Killearnan Community Council

Archive

COVID Increase U pdate for key stakeholders. 18 March 2022

Covid figures

We had 5,811 new cases in the seven days to 13 March. The infection rate is 1,816/100,000 across the NHS Highland area: 1,601/100,000 in Argyll and Bute and 1,887/100,000 in North Highland.

We have 50 patients in hospital with COVID-19, including 2 in ITU. ITU capacity is 9 beds, of which 2 are occupied with COVID patients, 5 with other patients and 2 are available.

There have been 308 recorded deaths of people with COVID in the NHS Highland area since the start of the pandemic: 196 in Highland and 112 in Argyll and Bute. This represents an increase of 15 in the last 7 days. This refers to the total number of people who died within 28 days of their first laboratory confirmed report of COVID-19 infection and whose death was registered with National Records of Scotland.

Vaccination

Covid-19 vaccinations as at 15 March 2022

NHS Highland

Scotland

% of population (18+) received 1 dose

96.6

93.7

% of population (18+) received 2 doses

93.2

90.0

% of population (18+) received third dose or booster

81.8

77.7

Current situation

Case numbers are continuing to rise across the NHS Highland area. Our care at home teams are able to deliver essential care only and staffing levels in community hospitals, care homes and care at home are critical.

Outbreak updates: NHS Highland Care Homes

All Infection Protection and Control measures are in place as appropriate at our care homes, plus regular resident and staff testing.

Ach an Eas

Remains closed.

Bayview

Closed.

Caladh Sona

Remains closed.

Dial Mhor

Closed: small number of positive staff members.

Grant House

Closed.

Home Farm

Remains closed.

Invernevis

Remains closed.

Loch Broom

Remains closed.

Melvich

Moved from closed to under surveillance.

Pulteney House

Remains under surveillance.

Seaforth House Golspie

Remains closed.

Wade Centre
Under surveillance.

Outbreak updates: Hospitals

All Infection Protection and Control measures are in place as appropriate at our hospitals, plus regular patient and staff testing.

2 bays are closed in non-covid wards in Raigmore and there are also positive cases being managed within:

Raigmore Ward 10

Raigmore children’s ward

Belford CAU

L&I Hospital Ward 1

Mid Argyll Hospital Glenaray Ward

Ward 3C Raigmore

Remains closed.

Belford Ward 1

Remains closed.

Caithness
Bignold Ward closed.

RNI Ward 2

Remains closed.

Feedback

If you have comments or queries please contact nhshighland.feedback@nhs.scot

Ukraine Appeal Ukraine Aid

Killearnan CC has received the email below urging residents to support Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Te-aM 6 Grant Street
Inverness
IV3 8BL
Thomas@te-am.co.uk
07849 479 161
Dear Friends, Colleagues, Business Owners, Managers, Fellow Citizens!
Many of us have families and friends across the world, and many of them live in Ukraine.
We need to be ambassadors of human lives, democracy and freedom!
We need to help those who have lost it all, who have lost their health, their homes, their communities, who
have lost their beloved ones, who have lost hope!
I ask you to unite and help the Ukraine! We can help people survive and recover. We can help them live.
Following my recent contact with the Polish Red Cross (PCK) in Lublin, supporting both Ukrainian refugees as
well as those still in their country, there are a number of items that would make a massive difference to those
in need. These items are as follows:
TOILETRIES AND HOUSEHOLD
Shower gels, shampoos, soap, tooth brushes and toothpaste, deodorant, feminine hygiene products,
nappies, washing up liquid, washing powder/liquid...
1ST AID ITEMS
Dressings, sterile gauze, sterile bandages, compression bandages, tubular bandages, thermal blankets, saline
ampules, disinfectants, disposable gloves, sterile dressings, tourniquets, scissors, plasters...
MEDICINE
Paracetamol, children's paracetamol, ibuprofen, cream for burns, antiseptic cream
NEW BLANKETS AND NEW SLEEPING BAGS
DISPOSABLE TABLEWARE.
Disposable knives, forks, spoons, teaspoons, plates bowls, cups.
I called the Polish Red Cross again today for the latest information. The greatest demand this afternoon is for
dressings and medicine, as well as blankets, sleeping bags and disposable tableware.
Together, I believe we can pool our strength and organise as much as possible in a short time. Time is life. I am
asking you to help me gather the necessary items, so we can send them to the front line support networks.
TIME
MATTERS!
EVERY LIFE
MATTERS!
UKRAINE
MATTERS!
Over the next couple of days I will be working on the logistics and transportation of the goods so that we can
have them delivered to the Polish Red Cross in Lublin and help the PCK save lives.
Please support me in this journey by donating the above items in wholesale quantities, by helping to finance
the transport and all the additional needs.
I am available on my mobile 07849479161 and email thomas@te-am.co.uk so please do phone, text, email
me and let’s get the ball rolling.
Thank you!
Thomas
Thomas Machnik

Donations can be made at Inverness Cathedral.

Calling All Residents of Killearnan.

The CC is trying to re-open our Community Hall in Tore which has been closed for nearly three years. This vital amenity should be restored to the community.

A meeting has been arranged between the retired committee and a temporary committee to get the process started. Meeting to be held in the hallat 7.00pm on February 8th. Please show up to support the endeavour.

January CC Meeting Minutes

Teams Meeting of Killearnan CC 20th January 2022: Draft Minutes.

Present: K Mackenzie, A C Mackay, A Mackay, A Cameron A Brown, F Hastie; Cllrs G.Adam, A. Maclean, M. Paterson. Guest H.Macleod.

The start of the meeting was delayed on account of an unexpected glitch on Microsoft Teams which allowed particpants to join but prevented the host from communicating with participants. The problem was partially resolved by emailing Microsoft and receiving a new code.

Correspondence : Di Agnew emails (Covid updates, funding opportunities); emails: Forum meetings -Jan 24 & Jan 31.

Minutes of the previous meeting adopted: A Cameron, A Mackay

Agenda

1. Re-opening Killearnan (Tore) Hall. The Hall committee had resigned the year before the Pandemic. The Pandemic had also necessitated the closure of the Hall. The CC is making it a priority to restore this most valuable asset to the community. Mrs T Mcmorran (Kilcoy Nursery) has offered her assistance; Mrs A Gammie (Secretary of the previous committee) has agree to supply the necessary documents and information. The CC plans to apply for funding to facilitate the re-opening. It is hoped that the Hall can be open for the community well in time for the coming Platinum Jubilee celebrations. An emergency committee is to be convened. A Brown has agreed to act as Chair, A.C Mackay as temporary secretary and, possibly, T Macmorran as Treasurer (subject to her agreement).

The councillors expressed their full support.

2. Restoration of the Drover Road between Monadh Mhor and Moss End.

The old path is already being used and residents in both Killearnan and Ferintosh have expressed a willingness to help to reopen the road for the public. FLS has responded favourably to the CCs’ approach regarding the re-opening. Ms H Macleod gave the meeting valuable information about similar projects in the Highland Area and offered her support in advancing Killearnan’s plan and securing the necessary funding. Mr A Cameron and other CC members will liaise further. Mrs A Mackay will contact the various sources of funding.The councillors expressed their support for the project.

3. MFLDP & Springfield PLC’s Plan

Cllr Adam pointed out that HC Planners had not included the development in the current MFLDP as a major development was unviable owing to the problems associated with the lack of adequate infrastructure in the area.

There was a clash between the Black Isle Joint CC Forum scheduled for February 3rd and Springfield’s further consultation planned for the same evening. CC had already agreed to join the BICC forum before receiving the notification from the developers. It was agreed to ask the developers to arrange a meeting at a later date and preferably to hold an actual public meeting in Killearnan. Mrs Mackay was asked to inform the Springfield Team and Cllr A Maclean will also contact them.

4. BICC Forum. The virtual meeting will be hosted by Ferintosh CC. A substantial part of the meeting will be devoted to a talk by Mr D Jones (Head of Planning) who will explain HC Planning’s current approaches in order to assist CC in their constitutional responsibilities in responding to planning matters.

AOCB

a)A 9 Review. Lighting is being installed at the Munlochy Junction and new speed restrictions are expected at the Roundabout.

b) Lighting is needed at Tore Hall. Cats eyes and Tore sign are missing.

c) Finance Update

Mrs Mackay sent a Christmas thankyou of chocolates and oranges to Tore Pupils for their

resilience during the Pandemic. Part of cost to CC - £5. £20 expenses in Newsletter distribution.

d) Summer Festival at Tore Hall? To reunite the Community?

Meeting finished at 8.32pm.

December Updates

The latest Inner Moray Firth Development Plan information...

In North Kessock, officers are recommending a limited development on land to the west of the village. Because it lies at the northern gateway to the City of Inverness, North Kessock could also play a strategic role in managing travel and visitor impacts by accommodating a Park and Ride facility and a campervan servicing site. Land at Bellfield Farm (East) benefits from a previous development allocation and is unlikely to be feasible for business/commercial development in connection with a golf course. It may still support commercial or community use together with limited housing development. Land adjoining the A9 junction is the optimum location for an interceptor park and choose/ride site to encourage changes to more sustainable travel modes. Similarly, the existing A9 northbound car park and adjoining land is underutilised and could better manage the impacts of campervan visitor demand. Further development allocations are not justified in infrastructure, facility and environmental capacity terms. Woodland and other site-specific constraints to the allocated sites can be mitigated by implementation of defined developer requirements for each site.

