Achnasheen and Garve

Remembrance Day - 8 November, Garve

2009-10-21T17:47:00.000+01:00

8th November, mid-day, at Garve War Memorial - our community remembrance, to commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and civilians in times of war.

They shall not grow old, as we that are left to grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condem.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We shall remember them.

For the fallen by Laurence Binyon

Lochluichart Windfarm Community Benefit Meeting

2009-10-21T10:57:00.000+01:00

Garve and District Community Council: Lochluichart Windfarm Community Benefit Meeting

Tuesday 27 October 2009, 19.30
Garve Village Hall

The meeting will discuss the establishment of a fund to manage community benefit payments from Lochluichart Wind Farm.

The meeting will be chaired by Bob Cameron,Corporate Manager, Ross, Skye and Lochaber Highland Council.

All welcome!

For further information contact Robbie Bain, Ward Manager, Highland Council
on 01349 868626 or e-mail robbie.bain@highland.gov.uk

Achnasheen and Garve News & Views Newsletter: frequency and circulation

2009-10-08T12:51:00.000+01:00

The newsletter is delivered free to all households in the Garve and District Community Council catchment area, and sold in local shops, post offices and hotels in Contin, Aultguish, Achnasheen and Kinlochewe.

Six issues per annum are published (every two months), approximately 7 days before each Community Council Meeting.

The newsletter team are all volunteers - see contact information below for editorial, advertising and production.

Advertising Notes: The Community Council reserve the right to refuse any advertising material which is deemed unsuitable, for any reason, for publication within this newsletter or the website.

Editorial Notes: The Achnasheen and Garve News & Views welcomes letters from the community. Name and address must be supplied, but may be withheld from publication upon request. The Achnasheen and Garve News & Views reserves the right to edit items for publication.

Contributed letters and articles printed in the News &Views do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or the Community Council.

Contributions: It’s now even easier for you to contribute. There are now drop-off points around the community, all you have to do is put your contribution/advert in an envelope (don’t forget your contact details).

You can then drop-off at any one of these locations:

Gill Ross, Achnasheen Post Office.
Helen and Harry Grainge - Inchbae.
Pam Morrison - Achanalt - put in Pam’s post box.
Uisdean Menzies - Garve.

Contact the newsletter team:
Email, for all named below: achnasheenandgarve@gmail.com

Editorial:
Jackie 01445 720212

Advertising (bookings and production):
Jim 01445 72012

Production/Distribution:
Harry and Helen 01997 455238

Advertising Account:
Invoices/payments handled by CC Treasurer, Marion.

Corriemoillie Wind Farm Proposal: update from E.ON

2009-10-08T12:42:00.001+01:00

At the beginning of July, E.ON held two public exhibitions in Garve and Achnasheen, to inform local people about its plans to build a wind farm at Corriemoillie Forest.

Following feedback from local people at the exhibition E.ON has now made a number of changes to its proposal, including the relocation of a number of turbines taking into account local opinion. The application is due to be submitted to the local council later this year.

The current turbine lay out of both Corriemoillie and the nearby consented Lochluichart wind farm projects are represented on this map.

(click the image to see a larger view, and it will open in a new page)

Please do note that the final layout for our project (Corriemoillie) may change slightly and will be available upon our planning submission.

If planning permission is granted for the site, EON has committed to giving the local community £2.7 million over the windfarm’s expected 25 year life. The community fund will be held by an independent body and given to projects that will benefit their community.

On submission of the planning application at end of November, copies will be publicly available for download from the Corriemoillie website. Hard copies can be viewed at The Highland Council Offices.

For those wishing to support or raise a concern to the development, please submit comments to:

The Director of Planning & Development
The Highland Council Headquarters
Glenurquhart Road
Inverness IV3 5NX

Email: planning@highland.gov.uk or call 01463 702249
For updates on the wind farm, visit:
www.eon-uk.com/generation/corriemoillie.aspx

Help Scheme is at hand for you to switch to digital TV

2009-10-08T12:35:00.000+01:00

Older and disabled people living in the North of Scotland are being offered help to switch to digital with the Switchover Help Scheme.

The Switchover Help Scheme has been set up to help eligible older and disabled people to make the change to digital on one of their TV sets in their home.

People are eligible if:
They are aged 75 or over,
or they have lived in a care home for six months or more,
or they get (or could get) disability living allowance,
or attendance or constant attendance allowance,
or mobility supplement, or they are registered blind or partially sighted.

What’s on offer?
For a one-off payment of £40, eligible people will be offered:
* easy-to-use digital equipment to convert one television set in their home;
* home delivery and installation if you wish;
* an aerial check and replacement if needed, where we can; a helpline and retuning advice;
* a 12 month digital TV aftercare service.

Eligible people will be written to directly and will get help in plenty of time before switchover. The letters will explain how they can get extra help to convert one TV in their home to digital. Details about how to apply, an explanation of all of the available options and prices are clearly set out in the pack.

Most people will be asked to pay £40 towards the standard offer of help. For eligible people who are also on pension credit, income support, income based jobseeker’s allowance or employment and support allowance, it’s free.

The Help Scheme is run by the BBC and has been designed around the needs of older and disabled people. Equipment has been chosen to be easy to use, and contact centre, delivery staff and installers have all been trained to understand and respect older and disabled people.

All installers are vetted, carry identification and will never call without having made an appointment.
In the meantime, if you want more information for yourself or someone you know, please call the dedicated Help Scheme number on 0800 40 85 900. You won't have to pay for the call, and the friendly staff will be delighted to help.

Alternatively, visit www.helpscheme.co.uk; or to find out when your area switches, go to www.digitaluk.co.uk/postcodechecker

If you’d like to talk to someone face-to-face about the digital Switchover Help Scheme, come along to the Ledgowan Lodge Hotel on the 17 October, or 27 November, where Jackie Campbell will be on hand to answer all your questions. Jackie can be emailed at: jacqueline.campbell@eaga.com

Lochside: one very lucky Gull...

2009-10-08T12:30:00.002+01:00

Last month found me in opposition with the common gulls that inhabit the islands on Loch Luichart.

With water levels very low in July, my salmon strips of bait, lying not that far from the surface, attracted three gulls to these tempting morsels, that they could obviously spot lying as they were in less than two foot of water!

Two of these gulls after a short spell of circling and 'false' diving attacks, where they wouldn't actually hit the water, soon lost interest and flew off.

