Durness children need your help
This was once something we could play on
Have you seen the battered state of the dilapidated swings and slides in the children’s play park in Durness? We badly need a safe modern play park!
The Durness Community Group (DCG) is fundraising to buy new equipment for the site in School Road, Durness. Can you help? Could you share this so friends, family, and folk who have visited and enjoyed spending time here have a chance to give even a small amount at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/durnessplaypark
(Or cheques, payable to Durness Community Group, can be sent to: Treasurer, Durness Community Group, Village Hall, Smoo, Durness , IV27 4QA)
The Durness Community Group (DCG) is fundraising to buy new equipment for the site in School Road, Durness. Can you help? Could you share this so friends, family, and folk who have visited and enjoyed spending time here have a chance to give even a small amount at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/durnessplaypark
(Or cheques, payable to Durness Community Group, can be sent to: Treasurer, Durness Community Group, Village Hall, Smoo, Durness , IV27 4QA)
Help with the Cost of Living
Highland Council's Welfare Support team can:
Highland Council's Welfare Support team can:
- Advise you about all the benefits and other entitlements that are available
- Undertake benefit checks to ensure you are not missing out on any benefits
- Provide assistance to help you complete the relevant forms
- Help you with advice and support if your application for benefit is turned down or you do not receive the amount you were expecting
MoD Update 22-11-22 with an apology for the football pitch damage.
First an apology to the community for the damage to the football pitch. The site is clearly unsuitable for the use it was planned for but for the tanker to have driven where it was, was both avoidable and inexcusable. Clearly an inexperienced operator but the incident showed a lack of forethought and testing by the driver in this instance. I understand that the claims process is in hand and hopefully we will be able to go to some means to repairing, or paying for repairs, to the pitch.
Exercise activity. Both of the JOINT WARRIOR exercises have been much smaller in scope than in recent years, although the deployment of artillery in October made up for deficiencies in other areas. It is my understanding that Ex JOINT WARRIOR will not take place at Capoe Wrath in the spring. Bombing from RAF jets has been at normal levels and I expect will continue at a similar level next year. I have noticed a significant rise I the number of Army units wanting to use Cape Wrath next year for low level exercises, and possibly some live firing. The impact on the community will be minimal but I will need to liaise closely with the community with regards when and if access to the Cape will be reduced, I am hoping that the impact will be low and mostly contained to the early part of the year. Finally Naval Gunfire, which has been almost completely absent from the major exercises, seems to be becoming a ‘thing’ again, and I have a number of bookings, or potential bookings for 1 day exercises from NATO warships. I will continue to pass on the information as I get it.
Conservation. Our deer managers have managed to fit in some successful trips to the cape in between firings, and have largely completed their cull targets, which continue to be set in concert with the NWSDMG. The annual bird observation activities reported a healthy population of birds across the range, particularly the divers, but also the White Tailed Eagle. The MoD has let a contract out to start scoping areas for peatland restoration. Initially this is to determine what areas would benefit from help, with the intention of restoring back to peatland the areas on the cape that have the worst erosion.
And finally, I have managed several coastline clear-up walks this year, focussing on the head of the Kyle around Grudie collecting plastic waste, particularly from parachutes, and will continue to do so next year. As the advert says, every little helps.
Training Safety Officer Highlands North Training Facilities | UK Defence Training Estate Scotland & Northern Ireland |
Defence Infrastructure Organisation | Tain Air weapons Range |
First an apology to the community for the damage to the football pitch. The site is clearly unsuitable for the use it was planned for but for the tanker to have driven where it was, was both avoidable and inexcusable. Clearly an inexperienced operator but the incident showed a lack of forethought and testing by the driver in this instance. I understand that the claims process is in hand and hopefully we will be able to go to some means to repairing, or paying for repairs, to the pitch.
Exercise activity. Both of the JOINT WARRIOR exercises have been much smaller in scope than in recent years, although the deployment of artillery in October made up for deficiencies in other areas. It is my understanding that Ex JOINT WARRIOR will not take place at Capoe Wrath in the spring. Bombing from RAF jets has been at normal levels and I expect will continue at a similar level next year. I have noticed a significant rise I the number of Army units wanting to use Cape Wrath next year for low level exercises, and possibly some live firing. The impact on the community will be minimal but I will need to liaise closely with the community with regards when and if access to the Cape will be reduced, I am hoping that the impact will be low and mostly contained to the early part of the year. Finally Naval Gunfire, which has been almost completely absent from the major exercises, seems to be becoming a ‘thing’ again, and I have a number of bookings, or potential bookings for 1 day exercises from NATO warships. I will continue to pass on the information as I get it.
