"Lets support the Nairn showies - urge the council to cut rates" 2015 petition reappears with more signatures after social media discussion.

Earlier today we posted details of major social media discussions on possibilities that there may be less showies this year on the Links. That post is available here. 

Now a petition from 2015 has appeared on line with a few extra signatures from 2016- that petition is can be viewed here. 

Looks like our four Highland Councilllors that set the rates for the showies through the Common Good Fund might have something extra to discuss at their regular Monday morning meeting tomorrow. 

Nairn 0 Brora 4 pictures Donald Matheson

Individual images here.

Good craic at Station Park pitch repairs today

Volunteers were out this morning repairing the surface at Station Park after the first game of the season yesterday. Everyone was in good spirits after the game yesterday. Realism and long term optimism available in buckets with the tea and biscuits too. As one of the fans said on the Balbair Road Banter facebook page about the game yesterday:

"The record book will show that NCFC were defeated 4-0 today and people looking back in 100 years will think that wasn't very good. What the record book won't show is that, all things considered, that was one of Nairn's finest performances in ages. Brora were the better team, of that there is no doubt, but every single Nairn player put in a shift of which they can be justifiably proud. No one hid. No one shirked. No one played for their own reputation."

That's the spirit, that's the buzz throughout the entire NCFC apparatus and fanbase just now and it is pretty powerful to experience. Match report here and Ronnie Sharp's reaction here. Good to see MSP John Finnie among the 300 plus crowd at the game yesterday too. John was very impressed with the facilities at Station Park and the magnificent state of the pitch. 

Up at pitch repairs today was County fanatic Donald Wilson who put in a shift despite it being his birthday. Picture below of Donald with his green side up colleagues and the appropriately designed card that his wife gave him today. Pictures will enlarge.

Less Showies at the Nairn Games this year?

Concerns have been raised on social media that some of the Showies might not be coming to Nairn Games this year because of their concerns over what is perceived as high charges for pitches by the Common Good Fund. The topic has been raised with background information on the popular facebook page Nairn our Town our views and a parallel conversation started also on the Nairn Rocks page - over on that discussion local SNP councillor Stephen Fuller said in response to concerns:

"There hasn't been any formal complaint directed to us regarding this, we have

Councllor Stephen Fuller SNP

been in contact many times with the organisers of the showies regarding various arrangements. Steps are being taken to attempt to resolve provision of power supply around the area. As far as I know there are no plans of increasing the fees for use of the area and all money raised goes back directly into the common good fund. If who you have spoken to has issues that need to be raised then I would suggest that you advise them to contact the local members and ward manager directly. Games day and the shows are a major annual event for Nairn and should be supported as much as possible."

World Orienteering Championships 2015 - in for Scottish Event Awards People's choice - event of the year competition

Anyone who remembers the Orienteering events that took place in the area around this time last year might be interested in the online competition. More details on the Drum Scottish Event Awards pages here. 

Police in Nairn appealing for information after damage to motorcycle in King Street

Police in Nairn are carrying out enquiries into damage caused to a white Suzuki motorcycle on King Street Nairn between 4.30 pm on Friday 22 July 2016 and 8.20 am on Monday 25 July 2016.

Police Scotland are appealing for anyone with information about the damage to contact them on 101 or anonymously on the Crimestoppers telephone number 0800 555 111

Nairn Charity Race and Fun Run raised over £15,000

The final total raised is now in from the incredible event that was the Charity Race and Fun Run held on the 5th of June. (pictures here if you missed that event).

Liz Bow told the Gurn:

'We are absolutely delighted to share with you all the final total amount raised from our recent charity event -  a phenomenal £15,527.50.

This money will be divided between Calum's Cabin and Glasgow Children's Hospital, two incredible, worthy charities that have helped us so much and will now be able to help others in a similar situation. 

We would like to say a huge THANK YOUto all that made this happen, Nairn as a community, local businesses, friends and family near and far. 

We are truly humbled by the kind words, gestures and generosity at what is and continues to be an incredibly difficult time for us.'

Congratulations to Donald Matheson - now new permanent Chairman of Nairn County FC

The appointment was announced late last night on the Club's twitter account.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Donald Matheson is the new permanent chairman of Nairn County FC. Full statement to follow in the morning.

— Nairn County FC (@NairnCounty) July 25, 2016

Here's a picture of Donald (on the left) from the Wee County's cup tie with Forfar back in 2012.

Raft Race Nairn Harbour 24th July 2016 - more pictures

Individual images here

New Ladies Football team starting in Nairn

New Ladies team starting in Nairn. Great opportunity to play football in the Highlands #getinvolved pic.twitter.com/kMwHLbWa8y

— Jo Murphy (@jomurphy92) July 25, 2016