Cinema Nairn film Friday 28th July. 7.30pm 'That Sinking Feeling' (PG) Nairn Community and Arts Centre

Cinema Nairn film

Friday 28th July. 7.30pm

'That Sinking Feeling' (PG)

Nairn Community and Arts Centre

Cinema Nairn's screening on Friday (28th) is writer and director Bill Forsyth's first comedy, but just as hilarious and quirky as Gregory's Girl or Local Hero.

Filmed in 1979 in Glasgow, it follows the fortunes of four bored teenagers who come up with an unlikely money making scheme involving sinks.

Needless to say, all does not go to plan!

Film starts at 7.30pm at Nairn Community and Arts Centre. Tickets at the door.

Skimming devices found on ATMs in Beauly and Nairn. Two arrested by Police Scotland

A Police Scotland Press Release:

Police Scotland is urging the public to be vigilant after skimming devices were reported on cash machines in the Beauly and Nairn areas.

Both incidents involved a device being fitted to the ATMs which "captured" the bank card of anyone who used it and refused to return the card after an attempted transaction.

Cameras were also fitted to film the user entering the PIN code for the stolen card.

Two men - aged 24 and 25-years-old - have been arrested in connection with these incidents and are due to appear at Inverness Sheriff Court in due course.

Both the Nairn and Beauly incidents we re reported to Police on Friday, July 21.

Police Scotland want to make anybody using a cash machine alert to this particular type of scam and urge anyone who sees anything suspicious around an ATM to report it immediately to Police, as well as the bank or shop where the cash machine is located.

Police Scotland offer the following advice:•Check the card reader and the front fascia for anything that appears to be out of the ordinary before inserting your card.•Check for any unusual attachments to the ATM.•Cover the PIN key pad as you enter your number by obscuring it with your free hand.•If anything looks out of place, they should not enter their card or PIN number but should immediately inform the authorities.•If you insert your card, and it appears to be retained or jammed, check the fascia and notify the bank or service provider immediately. Contact the police and service provider immediately should you discover a device attached to an ATM.•Check your account balance regularly and inform your bank immediately if your account shows any transactions you did not make.

Detective Inspector Richard Baird said: "We do not want to alarm people unduly about the use of cash machines but the public should be alert to this type of activity and take sensible precautions.

"Our enquiries are ongoing in relation to the recent incidents and anybody who has information should get in touch with us as soon as possible.

"Anyone who finds any suspicious device or has any information regarding suspicious activity around cash machines is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Nairn Healthcare Newsletter July/August 2017

Staffing

Nairn Healthcare would like to congratulate Practice Nurse, Nicola Thomson, who has just taken on the role of Lead Practice Nurse. Nicola has been with the Practice since 2012.

We will also be welcoming Foundation Year 2 doctor, Dr Rachel Armitage, to the team. Dr Armitage is due to start in the beginning of August.

Flu Vaccine Review

Nairn Healthcare held their annual flu review meeting recently. 6,046 of Nairn Healthcare patients qualified for the flu vaccine last Winter because of their age, clinical history, pregnancy or because they are a carer. 58% of these patients chose to receive the free flu vaccine.

Although, we have not yet received our flu vaccines for this year, please keep your eyes peeled on our website, newsletters, media screens and local shops and chemists around both Nairn and Ardersier for when this year’s campaign will commence. Patients aged over 65 will receive a letter from NHS Highland.

CAB Outreach

The Citizens Advice Office in the GPs surgery will be closed due to annual leave from Monday 17th July and will re-open on Monday 31st July.

If there are any urgent enquiries The High Street Bureau will be open and can be accessed by either dropping in or telephoning 01667 456677.

My Well Being and Me 

Find out about how to improve your health without the misery of dieting with new group, My Well-Being and Me. Their approach is your health for your size and to develop a healthy relationship with food. The next Well course will take place in the Conference Room (before GP Reception), Nairn Hospital on Tuesday 29th August at 4pm-6pm. Please contact Ann Grant on 01667 422719 or email ann.grant7@nhs.net to book a place

Sun Protection

Recently, the UK has been experiencing some of the hottest days of the year so far. Although it’s great to have some sun shining, we still need to protect our skin with suitable clothing, seeking shade and applying sunscreen.

Sunscreen should be suitable for your skin type and block both UVA and UVB radiation, at least SPF15 should be applied and the product shouldn’t be applied if after its expiry date.

Children and babies have more sensitive skin than adults so please take extra care to protect them. Children under 6 months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight. There are sunscreens available that are formulated for children and babies, these are less likely to irritate their skin.

If you do happen to get sunburnt, paracetamol and ibuprofen will ease the pain by helping to reduce inflammation. Sponge the sore skin with cool water and apply aftersun lotion. If you feel unwell or the skin swells or blisters, please seek medical help and stay out of the sun until all redness has gone.

For more information on sun protection, please visit www.nhs.uk/livewell/travelhealth/pages/sunsafetyqa.aspx

Hayfever

Hay fever is one of the most common allergic conditions affecting one in five people at some point in their life and unfortunately, it is during the Summer months that it surfaces. It is an allergy to pollen and the symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes.