But the third gull (I called Sid) was far more persistent. He would dive and feet first hit the water with a splash, miss the target and wheel away only to sit on a nearby rock preening his feathers, then come in like a kamikaze pilot and try again.
After another four attempts and despite my waving of arms and shouts of "go away you naughty bird" (or words to that effect!) which it paid no heed to, I pulled my bait and put a 2oz lead weight on the line.

This sunk into the weed bringing the bait deeper, and hopefully away from Sid, but also creating a 'drag' on the line should a fish pick up the bait, especially now the bait was also in the weed.

Anyway, with Sid's continued dive bombing, my waving and shouting, and lead casting, I'd given up all hope of any respectable fish being within a half mile of my fishing area. I was also far too lazy to move to somewhere deeper on the loch, so just sat and watched amused at Sid's even more frantic endeavours to reach the bait.

I even thought about throwing him a few pieces of my Tesco salmon (which I had got at half price), but this would have, no doubt, brought all his mates around. So decided instead to leave Sid my bait on a rock when I left.

Suddenly, as I watched the gull hit the water for the umpteenth time there was a mighty swirl and Sid screeched and took off in alarm, circled, then sat on his favourite rock, looking quite agitated!

I also now took a fresh view of the situation as only one fish would go for a gull - a decent sized pike!

Would it smell out my bait now amongst the bottom weed - should I pull it slowly in hoping the movement would bring a response from the pike?

At least Side won't be back so I could remove the weight and recast, I thought.

How naive I was!

Not in the least daunted by his near-death experience there was Sid coming down again, this time the pike's head was partly out of the water and as it lunged, for a brief second gull and pike were as one, but somehow it missed and Sid minus a few small feathers rose squawking and screeching, hovered for a moment or two then took off down the loch.

I waited another two hours even put another rod out with fresh bait, but couldn't tempt the pike to strike.

Next day, however, with no gull around and at the same spot, while talking to a couple of Polish anglers, from Inverness, who came along to try spinning. Both well spoken young men named Woyak and Josep.

My rod suddenly shuddered, the reel started turning and as I reached it, the bite alarm started to beep, and I was into a fish that tore off line 150 yards down the loch, for a while it proved unstoppable, but with Woyak running around with my landing net, like a headless chicken, I eventually brought it into a spot where he could net it safely.

"It's a monster" he cries out, all excited, and indeed, although not quiet the proverbial monster, it did weigh a healthy 21lbs (9 1/2 kilos).

Josep then took a couple of photos of me trying to hold it correctly for a good snap, which I found virtually impossible, as it was very slippery. I then returned it unharmed to, hopefully, grow even bigger - it certainly could have swallowed the gull whole, but will that bird have learnt?

I doubt it!

David Willis

From the editor’s desk

2009-10-08T12:24:00.000+01:00

Hope you’ve seen Harry’s message regarding our new initiative to raise funds, towards the purchase of a new printer, not just to improve the quality of this newsletter, but so that we can also offer additional quality printing services to you, the community. We’re hoping that the printer will allow us to introduce a little colour into this publication, enhancing all those great photographs you send us.

It has been my most frustrating aspect of editing these past couple of years, seeing such lovely colours, like the photographs in this issue of the Flower Festival, and knowing that by the time this reaches you that they will be faded and without definition.

Although, those of you who have internet access have been able to view all photograph in glorious colour on the website, I know that not everyone in the community is able to ‘log-on’ to the worldwide web. So, hopefully, it won’t be too long before we’re all enjoying such wonderful photography in colour on the printed page - fingers tightly crossed!

I’m sure Harry will be relieved to have a new machine, if only for the newsletter - at the moment he’s having to call-out the engineer often because the ‘thing’ decides to breakdown - and usually this is when we have a tight deadline to meet…. not conducive to peace and harmony in Inchbae (I’m told the air is very blue at times - oh Harry!)

So, we’ll keep you posted, on Harry’s efforts to raise in the region of £5,500 - we’re off to a good start with our first donation, and with others promised. We’ll give you a full update in the next, Christmas, issue.

Talking of Christmas please take note of the planned events in Garve at the beginning of December - I’m definitely looking forward to another ‘encounter’ with Father Christmas! And, yes, I HAVE been good… honest! See you there!

In addition, another announcement regarding the newsletter - a new contact for existing and new advertisers. As from the next issue Jim will be your contact for all advertising matters. Jim will ease my workload in putting this newsletter together. Although he has been helping since I started, with proof-reading, and writing his own columns. I feel that to give our advertisers more support, a dedicated person is required. So who better, than the person who has a desk next to mine!

Other members of the newsletter production team have agreed this is a good way to go, so advertisers brace yourselves you’ll be hearing from Jim before the next issue.

Don’t forget that we offer a free advertising design service, so don’t be put off from advertising if you don’t have an ad to send us - we just need an idea of what you want to say, and if you have any images (they have to be jpegs) we can incorporate into your ad, or we can source something (royalty free) for you. And, you’ll get a copy of your ad which you can use in other publications - all at no extra charge. All part of the service!

Finally, I must mention that this last month we’ve been busy looking after visitors from ‘the south’ (friends and family), and it’s be wonderful to be told about the warmth of the welcome they have all received from this community (we’re not surprised!) - in particular friends who rented a cottage in Kinlochewe who cannot wait to return, not because of the weather or scenery - but because of the people they met - mentioned in ’dispatches’ were the Whistlestop Café, Ledgowan Lodge Hotel, Kinlochewe Hotel, plus all the folk who attended the recent night of great music (and dancing) in Kinlochewe Village Hall (yes, it was brilliant! More please!), and everyone in the local shops and post offices. Thanks to you all for being...err...you! It just re-enforces what I already knew - that this is a great community, and I’m proud to be a small part of it!
Take care, until next time,
Jackie

“You live in a remote area…”

2009-10-08T12:19:00.002+01:00

Monday 31st August: After checking out different shops I finally decided to buy an item that has been at the top of my wish list for a while: a well deserved dishwasher from Tesco Direct (online). I chose the model and delivery slot (Thursday 3rd September) and paid. Shortly after that I received an email confirming my order and delivery day.

Wednesday 2nd September: I checked the order tracking and see that the machine is actually due for delivery on Friday 4th…. So I phone customer service and a nice guy (!!) tells me that as I live in the Highlands it usually takes 24hrs more. DO I want to cancel the order and buy it from some other shop? He really did ask me twice if I wanted to!! I told him I am keeping the order going, so he confirms that the courier will phone me an hour before delivery. I write an email complaining about it.

