Ross-shire Journal review of 2024 through our front pages: April
As our review of the 2024 through our front pages reaches April, we reflect on a big-hearted effort from an Easter ross community stalwart in the face of tragedy, the efforts of a remarkable Plockton woman who went the extra mile and then some for children in Gaza and the dawn of a bumper season for the Cromarty Firth cruise line season.
April 5
A Ross-shire woman who taught herself to walk again was hailed a hero after covering 100km in a month to raise money for Palestinian children.
Jane Buckley (86) made the effort for a charity caring for children who had lost their limbs in the tragic Gaza conflict.
The final steps for the plucky Plockton woman were “into the pub for half a pint!”
And in other news, the Cromarty Firth port of Invergordon welcomed the first of tens of thousands of cruise line passengers arriving during the peak holiday season.
In total 116 ships were expected carrying 225,000 visitors in a season that would run until October 11.
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April 12
Easter Ross community stalwart Sonny Rhind pressed ahead with a fundraising venture close to his heart despite the sad loss of his twin brother.
The death of Councillor Alasdair Rhind had shocked the community and prompted scores of tributes - not least from Sonny himself who described him as “a catalyst who helped to get things done”.
Sonny had stepped in to help out the organisers of Strictly Inverness after another contestant pulled out unexpectedly and went on to raise a very impressive sum for Highland Hospice.
His late wife, Marion, also did much for the community, including involvement in the trailblazing Invergordon Off the Wall mural trail and was a source of inspiration for his the former Fyrish Gymnastics Club coach.
April 19
Easter Ross parents launched a last ditch bid to save an acting head teacher they regarded as “a wonderful asset”.
Highland Council was blamed for “a tick box policy” over the move affecting Steven Small at Kiltearn Primary.
April 26
Ross-shire MP Jamie Stone backed a heartfelt plea by Tain-based Shona Mathiesob who was facing a regular 70-mile round trip to Raigmore Hospital with daughter Melissa (13) who had severe eczema.
Referring to her daughter’s agonsing pain and the discomfort, inconvenience and unpredictability of the long regular trip by public transport, Shona told us: “It’s breaking my heart and I don’t know what to do.”
She was hoping to get a transfer to an Albyn home closer to Raigmore given the frequency of the trips needed for special treatment.
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