Anne welcomed CC members to the meeting.

She introduced Estelle Ellwood as the new Secretary and expressed thanks to Caroline Vawdrey on behalf of the Committee for her past support as Secretary.

Proposed: Douglas Cooper

Seconded: Douglas McPhee

Paige advised that the youngsters had indicated that they were impressed with the work that had been completed on Kirkie Brae. She also said that there had been an improvement to the dog poo situation in Townlands Park following the distribution of the letters by the CCC.

Paige advised that it is very cold on the bus in the morning.

George responded that the bus has only travelled from Jemimaville to Cromarty so has not had time to heat through but that it does heat quite quickly afterwards. Nothing further could be done to improve the situation.

Corey Symonds and Catriona Mallows gave a lively presentation to the Committee and Fraser Thompson provided technical support.

The presentation advised that the Youth Café has been presented with a "Best Practice" award by the Princes Trust and included details of successful applications for funding for various activities.

The presentation explained that the aims of the Youth Café are to promote a fit and healthy lifestyle whilst having fun. ("No Pain – No Gain!") Some of the activities undertaken by members of the Youth Café include weaselling, rock climbing, mountain biking, martial arts, indoor bowling.

PC Williams reported that there had been 36 incidents during the month which included:-

• 1 drink/drive offence (a visitor)
• 1 housebreak
• 1 Breach of the Peace offence (an individual from Inverness)
• 1 case of vandalism

• 1 case of assault. In this case the witnesses have declined to provide a statement. PC Williams emphasised the need for witnesses to provide statements to enable him to complete his duties.

Concerns over vehicles speeding on the Denny were discussed. PC Williams advised that he could do a speed check on this road if required. Anne has already applied for a "Smiley Face" speed monitor.

Additionally, George advised that there is a possibility that Rapsons may be taken over by Stagecoach as this has happened in other areas.

The sub committee was set up and met with Marcel Gommers and prepared a response document as required by the Post Office.

Following concern expressed by members of the public about this name for the new development, Anne met with the Planning Department and changed the name to the suggested alternative – "Admiral Napier House".

She also raised the issue of the renumbering of The Byre. The options are:-

• Option 2 – to change to consecutive numbering on from Marine Terrace using numbers 16-24. This would have to be detailed in a letter to all residents as a change of numbering would mean that they would have to formally change their address details and this would involve some work and may incur some cost to each individual.
• Option 3 – to leave as it is. The Committee felt this was the best option.

Rachel advised that all the work on the Kirkie Brae Project has now been completed as planned. Rachel recorded her thanks to the volunteers who worked on Saturday 17 February to plant 320 saplings and bags of bulbs. This work was completed very quickly and everyone worked very hard on the day. Jane showed a photo display of the activities of that day.

There has been a lot of very positive feedback from the community and Anne read a letter from Fiona Watson who had written to express her pleasure at the work that had been carried out. Anne thanked Rachel on behalf of the Committee for her role in managing this project.

Viv suggested that everyone could check the saplings when out walking in the area but it was agreed that a longer-term maintenance plan maybe required.

RR was asked to follow this up with Dietrich Pannwitz.

Viv advised that the VAT paid on this project will be refunded and that she will be looking at other paid invoices to see if VAT can be claimed back accordingly.

Garden Gym has cleared/pruned the garden area by the car park but the sacks of rubbish have been left by the bin.

Viv advised that there is a gap where some shrubs appear to have been removed and asked whether they should have been removed. Wilf advised that this was not in fact in their remit.

Jane advised that the garden area in front of Forsyth House requires some attention.

Covered under Matters Arising 5.3

CCC bank balance on 26.02.07 = £8704.76

Income ( period 16 January to 26 February 2007)

Forestry Commission Kirkie Brae Grant £5007.60

Guidebook Sales £ 30.00

Bank interest received £ 25.05

Wyvis Plant & Power (Path Works) £6644.33

Cromarty Courthouse (photocopying) £ 42.00

Mr Smith has written regarding the state of the land at the recycling site. It is like a quagmire and he feels this may deter people from using the recycling bins.

