Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 5^th November2026 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.30pm.

Meeting Commenced at 19.35hrs (7.35pm)

Apologies: Cllr. David Fraser, Cllr Chris Balance, Cllr Helen Carmichael, Cllr Emma Knox

Present: Andy Fraser, Roy Templeton, Mary Graham, Mark Hedderwick, John Graham(Secretary)

Minutes of Meeting 1^st October 2026: Proposed: Roy Templeton, Seconded: Mark Hedderwick

Police Report: No Report

Matters Arising:

• Fanellan – No up to date information
• Black Bridge There is much confusion on why the old Black Bridge needs more assessment as most has surely already been done. The plans for staged closure remain. The question was raised about whether Murray Hamilton old timber yard could be repurposed as a car part for the walkers in the Groam during these closures.
• A831: There is little change for the plans to close the road for a period and the lack of information on what assessment has actually been done. There was also some discussion about the removal of tree roots on that road and whether that could be done at the same time. Proposed by Strathglass CC. This has been raised numerous times by KCC over the years.
• Ballach Wind Farm. – Cllr David Fraser had confirmed that it has not yet been listed for the planning committee.
• Spiittal to Loch Buidhe, Beauly OHL – In process to a PLI. The days and location of the hearings has been agreed and we await with interest how they go. There is some concern at pressure being exerted from Holyrood on the ECU.
• Beauly to Peterhead OHL – As with the Northern Arm, moving forward slowly.
• Proposed access point Beauly to Ruisarie Road. Some confusion here as it meshes with the Altyre/Craigscorrie closures.
• Fly Tipping – Three cases of serious fly tipping at the Glebe, Aigas Dam picnic area car park and on the Breakachy Road. THC has been notified by the Secretary through their tipping hotline and Ward Councillors have been notified. Yet to be cleared but we do have the reference numbers.
• Trees above Aigas Dam – Warwick Lister-Kaye asked this be brought after yet another large tree came down the other day. We think that land is Scottish Hydro and the problem has been previously flagged to THC. Cllr David Fraser is liaising with Roads to clarify what they know about it. Problem is to fell that bank and then re-enforce it would take a considerable length of time when the road would have to be closed with no alternative route.
• Altyre/Craigscorrie closure – Discussed in item 7 but this is an issue which was flagged a while back with guarantees from SSEN that the roads would be kept open. Residents on the Craisgscorrie Road have been approached by SSEN with accommodation agreed for access. The Altyre is more of an issue with two passing places to be constructed and light controlled access. This seems a case of SSEN promises and their contractors do their own thing.

Chairman’s Business:

• We had an approach from Scottish Government about the purpose and scope of Community Councils within the new Land Reform Act. Suggestions were sought but the consensus was that we need to know their aims before we can address future needs.

Secretary:

• Highland Cross invitation to Presentation of awards for 2026. 18th November. The Secretary asked for volunteers.
• Kilmorack Community Hall AGM 16^th November 7.30pm Volunteers to attend sought.

Planning:

• One forwarded for Stuart Young at Aigas Golf Club – no objections
• Aigas Community Forest PNO for new paths – This had been discussed at the meeting after the ACF AGM and as most Community Councillors had been in attendance it was supported

Treasurer: Balance at bank £4426.90. RT to liaise with Robertsons re a final cut on Altyre.

ANOB: The Provost invited member and guest to a Community Celebration Event at the Town House on the 28^th November. RSVP by the 11^th November.

Meeting Closed: at 20.32hrs (8.32pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 3^rd December 2026, 7.30pm, at Kilmorack Community Hall.

Signed:

Andy Fraser, Chairman