Merging Nairn Community Councils Sparks Debate Among Residents

Nairn might have one community council instead of two. This idea is causing disagreements in the town. Highland Council is asking people what they think. They want to merge Nairn West and Nairn River councils.

Some people at a meeting worry about this plan. A member, Joan Noble, thinks the process is wrong, stating both councils work hard now and merging them might not be the answer. She wondered if one council could represent everyone, considering Nairn has about ten thousand residents.

Thurso has the biggest council right now, representing just over seven thousand folks. Some feel the community should propose changes. A resident thinks one voice would have more impact, while others say getting feedback is essential. This review is open until April.

Councillor Barbara Jarvie is staying neutral for now, urging everyone to share their opinion and believing a longer review allows for more discussions. Councillor Michael Green supports the merger plan, stating one council would be stronger, with shared resources benefiting them, citing the 2015 merger as a success.

The Nairn River council will discuss this at their next meeting. Highland Council said reviews change council boundaries sometimes, allowing them to merge or create councils. These reviews have public consultations over two periods, after which, they decide about boundary changes, following proper procedures.

The merger idea came up during the pre-consultation period, and a decision will be made after two consultation periods. A council meeting in September 2025 will address this, and the council mentioned they have no size limits for councils.

Also, East Nairnshire council might dissolve, with the area it covers potentially joining other councils. Specifically, this includes Cawdor and West Nairnshire, plus Auldearn. Lizzy Rose said there are no objections to this idea, stating residents would get local representation.

She added it may increase workload, but also attract more volunteers to the other councils. They need more details from Highland Council and await notification about how it would work. Ultimately, the final call rests with Highland Council.