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Minutes 10 August 2015

Tuesday, September 15th, 2015

ARDGAY & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes approved 14th September 2015 – approved 09 November 2015.

Minutes of meeting held on Monday, 10th August 2015 in Ardgay Public Hall at 7.00pm

Present: Elected & co-opted members: David Hannah, Chair (DH), Marion Turner, Vice Chair (MT),

Alan Lawrence, Treasurer, (AL), Teresa Langley, Secretary, (TL), Phil Olson (PO), Betty Wright (BW),

Bob Sendall (BS)

Apologies: Silvia Muras (SM)

Police Scotland: No police representative

Minutes Secretary: Mary Goulder (MG)

Also present: Lesley Pope (LP), Sheila Lall (SL)

Item 1. Welcome. Chair DH welcomed everyone back after the holiday and thanked Lesley and Sheila for their attendance.

Item 2. Apologies. As above.

Item 3. Minutes of last meeting. The minutes of the June meeting were approved as a true and accurate record, proposed: Marion Turner; seconded: David Hannah.

Item 4. Matters arising:

(a)     Invershin Cycle ramp. (PO) The workshop reports that this installation is scheduled for the next two to three weeks.

(b)     Culrain junction flooding. No change. Flooding was bad again this week after very heavy rain on Monday.

(c)     Pylon line. Beauly-Loch Buidhe. Although previously suggested by Cllr Farlow that all cables should be underground, and this is highly desirable, it is appreciated that this would be impractical and exceedingly expensive. The CC will not push for this option. An updating report is expected from SSE by November.

(d)     Gledfield School Warning Signs/Safer Routes to School. No reply so far from Head Teacher; school resumes on 16th August. Verges on all approaches to the school are heavily overgrown and dangerous. MT will contact John Clark, THC TECS Bonar Bridge. MT Action. (See also AOCB (c)).

(e)     Service Point downgrading. It is understood that THC Chief Executive Steve Barron has been asked to reassess the issues raised by CC regarding the Bonar Bridge Service Point. It was reiterated that no monetary savings will be made by closing this Service Point as it has been utilising the library services for many years.

Item 5. Police report. No police officer present nor report received.

Item 6. Newsletter. Deadline for submission of articles for next edition is the end of August with distribution at the end of September. Discussion regarding incorporating Creich CC information will be held over until SM is available. Best wishes were extended to her for the imminent arrival of her baby.

Item 7. Secretary’s report/correspondence.

(a)     Information received regarding THC Ward Boundaries shows no change here.

(b)     Ardgay Public Hall Committee has advised of new storage charges of £25 per annum for all hall users. CC will meet this cost from the admin account. AL Action.

(c)     Sharing of Minutes with KoSDT. Approval of sharing of draft Minutes, clearly marked, was agreed. Receipt of the monthly Development Officer’s report constitutes the Trust’s input to this agreement.

Item 8. Treasurer’s report. (AL) With the closure of the Toilets Account the CC now maintains a single account for which the cleared balance is £9998.55 with one outstanding cheque for £20. Current restricted fund balances are: toilet cleaning: £780.00 + (deficit), Beinn Tharsuinn Community Projects: £668.19, Newsletter: £1781.55, Rock by Sea Community Benefit: £7225.00, E.ON Path Fund: £800. £5 donation to the newsletter funds was given to AL from residents in Strathoykel and MT passed over £30 raised from two gazebo hires. Secretary will ask Cllr Farlow to push for THC payments to be made. Treasurer will follow up on receipt of accounts by THC. TL/AL Action. It was questioned if the Community Projects funds require topping up. Expenditure expected for the Christmas lighting this December. TL to check what equipment can be sourced via THC. Further fund applications can be made if necessary. TL Action.

The Treasurer awaits receipt of THC annual grants for administration, toilet maintenance and £100 promised towards the village flower tubs from the Ward Discretionary Budget. Secretary will ask Cllr Farlow to push for these payments to be made. TL Action.

Item 9. Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust report. (MT) The recent Development Officer’s report has been circulated. The Trust has made a bid to the Scottish Government Regeneration Fund in respect of the centre of Ardgay village. An ambitious plan should consider many features including parking availability, village approaches and road junctions, pedestrian crossing to play park, etc.  CC has confirmed with Colin Mitchell that The Lady Ross site is on the market. Falls of Shin project has received Planning approval and is awaiting Big Lottery Stage Two approval. Catering van in situ through summer is proving very popular. Further details from the DO report available on request. DH commented on the excellent KoSDT website.

Item 10. Highland Council. No report received.

Item 11. Windfarms. Braemore – going to PLI 19th September.

