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A New Council for the Highlands - for the Inverness Courier
Last month the people of the Highlands elected a new government to our regional council. Over the next five years the new SNP, Lib Dem and Labour coalition will face new challenges and will work to improve local services across the Highlands. Often it can be a thankless task; nevertheless, my Lib Dem colleagues in the council are optimistic and they have already announced some welcome aspirations.
This council will take charge of the long awaited west link road, due to start in this term of office. The new road will strengthen the connection between the two halves of our city and cut down on commuting times for thousands of people. Although the process has been arduous, it was promising to see the former council take full responsibility for the project from the Scottish Government. I am now optimistic that the plans can go ahead unhindered and the project will be a great success. I understand that the new council is organising a ‘Charrette’ style event in the autumn to shape the land uses along the route.
Equally, I was encouraged to hear that construction the flood defences along the River Ness will also start soon; and it will be completed without drawing funds away from vital flood defence projects in other parts of the city, such as those in Smithton and Holm.
Good to see that people have been taking the chance to look at the draft Inner Moray Firth Local Plan which is out to consultation just now. If you get the chance to catch one of the public exhibitions go and talk to the planners – now is your chance challenge or support the schemes you feel will be of most benefit to our city.
In addition, as part of a new outlook, the council have set aside political rivalries to improve the way the institution works for the people of the Highlands. With a new Community Safety and Public Engagement Committee, chaired by Skye Lib Dem Drew Miller, the council are hoping to engage more with local people. Bringing folk into the decision-making process is an essential part of our democracy; and showing people how, by engaging with their local and national governments, they can influence and change their community for the better is the first task of the new committee. Likewise, people living across the Highlands will, for the second time, be able to voice their opinion on the annual council budget.
Nevertheless, no one would expect the next five years to be easy very challenging tasks lie ahead. One such is the ground breaking approach to joined up working between the Council and Health services for younger and older folk in the Highlands. The new Adult & Children’s services Committee Led by Ness-side councillor Alasdair Christie, it has the potential better to support many vulnerable people in our community.
There is huge opportunity for the Highland Council over the coming years and I wish them all the best for their term of office. I look forward to working closely with them to deliver the best outcomes we can for the Highlands.
A royal celebration
The Queens Diamond Jubilee has been a nationwide celebration with events being held all over the country to celebrate 60 years since Her Majesty’s coronation.There were many fantastic events were being held in and around Inverness to honour the Queen's unparalled record of dedication and service to our country.
On Monday I was delighted to attend the Ecumenical Diamond Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving in St Stephens Church, followed by a special Bunkers Festival that was held in the city centre. This was concluded by the finale show where the Inverness Beacon was lit above Inverness Castle followed by a fireworks display above Inverness Cathedral.
The Beacon was one of 2012 that were lit around the UK, and 4000 beacons throughout the commonwealth and UK overseas territories, to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
I hope that everyone has enjoyed the long bank holiday weekend and I look forward to seeing many of you later this week when the Olympic torch comes to the Highlands.
ENDS
Posted on: 04/06/2012
