Tenant Conference success.

Tenants of Highland Council were enthusiastic about the success of this year’s sixth annual tenant conference. Held on Saturday 4 October at the Nairn Community and Arts Centre, the conference was planned and co-ordinated by a group of tenants with the support of Council staff.

The conference show-cased a range of initiatives where tenant involvement is making a difference to environmental improvements, delivery of local services,  waste less projects, welfare reform preparations and producing informative publications for Council tenants.

Delegates had a chance to brush up on their IT abilities at a ‘getting to know your techno’ workshop, while others had a sample of the gentle exercise ‘Otago’ at a workshop run by Highlife Highland. For those who like to be hands on, the upcycling workshop offered the chance to make something new from old.

Tenants invited Gavin Oattes of Tree of Knowledge to MC this year’s conference after his fun, interactive and motivational performance at last year’s event. Delegates were not disappointed as Gavin inspired positive attitude and laughter while keeping the programme to time.

The day finished with an awards ceremony to recognise the value of tenant volunteering in Highland Communities.

Councillor Bet McAllister, vice chair of Highland Council’s Community Services Committee presented awards to Alisha Urquhart of Cromarty for Young Person of the Year; Bob Kelsey of Inverness for Good Neighbour of the Year; Babs Cameron of Balintore as the winning individual for the Making a Difference Award; and Upper Achintore Regeneration Group from Lochaber as winner of the Making a Difference Group Award.

Planning for next year’s event has already started and tenants on the planning group are hoping to repeat the level of interest and success next year.

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