Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 2nd October 2025 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.30pm.
Meeting Commenced at 19.44hrs (7.44pm)
Apologies: Roy Templeton, Graham Mackay. Iain Stewart
Present: Andy Fraser, Mary Graham, Mark Hedderwick, John Graham(secretary), Cllr Emma Knox
Minutes of Meeting 4th September 2025: Proposed: Mary Graham, Seconded: Andy Fraser
Police Report: New PC covering Beauly Area Johnjo Gibb
Matters Arising:
Fanellan – Notes were circulated from Cllr David Fraser confirming that Transport Planning confirmed their long standing opposition to routing traffic through Kiltarlity. Ongoing.
Ballach Wind Farm. Extension for objections to 17th November 2025. Ian KellyMRPTI is drafting an objection. MOD, on their stakeholder response, noted this is a low flying zone..
Spittal Loch Buidhe OHL has been split into three areas with KCC objecting to Strathpeffer to Beauly. This will be presented to THC and ECU shortly.
Planning application for a Glamping Pod at Morven was discussed and a decision to object on behalf of the local inhabitants, safety at the Altyre A831 corner, and conflict with Local Planning.
Housing needs and demand assessment survey was discussed but all felt it was not really relevant to us.
Speeding and horses on Ruilick/Ruisaurie roads has been passed to THC by Cllr Emma Knox with a response to be advised ASAP..
Chairman’s Business:
Belladrum has a Charity fund of £20k available. Possibly the Teanassie Swimming bus.
Path to quarry, No action yet. Need to contact Lovat Estate Office.
Beauly (and Kilmorack) Trust AGM 17th November
Secretary: – Meeting of Save Loch Ness to take place on the 3rd October. Too little time but we do support them.
Planning – as discussed.
Treasurer: – In the absence of the Treasurer, the Secretary reported. Current balance £3804.39
Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 4th September 2025 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.30pm.
Meeting Commenced at 19.45hrs (7.45pm)
Apologies: Roy Templeton, Graham Mackay
Present: Andy Fraser, Mary Graham, Mark Hedderwick, Iain Stewart, John Graham(secretary) Cllr David Fraser, Cllr Emma Knox (local residents – Eugenie Vronskaya, Robbie Short)
Minutes of Meeting 5th June 2025: Proposed: Mary Graham, Seconded: Mark Hedderwick
Police Report: Report Circulated. New PC covering Beauly Area Johnjo Gibb
Matters Arising:
Fanellan – No update from SSEN but concerns expressed by residents of ongoing preparatory which does not need approval.
Ballach Wind Farm has lodged an application with The Energy Consents Unit with a closing date of the 15th September. KCC has applied for and got an extension to the 15th October. It was noted tha tthere have been more than 300 objections to date. We have an externally funded objection prepared by Ian Kelly which will be lodged with the ECU before the closing date. The identity of funders/Supporters was made available to the Community Councillors and included Aigas Field Centre, Sir John Lister Kaye, Aigas Golf Club and holiday homes, Eagle Brae which together represents the lion’s share of local businesses in the area.
Black Bridge – An interesting discussion took place questioning the methodology and the relationship with The Highland Council. Concerns as to the timescale and technical issues remain. Further information from SSEN is awaited.
Aigas Dam replacement substation and Kilmorack Dam replacement substation have both been approved albeit with sixteen pages of conditions which must be met before commencement. Also the creation of a Community based CLG which will have the power to halt development if any condition is not met.
Andy Fraser reported on Cllr Helen Crawford’s Highland Energy Convention where a number of MSPs MPs and Councillors also attended. Very well attended by Community Councils and residents from all parts of the Highlands with standing room only. Some of the MSPs were not exactly on message and got a pretty rough ride from the delegates.
Beauly and Kimorack Trust. AF explained where we are and we need attendance at the next meeting. Trustees representing Kilmorack do not need to be Community Councillors and Robbie Short expressed an interesting attending. Iain Stewart and Andy Fraser may also attend.
