YOUR VIEWS: Vandalism sees more toilets closed
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After vandals attack more public toilets readers give their views, plus others on a range of topics.
Public toilets in Muir of Ord were just the latest to be closed following the latest in a string of attacks by vandals. Toilets in both Inverness and Nairn have also been impacted.
“The impact of this is awful. It just makes our job all the more harder to do. Vulnerable people should be able to shop in the town centres without worrying about toileting. Sorry if I’m boring, but it’s very frustrating. Completely pointless vandalism which Highland Council can’t keep affording to repair.” – Angie Cox
“That’s absolutely disgusting...a shame for people that actually need a toilet.” – Cathie Macinnes
“Surely the council could keep these toilets open by putting cameras to stop this vandalism.” – Ann Budding
“I cannot understand what pleasure people get from doing this, it’s absolutely pointless!” – David M Edes
- Related article: 'Mind-blowingly stupid' – councillor hits back at vandals after more than 20 attacks
Should children learn to expect less?
This year we are specially aware that money is very tight for so many people and Christmas becomes such a worry.
People feel pressurised into spending what they can ill afford.
Even if we have the money, should we be encouraging children to have expectations of many and expensive gifts? For example, is it really essential to replace last year’s technology?
With this in mind, I would suggest that we all rein back and limit what is given.
Perhaps schools could show an example.
Our children like to be like everyone else in their classes and give presents to teachers. Staff go home laden with gifts and perhaps the school should take a lead in suggesting that they would prefer, rather than accept gifts, that people donate to a chosen charity if they wish.
Schools will no doubt have other charity fundraising events, but the principle of discouraging personal gifts is surely desirable.
In our local school they actually send home class lists so that every child can give a card to each of their classmates.
An evening is spent mindlessly writing “from –” on numerous cards.
Why not encourage the children instead to send one card (preferably homemade) to all the class and a gallery wall could be provided and encouraged to display these?
Name and address supplied
How to help youngsters deal with stress
Wednesday of this week was Stress Awareness Day – and it’s vital that children and young people understand that there is support for them if they are experiencing stress or anxiety.
As parents and carers, we can help our children deal with their feelings by spotting the signs of stress.
Children commonly contact Childline when stressed about things like school, exams, and perhaps in some family situations.
Stress can start as a simple worry and grow into panic, and leave you feeling shaky, nervous, tired, frustrated or upset.
Some children may try to hide how they are feeling because they worry they won’t be taken seriously, believe others won’t understand or feel that no one can help them.
If parents notice their child is experiencing sudden mood or behaviour changes, sleeping problems, a drop in academic performance or changing their social habits and avoiding others, it’s possible they have something on their mind.
And it’s important to have a conversation with them.
Parents can ask their child how they are feeling, and if there is anything wrong. Whatever their concern, is it’s important to be understanding.
Parents can also help by exploring ways for children to manage their stress.
Some children find it helpful to write or draw about their thoughts and feelings while others find exercise or sports can help them relax.
There are lots of places young people can get support, including the Childline website where they can get advice on dealing with exam stress, visit our message boards or even use an art box to draw through what they want to happen and look at potential next steps.
Childline is here for every child and young person and our specially trained counsellors are also ready 24/7 to discuss worries about stress and other concerns free on 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk
Adeniyi Alade
Head of Childline for Scotland
Town eyesore improved by makeover
A long-term eyesore in a prominent spot near Nairn town centre has received a major facelift. Work started last month on restoring the gable of the former Regal cinema building, now part of the Co-op supermarket in the town’s King Street.
“Good too see this eyesore being done up but why has it taken years to do it. This should not be allowed to happen. It just let’s the town down and its townsfolk. The old police station should be next on the list for attention. Let’s hope it does not take as long to be addressed as the old regal building.” – William Milne, Nairn
Finding a future for city’s Old High Church
Former Highland councillor Thomas Prag shared his view of the need to protect Inverness’s Old High Church building, which has been put up for sale by the Church of Scotland.
“This building is ripe for a tasteful conversion into a live music venue to replace the soon to be closed Ironworks. Similar coversions have happened in other places with considerable success and this could be a world beater if done right!” – Jamie Rodgers, Inverness
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