Garve & District Community Council

Recording link for last night's (1st April 2025) Community Council meeting which will be available for 12 months. https://bit.ly/GDCC1stApril2025

 

 

DRAFT Minutes of the Garve & District Community Council ordinary meeting held on Tuesday 1 April 2025 on webcam

Community Council elected members present on webcam: Kenny Maclean (Chairman & Secretary), Bob Moir (Vice Chairman), Caroline Gamble (Treasurer) and Sadie-Michaela Harris.

Also present on webcam: Scott Vallance (Principal Project Manager, Statkraft UK from 7.05pm until 7.35pm) and Cllr Liz Kraft (from 7.40pm until 8.25pm). 

Apologies: Peter Kane (Kane Partnership).

The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.05pm and welcomed everyone.  He also confirmed that this meeting would be recorded as per the agenda and will be archived and available for viewing for twelve months thereafter - https://bit.ly/GDCC1stApril2025  Recordings will then be deleted.  He reminded members of the public that although our meetings are not public meetings, they were still very welcome to attend Community Council meetings even on webcam and take part in the discussions under his guidance (see section 12 of the Constitution) and that phones should be on silent.  Those who cannot attend our meetings can, as always, write to us by post or email with any issues they wish raised at garveanddistrictcc@yahoo.com  Our website www.community-council.org.uk/garveanddistrict/ continues to receive around 200 visitors per month (out of a community of around 230 people as per the July 2024 Polling Station figures).  The Community Council area covers from Garve to Aultguish and from Garve to Achnasheen and is the only organisation that represents the whole community.  We are elected by the community every four years or so and usually meet once a month.  Draft minutes and a list of current members of the Community Council can be viewed at our website.  We are also on social media - www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552992414355

Our Chairman is still unsure if he can attend the rescheduled Friends of Lochluichart AGM (which was supposed to be held in January but was postponed) on Thursday from 7.00pm in the church/online.

Declarations of Interest – the Vice Chairman is a Garve Public Hall Trustee, a Friend of Garve War Memorial, a LCT elected Director and a member of the GD CORe land panel.  The Treasurer noted she is a land owner with regards to the SSEN underground cable from the Western Isles to Beauly and Community Council elected member Sadie-Michaela Harris is a member of the Wyvis Natural Playpark group.  Cllr Kraft is a member of the North Planning Applications Committee at The Highland Council.  Community Council elected members confirmed that they had read all documents due to be discussed tonight before the start of this meeting.

Approval of draft minutes of the ordinary meeting held on Tuesday 4 March 2025 via webcam.  We have been asked to note that the “Development Company website” should probably read “Development Company administered website” and that although the Development Company approved board minutes of Tuesday 11 February 2025 also note a second driver for the community bus, Tina Hartley (Development Manager, TG&DDC) has asked us to note a second driver is not being sought at this time.  Appropriate updates on both points will be made to our draft minute but it was also noted that the latest edition of the local newsletter reports volunteer drivers are being sought, perhaps it is a fluid situation.   The amended draft minute was then proposed by Bob Moir and seconded by Caroline Gamble, unanimously agreed.  Minutes are available at Garve Post Office, on our website or via email.  Hard/electronic copies are also available on request.  Minutes will be signed by our Chairman and Treasurer in due course via post.

Matters arising – Boralex windfarm – https://www.boralex.com – The Highland Council North Planning Applications Committee notes that the application was approved by them in January 2023.  Details for the satisfaction of pre-start planning conditions are pending consideration by the planning department. 

Proposed Boralex - Lochluichart East BESS - https://www.boralex.com/en/projects-and-sites/storage-lochluichart-east-bess - Boralex are holding an event in Garve Public Hall about BESS west of the Corriemoillie Substation (known as Lochluichart East BESS) on Thursday from 2.00pm until 7.00pm.  This update has already appeared on our online channels and we understand letters have been sent by Boralex to households in the Community Council area.  (Post meeting note – our Chairman and Vice Chairman attended the event and noted a planning application may be submitted this summer 2025).

Kirkan Windfarm – http://www.kirkanwindfarm.co.uk - as reported previously, they are still in the phase of considering options for Kirkan and working through the various planning conditions.  We thank Trevor for his regular updates.  The Highland Council North Planning Applications Committee notes the Scottish Government issued consent on 25 July 2023 and are now awaiting submission of pre-development planning condition requirements.

