BVT Minutes March '15

BLAIRMORE VILLAGE TRUST

Minutes of the Meeting held on

9th March 2015

PRESENT:           Agnes Harvey (Chair); Pat Lynn (Secretary), Catherine Rae, Lorraine Whitton, Bill McKinnon.

APOLOGIES:      Apologies for absence were received from Carolyn Stewart, David McKenzie and Jenny Waine.  Johnny Allan was also absent.

1. MINUTES:       The Minutes of the meeting held on 17th January 2015, which had been circulated were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

2. COMPLETION OF LAND LEASE:

                             Declaration of interest noted (CR)

                             As agreed at our meeting of 13th August 2014, a lease was drawn up and signed by the Chair and Catherine Rae, witnessed by Fiona Auld. The  one-off lease payment agreed would now be released.

3. BUSINESS HUB SURVEY REPORT:

                             Lorraine had carried out research to determine if there was a need or requirement for a Business Hub in Blairmore. From the response it became apparent that there was no significant interest or need for this in Blairmore.  There was an expression of interest in photocopying and laminating but it was likely that this could be facilitated by Strone Post Office which BVT could perhaps support in some way. The Board concluded that no further action would be taken on this.  Lorraine was thanked for leading this research.

4. SURPLUS PLOTS OF LAND UPDATE:

                             The Board had agreed at the previous meeting that essentially the small scale land (mainly roadside verges) had no intrinsic financial value and that BVT would only wish to recoup any legal feels involved in the transactions. As agreed at the last meeting Pat and

          Lorraine had sent letters to householders who may be interested in owning the shore line plots opposite to their properties. A good deal of interest was reported. Pat and Lorraine agreed that they would now seek an estimate of costs from our solicitor in order to be able to let the interested parties know what costs would be involved. The Chair thanked Pat and Lorraine for organising this piece of work.

5. SCOTTISH LAND FUND;

                             Agnes reported that the Year 1 Report was due on 17th April 2015 and that she would complete a draft of this and circulate for comment.

6. HALL TRUST MEETING:

                             A meeting of the two trusts had been arranged for 22nd March 2015 (to be confirmed). The Board agreed that the purpose of this meeting was to discuss again closer working between the two Trusts for the benefit of the residents of Blairmore. The Board would also wish to be involved in shaping the plans for the Hall refurbishment – particularly in light of the acquisition of the village green to ensure the very best outcome for Blairmore.

7. FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS:

                             Our Financial Accounts for the year ending 30th June 2014 are due to be submitted by 31st March 2015. Agnes and Pat would arrange a meeting with our accountant in the next few days to sign off the accounts and provide the required CIC Report to accompany the accounts.

8. PREPARATION FOR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:

                             The date for the AGM was set for Sunday 7th June 2015 between 2pm and 4pm. It was agreed to coordinate this with a public meeting to update Blairmore residents and others of BVT’s priorities for the year ahead with regard to the village green.

9. PIER UPDATE: Agnes reported that £800 (residual funds of Friends of Blairmore Pier) had now been transferred into the BVT bank account as previously agreed (see Minutes 16th June 2014).

10. CORRESPONDENCE:

                             a) High Road – Agnes reported on correspondence with Ron Fraser of the High Road who had concerns about drainage. Agnes had agreed to meet up with him.

                             b) Over-hanging tree – A concern about this had been raised by the owners of Blairmore Lodge.  It was agreed that this would be attended to in the fullness of time but that in the meantime there was no objection to offending branches being pruned. Catherine would relay this to the owners. It was agreed that any work should be carried out by a professional tree surgeon.

11. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

                             a) Producer’s Market

                             Catherine reported that Sue Minns (Argyll Foods) was seeking interest in stall holders having a producer’s market in Blairmore. This was welcomed.

12. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: 13T April 2015 at 7pm to 9pm in the village hall.