Argyllshire Advertiser Week 40 2022

Community racing against time to fund land buyout

by John McCallum editor@argyllshireadvertiser.co.uk

A community group in Mid Argyll remains de ant in a race against the clock to raise adequate funds to stage a community buyout of an estate valued at £10 million.

Community charity Tayvallich Initiative would like to buy Tayvallich Estate and use the land to build a ordable housing, attracting families and working-age people back to the area.

Martin Mellor, Tayvallich Initiative chairperson, feels there is huge energy behind a long-term plan for the area that will allow the group to buy the expansive estate – containing more than half of the peninsula’s a ordable rented houses – and bring it into community ownership.

Helping to bring a community of more than 200 people around one vision is no easy task, especially with a deadline looming for submitting a bid to the estate agents Strutt and Parker in November.

But the initiative is con dent that it can meet the funding level required to submit a bid, with or without money from the Scottish Land Fund (SLF) in time for the deadline.

And because there may not be enough time to secure funding from the SLF, the initiative is looking for alternative sources of funding at the same time.

Martin said: ‘ ere is a mix of emotions at this stage. It’s very exciting on one level, thinking about the collective aspiration here in Tayvallich of community ownership, while knowing that we don’t have a lot of time to get to where we want to be.

‘Our fund is in the hundreds of pounds, with one private backer even gi ing us £50,000, and we think when people hear about this kind of belief in what we are trying to achieve, we could receive further support of this level.’

e 3,500-acre Tayvallich

Estate extends along a peninsula in Knapdale and is owned by the family of Catherine Pollock, from whom the estate

was inherited. Ms Pollock worked as a social worker at the now-closed Argyll and Bute Hospital.

But she also managed the estate for many decades to maintain its rare species, including marsh fritillary butter ies, juniper, otters and Greenland white-fronted geese, all of which are of national or international importance. She also grew and planted many native trees.

e estate has three Sites of Special Scienti c Interest, a large Special Area of Conservation and the peninsula sits between two Marine Protected Areas.

Mr Mellor was wary of direct comparisons with other places in Argyll where community buyouts have happened, such as in the island of Gigha.

He continued: ‘ ere has been a dramatic increase in the price of land during the past several years and the maximum amount available from the Scottish Land Fund

Continued on page 2.

Coastguard call-out to tie the knot

It was all coastguards on parade recently – not for a rescue mission but for a wedding ceremony. Frank and Jillian Penman, deputy station o cer and station o cer respectively for Inveraray Coastguard Rescue Team, got married at the scenic Dunollie Lighthouse north of Oban – with a special guest in attendance to preside over the ceremony. Find out more on page 2.

Inveraray Coastguard couple tie the knot

Two leading members of Inveraray Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) showed another kind of dedication last Saturday a er tying the knot in front of family, friends and fellow HM Coastguard volunteers.

Frank and Jillian Penman, deputy station o cer and station o cer respectively for Inveraray CRT, got married at the scenic Dunollie Lighthouse north of Oban - with a special guest in attendance to preside over the ceremony.

e couple, who also run the Quarry View Sheds business by Loch Fyne, said: ‘We have been in the coastguard for seven and six years respectively. In that time the station has gone from only one volunteer to 10 - and we were so delighted to have our colleagues from Inveraray and other coastguard stations in Argyll there with us for our special day.

‘ e weather was the best it got all weekend so we were lucky with that, and the venue Dunollie Lighthouse was very

scenic – we were so grateful to Iain MacKinnon of Oban coastguard for helping to arrange that. We even got a blast of the horn from a passing lifeboat! We are so grateful to our coastguard colleagues from Inveraray and other stations for their support.’

Tom Ebbens, national chaplain to the coastguard, was appointed the emergency service’s full-time multi-faith chaplain earlier this year – the rst in its 200-year history.

He said: ‘It was an absolute pleasure to be part of Jillian and Frank’s day. e coastguard means a lot to them as it does to me, as a former volunteer myself, and to be able to ful l this role was wonderful.

‘Much of my role deals with pastoral care so this was a special responsibility, one I was more than happy to make the journey for.’

Jillian added: ‘We are very grateful to Tom for travelling all the way from Cornwall to carry out our wedding ceremony. at meant a lot to us.’

Houses cleared after water tanker hits buildings

by John McCallum editor@argyllshireadvertiser.co.uk

A block of ats had to be evacuated in Ardrishaig and the main A83 road was closed in both directions in the village’s Chalmers Street, a er a water tanker veered o the road and smashed into roadside ats.

Miraculously, no one was seriously injured at the scene of the crash, which took place shortly before 2pm last Friday a ernoon, including the occupants of the at, neighbours in adjoining properties, and the driver of the Scottish Water tanker.

Police had to guide northbound drivers to a diversion

Replacing teeth, Changing lives

by the canal way, using East Bank Road.

A neighbour on Chalmers Street said: ‘I was watching TV when I heard a loud rumble.

‘I thought it must have been more than the wind, and when I went to my window, I just said: “Woah!” - I saw the tanker had crashed into the ats next door.’

Residents waited across the street in the a ermath of the incident with Scottish Fire and Rescue o cers asking them not to immediately return to the buildings.

A multi-agency response saw

POLICE FILES

Vandalism

Between the Friday September 9 and Wednesday September 21 at Union Street, Lochgilphead, a stone wall within a communal garden area was been damaged by being pulled down.

Police are investigating this matter and appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to call Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference LB02390922.

ambulances arrive to check on the condition of both the lorry driver and the residents of the ats, before both Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue set up cordons to control tra c and monitor the state of the building.

Mounds of rubble from the at which had been struck lay on the pavement and on the road, around the lorry cab.

e vehicle was removed from the scene later that day, while large cracks could be seen in the days a er across the building exterior.

A Police Scotland spokes-

person said: ‘We received a report of a crash involving one vehicle on Chalmers Street on the A83 in Ardrishaig, around 1.50pm last Friday.

‘ ere were no reports of any injuries and the road was reopened at around 8.10pm.

‘Inquiries are ongoing,’ the spokesperson added.

A Scottish Water spokesperson said: ‘We are aware of a road tra c accident in Ardrishaig which involved a vehicle being operated on our behalf by Enviroclean.

‘ e incident is now under investigation.’

Race against time to fund buyout

Continued from page 1. of £1 million would not allow us to carry out a community purchase.

‘Here in Tayvallich, it’s estimated that 38 per cent of homes are not lived in on a permanent basis.

‘It is recognised that more than 25 per cent of homes lying unoccupied in a community represents a “tipping point” - so we don’t want that to go any higher.

‘ ere are other places in Argyll, too, where a signi cant proportion of properties lie unoccupied during winter time, lights out, which doesn’t enhance that community feel.

‘It’s not just in Tayvallich, so I believe community ownership has a place in a wider conversation.

‘But here in Tayvallich this is our main focus in the shortterm, to do our best to ensure the long-term vibrancy of this community.

‘We want to see people able to come back to community-owned, a ordable homes, to live here, raise families, enrol them in the local school, and be drivers of the local economy.

‘ is is our ultimate goal.’ For more information, and to donate to the Tayvallich Initiative, visit https://www. tayvallichinitiative.org/.

Chalmers Street was a dramatic scene after a water tanker crashed into a block of ats there last Friday.

A sense of freedom for former councillor Donnie

by John McCallum editor@argyllshireadvertiser.co.uk

A former Mid Argyll councillor is to be awarded the Freedom of Argyll and Bute in recognition of almost four decades of service to the local community.

As reported in last week’s Argyllshire Advertiser, Donald MacMillan BEM, or ‘Donnie’ as he is locally known, served as an independent councillor in Mid Argyll for almost 40 years.

Recognised as one of Scotland’s oldest and longest-serving elected members, Donnie’s service as a councillor ended in May this year, aged 94.

Council members agreed to award Donnie the Freedom of Argyll and Bute, for ‘the commitment, hard work and dedication he has shown the local community over the years, both through his role as a councillor and his service in other organisations’.

Donnie said this week: ‘I'm delighted to receive this award. It was certainly a shock but I

am grateful to my fellow councillors and all those at Argyll and Bute Council who have helped me down the years.

‘I don’t try to be better than anyone else; I am just the same as anyone else and have tried to treat everyone else with fairness during my time as a councillor.

‘I always felt it was important to put constituents rst, because as a councillor, you

passing me by now. I say, ‘‘I’m not a councillor any more’’ but they will say ‘‘you’re still a councillor to me’’ which is kind.

have a duty to the people who have elected you, and equally to those who didn’t, before any party politics.

‘ at would be my advice to any young people or people looking to get into local government - put the people rst.

‘I was pleased to meet people out on the street and I still hear ‘‘councillor’’ from people

‘When I look back at my time as a councillor, I really enjoyed working with fellow councillors and felt I was willing to support any action to improve Mid Argyll.

‘ anks to all those in the community and in the council who helped me during that time.’

Donnie, who was born and raised in Kilmichael Glassary and lives in Lochgilphead, is getting more into gardening on his retirement from day-

Redman re-elected to Kintyre and Islands ward

A councillor who lost his seat on Argyll and Bute Council in May has been re-elected less than ve months later.

Independent councillor Alastair Redman, who previously served from 2017 to 2022, was declared the winner of a by-election in the Kintyre and the Islands ward on Friday September 30.

e by-election, held the previous day, was called a er the death of independent councillor John McAlpine in July.

e number of ballot papers received was 1,831, giving a voter turnout of 34.1 per cent.

ere were 25 rejected ballot papers.

e quota of votes for a candidate to be elected was 904. e number of rst preference votes for each candidate was: Gopi Ageer (Scottish Labour Party): 55; Kenny MacKenzie (Scottish Liberal Democrats): 265; Lachie MacQuarie (Scottish National Party): 525; Alastair

Redman (Independent): 591; Tom Skinner (Scottish Green Party): 176; Hamish Stewart (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): 194.

Councillor Redman was elected at stage six.

‘I would like to thank every single person who voted for me in this by-election and I would also like to thank the many volunteers who supported my campaign,’ he said.

‘I wish to pay tribute to Councillor John McAlpine

who served the area as a councillor over a number of years.

‘He wanted the best for Argyll and Bute and we will remember him fondly for his commitment to the area.

‘I would also like to give my sincere condolences to the other candidates who were not elected in this by-election.’

Councillor Redman added:

‘To the people of the Kintyre and the Islands ward, I give you this promise that, as your local councillor, I will campaign relentlessly for better roads and a long-term solution to the A83; newer ferries with more sailings; make sure local views are heard; and do all that I can to help alleviate the growing cost of living by lobbying for more support for our ward from central government and our council.

‘As I had done in my previous time as councillor, I will respond to every call and email I receive and have regular constituency surgeries.’

to-day local politics. One of Donnie’s peers, Mid Argyll’s councillor Dougie Philand, spoke highly of the man who once employed him as a milk boy. Councillor Philand said: ‘It was with great pleasure the full council bestowed the freedom of Argyll on Donnie.

‘Many years ago I was his milk boy delivering milk when he had the local dairy shop. He was always interested in

the local area and keen to help others. I never thought we would be councillors together, but I enjoyed that privilege.

