Dawnfresh Trout netting breach in Loch Awe

Over the past few years Dawnfresh has repeatedly told our communities that the reason they need to replace the trout farm units is because the nets were old and vulnerable and the new nets were unbreachable.
Beginning of February saw a net breach in Loch Awe and thousands of trout were released. The net concerned was new, only installed last November.

This is exactly what we were told would not happen and shows how much a risk we are at in Loch Etive. Loch Awe does not have the predator pressure that Etive has, how many other nets have they installed that could be faulty?

Thousands of farmed trout escape into Loch Awe

February 14, 2018 Posted in: Etive, Industry No Comments

Minutes of meeting 16 November 2017

With apologies for lateness

ARDCHATTAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Meeting held in Barcaldine Primary School 16th November 2017 at 7.30pm
Present: Margaret Adams (Convenor), Geoffrey Miller (Vice-convenor), Tim McIntyre
(Secretary), Sian Griffiths (CC), Colin Morrison (CC), Tony Dalgaty (CC), Ashley Stones (CC),
Lachie Strathern (CC), Robin Dodman (CC); Cllrs Elaine Robertson, Kieron Green; 1 member of
the public, Campbell Cameron.
1. Apologies: Anne Hilditch (Treasurer), Ronnie Campbell (CC), Breege Smyth (CC), Jill Bowis
(CC); PC Stuart Johnstone; Cllr Andrew Vennard
2. Declarations of interest: none
3. Minutes of previous meeting: held in Ardchattan Primary School on 3rd October were
approved
4. Police report: PC Johnstone was unable to attend due to shift patterns but kindly provided a
report detailing recent minor/routine issues. Margaret mentioned that PC Johnstone had said in
an email that crash investigation team has to travel from Glasgow in the event of a serious
accident, which was one reason for the lengthy road closures following such accidents –
Margaret had been told at a Community Planning Group meeting that there was now an Argyllbased
team. Need to clarify this with Police Scotland at next CPG meeting.
5. Matters Arising: Sustrans Cycle Track Ledaig: No update at this time – discussions ongoing
between parties. Tralee Link Path: The path is now open and generating positive comments in
the community. The CC records its thanks to all concerned with the project, which has been a
great example of all working together. Speeding on Tralee Road a continuing problem, need to
follow up earlier request for a Safety Review. Bus Service – discussed again possibility of
extending one of the later (e.g. 1740) buses to Barcaldine or Appin, and a later bus (10.35?) to
Benderloch – CC to write to West Coast Motors. Ardchattan Primary School: not on Asset
List at present as school is officially still open (though mothballed). Kieron has been in touch
with Head of Education to ask that the process be expedited. CC to write to Anne Paterson to
add our voice. cc Yvonne McNeilly
6. Review of Scheme for Community Councils: The revised Scheme goes to Council meeting in
the near future, following which a date will be set for the next CC elections in Spring 2018.
7. Formation of Community Trust: It was agreed to email Laura MacDonald & Breege to
arrange a meeting in the near future to explore the possibility of developing a Community Plan
and setting up a Community Trust to progress it.
8. Treasurer’s report:-
Overall opening balance as at 3rd October 2017 2,340.98
Opening bal. General Fund 2,340.98
less: Donation to Club na Càirdean (200.00)

Overall closing balance as at 16th November 2017 2,140.98
9. Secretary’s report – Correspondence since last meeting:-
04/10: Connel CC forwarded notice of work on Connel Bridge from 4th Dec.
16/10: Local Development Plan Main Issues Report – respond by 11th Dec
08/11: BEAR – disused slipway at South Creagan – proposed fencing-off
16/11: Sustainable Marine Energy – installation of turbine to begin around 24th Nov
10. Health matters: Defibrillator: the second defibrillator is ready for installation and discussions
to take place soon with ACHA on possible location on the outside of the Ford Spence Court
building. Robin: will be attending MEDCAT meeting on Tuesday 21st Nov.
11. Planning: New Local Development Plan draft Main Issues Report has been published –
comments to be submitted by 11th Dec. Clarity needed over extent of ‘growth area’ and
whether it includes Benderloch
12. AOB: CC notes appreciation for the work carried out by the ‘Road Man’ who has been carrying
out a huge amount of voluntary maintenance work on the trunk road verges in the local area.
Campbell: raised the very poor state of the road at the Black Castle and by Kintaline Mill and
Tralee Holiday Park – councillors will follow up. Lachie: raised again the suggestion of safety
barriers at side of cycle track between Benderloch & Mill Farm, following further incidents
where vehicles have left the trunk road and ended up on or across the cycle path. Turning
Circle – has not been re-surfaced as promised.
13. Next meeting: Thursday 18th January 2018 7.30pm North Connel Hall
There being no further business the meeting closed at 10:00pm
If you would like to contact the Community Council, please write, email or telephone:-
Secretary: Tim McIntyre, Birch Cottage, Barcaldine, OBAN, Argyll PA37 1SG
Tel: 01631 720498; Email: t_mcintyre@btconnect.com
ALL COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

January 17, 2018 Posted in: Community No Comments

ACC Meeting North Connel 18th Jan agenda

ARDCHATTAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Meeting to be held on Thursday 18^th January 2018 at 7.30pm

North Connel Hall

PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

Apologies
Declarations of interest
Minutes of previous meeting held in Barcaldine Primary School on 16^th November 2017, previously circulated, to be approved
Police report
Matters arising not on agenda
Hydro schemes on Loch Etive
Recycling area & Viewpoint
Roads
Community Plan
Formation of Community Trust
Treasurer’s report
Secretary’s report
Health matters
Planning
AOB
Date of next meeting

January 17, 2018 Posted in: Community Council No Comments

A828 closed this evening

from Oban Times FB page

Police have just confirmed that the A828 has been closed at Benderloch owing to an ongoing incident, of which they will not give more details at present. An officer said it is hoped to reopen the road shortly.

January 7, 2018 Posted in: Community No Comments

Housekeeping job at Barcaldine Castle

https://www.gumtree.com/jobs/job/1395745089/housekeepers-required-for-4-gold-guesthouse-b-and-b/
Barcaldine Castle are seeking two housekeepers for their well-established 4* Gold Guesthouse B&B with six-bedrooms in Benderloch, just outside of Oban. The role is seasonal from March-October and also a couple of weeks in December.

January 7, 2018 Posted in: Community No Comments

Connel Bridge closure 21st Jan 2018 for 5 Nights

LETTER FROM BEAR
Our Ref: 14NW08945
Date: 11/12/17

Dear Sir / Madam

4TH GENERATION TERM CONTRACT FOR MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF THE SCOTTISH TRUNK ROAD NETWORK – NORTH WEST UNIT
A828 CONNEL BRIDGE – Overnight Electrical Works

BEAR Scotland, acting on behalf of Transport Scotland, are planning to carry out essential Electrical works on the A828 trunk road at Connel Bridge. Location plans have been included to accurately identify the affected area.

Works will commence on 21st January 2018 for 5 nights between the hours of 7pm – 7am in an effort to minimise disruption to motorists using the A828 trunk road. Out with these hours traffic management will be removed.

Unfortunately, due to restricted available road width on Connel Bridge, we have no option but to close the carriageway in order to ensure the safety of both the work force and travelling public. Connel Bridge will therefore be closed for the duration of the work, as shown on the attached drawings, in both directions each night on the above dates. During overnight working hours a signed diversion route will be in place via the A85 and A82. Emergency services will be able to pass through the works at all times and local access will be maintained when it is safe for vehicles to be escorted through the work area. The diversion route adds up to 33 miles and up to 43 minutes to the most effected journeys. Advance signage will be in place at Tyndrum to give advance warning for onward travel. Information regarding this diversion route has been attached for clarity.

We appreciate that works of this nature can be disruptive and have planned the works overnight and to minimise their impact and will not be working the busier Friday and Saturday nights. We trust this helps to explain the nature of the works and would like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their patience whilst these essential works are undertaken

Should you have any specific concerns or require further information please do not hesitate to contact by e-mail Electrical@bearscotland.co.uk

Yours faithfully,

Simon Heron
Electrical Manager
For and on behalf of BEAR Scotland Limited

December 15, 2017 Posted in: Community No Comments

Glen Creran quarry – appeal against planning refusal

This has come in from the Glen Creran quarry protesters

Planning Application for Quarry and landfill in Glen Creran , Appin
We need the help of our communities to help once and for all to stop this appeal being accepted.
This application was refused by planners and was unanimously voted against by the planning councillors.
There was over 1400 objections , three community councils voted against it.
The quarry applicant on the very last day that they could submitted a appeal to the Scottish ministers , totally ignoring our communities wishes and local democracy. Would you please visit our website www.quarryprotest.com where you can object directly from there to the Scottish government.

Even if you have already objected previously send another message direct to the minister. We have proved by independent experts and confirmed by the planning department that is no requirement for another quarry or landfill in North Argyll. Let’s protect this most beautiful area for the enjoyment of all. Please promote this here and on the Facebook group what’s happening in Ardchattan . Thank you in anticipation for your help.

December 10, 2017 Posted in: Community No Comments

Community council October Meeting Minutes

ARDCHATTAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Meeting held in Ardchattan Primary School 3rd October 2017 at 7.30pm
Present: Margaret Adams (Convenor), Geoffrey Miller (Vice-convenor), Tim McIntyre
(Secretary), Anne Hilditch (Treasurer), Lachie Strathern (CC), Robin Dodman (CC), John
Campbell (CC), Ronnie Campbell (CC); 8 members of the public.
1. Apologies: Jill Bowis (CC), Sian Griffiths (CC), Colin Morrison (CC), Breege Smyth (CC),
Tony Dalgaty (CC), Ashley Stones (CC), Cllrs Elaine Robertson, Kieron Green, Andrew
Vennard, Julie MacKenzie, PC Stuart Johnstone;
2. Declarations of interest: none
3. Minutes of previous meeting: held in Victory Hall on 22nd August were approved
4. Police report: none
5. Matters Arising: Sustrans Cycle Track Ledaig: No update – discussions ongoing between
Sustrans and landowners. Health – Margaret thanked Robin Dodman on behalf of the CC for
the work he has done over the years on the Health & Care Forum, from which he has now stood
down.
6. Tralee Link Path update: Work has begun in earnest on construction of the new link section
between the cycle path and the Keil Road footpath. New passing places are also being
constructed as part of the project.
7. Closure of trunk roads due to accidents: letter received from Cairndow CC regarding
problems with road closures resulting from motorcycle accidents. In general, there is an
increasing problem with unscheduled and often long and highly disruptive closures – comments
made including increasing traffic volumes, poor condition of roads, lack of road policing
resources, drivers unfamiliar with the conditions, increasing requirement for post-accident
investigations (including for insurance purposes) and the lack of local availability of the
specialist equipment required. Geoff suggested that Police Scotland are lagging behind other
UK forces in the use of newer technologies e.g. dashcam footage as evidence of bad driving or
for immediate post-accident investigation allowing quicker re-opening of roads. Agree to write
to Cairndow CC to support general principles but disagree with focussing solely on
motorcyclists. Campbell Cameron suggested improvements to back road to Connel, e.g. extra
passing places etc. to make a more suitable alternative route.
8. Treasurer’s report:-
Overall opening balance as at 27th June 2017 2,660.98
Opening bal. General Fund 2,660.98
less: Compost for tubs (40.00)
Replacement tubs (260.00)
Hire of N Connel Hall (20.00)

Overall closing balance as at 3rd October 2017 2,340.98
9. Secretary’s report – Correspondence since last meeting:-
• Review of Scheme for Establishment of Community Councils
• Tidal generator test at Falls of Lora – in place November/December
• Petard Investments, Bonawe – advise that site will be fenced
• Home Energy Efficiency Scheme – grants available for insulation etc.

10. Health matters: Defibrillator: Location for the Benderloch unitwas discussed and it was felt
that Ford Spence Court would be best – CC to write to ACHA (Iona MacPhail). Hoping to
organise community information event to make people aware of the defibrillator and how to
use it.
11. Planning: Geoff following up continued queries over planning conditions relating to houses
west of The Haven. Mr Maxwell & Mr Mattison raised planning relating to wind turbine at
Culcharron – visual impact, noise. CC to look at plans and discuss a response.
12. AOB: Ardchattan School Building: open engagement day held on 1st Oct. to discuss
community’s wishes for the future of the school building. The day was successful with a good
attendance and a stong wish to see the building put to community use if possible. Next stage is
a meeting with potential funders, advisors and others who have undertaken similar projects,
hopefully in November.

Beinn Lora – forest trails expected to re-open around the end of October.

Anne – issue of no late bus to Barcaldine raised again by a resident. – pass to
councillors & request review.

Lachie – community buy-out Tralee Beach? Need to register an
interest. Suggested we arrange Community Plan meeting to discuss this and other possible
projects. Need to take the initiative or lose opportunities. Discuss further at next meeting.

Ronnie: Annual donation to Club na Càirdean £200 proposed – agreed.

DJ – waiting on results from speed monitoring equipment which has been in place for a couple of weeks. School pick-up point has been moved into school pitch which has improved things considerably. There has also been a good police presence in the village in the first few weeks of school term.
13. Next meeting: Thursday 16th November 7.30pm Barcaldine Primary School
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9:30pm

If you would like to contact the Community Council, please write, email or telephone:-
Secretary: Tim McIntyre, Birch Cottage, Barcaldine, OBAN, Argyll PA37 1SG

Tel: 01631 720498; Email: t_mcintyre@btconnect.com

ALL COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

November 15, 2017 Posted in: Community Council No Comments

Petard Investments Housing at Bonawe : fencing being erected

Paul Nicols of Bell Ingram has passed on a message in their role managing the building plots at Bonawe :
“We have a site next to the school on which we have planning consent for 5 houses. The sites have not sold and the site is somewhat overgrown and has become a dumping ground.”

“We intend to fence the site which will prevent further dumping, but will also prevent those storing items from removing them. I thought I should write to you so that you could inform the community of our plans. We anticipate that work will begin in around 3 weeks.”

For more details contact Paul Nicoll MRICS, Consultant

Bell Ingram LLP, Boswell House, Argyll Square, Oban, PA34 4BD

T: 01631 566122 D: 01631 567793 M: 07766 751 999

October 2, 2017 Posted in: Community No Comments