Only one Pike caught in April this year, which is one up from April last year!
A number of large Trout came to the net. Surprisingly fish between 1 3/4 lb to 2 1/2 lb had whole mature frogs inside them. So the mind boggles as to what the even larger trout of 3 1/2, 4 1/4, and 5 1/2 lbs that were photographed and returned contained!
Recently on a small loch I went to fish - and noticed an Osprey settle in a nearby tree, then an Otter appeared on the far side, and THEN a third 'professional' fisher came, in the shape of a Cormorant! Needless to say, I myself didn't bother to fish, I was far inferior to that trio.
David Willis
Early May
April, cold and windy
Now May's the same way too
But rain has come to bring more life
For the plants that we can view
Birds already feeding young
I keep running out of food
They seem to just take anything
To feed their hungry brood
A Blue Tit is nesting in a box
I've had hanging up for years
The first time it's been made use of
The sounds are music to my ears
Robins, Dunnocks, Wrens, all sing
Each morning and at night
While Blackbirds, Thrushes take the food
They keep more out of sight
With the Stoat and Weasel still about
They are taking fish I'm putting out
I can't believe how tame they've come
Bright of eye and full of fun
I haven't seen a Fox this year
And no Badgers, did appear
But a baby Otter I did see
No larger than a mole
In the entrance of a Holt
Another bright-eyed little soul
Yes, it's looking good for wildlife
This early part of May
But there's rain and sleet, and still cold winds
So, who am I to say...
David Willis
Now May's the same way too
But rain has come to bring more life
For the plants that we can view
Birds already feeding young
I keep running out of food
They seem to just take anything
To feed their hungry brood
A Blue Tit is nesting in a box
I've had hanging up for years
The first time it's been made use of
The sounds are music to my ears
Robins, Dunnocks, Wrens, all sing
Each morning and at night
While Blackbirds, Thrushes take the food
They keep more out of sight
With the Stoat and Weasel still about
They are taking fish I'm putting out
I can't believe how tame they've come
Bright of eye and full of fun
I haven't seen a Fox this year
And no Badgers, did appear
But a baby Otter I did see
No larger than a mole
In the entrance of a Holt
Another bright-eyed little soul
Yes, it's looking good for wildlife
This early part of May
But there's rain and sleet, and still cold winds
So, who am I to say...
David Willis
AGENDA for meeting June 2nd 2009, 7.30pm Garve Hall
Open meeting
Apologies
Approval of Draft minutes of the last meeting on April 7th in Achnasheen
Matters arising: Spring fair, Road safety Gorstan
Treasurers Report
Secretaries Report
Planning Issues
Correspondence
Any other business: Liz Fraser from EoN has been in touch and MAY come to the meeting and speak about any plans, and discuss the possibility of a sub-committee being formed. (This has not yet been confirmed)
Next CC meeting: August 4th 7.30 pm - Achnasheen village hall
Apologies
Approval of Draft minutes of the last meeting on April 7th in Achnasheen
Matters arising: Spring fair, Road safety Gorstan
Treasurers Report
Secretaries Report
Planning Issues
Correspondence
Any other business: Liz Fraser from EoN has been in touch and MAY come to the meeting and speak about any plans, and discuss the possibility of a sub-committee being formed. (This has not yet been confirmed)
Next CC meeting: August 4th 7.30 pm - Achnasheen village hall
Draft Minutes - Garve & District Community Council Meeting: 7th April 2009
Present:
Alex Mackenzie, Helen Grainge, Uisdean Menzies Marion Taylor, Jean Hollingdale, Sue Tarr, Sheree Grant, Donald Northwood, Jimmy Ruggles Brise.
6 members of the public.
Apologies: John Urquhart, Lady Eliza Melville, Ruari Matheson
Chairperson opened meeting
Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting:
Proposed Jean Hollingdale
Seconded Alex Mackenzie
Matters Arising:
Gorstan Speed Limit now in place.
Discussion with regards to 20’s Plenty Speed Limit, several suggestions were made with regards to changes to signage. Sheree to contact Tec Services with suggestions.
During discussion on speed limit a request was made to report damaged signs at Lochluichart and Gorstan. Sheree to e-mail Cllr Urquhart with regards to this.
Coffee morning/book swap to be held in Garve Village Hall 15th April 2009 from 10.30-12.30.
War Memorial – ongoing. We now have 2 quotations for work so can proceed with looking for funding.
Treasurers Report:
Main Account £1658.67
Senior Citizens £ 395.65
War Memorial £ 656.46
Accounts will be presented to auditors for year end once March bank statements are received.
Also monies raised from sale of Calendars and Easter Fair to be included in above totals. Treasurer only received these during meeting.
Planning:
Notifications in our area:
Strathgarve Lodge – change of use from care home to house of multiple occupation.
Formation of access road, North Hill Wood, North of Silverbridge, Garve.
Correspondence:
Highland Council – report with regards to elected members involvement with planning issues at Community Council Meetings.
Insurance Renewal.
SNH – Review Citation for Ben Wyvis.
NHS – various correspondences – volunteers required to join NHS group locally. Sue to write explanation about this for News and Views.
Any Other Business:
Fund Raising – Easter Event at Ledgowan, point was raised about poor turnout at event, but all those involved would like to thank everyone who attended, helped or gave donations.
A summer fair is planned for 1st weekend in June, subject to Garve Village Hall availability. Meeting to be arranged to start organisation for this event.
Studio Signs – Achnasheen – owners of Studio reported that the signs as you enter the village advertising the studio have disappeared. If anyone has any information regarding this please can they contact owners direct.
Report was made of deer carcass left in car park at Kinlochluichart Church. Sheree to report to council.
Strathgarve Primary School – road leading to school in poor condition. Sheree to report to Cllr Urquhart.
Donald wished to give his apologies to anyone whose journey was disrupted when rubble from skips outside his house landed on the main road.
Wester Ross Alliance – Sue attended meeting, changes have been made and a new board appointed. Wester Ross Alliance have Leader money that they are now looking to distribute, there are a range of projects which can benefit from this funding. Community Council to look at projects that may be funded, including new copier for Newsletter and Village Notice boards.
Bus stop – a request was made that Community Council write to Transerv requesting bus stops at Gorstan and Inchbae.
Next meeting June 2nd - Garve.
Alex Mackenzie, Helen Grainge, Uisdean Menzies Marion Taylor, Jean Hollingdale, Sue Tarr, Sheree Grant, Donald Northwood, Jimmy Ruggles Brise.
6 members of the public.
Apologies: John Urquhart, Lady Eliza Melville, Ruari Matheson
Chairperson opened meeting
Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting:
Proposed Jean Hollingdale
Seconded Alex Mackenzie
Matters Arising:
Gorstan Speed Limit now in place.
Discussion with regards to 20’s Plenty Speed Limit, several suggestions were made with regards to changes to signage. Sheree to contact Tec Services with suggestions.
During discussion on speed limit a request was made to report damaged signs at Lochluichart and Gorstan. Sheree to e-mail Cllr Urquhart with regards to this.
