Ashers on the move in Inverness

Ali Asher, joint MD Ashers Bakery, told the Gurn:

"Ashers are at an advanced stage of negotiations with BrewDog to take over our current Church St premises. It’s clearly a very good site for that type of operation now. We have also identified a location round the corner on Union Street which we plan to relocate to at the same time. We hope the necessary consents & assistance from the authorities & our local tradesmen will facilitate this being a smooth transition.

In addition to the investment in this new shop & café we’re also shortly undertaking a complete refurbishment of our Bus Station café at Farraline Park. There’s a renewed confidence & vibrancy in the city centre which we’re investing into & have done for 50 years this year. We look forward to welcoming many loyal & new customers to both these shops & wish BrewDog all the best."

Car parking charges latest – Tom Heggie: “There are no proposals on the table for us as councillors to consider so we can't pass anything on to yourselves.”

At the Nairn West and Suburban CC meeting in the Community and Arts Centre on Monday night, Dick Youngson, the NWSCC chair, asked the three Highland Councillors present if there was any new information on parking charges. He got the following response from Tom Heggie. 

“As was reported at Nairn River (Community Council) while we were there, the new Chief Executive in conjunction with Councillors has taken a view that there has to be a wider consultation and there will be an independent consultant. There is a change fund that will be used for this. 

We don't have any time zone on that at them moment as far as I'm aware but that will include, just looking at the wider issues around infrastructure, localism and so on. As was pointed out to me, at different times and places, the budget leader made a statement and he has made it throughout the whole of Highland, that a year ago there was insufficient consultation. So there is now, not just where car parking charges have yet to be introduced but also where they have already been introduced and just looking at a pattern for the whole of Highland. So we await that particular process. There are no proposals on the table for us as councillors to consider so we can't pass anything on to yourselves.”

Junior World Childcare receive Green Flag award

Junior World Childcare Centre, run by Care and Learning Alliance, have been working hard over the last year to develop the Eco-Schools Scotland Project and are delighted to announce we have received the Green Flag Award.

The Green Flag is a visible indication of commitment to learning for sustainability and an internationally recognised accreditation for excellence in sustainable development education. This is an amazing achievement. With Elena Reid, Childcare Practitioner leading the way, children of all ages, families and many local voluntary organisations have helped us gain this award. There have been a wide range of learning experiences over the year, including litter picks, gardening projects, recycling and upcycling, as well as visitors from Highland Council, Green Hive and Eco Nairn.

We would like to take this opportunity to express a big ‘Thank You’ to everyone involved, especially those who have worked hard on the Eco Committee. Our most recent projects have included the collection of crisp packets for recycling, the continued development of our garden areas and discussion about the use of plastic to upcycle and develop outdoor reading huts.

Jayne Macintosh (Manager) said, “I believe that children of all ages attending the setting are developing responsible citizenship through the different opportunities to engage with the environment and learn what part they can play in helping to actively protect it. Maintaining the Green Flag will be an ongoing project and we excitedly look forward to continuing our Eco-Schools project.”

CALA's Chief Executive Jaci Douglas added, "this is such great news for Junior World and thanks to all the children, staff and other supporters who have helped realise this fantastic achievement."

Should NRCC (Nairn River) and NWSCC (Nairn West and Suburban) combine, giving the town a single voice at this level of local government? Social media polling stations now open.

More details on the Nairn our town our views facebook page. 

Stushie deepens as Nairn West and Suburban Community Council unanimously back their River CC colleagues against Highland Council shut-down order - ("...appears to be a continuation of the campaign of hostility and criticism levelled at both CCs....")

Unanimous support tonight in the Community and Arts Centre by NWSCC for their NRCC colleagues as the stushie surrounding Highland Council's order to Nairn River Community Council to go into "abeyance", i.e. to shut down until some time dictated by Glenurquhart Road in the future. 

