Minutes of Meeting held on 8th November 2021 via Zoom Web Conference

Minutes approved: 13 December 2021

Present: Betty Wright, Chair (BW); Marion Turner, Secretary (MT); John Denniston, Treasurer (JD); Silvia Muras, Vice Chair (SM); Andy Wright (AW); Rob Pope (RP); Anna McInnes, Minutes Secretary (AM); Anna Patfield, Planet Sutherland (AP), David Watson, KoSDT (DW); Alison Moore, Christine Mackay; Stuart Hewlett; Posy MacRae, Gledfield Parents Council (PM)

AGENDA ITEMS

1. Welcome: BW opened the meeting and welcomed attendees.

2. Apologies: Buster Crabb

3. Approval of September 2021 minutes: Approved as true and accurate record. AW proposed, MT seconded.

4. Matters Arising:

• Bonar Straight Speed Limit: As of previous Sutherland Committee meeting, the Roads department was to consult with Legal department on 30mph proposal. A further update is expected after SC’s next meeting to be held on 22 November.
• Christmas Lights: Jamie MacRae has kindly agreed to put up lamppost lights again. BW will suggest dates to him: 27 Nov or 4th December, weather dependent. The suggestion to decorate the tree with permanent lights was tabled for discussion until next year due to cost/logistics. ACTION: BW
• Queen’s Green Canopy Project: CC will work with local groups to plant trees in Spring 2022. DW mentioned that Fisheries Trust is organising tree planting along the riverbank and wants to pull together different groups; good opportunity to engage community and develop planting strategy. He will keep CC updated on these plans.

5. Chairperson’s Report (BW):

• THC Climate Conference: discussion noted in Climate Change Update Item 9.
• CARES Conference: Community and Renewable Energy Scotland. Grid restraints and lack of upgrades mean we can’t develop a Smart Grid locally.
• Fuel Poverty Conference: Update provided by DW in Item 9.
• Beinn Tharsuinn AGM: BW attended for first time.

6. Secretary’s Report – including Correspondence & Matters raised by local residents (MT): All correspondence circulated by email prior to meeting. Items noted:

• Christmas in the Square Event: KoSDT planning this event for Friday 17th December.
• Nominations for Volunteer Awards: KoSDT are holding a volunteer awards night on Tuesday 30th November. Deadline for nominations is Friday 12th November.
• Community Council Complaints Procedure: Helen Ross, Senior Ward Manager for THC, has advised that community council complaints process has been put in place. Information can be accessed online on THC website here: Community Council Complaints Process.
• Flooding at Kincardine Cemetery: MT has finally received a reply that this issue is on the list of matters to be addressed during the winter months. MT has written to advise resident who initially raised the issue and will monitor and follow-up in a few months.

7. Treasurer’s Report (JD): Report circulated by email ahead of the meeting. As of 29th October2021 the balance at the bank was: £54,858.79. This comprises: Restricted funds: £54,031.67; CC Admin fund: £579.17; Windfarm Admin fund: £247.95. The balances of the restricted funds are: CnC: £28,437.02; BnO: £24,099.37; BTWF Community Projects: £1,422.081; RWE Path: £73.20. Expenditure since 27th Aug 2021: £3,000 to Ardgay Hall- CnC annual award; £1,500 to Gearrchoille wood- CnC annual award; £100 to Jean Richardson- Honorarium from BTWF; £17 for Remembrance Day wreath- from admin funds. Income since 27th Aug 2021: £1,500 received from THC from Beinn Tharsuinn fund for planters etc. Expenditure not in statement yet: £110 to badminton club- BnO award; £120 to minutes secretary for Aug and Sep meetings- from admin funds.

8. Core Paths – Proposal that A&DCC Join Scotways: BW and AW met with Matt Dent from THC on 5th October and walked from Old Town to Badvoon. Tracey was informed but did not attend. Informed Matt about desire to improve profile and encourage use of core paths; he will consult THC and respond. BW emailed Matt to advise that ideal outcome would be to replace bridge at Badvoon, and proposed setting up working group to take forward. SM noted that Highland Local Access Forum will have Zoom meeting on 6th December to discuss this and other nearby paths. MT and BW will speak with David Hannah and keep working toward solution. ACTION: BW/MT

