Latest news with #Gowans
The National
08-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Highland motorhome pass earns £8k despite lowered targets
Highland Council launched the Campervan and Motorhome Scheme in July 2024, which aimed to 'deliver sustainable and responsible tourism' in the area. The voluntary passes, which cost £40 and are valid for a full week, give motorhome users access to council parking areas and showers around the North Coast 500 and Nairn. READ MORE: Consultants appointed to tackle congestion on Highland roads A target of £500,000 was set by the council, who planned to use the money to improve services along its roads. Earlier this year, however, the original target was reduced by 96%, setting a new goal of just £20,000. The Press and Journal revealed on Tuesday that revenue generated by the pass had not even reached the halfway point of the new target. Figures released by Highland Council show that a total of £7,988.56 was earned from the passes between July 1 last year and June 3 this year – meaning only around 200 people purchased one. Council vice convener and senior strategic chairman, Ken Gowans (below), defended the scheme by arguing that its main aim is to 'promote responsible tourism by offering managed alternatives to wild camping'. (Image: Highland Council) Gowans admitted that £500,000 was an 'ambitious target for a new initiative', though he argued that 'minimal and one-off setup costs' mean future income could help ease the council tax burden for Highland residents The Inverness South councillor called it 'disappointing' that opposition members 'overlook' the scheme's purpose. He said: 'While revenue is a factor, the primary goal is to promote responsible tourism by offering managed alternatives to wild camping — especially in our most environmentally sensitive areas. 'By providing basic facilities, we reduce both the environmental damage and the cost of cleaning up after irresponsible campers. 'Rangers and the installation of additional waste bins at key locations further strengthen this approach, helping us protect our natural heritage while continuing to welcome millions of visitors each year.' The SNP councillor also added that 'there are no planned changes' currently devised for the scheme. However, he did highlight that they are 'always open to improvements' related to customer experience and community feedback. READ MORE: British Museum to loan Lewis Chessmen to France in exchange for Bayeux Tapestry Gowans questioned how a measure that protects the Highlands and brings in much-needed income could be seen as a mistake, arguing it offers a practical solution to a difficult problem—unlike the opposition, which, he claimed, presents no viable alternatives and risks worsening environmental harm by advocating inaction. Conservative councillor Ruraidh Stewart, however, labelled the scheme a 'complete failure' and a "total flop" and has called for it to be axed. Stewart told The P&J: 'What we've ended up with is a freeloaders' charter, where people are being directed to park up for nothing while local providers are left footing the bill.' The Eilean a' Cheò representative said the introduction of the scheme was a 'mistake' in the first place.
The National
08-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Consultants appointed to tackle Fort William congestion
The roads in and around Fort William have been subject to complaints about traffic gridlocks, including the A82 which connects it to Glasgow and Inverness. Now, two engineering firms are set to spend around 18 months configuring priorities and potential funding sources to help improve transportation, according to reports from the BBC. Previous studies suggested that emergency service staff faced delays getting to work, as did school pupils and teachers, due to high congestion in the area. READ MORE: Campaigners call on Scottish Government intervention as RAAC report shows areas hit BBC reported that firms AECOM and Stantec have been tasked by Highland Council and regional transport body Hitrans to produce an integrated transport plan as part of a wider vision for Fort William and Lochaber called FW2040. Highland Council's economy and infrastructure committee chairman Ken Gowans has called the appointment of consultants 'a significant but long overdue step.' Gowans said to the BBC: 'The appointment … brings renewed momentum and a real opportunity to tackle the long-standing issues of congestion and connectivity that affect residents, businesses and emergency services alike. 'This plan is a key step in shaping a better future for Fort William and the wider Lochaber area.' Transport Scotland confirmed the plan would explore ways to improve journey times and local connections along the A82 through Fort William. Frazer Coupland, of the West Highland Chamber of Commerce, described the development as a 'lifetime opportunity' for the region. He told the BBC: 'We are a town of low resilience when it comes to our transport infrastructure. It only takes a small mistake to really congest the place and gridlock us on occasions. READ MORE: New 'golf express' bus route from Scottish airport to St Andrews launches 'A four to five-mile journey can take up to an hour if you go at the wrong times of day.' While he said everyone wished for a 'magic wand' to fix the problem, he acknowledged that solutions would take time. In September, local businesses including BSW Timber and Mowi warned that worsening congestion was holding back expansion and affecting deliveries. Lochaber Chamber of Commerce said traffic in Fort William had reached 'crisis point.' The 2018 Fort William Strategic Transport Study highlighted serious seasonal congestion, delays to emergency services, and only one road in or out of town. Accidents on the A82 can lead to diversions more than 100 miles long. The geography in the area has also had an adverse effect on road improvements, with Ben Nevis on one side and Loch Linnhe on the other.
