PORT OF MENTEITH COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Approved Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on
Monday 15th April 2024 at Port of Menteith Village Hall
Present:
Jim Riach (Chair), Peter Stewart (Vice-Chair), Becky Saunders (Secretary), Martin Stewart (Treasurer), Robin Armstrong, Alastair Orr Ewing (by video link), Claire Outterside (Associate Member)
In Attendance:
Provost Elaine Watterson (Scottish Conservative and Unionist), Esther Lim (Minute Taker)
Apologies:
none
Residents:
No residents were in attendance.
1.
Members Present and Apologies for Absence
Provost Elaine Watterson took the role of Chair for the duration of the meeting
2.
Adoption of the Draft Minutes of the AGM held on 26.06.23
The unconfirmed minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 26th June 2023 were approved, having been proposed by Peter Stewart and seconded by Jim Riach.
3.
Chairman and Secretary’s Report and Questions from the Floor
The Chairman’s report was read by Jim Riach. The full text is reproduced here:
After a shaky start, when not enough nominations came forward, a new community council was established on the 26th June 2023. Becky Saunders and Claire Outterside were nominated as Secretary and Treasurer, and myself (Jim Riach) as Chair. With Peter Stewart the previous Chair providing continuity in his role as Vice-Chair.
Since then we have had 4 general meetings (you can view the minutes at www.portofmenteith.org ) or on the Stirling Council website. We have received a significant amount of emails for the volunteers to deal with and new processes for us all to get used to. During this period Claire Outterside and family moved out of the area, we wish them all the best for the future and thank Claire for all her hard work. A new Treasurer has been nominated and will be appointed at the April meeting. (will have just been appointed by the time you deliver this)
There have been a few common issues discussed at Community Council meetings, top of the list being road related issues in particular “surprise” road closures, followed by Cardross Bridge, Inchmahome Priory, Stirling Council Budget proposals, National Park and visitor management, woodland creation schemes and planning applications, along with updates from the Police, Local Councillors, National Park representative and other agencies.
Secretary Becky Saunders has done a great job in filtering through the emails and sharing relevant information with residents through regular email updates. While sometimes progress might seem slow we have represented local views and now appear to have been listened to.
Cardross Bridge and Roads – This has been a regular item on CC agenda’s for many years but at last the Council will be carrying out the necessary remedial work to this vital link and historic monument. At times it will require road closures which may impact on local businesses and residents. Meetings with local Councillors, businesses and the Council Roads Manager have provided key points of contact and assurances that the community voice is heard and disruption will be kept to a minimum.
Inchmahome Priory – We have had lots of correspondence and meetings with Historic Environment Scotland with the Priory scheduled to re-open in April 2024. The Priory in previous years attracted around 18,000 visitors so a significant attraction in the community, we look forward to it reopening.
Stirling Council Budget – It is tough financial times for everyone, but the council’s proposed budget cuts seemed to disproportionately impact on rural communities. This resulted in all local community councils coming together and making representation to the council leaders and elected members, making sure the rural voice was heard. As a result the Council have introduced a new process of keeping the CC informed, we will let you know how it progresses. (can we say – with any certainty – that none of the proposed cuts appear to be happening?)
National Park and Visitor Management – The Park are currently finalising proposals for future strategic tourism developments in the Strathard Area which will include Port of Menteith, similar plans are being developed for Callander. As part of these discussions a “Welcome to the National Park” sign is being proposed for Port of Menteith which is a gateway into the park, a sign that should have been installed when the Park was created. The Chair has received assurance from park officers that at sign should be installed shortly
Woodland Creation and Planning – We have received notification of several woodland creation schemes at Auchyle & Malling, Cardross and Cassafuir. In all of these schemes we have sought to have appropriate public access, encouraged and supported the planting of native species, and commented on the impact of planting and timber extraction. We have received no significant planning applications.
The Chair thanked all volunteers for doing their bit for the community. There were no questions from the floor.
4.
Treasurer’s Report: of Accounts and Approval – Claire Outterside
There was no Treasurer’s report. Claire Outterside, former Treasurer and Associate Member, provided a short report following the meeting. See Addendum 1.
5.
Election of Office Bearers
5.1
The re-election of Jim Riach as Chair was proposed by Peter Stewart , seconded by Becky Saunders and approved by members..
5.2
The re-election of Peter Stewart as Vice-Chair was proposed by Robin Armstrong, seconded by Jim Riach and approved by members.
5.3
The re-election of Becky Saunders as Secretary was proposed by Jim Riach , seconded by Robin Armstrong and approved by members.
5.4
The election of Martin Stewart as Treasurer was proposed by Becky Saunders, seconded by Jim Riach and approved by members.
6.
Any Other AGM Matters
No matters were raised.
7.
Close of Meeting
The meeting drew to a close at 7.25pm.