Holyrood 2nd May 2024

Could the CCs encourage people (via FB, etc?) to contact their MSPs to ensure they are attending the 2 May motion and voting in favour?

Contact emails:

Kate Forbes                      Kate.Forbes.msp@parliament.scot                      SNP

Emma Roddick                emma.roddick.msp@parliament.scot                 SNP

Ariane Burgess                Ariane.Burgess.MSP@Parliament.Scot                Green

Rhoda Grant                    Rhoda.Grant.msp@parliament.scot                     Labour

Jamie Halcro Johnston Jamie.HalcroJohnston.msp@parliament.scot  Conservative

Edward Mountain           Edward.Mountain.msp@parliament.scot           Conservative

Douglas Ross                  Douglas.Ross.MSP@Parliament.scot                   Conservative

Tim Eagle                          Tim.Eagle.msp@parliament.scot                          Conservative

THIS IS THE WORDING FOR THE MOTION OF DEBATE ON MAY 2 AT HOLYROOD.

New Energy Infrastructure in the North of Scotland

Submitted by: Tess White, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.

Date lodged: Monday, 15 April 2024

Motion reference: S6M-12842

That the Parliament acknowledges the reported concerns of communities across the north of Scotland, especially those in Aberdeenshire, Angus, Moray and the Highlands, regarding new energy infrastructure; notes that the Scottish Government reportedly indicates that this infrastructure is needed to meet the 2030 offshore wind connection dates and its net zero targets; recognises what it sees as the importance of decarbonising the electricity system, and notes the belief that the strategy to achieve net zero should use a variety of energy sources and consider all infrastructural options, such as undergrounding electrical transmission cables or submarine cables, in order to protect the local economy and character of rural communities; understands that the concerns of rural communities relate to the location, scale and accelerated timeframe of these projects, and that they feel their views are routinely disregarded by the Scottish Government’s current strategy, which has reportedly resulted in an unjust transition taking place in rural communities across Scotland; notes in particular the impact of these plans on the wellbeing of affected residents, who are reportedly worried about their health, businesses, property value, cultural heritage, and the potential loss of prime agricultural land; understands that affected residents have criticised the consultation process of transmission network operator, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN); highlights petition PE2095 to improve the public consultation processes for energy infrastructure projects, which was lodged in the Scottish Parliament by Margaret Tracey Smith; notes the calls for the Scottish Government to ensure that local community submissions are considered as a key factor in considering what applications and routes should be approved; acknowledges what it sees as the strength of feeling among affected communities that rural Scotland is being disproportionately impacted by new energy infrastructure, and recognises local campaigners who are working to raise awareness of these plans so that the voices of affected residents are heard.

Upgraded Notice Board

We needed to revamp the notice board at Wester Balblair as the surface was breaking up and nothing would stick to it. We got a lovely new sign prepared and installed on site only to realise there was a spelling mistake. Not ours we hasten to add. Now duly corrected and re-installed. I wonder how many people noticed the error? Rather than sticky tape this whiteboard is magnetic and can be written on with a non-permanent marker pen. It is also of a material that will not degrade in the sun. Now the frame treated to a new coat of weatherproof stain it should last a few more years. Many thanks to John Stewart for his help with the paint brush! Anyone wishing to post an event please do not stick on the outside with Sellotape as it is a nightmare to remove the glue. Contact the Secretary and arrangements can be made.

Tick Bite Prevention Week 24th to 30th March 2024

March and April are known as the Red Zone for ticks, Ixodes Ricinus otherwise known as sheep or deer tick, and we should be aware, take preventative measures and check for ticks on ourselves and our animals.

Some ticks carry Lymes disease and if you note any symptoms it is important to refer to your Doctor immediately. Also at this time of year the ticks may be in the nymph stage and difficult to see.

Reaction of five local Community Councils to CLG meetings with SSE.

You may be aware that at a recent CLG meeting the local Community Councils decided that a line had to be drawn. For that reason they all walked out of the meeting. This is the press release to explain the action: Following that is a position statement of the Community Liaison Group.

PRESS RELEASE

Issued on Wednesday 13th March 2024 by:

Kilmorack Community Council

Strathglass Community Council

Kirkhill & Bunchrew Community Council

Kiltarlity Community Council

Beauly Community Council

The Beauly Community Liaison Group (CLG) was constituted with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) approximately ten years ago to help local community councils achieve some resolution of the multiple issues arising from construction of the Beauly-to-Denny pylon line. The CLG was also to provide a focal point for discussions between those communities and SSEN as part of SSEN’s statutory obligation to consult meaningfully with those affected by its developments. Today, the Beauly CLG continues as such a liaison point between those communities and SSEN.

SSEN recently issued proposals to significantly extend its power distribution network. The Beauly area is a focal point on which several of SSEN’s proposals converge. SSEN announced In October 2023 its intention to construct a new substation at Fanellan – covering an area of 55 acres – to supplement its existing substation at Balblair. In February 2024, and without any prior notification of this either to affected community councils or to the CLG, SSEN issued a public notice indicating that the area for which it was making application for planning approval for this new substation had been extended from 55 acres to 868 acres, a near 16-fold increase in size. By choosing to announce a major project change without using the recognized consultation framework, SSEN has compromised the trust that should exist between local communities and national infrastructure providers. Moreover, by acting as it has, SSEN has brought the integrity of its consultation process into question, which, given the sensitivities involved, is a matter of significant concern for the affected communities.

The Fanellan announcement is yet another of many instances of lack of transparency on SSEN’s part. It follows protracted attempts by CLG attendees to elicit meaningful engagement with SSEN on this national infrastructure project, on its impact on the communities surrounding Beauly, on areas of outstanding beauty, and ultimately on the wider Highland region.

Unless and until SSEN is prepared to offer – and can guarantee – such meaningful engagement, community attendees see little point in continuing to be party to the current CLG process.

Community Council representatives will of course continue to represent the views of their communities throughout the statutory consultation process, and encourage all those affected to continue to make their views known.

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In addition inaccurate minutes of previous produced by SSEN led to the CCs demanding the meetings were recorded. They were, by SSEN who then refused to hand over those recordings when asked by the community councillors.

This is the new position statement from the CLG released today.
BEAULY COMMUNITY LIAISON GROUP (CLG) – POSITION STATEMENT 1

Issued on Thursday 13th March 2024 by:

Kilmorack Community Council

Strathglass Community Council

Kirkhill & B unchrew Community Council

Kiltarlity Community Council

Beauly Community Council

The Beauly Community Liaison Group (CLG) was set up by Highland Council more than ten years ago to try to assist local communities get resolution of multiple issues arising from SSEN’s commissioning of its Beauly-to-Denny pylon line. Despite this, communities continued to endure ten years of effort and upset trying to get SSEN to reduce the unacceptable and irritating noise emanating from its Balblair substation. It has now been reduced, but only to a level that still requires continuous monitoring. This notorious “Beauly Buzz” is only just within the maximum level permitted by law, and still continues to cause occasional distress.

The Beauly CLG is also supposed to be providing a forum to facilitate SSEN’s statutory obligation to consult meaningfully with those affected by its development proposals. Several of these recent extensive and significant proposed network developments converge on the Beauly area. Unfortunately, increasingly frequent lack of transparency on the part of SSEN has led community attendees to completely lose confidence in the current CLG process. Examples of this include:

· SSEN’s acknowledgement that its preferred options are “based on the outcome of environmental, engineering, and cost analysis, and do not take consultation into account”

· SSEN’s assertion that the need for these developments is dictated by OFGEM. OFGEM has responded to us that it “does not dictate to network operators what they should or should not do”

· SSEN’s assertion that the developments it proposes are as specified in the Holistic Network Design prepared by the Energy Supplies Office (ESO), in which there is no mention of a Spittal-to-Beauly overhead mega pylon line

· SSEN has frequently asserted that “This is going to happen!”, with the implication that SSEN believes it doesn’t really have to pay any attention to what those whom its proposals affect might say, think, or suggest

· SSEN’s refusal to publish any factual or objective justification of its advocation of highly obtrusive and unpopular overhead mega pylon lines, rather than underground and/or subsea alternatives where these options might be practicable and more acceptable

· SSEN’s recent attempts to secure control over the CLG’s proceedings by:

· Seeking to make its proceedings confidential

§ Seeking to exert control over the number and acceptability of community representatives who can attend CLG meetings

§ Seeking to manipulate minutes to misrepresent proceedings in favour of SSEN’s preferred narrative

§ Recording CLG proceedings whilst withholding access to these recordings from CLG attendees

The latest glaring example of SSEN’s lack of transparency is its public announcement of the expansion of its proposed Fanellan substation site from the 55 acres proposed, to 868 acres in its planning application, without any advance warning of this, either to affected Community Councils, or to CLG attendees.

