Cittaslow Linlithgow

Minutes of Steering Group Meeting 18.08.08

Low Port Centre 7.15pm

Agenda
1.Apologies
2.Minutes of Previous Meeting
3.Matters Arising
4.Funding Update
5.Linlithgow Slow Food Update
6.Vision Document/Constitution Update
7.Plastic Bag Free Campaign
8.Publicity/MembershipChampions Drive
9.Schedule/Venue for Future Meetings
10.Any Other Business

NB The nature of the Agenda was such that there was inevitable overlap between the various issues discussed. So far as possible I have attempted to encapsulate the key points arising-if a salient point has in your view been omitted, please draw to my attention.

Present: Phil Murray Chair(PM),David Tait(DT),John Masson(JM), Jean Long(JL) Catriona Staddon(CS), Michael Bennett(MB)

1.Apologies
Jim Hay, Ken Richardson,Alan Young

2.Minutes of Previous Meeting(23.6.08) –Agreed without amendment

3. Matters Arising – None

4.Funding Update
PM advised that with all invoices processed, Cittaslow UK fees paid, and receipt of WLC contribution, current balance stands at £1688.00.Options for longer term fundraising include paying membership of Cittaslow supporters, donations from external bodies/agencies,one-off fundraising events.       Action: All to consider most appropriate options with a view to a funding strategy being put in place once Cittaslow Linlithgow is formally constituted

5. Linlithgow Slowfood Update
CS referred all to September Newsletter with details of next 3 Slowfood suppers at Livingston’s; membership now up to 18; canal cruise had to be cancelled due to lack of interest-at DT’s suggestion, revised ‘marketing’ strategy to be put in place to secure sufficient support for future events   Action: CS/DT
CS/MB to investigate possibility of taster stall advertising Slowfood/Cittaslow at Folk Festival

6.Vision Document/Constitution Update
PM advised that there had been limited additional input to Draft Vision document over course of summer, predominantly emphasising the advantages of Linlithgow ‘brand’, along the lines of the Dumfries and Galloway FAB- Food Town/Artists’ Town/Booktown. JL circulated relevant literature, the quality of which was most impressive. Discussion took place regarding need to promote Cittaslow concept/brand successfully. DT referred to stakeholder event scheduled for 8.9.08 designed to agree on how participants envisage Linlithgow in 20 years time-outcome to be fed back to Steering Group to input to Cittaslow Vision             Action: DT plus any other Group members available to attend 8.9.08 event

PM/DT advised Group of initial discussion with Bruce Henderson re appropriate format  for Cittaslow Linlithgow-his advice is to establish a limited liability company with charitable status to maximise our potential to attract funding from external agencies/organisations. PM circulated an initial Draft Constitution for comment/reaction-reservations were expressed regarding the Membership Champions element and the practicalities of such a campaign.KR when making his apologies undertook to provide feedback regarding both Vision and Draft Constitution based upon his extensive practical experience.  Action: KR to circulate his views; additional comments responses from other Steering Group members also welcome; PM/DT to contact Bruce Henderson for further practical assistance once preferred approach agreed

PM in context of his membership of Linlithgow Climate Challenge Waste Management Sub Group, expressed concern that we may in terms of some of Cittaslow’s potential areas of interest/activity may potentially overlap with those of other groups such as LCC; DT suggested that direct discussion with LCC Chair should resolve any such concerns                         Action: PM

7. Plastic Bag Free Linlithgow Campaign

PM summarised outcome of July meeting with Ann Daly(LBA) and Councillor de Bold and WLC officials, the latter of whom are keen to support such a campaign. Ann Daly has commercial experience in sourcing alternative bags for demonstration/publicity purposes. PM circulated an outline strategy for such a campaign on which comments/suggestions are invited prior to it being developed into a series of necessary actions by named individuals- it will require considerable leg work in preparation for example for a meeting of the town’s retailers to persuade them of the merits of such a campaign, including a survey of existing practices, clarity of research  on the available options ( and associated costs), press publicity and programming for such an event. It was agreed  that while PM should take on the role of spokesperson/frontman for the campaign, all other Steering Group members were available to assist in any appropriate capacity.  Action: PM to work up outline strategy into an Action Plan;DT/JM to raise possibility of accessing town improvement funding as a source for acquisition of  alternative bags for demonstration/publicity purposes with Town Centre Management Group(Indicative costs dependent on specification-approx £1800 for 2000 bags)

