Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 4^th September 2025 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.30pm.

Meeting Commenced at 19.45hrs (7.45pm)

Apologies: Roy Templeton, Graham Mackay

Present: Andy Fraser, Mary Graham, Mark Hedderwick, Iain Stewart, John Graham(secretary) Cllr David Fraser, Cllr Emma Knox (local residents – Eugenie  Vronskaya, Robbie Short)

Minutes of Meeting 5^th June 2025: Proposed: Mary Graham, Seconded: Mark Hedderwick

Police Report: Report Circulated. New PC covering Beauly Area Johnjo Gibb

Matters Arising:

• Fanellan – No update from SSEN but concerns expressed by residents of ongoing preparatory which does not need approval.
• Ballach Wind Farm has lodged an application with The Energy Consents Unit with a closing date of the 15^th September. KCC has applied for and got an extension to the 15^th October. It was noted tha tthere have been more than 300 objections to date. We have an externally funded objection prepared by Ian Kelly which will be lodged with the ECU before the closing date. The identity of funders/Supporters was made available to the Community Councillors and included Aigas Field Centre, Sir John  Lister Kaye, Aigas Golf Club and holiday homes, Eagle Brae which together represents the lion’s share of local businesses in the area. 
• Black Bridge – An interesting discussion took place questioning the methodology and the relationship with The Highland Council. Concerns as to the timescale and technical issues remain. Further information from SSEN is awaited.
• Aigas Dam replacement substation and Kilmorack Dam replacement substation have both been approved albeit with sixteen pages of conditions which must be met before commencement. Also the creation of a Community based CLG which will have the power to halt development if any condition is not met.
• Andy Fraser reported on Cllr Helen Crawford’s Highland Energy Convention where a number of MSPs MPs and Councillors also attended. Very well attended by Community Councils and residents from all parts of the Highlands with standing room only. Some of the MSPs were not exactly on message and got a pretty rough ride from the delegates.
• Beauly and Kimorack Trust. AF explained where we are and we need attendance at the next meeting. Trustees representing Kilmorack do not need to be Community Councillors and Robbie Short expressed an interesting attending. Iain Stewart and Andy Fraser may also attend.
• Balblair Quarry meeting – Andy Fraser and John Stewart attended and a discussion on the speed signs for the Altyre approach to Balblair was foremost.
• Speeding and horses on Ruilick/Ruisaurie roads were discussed. An ongoing problem which perhaps education might help. It was suggested that perhaps signage for beware horses may be appropriate and Cllr DF will look into that.
• Cllr DF noted that the Loch Kemp (East Loch Ness)proposal had been objected to be THC, so there will be a Public Enquiry.

Chairman’s Business – Litter picking around Wester Balblair Sub station by SSEN has improved. SSEN rejected the Chairman’s proposal that they pay KCC to carry out litter picking.

Secretary: – No Report

Planning – No new applications

Treasurer: – In the absence of the Treasurer, the Secretary reported. Current balance £3804.39

ANOB: – No issues

Meeting Closed: at 21.03hrs (9.03pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 2^nd October 2025, 7.30pm

Signed:

Andy Fraser, Chairman