Gairloch Residents Vote To Relocate War Memorial

The results are now in for the recent consultation on the future of the Gairloch War memorial, and there has been an overwhelming 84.3% response in favour of the suggested move to a new site adjacent to the Crasg Car Park.

The move to a new site will make the War Memorial accessible to people of all ages and abilities, while retaining much of the spirit of the original location.

The consultation arose out of a desire on behalf of the Community Council and The Highland Council’s Planning and Development Service to test levels of public support for the suggestion, which had emerged as a strong favourite from the Consultation events, held last year, and from the Community Council’s own consideration.

Of the 673 cards sent out 337 have been returned, giving a return rate of 50%. In total, 284 were in favour, 51 against and two cards were received which offered comment but no preference.

 Anne Cowling, Landscape Officer for the Environment Section of The Highland Council’s Planning and Development Service said: “We have been delighted with the level of response to this consultation, proving what an active and involved community there is here in Gairloch. We are also pleased that there is such a clear majority in the consultation as this shows genuine local support for the project.”

The results were reported to the Community Council on 13 May and members have endorsed the outcome. Mr Willie MacRae, Chairman of the Community Council said:  “We are well satisfied with the positive outcome of the consultation process, and the manner in which it was conducted. The problems of accessing the memorial safely have been of great concern locally for many years, and we look forward to receiving the consultants report which will hopefully ensure a positive outcome”.

The next step will be to appoint consultants to survey the condition of the memorial and put together a specification for the works which will be funded from the Planning and Development Service’s Capital Works Programme. The Council is also in discussion with the War Memorials Trust to see if the project qualifies for their grant scheme.

Councillor Richard Greene said: “I am delighted that people in Gairloch have used this opportunity to make their voices heard, and look forward to seeing the results of this in the completion of a project that has really come from the community themselves.”