Trossachs Community Council
Approved Minutes of the Ordinary General Meeting held at 7:30pm on Thursday 8th August 2024 in Brig O’ Turk Village Hall
Present: Richard Morris (Chair), James Hill (Vice-Chair), Sue Morris
(Secretary/Planning), Roger Drapper (Treasurer), Liz Maxwell, Anne
Gilchrist, (Co-opted Member)
In Attendance: Councillor Martin Earl (Scottish Conservative and Nationalist), David Fettes
(National Park), Esther Lim (Minute Taker)
Apologies: PC Donald King, PC Lorna Deans
Residents: 1 member of the public was present.
- Welcome and Apologies
The Chair welcomed attendees to the meeting and gave the apologies.
2. Approval of Minutes and Action Tracker
2.1 Approval of Minutes
The unconfirmed minutes of the meeting held on 13th June 2024 were approved having been proposed by Sue Morris (SM) and seconded by James Hill (JH).
Councillor Martin Earl (ME) requested that councillors receive copies of the draft minutes and meeting agendas going forward. [Action: Richard Morris]
2.2 Action Tracker
Action 3.4 On hold. To be re-visited in September 2024.
Action 6.2 Ongoing.
Action 6.19 No progress. Trossachs Community Council (TCC) will invite representatives of the Police and Environmental Health to the next meeting to discuss.
Action 7.2 Closed. See item 5.1below.
Action 7.4 Ongoing.
Action 7.15 Ongoing.
3. Police Report
The Police Report for the period was emailed to members prior to the meeting. The following incidents were reported:
- Antisocial Behaviour: on 27th July police responded to reports of noise on licensed premises. The owner was warned. See item 7.4 below.
- Roads: On 14th July police dealt with a collision on Dukes Pass involving a car and a cyclist.
- Thefts: None were reported.
- Other: On 30th July police assisted a walker in trouble
Members also noted a recent incident when police helped the owner of a mobility scooter who had run out of petrol on the Meall.
4. Finance Report
4.1 Treasurer’s Report
Roger Drapper (RD) gave the Treasurer’s Report. The balance of funds as of 17th
May 2024 was £17,579.13. The balance of funds as of 20th June 2024 was £17,539.13. Outstanding expenses include the cost of the minute taker, hall fees and RD’s travel expenses. JH and RD agreed to process these payments following the meeting. [Action: Roger Drapper and James Hill]
JH informed RD to expect an invoice shortly from Kelly Clapperton for her consultancy work on the Local Place Plan (LPP). This amount is to be claimed back from the National Park (NP).
SM noted that she had had to make considerable changes to a recent grant application form. She will forward this information to RD. [Action: Sue Morris]
4.2 Oversight - Approved Accounts to 31st March 2024
Following the last TCC meeting, SM and JH noticed an oversight in the accounts which have already been approved by the auditor. RD drew this to the attention of the auditor who agrees that this amount should be showing in the balance. The auditor suggests this amount be added to the accounts for this year. RD explained that the reason for the omission was that the amount was posted late. He confirmed this oversight does not change the total balance.
4.1 Auditor
The Chair queried whether TCC should use a local auditor in future to reduce travel costs and suggested asking nearby CCs who they use. Members will consider this for the next meeting. [Action: Members]
SM queried whether the accounts could be sent and viewed by members digitally. RD will ask the auditor. [Action: Roger Drapper]
5. Stirling Council (SC) Report
Councillor Earl gave the Councillor’s Report and highlighted the following:
5.1 Trossachs Explorer Pilot
The bus service has started. Jamie Proudfoot (JP), National Park officer has provided ME with high-level feedback on the pilot so far. ME shared the following highlights:
- Over 75 local businesses and community organisations within the pilot area, including prominent visitor destinations, have been engaged to support the pilot and almost 5,000 timetable leaflets have been distributed.
- There has been higher than expected usage. 2,040 passengers have used the service so far, averaging 400 per week and with an upward trend.
- 53% of passengers have travelled for free using National Concession Card schemes (i.e. aged under 22 and over 60).
- Reliability and punctuality has been consistent with 98% of scheduled services running, 82% of which ran on-time at tracked points.
- There have been four days with more severe delays and/or cancelled runs, caused by vehicle fault or other incident.
- 16 drivers have been trained to operate on the route.
- There have been 3 breakdowns and 1 branded bus has been off the road for longer than expected.
Members expressed their approval of the positive start. ME agreed to send these statistics to Richard Morris to be added to the minutes. ME will ask JP to send the updated statistics to TCC on a quarterly basis. [Action: Councillor Earl]
Members discussed recent incidents when they have met buses, including the Trossachs Explorer and Lochs & Glens buses, travelling over the middle lane when rounding a bend. ME recommended they share this with JP and Lochs & Glens.
