Fòram Gàidhlig Inbhir Narann

A site for information on all matters concerning Gàidhlig in Nairn:
Fòram Gàidhlig Inbhir Narann

Yes this blog is dead but...

I know people are still coming here and I must just inform you about this little blog from our town...

Simply Superb Swans

Other possibilities too in the entry below this and don't forget Bill's Comments
Bill sometimes mentions local events.

Not reconsidering: why not try Joe's or Iright' s new (early christmas present).

Yeah 'A gurn from Nurn' is history but just in case something happens elsewhere bookmark

'The Gurn from Nurn'

Thanks for the comments and e-mails received. Thanks but not changing my mind. If someone wants to start another blog somewhere with a similar title that wouldn't bother me. Blogging isn't rocket science and it is worth a go. If you are missing pics of Nairn with an environmental message there just happens to be a new kid on the block today who is well worth a bookmark.

Joe's Dog & Bird Blog. Tell the world!

And another must is Joe's new improved blog

Of course I hear Iright has had an early Christmas present, I wonder if he will like it or as with many unwanted gifts these days it will be passed on to someone else?

Oh a final, final word. The Sequoia is safe - unless the developers appeal but they got a big knock-back today and not one coucillor supported them! A great piece of news to really shut down with!

Sibn agad e bhuamsa gu bràth siorraidh ann an sheo.
Math bruidhinn ruibh, Tìoraidh

Gurn closing down today

Regrettably, inspiration and commitment to keep this blog going have been evaporating in equal measure over the past few weeks. This blogmeister wishes to concentrate activities in the Gàidhlig blogosphere and so selfishly is not adding any more entries to the Gurn. It would be a bit of a shame to continue in a half-hearted way. It has been an interesting experiment and thanks to the contributors and regulars. This blog will remain as a sort of snapshot reference point (complete with search engine in the sidebar) for as long as Blogspot are prepared to let it stay there.
Thanks everyone, cheers.

Football rubbish but everyone chills out in spite of that

Well after buying new players and an optimistic pre-season warm-up Nairn County Football Club are bottom of the League (apart from Fort William who nominally take the bottom spot as an historical right), this comes on top of the first-round exit from the Qualifying cup. The question must be asked: is there anyone in Nairn that still thinks Neil Fridge was the right man for the manager’s job?
Despite Nairn County slipping back to a position last occupied about 5 years ago the weather was excellent this weekend and locals and visitors alike made the most of it. Both beaches were a very laid back scene as citizens bathed in the waters and absorbed the heat. Some hard-core dog owners exercised their pets in the banned area too – good for you citizens, if more people had ignored the stupid ban in the first place dog owners in this town would never have been discriminated against!

Long waiting list for allotments but society formed

The Nairn Allotment Society was formed last night to fight for the retention of allotments in Nairnshire. Obviously that is the first and urgent aim of the society and a very capable committee with a mixture of useful skills is to get down to work with the help of national organisations. It was excellent to feel the community spirit among the allotment holders, folk that all know each other but had never had the occasion to be in the same room together before. If there is an agenda behind the allotments being included in the planning ‘boundary’ other than a simple mistake then the Highland Council will have a major fight on its hand: not only are the allotment holders themselves now organised but there were many folk at the meeting that are on the waiting list. One of the long-term aims of the society will be to campaign for more allotments. There are 18 people on the existing waiting list and apparently the council are not allowing new names onto that list. So there could be upwards of 30-40 people who would take an allotment if one were available. There are two plots vacant at the moment; one of them has been empty for two years. Why haven’t they been offered to people on the waiting list?

With 18 officially waiting, the size of the allotments could be doubled overnight and why not? The Highland Council should listen to what people in this area want for a change. If the new ‘do-it-yourself’ bypass goes ahead there will be plenty of land around Nairn for development and this will reduce the need for so much of the proposed development on the Sandown Lands. An ideal chance to open up another 20-30 allotments that will be needed as the town grows.

Allotment holders dig in?

Uncertaintly of where the red line is drawn on the map over Sandown developments have motivated allotment holders on the Sandown lands to organise themselves. They are to form an organisation to protect their interests. Here are the details if anyone is interested.

Sandown Allotment Holders Association
Inaugral meeting on Wed 31st August at 7.30 in Nairn Community Centre.

Those waiting to be allocated an allotment are also welcome.

Oor Danny and a small matter of £2,500

The things you find out on the web are just amazing: who would believe it but allegedly and this is allegedly at the moment:

‘Labour peer Lord Haskins handed £2,500 to a Liberal Democrat candidate to fight the general election, it has been claimed.

Danny Alexander, now MP for Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber, received the money from his friend whom he had known through his work for pressure group Britain in Europe.’

Not just a small donation either but a massive £2,500 according to this article. As an ordinary citizen this blogmeister is shocked but my feelings are nothing as compared to the hurt that must be felt by the former MP David Stewart who was so cruelly (but some feel justifiably named), ‘Davie Useless’.

‘Jim Gray, agent for the defeated Labour candidate David Stewart, said he was "horrified" at the news and demanded a probe into the donation.’

Well Danny if that is how it is it will be another blow in people’s faith in democracy I’m afraid, lots of people feel that all politicians are the same and this will only help to confirm their fears. I hope this story is untrue. Why not give an exclusive to the Gurn about your friends in high places?

Thanks to the ever alert iright who first heard about this on Beeb Scotland

Alternative view of the games

Iright takes a year off.

Nairn Games 2005: the opening parade

More pics soon, hopefully:-) it was a great day, first class with 14 pipe bands leading the parade and marching back into the town centre after the games. Blue skies all the way!

Thai Tree Lessons?

Dozatrots writes for the Gurn:

Nairnites should really take an interest in the planning application affecting the future of the trees at Rhuallen Policies. Follow the example of the Thai people of Ko Phi Phi Don who have the opposite scenario Nine months after the Tsunami, Ko Phi Phi Don and their coconut trees are still waiting with wearing patience to hear of official redevelopment plans for the area flattened on December 26th. Ko Phi Phi was put on the “map” in 1998 when it was discovered as a holiday paradise after its neighbour Ko Phi Phi Lei provided the dramatic location for the film “the Beach” (which is crap by the way). The Tsunami wave struck both sides of a narrow strip of densely built land meeting in the middle with horrific results. Over 800 died and over 1300 are still missing (presumed dead). The Thai government declined any aid for the island’s repair and reconstruction, rumours are rife amongst the locals about official “yet to be made public” plans for redevelopment of the destroyed area, the hospital remains unconnected to mains electricity and water, families can’t return as the school hasn’t been repaired…and so it goes on. But they don’t gurn too much; they just want the tourists to come back - so they can get on rebuilding their shattered lives. Many businesses have reopened and much of the island is still stunning and untouched by the Tsunami. I went there for a day and stayed a week. So when you’re fed up of gurning, book a holiday to Ko Phi Phi – it will solve your blues, get you a suntan and provided much needed “on the spot” Tsunami relief. But in the meantime, check out those plans at Rhuallan Policies!

Ko Phi Phi Don’s hospital – just a few meters from the shoreline on the side which was hit by the lower of the two Tsunami waves. They still don’t have power or water, but the doctor returned in May. And some trees have been replanted (in the foreground).

