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Company: Dunrossness Community Council

DUNROSSNESS COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Chairman			 		    	Clerk
Mr Donald Robertson					Mrs Shirley Leslie
7 Toabsgeo			Ringesta
Virkie			Quendale
Shetland  ZE3 9JJ					Shetland  ZE2 9JD
Tel:  01950 460300					Tel: 01950 460868
							Fax: 01950 460922
                                                                           E-mail:dunrossness.cc@zetnet.co.uk
					           www.dunrossnesscc.shetland.gov.uk

Minute of Meeting of Dunrossness Community Council held in Dunrossness Primary School on Monday 26 August 2002.

PRESENT:
Mr D Robertson (Chairman)	Ms S Fowlie	Mrs A Sinclair	Mrs E Mainland 	 
Mr I Garrick	Mr J Sinclair 	Mr R Nickerson Mr J Ridland 	Mrs S Jones
Cllr W Tait			
	
APOLOGIES
Mrs A Nicol 	Mrs J Morton 	Mrs M Pickbourne 	Cllr G Mitchell	P.C. Courts

IN ATTENDANCE:
Mrs S Leslie (Clerk)	Margaret Birnie (Shetland Drinkwise)

02/30 	MINUTE
The Minute of the meeting held on 24 June 2002 was adopted on the motion of Mrs Mainland.
	
02/31	MATTERS ARISING
1. Road Matters: There was nothing new to report.

2. South Mainland Fish Farms: Martin Holmes’ reply to Dunrossness 
Community Council’s comments on the draft of the new Works Licence Policy, 
which was deferred at the June meeting, was discussed.  It was agreed that the 
Clerk write to Gussie Angus, Willie Shannon and Martin Holmes stating that 
Dunrossness Community Council appreciate the current regulations but that they 
would also appreciate if Community Councils could be informed when SNH, SEPA 
and SEERAD are consulted as to whether an Environmental Assessment is 
required for a proposed development in their area.  This would give community 
councils approximately three months, as opposed to the current 28 days, to 
prepare a response to a Works Licence Application. It was stressed that 
Dunrossness Community Council are not seeking to be involved in the process at 
the EA stage but only to be notified that a party is interested in their area for 
aquaculture development.

02/31/2
26 August 2002      						page two of eleven

02/31	MATTERS ARISING
2. South Mainland Fish Farms (continued): Mr Nickerson and Mr Ridland had 
attended a meeting on 16 July 2002 held by Scottish Natural Heritage to discuss a 
recent study commissioned by SNH which looked at the carrying capacity of the 
landscape of the South Mainland and Scalloway Islands for new aquaculture 
development.  It was agreed to defer further discussion of this item until the next 
meeting to enable Mr Nickerson to obtain a projector so that the members could 
view a copy of the presentation given by SNH.
Vic Thomas had approached Ms Fowlie reference aquaculture in the South 
Mainland.  It was agreed that Mr Thomas be invited to write to Dunrossness 
Community Council regarding any new developments and, should the members 
consider further discussion necessary, Mr Thomas would be invited to attend a 
future meeting.

3. Fair Isle Toilets: As Cllr Mitchell was not present, there was nothing new 
to report.

4. Boddam Playing Field: The Clerk stated that there was nothing new to 
report.  It was agreed, as the summer is now almost over and nothing has 
happened yet regarding the replacement of the play equipment, that the 
Clerk contact Geordie Jacobson of the South Mainland Community 
Association and enquire if he has any up-to-date information regarding the proposed refurbishment.

5. Dunrossness Community Council Logo: Mr Robertson reported that, 
following enquiries, Dunrossness Community Council are permitted to adopt 
the ‘Quendale Horse’ as their logo if they wish.  Mrs Sinclair suggested that 
the ‘Bear’ might be another option for consideration.  Mr Robertson agreed 
to obtain a picture of the ‘Quendale Horse’ for consideration at the next 
meeting.

6. Clumlie Feeder Service: A letter had been received from Ian Bruce, SIC, 
stating that he had once again examined the Clumlie/Dalsetter feeder 
service and that ‘passenger usage cannot justify continued expenditure on 
this service’.  According to Mr Bruce, the timings of the feeder service do not 
coincide with the school transport runs and operating a dial-a-ride would not 
significantly reduce costs per passenger.  He stated, however, ‘that there is 
a greater demand for a late night bus service from Lerwick on a Saturday 
night departing at 11pm’ and that he has therefore ‘arranged for this to be 
introduced asap to include a feeder service from the Bigton junction (on a 
pre booked basis) to the Bigton and Scousburgh areas’.  The members 
agreed that it was disappointing that the feeder service had been lost, but 
that there is little they can do unless residents of the area can show that 
there is a requirement for such a service, in which case, Dunrossness 
Community Council would lobby for the service to resume.

