Glen Urquhart Community Council

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Glen Urquhart Community Council

Annual General Meeting followed by Ordinary Meeting

held on

Monday 27th June 2022 at 7.30pm 

Blairbeg Hall, Drumnadrochit

Please note: Minutes will be updated when officially approved at the next meeting.

Annual General Meeting

1. Present:  Dianne Fraser (Chair), Pam Lucas, Fiona Urquhart, Dominic Thierry, David Ferguson (Treasurer), Stuart Ross, Bill Smart, Iain Riddle and Val Cooper.

 

Also present: 1 member of the public.  

 

Apologies:  Councillors David Fraser and Chris Ballance, Susan Clark, GURCA and Nicky MacLennan, Soirbheas.

 

2. Minute of Previous AGM 

The minute of the AGM on 28th June 2021 was approved at the routine meeting following the AGM on 23rd August 2021.  A copy is available on the GUCC website.

 

3. Chairman’s Report – Dianne Fraser  

During 2022, the Glen Urquhart Community Council continued to act as a voice for the Glen Urquhart community.  The objectives of the Community Council are:

a) to ascertain, co-ordinate and reflect the views of the community which it represents, to liaise with other community groups within the area, and to fairly express the diversity of opinions and outlooks of the people.

b) to express the views of the community to The Highland Council to public authorities and other organisations.

c) to take such action in the interests of the community as appears to be desirable and practicable.

d) to promote the well-being of the community and to foster community spirit;

e) to be a means whereby the people of the area shall be able to voice their opinions on any matter affecting their lives, their welfare, their environment, its development, and amenity.

At the heart of these objectives is representing the voice of the Glen Urquhart Community, and we encourage everyone to engage with the Community Council.

Since the last AGM in June 2021, the Community Council met ten times, with in-person meetings commencing again in January 2022.

All meetings remain open to the public. All details of meetings are available on the Community Council Website (http://www.glenurquhartcommunitycouncil.org.uk/index.html)

Roads / Drainage

The Community Council continues to partner with Highland Council, Transport Scotland and the wider community to identify areas of concern and improvement.  Lobbying continues for overall improvements to A82, Lewiston Junction, speed limit reviews and installation of flashing speed warning signs throughout the village.

Planning
Community Council is consulted on all planning applications in the Glen Urquhart area.

Community Council liaised with Loch Ness Homes on their amended application for completion of housing development around Scotmid shop. We were able to secure the provision of a temporary path between Glen Urquhart Care Centre and retail units.  This will be installed early in the construction period and remain until the permanent path is built.

Community Council are currently seeking to engage with Springfield to form a community liaison group for their development in centre of Drumnadrochit, adjacent to the fire station.

Community Council obtained funding for demolition of old shop which was completed in July 2021. The Highland Housing Alliance planning application for site was rejected by Scottish Reporter following objections from Community Council, Highland Council, and the wider community.  Currently awaiting outcome of community consultation on future development for this site.

Flood Alleviation Scheme

Following initial design issues and delays, Community Council was able to lobby Highland Council for amendments and work on scheme was completed in March 2022.

During construction, Highland Council and the contractor provided site tours for a number of community members including local high school students.

Glen Urquhart Community wishes to extend their thanks to Highland Council and the contractors for their regular project updates, community engagement and contributions and for the protection the scheme will provide.

Consultations

Community Council provided feedback on several public consultation requests including the Local Development Plan, Short Term Let Proposals, Local Boundary Commission, Transport Scotland Strategic Review, and a number of windfarm proposals.

Community Action Plan

In partnership with GURCA and Soirbheas, Community Council formed a steering group to develop a Community Action Plan. This Plan will assist in establishing a future vision for Glen Urquhart including community project priorities. Development of the plan is currently nearing completion.

Acknowledgements

After representing our community at Highland Council for 27 years, Margaret Davidson stood down in May 2022. Margaret represented our community with passion and commitment, shaping our community in many ways – both seen and unseen. The Glen Urquhart community extend their sincere thanks to Margaret for her significant service to our community and wish her the best in her new endeavours.