9. Regular updates

• Planning issues:
  • Lairg ll Windfarm re-design 21/00849/FUL – approved
  • Midfearn Distillery Ltd. Pre-application Notice: Proposed whisky distillery on Midfearn Estate at Easter Fearn. Information available online at www.midfearndistillery.co.uk. Two public consultations will be held:
    • Event 1: Face to face. Edderton Community Hall on 01/12/2021, from 3pm – 7pm
    • Event 2: Online using a virtual live chat feature on 20/01/2022, from 3pm – 7pm
• Climate Issues:
  • Planet Sutherland: AP had to leave meeting early but sent email report ahead of meeting.
  • Highland Climate Change Conference: BW attended and reported there are lots of exciting things going on locally to support climate change initiatives. One important takeaway from the conference was the frustration of energy grid restraints and lack of progress being made: wind farms in Sutherland produce 9 times the amount of electricity consumed yet without infrastructure for smart grids can’t take advantage of it and Sutherland has one of highest rate of fuel poverty nationwide. All Conference talks are available on THC website here: Highland Climate Change Conference.
• Windfarms:
  • Invitation to community benefit discussions for Garvary Wind Farm. Nothing else since last meeting.
• Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust: DW reported on the following items:
  • Falls of Shin: procurement process to install a new operator. Significant issues across the hospitality industry with staffing. Engaging with local groups.
  • Bonar Bridge Post Office: will re-open on Thursday 11th November. There will be an event in early December. Posties will stay headquartered at the Barn until the new year.
  • Barn Polytunnel: growing well, have had help from enthusiastic volunteers. Will be reorganising the sheds to have more space. There are also new trees in the Square.
  • Community Christmas Event in the Square: to be held on 17 December, outdoors with possible use of the hall depending on the weather.
  • South Bonar Toilets: have submitted another application and had good meetings with THC planners. They can give a sympathetic rejection and advance to the Scottish Govt for review.
  • KALM Project: extended for 6 months with another 12 sought to deliver social projects.
  • Kyle of Sutherland and Lairg Volunteer Awards: Online event to be held of 30th November to provide awards to outstanding volunteers. MSP Maree Todd will attend and give prizes.
  • Sutherland Fuel Poverty Summit: Finance Secretary Kate Forbes provided the keynote address for this fantastic, full day event that attracted national coverage and attendees from all over Scotland. Hopefully fed into Scottish Govt fuel strategy.
  • Tree Planting Strategy: this is ongoing; great way to engage with community and contribute to the battle against climate change.
• Highland Council: No councillor in attendance.

10. AOCB

• Posy Macrae from Gledfield Primary School Parent Council attended. They have submitted funding application to transport children to swimming lessons in Tain. Costs are shared with Edderton Primary School. Decision on application to follow at private grant session.
• Gearrchoille AGM to be held on Saturday 13th November in the shelter in the wood.

11. Date of Future Meetings: The next meeting will be 13th December over Zoom, per guidance from THC to continue virtual meetings until Spring.

• Year 2 Coire na Cloiche Annual award of £3000 to Culrain Hall.
• • Year 1 Coire na Cloiche Annual award of £1500 to Kyle of Sutherland Heritage Society (KOSHS).
• • Application to the Beinn Tharsuinn Wind Farm fund from the Gledfield Primary School Parent Council: This application was transferred to the Coire na Cloiche fund and awarded as Year 1 Coire na Cloiche Annual award of £1000 to Gledfield Parent Council.

Meeting closed at 20:10

Minutes of Meeting held on 13th September 2021 via Zoom Web Conference

Minutes approved: 13 November 2021

Present: Betty Wright, Chair (BW); Marion Turner, Secretary (MT); Andy Wright (AW); Rob Pope (RP); Anna McInnes, Minutes Secretary (AM); Anna Patfield, Planet Sutherland (AP), David Watson, KoSDT (DW); Alison Moore, Christine Mackay; Stuart Hewlett

AGENDA ITEMS

1. Welcome: BW opened the meeting and welcomed attendees.

2. Apologies: John Denniston (JD), Silvia Muras, Buster Crabb

3. Approval of August 2021 minutes: AM noted correction from JD to add action for him to write to the Kyle of Sutherland Gala. Minutes approved with correction as true and accurate record. RP Proposed, BW seconded.

