GLENORCHY AND INNISHAIL

COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes of Council Meeting

held in Portsonachan Village Hall

on 8 February 2006

Present: Alan Thomas, Kate Craig, Pam Whitehead, Cavin Crawford, Karl Pipes plus 36 members of the public

1. Welcome

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and noted that the Community Council (CC) had met over the past four months in Dalmally, Lochawe, and now Portsonachan. It intended to continue meeting in different parts of the wide CC area. The Chair commented that the CC was trying to concentrate on specific themes, e.g. water supply, transport, health services, Natural Heritage and environment, etc, and this meeting was concentrating on Forestry matters.

2. Apologies for absence

Allan Macaskill, PC Greg Bryce, Averil Watson

3. Minutes of CC meeting held on Wednesday, 30 November 2005

The minutes were approved.

4. Matters arising

4.1 30mph speed limits. The Chair reported that a reply had been received from SE Trunk Roads Network Management Division indicating that work on a 30 mph limit for Lochawe would commence shortly, and that speed surveys would take place in Dalmally to determine where the speed limit sign should be, and whether it should be 30 or 40 mph.

4.2 Water supply. It was reported that a reply letter had indicated that Stage 1 work would commence at Dalmally in March, with Stage 2 work starting in April. Lochawe was not included. It was agreed that a further clarification letter should be sent.

4.3 Kilchurn Castle access. It was reported that No Access signs had been taken down but that gates were still locked. The CC to pursue with Historic Scotland and other parties.

4.4 A&C Health Board. It was noted that the decision had been made for the CC area to become part of Highland Health Board. The CC to pursue representation on new Community Health Partnership.

4.5 CC Constitution. It was noted that this had been approved with the amendment to 10 clear days for the notice of meetings.

5. Forestry

Presentation and discussion with Forestry Commission/Forest Enterprise.

5.1 Susannah White of FE introduced her other FE colleagues attending and gave a presentation on the roles of the FC/FE and how they interacted with the people, lands, and environment of the CC area. Discussion and questions followed.

5.2 Iain Arnold of the National Timber Transport Network gave a presentation and discussion items included – the effects of large timber trucks on roads and bridges in the CC area; the phasing of woodland harvesting; the use of Forestry private roads; and EU financing of possible improvements.

5.3 It was noted that Dalmally Primary School used FC areas for teaching purposes and thanked the FC for their past assistance. It was mentioned that they also wished to use other FC lands with easier access. The FC would work with the school to identify such areas and future activities.

5.4 Community Woodlands activities in Strathfillan were noted, and it was agreed that the CC would set up a sub-group to take forward, with the FC, the development of a ‘community pathway’ from Glenview to the old Fever Hospital, and possibly to the Strone Hill FC area. This could be used by a variety of community users, including the school. Consideration would have to be given to residents and other landowners in the vicinity.

5.5 A discussion took place on the recreational, environmental, and wildlife aspects of the FC land in the CC area, including the interests of walkers, cyclists, canoeists, fishing, historical interests, campers, deer hunting, bird watching, and residents. These seemed to work reasonably well together at the moment, although there were some problems with litter. No major changes appeared to be necessary. Questions were raised regarding Tree Preservation Orders in various parts of the CC area and the FC indicated that these were matters for the A&B Council.

5.6 A discussion took place regarding Affordable Housing on FC land in the CC area, and the FC indicated the procedures that could be followed to progress this. It was agreed that this would be considered further by the CC particularly in relation to the Bridge of Orchy area.

5.7 Various points were raised in relation to forestry lands owned by private owners, including the drainage and access problems to the area behind Dalmally Station.

5.8 The CC noted the letter from Tilhill Forestry Ltd (21.12.05) regarding the re-certification of Keppochan East and Tullich Woodlands.

5.8 General planning and approval procedures were discussed and it was noted that the FC would be subject to Local Authority planning regulations from April 2006 onwards. It was appreciated that the FC had made available their plans for the different forest areas within the CC area, and they were available for detailed scrutiny in their Oban office. Questions were asked regarding future intentions on woodlands currently being harvested, and responses given. It was requested that the G&ICC should be consulted on and kept informed of future Forestry plans.

The FC/ FE were thanked by the meeting for their informative and useful contribution.