Conservation. Our deer managers have managed to fit in some successful trips to the cape in between firings, and have largely completed their cull targets, which continue to be set in concert with the NWSDMG. The annual bird observation activities reported a healthy population of birds across the range, particularly the divers, but also the White Tailed Eagle. The MoD has let a contract out to start scoping areas for peatland restoration. Initially this is to determine what areas would benefit from help, with the intention of restoring back to peatland the areas on the cape that have the worst erosion.
And finally, I have managed several coastline clear-up walks this year, focussing on the head of the Kyle around Grudie collecting plastic waste, particularly from parachutes, and will continue to do so next year. As the advert says, every little helps.
Training Safety Officer Highlands North Training Facilities | UK Defence Training Estate Scotland & Northern Ireland |
Defence Infrastructure Organisation | Tain Air weapons Range |
Ongoing concerns about provision and delivery of ambulance services in the Northwest Highlands
* letter from Durness Community Council to North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust 10 November 2022 *
Dear Mr Mochrie
I am writing to you on behalf of the Durness Community Council to express our concerns about the provision and delivery of ambulance services here in the Northwest Highlands. While our concerns focus on the Durness area, we are assured that these experiences and concerns are felt in communities across the Northwest Highlands.
We would draw your attention to the following:
Overall lack of provision – There is no resident ambulance in Durness. Given that Durness has a broad demographic in terms of population, this means that neither our younger residents nor our adult or older residents are being well served.
Unacceptable waiting times for ambulances – An ambulance must itself make a journey of at least 45 minutes to respond to an emergency in Durness (assuming that our nearest ambulance in Kinlochbervie is not already in use). It is not unknown for an ambulance from Bettyhill – almost an hour away - to have to link up with an ambulance from Kinlochbervie in order to proceed.
Staffing levels – Many ambulances are currently operating with only a technician/driver and no paramedic or medical support. This is unacceptable in terms of pressure of responsibility on the technician and the potential for the deterioration of an untended patient en route.
It would seem that provision for the Northwest Highlands is decided using the criteria which apply to city demands and accessibility. Unfortunately, these criteria are of little relevance to residents here.
We accept that times are tight and that services are constantly under review. However, the provision for Durness and the surrounding area has been in decline and unaddressed for some time. We would ask that you consider and then respond to our concerns re provision and manning levels and offer suggestions as to how our residents and community can be better served by the Ambulance Service.
Yours sincerely
Ron Tucker
Secretary, Durness Community Council
* letter from Durness Community Council to North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust 10 November 2022 *
Dear Mr Mochrie
I am writing to you on behalf of the Durness Community Council to express our concerns about the provision and delivery of ambulance services here in the Northwest Highlands. While our concerns focus on the Durness area, we are assured that these experiences and concerns are felt in communities across the Northwest Highlands.
We would draw your attention to the following:
Overall lack of provision – There is no resident ambulance in Durness. Given that Durness has a broad demographic in terms of population, this means that neither our younger residents nor our adult or older residents are being well served.
Unacceptable waiting times for ambulances – An ambulance must itself make a journey of at least 45 minutes to respond to an emergency in Durness (assuming that our nearest ambulance in Kinlochbervie is not already in use). It is not unknown for an ambulance from Bettyhill – almost an hour away - to have to link up with an ambulance from Kinlochbervie in order to proceed.
Staffing levels – Many ambulances are currently operating with only a technician/driver and no paramedic or medical support. This is unacceptable in terms of pressure of responsibility on the technician and the potential for the deterioration of an untended patient en route.
It would seem that provision for the Northwest Highlands is decided using the criteria which apply to city demands and accessibility. Unfortunately, these criteria are of little relevance to residents here.
We accept that times are tight and that services are constantly under review. However, the provision for Durness and the surrounding area has been in decline and unaddressed for some time. We would ask that you consider and then respond to our concerns re provision and manning levels and offer suggestions as to how our residents and community can be better served by the Ambulance Service.