I was meant to attend a market on the Friday, but I cancelled so that I could be at home for the delivery…

Friday 4th September: it’s early afternoon and still no phone call. So I phone customer care again… this time Tracy answers and she tells me that I live in an outlying area (IV codes) and it takes longer….she checks with their courier and is told that the item has been given to a local company (as I live in a remote area!) that same morning, so there is no way I am getting it that day. I complain (a lot) and, in the end, she gives me a £10 refund as a gesture of goodwill, as the delivery terms are not well explained on their website.

By the way, she refuses to tell me who the local courier is and that “...there is no point in writing complaints because things are dealt faster on the phone, and anyway nobody checks the emails!” She adds the courier will phone me on Monday…..

Monday 7th September: afternoon comes and still no news. So what did I do? I phoned customer service again! Moira is on the phone today. She apologises for the bad service, but manages to find out which local courier. Another couple of phone calls and I find out that my dishwasher is being delivered to Inverness that night!

Tuesday 8th September: the local courier phones me saying that my machine is actually there, and will be delivered on Thursday 10th September or I can go and collect it… well, I had free delivery from Tesco so will wait for it to come. The driver will phone me when on his way here.

Wednesday 9th September: Tesco Customer service phones me to deal with my email! I drown the poor woman with a list of complaints… I tell about the terrible service, and that they should be more honest on their website, and just say that it will take more than a week to get an item if we live up here.

Nothing wrong in that, if you know it is going to happen at time of buying. Within their terms and conditions they say that if a delivery takes longer than usual they will keep you informed (NOT!). Anyway she credits me with another £20 (it think this is just to shut me up!).

Note: it will take 3 to 5 days for the money to be put back on my account but they took the original payment straightaway.

Thursday 10th September: it’s only 9am and I hope the courier will phone me today……10am and I finally get the phone call! The courier is in Achnasheen!

The dishwasher is now in my kitchen and it is working!

Finally, I was told that the machine had been passed onto three different couriers….
Laura Gauna

Ed’s note:
I have also had similar problems - although I only had to wait an additional 24 hours, when I raised this with Tesco’s I received the following email:

“...As a regular online shopper, I realise how frustrating it is when a delivery does not arrive as specified and the inconvenience this causes.

I see from your follow-up email that the goods were delivered the following day, 24 hours later than expected. I apologise that the courier delivered your order late and I have passed details of this to our Courier Service as well as the Tesco Direct Team. Together we will do our best to stop this from happening again. I have also requested that we build in an additional day when quoting delivery times for the Highlands as per your suggestion.”

Then this was followed up a day later with another very short email, as follows:
“...Please be advised that on the delivery information in our terms and conditions we do state that delivery times vary in remote parts of the country. I am sorry for any inconvenience caused and thank you for taking the time to let us know.”

As Laura has indicated, we don’t mind waiting a few extra days, what we do mind is being told one day, waiting in, only to find that we’ve been let down. In my opinion Tesco’s haven’t tried to address this problem - on the plus side I can report that Argos and Currys seem to be able to meet quoted delivery slots….humm…. anyone from Tesco’s customer care team like to comment?
Jackie

PS: have you had similar experiences - good, bad or indifferent customer service? If you’d like to share these with us here, do write to me.

Funnily enough, I was going to write a Grumpy Old Woman piece about a recent experience at a large hotel in Ullapool, when, with friends, we battled (oh yes!) to get three cups of tea, one coffee, and scones for our afternoon tea - we were treated with indifference, and if we had not questioned the bill we would have been ripped-off too! Fawlty Towers is alive and kicking in the Highlands! What impression does the visitor get when coming up against this sort of service!

It was great to get back to our end of Wester Ross, where our local hotels and shops know how to treat customers!
End of rant…..

After the meeting...

2009-10-08T12:15:00.003+01:00

After the meeting.... The Voice
(with apologies to Rupert Brooke)

Safe in the magic of my woods
I lay, and watched the dying light.
Faint in the pale high solitudes,
And washed with rain and veiled by night.

Silver and blue and green were showing,
And the dark woods grew darker still,
And birds were hushed; and peace was growing,
And quietness crept up the hill;

And no wind was blowing...

And I knew
that this was the hour of knowing
And what had been said in unkind ways
Had struck at part of the heart of me.

I remembered that poem
In my mother's old book
And fled to the bookshelf to take a look
At the passionate words, to clear my head
Of voices scorning my earnestness.

It always works - I lay and smiled
on my dear flat bed of restfulness
I thought "the sunset's pretty isn't it?"
And apathy slid down the hill.

Pam Morrison

Snaps from the Strathconnon Games

2009-10-08T12:14:00.000+01:00

Chieftain of the Strathconon Games Mr E. Cameron of Garve, with Mrs Cameron.

Keith Sutherland, winner of the junior hill-race. Keith is grandson of John and Margaret Grant of Garbat.

Wildlife & Nature - September/October

2009-10-08T12:08:00.002+01:00

Quite a varied 'pot', this issue!
Since we have passed the Lammas tide, we now stand on the threshold of Autumn proper.

The equinox (at time of writing) is imminent and the nights are already starting to flex their muscles. There's a New Moon tonight, and it's already dark: here come those long evenings!

Just think, it's less than a month before the clocks go back an hour (where does the time go...?)

Old Mother Nature is doing her seasonal musical chairs act once more as 'our' Siskins have gone, Finches now sport their duller 'dark months' plumage and 'our' Ospreys look like they are ready to pack for the flight to their winter home, in Africa.

I consider myself fortunate in that I meet lots of interesting people (you're ALL interesting!) - all of whom, it would appear, have some wee creature or other hanging about in their back gardens!

In that vein, I'd like to thank the ladies who submitted the accompanying photographs:

Mrs O'Connor, from Contin shop and Laura from Achnasheen...

If you find you have any photos of those special visitors to your garden which you would like to share with us, why not Email or send them in? Any photos used will be credited to you and any submitted via mail will be scanned and then returned... It's not a photography contest, so don't worry about framing, composition, etc!

Following the recent success of the Otter talk at Ledgowan Lodge Hotel (at which was raised the princely sum of £319 for the International Otter Survival Fund) the Otters, Grace and Paul send all who attended their heartfelt thanks! We are interested in hearing from anyone with ideas for subject matter for future talks or presentations which may pique the public's interest. Sadly, I cannot guarantee that anything suggested will in fact get scheduled, but after the Otter talk's encouraging capacity attendance, I'm sure there exists a collective will to learn more about the creatures that choose to share this beautiful area with us!

