Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 2^nd April 2015 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.45pm

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

Apologies: Cllr. Hamish Wood, Cllr. Margaret Davidson

Meeting commenced:  7.51pm.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 5^th March 2015 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by Steve Byford and seconded John Stewart – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: PSgt Craig Stuart – No crimes reported

Matters arising:

1. Broadband Complaints – JG speaking to Stuart Robertson of Digital Highlands and Islands. Assessing possibility of Aigas Community Forest providing Community Broadband.
2. BHF Update – Defibrillator is now operational but presently stored at Cluanie. Awaiting the electrician to fit the box at the Kilmorack Hall.
3. Ditches – vote of thanks to John Taylor for ditch clearing in the Braes and opposite Aigas Dam.
4. Cnoc an Eas wind farm consultation day – It was considered that the times were not appropriate for the Community.

Chairman’s Business:

• Noise issues Wester Balblair – SSE had asked Sgurr to monitor at Croft House and Satori . Both residents spoke to Sgurr. Subsequent to that SSE decided to monitor substation only. Respond to Alastair Brand, Cllr. Margaret Davidson, Cllr. Helen Carmichael, Gregor McCormick, John Lee, and David Gardner(SSE) stating that we are disappointed and would they re-consider. Also still requesting jackets around the SVC filters.

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

• JS took Neil Anderson to discuss the new quarry path. Andrew Hogg(SSE) to liaise with Breedon and Lovat estates.

 Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

• Adopt a Phone Box. It was suggested that if ACF wished to adopt the box at the Crask of Aigas, KCC would support. All agreed.

Finance: The treasurer has paid for the Defib wall box. 

Planning Matters:  None

AOCB:  

• Helen Carmichael updated members on delivery of the Beauly Care bus and Men’s shed.

 Next meeting:   30^th April 2015 at the Kilmorack Hall. (change due to elections)

Meeting Closed: 9.35pm    

 Signed:  

 Steve Byford            

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 5th March 2015 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.30pm

Present:  Steve Byford (Chair), John Stewart (Vice Chair) Duncan Fraser(Treasurer),  Mary Graham(Secretary), John Graham, Mark Hedderwick(8.00pm)

Attendees: PC Karen Mackenzie

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

Meeting commenced:  7.37pm.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 5^th February 2015 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by Steve Byford and seconded Duncan Fraser – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: PC Karen Mackenzie – No crimes reported

Matters arising:

1. ACF Update – Aigas Forest has been officially acquired at 11.04am this morning. A small working party cleared entrance and erected some temporary signage. A Celebration event will be held in te Forest in May. SB to speak to Breedon and Eddie Mackay regarding some aggregate for the Forest Car park. ACF AGM will take place on Monday 16^th March 2015 7.30pm Magnus House.
2. BHF Update – Defibrillator has been funded and will be despatched on receipt of £400 contribution from KCC..
3. Ward Forum – JG attended. Unfortunately there was a low attendance from the Communities and after a presentation from Fire Scotland and Police Scotland a discussion ensued with SSE over the problems within the response to the four day power outage. Reliance on social media and web sites has proved a stumbling block as well as issues with the TV and local Radio, now run increasingly from Glasgow. It is perhaps incumbent upon us to sign up for the Community Emergency Plan and become a contact point for SSE. Some errors could perhaps have been addressed with direct contact. Lessons have(?) been learnt.
4. IACCF – John and Mary Graham attended and it was a lively debate. There is certainly some confusion on the understanding of Community Empowerment. It was suggested that a Planning Forum would be of use in that Community Councils could clarify their position.
5. Loch Buidhe Consultation – Email to be sent to Lisa regarding the issues raised at the meeting:

Photo images as presented were of a misleading scale, despite this being raised at a previous consultation.

Could undergrounding not be reconsidered if saving are made from the acceptance of the preferred option central line.

Pointing out agreed mitigation in Kilmorack for these lines.

Reference to the Local plan and clearance of lines from existing structures.

 Chairman’s Business:

• Noise issues Wester Balblair – SB reported meeting with THC and Councillors. It was an informative and constructive meeting.

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

• JS Visited the Tealing Substation to see the MSCDNs. JS reported that only one was working on the day and it was very windy. SB requested clarification of the number of MSCDNs planned for Wester Balblair and that SSE could provide someone technical to answer questions on noise at the next CLG meeting.

