Change might be the only certain thing for 2022 but here's what some familiar faces are hoping for in Ross-shire and beyond
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What lies ahead in 2022?
Let's face it, none of us really have a clue, do we?
From pandemics, to interest rate hikes, to more boosters – the only thing that is certain is that 2022 will give us another year in which to make the very best of it.
We have asked some local people to share their hopes and dreams for the new year.
Mum and mum-to-be Elaine Torley, who lives in Tain, said: “I wish all my family loved ones and friends a healthy happy year.”
Mrs Torley, whose daughter Maisie Star Torley helped to deliver hundreds of colouring books to children during the pandemic, knows first hand how terrible Covid can be. She continued: “I hope that 2022 sees some hope in the curve of Covid, and our new way of living is not living in wonder any more.”
While mum Joan Johnston, from Invergordon, who we caught up with when she was visiting the city centre earlier this month said: “Take every day as it comes, stay healthy and keep fit.”
Matt Wallace, the CEO and founder of Clarity Walks, said that trying to connect with another person will help make 2022 easier on mental health.
He added: “Getting out on a walk, or even outside your front door will lift your spirit.
“We’d love it if you wanted to join us at Clarity Walk this year. Spend less time on social media and on your phone.
“Get outside and keep connecting with other people. What we discovered after Covid was that people had lived in isolation and had stopped making connections with people.
“So my advice would be connect with at least one person each day. Reach out to people – it will help you keep motivated.
“I know 2022 will be a big year for Clarity Walk and we hope to welcome you to a walk soon.”
Mr Wallace said that 2022 would be much easier on business owners as they had become resilient to survive the pandemic.
In 2022, he plans to develop more events for children and young people and to get them out and about in nature, on his phone-free walks.
Inverness charity worker and volunteer Shelley Gill, who set up Acts of Kindness during the pandemic to make sure people were fed and looked after, said: “May everyone have their wishes and dreams come true in 2022.
“Start believing that it is going to be your year!
“My hope for 2022 is that those struggling with mental health, for whatever reason, find the strength to reach out for help.
“As a community, I hope we can come together and work to recover and start afresh.”
One of the ways in which people connect as a community is through music. There is no shortage of music events and opportunities in the Highlands. From drive-in shows, to some of the best gigs around – let’s hope we can use those postponed tickets in 2022.
One man helps support musicians across the planet from his base in the Highlands is Rob Ellen, originally a record shop owner from Nairn. Before 2022 begins and he starts his transatlantic trips, he said: “In the words of the Country Music prophet Merle Haggard ‘One of these days when the air clears up and the sun comes shinin’ through; We’ll all be drinkin’ that free Bubble Up and eatin’ that rainbow stew.”
He continued: “You don’t have to get high to get happy, you just have to be kind. Happy New Year people.”
High Life Highland chief executive Steve Walsh wants people to be happy and healthy in 2022.
The well-respected veteran and dad with a passion for the Highlands shared a good plan of how to do that. He said: “I resolve to never live anywhere but the Highlands, to try to be kind and try to concentrate on what’s important by ignoring the wee, petty, everyday stuff and nonsense.”
Everyone’s favourite Clachnacuddin fan Billy Corbett kept his ambitions local, he said: “My hope for 2022, is for my local football club, Clachnacuddin, to go from strength to strength, and all good luck and good health to all football followers!”
Mr Corbett put his love for the Lilywhites to great use in 2021 by publishing his first book on the history of the club. Since then he has had to place numerous fresh print orders for the popular book. Maybe a first edition will be worth a pretty penny for you in 2022!
Highland Council’s newest councillor, Sarah Fanet (Fort William and Ardnamurchan ward), who is also a renowned musician, and singer, said: “As a musician, in 2022 I want to see more artists able to play live and I want to spend less time using my computer to communicate with my friends.”
Councillor Fanet, who moved to the Highlands from France, has thrown herself into the job, after being elected in early December, already backing a motion to reduce the size of the council administration areas, and joining the council’s Gaelic committee.
“It was great to hear live music again at Under Canvas in 2021,” she said. “As one of the performers at Eden Court quite rightly said: ‘Music is something you play to people, not to your phone’.”
Salon owner Caroline Sanderson of Ego Hair Design urged people to think differently to get real change in their lives.
Ms Sanderson, who has won numerous awards for her work and is a best-selling author, said: “If you keep doing what you have always done, you will keep getting the same results.
“If you want to change your results, change your focus, thoughts and actions and remember that we rise by lifting others.”
Here’s to 2022. Remember that for trusted local news, sport and features, read The Ross-shire Journal weekly in print and online every day. Thanks for your company over the last rollercoaster year.
