This is an invitation to all artists, makers, galleries and artisans living and working within the Highland Council region to join Highlands Open Studios 2012.
What do you get for your membership fee?
* A page on the HOS website which you can edit to your hearts content. This will have your name, contact details, a link to your own website, several images and space to write as much as you wish about yourself and your work.
* An entry in our widely distributed printed directory which will consist of your name, contact details, one image, how to get to your venue/studio and a mini statement about your work. The directory for 2012 will be printed as a small booklet which can easily be put in a pocket rather than the large version we have done in the past.
* The opportunity to sell your work through our new e-commerce gallery, please note that there will be a commission charge for any sales made.
* The chance to market your work via the internet using the HOS Facebook and Twitter accounts, this is your pain free way to access the IT world and the world’s way of hearing the voices of HOS members.
* Networking opportunities within the HOS membership
We do not have a fixed ‘Open Studios’ date for the whole membership. Each member can decide whether to open for one day, a weekend, a week or the whole year. This means that each artist can capitalize on when the tourists and (hopefully!) buying public are in their area. The group events such as ‘Art around the Firth’ and ‘Arts and Eats’ which are organised by artists working within a small area have proved that locally run trails entice the public into visiting studios. HOS acts as a facilitator to enable artists to contact others in their area and encourages members to get together to organise events to suit their own needs.
We are aiming to become THE list of discovered and undiscovered artists, makers, galleries and artisans of the Highlands. HOS will be the place that the public comes to when anyone is looking for a piece of art to buy ready made or to commission for a specific space. Through the directory and website HOS will be able to put artist and client together whether it is for a domestic, commercial, private or public space, a community hall or a business headquarters.
We all work away in our own studios and need to be able to easily contact other artists to realize that we all have the same triumphs and problems. HOS aims to be the facilitator of group events, trails and exhibitions. HOS will not be the organiser but will be the way to contact others in your area, and indeed within the whole of the Highlands.
We are completely artist funded. This is the cheapest form of targeted advertising that you will be able to achieve. Each member of HOS will be helping not just themselves but everyone else whenever they distribute the directories, add a link to the HOS website from their own, use the HOS Facebook and Twitter accounts to inform the world of what they are up to, run about town with one of our car stickers in their back window, put our logo stickers up outside their studio……We are an artist led group, artists helping artists to reach out to the public.
We should commit ourselves to raising the standards of art within all mediums throughout the Highlands and make the HOS directory THE place where all artists wish to be listed and THE place where the public come to first to find us.
The application form for your 2012 membership of Highlands Open Studios is now online at www.highlandsopenstudios.co.uk/join.html The launch date of our 2012 directory is 1st January. The deadline for your 2012 membership form to be submitted is 31st October
I hope that you will consider joining us and look forward to welcoming you to Highlands Open Studios.
Madame Chairman
01667 461361
www.highlandsopenstudios.co.uk
Press Release: Animal poisonings report published
Press Release from: The Scottish Government
Received: August 24, 2011
Latest figures highlight birds of prey and other wildlife remain victims
Birds of prey, wild mammals, livestock and pet dogs and cats were all found to be victims of accidental or deliberate poisonings as reflected in figures unveiled by Scotland's Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) today.
A report by the Government's Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) scientists outlines an increase in the number of cases investigated in 2010, some involving the incorrect storage and usage of approved pesticides, including:
* A piglet which escaped from its enclosure and died after eating rodent baits left by the previous occupant of the farm
* 22 abuse incidents involved birds of prey including 13 buzzards, seven red kites and four golden eagles
* Illness of a working dog following exposure to sheep-dip chemicals
* An unlabelled glass jar found on a farm containing cyanide, an illegal and potentially lethal substance
The illegal use of carbofuran (insecticide) accounted for more than half of all 32 abuse incidents with nine different pesticides detected in the remaining incidents. Incidents of bird of prey poisonings remained high at 69 per cent of all abuse cases, as reflected in previous years' figures.
Commenting on the report, Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "This report highlights the devastating impact that the irresponsible abuse of pesticides can have on our wildlife. Scotland's natural environment is one of our most valuable assets and it is essential that we protect it and ensure that pesticide use is regulated appropriately. SASA plays a vital role in monitoring these incidents and helping make our countryside a safer place for us all, whilst providing crucial evidence in the fight against wildlife crime.
"A variety of domestic animals have also fallen victim to both deliberate and accidental poisonings, including livestock and family pets such as dogs and cats. The number of birds of prey which continue to be victims of deliberate poisoning does remain a concern and we will continue to use the range of measures available to combat this.
"Whilst I welcome a slight reduction in the overall number of abuse incidents from 2009 into 2010, there is unfortunately no change in respect of cases involving raptors. However, early indications would seem to suggest that there is a reduction this year. I am delighted to see law enforcement, land management organisations and conservation bodies now working together to tackle the wide issues surrounding raptor persecution. We will continue to work with the Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Scotland to put a stop to these illegal activities which are a blight on our countryside."
Duncan Orr-Ewing, Head of Species and Land Management at RSPB Scotland said: "SASA's toxicology analysis is a vital part of the work in combating wildlife crime in Scotland. The 2010 report highlights the high proportion of pesticide abuse cases still involving our iconic bird of prey species. The impact of illegal poisoning on these and other bird of prey species remains a serious concern, undermining the recovery of their populations. We welcome the increased reporting by the public of potential illegal poisoning cases, and the steps being taken by Scottish landowning interests, who we are working alongside, to bear down on those who continue use poisons illegally and indiscriminately in our countryside."
Superintendent Alan Smailes, Chair of the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group said: "I welcome the release of the statistics and the detail the report provides. Whilst there will always be different interpretations of statistics it is clear that the efforts PAW partners are making to eradicate this problem are having an effect and are the only way to make further progress. An interesting aspect of the report is that the data confirms existing suspicions that poisonings are becoming more geographically polarised. As for those areas where poisoning is continuing to occur, it is becoming ever more apparent who and where you are and we will not hesitate to use all means at our disposal to stop you."
Luke Borwick, Chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, which represents 2,500 landowners, said: "Landowners are working hard in partnership with police and other organisations to help eradicate poisoning. This requires a sustained approach over time and there is evidence these joint efforts are beginning to pay off. Early indications for the first half of 2011 show there has been a significant decrease in illegal poisoning incidents at a time when some species are increasing rapidly and now number tens of thousands, the highest overall for nearly a hundred years. This decrease is welcome, reflects serious partnership working in this area and needs to be sustained."
Background: The full WIIS report for 2010 can be found at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/08/23151702/0
In 2010, 233 incidents were referred to the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) Scotland, representing a 40 per cent increase in the number of submissions compared to 2009. Five incidents were excluded, leaving 228 incidents accepted for further investigation. The cause of death or illness was determined in 123 incidents and unknown in 105 incidents. 106 incidents (46 per cent of all incidents accepted into the WIIS Scotland) tested positive for pesticide residues.
Thirty two incidents were categorised as abuse, 11 incidents were attributed to unspecified use, 2 incidents followed approved use, two incidents were a result of misuse and three incidents were attributed to veterinary use.
Twenty five different pesticides were identified. The insecticide, carbofuran was detected in 19 out of 32 (59 per cent) incidents categorised as abuse, even though UK approval for use of products containing this chemical expired in 2001.
Previous reports can be found at http://www.sasa.gov.uk/animal-poisoning-reports
Contact
Eleanor Stratford : 0131 244 2018 / 07825 926 512
Received: August 24, 2011
Latest figures highlight birds of prey and other wildlife remain victims
Birds of prey, wild mammals, livestock and pet dogs and cats were all found to be victims of accidental or deliberate poisonings as reflected in figures unveiled by Scotland's Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) today.
A report by the Government's Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) scientists outlines an increase in the number of cases investigated in 2010, some involving the incorrect storage and usage of approved pesticides, including:
* A piglet which escaped from its enclosure and died after eating rodent baits left by the previous occupant of the farm
* 22 abuse incidents involved birds of prey including 13 buzzards, seven red kites and four golden eagles
* Illness of a working dog following exposure to sheep-dip chemicals
* An unlabelled glass jar found on a farm containing cyanide, an illegal and potentially lethal substance
The illegal use of carbofuran (insecticide) accounted for more than half of all 32 abuse incidents with nine different pesticides detected in the remaining incidents. Incidents of bird of prey poisonings remained high at 69 per cent of all abuse cases, as reflected in previous years' figures.
Commenting on the report, Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "This report highlights the devastating impact that the irresponsible abuse of pesticides can have on our wildlife. Scotland's natural environment is one of our most valuable assets and it is essential that we protect it and ensure that pesticide use is regulated appropriately. SASA plays a vital role in monitoring these incidents and helping make our countryside a safer place for us all, whilst providing crucial evidence in the fight against wildlife crime.
"A variety of domestic animals have also fallen victim to both deliberate and accidental poisonings, including livestock and family pets such as dogs and cats. The number of birds of prey which continue to be victims of deliberate poisoning does remain a concern and we will continue to use the range of measures available to combat this.
"Whilst I welcome a slight reduction in the overall number of abuse incidents from 2009 into 2010, there is unfortunately no change in respect of cases involving raptors. However, early indications would seem to suggest that there is a reduction this year. I am delighted to see law enforcement, land management organisations and conservation bodies now working together to tackle the wide issues surrounding raptor persecution. We will continue to work with the Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Scotland to put a stop to these illegal activities which are a blight on our countryside."
