Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 7^th March 2024 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.44pm.

Apologies: Cllr. Chris Balance, Cllr. David Fraser, Cllr Emma Knox, Mary Graham, Mark Hedderwick

Present: Steve Byford, Duncan Fraser, Andy Fraser, Iain Stewart. Graham Mackay, John Graham(secretary)           

Minutes of Meeting 1st February 2023: Proposed: Duncan Fraser, Seconded: Graham Mackay

Police Report: No report

Matters Arising:                           

• National Parks for Strathglass and Ben Wyvis(Affric to Attadale) Both projects not proceeded with due to response and timescales.
• Croyard Road Sink hole- Police attended and closed the road. Now refilled and tarmacked over. Secretary to clarify if this is final fix or temporary
• Road condition – Reports suggest that has a number of potholes filled but patch and repair rather than our required permanent solution.
• Beauly (and KIlmorack) Trust – A recent comment in the Beauly News referred to Beauly Trust joined with Kilmorack. A previous meeting discussed this and the Chairman suggested we now contact Beauly Trust to explore the practical application of incorporating the two community councils in the Trust. It is felt that application for funding where applicable would be better served by the larger organisation.
• Kings Portrait – Ordered and awaiting delivery. Where to hang is in consideration with the Bowls Club which is presently our meeting site.
• Fanellan Expansion – The general feeling was a lack of consultation with either the CLG or at the public consultation was disrespectful to the local Communities and unacceptable. It left Community Councils with the difficulty of addressing criticism from their residents that we were unaware of the extended PAN application.

Chairman’ Business: CLG has been postponed until the 12^th March.

Secretary: Teanassie ASN room progressing well.

Treasurer:

• Balance stands at £2856.27 after insurance and domain charges paid.

Planning: No report

ANOB: A new operator of Broadband, Lothian and Highland Broadband, had an open day at the Phipps Hall and was prepared to consider running a fibre optic spur up Croyard Road to the Braes if sufficient people expresses interest. The Chair asked that the information be posted on the website and possible the Hall FB page.

Meeting Closed: at 20.43hrs (8.43pm)

Next Meeting and AGM: Thursday 4^th April 2024 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm 

Signed:

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 7^th December 2023 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm.

Inauguration of new Community Council

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

Apologies: Cllr Helen Crawford, Iain Stewart. Mark Hedderwick

Meeting commenced at 19.33hrs (7.33pm)

Chair: Cllr David Fraser.

Election of Officers:

Mary Graham Proposed Stephen Byford as Chairman, seconded by Duncan Fraser. Unanimously approved.

Vice Chairman: There being no immediate takers this was differed for the time being.

Treasurer: Duncan Fraser – proposed by Steve Byford, Seconded by Graham Mackay -elected

Secretary: John Graham – Proposed by Steve Byford, seconded by Duncan Fraser – elected

The Constitution and standing Orders were then adopted. Proposed by Steve Byford, seconded by Graham Mackay

Steve Byford takes the Chair and thanks Cllr David Fraser for opening the session.            

Minutes of Meeting 2^nd November 2023: Proposed: Duncan Fraser, Seconded: Graham Mackay.

Police Report: No report for this meeting but the IACCF meeting was presented with a detailed and all encompassing report which has been circulated. Funding and cutbacks in Police Scotland will mean that we will not get a Police visit in future unless there is something that justifies their attendance. The minutes of the IACCF were read appertaining to the Police Report. There was some concern that future Police response and resources may not meet our expectations.

Matters Arising:                         