8.Cittaslow Publicity-Use of website

MB expressed concern about current under use of web facility and urged all Steering Group members to familiarise themselves with potential for raising Cittaslow Linlithgow profile via this medium- (he is happy to provide guidance/demonstrations for the less technically attuned)

After discussion it was agreed that DT would investigate the possibility of asking a Linlithgow Academy 6th year pupil of his acquaintance, who has expressed interest in journalism projects in the past to undertake the role of web-editor/co-ordinator, whereby she could research/write-up various articles/links of relevance to Cittaslow Linlithgow on a monthly basis, for a small retainer. As first step DT will draft an outline Brief for such a role for consideration at next Steering Group.  Action: DT

9. Schedule/Venue for Future Meetings

With VAC officially unavailable for the foreseeable future, DT volunteered to approach new proprietor of Marynka to ascertain if we could re-activate the arrangement for Monday meetings there. While supportive of the principles of Cittaslow he has subsequently indicated that for various practical reasons we could not be accommodated on Monday evenings. Subject to any alternative suggestions, PM will make a series of bookings for premises at Low Port Centre, cost of which is approximately £8.00 per session                                Action:PM

10.Any Other Business
Subject to her availability it was agreed that an invitation to the next Steering Group be extended to Ann Daly to hear her views on the Plastic Bag Campaign approach.
Action: PM

Date of Next Meeting
Monday 15 September 7.15 at Low Port Centre(to be confirmed subject to 9 above)

Cittaslow Linlithgow
Steering Group 23.6.08
Visitor Awareness Centre 7.15pm

Present: Phil Murray(PM)(Chair),David Tait (DT) Jim Hay(JH) Ken Richardson(KR) Catriona Staddon (CS) Jean Long(JL)

1.Apologies:Alan Young, John Masson, Michael Bennett

2.Minutes of Previous Meeting: Agreed as an accurate record, No Matters Arising not covered by subsequent Agenda items

3. Funding Update: PM advised that there was no change form the position reported at the previous meeting, when with all Assessment Day costs/fees accounted and allowance made for the initial year’s membership for Cittaslow UK, Cittaslow Linlithgow has a current balance of £205.00. John Masson had confirmed to PM before going on leave that he had secured supporting funding of £1250.00 from West Lothian Council to cover initial costs.WLC regulations require this to be paid via a formally constituted body.PM expressed appreciation to Linlithgow Civic Trust for acting as a ‘conduit’ for this funding(post meeting note-invoice has now been submitted and receipt of payment, via LCT, is anticipated by the end of July)

4.Slowfood Convivium Update: CS reported on a very successful Linlithgow Slowfood  stall at the Fun Day at the Rugby Club on 14 June. While all costs were not covered, some £170 was taken for various sample dish sales, and much enthusiasm and support for Slowfood principles was generated. For similar future events, pricing strategy may be reviewed. Linlithgow Slowfood also has a full programme of events over the summer including regular Slowfood Suppers at Marynka as well as a Slowfood Tasting Canal Cruise on 23August, and a visit to Scottish Agricultural Services on 18 September.

5.Constitution Update: PM/DT advised that as yet, due to recent commitments, a meeting with Bruce Henderson to seek advice on the appropriate form of Constitution to encapsulate Cittaslow objectives as well as maximise potential funding opportunities, had still to be arranged. In the meantime research was ongoing utilising as models the LCT constitution and that of Pride and Passion. PM also advised that having liaised with Cittaslow Cockermouth, the possibility of a Community Interest Company will be included in this research as well as a charitable trust and Company limited by Guarantee, to ensure that in adverse circumstances, the liabilities of office bearers will be minimised. Research to continue over the course of the summer, with a view to a recommended option being put to the next CL Steering Group
Action: PM/DT/KR

6.CL Vision/Business Plan Update: In response to JH’s request at previous meeting, PM circulated initial Draft Vision Statement, setting out a possible ‘direction of travel’ for CL over the next few years. There was sustained discussion thereof, which raised a number of points including:

