A number of local items of note at today’s Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee.
– The roads service has been instructed to provide a report on gritting and winter treatment after two petitions were received from residents in the Banchory Devenick area and in the U63K Maryculter road area. My motion to call for the report was seconded by ward colleague Colin Pike.
– We received a report on attainment at Portlethen Academy. A mixed picture, though attainment levels at S6 in 2017 were relatively strong. We also heard from head teacher Neil Morrison that the Portlethen cluster of schools is to be trial area regarding mental health. Mr Morrison confirmed that the academy is fully staffed, though it is a constant balance. The academy is forging a stronger relationship with Robertsons (who are responsible for the building), and Stewart Milne Homes.
– I was pleased to gain the backing of the committee for awarding a £2000 grant to Bourtree Pre-School group to assist in purchasing outdoor storage, flooring and a static canopy to allow the children to spend more time out of doors.
– We also granted full planning permission for the erection of hotel rooms within the walled garden at Ury House. The 32 bedrooms will be part of the project to transform Ury House into a five bedroom hotel and golf clubhouse.