TRADES & SERVICES
FEEDBACK
NEWS ARCHIVES
CLUBS & GROUPS
Sandra Bardwell 9 West Lewiston, Drumnadrochit 01456-450609 sandh@btinternet.com
Dick Beach Fiddlers Highland Restaurant, Drumnadrochit 07968105809 dickbeach@hotmail.co.uk
John Duncan Glaichoille Cottage, Buntait 01456-476361
David Fraser (Vice Chairman) Culcreuch, Pitkerrald Road, Drumnadrochit 01456-450897 davidmfraser@btinternet.com
Ken Fraser (Vice Chairman) Glenside, Balnain 01456-476280 kenshewglie@btinternet.com
Bill Gillespie Under Balchraggan, Drumnadrochit 01456-450354 b.gillespie@uwclub.net
Pam Lucas (Chairman) Incheachart Triangle, Incheachart 01456-476278 glencc@btinternet.com
Peter MacDonald (Treasurer/Vice Chairman) Broombank, Balnain 01456-476240 broombank.dal@sky.com
Dominic Thierry Kirkness, Milton 01456-450632 dominic.thierry@inverness.uhi.ac.uk
Fiona Urquhart Glenkirk, Kilmichael 01456-450802 glenkirk@lochnessbandb.com
Secretary to GUCC is Paula Cooper, 7 Shenval 01456-476307 paulacooper1@btinternet.com
Community Council Elections
Today (Monday), the Council has published this
advert on
the home page of our web site to promote the forthcoming Community Council
Elections. Candidates can download
nomination packs
from the site. Nominations must be returned by 4 pm on Tuesday 4 October.
Our web information on
Community
Council elections
also provides links to other useful information including a
poster (pdf) that
can be displayed locally to promote the election.
Please do not hesitate to contact your Ward Manager if you have any queries
about the elections.
Jimmy Flint – 01463 724273
Charles Stephen – 01463 724246
Stewart Wardlaw – 01463 724378
Sue Palmer – 01540 664537
Morven MacLeod
Business Support Officer
01463 724293
Glen Urquhart Community Council
meeting to be held
8.00pm, Monday, April 2nd 2012
Blairbeg Hall, Drumnadrochit
AGENDA
1.
Present & apologies
(b) Soirbheas
6.
Scottish & Southern Energy (a) Beauly to Denny Line
(b) Levishe Wind Farm
(c) Balmacaan Hydro
Electric Pumped Storage
Scheme
7.
Forestry Commission Scotland (a) Glen Affric car parking charges
(b) Glen Urquhart deer cull
8.
Roads (a) A82
(b) A831
9.
Local Plan
10.
Drumnadrochit Medical Centre
11.
Supported housing
12.
Creag Nay
13.
Planning applications
14.
Blairbeg Sports Field
15.
Olympic torch
16.
Snowman Rally
17.
Correspondence
18.
Any other business
19.
Arrangements for next meeting
Glen Urquhart Community Council
Meeting held on
Monday 16th January 2012 at 8.00pm
in the Craigmonie Centre
1. Present:
Pam Lucas (Chairman),
Also present: Councillors Margaret Davidson and Helen
Carmichael, Gillian Skinner and five members of the public.
Apologies:
Dominic Thierry, Councillors Hamish
Wood and Drew Hendry.
2. Minutes of the last Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 21 November 2011
were adopted as a correct record (Ken Fraser / Sandra Bardwell).
3. Matters arising from the
minutes
3)3)3)a) Visit
Scotland: Margaret Davidson
to discuss progress at the next Chamber of Commerce meeting.
3)6) Community
Noticeboards: Improvements had been delayed by inclement weather,
however further refurbishments would be taking place
4. Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer
reported that the bank balance currently stands at £1,783.12 with the
deduction of a secretarial fee being the only payment since the previous
meeting.
5.
Wind Farms
a)
Druim Ba
It is anticipated that notification of the Public Inquiry will be received
around late February / early March.
b)
Soirbheas
It was noted that this development was being very professionally managed and
progressing quickly. Some road
works would be commencing in February for concrete bases to be prepared in
the autumn, and would result in increased traffic around this time.
Developers were keen to involve local schools in the project, and
would be advertising for a co-ordinator.
6.
Scottish & Southern Energy
It was expected that SSE staff would be attending the next scheduled
Community Council meeting.
a)
Beauly to Denny Line
Nothing to report.
b)
Balmacaan Wind Farm
Nothing to report.
c)
Balmacaan Hydro Electric Pumped Storage Scheme
A public exhibition is scheduled for Thursday 2 February from 1pm to 7pm in
Blairbeg Hall. It was noted that
the exit tunnel for the scheme had been confirmed for
7.
Roads
a)
A82
No response had been received from Bob Mitchell with regards to the costings
for work at
b)
A831
The following issues were noted, and
Margaret Davidson advised that she would raise these with the Technical
Services Department:
-
Abandoned freezer dumped in
the forestry entrance before Corrimony.
-
No grit bin provided at
Bearnock.
-
Upperton road to receive
ditch work in April.
-
Poor condition of Bunloit
road.
-
Divach road falling away in
places.
-
Sizeable potholes in
-
Corner of road at top end of
-
Drains at Balmacaan Farm
getting progressively worse.
-
Lock block on
-
Continued problem with
flooding on A82 at Dr Sutherland’s house.
8.
Local Plan
This would be presented to the planning meeting on Wednesday, and
thereafter followed by a series of public meetings to discuss further.
9.
Drumnadrochit NHS Surgery
Following discussion at the CC meeting in November, a letter had been
sent to Gill McVicar. An
acknowledgement to this has now been received and a workshop date has been
arranged for 2 February. It was
agreed that prior to 2 February, a meeting would be required to discuss the
format and agenda for the workshop, which should include details of the
capital plan and how it is envisaged that this would be delivered, also
scoping of what a medical centre in Drumnadrochit should contain in order to
deliver efficiencies in all areas of community health care.
Margaret Davidson to circulate a draft paper to Pam Lucas, David
Fraser, Duncan Thom and Elaine Fraser for discussion in the first instance.
10.
Drumnadrochit Post Officer / Mail Service
It was noted that Royal Mail would be making changes to their system
for rural post offices and the CC may be asked to lend support to the
Drumnadrochit PO in this regard at some stage in the future.
11.
Supported Housing
Nothing to report.
12.
Creag Nay
The CC noted the developments made by the Steering Group and approved
the proposed community survey.
Peter Macdonald and
John Duncan to continue to
progress this issue.
13.
Planning Applications
a)
11/04111/FUL – Extension to house at Airchartden, Braefield - noted
b)
11/04367/FUL – Extension to house at Birchbrae, Balnain – noted
c)
11/04357/FUL – Erect model of Loch Ness Monster at Visitor Centre
Loch Ness Lodge Hotel – noted
14.
Blairbeg Sports Field
Ann Fraser advised that the Sports Field would be transferred back
into community ownership. A
sub-group comprising members of the Community Association, Shinty Club and
Games Committee had been set up.
The CC welcomed this news and congratulations were passed to Ann Fraser for
the significant amount of work she had undertaken in this area.
15.
Public Transport
Problems relating to the unreliable service and timetable cuts to the
Cannich to
16.
Correspondence
- Letter from
- Need for banking up soil in some graves in the new part of the New
Kilmore Graveyard – Margaret Davidson advised that she would follow up this issue.
- Letter from member of the community regarding state of repair of a
residential property. It was
noted that the CC has no remit in issues relating to private properties,
however Helen Carmichael advised that she would explore this issue further.
- Letter from Highland Council
congratulating the CC on their elections and offering training for Community
Council members.
- Connecting Carers Highland Community Care Forum letter
17.
Any Other Business
a)
Networking Event – Gillian Skinner, on behalf of Drumnadrochit
Chamber of Commerce, advised that an event would be held on the 3rd
or 4th Saturday in March.
Members look forward to participating in this event.
b)
Recycling Bins – The bins in the Tourist Information car park
required cleaning / screening. There had also been fly tipping of black bin
bags. Margaret Davidson advised
that she would progress this issue.
c)
Dick Beech – Dick was invited to rejoin the CC as a co-opted member
(Pam Lucas / Fiona Urquhart).
d)
Hausgaun Transnational Meeting – a funding application requires to be
submitted as soon as possible, funding sources were being looked into, and
the CC would be kept up to date with developments.
e)
Floodsax – To be returned to the High School for storage.
Margaret Davidson to
progress with Sam MacNaughton.
f)
Major Event Refuge – Margaret
Davidson to discuss possibility of using the Craigmonie Centre as a
refuge point in the event of any major local emergencies.
g)
River Enrick Restrictions – Timber obstructions in the river under
h)
Greenspace Minute – CC welcomed receiving the minutes and the groups’
input and requested that work on any footpaths should ensure that they are
suitable for all types of users.
i)
Loch Ness Developments – It was noted that a path on the south side
of Loch Ness was being extended and would form part of a Loch Ness 360
route. Maintenance work was
being planned for the Foyers Pier.
Granite signage proposed for the villages on Loch Ness side was not
now being progressed.
j)
Visitor Centre – It was noted that the public toilets had been closed
since Christmas with a notice that they would be reopened on 3 January,
however, they still appear to be closed.
Margaret Davidson advised that
she would investigate the reasons for this.
18.
Dates of Meetings for 2012
Community Council meetings for 2012 were agreed as follows:
27 February
2 April
14 May
25 June
30 July
3 September
15 October
26 November
14 January 2013
All meetings will be held at 8.00pm and venues rotated between
Blairbeg Hall, the Craigmonie Centre and Balnain Hall.
There then followed a brief private discussion.
The meeting closed at 9.45pm and the Chairman thanked those present for
having
attended. The next meeting will be 8.00pm, Monday, 27 February 2012 at
Balnain Hall.
Glen Urquhart Community Council
Meeting to be held
8.00pm, Monday, March 5th 2012
Balnain Hall, Balnain
AGENDA
1.
Present &
apologies
2.
Minutes
of the last meeting
3.
Matters
arising from minutes
4.