CLG attendees have made protracted attempts to seek genuine engagement from SSEN in discussion of its forthcoming development program. Although SSEN frequently states “Your feedback is important to us”, and touts that it is a “Stakeholder-led organization”, there is little evidence that SSEN attaches any value at all to the feedback it has been receiving from the communities its operations affect. SSEN now seems to be utilising CLG meetings and its staged “public consultation” events solely to test public opinion in order to then develop corporate strategies to minimize any influence this opinion might impose on its corporate intent. This is not meaningful consultation. It is merely notification and corporate manipulation, dressed up to suggest to The Establishment that SSEN is discharging its statutory obligation to meaningfully consult with those affected by its proposals.

SSEN has sister organisations within the corporate SSE conglomerate which are actively engaged in and pursuing further windfarm opportunities in the Highlands. SSEN’s actions unfortunately typify those of a corporate behemoth which sees fit to allow any consideration of places and people to be swept aside in its pursuit of its profit-driven objectives.

Unless and until SSEN is prepared to offer – and can guarantee – more meaningful engagement, community attendees see little point in continuing to be party to the current CLG process.

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https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/6401141/communities-walked-out-of-meeting-in-row-with-ssen/.

P & J

Walk out protest as SSEN and community at odds over size of planned substation

SSEN says the larger site – the size of more than 430 football pitches – will only be used during construction and the permanent substation is much smaller.

Community council members walked out of a meeting with power giants SSEN in a row over the size of a planned new electricity substation.

The representatives from Kilmorack, Strathglass, Kirkhill and Bunchrew, Kiltarlity and Beauly accused the company of breaking trust and undermining a consultation.

The meeting of the Beauly Community Liaison Group (CLG) was discussing a proposed 400kV overhead line between Spittal in Caithness and Beauly.

As part of the plans a new substation would be built at Fanellan to supplement the existing one at Balblair near Beauly.

WHY IS THE SSEN SUBSTATION AN ISSUE?

SSEN announced in October the Fanellan substation would cover an area of 55 acres.

But local campaigners say this was extended last month to 868 acres – a near 16-fold increase – without prior notice to community councils or the CLG.

This would be the equivalent of more than 430 football pitches.

Community representatives have now threatened to withdraw from the group altogether.

A CLG spokesman said: “By choosing to announce a major project change without using the recognised consultation framework, SSEN has compromised the trust that should exist between local communities and national infrastructure providers.

“Moreover, by acting as it has, SSEN has brought the integrity of its consultation process into question.

“Given the sensitivities involved, (it) is a matter of significant concern for the affected communities.”

The groups says the Fanellan announcement is “yet another of many instances of lack of transparency on SSEN’s part”.

“It follows protracted attempts by CLG attendees to elicit meaningful engagement with SSEN on this national infrastructure project, on its impact on the communities surrounding Beauly, on areas of outstanding beauty, and ultimately on the wider Highland region.

“Unless and until SSEN is prepared to offer – and can guarantee – such meaningful engagement, community attendees see little point in continuing to be party to the current CLG process.”

COMMUNITIES PRAISED FOR ‘BRAVE STAND’

The group says community councils will continue to represent local views during the consultation process, and urge those affected to make their views known.

Campaigner Lyndsey Ward, who set up the group Communities B4 Power Companies, said: “The five community councils are to be commended for making such a brave stand against SSEN.

“We are told that meaningful public consultation is a condition of SSEN’s licence.

“Yet we have seen again and again that this has not been the case with multiple complaints coming forward from distressed communities.”

Additional Support Needs for Teanassie School

Kilmorack Community Council secured funding of £750 from the Ward Discretionary fund supported by £500 from Ffordes Photographic and matched by £500 from the Aigas Community Forest for equipping an Additional Support Needs room for the Teanassie School. Additional financial support has been provided by the Teanassie Parents Association. To clarify an additional support need is where a child or young person is not able to learn due to a barrier, such as: having a disability or health issue. difficult family or care circumstances. struggle with the learning. The room provides a safe environment where children can relax and de-stress from classroom pressures. Since 2004 it has been Government Policy to incorporate these children with special needs into mainstream schools. Teanassie and Tomnacross have had to address this issue and a new room at Teanassie has been provided. Equipment has now been bought and installed.

Hi Speed Fibre Broadband to the Braes?

There may be an opportunity for Fibre Broadband to the Braes. Highland and Lothian Broadband had a drop in session at the Phipps Hall and folks were told that if enough people expressed an interest it may be possible to take a spur up Croyard Road. They quote high speeds but prices, although possibly cheaper than satellite or cellular, may be correspondingly high in comparison to what you have now. This is not a recommendation but simply something worth exploring perhaps. If interested check availability and register an interest here! Seemingly from £34.99 per month for 100mbps.

Aigas Community Forest Update.

Aigas Community Forest now has an information bothy at the entrance with a new map showing all paths. Few comfortable seats to rest the weary legs before you leave on your way home. Few extras to add like a donation QR Code and location of the nearest Defibrillator plus a wide board for notices. In many ways the heavy lifting of the forest is behind us and now the future is attracting the Community to engage and enjoy the facilities.

A New National Park?

It has been decided at this time not to proceed with either the Strathglass or the Ben Wyvis proposals. The timescale and lack of funding from Scottish Government made proper consultation impossible.

The Community Councillors at Kilmorack Community Council wish all our residents a very Happy Christmas.

Teanassie School Swimming Lesson transport

The Community Council has been very pleased to receive funding from the Ward Discretionary Fund to part finance the operation of a bus to the Aquadome weekly for swimming lessons. Community Council Chair Steve Byford, Ward Councillor Emma Knox and Community Councillor Mary Graham were pleased to hand over the cheque for next year’s transport to the Cluster Headmistress Fiona McKellar.

Obituary

Mike Fabling of Wester Balblair passed away on the 4th November aged 78. Mike served as a Community Councillor for Kilmorack in the early nineties, and was well known in the area for his interests in motor cycles, Beauly angling club, metal detecting and gun clubs.

He was also was a popular member of staff at Morisons Ironmongers Beauly.

Mike is survived by his wife Rita and son Kevin..

Energy Support and Advice

If enough people want an event we would be happy to arrange it but in the first instance contact Mike Youatt who can make arrangements. It may be an event will be organised through Beauly Cares. A caveat is that this seems to be pushing Smart Meters. Do your research first before agreeing to those. It sounds good but it does hand over control of your electricity supply to your provider. Many have reported extreme cost rises which are difficult to challenge but may be down to faulty meters or faulty installation. The positive side for many is no meter readers as the reading is accessed remotely. Contrary to what many electricity and gas providers will infer it is; for now anyway; YOUR choice!

Some Good News for a change

For those that visited Aigas Community Forest Open Day you will have seen a chainsaw carver busy at a couple of trees. Now all can be revealed as we now have installed a new bench. For those that didn’t visit, the Forest welcomes all and new paths are constantly under development. The recently felled area to the East and by the road will take time to replant with native species and we hope will become a wildlife haven. Bear with us on that as it will take a couple of years to do safely and properly. In the meantime please take advantage of all the other areas.

For those who don’t use the forest there is much now to enjoy. We are presently building an information shed at the forest gate which will have a map and a lot of new information. The new bench is up above the Dipping Pond. Now how do you find that? Park in the car park and at the top of the entrance road you will see a path to the left. This is path one or what we call The Ladies Walk. To the end of that and follow the way marks to the right, through the gate and up the track, with grand views over Aigas Loch and up Strathglass, over the Lade Bridge; another seat there for those that need a rest; along the track over the new bridge which crosses the burn and up to the main forest road. A left turn there and then first right past the Dipping Pond on the left and you will soon see the new seat over to your left. Lovely views to the North and over the pond with it’s little wooden deck. There are paths there to explore or simply return to the main road and after a short grade; another path way marked to the left there which takes you around the back of the main Lochan for the more energetic; it is all downhill past the forest office and cabins(there is a loo at the back which is pretty posh- just walk past the machinery sheds and you will see it on the left) and down to the forest gate. You will notice another small walk by the car park with another seat overlooking the Golf Club and along Strathglass. Increasingly we are seeing more and more walkers and runners enjoying the forest so come and explore.

Like Buses, when one comes there is often a second one just behind

Well we have looked at Caulternich Battery Storage but hard on it’s coat tails we have Lovat Estates plan for a Battery Storage (BESS) in the Wester Balblair quarry site and another large BESS at Fasnakyle. Concerns over fire and toxic pollution are well documented and are presently addressed by a Private Members Bill presently making it’s way through the House of Commons. There is also the question of efficacy. Do they actually deliver or are they just a cash cow for their developers. What we have learnt over the last few days is that the truth is hard to find.

Phones are going Digital

One thing that is now closing in on us is that by 2025 BT is closing down all analogue phone services. Already ISDN has bitten the dust but that only effects commercial operators. Two options. Migrate to digital or throw away the old phones and rely on mobiles. Now we can address the first panic. You won’t need fibre optic. The new service still operates on existing copper wires.

There is a down side which means during a power cuts you will have no land line unless you have a battery backup. For those that don’t get mobile signals you are classed as (digitally) vulnerable by Ofcom and there are options but you will need to contact your service provider to explore those. For most though mobile signals will continue to provide a service during a power outage. (most of the time??) as long as you keep them charged. For some who only keep one in a drawer for emergencies that needs addressing. I don’t think they will anywhere near as reliable as land lines! Some masts only have a one hour battery backup so when the power goes out for a day or more we are stuffed!

