1 June 2017: Highland Council

A meeting of the Highland Council will be held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday, 1 June 2017 at 10.35am.

Webcast Notice: This meeting will be filmed and broadcast over the Internet on the Highland Council website and will be archived and available for viewing for 12 months thereafter.

You are invited to attend the meeting and a note of the business to be considered is attached.

Yours faithfully,

Michelle Morris
Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development

BUSINESS

1. Calling of the Roll and Apologies for Absence
A’ Gairm a’ Chlàir agus Leisgeulan

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

Members are asked to consider whether they have an interest to declare in relation to any item on the agenda for this meeting. Any Member making a declaration of interest should indicate whether it is a financial or non-financial interest and include some information on the nature of the interest. Advice may be sought from Officers prior to the meeting taking place.

3. Confirmation of Minutes
Daingneachadh a’ Gheàrr-chunntais

There are circulated for confirmation Minutes of Meeting of the Council held on 18 May 2017.

4. Committee Structure/Remuneration/Appointments
Structar na Comataidh/Ìocadh/Cur an Dreuchd

(a) Committee Structure/Governance Arrangements

There is circulated Report No. HC/15/17 dated 23 May 2017 by the Chief Executive.

Members are asked to agree:-

• the proposed governance arrangements for 3 Strategic Committees and their Policy Development Groups;
• the remits for the 3 Strategic Committees and the revised remit for Council; and
• the continuation and resourcing of a Redesign Board.

Motion from the Administration – the Leader and Depute Leader of the Council will move, on behalf of the Administration, establishment of the Committee Structure as follows –

(i) Strategic Committees

Corporate Resources Committee
Places Committee
People Committee

(All of the above will comprise 25 Members and will meet quarterly)

(ii) Pensions Committee – 11 Members – half yearly meetings

(iii) Pensions Board – 2 Members – half yearly meetings – and 1 representative from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, 1 representative for the other Employers and 4 Trade Union representatives

(iv) Audit & Scrutiny Committee – 25 Members – quarterly meetings

(Nominations from the Groups in accordance with the agreed formula will be tabled at the meeting).

(v) Local Committees – quarterly meetings

Badenoch & Strathspey Area Committee
Caithness Committee
City of Inverness Area Committee
Isle of Skye & Raasay Committee
Lochaber Committee
Nairnshire Committee
Ross & Cromarty Committee
Sutherland County Committee

(vi) Regulatory Committees

North Planning Applications Committee (17 Members – 8 meetings per year)
South Planning Applications Committee (15 Members – 8 meetings per year)

Planning Review Body (PRB) (9 Members – 7 meetings per year)

Highland Licensing Committee (12 Members – 8 meetings per year)
Highland Licensing Board (10 Members - 8 meetings per year)

(b) Remuneration for Senior Member posts

(i) Remuneration for position of Convener
(ii) Remuneration for position of Leader of the Council
(iii) Remuneration for position of Depute Leader of the Council
(iv) Remuneration for position of Leader of the Opposition

The Administration will also move the establishment and remuneration of the remaining Senior Member Posts at the meeting.

(c) Appointment of Office Bearers

Nominations for the remaining Senior Member posts will be moved by the Administration at the meeting.

5. Appointment of Members to Planning Application Committees
Cur Bhall an Dreuchd gu Comataidhean Iarrtais Dhealbhaidh

It is recommended that membership of Planning Application Committees should comprise 1 Member from each 3 Member Ward and 2 Members from each 4 Member Ward as follows -

North Planning Application Committee (Wards 1-11) – 17 Members
South Planning Application Committee (Wards 12-21) – 15 Members

(In accordance with the above, nominations will be tabled at the meeting for approval).

6. Appointment of Members to the Planning Review Body
Cur Bhall an Dreuchd chun na Buidhne Ath-bhreithneachaidh Dealbhaidh

It is recommended that membership of the Planning Review Body should comprise 9 Members as follows –

3 Members from Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 9
3 Members from Wards 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 20 & 21
3 Members from Wards 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 & 19

(In accordance with the above, nominations will be tabled for approval).

7. Appointment of Members to the Highland Licensing Committee and Highland Licensing Board
Cur Bhall an Dreuchd gu Comataidh Ceadachd na Gàidhealtachd agus Bòrd Ceadachd na Gàidhealtachd

It is recommended that membership of the Highland Licensing Committee should comprise 12 Members as follows –

4 Members from Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 9
4 Members from Wards, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 20 & 21
4 Members from Wards 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 & 19

(In accordance with the above, nominations will be tabled for approval).

It is recommended that membership of the Highland Licensing Board should comprise 10 Members - drawn from the membership of the Highland Licensing Committee – and nominations in this regard will be sought at the meeting.

It should also be noted that mandatory training for Licensing Board Members will be undertaken on Tuesday, 6 June 2017 at Headquarters.

8. Appointments to Highland and Western Isles Valuation Joint Board
Cur an Dreuchd gu Co-Bhòrd Luachaidh na Gàidhealtachd agus nan Eilean Siar

The Council is required to appoint 8 substantive and 8 substitute Members to the Highland and Western Isles Valuation Joint Board.

(Nominations, in accordance with the agreed formula, will be tabled at the meeting).

9. Local Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff (LNCT)
Comataidh Barganachaidh Ionadail airson Luchd-obrach Teagaisg

It is proposed that the membership of the LNCT should comprise the Chair and Vice Chair of the People Committee, the Chair and Vice Chair of the Resources Committee plus 3 other Members of the People Committee – 7 Members in total.

The Council is asked to approve the membership of the LNCT as tabled.

10. Appeals Committees
Comataidhean Ath-thagraidhean

Members are advised that they are required to sit on Appeals Committees from time to time to deal with appeals against the refusal of placing requests or the exclusion of pupils from school in accordance with S28D (1) of the Education (Scotland) Act 1981. Membership is drawn from all Members of the Council, will include persons who are not Members of the Council and will vary according to the nature and location of the appeal. The Appeals Committee cannot be chaired by a Member of the People Committee.

Members are asked to note the position as detailed and that training will require to be undertaken before involvement in appeals.

11. Standing Orders Relating to the Conduct of Meetings
Gnàth Riaghailtean a’ Buntainn ri Giùlan Choinneamhan  

Members are advised that the attachment highlights the changes required to the Council’s Standing Orders Relating to the Conduct of Meetings following agreement of the proposed changes to the Committee structure of the Council and the titles of Senior Member posts.

In this regard, a revised version of the Standing Orders is attached and the proposed changes have been highlighted in italics.

It should be noted that the annual review of Standing Orders is undertaken annually, normally in September.

Members are asked to agree the amendments to Standing Orders as detailed.

12. Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (CoSLA)
Co-chruinneachadh Ùghdarrasan Ionadail na h-Alba

Election of President and Vice President

Members are advised that there will be a meeting of the CoSLA Convention on 30 June 2017 at which the President and Vice-President will be appointed from the nominations received. Nominations require to be notified to CoSLA three weeks prior to the election taking place.

The Council is therefore invited to consider whether it wishes to make any nominations in respect of the President or Vice President of CoSLA.

Appointment of Membership

The Council has been invited to appoint 5 Members to the Convention.

(Nominations, in accordance with the agreed formula, will be tabled).

13. Appointment – NHS Highland Board
Cur an Dreuchd – Bòrd NHS na Gàidhealtachd

The Council has been invited to nominate a Senior Member to serve on the Board of NHS Highland. This nomination will require to be approved by the Cabinet Secretary.

In this regard, the Administration will move that Mrs D MacKay should be nominated.

14. Appointments to Companies
Cur an Dreuchd gu Companaidhean

(a) Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited
Cothrom dhan Ghàidhealtachd (Tasgaidhean) Earranta

Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited is a company which creates and sustains employment in the Highlands through investment in businesses and community enterprises.

The role of Directors is to consider individual investment proposals and decide on their merit and to set out the strategic policy of the company. In this regard, it is considered desirable for Directors to have appropriate business orientated experience. There are no external appointments. There are 6 meetings held during the year.

In this regard, there is circulated Role Profile and Skills Set for Directors.

The Council is asked to appoint 9 Members to Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited.

(b) High Life Highland
High Life na Gàidhealtachd

High Life Highland is a company limited by guarantee (with charitable status) set up by the Council to undertake the delivery of community learning and leisure activities. High Life Highland also has a wholly owned trading subsidiary. The Board of Directors of the main charitable company comprises four Council Directors and eight independent Directors. The Board of Directors of the main trading subsidiary comprises six Directors, four of whom also serve on the Board of the main charitable company.

