A Merkinch residents’ association has triumphed by winning £97,000 for its area. The Benula Road and Kilmuir Road/Court Residents Association has secured the money for environmental improvements from Highland Council. The money will be used to change the look of the tall, thick walls and fencing that enclose the blocks of flats. Association Chairperson Amanda Allan emphasised the project is not just a face lift. "It’s more than just making it look nicer. I want a safe environment for the children, so they can go outside of their houses and flats and it’s safe. This is what we’re aiming for", she said. Amanda would like to see play grounds for young children installed at each block of flats. The group have lobbied Councillor Ali MacLean and the Housing Department for two years with successes like new fencing and washing lines. Amanda stressed this latest award comes from co-operating with the Council. "We’re the first group that the council have taken in and let them spend their own money, that’s an achievement", she said adding: "I don’t think they would have done that if we were just shouting at them all the time".

Originally it was Cllr MacLean who encouraged Amanda to start a Residents Association. "One day I realised I can’t lose by this so I called a meeting." Referring to the motto from the Kevin Costner film ‘Field of Dreams’ she said: "I wasn’t sure people would come but we built it and they came".

Usually between 10 and 15 people turn up at the monthly meetings but 40 came to the annual general meeting last month. "I get a lot of support". "We do have a great sense of community spirit. We hold a fun day and people come", she said.

Work will Commence in the New Year. In the meantime the Association will hold its last meeting for 1998 on Monday 2 November in Merkinch Primary School at 7pm.