The Merkinch Community Council have applied to the Special Projects Fund with two local projects in mind.

The first project is to replace the barriers at the Carse Road end of the path leading from Benula Road. These panels were originally put in place to slow cyclists down as they approach Carse Road. The improvement suggested would still slow the cyclists down, but would improve access for wheelchairs & mothers with pushchairs. The cost of these improvements is £822.50, the remainder of the £1,000 grant would be used to erect a community notice board in Grant Street.

The second of the proposed grants is for the Upgrading of Carnarc Point, South Kessock, Inverness. Merkinch Community Council and The Harbour Trust have entered into negotiations to have Carnarc Point given over to the local community and there would appear to be no sticking points as to why this should not occur, other than minor legalities regarding access to the light beacon located at the Point.

It is proposed to: cut back and treat gorse and whins along the edges of the Point especially on the west side where it has become old and bedraggled. The clearings created from this could be planted with trees and shrubs plus wild flowers. The preferred planting would consist of Rowan, Birch, Holly, Blackthorn, Hawthorn and Seabuckthorn. The grassed area closest to the road could be a seeded as a wild meadow. This would have to be managed by mowing at the correct time of year by a hand pushed petrol mower and should not take longer than a couple of hours. A small amount of Heath could be planted or seeded around the edges at the far end of the Point near the Beacon. Benches could be interspersed along the footpath at strategic points to give the more senior members and less abled bodied people a rest point. Bearing in mind the threat of vandalism the benches would be concreted in. A raised grass bank or boulders would be incorporated to prevent intrusion of cars. The entire Project is aimed at the local community and should be organised and run by them, children and adults would both be involved. It is also aimed at attracting people to use the area and encourage wildlife. The cost of this venture would be £1,348.

As always, the Merkinch Community Council needs to know your thoughts on these and any other Merkinch Issues. If you know any of your Community Councillors then ask them to bring your issues up at the next meeting or write to the secretary: