Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Council

Draft Minutes of the Community Council Meeting

 held at Fort Augustus Memorial Hall on 31st May 2023

 

Members Present:

Deirdre MacKinnon – Chair (DM)

Iain MacKnocher – Vice Chair (IM)

Helen Clay – Secretary (HC)

Mike Anderson – Treasurer (MA)

Jeff Dymond (JD)

Claire Pegrum (CP)

Cllr David Fraser (DF)

Cllr Chris Ballance (CB)

 

Apologies:

Robert MacDonald (RM)

 

 

1.      Previous Minutes

 

Minutes from the meeting of Wednesday 29th March 2023 and Wednesday 26th April 2023 were read for approval. They were agreed to be an accurate and true record.

The minutes of the meeting of 29th March Proposed CP, Seconded JD

The minutes of the meeting of 26th April Proposed MA, Seconded IM

 

2.        Matters Arising

Glenmoriston Estate: The case is still in the hands of solicitors, ongoing.

 

Scottish Canals: The grass has been cut at Caledonian House but there is still debris in the garden.  DM has contacted Shane Manning re parking issues.

 

Abertarff bus shelter: Ongoing

 

Lack of dropped kerb at the traffic lights beside the stone bridge in Fort Augustus: Ongoing

 

Possible Transfer of Public WCs: Ongoing

 

Minute Taker: The CC are still seeking a Minute Taker which is a paid position.

 

3.        Police Report: No report has been received by the Community Council.  DF has received one which he will forward.

 

4.        Treasurer’s Report:

The current balance is £4677.32.  The cheque for the insurance premium is yet to be cashed.

 

5.        Coire Glas

Andy Gregory and Jade O’Hara from SSE Renewables attended the meeting and gave an update on the current works and took questions.

There are currently two contracting companies working on the project.  Strabag have 60-70 personnel on site and are driving a tunnel to assess the geology and ground conditions at the power station site.  Fugro have 40-50 personnel on site and are assessing the geology and ground conditions via bore holes in the vicinity of the power station and dam sites.  The Fugro works are being serviced by two helicopters for the transport of personnel and equipment and the Glendoe airstrip is being used for the personnel flights.  The number of flights has been reduced to one every two or three days with no Sunday working.  An apology was made for the disturbance caused by these flights and the lack of prior information about them.  The results of the assessment works will inform the final design of the project and the main construction is expected to start in 2024 and last for 6-7 years with up to 600 personnel.  Access to the power station site will be via the Kilfinnan road, which will be upgraded, and the dam will be accessed via a new road from White Bridge, Glengarry.

 

6.        Coire Glas Grid Connection

The Community Council will make representations to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit by the deadline of 19th June.  The points minuted at the CC meeting of 23rd April and the fact that a round of consultation did not take place will be raised.

 

DF (who at this stage has no opinion on the preferred route) described the route options.

 

7.        Community Amenity Issues:

·     Oich Road – The drivers of one tour bus company have been told by the company that they must drive their passengers to the Loch Ness view point at the end of Oich Road.  Tour buses and people carriers are driving at speed along Oich Road, causing conflicts with pedestrians, blocking the gates of Inveroich House and are parking at the viewpoint making it difficult for other vehicles to turn there.  Up to 20 vehicles have been seen parked at one time. The yellow lines at the viewpoint have worn away and are to be replaced by the Highland Council.  Articulated lorries have started making deliveries to barges moored near the viewpoint.  The possibility of making Oich Road “Access Only” beyond the turning area just before the old bridge was discussed.  It was noted that any new restrictions would be ineffective without enforcement.  DF to liaise with Highland Council.

·     Canalside – Tour bus parking issues previously reported ongoing.  Vehicles have been observed going the wrong way along the road and drivers have been observed turning the No Entry sign.  The “No Entry” road markings have worn away.  DF and CB to liaise with Highland Council.

·     Scottish Canals WC at the viewpoint – The septic tank is full and it is thought that it might have been overflowing into the canal.  There is a strong smell of sewage.  Local residents reported the matter to Scottish Canals 10 days ago and the WC has been locked since.  HC to contact SEPA.

·      Beach at the viewpoint – People have regularly been observed using the beach as a WC.  HC to contact police.

 

8.        Planning & Licensing

23/02094/FUL  Erection of 2No. sheds for horticulture, Land West Of Dundreggan Lodge, Glenmoriston  Applicant: Trees For Life

 

The CC had no comment.

 

It was noted that many planning applications are made retrospectively.  DF advised that Highland Council charge a higher fee for retrospective applications and that they are assessed using the same criteria as other applications.

 

The possibility of the introduction of a tourist levy by the Highland Council was discussed.  It was felt important that revenue raised would be spent on relevant purposes.

 

 

 9.       Correspondence

A local resident has reported problems caused by tour buses and tourists parking on the A887 near the Redburn Cafe while their passengers look at Highland cows.  DF to liaise with Transport Scotland/BEAR.

Scottish Water will be having an official opening of the new water works on 23rd June.  HC and CP to attend.

A local resident has advised that he is working with a planning consultant and CB4PC (Communities before Power Companies) to object to the Coire Glas proposals.

Forestry and Land Scotland have advised that tree felling will be taking place above Invermoriston in autumn or winter and a plan showing the affected areas has been provided.

 

10.      AOCB

 

A local resident reiterated the problems on Ardachy road minuted at the CC meeting of 23rd April.  DF to liaise with Highland Council.

A local resident asked if there was a Recycling Group in the village.  It was thought that there had been one but it was no longer active.  She was advised that if she would like to form one she should contact the Community Company for further advice.

An S36 application for the Loch Liath Wind Farm, which will be accessed from a track off the A887 approximately 1.5 miles to the west of Invermoriston, has been submitted.

 

 

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 28th June 2023 at the Memorial Hall, Fort Augustus at 7.30 pm.