Glen Urquhart Community Council

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Glen Urquhart Community Council 

Minutes of meeting held on 

Monday 24th October 2022 at 7.30pm 

Blairbeg Hall, Drumnadrochit 

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

 

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

Also present: Councillor David Fraser, and 8 members of the public.  

Apologies: Councillor Chris Balance. 

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 24th October was approved as a true record (Dominic Thierry / Stuart Ross). 

 

3. Matters arising from minutes 

Item 3 - Strategic Timber Transport Scheme – Iain Riddle advised that there was not yet a lot of information relating to the construction schedule however vehicles had been mobilised and work had commenced at the bottom end of the hill, in Zones 4 and 5 where work will continue for the next few weeks.  It was noted that the road will be kept open where possible and anyone requiring an escort through the works will be assisted.  It is hoped that works will be completed by February however they may complete ahead of schedule if the winter weather is more favourable.  A plan of works for the following week will be issued each Friday.  It was acknowledged that communications to date had been poor, with residents and landowners being unaware of the programme, start dates etc.  Anyone wishing to receive the weekly schedule / update should pass their details to stuart@arvikaconsult.co .  It was agreed that Iain Riddle will pass on the comments relating to the lack of information to date and a desire for clearer communications in future.  An emergency contact number in the case of any situations arising would also be helpful, and Iain will provide further update at next meeting.  Action – Iain Riddle

Item 3 – Liaison with Highland Council re adoption of private roads – ongoing Action - Bill Smart

Item 3 – Bill Smart confirmed that he had contacted Scottish Water regarding the issues raised.  It was confirmed that the water treatment works is scheduled for an upgrade and extension to cater for the new housing, and contractors will be on site to undertake remedial work at the Balnain reed bed in the next couple of weeks.  It was agreed that Gavin Steel be invited to a future GUCC meeting to provide an update on the works planned for the treatment plant and extension of the outflow.  Action – Bill Smart

Item 6 - A82 Steering Group Meeting- confirmed for next Wednesday.  Bill Smart and Iain Riddle will attend to represent GUCC.

Item 11 - Beaver consultation – ongoing

4. Treasurer’s Report 

David Ferguson provided the following financial report:  

  Our Bank account holds funds for Glen Urquhart Community Council only.

At our last meeting in June the total balance in our account was £9,208.93

In the last month we have had some bills to pay and have received no payments;

3/10/22 paid £15 for rent of Balnain Hall

24/10/22 paid £72.67 to Val for retirement gift

The new balance = £9208.93 – (£15 + £72.67) = £9,121.26

However, £7,211.77 is “ring fenced” for Glen Urquhart Place Planning, so actual funds held by the Community Council = £9,121.26 - £7,211.77 = £1,909.49.

So the total balance in our account = £9,121.26.

 

5. Police Report 

The following report was received in advance of the meeting: 

 

Road Safety – As winter approaches the conditions on the roads changes and it can become more hazardous. It is important to prepare for journeys and take more care when driving. More information can be found on Police Scotland and Traffic Scotland websites.  Local officers and Roads Policing Unit continue to carry out patrols of the roads in your area.

A report has been submitted to Procurator Fiscal in relation to a vehicle which was stopped

in Drumnadrochit area with no insurance, MOT and exhaust defects. The driver did not hold

a driving licence and their vehicle was seized.

A conditional offer was issued to another driver on A82 for careless driving.

Public Protection – There were a small number of public protection issues that came to the attention of Police.  These incidents were dealt with and any referrals required were made. It would not be appropriate to further comment on specifics in this report.  If you have concerns about members of your community then there are resources online which can point you in the right direction about who you should report your concerns to.  Police Scotland are always available on 101 for advice on non-urgent concerns or 999 if an incident is immediate.

Drugs / Alcohol Misuse - There were some instances of alcohol related disorder in licensed premises which were dealt with appropriately by staff and reported to Police.