Coffee morning/book swap to be held in Garve Village Hall 15th April 2009 from 10.30-12.30.
War Memorial – ongoing. We now have 2 quotations for work so can proceed with looking for funding.
Treasurers Report:
Main Account £1658.67
Senior Citizens £ 395.65
War Memorial £ 656.46
Accounts will be presented to auditors for year end once March bank statements are received.
Also monies raised from sale of Calendars and Easter Fair to be included in above totals. Treasurer only received these during meeting.
Planning:
Notifications in our area:
Strathgarve Lodge – change of use from care home to house of multiple occupation.
Formation of access road, North Hill Wood, North of Silverbridge, Garve.
Correspondence:
Highland Council – report with regards to elected members involvement with planning issues at Community Council Meetings.
Insurance Renewal.
SNH – Review Citation for Ben Wyvis.
NHS – various correspondences – volunteers required to join NHS group locally. Sue to write explanation about this for News and Views.
Any Other Business:
Fund Raising – Easter Event at Ledgowan, point was raised about poor turnout at event, but all those involved would like to thank everyone who attended, helped or gave donations.
A summer fair is planned for 1st weekend in June, subject to Garve Village Hall availability. Meeting to be arranged to start organisation for this event.
Studio Signs – Achnasheen – owners of Studio reported that the signs as you enter the village advertising the studio have disappeared. If anyone has any information regarding this please can they contact owners direct.
Report was made of deer carcass left in car park at Kinlochluichart Church. Sheree to report to council.
Strathgarve Primary School – road leading to school in poor condition. Sheree to report to Cllr Urquhart.
Donald wished to give his apologies to anyone whose journey was disrupted when rubble from skips outside his house landed on the main road.
Wester Ross Alliance – Sue attended meeting, changes have been made and a new board appointed. Wester Ross Alliance have Leader money that they are now looking to distribute, there are a range of projects which can benefit from this funding. Community Council to look at projects that may be funded, including new copier for Newsletter and Village Notice boards.
Bus stop – a request was made that Community Council write to Transerv requesting bus stops at Gorstan and Inchbae.
Next meeting June 2nd - Garve.
Wester Ross, Strathpeffer & Lochalsh Joint Community Councils
Notes of Meeting held in Kinlochewe Village Hall, 26th March 2009
Chair: Richard Munday, (Shieldaig Community Council)
Present: Shieldaig CC; Marybank CC; Coigach CC; Lochbroom CC; Torridon & Kinlochewe CC; Applecross CC; Wester Lochewe CC; Garve & District CC; Dornie & District CC; Lochcarron CC; Gairloch CC; Aultbea CC. Cllr Biz Campbell; Cllr Richard Greene; Cllr Audrey Sinclair; Cllr Jean Urquhart; Cllr David Alston (Black Isle Ward);
Apologies: Glenelg & Arnisdale CC; Lochalsh CC; Loch Duich CC; Plockton CC; Stromeferry & Achmore CC.
Officials in attendance: Robbie Bain (Highland Council, Ward Manager); Mary Gibson (SNH).
Introduction: Richard Munday welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained the background to the meeting.
Highland Council Budget for 2009/10 and expenditure prospects for the longer term.
David Alston, Highland Councillor in the Black Isle Ward and Budget Leader for the Council gave an overview of the current situation regarding public sector finance.
He noted that there had been strong growth in public sector funding between 2000 and 2008 but that budgets would be “flat” from 2010/11 with a real prospect that the public sector would face a period of very tight budget settlements and possible cuts in budgets for the next 10 or so years as the Government recouped the money spent during the recession.
This would also be at a time when there would be considerable other pressures such as the need to invest in methods to reduce Carbon-dependence.
However, it should be remembered that the public sector would still be spending considerable sums in Highland every year (Highland Council about £3,000 per person; NHS about £2,000 per person and other agencies about £1,000 per person).
There will need to be changes in the way that The Council and other agencies work.
There will need to be better joined-up working between departments.
Sustainable solutions may need to be found with communities taking control of service delivery.
Communities will need to consider their own priorities across services although there will be limits to what variation in standards would be acceptable.
In The Council, hard questions will need to be asked, since it may not be possible to make cuts at the edges of services and instead The Council may have to stop doing some things completely, leaving a gap that might be filled by communities themselves.
Discussion commenced with issues of winter maintenance on the road system.
The Council had already spent £5.2m on winter maintenance this year and spend on this would probably be about £0.5m over budget at the year end.
While £350k had been removed from the winter maintenance budget as a result of a series of milder winters, it was noted that spend this year was still higher than previous budget levels.
It was suggested that the Council owned more assets than it had the finances to adequately maintain and that to bring this into balance, some rationalisation would be needed.
Discussion on communities taking control of service provision highlighted the example of the Howard Doris Centre which had significant benefits beyond Lochcarron.
The recent community needs assessment in Shieldaig was given as an example of how useful it is for a community to identify the resources and skills that are present within it.
The issue of school closures was raised and while it was acknowledged that there was existing protection for rural primary schools there was concern that when schools become too small, issues can arise in terms of education quality and children’s social development.
Affordable Housing was seen as one of the keys to keeping small communities alive, but even where affordable housing was present, there was often little opportunity for residents to move out of this and free it up for younger families. There was concern about the loss of young people who couldn’t find affordable accommodation which was particularly galling given the number of second-homes that lay empty for much of the year. There was a shortage of available land for building but local landowners might be reluctant to give up land unless they were sure the houses would be made available - and stay available - to local people.
Scottish Water. Robbie Bain presented on Scottish Water’s behalf, using information contained in an email from Joanna Peebles. It was noted that Scottish Water was in the process of making a considerable level of investment in Ward, with a total of nearly £42m worth of capital investment either completed or in the immediate programme:
Achnasheen - £307k upgrade of water production plant - completed autumn 2008
Aultbea - £204k upgrade of water production plant - started autumn '08 complete now
Badcaul - £3M new Water Treatment Works
Kinlochewe - £519k upgrade of drinking water supply - complete spring '08
Kishorn - £5M Wastewater Treatment works - due to be constructed this year once planning permission and land negotiations are complete.
Loch Ewe - £15M at Aultbea and Mellon Charles is making progress. A treatment works and sewer system are being installed to remove private discharges of raw and poorly treated sewage into the shellfish waters of Loch Ewe.
Loch Maree - £10M Regional Drinking Water supply - planning applications have been submitted.
Poolewe £745k upgrade Wastewater Treatment Works - due or completion this year.
Sheildaig - £212k upgrade disinfection system has just been completed.
Ullapool - £7M project to provide clearer, fresher drinking water. New water from boreholes at Inverbroom was recently put in to supply. A new treatment works is due for completion in the spring of 2010.
The level of investment in the Ward was welcomed, however concerns remained about the quality of some of the older pipework and while it was noted that there was a rolling programme of pipe replacement on-going, in the meantime some communities were facing repeated bursts and disruption as piece-meal emergency repairs were carried out. Concerns were raised about communication through the service centre, although there was general praise for the front-line staff and the speed of response to emergencies.
