Just another Saturday night down at the harbour?

Feastival allows freaky fringe to go mainstream?

The Firhall bridge leak and other matters

At last night’s River Coummunity Council meeting Highland Councillor Graham Marsden was once again on hand to answer questions from the Community Council and the general public. He had some interesting information concerning the Firhall Bridge water pipe leak. It has emerged from his discussions with Scottish Water that they are of the opinion that the leak only amounts to one or two pints a day. (a conservative estimate to say the least?) and soon they will be breaking some of the concrete coverings to locate the leak, this of course would have an impact on people crossing the bridge during the work.. One member of the Community Council expressed his fears that if anything were seriously wrong with the bridge then he doubted whether funds would be available to repair it considering the recent history of the Bailey Bridge. Let’s hope it’s nothing too serious because if the Firhall Bridge had to be closed it would certainly ruin many folks’ daily round trip of the river.

On the subject of a by-pass, there was some debate about the coming traffic survey on the A96 through town and in a nutshell Cllr Marsden then indicated that it was perhaps time for the entire community in Nairn to take a more proactive part in a campaign for a by-pass. The Gurn thinks he’s right, some of us keep complaining to our councillors and MSP’s etc but it might indeed be easier for them to convince those with their hands on the purse strings if there was more physical evidence of the will for a by-pass such as car and window stickers, maybe even protest signs in the fields leading into town? People would have plenty of time to look at them as they sit in the jams, then drivers from elsewhere that are delayed in Nairn could agitate with their representatives too when they eventually got home.

As usual there was wide ranging debate on many subjects, ranging from parking difficulties in the Fishertown to the cleanliness of the High Street and even how the current position of the Nairn Business Association might cause tension with Nairn consumers, and of course there was the chance to ask a Highland Councillor, Graham Marsden, any question you like. If you have got something that you would like sorted out and seem to be getting nowhere with it, why don’t you go along to the next meeting of your local community council, usually there is a member of the local press there too and you will have a chance to put forward your views to a democratic forum that may be able to help you.

Tranquility returns to the Courthouse

The Courthouse yesterday, exactly one week after the bedlam of the historical planning meeting that gave outline planning permission for a Sainsbury's store in Nairn. The courthouse was open as part of the Nairn Book and Arts Festival.

Lord Cawdor's vision for the West side

'The plans include 300 homes as well as tourism facilities such as an 18-hole championship golf course, an equestrian centre and a hotel.' More here.

Elsewhere today Danny Alexander MP is agitating for a rail halt at Dalcross airport. Among his arguments on the P&J website are.

“There is no funding assigned at all, and no plan to begin work.

“That is totally unacceptable when the A96 is already the most congested road in the Highlands.

“The delays faced by people travelling between Inverness and Nairn are only set to become more serious.

It would make sense to dual the track all the way to Nairn and increase the level of services in the longer run wouldn't it? Then we could have a few more halts and maybe branch lines when/if new communities spring up. Just a thought, just a wee gurn because that is the level of investment that will be needed if there is to be an alternative to the roads.

Will Sainsbury's use a little Gaelic?

Yes, they've got to get their store up and running first but it would be nice if they did, as they will be the first supermarket inside the Gaidhealtachd for those visitors approaching from the east. Just imagine for a moment...

Nairn has a thriving Gaelic choir, just about 200 gaelic speakers according to the last census and now the Gaelic unit at Millbank school. Sainsbury's and Pettifer estates have promised that they will consult widely on the details of their scheme so that presents a chance to lobby for some Gaelic signage at the proposed store.

An offer to deal with our Japanese knotweed plus a five year guarantee

The Gurn has received an interesting message and we would only be too glad to forward the details to the local authority or any other interested party. We certainly need to do something about the problem, the Gurn has been tireless in raising this increasing problem. Just scroll down for more details.

Anyway here is the kind offer:

'Dear Sir/Madam

We have read on your blog that you are having problems with Japanese knotweed. We are a Scottish weed control company called the Invasive Weeds Agency with over 30 years ecological experience, including several years of advising many of the large weed control companies.

We offer weed control and ecology at competitive rates; notably 1 season Japanese knotweed eradication with a 5 year insurance-backed guarantee. If we can be of any assistance then please do not hesitate to contact us.
Kind regards'

Iright tries hard to get a haircut.

Our co-conspirator writes again for the Gurn:

'A heady mixture of warm summer weather and my long locks flowing down my neck made me seek out rescue via a Nairn barber this afternoon. But alas in a pre out of town supermarket mode all such shops with the red and white poles outside were closed, what is happening? Saturday used to be ‘the’ day for a trim, something for the weekend, and a tip for the three o’clock horse somewhere.I am not a victim of fashion so haircuts tend to be far and few between for me. I actually like the process and just like being on a plane during take off find it very relaxing. This does not make the process easy for the hairdresser, as I tend to be drifting off when s/he says ‘and where are you going on your holidays this year?’Maybe the current vogue for men to have short hair means that I am the only male in Nairn without a pair of clippers to enable a DIY haircut and it is just too long since I tried to get my hair shorn in Nairn?I did try a couple of ‘women’s’ salons but it seems you need to make an appointment months in advance even though you are not wanting the blue rinse, drier, dye, conditioner, nails, wet cut thing. Maybe I will just go native!?'

Festival time

The site is here

Japanese Knotweed - now we shall have to fight it on the beaches!

'Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) grows much larger in Scotland than it does in Japan and can burst through tarmac and on occasions can penetrate houses, as well as outcompeting almost all other vegetation. The extensive root system is very difficult to eradicate,' advises the Scottish Government.

Not content with its current takeover bid on the River Nairn, Japanese Knotweed has now established a beachhead here too. This frightening picture was taken this evening. Advice to the local authority: take a good look at the Japenese knotweed Alliance site, take a few deep breaths, drive down to the Links, set phasers to stun and advance.

A Thank-You to the Residents of Nairn form Sainsbury's and Pettifer Estates

The Gurn can publish the text of a thank you message from Sainsbury's and Pettifer Estates to the residents of Nairn.

"Many thanks to the residents of Nairn who took the time to attend the Planning Committee meeting which approved the plans for Sainsbury’s and adjacent units.

As we said at the meeting we will take account of the views expressed and consult widely on the details of the scheme.

It is our intention to have the development open as soon as possible and will keep you informed as to progress.

Once again thank you Nairn!"

Andrew Stanley Jeff Wilson

Regional Director Town Planning Manager

Pettifer Estates Sainsbury’s