‘When I rst became a councillor, Donnie assisted me greatly to navigate the council system and I will be forever grateful to him for that.

‘I wish him good health to enjoy his award.’

Robin Currie, leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said: ‘Donnie is an extremely wellknown and well-respected member of the local community, and he has shown true dedication as a councillor ever since he was rst elected to serve on Strathclyde Regional Council and Argyll and Bute District Council, prior to the reorganisation of Scottish local government in 1996.

‘Donnie has served on numerous council committees over the years, and has had an active role within many

other external organisations, representing the council and its communities.

‘Helping local people is always at the forefront of everything Donnie does, and his focus has remained on the services that mattered to the people who lived and worked alongside him.

‘Donnie is undoubtedly one of Lochgilphead’s most wellknown faces and although his service as a councillor concluded in May 2022, he is still out and about in his home town nearly every day and remains rightly proud of his time as one of Scotland’s oldest and longest serving local councillors.

‘I cannot think of a more worthy recipient of the Freedom of Argyll and Bute than Donnie, and it is a great privilege for the council to bestow this prestigious title upon him.’

Former councillor Donnie MacMillan, who is to receive the Freedom of Argyll and Bute.

‘I say, “I’m not a councillor any more” but they will say “you’re still a councillor to me” which is kind.’

Tri and tri again, say

Septuagenarian steel was to be found at the Mid Argyll Triathlon last week when the Golden Girls from Tayvallich, consisting of Fiona McCallum, 73, Louise Logue, 70, and Anne Lloyd, 78, completed the event in an amazing display of fitness.

The team’s swimmer Fiona was denied her swim because of a problem at the MACPool on the day, but she coura geously walked the two-mile first run.

Louise completed the cycle in well under an hour, while runner Anne completed the run in just over 50 minutes.

Louise started running in 2013, Anne in 2016, Fiona in 2017. Seventy-year-old Louise started running with Lochgilphead’s Jog Scotland group to get fit for retirement.

When she was told ‘if you can’t chat and run at the same time, you’re running too hard’ she was hooked.

After Louise retired, Anne joined her in Tayvallich and Fiona started running with the pair in order to train for the Tarbert 5k in 2017.

The trailblazing trio then

became the inaugural mem bers of Jog Scotland North Knapdale, where Louise is now the jog leader.

Looking for another challenge, Louise and Fiona entered the 2019 individual Mid Argyll triathlon, where Fiona won the super vintage category. Then, Fiona sug gested entering this year's triathlon as a septuagenarian team, and the Golden Girls were born. The trio told the Advertiser: ‘We want

Girls

to thank the Mid Argyll Triathlon and Cycle Club for organising such a welcoming event for all ages and abili ties. It was so much fun.

‘We were delighted to finish fifth in our category. We look forward to next year’s event already. We’ve come to realise that age is no im pediment, the only limits are those you place on yourself.

‘All are welcome to Jog Scotland North Knapdale, including beginners.’

Sustainable land and sea event goes swimmingly

More than 60 eco champions converged on Lochgilphead Joint Campus on Sunday to talk about sustainable land and sea management.

A host of stalls were run by sustainability groups such as ACT Now, Heart of Argyll, Argyll Coast and Islands Hope Spot, the GRAB Trust, Cardross Climate Action Network, and Plastic Free Helensburgh.

Attendees had the chance to look around the stalls and chat to the members of the groups while enjoying tea and cake, before hearing from five key speakers.

Roger Dixon-Spain, a regen erative farmer from Lismore, talked about the importance of soil biology for farming and carbon sequestration, and how this realisation completely changed the way he had been farming all his life.

Elspeth MacDonald, who runs a community croft near Benderloch, talked about her work in bringing under-served communities in to work on her croft, where they gain an appreciation for where everything comes from and nothing is wasted.

Then, Adam MacLean from Helensburgh talked about the sustainability standards of commercial forestry and how this is changing to preserve more biodiversity and lock in more carbon.

Later on, Dr Anuschka Miller, from the Scottish Association of Marine Science near Oban, talked about the challenges faced when setting up Marine Protected Areas locally, including a lack of

research about the ocean and the importance of including communities and stakeholders in the process.

Finally, Hannah Clinch talked about the Dunoon Beach Hut project which aims

the speakers and stallholders in their work on the Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee in the Scottish Parliament.

The speeches were recorded and will be available to watch on the Time for Change Argyll and Bute website.

Freya Aitchison, of Time for Change, said: ‘We were really pleased with how the event went and that so many people came out to discuss these important issues.

to build a community beach hut, highlighting both local heritage and biodiversity.

Two of MSPs attended the event as well as some of Argyll and Bute councillors.

Jenni Minto MSP and Ariane Burgess MSP both gave com ments at the end of the event and said that they would use what they had learned from

Improving safety standards for short-term lets, creating positive visitor experiences and tackling antisocial behaviour for local residents – the aims of a new short-term licensing scheme that came into force in Argyll and Bute last Saturday (October 1).

New short term let business owners now need to apply for the licence, with existing businesses invited to apply between January and April 1 2023.

As part of the Scottish Government’s Licensing of Short Term Lets Order 2022, all local au thorities must introduce a licensing scheme for properties operating as short term lets.

‘We’re really lucky in Argyll to have such beautiful land scapes and coastlines, and we would all like them to still be there for generations to come; however, they are currently threatened by the impacts of climate change.

‘The speakers at the event showed that there are many ways to make a living from the land and sea while also allow ing biodiversity and nature to thrive, and that the people who rely on the land and sea for a living are vitally important to these conversations.’

let licence

The principle aim is to guarantee basic safety standards are in place across relevant properties in Scotland and to also ensure that the needs and concerns of local communities are considered.

The council developed the scheme for Argyll and Bute with consultation feedback it received from the region’s operators, local residents and visitors.

All new hosts and operators now need a licence to operate a short-term let and can only take bookings and welcome guests once it is in place.

Any businesses which are already providing short term lets must apply for a licence before 1 April 2023.

From left, Golden Girls Fiona McCallum, Louise Logue and Anne Lloyd.

Lismore farmer Roger Dixon-Spain speaks to an audience of almost 60 at the event.

‘Speakers ... showed that there are many ways to make a living from the land and sea while also allowing biodiversity and nature to thrive.’

Pride of Argyll at UHI graduation

Almost 30 Mid Argyll students are celebrating becoming alumnae of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), a er the institution held its rst graduation ceremony for three years.

Nearly 400 graduating students and guests from across Argyll and Arran attended the event held in the Queen’s Hall, Dunoon, on Friday September 23.

e graduation recognised the academic talent of those choosing to take their higher education in the region during the past three years.

To celebrate the success of those who missed out on their graduation because of the pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 student cohorts were invited to attend the ceremony along with this year’s graduates.

Twenty-eight Lochgilphead students graduated, including Caitlin Crawford from Inveraray, a graduate of 2021 with an honours degree in history.

Caitlin featured in a short lm played at the event celebrating her Highland Society

of London Prize for the undergraduate dissertation of the year.

Caitlin said: ‘It is a huge honour to be given the prize and I’d like to say thank you to everyone who helped me complete the dissertation, especially in such a di cult year.’

Duncan Byatt, president of the Highland Society of London, said: ‘ e Highland Society of London has a long tradition of supporting scholarship in (and about) the Highlands of Scotland and is

delighted to continue awarding prizes to students of the University of the Highlands and Islands.’

Guest speaker at the event Ryan McCuaig, a dispute resolution and criminal defence lawyer, gave an inspiring speech and personal account of how he battled through times of hardship to achieve his goals, to eventually graduate from the University of Strathclyde with a rst-class law degree.

Martin Jones, UHI Argyll principal, said: ‘Studying dur-

ing the past three academic years has been characterised by change and uncertainty.

‘I congratulate our graduates on rising to that challenge.

‘ is event is extra special for us as rarely do so many of our students get the opportunity to get together in one place, with many studying at a distance.

‘I wish them the very best of luck for the future.’

A full list of those graduating from UHI Argyll in 2022 can be found at www.argyll. uhi.ac.uk/graduation.

Help liveArgyll celebrate fth birthday

LiveArgyll is celebrating its h birthday and is inviting service users to join the party.

Established in 2017, the charitable trust provides sport, leisure, recreation and cultural opportunities for the communities of Argyll and Bute.

e trust now delivers a wide range of services including leisure facilities; halls, events and community centres; libraries, archives and museum; Active Schools; sports development and community learning, with the wellbeing of the people of Argyll and Bute being at the forefront of the work it does.

Facilities in Mid Argyll include Mid Argyll Sports Centre, Lochgilphead Library, Lochgilphead Community Education Centre and the archives within the centre.

As a thank you for their ongoing support, the trust is encouraging its leisure members to join in the birthday celebrations by bringing along a friend free of charge any time they visit one of liveArgyll’s gyms, swimming pools or health suites until Wednesday October 12.

Caitlin Crawford from Inveraray, a prize-winning honours history graduate.

Photograph: Ronnie Cairns.

UHI Argyll graduates from 2020, 2021 and 2022. Photograph: Ronnie Cairns

Tarbert-based artist Ann Thomas’s latest cartoon about full up hospitals, soulless car parking charges in hospital grounds and overstretched emergency services might seem metropolitan-minded but the need for stable and affordable healthcare, especially for specialised expertise and treatment, applies to those in Argyll, too, when needing to go to the city.

It should be an indirect reminder too that instead of suffering from a culture of frugality, rural hospitals should be given the facilities, and have the chance to recruit the extra staff, to provide a wider range of services to save at least some tiring journeys to the Central Belt.

Action called for on fuel poverty fears

Argyll and Bute Council’s leader has called for action after a report stated that 70 per cent of the area's households were at risk of fuel poverty.

Kintyre and the Islands Liberal Democrat Councillor Robin Currie was reacting to a briefing note on the cost of liv ing crisis which was presented to councillors.

The document called on the Scottish and UK Governments to take action on the crisis, including urgently providing information on funding for people who do not get their energy through typical means.

The discussion took place at the council’s full meeting on Thursday September 29.

Councillor Currie said: 'This is a huge problem that has to be addressed. I am looking at one of the facts that to avoid fuel poverty, people need to be on an income of £72,000 or more.

‘Apart from two or three people in this building [the council’s Kilmory headquar ters] I do not know anybody who earns more than that.

‘We are talking about the majority of our residents in

Argyll and Bute being in fuel poverty – that is the stark reality and it is unthinkable.

‘I have, certainly a few months ago, written to the UK Government – Michael Gove at the time – because the thing that really bugs me is why, in the North of Scotland region which includes Argyll and Bute, do we pay more for electricity than in the Central Belt?

‘And we are a major exporter of energy. It really does not make sense now, in the 21st century, so we have really got to get this addressed.

‘We have brought it up at lots of meetings in the past few weeks and months, but we need action.’

Cowal Conservative Councillor Yvonne McNeilly then said: ‘There is a horren dous crisis going on, and to think that people in urban areas are not suffering either would be quite wrong.

‘I am slightly confused about where we are on this. We have a briefing note with very spe cific recommendations about what the key issues are.

