These are the planning applications received by the Highland Council for the South Lochaber area this week. Please note no decisions have been made on these applications, their acceptance begins the period of consultation before planning officers make a recommendation. 15/03552/FUL Proposed alterations & extension (amendment to 15/00867/FUL) 10 Sutherland Avenue Upper Achintore Fort William…
A new council administration, led by a group of independent councillors, means a new set of priorities. That’s only right, as those councillors will want a different emphasis, compared to the previous SNP, Lib Dem and Labour coalition. Yet, I remain deeply underwhelmed by the 62-point programme presented to councillors this week. Instead of concentrating…
The winter weather over the last two years, has had an enormous impact on the road surface along the B863 between North Ballachulish – Kinlochleven – Glencoe. Some limited repairs were undertaken last summer, but I continue to push for more substantial work. Lots of new potholes have appeared over the last few months that…
View image | gettyimages.com Inverness councillors have agreed to a short-term compromise on Corran Ferry fares. The proposals, prepared by Lochaber councillors, will see just a 2% increase in fares in April. This is instead of the 4% increase that the council administration seemed determined to push through. At the same time all the requirements to…
With funding from various heritage bodies, the iconic Ballachulish Slate Arch, is set for a much needed refurbishment. Alongside this work, will be a local history project focussing on the slate industry in the village. You can find out more about an event this week, led by an oral historian, where memories and stories will…
With more stormy weather, including heavy rain on the way, Lochaber has already taken a fair battering, with several incidents across the area. There has been a landslip near Corryhurachan, south of Fort William, which has resulted in the A82 being closed. The Highland Council teams are already busy monitoring the situation and dealing with…
Highland Council’s Trading Standards team are some of the unsung heroes of the council. Officers from trading standards have been at the forefront in highlighting the unfair postal charges levied by many companies on deliveries to the Highlands. Their direct action has persuaded some companies to be more open about their charges or to remove…
These are the planning applications received by the Highland Council for the South Lochaber area this week. Please note no decisions have been made on these applications, their acceptance begins the period of consultation before planning officers make a recommendation. 14/03100/AGR – Drimnatorran Farm House, Strontian, Acharacle, PH36 4JA 14/03101/AGR Erection of farm-related building 14/03186/FUL – Land…
Previously, the annual refit of the Corran Ferry has always coincided with the popular Mull Rally during the October half-term holidays. This has led to traffic-congestion and delayed crossings as the smaller reserve vessel, the Maid of Glencoul, is brought in to operation. Yet, whenever asked about moving the annual refit, council officers always…
We are now in to the pre-Referendum period, and senior council officers are going over-board in reminding councillors and staff of the pitfalls of falling foul of the Referendum Act. This is rightly intended to prevent the abuse of council resources for political purposes. Yet, if you give a bureaucrat a set of rules they…