• Teanassie School approached the Community Council for further financial support for transport to their swimming lessons. Whilst they had been told last year this could not be a recurring expense the need is there and the Secretary was able to attract support from the WDF, on the understanding that alternative funding will be sort in future years, supported by all our Ward Councillors this coming year. An application was made, approved and funds were received of £805 which have been passed to Teanassie School. Further to that the School has approached the CC for support for an ASN or sensory room for students with issues. Discussions with ACF and Steve Byford(Ffordes) suggested support would be both appropriate and possible. Cllrs David Fraser and Emma Knox suggested a further WDF application would be feasible. The Secretary will ask for more detail from the School and liaise with the other potential donors.
• Beauly Trust: Steve Byford and the Secretary met with three members of the Trust to discuss collaboration with KCC. The meeting was positive and the Chair expressed the view that the greater area should be encompassed to both generate funds and support local needs. There is a view, reiterated by DF from a previous Trust Meeting by Beauly residents that the Trust should be restricted to Beauly only. The Chair suggested that a letter be sent asking that the Trust should be referred to as Beauly and Kilmorack.  The Community Council await their response.
• Ofgem Meeting: The Chair and Graham Mackay attended a meeting with Ofgem chaired by MSP Kate Forbes regarding the electricity upgrades planned for the Highlands. Whilst the discussion was instructive to the two representatives from Ofgem the general view was not one of a meeting of minds.
• Strathglass National Park: The Secretary has received notification of a second application for a National Park encompassing the areas of Muir of Ord, Beauly, Drumnadrochit, out to the West Coast and Glen Affric. This is different to the Affric Attadale application. This encompasses a number of popular Tourist areas and whilst any National Park comes with concerns on such as planning the CC supported the proposal. Caveat is that ScotGov seems more interested in a Central Belt application but the logic of one in this area is beyond dispute.
• Kilmorack Community Hall AGM – 22^nd November 2023. Steve Byford and the Secretary attended the AGM. The Chair of the Hall was standing down but will still remain a member of the Committee. There was not a volunteer to take over the Chair so that remains to be filled. The main upgrades have at this time been attained. The Chair of the Hall thanked Steve for the CCs support in attending the meeting.
• 20mph Zones Consultation: Cllr David Fraser clarified that the Beauly 20mph zone predated the blanket 20mph trials presently under consultation and we had none of them in our area.
• IACCF: Due to technical issues the Secretary was unable to attend the meeting by Teams but has already reported on the Police Report. The other issues were winter resilience where some concern was expressed at the removal of insurance cover for volunteers and Ward Discretionary Fund applications which we are already au fait with.
• THC Budget Consultation: A lively debate ensued but effectively with full disclosure it was felt impractical to respond especially considering the £60m shortfall inn funds. The Secretary suggested that individually members should respond stating their own priorities.
• New Bins: Concerns were expressed concerning confusion on the use of the new bins(which bin is for what), costs(apparently supported by ScotGov) and practicalities in rural areas.

Chairman’ Business:

• CLG: The Chair was unable to attend the CLG but those Councillors that did reported on the event. The discussion was wide ranging and not very impressed with SSEN and their presentation. The veil of secrecy imposed by SSEN was inappropriate and non sensical as the majority of information was already in the public domain. The Chair questioned the validity of the CLG as a consultation body or just a tick box exercise.

Secretary: No report as all relevant information has been passed to members.

Treasurer:

• Balance stands at £3,087.17. WDF for Teanassie £805.00 received and forwarded, THC Grant of £437.67 has been received. Only outstanding bill will be for the Bowling Club room rental.

Planning: Nothing to report.

ANOB:

• Mary Graham reported the Defib had been accessed but not used and we had been notified by the Circuit. Now checked and back in operational mode.
• Graham Mackay and Andy Fraser mentioned two grit bins had been damaged. Will notify the secretary with what three words location which will be forwarded to John Taylor.

Meeting Closed: at 21.24hrs (9.24pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 1st February 2024 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm 

Signed:

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

Inauguration of new Community Council

Present: Steve Byford(Chair), Duncan Fraser,  Mary Graham, Graham Mackay, Iain Stewart, John Graham, John Stewart, Hazel Stewart

Apologies: Andy Fraser, Mark Hedderwick, Cllrs David Fraser, Emma Knox.

Meeting commenced at 19.34hrs (7.34pm)

Chair: In the absence of a Ward Councillor. John Stewart took the Chair.

Nomination for Chairman of Kilmorack Community Council: John Stewart asked for a nomination for the Chair and Mary Graham nominated Steve Byford. JS asked for any further nominations. In the absence of any further nominations Mary Graham proposed and Duncan Fraser seconded Steve Byford as Chairman. It was unanimously supported. Steve Byford thanked the Council for their support and thanked John Stewart.

Election of Officers: Steve Byford then called for nomination for:

Vice Chairman: There being no immediate takers this was differed for the time being.

