Inverness Courier's happier highlights of 2023: August
Some media may focus on doom and gloom but we like to share positive stories about people in our communities.
Here's a selection from August:
Restoration work has begun at last on a famous landmark and piece of Inverness art which has sat in storage for decades but is finally set to return to the public eye in the near future.
The iconic 'Rose Window' will take pride of place inside the new Inverness Castle Experience when the visitor attraction opens its doors in 2025.
The struggle faced by disabled people trying to get access to a world-famous Black Isle dolphin watching spot inspired plans for a trailblazing event at Chanonry Point.
The access day was the brainchild of Debra Flook who explained: "After visiting Chanonry Point on many occasions over the years and wishing that I could get down to the shoreline to be closer to the dolphins, I began to think of ways to make it more accessible for disabled people so that we could enjoy this beautiful area in the same way as other people do. At the time there was very few wheelchairs seen around Chanonry Point as the access down there was very poor, due to the poor surface and the narrow path that leads down from the parking area."
The boss of a Highland port received a visit from King Charles welcomed the "fantastic opportunity" to showcase its achievements.
The King was given a tour of the Port of Nigg, which is owned and operated by Global Energy Group (GEG), by the company's chairman, Roy MacGregor.
The Ross and Cromarty Pipes and Drums band have been crowned champion of champions.
They secured the accolade after finishing fourth overall in the World Championships in Glasgow.
The champion of champions title is based on consistently good showings at events throughout the season.
An Inverness playwright has won a Fringe First for his play Everything Under The Sun, performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Jack MacGregor picked up the award when the play Everything Under the Sun – focused on Mali, the country's search for a future, peace and the role of the UN there – was announced as a winner. Last year he made his debut at the Fringe when Highland-based Dogstar Theatre Company presented his earlier play Nightlands.
After years of fundraising the Haven Centre offering respite care for children with complex needs and their families has finally opened.
The official opening ceremony for the centre in Smithton, Inverness took place with Highland MSP Kate Forbes.
The dream of creating the centre was driven by Elsie Normington who is delighted it has now been achieved.
