A whale called Roy

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🟡 After a lengthy public vote, it has been announced that the Humpback whale that spent six weeks in Loch Broom last winter will officially be called Roy to commemorate Roy MacGregor. Roy MacGregor was born on Scoraig, lived and fished out of Ullapool all his life but died at the harbour on his boat only a few weeks ago. More: Facebook

🟡 Gairloch Community Council is coordinating efforts to crowdfund £2800 to support the new local Community First Responder Scheme. You can pitch in here: GoFundMe

🟡 Bus company Ember has announced that it is going head-to-head with Citylink on the Ullapool - Inverness route. From April 29 they will run two return services per day. More details: Ember

🟡 Shieldaig Community Association is moving ahead with plans to install floodlighting at the village Multi Use Games Area. The planning application can be viewed on the council planning portal. More: Highland Council

Events

Remember! You can find many more local events in the next issue of the Gairloch and District Times. It hits the shops tomorrow 😄.

🟡 On April 24 a night of music and song is planned at The Old Schoolhouse, Inverasdale. Details in the flyer below.

🟡 On April 25 they're showing multiple award winning film One Battle After Another at the Loch Torridon Community Centre. More: Loch Torridon Community Centre

🟡 Gairloch Primary School Parent Council are inviting all Gairloch Primary and Nursery children to a Spring Disco on May 1. More: Facebook

🟡 Ullapool Bookshop have announced their first event of the year will be on May 6. Two local authors will explore the theme: "Exploring Natural metaphors in writing as a way of making sense of life." More: Facebook

🟡 Will Soos, co-owner of a famous garden at Durnamuck is to join the panel at a ‘Celebration of Gardening’ event on June 6 in Strathpeffer. More: Hector Mackenzie | Ross-shire Journal

🟡 Save the dates! The Poolewe Cèilidh Partnership has announced their 2026 dates, starting on July 15 and running until August 19. More: Facebook

Jobs

FEATURED JOB: The National Trust for Scotland are looking for a full-time, seasonal Visitor Services Supervisor at Inverewe Gardens. More detail in the flyer below. If interested email: [email protected]

🟡 The Loch Broom and Ullapool Community Trust have got three job vacancies advertised at the moment. They are recruiting for a New Broom Depot Manager, a Depot Assistant, and a Rural Care Innovation Officer. More: LUCT

🟡 The Lochcarron Centre is looking for a part-time flexible Kitchen Assistant. For more details phone 01520 722010 or email [email protected]

🟡 Harbour House at Ullapool are looking for a part-time dishwasher. If interested email your CV to: [email protected]

🟡 There are two roles on offer at Kishorn Port. They are recruiting for an Office and Accommodation Manager and a Cleaner. More: Kishorn Port

More News

🟡 Following Storm Dave, there was a fairly extensive power cut on Easter Sunday that affected many communities in Wester Ross. Fortunately, no power was needed for the Poolewe Village Green Easter festivities. Photos here: Facebook

🟡 Ullapool is set for it's ‘biggest cruise year yet.’ Harbour Master Kevin Peach says the town expects to welcome 43 ships this season. More: Iona M.J. MacDonald | Ross-Shire Journal

🟡 The firm responsible for the roadworks on the A835 at "check rail corner" near Garve have given an update on their plans. Works there are not forecast to be completed until November. More: BEAR Scotland

🟡 Coigach Community Development Company say they have made "significant steps" to bring their wind turbine back into operation recently. It has been out of action for some time. More: CCDC

🟡 It has emerged that 40% of young people aged 16-17 are not registered to vote in the forthcoming Scottish Parliament election. Fear not, anyone over 16 can register to vote online until midnight on April 20. Register here: uk.gov

🟡 A £1m fund has been announced to support rural Highland communities improve community assets and tackle inequality for children, young people and families. More: Highland Council

🟡 Badachro Harbour Trust have put visitor mooring charges up for the first time since 2019. More: Facebook

🟡 Highlands and Islands Enterprise are looking for three new board members. More: HIE

🟡 The North Highland Initiative have extended the deadline in their hunt for a new Non-Executive Director. More: NHI

🟡 One month after spending a lot of cash on a new website, Highland Council says it is now ranked 24th in the UK and 3rd in Scotland in a league table of accessible council websites. More: Highland Council

🟡 Highland Council are sending out non-domestic business rates bills this week. Expect your bill to change. More: Highland Council

🟡 There are fears that high fuel prices are forcing visitors to cancel planned NC500 road trips this summer. More: Liza Hamilton | Press and Journal