Tain locals highlight ‘danger’ of ‘short-sighted’ proposal that risks loss of swimming pool
Letters to the Editor
A Highland Council review on the future of Tain’s main leisure facility could see the town lose its only swimming pool as part of a new set of proposals.
The local authority is preparing to launch a public consultation on what is next for Tain Royal Academy Community Complex (TRACC), with a range of options tabled on how the facility could be handled in the wake of the new Tain 3-18 campus being built.
Our readers took to social media to share their thoughts.
Alasdair Mackintosh stated: “Losing TRACC would be a massive blow to Tain — it supports the swimming club, kids’ lessons, and other local sports clubs and gym users. Highland Council needs to stop ignoring vital community services.”
FG Gregory said: “The kids need swimming lessons. It is a danger not having a pool available! This is a thing that could save their lives one day or help them save someone else!”
Zoe Gray commented: “It was very short-sighted not to include a pool in the new campus. Tain has a very active and successful swimming club and EVERY child has the right to learn to swim.”
Elaine Milka Torley stated: “The pool is the only thing Tain has for children. There is nothing and you’re planning to take it away from them...it's a joke.”
After more than six years of closure, Aultbea Hall is now fully open for community use again following a four-year project to repair and renovate it.
Ross-shire Journal readers took to social media to share their thoughts.
Gavin Neate said: “I have so many memories from the hall as a young boy playing badminton there and also singing in our school play. I’m sure lots of Balnaluib pupils will have equally happy memories.”
Katie Brown commented: “Wow it looks fantastic. We visited the area for many years and viewed the Arctic Convoy films in the old hall. A marvellous transformation.”
Jennifer Turner stated: “Delighted to see our village hall open again! I might not live there any more but my thoughts are never far away.”
Joan Chapman said: “It looks fabulous. Well done to everyone that’s made this possible.”
Telecommunications giant BT in late April stated that 110 public payphones have been assessed under Ofcom’s Review of the Telephony Universal Service Obligation and have been deemed no longer essential.
Our readers took to the Ross-shire Journal Facebook page to share their thoughts.
David C Purvis said: “Should leave them and put defibrillators into them.”
Rosy Seashore commented: “As we have no mobile reception in Hilton and forced into digital landline, the phone box is our only option if the internet/electric go off. It's an essential for emergencies.”
Claire Mackay Yesildağ suggested: “Can they not be turned into a community book swap station for people?”
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