Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Council

Draft Minutes of the Community Council Meeting

held at Fort Augustus Memorial Hall on 26th April 2023

Members Present:

Deirdre MacKinnon – Chair (DM)

Iain MacKnocher – Vice Chair (IM)

Mike Anderson – Treasurer (MA)

Jeff Dymond (JD)

Claire Pegrum (CP)

Cllr David Fraser (DF)

Apologies:

Helen Clay – Secretary (HC)

Robert MacDonald (RM)

Hilary Wilson (HW)

Cllr Chris Ballance (CB)

1. Previous Minutes

Due to HC having injured her arm, the previous minutes were not available and will be presented at the next meeting.

2. Matters Arising

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

Scottish Canals: Email from Ailsa Andrews was circulated regarding Caledonian House, dog fouling and parking problems from guests at the Lock Chambers AirB&B.

Canalside: Parked tour buses are making deliveries difficult and preventing the senior citizens parking near the venue of their lunch club. Potholes are still a problem. The collapsed drain cover and the lighting have been repaired.

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

3. Police Report: No report has been received.

4. Treasurer’s Report:

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

MA Noted that the CC’s remaining assets should be transferred to the Community Company.

5. Community Amenity Issues:

· Public WCs – HC has passed info re income and expenditure to Community Company.

· Achnaconeran Road – Road has been repaired. Sign advising vehicles not to use it has been removed.

· St Columba’s Well – Fence has been repaired.

· Footway outside Fort Augustus Gift Co. - The temporary ramp is not a suitable substitute for a proper dropped kerb.

· Footbridge between the top car park and playground – Currently being repaired.

· Abertarff Bus Shelter – Still not replaced. DF to remind Highland Council.

· Bunoich Brae – Fence by Ar Dhachaidh has been repaired.

6. Planning & Licensing

23/00989/FUL Proposed annex for short term letting (retrospective) (resubmission of 22/04296/FUL), Thistle Stop Tea Room, Invergarry. Applicant Mr & Mrs Keith Sturgeon.

The CC had no comment.

23/01507/FUL Change of use of garage to annexe (retrospective),

Ard Beag, Mill field, Fort Augustus. Applicant Mr Nicholas McAlonan.

The CC had no comment.

23/01580/PNO Phase 2 of peatland restoration scheme, Land 1500M SE Of Meall A Cholumain Radio Station, Invergarry. Applicant Culachy Footprint Management Limited.

The CC had no comment.

23/01484/PNO Erection of agricultural shed (storage of feed and housing animals/460sqm), 500 Metres North Of Netherwood Cottage, Glenmhor, Invergarry. Applicant Mr Archie MacLellan.

The CC had no comment.

23/00970/FUL Installation of a 5m high wind turbine, Land 5300M SW Of Ceannacroc Lodge, Glenmoriston. Applicant Airwave Solutions Ltd

The CC had no comment.

7. Auchterawe Liaison Group

A local resident stated that local residents are unaware of SSEN’s preferred route (Option LL-FA 2) for the proposed 400kV line between the proposed Loch Lundie substation and Auchterawe substation and said that the alternative route Option LL-FA 1 would be preferable as it would pass through an area of forestry where the trees have already been felled. There will be a pylon near Torr Dhuin. Preferred route is well used for leisure activities and SSE have recently given £100k to upgrade paths in the area. DM to visit local residents and arrange meeting. Next Liaison Group meeting 22nd May 7pm at The Lovat.

8. Correspondence

Letters have been received from a resident of Ardachy Road about the speed, size and number of vehicles using the road, the danger to walkers, cyclists and wildlife and maintenance issues. It was further noted in the meeting that the volume of traffic on Ardachy Road is likely to increase when it is made a more attractive short cut by the introduction of a 20mph limit on the A82 through the village and if the Glendoe mountain bike trail development goes ahead. DF to visit road and liaise with Highland Council.

9. AOCB

The Community Council considers that it should have been consulted about the extent of the 20mph speed limit to be introduced on the A82 through the village.

Concerns have been raised locally about the use of the Glendoe airstrip by helicopters in connection with the Coire Glas exploratory works, regarding noise and danger to MOD aircraft. DF stated that Highland Council are currently investigating.

Concern was expressed about the number of temporary traffic lights on the B862 at times when no road works appear to be taking place. DM to liaise with Scottish Water.

The A887 carriageway is collapsing near the Redburn Cafe. DM to contact Bear/Transport Scotland

The next meeting will be directly after the AGM at 7pm to be held on Wednesday, 31st May 2023 at the Memorial Hall, Fort Augustus.