Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 10^th February 2022 by Zoom starting at 8.00pm.

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

Apologies: Mark Hedderwick

Guests: None

Meeting Commenced at 20.03hrs (8.03pm)

Minutes of Previous Meeting Wednesday 3^rd November 2021 – Proposed SB, Seconded JS. Passed.

Police Scotland: No access to Zoom yet but forward any concerns. No report.

Matters Arising:

• Ditches and Drains – Ongoing but drain by WB needs jetting. Cllr David Fraser to speak with John Taylor.
• SSE Resilience – Communication regarding storms was good and the network proved reasonably resilient in Kilmorack. There were people out in Breakachy for a few days. Internet was adversely affected though as were phone lines. With Tore out for several days internet access to the area broadband was compromised but not as badly as BT Broadband for many customers. However in the circumstances all services worked in difficult conditions to reconnect.
• There have been a number of trees across the A831 on the steep cliffs above Aigas Dam. THC has been clearing up the debris and attending to the drains. Some work is probably still necessary. There are still a number of large trees overhanging the road which are causing some concern.

Chairman’s Business:

• SSE Noise abatement: SB reported on a meeting with Cllr. David Fraser, Gregor and Zoe to consider the 143page report on the latest noise analysis. SB suggested the report was hard going but the executive summary easier to comprehend. Essentially the latest figures suggest the SSEN have reduced noise levels to an acceptable if borderline level. The noise is reduced but not to pre-2010 levels. It is of some concerns that projected upgrades may worsen the situation and THC may need to re-introduce the abatement order or even issue a stop notice. SSEN will continue to work with the Community on noise levels and nuisance. It is suggested that we write to environmental health and planning to ask that clear conditions be imposed on the forthcoming planning applications and any further ones going forward. Cllr MD stated that SSEN had achieved their targets but wondered how SSE would monitor the situation in the future. It is clear that although conditions have been achieved, they are still very much borderline. It is recommended that KCC write to Rob Macdonald, head of SSEN and note the outcome of the report and ask them for ongoing monitoring and also have a clear plan for more mitigation that is needed to improve further. Cllr DF had some concerns that offsetting demand may have been engineered to pass test. This need continuous testing in place reporting to KCC. The siting of replacement off dam transformers for Aigas and Kilmorack should be notified to the community by April. This is causing a significant level of stress to those in the immediate area where SSE Hydro have surveyed possible sites.
• The next CLG meeting will take place next Tuesday by Teams.

Vice Chairman: No other business

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

• Dates for next meetings were confirmed with the next two by Zoom. THC have confirmed face to face meetings are now acceptable with a choice for participants to wear masks. However the CC has decided to retain the status quo for the time being.

Treasurer:

• DF confirmed balance stands at £4213.31 but with two small cheques yet to be presented.

Planning Applications:

• Cllr MD to check on the progress regarding planning application for the Caulternich Battery Storage.
• No other applications of note not circulated to Community Councillors.

ANOB:

• Murray Hamilton wood yard – complaints received of seven day working. SB to contact Lovat.
• Lifespan of quarry still anticipated as 2025 although Lovat did suggest an extension may be favourably considered. Management of Breedon’s are still considering their options of a three year extension. JS to contact Kris Bremner for clarification and update on the current plans.
• Drainage Wester Balblair

Meeting Closed: at 20.59hrs (8.59pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 3^rd Marchst at 8.00pm (by Zoom)

Signed: Steve Byford

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 2^nd December 2021 by Zoom starting at 8.00pm.

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

Apologies:

Guests: None

Meeting Commenced at 20.03hrs (8.03pm)

Minutes of Previous Meeting Wednesday 3^rd November 2021 – Proposed DF, Seconded JS. Passed.

Police Scotland: No report.

Matters Arising:

• Ditches and Drains – Map of area indicating areas of concern now circulating to Cllr DF and Graham Mackay
• Altyre path upgrade. Many thanks to Mark Hedderwick for the improvements to the bottom of Altyre and thanks to Breedon for supplying the materials(30tons subbase and 10tons quarry dust). JS to email the CC’s official appreciation.
• SSEN objection now lodged with THC Planning. Pressure to be maintained in the interests of the Community.

