A RALLYING call to improve the fortunes of Ross-shire's county town aims to kickstart positive debate amongst politicians and business representatives amid urgent calls for action.

In a letter to the Ross-shire Journal, a correspondent shocked by the number of vacant shops and premises he witnessed on a recent visit said he was "saddened" to see the once bustling town "faring so badly".

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Tain-based Ian MacKenzie Telfer, who was economic development officer for Sutherland for 22 years, said: "The time is undoubtedly now opportune for Dingwall’s business fraternity and local politicians to get together to formulate a strategy to get the town back on an even keel again and this should be enacted upon expeditiously."

He suggested adopting a theme along the lines of Wigtown – famed for its bookshops – or Kirkcudbright, known for its arts and paintings. He believes the legend of the Brahan Seer could have nationwide wide appeal underpinned by aspects of Highland culture with the history of Strathpeffer Spa also being spotlighted.

Ross MSP Maree Todd, who used to have office space in Dingwall town centre, said it was a challenge faced by many areas: "Our town centres are facing tough times. Many businesses are still grappling with the aftermath of Covid, and now they are contending with a cost-of-living crisis where people have less disposable income.

“Connectivity is another issue impacting high streets. For instance, my constituents in the West are dismayed by the lack of bus connections to Dingwall. There is a clear demand for this service, but unfortunately, the commercial bus operators are unwilling to consider operating a service on this route.

“I have recently opened a constituency office on Alness High Street, where there is a good mix of retail shops, cafes and businesses. While the high street attracts a healthy level of footfall, like many local high streets in the Highlands, there are still several vacant premises.

"I think my constituent Ian Telfer, makes a good point. In the Highlands, we are rich with history and culture, so we could look more at how we can incorporate these elements into our town centres to enhance their appeal to visitors.

“I would be happy to participate in discussions with my constituents and local stakeholders on a local strategy for boosting and revitalising our town centres.”

Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP Ian Blackford, who has a constituency office in the town, said the idea that Dingwall – and similar towns - could capitalise on a ‘theme’ to provide a focus for regeneration was worthy of investigation.

“It is really depressing to see the decline of once thriving High Streets in our towns and the closure of so many businesses and services that go right to the fabric of the local community,” he said.

“Many of the businesses which have closed over recent times were a well-established part of the community, offering friendly personal service over many years. It is heart-breaking to see them fall victim to the spiralling costs, such as sky-high energy bills, now facing businesses. Scotland is an energy rich country. I believe we should be able to supply our own businesses with energy at reasonable costs.

“The Scottish Government has done what it can to support businesses in Scotland, including retailers, by providing the most competitive rates relief in the UK, along with a small business bonus scheme. The fallout from Brexit is another factor for many businesses, causing recruitment difficulties in many sectors. But there does needs to be a new approach, and new ideas, if our high streets are to survive – and thrive.”

Dingwall and Seaforth councillor Graham Mackenzie, a former Dingwall Academy rector, noted local moves to begin a business and traders association and the work of the Dingwall Community Development Company (DCDC) which is working to unlock funding for capital projects,raising the town's profile and building civic pride.

It has created a heritage trail and is working to regenerate the town hall.

Cllr Mackenzie said of Mr Telfer's letter that there was clearly a big difference in the town pre-Covid four years ago and now and that many other communities face similar challenges. He said Dingwall had faced a "perfect storm" with the loss of three big operators – Edinburgh Woollen Mill, M&Co and the Original Factory Shop – in "huge spaces" that prove difficult to fill.

He said the Brahan Seer and theme ideas are worth exploring as well as the possibility of using some empty spaces for pop-up art and crafts indoor markets.

Fellow Dingwall and Seaforth ward councillor Sean Kennedy said: "I think there's some great points in the letter. But obviously Dingwall is not alone in suffering from Covid."

As well as fledgling moves to start a traders association he too noted the work of DCDC adding: "I'll do everything I can to help Dingwall and Seaforth and the wider Highlands. I think we also have ti push to get what we can for Dingwall from the opportunities that arise from the freeport."

On the empty premises, he said: "It's not something that will be resolved overnight."

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