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

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

Apologies: Cllr. Emma Knox, Cllr. David Fraser, Cllr. Chris Balance, Cllr. Helen Crawford

Guests: Roy Templeton

Meeting Commenced at 19.45hrs (7.45pm)

Minutes of Meeting 2^nd February 2023: Proposed: Duncan Fraser, Seconded: John Stewart.

Police Report:

• No Report received
• Mention was made of the Bus incident by the Co-Op where two passengers were injured after an emergency stop. Also more recent concerns of someone trying doors in the early hours of the morning. Nothing like this in Kilmorack but be aware and lock doors.

Matters Arising:

• SSE Speed Cameras – Update – Contacted Sally but the project manager is on holiday.
• Braes bus re-instatement. The bus service will return on the 19^th April. Could Cllr David Fraser acquire a route map which might be circulated to attract more users.
• Road Repairs – Ongoing.
• Concern had been expressed on trees between Kilmorack Hall and the Glebe which are hanging over the road. After one recently fell the others may be at risk. KCC to get advice and then take whatever action is necessary either by communication with the landowner or The Highland Council.
• Community Council Elections will be in November 2023. Some of our Councillors may be considering not standing again and we need to address that. JS mentioned that he knew of one resident who may be willing to put himself forward. Situation with SSEN suggests some form of continuity would be the preferred situation.

Chairman:

• The Chairman referred to the recent CLG and following discussions with Bill Fraser expressed his annoyance that the preferred routes of the Spittal-Beauly 400KV line had not been presented to the CLG. Other information that Bill Fraser had gleaned from the web site clearly embarrassed SSE and has since been taken down. The Chair went on to say that we need a meeting with decision makers concerning the recent proposals. He also thought that a collaborative meeting between the effected Community Councils: Kiltarlity, Kirkhill, Kilmorack and Muir of Ord may be the next move. The CC agreed with the Chair that the Secretary should contact Sally Cooper and express that they were unhappy that information on the web site had not be given at the CLG, certainly no one was happy at the poor rendition on the maps showing lines into Wester Blablair (from Fennallen), Scale and rendition of preferred option for the substations at Fennallen were not adequate. There was a general unease at the proposals and a question why the major construction cold not have been further removed from the occupied areas of Kilmorack.

Vice Chairman:

• CLG meeting at Breedons was attended by Steve Byford, John Stewart and Duncan Fraser. Test bores are taking place to identify areas where the quarry could be extended. Some felling to the rear of the quarry is imminent and had been previously agreed. Re-instatement of native trees and sowing of wild flowers was in progress on the parts of the quarry identified for restitution. Drainage at the entrance and attention to an existing soakaway was in hand.

Secretary:

• Call for AGM for April. Accounts and Chair’s report to be provided.

Treasurer:

• Balance stands at £4067.84

Planning: No applications

ANOB:

• Report on Beavers had been circulated. Do we wish a meeting with Alan from Trees for Life. As report only received that morning this will be further considered before the April Meeting.
• Mark Hedderwick asked if Lovat could be contacted regarding the beech hedge by the war memorial which has expired.

Meeting Closed: at 21.15hrs (9.15pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 7^th April at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 8.00pm

Signed:

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

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

Apologies: Cllr. Emma Knox, Cllr. David Fraser, Cllr. Chris Balance, Graeme Mackay

Meeting Commenced at 19.30hrs (7.30pm)

Minutes of Meeting 1^st December 2022: Proposed: John Stewart, Seconded: Duncan Fraser.

Police Report:

• No Report received
• Cllr Emma Knox forwarded a report on the closures of the Kessock Bridge due to suicide attempts. A difficult area which various options are being considered. The Community Council voiced their support and understanding of the issues involved.

Matters Arising:

• SSE Speed Cameras – Update – Contacted Sally but awaiting a response.
• Braes bus cancellation. Although that route had been operated successfully it was missed out of the new contracts. This is one of many within the THC area and Cllr. Crawford was able to inform us that action to rectify the omission was in train. Hopefully there will be a satisfactory resolution shortly.
• Road Repairs – The maps have been provided and addressed by Community Services(Roads) No information on implementation yet but Alan Johnson is on pothole duty which may be a step in the right direction. The Secretary was pleased to say that the Breakachy road had recently received attention and was much improved.
• Following concerns about the visibility of youngsters and dog walkers on the road in limited visibility, action has been taken to procure reflective tabards and strobe lights for the children at Teanassie. Funding has been provided by THC Ward Discretionary Fund and we thank our Ward Councillors for their support. Community Councillors John Stewart and Mary Graham handed the safety equipment to the school. At the same time we became aware of a funding shortfall for swimming lessons due to the cost of transport which could result in the cancellation of this year’s program. Again with the help of the WDF and the support of our Ward Councillors a cheque for £900 is to be handed to the school to secure the program.
• Gritting – Concerns were raised on the delay of about three days to commence gritting on the Braes and the delay in gritting the main roads. These are irregular occurrences and when the schools are closed the priority of our routes diminishes. This causes great difficulty for staff working in the NHS and the elderly. Beauly was very badly affected by ice so this is not an isolated issue.
• Cannich Hall was disposing of tables and chairs and we were asked if anyone in the Community could use them. ACF availed of the opportunity and acquired twenty chairs.

Chairman’s Business:

• Nothing to report but CLG meeting next week.

Vice Chairman:

• SVC and noise issues playing up again at Wester Balblair. Noise intermittent.

Secretary:

• Advice of free webinar(Community Councils) had been forwarded

Treasurer:

• Balance stands at £3767.84

Planning: No applications

ANOB:

• New lights at School seem to be left on 24/7. MH questioned the cost of this.

Meeting Closed: at 21.05hrs (9.05pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 2nd March at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm

Signed:

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 1^st December 2022 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm.

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

Apologies: Cllr. Helen Crawford, Cllr. David Fraser, Cllr. Chris Balance, Mark Hedderwick

Meeting Commenced at 19.30hrs (7.30pm)

Minutes of Meeting 3^rd November 2022: Proposed: Duncan Fraser, Seconded: John Stewart.

Police Report:

• Nothing Adverse to Report
• Police plan to carry out winter safety checks and stop over the coming months.

Matters Arising:

• SSE Speed Cameras – Update – Process is under way to procure signs as soon as quotes with THC for installation are finalised. Action imminent. 40mph signs to extend the limit to the substation and to the junction are expected next week.
• Visit Inverness Loch Ness video presentation was run and discussed. Whilst the CC is not sure how it can benefit they are to keep a watching brief.
• Road Repairs – JS and DF identified and categorised the problem points using a What3Words matrix and THC have been advised. They have tasked one of their staff to address this and identify the points.
• Reduction in size of rubbish bins was clarified as a press over reaction albeit there are Government plans to increase recycling by 2025. THC have no immediate plans to reduce black/green bin sizes. Damaged bin at Teanassie have not yet been replaced. EK to chase.

Chairman’s Business:

• The Chairman demonstrated the What3Words app and suggested we should make the local residents more aware of it’s benefits. With postcodes so diverse in our area a method that identifies the area to within ten feet is of benefit to the emergency services. Add details to web site..
• Beaver Consultation – No response yet from Trees for Life but Government white paper is still awaited with interest. DF remarked of serious issues in Tayside with blocked field drains and flooded fields.

Vice Chairman:

• Toll road resurfacing now complete but water run off from the quarry still a concern. Secretary to write to SSEN thanking them for the work but pointing out the ongoing risk and asking if a drainage channel could be added in the quarry entrance.

Secretary:

• Dates of the next meetings up to April AGM were proposed and agreed.
• New Ward Manager, Martin Mackay, has taken up post and will also cover Ardersier and Petty and Culloden and Croy .
• Wear something bright at night – discussion re awareness campaign, school children and dog walkers.

Treasurer:

• Balance stands at £3857.84

Planning: No applications

ANOB:

• Chief Executive of THC, Donna Manson, has resigned and will be moving to a similar post in Devon. THC will be recruiting a successor.

Meeting Closed: at 21.01hrs (9.01pm)

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

Signed:

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 3^rd November 2022 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm.

Present: Steve Byford(Chair), Duncan Fraser(Treasurer), Mary Graham,  John Stewart(Vice-Chair), Graeme Mackay, John Graham(Secretary), Cllr. David Fraser, Cllr. Emma Knox, Cllr. Chris Balance.

Apologies: Cllr. Helen Crawford, Mark Hedderwick

Meeting Commenced at 19.32hrs (7.32pm)

Minutes of Meeting 22^nd  September 2022: Proposed: Steve Byford, Seconded: Graham Mackay

Matters Arising:

• SSE Speed Cameras – Update – This is in the hands of the project engineer and we have yet to receive clarification.
• Beauly Cluster Consultation – This was discussed in detail and the issues are re-siting of the Kilmorack Dam transformer and flood alleviation(SEPA) at Aigas Dam. Next consultation will be in January 2023.
• Road Repairs – Dry weather precluded identifying the main problem areas but with more rain they can be easier identified and we will map the priorities shortly .
• Our Future Highland Survey was discussed and a response formulated.