So with 2025 now on the horizon it is probably wise to explore your options to avoid the rush(and put your new phones on Santa’s Christmas list). All phone lines in future will be digital which will use your broadband connection, wired or wireless. If you don’t have broadband it will use your existing copper wires with a terminal adaptor. It is the legacy equipment in BT’s exchanges which is being turned off. Called Voip or Voice over Internet protocol to give it it’s full title it uses your computer line connecting your phone via your router. Now some BT routers have a standard phone socket and after BT migrate your line to the new service it is simply plug in and job finished. Other services are a bit more complicated and you may need a box of tricks to connect your existing RJ-11 phone plugs to. There is a question that some systems require powered phones for the ringer to work but discuss with your service provider.  These may well be supplied FOC from your service provider. Alternatives are new Voip phones which will connect direct to your existing router, again possibly supplied FOC from your service provider, or upgrade your cordless system to a DECT phone which will plug straight in to your router from the master phone. These will support up to ten handsets. One advantage of that is the range is 300m depending on properties and repeaters can be added to increase the range so no hiding in the shed allowed!. In most cases your number will remain the same.  So quite simple. Well for most yes. However there are residents with an existing hard wired system in the house where the computer is sited some way from the incoming land line. This will either necessitate moving to a cordless DECT system or re-wiring the existing service. Some may not have spare 240v sockets to connect the new terminal adaptors to. I think in those cases there needs to be a discussion well in advance of the cut off date lest people get left without a working phone system. Caveat is that if you have rubbish Broadband you are likely to have rubbish digital phone signal too. When this was all planned everyone was due to have at least FTTC(fibre to cabinet) and the majority would have FTTP (Fibre to premises). This is years behind the promised rollout despite Openreach getting an enormous £15billion budget and the Scottish R100 scheme(£600million) which the Scottish Government promised that 100% of homes and businesses would enjoy 30mb of connectivity by 2021. Bit like the Ferries and the A9. That has now slipped to 2028 and is reliant on some contributory funding(Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme), commercial radio/wireless broadband and Openreach contracts. We could suggest ambitions exceeded the ability to deliver in our challenging terrain.

Now there is some good news. Digital telephones will normally be cheaper, usually a fixed monthly fee which will include all UK mobile and land line calls. It also effectively provides you with more than one line on certain equipment. My supplier quotes £12 per month incl VAT. Other suppliers will vary.

I would suggest that as 2025 gets closer there will be a rush so probably best done sooner. Digital provides a clearer signal and a lot more functionality. One that we may not relish is that calls to your home phone can be received through a phone app on your smart phone wherever you are. Umm!

Fairburn Wind Farm Extension Public Consultation

Community Council Elections 2023

The Highland Council can confirm that on Monday 4 September the process for the 2023 Community Council elections will begin.

From this date nominations will be invited from people seeking election to all Community Councils across Highland. This is your chance to help represent the views of your community to the Highland Council and other public agencies.

The Highland Council is responsible for running the Community Councils election, which must be held every 4 years. The maximum membership of each of the Highland Community Council’s is determined by the population it serves and varies from 7 to 13 members.

Community Councils are voluntary organisations that act as a voice for their local area. They express views and concerns of local people within their area across a wide range of issues such as new buildings and roads to local services and facilities. They also have legal duties: by law, the highland Council must consult with Community Councils on planning and licensing applications in their area.

So what does a Community Council actually do?

Well reading our minutes gives some idea of the breadth of activities but even the minutes don’t really reflect the vast variety of problems that are dealt with on often a daily basis. Liaising with our ward Councillors, our Ward Manager, Environmental Health(substation noise), Roads, Lighting, Planning, Cemeteries, SSEN CLG, Bardon/Breedon CLG, Lovat, grass cutting(Altyre, Toll and Picnic area), Fallen Trees etc. Never mind agendas, minutes, AGMs and letters/emails that have to be attended to. And not forgetting the work of the treasurer who keeps the coffers balanced. Website and Social Media updates to inform the local community. That is simply a brief overview and does not cover the wide range of topics from Canoeists on the Glass to our normal bête noirs of ditches and drains, dog fouling, snow and ice, and buses that exercise our attentions on an ongoing basis.

Caulternich Battery Storage Application

Despite being refused on the 30th August 2022 the developers of the proposed Caulternich Battery Storage facility have re-applied. The new NPF4 (National Planning Framework 4) has emboldened the applicants as have ambitions for an upgrade to national power Infrastructure from Ofgem and National Grid ESO supported by both Westminster and Holyrood. This will have a profound effect on the local residents and environment of the area if implemented. It is important that all those that commented to the previous application reprise their comments. We have managed to get an extension to Monday 14th August 2023 as many people may be away and the short time scale is difficult for many. Application on The Highland Council Planning Portal is:

https://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/search.do?action=monthlyList

The Application number is 23/03113/FUL Enter this number in simple search

If anyone has problems leaving comments on the Planning Portal send their comments direct to the planning officer susan.hadfield@highland.gov.uk

Residents can still submit comments on an application after the neighbour notification deadline has passed. Whilst we encourage interested parties to submit comments within the given deadline, we will still look at and take account of non-timeous comments up until a decision is made. We won’t make a decision until after the deadlines for consultations and public comments has passed. Susan Hadfield, Planning Officer

UK Parliamentary Elections post October 2023 (NOT SCOTTISH PARLIAMENTARY OR COUNCIL ELECTIONS)

Our electoral voting papers were in the post yesterday and like many we check the names and file the form. However take note that this time there is a buff and mauve card enclosed. This notes that for future UK Parliamentary elections post October 2023 photo ID will be needed to vote in person. Passport, Driving Licence or National Entitlement Card(whatever that is) are some of the approved examples. Others click the link. If you don’t have any you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. Note this is not for Scottish Parliament or Council elections. It also does not effect postal votes in any elections. Now all we need to remember is to take our Photo ID with us come election time. Details on getting a voter ID are on the mauve/buff sheet unless of course you have thrown it away already. If so this link will re-direct you. electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID

Speed Signs

Kilmorack Community Council have organised some Speed Awareness signs for the A831 through Wester Balblair. Funded by SSE and with the support of The Highland Council this is to protect residents and visitors initially through the extensions and upgrading of the Wester Balblair Transmission Hub. These are awareness signs, not camera traps. They are becoming more usual in many small Highland villages.

Fairburn Wind farm planned extension

SSE renewables have a plan to expand Fairburn wind farm with 14 turbines of 200m blade tip height to the south and west of Orrin Reservoir. We are asking for a consultation event at Kilmorack Hall and will pursue this diligently. Details are limited on SSE website but are available on the Government Website of Energy Consents (scoping report). It is of note that this sits right over the Option E2 of the 400Kv overhead line that would have taken it away from Farley, Drumindorsair and the extensive visual impact over the eastern part of the Braes. It is obvious that is the reason E2 will not be considered. We have a provisional date for a consultation event at Kilmorack Hall for the 13th September 2023.

These are the scoping papers for Fairburn Extensionhttps://www.energyconsents.scot/ApplicationDetails.aspx?cr=ECU00004542

Detail may need some work as I was working from two different maps with differing scales.

SSE Consultation

By 2030, massive amounts of electricity will be required to satisfy the additional energy demand created by the government’s planned change-over to electrified transport.

The government expects that 35–40 Gigawatts of renewable electricity will need to be exported from Scotland to satisfy this demand.  (That’s 4-5 times the total amount of electricity we’re generating in Scotland today!)  It’s to be supplied from wind-farms and other renewable resources to be constructed onshore and offshore in The Scottish Highlands & Islands.  Scottish & Southern Networks (SSEN) is the appointed electricity distributor here in the Highlands.  It is legally obliged to construct the power distribution network to collect and transport all this additional electricity southwards.  It’s now planning massive new developments here in our area to meet this obligation.  These will have to be designed, approved, and constructed in record time to meet target dates.

In the past few weeks, the scale of these new developments has become increasingly apparent, as has the knowledge that SSEN is already firming up on its preferred options.  Many will have huge impact on our area.  Most of the people who could be adversely affected by all this seem to be totally unaware of the probable scale and impact of what is being planned.

SSEN has held a Consultation Event on some of these plans on

Thursday March 2^nd 2023 at Kilmorack Hall, 2:30-7:00pm

The consultation booklets for its planned developments here can be found by entering “Beauly” under the Projects tab on the following SSEN webpage:

https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/

The documents included there are too large to copy for distribution, but if you care about what might be about to happen within our area, you really do need to look at these documents.

There were over 700 people attended the event at Kilmorack and we must ask that people complete the feedback form at the back of the brochure or online. There is real concern at the scale of the development and referrals to future expansion.

Teanassie School Support

Kilmorack Community Council with the support of THC Ward Discretionary Fund has provided Teanassie School with reflective safety vests for use on dark nights and dreitch days as well as some flashing strobe lights to attach to napsacks. This is part of our dark roads initiative to protect school children on the way to and way home from school. At the same time we became aware of a shortfall in funding for transport to swimming lessons which potentially could cancel them. Again with support from the Ward Discretionary Fund we were able to source funding to cover the shortfall for this term.

