Author: Nancy Heubeck
Last saved by: sh03as
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 27 August 2007.

PRESENT:
Mr D Robertson 	Mrs E Mainland		Mr I Garrick		Mrs S Malcolmson
Ms C Laignel 		Mr J Sinclair 		Mrs F Mitchell  		Mrs W Kay 
Mr R Nickerson		Cllr A Duncan 	

APOLOGIES
Mr J Hunter 		Mr B Robertson		Cllr J Budge 		PC Ian Brown	
Pat Christie (Community Worker)

IN ATTENDANCE:
Mrs S Leslie (Clerk)	

07/32	MINUTE

The Minute of the meeting held on 25 June 2007 was adopted on the motion of 
Ms Laignel subject to the following amendment which was requested by 
Mrs Mainland: 
07/26/10 Scousburgh Sand Public Toilets:  …. the campaign for toilets at Scousburgh has been ongoing for over 20 years …..

07/33	POLICE REPORT
	
PC Brown had reported to Mrs Mainland that it had been another quiet period in the Dunrossness area except for the extra duties involved in the recent drink drive campaign and the heightened security at the airport following the terrorist attack at Glasgow airport.

07/34/1a
27 August 2007							page two of ten

07/34	MATTERS ARISING

1. Road Matters (continued): 

a)  Levenwick Road Markings: The white arrows, to warn drivers of a blind summit, are now in place on the main road near Brevin House, Levenwick.   Cllr Duncan reported that he had received a request from a bus driver for an additional 2 or 3 arrows in this area.  It was agreed to put this request to SIC Roads.

b) Culster/Baxter Sign: Mr Macnae, SIC Roads, had replied to the Community Council’s request that the spelling on the signs be “Baxter” and “Culster”.  Mr Macnae states that he ‘cannot agree’ to this request as the spellings which have appeared on national mapping products for several generations are “Bakkasetter” and “Culsetter” and ‘the proposed spellings are phonetically different and the change would further derogate historic links’.  Mrs Mainland reported that she had put this to the residents of the area and,  although they are disappointed at not getting the spellings which they have used for as long as they can remember, they would rather have a sign with the alternative spelling than none at all.  

d)	Westhouse, Brake to Gravemire, Brake: There was nothing new to 
report.  

e)   North Haven Causeway, Fair Isle: Neil Robertson, SIC Roads, had forwarded a copy of their letter of reply to Mr Nick Riddiford.  The letter states that SIC Roads ‘are aware of the state of disrepair and the deterioration exhibited by the gabion baskets which provide some protection to the causeway’ and that their inspector ‘Mr Mike McGuire will be visiting Fair Isle in the very near future’.  Mrs Mitchell reported that Mr McGuire had not visited Fair Isle to date.  Mr Nickerson stated that he understands the visit is planned to take place during September.

f) Hestingott Speed Limit Signs: Following a request by a member of the public, the Clerk had written to SIC Roads requesting that small repeater speed limit signs be installed on the section of road between Horseshoe Close and Hestingott.  Mr Halcrow had replied that the 30 mph signs are in place and intact on the north and south approaches into Toab and Hestingott and that smaller repeater signs usually found within a speed limit are not permitted in this case due to the street lighting, which is deemed to serve as a reminder to drivers of the existence of the speed restriction.  
Mr D Robertson considered this to be unacceptable as he considers that some  drivers leaving Horseshoe Close and travelling towards Hestingott, for example, need reminding of the speed restriction in the area.  It was therefore agreed, as suggested by Mr Garrick, that the Clerk contact 
Mr Halcrow to clarify whether or not he is permitted by law to install small repeater signs in this case. 
07/34/2
27 August 2007							page three of ten

07/34	MATTERS ARISING (Continued):

2. Westvoe Car Park: The upgrading works are now complete.

3. Grutness Car Park: There was nothing new to report.

4. Levenwick Graveyard Access and Paths: There have been no further developments with regard to the access issue.  Mr Garrick reported that Levenwick residents are divided as to whether or not there should be paths in the Graveyard.  Mr Garrick stated that he intends, however, to investigate the matter further by consulting the grave diggers as to whether or not there were ever plans made for the provision of paths when the new section of graveyard was first designed.  It was also advised that works to rabbit-proof the graveyard have commenced.

