Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 7^th  September 2017 at the ‘The Kirk, Wester Balblair’ at 7.30pm

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

Apologies: Cllr. Bill Fraser

Meeting commenced:  7.41pm

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 1^st  June  2017  were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by Duncan Fraser, seconded by John Stewart – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report:

• MG gave details of new area officers. JG mentioned complaint by local resident of ‘boy racers’ intermittent visits to area. Police have been advised.

Matters arising:                                                                             

• Litter Signs – Now installed. Two at Picnic Area, one above Aigas Dam and one at the path in Wester Balblair. JG to arrange signs for dog fouling.
• Picnic area car park. JG reported grass had been topped by David Bloor(Peter Masheter) and JG had topped a second time. Area around Picnic tables had been regularly strimmed to keep tidy.
• Bus stop by Kilmorack Hall. JS to meet with Breedons(Chris Bremner) re supply of materials and advice. JS also reported on Breedon CLG meeting with updates on quarry expansion and proposed mitigation of dust problems at the access point and the cement batching plant.
• Toll Road and Altyre – Update – Awaiting THC action as there is an issue with retention of budget for maintenance of infrastructure limiting grass maintenance. Ongoing but alternative options to be explored by SB and JS.
• British Legion Poppy Wreath received and donation paid and receipted.
• Wood fuel for elderly in KCC area. DF and JS are to list potential recipients.
• Trees for Life – Beavers. ScotGov had a view to remove a beaver family from the Strathglass area. Trees for Life had requested KCC’s opinion. Varied opinions but consensus was that impact on fishing and farming must be considered and it was felt that the upper regions of the area would be more appropriate for beavers where any impact would be minimal. It was felt that Trees for Life should be discussing this with fishing and farming interests first.

Chairman’s Report:

• CLG – Local residents are still reporting hearing increased noise. Cause failure to recalibrate SVC after outage. Action: more frequent checks and re-calibration. Still no confirmation which transformer is responsible.
• Beauly and Dounreay line. Some pylons will be replaced with smaller ones in 2018.
• Access Road at sub-station: new contractors starting replanting in November.
• New security fencing to be erected. Possibly green.

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

• Memorial seats – All prepared. Waiting for a few dry days to install.

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

• Red Cross offering free first aid/safety training for over 65s. MG to enquire if weekends are available.
• Kirking of the Council – MG and JG attended.

Finance:

• British Legion ‘donation’ paid and The Highland Council Grant received.
• Balance is £2394.04

Planning Matters:

• No current applications.

AOCB:

• Participatory Budgeting. THC have requested representatives from Community Councils, schools and charities to form a steering committee to facilitate the participatory budget event in March 2018. Whilst KCC considered it important for strong CC representation it was felt this best arranged by the Council as few of us have the time or facilities to manage this.

Next meeting: Thursday 5^th October 2017 at 7.30pm At Ffordes Photographic(the Kirk)  

Meeting Closed: 9.56pm                                                                            

Signed:

 Steve Byford            

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 1^st June 2017 at the ‘The Kirk, Wester Balblair’ at 7.30pm

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

Apologies: Cllr. Margaret Davidson, Cllr. Helen Carmichael

Meeting commenced:  7.35pm

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 4^th May  2017  were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by Steve Byford, seconded by Duncan Fraser – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: No report

Matters arising:                                                                             

• Litter Signs – JG presented sign suggestion from ‘Keep Scotland Beautiful’ JG to contact KSB to personalise the signs and then get some made up at an estimate of £10 each. Fly-tipping – see how the litter signs work.
• Picnic area car park. JG to see about the availability of a flail mower to flatten the mole hills.
• Ditch Repairs – THC have inspected the problem after a complaint from a resident and hope to resolve it.
• Bus stop by Kilmorack Hall. We are still trying to address the kerbing issue. JS to email Breedon and MH to explore availability of a digger to grade the area.
• Toll Road and Altyre – This is on the Council to-do list but THC are waiting for the maintenance payment from SSE. Will update us on the program as soon as funding in place.

