A timely news item in the Press & Journal published on the morning of our AGM & Conference (21 June) announced that the town of Wick has secured, or is applying for, a total of around £500,000. The money will be used to fund a complete rethink of the town centre, as well as going towards the development of other initiatives.

Councillor Nicola Sinclair said: "For the first time in decades, we have a detailed and now fully funded plan to tackle derelict buildings, improve footfall and create a more vibrant and attractive town centre we can all be proud of."

As you can read earlier in the magazine, FoFNL is very interested in the idea of running a long trial of a Thurso-Wick regular shuttle service, using one of Vivarail's battery trains. This idea ties in nicely with Wick's aspirations and would be a low-cost addition to the town's facilities, using locally generated, environmentally-friendly power.

Sustrans, one of the main funders, will be working on plans to take to Highland Council. We hope they will include the rail shuttle as an integral component of the town's regeneration.