Post Buses. There was a brief discussion on the current situation regarding the withdrawal of post buses from three routes in the Ward. It was made clear that the Royal Mail response that the withdrawal of service had come about as a result of discussion with The Council was completely without foundation.
It was suggested that the only way forward was to mount a political campaign to expose Royal Mail’s approach on this matter to closer public scrutiny.
Out of Hours Group. Liz Pritchard presented the Group’s 6th Progress Report, covering the period May 2008 to March 4th 2009.
The full report is appended to this minute.
The Group asks for continued support for its work; for help in spreading the information to the community and for consideration to be given to a dedicated meeting which would allow greater discussion of the OOH Group’s work.
Future Arrangement for Ward Forums and Joint Community Council Meeting.
This item was left over for discussion at a future ward forum.
Wester Ross Community CouncilsOut-of-Hours Group Progress Report (6)
Our previous Progress Reports were issued on March 29th, 2006, January 16th, & March 26th 2007, January 31st, 2008 and May 18th, 2008.
This report follows on from them and covers the period from May 2008 – March 14th, 2009. After Nicola Sturgeon, MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing visited Wester Ross in May 2008 the Group was very encouraged to receive letters of appreciation for arranging the visit from Ms. Sturgeon and others.
In order to continue its work beyond May 2008 the initial task for the Group was to secure funding to enable the Group to continue its work towards achieving the safe and sustainable OOH care provision which will meet the needs of our communities in Wester Ross.
It is pleased to report that it has received additional funding from Wester Ross Community Councils and match funding from Highland Council Ward members’ discretionary budget. Shieldaig CC continues to administer the OOH Group account.
In addition Mid-Highland CHP is now covering the cost of hire of various meeting venues.
Results of the OOH Group’s survey into Community use of NHS 24 to access OOH medical care have now been assessed by NHS 24, NHS Highland, Scottish Ambulance Service and Wester Ross GPs, their comments have been sent to Nicola Sturgeon MSP and circulated as appropriate, ensuring that patient confidentiality was maintained, to Wester Ross Community Councils and service providers.
Since the new funding has been in place the Group has met four times. Cllr Isabelle Campbell, who is a committee member of the Mid-Highland CHP (Community Health Partnership), attended two meetings.
Ullapool Practice area is now represented by Mairi MacKenzie. On January 27th, 2008 Tracy Ligema, NHS H OOH Operational and Development Manager and Alison Phimister, Mid-Highland CHP Ross and Cromarty and West Ness Locality Manager attended and explained the proposals for future delivery of OOH care in Wester Ross. After discussion at its meeting on February 17th the Group asked for these to be set out formally Tracy Ligema responded as follows.
(The underlined statements were our understanding of the verbal information given at the meeting on January 27th.)
OOH Group: NHS H budgets have been reconfigured so that Wester Ross current OOH service will remain for the foreseeable future.
NHS H: I can confirm that the NHS Highland OOH budget has been devolved to CHPs from1 April 2008. The allocation of budgets was made using the Scottish Allocation Formula which takes into account factors such as rurality and deprivation. At locality level within CHPs this method of allocation has resulted in some areas having a bigger budget than was previously the case. The Ross, Cromarty and West Ness locality is one which has benefited in this way.
The result of this is that the Ross, Cromarty and West Ness locality OOH budget is no longer ‘overspent’, however it should be noted that a disproportionately large share of the budget is being used to deliver Wester Ross OOH services.
The change in budget allocation does mean that there is not an immediate pressure to re-configure OOH services in Wester Ross although at the meeting of 27 January 2009 we did discuss the need to consider the OOH budget as part of the total budget available to provide health care in Wester Ross and that the CHP would wish to engage with the community to consider how best to distribute the available funding.
In order to ensure that other essential services are provided, it may be that at some future time the current OOH configuration may need to be reviewed.
OOH Group: Current provision of GPs will remain the same.
NHS H: Current OOH provision will remain the same, subject to the potential for future budgetary considerations outlined at 1. above.
OOH Group: Only use locum GPs who will be local to Highland and not agency GPs.
NHS H: During the meeting it was highlighted that NHS Highland is currently able to fill OOH rotas with local (Highland based) GPs rather than agency locums.
This was a statement of the current situation and cannot be guaranteed indefinitely. NHS Highland always endeavours to use locally based GPs and always attempts to fill rotas in this way first.
If, however, shifts remain vacant and cannot be filled from within Highland then there will be a need to use agency locums in order to provide continuity of cover.
OOH Group: Current service is within the revised budget and meets all NHS H markers.
NHS H: I can confirm that the current OOH configuration is being delivered within the current budget, however please refer to 1. above.
In respect of the performance of the service I can confirm that current service delivery meets the key performance indicators which were proposed to the NHS Highland Board as part of the OOH Framework in February 2009.
OOH Group: Integrated working with Scottish Ambulance Service.
NHS H: In respect of integrated working with Scottish Ambulance Service, you will be aware of the collaborative approach which underpins the expected outputs of the Remote & Rural Implementation Group’s Emergency Response and Transport Workstream.
In line with this, there is opportunity for joint working between NHS Highland and SAS to develop multi-disciplinary extended primary care teams.
At the strategic level I can confirm that a Joint Organisational Forum is now in place which is being led by Elaine Mead and Shirley Rodgers.
OOH Group: Current temporary contract with Wester Ross GPs will be formalised.
NHS H: The current GP contract is already a formal contract which is permanent. However, for flexibility on all sides, it is a rolling contract which does not therefore require formal annual review.
OOH Group: The proposals regarding introduction of a Community Advisory Committee.
NHS H: At the meeting we discussed the potential implementation of a Community Advisory Committee (CAC). I can confirm that a proposal for CAC implementation will be taken to the Mid Highland CHP Management Team shortly.
As discussed, the CAC is intended to provide a forum which will allow ongoing constructive engagement between the CHP/Locality and the community in respect of a range of service delivery considerations.
The Group has discussed the possibility of producing an Information Leaflet to explain clearly “How to use the OOH Medical Service”, which could be distributed throughout Wester Ross.
Calum Campbell, Area Service Manager with Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) attended the meeting on February 17th at which current local concerns including staffing levels and allocation, GPs’ availability to respond to Emergency Calls, shortage of local volunteers for Ambulance Car Service and the launch of the Torridon Medical Practice area First Responders Scheme were discussed.
The problem of single-manning is being addressed because SAS has received additional funding which has enabled it to employ additional staff in Gairloch, Lochcarron and Ullapool. It is also advertising again in order to meet any staffing shortfall.
The group has used opportunities for wider representation of the needs and challenges of very remote and rural areas.
A member of our group is now participating as a patient representative with the Scottish Centre for Telehealth (SCT) and attends meetings of NoSPG (North of Scotland Planning Group) whose members come from remote, rural and island Health Boards, NHS 24 and SAS The Group was invited to comment on the NoSPG Draft Standards paper.
At the meeting on March 13th the Group considered the potential of increased use of Telehealth, Telemedicine and Telecare. We look forward to the benefit from TeleHealth if Broadband infrastructure is in place in all areas of Wester Ross.