Chairman’s Business:

• CLG Liaison Meeting-  Much of this had been discussed under the Beauly Cluster but SB and Cllr David Fraser  reported on the other issues not least local employment and encouraging SSE to employ more local contractors. Other issues such as the new lines were also remarked on.

Vice Chairman:

• Path cutback and Altyre mowing completed for this year and just fractionally under budget.

Secretary:

• Beauly Cluster response and Beaver response sent- Report on Beaver Consultation delayed but in progress
• Kilmorack Community Hall AGM – 20^th November 2022, 7.00pm. Some mew Officers and new Chairman sought.

Treasurer:

• Balance stands at £3857.84

Planning:

• 22/04117/FUL Ornum House – Discussed and objection raised on over development and contrary to IMFLDP- Hinterland Development

ANOB:

Meeting Closed: at 21.10hrs (9.10pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 1^st December at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm

Signed:

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 22^nd September 2022 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm.

Present: Steve Byford(Chair), Duncan Fraser(Treasurer), Mary Graham,  John Stewart(Vice-Chair), Graeme Mackay, Mark Hedderwick, John Graham(Secretary)

Apologies: Cllr. David Fraser, Cllr. Emma Knox, Cllr. Helen Crawford

Meeting Commenced at 19.35hrs (7.35pm)

Minutes of Meeting 8^th September 2022: Proposed: Steve Byford, Seconded: Duncan Fraser

Matters Arising:

• SSE Speed Cameras – Update _ nothing heard, JG to chase
• Beauly Cluster Consultation – This was discussed and it was requested that a response be copied to Simon Hindson and David Mudie to advise them of our concerns prior to any planning application.
• Road repairs – no action yet.
• SGA Meeting – Secretary to advice Councillors of the time of the meeting

Chairman’s Business:

• CLG Liaison Meeting- Planning for upgrade for the 132kv upgrade has been passed. Loch Buidhe upgrade had been discussed.
• Beaver Presentation – SB to draft a letter expressing our concerns.
• R100 Internet provision – SB reported on the rather disappointing response to R100 in the area.

Vice Chairman:

• Path cutback completed at a cost of £400 and Altyre cutting has been completed.

Treasurer:

• Balance stands at £5275.84
• SB proposed a payment of £200 to the secretary.

Planning: Nothing to report

ANOB: No items

Meeting Closed: at 21.10hrs (9.10pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 3^rd November at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm

Signed:

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 8th September 2022 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at
7.30pm.

Present: Steve Byford(Chair), Duncan Fraser(Treasurer), Mary Graham, John Stewart(Vice-Chair),
Graeme Mackay, Mark Hedderwick, John Graham(Secretary)

Apologies: Cllr. David Fraser, Cllr. Chris Balance, Cllr. Emma Knox, Cllr. Helen Crawford
Guests: Bryony Beck, Visit Loch Ness Tourism

Meeting Commenced at 19.30hrs (7.30pm)
• SB asked for a minutes silence to mark the death of Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth who
passed away this afternoon.
• SB stated the meeting would be curtailed in deference to the sad news recently received
although urgent matters would be briefly dealt with.

Matters Arising:
• Bryony Beck of Visit Inverness Loch Ness Tourism was invited to present a short resume of
that organisation.
• It was reported that the Caulternich Battery Storage planning application had been refused
but that that decision could be appealed.
• Secretary asked approval for the acquisition of a Wreath for the British Legion service of
Commemoration. £30 was agreed.
• The part funding of a response to the scoping report from Ian Kelly to the Fairburn Extension was approved and it should be presented in the KCC name.
• 10th September World Suicide Prevention Day. With several attempts recently on the
Kessock Bridge the Chairman asked the secretary to publish the information to the Kilmorack Hall FB page.

Treasurer:
• DF confirmed that recent bills for Simon Dakin and the RBL had been paid but we were still
in funds. It was agreed that Simon Dakin should address the growth of gorse beside the
paths.

The meeting was then closed and further business was deferred to Thursday 22nd September 2022,
again at the Beauly Bowls Club.

