Minutes of Committee Meeting on 22 October 2011, Edinburgh

Present: John Brandon (JB), Angus Stewart (AS), Richard Ardern (RA), Bob Barnes-Watts (BBW), Iain MacDonald (IM), Gavin Sinclair (GS), Tony Jervis (TJ), Sandy Colley (SaC).

(1) Apologies
David Start (DS), Stewart Campbell and John Melling

(2) Matters arising
None

(3) Membership
The number of members has not changed since the AGM.

(4) Finances
As DS was absent, an update on the finances was not available. Railwatch subscription will be renewed.

(5) Newsletters
The revised printing and distribution seems to have worked well. In respect of advertising, it was agreed that we would invite organisations and businesses to advertise in the newsletter for a fee. JB to speak to former Editor to understand the current situation. A discussion was had on the number of complimentary newsletters and whether an electronic version could be send to key people. It was also discussed about using Facebook and Twitter as a means of communication.

(6) 2012 AGM
A provisional timetable was circulated that would accommodate HITRANS, ScotRail, Highland Railway Society and Highland Railway Heritage plans for the day. GS to confirm National Hotel booking. JB to speak to Ann Glen, John Yellowlees and Frank Roach.

(7) Conon Bridge
Station re-opening was discussed although there has been no new developments since the last meeting.

(8) Hourly Timetable
Gordon Pettitt is currently preparing a wide ranging technical report for FoFNL. GS & JB to work up timetable options that assume line speed improvements.

(9) New Franchise
Stakeholder consultations will begin shortly and FoFNL will contribute.

(10) Other organisations' meetings
BBW & RA have attended meetings with HITRANS and Dave Thompson MSP. RA also attending the public meeting following the Scottish Government Cabinet Meeting in Elgin.

(11) Date of next meeting
18 February in Inverness.