Focus Newsletter
Focus is a local newsletter produced by the Liberal Democrats which is circulated regularly keep residents informed about what is happening locally and on the Council. To keep costs down it is printed in black and white rather than the expensive colour printing used by other political parties, and it is delivered free of charge to all homes in the area.
Focus used to circulate in the Kinmylies area but stopped when Liberal district councillor Alex Graham stood down from the old District Council in 1996. More than 70,000 copies had been delivered over a 16 year period. The Liberal Democrats re-started it in Kinmylies in November 2006 and extended coverage over a period of months to Scorguie, Muirtown and the Bught/Springfield area. It now covers the whole Inverness West ward. It is delivered by Liberal Democrat members and supporters in the town area, with delivery in the landward area by post.
Focus was delivered across Inverness West in support of Alex Graham’s election bid. A survey of the whole ward was carried out in March/April 2007, except for some landward areas where delivery was not possible at the time.
In addition on election morning May 3rd almost 1,000 Good Morning leaflets were delivered in places as far apart as Riverside Gardens, Torvean Avenue, Kinmylies SSHA estate, Scorguie and Clachnaharry village, making a strong impression on local residents and substantially boosting the Liberal vote which came in at 840 first preferences, just over the quota of 838.
In late 2007 Focus featured the vote in favour an aqueduct crossing at Torvean - an aspiration for many residents on the west side of the Caledonian Canal who have lived with interrupted journeys to and from the town all their lives.
The Focus newsletter is not unique to Inverness West. It is produced by Liberal Democrats in many areas of the UK, including other parts of Inverness, sometimes under a different title. The common theme is the commitment to serve and inform local communities all the year round, not just at election time.
Focus is printed on recycled paper and delivered throughout the ward by voluntary effort.