Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 3^rd September2026  at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.30pm.

Meeting Commenced at 19.32hrs (7.32pm)

Apologies:  Cllr. Emma Knox, Cllr Chris Ballance

Present: Andy Fraser, Roy Templeton, Mary Graham, Iain Stewart, Mark Hedderwick, John Graham(Secretary), Cllr David Fraser, Ross Mackillop

Minutes of Meeting 4^th June 2026: Proposed: Iain Stewart, Seconded: Mary Graham.

Police Report: Written Report circulated.

Matters Arising:

• Fanellan and Black Bridge: A proposal to close for six weeks for investigation work has caused great concern and Roads have advised that there must be a 90 day consultation period prior to any agreement. It is unlikely that THC will agree to such a closure.
• A831: Advice of intended closure has been challenged with alternative options now under consideration by THC Roads. As in the Black Bridge all are encouraged to send their concerns to Alistair Macleod at THC. Community Councillors were of a mind that this is unacceptable as the alternative route through Kiltarlity is a mixture of winding and single track roads.
• Ballach Wind Farm. – will be heard by SAPC in October 2026.
• Spiittal to Loch Buidhe, Beauly OHL – In process to a PLI. THC to consider next week. Recommendation to raise an objection.
• Beauly to Peterhead OHL – In preparation for a PLI.
• Breakachy Access route to towers. On hold and awaiting a meeting with SSEN. The CC were made aware of alterative routing through forest. This is for exploratory site investigation for towers.
• Ross Mackillop, Community Support Officer- renewables engagement. Ross explained his function and the CCs were able to engage with him on problems and expectations.
• Tourist Tax – With no fixed figures to confirm a lively discussion took place with Cllr David Fraser taking on board the CC’s and community concerns. Currently under twelve week consultation.
• Planning Training – Roy Templeton had been on a previous course and found it helpful. However on a show of hands no one felt they had the time to attend any more courses. There had been a view expressed that THC could provide an advisor for Community Councils facing complicated planning applications.
• Citizens Advice – Pop-in sessions were to be arranged, probably at the Phipps Hall. There was general support with the proviso that they be well advertised well in advance and proper signage outside the hall on the day.

Chairman’s Business:

• The Chairman expressed some concern that the Speed Sign on the Altyre approach to Wester Balblair, approved a while back by Breedon has not materialised despite both the Chairman and John Stewart chasing it up.
• Lovat seems to have started construction of their BESS in Balblair Quarry.
• Heras fencing has been falling down at the bottom of the Wester Balblair path adjacent to the Quarry.

Secretary: – Wreath ordered and treasurer passed payment of £35  

Planning: No Report

Treasurer: Balance at bank £4426.90

ANOB:

• The Community Council agreed to re-appoint Mark Hedderwick as Community Council representative on the ACF Board.
• Mark Hedderwick mentioned a prospective new member of the CC and passed his email to the Chairman and Secretary to action.

Meeting Closed: at 20.59hrs (8.59pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 1^st October 2026, 7.30pm, at Kilmorack Community Hall.