Item 12. AOCB. (a) Ardgay Hill footpath. Email from Matt Dent, Access Officer, circulated prior to meeting. Secretary will reply with thanks and CC support. DH and BW are happy to attend a site meeting if Matt Dent advises date and time. TL/DH/BW Action. (b) Third Sector Interface. DH will attend event in Lairg on 8th September. (c) Falls of Shin. Agreed to submit letter of CC support for project to KoSDT. TL Action. (c) Roadside verges. All verges in and around the village need to be cut back as soon as possible as sightlines as severely restricted due to growth, roads are narrower, ditches cannot be safely identified, all of which raise dangerous issues for drivers and pedestrians alike. School children are particularly vulnerable but also all road users. MT will pass this via the Service Point to John Clark THC TECS. (d) Public/private session. LP enquired regarding the CC policy. It was explained that CC meetings are ‘meetings held in public’ but not ‘public meetings’ although at A&DCC members of the public are always made welcome and encouraged to participate. The deliberations of the CC regarding applications to the Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Community Benefit Fund are held in private with the decisions noted publicly in the Minutes. (e) Broadband. Scottish Government is believed to be pushing BT to identify which exchanges will be upgraded. Rumour has it that a technical solution may have been found regarding the ‘exchange only’ cases. (f) Carbisdale Castle. Nil of note. LP advised that software problems regarding the map clarification may have delayed the Right to Buy application. (g) NC 500. BS objected strongly to the publicity for this new route which appears to be pushing tourists out of this area to the detriment of local businesses, accommodation and catering providers, petrol stations, etc. Central Sutherland needs to take action to pull people away from the perimeter route. Discussions suggested with Creich and Lairg CCs and KoSDT to build around the new Falls of Shin centre and expand Kyle of Sutherland promotion. Funds might be sourced from the decommissioning budget at Dounreay. A co-ordinator would be required to collate interest, approach local businesses, etc. LP volunteered to draw up a list of potential interested parties. She was asked if she could draft an article for the next newsletter and bring that and her list to the next meeting. LP Action. (h) Station flowers. Carol Laver will be the ‘Station Adopter’ working with help from Doreen Bruce. Receipts will be returned by AL to Carol who will seek reimbursement. AL Action. (i) Community Council elections. DH reminded everyone that nominations to be on the CC must be submitted in time (by 4pm 6th October); all CC members wishing to continue must submit nomination. (j) Inaccurate and incomplete information held by THC concerning CCs in the region is leading to misinformation as the recent list of CCs newsletters indicates. Nomination papers for the CC elections are not currently available to download; no telephone contact numbers are shown. This lack of accurate information indicates little or no regard for Community Councils and their roles.

Item 15. Date and time of next meeting. The next meeting will be held in the Ardgay Public Hall at 7pm on Monday 14th September 2015. There will be no meeting in October.

Meeting closed at 9pm.

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Minutes 08 June 2015

Friday, August 21st, 2015

ARDGAY & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes of meeting held on Monday, 8th June 2015 in Ardgay Public Hall at 7.00pm – approved 10 August 2015

Present: Elected & co-opted members: David Hannah, Chair (DH), Marion Turner, Vice Chair (MT), (TL),

Alan Lawrence, Treasurer, (AL), Teresa Langley, Secretary, (TL), Phil Olson (PO), Silvia Muras (SM)

Apologies: Betty Wright (BW), Bob Sendall (BS)

Police Scotland: PC Ian Forbes

Minutes Secretary: Mary Goulder (MG)

Also present: Highland Councillor George Farlow (GF), Lesley Pope, Sheila Lall, Mary Stobo

Items 1/2. Welcome/Sederunt &Apologies. As above.

Item 3. Minutes of last meeting. The minutes of the May meeting were approved as a true and accurate record, proposed: Phil Olson; seconded: Silvia Muras.

Item 4. Matters arising:

(a)     Carbisdale Castle update. (AL) Invited by Culrain Hall Committee Secretary Anne Henderson, AL attended a meeting on 4th June. At this he heard there had been two largely positive meetings between the Culrain Hall Committee and the developers but also a third which was less so. New plans have been brought forward which include the proposal for 10 -12 houses which it is hoped would help with the provision of funds for the hotel development. The number of rooms in the hotel has been reduced to 19 with the expected staff number reduced from 90 to 57. A helipad for up to 6 helicopters is proposed. Planned site for the staff quarters has also been moved. Culrain Hall Committee gathered 47 positive votes to proceed with the Community Right to Buy action and is now going down that route. The land within that proposal is out-with the 56 acres which the developer wishes to purchase from the Forestry Commission, apart from one corner which affords a viewpoint. It is hoped the developer will agree to this proposal. MT read out the statement issued by CC on 13th May and which was published in The Northern Times. The text of that statement was as follows: ‘Following the CC meeting in Culrain on 11th May 2015 the CC has taken some actions: on 13th May in response to a number of members of the CC having been approached by significant numbers of residents concerned about progress the CC decided to issue a statement to the press indicating that it is supportive of the castle development and the economic benefit it would bring. The statement also expressed the wish that an agreement could be arrived at with the Culrain Hall Committee so that both the castle and the Culrain woodland development could progress. Public opinion through the A&DCC area continued to put pressure on the CC to show support for the development. On 28th May 2015 AD&CC wrote to the developer indicating its support for the project, and its support for the  sale, by FCS, of the 56 acres of forestry land required by the developer to make the project viable. As CCs are generally advised by THC not to hold assets the CC indicated that it had no intention of purchasing land at Carbisdale forest.’ The two Culrain residents present stated that everyone hopes the development will go ahead.

(b)     Invershin Cycle ramp. (PO) Latest designs approved by THC and Network Rail. Non-slip paint also approved. Awaiting installation.

(c)     Culrain junction flooding. (GF) THC has nothing within this year’s or next year’s budget to allow for work at this junction. No engineer’s time is available for proper assessment. The problem will remain an ongoing issue. It was once again stated that one elderly lady resident is often isolated in her house when the flooding arises and that this situation is unacceptable.

(d)     Gledfield School warning signs/Safer Routes to School. (TL) It is understood that the CC request for a H&S survey has been passed to Campbell Stewart, TECS, but no further action or reply has been noted. GF has emailed the Parent Council Chair again stating that the Safer Route to School Plan must be prepared by the Head Teacher, approved by the Parent Council and submitted to THC at which point THC can take it to Scottish Government for approval of action. Safer Routes to School now comes under the Planning Department and the CC is advised to write to that department. TL Action. After school hours children walk from the school to the Youth Group premises in Bonar Bridge and a more comprehensive plan for safe routes in the area is required. GF encouraged to take the issue further. GF Action.

(e) Service Point downgrading. GF advised this subject is scheduled for further discussion at THC on 25th June. MT reiterated that all comments made on the recent consultation indicated that face to face contact with a local THC representative is essential for many in local communities. Figures for footfall in Bonar Bridge have yet to be released. GF stated relevant figures will be in the papers published one week before THC meeting. The proposal stands for a facility within the Bonar Bridge library and face to face meetings can be arranged as required. The loss of an employed position in the area was also highlighted to have significant effect. CC will write to protest the changes once the papers are published ahead of the upcoming meeting. MT Action.

