UPDATES.

Notice. The CC AGM will take place in Tore Hall at 7.00pm on May 29th May

See 'Minutes Folder' for April and March 2025 minutes.

Draft Minutes of Killearnan CC Meeting Thursday 27th  February 2025 . 7.00pm to 8.30pm inTore Hall

May be amended later

Present; K Mackenzie, A Brown, A Mackay, A.C. Mackay, F Hastie; L.Sutherland;

Cllrs M Paterson; S. Kennedy (Ward 8)

Apologies: A Cameron; A Grigor. Cllrs L Johnston, G. Mackenzie, A Maclean

Minutes of the Last Meeting. Adopted. K Mackenzie;A Mackay;

Matters Arising

a) Still to be arranged: proposed meeting between members of the CC, Councillors, MSP, MP, Highland Council Road Officials and BEAR. It was suggested that K Forbes MSP be approached to set up a meeting in reference to her A9 Survey. Participants to park at Tore Hall and walk down to the Filling Station & Pedestrian crossing to witness the safety hazards for themselves.

Secretary will email Forbes’ office. It is noted that Jamie Stone, MP, has made no acknowledgement of our emails to him. This is an unwelcome change from the co-operation and courtesy we received from Charles Kennedyand Ian Blackford his predecessors.

b) VE. Financial contraints are a factor in arranging a commemorative event. To be discussed at next meeting.

1. Finance Concerns.

The situation with regard to the CC’s finances has reached crisis point -it has become almost impossible to carry out the work expected of a CC without drawing on personal financial input from the volunteer community councillors.

The present annual grant is just over £439. In the financial year 2009-2010 the annual grant was £1053. According to the Bank of England’s Inflation calculator the sum of £1053 in 2010 would now be worth about £1800. Until recently the Highland Council paid the compulsory insurance bill for all CCs. This year, Zurich Insurance will cost Killearnan £122. Additionally, until recently the venue for meetings was without charge in Tore Primary School. Now the CC must pay hiral costs for the use of Tore Hall. In 2010, the Secretarial Honorarium was £430 and essential travel expenses could be paid to members.

Over the last two years the work of CCs has increased owing to involvement in the design of Place Plans. This CC has been expected to liaise with the committees of two Place Plans – Black Isle and Dingwall & Seaforth and attend meetings both virtual and actual.We have also hosted two major Place Plan events on behalf of the designers. No travel expenses were paid to members for attendance at PP and other meetings as the CC could not afford to recompense members. Ms Hastie asked councillors about claim forms for travel expenses and the councillors said they would find out about current procedures.

In 2010, the accountant’s fee was £40. Following the retirement of the then accountant, the secretary asked Leggatts of Dingwall to audit the accounts. To date, the firm has not charged for their work, as a courtesy to Mackay, Linnie Farm and the community.

The use of and reliance on IT means of communication has increased exponentially in the last 14 years (emails; the distribution of minutes; surveys; mailchimp and similar methods of contacting residents; Teams and Zoom meetings; Websites.) Individual volunteer members have to make more and more use of their personal broadband accounts and electric supply.

Cllrs Paterson and Kennedy confirmed they would raise all these issues with the relevant Highland Council Department.

A Ross-shire Journal article Jan 25th, highlighting the difficulties face by CCs in Ross-shire and their importance to the comunity, was circulated to members.

2. Bank of Scotland Charges. The CC was informed that an additional payment of £51would be taken from out Treasurers Account. Advised by BOS to find another bank, the secretary sought advice from the Head Office of the Royal Bank of Scotland. Their Community Business Accounts make no charges, except for international transactions. It is suggested that Chair, Treasurer and Secretary make the change on March 4^th.

3. Dingwall & Seaforth Stakeholders Teams Meeting.

As agreed at the last Teams meeting no further stakeholder meetings would take as the plan had been adopted.

4. BICC Meeting in Cromarty re BIPPL Governance. Date to be informed.

5. Road Safety Issues. Incidents continue to occur in the Tore Roundabout Area. It was suggested that CC submit a freedom of information request to the Police for numbers. However, it was pointed out that the Police only record accidents where injuries are involved. Cllr Kennedy expressed his general dissatisfaction with policing in the area, including reporting.

