Minutes of Meeting held on Wednesday 4^th September 2024 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.35pm.

Apologies: Cllr Emma Knox, Iain Stewart, Duncan Fraser

Present: Steve Byford, Andy Fraser, Mark Hedderwick, Mary Graham, Mark Hedderwick, John Graham(secretary) Cllr David Fraser      

Minutes of Meeting  3^rd June 2024: Proposed: Steve Byford, Seconded: Andy Fraser

Police Report: Written Community report received and circulated 7^th Aug 2024

Matters Arising:

• Aigas Dam Substation Planning application: A written response was considered and after discussion was passed, with two amendments, for presentation as Stakeholder’s response to the planning application. Proposed: Mary Graham Seconded: Graham Mackay
• Kilmorack Dam Substation Planning application: A written response by Andy Fraser was considered and after discussion was passed for presentation as the Stakeholder’s response to the planning application. Proposed: Steve Byford Seconded: Graham Mackay.
• Black Bridge Closure: After a great deal of concern by residents and THC failing to agree to the closure, SSEN has agreed to reconsider their options. It was pointed out by AF that no approval has been made to the Fenallen development and therefore the action of SSEN to request the bridge closure was presumptuous at best and disrespectful of the local communities.
• SSE out of hours request for Wester Balblair and the undergrounding to the proposed Kilmorack Dam substation has been rejected by KCC. We await a response.
• SSE Renewables Hydro Fund – Fund has been advertised on our notice board and on line. Anyone having a suggestion or knowing someone who could benefit should encourage an application.
• 400KV OHL. Information is scarce at the moment but concerns have been raised on some of their access plans. Ongoing
• Cemetery Rubbish Collections – Emma Knox is working hard to get the bin and collection re-instated locally. Concern was expressed that the cost saving may be the driver.
• Road surface and yard use above the Braes. There has been no improvement with 33 ton lorries bringing up product from the Fibre cable installation and taking backfill materials down to Beauly and the extended areas. This is not a licensed disposal operation and damage to the road edges and the heavy trucks on narrow roads is still an Issue. Cllr David Fraser will chase this up.
• Caulternich has presented a paper concerning fire and safety precautions but our planning consultant doubts its relevance. THC is considering the safety of all BESS applications. This one has not gone away completely.
• Field Beauly consultation: The Chairman had been to the presentation and was singularly unimpressed with the replies he got from the Field Beauly staff. This has been echoed on Social Media by the many people who attended the event.

Chairman’s Business – Steve Byford announced his resignation due to pressures of work and the fact that he will shortly be moving to the Black isle. His health had to be prioritised and the pressure from SSEN was one deciding factor. He will still be involved with the local Community Council group until the new Chair is up to speed. He expressed his enjoyment over the years of working with the Community Council and supporting the Community. This was not unexpected but he will be sorely missed. The Secretary had sounded out the other members and Andy Fraser had agreed to take over. This was proposed by Graham Mackay and seconded by Mark Hedderwick. Andy commented he had big boots to fill but would work for the benefit of the Community.

Secretary –No Report

Planning – Current Planning Applications had already been addressed at the beginning of the meeting.

Treasurer:

• The Highland Council operational grant had been received of £437.67 on 1.07.24. Cllr David Fraser commented that many Community Council had expressed concern that this was not index linked and had gone down over past years. He suggested this be brought up through the IACCF at the next meeting.
• Balance stands at £2569.80 after deduction of the last payment for grass cutting on Altyre. This leaves our cumulative surplus on the maintenance contract at this moment of £503 which is insufficient for any spring cutting until next year’s maintenance payment is received.