The role of Directors is to contribute effectively to the work of the Board and to utilise the necessary business skills in regard to the development of the company, including financial, legal, personnel, marketing, ICT, property and general management issues. It is desirable that Directors have experience in leading a team within a company or community organisation and an understanding of corporate governance issues. There are 4 meetings of the main charitable company during the year.

In this regard, there is circulated Role Profile and Skills Set for Directors.

The Council is asked to appoint 4 Members to High Life Highland.

(c) Eden Court Highlands
Cùirt Eden

Eden Court Highlands is a company limited by guarantee and also a registered charity which promotes, maintains, improves and advances public interest in the Arts. The role of Directors is to maintain, manage and control the Eden Court Theatre complex in Inverness. In addition to meetings of the Eden Court Board, there are a number of Sub-Committee meetings which are held regularly. In addition to Council membership, there are 8 external appointments and 6 meetings held during the year.

In this regard, there is circulated Report No. HC/16/17 dated 24 May 2017 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development, together with proposed amendments to the Memorandum and Articles and Association and Job Description.

The Council is asked to agree the amendments to the Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association and that the Chief Executive or their nominee approve the text of the required Special Resolution and sign it on the Council’s behalf.

The Council is also asked to appoint 2 Members to the Board of Directors of Eden Court Highlands.

(d) Highland Buildings Preservation Trust
Urras Gleidheadh Thogalaichean na Gàidhealtachd

Highland Buildings Preservation Trust is a company limited by guarantee and also a registered charity which restores and returns to use the built heritage of the Highlands and Islands in order to secure a viable, sustainable and appropriate end use for each building and to ensure the ongoing care and preservation of buildings for future generations. The role of Directors is to ensure that the main objectives of the Trust are implemented through the acquisition and preservation of derelict historic buildings and the re-use of any proceeds from the sale of restored buildings on a revolving basis to tackle other projects.

In addition to Council membership, there are 8 external appointments and 6 meetings held during the year.

The Council is asked to appoint 2 Members to the Highland Buildings Preservation Trust.

(e) Nigg Skills Academy
Acadamaidh Sgilean Neig

Nigg Skills Academy is a company limited by guarantee which was launched by the Scottish Government in 2012 to provide an annual throughput of modern apprentices in engineering trades. It takes on trainees every quarter who spend up to twelve weeks at the Skills Academy, amounting to some 600 hours training. Training then continues in the workplace until the trainees have achieved the standard of award for a Modern Apprenticeship.

This is an industry led initiative and Highland Council is one of the ‘standing members’ of the company. In this regard, the Council has a Highland wide remit for the education of young people, can act as a neutral body as it is neither a direct funder or beneficiary of the Skills Academy and has an ongoing interest in employability and tackling youth unemployment.

The Council is asked to appoint 1 Member (with Substitute) to Nigg Skills Academy.

In this regard, the Administration will move that Mr J Gray should be appointed – with the Convener as Substitute.

15. Appointments to Other Bodies
Cur an Dreuchd gu Buidhnean Eile

(a) HiTRANS
HiTRANS

HITRANS is the statutory Regional Transport Partnership for the Highlands and Islands and its membership includes representatives from the five Councils – Highland, Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, Orkney, Moray and Argyll and Bute. HITRANS works with Councils, the Scottish Government, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, transport operators and other stakeholders to improve transport services in the Highlands and Islands. In addition to the Council appointments, there are three non-Council members who are appointed by the Scottish Government following an open advertisement and selection process.

The Council has been invited to appoint 1 Member (with substitute) to HITRANS.

In this regard, the Administration will move that the Chair of the Places Committee should be appointed – with a Vice Chair as Substitute.

(b) Highland Housing Alliance
Caidreachas Taigheadais na Gàidhealtachd

The Highland Housing Alliance was formed to help address the need for affordable housing in the Highlands with the objectives of operating a revolving landbanking fund to facilitate the construction of affordable housing, carrying out infrastructure works to enable sites to become available as feasible building sites, developing projects to provide housing (for sale and rent) at market or near market levels, organising, packaging and managing joint developments with housing associations and others and undertaking research, development and other work to improve the housing procurement process in the Highlands with specific reference to the sustainable use of locally sourced products.

The Council is asked to appoint 1 Member to the Highland Housing Alliance.

(c) Comunn na Gaidhlig Ltd
Comunn na Gàidhlig Eta

Comunn na Gaidhlig Ltd was established as a co-ordinating Gaelic Development Agency, operating at a local, regional and national level, and the Board of Directors includes representatives from Highland Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, An Comunn Gaidhealach and Highlands & Islands Enterprise.

The Council is invited to appoint 1 Member to the Board of Directors as detailed.

(d) An Comunn Gaidhealach

The Council is advised that a Service Delivery Contract with An Comunn Gàidhealach provides for the Royal National Mod to be held in the Highland area in 2017 and 2020.

In this regard, the Service Delivery Contract contains the following clause in relation to representation - the Service Provider is required to permit an elected representative from the Purchaser to sit on the Board of the Service Provider’s organisation and participate fully in all discussions and decisions relating to the Royal National Mods taking place in Highland, to provide the elected representative with all relevant Board agendas, papers, reports and minutes, to invite the elected representative to attend and participate in Board-led reviews, evaluations or other appraisals and to invite the elected representative to sit on both the National and Local Organising Committees.

The Council is asked to appoint 1 Member as the representative on An Comunn Gaidhealach.

(e) Health & Social Care Committee
Comataidh Slàinte & Cùraim Shòisealta

The Health & Social Care Committee has responsibility for co-ordinating the planning, development and provision of services by NHS Highland with a view to improving these services where possible. This includes the provision of quality, safe and effective care as close to home as possible and ensuring that frontline staff have the opportunity and resources to achieve that objective.
The Committee is also closely involved in community planning, with an emphasis on health & quality improvement, and plays a key role in the modernisation of health care services along with vital participation in partnerships, integration and re-design.

The Council is invited to appoint 3 Members to the Health & Social Care Committee.

(f) Highland Culture Strategic Board
Bòrd Ro-innleachdail Cultar na Gàidhealtachd

The remit of the Highland Culture Strategic Board is to maximise the opportunities to enhance the cultural sector of the Highland Council area through effective collaboration with other organisations.

The Council is invited to appoint 3 Members - the Leader of the Council, Depute Leader and a Member from the People Committee - to the Board.

(g) Children’s Hearings Scotland – Highland & Moray Area Support Team
Èisteachdan Chloinne Alba – Sgioba Taic Sgìreil na Gàidhealtachd & Mhoireibh

The Highland & Moray Area Support Team oversee the functions of the Highland and Moray Children’s Panels.

The Council is asked to appoint 1 Member to the Highland & Moray Area Support Team.    

(h) The Highland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association
Comann Fheachdan & Chaideatan Glèidhte na Gàidhealtachd

The Council has been invited to appoint 3 Members to the Highland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association which is tasked with representing the Reserve Forces (Royal Naval Reserve, Territorial Army and Royal Auxiliary Air Force) and the three service cadet organisations (Sea, Army and Navy) in the area north of the Forth/Clyde line. The Association provides accommodation (TA centres and cadet buildings), support to recruiting, support to employers of reservists and support to the cadets and wider youth initiatives.

The Council is asked to appoint 3 Members to the Highland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association.

(i) Scottish Councils Committee on Radioactive Substances
Comataidh Chomhairlean na h-Alba air Stuthan Rèidio-beò

The Council is asked to appoint 1 Member to the Scottish Councils Committee on Radioactive Substances which was set up by CoSLA, following discussions with the Scottish Government, as a group to co-ordinate the views of Scottish Councils on matters relating to radioactive substances.

The remit of the Group is to act as an interface with the Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament and regulatory bodies as they consult on radioactive waste management and clean-up policy and practice and to influence national policy on radioactive waste management in the interests of the communities affected.

The Council is asked to appoint 1 Member to the Scottish Councils Committee on Radioactive Substances.

(j) Veterans Champion
Curaidh nan Seann Ghaisgeach

The purpose of the Veterans Champion is to create links to proactively make contact with veterans organisations and maintain contact with the Cross Party Group on Armed Forces Veterans within the Scottish Parliament, promote interests to advance veterans interests at a local authority level through assessing the impact that Council initiatives have on veterans and to be a public advocate for veterans in the local authority area.  

The Council is invited to nominate 1 Member as Veterans Champion.

In this regard, the Administration will move that Mr R Balfour should be appointed.

