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 Monday 28 January 2002.

PRESENT:
Mr D Robertson (Chairman)	Mr I Garrick 		Mr J Ridland		
Mrs E Mainland			Mr J Sinclair		Mr R Nickerson		
Ms S Fowlie 			Mrs A Nicol		Mrs J Morton 		
P.C. McCaffrey	

APOLOGIES
Mrs M Pickbourne 	Mrs A Sinclair		Cllr G Mitchell		Cllr W Tait

IN ATTENDANCE:
Mrs S Leslie (Clerk)	

01/75 	MINUTE
The Minute of the meeting held on 17 December 2001 was adopted on the motion of Mr Nickerson.
	
01/76	MATTERS ARISING
1. Road Matters: There was nothing new to report.
2. South Mainland Fish Farms: A letter has been received from SIC Planning 
Department stating that the Works Licence Application to develop a new scallop 
farm site at Levenwick by Levenwick Development Committee has been refused.  
The reason for refusal, according to the letter, is as follows:
‘The proposals represent new aquaculture development in a hitherto undeveloped 
area of Shetland coastline and are premature to the Shetland Marine Management 
Plan, currently at the consultation stage, which will provide strategic guidance on 
the future sustainable development of aquaculture development in Shetland.  
Approval of a works licence for aquaculture in the Levenwick area could prejudice 
this strategic guidance by limiting the opportunities available to the Council, the 
wider aquaculture industry, the community and other regulatory bodies.’
Mrs Nicol reported that the Levenwick Development Committee do not intend to 
appeal against the refusal.

01/76/3
28 January 2002      						page two of seven

01/76	MATTERS ARISING (Continued)
3. Service Bus from Anderson High School: Mr Nickerson enquired if a reply 
had been received from Ian Bruce, SIC regarding Dunrossness Community 
Council’s request for a larger bus on the service which also conveys pupils from the 
Anderson High School.  The Clerk replied that there had not been as yet.

01/77	FINANCE AND GRANT APPLICATIONS
1. South Mainland Community History Group – To assist with the costs of updating and improving Visitor Interpretation ie. producing and printing of new Quendale Water Mill brochure, producing, printing and laminating associated leaflet and providing 2 no. additional signs: 
Mr Robertson declared an interest.  It was agreed on the motion of Mrs Nicol, seconded by Ms Fowlie to award the requested sum of £437.00.
2. The Archie Foundation – To assist with costs of transforming the new Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital from a ‘standard provision Children’s Hospital into a model of excellence’: It was agreed to approach the local shops and enquire if they would be willing to have an ARCHIE Badge Box or Collection Can on their premises.  It was also agreed, on the suggestion of Mr Nickerson, that the request for financial assistance be deferred until the end of the financial year (March 2002), and if there are funds available at this time, the Community Council will then consider making a donation towards the Fund.

01/78	PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND PLANNING MATTERS
  Members noted the ‘weekly lists’ of planning applications.
	1. To erect dwellinghouse adjacent to Pundston, Levenwick by 
Mr M Niven, Fraddigill, Levenwick – Mrs Nicol informed the Community 
Council that the ‘next door neighbours’ to the proposed house intend to 
object to the application.  This was noted.
2. To install 1 no. 1.8m dish at 26.4m for CCI, Fair Isle by NTL, 
Hampshire – There was no objection.

01/79	JANE THOMAS, SHETLAND ENTERPRISE 
	The Chairman welcomed Jane Thomas to the meeting.  Mrs Thomas 
explained that the Community Economic Development Programme is a 
source of European Funding which is managed jointly by a partnership 
which consists of representatives from various groups in Shetland and 
Shetland Enterprise.  The Programme runs until the end of 2006 and 
Dunrossness and Fair Isle have been targeted as one of eight areas to 
receive funding during phase 1 of the Programme.  An additional 5 areas 
will be eligible for funding from 2003.  The CED Programme leads on from 
‘Leader II’ which supported 104 projects and ended in December 1999.  
Anyone based in the community ie. small businesses, school boards, 
voluntary groups, community councils etc. can apply, providing the 
proposed project will benefit the community.  Applications are made to 
Shetland Enterprise and are then passed to the partnership, who meet 
every six weeks, for consideration. 

01/79
28 January 2002      						page three of seven

01/79	JANE THOMAS, SHETLAND ENTERPRISE (Continued)
Up to 50% of the total cost of the proposed project, depending on the size, 
is available, although the source of the remainder of the funding must be 
know at the time of applying.  There are no deadlines for the submission of 
applications.  The following are the five areas within the Programme: 

1) Developing Community Strengths
2) Supporting Local Services, Business, Infrastructure, Childcare, Community Transport & Out of School projects
3) Developing Natural/Cultural Resources
4) Supporting Training
5) Fisheries Development

Mrs Thomas stressed that she is more than willing to assist anyone, who 
has a project which they think meets the criteria, with their application. 

01/80	NESS 2000 
	A meeting of the Board is scheduled for Tuesday 5 February 2002.