6.16 It is proposed to only promote very limited infill development at Tore because of the Plan's spatial strategy of directing significant development to sustainable and viable locations. Land at Woodneuk benefits from a recent planning permission, would infill a cluster of existing development and is close to the primary school. Tore is a competitive location for industrial and storage uses, and existing enterprises may require to be expanded. Treed land north of the grain mill has potential to absorb expansion of existing operations including larger scale buildings into the local landscape. There is no quantitative requirement for the scale of expansion proposed by Springfield and the necessary upgrading of infrastructure and community facility capacities is very likely to be unviable

Community Resilience Group Weekly Briefing - 46

10 December 2021

Covid Update

Over the last 7 days there have been 608 new positive cases in Highland (to 09 December). This means the latest 7-day rate per 100,000 shows an increase from 237 per 100,000 as of 02 December to 258.2 per 100,000 as of 09 December.

What is noted this week, however, is that across Scotland there is an increase in the number of cases of the new variant Omicron. Extra caution is advised, as is sticking to the Scottish Government guidelines. Further advice in relation to this is found later in the briefing under the Scottish Government update and from Public Health Scotland.

In terms of neighbourhood data, the map below and accompanying table, highlights the positive cases per 100,000 in communities across the Highland area. The test positivity rate on was 6.8% on 07 December, the same rate as reported on 30 November.

Scotland has Moved Beyond Level Zero

From 9 August 2021 the whole of Scotland moved to beyond Level 0. You can find Scottish Government guidance for everyone on how to stay safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19 here.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-safe-and-protecting-others/

Scottish Government messages this week

The First Minister gave statements to the Scottish Parliament on Covid-10 on Tuesday 7 December 2021 and 10 December 2021.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-update-first-ministers-statement-7-december-2021/

Key messages on 7 December included:

The First Minister announced that the new Covid Omicron variant is a "really concerning development” and urged people to take extra caution. She confirmed that current restrictions will remain in place, however it is vital at this stage to strengthen compliance with existing protections; the need for additional protections be reviewed on a daily basis due to the risk posed by the new variant.

After a period of falling case numbers, Scotland saw an increase in cases in the under 60 age groups last week. More positively, the number of people in hospital with Covid, and the number in intensive care, has fallen further in the last week, however this should not give rise to complacency.

The emergence of the Omicron variant is now an additional - and indeed very significant - cause for concern. In the days ahead, we expect to see a continued and potentially rapid rise in cases for Omicron to account for a rising share of overall cases. Health protection teams are working hard through contact tracing, testing and isolation to slow the spread of Omicron cases.

The Scottish Government will strive to get the right balance between acting proportionately and acting preventatively to do what is necessary to keep the country as safe as possible.

In line with the other UK nations, travel rules have been tightened. Anyone 12 years or over now required to take a COVID test before travelling to the UK from (outside the common travel area) in addition to the day 2 testing currently in place. Nigeria is added to the red list, making 11 countries on the red list.

The Cabinet agreed to keep in force all existing protections, but also agreed that it is vital to strengthen compliance with these protections. It is time for all of us to go back to basics and ensure that we are taking all of the steps required to minimise the risk of getting or spreading this virus.

Everyone is being asked to make an extra effort to heighten compliance with current protections now through into January:

LFD Test regularly, on any occasion before socialising, or mixing with people from other households.

Wear face coverings on public transport, in shops, and when moving about in hospitality settings.

Keep windows open when you’re meeting people indoors.

Follow all advice on hygiene.

Working from home where at all possible. Employers are asked to enable employees to do so.

Vaccination remains vitally important:

Additional vaccinators are being identified and trained. We have added the equivalent of 300 additional full-time staff to the vaccination workforce so far.

We are also working to further increase vaccination capacity through increased use of drop-in centres and mobile vaccination units.

We are also working to increase demand by encouraging even more people to take up the offer of vaccine.

Anyone over 40 who has had their second vaccination 12 or more weeks ago is being encouraged to get a booster jag.

Testing and isolation:

If you have symptoms of Covid, please get a PCR test and self- isolate until you get the result.

If your result is negative, you can end isolation at that point if you are double vaccinated. If positive, you must isolate for the full ten days.

Household contacts of close contacts suspected of Omicron variant will be asked to isolate and seek a PCR test. If positive, isolate for 10 days (as of 11 December this has been revised to apply to contacts of any Covid variant).

Everyone is asked to do a LFD test before mixing with other households, including visiting others, going to social places such as pubs and restaurants and shopping.

Regular testing helps early detection of the virus, remembering that we could be carriers of the virus without having symptoms.

By slowing the spread of the virus in general and Omicron in particular, we give ourselves the best possible chance of enjoying a Christmas that is more normal, but also safe - and of avoiding a new year hangover of spiralling cases.

Update 10 December 2021

In a briefing today, the First Minister outlined new rules around self-isolating.

As Omicron is becoming dominant, The First Minister has today announced a national policy change to isolation advice that will set out that:

all positive cases must isolate for 10 days

all fully vaccinated adults and under 18 non-household close contacts are required to isolate until they receive a negative PCR test – partially or unvaccinated adults should isolate for 10 days;

all household close contacts are required to isolate for 10 days with no exemptions for age, vaccination status or a negative PCR test.

This third point is a departure from pre-Omicron isolation policy and will come into place from Saturday 11 December. This national guidance change will supersede any Omicron specific advice that has been in place.

Public Health Scotland issues a request for the public to defer Christmas parties – separate advice from Public Health Scotland is attached with the briefing.

Covid-19 Testing

The chart below provides a helpful overview of the types of tests available.

Symptomatic Testing (with symptoms)

If you do believe you have symptoms, please self-isolate and book a PCR test.

Postal PCR kits are available through NHS Inform either by calling 0800 028 2816 or online https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-do-a-pcr-test-at-home.

In addition to the local support that is available, people can get support to self-isolate by calling the Council’s helpline number: 0300 303 1362. This can include access to food and supplies to self-isolate and individuals may be entitled to a £500 self-isolation support grant.

Asymptomatic Testing (without symptoms)

It continues to be important that people test themselves even if they don’t have symptoms. Taking a rapid LFD test twice a week can help stop new variants earlier, limiting the spread of the virus.

Test kits are available at pharmacies, or to order online from www.nhsinform.scot/testing, or by calling 119. Test kits are also available at Community testing sites.

Community Testing - Assistive Outreach: a new approach to Community Testing for those without symptoms (Asymptomatic)
An additional strand to support the asymptomatic community testing programme has been introduced. To date, three Council mobile units have been used in communities across Highland to support the testing programme. Over time we have seen the number of people coming forward for testing decline, but the number of people asking to take away test kits for use at home has increased.

In a change of approach, the Scottish Government has asked NHS and their partners to introduce Assertive Outreach – a more direct approach to engaging with communities in areas of enduring transmission, areas where testing may be low, and having a presence in public spaces such as shopping centres and railway and bus stations. We will be offering free lateral flow test kits and testing advice. During Week commencing 13 December there will be a presence in the following public spaces:

Next week, our schedule for Assistive Outreach will be in the following public spaces, 13 to 17 December:

DATE

OUTREACH TIMES

AREA

13/12/2021

Dingwall High Street

13/12/2021

Nairn High Street

14/12/2021

Dingwall High Street

14/12/2021

Nairn High Street

15/12/2021

Inverness Town Centre

15/12/2021

Inverness Railway Station

16/12/2021

Inverness Town Centre

16/12/2021

Inverness Victorian Market

17/12/2021

AM/PM

Inverness Town Centre/Victorian Market

17/12/2021

AM/PM

Inverness Railway Station

17/12/2021

AM/PM

Inverness Bus Station

Covid-19 Vaccination Update

The latest update from NHS on the vaccine can be accessed at the following link: www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine.

For details of vaccination access for flu and Covid-19 and information about drop-in clinics that are operating in Highland please check the following link:

https://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/COVID19/Pages/Vaccination.aspx

From 30 November those aged 16 and 17 in Scotland are to be offered a second dose of the vaccine.

Vaccination Scams
Scammers are using mobile phone numbers to offer Covid-19 tests using a 'vaccinationpass' website which then demands payment.

If you receive a message, call, or link like this, do not respond. Instead, notify www.scamwatch.scot or call 0808 164 6000.

For information on vaccination scams and other Covid-19 related scams, visit the Trading Standards Scotland website https://www.tsscot.co.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-scams/.

Winter Readiness

A separate briefing has been prepared and is attached with key information and contacts that may be of interest to resilience groups. It includes a quick guide with contact numbers – also attached separately for handy reference.

For anyone in need of urgent Covid-19 related support over the festive period, such as emergency food supplies or prescription collection or other emergency support arising from the need to self-isolate, the Council’s free helpline for Covid-19 will remain open over the festive period:
Tel. 0300 303 1362.
This helpline is available Monday – Friday 9-5pm. It is available for emergency calls out with this time and this includes the Christmas period and bank holidays.

