Date 6 May 1997

Ref No 16/97

_{The North Regional Board of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is visiting Ballachulish and Fort William on 8/9 May 1997.}

_{Site visit: 8 May}

_{The Board will visit Marine Harvest McConnell' s fish farm at Loch Leven 2 - 4pm on Thursday 8 May.}

_{SEPA is the body responsible for monitoring and regulating the fish farm industry in Scotland. It has recently issued a major consultation document "Marine Cage Fish Farming in Scotland: regulation and monitoring ", which sets out SEPA's recommendations for future policy and practice. The North Board is visiting the site to gain first hand knowledge of fish farm operations, to inform its advice to the SEPA main Board.}

_{Board meeting: Ballachulish Hotel, 09.30 - 12.30, Friday 9 May}

_{SEPA's Regional Board meetings are open to the press and public. Included on the agenda for the North Board's May meeting in Ballachulish, are The Minch Forum, the Marine Cage Fish Farming consultation exercise, SEPA's Science Review and an update on SEPA activities at Dounreay.}

_{Opening of SEPA Office extension at Fort William, 15.30 Friday 9 May}

_{Cllr Mrs Jennifer Shaw, Chairman of SEPA's North Regional Board, will officially open the new extension to the SEPA Fort William Office, Carr's Corner, Lochybridge, Ft William. The extension improves SEPA's presence in Fort William, adding three new offices to team's office and laboratory accommodation. Mrs Shaw, Professor David Mackay (Director of SEPA North Region), Tom Inglis (West Division Manager) and Brian Bellwood (Team Leader, Fort William) will all be available for interview /photocall.}

_{Regional Structure}

_{SEPA has three regional Boards, each chaired by a member of the Agency Board. Regional Boards' responsibilities include the development of business plans for the region, developing local initiatives, and advising on major issues. Regional Board meetings are held in different locations, to allow the Board to develop a fuller understanding of local issues, and to provide opportunities for local people to be in touch with SEPA activities.}

_{A list of members of the North Regional Board is attached.}

_{Councillor Mrs Jennifer Shaw, (Chairman, North Region), Elgin, Moray.}

_{Joint proprietor of a family farming and farm tourism partnership. Councillor with Moray Council.}

_{Councillor John Brown, Stromness, Orkney.}

_{Geologist oil industry. Councillor with Orkney Islands Council.}

_{Mrs Marina Dennis, Nethy Bridge, Inverness-shire.}

_{Crofter and member of the National Farmers Union Scotland. Strong interest and involvement in Environmental Issues.}

_{Councillor William Fulton, Kyle of Lochalsh, Ross-shire. Councillor with the Highland Council. Involvement in marine pollution prevention and waste management strategy.}

_{Mr David Glass, Thurso, Caithness.}

_{Engineer with experience in engineering and management at Dounreay. Member of the Scottish Wildlife Trust.}

_{Mr Raymond Grant, Aberdeen.}

_{General Manager, Shanks & McEwan waste management operations. Member of UKOOA Waste Group (United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association).}

_{Councillor Brian Gregson, Yell, Shetland.}

_{Project Manager with Shetland Telecentres. Councillor with Shetland Islands Council.}

_{Councillor George Holden, Ardgay, Sutherland.}

_{Hill farmer and a Councillor with the Highland Council.}

_{Councillor Mrs Janet Home, Inverness.}

_{Councillor with the Highland Council.}

_{Mr Alastair Hume, Milltimber, Aberdeen.}

_{Retired Bank Manager. Founder member of the Scottish Anglers National Association.}

_{Mr Robert Kelly, Torrin, Isle of Skye.}

_{Salmon farmer. Member of the Scottish Salmon Growers Association (SSGA).}

_{Mr Ian Lambart, Garmouth, Moray.}

_{Environmental Manager with United Distillers.}

_{Mr John MacAulay, Inverness.}

_{Experience with P & O Scottish Ferries and the boat charter business. Member of Highland & Moray Firth District Marine Safety Sub Committee.}

_{Mr Douglas McLeod, Ardvasar, Isle of Skye.}

_{Shellfish Farmer and Economics Consultant.}

_{Councillor Roderick J Murray}

_{Councillor with Western Isles Council}

_{Mr Peter Wardle, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire.}

_{Chemical Engineer with Hydro-Electric, Peterhead Power Station.}

_{Dr Mark Young, Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire.}

_{Senior Lecturer in zoology and freshwater ecologist. Member of Oldmeldrum Community Council.}