Mixed feelings as Inverness city centre benches returned
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THE most famous benches in Inverness have been returned to the High Street.
The seats had been removed by councillors for a trial period over fears they were a magnet for troublemakers.
But the council recently ordered their return, despite concerns from the business community that nothing has been done to tackle the underlying problem of antisocial behaviour.
Inverness Business Improvement District (BID) member Simon Cole-Hamilton told the Courier the removal had been a success "on just about every level". He added: "Staff who work in the city centre are happier; people who visit the city centre are happier; businesses in the area are happier. Even the council’s own cleansing staff are happier."
Despite BID chairman Craig Duncan also claiming he was "astonished and disappointed" to see them return, Inverness Central councillor Bet McAllister said bringing them back was the right thing to do.
"I was in the centre of town and saw them being used. There was someone taking a rest with their shopping, a tourist and a member of staff from one of the nearby shops just enjoying their break in the fresh air.
"It’s lovely to see them back where they belong."