Chairman’s Business:

• CLG report. Regarding the re-siting of infrastructure for Aigas and Kilmorack dams the Vice Chairman reported that he got the impression that the sites considered were not suitable. A proposal should be forthcoming in April. There will be a meeting regarding noise between THC and SSEN. It was suggested that KCC request a meeting with Directors at SSEN rather than the PR and junior engineers.
• Broadband Prospects: SB reported on the R100 option and expressed some frustration that few houses are entitled to the full grant which make the project financially challenging. A lot of the data is inaccurate and reliant on information given by interested parties. Nore Political pressure is needed.

Vice Chairman:

• Breedons – JS had a meeting with Kris Bremner. The trees around the Woodland Walk need thinning and Breedons will look at this. Also the condition of the road at the bellmouth needs resurfacing and will be done sometime. SSEN may be asked for a contribution. The last phase of extraction will require some trees to the Groam side to be felled. Whilst the original option for expansion was not on the cards, Lovat have more recently left the option open for discussion. There has been an expression of interest in a battery storage site and that has been referred to Lovat. Breedons asked if we have had any issues with dust and/or noise over the summer.  

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence: Nothing to report

Treasurer:

• DF confirmed balance stands at £4213.31

Planning Applications: Nothing to Report.

ANOB:

• MG raised the issue of Resilience following the damage of Storm Arwen in the each and the potential damage of Storm Barra within the next 48hours. Biggest issue is powercuts and communication.
• Remembrance Sunday – SB and JS likely to attend.

Meeting Closed: at 21.17hrs (9.17pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 3^rd February at 8.00pm (by Zoom)

Signed: Steve Byford

Minutes of Meeting held on Wednesday 3^rd November 2021 at The Kilmorack Community Hall at 7.30pm

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

Apologies: Graham Mackay, Cllr. Margaret Davidson, Cllr. Emma Knox

Guests: None

Meeting Commenced at 19.30hrs (7.30pm)

Minutes of Previous Meeting Thursday 7th October 2021 – Proposed DF, Seconded SB. Passed.

Police Scotland: No report.

Matters Arising:

• Ditches and Drains – No further action as yet.
• Aigas Community Forest felling is on hold pending clearance of felled timber to the mills. Traffic measures will continue as soon as they restart. New tractor has been delivered albeit a delay in registration from the DVLA has restricted use to off road/in forest for now.
• SSEN Upgrade – Promised documents never arrived. No internet connection at hall. Some confusion regarding planning advised by EK but not received from Planning and those advised by Sally Cooper (SSE) although one set of papers are on planning portal. SB and JS to study and consider response. One refers to provision for Hydro the other to provision for Lochluichart wind farm extension III. Deadline 12.11.21
• Winter resilience. Communication from THC has been circulated and any additional volunteers should be notified to Community Services for insurance cover.

Chairman’s Business:

• Bank of Scotland building parking restrictions by Lovat Estates. SB had received a response from Simon, Lord Lovat to explain the history of the parking area and that Lovat did own it and had spent £10k resurfacing it. It was felt a disappointment but is up to Beauly CC to address. It was accepted that Kilmorack residents were more likely to need parking than Beauly residents. Some improvements of Braeview Car Park with better lighting and CCTV might encourage more staff from the shops to park thereby freeing up space in the square.
• Broadband Prospects: SB enlightened the Council to the latest options for extending Broadband in the Braes. SB has researched the schemes and is pursuing options. He asked the Secretary to provide postcodes fro the area.

Vice Chairman:

• No action yet on the quarry entrance road condition,
• Noise Monitoring has been going on for the last two weeks. JS is still monitoring and logging noise issues.

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

• Kilmorack Hall will not be available until 8.15pm from this week due to a weekly yoga session. The Council felt that was too late a start and asked the Secretary to explore options including the Magnus Centre.
• The Ward Manager has asked us to consider registering the Defib on The Circuit. We already have done and the Secretary checks the unit each month end and registers it’s availability with The Circuit. He also advised that the other Defib at the Golf Club has been advised of the option.
• Kilmorack Community Hall AGM is on Sunday 7^th November at 7.30pm. The Chair asked for volunteers to attend. No volunteers. 

Treasurer:

• DF confirmed that the balance stood at £4213.31

Planning Applications: Planning for WB has been advised to the Council although official notification from Planning has not been received.

