FORT AUGUSTUS & GLENMORISTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes of meeting – 29^th September 2022, Millennium Hall, Invermoriston

Present:

Deirdre MacKinnon (Chair) DM

Iain MacKnocher (Vice-chair) IM

Helen Clay (Secretary) HC

Mike Anderson (Treasurer) MA

Chris Ballance (Cllr) CB

Apologies:

Claire Pegrum PG

Robert MacDonald RM

Jill Wyatt JW

Jeff Dymond JD

David Fraser (Cllr) DF

Guest Speakers:

Kirsty Leiper and Rachel Baird (Fred Olsen Renewables – Culachy windfarm)

Alan Greenwood and Craig Cunningham (Cloiche windfarm)

Fred Olsen Renewables – Exhibitions 24^th October at Fort Augustus, 25^th October at Invergarry

The proposal was originally for 10 x 10m turbines but that has been changed to 8 x 200m turbines to reduce visibility. Planning application going in January 2023, potentially up and running by 2028.

Cloiche – Proposal is in to Highland Council for consideration. The scheme has been reviewed and is now for 29 turbines (previously 36). Extension requests from Nature Scot and Highland Council. Positive feedback has been received from Nature Scot. Hoping for December planning meeting. CB asked if they were considering community ownership but there is not a clear pathway for that at the moment.

Previous Minutes – proposed by HC, seconded by IM

Treasurer’s Report – closing balance as of 24^th August is £4204.49

Matters Arising:

Invermoriston toilets – HC have started the cleaning agreement but as yet there is no full time cleaner. Barriers are not working yet. GIG have plans to speak to Ian Leaver (FAGCC) about employing a cleaner if possible.

Invermoriston speed limits – ongoing. Transport Scotland have been contacted but waiting for a meeting date.

Glenmoriston Estate access – in the hands of solicitors. Carol Pritchard (GIG) said there was barbed wire along the top of the fence, could be dangerous and should be removed.

Community garden/ allotments – ongoing. No feedback from HC regarding the land at Abertarff Place.

Scottish Canals – HC to contact Ailsa Andrews again to ask when the work at the viewpoint will start as it is overdue.

Oich Road parking – DM has spoken to Shane Manning again about the parking. Cars parking right near the junction.

Unauthorised signage – ongoing. DM to contact Allan Bryce at Highland Council again.

Broadband – ongoing

Police Report:

Police have attended a number of minor road traffic collisions

A gentleman who had been missing from the Perth area was found deceased in his vehicle which had left the road A887

1 person reported to the Procurator Fiscal for careless driving without insurance and licence

There were a small number of public protection issues

No incidents for drug and alcohol misuse although a report was sent to the PF in response to a disturbance between a group of friends within licensed premises

The Catholic church was broken into and a small amount of money was stolen

A report was submitted to the PF regarding an assault which occurred in Fort Augustus in August

Renewables:

Tomchrasky – ongoing, invited to November CC meeting

Bunnloin – November planning

Coire Glas – ongoing. Underground cables have been asked for as a planning gain

Bhlaraidh – ongoing, Highland Council had no objection

Planning & Licensing:

Boathouse Restaurant, Fort Augustus – application for extensions to kitchen and side, also alterations to loch facing windows. CC understood that The Boathouse was a listed building.

Correspondence:

Email from Jill Wyatt saying that she will be standing down due to family circumstances.

Fern – Winter fuel allowance increase.

Shane Manning from HC sent an email regarding where the money generated from the car park extension goes – Lovat Estates, maintenance and the remainder split 50/50 between HC Services and the City of Inverness Area Committee.

Amenity Issues:

Roads – GIG had a reply from BEAR regarding the road signs (Slow down, Squirrels) to be put up. Can multi lingual road signs or arrows be put back on the road at the junction? Torgoyle Bridge needs arrow signs for safety.

Grass cutting – GIG signed agreement with HC to cut the recreation field and the picnic area. GIG do not cut the grass at the burial ground.

Recreational field - Consultation meeting with various people and a public consultation in November.

Community Shop – FAGCC want a business plan for the community shop. Various thoughts on what would be wanted in the shop as in basic food items, local crafts etc.

A.O.B:

Elsan point - ground has been prepared at the top car park in Fort Augustus.

Tarff bridge – DM taken pics to send to John Taylor as the bollards are still missing and the holes could be dangerous. Also sandbags and broken bollards in potholes along Canalside.

Minute Taker - The CC is still looking for a minute taker. HC willing to carry on if none can be found.

Ness News – HC to contact FAGCC to discuss DM getting paid for doing Ness News. DM puts in a lot of work which is unpaid but it is hoped that FAGCC will start paying for all the work she does putting it together.

Next meeting: 7.30 pm on Wednesday 26^th October, Fort Augustus Memorial Hall