Interesting editorial in the Nairnshire Telegraph this week entitled "Something to see and do". It points out the fact that tourists still come to Nairn and we should appreciate their importance to the local economy. The Editor also points out that we desperately need a dedicated tourism centre for visitors. Most importantly he points out that something needs to be done about the look of the place ! With all the endless talk about town centre regeneration etc, and the streetscape coming to a finale. Maybe the powers that be can tackle the problem of a high st buildings makeover ?
Some of us actually take direct action to improve the Town, like the gentleman I saw today down the riverside with a grabbing stick device, picking up the occasional bit of litter. Like myself clearing out the south side harbour litter the other day, not to mention the periodic litter removal from the riverside too. The local authority still ignore this problem and all the litter scattered around the harbour benches and under the riverside bushes ! Yet a couple of weeks ago we have a bunch of Numpties discussing the merits of my contribution of the Swans Island - and whether or not it's an asset to the Town ! I sometimes wonder if these people actually walk the river and have their eyes and ears open when they do ? Nairn has a lot to offer and what some don't seem to understand, is the fact that many come here to get away from it all ! With the pressures of modern day work and living, people seek a quality of life they cannot get in the city. They do not want noise traffic and concrete, but open space, scenery and the natural world to view. The river wildlife is on many peoples agenda when visiting the Town. Today I met a family who come to the caravan site twice a year and follow this blog and the lives of the Swans - they are not the only ones. Take a look at some of the recent stats maps and you can see there is a world outside of the Nairnites one. They at least find the swans island and river wildlife interesting, and I feel I'm helping putting Nairn on the tourist Map.
Wholeheartedly agree with your post today. I love Nairn and visit for 2-3 weeks of every year, bringing now my young family as my parents brought me. I have been coming for over 30 years and watched the town and surrounding area change over this time. We love to walk the river and around the harbour and do hope to "get away from it all". The unoccupied and ugly buildings are an eyesore and create a very poor impression (wrongly) of the town for visitors coming from Inverness, something the council should really be taking steps to address Using The Gurn and your own blog I enjoy keeping abreast of local events so keep up the good work.
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