The Community Council continues to work closely with a number of other community groups within the Glen including GURCA, Soirbheas, and Glen Urquhart Care Project.  These working relationships enable flexibility with different organisations taking the lead on different issues and ensures Glen Urquhart has a strong voice when lobbying on various issues.

Many thanks to all members of the community, and the multiple community organisations who have come together to support members of our community during Covid restrictions. Many people have volunteered to provide a range of services from food larders, assistance with shopping, befriending and directing support requests to appropriate agencies / partners.

The Community Council is a team effort from a group of dedicated volunteers, who tirelessly seek to represent the voice of the people of Glen Urquhart.  My personal thanks to them all for their support, guidance, and enthusiasm.

Finally, thanks to all members of the Glen Urquhart community who engage with and support the Community Council.  The Community Council can’t represent the community without your voice.

 

4. Treasurer’s Report – David Ferguson 

The monthly report, provided by David Ferguson is as per the minute of the routine meeting on 27th June 2022. 

 

5. Election of Officers  

The officers stood down and Val Cooper invited nominations, as follows: 

o Chairman – Dianne Fraser (proposed by Fiona Urquhart / seconded by Bill Smart) 

o Vice Chair – Pam Lucas (proposed by Dianne Fraser / seconded by Dominic Thierry) 

o Treasurer – David Ferguson (unanimously approved) 

o Planning Secretary – Iain Riddle (proposed by Fiona Urquhart / seconded by Dianne Fraser) 

o Minute Secretary – Val Cooper (unanimously approved) 

 

5. Any other business 

There was no further business and the AGM closed at 8pm. 

Minutes of meeting held on

Monday 27th June 2022 at 8.00pm

Minutes of meeting held on

Monday 27th June 2022 at 8.00pm

Blairbeg Hall, Drumnadrochit

1. Present: Dianne Fraser (Chair), Pam Lucas, Stuart Ross, David Ferguson, Dominic Thierry, Iain Riddle, Bill Smart, Fiona Urquhart and Val Cooper.

Also present: 1 member of the public.

Apologies: Councillors David Fraser and Chris Ballance, Nicky MacLennan,  Soirbheas, and Susan Clark, GURCA.

Conflicts of Interest

No conflicts of interest in relation to planning applications declared.

2. Minutes of the last meeting
The minute of the meeting held on 23rd May was approved as a true record (Fiona Urquhart / Dianne Fraser).

3. Matters arising from minutes

Item 6 Police Reports – Dianne Fraser confirmed that Councillor Emma Knox had contacted Police Scotland on behalf of local Community Councils to request submission of monthly reports.  It was further agreed that Dianne Fraser would also contact senior police personnel to request that the submission of reports be made.  Action – Dianne Fraser

Item 15 – Shenval Defibrillator – Dominic Thierry confirmed that he would contact Pierre Lebrun to establish if the Shenval defibrillator has been added to the GURCA register.  Action – Dominic Thierry

Item 15 - Mailboxes in Village –David Ferguson had contacted Royal Mail who had confirmed that the post box at the old Scotmid site would be relocated to the new Scotmid.  There has been a request to see if a post box can be reinstated at the Post Office, if this is not possible there is agreement to locate it at the Hub.  Action – David Ferguson

Item 15 – Derelict Caravan – It was confirmed that the owner of the abandoned caravan in the woods on Balmacaan Road intends to repurpose it and has confirmed that this will be done in the next couple of months.

4. Treasurer’s Report

David Ferguson provided the following financial report:

In the last month, there has been some activity in our account, details as follows;

Community Council: Balance = £9,593.67

Note £7,211.77 is “ring fenced” for Loch Ness Tourism Strategy / Glen Urquhart Place Planning.

Community Council actual funds = £9,593.67 - £7,211.77 = £2,381.90

No change to balance.  David advised that the annual insurance renewal is due in July and will investigate if cheaper options are available before renewing for next year.

Cnoc an Burraidh: Balance = £1,836.51

19/6/22 £230 paid into account from book sales and film show

New balance = £1,836.51 + £230 = £2,066.51

Total balance in our account = £9,593.67 + £2,066.51 = £11,660.18

Etape Donation - £1k received from Etape, proposals received for RNLI, it was agreed £900 would be passed to RNLI and £100 retained for Community Council running cost.