ANOB:

• Communication from SSEN to local residents regarding the new transformers for Aigas Dam have been received creating a great deal of concern. SSE to visit Monday 8^th to Wednesday 10^th November to survey the sites.
• Remembrance Sunday – SB and JS likely to attend.

Meeting closed at 21.30hrs (9.30pm)

Next meeting Thursday 2^nd December 2021 by Zoom

Signed:

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

Apologies: Cllr. David Fraser, Scott Maclean. Mark Hedderwick.

Meeting Commenced at 20.15hrs (8.15pm)

Minutes of Previous Meeting Thursday 4^th May 2021 – Proposed JS, Seconded SB. Passed.

Police Scotland: Nothing further to last month’s report.

Matters Arising:

• Black Bridge Update – no reported action.
• Visual Impact Assessment, Wester Balblair. Abel Linden appointed and visited. Awaiting response.
• Aigas felling update. Work starting on land Above Aigas Loch and then followed by main felling. Once dates for road closure are confirmed all will be informed.
• Planning Gain from expansion of Wester Balblair : Widen Altyre was one suggestion. \General discussion enused.

Chairman’s Business:

• CLG: Noise mitigation – More monitoring to take place shortly. Report suggested not as bad but still just audible. Loch Luichart expansion expected Aug 2025.

Vice Chairman:

• Kyle Fraser awaiting price for replacement post.
• Simon has been working on toll path.

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence: No report

Treasurer:

• No change in bank balances.

Planning Applications: None

Meeting closed at 9.02pm

Next meeting Thursday 2^nd September 2021

Signed:

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 4^th May 2021 by Zoom at 8.00pm

Present: Steve Byford(Chair), John Stewart(Vice Chair), Mary Graham, Mark Hedderwick, Cllr. Emma Knox, John Graham(Secretary) (Duncan Fraser and Cllr. Margaret Davidson initiated but failed to connect through Zoom)

Apologies: Cllr. David Fraser, Graham Mackay

Meeting Commenced at 20.05hrs (8.05pm)

Minutes of Previous Meeting Thursday 4^th March 2021 – Proposed SB, Seconded JS. Passed.

Police Scotland: Written report from PC Scott Maclean. One fixed penalty for inconsiderate/careless driving by Torgormack. No further incidents of note. Report from MH of a surveillance camera that has gone missing. Not known if Police informed.

Matters Arising:

• Lovat Estate/Memorial road side. Bollards now erected and timber cleared. Work now complete.
• Altyre – Some of the bollards are damaged or missing and there was some discussion about drainage and the possibility of widening. To be referred to John Taylor.
• Broken Fence Post by gate on quarry path. SB to look into it’s replacement.
• Visual impact assessment of proposed SSE Wester Balblair development. SB proposed that we get a landscape architect/artist to prepare a visual display of the proposed development. JG will investigate suitable consultants and SB to take this forward. Approved.
• Amenity provision for end of quarry life. Inner Moray Firth Development Plan. – EK
• Planning Gain from SSE Wester Balblair extension. A proposal to consider a path from Wester Balblair to Black Bridge, Traffic lights at quarry entrance. Also attention to Farlie  SSE sealing end tower run off and drainage. Ongoing.
• Amenity Guarantee for end of quarry life. Inner Moray Firth Development Plan. Contact with IMDP had proved difficult prior to cut off date. Cllr. EK to investigate options.
• Black Bridge gate. No contact as yet. MH to pursue with Stuart Eastaugh.
• Attention to Farlie SSE sealing end tower run off. MH to provide simple suggestion to present to SSE.
• Canoes and paddle boards in the Gorge and impact on schedule 1 birds. Sir John Lister-Kaye has been pursuing matters with NatureScot who have now approved signage and provided suitable wording. Signs have been designed and erected.  NatureScot, Police Scotland Wildlife Crimes Liaison, SSE and Sir John L-K (on behalf of the Community) are to meet soon with the commercial canoe operators to work to a solution.
• Ditches and drains remain a problem and it was proposed that a survey be conducted to identify the priority areas in the near future. Cllr. EK to contact Roads

Chairman’s Business: No business not already discussed

Vice Chairman:

• Dog Fouling Signs for  Loch nam Bonnach have been sourced by Graham Mackay and  received with some installed. Charlie from Farlie Estate(Hatfield Farms) has also installed signs by the Loch.  

