Minutes of Meeting Thursday 14th May 2026

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 14th 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 9th 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 4th 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 3rd 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 26th.27th or 28th 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 Thursday 9th April 2026

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 9th 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 5th 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 31st 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 Thursday 5th March 2026

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 5th 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 5th 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 5th 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 9th April 2026, 7.30pm followed by CC Meeting at 8.00pm

Signed:

Andy Fraser, Chairman