It was very disappointing to discover last week that there were not sufficient nominations for the formation of a new Gairloch Community Council. The current council, which would have formally met last Tuesday for the last time, has twelve members; yet there were only four valid nominations for a new council, total allowable membership for which will be nine. What has happened? Since the inception of community councils in 1975, Gairloch has always had one - and at least one member has served throughout the whole period, following some years in the community association, and before that as a member of the old Gairloch District Council. As there seems to be increasingly more expected and required from the voluntary sector, it is crucial that, assuming a scheme will be put in place for fresh nominations at a later date, people will be willing to stand for this important role. The community of Gairloch will be severely disadvantaged without a community council - projects such as the boarding at the big beach and the relocation of the War Memorial, and many others, would not have happened without the council. It would be good to see some younger folk volunteering; so much nowadays seems to be left to the older end of the age spectrum.
Local Wedding Fiona Cameron, youngest daughter of Bill and Moira Cameron, 19 Fasaich, Gairloch, was married recently in Gairloch Church of Scotland to Jock Gibson, only son of Michael and Susan Gibson, Edinvale Farm, Dallas, Forres. Rev Derek Morrison, Gairloch, officiated at the marriage ceremony. Fiona's attendants were her friend Gemma Livingstone, Shieldaig, Applecross, the bridegroom's sister, Bridgett Gibson and the bride's niece, Anna Cameron; accompanying them were Fiona's young nieces and nephews - Alastair, Harry, Rhea, Abbie, and Alisha. The best man was Doug Bartholomew. The reception was held in a marquee at Shieldaig Lodge Hotel - a beautiful loch-side setting - where 150 family and friends joined in celebrating this special day. After their honeymoon in Kenya the young couple are settling into married life in Forres; all their friends wish them many long and happy years of marriage.
ATC Special Visitor Robbie Russell, former popular youth worker in Wester Ross, recently travelled to Gairloch, along with his 90-year-old father, to be present at the weekly parade of the 832 (Wester Ross) Squadron. His visit was to make a presentation of some of his own memorabilia to the youngsters. Robbie, who initiated the setting up of a local ATC Group, gave a brief account of how it all began, sparked off by his seeing two young lads one evening "at a loose end" sitting on the wall of the bridge which spans the River Ewe in Poolewe.
The short-term outcome was that he drove a car, and later a minibus, to Dingwall on a weekly basis, loaded up with youngsters who were permitted to join with the Dingwall ATC, later forming the local group which became 2405 (Wester Ross) Detached Flight in 1993. Their progress is well known, culminating in 2009 in their being upgraded to Squadron status. The value of the training and discipline to which these young boys and girls are privileged is greatly appreciated locally - and long may it continue. Robbie presented the squadron with two beautifully framed and mounted cabinets, each with four limited editions of aviation-themed plates. Thanks, Robbie.