This Group has achieved, on behalf of the Wester Ross communities, an undertaking that the current OOH service will be maintained for the foreseeable future. However, members of the Group are of the opinion that there is a need to meet on a regular basis to monitor OOH and wider health service provision in Wester Ross.
It seeks the Wester Ross Community Councils’ support to carry forward this role and suggests that it is used to maintain the valuable contacts established with all health service providers.
March 26th, 2009
Chair: Richard Munday, (Shieldaig Community Council)
Present: Shieldaig CC; Marybank CC; Coigach CC; Lochbroom CC; Torridon & Kinlochewe CC; Applecross CC; Wester Lochewe CC; Garve & District CC; Dornie & District CC; Lochcarron CC; Gairloch CC; Aultbea CC. Cllr Biz Campbell; Cllr Richard Greene; Cllr Audrey Sinclair; Cllr Jean Urquhart; Cllr David Alston (Black Isle Ward);
Apologies: Glenelg & Arnisdale CC; Lochalsh CC; Loch Duich CC; Plockton CC; Stromeferry & Achmore CC.
Officials in attendance: Robbie Bain (Highland Council, Ward Manager); Mary Gibson (SNH).
Introduction: Richard Munday welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained the background to the meeting.
Highland Council Budget for 2009/10 and expenditure prospects for the longer term.
David Alston, Highland Councillor in the Black Isle Ward and Budget Leader for the Council gave an overview of the current situation regarding public sector finance.
He noted that there had been strong growth in public sector funding between 2000 and 2008 but that budgets would be “flat” from 2010/11 with a real prospect that the public sector would face a period of very tight budget settlements and possible cuts in budgets for the next 10 or so years as the Government recouped the money spent during the recession.
This would also be at a time when there would be considerable other pressures such as the need to invest in methods to reduce Carbon-dependence.
However, it should be remembered that the public sector would still be spending considerable sums in Highland every year (Highland Council about £3,000 per person; NHS about £2,000 per person and other agencies about £1,000 per person).
There will need to be changes in the way that The Council and other agencies work.
There will need to be better joined-up working between departments.
Sustainable solutions may need to be found with communities taking control of service delivery.
Communities will need to consider their own priorities across services although there will be limits to what variation in standards would be acceptable.
In The Council, hard questions will need to be asked, since it may not be possible to make cuts at the edges of services and instead The Council may have to stop doing some things completely, leaving a gap that might be filled by communities themselves.
Discussion commenced with issues of winter maintenance on the road system.
The Council had already spent £5.2m on winter maintenance this year and spend on this would probably be about £0.5m over budget at the year end.
While £350k had been removed from the winter maintenance budget as a result of a series of milder winters, it was noted that spend this year was still higher than previous budget levels.
It was suggested that the Council owned more assets than it had the finances to adequately maintain and that to bring this into balance, some rationalisation would be needed.
Discussion on communities taking control of service provision highlighted the example of the Howard Doris Centre which had significant benefits beyond Lochcarron.
The recent community needs assessment in Shieldaig was given as an example of how useful it is for a community to identify the resources and skills that are present within it.
The issue of school closures was raised and while it was acknowledged that there was existing protection for rural primary schools there was concern that when schools become too small, issues can arise in terms of education quality and children’s social development.
Affordable Housing was seen as one of the keys to keeping small communities alive, but even where affordable housing was present, there was often little opportunity for residents to move out of this and free it up for younger families. There was concern about the loss of young people who couldn’t find affordable accommodation which was particularly galling given the number of second-homes that lay empty for much of the year. There was a shortage of available land for building but local landowners might be reluctant to give up land unless they were sure the houses would be made available - and stay available - to local people.
Scottish Water. Robbie Bain presented on Scottish Water’s behalf, using information contained in an email from Joanna Peebles. It was noted that Scottish Water was in the process of making a considerable level of investment in Ward, with a total of nearly £42m worth of capital investment either completed or in the immediate programme:
Achnasheen - £307k upgrade of water production plant - completed autumn 2008
Aultbea - £204k upgrade of water production plant - started autumn '08 complete now
Badcaul - £3M new Water Treatment Works
Kinlochewe - £519k upgrade of drinking water supply - complete spring '08
Kishorn - £5M Wastewater Treatment works - due to be constructed this year once planning permission and land negotiations are complete.
Loch Ewe - £15M at Aultbea and Mellon Charles is making progress. A treatment works and sewer system are being installed to remove private discharges of raw and poorly treated sewage into the shellfish waters of Loch Ewe.
Loch Maree - £10M Regional Drinking Water supply - planning applications have been submitted.
Poolewe £745k upgrade Wastewater Treatment Works - due or completion this year.
Sheildaig - £212k upgrade disinfection system has just been completed.
Ullapool - £7M project to provide clearer, fresher drinking water. New water from boreholes at Inverbroom was recently put in to supply. A new treatment works is due for completion in the spring of 2010.
The level of investment in the Ward was welcomed, however concerns remained about the quality of some of the older pipework and while it was noted that there was a rolling programme of pipe replacement on-going, in the meantime some communities were facing repeated bursts and disruption as piece-meal emergency repairs were carried out. Concerns were raised about communication through the service centre, although there was general praise for the front-line staff and the speed of response to emergencies.
Post Buses. There was a brief discussion on the current situation regarding the withdrawal of post buses from three routes in the Ward. It was made clear that the Royal Mail response that the withdrawal of service had come about as a result of discussion with The Council was completely without foundation.
It was suggested that the only way forward was to mount a political campaign to expose Royal Mail’s approach on this matter to closer public scrutiny.
Out of Hours Group. Liz Pritchard presented the Group’s 6th Progress Report, covering the period May 2008 to March 4th 2009.
The full report is appended to this minute.
The Group asks for continued support for its work; for help in spreading the information to the community and for consideration to be given to a dedicated meeting which would allow greater discussion of the OOH Group’s work.
Future Arrangement for Ward Forums and Joint Community Council Meeting.
This item was left over for discussion at a future ward forum.
Wester Ross Community CouncilsOut-of-Hours Group Progress Report (6)
Our previous Progress Reports were issued on March 29th, 2006, January 16th, & March 26th 2007, January 31st, 2008 and May 18th, 2008.
This report follows on from them and covers the period from May 2008 – March 14th, 2009. After Nicola Sturgeon, MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing visited Wester Ross in May 2008 the Group was very encouraged to receive letters of appreciation for arranging the visit from Ms. Sturgeon and others.
In order to continue its work beyond May 2008 the initial task for the Group was to secure funding to enable the Group to continue its work towards achieving the safe and sustainable OOH care provision which will meet the needs of our communities in Wester Ross.
It is pleased to report that it has received additional funding from Wester Ross Community Councils and match funding from Highland Council Ward members’ discretionary budget. Shieldaig CC continues to administer the OOH Group account.
In addition Mid-Highland CHP is now covering the cost of hire of various meeting venues.