Treasurer’s report
5.
Wind
Farms
(a) Druim Ba
(b)
Soirbheas
6.
Scottish
& Southern Energy (a)
Beauly to Denny Line
(b) Balmacaan Wind Farm
(c) Balmacaan Hydro Electric
7.
Roads
(a) A82
(b)
A831
8.
Local
Plan
9.
Drumnadrochit NHS Surgery
10.
Supported
Housing
11.
Creag Nay
12.
Planning
Applications
13.
Blairbeg
Sports Field
14.
Public
Transport
15.
Correspondence
16.
Any other
business
17.
Arrangements for next meeting
Glen Urquhart Community Council
Meeting held on
Monday 21st November 2011 at 8.00pm
in Blairbeg Hall
1. Present:
Pam Lucas (Chairman),
Also present: Councillors
Apologies:
Gillian Skinner, Councillor Hamish
Wood, Councillor Drew Hendry, Councillor Helen Carmichael.
Stewart Pow, Returning Officer was present for the
start of the meeting to oversee the appointment of members.
The following people were appointed:
Pam Lucas, Chair (nominated by Dominic Thierry and Sandra Bardwell)
Peter Macdonald, Treasurer
Ken Fraser and David Fraser, Vice Chairs
Val Cooper, Secretary
The Chairman thanked members for the role and
responsibilities they had taken on over the past year.
Glen Urquhart Community Council was fortunate to have active members
with a wide range of expertise and abilities, which provided more ownership
and involvement and strengthened the performance of the community council.
2. Minutes of the last Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 24 October 2011
were adopted as a correct record (Sandra Bardwell/John Duncan).
3. Matters arising from the
minutes
3)3)a) Visit
Scotland: the meeting to be attended by Councillor Davidson has yet to
be arranged.
6) Community
Noticeboards: It had been confirmed that the costs for renovation of the
community noticeboards would be shared with the Community Association, and
work on this has already commenced.
13)
13) Butterfly
Conservation
14)b) Blairbeg
Playing Field: It was confirmed that the Community Association were
currently considering which constitution model would be the most
appropriate. It was anticipated
that this may cost in the region of £1k and it was likely that the Community
Council will be asked for a contribution to this.
4. Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer reported that there had been no change
in the bank balance which currently stands at £2,283.12.
5.
Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE)
Lisa Kelly, Andy Sloan and Ruth Liddicoat were
welcomed to the meeting.
They provided the following updates:
a)
Beauly to Denny Line
Work on the access tracks had been taking place for the past couple
of months. Soil
investigations were due to start and the foundation would depend upon the
findings. The Mellness site was
currently awaiting the way leave for the
power to go in. There were two
caravans in situ and a possibility that there would be a further 4.
Squads of workers would come and go from the site, there would not be
the large camps that had previously been indicated.
The Finnellin site was currently where the majority of the work was
taking place, the first tower would be constructed imminently and was
scheduled for completion around 10 December.
Any members wishing to visit the site should first report to the site
office.
It was noted that
there had been a significant increase in the volume of traffic going up and
down the A831, in addition, there had also been a marked increase in
roadside litter, particularly around Kilmartin Hall.
It was also confirmed that consent had been given for Sunday working
however this would all be low impact.
b)
Balmacaan Wind Farm It
was confirmed that peat probing and ecology studies had taken place, these
would be finalised prior to report writing.
It was anticipated that the results would be available for the next
meeting. Ornithology data had
been recorded for the previous two and a half years and it was intended to
continue with this over the coming winter.
More information on the Fasnakyle /
It was noted that
tracks were in place to access the Glendoe site.
There had been a significant amount of bird activity in one area, as
well as a protected montane habitat at the top of the hill, and this had
resulted in the site being compacted.
The turbines which would be visible from the A82 had also been
removed.
c)
Hydro Scheme It was
reported that the Balmacaan site was still in the very early stages, and it
was hoped to hold a public meeting on this towards the end of January.
Outfall locations were still being looked into and work was taking
place with the residents of
It was confirmed
that SSE would be very willing to engage with local schools who contacted
them with a view to creating collaborative arrangements with SSE education
staff.
SSE was currently
undertaking a UK Wide Community Benefit Review and it was hoped that the
results of this might be available at the next meeting.
Two new SSE Liaison
Officers were due to be appointed by SSE, they would be based in
The Chairman thanked
members of SSE very much for their input to the meeting.
6.
Windfarms
a)
Druim Ba A date for the Public Local Enquiry meeting was
awaited.
b)
Soirbheas
It was noted that the lottery funding application has been withdrawn and
they are currently seeking alternative sources.
This was because lottery administrators had not dealt with exactly
this model of project before and had advised they would be unable to meet
the required timescale. The contract for the roads had been awarded and the
towers were scheduled to be on site in October 2012.
7.
A82 and A831
a)
A82
It was noted that Bob Mitchell had been asked to provide the costings
by the end of January, in
addition, it was agreed that he should also be asked to provide estimated
costs for installation of temporary traffic lights.
It was agreed to continue to pursue this issue, and
David Fraser agreed to draft a
letter to Mr Mitchell in this regard.
b)
A831
Members discussed the potential dangers caused by ice in the layby at the
Bearnock Country Centre. This
layby was used by the school bus and the mobile library.
Cllr Davidson advised that
she would pursue this issue with a view to clearing and gritting by the
snowplough, and provision of a grit bin.
It was noted that work had taken place at the Torcroft road end.
Cllr Davidson also advised that she had submitted a request for the
vegetation to be cut back along the roadside.
8.
Local Plan
Members discussed
possible areas for supported housing and a medical centre and noted that
public meetings relating to this would be held around January / February.
9.
NHS
It was reported that
consultation had taken place with the NHS with regards to the provision of a
new surgery building and associated integrated services.
David
Fraser advised that he would circulate a draft letter to the NHS listing
the issues to be followed up. It
had been agreed that possible green field sites should be identified, and
these would form part of the local plan debate so the pros and cons of each
can be discussed. Pam Lucas would contact Tim Stott to clarify locations.
10. Supported Housing
Cllr Davidson
advised that she had circulated a letter to establish interest in low cost
housing, the response to this had been positive and the process would now
move on to the next stage.
11. Craig Nay
A public meeting to
identify local interest in the project was scheduled for 23
November. It was agreed that a
number of options were available with regards to the wood, and these would
each be considered objectively.
It was hoped that the meeting on 23 November would establish a Steering
Group to look at the pros and cons of each option.
12. Planning Applications
a)
11/03745/FUL – Erection of extension at Beech View, 132A
b)
11/03688/FUL – Alterations and
extensions to 28 Culanlon Kilmore – noted
c)
11/03900/PIP – Erection of 1.5 storey dwelling, land east of
Brianbank EastLewiston – clarification of access requested.
Fiona Urquhart
to contact
the planning officer.
d)
11/03980/FUL – Erect house plot 1 north of
e)
11/03885/FUL – General purpose agricultural building, Dark Deer Croft
Millness - noted
f)
11/03894/FUL – Proposed conservatory
g)
11/03991/FUL – Erection of new house to replace holiday chalets 3 & 4
Achmony –
clarification of surface water drains requested.
Fiona Urquhart to contact the
planning officer.
h)
11/04028/FUL – Private dwelling with detached garage and studio south
east of Kilmore Farm House –
scale incompatible with existing dwellings.
Fiona Urquhart
to contact planning officer.
i) The site meeting, with the Reporter, scheduled to discuss the
application to overturn
the condition to include a footpath at the Jacobite Development, Loch
Ness had been
cancelled and the Reporter planned to make a visit unaccompanied.
Subsequently
the CC was informed that the application to appeal had been
withdrawn.
13. Correspondence
a) Energy Advice
Roadshow notification. Noted.
b) Highland NHS
Board Chair & Member appointments. Applications invited, but no CC members
wished to be nominated.
c)
d) Highland Council
– Managing Flood Risk in the
e) Beinneun Windfarm
(Arcus Energy Consulting Group) – Information documents received. The
Chairman had responded with several queries, although given the
location, it is unlikely that GUCC will wish to comment.
14. Any Other Business
The chairman noted the plethora of projects and consultations currently in
progress. The volume of activity placed pressure on members, and, whilst
recognizing the difficulties in scheduling, the chairman particularly
requested that any related
events or meetings should be
held at a time and location when
Community Councillors can attend so as to make the consultations as
meaningful as possible for all parties concerned.
15. Date of next meeting:
The next meeting was scheduled for Monday 16 January 2012,
at 8.00pm in the Craigmonie Centre. The meeting closed at 9.50pm and the
Chairman thanked those present for having attended.
Glen Urquhart Community Council
8.00pm, Monday, November 21st 2011
Blairbeg Hall, Drumnadrochit
This
being the first meeting of the new Community Council, following elections,
the meeting will be opened by the Returning Officer who will preside until
officers have been selected. Normal business will follow on immediately.
2.
Minutes
of the last meeting
3.
Matters
arising from the minutes
4.
Treasurer’s report
5.
Scottish
& Southern Electricity –
(a) Balmacaan Wind Farm
(b)
Beauly to Denny line
(c) Hydro
scheme
6.
Wind
farms – (a) Druim Ba
7.
A82 &
A831
8.
Local
Plan
9.
NHS
10.
Supported
housing
11.
Craig Nay
12.
Planning
Applications
13.
Correspondence
14.
Any other
business
15.
Date &
time of next meeting
Glen Urquhart Community Council
Meeting held
Monday 24 October 2011 at 8.00pm
Balnain Hall
1. Present:
Pam Lucas (Chairman),
Also present: Councillors
Apologies:
2. Minutes of the last Meeting:
The minutes of the meeting
held on 26 September 2011 were adopted as a correct record (David Fraser/
3. Matters arising from the minutes
4)3)a) Visit Scotland: the meeting to be
attended by Councillor Davidson has yet to be arranged.
4)11)e) Kirking of Highland Council:
4. Treasurer’s Report: The
Treasurer advised that the bank balance stands at £2,283.12.
£350 has been set aside for the Hausgauen project.
