Community rising to unique challenges of sprawling Ross-shire ward during Covid-19 crisis
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THE 'outstanding' work being carried out in one of Ross-shire's most geographically dispersed council wards during the Covid-19 crisis has been acknowledged.
The Wester Ross, Strathpeffer, Lochalsh Committee met virtually for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic and discussed plans for the return to school in August and the community response to the crisis.
A vice-chairman to assists Cllr Ian Cockburn was also elected in the shape of Wester Ross-based Cllr Derek MacLeod.
Executive chief officer for education and learning, Paul Senior, gave members an update on the plans and preparations under way to prepare for the return of pupils and staff to schools in August.
He confirmed that council services and schools are working towards a 100 per cent return with no social distancing measures. He said crucial work on risk assessments are being done alongside individual school operational plans so schools would be prepared should the situation change.
Members talked about the challenges providing rural school transport and took the opportunity to recognise the huge contribution made to education in their communities by the area education and learning manager Norma Young who is due to retire this month. They praised her commitment, energy and work ethic, her exceptional knowledge and the very high respect she is held in across the whole area. They all wished her a happy retirement.
Ward manager Dot Ferguson gave an update on the council’s humanitarian response to the pandemic across the Highlands, particularly looking at work going on locally within the ward.
"Their terrific effort and the important role they play in helping everyone, especially the most vulnerable, has really come to the fore in the last few months. It is going to be an on-going pressure to maintain this support but with such a strong team and the momentum which has built up, I’m sure solutions will be found.” - Cllr Ian Cockburn
The Ullapool Hub, one of 10 regional hubs, has been open five days a week to provide support targetting the most vulnerable individuals across the area. To address the wide geographical spread of the ward, the hub has been complemented by a number of off-shoots with vans based at Gairloch, Glenelg and Lairg regularly taking support to where it has been needed. She said the council has been working closely with community groups and that together they have been providing food and essential supplies across the ward.
As members discussed the response, they paid tribute to the ward manager Robbie Bain who had led the humanitarian hub for Wester Ross. His professionalism, approachable manner, skills and excellent work over many years were highlighted. Mr Bain, who has recently left the council, worked very closely with all communities and councillors and played a pivotal role in making things happen.
Chairman Ian Cockburn said: “I’ve worked with Robbie for over 8 years and he has been a terrific help. He had a fantastic local knowledge and was a great person to bounce ideas off. He will be sorely missed and we all wish him the very best for his future.”
Jo Ford from the Skye and Lochalsh Council for Voluntary Organisations gave an update on the third sector and community response across Lochalsh and Wester Ross
In Lochalsh, the Community Trust brought all community councils and groups together to work as a whole. They quickly set up a local call helpline. By working with the local Co-op, they have redistributed £18,000 of food waste back into community and also established a voucher scheme to help local families. Work to support mental health is under way and recently a community newsletter has been distributed to all homes. The groups are now looking at ways this support can continue moving forward.
She explained that in Ullapool the community trust also set up a helpline and voucher scheme and are focussing on recovery. A recent survey they promoted within the community received 425 replies with people talking about their fears, concerns about tourism restarting and their future.
Gairloch and Loch Ewe Action Forum (GALE) was the anchor organisation in south west Ross and Gairloch with local car schemes playing a very active role in delivering essential supplies.
Ms Ford ended her presentation by explaining that funding is going to be an on-going issue for all organisations. Their normal local fundraising opportunities at key summer events will not be happening so how they can get financial assistance to continue support is going to be a priority.
Cllr Cockburn thanked her and said: “Our communities have really rallied and have provided invaluable support. Their terrific effort and the important role they play in helping everyone, especially the most vulnerable, has really come to the fore in the last few months. It is going to be an on-going pressure to maintain this support but with such a strong team and the momentum which has built up, I’m sure solutions will be found.”
“I want to thank all the volunteers and council staff for taking on such a vital and proactive role. The community support has been outstanding. To see so many people work together so well at a time of rapid change and great uncertainty has been truly inspiring.”