02/32
26 August 2002      					page three of eleven

02/32  	FINANCE AND GRANT APPLICATIONS
1. Shetland Indoor Bowling Club - To assist with costs of preparing for the Inter Island Games in 2005 ie bringing a qualified coach to Shetland, gaining experience from Mainland Clubs and several members taking the club coaches qualification: It was agreed that Dunrossness Community Council were unable to offer assistance in this instance as the group is a ‘Shetland wide’ organisation.

2. Dunrossness Central Public Hall – To assist with the cost of upgrading the furniture: It was agreed on the motion of Mr Sinclair, seconded by Mrs Mainland to award the sum of £500 as requested.

02/33	PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND PLANNING MATTERS
 	Members noted the ‘weekly lists’ of planning applications.

1. to erect agricultural store, Newhouse, Hillwell, Quendale by 
Mr Colin W Smith – There was no objection.

2. To extend dwellinghouse, Harlequin, Bigton by Mr & Mrs T Quirk, 
Harlequin, Bigton - There was no objection.

3. To erect dwellinghouse, Mews, Bigton by Mr C M Smith, Glenisla, 
Brake, Bigton – It appeared that the proposed development lay within a 
designated Zone 4 area where housing development is restricted.  
Mr Nickerson had therefore made enquiries as to whether there were any 
local objections to the proposed house and following an enquiry by 
Mr Nickerson at the SIC Planning Department, a letter had been received 
from Bessie Hendry regarding the Local Plan Zone Boundary at Bigton.  
The letter states that, ‘in response to a query from Mr Nickerson, the SIC 
Planning Department have re-examined the western boundary of the Zone 1 
area at Bigton.  There appears to be a slight variation between the boundary 
in the Finished Draft Local Plan and the one on the map showing modifications submitted by Dunrossness Community Council on 
19 December 2001.  It is believed that the inaccuracy occurred because of 
the small scale of the modified map, however, with advise from 
Mr Nickerson the western Zone 1 boundary has been redrawn to follow the 
fence line’.  Two copies of the modified Bigton Zone Map were enclosed for 
the members to check and as it is hoped to present a report on the Local 
Plan to the Planning Forum as soon as possible, an early reply regarding 
the modifications was requested.  The members agreed that the copies of 
the maps showing the modified position of the boundary was acceptable 
and the Clerk agreed to confirm this to SIC.   There was, therefore, no 
objections to this application.

4. Re-roof dwellinghouse, 39 Dalsetter Wynd by Adamson Bros Ltd, Northbridge, Cunningsburgh - There was no objection.

02/33/5
26 August 2002      						page four of eleven

02/33	PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND PLANNING MATTERS (Continued)
5. Re-roof dwellinghouse, Rockdale, East Longield by Mr Eoin Harcus, Rockdale, East Longfield – There was no objection.

02/34	NESS 2000 
	The AGM is to be held in October.  Mr Robertson reported that Jane Booth, 
co-ordinator, has applied for Heritage Lottery Funding for a project on the 
recent history (last 75 years) of the area ie. Sumburgh Airport.  Ms Booth 
plans to attend the September meeting of the Community Council to introduce herself and update the members on NESS 2000 activities.

02/35	SHETLAND DRINKWISE 
The Chairman welcomed Margaret Birnie of Shetland Drinkwise to the meeting.  Miss Birnie informed the members that ‘Drinkwise’ is a national campaign funded by the Government.  The aim of Shetland Drinkwise is to promote responsible drinking in the adult population and this years drink awareness campaign in Shetland is being advertised by limited edition 
T-towels and mugs.  The T-towels and mugs are available at Shetland Drinkwise’s tea party in the Dunrossness Central Public Hall on 
7 September 2002 from 2 – 4pm, at which the Girls Brigade will be serving homebakes along with the tea in aid of the Archie Foundation.  Finally, 
Miss Birnie stated that once this years drink awareness campaign is over, Shetland Drinkwise will cease to exist as the Government is launching a new scheme.	

02/36	CORRESPONDENCE
1. Scottish & Southern Energy plc letter ref. Dunrossness Electricity 
Supply: Following Dunrossness Community Council’s letter regarding the 
numerous interruptions to the local electricity supply, a reply apologising for 
the problems and explaining some of the reasons for the interruptions had 
been received from Paul Gallagher, Supply Restoration Manager.   
Mr Gallagher invited Dunrossness Community Council to contact him direct 
should further interruptions be experienced.