•    The need for a clearer focus on our objectives ideally linked to those set out in our pre-assessment pamphlet
•    A simple explanation of what we are trying to achieve
•    Development of a programme of events designed to get visitors into the town and which Cittaslow could support along with other partner groups
•    Need to build a solid base of local support for Cittaslow principles/objectives, possibly using Cittaslow Cockermouth Champions model

PM asked for additional comments/observations on the Draft Vision to be forwarded to him by mid July, in order that a revised version could be circulated in advance of the next CL meeting
Action: All

7.Projects Update:
•    Plastic Bag Free Linlithgow – PM has met with Ann Daly Linlithgow Business Association who has had considerable experience with similar campaigns elsewhere. Cllr de Bold WLC Environmental Affairs Convenor has agreed to meet PM to discuss support for any such campaign led by CL.(post Meeting Note-PM duly met Cllr de Bold on 3.7- while no financial support will be available, WLC will make available support resources in terms of venues for meetings, display and publicity materials, articles in Council newspapers website etc, together with input from professional Waste Strategy staff from WLC. Next stage is to develop a strategy for such a campaign over the course of the summer with the intention of such an agreed strategy being implemented in the post holiday period. (NB PM/DT attended recent meeting of Linlithgow Initiative on Climate Change, where PM was asked to participate on Waste Management Sub Group, which has expressed interest in supporting Cittaslow led plastic bag free campaign)). Campaign Strategy to be submitted to next CL Steering Group. Action: PM
•    Allotments: Outcome of parallel meeting of allotments interests awaited
•    Linlithgow Business Improvement District Proposal: DT reported only limited progress since last meeting-discussions ongoing over the summer Action: DT

8.Springfield Development Proposal: There was a general discussion in response to the Kensington and Edinburgh consultation session at the Low Port. Members expressed a range of concerns including the contravention of the Local Plan strategy, the potential adverse impact on the High St shops of another supermarket, doubts over the indicative design/layout and inadequate landscaping, traffic impacts etc. It was agreed that the position should be kept under review- as and when a formal planning application is submitted, CL should look to present a united front with other concerned groups/individuals. Action: All

9.Any Other Business: None raised

10.Date of Next Meeting: Monday August 18 7.15pm(Venue to be confirmed)

PM closed the meeting with expression of appreciation for all the work of the Steering Group in getting Cittaslow Linlithgow from a ‘standing start’to the current stage within a 12 month period, wished all holidaymakers an enjoyable break, and looked forward to reconvening in August.

Cittaslow Linlithgow

7th Meeting of Steering Group

7.15pm Monday 3.3.08

Visitor Awareness Centre

Present: Phil Murray/Jim Hay/Ken Richardson/David Tait/John Masson/Michael Bennett/Douglas Ritchie

1.Apologies: Jean Long/Catriona Staddon

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting: Approved as an accurate record

3. Matters Arising: None

4. Funding Update: PM advised that current balance stood at £2250; while superficially healthy, he cautioned that significant expenditure was likely in near future e.g Assessment Day costs/initial Cittaslow Membership fee/any additional consultancy work required etc, therefore there can be no complacency, and indeed, longer term funding strategy must form part of any future Business Plan
Action: Agreed-Business Plan Sub Group to investigate options

5. Linlithgow Slowfood Convivium Launch Report
In CS absence,MB advised that launch event at Marynka on 18.2.08 was very successful with approximately 40 attendees; programme for future Slowfood events/suppers etc for forthcoming period was agreed by new Committee, to include promotion of Linlithgow Food Festival as part of Rotary Fete at Rugby Club on 14 June. Chair expressed appreciation for CS efforts to date and encouraged all Committee members to support Slowfood events programme whenever possible.
Next Slowfood Suppers at Taste on Tuesday 4 March and Tuesday 1st April
Action: CS/MB to develop programme, with support from Cittaslow as appropriate

6. Cittaslow Assessment Day Planning/Bid Submission Procedure
DR reported that while Cittaslow UK’s initial informal consideration of the submission document had not revealed any major issues of concern, there was still difficulty fixing a mutually convenient date for the formal assessment visit. After discussion it was agreed that the timescale precluded the Committee’s original preference of week beginning 17 March; as an alternative DR to suggest Friday April 25th as Steering Group preferred date.
Action: DR to negotiate on behalf of Committee and advise all once date agreed