Crimes of Dishonesty - There was a report of deliberate damage to a vehicle. Enquiries are ongoing.  If persons are seen acting suspiciously in the area, please call police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Anonymous can be provided by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  Any information provided to police is crucial to developing an intelligence picture of what is happening in our community and can be used by local officers to focus on problem areas with additional high visibility mobile patrols and community engagement.

Other – A report has been submitted to Procurator Fiscal in relation to a serious assault in the Drumnadrochit area.

It was noted that a house opposite the Lewiston Garage had damaged windows, which it is believed to have been caused by a BB gun.  It was agreed that Bill Smart would ensure this had been reported to the Police.  Action – Bill Smart

6. Roads / Drainage

Highland Council - Dianne Fraser advised that she was continuing to liaise with Highland Council roads department regarding the list of outstanding works/improvements (ie A831 Kilmichael to Drum Bridge resurfacing, Drumbuie potholes and subsidence, Pitkerrald road potholes, damage at the top of Lewiston, Gartally road) and was becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress.  David Fraser confirmed the relevant Highland Council contact for escalating these requests.  Action – Dianne Fraser

A82 Steering Group – Meeting scheduled for next week.  David Fraser advised that despite his best efforts he was making little progress with securing confirmation from Bear Scotland with regards to the resurfacing of Drum Bridge, despite an assurance this would be done following the completion of Scottish Water works.  He has asked them to urgently reconsider their response in which they advised that they do not have capital funds available and that works will instead be carried out next year.  It was agreed that this (along with other issues relating to the A82) would be discussed at the forthcoming Steering Group meeting, and if a satisfactory response had not been received from Bear Scotland by the time of the meeting it would unfortunately be necessary to escalate this issue.  Action – Bill Smart / Iain Riddle / David Fraser / Dianne Fraser

Bunloit Timber Extraction – David Fraser advised that it had been expected that Galbraith would operate under the same conditions as the Bunloit Estate for the extraction of timber from Bunloit, however this had not been the case and there had been a lot of disruption caused.  The Highland Council officer responsible for timber transport had given one week’s grace to stop operations until such time as an agreed programme is confirmed, and in this regard it was anticipated that work would be halted from tomorrow.  It is hoped to put a plan in place, with similar timings and numbers of wagons per day as per Bunloit Estate extraction programme (ie avoiding school run times, agreed start and finish times for each day, set number of lorries per day) for Galbraith to comply with.  It has been a difficult time for residents and works should now stop until the agreed programme is in place.  It was agreed that Iain Riddle liaise with Alasdair Macleod, Highland Council Engineer responsible for licensing of extractions, to ensure that the programme is set in place.  Action – Iain Riddle

7. Planning 

a. Active Applications 

22/04426/FUL – External decking area, Allt An Tairbh, Achmony – retrospective application – noted.

Springfield Development – Dianne Fraser advised that she and Iain Riddle had attended a recent meeting of the Springfield Liaison Group and raised issues around the large earth mounds on site.  It had been confirmed that the mounds would remain, and that these would  be seeded and fenced off to prevent people climbing on them.  There was some concerns also around the phasing of the development, with Phase 2, the commercial development having to be completed before Phase 3, the final houses could be commenced, and at present there is uncertainty that this is being adhered to.  To date there has been little communication to residents and a request has been made to do a new leaflet drop to all the households affected.  The developer has also advised that an application has been made to Bear Scotland for 20 weeks of works on the A82.  A green metal fence will be erected around the site and will remain for the duration of the build, approximately 6 years.  A follow up meeting is scheduled for later this week, however it may be requested to move this to a later time once more clarity is available.  David Fraser advised that he is currently in consultation with Highland Council Planning Enforcement Team with regards to concerns, and Highland Council are still finalising the terms of the consent.  Further updates will be available in due course.  

It was also noted that archaeological finds have been made on site and the community look forward to receiving details of this.