Signed:                                Andy Fraser, Chairman                            

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 4th June 2026 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.30pm.
Meeting Commenced at 19.38hrs (7.38pm)
Apologies: Iain Stewart. Cllr Chris Ballance
Present: Andy Fraser, Roy Templeton, Mary Graham, Mark Hedderwick. John Graham(secretary) Cllr David Fraser.
Cllr Emma Knox
Minutes of Meeting 14th May 2026: Proposed: Mary Graham, Seconded: Roy Templeton.
Police Report: Police van will be in Beauly Square on the 19th June 2026, 10.00am to 1.00pm
Matters Arising:
• Fennallen and Black Bridge: There is survey work on the Black Bridge but a bit disjointed and we await further details.
• Ballach Wind Farm. – Expected to be heard by SAPC in the 3rd quarter of 2026. No other information
• Beauly Kilmorack Trust Open Day. Good response and interestingly many points raised by the Residents reflect our own
ambitions
• Spiittal to Loch Buidhe OHL – Beauly to Peterhead OHL – All now referred to a PLI which will not be until May next year
unless something happens in the meantime. Three Reporters have been appointed but our Planning advisor points to
some inconsistencies in the norms. AF to confirm Ian Kelly to proceed on KCC’s behalf subject to cost. AF to contact SSE
with suggested dates regarding a meeting on all current and proposed infrastructure in the area.
• Altyre and Toll maintenance Grant. We are still awaiting a response by THC. The Secretary to chase Mackenzie
Sutherland.
• KCC Annual Operational Grant – Still outstanding
• Dark Skies – Secretary to write to Cllr Ken Gowans regarding the aspirations of ACF and KCC to build an observatory in
the Aigas Forest. This has been ongoing for some time and advice has been sort from some expert astronomers.
• Road Sign Upgrades – Emma Knox thanked the Community Council for their assistance in identifying signs that need
repair/replacement.AF to contact Kiltarlity CC re visibility on approach to Brockies Junction.
• Balbair Wood path – The Secretary to contact Stuart Mack at Lovat Estates who had previously agreed to maintain that
track.
• Croyard Road Sink Hole has been repaired again but the members wondered how long before it collapses again.
• Breakachy Road Access for GI work on towers. There had been a lot of concern expressed that the road is unsuitable for
heavy equipment and it had previously been ruled out as an access. Cllr David Fraser had contacted SSEN and the result
was a freeze on work until a meeting of the Ward Councillors, Community Councillors, THC Roads and the Residents
had taken place.
Chairman’s Business: No Report
Secretary: – No Report.
Planning: No Report
Treasurer: Balance stands at £2675.09 with £35 for the Data Protection due at the end of June
ANOB:
• Mark Hedderwick referred to the vacancy for a Councillor and a likely candidate will be approached.
• The timber for Duncan Fraser Memorial Bench is now ready and construction will start soon. We need to
work with Irene to confirm the best site.
Meeting Closed: at 22.12hrs (9.12pm)
Next Meeting: Thursday 3rd September 2026, 7.30pm, at Kilmorack Community Hall.
Signed:

Andy Fraser, Chairman

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 14^th May 2026 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.30pm.

Meeting Commenced at 19.38hrs (7.38pm)

Apologies:  Cllr. Emma Knox, Iain Stewart. Mark Hedderwick

Present: Andy Fraser, Roy Templeton, Mary Graham, John Graham(secretary) Cllr David Fraser (Robbie Short)

Minutes of Meeting 9^th April 2026: Proposed: Roy Templeton, Seconded: Mary Graham.

Police Report: Written Report circulated. No comments on Kilmorack.

Matters Arising:

• Robbie Short reported on the Beauly Kilmorack Trust with a second survey to be processed in Beauly shortly’ regarding the area of land between the Phipps Hall and Braeview Park. Presentation has been planned for the afternoon of the 4^th June at Kilmorack Hall. 15.00hrs to 19.30hrs.  
• Black Bridge: The Chair proposed an alternative site of the old wood yard for SSE to use leaving the car park for fishermen, walkers and the graveyard. This was refused by SSEN. The Community Councillors considered it a poor example of Community Engagement.
• Ballach Wind Farm. – Expected to be heard by SAPC in the 3^rd quarter of 2026.
• Spiittal to Loch Buidhe OHL – Expected to be heard by a joint SAPC/NAPC in September.
• Beauly to Peterhead OHL – Expected to be heard by the SAPC in June 2026.
• Altyre and Toll maintenance Grant. We are still awaiting a response by THC. Cllr. EK is chasing
• KCC Annual Operational Grant – We are still awaiting a response but Cllr DF will raise at next week’s Ward meeting.
• Transformer delivery 26^th.27^th or 28^th May. We hope the timing is as agreed.
• Beauly BESS: THC raised a strong objection on multiple fronts. That this is on good arable land it was seen as against THC policy. Until SCFRS report on the risks which is under review the Councillors view is that they have to object. This will now go to a Public Enquiry. The CC to write a letter to SCFRS to challenge the  safety, water/river contamination and danger to local residents and livestock from toxic fallout in the case of a fire.