Duncan Orr-Ewing, Head of Species and Land Management at RSPB Scotland said: "SASA's toxicology analysis is a vital part of the work in combating wildlife crime in Scotland. The 2010 report highlights the high proportion of pesticide abuse cases still involving our iconic bird of prey species. The impact of illegal poisoning on these and other bird of prey species remains a serious concern, undermining the recovery of their populations. We welcome the increased reporting by the public of potential illegal poisoning cases, and the steps being taken by Scottish landowning interests, who we are working alongside, to bear down on those who continue use poisons illegally and indiscriminately in our countryside."
Superintendent Alan Smailes, Chair of the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group said: "I welcome the release of the statistics and the detail the report provides. Whilst there will always be different interpretations of statistics it is clear that the efforts PAW partners are making to eradicate this problem are having an effect and are the only way to make further progress. An interesting aspect of the report is that the data confirms existing suspicions that poisonings are becoming more geographically polarised. As for those areas where poisoning is continuing to occur, it is becoming ever more apparent who and where you are and we will not hesitate to use all means at our disposal to stop you."
Luke Borwick, Chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, which represents 2,500 landowners, said: "Landowners are working hard in partnership with police and other organisations to help eradicate poisoning. This requires a sustained approach over time and there is evidence these joint efforts are beginning to pay off. Early indications for the first half of 2011 show there has been a significant decrease in illegal poisoning incidents at a time when some species are increasing rapidly and now number tens of thousands, the highest overall for nearly a hundred years. This decrease is welcome, reflects serious partnership working in this area and needs to be sustained."
Background: The full WIIS report for 2010 can be found at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/08/23151702/0
In 2010, 233 incidents were referred to the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) Scotland, representing a 40 per cent increase in the number of submissions compared to 2009. Five incidents were excluded, leaving 228 incidents accepted for further investigation. The cause of death or illness was determined in 123 incidents and unknown in 105 incidents. 106 incidents (46 per cent of all incidents accepted into the WIIS Scotland) tested positive for pesticide residues.
Thirty two incidents were categorised as abuse, 11 incidents were attributed to unspecified use, 2 incidents followed approved use, two incidents were a result of misuse and three incidents were attributed to veterinary use.
Twenty five different pesticides were identified. The insecticide, carbofuran was detected in 19 out of 32 (59 per cent) incidents categorised as abuse, even though UK approval for use of products containing this chemical expired in 2001.
Previous reports can be found at http://www.sasa.gov.uk/animal-poisoning-reports
Contact
Eleanor Stratford : 0131 244 2018 / 07825 926 512
Press Release: Warning on New Council Tax Phone Scam
Received from the Highland Council - Monday 22 August 2011
Trading Standards Officers from The Highland Council are warning residents that a Council Tax scam may be operating in the region.
The scam involves unsuspecting consumers receiving a phone call from an individual pretending to be from the Council or from the UK Treasury and offering a refund on their Council Tax. In one instance reported to Trading Standards, the caller stated the consumer had been selected because they have been in employment and paid income tax over a period of time and were entitled to a reward in the form of a Council Tax refund of between £5000 & £7000.
Next comes the “catch”. The consumer is told that an upfront payment of £95 is required to process the refund. The scammers then ask for the resident's bank details to collect a payment or issue the promised refund. The caller also offers to arrange a visit to the resident’s home within the hour to collect the £95 in cash, if this is more convenient to the resident, and then send a cheque for the refund.
David MacKenzie, Trading Standards Team Leader at Highland Council said: “This council tax scam is an example of an ‘advance fee fraud’. Advance fee fraud is when fraudsters target victims to make advance payments for goods, services and/or financial gains that do not materialise. Almost all of these scams rely on payment being made online or via money transfer companies. This particular scam introduces a worrying new development in that there may be fraudsters on the ground in the Highland Council area able to travel to the consumer’s home to collect the money in person.”
Trading Standards have also reported this matter to the Police. Inverness Area Commander, Chief Inspector Graeme Murdoch, said: “We share Trading Standards concern about the cash collection service offered by these individuals and would remind members of the public to remain vigilant against this type of crime. I would reiterate the advice given by Trading Standards and urge people to contact their local police station if they feel they have been the victim of such a scam.”
David MacKenzie added: ”We urge Highland residents not to be conned by these scammers and to hang up the phone when they receive this sort of call. Finally, if you are a carer for a vulnerable person please let them know about this scam.”
Council Tax payers are also reminded that the local authority may phone them to discuss tax issues, but not in the manner used by the scammers. A spokesperson for Council Tax in Highland explained: “We also want people to be on their guard for this sort of scam but do remember that Highland Council staff may legitimately telephone residents to discuss council tax payments. The key difference of course is when we phone we have some of the resident’s details to hand. If you have any doubt as to the authenticity of the call, please call the Council's free phone council tax helpline on 0800 39381.”
Concerned residents can contact The Highland Council’s Trading Standards service at 38 Harbour Road, Inverness or telephone Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 for free and confidential advice regarding consumer issues.
- ends -
Trading Standards Officers from The Highland Council are warning residents that a Council Tax scam may be operating in the region.
The scam involves unsuspecting consumers receiving a phone call from an individual pretending to be from the Council or from the UK Treasury and offering a refund on their Council Tax. In one instance reported to Trading Standards, the caller stated the consumer had been selected because they have been in employment and paid income tax over a period of time and were entitled to a reward in the form of a Council Tax refund of between £5000 & £7000.
Next comes the “catch”. The consumer is told that an upfront payment of £95 is required to process the refund. The scammers then ask for the resident's bank details to collect a payment or issue the promised refund. The caller also offers to arrange a visit to the resident’s home within the hour to collect the £95 in cash, if this is more convenient to the resident, and then send a cheque for the refund.
David MacKenzie, Trading Standards Team Leader at Highland Council said: “This council tax scam is an example of an ‘advance fee fraud’. Advance fee fraud is when fraudsters target victims to make advance payments for goods, services and/or financial gains that do not materialise. Almost all of these scams rely on payment being made online or via money transfer companies. This particular scam introduces a worrying new development in that there may be fraudsters on the ground in the Highland Council area able to travel to the consumer’s home to collect the money in person.”
Trading Standards have also reported this matter to the Police. Inverness Area Commander, Chief Inspector Graeme Murdoch, said: “We share Trading Standards concern about the cash collection service offered by these individuals and would remind members of the public to remain vigilant against this type of crime. I would reiterate the advice given by Trading Standards and urge people to contact their local police station if they feel they have been the victim of such a scam.”
David MacKenzie added: ”We urge Highland residents not to be conned by these scammers and to hang up the phone when they receive this sort of call. Finally, if you are a carer for a vulnerable person please let them know about this scam.”
Council Tax payers are also reminded that the local authority may phone them to discuss tax issues, but not in the manner used by the scammers. A spokesperson for Council Tax in Highland explained: “We also want people to be on their guard for this sort of scam but do remember that Highland Council staff may legitimately telephone residents to discuss council tax payments. The key difference of course is when we phone we have some of the resident’s details to hand. If you have any doubt as to the authenticity of the call, please call the Council's free phone council tax helpline on 0800 39381.”
Concerned residents can contact The Highland Council’s Trading Standards service at 38 Harbour Road, Inverness or telephone Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 for free and confidential advice regarding consumer issues.
- ends -
Strathcarron Centre: Crofting induction course
SCOTTISH CROFTING FEDERATION
ENTRY LEVEL CERTIFICATED CROFTING INDUCTION COURSE
Evenings 10 weeks x 2 hours
Starting beginning October subject to numbers
£60.00 (FOC Job Seekers, Agency employees £120.00)
Venue to be confirmed (Strathcarron/Lochcarron)
Course Synopsis
1. Times past – times present. How did crofting evolve? What is crofting? Where is it today? How to acquire a croft. An introduction to crofting law and regulations.
2. Support mechanisms and EU dimension. The effect of EU membership on crofting agriculture. Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Grants schemes.
3. Land & environment. From seashore to a high place – soils, wet, wind and weather. The benefits of shelter & drainage. Forage area – use of inbye/common grazings. Waste management & SEPA.
4. Crofting livestock. Single Farm Payments, LMO’s, Integrated Administration and Control System. Livestock records/identification.
5. Wildlife, habitats & landscape. Relevance of crofting to the protection of habitats and the natural environment. Relationship of the environment to tourism and the wider economy of the Highlands & Islands.
6. Croft business – Finance & marketing. Business Gateway. Highland Opportunities. HIE, Banks & Credit Unions. Alternative economy. Business plans; cash flow; P & L forecasting. Practical Training. Diversification and some alternative/beneficial uses of land and resources.
7. Animal health & welfare. Buying, selling and transporting of animals. Breeding regimes of sheep & cattle. Common ailments in sheep, cattle and other livestock. Notifiable diseases. Disease prevention/vaccinations.
8. Open choice module. Choose from Forestry, Horticulture, Renewables, Tourism (or locally appropriate combination).
9. Community. What is a community? Individual responsibility and your place within that community. Township/Grazings committees. Empowerment and capacity building and how communities can achieve goals. Community buy-outs of land – Why? When? How?
10. And finally… Presentation of course certificates. The format for this session is largely left to the discretion of the Local Course Director and can be tailored to meet the needs of course participants.