Chair of Nairn West and Suburban, Dick Youngson read out the following statement followed by three motions that were unanimously passed. Several River CC members including Chair Tommy Hogg were sitting on the public benches as Dick spoke. He began:

• I would like to start by expressing my serious concern and disappointment over the sudden and arbitrary "decision" by the Ward Manager to shut down River CC with neither advance notice nor discussion of available options (such as interim elections or quorate continuation till November);
• I note that there is already well founded doubt (expressed in River CC's response) as to whether the Ward Manager had a proper and legitimate basis for her actions;
• I would also point out that the same prospect could face NW&SCC for different reasons - not perhaps over membership numbers, but for example on grounds of admin/accounting issues;
• I put on record my anxiety that this appears to be a continuation of the campaign of hostility and criticism levelled at both CCs by elected Councillors and officials in recent months which appears designed to prevent, rather than assist, the CCs to play their role as representatives of the community;
• And I have to say that this is completely at odds with the tone and messages emerging from recent meetings, one with the HC CEO and another on the Common Good, which have sought to build a new atmosphere of collaboration and support;
• I say that silencing or closing CCs - instead of offering constructive guidance and advice to enable them to function more effectively - sends entirely the wrong message to the people of Nairn (they must wonder what on Earth is going on) about the Council's approach to dialogue on local issues

This action, if implemented, would leave almost half of the town's population unrepresented, disenfranchised, and with no mechanism for raising and discussing policy proposals, planning applications, or other subjects of local interest;

• I must warn that devoting time at CC meetings to procedural arguments, debates over the wording of minutes, and internal wrangling, is an unwelcome diversion from sensible consideration of the many important matters which are of concern to local people - whether that is parking policy, budgetary and cutting services, planning and development issues, common good management, or other current problems.
• For all these reasons, I and colleagues in the Nairn West and Suburban CC believe it is a priority to take a clear stand and put our views publicly and formally on record.

I would like then to propose the following motions

1. Nairn West and Suburban CC firmly support Nairn River CC being enabled to continue fulfilling its essential role
2. Nairn West and Suburban CC will continue to work with Highland Council and all other interested groups to explore how best Community Empowerment can be used to deliver a prosperous and inclusive new future for Nairnshire and all its people.
3. Nairn West and Suburban CC asks for an urgent review of the decision to put Nairn River CC into abeyance

Ccllr Linda Bisset asked for working with Highland Councillors too to be included in the motions, presumably this will be included in item 2. Lots more at the NSWCC meeting tonight which if time permits we will post later this week. 

C'mon Nairn Ladies FC! New Highlands and Islands Women's League formed!

Nairn River Community Council shut-down stushie - office bearers seek clarification of rules from Highland Council

The Gurn has obtained a copy of a letter signed by NRCC office bearers that has been sent to Highland Council. Please click on images below to enlarge. 

Green Hive Pruning and Grafting workshop, Nairn Allotments Orchard - Sandown Saturday March 2nd

River CC shut down stushie and resignation of former secretary - debate on social media

The shut down order from Highland Council to Nairn River Community Council has opened a series of debates both on popular Nairn social media pages "Nairn Rocks" and "Nairn our town our views". Also on the Nairn our town page is a copy of the resignation letter from former NRCC secretary Simon Noble. 

Interestingly, calls are emerging once again for a single Community Council to represent the whole town, 

Nairn River Community Council told it has to shut down by Highland Council

The Gurn understands that Nairn River CC have been told by a local council official that they must go into "abeyance" following the resignation of former Secretary, Simon Noble, on Wednesday night. This raises a technical constitutional issue leading to the instruction for the shut down due to minimum numbers rule ( 50% of max membership must be elected not co-opted) . Our correspondent fails to understand why Highland Council are not allowing interim elections in the meantime to as there have been problems elsewhere in the Highlands keeping Community Councils going and new rules are proposed for later this year that would allow co-opted members to be counted. 

A source close to River CC tells us that there is a school of thought among members that this instruction must be seen in the light of what have been perceived as attacks in the press on the town's community councils by local Highland Council members in recent weeks. 

