Minutes of Annual General Meeting
held on 19th March, 2005, at Durness Primary School at 19:00 hours
Apologies: Jonathan Dale, Brigitte Meyer-Damm, Jean and Frank Morrison, Joyce and Donnie Morrison, Iain Black
In attendance: Mary Ann Douglas, Sergio Blanco
1. Apologies and Introduction
There were four proxies received:
Proxies: From Iain Black to Lesley Black
Brigitte Meyer-Damm to Eddie Meyer
Joyce Morrison to Eddie Meyer
Donny Morrison to Eddie Meyer
The Chairman thanked the non-members for attending.
2. Minutes of AGM of 26th March 2004
Minutes of previous year’s meeting were read, for matters arising see note 9.
3. Report of Chairman
Eddie Meyer gave his annual report to the meeting, in detail:
A new Committee was elected. New proposed Member-at-Large, John Whitelaw, declined to take up position due to family commitments.
5 Meetings held in previous year (2003/2004), 7 Meetings held in total during this running period:
Monday, 26th April 2004, Tuesday, 22nd June 2004, Monday, 2nd August 2004, Monday, 13th September 2004, Tuesday, 30th November 2004, Friday, 28th January 2005, Friday, 18th February 2005
The second LRA shoot was held at Gualin Gun Club ground in Durness on Saturday, 3rd April. The shoot and organisation was successful, in total, 17 guns competed. By
request of Gualin Gun Club, Fibre coated ammunition had to be bought. Old stock can be used at other competitions, e. g. HMS Hood Memorial Trophy shoot.
Residents’ Association, representing Laid, was invited by the steering committee of CVS North to nominate a representative to sit on the meetings of CVS North. Lesley Black and Eddie Meyer nominated Andrew Marsham for the position, but he declined due to business commitments. Eddie Meyer agreed to take up the position and was nominated by the Executive Committee. The inaugural meeting of CVS North was held at Durness Village Hall on Tuesday, 13th April. At that meeting Eddie Meyer was elected a director of CVS North.
The Minutes of the AGM of the Residents’ Association were sent out on 28th April, including the accounts for the year ending 31st December 2003 and the letter received by Coastal Resources Ltd., informing the Residents’ Association that Ian Wilson has officially taken over Vibel SA.
The Land Court decision defining the borders of Laid Common Grazing was published. The border for the Durness/Laid common grazing was set at the Port-na-Con burn.
The scrap metal in on of the Laid quarries was finally removed after requests by LRA to Ian Findlay, Melness
3 members of LRA Executive Committee, Andrew Marsham, Alfred Walker and Eddie Meyer, became members of Laid Grazings Committee.
The Silver Wedding Anniversary of Joyce and Donny Morrison was celebrated on Saturday, 14th July at Durness Village Hall. Many guests attended the event and a present from the Residents’ Association was given to Joyce and Donny.
Also in July, on 23rd July, Donnie Morrison celebrated his 80th Birthday.
It was confirmed by Durness Community Council that the twice-monthly Shopping Bus (Dial-a-Bus) from Durness to Inverness would operate to and from Laid on request, subject to Iris being informed not later than 6:00 pm on the Friday before.
HMS Sutherland visited Loch Eriboll for two days (14/15th September) and the shoot for the HMS Hood Memorial Trophy was held for the third time. The Durness/Laid team won again, however, the HMS Sutherland competitors did extremely well on this occasion. The Captain, Commander Phil Haslam was delighted and invited all participants to return and hold the event again on board the ship when it returns to Loch
Eriboll, this is scheduled to be in September 2005. The Residents’ Association presented the ship with a limited edition picture of HMS Hood. The HMS Hood Association had donated 2 identical pictures, the second pictures is on display at the Durness Tourist Information Centre in Durness, together with the
HMS Hood Memorial Trophy. Commander Haslam presented the Residents’ Association with a Sutherland plaque.
A negative issue is, that in spite of substantial sponsorship promised, the money from most sponsors has not been forthcoming. Since everyone of the ships crew is given the opportunity to have a shot at the clays, this is an expensive exercise since the Residents’ Association does not charge for this event and relies completely on sponsor ship. Ammunition and clays need to be purchased in advance and, if this situation re-occurs, the shoot cannot be held anymore. This would be a tragedy since it is one of the highlights of the HMS Sutherland programme for Loch Eriboll. In addition, the
HMS Hood Association is taking a keen interest in the event and has it covered in their newsletter.
