Author: Nancy Heubeck
Last saved by: sh01er
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 30 June 2003.

PRESENT:
Mr D Robertson 	Ms S Fowlie		Mr R Nickerson		Mr J Sinclair
Mrs F Mitchell 		Mrs E Mainland		Mr J Ridland 		Mr B Robertson	 
Mr R Tulloch 		Cllr W Tait		Cllr G Mitchell		P.C. Courts

APOLOGIES
Mrs S Jones 		Mr I Garrick 		

IN ATTENDANCE:
Mrs S Leslie (Clerk)	Mr D Smith

03/37 	CO-OPTION
Mr Robertson welcomed Mr Tulloch to the Community Council as member for Quendale.  It was also agreed to co-opt David Smith as the second Community Councillor for Levenwick.  All vacancies have now been filled.  

03/38 	MINUTE
The Minute of the meeting held on 26 May 2003 was adopted on the motion of Ms Fowlie.

03/39	MATTERS ARISING

1. Road Matters: 
a) Boddam Road Flooding: A reply had been received from SIC Roads Department stating that ‘the Boddam road is under investigation to ascertain if anything should be done to deal with the flooding problem, and if so, what’.

b) Clumlie Ditches: Mr Ridland reported that the ditches have now been cleared.

03/39/1c
30 June 2003       						page two of eight

03/39	MATTERS ARISING (Continued)

1. Road Matters: 
c) Fair Isle Grids: The Community Council’s comments regarding the Fair Isle Grids have been passed to the Engineer responsible. 

d) Review of the Costed Action Plan for the Maintenance, Improvement and Use of the Road Network: It was agreed that the items included in the Capital Rolling Programme and the Rolling Programme for the Dunrossness area are satisfactory.  Mr Smith stated that there are serious concerns amongst Levenwick residents regarding the quantity and speed of traffic travelling through the village.  Cllr Tait enquired if Mr Smith considered that the residents would be in favour of a speed limit.  Mr Smith replied that this would be ideal, if possible, and it was therefore agreed that the Clerk should write and request that the provision of a 30mph speed limit for Levenwick be included in the Capital Rolling Programme, as the winding, single track road is very busy with traffic travelling to and from both the Care Centre and the Doctors’ Surgery.  It was also agreed that, as it can take some time for speed limits to be put into action, ‘children’ signs should be requested for both main Levenwick Junctions.

2. Westvoe & Grutness Car Parks: There was nothing new to report. 

3. Bus Services: The Clerk had reported to Mr Ian Bruce, SIC, that, contrary to his recent letter, the late night bus from Lerwick on Fridays had not passed through Levenwick as it should have.  Mr Bruce replied that he had spoken to the bus operator who had confessed that he had omitted to inform his drivers of the new route.  Mr Bruce also reported that he has arranged for the Netherton Bus Shelter to be replaced as soon as possible.

4. Rabbits: A reply to Dunrossness Community Council’s letter regarding the growing number of rabbits in the area has not been received to date.  Cllr Tait and Mr Smith stated that they had both been approached by members of the public who are concerned by the damage being done by rabbits to the Levenwick Church Yard.  Cllr Tait stated that it was his intention to bringing the issue to the attention of the relevant SIC Department the following day. 

5. Scatness Memorial Stone: The Clerk reported that the RAF do not hold any information regarding the stone, but that she had obtained a copy of a photograph from the museum which shows most of the original inscription and borrowed a slide from Mr Robert Young in an attempt to decipher the remainder.  Unfortunately, there are still some letters which are illegible, and as the area of the stone affected appears to be in Italian, it is proving difficult.  The works are expected to be carried out in September.

03/39/6
30 June 2003       						page three of eight

03/39	MATTERS ARISING (Continued)

6. Fair Isle Fog Horn: In response to the Community Council’s letter to the MCA in Aberdeen, the Clerk had been informed that in order to have the Fog Horn turned off, a request must be made to the Director of Operations and Navigational Requirements in Edinburgh.  In the meantime, Mrs Mitchell had requested that the Clerk delay writing a further letter until she confirmed with Mr Stout who he is writing to on behalf of the Fair Isle community, to prevent duplicate letters being sent.