SSEN Distribution to provide enhanced support to customers and communities affected by Storm Arwen (Press Release attached)

SSEN to voluntarily increase statutory compensation payments by 20%, recognising the exceptional impact of the once-in-a generation event. Customers will receive up to an additional £210 depending on how long they were without power.
An additional £500,000 will be added to the 2022 SSEN Resilient Communities Fund, supporting more community resilience projects across the north of Scotland.

Met Office Weather Warning for 11-13 December
Very strong winds are expected to affect northwestern Scotland for a short time on Sunday night and early Monday morning. Weather warnings have been issued for medium impact Yellow Warnings of Wind for the Western Isles, coastal parts of Highland, Orkney and Shetland for this period:

A Yellow Warning of Wind for Western Isles, Tiree, Coll, Skye, and coastal areas of the northwestern mainland. Valid 21:00 Sunday to 0600 Monday, assessed as low likelihood of medium impacts

A Yellow Warning of Wind for the coastal parts of Caithness and Sutherland, Orkney and Shetland. Valid 00:00 to 12:00 Monday

The picture currently is currently described as very uncertain with low forecaster confidence, This confidence will improve over successive days, please see the Met Office website for full details.

Food Support for Groups

We know that a number of you continue to provide support to the most vulnerable in your communities and that most of you already have well defined routes for accessing food to provide this support or are supporting individuals to access their shopping or community fridges/food tables.

If you are struggling to access food to continue support to vulnerable people locally, please do contact us through the policy mailbox and we can look at ways that we can support your group going forward.

Contact: policy6@highland.gov.uk

Helpful Links

Welfare Support Team - www.highland.gov.uk/directory_record/102970/benefit_advice

Self Isolation Support Grant - www.highland.gov.uk/info/20016/coronavirus/940/self-isolation_support_grant

Energy Advice

energyadvisors@hi.homeenergyscotland.org

AbiltyNet - IT advice or support AbilityNet

Helpline 0800 048 7642.   

Covid Resilience Grant Support - www.highland.gov.uk/directory_record/1422811/supporting_community_resilience/category/155/grants_for_community_groups

HTSI Community Group Helpline

Telephone Number 01349 808022

Notice of Meeting

October 26th at 7.00pm

You're invited to join a Microsoft Teams meeting

Title: Andrew Macka7's Teams Meeting
Time: 26 October 2021 19:00:00 British Summer Time

Join the meeting on your computer or mobile app
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZTk3ZjQ2YzUtZWZlNi00YzU2LWEzY2MtNTk1YWNkMDgwYWYw%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2228dd0d51-f7a8-499e-b376-57a4282a6853%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%223c40802c-f775-423c-ac0e-48a65341c36e%22%7d

Remembrance Sunday 14th November

9.30 am at the Killearnan Cenotaph.

Rev Susan Cord will conduct the remembrance. Mr George Bethune will place the wreath on behalf of the community

A9 Kessock Bridge to Tore Roundabout. Latest news

Richard.Perry@transport.gov.scotFri, Oct 15, 4:50 PM (2 days ago)

Good afternoon

Firstly, we would like to thank you, as a stakeholder, for your ongoing support of the A9 North Kessock to Tore study.

Our public consultation on the options being considered at the current stage (Preliminary Appraisal) concluded on 27 August. Since this date, Transport Scotland and our consultants, WSP, have been analysing the results and considering these alongside the emerging outcomes from the appraisal. A total of 756 responses were received, 753 via our online consultation platform.

We are pleased to confirm that the formal report of the outcomes of the consultation is now available to access on Transport Scotland’s website. This summarises the responses and the additional comments made by many respondents. Where respondents have agreed for their response to be published, these can be reviewed individually on our consultation platform.

The feedback has been vital in helping us understand the views, opinions and priorities of those using the A9 regularly. This feedback is primarily used to understand the acceptability of various options. It is also useful to understand any issues that could be raised as part of a statutory consultation for options involving legal prohibition of movements or restriction of speeds.

WSP is progressing with the Preliminary Appraisal and we expect this will be published by late November 2021.

In recognition of the desire amongst the public and stakeholders to see some improvements carried out in the short term, we can confirm that the following options are being progressed by our Operating Company, BEAR Scotland:

Installation of street lighting around the B9161 Munlochy junction;

A review of the speed limit on Tore roundabout, its approaches, and the A835 to the Tore Primary School junction; and

A review of active travel facilities around Tore roundabout to undertake measures to improve visibility for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers

Progression of these three interventions does not affect the progress or the outcomes of the study and we remain committed to completing this in order to identify further opportunities to improve the route.

I hope you find this update useful.

Head Safety Manager, Operations, Roads Directorate

From Avoch Killen CC

Tue, Sep 14, 2:01 PM (8 days ago)

Hi all, Wondering if you would be able to share publicity on social media and on noticeboards for a volunteer marine mammal medic course running in Cromarty on 10th October? We are always in need of more local medics, particularly after the mass stranding last month. I'm attaching the info poster but can print and drop off if easier.

Thanks for any help.

All the best,

Sarah M-T

BDMLR training in Cromarty 10th October

Learn How to Save Whales, Dolphins and Seals

Train as a BDMLR Marine Mammal Medic. Marine Terrace, Cromarty.

Book Your Place at www.bdmlr.org.uk

Avoch Killen CC

Tue, Sep 14, 2:01 PM (8 days ago)

SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF KILLEARNAN CC NEWSLETTER

The present Members of the CC are: Kenne Mackenzie, Chair; Andrew Mackay, Treasurer; Anne Mackay, Secretary; Alasdair Cameron; Andy Brown; Steven Hudson.

CYBERCRIME

Notes on the Teams Meeting (Sept 6) with PC N0675 Kevin Taylor, Preventions and Interventions officer, Police Scotland - Highlands and Islands Division.

PC Taylor listed the scams current in the area: HMRC (bogus money claims); phishing emails (fraudulent Investment Schemes; advertisements; parcel delivery requests for delivery payments); Romance/Sexploitation(Dating Sites).

He has sent the following list of websites where people can report scams and also get advice.

www.ncsc.gov.uk. www.getsafeonline.org www.sbrcentre.co.uk www.cpni.gov.uk/my-digitalfootprint www.haveibeenpwned.com

www.howsecureismypassword.net www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk

He gave the following advice on passwords:-

Always change the default pass-word on a new device; make pass-word 25 characters long; use 3 random words not family pets or names; include a mixture of letters, figures and symbols.

December Updates

The latest Inner Moray Firth Development Plan information...

Community Resilience Group Weekly Briefing - 46

10 December 2021

Covid Update

Scotland has Moved Beyond Level Zero

From 9 August 2021 the whole of Scotland moved to beyond Level 0. You can find Scottish Government guidance for everyone on how to stay safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19 here.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-safe-and-protecting-others/

Scottish Government messages this week

The First Minister gave statements to the Scottish Parliament on Covid-10 on Tuesday 7 December 2021 and 10 December 2021.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-update-first-ministers-statement-7-december-2021/

Key messages on 7 December included:

The Scottish Government will strive to get the right balance between acting proportionately and acting preventatively to do what is necessary to keep the country as safe as possible.

Everyone is being asked to make an extra effort to heighten compliance with current protections now through into January:

LFD Test regularly, on any occasion before socialising, or mixing with people from other households.

Wear face coverings on public transport, in shops, and when moving about in hospitality settings.

Keep windows open when you’re meeting people indoors.

Follow all advice on hygiene.

Working from home where at all possible. Employers are asked to enable employees to do so.

Vaccination remains vitally important:

Additional vaccinators are being identified and trained. We have added the equivalent of 300 additional full-time staff to the vaccination workforce so far.

We are also working to further increase vaccination capacity through increased use of drop-in centres and mobile vaccination units.

We are also working to increase demand by encouraging even more people to take up the offer of vaccine.

Anyone over 40 who has had their second vaccination 12 or more weeks ago is being encouraged to get a booster jag.

Testing and isolation:

If you have symptoms of Covid, please get a PCR test and self- isolate until you get the result.

If your result is negative, you can end isolation at that point if you are double vaccinated. If positive, you must isolate for the full ten days.

Everyone is asked to do a LFD test before mixing with other households, including visiting others, going to social places such as pubs and restaurants and shopping.

Regular testing helps early detection of the virus, remembering that we could be carriers of the virus without having symptoms.

Update 10 December 2021

In a briefing today, the First Minister outlined new rules around self-isolating.

As Omicron is becoming dominant, The First Minister has today announced a national policy change to isolation advice that will set out that:

all positive cases must isolate for 10 days

all fully vaccinated adults and under 18 non-household close contacts are required to isolate until they receive a negative PCR test – partially or unvaccinated adults should isolate for 10 days;

all household close contacts are required to isolate for 10 days with no exemptions for age, vaccination status or a negative PCR test.

Public Health Scotland issues a request for the public to defer Christmas parties – separate advice from Public Health Scotland is attached with the briefing.

Covid-19 Testing

The chart below provides a helpful overview of the types of tests available.

Symptomatic Testing (with symptoms)

If you do believe you have symptoms, please self-isolate and book a PCR test.

Asymptomatic Testing (without symptoms)

It continues to be important that people test themselves even if they don’t have symptoms. Taking a rapid LFD test twice a week can help stop new variants earlier, limiting the spread of the virus.

Test kits are available at pharmacies, or to order online from www.nhsinform.scot/testing, or by calling 119. Test kits are also available at Community testing sites.