5. Community Council Elections:
The Chairman advised
that Glen Urquhart Community Council will not be having an election.
Under the new system, the Community Council can have 9 members.
Glen Urquhart CC previously had 10 members which would have required
an election for the new Community Council, however, the number of
nominations did not exceed the number of vacancies so no election will be
required. After many years’ input Bill Gillespie decided not to stand again
and members wished to record their appreciation of his input. Dick Beach was
not eligible for nomination on this occasion but plans to retain links with
the CC especially in connection with the Hausgaun project. Paula Cooper was
standing down as minutes secretary due to work commitments. The Chairman
thanked her for her efficiency and help over the last couple of years. It
would be very difficult for the CC to function without secretarial support
and members were pleased to hear that Val Cooper has agreed to step into the
gap.
6. Community Notice Boards:
The Community Council
has received a quote from a local contractor to renovate the community
notice boards. It was hoped that
the costs might be shared with the Community Association.
It was agreed by the Community Council that
the Chairman would contact the contractor and request that work on
the boards go ahead.
7. Wind farms
a) Druim Ba: The Chairman advised that the
planning decision has been appealed.
The Community Council will respond to this as and when required.
b) Balmacaan: SSE representatives will come to
Community Council meeting in November to give an update on this project.
It was agreed that SSE should be asked to clarify at the next meeting
as to whether there is one or two wind farms in the area.
(The Chairman will speak to Ann Watt of the Parent Council regarding
the possible involvement of school children.)
c) Soirbheas:
There is a meeting on Thursday, 27 October when they will be
discussing the Co-op Bank application for funding for turbines and their Big
Lottery application. The drive
for new members has been successful.
8. A82: Drumnadrochit Bridge
– When Bob Mitchell attended a previous Community Council meeting he was
advised that although the Community Council were aware that we would not be
able at this time to have an “ideal” resolution of the issue, the Community
Council wanted a guide as to the costs of such a resolution.
Mr Mitchell undertook to carry out this work and give a basic drawing
and some costs. Mr Mitchell now
says that it would be a great deal of work and he cannot undertake to carry
this out at the present time, although the other information asked for at
that meeting will be provided.
After discussion it was agreed that it was important to have an outline
sketch and rough costings and as Mr Mitchell undertook to provide this
information, he should be requested to provide it.
It need not entail a great deal of work to provide this basic
information.
The Chairman agreed to write to
Mr Mitchell requesting a line drawing and budget price.
Drainage
- Councillor Davidson advised that she has had a response from Transerve
regarding drainage opposite the Fire Station.
The owner of the field is to try to do some work in the field and
Transerve are bidding to get extra money to put drains in.
A831
– It was noted that trees are overhanging the road and water is still lying
on the road at Torcroft. All the
problems which occurred last winter are still there and there is concern
about the potential for accidents.
9. Local Plan: David Fraser confirmed that the local plan will come
out for public consultation in the New Year.
An outline of the plan goes to Planning in November.
It was noted that it will be important to monitor the plan closely as
the process proceeds.
10. NHS:
The need for a replacement medical centre in Drumnadrochit has been ongoing
for at least 10 years. The
community were initially involved through the Glenurquhart Care Project
(GCP) in looking at an innovative funding solution, however this fell
through circa 2005. In more
recent times the Patient Participation Group and Community Council have been
pushing NHS Highland to commit to the provision of a new Medical Centre.
The matter has now come to a head with the NHS Mid Highland Estate
review which noted at their June 2011 meeting that, “There remain challenges
in some of our other premises, notably Gairloch and Drumnadrochit.
Options are being explored for those areas.
It is recommended that risk assessments are carried out on all
premises to assist with prioritisation of maintenance works”.
This report comes on top of the financial statements in February 2011
that NHS Highland had been under-spending their Capital Budget and had now
lost nearly £30 million from the Capital Budget.
In 2001/2002, it had been understood by the Practice
that new buildings would be provided in exchange for the GPs becoming
salaried members and giving greater services.
In 2007 it was noted that the GPs had continued to make efficiency
savings of approx £100,000. In
February 2008, NHS made a commitment to fund and build a new surgery on the
existing site and had hoped to submit a planning application in the early
summer of that year. By May
2008, the GPs were saying that they desperately required new premises.
In September 2009 progress on the building appeared to have stalled.
At a finance meeting, members were talking about money being tight
and commitments were being re-assessed.
In 2010/11 the Capital Programme budget was £30 million but for
2011/12 the budget is only £14 million.
£24 million of banked resources together with an expectation of a
further £4 million deferred from 2010/11, ie NHS has £28 million of banked
funds but this is no longer available except by special allocation.
There is no mention of Drumnadrochit in the Capital Budget Plan for
2011/12. It appears that in the
last 3-4 years things have gone backwards very quickly on what was a clear
commitment for a new surgery.
After much discussion it was agreed that
clarification was required on whether there is a commitment to a full
Medical Practice in Drumnadrochit and how NHS are going to achieve this. Councillor Davidson
agreed to convene a meeting with Jill MacVicar and Alison Phimister from NHS
together with Councillors, Community Council members and GPs to discuss
these important issues.
11. Craig Ney:
There will be a meeting on Wednesday, 26 October at 7.00 pm in the
Care Centre with HIE Land Unit and Community Woodland Assoc to have a look
at what is being offered and whether if this project is to be taken further
will it require to have a public meeting.
12. Planning applications
Councillors took no part in the discussions.
a) 11/03486/FUL – amendment design at Upper Lenny –
Noted.
b) 11/03490/FUL – Stables and outdoor school at
Lochletter House, change of use from private to commercial – Noted.
13. Correspondence:
- Notification of
SNH – Nature of
Butterfly Conservation
14. Any other business:
a) Harbour development, Jacobite: It was noted
that an appeal has been made against the rejection of the application to
remove the condition to have a footpath.
Councillor Davidson advised that it had originally been thought that
the path would be on the upper side of the road but as the path could not go
on to private land this option was not possible.
The path would require to be constructed on the loch side of the road
and Councillor Davidson met with the Access Officer to ascertain the
feasibility of this option.
There is the old road which is flat all the way along.
Very few trees would need to be removed and it was felt that the
costs of the path should be less than £20,000.
The Chairman will write to Planning giving the reasons for the
Community Council supporting a footpath.
With regard to the Liaison Group for the Harbour
developments, both parties have said that not much is happening and
therefore there is no need for a meeting at present.
The Community Council felt that there was a need for liaison and
Councillor Davidson agreed to ask
Charles Stevens, Area Manager, to convene a meeting.
b)
Blairbeg Playing Field: The Community Association is currently changing
its constitution and then the field will be passed to the community.
c)
Timber Transport Forum: Councillor Davidson advised that it is hoped
that a forum can be organised in November to discuss the issues regarding
timber transportation.
15. Date of next meeting: The next
meeting will be held at 8.00pm, on Monday, 21 November 2011 at Blairbeg
Hall. The meeting closed at 9.20pm and the Chairman thanked those present
for having attended.
Glen Urquhart Community Council
Craigmonie Centre
Also present: Councillor Margaret Davidson, Gillian
Skinner (Drumnadrochit Chamber of Commerce), PC 880 Gary Ross, Andy Sloan,
John Soal, Ruth Liddicoat and Lisa Kelly (Scottish & Southern Energy) and
John Fraser.
3. Presentation by Scottish and Southern Energy representatives
The Chairman welcomed representatives of SSE and the
following is a summary of the main points of their presentations.
Andy Sloan, Project Manager, Balmacaan Wind Farm
project:
.The Environmental Scoping Report for the western
side of the site has been completed, copies of which were circulated.
Intensive study of the area, especially with ornithologists has
followed. Several agencies have
been involved.
.The original number of turbines has been halved, to
60-70.
.Different models will be run, especially re
landscape impact of the turbines.
.Detailed studies of tracks and the placement of
turbines is underway.
.The final design is likely to be for the
south-western corner of the area.
.An exhibition will be held within six months from
October, before the planning application is submitted.
.The Community Council will be kept up to date.
John Soal, Project Manager, Stronelarig project:
.The proposal
was for 143 turbines.
. The eastern cluster of turbines has proved
sensitive for birds, so will be deleted.
.The project will be focussed on the western
two-thirds of the site with 88 turbines more spaced out within the block.
.An excellent access road, from Glendoe, exists.
.Time scales tie in with the Balmacaan project.
.Landscape visual work is underway; no turbines will
be placed on ridge lines.
Councillor Davidson pointed out that no turbines are
currently visible from the A82 between Inverness and
David Fraser: Balmacaan is of closest interest to us
but we will take an interest in this project.
Pam Lucas asked about the logistics of the two
projects. Andy Sloan replied
that as far as possible they will be closely coordinated.
Access for Balmacaan still has to be investigated.
Ruth Liddicoat, re Balmacaan hydro project:
.The outfall location is still being investigated,
from an engineering point of view, and will be advised as soon as possible;
the scheme generally continues to be developed.
Another update should be available in November. A public exhibition
will be held next spring.
David Fraser: the amount of work going on in the Glen
(Balmacaan wind farm and hydro projects, and the Beauly-Denny line) is very
unusual. We are looking for
early engagement with schools and to get people involved in environmental,
engineering and planning issues.
Potentially, the work could have a big impact on tourism in Drumnadrochit
for many years, so there is the chance to engage with local businesses via
the Chamber of Commerce early on.
A great deal of money will be spent during construction, providing
opportunities for apprenticeships, the location of camps and so on.
Ruth Liddicoat replied that it’s refreshing to hear a
positive approach. SSE is
looking at community benefit UK-wide and is now only weeks away from
defining new policies. She asked
whether an A4 size Newsletter every two months would be useful in providing
a general update; contact numbers for each project would be included.
In addition, what else could SSE do towards community engagement,
which leads to better project? A previous attempt to engage with schools
elsewhere was criticised by parents as a ploy to brainwash students.
She would like community support before such an approach.
David Fraser suggested a meeting with the Parent
Councils to see if they would support engagement with students.
