Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 6th November 2014 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.45pm

Present:  Steve Byford (Chair), John Stewart (Vice-Chair), Duncan Fraser(Treasurer),  Mary Graham(Secretary), John Graham, Mark Hedderwick

Apologies: Cllr. Hamish Wood

Meeting commenced:  7.46pm.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 2^nd October 2014 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by Mark Hedderwick and seconded Duncan Fraser – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report:

• PC Scott Maclean confirmed that there were no crimes reported and ask that the Community checked and prepared their vehicles for winter. New drink drive limit approved by government. Left at 8.10pm.

Matters arising:

1. Wester Balblair – The SVC was switched off on Tuesday 4^th THC EHOs measured noise levels on Wednesday night. Letter was requested to be sent to Gregor MacCormick, cc to Neil Anderson, SSE, re the increased noise levels on Sunday 2^nd Nov and the need for continuous noise measurements over a longer period to allow for different load and atmospheric conditions. The Community need to be assured that this will be done!
2. Winter Resilience – The salt bins have been delivered and we are now just awaiting the snow pushers etc. Duncan was given maps to mark the problem areas of culverts and ditches so they can be addressed before the weather turns.
3. Walling/seats – awaiting quotes
4. Dog Fouling – four signs put up. Some resistance to what was seen as urbanisation.
5. Nation of Lifesavers – British Heart Foundation offer of grant for a defibrillator was discussed. The Hall committee will be approached and JG/MG will pursue. All supported the proposal to sponsor the unit by £400 plus the cost of an outside box.

Chairman’s Business:

• Budget Consultation – arrange meeting with Cllr. Davidson. It was considered the form too proscriptive so an appropriate letter should be drafted and sent.

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

• Increase of rubbish on Altyre Brae. Email Neil Anderson to include in next CLG Group agenda(MG)

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

• Community Panel MG to collect responses
• IACC Forum – Members were asked to volunteer to attend
• Small Communities Housing Trust – invite to attend next meeting

Finance: No new transactions this month

Planning Matters:  Allt Carach Met Mast had been approved on appeal by the Scottish Ministers (DEPA)

AOCB: No business

 Next meeting:  4^th December 2014 at the Kilmorack Hall – 7.45pm

Meeting Closed: 22.23hrs    

 Signed

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 2^nd October 2014 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.45pm

Present:  Steve Byford (Chair), John Stewart (Vice-Chair), Duncan Fraser(Treasurer),  Mary Graham(Secretary), John Graham, Mark Hedderwick  Cllr. Helen Carmichael.

Apologies: Cllr. Margaret Davidson, Cllr. Hamish Wood,

Meeting commenced:  7.50pm.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 4^th September 2014 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by Duncan Fraser and seconded Mark Hedderwick – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report:

• PC Scott Maclean and PC Billy MacDonald confirmed that there were no issues reported, Ask Community to report suspicious vehicles.

Matters arising:

1. Wester Balblair – SB asked if anyone considered there had been an improvement since the barriers had been completed. All felt that there had been no discernible difference and we look forward to the work on the SVC. SB showed photos of the enclosures.  MG to contact Neil Anderson SSE again to find out when Murphy’s generator was on site. Also to send letter to Gregor McCormick and John Lee requesting monitoring of noise before and after Beauly-Denny goes fully live and before and after the work on the SVC. Cllr. Helen Carmichael will also liaise with THC re monitoring.
2. Footpath Mitigation – It was suggested that ALL mitigation should be in place before Beauly-Denny goes live.  A formal letter to Nicola Drummond (cc to David Garner SSE, Cllr. Helen Carmichael and Cllr. Margaret Davidson) asking if THC is going to enforce the conditions.
3. Broadband – JG reported that he had spoken to Stuart Robertson HIE and confirmed that extra cabinets would be provided for Kilmorack but number and location yet to be identified. Presently KCC does not have any active cabinets in their area and without those there would be little benefit as the Beauly exchange is not to be improved at this time. The Fibre-optic will bypass the exchange and go direct to cabinets.
4. Winter Resilience – 2 grit bins requested and suggested for the corner by 16 Resaurie and 24/29 Tomich to Teanroit. Snow pushers also requested. DF to advise TECS. Comment about the need to attend to ditching for grit bins to be effective.
5. Beinn Mhor – WPD response – First issue is that subject to any approval WPD is agreeable to KCC being involved in the transport community liaison group. The reduction of one turbine is not considered to mitigate anything and a letter confirming our previous objection stands will be sent.
6. Community Payback – Toll fences had been painted. KCC had paid £50.50 for the paint

