March 2024

KILMUN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Facebook - @shoresweepersandKCC Website - www.kilmuncc.co.uk

MINUTES OF MEETING
12 12h March 2024 @ 7.30PM.
Younger Hall Kilmun
Meeting Start -7.30pm

The secretary asked the audience if there were any last-minute items to be added within the
agenda. None were submitted.
PRESENT; Diane Nicholson (Convenor), Janet Holm (Secretary), Peter Hunter Douglas Lachie
Macquarie, Mandy Grout, Kerris Bone and Lindsey Greer
Also Present:), Cllr. William Sinclair (Rep ABC and LTNP), Dave Bonnar, Mark Borland and Steve
Abbott
APOLOGIES Lindsay McKenna (Vice Convenor), Graham Revill, Malcom Bird, Gordon Holm,
Graham Thompson, Jean Thompson, Fraser Macdonald (Forestry Land Scotland), Russell
Humphreys (Treasurer), Councillor Gordon Blair (ABC) Councillor Y McNeilly (Argyll and Bute
Council) and PC James Convery (Cowal Police).
This session was recorded for the minutes.
2. DECLARATION OF INTEREST:
None
3. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING:
The 12 th of December 2023 minutes were:
Proposed: Diane Nicholson
Seconded: Kerris Bone Carried
4. TREASURER’S REPORT
Carried forward £3347.37
Income £480.40
Expenditure £35.00 Data protection
Funds In
Totals.
General fund £2482.00
Gardening and Shore Sweepers. £47.54
SSE grant £1090.92
Overall total £3620.46
At present we are in the process of setting up a new bank account which will enable us to have
online banking.
6. POLICE REPORT
Location & Beat: Kilmun LB49
Reporting Officer: PC James Convery
Between the dates of 06/02/24 – 07/03/2024, the number of Incidents and Crime Reports
respectively are 2 and 0

2

JH said that she has 30mph stickers and some have been put on the lampposts in the Shore
Villages. She has more stickers for those residents who can use them and can request to have
more.
MG has had contact from James Convey re the Speed Gun Initiative which will be restarted.
7. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
 Single storey extension to rear of Finnartlea, Kilmun Dunoon - Approved.
 Erection of single storey extension and alterations to visitor centre - Botanic Gardens
Benmore Dunoon Approved

9. COMMUNITY MATTERS
The Shore Sweepers / Graham’s Point
Not much to report on Graham’s Point but the willow tunnel has been trimmed this year by HELP.
The Shore Sweepers are about to cover the ground of the front area of The Strone Brae Garden to
try to stop the weeds growing and are going to plant 20 summer flowering heathers. We will
probably get winter flowering heathers later in the year.
The bulbs are flowering at the Shore Villages Road sign at the end of the road. These should be
replaced by tulips.
JH is applying though the Highgate Hall fund for funds for the possible purchase of a Solway
recycled plastic picnic table which is suitable for access for all at the garden area at the bottom of
Strone Brae. She is also applying for the access path to the picnic table to be made more disable
friendly and for the squirrel chain saw carving to be renewed.
P. HD asked if the Shore Sweepers could organise a date to tidy up the forestry track and clear
rubbish of the path. This is also required at Strone Brae Garden too. JH said that we need to
organise more time like this to do beach cleans etc. which has fallen by the wayside after the
pandemic.
Highgate Hall
Email report from Graham Thomson in February regarding Highgate Hall.
The deadline for receiving application forms has now passed, we received 15 requests although not
all are from qualifying organisations. We are now awaiting the proposals for the projects. The closing
date for those is end of March. Judging from the requests for application forms I am sure that we will
have an adequate number of proposals for local projects.
Many of you will have met our Trustee / Solicitor Norman Fyfe at the public meetings, unfortunately
he passed away suddenly last week, which was a great shock. We had been discussing details on
the Monday and set up a zoom meeting for Friday, but he died on the Tuesday. One of his Partners
at the law firm has stepped in to take his place as Trustee and Normans assistant Nicola Hughes is
still in place. Although I am away, I will be in contact and will keep you updated of progress on
Highgate Hall
From March - Application forms have been sent out and we are awaiting their return, by end of
March after which we should be able to update you although adjudicating responses will take a few
weeks.
Tyneshandon/Stables at Dunselma
Councillor Sinclair says it is a really difficult situation and has been onto A&BC structural engineers
and they say that the structures are not dangerous which Councillor Sinclair does not agree with.
There was extended discussion about possible option of using right to buy by the community council
/community.
Kilmun Community Council will investigate this in consultation with Argyll and Bute Council.