2. SIC Community Services Department letter ref. Adult Literacy and 
Numeracy Awareness Training: The letter was noted and Mrs Jones 
stated that she would be attending the training session scheduled for 
Wednesday 18 September at Islesburgh House.

3.  NHS Shetland Communications Strategy Summary Version: The 
Clerk distributed copies of the above document for the members 
information.

4.  ‘Thank you’ letter from South Mainland Community Association 
Senior Citizens’ Group for grant received: The letter was noted.

02/36/5
26 August 2002      						page five of eleven

02/36	CORRESPONDENCE (Continued)
5.  ‘Thank you’ letter from Bigton Play Area Ltd for ‘Voar Redd Up’ 
donation: The letter was noted.

6.  ‘Thank you’ letter from Bigton Youth Club for ‘Voar Redd Up’ 
donation: The letter was noted.

7.  SIC letter ref. Tingwall Airport: To enable staff at Tingwall Airport to 
attend a course at Teesside Fire College, the airport will be closed from 
1 September 2002 to 8 September 2002.  The training is necessary to 
enable the airport to comply with the required CAA regulations.  During the 
period of closure, all inter-island scheduled flights will operate to/from 
Sumburgh Airport with free transport being provided from Lerwick (Viking 
Bus Station) to Sumburgh Airport for each flight.

8.  ASCC letter ref. Code of Conduct: It has been suggested that 
a) the proposed election pack for the Community Council elections in 
November should contain a copy of the Code of Conduct
b) Community Councillors should acknowledge acceptance of the code 
within two weeks of taking up their appointment 
c) a complaint regarding breach of the code should be directed firstly to the 
Community Council Clerk, then the Secretary of the Association and finally 
SIC.  
The members agreed that these points were all satisfactory.  It was also
agreed, as suggested by Mr Nickerson, that once the Code of Conduct was 
adopted a copy should be placed on Dunrossness Community Council’s 
website.

9.  SIC letter ref. National Waste Strategy – Scotland: The copy of the Orkney and Shetland Draft Area Waste Plan Summary was noted.

10. SIC letter ref. Change to Kerbside Refuse Collection Service: The letter informing the Community Council of the change of days for the collection of refuse in the Dunrossness area was noted.

11. ASCC letter ref. E-mail Address: The ASCC now has an e-mail address which is ascc@zetnet.co.uk

12. Shetland Voluntary Care Forum AGM: The AGM of the Shetland Voluntary Care Forum is on Monday 2 September 2002 in the Bressay Room, Lerwick Hotel at 6.30pm.

13. UHI Millennium Institute leaflet: A sample of a leaflet detailing the range of university level courses available was enclosed.  It was agreed that the Clerk should order further leaflets for display in Dunrossness Central Public Hall and Fair Isle.

02/36/14
26 August 2002      						page six of eleven

02/36	CORRESPONDENCE (Continued)
14. ASCC Meeting: The next meeting of the ASCC is on Saturday 
5 October 2002 in the Clickimin Centre at 11am.  Following a suggestion by Dunrossness Community Council, which was brought up at a previous ASCC meeting, the ASCC have investigated the possibility of employing Skerries START to archive some past information onto CD.  The task was completed quickly and efficiently and no special computer applications are required to access the CD.  However, the process is quite costly and 
Wendy Fraser, ASCC, suggests, should any community council be interested, that they liase with herself and larger batches of papers could then be sent to START to achieve a lower price.  The Clerk stated that the biggest problem at the moment is the quantity of paperwork other than minutes and agendas.  Mrs Sinclair suggested that the Clerk approach Brian Smith of Shetland Archives regarding which documents should be retained and possible storage. 

15. Airwave mm02 Ltd letter ref. new service for Emergency Services: According to this letter, Airwave, a ‘fully integrated, national, digital radio communications service designed to meet the needs of the police and other public safety organisations in Scotland, England and Wales’, is due to be launched shortly.

16. SIC letter ref. Local Learning Group meeting: A meeting of the Local Learning Group is planned for 16 September 2002 in the Bigton Café.  