Ruth Liddicoat:
SSE would be happy to meet Parent Councils if the Community Council
could secure their support for a meeting.
SSE has held local business days elsewhere to try to improve their
understanding of what is available locally (eg contractors) and these were
well received. Some communities
have pointed out how accommodation providers would appreciate winter work,
but not an influx of workers during the summer.
Councillor Davidson: we need to know how the projects
will impact on the local community.
For SSE the difficulty is in getting feedback from
the community. How can they
encourage people to attend events?
Exhibitions are a valuable source of information and provide the
opportunity for local people to meet the staff.
David Fraser:
perhaps you could link with other events, such as the presentation of
the Local Plan and/or the Chamber of Commerce’s planned Community Day.
Councillor Davidson described how the Glendoe hydro
project affected
Andy Sloan:
this will be covered in the socio-economic part of the report.
Pam Lucas noted that there is some cynicism, given
that most local businesses are small, that large companies will be awarded
the contracts.
SSE: any
large contractors will be subcontracting work and their contracts could
contain the requirement to give preference to local businesses.
David Fraser:
we are trying to facilitate good communication, without prejudice.
Your best chance of understanding the community is to keep in touch
and to keep us informed.
Lisa Kelly, Community Liaison Manager Beauly to Denny
line:
SSE is already employing local people – three individuals and one
contractor were mentioned.
However, SSE isn’t based here yet.
She asked for details of local accommodation providers who would like
to be involved. SSE also want
staff to use local shops. Six or
seven caravans at Millness, plus local accommodation will be used for the
Beauly-Denny project. She plans
to visit
The construction of a work camp (now called a site
compound) won’t have much impact until after Christmas.
Meantime, access tracks are being built.
She will have an office at Millness where everyone will be welcome;
reports of anything going wrong will be appreciated; Balfour Beatty vehicles
are continuously monitored for inappropriate practices.
Ruth Liddicoat:
they will return for the Community Council meeting on 21 November.
The Chairman thanked them for their input and they
then left the meeting.
3a) Visit Scotland:
the meeting to be attended by Councillor Davidson has yet to be
arranged.
3b) Policing:
Pam Lucas welcomed PC Gary Ross and expressed the CC’s appreciation
of his presence.
PC Ross explained that he works mostly from the Muir
of Ord office, which however is not staffed, so it is best to call the
He has been in post for only two months, and although
he has other responsibilities, he comes to the village as much as possible
but not as often as he would like.
His intention is to be as accessible as possible.
He has not had any real contact with people yet; he is currently on
later shifts but once on day shifts, he hopes to visit the schools.
In response to a question from David Fraser about the possibility of
conducting a drop-in session, for example at the school where people could
meet him, he agreed that it would be a good idea.
It would be necessary to decide how best to communicate with the
local community – the local website would be a good start.
Dominic Thierry recalled that when the Area Inspector attended a
Community Council meeting recently, community contact was given as a
definite commitment. PC Ross
responded that he would seek the Community Council’s advice about the best
location and timing. David
Fraser: the private room in the Visitor Information Centre would be the most
central venue. Pam Lucas
suggested mid-late morning, especially during winter.
Gillian Skinner offered space on the Chamber of Commerce notice board
to advertise drop-in sessions.
PC Ross undertook to send Pam Lucas a list of dates.
In response to Dick Beach’s comment about the greater presence of
police vehicles in the village, PC Ross said that it was all part of getting
to know the village.
3d) Notice boards:
Sandra Bardwell advised that Ian Putnam is preparing a quote for
repairs to the community notice boards and members welcomed this
information.
3e) Housing:
David Fraser and Pam Lucas will attend a meeting of the sub-group
with Susan Torrance. Councillor
Davidson will invite someone from the Care Centre to attend.
3f)
11a)
Community Council elections: Pam Lucas urged council members to download
the nomination form circulated and to ensure that the correct procedure is
followed.
11e)
Kirking of Highland Council:
Ken Fraser had hoped to attend.
12a)
Hausgauen: Dick Beach
advised that a bid for LEADER funding is being prepared, under 7-8 headings
and that he will have more substantial information for the next meeting.
12d)
Secretary: The Chairman
advised that a probable replacement for Paula Cooper has emerged but that
the appointment has not yet been finalised.
a) Druim Ba:
Pam Lucas attended the Highland Council Planning Committee meeting at
which the application was turned down; all four of our local Councillors
spoke and voted against it. She
stressed the importance of individual written objections to such
applications. Highland Council
counts letters from households whereas the Scottish Government counts the
number of people signing each letter. She also noted that the Local Plan is
already influencing decision making and is being referred to
in discussions as the “emerging
plan”; Highland Council has defined areas where it recommends that no wind
farms be built, one being a box west of Beauly.
Councillor Davidson advised in response to a question
from Fiona Urquhart that the Reporter at the upcoming Public Local Inquiry
will be completely neutral, irrespective of the Scottish Government’s
support for wind farms.
b) Soirbheas:
Peter MacDonald advised that they are trying to increase membership
to meet potential grant providers’ requirements.
Councillor Davidson expects that the planning officer
will be out this way early next year.
John Fraser stated that he would welcome input from
the Community Council about community use of any of his sites
Councillor Davidson reported that the funding for a
new medical centre has been lost – NHS (which works very slowly) had put the
necessary funds with the Scottish Government, which later diverted it to
other uses. About £1 million
would be needed for a new centre; NHS now owns the site.
Councillor Davidson took no part in the discussions.
a) 11/03250/FUL – application for extension to form
ensuites and sunroom, Achmony, Drumnadrochit. Noted.
b) 11/03323/FUL – renewal of outline consent
08/00220/OUTIN for two house sites, Achtermarack Farm, Drumnadrochit. Noted
10.
Correspondence:
- Nothing significant had been received.
a) Harbour development, Brackla: There had
been a possibility that a representative of the developer might attend,
however, no-one was present.
b) Flooding:
Dick Beach sought reassurance that everything possible is being done
to minimise flooding in Drumnadrochit.
Councillor Davidson suggested that before winter the
River Enrick needs to be checked for fallen trees (which Highland Council
would remove); also make sure your Floodsax are kept handy.
Flood defences at Drumnadrochit are in Highland Council’s Capital
Works programme but work is unlikely before 2012-2013.
Sam MacNaughton (Highland Council Roads & Transport) still thinks
raising the road level at Kilmichael
is a good idea but realises that he would have to convince local residents.
She suggests that he be invited back when the funds become available.
David Fraser noted that the breaching of the wall
beside Old Kilmore burial ground for a gate to provide disabled access to
The Cover could cause flooding if the River Coiltie was to break its banks.
He suggested that a custom made metal sheet could be kept adjacent to the
gateway for use if and when required.
c) Bikes on Kilmore land: The Chairman had
received a complaint that the gate onto the Kilmore land from
d) Craig Ney:
The Chairman advised that she had received formal notification from
the Forestry Commission that they intend to sell their Craig Ney estate; she
has lodged an indication of interest in the sale on behalf of GUCC.
Councillor Davidson added the Council now has three
months to say whether or not it wishes to buy the land and why; it will be
expensive and it is now difficult to raise the probable amount required.
She has arranged with Alex Macleod, FC’s Steep Ground Harvesting
Officer to visit south Loch Ness to gain an impression of difficulties
likely to be encountered in extracting timber on Craig Ney. Peter Macdonald
will join them.
12. Date of next meeting: The next
meeting will be held at 8.00pm, on Monday 24 October 2011 at Balnain Hall.
The meeting closed at 9.45pm.
Glen Urquhart Community Council
Meeting to be held
8.00pm, Monday, October 24th 2011
Balnain Hall
AGENDA
1.
Present &
apologies
2.
Minutes
of the last meeting
3.
Matters
arising from minutes
4.
Treasurer’s report
5.
Community
council elections
6.
Community
notice boards
7.
Wind
farms
(a) Druim Ba
(b)
Balmacaan
(c)
Soirbheas
8.
A82
9.
Local
Plan
10.
NHS
11.
Creag Ney
12.
Planning
applications
13.
Correspondence
14.
Any other
business
15.
Date &
time of next meeting
Glen Urquhart Community Council
Approved Minutes of Meeting held
8.00pm, Monday, 29 August 2011
Blairbeg Hall, Drumnadrochit
1. Present:
Pam Lucas (Chairman),
Also present were Councillor
Apologies:
2. Minutes of the last Meeting:
The Minutes of the last meeting, held on 25 July 2011, were approved by
Dominic Thierry and seconded by Sandra Bardwell.
3. Matters arising from the
Minutes:-
3)a) VisitScotland –
Councillor Davidson advised that she would be attending a meeting in
September and will feed back thereafter.
3)b) Policing update –
Councillor Davidson will obtain contact details for the new Police Officer
in order that the Community Council can make contact with him.
3)c) Community Benefit
– the Community Council has spoken to Charles Stephen.
Senior members of Highland Council are in consultation with SSE
regarding the amount of benefit SSE will be expected to provide.
No other update at this moment.
It was noted that the area to be developed is considerably reduced
with 40-50 fewer turbines that originally thought.
3)d) Notice Boards –
no interest has been expressed.
Sandra Bardwell to follow this up
3)e) Housing – Susan
Torrance has completed the report on how low cost plots and housing might be
achieved. A sub-group is to be
formed by members of the Community Council, Glenurquhart Care Project,
Housing Alliance and Councillors to look at the report, work through the
details and to report back with a clear idea of what is possible.
David Fraser and Pam Lucas
agreed to represent the Community Council of the sub-group.
3)f)
3)g) Wellington Layby
– Concern arose over whether the part of the layby which will not be
repaired will affect the main road.
Councillor Davidson will speak to Transport
6)b) Correspondence -
Sandra Bardwell advised that the response to the consultation on
10) AOB –
4. Treasurer’s Report:
The Treasurer advised that Highland
Council have given the Community Council a grant of £1,009.89.
The current balance is £2,364.72.
5.
6. Local Plan: The local plan is
still being compiled by the Planners, with any identified sites being added
to what was in the last plan.
This draft will be approved by the Council to come out for consultation.
