New chief is told of local issues
BUDGET cuts and decentralisation were the main topics raised by Caithness people when the new Highland Council chief executive, Donna Manson, visited Wick and Thurso.
She met staff, councillors and members of the public as she listened to their concerns and issues. Mrs Manson also visited Tongue, Lochinver and Kinlochbervie as part of a month-long trip around the Highlands.
On her walkabout in Thurso she was accompanied by local councillor Matthew Reiss. He said budget cuts and decentralisation were raised regularly, as was the state of the roads.
Other matters mentioned included the prospect of Caithness and north Sutherland being treated the same as the islands as they are so far away from the centre of power.
"I think people were very pleased and very surprised to get a chance to speak to the new chief executive and overall it was pretty positive," Councillor Reiss said.
Asked if he thought decentralisation of powers would come to areas such as Caithness, he said: "We will have to wait and see what happens but I have no doubt that there is a drive and determination to do so.
"I can't see any reason why the community services budget can't be transferred to us. I am confident we will get more choices how to spend what is a reducing amount of money. There is a commitment from the top of the administration to do that."
Councillor Reiss pointed out that the new chief executive has family links to Caithness.
"She has been criss-crossing the Highlands listening to people and speaking to them and that is very important," he said.