Balblair Quarry meeting – Andy Fraser and John Stewart attended and a discussion on the speed signs for the Altyre approach to Balblair was foremost.
Speeding and horses on Ruilick/Ruisaurie roads were discussed. An ongoing problem which perhaps education might help. It was suggested that perhaps signage for beware horses may be appropriate and Cllr DF will look into that.
Cllr DF noted that the Loch Kemp (East Loch Ness)proposal had been objected to be THC, so there will be a Public Enquiry.
Chairman’s Business – Litter picking around Wester Balblair Sub station by SSEN has improved. SSEN rejected the Chairman’s proposal that they pay KCC to carry out litter picking.
Secretary: – No Report
Planning – No new applications
Treasurer: – In the absence of the Treasurer, the Secretary reported. Current balance £3804.39
Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 5th June 2025 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 8pm.
Meeting Commenced at 20.03hrs (8.03pm)
Apologies: Cllr. David Fraser, Cllr Emma Knox, Cllr. Helen Crawford, Iain Stewart
Present: Andy Fraser, Mary Graham, Mark Hedderwick, Graham Mackay, Roy Templeton, John Graham(secretary) (local resident – Robbie Short)
Minutes of Meeting 8thMay 2025: Proposed: Andy Fraser, Seconded: Graham Mackay
Police Report: No report
Matters Arising:
Mark Hedderwick report on developments with SSEN regarding Aigas Community Forest and also the preparation work over Farley Hill. Subsequent meetings are planned but work in progress right now. To alleviate the heavy traffic one option is to open up a borrow bit to the North East of the forest to reduce the level of HGVs by 2000 movements along the Cannich Road. Their estimate, not ours!
Cllr Helen Craword has arranged a Convention on the Impact of Major Energy Structure in the Highland Council Area to take place on Saturday 14th June at the Phipps Hall, Beauly, 2.00 to 4.00pm. AF and MH hope to attend.
Fanellan Update – AF reported on an open meeting with Beauly CC at Phipps Hall with SSEN and Beauly Council. The view was clear that BCC should object to Fanellen and the Field Beauly BESS scheme.
Balloch Wind Farm Met Masts. It was unanimously agreed that KCC should object to the two masts proposed by Energiekontour. Those that attended the EnergieKontour Consultation in the afternoon were far from impressed with the quality of mapping and the attitude of the staff. Members are free to lodge their opinions and we will address this in detail when a planning application comes forward. Note due to the size this will be an Energy Consents Unit application thereby bypassing local democracy. It is of note that the size has been reduced to twenty turbines but of 200 to 230m to tip size. No one doubts that an extension application would be the next move should the scheme get approval. The inclusion of a BESS system where access for fire services was virtually impossible raised concerns.
Verges – No further report and as Emma has not been well progress has slowed. AF will chase The Highland Council.
Lovat Bridge to Beauly path and Wester Balblair path. MH reported but we await developments. BCC have been talking about this again so AF will point out our primacy on this area.
Kilmorack Cemetery upgrade is progressing.
Highland Energy Training for Community Councils – Roy Templeton attended online and found it very useful.
Croyard Road Sinkhole – GM has had a response from THC and the hole is now well marked.
Chairman’s Business – Most business already addressed but 23rd June meeting on Social Values. AF raised the question as to whether KCC should request SSEN to present to the Community as they had done at Kiltarlity and Beauly and the Consensus was to request this.
Secretary:
12th June HVDC Information event at Phipps Hall – 3 – 6.30pm
Report received regarding Wild Swimming by large group of people in the Gorge at Aigas.
Digital Phone switchover now slated for prior to January 2027.
Invitation to Community councillors to a meeting regarding the new Beauly School as a POD(Point of Delivery) on Tuesday 10th June 3-6pm
Of note BT are offering Fibre supplies to even remotely located premises FOC by 2027.