Results of the OOH Group’s survey into Community use of NHS 24 to access OOH medical care have now been assessed by NHS 24, NHS Highland, Scottish Ambulance Service and Wester Ross GPs, their comments have been sent to Nicola Sturgeon MSP and circulated as appropriate, ensuring that patient confidentiality was maintained, to Wester Ross Community Councils and service providers.
Since the new funding has been in place the Group has met four times. Cllr Isabelle Campbell, who is a committee member of the Mid-Highland CHP (Community Health Partnership), attended two meetings.
Ullapool Practice area is now represented by Mairi MacKenzie. On January 27th, 2008 Tracy Ligema, NHS H OOH Operational and Development Manager and Alison Phimister, Mid-Highland CHP Ross and Cromarty and West Ness Locality Manager attended and explained the proposals for future delivery of OOH care in Wester Ross. After discussion at its meeting on February 17th the Group asked for these to be set out formally Tracy Ligema responded as follows.
(The underlined statements were our understanding of the verbal information given at the meeting on January 27th.)
OOH Group: NHS H budgets have been reconfigured so that Wester Ross current OOH service will remain for the foreseeable future.
NHS H: I can confirm that the NHS Highland OOH budget has been devolved to CHPs from1 April 2008. The allocation of budgets was made using the Scottish Allocation Formula which takes into account factors such as rurality and deprivation. At locality level within CHPs this method of allocation has resulted in some areas having a bigger budget than was previously the case. The Ross, Cromarty and West Ness locality is one which has benefited in this way.
The result of this is that the Ross, Cromarty and West Ness locality OOH budget is no longer ‘overspent’, however it should be noted that a disproportionately large share of the budget is being used to deliver Wester Ross OOH services.
The change in budget allocation does mean that there is not an immediate pressure to re-configure OOH services in Wester Ross although at the meeting of 27 January 2009 we did discuss the need to consider the OOH budget as part of the total budget available to provide health care in Wester Ross and that the CHP would wish to engage with the community to consider how best to distribute the available funding.
In order to ensure that other essential services are provided, it may be that at some future time the current OOH configuration may need to be reviewed.
OOH Group: Current provision of GPs will remain the same.
NHS H: Current OOH provision will remain the same, subject to the potential for future budgetary considerations outlined at 1. above.
OOH Group: Only use locum GPs who will be local to Highland and not agency GPs.
NHS H: During the meeting it was highlighted that NHS Highland is currently able to fill OOH rotas with local (Highland based) GPs rather than agency locums.
This was a statement of the current situation and cannot be guaranteed indefinitely. NHS Highland always endeavours to use locally based GPs and always attempts to fill rotas in this way first.
If, however, shifts remain vacant and cannot be filled from within Highland then there will be a need to use agency locums in order to provide continuity of cover.
OOH Group: Current service is within the revised budget and meets all NHS H markers.
NHS H: I can confirm that the current OOH configuration is being delivered within the current budget, however please refer to 1. above.
In respect of the performance of the service I can confirm that current service delivery meets the key performance indicators which were proposed to the NHS Highland Board as part of the OOH Framework in February 2009.
OOH Group: Integrated working with Scottish Ambulance Service.
NHS H: In respect of integrated working with Scottish Ambulance Service, you will be aware of the collaborative approach which underpins the expected outputs of the Remote & Rural Implementation Group’s Emergency Response and Transport Workstream.
In line with this, there is opportunity for joint working between NHS Highland and SAS to develop multi-disciplinary extended primary care teams.
At the strategic level I can confirm that a Joint Organisational Forum is now in place which is being led by Elaine Mead and Shirley Rodgers.
OOH Group: Current temporary contract with Wester Ross GPs will be formalised.
NHS H: The current GP contract is already a formal contract which is permanent. However, for flexibility on all sides, it is a rolling contract which does not therefore require formal annual review.
OOH Group: The proposals regarding introduction of a Community Advisory Committee.
NHS H: At the meeting we discussed the potential implementation of a Community Advisory Committee (CAC). I can confirm that a proposal for CAC implementation will be taken to the Mid Highland CHP Management Team shortly.
As discussed, the CAC is intended to provide a forum which will allow ongoing constructive engagement between the CHP/Locality and the community in respect of a range of service delivery considerations.
The Group has discussed the possibility of producing an Information Leaflet to explain clearly “How to use the OOH Medical Service”, which could be distributed throughout Wester Ross.
Calum Campbell, Area Service Manager with Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) attended the meeting on February 17th at which current local concerns including staffing levels and allocation, GPs’ availability to respond to Emergency Calls, shortage of local volunteers for Ambulance Car Service and the launch of the Torridon Medical Practice area First Responders Scheme were discussed.
The problem of single-manning is being addressed because SAS has received additional funding which has enabled it to employ additional staff in Gairloch, Lochcarron and Ullapool. It is also advertising again in order to meet any staffing shortfall.
The group has used opportunities for wider representation of the needs and challenges of very remote and rural areas.
A member of our group is now participating as a patient representative with the Scottish Centre for Telehealth (SCT) and attends meetings of NoSPG (North of Scotland Planning Group) whose members come from remote, rural and island Health Boards, NHS 24 and SAS The Group was invited to comment on the NoSPG Draft Standards paper.
At the meeting on March 13th the Group considered the potential of increased use of Telehealth, Telemedicine and Telecare. We look forward to the benefit from TeleHealth if Broadband infrastructure is in place in all areas of Wester Ross.
This Group has achieved, on behalf of the Wester Ross communities, an undertaking that the current OOH service will be maintained for the foreseeable future. However, members of the Group are of the opinion that there is a need to meet on a regular basis to monitor OOH and wider health service provision in Wester Ross.
It seeks the Wester Ross Community Councils’ support to carry forward this role and suggests that it is used to maintain the valuable contacts established with all health service providers.
March 26th, 2009
Could you contribute to improving health related services in the Highlands?
Highland HealthVOICES Network is a network of people throughout the Highlands who want to get involved in helping to improve health or wellbeing, including health and community care services.
The Garve and District Community Council would very much like to encourage someone from this area who felt they had some time to contribute to this group, and ideally also be able to attend our C.C. meetings.
The HHVN is NHS Highland's Public partnership Forum, which is a system to make sure as many voices as possible can speak to decision-makers about OUR LOCAL healthcare provision and get accurate and relevant information.
The degree of involvement is entirely up to you, whether it is just being kept informed, making phone calls or sending emails, or attending meetings - however you want to contribute or however much time you want to commit, HHVN (and our area) will be stronger with your support.
For more info and a registration form please contact Sue on:
Email - torriegorrie@tiscali.co.uk Or, phone 01997 414235.
Read more online at http://tinyurl.com/q4xhe3
The Garve and District Community Council would very much like to encourage someone from this area who felt they had some time to contribute to this group, and ideally also be able to attend our C.C. meetings.
The HHVN is NHS Highland's Public partnership Forum, which is a system to make sure as many voices as possible can speak to decision-makers about OUR LOCAL healthcare provision and get accurate and relevant information.
The degree of involvement is entirely up to you, whether it is just being kept informed, making phone calls or sending emails, or attending meetings - however you want to contribute or however much time you want to commit, HHVN (and our area) will be stronger with your support.