Tree Clearance by Aigas

After concerns expressed by members of the Community regards the trees close to the road between the Picnic car park and the waterfall, Aigas Community Forest with the support of the Highland Council and liaison from Kilmorack Communuity Council has now cleared the verge area. Felled Trees on the hillside behind will soon be attended to by the Scottish Woodlands as contractors to the Forest.

Bus Service Axed to be re-instated

Thanks to Claire Blois for this information

There’s a bit of consternation up the Beauly Braes that the no. 44 bus will no longer pass on a Wednesday. There are people here living on their own with no other means of transport who have relied on and enjoyed a weekly trip to Dingwall and back for many years. They have been able to do their shopping /bank / post office etc, and just as important is the chance to get out and do a bit of socialising with fellow passengers, the majority of whom are senior in years and do not use the internet, so getting to the shops is essential. The bus service has been suddenly axed

Ward Councillor David Fraser is speaking to The Highland Council to ask that the once a week service to the Braes be re-instated. Now restarting April 19th 2023

Tackling the winter and worrying about money

What 3 Words

A small app on your phone can expedite the arrival of emergency services and is very easy to use. An algorithm provides identification of any area to within ten feet or less which the emergency services can use to identify your location. Just jot the words down by the house phone or if walking or out and about download the app to your phone. https://what3words.com/how-to-use-the-what3words-app

Wear something bright at night!

Bright headlights may temporarily blind drivers and a walker without hi-viz clothing will be hard to see. We have had numerous comments from locals how nearly they clipped a walker because they could not be seen. Many people seem to take their dogs our for a final walk around dusk and sometimes later. A little forethought, a hi/vis jacket or even just a flashing armband, a headlamp and something reflective on the dog and you may feel that you look like a Christmas Tree but how many Christmas Trees get knocked over! Similar if the children are walking back from friends in the dark. Make sure they can be seen. May not look cool but better that than a Police statistic!

KCC are providing Teanassie School with a number of Hi-Viz vests and flashing strobes for use to and from school and any situation outwith school times when they are walking in the dark.

What can be recycled?

There is some confusion on what can be recycled in blue bins. Go to our Bin Collection page and click on the link to recycling. That will take you to the latest Highland Council advice.

Road Repairs and Upgrades

Beavers in Strathglass?

Trees for Life Beaver proposal consultation for Strathglass and Glen Affric.

https://treesforlife.org.uk/about-us/beaver-proposal/

Watch out for Scams

At the Community Council meeting we were made aware of a number of Scams, in these cases on Gumtree but prevalent on all online shopping channels, where residents saw a good deal but when they went to collect their purchases the homeowner knew nothing about them. One in Brora, for a car, had eight people turn up and the other, for puppies, had a lot of people, some from as far away as Liverpool. Advertising non existent goods at genuine but non related addresses is one of the latest scams. Caveat emptor but the moral is don’t pay a deposit ‘to secure’ and if it is advertised well under the market price is it real or just a scam. Please refer to the Kilmorack CC website and the The Little Book of Big Scams. This is an increasing problem. If you suspect fraud contact Police Scotland: HighlandsandIslandsBeaulyFortAugustus@scotland.police.uk and not the National Fraud line as they only handle England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Little Book of Big Scams

SSE Consultation

SSE Transmission (Hydro) are upgrading the Dam Transformers at Deanie, Aigas and Kilmorack with compounds off the dam of some 90m by 60m with an undisclosed height. Sites are still under discussion. https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/west-of-beauly—asset-replacement-projects/?fbclid=IwAR18hVYwp8YUMtvgQOcn9eQY9ZMciwpqmBq-nxhi3CRr9r8z1x6TrZ-nngo

Ward Council Elections 5th May 2022

Please to announce new Ward Councillors for Aird and Loch Ness

Emma Knox – SNP

David Fraser – Independent

Helen Crawford – Conservative and Unionist

Chris Ballantyne – Green party

Road Safety Improvements

The Highland Council have replaced aging Rocks Falling signs up around the Aigas Dam and Children Crossing signs up by the Crask of Aigas. These old signs had seen better days and the bright new ones should have more impact than the faded ones. Kilmorack Community Council works closely with Community Services(Roads) to improve roads around the area. Budgets are always tight but working with The Highland Council makes sure that at least we get a fair share when it comes to re-surfacing, ditches and drainage. Sometimes might not seem like it but have you seen the other guy! It is important that your Community Council have a good working relationship with both our Ward Councillors and the many departments within The Highland Council, be it Community Services(Roads), Lighting, Environmental Health Department, Planning, Cemeteries and more. We also work closely with SSE and Breedons through our Community Liaison Groups which meet regularly. Recently noise issues with the quarry have been addressed as has maintenance of the Cemetery.

Ukraine

The Chairman and Community Councillors of Kilmorack Community Council would like to show their support for the people of Ukraine and those now refugees from their own Country and those still caught in this nightmare. It seems inconceivable that in a western democracy one day one can pop out to the shops, have a coffee with friends and the next it is rockets and shells destroying your homes and killing women and children upon the wishes of one despot. We will stand by and offer what support we can should some of these people arrive in our area. Up until then our prayers are with you Ukraine. The local Community has now donated in excess of £1000 to the DEC Ukraine appeal.

British Legion Remembrance Sunday Service in Kilmorack

Every year a group of locals gather at the Kilmorack Parish, sometimes referred to as Lovat Bridge or Balblair, War memorial for a service of Remembrance. Beauly British Legion has spent a great deal of effort at the memorial over the last few years and it is certainly smart and well kept. For those that have never visited it is certainly worth a few moments to think of the sacrifice the area made over two world wars and since. There is also a fantastic new bench with figures cut in relief that is worth a look on it’s own. This area of the Highlands was well involved in both wars both as a training base, seaplane (anti submarine base) and for all the Highland Regiments that recruited locally. Certainly this year numbers of supporters for the service of Remembrance have returned to pre covid levels and the event was most poignant for all. In a world where war is an ever present evil it could be hoped that we have learnt something from the past. Perhaps all we have learnt is that there will always be those that see war as a means to an end for their benefit and weakness will always be exploited. The cost of that is seen on every war memorial in the world in the names of those that gave their today for our tomorrow.

Aigas Forest upgrade

Aigas Community Forest has developed over the last few years with more walkers, runners and bikers finding the facilities over the Pandemic. The Forest enthusiastically engages with our volunteers and runs training sessions for them and others in the Community. Felling has progressed over the last few years with a mixture of continuous cover and clearfell with plans to improve the forest as a habitat for our resident flora and fauna, red squirrel and pinemarten as well as Red Kite, Osprey, Owls and all manner of birdlife from Siskin to Crossbill. Recent additions to our inventory are a new tractor, trailer, front loader, flail mower and all. With our existing forest tractor, trailer, wood fuel processor and John Deere UTV our volunteers are well and safely equipped for the multitude of tasks in the forest from felling to planting. New volunteers are always welcome as are those that just wish to enjoy the forest and seek relaxation and well being from it.

Wester Balblair Planning Application

Ref Number 21/04988/FUL Application Type Full Application

Please take the time to study this application as it will have a significant impact on the area both visually and physically through extra traffic during the construction phase and no doubt significant impact to many residents in its operational phase.

Fire Alarms in Scottish Homes from February 2022

From February 2022 all homes will need to have one smoke alarm in the most frequently used room, one in every circulation space on each storey, and a heat alarm in each kitchen. Alarms should be ceiling mounted and interlinked. Where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance, such as a boiler, fire or flue, a carbon monoxide detector is also required, although this does not need to be linked to the fire alarms.

All these alarms can be either long-life sealed and battery operated, or mains-operated. However, mains-operated alarms must be installed by a qualified electrician. If a homeowner opts to install tamper proof long-life lithium battery alarms, the average total cost is estimated to be about £220.

This was in response to the Grenfell Tower disaster and may be seen by many as an over reaction. Initially the desire was for hardwired systems but that has been amended to interlinked running on long life lithium batteries. Alkaline no longer acceptable. Running pyro(fire resistant) hard wired cable in a domestic environment would have been horrendously expensive. As it is, a wireless system in a larger home will not be cheap. Definition of a circulation space is any hall or landing so you can see how it can all add up. Lounge, Hall, landings, kitchen. Thankfully there are a number of systems advertised for the DIY market but one wonders how many admissions to A&E from the less nimble struggling up their stepladders will result.

Caulternich Battery Storage

21/03353/FUL | Construction and Operation of an energy storage facility with capacity of up to 49.9MW comprising up to 50 energy storage modules, control building, electrical equipment, access, landscaping, fencing | Land 410M SW Of Platchaig House Kilmorack. Comments and objections now closed.