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence: No report

Treasurer:

• Report received post meeting due DF not being able to connect through Zoom. SSE contribution to Quarry Path repairs now received. Balance at Bank £5080.64

Planning Applications: Only application current has been circulated.

ANOB:                                                                                                                              

• MH brought to the Council’s notice collapse of road edges reported to him by a resident. Council are already aware and have plans to repair.

Next Meeting: Thursday 3^rd June 2021

Meeting Closed at: 21.20hrs(9.20pm)

Signed

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 4^th May 2021 by Zoom at 8.00pm

Present: Steve Byford(Chair), John Stewart(Vice Chair), Mary Graham, Mark Hedderwick, Cllr. Emma Knox, John Graham(Secretary) (Duncan Fraser and Cllr. Margaret Davidson initiated but failed to connect through Zoom)

Apologies: Cllr. David Fraser, Graham Mackay

Meeting Commenced at 20.05hrs (8.05pm)

Minutes of Previous Meeting Thursday 4^th March 2021 – Proposed SB, Seconded JS. Passed.

Police Scotland: Written report from PC Scott Maclean. One fixed penalty for inconsiderate/careless driving by Torgormack. No further incidents of note. Report from MH of a surveillance camera that has gone missing. Not known if Police informed.

Matters Arising:

• Lovat Estate/Memorial road side. Bollards now erected and timber cleared. Work now complete.
• Altyre – Some of the bollards are damaged or missing and there was some discussion about drainage and the possibility of widening. To be referred to John Taylor.
• Broken Fence Post by gate on quarry path. SB to look into it’s replacement.
• Visual impact assessment of proposed SSE Wester Balblair development. SB proposed that we get a landscape architect/artist to prepare a visual display of the proposed development. JG will investigate suitable consultants and SB to take this forward. Approved.
• Amenity provision for end of quarry life. Inner Moray Firth Development Plan. – EK
• Planning Gain from SSE Wester Balblair extension. A proposal to consider a path from Wester Balblair to Black Bridge, Traffic lights at quarry entrance. Also attention to Farlie  SSE sealing end tower run off and drainage. Ongoing.
• Amenity Guarantee for end of quarry life. Inner Moray Firth Development Plan. Contact with IMDP had proved difficult prior to cut off date. Cllr. EK to investigate options.
• Black Bridge gate. No contact as yet. MH to pursue with Stuart Eastaugh.
• Attention to Farlie SSE sealing end tower run off. MH to provide simple suggestion to present to SSE.
• Canoes and paddle boards in the Gorge and impact on schedule 1 birds. Sir John Lister-Kaye has been pursuing matters with NatureScot who have now approved signage and provided suitable wording. Signs have been designed and erected.  NatureScot, Police Scotland Wildlife Crimes Liaison, SSE and Sir John L-K (on behalf of the Community) are to meet soon with the commercial canoe operators to work to a solution.
• Ditches and drains remain a problem and it was proposed that a survey be conducted to identify the priority areas in the near future. Cllr. EK to contact Roads

Chairman’s Business: No business not already discussed

Vice Chairman:

• Dog Fouling Signs for  Loch nam Bonnach have been sourced by Graham Mackay and  received with some installed. Charlie from Farlie Estate(Hatfield Farms) has also installed signs by the Loch.  

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence: No report

Treasurer:

• Report received post meeting due DF not being able to connect through Zoom. SSE contribution to Quarry Path repairs now received. Balance at Bank £5080.64

Planning Applications: Only application current has been circulated.

ANOB:                                                                                                                              

• MH brought to the Council’s notice collapse of road edges reported to him by a resident. Council are already aware and have plans to repair.

Next Meeting: Thursday 3^rd June 2021

Meeting Closed at: 21.20hrs(9.20pm)

Signed

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 8^th April 2021 by Zoom at 8.15pm

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

Apologies: Cllr. Helen Carmichael, Cllr. Emma Knox.

Meeting Commenced at 20.15hrs (8.15pm)

Minutes of Previous Meeting Thursday 4^th March 2021 – Proposed DF, Seconded MG. Passed.