Chairman’s Business:

1. SB requested an update on First Responders. MG to liaise.
2. SB asked MH to clear/tidy up rear entrance to the Lovat Memorial. KCC will cover any costs

Vice Chairman’s Report:  there is a problem with Dog Fouling on the Quarry footpath. Contact Dog Wardens to arrange signage.

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

• DIGGS (Development Initiative Great Glen) – Newsletter circulated.
• Copy of letter from Anne Forsyth to Hatfield Farms Ltd. requesting an upgrade of paths through Farley Estate.
• Highland Communities Panel – MG to be named person for on-line surveys.

 Finance:

• Cheques have been paid out for Hall rental and for the paint for the Toll fence.

 Planning Matters:  

• None to report.

 AOCB: 

• Discussion on use of stones from the old SSE house. MH to liaise with Tom Nelson.

  Next meeting:  6^th November 2014 at the Kilmorack Hall – 7.45pm  

Meeting Closed: 21.45hrs      

Signed      Steve Byford

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 4^th September 2014 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.45pm

Present:  Steve Byford (Chair), Mary Graham(Secretary), Duncan Fraser(Treasurer),  John Graham, Mark Hedderwick  Cllr. Margaret Davidson.

Apologies: John Stewart, Cllr. Helen Carmichael, Cllr. Hamish Wood, PC Scott Maclean

Meeting commenced:  7.46pm.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 5^th June 2014 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by John Graham and seconded Stephen Byford – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: No issues reported

Matters arising:

1. Wester Balblair – SB reported that SSE willing to take new noise measurements at his house but were not willing to provide him with the resulting data due to legal reasons. Some noise was identified to a generator on site and SSE to liaise with Murphys to address this.
2. Broadband – An upgrade to FTTC, fibreoptic lines, should be complete by Dec 31^st JG to contact Stuart Robertson, HIE, for further details
3. Beauly District Care Project – Purchase of roller display banner – approved. They are looking at local delivery of Home carers. Men shed – basic computing session held at the Priory was successful with another planned. Receiving Mini Bus from the Highland Cross. Inclusion in Newsletter.
4. Aigas Community Forest – Due to change in interpretation of funding rules, ACF has now re-applied for funding for the whole forest. If unsuccessful it will revert to the agreed funding package. A new Development Officer, Donnie Chisholm has been appointed.
5. Beinn Mhor – update – We have received no communication from WPD re the local liaison group since our letter. Kyla Donaldson(WPD) has stated that they do not propose to appoint members of KCC to the liaison group. KCC have indicated that the appropriate time would be when and if planning was approved.

Chairman’s Business:

1. SSE Community Liaison Group meeting – Foot path negotiations ongoing. Noise data still with held. MD to check with THC legal Dept.
2. Clare Caldwell had tendered her resignation due to family commitments. The Chair has contacted her expressing thanks for all her assistance.

Vice Chairman’s Report: (in absentia) Removal of Tourist signs. It is suggested that local Tourist businesses could apply for planning permission for a board and MD suggested that they arrange a pre-planning meeting.

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

• ABO have written requesting the establishment of a Community Liaison Group. The Community Council decided that a letter should be sent saying KCC will not attend until and if Planning permission is granted.
• Highland Council Quality Awards. Gregor McCormick, EHO, has been nominated.

Finance: Highland Council grant received.