Our correspondent tells us that they believe Highland Council has other options (including interim elections) and that this shut down move is "extreme" at a time when the CCs and Highland Council seemed to be moving towards a new agreement on how to remedy the "toxic" relationship between Glenurquhart Road and the town.

Permaculture and grafting techniques session for Nairn Academy Pupils with Nairn Allotment Society members today

Hospital bus stop on Cawdor Road now much closer to being fully on the authorities wish list?

We had the pleasure of a blether with Murd and Kirsty yesterday as they popped in to visit Mrs Gurnmeister  in Raigmore (she's doing very well now readers and could be home soon - feck, time to start tidying up). 

Anyway Murd (already responsible for the erection of one bus stop over at WhinnieKnowe due to his indefatigable efforts) tells us that a bus stop on the Cawdor Road is now more a possibility. This observer will never forget the night at a River CC meeting when he had a bit of craic with Michael Green. Michael had just succeeded in obtaining a bus stop for a group of bairns waiting for a bus up in the Nairnshire Hinterland. "That's us one all on bus stops Michael," said Murd during a vein of priceless banter between the two of them. 

So it might take a bit of time yet but Murd tells us he hears from a Nairnshire Community Partnership direction that although Highland Council are interested in the proposition of a bus shelter being erected and placed at the Nairn & County hospital there is no funding in the 2019/20 budget but that that the Partnership Chair, Chief Inspector Brian MacKay, has asked that inclusion in the 2020/21 budget is considered.

Murd's photoshop design for a bus stop on the Cawdor Road outside Nairn Hospital

Additional meeting of Nairn River Community Council this evening 20th February 2019 in the Community and Arts Centre at 7.00 pm

Details of Agenda here.   The minutes of the last meeting held on the 23rd January available here. 

Save the Sequoia - pleas to retain tree as part of proposed development - "This Wellingtonia tree is an exceptional green asset. It is capable of surviving long into the future. To destroy it would be a short-sighted and cynical act of extreme environmental vandalism."

The planning application reads: " Erection of ten houses with associated garden and parking areas  Land 50M North Of The Hermitage St Olaf Manor Cawdor Road Nairn."

Nairn River Community Council are not against the development but want the Sequoia retained. They state in their submission:

"As a Community Council we tend to lean towards supporting this application, but we cannot do so if it means the Giant Sequoia is to be removed, especially where we can see that a very small re-design to the layout would avoid any need for it to be removed. We also consider that the site is in danger of over-development with ten proposed houses and it is this over-development that is forcing the removal of these long-established trees that have high landscape value. If a redesign of the layout allowed for the retention of the Giant Sequoia, it could be argued that our objection would be superseded."

There are two comments on the behalf of the Friends and Families of current residents of The Manor Care Home which read:

"On behalf of the Friends and Relatives of current residents of The Manor, we also want to object to the loss of visual amenity and the likely loss of wildlife. Many of the residents gain a great deal from being able to look at the beauty of the trees on the site and often watch the wildlife which is present on the site. Much of this will be lost and will therefore impact on these vulnerable adults' opportunity to enjoy the natural environment of the site."

"I am writing on behalf of the Friends and Families of current residents of The Manor Care Home. We feel very strongly about the likely impact on the very vulnerable adults who already live on the site, specifically as the result of increased traffic flow on the site. All vehicles will have to drive alongside the current buildings. Many of the residents use this area for walking and often are not fully aware of traffic around them. There will also be an impact on the privacy of the residents whose rooms overlook the road. We strongly request further consideration is given to taking traffic to the Fit Homes round the back of the site instead."

Other comments read:

"I object to the proposed removal of trees from this site which are listed as High Quality (Cat A) or good/Moderate Quality (Cat B) in the Arboricultural Assessment. The proposals envisage that 40 of the 116 trees on the site (that is 35% of the total), plus untagged trees, will all be removed. The species include Scots Pine, Wych Elm and others, all of which taken together constitute a significant environmental and "green" asset.

In particular I object in the strongest possible terms to the proposed removal of the Cat A Wellingtonia (Giant Sequoia) . This healthy and impressive specimen is uniquely valuable. It is part of the area's environmental heritage, and a major feature.

