Community Council

I am a huge fan of the West Ardnamurchan Community Council. It is, to me, an outstanding example of democracy at work, a forum in which people meet to decide matters which are important to their community, and one which has positive achievements to show that local democracy works.

Last night they discussed topics ranging from the Corran Ferry (local pressure has forced Highland Council to find a way of repairing the Nether Lochaber slipway without closing it), further improvements to our road (a sixth phase will happen, despite the impending cuts in funding), repairs to telephone boxes, particularly the one at Kilmory (above), the new Community Garden, the Playpark appeal, and local planning applications.

Two items were particularly important. The village has an excellent retained fire brigade but it is short of recruits. The only age requirement is eighteen or above - so even I could join - but you must be fit and you must live eight minutes or less from the station. Oh - and the pay is good.

Another serious problem discussed was the inability of NHS24 to ensure that its operators know that, out here in Kilchoan, there are both District Nurses and Doctors who - bless them -are available for call out at all times of day and night. In the last few weeks there have been some very poor decisions by NHS24 - something which must stop. What is the point in West Ardnamurchan having the best health service in the world if NHS24 won't deploy it at appropriate times?

The West Ardnamurchan Community Council meets on the first Monday of every month (except August) at 8pm in the Community Centre. Anyone may attend. It's far better entertainment than television.