Dingwall High Street: Your solutions to Ross-shire county town’s pulling-power problems
LOWERING rents and tackling the perceived seagull menace are amongst suggestions being flagged to improve a Ross-shire high street.
The description of Dingwall as “a ghost town” by some asked about potential improvements that could be made has also sparked wider discussion about what could be done to raise its profile as an NC500 visitor destination.
People also took to social media to have their say on what they would like to see come to Dingwall to improve the town.
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Commenters called for lower rents on vacant lots to give new businesses in the High Street a chance.
Catherine Bentley-Mackenzie suggested: “Why not offer a peppercorn rent for the first 12 months to new businesses to give them a fighting chance of surviving?
“Dingwall has the potential to be a destination and not just somewhere locals ‘pop out’ to.”
David Douglas agreed: “The council need to drop their rates to allow new companies to rent from them and have a viable business.”
Ann Gunn said: “It’s such a shame they are all closing down but the rates are too high.”
Anne Mackintosh asks: “Drop rates and give small businesses a chance.”
She and many others would like to see all empty lots on the High Street filled.
Considerable thought was given to fighting the seagull presence in the town.
Don Crerar said “Get rid of the seagulls. They spoil the whole place. I live on the high street and they squawk all night long.”
However, some were more lenient towards the gulls who have made Dingwall High Street their home.
Alex Liddle said: “Well, we’ve destroyed their habitats and taken their natural food sources so shouldn’t really be too surprised about gulls simply trying to survive and feed their young.They have as much right to be here as we do.”
Seagull nesting is protected but litter in the high street can further attract gulls to the area.
Despite the seagulls, many called for a better community space which could spill out with seating on the High Street.
Some of the suggestions included a cocktail bar, Mexican restaurant and a deli.
Carol MacKintosh-Ruff said Dingwall “needs a meeting café with books and games”.
Several others also asked for a café with outdoor seating which could take advantage of the wider pavements on one end of Dingwall’s High Street.
However, this could clash with one commenter who asked for the ‘de-pedestrianisation’ of the street.
Andrew Shepherd said more parking bays at the side would mean “more people would drive down” and would follow other high streets with similar facilities for cars.
A lot of the sentiment online focussed on helping fuel the community spirit in Dingwall.
Housing on the High Street was frequently requested. Catriona Gaikwad said: “Why don’t they have some housing on the High Street.”
Dingwall had a previous High Street regeneration project in 2018 which created flats next to the high street but commenters want more of a community on the High Street to support it directly.
Some commenters asked for a community arts space with a focus on showcasing local artist’s work for sale.
Carol MacKintosh–Ruff said the gallery “Would showcase local talent and be ever changing so would always be relevant.”