Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry Community Council

Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry Community Council held its monthly meeting on Tuesday March 7 in Kilmonivaig Church Hall.

 

Among the issues discussed were:

 

BEAR Scotland – Chairman John Fotheringham introduced Ken Hossack, routine maintenance manager for Bear Scotland, who gave those present a potted history of his service and responsibilities with Bear Scotland.

 

He then spoke about the items that had been flagged up in correspondence between the

 

chairman and BEAR Scotland which he hoped could be resolved with the caveat that as his organisation was still unaware of its funding for 2023/24 it may not be possible to complete everything.

 

Items included: Clearing of the path from Roy Bridge to Inverroy; positioning of the Upper Inverroy sign outside Hillcrest; road calming measures on the A86 before the Upper Inverroy turnoff; possible bellmouth on the A86 to Upper Inverroy and on the A82 to Leanachan; a Safer Route to Spean Bridge Primary.

 

The chairman thanked Mr Hossack for such a comprehensive response to the current

 

problems, but said the council would remain vigilant to ensure that the issues raised are resolved.

 

Highland Council – As Councillor Grafton was unable to attend there was no update on the issues he had promised to raise.

 

Councillor Baldrey had forwarded a note from John Murray in Environmental Health about an investigation into the alleged abandoned burger van at the Loch Lochy Viewpoint. An investigation has recommenced with a view to having the van removed if it is not brought back up to a serviceable condition.

 

Gilkes Energy – held an exhibition about its plans for a 750MW Pumped Storage Scheme in the Ardverikie Estate on February 22 in the Spean Bridge Community Centre. Its plans are at an early stage, but involve Loch na Earba which is at the western edge of the estate. It would undoubtedly lead to increased traffic on the A86. In discussions with community councillors who attended the event it was suggested that Representatives of Gilkes Energy might like to attend some of your regular community council meetings to keep the community updated on their plans as they progress. Accordingly Chris Pasteur and David Tomb will attend the April Meeting.

 

Coire Glas – as reported in last week's Lochaber Times.

 

Network Rail – The chairman sent a reminder to the Legal Counsel, but still awaits a

 

response.

 

Community Police Officer – As requested the chairman wrote to Police Scotland about the continued absence of the Community Police Officer from Community Council Meetings. He had received an acknowledgement and awaits a more substantive reply.

 

Roy Bridge School – The chairman has been in correspondence with Highland Council’s Estates Management Team and we will be contacted when the School Premises are available to view.