Kirkcowan Community Council Meeting, Monday 17/03/2025, Kirkcowan Village Hall, 7.00pm
IN ATTENDANCE: Council Members – Mary Harkness (Secretary), Andrew Gladstone (Treasurer), John Drysdale (Chair)(arrived at 7.20), Robert Drysdale, Jim Rae, Mary Mackenzie (temporary Minutes), Hazel Matthews
Public– Stephen Landers, Liz McMillan, Dave Edwards, Kevin Dean, Alix Smith, Cllr Richard Marsh, Cllr Katie Hagmann
E Power Representatives – Sarah Kyle, Project Manager and Doug Wilson, Smithy House Associates for Shennanton Wind Farm proposal
Apologies for absence – Kath Googe (Minute Secretary), John Drysdale – late arrival
1. In absence of Chair JD, MH welcomed all attendees.
2. Minutes of last meeting -The minutes had been circulated previously. AG proposed, JR seconded, agreed by committee.
Matters Arising – a)Correction – H Matthews did not attend the meeting in February.
b) Query about payment of money to Knitting Group – grant is allocated from KCDT via KCC.
3. E Power presentation – PowerPoint slides were shown, with some printed copies available. An overview was given of the process so far: choosing the site, numerous surveys, consultations etc. The initial proposal for 11 turbines has been modified to 8, 200m tall, each generating approx. 7.2MW. A planning application is to be submitted in May including 30MW battery storage onsite (approx.10/12 shipping containers), giving a total capacity of 87.6MW. Grid connection is still undecided, along with a number of other factors. Consultation & collaboration will continue throughout the process. With construction taking a year from permission being granted, the aim is to be operational by 2031. Financial benefits would be £288,000 per annum, shared between local communities, with other benefits negotiable.
Questions were raised by KCC and others on a number of topics including:
impact on the landscape and water courses; noise and visual intrusion; transportation routes; pylons; compensation for nearby properties; local jobs; battery safety; low flying aircraft, etc.
Most information & contact details are available on E Power’s dedicated website: https://shennantoninfo.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ShennantonWindFarm_20241014.pdf.
4. Police Report -No report received, no local incidents.
5. Notified Public Concerns –none
6. Reports and Updates –
Treasurers Report (AG)
No 1 Account £368.14 No 2 Account £12,552.14
Expenditure
Kirkcowan Hall fees £45 (KCC meeting £25 & Knitting Group £20 from grant fund)
James Smith Fencing £150 (supply of galvanised post for footpaths)
Frazer Halkett £94 (installing 2 signposts for footpaths)
Income – none
KCDT Report – No general meeting since January, next meeting 20th March 2025.
Grass areas need reseeding in the Park, will have to be useable for School Fete at end of May. Ongoing discussions with the play equipment installers.
D&G Councillors Report – (RM) – a) Re speeding in the village, there is a VAS (Vehicle-activated Sign) earmarked for installation in Kirkcowan in early April. Other measures are not available, though Police could be asked to come and monitor on a random basis. 20mph limits are being introduced to villages across the country and may arrive here in future. b) SNP budget was passed by the Council though the Conservatives remain the administration at present. A 9% increase (approx. £10 per week) in Council Tax was agreed, which is close to the average rise for Scotland. This will go towards addressing the £11.7m annual deficit for the next 3 years.
(KH) – a) On International Women’s Day, aim for more equal representation on DGC at next election. b) SNP Budget contains 24 action points. The next full D&GC meeting is on 27/03/25.
c) Area Committee meeting discussed: creating a coordinated event calendar for the region; support for WASPI women; mitigating the bedroom tax; youth mobility; support for Ukraine.
d) COSLA pay negotiations – 3% increase proposed, not yet accepted, may be strike action?
7. Correspondence –
a) School request use of KCC’s generator and barbeque for the Fete in the Park on 31st May. Conditional approval if gas and diesel are replaced or paid for. Generator needs repairs before then, JD & RD to arrange.
b) British Legion’s Best Kept War Memorial competition – no volunteers to take part.
c) Planning application submitted for a solar farm at Barnkirk/Challoch. MH attended the consultation – further details are available online at www.challoch-solarpark.co.uk
d) Parkinsons Disease information session in Stranraer this week.
8. Resilience – A meeting was held, and a team will be formed under KCC insurance and involvement, to make plans for emergency responses in Kirkcowan village and the surrounding ward area. Alix Smith is to be the Co-ordinator. JD & RD are responsible for the generator, and volunteers will be recruited to cover designated areas. Red cards for displaying in windows, as used during lockdown, could be redistributed for residents in need of help during an emergency. Group meeting will address logistics. Any funds required will be arranged through KCC.
9. ‘Welcome to Kirkcowan’ sign – AG obtained quotes for making granite or aluminium sign. Separate quotes for installation. Will rediscuss options for next meeting.
10. Litter Picking – Volunteers required to help clear rubbish from all the entrance routes to Kirkcowan. Meet at the Church at 2pm on Sunday 13th April. Bags, pickers and Hi-vis jackets provided.
11. Any Other Business –
a) HM – Wooden planters are deteriorating and will have to be replaced by next year. Make repairs for this year.
b) S Landers – Newton Stewart Football Club is aiming to build a new club building at Blairmount and seeking funding for a feasibility study from KCDT. He was advised that as the club is sited in Cree Valley it doesn’t strictly fit KCDT criteria, even though facilities used by Kirkcowan children. Mr Landers was given details of the Kilgallioch Wider Fund, DumGal Regionwide Fund, Coastal Fund and Wigtown Sports Fund as well as the KCDT website to try.
c) K Dean – Flag will be flown on 9th April for the King and Queen’s wedding anniversary.
d) K Dean – Bus shelters are needing attention – dirty and scruffy, light panel not working in NS Road. Pay to have them pressure washed? Westrans has funds for maintenance, MH to enquire.
e) K Dean – VE Day 80th anniversary 5th-8th May. Any plans for celebratory event? None planned.
f) RD – Bowling Club will be re-opening on Sunday 27th April.
Meeting closed 9.15pm
Next meeting on Easter Monday 22nd April at 7pm