New posts: for the time being they will appear below the 'Trees in danger' post

Mature trees in danger at Rhuallan Policies: time for public debate?

Not many people pay much attention to local planning applications and perhaps glance at the advertisements in the Nairnshire, however, there is one planning application that can be seen in the High Street planning office that is worthy of serious inspection. It seems that up to twenty mature trees could be felled to make way for two houses at Rhuallan Policies on the western side of town near the Cawdor Road. The species in danger include, Scots Pine, Beech, Douglas Fir, Lime and a Sequoia Wellingtonia of a height of 25 metres.

With the pressure on Nairn for housing space it is inevitable that this type of situation will arise but it is by today’s actions that our society will be judged. This is not to say no more houses, never, that would be a stupid attitude but this is about what type of sky-line we bequeath to future generations in this town. It has come to this blog’s attention that as far as the Sequoia is concerned one expert is of the opinion that:
‘according to the Tree Register of the British Isles there is no precedent of a measured large specimen of this species being felled to provide a building site.’ Nairn could be bestowed with a very dubious honour indeed if the felling goes ahead.

This blogmeister is no tree expert but is aware that Sequoias first came to the UK in the 1860’s and outside of their natural environment in the Pacific North West the Scottish climate is as close to their homeland as you can get: thus the potential for a lot more growth exists in the specimen at Rhuallan. Imagine the gratitude of citizens a hundred years from now gazing up at the Sequoia and praising the wisdom of their forbearers.

It may be that two houses can be built in this plot without felling the mature trees, no doubt the council can seek the views of their experts on that one but the views of the public should be heard too. If you don’t think that mature trees should be felled please go and look at the plans and raise an objection to the application if you feel so inclined. Please pass this information on to any friends or colleagues who would feel inclined to involve themselves in the debate about what kind of environment we leave for future generations in Nairn. If you care, it is worth getting involved, this time anyway.

Do it yourself By-Pass

An interesting story in the Press and Journal today:

A group of landowners has come up with a planning idea to boost the Nairn economy and solve the town’s worsening traffic congestion.
The consortium is in its infancy but an unidentified spokesman said yesterday: “We have held a meeting with Highland Council planners to outline our intentions.
Between us, we will make available land which will resolve the by-pass road issue and release land for much-needed new housing.”

Looks like the council is going to get everything gift-wrapped for them, why not let the landowners go the whole way and make it a toll-road? 50p each way? In fact I’d say give them a go at running the council? Well maybe things aren’t that bad yet.

What is even just as interesting is the fact that in searching for comment on this story the P&J quoted Simon Cole-Hamilton, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce. Obviously the P&J thinks we are part of Inverness, all that remains now is the ‘Fàilte gu Inbhir Nis’ sign to go up the other side of Auldearn.

DIY is flavour of the month, the Highland Council is again looking to Nairn River Community Council to come up with the cash to kick start the repair of the bailey bridge. Life on the community council is becoming stressful these days: the Chair Jean Tolmie told the Nairnshire this week that ‘she felt as though she had been beaten over the head with a big stick by Highland Council.’

Further along the coast in the Greater Inverness area, the ‘Green Campaigner’ Donnie MacLeod (Arderdsier) suggests that the new developments should use ‘revolutionary thinking’.
‘We could actually be quite innovative in terms of what infrastructure would be required, such as monorail links from Whiteness Head through Arderseir, up into the new town and up through Culloden.’
Sin thu fhèin Donnie, how about a branch line out to poor old neglected Nairn too; then you could jump on it with a step ladder and a sharp knife and take down the Green Party sign that is still adorning the High Street from the time of the General Election.

Blog contributor Doza Trots manages to escape from Kabul

Blog contributor Doza Trots manages to escape from Kabul and takes time off to visit family in Singapore

Feeding the ducks

Some of the regulars with the ducks. There was a bit of a disaster yesterday when a West Highland Terrier bit a young duck, it didn’t last the rest of the day and the champion pair that started with 17 young ones only have 13 now. 13 however is a great success compared with some other broods and the young ones are a good size now.
Earlier in the summer the swans lost a young one too, it took ill and very quickly declined but with six remaining, they too have an above average number of young.
With the ducks and the swans and the salmon to watch in the water this part of the river is becoming very popular with locals and visitors alike.

Traffic levels increasing weekly

Is traffic on the A96 that much nearer to saturation point? Flows through the town seem to build up around 8am and continue well into the evening, sometimes queues build up and become very slow moving. Has anyone else noticed increases in the number of vehicles on the A96 this summer.

Showie time

The grass is turning yellow on the links as it usually does at this time of the year. The first few showie lorries turned up at the weekend and no time has been wasted in starting to erect the rides. Lots of young loons are looking forward to the fun and have been seen checking the links out. Excitement is building as the young and young at heart count up all the pennies they have been saving one final time. (thanks to iright for keeping an eye on the tourists)

Just a caber toss, or a Stones' throw away from the showies, Fraser has been looking after the wickets again, combating the effects of the dry weather. It isn’t unusual to see a massive downpour during games week, even possible on Games Day itself (Saturday) but more often on a Friday night and dampening down the atmosphere and the candy flos. If things go according to form it won’t be long before the salmon waiting at the sewerage bridge and just outside the harbour mouth get a drop of water to entice them further up the river.

The Press and Journal joins the lowest of the low

This blogmeister thought it would be business as usual as he headed up to RsMcColl’s to buy the P&J and read the usual ‘excuse’ to the press for NCFC throwing the game away on Saturday but outrage was to ensue at the front page banner headline:
‘Cook’s widow ‘hysterical’ as she gave the kiss of life’. The P&J had printed an account of the 49 minute call to the emergency ambulance centre with information from a certain Heather MacKintosh (complete with Mrs Mackintosh’s picture) on how she tried to help the ‘very distressed’ Gaynor Cook.

'He was very calm but she was quite hysterical. She was crying and it was very difficult because she asked where he was going to be taken.' Oh poor Mrs Mackintosh, it was very difficult for you.
Well it can’t be fun to watch life ebb away from your loved one at the best of times, especially on top of a remote mountain, and if you happen to be hysterical then you are only being human. It can only compound this woman’s suffering that her conversations with the emergency service and her state of mind during her husband’s death have been made public: is this normal? Shouldn’t this type of thing remain private unless the information is needed to be exposed in a court case or similar arena?
It is perhaps interesting to know that there was a 49 minute call made from the hill and efforts were made to help Mr Cook’s party but why do we have to me made into voyeurs with this sort of information? I hope when Mrs Cook starts to recover from the immediate shock of the death of her husband she considers with lawyers the information revealed by Mrs Heather MacKintosh and her organisation.
Surely we should be safe in the knowledge that if we have to phone the emergency services in a tragedy then intimate details of the conversations will not be revealed to the press the following Monday morning?

Lochaber still to be dumped on: more emerges...

There is an excellent article on the Sunday Herald site today.

Commercial director Anthony Delow told the Sunday Herald that the plant would require around 120 workers, most of them engaged in labouring work, but that total could rise to between 300 and 400 in the “medium term”.
“This is major stuff,” he said . “The proposal is for about 600 tonnes per day coming in by sea from Glasgow and the surrounding area.