01/81	SCATNESS WARD VACANCY 
	The Clerk informed the members that she had received only one application 
which was considered invalid as the proposer and seconder do not reside in the Scatness Ward.  She had approached SIC for advice and had been informed that the Community Council have two options: a) co-opt someone or b) run a second election.  It was agreed to request a re-run.
	
01/82	CORRESPONDENCE
1. SIC letter ref. Children & Young People’s Services Plan 2002-2004 
Consultation: Mrs Morton stated that the above plan had been discussed 
and agreed on at the last Children & Young People’s Services meeting.  
The document was therefore noted.
2. SIC letter ref. Local Government Boundaries & Community Council 
Wards: The proposals which were put to the ASCC meeting in October 
2001 were considered and the Clerk was requested to write and stress that 
Dunrossness Community Council strongly wish the Community Council 
Boundaries to remain as at present. 
3. SIC letter ref. Codes of Practice and Conduct: The Clerk agreed to 
send copies of the ‘Codes of Practice and Conduct’ report which was 
submitted to the ASCC October 2001 meeting to the members for 
consideration before the next meeting.
4. SIC letter ref. Community Council By-Elections – Procedures: The 
proposed procedures were considered.  Mr Nickerson enquired if, as is 
proposed, Community Council Clerks are required to assist the Returning 
Officer with areas of the election process which involve the electoral roll, 
who is responsible if an error occurs and a member of the community is 
denied their right to vote.  

01/82/4
28 January 2002      						page four of seven 

01/82	CORRESPONDENCE
4. SIC letter ref. Community Council By-Elections – Procedures 
(continued):It was agreed that the Clerk will write to the SIC for clarification 
on this point.
5. Fetlar Museum Trust letter and questionnaire ref. possible ‘Shetland 
Centre for Folklore’: It was agreed that a ‘Centre for Folklore’ was a good 
idea although possibly in a more accessible rural area than Fetlar.  The 
questionnaire was completed for the Clerk to return.
6.  SIC letter ref. Practice in Partnership Agreement for People with 
Learning Disabilities (PiP): The document was noted.
7.  Scottish Natural Heritage document ref. Natural Heritage Zones 
Programme: The document was noted.
8. NHS Shetland letter ref. Paths to Health: Mr Nickerson pointed out that 
routes in the Dunrossness area which are walked regularly by the 
community and which might benefit from being promoted as a local walking 
route had been identified on maps at the NESS 2000 Conference.  The 
Clerk will write and remind Mari Todd, Health Promotion Specialist of this.
9. Invite to attend the launch of the Victim Support Shetland Service in 
the Shetland Family Centre on Wednesday 6 February 2002 at 4pm:
The invite was noted.
10. SIC Education Services leaflet ref. Best Value Service Review 
Update to Schools and School Boards: Mrs Nicol requested, and it was 
agreed, that the Clerk write to SIC Department of Community Services 
enquiring if this leaflet had been distributed to those people who contributed 
to the review by completing questionnaires.
11. Shetland Amenity Trust letter ref. South Mainland Ranger: The 
funding package for these posts has now been finalised and a recruitment 
exercise will commence shortly.  The ‘Trust’ hopes to have two rangers in 
place by 1st April 2002.  The ‘Trust’ ‘intends to set-up a core steering group 
and two local working groups.  The core steering group will meet in Lerwick 
and comprise the funding partners, along with a representative of the 
tourism industry and a representative from each working group (South 
Mainland and North Isles).  The steering group will maintain a strategic 
overview of the service.  The local working groups will comprise 
representatives of all the relevant community organisations (community 
councils, tourism groups, development groups etc) as well as the funding 
agencies.  One member from each of the working groups will act as the 
area’s representative on the core steering group.’  Ms Fowlie volunteered to 
represent Dunrossness Community Council on the local working group.
12.  Invite to Living Shetland Seminar in Town Hall on Saturday 9th 
February 2002 from 10 am to 2 pm: Ms Fowlie plans to attend.
13. SIC letter ref. Environmental Health Service Licensing Review: The 
letter was noted.
14. The following are available from the Clerk on request:                                                          
-	APRS Newsletter, Issue No. 40 – Winter 2001
-	Biddy Simpson’s Community Perceptions of the NSA in the South Mainland of Shetland

