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9th November 2007

Festival Awards

John Lennon Northern Lights Festival 2007 has been nominated in two categories, Best New festival competing with another 15 and 13 in the Fan friendly awards. Announcement made at an event in London on Tuesday 6th November and won first in the Best New festival award. Community council chair person mary mackay and Development Group chair Graham Bruce were at the ceremony with representatives form North Highland Tourism who promoted the festival in Durness.
On the Ian Anderson show starting at 2230. on BBC Scotland on November 21.1hr programme all about the John Lennon Northern Lights Festival in Durness held at the end of September.


Military

The MOD is conducting exercises involving fixed wing aircraft and a small number of ground personnel between 12 and 22 November. One of the areas involved is the Cape Wrath range. Out of hours flying has been authorised and there may be some noise disturbance. The point of contact for enquires and complaints in the Cape Wrath area is Capt. David Smith 0131 3104857 Flying complaints John Gilbert Royal Air Force 01387381156 Out of hours contact Staff Duty Officer 0131 310 2211. This notice was sent to the Durness Community Council from Headquarters 51 (Scottish) Brigade in Stirling.

Phone Card

The new local phone card is currently in production and people with recently installed phones should ensure their number is included. Please contact Yvonne Mackay 01971511342 if you have recently obtained a new number. The card is due to be printed on Monday 19 November.

Light Up a Life

On 10 December the second Durness Light up a Life event will take place: This will involve lighting up a Christmas tree and a carol service.
Highland Hospice in conjunction with Community Council hold the occasion for an opportunity to dedicate a light on the Hospice light up a life tree, to any individual, group or cause. As well as honouring the memory of those who are no longer with us Light up a Life is also an opportunity to remember a person or people who are special to us in some way. The event will be held outside Durness Village Hall weather permitting on Monday 11 December at 6pm. This will be followed by refreshments in the village hall. For further details contact Amada Burt at the Highland Hospice 01463 227 913

Smoo Cave
Consultations are underway with the Highland Council to renew the interpretive themes and picnic area at Smoo cave along with improved signage to and surrounding the cave approaches. The Community Council was given the first draft of the proposals for input and comment. It is planned the new interpretation and displays will be in place for the spring of 2008. As this is coinciding with the project of interpretation at Ceannabeinne it is intended that the display panels will have a coordinated theme which will also include the installation of the information on the walking network.

Bonfire and Fireworks

A successful but windy event was held last Monday night. The local fire service ensured all were kept safe as an ariel display of fireworks was held. A large bonfire kept away the cold and burgers were on sale. A small collection was made towards costs and donations will still be much appreciated a collection box has been placed in the shops.

Remembrance Service

There will be a Remembrance Service, Sunday 11th November to remember all those men and women who were killed during the two World Wars. People are respectfully asked to avoid driving past the War Memorial at 11am to allow for the 2 minute silence. Everyone is welcome to attend with light refreshments at the Sango sands Oasis after.