As part of Supporting File submission Chair to provide DR with copies of letters of endorsement for Linlithgow bid
Action: PM to supply copies to DR

Regarding Assessment Day programme provisional programme was outlined as follows:

•    JH could, subject to date, provide accommodation for assessors
•    VAC would form appropriate ‘hub’location for day’s programme
•    Programme to include brief relevant presentations from Steering Group reps/supporter organisations
•    Town Centre Walkabout: Conservation Area/Palace/Peel etc
•    Specific Site Visits e.g. Recycling facility, Linlithgow Bridge eco school, Bonnytoun Farm/Canal Centre/Donaldson’s?
•    Slowfood Buffet Lunch back at VAC for Assessors/Steering Group reps/WLC reps
•    Post Lunch Q+A session Assessors/Steering Group Reps/WLC reps

Steering Group members are asked to consider practicalities of this provisional programme; any suggestions for amendments welcome.
Once Assessment date is confirmed, key venues, locations and personnel to be notified of schedule/requirements etc
Action: All  to consider proposed programme and suggest appropriate amendments; letters requesting participation/co-operation in Assessment, invitations etc to be drafted by PM ready for distribution as soon as date confirmed.

7. Publicity/Communications Strategy

MB advised that flyer stands had been delivered; it was agreed that MB will source stickers to include Cittaslow logo to be included on stands, for distribution to venues previously agreed, together with A 3 Cittaslow poster(s) as appropriate. MB displayed Draft posters and invited members to e mail any suggested modifications
Action:MB/All

MB is also in discussion with John Aitken webmaster of www.linlithgow.com regarding Cittaslow  web page and associated blog facility. All Steering Group members invited to make full use of blog for notification of relevant events, articles of interest re Cittaslow/Slowfood etc. While MB happy to manage the facility, its success will depend on steady input, which initially will be the responsibility of the Steering Group
Action: MB to keep Steering Group advised of progress on blog development/procedures for access etc. All to consider prospective input

8.Cittaslow Business Plan Sub Group Report

PM advised that the Sub Group (PM/DT/JH/KR)  had met twice to consider approach to development of Business Plan for post accreditation stage.While this is still very much ‘work-in-progress’ some key points have already emerged:

•    Triple role identified for Cittaslow Linlithgow – to lead on certain projects/initiatives, to support ongoing initiatives/projects which fit within the overall Cittaslow context, and to lobby for introduction of initiatives where a need is identified and no project has yet addressed the issue in question
•    By its very nature Cittaslow may have the potential to act as some form of ‘umbrella’ organisation around which a whole series of existing initiatives might gather for mutual support/endorsement, but such a role would require careful ‘diplomacy’ and recognition of other Groups’ talents and abilities
•    Maximising access to and leverage of support funding will be of key importance in future development of Cittaslow Linlithgow- so far as further approaches to WLC/LEEL, any such requests must be fully justified
•    To raise Cittaslow Linlithgow profile post accreditation, Sub Group agreed that a high profile, relevant, achievable project should be identified- the idea of a campaign to make Linlithgow plastic bag-free received broad support – PM to research further

Action: Observations of Steering Group on the above key points, suggestions as to additional issues to be addressed, to be passed to PM. Sub Group will continue to utilise the period between now and Assessment Day to develop Business Plan ideas, an outline of which might also form part of Assessment Day presentations.

9.Any Other Business

None raised

10.Date of Next Meeting

Monday 31st March 2008 at 7.15pm in VAC

Cittaslow Linlithgow

6th Meeting of Steering Group

Monday 4th February 2008

7.15pm @Marynka

Present: Phil Murray(PM),Catriona Staddon(CS), David Tait(DT) Michael Bennett(MB), Ken Richardson(KR) Cameron Easton(CE), Douglas Ritchie(DR), Jean Long(JL), Jim Hay(JH)

1.Apologies: Alan Young, Lauren Falconer, Grant Abbott

2. Welcome to new Steering Group members
On behalf ogf the Group PM extended a warm welcome to Jean Long and Cameron Easton to their first Cittaslow Linlithgow Steering Group and looked forward to their constructive contribution.