ANOB:

• Concern had been voiced at the pressure from Energy Consents on THC to respond to Energy applications in two months. In practical terms with the number of applications and their complexity this was not realistic. David Mudie had said that holding objections would buy time and in this case the Planning Department and the Community Councils are of one mind. However the caveat is that delays may remove the power of THC to call for a Public Inquiry. However Cllr David Fraser was concerned by a statement made by John Swinney this day that energy would be expedited is a worrying development.
• Mary Graham asked whether we will provide a wreath this year to the War Memorial and the Council agreed to match last year’s donation of £30.
• Graham Mackay expressed concern that some trees were in a parlous state and needed assessment and possibly removal. Some large oak trees had fallen recently. The Secretary asked that the area be identified and then he would pass this on to John Taylor.
• The Secretary addressed the letter from Iain Stewart stating that pressure of work in Aberdeen made him feel he must withdraw from the Community Council. This was greeted with disappointment but understanding of his situation. Reduction in numbers meant we have to consider options one of which is the co-option of one or two new members. A couple of potential candidates were discussed and Cllr DF will contact the secretary with the name of a ward manager who can advise on protocol.

The Secretary asked that a vote of thanks be given to our Chairman Steve Byford for the years of hard work he had given to the Community Council. This was endorsed by the whole Council and by Cllr David Fraser on behalf of the Highland Council.

Meeting Closed: at 21.17hrs (9.17pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 3^rd October 2024 venue TBA starting at 7.30pm 

Signed:                                             

Minutes of Meeting held on Wednesday 5^th June 2024 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.35pm.

Apologies: Cllr Chris Balance, Cllr Helen Crawford, Cllr David Fraser, Graham Mackay, Duncan Fraser, Ian Stewart

Present: Steve Byford, Andy Fraser, Mark Hedderwick, Mary Graham, John Graham(secretary)   

Minutes of Meeting 2^nd May 2024: Proposed: Steve Byford, Seconded: Duncan Fraser

Police Report: Written report submitted and circulated 10^th May 2024

Matters Arising:

• Lovat BESS – Objection circulated from Ian Kelly and after amendments final draft presented. Prop. Steve Byford Seconded Mary Graham. Approved. Further to that JG and John Stewart had a meeting with Simon Lovat by invitation on a private matter. Whilst not a meeting of minds the discussion related to the site for the BESS and the understanding of community access post quarrying. It would seem that SB and MH had a similar expectation of re-instatement that was not shared by Simon Lovat. Further discussion on the expansion of BESS applications in the area were discussed with Simon Lovat intimating that access across his land would not be approved.
• Mark Hedderwick expanded on the issues of roads and sight lines in his area and will provide photos with relevant detail to forward to THC. Improvements have been made since the original issue raised and thanks to THC for that but there are still problems which may be the responsibility of the landowners.
• Andy Fraser had been in contact with the Belladrum organisers regarding traffic management planning and access for this year’s Belladrum event. He was able to advise the Community Council of the ongoing arrangements and concerns.
• Field Beauly BESS – Whilst not strictly in KCC area the impact will be felt by all in the area. A strong opinion was expressed by all that this was getting past acceptable and we would support Kirkhill and Kiltarlity in their objections. It was also strongly put to ward Councillor Emma Knox that funding for addressing these problems within the ward grant was insufficient due to the pure scale and number of applications.
• The Motion before THC by Cllr Helen Crawford was discussed with concerns expressed that political posturing would block the motion. Cllr Emma Knox stated that whilst some items on the motion were outside Council control they were working to see if some amendment would be possible to push the motion through. KCC support the motion.
•  Spittal Beauly OHL and Beauly Peterhead alignment consultation. SB made the point that whilst SSE put these through as separate applications the Community Council had concerns in them linking all together for their consultation with the add on of Western Isles. JG to attend and to ask if John Stewart could attend and report as the Chair is away on holiday.
• Hydro 80^th Anniversary Community Fund. The view was they have taken long enough to support the Community and, whilst £10 million sounds a lot, over all the Hydro Schemes; 78 hydro dams 54 hydro plants in Scotland; it is a drop in the Ocean. It was further felt that the methodology and timing were suspect.  