5. Museum – Tom Henderson Plaque: Mrs Mainland reported that she had met with Tommy Watt, Museum Curator, regarding the above and that he had agreed to produce an A3 size board, similar to those to be found throughout the Museum, depicting a picture and small piece of text about 
Mr Henderson.  Mr Watt had agreed that, if the Community Council are happy with this proposal, the Museum will bear the costs involved in producing the board.  It was unanimously agreed that this proposal was acceptable and Mrs Mainland agreed to inform Mr Watt of this.

6. Fair Isle NHS24 Cover:  Mrs Mitchell reported that Nina Fraser, NHS Shetland, has spoken to an NHS24 Nurse Director regarding the matter and it is their intention to visit Fair Isle.

7. Fair Isle Fire Station: Mrs Mitchell reported that Fair Isle had appreciated Deputy Fire Officer Tony Wood’s recent visit to Fair Isle.  
Mr Wood had seen the current facilities on the Isle and discussed their requirements.  Cllr Duncan agreed to request an update on both the new Fire Station and recruitment problems experienced by Fair Isle when he meets Mr Wood on Friday 31^st  August

9. Water Issues: 

a) Scousburgh/Bigton: The Clerk reported that Mr Milroy Lionel, Scottish Water, had informed her recently that they have initiated proceedings to compulsory purchase the area of land at Scousburgh which they consider would be most suitable to build the tank on.  

b) South Voe: There was nothing new to report.

07/34/9c
27 August 2007							page four of ten

07/34	MATTERS ARISING (Continued):

c) Scatness: Mr D Robertson reported that Scatness residents have been experiencing discoloured water recently and suggested that the Community Council write to Scottish Water for a more definite date for the proposed upgrading works in this area.  This was agreed.  Mr Nickerson enquired if the Community Council receives a programme of works for Dunrossness from Scottish Water.  The Clerk replied that they do not and it was therefore agreed to enquire if there is one. 

e)	Fair Isle Hydrants: There was nothing new to report.

10. Scousburgh Sand Public Toilets: Mr Nickerson reported that, with the Scousburgh Sand area being a popular place for caravans during the summer months, SIC believe that any toilets built at Scousburgh may have to be of the ‘dry’ design.  This is due to the type of portable toilets used by caravans.  SIC also consider that such a project could be done cheaper by the Community as opposed to SIC undertaking the works.

11. Various Grutness Issues: Mr D Robertson reported that it had been suggested to him that the small pier at Grutness may be the responsibility of the British Fisheries Board.  The Clerk will investigate.

12. Levenwick Bus Shelter: Mr Garrick considered that the lack of a bus shelter at the north Levenwick junction may not be quite such a problem now due to the increase in buses passing through the village on their way north.  There are also problems with finding a suitable site for a bus shelter in the area so the situation will continue to be monitored.

13.  Community Council Funding: A reply to the Community Council’s letter had been received from Linda Murray, SIC Finance Department.  
Ms Murray stated that as part of the SIC budget cuts for 2007/08, it had been decided that Community Council grants would remain the same as 2006/07.  It was agreed to ask through the ASCC at their next meeting whether Community Council grants for 2008/2009 will be subject to an inflationary increase.

14. Community Ferry Hires: Mrs Mitchell stated that Fair Isle would still like to be allocated some additional Community Ferry Hires as they consider the current number to be insufficient.  Cllr Duncan replied that he is ‘doing his best’ to secure additional hires for Fair Isle.  Mr Nickerson reported that a review had been requested which will be delivered before next financial year.  All islands will be consulted as part of the review.

07/34/15
27 August 2007							page five of ten

07/34	MATTERS ARISING (Continued): 

15. Draft Core Path Plan: In reply to the Community Council’s queries, Emma Georgeson, SIC Planning, writes that ‘unfortunately it is an impossible challenge to contact all landowners, as there is no available land register’.  Mrs Mainland disagreed with this statement and considered that, with a little effort, the necessary information could be gained from a number of other sources.  Ms Georgeson’s letter continues ‘however, during the consultation period of the Draft Core Path Plan every effort has been made to try and make landowners aware of this plan.  Some of the routes included in the Draft Core Path Plan have already been improved under the Council’s Access Improvement Scheme.  Landowner permission was received for all these improvements; likewise, all future improvements would require landowner consent’.  Ms Georgeson also informs the Community Council that ‘Landowner/land manager liability does not change as a result of this plan.  As it stands just now, landowners have a duty to show reasonable care towards people on their land.  The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 states that the extent of this duty is not affected by the access provisions in the Act’.  Finally, under the Council’s Access Improvement Scheme, the Council take on the responsibility of monitoring routes and maintenance of any infrastructure.

16. South Mainland ‘Home Help’ Service: In reply to the Community Council’s letter, Christine Ferguson, SIC Community Care Service, reported that the issue was debated by the full Council at a meeting on 4 July 2007 and that the Council approved an eleven point plan of action to try to resolve the problems faced by the department.  Mrs Kay reported that the amalgamation of the ‘Home Help’ and ‘Social Care’ services will take place in February 2008.  Mr Nickerson stated that he expects this will be implemented next financial year. 

07/35	FINANCE AND GRANT APPLICATIONS 

1. Fair Isle Community Hall – To assist with the costs of refurbishing the Fair Isle Hall: It was agreed on the motion of Mr Sinclair, seconded by Mr Garrick, to award the sum of £1000.

2. South Mainland Community Association – To assist with the annual expenditure incurred in providing playing field facilities at Boddam: It was agreed, on the motion of Mr Garrick, seconded by Mrs Kay, to award the requested sum of £1450.

07/35/3
27 August 2007							page six of ten

07/35	FINANCE AND GRANT APPLICATIONS 

3. Cunningsburgh & Districts Agricultural Society – To assist with the costs of constructing access tracks and paths, creating hardstanding car parking areas, improving fencing and gates at the showfield entrance and around the show buildings and reseeding and fertilising various areas: Mrs Mainland declared an interest.  Mr Sinclair proposed that a grant of £1000 be awarded.  Mr Nickerson raised a counter motion that £500 be awarded at present and reviewed in March 2008.  This was unanimously agreed.

07/36	PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND PLANNING MATTERS

1.	To erect porch, Glen, Dunrossness by M Green, Glen, Dunrossness 
- There were no objections.

2.	To convert part of existing workshop to office, Scatness, Virkie by Ness Engineering, Stuartfield, Virkie – There were no objections.

3.	To erect new storage shed, The Workshop, Scatness, Virkie by Ness Engineering, Stuartfield, Virkie – There were no objections.

4.	To extend dwellinghouse, Helska, Ward Hill, Virkie by Mr & Mrs D Williamson, Helska, Ward Hill, Virkie – There were no objections.

5.	To erect new dwellinghouse (in outline), Baxter, Quendale by Mr John Mainland, Noss Farm, Scousburgh – There were no objections.

6.	To erect dwellinghouse adjacent to Tumblewick, Scatness, Virkie by Neil Wadley and Teresa Goodlad, 12 Colonial Place, Scatness – There were no objections.

7.	To install a ten metre pole and three dishes (one on existing equipment), Fitful Head – There were no objections.

8.	To erect extension (north elevation), Dagaz, Dunrossness by 
Mr Hammond and Ms Hudson, Dagaz, Dunrossness – There were no objections.

07/37	FEEDBACK FROM EXTERNAL MEETINGS  

1. Sumburgh Airport Consultative Committee Meeting: Mr D Robertson had attended a meeting of SACC on 10 July 2007.  The following points were discussed: 

07/34/1a
27 August 2007							page seven of ten

07/37	FEEDBACK FROM EXTERNAL MEETINGS  

1. Sumburgh Airport Consultative Committee Meeting (continued):

a)	Sumburgh Airport Strategic Partnership Meeting: Michael Craigie told the Committee that the main point discussed was the future of the Strategic Partnership and its role within Zetrans.  He also said that there were now strong links between the Consultative Committee and Zetrans as he and Andy Steven are members of both Committees. 

b)	‘Gateway to Shetland’ Project Update: Nigel Flaws reported Taycad were the successful tenderers and were working towards installing imagery within the Main Concourse of the Terminal Building by Sept/Oct of this year.  The project is being led by the Council’s Economic Development Unit with HIAL providing the blank canvas for the images.  The plan is to show visitors what they can experience while in Shetland and also to encourage them to return.  The Arts Trust, Visit Shetland and Shetland Amenity Trust are being approached for images.  Andy Steven added that Visit Shetland are hoping to put up plasma displays both at the baggage carousel and within the Tourist Information Point.
Allan Wishart enquired if the Tourist Information Point within the Terminal Building was there to provide practical information for the traveller.  Andy Steven explained that they provide both tourist information and airport information on behalf of HIAL.

c)	Business Development: The Committee were informed that this is Atlantic Airways second season here and that they are hoping to extend their third season next year from May – October.  Loganair have increased their flight frequencies to Aberdeen with an extra flight on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  Nigel Flaws reported that Sumburgh’s passenger figures are showing a 17.4% increase over the April-June period compared with the same period last year. 
Rick Nickerson noted HIAL’s Corporate Plan and remarked that the main focus of HIAL seemed to be Inverness.  He said he would like to see a document coming forward with a 2-3 year future business plan for Sumburgh.
Gussie Angus enquired if it would be possible to have an informal discussion with Inglis Lyon (HIAL) about the future development of Sumburgh.  Andy Steven agreed that a meeting would be useful and an invitation would be extended to Mr Lyon.

d)  Date of Next Meeting: The dates of the next two meetings are 
      6 November 2007 and 25 March 2008.

07/38/1
27 August 2007							page eight of ten

07/38 	CORRESPONDENCE   

1. SIC letter ref. Retirement of Jimmy Stout, Master MV Good Shepherd IV: Jimmy Stout retired from his duties as master of Good Shepherd after 38 years of service at the end of July.  It was agreed that the Clerk write to 
Mr Stout expressing the Community Council’s gratitude for his service as Master of Good Shepherd and wishing him a long and happy retirement.

2. Peter Peacock MSP’s letter ref. the Future of Post Office Services in the Highlands & Islands: Mr Peacock’s letter advises that the findings of the questionnaire which he issued to community councils throughout the Highlands & Islands was passed to the DTI.  Jim Fitzpatrick MP, the Minister for Employment Relations and Postal Services, responded and a copy of his letter was attached for information.  Mr Peacock tabled a written question in the Scottish Parliament on the issue and the text of this, and the answer he received, was also attached.  Mr Peacock hopes that the above will offer reassurance of his determination to fight for the best possible outcome for communities throughout the Highlands & Islands area.

3. ASCC e-mail ref. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the ASCC will be held on Saturday 6^th October 2007 at 11 am in the Clickimin Centre.

4. SIC letter ref. Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance – Energy Efficiency & Wind Energy: The document was noted.

