YOUR VIEWS: Inverness journalist's addiction story, Coronation views and Nairn event
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All these and more got readers talking this week.
Praise continues for account of addiction
Courier journalist Rachel Smart’s moving and honest account of her own battle with addiction continued to draw comment this week.
“Be loud and proud Rachel, anyone that gets themselves into recovery is so special. If you went into any pub and said to everyone you can never ever have another drink, how many could do it? I have been around recovery groups for families of people with the disease of addiction. DIS EASE says it all, would love to chat with you regarding STIGMA. Well done.” – Denise Stampfer, Inverness
“I just wondered why you wouldn’t say what ydc (your drug of choice) was. In not saying, I feel that alone still stigmatised certain drug users. Just my opinion. Well done for getting sober, alcohol is just as, if not more, damaging than drugs.” – Kirsteen Glass, Inverness
“Brilliantly written with the raw truth of addiction. Well done for being brave enough to throw yourself into sobriety and its weird and wonderful journey. After a turbulent four years of attempts, relapses and a police cell, I am almost 18 months sober and quite open about it. I’m proud that I fought for my own life. Keep telling the world your story. You’re an inspiration.” – Melanie Clarke, Cramlington
“What an inspirational read, we are full of gratitude.” – Sharan Brown, Inverness
“Well done Rachel an amazing story, continue to stay strong. Very inspirational.” – Julie Lister
“Gosh, this is so honest and so well written. Thank you Rachel for sharing your story – a story of hope for others in a similar situation.” – Moira Campbell
“It must have taken a lot of courage to share your story. Absolute respect deserved. Well done and thank you.” – Hew Morrison
“Well done. Thank you for sharing, I hope others read this and realise there can be a light at the end of the tunnel.” – Maureen Peden
“So brave. Rachel you are right we need to make things less taboo and help each other.” – Erica Anne Davidson
‘Coronation offers little to Highlanders’
The recent Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla sparked a range of views, both for and against the lavish ceremony and, locally, the associated decision by Highland Council to light up both Inverness Town House and the Ness Bridge to mark the occasion.
“The Coronation offers very little to Highlanders and Scots in general and to have Common Good Fund money spent on a spectacle with so much wealth and waste at the centre of it, speaks volumes about who these people are and what they represent and think of the people of the UK. At a time like this especially, surely Highland Council could be more inventive with their spending towards folk who actually are in need.” – Zandra Christie, Inverness
Councillor’s Potter reference in report row
Highland Council’s response to the Scottish Government’s highly protected marine areas (HPMA) plan sparked criticism. The council’s response went to its economy committee last week for noting but opposition councillors claimed they were shut out of discussions. Councillor Ruraidh Stewart said the matter had been decided in the council leader’s “chamber of secrets”, in reference to the world of Harry Potter.
“If only Councillor Stewart had the excuse of being under a Confundus charm, however, I believe his ‘Chamber of Secrets’ jibe just demonstrates a woeful lack of understanding of the normal operation of council business and deliberately ignored the timetable that officers clearly spelled out for members in the (not-so-secret) council chamber on Thursday. Fortunately, the entire E&I committee (with the exception of the two Tory members) were united in delivering a resounding Expelliarmus to their motion and a Silencio to Councillor Stewart.” – Councillor Michael Cameron
Happy with how Courier snapper captured event
The Taste of Nairn festival returned for a third year recently, providing a showcase for food and drinks companies from in and around the seaside town – and for one of those taking part to heap praise on a Courier photographer.
“A very comprehensive write up and photographic representation of what really happened. I loved James Mackenzie’s easy style and fun mingling with the crowd. He captured both myself and my daughter Nadia’s images and stall really well, Molten Imaginings, and I am delighted. I hope he will be at the Street Market on May 20 to do the same again! This event was amazing fun and thank you for sharing our images with the whole Courier readership!” – Lisette Davidson, Nairn
Funds secure charity’s future
After being set to lose vital funding as Highland Council sought to reduce the amount of support it gives to outside organisations, Inverness-based charity SNAP was delighted to hear it would now receive £60,000 from the local authority to support its efforts providing social opportunities for those with special needs.
“Such a welcome relief for this much needed service.” – Kim Corbett
“Thank goodness, such a lifeline for many families.” – Josie Aitken
“SNAP is a necessity! Thank goodness.” – Michelle Christie
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