One amendment requested by Ronald Young under 13.9 – "new manager" should read "Crew Manager".

Proposed: Douglas Cooper

Paige expressed concerns about the school bus which has arrived late on a number of occasions causing pupils to arrive late at school. Also one morning the pupils were asked to get off the bus and walk up The Denny as the bus was struggling to climb the hill.

Anne advised that the new bus shelter should be in place by 9 April.

Paige advised that the Friday Club will recommence soon (date tbc)

Paige advised that there is a Dancing Class on Tuesday evenings in the Victoria Hall and there will be a performance soon. Also a Highland Games event is planned for May and further details on this will be announced soon and the new drama group will be performing a play in November as part of the Sea Cromarty Sparkle programme of events.

PC Williams reported that there had been 28 incidents during the month which included:-

• 1 assault on a boy on the way home from school
• 1 car taken from Townlands Park
• theft of timber taken from the new school at Resolis
• a number of cases of petty vandalism reported e.g. to Sky dishes

Anne advised that Paul Young is dealing and this should be in place by 9 April.

The meeting between DA/AS/JC to discuss the issues over the McFarquahar’s Bed path has not yet taken place so this matter is ongoing.

Wilf advised that he had expressed concerns to Green Gym that he had expected monthly visits to be made to Cromarty and Cromarty is not included in the April programme. He will exert some pressure to ensure that Green Gym visit in May.

It was agreed that the CCC will pull together a separate team to tidy up the garden area outside Forsyth House as this is in a disgraceful state.

These matters are covered under Item 8 Highland Council Walkabout.

Dougie McPhee expressed constitutional concerns over individuals attending the meeting to raise issues without prior notification to, and agreement of, the Council. Anne advised that in this case the matter had been brought to her attention after the publication of the Agenda and that she had personally invited Wanda Mackay to attend the meeting to present the proposals on behalf of the Cromarty Football Club. She apologised if this did not meet with the conditions of the Constitution.

Anne has spoken to Graeme Ross and advised him of the conditions stipulated by the CCC for the Bike Rally. Graeme will advise the organisers accordingly

Anne gave a resume of the key findings of the Report which gave the Practice an overall performance score of 72% which is very good. All key indicators showed a much higher than national average performance with the exception of "Waiting Times". This was discussed and it was agreed that whilst this figure is low, it represents the fact that each patient is given time to discuss his concerns which would not happen if a tight time schedule was adhered to. However, patients can ring to check waiting times. The Practice is to receive a new computer system soon which may provide an improvement to this as some time is required by the Doctor to record information on different systems.

Ronald advised that First Responders are to undertake refresher training soon. Also the area they cover has now been refined. On average they make 3/4 calls/month.

Rachel and Ronald advised that this is now being progressed following the problems experienced with I-Light. Uplights will be in place at the harbour and at Victoria Hall and on lampposts in The Denny and High Street if the power problems can be resolved. Rachel is also in discussion with Claire Kidd in Invergordon about projection lighting. She will be talking to Claire’s contractor about the proposals for projection lighting in Cromarty.

Someone needs to be asked to carry out the formal switch on of the lights too.

Anne detailed the Highland Council Walkabout which took place on 22 March.

This was discussed but Mr Hunter is still not happy.

Ian Hay has taken this on board and will follow up.

Ian Hay advised that the decision to remove the tree was taken by the Highland Council as it had caused damage to the gable end of the property.

The potholes will be filled in for the time being (work has since been completed)

This will be repaired after Allan Square but may be affected by Highland Council’s financial situation

Ian advised that he would arrange for another gully to be installed to divert excess rainwater to the drains which should alleviate the problem.

The burnt fence by number 37 will be taken down.

The rubbish behind number 77 does not belong to Tech Services.

Uneven paving stones have been reported and will be attended to.

HMRC - VAT repayment - Kirkie Brae £2779.53

H. Council – Beach Cleanup Grant £300.00

Bank interest received: £42.73

Secretarial expenses: £40.00

Sylvestrus Ltd Kirkie Brae project £1284.04

I Robertson – Kirkie Brae photographs £15.00

Tax Deducted on bank interest £8.54

Accounts payable balance: Nil

Accounts receivable balance: Nil

VG asked to arrange for the Accounts to be audited for the AGM next month.

Highland Councillor’s Report

David Alston was unable to attend and had not submitted a report.

Mr Young has written to offer his resignation from the Community Council as he will be moving to Norfolk to be near family. He agreed to remain for the AGM and the next meeting in April.

Mr Cameron has forwarded the accounts for the Cromarty Common Good Fund for information which Anne read to the Council.

Mr Hunter has written to advise that the Cromarty Bowling Club is now providing 2 indoor bowling sessions in the Victoria Hall, one for juniors and one for adults. He has had to borrow sets of junior coaching bowls from Avoch for the junior group. He has therefore submitted an application to the Council for a sum of £250 from the Cromarty Common Good Fund to purchase sets of junior bowls.

It was agreed that this sum should be donated to the Cromarty Bowling Club.

Anne has received a letter from Postwatch requesting a nominated email address for correspondence. Anne has forwarded her own details.

Garry Coutts has written to offer to attend a meeting to give a presentation on the "Delivering for Health" programme. It was agreed that this should be considered for the May or June meeting.

AS to advise Garry Coutts accordingly.

Rachel advised that a photo is planned which will show all Cromarty residents standing round the harbour. This will probably take place in June/July. The possible format of the photo was discussed and where the finished product should be sited.

Simon Evans has asked for a Hustings Evening to be organised for all local MSPs.

Rachel and Ronald advised that they had received complaints from residents who had experienced skin problems due to the new water purification treatment now in place. Ronald passed round a Fact Sheet that he has found on the Scottish Water website but expressed concern that no public notifications had been issued.