Progress on Nairn Common Good Issues according to Area Committee

Members of The Highland Council’s Nairn and Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee have welcomed progress on a review of the Nairn Common Good Fund assets management.

At a meeting of the Committee in the Court House, Nairn members were informed by David Haas, Highland Council’s Acting Head of Community and Democratic Engagement that a full and comprehensive programme of review of the Common Good Fund assets and how they were managed is underway. 

Mr Haas assured Members that the review will ensure that robust processes and procedures and clear governance of the Nairn Common Good Fund continue in place and that reports on the Fund will continue to be made through the appropriate mechanisms within the Council. He said: “We are also preparing an investment strategy and planning ahead to make the best use of Common Good Fund assets.”

Members were also informed that: a lease had been concluded on the former Links Shelter; a management agreement is being put in place with the Scottish Agricultural College for a short term tenancy of the Sandown Fields; an expression of interest has been received for the recently marketed vacant kiosk at the Links Putting Green; and that a rental increase in line with the retail price index for the Lochloy Caravan Park will be implemented.

Leader of the Nairn and Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee, Liz MacDonald, welcomed the progress on the Nairn Common Good Fund review, she said: “I would like to thank all the staff involved in the review process which will continue to ensure that effective governance arrangements of the Fund are put in place.

“Already a suite of actions have been implemented including: reporting to the Area Committee and Nairn Ward business meetings; liaison with Council’s Finance Service; and monthly budget monitoring. There will also be a complete review of all the Common Good files; asset register and leases and rentals.

“I am very confident that once concluded we will be able to ensure that the administration of the Nairn Common Good will provide the best possible return on its assets for the community of Nairn.”