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11th April 2008

Mod Liaison Meeting

The latest MOD community Liaison meeting was held last Thursday the 3 April in Durness chaired by Mary Mackay Chairperson of Durness Community Council. This year’s exercise Neptune warrior taking place between the 17 – 29 Aprils will be introducing elements to be more useful to the navy. There will be some increased activity compared to last year but no more that occurred in October. Last years exercise did not fulfill all the necessary training needs of the ships involved. During the period there will be a noise monitoring exercise carried out. As in last years agreement when the exercise also took place during lambing the aircraft involved will approach form the west and leave by the north or vice versa. There will be no approach or departure by there east or south to minimise disruption and disturbing livestock.
The MOD have asked if the community wish to have an input into signs that are to be erected at strategic points on the range to encourage access and visitors to use appropriate routes over the range. The signs are to be erected at the Videtes, Sandwood and the car park for Sandwood.
People are asked to note that only during exercise on the range that low flying complaints should be directed to Faraid Head. All other times they should be directed to John Gilbert whose details are available locally

Community Council

Several matters were discussed at the recent Community Council meeting. The approved minutes are displayed locally.

The recent proposal from Mr Ian Wilson for a Closed Loop Pump Storage System which system enables the landscape to remain pristine whist providing an effective renewable energy scheme was discussed. The system has been developed by the Norwegians and has proved successful. Before any scheme can move ahead there must be a sustainable development agreement prepared to ensure that the community has real power over whether any scheme moves ahead and also that the community would benefit from any scheme that did occur. Any agreement would see a three way split between the community, the estate and the crofters. Ian Wilson has had a draft document drawn up setting out the proposed split; however it was agreed that the community must take legal advice on the document before agreeing to anything. Durness Development group have been asked to look further into this.
The application to register an interest in the Tourist Information Centre is now with the Scottish Government, it will now be up to Ministers whether to approve or reject.
The Ceannabeinne project is nearing completion. Wording for interpretation boards is at the printers and the leaflet is being finalised. The DVD of the documentary dramatisation is ready for the players involved to have their first showing.
The Roads around Balnakeil Craft Village are the responsibility of the Highland council and the concerns about their condition have been reported. Yvonne Mackay has resigned as Secretary but will continue in the post until the Community Council elections in May when it is hoped a new secretary will be appointed.