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

• AGM – Requested confirmation that Officers were prepared to continue – all agreed
• Asked for accounts to be prepared and presented.
• SSE’s Resilient Community Fund. It is agreed that we should support the application for funding for a generator for the hall, hot cabinet, soup tureen and possibly some PMR radios. To be discussed with the Hall Committee with a view to a joint application.

Finance: The treasurer provided an update – attached.

Planning Matters:  None

AOCB:  

• Stone Benches for Quarry walk – progress.
• Hugh Beaton’s Corner. HB has agreed to a bench. DF to liaise to identify a location.
• Bench on Altyre – Mh to speak to the local tenant farmer(CB).
• Access – Path at Ardochy blocked by flooding. Liaise with ACF paths committee about clearing.
• Torgormack – Water run off and freezing on road with a lot of grit making it dangerous. JG to email John Taylor (Community Services)
• End Tower Shin Line – email Neil Angerson SSE again.
• New Toll path. Provision of Barrier at the top of the path?

 Next meeting:  2^nd April 2015 at the Kilmorack Hall – 7.30pm AGM 7.45pm Meeting

Meeting Closed: 9.50pm    

 Signed

Steve Byford, Chairman

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 5th February 2015 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.30pm

Present:  Steve Byford (Chair), Duncan Fraser(Treasurer),  Mary Graham(Secretary), John Graham, Mark Hedderwick, Cllr. Helen Carmichael, Cllr. Margaret Davidson

Attendees: PC Karen Mackenzie

 Guests: Mr. Frank Spencer-Nairn

Apologies: Cllr. Hamish Wood, John Stewart

Meeting commenced:  7.38pm.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 4^th December 2014 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by John Graham and seconded Duncan Fraser – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report:

• PC Karen Mackenzie reported theft of diesel from some local plant machinery and mentioned the request for speed monitoring of the Altyre Road (presently awaiting availability of resources). She also asked people to be aware of cold callers for scrap in the area. There are some dealers who have identity cards from THC and these should be recorded.  – PC Mackenzie was thanked by the Chairman and then left.

Tourism Business Improvement District (TBiD) – Frank Spencer-Nairn addressed the committee on the expansion of the Loch Ness TBiD to include Strathglass and other areas. He then answered questions as to this development.

Matters arising:

1. Wester Balblair – SB confirmed that some residents were still hearing the noise from Wester Balblair. A request that EHOs continue noise measurements for a longer period. MD/HC to arrange a meeting with EHO’s and CC to see how we move forward.
2. Aigas Forest Update – Money for purchase has been received. The final legal issues are being addressed.
3. Ditches and Culverts – Farley. Send email to THC regarding lack of ditch and culvert clearance which has once again resulted in water crossing the road and freezing. Two gritters in fact came off the road proving our case. MH also raised the issue of the prominence of the barriers at the termination tower for the Shin line. Email Neil Anderson SSE to see if some improvements could be done whilst Murphy’s are on site.
4. British Heart Foundation – MG reported that the CPR sessions were now ready to start. It was requested that each Councillor or partner could host a session in their area.
5. Power Outage Response – SB requested that Neil Anderson be asked to provide the name of a senior person to respond to the serious issue of a lack of communication. Although food vans were provided in Beauly, few people were aware of them until after the event. Reliance on internet and social media when there was no power was ill judged. The provision of help was available but poorly communicated in the local area.

(Cllr. Helen Carmichael left – 9.12pm)

Chairman’s Business: No current issues

Vice Chairman’s Report:  No current issues

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

• Fuel Assistance Project – CAB have provided a Fuel Assistance Officer for the Aird. Details are in the newsletter.
• NFUS/SCAA – Saving Time – A project to encourage people working on the land to carry information identifying sites on their land with OS references which can be used to direct the air ambulance to any incident. Briefly discussed and those Community Councillors with an interest in this to consult and come back to the Council.
• Inverness to Beauly Cycle Route – approval for this path has now reached Kirkhill corner and James Campbell approached us for our support for the area within Kilmorack (Lovat Bridge to the Rail Bridge) A suggestion to link with the new Toll Path bypass was raised by the cyclists. In theory the CC expressed support but more details required.
• Charleston Academy Shinty Club- Funding request. Vote for £100 donation proposed JG seconded MH, Approved.
• Ward Forum 16^th February at Fort Augustus and 26^th February at the Town House, Inverness
• IACCF 17^th February at the Town House

Finance: The treasurer advised that no payments this month but provided a written report for THC.