(k) Highlands & Islands European Partnership

The Council is a member of the Highlands & Islands European Partnership (HIEP) which comprises Highlands & Islands Enterprise, the University of the Highlands & Islands and all 7 Local Authorities in the Highlands & Islands. HIEP has traditionally pursued priorities common to all Partners with Europe but as Brexit approaches their role has widened to include domestic engagement to ensure the needs of the Highlands & Islands are recognised as alternative arrangements are developed. HIEP’s activity is overseen by the HIEP Board, which consists of Council Leaders or senior Members and senior representatives from HIE & UHI and which meets quarterly.

Twice a year the HIEP Board meeting dates coincide with meetings of the Scottish Government Highlands & Islands Territorial Committee (HITC) which allows a Highlands & Islands input to the monitoring of European Funding and current practice is that the HIEP Director also attends these meetings immediately before or after the Board meeting.

The Council is asked to nominate 1 Member (with Substitute) to the Partnership who would also attend two HITC meetings per year.

In this regard, the Administration will move that Mr J Gray should be appointed – with the Depute Leader as Substitute.

16. Timetable of Meetings for the remainder of 2017
Clàr-ama Choinneamhan airson na tha air fhàgail de 2017

There is circulated amended Timetable of Meetings for the remainder of 2017 for approval.

Members are asked to note that a proposed Timetable for Meetings in 2018 will be circulated for consideration at the September Council meeting.

Minutes of Meeting of the Highland Council held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday, 1 June 2017 at 10.35am.

1. Calling of the Roll and Apologies for Absence
A’ Gairm a’ Chlàir agus Leisgeulan

Present:
Mr G Adam, Mr B Allan, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Mrs I Campbell, Miss J Campbell, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Dr I Cockburn, Mrs M Cockburn, Mr G Cruickshank, Ms K Currie, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr C Fraser, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr K Gowans, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Mrs P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr B Lobban, Mr D Louden, , Mrs L MacDonald, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mr G MacKenzie, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Mr B MacLachlan, Ms A MacLean, Mr C MacLeod, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mr R MacWilliam, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr N McLean (via VC), Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Ms P Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr K Rosie, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Ms M Smith, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson, Mrs C Wilson 

In Attendance: 
Chief Executive
Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development
Director of Development & Infrastructure, Director of Finance
Director of Community Services

Mr B Lobban in the Chair

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr S Mackie.

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Council NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 4bi – Mr B Lobban (Financial)
Item 4bii – Mrs M Davidson (Financial) 
Item 4biii – Mr A Christie (Financial)
Item 4biv – Ms M Smith (Financial)
Item 13 – Mr I Brown (Financial)
Item 14b – Mr K Gowans (**), Mr D Louden (**) and Mrs M Paterson (Non-Financial)

3. Confirmation of Minutes
Daingneachadh a’ Gheàrr-chunntais

There had been circulated Minutes of Meeting of the Council held on 18 May 2017 which were APPROVED.

4. Committee Structure/Remuneration/Appointments
Structar na Comataidh/Ìocadh/Cur an Dreuchd

(a) Committee Structure/Governance Arrangements

There had been circulated Report No. HC/15/17 dated 23 May 2017 by the Chief Executive.

In this regard, and during a summary of the report, it was confirmed that the Council was being asked to agree proposed governance arrangements for 3 Strategic Committees and their Policy Development Groups, remits for these 3 Strategic Committees and a revised remit for Council and the continuation and resourcing of a Redesign Board.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• this was an opportunity to review and re-energise the Council in terms of changing the operating mode and direction of travel, particularly in relation to progressing localism proposals and ensuring that the Council remained fit for purpose in light of decreasing revenue levels;
• there was a need to arrange a Seminar for all Members of the Council as soon as possible in order to allow consideration and discussion of redesign and localism proposals, including the findings of the Highland Commission on Local Democracy;
• the input from staff and trade unions to the work of the Redesign Board had been constructive and effective and it was important to build on that for the future;
• the proposals which were being presented in the report would be reviewed after a period of one year and would be amended if they were found at that time to have not been successful;
• there would be discussion with Strategic Chairs in relation to the appointment of Spokespersons across a range of issues on a cross-party basis;
• it had to be highlighted that the message from the general public as part of the findings from the Highland Commission on Local Democracy was that decision making within the Council was not always easy to understand and it was not always possible to participate. As such, changing that perception had to be the benchmark on which future work on governance and Service structures across the Council was measured;
• whilst there was support for 3 Strategic Committees, it was considered that their implementation should not be the start of the process. Instead, the Seminar as proposed should be undertaken in the first instance, including reference to the findings of the Highland Commission on Local Democracy, and this should be followed by consideration of Service structures and what was to be delivered at a local level. Thereafter, consideration should be given to an appropriate Committee structure and what level of governance was required to make that work; and
• whilst agreeing that consideration of localism was the way forward, it was suggested that the proposals within the report should be implemented now and allowed to evolve over time with consultation and engagement being undertaken as and where required.              

Thereafter, Mrs M Davidson, seconded by Mr A Christie, MOVED that the recommendations within the report should be considered now.

Mr R Laird, seconded by Ms M Smith, moved as an AMENDMENT that determination of the Strategic Committees should be deferred to the next Council meeting and that the previous Committee structure should be retained until that meeting.  

On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 50 votes and the AMENDMENT received 22 votes - with 1 abstention – and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED,  the votes having been cast as follows:-

For the Motion:
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs I Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Ms P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs D MacKay, Mr D MacKay, Mr W MacKay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A MacKinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Ms K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson, Mrs C Wilson

For the Amendment:
Mr B Allan, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Dr I Cockburn, Mrs M Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr K Gowans, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr W MacLachlan, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr N McLean Mrs P Munro, Mr K Rosie, Ms M Smith

Abstention:
Mr A Jarvie

During further discussion on the proposals with the report, it was suggested that consideration should be given to the names of the 3 new Strategic Committees and that the names ‘Finance and Resources Committee’, Education and Social Services Committee’ and Infrastructure and Environment Committee’ might be more appropriate.

In this regard, it was AGREED that consultation would be undertaken on this issue with Group Leaders and a further update provided for a future meeting. In the meantime, the current names as proposed would be used. 

In relation to the Policy Development Groups, it was suggested that the report did not contain sufficient detailed information in order to made a decision and that this should be deferred to the next meeting. In response, it was contended that this was just the start of the process and it was not felt that constraints should be placed on these Groups at this early stage but rather that they should be allowed to evolve over time with consultation and engagement as required during this process.        

Thereafter, Mrs M Davidson, seconded by Mr A Christie, MOVED the proposals within the report.

Mr R Laird, seconded by Ms M Smith, moved as an AMENDMENT that consideration of the Policy Development Groups should be deferred until the next meeting of the Council on 29 June to allow more detailed information to come forward in this regard.

On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 50 votes and the AMENDMENT received 22 votes – with 1 abstention – and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED, the votes cast having been as follows:-

For the Motion:
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs I Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Ms P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs D MacKay, Mr D MacKay, Mr W MacKay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A MacKinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Ms K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson, Mrs C Wilson

For the Amendment:
Mr B Allan, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Dr I Cockburn, Mrs M Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr K Gowans, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr W MacLachlan, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr N McLean Mrs P Munro, Mr K Rosie, Ms M Smith

Abstention:
Mr A Jarvie

Decision

The Council AGREED the following – including proposed governance arrangements for the Strategic Committees and their Policy Development Groups, the remits for the Strategic Committees, a revised remit for the Council, the continuation and resourcing of a Redesign Board and membership lists as required -     

(i) Strategic Committees –   

Corporate Resources Committee
Places Committee
People Committee

(All of the above comprising 25 Members and meeting quarterly)

(ii) Pensions Committee – 11 Members – half yearly meetings

(iii) Pensions Board – 2 Members – half yearly meetings – and 1 representative from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, 1 representative for the other Employers and 4 Trade Union representatives – AGREED to appoint Ms C Caddick and Mr S Mackie;

(iv) Audit & Scrutiny Committee – 25 Members – quarterly meetings 

(v) Local Committees – quarterly meetings    

Badenoch & Strathspey Area Committee
Caithness Committee
City of Inverness Area Committee
Isle of Skye & Raasay Committee
Lochaber Committee
Nairnshire Committee
Ross & Cromarty Committee
Sutherland County Committee 

(vi) Regulatory Committees  

North Planning Applications Committee (16 Members – 8 meetings per year) 
South Planning Applications Committee (16 Members – 8 meetings per year)

(vii) Planning Review Body (PRB) (9 Members – 7 meetings per year)

Highland Licensing Committee (12 Members – 8 meetings per year) 
Highland Licensing Board (10 Members - 8 meetings per year) 

(b) Remuneration for Senior Member posts 

Declarations of Interest – Mr B Lobban as Convener (i), Mrs M Davidson as Leader of the Council (ii), Mr A Christie as Depute Leader of the Council (iii) and Ms M Smith as Leader of the Opposition (iv) declared financial interests in this item and left the Chamber during consideration of their respective positions.

