Minutes of the 2007 AGM and EGM had been circulated in advance and were taken as read.

The chairman delivered a verbal report. 

The SFCA was not good at communication. He had therefore prepared a strategy paper on marketing and communication. 

There was a proposal for the SFCA to manage and operate Loch Fitty Fishery which was currently being progressed. 

Barony College was now the SFCA’s first centre of excellence. 

The chairman had attended the ADBOS Steering Group. This was a threat to the future of the SFCA. There was external pressure for a single governing body for angling in Scotland, for ease of administration. By 2011, SportScotland requires UKCC to be operational, and thus there is a requirement for all 3 current governing bodies to: 

1. Sign up for a single development plan;
2. Fund a development officer and administrator on a budget of £50k;
3. Have a central base for coaching and development (ie a centre of excellence). One option is to use part of the facilities at Largs;
4. Deliver UKCC, including a schools programme.

SportScotland has the power to remove the status of a governing body. 

CP proposed a vote of thanks to the chair and vice-chair for all efforts in relation to the above. 

CP reported that the team had consolidated with the same core anglers. The team was not yet able to afford to enter the European Champs.  

The team was disappointed to lose the Celtic Cup, with the venue not suiting Scotland on this occasion.

The World Champs was a 95% waggler event contrary to expectations. The result was 15^th out of 39, an improvement of 5 places on 2006. Best individual performance was Brian Clark.

There had been success in the Junior Celtic Cup. Special mention made of James Woodrow who had stepped up from the Junior Squad to the full team.

The aim for the 2008 World Champs in Italy is a top 10 finish.  Aim to win back the Celtic Cup in 2008, and to retain the Junior Celtic Cup.

There had only been 10 nominations for the team this year. 2 new anglers were included, James Woodrow and Ian Whitson.

There was no separate policy report. See Chairman’s report.

CP reported that Ewan Weed (absent) had taken over as Match Sec, but that this need not be a committee post. 

The Fed League had been strong, based firmly on commercial venues.

The National is on Loch Ken, but there has been a challenge made to the choice of venue. 

The golden peg of £758 had been won by James Woodrow.

Secretary 

George Glen nominated by Chris Paton and seconded Rab Lee. George intimated that this would be on the same care and maintenance basis as JM had operated previously.  

Treasurer

Brian Lynn confirmed that he was willing to remain in post in the short term. There were no other nominations.  All clubs are to be polled for a suitable nomination.

Fish recorder

No nominations. JM agreed to act as point of contact for the exec committee in the interim.

Child protection officer

No nominations. GB agreed to act up as CPO in the interim.

National access forum rep.

GB agreed to assume this role.

ADBOS facilities manager

John Rae agreed to assume this role.  

GG

RL reported that coaching had taken off in the last year. GB and MM had assisted in the political side of development.

7 coaching places were currently available. These were subsidised but would still cost £300 each. The exec committee was looking for a spread of candidates among member clubs.

PAA (S) are also operating a coaching assistant course. There are currently 4 vacancies and names are sought urgently for these. There are currently 6 signed up to participate.

The Browning Youth Masters was being held this year.

FS asked about the current position with SNAP. GB reported that there had been difficulties with take up on that.   

Written report produced. Accounts had been audited.

There were further liabilities of £300 to be taken into account, relating to Scotland Team, Golden Peg and the Match Levy. Scales were purchased.

Further there had been a downturn in income due to Ron’s lack of availability to write publicity material.

CP reported a  £1850 small equipment grant from SportScotland for purchase of coaching items.

JM on behalf of AMcP delivered the terms of the written report.  There were new records for Bream and Eel.

It was almost certain that there was a new roach record, but some clarification was awaited.

None

1. Loch Fitty

MM reported that a bailiff was required. 

2. Future of SFCA

There was a wide and open discussion as to the future direction of the SFCA, including how it should be funded. It was recognised that the current constitution and membership structure was outdated. The current membership fees did not secure a sufficient funding base to permit the SFCA to develop and market the sport.

 Reference was made to the Chairman’s paper.

 It was agreed that expert assistance on marketing was needed, but that would be expensive.

 It was agreed that the status quo was not an option. Comparisons were made with models operated by other sports. There may be a case to shift the focus towards individual membership rather than club membership. Benefits for members such as liability insurance should be enquired into. It was agreed that all member clubs and bodies should consider ideas for moving the SFCA forward.

 In particular, there was general disquiet about the level of attendance at the AGM.

 It was agreed that this discussion should continue throughout the year, with a view to being brought to the 2009 AGM for implementation.