3

MG identified that debris is flying off the building in bad weather Councillor Sinclair requested that he
is notified immediately if that is seen to happen and he will report it.
Steve Abbott asked if there has been a structural report done on the Stables building. Councillor
Sinclair said he would find out about that but he said the property is owned by a private individual.
10. DISCUSSIONS A&BC LOCAL COUNCILLOR AND NATIONAL PARK
REPRESENTATIVE,
Argyll & Bute Council
ABC has put 8 million pounds has been put into the roads and of that money a high percentage has
been allocated into roads in Cowal (£1.2 million). L Mc Q expressed concerns that the high-pressure
tar spray being put on the roads could be more difficult for motor bike users and although Councillor
Sinclair acknowledged this, but he said that using a tarmac overlay method increased the amount of
distance that could be covered. A question was asked whether ABC had approached the Scottish
Government to see if ABC could get an aggregate levy waver from the products for the roads.
Councillor Sinclair said he knew they get money from FLS for their use of the roads but didn’t know
about aggregate levy but would find out.
There was short discussion on the 10% rise on the council tax and the impact of the storm damage
caused by the storms in the Autumn/Winter.
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Representative
A lot of building work being undertaken at Tarbert and extended work to help accommodate camper
vans. There has been extensive work from storm damage and the NP is working with FLS.
JH asked Councillor Sinclair about planning that is in with the National Park that there are long
delays in the outcome of some planning applications JH will write to Councillor Sinclair on the
planning applications that do not have identified outcomes.
Forestry and Land Scotland – Fraser MacDonald
Fraser Macdonald (Forestry Land Scotland) emailed and said that there was not much to report, and
information was the same as his previous report.
Strone Primary School and Strone Primary Parent Council
A very short update this month. Mrs Fish is at the moment on sick leave again and Mrs Lorraine
Fisher is providing leadership support in her absence. Ms Petrie and Mrs Black are teaching the
younger class, and Ms Marshall the big class.
Cairn, Kayla and Seth from the big class travelled to Fort William on the 23rd of Feb for the
Camanachd Association National Primary Schools Finals as part of the combined shinty team with
Tighnabruaich and Sandbank Gaelic Unit. The team didn't win but they had a great time and were a
real credit to the school. The big class also finished their Junior Forester Award and received their
certificates - big thanks to Steve Gillen and colleagues from Forestry and Land Scotland for this
fantastic opportunity.
Kerris said that the school were wanting to plant peas to grow and need canes etc. MG said that
they will help the school with this.
Younger Hall
NTR
Blairmore Hall
Some repairs are ongoing to the doors etc.
Historic Kilmun
Has just had a visit from the Hebridean Princess