Chairman’ Business:

• CLG is still inactive and we await SSEN to come back with a date for a meeting to discuss the terms of engagement more balanced in favour of the Community Councils than at present.
• Energy Summit –  SB was unable to attend but the secretary went and was asked to report. Somewhat better than expected as each speaker was limited to five minutes and then the floor was open for questions. Not without a few fireworks and Edward Mountain MSP stated his experience of UN peacekeeping in Turkey/Greece was probably easier. JG gave a short but detailed report of the speakers and comments from the floor. Whilst not a meeting of minds with the speakers universally imbued with Groupthink, the floor probably won the debate.

Secretary: Toll path and Altyre maintenance agreements and increased grant(index linked) approved and funds are in our bank. Toll Path cut back and Simon paid. Altyre will be done shortly by Daniel as Kevin has just had a heart operation and is recuperating.

Treasurer:

• Balance stands a £4403.17. A donation was received from Peter Dunn towards the cost of the Lovat objection.

Planning: One application for PIP from Sam Macpherson. On Family farm and no objection raised. The siting of the OHL may dissuade the application to proceed further.

ANOB:

• MG brought the matter of the new Bins up and some discussion was forthcoming. The introduction has not been without issues. Some bin sites, such as Teanassie, simply do not have room for another twenty odd bins. The situation is ongoing.

Meeting Closed: at 21.51hrs (9.51pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 5^th September 2024 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm 

Signed: 

 Steve Byford

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 2^nd May 2024 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.38pm.

Apologies: Mark Hedderwick, Graham Mackay, Cllr. David Fraser, Cllr Emma Knox

Present: Steve Byford, Duncan Fraser, Andy Fraser, Iain Stewart, Mary Graham, John Graham(secretary)

Minutes of Meeting 4^th April 2024: Proposed: Steve Byford, Seconded: Duncan Fraser

Police Report: No report

Matters Arising:                           .

• Wester Balblair Notice Board – Now completed and thanks to John Stewart for his support, especially with the paint brush.
• Holyrood Debate on Energy – Disgusted by empty chamber but gratified with the large turnout from all over the Country to support the motion.
• Mark Hedderwick identified an area where road surface, drains and verges were cause for concern. As MH and GM were not available there is a need for some photographic evidence that we can present to the Council.
• Altyre and Toll flooding. This has been identified as an ongoing problem. Iain Shepherd will contact Breedons for their update on the Toll Flooding which mostly comes from the quarry and Steve Byford will contact Lovat re Altyre.

Chairman’ Business:

• At the start of the meeting Steven Byford informed members that he had purchased a house in Fortrose and as soon as his present house was sold would be leaving the area.
• CLG – Sally Cooper had written suggesting the CLG be re-instated. However the terms suggested were no different than before and Bill Fraser had penned a response decrying the lack of clarity that the CLG had failed due to the lack of respect to the Community Council’s concerns.
• A note of interest that for the second time in six months our defib at the hall has been requested and provided. In this event it was not actually used before the ambulance arrived but it was available to the patient had it become necessary. This proves need. In this case the patient was treated at Raigmore and has made a full recovery.

Secretary: SEPA Flood Risk PVAs. Reminded Community Councillors to consider if there is any relevant problems in their areas. General view is lack of maintenance of culverts are our problems.

Treasurer:

• Balance stands at £2713.08.

Planning: Lovat BESS at Wester Balblair. Objection should be raised. Get price from Ian Kelly and check details on planning application.

ANOB:

• Energy Summit – Edward Mountain, MSP – Strathpeffer 31^st May 2024 SB and JG to attend

Meeting Closed: at 21.18hrs (9.18pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 6^th June 2024 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm 

Signed:

Steve Byford

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 7^th March 2024 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.44pm.

