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About Dougal Quixote

Slightly mad. Always believes a cup is half full so continues to tilt at Wind Turbines and the politicians that seem to believe it is their god given right to ruin Scotland for a pot of fool's gold.

Minutes of Meeting 2nd February 2017

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 2nd  February 2017 at the ‘The Kirk, Wester Balblair’ at 7.45pm

Present:   Steve Byford (Chair), John Stewart (Vice-Chair), Mary Graham(Secretary), John Graham, Duncan Fraser(Treasurer), Cllr. Jean Davis,

Apologies: Mark Hedderwick.

Also Present: PC MacDonald

Meeting commenced:  7.45pm

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 1st  December 2016  were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by Steve Byford, seconded by Duncan Fraser – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: No Incidents in Kilmorack. There have been some thefts in Beauly and Kirkhill.

Matters arising:

  • NOISE Issues, Wester Balblair Transmission Hub. SB reported on the Community Liaison meeting of the installation of LEM sensors to three reactors presently and three more to follow. Consideration of movement of the SVC or even replacement. Comments as to the noise over the Christmas period when the unit was at full power. SSE are not aware of whether depleted mode can be maintained after March dependant on National Grid Operational Assessments.
  • CEMETERY Notice Board in need of repair. SB to speak to joiner.
  • LOUISA FRASER Seat – JS reported that he had been advised that it needs cleaning and the area around clearing. SB to check.
  • YOUR WARD, Your Cash. Send details to hall committee and ACF.

Chairman’s Report:

  • Nothing to report.

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

  • Munro Memorial seats – John Murray had reduced the invoice price to compensate for the stone he has taken. Cheque agreed for two seats £1454
  • Murphy’s cabins – JS had been in contact with Rob Young. The Cabins are now in the Borders but Murphy will let us know in two weeks what is happening.
  • JS Reported from the Breedon Quarry CLG. Breedon Quarry have submitted planning application for increased extraction to 150,000 tons. Equal to one extra lorry per day. In mitigation they plan to curb the road down to the Toll and resurface the junction. Discussions are progressing between SSE and Breedon about continuing and connecting the Path by the quarry

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

  • Letter from Kate Forbes MSP requesting support against Brexit. The Council considered this a political question outside our remit and the Chair suggestion councillors could respond individually if they wished.

Finance:

  • Balance stands at £1516.97

Planning Matters:

  • No applications 

AOCB:

  • No report

Next meeting: Thursday 2nd March 2017 at 7.45pm At Ffordes Photographic(the Kirk)                                                                                                                             

Meeting Closed: 9.22pm                                                                                                                

Signed:

 SB-Small

 Steve Byford            

 

Minutes of Meeting, 1st December 2016

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 1st December 2016 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.45pm

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

Apologies: Provost Cllr. Helen Carmichael.

Residents: David Beaton

Meeting commenced:  7.46pm

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 3rd November 2016  were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by Duncan Fraser, seconded by John Stewart – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: No report. JG mentioned one case of Graffiti in the Braes. Reported to Police by home owner.

Matters arising:

  • Kilmorack Hall bus stop – Following the response by THC and after a report by MH on the logistics, JG to respond to THC regarding the kerbing issue and to respond to the Church of Scotland. KCC to arrange aggregate and labour.
  • Rural Inverness Communities Conference. Cllr. Dr. Jean Davis reported. A forum for Communities to meet and exchange ideas.

Planning:

  • 8 Ruisarie – David Beaton answered Councillors queries on his planning application. No objections had been raised and the KCC were supportive of his application. – Mr. Beaton then left.
  • River Beauly Lodge, Groam – no objections raised
  • Druim Ba – Notification of pre-examination meeting on 14th Dec, Glenurquart High 2.00pm. Cnoc an Eas pre-examination meeting at 10.00am JG to attend.

Chairman’s Report:

  • Nothing to report. Email Neil Anderson(SSE) to include DF and MH in correspondence.

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

  • Toll Path Seats Update – John Murray says recent weather causing issues. JS to contact.
  • Murphy’s cabins – JS had no reply to phone or email for Thomas Lohan. MG to contact Neil Anderson for alternative contact details..

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

  • Highland Cross Presentation evening. MG and JG attended and enjoyed an inspiring evening.

