Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 3^rd April 2025 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.46pm.

Apologies: Roy Templeton, Graham Mackay, Iain Stewart, Cllr David Fraser

Present: Andy Fraser, Mary Graham, Mark Hedderwick, John Graham(secretary) Cllr Emma Knox

Minutes of Meeting 5^th March 2024: Proposed: Mary Graham, Seconded: Mark Hedderwick

Police Report: No report.

Matters Arising:

• Aigas Community Forest Compulsory Wayleave. Ongoing meetings with SSEN are to take place with options to be considered. Pressure has been exerted on SSEN through various avenues although no conclusion is yet in sight..
• Verges – Since the contractor went into liquidation we await some news from highland Council and/or Highland Broadband.
• Caulternich – No updates yet from ECU.
• Fanellan is now in planning and concerns expressed at the level of transport envisaged. There will be a meeting at Kiltrality on the 8^th April.

Chairman’s Business

• The Chairman reported on progress with the local CLG membership(Kilmorack, Kiltarlity, Kirkhill and Strathglass).As Bill Fraser is standing down, it was agreed that the Chairman contact Graham Mackay.

Secretary –

• New meeting dates 2025-26 circulated and approved.

Planning – No new applications apart from Fanellan which is technically outwith our CC area.

Treasurer:

• No transactions this month. Balance stands at £1988.90. We are still chasing the Altyre/Toll grant.

ANOB:  

Meeting Closed: at 20.20hrs (8.20pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 8^rd May 2025   

Signed:

Andy Fraser, Chairman                                            

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 6^th March 2025 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.33pm.

Apologies:

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

Minutes of Meeting 5^th December 2024: Proposed: Iain Stewart, Seconded: Andy Fraser

Police Report: No report.

Matters Arising:

• Black Bridge replacement – SSEN have suggested a ten month closure to replace the bridge. Application will go in after Fanellen Application is launched. However THC have not approved it yet and there is some questions still to be answered. One questions to be put forward are access for Dog Walkers to the Groam and cyclists, school bus accesss and access to Belldrum Festival..
• Field Beauly BESS response. Albeit the proposal is not in KCC district the impact will be felt far and wide and potentially should a fire ensue the toxic cloud may well impact The Groam, Wester Balblair and the neighbouring countryside. This may have a disastrous impact on livestock. Also the proximity to the Beauly River may well result in contamination and destruction of salmon stock. Concern was expressed on the paucity of objections on the ECU site. It is felt that few understand how to raise objections to Energy Consents. Roy Templeton has produced an excellent objection on behalf of KCC, which was approved and has been lodged with the ECU.
• Ballach Wind Farm Consultation – Ongoing – the point was made to our Ward Councillors, referred to in the previous minutes, that the buffer zone that THC promoted previously should be paramount to any applications. Cumulative impact has gone beyond the acceptable.
• Lovat BESS. – This was discussed with our ward councillors who area somewhat frustrated at the Planning Committee where David Fraser’s amendment was unable to get a seconder. Also somewhat frustrating was the fact that fire was not a planning matter.
• 400KV OHL Presentation. Many of the Council attended the meetings and were somewhat frustrated at the lack of information at what was billed as the final meeting. Although a lot of information was available much was contradictory.
• Aigas Community Forest SSEN Access. ACF were shocked to read in the press that SSEN was going forward with an access wayleave compulsory order. At the second consultation it was stated that the plan was for a one way haul road over the whole of Farley, Breakachy and exiting through the forest. Very different from previous statements that they would service one tower with limited traffic. We now hear of 24HGV movements per day plus diggers, cranes etc and MH suggested that health and safety would close the forest road for the duration of building. That is 40 weeks minimum and possibly up to three years. With no access to the forest that effectively closes the forest to the Community and the volunteers. We have written to Kate Forbes MSP and have received a response which suggested that she could ask SSEN to plant some trees for us. That suggests little on no support from Holyrood. Did we expect any different?
• Verges – Highland Broadband – Little improvement but we are keeping in contact with THC to encourage restitution work at the end of the contract. THC Inspector to contact A Fraser.
• Caulternich is being appealed to Energy Consents. Our presentation to THC will be forwarded and we are in communication with Ian Kelly as to whether further action is necessary.
• Field Beauly is being presented direct to Energy Consents. As outwith our CC area we have not responded yet but we will look to address this.

