Minute of Meeting of the Sutherland Local Access Forum held in the Borgie Lodge Hotel, Borgie on Tuesday 15 August 2006 at 2.30pm

Present

W G Johnstone, Access User (In the Chair)

C Whealing, Estate Manager, Sutherland Estates (Vice Chair)

H B Field, Sutherland Walkers Group and Sports Council  

C MacCulloch, Forestry Commission

I Mitchell, Scottish Natural Heritage

I Ross, Highland Councillor

J Ross, East Sutherland Canoe Club

W Sutherland, Crofter

A Wood, Scourie Community Council

In Attendance

M Dent, Access Officer, Highland Council

A Macrae, Administrator, Highland Council

1.

Apologies for Absence

Apologies for absence were intimated from W Beattie, J Gall, Councillor F Keith, M Macpherson, and Dr R G Park,

2.

Minute of Meeting of 6 JUNE 2006

The Minute of Meeting of 6 June 2006 was APPROVED.

Arising from this item and in relation to the membership of the Forum, it was reported that the Highland Council’s Sutherland County Committee had agreed to appoint Councillor R Finlayson and Councillor I Ross as substitutes in the event that Councillors D Allan and F Keith are unable to attend.

The Chairman welcomed Councillor Ross to his first meeting of the Forum.

3.

Note of Sub Group of 20 July 2006

The Note of Sub Group of 20 July 2006 was submitted.

The Chairman advised that the Sub Group had sought to clarify the Forum’s prime functions under two main headings i.e. ‘Ongoing’ and ‘Occasional’ and outlined the main points agreed.  The Sub Group had recommended that that the Access Officer report to the Sub Group on the occasional items by exception. The Chairman emphasised that this will ensure that the Forum is kept aware of all significant issues. 

I Mitchell noted that the Sub Group considered it was the responsibility of Scottish Natural Heritage and other agencies to promote the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.  However he suggested that the Forum has a role in assisting with promotional issues.  The Chairman acknowledged that while not a core duty the opportunity exists for the Forum to assist in this regard.

The Chairman highlighted that the Sub Group had sought to establish a procedure to deal with approaches from the press.  It had been agreed that it be delegated to the Access Officer and Chairman to deal with all press contact.  In the event that neither the Chairman nor Access Officer is available to deal with the press, then the Forum’s policy should be to make no comment.  The Chairman emphasised this policy to all members of the Forum.

The Forum APPROVED the recommendations of the Sub-Group

4.

Communications Strategy

There had been circulated a revised draft communications strategy for the Forum

The Forum heard from M Dent in relation to the draft, advising that it had been revised to make it more applicable to Sutherland.

This was NOTED.

5.

Core Path Planning 

M Dent provided an update on progress with the Core Path Planning consultation process. 

He explained that approximately one hundred replies had been received in response to the targeted mailshot.  Public Exhibitions will be held in every community council area with effect from 18 September into October 2006, tied in with the Sutherland Local Plan events.  Posters and leaflets had been drafted publicising the dates of the exhibitions and volunteers are being sought to assist with distribution.  A press release will be prepared advertising the dates and a second newsletter issued to inform the public.

Mr I Ross advised as part of the Council’s Local Plan process the public exhibitions and meetings will be held in most major communities in Sutherland and outlined the proposed format of these events.

The Chairman queried whether the proposed dates for the public are fixed, expressing concern that there should be no further delay.  Mr I Ross advised that although the final dates are to be set, it is proposed to hold these events mid September to late October.  M Dent advised that the preference is to avoid having the public travelling over the winter months.

I Mitchell suggested that copies of the posters and leaflets be sent to North West Voluntary Groups and Voluntary Groups – East Sutherland as a means of disseminating the information to their member organisations. 

Responding to questions the Access Officer confirmed that the quality of responses to the mailshot had been good, mainly from individuals and well spread across the County with the exception of Central Sutherland where the response had been relatively low.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of capturing the views of the visiting public as part of the consultation process. M Dent reported on efforts to ensure tourists are targeted and advised that the second round of consultations, proposed for Spring 2007, will bring another opportunity to capture visitors at the beginning of the new tourist season.

W Sutherland queried whether a general presentation will be given at each public event.  M Dent advised that the presentation will pertain to the specific community council area.

Following on from this M Dent reported on draft criteria drawn up by the local authority, in line with Scottish Executive guidelines, to determine whether a route becomes a core path and to assess priorities, and listed the individual elements within the overall criteria.  C Whealing queried whether a route would be expected to meet the majority of the criteria to become a core path.  M Dent confirmed this to be the case.

