Know anyone that would like to get online? "Getting IT Together" event Nairn Thursday 18th

Do you know anyone that would like to get online? Or maybe you would like to help others enjoy some of the benefits the internet offers. There is an event to launch a new local campaign" Getting IT Together" taking place in the the Community Centre on Thursday where you would be very welcome. Further details from the project officer Brigitte at the e-mail address in the poster below. 

Brigitte told the Gurn: "At the event we are going to have Mark Hudson playing guitar and Andrew MacLennan playing the pipes. We are going to have plenty of IPads and laptops for people to ‘have a go at getting on the internet’ with friendly tutors available to offer help and guidance."

Good omens for River CC’s attempt to win back local control of grass cutting?

On Wednesday evening in the URC Church Hall the usual suspects (River Community Council division) met for their monthly meeting and grass cutting was once again on the agenda. Chair Tommy Hogg stated that he had been to see the new ward manager concerning his group’s Community Challenge bid to Highland Council. He seemed optimistic but also had some bad news to. He said:

”One that that has been made quite clear is that West and Suburban - they really don’t want to be involved in it.”

Despite the news that the town’s two other Community Councils do not wish to align themselves with River’s bid to bring the cutting of amenity areas back to local control, Liz was very supportive and she said:

"Myself and Colin had a meeting with Michelle Morrison and Richard Guest as well about taking this forward as well so we’ll really happy to work with you to – they were very positive about there being an opportunity here for River CC here if they want to do that.”

Simon Noble found Liz’s statement encouraging but added: “It is disappointing that the other two Community Councils are not willing to participate.”

The political support from the two Nairnshire Councillors who are part of the ruling Glenurquhart Road administration is crucial for River CC’s ambitions. The Gurn also understands that Laurie and Michael are willing to join their colleagues in backing this proposal too. The omens and the mood music are looking good – there’s a lot of work to be done but could Nairn be on its way to getting back control of grass cutting in the town (or at least that part in the River CC area)?  It may be of course that, if Tommy and his colleagues’ proposal gets off the runway, then the Westies and the Subbies will change their minds and obtain last minute tickets? As Tommy said:

 ”There’s no reason it can’t be done locally by local people and I think you would get a far better result.”

19th July - Nairn Central Beach "is being turned into fun central"

"A fun packed day of seaside adventures, exploring and games with the Highland Seashore Project and The Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers takes place in Nairn on the 19 July when the Seashore Roadshow rolls into town.

Nairn Central Beach is well known for its stretch of beautiful, deep gold sand, dunes and the fantastic links which is great for kicking a ball or flying a kite. On the 19th July the area  is being turned into fun central, with a marquee hosting all kind of seashore themed activities including face painting, seashore puppets, beach art and kite making."  More here.

Don't leave your dog in the car in hot weather - "Dogs die in hot cars"

One of our regular readers is concerned that dog owners  should be aware of the dangers of leaving dogs in cars in hot weather. Our correspondent writes: 

"A timely reminder - Dogs die in hot cars.

Don’t leave your dog in a car in this weather, even leaving a window open doesn’t help if the temperature rises. The SSPCA have information on their site here.

There is a very informative video here which gives information on how quickly problems can start to happen and why (note to the squeamish, there are no gory details!). Best thing in this weather would be to leave your pooch at home. It probably won't be for long as, no doubt, normal summer will resume shortly."

Nairn's Windsor Hotel reopens today!

We received a comment on our previous thread  about the Windsor and thought perhaps Gurnshire would be interested enough to see it published as an article in its own right. The Windsor Hotel will be open again as of  today. It's good to see this building back in operation and providing employment once again. Here's what Lee Thomson, the new general manager had to say: 

"Hello Nairn, 

I would like to introduce myself as the new General Manager of Windsor Hotel. I am delighted to inform you all as of Wednesday 10th July 2013, we will be reopening! 

The Directors and myself would like to extend our happiness and enthusiasm about this fantastic product, that we hope will become the Best Hotel in Nairn. I am sure from what we have heard from the locals this place holds many memories for you all and a history full of stories... come down, take a seat, have a drink and tell us.

We are committed to bringing the community and tourists a place to call home from home, to enjoy the facilities where a warm welcome awaits you. We aim to enhance the surroundings with an excellent standard of service that all Consumers, Customers and Guests can enjoy again and again.