For more info and a registration form please contact Sue on:
Email - torriegorrie@tiscali.co.uk Or, phone 01997 414235.
Read more online at http://tinyurl.com/q4xhe3
Sea Eagle Debate: lambs now being monitored
The BBC Online www.bbc.co.uk reported the following on the 21 April:
The fortunes of 60 lambs are to be monitored from birth to weaning to help determine whether large numbers of livestock fall prey to sea eagles. Crofters on Skye and in Wester Ross have claimed the UK's biggest raptors feed on their stock.
Lambs on two holdings in Gairloch, Wester Ross, will be radio tagged and observed by field workers.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has appointed FERA (Food and Environment Research Agency) to do the study.
Each death will be mapped and the carcass traced and recovered to allow a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
SNH head of policy and advice, Ron Macdonald, said the investigation followed discussions with crofters, farmers and land managers. He added: "The project will deliver an unprecedented level of detail for mapping the extent and cause of lamb mortality in typical Highland conditions which, in turn, will provide an assessment of sea eagle impact.
"The study will also provide recommendations on the management of stock and sea eagles so as to reduce potential conflict."
Last year, crofters said four holdings on the Gairloch Peninsula lost more than 200 lambs between May and September and were adamant that the majority were victims of the sea eagle.
Willie Fraser, a local crofter and member of the project steering group, said of the new study: "The most important outcome for crofters will be to help minimise this problem in the area and ensure the continued viability of sheep rearing as an economic activity in the west Highlands."
The fortunes of 60 lambs are to be monitored from birth to weaning to help determine whether large numbers of livestock fall prey to sea eagles. Crofters on Skye and in Wester Ross have claimed the UK's biggest raptors feed on their stock.
Lambs on two holdings in Gairloch, Wester Ross, will be radio tagged and observed by field workers.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has appointed FERA (Food and Environment Research Agency) to do the study.
Each death will be mapped and the carcass traced and recovered to allow a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
SNH head of policy and advice, Ron Macdonald, said the investigation followed discussions with crofters, farmers and land managers. He added: "The project will deliver an unprecedented level of detail for mapping the extent and cause of lamb mortality in typical Highland conditions which, in turn, will provide an assessment of sea eagle impact.
"The study will also provide recommendations on the management of stock and sea eagles so as to reduce potential conflict."
Last year, crofters said four holdings on the Gairloch Peninsula lost more than 200 lambs between May and September and were adamant that the majority were victims of the sea eagle.
Willie Fraser, a local crofter and member of the project steering group, said of the new study: "The most important outcome for crofters will be to help minimise this problem in the area and ensure the continued viability of sheep rearing as an economic activity in the west Highlands."
Postbus Petition
A petition has been lodged on 10 Downing Street’s website calling for the government to fund routes that once linked remote and rural areas in Caithness, Sutherland and Wester Ross. The last day of operation for the five axed services, Diabeg-Achnasheen, Applecross-Torridon, Torridon-Strathcarron, Thurso-Tongue and Bettyhill-Thurso, was April 16.
Royal Mail said they had become too expensive to run and that it had been unable to gain increased subsidy payments to fund the buses.
Michael Nangle, who has posted the online petition, is now calling on Prime Minister Gordon Brown to personally intervene to restore the services.
The petition reads: “The Royal Mail has decided to withdraw five of the seven Highland postbuses that it operates. It states ‘financial unviability’ as the reason. The areas that the postbus serves are among the remotest and most fragile areas in the UK, and it is a vital service for the people living there. It also assists the mobility of tourists who visit the area each year.”
The petition adds: “Coming weeks after this government used billions of taxpayers’ money to save failing banks, we appeal to you to become personally involved in this issue.
“It wouldn't cost much in the grand scheme of things to save this important public service. We have every confidence that you will do the right thing.”
In the last financial year, the five postbuses cost a combined £12,871 to operate, but Royal Mail was seeking a subsidy of £35,300 to maintain the services in the present financial year.
People interested in backing Mr Nangle’s campaign have until October 17 to add their names to the petition at
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/PostBus
Above information courtesy of the Press and Journal
http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk
Royal Mail said they had become too expensive to run and that it had been unable to gain increased subsidy payments to fund the buses.
Michael Nangle, who has posted the online petition, is now calling on Prime Minister Gordon Brown to personally intervene to restore the services.
The petition reads: “The Royal Mail has decided to withdraw five of the seven Highland postbuses that it operates. It states ‘financial unviability’ as the reason. The areas that the postbus serves are among the remotest and most fragile areas in the UK, and it is a vital service for the people living there. It also assists the mobility of tourists who visit the area each year.”
The petition adds: “Coming weeks after this government used billions of taxpayers’ money to save failing banks, we appeal to you to become personally involved in this issue.
“It wouldn't cost much in the grand scheme of things to save this important public service. We have every confidence that you will do the right thing.”
In the last financial year, the five postbuses cost a combined £12,871 to operate, but Royal Mail was seeking a subsidy of £35,300 to maintain the services in the present financial year.
People interested in backing Mr Nangle’s campaign have until October 17 to add their names to the petition at
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/PostBus
Above information courtesy of the Press and Journal
http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk
Steam train returns
Return of the steam train through Garve and Achnasheen recently. Photography courtesy of Uisdean Menzies.
For more images go to:
http://www.alltan-dubh-photography.com
Thank you
Donald and Sandra Northwood would like to thank every one who offered help and assistance during our recent disaster, following the burst pipe in January. The builders have now left after three months of occupation, and we are slowly getting the house back to normal. Again our sincere thanks to everyone for their help and support.
Looking back...
As you can see from these photographs, from Mark Seligman, the memorial to the Ghillie, who was killed by the stag back in 1891, has now been uncovered thanks to some very hard graft. (Read the story at http://tinyurl.com/p77bzw )Very much overgrown, and almost forgotten, this memorial is a superb tribute from Sir Arthur Bignold to one of his employees. It is now cleared and fenced, standing proud once again.
I shall be having a look myself sometime this summer and will report back with more on the subject.Next issue, I shall be definitely make up for lost time in researching and writing further on the history of Strathbran and the surrounding area. My apologies to everyone (including Mark Seligman and his family) for this delay - I shall definitely be back on track next issue!
In the meantime, do take a look at the images I’ve found of the area online - copyright prevents me from using them here, but do have a look if you can, at:
http://tinyurl.com/o867pq
and
http://tinyurl.com/qzrl4x
Some were only taken a few years ago (1980’s). It’s amazing how the ‘landscape’ has changed in such a short time. Hope you enjoy browsing.
If you have any photographs or memories of times gone past do send them in.
Jackie
Otterly Mad Week
To create more awareness of otters and their conservation the IOSF are having an “Otterly Mad Week” and to draw attention to how important these animals are and how we can help them
The important week is: 30 May - 6 June
It is not long now until Otterly Mad Week and we hope you are going to take part. It promises to be a week of weird and wonderful ottery things and we would like to hear about what you will be doing.