5. Police Report

Pam Lucas advised that there was an increase in motorbikes driving at speed on the Glen road and requested that, as with previous years, the local police be advised of this and a request be made that they drive via the Glen and Cannich on occasion to monitor the road.  There had also been a serious incident involving horses and their riders, and motorbikes, which was reported to Police Scotland.  Action – Dianne Fraser

6. Roads / Drainage

A82 Safety Working Group – Awaiting confirmation of representative from Fort Augustus CC.

Drum Bridge Traffic Lights – Bear Scotland had provided very little advance notice, and no consultation regarding the recent traffic lights required for the repairs to Drum bridge.  This work is now completed however there will be further lights required for repair to a damaged street light on the bridge.  Dianne Fraser confirmed that she has requested that there is consultation for the timing of future works involving traffic control in the village.  

A82 – Overhanging tree on the lochside and rocks near Drumbuie.  Dianne Fraser advised that she would report these issues to Transport Scotland.  Action – Dianne Fraser

Litter Picking – It was noted that litter picking had taken place along the A82 and it was agreed that Dianne Fraser would contact Highland Council to note thanks.  Action – Dianne Fraser

Clansman Hotel – Members discussed ongoing issues with traffic congestion, particularly involving coaches accessing and parking at the Clansman.  It was noted that the Clansman employ staff to help with parking issues and are always very open to discussing improvements.  It was agreed that the new A82 Safety Working Group could look at any specific issues.  

 

7. Planning Applications

a) Active Applications

22/02260/PNO – Installation of underground electricity cable to connect to house.  Land 130m north of Cnoc Beag, Culnakirk – noted

22/02373/FUL – Alterations to house and erection of 2 carports, Beechwood, Balnain – noted

22/02622/FUL – Erection of house with associated access and drainage arrangements, land 55m south of 125 Balmacaan Road – Fiona Urquhart and Iain Riddle to ensure that the green belt area is retained as per initial planning consent. Action – Fiona Urquhart / Iain Riddle

West End Garage – Note of concern and breach of planning control request was submitted to Highland Council who have confirmed that they visited on site and requested that the appropriate retrospective planning application be submitted.  

Bearnock Development – Breach of planning control request submitted to Highland Council who has requested more information in relation to the siting of buildings.  A response has been submitted and a site visit will take place.   

Springfield Development – Community Liaison Group, Dianne Fraser continuing to contact and pursue.

21/00101/S36 - Corriegarth 2 Wind Farm, erection and operation of a Wind Farm for a period of 30 years, comprising of 16 Wind Turbines with a maximum blade tip height of 149.9m, access tracks, borrow pits, substation, control building, and ancillary infrastructure, land at Carn Na Saobhaidhe, Gorthleck, Inverness.  A reduction from 16 to 14 turbines is proposed – It was agreed that Bill Smart would submit an objection to this proposal, particularly in relation to visual, environmental and construction impact.  Action – Bill Smart

It was further agreed that a more general discussion take place at the joint Soirbheas and Strathglass CC meeting, in relation to the potential for challenging policy relating to wind farm development.  Action – Bill Smart  

8. Community Action Plan

Meeting scheduled for 28th June.  The draft plan will be circulated to GUCC members when available.  

9. GURCA Update

The following update was provided by Dan Light in advance of the meeting:

- Considering community ownership of land in 3 local locations.

- Ongoing consultation with Shinty Club and Highland Housing Alliance re the old Scotmid site.

- Hub successfully running and making profit for GURCA.

- A thank you was held for Margaret Davidson on 27th May on behalf of GURCA and GUCC.  Thanks are passed to Fraser Campbell and Cobbs for the very generous donation of cakes for this event.  The event was well attended by members from groups and businesses.

- Bite and Blether lunches - Tuesday 12-2pm

- Laddies night (Men's Social) Thursday 1st July, thereafter back to its normal Tuesday spot.

- New hall windows have been fitted and roof work is progressing well.

- Feasibility study for relocation of the PO to the Hub if the situation were to arise.  

- GURCA will be contacting Highland Council regarding potential ownership of the Hub car park.

