Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 3^rd September2026  at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.30pm.

Meeting Commenced at 19.32hrs (7.32pm)

Apologies:  Cllr. Emma Knox, Cllr Chris Ballance

Present: Andy Fraser, Roy Templeton, Mary Graham, Iain Stewart, Mark Hedderwick, John Graham(Secretary), Cllr David Fraser, Ross Mackillop

Minutes of Meeting 4^th June 2026: Proposed: Iain Stewart, Seconded: Mary Graham.

Police Report: Written Report circulated.

Matters Arising:

• Fanellan and Black Bridge: A proposal to close for six weeks for investigation work has caused great concern and Roads have advised that there must be a 90 day consultation period prior to any agreement. It is unlikely that THC will agree to such a closure.
• A831: Advice of intended closure has been challenged with alternative options now under consideration by THC Roads. As in the Black Bridge all are encouraged to send their concerns to Alistair Macleod at THC. Community Councillors were of a mind that this is unacceptable as the alternative route through Kiltarlity is a mixture of winding and single track roads.
• Ballach Wind Farm. – will be heard by SAPC in October 2026.
• Spiittal to Loch Buidhe, Beauly OHL – In process to a PLI. THC to consider next week. Recommendation to raise an objection.
• Beauly to Peterhead OHL – In preparation for a PLI.
• Breakachy Access route to towers. On hold and awaiting a meeting with SSEN. The CC were made aware of alterative routing through forest. This is for exploratory site investigation for towers.
• Ross Mackillop, Community Support Officer- renewables engagement. Ross explained his function and the CCs were able to engage with him on problems and expectations.
• Tourist Tax – With no fixed figures to confirm a lively discussion took place with Cllr David Fraser taking on board the CC’s and community concerns. Currently under twelve week consultation.
• Planning Training – Roy Templeton had been on a previous course and found it helpful. However on a show of hands no one felt they had the time to attend any more courses. There had been a view expressed that THC could provide an advisor for Community Councils facing complicated planning applications.
• Citizens Advice – Pop-in sessions were to be arranged, probably at the Phipps Hall. There was general support with the proviso that they be well advertised well in advance and proper signage outside the hall on the day.

Chairman’s Business:

• The Chairman expressed some concern that the Speed Sign on the Altyre approach to Wester Balblair, approved a while back by Breedon has not materialised despite both the Chairman and John Stewart chasing it up.
• Lovat seems to have started construction of their BESS in Balblair Quarry.
• Heras fencing has been falling down at the bottom of the Wester Balblair path adjacent to the Quarry.

Secretary: – Wreath ordered and treasurer passed payment of £35  

Planning: No Report

Treasurer: Balance at bank £4426.90

ANOB:

• The Community Council agreed to re-appoint Mark Hedderwick as Community Council representative on the ACF Board.
• Mark Hedderwick mentioned a prospective new member of the CC and passed his email to the Chairman and Secretary to action.

Meeting Closed: at 20.59hrs (8.59pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 1^st October 2026, 7.30pm, at Kilmorack Community Hall.

