MINUTES of the MEETING of , , WYRE & COMMUNITY COUNCIL (REWGCC), held in the ROUSAY COMMUNITY SCHOOL on TUESDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER 2010, at 7.30 pm.

Present: Mr R Tipper, Mr M Hull, Miss I Murray and Mr E Shortland.

In attendance: Mrs D Compton, Clerk Ms M Koster, Community Powerdown Officer (CPO)/Turbine Development Officer (TDO).

1 APOLOGIES

RESOLVED to note that apologies for absence had been intimated on behalf of Mr J E Dick, Mr A , Mr E Flaws, Councillors S Hagan, S Harcus and G Sinclair and members of Democratic Services.

2 ADOPTION OF MINUTES – 22 JUNE 2010

The minutes of the meeting held on the 22 June 2010 were approved, being proposed by Mr M Hull and seconded by Miss I Murray.

3 NOTES OF MEETING HELD 14 JUNE 2010 WITH NHS

After hearing representation from Mr M Hull, adoption of notes for the meeting between NHS Orkney and the REWGCC were deferred until the 4 December 2010.

4 MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS

(a) Sunday Sailings During Winter

After consideration of correspondence received from Democratic Services advising members that any increase in the existing ferry timetable and use of crews would require additional funding and, in the present economic climate any request would not be favourably received, it was:-

RESOLVED:-

(1) to note the contents of correspondence; and

(2) to write to the Head of Marine Services and bring to his attention the following points:

(a) that most residents work within the agricultural, tourist and service industries where the normal 9-5 day experienced by many on the mainland, or in these fields where being mainland based and not dependent on internal ferry services does not cause a problem;

(b) that for those in these groups Sunday working does not stop between 27 September and 7 May. For those who can not get back on the Saturday last boat then additional costs are incurred i.e. hotel/bed and breakfast or having to stay with family and friends;

2 (c) that the Outer , where a Sunday service was not required on religious grounds, the community had to capitulate to meet the needs of a minority group thus a precedence was set;

(d) that the lack of a Sunday service in the winter months is not consistent throughout Orkney, currently , Sanday, , , , & all have a limited service; and

(e) that REWG communities feel that should offer the same level of service to all.

(b) Fare Tariffs between Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre

After consideration of correspondence received from Democratic Services advising members that has approved a full tariff review for all internal ferry services within Orkney, it was:-

RESOLVED:-

(1) to note the contents of the correspondence; and

(2) to write to the review body informing them that the REWGCC feel that there should be no tariff between Egilsay, Wyre, Gairsay and Rousay.

(c) Ramp Repairs at Rousay

After consideration of correspondence received from Democratic Services advising members of the proposed start date for repairs of the ramp at Rousay, it was:-

RESOLVED to note the contents of the correspondence.

(d) Leanne Crash Barrier

After consideration of correspondence received from Democratic Services regarding the breakdown of costs for the installation and extension to the existing Leanne crash barrier, members were informed by the Clerk that the funding was in place for the work, and it was:-

RESOLVED:-

(1) to note the contents of the correspondence; and

(2) to write to the Road Services Manager, requesting a start date as members were hoping this work would be started before winter.

(e) Refurbishment of Rognvaldsay House, Rousay

Following consideration of correspondence received from Democratic Services regarding the refurbishment of Rognvaldsay House, members were advised that the contractor was only repairing minor faults and sealing off the coal fire so as to get the property back on the market for Orkney Islands Council’s ‘relet’ standard. The property would be on Orkney Islands Council’s programme for upgrade at a later date. After a brief discussion by members, it was:-

RESOLVED:-

(1) to note the contents of the of the correspondence; and 3 (2) to write to the Principal Housing Officer advising her that the property is empty, that the feedback from people who have viewed the house has not been complimentary, and that it should be considered for upgrade now rather than causing disruption later.

(f) Better Broadband

After consideration of correspondence received from the three MSP’s, R Grant, P Peacock and D Stewart and a letter from Mr A Carmichael MP, regarding better broadband in the Highlands & Islands, it was:-

RESOLVED:-

(1) to note the contents of the correspondence; and

(2) to minute that the Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre Development Trust (REWDT) are looking into this matter.