Planning Matters:

• 14/02550/FUL Wind Turbine at Miekle Phoineas. Further to an email poll of Community Councillors, a letter of objection has been raised on the basis of size, visual impact, tourism and road safety. This was approved by the meeting.

.

AOCB: 

• The stone from the demolition of the sub-station house is now stored in the quarry for future community use..
• Fence painting – JG to chase
• Grass by the Memorial to be cut by November.
• MH advised the KCC that an access path to the new quarry path had been completed. A suggestion that some of the stone from the Sub-stationhouse demolition could be used to create a pleasant entrance.
• Meeting to be arranged with Tom Nelson re stonework.

 Next meeting:  2^nd  October 2014 at the Kilmorack Hall – 7.45pm

Meeting Closed: 21.20hrs    

 Signed

  Steve Byford

Minutes of Meetingheld on Thursday 5th June 2014 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.45pm

Present:  Steve Byford (Chair), John Stewart(Vice Chair), Mary Graham(Secretary), Duncan Fraser(Treasurer),  John Graham,   Cllr. Margaret Davidson.

Apologies: Clare Caldwell, Mark Hedderwick, Cllr. Helen Carmichael, Cllr. Hamish Wood.

Meeting commenced:  7.50pm.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 1st May 2014 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by John Stewart and seconded Duncan Fraser – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: PC Scott Maclean and PC Mackenzie in attendance. PC Maclean stated no crimes or anti social behaviour reported in Kilmorack. PCs Maclean and Mackenzie then left.

Matters arising:

1.  Wester Balblair – Access to Noise Data is still being refused (SSE legal dept) and mitigation measures are ongoing. Toll and Altyre paths are still held up with legal issues. Ask Cllr. Helen Carmichael for update from Lovat.
2. JS to forward noise surveys to EHOs at The Highland Council.
3. SSE – Public exhibition on noise mitigation plans held on 4^th June. A large number of local residents attended.
4. Beinn Mhor – update – on further study of the ES we have identified a serious issue with the fact that aggregate and concrete needed for the bases and roads (in excess of 4000 movements) will be sourced from Wester Balblair and transported along the mostly single track or winding Cannich Road (A831) Taking into account our concerns as to the visual impact on the Glen Affric/Strathglass area it was agreed to send a letter of strong objection to the planning authority. Many small businesses in the area have expressed great concern.

Chairman’s Business: Next CLG meeting with SSE/Murphy 12^th June 2014

Vice Chairman’s Report: No report

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

• Budget Consultation Ward Form – JG and MG to attend
• Local Government Electoral Boundaries – Public Consultation – With a proposed rduction of 8 councillors in the Highland region it was moved that a letter be sent identifying the wide geographical area and the very diverse community. We would express our view that a councillor reduction would have an adverse impact on our engagement with The Highland Council.

Finance: No report

Planning Matters:

• 14/01652/FUL House extension, Crask of Aigas – S. Byford declared an interest and absented himself, J. Stewart(VC) taking the Chair. Local residents had been contacted and no adverse comments had been forthcoming. No objections.
• S. Byford resumed the Chair
• 14/01714/FUL Workshop and Store, Urchany. No local concerns were raised. No objections.

AOCB: 

• A question was raised about who was doing the grass cutting at the War Memorial and the pic-nic area. There were concerns as to grass on corner verges at Altyre and Broallan and blocked drains by Birch Cottage. John Taylor (THC) to be contacted. SB to provide photos and GPS location. It was remarked that some road signs were in poor state. Ask if possible to replace as it gives a poor impression to Tourists.

Next meeting:  4^th September 2014 at the Kilmorack Hall – 7.45pm

Meeting Closed: 21.30hrs     

Signed                                

Steve Byford

Minutes of Meetingheld on Thursday 1st May 2014 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.45pm

Present:  Steve Byford (Chair), John Stewart(Vice Chair), Mary Graham(Secretary), Duncan Fraser(Treasurer),  John Graham,   Cllr. Margaret Davidson.

Apologies: Clare Caldwell, Mark Hedderwick, Cllr. Helen Carmichael, Cllr. Hamish Wood.

