Plockton Web

Minutes of the Meeting of Plockton & District Community Council

Plockton Village Hall
Monday 7 June 2010, 7:30pm

Present

• C M MacRae (Chairman)
• J MacKenna
• K Leiper
• J D F MacDonald
• M MacKenzie
• I Matheson
• J Storie
• G R Webster
• G James (Secretary/Treasurer)
• Cllr A Sinclair
• Sgt Hunter
• Const Tucker (both Kyle Constabulary)
• 3 residents

Apologies

• G Glasgow
• C Will (Crofters' Representative)

The Chairman opened the meeting by congratulating Morag MacKenzie on receiving an invitation to the Great British Menu Banquet in Bristol, attended by Prince Charles, in recognition of her contribution as a supplier of Highland cattle beef to the BBC programme.

1. Chairman's Annual Report
   1. The Chairman outlined the projects completed and furthered by the CC during the past 12 months, together with those which are ongoing. Thanks were expressed to the Community Councillors and Secretary for their work and support.
2. Election of Officers

   The following officers were elected:
   		Proposer	Seconder
   Chairman	C M MacRae	I Matheson	J MacKenna
   Vice Chair	J MacKenna	G R Webster	K Leiper
   Sec/Treas	G James	J Storie	I Matheson
   Auditor	R Anderson

3. Treasurer's Report
   1. The Financial Statements for the Treasurers, Special Projects and Fireworks Accounts were presented to the meeting and proposed and seconded by G R Webster and K Leiper respectively. Thanks were recorded to the Auditor, Bob Anderson.
   2. The Highland Council Grant awarded to the CC for 2010/11 was £1030.08 of which it was agreed the Secretary should receive £350.00, and the amount of £25.00 should be paid to the Auditor for his services.
4. Minutes of the Last Meeting
   1. The Minutes of the last meeting were proposed and seconded by J MacKenna and G Webster, respectively
   2. Matters Arising

      1. Police Matters

         It was noted that there had been a general decline in incidents of vandalism and that the litter and dog fouling problems had improved, although dog fouling on the Brae Road was still occurring. In this respect it was agreed that arrangements should be made for a bin to be provided on the approach to the area.

         A boat trailer had been taken from the green boat shed, but the police confirmed that they had received no report on this incident.

         Plockton Harbour CIC were hoping to progress the installation of CCTV at the Car Park with the acquisition of the toilets, the building of which could possibly be utilised for siting this facility.

      2. Ward Forum

         The next meeting is scheduled for 21 June at Lochcarron Village Hall. The amount of £500.00 had been received from the Discretionary Budget for village seats and the maintenance of present ones. Seats have already been placed on Frithard Road and opposite 37 Harbour Street. It was suggested that a seat on Frithard Hill would be most beneficial, a wooden one being preferable.

      3. Roads Department

         The Chairman had had a meeting with Mark Crowe and George Speed, HC Roads Department, at which it was confirmed that there is no funding available for the much-needed re-surfacing of Harbour Street.

      4. Plockton Railway Station

         Seating was still needed for the station platform, and the platform edging is in a very poor condition. The gate has been repaired but not yet painted.

      5. Village Play Area

         A letter had been received from Ian Jackson, HC Education Officer, confirming that he will discuss with the local Community Works Manager and Mr MacKinnon, Head Teacher, the proposal that the grassed area adjacent to the school might be considered as a village play area and would report back following a visit.

      6. Loch Lundie

         Iain Matheson expressed strong reservations on the handling of the proposed decommissioning and subsequent sale of the dam, and Scottish Water's policy not to inform CCs of their intentions for their assets. It was felt that waste of public money was paramount. Phil Di-Duca, Tilhill Forestry, was most concerned that representations he had made to Scottish Water had received no reply, the CC fully supporting his concerns and would write to SW to that effect.

      7. Housing

         The Chairman, voicing concerns expressed by CC members, had been in correspondence with Charles Kennedy, MP, and Iain MacIvor, S & L Housing Association Director of Development Services, regarding the Highland Housing Register Allocations Policy and the present debatable Allocation and Points System. The CC was informed that there had been a review of the present system but a new Special Lettings Plan was not expected to be in place before 1 September 2010, consequently too late for the Burnside project.

         With regard to the sewage system for Burnside the CC had received correspondence from Mr and Mrs M Coe, Nessun Dorma, Plockton whose bunkhouse facility is sited opposite the Burnside project, expressing their deep concern that, without any consultation with themselves and encroaching on their land to carry out the work, the sewage system was being connected to that of the bunkhouse. The fact that the present bunkhouse system was inadequate and in need of regular clearance would mean that an additional 24 properties could only exacerbate the problem.