3.Minutes of Previous Meeting
The Minute of the 7.1.08 meeting was agreed as an accurate record of the discussion.

4.Matters Arising
There were no Matters Arising, which were not covered by subsequent Agenda items.

5.Funding Update
PM advised that, having settled JMK’s account for payment for printing of the publicity flyer, the Cittaslow account currently had a balance of £250; paperwork for receipt of the West Lothian Council contribution of £2000 had all been processed, and its receipt was imminent(Subsequent to the meeting WLC advised that it should be transferred to Cittaslow account ‘by the end of February’).

6.Linlithgow Slowfood Convivium Update
CS reported significant progress including
•    Provision of Slowfood Information stall at the Farmers’ Market on 26.1.08, which prompted considerable interest
•    A successful Slowfood Information evening on 28.1.08 which attracted approximately 20 people
•    Identification of  5 volunteers willing to stand for election to the Linlithgow Slowfood Convivium Committee at the first general meeting of the Convivium scheduled for 18 February at Marynka
•    Preparation of an article for the Gazette to make people aware of the establishment of the Convivium, and the details of the first meeting for interested participants
•    The format of the first meeting on 18 February to be availability of a Slowfood Supper comprising a main course and a glass of wine at a price of £10 per head (by ticket only available from Marynka), followed by the Business meeting, including election of office bearers and outlining an initial programme for Slowfood events in the coming months. Such a programme potentially to include monthly Slowfood suppers at a variety of local venues, visits to local producers, talks and demonstrations,  a possible Linlithgow Food Fair, and active promotion of healthy eating options amongst local schools

The Steering Group expressed their appreciation of all the preliminary work done by CS. KR suggested that the Gazette photographer be made aware of the 18.2.08 meeting, and MB undertook to bring along his own camera to record proceedings also.CS expressed the hope that the Steering Group would be well represented at  the Convivium launch event.
Action: CS/KR/MB/All

7.    Criteria Assessment Update
DR reported that the finalised Criteria Self Assessment Document had now been submitted to Cittaslow UK organisation and its receipt acknowledged. DR will continue to liaise with Cittaslow UK re appropriate dates for the official Assessment Visit, bearing in mind the expressed preference amongst the Steering Group as a whole, for a date in the week beginning 17.3.08, (pre-Easter week) in order to provide sufficient preparation time to develop and confirm the Assessment Programme
Action:DR

8.Publicity Update

•    PM circulated copies of the official pamphlet, and expressed thanks to MB for all his preparatory work
•    PM will circulate a Distribution Strategy to reflect the suggestions made by members regarding the most effective impact and the need to target particular outlets; MB will investigate sourcing of appropriate pamphlet stands to maximise visibility. Action:PM/MB
•    MB undertook, with KR, to investigate the technical possibilities of adapting the pamphlet artwork for the preparation of A2 sized publicity posters, to be utilised  for display purposes within the Visitor Awareness Centre and potentially within Linlithgow schools/library also.action:MB/KR
•    A link is now established for Cittaslow material on the www.linlithgow.com website; MB confirmed that he  is prepared to manage a ‘blog’ feature, provided other Steering Group members are prepared to contribute appropriate Cittaslow related material/articles/comments Action:ALL
•    DT/KR/JH emphasised the potential of the Visitor Awareness Centre as an information point/display facility for all aspects of the Cittaslow/Slowfood bid/launch, particularly as one of the requirements of Cittaslow membership is to publicise the movement and its objectives across the community as a whole.
•    DR also emphasised the publicity opportunities provided by such events as the recent Food Tourism Seminar in Perth, sponsored by Scottish Enterprise

9.    Cittaslow Linlithgow-Sequential Stages to be planned

PM stressed the need for preparations in advance of official accreditation, to avoid the risk of a vacuum being created on receipt of Cittaslow status, while people wonder what to do as the next stage.