5.2 Self-Directed Support (SDS) Forth Valley
Self-Directed Support (SDS) Forth Valley, is a charity which provides information and support to individuals and their carers on how to manage their social care. He provided TCC with a poster and leaflets to share with the community. [Action: James Hill]. ME suggested local people contact the councillors if they have difficulty accessing or managing their care. RM suggested ME write an article for The Bicycle Tree. [Action: Councillor Earl]
5.3 Bin Strike
There is a planned national bin strike from 14th – 21st August inclusive.
5.4 Pavement Parking Ban
The ban on pavement parking is now in place in Stirlingshire though this does not directly impact the TCC area.
5.5 Camper Van Waste
RD shared reports of dogs in Callander getting sick due to camper vans dumping waste into the River Teith. ME pointed out that this has previously been investigated but no evidence has been found. Members discussed the need for more infrastructure to service and support visitors in camper vans.
5.6 Cutting of Verges
RD pointed out that verges are not being cut. ME confirmed that verges should be cut where it is necessary to maintain a clear line of sight for drivers. If there are places where this is not being done, members should report this.
5.6 The Council Leader’s Election to Parliament
SM queried who will become the new council leader as the current leader, Chris Kane, has recently been elected as an MP. Members queried whether he could serve as SC leader, an MP and a member of the NP board concurrently. ME suggested this would be discussed after the results of the Dunblane &Bridge of Allan by-election on 15th August.
6. National Park (NP) Report
David Fettes (DF) provided the NP report, citing recent work on new and improved signage, motorhome management and infrastructure on the Glen Ogle Trail. In addition he highlighted the following:
6.1 West Riverside Development
The re-worked planning application for West Riverside (commonly known as
‘Flamingo Land’) will be discussed on 16th September. DF was not able to comment on this as he is on the NP board. ME pointed out that this application has generated the largest number of comments and objections in Scottish history.
6.2 Trossachs Explorer
During recent conversations with the Convenor, questions were raised regarding the Trossachs Explorer. The notes from this meeting have not been published. The reason for this is unknown.
6.3 Communication
For some time the NP has not been attending local meetings or hosting stalls at local galas and highland games due to negative comments and arguments with members of the public. They are now planning a strategy day on 17th September on how to engage with local people and organisations.
Members expressed their frustration at the failure in communication both from and with the NP. They cited the NP’s lack of response to emails from SM regarding the breaking of planning rules and the rude and dismissive treatment of TCC suggestions and objections over matters such as the Trossachs Explorer and the car park. SM agreed to send DF bullet-point feedback from TCC for prior to the strategy meeting and to send this to the Convenor after 16th September. [Action: Sue Morris]
6.4 Visitor Numbers
Members discussed the monthly visitor numbers. SM will ask the NP to provide information on average stay and how many people are camping without a permit. [Action: Sue Morris]. JH agreed to put the monthly information into an easy to read format. [Action: James Hill]
7. Discussion Topics
7.1 Local Place Plan (LPP)
JH confirmed that all TCC members were sent the LPP documents for review this week and asked members for their feedback. He noted they are still awaiting the maps for inclusion in the documents.
- Liz Maxwell (LM) queried whether the statistics on early mortality on page 10 were correct. Members discussed this and agreed that the small population of the community made these statistics potentially misleading. They agreed to remove this. [Action: James Hill]
- Anne Gilchrist drew attention to the description of the natural world and the Site of Special Scientific Interest on page 13. She noted the rather woolly description and a number of inaccuracies. Members agreed AG should edit this page and send the updated text to JH for inclusion in the LPP. [Action: Anne Gilchrist and James Hill]
Once members approve the LPP, JH will forward it to major stakeholders such as Trossachs Community Trust, the Welfare Association, The Woodland Trust, Tigh
Mohr and Lochs & Glens. ME requested the LPP also be sent to local councillors. [Action: James Hill]
Members expressed their appreciation of document and its professional look. JH will incorporate the comments from tonight’s meeting and submit the LPP within a couple of weeks. [Action: James Hill]
7.2 Roads
7.2.1 A821
Repairs are scheduled for late August 2024. ME noted that SC policy passed in 2020 specified that no repairs should be made at peak times.
7.2.2 Jet Patching
JH noted that the roads department has used jet patching in a number of places leaving a less safe road surface. Bikes and cars have been observed slipping on the road. ME noted that jet patching is a tried and tested method for local authorities. JH will email ME regarding his observations and ME will raise an enquiry on this. [Action: James Hill and Councillor Earl]
7.2.3 TCC Roads Working Group (RWG)
ME asked for an update on the progress of RWGs request for the installation of a barrier on the path on the Ridings. RM confirmed Angela had visited the site but doesn’t have the staff to work on this currently. She expects to have a new member of staff by September / October who will review the situation and suggest what signage and barriers might be needed. ME will raise an enquiry to confirm this. [Action: Councillor Earl]
Following the resignation of Christine Blue there is no longer a representative of TCC on the RWG. Mags Elliot volunteered to attend both the RWG and TCC and be a link between the groups. This was agreed by members. SM is happy to continue to set up the meetings and conduct doodle polls.. [Action: Mags Elliot and Sue Morris]
RM will forward RWG details and meeting minutes to Mags and introduce her to the group. [Action: Richard Morris]
7.3 Planning
7.3.1 SM gave the Planning Report. There have been no new planning applications since the last meeting. The applications for Achray Farm and Venachar Lodges have been decided. The applications for Letter Cottage and the 2 phone masts have not been decided. SC want a road condition report and traffic management report before the mast on the Meall can be approved. SM agreed to send a copy of the planning application for the mast to AG. [Action: Sue Morris]. TCC have not officially commented on this. The deadline has closed but TCC can still ask questions.
The Trout Farm on Invertrossachs Road has made an application to build 5 dwelling houses and 5 holiday houses. This is outside the TCC area.
RD informed members that the NP have asked for retrospective planning permission for 2 caravans he has on his land to house dogs. The application will be discussed when it comes to TCC.
7.3.2 Byre Inn
RM queried whether the car park at the Byre Inn can be used as an overnight stay for caravans. Councillor Gene Maxwell has been in touch with planning and is awaiting a reply. If planning permission is required, TCC will contact planning officially. [Action: Sue Morris]
7.4 Raves at the Byre Inn
TCC discussed the rave held recently at the Byre Inn and what measures can be put into place before the next event and to ensure it is safe, legal and does not constitute a nuisance to residents. TCC wish to note that they are not party-poopers but have concerns about safeguarding.
During the rave, residents reported noise which registered 85 decibels and could be heard by 50% of the village. They reported large numbers of visitors and antisocial behaviour including people wandering around the village out of their heads, drunk people in their gardens and out of control revellers wandering out into the countryside. They noted there was no engagement with the community before or after the event. Advertisements for the upcoming rave publicly advertise that drugs will be available.
GM spoke to the Landlord at the time and made a complaint to Environmental Health. The officer asked LM to contact him and Gordon Dewer with the date of the next rave and they will arrange for someone to attend with noise monitoring equipment.
Members discussed various licensing issues and queried whether the landlord is breaking the terms of his license by holding these events. SM will ask the landlord for a copy of his license. [Action: Sue Morris]
ME advised TCC that there are meetings every month between Environmental Health and the Police and suggested TCC ask them to discuss this issue and in particular what they can do proactively in advance of the next event to ensure it is safe, legal and doesn’t constitute a nuisance to neighbours. He advised TCC to contact Gordon Dewer and Inspector Andy Bushell. ME will send the Inspector’s contact details to SM. If TCC do not get a response in a timely manner, ME will follow up. [Action: Councillor Earl and Sue Morris]
7.5 Report from Trossachs Community Trust / Welfare Association Nothing new to report.
RM asked LM to ask the TCT at their next meeting if they would be prepared to support a centralised website. [Action: Liz Maxwell]
7.6 Communications
SM stated there was nothing of major importance to share. She asked members if they wish her to send around the community bulletins from SC and NP. Members asked her to just to flag on Whatsapp any matters of note.
8. Any Other Business
8.1 Invasive Species Task Force
AG suggested setting up a volunteer invasive species task force to raise awareness and deal with invasive plants. Members approved the idea and suggested writing an article in The Bicycle Tree or holding an open day at the village hall
SM suggested that AG contact Craig, who will shortly be joining the Great
Trossachs Forest and will be dealing with invasive species as a priority. The 2 main challenges they currently face are awareness and access to private land. SM would be happy to be part of the task force and will send Craig’s details to AG. [Action: Sue Morris and Anne Gilchrist]
ME suggested that creating self-defined catchments would help promote local responsibility. Members also suggested AG contact Graham Auty. AG will plan what to do next and let TCC know what support she needs from them. [Action: Anne Gilchrist]
8.2 Switch from Analogue to Digital Landlines
ME informed members that any residents who view themselves as vulnerable should contact BT on 150 regarding the switch over. If they don’t get the support they need, the should contact ME.
9. Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting of Trossachs Community Council is scheduled to take place at 7:30pm on Thursday 20th October 2024 in Brig O’ Turk Village Hall.
TCC may hold an additional meeting on Thursday 12th September 2024. Members will use the Whatsapp Group to raise any matters that need dealing with before October and if necessary a short meeting will be held.