Joint Chairmen; Alasdair Macleod and Bill Mullin
Minute Secretary; Gordon G. Smith
Counting/Returning Officer; Bill Wilder
HIE Land Representative; Neil Ross
1) Welcome: The Chairman welcomed the members of the public. He also explained that 20 members of the public had to be signed up to constitute a company and that had been done. In addition more directors could be added by nomination or election.
2) Introduction: The attendees were then introduced to the public
3) Report on where we are: Bill Mullin then appraised the meeting of the stage of readiness of the application and stated that it would be submitted within the next few days.
4) How we got to this stage: By attending Assynt Foundation meetings since 18th August 2004 and working closely with the Assynt Foundation, HIE Land Unit, Crofters Commission, the Scottish Executive, Munro and Noble and the HIE planning office.
5) Future Actions: It was explained that future actions would be in cooperation with the HIE Land Unit, the Crofters Commission, the John Muir Trust, the Assynt Foundation, the Scottish Executive and other relevant bodies. The next step following submission of the application will be to commission a feasibility study which it was suggested should be in collaboration with the Assynt Foundation to minimise the calls on the public purse. If this shows that our bid would be of public benefit the Assessor’s office will hold a postal ballot to establish the will of the community. Neil Ross advised that the reasons for late application required to be strengthened in the submission although this has largely arisen because of conflicting guidance from the Scottish Executive.
6) Questions: The floor was then opened for questions.
7) Recess to allow members to complete signing up: This was not needed.
8) Interim Board of Directors: The interim Board of Directors, namely David Heaney, Alasdair Macleod, Gordon Smith and Bill Wilder were then confirmed with no objections.
9) Election of Directors: An invitation for volunteers or nominees was then put forward. Volunteers were Davy Garret, Reiner Luyken and Peter Muir. Lesley Muir proposed Peter Haring, seconded by Peter Muir.
10) Sum up with thanks: Bill Mullin thanked all those who attended and the meeting closed to be immediately followed by a meeting of the Board of Directors.
11) Date of Next Meeting: Tuesday 9th November 2004