LOCAL NEWS 05 MAY
Written by MartyM on 5 May 2023
A Highlands and Islands MSP has said that now is the time to challenge the Monarchy as the UK arrives at the Coronation weekend.
Ariane Burgess, a member of the Scottish Green party, has called for Scotland to be a modern, democratic and independent republic with an elected and accountable head of state. The Scottish Greens also want to abolish the House of Lords.
Ferry operators Calmac have announced their latest vessel deployment plans, which include an extension to the one vessel timetable currently in operation between Mallaig and Armadale.
MV Coruisk, who is usually one of two vessels on the Sound of Sleat crossing, has been providing additional capacity between Oban and the Isle of Mull. MV Loch Fyne will continue to operate the temporary one vessel timetable between Mallaig and Armadale until 27th May, when MV Coruisk is expected to return and normal timetable can resume.
Passengers are being advised to visit calmac.co.uk to view the timetables.
Meanwhile, berthing trials of the MV Alfred have been completed successfully and the catamaran will join the Calmac ferry fleet for a 9 month exclusive use contract from Orkney owners Pentland Ferries. The Scottish Government is spending 9 million pounds to introduce the vessel into Clyde and Hebridean waters, with Calmac currently reviewing deployment options for the vessel.
Two airfields in Skye and Lochalsh have come under scrutiny by owners The Highland Council.
A report by the Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure committee has recommended that the Plockton airfield and runway should be sold or put up for long-term lease due to increasing maintenance and legal costs putting a burden on council finances.
However, the nearby airfield at Ashaig, near Broadford on Skye, will be kept in council control to allow for further developments in the business case to reintroduce commercial flights to and from Skye.
The report and proposals were discussed at a Highland Council meeting on Thursday.
Four brand new coaches have been introduced on the Glasgow to Skye Citylink bus route.
The Scania i6 vehicles are the first in the road fleet to be fitted with digital mirrors that are expected to help improve road safety whilst also assisting to improve the efficiency of the vehicle on the road.
Extra features for passengers include extra legroom, USB charging points and improved seating options onboard.
A defibrillator has been installed at one of Skye’s most popular landmarks.
Lucky2BHere, a Skye-based organisation that helps to place defibrillators and deliver emergency life support training to communities across Scotland, worked with the Highland Council and local rangers to install the defibrillator at the Old Man of Storr.
The walk up to the rocky pinnacle attracts over a quarter of a million visitors each year, who will all now be able to access the emergency equipment should they need it.
A brand new car park and visitor facilities project in Coigach is to be based on the scheme built at the Fairy Pools.
The charity Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland has been granted planning permission for an 80-space car park, public off-grid toilets, hill path improvements and new interpretation boards at the mountain Stac Pollaidh, which attracts 50,000 visitors a year.
The model used at the Fairy Pools will be adapted and replicated to improve the visitor experience at the popular hill walking destination.
News by Adam Gordon
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