Letter to the Editor 

Garmouth Water Tower

Mr John Fettes
Chairman
Garmouth & Kingston Amenities Association

Dear John

I am very interested in the discussions now taking place by the Amenities Association in regard to the Water Tower.

When I resigned as a member of the Amenities Association I handed over to Ian Lambert a file on the Water Tower, more specifically the events leading up to the Amenities Association taking over responsibility for the upkeep of the Water Tower. 

Have you read that file?

 You will notice, from the start, that Grampian Regional Council - not Moray Council - were, at the time, the principals involved in looking after the Water Tower.  It was clear, at that time, that Grampian Regional Council were not doing a very good job on this historic landmark which, as you will no doubt be aware, is situated next to a Bronze Age burial chamber, which is probably 3.500 - 4.000 years old.

 The Amenities Association, at the time, took over responsibility for insuring the Water Tower and its on-going maintenance.  My recollection is that the annual insurance premium was in the order of £300.00 - not the figure of £1.000 per annum quoted in your document dated May 2006 recently circulated to the residents of Garmouth & Kingston.  I suggest that you circulate an accurate breakdown of the £14.264 quoted in your circular.

 As I am sure you are aware, there have been moves in the last few years to build houses in close proximity to the Water Tower and the Bronze Age burial chamber.  The Water Tower is a landmark for Garmouth & Kingston, situated in a very prominent visual situation.  I would be very strongly opposed to such a move and I would hope that each member of the Amenities Association would share the same view.

 May I suggest that the Amenities Association applies itself to raising money for the annual insurance premium for the Water Tower and any related maintenance costs.  In that regard the Garmouth Singers has agreed to perform a Concert in the Village Hall, to help raise funds.  With ticket sales and a Raffle Draw it should not be difficult to raise a substantial amount of money provided the event is well -organised and promoted.  Two or three such events annually should be more than enough to raise money for the up-keep of the Water Tower.

 When I was a member of the Amenities Association, I had contact with Grampian Regional Council's resident Archaeologist, located in Aberdeen.  He provided the words for the sign, which Mo Smith and I erected alongside the pathway overlooking Kingston.  This collection of stones is a precious, historic landmark, which, together with the Water Tower, needs to be carefully conserved for future generations.

 I note that the Amenities Association is very concerned at the increased cost of maintaining the Water Tower, but I strongly suggest that the Association now applies itself to the role of raising money to maintain it.

Yours sincerely

Robin Stewart

The Cross

Spey Street

Garmouth