Minutes of the Nether Lochaber Community Council Meeting
Tuesday 17th June 2025 – Nether Lochaber Church Hall 7.30pm
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PRESENT:
Marylin MacDonald (MMD) Chair – NLCC / NLVH
Marie MacLachlan (MML) Secretary NLCC / NLVH
Kathleen Cameron (KC) – NLCC / NLVH
Elizabeth MacLellan (EM) Treasurer / Minute Secretary - NLCC
PUBLIC ATTENDANCE:
Chris Boles
1) Apologies
PC Stephen Cooper
2) (a) Minutes of Meeting held 12th May 2025
The Minutes of the NLCC Meeting of 12th May 2025 having been circulated and there being no amendments were approved.
Proposed: Marylin MacDonald Seconded: Kathleen Cameron
(b) Minutes of Special Meeting held Thursday 5th June 2025
The Minutes of the Special NLCC Meeting of 5th June2025 having been circulated and there being no amendments were approved.
Proposed: Marie MacLachlan Seconded: Marylin MacDonald
3) Matters Arising from Minutes
None.
4) Co-option of New Member to the NLCC
The meeting noted from MML that despite having been told previously that NLCC could co-opt one more member at present, she had now been advised that we could not have more than 50% of co-opted members at any one time. It was noted however that in terms of Paragraph 6.2.6 of the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils the process for Interim Elections would commence in August this year which would only seek to fill vacant positions or those held by co-opted members. This meant MMD and MML would not need to apply as they were fully elected members but that KC and EM could apply to become fully elected members at that time if they wished.
5) Police Report
The Meeting noted from PC Cooper’s e-mailed report that:-
- Numerous incidents had taken place outwith Nether Lochaber which involved a large Police response and required the Glencoe Police to assist elsewhere.
- The Police were aware of an incident that had been reported in the Nether Lochaber area in relation to a male stealing from a building site and that the investigation was ongoing. It was noted however that there was video footage of the culprit from which he may be identified but until all the details are noted and the footage seen he could not confirm how the case would proceed.
- Owing to how busy the local Police had been they had been unable to perform speed checks in the area routinely but had been trying to conduct patrols where possible.
- As always PC Cooper invited us to please let him know if there were any issues or concerns in the area which he could assist with.
6) Action Points
- Defibrillators –– MMD advised that as yet the British Heart Foundation had not contacted her re the opening of the BHF Community Defibrillator Funding Programme however she had e-mailed Alan Knox of the Scottish Ambulance Service and he confirmed that if he heard anything he would get in touch with her and assist with completing the application form. BT Phone Box – Noted MMD had contacted the BT Pay Phone Department who advised that Highland Council had yet to complete the requisite consultation papers for removal of the phone box. Once these were completed and if there were no objections the phone box would be removed. MMD advised she then contacted Highland Council and explained that we were looking for somewhere to relocate the defibrillator signage currently displayed on the BT phone box at the Old Onich Post Office and asked if it would be possible to display the signage on the bus shelter opposite the Old Onich Post Office if the BT phone box was removed. It was noted that they could not see a problem with this but would get back to MMD.
- NLCC Bank Account Signatories – In noting that the Minute of the Special Meeting held on 5th June appointing Elizabeth MacLellan as Treasurer had been approved, the Committee agreed that the two signatories on the Nether Lochaber Community Council’s Royal Bank of Scotland Bank Account be Elizabeth MacLellan as Treasurer and Marylin MacDonald as Chairperson and authorised them to complete the necessary online Royal Bank of Scotland Mandate to this effect.
- Collapsed Manhole on A82 between Highland Croft & Oak Cottage – Noted this had now been fixed.
- North Ballachulish Signage – Noted that MML was in the process of dealing with this matter.
7) Treasurer’s Report
Due to the recent appointment of a new Treasurer the balance of funds in the NLCC Bank Account remains at £5,112.08 until the Bank Account signatories are changed and any outstanding payments made. Every effort will be made to get this done as quickly as possible. It was noted that MML had paid the £150 to McIntyre & Co for the Land Registry Search for the transfer of the Village Hall and had given the receipt to EML.