R House – Construction of two houses at the top of Balmacaan Road, started ahead of planning consent.  This is currently being reviewed / resolved by the Planning Department.  

8. Community Action Plan 

Open evening and launch event scheduled for Thursday 3rd November, 5.30pm to 8pm, Urquhart Castle Visitor Centre, all welcome.  Thanks noted to Historic Environment Scotland for the use of his venue.  Anyone wishing to receive further information relating to the Community Action Plans should visit the GURCA website Community Action Plan - Glenurquhart Rural Community Association (gurca.co.uk).  Iain Riddle, Dominic Thierry and Bill Smart confirmed that they would be attending this event.  

9. GURCA Update 

Dominic Thierry confirmed that he had attended the recent GURCA meeting, discussion had included an update on the food larder, Men’s Shed, Community Asset Transfer, and expression of interest in the purchase of the Hub car park.  In discussing the recent commemoration of 70 years since John Cobb’s death, it was most interesting to note that an engineer diver had identified a design fault with the boat which would have caused the historic crash, as well as also spotting what appeared to be a very silted (and thus very old, as Loch Ness takes a long time to form silt) viking long ship.   

GURCA had asked that GUCC look at the issue of replacement / repair of the lights in the trees at Druimlon.  It was agreed that David Fraser and Dianne Fraser would follow up this issue.  Action – David Fraser and Dianne Fraser

In addition, the following was received from Dan Light in advance of the meeting:

Community Action Plan

Celebrate the launch of Glen Urquhart’s Community Action Plan open evening – Thursday 3rd November, 5.30pm to 8pm, Urquhart Castle Visitor Centre - It’s time to hear what Glen Urquhart’s Community “Had to Say”.  Meet the team behind this project, hear more about the Plan (Summary copies availaible) and its findings.  Learn about what groups are already doing here, and this community’s plans now, and for the next 5, 10 and 20 years.

We’ll all be working together to make our Glen an even better place to live, learn, work

and play in! Hope to see you, all welcome.  Thank you on behalf of Soirbheas, GURCA and Glen Urquhart Community Council.

Wellbeing Events

Bite and Blether Lunches are well attended these happen every Tuesday 12:00-14:00 at

the Hall – all welcome. These are free sessions and it’s a lovely group – we’ve had a range

of different lunches - something for everyone. Please continue to spread the word

Laddies Night: Men’s Social Evening – Tuesdays (sometimes Thursday) 19:00-21:00 would be great to get more people along.  If you’d like to volunteer, come along or recommend a friend or neighbour please do.  We really need to spread the word of What’s on and what’s going on – it’s so important to get people out, about and connecting.

Hall of Games – We had our first session last week 20th October. New friendships made

and fun had to get together for a warm drink, snacks and play games on a Thursday

afternoon 13:30-16:30.  We promise a warm welcome and are making use of some

of the HTSI Mental Health and Wellbeing fund for this. Come and join us.

Blairbeg Woods - GURCA‘s application to the Scottish Land Fund is progressing for 3

portions of community owned woodland.  We hope to hear of progression to the next stage early November:

Plot 1 Bradley Martin Memorial Garden

Plot 2 Blairbeg Woods North (Large Triangle Plot Behind the Hall, Chinese Takeaway)

Plot 3 Blairbeg Woods East (Opposite the hall between the Care Project and Church)

Fireworks - This year the Saturday falls on the 5th November.  Donations will be collected by GURCA members in Hi Viz on the night.  As mentioned last month a Scottish Government Bill was passed introducing a fireworks licensing system for people to purchase and display fireworks.  This applies to category 2 and 3 type fireworks (garden & display level). With a £500 license fee and stiff penalties for noncompliance this should significantly reduce the number of private displays.  The Bill contains a schedule providing an exemption for charitable organisations (and those assisting them) who organise and put on public displays. GURCA has a public entertainment licence from Highland Council in place covering this event for 2022 and 2023 and are able to proceed as normal.  The village display has always been marketed as a chance for the community to come together collectively for a single event thus reducing anti-social noise, nuisance and anxiety.

