Museum mysteries and new rock music

Hi. This week's Wester Ross Round-up is wending its way to a record 1130 people. Thanks to everyone for reading, and if there's anything we've missed or you think we could do better, get in touch to let us know.

🟡 Have you donated something to the museum at the Old Schoolhouse, Inverasdale? Or do you know anything about the objects in their collection? Kalei Cave is an American student who is working with the museum to upload details of their collection to the internet this week. However, there's a few gaps in the records. More: Facebook

🟡 The Wester Loch Ewe Trust has hired a new full-time Development Manager called Janis MacLean. Janis MacLean attended Inverasdale School and she grew up and lived in the area for some of her adult life too.
More: westerlochewe.com

🟡 The Torridon Stores and Cafe is for sale. It's yours for offers over £349,000, and the deal includes a 3 bedroom flat too. More: Rightmove

🟡 The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers has welcomed a Scottish Government decision to introduce targeted non-domestic rates relief for the self-catering sector. We know that some local businesses were facing some large rises. More: ascc.co.uk

🟡 A local postie, who we won't name here, has been forced to manufacture his own Royal Mail magnetic stickers to cover up the England Rugby branding on a hire van supplied by his bosses. The ribbing he was getting whilst doing his deliveries was reportedly too much to bear.

🟡 Work on improving the boardwalk at Opinan beach is set to commence in a day or two. Parking may be restricted whilst work is ongoing. It is expected it will take about a week to complete the 38m of plastic boardwalk and 40m of compacted stone path.

🟡 From February 23, the Millcroft Bar in Gairloch will fully re-open. It will be open 7 days a week and serve food too. More: Facebook

🟡 Deer Management rules for farmers and land owners are changing. The NFU Scotland is organising an online expert seminar to bring you up to speed on February 26. You can register here.

🟡 You are invited to take a "short walk to nature," by local High Life Highland Ranger Katie Grant on February 26. She's organising a guided walk from Poolewe to explore local blanket bogs. More: Eventbrite

🟡 On February 27, there is a meeting in Applecross Community Hall for folk to find out the latest on plans for an affordable housing development on the hydro-field. More: Facebook

🟡 Also on February 27, there will be a coffee morning in the Lochewe Community Church, Aultbea from 10:30 - 12:00. Proceeds will go to various charities. More: Facebook

🟡 The planned Bingo event in the Gairloch Community Hall has been rescheduled from Feb 21 to Feb 28.

🟡 On Friday March 6, The Bridge Cottage Art Cafe in Poolewe is teaming up with the Wee Curry Hoose, for a special curry night. More: Facebook

🟡 Gairloch local, musician and dyker Neil Davidson is behind an improvised musical performance inspired by the geology of the local area that is set to take place at Gairloch Museum on March 15. More: TicketSource

🟡 The Waverley Paddle Steamer 2026 timetable is out. It will be visiting Gairloch on May 15, but it won't be going up to Loch Broom or Ullapool this year. More: waverleyexcursions.co.uk

🟡 Speaking of boats, Gairloch Boat Club have announced the dates for their Open Challenge Regatta. It will take place on June 20 - 21. More: Facebook

🟡 It's a long way away yet, but the 2026 Ullapool Guitar Festival will take place from October 2 to October 4. More: Ullapool Guitar Festival

🟡 The Links Cafe Bar in Gairloch have a full-time seasonal front of house position going. More: Facebook

🟡 In Ullapool, the Deli-ca-sea restaurant is hiring seasonal staff. More: Facebook

🟡 At Kishorn Port, they're looking for a full-time cleaner to join their team. More: Hi-Jobs

🟡 UHI North, West and Hebrides have a number of vacancies including an Environmental Science lecturer and a Mathematics lecturer. Both of these jobs can be based at any UHI NWH campus. More: UHI

🟡 Highland Council are recruiting for a part-time, Gaelic-speaking early years practitioner in Ullapool. More: myjobscotland.co.uk

🟡 Highland Council's outdoor access manager Philip Waite leads a team of seasonal countryside rangers that cover the Highlands. He has been speaking to the P&J about the future of the ranger service and the growing problems associated with camper vans and increasing visitor numbers. More: Alberto Lejarraga | Press and Journal

🟡 The Badachro Distillery has just taken delivery of some new whisky stills. You can see photos on Facebook. The business also shared a cocktail recipe they've dubbed the Badachro Bramble. Has anyone tried it yet? More: Facebook

🟡 The folk at Gairloch Markets still have space for more stall holders. If you'd like a stall email: [email protected]

🟡 Plans to convert the former Mo Dhachaidh Care Home in Ullapool into seven affordable flats have been approved by Highland Council, aiming to provide much-needed accommodation for key workers in the area. More: Iona M.J. MacDonald | Ross-shire Journal

🟡 Controversial plans for four glamping pods on common grazing land near Port Henderson have been withdrawn by the developer. More: Highland Council

🟡 If you normally get your domestic heating oil from Gleaner, you may need to check whether they can still supply you. We've seen an email from the firm to a Gairloch resident that says: "We regret to inform you that due to ongoing operational constraints, it is no longer possible for us to reliably ensure regular fuel deliveries to your area." We have also seen emails from another firm who remains quite happy to supply Gairloch.

🟡 Business confidence in the region has dropped, according to the latest survey of local firms from Highlands and Islands Enterprise. 93% of firms said they were experiencing "significant challenges", with the top issue being rising costs. More: hie.co.uk

🟡 Did you know that if you are a crofter or a small farmer you might be eligible for subsidised vet fees? The Scottish Crofting Federation think more people should know about the Highlands and Islands Veterinary Services Scheme.
More: Scottish Government.

🟡 And finally thanks to everyone who shared their excellent wintry Wester Ross pics on our Facebook page this week. Here's a small selection:

1. An Teallach from Dundonnell House Snowdrop Day, Steve McDonald.
2. A wintry sunset, Jennie Strutt.
3. The Torridons from Port Henderson, The Shop at The Pier.
4. Loch a’ Bhraoin, Inverbroom, Matt Larsen-Daw