Minutes of 2nd June 2026 Approved 4 August 2026
Garve and District Community Council
Added at 07:12 on 05 August 2026
Approved Minutes of the Garve & District Community Council ordinary meeting held on Tuesday 2nd June 2026 on webcam
Community Council elected members present: Bob Moir (Chair) Caroline Gamble (Treasurer) and Sadie-Michaela Harris (Secretary)
Community Council co-opted members present: Simon Friend, Alistair Meikle
Also present: Sue Tarr: Fiona Baverstock (left 8:20 pm) ; Kenny MacLean
Apologies: Tina Hartley: Cllr Kraft:
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7:20pm and welcomed everyone. He also confirmed that this meeting would be recorded as per the agenda and will be archived and available for viewing thereafter. He reminded members of the public that although our meetings are not public meetings, they were still very welcome to attend Community Council meetings even on webcam and take part in the discussions under his guidance (see section 12 of the Constitution) and that phones should be on silent. Those who cannot attend our meetings can, as always, write to us by post or email with any issues they wish raised at Our website gdcc.scot continues to receive a high volume of visitors per month as does our Facebook page. The Community Council area covers from Garve to Aultguish and from Garve to Achnasheen and is the only organisation that represents the whole community. We are elected by the community every four years or so and usually meet once a month. Draft minutes and a list of current members of the Community Council can be viewed at our website. We are also on social media - www.facebook.com/GarveCC
The Chair informed of the passing of Garve residents Mr Hector Syjarnen. Condolences to Barbara and family.
Declarations of Interest – the Chairman is a Garve Public Hall Trustee, a Friend of Garve War Memorial, a LCT elected Director and a member of the GD CORe land panel. The Treasurer noted she is a landowner with regards to the SSEN underground cable from the Western Isles to Beauly and Community Council elected member Sadie-Michaela Harris is a member of the Wyvis Natural Playpark group and Wester Ross Biosphere as is co-opted member Simon Friend. Sue Tarr is a director of TGDDC, Fiona Baverstock coordinates TGDDC Activate Garve
Community Council elected members confirmed that they had read all documents due to be discussed tonight before the start of this meeting.
Approval of draft minutes of the ordinary meeting held on Tuesday 12th May 2026 via webcam were proposed without amendment by Sadie-Michaela Harris and seconded by Alistair Meikle, unanimously agreed. Minutes are available at Garve Post Office, on our website or via email. Hard/electronic copies are also available on request. Minutes were signed by our Chairman and Treasurer.
Chair advised that although internet links to various topics discussed at meeting are not read out they are available on request and in both hard and electronic copies of minutes.
Matters arising –
Glasa Wind Farm – No update. Discussion regarding lighting or proposed lack of concluded that it is likely yjat lights will be required.
Boralex windfarm – https://www.boralex.com – The Highland Council North Planning Applications Committee notes that the application was approved by them in January 2023. Details for the satisfaction of pre-start planning conditions are pending consideration by the planning department. Update on the Lochluichart Extension II project. We should be going to the next Highland Council committee on 5th August. This is for the S42 application for a request to extend the time of the consent.
Proposed Boralex Lochluichart East BESS - https://www.boralex.com/en/projects-and-sites/storage-lochluichart-east-bess - No updates on the Lochluichart East BESS project, this is still under review by the Highland Council.
Kirkan Windfarm – http://www.kirkanwindfarm.co.uk - as reported previously, they are still in the phase of considering options for Kirkan and working through the various planning conditions. The Highland Council North Planning Applications Committee notes the Scottish Government issued consent on 25 July 2023 and are now awaiting submission of pre-development planning condition requirements. No further update.
Proposed Tarvie windfarm – www.tarviewindfarm.com
Following received by email “Having carefully weighed the site's viability, KRE UK has decided to put the project on indefinite pause. The site chosen is not situated in any nationally or locally designated area and has a good wind resource. Studies have revealed that the NESO grid reforms and global energy uncertainty make the site economically unviable, for the time being.”
Proposed SSE Fairburn windfarm extension – https://www.sserenewables.com/onshore-wind/in-development/fairburn-extension No further update.
SSEN Spittal – Beauly 400kV project - https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/spittal--loch-buidhe--beauly-400kv-connection - 3D modelling of the proposed route can be viewed - https://www.3dwtech.co.uk/dashboard/ssen/spittal-to-beauly/portal-update/ which show they are still thinking routing the line east of Contin rather than east of Garve. SSEN plan to submit a section 37 planning application to the Energy Consents Unit in spring 2025. No further update.
