DEVELOPMENT MANAGER'S AND PROJECT OFFICER'S MONTHLY REPORTS

Development Manager's Report March 08

Development Manager’s Report

Prepared for AF Board Meeting on 13th March 2008


As I write this I am conscious that it is only 12 working days since our last AF Board meeting thus there is little new upon which to update Directors.
Renewables
AEDA committee meeting on 11/03/08 in the Fire Station at 7.30pmto discuss the questions that will be asked of HICEC representative on the 18th.
18th March, a representative from HICEC is to answer questions and give an overview of potential renewable technologies for Assynt and infrastructure requirements (connection to grid etc) at Fire Station at 7.30 pm
Lodge
Producer of the Energy Audit for Lodge visited to update the Energy Audit for Lodge and associated buildings as part of application for 4 year zero interest loan for Lodge redevelopment. Adam will say more.
SNH
Negotiating new dates to meet SNH representative re SNH approval of the Management Plan. Also need a rescheduled meeting with SNH representative to discuss Deer Cull costs.
The Department [SERPID/SEERAD]
With 2 Directors I attended a meeting last Wednesday (5th) evening to hear details of the new Scottish Rural Development Scheme (SRDP). £1.6 bn for Scotland some £500m for the Rural Priorities – the competitive part of the scheme equivalent to the old “Tier3”. Seems to offer much flexibility, we have details of 32 Regional Priorities but until we have the details of the 110 or more “Options” it is impossible to say more. Promised the “Options” in the next 2 weeks and hopes are that the scheme will open in April. The Regional Proposal Assessment Committee (RPAC) will meet 3 or 4 times per year to approve projects. Application will be in two stages – 1. Statement of Intent (who, what, why, where, when, & how much) Sol; Feedback from “Case Officer” – Red/Amber light 2. Full Application, scored by Case Officer, Assessed by RPAC. If successful payments made retrospectively against actual expenditure and results.
Land Management
As agreed at last Board meeting, changes to stalking staff/trainees have been implemented, with understanding and support from those involved.

In case you missed the E-mail we were successful in our bid to Highland Council/EB Scotland for grant funding for the South Loch Assynt Pig Project (SLAPP) from the Land Fill Tax fund. This is £8,700 (£10K less £1300 3rd party contribution) to be spent on capital items. This should let us build the infrastructure for further pig and cattle projects as well as improve our woodland regeneration.
Conferences and Courses Etc
Directors Training 12/13 March in Perth
Peak Oil Conf – Findhorn 27/28 March


The Walled Garden / Health & Happiness / Project Scotland
3 (poss 4) expressions of interest in response to advert. Need to arrange a meeting to take forward. Who ? Part of Lodge Sub-Group or a new Sub-Group?
Need to take H& H project forward particularly as it has potential for “Revenue” funding
Profile Raising etc
Company acting on behalf of Houses of Commons and Lords are organising 150th Anniversary of Big Ben celebrations. Working through Department of Communities and Local Government. Will produce an A4 book with chapter on Social renewal and regeneration. 5 Development Trusts selected, only AF from Scotland. Publicity launch in Westminster Hall. AF cash contribution would be required for entry in book. They produced “Britain & the Sea for Royal Navy as part of Trafalgar day celebration and appear bona fide.
May help our ability to apply successfully for grants.
Will I suspect do little to increase Lodge or Stalking bookings.

Finances
As separate item on agenda.



Mark Lazzeri
10th March 2008