‘We should go to the gov ernments and I have no issues with lobbying whatsoever. But I need a bit more clarity about what the next steps would be.’ Council chief executive Pippa Milne said: ‘We have a range of options on how we might want to make that point. There is a role for our own members to go forward, having agreed with the council what we may want to do in relation to this.’

Councillor McNeilly then said: ‘There are three strands to this. We put it to COSLA [Convention of Scottish Local Authorities] stating the situation; we put it to the First Minister; and we put it to Alister Jack as Scottish Secretary.’

Councillor Currie added: ‘We are doing that and much more. I took it up at the eco nomic partnership, which is a group in the Highlands and Islands area, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise are doing a paper for the business side of things. I have also had a meeting with Ofgem. They are now engaging and listening to what is being said.’

ACHA chair steps down at sustainability-themed AGM

Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) wel comed members and guests to its sustainability-themed annual general meeting in the Inveraray Inn in September.

The day was supported by Age Concern, Ali Energy and OVO Energy, which provided information to attendees on energy saving measures.

Tony Butler from OVO Energy gave a presentation on how to save energy to help reduce tenants’ fuel bills and brought an electric car and an air source heat pump for members to view.

Roddy McCuish, chairperson of the ACHA board, reported that he ‘was extremely proud of ACHA’s achievements over the past year which have included the completion of the

first Passivhaus development in Garelochhead, the estab lishment of a tenant hardship fund to help the most vulner able tenants and a community action fund to assist local organisations’.

He also informed the meet ing that he was resigning as chairperson of ACHA and thanked the group staff, the board of management and all of ACHA’s tenants for their support and commitment dur ing his time as chairperson.

The board of management thanked Roddy for all he had done for ACHA and presented him with a small gift of thanks.

Roddy will be replaced as chairperson by Cathy Grant, a tenant member from Glendaruel in the Cowal peninsula.

Business concluded with the chairperson congratulating the winners of this year’s raffle draw which was sponsored by MacLeod Construction Limited. The prize of an energy efficient air fryer was award to tenant member Dan Hughes.

Seniors’ cuppa

The Inveraray Senior Citizens Wednesday Club is returning for the new season on Wednesday October 12, starting at 2pm in the town’s Nicoll Hall. A spokesperson said: ‘All seniors are welcome from Inveraray and beyond to come along for a social afternoon, a catch up and a cuppa.’

Tarbert’s beach clean gains seal of approval

Volunteers did their bit to make the marine environment around Tarbert cleaner for wildlife and people by taking on a beach clean around the village’s northern shore.

Buoyed by the excellent turnout and shocked in equal measure by the amount of synthetic material - much of it microplastic - found on the shore, the Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust (TSCT) thanked those who attended to help with the clean-up held on Friday September 23.

A trust spokesperson said: ‘We are always amazed at the number of people who continue to turn up for beach cleans.

‘ irteen students turned up in the a ernoon for an hour to start the clean of the Garvel area and the White Shore Path, before on Saturday September 24, another 20 people and a boat arrived to continue the

work. Overall 66 people have picked for more than 100 hours around Tarbert beaches this year.

‘ e work has been hard because of a two-year break due to the pandemic, but we feel that we have all made a di erence.’

blue shermen’s gloves and their packages so something must be working. ere are, however, still huge amounts of tiny pieces of plastic from disintegrating ropes.’

One volunteer helper said: ‘ e beach looks clean until you look carefully, and it is full of small pieces of plastic. I picked for an hour and didn’t move more than three feet.’

Another volunteer said: ‘ ere doesn’t look like much in my bag, but it is all small bits of plastic string.’

Clockwise from top: Some of the 60-plus volunteers who took part in the beach over two days; many ropes were collected and bagged; multiple bags of rubbish were collected but the main pollutants were tiny pieces of plastic.

Councillors will hold their rst in-person public hearing in Argyll and Bute since lockdown on Jura.

Plans for new sta accommodation at the Ard n Estate, on the Isle of Jura, have been put before Argyll and Bute Council’s planning, protective services and licensing (PPSL) committee.

And it was unanimously agreed that, in line with a council planning o cer’s recommendation, a public hearing should be held.

But a clerk to the committee advised that a hybrid hearing, which could see some councillors tuning in remotely, was not possible.

e hearing would have to take place entirely in person or entirely remotely.

e majority of councillors on the committee agreed that it should take place in person, even allowing for the logistical challenges for some of them.

e council’s leader, Kintyre and the Islands Liberal Democrat councillor Robin Currie, has also stated his support for a hearing, although he is not a member of the PPSL committee.

e trust was encouraged by the apparent decline in some types of waste encountered on the shore.

‘Since 2016 we have noticed that there is a huge decline in plastic bottles, shell sh boxes and plastic tapes as well as

e TSCT spokesperson added: ‘A huge thank you to everybody who came to help, and to Tarbert Harbour Authority, which came to collect the bags, and GRAB Trust for the pickers.

‘We have made a di erence and we will be back next year. We are sure our seal family appreciate our e orts.’

plans

e last in-person public pre-determination hearing anywhere in Argyll and Bute was in October 2019, for a care home in Helensburgh which has now been built and is open to the public.

All other public hearings since then have been conducted remotely.

e Ard n Estate wants to construct four separate blocks for sta accommodation.

e plans have been recommended for approval subject to the holding of a hearing.

However, Kintyre and the Islands SNP councillor Dougie McFadzean, who also is not on the PPSL committee, has submitted a representation asking for community concerns to be taken into account.

e discussion took place at the PPSL committee’s meeting on Wednesday September 28.

Councillor Mark Irvine, Independent, Lomond North, said: ‘Having read Councillor McFadzean’s submission, which makes a number of valid points, we are not in a position to determine this today.

‘Many of us have not been to Jura and don’t live there, and it is not represented on the committee.

‘I think this easily surpasses the threshold for a public hearing.’

His views were echoed by fellow councillors John Armour, SNP, South Kintyre, and Graham Hardie, Liberal Democrat, Helensburgh Central.

Committee clerk Stuart McLean said: ‘It would be a challenge to have the hearing in the locality.

‘We would have to timetable every minute of the day.

‘A site visit would be possible but we would have to keep a very tight rein on the day’s activities.’

Councillor Armour then said: ‘Just because it is logistically di cult, that should not stop us visiting and having the hearing on Jura, the same as any other part of Argyll and Bute.

‘If we need to go to Jura, we need to go to Jura.’

It was then agreed that the public hearing would take place at a date to be determined.

‘The

Misty

A stop in Tarbet led to an amateur photographer bagging second prize in a prestigious photo competition.

Vince Campbell, visiting from Penrith in Cumbria, took a picture from Cruach Tairbeirt, Tarbet, looking out onto Loch Lomond - and submitted it to the Royal Meteorological Society’s Weather Photographer of the Year 2022 competition, earning him the runner-up spot in their Best Mobile category.

An early morning trek with dogs Oscar and Ollie revealed this beautiful misty scene to Vince, which he called ‘Scotch (sic) Mist’. He said: ‘The woods, the alps, the loch and Ben Lomond were bathed in mist. This shot was taken just before the sun put in an appearance.’

Council opposes powerline plan

SSEN’s plans head for public inquiry

Plans to upgrade the electricity transmission network in Argyll, including Mid Argyll, have hit a setback.

Members of Argyll and Bute Council’s planning committee overruled o cials’ advice and formally opposed SSE’s Electricity Act Section 37 application for a new 275kV power line from a new substation at Creag Dhubh to the south of Dalmally.

e move could now trigger a public inquiry into SSEN’s estimated £400 million plan that includes eight miles of overhead lines and 48 pylons from Dalmally, connecting into the Inveraray-Crossaig circuits.

Following the decision at a meeting on Wednesday September 28, the council now has to notify the Scottish Government, which will then determine the requirement for a public local inquiry.

A council spokesperson said: ‘ e committee agreed, on behalf of the council, as

the planning authority, to object to this proposal as it will have adverse landscape and visual impacts in an area of panoramic quality, and in particular from the Duncan Ban Monument.’

A spokesperson for SSEN Transmission said: ‘We are disappointed by Argyll and Bute Council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee’s decision to object to our Section 37 application for the Creag Dhubh-Dalmally overhead line.

‘We remain committed to

Islay ferries’

e construction of two new ferries for Islay is o cially underway a er the rst piece of steel was cut on Monday.

e steel-cutting ceremony took place at Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Turkey, where the two vessels are being built for Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL).

e new 94.8-metre vehicle passenger ferries will each have capacity for up to 450 passengers and 100 cars or 14 commercial vehicles, providing a combined 40 per cent increase in vehicle and freight capacity on the Islay routes.

e £91 million contract to build the two ferries was awarded by CMAL to Cemre Marin Endustri in Turkey in March 2022 a er a competitive procurement process.

Kevin Hobbs, chief executive

at CMAL, said: ‘Work at the shipyard is progressing well; the team at Cemre is delivering each stage within the agreed timeline. I’m sure this will be welcome news for island

working constructively with all stakeholders to minimise the impact of this decision on new renewable generation connections across Argyll and Kintyre, which are key to enable the country’s transition to net zero emissions and support our future energy security.’

Agencies including NatureScot, RSPB, SEPA and Transport Scotland had no objections to the proposals but representations from the public included a petition signed by 215 people.

e petition claimed SSEN has failed to adequately consider alternatives and that it had ‘failed to engage in any meaningful way with the local community’.

Petitioners also warned there would be signi cant environmental impacts and that the cumulative impact of this alongside other developments would seriously impact on the community’s future sustainability.

Plans to deliver almost 1000 new a ordable homes for Argyll and Bute over the next ve years received full support at last week’s council meeting.

The decision to approve the plan means there is potential to deliver 247 a ordable

homes this year and more than 750 units in the coming years to create vibrant, prosperous and thriving communities.

The proposals are set out in the latest update to the council’s strategic housing investment plan (SHIP) which

communities to see the build programme get underway for these much-needed vessels.’ e rst vessel is expected by October 2024 and the second in early 2025.

outlines housing development priorities for the region for 2023/24 - 2027/28.

The plan includes investment priorities for a ordable housing, the resources required and details collaboration with key partner organisations.

Jim Anderson, director of vessels at CMAL, starts up the machine to cut the rst piece of steel.

A sense of community in Argyll’s talking newspapers

by John McCallum editor@argyllshireadvertiser.co.uk

From a side room in a church hall, volunteers’ voices beam out across Argyll and beyond, week a er week.

Because getting the weekly local news is not just for readers, it is for listeners too, as Argyll Talking Newspapers shows every week.

e charity started in 1986 and for the last 15 years, it has set up its ‘recording studio’ to read out the print stories of Argyll’s local newspapers, including Argyllshire Advertiser, Campbeltown Courier, e Oban Times and the Ileach, in Ardrishaig Parish Church Hall, with a committed band of volunteers meeting once a week on a rota system.

More than 100 ‘subscribers’ get their audio news every week from the charity.

Robin Finlay, chairperson of Argyll Talking Newspapers, and a retired teacher at Lochgilphead High School, talked about how the service works, and what its volunteers look to do for the community.