By sea eh, well could be coming from anywhere then. The sky's the limit?

Local councillor Bill Clark has plans of his own for the lochside site, including a supermarket, affordable housing, leisure facilities and a marina.
He said: “With this [proposal] you’re talking about 210,000 tonnes of waste, which could include sewage sludge and animal waste. You’re taking other people’s problems and putting them on your doorstep.
“I am incredulous that the outdoor capital of the UK could end up with this kind of plant in its midst.”

The plant will produce lots of ethanol according to the proponents but if it is so wonderful why is it to be put in the Highlands? Shouldn't it be somewhere in the central belt to reduce the distances travelled or is it safer to have it up north like Dounreay?

The 'Dead Wood Media' time for bloggers to get serious?

Let's get intae em!

A blog a second

It seems a blog is created every second. It is still a marvellous day in Nairn and even with a few hours cycling in the Culbin this blogmeister managed to add two more to the total. More pictures of Nairn here (Gàidhlig text I'm afraid) and another here (yes in Gàidhlig too).

Fish waiting to run

Not much sunshine for a day or two now and a little rain came today, rain which was very welcome in the gardens. The dozens of salmon waiting in the pool by the sewerage bridge have become an additonal tourist attaraction for the town, even a few eels are getting in on the act by helping themselves to sea-lice from the fish. This year's crop of ducks eat pieces of bread and even chips and the swans are never far away. The long summer days are shortening a little but its still the holiday season and many visitors are roaming the town.

You even have to sign on in Inverness!

Further proof of Nairn’s relentless slide into oblivion as an administration entity in its own right comes with the news that the Job Centre will close in September: you will have to get on your bike and sign on in Inverness. I hope punters that have to sign on will get their bus/train fare or expenses back. In this modern age where lots of us can look on-line for work or even in the local paper then, yes, the role of jobcentres is perhaps going out of the window and a lot of people are of the opinion that there were never many decent jobs advertised in the Nairn one anyway but that is beside the point. Instead of everyone on the dole having to go to Inverness, couldn’t someone from Inverness come here once a fortnight just to collect signatures? It would save even more people clogging the A96 up for demoralising journeys.
I didn’t see it in anybody’s manifesto that the job centre would close, perhaps Unemployment Benefit itself will go next. Who knows what other treats New Labour have in the pipe-line for us, perhaps a few more wars are planned to make use of the unemployed?

Legion rumours

A rumour is spreading around Nairn this weekend that the Royal British Legion Club is to close. Surely no truth in that at all?

Nairnshire still in line to be dismantled.

The Boundary Commission seem determined to push ahead and cut off Cawdor from Nairnshire and throw that area in with Smithton, Balloch, Culloden and Ardersier. Effectively this will be the end of the historic unit that made up Nairnshire. Provost Sandy Park is quoted in the press as saying, ‘It’s now up to the public to stand up and be counted.’ It will be interesting to see however if there is the stomach to put up a fight. A lot of people have moved into the Nairn and Cawdor areas in recent years and they might not be so willing to defend a Nairnshire identity and perhaps look towards Inverness for their employment, pleasure and shopping activities. This could be the tipping point where if no one puts up a struggle, then Nairn gets swallowed up once and for all in the new Inverness mega-city consciousness.

Cawdor Post Office and Village Stores - Changing boundaries soon?

Inverness city centre shops closing.

Anguished sounds from Inverness as more shops close due to the alleged effect of the ‘out of town’ super stores. I doubt if many in Nairn and other small communities in the area will be too concerned for them. It’s all coming home to roost now, not too many in Inverness spared a thought for how the ‘Golden Mile’ and other super stores would change the economies of the small towns for ever, now we are supposed to be concerned as the same thing happens to the very centre of Inverness itself.

Fundraiser to start tour at Station Park

An exiled Wrexham fan from Inverness is about to attempt to visit every footbal ground in Britain to raise money for a charity called Ataxia UK. ( In 1993 he was diagnosed with a progressive, genetic disease known as Friedreich's Ataxia, which has confined him to a wheelchair) His tour will start at the Wee County's friendly with Forfar at Staiton Park on July 23rd. For more information visit Tartan Red on Tour

Public transport too costly?

This blogmeister had occasion to travel on a Citylink bus from Edinburgh to Inverness on Saturday; just walking into the bus station in the capital 35 minutes before departure and purchasing a single ticket for £4.00. Not a bad price considering the distance. On arriving at Inverness I had to only wait 5 minutes for a bus to Nairn but that was to cost £3.50 or a single to travel the remaining 16 miles or so of the journey.

I realise there are issues of competition etc on the route to Edinburgh but does the comparison in price and distance show that there is some room to cut the price of bus journeys between Nairn and Inverness?

River Rage?

iright reports: River rage

The hot weather has seen scores of young people take part in the time honored tradition of jumping in the river Nairn. Generations of Nairnites have enjoyed cooling off in the tranquil waters, however past youngsters would have found the river deeper than it is now. Favourite spot for this activity is the east pier. Here lies the problem, for the east side of the river is also the deeper water for leisure boats coming into and leaving the harbor. A 'sport' for some of the young loons is to swim out to passing boats. Skippers and captains are rightly concerned for safety, as beneath each vessel is a moving propellor. Not sure as to what the answer is. All have a right to use the river, adult supervision would take away the fun but no-one wants to see an accident happen.

Impending chaos?

The new tarmac on the west end of the A96 in Nairn has had a visit from the pre-road marking gang, so expect gridlock any day now when they come to paint permanent markings on this stretch of road

On our way to winter now

Solstice finishes, the wheel has turned ha! ha! Do you get the feeling that the best is still to come this year.

Queen Mary II

Iright witnessed it:

'Hundreds of folk congregated on the bankie and at the harbour to watch the liner Queen Mary II leave the Firth after a stop at Invergordon yesterday evening. Local boats also made the journey across the Firth although one airborne photographer said he was horrified that some folk had crossed the Firth from Nairn on jet skies. Guess it makes a change from them going round in circles off the beach! I think most folk enjoyed the pleasant evening weather and the chance to see the ship. '

Bill took a pic and it can be seen on his blog.

Work to rule over

Services return to normal at the cleansing department as an agreement is reached between the operatives and Highland Council. A new contract would have meant many local council workers losing out heavily in their wage packets.

Pssst want to buy a 'Snapdragon 26 Sailing Boat'

Local boat for sale so it seems. Seller states: 'Will arrange for local pickup only (no postage).'

A dull day so still inside, went surfing again and landed on Chicken Yoghurt. A usual stream of thought-provoking material was to be found such as.

'New Labour were re-elected with a majority of 67 by 22% of the electorate.' and 'The government demonstrably hates the public and the public don't care. New Labour have learnt that it can ride out any scandal of any magnitude by simply waiting for the press and public's attention spans to elapse.' is another of CY's many takes on life as it continues under Blair. Well worth a visit.

