Lairg Facebook users urged not to 'slag off' community group over aire motorhome project
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The acting chairman of Lairg Community Council has made a plea to local residents not to leave “nasty” social media posts about a community development group.
Andrew Mackay issued the appeal after Lairg and District Community Initiatives (LDCI) came under fire on Facebook over the scenic location chosen for its aire initiative.
A site close to the Ferrycroft Centre and overlooking Loch Shin has been identified for the planned motorhome and campervan overnight service facility.
Speaking at a community council meeting, Mr Mackay said: “I am disappointed with the way some people have been keyboard warriors and given LDCI people a slagging on a public forum. Do not be nasty about it on Facebook and I also do not like some of the emails going about.”
LDCI has submitted a planning application for the ‘Lairg Aire Project’ on a 1300 hectare site at Ferrycroft adjacent to the football pitch and sailing club headquarters.
Described as “common land not currently used for any activity” the site is in the ownership of Highland Council but is being handed over to LDCI in an asset transfer.
Five serviced parking bays are proposed with electric hook-ups, a chemical waste disposal facility, water supply and rubbish disposal.
Concerns over the location were aired at last Wednesday's virtual meeting with LDCI accused of not being transparent about the site selected.
Morven Munro, of Lairg Gala Week, said: “That is our bonfire site - we have to apply for a licence to hold it and not once have we been approached.”
Speaking on behalf of Lairg Football Club, Dean Munro said: “Our biggest concern is that our football pitch will be used as a campsite. This would encourage more and more tents and before you know it the football pitch will be full of them.”
Alan Ross of Woodside Camping said: “This is not needed. We have never had to turn anyone away because we are full.”
Alasdair Marshall said: “I don’t think there has been a proper and above board consultation.
"It was only at the beginning of the week that the community asset transfer documents were made public which is when we discovered where it was going to be.
"It will affect the sailing club. There are up to 20 cars down there on a Saturday. They would have to find somewhere else to park."
He added: "It is in the wrong location. I do not mind the Aire but not there. The best place is where the salt stack is, out of the village next to the sewage plant."
Drawing the discussion to a close, Mr Mackay, who had stepped in as acting chair in the absence of chairman Ian Thomson, said: “As a community council we will write an email to LDCI containing all the points you have raised. You can also lodge objections with Highland Council.
"And please don’t attack the guys at LDCI - they are doing it free of charge. Hopefully we can get this done amicably."
A statement released by LDCI following the meeting said three sites had originally been considered - the Highland Council car park at the bottom of Main Street, an LDCI owned piece of land behind the former Coach house just off Main Street, and Ferrycroft. It was decided Ferrycroft was the most suitable because of the large turning circle required by motorhomes.
LDCI said it had invited online feedback from the community regarding the proposal with the consultation running for a month.
The statement continued: “Following LDCI’s application for planning permission and for a community asset transfer, there has been activity on Facebook indicating there are members who do not support the project.
“Therefore LDCI is reopening the consultation reform which will be available on its website until November 11.
“LDCI would like to hear from as many local people as possible whether it be positive or negative. It is clear that, if the majority of the community are not in favour of this development, LDCI will not take the project forward.
"In the meantime the public are still encouraged to make comments directly to Highland Council regarding the community asset transfer and the application for planning permission should they wish to."
