YOUR VIEWS: Raigmore replacement and new life for Old High Church in Inverness
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Readers share their views on a number of issues this week.
Petition calling for Raigmore replacement
Conservative MSP Edward Mountain has launched a petition calling on the Scottish Government and NHS Highland to build a “brand new acute general teaching hospital for the Highlands to replace Raigmore”. It is the latest push in his campaign for a new general hospital for the Highlands, which he started in March.
“Need an additional new hospital built that would take the strain off and employ groundwork nurses and very few bosses, as too many management levels is what’s wrong these days.” – Catherine Gilchrist
“Of course everyone would want a new hospital. What he fails to say – and this is where I will build it and how I will fund it. His boss is very happy to give money to his cronies but for a new hospital in Scotland, nothing.” – Billy Lowrie
“Speak to your bosses Ed. Instead of clapping your hands for healthcare workers how about investing in them and the facilities for them to work in.” – Donald Cameron
More ideas for church future
An appeal by the Friends of the Old High, working to save the city church for the community after it was closed and put up for sale by the Church of Scotland, for ideas on future uses for the building, has continued to draw comment.
“A music venue much like what was done for Òran Mór in Glasgow would be far more valuable to the city than yet another café.” – Andrew Brown
“I think it should have a future that recognises and respects its past, so use as a cultural/ historical centre/ museum would seem most appropriate, possibly including use as a venue for Gaelic/ Celtic music. Perhaps…given the links to Culloden…a museum for the history of the Highland clans, which might in turn become a tourist attraction?” – Thelma Barron
“Anything but flats!!! Or a hotel.” – Saz Shankfield
What do you think of city art?
Courier columnist Colin Campbell made clear his antipathy to much of the public art that has been created in Inverness over recent years, off the back of a feature the Courier also carried explaining the Three Virtues sculpture in the city centre’s Church Street.
“If it’s bizarre and so-called artwork, then our town councillors are bound to make it happen.” – Rodney Griffins
“It’s very easy to snipe from the sidelines Colin, but what would you do?” – Harry Thomson
“The Eiffel Tower in Paris is a total waste of good metal with no particular purpose. Where do you draw the line?” – Gordon Mackenzie
“Gordon Mackenzie, not exactly the same, as the Eiffel Tower produced an income from the outset.” – Stewart Stansfield
Shock vandalism at cemetery
Gravestones were toppled and bins set on fire at Tomnahurich Cemetery in Inverness. Highland Council has urged people to contact police.
“Asolutely disgusting behaviour. I wonder how these vandals would behave if one of their relations grave was vandalised would they just laugh and say well done I don’t think so. So why do it to other people who have lost loved ones.” – Helen Fagan Mckillop
“Too many people use the cemetery as a shortcut rather than to pay their respects. Every time I go there I see people walking through and allowing their dogs to run wild.” – Mike Edwards
“Not good to have dogs off the lead for sure, but these folks aren’t toppling stones or fire raising, I’m assuming. I wonder what Highland Council will do about this?” – Debbie MacBean
“And what about the stones the council have left knocked down for over a year, or ones marked with unsightly tape.” – Nick Lyon
Can you help to keep children safe?
Did you know that in the average primary school class, at least two children will have suffered abuse or neglect? At children’s charity the NSPCC, we are doing all that we can to change this, but we need the help of people in Scotland.
Child abuse is preventable – not inevitable. That is why we have been delivering our Speak Out Stay Safe Service across the country. Through a virtual assembly and in-person workshop and with the help of our mascot Buddy, our Speak Out Stay Safe programme covers topics like bullying and abuse – without using any scary words or adult language.
Children learn about the different types of abuse in a child-friendly and age-appropriate way, so they can get help if or when they need it. We help them identify a trusted adult they can talk to if they are ever worried about themselves or a friend. And they learn about Childline and how it can support them.
But to reach all primary school children in Scotland, we need people from the community to volunteer to go into schools and help us to deliver this ground-breaking programme.
We are recruiting volunteers in Inverness.
If you can spare the time to visit two schools a month, we will give you all the training and support you need to help empower a whole generation with the understanding and confidence they need to speak out.
The deadline for applications is June 23. To find out more and to apply, please visit NSPCC Volunteering | Volunteer to keep school children safe, or email volunteerrecruitment@nspcc.org.uk with any questions.
Sally McFawn
NSPCC schools service manager
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