Minutes of meeting held on Tuesday 18th March 2003

In Castletown Drill Hall at 7pm.

Present

J. Crowden, E. Geddes, W. Stark, M. Cormack, A. Hill, I. Calder, A. Swanson, D. Swanson, G. Firth, W. Swanson, W. Reid, D. Thomson, M. Murray, I. Moodie (Village Officer), A. MacDonald (H. C. Councillor), G. Calder (Press), S. Gordon (Highland Council), R. Guest (Caithness Area- Roads and Community Work Manager), H. Allan and J. Boyle (North Highland Leader + Programme).

Apologies

G. MacLennan.

LAST MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING FROM THEM.

The last minutes of the 20th February 2003 were read and agreed as a true record.

Wall in front of Pentland Place- in hand for repair

Action A.M.

Clean Coast Scotland Campaign- invited to central point.

Action A.M.

New Mower- to be purchased on Thursday 20th March 2003.

Action J.C, I.M.

3/NORTH HIGHLAND LEADER + PROGRAMME.

A talk on the above was given by Helen Allan and Jean Boyle. The scheme funded by the European Union allocates funds to organisations and community groups who have new ideas for projects and activities that will help sustain rural communities. Forty- five per cent of costs are available up to a maximum of £50,000, although applicants must be able to secure matching funding.

4/PROPOSED NEW BASKETBALL/ SPORTS AREA.

Letter of agreement received from Norfrost, regarding the ground, will be sufficient if total project is under £5,000. If above a stronger worded letter will be required. Next step- drawing up a plan and cost. Also beneficial a group of interested people.

Action A.M, D.S.

5/VILLAGE OFFICER UPDATE.

Nothing to report.

Action I.M.

Village Officer Funding. As the demand for the scheme has increased, but the money available remains the same, there is less to go around. Other sources of funding to be sought in particular CASE.

Action A.M, J.C.

Items raised with Richard Guest and Sandy Gordon. Coach Walk- Hedge to be left higher. Middle Cemetery- New turf on certain graves. Parking at cemetery when there is a funeral. Playing Fields- What is to happen between the new fence and pavement. Possible tarmac. Entrance to Castletown- From Sign to Village- Level off. Footpath to Garth and Top end of Village to Battery Road. Sand- End Car Park. Lay by for visitors to pull in to take photographs between Murkle and Castletown.

6/PUTTING GREEN - POSSIBLE SKATE BOARD PARK etc.

No further forward.

Action W.R.

7/PARKING AT MACE SHOP AND POST OFFICE.

Awaiting letter from Inspector Reiss.

Action G.M.

8/NEW PHOTOCOPIER.

Highland Office Equipment- no service. Cost £625 + VAT. Digital on lease. £4.50 per week over 5 years. Cost £850 + VAT.

9/CORRESPONDENCE.

Community Fund Forest Trust. Annual Forum.

Traill Hall Committee

Letter of support to be sent.

Letter of thanks for flowers received from Alice Hill.

Norelle Calder- MacPhee to attend a Performance and Production Acting Course in Glasgow in the summer. Request for financial assistance. This agreed on. Amount to be set at the next meeting.

H.C Agendas.

Blooms in Caithness- New Opportunities Fund. Possible source of funding for Village Officer as well as flowers.

UKAEA.

Planning Aid for Scotland - Assistance for C.C "Friends" scheme.

Donation of £10 to be given.

Bus Services.

10/AOCB.

Housing sites in Castletown. Elections- Thursday 1st May 2003. Wind Farm Problems- Funding from same.

Being no further business the date for the next meeting was set for Tuesday 22nd April 2003 at 7:30pm in the Castletown Drill Hall.

The meeting closed at 21:05pm.