Latest news with #KenGowans
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.
Scotsman
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
The 18-month plan to fix 'horrendous' hour-long gridlock in this Scottish town
Last year businesses said the long queues and delays had reached a 'crisis point' Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A plan to tackle 'horrendous' traffic congestion in Fort William will be drawn up following the appointment of consultants commissioned by the council to tackle the crisis. Highland Council said it had appointed two firms to come up with a plan over the next 18 months, establishing proposed interventions and funding sources to ease congestion and improve journey times. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Fort William, considered a gateway to the Highlands, is plagued by severe queues and delays, with the A82 in particular facing frequent gridlocks. The A82 is a key north-south route linking the Highlands to central Scotland and allows access to popular destinations such as Ben Nevis and Glen Coe. Thousands of tourists use the A82 every year to reach sites like Ben Nevis | Getty Images Last year, local businesses warned that traffic congestion had hit 'crisis point' and was holding back investment in the area. Residents reported journeys through the town that would have previously been five minutes talking three quarters of an hour. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Highland Council said emergency services had also been impacted by the congestion, with staff facing problems getting to work, as well as delays to emergency vehicles accessing roads. 'Major step forward' In 2022, a major Scottish transport review recommended the development of an integrated transport plan (ITP) for Fort William. Highland Council has now said it had taken a 'major step forward' by appointing two infrastructure consulting firms, AECOM and Stantec, to produce the plan. 'This is a significant and long-overdue milestone for Fort William,' said Councillor Ken Gowans, Highland Council's economy and infrastructure committee chairman. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The appointment of AECOM and Stantec to take forward the Integrated Transport Plan 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.' The A82 is hit by frequent gridlocks | Google Transport Scotland said the 'in-depth' study would explore measures to improve local connections and journey times, and would consider multiple modes of transport. The proposed study area borders Loch Eil, Loch Linnhe and along the corridors made by the Great Glen and Glen Nevis. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The council said flood risk areas around the River Lochy, Nevis and Loch Linnhe restrict where development can take place, while the steep sides of the glens also limit transport options. Frazer Coupland, chief executive of West Highland Chamber of Commerce, told BBC Scotland News that the plan was a "lifetime opportunity" for the area. He said: "We are a town of low resilience when it comes to our transport only takes a small mistake to really congest the place up and gridlock us on occasions. "A four to five-mile journey can take up to an hour if you go at the wrong times of day." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Crisis point' Businesses say they have suffered severely from long-standing problems with congestion in the area and have warned about the impact on investment. In September, Lochaber Chamber of Commerce said getting through Fort William was a problem that had now reached a "crisis point" and demanded urgent action be taken by the Scottish and UK governments, as well as Transport Scotland. Salmon producer Mowi has also raised concerns about delays in getting raw materials in and out of the town, which can lead to markets not being reached. David Phillips, the managing director of Shiel Buses, has also branded congestion during peak seasonal traffic as 'horrendous'.
Scottish Sun
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
New NC500 rangers deployed to crack down on illegal tourist behaviour that's hated by locals
There are currently 16 Access Rangers on patrol RANGER RESPONSE New NC500 rangers deployed to crack down on illegal tourist behaviour that's hated by locals A SMALL army of council rangers has started patrolling the North Coast 500 road trip route and other areas of the Highlands to crack down on illegal tourist behaviour. Irresponsible camping and a ban on fires in many areas are a top priority this year. Advertisement 3 Council rangers have started patrolling the NC500 route in a bid to crack down on illegal tourist behaviour Credit: Alamy 3 Campers have been leaving piles of human waste, dirty toilet paper, and heaps of rubbish along the route Credit: Facebook 3 And motorhome users have been blasted for causing congestion on narrow roads and dangerous driving Credit: Alamy The weekend saw the first patrols of The Highland Council's new Seasonal Access Ranger team. The new rangers will seek to promote and advise on responsible access to the countryside through the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The team is funded directly by The Highland Council. There are currently 16 Access Rangers on patrol with two more to join in mid-June, focusing on the long-distance routes. Advertisement Five of the rangers are highly experienced, having returned after previous seasons, and can help guide new rangers into their roles. Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "The Council are pleased to be able to provide a seasonal rangers service this year and so far, the team have been welcomed by visitors and locals alike, with a friendly approach to encouraging responsible behaviour. 'The Council recognise the importance of supporting communities to manage the increase in visitors across the area, particularly along the NC500, Skye, Lochaber, Wester Ross and Loch Ness. 'A key role for the rangers will be engaging with the public and raising awareness of the Outdoor Access Code and communicating to people that, as individuals, we all play an important role in ensuring that the Highlands' beautiful outdoor spaces are protected for all to enjoy for future generations.' Advertisement Rangers will also ensure awareness of other relevant legislation, such as parking and environmental health regulations. They will monitor use and report incidents to the relevant council teams or emergency services. The North Coast 500: Scotland's Must-Visit Road Trip Beats the Grand Canyon The rangers will also carry out duties to keep tidy, maintain and manage council-owned sites, core paths and work with communities and land managers on other sites to protect habitats and encourage respect for the landscape. Where possible, the rangers will work with local volunteers to engage with visitors. Advertisement The council added: 'This year, responsible camping will be a key priority, and, in many locations, this will mean a 'no fires' message. There is a significant fire risk throughout the Highlands in the summer months and lighting campfires on peaty ground, woodland, grassland, or moors is dangerous and contrary to the Code. 'It is irresponsible to light fires close to buildings, historic monuments and within 30m of a public road. Even small fires cause significant damage to our natural environment from scorch marks to tree removal and the use of dead wood - housing insects - for fires. Much of this damage can take years to recover.'
STV News
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- STV News
Councils across north agree £300m deal to install 570 EV charging ports
Electric Vehicle charging points in the North of Scotland will more than double in the next three years. An extra 570 places to top up car batteries are to be installed as part of a £300m deal jointly funded but Highland, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray councils. EV infrastructure company EasyGo will develop the network while also adopting and maintaining the area's existing charging points as part of a 20-year contract. The company currently operates the largest EV network in Ireland, with over 4,500 charging stations across the Emerald Isle. It's the first time several councils have come together to work on a deal of this kind, with Highland Council taking the lead in the project. Councillor Ken Gowans, vice convener, said: 'By addressing the critical need for expanded charging infrastructure, we are removing significant barriers to electric vehicle adoption, better serving our communities in both urban and rural areas and delivering a wide range of community benefits. 'Together, we are paving the way for a greener, more equitable and connected future across the Highlands and beyond.' Of the funding, £7m comes from Transport Scotland's £30m Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund, which is aimed at helping councils to work with private companies to boost the number of charging stations across Scotland. Cabinet secretary for transport Fiona Hyslop said: 'Our £30m Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund has now been fully allocated to support this type of collaboration across the country and is expected to support the delivery of around 6,000 additional public charge points by 2030. 'In the north of Scotland, our investment has enabled an innovative procurement partnership across four local authorities, that is expected to leverage over £4.9m of additional matched private sector investment over the next three years to expand the availability, accessibility and reliability of public EV charging. 'As we transition away from ChargePlace Scotland, in line with our published vision for public charging infrastructure – this truly collaborative approach, supported through our Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund, directly contributes to our ambition to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
