In general, how do you think this place copes with hazardous weather events?
Generally the community copes well but the railway line is often the first thing to be affected by our more extreme weather events: flooding, high winds, ice, snow. Anything that stops the trains from running smoothly.
What features (physical, economic, social) make this place vulnerable or resilient to hazardous weather conditions?
The railway line is the only railway transport link between the highlands and central belt. Many of us trying to reduce car use try and use it for going to Inverness and Central Belt. It is also used as a rail freight route by a major supermarket to get goods to its northern stores in Inverness and beyond. Tourists use the train to travel North of Perth. There are a range of economic consequences if this rail route is disrupted: local residents, visitors and businesses are all affected.
Are there environmental or weather conditions which make this place feel unsafe (flooding, air quality, busy roads, ice, high winds, storm surges, etc.)?
Flooding, high winds, ice and snow -
Is it possible and/or comfortable to move around this place in different weather conditions (rain, snow, wind, heat, etc.)?
Not really, you need public bus service or a private car. Distances between settlements are big and so bikes (even e bikes) are only for the very fit and hardy.
Are there delays or cancellations due to the weather? What do people do?
Yes, often cancellations, sometimes a replacement bus is put in place but more often than not you have to jump in your car and travel when the rail network goes down.
Are outdoor spaces safe and pleasant to walk, meet, or socialise in all weather? Do people go elsewhere?
Some outdoor spaces are okay to walk in during poor weather but not really socialise in for any length of time. There are some spots that are more sheltered and more protected from the elements (woodlands, away from river flood plains etc) Good clothing required if you venture outside. I do not think people come to the Highlands for the weather! If you are looking for sunshine it's not your top pick!
Does the weather ever lead to overcrowding of spaces or facilities?
If there is snowsports and a good winter, the ski centres and their access roads are always busy. Loch Morlich and Glenmore is so crowded during good weather and at peak holiday times, local people no longer go there.
Could more natural space be available or could existing natural space be better supported?
Would be good to look at more "bothy type" shelters along key leisure routes to shelter or picnic in regardless of weather. Bring back into use old bothies and unused buildings on estates and make them a cultural destination or feature to show off our natural landscape and tell our stories.
Have you noticed the species of plants and/or animals have changed here over time?
Not really. Caper declining, less snow hare and Ptarmigan seen on hills.
How do buildings and infrastructure cope with the climate today? Are they prone to flooding, damp/mould, draughts, cold, or over-heating?
Our building standards regulations are a disgrace - we need to build to at least scandinavian standards and have things like rain water, white goods appliance water recoery, solar, triple glazing, high qual insulation as standard building design and construction requirements.
Has there been damage or increased maintenance needs due to the weather? Are repairs carried out?
In Gratown on Spey most of the road flood drains are blocked with silt and this causes flooding in houses on lower ground. The flood drains need to be cleared properly. The council are notified but the only thing that has happened is cosmetic - the road sweeper has swept the kerb but the drains remain blocked with rubbish filled up by last storm.
Would you describe the community as strong, cohesive, and integrated?
Yes in Grantown. Excellent response system during covid.
How could people better support each other during extreme weather events?
Every village needs a climate resilience plan and thought needs to be given to suitable buildings for cooking, gathering and warming people if a serious event occurs. Back up generators for loss of power? Create a buddy system in the village so vulnerable families and people are checked on regularly.
Do you know how the climate will change in this place in the future?
Yes, more intensive rainfall and possiblty drier in summer. More extreme wind and temperature events.
Can the critical systems and infrastructure (drainage, cooling, electric) cope with more frequent and extreme disruptive weather?
I doubt it - it would depend how disruptive.
How do you think this place can be made more resilient?
Review key infrastructure, and upgrade make provision through resilience plans for flood, wind and temperature events
Do you know what climate adaptation measures could be implemented at this place and who is responsible for implementing them?
National Rail Network
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 11 April 2023.
