‘Far from ideal’: Anger at ‘disgraceful’ state of grass in Thurso
Community representatives in Thurso are on the warpath over the unkempt state of public green areas in the town.
The Riverside and the cemetery were among those said to be in a “disgraceful” state due to clumps of grass left after they have been mowed.
Feelings ran high at last week’s meeting of Thurso Community Council when it was even suggested the issue could trigger a council tax boycott among some disgruntled residents.
Ex Highland councillor Donnie Mackay: “The grass in the town is like silage. It’s just a disgrace.
“If something isn’t done, people are going to stop paying their council tax. I guarantee that is going to happen.”

Mr Mackay said the grass areas are an eyesore for local people and visitors to the town.
Community councillor Gill Arrowsmith said it is clear the machinery being used is not picking up the grass after it is mowed.
Colleague Billy Sinclair commented: “It’s another example of how this area is being discriminated against. I’m sure the grass around Inverness Castle will be absolutely fine.
“It’s getting to the stage that we need to be doing something legal wise.”
Mr Mackay said there is stark contrast when comparing the well-looked after ground at the town’s caravan and camping site with the neighbouring Highland Council Gillock Park playing field.
He added that an event during a recent sports day at Thurso High had to be moved to the all-weather pitch at Naver because of the clumps of glass left on the school grounds.
He understood that the problems have arisen through a shortage of staff and equipment.
Thurso and Northwest Highland councillor Ron Gunn said he and other ward councillors have been battling to increase the available resources.
He said: “We’re doing our best but we’re up against it. The grass is being cut but they can’t collect it.
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“Some areas are in a disgraceful state and we have asked that they bring in contractors.”
Councillor Gunn said the council’s ban on using traditional weedkillers has not helped maintain the open areas.
He said: “It’s far from an ideal situation.”
Community councillor Grant Miller said the cemetery grounds and surrounding areas are “an absolute disgrace”.
As well as not collecting the grass after it is cut, there has been a lack of strimming.
After the brickbats, the community council was keen to commend the council gardeners for their unstinting efforts at the town centre gardens at Sir John’s Square.
A Highland Council spokesperson said: “The council doesn’t have mowers capable of uplifting grass clippings but when the schedule allows, they ‘cross-cut’ the areas, essentially cutting once, and then cutting again in a different direction to disperse the clippings more evenly.
“We are now in the peak growing period and this year is proving to have exceptional growth due to the continued wet and warm weather which makes upkeep difficult.
“The team are currently very busy with burials which are prioritised which can impact the strimming schedule.
“The 16-day forecast is for rain at some point every day, so the normal burning off and slowdown of growth the grass typically suffers by the end of June is not going to happen this year.
“This growth rate will probably continue well into July, with the added problems of cutting wet grass.”