         Serious concerns were expressed by CC members on the handling of this matter and the Chairman had contacted SEPA who said that they could only act should there be any problem with the system.

         Scottish Water confirmed that this was a temporary measure and that the matter would be resolved in the current investment period, and in the interim would arrange a weekly clearing service. It was strongly felt this was extremely unsatisfactory, and that the matter should be followed up.

         Concern was expressed at the lack of provision for pedestrians walking to and from Burnside, particularly over the railway bridge and it was agreed to write to S & L Housing Association to enquire what the situation was with regard to this problem.

         Iain Matheson had had cards printed welcoming the new residents of Burnside to the community, to be distributed when the houses were occupied. A letter would be sent to the Housing Association to this effect.

      8. Pontoon Ownership

         It was agreed the CC should approach a solicitor in order the progress the change of ownership to Plockton Harbour CIC.

      9. Tigh Beag Plans

         The Reporter's decision to turn down this Planning Application still stands in relation to the demolition of Tigh Beag.

      10. Scottish Water

          Most of the work has now been completed, apart from Frithard Road, and the burst in the overflow pipe opposite 36 Harbour Street has yet to be located.

      11. Repairs to Causeway

          Work completed.

      12. Sgeir Buidhe and 12 Harbour Street

          Following approaches made to the owner of these properties in relation to the lack of progress with the renovation work, an email had been received from the owner's Planning Consultant, stating that documentation was being drawn up to acquire the required Building Warrants.

5. Correspondence
   1. Highland Core Path Improvement Scheme — Funding of £585.000 had been acquired for distribution over the next three years. Applications were invited for specific projects.
   2. HC Review of Community Councils — Second Phase. Several comments on the details of the review had been made by CC members, and it was agreed that Cllr Sinclair would be notified that this CC wished the number of members to remain at nine as at present.
   3. A much-appreciated donation of £1000.00 towards the cost of the Village Officer had been received from Plockton Harbour CIC, who had also offered to pay for the repair work on the water tap.
   4. The Chairman had contacted one of the owners of Ard a'Mhorair to request if arrangements could be made to tidy up the area, who, whilst not feeling able to provide any input into carrying out the required work, would welcome any suggestions from the CC. Ideas were put forward for cattle, followed by Hebridean sheep to be allowed to graze the area, but this would necessitate the acquisition of a gate.
   5. Retirement Home on the Brae, Plockton — Correspondence had been received from Moira Newsome Linnington outlining proposals for the acquisition of crofting land to build a smaller property than her present one on the Brae. Her courtesy in keeping the CC informed on this matter was appreciated.
   6. Regarding the possible closure of Plockton Library, Cllr Sinclair had confirmed this possibility, but had promised to speak up at the next Ward Forum for this facility to be retained. The CC was totally opposed to the loss of this community facility.
   7. Phil Di-Duca, Tilhill Forestry, confirming the change of ownership of the Achnandarach woodlands.
   8. Kate Havard, Plockton Postmistress, had confirmed with I Turnbull, NTS, that the NTS did not intend to open a Tourist Information Point in Plockton, and therefore this facility would remain with the Post Office.
   9. HC Development Plan Scheme 2010. It was felt that this explanatory brochure should have been presented at the same time as the Local Plan.
   10. West Highland and Islands Local Plan — intention to adopt. Details of the viewing venues were supplied.
6. AOB
   1. Harbour Street — It would be appreciated if consideration could be given when parking in the street, including leaving 'Keep Clear' areas free, the lines of which are in need of re-painting. There had also been complaints of pavement hazards in the area.
   2. It was agreed that steps would be taken to clarify the situation with regard to the Public Toilets at present being at the Plockton Hotel. Signage would, therefore, be improved.
   3. Duirinish bridge was still in need of attention. Chairman to action.
7. Date of the Next Meeting
   1. The next meeting of the Community Council will be held in Plockton Village Hall on Monday 13 September 2010 at 7.30pm.

The Community Council (formed on 12 May 2008)

C M MacRae (Chairman)

01599 544 359

I J MacKenna (Vice-Chair)

280

G H Glasgow

719

K J Leiper

324

J D F MacDonald

282

M MacKenzie

204

I Matheson

737

A J Storie

387

G R Webster

283

G James (Secretary/Treasurer)

384