We are inspired to provide a hub and gathering for your most special celebratory occasions, where a first class service will instil a wonderful memory of your event with us, allow us to engage you with a function that delivers on your special wedding day, birthday or engagement or an efficient and discreet send off and toast to your loved ones or a formal conference facility that offers peace and comfort you need with plenty presentation space.

Myself and my Team at Windsor care that your experience with us is an enjoyable satisfying memorable time. Wile away the hours in our restaurant, lounges and bar, where the television, bandit, pool table and juke box amongst the laughter of friends will entertain you over a wee dram.

We invite you to grace the threshold of a new product in an old establishment that everyone remembers, come to us and experience our mouth watering menu of local produce from quality businesses and enjoy the culinary flair of our creative and talented chef.

We offer packages to suit your budget and work with you to establish a day to remember.

Our 48 bedrooms and beautifully decorated suites will provide comfort in a clean environment for the family.

Call us on 01667456010 or mail us at info@windsorhotelnairn.com.

Alternatively you can reach myself on lee@windsorhotelnairn.com

We hope to see you soon.

 Warmest Regards

 from the

 Windsor Team

 Lee Thomson

 General Manager 09/07/13"

Hogweed Heights - Lochloy Road, Nairn

The Gurn understands that some residents in the housing schemes down the far end of Lochloy Road   are growing increasing concerned about the large infestations of Giant Hogweed that are about to seed in the amenity area between the houses and the road. There are indeed many, many, fine specimens in full flower and with each plant capable of producing over a hundred thousand seeds this could be the year the plant takes over the area big-time. 

We spoke to one resident earlier this week who wants the authorities to act before it is too late and the plants seed. Larger picture here and another image here. 

Dangerous wall on Mill Road still dangerous - in fact even more so!

Here's the the roadside view through the hole in the wall. Compare this with the picture we posted on Saturday from the other side and you can see that the hole in the wall has grown. Stones are steadily making their way down to the football pitch with one large one already sitting proudly where one of the corner flags goes on match days. 

UPDATE: Weds 08.20. Liz tells the Gurn that she reported this to the TECs department when we messaged her earlier this week about this hazard. She says she will follow it up again today. 

UPDATE: The wall was fixed Wednesday morning

Sales of the Gurn go into freefall - everyones "à la plage"

The scene earlier this evening with plenty of people still on the beach, hardly anyone online this evening. Meanwhile it is so hot that Swan Island has now rejoined the mainland. 

Also down by this evening, one of our regular readers Iain, is a bit worried that the bins are overflowing and hopes Highland Council will be on the case as the hot weather continues (image here). 

Nairn market Sat 20th July – “It will be like a Nairn version of Rockness, except it's free”

The Gurn managed a word with market organiser Michael Green yesterday and he was enthusiastic about the music element of the coming event. He told the Gurn: 

“I think the biggest difference over the old markets will be the music component.

 We have seven different bands all through the day at the Royal Bank corner, plus traditional folk jazz and Scottish music at Castle square.

It will be like a Nairn version of Rockness, except it's free!”

And there is a promise that the community can have input into shape of future markets in the town. He added:

“We will have a ANB meeting after the Market where people can come along and have their say and how they would like to see it develop.”

A regular market would certainly be a feature that would help bring a bit of life into a town centre which has been performing reasonably well in the face of adversity in recent years but is now, according to some, once again on the slip. Thus, Iain Bain returns to the theme of the town centre in his editorial this week. Well worth a read of the Leopold Street Thunderer if you haven’t secured your copy yet. He says among other things:

“We have always reckoned that a proportion of commercial properties in Nairn High Street would be empty at any one time and that there would be ongoing “churn” which would see them come back into use. Right now the place seems to be hit for six by a combination of retirement and recession.”

The organisers of the street market and businesses in the town centre will be hoping for a boost from the market in less than two weeks time. Here’s hoping the current spell of good weather continues right through until the 20^th.

The fight against doggie jobbies - style contrast

Thanks to Iain who sent in an image of one of the Highland Council posters that have appeared around town as the authority step up measures in response to continuing complaints about turds being left on our streets and green spaces by inconsiderate dog owners. We contrast it with the image on the right which is from the Leith Jobby Lobby campaign. See article here on the Greener Leith site and also their facebook page. We wonder whether it is the local authority approach or the freelance outraged citizens initiative that woudl be  the most effective?