Inverness bus to serve shoppers and Tulloch Homes changes city housing plan

Developer seeks changes at housing site

Tulloch Homes is seeking to change its plans for one of the latter phases of a major new housing estate at Ness-side. The developer wants to build 25 detached two and one-storey houses having previously received permission to build 41 terraced, semi-detached and detached houses. Citing “market conditions” as the reason for the change the area affected is just part of a wider permission to create almost 450 new homes in the area.

“They should be made to build a school, doctor’s surgery and a new hospital first. Where are all those children going to find a school?” - Isabel Lewis

“Never mind building more houses, what about building a new hospital, schools and of course sort all the roads in Inverness. Roads are a disgrace, especially with the volume of traffic now.” - Campbell Freeman

“What about schools, doctors’ surgeries? All these houses are being built, haven't seen a new school built to accommodate them. Schools are struggling with many over capacity and yet houses still keep going up. Not to mention Raigmore is already under pressure and can't cope.” - Lianne Cumming

“Start building single level homes and build more bungalows. Until then not interested and no more homes for Inverness. People can't stay in these homes as they age. You want to build in Inverness you should have to build new care homes. There is a thought.” - Daniel Hall

Hollywood icon unveiled as new face of Highland whisky

Harrison Ford is now the toast of one of the area’s best-known whisky makers as the face of Glenmorangie’s new ad campaign, donning a kilt and poking fun at himself.

“This is class.” - Simpson Bells Helen

“He's the best looking man in the world in my opinion and has aged like a fine whisky. The ad pokes fun at him, and he is a great sport. I'm going to start drinking whisky now.” - Suzannah Gee Pearce

“I can't cope…Harrison in a kilt…be still my beating heart.” - Krysha Payne

“Love it! Well done Glenmorangie!” - William Ovens

“Love this. He may not be Scottish, but he has a sarcastic sense of humour, which is very Scottish.” - Lisa Stewart

“It’s a great advert, he’s brilliant.” - Marlene Gallon

“The distillery kept that quiet, and we live just across the road.” - Janet Spencer

New ‘shopper bus’ to link retail parks and supermarkets

A new bus service aimed at linking under-served city communities to Inverness’s large superstores has been unveiled by Highland Council. The new 108 ‘Shopper Bus’ will run every Tuesday and Thursday heading from Torvean park-and-ride along the southern distributor, through the Inshes Retail Park and then through the UHI Campus to the Inverness Shopping Park.

“Good idea. You may even persuade Tesco, Asda and the like to sponsor this.” - Mark Lawless

“What about the other side of town? Many people don't have their own transport.” - Fiona Watson

“Fiona Watson - That's a fair point. There used to be a Shopper bus that ran from Balnafettack Road/Overton Avenue to town. It was really popular and so handy for the people in those areas. Some of the homes are a long way from the bus stops. I have moved to the other side of Inverness now. The new 108 bus will be good for me and for many of my neighbours.” - Carol Scott

“A shame the Highland Council can't run seasonal buses to the tourist spots of Fort George, and Cawdor Castle. Stagecoach axed the Fort George bus many moons ago. For those without a car, it is ridiculously difficult to get to these major attractions without paying an arm and a leg for private taxi or tour services. It brings income to the area and education for our children.” - Alan Ross

“Alan Ross, Give them time; they've only been running their in-house bus operation for two years with a relatively modest fleet. The acquisition of D&E will give them more flexibility and ability to respond to the needs of the community.” - Glen Wallace

Patient stuck in Highland hospital for more than four years

One NHS Highland patient who was fit enough to be discharged has been stuck in a hospital for more than four years, according to new figures revealed by the Scottish Conservatives.

“Not surprising when NHS and social care don't work together. The vulnerable get left as not seen or treated as a priority. It all comes down to cost and what's available.” - Mary Fraser

“Not NHS's/health board’s fault…it's the fault of the government for not ensuring the funds are in place to adequately pay staff for their skills and qualities…If it was this would help force down turnover and create stable placements and support for individuals and their teams.” - Marrie Dickson

“Marrie Dickson, absolutely, if care companies were better paid also then I dare say they wouldn't struggle to find staff either. I work in care myself and it's such a vital thing to have in place so people can be at home and, as you say, a better turnover in hospitals. It would run so much more smoothly and less stressful should they have funding in place for such things.” - Tasha Mac

“It’s not the NHS’s fault…there’s almost no money or staff or beds in decent social care…but the politicians are OK.” - Evelyn Urquhart

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