Meeting Closed: at 19.52hrs (7.52pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 22nd September at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm

Signed:

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 9^th June 2022 by Zoom starting at 8.00pm.

Present: Steve Byford(Chair), Duncan Fraser(Treasurer), Mary Graham,  John Stewart(Vice-Chair), Graeme Mackay, Mark Hedderwick, John Graham(Secretary), Cllr Emma Knox, Cllr Helen Crawford, Cllr Chris Ballance.

Apologies: Cllr. David Fraser

Guests:

Meeting Commenced at 20.00hrs (8.00pm) SB welcomed our new Ward Councillors and introduced our Community Councillors to them.

Minutes of Previous Meeting Wednesday 3^rd May 2022 – Proposed DF, Seconded JS. Passed.

Police Scotland: Written report had been circulated in advance but the Secretary read out the salient points. SB referred to some recent cases of attempted fraud via Gumtree and asked that warnings be posted on the Hall FB page and the KCC web site as well as making the local Police aware.

Matters Arising:

• Ditches and Drains – SB spoke of the online reporting feature which was addressed later under Chairman’s Business but it was agreed that GM and SB would do a recce of the area and list the problems to THC.
• SSE has provisionally agreed to supply speed awareness cameras subject to the agreement from THC.
• ACF is pleased to confirm that the new composting loo, with disabled access, is now installed and operational. Road closure for felling by the A831 is pending but yet to be confirmed. Contractors are presently clearing windblow.
• Picnic area now cut with the new Forest tractor and verge mower. Originally purchased to clear the roads and paths in the forest but available to cut the grass in the car park which adjoins the forest. Machinery worked fine but operator needs a bit of practice!
• Beauly Cluster Consultation notified for the 22^nd June at Kilmorack Hall and virtually on the 28^th June.

Chairman’s Business:

• SB reported on the CLG and expressed some dissatisfaction on the way SSE chose four sites to comply with Ofgem of which obviously only one is their preferred option. This causes much stress to the local populace not helped by off-site mapping (Google flat earth) that takes no account of the topography and practical consideration of the other sites.  The minutes of the CLG meeting had only arrived that afternoon and had yet to be considered.
• SB had tried the online reporting of road issues and was awaiting to see how long it would take to address the corner up by Charlie Barclay. SB and GM to list the problem areas when SB returns from holiday.  

Vice Chairman:

• JS and DF attended then Wester Balblair(Breedons) Quarry CLG meeting with Chris Bremner which commenced with a tour of the quarry. Whilst the quarry is scheduled to close by 2026 there are ongoing discussions regarding an extension with test bores planned [these we are informed by MH have been cancelled without explanation at this time]. Any extension would need planning and it is likely that there would be strong objection from those living over the river. Phase one Regeneration is progressing well with phase two due to commence in twelve months. Dust damping is available this summer should conditions dictate. Breedon will consider support the speed awareness signs if required. SSE is presently addressing the bell mouth to the quarry prior to the sub station extension. JS again referred to the flooding and asked that this be considered with the bell mouth improvements.
• JS mentioned the difficulty contacting Simon Dakin for his latest invoice. He is working away and only back at weekends and his digs have no internet connection.
• JS informed the Community Council of a plaque of rats in Wester Balbair. THC Pest Control office have been informed. It was questioned whether someone keeping chickens and not properly securing the feed store may be the issue.  

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence: Nothing to report

Treasurer:

• DF confirmed the balance stood at £3917.71 but we are still awaiting two outstanding invoices.

Planning Applications: None

ANOB:

• MH mentioned that some sightlines were compromised and needed attention. Some of the younger drivers are not driving with consideration to the roads. Cllr Emma Knox to contact John Taylor. It was noted that last year they were addressed quite early. There has been an explosion of growth over the last few weeks.

Meeting Closed: at 21.10hrs (9.10pm) SB thanked our new Councillors for attending.

Next Meeting: Thursday 8^th September (Time and location to be confirmed)

Signed:

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 3^rd May 2022 by Zoom starting at 8.00pm.

Present: Steve Byford(Chair), Duncan Fraser(Treasurer), Mary Graham,  John Stewart(Vice-Chair), John Graham(Secretary), Cllr Emma Knox

Apologies: Graeme MacKay, Mark Hedderwick,Cllr. David Fraser

Guests:

Meeting Commenced at 20.00hrs (8.00pm)

Minutes of Previous Meeting Wednesday 7^th April 2022 – Proposed SB, Seconded DF. Passed.