Apologies: Cllr. Chris Balance, Cllr. David Fraser, Cllr Emma Knox, Mary Graham, Mark Hedderwick

Present: Steve Byford, Duncan Fraser, Andy Fraser, Iain Stewart. Graham Mackay, John Graham(secretary)           

Minutes of Meeting 1st February 2023: Proposed: Duncan Fraser, Seconded: Graham Mackay

Police Report: No report

Matters Arising:                           

• National Parks for Strathglass and Ben Wyvis(Affric to Attadale) Both projects not proceeded with due to response and timescales.
• Croyard Road Sink hole- Police attended and closed the road. Now refilled and tarmacked over. Secretary to clarify if this is final fix or temporary
• Road condition – Reports suggest that has a number of potholes filled but patch and repair rather than our required permanent solution.
• Beauly (and KIlmorack) Trust – A recent comment in the Beauly News referred to Beauly Trust joined with Kilmorack. A previous meeting discussed this and the Chairman suggested we now contact Beauly Trust to explore the practical application of incorporating the two community councils in the Trust. It is felt that application for funding where applicable would be better served by the larger organisation.
• Kings Portrait – Ordered and awaiting delivery. Where to hang is in consideration with the Bowls Club which is presently our meeting site.
• Fanellan Expansion – The general feeling was a lack of consultation with either the CLG or at the public consultation was disrespectful to the local Communities and unacceptable. It left Community Councils with the difficulty of addressing criticism from their residents that we were unaware of the extended PAN application.

Chairman’ Business: CLG has been postponed until the 12^th March.

Secretary: Teanassie ASN room progressing well.

Treasurer:

• Balance stands at £2856.27 after insurance and domain charges paid.

Planning: No report

ANOB: A new operator of Broadband, Lothian and Highland Broadband, had an open day at the Phipps Hall and was prepared to consider running a fibre optic spur up Croyard Road to the Braes if sufficient people expresses interest. The Chair asked that the information be posted on the website and possible the Hall FB page.

Meeting Closed: at 20.43hrs (8.43pm)

Next Meeting and AGM: Thursday 4^th April 2024 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm 

Signed:

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 7^th December 2023 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm.

Inauguration of new Community Council

Present: Steve Byford(Chair), Duncan Fraser,  Mary Graham, Graham Mackay, Andy Fraser, John Graham, Cllr David Fraser, Cllr Emma Knox.

Apologies: Cllr Helen Crawford, Iain Stewart. Mark Hedderwick

Meeting commenced at 19.33hrs (7.33pm)

Chair: Cllr David Fraser.

Election of Officers:

Mary Graham Proposed Stephen Byford as Chairman, seconded by Duncan Fraser. Unanimously approved.

Vice Chairman: There being no immediate takers this was differed for the time being.

Treasurer: Duncan Fraser – proposed by Steve Byford, Seconded by Graham Mackay -elected

Secretary: John Graham – Proposed by Steve Byford, seconded by Duncan Fraser – elected

The Constitution and standing Orders were then adopted. Proposed by Steve Byford, seconded by Graham Mackay

Steve Byford takes the Chair and thanks Cllr David Fraser for opening the session.            

Minutes of Meeting 2^nd November 2023: Proposed: Duncan Fraser, Seconded: Graham Mackay.

Police Report: No report for this meeting but the IACCF meeting was presented with a detailed and all encompassing report which has been circulated. Funding and cutbacks in Police Scotland will mean that we will not get a Police visit in future unless there is something that justifies their attendance. The minutes of the IACCF were read appertaining to the Police Report. There was some concern that future Police response and resources may not meet our expectations.

Matters Arising:                         

