Gill Ross would like to thank everyone who gave so generously towards the two lovely hampers, which we raffled at Christmas, in aid of Hall funds.
We raised £85 on the raffle, and another £100 on the 'Pick a Square for the Christmas Cake' - the cake was donated by Michelle Stevenson, of Kinlochewe (Thanks, Michelle!)
The lucky winers were:
Hamper 1
Margaret Downs (Achnasheen)
Hamper 2
Shona Allison (late of Letterewe Estate)
Christmas Cake
Joyce Walker (Inverness)
Thanks to you all!
Gill
Achnasheen Amenities
Winter conditions: advice to travelling public in the Highlands
PRESS RELEASE:
Advice to travelling public in the Highlands
Motorists are being urged to show the utmost care on Highland roads because of the persistent wintry conditions and the growing pressure on road salt supplies used to treat road surfaces.
The Council has used 60,000 tonnes of road salt since the bad weather set in on 20 December - at an estimated cost of £1.8 million - and, like many other councils in the United Kingdom, has struggled to source sufficient supplies to replenish stocks. The Council also has arrangements in place to share supplies with Scotland Transerv, who maintain the trunk roads, such as the A9.
Emergency measures to conserve road salt have already been taken by the Council and these will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
The Council is eager to advise motorists that they must not assume that because it is frosty or icy that the roads will have been treated with road salt.
Neil Gillies, Director of Transport Environmental and Community Services, confirmed that the Council had no option but to ration supplies of road salt as the stock was steadily diminishing.
He said: “The persistent wintry conditions have placed a significant strain on our stock of road salt. We have used an unprecedented quantity over the past seven weeks and, like many other councils in the UK, our supplies are getting very low.
“We have to manage what we have left and it is important that motorists are aware of the pressures facing the Council. We urge motorists to be aware of the hidden dangers of black ice. Because a road is black, it does not mean it is free of ice. And drivers must not assume that roads have been treated with road salt. I appeal to them to show the utmost care on the roads at this time.
We are doing everything we can to source additional supplies and to keep our roads as safe as possible.”
Emergency measures taken by the Council are as follows: -
* Low priority routes – Priority 3 and 4 routes which include most urban roads, school bus routes and rural roads and residential areas - will be treated with grit only. If dangerous road conditions develop on these low priority routes and salt is required to treat ice, efforts will be made to treat localised sections with road salt in the interests of public safety.
* In the evenings, precautionary treatments for Priority 1 routes will be limited to situations where ice is forecast to form before midnight and existing salt levels on the roads, as determined by ice sensors, are insufficient. Drivers should therefore be aware that main routes (Priority 1 routes) may not remain ice-free between midnight and 6 am.
-ends-
Advice to travelling public in the Highlands
Motorists are being urged to show the utmost care on Highland roads because of the persistent wintry conditions and the growing pressure on road salt supplies used to treat road surfaces.
The Council has used 60,000 tonnes of road salt since the bad weather set in on 20 December - at an estimated cost of £1.8 million - and, like many other councils in the United Kingdom, has struggled to source sufficient supplies to replenish stocks. The Council also has arrangements in place to share supplies with Scotland Transerv, who maintain the trunk roads, such as the A9.
Emergency measures to conserve road salt have already been taken by the Council and these will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
The Council is eager to advise motorists that they must not assume that because it is frosty or icy that the roads will have been treated with road salt.
Neil Gillies, Director of Transport Environmental and Community Services, confirmed that the Council had no option but to ration supplies of road salt as the stock was steadily diminishing.
He said: “The persistent wintry conditions have placed a significant strain on our stock of road salt. We have used an unprecedented quantity over the past seven weeks and, like many other councils in the UK, our supplies are getting very low.
“We have to manage what we have left and it is important that motorists are aware of the pressures facing the Council. We urge motorists to be aware of the hidden dangers of black ice. Because a road is black, it does not mean it is free of ice. And drivers must not assume that roads have been treated with road salt. I appeal to them to show the utmost care on the roads at this time.
We are doing everything we can to source additional supplies and to keep our roads as safe as possible.”
Emergency measures taken by the Council are as follows: -
* Low priority routes – Priority 3 and 4 routes which include most urban roads, school bus routes and rural roads and residential areas - will be treated with grit only. If dangerous road conditions develop on these low priority routes and salt is required to treat ice, efforts will be made to treat localised sections with road salt in the interests of public safety.