Chronologically, key stages are as follows:

•    18 Feb – Linlithgow Slowfood Convivium launch(see details above)
•    Feb/March DR to collate bid support file material photographs/evidence etc Action: DR
•    Feb/March/April Sub Group comprising PM/DT/KR/JH to consider preparation of Business Plan, which once approved by Steering Group, to be put in in place for initial implementation on receipt of accreditation. Action: PM/DT/KR/JH
•    Early March-Contact to be made with key personnel for assessment visits/demonstrations/presentations/hospitality etc once programme confirmed  Press also to be alerted to visit programme Action:PM/KR
•    Week Beginning March 17-Cittaslow UK assessment visit-DR circulated a draft programme-all to consider and to make suggestions to DR re amendments additions etc Action:ALL
•    CE suggested that WLC to be alerted to successful outcome of bid and asked to host  an event to mark the occasion- press to be alerted.  Action:PM

10.    Any Other Competent Business

None raised

11.    Date of Next Meeting

Monday 3rd March 2008 at 7.15pm in Visitor Awareness Centre. PM expressed appreciation to CS for making Marynka available for past meetings.

Cittaslow Linlithgow

5th Meeting of Augmented Steering Group

7.15pm,7 January 2008,Marynka

Present: Phil Murray(PM), Alan Young(AY), Ken Richardson(KR), David Tait(DT), Catriona Staddon(CS), Jim Hay(JH), Douglas Ritchie(DR)

1.Apologies: Michael Bennett(MB)

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting: December 2007 – agreed as an accurate record

3.Matters Arising:

PM advised that in relation to Para 8(1) he had been in correspondence with the Chief Executive’s Office at WLC regarding WLC policies on procurement, in the light of the concerns expressed by Jamie Smart. WLC had advised that they were constrained by EU Regulations on procurement procedures, but offered to meet with Jamie Smart to discuss ways in which local producers could be assured of receiving fair treatment.
PM to copy correspondence to David Tait for reference at a separate meeting of the LBA with WLC on related issues; Jim Hay to forward Jamie Smart’s contact details to PM to facilitate contact between Jamie Smart and WLC procurement Officer Douglas Ritchie indicated that Perth and Kinross Council had hosted a seminar on this very topic which had attracted considerable interest amongst local producers and suppliers; David Tait will raise the possibility of a similar event being hosted by WLC.   ACTION: PM/DT /JH

4.Funding Update

PM advised that Cittaslow account at RBoS Linlithgow was now operational with himself/DT as authorised signatories. LBA and LCT contributions (£500 in total) had been lodged, and PM was currently liaising with Anna Lightbody to access the  £2000 contribution from WLC. Provision of such funding will allow us to incur expenditure on various aspects of the Cittaslow initiative, in the run up to the bid submission, assessment, Slowfood Convivium launch etc. Action: Noted

5.Cittaslow Criteria Asessment-Update

DR spoke to the latest Draft of the Criteria Assessment document, and confirmed his view that, adjustments having been made, and subject to any additional inputs/amendments being suggested by Steering Group members over the period to 21 January,  we are already scoring above the 50% minimum required. PM queried whether there was a significant imbalance between local authority led  and community led initiatives, but DR felt that the composition of the assessment document was consistent with others he had previously scrutinised.
Action: All to advise DR of any further amendments necessary no later than 21 Jan. It was agreed that, post January 21, DR will forward the current Draft document to Grahame Kidd at Cittaslow UK with a request that he provides an initial, informal reaction to it, together with a suggestion that if GK’s schedule allows, on his forthcoming visit to a conference in Perth, he might include a further visit to Linlithgow to discuss, informally, progress on the bid development with available Steering Group members(29/30 January).

6. Slowfood Linlithgow Convivium – Update

CS  reported on different elements of progress including
o    Preparation of a Newsletter to her customer database advising of the imminent launch of Slowfood Linlithgow
o    Preparation of an advance article for the Gazette
o    Provision of a further Slowfood informations stall (but not necessarily cookery demo) at the Farmers’ Market on 26.1.08
o    A Slowfood Information evening to be held at Marynka on Monday 28th January
o    An initial meeting of the Linlithgow Convivium scheduled for February 18th again at Marynka, at which a light meal will be available at an approximate cost of £10 per head, prior to the business of the meeting being conducted.
o    This business will include appointment of relevant office bearers and presentation of an initial programme of events (tastings/visits/demonstrations lectures etc. While it is hoped to meet on a monthly basis this will be dependent on the support received and the evolution of an appropriate programme. CS would appreciate all  relevant suggestions from Steering Group members.
Action: CS to continue preparations for Slowfood launch; Steering Group to spread the word, and encourage participation.