8) Future NLCC Meeting Dates
The Committee agreed that all future Meetings would be held on the second Tuesday of each month with no Meeting being held during the months of July 2025 and January 2026. The following dates were agreed:-
12th August 2025
9th September 2025
14th October 2025
11th November 2025
9th December 2025
10th February 2026
10th March 2026
14th April 2026
12th May 2026 (AGM followed by Ordinary Meeting)
9) Planning Matters
(a) Installation of 2no. Pods
Land at Lochleven Seafood Cottage, North Ballachulish
Application Ref. No: 25/01715/FUL
No objections.
(b) Screening Opinion for the Installation of Equipment at Fish Farm
Site 310M South of Manager’s House, North Ballachulish
Application Ref. No: 25/02000/SCRE
Noted that the Application to which the Committee agreed to object to regarding this site at the last meeting had to be resubmitted and that this was in essence the same application and that MML had submitted a very detailed letter of objection to this on behalf of NLCC the previous week.
10) Village Hall Committee – Update
- MMD advised Members that the soup and sandwich lunch held on Monday 16th June had raised the sum of £275 after deduction of the rental for the Church Hall. It was noted that the next lunch would be held on Monday 21st July.
- The Meeting noted from MML that Niall MacBeath, Solicitor had advised that having taken everything into account regarding the lack of records / information regarding previous Office Bearers the best way to proceed would be for the NLCC to purchase a Title Indemnity Policy to cover the position. This would provide cover in the event of any challenge to the current Trustees transferring ownership to the new entity. It was also noted that MacPhee & Partners, Solicitor on behalf of the Village Hall Committee had agreed to this and Niall MacBeath was now progressing matters.
11) Nether Lochaber Community Association
The meeting noted the statement received by email on 2nd June 2025 from Mr Iain Jenner, Chair, NLCA on behalf of the NLCA Board of Trustees regarding the behaviour of Community Councillors that led to the resignations of Lisa Glaze and Karl Spierling from the NLCC.
Following discussion and in noting the advice of the Highland Council the Committee unanimously agreed that the best way forward was for a statement to be drawn up and attached to the Minutes detailing amongst other things the duties and responsibilities of the Community Council.
12) Advertisement of Cluster Quad Head Teacher Position HGH18741
It was noted that local parents were extremely upset at there being no consultation prior to this advert being placed for a Cluster Quad Head Teacher to cover schools at Ballachulish, Duror, Glencoe and St Brides and that a letter had been sent by the NLCC to Highland Council supporting them. The advert had subsequently been withdrawn to allow for consultation.
13) Licensing Scotland Act 2005
Application for Major Variation of Premises Licence
Roam West, Inchree, Onich, Fort William, PH33 6SE
Notification of this application had been received from Julie Traynor of the Highland Council Licensing Office. It was agreed that since no representations / objections had been received by the Community Council from any locals that there would be no objections to the application.
14) Corran Ferry – Highland Voice Petition re Fare Increase
Members noted that the Highland Council had the previous week voted on and agreed the proposed £2 fare for pedestrians to cross Corran Ferry and that this would exclude children and senior citizens.
15) AOCB
- The Committee noted from EML that Hamish Corbett from Bunree had requested the Community Council’s assistance to ascertain who would be responsible for dealing with the Japanese Knotweed that was growing in the area of ground next to the riverside between Inchree Bridge and the first group of houses. He had contacted the Highland Council but they had said they were unable to help. It was agreed that MML would contact Hamish to confirm the exact location and thereafter contact SSE, SEPA and Nature Scotland to see if they could assist with the removal.
- It was then noted from KC that further to PC Cooper reporting to the NLCC Meeting on 12th May, the applicant who had applied for clay pigeon shooting at Glen Righ had now requested to purchase additional land for the shoot from Lochiel Estates.