To wrap it up, a few nights ago on my 1hr + bus ride home from the city (thanks again, Westerbus!), I was presented with the gorgeous vista of a wonderful harvest landscape on the gentle, sloping hills Dingwall-side of Contin (on the Strathpeffer road, you know the one?).

Perched atop one of those monstrous round bales in the field, was a Buzzard with its feathers fully ruffled. The poor wee thing looked like it had just been blow-dried! Nonetheless, it was still a beautiful wee creature in an idyllic setting. What a shot that would have made! See the things I see when I don’t have my camera?

So, in closing, don't be like me - get those cameras clicking!!
Jim C

In Brief

2009-10-08T11:56:00.000+01:00

*The proposals in a draft Crofting Bill have provoked fury and worry across the North. A spokesman said "Crofting needs to be a profitable enterprise at the heart of the Highland economy." He believes the Government is offering only oppressive regulation and overbearing new costs.

*Results were up at Dingwall Academy where twenty seven pupils gained at least five Highers. The Academy Rector, Graham Mackenzie, said there was no doubt the new building had given the students a better learning environment but added that this year's success was due to long time staff performance and pupil effort.

*Tourism experts have concluded that information centres should be renamed "Visit Scotland Information Centres" (VICS) because the 103 information centres "lack common identity". £500,000 will be spent on dropping the word "tourist" from centres across Scotland.

*Out of 215 dwelling fires, in the Highlands and Islands in 2006, 38 were caused by faulty appliances or electrical leads. We can all minimise risks to ourselves and families by ensuring that electrical appliances, when not in use or left unattended, are switched off at the mains.

*A Perthshire gardener, who is blind, describes how she compensates for lack of vision by using her hearing, "When I'm watering I can hear if water is going into the pots or splashing down the side", she says.

*Responding to my question about the gap in time between the public exhibition of 2005 and the one in 2009, Matilda Urie (of E.ON) pointed out that wind farm development is a lengthy process! Corriemoillie wind farm was actually proposed over 15 years ago. Ecological and technical assessments are now being concluded ready for submission this autumn.

*A Contin man was awarded the top accolade at the Black Isle Flower Show for six dahlias, carefully selected from his garden. The retired farmer said "You have just got to look after them as if they were babies and see to them all the time."

*Highland Council's budget leaders have said that savings must be made on many services over the next three years. it is hoped that input from Ward Forums will show community priorities. A councillor stated that the Winter Maintenance Budget should be left alone and "luxury activities, such as the Arts should take a back seat when the going gets tough."

*Do you qualify for Pension Credit? To qualify you must be aged at least 60, and if you live alone, have a weekly income below £130.00 or, if a couple £189.45. Ring 0800 1991234 to see if you qualify for the guaranteed minimum income.

*Wonderfully named Apples such as "Lass O Gowrie", "The Tower of Glamis" and "The Bloody Ploughman" were amongst those grown in Scotland well into the 19th century, until refrigeration allowed cheaper supplies from elsewhere. We are now being urged to plant new orchards across Scotland, in order to revive the industry.

*After an outbreak of myxomatosis near Cawdor, twelve rabbits had to be put down. Their owner believes that farmers and gamekeepers should not be allowed to actively spread the disease!

*It is hoped that a workshop entitled "Leadership for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs" will encourage women to pursue careers in science and become entrepreneurs, thereby closing the existing gender gap.

*In response to claims that Scotland's past has not been adequately taught, the following will be compulsory topics in the Scottish Higher History Exam: The 13th Century Wars of Independence, the 16th Century - Age of Reformation, The Acts of Union in 1707, Scottish Migration in the 19th Century and, the impact of the First World War. Don't be put off!
Pam Morrison

Slow Dance...

2009-10-08T11:51:00.000+01:00

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask "How are you?"
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say "Hi"?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

This poem was written by David L. Weatherford and published by the Russ Berrie Company in 1991 http://www.davidlweatherford.com/slowdance.html

In memory of our postie Gill Beamer (April 1948 - May 2009) a true friend, who always made time to say ‘Hi!’ - greatly missed by all in the community… goodnight and God bless!

Gill Ross

From the Manse

2009-10-08T11:45:00.005+01:00

All things bright and beautiful
Autumn colours and a changing light quickly bring a different perspective to our landscape. The everyday view is changed into something different, often more colourful. Those who live close to the land know the changes and how the year moves on. Those who know about photography and art can convey something of the beauty of this time by their skill. A picture that inspires, colour that speaks of beauty or a timeless artwork made with the 'Wow ! ' factor.

In his collection of essays called Landscape to Light, the great Neil Gunn, among many topics, charts his view that landscape provides a stimulus to the enquiring mind. What seems merely background to many seems to feed the soul.

For me the landscape talks too of God and bears witness to a Creator, who sustains us in this little prayer, by Professor John Baillie (born I think in Gairloch Free church manse) reminds me of that:
“Creator Spirit, who broodest everlastingly over the lands and waters of earth, enduing them with forms and colours which no human skill can copy, give me today, I beseech thee, the mind and heart to rejoice in thy creation.”

Even in difficult times we can rejoice in the beauty that surrounds us.

Flower Festival
The last weekend in August saw church folk from Achnasheen, Garve and Contin, join to make the annual Flower Festival a success, despite the weather. Which nearly led me to consider 'Noah and the Ark' as the theme for this year, and which also led to the tea being served inside.
'Creation' was the chosen theme and the floral displays showed the skills of the arrangers and the beauty of nature.

The Songs of Praise on the Sunday evening was attended by people from all over Ross-shire. Steve Jones led a combined choir and the congregation were enthralled by the singing of Moira Harris.

Fellowship, fun and worship were the main reasons for the festival, but the generosity of visitors meant £1,019 was raised for Church funds.

Lest We Forget
Remembrance Sunday this year is 8th of November. There will be an act of Remembrance at noon at the war memorial Garve.

There will be no midday service at Lochluichart Kirk on that day.
Rev. Fraser Stewart
01997 423296

Announcements - September/October 2009

2009-10-08T11:33:00.001+01:00

In remembrance: postie Gill Beamer, who used to drive the postbus from Torridon to Achnasheen (in all weathers!) for almost 20 years, sadly passed away in May after only a few weeks of illness, and doubly sad is that she had only recently retired from the rigours of her demanding round. Love and best wishes go to Gill’s family from the whole community - a lady we all greatly miss.