Police Scotland: Written report had been circulated in advance.

Matters Arising:

• Ditches and Drains – JG had met Alan Johnstone by chance and was able to discuss the bitumen shortage which had now been resolved with supplies from Venezuela. SB will try the potholes hotline to expedite the more urgent areas. Otherwise the situation is ongoing.
• SSE Community Resilience Funding – KCH had been informed but no response as of yet. JG to contact them for an update.
• Kilmorack Cemetery – A complaint had been received regarding the condition of the Cemetery and the Secretary had visited. Recent grass growth had rather overtaken the graves and Hugh Gardner (Project Manager, Bereavements) has been made aware. He is sending a team to address the problem.

Chairman’s Business:

• Quarry – The Chairman had received a noise complaint from a resident outwith Kilmorack CC area but had addressed the issue by contacting the EHOs and Gregor McCormick. It is likely the noise issue has been aggravated by the crusher being in the quarry and Breedon has apologised for failing to advise us of that fact. It is felt that the clearance of trees to the River area will continue to exacerbate the issue. There is a CLG meeting with Breedons on the 19^th May to which John Stewart and Duncan Fraser will attend.
• Battery storage application. Local residents had been asking what is happening with that and SB asked Cllr Emma Knox if she was aware of any movement. No one seems to have heard any news from that area.  

Vice Chairman:

• JS’s new neighbour had complained about the speed of some cars coming down the Altyre. JS commented that, especially in the evening, it has become a bit of a race track. She has a young daughter and is concerned for her welfare. SB suggested the option of a Radar Speed sign which we had proposed to SSE for the main road. SSE have yet to respond and may need chasing. Will be brought up at the next Beauly CLG meeting.

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

• The Secretary reported on three options for meetings. KCH may be available for alternative week Monday meetings, Beauly Shinty Club had offered their committee room which seats ten foc. (Thursday is training night so there may be some external noise), The Tarradale Room at the Muir of Ord Hub is available at £12 per hour. Tea and coffee and audio visual equipment is available. It was felt the next meeting will be Zoom which leaves us the summer to make a decision.
• The provisional dates for the rest of this years meeting had been circulated and after some modification were presented to the Council. Subject to a decision on meeting venues these may change.

Treasurer:

• DF confirmed the balance stood at £3917.71.

Planning Applications:

• House at land 100m NE of Tor View House, Torgormack, Beauly  application has been granted.

ANOB:

• The Osprey/Peregrine situation has taken a turn for the worse with some eighteen cars there over the Bank Holiday Sunday. As the situation had been under some control until then it was somewhat frustrating. Sir JLK has written to NatureScot, the Police and other bodies remonstrating that something has to be done less we lose these Red List birds. SB brought the subject of trail cameras and that will be explored.
• Aigas/Kilmorack Dam upgrades – Received today new places of interest for siting the substations. Neither sites featured on the original options. The preferred option seems to be on SSE land below the dam. 

Meeting Closed: at 21.03hrs (9.03pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 9^th June at 8.00pm (by Zoom).

Signed:

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 7^th April 2022 by Zoom starting at 8.00pm.

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

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

Guests: Iain Stewart

Meeting Commenced at 20.03hrs (8.03pm)

Minutes of Previous Meeting Wednesday 3^rd March 2022 – Proposed DF, Seconded SB. Passed.

Police Scotland: No report.

Matters Arising:

• Ditches and Drains – Meeting with John Taylor has yet to take place but the situation in Russia has meant a shortage of bitumen which will seriously impact on road repairs just when funding was available. However this should allow concentration on ditches and culverts which could be to our benefit.
• Ukraine – Three donations/fund raising events from Aigas Community Forest, Aigas Golf Club and Ffordes Photographic have shown the Community generosity and Steve Byford has made one of houses available for refugees but had found the system cumbersome and frustrating. Cllr Margaret Davidson said both the Home Office and Scottish Government had been cumbersome and a lot of red tape needing cutting out. However as these were women and children proper checks were necessary and that was understood. Hopefully the system will improve shortly.
• Beauly Kilmorack Trust – SB reported that he had been contacted by Beauly CC and had asked for further details. GM had been in some discussions but was still awaiting more detail. Cllr. Margaret Davidson commented that there are considerable grants available but as CCs are not corporate bodies they must establish a trust to access them. ACF and KCH are trusts and may provide an avenue to access funding. However they have defined objectives. GM to liaise with Beauly CC and further discuss options.
• SSE £1million Resilience Fund. The Secretary reported he had suggested to KCH to revisist the option of making the hall ready for connection to a generator and made them aware that funds are available. SB commented that since the winter storms and potential climate changes we should address this issue with a mind that funding is available. A register of qualified Chainsaw operators was one suggestion. SB asked that the Council apply there thoughts to measures that would benefit the Community and the Secretary liaise with KCH.