17. The following are available from the Clerk on request:                                                          
-	Shetland Recreational Trust Annual Report 2001-2002
-	APRS Newsletter. Issue No. 41 – Summer 2002 
-	Crossroads (Shetland) Care Attendant Scheme Annual Report and Accounts 2001/2002 
-	National Waste Strategy :Scotland – Draft Area Waste Plan Summary for Orkney & Shetland
-	The Right Track Newsletter, Mid-Summer 2002 Issue 15
-	NHS Shetland Local Health Plan 2002-2007
-	The Brian Tulloch Memorial Trust – Phase 1 Report
-	Children & Young People’s Services Plan 2002-2004 
-	Shetland Islands Litter Prevention Plan 2002-2007
-	Adult Literacy News, Volume 1, Issue 1

02/37	ANY OTHER BUSINESS
1. Special External Transportation Forum: Mr Robertson attended a 
Special External Transportation Forum meeting on 18 July 2002 which was 
convened specifically for the purpose of considering a report on Air Services 
by the Head of Transport and Environment:

02/37/1a
26 August 2002    					page seven of eleven

02/37	ANY OTHER BUSINESS
1. Special External Transportation Forum (continued): 
a) British Airways are currently offering a fare of £99 return on the 
Sumburgh/Aberdeen route, but there are some doubts as to the availability of seats (a previous special offer had only been available on 3 seats per 
day).  Also, although children’s fares cost 50%, taxes are charged at 100%.  
The National Opinion Poll survey, carried out in November 2000, found that 
75% of passengers paid their own fares – a contradiction to what British Airways have always maintained was the case.

b) PSO Study – a PSO contract should be sought for a maximum of 3 years 
and the initial tender would be on the basis of no subsidy.  The 
Shetland/Edinburgh fare was the only one which currently met all the criteria 
and members felt that, at £180 return, it was fair and reasonable.
The suggested objectives would be to make economy fares widely available 
from Shetland to Aberdeen, Kirkwall, Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow and 
London.  The fares should be no more that 15% higher than Ferry/Train 
fares and should not require a Saturday night stay.  A ‘family aircard’ should 
also be made available to at least 1 adult and 1 child travelling together.
This would require a PSO involving a Central Government subsidy, working 
together with HITRANS, support from MSP’s and MP’s as well as support 
from all of the Shetland people.

Additional factors are that this would have to be agreed to by the 
Westminster Parliament and current lack of contact/progress with British 
Airways regarding the Aberdeen/Shetland route.

John Nicolson remarked that we have been pleading with the operators for 
50 years and getting nowhere – where a monopoly exists we simply tolerate 
it.  He added that, of course folk would travel more often if the fare was ½ 
price.  The core issue is the ability to access services on the mainland.

Arthur Watt stated there was also need to look at the flexibility of schedules 
as attending a 2 to 4 hour meeting in Inverness required several days away.  
He also said that the Scottish Executive was currently looking at a National 
Events Strategy for Scotland (Shetland currently has 2 in that category).  
Unless fares are reasonable, Shetland could be totally disadvantaged.

Maurice Mullay stated that air fares were the single greatest deterrent to 
people visiting Shetland.  Currently the main market is from the south east 
of England and they do not have time to travel surface to Aberdeen and 
then take the Ferry – 45% of their holiday money is spent on travel - if fares 
are reduced they will have more disposable income to spend in Shetland.  
They are also having a lot of difficulty getting flights, as the number of seats 
available have been reduced to provide higher load factors.

Willie Tait said that we are looking for a level playing field – comparing the 
cost of getting to the mainland with the cost of going abroad.
02/37/1b
26 August 2002      					page eight of eleven

02/37	ANY OTHER BUSINESS
1. Special External Transportation Forum (continued): 
b) PSO Study (continued) - Bill Manson asked if SIC had considered 
investment in/assistance to an airline.  The reply given was that, 
theoretically, we could operate an in-house airline but it would need to be 
part of the IATA system.

Jim Irvine said that the PSO exercise should be tried first and 
Maurice Mullay stated that alternatives should be actively pursued eg. the 
airline which operated flights from Faroe to Aberdeen.  Gordon Mitchell 
advised that HIAL are looking at charter packages as a trial.

The Forum unanimously agreed with the approach being taken by the SIC	and also recommended that the proposals be put to the Resources 
Committee for consideration.

 2. External Transportation Forum: Mr Robertson attended an External 
Transportation Forum meeting on 21 August 2002 at which the following 
items were discussed.
a) Northern Isles Ferry Contract – Gareth Crichton of Northlink Ferries 
gave an update to the meeting.  The first vessel is in Leith, a week early and 
under budget.  The second is also a week ahead of schedule.  A review of 
the timetables will take place due to the new competitive situation and the 
freight livestock vessel will be re-scheduled to better suit other 
requirements.  Lerwick Port facilities are on schedule, although the walkway 
schedule may be a little tight.

Staff – Northlink’s view is that TUPEE does not apply.  A freight/logistics 
manager will be appointed shortly.

Livestock – “Compliance is the key”.  Cassettes remain the preferred way 
forward.  An integrated solution for Orkney and Shetland would be much 
better.  Northlink will be offering a livestock service to Shetland when the 
temporary arrangements cease.  Mr Crichton continued by saying that 
GLT’s do not have a future (the authorities have, up until now, been turning 
a blind eye).  Northlink/Scottish Executive/customers prefer the cassette 
system.  