4. Matters Arising:

i. Bonar straight speed: Raised at Sutherland County Committee meeting. Recommendation from Roads Dept is for partial extension of 30mph to Ardgay Game and 50mph for the remaining stretch of road. A&DCC position is for 30mph for the entire stretch of road. All 5 Councillors are supportive of A&DCC position and will take it up with legal dept for review at next meeting. BW will contact Linda Munro for update and stress the CC view hoping that 30mph can be achieved. Action: BW

ii. Gledfield development: The comments BW had circulated to members were submitted to consultation and copied to the agents and Mr Morphet. No response or acknowledgement has been received.

5. Chairperson’s Report (BW): No items to add.

6. Secretary’s Report – including Correspondence & Matters raised by local residents (MT): All correspondence circulated by email prior to meeting. Nothing was flagged for discussion.

• Request to lay wreath at memorial agreed.
• THC survey to be completed today: MT to reply that CC opposed reduction of councillors.

iii. THC access ranger enquires if we have any topics she could help with: MT requested posters for litter and campervans to put up on notice boards and is awaiting response. DW noted feedback about rangers has been very positive so far and they are clearly making an impact.

ii. Community Support Officer: email from Angela Platts, newly appointed community support officer for THC. DW noted potential for duplication with this role as KoSDT covers a lot of this support already. MT requested everyone read her email to identify any gaps or areas where her role can add value to what is already provided. Action: ALL

7. Treasurer’s Report (JD): Report circulated by email ahead of the meeting. As of 27th August 2021 the balance at the bank was: £57975.79. This comprises: Restricted funds: £57131.67; CC Admin fund: £587.67; Windfarm Admin fund: £256.45. The balances of the restricted funds are: BnO: £24,099.37; CnC: £32,937.02; BTWF Community Projects: £22.0812; RWE Path: £73.20. Expenditure since 30th July 2021: £220.00 to the Kyle of Sutherland Gala from BnO. Income since 30th July 2021: £20,627.02 received from CnC; £10.00 donation from Marion.

8. Badvoon – timber extraction, core paths:

• Timber extraction: MT responded to two consultations with two different timber groups, as the same forest is owned by different agents. Timber harvesting is only allowed between April and November, any requests outwith need to be addressed to THC. MT left it with Andrew Murray to sort out arrangements.
• Core Paths: BW is still trying to schedule onsite meeting with Matt Dent. Residents at Badvoon are not willing to meet with CC to discuss but BW will still meet with Matt for wider discussion about better signposting and encouraging use of paths in the area.

9. Christmas lights: Last year it was decided to put up lights permanently so they can just be switched on each year. MT has lights and will contact the person who puts on the lights. Action: MT

10. Regular updates

• Planning issues: Lairg ll Windfarm re-design 21/00849/FUL – responses by 30th Sept.: CC will not submit comments.
• Climate Issues: COP26 is coming up in 6-7 weeks in Glasgow and there is a lot going on locally/regionally. AP reported that a new climate action group Future Communities H&I met today. THC Annual climate event will be held on 21-22 October with talks and workshops, information is available on THC website: Click here to view programme
• Windfarms: BW provided update on SSE community benefit Achany extension. Presented vision to SSE in line with Scottish government best practice that area of benefit should be agreed b/w community and company. And that the amount of Community benefit should better match the now standard offer of £5k per installed MW.
• Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust (DW): Falls of Shin: procurement will be in October/November to find full-time operator. Staffing is a big problem at present across hospitality sector due to Brexit and Covid19. Looking for community-based project that benefits visitors, applying for funding to replace mini-golf with outdoor green gym beside forest walks. Bonar Bridge Post Office works continue, on schedule to reopen in November. The Barn polytunnel is up, plans to create community space for everyone. Resubmitting planning application for South Bonar public toilets, have received sympathetic refusal from THC, now need to take to Scottish government ministers to challenge legislation and overturn SEPA objection. Working with SSE renewables to create development plan for region to reflect views of community for sustainable future. Met with Maree Todd & Pete Campbell re: windfarm objections. Need proper consultation and thorough investigation by KoSDT team to better represent views of entire community.
• Highland council: No councillor in attendance.

11. AOCB

• Queen’s Green Canopy Project: Christine Mackay raised tree planting Queen’s Green Canopy Project planned for the Queen’s platinum jubilee next year: https://queensgreencanopy.org/get-involved/plant/. Creich is interested and there are plans in Brora and Golspie. It was agreed this is a great community project. BW will contact the new Balnagowan factor to discuss options for tree planting. RP will flag the project to Culrain. Action BW, Action RP.
• Flower tubs: All agreed to paying honorarium to Jean for looking after flower tubs. BW to advise JD. Action BW

12. Date of Future Meetings: The next meeting will be 8th November over Zoom, per guidance from THC to continue virtual meetings until Spring.

