Author: Shirley Leslie
Last saved by: Euan Robertson
Company: Dunrossness Community Council

DUNROSSNESS COMMUNITY COUNCIL

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

Minute of Meeting of Dunrossness Community Council held in Dunrossness Primary School on Monday 31 October 2011.

PRESENT:
Mr D Robertson 	Mrs E Mainland  	Mrs F Mitchell   		Mr R Mainland
Mr M Tregonning 	Mr S Mitchell  		Mr J Ridland 		Mr J Sinclair
Cllr J Budge (ex-officio)

APOLOGIES
Mr I Garrick 		Mrs S Malcolmson 	Mr A Duncan     	Mr R Nickerson	
PC Stuart Miller		Mrs Pat Christie (Community Worker)

IN ATTENDANCE:
Mrs S Leslie (Clerk)	

11/44	MINUTE

The Minute of the meeting held on 26 September 2011 was adopted on the motion of Mr Mainland

11/45	POLICE REPORT 

No Police Report had been received.

11/46	MATTERS ARISING

1.	Road Matters 
a)	Fair Isle Roads: As Cllr Duncan was unable to attend the meeting, there was nothing new to report.

11/46/1b
31 October 2011 						page two of nine

11/46	MATTERS ARISING 

1.	Road Matters (continued)

b)	‘Devils Elbow’, Channerwick: As above. 

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

3. Levenwick Graveyard Access: There was nothing new to report.

4. Fair Isle Fire Station: Mrs Mitchell reported that the contract for the construction of the new Fire Station Building in Fair Isle has been awarded to local contractor Ness Engineering Ltd.  

5. Scousburgh Sand Public Toilets: An e-mail had been received from Jonathan Emptage, SIC, regarding an update of progress on the Scousburgh Sand Public Toilets.  As previously reported by Mr Nickerson, Mr Emptage states that he is currently investigating the possibility of users of the toilets being able to park their vehicles on RSPB land across the road.  This option will be confirmed with Council’s Road Service.  The Council will then discuss acquiring land for the building. 

6. MV Good Shepherd/Grutness Pier: Cllr Budge reported that a meeting had been held with Neil Thomson, MV Good Shepherd Skipper, and John Williamson, SIC Capital Projects.  Since the Sumburgh Airport Runway Extension was completed, the MV Good Shepherd has experienced difficulties at Grutness from a surge in the water.  It is believed that a possible solution to this might be the extension of the existing armour at Grutness.  However, there is currently no survey details of the seabed in this area and obtaining this would therefore be the first priority.  Cllr Budge informed the members that a specialist survey company are due in Shetland to carry out survey works in Scalloway following dredging works there and have quoted in the region of £5000 to carry out a survey at Grutness.  This was considered to be too good a price to miss and it was agreed that Dunrossness Community Council support the request for SIC Ferries to release this sum to have the works carried out while the surveyors are in Shetland.  The Clerk will therefore write to Ken Duerden, SIC Ferries, copied to Michael Craigie, ZetTrans.

7. Hardbrakes Place, Quendale: As Cllr Duncan was unable to attend the meeting, there was nothing new to report.

8. Bigton Shop – Mr Nickerson was unable to attend the meeting, therefore there was nothing new to report.

11/47/1
31 October 2011  						page three of nine

11/47	FINANCE AND GRANT APPLICATIONS

1.	Ness United Junior  Football Club – To assist with the purchase of 
new Goals for the U14’s and below: Mr Robertson and Mrs Mainland declared interests.  It was noted how well the Ness United Junior footballers had done again this summer. Mr Sinclair proposed and Mr Mitchell seconded that a grant of £250, as requested, be awarded. 

11/48	PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND PLANNING MATTERS

1.	To construct dwellinghouse and shed south-east of Sandblister 
Place, Scatness by Mr & Mrs Mike Greaves: There were no objections.

11/49	FEEDBACK FROM EXTERNAL MEETINGS  

1.	Sumburgh Airport Consultative Committee Meeting: Mr Robertson 
had attended a meeting of the SACC on 27 September 2011 at which the following had been discussed:

•	Catering Concession: Sumburgh Hotel Catering has taken over the catering concession at the airport in the interim due to difficulties experienced by the previous operator.  HIAL will be reviewing the position to determine if the concession has to go out to tender.
•	Car Parking Charges: Neither the Chairman nor the Airport Manager had heard anything on the subject recently.  The Airport Manager will contact the Chairman as soon as he is aware of the subject being revisited and a special meeting of the committee will be convened.
•	Passenger Numbers: Sumburgh passenger numbers have remained positive over the summer schedule.  Overall passenger figures at Sumburgh are up mainly due to oil industry work.  The CHC/Loganair contract with Chevron is expected to run until the end of the year with the Loganair/Roadbridge flight to Knock Ireland West continuing for the remainder of the summer schedule.
•	Fire Ground: The HIFRS fire ground is compete with the official opening on 1 October 2011.

11/49/1
31 October 2011  						page four of nine

11/49	FEEDBACK FROM EXTERNAL MEETINGS  

1.	Sumburgh Airport Consultative Committee Meeting (continued)

•	Hold Baggage Search: A new HBS machine has been installed.  With it being the latest in technology and semi-automated, it will reduce the number of passengers that are re-called to security to have their hold baggage searched from just over 10% to circa 0.3% and there will no longer be random checks.  It is hoped that new x-ray technology will also be installed at central search before the end of this financial year to reduce the number of cabin baggage items being searched.  There are, however, no plans to install the advanced body scanning technology that is in operation at some mainland airports.
•	Loganair: Loganair has recently acquired Scot Airways who have a fleet of six, 32 seat, Dornier 328 turbo prop aircraft. These are quicker than the Saab SF340 and have a longer flying range.  They were used to help out during the Tall Ships but will remain operated separately from Loganair for ad hoc charter work.
•	Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM): Loganair are to carry out a trial using an aircraft access ramp for passengers to embark and disembark the aircraft.  This will be used instead of the aircraft steps and Ambulifts for PRM.  As Kirkwall Airport has the highest percentage of PRM, it has been chosen to trial the equipment.  Two units are being built initially and the trial will commence when they are received from the manufacturer.  It is hoped that this will speed up the embarkation and disembarkation process and reduce the repair costs to parts and aircraft damaged by Ambulifts. The new equipment will have a gradual incline for wheelchairs and will also be suitable for specialised wheelchairs.  They will be adjustable for different aircraft types and will be wind tested.  No issues with them in winter weather and ice are foreseen.  Loganair and HIAL will carry out assessments to ensure that they are safe before they come into operation.
•	Next Meeting: The next meeting will be held on 13 March 2012

2.	Sumburgh Head Lighthouse Development Meeting: Mr Mainland 
reported that the development is progressing.  It is anticipated that tender documents will be sent out before Christmas or early January at the latest with works commencing in April.

11/49/3
31 October 2011  						page five of nine

11/49	FEEDBACK FROM EXTERNAL MEETINGS  

3.	Public Partnership Forum Meeting: Mr Ridland had attended a PPF 
meeting on 31 October and reported that the issue of patient transport had been discussed.  The NHS cannot get concessionary fares on either the boat or the planes and attending appointments on the Mainland is even more inconvenient for patients from the isles who have to spend time on Mainland Shetland en route.  Such patients can lodge at Islesburgh overnight.  Mrs Mitchell reported that a taxi bus is available to take Fair Isle residents from Grutness to the Levenwick Surgery and back.  Mr Ridland stated that NHS Shetland are attempting to get more consultants to travel to Shetland but that they seem unwilling.  Another area which was discussed was Dental provision in Shetland and Mr Ridland showed the members a consultation leaflet which is being sent to every household.
The next PPF meeting will be held on 18 January 2012.  All PPF meetings are open to the public. 

4.	Association of Community Councils: Mr Robertson had attended an 
ASCC meeting in October and reported as follows:
•	Proposed Closure of Rural Primary Schools – this was raised but 
matters have moved on since this was requested to be put on the ASCC Agenda and decisions have been made
•	Shetland Islands Council – Josie Simpson stated that he will ensure that Community Councils always have a key role in the SIC.
•	Community Benefit Steering Group – Bobby Hunter gave an update
•	Fuel Poverty in Shetland – A letter has been sent to the Office of Fair Trading regarding the cost of fuel in Shetland
•	Flybe Additional Charges – A letter has been sent to Flybe regarding the imposing of additional charges for changing of flights.
•	Non Attending Community Councils - Mr Robertson had suggested that those Community Councils who do not attend ASCC meetings be encouraged to do so.
•	Policing in Shetland – Sandwick Community Council raised concerns regarding the current level of policing in Shetland.  The ASCC will write to Northern Constabulary for an update on the situation.
•	Training – Discussions took place regarding training for Community Councillors and Clerks.

