Ardgour Community Council holds October meeting
On-going efforts to cut down noise from the BSW sawmill at Corpach and problems stemming from a lack of public toilets were among the items discussed at Ardgour Community Council’s (ACC) October meeting.
Community councillors attending were Samantha Thomson, chairperson; Claire Bennett-Levy, secretary; Louise White; Tricia Kennedy; Elizabeth Carmichael and Lyndsay Boyd.
Others attending were Ewen Maclean, Ardgour Estate; Dougie Robertson, Highland Ferries; Christine MacColl, Boyd Bros; Councillor Allan Henderson and two members of public.
Ardgour Glensanda Fund (AGF): Councillor Elizabeth Carmichael encouraged everyone to become members of AGF and attend the meeting on November 10. Details have been added to the Facebook page and are available from the ACC secretary.
Ardgour walks: Discussion about names for local walks. Councillor Tricia Kennedy will discuss with Fiona Maclean and feed back at the November meeting. Ewen Maclean, Ardgour Estate, will send estate logo to Councillor Kennedy for inclusion on signs.
Electric vehicle charging points: Investigations are continuing into this with Highland Council and Hitrans.
Consultations: Since the last meeting, responses have been submitted to Gaelic Medium Catchment for Acharacle Primary School and Sallachan Woodland Creation consultations.
Councillors’ Councillor Thomson the sad passing of Councillor Ian Ramon and expressed condolences on behalf of ACC. It was noted a by-election will take place in December.
Police update: Councillor Claire Bennett-Levy, secretary, shared details from the police newsletter. PC MacIvor expressed thanks to local coastguard teams for their response to recent incidents. Two tyres have been stolen from a trailer in Kingairloch.
There is a relatively low crime rate in the area but PC MacIvor advised against complacency as days get shorter. Advice on securing your home is available from www.scotland.police. uk/advice-and-information
Annat Industrial Estate: BSW: Councillor Thomson gave an update on the BSW sawmill. Residents have been advised that the mill will run until 1am during the current week. Two acoustic barriers have been installed and another is due to be installed this month. Councillor Thomson said residents have noticed an improvement following the work done. Regarding Boyd Bros, Councillor Claire Bennett-Levy advised of an update from SEPA noting improved practices with carbon loading and noted that the material is not classed as waste as it is used elsewhere in the steel industry.
Urram update: Councillor Elizabeth Carmichael advised appointments have been confirmed. The project manager will be Louise White and the befriending co-ordinator Natalie Rodgers.
Public toilets: Councillor Tricia Kennedy noted toilets at the inn are closed due to the fire and there are concerns people have been using behind the inn as a toilet. Councillor Thomson noted the pierhead toilets are also closed. Highland councillor Allan Henderson advised contact with Highland Council to request temporary toilets. Councillor Kennedy is to contact the inn to check plans for reopening toilets, then contact Highland Council if required.
Questions from the public: Councillor Claire BennettLevy shared email questions from two members of the public expressing concern about storage planned at Camusnagaul ferry terminal. Main concerns are the building being used as a toilet or attracting rubbish and questions about whether there is a need for a replacement. There were no concerns about the proposed bike shelter. Dougie Robertson, Highland Ferries, advised that there was a requirement for storage at Camusnagaul. The proposal is for Highland Council to supply a container which will be painted green and will be secure. Mr Robertson advised the storage was essential for the operation of the ferry and noted there has not been any vandalism of the existing shed and he hasn’t noticed it being used as a toilet.
Mr Robertson confirmed there can be no storage on the Fort William side as it would restrict access. ACC members agreed there was no need to object.
Applications for funding: Agreement of £290 to Ardgour and Kingairloch Parish Church towards the harvest festival celebration at Treslaig Hall. Some tickets are still available for anyone who wishes to attend. Councillor Thomson noted the ACC members not affiliated to Ardgour or Treslaig Hall are discussing support for the halls. It is planned to contact hall committees to discuss this and any decision will be shared at the November meeting.
Date of next meeting: Thursday November 11 at 7.30pm via Zoom.