Meeting commenced:  7.54pm.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 3^rd April 2014 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by John Stewart and seconded Duncan Fraser – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: PC Scott Maclean stated no offences in Kilmorack. Some tools had been stolen from building sites in Beauly. Please secure vehicles and outbuildings.

 Matters arising:

1.        Noise issues at Wester Balblair – A public event will be held by SSE at Kilmorack Hall 2.00-6.30pm to show progress of mitigation measures.. Cllr. Margaret Davidson advised that the noise abatement order had been sisted at the Sheriffs Court whilst SSE were progressing the mitigation measures. JS had received a number of the noise survey back from residents. Further forms will be distributed
2.        Lappett Moth. FCS meeting. JG and MG attended. Restrictions on timber movements should be eased in October.

Chairman’s Business: Man’s Shed. Breedon building is not available.

Vice Chairman’s Report:

•          Louisa’s seat at Plactchaig – Request for cleanup for summer. JS to look into it.
•          Cemetery Gates – JS contacted Jeff Fridge, Parks and Cemeteries, on 6^th April re loose coping stone on gate pillar.

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

•          Email from Aigas Field Centre requesting inclusion of event dates in Newsletter. Due to shortage of space this was deemed impractical but link can be provided on web site.
•          JS asked whether details of phone “Scams” could also be provided on web site. Due to the wide variety that would not really be practical but JG would look into what could be done.

Finance: No report

Planning Matters:

•          Beauly Car Park – no objections(this is confirmation of the temporary provision)
•          Plot 4A, 4 Rusiarie – No objections

AOCB: 

•          State of Roads along undergrounding route and Tower site are causing concern due to the heavy construction traffic from Murphy and Breedon. Road edges in particular are breaking up. It was commented that Murphy had videoed the roads prior to start of work and would re-video them at the end and all necessary repairs to their damage would be rectified them. It was suggested that some liaison with THC over this would be necessary.
•          Toll/Altyre Road foot paths. MD to check on progress.

Next meeting:  5^th June 2014 at the Kilmorack Hall – 7.45pm

Meeting Closed: 21.10hrs

Signed:  

Steve Byford, Chairman  

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 3^rd Apriil 2014 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 8.00pm

Present:  Steve Byford (Chairman), John Stewart, Mary Graham(Secretary), John Graham, Duncan Fraser,  Mark Hedderwick, Cllr. Helen Carmichael.

Apologies: Cllr Margaret Davidson, Cllr. Hamish Wood.

Meeting commenced:  8.01pm.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 6^th March 2014 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by Steve Byford and seconded Duncan Fraser – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: Sgt. Gregor Hay again requested that out buildings, vans and homes be locked when un-attended as there had been a small number of thefts of power tools in the surrounding area.

Matters arising:

1.        Noise issues at Wester Balblair – SB gave an update on progress of noise baffles and the last liaison meeting. JG had visited the substation and reported on the work program.
2.        Aigas Community Forest Update: JG reported that £20,000 had been awarded from the SSE Community Fund. JS questioned whether that may compromise the issues at Wester Balblair. JG confirmed that consideration had been given to the concerns and the Forest Directors were comfortable that this is from a Regional Fund and no connection is apparent. With the funding of £3000 from the Ward Discretionary fund all match funding was now in place and progress was in train to finalise the deal.

Chairman’s Business:

•          Re-painting of toll path fence. SB will follow up.

Vice Chairman’s Report:

•          Pot holes at the Turning into Altyre Road had been filled in.

Secretary’s Business:

•          Open letter  to Community Councils from John Boocock of Kilmuir and Logie East Community Council had been received. Discussion of the four points at issue were discussed but the conclusion was that KCC should continue dialogue with relevant departments within THC which has always proved successful. A letter to John Boocock had been despatched along these lines. It was commented that the relationship with our independent councillors is excellent and we value their ongoing support.

Finance:

•          The Treasurer confirmed funds at £2504.39

Planning Matters: No applications.