Signed:                                Andy Fraser, Chairman                            

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 4th June 2026 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.30pm.
Meeting Commenced at 19.38hrs (7.38pm)
Apologies: Iain Stewart. Cllr Chris Ballance
Present: Andy Fraser, Roy Templeton, Mary Graham, Mark Hedderwick. John Graham(secretary) Cllr David Fraser.
Cllr Emma Knox
Minutes of Meeting 14th May 2026: Proposed: Mary Graham, Seconded: Roy Templeton.
Police Report: Police van will be in Beauly Square on the 19th June 2026, 10.00am to 1.00pm
Matters Arising:
• Fennallen and Black Bridge: There is survey work on the Black Bridge but a bit disjointed and we await further details.
• Ballach Wind Farm. – Expected to be heard by SAPC in the 3rd quarter of 2026. No other information
• Beauly Kilmorack Trust Open Day. Good response and interestingly many points raised by the Residents reflect our own
ambitions
• Spiittal to Loch Buidhe OHL – Beauly to Peterhead OHL – All now referred to a PLI which will not be until May next year
unless something happens in the meantime. Three Reporters have been appointed but our Planning advisor points to
some inconsistencies in the norms. AF to confirm Ian Kelly to proceed on KCC’s behalf subject to cost. AF to contact SSE
with suggested dates regarding a meeting on all current and proposed infrastructure in the area.
• Altyre and Toll maintenance Grant. We are still awaiting a response by THC. The Secretary to chase Mackenzie
Sutherland.
• KCC Annual Operational Grant – Still outstanding
• Dark Skies – Secretary to write to Cllr Ken Gowans regarding the aspirations of ACF and KCC to build an observatory in
the Aigas Forest. This has been ongoing for some time and advice has been sort from some expert astronomers.
• Road Sign Upgrades – Emma Knox thanked the Community Council for their assistance in identifying signs that need
repair/replacement.AF to contact Kiltarlity CC re visibility on approach to Brockies Junction.
• Balbair Wood path – The Secretary to contact Stuart Mack at Lovat Estates who had previously agreed to maintain that
track.
• Croyard Road Sink Hole has been repaired again but the members wondered how long before it collapses again.
• Breakachy Road Access for GI work on towers. There had been a lot of concern expressed that the road is unsuitable for
heavy equipment and it had previously been ruled out as an access. Cllr David Fraser had contacted SSEN and the result
was a freeze on work until a meeting of the Ward Councillors, Community Councillors, THC Roads and the Residents
had taken place.
Chairman’s Business: No Report
Secretary: – No Report.
Planning: No Report
Treasurer: Balance stands at £2675.09 with £35 for the Data Protection due at the end of June
ANOB:
• Mark Hedderwick referred to the vacancy for a Councillor and a likely candidate will be approached.
• The timber for Duncan Fraser Memorial Bench is now ready and construction will start soon. We need to
work with Irene to confirm the best site.
Meeting Closed: at 22.12hrs (9.12pm)
Next Meeting: Thursday 3rd September 2026, 7.30pm, at Kilmorack Community Hall.
Signed:

Andy Fraser, Chairman

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 14^th May 2026 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.30pm.

Meeting Commenced at 19.38hrs (7.38pm)

Apologies:  Cllr. Emma Knox, Iain Stewart. Mark Hedderwick

Present: Andy Fraser, Roy Templeton, Mary Graham, John Graham(secretary) Cllr David Fraser (Robbie Short)

Minutes of Meeting 9^th April 2026: Proposed: Roy Templeton, Seconded: Mary Graham.

Police Report: Written Report circulated. No comments on Kilmorack.

Matters Arising:

• Robbie Short reported on the Beauly Kilmorack Trust with a second survey to be processed in Beauly shortly’ regarding the area of land between the Phipps Hall and Braeview Park. Presentation has been planned for the afternoon of the 4^th June at Kilmorack Hall. 15.00hrs to 19.30hrs.  
• Black Bridge: The Chair proposed an alternative site of the old wood yard for SSE to use leaving the car park for fishermen, walkers and the graveyard. This was refused by SSEN. The Community Councillors considered it a poor example of Community Engagement.
• Ballach Wind Farm. – Expected to be heard by SAPC in the 3^rd quarter of 2026.
• Spiittal to Loch Buidhe OHL – Expected to be heard by a joint SAPC/NAPC in September.
• Beauly to Peterhead OHL – Expected to be heard by the SAPC in June 2026.
• Altyre and Toll maintenance Grant. We are still awaiting a response by THC. Cllr. EK is chasing
• KCC Annual Operational Grant – We are still awaiting a response but Cllr DF will raise at next week’s Ward meeting.
• Transformer delivery 26^th.27^th or 28^th May. We hope the timing is as agreed.
• Beauly BESS: THC raised a strong objection on multiple fronts. That this is on good arable land it was seen as against THC policy. Until SCFRS report on the risks which is under review the Councillors view is that they have to object. This will now go to a Public Enquiry. The CC to write a letter to SCFRS to challenge the  safety, water/river contamination and danger to local residents and livestock from toxic fallout in the case of a fire.

Chairman’s Business:

• Belladrum Parking Fund: now allocated so we need to prepare for the next years round of funding over this summer.
• SSEN Community Liaison meetings: Little movement in agreement of minutes, but Cllr DF pointed out that if approved there is a requirement for a CLG to liaise.

Secretary: – No Report.  

Planning: No Report

Treasurer:

• Defib Batteries have been replaced and child pads are due for replacement in July
• Balance stands at £2675.09

ANOB: Short Term Lets – Cllr David Fraser explained the purpose and scope and stated that any new costs/conditions would not be retrospective. An honourable plan to keep housing available for locals and young people but delivery is going to be a challenge.

