Minutes of Meeting held on Wednesday 5^th June 2024 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.35pm.

Apologies: Cllr Chris Balance, Cllr Helen Crawford, Cllr David Fraser, Graham Mackay, Duncan Fraser, Ian Stewart

Present: Steve Byford, Andy Fraser, Mark Hedderwick, Mary Graham, John Graham(secretary)   

Minutes of Meeting 2^nd May 2024: Proposed: Steve Byford, Seconded: Duncan Fraser

Police Report: Written report submitted and circulated 10^th May 2024

Matters Arising:

• Lovat BESS – Objection circulated from Ian Kelly and after amendments final draft presented. Prop. Steve Byford Seconded Mary Graham. Approved. Further to that JG and John Stewart had a meeting with Simon Lovat by invitation on a private matter. Whilst not a meeting of minds the discussion related to the site for the BESS and the understanding of community access post quarrying. It would seem that SB and MH had a similar expectation of re-instatement that was not shared by Simon Lovat. Further discussion on the expansion of BESS applications in the area were discussed with Simon Lovat intimating that access across his land would not be approved.
• Mark Hedderwick expanded on the issues of roads and sight lines in his area and will provide photos with relevant detail to forward to THC. Improvements have been made since the original issue raised and thanks to THC for that but there are still problems which may be the responsibility of the landowners.
• Andy Fraser had been in contact with the Belladrum organisers regarding traffic management planning and access for this year’s Belladrum event. He was able to advise the Community Council of the ongoing arrangements and concerns.
• Field Beauly BESS – Whilst not strictly in KCC area the impact will be felt by all in the area. A strong opinion was expressed by all that this was getting past acceptable and we would support Kirkhill and Kiltarlity in their objections. It was also strongly put to ward Councillor Emma Knox that funding for addressing these problems within the ward grant was insufficient due to the pure scale and number of applications.
• The Motion before THC by Cllr Helen Crawford was discussed with concerns expressed that political posturing would block the motion. Cllr Emma Knox stated that whilst some items on the motion were outside Council control they were working to see if some amendment would be possible to push the motion through. KCC support the motion.
•  Spittal Beauly OHL and Beauly Peterhead alignment consultation. SB made the point that whilst SSE put these through as separate applications the Community Council had concerns in them linking all together for their consultation with the add on of Western Isles. JG to attend and to ask if John Stewart could attend and report as the Chair is away on holiday.
• Hydro 80^th Anniversary Community Fund. The view was they have taken long enough to support the Community and, whilst £10 million sounds a lot, over all the Hydro Schemes; 78 hydro dams 54 hydro plants in Scotland; it is a drop in the Ocean. It was further felt that the methodology and timing were suspect.  

Chairman’ Business:

• CLG is still inactive and we await SSEN to come back with a date for a meeting to discuss the terms of engagement more balanced in favour of the Community Councils than at present.
• Energy Summit –  SB was unable to attend but the secretary went and was asked to report. Somewhat better than expected as each speaker was limited to five minutes and then the floor was open for questions. Not without a few fireworks and Edward Mountain MSP stated his experience of UN peacekeeping in Turkey/Greece was probably easier. JG gave a short but detailed report of the speakers and comments from the floor. Whilst not a meeting of minds with the speakers universally imbued with Groupthink, the floor probably won the debate.

Secretary: Toll path and Altyre maintenance agreements and increased grant(index linked) approved and funds are in our bank. Toll Path cut back and Simon paid. Altyre will be done shortly by Daniel as Kevin has just had a heart operation and is recuperating.

Treasurer:

• Balance stands a £4403.17. A donation was received from Peter Dunn towards the cost of the Lovat objection.

Planning: One application for PIP from Sam Macpherson. On Family farm and no objection raised. The siting of the OHL may dissuade the application to proceed further.

ANOB:

• MG brought the matter of the new Bins up and some discussion was forthcoming. The introduction has not been without issues. Some bin sites, such as Teanassie, simply do not have room for another twenty odd bins. The situation is ongoing.

Meeting Closed: at 21.51hrs (9.51pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 5^th September 2024 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm 

Signed: 

 Steve Byford