Minutes of Meeting of Yell Community Council
Monday 20th May 2024, 7pm, Mid Yell School

Present: Mr L Odie (Chair), Mrs S Williamson, Mr K Jenkins, Mrs A Jamieson, Mr R
Jamieson and Ms J Lyth.

Apologies: Ms H Hart, Mr Michael Duncan (Community Councillor Liaison Officer) and Cllr
Duncan Anderson (Elected representative).

In Attendance: Mrs Johnina Henderson (Clerk), Ms F Browne (North Isles Community
Involvement and Development Worker), Cllr Robert Thomson (Elected representative), Ms F
Stirling (Mid Yell Development Group) and two members of the public.

Mr L Odie welcomed everyone to the meeting.
05/24/01 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Mr R Jamieson declared an interest in the Community Benefit from Statkraft wind farm
developments in Yell and Community Ferry Hire applications.
Mr L Odie & Ms J Lyth declared an interest in the Burravoe Hall Community Ferry Hire
application.
05/24/02 MINUTES
8th April - The minutes of the April meeting were approved by Mr K Jenkins & Mrs A
Jamieson.
05/24/03
COMMUNITY BENEFIT FROM STATKRAFT WIND FARM DEVELOPMENTS IN YELL
It’s the responsibility of the Community Council in the development area to organise the
Community Benefit.
Ms F Stirling gave an update on plans for setting up a community benefit fund for Yell. It is
intended toto set up a steering group inviting residents from all areas of Yell. Exploratory
discussions have been held with Mark Brennan of Local Energy Scotland. Foundation
Scotland will be approached for support in the process. An initial meeting will be held with

the developer to begin the conversation on the way forward. L Odie and A Jamieson will
work with F Stirling on this with monthly reports back to YCC members.
CO-OPTION OF NEW MEMBER
It was proposed by Mrs S Williamson and seconded by Ms J Lyth to co-opt Ms F Stirling to
Yell Community Council specifically to deal with the setting up of the Community Benefit
fund group and taking the process forward.

05/24/04 MATTERS ARISING
FIBRE OPTIC WORKS - VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN YELL
Beatrice Wishart (MSP) and Alistair Carmichael (MP) are investigating the damage carried
out by the workers laying the pipes for the fibre optic works with Openreach.
05/24/05 POLICE REPORT
Shetland Policing Report February/March 2024 has been received, the bi-monthly report
included a summary of reported incidents in Yell, where 11 incidents were recorded during
this period.
05/24/06 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS
8.1 TRANSPORT - FERRIES
Ferry Services on Bluemull Sound - 22-28 May 2024
An operational note regarding Bluemull Sound from 22-28 May has been issued due to crew
sickness and no staff cover available. Ferry services between Yell, Unst and Fetlar will
operate to alternative timetables with bookings suspended. Unst Community Council have
contacted Yell and Fetlar Community Councils and believe that a joint letter from all three
community councils would carry more weight than a letter from just individual Community
Councils. The impact of a reduced timetable on Bluemull Sound also impacts considerably
on residents in Yell and the Yell Sound ferry.
Docking Timetable 2nd to 31st May
The proposed ferry docking timetable using two crews that was drawn up was sent to
Sellaness. With the current docking timetable passengers on the morning bus from Lerwick

arrive at Toft at 8.50, the next ferry is 10.00 even when the bus waits at Ulsta for passengers
they miss the Gutcher connections. The proposed 9.10 ferry would allow them to catch the
Gutcher connections. The North Isles bus is normally on the 9.15 from Ulsta, which would be
delayed by 20 minutes until 9.35. The proposed timetable allows for 1 extra run compared to
the current docking timetable. Awaiting comment from Sellaness.
Community Hire Applications
Two applications were received, one for a second night wedding on the 26th of May at 1am
and Yelloween on 27th October at 12.30am and 1.30am. A community hire had already
been allocated for that wedding and therefore it was agreed to keep previous policy and only
allocate one ferry to any one event so application for second night wedding was not
approved. It was proposed by Mrs A Jamieson and seconded by Mrs S Williamson to
approve the Yelloween ferries. Clerk to send application to Sellaness for approval.
8.2 ROADS UPDATE
B9082 Cullivoe Road Improvements
An application for planning consent for this capital project is to be submitted soon. The
submission will include an Environmental Impact Assessment and Peat Management Plan.
The excavations required for the new road will result in an excess of peat, even after its
reuse on site. The roads department are now considering options for the re-use of this peat
off-site.
A possible reuse is for restoration of sections of the former A968 throughout Yell. The
Roads department has contacted Yell Community Council if they could identify the owners
although a number of these sections now have alternative uses. Discussions will need to be
held with landowners regarding this proposal. Clerk to reply with a list of suggested
landowners for the sections highlighted.
Cllr Robert Thomson advised that confirmation had been received that all restrictions on the
current road have been lifted and the condition of the road will be monitored.
Factory/Graveyard Road, Mid Yell
Pothole has not been repaired as was stated at the April meeting, Clerk to follow up.

Breckon Beach Signage
Email has been received from SIC Roads that there is a sign is at the end of the Breckon
road for the Breckon Beach. Request is that a sign at the end of the graveyard road
indicates that vehicles carry on to the Breckon road to access beach.
30mph sign at Gutcher.
One of the 30mph signs at Gutcher has slid down the post, Clerk to report to Roads.
North Brough Sign
The North Brough sign still hasn’t been repaired and lying on the ground.
8.3 NET ZERO CARBON NEUTRAL ISLAND (YELL) PROJECT
Mrs A Jamieson attended a CNI meeting last week. Hannah Eynon has taken up her new
part time post of CNI Development Officer. Meeting was attended by HIE and Scottish
Government representatives.
Reply has been received from Beatrice Wishart from Patrick Harvie regarding concerns
around the number of qualified heating and energy efficiency workers operating in island
communities and has been forwarded to Hannah Eynon.
8.4 FIXED LINKS - YELL TUNNEL ACTION GROUP
No update to report.
8.5 HEALTH CARE & SOCIAL CARE IN YELL
ANNUAL HEALTH CHECKS
Yell Health Centre have advised that patients who have contacted the Community Council
regarding health checks should contact the centre directly to discuss.
CARE CENTRE CAPACITY
Concerns have been raised regarding lack of beds availability in any of the care homes
throughout Shetland. Duncan Johnson has been contacted and replied with an update that
at present Isleshavn is full, with all 7 beds being used. The number of beds throughout
Shetland changes on a daily basis and this is based on a multiple of factors including
demand and level of service users and staffing requirements. The local and wider service
within Shetland responds to service user needs and requests for emergency, interim

placement and long-term placement as it takes place, and looks at the various options to
achieve it.
Mrs A Jamieson and Mr L Odie to arrange a follow up meeting with Jo Robinson regarding
health and care matters in Yell.
Cllr Robert Thomson discussed his desire for a new Bruce Hall type model in Yell His view is
that this may mean fewer care centres in Shetland. Members are adamant that there is a
requirement for care beds in Yell and that the care centre should be retained.
8.6 BENCH LOCATION
The new bench was donated from the SSE and has been delivered to Mr L Odie. Following
discussion, it was agreed to site the bench at the White Wife at Queyon. Mr L Odie to
arrange delivery to the site.
8.7 ASCC MEETING 11 JUNE
Agenda has been received for the ASCC meeting on 11th June. Mrs A Jamieson and Mr L
Odie to attend but there are issues when joining remotely with listening and seeing the rest
of the participants.
8.8 COMMUNITY COUNCIL SCHEME REVIEW - PHASE 2 CONSULTATION
Frances Browne gave a presentation on the Community Council Scheme review - phase 2
consultation, All Community Councillors to review and return to the Clerk before next
meeting. The interpretation of 6-month attendance was clarified.
8.9 DA VOAR REDD UP SUMMARY
Clerk submitted an agenda item to ASCC regarding what all other CCs do with the Voar redd
up payments. Michael Duncan has consulted all community councils and drawn up a
summary from all responses received. £500 has been allocated for Voar Redd up payments.

05/24/07 NEW BUSINESS
9.1 PLACE-NAMES
An email has been received regarding Shetland placenames for Yell showing the present-
day name and the original old Norse name with the meaning below. This was discussed and

unfortunately given limited funding of the CC, are more important things to spend funds on
but if any signs need replaced in future, it could be considered.
9.2 REMEMBERING TOGETHER
An email has been received from Helen Robertson who has been chosen as one of five
artists to create collective arts of reflection, remembrance, hope and healing with
communities across Scotland. Helen is knitting the trees of life now for the Mindin Tagidder -
tree of Life Interrupted plaque. The finished plaque is around A5 size and can be displayed
in public buildings, the YCC has been asked to decide which building in the community it will
be displayed in. Suggestions to be made for next meeting.
9.3 SHETLAND AMENITY TRUST BRUCK N MUCK
Unst partnership have advised that the Shetland Amenity Trust (SAT) are planning to end
contracts for our Bruck n Muck squad which means no longer taking away scrap metal or the
scrap cars and the collection of white goods on skip days in Unst. Email to be sent to
Shetland Amenity Trust regarding an update on what is happening regarding this and what
their intent is regarding the Colvister Quarry.
9.4 GLOUP MEMORIAL MAINTENANCE
An email has been received regarding Shetland Amenity Trust stopping the ad-hoc
maintenance and grass cutting at the Gloup memorial. With changes to the trust’s
maintenance team, they will no longer be undertaking maintenance or grass cutting at the
memorial in the future. The email notifies YCC of the situation and hopes that they may be
able to encourage another organisation locally to take on this commitment. Email to be sent
to Shetland Amenity Trust and contact Gloup Memorial Trust regarding this.
9.5 PUBLIC TOILETS IN YELL
Concerns have been raised regarding the signposting of public toilets in Yell. Public Toilets
are located at Gutcher and Ulsta Ferry Terminals, Cullivoe Pier and Burravoe Marina.
Signposting for toilets to be advised in beach noticeboards.
CULLIVOE CEMETERY CAR PARK/BRECKON BEACH CAR PARK

Concerns have been raised regarding overnight parking of campervans at the Cullivoe
cemetery. At recent funeral campervans were parked up in the car park. Is it possible to
keep the car park clear of such vehicles and tourist cars on funeral days? Also, those
vehicles often contain pet dogs, and the graveyard is used as a dog run and dog waste is
left. Some campervans park up for two or three days, and the question has been raised
regarding where do they empty their sewage container? There are hook up points at Cullivoe
Hall and Burravoe Marina for mobile homes and caravans. Could the cemetery not be
respected? Tourists are continuing to use the graveyard road as access to the Breckon
beach due to inadequate main road signs. There is no suitable gated access to the beach
and no signs, tourists are climbing fences and damaging them. The landowner has offered
land to extend the existing car park at Breckon. SIC to be contacted regarding no overnight
parking signage at the cemetery and consider an extension to car park at Breckon.
WEST SANDWICK BEACH ROAD & PARKING
At the last meeting the upgrading of the beach road was discussed and the possibility of
applying for a CDF project grant to do this. A meeting was held with representatives from
West Sandwick to discuss the beach and access. It was the view of this group that the SIC
should be responsible for the upkeep of the road.
9.6 SFRS - SHAPING OUR FUTURE SERVICE
An email has been received from The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) regarding
holding a public pre-consultation exercise titled ‘Shaping Our Future Service: Your Say’. A
survey has been created to capture views of the communities. Consultation ends on 30th
June. It is important that the Fire Service in Yell is retained at its current service, as recent
reports that 3 stations in Shetland were in need of upgrading. Matt Mason will attend the
ASCC meeting on 11th June.
9.7 OUTREACH WORK
An email has been received from Alex Tresadern, Community Outreach Energy and Benefits
Advisor with Shetland Islands Citizens Advice Bureau. Alex is new in post and primarily

working as outreach and energy advisor, trying to reduce fuel poverty and inequality with
Shetland. Alex will either attend individual community council meetings or an ASCC meeting.
9.8 LOCAL PLACE PLAN (LPP) LAUNCH
Mrs A Jamieson attended the launch on Wednesday 15th May and gave an update to the
meeting of what was involved regarding a local place plan for Yell. This is an important
initiative requiring local consultation on how residents would like to see their ‘place’ in future.
Items identified in the LPP will be noted in future planning applications.
9.9 PVGS NEW FEE STRUCTURE CONSULTATION
An email has been received and noted.
9.10 WILDCAT/FIRST RESPONDERS
An email with posters and notices regarding Wildcat Cardiac Responders/Volunteer
community first responders has been received from Scottish Ambulance. Further details are
available from Drew Mayhew.
05/24/08 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
No planning applications received, email noting the demolition of Linkshouse received.
05/24/09 FINANCE/GRANTS
11.1 SCBF - NOMINATION OF DIRECTOR
Following the resignation of Karen Hanney as a Director from SCBF board, YCC are asked
to nominate a new a director to replace her. Following discussion, it was agreed to advertise
on Facebook if anyone would be interested in this. It does not need to be a community
councillor.
11.2 SCBF - VIKING COMMUNITY FUND
The new main funding of Viking Community Fund is due to start this summer. Details have
been received from SCBF regarding the Draft proposed new guidelines, which are similar to
the AGS guidelines and for data protection, a new agreement will have to be signed by
SCBF and the community councils.
11.3 COMMUNITY COUNCIL CORE FUNDING 24/25
Core funding for 2024/2025 has been received.

11.4 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND 24/25
Clerk has applied for £3,000 of CDF Distribution Funds for 2024/2025.
05/24/10 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
12.1 DOG FOULING SIGN - VATSTER LOCH
The No dog fouling sign has fallen over, and the post is rotten. New sign has been
distributed and Mr K Jenkins to erect at Vatster.
12.2 DOG WASTE BIN - CULLIVOE
An enquiry has been received regarding an additional bin for dog waste in Cullivoe on the
loop walk around the hill road. It must be situated where it can be emptied. It was discussed
and the meeting agreed to ask for the possibility of a bin to be placed at the bottom of hill
road near the beach house road.

THE MEETING ENDED AT 21.35HRS.
The next meeting of the Yell Community Council will be held on Monday 17th June
2024, 7pm. Mid Yell School.