• Teanassie School approached the Community Council for further financial support for transport to their swimming lessons. Whilst they had been told last year this could not be a recurring expense the need is there and the Secretary was able to attract support from the WDF, on the understanding that alternative funding will be sort in future years, supported by all our Ward Councillors this coming year. An application was made, approved and funds were received of £805 which have been passed to Teanassie School. Further to that the School has approached the CC for support for an ASN or sensory room for students with issues. Discussions with ACF and Steve Byford(Ffordes) suggested support would be both appropriate and possible. Cllrs David Fraser and Emma Knox suggested a further WDF application would be feasible. The Secretary will ask for more detail from the School and liaise with the other potential donors.
• Beauly Trust: Steve Byford and the Secretary met with three members of the Trust to discuss collaboration with KCC. The meeting was positive and the Chair expressed the view that the greater area should be encompassed to both generate funds and support local needs. There is a view, reiterated by DF from a previous Trust Meeting by Beauly residents that the Trust should be restricted to Beauly only. The Chair suggested that a letter be sent asking that the Trust should be referred to as Beauly and Kilmorack.  The Community Council await their response.
• Ofgem Meeting: The Chair and Graham Mackay attended a meeting with Ofgem chaired by MSP Kate Forbes regarding the electricity upgrades planned for the Highlands. Whilst the discussion was instructive to the two representatives from Ofgem the general view was not one of a meeting of minds.
• Strathglass National Park: The Secretary has received notification of a second application for a National Park encompassing the areas of Muir of Ord, Beauly, Drumnadrochit, out to the West Coast and Glen Affric. This is different to the Affric Attadale application. This encompasses a number of popular Tourist areas and whilst any National Park comes with concerns on such as planning the CC supported the proposal. Caveat is that ScotGov seems more interested in a Central Belt application but the logic of one in this area is beyond dispute.
• Kilmorack Community Hall AGM – 22^nd November 2023. Steve Byford and the Secretary attended the AGM. The Chair of the Hall was standing down but will still remain a member of the Committee. There was not a volunteer to take over the Chair so that remains to be filled. The main upgrades have at this time been attained. The Chair of the Hall thanked Steve for the CCs support in attending the meeting.
• 20mph Zones Consultation: Cllr David Fraser clarified that the Beauly 20mph zone predated the blanket 20mph trials presently under consultation and we had none of them in our area.
• IACCF: Due to technical issues the Secretary was unable to attend the meeting by Teams but has already reported on the Police Report. The other issues were winter resilience where some concern was expressed at the removal of insurance cover for volunteers and Ward Discretionary Fund applications which we are already au fait with.
• THC Budget Consultation: A lively debate ensued but effectively with full disclosure it was felt impractical to respond especially considering the £60m shortfall inn funds. The Secretary suggested that individually members should respond stating their own priorities.
• New Bins: Concerns were expressed concerning confusion on the use of the new bins(which bin is for what), costs(apparently supported by ScotGov) and practicalities in rural areas.

Chairman’ Business:

• CLG: The Chair was unable to attend the CLG but those Councillors that did reported on the event. The discussion was wide ranging and not very impressed with SSEN and their presentation. The veil of secrecy imposed by SSEN was inappropriate and non sensical as the majority of information was already in the public domain. The Chair questioned the validity of the CLG as a consultation body or just a tick box exercise.

Secretary: No report as all relevant information has been passed to members.

Treasurer:

• Balance stands at £3,087.17. WDF for Teanassie £805.00 received and forwarded, THC Grant of £437.67 has been received. Only outstanding bill will be for the Bowling Club room rental.

Planning: Nothing to report.

ANOB:

• Mary Graham reported the Defib had been accessed but not used and we had been notified by the Circuit. Now checked and back in operational mode.
• Graham Mackay and Andy Fraser mentioned two grit bins had been damaged. Will notify the secretary with what three words location which will be forwarded to John Taylor.

Meeting Closed: at 21.24hrs (9.24pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 1st February 2024 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm 

Signed:

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 2^nd November 2023 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm.

Inauguration of new Community Council

Present: Steve Byford(Chair), Duncan Fraser,  Mary Graham, Graham Mackay, Iain Stewart, John Graham, John Stewart, Hazel Stewart

Apologies: Andy Fraser, Mark Hedderwick, Cllrs David Fraser, Emma Knox.

Meeting commenced at 19.34hrs (7.34pm)

Chair: In the absence of a Ward Councillor. John Stewart took the Chair.

Nomination for Chairman of Kilmorack Community Council: John Stewart asked for a nomination for the Chair and Mary Graham nominated Steve Byford. JS asked for any further nominations. In the absence of any further nominations Mary Graham proposed and Duncan Fraser seconded Steve Byford as Chairman. It was unanimously supported. Steve Byford thanked the Council for their support and thanked John Stewart.

