Fochabers residents have their lives back

By MIKE COLLINS

LAST WEEK was a momentous one in the history of Fochabers with the opening of the long-awaited bypass – and this week has been equally so, because residents have woken up to the fact that they now have a better quality of life.

‘The Scot’ returned to the village to ask the people on the high street what they think, and the comments indicate a remarkable transformation.

Much of the focus was on the difference a bypass would make to motorists using the A96 trunk road, not being held up travelling through the village. That is shining through loud and clear, but it’s the people of Fochabers who are proving the real winners.

“Magic” ... “brilliant” ... “it’s safer” ... “a different world” ... “great for the village” ... are just a few of the comments.

Free from the noise of lorries thundering past, life is far more pleasant, we are told; people have a spring in their step; parking in the high street is so much easier, and folk can cross the road more safely.

And the business community is rising to the challenge, talking of having a vision for Fochabers, making the most of this new, more relaxed atmosphere to encourage passers-through to stop and shop, and enjoy the delights of this historic and scenic part of Moray.

And the local people, too, are full of praise for the work done by the contractors in not only completing an amazing piece of engineering but with the minimum of disruption.

It’s the start of a new era for Fochabers and its residents. Enjoy it and make the most of it to give your village a bright future.

Rural community looking to future

WHILE ONE part of Moray has entered a new era, another is being asked to look at its future.

Tomintoul and Glenlivet does not have problems with heavy traffic; indeed, their problems are about attracting more people to the area to visit and live there, and to invigorate the economy and communities.

As ‘The Scot’ was told this week, the outlying areas of Moray are just as important as the main centres of population, and nothing could be truer. Rural communities often feel forgotten, neglected, but they should not – they deserve to feel very much part of Moray.

Tomintoul has experienced a dramatic downturn in recent years and is badly in need of a shot in the arm. Hopefully, this could be the start for it and for Glenlivet.

The people who live and work there have an important role to play by engaging in discussion on a consultation document now open for inspection. They hold the key to determining what should be done and what shouldn’t be done, and in steering the powers-that-be in the right direction.

It is critical that they have their say and that they make their voice heard, for the future of this important part of Moray.

Moira ready again to help in Haiti

GOOD LUCK to Moira Proctor on her return to Haiti to bring some help and comfort to people still suffering the effects of a devastating earthquake.

The nurse gathered help from Moray before to take to the island in 2010. Touched by the scenes of poverty and suffering, she vowed to go back, and is as good as her word, despite warnings of the volatile atmosphere there.

Again, Moira, who has set up her own ‘Help Haiti’ charity account, is looking for donations to support charity work and, no doubt, our people will rally round again. If folk are desperate and destitute, we are among the first to help. Please do so again.