Nairn then and now

A fascinating series of 29 then & now pictures have been uploaded to the Am Baile website.

Climate Change - Sceptics rule in Nairn?

The Gurn recently reported details from an SNH sponsored climate change discussion in Nairn. We have to say that from the comments received it seems the doubters are in the majority.

Here's one comment:

'The so called predictions are a on a par with the Roman soothsayer in Frankie Howerd's "Up Pompei" who said Woe, Woe and Thrice woe" and was always wrong.Climate change of this magnitude and consequences is more likely to be bunkum than not but there is a whole industry of subsidy receivers out there and politicians who dare not say "we were deceived, we were wrong it is all unnecessary. Heroic efforts by the UK people, at great cost, to reduce their carbon emissions will have virtually no effect on a world scale and the cost in taxes and other subsidies will be great. We should be very suspicious of these inflicted costs.It is ironic that one Nuclear Power station on the Moray Firth would generate enough electricity for the region available 365 days per year. For some reason unsightly, costly and very inefficient (27% availabilty) windmills and the pylon line through Beauly are more welcome than nuclear power. It appears that you can fool many of the people most of the time! '

Do you agree? Poll in the Gurn side-bar - 'Climate change - is it happening in Nairnshire?'

A rare opportunity - retail space available soon on the brae

Although nationally there are lots of empty shops in town centres (just take one look at Inverness), Nairn shops are fully occupied at present. An opportunity is coming up soon however, for potential retailers in Nairn. More details over on the Association of Nairn Businesses site.

A NICE future for Nairn town centre? Your chance to get involved!

Here's a few details from a 'NICE' press release gurnites. As one of the titles of the document states:'Community mobilises to consider alternative options' - that sums it up quite well really, such was the disquiet shown over the Highland Council's flats or more flats plans for the town centre site after the decision of the Co-op not to build a new supermarket. The first paragraph states:

' Local organisation formed: all residents invited to participate

Following Highland Council’s publication of a draft Development Brief for that part of the town centre site for which the Council is responsible adjacent to the properties now owned by the Co-op, local Nairn residents have formed a group to look at options for the redevelopment of this King Street town centre site. At a meeting on Thursday 28 October some thirty concerned residents of Nairn, including representatives of all three Community Councils, the Association of Nairn Businesses, Visit Nairn Tourism Association and a number of interested individuals, decided to establish a Company Limited by Guarantee entitled “Nairn Improvement Community Enterprise” (NICE). Three volunteer founder-directors have been appointed, and all residents of the town of Nairn are invited to join. A website has been set up at http://nairnice.blogspot.com/ .'
A pretty broad section of the Nairn community there, anyone up for membership? It's your chance to really get involved in taking Nairn forward in this new millennium. The NICE press release continues:

' Existing Council proposals “do not reflect local views”

The group came together after a public Ward Forum meeting at which the Council’s draft plan to have the site redeveloped for housing and car parking were robustly rejected as lacking in imagination and inappropriate for this key location. The new organisation, which includes professional town planners and architects as well as members with legal and business experience, has already formed working groups to collate ideas and examine the feasibility of all suggestions. '
There are other paragraphs to the press release document:

'A proper town centre, not a housing estate: public views invited
After ten years of inaction, ten weeks for decision is “unacceptable”
Concern about Council’s intentions: there is “no pressure” for sale
Constructive dialogue and partnership'

It's worth getting involved if you want to see an alternative for Nairn.
To read more go to the NICE website.

An unhappy Co-op shopper drops us a line

A Gurnite has just sent us the following wee note:

'Been in about 4 times since it reopened (still not finished) and am disgusted at the rise in prices, less of a choice, shelves which seem not as deep as the old ones and far less shelf space so less stock, fewer freezers infact it seems that we have been royaly shafted by the Co-op. The wife states that she will now shop out of town and I don't think she will be the only one. roll on Sainsburys.'

Meanwhile there are complaints up at the Tradespark Co-op that the new store is a bit disabled unfriendly now with not enough space between the aisles for disabled shoppers, these complaints surfaced at the last meeting of the Suburban CC but Cll John Mackie did complement the Co-op on the wider selection of goods now available in that store.

Inbhir Narann - Sgrìob mun cuairt na h-aibhne air latha foghair geal grianach

A walk around the river on a bright sunny autumn day.
Thanks to Cuideag for these pictures taken on Sunday. Individual pictures can be seen here.

The retention of RAF Lossiemouth - Alex Salmond puts the case

Lossiemouth FC's biggest home crowd of the season was introduced to the First Minister by Colin McGregor (former Tornado pilot and brother of the trainspotting star). Also to speak were Annabel Goldie, Iain Gray and Tavish Scott plus the local MP & MSP, etc.

Nairn Swimming Pool soon to be at 'arms length' ?

The P&J reports:

'Highland councillors will this week be asked to approve the next step in a process which could see the area’s culture and leisure facilities being run by a new charitable organisation.
The local authority is looking at outsourcing about £20million of services, including museums, swimming pools, libraries and community centres.'

There would be bonuses if this goes ahead. The Council would set up a company with charitable status that could avoid rates and qualify for funding that the council would be unable to access. What would happen however if that company then decided at some point in the future to close some pools? Would any potential discussion with the community also be at 'arms length'? Read the full article on the P&J here. Do we lose democratic accountability in the management of culture and leisure facilities?

RAF Lossiemouth march and rally - Alex Salmond and Colin McGregor speaking to local radio

Save RAF Lossiemouth march - pictures

More pictures now on the Gurnflickr pages.

More pictures now on the Gurn Flickr pages. A massive show of support for the RAF today.

Over 7,000 on the march to day in Lossiemouth. Here's Sandy who was on the march representing the Highland Council area. More pictures now on the Gurnflickr pages. A strong message goes to London from this march and rally. If the Condems go ahead and shut Lossie down they will have a massive price to pay at the ballot box for years to come.