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

Objections to high density housing scheme on Jac's former home stacking up

If you have a moment pop along to have a look at the Highland Council e-planning pages for the application for 31 affordable homes on the former Morganti plot just on the left there the other side of the railway bridge on the Forres Road.  Click on the Comments tab and then Public Comments on this e-planning page here to see the objections. 

Wonder what the result will be fellow Gurnites - 31 homes on a wee high density site with the destruction of all the trees or something a lot more sensible with the retention of the trees? Why should folk have to live on high density schemes just because they are tenants in social housing? 

Will the future layout of Nairn be decided on profit alone or will the community have a voice? 

Will Community Empowerment become real and tangible in Nairn or will it become  another centralised service scooped up by the Glenurquhart Road high heid yins and delivered by Death by Powerpoint presentations? People in Nairn need power and influence when it comes to planning for that to happen and for the democratic deficit in Nairn to start to be rectified. The track record is not good, good luck to Tom Heggie and those of his colleagues willing to fight on the town's behalf - we await with interest how this application goes. 

Please have a read of the information on this fund raiser page.

Please spare a moment to have a read of the information on this fund raiser page CalumRiddell Fund Stage4BrainTumor https://t.co/LZ4zqzQSvP

— A Gurn from Nurn (@GurnNurn) August 15, 2017

First pink salmon has been caught on the Nairn

Charlie Black tells the Gurn that the first pink salmon has been caught on the River Nairn (see image below).

He went on to tell us: "if any angler catches one it must be killed , as they are already in the Spey, Findhorn and Ness. Also to report it to the NAA at Pat Frasers, or the Water Bailiff.

These fish are another invasive species and may interfere with our precious Atlantic Salmon that are in the river Nairn. The Fish was caught at Spindrift and others have been spotted there. 

There is currently a project to try and get them out of the river as they are now spawning."

More details about pink salmon in this Daily Telegraph article here.

Nairn 1 Clach 1 Pictures Donald Matheson

Individual images here. 

And here's Jordon MacRae's goal from a Gurn video.

Aye "density" - a planning application that just packs them in a bit too much?

Readers here may have seen the article in the Leopold Street Thunderer this week on page 5 which has an Architect's impression of the type of houses that are proposed by Deveron Homes and Albyn Housing for the plot on the vacant ground just past the railway bridge on the Forres road - the former site of the Bungalow that Jacopo Morganti and his family used to live in. 

Get yourself a copy of the Nairnshire to see the drawings or go online and have a browse here on the Highland Council e-planning site. It will be remembered by many perhaps that Deveron Homes received a lot of grief over housing density with their plans for the Sandown Lands. A quick Google search will bring you up to speed with everything that happened there. There was a public inquiry and a lot of suits trooped in for the duration.  It all ended badly.

So here is what the Nairnshire Telegraph had to say in it's editorial this week:

"The old Morganti land's access directly onto  the A96, on  a bend, in between two major junctions, may have been adequate for the traffic from a bungalow. A development of 31 homes is something else. Does the developer remember his Sandown experience?" 

The Gurn would simply like to add that just because social housing is proposed why should it at such a density? Below is a drawing from a previous application that shows five bungalows. That application was successful but nothing ever happened. OK then how about a dozen "social houses" instead of 31 with a bit more room for the bairns and the mature trees and as many as possible of the ones that have grown up in recent years on the site retained. 

Just because these are not private houses it doesn't mean there shouldn't be a decent amount of space for everyone. Let's have space for folk in Nairn be it private or public. If you think 31 houses is a bit too much for this plot then please go along and make a comment on the e-planning site here - alternatively if you think the plans from Deveron and Albyn are cool then go online and support them if you wish but we hope most folk would think a reduction in density appropriate. 

County play Caley Tuesday night at Station Park and entry to the game is free.

Also  - don't forget tomorrow afternoons massive game against Clach though - come and see Ronnie's Revolution in action as the young heroes once again take to the scared Station Park turf. You'll have to pay for that one but children under 14 are allowed free entry if accompanied by an adult. 

A very good win for Saint Ninian tonight - Saints 7 Spey Valley 0 - video of goal No 6

Collection for local foobank at Nairn County v Clach Station Park Saturday 12th of August 3 pm - please donate a couple of items if you can

Recent results for the County have put a bit of a buzz in the air and a glow on fans faces when they discuss the exciting style of football that Ronnie's Revolution has brought to the sacred Station Park turf. Please come and enjoy the atmosphere on Saturday and lend your support to the whole infrastructure that is the Station Park Club, the first team and the youth teams - "The County Family". Come and get the craic.

On your way up to the ground please pop into the Co-op or other local stores if you have some spare cash and bring up a couple of items for a local foodbank collection. Cheers. Here's a message from County stalwart, former player and committee man Ali Nicol:

Buckie 2 Nairn 3 Pictures Donald Matheson

Individual images here. And pictures of Nairn 3 Deveronvale 0 here. 