* In the evenings, precautionary treatments for Priority 1 routes will be limited to situations where ice is forecast to form before midnight and existing salt levels on the roads, as determined by ice sensors, are insufficient. Drivers should therefore be aware that main routes (Priority 1 routes) may not remain ice-free between midnight and 6 am.
-ends-
New Business start up grant scheme launched in Highlands
PRESS RELEASE:
A new grant scheme has been introduced in the Highlands to help new businesses with their start up costs.
It is hoped that at least 120 businesses will benefit from a grant - which can be used, for example, to buy equipment or market the new business.
The scheme has been developed by The Highland Council, Highland Leader Programme, and Highland Opportunity, to help boost the local economy in the wake of the recession by encouraging the start up of new businesses. It will be reviewed at the end of an 18-month pilot period.
Delivery of the scheme will be by Highland Opportunity Ltd, the Enterprise Trust for the Highlands, via Business Gateway, the first point of access for information and advice on all services to business and social enterprises in the Highlands.
Councillor Ian Ross, Chairman of the Planning Environmental and Development Committee, said the scheme was introduced in recognition of the high demand from the business community for development or start up finance.
He said: “Many new businesses experience difficulties with initial cash flow or with bank finance at the current time so this new scheme will be of significant help to them as we come out of recession. It is a fundamental part of the package of support that we can offer to help boost our local economies.”
Councillor Helen Carmichael, Chairman of Highland Opportunity Ltd, said the grant scheme can be accessed via Business Gateway and applicants will be assured of a quick turnaround. She said: “The grant will be part of a wider package of support that Business Gateway can offer. It is available to all new starts in the Highlands. Funding will be given on the basis of a sound business plan and need. We are grateful to the Council and Leader for financing this scheme.”
Those interested in applying for a grant should contact call Business Gateway on 01463 713889, or contact their local adviser.
-ends-
A new grant scheme has been introduced in the Highlands to help new businesses with their start up costs.
It is hoped that at least 120 businesses will benefit from a grant - which can be used, for example, to buy equipment or market the new business.
The scheme has been developed by The Highland Council, Highland Leader Programme, and Highland Opportunity, to help boost the local economy in the wake of the recession by encouraging the start up of new businesses. It will be reviewed at the end of an 18-month pilot period.
Delivery of the scheme will be by Highland Opportunity Ltd, the Enterprise Trust for the Highlands, via Business Gateway, the first point of access for information and advice on all services to business and social enterprises in the Highlands.
Councillor Ian Ross, Chairman of the Planning Environmental and Development Committee, said the scheme was introduced in recognition of the high demand from the business community for development or start up finance.
He said: “Many new businesses experience difficulties with initial cash flow or with bank finance at the current time so this new scheme will be of significant help to them as we come out of recession. It is a fundamental part of the package of support that we can offer to help boost our local economies.”
Councillor Helen Carmichael, Chairman of Highland Opportunity Ltd, said the grant scheme can be accessed via Business Gateway and applicants will be assured of a quick turnaround. She said: “The grant will be part of a wider package of support that Business Gateway can offer. It is available to all new starts in the Highlands. Funding will be given on the basis of a sound business plan and need. We are grateful to the Council and Leader for financing this scheme.”
Those interested in applying for a grant should contact call Business Gateway on 01463 713889, or contact their local adviser.
-ends-
Community Benefit from Wind Farm Developers: Meeting 27 October
Notes from Meeting held in Garve Village Hall 27th October 2009. (Received for publication 3 February 2010)
Purpose of meeting:
To discuss options for setting up trust or similar body to administer Community Benefit.
Bob Cameron, Corporate Manager with Highland Council welcomed those attending and gave a brief outline of the purpose of the meeting, which was to look at mechanisms to manage community benefit.
Robbie Bain, Ward Manager, Highland Council outlined the discussions to date with the developer Infinergy (Lochluichart). It has been agreed that the Community will be paid £2750 per mega watt of installed capacity; the wind farm will have 17 turbines producing 51 mega watts. It is not proposed that the project will start until 2012/2013. The Community Benefit will be paid for the 25 years life span of the project. During discussions with the developer and Highland Council they decided on using the concentric circle method, which means that the following Community Council areas would receive the following, Garve 89%, Contin 3% and Marybank, Scatwell & Strathconon 8%. Legal agreements still have to be finalised with developer.
