Chairman Report 2009
Dunnet & Canisbay Community Council
Chairman’s Report at AGM 19 Nov 2009
I would like to report on our main activities over the past year .The main issues were John O’Groats Plan, Auckengill Broch Centre etc, Marine Energy, Dunnet Beach Cleans and John O’Groats Playpark.
We had discussions with RSPB, SNH, HIE and the Crown Estates. The discussions with RSPB were regarding Dunnet Head which they now manage part of. SNH attended a public meeting in Canisbay about the Special Protection Area they were proposing. HIE & Crown Estates had discussions regarding the Pentland Firth. Crown Estates are in the process of giving Licenses to company to put devices in the firth.
Special Protected Area
The result of the consultation was announced recently and it appears SNH got the go ahead from Scottish Minister with little or no amendment to its original plan.
Dunnet Beach Clean
The Community Council facilitated the beach clean with the help of Mary Legg.
John O’Groats Plan
The Plan was announced in September when we had a presentation from the consultants. Carol Gunn of HIE attended AGM and gave update on progress. The Community Council should try to help progress the paths as a start to work at the end of the road.
John O’ Groats Playing Field
Koreen MacDougall of Caithness Partnership had, in consultation with members, submitted an application to Go Play for £109,000 to create a new Playpark at Groats. We will know on the 9th of December if it was successful.
Auckengill
We funded the surfacing of the carpark at the Broch Centre with Highland Council, thanks to Irene for getting it done very quickly for the official opening.
The public do not attend our meeting in any numbers except in Auckengill. We appreciate public engagement even thought it gives our secretary more work. Next year we look forward to more developments in the firth and at Groats. We will work with anyone willing to take forward projects in our area. I would like to thanks all members for their help & support over the year.
November 2009