SSEN News

Covid Update Saturday 05.06.21 Changes in Restrictions

The Scottish Government confirmed this week that from Saturday 5 June, Highland will move into level 1. Key features and changes to restrictions at level 1 include:

Indoor socialising – maximum 8 people from up to 3 households may socialise indoors in a public place. Maximum of 6 people from up to 3 households may socialise in a private dwelling
Outdoor socialising – maximum of 12 people from up to 12 households Under 12s do not count towards restricted numbers or households outdoors
Hospitality: Outdoors: local licensing laws apply, Indoors: Closed 23:00 Indoors (8 people/3 households) or outdoors (12 people/12 households) socialising rules apply
Leisure and entertainment – All open, with the exception of nightclubs. Indoor organised adult non-professional performing arts activities permitted.
Events and Stadia – Maximum capacities* Indoors: 200 Outdoors seated: 1,000 Outdoors free-standing: 500
Going to work/Work from home – work from home where possible
Life events – Weddings/Civil Partnerships – 100, Funerals – 100, Post-funeral/wedding receptions permitted – maximum 100 (alcohol permitted)

Quarry Path

The quarry path has became badly overgrown with broom which was brought down over the path in the snows. We have arranged for it to be cut back and mulched and this has now been done. SSE has paid for the restitution of the path.

Caulternich Battery Storage Proposal

Virtual Public Consultation

At the request of the Community Council the Planning Officer persuaded the Developers to cancel the Virtual Consultation planned for the 21st January 2021 due to the lockdown and the difficulty in broadband connectivity for many in the Braes. However they then arranged a date of the 18th February but few received letters of notification of that. They still resist a face to face meeting declaring that National Health England would not agree to it. Sorry guys we are in Scotland! From the emails and letters we have received we are of the opinion that few support this but many object. This Consultation will no doubt be discussed at our next virtual Community Council meeting which is very shortly. However until a full planning application is presented it would be presumptuous to take any position on the actual project.

Covid Update

Here we go again. Another Lockdown and guidelines are now Law. Early days yet but click here, Government Guidance, to find the Government website with clear instructions. Stay at home and stay safe. 

Vaccinations are now well under way with most elderly having received their first dose. 65s plus are now being done with more on the way. Very efficient from the two surgeries. Remember if you think you may have symptoms testing is available in Inverness. Phone NHS Highland on 01463 706015. All sites can accommodate people arriving by car or on foot. Do not phone your surgery for tests. As to your vaccines you will be contacted directly via your local NHS surgery.

If you are over 70 and think you may have missed your call contact your local surgery. If you are below that age group please be patient and wait for the call. Don’t overload the staff at the surgeries with un-necessary calls. They will get in touch but remember they  still have normal day to day patients and health care to manage as well and many office staff may be self isolated, furloughed or in fact working from home.

Highland Council Update

Highland Council is reminding the public there is still a full range of support and information available.

Access into all service point buildings continues to be currently restricted for people to complete birth registrations and other high priority registrations by appointment only, and following all current social distancing and hygiene guidance.

Contact can be made on the following numbers Monday to Friday 0800 to 1700 unless otherwise stated:

• COVID-19 Freephone Helpline – 0300 303 1362
• Council house repairs, pest control, housing applications and rent enquiries – 01349 886602
• Planning and Building Standards – 9am to 4pm Tuesday to Friday – 01349 886608 – Monday emaileplanning@highland.gov.uk
• Roads, flooding and street lighting – Emergency reports only – 01349 886601
• Domestic and commercial waste issues – 01349 886603
• Garden waste – 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday – 01349 886660
• Make a payment by debit or credit card – 01349 886605
• Elections helpline – 01349 886657
• Entitlement (Blue Badge, travel and National Entitlement Cards) – 9am and 3pm Tuesday to Thursday – 01349 886604
• Social Work Childrens Services – 01463 644460
• Social Work Out of Hours Team – 5pm to 9am Monday to Friday – 08457 697284. Open all day on weekends and public holidays.
• Help with claiming benefits, keeping up with bills and council tax – 0800 090 1004
• Help available to reduce business rates – 01463 702894
• Advice for Business – 01463 713889

Or by email for:

• Licensing – licensing@highland.gov.uk
• Landlord Registration – landlord.registration@highland.gov.uk
• Elections helpline – election@highland.gov.uk
• For electoral registration queries – ero@highland.gov.uk
• Environmental Health – envhealth@highland.gov.uk

1. Covid-19 Self-Isolation Support Grants

The Highland Council has published new information on the Coronavirus Covid-19 button on the front page of its website on how people can access the new Covid-19 Self-Isolation Support Grant – https://www.highland.gov.uk/coronavirus.

If you have been asked by NHS Test and Protect Service to self-isolate on or after 28^th September 2020, you may be entitled to a £500 Self-Isolation Support Grant. Full eligibility details are outlined on the Highland Council website. Anyone wishing to apply should contact the Council’s Welfare Support Team on 0800 090 1004.

Welcoming this funding aimed at supporting the most vulnerable, the Leader of The Highland Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson said: “We are all aware of the many challenges people are facing so I am sure knowing this new and non-repayable self-isolation support grant is available, will give some reassurance and help relieve some of the stress and financial concerns people asked to isolate will have.”

 

Stagecoach Update

Coronavirus Community Update

Face Masks in Scotland

It is now mandatory to wear facemasks on public transport and in shops. However it is up to personal choice if you wish to wear them at other time. 

Follow the link to see the Scottish Government web page and read the recommendations. However it will not negate the need for social distancing, hand washing etc.

Keep up to date with Scottish Government guidelines as they are changing by the day and are not the same as the rest of the UK. Golf, Tennis, Fishing now allowed within certain rules. Garden Centres and Recycling Centres can now reopen. Scottish Government recommends you travel no more than five miles for recreation.

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Furlough Payments

Check up to date Government advice on both Furloughed staff and job retention schemes.

Highland Council Council Tax Deferral

BE WARY OF THE SCAMMERS

Do NOT fall prey to phone scammers. There are a number of Scams out there both on the phone and the computer. You don’t need to be elderly to fall prey to these parasites although they will prey on the elderly. Never give your bank details to anyone. No genuine organisation will ask for them. 

Be wary of doorstep callers. Remember that genuine volunteers have been instructed not to enter your home and should all have the documentation proving their status. The Little Book of Big Scams

RUBBISH COLLECTION

Brown Bins, Recycling Centres and large item collections are not operating but normal rubbish collection and Blue bin recycling is although timing may be variable.  Be very aware that of an increased danger of fly tipping. If you see anything, make a note of the vehicle and preferably the registration number and inform the Police on the 101 number.

LOCAL SHOPPING

Most food shops in Beauly are open, albeit on reduced hours and with social distancing rules, or Stay at home and get your essentials delivered.

• Corner on the Square and the Greengrocers are offering a delivery service including bread and milk. tel:783000 http://www.corneronthesquare.co.uk
• Munro’s Butchers are offering a delivery service on Wednesdays and Fridays. Tel: 782238 https://www.facebook.com/munrobutcher/ for pricelist.
• Robertson’s are offering phone/on-line ordering and payment for collection and possibly deliveries in collaboration with Munro’s. Tel 782181 http://www.robertsonbeauly.com
• Brigend Petrol Station, Post Office and Spar shop are open until 6.00pm
• Station Road and Beauly Square Co-Op are open daily until 8.00pm
• Boots Chemists are open for meds but phone in advance and follow their instructions. Tel: 782241
• Morrison’s hardware are open but all hotels and restaurants are closed. Harry Gow is closed for the duration.
• Fish Van is still operating as normal.
• Graham’s Dairy is exploring the possibility of milk deliveries in the area. To express an interest in having milk delivered to your door click the link Graham’s Milk Round
• Please though be courteous to all the staff as they are putting themselves at risk to support you. Local shops are supporting you. Please support them. SHOP LOCAL!

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  Home Heating

  

• Heating fuels such as Kerosene are still being delivered but due to the low prices there has been an unprecedented demand with some people ordering to top up already full tanks. Please only order if needed and allow two weeks for delivery. Companies ask for social distancing and whilst it might be your habit to check the quantity on the vehicle please respect the drivers safety and and keep away. Perhaps useful if you clean gate handles and the tank.

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• Dining at Home

Highland Hog Roasts

Cooked food delivered to your home

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The Highland Council Helpline

Highland Council HelplineHighland Council have provided a free helpline number—0300 303 1362—to provide advice on benefits, personal support, education and social care. This will also provide advice regarding financial support for businesses. See article below.

Morning Call

Free daily morning call service for elderly people in Inverness, Inverness-shire and Ross-shire to check they are OK. If no answer or help required will contact designated numbers. 07514494053  http://www.morningcall.org.uk

Community Kindness

Community Kindness (07730 889182) can arrange delivery of prescription and shopping through their volunteers. Prescriptions can take 3-4 days before they are ready to collect although urgent ones can be quicker. https://www.facebook.com/groups/588382498419457/

Kilmorack Community Council

You can contact any Community Councillor or Highland Councillor. Numbers and email addresses are at http://www.kilmorackcc.org/your-community-councillors/ or contact the Secretary on 01463 782534

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Doctors Surgeries

Aird Medical Practice                   782214 https://www.airdmedicalpractice.co.uk/

Croyard Road Medical Practice  782794 https://www.croyardmedicalpractice.co.uk/

Check website or phone surgery for instructions.

