Ross-shire Journal front page review of 2024: March

CONTINUING our look back over 2024 through the Ross-shire Journal front pages of the last 12 months, we come to March.

SEE ALSO

January 2024 in Ross-shire Journal front pages

February 2024 in Ross-shire Journal front pages

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March 1

The prospect of another 99 homes on the edge of Alness triggered calls for expansion of a local primary school.

The plans from Pat Munro (Alness) were for an area of land near Obsdale Primary School and on land with a long history of housing development.

While the proposal came at a time of high demand for affordable housing in the Highlands, some concerns were expressed about over-development of the site and the possible impact on the school.

Also making the front page were calls for a rota scheduling ‘superhero’, social media videographer and museum attendant - amongst the roles being advertised for volunteers keen to help out Groam House Museum.

The award-winning Black Isle museum depends on its ‘Groamies’ - volunteers who help bring the magic.

March 8

The Wester Ross son of a man who sadly died just six days after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer was limbering up for a fundraising challenge in his honour.

Gary Dean Morrice was just 56 when he died from a cruel disease sometimes dubbed ‘the silent killer’.

His Lochcarron-based son Lachlan decided to run the Inverness Half Marathon. Lchlan described his late dad as “the life and soul of the party” and someone who “loved the craic”.

He had already smashed his Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland fundraising target when we caught up with him and was closing in £3700.

Acorn Bioenergy meanwhile was being told it needed to address environmental concerns about its proposals for an anaerobic digester in Fearn.

March 15

NHS officials faced a deluge of concerns from a Wester Ross community over a lack of detail about a cost-saving plan that could see local doctors’ involvement in the area’s out-of-hours health care completely.

A Plockton woman who taught herself to walk again after being immobilised was gearing up for a plucky fundraiser to help Palestinian children affected by conflict to walk again too.

Jane Buckley (86) was preparing to take a 100-miles-in-March challenge. The cash raised would go to British charity Medical Aid for Palestinians.

March 22

Ailsa Campbell’s bid to honour her late parents by taking part in Strictly Inverness was making great progress as a front page picture story revealed.

Morag’s March at Dingwall Legion was supported by over 100 people and involved games, dancing and music. We had a picture spread inside from a very successful night.

Calls for the fire cover in an area of Easter ross to be beefed up also made our front page amidst the concerns of a local councillor about the dated equipment being used.

Local councillor Maureen Ross was backing a campaign for improvements amidst concern that a 20-year old ‘Trumpton’ vehicle currently being used could actually pose a risk to the public.

Balintore Community Fire Station would also soon be helping to cover a freeport area.

While you’re here…

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