Item 5. Police report. Thirty-one incidents logged in the Bonar Bridge/Ardgay area including three thefts, two fixed penalties for road traffic offences and two road collisions. Internet fraud continues and the public is advised not to reveal any personal/financial details unless completely sure of the safety of so doing. Parking at the school was raised as causing obstructions to traffic during drop off/pick up times. A piece of land beside the school, currently zoned for housing, was identified as being a possible parking area which would relieve this congestion which at present often places traffic on the wrong side of the road at busy times, and on a bend in the road where line of sight is obscured.

Item 6. Newsletter. (SM) New issue is printing and will be ready for delivery next week. Costings working out at £1 per copy. New advertisers and contributors have been secured for this issue. The next issue will cover the upcoming elections in November and encourage people to consider standing for CC membership. SM was congratulated for another excellent issue.

Item 7. Secretary’s report/correspondence.

(a)     Scotways renewal request passed to Treasurer.

(b)     NHS offer to talk to CC. An invitation was agreed, initially for July but this meeting was later cancelled so the invitation should be for the August meeting. Agenda item. TL Action.

(c)     R. Copley’s letter ref – Paths For All. CC has funds aside for this plan. Mrs Copley will be advised that a small group needs to be formed to take on the project and utilise this funding. TL Action.

(d)     Letter received from Foundation Scotland regarding newsletter funding application.

(e)     Letter from Rhoda Grant regarding improvements to the Far North Line.  Suggestion made that a ‘Friends of Ardgay Station’ group could be established to seek funds for further improvements beyond those proposed by Abellio. More passing places are required on sections operating on single tracks to improve timetables and schedules; Abellio should influence Network Rail on this. The nuclear waste trains passing through several times a week also disrupt passenger services with local stops being affected. The Friends of the Far North Line should be pushing for some compensation/consideration to be made to the local stations. Board members of FFNL will be contacted to take this further.

(f)      Thank you letter received from KoSDT regarding the recent Beinn Tharsuinn award in respect of its project at the Falls of Shin.

(g)     KOSHS application to Beinn Tharsuinn. Mary Stobo had attended primarily to give the CC further information which might be helpful to members when making the decision on the group’s recent funding application. Research for this book has taken five years resulting in what it is hoped will be a useful reference and information tool, copies of which will be placed in the local school and library. Hardback is preferred for its sturdier qualities and longer lasting abilities. E-printing was considered inappropriate. The selling price per copy will be in the region of £15 – £20 ( a common price for a book of this type)  but the book will be on sale at the launch, planned for September, at £10. The first run will be of 200 books with hopes to reprint at which time profits from sales will help to support the Heritage Centre. The centre provides a venue for many local groups and artists in particular of find hire of local village halls is not suitable due to other scheduled events. SM will liaise with Mary Stobo and publish an article in the next newsletter to help promote the group and this publication. SM Action. The application was discussed further at private session after the main meeting and resulted in an award of £940 being approved.

Item 8. Treasurer’s report. (AL) The report show a cleared balance of£11,722.09 with the transfer of £6989.53 from the Projects account balance of £1666.66 from E.ON for newsletter costs. One outstanding cheque for £189. The balance remaining for CC admin is £1214.81 The Toilets account is awaiting the bank transfer of £11.65 to the Treasurer’s account. The letter requesting the closure of the Projects and Toilets accounts was posted on 21st April.

Item 9. Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust report. (MT) The recent Development Officer’s report has been circulated; the addition of the Greening Kyle and Keeping Active Together reports was welcomed. The DO report is circulated to members of KoSDT, membership of which is free to all. The recent Falls of Shin exhibitions outlining plans for development were well received.

Item 10. Highland Council. (GF) The administration of THC will be changed due to a shift in the alliances of the various parties. A new leader and convenor will be elected in the coming week. The Independent group in overall control will be supported by the SNP councillors until the elections in May 2017 to ensure continuity as far as possible. More financial cuts are to be expected; the proposal for THC to go against Scottish Government and increase the Council Tax could lead to the loss of the government subsidy. Council Tax covers only 17% of THC costs. It is understood that various road repairs are scheduled, e.g. at Ardchronie and Culrain bridge and also along the road between the Bailey Bridge and Rosehall.

Item 11. Windfarms. Braemore – going to PLI. Caplich – to Planning in October. Dalnessie – dropped by SSE but E.ON is looking at this site. Glen Cassley – to PLI. Sallachy – awaiting Section 36. Strathtirry – now four turbines only; MT is in touch with developers regarding community benefit. Coire na Cloiche – papers will be signed by CC with regard to the change of name.

Item 12. AOCB. (a) Creich and Lairg CCs’ Minutes. All received. (b) Schedule of future meetings. In order to retain the CC meetings cost within the budget supplied by THC, all agreed to hold eight meetings per year, therefore no meetings will be held in January, April, July or October from now on. The already publicised July meeting is postponed to August. (c) Community Notice Boards. In response to a request from Ardgay Public Hall it was agreed to move the notice boards when notification received of developments to take place at The Lady Ross site. (d) Gearrchoille Community Wood Planning application for metal container/shelter. Agreed to submit via CC. (e) Highland Leader nominations. Endorsed nominations for DH and Helen Houston (KoSDT).  MT withdrew. TL Action. (f) Railway verges. This is a Network Rail issue. Sec will pass on contact information to enquirer. TL Action. (g) Toilet cleaner’s remuneration. Complicated issue as toilets are owned by THC but operated through the summer season by the CC using the services of Jeanie Sparling for cleaning and maintenance. Her work is highly commended and all agreed should be worthy of earning the ‘living wage’. THC annual grant falls short of expenditure, already resulting in a £24 overspend over the last two years. Consideration given to reducing the number of hours the facility is open, perhaps a bonus scheme, but discussion failed to reach a decision. Everyone reluctant to set a precedent by using windfarm community benefits for this purpose which it is felt should be covered by THC as it is in neighbouring facilities. (h) Minute Secretary’s hourly rate. In line with the recent increase agreed at both Creich and Lairg CCs it was agreed to raise this rate to match at £13 per hour. Proposed: MT, seconded: DH. (i) Ardgay Public Hall Committee is holding an auction on June 27th and is appealing for items for sale. (j) Separate email mailbox for Chair – not required. (k) Co-option of members. Clarification given that co-option can only take place when a vacancy occurs on the CC. At present A&DCC has a full complement of elected members but would be willing to consider any applications as Associate members.