Chairman’s Report:

• CLG – Control changes may have worked. SSE to put acoustic jacket on Toshiba SVC taking it down by 10db. Cllrs are requested to report any noise to SSE. Monitors next to SVC and to be sited at the Kirk.
• Visibility of substation – new access still to be landscaped. Awaiting stone waller who will build bank back up. Replanting has missed this season.
• HVDC – WSP want help identifying viewpoints
• Dounreay line upgrade in the next few days. Restringing 28^th June to 11^th Concern as to the Tower reduction schedule.
• Deanie Line upgrade – Concern was expressed that SSE was aware of School Bus Times to obviate any conflict. Schedule for repaint mid June with upgrade June-July. These times seem somewhat fluid at the moment.

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

• Memorial seats – Red Mahogany ordered for early June. Will be prepared and fitted asap.
• New seat installed at a trial location at the Quarry Walk and a photo was available. Many thanks to Duncan Fraser.

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

• Fire Service Questionnaire. Discussed and noted that local knowledge crucial. MG/JG to complete and forward.
• HSCHT – Membership Renewal. MH to be our representative.

Finance:

• Only payment this month was DD for Information Commissioner. Balance is £1748.75

Planning Matters:

• There were no objections to the proposals.

AOCB:

• MH commented on concerns of Police Activity in the Kilmorack, Teanassie, Breakachy area with one youth found injured at the Gallery. With no police attendance it was deferred for now but enquiries would be made.

Next meeting: Thursday 7th September 2017 at 7.30pm At Ffordes Photographic(the Kirk)          

Meeting Closed: 9.25pm                                                                            

Signed:

 Steve Byford            

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 4^th May 2017 at the ‘The Kirk, Wester Balblair’ at 7.30pm

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

Apologies: Cllr. Margaret Davidson, Cllr. Helen Carmichael, Cllr. Dr. Jean Davies.

Meeting commenced:  7.35pm

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 6^th April  2017  were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by John Stewart, seconded by Duncan Fraser – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report:

• Report by PC MacDonald. Nothing to report in this area. JG mentioned speed of traffic during the litter pick with Aigas Field Centre. PC MacDonald suggested informing the Police beforehand and signs would be made available. The fly tipping problem was discussed with a conclusion that we could put up signs first then possibly cameras if the problem persists. Also present was the Community Support Officer.

Matters arising:                                                                             

• “Church of Scotland/Kilmorack Hall bus stop update. C of S has been in touch re progress. JG awaiting clarification on kerbing and if we can enquire if Breedon could provide materials when they do the Toll. JG to contact John Taylor again to discuss options.
• JG reported newsletter for KCC and Aigas Community Forest with Firewood questionnaire was ready for distribution. SB to organise.
• Beauly-Deanie upgrade. Areas where the 11kv(domestic supply) lines go under the 132kv overhead lines will be undergrounded. Towers are having climbing bolts replaced before re-painting and the new conductors and insulators.
• Ditch repairs – awaiting photographs and OS refs. JG/DF
• Roadside Litter Pick – Make up new signs possibly following the Keep Scotland Beautiful program. Also consider signage No Fly Tipping.
• Footpath edges – the footpath from the rail bridge to the Lovat bridge is becoming narrowed due to overgrowth in places. JG to contact Community Services to see if the path can be cut back.

Chairman’s Report: No Report 

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

• SSE CLG – JS reported that the connector station should be not much higher than the hedge. Design subject to contractors. Dounreay line – existing towers to be used. SB asked Mg/JG to enquire of NA which towers will be reduced in height. Replanting around sub station should be later this year as the time for tree planting is past.
• Memorial seats – JS is sourcing new wood and DF will complete construction. The budget for the new timber was approved.

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

• Apologies sent to IACCF.
• Next CLG (SSE) – 31^st May 2017

Finance:

• No expenditure this month. Balance is £1783.75

Planning Matters:

• Druim Ba inquiry in progress.

AOCB:

• Aigas Community Forest – Chainsaw Course starting 15^th May
• Quarry path seats location identified. JS/DF
• Altyre Footpath – drainage ditch blocked by weeds. Check who is responsible for this now and contact. JG

Next meeting: Thursday 1^st June 2017 at 7.30pm At Ffordes Photographic(the Kirk)        

Meeting Closed: 9.04pm                                                                            

Signed:

 Steve Byford            

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 6th April 2017 at the ‘The Kirk, Wester Balblair’ at 7.45pm

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

Apologies: Cllr. Margaret Davidson, Cllr. Helen Carmichael, Mark Hedderwick

Meeting commenced:  7.40pm

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 2^nd March  2017  were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by Duncan Fraser, seconded by John Graham – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: Email that officer had been called to an incident in Drumnaodrochit. Nothing of note to report.

