ROADS:

Frequent communications to lan Lang, Ray Michie MP and The Director of Roads, resulted in a Major Delegation (yet again by helicopter) of officials including the Director of Roads himself, Malcolm Waugh. After a bumpy tour of the island at high speed and an eight minute meeting (!) with members of The Community Council, a further visit was made by local officials from Oban, including James Tolmie. Finally we received an undertaking to improve our roads starting in the New Year, to spend a 'fair amount of money' and an admission that we had been very neglected and an effort would be made to upgrade throughout the island! We await with bated breath!!

Angus, at Sorisdal has given his agreement in principle, for some land to allow a turning space at the road end and, finally, the cattle grid at Kilbride was raised to the level of the road. No more broken springs and dented exhausts. Many thanks to Ken Jones.

AIRSTRIP:

Loganair officials flew into Ballard and met with members of the Community Council for lunch at the Hotel (kind thanks Kevin & Julie). The meeting was very positive with Loganair confirming that Ballard Strip was unsafe and Totronald being pinpointed as the best location for a new site, based on length, drainage, approach & take-off and orientation of strip with regard to prevailing winds. Loganair confirmed the need for a minimum 80Om. strip to allow any sort of air service and that having established a suitable strip, they would be able to consider a link-up service with either Tiree or Barra. Loganair agreed to confirm specification and the Community Council would write to the R.S.P.B. requesting permission to use Totronald. The Royal Engineers would undertake the work; materials would be grant aided. The Secretary took the Loganair officials back to Ballard and, getting all the best jobs, cleared the strip of sheep prior to their take off back to Glasgow.

WATER SUPPLY:

Despite a few problems with supply, possibly due to increased demands on supply in the village, the water was passing its weekly testings and as an interim measure, warning lights had been fitted to the holding tank to alert a low level. It was also confirmed that the water supply is due for upgrading in 1996.

KIRKCARE:

Kirkcare housing was completed successfully with a number of units being taken. The mess and disruption suffered during the building has given way to a very attractive setting at the end of Carnan Road.

OLD PIER:

Having finally secured the lease on the Old Pier, endeavours to obtain tenders have not been very successful. Unfortunately, the Secretary's efforts to get Anneka Rice to undertake the challenge had come to no avail! Members of the Community Council would pursue tenders, as at least three quotations would be needed. Maybe next year Anneka!