Inverness arts group leader welcomes debate about River Ness projects
THE leader of a group which has pushed forward plans for controversial city artwork has welcomed the opportunity for it to be formally debated in public for the first time.
Councillor Isabelle MacKenzie is chairwoman of the Inverness City Arts Working Group which has handled plans for numerous artwork along the River Ness.
The most contentious has been the My Ness scheme planned for opposite banks of the River Ness, close to Bught Park, which prompted a public backlash after it was approved by Highland Council officials in private using delegated powers.
And despite the local authority and some councillors insisting there would be no U-turn on the decision, earlier this week the council announced work on My Ness and two other art projects – the planned construction of a children’s water feature in the Ness Islands and a viewing platform in Bank Street – would be held back for at least six weeks.
This is to allow a debate on the works to be held at council headquarters in Inverness on August 20 – and follows our exclusive report last month that six city councillors successfully lobbied for it to happen.
Under council regulations, that meeting should have been within two weeks of asking, but as the council started its summer recess last week, that deadline was not met.
A council spokeswoman said: “Discussions have been taking place as to the best timing for this meeting to allow maximum transparency. In the meantime, no building work for any of the three remaining projects will progress.”
Cllr MacKenzie pointed out councillors could have joined the working group but did not, adding: “I therefore welcome the opportunity for all the city committee members to get an update and discuss the remaining projects in August.”
Councillor Ron MacWilliam pushed for the debate. He said: “I am delighted that the silencing of public discontent is to end and at long last this issue will be forced into the public arena. When public matters are decided in private like this, one of the problems that emerges is that people no longer know what the issues are.
“Many believe this to be a spat between the supporters and opponents of public art when nothing could be further from the truth.
“The whole issue is about the mismanagement of public projects and public funds by a tiny clique who think they know what’s best for everyone.”