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Minutes of Meeting Thursday 5th December 2024

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  Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 5th December 2024 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.41pm.

Apologies:  No apologies

Present: Andy Fraser, Iain Stewart, Graham Mackay, Mark Hedderwick, Mary Graham, John Graham(secretary) Cllr Emma Knox, Cllr David Fraser, Steve and Viv Byford, John Stewart, Roy Templeton.

A special presentation. Andy Fraser welcomed Steve, Viv Byford and John Stewart to the meeting and a suitably engraved Quaich and Whisky Tumbler were presented to thank Steve for the seventeen years of service to the Community Council. John Stewart, who joined the CC with Steve then presented Steve with a fifteen year old bottle of Ord Whisky to represent the fifteen years as Chairman. Finally the Community Councillors and Emma had contributed to a chainsaw carving of Steve’s dog Archie who passed away recently. Steve expressed his gratitude to the Community Council. To complete the celebration a glass of wine and a slice of cake were enjoyed.           

Minutes of Meeting 7th November 2024: Proposed: Graham Mackay, Seconded: Andy Fraser

Police Report: No report.

Co-option of new Councillor: Since the loss of two Community Councillors it had been agreed at the previous meeting to co-opt Roy Templeton as a Community Councillor. This had been publicised on our web site and notified on our Agenda for this meeting in compliance with 6.3 of The Scheme for Establishment of Community Councils in Highland. Proposed by Mark Hedderwick and seconded by Graham Mackay. Passed unanimously.

Matters Arising:

  • Black Bridge replacement – There were some concerns about the operation of lights on the bridge which had not been approved by THC. – Ongoing.
  • Kilmorack Dam Substation out of hours working and connection to Wester Balblair. We have received some communication from Sally Cooper but little reference to out of hours working and more interest in resurrecting the CLG. Andy is in communication regarding this.
  • 400KV overhead line – Energy Consents Infrastructure supplication leaves some questions as the updated route seems to have reverted to the original plans – Ongoing.
  • Roads damage and repair (including Highland Broadband). The repairs are awaited and damage is getting worse. The assumption is that THC will address this when work is completed as otherwise ongoing usage will just damage any repairs. There have been issues with the plough and gritter but hardly unexpected. – Ongoing.  
  • Lovat BESS have lodged their planning application for the quarry. Notable was the detailed and lengthy comment by Scottish Fire and Rescue.

Chairman’s Business

  • Graham Mackay and Andy Fraser attended the Beauly Trust AGM and discussion regarding incorporating KCC was addressed. The area of the trust presently is the Beauly Primary School catchment area and not the Beauly CC area and that would include some of Kilmorack. AF proposed that KCC would take part in the Trust and this was agreed in principle.
  • Andy Fraser, Mary Graham and the Secretary attended the Kilmorack Hall AGM. Some advice on funding was given as well as the support of the KCC to the Hall. The Secretary updated them on use of the Defib which had been accessed three times this year although only used once. It was confirmed that KCC would continue to maintain and monitor it.

Secretary

  • RBS – Still struggling to get the mandate and address for contact changed but we are getting there.  
  • The ACF Board agreed to supply some recently felled elm which will be milled and matured and then constructed into a bench in memory of Duncan Fraser.

Planning – No new applications excepting Lovat BESS.

Treasurer:

  • Graham Mackay made his first report as treasurer. Balance stands at £2090.80

ANOB:  

  • Just received is the proposal to extend 20mph Highland Wide. Information has been circulated and this mostly refers to Unclassified roads and villages.
  • The Chairman wished everyone a Happy Christmas.

Meeting Closed: at 20.52hrs (8.52pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 6th February 2025 at Kilmorack Community Hall at 7.30pm 

Signed:

Andy Fraser, Chairman                                  

Minutes of Meeting Thursday 7th November 2024

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Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 7th November 2024 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.38pm.

The Chairman reported on the sad passing of our Treasurer Duncan Fraser and asked for suggestions for a suitable memorial. Possibly a bench by the river as he enjoyed fishing. A two minute silence was observed.

Apologies:  

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

Minutes of Meeting 3rd October 2024: Proposed: Mark Hedderwick, Seconded: Graham Mackay

Police Report: No report.

Matters Arising:

  • Black Bridge replacement – Agreement reached not to close bridge during assessment work which has now started. Concerns were expressed by local residents that access had been agreed by landowners without reference to tenants.
  • Kilmorack Dam Substation out of hours working and connection to Wester Balblair. Despite emails from the Chairman and the Secretary, Sally Cooper has yet to clarify the situation. Sally is presently on holiday so we will chase on her return.
  • 400KV OHL Scoping. Scoping documents have been lodged but there was much discussion about the detail which leaves a lot to be desired. Cllr David Fraser clarified the situation with scoping and Councillors were asked to put together relevant concerns on environmental issues such as access, noise, silt, private water supplies etc which will be addressed to the planning dept.
  • Roads damage and repair (Highland Broadband). The repairs are awaited and damage is getting worse. All present to provide details of issues for consolidation into one list. The Chairman will pursue the matter with the relevant THC staff.  
  • SSE Hydro Community Fund. The Secretary has made an application to cover transport to swimming lessons for Teanassie School for the next three years. Response expected in February.
  • Ballach Wind Farm – Scoping has been launched and there is much concern regarding the project. Funding for raising an objection is scarce but best retained for an actual planning application. Cllr Fraser remarked at the excessive number of applications presently in train for the area.  
  • Highland Cross Presentation Evening. Iain Stewart has agreed to attend as our representative.
  • Cemeteries – Thanks to Cllr Emma Knox for the re-introduction of rubbish bins at the local cemeteries. Emma will also speak to Cemeteries on the condition of the paths which have become overgrown and dangerously slippery.
  • MH asked about the trees that were discussed at the previous meeting. We have been in touch with Community Services (Roads) and an assessment was being organised The result of that is presently unknown.