• Application to the Beinn Tharsuinn Wind Farm fund from the Kyle All Lives Matter (KALM) project was approved in the amount of £2,000.
• Application to the Beinn nan Oighrean Community Benefit Fund from the Ardgay Junior Badminton Club was approved in the amount of £110.

Meeting closed at 20:49

Minutes of Meeting held on 9th August 2021 via Zoom Web Conference

Minutes Approved 13th September 2021

Present: Betty Wright, Chair (BW); Silvia Muras, Vice Chair (SM); Marion Turner, Secretary (MT); John Denniston, Treasurer (JD); Andy Wright (AW); Rob Pope (RP); Buster Crabb (BC); Anna McInnes, Minutes Secretary (AM); Anna Patfield, Planet Sutherland (AP), David Watson, KoSDT (DW); Alison Moore, Christine Mackay; Stuart Hewlett

AGENDA ITEMS

1. Welcome: BW opened the meeting and welcomed attendees.

2. Apologies: None

3. Approval of June 2021 minutes: approved as true and accurate record. AW Proposed, MT Seconded

4. Confirmation of co-option of Anna McInnes as member of Community council: Confirmed and agreed. BW Proposed, SM Seconded.

5. Matters Arising:

i. Flower planters: Purchased as agreed at June meeting, installed onsite. Need to start planning earlier next year to expand display.

ii. Bonar straight speed limit – meeting with Tracey Urry: BW and MT met with Tracey Urry from THC and Pete Campbell from Creich Community Council. They walked partway along the Bonar straight and experienced lots of traffic with different types of vehicles, which helped to demonstrate the CC’s position that 30mph is the only viable option for this stretch of road to allow safe, active travel for residents and visitors. Sutherland County Committee will vote at their meeting on 16th August. BW and MT will write this week on behalf of A&DCC to the six area councillors outlining the main points. Individuals are also welcome to do so and asked DW to submit from KoSDT. BW will also email Tracey Urry to ask to see her recommendation and determine our response after that. MT proposed the CC prepare a response in the event the Committee does not vote for 30mph. Action: BW, MT

iii. Any update re Badvoon forestry?: BW forwarded documents from Andy Murray today and will liaise with MT as its in her area.

6. Chairperson’s Report (BW): Nothing additional to report.

7. Secretary’s Report – including Correspondence & Matters raised by local residents (MT):

i. Issues with Core path at Badvoon: No response yet from Matt Dent, BW will email again to ask to meet onsite and walk full length of path. It is important from a heritage point of view that the path be maintained. There is also need to raise the profile for core paths in region and encourage people to use them. JD suggested funding signage for the paths. AW suggested putting a signboard in village with map of the paths. SM suggested working with Matt Dent to identify all the paths. DW noted KoSDT would be interested in audit for whole area to identify gaps and improvements, and Trust can lead on funding and get involved. Action: BW

ii. Request from Karen Murphy, Kintyre: requesting support for Scottish govt petition to encourage Wind Farm developers to routinely offer Shared Ownership: The CC will take no action on this but individuals can lend their support on Scottish Gov website if they choose.

iii. Next Kyle of Sutherland locality meeting: 17th August, 6pm via MS Teams: BW will attend.

8. Treasurer’s Report (JD): Report circulated by email ahead of the meeting. As of 29th July 2021 the balance is £37,558.77. This comprises: Restricted funds: £36,724.65; CC Admin fund: £577.67; Windfarm Admin fund: £256.45. The balances of the restricted funds are: BnO: £24,319.37; CnC: £12,310.00; BTWF Community Projects: -£14.601; RWE Path: £73.20; Toilet Caretaking: £ 36.68. Expenditure between 31st May to 29th July 2021: £32.54 Internet web hosting; £43.17 Zoom subscription; £945.60 for the planters; £180.00 Minutes secretary (April to June). Income since 31st May 2021: £485.03 received from the Highland Council for the admin account; £3,529.76 from Beinn nan Oighrean wind farm fund.

9. Regular updates

• Climate Issues: BW mentioned the IPCC report which was issued today. We can let politicians know by our actions that we need to make difficult choices. AP reported that the polytunnel at Gledfield Primary is finished. Also mentioned strong support from Sutherland Community Partnership to get people talking about resilience in the area, and get people out growing things!

