Well done Pam Bochel with her Keep the Library in Nairn town centre petition - over 1,500 signatures.

 This screenshot from the NWSCC page sums it all up really  Meal do naidheachd Pam. Sin thu fhèin a charaid, ‘s e gaisgeach a th’ annad. 

 

Telling tales: Nairn Book and Arts Festival launches story-themed programme Line-up takes inspiration from local myths and legends

Organisers of the annual Nairn Book and Arts Festival have announced this year’s programme, which takes inspiration from Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, with a diverse array of events celebrating the ancient myths and modern legends of Nairnshire, the Highlands and the North East.

The family- friendly festival, running from Saturday 27 August to Sunday 4 September, will feature a ‘creative takeover’ of Nairn’s High Street with a storytelling fancy dress theme, alongside author talks, street theatre, live music, storytelling, exhibitions, creative workshops, tours and two paranormal investigations - a first for the festival.

The festival’s launch day will feature a parade of silk flags featuring ‘Stories of Nairn’, the culmination of a major collaboration with international arts production company Kinetika, artist/ storyteller Lizzie McDougall and local community groups. The festival’s finale day will see events taking place at indoor and outdoor venues across the town, from author events to multilingual storytelling, a costumed ‘Wandering Woodland’ childrens’ parade, live music by local bands, creative activities celebrating nature and a large scale flag installation.


A host of critically-acclaimed and award-winning authors from Scotland and across the UK will make an appearance, including Walter Scott Prize-winning author James Robertson discussing his seventh novel News of the Dead, Andrew Greig, talking about his latest historical fiction novel Rose Nicolson, Iain Cameron reflecting on Scotland’s winter mountains with his book The Vanishing Ice, and Sean Lusk with his debut novel The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley - the Scottish Book Trust’s book of the month for June.


The popular Wine and Crime event returns, featuring CWA Diamond Dagger award winning author Martin Edwards talking about his latest book ‘The Life of Crime’, a Q&A with Times Bestseller, LGBTQ+ writer Mary Paulson-Ellis, author of The Other Mrs Walker, and Jennifer Morag Henderson in conversation with Martin Edwards, discussing her biography “Josephine Tey: A Life”.


The programme features a diverse range of authors, poets and performers, including writer

Nikki May, an Anglo-Nigerian author, who will discuss her recently published debut novel WAHALA, currently in development as a BBC TV Drama, Mae Diansangu, a Black and queer poet from Aberdeen, whose work has been featured on BBC Radio Four’s Tongue and Talk, and writer and singer Marcas Mac an Tuairneir, a founding member of the LGBT music collective 'Bogha-froise.' The current Gaelic editor of Northwords Now, Marcas writes and publishes in Scottish Gaelic, English and Polari.




Tanera Bryden, the festival’s Creative Coordinator commented: “ This year we have dug deep into a rich seam of modern myths and ancient tales from Nairn, the Highlands and the North East of Scotland. Storytellers, poets and musicians will bring them to life in Doric, Gaelic and English, and we’ll be celebrating them with costumed parades and outdoor performances. We are excited to be collaborating with Kinetika as a major partner this year to create beautiful flags telling ‘Stories of Nairn’, drawn from our community and history. And we have a brilliant line-up of some of the country’s best authors and poets, covering everything from crime and Scottish historical fiction, to the fragility of our natural environment and the glories of Scottish river fishing.


We’re grateful to our funders and sponsors, our partnerships with local businesses and our team of amazing volunteers. The festival brings joy to so many, and without their support, it just wouldn’t happen.”


Festival activities begin with the ‘Creative Takeover’ of Nairn High Street on Saturday 27th August, with a fancy dress storytelling theme, parade with hand painted silk flags by Kinetika, circus and stilt walking entertainment from Fly Agaric, live music from Feis Nairn, acapella choir The Accidentals and Nairn’s Gaelic Choir, and outdoor theatre performance ‘A Discovery of Memories’ - an interpretation of recollections gathered from friends, family and elderly Nairn residents by Nairn Youth Theatre with Borealis Theatre Arts.


