One of the Highland Capital’s most popular beauty spots is at risk of severe flooding and regular closure because the council has to consider the economic benefit for building flood defences to protect it.
The local authority has been forced to stop the public using it on several occasions due to flooding and in 2014 had to postpone its popular Halloween celebrations on Ness Islands because it was water-logged again.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart asked Highland Council if it had plans to protect the Ness Islands area of Inverness after some constituents approached him about its regular closure due to flooding.
However, the council has now admitted that, because the area does not include any housing, businesses or “notable infrastructure”, there would be no economic benefit to a flood defence for the Islands.
Mr Stewart says with climate change, and the increased regularity of severe storms, Ness Islands would be flooded and closed on many more occasions.
“The question has to be asked, will it be eroded and damaged and disappear for future generations if we don’t plan to take more long-term take action now?” says Mr Stewart.
Sign his petition now to ask Highland Council to review the situation with Ness Islands to see what options could help preserve it for the future
Updates
February 17, 2016
The council continues to prioritize infrastructure over the preservation of our natural landmarks. I am currently reaching out to local representatives to ensure the vulnerability of the islands remains a part of their formal agenda.
February 17, 2016
The momentum generated by this petition demonstrates a profound commitment to the preservation of our local landscape. It is heartening to see such a collective recognition that the value of the islands transcends simple economic calculations.
31 Comments
Ness Islands have been a much loved part of my family's history for three generations, for walks, games and picnics. It is always a disappointment when it is not possible to access the Islands because of the danger of flooding and it would be a huge loss for Inverness if a failure to protect the area led to its disappearance.
Thinking erosion measures would be beneficial to the islands. Wouldn't like to see concrete walls being built. Difficult times fo local authority to consider flood prevention. Northern Meeting Park could be used at short notice for events during flooding.
if money can be found to fund an unnecessary artwork on the river between the Grieg street bridge and the Black bridge why does the council struggle to spend money where it IS necessary?
This beauty spot must be preserved. It's not all about business/housing - our natural environment is part of our "economy" too.
On the 1st of January my wife and myself went for a walk through the islands we could not keep the path as it was waterlogged we were ankle deep in mud as was the visitors we passed.not a good image for the capital city of the highlands
Very very important to inverness
important
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One of the Highland Capital’s most popular beauty spots is at risk of severe flooding and regular closure because the council has to consider the economic benefit for building flood defences to protect it.
The local authority has been forced to stop the public using it on several occasions due to flooding and in 2014 had to postpone its popular Halloween celebrations on Ness Islands because it was water-logged again.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart asked Highland Council if it had plans to protect the Ness Islands area of Inverness after some constituents approached him about its regular closure due to flooding.
However, the council has now admitted that, because the area does not include any housing, businesses or “notable infrastructure”, there would be no economic benefit to a flood defence for the Islands.
Mr Stewart says with climate change, and the increased regularity of severe storms, Ness Islands would be flooded and closed on many more occasions.
“The question has to be asked, will it be eroded and damaged and disappear for future generations if we don’t plan to take more long-term take action now?” says Mr Stewart.
Sign his petition now to ask Highland Council to review the situation with Ness Islands to see what options could help preserve it for the future
Updates
February 17, 2016
The council continues to prioritize infrastructure over the preservation of our natural landmarks. I am currently reaching out to local representatives to ensure the vulnerability of the islands remains a part of their formal agenda.
February 17, 2016
The momentum generated by this petition demonstrates a profound commitment to the preservation of our local landscape. It is heartening to see such a collective recognition that the value of the islands transcends simple economic calculations.
31 Comments
Part of the Islands charm is the natural look it has. If due to flooding the islands have to be closed at certain times then we accept this. To put flood prevention in will take away the river views we all have from months old to 100+ at present.
Ness Islands have been a much loved part of my family's history for three generations, for walks, games and picnics. It is always a disappointment when it is not possible to access the Islands because of the danger of flooding and it would be a huge loss for Inverness if a failure to protect the area led to its disappearance.
Thinking erosion measures would be beneficial to the islands. Wouldn't like to see concrete walls being built. Difficult times fo local authority to consider flood prevention. Northern Meeting Park could be used at short notice for events during flooding.
if money can be found to fund an unnecessary artwork on the river between the Grieg street bridge and the Black bridge why does the council struggle to spend money where it IS necessary?
This beauty spot must be preserved. It's not all about business/housing - our natural environment is part of our "economy" too.
On the 1st of January my wife and myself went for a walk through the islands we could not keep the path as it was waterlogged we were ankle deep in mud as was the visitors we passed.not a good image for the capital city of the highlands
Very very important to inverness
important
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Part of the Islands charm is the natural look it has. If due to flooding the islands have to be closed at certain times then we accept this. To put flood prevention in will take away the river views we all have from months old to 100+ at present.