5.	SIC Public Meeting: Mr Robertson had attended the local meeting held 
by Shetland Islands Council regarding the £26m in cuts they are proposing. He reported that the meeting was very quiet and that the next stage will be for proposals to be put forward and further consultations.

11/50/1
31 October 2011						page six of nine

11/50	CORRESPONDENCE 

1.	‘Thank you’ letter from Moving on Employment Project ref. 
donation received for Beach Clean-Up – The letter was noted.

2.	Scottish Water letter ref. ‘Winter Code’ – More information on Scottish 
Water’s winter code can be found at www.scottishwater.co.uk/winter 

3.	Voluntary Action Shetland letter ref. Shetland Befriending Scheme 
– Elaine Mouat is the Development Worker for the new section of the Shetland Befriending Scheme which caters for the 60+ age group. The Shetland Befriending Scheme has secured 100% funding for a period of 5 years from the Big Lottery to develop and deliver befriending for the 60+ age group. For further information contact Elaine on 01595 745898 or e-mail elaine.mouat2@shetland.org 

4.	SIC letter ref. Community Council Skip Service – Following a recent 
competitive tendering exercise for the Community Council Skip Service for the period from 1 November 2011 to 31 March 2013, the contract has been awarded to MK Leslie Ltd.

5.	 SIC Emergency Planning E-mail ref. Scottish Governments Ready 
for Winter? campaign: To promote the Scottish Government’s above campaign, roadshows have been arranged around Scotland.  The roadshow will be at the Clickimin Leisure Complex from 0900 – 1700 on Monday 31 October and Tuesday 1 November. 

6.	SIC E-mail ref. Review of Polling Districts and Places: The Council is 
required to undertake a statutory review of polling districts and places every 4 years.  Shetland Islands Council are not proposing to make any changes at this time, although they may review this again after the elections in May next year.

7.	Scottish Government e-mail ref. Publication of the Guide to 
Emergency Planning for Community Groups: The Scottish Government has published a Guide to Emergency Planning for Community Groups.  This is now available on the Ready Scotland website at www.readyscotland.org/my-community/ 

8.	ASCC e-mail ref. Shetland Charitable Trust Governance Review:
The ASCC Chair and Vice Chair, Mr Jim Gear and Mr Laurence Odie, wrote to Shetland Charitable Trust on 15 September 2011 regarding the above.  This was discussed at the ASCC meeting on 8 October 2011 and, as not all Community Councils had had a chance to discuss this at one of their meetings, the ASCC Chairman had asked that all CCs be asked for their comments on the matter and whether or not they agree with the sentiments of the above mentioned letter.
11/50/8
31 October 2011 						page seven of nine

11/50	CORRESPONDENCE 

8. ASCC e-mail ref. Shetland Charitable Trust Governance Review 
(continued): According to the letter, Mr Gear and Mr Odie consider the proposals for changes to the governance of SCT to be ‘seriously flawed’.  Mr Tregonning stated that he did not consider this to be the case he would like to see the current role maintained with SCT working with the Council for the good of Shetland.  Mr Mainland stated that in his opinion there was nothing wrong with the current system and in fact he found it reassuring that the Trustees are elected Councillors. Mr Robertson stated that SCT money was raised from the oil industry in Shetland for the benefit of the whole of Shetland and he has concerns that certain changes may result in this ceasing to be the case.   
The Trustees of SCT are currently Councillors and under current proposals the options are that a) a percentage of trustees has to come from somewhere other than the Council b) all trustees are elected independently c) the status quo remains.  Option ‘c’ however, will not be acceptable to OSCR, the charity regulator.  Trustees being elected by the Shetland community by means of an election would also be difficult as Mr Tregonning pointed out an electoral roll would have to be set up to run such elections as it is against the law to use the existing government one for such purposes.  Mr Sinclair enquired if the trustees were to be appointed from out with the Council, who would appoint them.  Cllr Budge replied that he thought it would be an independent panel, hopefully from outwith Shetland and quite possibly an external research agency would be used.
As a result of these discussions, it was agreed that Dunrossness Community Council do not have a collective view on the matter and therefore cannot endorse the sentiments of Mr Gear and Mr Odie’s letter to SCT.  The Clerk will report this to the ASCC.

