History research continues in the background, two blog entries are being tweaked as I type this out. Life continues at a pace and so as a consequence, I’m sharing this general overview of updates with you. I sincerely hope that this October entry finds you winning in all of the challenges you find yourselves in, as the world continues to rock and roll. Before I dive in with photographs and words, just wanting to send you all positive wishes and thoughts.
On March 4th, 2021, the Highland Council announced a necessary investment in tourism for the Highland region £1.5m tourism investment gets the green light in Highland’s budget proposals for Recovery, Health and Prosperity | The Highland Council
On August 25th, 2022, the Highland Council made the promising announcement of their ambitious investment for tourism infrastructure Ambitious Tourism Infrastructure Development Plan approved | The Highland Council
Watching with great optimism, the period in which these investments get underway range from two to five years. The residential car park located at the top of Whaligoe Steps is to receive £90,000 of financial input, with current estimations on increasing the parking facilities to accommodate more vehicles.
Access to the car park could still be noted as a concern, but so far, the news is greeted with optimism. Despite not receiving any replies to any communications regarding concerns over further property damage, hazards to residents or visitors alike, it is a positive moment to hear anything which is to benefit the immediate area, via this public announcement. It can only be for the betterment of residents and visitors once this investment is turned into actual activity and purpose.
Since August of this year, throughout September and thus far, October too, I have been doing my rounds up and down Whaligoe Steps. The wildlife has been most entertaining and wonderful to observe. Gulls of various sorts are swooping, watching and generally being active, plus the grey seals keep the North Sea company with their exploration of the coastline.
It is the time of year for sunrise moments and the moon too has been getting in on the action. Not only wonderful moon spectacles at night, but during the early mornings as well.
The moon has been quite a sight, and despite plenty of cloudy skies there have been sunrises too…
Over the past couple of months, the grey seals have been putting on a show. A new-to-me moment of witnessing five grey seals on the rocky coastline at the same time here at Whaligoe Steps, made quite an impression. Here are some photographs to celebrate a welcome coastal visitor.
Sshh… Don’t tell anyone, but last year Halloween featured as a time to focus on a little history and also a time to dress up and be a bit silly. Halloween Special: Miller Brothers Mystery – Whaligoe Eye
This year, as Halloween yet again looms large, I’ll be doing something silly again. Plus, there are some interesting darker-themed events which have surfaced during the historical researching which I might be sharing. Time-permitting, and logistics to consider.
During a busy September this year, plenty of visitors were coming and going. On the odd occasions, I find myself chatting to some of them. Always a pleasure to exchange anecdotes and views about various and sundries. One particular fellow called David Albutt entered into conversation as he was visiting Whaligoe Steps with his drone.
Many thanks for the conversation and for giving permission of such a fabulous photograph from your drone. Whaligoe Steps from the viewpoint of a swooping seagull. David Albutt (@david_albutt) • Instagram photos and videos
Last year, I wanted to give something back to those of you who subscribed to receive a newsletter or two. It was such fun and a pleasure to organise, I’m doing it all over again this year. Thank you to all of you who have signed up. Just know that I barely send newsletters out at the moment, so you’re unlikely to be snowed under!
The giveaway simply has me putting my hand in a cup of scrunched up bits of paper, which contain the names of the individuals who are on the newsletter list, and at random the winner is selected.
Due to the exciting response from those of you who use Facebook, there is going to be a giveaway of a hat. (I only have the one keyring at the moment). Keep your eyes peeled regarding updates for that activity.
Autumn brings a lot more rain than usual, and this year it has created more flow to the waterfall. This photograph was taken by me only a few days ago on a frequent visit down Whaligoe Steps.
The resident cat who is a Star by name, and by nature, has been busy catching rodents around the Steps. She is doing very well for herself.
One last thing to mention for those of you who enjoy following my poetry pursuits, I am thrilled to share I have been published in a second poetry book.
The first book was a charity-driven book of poetry raising awareness about autism, raising money for a charity based in England called ‘Austism Angels UK’…
The second poetry book which includes three of my poems, has a focus firmly on the theme of love, and is a project assembled by the kind and creative mind of Stuart Matthews (Instant Eternal). An impressive list of Poets which belong to a community on Twitter, all contributed their words following prompts. ‘A Whisper of Your Love’ can be purchased from all good book retailers.
Thank you again for your time and kindness, it is much appreciated. Just by following on Twitter, Facebook, checking out this humble blogging website, looking at the photographs, liking comments, subscribing to the mailing list, mentioning the website or generally being so positive about WhaligoeEye.co.uk, you’re helping with keeping attention on the infrastructure here. This in turn, is going to make the environment safer and better in many ways for those who visit or live in the area.
Thank you.
Whaligoe Eye – TWITTER: Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / Twitter
Whaligoe Eye – FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye – Home | Facebook
Gary (Personal TWITTER account): Gary (@floodland08) / Twitter
Whaligoe Eye – YouTube: Whaligoe Eye – YouTube
Whaligoe Eye EMAIL: WhaligoeEye@gmail.com