Bonfire Lit at 6:30pm Fireworks at 7:00pm.

Community Litter Pick - Thank you to all of you that have taken part in the 7 picks this year. We hope to be running some pop up picks over the winter to take advantage of good weather.

Hall DIY SOS - We were disappointed not to progress with the Restructuring Capital Finance Scottish Government Fund (we had been hopeful with our 3rd application).  It’s been fantastic to have so many groups and activities back at the Hall.  The new roof and windows have made a huge difference to the main building and help to safeguard its future for our Community.  If you’ve a bit of time, skills, a trade, handy with a paint brush etc. and can volunteer/help then please get in touch. We’ve list of jobs and it would be great to get some bits and pieces done whilst we continue to look for funds for the bigger project.  Our own version of DIY SOS here in the Glen... kettle is on... milk and 2 sugars..?  Let’s get the place to be as good as it can be.

Volunteers are requested from GUCC for fireworks stewarding on the evening of 5th November and for the Action Plan Launch on 3rd November.  Dominic Thierry confirmed that he would attend the fireworks and anyone else wishing to assist should be at the field for 5.30pm.  

 

10. Soirbheas Update 

Carol Masheter provided the following update in advance of the meeting:

 The partnership with Highland Hospice to develop the Care at Home Service - Draft contract in review it is also hoped that Home Care Co-ordinator will take on the Befriending Co-ordinator role leaving Soirbheas to focus on marketing the service and recruitment. 

 Heritage walking weekend planned for 25/26 March 2023 for Glen Urquhart and Strathglass to encourage those that don’t walk to explore hidden gems in our area.  The heritage trails will be developed alongside this event for Glen Urquhart and Strathglass, the trails will be developed later in 2023. Working with the two heritage groups to identify the sites.

 No update on the Aird Path Strategy from the Highland Council.

 Kara Scott will be joining Soirbheas on 1st November taking over the role as Assistant Community Development Manager.

 GU CAP feedback event will take place on 4th November 5:30 at Urquhart Castle.

 Apprenticeship grant deadline today. Next deadline for Tier 2 grants 28/11/2022.

 We are in the process of review our grant programmes to make sure the still meet the needs of the community any changes will be brought in for 2023/24

 Food Larder at Café 82 in Drumnadrochit is currently open daily 8am – 8pm and is well stocked with essentials.

11. Consultations 

SSE Asset Replacement – Bill Smart confirmed that he had reviewed the proposals, noting that there is a lot of work scheduled, including the proposal for the new line from Beauly to Peterhead.  

 

12. Correspondence 

Royal Mail – Dianne Fraser confirmed that she currently has an open case with Royal Mail and is collating specific examples of mail disruption in the area.  Anyone with information of days and dates with no deliveries, missing mail etc should send details to Dianne.  Details to be added to the GUCC Facebook page.  If there is not a satisfactory response once this exercise has been completed the case can be taken to the ombudsman.  Action – Dianne Fraser

Forest and Land Scotland Tree Felling – Works scheduled at Polmaily, to start imminently.  Works at Loch Meiklie to recommence over the winter, dates tbc.  

Snowman Rally – Scheduled for 4th March 2023, representatives will be invited to provide an update at a future GUCC meeting.  Action – David Ferguson

 

13. AOCB 

New Ward Manager – It was noted that Charles Stephen is retiring as Ward Manager, and will be replaced by Neil Young.  GUCC noted their thanks for all Charles’ support and advice throughout his years in post.  It was confirmed that Dianne Fraser would write a note of thanks to Charles.  Action – Dianne Fraser

14. Details of Next Meeting 

The next meeting was scheduled for Monday 28th November, 7.30pm in the Craigmonie Centre.      

 

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

 

 

Action List – October 2022