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A Word of Thanks

During this difficult time can we thank all those that are going the extra mile to look after friends and neighbours in our Community and all the unsung volunteers who have risen to the occasion. Much is said of our doctors, nurses and all those in the NHS and that is well deserved and must be remembered but there are many, many others who just through simple acts of kindness, a telephone call or email are helping us all weather the storm.

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Ready Scotland Volunteering

https://www.readyscotland.org/coronavirus/

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Council Helpline

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When you just want to SCREAMMM!

Kids driving you up the wall. Stuck indoors with no respite. Grannies and Grandpas self isolating. Well you have our sympathy but perhaps a little help. Try these web sites.

 

Employers – Furloughed employees

Local Support

Coronavirus

Please refer to the NHS web site to find out about symptoms and treatment

NHS UK

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Scottish NHS

https://www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus

Arrangements have been made with the Butchers and Beauly on the Square to make deliveries to those isolated by the Coronavirus. We will be happy to work with the Co-Op and are liaising with them to see how payments can be made. This is for Kilmorack area only and purchases will need to be from the Beauly shops. Obviously Tesco do have a delivery service so that is one option open to many that are isolated. We have about a dozen volunteers who will arrange deliveries and  we can collect from Boots as well.

Any queries contact the Secretary on 01463 782534

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Missing Dog Walker

 

Jim Paton, a well known local man, went to walk his dog in Ruttle Wood at around 1.30pm on Monday. Failing to return, his car was found and his dog. Around 7.30pm Police, Coastguard and Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team commenced a search. Joined around 9.45pm by the Coastguard Helicopter that was on scene until about 11.00pm. Many local volunteers have searched the area over the Christmas period but without success. Police have continued the search since then. Thanks should go to volunteers, the Police, HM Coastguard, Fire and Rescue Service Scotland, SARDA(Search and Rescue Dogs Association), Dundonnell MRT and Civil Air Patrol for all the effort and time that they have given to this search. A sense of frustration pervades that with so many helpers and professional searchers there is no resolution yet. Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.

Web Site

An annoying element over the last few months is the growth of advertising on Kilmorack Web Site which is due to the new policies of WordPress.com who host the site. There is an option to stop all advertising but that comes with a cost of some £36 per annum. Kilmorack Community Council, like all Community Councils, have had their operational grant cut by some 70% over the last years to around £350. Luckily our Chairman allows us free use of Ffordes Photographic for our meetings else we would face an annual deficit. By the time insurance, data protection and other annual costs are deducted it leaves the coffers rather depleted. This is why, in the past, we have accepted a modicum of  ‘wordpress.com’ derived advertising to financially support the site. We perhaps need to re-assess whether the increased advertising is acceptable to users or if they find it intrusive. Please  email me your thoughts.

What’s happening in Aigas Forest

Lock up your Diggers

Not exactly lock up your daughters but it is a case of lock up your diggers as we have been made aware of a mini digger and trailers being stolen from the Kiltarlity area. Theft of small plant is endemic in some areas of the UK but the Highlands have up until now not been seriously impacted by it. Result is we tend to leave diggers around and about with relatively little security. Even leaving the keys in the ignition  or under the mat. I think we need to rethink this as criminal gangs from the south find us easy pickings. They can be loaded in a shipping containers and be on the continent within hours. Might be a good idea fitting a tracker as these are now reasonably inexpensive(c.£120) and very effective in recovering stolen plant. With second hand plant trailers selling for over a thousand pounds for a good one and often left unattended it is a problem which is not going away any time soon.

A Royal Visit

Tuesday 6th August 2019 proved a Red Letter day for Beauly when the Duke of Rothesay, HRH Prince Charles, visited to open the new workshops for Campbells of Beauly and collect a swatch of the new Prince’s Foundation tartan. He also visited Ian Marr Antiques and Corner on the Square, where a wee dram was taken, and greeted and talked with many of those gathered to see his visit. It was very informal and much enjoyed by the Prince, locals and visitors alike. Whilst not strictly Kilmorack news I think we can share on this occasion. The joke being shared was about the Lhasa Apso dogs and the difficulties knowing which end is which. Obviously this tickled the Prince’s fancy.

Spittal HVDC Visit Report

Visit to Spittal HVDC Station 10/07/19.

My first impression when I saw the sight at Spittal, just how big this station was. On arrival the weather was very misty, and a slight humming noise was detected from the carpark at the main gate.

We had noticed on the way up that the large windfarm on the causeway mire was stationery, no wind, so we asked the question was the station in full operation?, and the reply was it was running on light load, and stated that noise levels do not increase much on full loads, but at present it is lightly loaded until the Shetland connection is made in the future.

Richard Hanson, SSE chief engineering and design manager gave the presentation and led the conducted tour of the site.

He explained that this was an 800MW and Balblair would be 450MW, but for future proofing they are advising Ofgem that a 600MW site is required, and would be planning for this, but stated that the building size and equipment would be very similar.

The Spittal site is constructed in a square configuration, but Balblair would be a rectangular site, see overlay in attached presentation. We were taken into the main building and upstairs to the control room, meeting room and welfare areas. Again, at this point noise levels weren’t particularly high in these areas.

On the ground floor of the main building are the cooling pumps and air con units to keep moisture out of the equipment. The aluminium clad room or “Faraday Cage” where current rectification takes place was not accessible to us because of high EMF fields, but we could look through a special window. It looked like something out of “Dr Who” with all the equipment suspended from the roof and nothing on the floor.  Outside towards the DC filter a loud humming was heard, and it was pointed out that this piece of kit should have been housed in the first instance, but would be in Balblair, not a large unit but certainly loud. (See photo circled).

There are 3 large transformers housed behind a large concrete wall, partially roofed with sound proof doors at the front, with a large bank of cooling fans, all running at variable speeds. The 4^th transformer is not covered, and its fans were stationary, Mr Hanson stated that this was a spare, and would not run in that location. We were invited to see inside one transformer enclosure when in operation, humming was very loud, but stepping outside and closing the door did cut the noise level right down.

A large diesel generator is also housed on site as back up, and is started and run at least once a month for a service check. To sum it up, Balblair is going to get this complete package if the Western Isles connection goes ahead, but dare I say it, I am sure it will just add to the current equipment noise levels that we are now experiencing.

John Stewart.

Western Isles Project – Spittal Site Visit with Beauly CLG 10-07-19 – Presentation 22

Lovat Bridge

A number of complaints have been raised about rubbish dumped from cars either at the lights by the Lovat Bridge or thrown over the parapets. On one occasion a small kitten was thrown over but luckily some locals recovered it and only one of it’s nine lives have been lost. Congratulations to those local who have been litter picking and many thanks for their continuing efforts. We have now done a deep litter pick, strimmed the approaches and erected two litter signs. We may need to move the sign on the Inverness side closer to the lights but we shall see. Many thanks to Kiltarlity CC who supported our actions on their side of the river.

Felling Progress at Aigas Forest

Harvesting around Torr a’Bhealaidh has started on the 3rd of September 2019. Starting with the clearance of the old road to provide access for the forestry lorries and keep them clear of the main road. That is now completed and the harvester is on site. ACF hope that this will create a much more open forest and allow wild life and flora and fauna to thrive as the sun reaches the forest floor. Not the commercial  mono culture of the past.

Aigas Community Forest are thinning 28ha of Scots pine, Douglas Fir, Sitka spruce and Norway spruce in our forest block to the north of the Crask of Aigas. Only a very narrow strip above the A831 towards the north of the Forest will be clear felled. This is mainly intended to deal with road safety. They will restock this area with native species like birch, rowan and hazel. Traffic management will be put in place for a few days and there will be temporarily road closures (approximately 10 minutes closed and then traffic will be cleared before next closure). This will probably happen in late October. More information on the exact days will follow in September.
You can also email Helge Hansen at forestmanager@aigasforest.org.uk should you have any questions. 

Future Expansion of Wester Balblair

Members of the Community Liaison Group  from Kilmorack CC and Kiltarlity CC were taken to Spittal converter DC/AC station to see what is proposed for Wester Balblair. Larger than that presently agreed for WB but similar in size to that which SSE/SHET reckon is needed it was suggested that the scale is extremely large. There is still some doubt about the Western Isles HVDC line itself and funding from OFGEM and there would be, an albeit more costly, option to build the unit elsewhere and bring an AC line into WB. The CLG will be meeting again shortly and after consideration of what they saw will express their concerns to SSE. Watch this space!

