Inverness ‘never got behind this club’: ICT’s struggles to secure a buyer

Time for rethink on Highland rail prices

It's a lose-lose situation with ScotRail journeys in the Highlands reportedly down 10 per cent last year.

Obviously, there's the environmental factor. Then there's also the fact that public subsidy will need to rise if this drop in revenue continues - all whilst train fares become ever more unaffordable for too many.

Therefore, a rethink of fares (particularly peak), more incentives to travel and a consideration of better timetabling in the north of Scotland is needed urgently.

James Rorison

Skye Court

Inverness

Survivor speaks out about sexual abuse

A survivor of childhood sexual offences has spoken out about his story, to “help other young people stuck in similar situations”. Shaun Matheson spoke out after ex-head coach of Inverness-based Highland Wildcats American football club, Robbie Paulin, was found guilty of sex offences against teenage boys between 2012 and 2014.

“Well done for speaking out, very brave young man.” - Shirley Macleod

“Well done on speaking out and thank you for being so brave and inspiring for others who may be too afraid to speak up and seek help.” - Maree Morrison

New operator for Eastgate food offering

It looks like Inverness firm CRU Holdings wants to bring a “new street food concept with a buzzing bar offering” to the Eastgate Shopping Centre as it looks to develop the food zone.

“I hope it’s a success. What’s needed in a shopping centre is fast food in the sense that people eating there are likely on a break and need something reasonably quick with affordable snacks and meals. There’s plenty of business for another food court in the city centre. The Victorian Market is doing very well but there’s limited seating and the prices are out of many local families’ budget. It’s often crowded, which is great news for the businesses there but it doesn’t spread people out across the city centre. For the city centre to survive we need to encourage footfall generally. It would be great if CRU could concentrate on families more. There’s space in Eastgate for a soft play area or similar. I think having a bar would be more beneficial if the centre was open in the evenings, at least from April-Oct and introduce leisure and entertainment too because retail alone isn’t enough for any of the centres in the country anymore.” - Kim Corbett

Challenges continue for ICT

Inverness Caley Thistle’s future was back at “significant risk” this week as it was revealed no offers had come in ahead of the administrators’ deadline.

“The support wasn't there long before 1994 and ICT's admittance to the Scottish Leagues. I'd been following Caley for 30 years at that time and it always used to frustrate me that, with the population of Inverness and surrounding areas, so few people bothered to turn up at Telford Street on a Saturday, despite Caley's enduring success.” - Alan Hamilton

“Alan Hamilton, unfortunately the majority of locals support Celtic or Rangers. So aren't interested in local football teams.” - Alistair Macfarlane

“The city never got behind this club as there was too much animosity to the amalgamation of Caledonian FC and Inverness Thistle FC and the support was never there, and still is not there to this day.” - Stewart Crockett

“Stewart Crockett, agree.The club should split and Caley and Thistle should go their separate ways. It was Thistle that wanted to go into the Scottish league in 1974. I support Thistle and don't support Caley.” - Rab West

Delight at hero of heroes win

Former Highland councillor and stalwart of the Merkinch Football Academy for more than 30 years, Peter Corbett, was named community champion and hero of heroes at the Highland Heroes awards, organised by The Inverness Courier publisher Highland News and Media.

“Congratulations, Peter! A worthy winner, making life better for many years and many people in the community. A big shout out to the finalists too who were well deserving of their place in the final. Well done everyone!” - High Life Highland

“Congratulations Peter. So well deserved. You have given so much to the community in supporting others over the years. Absolutely delighted for you.” - Susan McCreadie

“Well done mate, top man, well deserved. The old man would be proud of you. It’s great to see good genuine people getting awarded for great work, we salute you mate.” - Donald Macleod

“The People’s Champion…Congratulations Peter…thoroughly deserved.” - Ritchie Sons

“Such amazing news Peter, you give so much to the community, so well deserved. Congratulations.” - Jennifer MacDonald

“Peter, huge congratulations! You really deserve it, you are the epitome of a community champion and just an all round amazing person!” - Anne Sutherland

“Well done Peter, huge congratulations! You really deserve it, you are the best community champion and a true Merkincher.” - Lorna Jackson

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