Chairman’s Business

  • Highland Broadband undergrounding of cables had been discussed along with verges and the situation is ongoing.
  • Crowd Funding – Kiltarlity CC was starting a crowd funding appeal to fund opposition to Fanellan. A brief discussion ensued about whether we might use the same method to fund our objections to the assault on the area from the renewables industry. It was felt counter productive to promote two funding streams at the same time.
  • Beauly Trust – Consideration had been given to amalgamating Beauly and Kilmorack but nothing further transpired. The Chairman will see where we are on that.

Secretary

  • Due to the use of the Defibrillator recently we have had to replace the pads. At £168 a pair a not inconsiderable cost. After discussion with Emma and David, a WDF application was made and agreed. We also requested funding for a set of paediatric pads at £132 and these were also agreed. Payment is now in our bank, the replacement pads installed and available and the paediatric pads will be here by the beginning of next week.
  • Roy Templeton has agreed to be put forward as a co-opted community Councillor.

Planning – No applications not notified although the full scoping report had been circulated.

Treasurer:

  • With the passing of our treasurer and the retirement of our Chairman we now need to address the signatories on the bank account. It was proposed that Andy Fraser be added to the mandate as the second signature. Proposed by Iain Stewart, seconded by Mark Hedderwick.
  • The position of Treasurer was discussed and Graham Mackay agreed to take on the position. This was unanimously agreed. The Treasurer will be added to the Banking Mandate in line with usual practice.

ANOB:  None

Meeting Closed: at 21.08hrs (9.08pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 5th December 2024 at Kilmorack Community Hall at 7.30pm 

Signed:

Andy Fraser, Chairman                                            

Minutes of Meeting Thursday 3rd October 2024

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Minutes of Meeting held on Wednesday 3rd October 2024 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.37pm.

Apologies:  Duncan Fraser, Cllr David Fraser, Cllr Chris Ballance

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

Minutes of Meeting  3rd September 2024: Proposed: Mark Hedderwick, Seconded: Graham Mackay

Police Report: Written Community report received and circulated 6th September 2024. Comment was made of the Police Scotland Flyers for foreign visitors which should be more available in such as petrol stations and other accommodation. Cllr Knox to look into this.

Matters Arising:

  • Black Bridge replacement – Further information is awaited from Highland Council on this.
  • Kilmorack Dam Substation out of hours working on connection to Wester Balblair. The Secretary will chase Sally Cooper for an update.
  • 400KV OHL More information is awaited but MH reported on access discussions to the line via Aigas Forest.
  • Roads damage and repair. MH and GM reported that no repairs have been done and concerns remain. .
  • 400KV OHL. Information is scarce at the moment but concerns have been raised on some of their access plans. Ongoing
  • Scottish Hydro Community Fund. The Secretary reported that Teanassie School had asked about further funding for swimming lesson transport. However Ward Discretionary cannot be used for recurring expenditure. The Secretary had suggested that the Hydro Fund may very well fit the bill but the school expressed concerns that funding from SSE may not be politically acceptable to many parents. It was considered that an application from the Community Council could bypass those concerns. Approved.
  • Ballach Wind Farm initial approach – Concerns were expressed but early days yet so a watching brief for now.
  • Tree Danger . Previously brought to the Community Council’s attention, GM had identified two sites by what3words and the Secretary will pass them on to John Taylor.

Chairman’s Business

  • There was a discussion about co-opting an extra Councillor to replace Steve Byford and keep numbers up. For now the CC will see how things proceed with absentees.
  • Duncan Fraser has an ongoing illness issue and is unable to attend meetings. Due to the summer break he has only missed three meetings so well within the six allowable absences. However the Secretary pointed out that he was still looking after Treasurer’s business and there for is still active. It was agreed that is a reasonable absence and accepted by the Community Council members. Proposed Andy Fraser and seconded by Iain Stewart
  • CLG – Discussion in under way to bring this back shortly
  • Caulternich/A831 Junction’ The Chair had received representation that this turning is dangerous and needs some consideration. Sight lines need improving and consideration should be made in widening the road at that point. A restricted speed limit at that intersection was suggested. Concerns was expressed at the 55 cars exiting the Kilmorack Substation development one way system at going home time. The Secretary to raise the possibility of interim measures with John Taylor.

Secretary

  • The Secretary asked for agreement for presentation items for Steve Byford on his retirement. These were approved and the Secretary to proceed to order them.
  • Due to Steve long service it had been suggested that something more would be fitting. After some research John Stewart, after discussion with Steve’s wife and daughter, considered a chainsaw carving of his dog who has recently passed away would be appreciated. The Secretary asked if this was appropriate from CC funds or if we could raise the cash via contributions. This was agreed with all Community Councillors offering to contribute.
  • The Provost has invited the Chair and one other to a Remembrance Day Parade in Inverness but as this conflicts with our own service at Wester Balblair that would prove difficult.

Planning – No applications

Treasurer:

  • Monthly report was submitted with the balance at £2280.80.
  • It was brought to the CC attention that this years the Altyre and toll cutting exceeded the grant by £93.91 although we were carrying forward a surplus from the last two years of £307.30 so still in funds. Fuel costs have risen but weather increased the frequency of maintenance.
  • CC At the Inverness Forum it was suggested that Discretionary Funding could be applied for.

ANOB:  Community Council Review 2024/25 has been circulated. The Chair felt that the option for all Councillor to individually respond would be preferable than one response. All agreed.

Meeting Closed: at 21.24hrs (9.24pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 7th November 2024 at Kilmorack Community Hall at 7.30pm 

Signed:

Andy Fraser, Chairman