Planning Matters:  15/00199/FUL – Croft House, WB. Steve Byford declared an interest. No complaints/objections had been received and as a simple extension the opinion was that there was no cause to comment.

AOCB:  Bhein Mhor update – letter to Simon Hindson requesting that the site visit should include transit of the Cannich to Wester Balblair road re-enforcing our views about safety concerns about the very large number of heavy aggregate and concrete lorries planned to use the A831. 

 Next meeting:  5^th March 2015 at the Kilmorack Hall – 7.30pm

Meeting Closed: 9.50pm    

 Signed

Steve Byford

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 4th December 2014 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.45pm

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

Val MacIver(Platform PR), PS Craig Stuart

Invited guests: Morven Taylor HSCHT, Mr. and Mrs. Oliver, Belladrum

Apologies: Cllr. Margaret Davidson, Cllr. Helen Carmichael, Cllr. Hamish Wood – Cllr. Drew Hendry sent his Christmas Greetings.

Meeting commenced:  7.51pm.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 6^th November 2014 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by John Graham and seconded Mark Hedderwick – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report:

• Police Sgt Craig Stuart introduced himself as the new Beauly Area Sargeant and explained that he grew up in the area. No crimes reported in the area. Asked us to make people aware of oil thefts in the surrounding areas. Vice-Chair expressed concerns of speed of vehicles travelling down Altyre Road to the A831. Suggestion was to ask TEC services for speed registering strips. PS Stuart then left.

Noise Complaint: Mr. and Mrs. Oliver of Belladrum reported hearing noise for two years affecting Mrs. Oliver’s sleep(night duty nurse) which they had not realised until lately was related to the Wester Balblair noise issue. MJ to email details of EHO (Gregor MacCormick) to Mrs. Oliver. 

Highland Small Communities Housing Trust: Morven Taylor explained the organisation’s work in developing affordable houses for local communities. We could look into the possibility of grant funding for a survey to identify need and land availability in the local community for people/family wanting to return to the area. MH raised the issue of Forestry Crofts as an example. The Chairman thanked Morven for attending. MT left at 8.45pm. 

Cnoc an Eas Wind Farm: Val MacIver was queried and stated that the application, after further amendments, would be applied for mid March/April. Mrs. MacIver was asked why two separate applications for met masts (14/04301/FUL and 14/04302/FUL) had been presented for the one site and why had the application been presented so close to Christmas. Time to comment was less than clear and different to that stated at the Force 9 presentation at Kilmorack Hall. The community has less than three weeks to comment at a time of the year when everyone is committed to other things. VM agreed to check. No further discussions. VM Left.

Matters arising:

1. Wester Balblair – SB reported: Still awaiting confirmation on why sub-station (SVC?) was very noisy on weekend after SVC put back on line. Write to MPs to update them. MG to email Gregor MacCormick to ask what background noise level THC requires. MG to email Neil Anderson to ask why the SVC was not put in a building from the beginning. All answers to the forthcoming Community Liaison Group meeting.
2. Loch Buidhe Update: After the latest SSE community presentation at Kilmorack Hall, SB raised concerns that the visuals of the new larger towers and the old existing towers were not to the same scale. Photos of new towers were not like for like and misleading. It was of some concerns that MH had been advised that the new undergrounding would effectively be redundant in a few years. The Council felt it important that we should press for all the new lines to be undergrounded. Otherwise the mitigation agreements with THC and KCC would not have been honoured.
3. Benches: A quote had been received of c. £1200. Ideas for positioning were discussed but it was decided to defer any progress until after the new paths were complete.
4. Nation of Lifesavers – British Heart Foundation Mini Annie manikins(Call, Push, Rescue) had arrived(on show) and we were awaiting the instruction manuals and DVDs. The Hall Committee have agreed the use of the porch for the siting of a defibrillator at the Hall and will look into the power supply for a heated cabinet. Application for the grant is ongoing.
5. Budget Consultation: A letter, not the survey, had been sent as agreed and an acknowledgement received.