Proposed Tarvie windfarm – www.tarviewindfarm.com – a meeting with neighbouring Community Councils and the developer to gain more information on the proposals is due to take place tomorrow.

Proposed SSE Fairburn windfarm extension – https://www.sserenewables.com/onshore-wind/in-development/fairburn-extension - no news.

SSEN Spittal – Beauly 400kV project - https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/spittal--loch-buidhe--beauly-400kv-connection - 3D modelling of the proposed route can be viewed - https://www.3dwtech.co.uk/dashboard/ssen/spittal-to-beauly/portal-update/ which show they are still thinking routing the line east of Contin rather than east of Garve.  SSEN plan to submit a section 37 planning application to the Energy Consents Unit in spring 2025.

SSEN underground cable from the Western Isles to Beauly – https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/western-isles - no news as such but the Vice Chairman understands the planned public exhibition planned for later this month has been pushed back to June 2025, tbc.

Field Corriemoillie – www.fieldcorriemoillie.co.uk - no news.

Proposed Glasa windfarm - Coriolis Energy, with development partner ESB are considering a 27-turbine windfarm on the Strathvaich estate. The turbines would be 250m tall from base to blade tip generating up to 189MW of electricity. More details can be found at https://glasawindfarm.com/ or by attending the drop-in session tomorrow in Garve Public Hall from 3.00pm until 7.00pm.  This update has already appeared on our online channels and in the press.  (Post meeting note – our Chairman and Vice Chairman attended the drop-in session and noted the project is at a very early stage, up to 27 turbines possibly connecting into the Corriemoillie Substation.  More details should be known by the time of the next drop-in session towards the end of 2025).

Proposed Carn Fearna windfarm – https://projects.statkraft.co.uk/Carn-Fearna - the draft report from the Planning Aid Scotland (PAS) event has been shared but with only five days to comment, there was little time to read and reply properly.  Our Chairman felt the report highlighted that the same people are attending these events again and again with the same complaints yet they are all failing to acknowledge what work has already been done to investigate the various matters by the various groups in the area.  He felt for balance/context, various updates/clarifications should be included in the final report so anyone reading it could see what was raised and what the community has already done/been doing to address such issues such as Garve Public Hall toilets cannot be opened to the public for insurance reasons but a sign pointing people to Silverbridge & Rogie Falls toilets is in place on the Hall door.  Local groups can already use the meeting room at the Hall for free.  Most of the paths are core paths which the local authority are responsible for, signage has already been raised with them.  The A835 is a trunk road so under Transport Scotland responsibility, not the local authority.  There is no room for paths/pavements beside the road.  A cycle path via Loch Garve on FLS land was investigated before and reported at the last ordinary meeting of this Community Council.  There are already various memorial benches in the community and anyone can install one if they wish with the appropriate landowner’s permission and a playpark sign directing people away from Garve Village is already in hand.  The final report will note this points, our thanks to Planning Aid Scotland for considering this matter.  Scott Vallance attending this meeting took the points on board and explained that the report was an independent data collecting exercise.  This was the first time Statkraft had done this and that PAS and Statkraft had learnt lessons from the exercise.  Why wasn’t the Local Place Plan used as a starting point?  It is already in place and we have all been consulted before for that?  PAS were left to organise the drop in event as they saw fit.  The Vice Chairman noted the toilets at the Hall cannot be open to the public because of Insurance, vandals, lack of cleaners etc and public toilets are available up at Silverbridge.  Scott emphasised the report was not meant to be patronising, just a data collection exercise for the planning application.  Our Chairman felt the report was so against the proposed windfarm that it may count against the planning application.  Scott confirmed that Statkraft will not shy away from all the findings in the report.  How many people attended?  Nine.  How many responded online?  tbc.  (Post meeting note - thirteen people responded online with direct feedback to the questions).  It was felt that with all the information shared by Statkraft, PAS and other local groups, especially online, the turnout was very poor.  Is the report a true reflection of the community’s feelings?  Regarding the planning application, Scott confirmed that having discussed the matter with the Energy Consents Unit, the application will be submitted on Friday 25 April 2025, consultation then begins.  Under current rules, the application must be advertised in the national and local press so adverts have been taken out in The Scotsman, Edinburgh Gazette and the Press & Journal.  We suggested the Ross-Shire Journal should also carry the advert.  (Post meeting note - Statkraft will advertise in the Ross-Shire Journal in addition to those listed above).  An information day is still planned in Garve to help people understand the lengthy documents that go with such a planning application.  It is hoped this will take place in Garve Public Hall in early May 2025, tbc.  In related news - www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/carn-fearna-wind-farm-connection - no news.