Treasurer: Duncan Fraser – proposed by Steve Byford, Seconded by Graham Mackay -elected

Secretary: John Graham – Proposed by Steve Byford, seconded by Duncan Fraser – elected

At this moment the Community Council took a short break in proceedings when John Stewart was presented with a Quaich and whisky tumbler suitably subscribed. The Chairman thanked John for his support over many years to the Community Council. A glass was raised and John and Hazel were toasted by the members of the Community Council. After refreshments the meeting reconvened and John and Hazel departed.       

Minutes of Meeting 5th October 2023: Proposed: Steve Byford, Seconded: Graham Mackay.

Police Report: No report.

Matters Arising:                         

• Beauly Cares – Recognition that Beauly Cares has just had it’s 10^th Anniversary and felicitations reflected the large amount of work they have done over those 10years.
• Kilmorack Community Hall AGM – 22^nd November 2023. The Hall is in need of new board members as some are retiring this year. Community Councillors were asked to consider anyone who may wish to join the Hall Committee and persuade them to attend the AGM and possibly join. SB will try to attend but if anyone else is free we ought to support them. There was a discussion about the previous offers of SSE for generator hookup and extra catering facilities which may be worth considering in light of the recent wild weather.
• SSE Beauly Asset Replacement Meeting at Kilmorack Hall: Most members had attended and several issues were discussed. The Secretary to liaise with the Chair to draft a suitable response to Sally Cooper reflecting the various concerns regarding Aigas and Kilmorack upgrades. The Chairman will also address at the upcoming CLG meeting.
• Highland Cross Presentation – We have been offered one place at the presentation but as most have attended in recent years there were no volunteers. Anyone wishing to represent the KCC to contact the Secretary

Chairman’ Business: Sub Committees

• Beauly/Wester Balblair CLG: Represented by Steve Byford, Duncan Fraser, Graham Mackay and (associate members) Bill Fraser and John Stewart.
• Breedon (Wester Balblair) CLG: Represented by Andy Fraser, Iain Stewart (John Stewart- to introduce the new Community Councillors) plus Steve Byford as and when appropriate.

Secretary:

• British Legion Remembrance – 12^th November – Steve Byford to lay wreath
• THC documentation: Consent to share CC Member Information circulated and ticked.
• Energy Support information(received today)discussed and to be passed on to Hall Committee.

Treasurer:

• Balance stands at £3,485.50. Three invoices outstanding but not received yet.

Planning: Nothing to report.

ANOB:

• Duncan Fraser reported an ingress of water from the fields over the Altyre Road. When the temperature drops below zero this could be very dangerous. SB to contact Lovat Estates.

Meeting Closed: at 21.12hrs (9.12pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 7^th December 2023 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm 

Signed:

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 5^th October 2023 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm.

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

Apologies: Cllr. Chris Balance, Cllr.Emma Knox, Cllr. David Fraser, Duncan Fraser.

Meeting Commenced at 19.30hrs (7.30pm)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Minutes of Meeting 7th September 2023: Proposed: Mark Hedderwick, Seconded: Graham Mackay.

Police Report: No report. Concern was expressed that contact details were out of date, recently Fort Augustus telephone number went unanswered and existing emails were not recognised. 101 is routinely not answered and it was voiced that inability to contact the Police over minor offences keeps crime figures down. 

Matters Arising:                         