The Herald Scotland
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Derelict school to be transformed into affordable housing
The renovation will provide affordable housing while also supporting the local community, businesses and minimises the carbon footprint both during construction and in use. Chair of the Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: 'This is exactly the type of project the Vacant & Derelict Land Investment Programme should be supporting. The renovation of this derelict school and school house will create 5 or 6 fuel efficient user-friendly housing unit, in an area where affordable housing is very limited.' READ MORE: The Council will the administer the funding and the project will be delivered by the Communities Housing Trust Communities Housing Scotland (CHT) working with The Glendale Trust. The project will be a case study to demonstrate how derelict buildings can be refurbished cost effectively, provide significant benefits to the community and much needed housing. While undertaking the renovation, under existing building regulations, each stage will be analysed to determine improvements that could make renovations a more attractive and cost-effective option. Councillor Gowans added: 'Improvements identified could include changes to regulations and planning status, project efficiencies, energy management, waste management and reduction in environmental impact. 'I wish everyone involved all the very best as they move forward with this exciting transformation project.'
Press and Journal
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Man in court accused of disfiguring Aberdeen player Jack MacKenzie with chair
A 31-year-old man has appeared from custody accused of striking Aberdeen footballer Jack MacKenzie with a seat after a match with Dundee United. The player was allegedly left severely injured and permanently disfigured after a piece of a plastic seat was thrown from the away section at Tannadice Park on Saturday May 17. Swathes of United fans invaded the pitch at full-time after Jim Goodwin's side secured fourth place with a 2-1 win over the Dons in the final Scottish Premiership match of the season. Prosecutors allege that David Gowans was responsible for striking the 25-year-old defender, who was called up to the Scotland national squad in October 2024. Police suggested that the projectile was launched from the upper deck of the Fair Play Stand. Aberdeen Football Club said Mr MacKenzie, a former loanee at Forfar Athletic, was left with a 'serious facial injury'. Gowans, of Montrose Drive, Aberdeen, made no plea in connection with a single charge of culpable and reckless conduct when he appeared in private at Dundee Sheriff Court. He was committed for further examination by Sheriff Eric Brown, who released Gowans on bail with a condition not to attend or attempt to attend any match in which Aberdeen FC are playing.
The Courier
21-05-2025
- Sport
- The Courier
Fan accused of striking player with seat in Dundee United Euro celebrations appears in court
A 31-year-old man has appeared in court from custody accused of striking an Aberdeen footballer with a seat after a match with Dundee United. Jack MacKenzie was allegedly left severely injured and permanently disfigured after a piece of a plastic seat was thrown from the away section at Tannadice Park on Saturday May 17. Swathes of United fans invaded the pitch at full-time after Jim Goodwin's side secured fourth place – and European football next season – with a 2-1 win over the Dons in the final Scottish Premiership match of the season. Prosecutors allege David Gowans was responsible for striking the 25-year-old defender, who was called up to the Scotland national squad in October 2024. Police suggested that the projectile was launched from the upper deck of the Fair Play Stand. Aberdeen Football Club said Mr MacKenzie, a former loanee at Forfar Athletic, was left with a 'serious facial injury'. Gowans, of Montrose Drive, Aberdeen, made no plea in connection with a single charge on petition of culpable and reckless conduct at Dundee Sheriff Court. He was committed for further examination by Sheriff Eric Brown who released Gowans on bail with a condition not to attend or attempt to attend any match in which Aberdeen FC are playing.