(g) Egilsay Primary School

Following consideration of correspondence received from Democratic Services regarding Egilsay Primary School, members were advised that a representative from HMIE was due on Egilsay on 9 September 2010, and it was:-

RESOLVED to note the contents of the correspondence and forward a copy to Mr E J Dick.

(h) Waste & Recycling – Egilsay

After consideration of correspondence received from Democratic Services on behalf of the Environmental Services Professional Advisor, members felt that the proposal put forward by the Community Powerdown Officer and haulier was misrepresented. They felt that they had to clarify some points and request additional information from the Environmental Services Professional Advisor, and it was:-

RESOLVED:-

(1) to note the contents of the correspondence;

(2) to write to the Environmental Services Professional Advisor and clarify the following points:

(a) that members have always declined the Westray trial being used on Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre as this was not what the community wanted;

(b) that members had agreed to try a weekly alternative recyclate scheme on the other islands but, had never agreed to losing the weekly rubbish collection service as part of the trial;

(c) that the proposal put forward by the CPO and haulier was cost neutral. The money used for transportation could be paid instead to the haulier. This idea received the backing of the Convener S Hagan who supported a trial being run before the new refuse collection tenders were issued next year;

4 (d) that members required the following information on which to base any future assessments:-

(i) what are the additional costs the Environmental Services Professional Advisor believes would be incurred by trialling the proposal put forward by the Community Powerdown Officer and haulier?

(ii) what is the cost of wheelie bins to all households?

(iii) what is cost of fencing stabs and bungees?

(iv) what is cost of transportation?

(v) what is cost of having someone come to the islands to install correctly the required equipment and also the green cones, making them rat proof? and

(vi) what is cost of having someone to sort the recycled goods once at the centre on mainland?; and

(3) that a copy of the response be forwarded to Convener S Hagan.

5 CORRESPONDENCE

(a) Orkney Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

Following consideration of correspondence received from Democratic Services regarding the collection of data on maximum tide levels especially around the 12 January 2005, copies of which had been previously circulated as a response was required by the 6 August 2010, members heard from the Clerk that no comments had been received, and it was:-

RESOLVED to note the contents of the correspondence.

(b) Orkney Draft Local Transport Strategy 3 (2010 – 2022)

Following consideration of correspondence received from Transportation Services, introducing the new Manager and her project, copies of which had been previously circulated as a response was required by 30 September 2010, it was:-

RESOLVED:-

(1) to note the contents of the correspondence;

(2) to write to the Transportation Service inviting the Transportation Manager to come and discuss transportation issues with the REWGCC on Saturday, 5 February 2011; and

(3) to stress in the letter the high level of priority given to inter-isles transportation by the REWGCC.

5 (c) Registration for BIG Information Days

Following consideration of correspondence received from Democratic Services regarding the BIG lottery event taking place on the 15 September 2010, copies of which had been previously circulated, members heard from the Clerk that no response had been received, and it was:

RESOLVED to note the contents of the correspondence and Mr M Hull informed members that he was attending.

(d) Island Tourist Brochure 2011

After consideration of correspondence received from Democratic Services regarding deletions, additions and amendments to the Islands brochure, copies of which had been circulated, Members heard from the Clerk that she had already put an advert in the September addition of the Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre Review, as responses were required by the 30 September 2010, and it was:-

RESOLVED to note the contents of the correspondence and for the Clerk to contact the names put forward by members.

(e) Orkney Islands Council – Financial Challenges

After consideration of the correspondence received from Democratic Services regarding the set up of a blog site by Orkney Islands Council on the 23 August 2010, to look at suggestions from the communities on financial savings, copies of which had been previously circulated, it was:-

RESOLVED:-

(1) to note the contents of the correspondence; and

(2) to write to Orkney Islands Council inviting Senior Council Officials and Elected Members to provide dates for a public consultation.

(f) Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre Ro-Ro Service. Winter Timetable (Effective from 27 September 2010 – 7 May 2011)

Following consideration of the correspondence received from Democratic Services regarding the winter ferry timetable, copies of which had been circulated, it was:-

RESOLVED to note the contents of the correspondence.

(g) Relationships, Counselling, Mediation and Family Support Across – Orkney

Following consideration of the correspondence received from Relationships Scotland – Orkney regarding the service they offer, and where they might publicise their material, members briefly discussed this issue, and it was:-

RESOLVED:-

(1) to note the contents of the correspondence; and

(2) to write to Relationships Scotland – Orkney advising them to contact the Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre Review and GP Surgery, and if they provided additional leaflets these could be displayed on the notice boards.