In the Convener’s absence, the Leader of the Council took the Chair.

(i) Remuneration for position of Convener - £29,624 - AGREED
(ii) Remuneration for position of Leader of the Council - £39,418 - AGREED 
(iii) Remuneration for position of Depute Leader of the Council - £29,624 - AGREED
(iv) Remuneration for position of Leader of the Opposition - £25,474 - AGREED 

Also AGREED that the Depute Leader of the Council would Chair the People Committee.

Thereafter, Mrs M Davidson, seconded by Mr A Christie, MOVED the establishment and remuneration of the remaining Senior Member Posts which had been tabled as follows:-

Chair of Corporate Resources Committee - £25,474
Chair of Places Committee - £25,474
Vice Chair of Corporate Resources Committee - £20,774
Vice Chairs of People Committee (2) - £20,774 x 2 
Vice Chairs of Places Committee (2) - £20,772 x 2
Chair of Audit & Scrutiny Committee - £25,474
City of Inverness Area Chair - £20,774
Ross & Cromarty Area Chair - £20,774
Sutherland Area Chair - £18,000
Caithness Area Chair - £18,000
Lochaber Area Chair - £18,000

No payment in relation Vice Chair of Audit & Scrutiny Committee, Badenoch & Strathspey Area Chair, Skye & Raasay Area Chair and Nairnshire Area Chair.   

At this point, Ms M Smith, seconded by Mr R Laird, moved as a FIRST AMENDMENT that the position of Vice Chair of the Audit & Scrutiny Committee should receive full status in line with the other Strategic Committee Vice Chairs, thereby becoming a remunerated post – and to compensate for this, the 2 extra Vice Chair positions for the People and Places Committees to be deleted. 

Mr C Smith, seconded by Mr A Jarvie, moved as a SECOND AMENDMENT that the remuneration for the Chair of the Audit & Scrutiny Committee should be split 2/3 - 1/3 between the Chair and Vice Chair which would provide remuneration of £22,625 for the Chair and £19,776 for the Vice Chair.    

On a vote being taken between the FIRST AMENDMENT and the SECOND AMENDMENT, the FIRST AMENDMENT received 22 votes and the SECOND AMENDMENT received 25 votes – with 22 abstentions – the votes having been cast as follows:-

Votes for the First Amendment:
Mr B Allan, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Dr I Cockburn, Mrs M Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr K Gowans, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr W MacLachlan, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr N McLean, Mrs P Munro, Mr K Rosie, Ms M Smith

Votes for the Second Amendment:
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Mrs I Campbell, Mr A Christie, Mr G Cruickshank, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr A Graham, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Ms L Munro, Mr I Ramon, Mrs T Robertson, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Ms K Stephen, Mrs C Wilson

Abstentions:
Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Miss J Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr J Gray, Mr A Henderson, Mr A MacKinnon, Mr D MacKay, Mrs D MacKay, Mr W MacKay, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Ms A McLean, Mr H Morrison, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mr G Ross, Ms N Sinclair, Mr B Thompson

On a further vote being taken between the MOTION and the SECOND AMENDMENT, the MOTION received 60 votes and the SECOND AMENDMENT received 11 votes - with 2 abstentions – and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED, the votes having been cast as follows:-

For the Motion:
Mr B Allan, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mrs C Caddick, Mrs I Campbell, Miss J Campbell, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Dr I Cockburn, Mrs M Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr C Fraser, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr K Gowans, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Mrs P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr B Lobban, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Mr B MacLachlan, Ms A MacLean, Mr C MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mr R MacWilliam, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Ms P Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mr K Rosie, Mr G Ross, Ms N Sinclair, Ms M Smith, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson, Mrs C Wilson

For the Second Amendment:
Mr G Adam, Mr J Bruce, Mr A Jarvie, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr D MacLeod, Mr I Ramon, Mrs T Robertson, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mrs K Stephen

Abstentions:
Mr G Cruickshank, Mr N McLean

Decision

The Council AGREED the establishment and remuneration of the remaining Senior Member posts as tabled.  

(c) Appointment of Office Bearers  

Nominations for the Senior Member posts were tabled by the Administration and AGREED as follows:-

Chair of Corporate Resources Committee – Mr A MacKinnon
Chair of Places Committee – Mr A Henderson
Vice Chair of Corporate Resources Committee – Mr A Baxter
Vice Chair of People Committee – Mr J Finlayson
Vice Chair of People Committee – Ms K Stephen
Vice Chair of Places Committee – Mr H Morrison
Vice Chair of Places Committee – Mrs T Robertson   

It was also AGREED as follows:- 

Chair of Audit and Scrutiny Committee – Mr R Laird

Thereafter, nominations were sought for the position of Vice Chair of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee and received as follows:-

Mr G MacKenzie
Mr P Saggers

On a vote being taken, Mr MacKenzie received 26 votes and Mr Saggers received 40 votes, with 6 abstentions, the votes having been cast as follows:-

Votes for Mr MacKenzie
Mr B Allan, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Dr I Cockburn, Mrs M Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr K Gowans, Mrs P Hadley, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr D Mackay, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr B MacLachlan, Ms A MacLean, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr N McLean, Ms P Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr K Rosie, Ms M Smith

Votes for Mr Saggers
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Mrs I Campbell, Miss J Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mr W MacKay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone

Abstentions
Mr R Gale, Mr J Gray, Mr A Henderson, Mrs D Mackay, Mrs B McAllister, Mr B Thompson

It was therefore AGREED that Mr P Saggers should be Vice Chair of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee.

Decision

The Council AGREED the appointment of Office Bearers as detailed.

It was also AGREED that the Chairs of the Local Committees would be appointed at their first meetings.

5. Appointment of Members to Planning Application Committees          
Cur Bhall an Dreuchd gu Comataidhean Iarrtais Dhealbhaidh          

It was recommended that membership of Planning Application Committees should comprise 1 Member from each 3 Member Ward and 2 Members from each 4 Member Ward as follows -

North Planning Application Committee (Wards 1-10) – 16 Members 
South Planning Application Committee (Wards 11-21) – 16 Members

In accordance with the above, nominations from the respective Wards had been tabled at the meeting as follows:-

North Planning Application Committee – Ms K Currie, Mr D MacKay, Mr K Rosie, Mr R Bremner, Mr A Sinclair, Mr R Gale, Mrs I Campbell, Mr D MacLeod, Mr M Finlayson, Ms M Smith, Mr J Stone, Ms A MacLean, Mrs M Paterson, Mr C Fraser, Mr J Gordon and Mr C MacLeod. 

South Planning Application Committee – Mr B Thompson, Mrs M Davidson, Mr G Cruickshank, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Laird, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr J Gray, Mr R Balfour, Mr L Fraser, Mr T Heggie, Ms C Caddick, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Ms P Hadley, Mr N McLean and Mr A Baxter. 

Decision

The Council AGREED membership of the North and South Planning Application Committees as detailed.

It was also AGREED that both Planning Application Committees should appoint their own Chairs at their first meetings.   