7. Publicity Strategy Update

PM reported on the following aspects:
o    Continuing receipt of written endorsements of Cittaslow Linlithgow from the target list identified previously
o    Mention of bid in Scottish Parliament in December by Margo MacDonald gave useful additional profile.
o    Fiona Hyslop MSP has requested a briefing on the bid process-PM to follow up
o    Oatridge College Principal has also offered support and has also requested a briefing- PM to follow up
o    Visitor Awareness Centre offers facility to highlight particular initiatives over the period when it is operational. It is hoped to have a focus on Cittaslow at an appropriate time. KR also suggested VAC might form a useful community focus for the start of Cittaslow UK’s official inspection visit
o    Publicity pamphlet is almost ready to go to printing, subject to any final adjustments from Steering Group members( to PM by Friday 11 Jan), and clearance from Historic Scotland to utilise image of Palace-JH to follow up on this and advise PM/MB asap
o    www.linlithgow.com will include a section on Cittaslow Linlithgow
o    On MB’s return from Australia, further investigations re Cittaslow Linlithgow blog facility with MB. CS to liaise with  Donald Reid Edinburgh Slowfood, regarding access to relevant articles for inclusion on blog
Action: PM/JH/MB

8.Any Other Business

No items raised

9.Date of Next Meeting

Monday February 4th 2008, 7.15pm @Marynka

Linlithgow’s membership application was unanimously approved at a meeting of Cittaslow UK in Birmingham on Saturday 31 May.

This successful outcome marks the climax of over six months of hard work by local organisations, businesses and individuals. As part of the membership application process, we had to demonstrate our Cittaslow credentials in over 50 different areas and as noted in previous posts were visited by independent assessors from Cittaslow UK.

Celebrating this landmark achievement, Phil Murray, the Chair of the Cittaslow Linlithgow Steering Group, said,

“Becoming a Cittaslow town is a great achievement for Linlithgow and we now join a network of like minded towns that stretches across the world from Poland to Australia and from Norway to South Korea.

This is a great day for everyone who has helped to drive forward our membership application. A lot of people put a lot of hard work into securing Cittaslow membership. This really has been a community effort involving people of all ages from all walks of life in Linlithgow.

Personally, I would like to thank all my fellow Steering Group members for their enthusiasm and dedication over the past six months, as well as West Lothian Council and Scottish Enterprise who supported our application in so many ways. I must also thank all the individuals and businesses who helped make the visit by the Cittaslow UK assessors so successful. They range from the children of Linlithgow Bridge Primary School to our local councillors, MPs and MSPs. Everyone played an important part in Linlithgow becoming Cittaslow.”

Looking forward, Phil commented,

“Of course, joining the Cittaslow network is just one of the first phases of Linlithgow’s Cittaslow journey. We hope that Cittaslow status will act as a catalyst for new initiatives and renewed activities to make Linlithgow an even better place to live, work and visit. We look forward to working with the other Cittaslow towns in the UK and overseas to maximise the benefits that Linlithgow generates from its Cittaslow membership.”

Of course there is more to do now that we have cittaslow status, please log in for more information once it becomes available!

Thanks

Michael

CITTASLOW ASSESSMENT DAY IN LINLITHGOW

The sun shone, the birds sang and Linlithgow looked at its best as Graeme Kidd and John Fleming from Cittaslow UK visited the town to assess if it was ready to join the international Cittaslow network.

On what was a very successful day when everything seemed to go to plan, there were three main things that stood out for me.

First was the visit to the eco-school project at Linlithgow Bridge Primary School where frighteningly enthusiastic, knowledgeable and self-confident pupils welcomed us and showed us around all the different areas of their school where they are involved in environmental projects. It was great to see such a wide and impressive range of projects and I’m sure I wasn’t that self-confident at that age!

Second was the very real interest in Cittaslow expressed by all the local businesses we met on the day. It was very evident that Steering Group members have been very active in spreading the word amongst local retailers and other businesses and that there is genuine community support for Linlithgow becoming a Cittaslow town.