The EDF Corriemoillie Education & Training Fund – 2024 funded projects are now available to view at https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/corriemoillie-education-training  Driving lessons appears a popular use of funds.

Scott Vallance was thanked for attending and left the meeting at 7.35pm.

The Highland Council updates – www.highland.gov.uk – Wooden fence opposite Garve Cemetery continues to be left to rot.  Is this something the Seasonal Rangers could attend to following agreement of The Highland Council budget last month to reinstate them?  Those 14 jobs which run until Tuesday 28 October 2025 were advertised today.  Also the bin at the Garve Cemetery needs emptying, the bin men only appear to be emptying the bin at the bottle banks each Monday.  Cllr Kraft has already passed on along with 20/30mph signs at the bridge.

Cllr Liz Kraft joined the meeting at 7.40pm.

Trees in Little Garve and Strathgarve beside the road have been cut back to help get the gritter and bin lorry through.  We have asked for a tidy up but growing leaves might help hide the worst of the damage.  Cutback has also taken place along the A832.

Achnasheen Hall sale is yet to take place.  The Achnasheen Defibrator has NOT moved yet despite reports to the contrary in the local newsletter.  The newsletter has also misspelt a word in the Community Council article on page 16, the article was supplied with the correct spelling.  The newsletter has missed out that the mobile library service also visits Achnasheen Village every third Tuesday.  The full timetable can be downloaded here - https://www.highlifehighland.com/old-libraries/wp-content/uploads/sites/128/2025/01/West-Ross-Mobile-Routes-2025_21012025.pdf and as reported at our last ordinary meeting https://www.highlifehighland.com/blog/new-libraries-on-wheels-will-be-ready-to-roll-this-summer/ 

The Highland Council notes that residents should report issues directly to them by calling The Highland Council’s Call Centre on 01349 886606 or via www.highland.gov.uk/report  In all cases, you will be given a reference number.  The Highland Council also appreciates photos showing the actual problem. 

A835 Trunk Road issues – “check rail corner” – no further news so we will ask for an update.  Workmen with clipboards were seen on site today at 1.00pm but were gone by 3.00pm.  (Post meeting note - BEAR has experienced more challenges than they expected and are behind programme and are now advising a start date of Monday 3 November 2025 but it is hoped this date could come forward in due course.  BEAR has advised that the difficulties they have experienced to date include: complexity of design solution which always keeps railway line and A835 road open, modelling iterations to find final design solution and geotechnical design).

The MSP’s office has contacted the DVLA and Police Scotland on the matter of tachographs on speeding lorry’s through Garve and along the A835 and has asked that checks be carried out or at the very least a police presence occasionally might serve as a deterrent.  Our thanks to the MSP’s team.

Killin railway crossing – remedial works to widen the pull in area are provisionally scheduled for April 2025.  Our thanks to Flora Smith at Killin Farm for the update.

The Vice Chairman was talking to a Garve resident today who has heard a flashing “SLOW” sign might be installed in the next financial year.  We will seek clarification.  (Post meeting note – a flashing sign is being considered by Transport Scotland.  A decision is expected shortly.  They have again explained that concealed entrance signs are not appropriate for Station Road, Garve properties as road users can see the houses from the road.  Faded road markings in and around Garve trunk road will be refreshed including the faded 40mph roundels and red markings on the road, timeline tbc).

Faults on the Trunk Road (A835) should be reported via www.bearscot.com/report-a-defect/ or 0800 028 1414.  Members of the public can live track gritters on the trunk road network using Transport Scotland’s online ‘trunk road gritter tracker’.  It displays the current location of gritters and where they have recently treated.

Garve & District Road Safety Community Group (formally Traffic Calming Group) – the next road safety meeting is due to take place on Monday 28 April 2025 at 7.00pm in the meeting room of Garve Public Hall and online - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84203274575?pwd=yKRRRRlF7ex9vknQauVle1yhpuZ5zU.1 

GD CORe land panel – a panel meeting took place on Thursday 27 March 2025 attended by the Vice Chairman.  The main discussion was around the results of the latest community survey and the desire to knock down the existing building.  Bob suggested hard standing/car park area be created now to help access the site going forward.  Carol Smith, LCT Secretary also attended so finance could be discussed.  (Post meeting note – full update at https://garve.org/next-steps-community-land) 

A Mid Ross Community Partnership Meeting was held on Wednesday 19 March 2025.  Nobody from this Community Council was able to attend but we await the minutes with interest.  Cllr Kraft managed to attend around 30minutes of the meeting and said it focused on youth issues, mainly around the Black Isle.

