A busy North Kincardine Rural Community Council this evening in Lairhillock primary school. 10 members of the public attended, along with three Aberdeenshire councillors. Here are the points which caught my eye.

– The seven day voluntary suspension of work on the Aberdeen by-pass was discussed. This was caused by run-off from the heavy rains which were turning local burns chocolate brown. The 2000 or so workforce still had to report for work, but in the main had nothing to do. Some maintenance work was taking place, along with work on water-related matters.

Colin Pike told the meeting that the community council would be able to access material that was surplus to AWPR needs, such as wood, pipes and so on. The project is keen that materials are recycled, and indeed when it is completed there is likely to be many items available for good causes and local organisations. The community council will have the required permission and SEPA licence.

– The Deeside caravan park has applied for planning permission for a 1.1 metre plastic wall round the site to protect it from flooding. The meeting was told by planning officer Colin Pike that the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has concerns. The community council is to write to Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen City Council and SEPA raising concerns about the impact of development (including the Aberdeen bypass) on the flood plain. The caravan site officially reopened on Friday.

– Local police constable Neil Fraser told the meeting that this remains a low crime area. Since the beginning of May 285 incidents were reported to the police in Kincardine and Mearns, resulting in 38 reports to the fiscal. He also reminded the meeting that certificates to possess air weapons need to be obtained by January 2017, or the weapons surrendered to the police. There may be an exception for those who already have gun licences.

– The Maryculter Woodland Trust is being given a grant of £200 towards the £334 cost of carving a seat from an elm tree trunk. More applications from local organisations for grants would be welcomed by the community council.

– The Old Mill Inn at Maryculter is for sale. The original hotel is a C listed building.

– The final work has now been completed on repairing the flood damage to the Corbie Hall at Maryculter. Unfortunately the playgroup is not returning to the hall as it is no longer in existence.

UPDATE: I have been told this morning that the mothers & toddlers is to restart in Corbie hall very soon. That’s good news.