6 (h) Hi – Scot Credit Union Road Show

After consideration of correspondence received from Democratic Services regarding the Credit Union Road Show on the 2 September 2010, copies of which had been previously circulated, members heard from the Clerk that there had been no feedback, and it was:-

RESOLVED to note the contents of the correspondence.

(i) Letter of Thanks from the Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre Development Trust (REWDT)

After consideration of correspondence received from the REWDT thanking members for funding the Company Secretary position, it was:-

RESOLVED to note the contents of the correspondence.

(j) No Need for Nuclear

Following consideration of correspondence received from ‘No need for Nuclear’ outlining their arguments against nuclear power stations, copies of which were circulated at the meeting, members briefly discussed the issue, and it was:-

RESOLVED to note the contents of the correspondence.

6 CONSULTATION DOCUMENTS

(a) NHS Orkney – Communications & Engagement Strategy

After consideration of the consultation document, NHS Orkney – Communication & Engagement Strategy, copies of which had previously been circulated, members heard from the Clerk that no comments had been received, and it was:-

RESOLVED to note the contents of the correspondence.

(b) Permitted Development Rights for Microgeneration Equipment on Non-Domestic Properties – Scottish Government

After consideration of the consultation document, Permitted Development Rights for Microgeneration Equipment on Non-Domestic Properties, copies of which had been previously circulated, members heard from the Clerk that no comments had been received, and it was:-

RESOLVED to note the contents of the correspondence.

(c) Design of Housing in the Orkney Countryside – Orkney Islands Council

After consideration of the consultation document, Design of Housing in the Orkney Countryside, copies of which had been previously circulated, members heard from the Clerk that no comments had been received, and it was:-

RESOLVED to note the contents of the correspondence.

7 (d) Ferry Consultation Documents – (3 separate Scottish Government Documents)

After consideration of the Ferry Consultation Documents covering the Scottish Ferries Review, The Ferry Service and Northern Isles Ferry Study (Northlink Ltd), copies of which had been previously circulated, members heard from the Clerk that no comments had been received, and it was:-

RESOLVED:-

(1) to note the contents of the correspondence; and

(2) that members would either contact Democratic Services direct with their response or contact the Clerk to forward on comments by the 30 September 2010.

(e) Inter-Isles Air & Ferry Services Consultative Committee

After consideration of the consultative document, Inter-Isles Air & Ferry Services Consultative Committee, copies of which had been circulated and also forwarded to the Community Council Transport Representative, members heard from the Clerk that no comments had been received, and it was:-

RESOLVED to note the contents of the correspondence.

(f) Location of Street Traders in Relation to Education Establishments – Orkney Islands Council

After consideration of the consultation document, Location of Street Traders in relation to Education Establishments, copies of which had been previously circulated, members discussed this matter, and it was:-

RESOLVED:-

(1) to note the contents of the correspondence; and

(2) to write to Democratic Services asking that the following response regarding the points be put forward:-

(a) that members feel that a restriction should be in place; and

(b) that members agree that at least 500 metres from educational premises is reasonable.

7 THE CROWN ESTATE SCOTLAND REPORT

After consideration of the Crown Estate Scotland Report, it was:-

RESOLVED that Mr M Hull would take the report.

8 FINANCE

(a) General Finance

After consideration of the Community Council General Finance Statement as of the 24 August 2010, it was:-

RESOLVED to note the balance remaining within the General Fund was estimated at £17,183.74. 8 (b) Community Council Grant Scheme (CCGS)

After consideration of the Community Council Grant Scheme Statement as of the 24 August 2010, it was:-

RESOLVED to note that the monies had been fully allocated with £142.34 exceeding the total capping limit.

(c) Community Development Fund (CDF)

After consideration of the Community Development Fund Statement as of the 24 August 2010, it was:-

RESOLVED to note that £3,500 remained available for allocation.

(d) Seed Corn Funding

After consideration of the Seed Corn Funding Statement as of the 24 August 2010, it was:-

RESOLVED to note that £5,965 had been approved and claimed to date.

