Minutes of Meeting held on 11th December, 2000 in the Community Hall at 7.30 p.m.
Present : Mr. A. McCowan; Mrs. J. Mackay; Mrs. I. Cross; Mrs. I. Ferguson; Mr. J. Glover; Mr. D. McCowan Councillor Ewen Mackinnon; Mr. R. White (Project Manager NOSWA); Mr. R. Sawicki (Halcrow); Mr. G. Beavers (Subterra); 4 members of the public.
1. There were no apologies for absence.
2. Minutes of Previous
Meeting
These having been circulated, acceptance was proposed by Mrs. I. Ferguson, seconded
Mrs. J. Mackay.
3. Treasurer's Report
£800 was received from Highland Council to support winter opening of local toilets.
Balance stands at £1,501.37.
4. Water Supply Report
by NOSWA
Plans and other drawings and programme details had been set out in the hall
for public viewing during the afternoon. The representative from Halcrows and
the Subterra site agent described to the meeting the work of mains replacement
which is now under way. Some minor problems have been encountered but nothing
serious, and work is proceeding. Each property connected to the mains water
supply will suffer disconnection but individual notification will be given,
and bottled water provided as necessary. Special attention will be given to
households where there are people with special needs and also priority will
be given to the school, surgery and the inn, so that interruptions are as short
as possible. It was generally agreed that the contractor is carrying out the
work with minimum inconvenience to the public. The programme envisages completion
of the work by March, 2001 Mr. White spoke about the proposed new water treatment
plant building which is the subject of a planning application. The proposed
building has been improved and was shown superimposed on a photograph of the
location west of the main road. The chairman said that the unanimous opinion
of the community council and local residents was still that the new plant building
should be sited on the hillside adjacent to the existing NOSWA compound. Discussions
with the planning officer are scheduled for early January. A member of the public
present (who is Clerk of the Culduie Grazing Committee) confirmed that he had
written formally objecting to the proposal to site the building on the low site
near the shore and suggesting it should be sited on the hillside at the NOSWA
compound. - 1 - The chairman thanked the NOSWA representatives for their attendance
and they withdrew from the meeting.
5. Visit of Wester Ross
Ranger
Meryl Carr, the newly appointed Wester Ross Ranger, addressed the meeting and
described her role in Wester Ross. It was decided that we could usefully establish
an ongoing relationship with her in connection with our paths network, wildlife
generally and particularly in control of tourists and their dogs. The chairman
thanked the Ranger for her attendance.
6. Joint Meeting Ross
& Cromarty Community Councils
Janet Mackay represented Applecross Community Council and provided a written
report circulated to members. It was felt that again this had been a useful
joint meeting.
7. Public Toilets
The public toilets are being kept open this winter thanks to a grant of £800
from Highland Council. It was reported that the toilets are, in fact, being
used on a daily basis. Highland Council have also provided paint and the toilets
are being re- decorated by volunteers. The community council is grateful to
Ewen Mackinnon for his help in securing Highland Council funding.
8. Proposed Health Care
Centre
It was reported that sourcing of funds for the health care centre is proceeding.
9. Heritage Centre
Construction of the new heritage centre is under way. The building is now weather-
proof and the electricity supply has been connected.
10. Millennium Commemoration
The sub-committee reported that two firm alternative proposals are available,
one in wrought iron and timber and one in stone with carved inscription, both
costing around £500. The general opinion is that local natural stone with inscription
is preferred. The committee will approach a local who is reputed to be skilled
in stone carving and endeavour to come up with a less expensive alternative
- to report to next meeting.
11. Any Other Competent
Business
(a) Some lights at Burnside are apparently not working. The community council
will write to appropriate department at Highland Council.
(b) A member of the public mentioned that although there is a "Tourist Information
- 100 yards sign" on the approach to Applecross, a public tourist information
board apparently does not exist. This will be investigated.
(c) Venture Trust : The chairman reported that he had discussions and correspondence
with Ian Price, manager, who reported that the Venture Trust have secured the
necessary funding and will start taking courses again in a couple of months'
time. They will provide courses for a broad range of people including disadvantaged
and socially excluded young people from throughout Britain and will be re-employing
locals made redundant earlier. Ian Price will come to our next meeting on 8th
January, 2001 to make a preentation and provide more detail.
12. Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Monday, 8th January, 2001 at 7.30 p.m. in the
community hall.
The chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 21.15
hours.
Updated 31.12.00