Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 7^th November 2024 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.38pm.

The Chairman reported on the sad passing of our Treasurer Duncan Fraser and asked for suggestions for a suitable memorial. Possibly a bench by the river as he enjoyed fishing. A two minute silence was observed.

Apologies:  

Present: Andy Fraser, Iain Stewart, Graham Mackay, Mark Hedderwick, Mary Graham, John Graham(secretary) Cllr Emma Knox, Cllr David Fraser     

Minutes of Meeting 3^rd October 2024: Proposed: Mark Hedderwick, Seconded: Graham Mackay

Police Report: No report.

Matters Arising:

• Black Bridge replacement – Agreement reached not to close bridge during assessment work which has now started. Concerns were expressed by local residents that access had been agreed by landowners without reference to tenants.
• Kilmorack Dam Substation out of hours working and connection to Wester Balblair. Despite emails from the Chairman and the Secretary, Sally Cooper has yet to clarify the situation. Sally is presently on holiday so we will chase on her return.
• 400KV OHL Scoping. Scoping documents have been lodged but there was much discussion about the detail which leaves a lot to be desired. Cllr David Fraser clarified the situation with scoping and Councillors were asked to put together relevant concerns on environmental issues such as access, noise, silt, private water supplies etc which will be addressed to the planning dept.
• Roads damage and repair (Highland Broadband). The repairs are awaited and damage is getting worse. All present to provide details of issues for consolidation into one list. The Chairman will pursue the matter with the relevant THC staff.  
• SSE Hydro Community Fund. The Secretary has made an application to cover transport to swimming lessons for Teanassie School for the next three years. Response expected in February.
• Ballach Wind Farm – Scoping has been launched and there is much concern regarding the project. Funding for raising an objection is scarce but best retained for an actual planning application. Cllr Fraser remarked at the excessive number of applications presently in train for the area.  
• Highland Cross Presentation Evening. Iain Stewart has agreed to attend as our representative.
• Cemeteries – Thanks to Cllr Emma Knox for the re-introduction of rubbish bins at the local cemeteries. Emma will also speak to Cemeteries on the condition of the paths which have become overgrown and dangerously slippery.
• MH asked about the trees that were discussed at the previous meeting. We have been in touch with Community Services (Roads) and an assessment was being organised The result of that is presently unknown.

Chairman’s Business

• Highland Broadband undergrounding of cables had been discussed along with verges and the situation is ongoing.
• Crowd Funding – Kiltarlity CC was starting a crowd funding appeal to fund opposition to Fanellan. A brief discussion ensued about whether we might use the same method to fund our objections to the assault on the area from the renewables industry. It was felt counter productive to promote two funding streams at the same time.
• Beauly Trust – Consideration had been given to amalgamating Beauly and Kilmorack but nothing further transpired. The Chairman will see where we are on that.

Secretary

• Due to the use of the Defibrillator recently we have had to replace the pads. At £168 a pair a not inconsiderable cost. After discussion with Emma and David, a WDF application was made and agreed. We also requested funding for a set of paediatric pads at £132 and these were also agreed. Payment is now in our bank, the replacement pads installed and available and the paediatric pads will be here by the beginning of next week.
• Roy Templeton has agreed to be put forward as a co-opted community Councillor.

Planning – No applications not notified although the full scoping report had been circulated.

Treasurer:

• With the passing of our treasurer and the retirement of our Chairman we now need to address the signatories on the bank account. It was proposed that Andy Fraser be added to the mandate as the second signature. Proposed by Iain Stewart, seconded by Mark Hedderwick.
• The position of Treasurer was discussed and Graham Mackay agreed to take on the position. This was unanimously agreed. The Treasurer will be added to the Banking Mandate in line with usual practice.

ANOB:  None

Meeting Closed: at 21.08hrs (9.08pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 5^th December 2024 at Kilmorack Community Hall at 7.30pm 

Signed:

Andy Fraser, Chairman