6. Appointment of Members to the Planning Review Body
Cur Bhall an Dreuchd chun na Buidhne Ath-bhreithneachaidh Dealbhaidh

It was recommended that membership of the Planning Review Body should comprise 9 Members as follows –

3 Members from Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 9 
3 Members from Wards 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 20 & 21
3 Members from Wards 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 & 19  

In accordance with the above, nominations were tabled at the meeting as follows:-

Wards 1 to 9 – Mr G Adam, Mr W MacKay and Mr S Mackie
Wards 5 to 21 – Mrs M Paterson, Mr A Henderson, Mrs I Campbell and Mr J Bruce
Wards 13 to 19 – Mr L Fraser, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Balfour and Mrs T Robertson

On a vote being taken in regard to Wards 5 to 21 – Mrs Paterson received 58 votes Mr Henderson received 67 votes, Mrs Campbell received 67 votes and Mr Bruce received 10 votes, the votes having been cast as follows:-

Votes for Mrs Paterson
Mr B Allan, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mrs C Caddick, Mrs I Campbell, Miss J Campbell, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Dr I Cockburn, Mrs M Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr C Fraser, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Mrs P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr B Lobban, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr R MacDonald, Mr D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Mr B MacLachlan, Ms A MacLean, Mr C MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Ms P Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr K Rosie, Mr G Ross, Ms N Sinclair, Ms M Smith, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mr Henderson
Mr G Adam, Mr B Allan, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Mrs I Campbell, Miss J Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Dr I Cockburn, Mrs M Cockburn, Mr G Cruickshank, Ms K Currie, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr C Fraser, Mr L Fraser, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Mrs P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr B Lobban, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mr G MacKenzie, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Mr B MacLachlan, Ms A MacLean, Mr C MacLeod, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mr R MacWilliam, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Ms P Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr K Rosie, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mrs Campbell
Mr G Adam, Mr B Allan, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Mrs I Campbell, Miss J Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Dr I Cockburn, Mrs M Cockburn, Mr G Cruickshank, Ms K Currie, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr C Fraser, Mr L Fraser, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Mrs P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr B Lobban, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mr G MacKenzie, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Mr B MacLachlan, Ms A MacLean, Mr C MacLeod, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mr R MacWilliam, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Ms P Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr K Rosie, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mr Bruce
Mr G Adam, Mr J Bruce, Mr G Cruickshank, Mr A Jarvie, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr D MacLeod, Mr I Ramon, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Mr C Smith 

On a vote being taken in regard to Wards 13 to 19 – Mr Fraser received 47 votes, Mr Boyd received 26 votes, Mr Balfour received 44 votes and Mrs Robertson received 49 votes, the votes having been cast as follows:-

Votes for Mr Fraser
Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Mrs I Campbell, Miss J Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr J Gray, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mr Boyd
Mr B Allan, Mr R Balfour, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Dr I Cockburn, Mrs M Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr K Gowans, Mr A Graham, Mrs P Hadley, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr B MacLachlan, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr N McLean, Ms P Munro, Mr K Rosie, Ms M Smith

Votes for Mr Balfour
Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Mrs I Campbell, Miss J Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr J Gordon, Mr J Gray, Mrs P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mrs K Stephen, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mrs Robertson
Mr G Adam, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Mrs I Campbell, Miss J Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Mrs P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Decision

The Council AGREED membership of the Planning Review Body as follows – Mr G Adam, Mr W MacKay, Mr S Mackie, Mrs M Paterson, Mr A Henderson, Mrs I Campbell, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Balfour and Mrs T Robertson.

It was also AGREED that the Chair and Vice Chair of the Places Committee should also be Chair and Vice Chair of the Planning Review Body.         

7. Appointment of Members to the Highland Licensing Committee and Highland Licensing Board
Cur Bhall an Dreuchd gu Comataidh Ceadachd na Gàidhealtachd agus Bòrd Ceadachd na Gàidhealtachd

It was recommended that membership of the Highland Licensing Committee should comprise 12 Members as follows – 

4 Members from Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 9 
4 Members from Wards, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 20 & 21 
4 Members from Wards 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 & 19  

In accordance with the above, nominations were tabled at the meeting as follows:-

Wards 1 to 9 - Mrs J Barclay, Mrs P Munro, Mr W MacKay and Mr K Rosie
Wards 5 to 21 - Mr J Bruce, Mr I Ramon, Dr I Cockburn and Ms E Knox
Wards 13 to 19 - Mrs L MacDonald, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Mr A Jarvie and Mr D Macpherson

Decision

The Council AGREED the membership of the Highland Licensing Committee as detailed.   

Thereafter, it was recommended that membership of the Highland Licensing Board should comprise 10 Members - drawn from the membership of the Highland Licensing Committee. At this point, it was highlighted that mandatory training for Licensing Board Members was to be undertaken on Tuesday, 6 June 2017 at Headquarters.

In this regard, all Members of the Licensing Committee – with the exception of Mr W MacKay and Mr K Rosie - intimated that they wished to be included in the membership of the Licensing Board.

Decision

The Council AGREED the membership of the Highland Licensing Board as detailed.  

8. Appointments to Highland and Western Isles Valuation Joint Board
Cur an Dreuchd gu Co-Bhòrd Luachaidh na Gàidhealtachd agus nan Eilean Siar

The Council was required to appoint 8 substantive and 8 substitute Members to the Highland and Western Isles Valuation Joint Board.

In this regard, nominations in accordance with the agreed formula had been tabled at the meeting as follows:-

Substantive Members - Mr J Gray, Mr L Fraser, Mrs M Paterson, Mr K Gowans, Mr W MacLachlan, Mrs P Munro, Ms C Caddick and Mr D MacLeod.

Substitute Members – Mr H Morrison, Mr A MacKinnon, Mr B Lobban, Mrs M Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A Graham and Mr A Jarvie.

Decision

The Council AGREED the membership of the Valuation Joint Board as detailed. 

9. Local Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff (LNCT)
Comataidh Barganachaidh Ionadail airson Luchd-obrach Teagaisg

It was proposed that membership of the LNCT should comprise the Chair and Vice Chair of the People Committee, the Chair and Vice Chair of the Resources Committee plus 3 other Members of the People Committee (to be appointed at the first meeting of that Committee) – 7 Members in total.

Decision

The Council APPROVED the membership of the LNCT as detailed.

10. Appeals Committees
Comataidhean Ath-thagraidhean

Members were advised that they were required to sit on Appeals Committees from time to time to deal with appeals against the refusal of placing requests or the exclusion of pupils from school in accordance with S28D (1) of the Education (Scotland) Act 1981. Membership was drawn from all Members of the Council, would include persons who were not Members of the Council and would vary according to the nature and location of the appeal. The Appeals Committee could not be chaired by a Member of the People Committee.

Decision 

The Council NOTED the position as detailed and that training would require to be undertaken by Members before involvement in appeals.   
    
11. Standing Orders Relating to the Conduct of Meetings
Gnàth Riaghailtean a’ Buntainn ri Giùlan Choinneamhan     

It was noted that the link which had been circulated with the agenda for the meeting highlighted the changes required to the Council’s Standing Orders Relating to the Conduct of Meetings following agreement of the changes to the Committee structure of the Council and the titles of Senior Member posts. In this regard, a revised version of the Standing Orders had been attached and the changes had been highlighted in italics.

It was also confirmed that the annual review of Standing Orders was undertaken annually, normally in September.

Decision

The Council AGREED the amendments to Standing Orders as detailed.

12. Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (CoSLA)
Co-chruinneachadh Ùghdarrasan Ionadail na h-Alba 

Election of President and Vice President/Appointment of Membership

It was noted that there would be a meeting of the CoSLA Convention on 30 June 2017 at which the President and Vice-President would be appointed from nominations received (with nominations required to be notified to CoSLA three weeks prior to the election taking place).

The Council was invited to consider whether it wished to make any nominations in this regard and also to appoint 5 Members to the Convention.

Decision

The Council AGREED to nominate Mrs M Davidson (Leader of the Council) for the position of Vice President of CoSLA.  

It was also AGREED to appoint the following 5 Members to the Convention – Mrs M Davidson, Mr B Lobban, Ms M Smith, Mr R Laird and Ms A MacLean.  

13. Appointment – NHS Highland Board
Cur an Dreuchd – Bòrd NHS na Gàidhealtachd

Declaration of Interest – Mr I Brown declared a financial interest in this item as an employee of NHS Highland and left the room during discussion.

It was noted that the Council had been invited to nominate a Senior Member to serve on the Board of NHS Highland and that this nomination would require to be approved by the Cabinet Secretary.

In this regard, nominations were received as follows:-

Mrs D MacKay
Mrs M Cockburn

On a vote being taken, Mrs MacKay received 47 votes and Mrs Cockburn received 22 votes, with 1 abstention, the votes cast having been as follows:-

Votes for Mrs MacKay
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Mrs I Campbell, Miss J Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mrs Cockburn
Mr B Allan, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Dr I Cockburn, Mrs M Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr K Gowans, Mrs P Hadley, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr B MacLachlan, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr N McLean, Ms P Munro, Mr K Rosie, Ms M Smith

Abstention
Mr G Cruickshank

Decision

The Council AGREED to nominate Mrs D MacKay to serve on the Board of NHS Highland.  

14. Appointments to Companies
Cur an Dreuchd gu Companaidhean

(a) Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited
Cothrom dhan Ghàidhealtachd (Tasgaidhean) Earranta

It was noted that Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited was a company which created and sustained employment in the Highlands through investment in businesses and community enterprises. The role of Directors was to consider individual investment proposals and decide on their merit and to set out the strategic policy of the company. It was considered desirable for Directors to have appropriate business orientated experience. There were no external appointments and there were 6 meetings held during the year.

