SUTHERLAND ACCESS PANEL

Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 16th July 2001, in the Highland Council Offices, The Meadows, Dornoch.

Present:	Christian Goskirk		North & West Sutherland C C F
		*Cllr Rita Finlayson		Highland Council
		Ann Keatinge			VG-ES
		*Cllr Barbara Jardine		Highland Council
		Ann Lynch			User
		Martin MacLeod		Sutherland Care & Repair
		Shirley McHardy		East Sutherland C C F
		Monica Mouat			Highland Health Council
		John Sutherland		Highland Council - Planning Dept

1. WELCOME & APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Sheila Board, Joyce Buchanan, Andy Dawson, Carl & Gerry Lemkes, Sandra Peterkin and David Polson.

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

1. MATTERS ARISING

1.1 Forest Enterprise

Shirley McHardy reported that she had contacted Anne Mackay and arranged a walk at Ferrycroft wood, Lairg on Monday 27th August following the meeting of the Access Panel.

1.1 Fundraising Issues

* Letters have been sent to Hydro Electric, Cllr Finlayson and Cllr Ross acknowledging the funds received from them.  In total £265 was received.
* Camelot Foundation - an application has been made to the Camelot Foundation for panel running costs.
* Co-op Community Fund - An application pack has been sent for.


1.1 Planning Applications

Shirley reported that she had written to the architects responsible for the Bank of Scotland, Main Street Golspie, as instructed at the previous meeting.  On receipt of her letter a member of staff contacted the panel.  Our comments are being taken on board.  A site meeting will be arranged at an appropriate date.



1.1 Community Councils

Three Community Councils have replied to the letter from the Access Panel.  They are Rogart, Brora and Kincardine & Croick.  Kincardine & Croick requested information on ramps and steps with regards the proposed re siting of the Post Office in Ardgay.

1.1 Access Issue

* Golspie Health Centre - It was agreed that Shirley would initially discuss the issue regarding the heavy doors with Dr Ross.  If necessary it will then be raised by both Shirley and Monica Mouat at the East Sutherland LHCC.
* Dunrobin Castle - As yet no action has been taken on this issue.

1. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Planning applications have been received from Golspie Heritage Society, Evlix Filling station.  The drawings were not available at the meeting for discussion.

Drawings for Dornoch Beach party were made available to all present.  The organisers have been made aware of the need for facilities such as disabled toilets.  Contact names were available should any one wish to raise any other pertinent issues.

1. ACCESS ISSUES

* Dornoch Sheriff Court - This issue had been raised previously however no action had been taken for one reason or another.  Shirley is to write outlining the concerns of the panel.
* Out of Hours Ambulance Service - It was reported that the vehicle will be fully accessible.

1. AOCB

1.1 Lochaber Access Panel

Dr Sen, Chairman of Lochaber Access Panel had been due to attend a meeting of Sutherland Access Panel earlier in the year, however due to adverse weather conditions he was unable to attend.  It was therefore agreed to invite him to a meeting in October.

1. DONM

The next meeting of the Sutherland Access Panel will take place on Monday 27th August 2001 at 1: 30pm, at the Ferrycroft Centre, Lairg.  A walk through Ferrycroft wood has been organised immediately following.

A meeting of the Panel has been arranged for 9th October.  Provisionally in Dornoch, should Dr Sen be able to attend.