The whole aim of the week is to draw people's attention to otters and help them to realise how important these wonderful animals are for our environment and biodiversity. We also want to raise funds to care for our otters here and also support projects abroad.
YOU are essential for the success of the week, so we are seeking your help.
What Otterly Mad things can you come up with to tell others about otters and raise funds for their conservation? How about a fancy dress barbecue? An otter treasure hunt linking all things ottery? A Space hopper race; an otterly fantastic disco; coffee mornings, or bag packing at your local supermarket; sponsored swims, walks, football, hops, bike rides. We’d love to see photos of your events and you can post them or email them (hi-resolution please) to us with details about what you did.
Why not get your friends, family, schools and clubs involved with you. We can provide downloadable sponsorship forms - just contact us if we can help to make your event go with a swing.
You can find out more at:
www.otter.org/OtterlyMadWeek.htm
LET'S MAKE OTTERLY MAD WEEK A WEEK TO REMEMBER!
Grace M Yoxon
IOSF - International Otter Survival
=========================
GET INVOLVED IN IOSF
IOSF is a global organisation working to conserve all 13 species of otter by helping to support scientists and other workers in practical conservation, education, research and rescue and rehabilitation.
Otters are special animals and we need special people to help.
Don’t underestimate what YOU can do – one person who cares enough can make a big difference. Even if you don’t have a lot of time or money there are little things you can do to contribute to protecting otters.
International Otter Survival Fund. 7, Black Park, Broadford, Isle of Skye, IV49 9DE.
T: 01471 822487
www.otter.org
=========================
Ed’s note:
if you’d like to find out more about otters and the work that Grace and Paul Yoxon carry out at the IOSF on Skye, come along to the Ledgowan Lodge Hotel on Wednesday, September 9th, at 7.30pm. Paul has agreed to take time out of his busy schedule to give us a talk about this beautiful and endangered creature.
Paul makes no charge for his talks, and the Ledgowan have kindly given their function room for the evening free of any charge, to support the IOSF. Plus there’s a special room rate for those attending the talk wishing to stay overnight on the 9th. (Call the hotel for details: 01445 720252)
Admission is by donation, and will go towards the upkeep of the baby otters which Paul and Grace are currently nurturing before release into the wild. Plus the hotel will be running a raffle on the evening to further raise funds for the IOSF.
Do come along - having attended Paul’s talks before, I can promise it will be a very interesting evening, to everyone who has an interest in otters, or would like to learn more…
Jackie
The Master Composter Programme
Did you know around half your normal wheelie bin could be composted at home, reducing the amount of rubbish sent to landfill? Think of all the plants you could grow with a lifetime’s supply of free compost! A good place to start is
www.wasteawarescotland.org.uk
where you can see the full range of cheap bins and accessories available.
Do you need support?
Ross-shire Waste Action Network (RoWAN) has a network of trained local volunteers ready to help with all your home composting questions. If you are just starting out, beginning to use your compost or simply want to check you are on the right track, local Master Composters are available to give free advice and support. We can attend community events, give presentations and lead workshops to provide you with all the information you need to compost at home successfully.
Do you want to get involved?
We are looking for more volunteers to promote home composting in and around Achnasheen and Garve. You will be fully trained in home composting techniques so you can use this knowledge to help and encourage others. You will be able to share your love of compost and get your expenses paid as well!
Are you interested?
For more details, please contact:
Katy Kitchingham
01349 867063
or mailto:master.composter@rowan.org.uk
www.rowanweb.org.uk
www.wasteawarescotland.org.uk
where you can see the full range of cheap bins and accessories available.
Do you need support?
Ross-shire Waste Action Network (RoWAN) has a network of trained local volunteers ready to help with all your home composting questions. If you are just starting out, beginning to use your compost or simply want to check you are on the right track, local Master Composters are available to give free advice and support. We can attend community events, give presentations and lead workshops to provide you with all the information you need to compost at home successfully.
Do you want to get involved?
We are looking for more volunteers to promote home composting in and around Achnasheen and Garve. You will be fully trained in home composting techniques so you can use this knowledge to help and encourage others. You will be able to share your love of compost and get your expenses paid as well!
Are you interested?
For more details, please contact:
Katy Kitchingham
01349 867063
or mailto:master.composter@rowan.org.uk
www.rowanweb.org.uk
In Brief
* When you go out walking in the country be “tick aware” and check yourself (and children) when you get home. Most insect repellents are good at keeping ticks off and wearing gaiters over your trousers is a good idea. Ticks should not be squeezed between fingers. Fine tweezers or a special tick tool, available from the vet, should be used.
* Highland Council’s Planning Department requirement of pre-planning applications is now in force. A period of three months is advised.
* An article in the Ross-shire Journal contrasts Monty Hall’s “Great Escape” in Applecross, complete with BBC film crew, with an account written by Margaret Leigh in her book “A Spade Among the Rushes” about crofting in the 1940’s. In those days, before mass communications, people supported each other on land and sea and enjoyed a certain harmony together.
* Owners of all vehicles (cars, vans, lorries, etc) are being reminded that they are liable for prosecution if drivers or passengers in their vehicles discard litter or deposit rubbish from them. Here’s a chance for major employers to get the “Keep Scotland Clean” message across and perhaps it will filter through to all road users.
* Three poorly equipped men were only found after Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team picked up a very brief mobile signal. The men were attempting a motor-bike trip to the summit of a 3,600ft mountain when they became lost in low cloud. The men were descending the highest Munro in the Fannichs and did not have waterproof clothing or a map. Fortunately they found shelter in and old bothy and were found after a nine hour night search.
* Scientists have estimated that as few as 400 pure wildcats remain in the Highlands. Steve Piper, the light behind the new Scottish Wildcat Association (SWA) confirmed the official registration of the charity. Wild cats have been resident in Britain for at least two million years. More recently they have fallen foul of human persecution, urban development and, increasingly, hybridisation with domestic feral cats. Plus, a campaign is in place in partnership with other charities, including Advocates for Animals, Scottish Badgers and the International Otter Survival Fund, to ban snares in Scotland.
* In April, this year, a wind farm, generating enough electricity to power 3,000 homes, will start operation on a site near Wick. The supplier, REpower UK, has been contracted to supply 72 wind turbines to the Northern Highlands by 2010. Four projects, worth £141m to REpower UK, include three contracts for Scottish and Southern Energy. They are planning wind farms near Lairg, Brora and Marybank.
* A Dingwall based safety officer issues an appeal to “the small minority of bikers who seem to think that speed limits do not apply to them.” The remarks were made in the anticipation of roads becoming busier in the months ahead. Mobile camera units, with 360 degree vision, are designed to identify motor cycle offenders. The aim is to reduce the number of people killed and injured on our roads and all bike-riders are urged to “consider the implications of speeding.”
* A pilot scheme, starting in Glasgow this August, will be extended throughout Scotland if it helps tackle the poor dietary habits around the country. Pupils heading to the chip shop at lunch time will be reported to their parents. The only exceptions would be children whose parents request by letter, that their child be allowed home for lunch!