The proposal to close the B9161 access to the Munlochy Junction and divert traffic via the A832 to Tore roundabout was again criticised on account of the additional risks to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists along the bottleneck near the Filling Station. Traffic would increase not only from Munlochy but also from Avoch, Fortrose, Rosemarkie and Cromarty

6. AOCB

a) Community Council Liaison Group (Dingwall Medical Practice)

A useful forum which has increased its membership. Constructive in supporting the upgrading of the Ross Memorial Hospital. Killearnan CC and others have raised the issue of a lack of public transport to vaccination centres and other medical appointments. Cllr Paterson commented that now Highland Council was a owner of a bus company it might be possible to improve public transport in rural areas.

b) Cllr L Johnston suggests that Care in the Community be an agenda item for the next meeting.

c) Tore Hall. Fund-raising. A Mackay enquired about Tesco’s Blue Coin scheme. Cllr Kennedy will look into it.

d) Emergency Hub. Still no confirmation from HC about official status.

e) Hearing the sound of Scottish Dance music issuing from the main hall, Cllr Paterson commented how good it was to see the ‘well-known’ Tore Hall in action again.

.

x

Minutes of Killearnan CC Meeting Thursday 30^th January 2025

7.00pm to 8.30pm

Tore Hall

Present; K Mackenzie, A Mackay, A.C. Mackay, A. Cameron; A Grigor; L.Sutherland;

Cllr A Maclean (Ward 8)

Apologies: F Hastie (Family emergency)

 Secretary apologises to A Brown for sending notice of meeting to the wrong email address.

Minutes of the Last Meeting. Adopted. K Mackenzie;A Mackay;

Matters Arising

Items included in agenda.

Still to be arranged: proposed meeting between members of the CC, Councillors, MSP, MP, Highland Council Road Officials and BEAR. Press to be invited.

1. Road Safety/Emergency Issues.

a) Tore Roundabout, Pedestrian Crossing; A832 access from Filling Station Increasingly hazardous. The proposal to close the B9161/A9 Junction (because of the dangers on the B road) and re-route traffic from Munlochy, Avoch, Fortrose, Rosemarkie, Cromarty via the A832 to Tore Roundabout will significantly increase hazards, especially at the bottleneck approaching the roundabout.

• Road is very narrow;

• A row of posts (electric and lighting) are situated on both verges of the road;

• There is no footpath by which pedestrians can access the filling station shop; postbox; bus-stops.

• The Filling Station has been granted permission for EV charging points

• The stretch of road is part of the official cycle track.

2. Bank of Scotland New Charges

Letter from BOS was evasive; non-conclusive regarding CC’s request for exemption. To be followed up.

3. Tore Hall Update

Recent new hires. Discussion continuing about: raising charges; buying free-standing infra-red heaters to supplement heat in the hall for groups such a yoga.

Two public events being planned in conjunction with Primary School: Summer Fayre and Harvest Celebration.

Proposal that Summer event should include a presentation of the Dingwall and Seaforth Place Plan.

Volunteers needed to help with upkeep.

Location of access to septic tank still not found, despite enquiries. Cllr Maclean has been trying to get information.

4. Killearnan Church Committee Meeting with Heritage Scotland.

Attended by A Mackay and A.C Mackay. Church of Scotland determined to sell properties at the end of the year, despite representation from parish committee. Heritage Scotland representative offered ideas about community uses of church buildings and sources of funding. Maintenance costs were always a main consideration. She informed that the COS were able to sell church buildings as they were not constructed on consecrated land.

A.C Mackay raised the issue with committee members as the present building stands on an ancient site which would have been consecrated – bishops are buried in the church.

5. Dingwall & Seaforth PP

K Mackenzie was unable to link in. Next TEAMS meeting on evening of February 13^th following discussion at Ward 8 Committee meeting.

6. Community Council LiaisonTEAMS.

1. Administration of vaccines removed from Practices. Lack of invitation letters for vaccines. Poor access to Inverness drop-in centre. Not only covid and flu vaccines affected but also those against childhood diseases.

2. Ross Memorial upgrade continuing.

Minor surgery may be reintroduced and also in Practices.

Lack of transport in rural areas for appointments.

Community Group now 62 organisations strong with ‘link officer’ (student)

Secretary will resend poster.

Bruce Morrison questioned whether time spent in 4 yearly meetings was justified by direct benefit to residents.

Divided opinions. Useful forum for airing concerns.

Cllr Maclean emphasised the vital part played by the Liaison Group in persuading NHS Highland to carry out the upgrade of the Ross Memorial Hospital.

AOCB

1. Email from Bruce Morrison FCC with information about help with transport.Rossshire “Community Transport - that operates in your area and will do medical appointments with the one exception of visits to Raigmore.

The Drivers Scheme - two points here. We have under-utilised volunteer drivers in our area who may well be willing to hop over the hill to your residents to help. That may also be true of Avoch and Munlochy residents. Tony Leggatt of The Drivers Scheme I'm sure would be delighted to hear from you about the level of demand that you know about and either see if existing volunteers would step up or a joint effort between both of you to find some volunteers.”

