Community Council – At its recent meeting, the following matters were among those discussed by Durness Community Council:
Concern was expressed about the proposal to de-adopt the Port na Con road. Despite a compromise suggested by the community council, Laid Grazing Committee was continuing to insist that the majority of the road be de-adopted.
As this would make access to Loch Eribol difficult for those who had boats moored there, as well as making it difficult for the owners of some land adjacent to the road to access their land, it was decided that the community council would oppose the de-adoption unless Laid Grazings Committee agreed to the compromise proposal.
This proposal would recommend de-adoption to begin nearer to the loch, thus allowing greater access.
Concern was also expressed that a fence had been erected along part of the Port na Con road. In particular the community council was concerned that planning permission had not been sought for the erection of this fence, whereas advice received from the Highland Council was that planning permission was necessary for such fencing.
The Rob Donn memorial and the poet's grave at Balnakeil needs work, and the community council will look at the cost of carrying out this work. Many tourists now visit areas for their cultural and literary associations and Rob Donn is one of Scotland's most important Gaelic bards.
Despite information being requested on several occasions, the community council has not yet received an answer from the Royal Navy regarding any possible relationship between the stranding of Pilot Whales in the Kyle of Durness and underwater explosions carried out by the navy. It was agreed this would be an agenda item on the next Liaison Meeting with the MOD.
This winter's "Light Up a Light" service at Durness Village Hall went very well. The hall was full for the service, at which people remembered loved ones who had died and which helped raise resources for hospice care.
The community council thank Mary Mackay for organising the service and the Westminster Estate for donating the Christmas tree.
Concern was expressed at dangerous flooding on Sangomore, near the Visitor Information Centre. Vehicles were forced to drive on the wrong side of the road near a bend and pedestrians also faced hazards. It was agreed to contact the Highland Council to ensure necessary work was carried out.
It was agreed to appoint Sarah Fuller as the new secretary of the community council. The previous secretary, Karen Price, was thanked for her excellent work on behalf of the council.
The next meeting of the council will be Monday, 6th February, at 7.30pm, at Durness Village Hall.