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11 CURRENT ISSUES
Clachaig Water
The was one objection and a couple of non-returns to the community water supply and as 100%
agreement was need from residents the community supply will not go ahead and the status quo will
remail. It was also pointed out that Clachaig does not have a hydrant and they cannot fight a major
fire.
SSE power lines Dunoon 132kV Overhead Line rebuild Project.
NTR
Right of way / Flooding issues
This issue has been passed onto Councillor Blair and is now with the legal team. Mark Borland
asked whether her had been sent the pictures of the bridge that a resident has put in to cover the
hole and to let residents more safely cross the hole when they are using the right of way. The hole is
now. 25% bigger than it was last year because of the amount of water that has passed over it and
exacerbated the situation. This is not council approved but now people are beginning to use the path
now that they do not need to clamber over the hole. JH said that, in line with all the flooding issues
that have arisen in the area after the very wet weather that this is an area that should be seriously
looked at by ABC and FLS. MB said that the issue has been caused by a failure in the drainage
system. Mark also mentioned that further along the road there is a very large drain which has been
sealed over. It leads into a large drainage system. MB asked how they can get changed to a drain
that will actually let water through. This water is going down Strone Brae onto the main road and is
eroding the Strone Brae Road.
Defibrillators / Training
Steve Abbott has looked at the defibrillators. The defibrillator at Kilmun Hall needs new pads which
will cost £250. KCC agreed to meet this cost. The other def Steve has looked at it and cleaned it up,
but the case is cracked also needs batteries and pads. Steve is trying to wire it up and test it. He is
concerned about the security of the box. KCC gave the go ahead to replace the batteries and pads
for both defibrillators. KCC also agreed for an electrician to install the defibrillator cabinet at The
Strone Inn, but costs are required before work can be given the go ahead. We agreed for Steve to
organise this for us.
Bus timetables/Transport Forum
Kerris did an online survey on who would use a later weekend service. There were 197 responses
with 90.9 % being positive for the provision of a later bus service. Many other ideas were also
submitted for discussion. The key point was the proposal to have a bus service that runs in line with
events at the Burgh Hall in Dunoon.
At the next transport forum, the issue of a later weekend bus service at the weekend will be
discussed on their agenda. 
DGFAG – Dunoon – Ferry Group
DN attended a meeting organised by the Dunoon- Gourock Ferry Action Group on Wednesday 14 th
February. Representatives of Ferry Action Group, Prof. Neil Kay, one representative from most of
the Cowal Community Councils, Gourock Community Council and three A&BC Councillors took part
in a short discussion about the need for support for the Ferry Action Group’s proposal of re-
establishing the requirement for a vehicle/passenger ferry from Dunoon Pier.
The meeting unfortunately was terminated early without resolution due to a heated exchange of
views.

Giants Burn Wind Farm

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DN identified that Ruth Semple (Senior Community Liaison Manager) of Statkraft UK Ltd had
emailed KCC to introduce Statkraft’s Giant’s Burn Wind Farm project, located within Argyll and Bute.
Giant’s Burn is located 2.1km north-west of Dunoon and c.1.5km south-west of Sandbank. Statkraft
would welcome the opportunity to meet to introduce the project and answer any questions about the
development at this early stage. It was agreed to contact Ruth Semple to provide a presentation at a
future KCC meeting.
Local Place Plan
DN had a further meeting with Hannah Robinson LL&TNP and Ardentinny CC regarding Place
Plans, it was identified that they assist in establishing the long-term look, priorities and development
of the local area for the community.
Ardentinny have already agreed to participate and are keen along with the National Park for KCC to
join them to have a complete Shore Villages Plan. However, DN highlighted that KCC area far
exceeds the size and demographic of Ardentinny – three villages compared to one.
Generally, groups once they have their steering group established and look at previous plans,
identify the current situation in your community then start with a community survey.
DN identified that volunteers from each village, both community councillors and residents was
required to assist in undertaking the preliminary works such as community engagement sessions,
carrying out a survey both digitally and in paper form and contribute to the steering group. These
people must be committed to undertake this potential time-consuming project.
The National Park have identified assistance and support. Provide consultant time to bring the report
together, along with mapping and stats information. However, funding has not been committed yet,
this will be confirmed in April if the project can go ahead.
P.HD identified there had been a request at a previous meeting to arrange a meeting with the
LL&TNP representative and Ardentinny CC to discuss the proposals, DN agreed to take this
forward. JH highlighted concern about Place Plans and potential work involved due to her past
experience of working on previous Local Action Plans.
Community Council Elections
Kerris Bone, Lyndsey Greer and Lachie Macquarie, the co-opted members who are on the
committee, have agreed to be nominated to be full members of KCC. Mark Borland was also put
forward to be nominated to be a member of KCC. J Holm will submit the nomination forms to ABC.
Meeting end: 9.15pm.
Next Meeting
Tuesday April 9 hh @ Blairmore Hall @ 7.30pm
Meetings held Second Tuesday each month alternating between Younger & Blairmore Halls.
Kilmun Hall – January, March, May, July (Recess) September, November
Blairmore Hall – February, April, June, August, October, December