FOLLOWING on from the last article regarding the Garvie Burn private water supply, Sam Anderson of Scottish Power (SP) reports that the existing water main has been investigated by Scottish Water (SW) and found to be up to specification for SW to adopt.

Inspections have also been carried out on the seventeen properties by SW, which is the next part of the process in terms of the potential take over of the system by them. The summer holidays etc, have slowed things up a bit, but now that they are over SP should see  some progress in the ongoing discussions with SW.

In the last newsletter our Councillor reported on discussions between Scottish Power (SP) and Scottish Water (SW) with a view to connecting the Garvie Burn private main at the top of the Glen with the public system at the Clachan.
Residents on the Garvie Burn supply recently received notification from Sam Anderson of SP stating that SW would be investigating the existing water main with a view to potentially adopt it.
Sam Anderson tells me that SW’s inspection is now completed and he awaits the final report. He explained that the water treatment plant had just completed routine maintenance and water sampling.
Will the Garvie Burn residents end up on the Scottish Water supply, will they remain as they are, or on a similar version of their current system? Watch this space!
Iyline Wilson

Minutes of Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday 20th May in Kilmodan School
at 1930

Jim McLuckie opened the meeting, minuted apologies from Michael Kaufmann and welcomed councillors Ron Simon and Alec McNaughton from A&BC, PC Brian McFarlane and all present.

(more…)

Dear Reader

Those living on the route of the water pipeline laid to supply Kilmodan School with chemically treated water from Rothesay, were recently written to by Scottish Water in unambiguous terms. The letter promised free connection to the supply and heralded a public meeting to explain. It was described as an open evening implying that folk could drop in any time and be informed. It turned out to be a formal affair with officials at the head table and rows of seats for the audience. This became farce as officials kept returning to square one for latecomers.

It slowly became clear that ’free’ meant no such thing. The minimum cost of connection was to be £750 and rising, plus substantial ongoing charges. The man who commissioned the letter admitted to not checking it before mailing.

We were told that if all those on the route did not sign up, the water pressure would be irrevocably reduced thus rendering future connection impossible.

However, it turns out that some on the shore road have already been connected by a cowboy councillor without Scottish Water’s knowledge. Mr McCall, the grandly titled Manager of Strategic Accounts, Corporate Affairs, said he was there to rescue SW’s reputation. Aye, that’ll be right. Good job. Watch this space.

Michael Kaufmann