Pam Morrison
* Highland Council’s Planning Department requirement of pre-planning applications is now in force. A period of three months is advised.
* An article in the Ross-shire Journal contrasts Monty Hall’s “Great Escape” in Applecross, complete with BBC film crew, with an account written by Margaret Leigh in her book “A Spade Among the Rushes” about crofting in the 1940’s. In those days, before mass communications, people supported each other on land and sea and enjoyed a certain harmony together.
* Owners of all vehicles (cars, vans, lorries, etc) are being reminded that they are liable for prosecution if drivers or passengers in their vehicles discard litter or deposit rubbish from them. Here’s a chance for major employers to get the “Keep Scotland Clean” message across and perhaps it will filter through to all road users.
* Three poorly equipped men were only found after Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team picked up a very brief mobile signal. The men were attempting a motor-bike trip to the summit of a 3,600ft mountain when they became lost in low cloud. The men were descending the highest Munro in the Fannichs and did not have waterproof clothing or a map. Fortunately they found shelter in and old bothy and were found after a nine hour night search.
* Scientists have estimated that as few as 400 pure wildcats remain in the Highlands. Steve Piper, the light behind the new Scottish Wildcat Association (SWA) confirmed the official registration of the charity. Wild cats have been resident in Britain for at least two million years. More recently they have fallen foul of human persecution, urban development and, increasingly, hybridisation with domestic feral cats. Plus, a campaign is in place in partnership with other charities, including Advocates for Animals, Scottish Badgers and the International Otter Survival Fund, to ban snares in Scotland.
* In April, this year, a wind farm, generating enough electricity to power 3,000 homes, will start operation on a site near Wick. The supplier, REpower UK, has been contracted to supply 72 wind turbines to the Northern Highlands by 2010. Four projects, worth £141m to REpower UK, include three contracts for Scottish and Southern Energy. They are planning wind farms near Lairg, Brora and Marybank.
* A Dingwall based safety officer issues an appeal to “the small minority of bikers who seem to think that speed limits do not apply to them.” The remarks were made in the anticipation of roads becoming busier in the months ahead. Mobile camera units, with 360 degree vision, are designed to identify motor cycle offenders. The aim is to reduce the number of people killed and injured on our roads and all bike-riders are urged to “consider the implications of speeding.”
* A pilot scheme, starting in Glasgow this August, will be extended throughout Scotland if it helps tackle the poor dietary habits around the country. Pupils heading to the chip shop at lunch time will be reported to their parents. The only exceptions would be children whose parents request by letter, that their child be allowed home for lunch!
Pam Morrison
Talk on Low Flying Aircraft - June 9 POSTPONED
Squadron Leader John Gilbert will be giving a talk on the 9 June, at 7.30pm, in Garve village hall. Come along and learn more about the low flying exercises.
Website timetable for May at
http://tinyurl.com/qwbmhk
Main website
http://tinyurl.com/ofu9yh
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED - NEW DATE TO BE CONFIRMED FOR LATER IN THE YEAR.
Website timetable for May at
http://tinyurl.com/qwbmhk
Main website
http://tinyurl.com/ofu9yh
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED - NEW DATE TO BE CONFIRMED FOR LATER IN THE YEAR.
Recognise anyone?
Around 30 years ago this photograph was taken in Garve.Recognise anyone?
We’d like to hear from you if you do - or are you one of the youngsters enjoying this festive get-together?
PLEASE SPONSOR US!
AA needs you now...
We are both running the Skye Half Marathon (together, that’s a complete marathon!) on June 13th to raise money for Achnasheen Amenities.
As you all know, AA pays towards the upkeep and facilities in the Community Hall (there’s more and more going on there) and contributes to the fund and activities for Senior Citizens. Both great causes.
We are each running about 13 miles, and together its 26. Please help us to raise as much money as we can. You can sponsor us in a number of ways. Look out for the sponsorship form in the Post Office. Or sign up when we come round with our sponsorship forms.
Or simply give us a ring (01445 720 348) to pledge an amount.
Thank you in advance!
Steve Jones and Moira Harris
Fionn Cottage, Achnasheen
PS: You will know we have completed it when you see us hobbling around the village the following day.
We are both running the Skye Half Marathon (together, that’s a complete marathon!) on June 13th to raise money for Achnasheen Amenities.
As you all know, AA pays towards the upkeep and facilities in the Community Hall (there’s more and more going on there) and contributes to the fund and activities for Senior Citizens. Both great causes.
We are each running about 13 miles, and together its 26. Please help us to raise as much money as we can. You can sponsor us in a number of ways. Look out for the sponsorship form in the Post Office. Or sign up when we come round with our sponsorship forms.
Or simply give us a ring (01445 720 348) to pledge an amount.
Thank you in advance!
Steve Jones and Moira Harris
Fionn Cottage, Achnasheen
PS: You will know we have completed it when you see us hobbling around the village the following day.
Wee sleekit, cowrin, tim'rous beastie
Congratulations to Susan Plowman who recently received a commission from the Belladrum Estate for this piece (pictured) which will be the prize for a Treasure Hunt organised by the Belladrum Tartan Festival. The piece will be made up in 18ct white and yellow gold with a mixture of cognac, champagne, pink and white diamonds with a black diamond for the mouse's eye. The piece will be a brooch which can also be worn as a pendant or displayed as an ornament on its wooden stand.Jim Gilchrist, in The Scotsman, reported this unique ’treasure’ as follows: “Back in the 1970s, an extraordinary children's book sparked off an extraordinary phenomenon – not to mention a controversy. The English artist and children's writer Kit Williams was commissioned by his publisher, Jonathan Cape, to create a unique book, Masquerade, its beautifully detailed paintings concerning the adventures of a hare.
At the same time, Williams fashioned an 18-carat-gold and bejewelled hare on a filigree pendant, which he sealed within a ceramic casket and buried – witnessed by the TV presenter Bamber Gascoigne – in a secret location "somewhere in the UK".
The clues for finding this exquisite creation were concealed within the Masquerade book's beautifully painted illustrations and resulted in amateur treasure hunters energetically digging up suspect plots of ground, public or private, across the country.
Now Joe Gibbs, organiser of the Belladrum Tartan Heart festival – which cuts loose on his estate near Beauly in August – and a long-time admirer of the Masquerade concept, is launching a new treasure hunt, Bequest, in association with his festival and The Scotsman.
This treasure hunt celebrates the current Year of Homecoming with a suitably bardic theme, with its clues concealed in "newly discovered" letters attributed to Robert Burns that put a dramatic new twist on his famous correspondence with Agnes "Clarinda" McLehose. The prize – buried in a ceramic container to foil unscrupulous wielders of metal detectors – will reflect one of Burns's most famous poems, taking the form of a beautifully crafted gold and diamond-studded mouse.
The clues to finding the mouse will be contained in the letters, and also in a key painting, all of which will be gradually revealed on the treasure-hunt website www.burnsbequest.co.uk with the last instalments announced at the Belladrum festival on 7-8 August, and published in The Scotsman the following Monday.”
http://www.studiojewellery.com
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