Beware Doorstep Salesmen

Local Authority Trading Standards Services across the North of Scotland are warning unsuspecting householders to be on their guard if they are approached by individuals wishing to install home energy products.  This follows recent reports that there may be traders operating in the area, offering free insulation works, under Government funded schemes, to properties without the formal approval required to do the works.  Trading Standards teams within Highland Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Orkney Islands Council and Shetland Islands Council have all received such reports. The advice on whether a scam or not from THC

Poachers on the River Beauly

• The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands) 25 Jun 2019

Highland Cross 2019

Congratulations to all those that took part in the Highland Cross, not only the seven hundred plus contestants but also all the support volunteers. Our own Community Councillor Mark Hedderwick and our Aigas Community Forest Manager Helge Hansen also took part and our congratulations to them. We would also like to note that after seven hundred competitors, supporters and volunteers Kilmorack was left as pristine and tidy as it started. Many thanks for that. It is of note that since it’s inception The Highland Cross has raised over £5 million for local charities and organisations. For more information http://www.highlandcross.co.uk/

Kilmorack Cemetery improvements

The Community Council have been in discussions with the Cemeteries about issues brought to us by relatives regarding the water point and rubbish bins. It was decided that this could be best accomplished by some limited fencing by the water tap defining the paths and also around the bins. This is now in place and has far better defined the path to the graves in the right hand corner of the cemetery. The bins now look like an organised disposal point rather that just two containers dropped anywhere. We still have problems with the hedges overtaking the graves but that is a historical problem that will need time to address properly. Not the place for a chainsaw and axe leaving a massive scar. But it will be dealt with in the appropriate season and in a sensitive way.

Lovat Car Park Closure

It is regrettable that the parking area by the entrance to the Groam has been closed by the estate. This was originally provided for use by the Dog Agility Classes and Fishermen but had become used by some as a Park and Ride and become popular with walkers. Infinitely better than parking in the square but the growing popularity signed it’s death knell. Despite some adverse publicity directed at Lord Lovat this is after all on private land. Maintenance costs to keep the area in good repair were mounting and access to the tenants and farm workers on the estate were compromised. The result is the ‘car park’ was closed and a new locked car park was provided for the fishermen. The Community Council are aware of the issue, have been in discussions with the Estate and also have concerns about some walkers who were parking on the verge in front of the fence by the War Memorial access path. For safety reasons, as this is a very busy junction, and respect for the War Memorial The Highland Council has now put bollards on the verge to prevent this.

It is planned, as the Wester Balblair Quarry reaches the end of it’s contract, that the quarry area will be landscaped as a wildlife and community area. With this in mind the KCC will be suggesting that some form of parking is provided and access to the Core Paths network in the Groam is part of that provision. It is of note that the area is home to some very interesting archeology, which could be developed as a tourist attraction. Pity so much has been lost by the quarrying and transmission hub.

A point of note that no paths in the Groam are Rights of Way but there are several Core Paths due in part to provisions within the Land Reform(Scotland) Act 2003 and in part to the willingness of the Lovat Estate to support the paths. At no time has parking provision been made at the Lovat Bridge end for walkers, with historic access for those arriving by car from the Black Bridge. The Estate will be working on maintaining the core paths for future use of the local community. We do ask though that dog walkers obey the Access Rights legislation and keep all dogs under close control. For most circumstances that means on a leash. https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/practical-guide-all/dog-walking

A Community Council – What does it do?

Community Councils are voluntary organisations set up by statute and run by local residents to act on behalf of their area. They are the most local tier of statutory representation in Scotland. According to the Scottish Government they are intended to bridge the gap between local authorities and communities, and help to make public bodies aware of the opinions and needs of the communities they represent and therefore play an important role in local democracy.

Local authorities and other bodies consult with Community Councils on issues affecting the community. These issues depend to a large extent on what is important to each community, however, local authorities are required to consult Community Councils on planning applications and many choose to involve them in the Community Planning process.

What does Kilmorack Community Council do? We have representation with SSE on the Community Liaison Group and work closely with Highland Council Environmental Health officials to address the noise issues with Wester Balblair transmission hub. SSE have spent an extra £5 million on mitigation most because of a robust negotiation from KCC and The Highland Council. The Community Council are working very closely on the massive proposed Western Isles Converter Station in Wester Balblair.

We also are active on the Community Liaison Group with the quarry negotiating new paths and plans  for the restoration measures when the quarry closes to turn the area into a community and wildlife park. KCC is also represented on the Inverness Area Community Council Forum. We also work closely with Community Services(Roads), Cemeteries, Planning, Environmental Health and Access Rights officers. We liaise regularly with Police Scotland and have a working relationship with the local Police. As a Community Council we receive many consultations with Scottish Government and The Highland Council including such as The Moray Firth Development Plan. We manage the Toll Bypass and Altyre Road maintenance contract. We also work closely with our Ward Councillors. We work with Aigas Community Forest to provide firewood for the elderly and disadvantaged in the area. We also arrange and take part in litter picks on the main roads. This is just a sample of the many facets of being a Community Councillor and, although it does require commitment, distribution of the work load across all the team does not make it onerous.

Presently there is a review process in action which takes place every few years. Details are available on THC website

This year is election year for Community Councils and if you wish to stand for election contact the Secretary or the Chairman who will advise you how to put your name forward or contact Charles Stephen, Ward Manager for Aird and Loch Ness at The Highland Council

Wester Balblair/SSEN Liaison Group

The Community Council have been working with The Highland Council, Kiltarlity and Beauly Community Councils and SSEN (Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks) to continue to address the noise issues and the ongoing development of the Wester Balblair sub station (Transmission Hub), as well as liaising over the future enlargement of the site to accommodate the Western Isles high voltage DC converter sub station(see photo of planned additional building below) should the Western Isles HVDC line come about. The detail is far too extensive to include in a short news report but rest assured that we have established the right to a voice and large sums (some £5 million and counting) have been spent to try and resolve the issues. Our gratitude to our Ward Councillors Margaret Davidson, Helen Carmichael and Emma Knox for their ongoing support. Also to THC’s Environmental Health who have continued to monitor noise issues.

Wester Balblair Transmission Hub (during development)

New Converter Station (Spittal)  which is the model for Wester Balblair

Potholes and Road Repairs

Kilmorack Community Council is very pro-active in reporting potholes and road repairs in our area and works closely with Community Services(Roads) to expedite repairs. However as one pothole is filled another appears and the Council need to know where repairs are needed. In the first instance we recommend you use the Highland Council on line Road Reporting facility www.highland.gov.uk/roadfaults We will continue to monitor and report damage in the area. We have an excellent relationship with The Highland Council but we all have to realise that they have an ever extending work load and sometimes it takes a little while to get around to our pet hates. The Community Councillors themselves do regular litter picks on the main Cannich Road and Altyre Braes but we can all help by being proactive in picking up loose rubbish and not dropping it in the first place. Having a clean and well maintained area makes living in the Braes so much more pleasant.

Dog Fouling

A perennial problem faced by all Community Councils, which raises a few hackles on both sides of the issue, is dog fouling. However unlike farm animals, dogs carry parasites and roundworm, the eggs of which can be picked up on shoes and hands and can lead to blindness(Ocular toxocariasis) in children. For recurring issues in an area we have the THC dog wardens to call on but have adopted a much lighter approach with signage. Kilmorack Community Council are always reluctant to plaster the area with lots of signs but where there is a need we can act.

We would like to thank the vast majority of dog owners that do act responsibly and clean up after their pooches and keep out of fields with growing crops and livestock. Remember  the Access rights code says dogs should be kept under close control at all times in the countryside. https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/practical-guide-all/dog-walking

 

Crime is not an issue in Kilmorack but an option in preventing crime is to sign up to Rural Watch and dissuade criminals from seeing the area as a soft touch.

Scam Mail Warning

Facts are that Scams come in all shapes and sizes from the knock at the door to the letter through the post. Those connected to the internet must be especially careful as a never ending stream of conmen and women live in the virtual world. From Supposed Microsoft engineers who for a charge(and by giving your debit card details to) will make sure your computer is not cut off,  to offers of winnings in competitions you never remember entering. Hackers that will steal your identity or in most recent cases allege they already can control your computer but for $600 in bitcoins they will go away. A hacker never goes away! If you have doubts speak to the Police or your internet supplier. Don’t worry they have heard it all before! Some ‘facts’ quoted are vile and terrify people. Don’t let them win. For an interesting list of Scams go to The Little Book of Big Scams

Never ever give anyone your passwords however plausible they may seem. If a bank contacts you and they don’t address you by name chances are that it is a fraudster. Never ring them back on any number they give you. Put the phone down, go and have a cup of tea or phone the bank on the number you have on your bank statement on a mobile phone. A trick is that if you phone immediately on the same phone they won’t have cleared down so they, or their colleagues, will answer the phone, not your bank. Life has got very complicated and as we mature(like a good wine) we perhaps are not as cynical as we should be! We were brought up trusting people. There are a lot of ‘naughty’ people out there today. Don’t let yourself be caught by one of their scams.

Ticks and Lymes Disease

Be aware that the Highlands is one place where ticks are prevalent and it is possible to get Lymes disease. Be prepared and take care to remove all ticks cleanly without leaving any head part attached. There are plenty of tools to do that. This is a good site which gives a lot of practical information: https://www.mountaineering.scot/safety-and-skills/health-and-hygiene/ticks

Not all ticks carry Lymes Disease. In fact it is thought only about 5% do so the chance of becoming infected is low. However be aware as early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics is effective. Not a bad idea to keep any ticks removed in a small sealed pot which you can take to the Doctors if you experience any symptoms. In most cases prevention is better than cure and the advice on the video below is worth following.

