It’s rather difficult to get fully into the Christmas spirit at the moment. There is the unusual spectacle of General Election posters vying with festive lights on our streets, while you also have to dodge political canvassers as well as office parties to get to the shops.
Peace and Goodwill, for the time being, has been suspended among the party leaders, although they are each offering a sackful of gifts that would give even Santa sleepless nights working out how they could be delivered.
I hope that the Election will bring some clarity and stability to the political scene. My own wish list includes a more structured approach to Brexit that would allow business to at least look forward to a more positive new year.
In the meantime, Christmas shoppers can support businesses in our own area by thinking about how and where they spend their hard-earned money.
Buying locally is a great opportunity to get together with family, friends and colleagues in our fantastic selection of shops and stores, restaurants and bars across the city.
It’s been great to see the mini Christmas Market in Falcon Square as it is an additional attraction that helps bring people into the city centre and adds to the festive atmosphere. Seeing a bustling centre is a good sign of thriving business and a healthy economy.
There’s a lot going on in Inverness’s commercial hub at present which bodes well for the new year. The Victorian Market is undergoing refurbishment and councillors should be praised for their bold and long-term vision for this vital asset between the Old Town, which is also undergoing significant renewal, and major attractions like the castle, Town House and riverside.
Inverness Chamber also wants to see those stores situated outside the centre being successful. They too are part of the same business community and add to the economic wellbeing of the area.
All help provide choice, maintain and create local jobs and help keep money circulating in the Highlands. We should support them all.
On behalf of the Inverness Chamber team, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.