July 2022 Minutes

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This meeting took place in Lochearnhead Village Hall at 7:30 p.m. on 27 ^th July 2022.

Present: David Johnston (DJ), Ruth McLusky (RM), Carolyn Brooks (CB), Daniel Jarrett (DJT), Donald MacLaren (DM).

Apologies: Angus Cameron (AC), Andrew Poulter (AP), Cllr Gene Maxwell (GM), Cllr Martin Earl (ME), Stirling Council (SC).

Also Attending: Cllr Elaine Watterson (EW), Stirling Council; David Fettes (DF), Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park (LLTNP); PC Heather Campbell (HC), Police Scotland; Paul Hicks, minute-taker.

1. Community Council Full Membership

RM explained that, in accordance with the provisions of the revised Scheme of Establishment for Community Councils, adopted in January 2021, CB was now eligible to be offered a position as a full member of the community council, to take effect at the next meeting on 7th September. CB indicated her willingness to continue as a full member and this was welcomed by the existing members.

2. Community Council Co-opted Membership

RM explained that, owing to the revised provisions of the Scheme of Establishment in January 2021, co-opted members had to attend at three meetings before themselves being accorded voting rights in respect of co-opting other members. Consequently, the co-option of DJT at the previous meeting (on 15th June 2022) was invalid since only three members with full voting rights had been present and (for this particular item of business only) did not constitue a quorum. This was acknowledged and RM then proposed that DJT should now be co- opted as a member of the community council. This was seconded by DJ and the motion passed unanimously.

3. Approval of previous minutes

It was proposed by DJ and seconded by CB, that the minutes of the meeting on 15th June 2022 should be accepted and this was approved unanimously.

4. Declarations of Interest

 

No declarations were made.

5. Police Report

On 21st June, Inspector Andrew Bushell replied to DJ's concerns regarding the lack of police reports at previous meetings. Inspector Bushell stated: " Police reports do cause some frustration and it’s a fine balance between providing sufficient information, whilst not providing too much so that people or incidents can be identified. Hopefully, once Heather has attended a few meetings she'll have a better feel for the level of detail the community council is looking for, whilst still remaining within the Data Protection Act legislation. I'm aware that Heather has been doing a fair bit of proactive work in the local community and has been working specifically on rural crime and road safety, which are items that remain high on her list of priorities. It would probably be helpful for Heather to highlight what she's doing at the community council so that she improves this relationship and remains responsive to what the community needs from her. I certainly haven’t had any concerns with the work she is doing so, hopefully, we just need to work on the local communications and the community council will see an improvement in the level of engagement ."

Police Report (16 Jun to 26 Jul 2022)

During this period, in terms of anti-social behaviour, three incidents were reported. On 2nd July, police were contacted about a male camping in the field at the Broch Café, Strathyre. Police attended but the person concerned was out on his bicycle. National Park Rangers were made aware of this incident and agreed to progress this. It transpired that no further police action was required. On 17th July, police were contacted by a male reporting threatening and abusive behaviour near to Loch Voil. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances and identify the suspect. On 18th July, police were contacted regarding campers playing loud music on the north side of Loch Earn. Police were a significant distance away and could not attend immediately but no further calls were received regarding the incident.