There will be an open meeting which will be organised by the Planners
and the Community Council will consult and form a view on the local plan
thereafter. A draft letter to the Planners detailing the Community Council’s
views had been circulated to the Community Council members prior to the
meeting and was discussed. Some
issues included: a) not assuming that everything in previous local plan
would be included in the new plan; b) perhaps scope for smaller scale
housing for local builders; c) important local features, eg Kilmore Woods,
beech woods, area around memorial, community facilities, shinty field to be
extended; d) look at smaller housing developments and where they should be
placed; e) sites for developing retail opportunities; f) housing for elderly
in vicinity of day care centre; g) hinterland boundaries should not go up
the middle of a road; h) flooding issues including flood defences.
8. A82:
The issues previously raised and
discussed are still ongoing. It
was noted that the footpath from the Drumnadrochit Hotel to
9. Wind Farms: Druim ba – the
Council response is expected on 20 September.
Balmacaan – SSE will
attend the next Community Council meeting to give an update on what is
happening.
Soirbheas – a grid
connection date of December 2012 has been given.
10. Planning:
Councillor Davidson
took no part in the discussions.
a) It was noted that
the proposed new house at the junction of the
b) 11/01699/FUL –
Section 42 application for removal of Condition 1 of Planning Permission
restricting use of 3 cottages to short term holiday letting – Milness Croft,
Glenurquhart – noted.
c) 11/02994/FUL –
Section 42 application – amend Condition 2 of Planning Permission to allow
use of both cottages to be permanent residential – Cnoc Brae, Culnakirk –
noted.
11. Correspondence:
included:-
a) Timetable for
Community Council elections.
b) Request from
student at
c) Stagecoach – offers
to join scheme whereby staff will inform Community Council of changes
(Chairman).
d) Draft Highland
Council – supplementary guidance
on multi occupancy housing.
e) Invitation –
Kirking of the Council.
f) First Monster Team
Challenge.
g) Charles Stephen,
Ward Manager – Ward Forum on 22 September – theme will be Timber Extraction
and Transport.
12. Any Other Business:
a) Hausgauen –
b) Blairbeg pitch –
the group involved are organising legal issues and will then take the matter
forward.
c) Scottish Woodlands
–
d) It was advised that
due to work commitments the Secretary would be stepping down at the
elections in November.
e) Councillor Davidson
advised that the Forestry Commission may be selling Craignay next year.
There is no money available at the current time for communities to
buy land.
13. Date of next meeting:
The next meeting will be held on 26 September 2011 at the Craigmonie
Centre.
The meeting closed at
10.00 pm.
Glen Urquhart Community Council
Meeting held
Balnain Public Hall
1. Present:
Pam Lucas (Chairman), John Duncan,
Also present were Councillor Margaret Davidson, Bob
Mitchell, A82 Manager, Tim Stott, Principal Planning Officer, Highland
Council, Ruth Liddicoat and Andy Sloan, SSE, and two members of the public.
Apologies:
Councillor
2. Minutes of the last Meeting:
The minutes of the meeting held on
3. Matters arising from the Minutes:
a) 3)3)6) Visit
b) 5) Policing Update – The new police officer is now
in post.
c) 6)d) Community Benefit – John Duncan has contacted
Invermoriston and Fort Augustus Community Councils and they are happy to
work with Glen Urquhart Community Council in negotiating community benefit
with SSE.
d) Notice Boards – No progress as yet.
e) 10) Housing – The proposals have not yet been put
together.
f) 7)
g) 8)
5. Planning:
a) 11/02156/FUL – Rowans, Bunloit - alterations and
extension to dwelling – noted.
b) 11/02211/FUL – Jacobite Cruises -
remove condition 48 (construction of
a footpath) of planning permission – objection lodged.
c) 11/02239/FUL – Dunromin,
d) 11/02302/FUL – Ardachy/
e) 11/02336/FUL – Achlain Estates, Glen Urquhart -
erect1 meteorological mast – noted.
f) 11/02337/FUL – Ardochy Estate, Glen Urquhart -
erect 1 meteorological mast – noted.
g) 11/02341/FUL – junction of A82 and
h) 11/02482/FUL – Stoneyfield, Balnain - new house –
noted.
i) 11/02489/FUL – Land north of Silvan and Pine
Lodge,
j) 11/02498/FUL – Shenval, Glen Urquhart -
replacement prefabricated deer larder – noted.
k) 11/02495/FUL – Land to north of Glaichoille, Glen
Urquhart - erect house and garage – noted.
l) 11/02633/FUL –
m) Licence amendment: Loch Ness Inn – noted.
Councillor Davidson took no part in these
discussions.
6. Correspondence:
Items included
a) Thank you card from Archie Drennan.
b) Highland Council – consultation on draft
c) SSE - letter from Lisa Kelly regarding blasting
procedures at Millness. The purpose of this letter had been to warn
residents likely to be inconvenienced about the start of these activities.
Unfortunately the circulation was very hit and miss with relevant households
being left off the list.
d) Trees for Life – they are offering an illustrated
talk on practical work in the woodlands and conservation work on community
owned projects. This seems to be something which would be useful possibly in
the autumn.
7. A82:
Bob Mitchell, A82 route manager, met with Councillor
Davidson and some members of the Community Council during the day of July 25th
to look at areas of concern and to hear the views of the community in
response to the information previously put out in July last year about the
junction at Drumnadrochit bridge.
Subjects discussed included:-
a)
In response to questions from the community council
he also confirmed that
b) Pull in area at Post Office – it was agreed that
this should be left as it is.
c) Speed throughout Drumnadrochit and Lewiston -
Bob Mitchell agreed to check out why there are some 20mph signs at
some locations and when Drumnadrochit is on the programme for 30mph repeater
signs within the village. He
advised that a review of speed limits is currently underway.
d) Signage at Lewiston/A82 junction.
Bob Mitchell said that the large sign at the junction is a problem
along with the fence posts. He
will find out if advance warning signs can make the junction better.
It had not been expected that the backpackers sign would be on the
same post as the junction warning sign and he will look at relocating the
hotel sign and make the warning sign more prominent.
e) Flooding and drainage issues - Details of the
flooding outside the Fire Station have been passed to Transport
g) Pedestrian refuge to north side of the school –
Bob Mitchell advised that he would like to have a look at any conditions
that may be in force on that corner.
Visibility is not great due to scrub growth and he will look to have
an agreement in place that this is kept to a better standard.
8. Local Plan:
Tim Stott, Principal Planning Officer, advised that
the Council’s main document for deciding planning applications will be the
new local plan. He explained
that at the moment the process is just beginning and anything shown on the
plan is very much at the draft stage only.
People will be invited to debate the site options included and
Councillors will have the opportunity to put points forward.
The plan will be submitted to the planning committee in the Autumn
2011 and then the public consultation will commence in December 2011.
After this process, all comments taken will go back to the planning
committee. Tim Stott stressed
the importance of people taking the opportunity to say what they did and did
not like and the reasons why; what planning gain may be wanted; think about
what criteria applications will be judged against; hinterland boundaries;
comments on any sites that should be safeguarded and why; any better sites
within local area and the criteria for small housing settlements.
He also stated that it was unlikely that Balnain would have a
detailed plan, and development would be subject to the general planning
procedures for housing in the countryside. The Chairman agreed to draft
comments for circulation.
9. SSE – Proposed Wind Farm at
Balmacaan:
Ruth Liddicoat introduced herself explaining that she
is the liaison manager and her role included keeping the community
up-to-date and responding to any concerns raised.
She then introduced Andy Sloan who is the project manager.
Surveys are currently being carried out and SSE will then refine the
site further once all results are known.
They are looking at approximately 80 turbines on the site.
They expect to have a more detailed meeting in 2 or 3 months time.
They will be happy to have their consultants present to speak about their
findings and to arrange any site visits to other wind farms.
With regard to community gain, SSE will not engage in discussions of
community benefit at this stage despite concern from Community Councils
regarding this. There are a lot of changes taking place in terms of
different developers’ approaches to community benefit.
The Scottish Government has undertaken a consultation process and
Highland Council has a policy.
SSE has tried various models in the past and is reviewing its own policy but
has not yet arrived at a definite conclusion.
The chairman advised that the Community Council would like a meeting
regarding community benefit prior to submission of the planning application.
SSE were advised that the Community Council expected them to continue
to liaise with the community and to let us know when things were
happening/moving on, etc which they agreed to do. SSE also agreed to
provided coordinated information regarding the windfarms (both within the
Glen Urquhart Area and those visible from Glen Urquhart; the proposed hydro
storage schemes and work on the beauly – Denny pylons.
10. Any Other Business:
Enrick Crescent – it was noted that people have been
dumping garden waste into the woods and now waste from garden renovations is
also being dumped. Councillor
Davidson agreed to look into this, possibly with involvement from the local
police officer.
11. Date and Time of Next
Meeting:
The next meeting will be held at
Glen Urquhart Community Council
Meeting held
8.00pm, Monday, 27 June 2011
Craigmonie Centre, Drumnadrochit
1. Present:
Pam Lucas (Chairman),
Also present were Councillors
Apologies:
2. Minutes of the last Meeting:
The Minutes of the last meeting, held on 16th May 2011, were approved and
signed – proposed by David Fraser and seconded by Dominic Thierry.
3. Matters arising from the
Minutes:-
3)3)6) VisitScotland –
Councillor Davidson and Tony Harmsworth attended a meeting at
5) Policing update –
The new police officer for the area starts in the first week of July.
He will make contact with Councillor Davidson who will introduce him
to businesses, etc in the village.
6)a) Corrimony Wind
Farm – Peter MacDonald and John Duncan attended the drop-in meeting on 23
June regarding the proposals for community
benefit. Once all the
information from the meetings is available this will be published.
Some of the options established include care of the elderly and fuel
poverty. Councillor Davidson
advised that she hopes to organise a “road show” regarding fuel poverty and
renewables as there are grants available and they do change.
She is keen that this information reaches as many people as possible.
She is currently putting ideas together and will let the Community
Council know when this is organised.
