Wester Ross Biosphere has launched a Crowdfunding appeal hoping to raise £59,200 to maintain core operational costs and staff for the next 12 months.
The Biosphere receives no core government funding and relies on local communities to fund its work. Having been designated by UNESCO in 2016, the Biosphere must now complete a 10 year periodic review without which it may lose the UNESCO designation.
Through its existence, the Biosphere has delivered a range of projects including an expanding Gaelic development programme supported by Bord na Gaidhlig and the annual Dark Skies Festival. Complimenting the Crowdfunding appeal, a social campaign has also been launched called Dear Wester Ross in which supporters are asked to record short videos to encourage others to help keep the Biosphere in existence.
Following a survey published recently suggesting that Inverness Town House could be put to use as offices, self catering apartments and a TV or film location, it has emerged that two years after vacating the building, around fifteen housing and property staff working for Highland Council have moved back into the building.
Councillor Alex Graham said the removal of staff was a huge financial blow to Inverness Common Good Fund which holds the Town House and he welcomes staff using offices there even on a temporary or short term basis. He says the Castle Street service point is well placed for meeting tenants or housing applicants.
The A Listed building has its place in history having been the venue for Liberal Prime Minister David Lloyd George’s UK Government cabinet meeting in September 1921. Lloyd George had been on holiday in Gairloch when he brought cabinet ministers, including Winston Churchill, together in Inverness following Ireland’s rejection of King George V, a meeting which led to the drawing up of the Inverness Formula which guided later discussions on the treaty creating the Irish Free State.
Inverness Caley Thistle has the opportunity to move 6 points clear at the top of the League One table this evening when it plays its rearranged fixture away against Alloa Athletic. Kick off at Alloa is at 7.45.
Meantime the draw has been made for the round of 32 in the Scottish Challenge Cup now known as the KDM Evolution Trophy. Ross County has a home match against Celtic’s B team while Caley Thistle will have an away game against Dumbarton. The games are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 9th December.