There is currently no cure for hay fever but most people are able to relieve symptoms with treatment to a certain extent. Treatment options include antihistamines which can help prevent an allergic reaction from occurring. Steroids are sometimes recommended to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Most hay fever cases can be controlled with over-the-counter medication from the pharmacy, however if you feel your hay fever is more troublesome, it may be worth speaking to a GP as you may require prescribed medication.

Some self-help tips:

Wearing sunglasses outdoors to stop pollen reaching your eyes

Take a shower after being outdoors to remove unwanted pollen from your body

Apply a small amount of Vaseline to the nasal opening to trap pollen grains.

Art in Healthcare

Nairn Books and Arts festival goers are invited to attend an Exhibition and talk given by the chief executive of the Art in Healthcare charity Margaret O'Connor. The exhibition includes artwork from emerging and established Scottish artists such as TG McGill Duncan, David Michie, and also Christopher Gilvan Cartwright, whose paintings were inspired by recovery following illness.

Light refreshments will be available. Free event. Monday 11th September. 7.30pm. Nairn Healthcare Group.

http://www.nairnhealthcaregroup.co.uk/

Meanwhile over on the Gurn twitter account

If there's not much being posted here it's worth having a look at the Gurn twitter account. Quite a lot happens in the Nairn twittersphere these days. You don't have to have an account to look at tweets either. 

Tweets by @GurnNurn

Specsavers grand opening doubles as fundraiser for RNIB - bake sale and a live owl display plus more

Specsavers tell us:

"We are having our official grand opening event on Sat 22nd July from 12pm - 4pm, we will have activities in attendance for the public, including a magician, a face painter and a live owl display, and we will also be holding a bake sale and raffle and all proceeds raised from the event will be going to the RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People). It should be a great day for all the family!"

The height of the holiday season - not really the ideal time for Highland Council to launch a consultation on "Housing Land Audit" ?

Unless you were one of the lucky folk that have signed up to the Highland Council consultation portal then it is very unlikely that you will know about this consultation that closes on the 6th of August - of course even if you do know about it you might have one or two other things competing for your attention at this time of the year. It is hard to see how the town's two Community Councils will make a response as they traditionally take July off each year and have no meetings this month.

So this link here will take you to the Highland Council Consultation on the draft Housing Land Audit. You then have the opportunity to read and comment on a document. There is an interactive page here with a map  you can zoom into to find details of what housing the planners think should be added to Nairn. 

The map gives you details of the allocation capacity for South Nairn (520 houses), The Showfield (30 Houses), The Kingsteps land that made the front page of the Nairnshire recently (90 houses) and Sandown and Delnies. 

There have been complaints in the past that views submitted to these consultations have been ignored. But given the new mantras of Community Empowerment and Localism emitting from Holyrood and Glenurquhart Road perhaps this is crunch time - is it business as usual or will our community finally get to decide where things should get built and how the town should grow? Is it still about trying to attract large scale commercial developers or could we try something different and be a bit more holistic about it all?  Maybe some of our MSPs might want to stand up and say things need to change somewhat after all they must have heard some of the complaints too? 

Unless it is quickly proven otherwise though consultation is still a four letter word - It really is easy to be cynical and not give a shit given the way we've been treated in the past but should anyone still think it worthwhile the link is above...

Nairn Cares Emergency Foodbank Collection - Saturday 15th July 2017 10 am - 12 Noon High Street/Leopold Street corner

Another beautiful night of music? Friday 14th?

Robin Adams and friends. More details here. 

Laikenbuie Garden and Croft open day Sunday 23rd July 2-5pm All proceeds to Highland Hospice

Gaelic meet-up tomorrow Sat 8th July on Nairn Beach from 1.30 pm

Not good news from Nairn CAB

Under
Universal Credit in Nairn we've had a 29% increase in enquiries re: rent
arrears and a 40% increase in food bank advice https://t.co/A2DjELypB8

— Nairn CAB (@NairnCAB) July 7, 2017

Buddies feel at home at friendly County

Testament to the town's Highland League football club from one of the visiting St Mirren fans.

Stuart McMillan told the Gurn:

"After a long drive from Paisley, I was tired but I was met by a cheery, good natured gate supervisor who was more than happy to take this photo for me. The girls in the food stall were a delight and the food was excellent. The stall itself was clean and well presented. Then there were your club officials, all immaculately turned out in club blazers and ties. To a man they welcomed us with a smile and asked how we were. They even handed out free team sheets. Nice touch. 

During the game we had a bit of banter with the ball boys who took it in good spirit too. Some of us being behind the goals were also enjoying some banter with both your goal keepers who also took it in the spirit it was intended. Station Park was a very smart wee ground. The area around the pitch was clean and clearly well looked after. The playing surface was better than some SPFL pitches I've seen. A real credit to your ground staff. 

After the game there was one committee man who thanked all the St Mirren supporters that walked past him for coming up, shook many hands, mine included and wished us a safe journey home. That was just one of many reasons a LOT of St Mirren fans left Nairn with a lasting impression of a well run club with a fantastic attitude. Many of us will be keeping an eye on County's form this coming season. I will most certainly be back when I'm next up north. Best wishes for the 2017/18 season. Regards from Paisley."

