Community News Update 7th May
Added at 08:06 on 08 May 2024
Community News Update from Sleat Community Council
With the second meeting of the new SCC being held tonight, to maximise the available discussion time this update will cover a range of current topics relevant to Sleat. If you need to know more on any item, please get touch. We hope you can join us tonight. Minutes from the meeting on 4th April can be found here.
https://web-cdn.org/s/1219/file/meetings/minutes/2024/Draft-Mins-SCC-04042024.docx
Skye Windfarm Information Group
The team from the Information Group are holding a public drop in session at An Crubh on Saturday 1st June from 1300-1600 to brief the community on the many proposals for new windfarms on Skye. This will also include related infrastructure facilities such as the SSEN Skye Reinforcement transmission, a ‘workers camp’ in Broadford, a new electricity substation and a 94m jetty for servicing windfarms infrastructure in Loch Bracadale. A planning application for the Breakish Windfarm is expected soon but there is no further information on a potential renewable energy project on CDLT land in Sleat.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/743227023929045
Telecoms Masts in Sleat-Shared Rural Network
In early April the application for a mast new Ord was withdrawn by the developer WHP citing due to programme constraints. The representative refused to answer any questions as to whether a new application at a site further away from the resident golden eagles is being considered. Most likely is that funding has now been exhausted.
On the Aird mast a condition applied to the granting of the planning application that stipulated ‘No construction or maintenance work should be carried out during the birds breeding season (golden and white-tailed eagles) between November and August inclusive.’ The applicant appealed this decision which has now been overturned by Highland Council and construction work will be carried out at any time. The original mast application is now the subject of a major complaint against Highland Council concerning the handling of the case. No response has yet been received.
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
The Principal of the College, Dr Gillian Munro, has kindly provided a community update for tonight’s meeting. We will publish that briefing tomorrow.
Public Transport
The Stagecoach summer timetable from and to Armadale begins on 20th May.
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/timetables#
The new bus shelter at Armadale Pier is planned to be installed this month. Two electric vehicle charger points are being managed under a separate project from CMAL for planned installation later this year.
Disruption continues on the Mallaig-Armadale service with a single vessel service with MV Loch Fyne until 15/16th May when MV Coruisk returns from Mull. The period has been extended due to overrunning annual overhaul work on another vessel. The vessel will return to Mull for 24/25/31 May and 1/2/3 June to cover for vessel deployment for the Islay Festival.
SCC is aware of the financial impact on local businesses in Sleat and Mallaig. For most of this week there are just three rotations each day, a significant reduction in vehicle capacity. We have expressed concern that CalMac has been unable to offer additional sailings even allowing for the tidal restrictions. Key stakeholders in Mallaig are calling for the establishment of a ‘Sound of Sleat Ferry Committee’ to give a greater voice in ensuring the Armadale service is not progressively diminished due vessel availability. More to follow on that on that in due course.
Tourism
SkyeConnect, Skye and Raasay’s Destination Management Organisation since 2018 is facing an uncertain future following government funding cuts. This reduction in support comes at a critical time when visitor numbers to Skye are increasing, with Skye Bridge crossings nearing 2 million annually. This funding crisis places many rural and Island DMOs on a financial cliff edge, risking the discontinuation of key projects and the loss of local, regional, and national influence which is vital for our area. Without effective destination management and a clear tourism strategy, vision and plan, Skye faces the potential for both economic and environmental decline. Read more from SkyeConnect here. https://skye-connect.com/support-skyeconnect-join-us-in-shaping-skyes-future/
Roads
The long-planned ‘Smiley Signs’ speed indicators are now fully operational at the school and surgery. In non-school periods the signs will warn if the speed of a vehicle exceeds 40mph and for school times 20mph limiter will flash. All times have been reviewed with the school and Fas Mor.
Road signage for prototype ‘Quiet Route’ from Armadale has been delayed yet again.
Residents are reminded that you can report roads, lighting, and pavement issues on the HC website at this link. https://www.highland.gov.uk/report
We are awaiting an update on local Sleat roads and pavement issues from the Council.
Planning
As was reported recently in local media a major planning application in Broadford will be submitted for accommodation for temporary workers required for major infrastructure work in Skye and Lochalsh. This is the Proposal of Application (PAN) 24/01638/PAN | Erection of temporary accommodation, welfare and recreational buildings for staff. Formation of access and parking. | Land 220M SW of Tigh Na Greine Broadford Isle of Skye. This allows the community to put their views directly to the developer. The developer will also issue the PAN to Community Council(s). A planning application cannot be submitted until a minimum of 12 weeks has lapsed since a PAN has been submitted to the Council. Whilst this proposal is in the Broadford and Strath CC area, Sleat Community Council was included in the developer’s circulation list.
A planning application has been submitted by Highland Council for the expansion of the Portree Waste and Recycling facility. This is in preparation for the revision to domestic waste collection changes in March 2025 when an additional grey 180lt bin will be provided to all properties. This will a third bin with both blue and green bins being used solely for recycled materials.
https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/1054/rubbish_and_recycling/1112/changes_to_your_bins
All past and current planning applications in Sleat can be seen at the website at this link. https://www.sleatcommunitycouncil.org.uk/planningapplications
Funding
Community Regeneration Support for Communities to continue for a further year through Highland Council. This is your opportunity or your groups’ chance to apply for funds for community regeneration. Read more from Highland here.
We are awaiting news on the proposals for the refurbishing of the Ardvasar play area for which funds of £80k have been approved.
We are also assessing replacing all of the community notice boards in Sleat with funding options or potential suppliers.
Finally, tonight’s meeting will include discussions on the Local Place Plan for Sleat and the forthcoming Highland Local Development Plan and how SCC and partners will engage with the community. We hope you can join us for this meeting.