Item 15. Date and time of next meeting. The next meeting will be held in the Ardgay Public Hall at 7pm on Monday 10th August 2015.

Meeting closed at 9.45pm

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Minutes 08 June 2015

Monday, August 10th, 2015

ARDGAY & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes approved Monday, 10th August 2015

Minutes of meeting held on Monday, 8th June 2015 in Ardgay Public Hall at 7.00pm

Present: Elected & co-opted members: David Hannah, Chair (DH), Marion Turner, Vice Chair (MT), (TL),

Alan Lawrence, Treasurer, (AL), Teresa Langley, Secretary, (TL), Phil Olson (PO), Silvia Muras (SM)

Apologies: Betty Wright (BW), Bob Sendall (BS)

Police Scotland: PC Ian Forbes

Minutes Secretary: Mary Goulder (MG)

Also present: Highland Councillor George Farlow (GF), Lesley Pope, Sheila Lall, Mary Stobo

Items 1/2. Welcome/Sederunt &Apologies. As above.

Item 3. Minutes of last meeting. The minutes of the May meeting were approved as a true and accurate record, proposed: Phil Olson; seconded: Silvia Muras.

Item 4. Matters arising:

(a)     Carbisdale Castle update. (AL) Invited by Culrain Hall Committee Secretary Anne Henderson, AL attended a meeting on 4th June. At this he heard there had been two largely positive meetings between the Culrain Hall Committee and the developers but also a third which was less so. New plans have been brought forward which include the proposal for 10 -12 houses which it is hoped would help with the provision of funds for the hotel development. The number of rooms in the hotel has been reduced to 19 with the expected staff number reduced from 90 to 57. A helipad for up to 6 helicopters is proposed. Planned site for the staff quarters has also been moved. Culrain Hall Committee gathered 47 positive votes to proceed with the Community Right to Buy action and is now going down that route. The land within that proposal is out-with the 56 acres which the developer wishes to purchase from the Forestry Commission, apart from one corner which affords a viewpoint. It is hoped the developer will agree to this proposal. MT read out the statement issued by CC on 13th May and which was published in The Northern Times. The text of that statement was as follows: ‘Following the CC meeting in Culrain on 11th May 2015 the CC has taken some actions: on 13th May in response to a number of members of the CC having been approached by significant numbers of residents concerned about progress the CC decided to issue a statement to the press indicating that it is supportive of the castle development and the economic benefit it would bring. The statement also expressed the wish that an agreement could be arrived at with the Culrain Hall Committee so that both the castle and the Culrain woodland development could progress. Public opinion through the A&DCC area continued to put pressure on the CC to show support for the development. On 28th May 2015 AD&CC wrote to the developer indicating its support for the project, and its support for the  sale, by FCS, of the 56 acres of forestry land required by the developer to make the project viable. As CCs are generally advised by THC not to hold assets the CC indicated that it had no intention of purchasing land at Carbisdale forest.’ The two Culrain residents present stated that everyone hopes the development will go ahead.

(b)     Invershin Cycle ramp. (PO) Latest designs approved by THC and Network Rail. Non-slip paint also approved. Awaiting installation.

(c)     Culrain junction flooding. (GF) THC has nothing within this year’s or next year’s budget to allow for work at this junction. No engineer’s time is available for proper assessment. The problem will remain an ongoing issue. It was once again stated that one elderly lady resident is often isolated in her house when the flooding arises and that this situation is unacceptable.

(d)     Gledfield School warning signs/Safer Routes to School. (TL) It is understood that the CC request for a H&S survey has been passed to Campbell Stewart, TECS, but no further action or reply has been noted. GF has emailed the Parent Council Chair again stating that the Safer Route to School Plan must be prepared by the Head Teacher, approved by the Parent Council and submitted to THC at which point THC can take it to Scottish Government for approval of action. Safer Routes to School now comes under the Planning Department and the CC is advised to write to that department. TL Action. After school hours children walk from the school to the Youth Group premises in Bonar Bridge and a more comprehensive plan for safe routes in the area is required. GF encouraged to take the issue further. GF Action.

(e) Service Point downgrading. GF advised this subject is scheduled for further discussion at THC on 25th June. MT reiterated that all comments made on the recent consultation indicated that face to face contact with a local THC representative is essential for many in local communities. Figures for footfall in Bonar Bridge have yet to be released. GF stated relevant figures will be in the papers published one week before THC meeting. The proposal stands for a facility within the Bonar Bridge library and face to face meetings can be arranged as required. The loss of an employed position in the area was also highlighted to have significant effect. CC will write to protest the changes once the papers are published ahead of the upcoming meeting. MT Action.

Item 5. Police report. Thirty-one incidents logged in the Bonar Bridge/Ardgay area including three thefts, two fixed penalties for road traffic offences and two road collisions. Internet fraud continues and the public is advised not to reveal any personal/financial details unless completely sure of the safety of so doing. Parking at the school was raised as causing obstructions to traffic during drop off/pick up times. A piece of land beside the school, currently zoned for housing, was identified as being a possible parking area which would relieve this congestion which at present often places traffic on the wrong side of the road at busy times, and on a bend in the road where line of sight is obscured.