Yours sincerely
Ron Tucker
Secretary, Durness Community Council
Cape Wrath Training Centre Firing
Live firing on Cape Wrath, at which time much of the area is closed. is announced on the official government site:
Scotland Firing Times
Live firing on Cape Wrath, at which time much of the area is closed. is announced on the official government site:
Scotland Firing Times
Near Me - NHS Highland Near Me video appointments
Near Me, also known as Attend Anywhere, is a safe and secure NHS video calling platform that helps us, the NHS, to offer video call access to our services from wherever you are, without travelling - bringing care closer to you.
Video consultations offer the chance to reduce your travel time, or time away from home, work or school to attend your appointment. Near Me may also make it easier for you to have a member of your family or carer with you, who may not have been able to travel to your appointment with you.
To use Near Me you will need a reliable internet connection; broadband or 3G/4G, and a suitable device for making video calls such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer with webcam and speaker.
This poster advertises the service. (large download) Please send any queries to Anita Wilson at a.wilson17b at btinternet.com
Or for more information see: www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/NHSNearMe
Near Me, also known as Attend Anywhere, is a safe and secure NHS video calling platform that helps us, the NHS, to offer video call access to our services from wherever you are, without travelling - bringing care closer to you.
Video consultations offer the chance to reduce your travel time, or time away from home, work or school to attend your appointment. Near Me may also make it easier for you to have a member of your family or carer with you, who may not have been able to travel to your appointment with you.
To use Near Me you will need a reliable internet connection; broadband or 3G/4G, and a suitable device for making video calls such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer with webcam and speaker.
This poster advertises the service. (large download) Please send any queries to Anita Wilson at a.wilson17b at btinternet.com
Or for more information see: www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/NHSNearMe
DRIVERS WANTED
Full time & part time.
Full time & part time.
The Durness Bus LTD are looking for reliable individuals to join our small team. Ideally you would already have a full PSV license but training can be provided if necessary.
f you love driving and enjoy meeting and helping people this could be the ideal job for you. We need a full time driver for a immediate start and a part time driver or two for school bus driving and relief work and to cover holidays etc.
Based around Durness , Kinlochbervie & Scourie, driving service buses to Inverness, Lairg and Thurso along with school transport and additional private hire duties.
Good rates of pay.
Contact Neil or Sarah for more information:
info@thedurnessbus.com
07782 110 007
2nd November 2021.
f you love driving and enjoy meeting and helping people this could be the ideal job for you. We need a full time driver for a immediate start and a part time driver or two for school bus driving and relief work and to cover holidays etc.
Based around Durness , Kinlochbervie & Scourie, driving service buses to Inverness, Lairg and Thurso along with school transport and additional private hire duties.
Good rates of pay.
Contact Neil or Sarah for more information:
info@thedurnessbus.com
07782 110 007
2nd November 2021.
Are you looking after your mental health?
Feel anxious, depressed or have low mood?
Are you drinking too much?
Counselling sessions are available FREE for people living in Scourie, Kinlochbervie and Durness
Sessions are provided by the Scottish Counselling Service which is based in the Highlands
To access the service please call Helen on: 07507 759842
The CONFIDENTIAL SERVICE is available to anyone over the age of 10.
Funding for the service has been provided by Foundation Scotland
Feel anxious, depressed or have low mood?
Are you drinking too much?
Counselling sessions are available FREE for people living in Scourie, Kinlochbervie and Durness
Sessions are provided by the Scottish Counselling Service which is based in the Highlands
To access the service please call Helen on: 07507 759842
The CONFIDENTIAL SERVICE is available to anyone over the age of 10.
Funding for the service has been provided by Foundation Scotland
|
North West Highlands 2045
A draft vision – April 2021 "...a common desire to see a future where our communities thrive economically, socially, and environmentally. We want our population to grow sustainably, job opportunities to broaden and average salaries to rise. " This is an invitation to get involved and have your say in how the local communities develop and thrive. The document is available here. |
The Geopark has produced “Groundwork for Slow Tourism Project - Final report” which has sections on improving the area surrounding Smoo Cave and on visitor management in the Geopark.
