Minutes of the Meeting of 25th July 2001 held in the Hugh Miller Institute, Cromarty.
PRESENT: Councillors Anne Short (in the Chair), Philip McGovern, Jenny Fyfe, Trish McIver, Douglas Cooper, Margaret Binnie, Sandy Thomson, Michael McBean, Wilf Taylor, Alex Davidson and John Farquar Munro MSP.
1. APOLOGIES for absence were received from Highland Councillor, David Alston.
2. Minutes of Meeting of 26th June 2001
The Minutes were approved by Michael McBean and seconded by Alex Davidson.
3. Matters Arising from the Minutes
3.1 Alex Davidson stated that he was impressed by the improvements to the Coronation Well and Margaret Binnie proposed that this subject is included in the next Agenda because ongoing maintenance will be necessary.
3.2 Anne Short reported that she had been in contact with Freida Mackenzie re inappropriately parked cars. Letters have just been issued and notices will be posted 7 days later. Vehicles to be given attention at the next visit include the white van located near the Old Brewery. Another issue for Freida's attention are the signs at the shore.
4. John Farquar Munro MSP
JFM reported on NoSWA's expenditure in the Highlands and Islands, and the proposal to amalgamate the North, East and West Water Authorities. This amalgamation would not be likely to result in any reduction to Highland water charges.
Other issues discussed included the GM trials and the severe lack of funding for road improvements and repairs by Highland Council. On GM, JFM stated that one potential way of impeding progress would be through the planning process; with providers required to have third party insurance. The strength of the C.Council's concern regarding Highland Council's inability to make necessary repairs to roads in the foreseeable future was noted by JFM. He agreed to pursue this on behalf of C.C.
5. NoSWA Update
Anne Short reported that NoSWA is to talk to John Nightingale's agent again to resolve the issue of the location of the access road to the proposed waste-water treatment. If agreement is not reached, then C.Council will insist on a site meeting with all the relevant parties present.
6. Cromarty Nigg ferry
6.1 Alex Davidson reported that he is not happy with the study by Napier. Concerns include the condition of the ferry and the purchase price that is being quoted. Previously Barmac contributed £10,000 per year and there may be scope for some income because the yard is due to re-open under KBR. It was agreed that everyone should read the report and Trish McIver volunteered to copy and to circulate.
6.2 John Farquar Munro indicated that he could investigate the availability of the Eriskay ferry as another option.
7. Treasurer's Report
7.1 Jenny Fyfe reported that there is £4742.53 in the main C.C account. This incorporates £184.27 for the Regatta, £666.47 remaining from the Cromarty Trust, £456.41 from the Millennium Fund and £1244.35 from the sale of the Guide-books. The Hugh Miller account contains £3341.23 with £1000 from Highland Council, £2000 from David Alston's discretionary budget, £1000 from the Cromarty Trust and 23p bank interest. To date £659.20 has been paid out to the Co-ordinator.
7.2 Funds not committed were discussed and Sandy Thomson referred to £300 set aside for a footpath study. It was agreed that the study (for work on the path to MacFarquar's Bed) by Richard Ball should go ahead and that a letter should be sent to the landowner, Mr R. Shaw to request that the bull sign is removed because this deters potential users. It was agreed that Trish McIver and Sandy Thomson would provide the Secretary with the relevant contact details.
8. Report of Hugh Miller Steering Group meeting of 12th July
8.1 Alan Hunter reported that Susan Christie, Programme Co-ordinator, is exploring various ideas with participating groups to incorporate a Hugh Miller or Victorian theme to their events.
8.2 Publicity material being produced includes artwork for banners, brochures and Hugh Who? T-shirts. Other aspects of the programme are being developed and key events include a food event with a celebrity chef, and an enhanced Regatta and Fun Day with a flotilla of traditional boats.
8.3 A letter has been sent to Cromarty Arts Trust re the stone carving proposal and the importance of interaction between the artist and the community has been stressed.
8.4 A Hugh Miller bank account has been opened and will be under the control of the Community Council. To date, £4000 has been received with an additional payment of £2000 imminent.
9. Trees on the Kirkie Brae and Forsyth Flower beds.
Freida Mackenzie is to provide Sandy Thomson with contacts for contractors. Work adjacent to the Forsyth flower beds has been carried and the improvement was noted by C.Council.