Registration to be received by 23rd September
For further information contact:
The Strathcarron Centre, The Station, Strathcarron IV54 8YR
Tel: 01520 722882 E-Mail: info@strathcarron-centre.com
ENTRY LEVEL CERTIFICATED CROFTING INDUCTION COURSE
Evenings 10 weeks x 2 hours
Starting beginning October subject to numbers
£60.00 (FOC Job Seekers, Agency employees £120.00)
Venue to be confirmed (Strathcarron/Lochcarron)
Course Synopsis
1. Times past – times present. How did crofting evolve? What is crofting? Where is it today? How to acquire a croft. An introduction to crofting law and regulations.
2. Support mechanisms and EU dimension. The effect of EU membership on crofting agriculture. Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Grants schemes.
3. Land & environment. From seashore to a high place – soils, wet, wind and weather. The benefits of shelter & drainage. Forage area – use of inbye/common grazings. Waste management & SEPA.
4. Crofting livestock. Single Farm Payments, LMO’s, Integrated Administration and Control System. Livestock records/identification.
5. Wildlife, habitats & landscape. Relevance of crofting to the protection of habitats and the natural environment. Relationship of the environment to tourism and the wider economy of the Highlands & Islands.
6. Croft business – Finance & marketing. Business Gateway. Highland Opportunities. HIE, Banks & Credit Unions. Alternative economy. Business plans; cash flow; P & L forecasting. Practical Training. Diversification and some alternative/beneficial uses of land and resources.
7. Animal health & welfare. Buying, selling and transporting of animals. Breeding regimes of sheep & cattle. Common ailments in sheep, cattle and other livestock. Notifiable diseases. Disease prevention/vaccinations.
8. Open choice module. Choose from Forestry, Horticulture, Renewables, Tourism (or locally appropriate combination).
9. Community. What is a community? Individual responsibility and your place within that community. Township/Grazings committees. Empowerment and capacity building and how communities can achieve goals. Community buy-outs of land – Why? When? How?
10. And finally… Presentation of course certificates. The format for this session is largely left to the discretion of the Local Course Director and can be tailored to meet the needs of course participants.
Registration to be received by 23rd September
For further information contact:
The Strathcarron Centre, The Station, Strathcarron IV54 8YR
Tel: 01520 722882 E-Mail: info@strathcarron-centre.com
Eneco invites public to Lochluichart Wind Farm drop-in session
A ‘Meet the Developer’ drop-in session, designed to help local residents find out more about Lochluichart Wind Farm, and Eneco, the company behind the development, is being held on Wednesday 24 August at Garve Village Hall, Garve, Ross-shire, from 4pm – 8pm.
The 17 turbine, 51MW wind farm will be located on the Lochluichart Estate, on the higher land between Loch Glascarnoch and Loch Luichart, approximately 18 km north-west of Dingwall. Construction of the project is due to start at the end of the year and it is anticipated that the wind farm will be fully operational by 2013.
At the drop-in session, information about the status of the wind farm and next steps will be provided, and Eneco representatives will be on-hand to answer questions from members of the public.
Nigel McManus, Commercial Manager for Lochluichart Wind Farm, says, “The drop-in session will provide local residents with a great opportunity to learn more about Eneco, the project and aspects of the development process.”
For further information about Lochluichart Wind Farm, please visit www.lochluichart-windfarm.com
About:
Eneco (http://corporatenl.eneco.nl) applies an integrated distribution strategy and specialises in the production, transmission, trading, supply and metering of energy (electricity, gas and heat) and related products and services. Eneco is making a transition to becoming a sustainable energy company and will make substantial investments in the area of sustainable energy during the coming years. Eneco develops sustainable projects working on wind power, solar power, biomass and heat. In total, the company serves approximately two million business and domestic customers. Eneco employs 7,000 people (6,300 FTEs). The company’s head office is located in Rotterdam.
Eneco Wind UK Ltd is a subsidiary of the business unit, Eneco Wind which is part of the Dutch Utility. Based in Warwick, the team is headed up by Director, Guy Madgwick. The UK portfolio includes onshore projects; Tullo, a 17MW wind farm near Laurencekirk and the rights to develop a 51MW wind farm on the Lochluichart Estate, both in Scotland. Eneco has also been awarded exclusive development rights for an offshore wind project of at least 900MW, west of the Isle of Wight.
The 17 turbine, 51MW wind farm will be located on the Lochluichart Estate, on the higher land between Loch Glascarnoch and Loch Luichart, approximately 18 km north-west of Dingwall. Construction of the project is due to start at the end of the year and it is anticipated that the wind farm will be fully operational by 2013.
At the drop-in session, information about the status of the wind farm and next steps will be provided, and Eneco representatives will be on-hand to answer questions from members of the public.
Nigel McManus, Commercial Manager for Lochluichart Wind Farm, says, “The drop-in session will provide local residents with a great opportunity to learn more about Eneco, the project and aspects of the development process.”
For further information about Lochluichart Wind Farm, please visit www.lochluichart-windfarm.com
About:
Eneco (http://corporatenl.eneco.nl) applies an integrated distribution strategy and specialises in the production, transmission, trading, supply and metering of energy (electricity, gas and heat) and related products and services. Eneco is making a transition to becoming a sustainable energy company and will make substantial investments in the area of sustainable energy during the coming years. Eneco develops sustainable projects working on wind power, solar power, biomass and heat. In total, the company serves approximately two million business and domestic customers. Eneco employs 7,000 people (6,300 FTEs). The company’s head office is located in Rotterdam.
Eneco Wind UK Ltd is a subsidiary of the business unit, Eneco Wind which is part of the Dutch Utility. Based in Warwick, the team is headed up by Director, Guy Madgwick. The UK portfolio includes onshore projects; Tullo, a 17MW wind farm near Laurencekirk and the rights to develop a 51MW wind farm on the Lochluichart Estate, both in Scotland. Eneco has also been awarded exclusive development rights for an offshore wind project of at least 900MW, west of the Isle of Wight.
A very convincing scam
Thanks to Jean Hollingdale for drawing this to our attention:
Telephone credit card scam...
This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want. Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA and MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.
The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA (or Mastercard, etc). My badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your card which was issued by (name of bank) did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for £497.99 from a Marketing company based in London ?" When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from £297 to £497, just under the £500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?" You say "yes". The caller continues - "I will be starting a fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 0800 number listed on the back of your card (0800-VISA) and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?"
Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works the caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card." He'll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers." There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say, "No," the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number ..
Someone who received one of these calls, decided to call their credit card company back with a question about this. The real VISA Security Department told them it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of £497.99 was charged to their card. Long story - short - they made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing them a new number.
What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them . Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or MasterCard directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card!
If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.
Please pass this on to family and friends. By informing each other, we protect each other.
More information:
Financial Fraud Action website - various sections for consumers and businesses, with FAQ's and lots of helpful and up-to-date guidance.
www.financialfraudaction.org.uk
The definitive internet reference source for urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors, and misinformation. Use the search box above to locate your item of interest - to check the validity of any fraud or scam, or email you may have received, simply click on the 'frauds and scams' icon on the homepage. www.snopes.com
Telephone credit card scam...
This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want. Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA and MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.
The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA (or Mastercard, etc). My badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your card which was issued by (name of bank) did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for £497.99 from a Marketing company based in London ?" When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from £297 to £497, just under the £500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?" You say "yes". The caller continues - "I will be starting a fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 0800 number listed on the back of your card (0800-VISA) and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?"
Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works the caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card." He'll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers." There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say, "No," the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number ..
Someone who received one of these calls, decided to call their credit card company back with a question about this. The real VISA Security Department told them it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of £497.99 was charged to their card. Long story - short - they made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing them a new number.
What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them . Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or MasterCard directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card!
If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.
Please pass this on to family and friends. By informing each other, we protect each other.
More information:
Financial Fraud Action website - various sections for consumers and businesses, with FAQ's and lots of helpful and up-to-date guidance.
www.financialfraudaction.org.uk
The definitive internet reference source for urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors, and misinformation. Use the search box above to locate your item of interest - to check the validity of any fraud or scam, or email you may have received, simply click on the 'frauds and scams' icon on the homepage. www.snopes.com
Press Release from the Scottish Government: Scottish Household Survey Annual Report
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland - 17 August 2011
SCOTTISH HOUSEHOLD SURVEY 2009/2010 ANNUAL REPORT
Scotland’s Chief Statistician today published the Scottish Household Survey (SHS) 2009/2010 Annual Report. This is a web-only publication and can be found on the Scottish Government Website, at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/08/17093111.
The SHS is a survey of households across the whole of Scotland, and is designed to provide reliable and up-to-date information on the composition, characteristics and behaviour of Scottish households and individuals on a range of issues, both nationally and at a sub-national level.
It covers a wide range of key topics including household composition; housing; neighbourhoods and communities; economic activity; finance and childcare; education; transport; internet and broadband; health and caring; local services; volunteering; culture and sport.
Some of the main results from the survey, set out in more detail in the main report, are:
Household composition
* Over half (51 per cent) of adults are married and living with a spouse, while 32 per cent are single and have never been married or in a civil partnership.
* A third (33 per cent) of households in Scotland contains only one person, made up of single adults (19 per cent) and single pensioners (14 per cent).
Housing
* Owner occupation is the predominant tenure for most household types (65 per cent of all households), the notable exception being for single parent households (where 48 per cent are in social rented housing) and, to a somewhat lesser extent, single adult households (32 per cent in the social rented sector).
* The private rented sector has shown small but consistent signs of growth from 5 per cent in 1999 to 11 per cent in 2010, associated with a decline in the social rented sector (from 32per cent in 1999 to 23per cent in 2010).