The programme features a host of live music events including The Cattachs and Gallachs of the Grey Coast, an eclectic and dynamic evening of music and poetry inspired by the far north and north-east counties of Scotland, developed as a collaboration between three of Scotland’s finest artists - the poet and Caithness Makar George Gunn, Gordon Gunn and Andy Thorburn.


Well known singer songwriter Martin Stephenson will be appearing with his Good Will Trio, featuring Rupert Hughes (guitar/vocals) and Niles Krieger (violin/mandolin/dobro/vocals) both from the award-winning bluegrass band, The Often Herd.


There is a particular focus on Isobel Gowdie, the so-called ‘Witch of Auldearn’; the festival’s programme cover artwork by Rachael Forbes is inspired by Isobel’s life, and there will be a special exhibition dedicated to her at Nairn Museum, with paintings by artist Julia Jeffrey, as part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022. Artist Helen Wright will discuss her mural of Gowdie’s life in Auldearn, while American author Nancy Kilgore will discuss her latest book, Bitter Magic, inspired by the story of lsobel.


The languages of the Highlands and North East feature strongly with a range of Gaelic, Doric and Scots language events, including Gaelic poet Eoghan Stuibhart (supported by the Gaelic Books council) and storytelling by writer, folklorist, ethnologist, broadcaster, and singer Margaret Bennett, founder member of the Grampian Association of Storytellers Jackie Ross, and Jess Smith, an author and storyteller whose work focuses on the lives of the Scottish Traveller community.


The Festival Finale takes place on Sunday 4 September, on Nairn links, and features a costumed ‘Wandering Woodland’ environmentally themed procession for children, accompanied by local samba band ‘The Penguin’s Tuxedo’, Kinetika’s ‘Stories of Nairn’ flags will be installed at the Wallace Bandstand with artist-storyteller Lizzie McDougall uncovering the stories behind the flags, along with readings from local writing group The Pen and I , nature -themed creative activities with Nature 4 Health and an afternoon of live music by local musicians, curated by young performers Kenna and Morna Ross.

More Festival Highlights: 

Exhibitions include ‘Every Picture Tells a Story’ - the festival’s biennial Open Exhibition - returning with a selection of paintings, prints, textiles and photography by artists from the northern regions of Scotland. Nairnshire artist Eve McDonald will be showcasing her popular scrap metal artworks at a new temporary ‘sculpture park’ at Nairn Community and Arts Centre. Textile artist Susie Rose Alexander, will exhibit her ambitious new work The Clouds of Unknowing, at the Original Spinning Arts Studio. Artist Jonathan Shearer, gives a talk about the art of painting landscapes outdoors, in the extreme weather conditions of the remote Highlands.


The programme also features a rare tour of Black Isle Bronze, the UK’s premier sculptural and architectural bronze foundry based in Nairn, while local historian John Urquhart takes a journey down Nairn’s High Street. Highland Paranormal will lead tours and investigations of Viewfield House, home to Nairn Museum, and the historic Auldearn Cemetery.


Author talks: Edinburgh based doctor and award winning writer, Gavin Francis, discusses science and kindness. Author, musician and fishing enthusiast, Malachy Tallack, talks about his new book Illuminated by Water. Gerda Stevenson, reading from her critically acclaimed book of short stories Letting Go: A Timeline of Tales will be in conversation with Thomasin Collins of Luath Press. There will be a platform for readings by creative writing students Linda Blackwood and Dawn Tripp from the University of the Highlands and Islands.


Young theatre collective Crimson Tea Productions present The Ghosts of Campfire Stories - a play based on the old legends of the Sea Maiden of Kessock and the myth of the Kelpie of Loch Ness: the origin story of Nessie, and Norse Gods share their own stories, highlighting the importance of Norse mythos in Scotland.


The festival offers a range of creative workshops including ‘Forest Beings’ workshops for children with Sadie Stoddart, and a Silk scarf making masterclass with Ali Pretty (Artistic Director of Kinetika). Sean Lusk and Meg Pokrass will share the secrets of how to write sparkling short fiction with a two-day creative writing workshop.


