From our 4th July edition
Bettyhill
Community council – Bettyhill, Strathnaver and Altnaharra Community Council’s AGM, scheduled to be held last Tuesday, had to be postponed until next month because of a poor turn-out of members. However, the normal monthly meeting went ahead as usual.
Police report: Police Constable David Mackenzie was not present but a report from him was read out. Members were shocked to discover that a 4x4 parked in Bettyhill had been vandalised with all four tyres cut. Damage has been estimated at £600.
PC Mackenzie reported one accidental 999 call last month and one tip-off regarding a possible drink-driver who had still to be traced. A suspect has been charged with a hate crime reported the previous month.
Litter: A letter from Highland Council expressing concern about the use of public litter bins for domestic waste was met with some scepticism. Members agreed to ask the authority for larger bins at viewpoints and a more flexible approach to emptying them.
Recycling: A discussion was held on the best location for Bettyhill’s recycling bins. The authority is keen to move the bins from their current site in a lay-by at Loch Salachaidh, a mile-and-a-half outside the village, to a more central location.
It was felt a more central site might discourage the use of the bins for household rubbish.
Grass cutting: Members agreed to approach Highland Council regarding its policy not to cut back some roadside verges until later in the summer in order to encourage the growth of wild flowers.
It was felt that this was restricting visibility and compromising road safety, particularly in Strathnaver and Kirtomy.
Fuel rebate: There has been no response from the Treasury to letters sent by the community council asking for Bettyhill to be included in the government’s rural road fuel rebate scheme. It was agreed to keep pushing the issue until a response is received.
Benefit: Bettyhill Windfarm’s community benefit fund is expected to make its first disbursement of more than £6000 shortly.
Garden: It was reported that some progress had been made on the local authority’s Millennium Garden maintenance project.
Golspie
Quiz – Mary’s Quiz in aid of funds for the Lawson Memorial Hospital League of Friends raised £116. Maya Feilan, Dalwhinnie, was the lucky winner.
Helmsdale
Whist – The whist results from the Bunillidh Sports Club on Tuesday were as follows; Gents: 1 Linda Hopley, 2 Sylvia Blance, 3 Marlene MacKenzie. Ladies: 1 Jean Etheridge, 2 Janet McCulloch, 3 Elret Sutherland. Longest Sitter: Marlene MacKenzie. Raffle Winner: Marlene MacKenzie.
Lairg
Sale – Local woman Moira Lockhart and family have raised more than £2300 in aid of the neuro surgical department at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where a family member received treatment.
The funding was raised by a sponsored walk from Bonar Bridge to Lairg and a sale of work and coffee afternoon held in Lairg Primary School gym on Saturday.
The sale was opened by retired Church of Scotland minister Rev Leslie Goskirk and included stalls with craft goods, baking, produce and hardware.
There were various raffles and an auction as well as face painting and a bottle stall. Tea was served with sandwiches, strawberry tarts and home baking.
