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. 15/03695/FUL Change of use of residential staff flat to House of multiple occupation 143 High…
Unfortunately, there’s been a spate of house burglaries or break-ins in the South Lochaber area in the past few weeks. Whilst local police officers have attended quickly, residents expressed concern about a delay in getting forensic officers to examine the crime scene. Upon investigating, Fort William based Inspector Donald Campbell explained to me that since…
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…
We’re fortunate to have an excellent archive centre, covering the Lochaber area, based in Fort William. They regularly publish fascinating items from the archive on their excellent Facebook page. Recent highlightsinclude letters from the Jacobite period and photographs from Kinlochleven, just after the smelter opened. During September, they are offering a chance to learn more about researching…
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…
