The Holyrood committee will meet on 1^st November 2006 at 10am, with the session in which we have been included due to commence 10.45. RW will give evidence and JM and GC will attend as supporters.

The following issues were regarded as important in advance:

Evidence of netting/culling of coarse fish.

Information on stocking programs and fish movements, at coarse venues. It was suspected that these were relatively low. 

RW, JM, GC

RW raised issues re the funding and sponsorship of the above. At present Castle Loch is selling permits online, but this seems to be the only such coarse example.

Permit selling online not regarded as an attractive option as the arrangements for coarse angling are often more immediate and weather driven – sponsorship as a means of funding would therefore be a more effective idea.

The current ease of linkage between the SFCA site and FishCoarse should be investigated.

RL reported that he had attended a SNAP meeting on 9/10/06. a new website is to be launched aimed primarily at children. They are looking for content.

RL also attended a meeting of the Waterways Trust on 10/10/06. They are seeking volunteers for training as angling coaches. WT will apply and pay for, all Disclosure Scotland checks.

Both SNAP and WT are looking to set up a short level 1 coaching course.

WT will be offering coaching from their new activity centre which is due to open in April 2007.

Both SNAP and WT are confident of having the necessary funding for coaching courses.

RW to compile a bulletin for website and general publicity. JM to then circulate to clubs.

A child protection course was arranged for Tulliallan Police college on 25^th October, but no-one was free to attend. 

Confusion reigns. RL to make further contact and report.

Following AGM, it was agreed that the current communications can be improved upon.

Website

JM to co-ordinate web content and to be responsible for the sending of same to George.

JM to speak to GG re a revamp of the SFCA website.

Forum/messageboard: RW reminded the EC that FishScotland has a message board and that its use should be encouraged in the meantime.

Newsletter

It was agreed that a newsletter would be a useful addition.

All to consider contribution material.

GC to collate and arrange publication

Deadline for articles: 1^st December 2006

 JM

All, GC

JM to write to all clubs requesting details of their child protection policy.

JM to review the current SFCA Child Protection policy 

Corporate membership

Castle Loch is looking to join.

The EC as yet has not reached a view on the precise entitlement and cost of standard and enhanced corp. membership.

Castle Loch to be offered enhanced for the price of standard (agreed as the same as for a club meantime) in return for which they could be asked to assist with coaching. This would entitle them to web linkage from the SFCA site, and advertising.

River Annan

Winter league confirmed as on. May be by invitation only to limit numbers. Sponsorship had been obtained from Daiwa. RW to confirm with Steven McCaveny.

BL to act as liaison with bailiff.

LCAPS

Nigel Foulds ran the 2006 LCAPS match and sponsored it.

GC reported that Richard Millar is now the fisheries co-ordinator for Scotland.

RW to write to seek an update.

River Clyde

RW reported that Fraser Simpson is seeking coarse angling input on United Clyde fisheries board. He has asked that SFCA write to Mid-Clyde association offering assistance.

In turn, RW will request that Fraser assist the SFCA in this project

RW

RW, BL

RW

RW

TBA