Finance:

  • Secretary’s remuneration. MG and JG felt it should be reduced as less expenses for postage and printing due to email. Treasurer proposed £400. All agreed.
  • Balance stands at £3408.87

Planning Matters:

  • See above

AOCB:

  • 4G phone signal – JS reported some residents of Wester Balblair had lost a portion of Freeview TV channels in particular BBC. JG mentioned this was referred to by BBC a year ago. The wavebands are now close and the weaker signal will be lost. Beauly residents reported access to 4G in the area. Awaiting more information.
  • Margaret Davidson informed the meeting that James, Miriam and Catriona Campbell were to receive the Freedom of Beauly and the Glens on 10th December at the Phipps Hall at 2.30pm in recognition of all they have done for the Community. SB to attend.
  • MH reported a stone was protruding from the Dyke down from Farley House towards Beauly. JG asked for a photo and OS reference and then he will contact THC Community Services(Roads).

 

Next meeting: Thursday 2nd February 2017 at 7.45pm At Ffordes Photographic(the Kirk)

                                                                                                                              

Meeting Closed: 8.56pm                                                                                                                

 

Signed:

 SB-Small

 Steve Byford            

 

Minutes of Meeting 3rd November 2016

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 3rd November 2016 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.45pm

Present:   Steve Byford (Chair), John Stewart (Vice-Chair), Mary Graham(Secretary), John Graham, Duncan Fraser(Treasurer),  Cllr. Jean Davis

Present:

Apologies: Provost Cllr. Helen Carmichael, Cllr. Margaret Davidson, Cllr Hamish Wood.

Meeting commenced:  7.50pm

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 6th October 2016  were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by Duncan Fraser, seconded by John Stewart – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: No report.

Matters arising:

  • Kilmorack Hall bus stop – JG had now received a written response from the Church of Scotland who were happy to receive a full proposal and were minded to support same. JG has been in contact with DE Coaches who expressed support and confirmed that they have had concerns for some time. JG to contact John Taylor at Community Services to discuss  the matter. SB/JS to speak to Breedon Quarries re aggregate.
  • Winter Resilience – MG asked if there were any changes to volunteers. – None. JG to contact John Taylor to confirm gritting schedule.
  • Toll Path Steps: As there is already a path bypassing the steps for those with sight impairment no further action was deemed necessary after consultation with THC. Path markings wear in a short time and become unsightly and need refurbishment. Path clearance to the east had been done but overhanging branches still an issue. JG to contact Community Services with photos.
  • Aigas Community Forest Wood Processor. JG reported on the forthcoming purchase of the wood processor and training. Volunteers were sought for up to 62 hrs per year for which they will receive a yearly allowance of wood. 5% of the logs produced will be available to the KCC for local pensioners etc. at no cost.

Chairman’s Report:

  • CLG Meeting Oct 19th 2016 – Noise issues: SSE setting up new task force looking at the whole network (including noise). Will look at all options in parallel ie: building a new SVC in a building(2 years design and build)
  • HVDC convertor station: The possibility of moving away from Wester Balblair and underground the AC line into the transmission hub was discussed.

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

  • Toll Path Seats Update – All materials sourced. JS to contact John Murray for a progress report.
  • Cemetery and War memorials: Jeff Fridge(Parks and Cemeteries) follow up – War Memorial to be checked by the 11th November
  • Murphy’s cabins – Ask for definitive availability and check if cost of delivery will be now an issue as they are now at Blackhillock.

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

  • Planning Aid Scotland – Training not deemed necessary
  • Rural Inverness Communities Conference 8th November – JG and MG to attend
  • MG has received an invitation to the Highland Cross Charity Gift presentation.

Finance:

  • Balance stands at £3407.01

Planning Matters:

  • SSSE Wester Balblair landscaping. JG to comment on visual aspect of new access roads and MSCDNs

AOCB:

  • Altyre verge cutting ongoing
  • JG reported Red Squirrel Rope Bridges over A831 between Aigas Dam and Crask of Aigas have been completed. Large Squirrel dray in forest but squirrels have been crossing the road to hazel nuts by the river. This is creating a hazard to motorists.  The ropeway should help to prevent that.