I Mitchell queried the definition of the criteria relating to community demand.  M Dent advised that while based on settlement zones, account will be taken of interest outwith an area, i.e. visitors.

The Chairman referred to existing paths which are not well used but have the potential to be, and asked how they would stand against the criteria.  M Dent outlined the relevant criteria that would apply in such a case, for example, being safe and fit for purpose, and close to where people live.  W Sutherland observed that there are paths in his area which are no longer used, often because barriers exist on the route or the younger generation do not know they exist.  M Dent stated that these routes could be included on the blank maps on display at the public exhibitions, and that the public can inform of where barriers to access exist so that he can pursue appropriate action.

I Mitchell expressed concern that the weighting of the criteria may result in rural paths losing out to more urban paths, and therefore more challenging routes could be lost because they are less easily maintained.  M Dent indicated that a statutory duty exists to ensure that everywhere has a path network, and as such a duty exits to ensure routes are established in rural areas where none exist.

Summarising the Chairman advised that a main function of the Forum is to identify and ensure routes are included as part of the core path planning process, and members should be alert to this in respect of their own areas. 

Responding to the Chairman concerning the second round of consultations, M Dent reported that the next stage would to undertake the relevant detailed survey work, with a view to a draft Plan being issued in late Spring/early Summer.

It was AGREED to note progress with Core Path Planning.

6.

Forestry Access

H B Field reported on difficulties with forestry access experienced by the Sutherland Walkers Group, citing as an example gated entrances to plantations with no other means of access.  He sought guidance on the Forestry Commission’s policy on this issue.

M Dent stressed that a core part of his job is to ensure access by the public, and that any such difficulties on readily used forest routes should be referred to him for action.

C MacCulloch clarified that while there is no official policy on this issue within her District, the Commission sought to respond positively to requests related to access as and when they are received with cost effective solutions being sought.  However she cautioned that the available financial resources are limited and therefore the budget determined priorities. 

This was NOTED.

7.

Enforcement of Outdoor Access Code – Issues Relating to Dogs

C MacCulloch reported on problems being experienced with dog fouling on forest walks albeit that bins had been installed in several locations.  She sought guidance on how irresponsible dog owners can be dealt with to address this problem to the benefit of staff and the wider public.

M Dent advised that this was a particular problem in managed areas of land, and suggested that in terms of the communications strategy this would be an ideal issue for the Forum to publicise.

Mr I Ross observed that dog fouling is a problem generally within communities and expressed concern at the associated health issues. While the Council employs a dog warden, resources are stretched making it difficult to catch and fine irresponsible dog owners.  Joint patrols with the Police had been organised in the past, though these tend to be viewed as a low priority by the latter. However he suggested that the Council’s TEC Services be advised of any persistent offenders and timings, and the matter explored further.

It was AGREED that M Dent and C MacCulloch, in conjunction with TEC Services, prepare a press release for issue through the Council’s press office on the subject of dog fouling and in particular the associated health risks.  Additionally it was AGREED that TEC Services be advised of any persistent offenders so that appropriate action can be pursued.

8.

Local Access Issues

M Dent reported that there were no specific issues to report, the bulk of his work being concentrated on core path planning.  However recent items he had addressed related to access over a golf course, dog fouling, and gates issues.

The Chairman stated that while he did not expect a report on every item handled by the Access Officer, it is useful through a verbal report, to get an overview of the types of matters being dealt with and issues of concern to the public.

Discussion followed on the recording of questions, complaints etc, and M Dent indicated that he would take account of the Sub Group’s discussions in terms of future reporting.

9.

National/Local Access Forums – JointMeeting: 20 September 2006, Peebles

The Forum was advised that expressions of interest are sought from those wishing to attend the National/Local Access Forums on 20 September 2006 .  Three representatives from the Highlands will attend with the Director of Planning & Development making the final decision.

It was AGREED that expressions of interest from the Chairman, Vice Chairman and H B Field be intimated to the Director of Planning & Development.

10.

Any Other Competent Business

Ø      H B Field referred to a document on Countryside Recreation produced by the Forestry Commission, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Tourist Board and Sports Scotland, and suggesting this be examined and if relevant taken forward by the Forum. 

This was NOTED.

Ø      I Mitchell reported on correspondence received from the British Horse Society Scotland inviting equestrian representatives on Local Access Fora to a training day for access volunteers on 10 September 2006 in Gleneagles.  H B Field advised that although the Forum does not have an equestrian representative, the Sports Council is sending a representative to the event.

This was NOTED.

11.

Date of Next Meeting

It was AGREED that the next meeting be held in Durness on 3 October 2006.