Chairman’s Business:

• Belladrum Parking Fund: now allocated so we need to prepare for the next years round of funding over this summer.
• SSEN Community Liaison meetings: Little movement in agreement of minutes, but Cllr DF pointed out that if approved there is a requirement for a CLG to liaise.

Secretary: – No Report.  

Planning: No Report

Treasurer:

• Defib Batteries have been replaced and child pads are due for replacement in July
• Balance stands at £2675.09

ANOB: Short Term Lets – Cllr David Fraser explained the purpose and scope and stated that any new costs/conditions would not be retrospective. An honourable plan to keep housing available for locals and young people but delivery is going to be a challenge.

Meeting Closed: at 20.45hrs (8.45pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 4th June 2026, 7.30pm,  at Kilmorack Community Hall.

Signed:   

Andy Fraser, Chairman                                            

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 9^th April 2026 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 8.00pm.

Meeting Commenced at 19.46hrs (7.46pm)

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

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

Minutes of Meeting 5^th March 2026: Proposed: Iain Stewart, Seconded: Roy Templeton.

Police Report: No report.

Matters Arising:

• Fanellan: Appeal for Fanellan has been lodged. Ian Kelly will lodge a short response referring to our original points which have not been addressed. This was presented to the members and agreed.
• Black Bridge: We have received notification that the car park next to the bridge will be closed for six weeks for exploratory investigations. With only two weeks notice Andy Fraser will write to SSE expressing our concern and suggesting an alternative site of the old wood yard for SSE to use leaving the car park for fishermen, walkers and the graveyard. PMN: Email sent 06.03.26
• Ballach Wind Farm. – Extension to 31^st May. Cllr David Fraser advised us that Historic Environment Scotland had maintained their objection regarding Urchany Barrow, scheduled monument and Highlands and Islands Airport have a holding objection in place. Also the withdrawal of permission for Raeshaw Windfarm produces precedent which has yet to be fully understood.
• Spiittal to Loch Buidhe OHL – No further information as yet.
• Beauly to Peterhead OHL – No further information yet
• Beauly Kilmorack Trust – Survey is complete with 52 responses. It was noted that a minimum of 70 responses was required. TBC.
• Fuel Support: Notification of (limited) fuel support for kerosene and gas for domestic use.

Chairman’s Business:

• As regards £5k Ward Discretionary Funding no suggestions have been lodged with the Chairman, Andy Fraser.
• IS to speak to Les Fraser re CC membership.

Secretary: – Dates of next year’s meeting were agreed.  

Planning: No Report

Treasurer:

• Insurance has been paid
• Balance stands at £2730.49

ANOB: None

Meeting Closed: at 20.22hrs (8.22pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 14th May 2026 at Kilmorack Community Hall.

Signed:

Andy Fraser, Chairman                                            

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 5^th March 2026 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.30pm.

Meeting Commenced at 19.34hrs (7.34pm)

Apologies:  Cllr. David Fraser, Mary Graham

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

Minutes of Meeting 5^th February 2026: Proposed: Roy Templeton, Seconded: Iain Stewart.

Police Report: No report.

Matters Arising:

• Fanellan/Black Bridge: No update on planning appeal yet. Deadline for appeal is 5^th May
• Ballach Wind Farm. – No update to previous report.
• Spittal to Loch Buidhe OHL – No further information as yet.
• Beauly to Peterhead OHL – No further information yet
• Highland Cross RTO on road between the Quarry and Beauly. Clarification had been sought and the letter of response circulated. Road would not be closed but traffic control would be in place.
• Salt Bins – RT reported a new bin had been supplied below the school and others commented on other bins in the Braes, Thanks to Emma noted.
• Bingally had been approved although Cllr David Fraser was disappointed at the committee’s response.
• Beauly Kilmorack Trust – Kilmorack survey was discussed and the survey will be available on Facebook and the web site. Reaction to a postal vote was muted to say the least as the time scale was too short.

Chairman’s Business:

• CCs Meeting at Holyrood was reported by the Chair. Bit disappointed at the number of MSPs in attendance but some SNP did attend and six Conservatives also attended. All in all a respectable turnout from all points of the compass.
• Balblair Quarry – The Chairman had received maps of the planned expansion and had circulated then. Breedon did express the intention to keep as many trees as possible around the proposed extension.
• There is also £5k Ward Discretionary Funding still available. Suggestions to the Chairman.

Secretary: – The Secretary reminded Officers that Year End reports were required for the AGM in April.  

Planning: No Report

Treasurer:

• Domain for the web site had been paid
• Balance stands at £2813.19

ANOB: None

Meeting Closed: at 20.16hrs (8.16pm)

Next Meeting: AGM Thursday 9^th April 2026, 7.30pm followed by CC Meeting at 8.00pm

Signed:

Andy Fraser, Chairman                                            

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 5^th February 2026 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.30pm.

Meeting Commenced at 19.30hrs (7.30pm)

Apologies:  Cllr. David Fraser, Graham Mackay, Mary Graham

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

Minutes of Meeting 8th December 2025: Proposed: Mark Hedderwick, Seconded: Iain Stewart

Police Report: No report.

Matters Arising:

• Fanellan- Cllr Emma Knox was able to confirm that the planning application for Fanellan had been refused by a unanimous vote.
• Black Bridge – Councillors had visited but there was no proposal yet
• Ballach Wind Farm. New papers lodged on archaeology. No further information available.
• Spittal to Loch Buidhe OHL – No further information as yet.
• Beauly to Peterhead OHL – No further information yet

.

Chairman’s Business:

• Wester Balblair Quarry Extention – maps have been requested by AF to clarify location but none provided yet.
• Community Councils Meeting at Holyrood re renewables. Arranged by Cllr Helen Crawford to bring to together the various groups around the Country. Andy Fraser is hoping to attend.
• Belladrum Parking Trust Fund – No decision on distribution of funds yet, but due shortly..

Secretary: – KCC has received an email thanking us for our support with the yearly Xmas Tree and confirm free use of the hall for this year.  

Planning: No Report

Treasurer:

• Insurance due in April £83.70
• Balance  stands at £2832.39

ANOB:

• MH expressed concern that in a power cut the water supplies also failed and asked whether Scottish Water could not supply a generator for the tank up the hill. Previously many homes were gravity fed but now all pumped.
• Quarry Junction – Many complaints about traffic coming on to the main road without looking. Suggested a stop sign by place at the quarry Entrance with a white line on the quarry road.AF to contact Breedon.
• There has been little repair work on the Beauly Broadband provision. EK to chase.
• General condition of roads in the Braes are poor. It was suggested that before SSE start their work on Beauly to Spittal and use the access routes identified. THC should bring the roads up to an acceptable standard as a base line for repairs post the SSEN work on the OHL.
• Beauly and Kilmorack Trust – IS advised that a maildrop was to be carried out to all residents.

Meeting Closed: at 20.37hrs (8.37pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 5^th March 2026, 7.30pm

Signed:

Andy Fraser, Chairman                                            

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 2^nd 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 4^th 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 17^th 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 17^th November

Secretary: – Meeting of Save Loch Ness to take place on the 3^rd 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

ANOB: – No issues

Meeting Closed: at 20.38hrs (8.38pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 6^th November 2025, 7.30pm

Signed: Andy Fraser, Chairman  

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 4^th 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 5^th 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 15^th September. KCC has applied for and got an extension to the 15^th 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

ANOB: – No issues

Meeting Closed: at 21.03hrs (9.03pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 2^nd October 2025, 7.30pm

Signed:

Andy Fraser, Chairman         

 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 14^th 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 23^rd 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:

• 12^th 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 10^th 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 18^th June.

Meeting Closed: at 21.38hrs (9.38pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 4^th September 2025, 7.30pm

Signed:

Andy Fraser, Chairman                                                                                       

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 3^rd 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. 

Meeting Closed: at 20.48hrs (8.48pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 5^th June 2025, 8.00pm   

Signed:

Andy Fraser, Chairman