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 May 2003.

PRESENT:
Mr D Robertson 	Ms S Fowlie		Mrs S Jones	Mrs F Mitchell 	
Mrs E Mainland		Mr I Garrick		Mr J Ridland 	Mr B Robertson	
Cllr W Tait		Cllr G Mitchell		P.C. Courts

APOLOGIES
Mr R Nickerson		Mr J Sinclair		

IN ATTENDANCE:
Mrs S Leslie (Clerk)	

03/29 	MINUTE
The Minute of the meeting held on 28 April 2003 was adopted on the motion of Ms Fowlie.

03/30	MATTERS ARISING
1. Road Matters: 
a) Hestingott Pothole: A reply had been received from SIC Roads Department stating that they are aware of the pothole and that it will be repaired soon.
b) Road Surfaces: Members were informed that road chipping is scheduled for the Dunrossness area in the early part of the Summer.  The Clerk also reported that she had received a copy of a letter to Mr Ian Halcrow, SIC Roads Department, from horse/pony riders in Dunrossness who are concerned about the finish on the roads which were resurfaced in the area last year.  Due to safety reasons, the writers would prefer if the present smooth finish was top dressed to prevent horses slipping. 

2. South Mainland Fish Farms: There was nothing new to report.

3. Dunrossness Community Council Logo: Mr Robertson was congratulated on his efforts in producing the Community Council’s new headed paper.
03/30/4
26 May 2003       						page two of seven

03/30	MATTERS ARISING (Continued)
4. Westvoe & Grutness Car Parks: The Clerk reported that, according to
Victor Hawthorne, SIC, talks are being held within SIC to develop a 
‘scheme’ for the proposed project.  When this is agreed, the relevant 
landowners will be approached. 

5. Bus Services: Mr Garrick reported that, contrary to Mr Ian Bruce’s letter, the late night bus from Lerwick on Friday a fortnight ago had not passed through Levenwick and the driver claimed to know nothing of the new arrangements.  The Clerk agreed to contact Mr Bruce regarding the matter.

6. Scatness Memorial Stone: The Clerk reported that the most favourable estimate for carrying out the restoration works was from Mr Tammy Leask.  Unfortunately, however, some of the inscription on the stone is now illegible.  It was therefore suggested that the Clerk contact the RAF and enquire if they hold any details on the stone.

03/31  	FINANCE AND GRANT APPLICATIONS
The Clerk reported that the Community Council had now received their 
Budget of £19,869 for the year 2003/2004 from Shetland Islands Council.

There were no grant applications to be considered 

03/32	PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND PLANNING MATTERS
	Members noted the ‘weekly lists’ of planning applications.

1. To retain chalet, Hayhoull, Bigton by Mrs Audrey Mullay, Yellowhammers, Bigton - There were no objections.

2. To extend dwellinghouse, Foulaview, Scousburgh by Mr & Mrs Price, Foulaview, Scousburgh - There were no objections.

3. Fair Isle Public Toilets - The Clerk had received a copy of the draft plan for the proposed Public Toilets at the Pier on Fair Isle which she handed to Mrs Mitchell for the residents of Fair Isle to make comment on.  Cllr Mitchell stated that the project is expected to cost less that originally thought and funding may therefore be easier to secure.  As a result of this, the project could be completed this year.

03/33	SNH – DRAFT SCOTTISH OUTDOOR ACCESS CODE
Mr Ridland had kindly studied the document and, although he considered the code to be well explained and presented, he had the following points to make:

03/33
26 May 2003       						page three of seven

03/33	SNH – DRAFT SCOTTISH OUTDOOR ACCESS CODE
a) Public Rights of Way (2.19 & 2.20): Possibly some clarification is necessary ie. does the statement ‘It must also have been used openly and peaceably by the public “as a right” for at least 20 years’ mean 20 years sometime in the past or during the last 20 years and is this by constant and regular traffic or the occasional sightseer.  
b) Take Responsibility For Your Own Actions (3.9): The issue of liability requires some clarification.
c) Passing Through Fields (3.29): The advice given could be misleading in that much bog hay, for example, can be less that 8” high when mature.  Foot prints in uncut hay can cause extreme difficulty if being cut by a hand scythe.  If access is required or desired through grass which may be cut, it is important that everyone use the same route, as a completely trampled path is usually not a problem when cutting by hand.
d) Keep Your Dog Under Proper Control (3.37): The requirement for regular worming of dogs should be included within the code.  Under the Farm Assured Scheme, all farm dogs must be wormed.

03/34	‘THE SHETLAND HOUSE’
	Mr Robertson reported that he considered the document to be, generally 
speaking, fairly well thought out.  Cllr Mitchell stated that the intention of the 
document is to provide a guide to people making applications for planning permission – thus avoiding foolish applications, which delays the whole process.  Cllr Mitchell reported that the only public concerns that he is aware of is that the guidelines in the document will become ‘set in stone’.  He stated that this, however, has never been the intention of the document.  

03/35	CORRESPONDENCE
1. SIC letter ref. Freedom of Access to the Countryside: In the letter, the Infrastructure Services Department enquires if there are any concerns within the Dunrossness Community Council area regarding freedom of access to the countryside.  The above department have funds available to assist communities in improving access to the countryside.  This may include help with the installation of stiles or gates, or way markers and signage to ensure the public are directed away from dangers or livestock.  It was agreed following a suggestion by Ms Fowlie, that the Clerk reply suggesting that SIC contact Howard Towll, Ranger for the South Mainland, as he has organised various guided walks in the area for this summer and he should, therefore, be in a position to identify possible problems.

03/35/2
26 May 2003       						page four of seven

03/35	CORRESPONDENCE (Continued)
2. Shetland Amenity Trust letter ref. Military Remains Project: The project proposes to record Shetland’s wartime remains.  The project involves surveying of buildings and features from the First, Second and Cold Wars throughout Shetland.  These surveys will be backed up by documentary research into these periods of Shetland’s past.  It was agreed to suggest that the Amenity Trust contact the South Mainland Community History Group who may be able to offer assistance.

3. SIC letter ref. Community Ferry Hires: Community Ferry Hires should be made in writing to the Infrastructure Services Department at Sellaness, giving at least 3 weeks notice.  Requests outside the notice period of 3 weeks will not be considered.  The Clerk provided Mrs Mitchell, community councillor for Fair Isle, with a copy of the letter.

4. Shetland Council of Social Service letter ref. AGM: The AGM of the Shetland Council of Social Service will take place on Wednesday 25 June 2003 at 7pm in the Bressay Room of the Lerwick Hotel.

5. Shetland Welfare Trust letter ref. unadopted road: A letter had been received from Shetland Welfare Trust expressing their ‘delight’ at the fact that Dunrossness Community Council intends to upgrade an unadopted road in the area to enable the Overtonlea Care Centre minibus to collect the occupant of the property. 

6. Shetland and Orkney Udal Law Group letter ref. possible benefits of 
Udal Law in Shetland: The letter details the groups aims etc.   For further 
details contact: S.O.U.L., South Burland, Trondra, Tel: 01595 880961, Fax: 
01595 880962, e-mail: alistair.inkster@btopenworld.com or visit the website at: www.Udallaw.com 

7. J & I Taxis’ letter ref. closure of Midway Stores: Mr Robertson stated 
that he had received a letter from J & I Taxis at the end of March regarding a proposal for taking the elderly and those with no transport in Levenwick to an alternative shop.  The proposal had involved financial support from the Community Council.  Mr Robertson had replied stating that, unfortunately, the Community Council are not permitted to provide financial assistance to such a venture as that proposed.

8. Capella Choir letter ref. recent tour to Edinburgh: Mrs Hayward, Choir Director, had kindly sent details of the choir’s recent tour to Edinburgh which Dunrossness Community Council had awarded a grant towards.  The trip had been a great success and the Clerk agreed to write and thank 
Mrs Hayward for taking the trouble to update the Community Council.

03/35/9
26 May 2003       						page five of seven

03/35	CORRESPONDENCE (Continued)
9. The following are available from the Clerk on request:                                                          
-	Rural Scotland Annual Report 2002
-	The A9 Partnership Newsletter, April 2003
-	National Waste Strategy: Scotland – Orkney and Shetland

03/36	ANY OTHER BUSINESS
1. Unadopted Roads:
a. Tenders: The Clerk reported that tenders for materials and haulage had 	been received.  It was agreed to accept the lowest quote which was from               	J.A. & G.D. Nicolson, Cunningsburgh.
  b. Provision of materials: Members considered and allocated materials to 
nine applicants.
c. Tar Spraying: The Clerk reported that 1 applicant, who had been awarded a grant towards tar spraying in May 2002, had been unable to claim the grant within the specified 12 months.  It was therefore agreed that the period for which the grant could be claimed, in this case, be extended by 12 months.  Five further applications were considered and it was agreed to offer a 50% grant towards the cost of the works, subject to the usual conditions. 