There are various options for setting up a “trust” for Community Benefit. One option is to set up a Company Limited by guarantee with charitable status, and have nominations and elections to form a board. This might mean that only those residents in the area who are on the electoral roll (edited version) would be eligible for nomination and election.
A further option is to use an organisation that is already in existence such as the Scottish Community Foundation (SCF) who acts on behalf of communities to deliver community benefit; this would still mean that a board/panel would be formed from the Community to act as directors. SCF would obviously charge fees for their management services.
At the end of the meeting it was agreed to seek a presentation from SCF.
Questions
Q During discussion you said that the monies were splint in a pre-determined way, 89% Garve, 8% Marybank and 3% Contin. You said that monies should be kept as one fund.
A Money can be managed in any way.
Q Any reason why benefit is not restricted to Garve only?
A No official reason.
Q Does the 15Km area determine the wind farm.
A No that is the area of the concentric circle.
Q One Community then benefits twice from wind farms.
A There is no way to resolve this with the number of wind farms in the area.
The concentric circle system is based on guidance from Scottish Government. It makes for an open process. It is based on the visual impact.
Q Is it possible to adopt the circle but exclude those who are already benefiting from other wind farms.
A The developer could insist on an alternative approach.
Q Have you any advice on how to avoid problems which have occurred with other funds.
A There have been problems when a deal has been completed between 2 communities and then an extension has been applied for and granted but the extension was not on the original community’s area.
Q With the prospect of another wind farm, who will negotiate this?
A Council does not have to, one recommendation would be that any “trust” that is set up takes into account future developments.
Q As there is currently a consultation of the boundaries of Community Councils, what will happen with any agreement that is in place i.e percentage split.
A Agreement would have to state the boundaries that are currently in place.
Q If fund was kept for Garve, could Garve grant funds to other Community Councils?
A This would mainly be up to the board, but the organisation would have to allocate the funds as laid down in its constitution.
Q I am not on electoral roll as I have ticked box, how do I get back on.
A The register is published on 1st December each year and the registration forms are circulated in the October/November period. Changes of address can be notified at any time.
Q If the money is being managed by a board would they be paid?
A Understanding is that you are not paid, being a trustee is usually voluntary.
Q Has Highland Council completed a full negotiation to its final point.
A Yes we have done others
Q Which system works best?
A All have been different, most involving smaller sums of money.
Q Has concentric circle approach been adopted at other negotiations?
A Yes, used in a number.
Q How many schemes has the council assisted in and do they represent best practice?
A There is no published list to compare.
Q In the circle format is it the population within the circles or the inhabited households?
A Inhabited households.
Q Was council involved in Fairburn negotiations and was the circle format used?
A No, the Council was not involved. They used different method; they have included communities who would be disturbed during the construction phase for example.
Q If a Local body is set up who looks after this.
A You would control appointment of directors etc – best set up as charity then it can be controlled by the Office of the Scottish Charities Regulator.
Q Is election the most appropriate method to enable a suitable spread of skills.
A One of the advantages of using a body such as the SCF is that they have a large skills base which could be used along with local knowledge of community members.
Q To the Marybank, Scatwell & Strathconon CC representative – have you set up a trust and if so how was it done?
A Not as yet – they have involvement from SCF. They do have restrictions in place from developer.
Points made – no direct question.
* How do you get accountability? Meetings should be minuted and available to the public.
* Man who started fund is offering his help, community member felt he should be talked to.
* Lochluichart Community Trust – member felt this was a good name for “trust” another member felt that this was not and should be an all encompassing name.
* If money is split it should be a clear split – other Community Councils should be given their share each year.
* Developer has not stated what money can be spent on but it cannot be spent on any facilities or services that Highland Council would normally provide, promotion of political/religious groups or anything against the interests of the windfarm.
* One member of the community felt that it would be wise to keep monies separate and hand over monies to other Community Councils to keep within their own Community. He had some experience of being a trustee and pointed out that it was difficult to put funds aside while maintaining charitable status and this also made it difficult to claim grants from organisations such as the Lottery. Setting up a Company Limited by guarantee was not expensive.
Purpose of meeting:
To discuss options for setting up trust or similar body to administer Community Benefit.
Bob Cameron, Corporate Manager with Highland Council welcomed those attending and gave a brief outline of the purpose of the meeting, which was to look at mechanisms to manage community benefit.
Robbie Bain, Ward Manager, Highland Council outlined the discussions to date with the developer Infinergy (Lochluichart). It has been agreed that the Community will be paid £2750 per mega watt of installed capacity; the wind farm will have 17 turbines producing 51 mega watts. It is not proposed that the project will start until 2012/2013. The Community Benefit will be paid for the 25 years life span of the project. During discussions with the developer and Highland Council they decided on using the concentric circle method, which means that the following Community Council areas would receive the following, Garve 89%, Contin 3% and Marybank, Scatwell & Strathconon 8%. Legal agreements still have to be finalised with developer.
There are various options for setting up a “trust” for Community Benefit. One option is to set up a Company Limited by guarantee with charitable status, and have nominations and elections to form a board. This might mean that only those residents in the area who are on the electoral roll (edited version) would be eligible for nomination and election.
A further option is to use an organisation that is already in existence such as the Scottish Community Foundation (SCF) who acts on behalf of communities to deliver community benefit; this would still mean that a board/panel would be formed from the Community to act as directors. SCF would obviously charge fees for their management services.
At the end of the meeting it was agreed to seek a presentation from SCF.
Questions
Q During discussion you said that the monies were splint in a pre-determined way, 89% Garve, 8% Marybank and 3% Contin. You said that monies should be kept as one fund.
A Money can be managed in any way.
Q Any reason why benefit is not restricted to Garve only?
A No official reason.
Q Does the 15Km area determine the wind farm.
A No that is the area of the concentric circle.
Q One Community then benefits twice from wind farms.
A There is no way to resolve this with the number of wind farms in the area.
The concentric circle system is based on guidance from Scottish Government. It makes for an open process. It is based on the visual impact.
Q Is it possible to adopt the circle but exclude those who are already benefiting from other wind farms.
A The developer could insist on an alternative approach.
Q Have you any advice on how to avoid problems which have occurred with other funds.
A There have been problems when a deal has been completed between 2 communities and then an extension has been applied for and granted but the extension was not on the original community’s area.
Q With the prospect of another wind farm, who will negotiate this?
A Council does not have to, one recommendation would be that any “trust” that is set up takes into account future developments.
Q As there is currently a consultation of the boundaries of Community Councils, what will happen with any agreement that is in place i.e percentage split.
A Agreement would have to state the boundaries that are currently in place.
Q If fund was kept for Garve, could Garve grant funds to other Community Councils?
A This would mainly be up to the board, but the organisation would have to allocate the funds as laid down in its constitution.
Q I am not on electoral roll as I have ticked box, how do I get back on.
A The register is published on 1st December each year and the registration forms are circulated in the October/November period. Changes of address can be notified at any time.
Q If the money is being managed by a board would they be paid?
A Understanding is that you are not paid, being a trustee is usually voluntary.
Q Has Highland Council completed a full negotiation to its final point.
A Yes we have done others
Q Which system works best?
A All have been different, most involving smaller sums of money.
Q Has concentric circle approach been adopted at other negotiations?
A Yes, used in a number.
Q How many schemes has the council assisted in and do they represent best practice?
A There is no published list to compare.
Q In the circle format is it the population within the circles or the inhabited households?
A Inhabited households.
Q Was council involved in Fairburn negotiations and was the circle format used?
A No, the Council was not involved. They used different method; they have included communities who would be disturbed during the construction phase for example.
Q If a Local body is set up who looks after this.
A You would control appointment of directors etc – best set up as charity then it can be controlled by the Office of the Scottish Charities Regulator.
Q Is election the most appropriate method to enable a suitable spread of skills.
A One of the advantages of using a body such as the SCF is that they have a large skills base which could be used along with local knowledge of community members.
Q To the Marybank, Scatwell & Strathconon CC representative – have you set up a trust and if so how was it done?
A Not as yet – they have involvement from SCF. They do have restrictions in place from developer.
Points made – no direct question.
* How do you get accountability? Meetings should be minuted and available to the public.
* Man who started fund is offering his help, community member felt he should be talked to.
* Lochluichart Community Trust – member felt this was a good name for “trust” another member felt that this was not and should be an all encompassing name.
* If money is split it should be a clear split – other Community Councils should be given their share each year.
* Developer has not stated what money can be spent on but it cannot be spent on any facilities or services that Highland Council would normally provide, promotion of political/religious groups or anything against the interests of the windfarm.
* One member of the community felt that it would be wise to keep monies separate and hand over monies to other Community Councils to keep within their own Community. He had some experience of being a trustee and pointed out that it was difficult to put funds aside while maintaining charitable status and this also made it difficult to claim grants from organisations such as the Lottery. Setting up a Company Limited by guarantee was not expensive.
Garve & District Community Council - Draft Minutes: 1 December 2009
Draft Minutes of the Community Council Meeting: 1 December 2009 - Achnasheen Village Hall
Present:
Alex Mackenzie, Helen Grainge, Marion Taylor, Sue Tarr, Sheree Grant, Jennifer Haslam, Jimmy Ruggles-Brise.
In attendance:
7 Members of the Public.
Apologies:
John Urquhart, Cllr Urquhart, Uisdean Menzies Jean Bailey.
Chairperson welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced Squadron Leader John Gilbert who gave the meeting a talk on Low Flying in the area.
Approval of Draft Minutes of previous meeting: Proposed Jennifer Haslam.
Seconded Alex Mackenzie
Rural Watch – Helen has been in touch with PC Carrie Shanks Community Police Officer based in Dingwall – unfortunately due to ill health she was unable to attend this meeting but Helen will arrange for her to attend meeting in February. As there have been some instances of vandalism in the local area in particular the toilet at Achnasheen, it was suggested that members of the community remain vigilant and report anything out of the ordinary to the Police.
Review of Community Council Boundaries – it was agreed that an email would be sent informing Highland Council that we wished our area to remain as it currently is.
Level Crossing questionnaire – Helen had additional copies available for anyone who had not yet received their copy.
Correspondence
Planning – notices, letter and eplannning.
Charles Kennedy – Letter from Network Rail.
SNH – golden eagle Protection Areas.
Northern Community Justice – Newsletter.
AOB
Member of the Community asked about Play Park in Garve. The Community Council were not involved with any plans for a play park.
Gorstan Junction – Signs need replacing and bollards requested for road leading into Gorstan.
Rubbish reported in lay-by at Gorstan beside old Church.
Member of Community asked about signs or markings on road at corner at Tarvie.
Sue asked about co-option of members onto Community Council, it was agreed that persons wishing to join should write to Helen, and this will then be discussed by Community Councillors.
Jean suggested that an idea for fund raising would be to have a Community Directory. We will look at this idea in the new year.
As there were several issues relating to roads and transport issues we will try and invite TranServ and Highland Council to meeting.
Date of Next Meeting:
2 February 2010 - Garve Village Hall
==========================================
Garve & District Community Council
Statement of Bank Accounts
30 November 2009
Main Account: £1686.47
Senior Citizens: £760.71
War Memorial: £1540.26
Newsletter: £1076.08
Present:
Alex Mackenzie, Helen Grainge, Marion Taylor, Sue Tarr, Sheree Grant, Jennifer Haslam, Jimmy Ruggles-Brise.
In attendance:
7 Members of the Public.
Apologies:
John Urquhart, Cllr Urquhart, Uisdean Menzies Jean Bailey.
Chairperson welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced Squadron Leader John Gilbert who gave the meeting a talk on Low Flying in the area.
Approval of Draft Minutes of previous meeting: Proposed Jennifer Haslam.
Seconded Alex Mackenzie
Rural Watch – Helen has been in touch with PC Carrie Shanks Community Police Officer based in Dingwall – unfortunately due to ill health she was unable to attend this meeting but Helen will arrange for her to attend meeting in February. As there have been some instances of vandalism in the local area in particular the toilet at Achnasheen, it was suggested that members of the community remain vigilant and report anything out of the ordinary to the Police.
Review of Community Council Boundaries – it was agreed that an email would be sent informing Highland Council that we wished our area to remain as it currently is.
Level Crossing questionnaire – Helen had additional copies available for anyone who had not yet received their copy.
Correspondence
Planning – notices, letter and eplannning.
Charles Kennedy – Letter from Network Rail.
SNH – golden eagle Protection Areas.
Northern Community Justice – Newsletter.
AOB
Member of the Community asked about Play Park in Garve. The Community Council were not involved with any plans for a play park.
Gorstan Junction – Signs need replacing and bollards requested for road leading into Gorstan.
Rubbish reported in lay-by at Gorstan beside old Church.
Member of Community asked about signs or markings on road at corner at Tarvie.
Sue asked about co-option of members onto Community Council, it was agreed that persons wishing to join should write to Helen, and this will then be discussed by Community Councillors.
Jean suggested that an idea for fund raising would be to have a Community Directory. We will look at this idea in the new year.
As there were several issues relating to roads and transport issues we will try and invite TranServ and Highland Council to meeting.
Date of Next Meeting:
2 February 2010 - Garve Village Hall
==========================================
Garve & District Community Council
Statement of Bank Accounts
30 November 2009
Main Account: £1686.47
Senior Citizens: £760.71
War Memorial: £1540.26
Newsletter: £1076.08
Local Blogs and Websites
Local photography:
www.alltan-dubh-photography.com
Local Author:
www.bryanislip.com
Strathpeffer Pavilion:
www.StrathpefferPavilion.org
Laura’s Cottage Kitchen:
www.laurascottagekitchen.com
Kishorn Seafood Bar:
www.kishornseafoodbar.co.uk
Ledgowan Lodge Hotel:
www.ledgowanlodge.co.uk
Customised Home and Office:
www.customisedhomeandoffice.co.uk
G. G. Mackenzie Contractors:
www.ggmackenzie.com
Gaelic Dalek:
http://gaelicdalek.blogspot.com
MCM Joinery:
www.mcmjoinery.co.uk
Crafts and Crafts People of the Highlands:
www.craftsandcraftspeople.com
Hector Mackenzie, looks at life both inside and outside the Ross-shire Journal office:
http://catsback.livejournal.com
The blog for Marybank Pupils in P1-3:
http://marybankinfants.edublogs.org
A blog by pupils in P4-7 at Marybank Primary:
http://marybankseniors.edublogs.org
Kinlochewe Community Website:
www.kinlochewe.com
Lum needing attention? Independent flueologists of chimney work...
www.thegrateistflame.co.uk
To add your recommendation to this list, email details to:
editorial@achnasheenandgarve.com
www.alltan-dubh-photography.com
Local Author:
www.bryanislip.com
Strathpeffer Pavilion:
www.StrathpefferPavilion.org
Laura’s Cottage Kitchen:
www.laurascottagekitchen.com
Kishorn Seafood Bar:
www.kishornseafoodbar.co.uk
Ledgowan Lodge Hotel:
www.ledgowanlodge.co.uk
Customised Home and Office:
www.customisedhomeandoffice.co.uk
G. G. Mackenzie Contractors:
www.ggmackenzie.com
Gaelic Dalek:
http://gaelicdalek.blogspot.com
MCM Joinery:
www.mcmjoinery.co.uk
Crafts and Crafts People of the Highlands:
www.craftsandcraftspeople.com
Hector Mackenzie, looks at life both inside and outside the Ross-shire Journal office:
http://catsback.livejournal.com
The blog for Marybank Pupils in P1-3:
http://marybankinfants.edublogs.org
A blog by pupils in P4-7 at Marybank Primary:
http://marybankseniors.edublogs.org
Kinlochewe Community Website:
www.kinlochewe.com
Lum needing attention? Independent flueologists of chimney work...
www.thegrateistflame.co.uk
To add your recommendation to this list, email details to:
editorial@achnasheenandgarve.com
Wind Farm Update
Press Release from E.ON, received by email 21 December:
On 1 December E.ON submitted its planning application for the 19 turbine Corriemoillie Wind Farm to The Highland Council. Our application has been registered and we’ve updated our website with the planning documents for viewing and download. The link can be found at eon-uk.com/corriemoillie
If you have any questions regarding this planning application or the proposal, please send an email to corriemoillie@eon-uk.com.
- ends-
Note:
By the time you read this Highland Council should have advertised the planning application in the local press, etc. And details will be on the council’s website.
Please note, however, if you’d like a printed copy or CD of E.ON’s non technical summary/planning documents, this is available free of charge from Matilda Urie (as per the details below), however there will be a few copies available at the next CC meeting, in Garve, on the 2nd February.
Matilda Urie
Project Developer
E.ON, Climate and Renewables
Westwood Way
Westwood Business Park
Coventry.
CV4 8LG
Email:
matilda.urie@eon-uk.com
Tel: 02476 183067
On 1 December E.ON submitted its planning application for the 19 turbine Corriemoillie Wind Farm to The Highland Council. Our application has been registered and we’ve updated our website with the planning documents for viewing and download. The link can be found at eon-uk.com/corriemoillie
If you have any questions regarding this planning application or the proposal, please send an email to corriemoillie@eon-uk.com.
- ends-
Note:
By the time you read this Highland Council should have advertised the planning application in the local press, etc. And details will be on the council’s website.
Please note, however, if you’d like a printed copy or CD of E.ON’s non technical summary/planning documents, this is available free of charge from Matilda Urie (as per the details below), however there will be a few copies available at the next CC meeting, in Garve, on the 2nd February.
Matilda Urie
Project Developer
E.ON, Climate and Renewables
Westwood Way
Westwood Business Park
Coventry.
CV4 8LG
Email:
matilda.urie@eon-uk.com
Tel: 02476 183067
RAF Low Flying Talk
December’s Community Council meeting saw a long-awaited visitor in the form of Sqn Ldr John Gilbert, the RAF’s liaison (Regional Community Relations Officer is his official job title) for low flying operations. Sqdn Ldr Gilbert - himself an ex-Vulcan bomber pilot - gave us a very informative presentation on the role of low flying and its importance to British Forces and their Allies in modern warfare.
Sqn Ldr Gilbert outlined the various low flying zones in the UK, and that here - in the North West Highlands - we do not get as much low flying traffic as other areas do. As the RAF’s representative, he was sympathetic to the disturbance such operations cause to people but contrasted those inconveniences to the importance that low flying training has in the combat theatre as, like any other skill, low flying has to be regularly practiced to remain effective.
Sqn Ldr Gilbert covered the history of the RAF’s tactical operations in Kosovo, Operation Desert Storm and in the Iraqi Campaign, as well as some of the achievements of the Air Force in several more Historic conflicts. He also explained the various developments in detecting and evading various radar and other anti-aircraft systems and the principles involved.
As well as the nitty gritty of combat flying, the Sqn Ldr explained about the regulations governing the Low Flyers - ie, that fixed wing (Jets, propeller driven planes) aircraft must stay 250 ft minimum above the ground whereas rotary winged (Helicopters, etc) aircraft are limited to only 50 ft. The RAF do have their own version of of traffic police and they regularly (and randomly) monitor the areas overflown. Any transgressors are subject to a somewhat stricter law than we motorists have to endure!
As a plane head I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation, however, Sqdn Ldr Gilbert had skillfully aimed his presentation at those not as nerdy as I, and was extremely informative.
The presentation finished to thanks, a round of applause and a question and answer session was held afterwards.
Jim
Sqn Ldr Gilbert outlined the various low flying zones in the UK, and that here - in the North West Highlands - we do not get as much low flying traffic as other areas do. As the RAF’s representative, he was sympathetic to the disturbance such operations cause to people but contrasted those inconveniences to the importance that low flying training has in the combat theatre as, like any other skill, low flying has to be regularly practiced to remain effective.
Sqn Ldr Gilbert covered the history of the RAF’s tactical operations in Kosovo, Operation Desert Storm and in the Iraqi Campaign, as well as some of the achievements of the Air Force in several more Historic conflicts. He also explained the various developments in detecting and evading various radar and other anti-aircraft systems and the principles involved.
As well as the nitty gritty of combat flying, the Sqn Ldr explained about the regulations governing the Low Flyers - ie, that fixed wing (Jets, propeller driven planes) aircraft must stay 250 ft minimum above the ground whereas rotary winged (Helicopters, etc) aircraft are limited to only 50 ft. The RAF do have their own version of of traffic police and they regularly (and randomly) monitor the areas overflown. Any transgressors are subject to a somewhat stricter law than we motorists have to endure!
As a plane head I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation, however, Sqdn Ldr Gilbert had skillfully aimed his presentation at those not as nerdy as I, and was extremely informative.
The presentation finished to thanks, a round of applause and a question and answer session was held afterwards.
Jim
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