School Outreach Programme: authors Kenneth Stevens, Ross Sayers and Gaelic poet Marcas Mac an Tuairneir, will visit local primary and secondary schools.


Artists in schools: Environmental artist Gordon Maclellan aka Creeping Toad returns to local primary schools with forest-themed storytelling and creative workshops, with a ‘wandering woodland’ procession on Finale Day. Iona Gibson takes a zine making workshop to Nairn Academy.


The ‘Stories of Nairn’ storytelling flag project has been supported by the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund. This fund is being delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players.

Nairn Book and Arts Festival runs from Saturday 27 August to Sunday 4 September 2022.

Cuts for Additional Support Needs Unit at Millbank? - Parents' concern and Councillor Paul Oldham's response

The Gurn has received a copy of a letter sent by one of the concerned parents at Millbank:

 I am writing to you as I heard some very troubling news last night regarding proposed cuts to the ASN unit at Millbank primary school in Nairn. My non verbal autistic son is due to start there in August.

 Over the past few months I’ve visited the unit and witnessed firsthand what an incredible job the teachers do there, despite the fact that they are already stretched to the limit, In fact if anything, they need MORE support, not less. These proposed cuts would lead to our chicken no longer being able to spend time with their peers in the mainstream classes (where appropriate). It would also mean a significant reduction in class outings (such as swimming) and class trips. 

Cutting funds in an already struggling environment will ultimately have a severe effect on our children’s safety and well-being. They all require one to one support at all times and I can’t see HOW on earth the unit could function adequately and safely if these cuts go ahead. 

 I cannot understand how the Highland Council can justify such action. I would like to ask them this - WHY do our children with additional support needs not deserve the same level of education and support as mainstream school pupils? 

 Regards 

XXXXX XXXXXX (a very concerned parent)

 Cllr Paul Oldham responded to a Gurn request for comment this morning:

  "I, and other ward councillors, have had many emails about this from parents yesterday. At the insistence of the SNP group ASN funding was protected in this year's budget but it's officers who decide where that money is spent, not councillors, so I would suggest that parents contact Nicky Grant <nicky.grant@highland.gov.uk>, who is the ECO for Education & Learning at Highland Council as she's ultimately responsible for these decisions and should be able to explain why this is happening."

Peace in our time? New start for Community Councillors and the Highland Council variety in Nairn? Perhaps NRCC meeting tonight (22/06/22) will provide a few clues of direction of travel

 It's the AGM at Nairn River Community Council tonight as well so if you would like to go you can read the agendas for the AGM and the regular meeting here and there is also a contact e-mail address to access the Zoom meeting.

Keep Nairn Library in town centre - petition closes 16/6

 

Keep Nairn Library in town centre - petition closes 16/6.

Pls sign online or in: Ashers Baker (both shops), Pat Frasers, Flower Shop, Wool Shop, Vintage & Vinyl, Book Shop, Isla’s Hairdresser, Duncan & Todd, Crafty Wee Birdie#Nairn #HighStreethttps://t.co/3YHBYPgPaA

— Pam Bochel (@PamBochel) June 10, 2022

Mikeysline establishes new Hive in Nairn to expand mental health support in Scottish Highlands

A leading Scottish mental health and suicide prevention charity has secured premises for its fourth face-to-face support offering in the Highlands.

Mikeysline has opened The Hive Nairn in the Highland Yoga Collective at 17a Acre Street. The charity will provide confidential face-to-face mental health support to those who require it on Saturdays from 6-10pm.

Appointments can be booked at www.mikeysline.co.uk/appointments, or by contacting the charity during office hours on enquiries@mikeysline.co.uk and 01463 729000.

Emily Stokes, CEO of Mikeysline, said: “We are thrilled to be opening our fourth Hive in the Highlands, expanding our mental health and suicide prevention services and offering more face-to-face support to those who need it.

“The Highland Yoga Collective is a fantastic social enterprise, offering many health-related services to the people of Nairn and we are delighted to be collaborating with them to bring additional mental health services to the area.