A previous nearby planning proposal in 2005 (Rhuallan) was refused on the grounds that the removal of another Giant Sequoia there was unacceptable. This is therefore a directly relevant precedent, and the same considerations apply. Any development-planning consent for this site should enable, and require, the retention of the Wellingtonia and other good-quality mature trees. 

The removal of this "veteran" tree and other mature trees in the area would also be directly contrary to Section 147 of Scottish Planning Policy 3 as reflected in the Highland Council's own Supplementary Guidance on Trees Woodlands And Development adopted in January 2013.

In these days of increasing awareness of the importance of long-term, sustainable strategies for the protection of the natural environment for future generations, the local planning authority has a particular responsibility to set an example of good stewardship. 

This Wellingtonia tree is an exceptional green asset. It is capable of surviving long into the future. To destroy it is not only inconsistent with current government and Council policy. It would be a short-sighted and cynical act of extreme environmental vandalism.

I object to the proposed removal of trees from this site which are listed as High Quality (Cat A) or good/Moderate Quality (Cat B) in the Arboricultural Assessment. The proposals envisage that 40 of the 116 trees on the site (that is 35% of the total), plus untagged trees, will all be removed. The species include Scots Pine, Wych Elm and others, all of which taken together constitute a significant environmental and "green" asset.

In particular I object in the strongest possible terms to the proposed removal of the Cat A Wellingtonia (Giant Sequoia) . This healthy and impressive specimen is uniquely valuable. It is part of the area's environmental heritage, and a major feature.

A previous nearby planning proposal in 2005 (Rhuallan) was refused on the grounds that the removal of another Giant Sequoia there was unacceptable. This is therefore a directly relevant precedent, and the same considerations apply. Any development-planning consent for this site should enable, and require, the retention of the Wellingtonia and other good-quality mature trees. 

In these days of increasing awareness of the importance of long-term, sustainable strategies for the protection of the natural environment for future generations, the local planning authority has a particular responsibility to set an example of good stewardship.

This Wellingtonia tree is an exceptional green asset. It is capable of surviving long into the future. To destroy it would be a short-sighted and cynical act of extreme environmental vandalism." 

"I have examined the plans and I know the site well. I wish to object strongly to this development at this location for reasons I have spelt out below. 

Under the Scottish Government Planning Policy & principle 194 the planning system should "Protect and enhance ancient semi-natural woodland as an important and irreplaceable resource, together with other native or long-established woods, hedgerows and INDIVIDUAL trees with high nature conservation or landscape value.

The 'Scottish Natural Heritage' website 'Nature.Scot' - a site that provides professional advice for planning and development, states "......even single trees - chiefly veteran trees - may also have biodiversity value and add to landscape character and quality. These should also be protected from adverse impacts caused by development.

"The application includes the removal of a Giant Sequoia along with many other types of trees. The Giant Sequoia and the Sycamore are both graded in the Arboricultural Impact Assessment( provided by the applicant) as BS Category A. The large Wellingtonia (Giant Sequoia T2152) is a very impressive and prominent tree on the site and is one of few examples in the Town. 

If the Giant Sequoia has to be removed to allow this deveopment to go ahead it means that the site is being over-developed. A very small re-design to the layout of these houses would avoid any need for it to be removed.

An application at Rhuallan which is located not far to the South of this site reference number 05/00073/FUL that also required the removalof a Giant Sequoia, that application was refused. The Sequoia in Rhuallan then was 25m and this one under threat today is 27m.

On the 12th of June 2018 at the SPAC meeting in the Council Chamber Highland COuncil Principal Planning Officr Ken McCorquodale stated, while presenting the case on planning references (17/05059/LBC and 17/05060/FUL) for housing in Inverness, that "mature trees.... from well within the property are important to retain as they add much character and value to the area". Following that precedent then presumably the same principles apply to trees in Nairn, particularly since at this site the mature trees, includes this 'landmark' Giant Sequoia. Any inconsistency of planning decisions on this topic begs the question of whether planners consider Nairns' natural environment and heritage to be of lesser importance than that of Inverness. 