The Council had been invited to appoint 9 Members and there had been circulated Role Profile and Skills Set for Directors. 

Decision

The Council AGREED to appoint Mr D Louden, Mr W MacLachlan, Mr N McLean, Mr P Saggers, Mr G Adam, Mr D Macpherson, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr J McGillivray and Mr C MacLeod to Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited.     

(b) High Life Highland
High Life na Gàidhealtachd

Declaration of Interest – 

Mr K Gowans declared a financial interest in this item on the grounds that his wife was a Director of High Life Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude him from taking part in the discussion.

Mr D Louden declared a financial interest in this item as a Director of Tain and District Museum which was part funded by High Life Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude him from taking part in the discussion.

Mrs M Paterson declared a non-financial interest in this item as Chair of the Highland Football Academy but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that her interest did not preclude her from taking part in the discussion.

It was noted that High Life Highland was a company limited by guarantee (with charitable status) set up by the Council to undertake the delivery of community learning and leisure activities and had a wholly owned trading subsidiary. The Board of Directors of the main charitable company comprised four Council Directors and eight independent Directors. The Board of Directors of the main trading subsidiary comprised six Directors, four of whom also served on the Board of the main charitable company. 

The role of Directors was to contribute effectively to the work of the Board and to utilise the necessary business skills in regard to the development of the company, including financial, legal, personnel, marketing, ICT, property and general management issues. It was desirable that Directors had experience in leading a team within a company or community organisation and an understanding of corporate governance issues. There were four meetings of the main charitable company during the year.

The Council had been invited to appoint 4 Members and there had been circulated Role Profile and Skills Set for Directors.

In this regard, nominations were received as follows:-

Ms L Munro
Mr K Gowans
Mr A Jarvie
Mr D Macpherson
Mr T Heggie

On a vote being taken, Ms Munro received 48 votes, Mr Gowans received 26 votes, Mr Jarvie received 37 votes, Mr Macpherson received 46 votes and Mr Heggie received 47 votes, the votes cast having been as follows:-

Votes for Ms Munro
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Mrs I Campbell, Miss J Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Mrs P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mr D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mr Gowans
Mr B Allan, Mr A Baxter, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Miss J Campbell, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Dr I Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr K Gowans, Mrs P Hadley, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr B Lobban, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr B MacLachlan, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr N McLean, Ms P Munro, Mr K Rosie, Ms M Smith, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mr Jarvie
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gray, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mrs B McAllister, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone

Votes for Mr Macpherson
Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Mrs I Campbell, Miss J Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr J Gray, Mrs P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mr D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mr Heggie
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Mrs I Campbell, Miss J Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Mrs P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Decision

The Council AGREED to appoint Mr L Munro, Mr A Jarvie, Mr D Macpherson and Mr T Heggie to High Life Highland.  

(c) Eden Court Highlands
Cùirt Eden

It was noted that Eden Court Highlands was a company limited by guarantee and also a registered charity which promoted, maintained, improved and advanced public interest in the Arts. The role of Directors was to maintain, manage and control the Eden Court Theatre complex in Inverness. In addition to meetings of the Eden Court Board, there were a number of Sub-Committee meetings which were held regularly. In addition to Council membership, there were eight external appointments and six meetings held during the year.

In this regard, there had been circulated Report No. HC/16/17 dated 24 May 2017 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development, together with proposed amendments to the Memorandum and Articles and Association and Job Description. 

Decision 

The Council AGREED, as a member of Eden Court Highlands, the amendments to the Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association and that the Chief Executive or their nominee should approve the text of the Special Resolution and sign it on the Council’s behalf – subject to the following exceptions –

Part 12 – Proceedings of Meetings – the quorum to include at least 1 Elected Member from Highland Council; and

Part 24(a) – Board of Governors - to retain 4 Elected Members.  

Thereafter, nominations were received as follows –

Mr G Adam
Mrs M Paterson
Mrs I Campbell
Miss J Campbell
Mr B Boyd
Mr R MacWilliam
Mrs I MacKenzie

On a first vote being taken, Mr Adam received 38 votes, Mrs Paterson received 39 votes, Mrs Campbell received 41 votes, Miss Campbell received 47 votes, Mr Boyd received 25 votes, Mr MacWilliam received 24 votes and Mrs MacKenzie received 11 votes, the votes cast having been as follows:-

Votes for Mr Adam
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs I Campbell, Mr A Christie, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mr D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mrs Paterson
Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr R Bremner, Miss J Campbell, Mrs I Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Ms P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mr D Mackay, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mr B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mrs Campbell
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs I Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Ms P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mr D Mackay, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D Macpherson, Mr B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mr G Ross, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Miss Campbell
Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs I Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray. Ms P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mr D Mackay, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mr B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mr Boyd
Mr B Allan, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Dr I Cockburn, Mrs M Cockburn, Mr G Cruickshank, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr K Gowans, Mr A Graham, Mrs P Hadley, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr B MacLachlan, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr N McLean, Ms P Munro, Mr K Rosie, Ms M Smith

Votes for Mr MacWilliam
Mr B Allan, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Dr I Cockburn, Mrs M Cockburn, Mr G Cruickshank, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr K Gowans, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr B MacLachlan, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Mrs B McAllister, Mr N McLean, Ms P Munro, Mr K Rosie, Ms M Smith

Votes for Mrs MacKenzie
Mr G Adam, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Mr G Cruickshank, Mr A Jarvie, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr D MacLeod, Mr I Ramon, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Mr C Smith

On a second vote being taken between the candidates with the most votes, Mr Adam received 44 votes, Mrs Paterson received 45 votes, Mrs Campbell received 47 votes, Miss Campbell received 47 votes, Mr Boyd received 23 votes and Mr MacWilliam received 21 votes, the votes cast having been as follows:-

Votes for Mr Adam 
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs I Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mr G Cruikshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mr D Mackay, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mrs B McAllister, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mrs Paterson
Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr R Bremner, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs I Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr J Gray, Ms P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mr D Mackay, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mr B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mrs Campbell
Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr R Bremner, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs I Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mr G Cruikshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr J Gray, Ms P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mr D Mackay, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D Macpherson, Mr B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Miss Campbell
Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs I Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray. Ms P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mr D Mackay, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mr B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mr Boyd
Mr B Allan, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Dr I Cockburn, Mrs M Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr A Graham, Mrs P Hadley, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr B MacLachlan, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr N McLean, Ms P Munro, Mr K Rosie, Ms M Smith

Votes for Mr MacWilliam
Mr B Allan, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Dr I Cockburn, Mrs M Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr K Gowans, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr B MacLachlan, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr N McLean, Ms P Munro, Mr K Rosie, Ms M Smith

At this point, both Mr Boyd and Mr MacWilliam withdrew from the process.

Decision        

The Council AGREED to appoint Mr G Adam, Mrs M Paterson, Mrs I Campbell and Miss J Campbell to Eden Court Highlands. 

(d) Highland Buildings Preservation Trust
Urras Gleidheadh Thogalaichean na Gàidhealtachd

It was noted that the Highland Buildings Preservation Trust was a company limited by guarantee and also a registered charity which restored and returnws to use the built heritage of the Highlands and Islands in order to secure a viable, sustainable and appropriate end use for each building and to ensure the ongoing care and preservation of buildings for future generations. The role of Directors was to ensure that the main objectives of the Trust were implemented through the acquisition and preservation of derelict historic buildings and the re-use of any proceeds from the sale of restored buildings on a revolving basis to tackle other projects. In addition to Council membership, there were 8 external appointments and 6 meetings held during the year.

The Council had been asked to appoint 2 Members to the Highland Buildings Preservation Trust.

In this regard, nominations were received as follows:-

Mr R Balfour
Mrs M Paterson
Dr I Cockburn
Mr J Bruce

On a first vote being taken, Mr Balfour received 45 votes, Mrs Paterson received 40 votes, Dr Cockburn received 24 votes and Mr Bruce received 9 votes, the votes having been cast as follows:-

Votes for Mr Balfour
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs I Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mr D Mackay, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mr B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mrs Paterson
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs I Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Ms P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mr D Mackay, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mr A Mackinnon, Mr D Macpherson, Mr B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Ms N Sinclair, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Dr Cockburn
Mr B Allan, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Dr I Cockburn, Mrs M Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr K Gowans, Ms P Hadley, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr B MacLachlan, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr N McLean, Ms P Munro, Mr K Rosie, Ms M Smith, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mr Bruce
Mr J Bruce, Mr G Cruickshank, Mr A Jarvie, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr D MacLeod, Mr I Ramon, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Mr C Smith

On a second vote being taken between the three candidates with the most votes, Mr Balfour received 45 votes, Mrs Paterson received 45 votes and Dr Cockburn received 23 votes, the votes having been cast as follows:-

Votes for Mr Balfour
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs I Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr R MacDonald, Mr D Mackay, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mr B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mrs Paterson
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs I Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Ms P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mr D Mackay, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mr A Mackinnon, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mr B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Dr Cockburn
Mr B Allan, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Dr I Cockburn, Mrs M Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr K Gowans, Ms P Hadley, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr B MacLachlan, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr N McLean, Ms P Munro, Mr K Rosie, Ms M Smith

Decision

The Council AGREED to appoint Mr R Balfour and Mrs M Paterson to the Highland Buildings Preservation Trust.     