With thanks: Debbie and Barry Peters would like to say thanks to everyone in the community, for the condolence cards and kind wishes, after the loss of Debbie’s dad earlier this month.

Birthday girl: Achnasheen’s Jessie McIver recently celebrated her 90th birthday - three generations of Jessie’s family helped her celebrate this wonderful milestone. Those of you who know Jessie will agree that she’s probably the best cook in the whole of Wester Ross - her Clootie dumplings are the best! Lots of love to our favourite neighbour from Jackie and Jim, and very best wishes from everyone in the community.

Thank you: Hilda Ross would like to thank all family and friends for all their kind wishes, and visits, during her long stay in hospital. Thanks also to the Community for their kind gift of flowers.

Christmas is coming!

Friday 4th Dec: Garve Village Hall - Turning on the Christmas Tree Lights, and Christmas Carols by children of Garve school. Refreshments of hot dogs and mulled wine. Arrive 6-30 for 7pm. Contact Helen Grainge (01997 455238)

Sat 5th Dec: Christmas Fair, Garve Village Hall. Stalls, teas with mince pies etc, etc. Santa arrives at mid-day and will stay until 1pm with bags of gifts. Santa tokens available in advance. Donations for bottle and gift stall welcomed. Contact Helen Grainge (01997 455238)

More details on the above events in next issue of the newsletter - out on the 20 November (Deadline for submissions for this issue, editorial and advertising, must be with the editor by 6 November).

Ladies, take the stress out of the festive season: Laura of Laura’s Cottage Kitchen reminds us of the headache of catering during the festive season, she says "once again it is that time of the year, when you start thinking about Christmas. And, once again you are determined to have everything sorted and organised. I can help preparing dishes for your freezers for those unexpected guests. Things like meat or vegetable terrine, pates, stuffing, pasta sauces, puddings and so on". For more information, call Laura or visit her new website www.laurascottagekitchen.com

News from Achnasheen Amenities: Gill Ross would like to thank everyone who visited ‘Gill's Emporium' at the fair at the Ledgowan Lodge Hotel on the 29 August. Thanks to everyone who dug deep into their pockets and bought homemade preserves, and the great (donated) bric a brac. A grand total of £140 was raised on the day, and this will go towards the cost of the current refurbishments being undertaken in the village hall. Thanks to you all, for buying, donating and helping out on the day - we had lots of fun as well which made it even better! Bargain of the day had to be the TV (in good working order!) which Ken Duffield bought - Gill even threw in the remote control for free!

'Gill's Emporium' will be open once again for 'business', at the Ledgowan Mind, Body and Spirit fair on the 17 October, and the Christmas Fair on the 27 November.

And there’s more hall news….once the refurbished kitchen has been completed, it will be put to good use over the winter months, to raise more funds to continue the refurbishment, supplementing the small grant from the authorities. They will be providing hot drinks, soup and rolls for weary travellers - watch this space for more details of the opening times (hours will be limited to a few hours each week). More news next newsletter.

If you would like to donate any item (bric a brac, etc) for ‘Gill’s Emporium’, or make a donation, or even help raise further funds for the village hall refurbishment, please contact Gill Ross at Achnasheen Post Office (open 11am to 1pm weekdays) 01445 720241.

War Memorial: a big thank you to John Ross for all his help at the War Memorial this year, when I was taken ill. Uisdean Menzies.

Garve & Lochluichart WRI: first meeting of new season on Thursday, 24 September, in Garve Village Hall. October meeting 29th, and November 26th, all start at 7.30pm. Come and join us - interesting talks and demonstrations of things to do. Have a cup of tea and see what we are about! Contact Helen Grainge (01997 455238)

Have your say on Beinn Eighe: Scottish Natural Heritage are inviting comments on management proposals for Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve for the next six years. Full proposals on: www.nnr-scotland.org.uk Call SNH Kinlochewe 01445 760254 - F:01445 760301 E: beinneighe@snh.gov.uk The consultation runs for 12 weeks, from 21 August to 13 November.

Thanks from the otters: there are 13 baby otters tucking into lots of lovely extra fish and special otter milk formula, thanks to the generosity of everyone who made donations at the recent Otter Talk, at the Ledgowan Lodge Hotel. The talk was given by Paul and Grace Yoxon of the Skye-based International Otter Survival Fund (www.otter.org). Paul and Grace gave an interesting insight into the life of this elusive and endangered creature, and explained their work introducing otters back into the wild (did YOU know there are only around 700 otters in Scotland?).

Over 50 people attended, a brilliant turn-out considering we were competing with the Scotland/Holland game! Thank you for coming along to make this such a success! More wildlife talks, by recognised experts are planned, and all ideas are welcome on subject matters. Jackie

Achnasheen and Garve Calendar 2010

2009-10-08T11:21:00.000+01:00

Now available the new Achnasheen and Garve Calendar for 2010.

Black and White photos of the area.

Proceeds to Community Council fundraising initiatives.

Now available at £4.00 each.

Order from Helen and Harry, phone 01997 455238,
or email grainge.inchbae@btinternet.com

Enquiries from shops, post offices, and hotels welcome.

Zero Waste Plan Consultation - October 8th

2009-10-01T11:24:00.002+01:00

Invitation received from:
Susan Carstairs
Highlands and Islands Waste Strategy Coordinator
SEPA
Carrs Corner
Fort William. PH33 6TL
01397 704426 / 07771 837 348

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

We are writing to invite you to a meeting on Thursday October 8th at the Town House, High St, Inverness, IV2 4SF at 2pm – 5pm.

Scotland’s National Waste Plan is in the process of being revised for the first time since it was issued in 2003. The draft was issued for consultation on August 20th and comments are invited until November 13th. As this is a large complex document this meeting has been organised to provide a briefing on the details of the proposals. The aim is to allow you to identify which points you might want to respond to. The plan is available on the Scottish Government website at
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/08/19141153/0

The meeting has been organised under the auspices of the Highland Area Waste Strategy Group and the venue has been kindly provided by the Highland Council. The location of the Town House is available at http://www.list.co.uk/place/15627-inverness-town-house/

Tea and coffee will be available from 1.30pm.

