In general, how do you think this place copes with hazardous weather events?
Poorly. It's all about extremes - rain, wind, snow or sunshine. Each has its drawbacks.
What features (physical, economic, social) make this place vulnerable or resilient to hazardous weather conditions?
A lack of drainage, flooded streets when it rains, poor gritting when it's snowy or icy, and poor coverage on streets when it is hot and sunny.
Are there environmental or weather conditions which make this place feel unsafe (flooding, air quality, busy roads, ice, high winds, storm surges, etc.)?
Yes, hilly streets being ungritted (Stephen's Brae a classic example).
Is it possible and/or comfortable to move around this place in different weather conditions (rain, snow, wind, heat, etc.)?
More active travel around Inverness will remove the risks presented by cars which are an added problem and danger when trying to negotiate pavements, flooded walkways etc.
Are there delays or cancellations due to the weather? What do people do?
Probably not, but where it happens potentially just not go anywhere but that's just a guess.
Are outdoor spaces safe and pleasant to walk, meet, or socialise in all weather? Do people go elsewhere?
No. Inverness city centre is sorely lacking in decent outdoor spaces to just "be". The castle grounds (even when work finishes) is minimal and doesn't have much seating. Falcon Square is a corporate deadzone with no soul and no seating, and the revamped Market hall while superb is all about eating/spending.
I've no idea where people go, except not come into the city centre or (if of a certain demographic) cause trouble in streets, underpasses and parks.
A few things that would help:
- the proposed Academy Street revamp, which will create more street furniture and space for people to hang out (and, yes, spend money in cafes). It's a gorgeous street that nobody dwells in because of the traffic.
- Bridge Street should be made much more of a space to hang out in, for instance pedestrianising it (turning the space around the Town House into a classic continental town square), and removing the three hideous boxes from the upper part of the south side, next to the castle (including the museum). This space should then be transformed into an urban garden, with seating, statues, space for live music, perhaps a kiosk or two. This would allow for a better access up to the castle, great views of the river, and space for folk to hang out in lunch breaks at work or after work.
- You should consider the gender and dynamics here. Check out the organisation Make Space for Girls who do tremendous work providing advice on how to shape things around teenage girls (who often have nowhere else to go and can can be intimidated in public spaces by males).
- more trees! We need more shade, more places to sit, more wildlife, more sponging up of rain water and just more pleasantness, and trees provide all of those.
- less cars and more (safe, segregated) cycle paths. This will make the city centre a more pleaseant place to be outdoors in.
Does the weather ever lead to overcrowding of spaces or facilities?
Yes, pavements in the city centre are often narrow, and become narrow when flooded or when avoiding splashes from cars. We need less cars so this will be less of an issue.
Could more natural space be available or could existing natural space be better supported?
Yes! We need SO many more trees in the city centre - to improve biodiversity, clean the air, and create natural spaces to hang out.
Have you noticed the species of plants and/or animals have changed here over time?
Not particularly changed, but certainly there are minimal birds in the city which is a shame. Plant more trees instead of car lanes!
How do buildings and infrastructure cope with the climate today? Are they prone to flooding, damp/mould, draughts, cold, or over-heating?
I don't know, but many old places around town looks weathered and worn, with weeds growing out of them.
Has there been damage or increased maintenance needs due to the weather? Are repairs carried out?
Don't know but wouldn't be surprised if repairs aren't expedited due to cost reasons.
Would you describe the community as strong, cohesive, and integrated?
As someone who lives very close to the city centre, not really. Inverness city centre has been ruined by cars and hollowed out by retail parks. It's got the capacity to be an amazing place but it lacks:
- opportunities for independent businesses (the revamped Market is grand but we need more of the same!).
- space for people to interact and form that community. This requires fewer cars, more trees and more active travel.
- more ability for people to live in the city centre.
- more joining up of indoors and covered places. There's real scope for the Eastgate centre to spread out over the station, providing an almost fully covered indoor link from the bus station to Crown, Morrisons and much else.
- more pedestrianisation. The likes of Baron Taylor's Street is an absolute gem but absurdly is open to delivery vehicles. Support for cargo bike delivery and couriering across the city centre will make the city centre less noisy (in a good way), greener, more pleasant, and an easier place for people to speak to each other. Car drivers can't stop and chat; cyclists can!
How could people better support each other during extreme weather events?
Not sure. Depends on the events. But helping people is easier if things like pavements are made safe as a priority over car lanes.
Do you know how the climate will change in this place in the future?
Probably more risk from heavy rain, and flooding from the river.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 17 March 2023.