AOCB: 

•          Men’s Shed – Beauly Care Project. SB to speak to Tom Lewis at Breedon to discuss the availability of one of the redundant buildings.
•          Signs removed from Toll. A suggestion was made that a all tourism businesses could possible be accommodated on one approved sign.

Next meeting:  1^st  May 2014 at the Kilmorack Hall – 7.45pm

Meeting Closed: 21.20hrs

Signed: 

                                                                                                                                                    Steve Byford, Chairman  

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 6^th March 2014 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.45pm

Present:  Steve Byford (Chairman),Mary Graham(Secretary), John Graham, Duncan Fraser,  Clare Caldwell(20.10hrs), Cllr. Margaret Davidson

Apologies: Cllr Helen Carmichael, Cllr. Hamish Wood. John Stewart, Mark Hedderwick.

Community Members:

Meeting commenced 19.54hrs.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 6^th February 2014 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by John Graham and seconded Duncan Fraser – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: Mary Graham gave a report supplied by PC Scott Maclean.

Matters arising:

1. Noise issues at Wester Balblair – SB reported on the recent Community Liaison Meeting with SSE. Eric Donnelly failed to appear due to legal advice. SSE have appealed the abatement notice and promised full data on noise and mitigation measures for our consideration has not been provided. Reasons stated are that all information has to be passed by SSE legal team. SB/JS to produce a questionnaire to elicit statements from affected residents and to incorporate Dr. Chris Hanning’s sleep deprivation data sets. Despite a four year wait, the Toll Path and Altyre Road Path cannot start until legal papers are signed off. This in spite of Lovat Estates having a pre-emption and having approved the start of work. Baffles around three sides of identified noise nuisance apparatus were discussed. SB stated that several times now we have asked for noise data and mitigation for our own experts to report on. We did not issue abatement order! – Ongoing! Action – Send update letter to SSE’s CEO Alistair Phillips-Davies regarding delays in paths and lack of full noise data.
2. Fairburn Extension(Orrin Wind Farm) withdrawn by SSE as not financially viable.
3. Wild Lands Consultation: Area 24(Central Highlands) may be extended to include upper Breakachy Burn, Upper Glen Orrin, Gleann Goibhre and Erchless Forest. The Glen Orrin was deemed as important for views of and from Area 24.

Chairman’s Business:

• Re-painting of toll path fence. Application to Community Service is in but SB will chase.

Vice Chairman’s Report:

• In the Vice Presidents absence the secretary informed the committee the JS had spoken to Breedon and Lovat Estates about the broken fence on the A831 opposite Wester Balblair.

Secretary’s Business:

1. The Secretary reminded members of the forthcoming AGM and asked if all office holders are willing to continue. In compliance with THC rules.
2. The Secretary asked the Treasurer if the accounts could be prepared and available for the AGM

Finance:

• The Treasurer confirmed funds were healthy with no payments since the previous meeting

Planning Matters:

1. 14/00295/PIP Land NE of Teanassie Lodge. No issues raised.
2. 14/00644/FUL 80m meteorological mast Land SW of Urchany and Farley Forest, Struy, Beauly (by Lochen Fada) Consultee status had been requested. The committee instructed that a letter of objection should be sent regarding visual impact, Golden Eagle SPA, Air Safety and impact on tourism. A technical objection was being raised by local residents and we will support that.

Correspondence:

• Scottish Water Public Meeting Wednesday 12^th March 2014. 

AOCB: 

1.      JG showed draft of Newsletter

2.       The Chair asked for suggestions for Potential Projects

Next meeting:  3rd April 2014 at the Kilmorack Hall – 8.00pm. AGM at 7.45pm

Meeting Closed: 21.20hrs

Signed: 

 Steve Byford, Chairman  

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 6^th February 2043 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.45pm

Present:  Steve Byford (Chairman), John Stewart(Vice-Chairman ,Mary Graham(Secretary), John Graham, Duncan Fraser,       Mark Heddewick, Clare Caldwell, Cllr. Helen Carmichael

Apologies: Cllr Margaret Davidson, Cllr. Hamish Wood. PC Scott Maclean

Community Members: Lyndsey Ward

Meeting commenced 19.55hrs.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 5^th December 2013 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by John Graham and seconded John Stewart – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: Mary Graham gave a report supplied by PC Scott Maclean. In response to that some concerns were expressed about the number and use of a number of caravans at 7 Resaurie putting pressure on services. Cllr. Helen Carmichael will take this up with planning. 

