CKCC Minutes – 11 February 2025

Colinsburgh and Kilconquhar Community Council

Held at Kilconquhar Church all at 7:30 pm

Present: Trish Finlay, Mac Logan, Orla Campbell, Katy Craig, Allison Boyle -25 members of the public were present. 

Apologies: John Lidderdale, Cllr Sean Dillion, Cllr Fiona Corps, Cllr Alicia Hayes

1. Previous Minutes – 14 January 2025

1.1 The public action tracker proposal was explained.

1.2 School logo competition to be reviewed at next meeting – Katy Craig to provide results.

1.3 Correction: Land behind the pub belongs to the Church of Scotland, not Fife Council.

1.4 Minutes were approved: Prop Katy Craig, seconded Alison Boyle – passed unanimously.

2. Matters Arising

  1. Community Space: Previously local councillors suggested the creations of a space for community use. This included meeting space, pop-up councillor surgeries, and emergency shelter during storms. See also 4. below.
    1. There was a discussion on placing it in the Fife Council-owned car park. 
    2. A member of the public highlighted a prior attempt to purchase the land behind the pub for village space.
    3. It was noted that a prior planning application for the land was denied due to vehicular access issues. The discussion emphasized the need for community-driven initiatives.
  2. Church Property Inquiry: A member of the public asked for updates on the local church’s status; Local Councillors were not present to provide answers.
  3. Councillor Presence: Concerns were raised about Councillors holding pop-up surgeries but not attending CKCC meetings.
  4. Community-Owned Space: The subject led to further discussion on the process and possibilities.
    1. A proposal for a survey to gauge public interest in a community-owned space is ongoing. The appropriate framing of questions, was discussed and is a priority.
    2. The possibility of a community buyout of the church was considered. The St. Monans community council’s experience buying its church may provide insights. It meets every third Monday at 8:30 p.m.
    3. Cost considerations were noted.
    4. Questions were raised regarding the planning process for a community space in a conservation area.
    5. Members were reassured that no formal application has been submitted. The use of a suggestion from the previous meeting, “portacabin” was a suggestion, nothing more. 
    6. Decision Timeline: It was suggested that a decision should be made by the end of the year in reference to a community space. 
  5. Goal Post Maintenance: A member of the public inquired about repainting goalposts in Kilconquhar Park. Play parks are currently being redesigned.
  6. Off-Grid Emergency Grant: Discussion on applying for a grant to enable emergency heating and lighting within the community, as many residents had no power or heating during the recent storm. This fits in with the provision of a community meeting space.
  7. Church of Scotland Representation: It is hoped a Church of Scotland representative to attend the next meeting.
  8. Community Engagement: Acknowledgment and thanks to Mr. Handy for leaflet distribution, leading to increased public turnout.
  9. Full-Fibre Broadband Initiative: A request was made by the community for CKCC support to ensure the East End of the village gains full-fibre broadband for acceptable performance.

4. Reports

  1. Chair’s Report No updates
  2. Treasurer’s Report
    • Current bank balance: £2,200.51.
    • Issue: Difficulty applying for a £500 grant due to replacing signatories. Appointing the required number of signatories is in hand.
    • Budget considerations: Website and email expenses. Orla Campbell to invoice for minutes preparation.
  3. Councillor Reports No updates.

5. Planning

  1. No new planning issues were reported.

6. Website and Social Media

  1. The cost of further developing the CKCC Website will be investigated by Katy.

7. Any Other Competent Business

  1. Speeding Issues:
    1. Kilconquhar Tractors: Concerns raised about tractors speeding through village. 
    2. Community Speedwatch Programme: Previously mention by Cllr Alicia Hayes. It was noted that Speedwatch training has been discussed in Colinsburgh. It will happen soon. This will need to be publicised. (Subsequently: There was a course on 24 February. The police have been notified about potential interest from the CKCC area.)
    3. Balbuthie Road Safety: Concerns about high-speed traffic. Fife Council had no objections when reviewing planning applications for Balbuthie Farms.
  2. Community Engagement: Leaflet drops to continue (and format/content developed), as they lead to a higher turnout and engagement.
  3. Meeting Minutes Structure: A suggestion was made to increase the content of the minutes as an attendee found them too concise. Following discussion, this was not supported.
  4. Gravel Issue: Gravel still needs to be placed on the path running through The Dale.
  5. Community Space: is an ongoing project

8. Next Meeting


11th March 2025 at 7:30 PM, Colinsburgh Library.