6)b) Druim Ba – The
Chairman has looked at the comments from SEPA
but this has not changed the Community Council response.
6)c) Balmacaan – SSE
are due to attend the next Community Council meeting and give a short
presentation on the status of their planning application.
The Chairman will ask for an update on the pump storage scheme.
6)d) Community Benefit
– John Duncan has spoken to the Ward Manager about initiating negotiations
with SSE and has now sent a formal letter requesting this.
One issue raised is whether this area acts independently or whether
we join forces with Invermoriston and
8) Community notice
boards – Tenders for the work have been sent out and the Community
Association will look at the quotes when these are received.
10) Housing for the
elderly – Councillor Davidson is meeting with the Housing Alliance tomorrow
for an update. With regard to
the Local Plan it is important to be prepared.
The Chairman and David Fraser will meet Tim Stott to discuss some
issues prior to the next Community Council meeting.
It was advised that all sites from the last plan will go into the new
plan unless there is good reason why not and it will be essential to know
planners’ views on this. Some
points to be aware of are hinterland boundaries and small settlement
policies.
13)c) Road, etc - The
Chairman will ask Bob Mitchell to meet with some community council members
and walk around the village to look at problem area especially
13)d) 20mp sign
Balnain – The Chairman has spoken to Highland Council regarding this issue.
4. Ward Forum:
The last Rural Forum was held in the Craigmonie
Centre and focused on proposed changes in the delivery of medical and social
work services. The presentations were extremely interesting and appear to
offer opportunities for moving forward possibly using organisations like the
Care Centre which have in depth local knowledge and expertise.
5. Blairbeg Playing Field:
The Community Association and the Shinty Club will take the lead in
negotiations to return this land to community ownership. The Community
Council will be kept up-to-date and will support this project.
6. Planning:
Councillors took no
part in the discussions.
(a) 11/02211/FUL –
removal of condition 48 (construction of a footpath) of planning permission
(10/01962/FUL) – this was discussed at length, see item 7 below.
(b) 11/01802/MSC –
erect house land to south west of Rychraggan Farm. Noted.
(c) 11/01670/PIP –
erection of retirement house land 125m
(d) 11/02154/FUL –
alterations and extension, 2 Balnalurigin. Members were aware that
neighbours had some concerns. They had been asked to copy the CC in to any
representations to Highland Council and these copies would be awaited before
any decision was made as to whether to comment or not.
(e) 11/01925/FUL –
erection of log cabin Silvan Lower Gartally. Noted.
(f) 11/01944/FUL – new
dwelling amended design (07/00729/REMIN) Braefield. Noted.
(g) 11/02239/FUL –
house Dunromin West Lewiston. Noted.
(h) 11/02302/FUL –
ground floor extension to existing house to form new lounge Ardachy,
(i) 11/02156/FUL –
alterations and extension to dwelling Rowans, Bunloit. Noted.
7. Jacobite:
Colin MacKenzie (G H Johnston Building Consultants) and Rod Michie
(Director, Jacobite) joined the meeting at this point to formally commence
the process of liaison with the community in accordance with the terms of
the planning permission. Members of the full liaison group will include
representatives of the Community Council, Chamber of Commerce,
The Community Council
confirmed that it was unhappy with Jacobite’s application for removal of the
condition for a footpath between the two harbours.
Jacobite explained that there were difficulties concerning land in
the ownership of other parties and that this should not determine how their
development progresses. Jacobite
has had discussions with Transport
The Chairman thanked
Jacobite Cruises for attending and looked forward to participating in the
liaison group. Mr. MacKenzie and Mr. Michie then left.
8. Any Other Business:
Councillor Hendry
advised that the works at the
9. Date of next meeting:
The next meeting will be held on 25th July at Balnain
Hall.
The meeting closed at
9.50 pm and the chairman thanked everyone for attending and for their
participation in the business in hand.
Glen Urquhart Community Council
Meeting held
Monday 16 May 2011 at 8.00pm
Blairbeg Public Hall
1. Present:
Pam Lucas (Chairman),
John Duncan,
Bill Gillespie
Also present were Councillors
Apologies:
Councillor Drew Hendry, Councillor
Helen Carmichael
2. Minutes of the last Meeting:
The minutes of the meeting,
held on Monday, 4 April 2011, were unanimously agreed as a correct record.
Councillor Hendry had sent comments prior to the
meeting. These were noted and it was agreed to attach them to the Minutes.
3 Matters arising from the minutes:
3)9c) Post box at Drumnadrochit: The Chairman spoke
to Robin Cockburn who advised that he is not routinely allowed to empty the
box. If this is required then
someone is sent out from
3)6) VisitScotland – VIC Drumnadrochit:
Councillor Davidson is to attend a meeting with Tony Harmsworth at
3)8b) The response submitted to Highland Council re
their supplementary guidance on Trees, Woodlands and Development has been
acknowledged.
3)9a) The response to the Scottish government’s
consultation document on the Fire & Rescue Service has been submitted and
acknowledged The Chairman
thanked Sandra Bardwell for her work on this issue.
Sandra advised that she had spoken to Mark MacFarlane, Fire Chief,
who stated that he is keen to be more involved in the local community and is
looking at ways of doing this.
It appears that many people are not aware of services that the Fire Service
can offer, for example free smoke alarms.
8) Jacobite and Brackla: The Chairman and
4.Treasurer’s Report: the bank balance is currently £1,559.72 with £500 of
that ring-fenced for Hausgauen.
The Chairman reported that she had received a letter from Mrs Drennan
advising that her son, Archie, has been invited to play the bagpipes at the
Tattoo in Hausgauen. Mrs Drennan
was requesting financial assistance towards the visit.
The Chamber, the Community Association and Games Committee have also
been approached. The Community
Council agreed to sponsor a Glen Urquhart piper to attend the Tattoo at
Hausgauen and a contribution of £60 was agreed.
5. Policing Update:
Area Commander Graeme
Murdoch attended the meeting to give an update on Policing in the area.
Mr. Murdoch acknowledged that the local community do not have a beat
officer and have been without one for the best part of 2 years due to
illness of the previous officer.
The cuts and closures of stations across the Northern Constabulary Force’s
area due to public spending cuts has now been widely reported and this will
be reflected across Scotland, England and Wales over the next few years.
Mr. Murdoch confirmed that the Northern Constabulary had prided
itself on having officers in communities and it is with regret that the
Chief Constable has had to go ahead with the closure of some stations.
The question of whether stations remained open or keep up the number
of offers out on the beat had to be answered.
The option of keeping officers out on the beat was the favoured
option. Within the
Inverness Area Command, several stations have been closed, including
Drumnadrochit and Beauly. The
Police are holding Police surgeries one afternoon per week in Beauly.
Mr. Murdoch confirmed that the Glen Urquhart area had been covered by
officers from Beauly and
The Chairman thanked
Graeme Murdoch for attending the meeting and extended an invitation to PC
Ross for the next Community Council meeting.
6. Windfarms:
a)Corrimony:
There will be a drop-in meeting
organised for 23 June to examine the needs of the area.
John Duncan and
b) Druim Ba: Notice
of the planning application has been in the newspapers.
SEPA have lodged papers.
The Chairman agreed to look at
this.
c) Balmacaan: SSE have reported back on their exhibitions and
consultations, stating that everyone is broadly in favour of the windfarm.
However, on balance, the Community Council felt that this was not
necessarily the impression given at meetings. The current liaison contact
person is due to go on maternity leave at the end of June, but we have been
promised that the details of the replacement person will be sent as soon as
possible.
d) Community Benefit:
There was some discussion on
community benefit and the various rates per megawatt being proposed which
varied from £2,500 to £5,000 with percentages of surplus being paid to local
community, larger community and Highland Council.
Councillor Davidson, who is a member of the Community Benefit Working
Group, advised that a key issue is to appoint a negotiator for communities
to use. Councillor Davidson
confirmed that the money payable to Highland Council under the community
benefit payments would be used for communities, not the Highland Council,
for example on renewable energy, land acquisition, etc.
The Council is trying to get a better deal for communities and is
trying to lay ground rules now prior to any future developments.
7. Hausgauen:
The visit
arranged on 9-10 April was a great success and future events will follow.
8. Notice Boards:
It was noted
that many of the notice boards throughout the Glen require renovation, the
costs of which could perhaps be shared with the Community Association.
The Chairman will get
quotes for the work and open discussions with GURCA as to funding.
9. Area Forums:
The Community Council has been sent notification of
the Rural Ward Forum which takes place on 7 June in the Craigmonie Centre on
Community Safety Planning for Integration of Care, Health and Education.
Councillor Wood had previously attended one of the area forums and
felt that it was a worthwhile meeting.
10. Housing:
Councillor Davidson, David Fraser and the Chairman
had met with Susan Torrance of the Highland Housing Association.
Following this meeting a letter has been sent to Stuart Black, Head
of Planning requesting that the Community Council be involved and consulted
regarding land to be set aside for housing designated for the elderly in the
vicinity of the Care Centre.
There is also the possibility of low cost, serviced plots for local people,
maybe in the Pitkerrald area. If
this goes ahead, Councillor Davidson will write to every household in the
area advising them of this. It
was agreed that housing should be targeted more at the community’s needs,
for example, younger people, elderly people, rather than a large, single
development. As the local plan
approaches, Councillor Davidson will request the assistance of the Community
Council.
11. Planning:
a) 11/00994/FUL – demolish existing house and
outbuildings and erect replacement house – Craignay.
b) 11/01089/FUL – erect deer larder and implement
shed – Corrish, Balnain.
c) 11/01234/PIP – erection of dwelling land north of
Torcroft Lodge. A neighbour had raised issues relating to this application.