In terms of road safety, fourteen incidents were reported during this period. On 19th June, police assisted with the evacuation of a patient by air ambulance following a motorcycle accident on A85 Lochearnhead to St Fillans. It transpired that the person concerned suffered only minor injuries. On 21st June, police attended the scene of a collision between two vehicles on Main Street, Strathyre. Nobody was injured and the vehicles were recovered. That same day a female fell off her pedal-cycle in Keip Road, Strathyre and was evacuated to hospital by air ambulance. It transpired that she had only su ffered minor injuries. Police assisted a third party to return the cycle to a vehicle parked in Callander. On 26th June, a minor collision occurred between a campervan and a heavy goods vehicle on the A84 near Kingshouse. Nobody was injured and, although the incident was reported to police, there was no requirement for officers to attend. On 4th July, police attended to assist with a broken-down campervan on the A84 at Strathyre. On 9th July, police were informed that a motorist had parked in a passing place in Balquhidder. By the time that officers reached the scene, the vehicle had been moved. On the same day, police were contacted regarding a male who had parked his motor vehicle in the gateway at Loch Lubnaig and was refusing to move. Due to ongoing incidents, officers were unable to attend immediately and the vehicle had been removed when officers re-contacted the person reporting the incident. On 10th July, police were contacted on two occasions regarding cars parked on the A84 near to Loch Lubnaig. Officers attended but found no vehicles causing any obstruc tion. Stirling Council enforcement officers were requested to attend to prevent any further obstructions. On 12th July, police were called to assist foreign nationals with a broken-down vehicle on the A84 near to Loch Lubnaig. They were taken to Callander by police and assisted on their travels. On 18th July, police officers were requested to attend near Loch Lubnaig car park due to cars parking on the road verge. Due to ongoing incidents, officers were unable to attend. On the following day, officers were again requested to attend near Loch Lubnaig car park due to vehicles parking on the road verge. Police attended throughout the day and moved on several motorists, providing suitable advice on where to park. On 20th July, police were contacted by a member of the public locked inside the Loch Lubnaig car park. The owner was contacted and arrangements were made for the gate to be opened. On 21st July, a male contacted the police to report that that he was being followed on the A84 through Strathyre. Officers attended and concluded that the person repor ting the incident had struck another vehicle, the driver of which then followed him, attempting to get his attention. On 22nd July, police were contacted regarding a report of dangerous driving on the A84 near Kingshouse. Due to ongoing incidents, police were unable to attend and the vehicle was lost from sight.

In terms of theft, on 15th July, police were contacted regarding the theft of a "Funyak" (an inflatable whitewater craft) taken some time during a period of several days. Police attended and obtained details of theft. Enquiries are ongoing to identify a suspect. During this period, there were also eight other incidents of note. On 9th July, police were contacted to assist at Loch Lubnaig as a male had shouted for help from the water. The male subsequently made it back to the shore unaided, but the caller asked the police to contact ambulance personnel on the opposite side of the loch in case they were looking for the person in trouble. It transpired that these incidents were not related. On 10th July, police were contacted regarding several sheep on the road on the A85 at Lochearnhead. Attempts were made to contacted local farmers but, due to the time of night, this was not successful. No further calls were made and there was no requirement for police attendance. On 14th July, police were contacted regarding a dog running loose at the car park in Lochearnhead. No further calls were received and there was no requirement for officers to attend. On 17th July, police were contacted by a motorist regarding a possible ongoing kidnapping on the A84. Officers traced the persons involved and established that a prank had been perpetrated by children on a trip. Advice was given to all parties. On 18th July, police were contacted regarding a found dog at the Broch Café, Strathyre. The caller was happy to keep the dog until the owner returned. There was no requirement for officers to attend. On 20th July, police were advised by Ambulance Control that the air ambulance was attending Strathyre to evacuate a male who had fallen and sustained a head injury. Police attended and assisted with the operation. A male was taken to hospital with minor injuries. On 23rd July, the Lochearnhead Highland Games took place again, after a break of two years. The village saw a huge increase in visitors and traffic. Police were in attendance to assist with the procession and remained visible within the event. On 25th July, police carried out joint patrols with theScottish Fire and Rescue Service in connection with " World Drowning Prevention Day". Further patrols are being organised throughout the summer months.

HC added that she had undertaken speed checks in Strathyre, accompanied by children from the primary school. This had proved very effective. HC then commented on the numerous problems with people parking in passing places and other dangerous areas. A discussion followed during which HC pointed out that the police could only take action when the road was actually obstructed. It was apparent that different agencies had been given different information as to what powers were available in various circumstances. It was agreed that EW and HC would seek clarification. DJ also queried the apparent lack of police staff during the past few weeks. HC confirmed that resources were limited and she did not always have freedom to attend to community duties. HC also mentioned that there had been several recent thefts of watersports equipment in a neighbouring division.

6. Matters arising from previous meeting

a) Housing market pressures . DJ reported on an online meeting convened by LLTNP which he had attended. There had been a wide- ranging discussion on the need for more housing and, in par ticular, affordable housing. There were no easy answers to this as contributary problems included suitable space, public transport, and year-round employment opportunities. These all varied between the semi-urban areas within the National Park and the rural areas such as Balquhidder.

b) Support for rural community councils . DJ reported having raised with the newly elected representatives the issue of the difficulties encountered since the withdrawal of support from Community Engagement at SC. While no criticism is levelled at Stephen Bly, this model of support (using "ccenquiries") simply makes it more difficult and time consuming to get support from Council departments when needed. It is understood that the issue will be raised again with the new administration to find a suitable solution. EW agreed and stated that other rural community councils were not happy with the situation. EW and ME would be advocating a return to the previous system.

7. Lochearnhead toilets

At the previous meeting (on 15th June 2022, item 17A) ME had offered to contact the “Assets” department at Stirling Council with a view to arranging for an inspection of the toilet facilities at Lochearnhead. He had subsequently received a reply from Owen Munro, the team leader, to say that an inspection would be organised to coincide with the next survey being undertaken regarding water management at these premises.

8. Stronvar bridge repair

As agreed at item 5A during the previous meeting (on 15th June 2022), DJ had contacted SC regarding repairs to the Stronvar bridge. A reply was received on 17th June, stating that SC was liaising with LLTNP regarding this repair. It further stated that consideration was being given to installing a bollard in order to protect the parapet. A team would attend immediately to reinstall temporary barriers that had been knocked down and, once appropriate permissions had been obtained, it was expected that the repair would take place sometime in July 2022. DJ added that LLTNP had subsequently refused permission to erect a bollard on the parapet, but the repair work is now underway.

9. Litter and fly-tipping

As agreed at item 5B during the previous meeting (on 15th June 2022), DJ had contacted Evelyn Tweed, MSP, asking her to raise the question of inter-agency responsibilities and cooperation in respect of litter and fly-tipping in our area. A reply had been received to say that Ms Tweed would duly raise the matter with SC. This had prompted a response on 7th July from Colin MacKay, service manager for Land Services. He stated that there had been much debate over the years between local authorities and Transport Scotland about including responsibility for litter management within contracts for trunk road operators. To date, no progress on this had materialised. Currently, local authorities have responsibility to manage litter on the trunk road network. At the same time, it is correct that local authorities are the responsible bodies under national legislation to collect litter on verges and laybys. However, no payment is made by Transport Scotland to local authorities to assist with the costs of what the local councils are required to do. EW added that council staff do collect litter from the trunk roads but have to fit it in around their main tasks. LLTNP rangers also collect litter from time to time. It would be helpful to have a more complete picture of who actually does what and the ward councillors offered to follow this up.

10. Strathyre grit bins

Further to item 5C of the minutes of the previous meeting (on 15th June 2022), a general message had been sent by SC to all community councils on this subject. A new service manager is about to be appointed and will launch a new initiative once in post. In preparation for this, all community councils had been requested to provide a list of proposed locations for the siting of grit bins and piles of salt (in “dumpy” bags). The Roads department intends to review the proposed locations and advise on their suitability. Once sites have been approved, in accordance with SC policies, community councils will be notified of when supplies will be delivered. RM had responded and communicated this community council's frustration and concern over the time and effort being expended to provide a relatively simple but necessary facility for local communities. As a result, she had been offered a meeting with the Roads department and would report on the outcome at a future meeting.

11. Pharmacy deliveries, Lochearnhead

Further to item 17C of the minutes of the previous meeting (on 15th June 2022), no further responses or offers of help had been received from local residents. Some deliveries are now being left at the shop in Strathyre for collection there.

12. Stirling Council Roads Department

With reference to item 6 of the minutes of the previous meeting (on 15th June 2022), a reply had been received on 16th June from Stephen Bly, liaison officer for SC and community councils, to say that, until a new service manager for the Roads department is in place, it will be difficult to progress this business. He added, however, that an officer from Transport Management would be making a site visit in our area during July 2022 and, following that meeting, may be able to offer some assistance. DJ said that three specific matters needed to be addressed: the Timber Transport Management Plan (if not resolved), a bid to the Strategic Timber Transport Fund for the C33 road and progress with the CivTech Challenge. EW offered to liaise with Roads department in order to progress these matters as soon as possible.

13. MacGregor's Landing

A multi-agency meeting was held on 5th July. LLTNP continues to be the lead agency while the others simply have a watching brief. Further plots have been put up for sale and a le tter had been received from one of the new plot holders Vikky Mayhem, who stated: "I recently purchased a half acre plot at Salmon Trap. I've been reading a few articles about planning and thought I'd get in touch and enquire about uses for the land. At the moment I have no intention of building any permanent structures. I had planned on using it as a family camping ground or small holding. I had also considered it as an outdoor retreat for young people. I'm a youth worker with years of experience within scouting. I'd love to be involved with the local community and to be able to give something back with this fantastic opportunity I've been given ." DJ had responded, advising her that she would find it helpful to talk to the LLTNP. Members discussed the ongoing problem at some length, but the matter is largely in the hands of the various agencies involved. Concern was expressed that the law was not being observed or enforced, but it was accepted that LLTNP was doing what it could.

14. Forestry Work and Timber Transport

a) Timber Transport Management Plan (TTMP) . DJ reported that there is an ongoing dispute regarding the current plan. Claire Glaister, the administrator for the Timber Transport Forum, had published a TTMP for 2022 that didn't include the "Maximum Number of Loads per week" which had been agreed at the review meeting in November 2021. The Forum had since refused to update the plan, despite Cllr Martin Earl confirming in writing that this had been agreed. DJ had recently written to Evelyn Tweed (MSP) about the problem and her office had written to Claire Glaister and Stirling Council Roads Department, asking for an explanation. DJ commented that it was a good illustration of the fact that the CC had very little power to deal with this and both Stirling Council and the timber representative can simply ignore the wishes of the community when it suits them. Again, the matter was discussed at some length, particularly in relation to the tone of some emails that had been sent to DJ. EW stated that it was good to have involved the MSP.

b) Stronvar timber harvesting . Following complaints about the length of time these operations were taking, a meeting between the parties involved took place on 14th July 2022. DJ had attended, simply as an observer. Agreement was reached between the parties over working hours in Stronvar Forest. The forestry side was anxious to ensure that this was a one-off arrangement and this was agreed. DJ stated that the community council had simply acted to bring the parties concerned together, to allow them to come to an agreement. The agreement appeared to be holding and working amicably.

c) Timber Operation on Stroneslaney Road . RM reported that this was ongoing, but no problems had been experienced.

15. Correspondence

a) Meteorological mast, Drummond Estate . On 14th June 2022, a communication was received from SSE Renewables. It stated: “SE Renewables is assessing the potential for development of a wind farm on the Drummond Estate, between St Fillans and Lochearnhead. This work is at a very early stage and the amount of information we can share about the project will be limited until some progress has been made in carrying out these initial assessments. An essential stage in this process is the installation of Met(eorological) Masts, which will allow detailed analysis of wind conditions and other meteorological measurements. SSE Renewables is preparing to submit a planning application to Perth & Kinross Council for a "Met Mast" on the Drummond site in June. We will provide further information on progress at Drummond at the earliest opportunity and maintain a full consultation with Balquhidder, Lochearnhead & Strathyre Community Council throughout the development process.”

b) Stirling Street Festival . Over the weekend of the 10th-11th September 2022, Stirling Council and Go Forth Stirling are planning to stage a Street Festival in Stirling. Five streets in the city centre will be closed and made into a traffic-free environment where people can meet and socialise, walk, cycle or just play and have fun. There will be musical and arts performances, family activities and the opportunity for local businesses to introduce people to what they provide.

c) Place-based investment programme . Over the course of the next three financial years, the Scottish Government is sponsoring a programme of investment to encourage the regeneration of vacant, derelict or under-used land or buildings in a way that will support economic and community growth in such areas. Stirling Council has been given a grant of just short of two million pounds to allocate to projects in the Stirling area. Grants are available to organisations that can show that they are properly constituted and managed with sound, financial procedures in place to promote projects and ac tivities that will meet the objectives of the programme.

d) The Voice magazine . This is produced by Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, a charitable trust that was set up in 1978 to protect and safeguard the area of outstanding, natural beauty that is now a national park. The latest edition of the magazine can be read online at this address:

https://issuu.com/friendslochlomondtrossachs/docs/thevoicesummer2022online

16. Planning Matters

a) Cornerstone is wanting to erect a twenty metre high telecommunication mast and associated equipment on land at Auchtubh, near the A84 Trunk road, Balquhidder, FK19 8NZ. This is a pre-planning submission and DJ had written to request further information but had heard nothing to date.