Chairman’s Business:

• The Chairman expressed some regret but understanding that Cllr. Margaret Davidson was retiring as a Councillor at the forthcoming May elections. He thanked her for all her support over the years and this was fully supported by the rest of the Community Councillors. MD said that she would still be around and had enjoyed her relationship with Kilmorack CC. She remarked that Energy Security had become the latest Government edict and that will impact Wester Balblair. There were grand schemes for Scotland and we will need to address these directly and make our voices heard. The Chair joined the rest of the Community Council in wishing Cllr Davidson the best for the future.

Vice Chairman: No business

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence: No business

Treasurer:

• DF confirmed the balance stood at £3919.71.

Planning Applications:

• One planning application had been circulated to the Council but no issues identified.

ANOB:

• Kilmorack Cemetery is looking to extend and the Chair requested that the Secretary contacted Hugh Gardener of the Cemeteries to arrange a meeting to discuss options.

Meeting Closed: at 20.57hrs (8.57pm)

Next Meeting: Tuesday 3rd May at 8.00pm (by Zoom).

Signed:

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 3^rd March 2022 by Zoom starting at 8.00pm.

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

Apologies: John Stewart,Mark Hedderwick

Guests: None

Meeting Commenced at 20.03hrs (8.03pm)

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

Police Scotland: No report.

Matters Arising:

• Ditches and Drains – Access to the Quarry will be improved by SSE as part of their development but temporary repairs have been made by The Highland Council. Croyard Road  has had the road sweeper which has improved the surface a little but blocked drains has pushed water on to the road and resurfacing is now urgent. A site meeting with John Taylor or his deputy is still on the cards but demands on his department has delayed this, Junction on Altyre by Charlie Barclays is now in need of quite extensive repair but SB will address this at meeting with Community Services(Roads). SB referred to the online potholes and lighting notification line and congratulated The Highland Council lighting department for a prompt repair to a road light that he had reported.

Chairman’s Business:

• Beauly CLG meeting: Much concern expressed about future five and ten year plans which seems to include a 400KVA line connecting Dounreay to Blackhillock and Wester Balbair as a triangle. This would be the size of Beauly Denny and all overhead towers and lines. Aesthetically horrendous and if terminating at Wester Balblair doubling the size of the transmission hub. It cannot be envisaged how noise issues could be contained. SB addressed the issue of the new sites for the hydro dams referring to the stress caused to many residents as unacceptable. Noise: SSE want to remove the abatement order but reports suggests that they have only just scraped in with an acceptable level. SB made the point that the noise was still intrusive and one two sites were recorded. There must be a commitment to ongoing monitoring as the current situation leaves much to be desired. SB to contact planning department to ask for stringent conditions to be placed on any planning consent and they must be enforcible.
• A residents request for attention to possibly unstable trees near Kilmorack Hall has been received and John Taylor is sending a team out to investigate and also referred this to check on landowner responsibility.

Vice Chairman: No business

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

• We have been invoiced for a further year of Zoom meetings at £119.90. Treasurer will ensure that Secretary is reimbursed.

Treasurer:

• DF confirmed Zoom and Insurance had been paid and balance stands at £3930.71.

Planning Applications:

• One planning application in Torgormack had been notified to all Councillors. There may be a general issue of The Inner Moray Firth Development Plan-building in the Hinterland and over-development of the area. A comment will be placed on the Planning application.

ANOB:

• Mark Hedderwick had requested information for a Struy resident regarding bus shelters. Cllr. David Fraser commented that Strathglass were looking into this and would appreciate any advice. JG agreed to forward the synopsis of information to hand to Strathglass CC.
• SB referred to the situation in Ukraine and wondered if we could offer any assistance to refugees. It was suggested that at this time the Charities and in many cases their families will have this in hand but should any refugees arrive in the area we will extend a welcome and whatever help we can give.

Meeting Closed: at 20.56hrs (8.56pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 8^th April (AGM) at 8.00pm (by Zoom) and normal meeting thereafter.

Signed: