WHILST CONDITIONS in Badenoch and Strathspey have been mild, in fact positively balmy, over the past week or so, we all know winter will soon be upon us.
If it is anything like the last two, then our emergency services, Highland Council, bus and rail companies and trunk road operators will be pushed to their limits.
Let's hope we get snow on the hills to attract skiers, ice climbers and hillwalkers to bring revenue into the area, and not so much of the white stuff on our roads. However, it's almost inevitable that at some points between now and March there are bound to be difficulties in keeping roads and paths open.
For that reason it's heartening to see all those organisations tasked with clearing the snow and ice from our roads and pathways pledging to provide better services this season. There should be more snowploughs around to clear the snow to enable people to live relatively normal lives despite the freezing temperatures.
At least the last two awful winters have given everyone the experience needed to prepare for another one!
Watchdog's speed limit bid welcomed
A BID BY Kingussie Community Council members to get 20mph speed limits on roads off the town's High Street, some of which have no pavements at all, is to be welcomed.
Many elderly people and parents with young children live in these streets, and if they don't have the option of feeling safe by walking on a pavement then they need some form of protection.
Highland Council needs to look at introducing 20mph limits, or at the very least "20's plenty" signs, before a serious accident occurs.
'More's award is well deserved
CONGRATULATIONS ARE in order to the shinty players and coaches of Newtonmore, who have had a wonderful season and were honoured at the 2011 Marine Harvest National Shinty Awards.
Newtonmore had a memorable win in the Camanachd Cup final against arch Badenoch rivals Kingussie, although only time will tell if Newtonmore have broken the spell of power Kingussie have enjoyed in the game for a number of years.
Whatever happens, the rivalry between the two teams is set to become even livelier!