This matter was discussed and it was agreed that this is a matter for concern, Resiting of the recycling bins was also discussed but a suitable site was not identified.

Mr Hunter has written regarding the erection of a wooden bus shelter in front of the Salmon Bothy. He is concerned that his fence may be damaged in the event of a fire in the bus shelter. He seeks assurance that the Highland Council insurance will cover damage to his property accordingly.

Mr Hunter has written regarding rainwater drainage on Shore Street. He has advised that rainwater drains into the Fish Store, despite the recent completion of extensive works by the Highland Council.

Mr Lowe has written to express concern at the felling of the tree at the corner of Braehead/High Street and damage to the garden area.

This tree was in fact removed as it was causing damage to the gable end of the property which had had to be replaced. The plants in the area will grow again.

The CFPA has written to invite the nomination of a candidate from the CCC to sit on the panel. Details of the requirements for this Candidate were outlined in the letter.

Bob Cameron has written to all Community Councils to advise on the procedures which should be followed when dealing with planning matters. He advised that this information is available on the Highland Council website but that he is willing to offer advice in particular instances if required.

Brian MacKenzie has written to advise that the Ross and Cromarty East Local Plan has been adopted. This is available on the Highland Council website for viewing.

Sheila Wickens from the Waste Management Unit has written to offer to talk to the CCC about waste and recycling. It was agreed that this might be useful.

Wanda explained that the Cromarty Football Cub has a storage problem. The Cromarty Victoria Hall does not have storage space available for the football nets/equipment used by the Club. They have suggested that they could make use of the bus shelter on the park side. They have asked for Nick Symonds to quote for the supply and installation of metal doors and they would be able to meet this cost from funds available. Work would be completed by Nick with help from the Football Club. They therefore ask the CCC to agree to this before submitting plans to the Highland Council as appropriate.

Some members of the Committee expressed concern about this, in particular, the fact that this would result in no shelter for spectators at matches.

However, on a majority vote, it was agreed that this Cromarty Football Club could pursue this proposal. If successful, It was suggested that they could keep the public side of the bus shelter clean in return.

Graeme Ross has advised that he has received an application for the Victoria Park to be hired for a Bike Rally in August. Whilst PC Williams advised that there had been no reported incidents at the Bike Rally last August, some concerns had been expressed by members of the public over sale of alcohol/ entertainment provided.

Following discussion, it was agreed that permission would be granted for the Bike Rally to go ahead but certain conditions would be stipulated. These would include the number of toilets to be provided and the removal of rubbish. Additionally this year, the organisers will have to obtain a licence to sell alcohol from the Highland Council rather than use the lottery ticket method used previously. Estelle advised that the Cromarty Victoria Hall holds an Entertainment Licence which covers any entertainment held in the Hall, as long as it is legal.

Dougie McPhee advised that there were some uneven paving slabs by the bus shelter on High Street.

Jane advised that supplies are running low and additional funding may be required for a reprint. The reprint should include the requests made by John Nightingale.

VG to request a new bin.

Viv added that she has given out lots of rolls of bags and that the situation does appear to be improving.

Jane advised that there are only 6 volunteers on the Bin Rota and more are required.

Anne informed the Committee that Kenneth McFarlane has made an application to Menzies to sell newspapers. He also needs to discuss with the Licensing Board. He plans to sell papers from the lounge area of the Cromarty Arms. Longer term, he hopes to sell magazines/periodicals. However, if his application is successful, there may be a 2-week gap between the closure of Allan’s and the opening of his outlet.

The Committee was supportive of this action.

Anne asked to book the street stalls on 14 July for the Food Festival and on 28 July for the Regatta.

Wilf advised that the plan of Cromarty in front of the Salmon Bothy has been damaged irreparably. David added that the display by the ferry has also been damaged.

Ronald advised that 4 new candidates were to be interviewed on 12 March and an advert for a Crew Manager will be placed on 19 March.

Anne thanked everyone for attending the meeting and for their input.

The date of the next meeting is confirmed as