Please notify me if you are able to attend. Feel free to forward this invitation to others who you think might be interested and ask them to let me know if they plan to attend. Space is limited at the Town House.
Yours sincerely,
Susan Carstairs

Garve and District Community Council: Draft Minutes - Meeting 4 August 2009

2009-09-16T11:48:00.001+01:00

Present:
Alex Mackenzie, Helen Grainge, Uisdean Menzies, Marion Taylor, Jean Hollingdale, Sue Tarr, Sheree Grant, Jimmy Ruggles Brise, John Urquhart, Lady Eliza Melville

In attendance: Cllr Urquhart, 7 members of the public

Apologies: Ruari Matheson, Donald Northwood

Chairperson opened meeting

Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting:
Proposed -Uisdean Menzies. Seconded - Alex Mackenzie

Matters Arising: Cllr Urquhart reported that she has invited Highland Council, TEC Services to attend our next meeting to discuss issues with roads and transport. She had also contacted TEC services with regards to the 20’s plenty speed limit and is awaiting a reply.

Bus Stops: no further contact from Transerv or Highland Council on this matter. Sheree to follow up.

Christmas Tree power points: Sheree to e-mail Robbie Bain regards this matter.

Wind Farm Proposal: EON has decided not to attend Community Council meeting as they have held public exhibitions. EON has requested the information from the ballots that were held previously with regards to windfarms by emailing the News and Views.

A discussion followed regards the issue of the Corriemollie Windfarm with various opinions being put forward, including sending a letter to Highland Council stating the Community Councils position, it was felt by some that this was a waste of time as Highland Council had not listened to opinion the previous time a windfarm application was before planning, also it was felt that the last time an application was made for a windfarm there was a lot of ill feeling in the community and this should be avoided.

It was suggested that members of the community should voice their opinion on the current development to the Highland Council planning department personally. The members of the Community Council took a vote on sending a letter to Highland Council planning department stating that the Community Council opinion remanded the same on the windfarm issue. (9 votes for sending and 1 abstained).

Issue was also raised regarding the proposed meeting to discuss structure for Community Benefit. Cllr Urquhart to ask Bob Cameron from Highland Council to chair.

Treasurers Report: Main Account £1848.07, Senior Citizens £760.45, War Memorial £ 656.84.
Invoices to be paid are AA Mackenzie for auditing and Highland Office Equipment.

Full Accounts will be available at AGM in October.

A member of the public asked if there was any progress with the seats for the War Memorial. Marion to find out about this.

Correspondence: Planning Application Lists. New constitution model – Sue to look at and send to members. Highland Council – Annual Grant. Highland Council – quality awards – John to put forward nominations. Highland Archaeology Festival information. SNH – Peter Duncan would like to set up a Ben Wyvis NNR liaison committee – Sheree to write and confirm that the Community Council would like representation on this group. NHS – various correspondences. SEPA Magazine.

Any Other Business: Rural Watch Scheme – it was proposed that this scheme was adopted by the Community. Community Council will look at inviting Local Police Officer to next meeting.

Railway fencing: discussion re lack of fencing along Loch Garve between railway and road. Community Council will try and invite representative from Network Rail to meeting.

It was reported that the bridge at Longart Forest between Garbat and Inchbae has been removed by the Forestry Commission. This is a popular walking and cycling route and people are disappointed by its removal. Sheree to write to FC to ask if a replacement is going to be put in this location.

Helen reminded meeting that nominations for Community Council must be in by 15th August 2009.

Wester Ross Alliance has set up a web portal for community use.

Next Meeting (AGM): 6th October 2009 @ 7.30pm in Garve Hall. All welcome!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Draft Minutes
Newsletter Sub Committee 4th August 2009

Present:
Helen Grainge, Harry Grainge, Uisdean Menzies Sheree Grant, Jackie West, Marion Taylor, John Urquhart.

No progress made with new copier, Sheree has been in touch with HOE and if anyone would like to see demonstration of different copiers this could be arranged. Meeting felt that we should aim to purchase the Konica Machine. Harry informed the meeting that he had problems with printing the last newsletter.

Discussion followed regarding funding for machine – agreed that letters would be written to local business/estates seeking sponsorship, also Jackie suggested that we could have a friends of the News and Views to help raise funds. Sheree will look at other funding after she has completed War Memorial applications.

Date of Next Meeting: after C C Meeting on 6th October 2009. All welcome!

Press Release: Otter evening supported by local businesses

2009-09-05T09:50:00.001+01:00

On the 9 September, at the Ledgowan Lodge Hotel, Achnasheen, Paul and Grace Yoxon of the world famous, Skye based, International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF), will be giving a talk about otters and the work the charity undertakes (the latter includes reintroducing young abandoned, or injured, otters to the wild).

The IOSF was inspired by observing otters in their natural habitat. Because the otter lives on land and in the water and is at the peak of the food chain it is an ambassador species to a first class environment. IOSF was set up to protect and help the 13 species of otter worldwide through a combination of compassion and science. It supports projects to protect otters, which will also ensure that we have a healthy environment for all species, including our own. There are now believed to be around 8,000 otters spread across virtually every part of Scotland.

Otters live mainly on a diet of fish including eels, salmon and trout, but also often eat crabs, frogs and occasionally small mammals and birds. They live beside the sea or by fresh waters such as rivers, lochs and marshes - coastal otters must wash their fur regularly in fresh water to maintain its waterproofing quality. It was made illegal to kill otters in 1981. They are now fully protected by European legislation. They had previously been hunted for sport, their fur, and because they eat fish.

The evening in Achnasheen commences at 7.30pm, admission is by donation (all funds raised during the evening will go towards the upkeep of the baby otters at the IOSF), and during the evening there will also be a raffle of otter related items to further boost funds.

Paul Yoxon makes no charge for his talks - and the evening is being supported by the hotel by offering their function room free of any charge, local artist and author Bryan Islip (of Mellon Charles) has donated a signed print for the raffle, Jackie West Marketing, Achnasheen, has donated framed illustrations of otters (by Duncan Currie), and artist Duncan Currie of Broadford, Skye, has donated a set of illustrated otter cards, various other items have been promised from other members of the local business community.

Funds are urgently needed at the moment, since the beginning of the year IOSF have received 6 cubs which means they currently have 12 otters in care at the sanctuary and only 1 is close to release.