• Community Council elections: Nominations are now complete and contrary to THC’s website Kilmorack is a non contested Council. The present CC will step down at midnight on the 10thOctober and the new CC will take over on the 11^th at 00.01hrs. First meeting will be the 2^nd November when officers will be appointed and new Councillors welcomed.
• Fairburn Wind Farm Public Consultation: Most Councillors had visited the Public Consultation at Kilmorack Hall and were singularly unimpressed with the quality and size of maps and documentation provided. There were many concerns on a new development which by distance is not an extension, height, visual impact, proximity to Golden Eagle reserve(Eagles don’t recognise boundaries drawn on maps), access roads, connection to the grid(undisclosed) to name but a few. The Secretary to draft a letter to SSE Renewables expressing our concerns.
• Lovat Estates BESS: Most Community Councillors had visited the presentation in Beauly and expressed some concerns. The proposal left much to be desired. Noise levels are a concern with the Transmission Hub already at the limit and information from THC leading us to believe that any cumulative increase would re-trigger the noise abatement order. A question on enforcement was raised. With up to one hundred air conditioning units operating it is considered that keeping within the cumulative noise levels would be impossible. Concerns on fire safety, a known problem with BESS, was high on the concerns with the reliance on suppression systems unimpressive. With lithium fires virtually un-controllable, suppression systems may allow staff to escape but do little to control a major conflagration. The proximity to the SVC was noted as any major fire may well knock out the transmission hub for quite a time. Toxic emissions from a major fire were also a serious concern. Letter to Lovat Estates highlighting the concerns of the Community Council to be drafted. It was considered that BESS would be more appropriate sited on wind farms away from residential properties.
• Beauly Village Trust: It was noted that a trust had been formed and an inaugural meeting held. Although there had been some very limited communication from the Trust no meeting had taken place as the Chair was on holiday at the time. This will be pursued. From the information to hand it would seem that the Trust boundaries are presently defined as the catchment area for Beauly Primary School.
• Scottish Forum of Community Councils: We have been invited to join this national forum but the Council had no enthusiasm to join another Central Belt driven quango. We have more immediate local issues.
• Digital Phone Switchover: It was brought to the CCs notice that BT intend to switch off analogue phone systems by 31^st December 2024. Concerns were expressed that in a power outage as the new Digital system(VOIP) uses the Broadband connections reliant on routers powered by mains electricity, there will be no landline phones for emergencies. For those with mobiles that is less an issue but some mobile masts only have battery backup power for one hour although Aigas mast has a generator backup. The Chair, who has already had to move to digital has found it poor and has had to invest in a starlink satellite system due to bandwidth issues with BT Digital. Something probably too expensive for most private users. This is an ongoing issue and we will see where it goes.
• Flooding: Due to the heavy rains on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning there had been considerable flooding. Heavy flooding from Wester Balblair quarry added to the problem but areas by the Cemetery were also badly affected. The Secretary has been in touch with John Taylor who is arranging for the drains to be inspected. Some of these issues are a recurring problem which needs a solution. The Secretary also asked John Taylor if the white lines between the Gallery and the Crask could be re-done as they are all but obliterated. JS to contact Breedons about the runoff and about some support to resurface parts of the Cemetery entrance. MH to assist.   

Chairman:

• The Chair thanked John Allan(Lighting THC) for his prompt response to the lighting issue in Wester Balblair.

Vice Chairman:

• The Vice Chair had received communication via the Secretary to see if we wished a final cut of the Altyre whilst Kevin had the cutter on his tractor. There was some discussion on the path but the CC authorised a final cut and the Secretary emailed confirmation to Kevin at Robertsons.

Secretary:

• Winter Resilience. The secretary has contacted THC to see if the scheme will be extended to this year. Awaiting a response.
• Inverness Area Community Council Forum. Now reformed and concerns expressed at an Inverness City Centric attitude. Now addressed by Cllr David Fraser. We will look at Agendas and attempt to send a representative when appropriate.
• National Park Proposal – Attadale to Glen Affric. Broadly welcomed but competition will be strong from other areas. Unlikely to succeed.

Treasurer:

• Balance stands at £3,485.50. John Stewart to be removed from bank mandate and John Graham to replace him= approved

Planning: Nothing to report other than that already discussed.

ANOB:

• MH raised the possibility of paths and access in the area around Wester Balblair. He will contact Stuart Eastaugh (about funding)  and Lovat for their feedback and will present maps at a future meeting.

Meeting Closed: at 21.55hrs (9.55pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 2^nd November 2023 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm

Signed:

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 7^th September 2023 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm.

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

Apologies: Cllr. Chris Balance.

Guests: Andrew Stewart, Roy Templeton

Meeting Commenced at 20.00hrs (8.00pm)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Minutes of Meeting 20^th August 2023: Proposed: Steve Byford, Seconded: Graham Mackay.

Police Report: No report.

