PRESENT: D.Murray; R.Murray; A.Murray; M.Murray; A.MacLeod, R.Moir; A. MacKenzie; A.M Henderson; R.MacLeod; A Campbell; John A. MacIver; S. MacIver.

APOLOGIES : A.A. Smith

CHAIR: D.Murray

•  Note of the Last Meeting

The Note of the last meeting was approved.

Amendment

  A. Campbell had attended the last meeting.

1.1.    Matters Arising

   Hebridean Connections

  Update on the above project provided by Donald. Next phase would include 8 Comainn Eachdraidh - those involved with the first phase plus another four including Tolsta. It was likely that an independent company would be set up. Positive feedback from the Lottery and other funding agencies thus far.

Bàrdachd

300 booklets of 112 pages to be printed. The booklet is called "Clachan Crìche: Taghadh de Bhàrdachd Tholastaidh" and should be on sale fairly soon. Still awaiting remainder of grant aid from CnAG.

Thought we might ask a suitable person to review the book for the Stornoway Gazette, e.g., Dr Finlay Macleod or Murdo Macleod (former Gàidhlig Inspector of Schools).

We would arrange an official launch, with singers invited, e.g. Calum Alex Macmillan.

Young Historians

Fishing book being progressed by Ruairidh

Ruairidh would liaise with Donald about completing the book. We would need to arrange for an invoice to be presented so that the remainder of LEADER + funding could be claimed. Very important for this to be done soon, given the tight LEADER + deadlines.

Tolsta Walk

Donald and Angus had met Susan Rabe (WICAP) to finalise the route and discuss signage/posts, walkways, gate, panels, leaflet, contractors, etc. Susan would come back to us with a finalised plan.

NTCC would have to 'front' the application for insurance purposes; DJ, as chair of NTCC, had agreed to ask the committee. Not certain whether this had been discussed by them as yet.

Ben Lomond

The programme had been televised; tape would be forwarded. We had received an acknowledgement from the programme makers.

Internees in Holland WW1

Donald had sent a list of internees in response to the research enquiry.

Genealogy

He had also responded to William Macleod (genealogical enquiry).

2. Caidreachas Eachdraidh

Donald had attended the AGM. New office bearers were as follows: Annie Macsween, Norrie Macgregor, Kenneth MacDougall, Margaret MacInnes.

They had a new per capita grant scheme - proof of membership had to be forwarded. Tolsta had a list of members. Also, £4k to 6k grant funding available to comainn eachdraidh on a competitive basis.

•  Finance

No financial statement on the evening of the meeting.

4.   Correspondence

• Picture of historic value to the Comann Eachdraidh received from Jean and Leo Clarke, Canada .
• A list of training courses received from "Skills Building for the Future", some of which were of interest. Rhoda had attended one on copyright held at Lews Castle College earlier in the day.
• A letter received from Jane Clark asking whether we were interested in a proposed new facility at the Creed Business Park .
• Renewal of membership of Voluntary Action Lewis - we agreed to remain as members, at a cost of £15.

5.   AOCB

Mod Stall

The Comann Eachdraidh held a fairly successful stall in the Crush Hall at the Nicolson Institute during the Mod - sharing with others.

Answering Machine

  It was agreed to purchase an answering machine.

6.   Date of Next Meeting

No date was set for the next meeting.