SSEN underground cable from the Western Isles to Beauly – https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/western-isles Public meetings 8th June Aultbea Hall 4-6: Badcaul Church 7-9 re A832 overnight closures.
Construction works to facilitate access to the WI HVDC Link Mainland Cable corridor, inclusive of tree felling, vegetation removal, bell mouth creation & resurfacing works are planned to begin on the 8 June 2026. Works will take place in the Garve area, on the U3131 to the south-east of Little Garve.
Field Corriemoillie – www.fieldcorriemoillie.co.uk
Following the North Planning Applications Committee meeting where no objection was raised GDCC have submitted a written complaint regarding inaccuracies and our concerns. This has been sent to both NPAC and ECU. It is available on our website and we await a reply. No reply received.
Proposed Carn Fearna windfarm – https://projects.statkraft.co.uk/Carn-Fearna No further update.
In related news - www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/carn-fearna-wind-farm-connection. This is dependent on Carn Fearna approval.
The EDF Corriemoillie Education & Training Fund details can be found at https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/corriemoillie-education-training
The Highland Council updates – www.highland.gov.uk – None. See matters arising.
Achnasheen Hall. Update from Cllr Kraft by email.
“Only update is that all 4 ward members continue to meet re the future of Achnasheen Hall.
This is now a regular item on our Ward Business meeting agenda.
There are currently several options that we are looking at and costing.
Our aim remains to have public facilities open there again.”
Question was asked if these meetings are minuted and / or public also has Local Place Plan been taken into consideration.. Chair will request clarification.
The Highland Council notes that residents should report issues directly to them by calling The Highland Council’s Call Centre on 01349 886606 or via www.highland.gov.uk/report In all cases, you will be given a reference number. The Highland Council also appreciates photos showing the actual problem.
A835 Trunk Road issues -
Works continue CRC update on our webpage. Drone footage from George much appreciated by all.
Many reports of failure of the traffic lights leading to vehicles meeting on the single carriageway. Bear Scotland have been informed. Post meeting the lights are to be manned from 16th May. Again, there have been failings at the lights, long tailbacks, portacabins sited at Blackwater layby expect extension of traffic lights.
Following received by email from Bear.
“Thank you for bringing the Openreach phone line issues to my attention. Openreach were doing work to transfer signals from the cables that run on the inside of the wall to their temporary diversion cables. I will ask them if they are aware of these issues to and request, they avoid any further signal loss, should the site work be the source of the issues. (Reports of interruption to some residents’ telephone service.)
We have completed preliminary investigation and testing on site and submitted our design proposals to Network Rail. Unfortunately, we are still awaiting their approvals before we access the railway, hence the lack of activity. We have programmed to begin work again this Saturday night however this is subject to Network Rail approval.
(Litter, cones etc down embankment and general untidiness) I will have the cones and fencing on site tidied by our Contractor as soon as possible. "
There above raised concern regarding Network Rail approvals, we understood all approvals were in place prior to awarding the contract. Has the works to date raised other issues. We will monitor and if work does not resume as planned follow-up.
We understand Maree Todd office has also raised concerns regarding the lights etc.
Still no data received from recent surveys at Garve and Gorstan, Maree Todd office pursuing. We have not received any further notification regarding a meeting with Transport Scotland, Bear and GDCC regarding extension of 40mph area on A835 at Garve. This is subjection to findings of the surveys.
Faults on the Trunk Road (A835) should be reported via www.bearscot.com/report-a-defect/ or 0800 028 1414. Members of the public can live track gritters on the trunk road network using Transport Scotland’s online ‘trunk road gritter tracker’. It displays the current location of gritters and where they have recently treated.
Garve & District Community Council currently has vacancies on the Community Council. The Community Council elected members consider it to be very important to have as broad a representation of our community as possible, as we cover a wide variety of community issues and to do this well, we would like members from all corners of our large area. We usually meet on the first Tuesday of the month. If you are aged 16 or over, live in the Community Council area and are on the electoral roll and would like to be considered for co-option onto the Community Council, please email contact@gdcc.scotwith your name and contact details. This update has already appeared on our online channels. LCT and the Development Company also have vacancies, contact them directly for more details.
WRB - Wester Ross Biosphere re-designed sign has been finalised by WRB, being progressed with Transport Scotland -TS for final approval.