Next meeting: Thursday 1st December 2016 at 7.45pm

Meeting Closed: 9.18pm                                                                                                                

 Signed:

 SB-Small

 

 Steve Byford            

 

Minutes of the Meeting 6th October 2016

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 6th October 2016 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.45pm

Present:   Steve Byford (Chair), John Stewart (Vice-Chair), Mary Graham(Secretary), John Graham, Duncan Fraser(Treasurer),  Cllr. Jean Davis

Present:  PC Maclean

Apologies:  Cllr Davidson.

Meeting commenced:  7.50pm

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 1st September 2016  were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by Steven Byford,, seconded by John Graham – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report:

  • There were no incidents in the Kilmorack area. Warning that as the nights get dark care should be taken on the roads. Keep a look out for suspicious events ie around vehicles and out buildings. JG reported a possible poaching incident near Aigas Field Centre.

Matters arising:

  • CLG meeting at Lovat Arms. Problems with noise continue with no obvious solution in sight. Earth links had been renewed which they hoped would be a solution but problem as bad as before. Again SSE stated this had to be solved. The project manager, David Hearn, for the Western Isles HVDC line was introduced and brought us up to date with progress. Confirmed that funding had not yet been approved. They stated that if the noise issue cannot be solved the HVDC cannot progress. Final item on the agenda was the landscaping for Wester Balblair. The issue was raised about whether this would be given to a local landscape contractor. The response was that they would have to tender for it alongside all others. (SB requested that full independent noise monitoring be done before any HVDC convertor station is built.)
  • Noise update: SB and JS reported that noise is nearly as bad as before now SVC running at 100%. JS had had a meeting with Dave Allan, acting Head of Engineering, and others from SSE and GE at his house on the 27th A windy day but the noise was still audible. The engineers confirmed it was very loud by the SVC. GE has promised to pull out all the stops to resolve the noise issues as their reputation was on the line. However they admitted that it may take time.
  • Toll Path Steps: Request received for step edges to be marked for the visually impaired. JG had contacted John Taylor. Regrettably THC did not provide this for steps in Inverness and no funds are available. The question was raised that perhaps SSE could provide this prior to handover. Path maintenance was also raised and John Taylor is going to speak with the contractors.
  • Kilmorack Hall Bus drop off. JG has spoken to the Church of Scotland who say they have a verbal agreement but need to get this in writing. They are chasing to resolve this.
  • Participatory Budget – Cllr Jean Davis advised what was required of the Community Councils.
  • Red Squirrel Signage and Ropeway Crossing: Red squirrels are crossing the Cannich road in search of hazelnuts between Aigas Dam and Crask of Aigas. Concerns have been expressed by local residents. Aigas Field Centre has offered to take this in hand. KCC voted £150 donation towards the costs. Proposed JG, seconded SB – all agreed

Chairman’s Report:

  • SB to reply to Cllr. Davidson regarding her offer to try and arrange a meeting with the CEO of SSE. SB questioned whether the HVDC building could be sited further away with just the AC line, undergrounded, coming into Wester Balblair.

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

  • Toll Path Seats Update – John Murray had started clearing the site. Transport of concrete to be addressed.
  • Cemetery Walls: JS has spoken to Jeff Fridge(THC) – ongoing
  • War Memorial: Jeff Fridge had asked if any further work was needed at the memorial. The slippery surface of the slab stones was mentioned and JS will see if they could pressure wash them.
  • Wester Balblair landscaping: Advice had been received that the planting was suitable for the area but continued regular maintenance will be needed.

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

  • Rural Inverness Communities Conference 8th November
  • 2017 meeting dates: The Hall was not available for Thursdays but we could have Fridays. This was not deemed suitable. However the Hall is planning an extension in the near future which will include a meeting room. In the interim SB offered the Kirk (ffordes Photographic) for our Thursday meetings. This was accepted with gratitude.

Finance:

  • Payment to Men’s Shed for the final wreath holder which DF had installed. Balance £3407.01

Planning Matters:  No reports

AOCB:

  • Notification of removal of payphones at both Wester Balbalir and the Crask of Aigas . Whilst it had been known for some time that they were available to adopt, no enthusiasm had been shown from the Crask. There is presently the opportunity to make views known to THC.

