YOUR VIEWS: Inverness restaurant reopens, anger at Highland Council camping plan and city building appeal
Crinkle-cut chips set to return at reopened cafe
The Castle restaurant in Castle Street ceased trading in February 2023 but has now reopened under the ownership of Shabaro Ali who also owns the nearby Shapla Indian restaurant and the River Grill. He has promised that an old favourite of many who have dined there over the years - crinkle-cut chips - will return to the menu.
“This is good news, it is nice to see the place open again. Best of luck to the new owners.” - Hew Morrison
“Good luck , I can’t wait to come try some old faves.” - Andrew Hamilton
“Castle restaurant is legendary, when I was growing up it was the place to go, good food plain and filling, what more do you want? Hope it works out for you.” - Georgie Sudz
“It was sad to see it empty. Hopefully this will be the start of good things.” - Simon Allison
“Great! Classic style restaurant.” - Duncan John Macpherson
“Great news, it was greatly missed.” - David Grant Snr
Campsite owners unhappy at council scheme
The British Holiday and Home Parks Association (Scotland) called for an "urgent re-think" by Highland Council to open 12 public car parks to motorhome users at a charge of just £40 a week. The association, which represents around 200 parks in Scotland, said there has been no consultation on the proposal that first emerged as a way to generate revenue in this year’s budget.
“The over load of campervan and caravans on our roads is clearly one issue. I do not believe that a cheap option of using car parks as stop overs is going to help. Wild camping should be banned from the Highlands as unregulated tourism will create more issues than at present. A fair way of raising revenue would be for the council to support existing legal sites, and implement a surcharge levy on visitors whatever they arrive in.” - Michael J Bray, Nairn
“I think if the campsites charged more reasonable rates they would get more business. They have seen Covid as a way to extort money from us all. They made a fortune during the staycations and the sale of caravans and campervans went through the roof. Being a long term caravanner I spent five months waiting for my new one due to everywhere being sold out. And the prices increased by about 30 per cent, making it a massive loss if you bought one two years ago to what it is worth now. These people reap what they sow. Greed is what caused this. Not the council.” - Edmund Lynn, Dumfries
Appeal to save historic riverside building
This is an unashamed appeal to the millionaires who live among us, those born here and those who have made the Highlands their home.
In 1804 the Royal Northern Infirmary (RNI) was opened on the banks of the River Ness, paid for by public contributions, large and small.
Now, the building is for sale. Once sold, it will no doubt be converted into offices and be lost, forever, to the people of Inverness in the same way that so many of Inverness’s historic buildings have already been lost.
I am appealing for a public benefactor to step forward and save the former RNI building for the city.
This handsome edifice would make a wonderful museum and art gallery. With its high ceilings and tall windows, the top floor could house both permanent and visiting art exhibitions.
The second floor could house a museum of the north, complementing the Castle Museum. Offices, classrooms and the ubiquitous café and souvenir shop would make up the ground floor with the gardens providing visitors with a place to enjoy the view across the city.
It would serve as a year- round destination for locals and visitors alike, bringing income to the city and beyond.
Close to the Archive Centre, it could serve as a resource for local historians, and would complement the experience offered by the renovated castle and smaller museums across the Highlands.
Please, if you have deep enough pockets, and love the Highlands and its rich culture and history, then give my letter more than a passing glance. This opportunity will not come again.
Jen Sutherland
Could you help out your local charity shop?
Summer is the perfect time to try something new, so why not lend a hand in your local charity shop? The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is offering ‘taster’ sessions for anyone who wants to see what volunteering is all about.
So, whether you’re passionate about preloved, looking to meet new people, or keen to support the charity, we offer flexible volunteering roles for as little as an hour or two, without any long-term commitment.
Our volunteers are changing the way they gift their time to us. Fitting around life commitments like studying, family or work, we’re seeing an increasing number of people opting for ad hoc shifts. And that works for us!
With plenty of roles in store, through our Action Team, or remotely - yes you can volunteer from the comfort of your own sofa - give it a try for an hour or two. We will welcome you with open arms, and of course drinks and snacks too! Please do pop in for a cuppa or get in touch to find out more.
Every hour makes a difference, and no matter how much time you spend with us, you will be helping to fund lifesaving research. Find a role to suit you by popping into your local shop or visiting bhf.org.uk/volunteer.
Sarah Boardman
Retail volunteering operations manager
British Heart Foundation
Letters should be submitted 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