2. Condition of Bogroy Farm Road. Potholes are a danger to Coastguard and Police vehicles used by residents who live along the road. Road was adopted by the HC. Cllr Maclean to raise matter with Roads Dept.

3 VE Day CC to discuss possibility of organising an event.

Meeting closed at 8.30pm. Next meeting.February27^th 2025

Draft Minutes of Killearnan CC Meeting Thursday 30^th January 2025

7.00pm to 8.30pm

Tore Hall

Present; K Mackenzie, A Mackay, A.C. Mackay, A. Cameron; A Grigor; L.Sutherland;

Cllr A Maclean (Ward 8)

Apologies: F Hastie (Family emergency)

Secretary apologises to A Brown for sending notice of meeting to the wrong email address.

Correspondence (circulated to members)

Minutes of the Last Meeting. Adopted. K Mackenzie;A Mackay;

Matters Arising

Items included in agenda.

Still to be arranged: proposed meeting between members of the CC, Councillors, MSP, MP, Highland Council Road Officials and BEAR. Press to be invited.

1. Road Safety/Emergency Issues.

a) Tore Roundabout, Pedestrian Crossing; A832 access from Filling Station Increasingly hazardous. The proposal to close the B9161/A9 Junction (because of the dangers on the B road) and re-route traffic from Munlochy, Avoch, Fortrose, Rosemarkie, Cromarty via the A832 to Tore Roundabout will significantly increase hazards, especially at the bottleneck approaching the roundabout.

• Road is very narrow;

• A row of posts (electric and lighting) are situated on both verges of the road;

• There is no footpath by which pedestrians can access the filling station shop; postbox; bus-stops.

• The Filling Station has been granted permission for EV charging points

• The stretch of road is part of the official cycle track.

2. Bank of Scotland New Charges

Letter from BOS was evasive; non-conclusive regarding CC’s request for exemption. To be followed up.

3. Tore Hall Update

Recent new hires. Discussion continuing about: raising charges; buying free-standing infra-red heaters to supplement heat in the hall for groups such a yoga.

Two public events being planned in conjunction with Primary School: Summer Fayre and Harvest Celebration.

Proposal that Summer event should include a presentation of the Dingwall and Seaforth Place Plan.

Volunteers needed to help with upkeep.

Location of access to septic tank still not found, despite enquiries. Cllr Maclean has been trying to get information.

4. Killearnan Church Committee Meeting with Heritage Scotland.

Attended by A Mackay and A.C Mackay. Church of Scotland determined to sell properties at the end of the year, despite representation from parish committee. Heritage Scotland representative offered ideas about community uses of church buildings and sources of funding. Maintenance costs were always a main consideration. She informed that the COS were able to sell church buildings as they were not constructed on consecrated land.

A.C Mackay raised the issue with committee members as the present building stands on an ancient site which would have been consecrated – bishops are buried in the church.

5. Dingwall & Seaforth PP

K Mackenzie was unable to link in. Next TEAMS meeting on evening of February 13^th following discussion at Ward 8 Committee meeting.

6. Community Council LiaisonTEAMS.

1. Administration of vaccines removed from Practices. Lack of invitation letters for vaccines. Poor access to Inverness drop-in centre. Not only covid and flu vaccines affected but also those against childhood diseases.

2. Ross Memorial upgrade continuing.

Minor surgery may be reintroduced and also in Practices.

Lack of transport in rural areas for appointments.

Community Group now 62 organisations strong with ‘link officer’ (student)

Secretary will resend poster.

Bruce Morrison questioned whether time spent in 4 yearly meetings was justified by direct benefit to residents.

Divided opinions. Useful forum for airing concerns.

Cllr Maclean emphasised the vital part played by the Liaison Group in persuading NHS Highland to carry out the upgrade of the Ross Memorial Hospital.

AOCB

1. Email from Bruce Morrison FCC with information about help with transport.Rossshire “Community Transport - that operates in your area and will do medical appointments with the one exception of visits to Raigmore.

The Drivers Scheme - two points here. We have under-utilised volunteer drivers in our area who may well be willing to hop over the hill to your residents to help. That may also be true of Avoch and Munlochy residents. Tony Leggatt of The Drivers Scheme I'm sure would be delighted to hear from you about the level of demand that you know about and either see if existing volunteers would step up or a joint effort between both of you to find some volunteers.”