9 FINANCIAL REQUESTS

(a) Rousay Island Music Group – Late Boat Request, 13 April 2011

Following consideration of the correspondence received from the Rousay Island Music Group requesting assistance towards the cost of hiring the MV on Wednesday, 13 April 2011 for the Orkney Traditional Dance Association (OTDA) Festival, it was:-

RESOLVED:-

(1) to award a grant to cover the cost of the boat hire which is presently £790, but should there be an increase in the meantime this should be included in the grant;

(2) that this should be funded from the Fairer Scotland Fund if in operation in 2011-2012, otherwise to be funded from the Community Council Grant Scheme for 2011-2012; and

(3) to write to the group advising them that:-

(a) the group is responsible for making the necessary hire arrangements;

(b) that Orkney Ferries be instructed to collect fares from all passengers using the hire, which should be offset against the hire cost;

(c) that the hire of the boat be advertised and made available to other users; and

(d) that the invoice be made out in the name of the Group and then submitted to the Clerk for payment of the grant to be made.

9 (b) Rousay S.W.R.I

Following consideration of the correspondence received from the Rousay SWRI requesting assistance towards the cost for a vehicle and two passengers on the MV Eynhallow to transport goods to the Orkney Federation SWRI Baking Show, to be held in the Community Centre on Saturday, 2 October 2010, it was:-

RESOLVED:-

(1) to award the sum of up to £50 from the Community Council General Fund to cover the transport costs, which would allow extra members to attend; and

(2) to write to the Rousay SWRI advising them that;

(a) the group is responsible for making the necessary travel arrangements; and

(b) that the invoice/receipts be made out in the name of the group and then submitted to the Clerk for payment of the award.

10 PUBLICATIONS

The following publications have been received and made available to members: -

North Isles Action Plan, SMP Playgroups, North Isles Fast Ferry Timetable and J Parker – Wholesale Catalogue for Flowers, and it was:-

RESOLVED to pass the North Isles Action Plan to Miss I Murray and Mrs M Koster (CPO), SMP Playgroups to Miss I Murray, North Isles Fast Timetable to Mr E Shortland and J Parker – Wholesale Catalogue for Flowers to Mrs D Compton for the SWRI.

11 ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS

(a) Hire of the Ice Rink (letter to Mr J Garson)

Members heard from the Clerk that Mr J Garson had provided the required invoices, and it was:-

RESOLVED to note that this matter was now concluded.

(b) Proposed Dates for Meetings Next Year

After consideration of a selection of dates put forward for meetings next year, it was:-

RESOLVED to note the following dates and book the GP room for next year:-

Saturday, 5 February 2011 Tuesday, 26 April 2011 Tuesday, 21 June 2011 Tuesday, 6 September 2011 Saturday, 3 December 2011

10 (c) Visitors/Heritage Centre – Rousay

After hearing from the Clerk that this matter was still unresolved and the last time the REWGCC had heard from the Rousay Community School was the 1 March 2010, members briefly discussed the issue, and it was:-

RESOLVED:-

(1) to note the Clerk’s comments; and

(2) to write to the Headmistress, Rousay School, Ms F Napier requesting an update of the situation.

(d) NHS Orkney – Options for Public Meeting, 13 September 2010

After a discussion regarding the forthcoming Public Meeting between NHS Orkney and the communities of Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre and Gairsay on 13 September 2010, it was:-

RESOLVED:-

(1) to write to NHS Orkney advising them that the preferred option of the REWGCC was Option 2;

(2) to note that both options put forward offer the communities of REWG a reduced service, however, as the difference between the two is just over £11K, members felt that an additional day of nursing service could be purchased thus increasing the community nursing cover to 4 days;

(3) to express concern over the training and use of the ‘retained second responder,’ who would be playing a vital role and yet the communities were not aware of what they were supposed to do; and

(4) to request that NHS Orkney address these matters during the meeting.

(e) GP Room, Rousay Community School

After hearing from Mrs M Koster CPO/TDO about the state of the GP room which appeared more like a storage area than community facility with musical instruments, folders etc., taking up the space, it was:-

RESOLVED:-

(1) to note her comments; and

(2) to write to the Headmistress, Ms F Napier asking that the equipment is removed and stored in the school and the room returned to its original use.

12 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

RESOLVED that the next meeting will be held on Saturday, 4 December 2010 at 10.15 a.m.

13 CONCLUSION OF MEETING

There being no further business the meeting concluded at 9.40 p.m.