Minute of Meeting of the Sutherland Local Access Forum held in the Durness Village Hall, Durness on Tuesday 3 October 2006 at 1.50pm

Present

W G Johnstone, Access User (In the Chair)

H B Field, Sutherland Walkers Group and Sports Council 

W Beattie, Forestry Commission

J Gall, Landowner/Crofter

F Keith, Highland Councillor

I Mitchell, Scottish Natural Heritage

M Macpherson, Assynt Mountain Rescue

Dr R G Park, Edderton Community Council

A Wood, Scourie Community Council

In Attendance

L O’Neill, Area Administrator, Highland Council

M Dent, Access Officer, Highland Council

A Macrae, Administrator, Highland Council

1.

Apologies for Absence

Apologies for absence were intimated from C Macculloch, Forestry Commission Scotland, J Ross, East Sutherland Canoe Club, W Sutherland, Crofter and C Whealing, Estate Manager, Sutherland Estates

2.

Minute of Meeting of 6 June 2006

The Minute of Meeting of 15 August 2006 was APPROVED.

3.

Core Path Planning

M Dent circulated a copy of the core path criteria, recently approved by the Planning, Development, Europe & Tourism Committee, a copy of which forms Appendix 1 to this Minute. 

He also reported that dates and times for the combined public exhibitions for the Sutherland Local Plan and Core Path Plan had been confirmed, and circulated a copy of the schedule, including details of the venues.  M Dent sought assistance from the Forum, in terms of assisting to promote the event locally, through the distribution of posters, leaflets etc, and attending the exhibitions to provide additional support.

The Chairman asked that within their own areas each Forum Member check on the distribution of leaflets etc, and advise M Dent on any other appropriate locations, and where possible, attend the public exhibitions relevant to their area.   Thereafter a schedule allocating specific exhibitions to individual members was drawn up, on the basis that if any person was unable to attend they advise the Access Officer or Area Administrator. Additionally it was agreed that all Members be circulated with the exhibition timetable via e-mail.

Mr F Keith queried the availability of funding for the repairs and maintenance of paths.  M Dent advised that it was unlikely the Council would receive any additional monies in the near future although lobbying is continuing in this regard.  Discussion followed on the inspection of paths, and M Dent outlined the recommended inspection regime.  The Chairman expressed concern at the amount of staff time which could be involved.  Concern was also expressed regarding the position should a path require repair and maintenance, but there is no available funding, and the liability issues involved in allowing public access in such cases.  M Dent stressed that the Council may have a duty of care in such circumstances.

The Chairman stated that there are two issues that must be clarified at a national level.  Firstly, who is responsible for risk assessing paths and determining the frequency of inspections, and secondly who is going to fund any repairs, and determine the appropriate timescale

W Beattie advised that Land Management Contracts could offer a solution.  I Mitchell indicated that community groups will soon be eligible. However it was reported that difficulties may arise where different Land Management Contracts exist for different sections of the path.

It was AGREED to recommend to the Sutherland County Committee that clarification be sought from the Scottish Executive via the Planning, Europe, Tourism and Development Committee on the responsibility for the risk assessment of paths and the funding and carrying out of repairs and maintenance.

4.

Press Launch of Forum

M Dent circulated proposed press release to publicise the existence and role of the Forum.

The Forum approved the press release and agreed it be issued immediately following the meeting, and in advance of the public consultation meetings.

5.

Local Access Issues

M Dent reported on the type of access issues being dealt with, such as questions regarding routes suitable for horse riding, off road parking for access takers, issues relating to dogs on Reay Golf Club, a fallen bridge in Rogart and various rights of way issues.

Referring to the upholding of access rights, he reported that ‘no access’ signs continue to be sited at Ben Thairsuinn windfarm, and that he would continue to pursue the matter with Scottish Power. Incidents of locked gates being removed and replaced by wired fences, thereby changing the nature of the access, had also arisen.  He detailed a number of access projects he is involved with at Golspie, Bonar Bridge, and Lochinver, and those involving signage at Melvich and Kinlochbervie. 

Dr R G Park questioned whether a policy could be established concerning the provision of road parking for access takers, in terms of whether areas could be identified in consultation with the landowner, or means by which landowners could be compensated for land being used for this purpose.  M Dent responded that the emphasis is currently on preserving parking areas rather than creating new sites, and W Beattie observed that it may not be TEC Services policy to establish new off road parking sites.

Acknowledging this point, the Chairman sited cost as an issue in creating new areas, and stated that he was not aware particular problems with parking in Sutherland.  However he suggested that if Dr Park identifies any specific problem, he advise the Access Officer.

6.

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

Mr H B Field presented a full report on the recent National/Local Access Forums Joint Meeting which he had attended in Peebles on 20 September 2006 along with four other representatives from the Highlands, and summarised the main topics discussed.  The morning session comprised a meeting of the National Access Forum which he had attended as an observer.  He explained that the agenda and papers for the joint meeting held in the afternoon, had been circulated at the meeting, and therefore could not be  absorbed in the time allowed.  He observed that both the format of the meeting, and his attendance as a one-off, made it difficult to follow proceedings, and suggested that in future the number of representatives attending from the Highlands be reduced, and, if possible, the same persons attend to ensure continuity.  He also expressed concern at the method of selecting the representatives from Highland, resulting in two members from the Skye & Lochalsh Forum being selected, which he deemed unfair, given the demand for places.

It was AGREED that Mr Field’s comments be reported back to the Director of Planning & Development.

M Dent confirmed he would arrange for minutes of the National Access Forum meetings to be circulated to the Forum, to keep Members informed.

7.

Schedule of Meetings 2007

Following discussion it was AGREED that quarterly meetings be held in 2007 on the first Tuesday of the month, as follows;

6 February

8 May

7 August

6 November

Additionally it was AGREED that a site visits be held in circumstances where issues in an area relevant to the Forum exist, and that the venues also be confirmed nearer the time, dependant on such issues at the time.

8.

Any other Competent Business

H B Field referred to the mountain bike trails on Ben Bhraggie and advised that while signs had been erected warning walkers of bikers on the route, as previously agreed by the Forum, they were relatively small, and could easily be missed by walkers.  He suggested that larger signs be erected on the more dangerous parts of the tracks, for example the flyover section.

M Dent confirmed that these were standard routes on cycle paths, but acknowledged that particular locations may benefit from larger signs.

The Forum AGREED that the Access Officer liaise with C Whealing and the Mountain Bike representatives, on the provision of larger signs, in the interest of safety.

9.

Date of Next Meeting

It was AGREED that the next meeting be held in Lairg on Tuesday 5 December 2006.