2. Condition of Bogroy Farm Road. Potholes are a danger to Coastguard and Police vehicles used by residents who live along the road. Road was adopted by the HC. Cllr Maclean to raise matter with Roads Dept.

3 VE Day CC to discuss possibility of organising an event.

Meeting closed at 8.30pm. Next meeting.February27^th 2025

Draft Minutes of Killearnan CC Meeting Thursday 30^th January 2025

7.00pm to 8.30pm

Tore Hall

Present; K Mackenzie, A Mackay, A.C. Mackay, A. Cameron; A Grigor; L.Sutherland;

Cllr A Maclean (Ward 8)

Apologies: F Hastie (Family emergency)

Secretary apologises to A Brown for sending notice of meeting to the wrong email address.

Correspondence (circulated to members)

Minutes of the Last Meeting. Adopted. K Mackenzie;A Mackay;

Matters Arising

Items included in agenda.

Still to be arranged: proposed meeting between members of the CC, Councillors, MSP, MP, Highland Council Road Officials and BEAR. Press to be invited.

1. Road Safety/Emergency Issues.

a) Tore Roundabout, Pedestrian Crossing; A832 access from Filling Station Increasingly hazardous. The proposal to close the B9161/A9 Junction (because of the dangers on the B road) and re-route traffic from Munlochy, Avoch, Fortrose, Rosemarkie, Cromarty via the A832 to Tore Roundabout will significantly increase hazards, especially at the bottleneck approaching the roundabout.

• Road is very narrow;

• A row of posts (electric and lighting) are situated on both verges of the road;

• There is no footpath by which pedestrians can access the filling station shop; postbox; bus-stops.

• The Filling Station has been granted permission for EV charging points

• The stretch of road is part of the official cycle track.

2. Bank of Scotland New Charges

Letter from BOS was evasive; non-conclusive regarding CC’s request for exemption. To be followed up.

3. Tore Hall Update

Recent new hires. Discussion continuing about: raising charges; buying free-standing infra-red heaters to supplement heat in the hall for groups such a yoga.

Two public events being planned in conjunction with Primary School: Summer Fayre and Harvest Celebration.

Proposal that Summer event should include a presentation of the Dingwall and Seaforth Place Plan.

Volunteers needed to help with upkeep.

Location of access to septic tank still not found, despite enquiries. Cllr Maclean has been trying to get information.

4. Killearnan Church Committee Meeting with Heritage Scotland.

Attended by A Mackay and A.C Mackay. Church of Scotland determined to sell properties at the end of the year, despite representation from parish committee. Heritage Scotland representative offered ideas about community uses of church buildings and sources of funding. Maintenance costs were always a main consideration. She informed that the COS were able to sell church buildings as they were not constructed on consecrated land.

A.C Mackay raised the issue with committee members as the present building stands on an ancient site which would have been consecrated – bishops are buried in the church.

5. Dingwall & Seaforth PP

K Mackenzie was unable to link in. Next TEAMS meeting on evening of February 13^th following discussion at Ward 8 Committee meeting.

6. Community Council LiaisonTEAMS.

1. Administration of vaccines removed from Practices. Lack of invitation letters for vaccines. Poor access to Inverness drop-in centre. Not only covid and flu vaccines affected but also those against childhood diseases.

2. Ross Memorial upgrade continuing.

Minor surgery may be reintroduced and also in Practices.

Lack of transport in rural areas for appointments.

Community Group now 62 organisations strong with ‘link officer’ (student)

Secretary will resend poster.

Bruce Morrison questioned whether time spent in 4 yearly meetings was justified by direct benefit to residents.

Divided opinions. Useful forum for airing concerns.

Cllr Maclean emphasised the vital part played by the Liaison Group in persuading NHS Highland to carry out the upgrade of the Ross Memorial Hospital.

AOCB

1. Email from Bruce Morrison FCC with information about help with transport.Rossshire “Community Transport - that operates in your area and will do medical appointments with the one exception of visits to Raigmore.

The Drivers Scheme - two points here. We have under-utilised volunteer drivers in our area who may well be willing to hop over the hill to your residents to help. That may also be true of Avoch and Munlochy residents. Tony Leggatt of The Drivers Scheme I'm sure would be delighted to hear from you about the level of demand that you know about and either see if existing volunteers would step up or a joint effort between both of you to find some volunteers.”

2. Condition of Bogroy Farm Road. Potholes are a danger to Coastguard and Police vehicles used by residents who live along the road. Road was adopted by the HC. Cllr Maclean to raise matter with Roads Dept.

3 VE Day CC to discuss possibility of organising an event.

Meeting closed at 8.30pm. Next meeting.February27^th 2025