Matters Arising:                         

• Community Council elections: System of election was explained and reference on how to attain voter registration number was clarified. We should know before te next meeting whether we will need to go to a vote.
• Lovat estates application for a battery storage facility in the Wester Balblair Quarry site was discussed in detail. Concerns expressed were noise and whether any additional noise would trigger the noise abatement order based on cumulative impact from the Transmission hub. This to be discussed with the planning officer as the limit on the Transmission hub was only just attained. Other concerns were fire risk so close to the SVC. The forthcoming public meeting at the old bank of Scotland building on the 14^th September 2023. The Chair asked that all attend.
• SSEN – There was some concerns expressed that both at Fanellan and at Wester Balblair out of hours working had resulted in disturbance to residents. MH had identified plant being used at Wester Balblair on Sunday 27^th August despite an agreement that no out of hours work would take place. This compliant with normal conditions. JG to write to Sally Cooper and express our disappointment.
• Speed cameras: The faulty camera has been returned to the manufacturers and replaced. Working fine now so fingers crossed.
• Fairburn Wind Farm Extension Public Exhibition: The event will be held at Kilmorack Hall and it is important that as many as possible attend. JG to make sure FB is updated to encourage a full turnout. It was explained that 14 turbines of 200m to tip height with occulting red beacons to the highest fixed point were planned. It was further noted that VPs were based on the earlier extension application which was closer to Beauly/Fairburn and of a more moderate size. The only one to the south was the Great Glen Way and that identified a moderate visual impact. To be further discussed at the next meeting. Date of meeting at Kilmorack is Wednesday 13^th 2pm to 7.00pm We noted that we have been noted as a future recipient of Community Benefit should the wind farm be approved.
• Beauly Community Council – Formation of Community Trust. The Chair had been approached about this a while back asking if we were interested in joining. He asked for further detail but since has heard nothing. With potential Community Benefit from Fairburn Wind farm Extension and the 400Kv OHL We need to ensure that Kilmorack is at the front of the queue and not suborned behind Beauly.     
• Land Reform Bill: Advised to us is a new private members Land Reform Bill which would limit land ownership to 500ha unless able to demonstrate Community benefit.
• Drains and Ditches: Graham Mackay stated that some improvements had been made and he was keeping a watching brief on it. 

Chairman:

• CLG: The Chair reported that the meeting had proved something of a marathon with Bill Fraser taking exception to previous minutes and his comment therein. The Chair – supported by Cllr David Fraser who chaired the CLG elucidated on the discussions and the relationship with SSEN.
• Strathpeffer Forum letter: The Chair had been notified of a Zoom meeting from Ron Macauly of Strathpeffer CC. It was felt, on the whole, that our interests were best served through the CLG which represents all local Community Councils.

Vice Chairman: Nothing to report

Secretary: Nothing to report.

Treasurer:

• Balance stands at £3,485.50.

Planning: Nothing to report other than that already discusses.

ANOB:

• Cllr. Ken Gowan has written regarding ScotGov call for a new National Park in Scotland by 2026. We are aware of plan for an Affric to Attadale National Park but details are sketchy at the moment.

Meeting Closed: at 21.45hrs (9.45pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 5^th October 2023 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm

Signed:

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 20^th July 2023 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm.

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

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

Guests:

Meeting Commenced at 20.00hrs (8.00pm)

Minutes of Meeting 8^th June 2023: Proposed: John Stewart, Seconded: Duncan Fraser.

Police Report: No report.

Matters Arising:

• Caulternich Battery Storage Planning Application. A large number of residents have expressed alarm and annoyance that this application has been resurrected eleven months after the previous application was rejected. The Chair asked that the Secretary contacts David Mudie and question why an identical application, right down to the original dates could be accepted by The Highland Council Planning Office and express concern that the timeline, right in the middle of the holidays, left little or no time for residents to respond. It was noted that the Secretary had arranged an extension to the 14^th August but some people had been finding accessing the web portal and lodging comments a problem. After the large numbers of negative comments from the Community and taking into account changes in NPF4 and National Infrastructure targets it was proposed that we again ask Ian Kelly MRTPI to produce a new response on our behalf taking into account any changes that might effect the application. Proposed by John Stewart, seconded by Duncan Fraser. All in favour. A note was made that Mark Hedderwick who was away had asked if an alternative site that did not impact the neighbours was available on this property. Comment was noted but no one could think of anything within this application. Comments were made on the inaccuracy of the application and questioned the status as Croft Land or an Agricultural Holding.
• Lovat estates proposed application for a battery storage facility in the wester Balblair Quarry site. Simon, Lord Lovat, had met with Steve Byford and identified the proposed site. Whilst this is a brown filed site it is still very close to the residents in both Wester Balblair and the Groam and concerns over battery fires and toxic gases will create much concern if this proposal reaches Planning. It was noted that Keith Fire Service reported that fighting a battery fire of this nature is virtually impossible and they would just leave a fire to burn out and evacuate residents. With the proximity of Wester Blablair, the Groam, Kiltarlity and even Beauly, that does not really bare thinking about. The Chairman was very clear to Simon, Lord Lovat, that we would oppose such an application based on cumulative impact on the noise issue, over development of the site and environmental health issues. The Chair also commented on the cost of repeated challenges which we are simply not funded for.
• Strathpeffer Forum letter. The Chair asked if all had read the letter from Ron Macauly. The general opinion was good in places but not really relevant to much of our situation. Concerns that existing line is suggested for re-powering ignores the impact on many close to the existing line. No reference to Beauly Peterhead line or the Fenallan