Election of Officers: Steve Byford then called for nomination for:

Vice Chairman: There being no immediate takers this was differed for the time being.

Treasurer: Duncan Fraser – proposed by Steve Byford, Seconded by Graham Mackay -elected

Secretary: John Graham – Proposed by Steve Byford, seconded by Duncan Fraser – elected

At this moment the Community Council took a short break in proceedings when John Stewart was presented with a Quaich and whisky tumbler suitably subscribed. The Chairman thanked John for his support over many years to the Community Council. A glass was raised and John and Hazel were toasted by the members of the Community Council. After refreshments the meeting reconvened and John and Hazel departed.       

Minutes of Meeting 5th October 2023: Proposed: Steve Byford, Seconded: Graham Mackay.

Police Report: No report.

Matters Arising:                         

• Beauly Cares – Recognition that Beauly Cares has just had it’s 10^th Anniversary and felicitations reflected the large amount of work they have done over those 10years.
• Kilmorack Community Hall AGM – 22^nd November 2023. The Hall is in need of new board members as some are retiring this year. Community Councillors were asked to consider anyone who may wish to join the Hall Committee and persuade them to attend the AGM and possibly join. SB will try to attend but if anyone else is free we ought to support them. There was a discussion about the previous offers of SSE for generator hookup and extra catering facilities which may be worth considering in light of the recent wild weather.
• SSE Beauly Asset Replacement Meeting at Kilmorack Hall: Most members had attended and several issues were discussed. The Secretary to liaise with the Chair to draft a suitable response to Sally Cooper reflecting the various concerns regarding Aigas and Kilmorack upgrades. The Chairman will also address at the upcoming CLG meeting.
• Highland Cross Presentation – We have been offered one place at the presentation but as most have attended in recent years there were no volunteers. Anyone wishing to represent the KCC to contact the Secretary

Chairman’ Business: Sub Committees

• Beauly/Wester Balblair CLG: Represented by Steve Byford, Duncan Fraser, Graham Mackay and (associate members) Bill Fraser and John Stewart.
• Breedon (Wester Balblair) CLG: Represented by Andy Fraser, Iain Stewart (John Stewart- to introduce the new Community Councillors) plus Steve Byford as and when appropriate.

Secretary:

• British Legion Remembrance – 12^th November – Steve Byford to lay wreath
• THC documentation: Consent to share CC Member Information circulated and ticked.
• Energy Support information(received today)discussed and to be passed on to Hall Committee.

Treasurer:

• Balance stands at £3,485.50. Three invoices outstanding but not received yet.

Planning: Nothing to report.

ANOB:

• Duncan Fraser reported an ingress of water from the fields over the Altyre Road. When the temperature drops below zero this could be very dangerous. SB to contact Lovat Estates.

Meeting Closed: at 21.12hrs (9.12pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 7^th December 2023 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm 

Signed:

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 5^th October 2023 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm.

Present: Steve Byford(Chair), John Stewart(Vice Chair),  Mary Graham, Graham Mackay, Mark Hedderwick, John Graham(Secretary)

Apologies: Cllr. Chris Balance, Cllr.Emma Knox, Cllr. David Fraser, Duncan Fraser.

Meeting Commenced at 19.30hrs (7.30pm)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Minutes of Meeting 7th September 2023: Proposed: Mark Hedderwick, Seconded: Graham Mackay.

Police Report: No report. Concern was expressed that contact details were out of date, recently Fort Augustus telephone number went unanswered and existing emails were not recognised. 101 is routinely not answered and it was voiced that inability to contact the Police over minor offences keeps crime figures down. 

