Agendas, reports and minutes

Minute of the meeting of Skye and Lochalsh Local Access Forum held in the Council Office Old Corry Industrial Estate, Broadford on Friday 30th September 2016 at 2.00 pm.

Present:

Mr Alistair Danter, Mr Peter Elford, Mr Rob Ware, Ms Nicola Rust, Mr Jim Towers, Mr Bruce Taylor.

Also in Attendance:

Mr Donald Kennedy, Access Officer, Highland Council

Ms Sarah Lewis, Skye Conservation Officer, John Muir Trust

Ms Ellie MacLennan, Skye and Lochalsh Countryside Ranger, Highland Council

1.         Apologies for absence

Mr John Gordon, Mr Ally MacAskill, Dr Audrey Sinclair

2.         Confirmation of minutes

The minute of the meeting of Forum held on 20th November 2015, a copy of which had been circulated, was approved.

3.         Local access issues

There had been circulated Report No. SLLAF-01-16 by the Access Officer detailing local access issues in Skye and Lochalsh as follows:-

1.	SL04.13/01 Parking,Sanitation and Litter Issues, Fairy Pools Car Park
	Background
	The AO received an enquiry from Minginish CC regarding lack of parking, toilet facilities and associated problems at the Fairy Pool car park.
	Current status.
	A study had been commissioned by the council and is underway looking at various options that might alleviate parking problems. Following that report The Fairy Pools Project Group has been set up comprising representatives from the Highland Council, landowners and local community groups to develop a programme plan from the options outlined in the appraisal study. The Forum noted the position.

 

 

2.	SL01.05/01 Barrier across track, Stromeferry
	Background Complaints by members of the public that a deer fence height barrier had been erected across an access track leading to the shore. Landowner advised that these measures had been taken due to unauthorised vehicular access, fly tipping and vandalism to fencing.
	Current status
	The barrier has been dismantled and an informal barrier to vehicular access has been put in place.  It is not known by whom or when. The situation will be monitored by the access officer. The Forum noted the position Action by: DK
3	SL06.15/01 Path to Dun Fiadhart
	Background Complaint from visitor that gate is padlocked to Dun Fidhairt, promoted in local leaflet and websites.
	Current status
	Following negotiation with the land manager a stile has been installed to the side of the gate. The Forum noted the position

 

4.         Access team structure

 

The Access team within Highland Council is now comprised of only four Access Officers covering three areas on a reduced budget. DK now covers Skye, Lochalsh and West Lochaber. Queries whether Forum Members could undertake any access tasks were raised, however DK highlighted difficulties in this as much of the work requires site visits.

 

The Forum noted the position.

 

5.         Access review projects

 

To end of FY 2015/16 projects included Fairy Pools path upgrades, the Borve Old Road link and the North Portree Link Core Path (new gates and surfacing).

 

Revenue projects for 2016/17 – Only half the previous years’ budget is now available which needs to be spread over a larger area. Average budget per Access Officer is £20,000.

 

Revenue Projects  FY 2016-17 (including West Lochaber)

Church to Cemetery Path, Arisaig         £6,000

Loch Sneodale Track, Kilmuir                £5,000

 

The Access Officer has £9,000 left which will likely be directed to Coral Beach but open to suggestions. Peter Elford suggested the Ullinish to Oronsay path could benefit from some attention, now impassable. The Access Officer will check this.  

 

The Forum noted the position.

 

Action by: DK/All

 

6.         Core Path Review Plan

 

DK presented a powerpoint summary  updating progress of  the Core Path Plan Review.

 

Paths that have been assessed for inclusion as candidate core paths since last meeting are as follows:

 

Coastal link between Suishnish and Boreraig	included as candidate
Linking path from Fairy Pools to Bealach a Mhaim	rejected as candidate
Hill path  Bundalloch  to Camus-luinieas, Dornie	rejected
Upper Edinbane to village centre path	rejected
Sligachan to Camasunary Right of Way	included
Extending network of paths in forestry between Stein and Geary	rejected
Coastal wallk Lorgill to Idrigill, Glendale	rejected
Route linking Balvraid and Moyle Core Paths, Glenelg	included
Route linking Balvraid and Corran Core Paths, Glenelg	included
Route linking Corran Core Path to Kinlochhourn  Glenelg/Lochaber area	included
Affric to Kintail Long Distance Route	included
Totaig to Ardintoul	rejected
Path to Falls of Glomach	included
Link from Kyleakin woodland paths to forest management tracks	included
Access to shore at Fiskavaig	rejected
Footpath to shore at Inver, Raasay	included
Braigh an Uird Woodland, Sleat	rejected
‘Blue route’, Clan Donald network	included
Linking Dalavil path  to Home Farm Road, Sleat	rejected

 

 

 

Highland Council cannot put forward the Core Path review until all areas have completed their own reviews, so unlikely anything will go to the Scottish Government until 2018. Given this timescale, forum members were encouraged to bring any candidate core paths, including any forthcoming access developments and proposals to the attention of the Access Officer.

 

The Forum noted the position.

 

Action by: All

 

7.         Access exemptions

 

This year there have been two exemptions – one for the Skeabost rally and the other at the Old Man of Storr to allow filming. Notice of the Storr closure went to Councillors and members however it was noted that because this is such a popular tourist attraction and more and more film crews seem to be visiting the island, a strategy to better inform local tourism businesses and the wider public could be considered for future site closures.

 

The Forum noted the position.

 

8.         AOCB

 

8.1. Forestry operations - Bruce Taylor advised there will be forestry operations over winter at Glenbrittle and Balmacara. Any site closures will only be for a number of days and diversions will be put in place. Closures at Ratagan are needed to deal with windblow and wash-out. These will roll into next year.

 

8.2. John Muir Trust - Sarah Lewis advised that the JMT have now hired a Footpath Officer for a two year period. Two contracts are planned over the coming year, one is already underway on the Beinn Dearg horseshoe (Glamaig, Sligachan) where contractors are due to complete works in December 2016. Works on the Drumhain sections due to start in the coming weeks. Keppoch forest will be felled in spring 2017 but operations will not impede access.

 

8.3. Disabled Ramblers - Nicola Rust advised that the old road section of the Broadford loop path (near the cemetery) is becoming very overgrown and scooter access is now very difficult. Requested for this to be cleared by either Highland Council or Forest Enterprise.

 

8.4. Portnalong bridge – Jim Towers raised the issue of the bridge on the Portnalong to Ardtrek path which is in a dangerous state of repair. The Community Council were to write to the fish farm operator in the area to replace this. JT will contact the Community Council re. this.

 

8.5. Edinbane campsite path – Alistair Danter advised that the Edinbane Community Council have agreed to fund a length of path to connect to the campsite, but have requested a sign be provided for this.

 

The Forum noted the position.

 

Action by: DK/JT/AD

 

9.         Date of next meeting

 

The date of the next meeting is to be confirmed.

 

Action by: DK/AD

 

 

Meeting closed at 1540 hrs.