6. Transport, including Argyll & Bute Transport Strategy

6.1 The Secretary reported that it was likely that there would be a new bus service from Dalmally to Oban leaving at 9.00 am, Mon to Friday, all year round. Confirmation is awaited from A&BC once the budget has been approvedt. It was asked when the service would commence, and confirmation that it would start at Glenview.

6.2 It was noted that it was unacceptable that the current bus service from Dalmally could only be boarded outside the Glenorchy Lodge Hotel, and doesn’t pick up from Glenview. It was agreed that a letter would be sent to A&B Council raising this matter.

6.3 It was noted that the Education/Community Services minibus was available to other groups, if booked via the A&BC. Drivers had to have a test and a licence, which cost £35. One off use was £25. Potential users should contact the CC Secretary.

6.4 It was noted that there had been no further problems with the Oban High School bus.

6.5 It was noted that follow up letters regarding the potential road safety problems at Bridge of Orchy needed to be sent.

6.6 The Secretary reported that there was now a Voluntary Car Scheme running in the CC area, which was available to take those without transport to the Primary Care Health Centre or other places needed (including Oban). The cost was 20p a mile, max £5. Those wishing to use the service should contact the Secretary.

6.7 It was agreed that CC members should prepare a response to the A&B Council letter requesting CC input on the A&B Local Transport Strategy, noting the points raised above and other items raised at the Meeting regarding Bus and Rail services and Road Safety issues.

7 Eredine Road Improvement

The Chair summarised the current situation and the communications sent to Mr Bowden-Smith and Councillor Macaskill. Karl Pipes summarised the responses from his canvas of Eredine residents and the letters received by him. Discussion followed, including input from Eredine residents. It was noted that work on the road was urgent and that some work could be carried out by Eredine residents themselves if funding was available. No other use for the funds had been proposed by Eredine residents.

It was agreed that the £1,000 currently held in the CC account should be made available to the residents of Eredine in order to improve the road, and that this would follow clarification of the items raised in the letter from the CC (19.12.05) to Mr Bowden-Smith and Councillor Macaskill.

It was proposed that monies be made available to the Eredine residents from the CC’s account after presentation of invoices for work done, such invoices to be approved by Karl Pipes, Eredine’s CC representative, and the CC Treasurer, Pam Whitehead.

8. Community Groups

It was noted that a list of Community Groups within the CC area had been prepared by the Secretary and was being added to by other CC members. It would include contact names.

It was proposed that letters be sent to each Group asking how the CC and A&B Council might be able to help the Group in the coming Financial Year 2006/7, taking note of possible grants.

The Meeting congratulated Margaret Donald and all the other helpers with the ‘Dalmally 2000 Play park’ on its success in raising considerable funds, and allowing the work to commence.

9. AOB items

9.1 The Chair reported that no decision had yet been made by the A&BC on the proposed Stachain Wind Farm, and that no application had yet been made to the Scottish Executive for the Lochan Shira/Brackley Wind Farm. Replies had been received from George Lyons MSP and Allan Wilson MSP noting GO&ICC’s objection to the Carraig Gheal Wind Farm proposal.

9.2 The Secretary reported that an application was being made for tree thinning of 30% of the trees in front of the Tight Line Hotel, Lochawe. It was noted that if there were any objections from Lochawe residents they could be channelled via the CC Secretary. The question was raised as to how soon after a 30% thinning could there be another application for thinning. This would be investigated.

9.3 The Secretary noted that the road at Dunoran Bridge had been cleared, and that BEAR were clearing culverts to avoid water and ice on the roads. No progress had been made on Keppochan Bridge. Culvert problems at Bridge of Orchy were also noted. Karl Pipes mentioned the bridge at Eredine had been damaged and needs to be repaired. All these outstanding matters to be taken up with A&B Council.

9.4 The Chair reported that the CC had been asked to participate in a Red Squirrel survey as part of the Community Bio-diversity Projects. CC members would follow up.

9.5 A local Returning Officer would be sought to allow Bye-elections to take place for the two outstanding vacancies for Dalmally.

There being no other business the Meeting closed at 21.00 hours.

10. Date of next meeting

The date for the next meeting is Wednesday 12 April 2006 at 7.30pm in Dalmally Village Hall. This will be the Annual General Meeting of the CC and the agenda will include – Reports on 2005/6 activities; Financial Report; Police Report; 2006/7 Plans and possible funding.