WARNING - By their nature, text files cannot include scanned images and tables. 
The process of converting documents to text only, can cause formatting changes and 
misinterpretation of the contents can sometimes result. Wherever possible you 
should refer to the pdf version of this document.

NOTE OF DISCUSSION TO CLARIFY DECISION ON EJ FOR
GLENLIVET MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL 22 January 2010

1. This item was considered on 13 November 2009, and Members were broadly
content subject to two concerns on which further clarification/confirmation
was sought:

a) whether or not the funding being sought from CNPA was to fund the
Hub, which was a commercial operation;

b) extent of community support.

2. This clarification/confirmation was given in writing by Bob Grant, and oral
confirmation sought on 22 January that Members of the Finance Committee
were content with this.

3. On the first of the issues, it was reported that the total fund of £717k
excluded the hub. The whole business case hinged on securing a commercial
operator for the hub, and the income stream from this lease was intrinsic to
the viability of the proposal from Crown Estate.

4. On the second, the Crown Estate had produced a report on the community
consultation – 13 of 24 responses were supportive, and while numerically
true to claim there was community support, the numbers were not entirely
convincing. Local Member knowledge suggested there remained concern
about whether the village would derive any benefit if the hub was located
several miles up a poor road away from the village. It was noted the location
of the hub was still to be determined, but economic viability would
undoubtedly be a factor in that decision.

5. It was noted that the hub was unlikely to compete with local businesses such
as cafes, as the experience elsewhere suggested that they were each dealing
with slightly different market segments. It was possible that local businesses
would gain some spin off benefits – clearly these could not be guaranteed, but
again, experience elsewhere (notably Laggan Wolftrax) suggested this was the
case.

6. Agreement to the CNPA funding of £50k was agreed subject to the following
conditions:

a) In seeking an operator for the hub, local businesses were made aware
and were given the opportunity to bid for the franchise.

b) A business plan is in place.

c) The hub includes some interpretation of the local area, and
information of what is available in the village.

d) The rest of the funding package is secured.

{note: This decision will need to be ratified in the minutes of the next Finance
Cttee).

ENDS