Police Scotland: No report. However, Insp Mackinnon had been in touch with John Taylor after a complaint from a local resident had been addressed to MSP Kate Forbes regarding the logs placed to prevent cars parking on the grass. Insp Mackinnon had sent two police officers to the scene but did not feel the logs were an issue. John Taylor forwarded a copy of our letter to THC requesting an extension to the row of bollards and informed the Inspector that the extra bollards were to be erected shortly. They are now in place.

Matters Arising:

• Altyre Path improvement. MH confirmed that we were waiting on suitable weather to complete that work. Quarry Path removal and chipping of broom is now complete although one gate post has collapsed. Questions as to who maintains path and Simon Dakin offered to quote to maintain paths on the top where the path connects to the road. That is usually done by locals but JS to get Simon to provide a quote but we don’t have funding for that at this time.
• A short discussion on when to get Kevin in to cut the grass on Altyre. JG remarked that the forest getting a new tractor and flail means that they will be able to take on grass cutting at the pic-nic area on a more frequent basis starting mid June. The Chair expressed some relief on that since his efforts with his strimmer proved hard work.
• Gate at Black Bridge. No action yet but MH to contact Stewart Eastaugh to clarify if he will contact Lovat Estate. SB to contact Lovat re removal of logs now bollards are in place.
• Loch nam Bonnach. GM had arranged signs to be installed and liaised with Charlie, the stalker. We may need some more signs. Questions about the rubbish bin at the entrance and it’s possible removal.
• Ditches and Drains: Councillors asked to re-address this issue which was last investigated pre-lock down. Cllr. MD mentioned that funds for roads were becoming more available as was staff availability and we should not be backward in requesting improvements.

Chairman’s Business:

• SB welcomed Cllr David Fraser and allowed him a few minutes to introduce himself.
• Steve Byford gave a full and detailed briefing on the Virtual Meeting with SSE, attended by JS, MG, JG and Ian Shepherd(Lovat). Items of particular note were the large building to supplant the woodland coppice and the new security fence. May’s follow up meeting has now been deferred to mid-Summer whilst points raised can be explored. It was suggested that we make our demands clearly and push for some planning gain on local roads which will be damaged by the extra traffic and any other required facility (e.g. landscaping)

Vice Chairman:

• Water flooding issues at Farlie House where water is going on to the road from the sealing end tower compound. Contact Sally at SSE to suggest that they should address this.
• Ongoing issue with flooding in severe weather outside the quarry exit was also mentioned. JS to liaise with Kris Bremner and John Taylor to see if this could be addressed once and for all.

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence: No report

Treasurer:

• Duncan Fraser reported a balance of c. £3609.94 in the bank with the payment for the quarry path due which will be covered by SSE’s contribution.

Planning Applications:

• Current application for agricultural building for Robbie Short by his new house in Breakachy. No comments from any residents yet but it is fairly remote.

ANOB:

• MH brought to the Council’s notice funding for upland paths and post Covid tourism infrastructure support

Next Meeting: Thursday 6^th May 2021

Meeting Closed at: 21.15hrs(9.15pm)

Signed

Steven Byford

Chairman

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 4^th March 2021 by Zoom at 8.00pm

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

Apologies: Cllr. Helen Carmichael.  It was further noted that Anna McInnes had resigned from the Community Council on the 6^th October 2020 after moving out of the area.

Meeting Commenced at 20.00hrs (8.00pm)

Minutes of Previous Meeting 13^th February 2020 (Circulated 23/2/21): Proposed JS, Seconded GM. Passed.

Police Scotland: We have a new contact PC Rebecca Priestly. We are advised that there were no incidents in Kilmorack.

Matters Arising:

• Altyre Path improvement. Kris Bremner at Breedons has offered materials  to lift the area of the path prone to flooding and MH has agreed to make it good. MH to contact Breedons to arrange materials. There was discussion about widening part of path and SB and JS to meet MH on site to discuss. Quarry path has become very overgrown with broom which the snow has brought down. JS has spoken to Breedon and SSE regarding a contribution to this work. Both have agreed to fund the work. JS will liaise with Simon Dakin to get the work done as per his quote.
• Concern was expressed about the large boulder at the corner of the Lovat access road and also parking on the grass. Cllr MD to contact John Taylor to extend bollards. SB to to contact Ian Shepherd about removal of the boulder. There is also an issue of access at the Black Bridge with the way by the gate potentially unsafe for elderly pedestrians. MH has contacted Stewart Easthaugh who has offered a choice of gates FOC. SE to contact Ian Shepherd to see if Lovat Estates would be happy to fit them.
• Access track issues. A track up at Ruisaurie has been blocked by a resident who is concerned about the pandemic. This is causing issues particularly with horse riders with a potential danger that they or their horses may be injured by some of the iron obstructions on the path. MH has spoken with Stewart Easthaugh who feels that action should not be delayed too much. However the Covid situation on this instance complicates things and it was felt that to wait until we have some easing of restrictions may be preferable.
• Bus Services to the Braes. MH wished it to be noted that the new Stagecoach service over the Braes has proved successful with residents finding the service on time with a regular driver who was very pleasant and accommodating. MH felt credit should be given where due!
• An SSE meeting(virtual) in October to discuss the extension to Wester Balblair to support the Lochluichart Wind farm extension was basically a farce. At a more recent meeting three weeks ago information on a 400 KVA extension from Wester Balblair to Blackhillock and on to Peterhead gave cause for concern. SB to contact  Rob MacDonald, Head of Transmissions, to ask for clarity on their five, ten and even twenty year plans. Concerns as to fencing upgrades were discussed and Cllr. MD suggested the CC contacts David Mudie refarding visual impact of new high fencing topped with razor wire. Cllr. MD also advised the CC that the Western isles was back on the Agenda but concerns remain on where that will now be sited.
• SVC Upgrade. Another run of acoustic barriers have been installed and noise monitoring equipment has been put in place. However JS confirmed that the noise is still there.
• Breedon Virtual Meeting. SB attended a meeting with Kris Bremner with JS joining later after technical issues. Work will start on some restitution of the quarry in the next two weeks and will take three phases ending in 2026. SSE have applied for a Deed of Servitude to grant access to the outside of their site for maintenance purposes long term.
• Caulternich Battery Storage proposal. SB reported on a virtual consultation that recently took place. There was an issue that many close to the site had not received notification of the event. The blame for that was laid at the door of outside postal contractors. Information was sparse with a lack of clarity on whether it would be twenty five or fifty containers. Confirmation was given that they would be air conditioned. No agreement has yet been made with SSE to connect to Wester Balblair although they are in preliminary discussions. It was noted that the Community Council has received a large number of emails, letter and personal representations from concerned local residents. Although objections to planning are not accepted on site, the CC was advised that concerns should be expressed to David Mudie at an early stage rather than waiting for planning.
• Pandemic Response – Essentially behind the scenes the Community Council has been operating normally with planning, Community Resilience and roads all circulated to Community Councillor by email. Virtual Meetings with THC, SSE and Breedon attended by Officers and such work as required taken in hand. Some wood fuel has been delivered to those in isolation. Most residents in the area have proved pretty resilient with support from neighbours and family members. Where applicable many Community Councillors have kept in touch with locals by phone.
• AGM – As this Zoom meeting worked it was anticipated that the April AGM could go ahead encompassing both the relayed 2020 and 2021.

Chairman’s Business: Nothing extra

Vice Chairman: No report

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence: All correspondence previously circulated. Nothing current.

Treasurer: Duncan Fraser reported a balance of c. £4000 in the bank with a couple of payments due. One is our insurance at £75.

Planning Applications: All current applications circulated. No responses received.

ANOB:

• Request from Tomich residents to object to a met mast application in support of objections from Strathglass Community Council and Glenurquart Community Council. MH objected on the basis of potential Community Benefit from renewables that many get but we don’t. With the proposal outwith our area the conclusion was that we should not support the objection at this time.
• Graeme Mackay made the Community Council aware of a dog fouling issue at Loch nam  Bonnach. As this is on Hatfield Estates land there is limited action the Community Council can take. An approach to Hatfield Estates could be made. The Community Council can put up a sign and Cllr. MD suggested that the dog warden could make a couple of visits and advise owners of their duties. A perennial problem probably made worse by the pandemic and more people out walking.

Next Meeting: Thursday 8^th April 2021 – AGM and Meeting

Meeting Closed at: 21.30hrs

Signed

Steven Byford Chairman

Minutes of Inaugural Meeting held on Wednesday 18^th December 2019 at the ‘The Kirk, Wester Balblair’ at 7.30pm

Present:  Steve Byford, John Stewart, Mary Graham, Mark Hedderwick. Anna McInnes, Duncan Fraser, Graham Mackay, Charles Stephen (Ward Manager)

Meeting commenced: 19.35hrs

Charles Stephen (Ward Manager) took the Chair and welcomed all the newly elected Councillors. Advised Constitution should be signed and returned within two weeks.