(MH left – 9.42pm)

Chairman’s Business:

• A request from the Kilmorack Hall Committee for a letter of support for an SSE Community Grant for new windows. Agreed for next years round.
• Frank Spencer-Nairn wished to address the meeting on the TBid MG to invite to next meeting – agreed.

 Vice Chairman’s Report:  No current issues

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

• Meeting dates for Hall provisionally booked. It was decided to revert to 7.30pm start and JS asked if the October meeting could be changed to the 8^th. With these variations the dates were agreed.

(JS left – 9.55pm)

Finance: There were no transactions last month and the balance stands at £2400. A request for a more formal written presentation of accounts had been received from the Ward Manager, Charles Stephens. The treasurer will take this on board. 

Planning Matters:

• 14/04301/FUL and 14/04302/FUL Cnoc an Eas Wind Farm: two separate applications for met masts had been notified. The Chair pointed out that a great number of those in the Community will see up to thirteen turbines. As this is outwith our Community Area, and only refers to the masts at this time, it was felt that individual objections would be the most appropriate. When the full application is presented we shall discuss that fully at that time. 

AOCB: JG wished to record the Community Council’s thanks to the Chairman, SB, for the use of his leaf blower to clear the War Memorial in advance of the Remembrance Day Service.

 Next meeting:  5^th February 2015 at the Kilmorack Hall – 7.30pm

Meeting Closed: 22.05hrs    

 Signed

Steve Byford

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 6th November 2014 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.45pm

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

Apologies: Cllr. Hamish Wood

Meeting commenced:  7.46pm.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 2^nd October 2014 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by Mark Hedderwick and seconded Duncan Fraser – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report:

• PC Scott Maclean confirmed that there were no crimes reported and ask that the Community checked and prepared their vehicles for winter. New drink drive limit approved by government. Left at 8.10pm.

Matters arising:

1. Wester Balblair – The SVC was switched off on Tuesday 4^th THC EHOs measured noise levels on Wednesday night. Letter was requested to be sent to Gregor MacCormick, cc to Neil Anderson, SSE, re the increased noise levels on Sunday 2^nd Nov and the need for continuous noise measurements over a longer period to allow for different load and atmospheric conditions. The Community need to be assured that this will be done!
2. Winter Resilience – The salt bins have been delivered and we are now just awaiting the snow pushers etc. Duncan was given maps to mark the problem areas of culverts and ditches so they can be addressed before the weather turns.
3. Walling/seats – awaiting quotes
4. Dog Fouling – four signs put up. Some resistance to what was seen as urbanisation.
5. Nation of Lifesavers – British Heart Foundation offer of grant for a defibrillator was discussed. The Hall committee will be approached and JG/MG will pursue. All supported the proposal to sponsor the unit by £400 plus the cost of an outside box.

Chairman’s Business:

• Budget Consultation – arrange meeting with Cllr. Davidson. It was considered the form too proscriptive so an appropriate letter should be drafted and sent.

Vice Chairman’s Report:  

• Increase of rubbish on Altyre Brae. Email Neil Anderson to include in next CLG Group agenda(MG)

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

• Community Panel MG to collect responses
• IACC Forum – Members were asked to volunteer to attend
• Small Communities Housing Trust – invite to attend next meeting

Finance: No new transactions this month

Planning Matters:  Allt Carach Met Mast had been approved on appeal by the Scottish Ministers (DEPA)

AOCB: No business

 Next meeting:  4^th December 2014 at the Kilmorack Hall – 7.45pm

Meeting Closed: 22.23hrs    

 Signed

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 2^nd October 2014 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.45pm

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

Apologies: Cllr. Margaret Davidson, Cllr. Hamish Wood,

Meeting commenced:  7.50pm.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 4^th September 2014 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by Duncan Fraser and seconded Mark Hedderwick – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report:

• PC Scott Maclean and PC Billy MacDonald confirmed that there were no issues reported, Ask Community to report suspicious vehicles.