Next up Clach on Saturday, get the County glow - come and see the action at Station Park at 3 pm Saturday. Bring a crazy hat if you have one :-)

Ronnie's Revolution: "Age is not a barrier here – if you are good enough, you are going to get chances."

There's a glow about County fans these days when they talk about what they are witnessing when their team take to the field. Come and get some yourself this Saturday at Station Park 3 pm when County take on Clach. 

Ronnie's Revolution continues as County beat Champions Buckie next up Clach at Station Park this Sat (12th August) - it's building, it's exciting - be there 3 pm

Six points from the three opening games from the Wee County now. They debuted in the league this season at Mosset Park and went down to a narrow 1-0 home win by the Can-Cans and on Wednesday night Deveronvale came to Nairn and we won that one 3-0. And today a massive 2-3 away win at the Highland League Champions Buckie. 

So impressed with Nairn's performance, the Buckie fans awarded the man of the match award to Jordon Macrae - what an incredible accolade that is in itself and kudos  to the Buckie faithful for that gesture. 

County committee man Alastair Nicol said on social media tonight:

"Just received a text from Ronnie saying that the boys are all knackered but they're all naturally delighted with the scoreline. I would like to issue a rallying call to the supporters. 

Let's all get behind the team spread the word bring a brother, sister, cousin, second cousin, wife, husband, friend, neighbour...and bring them to future games starting with Clach at home next Saturday. 

A lot of hard work getting done on and off  the pitch by the board, manager, squad of players, groundsmen and the management committee.

Finally to see Max Ewan 16 Jack Maclean 18 and Jordan Macrae 18 all score today the future is bright. Let's all get on board Ronnie's revolution."

The Gurn supports Ali's call. Let's be there folks and support these young heroes doing their best for our club. 

Missing cat - can you help find Toby? - Update returned home 5th August :-)

Update returned home 5th August :-)



Update: £50 reward for anyone that reunites Toby with owners. See comments.

Watch yourself on the River walks, wee sink hole at the bottom of Reg's Brae

Pictures from Riverside correspondent Murd Dunbar. Murd tells us that he has informed Liz MacDonald.

Another dose of sewage rain water mix for the River Nairn

The sewage system in the centre of Nairn and the storm drains are linked and when there is a downpour what you see in the image below can happen as it did today. 

Not good for the river and not good for the bathing water quality on the beaches too. Maybe one day the powers that be will resolve this problem. Thanks to the regular reader that sent us this image. 

Forres 1 Nairn 0 Pictures Donald Matheson

Individual images here. 

Nairn Paddling pool, the alternative survey

There is a bit of an alternative survey on Paddling Pool affairs that has surfaced among the ranks of Nairn's twitterati. You have to be on twitter to vote though.

What should we do with nairn paddling pool?

— Peat seeking missile (@cutthegad) July 30, 2017

Paddling pool debate hots up on Social Media

What, if anything, should happen to the paddling pool remains controversial as ever - criticism of Highland Council and the modus operandi of their Paddling Pool survey grows. "Nairn Our Town - Our Views" Facebook page is debate central just now - you can have a read or comment yourself here.

Nairn Paddling Pool no more? - campaigners alarmed by Highland Council survey news release.

It did seem the future of the town's iconic Paddling Pool had been assured after protests during the last term of Highland Council now a message on the Save Nairn Paddling Pool facebook group states:

"The hawks are starting to circle again.... don't let them take it away...." There is also a link to a BBC article that quotes Tom Heggie:

"Tom Heggie, chairman of Highland Council's Nairnshire Committee, said: "We want to revitalise this area of the links and make sure that it can be a focus for families to enjoy the seafront.

"A major question is whether water play should be a central feature of any replacement, and if so whether it should be a traditional paddling pool like we have now or the kind of splash park being installed in many parts of the country.

"Alternatively the site could become the centre of an improved play area with a wider range of play equipment aimed at a variety of age groups - perhaps a toddler area within the current fenced area with equipment for older children surrounding it.

"Unlike a water play area this would be open all year round." "

There is also a Highland Council survey on the future of the paddling pool here. 

Update: we have received the following from Highland Council:

Nairn Paddling Pool and Play Area

The popular Paddling Pool at Nairn Links has been used and enjoyed by local people and visitors for many years. In recent years, though, the service has been disrupted with the pool closed for part of the summer. Due to its age the structure of the paddling pool has been deteriorating badly and repairs have become more difficult and more expensive. In 2016 repairs were made which will keep it in operation through this summer and, barring the unforeseen, another two or three years. For the future beyond that there is a need to make decisions now, and the Nairn Ward Councillors would like to get your views on the best way forward.