Next week, our schedule for Assistive Outreach will be in the following public spaces, 13 to 17 December:

DATE

OUTREACH TIMES

AREA

13/12/2021

Dingwall High Street

13/12/2021

Nairn High Street

14/12/2021

Dingwall High Street

14/12/2021

Nairn High Street

15/12/2021

Inverness Town Centre

15/12/2021

Inverness Railway Station

16/12/2021

Inverness Town Centre

16/12/2021

Inverness Victorian Market

17/12/2021

AM/PM

Inverness Town Centre/Victorian Market

17/12/2021

AM/PM

Inverness Railway Station

17/12/2021

AM/PM

Inverness Bus Station

Covid-19 Vaccination Update

The latest update from NHS on the vaccine can be accessed at the following link: www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine.

For details of vaccination access for flu and Covid-19 and information about drop-in clinics that are operating in Highland please check the following link:

https://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/COVID19/Pages/Vaccination.aspx

From 30 November those aged 16 and 17 in Scotland are to be offered a second dose of the vaccine.

Vaccination Scams
Scammers are using mobile phone numbers to offer Covid-19 tests using a 'vaccinationpass' website which then demands payment.

If you receive a message, call, or link like this, do not respond. Instead, notify www.scamwatch.scot or call 0808 164 6000.

For information on vaccination scams and other Covid-19 related scams, visit the Trading Standards Scotland website https://www.tsscot.co.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-scams/.

Winter Readiness

SSEN Distribution to provide enhanced support to customers and communities affected by Storm Arwen (Press Release attached)

A Yellow Warning of Wind for Western Isles, Tiree, Coll, Skye, and coastal areas of the northwestern mainland. Valid 21:00 Sunday to 0600 Monday, assessed as low likelihood of medium impacts

A Yellow Warning of Wind for the coastal parts of Caithness and Sutherland, Orkney and Shetland. Valid 00:00 to 12:00 Monday

The picture currently is currently described as very uncertain with low forecaster confidence, This confidence will improve over successive days, please see the Met Office website for full details.

Food Support for Groups

Contact: policy6@highland.gov.uk

Helpful Links

Welfare Support Team - www.highland.gov.uk/directory_record/102970/benefit_advice

Self Isolation Support Grant - www.highland.gov.uk/info/20016/coronavirus/940/self-isolation_support_grant

Energy Advice

energyadvisors@hi.homeenergyscotland.org

AbiltyNet - IT advice or support AbilityNet

Helpline 0800 048 7642.   

Covid Resilience Grant Support - www.highland.gov.uk/directory_record/1422811/supporting_community_resilience/category/155/grants_for_community_groups

HTSI Community Group Helpline

Telephone Number 01349 808022

Notice of Meeting

October 26th at 7.00pm

You're invited to join a Microsoft Teams meeting

Title: Andrew Macka7's Teams Meeting
Time: 26 October 2021 19:00:00 British Summer Time

Remembrance Sunday 14th November

9.30 am at the Killearnan Cenotaph.

Rev Susan Cord will conduct the remembrance. Mr George Bethune will place the wreath on behalf of the community

A9 Kessock Bridge to Tore Roundabout. Latest news

Richard.Perry@transport.gov.scotFri, Oct 15, 4:50 PM (2 days ago)

Good afternoon

Firstly, we would like to thank you, as a stakeholder, for your ongoing support of the A9 North Kessock to Tore study.

WSP is progressing with the Preliminary Appraisal and we expect this will be published by late November 2021.

Installation of street lighting around the B9161 Munlochy junction;

A review of the speed limit on Tore roundabout, its approaches, and the A835 to the Tore Primary School junction; and

A review of active travel facilities around Tore roundabout to undertake measures to improve visibility for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers

I hope you find this update useful.

Head Safety Manager, Operations, Roads Directorate

From Avoch Killen CC

Tue, Sep 14, 2:01 PM (8 days ago)

Thanks for any help.

All the best,

Sarah M-T

BDMLR training in Cromarty 10th October

Learn How to Save Whales, Dolphins and Seals

Train as a BDMLR Marine Mammal Medic. Marine Terrace, Cromarty.

Book Your Place at www.bdmlr.org.uk

Avoch Killen CC

Tue, Sep 14, 2:01 PM (8 days ago)

SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF KILLEARNAN CC NEWSLETTER

The present Members of the CC are: Kenne Mackenzie, Chair; Andrew Mackay, Treasurer; Anne Mackay, Secretary; Alasdair Cameron; Andy Brown; Steven Hudson.

CYBERCRIME

Notes on the Teams Meeting (Sept 6) with PC N0675 Kevin Taylor, Preventions and Interventions officer, Police Scotland - Highlands and Islands Division.

He has sent the following list of websites where people can report scams and also get advice.

www.ncsc.gov.uk. www.getsafeonline.org www.sbrcentre.co.uk www.cpni.gov.uk/my-digitalfootprint www.haveibeenpwned.com

www.howsecureismypassword.net www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk

He gave the following advice on passwords:-

Always change the default pass-word on a new device; make pass-word 25 characters long; use 3 random words not family pets or names; include a mixture of letters, figures and symbols.

Black Isle Festival Health and Nature Walks Killearnan

Welcome to the Killearnan, Milton of Redcastle Walk with Mr F. Fraser. August 1st

(Picture of village printed on leaflet)

Steeped in history – from its castle, church, old quarry, springwell to its ancient crannog - the village of Milton, beside the beautiful Beauly Firth, now has a lovely community garden and picnic area.

The Route:

Outward:- From the Church-hall Car park, to the quarry path. Along the quarry path, past the Rivulet House and Top Street to the Milton road. A rest at the garden and picnic area. Optional walk in the Castle Gardens.

Return: along the single track main road, up to the churchyard and back to the car park.

General Advice

Covid Regulations: Please give name and telephone number to the CC guide.

There are no toilet facilities en route.

Dogs must be kept on a lead.

Safety Advice

Most of the route is ‘well trodden’. Walk single file along the downhill Quarry path.

Watch out for traffic on the single track road at Milton and from Milton to the Church

Slight gradient on the road to the church. The Castle path is quite steep.

Interesting Features on the Way.

Large mystery memorial stone opposite the church with the initials MCK and nothing more.

Look from the path into the disused quarry. In 18th Centuary, Rev Kennedy held communion services here. They set up a trestle table approx 50ft long. The table cloth is kept at the hall.

The Pier. A railway line carrying stone from the quarry ran along the pier. It was transported from there in flat bottom boats and used in the construction of Telford’s Caledonian Canal.

The local militia of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries used the end of the pier for rifle practice across the Firth.

Visible from the shore are the ruins of the ancient crannog.

In the church yard, there is a Commonwealth Grave marking the resting place of a local soldier who gave his life for his country .

Welcome to the Killearnan Black Isle Railway Walk. July 31st

A Ben class engine. (Picture of engine printed on Leaflet)

The Route. There are three ‘legs’ of the walk

1 Linnie Steading to the A832 Crossing point

2 A832 Crossing Point, past the Railway Crossing Cottages to the old road into the sidings.

3 Along the ‘Nansen Trust Nature Walk into Redcastle Station

Advice

Covid Regulation. Please give name and telephone number to the guide.

The Toilet facility is a porterloo at the Station

Refreshments and seats are available at the Station.

Dogs must be kept on a lead.

Walkers do not have access to the inside of the station building (Covid Restrictions)

If anyone does not wish to return via the railway walk back to their car at the steading a lift will be available.

Safety Advice 1. Linnie Steading to A832 crossing point.

This part of the walk leads along a raised railway embankment. It is not a well worn path and there are some parts a little rough underfoot.

Walkers will be ushered across the main road and access the second leg via a newly erected gate. There is a short incline onto the railway line.

Interesting features : Meet J Kernahan,“The Black Isle Railway”, at Redcastle Station

1 First leg

A Victorian stone arch. Damage still visible from a derailment during WW2. Wild flowers: harebells, in particular. Grazing cattle, sheep and horses.

2 Second Leg

About 40 metres along there is a brick arch, a culvert to carry water. A crossing keeper lived at the crossing cottages until 1950. He had to open and shut the two gates to allow passage for vehicles and animals. A Free-church minister was injured by a train in 1950 because the gates were left open.

3. The Station itself. Closed in 1960, it is last station left intact on the old line from Muir of Ord to Fortrose. There was much activity during WW2 supplying ammunition, bombs and other weaponry to airfields round the Moray Firth. A huge bomb which probably sank the “Scharnhorst” was delivered to Redcastle Station.

Nature Walk – plants and vegetables tended by the Nansen trust, plus a bug hotel.

Draft minutes of the special meeting of Killearnan CC held via Microsoft Teams, July 21st at 7.00pm.

Present

Mr K Mackenzie (Chair), Mr A Mackay (Treasurer), Mrs A Mackay (Secretary), Mr Mr A Brown, Mr S. Hudson, Cllr G. Adam. Mr A Cameron joined by phone.

Apologies: Cllr A Maclean, Cllr A Mackinnon (vacation), Cllr C. Fraser (vacation)

The Special Meeting was called (1) to discuss Highland Council's response to the CC's objection to a rock concert, with overnight camping, planned to take place at Linniewood Cottage, July 31st and August 1st and (2) to give an update on the arrangements for the Black Isle Festival (Health and Nature Walks).