(e) Nigg Skills Academy 
Acadamaidh Sgilean Neig

It was noted that Nigg Skills Academy was a company limited by guarantee which had been launched by the Scottish Government in 2012 to provide an annual throughput of modern apprentices in engineering trades. It took on trainees every quarter who spent up to twelve weeks at the Skills Academy, amounting to some 600 hours training. Training then continued in the workplace until the trainees had achieved the standard of award for a Modern Apprenticeship. 

This was an industry led initiative and Highland Council was one of the ‘standing members’ of the company. In this regard, the Council had a Highland wide remit for the education of young people and could act as a neutral body as it was neither a direct funder or beneficiary of the Skills Academy and had an ongoing interest in employability and tackling youth unemployment.

The Council had been asked to appoint 1 Member (with Substitute) to Nigg Skills Academy.

In this regard, nominations were received as follows:-

Mr J Gray should be appointed – with Mr M Finlayson as Substitute
Mrs P Munro

On a vote being taken, Mr Gray received 43 votes and Mrs Munro received 27 votes, with 1 abstention, the votes cast having been as follows:-

Votes for Mr Gray
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs I Campbell, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mrs M Cockburn, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mr D Mackay, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W MacKay, Mr A Mackinnon, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mr B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Ms N Sinclair, Mrs K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mrs Munro
Mr B Allan, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Dr I Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr K Gowans, Ms P Hadley, Mr A Jarvie, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G MacKenzie, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr B MacLachlan, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr N McLean, Ms P Munro, Mr I Ramon, Mr K Rosie, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Ms M Smith

Abstention
Mr G Cruickshank

Decision

The Council AGREED to appoint Mr J Gray to Nigg Skills Academy – with Mr M Finlayson as Substitute.

15. Appointments to Other Bodies
Cur an Dreuchd gu Buidhnean Eile

(a) HiTRANS
HiTRANS

It was noted that HITRANS was the statutory Regional Transport Partnership for the Highlands and Islands and its membership included representatives from the five Councils – Highland, Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, Orkney, Moray and Argyll and Bute. HITRANS works with Councils, the Scottish Government, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, transport operators and other stakeholders to improve transport services in the Highlands and Islands. In addition to the Council appointments, there were three non-Council members who were appointed by the Scottish Government following an open advertisement and selection process.  

The Council had been invited to appoint 1 Member (with substitute) to HITRANS.

In this regard, nominations were received as follows:-

Mr A Henderson (as Chair of the Places Committee) with a Vice Chair as Substitute
Mr R Bremner

On a vote being taken, Mr Henderson received 44 votes and Mr Bremner received 20 votes, with 1 abstention, the votes having been cast as follows:-

Votes for Mr Henderson
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs B Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Mrs P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A Maclean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr l Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mr Bremner
Mr B Allan, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr l Brown, Mrs M Cockburn, Dr l Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr K Gowans, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr B MacLachlan, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Ms P Munro, Mr K Rosie, Ms M Smith, Mr N McLean

Abstention
Mr G Cruickshank

Decision

The Council AGREED to appoint the Chair of the Places Committee – with a Vice Chair as Substitute – to HiTRANS.     

(b) Highland Housing Alliance
Caidreachas Taigheadais na Gàidhealtachd

It was noted that the Highland Housing Alliance had been formed to help address the need for affordable housing in the Highlands with the objectives of operating a revolving landbanking fund to facilitate the construction of affordable housing, carrying out infrastructure works to enable sites to become available as feasible building sites, developing projects to provide housing (for sale and rent) at market or near market levels, organising, packaging and managing joint developments with housing associations and others and undertaking research, development and other work to improve the housing procurement process in the Highlands with specific reference to the sustainable use of locally sourced products.

The Council had been asked to appoint 1 Member to the Highland Housing Alliance.

In this regard, nominations were received as follows:-

Mrs T Robertson
Mr R MacWilliam

On a vote being taken, Mrs Robertson received 44 votes and Mr MacWilliam received 20 votes, the votes cast having been as follows:-

Votes for Mrs Robertson
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs B Campbell, Mr A Christie, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Mrs P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mr MacWilliam
Mr B Allan, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mrs M Cockburn, Dr I Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr K Gowans, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr B MacLachlan, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr N McLean, Ms P Munro, Mr K Rosie, Ms M Smith

Decision

The Council AGREED to appoint Mrs T Robertson to the Highland Housing Alliance. 

(c) Comunn na Gaidhlig Ltd
Comunn na Gàidhlig Eta

It was noted that Comunn na Gaidhlig Ltd had been established as a co-ordinating Gaelic Development Agency, operating at a local, regional and national level, and the Board of Directors included representatives from Highland Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, An Comunn Gaidhealach and Highlands & Islands Enterprise.

The Council had been invited to appoint 1 Member to the Board of Directors as detailed.

Decision

The Council AGREED to appoint Mr R Bremner to the Board of Directors. 

(However, subsequent to the meeting, it was confirmed that Comunn na Gaidhlig Ltd no longer required Council representation within the organisation).  

(d) An Comunn Gaidhealach

It was noted that that a Service Delivery Contract with An Comunn Gàidhealach provided for the Royal National Mod to be held in the Highland area in 2017 and 2020. In this respect, the Service Delivery Contract contained the following clause in relation to representation - the Service Provider is required to permit an elected representative from the Purchaser to sit on the Board of the Service Provider’s organisation and participate fully in all discussions and decisions relating to the Royal National Mods taking place in Highland, to provide the elected representative with all relevant Board agendas, papers, reports and minutes, to invite the elected representative to attend and participate in Board-led reviews, evaluations or other appraisals and to invite the elected representative to sit on both the National and Local Organising Committees.

The Council had been asked to appoint 1 Member as the representative on An Comunn Gaidhealach.

In this regard, nominations had been received as follows:-

Mrs I Campbell
Ms K Currie

On a vote being taken, Mrs Campbell received 45 votes and Ms Currie received 21 votes, the votes having been cast as follows:-

Votes for Mrs Campbell
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs B Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr  J Gray, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D Macleod, Mr D Macpherson, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr l Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Ms Currie
Mr B Allan, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mrs M Cockburn, Dr I Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr K Gowans, Mrs P Hadley, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr B MacLachlan, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr N McLean, Ms P Munro, Mr K Rosie, Ms M Smith

Decision

The Council AGREED to appoint Mrs I Campbell as the representative on An Comunn Gaidhealach.  

(e) Health & Social Care Committee
Comataidh Slàinte & Cùraim Shòisealta

It was noted that the Health & Social Care Committee had responsibility for co-ordinating the planning, development and provision of services by NHS Highland with a view to improving these services where possible. This included the provision of quality, safe and effective care as close to home as possible and ensuring that frontline staff had the opportunity and resources to achieve that objective. The Committee was also closely involved in community planning, with an emphasis on health & quality improvement, and played a key role in the modernisation of health care services along with vital participation in partnerships, integration and re-design. 

The Council had been invited to appoint 3 Members to the Health & Social Care Committee.

In this regard, nominations were received as follows:-

Ms N Sinclair
Mr R MacDonald
Ms K Stephen
Mr B Boyd
Mrs M Cockburn

On a vote being taken, Ms Sinclair received 45 votes, Mr MacDonald received 46 votes, Ms Stephen received 46 votes, Mr Boyd received 22 votes and Mrs Cockburn received 22 votes, the votes cast having been as follows:-

Votes for Ms Sinclair
Mr G Adam, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs B Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Mrs P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D Macpherson, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs T Robertson, Mrs F Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Ms K Stephen, Mr B Thompson 

Votes for Mr MacDonald
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs B Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr J Gray, Mrs P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr I Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs T Robertson, Mrs F Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Ms K Stephen, Mr B Thompson 

Votes for Ms Stephen
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs B Campbell, Mr A Christie, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr l Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs T Robertson, Mrs F Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Ms K Stephen, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mr Boyd 
Mr B Allan, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mr J Bruce, Dr I Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr K Gowans, Mr A Graham, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr B MacLachlan, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Ms P Munro, Mr K Rosie, Ms M Smith and Mr N McLean.