You can read the report here. North West Highlands Geopark Ltd commends the results of the Smoo Cave study to the site’s managers at the Highland Council and the Community of Durness and extends an offer to work with them in the development of visitor information provision and heritage interpretation for the site The Durness Community Group
has bought a large quantity of sanitiser refills ready for the tourist season. There are also some fogger refills. All businesses in the Durness area are entitled to make use of these supplies, subject to availability, free of charge. If you would like a supply for your business, please contact Ron Tucker on 511383 or rontucker19@btinternet.com He can deliver if you are unable to collect. |
Physiotherapy
First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) who assess, diagnose and guide the management of patients with musculoskeletal conditions are taking up posts in GP surgeries across the country. These Physiotherapists in NHS Highland are advanced practitioners who have or are working towards MSK injection skills and non-medical prescribing. They cover all the GP surgeries for people to access, without the need to see their GP first. In the smaller practice's patients will often still see the GP first, as their allocation is small, but GP feedback has shown when a patient has multiple presentations being able to say “the FCP will deal with your shoulder/knee/hip/back etc!” has been especially helpful. The FCP is also an expert in MSK presentations and has all the latest knowledge, resources and information from their wider physio networks.
First Contact Physiotherapy has been shown to provide fast access to an expert physiotherapist for patients with common musculoskeletal problems like back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, ligament and muscle problems, aches pains and strains. After initial assessment, if required, the FCP can refer the patient onto secondary care services, including further rehabilitation, Orthopaedics and Radiology (x-ray). Covering the Armadale, Tongue and Durness practices Elspeth Mather is providing both the first contact assessment and can also continue with the patient's rehabilitation in her wider caseload.
Primarily aimed to reduce GPs workload the FCP service creates closer working relationships with practice staff including advanced nurse practitioners and Pharmacists. FCPs also input their clinical care record directly into the same place as the GPs - this approach is enjoying enhanced patient care by joining up the patient records and is providing a collaborative overall management of the persons MSK condition.
First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) who assess, diagnose and guide the management of patients with musculoskeletal conditions are taking up posts in GP surgeries across the country. These Physiotherapists in NHS Highland are advanced practitioners who have or are working towards MSK injection skills and non-medical prescribing. They cover all the GP surgeries for people to access, without the need to see their GP first. In the smaller practice's patients will often still see the GP first, as their allocation is small, but GP feedback has shown when a patient has multiple presentations being able to say “the FCP will deal with your shoulder/knee/hip/back etc!” has been especially helpful. The FCP is also an expert in MSK presentations and has all the latest knowledge, resources and information from their wider physio networks.
First Contact Physiotherapy has been shown to provide fast access to an expert physiotherapist for patients with common musculoskeletal problems like back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, ligament and muscle problems, aches pains and strains. After initial assessment, if required, the FCP can refer the patient onto secondary care services, including further rehabilitation, Orthopaedics and Radiology (x-ray). Covering the Armadale, Tongue and Durness practices Elspeth Mather is providing both the first contact assessment and can also continue with the patient's rehabilitation in her wider caseload.
Primarily aimed to reduce GPs workload the FCP service creates closer working relationships with practice staff including advanced nurse practitioners and Pharmacists. FCPs also input their clinical care record directly into the same place as the GPs - this approach is enjoying enhanced patient care by joining up the patient records and is providing a collaborative overall management of the persons MSK condition.
Durness Household Waste recycling Centre
From August 10th 2020 the skips will be available
Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00-14:00
ONLY THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE ACCEPTED
* Bagged household waste
* Glass bottles and jars
* Electrical appliances
* Cardboard, paper, cans and plastic bottles
** Strictly no commercial waste accepted **
Cars only : no vans or trailers. Please maintain social distancing.
DO NOT VISIT THE SITE IF YOU HAVE COVID-19 SYMPTOMS OR HAVE HAD CONTACT WITH AN INFECTED PERSON OR SUSPECTED INFECTED PERSON
From August 10th 2020 the skips will be available
Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00-14:00
ONLY THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE ACCEPTED
* Bagged household waste
* Glass bottles and jars
* Electrical appliances
* Cardboard, paper, cans and plastic bottles
** Strictly no commercial waste accepted **
Cars only : no vans or trailers. Please maintain social distancing.
DO NOT VISIT THE SITE IF YOU HAVE COVID-19 SYMPTOMS OR HAVE HAD CONTACT WITH AN INFECTED PERSON OR SUSPECTED INFECTED PERSON