Matters arising:

1. Noise issues at Wester Balblair: Cllr. Helen Carmichael gave a report on the Highland Council meeting with David Gardner of SSE/SHET on the progress of mitigation measures. He promised that noise data would be sent to the KCC. SB stated that he would then send the data to Dick Bowdler Accoustics for an independent response. Cllr. Carmichael expressed concern that the Community Liaison Meetings should be chaired by the Community Councils.
2. Strathglass/Kilmorack Wind Farm Protest Meeting. SB reported that a large number of the Community attended (c.230) and were very concerned about the proposal.
3. Quarry Paths update: MH explained that the first phase had been completed. The remaining stage cannot be completed until the substation access road is finished. New signage will be erected, new trees planted and two benches. The Chair expressed his opinion that MH had done a good job.
4. Western Isles HVDC Update: MH concerns that with the changes by which the existing access through the quarry to the substation is to be used, the bank with planting(Trees) that was to shield the building will no longer be built.

Chairman’s Business:

1. SSE/Murphy Community Liaison Meeting. SB requested that Eric Donnelly attends the next meeting.
2. Repairs to the Altyre Road crossing/dip have now been successfully repaired.
3. Altyre Road footpath will now go straight up and not follow road.
4. JS raised the issue of pot holes occurring due to Murphy and Breedon Aggregates lorries using the Altyre road. There is a department in THC to monitor this.
5. Cllr Carmichael reported that THC was piloting a system using GPS for Community Councils to photograph road and drainage issues and report to TEC services. The TEC can concentrate their resources accurately.
6. Woodland’s Wind Farm/Ferintosh letter. Request by Ferintosh Community Council to support their objection to the Woodlands farm wind farm. It was felt that whilst we  support there objection individually it is outwith our area and we do not wish to be seen as a serial objector. JG to write to Ferintosh CC expressing our support but explaining our position.

Cllr. Carmichael left 21.20hrs

Vice Chairman’s Report: JS to contact Breedon and Lovat about the condition of the fence by the quarry where a post is sticking out into the road way (A831) opposite Wester Balblair

Secretary’s Business: IACCF meeting 25^th February 2014

Planning Matters:

1. Two planning applications for Wester Balblair substation regarding tree planting. An observation to extend one area(D) has been submitted. No objections.
2. Re-routing of main access to the substation through the existing quarry access. No objection.
3. 14/00062/FUL Alt-na-Cloich wind turbine application. Committee confirmed it’s objection on the basis of scale, proximity to houses and Bolblainy Forest and lack of Viewpoints to the north of the Turbine site in the Kilmorack area, which is identified as impacted on the ZTV.
4. 14/00118/FUL Duncan Fraser identified an interest. His house is just behind the development. As long as the ridge line is not raised significantly the Community Council sees no reason to raise any objection.
5. 13/02840/SCRE Teavaran Wind Turbine. The CC were made aware of this which is in close proximity to the writer’s centre. As planning has yet to be applied for there is no action necessary at this time.

Finance; The treasurer informed the Committee that funds were in excess of £2k. The Chairman reminded the treasurer that their will be a bill for our noise consultant at some time. 

Correspondence:

• National Planning Framework 3 – Consultation ends 4^th March 2014. 

AOCB: 

1. 1.       Dumfries and Galloway Community Councils had requested support for a request for a Moratorium on Wind Farms. Send letter for support in principle. All agreed
2. 2.       SB asked that Community Payback should be approached to repaint the fence by the war memorial.
3. Lyndsey Ward – Protest banners had been removed by THC.