Votes for Mrs Cockburn
Mr B Allan, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mrs M Cockburn, Dr I Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr K Gowans, Mrs P Hadley, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr B MacLachlan, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr N McLean, Ms P Munro, Mr K Rosie, Ms M Smith

At this point, Mr Boyd and Mrs Cockburn withdrew.

Decision

The Council AGREED to appoint Ms N Sinclair, Mr R MacDonald and Ms K Stephen to the Health and Social Care Committee.

It was also AGREED that the Leader of the Council should write to the Chair of the NHS Highland Board to request that the allocation of places on the Committee for Members of the Council be increased from 3 to 4 Members in future.       

(f) Highland Culture Strategic Board
Bòrd Ro-innleachdail Cultar na Gàidhealtachd

It was noted that the remit of the Highland Culture Strategic Board was to maximise the opportunities to enhance the cultural sector of the Highland Council area through effective collaboration with other organisations.

In this regard, the Council had been invited to appoint 3 Members to the Board and it was proposed that this should be the Leader of the Council, the Depute Leader and a Member of the People Committee.

Decision

It was AGREED that the Leader and Depute Leader of the Council should be appointed to the Highland Culture Strategic Board, together with a Member of the People Committee (who was to be appointed at the first meeting of that Committee).    

(g) Children’s Hearings Scotland – Highland & Moray Area Support Team 
Èisteachdan Chloinne Alba – Sgioba Taic Sgìreil na Gàidhealtachd & Mhoireibh

It was noted that the Highland & Moray Area Support Team was responsible for overseeing the functions of the Highland and Moray Children’s Panels and the Council had been asked to appoint 1 Member to this Team.

In this regard, nominations were received as follows:-

Mrs J Barclay
Mrs P Munro

On a vote being taken, Mrs Barclay received 43 votes and Mrs Munro received 24 votes, with 2 abstentions, the votes cast having been as follows:-

Votes for Mrs Barclay
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs B Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr  J Gray , Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr l Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs T Robertson, Mrs F Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Ms N Sinclair, Ms K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mrs Munro 
Mr B Allan, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mrs M Cockburn, Dr I Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr K Gowans, Mrs P Hadley, Mr A Jarvie, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr B MacLachlan, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr N McLean, Ms P Munro, Mr K Rosie, Mr C Smith, Ms M Smith

Abstentions
Mr G Cruickshank, Mr A Sinclair

Decision

The Council AGREED to appoint Mrs J Barclay to the Highland & Moray Area Support Team.        

(h) The Highland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association 
Comann Fheachdan & Chaideatan Glèidhte na Gàidhealtachd

The Council had been invited to appoint 3 Members to the Highland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association which was tasked with representing the Reserve Forces (Royal Naval Reserve, Army Reserve and Royal Auxiliary Air Force) and the three service cadet organisations (Sea, Army and Navy) in the area north of the Forth/Clyde line. The Association provided accommodation (TA centres and cadet buildings), support to recruiting, support to employers of reservists and support to the cadets and wider youth initiatives.

Decision

The Council AGREED to appoint Mr R Balfour, Ms C Caddick and Mr C Smith to the Highland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association.

(i) Scottish Councils Committee on Radioactive Substances 
Comataidh Chomhairlean na h-Alba air Stuthan Rèidio-beò

It was noted that the Scottish Councils Committee on Radioactive Substances had been set up by CoSLA, following discussion with the Scottish Government, as a group to co-ordinate the views of Scottish Councils on matters relating to radioactive substances. 

The remit of the Group was to act as an interface with the Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament and regulatory bodies as they consulted on radioactive waste management and clean-up policy and practice and to influence national policy on radioactive waste management in the interests of the communities affected.

The Council had been asked to appoint 1 Member to the Scottish Councils Committee on Radioactive Substances.

In this regard, nominations were received as follows:-

Mr M Reiss
Mr N McLean

On a vote being taken, Mr Reiss received 47 votes and Mr McLean received 22 votes, the votes cast having been as follows:-

Votes for Mr Reiss
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs B Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr  J Gray , Mrs P Hadley, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr A Jarvie, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr l Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs T Robertson, Mrs F Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith, Ms K Stephen, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mr McLean
Mr B Allan, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mrs M Cockburn, Dr I Cockburn, Mr G Cruickshank, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr K Gowans, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr B MacLachlan, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr N McLean, Ms P Munro, Mr K Rosie, Ms M Smith 

Decision

The Council AGREED to appoint Mr M Reiss to the Scottish Councils Committee on Radioactive Substances.  

(j) Armed Forces and Veterans Champion 
Curaidh nan Seann Ghaisgeach

It was noted that the purpose of the Armed Forces and Veterans Champion was to create links to proactively make contact with veterans organisations and maintain contact with the Cross Party Group on Armed Forces Veterans within the Scottish Parliament, promote interests to advance veterans interests at a local authority level through assessing the impact that Council initiatives had on veterans and to be a public advocate for veterans in the local authority area. 

The Council had been invited to nominate 1 Member as Armed Forces and Veterans Champion.

Decision

The Council AGREED to appoint Mr R Balfour as Armed Forces and Veterans Champion.  

(k) Highlands & Islands European Partnership  

It was noted that the Council was a member of the Highlands & Islands European Partnership (HIEP) which comprised Highlands & Islands Enterprise, the University of the Highlands & Islands and all 7 Local Authorities in the Highlands & Islands. HIEP had traditionally pursued priorities common to all Partners with Europe but, as Brexit approached, their role had widened to include domestic engagement to ensure the needs of the Highlands & Islands were recognised as alternative arrangements were developed. HIEP’s activity was overseen by the HIEP Board, which consisted of Council Leaders or senior members and senior representatives from HIE & UHI, and met quarterly. 

It was further noted that twice a year the HIEP Board meeting dates coincided with meetings of the Scottish Government Highlands & Islands Territorial Committee (HITC) which allowed a Highlands & Islands input to the monitoring of European Funding and current practice was that the HIEP Director also attended these meetings immediately before or after the Board meeting. 

The Council had been asked to nominate 1 Member (with Substitute) to the Partnership who would also attend two HITC meetings per year.

In this regard, nominations were received as follows:-

Mr J Gray (with the Depute Leader as Substitute)
Mr K Gowans
Mr S Mackie

On a vote being taken, Mr J Gray received 42 votes, Mr K Gowans received 22 votes and Mr S Mackie received 8 votes – the votes cast having been as follows:-

Votes for Mr Gray
Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs B Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Finlayson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr L Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Graham, Mr  J Gray, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Henderson, Mr B Lobban, Mr R MacDonald, Mrs D Mackay, Mr D Mackay, Mr A Mackinnon, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mrs B McAllister, Mr J McGillivray, Mr H Morrison, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr l Ramon, Mr M Reiss, Mrs T Robertson, Mrs F Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr P Saggers, Ms N Sinclair, Ms K Stephen, Mr J Stone, Mr B Thompson

Votes for Mr Gowans
Mr B Allan, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mr I Brown, Mrs M Cockburn, Dr I Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr C Fraser, Mr K Gowans, Mrs P Hadley, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird, Mr D Louden, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr B MacLachlan, Mr C MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr N McLean, Ms P Munro, Mr K Rosie, Ms M Smith

Votes for Mr Mackie
Mr J Bruce, Mr G Cruickshank, Mr A Jarvie, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr D MacLeod, Mr P Saggers, Mr A Sinclair, Mr C Smith

At this point, it was confirmed that Mr J Gray had received an absolute majority of the votes cast and there was therefore no requirement for any further vote to be taken.  

Decision 

The Council AGREED to appoint Mr J Gray (with the Depute Leader as Substitute) to the Highlands & Islands European Partnership.

16. Timetable of Meetings for the remainder of 2017 
Clàr-ama Choinneamhan airson na tha air fhàgail de 2017

There had been circulated amended Timetable of Meetings for the remainder of 2017 for approval. 

In this regard, it was confirmed that a proposed Timetable for Meetings in 2018 would be circulated for consideration at the September Council meeting.

Decision

It was AGREED that the scheduled meetings for the month of June should proceed on the basis that the timetable would be further amended for the remainder of the year (in order to avoid two or more Strategic Committee meetings being held in the same week) and re-submitted to the next meeting on 29 June for approval. 

The meeting ended at 2.20pm.