He said: ‘ e aim of the “talking newspapers” is the same today as it always has been, that’s to allow those with visual impairment to access local news material and hear about the important issues in their area.

‘We meet in the church hall and we have volunteers who cut the physical papers into their individual stories. en, in another room, we have mi-

crophones set up and a sound recording system, which the stories are recorded onto.

‘ e tech we use to send the recordings out has changed, though. Where we once sent them out in cassettes, the recordings now go out in USB pens, which our listeners kindly return through the post. is a free service from the Post O ce which we’re grateful for.

‘ e USB pens are plugged into a listening box at home, with large buttons and dials to make tuning in easier.’

Mary Kenny, a fellow newsreader, told the Advertiser why she enjoyed volunteering.

She said: ‘It reminds me of being a primary teacher. I enjoy doing the reading, and knowing it’s going out to those who enjoy it and really value

it because of visual impairment; it’s satisfying making a contribution.

‘I enjoy the company at the station too.’

Jean Campbell, another volunteer, said: ‘We have a great group of people so it’s a friendly and welcoming environment to be around.

‘ is is a really worthwhile service and I am very glad to have gotten into volunteering here since retiring.’

As well as weekly readouts of the county’s newspapers, the charity wants to reach out to existing and potential listeners in other ways.

Robin continued: ‘We would like to go to care homes and, with the help of care sta , set up listening boxes in communal areas so that residents can listen to the news together. We

think it could be popular and help people feel more part of the community.’ e charity is entirely funded by donations and its fund-

raising e orts continue with a co ee morning on Saturday October 22 at Ardrishaig Parish Church Hall. All are welcome.

Reporter John McCallum has a go at reading Advertiser and Courier news. AA40talking04

From left, volunteers Jean Campbell, Robin Finlay and Mary Kenny. AA40talking05

Argyll

From left, Jean Campbell, Mary Kenny and George Burns. AA40talking01

from our files

against the flames and destruction of the Twin Towers 11 years ago.

Stephen died after he ran across New York in his heavy uniform to help the thousands of peo ple trapped in the rubble following the attacks.

Raising funds to help firefighters and their families in the UK, the three Ardfern men ran the Tunnel to Towers three-mile run to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity.

The men, who were travelling home from the USA as we went to press, gained great support from their American comrades and had their picture beamed across Times Square on a bill board before the race. Jo Gregory, whose hus band Aidan took part in the run, said the men were tired after the run but had a great time.

TWENTY YEARS AGO

Friday October 4, 2002

‘We have concerns about illegal fishing in Argyll over the last couple of years and there were prosecutions. Our work had indicated the illegal fishing had had quite a dramatic effect.’

Dr Donnan said the survey is carried out by divers who estimate the number of animals per square metre within a habitat.

‘The native oyster has been part of Scottish life for a long time,’ said Dr Donnan. ‘But for a variety of reasons we are aware the native oyster has declined since the 19th century.’

TEN YEARS AGO

Friday October 5, 2012

Fire

in New York run

Three firefighters from Ardfern last week ran three miles through the streets of New York and raised more than £4,000 for charity in memory of those who died in the 9–11 attacks.

Simon Bevan, Aidan Gregory and Iain Catterwell completed the Tunnel to Towers run in full fire-fighting gear in memory of Stephen Siller and other brave firefighters who battled

Argyll oysters survey

A major survey into oysters in Argyll is being carried out by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

The government agency has launched the survey in the wake of fears that numbers of shellfish in Scottish waters are declining. Dr David Donnan, maritime advisor to SNH, said a steering group of interested parties had been informed. This includes SNH with Crown Estate, the UK Shellfish Association and the Sea Fish Industry Authority. ‘Our project is to get up-to-date information on the state of the native oyster population as a whole,’ said Dr Donnan.

2002: Divers taking part in the oyster survey.

FORTY YEARS AGO

Friday October 8, 1982

Book fair a bug success

More than 1,000 people poured into Lochgilphead High School on Saturday to enjoy a book fair, the first event of its type on such a scale in the area.

They came to buy books, meet authors Mary Stewart and Mollie Hunter and enjoy other

activities. They were met at the door by the enormous figure of Uncle Teapot from the David Drew books. The book fair got off to a resounding start with a children’s fancy dress parade from the Front Green. The procession of book characters was lead, Pied Piper fashion, up to the high school by pipers Elizabeth Sinclair and Robert Cowan and a character from the Mr Men books.

The large school assembly hall served as the bookshop with thousands of books for sale.

There were picture books for the very young to books of interest for adults in various walks of life. Many people took the opportunity to buy

2012: Simon Bevan, Aidan Gregory and Iain Catterwell relax after running three miles across New York in the gruelling Tunnel to Towers run.

2012: The junior section of Lochgilphead Golf Club gathered last Friday evening for the annual prize-giving ceremony. The evening was well attended by juniors, parents and club members who were there to mark the 50th anniversary of Lochgilphead Golf Club. Prizes were presented by club captain Stewart Litster and junior convener Robbie Wilson.

SIXTY YEARS AGO

Tuesday October 2, 1962

MacBrayne raises freight charges

Continuing rises in operating costs were responsible for David MacBrayne Limited increasing the sea and road service free charges by 10 per cent on Monday.

Announcing the increase in charges, the company stated there were two exceptions to the revised charges – on agricultural tra c other than livestock and on motor vehicles from October to March; the increase is to be ve per cent.

ere will also be an increase of ve per cent on ordinary passenger fares on sea services between April and September inclusive and minor increases are to be made in charges on steamers and in catering prices.

For example, Glasgow to Outer Isles ports, present rate £8.12sh.2d (£8.61) per ton; new rate £9.9sh.5d (£9.47).

Christmas presents and Ann omas and her sta were kept busy all a ernoon.

e public were able to meet Mollie Hunter and Mary Stewart in the library. Many children who have been reading the books over the past weeks were particularly keen to ask questions and both authors were happy to chat with the children.

ere was a special display of cookery books and cookery demonstrations by Mrs K Blunt and Mrs E Cameron, which proved popular.

Teas were provided by Mrs C Ferguson and pupils of Lochgilphead High School’s home economics department.

Poor shing at Tarbert: local pairs leave for other grounds

Poor shing in home waters is sending Tarbert ring netters to other grounds. ree pairs last week returned to the Mallaig area and a fourth pair is on the way.

At Tarbert, there were no landings on Tuesday and Wednesday but on ursday, boats from Carradale landed 180 baskets.

e catch sold for pet food and freshing at prices ranging from 13sh.9d (67 pence) to 24sh.4d (£2.02) per basket. Friday was blank too but Saturday saw 110 baskets landed. ese were sold for pet food at 13sh.9d per basket.

e seine eet is still shing the Ayrshire area.

Above: 1962: A group of Round Tablers from Amberg, Argyll and Bute’s Bavarian twin town, recently spent ve days on a tour of the Mid Argyll area. Our picture shows them with Mid Argyll Round Table members and their families after a lunch at the Tayvallich Inn.

2002: The Children’s Tra c Bus of Scotland visited Ardrishaig. The bus, which is currently touring Scotland, educates young children on road safety and stopped in various parts of Lochgilphead including Riverside Rascals and White Gates. Leader Russell Lugton meets some of the young visitors.

Talking is good for the soul

Argyll’s Talking Newspapers is a real feelgood story in this week’s Advertiser, but it’s a serious service which the 100-plus people in the area who use it every week will value as vital for staying on the pulse of local goings-on.

Being able to listen to and then talk about topical issues in Argyll, and maybe even show o the achievements of friends and family when they make it on to the front or back pages of their local paper, be it the Argyllshire Advertiser, Campbeltown Courier, e Oban Times or the Ileach, is a nice pleasure to have, even when reading becomes a challenge, and tuning in makes things easier.

Westwards in Tayvallich, a community is sending a positive message as it forges ahead with its long-term vision for community ownership of the Tayvallich Estate, and the chance to build a ordable housing there, to attract working-age professionals and families back to the region from afar, or from around the area already, where they might otherwise stay with family by nancial necessity.

We will be keen to keep readers updated on the quest for community ownership in the Knapdale peninsula.

CONTACT US

The Argyllshire Advertiser 44 Argyll Street, Lochgilphead, PA31 8NB.

Reporter John McCallum 01546 602345 editor@argyllshireadvertiser.co.uk Advertising: 01631 568000 adverts@obantimes.co.uk

Head o ce: Wyvex Media, Lochavullin Industrial Estate, Crannog Lane, Oban, PA34 4HB

e Editor welcomes letters and emails for publication, however we reserves the right to shorten, amend or refuse to print them. Names and addresses MUST be supplied to indicate good faith, although details can be withheld from publication. Phone numbers, if available, should be included. Anonymous letters will not be considered. Please write to: Letters, e Argyllshire Advertiser 44 Argyll Street, Lochgilphead PA31 8NB. Email editor@argyllshireadvertiser.co.uk

Tarbert Music Festival thanks

What a weekend! ank you all for turning up a er such a long break, your support of the event makes all the preparation worth while.

anks to all at West Kintyre Promotions for putting on a great show on the Friday night, Little Fix went down a treat, and DJ Lewis won the crowds over.

anks to Craig and Sarah for organising the marquee on the Saturday a ernoon, also to all who participated (all volunteers) - a good time was had by all.

e weather gave us a bit of a headache on Sunday and instead of our usual music on the quay, it was decided to move to the marquee.

is seemed to go down really well so, thank you to Tarbert Harbour board and sta for all the help and support getting this put together at such short notice.

anks also to all the volunteers who helped with the bar and to Zena for continuing to sell our ra e tickets.

A huge thanks once again to our own ‘Mrs Brown’ (Margaret) who collected more than £1,300 in her donation bucket!

e bands on Sunday were well appreciated by the crowds who gathered to be entertained by a good mix of varied music and it was great to see Anavrin going down so well, and great to see local talent.

anks to Jamie for organising the PA system, as well as to the Gather and Murphy’s Pakora Bar for providing food for the a ernoon, and to the face painter for her great work on both days.

We have to show our appreciation to Tarbert Co-op which has supported lots of village events; it has been so helpful and the money from the community fund helped us greatly.

Funding from Argyll and Bute Council was a massive boost to getting the festival up and running again; so another huge thank you.

anks must also go to local businesses for donations of money and ra e prizes.

A nal thank you to all of you for just being there and enjoying the weekend. See you next year: September 15 - 17, 2023.

Sight-impaired feel nancial pressure

Blind and partially-sighted people are being

Press policy

YOUR PICTURES

During a lovely clear night at the beginning of September Alan Frew at Skipness captured this magni cent photograph of the starry sky and underlit clouds looking south towards Arran. He used a Nikon D7200 on a tripod with a 10-20mm lens and a 30-second exposure.

 If you have a photograph you would like to see featured here, send it to editor@ argyllshireadvertiser.co.uk

harder hit by the mounting cost of living crisis because living with sight loss can hike everyday costs even further.

A RNIB survey found that even before prices began to rise one in ve people with sight loss said they had some or great di culty in making ends meet. With only one in four blind and partially-sighted people of working age currently in employment, many are more dependent on bene ts or pensions. In April, however, the key bene ts they are entitled to increased by only 3.1 per cent, far short of in ation rates predicted to soar to 10 per cent or more this year.

Some sight conditions require additional or constant lighting to allow su erers to get around safely indoors.

People with sight loss also tend to rely heavily on assistive technology such as screen readers

or video magni ers and electrical domestic appliances, like talking microwaves and kitchen scales, to maximise their independence.

RNIB, itself, is increasing the practical assistance it o ers to help deal with the nancial pressures.

We can help people identify the nancial support on speci c areas such as fuel poverty, or on the bene ts, tax allowances and concessions those with sight impairment are entitled to, and give them the information and advice they need to apply.

Call our helpline on 0303 123 9999, or if you have an Alexa device just say ‘Alexa, call RNIB Helpline’. Alternatively, you can visit rnib.org. uk/advice or email helpline@rnib.org.uk.

Ian Brown RNIB Scotland

At The Argyllshire Advertiser, we endeavour to ensure all our reports are fair and accurate and comply with the Editors’ Code of Practice set by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). We realise, however, that mistakes happen from time to time. If you think we have made a signi cant mistake and you wish to discuss this with us, please let us know as soon as possible by any of the three methods: emailing editor@argyllshireadvertiser.co.uk; telephoning the senior reporter on 01546 602345 or write to the Group Editor at Wyvex Media, Crannog Lane, Lochavullin estate, Oban, PA34 4HB. We will try to resolve your issue in a timeous, reasonable and amicable manner. However, if you are unsatis ed with our response, you can contact IPSO, which will investigate the matter. You can call IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or email inquiries@ipso.co.uk. IPSO is an independent body that deals with complaints about the editorial content. We will abide by its decision.

Tarbert Music Festival committee

Thought for the Week LOCHGAIR

In these times of great change, many of us can be fearful for the future.

We are living at a time when there are many uncertainties in our nation and in our world.

And in our personal lives there can be so many things that may cause us to worry – our health, our nances, our work, our families.

Where can we turn for help?

‘Where does my help come from?’ at was the question the psalmist asked in Psalm 121 – o en referred to as the travellers’ psalm.

It was sung thousands of years ago by Jewish pilgrims as they travelled the dangerous road up to Jerusalem, through an area renowned for bandits and robbers.

‘Where does my help come from?’

Where does our help come from as we travel through life?

It is no wonder that we long for security – to know that everything will be alright.

Lasting security is not going to be found in kings and governments, in wealth, in friends or family – or even in religion.

What is the answer that the psalm gives? It is found in one place only. ‘My help comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth.’

e psalm tells us that God is able to care for us through every situation in life and even take us safely through death.

How can we know this safe way through life? It is only by following Jesus. He is the way.

It is interesting that our late Queen chose this psalm to be sung at her funeral.

She personally had faith in Jesus Christ and knew him as her guide through life and her hope for eternity.

Campbeltown Free Church.

New start for Lochgair church

Lochgair’s church hall is set for a makeover which a village group hopes will bring activities back to the community space on a regular basis.

Lochgair residents were beaming a er a community buy-out of the church and hall meant work to preserve the hall could begin.

Jean Smith, chairperson of the Lochgair Association, said: ‘A few years ago, when it became obvious that church buildings across Argyll were likely to close, the villagers became anxious that this would mean we would lose our church and hall.

‘ e hall is our only available meeting place and was well used before the pandemic for many social events, meetings and tai chi classes.

‘Following negotiations, the village has now obtained ownership of both church and hall.

‘ e plans for the church building is to continue its use as a church for as long as possible, with Sunday worship on the rst Sunday of each month, and it will be available for any other special services and funerals if required, as well as for meetings and other fundraising events.’

Jean added: ‘ e hall, which was in a poor state of repair, is having a complete make-over.

‘Once repairs are complete, a new kitchen, disabled toilet and increased insulation will be installed, making it a comfortable and inviting facility for the people in Lochgair to enjoy and make use of for many years.’

Polish doctors visit grave

Historic Kilmun recently played host to a party of doctors from Poland keen to nd out more about the 19th century medical pioneer and changemaker Elizabeth Blackwell who is buried next to the church.

e 21-strong group, who were on a ve-day tour of Scotland’s medical landmarks, hailed from the western Polish city of Leszno.

Trip organiser Anna Legutko said: ‘We wanted to explore the places related to the history of medicine, trace Polish roots and see some nature.

and the United States as well as being a social activist. Her story is an inspiration to us all and we enjoyed our visit to Historic Kilmun immensely,’ added Anna.

Dinah McDonald, of Historic Kilmun, added: ‘It was a great pleasure to welcome our Polish friends who learnt all about the history of this famous venue and the remarkable lady who was Elizabeth Blackwell.’

Lochgair Church Hall is set for a makeover which is hoped will see it used for ‘many years to come’.

YOUR attention is drawn to the following terms and conditions which relate to the placing of advertisements in all publications owned by Wyvex Media Limited.

Parties to this agreement are the Publisher, Wyvex Media Limited on the one part and the Advertiser on the other part. The Publisher publishes newspapers, magazines, books and provides advertising space therein or provides for the delivery of advertising materials to the public within these publications.

1 Advertising copy shall be legal, decent, honest and truthful and comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice and all other codes.

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3 The Publisher reserves the right to cancel or alter the advertisement by giving reasonable notice.

4 An order for an advertisement shall be deemed to be made on acceptance

‘We visited the Polish Medical School and Surgeon’s Hall Museum in Edinburgh and other landmarks. Elizabeth Blackwell was an incredible woman who changed medicine for ever by breaking down barriers to become one of the rst female doctors in both Europe

CONDITIONS OF ACCEPTANCE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS

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e venue, which saw several hundred people visit its Cowal Open Studios exhibition, also hosted live music on Saturday evening with classical ute and guitar combo JKL Duo taking to the stage.

Historic Kilmun AGM was due to take place on Tuesday October 4, including an architectural presentation concerning the future layout of the church.

the publication in pursuance of the Advertiser/Advertising Agency order. 10 Adverts under the value of £75 must be paid on acceptance of order by the Publisher. All advertising on a credit basis must be agreed with the Publisher in advance.

11 Payment of any invoice raised by the Publisher will be due 15 days from the date of invoice or as otherwise directed on the invoice. In the event of non-payment the Publisher may charge late payment interest at a rate of 2% and this is chargeable on a daily basis from the due date until the bill is paid. In addition the Publisher may charge a late payment levy of £10 as an administration fee. In the event of late payment the Publisher reserves the right to disallow any discounts given and to raise an additional invoice for the discount which will be treated as though it has been raised with the original invoice.

12 A request to insert an advertisement assumes acceptance of our conditions.

Walk on the wild side in autumn

October is one of the most colourful times of the year.

Flowers such as sedums and rudbeckias are still blooming and the leaves on trees and shrubs are beginning to change to ery colours like red, yellow and orange. For many wildlife about to go into hibernation – bumblebees, butter ies and hover ies – late owering perennials are a lifeline.

As you prepare your garden for winter keep in mind that wildlife is vulnerable in autumn – so clean and re ll bird feeders, leave out water and plant berry bearing shrubs for next autumn.

Many species including ladybirds and other insects, hibernate in old seed heads and plant stems. Birds eat seeds and rosehips in the winter

and larger creatures, such as hedgehogs, hibernate in piles of twigs and leaves. So try to resist tidying up your outside space too much.

A few autumn jobs can make your garden more wildlife friendly and help provide food and shelter in the spring:

 Plant bulbs to ower in the spring, so they can provide food for bees coming out of hibernation

 Leave your borders: instead of tidying and cutting back leave your borders to rot down naturally – it’s great for wildlife

 Create a pond. It’s one of the best habitats for wildlife, but make sure there are plenty of shallow areas for wildlife to climb in and out. If you have limited space, then a container pond is a good alternative.

If you are growing your own fruit and veg then now is the time pick your pumpkins and squashes. Test to see if your pumpkins and winter squashes are ripe by pressing the skin with your ngernail – it shouldn’t feel that it will pierce. Harvest them with as

long a stalk as possible and store somewhere cool and dry.

Apart from being fantastic food, pumpkins and squashes are visually stunning.

ey are wonderful for creating beautiful autumnal displays for windowsills, front steps and window boxes.

Use swept-up twigs and leaves to create shelters for hedgehogs and other small animals this autumn.

A couple of stand-out varieties are Crown Prince, a bluegrey variety of pumpkin that has orange esh inside – delicious when roasted and used in soups – and Celebration, a lovely orange-yellow variety of winter squash that is acorn shaped and works well in soups, stews and Sunday roasts.

Now is also a good time to think about your soil. If it’s heavy clay you can dig it over so the winter frosts can break the clods down.

Or sow green manures on unused areas to protect the soil over winter.

October is o en a time spent clearing up a er the summer and preparing for the winter and spring ahead and as the RHS says, although we had some warmer days over September, the autumn is now de nitely here for real, and it feels colder.

It’s a beautiful time of year, with the trees changing colour. Sometimes it may seem pointless raking, when the wind blows even more leaves onto the ground, but just think of all the lovely leaf mould you can make! It’s also time to start preparing for early frosts.

Top three jobs this month are to move tender plants, including aquatic ones, into a greenhouse or conservatory; cut back perennials that have died down; and divide herbaceous perennials.

Benmore Botanic Garden celebrates visionary’s anniversary

Benmore Botanic Garden was founded at the behest of Sir Isaac Bayley Balfour, who died 100 years ago this November.

Bayley Balfour (1853 – 1922), ‘a most eminent botanist of any age’, was an advocate of conservation for the well-being of people and the planet - a man well ahead of his time.

Addressing fellow academics at Oxford in 1894, he delivered an evangelical plea for forestry to be recognised as a scienti c and economic resource,

declaring that an end to overharvesting and a new focus for conservation tree planting would bene t ‘hygienic and climatic in uences’.

Sir Isaac, as ninth Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), established the organisation as the leading authority on the study and conservation of Sino-Himalayan plants.

Aware of the sheer number of plants arriving in Britain from proli c collectors, he

determined that specimens coming into the care of RBGE would be best suited to a site with abundant rainfall and little frost on the west coast of Scotland. His determination to nd a suitable site to nurture plants in Argyll eventually transpired a er his death on November 30, 1922.

Benmore Botanic Garden was gi ed to the nation by Harry George Younger and acceded as RBGE’s rst Regional Garden in 1925.

But this was not Sir Isaac’s main claim to fame.

rough his research on Sphagnum (bog moss) as a super-e cient absorptive antiseptic wound dressing, from 1914 he diverted RBGE resources to identifying suitable locations for moss collection.

By 1918, over one million dressings per month were being applied in British hospitals. A book relaying the deeds of this environmental visionary, Cherished Plan, e Story

of Puck’s Hut at Benmore by David Gray, was published during the pandemic and is being featured along with an exhibition at Puck’s Hut in Benmore Garden until October 31.