Watch out also for ticks transferred from your animals and check your animals for ticks too. Hopefully you will never come across something as horrific as this.

Air Rifle Licensing

A reminder that air rifle licensing in Scotland came in in 2015. Residents currently holding a firearms/shotgun licence have until their next renewal to obtain an air weapon licence, which would then be contiguous, but in the absence of one it will not be possible to buy any further air weapons. The Licence costs £72 for five years for Licence holders over 18 but there are variations for U18 and for Visitors. The licence does not limit the number of weapons held but does impose similar conditions to firearms licences as to use. Anyone under 18 may only use an air gun under supervision of the owner or have their own licence. The minimum age for holding an Air gun licence is 14. If you think this a sledge hammer to crack an egg bear in mind that unsupervised use of air weapons in urban environments often results in injury or death to pets and on occasions injury to babies and young children. This law is not intended to limit responsible use but whether it stops irresponsible or criminal use remains to be seen. Regardless of the law air weapons can be misused and it remains our responsibility to ensure that, even if licensed, they are used safely and under parental guidance.

Hi Speed Broadband

Whilst some have benefited from BT’s roll out of fibre to cabinet many in the area are still faced with slow ADSL broadband. Two suppliers, Beauly Firth Broadband and Cromarty Firth Wireless Broadband, are now able to supply radio wireless broadband to most areas at very competitive rates. Speeds from 10Mbs to 40Mbs are attainable. These work through a small dish on the house to one of the masts or repeaters around the area.

New Seats at the Toll and Altyre Brae

Thanks to the bequest from the estate of the late Mrs. Joan Munro, the Kilmorack Community Council has been able to provide two benches, one on the new bypass footpath for the Toll, overlooking Beauly, and one on the Altyre Brae, overlooking the Lovat Bridge. Another two benches are to be provided on the Quarry path, which is to be extended shortly.

Lovat (or Balblair) War Memorial

It is of note that the British Legion won the award for the Best Memorial without planters in 2018. A credit to the amount of care the Memorial has had lavished on it over the years.

Kilmorack Community Council always lays a wreath on Remembrance Day on behalf of the Community.

Upgrade of Cellular to 4G

Developments in the Emergency Services Networks by EE and competition in the market place has meant that O2 and EE are establishing 4G mobile service in the area. EE based on a new mast at Teanroit and will shortly be erecting one at Teanassie. The O2 mast in Aigas Forest has been upgraded.

Is your number up?

Over the last few years we have promoted a project to encourage all community residents to make sure that the number or name of their house is clearly visible from the road. The emergency services, be it ambulance, fire or police sometimes find it very difficult to identify properties in such a dispersed community as ours. A great idea also is to find your Ordnance Survey co-ordinates and place then next to the phone. Modern mapping in emergency service vehicles can then clearly identify your premises. Remember you may be calling in the middle of the night, in a snow storm or a gale. Everything you can do to help protects you!

Fish Pass at the Dams

Fishing is an important activity to the tourism industry in Strathglass. It was of concern that in August 2018 we found this (edited) article in the Press and Journal.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) is investigating after thousands of young salmon became trapped in the gates of two hydro dams in the Highlands.

About 8,500 salmon smolts had to be removed from the intake gate slots at Scottish and Southern Energy’s (SSE) Aigas and Kilmorack power stations on the River Beauly. An SSE spokeswoman said they worked with Sepa, the Ness and Beauly Fisheries Trust, Ness District Salmon Fisheries Board (DSFB) and Cromarty Firth DSFB over five days to remove the smolts and release them into the lower river.

The spokeswoman added: “SSE is firmly committed to understanding the reasons behind this issue and identifying a way to reduce the likelihood of it happening again.”

 Wendy Harp, Chairwoman of Beauly Angling Club said “Economically it is very difficult for a region like this because the number of people coming to fish is enormous and they are also spending in local hotels.”

Winter Resilience

As Part of our winter resilience program we work with both SSE and The Highland Council. The SSE program is ongoing and includes emergency weather notification to the elderly and vulnerable, emergency domestic power supplies to vulnerable residents and a raft of other facilities during bad weather events. The Highland Council run a scheme which can provide extra salt bins, roadside salt piles in extreme conditions and provides shovels, hi-viz vests and insurance to volunteers to clear paths. Kilmorack Community Council working with Aigas Community Forest is able to supply free wood supplies to the elderly and vulnerable where they have wood fires. KCC have worked closely with The Highland Council on gritting and snow clearance. Not always a one size fits all solution but grading of routes effects the times they get treated and KCC works hard to get a fair balance. We have discussed having our own gritter/plough but the intermittency of weather events makes it difficult to justify and maintain.

Beauly Cares (Beauly and District Care Project)

Beauly Cares goes from strength to strength with the Men’s Shed in fine spirit and the Beauly Community Garden providing a great opportunity for residents to get together and socialise. The Walking Group is now well established as is the Monday lunch Club. One useful addition over the last few years is the minibus provided by a grant from the Highland Cross.

Aigas Community Forest

In March 2015 the Aigas Forest came under the ownership of the Aigas Community Forest and work commenced to produce a Long Term Forest Plan to further the policy and aims of the Forest. It was not until October 2016 that the Plan was approved and that enabled the Forest Directors to start the process of managing the forest. First step was to appoint contractors to commence the felling which is the first step in moving from a commercial plantation to a Community Forest populated with native species and more attractive to wild-life. Some nine thousand tons of commercial timber was felled with another tranche due to start in September 2019. The process was limited to a small amount of clearfell with the bulk being continuous cover. This has created a much lighter and more usable forest which will benefit flora and fauna. In the meantime a wood processor was acquired funded by The Woodland Trust and the Scottish Rural Development Program.

Training was also funded and now they have a number of trained volunteers who will be producing wood fuel in the future. Training has also taken place to qualify a number of volunteers with Emergency First Aid at Work+Forestry certificates and training is well established to train and certify a number of volunteers in chain saw operations. New office accommodation and stores are in place and they have a tractor with forestry crane and trailer in use. Also in place is a Logosol chainsaw mill to cut timber to customers specifications. For large contracts they call in a local mobile sawmill to expedite things. Paths are now a priority and work will be continuing over the summer.

To have Forest fit for the Community, first we need a Community fit for the Forest. Anyone wishing to volunteer should contact the Forest manager, Helge Hanson

Toll Bypass Path Opened

Last summer saw the official opening by The Provost and our Beauly Councillor Helen Carmichael of the long awaited Toll Bypas Path built in mitigation of the traffic for the Beauly-Denny line and upgrading of the Wester Balblair transmission Hub by SSE.. Demand activated lighting makes this a rather grand addition to the area.

Toll Bypass path and Altyre Maintenance

Kilmorack Community Council has taken over the contract for the maintenance of the Toll Path and Altyre from The Highland Council for the next three years.

Rubbish

Over the last couple of years it has been increasingly noticeable the level of rubbish being tipped along the main road and at the pic-nic area/carpark. A couple of  year’s volunteers from Lifescan helped clear over a ton of rubbish from the bank to the River and last year Aigas Field Centre Rangers plus support from the Aigas Community Forest/Kilmorack Community Council removed two 3ton trailers worth of rubbish from Aigas Dam to The Viewpoint Carpark past Old Town of Aigas. A further load was subsequently removed from Aigas Dam to the Old Cemetery. SSE have arranged a litter pick and removal of the fly tipped rubbish from the lay-bye above Aigas Dam and the replacement of the fence that has been broken down. For those that slowed down, many thanks. For those that didn’t it does raise a question how long can volunteers continue to clear up the rubbish.

A Sign of the Times

As an attempt to reduce rubbish in our area we have installed some signs which support the Keep Scotland Beautiful Campaign. Litter pickers and Hi-Viz vests are provided to volunteers by The Highland Council and are available from the Community Council.

Emergency Aid

We are pleased to confirm that, part funded by the British Heart Foundation and with the support of the Kilmorack Hall, the Defibrillator is now fully installed in the Hall Porch and the electrics, for winter heating, are now connected. We shall be running some Call, Push Rescue (CPR) courses over the summer  and anyone who wishes to join a session or in fact arrange one at home please contact the Secretary. The You Tube video below will give you some knowledge of what a Defibrillator is and what it does. KCC has, and can do again, provided Defib training with the support of The Scottish Ambulance Service. If you want to be trained contact the Secretary

The Danger Above

With haymaking ever with us a note of caution is often best expressed by humour.

Grass Cutting

Kilmorack Community Council have acquired a heavy duty mower to cut the grass at the Aigas Picnic area and other areas in the Braes.

Other additions to Kilmorack

Over the last few years, with the support of the Highland Council Ward Discretionary Fund, we have provided a bus shelter in 2012 by the new Cemetery and replaced the sign board by the old Cemetery in 2018. On our policy of using local suppliers the bus shelter was made by Fettes and the sign board by Ross Joinery at the Crask of Aigas.