Meeting Closed: at 20.45hrs (8.45pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 4th June 2026, 7.30pm,  at Kilmorack Community Hall.

Signed:   

Andy Fraser, Chairman                                            

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 9^th April 2026 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 8.00pm.

Meeting Commenced at 19.46hrs (7.46pm)

Apologies:  Cllr. David Fraser, Cllr Chris Balance, Mark Hedderwick

Present: Andy Fraser, Roy Templeton, Iain Stewart, Mary Graham, John Graham(secretary) Cllr Emma Knox

Minutes of Meeting 5^th March 2026: Proposed: Iain Stewart, Seconded: Roy Templeton.

Police Report: No report.

Matters Arising:

• Fanellan: Appeal for Fanellan has been lodged. Ian Kelly will lodge a short response referring to our original points which have not been addressed. This was presented to the members and agreed.
• Black Bridge: We have received notification that the car park next to the bridge will be closed for six weeks for exploratory investigations. With only two weeks notice Andy Fraser will write to SSE expressing our concern and suggesting an alternative site of the old wood yard for SSE to use leaving the car park for fishermen, walkers and the graveyard. PMN: Email sent 06.03.26
• Ballach Wind Farm. – Extension to 31^st May. Cllr David Fraser advised us that Historic Environment Scotland had maintained their objection regarding Urchany Barrow, scheduled monument and Highlands and Islands Airport have a holding objection in place. Also the withdrawal of permission for Raeshaw Windfarm produces precedent which has yet to be fully understood.
• Spiittal to Loch Buidhe OHL – No further information as yet.
• Beauly to Peterhead OHL – No further information yet
• Beauly Kilmorack Trust – Survey is complete with 52 responses. It was noted that a minimum of 70 responses was required. TBC.
• Fuel Support: Notification of (limited) fuel support for kerosene and gas for domestic use.

Chairman’s Business:

• As regards £5k Ward Discretionary Funding no suggestions have been lodged with the Chairman, Andy Fraser.
• IS to speak to Les Fraser re CC membership.

Secretary: – Dates of next year’s meeting were agreed.  

Planning: No Report

Treasurer:

• Insurance has been paid
• Balance stands at £2730.49

ANOB: None

Meeting Closed: at 20.22hrs (8.22pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 14th May 2026 at Kilmorack Community Hall.

Signed:

Andy Fraser, Chairman                                            

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 5^th March 2026 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.30pm.

Meeting Commenced at 19.34hrs (7.34pm)

Apologies:  Cllr. David Fraser, Mary Graham

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

Minutes of Meeting 5^th February 2026: Proposed: Roy Templeton, Seconded: Iain Stewart.

Police Report: No report.

Matters Arising:

• Fanellan/Black Bridge: No update on planning appeal yet. Deadline for appeal is 5^th May
• Ballach Wind Farm. – No update to previous report.
• Spittal to Loch Buidhe OHL – No further information as yet.
• Beauly to Peterhead OHL – No further information yet
• Highland Cross RTO on road between the Quarry and Beauly. Clarification had been sought and the letter of response circulated. Road would not be closed but traffic control would be in place.
• Salt Bins – RT reported a new bin had been supplied below the school and others commented on other bins in the Braes, Thanks to Emma noted.
• Bingally had been approved although Cllr David Fraser was disappointed at the committee’s response.
• Beauly Kilmorack Trust – Kilmorack survey was discussed and the survey will be available on Facebook and the web site. Reaction to a postal vote was muted to say the least as the time scale was too short.

Chairman’s Business:

• CCs Meeting at Holyrood was reported by the Chair. Bit disappointed at the number of MSPs in attendance but some SNP did attend and six Conservatives also attended. All in all a respectable turnout from all points of the compass.
• Balblair Quarry – The Chairman had received maps of the planned expansion and had circulated then. Breedon did express the intention to keep as many trees as possible around the proposed extension.
• There is also £5k Ward Discretionary Funding still available. Suggestions to the Chairman.

Secretary: – The Secretary reminded Officers that Year End reports were required for the AGM in April.  

Planning: No Report

Treasurer:

• Domain for the web site had been paid
• Balance stands at £2813.19

ANOB: None

Meeting Closed: at 20.16hrs (8.16pm)

Next Meeting: AGM Thursday 9^th April 2026, 7.30pm followed by CC Meeting at 8.00pm

Signed:

Andy Fraser, Chairman