This tree is a fantastic addition to the area and we must remember that this is "about what type of sky-line we bequeath to future generations in this town."

"As a resident of the area covered by Nairn River Community Council I wish to fully support their comments on this application.

Yes build on the site but in such a way as to preserve the magnificent Sequoia for future generations."

"I object in the strongest possible terms to the removal of so many trees to facilitate this development, particularly the Giant Sequoia and the other class A trees. We are privileged to have such specimens in our town, and they must be retained. There are few enough such wonderful examples in this area.

The Cawdor Road area has lost many wonderful trees over the last period, we cannot be expected to tolerate more losses to the Heritage that we leave to our future generations."

We would urge any readers that agree with these comments to also submit their thoughts to this application on the Highland Council e-planning pages here 

Gordons Saw Mill also object to the development given that it is so close to their premises and would lead to noise complaints. There is also an objection from the Highland Council's Environmental Health Department.

Nairn Film Festival underway with big Friday night turn out for Nae Pasaran

Nae Pasaran was an incredibly moving film seen by a full house in the Community and Arts Centre tonight. Details of this remarkable film here.

We had a wee blether with Séamus McArdle about the Festival and what else is on this weekend. More details on the Cinema Nairn site here. 

Parking Charges policy continues to devastate Angus towns since introduction of meters in November last year - a look into Nairn's future demise if Highland Council does the same here?

A look into the future at what Nairn will look like if our Highland Councillors allow parking meters in Nairn? "

"The small market towns of Angus are crying out for help from our Councillors to bring some vibrancy back to our town centres but Angus Council genuinely don’t understand the people and businesses requirements therefore Angus continues its downwards spiral."

Contractor appointed for £809,000 Nairn Courthouse revamp

One of our regular readers points us in the direction of a Highland Council press release. Our correspondent wonders if this expenditure is necessary in the current climate of cutbacks and the threat of parking charges in Nairn to raise money. There is no money we are told but perhaps this was coming down the tracks for a while and we imagine all or most of it is necessary - if anyone knows where to find the relevant Highland Council reports that led to this work please let us know and we will link to them. We regret that we are rather busy with other things at the moment and Gurn activity is on slow-burn so please if anyone has further information. Anyway here is the the Highland Council press release:

"The contract for refurbishment works including the removal and replacement of the existing viewing tower at Nairn Courthouse has been awarded by The Highland Council to Laing Traditional Masonry Group (LTM Group).

The £809,000 project at the Category B listed Court House involves the renovation of the two-stage steeple, which is in poor condition, as well as internal and external works required. 

The Service Point and the Council offices will remain operational throughout the 48 week programme, which is anticipated to commence later this month.

The works will be project-managed by the Council’s Development and Infrastructure Service. The project has been progressed with assistance from LDN Architects, Fairhurst Engineers, McLeod & Aitken and Safehands Health & Safety Consultants Ltd.

Cllr Tom Heggie, Nairnshire Committee Chair said: “As part of the Council’s ongoing inspection regime, Nairn Members are delighted that this contract has been awarded. This demonstrates a significant investment by the Council in an iconic building in the heart on Nairn town centre. In contractors Laing Traditional Masonry we are also pleased that our treasured building will be well cared for, based on their excellent work already demonstrated at Inverness Town House.”

Work to erect scaffolding at Nairn Courthouse is anticipated to start on Sunday 17 February 2019."

Nairn BID again writes to Cllr Tom Heggie on parking charges - still no promised consultation and decisions due to be made in next couple of weeks

Parking changes in Nairn - could you be affected? You have until 15th Feb to comment on consultation

This isn't the parking meter threat issue, this is simply one of the regular reviews of how the streets are managed. There are apparently some changes proposed. One of our regular readers informs us: "Acre Street is to be no parking at all, even for residents!"

