Ross-shire Journal review of 2024 in photos and front pages: October
AN Alness 10-year-old set to become a multiple world title holder in kickboxing, a trailblazing community buyout bid set to make an impact on the affordable housing crisis and some golden girls from the Black Isle found their way to October’s front pages.
As we continue our review of a very busy year, see what else happened in that month…
October 4
Alness kickboxing sensation Elise Stephen had her eyes on the Italian job.
The 10-year-old got her first taste of fight competition on her eighth birthday and never looked back. Now she was aiming to represent her country at a major competition in Italy and seeking sponsorship support. The youngster, a pupil at Bridgend Primary, was to return triumphant and was hailed by coaches and teachers alike for her hard work.
Plans to build 10 affordable homes in Coigach were being hailed a possible template for other remote communities.
MSP Emma Roddick said such small schemes can make a big difference in such communities. The rising demand for affordable housing was to be a continuing theme across the year.
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More pictures and front pages from our review of 2024
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October 11
There was “overwhelming support” for a buyout of Fearn Abbey - dubbed ‘the Lamp of the North - following a feasibility study.
Meanwhile, Black Isle golden girls returned triumphant from the ‘Ruralympics’.
Resolis SWI’s team found the winning formula at the fun event in Kirriemuir.
October 18
The proven skills of the Highland workforce that helped Ross-shire’s industrial development should not be allowed to go to waste, warning local MP Jamie Stone.
He said the threat of depopulation had been the curse of the Highlands and every effort should be made to help people with skills return to the workforce and bolster the manufacturing capability the area has in area’s such as fabrication work.
Kyleakin kids had taken the splash with a big fundraiser for the Lochalsh Leisure Centre in nearby Kyle. Their photo brightened up the front page this week.
October 25
A Ross-shire community’s trailblazing attempt to tackle a local housing crisis was given a boost by a local landowner. Achiltibuie Community Development Company accepted a significant donation from financier Ian Wace in its bid to buy a significant swathe of a local estate.
Jodie Davidson made the front page too at a Fox and Friends Halloween session in Alness.
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