Merkinch newsletter faces a fight for survival

A POTENTIAL funding gap of more than £9000 has prompted a popular Inverness publication to issue an urgent appeal.

Merkinch News and Views is seeking volunteers and donations in a bid to secure its survival.

Established 24 years ago, the free newsletter is distributed each month to residents and businesses in its area.

But a reduced income including the end of grant funding means it is facing a potential deficit of £9300 this year,

Also, since the retirement of its editor, the late Bette McArdle, more than two years ago, it has been compiled and designed by two staff at Merkinch Enterprise including chief executive Terry Ellison.

He is urging residents and businesses to support the publication which has a print run of 2500 copies and reaches up to 7000 readers.

"I ask the Merkinch residents to consider offering any assistance you can whether that be submitted articles, suggestions, stories and/or volunteering," he said.

"I also ask local businesses and organisations to consider a donation or advertising to ensure the continuity of the newsletter."

Ten volunteers deliver 1200 newsletters while a team from the charity, For The Right Reasons, deliver the rest.

"We would be extremely grateful if local residents would consider giving up a couple of hours each month to help us continue to deliver the newsletter thought the Merkinch area," Mr Ellison said.

He said various options have been discussed to ensure the newsletter’s sustainability.

They include reducing the number of copies, making copies available at shops, schools and surgeries, cutting down the number of pages, reducing the frequency of publication and publishing only online.

Mr Ellison said the final option would be to cease publication.

Although it was not one he wanted to consider, he did not discount it entirely for the future.

"While I strive to secure relevant funding to keep both our charity and the services it provides for the community, no the lease the News and Views, each option has to be revisited and considered regularly," he said.