• Planning issues:

i. Pure Leisure Gledfield development: 21/02438/PAN & online consultation – 2nd online consultation 9th – 23rd August. Response from community council

The second online consultation opened today and includes responses to comments submitted to the first consultation. Many residents did not receive the postcard that was supposed to be sent by DePol prior to the first consultation, the secretary received no response to her request that the area be extended. The pre-application process gives the community the opportunity to submit comments before the plans are drawn up. JD circulated email listing a number of issues to consider and BW noted the following points to consider in the CCs response:

1. Development should be carbon-friendly, e.g. solar panels, biomass heating, small turbine
2. Will water come from mains? Any upgrade to water supply should benefit nearby residents to the west, and this could be a potential benefit for the community.
3. How will sewage be dealt with?
4. More passing places are needing to address increased road traffic
5. Pedestrian access to Ardgay village and train station and footpath along road. The response to previous comment was mini-bus transport will be provided.
6. Core paths on the river Carron: usage will increase, better signage is needed
7. How will refuse/recycling be handled at the site
8. Health services: will there be an onsite paramedic?

Discussion was had on potential positive benefits such as jobs, local investment, amenities for the community. Additional items raised in discussion included impact of the swimming pool, provisions for electricity, concerns over lyme disease, road safety, protecting wildlife, infrastructure, lack of provision of picnic area and child play areas on plans, how to feed local knowledge into planning process and protect cultural assets. BW and MT will put together a submission to circulate to CC members and submit to online consultation on behalf of A&DCC. Action: BW, MT

ii. Achany extension WF Section 36 application from SSE: ECU00001930. Comments open to 6th Sept.:

Details can be viewed online: https://www.sserenewables.com/achanyextension/. Alternatively, BW has a pen drive with the documents that can be made available upon request. Decision will be made by Scottish government. A&DCC won’t respond at this point but individuals can comment.

• Windfarms:

i. Application for WF at Strathrory refused by North Planning committee. Community Benefit discussions continue re other proposed developments.: BW/MT continuing with discussions. Nothing new to report on this.

• Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust (DW): The polytunnel beside barn is completed, will be used as community and educational space. Funding approved from THC for 7 growing projects. Bonar Bridge Post Office renovations are underway with the sorting office currently in the barn. Falls of Shin will not have long-term operator for this year however the onsite catering van is working out well. KoSDT will resubmit proposal to take over and manage the South Bonar Bridge toilets site and maintain as a public amenity. This was previously rejected due to SEPA’s objection. Funds of £10,000 from Cash for Kids was distributed in 6 days. Funding bid was successful from the Beatrice fund for £27,000 to install 5 more defibrillators in areas with gaps including 3 mobile defibrillators for ghillies, and 5 hookups to public buildings for SSE generators. More funding is also available for the Kyle Chronicle to highlight the resilience plan every 3 months. Met with Victoria Collison of Historic Churches Scotland re: creating heritage experience with Croick Church as central feature, in efforts to develop heritage tourism, potential for a 3-year project with heritage lottery funding to create heritage officer post and steering group from local area to identify important assets and ensure all voices heard. The Sutherland Fuel Poverty Summit will be held in Lairg on 8th October, will look at environmental impact in addition to fuel poverty. Residents can complete the affordable warmth survey on the Sutherland Community Partnership website: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Sutherlandaffordablewarmthsurvey

• Highland council: No report as Cllr Kirsteen Currie did not attend meeting. BW will invite Cllrs Hugh Morrison & Linda Munro to future meetings. MT has had no reply re: Kincardine flooding.

10. AOCB

• A&DCC Website Admin: MT will provide details to AM for taking on the A&DCC website admin, AM to post meeting minutes once access is available. SM requested links to minutes also be posted from the Facebook page. ACTION: MT, AM
• Broken Road Sign: JD reported the Culrain/Croick/Inveroykel road sign has fallen down, he will report on THC website where residents can report such issues themselves: https://www.highland.gov.uk/report

11. Date of Future Meetings: The next meeting will be 13th September over Zoom. There have been no updates from THC about in-person meetings.

12. Applications to Beinn Tharsuinn Wind Farm: Application from the Kyle of Sutherland Gala Week was approved in the amount of £220.00. JD will write to the Kyle of Sutherland Gala and to pay the £220 from BnO. ACTION: JD

Meeting closed at 21:03.