Matters Arising:                         

• Community Council elections: Nominations are now complete and contrary to THC’s website Kilmorack is a non contested Council. The present CC will step down at midnight on the 10thOctober and the new CC will take over on the 11^th at 00.01hrs. First meeting will be the 2^nd November when officers will be appointed and new Councillors welcomed.
• Fairburn Wind Farm Public Consultation: Most Councillors had visited the Public Consultation at Kilmorack Hall and were singularly unimpressed with the quality and size of maps and documentation provided. There were many concerns on a new development which by distance is not an extension, height, visual impact, proximity to Golden Eagle reserve(Eagles don’t recognise boundaries drawn on maps), access roads, connection to the grid(undisclosed) to name but a few. The Secretary to draft a letter to SSE Renewables expressing our concerns.
• Lovat Estates BESS: Most Community Councillors had visited the presentation in Beauly and expressed some concerns. The proposal left much to be desired. Noise levels are a concern with the Transmission Hub already at the limit and information from THC leading us to believe that any cumulative increase would re-trigger the noise abatement order. A question on enforcement was raised. With up to one hundred air conditioning units operating it is considered that keeping within the cumulative noise levels would be impossible. Concerns on fire safety, a known problem with BESS, was high on the concerns with the reliance on suppression systems unimpressive. With lithium fires virtually un-controllable, suppression systems may allow staff to escape but do little to control a major conflagration. The proximity to the SVC was noted as any major fire may well knock out the transmission hub for quite a time. Toxic emissions from a major fire were also a serious concern. Letter to Lovat Estates highlighting the concerns of the Community Council to be drafted. It was considered that BESS would be more appropriate sited on wind farms away from residential properties.
• Beauly Village Trust: It was noted that a trust had been formed and an inaugural meeting held. Although there had been some very limited communication from the Trust no meeting had taken place as the Chair was on holiday at the time. This will be pursued. From the information to hand it would seem that the Trust boundaries are presently defined as the catchment area for Beauly Primary School.
• Scottish Forum of Community Councils: We have been invited to join this national forum but the Council had no enthusiasm to join another Central Belt driven quango. We have more immediate local issues.
• Digital Phone Switchover: It was brought to the CCs notice that BT intend to switch off analogue phone systems by 31^st December 2024. Concerns were expressed that in a power outage as the new Digital system(VOIP) uses the Broadband connections reliant on routers powered by mains electricity, there will be no landline phones for emergencies. For those with mobiles that is less an issue but some mobile masts only have battery backup power for one hour although Aigas mast has a generator backup. The Chair, who has already had to move to digital has found it poor and has had to invest in a starlink satellite system due to bandwidth issues with BT Digital. Something probably too expensive for most private users. This is an ongoing issue and we will see where it goes.
• Flooding: Due to the heavy rains on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning there had been considerable flooding. Heavy flooding from Wester Balblair quarry added to the problem but areas by the Cemetery were also badly affected. The Secretary has been in touch with John Taylor who is arranging for the drains to be inspected. Some of these issues are a recurring problem which needs a solution. The Secretary also asked John Taylor if the white lines between the Gallery and the Crask could be re-done as they are all but obliterated. JS to contact Breedons about the runoff and about some support to resurface parts of the Cemetery entrance. MH to assist.   

Chairman:

• The Chair thanked John Allan(Lighting THC) for his prompt response to the lighting issue in Wester Balblair.

Vice Chairman:

• The Vice Chair had received communication via the Secretary to see if we wished a final cut of the Altyre whilst Kevin had the cutter on his tractor. There was some discussion on the path but the CC authorised a final cut and the Secretary emailed confirmation to Kevin at Robertsons.

Secretary:

• Winter Resilience. The secretary has contacted THC to see if the scheme will be extended to this year. Awaiting a response.
• Inverness Area Community Council Forum. Now reformed and concerns expressed at an Inverness City Centric attitude. Now addressed by Cllr David Fraser. We will look at Agendas and attempt to send a representative when appropriate.
• National Park Proposal – Attadale to Glen Affric. Broadly welcomed but competition will be strong from other areas. Unlikely to succeed.

Treasurer:

• Balance stands at £3,485.50. John Stewart to be removed from bank mandate and John Graham to replace him= approved

Planning: Nothing to report other than that already discussed.