After discussion it was decided that whilst the CC did not wish to comment
on the actual application, the planning officer would be asked to ensure
adequate surface water drainage.
d) 11/01365/MSC – renovate and convert steading –
Drumbuie Farm Steading.
e) 11/01523/FUL – alter and extend existing house –
17 Culanlon.
f) 11/01384/FUL – erection of 1.5 storey house
(amendment of 10/01591) land 75m south east of Quiraing, Milton.
g) 11/01q206/FUL – extention of 05/00313/OUTIN site
12. Correspondence:
Items included:
a) Letter from Highlands Small Communities Trust
dated 13.5.11 regarding Housing and People – the future of rural communities
conference at Aviemore on 9/10
June.
b) E-mail from Lisa Kelly, SSE regarding blasting –
access to Milness borrow pit – letter to be sent to properties closest to
site in coming weeks.
c) Nature of
d) Letter from Frostfree dated 5.5.11 regarding
presentation of Community Renewables.
e) SEPA – Floodline
- Community Councils in
13. AOB:
a) It was noted that contractors had been working in
b) The Chairman has been invited as representative of
the Community Council to attend Community Association meetings.
c) The Chairman has invited the route manager for A82
to attend next meeting. Issues
to be addressed include flooding opposite fire station; gulleys; accident
blac spot in the area of Borlum Farm.
d) It was noted that the “20” mph road signs in
Balnain did not have the speed limit on the reverse of the sign posts as
they did at other schools. There was, therefore, no indication of the speed
limit being applied to the rest of the road. It was agreed that Highland
Council be asked about this.
14: Date and time of next meeting:
Monday 27th June, 8pm, Craigmonie Centre –
AGM.
The meeting closed at 10.15 pm
Glen Urquhart Community Council
Meeting held
Monday 16 May 2011 at 8.00pm
Blairbeg Public Hall
1. Present:
Pam Lucas (Chairman),
John Duncan,
Bill Gillespie
Also present were Councillors
Apologies:
Councillor Drew Hendry, Councillor
Helen Carmichael
2. Minutes of the last Meeting:
The minutes of the meeting,
held on Monday, 4 April 2011, were unanimously agreed as a correct record.
Councillor Hendry had sent comments prior to the
meeting. These were noted and it was agreed to attach them to the Minutes.
3 Matters arising from the minutes:
3)9c) Post box at Drumnadrochit: The Chairman spoke
to Robin Cockburn who advised that he is not routinely allowed to empty the
box. If this is required then
someone is sent out from
3)6) VisitScotland – VIC Drumnadrochit:
Councillor Davidson is to attend a meeting with Tony Harmsworth at
3)8b) The response submitted to Highland Council re
their supplementary guidance on Trees, Woodlands and Development has been
acknowledged.
3)9a) The response to the Scottish government’s
consultation document on the Fire & Rescue Service has been submitted and
acknowledged The Chairman
thanked Sandra Bardwell for her work on this issue.
Sandra advised that she had spoken to Mark MacFarlane, Fire Chief,
who stated that he is keen to be more involved in the local community and is
looking at ways of doing this.
It appears that many people are not aware of services that the Fire Service
can offer, for example free smoke alarms.
8) Jacobite and Brackla: The Chairman and
4.Treasurer’s Report: the bank balance is currently £1,559.72 with £500 of
that ring-fenced for Hausgauen.
The Chairman reported that she had received a letter from Mrs Drennan
advising that her son, Archie, has been invited to play the bagpipes at the
Tattoo in Hausgauen. Mrs Drennan
was requesting financial assistance towards the visit.
The Chamber, the Community Association and Games Committee have also
been approached. The Community
Council agreed to sponsor a Glen Urquhart piper to attend the Tattoo at
Hausgauen and a contribution of £60 was agreed.
5. Policing Update:
Area Commander Graeme
Murdoch attended the meeting to give an update on Policing in the area.
Mr. Murdoch acknowledged that the local community do not have a beat
officer and have been without one for the best part of 2 years due to
illness of the previous officer.
The cuts and closures of stations across the Northern Constabulary Force’s
area due to public spending cuts has now been widely reported and this will
be reflected across Scotland, England and Wales over the next few years.
Mr. Murdoch confirmed that the Northern Constabulary had prided
itself on having officers in communities and it is with regret that the
Chief Constable has had to go ahead with the closure of some stations.
The question of whether stations remained open or keep up the number
of offers out on the beat had to be answered.
The option of keeping officers out on the beat was the favoured
option. Within the
Inverness Area Command, several stations have been closed, including
Drumnadrochit and Beauly. The
Police are holding Police surgeries one afternoon per week in Beauly.
Mr. Murdoch confirmed that the Glen Urquhart area had been covered by
officers from Beauly and
The Chairman thanked
Graeme Murdoch for attending the meeting and extended an invitation to PC
Ross for the next Community Council meeting.
6. Windfarms:
a)Corrimony:
There will be a drop-in meeting
organised for 23 June to examine the needs of the area.
John Duncan and
b) Druim Ba: Notice
of the planning application has been in the newspapers.
SEPA have lodged papers.
The Chairman agreed to look at
this.
c) Balmacaan: SSE have reported back on their exhibitions and
consultations, stating that everyone is broadly in favour of the windfarm.
However, on balance, the Community Council felt that this was not
necessarily the impression given at meetings. The current liaison contact
person is due to go on maternity leave at the end of June, but we have been
promised that the details of the replacement person will be sent as soon as
possible.
d) Community Benefit:
There was some discussion on
community benefit and the various rates per megawatt being proposed which
varied from £2,500 to £5,000 with percentages of surplus being paid to local
community, larger community and Highland Council.
Councillor Davidson, who is a member of the Community Benefit Working
Group, advised that a key issue is to appoint a negotiator for communities
to use. Councillor Davidson
confirmed that the money payable to Highland Council under the community
benefit payments would be used for communities, not the Highland Council,
for example on renewable energy, land acquisition, etc.
The Council is trying to get a better deal for communities and is
trying to lay ground rules now prior to any future developments.
7. Hausgauen:
The visit
arranged on 9-10 April was a great success and future events will follow.
8. Notice Boards:
It was noted
that many of the notice boards throughout the Glen require renovation, the
costs of which could perhaps be shared with the Community Association.
The Chairman will get
quotes for the work and open discussions with GURCA as to funding.
9. Area Forums:
The Community Council has been sent notification of
the Rural Ward Forum which takes place on 7 June in the Craigmonie Centre on
Community Safety Planning for Integration of Care, Health and Education.
Councillor Wood had previously attended one of the area forums and
felt that it was a worthwhile meeting.
10. Housing:
Councillor Davidson, David Fraser and the Chairman
had met with Susan Torrance of the Highland Housing Association.
Following this meeting a letter has been sent to Stuart Black, Head
of Planning requesting that the Community Council be involved and consulted
regarding land to be set aside for housing designated for the elderly in the
vicinity of the Care Centre.
There is also the possibility of low cost, serviced plots for local people,
maybe in the Pitkerrald area. If
this goes ahead, Councillor Davidson will write to every household in the
area advising them of this. It
was agreed that housing should be targeted more at the community’s needs,
for example, younger people, elderly people, rather than a large, single
development. As the local plan
approaches, Councillor Davidson will request the assistance of the Community
Council.
11. Planning:
a) 11/00994/FUL – demolish existing house and
outbuildings and erect replacement house – Craignay.
b) 11/01089/FUL – erect deer larder and implement
shed – Corrish, Balnain.
c) 11/01234/PIP – erection of dwelling land north of
Torcroft Lodge. A neighbour had raised issues relating to this application.
After discussion it was decided that whilst the CC did not wish to comment
on the actual application, the planning officer would be asked to ensure
adequate surface water drainage.
d) 11/01365/MSC – renovate and convert steading –
Drumbuie Farm Steading.
e) 11/01523/FUL – alter and extend existing house –
17 Culanlon.
f) 11/01384/FUL – erection of 1.5 storey house
(amendment of 10/01591) land 75m south east of Quiraing, Milton.
g) 11/01q206/FUL – extention of 05/00313/OUTIN site
12. Correspondence:
Items included:
a) Letter from Highlands Small Communities Trust
dated 13.5.11 regarding Housing and People – the future of rural communities
conference at Aviemore on 9/10
June.
b) E-mail from Lisa Kelly, SSE regarding blasting –
access to Milness borrow pit – letter to be sent to properties closest to
site in coming weeks.
c) Nature of
d) Letter from Frostfree dated 5.5.11 regarding
presentation of Community Renewables.
e) SEPA – Floodline
- Community Councils in
13. AOB:
a) It was noted that contractors had been working in
b) The Chairman has been invited as representative of
the Community Council to attend Community Association meetings.
c) The Chairman has invited the route manager for A82
to attend next meeting. Issues
to be addressed include flooding opposite fire station; gulleys; accident
blac spot in the area of Borlum Farm.
d) It was noted that the “20” mph road signs in
Balnain did not have the speed limit on the reverse of the sign posts as
they did at other schools. There was, therefore, no indication of the speed
limit being applied to the rest of the road. It was agreed that Highland
Council be asked about this.
14: Date and time of next meeting:
Monday 27th June, 8pm, Craigmonie Centre –
AGM.
The meeting closed at 10.15 pm
Additional Notes
4 April 2011
The following notes were
received from Councillor Drew Hendry with regard to Item 8) Planning:-
Councillor Hendry
advised that when talking about the “wrong decision for the right reasons”
he was referring to the views of those members of the Community Council who
felt that his decision was “wrong” but had raised concerns that the reason
may be political. Councillor
Hendry pointed out that members of all political groups had voted both for
and against and therefore there were no political or wrong reasons for any
vote. Councillor Hendry noted
that he stands by what he thought was the right decision for the right
reasons but wanted to demonstrate that he understood the feelings of those
who disagreed.
Councillor Hendry
advised that he had not known in advance of Councillor Davidson’s proposed
amendment regarding a turning lane but wished it noted that he had asked
about the turning lane at the site visit along with aspects of the
visibility splays. Councillor
Hendry was advised by officials that these would be unlikely to be
enforceable by condition.
Councillor Hendry
advised that he was very supportive of the role of Community Councils both
in principle and in practice and had never said otherwise.
Community Council submissions are a very important part of decision
making but he felt that all applications must be judged on their merits and
that may mean, in certain circumstances, that another decision may be taken.