7. Postal Votes: As agreed, the Clerk had written to SIC Legal & Admin. Department regarding the problems experienced by the residents of Fair Isle with the Postal Voting system during the recent elections.  Mr Jan Riise had replied that he ‘will be looking positively at bringing forward the date for issue of postal votes for future elections,’ as suggested by Dunrossness Community Council, with a view to minimising any difficulties and delays in the future.   He also thanked Dunrossness Community Council and Fair Isle electors for appreciating the problems faced by SIC Legal & Admin. Department at the last elections.

03/40  	FINANCE AND GRANT APPLICATIONS
1. Fair Isle Committee/Community - To assist with the costs of purchasing a new battery for the Island’s Firstsave Defibrillator: It was agreed on the motion of  Ms Fowlie, seconded by Mr B Robertson, to award the requested sum of £50.

2. Shetland Community Bike Project – To assist with the cost of holding a ‘Cycling Scavenger Hunt’ during the summer for young people in the Dunrossness Community Council area: It was agreed on the motion of Ms Fowlie, seconded by Mr Sinclair, to award the requested sum of £50.  The Clerk was also requested to enquire how such events are advertised.

03/41	PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND PLANNING MATTERS
	Members noted the ‘weekly lists’ of planning applications.

1.	Vary planning consent 2001/287/PCD to construct ramp steps to 
improve disabled access to existing visitor centre, Old Scatness, Virkie by Shetland Amenity Trust, Lerwick – The Community Council had no objections but, following a visit to the site, Mr Robertson had made the following points and suggestions:

03/41/1
30 June 2003       						page four of eight

03/41	PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND PLANNING MATTERS (Continued)

1.	Vary planning consent 2001/287/PCD to construct ramp steps to 
improve disabled access to existing visitor centre, Old Scatness, Virkie by Shetland Amenity Trust, Lerwick (continued) –

The positioning of the Visitor Centre is unfortunate – to say the 
least, as, with the steps and ramp placed almost on the access 
road, this has created difficulties for large vehicles eg. Farm 
machinery, delivery vehicles etc, when using the road.

Other ongoing problems include the lack of proper rainwater drainage, the access road being the normal route for excess water, which then causes problems on the east side of the main road – for vehicles and pedestrians alike.

It was therefore suggested that the only sensible, long-term solutions to these problems should include:

1.	widening of the access road to allow additional pedestrian access
2.	proper surfacing of the access road
3.	re-positioning of the fence on the south side of the access road
4.	proper drainage (including along the main road)
5.	a concerted effort to tidy the whole site 

2. Preliminary drawing for proposed Toilet Bock for Fair Isle 
Pier/Terminal: Having studied the drawing, Mrs Mitchell had contacted the 
writer of the accompanying letter, Mr Sawkins, SIC Ferries, and enquired if 
the fact that there is no electricity supply at the proposed site had been taken into consideration.  Mr Sawkins admitted that this fact had been overlooked and that a modification to the proposals will therefore be required.  Following discussion, it was felt that it would be better to proceed with the Toilet Block, which is badly needed, rather than cause any possible long-term delay.

3.	Erect temporary toilets, Old Scatness Broch, Virkie by Shetland 
Amenity Trust:  There were no objections but it was agreed that, as above, points 1 to 5 still apply.

03/42	CORRESPONDENCE
1. Association of Community Councils letter ref. Minutes: Jimmy Moncrieff of Shetland Amenity Trust had asked the ASCC if it would be possible for him to receive copies of community council minutes.  It was agreed that in the interest of saving paper and the environment, the Clerk should write to Mr Moncrieff informing him that Dunrossness Community Council’s minutes are available on their website.
03/42/2
30 June 2003       						page five of eight

03/42	CORRESPONDENCE (Continued)

2. SIC letter ref. Shetland’s Living Roadsides: Living Shetland has recently published ‘Shetland’s Living Roadsides’ to help raise awareness of the importance of roadsides for wildlife.  Copies of the leaflet were enclosed for distribution to the Community Council members.

