Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Committee will take place via Microsoft Teams on Monday 29 August 2022 at 10.30 am.

You are invited to attend the meeting and a note of the business to be considered is attached.

Yours faithfully

Stewart Fraser
Head of Corporate Governance
 

1. Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

Members are asked to consider whether they have an interest to declare in relation to any item on the agenda for this meeting.  Any Member making a declaration of interest should provide some information on the nature of the interest and leave the meeting at the appropriate time.  Advice may be sought from officers prior to the meeting taking place.

3. Recess Powers
Cumhachdan Fosaidh

The Committee is asked to note that the recess powers granted by the Council at its meeting on 30 June 2022 did not require to be exercised in relation to the business of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Committee.

4. Appointment of Chair
Cur an Dreuchd Cathraiche

Nominations are invited for the post of Chair of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Committee.
 
5. Appointment of Vice Chair 
Cur an Dreuchd Iar-Chathraiche

Nominations are invited for the post of Vice Chair of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Committee.

6. Police Scotland Local Committee Performance Report     
Aithisg Choileanaidh Comataidh Ionadail Poileas Alba

There will follow Report No WRSL/9/22 by the North Area Commander. 

7. Member Appointments
Cur an Dreuchd Bhall

i. Skye & Lochalsh Local Access Forum
Fòram Inntrigeadh Ionadail an Eilein Sgitheanaich is Loch Aillse

The Council has a statutory duty under Section 25 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 to establish Local Access Forums for its area. There are currently six Local Access Forums in the Highland area which advise on matters in relation to the exercise of access rights, the existence of delineation of rights of way or the drawing up and adoption of the Core Path Plan. In addition, they also offer and give assistance to parties in terms of the resolution of any disputes in this respect.
The Committee is asked to appoint 1 Member to the Skye & Lochalsh Local Access Forum.

ii. Wester Ross Biosphere Limited 

Wester Ross was recognised as a Biosphere Reserve in 2016 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for the breadth of landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage that the region offers. Biospheres house dynamic local partnerships, rooted in communities that work collaboratively with Biosphere teams in a global network, to explore how – through education, science, culture, communication and information – people can learn to live in harmony with their environment.  
The Committee is invited to ratify Councillor Elizabeth Kraft’s appointment as a Director of the Wester Ross Biosphere Limited.

8. Winter Service Plan for 2022/23    
Plana Seirbheis Geamhraidh airson 2022/23

There is circulated Report No WRSL/10/22 dated 13 July 2022 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment & Economy.  

The Committee is invited to:-

i. approve the Winter Service Plan for 2022/23; and 
ii. note that Covid-19 and driver’s hours regulations will potentially have an impact on the winter service provided.

9. Highland Coastal Communities Fund – Assessment of Application
Maoin Coimhearsnachdan Cladaich na Gàidhealtachd – Measadh Iarrtais
                                                                                                         
There is circulated Report No WRSL/11/22 dated 11 August 2022 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment & Economy 
The Committee is invited to consider the application presented for funding and agree whether to approve, defer or reject the application.  An approval of funding should detail the amount approved and outline any conditions of funding that Members wish to attach to the approval over and above the required technical conditions.  A deferral would allow an applicant to resubmit the current application at a future date with updated information.  A rejection would mean that the application will not proceed and any future application to the fund should be brought forward initially as a new expression of interest.
   
10. Ward Discretionary Grants 2022/23    
Tabhartasan fo Ùghdarras Uàird 2022/23

The Committee is invited to note the following Ward Discretionary Budget applications approved since 1 April 2022:-

•    Headway Highland – to support vulnerable adults - £71.43
•    CALA Integrated Services – development of school aged child care in Ullapool - £2,700
•    Lochalsh Community Council – floral displays across Lochalsh area - £445
•    Wester Loch Ewe – Aesthetic improvements to area - £1,047
•    Auchtertyre Primary School Parent Council – install play equipment - £1,300
•    Balmacara Community Trust – Gala Day  - £510

11. Minutes    
Geàrr-chunntas

There is circulated for noting Minutes of Meeting of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Committee held on 9 February 2022 and 7 March 2022 which were approved by the Council on 10 March 2022.