Grants. We have been promised the Altyre/Toll management Grant by this week but are still awaiting. Likewise the Operational Grant is still awaited.
Planning – No new applications
Treasurer: – Grass cutting on the Toll at £126. As we had some funds from last year that was cleared. Balance stands at £1862.90.
ANOB:
Due to the fatal accident at Brockies Corner it was felt that pressure should be brought to bear on THC about visibility improvements at this accident blackspot. Kiltarlity should be approached as it is in their area but we will support.
GM referred to a pre-determination meeting of the Kilmorack substation application with THC on the 18th June.
Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 8th May 2025 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.30pm.
Meeting Commenced at 19.37hrs(7.37pm)
Apologies: Roy Templeton, Chris Balance, Helen Crawford
Present: Andy Fraser, Mary Graham, Mark Hedderwick, Graham Mackay, Iain Stewart, John Graham(secretary) Cllr Emma Knox, Cllr David Fraser
Minutes of Meeting 3rd April 2025: Proposed: Mary Graham, Seconded: Andy Fraser
Police Report: Written report circulated and noted that the only reference to Beauly was speeding checks. It was mentioned that the occasional visit from a Policeman might have benefits from our knowledge of what is going on in the area.
Matters Arising:
Aigas Community Forest is having issues with SSEN stalling on the BNG due to the perceived negative publicity on the access front. Ongoing meetings with SSEN are to take place on Tuesday with options to be considered. The consensus of opinion is a voluntary arrangement in the ACF’s control would be the best option. The suggestion of a one way system supporting all 23 towers is off the cards at the moment. Mark Hedderwick addressed the issue of present work on assessment of land for the towers. A detailed discussion took place. There was concern expressed that the access road to the towers was to be left in situ for maintenance unlike Beauly Denny and would be left as a scar across Farley Hills for all time.
Fanellan now it is in planning has become even more contentions with some 2500 letters of objection. There was a meeting with the Beauly Business Group at the Phips Hall in Beauly which raised a number of issues. Best left to Beauly to sort. KCC has lodged an objection but awaits the planning application for Black Bridge replacement before we call a public meeting. Should SSE choose an alternative route bypassing Kiltarlity Village and Black Bridge it would nullify any adverse comments. We are keeping our powder dry for that one. It should not be forgot that the issues we have in Kilmorack are very much cumulative but should Black Bridge become the main access to Fanellan the situation would become almost intolerable.
Verges – Since the contractor went into liquidation we await some news from highland Council and/or Highland Broadband. No change but Emma and Andy to chase it up with THC..
CLG. Graham Mackay has volunteered to sit on that.
Wester Balblair Substation – Andry Fraser drew the CCs attention to the level of litter blowing around there. They tell us they have a system for clearing it up but the system is obviously not working. AF suggested an arrangement where SSE paid us £1000 pa to keep the area tidy and will contact SSEN.
Lovat Bridge to Railway Bridge path widening. This exploded rather from a comment made by the representative of Beauly Community Council at the Phipps Hall meeting suggesting that she had contacted SSEN with a view to that path. JG reminded all that the area from the Rail Bridge to the Toll was in Kilmorack Community Council area and was a subject that quite regularly had been addressed. With the increased traffic it was felt time to re-look at the options. The consensus view was that Planning should make that a condition should the planning application for Fanellan be approved. It was further considered that a route beside the river taking all pedestrians away from the main road would be preferable. This is an option discussed in the past but lack of funding was the issue then Mark Hedderwick and Iain Stewart to work up options for a cycle track/walking route from Lovat Bridge to Beauly and also the previously discussed walking route from Black Bridge to the Balblair.
Chairman’s Business – No business not already addressed
Secretary – Chasing Toll/Altryre Management grant and annual operations grant.
Planning – No new applications
Treasurer: – No transactions this month. Balance stands at £1988.90.
ANOB: There has been some work on the Cemetery paths with weed killer but improvements still expected. Emma Knox to chase.
Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 3rd 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 5th 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 8th 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.
Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 6th 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 5th 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 3rd April 2025 AGM at Kilmorack Community Hall at 7.30pm. General meeting thereafter.
Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 6th 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 5th 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 7th 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 20th 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 6th 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 6th March 2025 at Kilmorack Community Hall at 7.30pm
Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 5th December 2024 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.41pm.
Apologies: No apologies
Present: Andy Fraser, Iain Stewart, Graham Mackay, Mark Hedderwick, Mary Graham, John Graham(secretary) Cllr Emma Knox, Cllr David Fraser, Steve and Viv Byford, John Stewart, Roy Templeton.
A special presentation. Andy Fraser welcomed Steve, Viv Byford and John Stewart to the meeting and a suitably engraved Quaich and Whisky Tumbler were presented to thank Steve for the seventeen years of service to the Community Council. John Stewart, who joined the CC with Steve then presented Steve with a fifteen year old bottle of Ord Whisky to represent the fifteen years as Chairman. Finally the Community Councillors and Emma had contributed to a chainsaw carving of Steve’s dog Archie who passed away recently. Steve expressed his gratitude to the Community Council. To complete the celebration a glass of wine and a slice of cake were enjoyed.
Minutes of Meeting 7th November 2024: Proposed: Graham Mackay, Seconded: Andy Fraser
Police Report: No report.
Co-option of new Councillor: Since the loss of two Community Councillors it had been agreed at the previous meeting to co-opt Roy Templeton as a Community Councillor. This had been publicised on our web site and notified on our Agenda for this meeting in compliance with 6.3 of The Scheme for Establishment of Community Councils in Highland. Proposed by Mark Hedderwick and seconded by Graham Mackay. Passed unanimously.
Matters Arising:
Black Bridge replacement – There were some concerns about the operation of lights on the bridge which had not been approved by THC. – Ongoing.
Kilmorack Dam Substation out of hours working and connection to Wester Balblair. We have received some communication from Sally Cooper but little reference to out of hours working and more interest in resurrecting the CLG. Andy is in communication regarding this.
400KV overhead line – Energy Consents Infrastructure supplication leaves some questions as the updated route seems to have reverted to the original plans – Ongoing.
Roads damage and repair (including Highland Broadband). The repairs are awaited and damage is getting worse. The assumption is that THC will address this when work is completed as otherwise ongoing usage will just damage any repairs. There have been issues with the plough and gritter but hardly unexpected. – Ongoing.
Lovat BESS have lodged their planning application for the quarry. Notable was the detailed and lengthy comment by Scottish Fire and Rescue.
Chairman’s Business
Graham Mackay and Andy Fraser attended the Beauly Trust AGM and discussion regarding incorporating KCC was addressed. The area of the trust presently is the Beauly Primary School catchment area and not the Beauly CC area and that would include some of Kilmorack. AF proposed that KCC would take part in the Trust and this was agreed in principle.
Andy Fraser, Mary Graham and the Secretary attended the Kilmorack Hall AGM. Some advice on funding was given as well as the support of the KCC to the Hall. The Secretary updated them on use of the Defib which had been accessed three times this year although only used once. It was confirmed that KCC would continue to maintain and monitor it.
Secretary
RBS – Still struggling to get the mandate and address for contact changed but we are getting there.
The ACF Board agreed to supply some recently felled elm which will be milled and matured and then constructed into a bench in memory of Duncan Fraser.
Planning – No new applications excepting Lovat BESS.
Treasurer:
Graham Mackay made his first report as treasurer. Balance stands at £2090.80
ANOB:
Just received is the proposal to extend 20mph Highland Wide. Information has been circulated and this mostly refers to Unclassified roads and villages.
The Chairman wished everyone a Happy Christmas.
Meeting Closed: at 20.52hrs (8.52pm)
Next Meeting: Thursday 6th February 2025 at Kilmorack Community Hall at 7.30pm
Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 7th November 2024 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.38pm.