Matters arising:

1. Wester Balblair – SB asked if anyone considered there had been an improvement since the barriers had been completed. All felt that there had been no discernible difference and we look forward to the work on the SVC. SB showed photos of the enclosures.  MG to contact Neil Anderson SSE again to find out when Murphy’s generator was on site. Also to send letter to Gregor McCormick and John Lee requesting monitoring of noise before and after Beauly-Denny goes fully live and before and after the work on the SVC. Cllr. Helen Carmichael will also liaise with THC re monitoring.
2. Footpath Mitigation – It was suggested that ALL mitigation should be in place before Beauly-Denny goes live.  A formal letter to Nicola Drummond (cc to David Garner SSE, Cllr. Helen Carmichael and Cllr. Margaret Davidson) asking if THC is going to enforce the conditions.
3. Broadband – JG reported that he had spoken to Stuart Robertson HIE and confirmed that extra cabinets would be provided for Kilmorack but number and location yet to be identified. Presently KCC does not have any active cabinets in their area and without those there would be little benefit as the Beauly exchange is not to be improved at this time. The Fibre-optic will bypass the exchange and go direct to cabinets.
4. Winter Resilience – 2 grit bins requested and suggested for the corner by 16 Resaurie and 24/29 Tomich to Teanroit. Snow pushers also requested. DF to advise TECS. Comment about the need to attend to ditching for grit bins to be effective.
5. Beinn Mhor – WPD response – First issue is that subject to any approval WPD is agreeable to KCC being involved in the transport community liaison group. The reduction of one turbine is not considered to mitigate anything and a letter confirming our previous objection stands will be sent.
6. Community Payback – Toll fences had been painted. KCC had paid £50.50 for the paint

Chairman’s Business:

1. SB requested an update on First Responders. MG to liaise.
2. SB asked MH to clear/tidy up rear entrance to the Lovat Memorial. KCC will cover any costs

Vice Chairman’s Report:  there is a problem with Dog Fouling on the Quarry footpath. Contact Dog Wardens to arrange signage.

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

• DIGGS (Development Initiative Great Glen) – Newsletter circulated.
• Copy of letter from Anne Forsyth to Hatfield Farms Ltd. requesting an upgrade of paths through Farley Estate.
• Highland Communities Panel – MG to be named person for on-line surveys.

 Finance:

• Cheques have been paid out for Hall rental and for the paint for the Toll fence.

 Planning Matters:  

• None to report.

 AOCB: 

• Discussion on use of stones from the old SSE house. MH to liaise with Tom Nelson.

  Next meeting:  6^th November 2014 at the Kilmorack Hall – 7.45pm  

Meeting Closed: 21.45hrs      

Signed      Steve Byford

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 4^th September 2014 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.45pm

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

Apologies: John Stewart, Cllr. Helen Carmichael, Cllr. Hamish Wood, PC Scott Maclean

Meeting commenced:  7.46pm.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 5^th June 2014 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by John Graham and seconded Stephen Byford – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: No issues reported

Matters arising:

1. Wester Balblair – SB reported that SSE willing to take new noise measurements at his house but were not willing to provide him with the resulting data due to legal reasons. Some noise was identified to a generator on site and SSE to liaise with Murphys to address this.
2. Broadband – An upgrade to FTTC, fibreoptic lines, should be complete by Dec 31^st JG to contact Stuart Robertson, HIE, for further details
3. Beauly District Care Project – Purchase of roller display banner – approved. They are looking at local delivery of Home carers. Men shed – basic computing session held at the Priory was successful with another planned. Receiving Mini Bus from the Highland Cross. Inclusion in Newsletter.
4. Aigas Community Forest – Due to change in interpretation of funding rules, ACF has now re-applied for funding for the whole forest. If unsuccessful it will revert to the agreed funding package. A new Development Officer, Donnie Chisholm has been appointed.
5. Beinn Mhor – update – We have received no communication from WPD re the local liaison group since our letter. Kyla Donaldson(WPD) has stated that they do not propose to appoint members of KCC to the liaison group. KCC have indicated that the appropriate time would be when and if planning was approved.

Chairman’s Business:

1. SSE Community Liaison Group meeting – Foot path negotiations ongoing. Noise data still with held. MD to check with THC legal Dept.
2. Clare Caldwell had tendered her resignation due to family commitments. The Chair has contacted her expressing thanks for all her assistance.

Vice Chairman’s Report: (in absentia) Removal of Tourist signs. It is suggested that local Tourist businesses could apply for planning permission for a board and MD suggested that they arrange a pre-planning meeting.