“We want everyone in the Highlands to know that it’s ok not to be ok, and that help is always available to anyone that needs it. Whether you’re facing stresses at home or at work, thoughts of suicide, or a general low mood, we are here to offer confidential, non-judgemental support – face-to-face in our Hives, and also via our text support services.”

The Hive Nairn is the charity’s fourth outreach centre in the Highlands, joining those in Inverness, Tain and Alness. With suicide rates higher in the Highlands than much of the rest of Scotland, Mikeysline’s aim is to open up the conversation around mental health and suicide prevention, allowing those who need support to access it freely and easily.

Fiona Palmer of Highland Yoga Collective added: “Our yoga studio is a social enterprise and we use our revenue to promote health and mental wellbeing in Nairn. Our teachers, leadership team and students either have personal experience of mental health issues, or know someone who does. That's why our whole community is so pleased to be able to offer the studio space to Mikeysline every Saturday evening for its peer support sessions. Supporting these sessions aligns with our core values as a social enterprise, which is to provide a safe, welcoming, inclusive and accessible space for all”.

Since 2015, Mikeysline has offered confidential, non-judgemental support to people of all ages dealing with mental health issues, emotional distress or thoughts of suicide in the Highlands and Moray. It does this via a text line service at 07786 207755; WhatsApp at 01463 729000 and via its website; and live chat, Twitter and Messenger via its website. The charity also produces a popular podcast, Speaking of Suicide, and offers face-to-face support from four Hives across the region – at its Inverness headquarters, Tesco in Tain, The Place in Alness, and now the Highland Yoga Collective in Nairn.

For more information, visit www.mikeysline.co.uk – or find Mikeysline on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

 

Gurn twitter account - usually a lot of interesting stuff

We're old media now too, most news in Nairn breaking over on Facebook these days but we still have our moments from time to time. And don't forget that the Tuesday edition of the Inverness Courier carries a lot of Nairn news too from local journalist Donald Wilson.

In the meantime 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 and you can scroll down the wee twitter box on the right hand side as far as you like to see what the latest craic is. You don't have to have an account to look at tweets either. 

Tweets by @GurnNurn

Highland Council's Moray Firth Local Development plan too complex for online users? Nairn River Community Council creates "user-friendly" form in response to concerns raised by locals

Nairn River Community Council are encouraging people to have their say on the future of Nairn. They state:

"Nairn and Nairnshire’s future is out for consultation till 17th June as part of the new Inner Moray Firth Development Plan.

A range of ‘allocated sites’ are mapped out for future development over the coming 10-20 years as the town grows further.

Please take the opportunity to have your say as a Nairn resident on this important Plan."

NRCC also say on their website:

 "Since the Newton public meeting many locals attending have contacted community councillors to say how difficult they are finding it to access this complex Development Plan and comment on it online."

The Newton Hotel meeting was well attended. Newly elected Highland Cllr Paul Oldham posted a picture of the meeting and the following comment which indicates too that some folk are having trouble with it:
"I have had some feedback from people who are unable to comment on the Plan via the Web for whatever reason. If you’re in that position you should contact the Development Plans Team on 01349 886608 to discuss alternative ways of accessing the Plan and making comment."  More here. 

Nairn River Community Council are encouraging people to comment on the plan and on a page they have published on their website they too offer alternatives to people have problems with the online portal and on the popular Nairn Facebook page "Our Town" they state:

"You can comment via the Highland Council online consultation portal or look out for the 'user friendly' form created by Nairn community councils to help you have your say. This summarises key 'site allocations' for future development in Nairn over next 10 years for you to comment on ( hard copies will be made available on request and in public buildings for those with no IT access)"  

Here's the NRCC Moray Firth Local Development Plan information page.

Proposal for 15 houses on Fort Reay site

 The Gurn has received a copy of the following poster: 

"Community councils hope to repair broken bridges with Highland Council"

An interesting article in yesterday's Inverness Nairnshire Courier. Here's hoping indeed that Nairn is off to a new start with the new line-up of Highland Councillors and the willingness of the Community Councils to forge ahead in a positive direction.

Donald Wilson's article is here. A copy of the letter the CCs sent to the Highland Councillors is available here.