1) Members unanimously object to HC's handling of the Licence Application and to aspects of statements in their reply to the CC’s submission on behalf of residents.

HC: stated that there had been no objections and that relevant bodies had been consulted.

KCC: the CC had not been informed of the application and had not been consulted..

HC: was under no obligation to inform CCs about Licence Applications.

KCC: This contradicts the Scottish Government's statement: “Local Authorities have statutory oversight of Community Councils and are required by statute to consult CCs about planning applications and licencing matters.”

HC. The Licencing Board – types of applications.

KCC: The Highland Licencing Committee Report June 22, prepared by Iain Meredith, indicates several types of licence applications received by HC over the previous 3 months. No application is listed for the event in question.

When was the application evaluated and when was the licence issued?

KCC’s objection to the events raises the following issues.

Noise Disturbance

Health and Safety Regulations Compliance (+Covid Regulations)

Security Arrangements.

Cllr Gordon Adam will put the concerns discussed to the relevant department. Members thanked Cllr Adam for his support in attending. Cllr Adam had to leave the meeting at approx 7.40 to join another meeting.

Questions in more detail

Noise Disturbance.

During the unauthorised entertainment (unlicenced) music event held at Linniewood Cottage in 2020, amplied sound, along with a firework display, had disturbed the neighbourhood during unsocial hours. The July 2021 Event advertises, on its website, continuous music from 1.00pm to 1.00am. Entertainment venues are required by the Covid Regulations, Level O, to close at 11.30pm (Curfew-12.midnight). The subsequent amendment by the Licencing Board for a closure at 11.00pm still has implications where Noise Pollution Regulations are concerned. See( i)

Will the Highland Council be monitoring the noise levels across a radius of at least one mile, affecting households in the neighbourhood?

Health and Safety

HC stated that the site will include a first aid station.

Will the Highland Council check the number and credentials of those in charge of the first-aid station? See (ii)

Security.

Road. The HC identifies a local Road Management Company who ‘will now be managing the event’. A 30 mph limit will be in place on the A832 before and after the entrance to the site.

Will speed cameras be put in place to monitor motorists’ speed. Will penalities be imposed on those who break the speed limit?

KCC understands that an entertainment venue open to motorised traffic must have a separate entrance and exit.

Is this the case at the venue in question.

Perimeter Security.

The site at present has an ordinary field fence, easily penetrated by any would-be gate-crasher eager to experience the event.

How substantial and extensive will the barriers be - which the venue organisers now undertake to erect at the site?

Will a barrier be in place behind the temporary stage which borders a 60 acre birch wood, property of the Burton Trust? See (iii)

Will the Highland Council ensure that a check is carried out on the barriers to ensure that they meet the required standard?

Fire

The CC has been given no information about the fire safety measures with which the venue will be expected to comply as part of the Licence regulations.

Other points raised by members

a) The event is advertised in the press, on Facebook and on the venue website, as a fund-raising event for endometriosis treatment. The Foundation, referred to, has not as yet been included on the Charities Register (Scotland).

At last year’s unauthorised event, the organisers’ posters advertised the weekend as Belladrum 2020 and Hootenany to attract fans of these events. Both Belladrum and Hootenany had cancelled events owing to pandemic regulations.

b) Directions to the venue name the road from the Tore Roundabout as the A192. This road is in Northhumberland.

c) It is noted that many well-known events in Highland - which were due to take place in July and August - have been cancelled owing to the pandemic. List attached.

2) Black Isle Festival (Health and Nature Walks) July 31st and August 1st Update.

A KCC Newsletter giving details of the event has gone out to residents. This has been posted on the KCC Website. Posters produced by the BIF team have been distributed.

Old Railway Walk.

Members met with Mr Kernahan ( author of the Black Isle Railway) and representatives of the Black Isle Festival (Health and Nature Walks) committee along with other interested persons for coffee on Wednesday 7th July.

Thanks to Mr Lefere (Nansen Highland) for allowing the walkers to use the picnic tables at Redcastle Station.

Mrs Mackay will be trained as a health and safety guide via a Zoom meeting on Friday. A risk assessment is being carried out and the footpath has been ‘topped’ by the farmer. A ‘Porterloo’ will be available.

A temporary sign will be placed on the A832 to indicate the entrance to the farm-steading for cars wishing to park.

Milton of Redcastle Walk

Mr F Fraser has agreed to lead the walk. Mrs Mackay will finalise the route and other details with Mr Fraser. The Rev. Susan Cord (Killearnan and Knockbain) hopes to take part.

Meeting ended approx. 8.20pm

Post meeting: further issues

. ( i) Sound. When environmental engineers look to minimize noise to surrounding communities they must consider the concept of sound wave refraction and its acoustic shadow. Amplified sound, emanating from an outdoor venue, will be greater at night than during the day. Temperature and barometric pressure affect sound waves and can further amplify them. Sound travels on average 1 mile in 5 seconds. It is questionable that turning the loudspeakers to face the ground will do much to lessen the transmission of noise.

(ii) Health and Safety. The CC has been informed by a qualified ‘first-aider’, who has served at several large events in the Highlands, that: “ For the event planned (250-300 persons) there would need to be a minimum of 3 first aiders with the full 3 day qualification, also a defibrillator would need to be on site. The first aiders would also need to be pvg'd due to the nature of the event. An emergency RVP would need to be in place for the ambulance service to be able to access the patients”.

(iii) Residents are raising concerns about the removal of trees in the wood to make room for the temporary stage. Did the Highland Council consult the Forestry Authority regarding permission for felling?

(iv) Additional concerns are being expressed to members of the CC about the effect, in particular of noise and/or possible fireworks, on the animals in the vicinity. Horses are stabled nearby. Farm animals are having to be moved to fields further away.

June 2021

The Return of Our Newsletter.

Newsletter

KCC Activity During the Pandemic

A: During the lockdowns, members have met via Microsoft Teams with one additional outdoor meeting. We have also kept in touch by email and telephone. Members have joined Cllr Adam’s Tuesday Zoom meeting which gathers together representatives of various Black Isle Organisation as well as CCs. In addition, the Secretary was part of the BICC Zoom Consultation with Highland Council Planners. As a stakeholder in the WSP A9 Review, KCC has taken part in all the WSP ‘Teams’ and conveyed residents’ concerns about safety at the Munlochy Junction, Tore Roundabout and Tore Pedestrian Crossing.

Highland Council information and updates have been posted on the KCC Website.

B. AGM – The composition of the council remains unchanged with Kenne Mackenzie continuing as Chair.

C. Extract from Minutes of the Last Meeting May 2021.

A9 North Kessock to Tore WSP Report – KCC’s recommendations/statement for the WPS Teams Meeting scheduled for May 25.

Short Term Actions:

1. Reduction of speed limit to 50mph from Munlochy/Artefallie Junction to the Kessock bridge.

2. Reduction of speed limit to 40mph on all approaches to the Tore Roundabout covered by the ‘Tore’ zone as indicated on the Highland Council Plan of the area to improve safety on the roundabout and on the public uncontrolled pedestrian crossing which is the only access to public transport for residents in the area. Pupils of the local secondary school have to cross a dual carriage (4 lane) highway where the speed limit is 70mph. It will help to ameliorate the conflict on the A835 turn off to Tore Primary School where the right turn lane is inadequate for the volume and type of traffic using the A835 Transport Scotland main route to the West and the Western Isles.

3. No use of the A832 to Cromarty through Tore village as a means of reducing conflicts at the Munlochy/Artefallie Junction. The road is narrow and passes Bannerman’s garage, a heavy goods vehicle service station and café. Speed limit through Tore village to be reduced to 20mph.

4. a) Extensions of slip roads on A9 Southbound and Northbound lanes at the Munlochy/Artefallie Junction b) Lighting to be installed at the Junction a.s.a.p.

5. KCC agrees with Kockbain CC and other BI CCs that: a) a speed limit of 20mph be applied through Munlochy village immediately- heavy increase in Tourist traffic anticipated this season. b) urgent upgrading of the B road connecting traffic from Cromarty, Rosemarkie, Fortrose, Avoch to the A9.

Medium Term

1. The construction of a roundabout at the Munlochy/Artefallie Junction. A fatality has already occurred, serious injuries have been caused and ‘close shave’ incidents are reported constantly. The safety of all road users of the main arterial highway north of Inverness is being jeopardised. The A9 North services major towns across Highland, Caithness and Sutherland as well as the Hebridean and Orkney Islands. Continued neglect is not an option.

2. A traffic light system at the Tore Roundabout.”

WSP REVIEW PUBLIC CONSULTATION: Letter from RSTS June 30th

Dear Stakeholder

A9 North Kessock to Tore Study (WPS)

I refer to our most recent stakeholder workshops on 18 and 25 May where we looked at the long list of potential options referred to in the Case for Change Report, published in March 2021. After assessing the feedback we received from these sessions, we have consolidated these options into five categories based on timing of potential delivery and indicating which options may work better together, noting the aim of each option and highlighting any potential consequence of each option in turn.

As indicated, the next part of this process will be a public consultation to listen to the views of the wider public and allowing an opportunity for informed feedback. That consultation is due to launch this Wednesday at 13:00 on social media channels Facebook and Instagram and we would greatly appreciate your support in circulating the link to those you may be engaged with. Principally, this is a digital consultation hosted on the Scottish Government consultation portal Citizen Space and the link for the consultation is here: https://consult.gov.scot/transport scotland/a9-north-kessock-to-tore-study. Please note this is an eight week consultation which will close on Friday 27 August 2021. Further information is also available on the Transport Scotland website: Road Safety (transport.gov.scot). I have attached an A4 poster which you may want to print and display in any public spaces you have permissions to use.

If you require any further information or support in sharing this consultation, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Stuart Wilson: National Operations Manager – Safety & Development.

Note from KCC: If you do not have access to Social Media, or are not in the habit of using it, you can write your personal concerns about the present situation on the A9 between the Kessock Bridge and Tore Roundabout and post them to ‘Cnoc eile- Beg, Tore, IV6 7RY or leave a note at the Tore Filling Station. KCC will forward your views to Stuart Wilson.

Black Isle Festival: Think Health; Think Nature. Get to Know Your AREA

The Black Isle Partnership (with BITT) is organising a Festival (July 31- August 1st) which offers interesting walks in each of the Black Isle CC areas. Posters/Leaflets – advertising all the details - are to be circulated shortly.

Killearnan CC’s contribution involves a ‘Black Isle Railways Walk” along the old line from Linnie Steading (just off the A832) to Redcastle Station (about 1 mile). The walk will take place at 2.00 pm on Saturday 31st July. Mr Jack Kernahan (author of the “Black Isle Railway”) has agreed to answer questions about the old railway line at Redcastle Station. Parking is available at Linnie Steading where we hope to make a little refreshment available.

Additionally, on Sunday 1st August at 2.00pm, we hope to show off the ‘treasures’ of Milton of Redcastle village – the garden, picnic area, castle walk and crannog …. Mr and Mrs Bethune have, provisionally, offered to guide the walk. Parking would be at the Killearnan Church hall car park.

All are welcome. Do join us.

STAY SAFE.

NOTICE OF AGM THURSDAY 27th May

Meeting will take place via Microsoft Teams

Here is the link. You're invited to join a Microsoft Teams meeting

Title: Andrew Macka7's Teams Meeting
Time: 27 May 2021 19:00:00 British Summer Time

Join on your computer or mobile app
Click here to join the meeting

MARCH 24/21

WSP, who carried out the review of the A9 (North Kessock to Tore) set up by Kate Forbes MSP, have issued a report. The letter below, received by the CC, gives the link to the survey report.

A9 North Kessock to Tore Study - Update - 24 March 2021

Inbox

Michelle.Vanderstighelen@transport.gov.scot

Wed, Mar 24, 4:36 PM

to Richard.Perry

Dear Stakeholder,

Please find attached update in relation to the A9 North Kessock to Tore Study.

Kind regards,

Michelle Van der Stighelen
Correspondence and Briefing Officer

Trunk Road and Casualty Reduction Team | Roads Directorate

Transport Scotland | Buchanan House | 58 Port Dundas Road | Glasgow G4 0HF.

Dear Stakeholder A9 North Kessock to Tore Study Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the A9 North Kessock to Tore Initial Appraisal: Case for Change Study, undertaken in 2020. Since the stakeholder workshops took place there has been a comprehensive review and consideration of the available evidence, input submitted by stakeholders and a detailed analysis of traffic data. Our consultants, WSP, have now finalised their report and I am pleased to confirm that this is available to read in full on our website at

STAG Appraisal - Case for Change Report - March 2021 - A9 - North Kessock to Tore study (transport.gov.scot). The Report has concluded that a Case for Change has been established. We have now instructed WSP to proceed with the next stage, The Preliminary Appraisal, which will look at how the various options generated as part of the Case for Change Study can address the problems and opportunities identified. This is in line with the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance. A key element of this task will include further stakeholder engagement prior to a wider public engagement exercise to ensure that the views of road users are considered. Representatives from WSP will be in contact with you once they have completed the initial stages of the Preliminary Appraisal to advise on the stakeholder engagement arrangements involved with this next phase of the study. I hope you find this update useful and look forward to continue working with you as this study progresses. Kind regards Richard Perry Road Safety Manager

Draft Minutes of the Killearnan Community Council Meeting.

Held on April 8th at 7.30 on Microsoft Teams.

Meeting set up by secretary and chaired by Mr K Mackenzie.

Attending:

Mr. K Mackenzie, Mrs. A C Mackay, Mr. A Cameron, Mr. A Mackay, Mr A Brown, Mrs A Maclean (Cllr)

Apologies: Mr S Hudson.

Agenda: WSP “Case for Change” A9; Teams Meeting with Police, Tuesday 6th.

The WSP Report had identified most of the issues affecting motorist, pedestrian and cyclist safety on the A9 North Kessock to Tore Roundabout.

Mr Mackenzie went through the WSP’s ‘long list’ of proposals. Appendix 10

There was general agreement that a 50mph speed limit be applied as soon as possible at the Munlochy/Artefalie junction.

A further extension of a 50mph limit up to the Tore Roundabout was also desirable but it was recognised that this might face resistance from Transport Scotland. (Also a caveat from Police spokesmen). However a 50mph limit round the roundabout itself was felt to be essential to reduce conflicts at the roundabout and improve safety at the crossing. The imminent, expected increase in tourist traffic (a consequence of Covid 19 restrictions to foreign travel) should be taken into consideration. Many of these vehicles would be newly hired campervans with drivers unaware of the hazards on the A9 north of the Kessock Bridge – to Tore.

Longer term measures KCC considers likely to improve road safety include:

the introduction of lighting at the Junction; traffic lights at the Junction and the roundabout and controls at the pedestrian crossing;

the extension of the slip-roads on both the South bound and North bound carriageways at the Junction.

KCC is opposed to ‘meantime’ measures at the Junction which, by causing more traffic to use the Tore roundabout, would increase the hazards to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists at the roundabout. The A832 through Tore village, passing a heavy goods vehicle petrol station, garage and café, is clearly not a suitable route for increasing numbers of commuters from Munlochy, Avoch, Fortrose, Rosemarkie and Cromarty.

The hazard on the A835 at the turn off to Tore Primary School needs to be addressed as does the speed of vehicles leaving the roundabout onto the A835 and the A832.

The speed of traffic leaving the roundabout on the Southbound carriageway and approaching the crossing remains a danger especially to pupils who travel on the Fortrose Academy school bus.

The poor quality of the B9161 leading from the Junction towards Munlochy was commented on as was the continued congestion in Munlochy High Street.

The WSP LIST includes an outdated suggestion for a ‘Bus Park' at Tore. The latest MFLD Plan has recognised that Tore is a most unsuitable location, considering the present road layout and the conflicts associated with the HGV Garage. MFLDP proposes a Bus Park at North Kessock.

Some of the listed suggestions, such as redefining road markings, extra signage etc, were thought to be only marginally effective in mitigating the serious hazards on the A9 through Killearnan.

Overall, the meeting felt that the status quo was no longer acceptable and that major improvement was long overdue. The MFLDP ‘moratorium’ on further major housing development in the Black Isle, pending improvements to the road infrastructure, is welcomed as it reflects a true recognition of the urgent need for action. A new roundabout, encompassing the Artefalie, Munlochy and Craig Rory exits and entrances, members feel, is the optimum long term solution regarding an increasingly dangerous junction.

The meeting agreed that KCC be a signature to Cllr Adam’s proposed letter to WSP and Transport Scotland but felt strongly that the text should also include KCC’s specific concerns about the roundabout, the crossing and the exit onto the A835. Members plan to review the draft letter, add their comments and email these to the secretary who will pass them on to Cllr Adam.

Meeting ended at 8.30pm

PANDEMIC UPdates February 25th

KCC asked the Education Department to clarify plans to make up for the loss of face to face education and the changes to assessment procedures as a result of the pandemic emergency. Anxieties were being expressed by parents, pupils and staff. Mr Donald Paterson replied in a detailed response in the following email.

Many thanks for your email and for the attachment listing your concerns. I have summarised them and provided comments below, which I hope you will find helpful.

P1-P3 returning to school

In this, we are guided by the Scottish Government (SG) advice about what scientific analysis shows. A range of previously published evidence has made clear that schools are low risk environments when the appropriate mitigations and safety measures outlined in the Coronavirus: reducing risks in schools guidance are implemented, and this remains the SG judgement – there is to date no evidence that in-school transmission is a significant driver of increasing infection levels. There is also evidence about the impacts of loss of access to in-person provision on educational and developmental outcomes and the need to consider the impacts of remote learning and a phased return to in-person learning on children’s rights and wellbeing. However, the emergence of the new variants of COVID-19 means that fully reopening schools at this time would not be consistent with a safety-first approach for children, young people and school staff. The decision was taken nationally, therefore, to re-open schools in the safest phased manner possible, and to monitor the impact of re-opening in this way. The next update on this will be on 9 March.

Protection against Covid-19 in schools

As mentioned above, a very thorough process of risk assessment underpins all of our decisions about the phased re-opening, as it did when we re-opened after last summer. Our Health and Safety officers engage regularly throughout the planning process and our Area Teams communicate regularly with Head Teachers about the various mitigations that need to be in place (such as use of face coverings, social distancing, movement through buildings and hand sanitising), and meet weekly with Head Teachers to reinforce the key messages. We have also communicated with families on our Highland Council website about Covid mitigations, as have schools through their own methods of communication, including online. We also held a question and answer session with Parent Council chairs last week. We have approached the phased re-opening with a high level of caution, which reflects the caution expressed by the Scottish Government, whose advice we have followed to the letter.

Assessment of progress in SQA courses

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has been very clear that for the time being the focus of classroom teachers and departments should be on consolidating learning and that this will continue to be the case at first when young people return to school. As you know, from this week, small numbers of Senior Phase (S4-S6) learners will be back in school carrying out practical activity essential for course completion. Once it is safe for more Senior Phase pupils to be allowed back into school, teachers will continue the process of consolidating learning and carrying out assessment as appropriate. Helpfully, the SQA has pushed the date for submitting provisional grades to 25 June, which gives teachers that bit longer to complete the delivery of courses and to carry out suitable assessments. The SQA as, further, extended deadline dates for course entries, which gives schools longer to decide on final entry levels. All of this helps us to ensure that we can maximise the attainment of young people in the weeks and months ahead.

Young people’s mental wellbeing

You are absolutely right to identify this as a major harm of the whole pandemic, and all of our schools are very alert to the issue. At the moment, as you know, vulnerable children and young people are able to attend school and teachers are checking in with their pupils about their wellbeing as well as their learning. The Scottish Government has made numerous resources available to us to support the wellbeing of children and young people, including funding to support counselling, which will be very important in the time to come. Our own school teams are continuing to support wellbeing, very ably supported by our Educational Psychology and Primary Mental Health Teams. Once we return to face to face learning, the focus on mental wellbeing will continue for as long as it takes, and we will continue to work with our wider school communities to provide the support our learners will need.

Addressing inequalities after the end of remote learning

We k now that remote learning has been very challenging for our children and young people, and also for their families. Our teachers have worked incredibly hard to support home learning and our digital skills have progressed at an incredibly fast pace. The decision some years ago by elected members to provide our children and young people with one to one devices to support digital learning meant that we were in a much better position than many Local Authorities to deliver remote learning, and we have been developing our digital connectivity throughout the pandemic by supporting families with devices and the means to connect to the internet. We know that some learners have found the remote learning period harder to negotiate than others and once we return to face to face learning a key piece of work will be to ensure that learners in this position can catch up and flourish. Again, this is very high on the agenda for our Head Teachers and other school staff.

SQA processes for allocating grades

You are quite correct to say that in previous years the external examination process has given an objective measure of learners’ success in SQA courses. This year our teachers are deciding the final grades for young people and we know that SQA will not be amending these grades. As you mention, this puts our teachers and others in school under a good deal of pressure. We have confidence in our classroom practitioners to accurately assess progress across the SQA courses and will support them through a robust process of Quality Assurance (QA), the skeleton of which has been drawn up by SQA and the detail of which we will work on with schools. We will also work closely with other Local Authorities and with Education Scotland to ensure that our teachers’ judgements are reliable and firmly based on demonstrable evidence. Our own QA processes will run from Easter until the delivery of provisional grades to SQA in June, and these processes will themselves bu subject to a QA process run by SQA to check that we are providing sufficient rigour. With these processes in place, young people and their families will be able to have confidence in the accuracy of teachers’ assessment judgements. Finally it is worth noting that SQA will put in place an appeals process, though as yet the details of this have not been finalised.

Thank you very much for taking the time to raise these issues with us. I do hope my reply will provide you with some reassurance that all of them are a focus for our attention. This has been a very difficult year for school pupils, families, teachers and other staff working in schools, and we will do all we can to support the process of recovery following the end of the period of remote learning. This will be a significant undertaking and we are wholeheartedly committed to that. Elected members, communities, schools and Highland Council officers will work together to do all we can to ensure that, as you say, the life chances of our children and young people are not harmed by long-lasting effects of the pandemic.

Please feel free, of course, to get back to me with any other questions or concerns.

Best wishes

Donald

The Black Resilience Committee continues to meet by Zoom, hosted by Cllr Gordon Adam. It is proving a useful forum for the dissemination of information and an exchange of views. The Ward Manager Di Agnew attends most meetings to give updates from the Highland Council.

Groups represented include CCs, Councillors, the Black Isle Partnership, Black Isle Cares, Transition Black Isle and residents’ associations.

EXTRACTS FROM THE BLACK ISLE PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER

Kickstart new opportunities for young people.

Our colleagues might know that over the last month we have been promoting a scheme called Kickstart/Opportunistic.The name is a combination of a government scheme and a digital platform designed by Joel Thornton, a teenager, who represented Scotland in a national competition called Founders of the Future. It is a really simple platform (https://opportunistic.uk/) where all (job and personal development) opportunities for young people in a certain location are recorded. Joel is also a Young Advisor to the Liverpool Council and is very committed to enabling young people’s voices being represented in the governmental structures. We have utilised Opportunistic and focused our efforts on promoting the Kickstart programme across the Black Isle. But let's start from the beginning.

In the summer the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a new scheme that finances job placements. This was to encourage businesses to employ young people and train them. All the costs of a minimum wage salary, pension contributions and National Insurance are covered, plus the business receives up to £1,800 in fees which are intended to support and train the young person over a period of six months.

From a business perspective, there is no risk: businesses can recruit as many people as they wish and there is no commitment to offer a full-time job when the scheme ends. From a young person's perspective, to be eligible they need to be on Universal Credit, which will stop once they take up a job - however, through the scheme they can earn much more money and do something they like. It is a win-win situation and we felt compelled to promote it to local businesses.

To do that we've created a list of businesses on the Black Isle and contacted them either by phone or email. The response was largely positive and after a few chats, a group of those enthusiastic about young people's chances has formed. It was clear that the 15 businesses that responded positively to create opportunities for young people were very enthusiastic. The Government has suggested that it is useful to approach the Kickstart scheme through an authorised Business Gateway. We have met with kickstartscotland (https://kickstartscotland.co.uk/) and this Gateway has answered many of our questions and concerns via an online meeting. As a result, five new jobs for young people have been created in industries as varied as sales, entertainment, accounting, training and IT. More businesses are considering joining the scheme.

Whilst building our programme we have also connected with stakeholders such as Highland Council, Jobcentre Plus, Highland Third Sector Interface, Highlands and Islands Enterprise to share best practice and learn from each other. Thanks to that collaboration, there is more support for youngsters beyond the scheme itself. This has to be a good thing in helping to provide jobs in the Black Isle for those who don't want to move away to find work.

We aim to promote the Kickstart Scheme even further through the uptake of Opportunistic and with the help of further funding. If you are a local business (that includes sole traders) and would like to give a local young person a brighter future please get in touch with us. We will attempt to answer all the questions you may have and help you through the process so that our young people start finding new ways out of the pandemic stalemate.

A proposed new link between Avoch and Munlochy

Julian Paren, Convenor, Transition Black Isle February 2021

The road from Avoch to Munlochy is one of the most well-used in the area. As well as local trips,

both drivers and cyclists use it to commute to Inverness, with others coming into the area to visit tourist sites,

shops and guest houses. Transition Black Isle (TBI) has been working to improve safety on the road –

and to make it accessible for people travelling on foot, by bike or travelling in a wheelchair, mobility scooter or

with a pram.

In 2TBI sought an alternative solution - a dedicated cycle path that could be used by commuting and leisure cyclists,

walkers as well as parents with prams and young children, or the infirm riding mobility scooters.

TBI approached Sustrans - the national charity whose mission is to make it easier for people to walk and cycle –

which administers a Scottish Government fund through Transport Scotland called Places for Everyone.

Places for Everyone aims to create safe, attractive, healthier places by increasing the number of trips

made by walking, cycling and wheeling for everyday journeys. This fund was ideal for encouraging commuters out of their cars and on to bikes for the journey from the east of the Black Isle to Inverness.

Sustrans approved TBI’s funding request, and AECOM were appointed as consultants. AECOM identified

two potential routes which they costed fully, and compiled a comprehensive report in September 2014.

In 2019 TBI looked again at the proposal in light of increases in both cycle and driving tourism in

the Highlands and just before cycling and outdoor leisure became more popular as a result of

restrictions required to combat Covid-19. Highland Council was also seeking ways for climate change

targets to be translated into activities that would reduce carbon emissions. TBI approached Sustrans,

who agreed to fully fund the early stages of a further study with a wider brief, and Pell Frischmann (PF)

were appointed as TBI’s consultants.

PF has now completed an Options Appraisal Study that examined all conceivable routes between

Avoch and the Munlochy War Memorial, beyond which the back road to North Kessock provides an onward route for Inverness-bound cyclists. The section from Munlochy village to the War Memorial also provides a walking route

across the valley for leisure activities on Drumderfit Hill and an off-road section for the new

John o’ Groats trail, which crosses The Black Isle from Inverness. This Study rated all the possible

routes against a set of criteria, one of which was the likelihood that Highland Council would maintain the chosen route after construction.

The Options Appraisal Study showed there was only one practicable route for commuter cycling, a path

that lay beside the main road from Avoch to the Munlochy War Memorial. The landowners along the route

(and their tenants) were sent the report and asked for feedback. The Manager of the Rosehaugh Estate

and Forestry and Land Scotland through whose land the route would pass were not

opposed to the plan, but in Rosehaugh’s case the tenants were to become involved.

TBI is seeking to engage and reach agreement with tenants and other landowners along the route,

although this has been hampered by the Covid pandemic impacting on work by TBI, The Highland

Council and Sustrans. We are keen to start discussions with anyone who is involved in ownership or

management of the strip along the A832.

A Public Consultation will be presented on-line through a presentation and feedback form, with

a real-time on-line Q&A session at a specified time. The views of Highland Council are now crucial

for what can be achieved in the long-term for safer cycling on this route. With many issues around

land ownership, there may, unfortunately, be need for The Highland Council to get involved in the process.TBI Director Anne Thomas les .

The Public Consultation will run from March 1 to March 29 and will be presented on the Transition Black Isle website. There will be three drop-in Question and Answer sessions at the following times:

1000-1200 Saturday 20 March

1200-1400 Tuesday 23 March

1800-2000 Friday 25 March

Updates on Funding

Below we list the most relevant available funds

MFR Cash for Kids Winter Fund (runs until the end of March): this funding can be accessed via local

organisations and offers £100 per child to families in need. The main criteria:

Organisations nominating families MUST be able to guarantee to Cash for Kids that they are in need (e.g. stuggling with basic expenses)

You must have confirmed that there is no duplication to Cash for Kids for the same child

There are multiple awards available per family. Some of the local schools and organisations are running this grant, so if you need assistance please don’t hesitate to contact us stating the area in which the kids live, so we can direct you to the relevant organisation.

Ideas Fund: It is an interesting fund which is run by the Wellcome Trust. It merges academic research with issues that trouble us in the Highlands. If you have ideas that relate to this fund and would like to collaborate on taking them forward don’t be shy and drop us an email on community@black-isle.info https://www.theideasfund.org/about

Home Energy Scotland – advice on how to save money. 0808 808 2282

Changeworks – Changeworks employ Affordable Warmth Advisers who can help people switch suppliers, talk to energy companies on an individual’s behalf and access emergency funds. Call 0800 870 8800 (freephone) or email warmth@changeworks.org.uk

Highland Council Fuel Support Fund – people can apply for a non-repayable grant of £60 if they are struggling with fuel insecurities. To apply please go to www.highland.gov.uk/fuelsupportfund or call/email Highland Council Welfare Support Team: 0800 090 1004, Welfare.support@highland.gov.uk

Third Sector Funding: the SCVO funding hub has information on funds available to community groups www.scvo.scot/support/coronavirus/funding

Highland Council Covid Resilience Grant – the local resilience grant scheme is available for groups to apply for up to £1,500. www.highland.gov.uk/directory_record/1422811/supporting_community_resilience/category/155/grants_for_community_groups

Business Grants

Temporary Closure Grant – for businesses that must close by regulation AND Business Restrictions Grant – for when businesses must operate in a restricted way. To apply go to: www.highland.gov.uk/strategicframeworkfund For enquires email: COVID-19grantenquiries@highland.gov.uk

Other urgent help:

Temporary accommodation: if someone feels it is not safe for them or their children to remain at home, please call the Highland Council on 01349 886602 or 01349 886691 (evening & weekend).

Also: Abused men in Scotland 0808 800 0024, Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline - freephone 0800 027 1234, Inverness Women's Aid - 01463 220719

Scams: individuals and organised groups of criminals are now operating throughout the country: to identify the scams known to Trading Standards go to www.highland.gov.uk/tradingstandards

If you are experiencing problems caused by the pandemic and the return to lock down please contact the Community Council on; killearnanccouncil2@gmail.com or community@blackisle.info. We will try to help by making Highland councillors and officials aware.

Apologies for the amount of adverts - we can't afford an advert-free site.

Best Wishes for a Happier New Year

Diane Agnew

Fri, Jan 8)

https://highland.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/535401

Dear All, As promised please see link above to the Highland Council webcast briefing on the COVID situation in the Highlands recorded on 7 Jan 2021. Updates from The Highland Council, Police Scotland and NHS Highland

08 January 2021

For immediate release

Highland Council winter road condition and school closure report for Friday, 8 January 2021

Maps of the Council’s gritting routes by priority and policy are available online at www.highland.gov.uk/gritting.

The UK Met Office currently has a yellow warning for further snow and ice across large parts of the Highlands. Find out more about warnings and advice here https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

School closures:

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, for the majority of pupils, all schools in Highland are closed until further notice. However, schools remain open only to pupils who are identified as vulnerable and the children of key workers where no other arrangements can be made.

The school closures page on the Council’s website at: https://www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures is updated from 7am and cleared each evening by 6pm.

Get alerts of closures on Highland Council’s Twitter and Facebook. Or phone 0800 564 2272 to get the latest pre-recorded message from head teachers regarding their school. Have the school's PIN ready when you call.

The Highland Council, Corporate Communications
01463 702020

High Life Highland provide online resources to support Health and Wellbeing during Lockdown 2.0

The team at High Life Highland wish you a very Happy New year, albeit perhaps not the start we had hoped for.

You will be aware of the increased restrictions implemented by the Scottish Government as a result of increased COVID-19 transmission which effectively places the country back into a similar lockdown position we found ourselves in during March 2020.

Back in August of last year, High Life Highland was extremely proud to be the first Trust in Scotland to start reopening our facilities and welcome customers as part of its bounceback campaign. So, as we move into 2021, it is especially disappointing to the team to have to close temporarily once again as part of Lockdown 2.0.

Your support of the Charity so far is hugely appreciated and is fundamental to supporting the long-term sustainability and future of the local services we provide in your area and across the Highlands.

While our bounceback campaign may be paused at the moment we will be providing as many options as possible online for highlife customers to take advantage of until we can physically reopen our facilities.

Our teams are already working on the development of our virtual offering for members and are exploring ways that will enable us to extend the range and type of online resource that is accessible through our website in the future.

highlife Card holders are able to access a range of online services including Fitness Classes, Bookbug, Music Tuition and interactive archive sessions suitable for all which can be found at highlifehighland.com or on our social media channels.

To find out more about our online fitness class availability and to book your space please click on the button below.

ONLINE CLASSES

Please be assured that as soon as the restrictions are reduced and we are able to commence delivery of our services, we are ready and waiting to get back to what we do best.

Online Guitar and Voice Lessons available now

Why not learn to play a new instrument or sing during lockdown our Music tuition team are providing guitar and voice lessons online, book your session below.

BOOK NOW
E SALE LINK

Magazines Books and Newspapers available online with highlife

Your highlife card also gives access to digital magazines and newspapers, eBooks and eAudiobooks, online theory test practise, access to the Britannica Library online, access to Oxfords online Art and Music collections and Hoonuit online training and learning.

MORE INFORMATION

Manage your highlife card online

With circumstances and priorities changing quickly and in some cases daily during the pandemic it has become increasingly important to add flexibility to how you can manage your highlife membership with us.

We now have the tools available which enable you to amend your details online, from joining, adding people, freezing your membership, recovering your PIN to unfreezing your membership.

Lockdown 2.0 means we are once again going to have to make a plea to you to support the Charity through this next challenging phase – and ask those of you able to continue to pay your highlife subscription to continue to do so. If you are unable to make your full payment, please get in touch and our team can set up an alternative monthly donation.

FIND OUT MORE

07 January 2021

For immediate release

Business Closure Grant Scheme open for applications

The Highland Council today launched the Temporary Business Closure Grant. This grant is available for businesses who have had to close due to the COVID-19 protective measures introduced on Boxing Day.

The Closure Grant operates as a two-tiered scheme, with a grant of £2,000 for premises which have a rateable value of up to and including £51,000 and a grant of £3,000 for those businesses with a rateable value of £51,001 and above. The grant is payable every four weeks, in arrears, for the duration protective measures are in place.

Cllr Trish Robertson, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: “We recognise the significant financial hardships faced by business at this time, and the Council is pleased to assist the Scottish Government in getting this essential grant out to Highland businesses.”

As the first grant payments are due towards the end of January, we urge all affected businesses to go to our website, take the 15 minutes required to read the guidance, gather the bank and business evidence required and to apply using our online form.

As a large number of businesses will be able to apply for this grant, it is important that they supply the correct supporting information with their application. This will enable us to quickly process their applications and make the necessary checks to ensure business correctly get what they are due.

Some eligible businesses who have already received two Business Restriction grant payments for November and December, will not need to apply and they will automatically get the Temporary Closure grant paid to them. Business who were eligible but had not yet applied for their Business Restriction Grant, only need to apply for the Closure Grant and the Council will automatically assess and pay them the Business Restriction Grant as well if eligible.

For more information please visit www.highland.gov.uk/strategicframeworkfund

Over the coming weeks the Scottish Government will be making available a range of other grants to businesses, including Taxi and Private Hire; Newly Self Employed, Mobile Close Contact Services and a Highland Discretionary Business Grant scheme. The Council has been asked to deliver these grant schemes and as detailed eligibility and grant scheme information becomes available from the Scottish Government, the Council will provide guidance and detail on its website as to who is eligible and how to apply for grant.

Sylvia Tarrant
Corporate Communications Officer
The Highland Council, Chief Executive Service
Tel: 01463 702073 Mobile: 07776481267

www.highland.gov.uk