 

Next meeting: Thursday 3rd November 2016 at 7.45pm

Meeting Closed: 9.38pm                                                                                                                

 Signed:

 High436

 Steve Byford            

 

Minutes of Meeting 1st September 2016

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 1st September 2016 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.45pm

Present:   Steve Byford (Chair), Mary Graham(Secretary), John Graham, Duncan Fraser, Mark Hedderwick, Cllr. Jean Davis

Present: Shane MacLennan, PC Maclean, PC MacDonald

Apologies: John Stewart, Cllr Davidson.

Meeting commenced:  7.48pm

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 2nd Junel 2016  were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by Steven Byford,, seconded by Duncan Fraser – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report:

  • There were no incidents in the Kilmorack area.

Matters arising:

Planning for Contractor’s yard and retrospective planning for new access at Lower Leanassie. Shane Maclennan addressed the residents concerns surrounding his application.

  • How many vehicles?
  • 8 vans and 8 plant. 10 – 12 plant visits per year (est)
  • Will all loading be done on site.?
  • Yes. Improvements to bell mouth and tarmac apron will facilitate low loaders to access site where all loading will take place.
  • Type of building?
  • Now considering a more conventional shed with concrete floor.
  • Provision for containment of hydraulic oil/fuel spillage?
  • Tanks will be bunded to 110%, straw mats for water courses and oil sump in floor of building. JC commented that this was not shown on plans.
  • Further works?
  • SM replied approx 3 weeks, using ‘pecker’(hydraulic hammer) for some of that time, would be needed to complete site.SM assured SB that this would be done with consideration for residents. SB asked for hours to be set and no working after 6.30pm with no Sundays or Bank Holidays. (subsequent to the meeting we were advised that contractor’s working hours now come under the Environmental Health Dept and are 08.00 to 19.00hrs Monday to Friday, 08.00 to 13.00hrs on Saturday and no working on Sunday or Bank Holidays)
  • Visual –what impact on area?
  • Only one neighbour could see N. end of access road. Further work on west side of A831 entrance to improve visibility. Landscaping would be done on completion.
  • SM left at 8.35pm.

Chairman’s Business:

  • Mark Hedderwick was now the KCC representative on the Aigas Community Forest Board.
  • Wester Balblair Noise update: JG and DF attended July CLG. The cause of the noise has now been identified but why and how remains a mystery. Engineers are further testing and are progressing work on the earthing cables which seems to be the source of the problem. SVC to be run at full power until October due to maintenance at Peterhead, Foyers and Huntertson. (National Grid diktat) MSCDNs not commissioned yet and awaiting an outage. SB stated that the Community had suffered for 5 years and the noise was now as bad as ever. Mitigations are not working. SB considered a letter to David Gardner requesting definition of future timescale is called for.

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

 

In the Vice Chair’s absence, SB presented his written comments

  • SVC noise levels very loud over the last few days.
  • Murphy cabins – KCC will be contacted when they are available.
  • Bench Seats – John Murray to start 3rd week in September

 

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:   

  • Letter of thanks for the Community Support from the Highland Cross.
  • Letter regarding the Druim Ba PLI. KCC request to attend had been sent.

Finance:

  • Treasurer reported the The Highland Council annual grant had been received.

Planning Matters:

  • 16/03327/FUL Contractor’s Yard Lower Leanassie and retrospective planning for access to A831. Following representation from residents and presentation by Shane MacLennan it was decided that comments should be addressed to the planner re road safety and stopping loading of diggers on the road, To clarify the hours of working as the EHO standards that supercede planning conditions and to address the community’s concerns re contamination and pollution potential of the water courses and the Beauly River.
  • Cnoc an Eas Wind Farm: further details to ES received. It was considered that no further comments to those already presented are necessary.

AOCB:  Verge cutting. Cllr Davis informed the Community Council that a second tractor had been contracted.. 

Next meeting: Thursday 6th October 2016 at 7.45pm

Meeting Closed: 9.25pm                                                                                                                

 Signed:

 SB-Small

 Steve Byford            

Minutes of Meeting 2nd June 2016

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 2nd June 2016 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.45pm

Present:   Steve Byford (Chair) John Stewart (Vice-Chair), Mary Graham(Secretary), John Graham, Duncan Fraser, Cllr. Jean Davis

Guests:

Apologies: The Police

Meeting commenced:  7.58pm

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 12th May April 2016  were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by John Graham, seconded by Steve Byford – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report:

  • In the absence of a Police Officer MG read the report. This included details of the air rifle amnesty and the requirement to apply for a licence before the end of December. Residents holding a firearms/shotgun licence have until their next renewal to obtain a licence, which would then be contiguous, but in the absence of one it will not be possible to buy any further air weapons. JG reported that the Police were collating a register of available Defibrillators..