01/83
28 January 2002      						page five of seven 

01/83	ANY OTHER BUSINESS
1. External Transportation Forum – Mr Robertson had attended an External 
Transportation Forum meeting on 9 January 2002 at which the following was 
discussed: 
a) Northern Isles Ferry Contract 
Mr John Horton, Northlink, gave an update on developments.  
Vessels: The two vessels to be used on the Shetland service will be identical 
ships with the Pentland Firth vessel being used as back-up when necessary – 
normally in February when there is less passenger demand as it will be a smaller 
vessel with fewer berths.  The scheduled delivery dates for the vessels are: 
Hjaltland - 15 August, Hrossey - 13 September and Hamnavoe (Pentland Firth) – 
27 September. Up-to-date progress reports on the building of the vessels is 
available at www.northlinkferries.co.uk
Staff: The staff (seafarers) method of transfer is still to be resolved.  Following a 
concern expressed by Mr Magnus Flaws (Shetland Enterprise), Mr Horton stated 
that additional crew will be recruited on a temporary basis while training of the 
permanent crew takes place.  
Haulage etc: Haulage and Groupage is to be carried out by ‘Northwards’ as this 
was not part of Northlink’s remit.  Tenders for Stevedoring, Passenger 
Reservations and Reception are to be considered soon by Northlink.
Vehicle Rates: With regards to Commercial Vehicle Rates, there will be no grants 
or cross subsidisation.  Grants will only apply to accompanied cars and private 
transport.  The Competition Act does not allow dissimilar conditions to be applied to 
similar transactions.  Northlink believes that its’ rates are fair and Mr Horton 
stressed that they must comply with the Act.  It was also confirmed that there will 
be no quantity discounts.
Livestock Vessel: The purchase of the Livestock Vessel was to be secured by 
16 January 2002.  It is 119 metre long with a 6 metre deck height, suitable for 
cassettes, and can sail at 17 knots.  Some modifications will be required.  The 
vessel should be available for service from 1 September 2002 and, assuming a 
solution to the cassette issue is reached, it will have a peak loading capacity of 
27,500 lambs per week. 
Cassettes: The Scottish Executive has been requested to underwrite the costs 
over a period of 15 years as opposed to 5 years as in the contract, otherwise 
charges will have to be considerably higher than proposed.  At a meeting on 
8 January 2002, the Executive confirmed that they were happy with the concept 
and were considering covering the design costs but also recognised the urgency.  
None of the vessels will be capable of carrying livestock other that in cassettes and 
there are no cost-effective compliant alternatives.  Mr Mitchell enquired how 
hopeful Northlink were of moving stock this season if the cassette issue was not 
resolved soon.  They replied that they have been trying to charter a suitable vessel 
but that this was proving extremely difficult and could also be very expensive.
Passenger Products and Prices: Passenger products and prices have been 
finalised and a joint marketing initiative has been formed between Shetland Islands 
Tourism and Orkney Tourist Board called ‘Viking Island Holidays’.  This provides a 
gateway for Smyril, therefore offering a complete package with the new Superfast 
Ferry to the continent also being included.  

01/83
28 January 2002      						page six of seven 

01/83	ANY OTHER BUSINESS
1. External Transportation Forum 
a) Northern Isles Ferry Contract (continued)
Concessionary Fares: Fares for older people and students will be subject to an 
additional 50% reduction on Island Fares.  There will also be a berth purchase 
scheme (by choice).  Rates (return with berth) are as follows: Low Season - £54, 
Mid Season – £73 and High Season - £83.  Disappointment was expressed at the 
fact that family accommodation (4 berth cabins) are on the inside of the vessel with 
only 2 berth cabins (with beds as opposed to bunks) on the outside with portholes.
b) Highlands & Islands Strategic Partnership
Mr A Hamilton, SIC, stated that the draft agreement had arrived.  It is hoped to 
have the Regional Transport Strategy completed by July 2002.  Mr J Irvine, SIC, 
recommended that Mr G Henderson (Chairman, Sumburgh Airport Consultative 
Committee) be appointed as a representative on this committee.
c) Sumburgh Airport Transfer
A meeting with the Scottish Executive has still to be arranged.  Mr Henderson, 
Chairman SACC, requested a statement from the Council regarding funding of the 
Airport transfer prior to the next SACC meeting in March 2002.
d) Public Service Obligations in Europe
The comparative study final draft should be ready for the next Forum meeting.  It is 
hoped that this could be a way to secure lower air fares.
e) Air Fares
Mr T Stove, SIC, requested that the deferred meeting with British Airways be 
sought as he was also keen to discuss time tabling with them.
2. Dunrossness Crime Figures: PC McCaffrey reported that the crime 
figures for Dunrossness during December were as follows: 1 Nuisance 
Incident, 7 Firearms Enquiries, 3 Damage Enquiries, 3 Road Traffic 
Incidents, 3 Disturbances, 1 Assault, 2 Drunk Person Incidents and 
6 Miscellaneous Incidents.  PC McCaffrey also reported that the recent 
spate of vandalism in the area appears to have ceased.  Mrs Nicol reported 
that the Levenwick Telephone Kiosk had yet again been damaged.  
PC McCaffrey stated vandalism of Telephone Kiosks is so common that BT 
do not pursue the incidents with the police.  PC McCaffrey also reported that 
it had been decided to base one of the ‘Dogs Against Drugs’ in the 
Dunrossness area and that he would therefore be replaced by PC Andy 
Courts in March/April although the dog has still to be selected and trained.  
Due to other commitments, PC McCaffrey left the meeting at 8pm.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.50 pm.

                                                                                                 Chair
28 January 2002      					page seven of seven 

THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF DUNROSSNESS COMMUNITY COUNCIL 
WILL TAKE PLACE IN DUNROSSNESS PRIMARY SCHOOL AT 7.30 PM ON MONDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2002