Minutes of meeting held on Thursday 20th March 2008 in the Castletown Drill Hall at 7:30pm.

Present:

E. Geddes, D. Fraser, I. Calder, A. Hill, M. Murray, I. Moodie (Village Officer), G. Calder (Press).
Others: - A. Wilcock; A. Craig & A. Harper (From Caithness energy advice).

Apologies:

M. Cormack, A. Swanson, W. Swanson.

2/ CAITHNESS ENERGY ADVICE:

Angela Craig assisted by Alastair Harper gave a presentation on the work of the Caithness Energy Advice group. They are part of the Ormlie Community Association, but funded by Scottish Power and employ six staff. Advice on how to make homes energy efficient was given as well as how to reduce fuel bills. A home visit can be arranged by the team if requested. The government hope to eliminate fuel poverty. This is defined as spending 10% or more of your income on heating your home. A free power down plug was given to all present. Mrs. Craig was thanked for her excellent and informative presentation.

3/ MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING AND MATTERS ARISING FROM THEM:

The minutes of the last meeting held on 28th February 2008 were read and agreed as a true record.

4/ VILLAGE OFFICER UPDATES

Bin at Heritage car park in place. Request to be made to Highland Council for the use of a skip for the 2nd half of April. Dog fouling- name and shame dog owners who do not clean up after them was suggested.

5/ POLICE REPORT

No report.

6/ NEW MOWER

Grant applications forwarded to Dounreay community fund & to Highland Council Landward Discretionary Budget.

7/ CORRESPONDENCE

Letters received were discussed and noted as follows:

• Dounreay - Bulletin - 3/3/08
• Dornoch Rail Action Group
• Consultation on Forestry Commission - Scotland's draft climate action plan 2008-2010.
• Scottish Government - planning modernisation.
• Highland Council - Heritage paths project
• Highland Council - Affordable housing plan
• Highland Council - development plan scheme
• Association of Scottish Community Councils - newsletter February 2008
• NHS Team update February 2008
• Community Re-cycling Network for Scotland - Newsletter spring 2008
• SEPA - Information seminar on SEPA's thermal treatment criteria
• Post Office Network Ltd - Change programme

8/ AOCB

• A letter of objection was forward to Highland Council regarding the Norscot Joinery planning application for 8 flats at former shop. Some members also wrote individually.
• Community Council boundaries may be altered. If this was to go ahead Castletown would link with Dunnet. Members were not entirely happy with the proposal.
• Speed checks at West-end of village discussed.
• Blocking of path linking Churchill Place and Trail Street deliberated.
• Highland Council to create a car park on ground opposite the Post Office. Work should begin shortly.
• Next Landward Forum meeting to be held in Castletown Drill Hall on Tuesday 8th April 2008.

Being no further business the dates for the next 3 meetings were set for Thursdays 24th April, 29th May & 26th June 2008 at 7:30pm in the Castletown Drill Hall.

The meeting closed at 21:30hrs.