We note the Achnasheen, Achanalt and Garve Payphones can now only be used for emergency calls and will all be removed in due course.  The Aultguish payphone appears to be safe (for now).  We have asked BT to advise when the payphones will be removed as we have not been informed directly of this decision following the public consultation held last summer.

Garve & District Community Council currently has vacancies on the Community Council.  The Community Council elected members consider it to be very important to have as broad a representation of our community as possible, as we cover a wide variety of community issues and to do this well, we would like members from all corners of our large area.  We usually meet on the first Tuesday of the month.  If you are aged 16 or over, live in the Community Council area and are on the electoral roll and would like to be considered for co-option onto the Community Council, please email garveanddistrictcc@yahoo.com with your name and contact details.  This update has already appeared on our online channels.  LCT and the Development Company also have vacancies, contact them directly for more details. 

Police update - as reported at previous Community Council meetings, anyone who wishes to raise an issue with the police are asked to call them directly on 101 at the time of the incident and make a witness statement.  Video, dashcam or photo evidence is also welcomed, indeed encouraged by the police.  The police can also be contacted on www.scotland.police.uk/secureforms/contact/  The ward five report notes that during February 2025, road safety continued to be a priority for local officers and the dedicated Road Policing and Safety Camera units deployed and conducted pro-active patrols where possible.  As a result of this deployment, three drivers were charged with Careless Driving on the A835 near Garve.  Another driver was also arrested and charged with drink driving in Ullapool.  Officers continue to deal with other road traffic offences in the ward area including vehicles with no insurance and accident offences.  One incident relates to a female who was arrested and charged on Sunday 9 February 2025 for the theft of a motor vehicle from Ullapool.  It is believed that this is an isolated incident with no wider impact to the local community.  The full report can be viewed in the library section of our website.

Press reports inform us that officers have arrested and charged a man after a car was found to be travelling at 101 miles per hour near Achanalt on Sunday 16 March 2025.  Around 1220 hours a red Peugeot 208 was stopped by road policing officers during a national speeding campaign in the area.  The campaign aims to raise awareness of the risks of excessive speeding and how it contributes to preventable collisions, injuries, and fatalities on our roads.  A 44-year-old man was arrested and charged with road traffic offences including drink driving.  He was held in custody to appear at Inverness Sheriff Court next morning.   Our Chairman saw the car stopped by police… nearly at Achnasheen.  We are also aware of a drink/drug driver on the roads near Achnasheen where drugs were also found in the car by police.  Police attended the incident at Achnashellach Bridge today where a lorry hit the bridge but carried on damaging the roof of his trailer.  Network Rail attended to inspect the bridge and trains had to travel at reduced speed over the bridge.

The first Community Council Quarterly Inspector Meeting took place on Thursday 27 March 2025 which our Chairman and Community Council elected member Sadie-Michaela Harris attended online.  It is hoped such meetings will be held every three months or so, with a provisional date of Tuesday 24 June 2025 set.

 

 

 

Treasurer’s report - Our total bank balance (checked online today at 6.45pm) is £1,873.62.  The breakdown is as follows … Treasurer's account was £39.97 minus Secretary fee of £200.00 = £-160.03.  Reserve remains at £1,613.45.  Wreath fund (in memory of Eliza) remains at £420.20.  An auditor for year end is in the process of being appointed.  Our Chairman (who is also Secretary) thanked member for the fee and asked it be noted he did not take part in that discussion.  There were no questions for the Treasurer.

AOB from Community Council members – The Vice Chairman noted the lock has been changed at Achnasheen Hall and the key coded box code changed too.  Thanks to Cllr Kraft for her help in this matter.

The Treasurer noted a blue building in Gorstan and wondered what it was.  It can be seen from The Avenue.  It is believed to be a farm building built under permitted development. 

The Treasurer also noted D&E Coaches (now owned by The Highland Council) will keep the Number 61 service running through the school holidays.  Cllr Kraft has already seen the difference since the bus company was taken in house including the cost of providing such services and hopes services improve further going forward.

