I'm in Lairg, at the centre of the Northern Highlands today for the Sutherland Summit – an event organised by the volunteers who hold this northern county together to try and focus political and local minds on the problems this remote area faces.
Arriving off the train last night I saw one of them. The mighty Sutherland Arms hotel – one of those big, grand old shooting lodge-type places – has been demolished after years of decline. Despite lots of ideas nothing's been put in its place – though I hear a community buyout's underway. Good stuff. Last time I was here I took the postbus to Lochinver to do a talk about my Western Isles book at Achins Bookshop – that run is no longer subsidised to take passengers. How daft.
Foot and mouth restrictions have robbed the Lairg Sheep sale of its ancient title as the biggest one day event in Scotland. Due to worries over so many animals being brought together and dispersed, sales of lambs, ewes and tups are now held over the summer with long gaps between, so the numbers sold at each event are lower – and I think Kelso in the Borders is now the "biggest one day event". Obviously too, many Highland farmers have moved out of sheep farming – and there again the new mart at Dingwall means Highlanders can sell their animals at any time of year. So in all probability a great tradition is on its last legs.
And yet, many more remote areas in Nordic countries are managing to diversify. So today Enterprise Minister Jim Mather and Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham are here with myself to help create a future plan. More soon...and if you're staying in Lairg, the Pip Inn accommodation and food is great!
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