Normally they treat about 10-12 otters per year and would have about 6 in at any one time, so this sudden increase is totally unexpected. As a result the food bills have almost doubled - it costs about £1000 to rear an otter cub and therefore the costs for the current year are running at over £12,000 already. Otter cubs stay with their mothers for 12-15 months so the IOSF have to release the cubs at about the same age - if they are released too early they will not survive. This is why the food bills are so high.

It is hoped that the evening is well supported, and that everyone will be generous either by donations or by purchasing a raffle ticket (or both!) - no amount is too small to buy a fish for an otter.

- ends -

Contact information:

Jackie West
Jackie West Marketing
Achnasheen
01445 720212
mailto:jackie@jackiewest.co.uk

Paul and Grace Yoxon
International Otter Survival Fund
Broadford, Isle of Skye
Tel/Fax: 01471 822 487
mailto:iosf2@aol.com
www.otter.org

Craig Duffield, Manager
Ledgowan Lodge Hotel
Achnasheen
01445 720252
mailto:info@ledgowanlodge.co.uk
www.ledgowanlodge.co.uk

Become a 'Friend' of News & Views

2009-08-19T12:44:00.002+01:00

In the September issue of the Achnasheen and Garve News & Views, we will be launching a new initiative "Friends of News & Views" this, we hope, will raise much needed funds, to enable us to trade-in the current community photocopier/printer, which due to age is increasingly breaking down, and the quality, especially photographs, is rapidly deteriorating.

To kick-start this initiative we are writing to all local land-owners and businesses to ask for help to raise in the region of £5,500.

Currently the newsletter is put together by our editor (Jackie), hard copies are then forwarded to me, which I then run through the machine, collate and sort into batches, ready for our network of volunteers to distribute free, to every household in the community. ALL work is carried out by volunteers.

Local hotels, post offices and shops take copies of the newsletter which they then sell; we have a number of ongoing postal subscriptions, which with the advertising, helps fund the cost of printing and upkeep of the machine.

So how can you help?

To become a 'friend' you can:

* Set up a direct debit, and pledge a fixed annual amount, which will go towards the annual running costs.

* Make a one-off donation, which will be put towards the initial cost of the new printer.

All 'friends' will be acknowledged in the newsletter and on the website, unless you wish to remain anonymous.

The newsletter plays an important role within our scattered community.

We would be grateful for your help, any amount would make a difference - contact me for more details.

Harry Grainge
Volunteer in charge of newsletter production
mailto:grainge.inchbae@btinternet.com

Wind Farm proposal : Planning Officer address details

2009-08-05T12:13:00.003+01:00

At the Community Council meeting last night it was pointed out that the address given, for the Highland Council Planning Officer, in the newsletter, was incomplete.

Here follows the full address:

The Director of Planning & Development,
The Highland Council Headquarters,
Glenurquhart Road,
Inverness,
IV3 5NX.

This is who you should write to, to raise any objections to the proposed wind farm development at Corriemoillie.

If you are planning to write, please do this when the application is submitted by E.ON - and that is scheduled for November as far as I am aware.

Jackie

Watch this space!

2009-08-05T10:59:00.002+01:00

Coming soon!

A new fundraising initiative from Achnasheen and Garve News & Views team....

Watch this space!

(Alternatively, if you have some spare cash and you would like to donate to a very worthy cause contact the team for details, by email at achnasheenandgarve.com).

A chance to win a fun day out - and help otters, too!

2009-08-05T10:55:00.002+01:00

Hello!

Enter our Photo Caption Competition and you could win a fun day out for you and your friends (and help the otters too)!

We have three charity paintball tickets waiting to be won, each for a group of up to eight people, giving free entry and equipment hire for a full day of adrenaline-pumping, paintball action.

For details about this exciting competition go to:

http://www.otter.org/picturecaptioncompetition.htm

Good Luck!

Kind regards
Dr Paul Yoxon CBiol MIBiol
Head of Operations

INTERNATIONAL OTTER SURVIVAL FUND
7 Black Park, Broadford
Isle of Skye, IV49 9DE
Scotland

Tel/Fax: 01471 822 487
Email: otteroffice@aol.com
Website: www.otter.org

The International Otter Survival Fund - working to save the world's otters

Garve & District Community Council: Draft Minutes meeting 2 June

2009-07-29T23:23:00.002+01:00

Present:
Alex Mackenzie, Helen Grainge, Uisdean Menzies, Marion Taylor, Jean Hollingdale, Sue Tarr, Sheree Grant, Jimmy Ruggles Brise

In attendance:
Cllr Urquhart, Robbie Bain (Highland Council, 6 Members of the Public

Chairperson opened meeting.

Apologies:
John Urquhart, Lady Eliza Melville, Ruari Matheson, Donald Northwood

Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting:
Proposed - Jean Hollingdale. Seconded Uisdean Menzies

Matters Arising:
Gorstan Road Safety – Cllr Urquhart to arrange meeting with TEC Services to look at safety at junction.

20’s plenty speed limit – Sheree contacted TEC Services with suggestions from previous meeting, speed limit is to be put in place as per original plan as changes are not allowed to be made.

War Memorial – ongoing. Application has been prepared to seek grant funding from Historic Scotland.

Bus Stops – reply received from Transerv who are now going to arrange a meeting with Highland Council to further discuss the possibility for Bus Stops at Gorstan.

Treasurers Report:
Main Account £1697.42
Senior Citizens £760.32
War Memorial £656.84
All invoices and income receipts are now with A A Mackenzie for auditing for year end. During July invoices for re-advertising in Newsletter will be sent out.

Correspondence:
Planning Lists

Forestry Land Sale – Wester Corriemoillie

David Stewart – Victims Commissioner for Scotland

NHS – various newsletters/magazines

Highland Council – new model scheme for Community Councils

Marybank, Scatwell and Strathconon Community Council – letter informing Community Council that SSE have decided that Garve & District will not receive any community benefit for the Fairburn Windfarm development.

Liz Fraser from E-on had contacted Helen by telephone with regards to having a private meeting with Community Council members only with regards to Windfarm development. Community Council felt that this was not appropriate and felt that E-on should hold public meetings. E-on have now decided to hold public meetings on the 1st of July in Garve Village Hall and on the 2nd July in Achnasheen Hall. Robbie Bain from Highland Council felt that it would be beneficial to hold a meeting to discuss the structure for community benefit from windfarms – he will organise and chair this in September.

Low Flying – Squadron Leader Gilbert has re-scheduled talk and this will now take place on 1st December 2009 at Achnasheen Hall. Sheree to write and confirm.

