YOUR VIEWS: Highland wildfire warnings, thanks after fall and keys handed over for Haven Centre in Inverness

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Thanks to those who helped after pavement fall

I WOULD like to thank all those who helped after I tripped on the kerb at Smithton, beside the shop – for those who phoned my son, one went to my address to let my wife know, to phone for an ambulance; the girls who got coverings and helped medics in the ambulance and were extremely kind, although I declined to go to Raigmore as they said no bones were broken and the bleeding was under control.

The van driver’s legs supported me to sit up till the ambulance came.

So thank you all. As a 90-year-old, I seem to be making good progress. The mess on my forehead is a lot better – though it did not help my looks!

As a Christian, I would like to thank you all.

Stephen Watt

Address supplied

SNP politicians have real-world experience

I HAVE just received the most recent edition of ‘The Highlander’ from the Liberal Democrats and see that despite the positive image Angus Macdonald tries to project it is a further example of them playing the personality.

He attacks the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and SNP Westminster leader and all SNP politicians as professional politicians which is simply untrue. For example, Humza Yousaf has the real-life experience of being picked on by his peers and others and worked in a call centre, Shona Robison worked in Glasgow’s social work department for over 10 years and Stephen Flynn was a councillor before becoming an MP after graduation from university.

Indeed, if you look his possible opponent, depending on the outcome of the Boundary Commission review later this month, this is even more true. Drew Hendry set up his own business which has been very successful and carries on today employing several people before his election in 2015, after a successful period as leader of Highland Council.

I hope this is not going to set the tone of the Liberal Democrats campaign for the next 12-18 months but given the sustained campaign against Michelle Thomson in Edinburgh West when she was only interviewed as a witness in conjunction with allegations against a solicitor, I fear the worst.

Munro Ross

Inverness

Wildfire shows how care must be taken

The biggest wildfire in Scotland has finally been subdued by our skilled and magnificent fire service. It’s not a time for complacency though, it continues to smoulder and with no rain in any required quantity due any time soon, we must hope it stays out.

It’s been an intensely worrying time for the people of Tomich and Cannich and those of us living within the vicinity had the fire changed direction.

That land will have been teeming with wildlife – all with babies at this time of year, not to mention sheep with lambs. All destroyed, and as I understand, because of the imbecilic behaviour of wild campers.

Careless abandoning of rubbish of any description at any time is unacceptable, but the ground is exceptionally dry just now and we see the results can be dangerously devastating.

The Inverness Courier is no stranger to campaigning. It is perfectly placed to raise awareness and educate people of their responsibilities whilst in the countryside. People need to understand if they take something with them, they need to take it away with them and dispose of it responsibly. Barbecues have no place in forests and camp fires have no business being lit on the ground. Even if it looks like it’s been put out, the nature of peaty ground is that fire can smoulder underground and come up at its leisure. Cigarettes should not be thrown to the ground and left, especially when we have the tinderbox that we have just now.

If people can’t respect this beautiful place that we’re lucky to call home, then they should stay away.

Lastly, I’m sure I speak for many in the Glen that would like to express our absolute thanks to all the firefighters. They’ve been out there tackling this day and night for the duration since it started on May 23. Best wishes also to the two firefighters injured in an all-terrain vehicle accident.

Ginette Playle

Glen Urquhart

Haven Centre keys are handed over at last

After 10 years of planning and campaigning, the keys to the ground-breaking Haven Centre in Inverness were finally handed over to Elsie Normington, the woman whose experience of raising a son with disabilities inspired the creation of the facility which will provide dedicated space for Highland children and young people with complex needs and their families.

“Well done. Such a wonderful achievement and much-needed resource for children with complex needs.” – Kim Corbett

“It has been a long road Elsie but you have achieved so much you are an inspiration!” – Joyce McTaggart

“Amazing achievement dear Elsie – ‘You saw the Angel in the marble and carved until you set him/her free’.” – Janet Campbell

“Met Elsie a good few years (ago), and it was a pipe dream then, and now that dream has come true. Amazing.” – Christine Macdonald

“Well done, that’s what you call an achievement! An amazing one.” – Judie Dianne

“Congratulations Elsie and Andrew, this is magnificent news!” – Katy Kitchingham

“Well done Elsie you are a true inspiration to others x” – Lorraine Robertson

“Just amazing, cannot wait!” – Caroline Macdonald

“What an enormous achievement Elsie. Enjoy this moment and the years to come.” – Nicky Marr

Letters should be emailed to newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk. Please include your address and a daytime contact number. You can also tweet us: @InvCourier or leave a comment on Facebook @invernesscourier

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