Tom Heggie, the chair of the Nairnshire Committee, says: "We want to revitalise this area of the Links and make sure that it can be a focus for families to enjoy the seafront. A major question is whether water play should be a central feature of any replacement, and if so whether it should be a traditional paddling pool like we have now or the kind of splash park being installed in many parts of the country. Alternatively the site could become the centre of an improved play area with a wider range of play equipment aimed at a variety of age groups – perhaps a toddler area within the current fenced area with equipment for older children surrounding it. Unlike a water play area this would be open all year round."

A short survey has been launched to gather views and we want to know what you - and especially parents and young people - would like to see on the site. Paper copies of the survey are available at the Nairn Service Point and the Nairn Leisure Centre, or you can access it online from the Leisure Centre website at http://www.highlifehighland.com/nairn-leisure-centre or its Facebook page https://en-gb.facebook.com/NairnLeisureCentre. The survey will run through until 8th September.

Housing land in Nairn - River CC to hold emergency meeting on Highland Council Consultation Document next Weds night 2nd August

Regular readers may have seen this article here where we discussed whether it was appropriate for the Highland Council to hold their consultation on their Housing and Land Audit plans at the height of the holiday season. 

A map in the document shows 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. South Nairn, the Showfield and the 90 houses on the MacDonald Field at Kingsteps have been highly controversial with many worries expressed about the state of the road and sewage networks in Nairn to cope with these proposed future developments. 

Others take the view that houses have to be built and a housing crisis in Nairn usually means someone is trying to build a house and feel that there is too much obstruction to new development. This observer shares the view that Sandown would be a better site for social and private housing and bring much needed money into the Common Good Fund. Whatever your view it is a bit hard to focus on this consultation at this time of year, there are many other distractions for folk - the consultation closes on the 6th of August. 

River Community Council are to hold an emergency debate on Wednesday 2nd August, 7.30pm at the Nairn Community and Arts Centre. The Community Council's secretary, Stephen Fuller has extend an invitation to NW&SCC and the elected Highland Council Ward Members for this meeting.

The Gurn also understands that John Finnie MSP will be writing to Highland Council asking them to consider extending the time frame on this consultation. 

Rise or the Robot lawn mowers or dawn of the High-viz jackets? Highland Council test the "Spider"

One of our readers spotted the "Spider" in action today in Inverness. More in a Highland Council press release here. 

Our correspondent was struck by the number of High Viz folk in the vicinity and was prompted to ask: "How many Highland Council workers does it take to cut a blade of grass?" Looks like a huge squad was necessary today to oversee the process? 

We often hear or lack of "capacity" or "manpower" when stuff doesn't get done in Nairn but if those folk in the image above are indeed all Highland Council bodies wouldn't it be better to give them all a strimmer and a doggie jobbie collection apparatus and put them on a bus through to Nairn because I doubt if we will ever see "The Spider" in use here?

Find out more about this machine here at http://www.slope-mower.com/ 

Opportunistic car theft on Cawdor Road on Wednesday July 26 - Highlands and Islands Police Division appeal for information

The Police are appealing for information after an opportunistic theft from a car in Nairn.

Entry was forced to a parked car in the Cawdor Road area some time between 12pm and 9.45pm on Wednesday, July 26.

Personal items worth a low value sum were subsequently removed from within.

Officers are investigating and urge anybody who saw anything suspicious in the area on Wednesday afternoon or evening to make contact.

Inspector Mike Middlehurst said: "This is an unusual type of incident to happen in Nairn and I would like to offer assurance that police enquiries are ongoing.

"This theft appears to have been opportunistic in nature and it is important that people take steps to discourage criminals.

"Simple acts such as locking your car, not storing valuables in view or hiding them from view can help prevent you from becoming a victim of crime.

"Enquiries are ongoing in relation to the incident on Wednesday and I would urge anyone with information to contact Police on 101, quoting reference NM/5078/17, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Caledonian Ceilidh Trail - Launch Night Ceilidh Saturday 29th July 2017 @7.30 pm Nairn Community and Arts Centre

Transport related issues - public meeting of Nairnshire Partnership - Monday 14th August 1800 Nairn Community Centre

A spokesperson from the partnership told the Gurn:

"Thanks to the people of Nairn and Nairnshire for completing the surveys thus far. After review, the following topics feature as being important to the people of Nairn and Nairnshire - Transport, Employment and Training, Places and Spaces. In the future, there will be a final report on the consultation and this will be available on the website http://www.highlandcpp.org.uk There will be a meeting held in public on 14 August 2017 at 1800 hours when the various Transport related issues will be discussed.

Meantime, we will be at the Nairn Show (29/08/217) at the Scottish Fire and Rescue stand between 1100 hours and 1230 hours, why not take a wander past and tell us what's important to you in Nairn and Nairnshire."

Nairn Charity Shield pictures from Donald Matheson

Saints took on County in the annual game at the Showfield on Thursday night 20th July



Individual images here.