Minute of Meeting of the Sutherland Local Access Forum held in the Royal National Mission for Deep Sea Fishermen, Culag Park, Lochinver on Tuesday 4 April 2006 at 1.30pm
Present
W G Johnstone, Access User (In the Chair)
C Whealing, Estate Manager, Sutherland Estates (Vice Chair)
W Beattie, Forestry Commission
J Gall, Landowner/Crofter
M Macpherson, Assynt Mountain Rescue Team
I Mitchell, Scottish Natural Heritage
A Wood, Scourie Community Council
In Attendance
G Robson, Head of Environment, Highland Council
L O’Neill, Area Administrator, Highland Council
M Dent, Access Officer, Highland Council
1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were intimated from Councillor D Allan, H B Field - Sutherland Walkers Group and Sports Council, Councillor F Keith, Dr R G Park – Edderton Community Council, S Pocock – Forestry Commission, J Ross – East Sutherland Canoe Club and W Sutherland – Crofter.
2. Minute of Meeting of 7 February 2006
The Minute of Meeting of 7 February 2006 was APPROVED subject to the inclusion of Dr R G Park in the Sederunt.
With reference to the item appearing under the heading ‘Draft Highland Access Strategy 2006 – 2011’ G Robson reported that the item which had been proposed to be submitted to the Planning & Development Europe & Tourism Committee in March 2006 had been deferred until the May meeting of that Committee.
With reference to item 8 appearing under the heading ‘Strathy Point – Signage’ M Dent reported that the proposed wording for the sign at Strathy Point had been submitted to SEERADE and that he was awaiting a reply from SEERADE.
3. Core Path Planning
With reference to item 5 of Minute of 7 February 2006 M Dent reported that the dates for public exhibitions remain to be finalised but in essence he planned to link in with the public meetings proposed by the local Plan Team to share resources and to avoid a plethora of consultations. He indicated that he will issue invitations once the exhibition dates have been agreed.
The Chairman enquired if there was an alternative plan in place should there be some delays with the Local Plan. M Dent replied that his intention was to have the exhibitions prior to the summer holidays and that there was time to consider an alternative approach should there be delays with the Local Plan.
The Chairman highlighted a problem with consulting the visiting public in the event of the consultation being linked to Local Plan Meetings. M Dent replied that this would not be the only opportunity for public input but he would prefer to use the vehicle of the Local Plan Meetings as one part of the process.
The Vice Chairman observed that it would be worthwhile having a draft alternative plan in place should there be slippage with the Local Plan Meetings.
I Mitchell asked if there could be direct consultations with community councils, involving submitting plans which could be marked up by them. M Dent indicated that this had been done to a limited extent but the reaction and activity had been patchy. The Chairman opined that the community councils may not have been aware of what they were being asked to provide.
Following further discussion it was AGREED that M Dent take the process forward in the light of the comments he had heard from the Forum.
M Dent indicated that he would look at placing an article with the Northern Times, while seeking help from Forum Members in updating the list of interested parties which he would e-mail for amendment by Members.
Referring to the Local Plan process Members recognised that owing to changes in personnel delays may occur in that process and they were anxious that the Forum’s timescale for the Core Path planning process does not slip.
4. Local Access Issues
M Dent reported that all previous access problems, other than the Strathy Point one already reported on, had been resolved with agreements to either upgrade or provide appropriate improvements. He indicated that the period since the last meeting had been a quiet time for complaints but that he had a number of enquiries about land and management contracts.
With reference to Sandside Estate he reported that no progress had been made as there had been no reply to his approach. It was AGREED that a more robust approach be taken to the Estate and Members would provide him with contact information for the Estate.
On the general question of access W Beattie enquired about the access rights of a horse and trap and M Dent confirmed that this form of access is protected.
The Vice Chairman referred to the access to Ben Bhraggie and indicated that objections had been received in relation to part of the route being for dual access. M Dent confirmed that dual use is allowable.
5. Wildlife Park, Croick
With reference to the proposals that had been trailed in the press in relation to a Wildlife Park at Croick G Robson confirmed that the proposals for exotic animals on the Estate are no longer being considered, but that discussions had taken place on the introduction of Wild Boar and European Elks in 2007. He indicated that this will be experimental work undertaken in conjunction with Oxford University.
6. Calendar of Meetings
There had been submitted a report by the Area Administrator proposing a timetable for meetings for the remainder of the year being 6 June, 15 August, 3 October and 5 December. This was AGREED.
7. Public Meetings
The Area Administrator enquired if future meetings should be considered public meetings. This was AGREED.
It was AGREED further that should the press fail to attend or report on items considered by the Forum that M Dent should provide some copy for the local newspapers.
8. Proposed Hydro Electric Scheme at Kylesku
M MacPherson referred to the Hydro Electric Scheme which is under consideration at Kylesku and asked if this will result in restrictions to access and whether or not these restrictions should be discussed in advance during or after construction. It was AGREED that any restrictions to access should be considered either in advance of or during the construction process.
9. Date of Next Meeting
It was AGREED that the next meeting be held on 6 June 2006 at Durness.