YOUR VIEWS: Inverness Airport transport and castle name woes, praise for NHS Highland, fuel payment fears and outpouring of love for Merkinch community hero
Could airport be better connected to city?
On Sunday evening I left Inverness Airport after a flight to London.
I knew there would be no buses to Inverness, plus the train driver dispute continues - so no late evening trains.
Yet, also there were no taxis and a long line stood patiently until cars arrived some 20 minutes later.
It is bizarre that with three London flights arriving after 8pm on a Sunday that transport options are so limited.
When I wrote to Stagecoach, they said buses after 8pm were not commercially viable - so no service can be offered. The Scotrail dispute seems to be unending (for now at least). Taxi services seem to only respond by sending out a fleet of vehicles if they can see people are waiting.
For awaiting passengers, there's very limited or no shelter from rain of cold. Not great for tourism - and not very useful or great for locals either.
At the end of the night, I was left wondering in the back of the taxi (when I eventually left the airport) if this is really the best our city transport can offer?
James Rorison
Inverness
Thanks for healthcare after fall
I have MS and recently had a fall causing a fracture of my fibula.
From the moment the Nairn ambulance crew arrived I was given pain relief and on admission to A&E was sent for X-rays and was soon made aware of the problem.
A bed was brought in to keep me comfortable until a bed in a ward was available and I was then taken into GA ward for one night and was then transferred to Ward 2A and on my last night was moved to 5A.
In each case the level of care was excellent and I wish to express my sincere gratitude to all involved in my care.
Margaret Drummond
Royal Ness Court
Nairn
‘Experience is cringe-inducing every time
Whilst I love the vision for the refurbished Inverness Castle, and applaud the appointment of Garry Marsden, could I plead that “Experience” be dropped from the name? It's pretty tacky, uncomfortably cringeworthy, and, in my opinion, even teeters on the edge of “passé”. I wince every time I see it.
I do get that it isn't a castle in the expected sense, and as such visitors must not be misled, but isn't “Experience” a little undignified for Inverness in general and one of its most iconic sights specifically?
I do hope that before it opens to the public, and before too much money is spent on producing boards and hoardings, a rethink can come up with something better.
Perhaps the good people of Inverness can help - or was this their choice all along? It would seem I missed that, if so!
Stephanie Bruntlett
Tornagrain
Thousands of Highlanders to lose winter fuel payment
New figures show just over 19,000 pensioners in the Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire Westminster constituency are set to lose the winter fuel payment this year after rules were tightened – a drop of 88 per cent. Just 2122 people are expected to qualify now.
“I think the whole country should go on strike or something..all we do is moan but we really need to show how sick fed up we are, I’m so sick of this country!!” - Lynsey Fisher
“If energy was just more affordable for all this wouldn't even be an issue. Yet much of the energy comes from up here and we have the privilege of paying outrageous standing charges, plus some of the coldest weather. Which never seems to be taken into account either.” - Fraser Morrison
“Coldest part ok the UK... makes no sense. Utter greed by Liebour.” - Ashley MacDonald
“Pensioners will have to make the choice heat or food, this will lead to more admissions to hospitals, more care at home, more care home admissions, it will end up costing a lot more than fuel payment.” - Lippy Ross
“In the coldest part of the country, absolutely shocking, you work all your life and this is what the government does!!” - Charlie Mackay
“Oh well, I guess the heating won’t be on much.” - Jan Duncan
“Two words that mean the same now? Labour and Tory.” - Brian Anderson
“We need to pay all politicians the equivalent of the state pension.” - Matt Davies
“We need the money to pay politicians. People don’t understand how important it is to keep the wealthy in their affluent lifestyles.” - Jimmy Hendry
“The Scottish Government have removed this, their system is independent of the UK payments.” - Martin Allan
“Martin Allan, They copied Labour. Turncoats. They just don’t care.” - Alison Savage
“Alison Savage, they may well care, but the money has been cut from UK. Scotland sends money from taxes etc to London and gets pocket money back!!” - Christine Wood
Community stalwart named a Local Hero
A stalwart Merkinch community figure is a true local hero - and that’s official. Dell McClurg, who has chaired Merkinch Community Council for many years and been at the forefront of many community initiatives and campaignshas been nominated as a local hero as part of a special Scottish Parliament initiative. She will attend a special ceremonial event, also to be attended by the King and Queen.
“Well done Dell, you have done so much for our community over the years, if anyone deserves this it you.” - Candy Shields
“Huge congratulations Dell, you deserve this so much, what a wonderful woman you are, love you loads.” - Melanie Lee
“A lifetime of dedication! Truly deserved, well done Dell.” - Ali Locke
“A huge congratulations Dell and well deserved, you have done so much for the residents in your area, always responsible and helpful.” - Bet McAllister
“A true Merkinch legend, well deserved.” - Steven Kelly
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