Item 6. Newsletter. (SM) New issue is printing and will be ready for delivery next week. Costings working out at £1 per copy. New advertisers and contributors have been secured for this issue. The next issue will cover the upcoming elections in November and encourage people to consider standing for CC membership. SM was congratulated for another excellent issue.

Item 7. Secretary’s report/correspondence.

(a)     Scotways renewal request passed to Treasurer.

(b)     NHS offer to talk to CC. An invitation was agreed, initially for July but this meeting was later cancelled so the invitation should be for the August meeting. Agenda item. TL Action.

(c)     R. Copley’s letter ref – Paths For All. CC has funds aside for this plan. Mrs Copley will be advised that a small group needs to be formed to take on the project and utilise this funding. TL Action.

(d)     Letter received from Foundation Scotland regarding newsletter funding application.

(e)     Letter from Rhoda Grant regarding improvements to the Far North Line.  Suggestion made that a ‘Friends of Ardgay Station’ group could be established to seek funds for further improvements beyond those proposed by Abellio. More passing places are required on sections operating on single tracks to improve timetables and schedules; Abellio should influence Network Rail on this. The nuclear waste trains passing through several times a week also disrupt passenger services with local stops being affected. The Friends of the Far North Line should be pushing for some compensation/consideration to be made to the local stations. Board members of FFNL will be contacted to take this further.

(f)      Thank you letter received from KoSDT regarding the recent Beinn Tharsuinn award in respect of its project at the Falls of Shin.

(g)     KOSHS application to Beinn Tharsuinn. Mary Stobo had attended primarily to give the CC further information which might be helpful to members when making the decision on the group’s recent funding application. Research for this book has taken five years resulting in what it is hoped will be a useful reference and information tool, copies of which will be placed in the local school and library. Hardback is preferred for its sturdier qualities and longer lasting abilities. E-printing was considered inappropriate. The selling price per copy will be in the region of £15 – £20 ( a common price for a book of this type)  but the book will be on sale at the launch, planned for September, at £10. The first run will be of 200 books with hopes to reprint at which time profits from sales will help to support the Heritage Centre. The centre provides a venue for many local groups and artists in particular of find hire of local village halls is not suitable due to other scheduled events. SM will liaise with Mary Stobo and publish an article in the next newsletter to help promote the group and this publication. SM Action. The application was discussed further at private session after the main meeting and resulted in an award of £940 being approved.

Item 8. Treasurer’s report. (AL) The report show a cleared balance of£11,722.09 with the transfer of £6989.53 from the Projects account balance of £1666.66 from E.ON for newsletter costs. One outstanding cheque for £189. The balance remaining for CC admin is £1214.81 The Toilets account is awaiting the bank transfer of £11.65 to the Treasurer’s account. The letter requesting the closure of the Projects and Toilets accounts was posted on 21st April.

Item 9. Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust report. (MT) The recent Development Officer’s report has been circulated; the addition of the Greening Kyle and Keeping Active Together reports was welcomed. The DO report is circulated to members of KoSDT, membership of which is free to all. The recent Falls of Shin exhibitions outlining plans for development were well received.

Item 10. Highland Council. (GF) The administration of THC will be changed due to a shift in the alliances of the various parties. A new leader and convenor will be elected in the coming week. The Independent group in overall control will be supported by the SNP councillors until the elections in May 2017 to ensure continuity as far as possible. More financial cuts are to be expected; the proposal for THC to go against Scottish Government and increase the Council Tax could lead to the loss of the government subsidy. Council Tax covers only 17% of THC costs. It is understood that various road repairs are scheduled, e.g. at Ardchronie and Culrain bridge and also along the road between the Bailey Bridge and Rosehall.

Item 11. Windfarms. Braemore – going to PLI. Caplich – to Planning in October. Dalnessie – dropped by SSE but E.ON is looking at this site. Glen Cassley – to PLI. Sallachy – awaiting Section 36. Strathtirry – now four turbines only; MT is in touch with developers regarding community benefit. Coire na Cloiche – papers will be signed by CC with regard to the change of name.

Item 12. AOCB. (a) Creich and Lairg CCs’ Minutes. All received. (b) Schedule of future meetings. In order to retain the CC meetings cost within the budget supplied by THC, all agreed to hold eight meetings per year, therefore no meetings will be held in January, April, July or October from now on. The already publicised July meeting is postponed to August. (c) Community Notice Boards. In response to a request from Ardgay Public Hall it was agreed to move the notice boards when notification received of developments to take place at The Lady Ross site. (d) Gearrchoille Community Wood Planning application for metal container/shelter. Agreed to submit via CC. (e) Highland Leader nominations. Endorsed nominations for DH and Helen Houston (KoSDT).  MT withdrew. TL Action. (f) Railway verges. This is a Network Rail issue. Sec will pass on contact information to enquirer. TL Action. (g) Toilet cleaner’s remuneration. Complicated issue as toilets are owned by THC but operated through the summer season by the CC using the services of Jeanie Sparling for cleaning and maintenance. Her work is highly commended and all agreed should be worthy of earning the ‘living wage’. THC annual grant falls short of expenditure, already resulting in a £24 overspend over the last two years. Consideration given to reducing the number of hours the facility is open, perhaps a bonus scheme, but discussion failed to reach a decision. Everyone reluctant to set a precedent by using windfarm community benefits for this purpose which it is felt should be covered by THC as it is in neighbouring facilities. (h) Minute Secretary’s hourly rate. In line with the recent increase agreed at both Creich and Lairg CCs it was agreed to raise this rate to match at £13 per hour. Proposed: MT, seconded: DH. (i) Ardgay Public Hall Committee is holding an auction on June 27th and is appealing for items for sale. (j) Separate email mailbox for Chair – not required. (k) Co-option of members. Clarification given that co-option can only take place when a vacancy occurs on the CC. At present A&DCC has a full complement of elected members but would be willing to consider any applications as Associate members.

Item 15. Date and time of next meeting. The next meeting will be held in the Ardgay Public Hall at 7pm on Monday 10th August 2015.

