Minutes of the Meeting of 26th September 2001 held in the Hugh Miller Institute, Cromarty.

PRESENT: Councillors Anne Short (in the Chair), Jenny Fyfe, Trish McIver, Douglas Cooper, Margaret Binnie, Wilf Taylor, Alan Hunter and Alex Davidson.

1. APOLOGIES for absence were received from Highland Councillor, David Alston, Douglas Cooper, Michael McBean and Sandy Thomson

2. Minutes of Meeting of 29th August 2001

The Minutes were approved by Jenny Fyfe and seconded by Alex Davidson.

3. Matters Arising from the Minutes

3.1 The Town Yard: access was discussed and two possible viewing dates were proposed ­ Friday 5th or Friday 12th October at 9.30 am. It was agreed that the Secretary should contact Sally Sutherland in the Housing Dept. to agree a date and inform members.

3.2 BICCA: after some discussion on the impact and value of this group, it was agreed that a possible way forward would be to reduce the number of meetings to two per year, rotate the location and have fuller sessions lasting _ day. This proposal, it was agreed, should be conveyed to the Secretary of BICCA, Caroline Taylor.

4. NoSWA Update

Anne reported that she had received a query about the trees at the Brae. The proposed development will have some impact on the terrain and this is inevtiable. Residents on Shore Street, and the bottom of the Big and Little Vennels have been consulted. Re the timescale, work is on target with major work scheduled for January to march. NoSWA has indicated that they will do their utmost to avoid local community events, if informed of key dates.

5. Planning for Real

The diagrams supplied by Highland Council that included community input were considered to be of limited use without some interpretation or key to differentiate the separate categories ie. housing, environment, etc. It was agreed that additional information should be sought to aid any meaningful discussion.

6. Bus Shelter Repair

No report. Contact to be made with David Alston to re-affirm the funding arrangement.

7. Grass-cutting Schedule

Wilf reported that he and Alex had come to a number of conclusions after a detailed survey of all the listings: 9 areas where work could be reduced, 9 requiring extra weeding control, 1 to be removed from the list and another 4 that were unidentifiable.

16 additional issues were identified and these included (1) Lady's Walk, (2) Nicol Terrace, (3) the missing gate at Townlands' Park children's playground, (4) an area of ground at Townlands Park that needs maintenance, (5) ground opposite Braehead requiring attention, (6) fences at the carpark, (7) weeds at the seafront and Streupie Path railings that need painting.

Wilf and Alex were thanked for their endeavours and it was agreed that a meeting should be arranged with Freida Mackenzie to discuss the results of their work.

8. Cromarty ­ Nigg Ferry

No report from Margaret because she has had no formal contact with anyone yet. Alex informed the meeting that the owner is expected to be in the area and that Highland Council will be assessing the financial situation.

9. Treasurer's Report

9.1 The current balance for the main account is £3484.87 with £151.35 from Guide-book sales, £39.27: the Regatta, Cromarty Trust: £227.47, Millennium: £456.41, and £4867.42 in the Miller Account.

9.2 Margaret raised the subject of a new brochure and it was agreed tha this should be discussed more fully at the next meeting.

10. Report of Hugh Miller Planning Group Meeting of 17th September

10.1 Sandy Thompson had provided a note of the meeting and particular attention was drawn to the stone-carving commission involving artist Richard Kindersley. During his recent visit to Cromarty, the artist sensitively handled the concerns that the Steering Group had raised with John Nightingale. The proposed location for the artwork has now changed to the Links, as opposed to the harbour, and there will be many opportunities for the local community to informally engage with Richard Kindersley when he works on site next summer.

10.2 The issue of the painting of Hugh Miller was raised and it was agreed that this should be discussed as an agenda item at the next meeting.

11. Community Action Group Update

Alex reported that funding applications have been prepared and that the group currently requires a new Chairperson. Alan Hunter was proposed as the new Chair and he agreed to take up this position.

12. Highland Councillor's Report

The only issue raised was snow-clearing. It was agreed that this should go on the agenda for the next meeting.

13. Planning Applications

Margaret reported that two applications had been received; one for a look-out for the Boat Club and sewerage plans.

14. Youth Issues

Anne reported that two youth representatives have come forward: Tanyella Allison and Charlie Davidson. Philip McGovern's contribution as the previous youth representative was acknowledged by the C.Council and it was agreed that a letter should be sent to Philip thanking him for his contribution.

15. Cromarty Trust Funds

The Secretary reported that the agreed list for Cromarty Trust support had been e-mailed to John Nightingale. It was agreed that more specific costings are needed. Colin Dunn had been contacted for information on notice-boards and catalogues will be brought to the next meeting.

16 Correspondence

16.1 Information received of the year of Volunteers. It was agreed that the Secretary should submit an application to cover the cost of a reception that would highlight the contribution of local voluntary groups and specifically mark the work that has gone into repairing the fountain.

16.2 Letter from Mrs Riddell castigating Cromarty for the condition of the public toilets. This problem extends to the rest of the Black Isle and the company that has the contract will be tackled about this by Highland Council.

16.3 Information and posters received about "Forest for Real"

16.4 Reminder had been provided about the Refuse Consultation Day in Dingwall.

16.5 Minutes were received from the Black Isle Community Councils' Association from meeting on August 27th. Date of next meeting is Monday 26th October at Fortrose Service Point.

16.6 Minutes were received from The Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust.

16.7 Information on Network 21 and notification of a conference on 6th October.

16.8 E-mail from Jennifer Hay from DTZ Pieda Consulting informing C.Council that she is undertaking a study into the impact of Foot and Mouth.

16.8 Letter from Bruce Robertson, Director of Education acknowledging C.Council's comments and stating that members will be kept informed of any progress on "21st Century Schools".

17. Any Other Competent Business

17.1 Margaret had stickers to be distributed to advise the local residents about contact details for refuse collection. These were allocated to various members for distribution throughout the district.

17.2 The current status of McFarquar's Bed Footpath was discussed and it was agreed that this should go on the next agenda.

17.3 Anne reported that dry weather is necessary for the installation of the newly repaired fountain. A high vehicle to assist the process has been booked for Saturday 29th September and will cost £66.00. This payment was agreed and publicity should be arranged to highlight the generous work undertaken by Angus MacDonald of Strathpeffer.

17.4 Townlands Park residents have complained about a burger-van parked in the area but it was agreed that C.Council does not have legitimate grounds to object formally about this.

Next Meeting

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 31st October at 7.00pm at the Hugh Miller Institute.