10. Soirbheas Update

The following update was provided in advance of the meeting:

- Soirbheas AGM, Thursday 30th June, in Balnain Hall. Refreshments from 7:15 for 7:30pm start

- We are delighted to announce we are winners of the best Community Project at the 2022 Scottish Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Conference and Awards.

- Community calendars are in production, a selection of the entries from the 2022 annual photo competition have been used. Soirbheas fund the cost of printing the calendars so all proceeds from sales are given to GURCA and SACC for use in further community projects.

- Development Support Days – we offer local groups and charities, at no cost, dedicated time from our staff to help develop projects and ideas.  

- Befriending. Can you volunteer one or two hours per week to meet up with someone in our area who is feeling isolated or lonely? Training, support, and expenses provided. Or, do you know someone who would benefit from social contact, which could be anything from going for a walk, playing scrabble or having a cuppy and a chat. Contact time can also have the added benefit of providing some ‘me’ time for a family carer. This is a confidential, social contact service in partnership with Helping Hands at Highland Hospice. Contact Nicky for more information befriender@soirbheas.org T: 07748575330

- Recycling Week – 19th September. We are starting to scope an event in our area around reuse, recycle, repair. If you have ideas or/and are interested in helping, please get in touch.

- Glen Urquhart Horticultural Society are hosting the Flower Show this year on the 3rd September. Still plenty time to think about entries for the categories, except for the Gardens Category. Entries for these must be in for the 17th July. Contact Helen MacLennan on how to enter 01456450489 or 07821266000

- Paths Development – working group has been formed in Ward 12 to develop the strategy.

- Men’s Shed – meeting on the 4th July with Scottish Land Fund.

- Nourish Scotland – we have contributed to community research on the availability and costs for fruit and vegetables as part of the Scottish Government strategy.

- We are in early discussion with Highland Hospice about provision of Home Care services in our areas.

- We are Partnering with Developing the Workforce to identify and deliver skills and careers events for pupils attending Glen Urquhart High School.

- A Community Asset Fund is available for the purchase of community assets that are no longer in use. Not to bemixed up with the Scottish Land Fund. https://www.ruralnetwork.scot/news-and-events/news/new-community-assets-fund-launches

Soirbheas Grants

o Tier 1 – does your group or charity require new equipment, resources or perhaps tuition to help deliver a project? Our express grant can fund up to £1000 of approved projects. A simple application and reporting process that can be applied for at any time. Main contact Nicky.

o Tier 2- for larger projects up to £10,000 and a maximum award of 90% of project cost. We can fund a variety of projects from vehicles, building repairs, grounds care, heritage, conservation and environment projects and educational visits. Next application deadline is 1st August so contact Carol or Nicky to discuss your needs and determine if your project could attract funding.

o Tier 3 – capital projects with maximum fund of £50,000 and 60% of project cost. Contact Carol to discuss before submitting an initial expression of interest by the 19th September.

o Apprenticeship fund is open, with applications open until the 24 October so your planning can start now. Up to £22,500 is available over 3 years to help cover wage/salary costs of a modern apprentice.  There is also up to a further £1000 available to successful organisations to help purchase essential PPE and equipment for their new apprentice.

GUCC were pleased to see discussions taking place in relation to the provision of homecare for the local area.  

The biannual meeting with Soirbheas, Strathglass Community Council and GUCC is scheduled to take place next week.  Dianne Fraser and Bill Smart will attend as GUCC representatives.   

11. Consultations

Alcohol Licencing – role of community councils, Dominic Thierry agreed to look at the consultation paperwork to establish the GUCC response.  Action – Dominic Thierry

Beauly Cluster Asset Replacement Projects – It was greed that Bill Smart would look at this in more detail, liaise with Kilmorack and Strathglass community councils, and formulate a response in support of their submissions.  Action – Bill Smart

12. Correspondence

No items which have not already been circulated to GUCC members.

13. AOCB

National Park Creation Group – Pam Lucas advised that a further meeting had been held, the group have formally registered an interest and are now awaiting details of the criteria for applicants.  GUCC support for this project was confirmed.  Further details can be found on the Facebook Page “FutureAffric”.

14. Details of Next Meeting

The next meeting was scheduled for Monday 22nd August at 7.30pm, in Craigmonie Centre, Drumnadrochit.   

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

Action List – June 2022