YOUR VIEWS: Return to school, Inverness road row continues and Highland trains
Difficult time for children
Schools are back, and this can be a difficult time for some children. Childline delivered 2283 counselling sessions across the UK where returning to school was mentioned in 2023/24 - with over a third of these taking place in August or September.
Children speak with counsellors about a variety of concerns at this time such as worries about starting a new school, increasing demands to get good grades, picking their subjects in key years and challenges around making new friends. The change in routine can also be a source of stress.
The NSPCC - the children’s charity which runs the Childline service - has some useful advice for parents and children during this time.
Parents and carers can listen to their child’s concerns. You could ask your child to write down everything they are looking forward to at school, and everything they are worried about.
Once your child has shared any concerns, you could chat through their concerns, to help them cope with their worries and also look at the positives.
No matter the reason, if a young person is struggling ahead of going back to school, it’s vital that they are encouraged to talk to a safe adult about this, whether that’s a parent, carer or teacher.
They can also try using the Childline online mood journal and stay connected with friends and family - whether that’s online or in person.
And physical activity is always a great way of relieving stress, so they can try playing a game outside, go for a walk or take part in a sport.
More tips are available on the NSPCC website, and Childline is available 24/7 on 0800 1111 or they can use the online chat function.
Adeniyi Alade
NSPCC Scotland service head helplines
Academy Street divisions laid bare
The views of two leading councillors on Highland Council’s decision to appeal a judicial review that found its consultation process regarding proposed changes to Academy Street unlawful verdict captured the deep divisions over the project. Conservative group leader Ruraidh Stewart hit out at the council’s leadership as having “opted to prolong this debacle, risking further waste of public funds” while leader of the Greens, Chris Ballance, said “big money” had “defeated democracy” in termsof the decision reached.
“Cllr Ballance is part of the problem. Lord Sandison decided that the narrow vote to progress the Option B idea was unlawful because Option B had NOT formed part of the consultation. I complained at the time of the vote that councillors and officials were making untrue claims when they said the consultation supported the plan. Highland Council put out a press release where Cllr Ballance claimed 80 per cent support. The press release was later amended, to remove the 80 per cent claim, but no apology or formal withdrawal. Those councillors who pushed for option B, who must have known it had only emerged near the end of the 'consultation' and those who attempted to bully or silence opponents should resign now. They know who they are. I know who they are.” - Donald MacKenzie
“Donald MacKenzie, always predictable to see Tories opposing plans to improve the city centre.” - Chris Ballance
“Donald MacKenzie, It’s a bit worrying that this council cabal of Academy Street hard liners don’t even seem to have the political imagination to realise that Lord Sandison has actually provided them with an escape route from this ghastly mess. As a result of his judgment, they could bale out of it at a stroke and not even be seen to have U-turned because the process would have been performed by application of the law. But instead of grabbing an opportunity to escape with a bit of dignity from this shambles, they have instead decided to keep digging and make the hole they’ve created for themselves even deeper.” - Charles Bannerman
“Charles Bannerman, Lurking in the background will be the same political determination of the council's administration to spend whatever it takes to protect themselves from the ‘reputational risk’ of changing their minds. The councillors in the administration have learnt absolutely nothing from the Gathering Place debacle about reacting to red lights and alarm bells.” - Gerry Reynolds MSc
“Chris Ballance, please tell us all in what way do you think this will improve anything?? The arrogance to go ahead and use more public money on an appeal is astounding when the public have made it quite clear they don’t want this. Inverness and surrounding areas are appalling, so much so that small communities of people have taken it upon themselves to try and keep the place tidy, something we all pay Highland Council to do. Try focusing on the basics first!!!!!!” - Gail Mackay
“I suppose you could say big money defeated stupidity…The public have said time and again they don't want this, it's time to remove the bollards and resurface the disgraceful looking eyesore. Get a grip Highland Council, stop letting the tail wag the dog and get it tidied up!!!” - Alec Kidd
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InterCity train links set for new high-speed fleet
Train drivers are celebrating following the Scottish Government’s decision to instruct ScotRail to procure replacement trains for the ageing High-Speed Trains (HST) fleet, currently operating on InterCity routes between Inverness, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. The decision came after sustained pressure from union ASLEF to improve safety and environmental standards on Scotland’s railways. We asked people what it would take for them to choose the train more often.
“A train that could actually get me to work on time and home at a decent time!” - Shona Fraser
“Price and car parking price.” - Andrew Lowe
“Better links and later journeys to my local station!” - Julie Harper
“An express service between Inverness and Glasgow/Edinburgh once a day would be great but will never happen. The infrastructure needs upgraded first before anything else and nobody wants to pay for it.” - Greg Shand
“Greg Shand, agree there. Inverness to Edinburgh 4 hrs plus yet Edinburgh to London only 5hrs.” - Fiona Reid
“An actual service with connections you have a hope of making rather than the current lottery. Buses providing the same service are far more reliable and cost substantially less.” - Kathleen Mackenzie
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