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Highland Council planners are stuck in past over Grantown’s Inverallan Church





The south-west facing roof of Inverallan Church which is at the heart of the dispute.
The south-west facing roof of Inverallan Church which is at the heart of the dispute.

At this time of year images of one of the most widely known Grade 1 listed building in the UK - the 578 year old Kings College Cambridge Chapel- are beamed out on television for the world famous Christmas Eve Carol Service.

Happily for the planet, Cambridge City Council unanimously approved the installation of 438 solar panels on the roof of this chapel.

At the time of the council’s approval (February 2023), the College Provost noted ‘the demonstrable commitment to taking action on climate change that the decision signifies’ and that the panels will make a ‘considerable, quantifiable difference in the process of decarbonisation’.

Once the panels were in place (November 2024), the new Provost referred to this as an ‘historic moment’ for Britain’s architectural heritage, being one step on the road towards ‘cleaner, greener energy’ and a ‘potent and inspirational symbol of our commitment to being good stewards of our environment’.

This climate-friendly and forward-looking approach of wise stewardship taken in Cambridge, could hardly contrast more starkly with Highland Council’s much deplored, refusal decisions for solar panels on the roof of Inverallan Church, a category B listed building (Strathy November 14 2024 ‘Fears for church after solar panel bid refused again’).

Gus Jones

Nethy Bridge.

* * *

On the slow train

As normal the Highlands mainline is looked after but the far north line to Wick is as always ignored (New Intercity fleet gets green light including for Highlands main line, Strathy, December 17).

Trains cancelled or poor service so how does this make people want to use it?

Then it will be reported passenger numbers drop. Invest in the other lines too.

Simon Venn

Tain.

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It was not all bad news in past year

As another year stumbles to a close, it has been one dominated by what appears to be one of relentless bleakness on a global stage. Conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as a continuing cost-of-living crisis on our own shores.However, there have been many positives to come out of 2024, which have maybe not grabbed the headlines and gained the profile merited.

New medical breakthroughs included the delivery of a new era of schizophrenia treatment, with the approval of the drug KarXT.

And groundbreaking medical trials, like the world’s first mRNA lung cancer vaccine, offered a glimpse into a healthier future.

In the UK, renewable power overtook fossil fuel generation for the first time, and Norway became the first country in the world where electric cars outnumbered petrol cars.Greece legalized same-sex marriage and adoption, becoming the first Orthodox Christian Country to do so, and 642 million people voted in India’s general election, setting the record for the world’s largest election.

Meanwhile, the Paris Summer Olympics dazzled the world with extraordinary athletic performances, and the San Marino football team, who had previously never won a competitive football match, won not one, but two.

In what may appear to a doom-laden year, let us spare a few moments to reflect on the many positives.

Alex Orr

Marchmont Road

Edinburgh.

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Nation has to do better for heroes

Homelessness among veterans remains a significant issue in Scotland and across the UK.

While many transition successfully to civilian life, some face challenges such as PTSD, mental health struggles, relationship breakdowns, and barriers to accessing housing and support services. Charities like SSAFA, the Royal British Legion and Combat Stress do exceptional work, often serving as vital lifelines for veterans in need.

Their dedicationdeserves the highest praise.

However, the burden they carry is too great to be borne by charities alone.

The Scottish Government and the UK Government must urgently step up their efforts.

While policies like the Armed Forces Covenant and Scotland’s Housing Options for veterans are commendable, gaps in implementation leave too many veterans vulnerable.

Immediate action is needed to increase affordable housing, ensure accessible mental health services, and improve coordination between agencies so no veteran is left behind. Our veterans have served the nation with courage and sacrifice. It is our duty to repay that service by ensuring they have the support they need to build stable, fulfilling civilian lives.

Alastair Redman

Islay.

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Charlie Whelan at Ibrox for the Spurs game.
Charlie Whelan at Ibrox for the Spurs game.

Ibrox treatment was no different to other clubs

Your columnist Charlie Whelan clearly does not attend many away matches, as visiting supporters are kept behind after final whistle (Visiting Spurs fans were treated like hooligans at Ibrox, Strathy).

Having attended away fixtures in many European countries, it is a regular occurrence.

Lindsay Robertson

Motherwell.

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E-scooters are a danger and need better control

Police Scotland are warning people about buying electric bikes and e-scooters for Christmas.

E-bikes should never be tampered with to give higher speeds.

It should be made clear that e-scooters are illegal in Scotland and can only be driven on private land with the owner's permission.

Those which are ridden on the roads, or more likely on the pavements, should immediately be reported to the police who will hopefully confiscate and destroy them.

It is negligent of the sellers of e-scooters not to make these points crystal clear.

The retailers should be legally obliged to present a document laying out these facts to the purchaser and retain a signed copy.

Clark Cross

Linlithgow


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