Return to Durness Local News

11th February 2008

Community council

At the recent monthly meeting Di Alexander from the small communities Housing Trust spoke to the members regarding the land in the village square where the old hall stood. This land was purchased but the Small communities housing trust to be held in a land bank for the possibility of housing to be built. Concern regarding the kind of housing as dwe3llings totally dedicated to the elderly with warden care is unlikely to be guaranteed for all future residents. A local survey carried out identified other uses for the site and although the small communities Housing trust have stated for the time being they will not sell the land on with out community agreement this was never to be a permanent solution. Further discussions are to continue.

Smoo Cave Interpretation

Five New panels describing the cave and its environs will be installed at the car park at Smoo cave before Easter. As part of the improvements the Highland Council have been liaisoning with the community on agreed wording and design. New picnic tables and seating has also been installed.


Bingo

Everyone is welcome to attend a bingo night in the hall on Friday night. The event being organised by the youth club to raise money towards a dishwasher for the hall. Contributions of prizes or baking would be most welcome. Start time 7.30. Light refreshments will be available.

Youth Worker

Funds have been secured form Lloyds TSB, Highland Council ward discretionary budget and Durness Development Group to employ a full time youth worker for another 3 years. The post will be advertised locally and work on a job share.

Ceannabeinne

The project at the preclearance township of Ceannabeinne has identified a site that has proved a lot older than first estimated. On a rock stack, by the cliffs below the main township are the scant remains of a settlement. Consisting of at least two buildings it was thought to have been an early Christian monastic site, but charcoal remains have been dated by radiocarbon to 370-100 BC. This suggests an Iron Age promontory fort. It is hoped to have the interpretive panels in place and the information leaflet available for April. The local drama group has been working on a DVD of the story relating to the account of the actions that occurred in 1841 when the people were moved from the well established village to make way for sheep. This should also be available in the near future. The project is funded by Heritage Lotteries, Highland Year of Culture and Scottish Natural Heritage.