A pretty quiet meeting this month with absolutely no new planning applications which is a first. So my main thoughts after the meeting are mostly relevant and integral to our main project, 'Support for those who need Support' plus Broadband:
I am delighted to say that our trial period of the Ferintosh Bus Link service has demonstrated sufficient interest and demand to allow our partners (Black Isle Community Car Scheme and Stagecoach) to agree now to keep the service running for all FCC residents and to review again in January. The contact for you is Jamie McJimpsey on 01349 862431 and 07443 111008.
Some while ago we assisted Black Isle Cares to recruit some local paid carers into its Local Care scheme. The service has proved very successful and with the demand so high, we are going to help again with recruitment posters and publicity here.
The Highland Council has provided me with a small stock of overshoes (suitable up to shoe size 9) designed to cope with snow and ice and would be particularly useful for those of us who might feel reluctant to go outside fearing the slippy pavements ahead this winter. Please contact me for a pair at no cost.
The Culbokie Speedwatch team noticed last winter in the gloomy evenings how invisible to drivers the darkly clad Fortrose students were coming off the bus and crossing the road. If you are a parent of these teenagers you may want to encourage them to carry a torch or wear something reflective.
Broadband and your BT experience. One of our residents has been in touch with one of our new list MSPs for the Highlands, Edward Mountain. Edward is now Convener of the Committee for the Rural Economy and Connectivity and is very keen to hear personal stories of the difficulties residents in our sort of area are having with broadband provision from BT. He can be emailed on edward.mountain.msp@parliament.scot and we would certainly be very keen for him to hear as many of your stories as possible. FCC will follow up with a meeting with him at some point.
Bruce Morrison, Chair.