Next meeting:  6^th March 2014 at the Kilmorack Hall – 7.45pm.

Meeting Closed: 22.08hrs

Signed:                                                                  

Steve Byford,Chairman  

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 5^th December 2013 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.45pm

Present:  Steve Byford (Chairman), John Stewart(Vice-Chairman[20.23hrs]),Mary Graham(Secretary), John Graham, Duncan Fraser

Apologies: Clare Caldwell, Cllr. Helen Carmichael, Cllr Margaret Davidson, Cllr. Drew Hendry,

Community Members: Nil

Meeting commenced 19.53hrs.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 7^th November 2013 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by John Graham and seconded Steve Byford – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: Printed version circulated 

Matters arising:

1. Noise issues at Wester Balblair: SB gave a brief resume of events to date. He took the view, endorsed by the rest of the Committee, that Alastair Brand’s offer of a site visit at the BCLG meeting should include Cllrs. Margaret Davidson and Helen Carmichael, Ken McCorquodale, and members of the Community Council. This will enable us all to develop a better understanding of what is in the sub-station and equipment which may have issues.
2. Beauly Communities Liaison Group: SB, JS, and MH attended the meeting at the Kilmorack Hall on 14^th November. Questions raised included conditions of the Brae’s roads post undergrounding work. Murphy’s informed the group that a video of the road state has been made prior to the commencement of work and would be repeated on completion. Any damage would be made good. A request that maximum notice possible of road closures. Requests for regular mud clearing had been agreed. Beauly River drift drilling had now commenced. SSE now committed to Altyre Road and Beauly Toll paths and both would commence in January 2014. SSE asked that anyone with noise problems let them know so that they can see the extent of the problem. A full minute by SSE of the meeting is available. SB welcomed the fact Liaison meetings had been established and hopes that they will progress the issues.
3. Winter Resilience: JG reported that four salt bins had been delivered and installed at Breakachy, Wester Balblair, Altyre Brae and the Brae above the Pink House. Shovels, hi-viz vests and gloves had been distributed and names of volunteers forwarded to THC for the insurance purposes.

Chairman’s Business: None

Vice Chairman’s Report: None 

Secretary’s Business: Proposed dates for 2014 Meetings had been forwarded. These were discussed and agreed.

Planning Matters: None

Finance:  Repairs to the Wester Balblair Community Board had been paid as had the Secretarial budget for this year. The bill for the hall was still outstanding. MG to chase. There was still a comfortable balance at the bank. 

Correspondence:

• Community Councillor Training Evening  – 10^th December. New date – Info to be re-circulated
• Support for Kiltarlity Community Council to chase funding for a Book on the place names of Beauly, The Aird and Strathglass – Supported
• Inverness West District Partnership (NHS/THC). Meeting at Phipps Hall, 20^th December 2013. MG requested any difficulties experienced by Community residents needed to be raised. None known.

AOCB: 

1. Wild Lands application had been produced. JG read the proposal to members and everyone had a chance to look at the map and make observations. Comments were discussed and the proposal was approved.
2. 2.       JG reported that the new safety barriers on the Breakachy Road above the Urchany Gorge had been installed and the road verge above Teanassie School had been filled and tarmaced.

Next meeting:  6^th February 2014 at the Kilmorack Hall – 7.45pm.

Meeting Closed: 21.28hrs

Signed:                                                                  

 Steve Byford, Chairman  

Kilmorack Community/SSE Liaison Meeting

Noise Issues Update

Thursday 31^st October 2013 at Kilmorack Hall 7.45pm

Present:

Kilmorack Community Council: Chair. Steve Byford(SB), Vice-Chair John Stewart(JS), Secretary, Mary Graham (MG), Mark Hedderwick(MH), Clare Caldwell (CC).

Ward Councillor: Cllr. Helen Carmichael(HC)

Twenty seven residents from the surrounding area.