5.  SIC letter ref. Seaside Award: As SIC have funding to last till March 2008 for the Seaside Award project, they are keen for further beaches (in addition to St. Ninian’s which has already achieved the above award) to be put forward.  They therefore ask that any Community Council willing to proceed with the necessary work to achieve the award for a beach in their area contact them as the water quality samples must be taken and analysed before the end of the season in September.   It had been agreed to have the water quality at Westvoe monitored with a view to possibly seeking to gain a Seaside Award next year.

6. NHS Shetland letter ref. Public Consultation – Relocation of Montfield Patient Services to Gilbert Bain Hospital, Phase 1: NHS Shetland are currently undertaking a 3 month public consultation exercise on the relocation of Montfield Patient Services to the Gilbert Bain Hospital.  As part of this consultation, a series of public meetings are being held throughout Shetland over the next 2 months.  The South Mainland meeting is being held on Wednesday 26^th September 2007 from 7 pm to 8.30 pm in the Sandwick Public Hall.  These meetings will provide an opportunity for members of the public to meet, discuss and question NHS staff about the proposals being put forward.  

07/38/7
27 August 2007							page nine of ten

07/38	CORRESPONDENCE (Continued)

7. The following are available from the Clerk on request:      
•	Crossroads (Shetland) Care Attendant Scheme Accounts to 31/03/07
•	The A9 Partnership Newsletter, August 2007
•	The Right Track Newsletter, Summer 2007, Issue 29
•	Shetland Islands Citizens Advice Bureau Annual Report 2007

07/39	ANY OTHER BUSINESS 

1. Aircraft Boarding Cards: Mr Garrick enquired when Shetland would be getting the new style boarding cards.  It was agreed to write to Loganair, Glasgow, regarding the matter.

2. Bus Services: Mrs Mitchell stated that Fair Isle would like the 10.30 am (Tuesday) bus service from Lerwick to Grutness reinstated as the current service leaves Lerwick at 9.30 am and is too early for some of the suppliers of goods to Fair Isle.  Mrs Mitchell reported that she had spoken to Michael Craigie, Zetrans, regarding the matter and he had informed her that he is unable to make changes to he current bus timetable until October.  
Mr Nickerson reported that Zetrans had been challenged regarding this matter and had replied that the suppliers concerned had been spoken to and that everything had been sorted.  Ian Bruce had denied that suppliers found it difficult to meet the 9.30 am bus.  Mr Nickerson stated that ‘this is, however, obviously not the case’.  The matter will be raised once again with Zetrans.  Mrs Mainland thanked the South Mainland Councillors for their recent hard work in fighting for the best service possible for the South Mainland.

3. Westvoe Car Park to Grutness Path: Mr Nickerson stated that there are quite a number of people who walk between the Westvoe Car Park and Grutness and suggested that the Community Council should write to SIC Roads enquiring if it would be possible to have a path/hard shoulder provided along the edge of this section of road for use by pedestrians.  This was agreed.

4. Bigton Telephone Kiosk: Mr Nickerson reported that the door had come off of the Bigton Telephone Kiosk.  The Clerk will inform BT.

5. Roadside Verges: Mr Garrick stated that the roadside verges are a ‘shambles’ as the majority have not been cut so far this year.  He therefore suggested that the Community Council push for two full cuts to be carried out each year as, apart from the road safety issue and the danger to pedestrians and drivers, they are extremely untidy.  The Clerk will write to Ian Halcrow, SIC Roads, with this request.

27 August 2007							page ten of ten

There being no other business the meeting closed at 10.20 pm.

                                                                                                Chair

THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF DUNROSSNESS COMMUNITY COUNCIL 
WILL TAKE PLACE IN DUNROSSNESS PRIMARY SCHOOL AT 7.30 PM ON MONDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2007.

A COMBINED MEETING OF SOUTH MAINLAND COMMUNITY COUNCILS’ WILL BE HELD IN THE DUNROSSNESS CENTRAL PUBLIC HALL AT 7.30 PM ON MONDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2007, TO DISCUSS COMMON ISSUES.