Argyll economy on the menu at Oban lunch
Around 40 business and community leaders from across Argyll recently met the board of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in Oban.
The group discussed a broad range of issues affecting the area’s economy over an informal business lunch at the Olive Garden restaurant. Other attendees included HIE chief executive Charlotte Wright and members of the organisation’s leadership team.
The board held its regular bimonthly meeting at the European Marine Science Park, Dunstaffnage, on Tuesday October 30 and spent Wednesday morning with community organisations on Mull.
Chairman of HIE Lorne Crerar said the Argyll visit had been productive and enjoyable. He added: ‘Highlands and Islands Enterprise has a great responsibility to achieve positive impacts across all parts of our region.
‘It’s absolutely vital our board members get out and about so we can meet our clients and partners face to face and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing local businesses and communities. After our board meeting on Tuesday, we were able to see first-hand some of the pioneering research being undertaken at the Scottish Association for Marine Science and tour the neighbouring building, Malin House, which is now home to some very impressive life sciences companies.’
Professor Crerar said the board had been impressed by the commitment and achievements of three community-led organisations they met on Mull – Mull and Iona Community Trust, North West Mull Community Woodland Company and South West Mull and Iona Development.
‘The progress that has been achieved by these communities is absolutely staggering,’ he said. ‘HIE is delighted to have been able to support them on their journey so far and we greatly look forward to helping deliver their future ambitions.
‘The business lunch in Oban then gave us an opportunity to engage with business and community leaders and address the topics that they wanted to discuss.
‘These events are all about listening and learning from the people we support so our decisions are informed by their experience and ambitions. There was a lot of discussion on Tuesday on themes that are fairly common to all parts of the Highlands and Islands. These included the important role young people play in our economy and the need for good quality jobs, mobile and broadband connectivity, as well as transport and affordable housing.
‘Concerns over Brexit were also raised, particularly in relation to the expected impact on the tourism and food and drink sectors.
‘Other topics were more specific to Argyll. There was a definite desire to tackle infrastructure constraints and a great deal of enthusiasm for the initiative to establish Oban as a university town.’