3. NHS Shetland letter ref. Walk to Health: A copy of a leaflet entitled ‘Walk to Health, Lerwick – Five walks in the Lerwick area’, which was produced by NHS Shetland and SIC, was enclosed.  As part of the drive to improve health in Shetland, NHS Shetland is working to promote walking as a healthy activity.

4. Water Customer Consultation Panels letter ref. Scotland’s Water: An updated copy of the publication ‘SCOTLAND’s WATER’ was enclosed.  The document is also available on their website www.watercustomer.org 

5. Volunteer Development Scotland letter and Newsletter: Volunteer Development Scotland works strategically and in partnership to promote, support and develop volunteering in Scotland.  Volunteer-involving organisations can become members which, according to Volunteer Development Scotland, will keep them connected with the volunteering agenda in Scotland.  For further information tel. 01786 479593 or visit the website at www.vds.org.uk

6. The following are available from the Clerk on request:                                                          
-	Islesburgh Newsletter, Issue No. 5, June 2003
-	Shetland Council of Social Service Annual Review 2002/2003
-	Shetland Recreational Trust Annual Report 2002-2003
-	SIC Community Service Dept. Service Plan 2003-2004
-	UHI Millennium Institute News, Summer 2003

03/43	ANY OTHER BUSINESS 
  
1. Police Report: PC Courts reported that it had been another quiet month in the South Mainland with only 5 incidents being reported and investigated in the Dunrossness area. 

2. Grutness Toilets: Mrs Mitchell enquired on the progress of the new Grutness Toilets.  Cllr Mitchell reported that the project is included in the Capital Programme and should therefore commence in approximately 3 to 4 years time.

03/43/3
30 June 2003       						page six of eight

03/43	ANY OTHER BUSINESS (Continued)

3. Grutness Breakwater: Mrs Mitchell enquired if there was any possibility of a Breakwater being constructed at Grutness.  Ms Fowlie stated that she believed Linda Coutts, SIC Development, had stated at a previous NESS 2000 meeting that she would investigate the possibility of a Breakwater at Grutness, probably in conjunction with Shetland Enterprise.  It was agreed that this was the case, and Cllr Mitchell offered to discuss the matter with Ms Coutts.

4. Service Bus via Anderson High School: Mr Nickerson reported that problems were still being experienced with a lack of seats on the service bus which is used by pupils travelling from the Anderson High School to the south mainland.  According to Mr Nickerson, a large bus is occasionally used on the route, which eliminates the problem, but at other times passengers are forced to stand from Lerwick to Sandwick before a seat becomes available.  In the interest of passenger safety and comfort, it was agreed that the Clerk write to Ian Bruce, SIC, (copied to Anderson High School Board) requesting that he approach the operators requesting that a large bus be used on this service at all times.

5. Levenwick Shop: Mr Smith reported that Alex Miller is preparing a business plan on behalf of the co-operative members.  Mr Miller had informed Mr Smith that it is possible for the Community Council to purchase shares in the shop as has been done in other areas of Shetland.                Mr D Robertson enquired if there were more that one shop in the area where this took place, as is the case in the  Dunrossness Community Council area.  As Mr Smith had not been informed of the full details, it was agreed, on the suggestion of Mr Tulloch, that the Clerk contact Mr Miller in order to find out which community councils had bought shares in their local shops and SIC Legal and Admin Services to confirm that the constitution permits such a transaction.  Mr B Robertson suggested that an article be placed in the forthcoming Community Council Newsletter informing readers that anyone can purchase shares in the Levenwick shop, not just Levenwick residents.  For further information, contact Mr David Smith, The Beadies, Levenwick, Tel: 01950 422441.