Also in September, on 11th September, Joyce Morrison celebrated her 70th Birthday.
On 23rd October, Donny and Katy McDougall celebrated their wedding in Durness. They are building a house at present and are hopeful that they will be able to move into their new residence in May 2005.
On 28th October Alfred Walker resigned as Treasurer from the Executive Committee and as a member of the Residents’ Association.
Also in October, on 1st October, Ken Black celebrated his 80th Birthday.
Invitations for Christmas Party sent out to everybody with Laid interest
On Monday, 20th December The 2004 Christmas Party of the LRA was held at Port-na-Con. In total, 12 guests were enjoying the seasonal treats prepared by Lesley Black. Katy and Donny provided the entertainment on their accordions. Father Christmas paid a visit as well handing out presents for everybody. In spite of the small number of Laid folk attending, all enjoyed the evening. However, it is regrettable that not even at Christmas some member of the Laid community can bury their differences and sit together for the evening enjoying the Christmas spirit.
Special thanks goes to Lesley Black for providing the food and many seasonal extras on the night.
Also in December, on 28th December, Frankie Morrison celebrated his 70th Birthday.
Severe gales caused extensive damage in Laid at the beginning of January. Two caravans were completely damaged (one of them was left in a dangerous state); another one had its roof taken off and the shed at Port-na-Con had been was at a dangerous angle. Also, many houses had their roof damaged and trees were uprooted.
At the January Executive Meeting the date for the AGM was set for Saturday, 18th March. It was decided that the AGM was to be held at Durness Primary School.
A cattle grid was secured and delivered for installation in Laid. The Laid Grazings Committee was contacted to obtain their views on the matter and, hopefully, their co-operation and assistance. To date, no official reply has been received.
On 12th February, invitations for AGM sent out to everybody with Laid interest and notices were posted on the Laid and Durness Notice Boards.
Following the January storm damage, Campbell Stewart of the Highland Council Roads Department, Brora, was contacted to secure a skip for Laid. This could be used to remove the damaged caravans, a scrap trailer, an old RAF ambulance chassis, the
damaged shed at Port-na-Con and many further items. The Laid Grazings Committee was informed and the skip was offered for their use as well.
In addition, Campbell Stewart was informed about the state of the Laid sign at the Polla end of the village and the intended cattle grid for Laid.
Our local Police Officer, David Inglis, was contacted to obtain his view regarding speed limits for Laid. He advised us that Laid speed limits were extremely unlikely to be supported by the police since there are no schools, shops or children in Laid.
A further email regarding a Laid Buy-Out was received from Ian Wilson yesterday, Friday, 18th March.
A letter was received from Campbell Stewart advising the Residents’ Association that a new Laid sign had been ordered and would be erected as soon as possible. He also informed that the skip was to be delivered to Laid shortly. Unfortunately, permission has not been obtained from Cathie MacKay and Charly Smith to remove their caravan and trailer respectively. Regarding the cattle grid, this will involve further negotiations and an inspection will be done by Henry Flett, CWO, following the installation.
Reminder: Laid shoot will be held at Gualin Gun Club ground in Durness on Saturday, 2nd April commencing at 12noon. There will be a raffle after the shoot. Tickets to be passed round.
HMS Sutherland will visit Loch Eriboll. HMS Hood Memorial Trophy competition will take place aboard the ship. Dates will be announced nearer to the date.
Christmas Party will be held in December, possible date could be on Monday, 19th December at Port-na-Con
4. Report of Secretary
The two main issues of the year had been the Laid Postal Address, and the telephone difficulties.
The Council had finally acknowledged and agreed to the Resident’s request to have the postal address amended and all residents had since received a letter from the Electoral Registration Office that the new address had been amended by them.
Despite several emails to the Royal Mail Officer overseeing this issue there had been no response, and it was agreed that we would use the address as we had requested of them
-Person’s name,
Property Name (if applicable),
Property Number, Laid,
Loch Eriboll,
By Lairg,
Sutherland,
IV27 4UN
the telephone lines and their condition. There have been several complaints about the lines going down (especially during Internet access), general condition, etc. Letters of complaint were sent to BT, and OfCom, with copies to Jamie Stone MSP, John Thurso MP, both of whom have requested BT to investigate the matter.