Puck’s Hut is a small octagonal shelter, designed by architect and designer Sir Robert Lorimer and built with private donations and public fundraising as a lasting memorial to the tenacity of Bayley Balfour.

Puck’s Hut in Benmore Botanic Garden.

PLACE YOUR ADVERT IN COURIER AND ADVERTISER:

TELEPHONE: 01631 568000

Lines open: Mon to Thu 9am- 5pm, Fri 9am- 4pm

adverts@obantimes.co.uk

Around the markets

United Auctions, Oban, Tuesday September 27: sold 1626 ewes and lambs at their sale at Oban Livestock Centre.

‘A good show of long keeping types met a similar trade on the week. Feeding ewes were a touch less on the week.’

Trade was topped on the day by Cheviot lambs from A Maccoll, 2 Keils Croft at £85.

Lambs – Su X – Frackersaig £78; Killiechronan £77. Texel – Balnagown (Maccoll) £84; Balvicar £72; Balnagown £66; Kilpatrick Croft £63; Creagnich £60. Chev –Achadhbeag £74; Kingairloch £66. Cross – Ardmenish (Jura) £66; Balvicar £65; Ballachulish £62; Kilbride, Achaleven

£60. Mule – Killiechronnan £65. BF – Ardtornish £55; Callachally £52.50; Mid Farm £52; Ardtornish £49; Kengharair £48.

Ewes –Tex – Antuim £76; Kengharair £67; Chev –Cailaich £70; Kingairloch £67; Caddleton £66; Achadhbeag £60; Caddleton, Braefoot £58; Achadhbeag £56; Caddleton £54; Braefoot £53; Caddleton £52; Caddleton £50. Cross – Tullich Croft £70; Ardmenish £69; No 4 Aros £66; Creagnich £60; Kilpatrick Croft £56; Kilbride £55; Lagganulva £53; Plocaig £51; Ockle, Achaleven £50.

Mule – Killiechronan £56; . BF – Ardtornish £64; Ardtornish £53; Kengharair £50.

United Auctions, Stirling, Saturday October 1: sold

1004 rams and ram lambs at their annual rendezvous sale.

Top price in the Texel section was £2800 for a shearling consigned by J & T Parkin, Daviesdykes, selling to J Orr, Wester Walston.

Top price in the Beltex section was £2100 consigned J Guthrie, Cuiltburn, selling to P McIntosh, Strageath Hall, Muthill.

Top price in the BeltexX section was £3000 for a shearling from Dalchirla Ltd, selling to Balllechin Farms.

Top price in the Su olk section was £2200 for a shearling consigned by A Shepherd, Stoneyford, selling to W & C Ingram, Logie Durno.

Top price in the Llyen section was £750 for a shearling from R Johnson & Sons,

Roughlands, selling to D & M MacAully, Braendam. Top price in BFL section was £1600 for a shearling from A Smellie, Posso, selling to D Nicol, Auchtenny.

Top price Cheviot was £600 for a shearling from R & T Dun, Gilston, selling to Abercairny Estates Ltd.

Average Shearlings

Texel £768.29 (+£86.98 on the year); Beltex £541.92 (-£85.22 on the year) Cross £619.72 (-£7.37 on the year); Su olk £557.48 (-£0.54 on the year); BFL £607.33 (+£64.69 on the year); Cheviot £342.55 (-£72.45 on the year)

Ram Lambs Su olk £330.77 (+£103.40 on the year); Texel £447.03 (+£93.36 on the year); BFL £398.46 (-£49.43 on the year)

Lobbying success for NFUS as small woodlands to qualify as ecological focus areas in future

NFU Scotland has welcomed the announcement from Scottish Government that some small areas of woodland created on farms and cro s will soon be eligible for inclusion in support claims following planned changes to legislation.

From November, small woodlands approved under the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) since 2015 can be utilised as ecological focus areas (EFA) to support farmers’ Greening payments. Claims can be made from the 2023 claim year.

In meetings with cabinet secretaries Mairi Gougeon MSP and Mairi McAllan MSP at the end of 2022, NFU Scotland had asked for this change to be considered, recognising

the valuable contribution that woodlands can make to farms and cro s. e union has since worked with Scottish Government and Scottish Forestry o cials on how changes to legislation could be introduced.

NFU Scotland director of policy Jonnie Hall said: ‘NFU Scotland has always encouraged responsible planting, potentially adding biodiversity, livestock shelter, amenity value and an alternative income to a farm or cro . Having woodland planting carried out under the SRDP since 2015 eligible as EFA under their Greening options for support is a signicant lobbying success by NFUS and will be welcomed by many members.’

For more informa�on or to place an

please send Farm Gates (UK) Ltd a message or call: Ronnie Finney 07789 276354

Email: farm.gates@yahoo.com

MOBILE

The

MAIN

MOBILE

The system is easy to move and erect where required and can be easily modified to suit your requirements. Also ideal for TB testing and the cattle sliding gate gives full control of the livestock from outside the race and stops the race from spreading out.

MAIN FEATURES:

• Made from high-tensile steel

All hurdles are 6 railed x 1.75m high

• A funnel is incorporated into the race-way

• All hot-dipped galvanised finish

• 3000mm (3m) long

• 20-feet race

• 60-feet holding pen. Includes all joining pins/ stakes

• Total 200-feet of penning

PARTS LIST:

• 10 x 3m (6 railed) cattle hurdles

pins/stakes

gate

RECRUITMENT

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Reporter – Oban Times

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a bright, passionate and self-motivated reporter to join The Oban Times’ busy team.

The person we are looking for will have an NCTJ or similar qualification, including shorthand, be multi-media literate, and have excellent reporting and writing skills.

We are passionate about good local journalism and like our reporters to get out into the community, meeting people face-to-face, and uncovering the best stories.

You should be bursting with ideas and have a track record of delivering engaging news, as well as understand the importance of fostering great contacts, knowing your patch, and be capable of working on your own initiative as well as part of a team. You should also be able

to demonstrate sound journalistic practice, such as balance, careful sourcing and a solid, practical understanding of Scots Law.

As the position will be based in Oban, knowledge of the area would be an advantage.

You should also hold a full driving licence.

As well as writing for the newspaper and website, you will be expected to take photographs on the job, as well as contribute to our social media channels and podcasts.

In return for all this we offer a competitive salary, great experience and training, as well as an enhanced pension.

Please apply by email, sending your CV, plus a covering letter and some examples of your work to: personnel@wyvexmedia.co.uk

Office Administrator (Part-time)

LOCHGILPHEAD

Scottish Woodlands Ltd is a leading forestry management company with a long tradition of serving forest owners and investors in Scotland and the rest of the UK. We provide a comprehensive range of forest, estate and land-related services underpinned by our in-depth market experience, knowledge base and commitment to quality. The business is largely employee owned, and this encourages a dedication and commitment to the highest standards of professionalism and customer focus.

We are currently looking to recruit a part-time Office Administrator into our Lochgilphead Office to carry out a busy and varied role, more details of what is involved can be found on our website. The working hours will be Monday to Friday from 10.00 -14.00.

Administrative experience in the forestry or similar industry are advantageous but not a pre-requisite as training will be provided. We are looking for someone who can demonstrate excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills and who can manage and prioritise a busy and varied workload. Experience using various MS Office applications is essential.

All our applications are carried out online through or Applicant Tracking System. To view the full advert and to apply for this role please visit https:// www.scottishwoodlands.co.uk/careers/current-vacancies and follow the link to apply. Please note, as part of the application process, you will be required to upload your CV and cover letter.

Corrie

If you have any queries about this role, please email: hr@scottishwoodlands.co.uk

We are an equal opportunities employer

Closing date: Sunday 2nd October 2022 Growing a sustainable career

Kilmartin Museum

Kilmartin Museum are seeking a full-time Collections

assist

Head of

with general day-to-day curatorial

additional work

and install a new

the move back into the Museum’s new

For further information and to apply,

www.kilmartin.org/jobs.

9am,

27th

28th

WEST HIGHLAND HOUSING ASSOCIATION

ASSET PROJECT MANAGER

EVH Grade 7£35,022 to £38,456 per annum

SERVICE TECHNICIAN

EVH Grade 6£29,946 to £32,737 per annum

REPAIRS LEAD

EVH Grade 6£29,946 to £32,737 per annum

REPAIRS TECHNICIAN

EVH Grade 5£26,071 to £28,974 per annum

West Highland Housing Association provides housing and support services to over 1,000 tenants and owners within Oban, Lorn and the Isles.

We also have an ambitious new build development program along with plans to refurbish and improve our existing stock.

We have gone through a significant period of growth during 2021/22 and will be working towards developing a new business plan towards the end of 2022.

We have four fantastic opportunities within our newly formed Assets Team. All four roles will support the Assets Manager with the delivery of our Asset Management Service. The vacancies are:

Asset Project Manager (APM)

The APM role involves the planning and delivery of WHHA’s investment and cyclical maintenance programs in addition to ensuring all regulatory and statutory requirements are met. The APM will work closely with the Asset Manager and lead on the Project Management of programs to improve quality standards in the maintenance, retrofit and improvement to our housing stock.

Repairs Lead

The purpose of this customer focused role is to lead a small team delivering the customer facing and administration aspects of our reactive repairs service. The team will be responsible for repair diagnostics, customer support and advice, logging, issuing and tracking repairs and representing the customer’s best interest. You will monitor and report on service performance, customer satisfaction, liaising with contractors and colleagues to promote positive outcomes for customers

Service Technician

The Service Technician will deliver important preventative maintenance services to domestic hot water and central heating installations across WHHA’s housing stock. The post will also assist the Service Engineer to carry out reactive and planned maintenance duties in the district heating plant rooms and in assisting with general plumbing repairs when necessary

Repairs Technician

The role of Repairs Technician is to be a multi-skilled team member who will assist with the daily repairs to our assets. You will work closely with the Repairs and Assets team to carry out small, varied repairs, and to assist with scheduling your day and appointments with tenants, as well as planning and booking travel needs. Travel to Scottish islands and mainland properties is required.

Benefits package

WHHA has gold Investors in People accreditation and offers a great package including:

• Fully paid induction and personal development opportunities

• 40 days’ holiday per annum, pro rata for part-time hours

• Company pension scheme and Death in Service Benefit

• Flexible and family-friendly policy and procedures

Guidance for applicants

Further information about this post is available from our website where you can download the application form. Only completed application forms will be considered

Closing date for applications is 12th October 2022

Interviews are anticipated to take place week of 17th October 2022

SCOTTISH CHARITY IN SCOTLAND NO. SCO17357. REGISTERED SOCIETY UNDER THE CO-OPERATIVE AND COMMUNITY BENEFIT SOCIETY ACT 2014, NO.1691R(S) AND SECTION 4 OF THE HOUSING (SCOTLAND) ACT 1988 REGISTERED NO. HEP163. PROPERTY FACTOR REGISTRATION NUMBER PF000101

Argyll and Bute Council

PLANNING

The applications listed below together with the plans and other documents submitted with them may be viewed electronically through Argyll and Bute Council website at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk. Having regard to Schedule 6, Part 3, s10 of the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020, documents are only available to inspect electronically at this time. Customers requiring assistance can contact us by e-mail: planning.hq@argyll-bute.gov.uk or tel. 01546 605518.

TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 2013 REGULATION 20(1) ADVERT STATEMENT

TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (SCOTLAND) ACT 1997 (AS AMENDED), RELATED PLANNING (LISTED BUILDINGS AND CONSERVATION AREAS) (SCOTLAND) ACT 1997 Ref. No.Proposal Site Address 22/01630/MINVariation of planning condition 7 relative to planning permission 18/02556/MIN (Application for extension and continuation of operations at existing hard rock quarry and siting of modular building) – Proposed increase to output sales tonnage from 15,000 tonnes to 40,000 tonnes per annum for a temporary period of 12 months

Corran Farm Quarry, Clachan, Tarbert, Argyll And Bute, PA29 6XN

22/01823/PPChange of use of bakehouse into temporary village shopThe Bakehouse, East Of The Skipness Shop, Skipness, Tarbert, Argyll And Bute

22/01380/PPConstruction of wind farm comprising of 11 wind turbines (maximum blade tip height of 149.9 m), formation of new access tracks, erection of substation/control buildings, external transformer, met mast, installation of 2 storage containers and welfare facilities, formation of temporary construction compound and other ancillary infrastructure

22/01829/PPRenewal of planning permission reference 19/01721/PP (Demolition of the Old Dairy building and erection of 2no. dwellinghouses)

22/01793/PPErection of 2 dwellinghouses, installation of treatment plant and water borehole, and formation of access

22/01785/PPErection of dwellinghouse, detached garage and agricultural shed, installation of sewage treatment plant and formation of vehicular access

Land East Of Kilmartin And North East Of Lochgilphead, Argyll And Bute

The Old Dairy, Kintyre Street, Tarbert, Argyll And Bute

Land North Of Tangy Glen Cottages, Kilkenzie, Campbeltown, Argyll And Bute

Land East Of Forza, Kilmichael Glassary, Lochgilphead, Argyll And Bute

22/01865/PPRepainting of shopfront 47 Longrow, Campbeltown, Argyll And Bute, PA28 6ER

Written comments can be submitted online http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/planning-and-environment/ find-and-comment-planning-applications or to Argyll and Bute Council, Development Management, Kilmory Castle, Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA31 8RT within 21 days of this advert. Please quote the reference number in any correspondence. Any letter of representation the Council receives is considered a public document and will be published on our website. Anonymous or marked confidential correspondence will not be considered. A weekly list of all applications can be viewed on the Councils website. Customers are requested to use electronic communication where possible during the coronavirus pandemic as our ability to process postal mail is restricted.

THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT) (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 2017 NOTICE UNDER REGULATION 20

Planning Application Reference Number: 22/01380/PP

Proposed development at: Land East Of Kilmartin And North East Of Lochgilphead Argyll And Bute

The proposed development at the address noted above is subject to environmental impact assessment under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017.

Notice is hereby given that an ElA Report has been submitted to Argyll and Bute Council by EPower Ltd relating to the planning application in respect of Construction of wind farm comprising of 11 wind turbines (maximum blade tip height of 149.9 m), formation of new access tracks, erection of substation/control buildings, external transformer, met mast, installation of 2 storage containers and welfare facilities, formation of temporary construction compound and other ancillary infrastructure.

Possible decisions relating to the application are: approval of the application without conditions; approval of the application with conditions; or refusal of the application.

A copy of the environmental report and the associated planning application(s) may be inspected electronically through Argyll and Bute Council website at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk. Having regard to Schedule 6, Part 3, s10 of the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020, documents are only available to inspect electronically during the emergency period. Customers requiring assistance can contact us by e-mail: planning.hq@ argyll-bute.gov.uk, or tel. 01546 605518. In the event of the emergency period ceasing, documents will be available for inspection by appointment during office hours in the register of planning applications kept by the Planning Authority, at 1A Manse Brae, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RD. Documents will be available for a minimum of 30 days beginning with the date of this notice.

Copies of the EIA Report may be purchased from EPower Ltd, 15 Pitreavie Court, Dunfermline, KY11 8UU at a cost of £250 per hard copy. CD or USB copies of the complete application submission are available for a fee of £30. Copies of the Non-Technical Summary are available free of charge.

Any person who wishes to make representations to Argyll and Bute Council about the EIA Report should make them in writing within 30 days from the date of this notice. Written comments can be submitted by email to planning.hq@argyll-bute.gov.uk or to Argyll and Bute Council, Development Management, Kilmory Castle, Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA31 8RT. Customers are requested to use electronic communication where possible during the coronavirus pandemic as our ability to process postal mail is restricted.

To find out more about living and working in Argyll & Bute visit us at: www.argyll-bute.gov.uk

Comhairle Earra – Ghàidheal agus Bhòid

Tel : 01546 603158 info@samborek.net www.samborek.net Since

MARRIAGE

NEWLANDS –MCCALLUM - Both families are delighted to announce the marriage of Stuart, eldest son of John and Margaret, to Lorna, only daughter of Colin and Jane, on September 3, 2022 at A’Chleit Church by the Rev Steve Fulcher. A truly wonderful day was had by all.

GOLDEN WEDDING

MURPHY – SIMPSON – On October 7, 1972, in Glasgow, Brian to Lesley. Present address: Ardtalla, Lochgilphead.

DEATHS

HAMILTON - On October 1, 2022, peacefully at Lorne Campbell Court Campbeltown, Gilbert Hamilton, formerly of Rose Cottage, Skipness in his 91st year, beloved husband of the late Caroline and a dear uncle of the family. Funeral service at St Brendan’s Church, Skipness, on Tuesday, October 11, at 12noon, interment therea er at Skipness Cemetery, to which all friends are respectfully invited. Flowers welcome or donations to church if desired.

GRADUATIONS

MCCONNACHIEPeacefully at Campbeltown Hospital, on September 28, 2022, Ishobel Mary MacAlpine, in her 84th year, Sealladh-Na-Mara, Port Righ, Carradale, dearly beloved wife of John McConnachie, much loved mother of Walter and Alastair, motherin-law of Catherine and Mandy and loving granny to Finlay, Moray and Peter.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

BRUCE - e family of the late William (Billy) would like to thank most sincerely sta at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the local paramedics, the Air Ambulance Service, Dr Lazarus and all the sta at Campbeltown Hospital for the dedicated care they gave Billy. Also to Marion MacDonald for her kind support and upli ing service and to Kenny Blair and family for their professional guidance and support. e family would also like to thank everyone who paid their respects on route to the cemetery and graveside and to the Masonic Lodge for providing hospitality. Finally to family and friends for all letters, cards, owers and support.

MCKILLOP - e family of the late David McKillop would like to thank everyone for their support, calls, cards and messages a er their sad loss. anks to all sta at Campbeltown Hospital and at Ward 10d Queen Elizabeth Hospital for the care and kindness dad received when in their care. anks to the Highland Parish Church, Rev Mr Chris Holden for conducting the service, Kenneth and Rhys Blair for their professional help throughout proceedings.

Julius Weeks for playing the organ, Stronvaar Bowling Club and Argyll Bakeries for catering.

Finally, thanks to everyone who came to the service in the church and cemetery and those who paid their last respects to dad on his nal route to Kilkerran.

IN MEMORIAMS

LIPPE - Precious memories of Feuna, died October 9, 1992 aged 26 years.

We will never forget you.

- Mum, Iona, John, Paul and Feuna.

Love you always mum.

- Peter John. xx

MCMILLAN - In loving memory of Annette, who passed away on October 10, 2005.

A loving wife, mum and granny.

Loved and missed everyday!

YOUNG – In loving memory of Jim Young, who passed away October 11, 2021. Loved husband, dad and papa. Always in our thoughts Forever in our hearts.

- Marie and family.

CHURCH NOTICES

SPRINGBANK EVANGELICAL CHURCH 75 Longrow, Campbeltown Family Service Sunday 9th October 10.45am www.springbankchurch. org.uk https://www.facebook.com/ springbankchurch Contact phone number 07734178055

CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

Campbeltown Courier & Argyllshire Advertiser Friday 7 October, 2022

CAMPBELTOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH

A warm welcome awaits you in the Kirk Street Hall at 11:00am

Baptist Church Pastor Mark Jasper 01586 554 092 pastor@campbeltowncommunitychurch.co.uk www.campbeltowncommunitychurch.co.uk www.facebook.com/campbeltowncommunitychurch SC043322

SKIPNESS LINKED WITH TARBERT LOCHFYNE AND KILBERRY CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

South Kintyre Team Ministry Sunday services

10 am Saddell and Carradale Church SC002609 10 am Highland Church, Campbeltown SC002493 11.30am Southend Church SC005484

www.facebook.com/ campbeltowncourier www.facebook.com/ argyllshireadvertiser

nd us on facebook

INTERIM MODERATOR –Alison Hay – 01546 886213 www.kintyreparishes.org.uk

ST. MARGARET’S RC CHURCH Lochgilphead Holy Mass Sunday 10AM ALL SAINTS INVERARAY Holy Mass Sunday 12.30pm Fr Henry Nkob 01546602380 All Welcome

CAMPBELTOWN FREE CHURCH George Street, Campbeltown

Sunday Worship

10 am Skipness (SC004280) 11.30 am Tarbert (SC002622) Minster Rev Lyn Peden Tel: 01880 8201588

ST. KIERAN’S, ST. JOHN STREET, CAMPBELTOWN 01586 552160 campbeltown@rcdai.org.uk Worship: Saturday (Vigil Mass), 6.00pm Sundays, Holy Mass, 10am Most liturgies live streamed. https://www.facebook.com/ campbeltownrcchurch A Parish of the R.C. Diocese of Argyll and the Isles; Charitable Trust, a registered Scottish Charity, SC002876 Parish Priest: Fr. A. Wood

LOCHGILPHEAD PARISH CHURCH Sunday 9th October 11.00am Worship service Dr. John L. Morrison More info at www.lpchurch.co.uk

GLASSARY, KILMARTIN AND FORD PARISH CHURCH Barr Mhor Kilmartin

Sunday 9th October 2022 11.15am

Rev Roderick Campbell Communion This is a joint service with Tayvallich All very welcome

NORTH KNAPDALE PARISH CHURCH charity number SC001002

Sunday 9 October 11:15 am Communion Kilmartin Church Rev. R. Campbell www.northknapdale.org

SALVATION ARMY

Sunday 9th October

11am Worship Service 11am Army kidz/youth 6.30pm Evening Service Wednesdays 12noon Lunch Club 7pm Make and Munch Craft Group

If we can be of any assistance to anyone during this time please call us on 01586 552046 Major Ruth Russell Scottish Charity Number SCO09359

LORNE & LOWLAND PARISH CHURCH Charity no. SC011686 Sunday 9th October Morning Worship 11.15am Triple C Gen 1 Rev Chris Holden Everyone Welcome

Adam recently graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BA honours degree in International Tourism and Airline Management. Adam is the elder son of Iain and Rhona, Cumbernauld, grandson of Andrew and Margaret Ronald, Peninver and Iain and the late Margaret McMillan, Limecraigs.