Passengers – On the commercial side, the withdrawal from Viking Island 
Holidays is very frustrating but there is great potential for Shetland to 
increase its volume of visitors.  There will be a cruise tour on 
23 September with invited agents and wholesalers from the UK and Europe sailing from Leith to Lerwick.  There have been 25,000 registrations with the 
‘Friends and Family’ scheme and there will be other special offers 

02/37/2a
26 August 2002      						page nine of eleven

02/37	ANY OTHER BUSINESS
a) Northern Isles Ferry Contract (continued):
Freight – Freight will now be a very competitive situation and may result in 
reduced sailings.
	
Fares – Mr Crichton did not see an increase in passenger fares as a 
solution to the reduction in freight income.  He stated that we may see an 
airline type pricing structure, with Apex fares for example, being offered.   
Willie Tait stated that he could not see the service being viable during the 
winter months.  Mr Crichton replied that the fares are contracted for the 5 
year period and there would be no easy way to change it.  The cash-flow 
situation could be eased by re-scheduling payments.  Graham Spall, SIC, 
gave reassurances that the schedule and fare structure were contractually 
in place.

	Jim Irvine, SIC, stated that it was disappointing to see the way that P&O 
were treating their staff, after a long and distinguished record serving the 
Isles.

	Mention was made of the reduction in freight rates, which Mr Crichton 
explained had been made possible due to reductions in port dues.  The 
reduced rates had been available at £36 for advance bookings before the 
competition had appeared.

There was some disquiet at the long-term effect the increased competition 
could have.  George Henderson reminded the meeting that with air services 
none of the competition had been able to be sustained.

Mr Crichton finished by saying that the passenger services are secure and 
that the ships are looking lovely.

b) HITRANS – PSO’s – Mr Spall, SIC, stated that development of a case for 
potentially subsidising air transport was the next step.  A costing exercise 
can be done and, although more complicated, costing social benefits can 
still be done.  Mr Irvine, SIC, stated that this would also be brought up at the 
COSLA Roads and Transport Executive Group meeting on 5 September 
2002.

c) Sumburgh Airport – A draft partnership agreement will be placed before 
the SIC Resources Committee this cycle, where a funding commitment will 
be sought.  Mr Henderson stated that very good progress had been made at 
a recent meeting with HIAL.

d) BA CitiExpress – A meeting had take place with BA on 12 August 
2002, which had been very positive.  It is their intention to roll out the new 
fare structure to all stations.  BA have also agreed to look at ways of 
providing a more comfortable experience for travellers.

02/37/2e
26 August 2002      						page ten of eleven

02/37	ANY OTHER BUSINESS
	2. External Transportation Forum (continued)
e) Other Business – On the suggestion of Mr Stove, Convenor, SIC, it was 
agreed to invite a representative of Norse Island Ferries to attend the next 
Forum meeting.

3. Levenwick Surgery: Ms Fowlie reported that she had received various 
complaints regarding the Levenwick Doctors’ Surgery since it ceased to 
open on Wednesday afternoons.  As it is outwith Dunrossness Community 
Council’s powers to alter how the Surgery operates, it was agreed that any 
person with a complaint should put it in writing to the Local Health Council 
with a copy to the Community Council. 

4. Community Council Elections: In reply to Mr Nickerson’s query, the 
Clerk stated that the Community Council Elections are due to take place in 
November. 

5. Learning Centre Open Day: Mrs Jones reported that there is to be an 
‘open day’ at the Learning Centre, Dunrossness Central Public Hall on 
Sunday 1 September 2002 between 2pm and 4pm.

6. Parish Cup: It was agreed that the local football team did very well in, 
and to reach, the final of the Parish Cup.

7. Classic Fair Isle: Mrs Sinclair reported that ‘Classic Fair Isle’ had been a 
huge success.

8. Skips: Following a complaint from a member of the public, the Clerk
enquired if there was anything that could be done regarding domestic refuse 
being put in skips.  It was agreed that, unfortunately, there was no further 
action which the Community Council could take regarding this problem with 
notices already placed on the skips and in the local shops detailing what 
can be dumped in community skips and notices in The Shetland Times from 
time to time. 

There being no other business the meeting closed at 10.30pm.

                                                                                                 Chair

 
26 August 2002						page eleven of eleven

THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF DUNROSSNESS COMMUNITY COUNCIL 
WILL TAKE PLACE IN DUNROSSNESS PRIMARY SCHOOL AT 7.30 PM ON MONDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2002