ANOB:

• MH raised the possibility of paths and access in the area around Wester Balblair. He will contact Stuart Eastaugh (about funding)  and Lovat for their feedback and will present maps at a future meeting.

Meeting Closed: at 21.55hrs (9.55pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 2^nd November 2023 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm

Signed:

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 7^th September 2023 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm.

Present: Steve Byford(Chair), John Stewart(Vice Chair),  Duncan Fraser(Treasurer), Mary Graham, Graham Mackay, Mark Hedderwick, John Graham(Secretary) Cllr David Fraser, Cllr Emma Knox.

Apologies: Cllr. Chris Balance.

Guests: Andrew Stewart, Roy Templeton

Meeting Commenced at 20.00hrs (8.00pm)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Minutes of Meeting 20^th August 2023: Proposed: Steve Byford, Seconded: Graham Mackay.

Police Report: No report.

Matters Arising:                         

• Community Council elections: System of election was explained and reference on how to attain voter registration number was clarified. We should know before te next meeting whether we will need to go to a vote.
• Lovat estates application for a battery storage facility in the Wester Balblair Quarry site was discussed in detail. Concerns expressed were noise and whether any additional noise would trigger the noise abatement order based on cumulative impact from the Transmission hub. This to be discussed with the planning officer as the limit on the Transmission hub was only just attained. Other concerns were fire risk so close to the SVC. The forthcoming public meeting at the old bank of Scotland building on the 14^th September 2023. The Chair asked that all attend.
• SSEN – There was some concerns expressed that both at Fanellan and at Wester Balblair out of hours working had resulted in disturbance to residents. MH had identified plant being used at Wester Balblair on Sunday 27^th August despite an agreement that no out of hours work would take place. This compliant with normal conditions. JG to write to Sally Cooper and express our disappointment.
• Speed cameras: The faulty camera has been returned to the manufacturers and replaced. Working fine now so fingers crossed.
• Fairburn Wind Farm Extension Public Exhibition: The event will be held at Kilmorack Hall and it is important that as many as possible attend. JG to make sure FB is updated to encourage a full turnout. It was explained that 14 turbines of 200m to tip height with occulting red beacons to the highest fixed point were planned. It was further noted that VPs were based on the earlier extension application which was closer to Beauly/Fairburn and of a more moderate size. The only one to the south was the Great Glen Way and that identified a moderate visual impact. To be further discussed at the next meeting. Date of meeting at Kilmorack is Wednesday 13^th 2pm to 7.00pm We noted that we have been noted as a future recipient of Community Benefit should the wind farm be approved.
• Beauly Community Council – Formation of Community Trust. The Chair had been approached about this a while back asking if we were interested in joining. He asked for further detail but since has heard nothing. With potential Community Benefit from Fairburn Wind farm Extension and the 400Kv OHL We need to ensure that Kilmorack is at the front of the queue and not suborned behind Beauly.     
• Land Reform Bill: Advised to us is a new private members Land Reform Bill which would limit land ownership to 500ha unless able to demonstrate Community benefit.
• Drains and Ditches: Graham Mackay stated that some improvements had been made and he was keeping a watching brief on it. 

Chairman:

• CLG: The Chair reported that the meeting had proved something of a marathon with Bill Fraser taking exception to previous minutes and his comment therein. The Chair – supported by Cllr David Fraser who chaired the CLG elucidated on the discussions and the relationship with SSEN.
• Strathpeffer Forum letter: The Chair had been notified of a Zoom meeting from Ron Macauly of Strathpeffer CC. It was felt, on the whole, that our interests were best served through the CLG which represents all local Community Councils.

Vice Chairman: Nothing to report

Secretary: Nothing to report.

Treasurer:

• Balance stands at £3,485.50.

Planning: Nothing to report other than that already discusses.

ANOB:

• Cllr. Ken Gowan has written regarding ScotGov call for a new National Park in Scotland by 2026. We are aware of plan for an Affric to Attadale National Park but details are sketchy at the moment.

Meeting Closed: at 21.45hrs (9.45pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 5^th October 2023 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm

Signed: