Leader of Dornoch Community Council 'unhappy' over its previous performance. Patrick Murray says new energy and ideas are needed.
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The recently appointed chairman of Dornoch Community Council has revealed exactly what he thinks of the body’s previous performance.
Patrick Murray, who was elected on to the council in October last year, said: “I am not happy with the way the community council has conducted its affairs in the last five to 10 years.
“That is why I joined. I think we desperately need new ideas and energy.”
Mr Murray was appointed chairman in June following the unexpected resignation in April of chairwoman and community council veteran Yvonne Ross.
At the time she declined to give the reasons that led her to walk away from a body on which she had served for successive terms.
Mr Murray made the comments at the group’s virtual August meeting and during discussion on whether or not to invite associate members to join the council.
He was in favour of asking representatives of Dornoch Area Community Interest Company (DACIC) and Dornoch and District Community Association (DADCA) to become associate members.
“I really feel strongly about this. We need help if Dornoch is going to develop in the way that some other towns are doing,” he said. “We should really be trying to work closely with these organisations.”
Treasurer Jerry Bishop supported Mr Murray, pointing out that the idea of associate members was “enshrined” in the group’s constitution, which specifically mentioned working with community groups.
But there was opposition from other community councillors who were concerned that associate members would have “undue influence”.
Vice-chairman Graeme Ross felt the associate members would have more representation that community councillors. Jimmy Melville said it had worked well in the past to invite people from other groups along to specific meetings.
It was agree to revisit the issue at a future meeting.
