Minutes of the Meeting of the

Helmsdale and District Development Group

held on the 25 November 2010 in the Community Centre

Present
Lucy Fraser (Chairman)
Valery George (Secretary)
Pete Carson (LDO)
Alex Jappy
Barbara Jappy
Nicola Henderson
Rachel Skene

The Chairman read out the apologies.

The Chairman introduced William Sutherland of the Sutherland Partnership and thanked
him for attending the meeting to meet the Group.
William Sutherland thanked the Chairman and went on to speak of the Sutherland
Partnership and the changes being undertaken. He continued by talking about the
Sutherland Development and Action Plan. This aims to highlight the main activities for
Sutherland Partnership, working with Sutherland's Community groups, over the next 5
years and beyond. He said that the Plan, launched by John Thurso MP at the Sutherland
Partnership AGM in September, was a product of an extensive consultation process which
began at the Sutherland Summit in September 2009 and continued with a series of work-
shops around the county last winter.
The work was then carried forward by a subgroup of the Sutherland Partnership, which
gave close direction to Golspie-based consultant Becky Shaw and her colleagues in Rural
Analysis Associates, who drafted the Plan.
He then said he would leave copies of the Plan for Committee and the Library.
The Chairman asked for approval of minutes of the previous meeting.
Approval of the Minutes
Acceptance of Minutes proposed by Pete Carson and seconded by Nicola Henderson .
Agreed with an amendment to the item regarding the article for the Northern Times.
Matters Arising from Previous Minute
Community Communications
It was agreed to hold a Community Event in the New Year, after the Newsletter has gone
out and the Consultation forms returned and analysed. Agreed
Constitution
Ongoing
Matters Arising
Finance
Karen Sutherland is now in direct contact with the Data Centre. Valery George continued
that the original bank statements had not yet been returned. Ongoing
Community Plan
The Chairman said now that all results from the Residents Survey and the Open Days and
the Community Group meetings had been analysed, was it time to prioritise the
Community's 'wish list' into issue one of the Plan. Agreed. Ongoing

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 Minutes of the Meeting of the
Helmsdale and District Development Group
held on the 25 November 2010 in the Community Centre

Windfarms
Proposed Glen Loth Windfarm
Pete Carson said that he had received the paperwork, for 2004 / 05 and was going to speak
to Michael Dudgeon with the following proposal -
1 Turbine would be for the Community (approx £26k benefit pa).
If this is agreed the proposal would need to go to the Community before proceding.
It was also agreed to wait for a response before inviting him to a meeting.
Off-Shore Windfarms
Pete Carson updated the Committee on the proposed off - shore developments and that Jon
Priddy (CES) was actively involved.
Gordonbush Community Benefit fund
Discussions were continuing with the 4 involved Community Councils as to the best way to
proceed with more involvement in the way that the fund is allocated. Ongoing
A meeting the other Community Council representitives is scheduled for 29 November,
weather permitting.

Leader Funding
Pete Carson said that he had been discussing, with Nicola Henderson, projects to put in the
composite bid for Leader Funding. The suggested projects were as follows:-
Sign Posts
Erection of Interpretive panels at the Harbour
Harbour clean - up
Foot Paths
Seating
Ann Sutherland asked if the projects were costed and Nicola Henderson replied that they
were. Ongoing
Marketing Strategy
Rachael Skene & Nichola Henderson to arrange a meeting with Pete Carson.
LDO Report
Pete Carson updated the Committee on the weekly notes that had been circulated.
Core Paths
The funding application had been unsucessful, but was being held for the next round in
March.
Pete Carson continued that one of the sucessful applicants was Sutherland Estates. Deidre
Mackay is to ask Matt Dent (HC Access Officer) how the decisions were reached.
COMMUNITY COMMUNICATION
The approved minutes of the meeting, dated 14 October 2010 , would be sent to the
website. Also the Community Newsletter and Consultation form.
Nicola Henderson and Pete Carson to liaise on a Blog. Ongoing.
Community Newsletter - this will be sent out 17/12/10 with the NT & a supply to Kinbrace.
There will be additional copies in the Library & PO.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The Chairman asked if there was any further business.
It was proposed to invite ES Producers to a future meeting. Agreed.
There was no further business.
The date of the next meeting will be 06/01/11..
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting.

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 Minutes of the Meeting of the
Helmsdale and District Development Group
held on the 25 November 2010 in the Community Centre

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 Minutes of the Meeting of the
Helmsdale and District Development Group
held on the 25 November 2010 in the Community Centre

Apologies
Gary MacMillan
Karen Sutherland
Ronald Sutherland
In Attendance
Deidre Mackay
William Sutherland
Anne Sutherland HIE

ACTION

Pete Carson

Ann Sutherland

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 Minutes of the Meeting of the
Helmsdale and District Development Group
held on the 25 November 2010 in the Community Centre

Pete Carson

Pete Carson

Deidre Mackay

Valery George
Nicola Henderson

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 Minutes of the Meeting of the
Helmsdale and District Development Group
held on the 25 November 2010 in the Community Centre