Adam recently started work in Customer Services at Edinburgh International Airport.

Recently graduated, on 12th June 2022, from Edinburgh University with a First-Class Honours MA in Primary Education with Gaelic. Isla was also presented with an award for the highest academic achievement in her eld of study. Isla is currently teaching in Edinburgh. Best wishes from all the family in your future career.

George Street, Campbeltown Sunday 9th October 11.15am Worship Service Rev David Parker 11.15am Sunday School Monday 10th October 8.00pm Men’s Fellowship (by Zoom) Wednesday 12th October 7.30pm Bible Study and Prayer (by Zoom) All welcome www.campbeltownfreechurch.co.uk Scottish Charity Number: SC046745

SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH Christ Church, Lochgilphead 11am Holy Eucharist coffee & cake after St Columba, Poltalloch 1st Sunday of the month: 9am Holy Communion 3rd Sunday: 6pm Evensong ‘Love bade me welcome...’ (SC013787, SCO31391)

Lochgilphead Parish Church of Scotland SC016311

ARDRISHAIG AND SOUTH KNAPDALE PARISHES Sunday Services in Ardrishaig at 11:00am and Achahoish at 12:30pm Wednesday Time to Pause?

Ardrishaig Church 11:45pm-12:15pm

HM Queen Elizabeth II...

Denzil Meyrick...

MasterChef

Adam Ronald McMillan

Isla MacKinnon

Mid Argyll RFC make their mark across ages

It was a busy time for Mid Argyll’s rugby players last weekend with the new micro section playing their rst game.

Great performances from Pippa and Innes got the mini section red up and ready for Oban Dalriada.

Mini rugby teams from Oban, Mid Argyll, Mull, Lochaber and Taynuilt, numbering more than 80 young players, were involved.

Both the Mid Argyll P4-5 and P6-7 sections performed well on the day scoring lots of tries and coming away with some good wins.

In the P4-5 category, Oban came out on top of the group thanks to a victory over Mull who came second overall but had the superior try count on the day. Mid Argyll and Lochaber combined forces to take third spot ahead of the Etive Vikings who showed glimpses of brilliance to score some fantastic tries.

In the P6-7 competition, the Oban team came out on top again to complete a clean sweep of its home competition winning all their games.

Next up on Saturday a er the Dalriada event were the Mid Argyll boys representing Oban’s U18 team against Ardrossan/Garnock.

With captain Murray MacDonald having a superb game at y half, he inspired the team to a well-deserved win. He added ve tries and seven conversions and the game nished 61-8.

Mid Argyll had three players in this team, with Gordon McLean, who added his own try to the tally, and Ethan

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

omas making up the trio.

Finishing the day o on Saturday, Calum Clarke, Daniel Broderick, John Goodfellow - playing his rst senior game - and Elliot Lyndsey went to Mull to help them eld a team against Lochaber. Mull lost the game 31-43 but the Mid Argyll di erence was felt and Daniel even chipped in with a couple of tries.

On Sunday Mid Argyll boys were again in action playing in

U15 and U16 Oban teams.

Fergus Bennet and Arran Martin travelled to Strathaven and once again played a great game with the U15 team winning 64-28 with Arran adding two tries to the Oban haul.

It was then the U16s turn to nish o the weekend in Fort William playing against Lochaber in a 75-10 win for the visitors. Again, Mid Argyll were well represented with Vinnie Buckley and Euan McCartan scoring tries, Rhys

Co eld adding ve conversions and Sorley Self playing excellent in the second row.

Coach Lee Buckley said: ‘ is was a very successful weekend for Mid Argyll players and if we keep this going, added to the excellent numbers for senior training, we can hopefully look forward to our own senior team. Senior training has now moved to the all-weather pitch at the joint campus from 7-8pm on Mondays. Everyone is welcome.’

Shinty round-up

Mowi Premiership Newtonmore 3 Kyles Athletic 2 Newtonmore edged out Kyles Athletic 3-2 in a ding-dong 1.30pm throw-up at the Eilan. Newtonmore took the lead on seven minutes through Fraser MacKintosh, but Luke ornton on 22 minutes and Ross MacRae on 40 minutes had Kyles 2-1 ahead at the interval. Newtonmore pushed Steven Macdonald into an attacking role and he equalised a minute into the second half. en, with 20 minutes to go, youngster Brodie MacBean scored to earn Newtonmore a 3-2 win.

Mowi National Division Skye Camanachd 5 Inveraray 1 Skye Camanachd pulled level on points with league leaders Beauly a er beating thirdplaced Inveraray 5-1 in their 3pm throw-up at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. Inveraray travelled with a strong squad, elding Ross MacMillan in attack, but the ve-hour journey north had them arriving in Portree within an hour of throw-up.

for a challenge which caught Skye’s Chris Rose above the knee with Rose later limping o to be replaced by Somhairle MacDonald.

Skye had their tails up and Jordan Murchison got his second and Skye’s third on 34 minutes.

Skye rounded o an excellent rst half performance when Jordan Murchison completed his hat-trick on 44 minutes.

James Pringle, who had replaced an injured Ross Gordon late in the rst half, added a h Skye goal on 57 minutes.

Inveraray, with Campbell Watt excellent when on the ball, went close on a couple of occasions before Fraser Watt won possession in a central position before passing to Allan MacDonald, wide on the le of the ‘D’.

MacDonald sent a blistering shot high over Skye keeper Murphy Henderson’s le shoulder to make it 5-1 on 79 minutes. It was the rst goal Skye had conceded in open play since mid-July.

As the season draws to a close at Tarbert Golf Club, there were a busy few days at Glenralloch getting all the knock-out nals up-to-date.

On the a ernoon of Friday September 23, the Glenralloch Trophy nal took place with Andrew Henderson and Chris McArthur taking on Iain Johnstone snr and Malcolm McAlpine.

Andrew and Chris had a healthy lead, being four up with four to play, but Iain and Malcolm rallied to win three holes in a row to close the game to one down with one to play. On the nal green, Chris

rattled in a 20-foot par putt to secure a half in four, giving him and Andrew a one-hole victory and the trophy.

e following day, on Saturday September 24, the Jimmy Letters nal took place where Kenny MacFarlane and Andrew Henderson played Iain Johnstone snr and Stuart McAlister.

is was a tight game with never more than two holes in it.

Kenny and Andrew won the 16th to tie the match, then won the last two holes to secure a two-up victory.

Also on Saturday, the

September Medal took place along with the James Johnson Trophy for the over-50s.

Chris McArthur kept his good form going with a 63 nett to take home the September Medal, with Peter McLean winning the James Johnson with 65 nett. e best scratch score came from club champion Craig Barrett on 65 which included a back nine of 30.

On a very busy day for the club, the ladies also played for their September Medal, with Angela Vernel taking the honours on 60, with Frances Hardie second on 62.

Skye took the lead on 20 minutes. Ross Gordon’s cross- eld pass found Jordan Murchison and although Inveraray defender Robert Wood blocked his rst e ort, Murchison sent the rebound low into the corner of the net.

Ross Gordon made it 2-0 with a well-worked goal on 22 minutes. John Gillies won possession and, as he was falling, slipped the ball to Jordan Murchison on the right. Murchison could have shot goalwards but instead cut an unsel sh ball to Ross Gordon in central position and, despite the muddied goal area, Gordon steered the ball into the net.

Inveraray’s Ruaraidh Graham was yellow-carded

MacMillan tripped Morrison following a corner from the Inveraray le and a second booking, followed by a red card, le Inveraray a man short for the closing stages.

Mowi South Division 2 Strachur-Dunoon 3 Aberdour 1

Strachur-Dunoon came from a goal down to beat the Aberdour second team 3-1 at Dunoon Stadium.

Aberdour took the lead on 21 minutes with what was the only goal of the rst half.

Strachur-Dunoon gained control in the second half though as Sam Bulloch levelled three minutes a er the re-start.

Steven ompson put the hosts in front on 55 minutes and a second from Sam Bulloch on 76 minutes completed the 3-1 win.

Mid Argyll RFC micro and mini players at the Dalriada rugby day in Oban.

Mid Argyll youngsters enjoy football festival

Great goals, superb saves, goalmouth scrambles and near misses - the sixth Lochnell Football Festival had it all at North Connel on Saturday.

Seven and a half hours of non-stop football saw more than 350 primary age footballers take to the eld, playing small sided games that featured teams from across the west of Argyll and Highland, including Islay and Fort William. Although games were competitive, it was a ‘trophy free’ day with one caveat – all players received a souvenir of the day courtesy of the fes-

tival’s main sponsors Anderson Banks Solicitors and Estate Agents, which generously provided every player with a commemorative medal.

Donald McAllister, Lochnell FC chairperson and festival organiser, said: ‘Once again we had a wonderful day of football and it was great to see so many young players from across the west coast enjoying their sport. We thank all participating players, their coaches and parents and our sponsors who all contributed to running the event.’

Red Star back on duty in Scottish Amateur Cup round one

Lochgilphead Red Star return to action tomorrow (Saturday) when they host Ayrshire cracks Kilbirnie United in the Scottish Amateur Cup first round.

A er progressing in the West of Scotland Amateur Cup, the Mid Argyll men are turning to the ‘Scottish’ as they seek a double cup run.

Star are back in action a er a twoweek hiatus, with a break over the traditional late September bank holiday weekend for amateur clubs, and a postponement last Saturday when bad weather put paid to their planned trip to play Glenvale Carlton in Paisley.

eir opponents are currently h in the third tier of the Ayrshire

league, with nine points from seven games played. Manager Colin Weir said ahead of the tie: ‘We’re looking forward to the game.

‘We haven’t put too many cup runs together outwith the league cups in the SAFL so we would like to do well in the Scottish and the West this season.

‘ ere’s the added incentive of an

Argyll derby against Rhu Amateurs in the next round so we will be giving it our all to win the game.

‘ e squad is looking strong and our only injury concern as of the start of the week is Keir White eld who has a hamstring injury.’

Kick o tomorrow (Saturday) is 2pm at the Joint Campus’ synthetic pitch.

Tarbert to take rest of season out

Tarbert AFC have taken the tough decision to stop playing competitive football for the rest of the 2022/23 in the Scottish Amateur Football League.

e village amateur football club announced they were stepping back from SAFL duties for the remainder of the campaign, amidst di culties mustering squads of players from week to week, even at this early stage of the traditional August-May football season, and a er starting again following the club’s mothballing for season 2021/22.

e club posted the news on its Twitter account @afc_tarbert writing: ‘Unfortunately, due to lack of numbers we have been forced to take the year out from the SAFL.

‘As a club we couldn’t be more grateful to the league for allowing us back in a er the pandemic.

‘ e club would like to thank Jonathan Scott, Bill MacFarlane and Bruce MacNab for all their e orts in allowing the core bunch of young, committed players to give it a go. We cannot be more grateful.

‘Hopefully the season out will allow us to come back stronger next season.’

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Lochgilphead Red Star 2011s with coaches Stuart Green and Stephanie Wragg.

Above: Tarbert 2012s; left: Port Ellen from Islay.