Meeting closed at 9.45pm

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Minutes 09 March 2015

Tuesday, March 10th, 2015

Minutes Approved 11th May 2015

ARDGAY & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes of meeting held on Monday, 9th March 2015 in Ardgay Public Hall at 7.00pm

Present: Elected & co-opted members: David Hannah, Chair (DH), Marion Turner, Vice Chair (MT)Secretary (TL), Alan Lawrence, Treasurer, (AL), Teresa Langley, Secretary, (TL),Phil Olson (PO), Betty Wright (BW),

Bob Sendall (BS), Silvia Muras (SM)

Apologies: Highland Councillor George Farlow (GF)

Invited guest: Peter Marshall, (PM) Muirhall Energy, with Sean MacDougall

Police Scotland: No representative; report with apologies submitted post-meeting

Minutes Secretary: Mary Goulder (MG)

Also present: Anne Henderson, Steve Buskie, Claire Newman, Keith Williams, David Rankin, Fiona Vestey, Craig Ross, Robert Howden, Vicky Whittock, Colin Gilmour

Items 1/2/3/4. Welcome/Apologies (as above)/Present/Presentation by Peter Marshall, Muirhall Energy.

Chair David Hannah welcomed the good turnout to the meeting with representatives present from Ardgay, Culrain, Linside, Culrain, Strathoykel, Strathkyle, Inchnadamph and Benmore Assynt who had all come to hear and question Peter Marshall of Muirhall Energy regarding the proposed windfarm development at Caplich. PM gave a background statement regarding the company and its previous windfarm developments in South Lanarkshire. He highlighted the company’s views with regard to siting of this development, concerns for the River Oykel and the importance of discussions with local residents and businesses. The site is on land approved for such development by the Scottish Government although it is agreed that it borders ‘wild land’ boundaries.  It is situated between the two forestry plantations of Benmore and Clashmore. The land is currently farmed with cattle by a resident farmer, is drained, grazed and stocked for deer. The company seeks to work with the community and to this end has set up various possible community schemes. The CC is invited to buy into a shared ownership scheme, either itself or through a nominated organisation such as KoSDT. Community benefit payments will be made at £5,000 per installed megawatt and a Recreational Enhancement Fund will be established and used to improve walks, bothies, equestrian pursuits, signs and general promotion of the windfarm area for outdoor activities. This REF has been used in windfarms in the south of Scotland. A fuel poverty assistance scheme has also been established locally for those who qualify.

Chair DH then opened the meeting to the public to put questions to PM. These covered a wide range of issues including some regarding the financial viability of the company and its ability to meet the promises it is making regarding community benefits, the ruination of the unique landscape, damage to the environment, visibility of access roads when the forests are cleared, damage to the infrastructure by heavy transports, contamination of the River Oykel and subsequent serious implications for the fishing industry, adverse effects on tourism and loss of related business. PM answered as many points as possible but it was not possible to address any of the issues in detail due to the lack of time available. He was encouraged to arrange a separate public meeting, in Rosehall, in the near future to deal with these and any other points more fully. The feeling of the majority present tonight was clearly against this development with a very small minority in favour however the CC made clear its position of neutrality as it is aware that this issue splits the community. As a statutory consultee it has a duty to reflect public opinion and convey that to the authorities. Every individual resident has the opportunity through the planning consultation to make their views known. Decisions are in the hands of The Highland Council and the Scottish Government. Should the development be approved the CC would be the vehicle for the management of community benefit payments. PM agreed to arrange a public meeting and details will be circulated as soon as they are available.

(Post CC meeting – the Caplich public meeting has been arranged for Wednesday 1st April 2015, 5pm – 7pm in Rosehall Village Hall.)

Item 5. Representation by residents of Culrain re flooding and pylon issues. Anne Henderson and Steve Buskie presented concerns from residents of Culrain that the proposed upgrading of the pylon route will be directly through Culrain. Those who attended the recent roadshow consultation by SSE found it to be seriously lacking in accurate information, appallingly unclear maps with no details available from the companies representatives who appeared sadly lacking in local knowledge. Landowners, over whose property the pylon route will go (and the existing line does go) have had no direct contact from SSE and therefore no discussions about changes or siting of pylons. It appears that SSE has opted for its ‘central route’ taking no regard to local concerns or wishes. The CC has already made submission stating its preference for the ‘green central route’ to the west of the existing line which is expected to be taken down once the new route is in place.  MT will liaise with Culrain residents and will send a further submission noting the concerns of local residents. European subsidies are dependent on the land being available for agriculture at all times but it will be out of commission when the pylon work is in progress. SSE appears to have taken no notice of this issue.  Expected timeframe for this work is 2019/2020 but all details must be clearly established before then. MT Action.

Flooding. Recent comments regarding the lack of flooding at the Culrain junction have aroused local outrage. The almost constant flood water causes serious impact on the road, nearby fields and the access to them and the car park at the village hall. A local resident has taken matters in hand and put in drainage which has cleared the road to some extent but subsequently has made the flooding in the field worse. The landowner has put in rubble drains but these are inadequate to deal with the amount of water. THC must take on the responsibility to put a culvert through the field to the nearby lochan. The landowner is happy for this to be done but THC has shown no interest in carrying out the work. One elderly local resident is often confined to her home when the flooding makes it impossible for her to get out without wading along the edge of the roadway.

Damage to bridge in Culrain. The parapet of the bridge over the railway has been damaged on several occasions leaving a dangerous situation with a significant drop to the railway line below. Cattle are regularly moved across this bridge and could easily be lost over the edge. This is a health and safety issue for people and livestock alike. Secretary will write to THC on this issue. TL Action.

Further points raised regarding Culrain covered the footpath fence at the railway footbridge which is now collapsing and also all the walking routes in the Carbisdale woods which are blocked by storm damage. The Culrain representatives were encouraged to consider attending the next CC meeting on 11th May which will be held in Culrain Hall and also to try to find at least one resident who would join the CC. Culrain has been without direct representation for some years.

