TEN YEARS AGO
Thursday December 26, 2013
You could die waiting
Many of the 8,000 people on Highland Council’s housing waiting list will never get a
council home in their lifetime.
That was the shock admission this week from the council’s housing chief.
Following a Freedom of Information request, Lochaber Times learned there is a total
of 8,036 people on the Highland Housing Register – 6,003 on the housing list and
2,033 on the transfer list.
Asked if it is likely that a new person coming on to the waiting list would get a council home in their lifetime, the chairman of the council’s finance, housing and resources committee Councillor Dave Fallows replied: ‘The honest answer is no. Not
a snowball’s chance in hell unless your points warrant it.’
The council’s housing stock is 19,380, of which 13,478 are the local authority’s with
the balance being social landlords such as Cair and Albyn Housing.
The housing turnover in 2013 is 1,894, of which the Highland Council total is 214 council houses and flats lying vacant around the region; 63 in Inverness, 45 in Ross-
shire and 14 in Lochaber.
Councillor Fallows said: ‘For decades, since the Thatcher era, we have not been able
to build houses.
‘It is only fairly recently that we have been able to build houses. The law states that we have to keep a separate account – a housing revenue account – for all of the revenue we generate from council houses and we may only use that revenue to build houses.
‘We are dependent on, essentially, the revenue that is generated by rents that has to cover maintenance for them, with very little left for us for new houses.’
‘We are dependent on, essentially, the revenue that is generated by rents that has to
cover maintenance for them, with very little left for us for new houses.’
He added: ‘What I am saying is that the basic constraint in the law that says we have to fund everything out of the housing revenue account very much limits what we are going to build.
‘We are never going to catch up with our waiting list. It is certainly possible that you may never get a house if you never had a situation in which the number of points you
create is not enough to qualify you.’
He said many people living in private rented accommodation wanted to be on the council waiting list because they are paying a lot more in rent.
Many people did not have the money to buy – or did not want to buy – and private renting would cost them twice what the council rent would be, so it was natural they are going to get on the council housing list, he said.
However, he warned: ‘They have very, very little hope of actually getting to the top of
the list – and homeless people do have priority as well.
‘If you put it in terms of some impecunious person who cannot get a house, if they are
in a situation where they are potentially homeless, that racks up their points dramatically. That pushes them to the top of the housing list.
‘If you are just coming in to the bottom of the list and do not have any special reason for getting a house, you have very little chance.
‘Many people understand that and accept their lot. It is a pretty bad situation but that’s the way it is.
‘This is a situation which is by no means unique to Highland. There are big waiting lists all over the country, mainly because social housing is great value.
‘For some people it is absolutely the best thing you can get – a council house. I have seen one or two recently and have thought these are actually better than a privately built house. They are a really good standard.’
High school pupils share top sports commitment prize
Two Lochaber High School pupils shared the 2013 award for sporting commitment.
In memory of their son Fraser – who died when he was in third year at the school – Duncan and Rosemary MacPhee present a trophy each year to youngsters who have
stood out from the crowd.
This year, the award was shared between Zoe Smith and Owen Cairns for their
outstanding contribution to their respective sports.
Zoe takes part in many sports including football, shinty, gymnastics and dance.
Owen is an all-rounder in sport, but has particularly excelled at football.
Their selection was because of their positive attitude; for promoting a sporting ethos and encouraging others to do their best.
They were both part of the sports coaching group and have been heavily involved in
supporting sporting events in the school.
TWENTY FIVE YEARS AGO
Saturday December 26, 1998
Exciting Christmas handicap
The Christmas handicap for the athletic in Lochaber last Sunday proved to be one’ of the most exciting and closest-fought for some years.
Aileen Kitson and Ellen Morrison seemed to have the race between them as they led
into the last mile.
But along the rough river bank they were caught by newcomer Nicky Sharratt and the
fast-flowing Jo Ness. But they, in turn, were put under pressure by Kate Gray and Susan MacLeod.