The Chairman reported on the sad passing of our Treasurer Duncan Fraser and asked for suggestions for a suitable memorial. Possibly a bench by the river as he enjoyed fishing. A two minute silence was observed.
Apologies:
Present: Andy Fraser, Iain Stewart, Graham Mackay, Mark Hedderwick, Mary Graham, John Graham(secretary) Cllr Emma Knox, Cllr David Fraser
Minutes of Meeting 3rd October 2024: Proposed: Mark Hedderwick, Seconded: Graham Mackay
Police Report: No report.
Matters Arising:
Black Bridge replacement – Agreement reached not to close bridge during assessment work which has now started. Concerns were expressed by local residents that access had been agreed by landowners without reference to tenants.
Kilmorack Dam Substation out of hours working and connection to Wester Balblair. Despite emails from the Chairman and the Secretary, Sally Cooper has yet to clarify the situation. Sally is presently on holiday so we will chase on her return.
400KV OHL Scoping. Scoping documents have been lodged but there was much discussion about the detail which leaves a lot to be desired. Cllr David Fraser clarified the situation with scoping and Councillors were asked to put together relevant concerns on environmental issues such as access, noise, silt, private water supplies etc which will be addressed to the planning dept.
Roads damage and repair (Highland Broadband). The repairs are awaited and damage is getting worse. All present to provide details of issues for consolidation into one list. The Chairman will pursue the matter with the relevant THC staff.
SSE Hydro Community Fund. The Secretary has made an application to cover transport to swimming lessons for Teanassie School for the next three years. Response expected in February.
Ballach Wind Farm – Scoping has been launched and there is much concern regarding the project. Funding for raising an objection is scarce but best retained for an actual planning application. Cllr Fraser remarked at the excessive number of applications presently in train for the area.
Highland Cross Presentation Evening. Iain Stewart has agreed to attend as our representative.
Cemeteries – Thanks to Cllr Emma Knox for the re-introduction of rubbish bins at the local cemeteries. Emma will also speak to Cemeteries on the condition of the paths which have become overgrown and dangerously slippery.
MH asked about the trees that were discussed at the previous meeting. We have been in touch with Community Services (Roads) and an assessment was being organised The result of that is presently unknown.
Chairman’s Business
Highland Broadband undergrounding of cables had been discussed along with verges and the situation is ongoing.
Crowd Funding – Kiltarlity CC was starting a crowd funding appeal to fund opposition to Fanellan. A brief discussion ensued about whether we might use the same method to fund our objections to the assault on the area from the renewables industry. It was felt counter productive to promote two funding streams at the same time.
Beauly Trust – Consideration had been given to amalgamating Beauly and Kilmorack but nothing further transpired. The Chairman will see where we are on that.
Secretary
Due to the use of the Defibrillator recently we have had to replace the pads. At £168 a pair a not inconsiderable cost. After discussion with Emma and David, a WDF application was made and agreed. We also requested funding for a set of paediatric pads at £132 and these were also agreed. Payment is now in our bank, the replacement pads installed and available and the paediatric pads will be here by the beginning of next week.
Roy Templeton has agreed to be put forward as a co-opted community Councillor.
Planning – No applications not notified although the full scoping report had been circulated.
Treasurer:
With the passing of our treasurer and the retirement of our Chairman we now need to address the signatories on the bank account. It was proposed that Andy Fraser be added to the mandate as the second signature. Proposed by Iain Stewart, seconded by Mark Hedderwick.
The position of Treasurer was discussed and Graham Mackay agreed to take on the position. This was unanimously agreed. The Treasurer will be added to the Banking Mandate in line with usual practice.
ANOB: None
Meeting Closed: at 21.08hrs (9.08pm)
Next Meeting: Thursday 5th December 2024 at Kilmorack Community Hall at 7.30pm
Minutes of Meeting held on Wednesday 3rd October 2024 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.37pm.