- MMD advised that the new Notice Board had now been erected at Cuilcheanna and that she had thanked Tony Walters of the Men’s Shed on behalf of the Community Council.
16) Date of Next Meeting
As agreed at Item 8 above the next meeting of the NLCC would be held on Tuesday 12th August 2025 at 7.30pm in the Nether Lochaber Church Hall.
As approved by the NLCC at their Meeting held on Tuesday 12th August 2025.
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Nether Lochaber Community Council
The Nether Lochaber Community Council represents the villages of Onich and North Ballachulish. The NLCC functions according to the Scheme of Establishment, a framework provided by Highland Council to guide the activities of Community Councils in the area. Download the Scheme of Establishment here.
The NLCC is backed by Highland Council, with dedicated support staff available for guidance on CC related matters. Their expertise is readily accessible. Highland Region has 156 active Community Councils.
The NLCC has 4 members (2 elected, 2 co-opted) but allows for up to 7 councillors. Elections start 19th August 2025 - interested individuals are encouraged to contact us or visit the Highland Council website. If there are more applicants than positions, an election will be held. Members can also be co-opted throughout the year. Co-opted members have full voting rights except when co-opting others.
The current members of the Nether Lochaber Community Council are:
Marylin Macdonald – Chair
Marie MacLachlan – Secretary
Elizabeth MacLellan – Treasurer/Minute Secretary
Kathleen Cameron – Committee member
We meet once per month on the second Tuesday at 7.30pm in the NL Church Hall and have the following meeting dates planned for the rest of the year.
9th September
14th October
11th November
9th December
10thFebruary
10th March
14th April
12th May (AGM followed by ordinary meeting)
Our meetings are open to the public. We welcome the attendance of residents and anyone who does attend will have an opportunity to discuss any matters or concerns they may have at a designated point within the meeting. The work of the NLCC is entirely voluntary. Our Local Constabulary attend every meeting possible and when unable to attend regularly send updates by email. We have attendance from a local councillor too, when possible, as we appreciate they have many CC’s within their Constituency.
The NLCC posts approved Minutes on community notice boards at Inchree, Cuilcheanna, the Old Post Office, Old Town, and St Brides Primary School, each in a waterproof folder. The minutes are also available on the NLCC website.
For copies of the minutes or for any enquiries, please contact the NLCC at mail@netherlochabercc.org.uk Approved minutes can be provided upon request. All work and discussions are conducted publicly, and copies of correspondence, objections, and related documents are available.
According to their Constitution, Community Councils are authorised to save, hold, and distribute funds to groups or causes that help their communities. They may also receive donations and conduct fundraising activities for initiatives within their remit. Community Councils serve functions beyond administrative duties, as outlined in the scheme of establishment; however, they are generally discouraged from holding assets such as property or land.
The NLCC receives annual funding from the Glen Righ Hydro Scheme, which is distributed to various causes each year. Recipients typically include Kate Ward’s afternoon club, The Children’s Village Christmas Party, and Innis Na Birlinn Cemetery. Additionally, the NLCC is currently pursuing the installation of a defibrillator at St Brides Primary School to enhance emergency preparedness across the community’s vast span; cost estimates for this project are pending.
The NLCC values the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to these initiatives. A small administration grant from HC is used strictly for administrative expenses. All decisions on the allocation of funds are thoroughly discussed and confirmed by a majority vote at public meetings.
Currently, the NLCC is transferring ownership of the Nether Lochaber Village Hall back to the Nether Lochaber Village Hall Committee. Unbeknown until just a few years ago, the NLCC had ownership of the Village Hall. The new NLVH Committee, led by chair Stewart Livingston, is a registered SCIO and is working hard towards renewing the Village Hall which was once the hive of the Nether Lochaber community for groups, events, and a whole host of recreational activities. This is currently in the hands of the Solicitors for both Parties.
We hope this clarifies our operations, constitution, and collaborative work. We welcome residents interested in contributing to our community.
Kind regards
The NLCC Committee.
July 2025
As approved by the NLCC at their Meeting held on Tuesday 12th August 2025.