How another Royal Burgh hid the Provost's chain

The chain of office was kept privately in a safe by Dornoch citizens after their town council was wound up. They were worried that it would disappear to Inverness. The Press and Journal reports:

'A HIGHLAND town is at the centre of a tale of impressive political skulduggery and cunning.
It has been revealed that the civic golden chain of Dornoch and its town charter – an ancient parchment – are kept under lock and key at a secret location, with only eight locals enjoying access.
The tale emerged after the Scottish Cabinet convened in the royal burgh as part of a summer tour last month. '
More on the Press & Journal website.

This is perhaps an ideal point to ponder what will happen locally at the next Highland Council election to the office of Provost. Here's what Gurnites thought of the decision to remove Liz in one of our unscientific polls.

The Gurn confidently predicts that Liz will be returned at the next election with an increased majority. Will she become the Provost again? The electorate might think it her right if she were once again elected top of the poll. It would, in legal terms, under the current system it seems be down to the decision of the other three members in such a situation. One thing that might happen however is that by the time of the next election Nairn could have (as a product of a recent and ongoing review) a democratically elected Community Council covering the present boundaries of the town (The Royal Burgh of Nairn Community Council). That community council would then just have as much right to pick a Provost as the Highland Council members?

Other Royal Burghs with an advantage over Nairn

Quite a few other towns in Scotland which were once bestowed with the honour still make use of the title 'Royal Burgh', and why not? Somehow the 'Nairnshire Partnership and Ward Forum' doesn't quite hit the spot as a catchy title for promoting the town does it? Nothing wrong with the Partnership and Ward forum of course but it's time we had an elected body which represents the town again. Here's a few other places in Scotland which have taken that useful step, a step that recognises a town's hertiage, history and ambition, you will find the following Royal Burgh Community Councils:

Royal Burgh of Cupar Community Council, Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council, Royal Burgh of Selkirk and District Community Council, Royal Burgh of Jedburgh Community Council, Royal Burgh of Lanark Community Council, Royal Burgh of Whithorn and District community council, Community Council of the Royal Burgh of Peebles and District, The Community Council for the Royal Burgh of Forres, Elie & The Royal Burgh of Earlsferry Community Council, Royal Burgh of Montrose Community Council, Royal Burgh of Elgin Community Council, The Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council.

The democratic benefits of a single Council representing the town are obvious, the benefits in promoting Nairn's separate identity in the world are easily seen too. Soon there will be a period of consultation where Highland Council will be seeking the views of the town's population on how community councils in the town should be reformed. We have three councils that represent odd lines drawn on a map, by goodness knows who, back in the seventies. End the confusion and take a step forward - let your views be known. The Gurn will provide information of how you can take part in the consultation, you may also find this additional Gurn blog useful for more background information.