Your Views: Cycle scheme working well
A defence of an Inverness cycle hire scheme and an attack on the new council administration are among the views readers have shared this week.
Cycle scheme working well
I would like to comment on Robert McKenzie’s letter (‘Hire cycles appear to be a waste of money, Courier, 20/5/22).
I am not well informed on the economics of the system but as a user I would like to explain how the system works.
There are several docking stations where the bikes are recharged – railway station, UHI campus, Raigmore Hospital, Great Glen House etc and “virtual” stations (which aren’t charging points) where you can leave or pick up bikes, such as Eden Court, Inverness Leisure etc.
Users will therefore pick up bikes to make one way journeys and not return to a docking station.
I live in the Resaurie/ Smithton area and regularly walk to UHI, pick up a bike and ride into town (leaving the bike at the station) or to Inverness Leisure. Sometimes I pick up a bike at the station and ride to UHI.
The scheme is being expanded and there will be more docking stations soon, which will expand usage.
The bikes are a lot of fun to ride and whilst the town centre is far from perfect for cycling it is a lot better than it used to be, particularly Millburn Road.
You can’t judge the scheme by looking at a docking station. I would totally recommend the scheme!
Peter Logie
Resaurie
Inverness
Thank you for courtesy
I would like to thank the courteous Celtic supporter who gave up his seat for me on the 15.44 train from Pitlochry to Inverness yesterday.
And I was dressed from head to toe in blue!
Margot Kerr
Inverness
People rushed to help at accident
Could you please pass on my sincere thanks to the two ladies (one a nurse from Raigmore) who very kindly came to my aid when I fell outside Crown Stores around lunchtime last Saturday.
Also, to the two policemen who happened to be passing and drove me to A&E.
Pleased to report that apart from numerous cuts and bruises, all now OK.
Brian Balfour
Inverness
Coalition is wrong move
It is with huge disappointment that I note the breaking news of the potential SNP/ Independent coalition [on Highland Council].
I for one chose to put my cross against an Independent candidate as I have become increasingly vexed at the failures associated with the previous administration (failing roads, inability to meet financial challenges, schools ranked worst in Scotland for literacy and numeracy etc etc) and the politicising of the most recent campaign.
The SNP have and will continue to promote their campaign of independence despite the majority of Highlanders opposed to it.
Shame on the Independents who will now be seen as accomplices to promoting a UK breakup. I feel I have now wasted my vote. But, hey you live and learn.
Kevin Stewart
Inverness
Get the posters removed
Why does it take so long for the political parties to take down the posters on the lampposts in most of the areas in town?
Quick enough to put them up. Not so quick to take them down.
George MacLean
Kinmylies
Inverness
Help with teens’ exam stress
This academic year has seen the return of National exams and Highers in Scotland after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
For many children and their parents and carers, the exam period can be an anxious and stressful time.
A return to normality in September has seen Childline provide more support to anxious students as end-of-year tests loomed on the horizon.
In the year between April 2021 and March 2022, Childline practitioners delivered 1734 counselling sessions to children and young people across Scotland and the rest of the UK with concerns about exam stress and revision, which is a 62 per cent rise on the previous year.
When talking to Childline counsellors about their upcoming exams this month, children shared that their worries were affecting their mental health, anxiety levels and ability to sleep.
It is important for young people to know that they aren’t alone if they are feeling like this. Instead, that they are encouraged to share any concerns or worries with their friends or a trusted adult.
Parents and carers can help by reassuring their child that they are there to listen to what they might be feeling and to help them to take the time to think about what to do next.
There are lots of places young people can get support, including the Childline website where they can get advice on dealing with exam stress, visit our message boards or even use an art box to draw through what they want to happen and look at potential next steps.
Childline is here for every child and young person and our specially trained counsellors are also ready 24/7 to discuss exam worries and other concerns free on 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk
Paul Johnson
Childline team manager
Tributes paid to well-known city builder
Well-known Inverness builder and property developer Robert Fraser More passed away after a period of illness, at the age of 73. From the mid-1980s, from small beginnings, the self-made businessman grew the firm RF More (Properties) Ltd, working on a number of city projects.
“I worked for Bob from 1980 to 84. He was a great boss, looked after his employees.
“He will be missed by a lot of people.” – Jim McGregor, Perth, Australia
Related articles: New e-bike stations for Inverness
SNP and Independent groups at Highland Council confirm they will enter a coalition
Tributes paid to Inverness property developer
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