MERKINCH councillor Peter Corbett claimed one of the lowest sums in expenses in the financial year 1999/2000. Out of 80 Highlands and Islands councillors only seven claimed less, though clearly Inverness councillors do not incur the travel and accommodation costs that those from more far-flung corners of the Highlands do. But at £6,901.70, Councillor Corbett’s annual total was less than half the average of £14,582.68.

THERE are perhaps up to *200 volunteers, in one form or another, helping to keep Merkinch facilities up and running, and last month the Community Centre hosted a social evening by way of thanks to all volunteers in the area. Around 60 or so turned up to do a bit of networking and socialising. And just when everyone was feeling relaxed, Anne McCreadie announced that it was intended to run a Merkinch Choir – and volunteers were being sought (and she has the songsheets to prove it). So if you have ever fancied how good you sound in the shower, this is your big chance!

* This figure is based on Ivor Souter’s legendary numerical skills which indicate that some 180 people are involved in running the various activities at the Community Centre alone. We didn’t use his system to find the other 20!