TS - Have agreed design in principle
Next steps - absolute approval, co-ordinate; manufacture, delivery and installation. Advised that possibly Gaelic may be needed to be added to sign.
Police update - as reported at previous Community Council meetings, anyone who wishes to raise an issue with the police are asked to call them directly on 101 at the time of the incident and make a witness statement. Video, dashcam or photo evidence is also welcomed, indeed encouraged by the police. The police can also be contacted on www.scotland.police.uk/secureforms/contact/. Last quarterly meeting was cancelled due to scheduling issues, no date received for next meeting. This from last police report.
We have detected twenty-seven speeding offences across the ward, with three motorists being reported after being measured at travelling in excess of 90mph at the A832 at Achanalt. Three motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs at Glensheil, Gorston and Contin respectively. Several motorists have been charged with dangerous driving on A835 at Gorston Junction and Achnaclerach, typically their driving has consisted of a combination of grossly excessive speed and dangerous manoeuvres.
We have charged an individual in connection with damage to a car in Achnasheen. Our enquiries are continuing into a vehicle which was damaged outside a licensed premises in Garve. An individual was charged with Threatening and Abusive behaviour after an incident in Achnasheen
Treasurer’s report –
Bank balance £1,906.52
Within this figure: -
· Wreath account £377.30
· Community Fund £1,579.22
· Treasurer Fund <£50.00>
There were no questions for the Treasurer.
AOB from Community Council members –
Help with heating for those who are dependent on oil and LPG for heating is now available.
Website www.homeheatingadvice.scot and via our webpage.
HIC have published plans for cemetery car park Garve. The area they refer to is used by school and recycling etc.
This is the reply received to our query.
“We appreciate the important role this area plays within the community, including its use for school parking, access to the bottle bank, and general day-to-day use. These existing functions are fully recognised, and it is not the Council’s intention to restrict or undermine these established community uses.
The primary purpose of formally designating the car park under the Order is to enable appropriate management and enforcement where necessary. At present, the site cannot be effectively regulated, which limits the Council’s ability to address instances of misuse. Bringing the car park under formal control would allow targeted enforcement against vehicles that are not using the space appropriately.
For example, proposals such as prohibiting parking between 10:00pm and 6:00am as stated in the proposals would help prevent the car park from being used as an informal campsite. This is a particular concern given the location’s proximity to the NC500 route, where there has been increased pressure from overnight stays. Such measures are intended to protect the local environment, including reducing the risk of waste and other associated impacts.
Importantly, outside of any restricted hours, the car park would remain available for its current community purposes. This includes continued use for school parking, access to the bottle bank, and general community parking.
As a regulated car park, the Council would also be able to apply standard terms and conditions. These would prohibit misuse such as:
Parking of vehicles without valid MOT or road tax
Use of the car park for unauthorised commercial activities, including vending
Long-term storage of vehicles not in active use
These controls are intended to ensure the space remains accessible, safe, and fit for purpose for the local community.
In response to your query regarding parking charges, we can confirm that there are no proposals to introduce charges at this location at this stage, and no current intention to do so. Should this position ever change in the future, any such proposal would be subject to full consultation with the Community Council and other relevant stakeholders before any decision is made.”
Blackwater Bridge No change awaiting feedback from supplier. Chair to follow up.
Station yard
Some work been done on cleaning etc. but more needed. Status to be checked post meeting.
Logging
Logging has commenced 2 a day at present up to 8 when passing places finished. Places to be surfaced by THC after completion of operations. No word on signage. No flyer to households from contractor as FLS said was to be done. 30 weeks to complete.
Concern raised regarding fewer sightings of wildlife and operations during nesting season. Chair to follow up with FLS
Issues reported during walk around with Ian Moncrieff, THC Roads.
· Playing field Fence and goalposts. This has been forwarded to housing who are responsible for the land.
Chair now has contact in housing and awaiting reply to email.
· 20MPH markings. This has been passed to Road safety who confirm it is on work list.
Road Safety confirm on work schedule but no timeframe given.
· Wyvis playpark signs. Chair in contact with Kevin Fulton who is now responsible for roads in our area. They are meeting on site Thursday to discuss. Meeting went ahead wording and locations agreed. Signs now in production ready next week.
· Gorstan sign from A832. Sign in production.
Visitor levy – new proposals from Scottish Government so further consultation required after election.
It was agreed secretary will contact Garve Hotel contractor regarding tidy up of area.
STL Webinar: Members were unable to join the webinar. This was received.