Any Other Business:
Booking of Halls for meetings – Sheree to double check and confirm that bookings for Halls have been made, also book for Coffee mornings and Christmas Fare.
Notice board – further discussion about Village Notice boards – Uisdean to follow up on this matter.

Christmas Tree powerpoints – Robbie Bain to obtain costs for this.

Date of Next Meeting: 4th August 2009 @ 7.30pm in Achnasheen Hall.

Draft Minutes: Newsletter Sub Committee
2nd June 2009

Present:
Helen Grainge, Uisdean Menzies Sheree Grant, Jackie West, Pam Morrison (Part), Marion Taylor, Jim Curry.

Apologies: Donald Northwood

Advertising:
agreed to keep advertising rate the same at present. Marion will be sending out invoices in July.

Discussion on new copier:
looked at print copy from Konica machine which is the same machine as used by newsletter in Muir of Ord. Excellent copy and photographs reproduced really well. Sheree will hopefully have obtained quotes for new machine by next meeting and then we can look at funding this project.

Ideas for funding:
one idea for funding was a ‘friends of the news & views’.

Extra copies:
required for Kinlochewe shop, all other outlets happy with distribution amounts.

Date of Next Meeting:
after C C Meeting on 4th August 2009.
All welcome to participate in the Newsletter Meeting!

Wind Farm Proposal at Corriemoillie

2009-07-29T23:22:00.009+01:00

I attended one of the recent Wind Farm proposal exhibitions. It seems, however, that quite a few people didn’t receive their ‘invitations’ from E.ON.

Apparently, this was because many people now subscribe to the mail preference service, which eliminates ‘junk mail’ from being delivered this means that other items, such as the E.ON invitation, also don’t get delivered.

Because of this, I’ve given over space this issue to give those of you who didn’t get your invitation, or couldn’t attend, an overview of the proposal. I hope it helps.

Note that I’m using the word ‘proposal’ because that is just what this is at the moment. However, if you have any objections at this stage, please register them with the relevant authority (The Planning Officer at the Highland Council). Or, if you wish to receive more detail contact E.ON direct, or visit their website.

I chatted to a number of the representatives from E.ON and RPS (an independent consultancy who have been commissioned to carry out all of the environmental studies for the project).
E.ON have provided me with an update (below), together with the scoping document and I’ve scanned the map which was given out at the exhibition, showing a more detailed view of the proposed siting of the turbines.

Ordnance Survey Licence number 100027856. Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2009. All rights reserved.

Ordnance Survey Licence number 0100031673. Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2009. All rights reserved.

I questioned them about the impact on the flora and fauna, and have been told that RPS have been consulting with the relevant experts in the field.

I asked about wind speed, as I’d read somewhere that the turbines shut-off at around 33mph, and that the wind speed around these parts was, on average, higher than that. This is what they have sent me:

The average wind speed at the site centre is 8.2 m/s or 18.3 mph. (This is based on extrapolating from the wind speed on the NOABL wind database at 45m height). A typical turbine will begin generating at 4 m/s and stop at 25 m/s.

With regard to bringing additional jobs into the community, I was told that, where possible, local labour would be utilised. However, specialised engineers work on these projects - I’m uncertain how many would actually live in the community.

On the upside, they confirmed, that those working on the project will require accommodation, and that local hotels/guest houses/B&B’s would be used for the duration.

E.ON have been forthcoming with information, and continue to stress that they welcome feedback from the community, and say, “We would like to remind everyone that the exhibition was not their only chance to give their opinions on the scheme, and that further opportunity will be available once a planning application has been submitted.”

Of course, this newsletter welcomes comments from anyone who wishes to express an opinion, either way. This newsletter is for the community and your views will be welcome (but please remember that it’s my decision to publish).

All I can do is report what I’ve discovered and give you an overview, a flavour of what is proposed, in the hope that I get some feedback from you. My opinions and views, I hope are not reflected in this piece, my job here is to be impartial.

Jackie West, Editor

======================

Wind Farm Proposal:
note from the Garve and District Community Council
After the recent E.ON Road Shows in Garve and Achnasheen it may be a good time to put forward the Community Councils stand on wind farms.

We have already had several ballots on wind farms, and that these still stand without the need for further balloting, especially as the results did not effect the outcome.

Anyone who wishes to raise an objection to the Corriemoillie wind farm should write to The Planning Officer, Highland Council, Glen Urquhart Road. Inverness.

Helen Grainge, Chairperson

======================

Corriemoillie Wind Farm Public Exhibitions - July 2009 Update from E.ON

“The proposed wind farm would be made up of 19 turbines, each measuring a maximum of 125m high from ground to tip and with a total generating capacity of between 38MW and 45MW.
The site does not have statutory landscape or nature designated areas, either national or international and lies outside of any Special Protected Areas for birds.”

On July 1 and 2, E.ON held two public exhibitions at Garve and Achnasheen to inform people about its potential Corriemoillie wind farm development.

Over the course of two days, E.ON welcomed 80 people from across the area who wanted to find out more about the proposal . Visitors had the opportunity to talk directly with the Corriemoillie wind farm developer, Matilda Urie, and other staff from E.ON about its plans.

In addition there were representatives from RPS, an independent consultancy who have been commissioned to carry out all of the environmental studies for the project. Displays of photomontages, of how the wind farm could look from various viewpoints in the area, were also presented alongside a wide array of information on the project.

We’re currently evaluating the feedback from the exhibitions and will make this available on the E.ON website shortly.

The planning process for a wind farm can be long and rigorous but E.ON has been working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that everyone benefits from a carefully planned wind farm.

RPS has completed most of the environmental impact assessment studies and the remaining studies are well under way. They will write up a large and detailed document called the Environmental Statement and this will provide information on issues such as landscape, ornithology, ecology, noise, traffic and cultural heritage. The planning application will be submitted to The Highland Council later this year.

“We understand that wind farms stir many different responses and emotions in the communities in which they are proposed, but we do pride ourselves on being a responsible developer. It's extremely important for us that we take every step to understand the site and keep the local community fully informed of our plans”.

To get in touch with us, you can: email corriemoillie@eon-uk.com

or write to: Matilda Urie, Freepost RRSE-KZCU-AZJL, E.ON, Westwood Way, Westwood Business Park, Coventry CV4 8LG.

For updates on the wind farm, please visit:
www.eon-uk.com/generation/corriemoillie.aspx