Highland Community Broadband closes and Sitooterie award

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🟡 Around 400 households around the Loch Broom area will be affected by the shut down of Highland Community Broadband in April. The social enterprise was set up to help people in the area get better internet speeds. But in a statement posted on Facebook Director Topher Dawson said that new technologies such as 4G and satellite broadband that didn't exist when the firm started may now offer a better service for most people. He added: "Our community owned company has served its community well but the time has come to close it down." More: Cameron Angus-Mackay | BBC.

🟡 Congratulations again to all the volunteers that help out at the Sitooterie Community Garden at Gairloch Harbour. Their hard work has now been recognised with another award. The Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society has announced that it has selected the Sitooterie for a Horticultural Groups Award. This award recognises the top five groups in the country for their contributions to Horticulture and Gardening in Scotland and is based on the excellence of their work and the length of time they have been established.

🟡 The BBC Scotland Debate Night TV show is to visit Ullapool on March 18. If you fancy being in the audience you can apply for a free ticket on the BBC website. More: BBC

🟡 The Bank of Scotland in Gairloch closes today. Although you can still do most cash banking in local post offices, if you need to see a human about something more complicated, your nearest option may be the "community banking service" in Ullapool. Unfortunately, it only operates on Wednesday mornings. And unfortunately, the only bus service (pdf) linking Ullapool with Gairloch, Poolewe and Aultbea runs on a Thursday. More: Bank of Scotland

🟡 Folk at The Old Schoolhouse, Inverasdale have thanked recent supporters but said they cannot accept any more donations of second-hand goods for their shop because it's full. Pick up a bargain and help them shift some stock by visiting the shop on Wednesday afternoons between 14:00 and 16:00. More: Facebook

🟡 Overside writer Annie O'Garra Worsley is one of four women writers taking part in an online Wild Women Writers' Salon this evening at 19:00. More: Eventbrite

🟡 On Friday 30 of January, folk at Applecross can enjoy an Italian-themed community games night in the community hall. More: Facebook

🟡 On Sunday February 1, there's a party planned from 15:00 at the Shieldaig Bar and Coastal Kitchen to celebrate the arrival of new owners. More: Facebook

🟡 A Valentine's Day ceilidh is planned at the Loch Torridon Community Centre. Details in the flyer below.

🟡 The Am Bàrd Cafe are gearing up to celebrate Pancake Day in style on February 17. More: Facebook

🟡 On February 25 at 18:30, as part of Seachdain na Gàidhlig, the film Taigh / Tŷ / Teach comes to Gairloch Museum. The movie highlights language as something lived and used, rooted in home, community and everyday life. No prior knowledge of Gaelic or the other languages is needed as English subtitles are provided. More: Ticket Source

🟡 Lochcarron Camanachd dinner, dance and awards, is set to take place on February 28 from 18:30 at the Lochcarron Village Hall. More: Facebook

🟡 Gairloch Market organisers have confirmed that they are moving from their Thursday slot. In 2026 they will run every Saturday from 11:30 - 14:30 from March 14. More: Facebook

🟡 A Job Fair is being planned at the Myrtle Bank Hotel on March 13 to help match local employers and job seekers. Local businesses will also be able to find out more about agencies that provide staff training and support services to local firms. If you represent a local business and would like to take part contact the organiser, Douglas Gibson: [email protected]

🟡 Speaking of jobs, The Gairloch Hotel are hiring for the next season. More: Facebook

🟡 The Badachro Inn are also looking for seasonal staff. More: Facebook

🟡 The Rhidorroch Distillery in Ullapool is hiring for seasonal and permanent full-time roles. More: Facebook

🟡 Sticking in Ullapool, the council is advertising for a part-time cleaner to work in the high school. More: HiJobs

🟡 Poolewe Pool are looking for a relief lifeguard to work "as and when required." More: High Life Highland

🟡 And there's a part-time Support Worker role available at Gairloch Primary and Nursery school. More: myJobScotland.gov.uk

🟡 There are also a host of interesting roles available with Summer Isles Enterprises. More: CharityJob.co.uk

🟡 The Bealach Cafe at Tornapress are hiring a new team member for front of house. More: Facebook

🟡 Megan MacInnes from Applecross has been appointed Chair of the Board of Directors of Community Land Scotland. More: Community Land Scotland

🟡 EDF-ER Corriemoillie Lochbroom Community Fund 2026 is now open for applications. Grants of up to £250 are available to people and groups who live in the Lochbroom Community Council area. More: Foundation Scotland

🟡 Wester Ross Fisheries are seeking planning permission to install a "pontoon and associated moorings" at a site 330m north west of West Ardessie Cottage, Ardessie, Dundonnell. More: Highland Council

🟡 Musicians Peat and Diesel are urging people to back a campaign to persuade Ofcom to rule against proposed cuts to the STV North news service. More: Facebook

🟡 Poolewe Village Hall now have a 22kw EV charger in the car park. More: Facebook

🟡 And finally here's a video of the haggis being played in to the room at the Loch Torridon Community Hall Burns Night Supper. More: Facebook