• Call for nominations for Chair. Mary Graham proposed Steve Byford and Duncan Fraser seconded. All agreed.

Steve Byford takes the Chair.

• Nominations for Vice Chair: John Stewart. Proposed Steve Byford, seconded Mary Graham – approved
• Nominations for Secretary. Steve Byford proposed John Graham be appointed an associate to take on Secretary. Proposed (as associate) Steve Byford Seconded by John Stewart. – approved
• Nominations for Treasurer. Duncan Fraser: Proposed Steve Byford seconded Mary Graham. – approved

Date of next meeting 13^th February 2020

Meeting closed 1945hrs.

Signed

Steve Byford

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 7^th November 2019 at the ‘The Kirk, Wester Balblair’ at 7.30pm

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

Apologies: John Stewart (Vice-Chairman), Cllr. Emma Fox, Cllr. Helen Carmichael.

Guests: Anna McInnes. Steve Byford welcomed Anna and explained the procedure.

Meeting commenced: 19.35hrs

Minutes of the previous meeting Thursday 3^rd October 2019 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by John Graham, seconded by Steve Byford – Approved.

Police Scotland: No Officer available. MG read KCC area report. PC Karen Mackenzie sent her apologies later that evening.

Matters arising:

• Wildlife Infringement around Aigas. Reports had been received of drones being flown close to the osprey and peregrine nests and increased canoe activity on the river above Aigas Dam. Sir John Lister Kaye asked if KCC could provide a representative to a short life working group to include the Field Centre, Golf Club and Forest. KCC agreed in principal and DF suggested the River Watcher would be a good addition. DF to provide contact details.
• Loch nam Bonnach – Response from Stewart Eastaugh, THC Access Rights Officer, with advice for landowner. Area has been reasonably quiet recently so they may have gone elsewhere.
• Toll Bypass Maintenance – It was confirmed that Simon had started clearing the paths and will be putting in another day in early November.

Chairman’s Report:

• SB reported on the SSE CLG meeting. New management personnel introduced. SSE are still committed to noise reduction. SB to request meeting to discuss possible alternative siting of new convertor station. Secretary to email KS.

 Vice Chairman’s Report:

• No report

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

• Community Council Elections – Confirmation that we have two nominees so Council will go to election. Reminder of time table.
• Cancellation/postponement of December’s meeting. New meeting will be arranged by Ward Manager.
• Remembrance Day Service Sunday 10^th November at 3.00pm. In the absence of both the Chair and Vice-Chair JG to lay the wreath.
• Kilmorack Hall AGM Sunday 10^th November 2019, 7.30pm

Treasurer’s Report:

• First invoice has been paid for Toll Path Maintenance and the Bank balance now stands at £3265.70

Planning Matters:

• 19/04619/FUL – Teanaloig Cottage, Wester Balblair (SB stated a conflict of interest). Concern was expressed as to the suitability of the septic tank with an extension to four bedrooms and three bathrooms. KCC to comment to planning with a request to review this and also whether the distance to neighbour’s boundary is compliant to up to date standards.
• 19/04758/FUL – Aigas Field Centre. As this is outwith the Hinterland as defined by the Inner Moray Firth Development Plan and remote from the road no objections were raised.
• 19/04284/FUL – Ord Distillery water monitoring facilities at Loch nam Bonnah – No objections
• 19/03559/PIP – Land 90m SW of Tulach Ard, Ruisaurie for PIP for two houses in woodland area. Four complaints received by email and further oral comments from residents. Concerns expressed over septic tank outfalls additional to those already in the area as well as overdevelopment, impact on wildlife and woodlands as well as the effect on access road. KCC have applied for stakeholder status and will raise an objection on the basis of non-compliance with Hinterland Development and provision of Sustainable Drainage.

AOCB:

• Ditches on Braes need cleaning. DF to advise location

Next meeting: Meeting postponed due to CC elections. TBA

Meeting Closed: 9.09pm                                                                             

Signed:                                                        

Steve Byford, Chairman