As the runners approached the Achintee road it looked as if the outcome would be between Nicky and Jo, with Nicky hanging on grimly at this stage.
But Nicola Forster had other ideas as, with 600 yards to go, she started to close the gap on the leading pair.
And it was Nicola who finished the strongest to win in 21 minutes 36 seconds, 10 seconds ahead of Nicky and 14 in front of Jo.
Kate was fourth in 22 minutes, with Susan fifth in 22.26, Aileen sixth in 22.30 and Ellen seventh in 22.31.
Thirty runners took part and, among the mere males, the fastest scratch time of the
day was Billy Brooks Jr’s 14.35.
Ann Marie Reid broke the ladies’ scratch record with a time of 17.27.
Lochaber Athletic Club would like to thank Marine Harvest McConnell and Pat Cassidy electrical contractor for donating raffle prizes.
SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
Saturday December 25, 1948
Fort William Ceilidh
Mr D. Carmichael, B.E.M., was fear an Tigh at a delightful Ceilidh last week.
A great welcome was accorded to two well known old Lochaber residents; Dr MacArthur now in Edinburgh, but for many years a medical practitioner in the town,
and Miss MacNaughton, whose father was for over 40 years the doctor in Strontian.
Miss MacNaughton opened the programme by leading the community singing of well known Gaelic airs, and acted as a willing and efficient accompanist.
Dr MacArthur sang many songs including an original composition by Mr John MacDonald, Highbridge, the Lochaber Bard.
Other ladies and gentlemen from the audience added their quota of songs and stories.
Duncansburgh Youth Fellowship
The Youth Fellowship held a lively and interesting debate on Sunday evening when they discussed the topical subject ‘The Church in relation to the activities of modern youth is old-fashioned.’
The affirmative was taken by Miss Nyra Carmichael, seconded by Mrs Nicoll.
The negative was put forward by Miss Jean Gemmell, seconded by Miss Betty Fraser.
After a spirited and keen discussion in which many points were effectively made, the
voting resulted in a win by small majority for the affirmative.
Film Show and Motor Cycle Trials
A packed and appreciative audience filled the Town Hall on a recent evening, to enjoy
the film of the Scottish Six Days Motor Cycle Trials which was held in the district last
May.
Through the kindness of the Edinburgh and District M.C.C. this film, which was taken by George Simpson, official of the Club, was shown for the entertainment of the people of Fort William and the results were donated to the Common Good Fund.
A running commentary on the film was given by Mr Macintosh, secretary of the
Edinburgh and District M.C.C.
ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO
Saturday December 29, 1923
Serious shinty accident
Fort Augustus and Spean Bridge met on the ground of the latter on Saturday in the
second round of the Camanachd Association Trophy.
From the throw-up the home team came away with a rush, and succeeded in scoring
twice within ten minutes.
During a tussle in front of the Spean uprights, one of the backs sent out a rapid shot, and the ball struck John Wishart, the Fort Augustus centre, on the forehead with such
force as to leave a large dent in the skull.
He was rendered semi-conscious, and it was at once seen that the injury was of a serious nature.
A motor car was requisitioned and the wounded man was conveyed to the Belford
Hospital at Fort William.
The accident had such an effect on the Fort Augustus players that they had not the heart to continue the match, and in the circumstances the referee had no option but to stop the game.
An accident of such a serious nature is practically without parallel in the annals of shinty.
The Fort Augustus Club have lodged a protest claiming a replay, and the matter is one for decision by the Camanachd Association.
It ought, to be stated that the occurrence was purely accidental and not associated in any way with rough play.
On enquiry at the hospital on Monday, our correspondent was informed that the injured man was going on as well as could be looked for in the circumstances.
Featured image: 2013: Duncan and Rosemary MacPhee with trophy winners Owen Cairns and Zoe Smith. NO_F52_FromOurFiles_23_01