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

• ABO have written requesting the establishment of a Community Liaison Group. The Community Council decided that a letter should be sent saying KCC will not attend until and if Planning permission is granted.
• Highland Council Quality Awards. Gregor McCormick, EHO, has been nominated.

Finance: Highland Council grant received.

Planning Matters:

• 14/02550/FUL Wind Turbine at Miekle Phoineas. Further to an email poll of Community Councillors, a letter of objection has been raised on the basis of size, visual impact, tourism and road safety. This was approved by the meeting.

.

AOCB: 

• The stone from the demolition of the sub-station house is now stored in the quarry for future community use..
• Fence painting – JG to chase
• Grass by the Memorial to be cut by November.
• MH advised the KCC that an access path to the new quarry path had been completed. A suggestion that some of the stone from the Sub-stationhouse demolition could be used to create a pleasant entrance.
• Meeting to be arranged with Tom Nelson re stonework.

 Next meeting:  2^nd  October 2014 at the Kilmorack Hall – 7.45pm

Meeting Closed: 21.20hrs    

 Signed

  Steve Byford

Minutes of Meetingheld on Thursday 5th June 2014 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.45pm

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

Apologies: Clare Caldwell, Mark Hedderwick, Cllr. Helen Carmichael, Cllr. Hamish Wood.

Meeting commenced:  7.50pm.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 1st May 2014 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by John Stewart and seconded Duncan Fraser – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: PC Scott Maclean and PC Mackenzie in attendance. PC Maclean stated no crimes or anti social behaviour reported in Kilmorack. PCs Maclean and Mackenzie then left.

Matters arising:

1.  Wester Balblair – Access to Noise Data is still being refused (SSE legal dept) and mitigation measures are ongoing. Toll and Altyre paths are still held up with legal issues. Ask Cllr. Helen Carmichael for update from Lovat.
2. JS to forward noise surveys to EHOs at The Highland Council.
3. SSE – Public exhibition on noise mitigation plans held on 4^th June. A large number of local residents attended.
4. Beinn Mhor – update – on further study of the ES we have identified a serious issue with the fact that aggregate and concrete needed for the bases and roads (in excess of 4000 movements) will be sourced from Wester Balblair and transported along the mostly single track or winding Cannich Road (A831) Taking into account our concerns as to the visual impact on the Glen Affric/Strathglass area it was agreed to send a letter of strong objection to the planning authority. Many small businesses in the area have expressed great concern.

Chairman’s Business: Next CLG meeting with SSE/Murphy 12^th June 2014

Vice Chairman’s Report: No report

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

• Budget Consultation Ward Form – JG and MG to attend
• Local Government Electoral Boundaries – Public Consultation – With a proposed rduction of 8 councillors in the Highland region it was moved that a letter be sent identifying the wide geographical area and the very diverse community. We would express our view that a councillor reduction would have an adverse impact on our engagement with The Highland Council.

Finance: No report

Planning Matters:

• 14/01652/FUL House extension, Crask of Aigas – S. Byford declared an interest and absented himself, J. Stewart(VC) taking the Chair. Local residents had been contacted and no adverse comments had been forthcoming. No objections.
• S. Byford resumed the Chair
• 14/01714/FUL Workshop and Store, Urchany. No local concerns were raised. No objections.

AOCB: 

• A question was raised about who was doing the grass cutting at the War Memorial and the pic-nic area. There were concerns as to grass on corner verges at Altyre and Broallan and blocked drains by Birch Cottage. John Taylor (THC) to be contacted. SB to provide photos and GPS location. It was remarked that some road signs were in poor state. Ask if possible to replace as it gives a poor impression to Tourists.

Next meeting:  4^th September 2014 at the Kilmorack Hall – 7.45pm

Meeting Closed: 21.30hrs     

Signed                                

Steve Byford

Minutes of Meetingheld on Thursday 1st May 2014 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 7.45pm

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

Apologies: Clare Caldwell, Mark Hedderwick, Cllr. Helen Carmichael, Cllr. Hamish Wood.

Meeting commenced:  7.54pm.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 3^rd April 2014 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by John Stewart and seconded Duncan Fraser – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: PC Scott Maclean stated no offences in Kilmorack. Some tools had been stolen from building sites in Beauly. Please secure vehicles and outbuildings.