Matters arising: None

Chairman’s Business:

  • The Chair reported on the latest CLG meeting. Email NA re error of dates on Resident’s letter

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

  • JS has had some larch planks donated for the seat. JS and SB to meet the stone mason to discuss the bench

 Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:   

  • Order Wreath for War Memorial. All agreed.

Finance:

  • No expenditure this month. Balanced stands at £2652.36

Planning Matters:  No applications this month

AOCB:  None.

 Next meeting: Thursday 1st September 2016 at 7.45pm

Meeting Closed: 9.00pm    

 Signed:

SB-Small

Steve Byford            

 

Minutes of Meeting 7th April 2016

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 7th April 2016 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 8.00pm

Present:   John Stewart (Vice-Chair) Duncan Fraser(Treasurer),  Mary Graham(Secretary), John Graham, Provost Cllr. Helen Carmichael, Cllr. Margaret Davidson, Cllr. Dr. Jean Davis

Guests:

Apologies: Steve Byford, Police Scotland

Meeting commenced:  8.00pm. – John Stewart in the Chair.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 3rd March 2015 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by John Graham, seconded by Duncan Fraser – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: MG read the Police Scotland Report

Matters arising:

  1. The Highland Council Annual Grant – Contrary to expectations there will be a small increase
  2. SSE – Noise Monitoring – JS reported that the noise was as bad as ever whilst the SVC was running at 100%. Sgurr had re-instated the monitoring equipment which showed high noise levels.
  3. SSE Western Isles Convertor Station. – modified plans are with THC prior to full planning application.
  4. JS met with Chris O’Donnell of Murphy who offered the Community 5(4) redundant site offices presently at Muir of Ord. Options would be explored.
  5. Parking on lowered pavement was still a problem with one car permanently parked with flat tyres. A solution would be investigated.
  6. Kilmorack Gallery Bus Shelter – JG to discuss with Fettes the appropriate treatment..

Chairman’s Business: None

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

  • SSE – rationalisation of the overhead lines is progressing with the Nairn line planned for removal starting 8th May and the Shin line shortly thereafter. Affected residents will be notified.
  • JS reported that the next SSE liaison meeting will be on 20th April 2016 at the Lovat Arms..
  • Bus drop off at Kilmorack Hall – JG had identified that the land belongs to the Church of Scotland. DF confirmed it was in fact Glebe land. JG will pursue the possibilities with CofS

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:  

  • Policing questionnaire had been completed and returned.

Finance: As per AGM

Planning Matters:  No applications this month

AOCB:  None.

 Next meeting: Thursday 12th May 2016 at 7.45pm

Meeting Closed: 9.10pm    

 Signed:

                                                               Steve Byford            

Minutes of Meeting, 3rd March 2016

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 3rd March 2016 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.45pm

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

Guests:

Apologies: Provost Cllr. Helen Carmichael, Cllr. Margaret Davidson

Meeting commenced:  7.52pm.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 4th February 2015 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by Duncan Fraser, seconded by Steve Byford – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: No report

Matters arising:

  1. Budget Cuts – JG raised the issue of the large cuts to the Ward Discretionary Fund (£760k) and whilst understanding the necessary stringencies at this time. The Council expressed concerns that the funding will be re-instated when finances are less constrained. Cllr. Davies reminded the Council that cuts would be also coming from the Grant. As the Council have no information on that yet they felt they could not address that until they have full details.
  2. Bus Stop – Ongoing. JS to to speak to Lovat Estates at next liaison meeting.
  3. Druim Ba appeal to SG launched.
  4. Cnoc an Eas Windfarm Supplementary documents received. JG reported that although detailed there was limited relevance to Kilmorack beyond what has already been addressed. However we should note that Force 9 have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Soirbheas as to the Community Benefit. JG has written to the Planner pointing out that Kilmorack CC is not party to this agreement despite being listed by THC as a local Community. A further concern was the confidentiality clause within that memorandum.

