP

Proposed Progressive Care Centre:

Still in the hands of Lawyers.  Dun Aros getting nearer to closing.  Bill Thomson meeting with Lawyers to try and resolve the situation once and for all.  Jim Bowman informed the meeting, through Chair, that the problem lies with Argyll and Bute not him and was going to Oban the following day to Lawyers.

Renewable Energy Forum:

As forum not active at the moment, letter sent from Chair turning down request for funding from REF.  Reply received from Convenor of MICT, surprised by MCC’s decision, although reasons given by committee were valid.

Tobermory Street Parking Charges:

SB reported-Argyll and Bute Council publishing summary on proposals, will be circulated on notice boards.

Lochbuie-War Memorials:

British Legion could provide 50% funding, rest needs to be found.  Letter also received regarding possible source of funding.  No information received from other Community Councillors on the state of war memorials in their area.

Craignure footpath:

AF reported-work has now been completed

Mink Study:

BL-spoken with SNH, took our comments and concerns on board, but feasibility study must still be undertaken (£25,000) although local knowledge already here on the island

Am Muileach:

From 1^st September 2006, new volunteers now up and running of local paper.  Chair requested letter of thanks be sent to Brenda Douglas for printing Community Council’s minutes over the years and wish her well and all the best for the future, all agreed.                                                                                                            Action: LD

2.      Correspondence:

2.1     Bulk Installation of Small Scale Domestic Wind Turbines for Mull:

Letter sent from James Hilder, MICT to Paul Forster, Chair of Renewable Energy Forum, copy to Chair, MCC.  Meeting required to discuss                                                                                                   Action: PF

2.2         Association of Scottish Community Councils:

AGM 14^th October 2006 Stirling.  Subscription Membership Renewal requested.  TP to hold payment until amount clarified.                                                                                                                        Action: LD

2.3         Fidden Farm, Fionnphort:

Letter of support requested from MCC for improvements to facilities at camp site.  Chair sent on behalf of MCC

2.4         Ulva Ferry School:

Letter received from resident highlighting warning signs for school missing in both directions, seems other private signs are more prominent and visual.  Signs should be reinstated.                                             Action:LD

2.5     MICT Update:

E-mail received, information circulated

3.      Finance Report:

Closing Balance: £2113.54

4.      Keep Mull Moving:

TP had read Economic Impact Assessment Report, which states in favour of upgrading roads on Mull.  Meeting would be arranged in the near future.                                                                                Action: LC

5.      Meeting moved forward with representation from CalMac:

Present:

         Ian Fox, Philip Preston, Hugh MacPhee, Hugh Dan McClelland and

         Councillor Ian Gillies (Tiree and Non-Executive Director of CalMac)

Philip Preston began by explaining some of the workings of CalMac.  Private Limited Company with its own Board of Directors, has shareholders and accountable to Scottish Ministers.  At the moment undertaking to provide services, lists the destinations and routes, receive a deficit grant subsidy from the Government.  Have many constraints, but CalMac can make recommendations.  Fares have to be set by Scottish Ministers, not allowed to make changes to the ticket system; timetables are set through consultations with user groups, Isle of Mull is part of Western Isles, South.  Routes have currently been offered out to tender with two consultation exercises put out by the Scottish Executive.

Suggestions and Changes-Tendering Situation:

Last year the Scottish Executive published an advert in the European Journal, 15/16 expressions of interest were received.  Stage 2 of the process-questionnaire submitted asking for background details of the company, only 3 received-Western Ferries, V Ships and CalMac.  CalMac is one of the potential bidders.  ITT to be published soon, new contract will start from Autumn 2007.  Degree of frustration on CalMac behalf, unable to do very little with the timetable or fares.  The level of fares has been kept down even when fuel costs have doubled or trebled. 

Councillor Ian Gillies-new Non-Executive Director of CalMac appointed 1^st May 2006:

Travels on the ferry every day, when tendering process finalised hopefully there will be improvement in the service.  Has no power to make alterations, but promised to take any concerns back to CalMac Board.

Issues highlighted and discussed:

²     Local attitude that CalMac are here to serve visitors not locals

o       CalMac receive much revenue from bus traffic

²     Problems when the train is late arriving

²     Why is the ferry held for coaches from Fishnish

o       CalMac this is called a “continuous” journey

²     General feeling that CalMac are not in touch with people on the island, who they are also serving along with tourism, this could be improved

o       CalMac would keep up dialogue, through Mull Community Council, and welcome face to face meetings

²     CalMac are caretakers of a life line service, which locally not being provided.  Service geared to tourism, which only helps CalMac

²     Families with more than one vehicle have to purchase separate books of tickets, can’t all vehicle registrations be on one ticket

²     Do not help local hauliers.  Regulations on height and length of vehicles stricter

o       Have always been in place, but not implemented forcefully

²     No flexibility or common sense by CalMac on the 30 minute limit before ferry sailing (even when ferry late

o       CalMac have to keep within the 15 minute turn round

²     Some staff at Oban terminal found to be rude and abusive

²     Request made for later sailings even if extra ones could not be provided

o       CalMac could look into

²     Most expensive crossing of all CalMac routes, although shortest journey

²     Concern about the purchase of tickets for Oban High School children

o       CalMac looking into Young Scot Card system

²     When making vehicle booking told ferry full, on arrival space available.  People book on more than one ferry

o       CalMac experience trouble with people not cancelling reservations

²     Alternative private boat service could be introduced

o       Not discussed fully

Note from Chair:

Following MCC meeting, a press headline “CalMac hated on Mull.”  I would hope this statement is not true as hated is a very strong word.  Although the island does have problems with them at present, MCC are trying to address the ongoing issues, (but this may take some time!)

Over past years island residents have found CalMac staff on all Mull ferries to have been very helpful and obliging.  I hope they will continue to do so, in spite of this above headline

6.      Time and Date of Next Meeting:

7.30 pm Wednesday 4th October 2006, Craignure Hall