Item 6. Minutes of February meeting. The Minutes of the February meeting were approved as a true and accurate record; proposed: Phil Olson, seconded: Betty Wright.

Item 7. Matters arising. (a) Invershin Cycle ramp. Recent difficulties with unexpected extra costs have been dealt with as Sustrans had money to cover these. It is therefore understood that no further obstacles stand in the way of the ramp being installed. Update at next meeting. Agenda item. TL Action.

(b) Village Flower Tubs – discussed under Item 11, Treasurer’s report. (c) 20mph sign. Mr and Mrs Langley still await contact from Hugh Logan, THC Senior Engineer. All relevant information has been sent to Cllrs Munro and Farlow and the Health & Safety Officer for Schools in support of the Primary School’s PTA attempts to have the signs placed in the appropriate positions. The Head Teacher must drive this issue forward; a full risk assessment on all routes to the school should be carried out and submitted with copies to THC Safe Routes to School personnel and THC Councillors. Car parking issues should be included with the suggestion that the neighbouring field could be used as a car park. TL Action.

Item 8. Police report. The Police report by PC Dave Thompson had been submitted, with apologies for non-attendance, by email but was not accessed until after the meeting. A total of thirteen calls in the Ardgay area were logged between 1st February and 1st March. These were made up of eight road traffic related matters, one suspicious vehicle/person, 1 false call of good intent, and three miscellaneous.

Item 9. Newsletter. (SM) The next edition will be ready next week and given out to CCs for delivery. One hundred entries have been received in the children’s’ art competition. The Ardgay Public Hall has been booked for the morning of 28th March with prizes/eggs arranged. Application will be made to the Rock by Sea Fund to cover costs. Posters will be displayed locally. DH volunteered to help on the day. Good results from the distribution survey but not yet studied in detail.

Item 10. Secretary’s report. (TL) Scotways subscription due – passed to Treasurer. MT has completed the THC Service Point consultation after approval by CC members. It was made clear that the lack of statistics given by THC was notable. Service Points also act as local tourist information points and as such perform a very valuable service to the tourism industry locally. Friends of the Far North Line Seminar: recently attended by PO and MT, this highlighted the lack of investment in the line over the last fifty years. The funds in place for Dounreay decommissioning could be utilised for improvements on the line which is used for that project’s transportation. At the very least, more passing points could be installed on the single track working areas.

Item 11. Treasurer’s report. (AL) Treasurer’s account cleared balance stands at £1568.97 with outstanding cheques to the value of £129.30. Projects account stands at £7534.65 with outstanding cheques amounting to £479.40. The Toilets account balance is £11.65. AL and MT have worked to establish the need to amalgamate the three accounts into one in order to simplify the accounting to meet THC accounting requirements at the end of the financial year. This move was unanimously approved. This year the CC has reduced the number of meetings held in order to reduce costs but figures still show that the CC will operate at a loss as costs outstrip the grant from THC. An application to BTWF for £2,000 for local amenity improvements in 2015 was proposed and approved. An honorarium of £100 was agreed to cover the work and summer watering for the village floral displays. AL and MT were commended for their work on the financial situation.

Item 12. Highland Councillor’s report. Nothing in GF’s absence.

Item 13. Windfarms. Nothing relevant other than the Caplich discussions at the start of the meeting.

Item 14. Any other competent business. THC was congratulated on siting the new dog waste bag dispenser at the Oakwood walks. Ardgay Hill THC marked footpath. A padlock is in place on the gate. Matt Dent will be asked about this once again.

Sutherland Public Transport Consultation, submissions due by March 31st. Everyone was encouraged to complete the Survey Monkey online questionnaire. Litter pick suggested for this spring – discuss at next meeting. Agenda item. TL Action.

Village flower tubs. SSE Community Volunteers Team will be coming to help change over the soil and plants to the new tubs on Thursday 19th March from 10.00am. Starting at Ardgay Public Hall, all help welcome.

Item 15. Date, time and place of next meeting. The next meeting will be held on 11th May at 7pm in Culrain Village Hall.

Meeting closed at 9.25pm.

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Minutes 09 February 2015

Tuesday, February 10th, 2015

Approved 9th March 2015

ARDGAY & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes of meeting held on Monday, 9th February 2015 in Ardgay Public Hall at 7.00pm

Present: Elected & co-opted members: David Hannah, Chair (DH), Marion Turner, Vice Chair (MT)Secretary (TL), Phil Olson (PO), Betty Wright (BW), Bob Sendall (BS), Silvia Muras (SM)

Apologies: Teresa Langley, Secretary (TL), Alan Lawrence, Treasurer (AL)

Police Scotland: No representative

Also present: Highland Councillor George Farlow (GF)   Minutes Secretary: Mary Goulder (MG)

Items 1/2. Welcome/Apologies (as above). Chair DH welcomed everyone to the first meeting in the New Year. Ardgay & District Community Council expressed sincere condolences to Colin Gilmour on the tragic loss of his mother, Lady Jean.

Item 3. Police report. No Police representative present. Thanks were recorded to PC Katy Hunter for her liaison work with the local CCs during her time in the area. The new Police Community Contact is Sergeant Peter Allan.

Item 4/5. Minutes of December meeting/matters arising. The Minutes of the December meeting were approved, with one amendment, as a true and accurate record, proposed by Bob Sendall; seconded by Marion Turner. (1) Invershin cycle ramp. Although installation was promised by Christmas the ramp is still not in place. The fabricator has been instructed to make the agreed adjustments for which THC will meet the costs. All agreements are in place. New date for completion awaited. Keep on agenda.  GF/TL Action. (2) Flower tubs. BW has organised new tubs which will need to be cut and treated prior to use. A small gift will be arranged in return for supply of the barrels. BW/DH Action. (3) Struie road closure. It is appreciated that the road has now been re-opened but the lack of communication regarding its closure/opening was noted. (4) Culrain junction flooding. GF stated that at each site visit by THC so far, no flooding has been present. He expressed the opinion that putting in culverts would prove too expensive.

