A COUPLE of years back, Fujitsu bosses were talking up their presence in Easter Ross and suggesting that the area could be in line to win more of the sort of work that has typically been out-sourced overseas to countries like India.

Back then, the multinational was celebrating the fourth anniversary of its presence in Ross-shire and courting Highland Council for an extension of a contract that would be worth a cool £66million. It was successful and statements were made on both sides at the time about a bright new future where efficiency savings would be realised and staff would have "a number of interesting opportunities for new, improved and flexible ways of working in the future". It's certainly been interesting though not, unfortunately to date, in a good way.

Councillors have since been told that deadlines have not been met and the service has not been of a standard the authority had expected.

Part of what is a very complex contract is the provision of new computers and printers for schools. Some teachers' representatives have accused Highland Council of negotiating a poor deal with the company, focusing on cost as opposed to what is actually needed.

Almost exactly two years ago, Fujitsu issued a statement saying, "Our true desire to want to make a difference for the people working and living in the Highlands helped us get to the point we are at. We are all thoroughly looking forward to the next five years and the opportunities, including sustaining and growing local employment and local skills development, and through our commitment to a major community benefits programme with the Council."

With a fresh outbreak of peace between the two sides, perhaps now's the time to start walking it like they've been talking it?

The Dualchas heritage event we report on this week is an excellent example of a very simple idea brought to fruition.

In communities across Ross-shire and beyond we have a treasure trove of untrapped knowledge from older residents who without doubt have something to teach the present (and future) generations.

The growing Am Baile website, which records Highland history and culture down the years, is a good example of such knowledge being brought to a new generation in a meaningful and very accessible way.

In the meantime, the golden girls at the Seaboard Memorial Hall look as though they'd be well worth listening to!