War Memorial news

The Gurn was contacted about the state of the War Memorial by a concerned gurnite who sent us a picture of a fine but inappropriate crop of weeds. Regular readers will remember that we previously highlighted the state of the memorial last year. Bearing this in mind the Gurn sought the latest news from the Legion’s Ian MacGillivray. Ian told the Gurn that Highland Council have budgeted for essential maintenance on the War Memorial this year and once permission is granted from Historic Scotland then work can commence. This observer is sure that gurnites will welcome this news. Worries persist however, over the general state of the area and the grass cutting regime. Surely this is one area where there should be care and attention over and above the normal levels. It is of course still too early to plant annuals but could not a clean-out of a healthy crop of spring weeds have been carried out by now? The lawn area looks in need of a good cut too. This is one area that we must not neglect regardless of cutbacks.

UPDATE: 20/04 The weeds have gone - sorted this morning by Highland Council

Time for the Council to pay a bit more attention to the War Memorial area?

The weeds at the War Memorial have been sprayed and as is happening in the rest of the town centre area they are now turning brown as the weedkiller takes effect. Perhaps the Highland Council waits until they are big and noticeable enough before acting or maybe they have a set time each year for spraying. Dead or dying weeds can be just as unsightly as green living ones and yes times are hard now but here is one place where a little more effort should be made and the weeds perhaps sprayed earlier or removed by hand?

The civic dignitaries turn up once a year to take their place, pay their respects and have their picture taken for the local paper. Beforehand steps are taken to make sure everything is up to scratch but surely this place, above all others, should be kept immaculate at all times of the year? There really is no excuse here, it should be done.

It is also ridiculous that Legion campaigners are struggling to get the authorities to provide a proper metal frame to keep the wreaths in place. A piece of wire just isn't good enough to keep everything in situ in extreme weather. There's over a million pounds being spent in the High Street just now, perhaps some, just some could still be diverted here to keep this place in the condition it deserves. Can our councillors manage this?