Glen Urquhart Community Council



Glen Urquhart Community Council



Meeting held on

Monday 25th April 2016 at 8.00pm

Craigmonie Centre, Drumnadrochit


1.  Present: Pam Lucas, John Duncan, Ken Fraser, David Fraser, Peter MacDonald and Fiona Urquhart.

Also present were Cllr Margaret Davidson, Val Cooper (Minute Secretary) and 2 members of the public.


Apologies: Stuart Ross, Cllr Helen Carmichael and Gillian Skinner.


2. Minutes of the last meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 28th March 2016 were adopted as a correct record (Ken Fraser / Fiona Urquhart)


3. Matters arising from minutes

Item 11 – Facebook Page - has been updated to include details of the deadline for public submission of comments relating to the Cnoc an Eas wind farm proposal.

Item 11 – Sunday Events – suggestion that showing of material with a potentially  offensive content should be avoided on a Sunday has been passed to the Craigmonie Centre.


4. Treasurer’s Report

Peter MacDonald reported that the balance remains at £1567.80.  A £10 payment for Glen Urquhart Public Hall rent was due.  


5. Policing Update

No officers were present at the meeting but the following report had been provided via email:

Road Safety – As part of operation ROUTE, 2 fixed penalty tickets were issued for speed related offences.  There was one fatal road traffic collision and 10 other non injury or minor injury road traffic collisions.  As the tourist season picks up there has been an increase in driving issues relating to bad driving as can be expected.

Public Protection – Where possible there have been routine patrols around the village in order to prevent any public order issues.  There has been one report of bogus workmen in the Abriachan area.  Police continue to caution householders not to take on doorstep salesmen.  The high profile missing person enquiry is currently ongoing.  Police are grateful for the assistance the public has given and continue to request any information that would assist them.  A number of reports concerning suspicious persons have arisen, this could be as a result of public awareness due to the missing person.  There have been further issues of livestock worrying by dogs.  Police are to source posters to put up in the area increasing dog owners responsibilities.

Drugs / Alcohol Misuse –  No incidents of note.

Crimes of Dishonesty – None noted.    


6. Flooding

It had been expected that a representative of Highland Council Flooding Team would give an update. In their absence David Fraser to request an update on proposed works at Kilmichael from Garry Smith, Highland Council.  Any update received will be included in the minute.  Action – David Fraser




7. Renewables

Cnoc an Eas – No update, it was expected that the planning application would be considered at a meeting of the planning committe in May or June.  

Soirbheas – Pam Lucas advised that a closed meeting with Soirbheas, Strathglass Community Council and GUCC has been scheduled for Monday 16th May to review procedures and agree any updates required in the administering of community renewable projects on behalf of the two communities.


8. Roads

A831 – It was noted that Highland Council had surveyed some sections of the road and some areas had been marked for re-surfacing.  Members discussed the pros and cons of extending the current 40mph limit and reducing the speed limit around the vicinity of Balnain Primary School.  A request had been made to Highland Council to review the current speed limits and any recommendations they make would go to consultation, at this point GUCC would reflect the views of the community in any response given.

The fence at the roadside opposite the Lodge has been repaired.  Drains around the Kilmichael area have been full and in need of clearing since the latest flooding event.

A82 – Crash barrier at Temple Pier requires repair.  Ongoing issues with potholes and poor drainage.  Members were reminded that the Highland Council website has a section for the reporting of road issues eg flooding and potholes.


9. Loch Ness Homes

No update.

  

10. Planning Applications

16/01374/FUL – Erection of garage block with workshop, shower and storage area Marchwood, Balnain, IV63 6TJ – noted

16/01453/PNO – Prior notification for farm-related building works (non-residential) Kilmartin Farm House, Balnain, IV63 6TJ – noted

16/01468/FUL – Renewal of permission of 15/01618/FUL – siting of catering van Restaurant, Fiddlers Bar, Drumnadrochit, IV63 6TX – noted

16/01438/PNO – Erection of agricultural building Drumclune Farm, Drumnadrochit, IV63 6XS – noted

16/01777/FUL – Replace existing dwelling with new dwelling Hillside, 4 Strone, Drumnadrochit, IV63 6XL - noted


11. Correspondence

Items of correspondence already circulated to members by email.  


12. Any Other Business

Etape – Gillian Skinner had asked, on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, for it to be noted that this event had not resulted in any increase in business in Drumnadrochit.  It was also noted that some guests had been confused by differing messages on road closures on public media.  Participants in the event had praised the organisation and efforts of stewards and marshals.  The event organisers would be invited to a future meeting of GUCC for a de-brief of the 2016 event.

Culnakirk Brae – It was noted that pot-holes were beginning to appear on the brae, and there was still a desire for a “stop” sign to be placed at the junction with the A831.

Craigmonie Woodland – It was noted that the Graigmonie Woodland group had now been running for 20 years, providing an excellent service in tree planting, path clearing and providing logs for local pensioners at Christmas time.  The group were currently fundraising for their annual insurance payment and it was agreed to provide £50 from GUCC.  Margaret Davidson advised that the group may also wish to pursue public liability insurance through the Highland Council contact with Zurich which may provide a cheaper option.

Glen Urquhart Shinty Club – Ken Fraser passed on thanks on behalf of Glen Urquhart Shinty Club for the Ward Discretionary fund contribution to the recent trip to New York which had been very successful.


13. Details of Next Meeting

The next meeting was scheduled for Monday 23rd May in Balnain Hall.  


There was no further business and the meeting closed at 9.30pm.