Jon Palmer, Chairman of Black Isle Partnership, which has the responsibility as a Community Anchor Organization, to oversee consistent relief across the Black Isle, has written on the guidelines to follow in daily life.
In summary:
Support Local Businesses. Respect Local Needs.
Stay Apart. Keep Connected.
And in more detail:
Support Local Businesses. Please remember that the attractions of the Black Isle extend far beyond watching dolphins (free) at Chanonry Point. Many local businesses either closed or had trade severely curtailed as a result of ‘lockdown’. Some are entirely dependent on tourist custom and others rely on additional visitor spend to make their business viable. A lot of the shops sell items unique to the area and the Black Isle has long prided itself on great produce. Food and drink is of the highest quality, much of it of local provenance. While travelling and/or staying in the Black Isle please contribute to the local economy and enjoy purchasing something of what the area has to offer.
Respect Local Needs. Think of us as a family. We welcome you into our ‘home’ but you must understand that Grandma, or the kids, still have their routines. We will do all we can to accommodate you, but they still expect their dinner on the table. When buying provisions please only get what you need and leave enough for the rest of us. During lockdown local residents have come to rely on their local shop and the shopkeepers have worked tirelessly to keep the supply chain going. They don’t have huge storage areas and it is very easy for some stock to run out quite quickly. If they don’t have exactly what you were looking for, be creative and adapt. Also, when visiting the store please follow the social distancing guidance – everywhere might be slightly different. Some are operating a one-in-one-out policy, others can accommodate a few more at a time. So please read instructions carefully and understand that they’re there for a reason – and for all our benefit.
Stay Apart. Scottish guidance on ‘social distancing’ is different to other parts of the UK. Currently we like to keep two metres from others. Well, we might not like it, but that is what we’re advised, and it seems to work. And stay apart in other ways too. The Black Isle has many hidden gems to explore. If Rosemarkie beach is looking crowded, or the Cromarty streets are bustling with folk, take yourself off to somewhere more remote – and enjoy the peace and tranquillity that affords. Isn’t that the whole point of being here after all?
Keep Connected. The Black Isle communities are working hard to keep everyone informed of latest developments and up to date news. The good things as well as the serious stuff. While you’re with us follow the many community Facebook pages, or #BlackIsle on social media. Read the noticeboards in the village centres. Best of all keep www.black-isle.info in your favourites list. You never know, you might find out about something that you wouldn’t have known otherwise – and it could make your stay extra special.
When you’re with us you’re part of us!
Above all, whatever you do, do it SAFELY