Highland CCTV Coverage Extended To Invergordon

Invergordon is the latest Highland community to be covered by a close circuit television service. The Highland CCTV Partnership has fully commissioned five public space cameras, which monitor activities in and around the town centre, including shops and businesses, the railway station and Park Primary School. 

The £61,000 cost was met from contributions from The Highland Council, Ross and Cromarty Enterprise, Northern Constabulary and HITRANS, the strategic transport partnership for the Highlands and Islands.

Scotshield Fire and Security Ltd completed the local scheme for the Highland CCTV Partnership on time and on budget, using a range of new technologies, including Wireless Video and Telemetry Technology.

Images from the five cameras are monitored at Invergordon Police Station.

Highland Councillor John Connell, who represents Invergordon, said: "The new service is very welcome indeed. It will particularly assist with enhancing public safety within the area of Invergordon Station, Park Primary school and many businesses along the High Street where recent environmental improvements have been made."

Acting Inspector Yvonne Brechin, who is based at Invergordon, said: "The introduction of the new CCTV system in Invergordon town centre is the culmination of months of close multi-agency partnership working to ensure a safer community.  It will allow us to build on decreasing crime levels in respect of public order and anti-social behaviour in the High Street.  The new system will also help to increase public confidence, providing reassurance to those living and working within the community."

Maitland Hyslop, chief executive of RACE said: "RACE is pleased to be able to assist with this as part of the Invergordon High Street redevelopment project."

Invergordon Community Council and local businesses have warmly welcomed the community safety initiative.

Donnie MacKenzie, Chairman of the Community Council, said: "The installation of the cameras is the culmination of two years of preparation. Even if it just deters people from misbehaving or commiting a crime we will be delighted."

Maxine Smith, Invergordon Business Association, said: "The cameras are very welcome indeed in helping business people and the general public feel that bit safer. Hopefully it will deter vandals and those people who drop litter in our streets. I have discovered in the short time that the cameras have been operating that if we challenge the youngsters who drop litter and point to the cameras they actually pick it up. Amazing!"

The Highland CCTV Partnership has already established CCTV cameras in Dingwall, Fort William, Inverness, Nairn, Tain and Thurso. 

Councillor Drew McFarlane Slack, Chairman of the Partnership, said: "The installation of CCTV systems have a huge impact on our community safety agenda. They help the police to identify and tackle local concerns and ensure successful prosecutions."