10. Cromarty Arts Trust Funds
Proposals included: £200 for Victoria Park tree-planting, improved litter bins around town, a new Community notice-board, seats for Cromarty Mains, flower beds for Bank Street (to replace the dilapidated seat) and a strimmer for the Boat Club.
11. Dog Fouling
Sandy Thomson proposed that dog fouling signs should be displayed at the beginning and the end of the Strupie path.
12. Report of the Community Action Group of 27th June
Sandy Thomson reported that Trish McIver had been appointed Chair, Gillian Jones Vice-chair, Jenny Gunn Secretary and he is the Treasurer. Andy McCann and Jackie McGuinnity had met with the group and it had been agreed that only one funding application would be required. Although there are a number of other posts being appointed, it was clarified that there is no overlapping of roles. A meeting with Andy McCann was scheduled for the following evening to agree a detailed Action Plan. Seven issues had been identified for the new post-holder:
Victoria Hall
East Church increase in use needed
The Stables increase in use needed
The Town Yard increase in use needed
The Harbour
The Nigg Ferry
The Telephone Exchange
The inadequacies of the current telephone exchange were discussed and John Farquar Munro MSP agreed to pursue this. It was agreed that previous correspondence on this issue would be copied to JFM.
13. Bus Shelter Repairs
Sandy Thomson reported that Malcolm McArthur had given approval to appoint local contractors. Both Nick Bates and Donald Mackintosh have been approached about the work.
14. Planning Applications
Two planning applications had been submitted: - one for a house at Craighead, on the Eathie Road and another related to a replacement oil-tank and shed at Bayview Crescent.
15. Youth Issues and Youth Representation.
No report although an update from Freida Mackenzie is still required on the ongoing problem of damage to the fence and gate to the Townlands Park children's playground.
16. Highland Councillor's Report
16.1 An e-mail from David Alston outlined a number of possible modifications to the grass-cutting schedule. These comments were considered most useful and a sub-committee of Wilf Taylor, Philip McGovern and Alex Davidson was identified to progress this.
16.2 Sandy Thomson raised the issue of the Town Yard being used to house a Community Tool Exchange. Kilmuir and Alness operate successful services and it had been reported by Pamela Galbraith (Community Education) that one already operated in Cromarty. Philip McGovern clarified that a letter had been circulated to Townlands Park residents but no further progress had been made. It was agreed that David Alston should be contacted about the exchange scheme and that the Housing Dept. should be contacted for C.Council to gain access to the premises.
17. Correspondence
17.1 Hugh Macdonald letter re reversing vehicles causing damage to houses on the High Street.
17.2 Letter from Terence Lock requesting an aerial photograph of Nigg in the 1940s. It was agreed that Nigg Old Church Trustee, David Alston should be contacted for advice.
17.3 Letter from Mr.D.McPhee re Bank Street and Well Lane vandalism, and car parking on fire hydrants. Sandy Thomson highlighted the Community Council's role as a channel of communication with Highland Council and suggested that this needed to be relayed to Mr McPhee.
17.4 E-mail from Jermaine Allison re Nigg ferry, the Highland Council's new High Life scheme and the idea of introducing a bus to connect between Invergordon and the ferry. The suggestion was not considered to be financially viable. Detailed research and costings were obtained when a community vehicle was considered some time ago and the running costs proved prohibitive.
17.5 Letter from Gillian Newman of Cromarty Action for Young People requesting funding advice for an environmental arts initiative. At this point, the Secretary indicated an interest in the project. It was agreed that the most appropriate course of action would be to advertise the Common Good Fund and review any approaches within the context of this fund. An update on the fund is required from Highland Councillor, David Alston.
17.6 An invitation to a meeting related to the new scheme The Special Transitional Programme - was sent by Jackie McGuinnity, Head of Community Development at RACE. Anyone interested in attending the meeting was to complete and return the attached form.
18. Any Other Competent Business
18.1 Margaret Binnie agreed to attend Making It Happen in Inverness on 3rd/4th Sept. The C.Council agreed to pay costs of £20.00.
18.2 Michael McBean queried progress on the damaged statue that was previously positioned outside the Hugh Miller Institute. An update is required from the Police and it was agreed that the issue should be vigorously pursued with a possible reward offered.
18.3 Alex Davidson raised the subject of Planning for Real - no contact has been made by Highland Council and an update is needed.
18.4 Wilf Taylor reported that a sign for the Sutor Viewpoint had been ordered.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 29th August at 7.00pm at the Hugh Miller Institute.