Apologies: Duncan Fraser, Cllr David Fraser, Cllr Chris Ballance
Present: Andy Fraser, Iain Stewart, Graham Mackay, Mark Hedderwick, Mary Graham, John Graham(secretary) Cllr Emma Knox
Minutes of Meeting 3rd September 2024: Proposed: Mark Hedderwick, Seconded: Graham Mackay
Police Report: Written Community report received and circulated 6th September 2024. Comment was made of the Police Scotland Flyers for foreign visitors which should be more available in such as petrol stations and other accommodation. Cllr Knox to look into this.
Matters Arising:
Black Bridge replacement – Further information is awaited from Highland Council on this.
Kilmorack Dam Substation out of hours working on connection to Wester Balblair. The Secretary will chase Sally Cooper for an update.
400KV OHL More information is awaited but MH reported on access discussions to the line via Aigas Forest.
Roads damage and repair. MH and GM reported that no repairs have been done and concerns remain. .
400KV OHL. Information is scarce at the moment but concerns have been raised on some of their access plans. Ongoing
Scottish Hydro Community Fund. The Secretary reported that Teanassie School had asked about further funding for swimming lesson transport. However Ward Discretionary cannot be used for recurring expenditure. The Secretary had suggested that the Hydro Fund may very well fit the bill but the school expressed concerns that funding from SSE may not be politically acceptable to many parents. It was considered that an application from the Community Council could bypass those concerns. Approved.
Ballach Wind Farm initial approach – Concerns were expressed but early days yet so a watching brief for now.
Tree Danger . Previously brought to the Community Council’s attention, GM had identified two sites by what3words and the Secretary will pass them on to John Taylor.
Chairman’s Business
There was a discussion about co-opting an extra Councillor to replace Steve Byford and keep numbers up. For now the CC will see how things proceed with absentees.
Duncan Fraser has an ongoing illness issue and is unable to attend meetings. Due to the summer break he has only missed three meetings so well within the six allowable absences. However the Secretary pointed out that he was still looking after Treasurer’s business and there for is still active. It was agreed that is a reasonable absence and accepted by the Community Council members. Proposed Andy Fraser and seconded by Iain Stewart
CLG – Discussion in under way to bring this back shortly
Caulternich/A831 Junction’ The Chair had received representation that this turning is dangerous and needs some consideration. Sight lines need improving and consideration should be made in widening the road at that point. A restricted speed limit at that intersection was suggested. Concerns was expressed at the 55 cars exiting the Kilmorack Substation development one way system at going home time. The Secretary to raise the possibility of interim measures with John Taylor.
Secretary
The Secretary asked for agreement for presentation items for Steve Byford on his retirement. These were approved and the Secretary to proceed to order them.
Due to Steve long service it had been suggested that something more would be fitting. After some research John Stewart, after discussion with Steve’s wife and daughter, considered a chainsaw carving of his dog who has recently passed away would be appreciated. The Secretary asked if this was appropriate from CC funds or if we could raise the cash via contributions. This was agreed with all Community Councillors offering to contribute.
The Provost has invited the Chair and one other to a Remembrance Day Parade in Inverness but as this conflicts with our own service at Wester Balblair that would prove difficult.
Planning – No applications
Treasurer:
Monthly report was submitted with the balance at £2280.80.
It was brought to the CC attention that this years the Altyre and toll cutting exceeded the grant by £93.91 although we were carrying forward a surplus from the last two years of £307.30 so still in funds. Fuel costs have risen but weather increased the frequency of maintenance.
CC At the Inverness Forum it was suggested that Discretionary Funding could be applied for.
ANOB: Community Council Review 2024/25 has been circulated. The Chair felt that the option for all Councillor to individually respond would be preferable than one response. All agreed.
Meeting Closed: at 21.24hrs (9.24pm)
Next Meeting: Thursday 7th November 2024 at Kilmorack Community Hall at 7.30pm
Kilmorack Community Council 