* The 15 per cent most deprived areas in Scotland are characterised by high concentrations of social housing, with 54 per cent of households in the social rented sector; compared to 17 per cent in the rest of Scotland.
* Almost half (49 per cent) of those who have lived at their current address for less than one year are from the private rented sector. Owner occupied households show more long-term stability in staying at a single address.
Neighbourhoods and communities
* 93.5 per cent of adults rate their neighbourhood as a very or fairly good place to live. This rating has been consistently high since the first SHS in 1999. Rating of neighbourhood is one of the Government’s national performance indicators, with the aim of increasing the percentage of adults who rate their neighbourhood as a good place to live.
* Adults living in rural areas of Scotland are more likely to say their neighbourhood is ‘very good’ (78 per cent of those living in remote rural areas for example) as compared to those from urban (49per cent of those in large urban areas). Similarly, adults typically rate their neighbourhoods lower when they live within higher levels of deprivation (25 per cent of those living in the 10per cent most deprived areas rate their neighbourhood as very good).
* The aspect of neighbourhoods that people who rate their neighbourhood positively like most about their area is a ‘sense of community.’ where 72 per cent of adults say they like the sense of community in their neighbourhood. Over a quarter (28 per cent) of adults particulary dislike the unpleasant environment they live in.
* Overall prevalence of different types of anti-social behaviour is relatively low. The perceptions of neighbourhood problems 2010 estimates represent some of the lowest levels ever reported in the SHS. The most commonly perceived problems are litter lying around (24 per cent saying this is very or fairly common in their area) and animal nuisance such as noise or dog fouling (23 per cent). Perception of vandalism such as graffiti or damage to property (11 per cent) continues to decrease year on year.
* Around three fifths of adults say they have not experienced any kind of neighbourhood problems (59 per cent), though this decreases to 48 per cent for those living in the 15 per cent most deprived areas of Scotland.
* Three quarters of adults say they feel very or fairly safe when walking alone in their neighbourhood after dark, with males (86 per cent) more likely to feel safe than females (67 per cent).
Finance and childcare
* Throughout 2010, there is a suggestion that people are beginning to feel more positively about their household finances, with an increase in each of the first three quarters over the year for those saying they are managing ‘quite well’ or ‘very well’. Overall, just under half (49 per cent) of all adults in 2010 say they manage quite well or very well.
* Less than a third (29 per cent) of single parent households say they are not managing well financially, compared with around one-in-ten households (12 per cent) across all household types.
* Three-in-ten households (29 per cent) did not have any savings or investments in 2010, with almost one-in-ten households (12 per cent) having less than £1,000 savings (compared to 18 per cent in 2009).
* Just under two-thirds (64 per cent) of single parent households have no savings and investments compared with 27 per cent from all other household types. Over half (55 per cent) of households in the social rented sector have no savings.
Education and Young People
* Just over one-fifth (22 per cent) of adults have no qualifications, with little difference between males and females, though those with no qualifications are more likely to have lower incomes.
* Levels of satisfaction of schooling amongst parents are high, with over nine in ten (91 per cent) of all parents with school aged children satisfied with the education provided by their child’s school.
* Satisfaction parents have with schooling decreases slightly as the age of the school child increases, decreasing from 96 per cent for those aged 4 to 6 down to 88 per cent for those aged 13 and above.
* Typically around half of households have access to some form of play areas within their neighbourhood. Over half (51 per cent) have access to a park, and 46 per cent have access to either a playground or field or other open space.
* Generally, those households within rural areas are more likely to say children would be very safe or fairly safe when walking or cycling to play areas on their own. For example, 58 per cent of householders in large urban areas think it would be safe to travel to a playground, compared to 79 per cent in remote rural areas.
* Those from rural areas are less concerned about bullying by other children (less than one third across all play areas) as compared to those from urban areas (up to a half of householders are concerned across all play areas).
* Most householders would feel comfortable with children being aged around 9 or 10 years old to play without supervision at such play areas. This increases to closer to 11 years old when playing within a natural environment or wooded area.
* Just under three-quarters (74 per cent) of young people aged 8 to 21 take part in some of activities regularly, with the majority of young people (52per cent) taking part in sports or sporting activity whether played competitively or not.
Transport and travel
* 70 per cent of households have a car available for private use. Car availability is strongly associated with income: in those households with a net annual household income of over £25,000 over nine in ten households have access to at least one car, whilst at least half of households with an income of £15,000 or below do not have access to a car at all.
* There has been a general increasing trend of households with access to a larger number of cars, with those with access to two cars increasing from 15 per cent in 1999 through to 22 per cent in 2010.
* Just over two thirds (68 per cent) of adults hold a full driving licence, with a higher proportion of males (76 per cent) compared to females (60 per cent).
Internet
* Overall, two-thirds of Scottish households report having home Internet access in 2010 (68 per cent) which continues a long established year-on-year increase. Home Internet access increases with net annual household income, from less than half of households for those with income less than £15,000 up to 97 per cent of those with an income greater than £40,000.
* 52 per cent of households in the 15 per cent most deprived areas of Scotland have home Internet access compared to 69 per cent in the rest of Scotland.
* More than nine out of ten households in Scotland who access the Internet at home have a broadband connection. Broadband uptake rates are very similar among Internet using households in the 15per cent most deprived of areas of Scotland (94 per cent) compared to the rest of Scotland (96 per cent). Take up of broadband is lowest for remote rural areas, at 92 per cent, compared to 96 per cent in large urban areas.
* Just over a quarter of adults (27 per cent) do not use the Internet at all. There is a clear relationship between age and use of the Internet, with use declining as respondents get older. Similarly, women are more likely than men to be non-users (30 per cent and 25 per cent respectively) though the main gender difference is among those aged 60 or older, with very little difference in the proportion of younger males and females who do not use the Internet.
* The majority (94 per cent) of adults who use the Internet access it at home, followed by at work (21 per cent). Seven per cent said that they accessed the Internet whilst on the move, for example using a mobile phone. Since this question was first asked in 2007, there has been a year on year increase in the proportion of adults who accessed the Internet on the move.
* The SHS asked adults who make no personal use of the Internet the reasons why they did not. Among the most common responses related to people’s preferences or requirements were, 28 per cent saying they did not like using the Internet/computers, 25 per cent saying they did not need to use the Internet/computers and 14 per cent saying there is nothing of interest on the Internet.
Health and Caring
* Just over 24 per cent of adults smoked in 2010. Since its introduction in 1999 the SHS has charted a general downwards trend in the proportion of adults who smoke. The 2010 proportion is a 6.5 percentage point reduction on 1999. The percentage of adults who smoke is one of the Government’s national performance indicators, with the aim of reducing the percentage of the adult population who smoke to 22 per cent by 2010.
* Typically, more men than women smoke (26 per cent and 23 per cent respectively). Younger men more commonly smoke than younger women, with the gap widest (nine percentage points) between the ages of 25 and 34 years.
* Adults in the 15 per cent most deprived areas of Scotland are considerably more likely than those in the rest of Scotland to say that they are current smokers (42 per cent and 21 per cent respectively).
* A third of households in Scotland (33 per cent) contain at least one person with a long-standing illness, health problem or disability. Owner occupier households (28 per cent) and those who rent from the private sector (19 per cent) are less likely to contain someone with long-standing health problems or disabilities than those living in the social rented sector (52 per cent) or other tenure type.
* While 13 per cent of all households contain at least one person who requires regular help or care, one in four single pensioners (24 per cent) and one in five older smaller households (22 per cent) have care needs
* Around three quarters of adults (74per cent) say their own health is either ‘very good’ or 'good', compared to 7per cent of those saying it is ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’.
* There is a relationship between income and perceived health - one in which age may be a contributory factor though - with around one in ten of those with a net annual household income of £15,000 or less saying they have ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’ health compared with 2 per cent or less where income in excess of £30,000.
Local services
* 64 per cent of adults are satisfied with local health services, local schools and public transport (as a composite measure). This data forms the basis of the Government’s national performance indicator on perceptions of public services. This represents a slight decrease of under one percentage point on the 2009 figure of around 65 per cent.
* 86 per cent of adults are very or fairly satisfied with local health services; 83 per cent very or fairly satisfied with local schools and 74 per cent very or fairly satisfied with public transport.
* Almost half (49 per cent) of adults say their council is good at letting people know about the kinds of services it provides, whilst 43 per cent say that it is providing high quality services. In contrast, just under a quarter (23 per cent) of adults agreed that their council is good at listening to local people’s views before it takes decisions. Generally speaking, older adults are likely to be more satisfied with the performance statements about local government services than younger adults.
* At least two-thirds of adults said they would find the majority of local services, such as doing small food shopping or using a post office, convenient if they needed to use them. Over nine-in-ten (92 per cent) adults said they would find shopping for small amounts of food convenient, which was the highest percentage for any of the services. The lowest percentage of adults (63 per cent) said they would find hospital outpatient services convenient, should they need to use them.
* 88 per cent of households have recycled some paper (including newspaper, magazines and cardboard), glass jars and bottles, metal cans or plastic bottles in the past month.
* The percentage of households recycling at least some of these different types of waste has increased considerably since 2003 (55 per cent of households recycled something), and continues to typically increase year-on-year.
* Recycling of these items is clearly related to the type of property in which households live, reflecting the differing availability of recycling services to residents in different types of property. For example, 94 per cent of households living in a house or bungalow recycle one or more of these items compared with up to 79 up for those living in flats. Within flats, fewer of those living on the higher floors recycle items: 48 per cent house of households living in a flat with the lowest floor level being the fifth floor or higher.
* Just over two-thirds of adults (67 per cent) in Scotland have access to a park, greenspace or other area of grass in their neighbourhood that they and their family can use that is safe and pleasant.
* There is an association between access to safe and pleasant open spaces and how people rate their neighbourhood as a place to live. Seventy two percent of adults who rate their neighbourhood as a very good place to live say they have access to an open space in their neighbourhood which is safe and pleasant, compared to just under two-fifths (39 per cent) from those rating their neighbourhood as poor.
* One-in-ten of all adults use council run parks or open spaces most days, whilst just under one-in-five of all adults (19 per cent) have never used such greenspace. Two-thirds of adults are satisfied with council run parks and open spaces, with around one-in-twenty (6per cent) being dissatisfied.
Volunteering
* Three-in-ten adults (30 per cent) have provided unpaid help to organisations or individuals in the last 12 months. Broadly similar percentages of men and women overall volunteer (27 per cent of men and 31 per cent of women), and this is also true for most age groups
* Unpaid help is least likely to be provided by those who are unemployed and seeking work (20 per cent) and those who are unable to work due to short-term illness (19 per cent) or permanently sick or disabled (15 per cent).
* Around one-in-five (22 per cent) of all adults from lower income households (earning less than £15,000) volunteered in the last 12 months, compared to nearly twice that (41 per cent) among those with a net household income of more than £40,000.
* Working with organisations connected to children, either through schools (23 per cent) or other youth and children's organisations (21 per cent) are the most common form of volunteering.
* Of those who said they had not given unpaid help to clubs or organisations in the last 12 months, three out of ten (29 per cent) said they had nonetheless given unpaid help to an organisation or group previously.
* The majority of respondents stopped being involved in voluntary work or activities because of changes to their life circumstances, for example because they no longer had the time (23 per cent), because they moved house (12 per cent) or due to illness (10 per cent).
Culture and sport
* Almost three-quarters (74 per cent) have attended a cultural event or place in the last 12 months.
* The most popular form of cultural attendance is watching films at a cinema (52 per cent of adults). The next most popular cultural places are libraries (28 per cent), live music events (27 per cent), plays or theatrical performances (26 per cent) and museums (26 per cent).
* Attendance is higher amongst women than men at most types of cultural place or event. The overall levels of cultural attendance falls with increasing age of respondent. This is partly due to the popularity of cinema attendance amongst younger age groups.
* Slightly less people participated in a cultural activity in the previous 12 months (71 per cent participated, compared to 74 per cent attending). By far the most popular form of cultural participation is reading for pleasure (62 per cent), with dancing being the next most popular activity (18 per cent). Participation in most cultural activities is higher amongst women (77 per cent) than men (65 per cent).
* 72 per cent of adults participated in sport (including recreational walking) in the last four weeks. When walking was excluded, just over half of adults had undertaken at least one of the remaining sports activities in the last four weeks.
* The percentage of women who had participated in sport in the last four weeks was lower than the corresponding figure for men (69 per cent versus 75 per cent). Among different age groups, participation was highest among those aged 16 to 34 (84 per cent), thereafter, participation decreased steadily until the age of 75, after which there was a sharp reduction with only 38 per cent of those aged 75 and over engaging in sport in the past four weeks.
The full statistical publication can be accessed at:
www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/08/17093111
Further information on the Scottish Household Survey can be accessed at:
www.scotland.gov.uk/SHS
SCOTTISH HOUSEHOLD SURVEY 2009/2010 ANNUAL REPORT
Scotland’s Chief Statistician today published the Scottish Household Survey (SHS) 2009/2010 Annual Report. This is a web-only publication and can be found on the Scottish Government Website, at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/08/17093111.
The SHS is a survey of households across the whole of Scotland, and is designed to provide reliable and up-to-date information on the composition, characteristics and behaviour of Scottish households and individuals on a range of issues, both nationally and at a sub-national level.
It covers a wide range of key topics including household composition; housing; neighbourhoods and communities; economic activity; finance and childcare; education; transport; internet and broadband; health and caring; local services; volunteering; culture and sport.
Some of the main results from the survey, set out in more detail in the main report, are:
Household composition
* Over half (51 per cent) of adults are married and living with a spouse, while 32 per cent are single and have never been married or in a civil partnership.
* A third (33 per cent) of households in Scotland contains only one person, made up of single adults (19 per cent) and single pensioners (14 per cent).
Housing
* Owner occupation is the predominant tenure for most household types (65 per cent of all households), the notable exception being for single parent households (where 48 per cent are in social rented housing) and, to a somewhat lesser extent, single adult households (32 per cent in the social rented sector).
* The private rented sector has shown small but consistent signs of growth from 5 per cent in 1999 to 11 per cent in 2010, associated with a decline in the social rented sector (from 32per cent in 1999 to 23per cent in 2010).
* The 15 per cent most deprived areas in Scotland are characterised by high concentrations of social housing, with 54 per cent of households in the social rented sector; compared to 17 per cent in the rest of Scotland.
* Almost half (49 per cent) of those who have lived at their current address for less than one year are from the private rented sector. Owner occupied households show more long-term stability in staying at a single address.
Neighbourhoods and communities
* 93.5 per cent of adults rate their neighbourhood as a very or fairly good place to live. This rating has been consistently high since the first SHS in 1999. Rating of neighbourhood is one of the Government’s national performance indicators, with the aim of increasing the percentage of adults who rate their neighbourhood as a good place to live.
* Adults living in rural areas of Scotland are more likely to say their neighbourhood is ‘very good’ (78 per cent of those living in remote rural areas for example) as compared to those from urban (49per cent of those in large urban areas). Similarly, adults typically rate their neighbourhoods lower when they live within higher levels of deprivation (25 per cent of those living in the 10per cent most deprived areas rate their neighbourhood as very good).
* The aspect of neighbourhoods that people who rate their neighbourhood positively like most about their area is a ‘sense of community.’ where 72 per cent of adults say they like the sense of community in their neighbourhood. Over a quarter (28 per cent) of adults particulary dislike the unpleasant environment they live in.
* Overall prevalence of different types of anti-social behaviour is relatively low. The perceptions of neighbourhood problems 2010 estimates represent some of the lowest levels ever reported in the SHS. The most commonly perceived problems are litter lying around (24 per cent saying this is very or fairly common in their area) and animal nuisance such as noise or dog fouling (23 per cent). Perception of vandalism such as graffiti or damage to property (11 per cent) continues to decrease year on year.
* Around three fifths of adults say they have not experienced any kind of neighbourhood problems (59 per cent), though this decreases to 48 per cent for those living in the 15 per cent most deprived areas of Scotland.
* Three quarters of adults say they feel very or fairly safe when walking alone in their neighbourhood after dark, with males (86 per cent) more likely to feel safe than females (67 per cent).
Finance and childcare
* Throughout 2010, there is a suggestion that people are beginning to feel more positively about their household finances, with an increase in each of the first three quarters over the year for those saying they are managing ‘quite well’ or ‘very well’. Overall, just under half (49 per cent) of all adults in 2010 say they manage quite well or very well.
* Less than a third (29 per cent) of single parent households say they are not managing well financially, compared with around one-in-ten households (12 per cent) across all household types.
* Three-in-ten households (29 per cent) did not have any savings or investments in 2010, with almost one-in-ten households (12 per cent) having less than £1,000 savings (compared to 18 per cent in 2009).
* Just under two-thirds (64 per cent) of single parent households have no savings and investments compared with 27 per cent from all other household types. Over half (55 per cent) of households in the social rented sector have no savings.
Education and Young People
* Just over one-fifth (22 per cent) of adults have no qualifications, with little difference between males and females, though those with no qualifications are more likely to have lower incomes.
* Levels of satisfaction of schooling amongst parents are high, with over nine in ten (91 per cent) of all parents with school aged children satisfied with the education provided by their child’s school.
* Satisfaction parents have with schooling decreases slightly as the age of the school child increases, decreasing from 96 per cent for those aged 4 to 6 down to 88 per cent for those aged 13 and above.
* Typically around half of households have access to some form of play areas within their neighbourhood. Over half (51 per cent) have access to a park, and 46 per cent have access to either a playground or field or other open space.
* Generally, those households within rural areas are more likely to say children would be very safe or fairly safe when walking or cycling to play areas on their own. For example, 58 per cent of householders in large urban areas think it would be safe to travel to a playground, compared to 79 per cent in remote rural areas.
* Those from rural areas are less concerned about bullying by other children (less than one third across all play areas) as compared to those from urban areas (up to a half of householders are concerned across all play areas).
* Most householders would feel comfortable with children being aged around 9 or 10 years old to play without supervision at such play areas. This increases to closer to 11 years old when playing within a natural environment or wooded area.
* Just under three-quarters (74 per cent) of young people aged 8 to 21 take part in some of activities regularly, with the majority of young people (52per cent) taking part in sports or sporting activity whether played competitively or not.
Transport and travel
* 70 per cent of households have a car available for private use. Car availability is strongly associated with income: in those households with a net annual household income of over £25,000 over nine in ten households have access to at least one car, whilst at least half of households with an income of £15,000 or below do not have access to a car at all.
* There has been a general increasing trend of households with access to a larger number of cars, with those with access to two cars increasing from 15 per cent in 1999 through to 22 per cent in 2010.
* Just over two thirds (68 per cent) of adults hold a full driving licence, with a higher proportion of males (76 per cent) compared to females (60 per cent).
Internet
* Overall, two-thirds of Scottish households report having home Internet access in 2010 (68 per cent) which continues a long established year-on-year increase. Home Internet access increases with net annual household income, from less than half of households for those with income less than £15,000 up to 97 per cent of those with an income greater than £40,000.
* 52 per cent of households in the 15 per cent most deprived areas of Scotland have home Internet access compared to 69 per cent in the rest of Scotland.
* More than nine out of ten households in Scotland who access the Internet at home have a broadband connection. Broadband uptake rates are very similar among Internet using households in the 15per cent most deprived of areas of Scotland (94 per cent) compared to the rest of Scotland (96 per cent). Take up of broadband is lowest for remote rural areas, at 92 per cent, compared to 96 per cent in large urban areas.
* Just over a quarter of adults (27 per cent) do not use the Internet at all. There is a clear relationship between age and use of the Internet, with use declining as respondents get older. Similarly, women are more likely than men to be non-users (30 per cent and 25 per cent respectively) though the main gender difference is among those aged 60 or older, with very little difference in the proportion of younger males and females who do not use the Internet.
* The majority (94 per cent) of adults who use the Internet access it at home, followed by at work (21 per cent). Seven per cent said that they accessed the Internet whilst on the move, for example using a mobile phone. Since this question was first asked in 2007, there has been a year on year increase in the proportion of adults who accessed the Internet on the move.
* The SHS asked adults who make no personal use of the Internet the reasons why they did not. Among the most common responses related to people’s preferences or requirements were, 28 per cent saying they did not like using the Internet/computers, 25 per cent saying they did not need to use the Internet/computers and 14 per cent saying there is nothing of interest on the Internet.
Health and Caring
* Just over 24 per cent of adults smoked in 2010. Since its introduction in 1999 the SHS has charted a general downwards trend in the proportion of adults who smoke. The 2010 proportion is a 6.5 percentage point reduction on 1999. The percentage of adults who smoke is one of the Government’s national performance indicators, with the aim of reducing the percentage of the adult population who smoke to 22 per cent by 2010.
* Typically, more men than women smoke (26 per cent and 23 per cent respectively). Younger men more commonly smoke than younger women, with the gap widest (nine percentage points) between the ages of 25 and 34 years.
* Adults in the 15 per cent most deprived areas of Scotland are considerably more likely than those in the rest of Scotland to say that they are current smokers (42 per cent and 21 per cent respectively).
* A third of households in Scotland (33 per cent) contain at least one person with a long-standing illness, health problem or disability. Owner occupier households (28 per cent) and those who rent from the private sector (19 per cent) are less likely to contain someone with long-standing health problems or disabilities than those living in the social rented sector (52 per cent) or other tenure type.
* While 13 per cent of all households contain at least one person who requires regular help or care, one in four single pensioners (24 per cent) and one in five older smaller households (22 per cent) have care needs
* Around three quarters of adults (74per cent) say their own health is either ‘very good’ or 'good', compared to 7per cent of those saying it is ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’.
* There is a relationship between income and perceived health - one in which age may be a contributory factor though - with around one in ten of those with a net annual household income of £15,000 or less saying they have ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’ health compared with 2 per cent or less where income in excess of £30,000.
Local services
* 64 per cent of adults are satisfied with local health services, local schools and public transport (as a composite measure). This data forms the basis of the Government’s national performance indicator on perceptions of public services. This represents a slight decrease of under one percentage point on the 2009 figure of around 65 per cent.
* 86 per cent of adults are very or fairly satisfied with local health services; 83 per cent very or fairly satisfied with local schools and 74 per cent very or fairly satisfied with public transport.
* Almost half (49 per cent) of adults say their council is good at letting people know about the kinds of services it provides, whilst 43 per cent say that it is providing high quality services. In contrast, just under a quarter (23 per cent) of adults agreed that their council is good at listening to local people’s views before it takes decisions. Generally speaking, older adults are likely to be more satisfied with the performance statements about local government services than younger adults.
* At least two-thirds of adults said they would find the majority of local services, such as doing small food shopping or using a post office, convenient if they needed to use them. Over nine-in-ten (92 per cent) adults said they would find shopping for small amounts of food convenient, which was the highest percentage for any of the services. The lowest percentage of adults (63 per cent) said they would find hospital outpatient services convenient, should they need to use them.
* 88 per cent of households have recycled some paper (including newspaper, magazines and cardboard), glass jars and bottles, metal cans or plastic bottles in the past month.
* The percentage of households recycling at least some of these different types of waste has increased considerably since 2003 (55 per cent of households recycled something), and continues to typically increase year-on-year.
* Recycling of these items is clearly related to the type of property in which households live, reflecting the differing availability of recycling services to residents in different types of property. For example, 94 per cent of households living in a house or bungalow recycle one or more of these items compared with up to 79 up for those living in flats. Within flats, fewer of those living on the higher floors recycle items: 48 per cent house of households living in a flat with the lowest floor level being the fifth floor or higher.
* Just over two-thirds of adults (67 per cent) in Scotland have access to a park, greenspace or other area of grass in their neighbourhood that they and their family can use that is safe and pleasant.
* There is an association between access to safe and pleasant open spaces and how people rate their neighbourhood as a place to live. Seventy two percent of adults who rate their neighbourhood as a very good place to live say they have access to an open space in their neighbourhood which is safe and pleasant, compared to just under two-fifths (39 per cent) from those rating their neighbourhood as poor.
* One-in-ten of all adults use council run parks or open spaces most days, whilst just under one-in-five of all adults (19 per cent) have never used such greenspace. Two-thirds of adults are satisfied with council run parks and open spaces, with around one-in-twenty (6per cent) being dissatisfied.
Volunteering
* Three-in-ten adults (30 per cent) have provided unpaid help to organisations or individuals in the last 12 months. Broadly similar percentages of men and women overall volunteer (27 per cent of men and 31 per cent of women), and this is also true for most age groups
* Unpaid help is least likely to be provided by those who are unemployed and seeking work (20 per cent) and those who are unable to work due to short-term illness (19 per cent) or permanently sick or disabled (15 per cent).
* Around one-in-five (22 per cent) of all adults from lower income households (earning less than £15,000) volunteered in the last 12 months, compared to nearly twice that (41 per cent) among those with a net household income of more than £40,000.
* Working with organisations connected to children, either through schools (23 per cent) or other youth and children's organisations (21 per cent) are the most common form of volunteering.
* Of those who said they had not given unpaid help to clubs or organisations in the last 12 months, three out of ten (29 per cent) said they had nonetheless given unpaid help to an organisation or group previously.
* The majority of respondents stopped being involved in voluntary work or activities because of changes to their life circumstances, for example because they no longer had the time (23 per cent), because they moved house (12 per cent) or due to illness (10 per cent).
Culture and sport
* Almost three-quarters (74 per cent) have attended a cultural event or place in the last 12 months.
* The most popular form of cultural attendance is watching films at a cinema (52 per cent of adults). The next most popular cultural places are libraries (28 per cent), live music events (27 per cent), plays or theatrical performances (26 per cent) and museums (26 per cent).
* Attendance is higher amongst women than men at most types of cultural place or event. The overall levels of cultural attendance falls with increasing age of respondent. This is partly due to the popularity of cinema attendance amongst younger age groups.
* Slightly less people participated in a cultural activity in the previous 12 months (71 per cent participated, compared to 74 per cent attending). By far the most popular form of cultural participation is reading for pleasure (62 per cent), with dancing being the next most popular activity (18 per cent). Participation in most cultural activities is higher amongst women (77 per cent) than men (65 per cent).
* 72 per cent of adults participated in sport (including recreational walking) in the last four weeks. When walking was excluded, just over half of adults had undertaken at least one of the remaining sports activities in the last four weeks.
* The percentage of women who had participated in sport in the last four weeks was lower than the corresponding figure for men (69 per cent versus 75 per cent). Among different age groups, participation was highest among those aged 16 to 34 (84 per cent), thereafter, participation decreased steadily until the age of 75, after which there was a sharp reduction with only 38 per cent of those aged 75 and over engaging in sport in the past four weeks.
The full statistical publication can be accessed at:
www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/08/17093111
Further information on the Scottish Household Survey can be accessed at:
www.scotland.gov.uk/SHS
Garve & District Community Council: Agenda 6 September 2011
Agenda
Tuesday 6 September 2011,
Achnasheen Village Hall - 7pm
1. Apologies
2. Declarations of interest
3. Chairman’s comments
4. Approve the minutes of the last meeting
5. Matters arising from the minutes
6. Treasurer’s report
7. Scottish Water
8. Correspondence
9. AOB from CC members
10. AOB from members of the public
11. Scoping reports and Consultations
12. Planning applications
13. Licensing applications
14. Community Benefit
15. Date of next meeting
All welcome!
Tuesday 6 September 2011,
Achnasheen Village Hall - 7pm
1. Apologies
2. Declarations of interest
3. Chairman’s comments
4. Approve the minutes of the last meeting
5. Matters arising from the minutes
6. Treasurer’s report
7. Scottish Water
8. Correspondence
9. AOB from CC members
10. AOB from members of the public
11. Scoping reports and Consultations
12. Planning applications
13. Licensing applications
14. Community Benefit
15. Date of next meeting
All welcome!
Garve & District Community Council: meeting 2 August 2011
Draft Minutes: Garve and District Community Council meeting held
2nd August 2011 at Garve Village Hall.
PRESENT: Kenny MacLean (Chairman), Jean Bailey (Treasurer), Jean Hollingdale (Secretary), Sue Tarr, Alex MacKenzie, Pam Morrison, Jennifer Haslam, Lady Eliza Leslie Melville, Jock Logie, Robbie Bain (Ward Manager), Matilda Urie (E-On), 3 members of the public.
APOLOGIES: Bob Moir, Ruari Matheson, Nigel McManus (Eneco), Nicola Brookes (Eneco), PC Alison Millar, Fiona Milligan (Infinergy), Nick Sage (Infinergy).
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.00pm and welcomed everyone.
DECLARATION OF INTEREST: Lady Eliza Leslie Melville (planning and community benefit), Kenny MacLean (one item non financial of planning).
CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS: Members were informed that the Secretary’s computer has had technical problems over the past month but these have now been resolved with the installation of a dongle! Chairman then read out a press release with comments from the ex Head teacher of Garve and Marybank schools Mr. Robert Quigley who is now Head teacher of the new Milton of Leys School. We send our best wishes to him in his new post. Chairman was unable to attend the Eneco “meet the developer” drop in at Aultguish Inn on 27th July 2011. From all accounts it was a very well attended event. Chairman then thanked members for keeping him in the loop while he was out of the area on business.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: for 5th July 2011. Proposed by Alex MacKenzie, seconded by Jock Logie.
MATTERS ARISING:
White lining on HC roads: ongoing. Robbie Bain to ask for an update.
Bin for Grudie: Ongoing. Robbie Bain to contact TEC services and also inform Nel Macdonald-Rolfe (Dog Warden) that Jennifer Haslam had collected another four bags of litter from the Grudie lay-by which requires collecting. Previously there was a problem that the lay-by bins were not being emptied regularly. Now they are emptied on the domestic run each week. It was noted that there are no bins between Achnasheen and Gorstan (16 miles) which is not a good situation. The Chairman read out a press release on HC Zero Tolerance on litter and fly-tipping which is covered by ‘The Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004’ which introduced fixed penalty notices for littering and fly-tipping and the penalty is £50. Communities could do litter patrols with “Litter” van – people have to be warned that they are under surveillance before a fine can be imposed.
Smiley sign: ongoing.
Trader’s Insurance: Should traders have their own public liability insurance? Robbie Bain suggested that the more insurance there is around the better.
Scottish Water: a representative from Scottish Water will attend our next meeting to answer any questions we may have.
Pot Holes: The pot holes in Station Road Lochluichart, Strathgarve and Burial Ground area Garve were again reported to Robbie Bain, ongoing. Some residents of Strathgarve have written directly to the Roads Department, noted.
Tarvie Lay-by: ongoing.
Transportation of Turbines: A letter has been sent to Northern Constabulary stating our concerns about delays even though this will not occur until 2013.
Trees overhanging pavement on Station Road, Garve: Secretary has spoken to TranServ, an inspector has been sent out and taken photographs to re-assess the situation and will report back to TranServ work should be carried out within 28 days of this report. Secretary to contact TranServ to check out this report.
Trees on Stirling Drive Garve: Robbie Bain will look into this matter.
HC website error: this has now been corrected.
Loose kerb stones outside Garve Village Hall and Achanalt: Ongoing, Robbie Bain was informed that a visitor to the area had tripped over the kerb stone at Garve; the Chairman has put a cone over the kerb stone to warn the public.
TREASURER’S REPORT: As of 2nd August 2011 the three bank accounts are now amalgamated and the current balance is £2,264.45. Since the last meeting the only payment has been the rent for Achnasheen Village Hall £30.00. A breakdown of accounts is: Senior Citizens £1387.96, War Memorial £170.86, Treasurer’s Account £705.63. Total: £2,264.45. To date we have not received our grant for 2011/12 from the Highland Council. We have not received confirmation for credit of insurance deducted for the AGNV printer. Treasurer and Robbie Bain to check. Future fund raising was mentioned and it was decided not to have a fund raising event until next year. There are other events planned in Garve Village Hall – Art Fair in September & Christmas Fair first weekend in December.
CORRESPONDENCE: Email: Consultation of Highlands Statutorily Protected Species (Draft) Supplementary Guidance; HC planning meeting for 19th July; Eneco contact details; Lochbroom CC mins; Lochcarron CC mins; Shieldaig CC mins; Eneco update; Infinergy prepay meters update; Eneco update; E-On date for public meeting; Post: Scottish Water drawings; CAB Board members required; HSCHT July newsletter.
AOB (MEMBERS): Sue Tarr and Alex Mackenzie brought up the subject of youngsters jumping into the Blackwater river from both Silver Bridge and Wades Bridge, this is because of the accident that occurred last week-end. It is not just the danger involved; there is an issue with the amount of litter, beer cans and broken glass left behind. Loch Garve is another area. It was decided that G&DCC should liaise with Forestry Commission, Hydro and TranServ about signs warning the public of rapid rises in water levels on the river Blackwater. Also to ask the Police to make a presence over week-ends to check on underage drinking.
Alex MacKenzie asked Robbie Bain if it would be possible to have a Road Sign for Lochluichart Church as the Church cannot been seen from the road because of overgrown trees. Robbie Bain will look into this matter. Maybe some of the trees could be cut back.
The Chairman informed members of a telephone scam which is targeting households that include people over 60 years of age offering them half price Sky Television. When they find an interested party they then ask for Bank Account details. The Police have been informed. Sky Television have been informed and have no knowledge and are certainly not offering half price television. If anyone receives such a call inform the Police immediately. The Highland Council is working with the office of Fair Trading to warn the public of doorstep visits from rogue traders. ‘Doorstep callers commit criminal offences when they mislead, hide their identity or do not give written notice of cancellation. Highland Council Trading Standards will investigate complaints made and urge residents to get into contact if they are at all suspicious. They liaise with Northern Constabulary in a combined effort to combat crime’. Concerned residents can contact The Highland Council’s Trading standards Section at 38 Harbour Road, Inverness or telephone Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
Reduction of opening hours for HC Service Points begins 15th August 2011: Gairloch 9.30am to 1pm, Lochcarron 9.30am to 1pm, Ullapool 9.30am to 1pm, Dingwall 9.30 am to 4.30pm all Monday to Friday.
AOB (PUBLIC): A further query about Scottish Water was raised and will be passed to Scottish Water at the next meeting. Comments were made as to the resurfacing of some HC roads and not others. Robbie Bain made note of these comments.
SCOPING AND CONSULTATION: Scoping reports – none. Consultation of Highlands Statutorily Protected Species (Draft) Supplementary Guidance. Members have no comment to make.
PLANNING: The Chairman stood down for the 1st item of planning. The Chair was taken by the Treasurer – 11/02763/FUL. Achnasheen Post Office, Achnasheen IV22 2EE. Change of use from Post Office to holiday letting unit. Members have no comments to make.
Lady Eliza Leslie Melville was thanked and left the meeting.
The Chairman then returned to the chair for the next two planning applications; 11/02526/FUL, Land between Lochluichart and Loch Glascarnoch Garve, Borrow pit excavation works to enable the development and construction of the consented Lochluichart Wind Farm. Members have no comments to make. 11/02529/FUL, Land between Lochluichart and Loch Glascarnoch Garve, Borrow pit excavation works to enable the development and construction of the consented Lochluichart Wind Farm. Members have no comments to make.
LICENSING: None
COMMUNITY BENEFIT: Eneco update. Meet the Developer Drop In is to be 24th August 2011 at Garve Village Hall from 4.00pm until 8.00pm. This will be advertised in the local press. The setting up of a Liaison Group is anticipated sometime in the week commencing 3rd October 2011. Members agreed that Kenny MacLean should be the G&DCC representative on this group. It should be noted that the Community Benefit money will not be paid out to Lochluichart Community Trust until the windfarm has been generating and connected to the national grid for 6 months (late 2013/early 2014). Eneco have had estimates from Munro & Noble, Inverness and Highland Opportunity for setting up the trust. Highland Opportunity gave a lower estimate which included all our requirements; Munro & Noble were more expensive and did not include setting up Charitable Status. Sue Tarr asked Robbie Bain if Highland Opportunity are qualified enough to do the job. Robbie Bain stated they were and if required for legal purposes a solicitor could be brought in at a later date. The motion was put to members that we use Highland Opportunity. Proposed Kenny MacLean; Seconded Jock Logie, unanimously agreed. It was also suggested that Sue Tarr joins the CC community benefit group, unanimously agreed.
E-On update. Matilda Urie informed members that the E-On public meeting is to be held 23rd August 2011 Garve Village Hall from 6.00pm meeting starting 6.30pm until 8.00pm. This meeting will be advertised by E-On. This will be a discussion on the community’s thoughts about E-On’s community benefit. The local area to receive benefit is defined by the HC concentric circles; nothing has been decided yet. It was suggested that Matilda Urie advise Contin and Marybank CC about this meeting due to clash of dates.
Infinergy update: ongoing.
New Hydro schemes: ongoing, Robbie Bain pursuing.
DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS:
Tuesday 6th September 2011, 7.00pm Achnasheen Village Hall
Tuesday 4th October 2011, 7.00pm Garve Village Hall
Tuesday 1st November 2011, 7.00pm Achnasheen Village Hall
The chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 8.45pm
2nd August 2011 at Garve Village Hall.
PRESENT: Kenny MacLean (Chairman), Jean Bailey (Treasurer), Jean Hollingdale (Secretary), Sue Tarr, Alex MacKenzie, Pam Morrison, Jennifer Haslam, Lady Eliza Leslie Melville, Jock Logie, Robbie Bain (Ward Manager), Matilda Urie (E-On), 3 members of the public.
APOLOGIES: Bob Moir, Ruari Matheson, Nigel McManus (Eneco), Nicola Brookes (Eneco), PC Alison Millar, Fiona Milligan (Infinergy), Nick Sage (Infinergy).
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.00pm and welcomed everyone.
DECLARATION OF INTEREST: Lady Eliza Leslie Melville (planning and community benefit), Kenny MacLean (one item non financial of planning).
CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS: Members were informed that the Secretary’s computer has had technical problems over the past month but these have now been resolved with the installation of a dongle! Chairman then read out a press release with comments from the ex Head teacher of Garve and Marybank schools Mr. Robert Quigley who is now Head teacher of the new Milton of Leys School. We send our best wishes to him in his new post. Chairman was unable to attend the Eneco “meet the developer” drop in at Aultguish Inn on 27th July 2011. From all accounts it was a very well attended event. Chairman then thanked members for keeping him in the loop while he was out of the area on business.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: for 5th July 2011. Proposed by Alex MacKenzie, seconded by Jock Logie.
MATTERS ARISING:
White lining on HC roads: ongoing. Robbie Bain to ask for an update.
Bin for Grudie: Ongoing. Robbie Bain to contact TEC services and also inform Nel Macdonald-Rolfe (Dog Warden) that Jennifer Haslam had collected another four bags of litter from the Grudie lay-by which requires collecting. Previously there was a problem that the lay-by bins were not being emptied regularly. Now they are emptied on the domestic run each week. It was noted that there are no bins between Achnasheen and Gorstan (16 miles) which is not a good situation. The Chairman read out a press release on HC Zero Tolerance on litter and fly-tipping which is covered by ‘The Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004’ which introduced fixed penalty notices for littering and fly-tipping and the penalty is £50. Communities could do litter patrols with “Litter” van – people have to be warned that they are under surveillance before a fine can be imposed.
Smiley sign: ongoing.
Trader’s Insurance: Should traders have their own public liability insurance? Robbie Bain suggested that the more insurance there is around the better.
Scottish Water: a representative from Scottish Water will attend our next meeting to answer any questions we may have.
Pot Holes: The pot holes in Station Road Lochluichart, Strathgarve and Burial Ground area Garve were again reported to Robbie Bain, ongoing. Some residents of Strathgarve have written directly to the Roads Department, noted.
Tarvie Lay-by: ongoing.
Transportation of Turbines: A letter has been sent to Northern Constabulary stating our concerns about delays even though this will not occur until 2013.
Trees overhanging pavement on Station Road, Garve: Secretary has spoken to TranServ, an inspector has been sent out and taken photographs to re-assess the situation and will report back to TranServ work should be carried out within 28 days of this report. Secretary to contact TranServ to check out this report.
Trees on Stirling Drive Garve: Robbie Bain will look into this matter.
HC website error: this has now been corrected.
Loose kerb stones outside Garve Village Hall and Achanalt: Ongoing, Robbie Bain was informed that a visitor to the area had tripped over the kerb stone at Garve; the Chairman has put a cone over the kerb stone to warn the public.
TREASURER’S REPORT: As of 2nd August 2011 the three bank accounts are now amalgamated and the current balance is £2,264.45. Since the last meeting the only payment has been the rent for Achnasheen Village Hall £30.00. A breakdown of accounts is: Senior Citizens £1387.96, War Memorial £170.86, Treasurer’s Account £705.63. Total: £2,264.45. To date we have not received our grant for 2011/12 from the Highland Council. We have not received confirmation for credit of insurance deducted for the AGNV printer. Treasurer and Robbie Bain to check. Future fund raising was mentioned and it was decided not to have a fund raising event until next year. There are other events planned in Garve Village Hall – Art Fair in September & Christmas Fair first weekend in December.
CORRESPONDENCE: Email: Consultation of Highlands Statutorily Protected Species (Draft) Supplementary Guidance; HC planning meeting for 19th July; Eneco contact details; Lochbroom CC mins; Lochcarron CC mins; Shieldaig CC mins; Eneco update; Infinergy prepay meters update; Eneco update; E-On date for public meeting; Post: Scottish Water drawings; CAB Board members required; HSCHT July newsletter.
AOB (MEMBERS): Sue Tarr and Alex Mackenzie brought up the subject of youngsters jumping into the Blackwater river from both Silver Bridge and Wades Bridge, this is because of the accident that occurred last week-end. It is not just the danger involved; there is an issue with the amount of litter, beer cans and broken glass left behind. Loch Garve is another area. It was decided that G&DCC should liaise with Forestry Commission, Hydro and TranServ about signs warning the public of rapid rises in water levels on the river Blackwater. Also to ask the Police to make a presence over week-ends to check on underage drinking.
Alex MacKenzie asked Robbie Bain if it would be possible to have a Road Sign for Lochluichart Church as the Church cannot been seen from the road because of overgrown trees. Robbie Bain will look into this matter. Maybe some of the trees could be cut back.
The Chairman informed members of a telephone scam which is targeting households that include people over 60 years of age offering them half price Sky Television. When they find an interested party they then ask for Bank Account details. The Police have been informed. Sky Television have been informed and have no knowledge and are certainly not offering half price television. If anyone receives such a call inform the Police immediately. The Highland Council is working with the office of Fair Trading to warn the public of doorstep visits from rogue traders. ‘Doorstep callers commit criminal offences when they mislead, hide their identity or do not give written notice of cancellation. Highland Council Trading Standards will investigate complaints made and urge residents to get into contact if they are at all suspicious. They liaise with Northern Constabulary in a combined effort to combat crime’. Concerned residents can contact The Highland Council’s Trading standards Section at 38 Harbour Road, Inverness or telephone Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
Reduction of opening hours for HC Service Points begins 15th August 2011: Gairloch 9.30am to 1pm, Lochcarron 9.30am to 1pm, Ullapool 9.30am to 1pm, Dingwall 9.30 am to 4.30pm all Monday to Friday.
AOB (PUBLIC): A further query about Scottish Water was raised and will be passed to Scottish Water at the next meeting. Comments were made as to the resurfacing of some HC roads and not others. Robbie Bain made note of these comments.
SCOPING AND CONSULTATION: Scoping reports – none. Consultation of Highlands Statutorily Protected Species (Draft) Supplementary Guidance. Members have no comment to make.
PLANNING: The Chairman stood down for the 1st item of planning. The Chair was taken by the Treasurer – 11/02763/FUL. Achnasheen Post Office, Achnasheen IV22 2EE. Change of use from Post Office to holiday letting unit. Members have no comments to make.
Lady Eliza Leslie Melville was thanked and left the meeting.
The Chairman then returned to the chair for the next two planning applications; 11/02526/FUL, Land between Lochluichart and Loch Glascarnoch Garve, Borrow pit excavation works to enable the development and construction of the consented Lochluichart Wind Farm. Members have no comments to make. 11/02529/FUL, Land between Lochluichart and Loch Glascarnoch Garve, Borrow pit excavation works to enable the development and construction of the consented Lochluichart Wind Farm. Members have no comments to make.
LICENSING: None
COMMUNITY BENEFIT: Eneco update. Meet the Developer Drop In is to be 24th August 2011 at Garve Village Hall from 4.00pm until 8.00pm. This will be advertised in the local press. The setting up of a Liaison Group is anticipated sometime in the week commencing 3rd October 2011. Members agreed that Kenny MacLean should be the G&DCC representative on this group. It should be noted that the Community Benefit money will not be paid out to Lochluichart Community Trust until the windfarm has been generating and connected to the national grid for 6 months (late 2013/early 2014). Eneco have had estimates from Munro & Noble, Inverness and Highland Opportunity for setting up the trust. Highland Opportunity gave a lower estimate which included all our requirements; Munro & Noble were more expensive and did not include setting up Charitable Status. Sue Tarr asked Robbie Bain if Highland Opportunity are qualified enough to do the job. Robbie Bain stated they were and if required for legal purposes a solicitor could be brought in at a later date. The motion was put to members that we use Highland Opportunity. Proposed Kenny MacLean; Seconded Jock Logie, unanimously agreed. It was also suggested that Sue Tarr joins the CC community benefit group, unanimously agreed.
E-On update. Matilda Urie informed members that the E-On public meeting is to be held 23rd August 2011 Garve Village Hall from 6.00pm meeting starting 6.30pm until 8.00pm. This meeting will be advertised by E-On. This will be a discussion on the community’s thoughts about E-On’s community benefit. The local area to receive benefit is defined by the HC concentric circles; nothing has been decided yet. It was suggested that Matilda Urie advise Contin and Marybank CC about this meeting due to clash of dates.
Infinergy update: ongoing.
New Hydro schemes: ongoing, Robbie Bain pursuing.
DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS:
Tuesday 6th September 2011, 7.00pm Achnasheen Village Hall
Tuesday 4th October 2011, 7.00pm Garve Village Hall
Tuesday 1st November 2011, 7.00pm Achnasheen Village Hall
The chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 8.45pm
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