6. Tingwall to Lerwick Taxi Service: Cllr Mitchell reported that between the dates of 16^th and 28^th June, the taxi service set up to transport islander passengers from Tingwall Airport to Lerwick had carried 60 clients.  When asked by Cllr Mitchell, Mrs Mitchell reported that the only comments made to her were that other taxi firms had not had the opportunity to tender for the contract.  Cllr Mitchell was not aware of this.

03/43/7
30 June 2003       						page seven of eight

03/43	ANY OTHER BUSINESS (Continued)

7. Eastshore Road Passing Place: Ms Fowlie reported that ‘birdwatchers’ were yet again parking in the passing place opposite Virkie Cottages instead of using the designated parking area.  As suggested by                 Mr Nickerson, it was agreed that the Clerk write to the RSPB requesting that they inform their members not to park in the passing place as they are creating a road hazard. Should the problem persist, the Community Council may request the RSPB to provide a better dedicated parking area. 

8. Levenwick Surgery Taxi Service: Cllr Mitchell reported that he had spoken recently to Ian Bruce, SIC, who had informed him that the subsidised taxi service to the Levenwick Doctor’s Surgery is up for review shortly and, due to the relatively low number of people using the service, it is proving expensive and is therefore under threat of being discontinued.  Ms Fowlie enquired why the dial-a-ride was still operating when the Community Council had been informed that SIC could not afford to operate both services together and therefore the dial-a-ride would cease to operate at the end of March 2003.  With regards to the taxi service, possible ways of publishing the service further were discussed and it was agreed that the Clerk would approach the Surgery and enquire if they could assist by informing patients, who they thought might benefit from the service, of its existence and how it operates.

9. Newsletter: Ms Fowlie, who previously volunteered to assist with the production of the next Newsletter, reported that she had spoken to various people regarding possible articles for the next edition.  Ms Fowlie suggested that, in conjunction with a possible article from the Levenwick Doctor’s Surgery, the public be invited to inform the Community Council of any concerns which they may have with the service provided by the Surgery.  The Clerk suggested that she write to Sheila Mann, Practice Manager, inviting her to submit an article for inclusion in the Newsletter and seeking the Practices permission to request public feedback.  Should any points be put to the Community Council, representatives of the Levenwick Practice will then be invited to attend a meeting to discuss the concerns raised and possible solutions. 

10. Scottish Coastal Forum: Mr Ridland had attended a Scottish Coastal Forum at which Michael Cox had given a lecture.  One of the main points raised was Coastal Zones.  The management area of these zones may extend 1 kilometre on- shore and the same off.  It is uncertain how planning regulations will be applied to such developments as aquaculture, wind farms etc., below low water – Shetland is different in this aspect as the ZCC Act currently applies to such developments. 

03/43/11
30 June 2003       						page eight of eight

03/43	ANY OTHER BUSINESS (Continued)

11. Udal/Feudal Law: Mr Ridland stated that there appears to be some confusion in certain areas of the media as regards the differences between Udal and Feudal Law.  Mr Ridland had studied the basics of the two and reported that the main difference is that under Feudal Law ‘The Crown’ is the ultimate owner whereas if you are the owner under Udal Law then there is no higher authority.

12. Speed Sign: The Clerk reported that the ‘speed sign’ had been in place on the A970 at Allan’s of Gillock in May and that she had now received information regarding the speed at which traffic is travelling at on this section of road.  It was agreed, in order to get a true picture, that the Clerk contact the SIC and request that the sign be placed at the Boddam Hall for a period in order to monitor the speed of traffic travelling south.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.20 pm.

                                                                                                 Chair

THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF DUNROSSNESS COMMUNITY COUNCIL 
WILL TAKE PLACE IN DUNROSSNESS PRIMARY SCHOOL AT 7.30 PM ON MONDAY 25 AUGUST 2003