 substation proposal. It was felt we are better placed to work within the CLG as exists already, which not perfect, does address our specific interests.

• Visitor Levy – The conversation Toolkit was discussed and a quick run through exposed the concerns felt by the Community Council. Excluding camper vans/motor homes and Cruise Ships seems to punish those that already pay and let those that are most disruptive a free ride. Expecting land lords, guest house and hotel owners to collect the tax and impose penalties on them if they fail in any way would seem counter productive.
• SSE Speed Cameras – Update –  Although installed we have an issue with the one by the quarry as the battery keeps running down. Five hours charging cycle and four hours of darkness this time of year. Alan is looking at the option of a second battery.

Chairman: No report

Vice Chairman: JS spoke to Kris Bremner at Breedons re future plans for the quarry and regarding a third speed sign on Altyre and we await their response.

Secretary: Nothing to report.

Treasurer:

• Balance stands at £4555.50. Progress is slow but positive on the internet banking facility. The Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer are still awaiting the readers and cards but the account is active…

Planning: Caulternich Battery Storage 23/03113/FUL

ANOB:  

• DF asked that our thanks be conveyed to John Taylor for the verge cutting and ditch clearing.
• British Legion Wreath. Approved with an enhanced donation of £35.00

Meeting Closed: at 21.42hrs (9.42pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 7^th September 2023 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm

Signed:

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 8^th June 2023 at The Men’s Shed starting at 7.30pm.

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

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

Guests:

Meeting Commenced at 19.35hrs (7.35pm)

Minutes of Meeting 4^th May 2023: Proposed: Duncan Fraser, Seconded: Graham Mackay.

Police Report:

• Written Police Newsletter for Inverness and District circulated in advance. Members felt a bit light on local information.

Matters Arising:

• SSEN – Request for extended weekend working discussed and rejected. Concern not only of noise but dust from the road which is already an issue during the working week but felt unacceptable at the weekend. Noise from cladding will be noticeable. It was also concerning that this be a precedent for the next part of the construction. 
• SSE Speed Cameras – Update – Two now installed on the A831 but not the one on Altyre. There may have been a disconnect between SSE on that as that one had been the original request. The Project Manager tied the other two with the new limits arranged with THC. JG has thanked Sally Cooper and asked about the third in Altyre. Will advise on response.
• SSE Renewables proposed Fairburn Extension Wind Farm – We are presently in communication with Gareth Shields to arrange a meeting and to organise a Consultation event at Kilmorack Hall. Contact information for the hall has been provided and it is anticipated an event in September will be arranged. Gareth Shields has asked to come to a CC meeting but with the summer recess in place we shall try to arrange a meeting which is mutually convenient in July/August
• Road Repairs and ditches – The repaired pothole at Croyard Road has opened up again. JG to contact John Taylor and also asked how the previous information schedule is progressing.

Chairman: No report but CLG due soon and will report any pertinent outcome by email.

Vice Chairman: JS is struggling to get the online banking in place. A saga in three parts!

Secretary: Due to ongoing activity with SSEN the secretary asked if another summer meeting may be appropriate. It was suggested that we may be able to keep members up to date by email at this time.

Treasurer:

• Balance stands at £5055.50 There are a couple of bills pending.

Planning: No applications

ANOB:  

• There was concern expressed regarding the sight lines on some of the corners on the Braes which need cutting. JG to contact John Taylor..

Meeting Closed: at 21.01hrs (9.01pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 7^th September 2023 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm

Signed:

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 4^th May 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. Emma Knox.