“Good evening Sadie – Thanks for raising the issues for accessing the webinar with us. We seem to have been let down by the technology as we weren’t aware that some registrants hadn’t received confirmation and joining links. Simon I apologise we only saw your registration when the event had ended.
The presentation slides and general notes of the questions raised and answers will be shared with everyone who registered via email, and I’ll circulate these in due course.
If your community council would consider it helpful to meet directly on this and discuss any of the content we covered this evening for the benefit of those who could not attend, please let us know.”
Dark Skies.
Last year Strathnairn Stargazing Group (SSG) started a community effort to try to obtain Dark Skies status for our area, south of Inverness. We were concerned about creeping light pollution from urban spread and in particular about the proliferation of very tall wind turbines proposed for wild or rural areas, which will require aviation lighting at night. All are in favour of supporting.
Forestry survey. Individual councillors to make own reply. Chair will sun=bit on behalf of GDCC after consultation.
THC new website. Lots of issues reported.
Sadie continuing working on Resilience with MRCPP / other communities working on sharing knowledge and best practice.
Strathpeffer Medical meeting postponed to June.
Social Value Charter SVC called a meeting weeks ago to us and other local CCs - No cancellation notice was given, CCs were chasing info prior to meeting to learn from Nick - SVC had tried contacting SSEN multiple time and had had zero response and Nick said he had nothing else to update on to apologised at the time the meeting was due to start. Strathpeffer CC have contacted SSEN for comment,
Neighbourhood Watch. Sadie preparing article for next newsletter.
Reports of toileting close to and misuse of Ben Wyvis car park. Highland Ranger aware who advise signage to be replaced by FLS. Possibly the park will be extended as part of the SSEN underground cable works. Situation will be monitored.
Bus services. It was noted that with new Ember bus service there are now three service operating through Garve.
Unfortunately, all on operate same schedule.
Community bus restrictions on use. A member the community was refused on private hire as not registered with the bus operators and bus not allowed to travel outside Inverness except for airport. After discussion it was agreed to contact Ewan Bush for clarification.
AOB from members of the public. Those who cannot attend our meetings can, as always, write to us by post or email with any issues they wish raised at contact@gdcc.scot Nothing raised.
Screening reports, scoping reports and consultations –
All Highland Council consultations are available at http://consult.highland.gov.uk/portal All Scottish Government consultations are available at https://consult.gov.scot/consultation_finder
Building warrants, planning issues and licensing issues -
There are no new building warrants currently being shown on The Highland Council website for our area.
No previous planning applications have been determined by The Highland Council since our last ordinary meeting.
There are currently planning applications awaiting determination by The Highland Council for our area.
House Silverbridge. From chair; applicant has had to resubmit many documents etc.
Bell mouths four in total now planned in conjunction with underground cable works. No traffic management or restoration works in the applications. Also, very short response time given. No response to our mail sent after last meeting.
A possible planning breach can be reported at https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/180/planning_-_applications_warrants_and_certificates/170/planning_enforcement/2
All planning applications can be viewed at www.highland.gov.uk/info/180/planning_-_applications_warrants_and_certificates/143/planning_permission/4
There were no new licensing issues for us to consider this evening.
Dates of future meetings: Tuesday 4 August 2026, 7pm, Also AGM hybrid.
Future meetings may be held on first Tuesday of the month tbc.
Other dates to note – Ceilidh in Garve Hall Friday 12th June 7pm. Wade Walk on again this year. Saturday 6th June. Craft Fair Sunday 7th June.
https://www.ross-shirejournal.co.uk/news/step-up-for-wade-walk-call-as-iconic-ross-shire-challenge-re-430504/
As usual, our Chairman started to draw the meeting to a close by asking all present if anyone had any final questions or thoughts on anything they had heard this evening, a question he often asks throughout the meeting too. Nobody had any final questions or thoughts. Although our meetings are not public meetings, members of the public are still very welcome to attend Community Council meetings and take part in the discussions under the guidance of the Chairman (see section 12 of the Constitution). A copy of our Constitution is available in the library section of our own website and hard/electronic copies are available on request. Those who cannot attend our meetings can, as always, write to us by post or email with any issues they wish raised at contact@gdcc.scot
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending. He also thanked Community Council member Sadie-Michaela Harris for hosting the webcam session. The Chairman closed the meeting at 8:50pm.
These minutes are also available in a downloadable format here. https://bit.ly/Minutes-June-2026