Glen Urquhart Community Council
Meeting to be held
8.00pm, Monday, May 16th 2011
Blairbeg Hall, Drumnadrochit
AGENDA
2.
Minutes
of the last meeting
3.
Matters
arising from the minutes
4.
Treasurer’s report
5.
Policing
update
6.
Wind
Farms
7.
Hausgaun visit
8.
Notice boards
9.
Area
Forums
10.
Housing
11.
Planning
12.
Correspondence
13.
Any other
business
14.
Date &
time of next meeting
Glen Urquhart Community Council
Meeting held
8.00pm, Monday, 28 February 2011
Craigmonie Centre, Drumnadrochit
1. Present:
Pam Lucas (Chairman),
Also present were Councillor Margaret Davidson,
Robbie Bremner and 3 members of the public.
Apologies:
2. Minutes of the last Meeting:
The Minutes of the last
meeting, held on 24 January 2011 were duly approved and signed.
3. Matters arising from Minutes:
3)a) Road Maintenance/Gritting: it was noted that
some work has been carried out on the Buntait road, eg digging of ditches.
Some further flooding has occurred although it was agreed that this
was caused by erosion through heavy rain and not by the Forestry activities.
Councillor Davidson advised that she would expect to know by the end
of the week whether or not the Forestry Commission would be asked to
reinstate the road.
b) Sunday buses –
Councillor Davidson will follow
this up.
4) GULUP – an open meeting was held and the issue of
raising the road at Kilmichael may be less satisfactory than previously
thought. The use of bunds and
sacrificing a field continues to be discussed and the issue of clearing the
river will be taken up with SEPA.
9)c) Post box at Drumnadrochit – a response was
received from Royal Mail advising that deliveries across the country in the
run up to Christmas 2010 were severely disrupted due to adverse weather
conditions and they will be reviewing the provision of collections to the
area for Christmas 2011. They
advised that the post box is sufficient for the amount of mail posted and it
is likely that the post box has been jammed by the posting of larger items.
They advised that for these types of items the recommendation is that
they are handed into the Post Office.
9)f) Highland Concil – Community Council review –
John Duncan confirmed that he had responded as agreed – Option 1 with a
quorum of 4.
4. Treasurer’s Report:
The bank balance is currently
£1,559.49 with recent expenditure being for broadband expenses (£500 of the
balance is ring fenced for Hausgauen).
5. Planning:
It should be noted that Councillor Davidson took no
part in these discussions.
(a) 10/1356/PIP –
(b) 10/01962/FUL – Jacobite Harbour – A letter has
been sent to the Planning Committee requesting that a lane is provided for
stationary traffic turning right.
This application will come before the Planning Committee on 1 March.
(c)
(d) 11/00584 – application for detached 1.5 storey
house, Plot 2 – land to rear of 21-30 Druimloan – plans requested.
(e) 1100585 – application for detached 1.5 storey
house, Plot 1 – land to rear of 21-30 Druimloan – plans requested.
(f) 11/00373/FUL – Shewglie House – construct 2 garden
pavilions and green house and raise height of garden wall.
It was agreed Pam Lucas will write to the planners requesting that the
existing access tracks through to the FCS land will be retained when the new
driveway is constructed. It was also noted that due to its traditional
construction, the existing stone wall is likely to need to be taken down and
rebuilt rather than just raised in height.
(g) 11/00374/LBC – Shewglie House – as above. Noted.
(h) 10/04794/FUL – Old Schoolhouse, Bunloit – 3 wind turbines. Members had felt that the application did not make clear that 3 masts were proposed and requested that the application be re-advertised. The planning officer concerned has moved on, but the replacement officer has replied to the effect that there will not be a re-application. Noted.
6. Visit
7. Wind Farms: Druim Ba – A series
of exhibitions had been organised and the Chairman attended the public
exhibition in Beauly. A large
number of people opposing the wind farm were also present.
The Chairman raised the issue of locked gates and fences being
erected on site and the fact that people have had difficulty in
communicating with the organisers regarding this issue.
This issue was rejected by organisers
and an undertaking was made to contact the Chairman by telephone with
details of who to contact – nothing further has been heard to date.
The Community Council will make their position clear once the
planning application has been lodged.
Balmacaan – the Community Council will wait until
application lodged for Druim Ba and then take note of what public view is.
A letter has been received from Highland Council
informing of a seminar on community benefit on Saturday, 12 March in the
Town House from 10.00 am until 1.00 pm.
8. Correspondence:
a) Notice that the next Forum is on Monday, 4 April,
7.00 pm in the Town House,
b) Letter from Highland Council regarding
supplementary guidance – sustainable design guide – trees, woodlands and
development.
Sandra Bardwell agreed to draft
response.
c)Highland Small Communities Housing Trust –
joint event regarding tenant
participation to be held on 31 March in Aviemore.
d) Letter from Alzheimer
e) City Forum – meeting on 8 March, 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm
in Town House.
f) Community Councillor – magazine.
9. Any Other Business:
a) Association of Scottish Community Councils
Bulletin – consultation on the reform of Fire and Rescue in
b) Building a Hydro Nation – The Community Council
has been invited by Transport Scotland via British Waterways Scotland to
respond to this consultation document.
Our attention has been drawn in particular to Section 5: potential
opportunities for creating additional public benefit from
c) The Glen Urquhart community website is no longer
functioning.
Pam Lucas agreed to make contact with the Drumnadrochit website to
see if this can be used for Community Council details.
d) Discussion took place regarding the possibility of
TEC Services applying a fine of £60 for putting rubbish into the wrong
recycling bins.
Pam Lucas agreed to write to John Laing, Chairman of TEC Services
regarding this issue.
10. Date & time of next Meeting:
8.00pm, Monday, 4
April at Balnain Hall.
Glen Urquhart Community Council
Meeting held
8.00pm, Monday, 24 January 2011
Blairbeg Hall, Drumnadrochit
1. Present:
Pam Lucas (Chairman),
Also present were Councillor Margaret Davidson,
Mhairi Gordon, of Glen Urquhart Land Use Partnership (GULUP), and 3 members
of the public.
Apologies:
Councillor Hamish Wood.
2. Minutes of the last Meeting:
The Minutes of the Election
Meeting, AGM and Ordinary meetings held on 13 December 2010 were duly
approved and signed. The chairman thanked the secretary for having
managed to create a coherent record of what is always a somewhat
complicated meeting.
3. Matters arising from Minutes:
(a) 5) Road Maintenance/Gritting:
Pam Lucas had contacted Alan Johnstone’s manager thanking him for
the good service received over the winter period.
He was pleased that the Community Council had taken the time to
contact him with good feedback.
(b) 9c) Buses – It was reported that the 5.00 pm bus
on a Sunday does not always show up.
Councillor Davidson agreed
to follow this up.
4. GULUP Update: Mhairi Gordon advised that a large proportion of
money spent to date has been on the consultation process.
Local contractors have carried out some stonework, work has been
carried out near the Veitchs’ property at Kilmichael and they are waiting
for the ground to soften in order that willow slips can be planted.
The funds require to be spent by the middle of February. Work is
proposed for both sides of the Drumnadrochit bridge to improve bunding and
to the banks at Strathnacro.
There is to be a meeting with Sam
McNaughton and Colin Howell on 10th February, (7.30 pm in Balnain
Hall,) regarding the road at Kilmichael to which members of the public are
invited. It is important to ensure
that local people have their concerns adequately addressed.
A new specialist product called Floodsax is now on
the market. These are very effective when building a wall or to tuck behind
a door to prevent flooding and a shared pallet load has been purchased in
partnership with Highland Council. Floodsax have been distributed to those
most at risk of flooding. Thanks
were expressed to the janitors at the High School for storing the items.
It was noted that there are some people who have not been given any
and Councillor Davidson agreed to
check to see if any are still available for local use.
The chairman thanked Mhairi Gordon for attending and
updating members who looked forward to hearing details of the proposals for
Kilmichael in due course.
5. Planning:
It should be noted that Councillor Davidson took no
part in these discussions.
(a) 10/01962/FUL –
(b) 10/1356-PIP –
6. Treasurer’s Report:
The bank balance is currently £1,651.96 with £500 of
that being ring fenced.
7. Visit
8. Correspondence:
Consultation document on renewal of contracts for
buses. Sandra Bardwell undertook to
draft a response.
SNH magazine – Nature of Scotland.
ASCC – letter requesting nominations of area
representative. There were no nominees.
Highland Council - Letter acknowledging our
representation to
SEPA View – Winter 2010
Transport
9. Any Other Business:
a) There is a change of meeting date from 9 May to 16
May – still at Blairbeg Hall.
b) The telephone box at
c) It was noted that the post box outside
Drumnadrochit Post Office is frequently becoming so full that people can
pull letters out of the box.
Paula Cooper to write to owners requesting that the box be emptied
more frequently.
d) Buntait Road – It was noted that the Buntait road
is severely cracked and crumbling.
Councillor
Davidson will confirm when the Forestry Commission have finished
work in that area and what improvements will
be undertaken.
e) There was some discussion about the impact that
economic activity on the other side of the loch could have on this Community
Council area. It was agreed that
this was something which the local Chamber of Commerce might require to look
into but it was also a reminder that this is something which should be taken
into consideration in the local plan consultation.
f) Highland Council – Community Council Consultation
– as part of the current consultation process on the composition and running
of community councils, Highland Council are proposing that there is a
maximum permitted membership of 13 although there is a formula for working
out how many members per Community Council.
According to that formula, Glen Urquhart Community Council could have
10 elected members but could also co-opt members up to a maximum of 13.
Co-opted members would not be able to vote.
Other Community Councils have expressed a desire to have more
members. Highland Council has
proposed 3 other options which could be used.
Our preferred option would be to have a smaller number of people who
are all actively contributing.
With regard to a quorum, Highland Council is suggesting 3 options which
include a third of the membership or 3 members.
We would prefer 4 people.
Responses are required by the end of this week.
John Duncan to respond.
10. Date & time of next Meeting:
8.00pm, Monday, 28
February at the Craigmonie Centre, Drumnadrochit.