SSEN apologises, promises changes to A832 road closure plans

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⚡ This week we couldn't really start the newsletter without talking about the response to proposals from SSEN Transmission for lengthy road closures on the A832 at Dundonnell. Original proposal here: SSEN (via Internet Archive)

✒️ Since the proposals were first made public last week, more than 600 people have signed an online petition opposing the SSEN plans. More: 38 Degrees

👥 The proposed works were roundly criticised at a recent meeting of Aultbea Community Council, and both Aultbea and Wester Loch Ewe Community Councils have already sent letters of objection to the council. The WLECC objection is on Facebook

ℹ️ An Environmental Information Regulations request has been submitted to SSEN to try to find out more about what factors they considered and who they spoke to when they put together the works plan. More: WhatDoTheyKnow.com

🎥 The stooshie has apparently caught the attention of the BBC. They will be looking to speak to locals at the Dundonnell Hotel at noon today. More: Facebook

🚫 A number of local politicians have also backed locals and opposed the original SSEN proposals. We have also received a number of critical letters that we'll try to publish in the next issue of the Gairloch and District Times. If you have have received letters from any politicians, SSEN or anyone else involved, or if you would like to share you views on the proposal, we'd like to see them! You can send us your tips and thoughts here.

❗ AND Stop Press: After all that, SSEN have reportedly emailed locals late on Wednesday September 17 to say: "We are reviewing alternative approaches and will implement measures to minimise disruption during the essential works to replace or upgrade drainage culverts along the cable route." Although we have not had time to independently verify it, the full email is on Facebook. Additionally, all the Wester Ross councillors are to meet with SSEN next week. More: Facebook.

💷 In other news, Loch Ewe Community Enterprise (LECE) has been successful in a funding bid that will help the group put together a bid for the former McLeod and Mitchell premises at Bac Dubh, Poolewe. A community share offer is in the works. In an emailed statement, the group said: "This funding marks an exciting first step toward transforming the site into a community-owned and managed business park, designed to provide affordable, high-quality rental space for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and start-ups." More: LECE

🗣️ Speaking of enterprising community projects, the Applecross Community Company are holding two consultation events this weekend where locals can find out more about proposed designs for new homes and business units for the Hydro Field. More: Facebook.

🎉 The team at Strathburn House have won praise following an unannounced Care Inspectorate visit. "Phenomenal improvements" meant that all requirements from the regulator have reportedly been lifted. More: Facebook

🍻 The Loch Ewe Brewing Company have announced their autumn event dates. More: Facebook

🔥 Local Highlife Highland rangers and Slattadale are teaming up to invite Gairloch High teens to Views, Fireside & Chill on September 26 2-7pm. More: Eventbrite

🥕 Locals are being urged to back the Gairloch Primary and Nurseries project at the Dingwall Tesco. They're in the running to get funding from the supermarket's Stronger Starts programme and hope to use any funding they receive to buy a new poly tunnel. More: Facebook

☕ The folk at the Bridge Cottage Art Cafe in Poolewe are taking a well earned break. The Cafe will close on September 18 and re-open on September 26. More: Facebook

⛪ The former Church of Scotland in Poolewe is up for auction, with a starting price of £90,000. You can bid for the property at Braveheart Auctions and read more: Iona M.J. MacDonald | Ross-Shire Journal (£)

🐑 Have you ever wanted to try your hand at spinning wool? The Overside Wool team will be at the Gairloch Museum Doors Open Day event on Saturday September 20, and can show you how. If you want to go on a tour of the museum store, you also need to book in advance. More: Gairloch Museum

💍 This Saturday in Aultbea Hall, there's a Wedding Afternoon Tea that kicks off at 2.30pm. Organisers have posted details of the running order to social media. More: Facebook

🐚 Also on Saturday September 20, the Kishorn Community Trust are organising a beach clean and barbeque. More: Facebook

🗳️ The West Highland Chamber of Commerce has launched their Manifesto, in preparation for next year's Holyrood elections. More: West Highland Chamber of Commerce.

📈 A recent survey reveals a significant rise in business confidence across the Highlands and Islands, with 53% of businesses expressing optimism and nearly half actively pursuing growth. More: Philip Murray | Ross-Shire Journal (£) & Highlands and Islands Enterprise

⚕️NHS Highland have announced a new "world first" initiative that will save Highlanders with cystic fybrosis from having to travel to hospitals for diabetes testing. More: NHS Highland

🏫 According to the Scottish Government’s school estate statistics for 2025, 53 primaries in the Highland Council area are rated as ‘poor’ - thirty more than the next highest council area. Locally, Applecross and Plockton are rated as "Showing major defects and/or not operating adequately." More: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco | Herald Scotland (£) & survey data: Scottish Government

🚆 The Kyle railway line is the most scenic in Europe, according to a report in the Daily Mirror. Unfortunate then, that the paper illustrated the story with a photo from the West Highland line. More: Danielle Canagasuriam | Daily Mirror

🚂 And finally, BBC archive recently posted this fascinating feature about the Kyle line from 1974, when the route was under threat of closure.