Items 6. Newsletter. (SM) A distribution survey was proposed; many issues arising due to duplication of deliveries, empty/holiday houses, lack of letter boxes, where newsletter wanted/not wanted, etc. A simple questionnaire will be devised and also an item will be in the next issue. A new policy will be agreed thereafter.  The best quote of £450 by new printers has been accepted for the next issue. A large number of entries have been received in the Children’s Art Competition. SM intends to hold a prize-giving at the school with 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes along with a small Easter egg for each competitor. An exhibition of the entries is also planned for around Easter time. An application can be made to the Project Account to cover expenses.  Cllr Farlow and his colleagues were asked to consider submitting a regular report slot in addition to advertising contact/surgery information. There will be an interview with Hayley Bangs, Kyle of Sutherland Youth Development Group in the next issue.

Item 7. Secretary’s report. (TL) Submitted prior to meeting report indicated: Community at Heart (SSE) notified that at present the CC does require their assistance with the village flower tubs and they will be contacted by DH; letter sent to Lisa Marchi (SSE) re overhead power lines; letter sent to Steve Barron, THC, re 20mph school lights and 30mph limit at Mid Gledfield; response received and contact from Hugh Logan, Senior Engineer, is awaited; Safer Routes to School information from Gledfield School posted to Cllr Linda Munro; email re Core Path at Oakwood Place passed to Matt Dent with his response forwarded to CC members; letter to David Cowie re CASPLAN and his response forwarded; Culrain Hall booking confirmed for meeting on 11th May.

Item 8. Correspondence. GF has written to Chair Gledfield School Parent Council to review the Safer Routes to School Plan. The Parent Council must approve extra expenditure with regard to proposed re-siting of 20mph lights. It was noted that on one approach to the school three signs are deemed necessary; this principal should be applied at the opposite approach.

Item 9. Treasurer’s report. (AL) Report submitted prior to the meeting shows the Treasurer’s account with a cleared balance of £1,579.97, the Projects account at £7534.65 and the Toilets account at £11.65. There are no outstanding liabilities on any of the accounts. It was noted that the funds in the Project account now come from the Rock-by-Sea community benefit payments; there has been no project funding by THC for many years. The Rock-by-Sea benefit provides the funding for the small grants awards. The management of this income should be discussed at the next meeting. MT will liaise with AL prior to that. MT/AL/Agenda item/TL Action.

Item 10. Highland Councillor’s report. (GF) Andy Mackay is returning full time to his post as Ward Manager on 1st March. CASPLAN consultation period has now closed. GF has passed onto Matt Dent all issues previously raised. THC Customer Services Review should be made aware of CCs views on de-centralisation of services and the need to maintain and make best use of Service Points. Footfall in local Service Points has increased in recent months, most especially useful as a point of contact during the recent storms and power cuts. A breakdown of actual costs versus savings should be provided as in many areas it is thought the savings could be minimal. An effective asset management policy is required; the issue of empty THC properties should be addressed to bring in income by sale or rent. Pre-gritting policy is little understood by many. The pre-gritting lays down a preventative barrier between the road surface and the next snowfall. THC decision has been deferred till their March meeting. The current gritting plan is on THC website.

Item 11. Windfarms. Achany. Kyle of Sutherland Youth Group award was approved at the recent business meeting. Kyle of Sutherland Apprenticeship Scheme will be funded for the next three years from the variable payment by SSE. A sub-group has been established to apply to the SSE Highland Regional Fund for match funding. Beinn Tharsuinn. A new funding application form will be made available on the CC website; applications should now be sent direct to the CC Secretary who will circulate them to members. The transfer of business from THC to the KoSDT is expected to be complete by April. Braemore. Planning refused by THC; now up to the developers to appeal to Scottish Government. Caplich. Peter Marshall of Muirhall Energy will attend the next CC meeting on 9th March. BS stated there is vociferous objection to this development from his neighbouring Strathoykel residents. BW reminded the meeting that unlike other windfarm applications, this one was from a small Scottish based company, Muirhall Energy, which were actively seeking 10% community buy in to their project which could result in substantial financial gains & as such should, in her opinion be considered differently from other applications. CC policy is neither to support or object to windfarm proposals, but leave it to individuals to express their own opinions, and will make comment only to the Planning Committee expressing the views of the public as understood by the CC.

Item 12. Any other competent business. (1) Ardgay Public Hall. GF confirmed that the committee has received a payment of £2,500 from the Ward Discretionary Budget towards the upgrading required. (2) PO advised that he had attended the Community Councils through Scotland Conference in Edinburgh in January. A&DCC came out well in his comparison with reports from other CCs. Fuel club in one Borders CC is doing extremely well with over one hundred members, now extending into coal and electricity supplies as well as oil.  (3) There is no public information with regard to the current ownership of Carbisdale Castle. (4) Planning. Caplich application – BW will respond for CC.BW Action. One housing application on Kincardine Hill raised no objections. (5) The Lady Ross. It is understood that Mr and Mrs Mitchell are no longer resident in the premises which may alter public opinion as a possible community buy out project but no details of proposed sale are available. (6) Under the Safer Routes to School policy Cllr Linda Munro has been made aware of the condition of the grass verges between Kincardine and the village which cause children to walk in the roadway.

Item 13. Date of next meeting. The next meeting will be held on Monday 9th March at 7pm in Ardgay Public Hall.

There was one application to the Beinn Tharsuinn Fund discussed at private session after the main meeting with the resulting award of £2,000 being made to the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust to assist with taking the development plans for the Falls of Shin forward to a Phase 2 Lottery stage. Company Secretary and applicants will be made aware of the award decision. MG Action.

Meeting closed at 8.55pm.

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