Your Views: No limit on sex venues in the Highlands
Readers respond to news that Highland councillors will not limit the number of sex entertainment venues and other contributions made this week.
No limit on sex venues in the Highlands
Highland Council has refused to limit the number of sex entertainment venues in the region after those who work in the industry had their say amid fears the north’s only strip club, Private Eyes in Inverness, could have been forced to close. There were a number of responses to a consultation on a new draft policy to license sex entertainment venues in the region, which had called for an effective ban. Opinions were strong.
“At the end of the day, no one obligates the women that work there to do anything. They work there because they want and they are paid well for it. And no man is required to attend any of its events either. The problem is the feminist crusaders that think that they answer for all women in the world.” – Eduardo Noga
“If you don’t like it then don’t go. It’s not complex.” – Malcolm Morrison
‘Park and ride’ row over hospital car park
Comment is still being received after NHS Highland denied the Raigmore Hospital car park is being used as a park and ride. This followed MSP Edward Mountain slamming the health board for not making barriers operational.
“It so is being used for park and ride and ones going on holiday, Raigmore have their heads in the sand.” – Shirley Ross, Nairn
Thank you from departing councillor
I would like to thank everyone for their support over the years.
After 15 years of service as a local councillor I would like to say it has been a privilege and honour to serve the communities of the Black Isle.
It hasn’t always been easy to get resolutions of issues/problems for people, but I always endeavoured to get positive outcomes.
There are too many people to thank including Black Isle community councils whose members do great work much of it unappreciated.
My outgoing council colleagues and ward manager Di Agnew need a personal thank you from me and the late sadly missed Billy Barclay; they made me a better person and elected councillor.
Look forward to my future retirement of gardening, fishing and family time.
Many thanks.
Councillor Craig Fraser
Church Street
Cromarty
Think about the visually impaired before you vote
With the elections for Scotland’s local authorities happening on May 5, it is important to emphasise the vital role councils play in helping blind and partially sighted people to live as independently and inclusively as possible.
People with a visual impairment are more likely to depend on services from their local council, for information that’s readily available in alternative formats, public transport that’s accessible, streets and thoroughfares that allow people to walk safely and without obstacles, education that allows every child to reach their full potential, and employment that’s informed by a better understanding of what those with sight loss can do.
Around 178,000 people are currently living with a significant degree of sight loss in Scotland, of whom over 4000 are children and young people.
Our ageing population and the increase in sight-threatening conditions such as diabetes means this number will, inevitably, grow.
Let’s make one positive legacy of the upheaval we’ve all been through a resolve to make sure we re-emerge as a society in which no one is left at the margins.
Our local authorities are absolutely key to this.
James Adams
Director
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Scotland
Have a chat to help support older people
There’s nothing like a good cup of tea and some cake to bring people together for a chat.
That’s why this May, Age Scotland is inviting people across the country to host or take part in a tea party event with family, friends and colleagues and raise funds to help support older people.
Fundraisers are being encouraged to sign up to Age Scotland’s Time to Talk Tea Party initiative by Scottish TV personality, Gail Porter.
Tea parties can take place virtually or face to face and all money raised by participants will go towards Age Scotland’s vital services, including the charity’s national friendship line where older people can turn when they are in need of support, comfort and reassurance, or just a friendly chat and listening ear.
This will be the third year of Age Scotland’s Time to Talk Tea Party, and we’re delighted that people have the option to come together both virtually and in person now that Covid-19 restrictions have eased.
Our helpline and friendship line can be a lifeline for those feeling alone or in need of advice.
Just having a chat or a friendly ear to listen can make all the difference to an older person’s day and every £10 raised will pay for two friendship calls
We hope as many people as possible will join us for a Time to Talk Tea Party this May – pop the kettle on, have a blether, and know your efforts are helping us be there for every older person who needs us.
Find out more and sign up to host your Time to Talk Tea Party for Age Scotland at www.age.scot/timetotalk
To make a text donation please text AGESCOTTEA to 70085 to give £10. (Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message).
Participants can also share their tea party on social media using #TimeToTalkTeaParty.
Vanessa Rhazali
Head of fundraising and marketing
Age Scotland
