Mid Scotland Forest Industries Cluster (MSFIC)

Steering Group Meeting Notes

13th April 2010

Present

Nick MainprizeForestry Commission Scotland

Raymond HendersonBidwells (chair)

Margaret WatsonScottish Enterprise

Ralland BrowneScottish Woodlands

Bill WatsonAngus Biofuels

Steve LukerCluster Facilitator

Apologies

Keith WishartForestry Commission Scotland

George WebbNorbord

Jamie FarquharConfor

Simon HartUPM Tilhill

Fenning WelsteadJohn Clegg and Co

Campbell MeleeScottish Enterprise

Syd HouseForestry Commission Scotland

Subject / Actions
1.Biomass agenda
1.1 The proposed RHI consultation
Steve presented the draft results of the wood use study. He noted that this was a direct outcome for the MSFIC steering group.
The meeting agreed with the RHI consultation document. It was agreed to adjust the comments on district heating.
Steve will circulate a final version so all SG members can input. It was noted that the other Cluster regions were being asked if the could also support this.
The Holyrood event on 2ndJune (at Dunblane Hydro) was discussed. Steve was asked to find out how the event was being badged and how the MSFIC was involved. / Steve
Steve
2. Plans for 2nd Cluster meeting
The meeting talked about the timing and nature of the next public cluster meeting.
It was concluded that we would target THURSDAY 24TH JUNE 2010 as the date.
We agreed it would focus on a FIELD TRIP TO THE LOCH KATRINE WOODLAND PROJECT.
The following is from the website as background:
‘The largest woodland and habitat landscape restoration project ever carried out in the UK is set to bring significant conservation, biodiversity and tourism benefits to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
Managed by Forestry Commission Scotland, the 20-year ‘landscape scale’ project on a 9500ha site on the banks of Loch Katrine will involve a mix of native woodland regeneration, restoration and planting as well as the management of open habitats.’
Nick Mainprice very kindly agreed to indentify and suggest contact names for the partners and FC staff who might be able support the field trip.
Steve will sort out the details and circulate a finalised agenda after he has heard from Nick (and contacted the partners) . The event will include a short introduction presentation, but will be mostly a field trip. (the possibility of asking Scottish and Southern to talk about their woodland plans was discussed but it was felt this was not needed) / All
Nick
Steve
3. AOB
None
6.Date of next meeting
To be agreed / all

All present plus apologies