minutes of a meeting held in - Shetland Communities

Mr Irvine circulated a presentation to the members and said the Hamefarin
web site where people can register their interest had been launched in
January 2009. There has been a lot of interest and it is anticipated that
visitor numbers will exceed 500.
Mr Irvine told the members that if they wanted to be involved they should
contact their local History Group and work alongside them.
The Chairman asked if there were any questions from the members.
Mr Laurence Tulloch asked about the number of visitors and the problems
that might occur with regard to accommodation. Mr Irvine said that some of
the visitors would be staying with family but they were aware that
accommodation might be a problem. He said that they had advised people
wishing to come to Shetland for the Hamefarin to book their accommodation
as early as possible.
There was further discussion and Mr Ian Isbister asked about the local halls
being made available for use as refreshment stops for tours / coach trips. Mr
Irvine said that the History Groups would liaise with local halls to organise
this. It was also agreed that all tours should be guided. Mr Irvine said that
the SIC planes would be used for trips to the small islands.
As there were no further comments the Chairman thanked Mr Irvine for
attending the meeting.
2009/04/08 WIND TURBINE PROJECT
The Chairman asked Mr Jan Riise to open this item.
Mr Riise said that Mr Ian Isbister had raised this point at the ASCC meeting
in October 2008. Mrs Kate Massie had been asked to write to the SIC Policy
Unit on behalf of the Community Councils asking for some guidance on how
Community Councils could approach their communities to obtain their views
and how they would implement public consultation to enable them to make
informed judgments on the Wind Turbine Project. Unfortunately the Policy
Unit could only supply a link to SIC website with consultation guidelines.
Mr Riise told the members that Community Councils do not have a statutory
roll in this so it is up to each Community Council how they want to progress.
The Government Energy Unit will not be writing to the ASCC. Mr Riise
suggested that as an Association we might want to meet on this.
The members went on to discuss the Wind Turbine Project and how
Community Councils should proceed. The Chairman asked the members if
they would like the ASCC to take any further action. Those present
requested no further action.
Mr Riise said that the Government Energy Committee are under no
obligation to consult with Community Councils. He also informed the
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