2. Co-option: It was agreed to co-opt Rae Tulloch as Community Councillor for the remaining Quendale vacancy.  

3. Police Report: PC Courts reported that it had been a quiet month in the South Mainland with only approximately 30 incidents being reported and investigated. 

4. Boddam Road: Mrs Mainland had been approached regarding the issue of last winters particularly bad flooding at Boddam, and whether or not anything could be done to prevent a recurrence.  It was stated that flooding in this area had always been a problem in varying degrees.  The Clerk was instructed to write to SIC Roads Department regarding the matter. 

5. Rabbits: Mrs Mainland raised the issue of rabbit numbers in the Dunrossness area.  It was agreed that numbers are vast and ever increasing and it was therefore suggested that the Clerk write to           Eddie Nicol, SIC Agricultural Development Officer enquiring if SIC can offer any assistance to alleviate the problem. 

6. Cattle Grid Gates: Mrs Mitchell stated that the Cattle Grid Gates in Fair Isle are in need of some maintenance.  The Clerk agreed to inform SIC Roads Department.

03/36/7
26 May 2003       						page six of seven

03/36	ANY OTHER BUSINESS (Continued)
7. Postal Votes: Mrs Mitchell reported that during the recent Council elections, problems had been experienced with returning the Fair Isle Postal Votes on time due to weather conditions.  Upon enquiry, SIC Legal & Administration Department had stated that they were only permitted to send out the Postal Votes one week in advance.  It was therefore agreed that the Clerk write to Legal & Administration enquiring if it is possible to change this policy in the case of outlying islands such as Fair Isle.

8. Fair Isle South Light Flats: Mrs Mitchell reported that the Flats at the South Light have been renovated for letting with the only drawback being the fact that the Fog Horn at the Lighthouse is still in operation.  As the one at the North Lighthouse has not operated for some time, the residents of Fair Isle are keen to see the other Fog Horn switched off also.  The Clerk was therefore instructed to write to the MCA with this request.

9. Fair Isle – DTI “SEA 4 Scoping Input”: Mrs Mitchell reported that the Fair Isle community had been sent a ‘Scoping pamphlet’ by the DTI for their comments.  In brief, the response had stated that achieving a balance between the economic benefits of a productive oil industry in Shetland in terms of transport, services, amenities etc and the economic and environmental protection of Fair Isle is of the highest importance.

10. Netherton Bus Shelter: Mr Garrick reported that the Bus Shelter at the top of the Netherton road is in a poor condition and may not withstand another winter.  It was therefore agreed that the Clerk write to Ian Bruce, SIC Transport, requesting that the Bus Shelter be replaced.

11 Midway Stores: Mr Garrick reported that a series of public meetings had been held and that a steering group had been appointed to obtain a business plan to ascertain whether or not a co-operative is viable.

12. Levenwick Surgery: Ms Fowlie reported that she had received some complaints from members of the public regarding the service being provided by the Levenwick Surgery, in particular, the fact that the phones are frequently unmanned between 12 noon and 2 pm and some afternoons from 4 pm.  It was agreed that Ms Fowlie should obtain these complaints in writing and forward them to the Local Health Council.

13. Community Learning: Ms Fowlie enquired about the current position regarding the Community Learning Programme.  Mrs Jones stated that she had E-mailed the relevant department approximately 3 weeks ago with the same question, but to date had not received a reply.

03/36/14
26 May 2003       					page seven of seven

03/36	ANY OTHER BUSINESS (Continued)
14. Transport: In reply to a query by Mrs Jones, Cllr Mitchell reported that he had recently given  evidence to a Commons Select Committee regarding problems relating to transport experienced in the Highlands & Islands.  
Cllr Mitchell thought that the Committee had been ‘quite keen on the concept of supporting PSO’s’.  Mrs Mitchell suggested that someone should ask a question on transport at the forthcoming BBC Question Time which is to be held in Shetland.

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

                                                                                                 Chair

THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF DUNROSSNESS COMMUNITY COUNCIL 
WILL TAKE PLACE IN DUNROSSNESS PRIMARY SCHOOL AT 7.30 PM ON MONDAY 30 JUNE 2003