It’s being reported that Gairloch, Aultbea and Ullapool fire crews have all been mobilised to assist the ongoing operation to bring the wild fire in the Cairngorm national parks under control.
The fire has been burning for two weeks and according to park bosses, has left what is described as an apocalyptic scene of devastation with around about 10 square miles of moorland and forestry near Aviemore destroyed.
It is hoped that cooler weather and rain will help prevent a further spread of flames.
A project which has run for 12 years to commemorate the group known as the Coigach women came to fruition last week when a memorial was unveiled at Coigach.
The Coigach women from the area around Achiltibuie resisted sheriff officers and local police sent by their landlord to evict them from their land in 1852 and 1853.
The monument erected in their honour is four standing stones encircled by two rings of stone with the central stone representing the community while the three stones round about it represent three of the women ringleaders who are protecting the community which is represented by the main stone.
More than 200 people many of whose forebears had lived in the area, attended the celebrations which continued at the village hall with an array of food and drink provided by the local community, followed by historical accounts, poetry, readings, dance and lastly music by acclaimed local musicians.
The Highland Council needs more foster carers for children in the Highlands and is encouraging anyone who has considered becoming a foster carer to find out more about it.
Staff from Highland Fostering will be attending the Belladrum Festival from today until Saturday and the Black Isle Show next Thursday 6th August followed by the Vision 29 Free Family Fun Day at the northern Meeting Park, Inverness on 10th August. Conversations will be informal with staff answering questions on how to become a foster carer helping to make a life changing difference for a Highland child.