Matters arising:                                                                                                              

• DF reported two people in ditch on the Braes . Ditch in need of repair. DF to identify with OS and photograph. Information to be forwarded to John Taylor, Community Services.

Chairman’s Report:

• SSE CLG Western Isles Workshop. SB reported on the meeting. SB had asked why wait two years to replace a faulty rector. Apparently that is the lead time. Noise is still an issue. Replacement of two towers on the Dounreay Line as part of upgrading with shorter towers. The Secretary to contact Neil Anderson for definition of footprint, dimensions and height. Visuals needed to compare the old with the new. 

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

• JS advised that he had received a further cheque for £300 from the Late Mrs’ Joan Munro’s daughters for Community Council funds. MG to send a letter of thanks.
• Memorial seats – Construction ongoing. DF and JS liaising.
• Murphy Cabins – No answer as yet. Ask Neil Anderson to speak to Rory Davidson re the situation pointing out that KCC had been promised them on completion of the works at the sub-station.

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

• SSE Resilience Fund re-opened. ACF may apply for funding for a defibrillator and support for the wood fuel club in relation to supplies to pensioners..

Finance:

• As per AGM report.

Planning Matters:

• Additional Environmental Statement reports added to Druim Ba Wind Farm appeal..

AOCB:

Next meeting: Thursday 4^th May 2017 at 7.30pm At Ffordes Photographic(the Kirk)               

Meeting Closed: 9.00pm                                                                                                                

Signed:

Steve Byford            

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

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

Apologies: Mark Hedderwick.

Also Present: PC MacDonald

Meeting commenced:  7.45pm

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

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

Matters arising:

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

Chairman’s Report:

• Nothing to report.

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

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

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

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

Finance:

• Balance stands at £1516.97

Planning Matters:

• No applications 

AOCB:

• No report

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

Meeting Closed: 9.22pm                                                                                                                

Signed:

 Steve Byford            

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

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

Apologies: Provost Cllr. Helen Carmichael.

Residents: David Beaton

Meeting commenced:  7.46pm

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

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

Matters arising:

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

Planning:

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

Chairman’s Report:

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

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

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

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

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

Finance:

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

Planning Matters:

• See above

AOCB:

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

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

Meeting Closed: 8.56pm                                                                                                                

Signed:

 Steve Byford            

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

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

Present:

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

Meeting commenced:  7.50pm

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

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: No report.

Matters arising:

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

Chairman’s Report:

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

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

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

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

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

Finance:

• Balance stands at £3407.01

Planning Matters:

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

AOCB:

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

Next meeting: Thursday 1^st December 2016 at 7.45pm

Meeting Closed: 9.18pm                                                                                                                

 Signed:

 Steve Byford            

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

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

Present:  PC Maclean

Apologies:  Cllr Davidson.

Meeting commenced:  7.50pm

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

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report:

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

Matters arising:

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

Chairman’s Report:

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

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

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

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

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

Finance:

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

Planning Matters:  No reports

AOCB:

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

Next meeting: Thursday 3^rd November 2016 at 7.45pm

Meeting Closed: 9.38pm                                                                                                                

 Signed:

 Steve Byford            

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

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

Present: Shane MacLennan, PC Maclean, PC MacDonald

Apologies: John Stewart, Cllr Davidson.

Meeting commenced:  7.48pm

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

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report:

• There were no incidents in the Kilmorack area.

Matters arising:

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

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

Chairman’s Business:

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

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

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

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

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:   

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

Finance:

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

Planning Matters:

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

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

Next meeting: Thursday 6th October 2016 at 7.45pm

Meeting Closed: 9.25pm                                                                                                                

 Signed:

 Steve Byford            

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

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

Guests:

Apologies: The Police

Meeting commenced:  7.58pm

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

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report:

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

Matters arising: None

Chairman’s Business:

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

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

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

 Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:   

• Order Wreath for War Memorial. All agreed.

Finance:

• No expenditure this month. Balanced stands at £2652.36

Planning Matters:  No applications this month

AOCB:  None.

 Next meeting: Thursday 1^st September 2016 at 7.45pm

Meeting Closed: 9.00pm    

 Signed:

Steve Byford