We thought we'd better have a look at the proposals that are contained in a document with a series of maps for Nairn. Here's a snapshot of one of them.

You can find a copy of the document with a series of maps to download here. 

"Any objection you may have to this proposal must be submitted by 15th February 2019, in writing to the Legal Manager, Council Offices, Glenurquhart Road Inverness IV3 5NX"

2018 Further rollout of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement - Statutory Consultees information
The following locations link to map based Traffic Regulation Orders detailing on-street waiting and loading restrictions to be delivered by The Highland Council (Prohibition and Restriction of Waiting and Loading and Parking Places) (Decriminalised Parking Enforcement and Consolidation) Variation Three Order 2018."

The sad loss of Alan Barron

Yesterday James Barron announced on the Nairn Social media site "Nairn Rocks":

 "It is with tremendous sadness that I have to announce that Alan Barron, beloved father, grandfather and brother died peacefully in the small hours of this morning(Tuesday 5th of February) at Nairn town and county hospital. He will be greatly missed, not only by his family, but by Nairn in general."

Tributes are being made on Nairn Rocks here. 

One of our regular readers David told the Gurn: "It is with great sadness that we all learned today of the passing of Alan Barron, he will be a great loss to the community of Nairn.

Could you feature a mention on the Gurn in memory of one of the most loveable, knowledgeable and sociable Nairnites of the last few decades? He was a remarkable man, full of vigour, an encyclopedic knowledge of Nairn and its history and yet not boring or academic, full of life and a wonderful sense of humour. I will always remember his affectionate giggle and the way his face lit up when a new fact or subject came to his notice.

He will be greatly missed, there are few now of his ilk and character, a shame, as we need them now more than ever."

Fantastic craic on Nairn High Street today with Chinese New Year Celebrations

Fantastic craic on the High Street this morning with a Chinese Lion Dance performance by Glasgow's Hong Lok Dragon and Lion Dance to celebrate Chinese New Year.  More images here. 

Cinema Nairn - 10th anniversary Film Festival 15th -17th February 2019

Further details here. 

Another housebreaking in the Lochloy area

Green Budget Deal: John Finnie MSP Secures funding package for Highland

The Scottish Greens this morning (31 Jan) confirmed agreement has been reached with Scottish Ministers on a significant package of immediate budget changes and bold long-terms reforms to boost the funding of local council services such as schools and social care.

Ahead of tonight's Stage 1 vote on the Budget, Scottish Government Ministers are promising that in return for Green support they will amend their spending plans. Compared with the plans set out in the SNP’s budget in December, local councils will have access to a package worth over £200million to spend as they see fit.

Today’s deal will mean Highland Council will have a funding package worth up to an extra £8.6 million as a direct result of the Green deal.

When combined with existing local revenue powers, this will close the £237m gap in council funding, identified by the local government body COSLA.

Ministers have also agreed to a timescale for replacing the broken, unfair Council Tax system. This will be developed by a cross-party process starting before the summer, and legislation will be published before the end of this session of parliament. They have also committed to giving councils greater fundraising powers including the ability to charge a visitor levy, as is commonplace in other European cities and regions.

Council bosses had described the SNP Government's proposed budget for 2019-20 as bad news, putting at risk the delivery of essential services. Green MSPs have pressed hard for a fairer funding settlement along with a commitment to scrap the Tories' unfair and outdated Council Tax.

Highlands and Islands Green MSP John Finnie said:

"The public rely on local services such as schools and social care, and local facilities such as sports centres and libraries. Today's Green budget deal means that Highland Council now has an additional £8.6 million to protect these services and the jobs of front line workers.

"It's welcome that after consistent Green pressure the SNP Government has seen sense and committed to immediate action and longer-term reform.

"Scottish Greens will always be firm but constructive in these situations. Scrapping the Tories' Council Tax is a historic victory. All parties now have an opportunity to help bring about a fairer system of funding essential local services.

"On top of recent reforms to Income Tax, today's deal shows yet again Scottish Greens are leading the change, making Scotland the fairer country we know we can be."