to think that the Scottish Highlands are in fact part of the UK mainland?

[Habbibu]

I've just ordered some spare parts for my coffee machine, and, on trying to find out more about shipping, read this: "Please note that as from today 26/01/2010 we now ONLY ship to the UK Mainland.

We no longer ship to southern or northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey,Isle of man, Scottish Highlands and Islands or anywhere outside of mainland UK.

This is due to the fact that shipping to these destinations has proved difficult and time consuming.

Please note that there are NO EXCEPTIONS to the rule, please do not E-mail us asking us about this as these mails will not be replied to."

Leaving aside the rather unfriendly and unhelpful nature of this note, plus the PITA it must be to those on the islands, since when was there a sea to cross to get to (say) Inverness? How is it so more difficult to get just that bit further up the A9? (well, yes, yes, I know, it can be a pain, but you get my point). Thankfully it doesn't affect me (though I have seen the odd place that won't deliver north of Edinburgh), but it's a massive pain for my ILs and others - who manage to get themselves up and down the road quite happily.

In Inverness Asda have been trying to get in for years yet planning permission is always turned down, because Tesco keep blocking it. We have no choice, I've lost count of the number of Tesco stores there are. It drives me mad.

Inverness has been named 'Tesco Town' as it has the greatest number of Tesco stores anywhere in Britain.
I think 1 in every 3 pounds is spent there.

Agree totally with the last statement, Gentle Otter. Yet they seem to get away with it.

There's a Waitrose in Byres Road? I'll have to go see the next time I'm in Glasgow!

I think part of the Tesco problem came from when they bought over William Low (remember them?). That's the only reason there is a Tesco here.

We have a Metro just now but there are planning applications in for a much bigger store. We're excited because it means choice and maybe even....clothes. Local retailers are far from impressed.

It'll be like Village of the Strange here once we get the big Tesco and we're all walking around dressed the same .

Euphemia,I don't want Morrisons to be shut!At least not in Inverness-will be left with small Tesco,medium Tesco and Tesco extra-that's all the choice here!

Wasn't it Safeway/Presto before that?

Showing my age there lol.

Used to get the Subway from Hillhead with my Dad when I was wee.

[Grin] Euphemia.

It was the Milngavie one (strangely enough) that I spent most my time hanging around. Rather nice guy used to work in the Veg aisle. We were about 16 at the time lol.

.

I agree with Dunka, let them change some of the many Tesco stores into Waitrose and Sainsbury - Morrisons in Inverness is so much nicer than Tesco.

I found quality of food at Morrisons much better than Tesco.Bought a ready meal Tesco finest(Aberdeen Angus cottage pie)-tasteless stuff and not cheap.I don't like Tesco's "innocent" way of indicating food on the offer-change the colour of label but the price still the same...

Tesco meat is rarely from the UK and never hung long enough to develop any flavour.

Asda did have permission to open in Tain but Tesco blocked it and an investigation was called...it did show that some influential people had shares in Tesco.
The permission did eventually go through for the site pending some agreements on access roads and parking but i'm not sure what actually happened to that i'll need to ask my friend if she knows anymore.

Ross-shire Journal story.
It looks like Asda will open in Tain.

I miss that and my North Star once a week there is nothing like living somewhere that there is only enough news for a weekly local paper.

When the Safeway opened in Alness it made a massive difference to the town it brought people there that wouldn't normally have bothered that is what Tain are hoping for.
My friend espceially as she only lives round the corner from the place where Asda will be

GentleOtter,was that the one with High Court sentence?I can't believe what's happening to Asda in Inverness-they agreed to do all road improvements and still nothing.I suppose even if Asda agreed to rebuilt A9 it wouldn't be enough to get the green light for them.The truth is,Tesco would get a big kick down their backside with Asda store in Inverness.Looks like local council has too much shares in bloody Tesco!

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-12277953

Oh,dear,sorry,can't post the link

I do wonder why we sit back and take it. I've yet to meet one person living up here that doesn't think that Highland Council seem to be unanswerable to the people that they represent. But that's another story, don't get me started on Highland Council, I could go on all day.

Dunka - is this the one?

Judge Hears Too Many Tescos Claims

Most of the council are 'at it' imo but good at not being caught. The rules on Freedom of Information appear to become obscured somewhat.

Old Boys Club and jobs for the boys.

The saying goes - What is orange and moves? - A Highland cow.

What is orange and doesn't move? - The Cooncil.

bigbeagleeyes,what can WE do?

Yep,Ceic,that's the one,thank you