News
Coronavirus – Covid-19
Sunart Community Council Helping Hands – a COVID-19 Coronavirus community response. We want you to know we are here to help.
If you need help, go to this page and complete the survey form: https://sunartcommunitycouncil.co.uk/get-help , email: helpinghands@sunartcommunitycouncil.co.uk
Pines Medical Centre updated procedures, other useful information and to find out how we are helping the community during the crisis: See:- https://sunartcommunitycouncil.co.uk/covid19
News from our Facebook page
Effects of Covid19 on getting outdoors - A Survey.......
We have received an email from the Green Health Partnership - please contact ailsa.villegas@nhs.scot with any queries.
Highland Green Health Partnership is working with University of Aberdeen to produce a report on the effects of lockdown on exercise and engagement with the outdoors in Highland, with a focus on those who have been shielding and key workers. The report will be based on an online survey. It should only take about 5 - 10 minutes to fill out. It would be really appreciated if you could take the time to complete it and share the survey across your networks.
There is a chance to win a £50 shopping voucher. This will be a prize draw closing on Monday 23rd of November, and the winner will be contacted via email that day. Please see the terms and conditions as well as the privacy statement at the top of the questionnaire. You can access the survey here: forms.gele/uXEcaqnMuq3yLpY18 Should the questions raise any concerns, there are links to support and advice at the end of the survey.www.thinkhealththinknature.scot
Can you spare a few moments to take my survey?
Can you spare a few moments to take my survey?
www.surveymonkey.co.uk
Please take the survey titled "Dail Mhor Redevelopment - Community Survey". Your feedback is important!The Highland Council is looking at where improved tourism infrastructure is needed in Lochaber. E.g. Car Parking at certain viewpoints or beauty spots, camper van waste disposal points, toilets etc. You have until 18th December to send them your views.... see document on our website
sunartcommunitycouncil.co.uk/notices/tourism-infrastructure-plan-consultation-with-community-coun...
Just to say a big ‘Thank You’ to the volunteers who have been keeping the Memorial tidy - you know who you are! Nice to see that despite the lack of public service ... The Fallen are not forgotten.
AND ANOTHER POINT....
Following recent correspondence F&LS have acce pted our idea that it would be good to consult on any other issues / improvements required on these routes. Perhaps you have noticed other areas of deterioration or would like to share an idea. If you email the Community Council we will pass on any thoughts. Here's what they say......
“......FLS are going to be looking at how to repair the bridges and get the path back open. The community council thinks this it would be good to go back to FLS with other ideas for improvements, so let us know if you have suggestions? Please note there is no funding committed to this currently from FLS or the Community Council............”
ANOTHER UPDATE
ALL FOUR BRIDGES ARE NOW CLOSED. The lower Strontian Bridge is probably going to have to be replaced. Forestry and Land Scotland have reassured us that reopening these routes is a priority. The HC Ranger Service and WalkHighlands have been informed.
UPDATE - BOTH RIVER BRIDGES TO CLOSE in the Ariundle Nature Reserve AND those on the eastern side (Faeries Road)
We have received an email today from Forestry & Land Scotland as follows:
"I have spoken with CE colleagues and they are advising the closure of two bridges in the Ariundle NNR and a further two on a link path Rathad na Sìdhein (faeries road) as per attached maps.
This is due to Health and Safety issues, therefore until a definitive inspection and report is carried out by qualified structural engineers we have to close these structures. We intend undertaking these inspections between now and the Christmas period. The reports will give us a definitive outline of required actions to take forward.
I intend a gradual closure process over this week to allow some adjustment for user groups and anticipate that the bridges as notified will be closed off by 20th Novemeber 2020. This will lend to limited access to Ariundle with an inability to cross the River onto the Torra Ban side of the river. The restrictions will also prevent through travel over Rathad na Sìdhein (faeries road).
Is the bridge at the top being looked at too? As you head to Sgurr Dhomhnuill? the wood on that bridge would give health and safety nightmares.
Thanks for letting us know. Looking forward to re-opening of these bridges.
Will the bridges on the faeries road be repaired to be fit for horses as we’ve been asking for for a couple of years now?
What a change in the conditions underfoot and on the boardwalk since yesterday's run 24 hours ago. Such a shame that Phemies looks like it's about to go the way of Ariundle and The Fairies road... boardwalk bust...be careful up there folks...
Sunart Community Council hi folks, who are the best body to speak to re expediting this? Six months seems unreasonable especially when there are staff furloughed at present who could potentially manufacture something off-site ready for installation. Signage at start of Faeries Road at the top of the Community Woodland does indeed indicate April and with new lockdown travel restrictions meaning exercise needs to be taken locally it would seem sensible to push this through sooner rather than later. Thank you.
Ariundle Bridge Closure!! We have been notified of the imminent closure of the Lower Bridge over the River Strontian in the Ariundle Oak Woods due to structural issues. Forestry and Land Scotland are seeking funding for replacement. This is very well used and we will press for urgent replacement. (Please share)
Please see the latest post relating to the National Nature Reserve. 4 bridges will be shut over the next week leaving NO circular route on the normal paths.
It would be really good if the horse riders stopped using these bridges... despite the signage, we can all see the horseshoe marks...
Gemma Gray
Dean
We have received the following notification. (There is no change to the numbers of Councillors for Ardnamurchan and a fort William)
2019 Review of Electoral Arrangements:
Argyll and Bute, Highland and North Ayrshire council areas
I am writing to inform you that the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland will start its public consultation on its electoral arrangement proposals for Argyll and Bute, Highland and North Ayrshire council areas on 4 November 2020.
The consultation will run until 26 January 2021.
The Commission will then make recommendations to Scottish Ministers on the ward boundaries and councillor numbers, for the next local government elections expected in May 2022.
Further information concerning the reviews is available on our website: www.lgbc-scotland.gov.uk.
To comment on the proposals please visit consult.lgbc-scotland.gov.uk.
Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland - Citizen Space
consult.lgbc-scotland.gov.uk
Find and participate in consultations run by the Local Government Boundary Commission for ScotlandNext SCC Meeting this Thursday 12th Nov at 7.30pm via Zoom. As usual please drop us a line with any Agenda items you wish to bring to our attention.
Thank you to John Tyldsley and Rev. Donald McCorkindale for organising a socially distanced Rembrance Day service.
aksm.org.uk/remembrance
aksm.org.uk
Click the video/image above to view the Sunday Worship for 8th November. A shorter 10 minute version is linked below with the Act of Remembrance. They shall grow not oldAs we that are left grow old…The Community Councils' Helping Hands Volunteers are still here to help. Although the Helpline phone number and Sunday lunches are not currently available, our brilliant volunteers continue to deliver prescriptions door to door until another process can be found for prescriptions. We are still a Lochaber Food Bank distribution point and if you are sheilding / isolating and need assistance you can still call our Coordinator, Fiona Christian or Chair Denise Anderson and we will try to help with your request. You can also Message us via this page.
Great work been going on in Strontian and Locaber area! Brilliant place and people!
Thanks to everyone at Helping Hands! Very grateful for your hard work xx
Bryan Gregg