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With a new year at the beginning of a new year, it’s the best time to look back and reflect on the 12 months that have (almost) passed.
Here we dip into the files and take a quick look at some of the stories that found their online and into print.
In a few days we will tackle the second part of the year.
In the meantime, thank you for joining us this year and we look forward to 2024.
January
Residents living near the new school campus still under construction in Tain have implemented flood insurance after some saw water enter their gardens around the Craighill site.
Contractor Kier Construction said the source of the problem was an old land drain that later became blocked. Concerns would continue to manifest themselves for the rest of the year.
Dr Malcolm Steven, one of the founders of the Puffin hydrotherapy pool in Dingwall, said the MBE award to the Highlands and Isles network “came out of nowhere”. The retired representative rheumatologist admitted he felt “embarrassed” to have been selected. through the award and that the fundraising for the much-used facility affected a large number of people.
Cromarty Firth councillor Tamala Collier (36) has given up her maternity leave as part of her duties with the local authority and was photographed with her son Jayden, who, at 4 months old, is by far the youngest regular attendee of Highland Council meetings. She had effectively fulfilled her day-to-day work as a mother and city councilor. He said he hoped he had given others the confidence to do the same.
Speculation grew about the Cromarty Firth’s freeport offer, as the announcement was imminent. Local MP Jamie Stone was among those queuing to greet the candidate, saying he felt his words in Westminster about the task were “not in vain”.
Long-awaited developments in Ross-shire – including St Clement’s in Dingwall and Park Primary in Invergordon – were on the cards due to uncertainty over Scottish Government funding, we reported. In this case, no schools in the Highlands have benefited from the newest tranche of the State’s Learning Improvement Program (LEIP).
February
Ryan Junor was shocked to realize that he had dug up a bomb in a steel detector with friends at the Invergordon Recreation Grounds, near the city’s academy.
The discovery of an old mortar bomb prompted a preemptive evacuation of the school and its subsequent safe removal by an explosive ordnance disposal team. “We couldn’t have been able to cope with it,” said Mr Junor, 39. an offshore employee. ” It’s a sense of relief now. “
The Alness network has come together to offer immediate relief in the aftermath of the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria. Stalwarts of The Place’s network, including Turkey’s Serhat Yavuz, launched a local appeal that sent donations to the worst-affected areas. One of them said, “I’m proud to be part of this network. “
Hector Mackenzie traveled to Cromarty to see The Stoltman, a pizza made by Invergordon’s strong brothers, Tom and Luke, in Sutor Creek. There is room for black pudding, pork, chicken, bacon, venison, salami, and buffalo mozzarella. Our intrepid reporter gave it the thumbs up and claimed it was worth the asking price of £16. 95.
March
Black Isle residents united in calling the peninsula’s pothole situation “catastrophic”, while tired drivers testified about the costly maintenance of potholed vehicles.
Highland Council told us that maintenance is never done in the winter and that at this time only emergency repair paints are being done. The Ross-shire Journal has continued to concentrate on our roads throughout the year, and was fortunate enough to highlight the sections covered.
Strathpeffer and Contin activists were photographed on the front page calling for SSEN’s cooperation in plans for a new mega line of force between Caithness and Beauly, a cross-cutting component of Ross-shire. One of the considerations was that prices in terms of loss of landscape and tourism would be borne locally by those who would have nothing to gain from the project. It’s a story that’s been unfolding throughout the year.
A Dingwall Heritage Trail has officially opened, highlighting the history of the county seat. Janet Bowen, a former Lord Lieutenant and network loyalist, said she hoped it would be a point of pride for local people and give visitors an explanation as to why. stay longer.
April
We highlight the surprise closure of the Mo Dhachaidh nursing home in Ullapool, highlighting the impact on a local circle of relatives who hoped someone would eventually take a place there. In the meantime, they had opted for a position in a space in Thurso, but he admitted that the grandmother involved had tearfully begged them to return to Ullapool. Parklands Care said the prices of offering a sufficiently superior point of care to citizens are “simply not sustainable” and a stark reminder of the economic climate. The houses face each other.
The Foulis Castle daffodil tea to benefit the Archie Foundation yielded a lovely page of photographs and over £5000 for the cause.
A new team has taken over The Mallard in Dingwall with plans
Diopass Montiero and Raffael Santos didn’t have to go far to take a look at the historic corporate that in the past took over the Hotel Nacional. Plans for a subsequent weekend license and live music have been revealed.
Power
Mowi Scotland Ltd has been fined £860,000 for fitness and protection breaches that may have contributed to the death of Clive Hendry, 58, who removed his life jacket in the frigid waters of Alsh Lake, Nar Kyle, in a twist of fate. In paintings on February 18, 2020.
Sheriff Sara Matheson’s fine was reduced by £1. 2 million due to an anticipated admission of liability.
Volunteers at the Groam House Museum have expressed anger at the conviction of an embezzler who brought the tourist charm of Celtic and Pictish art to its knees.
Bill Bound (75) of Ballyskelly House, Poyntzfield escaped a jail term and must only pay a fraction of the £19,000 he admitted stealing from the Rosemarkie attraction over three years from November 2013. His defence agent said he felt “ashamed” and “embarrassed” but accepted responsibility.
Chairman Doug Maclean said trustees were “deeply disappointed” by the conviction of the former president and treasurer, adding that it showed that “crimes against charities will pay off. “
June
Could the ScotRail Inverness-Tain ‘party train’ get underway?
It was a question asked through Rep. Kate Forbes as part of the lobby for the old 11:33 p. m. service. Friday and Saturday night that was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic. ScotRail promised it would keep the matter under review.
Ross County Football Club’s last win in the play-offs to secure the prestige of the Premiership against all odds after a penalty shootout win over Patrick Thistle was a birthday party for Staggies fans. The heroism of goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw made the fans extremely happy. Highland economic representative Tony Mackay said the unforeseen turn of events would also be good news for the local economy, noting that many businesses gain advantages from visiting fan spending. He estimates that the difference between prestige and downfall may be as high as £2. 6 million.
Pupils at Dingwall Primary achieved a feat the Beatles hadn’t managed and packed out the Town Hall.
Academics researched the history of this iconic building and found that the Fab Four were on the verge of global good fortune in front of just 19 people, added local councillor Margaret Paterson. Director Sara Macaskill praised the “good buzz” surrounding the Beatles-inspired play. concert.
Check next week’s print edition for half of it.