WESTER Ross Community Councils have had their annual general meetings. Members are continuing in place until the elections in November, from which time the new constitutions will be effective.
SHIELDAIG: Included in the report from the joint chairmen were:
Completed construction projects The rock-face stabilisation project was successfully completed in May 2010; the safer route to the school from Baile Shuas was completed in May 2011 and the replacement water mains were connected up last week. In their different ways all three projects will bring significant reassurance to the village and we are grateful to the Highland Council and to Scottish Water for jobs well done.
Proposed construction projects Good progress has been made with planning and funding the new pontoon but there have been delays - particularly with tendering - and construction is not now expected to take place until winter 2011/12.
Discussions are taking place with Scottish Water about building a new intake and treatment plant for the village to come into operation in 2012. It is hoped that the missing links in the footpath round the village may be completed under the 2011/12 core paths programme. The community council strongly supports all three projects and will do all it can to help them progress.
Maintenance of village assets The community council attaches importance to the appearance of the village and to the good maintenance of community assets.
It therefore established a community handy person scheme to provide funds to enable regular summer maintenance of the footpaths round the village, to paint the various benches and generally to keep an eye on the state of the village and carry out straightforward maintenance and repairs. It was not easy finding somebody prepared to carry out the work and we were very grateful to John Webb who has now taken it on. Other (paid) volunteers are always welcome.
Shieldaig Island Visually and in other ways, Shieldaig Island is an integral part of our local scene.
The community council was concerned at the loss of mature pines on the island and the possibility of a continuing deterioration in the island's tree cover.
In co-operation with the National Trust, the Forestry Commission therefore carried out a specialist tree survey.
The conclusion was that the best policy was not to intervene, e.g. by planting, but to allow the density and species mix in the woodland to change naturally over time and monitor the results periodically. The other significant development on the island was the nesting sea-eagles which have successfully raised a chick two years running.
As well as an exciting development in its own right, this is also boosting tourism in the village.
The community council is currently engaged with RSBP and the National Trust to raise funds to put in a camera to monitor activity on the nest in future years.
GAIRLOCH: The formal business concluded with thanks from the floor to the office bearers for their commitment and dedication throughout the year, and then their re-appointment (until November) as follows: Chairman, Willie Fraser; vice-chairman, Willie Macrae; treasurer, Malcolm Macleod; minute secretary, Maureen Barnie.
The only item of business discussed was related to the location transfer of the service point to the local police station and the much scaled-down service that would be available.
Members were appalled at the lack of information given to, and lack of consultation with, the local community - leading to confusion in the area to the extent that it appeared to some members of the public as "utterly crazy".
Neither Highland Councillor Richard Greene nor Police Officer Duncan Chisholm took part in the discussion.
Recognition was made of the impending retirement of service point officer, Sheila Greene, who is retiring after 23 years' sterling service to the community.
An Evening with Alastair McDonald The Gairloch and District Outreach committee (GDO) have invited Scottish Christian folk singer, Alastair McDonald, to present an evening of song and story in the Gairloch Church of Scotland on Friday, August 26 at 7.30pm.
Alastair, who many will remember from yesteryear, is a dynamic personality and an interesting evening is anticipated. A warm invitation is extended to folk of the community and to visitors.
Great Wilderness Challenge As has been well advertised, the Challenge will take place in Kintail this year, on Saturday, August 20. It has been arranged that a bus will run to Kintail, departing from Aultbea at 6am, calling at Poolewe at 6.15am, Gairloch at 6.30am and Kinlochewe at 7am approximately.
As well as competitors, supporters and day trippers will be welcome. For the return journey the bus will leave Kintail promptly at 6pm. There will be a nominal fare, with concessions for seniors.
To book seats, please call Pat Ross on 01445 731516, e-mail patgwc@onetel.com or contact any other GWC committee member.
