Joe Polson A well-known and highly respected native of Badachro, Gairloch, passed away recently in Inverness. Robert Joseph Polson, affectionately known as Joe, was the twin son of Robert (Rob) Polson and Christina (Tina) Polson (nee MacPherson). Joe's twin brother Iain died two years ago. Joe spent nearly all his days working on the railway, starting off as a cleaner and graduating through the rank of fireman to become an engine driver. Having worked in many parts of the Highlands, he was latterly based in Inverness and covered the routes to Aberdeen, Perth, Wick, Thurso and Kyle of Lochalsh. Joe, who was described as having a "wicked sense of humour" always gave a broad smile and hearty welcome, and was pleased to converse in the Gaelic language at every opportunity. He is survived by his widow Chris, son Robert and daughter Kayleigh and their families, including two grandchildren for whom he had a special affection. Joe's funeral service was held in the Free Presbyterian Church in Inverness, where he regularly attended, and he was buried in Clovenside Cemetery, Forres, in Chris' home town. He was the last surviving Polson native of Badachro.
Biosphere Status Tom Forrest, Kinlochewe, chairman of Wester Ross Alliance (WRA) and a member of the local community council, recently met with the director general of UNESCO in Edinburgh in connection with the UNESCO biosphere status for Wester Ross.
Tom reports as follows under the heading Biosphere News, "Work is progressing towards possible expansion of UNESCO biosphere status for Wester Ross. The Beinn Eighe national Nature Reserve currently has UNESCO Biosphere status, but under new criteria set out by UNESCO it is likely that it would lose this designation. This was brought to the attention of the WRA board. Aware of this situation, Wester Ross Alliance formed a sub-group to look into the potential benefits for the community of developing biosphere status to meet the new requirements.
In support of this work, Wester Ross Alliance chair Tom Forrest of Kinlochewe attended a reception for UNESCO director-general Irina Bokova in Edinburgh on Wednesday, June 29, as part of work by the alliance towards possible designation of the area as a UNESCO Biosphere. The theme of the meeting was education, culture, heritage, communication and working in partnership.
Tom took the opportunity to hand over a comprehensive information pack to ensure Ms Bokova was aware of Wester Ross and its aspirations. Many questions still have to be answered; these will be addressed during our forthcoming feasibility study. A number of useful contacts were made during this meeting, each of which will be of use to WRA now and in the future."
Tom also kindly submitted a list of ten questions (and answers) on the subject. These were raised at an earlier meeting. Because of lack of space, they cannot be included here. Anyone who would like a copy, should contact Tom by e-mail on tomcromasaig@msn.com
Sea Eagles At Shieldaig Community Council's AGM, it was reported that the RSPB had ringed a sea eagle chick in early June. The birds have been a major tourist attraction this year. The local community have been very generous with funding and the community council are currently in receipt of £1,400 towards a camera project. It is anticipated that both National Trust and Scottish Natural Heritage will contribute towards the project which will be a joint venture, with community council, National Trust and RSPB being equal partners. The equipment will be the property of RSPB who will be responsible for maintenance.
Congratulations! Also at the AGM in Shieldaig, it was reported that a holidaymaker recently favourably commented on the village, saying it was the friendliest and tidiest village he had visited. He would particularly like to extend his appreciation of the clean toilets. Well done, Shieldaig!
