YOUR VIEWS: Aultmore’s name needs to be kept
I am shocked to see Aultmore House in Nethy Bridge is being called Tomintoul House by its new owners.
The grand property sits on the Aultmore Burn, part of our history and culture.
There should be a law against changing these old names. It causes confusion for delivery drivers and other household suppliers.
Do we now call Tomintoul Distillery Nethy Bridge Distillery? No, it does not work. All maps call it Aultmore, so along with many others can we not keep our old names of our crofts and houses?
It will mean something to the local people and the community. There are now a lot of houses in the village with the same name - it causes problems when people are lost.
John Kirk
Rothiemoon Farm
Nethy Bridge.
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Planning policies being ‘neglected’ by Highland Council
The strong objections submitted to the Highland Council by myself and the owner of the property to the north of the plot have failed to influence the decision to approve the planning application ((LC-LIVE.74557.0001) for Golf Couse Road in Grantown.
There are a number of serious concerns such as the claim that the building will ‘reinforce and enhance the character of the settlement’ which is patently not the case, given its design and choice of materials.
And there are quite a number of factually incorrect statements, for example regarding the proximity of the property to that of mine - in fact only 11 metres, or even less when you take into account the proposed balcony.
It is quite clear that the proposed building will have an overwhelming impact on the privacy of the bedrooms and bathrooms of my property, but this is dismissed on the grounds that the rooms are protected with the use of net curtains.
The apparent disregard for the applicable policies and rules of the planning system seems to call into question the whole operation of the planning process.
In the 18th Century planning guidelines were clear and robustly enforced. We seem to have gone sharply downhill since then
Garth A Armstrong
Grantown.
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Have HIE actually learned lessons from funicular fiasco?
I am fascinated by the quote from Highlands and Islands Enterprise that lessons have been learnt over the funicular repairs fiasco.
I, and I suspect most thinking persons in the strath area, would be very interested in hearing from HIE in detail as to what lessons have been learnt.
I see no evidence of any lessons being learnt by HIE, except they think that the only solution is to pour more public money into a failing structure and failed mountain uplift.
Gordon Bulloch
Grantown.
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Bolstering the nation
In a time where the resilience of our economy is tested, the importance of supporting British jobs and local manufacturing cannot be overstated.
It is essential for the economic stability and growth of our communities across Scotland and the entire UK.
Scotland, with its vibrant history in diverse industries—from the shipyards of the Clyde to the textile mills of the Borders—is a testament to our nation's capability and ingenuity.
The Highlands and Argyll, too, are rich with industries that form the backbone of its economy, including farming, crofting, fishing, and notably, our world-renowned distilleries, all of which contribute significantly to our local and national prosperity. However, as we face increasing global competition, protecting these industries and the jobs they provide is more crucial than ever.
Supportive policies that promote local manufacturing and job creation are vital.
They not only preserve the heritage of skilled craftsmanship but also ensure the sustainability of our communities.
Investing in local industries means securing a future for our youth, offering them careers that sustain both their personal growth and the health of our local economies.
As consumers, choosing locally made products directly supports this initiative, strengthening job security for many and fostering a thriving market for local goods.
Let us advocate for robust policies that bolster British manufacturing and prioritise the training of our future workforce.
By choosing local products and supporting local jobs, we play an active role in maintaining the vibrancy of our economy.
Now is the time to stand behind British jobs and the industries that sustain our communities.
Alastair Redman I
Independent Councillor for Kintyre and the Islands
Isle of Islay.
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Writing from the heart...
I haven’t recently seen word from Grant Fraser in your “Letters” column.
Whilst I disagree with much of what he writes and feel his wording could be somewhat gentler, I admire his tenacity and his determination for his voice to be heard.
Many of us grumble, or have passionate opinions on subjects, perhaps even ideas, but how many contact their local MP, write to a newspaper, or engage in positive social media?
Mr Fraser, who can annoy me no end, makes his voice heard.
I wish there were more like him.
Geoff France
Honley
Holmfirth.
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Not the correct course to follow for the planet
Correspondent Clark Cross in his letter about the climate emergency (August 29) states many true facts.
I hope that not many people agree with his advocacy of copying those who behave selfishly as the best course of action.
Ron Gutteridge
Newtonmore.
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New school year can be tough for some children
Schools are back in Scotland, and this can be a difficult time for some children.
Childline delivered 2,283 counselling sessions across the UK where returning to school was mentioned in 2023/24 – with over a third of these taking place in August or September.
Children speak with counsellors about a variety of concerns at this time such as worries about starting a new school, increasing demands to get good grades, picking their subjects in key years and challenges around making new friends.
The change in routine can also be a source of stress.
The NSPCC – the children’s charity which runs the Childline service – has some useful advice for parents and children during this time.
Parents and carers can listen to their child’s concerns. You could ask your child to write down everything they are looking forward to at school, and everything they are worried about.
Once your child has shared any concerns, you could chat through their concerns, to help them cope with their worries and also look at the positives.
No matter the reason, if a young person is struggling ahead of going back to school, it’s vital that they are encouraged to talk to a safe adult about this, whether that’s a parent, carer or teacher.
They can also try using the Childline online mood journal and stay connected with friends and family – whether that’s online or in person.
And physical activity is always a great way of relieving stress, so they can try playing a game outside, go for a walk or take part in a sport.
More tips are available on the NSPCC website, and Childline is available 24/7 on 0800 1111 or they can use the online chat function.
Adeniyi Alade
NSPCC Scotland Service Head Helplines
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Nature is even crueller
James Marshall (Strathy letters, 29 August) believes that the deaths of wild creatures in blood sports represent such unacceptable cruelty that field sports must be consigned to the ’dustbin of history’.
He is overlooking the reality of cruelty in the natural ending of their lives.
They are, for example, eaten or burned alive, starved or frozen to death by natural events.
In contrast, by being cleanly shot, their deaths are merciful by comparison.
Doubtless, some field and stream sports followers take some pleasure in the kill, but the creatures' acute suffering is much less severe and protracted than what happens in nature.
Many people worry about injuries, especially to the head and brain, sustained in human contact sports also, and with good reason.
Surely, very few would support the banning of human contact sports.
Charles Wardrop
Viewlands Road West
Perth.