Third was the impressive turnout of local and national politicians during the day to welcome the Cittaslow assessors. I know that Graeme and John were somewhat stunned to meet the Provost of West Lothian, all local councillors for Linlithgow, the past and current local MP, and the two local MSPs all in one day. They were amazed to find themselves discussing Scottish food and education policies with a government minister. Everyone’s involvement demonstrated how much support there is for Linlithgow’s Cittaslow membership application at the highest levels.

Thanks are due to everyone who helped to make the day such a success. Now it’s fingers crossed for a successful outcome that will see Linlithgow becoming the 8th Cittaslow town in the UK and the 2nd in Scotland.

Douglas Ritchie

Cittaslow Linlithgow Project Manager

Cittaslow is a membership organisation that only towns and cities with a population of less than 50,000 people are eligible to join. Individuals can’t join Cittaslow in the way that they can join the Slow Food movement.

Cittaslow provides a set of goals and aspirations for towns and cities based on the following principles -

• Encouraging diversity rather than standardisation.
• Supporting and encouraging local culture and traditions.
• Working for a more sustainable environment.
• Supporting and encouraging local produce and local products.
• Encouraging healthy living especially through children and young people.
• Working with the local community to build these values.

Put together, these principles aim to enhance the quality of life in Cittaslow towns for residents and visitors alike.

Cittaslow is not anti-progress. It aims to intelligently apply cutting edge solutions in communications, transport, hospitality, consumption, commerce and administration to find new ways of improving people’s lives in a sustainable manner.

Every town that applies to join Cittaslow is assessed against over 60 different criteria that are grouped under 6 main headings.

1. Environment policies.
2. Infrastructure policies.
3. Enhancing the quality of the urban fabric.
4. Celebrating and promoting local produce and local products.
5. Hospitality & Community.
6. Communicating awareness and understanding of Cittaslow

To become a member of Cittaslow, a town must demonstrate that it is meets at least half of the 60 criteria and is actively working towards meeting the rest. After becoming a member, Cittaslow towns are re-assessed at regular intervals to ensure that they are continuing to uphold Cittaslow principles and are still working to improve their quality of life.

There are now 7 Cittaslow towns in the UK. We hope Linlithgow will shortly become the 8th.

Cittaslow Linlithgow Steering Group is gearing up for a crucial day in their schedule, with Cittaslow UK having confirmed that they will be carrying out an official Assessment Visit to Linlithgow on Friday May 9th

After overnighting at a local B+B, the Assessors will receive a series of short presentations from members of the Steering Group outlining how their respective organisations relate to the Cittaslow initiative. This will be followed by a High St walkabout in which the Assessors will meeet with various independent retailers, and will be shown some of the key heritage assets of Linlithgow. The Linlithgow Slowfood Convivium will be organising a Slowfood buffet lunch to which key supporters of the local initiative will be invited.In the afternoon the Assessors will be taken to a variety of locations in and around Linlithgow where particular Cittaslow- relevant projects are under way. Finally, The Assessors will conduct a discussion with Steering Group members about specific issues arising from the formal submission documents. To round off the day key participants will gather in a rather less formal atmosphere in a local hostelry to review the day’s proceedings, and hopefully convince the Assessment team of the merits of Linlithgow’s bid.

The Steering Group has made very significant progress since being established in August 2007. Hard work and committment on the part of all participants, including West Lothian Council,Linlithgow Business Association, Linlithgow Pride and Passion,Linlithgow Slow Food Convivium and many others has got the initiative to this critical stage, and I am confident that all the preparations will pay off on the day

Phil Murray

Chair

Cittaslow Linlithgow Steering Group

What is Cittaslow?

Cittaslow (Italian for “slow town”) is a network of over 100 towns worldwide that brings people together to improve the quality of life in their town and to share good ideas, experience and knowledge.

Cittaslow grew out of the Slow Food movement and seeks to raise awareness of the ways in which quality of life can be enhanced by good food; excellent hospitality; the protection and improvement of the environment and the promotion of local producers and traditional production methods.

The original manifesto for Cittaslow states:

“We are looking for towns brought to life by people who make time to enjoy a quality of life; towns blessed with quality public spaces, theatres, shops, cafés, inns, historic buildings and unspoiled landscapes; towns where healthy eating, healthy living and enjoying life are central to the community.”

Put simply, a Cittaslow town is a good place to live and a good place to visit.

Please download the Cittaslow Charter for more information.