Nairn 0 St Mirren 9 - pictures Donald Matheson

Individual images here. 

Nairn County made some new friends on Sunday

@NairnCounty you are a credit to your town. Gate staff, committee men, food stall ladies as a @saintmirrenfc fan, thank you for the welcome pic.twitter.com/iXtJjw8XC4

— MAC (@MAD060591) July 2, 2017

It's rubbish on Nairn Beach

Well it was until the Green Hive and Nairn Sailing Club combined forces and set about cleaning it up. Over 50 people turned up to participate in the event and there will be a follow up Art is Rubbish exhibition from some of today's discoveries. 

Drew wants free wi-fi for Nairn just like Inverness City Centre

65 today - Happy Birthday to Ian MacRae

Claim of riverside habitat destruction - was the layout map from swan and duck folk ignored?

More over on the Swan mannie's blog. 

Nairnshire Rising Street stall Sat 1st July, Leopold Street corner on Nairn High Street 11.30 am to 12.30

If you are in or near Nairn this Saturday (1st July) please pop along for a wee while. Bring a banner too if you  can. 

Nairn Police supporting #TeamHamish

Join the Nairn Connects BID Steering Group

The Nairn BID is looking for local business owners to join the BID Steering Group to help take forward the job of shaping the future ambitions of the Nairn BID.

There are now 32 BIDS up and running across Scotland, each having developed a Business Plan that is unique to its own area. Each BID has a Steering Group made up of local business people who form a committee to support the development their Business Plan.

BIDs operating in towns and areas like Nairn have focussed their efforts around the visitor and retail economy and visitor events. Others have focussed around improvements to streetscapes, parking, or employability issues with local businesses, schools and colleges.

Michael Boylan, Chair of the BID Steering Group said. “It’s important we have a good cross section of Nairn businesses on the Steering Group to ensure we build the Plan around what is important for Nairn. Being on the group will involve a commitment over the coming year but also represents a great opportunity to help shape the economic future for Nairn.”

Alan Rankin BID Project manager said. “There has been a great deal of work done in getting the idea of a BID for Nairn to this stage. The next step is to broaden that involvement to bring in a wider range of motivated people to help shape and make the BID a success.”

Alan added. “No two BIDs are the same with the business plan and activities decided upon and prioritised by the local business community. “

To get the process moving forward the BID is looking to local businesses people to step forward and join the Steering Group. Alan Rankin will, with the support of the Steering Group, develop through conversation and consultation a Business Plan that in turn will be put to a vote in 2018.

People whose business properties are non-domestic rated can notify the BID Project Manager Alan Rankin of their interest to join the group. Alan will in turn send on the brief for steering group members and then meet to discuss with interested parties the workings of the group. The Steering Group will meet on a regular monthly basis over the coming year and through a process of consultation with local businesses generate a Business Proposal and Business Plan. 

More information about BIDS and details on the other BIDs in Scotland can be found at the NairnConnects BID website www.nairnconnects.com

Alan Rankin can be contacted on alan@nairnconnects.com or on 07785 722936

What is good about Nairn according to a community planning workshop

Here is what a recent Community Planning Partnership workshop made of what is good about Nairn. Consultation still a four letter word in Nairn or is this one going to be different? There is an ongoing survey here on the Partnership's website? 

"The Good—What is good about your community?

 Facebook pages for Nairnshire—Nairn Rocks; Nairn Cares; Nairn Recycle

 Excellent community facilities e.g. Community Arts Centre

 Community Spirit—sunniest place in Scotland!!

 Volunteers are active & willing to support

 Level of community support for events

 Friendly
 Community works together

 Recognition response & referral to statutory agencies

 Number of people involved in volunteering 

 Statutory agencies wanting to engage with community based organisations/third sector

 Engagement with local issues

 Volunteers are invaluable

 The support of good neighbours

 Friendly and welcoming

 High level of community involvement

 Safe and welcoming

 People are willing to step up and help each other

 Business which benefit the community eg. Restaurant in Ardersier which does Christmas meals for those on their own

 Safe Community 

Massive variety of activities

 Integrated adult services are co-located

 Great assets

 Good leisure facilities, lots of outdoor space or the community to use

 Tourism attraction not just Scotland

 Lots of Community groups t be involved with—for all tastes"

Ah but what about the bad and the ugly? Find out more on the Community Planning workshop report here. 

Raft Race Nairn 2017 - video

A large turnout at the Harbour for the raft race this afternoon.


And a few pictures here.

New "aire de service" for Nairn on the Maggot?

John Finnie MSP - Marine Scotland and their S2S in Moray Firth application reports - "Who caused them not to advance?"

Highland MSPs John Finnie and Ed Mountain attended the Holyrood Parliament Public Petitions Committee this morning to discuss the Cromarty Rising petition on Ship to ship oil transfers and trust ports. The Committee agreed to keep the petition open and explore the issue further. 

The video is approximately 12 minutes long - worth watching if you have been following this issue.