More Rubbish

Iright's box is brimming over:

'For the 2nd collection week in a row, our paper and tin box has not been emptied. Not just us but neighbours as well. Maybe it was the cardboard I once put in? Our new recycling centre at Park Quarry will hopefully open soon, and then I can drive the few miles with my paper and tin box myself. Looks to me though as it could be a potential traffic hazard. Entering the new depot coming from Nairn is not too bad, left turn then a downward gradient, but returning to Nairn from the depot means a right turn with a limited view to the left, for there is a sharp bend. If you are none too quick or are pulling a trailer better beware. But maybe our council will spot this and curb the 60 m.p.h. on this section of road. The quarry could prove an excellent point for the new supermarket with the added bonus that we could dump our rubbish at the same time as shopping – two journeys for the price of one. How green can you get?'

The Gurn has heard that industrial action is taking place Iright and a good old-fashioned 'work to rule' is taking place. Nothing like a bit of the old-time religion, is there?

A good read

I usually have a look at the new entries coming onto the Scottish Blogs list and one of the latest is well worth a look: Maidenkirk to John o' Groats.

Fortress Nairn

Iright reports:

'Never mind the G8 summit, I have tried to make my home impregnable to the host of right wing, late night, sales, cloaked by 1471, nuisance telecommunications callers and have to admit defeat. At present it is not illegal to dial a random phone number, state to the caller ‘you have won a prize, call me back on xxx number’. Should you call back you may get charged several pounds a minute and you might also win a plastic bracelet rather than the promised world cruise. No laws broken in the UK at present. Should you too be scunnered with such callers complain to: 0800 500 212 (free call business hours) Or log onto:

www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk

And return the .PDF form If you have won the cruise I suggest you send the Gurn a postcard

P.S. Understand Queen Elizabeth may be seen off Nairn this weekend on her way to Invergordon (this is the boat not the woman herself (as far as I know))'

It’s Rubbish in Afghanistan

Doza Trots with another gurn from Kabul:
"Next time you pass a quiet lay-by full of discarded fridges and carpets, don't just gurn to the council. Spare a thought for all Afghans. They have their own semi-permanent living countrywide military museum providing aid workers with interesting picture opportunities and local children with huge themed adventure playgrounds. You should also marvel at Afghans ingenuity in recycling - tank tracks for speed bumps, gun barrels for guttering and shell cases for roofing, to name but a few."

Pie eyed and saltless

Iright informs fellow citizens that: Nairns latest pie shop opens on Saturday 18th June (9.00 am case be you want to start a queue the night before). The Pie Shop has 22 varieties, pies made on premises and claiming to have healthy options, low fat, no salt

A Gurn from Kabul:

Nairnite and UN worker ‘Dosza Trots’ writes for the Gurn:
'Reading about the housing issue engulfing Auldearn, the lack of consensus sought from the residents, and the pictures of the tented social alternatives proposed, I was prompted to share with you the life of the nomadic Kuchi tribes of Afghanistan. Caught in a medieval time warp, during the summer months they still roam the mountains and plains with their colourful clothing, sheep herds and camel trains for transport. They pitch their tents where the grass is greenest and their children have real tanks and landmines to play "soi-ders" with. Sights I never thought I would see when sitting in Mr Leslie's georgraphy class. I am sure the Kuchi's would love to share with you their frustrations when it comes to lack of consensus. They simply get moved on. I will watch with interest to see how things develop in Auldearn. Do they still serve nice Sunday lunches at the Lion Hotel?" Dosza Trots, UN worker, Kabul'

Hypocrisy and double standards of the 'media'

Nurngirl has a complaint:

Are the latest batch of articles which have appeared and multiplied in the ‘media’ regarding the murder which took place in Nairn last year yet another example of the ‘media’ creating a ‘news’ item. Most of these articles express righteous indignation about the plans of an artist to create a picture from a scene which was photographed outside the house and the impact that this will have on the family. Surely the ‘media’ are as guilty of causing ‘anguish and torment’ as the artist concerned especially when many of them reproduce the image that he enquired about? They have members of the police force making comments to this ‘story’, and also appear to have approached members of the family for comments.

By running with this ‘story’ they have created ‘news’ which adds nothing to the case being solved and must continue to cause the very ‘distress’ which they accuse the artist of doing to the family. My gurn is not to highlight what the artist involved was going to do with the image but to highlight the hypocrisy and double standards of the ‘media’.

Protecting the Scottish Countryside

A subject well out of Nairnshire but appearing in the P&J letters column today is a fine piece scripted by a certain Tony Taylor of Stonehaven. He gives his impressions of driving past Auchterarder and Gleneagles just now. Miles and miles of double security fences it seems with guard posts and watch towers, cameras etc, etc.
Tony says:
I don’t know how much this is costing but we, the general public, can take comfort from the fact that the police and the army are doing all they can to contain these dangerous people, and prevent them from escaping into the Scottish Countryside.

Congratulations to the Provost

The Gurn has heard a hot rumour that it is now Provost and Mrs Provost. Congratulations and all the best for the future, Mr & Mrs Provost.

More dissent in Auldearn

A resident in the village of Auldearn told me that there was a lively public meeting this week with lots of folk expressing their concern about the consultation process and planning issues. He told me that most people feel that the proposed development is too big for the village and several residents feel like carrying their concerns further. No doubt the Nairnshire will have a bit of info on this one. There could be a bit of a battle to come here too.

Mega-City resistance movement begins?

Quoting the Inverness Courier here citizens but it seems that those involved in local democracy just off the A96 down at Ardersier feel that something is amiss with the plans for an instant 10,000 new community between them and the existing traffic jams.
‘Ardersier and Petty Community Council claims a consultation exercise failed to mention any prospect of a new community of up to 10,000 residents between Tornagrain and Drumine and instead focused on expanding existing settlements.’
You get the drift of their concerns with that wee paragraph. The Invernessian dead wood bi-weekly goes on to quote Community Councillor Jim Brennan:
‘This process is very, very, wrong and should stop now until proper public consultation can be carried out.’
Just can’t help feeling that in this day and age consultation is becoming more and more of a dirty word. Anyone out there think that you get consultation and then you get what the authorities want?
Another interesting point was made deeper in the depths of the Courier, Ruairidh Macilleathain wrote in his Gàidhlig column:
‘Tha an talamh anns an sgìre sin gu math torrach agus nach bu choir dhuinn a bhith a’ togail thaighean far nach cailleamaid a leithid de dh’ fhearann? No nach eil torrachas an fhearainn a’ cunntadh airson mòran nuair a thig e don airgead mhòr a tha an lùib taigheadas?’
Translation:The land in that district is very fertile and shouldn't we be building houses where we would lose such land? Or isn’t the fertility of land counting for much when it comes to the big money that is involved with housing?

Danny Alexander MP a busy young loon.

Our new MP has been asking questions, seems while Gaelic television receives £8.5 million each year, the Welshequivalentt gets a mere £92.217 million. Full question and response here.

He also submitted another written question

'To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on financial measures to relieve the burden of fuel costs in remote and rural areas of Scotland.'

The reply was rather short and can be seen here.

The busy brand new MP also got a couple of chances to speak. You can keep up to date on Danny Alexander here, even get e-mail alerts when he does anything.

Heading out on the highway?

The Gurn notes that a senior Highland Councillor, Bob Wynd, is calling for a motorway linking Inverness and Aberdeen, no messing about with a fiddly little dual-carriageway for him. Looks like the Gurn’s tongue in cheek call for a super-highway along the seafront doubling as sea defences may become a reality yet.
How about some cheaper public transport while we are waiting for these miracles to arrive: you never know it might cut the numbers on the road. And how about some decent jobs in Nairn, so that everyone doesn’t have to join the morning exodus west if they want to try and earn some decent money?