9.	E-mail from the Commission on Rural Education ref. Call for 
Evidence: The e-mail explains that Commission on Rural Education is tasked with examining how the delivery of rural education can maximise the attainment and life changes of young people in rural areas, and the link between rural education and rural communities.  The Commission will also review the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 and its application and make recommendations on the delivery of all aspects of education in rural areas.  
Scottish local authorities are responsible for managing and delivering education services in their communities in line with national strategy set out by the Scottish Government.  This has to be achieved in line with councils’ duties on the delivery of Best Value and in conjunction with delivery of other council functions, including the management of the councils’ school estates.

11/50/9
31 October 2011 						page eight of nine

11/50	CORRESPONDENCE 

9.	E-mail from the Commission on Rural Education ref. Call for 
Evidence (continued): The Schools (Consultation) Act 2010 came into force in spring 2010.  It introduced extensive changes to the procedures that local authorities follow when consulting on whether to close a school.  Included in the legislation are specific considerations for the treatment of proposals for rural school closure.
Since the end of 2010, concern has arisen regarding the operation of the Act.  Subsequently in June, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning wrote to all Scottish local authorities seeking an agreement to suspend rural school closure proposals, to allow an opportunity for consideration of whether changes are required to the legislation itself and its application.
The purpose of the Commission on Rural Education is to get to the heart of competing priorities that face national and local government in the delivery of education in rural Scotland.  Further information on their work can be found at www.commissiononruraleducation.org 
The Call for Evidence is intended to gather information to allow the Commission an opportunity to balance the interests of children, parents and communities and the overarching responsibilities of local government and Ministers.
The Commission would like to hear from individuals and organisations across Scotland who have views on the delivery of rural education.  The responses to this Call for Evidence will form an important part of the Commission’s considerations and inform its final recommendations.
Responses can be made online at the above address or a Word version can be found at CommissiononRuralEducation@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or you can telephone 0131 244 0877. 
Mr Robertson enquired of those members involved with Dunrossness Primary School Parent Council if they would be preparing a submission.  This was confirmed and Mr Robertson requested that the Community Council be copied in on their response before the next meeting to assist the community council members with preparing a suitably informed response.
 
10.	The following are available from the Clerk on request:
•	Scottish Natural Heritage ‘The Nature of Scotland’, Autumn 2011 

11/51	ANY OTHER BUSINESS 

1.	Voar Redd Up: Following previous discussions, Mr Mainland had made 
enquiries and reported that Shetland Amenity Trust no longer write to Community Councils enquiring if they will be supporting Da Voar Redd Up in their area financially.  However, they will be supplying details to Community Councils of groups who took part in each area in due course. 

11/51/2
31 October 2011  						page nine of nine

11/51	ANY OTHER BUSINESS (Continued) 

2.	Bus Shelter & ‘Welcome to Central Dunrossness’ Sign: Mr Ridland 
reported that comment had been made to him that the new position of the Bus Shelter at Robins Brae and the ‘Welcome to Central Dunrossness’ sign obstruct the view of the road. The members replied that the Bus Shelter had been repositioned for safety reasons and that the sign was to help highlight the 50 mph speed restriction on this section of road.  

3.	Bus Shelter Solar Powered Lights: Mr Robertson reported that none of 
the Solar Powered Bus Shelter Lights have worked so far this year.  The Clerk will report this to the Council.

4.	Quendale Mill Brig: Mr Robertson reported that some pieces of 
stonework in the Brig require reinstating and the build-up of dirt along the sides requires clearing to allow any water to drain away.  It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the SIC Roads Department requesting remedial action, with a copy of the letter to be sent to Shetland Amenity Trust as the Brig could have ‘Listed’ status.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.30 pm.

                                                                                                        Chair

THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF DUNROSSNESS COMMUNITY COUNCIL WILL TAKE PLACE IN DUNROSSNESS PRIMARY SCHOOL AT 7.30 PM ON MONDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2011.