Chairman’s Business: None

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

  • JS reported that the SSE liaison meeting had been postponed until the 17th March 2016.
  • The conductors on the redundant line to be removed.
  • Sgurr have re-instated monitoring equipment.

 

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:  

  • SSE update on Loch Buidhe line – Being put on hold until such time as need is shown.
  • River Connections Art Survey – Concern was expressed to the safety of the tilting pier, the cost and visual intrusion to the River Ness. The other suggestions were discussed and met mixed reactions.
  • AGM – 7th April 2016.

Finance:

  • Balance £1651.56

Planning Matters:  No applications this month

 

AOCB:  .

  • It was noted that sight lines around the Braes had been improved.

 Next meeting:   7th April 2016. AGM at 7.45pm and meeting at 8.00pm at the Kilmorack Hall.

 Meeting Closed: 9.15pm    

 Signed:

 John Stewart

pp Steve Byford            

Minutes of Meeting, 3rd February 2016

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 4th February 2016 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.30pm

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

Guests: PC Billy MacDonald, PC Scott Maclean

Apologies: Cllr. Margaret Davidson, Cllr. Hamish Wood

Meeting commenced:  7.36pm.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 3rd December 2015 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by John Stewart, seconded by Duncan Fraser – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: Only item of note was a fire in a wheelie bin at Torgormack. PCs MacDonald and Maclean were thanked for attending and then left.

Matters arising:

  1. ABO – Allt Carach wind farm – letter received confirming that the proposal was not being processed due to the lack of wind. The mast will be removed early in the new year.
  2. New access road on to the A831. A number of local residents had raised the issue of safety at this point and THF Planning confirmed that no planning application had been received. JG read out a letter from the Planning Officer confirming that the roadway failed to comply with the Roads standards and the landowner had been instructed to stop work until the situation could be ratified. This is now in the hands of the Planning Authority.
  3. JG attended a meeting of Community Broadband Scotland on behalf of the Aigas Community Forest. A more regional approach including the Aird and south of Loch Ness has been suggested which would place this back in the Community Council’s court.

Chairman’s Business: SB will be unable to attend the next CLG meeting with SSE.

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

  • JS reported on two complaints of dog fouling on the Altyre path and Beauly Toll bypass. JS has posted a polite notice on the WB notice board.
  • Parking in the bus drop off at Wester Balblair causing the Charleston School bus to stop in the road with cars overtaking at speed. A reminder to Mr. Cormack to keep this area clear at school drop off times was agreed.

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:  

  • Letter of thanks received for delivery of firewood.
  • Change of meeting start time to 7.45pm requested by the Hall – agreed.

Finance:

  • Balance £1759.51

Planning Matters:  No applications this mont

AOCB:  .

  • KCC asked if possible to make a flat area adjacent to the dropping off point for the returning school bus to disembark pupils at the Kilmorack Turn. SB/JS to speak to Lovat Estate and Breedon Quarry.

 Next meeting:   3rd March 2016 at 7.45pm at the Kilmorack Hall.

 Meeting Closed: 8.58pm    

 Signed:

SB-Small                         

 Steve Byford            

Inaugural Meeting of the 2015 KCC

Minutes of the Inaugural Meeting held on Thursday 3rd  December 2015 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.30pm

Present:  Cllr. Dr. Jean Davies, Steve Byford, John Stewart, Duncan Fraser, Mary Graham, John Graham, Mark Hedderwick,

Apologies: Cllr. Margaret Davidson, Cllr. Helen Carmichael

Meeting commenced:  7.35pm.

The meeting

  • Call for nominations for appointment of Chairperson.

John Graham proposed Steve Byford for the Chair and Mark Hedderwick seconded. Passed unanimously.

Cllr. Dr. Jean Davies handed over to the new Chairman Steve Byford.

  • Appointment of Officers.

Vice Chair – John Stewart – Proposed by John Graham, seconded  by Mary Graham – Agreed

Secretary – Mary Graham – Proposed by Duncan Fraser, seconded by John Stewart – Agreed

Treasurer – Duncan Fraser – proposed by John Graham, seconded by Steve Byford – Agreed

 

Steve Byford closed the inaugural meeting of the new 2015 Kilmorack Community Council and expressed his thanks to Cllr. Dr. Jean Davies.