Stats fest - recognise any blogs?

Thanks to Independence for the following:

Top of the Scottish Political Blogs 7 June 2005by Sitemeter - Average per Day
1. USS Neverdock 1,310
2.Naked Blog 799
3. Cabalamat Journal 476
4. Freedom and Whisky 189
5. Doctorvee 167
6. Independence 103
7. Arthur's Seat 100
8. No Geek is an Island 91
9. Cabarfeidh Pages 83
10. Shuggy's Blogspot 48
11. Gurn from Nurn 44
12. A Place to Stand 39
13. The Moral Highground 27
14. Bishop Hill 19
15. Times New Roman 15
16. Gà idhlig - cha bhithinn às a h-aonais! 14
17. Holyrood Chronicles 7
18. AK Land 6
19. Bag of Bears 5
20. Air fàire 4

Auldearn housing scheme scandal: the truth emerges

The Gurn has been following the complaints coming from Auldearn about the council holding meetings ‘in camera’ concerning proposed housing schemes. There seems to be a growing loss of confidence in the planning process per se in this part of Nairnshire. So under the guise of visiting the annual St Colm’s fair we sent an undercover reporter to investigate and he too came away shocked by the contempt being evidenced towards the planning process and was also unimpressed by the new housing. No wonder the citizens of Auldearn are up in arms! This is what happens when ‘social housing’ is allowed in the neighbourhood.

Sandy's sizzling sausage satisfaction

All this talk about pies masks the fact that the Provost knows a thing or two about sausages. Here he is doing the biz out in Auldearn last Saturday. If only a few more politicians could learn to live with a little less gravitas like our Sandy!

Sin thu fhèin Phrobhaist, sin thu fhèin

Message from the Basa

The Basa (EdinburghSucks.com) writes to assue Rhys that he didn't snap up any Rhys domains.
Not up to speed with this read: Edinburgh Council mandarins in blogger bother
The Basa also assures us he is not American. Might be worth watching this site for interesting developments? I certainly think so.

Today the Basa offers on his site:

In the interests of being good citizens we are willing to hand over all domains owned by EdinburghSucks.com at no cost (i.e. FREE) to the City of Edinburgh Council to further the city’s branding effort. There is now one final condition:
That Interbrand, they agency who neglected to register the domains and who have earned so much of the £880,000 donate at least ONE PERCENT of that amount, £8,800, to the Patients Fund at the Fillieside Section of Findlay House, formerly Findlay Ward, Eastern General Hospital, Edinburgh.

Sin thu fhèin Bhasa, sin thu fhèin

A suitable twinning partner for Nairn?

Iright shares his research:
Pie mania is hitting the Gurn. I suggest a town twinning with http://www.pietown.org/ Maybe we could offer exchanges and even send our Provost on an all expenses paid fact finding mission? The possibilities are endless, recipes, links, tastings etc. Maybe Nairn could become Pie Town of the Highlands?

Call for Nairn to participate in 'World Jump Day'

Local resident PB is urging Nairn to mobilise for 'World Jump Day' she has e-mailed the gurn and urges us to perpare for this potentialy marvellous opportunity. An attempt to stop global warming by putting the Earth into a new orbit with millions of people jumping at the same time

'World Jump Day'
Any one up for a jump?

Stealing the show

This blogger was a bit worried when he only saw six young ones from a distance but there was no need for concern at all, seven of seven was enjoying a wee respite. The sun was shining and it was quite warm, the river was high after overnight rain but the current wasn't strong enough to trouble Nairn's favourite family. A great day but rain again tonight, must have been what some of the roses were waiting for, they came out today.

Nairn Pie Holy Grail

This is it: when in Rome... Some say Sandy has his fingers in too many pies but I'm having none of it, just look at this wholesome selection!

Making fantasy money out of the Gurn

I don't quite understand this but someone is making fantasy money out of us!
It's all happening on Blogshare: seems our stock is on the rise.

Mega-city Nairn: a warning from California

A regular visitor to Nairn is alarmed by the recent proposals released to the press and has put fingers to the keyboard and written to the Gurn.

'While I would never be against a bit of progress for Nairn I must say when I read in the Scotsman about these newly planned "towns" I raised an eyebrow and pursed my lips. Unless careful attention is paid to the goings on this whole area will be the LA of the North. Totally unacceptable. They try to pack as much into the smallest amount of space to make a bit more money. Never ever think for a moment that reasonably priced housing with any space around you at all is even the most remote consideration by professional builders. The houses will probably not even fit into the cultural style of the Highlands. I am not against progress but the devil is always in the details....'

Centigrade reporter iright comments:

Our columnist says:
'As readers may see from the last Blog photo, the weather in Nairn has not been too seasonal of late. There is no getting away from the fact that our weather is changing (or is it that Graisg has a copy of Paint shop Pro!)

http://www.climatehotmap.org/euroruss.html

gives some indicators that don't look too good. And if we have to cover young plants from frost in late May what hope is there for a reasonable growing season? Guess we will just have to eat pies as these are made rather than grown I believe.'

Wae ate all the pies?

Iright on the pie trail again:

'There could soon be be more shops on the High street in Nairn selling pies than there are charity outlets. Changing times, you soon won't be able to support your local charity unless they switch from 2nd hand goods to that of selling pies. Maybe they could get hold of seconds and sell the slightly bashed pies at a knock down price. PP (Provost Pies) seems favourite at the moment but who knows how long Sandy will remain flavour of the month. AKA Pampered Pets could open their doors at any time, and for pie lovers the roll down the hill to the shop could be a blessing. I am sure the local taxi firms could offer a service to drive you back up the street. Rumour has it that the Big Issue is to become The Big Pie, meanwhile for those who can't wait till their next fix of pasty check this site out (warning: explicit pictures of... pastry)

http://www.allthepies.org/
enjoy the songs '

'Ghost ship' firm for Nigg?

Iright keeps an eye on the environmental front line:

'Seems ironic that in the same year that we are given recycle bins by Highland Council to improve the environment, a UK company wants to buy the fabrication yard at Nigg to dismantle US ships. The same company having failed to obtain permission to carry out this demolition in England due to real concern about the pollution it would cause: here is the Beeb report that iright has read.

Nigg is not Nairn, but is in our back yard with regard to air and sea pollution. We share the waters of the Firth. Why is it that recent interest in both the Ardersier yard (Incinerator) and Nigg (Submarine disposal) would offer little to our communities albeit some jobs but at the cost of pollution. Can the Highlands not attract some renewable energy industry rather than the dregs that no-one else wants? '

Edinburgh Council mandarins in blogger bother

The Scotsman reports:

'THE agency behind Edinburgh's new advertising slogan "Inspiring Capital" has been left red-faced after an aggrieved resident snapped up the internet site with the same name.
Instead of reading about the city's attractions, anyone logging on to www.inspiringcapital.com finds a tirade of abuse levelled at senior Edinburgh councillors.
The offending website carries the catchphrase "Looking for Inspiration? Not here dude". '

The domains are now owned by EdinburghSucks.com and the blog states:

'EdinburghSucks.com does own the domain names inspiringcapital.com, inspiringcapital.co.uk, inspiring-capital.com and inspiring-capital.co.uk. We have these registered in our name and are more than willing to hand them over to the city fathers, at no cost to the city.'

