The Convention of the Highlands and Islands (CoHI)
CoHI was established in 1996 by the then Secretary of State (SoS) the Rt Hon Michael Forsyth MP, following calls for the revival of the former Highland Panel. The Highland Panel's task was to investigate the means of promoting the economic use of capacity and resources in the Highlands and Islands (H&I) and the social welfare of the Highland people.
The Panel, established in 1947 and revised in 1955 was abolished in 1964 and replaced by the Highlands and Islands Development Board (HIDB). HIDB was the precursor of Highlands and Islands Enterprise Network (HIE) which now has a wider range of powers and executive functions.
The Highland Panel's original principle was carried forward from 1947 into the current CoHI Remit to "encourage the exchange of ideas among Member organisations, strengthen co-ordination of activity and strategic objectives, and maximise the effectiveness and sustainability of their development policies".
CoHI membership in 1996
In 1996, the CoHI Membership included 8 MPs and 2 MEPs representing the H&I catchment and individuals appointed by the SoS. These individuals were nominated from the public sector organisations who were already represented (the Local Authorities; Highlands & Islands Enterprise; the Tourist Boards; the Crofters Commission; Scottish Natural Heritage; UHIMI and the UHIMI Academic Council)
1999 onwards
Following the establishment of the Scottish Parliament, Executive Ministers agreed that CoHI was no longer to be a forum for political debate and re-focussed CoHI as a forum in which Ministers would meet the public sector organisations (as above) and other agencies and institutions for discussion on the economy of the area.
Changes were also made with regard to the CoHI Ministerial team. Prior to devolution, only the Secretary of State and either the Minister for the Highlands and Islands or the Minister for Education and Industry attended. In the re-focussed CoHI the Ministerial team was increased to a core team of 6; the First Minister; Deputy First Minister; Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Deputy Minister ELL and Gaelic, Minister for Rural Affairs; Deputy Minister for Education; plus a Scotland Office Minister. Other Executive Ministers were also asked to attend as agenda topics dictated.
Since March 2002
The re-focussed CoHI's format for each meeting has been further revised by limiting the agenda to 3 items. The Ministerial core has been reduced to 2, the First and Deputy First Ministers, who are accompanied by portfolio Ministers as agenda issues dictate. The invitation to Scotland Office Ministers continued as previously up to March 2003.
Since March 2004
The Convention remit has evolved to look at development in its widest sense, taking in cultural and social justice objectives. In line with that change the membership has been altered and now includes the Health Boards, Communities Scotland, Bord na Gaidhlig, VisitScotland and the Forestry Commission.
To explore the format of CoHI today, please see Meeting Format.