Chairman’s Business

• There was a question about a meeting at Kiltarlity regarding Fanellan which conflicts with our next meeting but as this is our AGM we decided to continue as is. Chairman to notify Kiltarlity CC.

Secretary –

• Caulternich is being appealed to Energy Consents. Our presentation to THC has been forwarded by Ian Kelly. There was a general discussion on what more could be done but we are now at the mercy of the Reporter and Energy Consents Unit and the Minister. Recent approvals by the Minister overturning the recommendation of the Reporter to refuse concerns us.

Planning – No new applications.

Treasurer:

• Insurance paid and Domain registration paid this month. Balance stands at £1988.90. We are chasing the Altyre/Toll grant.

ANOB:  

Meeting Closed: at 21.12hrs (9.12pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 3^rd April 2025 AGM at Kilmorack Community Hall at 7.30pm. General meeting thereafter. 

Signed:

Andy Fraser, Chairman                                            

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 6^th February 2025 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.33pm.

Apologies:  Mary Graham, Mark Hedderwick, Cllr David Fraser

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

Minutes of Meeting 5^th Decemberr 2024: Proposed: Roy Templeton, Seconded: Graham Mackay

Police Report: No report.

Matters Arising:

• Black Bridge replacement – Notification that the drill be removed on Friday 7^th Feb. Information provided was complicated and we await further information.
• Ballach Wind Farm Consultation. All Councillors present attended and felt it the worst presentation they have ever seen. Lack of basic knowledge of Energiekontor staff was unbelievable. The Secretary asked that all completed and returned the Feedback Forms.
• Lovat BESS. All Community Councillors were frustrated that the application had been approved albeit with certain conditions regarding noise in particular. Our Councillors had made good representations but were out voted. This was not Highland Councils Planning Committees finest day.
• Caulternich is being appealed to Energy Consents. Our presentation to THC will be forwarded and we are in communication with Ian Kelly as to whether further action is necessary.
• Field Beauly is being presented direct to Energy Consents. As outwith our CC area we have not responded yet but we will look to address this.
•  400KV overhead line – Meeting tomorrow at Kiltarlity and next week at Phipps Hall to define the route. Aigas Community Forest has issues with access with SSE threatening a CPO if agreement cannot be reached. We will address this again after the Consultation events when we know a bit more.
• Roads damage and repair (including Highland Broadband). The repairs are still awaited and damage is getting worse. Noted that work at Lentran after completion by Highland Broadband was reasonable so all not yet lost. EK to contact THC to see what will be done and also address the problem of cutting blocking ditches after hedge trimming.

Chairman’s Business

• Feedback from local Community Councils meeting with Kate Forbes was hopeful and the Chairman felt that we were being listened to.
• Fennallen update. Meeting on the 20^th with Kiltarlity and Kilmorack 9.30am Phipps Hall. Chair will attend but other Community Councillors welcome.

Secretary

• The annual Altyre/Toll maintenance contract is up for payment on the 6^th April but since staff changes we are not sure who our contact is. EK to chase and clarify.
• Hydro Fund turned down application for Teanassie School for swimming lesson transport due to being below the minimum £10k grant limit. The Secretary is liaising with the school to see if we can increase the sum for the next tranche.
• Kilmorack Hall Committee has expressed there thanks for our involvement in procuring a Christmas Tree and have offered us free use of the Hall for the remainder of the year. JG to respond.  

Planning – No new applications.

Treasurer:

• No transactions this month. Balance stands at £2090.80

ANOB:  

• Question as to markings on Altyre. EK to look into that.
• The Chairman noted the coming meeting re Spittal Beauly OHL.
• Place Plan training session. Any volunteers.

Meeting Closed: at 21.11hrs (9.11pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 6^th March 2025 at Kilmorack Community Hall at 7.30pm 

Signed:

Andy Fraser, Chairman                                       

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