Oh don't you just love the blogosphere. Read about this today thanks to looking at Independence

A city called Nairn

Iright is becoming alarmed by the numbers proposed for new towns and villages in our area. The beeb has it all here. He says:

'OK, I'm not normally a NIMBY, but this news makes me feel as though I'm about to start living in a city rather than a town called Nairn! '

I share your concern iright having seen the mess that Inverness has become. I think we are about to see the same mistakes all the way along the coast to Nairn and beyond and behind. Is this a real plan for the future or just a knee-jerk reaction to demand from people that want to come and live here? Would it not be easier just to draw lines around a few fields and trees that would be kept for parks and sports fields and perhaps allotments!

'Councillors will be asked on Monday to support the A96 corridor proposals and agree on funding to further examine the plans. ' Any chance we might get to have our say first, or will the 500 strong army that wrote letters to demand Viewfield be left alone have to reach for their biros and keyboards again?

Iright our indefatigable surfing reporter discovers ‘Lost in Translation’

And here it is ‘Lost in Translation’

'What happens when an English phrase is translated (by computer) back and forth between 5 different languages?' Iright has been experimenting, here are his conclusions:

Maybe we could suggest interactive signs in Nairn powered by babelfish - could prove interesting

Welcome to Nairn in the Highlands of Scotland

becomes:

Welcomely with the mountain of Nairn

Hello, my name is Sandy Park, I am the Provest of Nairn. Have you tried one of my pies becomes:

Today because my indicated park of the sand is, it is the Nairn Provest. All my cake controlled the station of the work

Wad ye believe't. Anither girn fae iright his turnt up.

Iright has been browsing the Scots pages at the Parly

Weel fit's aa the claik. Our reporter goes on to say: Should we have more things written in Scots?

'We've already seen a bit of a stoochie with regard to Gallic being put on road signs in the Highlands, but should they encompass Scots as well, or for that matter could the Nairn tongue be preserved for a bit longer if we had signs pointing visitors to the likes of the bankie or the peerie?'

Wad ye beleive't Anither girn fae iright his turnt up. We're needn tae hear a boot your girns, Iright tellin's aboot his. Gie's yir crack.

This gives Nairn a chance to steal a march on the tourist industry with trilingual signage. Nairn has just as much claim already to Gàidhlig signs: according to the census there are 200 people in the town able to speak/understand the language. In 1881 out of a total po0pulation of 9,481, a grand total of 1,280 were speakers of Gàidhlig. Further back in the century before the figure was nearer 60% according to a prominent local historian.

So with the Nairn Scots/english dialect on signs as well we could really knock them over.

Which brings me to something I recently saw on Yahoo: Iomairtean Gàidhlig

'25 an Cèitean 2005

A charaid chòir,

I would like to congratulate you on the two recent decisions by the HighlandCouncil (Meeting of the Sutherland County Committee, Brora 7 February 2005and The Highland Council City of Inverness and Area Committee, Inverness, 28February 2005) not to adopt meaningful bilingual signage on the grounds of“road safety”. Common sense at long last.May I suggest to you that you also contact the following governments toadvise them of the dangers of bilingual (or trilingual) signage: Japan,China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Greece, Armenia, Georgia, Mongolia, India,Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Kuweit, Syria, Lebanon, Israel,Palestine, Egypt, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Algeria,Morocco, Oman, Yemen, Qatar, Myanmar, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Canada andKorea, Wales, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, France ... mostof them actually.I am sure your newfound “insights” will be highly appreciated and help bringScotland to the forefront of international road safety issues.I leave you with a few snapshots your councillors would be acquainted withhad they bothered to investigate rather than make hasty decisions based ontheir own “knowledge” of such issues.I’d really like to hear your views on this issue and especially how theyrelate to you Gaelic policies.

is mise le meas

Michael Bauer'

Ye dinna tell me! Aye Michael loon, ye'll nae get cuttins fae Highland Cooncil. We kin fit their aboot, we're nae saw green as we're cubbage-looking.

New kids on the block, a special for our Seattle readers

They appeared with mum and dad in the harbour basin yesterday and are settling down to getting to know the locasl

Charity bash

Iright reports:

Our man with the Big Issue was knocked off his usual perch this morning outside Somerfield supermarket. Seems another charity collector had arrived on the scene first and had the store manager's permission to take the pitch (I gather Somerfields only allow one charity collection at any one time). But rather than offer his goods elsewhere (say on the High Street) Mr Issue complained to Somerfield's manager. I am sure that the good folks of Nairn dig deep to give to numerous charities, but I think Mr Issue should take his turn gracefully.

Who will eat all the pies?

Iright delves deeper into the Nairn Pie world:

In case folk are no aware… 5 a day is the minimum recommended dose of fruit and veg we are supposed to eat. Good news (based on a strong rumour) that what was once ‘Pampered Pets’ shop is to offer Nairnites the chance to eat more fruit and veg, the only drawback is that ingredients will be wrapped in pastry and called pies. I wish this new venture well. Wonder if they will offer potatoes (fried) as well? Just what us healthy folk need!

Councillors’ Expenses.

Conveniently the higher up the alphabet they are the costlier they become. Vote for someone with a surname beginning with ‘A’ next time round will be the Gurn’s policy in the local elections.

Highland Council, Members’ Allowances and Expenses 04/05

Fraser L £10,848.61
MacDonald Liz £17,905.42
Matheson J £20,917.12
Park AS £25,475.14

If Laurie represents you and he manages to hit the spot, then wow what value he is compared to the rest (who, of course, must have additional responsibilities, mustn’t they?).
If we cloned Laurie so there would be four of him we could get everything done for almost half the price. Proponents of the Provost however might suggest that we get him cloned and get 4times the quality on stream plus 4 times the amount of excellent pies: (rush down to his shop on the High Street now and buy one citizens!)

Any other suggestions? Entries on the back of a Town Centre Redevelopment plan please.

Central beach water quality failure

The ‘Central’ beach (to use a Highland Council newspeak word) doesn’t make it into the Marine Conservation Society’s ‘Good Beach Guide’ this year because of deteriorations in the water quality. The unfashionable East Beach does however. Might as well let the dogs back on hey? The odd puddle of canine piss drying rapidly in the sun might not make all that much difference at all, its what’s in the water that counts and once again the filth comes home to roost.

Part of his maiden speech...

Danny Alexander that is...

'....Lochaber constituency. I pay tribute to David Stewart, who was the member of Parliament for that constituency from 1997 and the Labour party candidate at the election.
Mr. Stewart conducted his campaign in the way he conducted himself in this House: he was understated, industrious and gentlemanly. He was a renowned campaigner on many worthy causes, and I would particularly like to highlight his work to tackle global poverty through the Jubilee 2000 movement. I wish him well for the future. Of course, the highlands of Scotland have a long and radical tradition. Hence it has been for many years a stronghold of Liberalism and now Liberal Democracy. Prior to 1997, much of my constituency was represented by that great... '

Lifted straight from: theyworkforyou.com If you are really interested you can get an e-mail alert everytime he speaks just go here.

