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IMPORTANT ****SSEN meetings about A832 works

Public invited to January information events on proposed A832 road works

SSEN Transmission will hold two events in January that will share more information on its revised plans for proposed road works on the A832 as part of the installation of the Western Isles HVDC cable.

The events come as a single-lane closure on sections of the route south of Dundonnell to Fain Bridge is confirmed to begin on Monday, 19 January. The information events will enable members of the public to meet with the project team and find out more about plans for early enabling works and associated traffic management required as part of the project.

Events will be held on the following dates:

• Wednesday 7 January, 6 – 8pm, Aultbea Hall, Aultbea, Achnasheen, IV22 2JR
• Thursday, 8 January, 6 – 8 pm, Badcaul Church, Dundonnell, IV23 2QY

Initial plans for the roadworks had involved the closure of a 4.7km section of the route during scheduled work days, with daily access periods in place. However, these plans were revised following community feedback.

Under new proposals which are expected to last for a period of 18 months, SSEN Transmission and its contractors will:

• From 19 January, operate a single-lane closure on short sections of the road to allow for the replacement or upgrading of culverts along the cable route together with associated tree felling works. The closure will operate under a convoy system with manned traffic lights during the daytime, with only traffic lights in operation overnight. The affected distance will be approximately 500 metres at a time.
• Operate a full night-time closure for several weeks in summer 2026, to allow works to be completed safely as there is no available space for a bypass to be constructed in the delivery without a full closure. During this period, the previously proposed diversion via Gairloch will be in place. Details of the closure will be confirmed next year.

 

The Ullapool News Team wishes all our readers a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous NewYear

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Young Highland radio star shortlisted in international talent search
One of the most popular voices on a Highland community radio station has been shortlisted in the search for the next break out international DJ star.
17-year-old Joshua Taylor is a regular on Radio Wester Ross – a station which recently received a major boost in the shape of £30,000 in community regeneration funds, allocated by Highland Council’s Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Committee.
Joshua’s achievements are showing just how important an asset the radio station is to the local community. Earlier this year Joshua entered the International Radio Star Competition – an X Factor for Radio DJ talent hosted by onaircoach.net.
Joshua was the only Scottish entrant to get through to the final 20 contestants. Since then, he has been leading the pack as the finalists work their way through a series of recording challenges. As we approach the final week of the competition Joshua is still in first place, but he needs one final push for support in a public vote.

Online voting details are now live and you can vote using the link below:
https://onaircoach.net/the-next-radiostar-on-air-talent- search/

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2026 Calendars and Diaries for Prisoners
It’s that time of year when some of us end up with more calendars and diaries than we need! Once again, St Mary’s Church is asking for any spare 2026 calendars and diaries for the prison in Inverness for distribution among those serving sentences there.
Keeping track of passing time – as well as being able to look ahead to a prospective release date – is important for many prisoners, and the chaplains very much appreciate having these to give away. However, please note that we cannot donate any containing pictures of children.
Donations can be placed in the mailbox by the church door in Market Street, or in the parcel box at the back door of the church, or given to a member of the congregation to pass on to me. Many thanks.
Rev’d Clare Caley
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NC500 SURVEY

PLEASE NOTE: THIS SURVEY ENDS ON CHRISTMAS EVE SO HURRY TO GET YOUR VIEWS HEARD!
The company that promotes the NC500 is encouraging local residents, visitors and businesses to take part in a survey that will help independent consultants to come up with a “framework” report for improving and managing the route.
Officials hope the report will make the NC500 work better for businesses, improve the experiences of residents and resolve environmental issues.
They say the report will give a snapshot of how things are now, give a list of recommendations to guide future activity, and provide a yardstick for monitoring changes over the next decade.
There are separate online surveys for residents, businesses and visitors. The links for each one are below:
Survey for NC500 Visitors –
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VisitorSurveyNC500
Survey for NC500 Residents –
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ ResidentSurveyNC500
Survey for NC500 Businesses –
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ BusinessesSurveyNC500

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