Use: Immediate                                                                             Issue Date: Friday 11 March 2005

Following a highly successful community conference in November, South Kessock Environmental Project, along with other active groups in the Merkinch and Kessock area, have developed a partnership initiative to take forward local ideas in the form of an Environmental Week .

From Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17 March a number of activities are being organised which invite local adults and children to participate in making positive improvements to their area, and to identify further projects that will make a difference to locals and visitors. Local Project Officer Brian MacLeod says: "This is an active opportunity to come together and show the ways in which we can make a positive future for this community."

The focal point of the Environmental Week will be the construction of a stone feature at the gateway to Carnac Point, as part of a training scheme run by BTCV Scotland aimed at local young people who wish to learn stone wall building skills. Associated with the work at Carnac point and local clean-ups, it is planned to improve the existing gardens at the Corbett Centre, making this more accessible to the whole community, where it is hoped more people will become involved in making this another focal point of the area.

Local Highland Coucillor, Peter Corbet says: "I’m impressed by the tremendous support we are receiving from such a wide range of interest groups, and I hope that individuals will join us in this opportunity to move forward, and show our commitment by taking our own action in our own open spaces."

As well as the BTCV involvement, there is funding support from the agencies and The Highland Council, with the greeninverness partnership providing additional tools and equipment to the successful tool club. This enables a long term programme of community involvement in environmental projects and helps improve the individual gardens in the area. The XL group at Inverness High School is taking a leading role and with wider schools involvement and participation from a range of interested individuals this will be an opportunity to have fun and share in the satisfaction of making a real positive difference.

Local people will have an opportunity on Thursday 17 March from 5pm to meet at Merkinch Community Centre with the development agencies to consider a working agenda for a more positive future for Merkinch. In addition to the Environment other themes for reflection and discussion will include Cultural Development, Community Health and Well Being, Wealth Creation and the formation of a Merkinch Partnership.

Anyone who would like further information about the Environmental Week should contact Brian MacLeod on 01463 240085.

Date Last updated : 14/03/05