He said lots of nice things about the constituency but I think many thousands of his constituents might think the praise for David Stewart was a wee bitty OTT.

Can’t see the dead wood for the trees?

It seems a shame to apply a blogosphere term to our local rag but these habits grow on you. Anyway waves of indignation breaking these week over the pages of the Nairnshire Telegraph on the subject of councillors holding meetings discussing official business ‘in Camera’ (in secret in other words). Most of the concerns seem to come from Auldearn and be linked to planning matters but a prominent ‘River Community Councillor’ has joined in the criticism and criticised further ‘in camera’ meetings on the subject of the town centre and the Sandown Lands.
Well the rules are there to protect commercial confidentiality, and if you’ve just found out about them then you might be alarmed but they exist and even if it is your opinion that they put the public at a disadvantage, c’est la vie: they exist. If protesters have genuine concerns about developments they might want to consider other avenues of protest, such as the successful ‘Save Viewfield’ campaign.
Having said that the waves of indignation seem to be increasing and coming further ashore. Will it spread beyond the ‘usual suspects’ into a more general storm that might do lasting harm to our elected representatives?

But to be fair:
On the town centre development, are any meetings being held, ‘in camera’ or otherwise and does the whole thing still hinge on what multi-national buys the supermarket next and what they think about the plans? If anyone has any information, a press release to keep the citizens informed might work wonders.

And a more general gurn flowing from the subject in hand.
On the Auldearn front are we now seeing ‘nimbyism’ from a few folk who want to shut the drawbridge after finding a nice spot for themselves? If houses are to be built in Auldearn where will the inhabitants work however? Will they just join the throng clogging the A96 every morning? How about some improved public transport? Double the railway line to Inverness and open up a few more halts, like a park and ride up at the Nairn Industrial Estate and run trains/trams every 20 minutes. Reopen the line to Ardersier while you are at it with a new stop at the Golden mile complete with bridge over the A96? Or just wait 30 years plus for a dual-carriageway all the way that will clog up as soon as it is opened.
Are they ignoring what I’m thinking?

Harbour heliport

Much speculation but little agreement so far has been brought about by Highland Council laying an octagonal area of bricks just outside the Harbour Master’s premises at Nairn Harbour. Rumour gathered so far by iRight for the new installation has been: heliport, gazebo, telescope, drying green, swimming pool, standing stone, etc Watch this space

Sweet Charity

The past weekend saw shoppers at Nairn’ Somerfield store being offered a choice of charities to empty their pockets for. Our sometime Big Issue sales rep was there, alongside the Nairn Academy Salsa band. Have to say the band won the day in terms of the attention of the crowds flocking to the store, I hope their collecting bucket was filled. Whilst in-store your faithful reporter iRight lost his car keys. ‘Oh dearie me’ he exclaimed once outside the supermarket beside his vehicle. Much searching, retracing steps, asking store staff revealed nothing, and was advised to register the loss at the Police Station. Once home he was looking at public transport timetables (spare keys in Inverness) when our friendly cops rang to say keys matching his had been handed in. Indeed on returning to the Police Station iRight found the keys were indeed the ones he had lost – sweet charity in Nairn, and a big thank you to the honest citizen/s

Noticed any 'astro-turfing'?

Does anybody remember reading letters in our local and regional Dead Tree media supporting the Labour Party. One wonders how many of these actually came from genuine citizens wishing to express their political opinions.

According to this news report on Guardian Unlimited it seems a lot of hoodwinking was going on.

'How Labour used its election troops to fake popular support Documentary shows activists writing letters to newspapers and posing as 'local people' to greet Blair on campaign trail In America, they call it 'astroturfing': the faking of grassroots support for a politician or a product whose popularity is on the slide. '

Thanks to Stuart at Independence for bringing this to our attention. I don't suppose the Labour Party are the only ones to do this by any means, just further evidence of how vile things have become I suppose.

Exclusive: rumours of new Pet Shop possibly wrong?

Confusion in Nairn tonight as signage on the former Longhouse restaurant seemed to contradict the impression that a Pet Shop would soon be opening.

Green party let's be charitable...

The last sign left from the election in the High Street. The Green Party are always saying they are different and yes here's the proof. Shall we be charitable and just call them ignorant? This blogger has said it before and will say it again: if you want that second vote for the Scottish Parliament next time round then get your finger out and prove that you are interested in Nairn, interested enough to take that sign down and stop looking like numpties would be a start!

A96 – a town in gridlock

Iright sits it out on the A96:

Nairn is blighted by yet another attempt to improve the road surface of the A96 (Our main road through the town linking Nairn with Aberdeen and Inverness). A few months ago a similar operation was carried out to the road at the Eastern end of town. The boys with the blackstuff are back but this time they don’t seem to be so organised. This morning in the interests of the Gurn I sat in the traffic chaos. Signage seems very light. No indication to the passing motorist of what hours, nor how many days this work will take. No speed limit signs, no warning of what to me was a ramp. No sign of any work people, and although they can be clever with the traffic light system to funnel two lanes through one, it seemed to me that the lights were left for an evening bias when there is more traffic coming from Inverness. Lack of information leads to driver frustration, thus side roads in Nairn such as those at Sandside and the West end of town have become rat runs with drivers trying to beat the jams, How long will it last – no-idea, who is the contactor – no –idea (no signs). The work of the famous Bear Scotland – maybe. If you want to voice your concern contact radio Scotland travel, let them know of the Nairn traffic bedlam so that motorists may avoid the area

The Wallace Grandstand

Iright spots something else while out on patrol:

Days after the famous Nairn icon the Wallace Bandstand lost part of its roof in a winter gale, the council acted swiftly and surrounded the building with railings to keep us out an the remaining roof was made secure. Months later the bandstand is now encased in scaffolding, ladders, and green mesh. I think most Nairnites had visions of a man going along with a ladder and some lead to do the repairs, but obviously our council has greater plans. My guess at the moment is that the Bandstand is being much expanded to provide a top notch grandstand for Nairn games. This to be followed by a World Cup or Olympic bid next year when the Links tea room will become an International sports centre, oh and the cricket pitch will be upgraded to rival Lords – pretty exciting eh!

Wheelie mad

Iright contributes:

Most folk (other than scaffies) probably lament the passing of the good old dustbin, beside which you could pile all sorts of rubbish for uplift. Numerous wild beasties including those heading home from local hostelories would investigate your swollen bin bags and spread your rubbish down the street. Bin lids blew away on the slightest breath of air, lids were mixed up. But, in general, the old bins could be moved and hidden away a lot more easily than the wheelie bin. Had plastic moulding of wheelie bins been a little more adventurous then we might have seen a more interesting landscape. Sculptures such as Henry Moore could have been commissioned to design a wonderful sculptural garden of shapes and themes. Local artists could have developed the cairn wheelie bin, green folk could have ones with wheels attached to use as cars. But no, we have green wheelie bins and that is that. Large, ugly, and no one likes them. If you want to be an individual though you could try this company:

http://www.wheelie-bin-art.co.uk/wheelie_bin_personalised.asp

Sadly our now numerous bins have been identified as a real fire hazard. Witness this dreadful story. How many of us lock our bins, and even if we did how would they be emptied?

http://www.merseyfire.gov.uk/pages/Arson/arson2.htm

Wheelies are world wide: http://www.wwwb.co.uk/

I have heard folk in Nairn complain that they have had to pay for lost or new wheelie bins – move to Manchester where they are http://www.greencleen.com/

Of course there is security and the threat of stolen identity. You have ‘shredded’ all the paperwork you put out for recycling haven’t you? http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread/t-36684.html

Finally a fan site of the wheelie bin (there’s always one!)

http://www.wheelieworld.com/

Help keep someone in a job leave a comment at the beeb?

Our correspondent iright comments: 'Anything to say? As icy blasts threaten to put an end to spring and herald a global warmed summer will the Gurn last it through. We need a new red sofa in town! '

Iright has spotted the latest ploy at the beeb, now setting themselves up in judgement of the blogosphere at Weblog Watch and the beeb says:

'Many critics claim that blogs have nothing to say and are pure self-indulgence. This new column, Weblog Watch, will be keeping an eye on the blogs and seeing if the criticism is justified. '

You can help keep someone in a job in the beeb my leaving a request to have your blog reviewed. Could be fun or heart-breaking to have a professional opinion? Let's see if they bother with us:-)

What a tip

An iright report:

Good to hear that Nairn’s new £350,000 pound recycling at Park Quarry will be opening soon. (I had wondered recently what the mysterious mounds of earth were at the quarry). Maybe we will be able to exchange our unwanted waste for rock dust – who knows? I was also wondering if Sandy Park would be cutting through a recycled black bag to open the facility. I was mortified on opening my paper and tin recycling bin last week to find two pieces of paper returned in the bin. I assume our diligent waste disposal collectors have calibrated callipers with which to measure the thickness of material and anything over say 120 gms is returned for the householder to dispose of elsewhere, being deemed as nasty cardboard! It got me thinking though as to what a wonderful facility this could be and was considering tipping my clean washing in the bin this week to see if it would come back all folded and ironed – I think not but would be worth a try My collection of bins could be seen as quite impressive especially if I can get a set of those nice plastic printed covers to make them look like a hedge, or a rose bush. Near election time I could cut a slot in the top of my paper and tin bin and invite politicians to drop their material directly into my new postal voting facility. I could then vote for the person who’s brochure was on top of the pile :-) oh what fun recycling is going to bring – worth every penny if you ask me

At last: a Green campaign with its act together

After making little headway after a lacklustre effort in Inverness, Nairn and … and…and (you know the one that that David whatsisname, who voted for war, bloke got the boot from), it looks like the Greens are going for one to win and are using all the subliminal tricks in the book in the green pastures of Aberdeen Uni. Well he has his place in Scottish political history does Robin Harper but I mean he's not the ecological equal of Tommy Sheridan is he?

Political litter not only on the lamposts

An Iright report:

Whilst the Gurn faithfully reports and debates the political litter still adorning our lampposts, shame that web sites seem to be over looked. Nothing like using the web to promote the latest news is there? http://www.davidstewart.labour.co.uk/ViewPage.cfm?Page=1739 Maybe Davie can't afford the services of a web master anymore, or does he just want to be our MP forever more in the realms of cyberspace?

Restlessness in Auldearn

Villagers just along the A96 are up in arms about a planning meeting concerning the village that was held ‘in camera’. There seems to be a lot of unease and possibly a whiff of rebellion in the air? May has always been a good month for revolutions hasn’t it? To get the full story rush out and buy the Nairnshire Telegraph: as usual the newshounds are on the trial of controversial planning decisions in Nairnshire. Go on, fork out 35 pence for all the riveting details: a must this week and every week!

Local Green Party failing in its principles?

I can understand the main parties in their arrogance leaving their signs up until the council gives them a nudge or somebody writes a letter of complaint but that is the weekend after the election past and the party that wants to clean up the planet can't even be bothered to come into town and recycle its own posters. Dare to be different Donnie? I doubt if Nairn will hear much from the Green Party until the next elections! This blogger used to support them very much indeed but I'm beginning to think that all they want to do is get to Edinburgh and drive around in unleaded limos. If 'second vote Green' is to be the Holyrood slogan next time then get off your organic arses and do a bit more campaigning in the community and stop riding on the backs of the like of the general anti-GM activists and the wider environmental movement.

Who won in England?

Picked up a great link at Independence to The road to Euro serfdom and it seems that England now faces the same problem that Scotland had for so long: being ruled by a Party that didn't win in your country. Sorry to bore everyone with even more politics but this is quite interesting. Will the tories become the English National Party or Plaid En-ger-land?

Full article on the Euro Serfdom site

'8,014,418 Conservative

7,978,582 Labour

5,140,532 Liberal

Seats
285 Labour 193 Conservatives 47 Liberal Democrats 2 Other'

Oh the power of the press barons! Even ex Mp's have to gurn sometimes

An iright report:

I know the Blog is trying hard to move on from the election but a quick analysis of the votes shows that Don Cancer (Publican Party) managed to get more votes than the Scottish Socialist party which I find sad. But full marks to the SSP as in Nairn this evening despite defeat they were the first to be seen taking down their lamppost signs. I wonder which party will be last to do so? Davie Stewart (one time MP, once useless) has made a personal official complaint (guess he has no staff now) after an Inverness tabloid rag published his name wrongly last week and called him David Thompson (Just happens to be the name of the SNP candidate). No public comment has been forthcoming from the man himself but no-doubt the spin will be that due to this at least 4000 readers voted for the wrong candidate! Oh the power of the press barons

New job for David Stewart former MP?

In the polling station (Millbank School) yesterday there was a poster for a competition to find a new mascot for Caley FC. Now Davie is Caley to the core and once the competition has been won and a new mascot decided what better way to keep our ex hard-working member off the dole by allowing him to don the new costume and warm up the crowd with a pre-match appearance!

Go for it Davie or could there be something akin to a Quangodom in the near future?

Swimming pool still closed - major problems?

As this blogger understands it the swimming pool was meant to reopen after a refit on April the sixth and was looking forward to getting back into the gym and the swim. Alas the pool is still closed and rumours are circulating that big problems have been found. There certainly seems to have been a lengthy delay already. Has anyone seen anything in the dead wood media yet?

Breaking news: Carrot cake scandal knocks election off front page.

Nairnites were left reeling today at the news that carrot cakes were now 90p each in Ashers the bakers. Has Mr Asher decided to slip this one in under cover of the general election or is he genuinely trying to help carrot-cake addicts kick the habit? Or have the pricing team been infiltrated by Weight Watchers?
There is no doubt that whoever our new MP is tomorrow morning he will have to comment on this devastating news for the sweet-toothed.
Do you know anywhere you can get a cheaper decent carrot-cake?

At least the polling clerks will have some dosh and be able to afford the new price for a day or two. According to the BBC they earn:

'The clerks are paid £190 a day in inner London, £145 a day in outer London and £105 elsewhere. Presiding officers receive £275 a day in inner London, £205 in outer London and £175 elsewhere. Where there are local elections happening as well, poll clerks receive an extra £25 and presiding officers another £40. '

I've often wondered why they always are so cheerful in the Nairn polling stations!