The initial verbal response from BT was basically as there was no upgrading scheduled within the next two years (that’s all the information to date) there was nothing that could be done, but it was suggested that each time the telephone line goes down we should all complain individually, and not have just one complaint to cover all the numbers.
Despite the Scottish Executive stating that all areas will be covered by Broadband within the next two years small communities, such as our own, where they are distanced from the telephone exchange, will have no option that to consider satellite provision. This is extremely expensive and further information is needed before progressing this issue.
5. Report of Treasurer
The Bank Account stands as £384.64, with a further £135 yet to be banked (papers had been with the Auditor).
A donation had yet to be made to the Gualin Gun Club for use of their facilities at the last shoot (£30), and there was probably enough ‘stock’ for the next shoot.
6. Report of Auditor
Caroline McCowan reported that all was in order.
7. Election of Executive Committee
Before the election took place Andrew Marsham announced that he was retiring as Vice-Chairman, but stated that he was willing to serve on the new Committee should he be elected.
With 4 members present and the 4 proxy forms there were sufficient votes to form the Committee
Chairman: Eddie Meyer was proposed by Andrew Marsham, seconded by Lesley Black.
Vice Chairman: Ken Black was proposed by Eddie Meyer, seconded by Andrew Marsham.
Secretary/Treasurer: Lesley Black was proposed by Andrew Marsham, seconded by Eddie Meyer.
Member at Large: Andrew Marsham was proposed by Lesley Black, seconded by Ken Black.
8. Appointment of Auditor
In her absence Caroline McCowan was proposed by Andrew Marsham, seconded by Eddie Meyer who will liase with her directly.
9. Matters Arising from previous AGM
a) Laid Notice Board: Kenny MacRae had completed some repairs and strengthening and would be arranging some more keys.
b) Fire Hydrants: Apparently the Water Authority has already been criticised by Durness Community Council for not undertaking that which had been promised and this included the Fire Hydrants in Laid. There appeared to be some conflict between the Construction company and the Water Authority who ‘keep changing the scheme’. It is not known when the works will be completed.
As regards Laid, the Fire Authority asked the Water Authority what the water pressure was likely to be and the information given (600 litres per minute) is not sufficient to sustain fire hydrant operation. (1,150 is the minimum requirement that will allow the engine pumps to operate properly). Since the Water Authority had been asked to take on board the Hydrant aspect prior to their Planning Permission being granted why was this not included in their works?
Durness Community Council will be raising these issues with the Water Authority in due course.
c) Laid Postal Address: As previously reported in the Secretary’s report the new address is now in force, although the Secretary will continue to receive ‘official’ confirmation as soon as possible.
d) Scrap Metal: Ian Findlay of Melness removed the ironwork from the Laid quarry area, and hopefully the remaining trailer and caravan chassis will go when a skip is provided by the Council to remove the storm damage debris. There are two wrecked caravans in the village as a result of the storm on 12th January and subsequent serious winds; Joyce and Donnie Morrison have requested their caravan to be removed, permission to remove the other one is still awaited. Eddie Meyer will speak with PC Inglis to see if the Police can bring pressure to bear, especially as parts of this caravan continue to ‘fly’ in windy conditions.
10. Membership Fees
Andrew Marsham proposed these stay the same as last year, seconded by Lesley Black.
11. Agenda Requests from Residents
Sheep in Laid …again! Eddie Meyer and Andrew Marsham will raise this at the next Laid Grazings Committee meeting when they know when this is to be held.
12 Community Land Initiative
Ian Wilson had written to the Residents’ Association to see if this was being considered in Laid since Durness community had decided not to go ahead with their possible buyout. Realistically the impetus for this should come from the Laid Community Trust, but Neil Ross notes how difficult this would be.
The outcome of the feasibility study is still awaited, and without that there can be no movement on this issue. Neil Ross (Land Community Unit) has not seen this. Eddie and Andrew to raise this issue at the next Laid Grazings Committee meeting since it was initiated by them.
Eddie will also write to Neil Ross advising him of current position.
13. Any Other Business
There being no other business, the meeting closed at 20.30