The Chairman has been informed that the Monday – Saturday morning train to Dingwall and Inverness will run around 25minutes earlier from Monday 19 May 2025.  This means the train will depart Achnasheen around 7.00am, Garve around 7.20am and arrive in Dingwall at 7.55am and Inverness before 8.30am.  The new timetable due to be published shortly will confirm if this report is correct but if so, it would mean those working/travelling further afield might benefit.

AOB from members of the public - no issues raised.  Those who cannot attend our meetings can, as always, write to us by post or email with any issues they wish raised at garveanddistrictcc@yahoo.com 

Screening reports, scoping reports and consultations – none received since our last ordinary meeting but as noted at our last ordinary meeting and on our online channels The Highland Council has launched a public consultation on how Community Councils in Highland are created and governed (The Community Council Scheme Review).  The Council is keen to hear views from Community Councils and the wider public on these proposals and seeks further ideas and suggested changes to the Scheme.  The consultation will run from Thursday 16 January 2005 until Wednesday 9 April 2025.  A summary of minor amendments and scheme documentation with all proposals can be found here: Community Council Scheme Review 2025 | Highland Place Planning  The main changes (if agreed) would be making our area slightly bigger to include Strathvaich and Garbat forest, requirement to submit draft AND approved minutes to The Highland Council, adopt constitution at the first meeting after each election (we already do), and a right of appeal if a Community Council member was disqualified.  All Highland Council consultations are available at http://consult.highland.gov.uk/portal  All Scottish Government consultations are available at https://consult.gov.scot/consultation_finder 

Cllr Kraft left the meeting at 8.25pm.  She was thanked for attending and we noted the sudden resignation of Cllr Maxine Smith yesterday who had served a neighbouring ward for 18 years and was also on the local planning committee so knew our area well.  Online abuse should not be tolerated and should be called out.

Building warrants, planning issues and licensing issues - There are no new building warrants currently being shown on The Highland Council website for our area.

One previous planning application has been determined by The Highland Council since our last ordinary meeting.  At our November 2024 ordinary meeting we considered 24/04147/FUL, the proposed erection of a 25m tall lattice telecommunications tower, 2no. shared antennas, 4no. transmission dishes, with 3no. associated equipment cabinets, formation of access and off grid generator within a fenced compound and other associated ancillary apparatus and development on and 3.4KM SW Of Ault dearg was considered at the NPAC on Wednesday 12 March 2025 where planning permission was granted with eight conditions including all materials to be helicoptered onto site.

There are currently six planning applications awaiting determination by The Highland Council for our area.

No new planning applications have been received by The Highland Council since our last ordinary meeting.

A possible planning breach can be reported at https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/180/planning_-_applications_warrants_and_certificates/170/planning_enforcement/2

All planning applications can be viewed at www.highland.gov.uk/info/180/planning_-_applications_warrants_and_certificates/143/planning_permission/4 

There were no new licensing issues for us to consider this evening.

Dates of future meetings - (Ordinary meetings are usually held on the first Tuesday of every month unless stated otherwise).  Tuesday 6 May 2025, 7.00pm, online.  Future meetings may be held on Monday 9 June 2025 (hybrid) and Tuesday 5 August 2025 tbc.

Other dates to note – Garve Craft Fair in Garve Public Hall on Sunday 6 April 2025 from 12noon until 4.00pm.  The next road safety meeting is due to take place on Monday 28 April 2025 at 7.00pm in the meeting room of Garve Public Hall and online - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84203274575?pwd=yKRRRRlF7ex9vknQauVle1yhpuZ5zU.1  Garve Craft Fair in Garve Public Hall on Sunday 4 May 2025 from 12noon until 4.00pm. 

As usual, our Chairman started to draw the meeting to a close by asking all present if anyone had any final questions or thoughts on anything they had heard this evening, a question he often asks throughout the meeting too.  Nobody had any final questions or thoughts.  Although our meetings are not public meetings, members of the public are still very welcome to attend Community Council meetings and take part in the discussions under the guidance of the Chairman (see section 12 of the Constitution).  A copy of our Constitution is available in the library section of our own website and hard/electronic copies are available on request.  Those who cannot attend our meetings can, as always, write to us by post or email with any issues they wish raised at garveanddistrictcc@yahoo.com 

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending.  He also thanked Community Council member Sadie-Michaela Harris for hosting the webcam session.  The Chairman closed the meeting at 8.35pm.

www.community-council.org.uk/garveanddistrict

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552992414355

garveanddistrictcc@yahoo.com

This set of minutes were first published (in draft form) at 8.00pm on Friday 4 April 2025.