The Highland Council: John Lee(JL), Area Environmental Health Manager(INB&S), Gregor McCormick(GM), Environmental Health Officer(Noise)

SSE/SHET: Alastair Brand(AB), Project Director Beauly-Denny(B-D). Neil Thomson(NT), Engineering Manager B-D, Morven Smith(MS), Corporate Affairs, Lisa Marchi(LM), Major Projects Liaison Manager, Kate Hoy, note taker

Sgurr Energy: Eric Donnelly(ED), Noise & Vibration Consultant.

Apologies: Cllr Margaret Davidson(MD)

Meeting commenced 19.45hrs

SB opened the meeting and asked that representatives introduced themselves and state their roles. The floor then was opened up for Community concerns. Various residents identified sleep disturbance due to being woken at around 0400hrs by a loud hum, having to move bedrooms or attempt to sleep on the couch to escape the noise, or resorting to sleeping tablets. Unable to use their garden throughout the summer on bad days due to the loud inescapable hum or leave windows open during the hot summer days/nights. Children being unable to concentrate on homework and attending school tired due to poor sleep. Going to work tired from sleep deprivation and performance suffering. Night shift workers being unable to sleep during the day to due to the unremitting noise.

THC Gregor MacCormick EHO reported that he had personally monitored and heard the noise at a number of locations and analysis of the results confirm that they constituted a Statutory Nuisance. Sgurr energy had accepted these figures. JL stated that on legal advice from THC a statutory Abatement Notice would not be issued at this time as SSE/SHET was working with THC to resolve the issues ASAP and it was deemed counter productive to the process. However he confirmed that the route of serving an order may be pursued in due course should SSE/SHET fail to provide such resolution. AB reported that he had attended a meeting with Sgurr Energy, THC(EHOs), ward Councillors and representatives of KCC and that SSE/SHET were committed to resolving the noise issues as expediently as possible.

Sgurr Energy(ED) stated that 23 additional items in the sub-station had been identified and provided details on a quick fix for the transformers to be instigated from Monday 11^th November 2013.

1. Anti vibration pads to be installed between concrete bases and transformers.
2. Soft infill to be inserted under the transformers.

Further measures to be undertaken after modelling work completed(end of Nov) and procurement procedures followed. Remedial/mitigation measures anticipated to be in place late spring/early summer 2014(acoustic screening)

SB asked that the TCR(Thyristor Controlled Reactor), identified by  the Community Council and THC and agreed by Sgurr and SSE/SHET as the loudest emitter, be addressed first. ED stated that it was not possible to isolate one item in the procurement procedure.

NT reported that he was awaiting permission from National Grid to turn off certain items for monitoring purposes and that transformers had been around for a hundred years.

Residents replied that the piece of equipment identified as causing the most nuisance was new and that we had lived with the original sub-station for decades without these issues. The Residents conveyed the view that there was a lack of confidence in SSE/SHET and in THC. SB responded that our Ward Councillors, HC and MD, and THC had been extremely helpful in this matter.

Hugh Balfour Paul raised the issue of line noise around Eskadale but SSE/SHET said that it should be disregarded as not relevant to this meeting. SB ruled that this was outwith the remit of this meeting but Kiltarlity CC may be able to take this up with SSE/SHET. AB said that they would meet with HBP again at a later date to discuss his issues. However ED and NT informed the meeting that when the line is at full capacity noise levels may be up to ten times those presently experienced. However mitigation measures should take these levels into consideration within the sub-station.

SB asked that noise monitoring should continue over the next few years.

MH asked ED to quantify the difference in noise levels between 100 and 103dB. ED confirmed that 103 was twice as loud. Sound is algorithmic the meeting was told.

The Residents asked whether SSE/SHET would be providing any compensation for the distress and disturbance experienced. AB stated that was outwith their remit but MS indicated that the request would be passed to the relevant department.

AB and MS confirmed that SSE/SHET were taking this extremely seriously and were committed to a resolution. AB stated that lessons would be learned for future projects.

SB thanked all parties for attending

Meeting closed 2200hrs