 Matters arising:

1.        Noise issues at Wester Balblair – A public event will be held by SSE at Kilmorack Hall 2.00-6.30pm to show progress of mitigation measures.. Cllr. Margaret Davidson advised that the noise abatement order had been sisted at the Sheriffs Court whilst SSE were progressing the mitigation measures. JS had received a number of the noise survey back from residents. Further forms will be distributed
2.        Lappett Moth. FCS meeting. JG and MG attended. Restrictions on timber movements should be eased in October.

Chairman’s Business: Man’s Shed. Breedon building is not available.

Vice Chairman’s Report:

•          Louisa’s seat at Plactchaig – Request for cleanup for summer. JS to look into it.
•          Cemetery Gates – JS contacted Jeff Fridge, Parks and Cemeteries, on 6^th April re loose coping stone on gate pillar.

Secretary’s Business and Correspondence:

•          Email from Aigas Field Centre requesting inclusion of event dates in Newsletter. Due to shortage of space this was deemed impractical but link can be provided on web site.
•          JS asked whether details of phone “Scams” could also be provided on web site. Due to the wide variety that would not really be practical but JG would look into what could be done.

Finance: No report

Planning Matters:

•          Beauly Car Park – no objections(this is confirmation of the temporary provision)
•          Plot 4A, 4 Rusiarie – No objections

AOCB: 

•          State of Roads along undergrounding route and Tower site are causing concern due to the heavy construction traffic from Murphy and Breedon. Road edges in particular are breaking up. It was commented that Murphy had videoed the roads prior to start of work and would re-video them at the end and all necessary repairs to their damage would be rectified them. It was suggested that some liaison with THC over this would be necessary.
•          Toll/Altyre Road foot paths. MD to check on progress.

Next meeting:  5^th June 2014 at the Kilmorack Hall – 7.45pm

Meeting Closed: 21.10hrs

Signed:  

Steve Byford, Chairman  

Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 3^rd Apriil 2014 at the ‘The Kilmorack Hall’ at 8.00pm

Present:  Steve Byford (Chairman), John Stewart, Mary Graham(Secretary), John Graham, Duncan Fraser,  Mark Hedderwick, Cllr. Helen Carmichael.

Apologies: Cllr Margaret Davidson, Cllr. Hamish Wood.

Meeting commenced:  8.01pm.

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 6^th March 2014 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record.  Proposed by Steve Byford and seconded Duncan Fraser – Approved.

Police Scotland, Beauly Area Report: Sgt. Gregor Hay again requested that out buildings, vans and homes be locked when un-attended as there had been a small number of thefts of power tools in the surrounding area.

Matters arising:

1.        Noise issues at Wester Balblair – SB gave an update on progress of noise baffles and the last liaison meeting. JG had visited the substation and reported on the work program.
2.        Aigas Community Forest Update: JG reported that £20,000 had been awarded from the SSE Community Fund. JS questioned whether that may compromise the issues at Wester Balblair. JG confirmed that consideration had been given to the concerns and the Forest Directors were comfortable that this is from a Regional Fund and no connection is apparent. With the funding of £3000 from the Ward Discretionary fund all match funding was now in place and progress was in train to finalise the deal.

Chairman’s Business:

•          Re-painting of toll path fence. SB will follow up.

Vice Chairman’s Report:

•          Pot holes at the Turning into Altyre Road had been filled in.

Secretary’s Business:

•          Open letter  to Community Councils from John Boocock of Kilmuir and Logie East Community Council had been received. Discussion of the four points at issue were discussed but the conclusion was that KCC should continue dialogue with relevant departments within THC which has always proved successful. A letter to John Boocock had been despatched along these lines. It was commented that the relationship with our independent councillors is excellent and we value their ongoing support.

Finance:

•          The Treasurer confirmed funds at £2504.39

Planning Matters: No applications.

AOCB: 

•          Men’s Shed – Beauly Care Project. SB to speak to Tom Lewis at Breedon to discuss the availability of one of the redundant buildings.
•          Signs removed from Toll. A suggestion was made that a all tourism businesses could possible be accommodated on one approved sign.

Next meeting:  1^st  May 2014 at the Kilmorack Hall – 7.45pm

Meeting Closed: 21.20hrs

Signed: 

                                                                                                                                                    Steve Byford, Chairman