A small opening ceremony took place this week to celebrate the restoration of the very well used path from Nairn East Beach car park to Kingsteps.The path, on Common Good land, leads to the edge of the Culbin nature reserve and was made all abilities around fifteen years ago in association with the Nairn Access Panel.  Since then it had become encroached upon and very worn due to its popularity and could no longer provide access for wheelchairs, buggies, or those unable to negotiate the narrow, wet and bumpy conditions. Nairn Improvement Community Enterprise and Nairn Access Panel teamed up to obtain grant funding of £18,500 for the project from the Landfill Communities Fund, RSPB, Nairn Access Panel, and Nairn Ward Discretionary Fund to restore the path, and the work has been done to a high standard by Highland Conservation Ltd.  While following national policy to encourage outdoor access for all with the health benefits it brings, it is really rewarding to see locals and visitors of all abilities enjoying once more the wonderful landscapes, birdlife and photographic opportunities which this route provides.It’s also a very good example of how NICE can work with community groups to provide the structure and support to bring ambitious local projects to fruition. 

East Beach to Kingsteps all abilities path restoration.

Work will be undertaken in February to restore the all abilities path from the East Beach car park to Kingsteps.

The path, on Common Good land, leads to the edge of the Culbin nature reserve and was made all abilities around fifteen years ago in association with the Nairn Access Panel.  Since then it has become encroached upon and very worn due to its popularity.  It can no longer provide access for wheelchairs, buggies, or those unable to negotiate the narrow and bumpy conditions, and water pools in the hollows.

Nairn Improvement Community Enterprise has now worked with the Access Panel to obtain grant funding of £18,500 for the project from the Landfill Communities Fund, RSPB, Nairn Access Panel, and Nairn Ward Discretionary Fund to restore the path, and a very experienced contractor Highland Conservation Ltd. has been appointed. 

For health and safety reasons this will clearly cause some inconvenience to regular users as the construction work is undertaken, but diversions to alternative routes will be clearly marked from the car park when necessary, and there will be no problem with access to the beach or dunes.

While following national policy to encourage outdoor access for all with the health benefits it brings, it will be really rewarding to see locals and visitors of all abilities enjoying once more the wonderful landscapes, birdlife and photographic opportunities which this route provides.

NAIRN IMPROVEMENT COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE (“COMPANY”)

REGISTERED NUMBER SC388110

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the adjourned fifth ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the above company will be held at 8.00 pm on Thursday 28 September 2017 at the Nairn Community & Arts Centre for the purpose of the following business:

1. To receive and consider the accounts of the Company for the years ended 30 November 2015 and 30 November 2016.

2. Election of directors.  New directors: Susan Hey; Samuel Hey; Steve Westbrook; Mandy Lawson.  Re-appointment of Alastair Noble; Michael Barnett. Continue reading →

Few in the community of Nairn can be unaware of the story of Hamish Hey, taken from his family and a supportive community much too early in his young life.

His family say: “Throughout Hamish’s illness, we have been truly overwhelmed by the love and support that we have received from so many over the years, particularly from the Community of Nairn. We now feel that it is time to repay our town. Our plan is to develop a special family area for all ages and abilities to enjoy. In doing this we will radiate the love we have for Hamish. It will be a place for all to experience. This will ensure that Hamish’s memory lives on for years to come.”

In order to bring this vision to reality, Hamish’s parents, Sam and Susan, have joined the Board of NICE as Director’s. This relationship provides an organisational and legal structure, charitable status – and a bank account, that allows Team Hamish to function and develop its vision. We look forward to working with them.

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Chair’s Report, Alastair Noble.
I would like to start off by quoting Marion Francis the outside management consultant who was engaged using DTAS investment to take the town centre charrette forward.

“I have worked in lots of communities in the central belt we would give our eye teeth at the turn out you have here and the energy, enthusiasm, engagement and support. You are in such a strong position. The whole political tenor of the moment is to transfer money to be invested in communities. That’s exactly what the BID is about.” Continue reading →