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

Guests: Roy Templeton

Meeting Commenced at 19.35hrs (7.35pm)

Minutes of Meeting 13^th April 2023: Proposed: Steve Byford, Seconded: Duncan Fraser.

Police Report:

• Written report circulated as well as Police Newsletter for Inverness and District.
• Duncan raised some issued not covered in the report and will provide the Secretary with a written comment which will be forwarded to Sarah Patterson, Police Scotland.

Matters Arising:

• SSEN -Beauly to New Deer Consultation – a wide and varied discussion took place again commenting on quality of maps and paucity of information. Certainly the view was that many residents were extremely unhappy and concerned at these proposals. As it has limited impact on Kilmorack CC area excepting that the preferred route goes straight through the Groam of Annat and the ‘Node’ is vague and impossible to identify who will be impacted most we may choose to await more detailed information.  The routes are still too wide to determine the individual impact. Essentially all were most concerned but more information is required. In regards to Beauly-Spittal and Beauly to New Deer we have been invited to a public meeting by Edward Mountain MSP and Jamie Halcro-Johnston MSP at Strathpeffer Pavilion on the 26^th May. The Chair asked that we accept the invitation. All agreed. As regards these consultations the Chair, with the support of all the Community Councillors, objects to how SSEN are proposing these projects to us in the public consultations. In March the consultation was about the Spittal-Loch Buidhe-Beauly overhead pylon line as well as a new HVDC substation and switching substation related to the Western Isles line which was not shown, recently the public consultation was regarding the new Beauly-Peterhead pylon line, SSEN are asking for feedback on each of the projects but they are interconnected and should be shown as such, this is not showing ‘transparency’ and the Chair feels confuses residents.
• SSE Speed Cameras – Update – Sally informed us that they are awaiting the poles from THC and then they can get their contractors to install.
• SSE Renewables proposed Fairburn Extension Wind Farm – We are in communication with Gareth Shields to arrange a meeting and to organise a Consultation event at Kilmorack Hall. The fact that the less intrusive Option E2 for the 400Kv line goes straight through the proposed wind farm was duly noted and the fact that was not the preferred option became apparent. SSE Renewables has little detail on their web site but a full scoping document is available on the ScotGov Energy Consents web page. The height and quantity (14x200m) caused much concern. At present host areas are Marybank, Scatwell and Strathconon which will be out of site and sound of the proposed extension, albeit access due construction will be via the original Fairburn Wind Farm, Kilmorack, which stands likely to be impacted most, needs to be involved.
• Braes Bus Route – Mark Hedderwick reported that the new route was pretty well received. A few issues in that the THC buses requires the driver to dismount the bus to extend the access step each stop. MH will see if he cannot publicise the rout better by notifying the residents. Not perfect but getting there. MH to update Cllr. David Fraser on the practical application of the route.
• SSEN possible Community Benefit – This was handled in item one but the general opinion of all Community Councils was this was little better than a bribe. JG reported the difference between Wind farm Community benefit and that proposed by Ofgem is that part would be Voluntary Direct Compensation to those closely impacted by proximity to the line. However this a proposal and the operators will probably be at pains to get that option removed,  
• Kilmorack Cemetery – Fence repairs. JG has chased Hugh Gardner and John Maclean and today noted that two posts have been reset. Hopefully the fence will be re-instated in the next few days.

Chairman: WB noise issue has yet to be addressed and JS and JG will liaise with Gregor to get something in train. Certainly from those present noise is still an issue. There was some concern that THC as a Statutory Consultee has suggested siting the Fenallen substation and HVDC converter station in the WB Quarry. Emma Knox to look back on her notes and get back to the Chair.

Vice Chairman: JS referred to the issues getting an internet bank account. Will liaise with JG.

Secretary: After confirmation of the maintenance grant for the next five year, JG has been in touch with Simon Dakin and Robertson’s. Simon is planning for the next week or so and Robertson’s are waiting our instructions. SB suggested the Altyre will be needing attention soon.

Treasurer:

• Balance stands at £3695.66

Planning: No applications

ANOB:  

• DF commented on pot holes along the Leanassie Road and also tree cutting recently undertaken.
• Roy Templeton advised the Council of some question on the site for the Aigas Dam transformer update. It would seem that the ground by the river may not be suitable. Ongoing.

Meeting Closed: at 20.58hrs (8.28pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 1^st June 2023 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm

Signed: