Arran Banner Week 40 2022

Prestigious Brodick hotel put up for sale

by Hugh Boag editor@arranbanner.co.uk

A prestigious Arran hotel has been put up for sale three years a er the death of its owner.

e Douglas Hotel is on the market with a guide price of £3.25 million along with e Shorehouse at o ers over £695,000. Both were owned by Sean Henry who died suddenly in Spain, aged just 53.

As expected, executors for Mr Henry’s estate have decided to sell the properties in Brodick as fully operational going concern trading businesses.

Early interest in the hotel is said to be keen a er the property went on sale this week.

e four-star Douglas Hotel, set in 1.8 acres of land, comprises 21 guest bedrooms as well as a bar, bistro, lounges and alfresco terraces. It bene ted from an £8 million refurbishment when it was bought by Mr Henry in 2006 and opened in June 2011. It was

awarded e Scottish Boutique Hotel of the Year in 2020.

e category C listed building is being marketed by estate agents Graham + Sibbald and the property schedule states: ‘For new owners, e Douglas Hotel, with the monies expended beyond normal commercial considerations, is an exceptional opportunity.

‘ e hotel is in complete walk-in condition, the business has been operated entirely under management with a dedicated general manager and a excellent team of both loyal and local sta .’

e Shorehouse is a 13-apartment self-catering aparthotel, a few minutes’ walk from the Douglas which also provides accommodation for hotel workers. Anyone buying the hotel would be given rst refusal for e Shorehouse.

Hotel manager Kate Russell told the Arran Banner: ‘Following the untimely pass Continued on page 2. The Douglas Hotel seen through the memorial entrance arch containing Sean Henry’s initials. 01_B40douglas01

Licence now needed for new short-term lets

A new mandatory licensing scheme for all self-catering, B&B and guest house accommodation has come into e ect on Arran.

North Ayrshire Council’s short-term lets policy, which came into e ect on Saturday October 1, requires all new hosts to apply for a licence before accepting any bookings or guests. Existing hosts have until April 2023 to apply for a licence.

The scheme was introduced by the Scottish Government with the aim of ensuring short-term lets are safe, while attempting to address issues faced by neighbours and communities.

Although national legislation does not require it, North Ayrshire Council will be introducing a scheme where existing hosts can apply for a ‘no-licence’ con rmation until they have applied for their licence. Details of this will be released shortly.

Following a consultation period in August and Continued on page 2.

Live music blow as Crofters to close after nine years’ trading

One of Brodick’s most popular restaurants and bars is to close at the end of the month.

The closure of Crofters Arran is a big blow to the eating out choices in Brodick and to the grassroots live music scene.

But it is to close its doors after nearly nine years of trading and is now on the market at a fixed price of £360,000, which as well as the bistro and large newly-fitted beer garden, in cludes a two bedroom owner/ manager’s flat.

Sellers Graham + Sibbald describe it as a popular bistro with a good turnover of busi ness ready for a new operator.

Founded by Donal Boyle, the family restaurant developed a well-respected reputation for itself because of its food and music offerings and its efforts to use local suppliers and cre ate a circular economy.

They regularly held music sessions giving a platform to local musicians as well as invit ed guests from the mainland. Earlier this year, they hosted the daily sessions of the Arran Folk Festival, stepping in at the last minute to help.

Over the past four years, Crofters has been working hard to create a sustainable hospitality-lead lifestyle brand that showcases Arran and Scottish produce.

In an off-shot of the business during lockdown, Donal’s daughter Ealana created the Crofters Larder producing

everything from cured meats to ketchup.

However, the Boyles feel this is a good time to call it a day on the business and pursue other interests.

Donal said: ‘We are really proud of what we have achieved at Crofters over the last nine years, but we feel it is the right time for us to close. We thank all of our customers and supporters over the years and invite everyone to come visit us before we close on Sunday October 30.’

Crofters is situated in the heart of Brodick in a wellknown building often used as a landmark owing to its bright colour and striking appearance.

Over the years, the build ing has housed Stalkers Restaurant, Fiddlers Restaurant then Crofters which will be remembered for its commitment to sustainable practices and grassroots live music.

Prestigious hotel up for sale

Continued from page 1. ing of the owner Sean Henry in September 2019, the estate executors have decided to sell the properties as fully opera tional going concern trading businesses.

‘After steering the businesses in and out of Covid, it is the intention of the executors to obtain full market value, not sell when times were difficult, to do justice to the wonderful work done by the team and the late owner, to meet the obliga tions of the estate.’

Alistair Letham, a hotel consultant with Graham + Sibbald, added: ‘With the Douglas Hotel being a truly “trophy” hotel opportunity, its availability is an outstanding and rare opportunity for new owners to take over a beautiful hotel property and established

The late Sean Henry.

business in one of Scotland’s most popular island destina tions. The additional availabil ity of The Shorehouse provides the spread of accommodation style and type to complement each other.’

Licence now needed for new short-term lets

Continued from page 1. early September, North Ayrshire Council’s licensing committee approved the policy after considering feedback from landlords, hosts and neighbours of short-term let properties, which also includes other temporary accommodation including houses, flats and rented rooms.

The policy, while still being considered by the Scottish Government, was heavily criticised by many accommodation providers and governing bodies for being unnecessary, bureaucratic and an additional financial burden for businesses.

Despite this, the decision was made which required all 32 councils in Scotland to formulate and introduce the scheme by October this year.

Licensing committee chairwoman Eleanor Collier said she expects to see further revisions to the policy in future in North Ayrshire to help ensure a system which works for everyone.

Councillor Collier said: ‘First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation. The feedback we received has been vital in helping to shape the new short-term lets policy.

‘Given that legislation required us to have the policy in place for October, I am hopeful we have put in place a solid policy which has been informed by those most affected – the hosts and the neighbours.

‘However, we will be more than happy to revisit the policy if it needs tweaked further. We will monitor and review the policy to make sure we are striking the right balance for everyone with a stake in it.’

The licensing committee will review the operation of the short-term lets scheme in North Ayrshire, including the level of fees charged and the operation of the conditions, in around 18 months.

Further information about the policy can be found at www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/ ShortTermLets.

email us at editor@arranbanner.co.uk

Above: Crofters will close at the end of the month.

Left: Donal and Ealana performing at the folk festival at Crofters.

‘We are really proud of what we have achieved at Crofters over the last nine years, but we feel it is the right time for us to close.’

Dual-fuel option could be delayed to get Arran ferry ready on time

by Colin Smeeton editor@arranbanner.co.uk

e boss of the Ferguson Marine shipyard has conrmed the ‘green’ dual fuel option for Arran’s new ferry could be delayed for at least a year or delivery of the vessel faces further delays.

Providing the MV Glen Sannox with its so-called ‘green’ credentials to be able to use liquid natural gas (LNG) was a major feature of the ferry plans, however, it could now become a dead-weight in the vessel or, at best, delay the nal handover of the ship by one or two months.

Ferguson chief executive o cer David Tydeman, in a recent letter to the convener of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, conrmed the ferry may not use LNG for at least a year, using

conventional marine diesel oil instead.

e target date for the completion of the vessel, which is already ve years late, is April 2023 but the LNG commissioning is scheduled for the

following month of May. is will be completed by specialist suppliers at Troon.

If any issues are discovered with the LNG system, this will either result in the handover delay or a decision will be made whether to use the more cost e ective and less environment-harming fuel for the 2023 season or rely solely on the diesel engines.

‘Subject to the agreement of CMAL/CalMac, there may be a option to defer commissioning of the LNG to winter 2023 and for the MV Glen Sannox to run on single fuel for the 2023 season if there are signi cant commissioning issues with the LNG system. e decision can be made in April/May 2023,’ Mr Tydeman told committee convener Edward Mountain MSP.

e use of LNG has long been a bone of contention with opponents who have questioned

the real ‘green’ bene ts of LNG which has to be shipped in from the Middle East and transported hundreds of miles by road.

e fact LNG use in MV Glen Sannox is relatively new technology - and is also untested by the shipyard - was also questioned at the start of the vessel commissioning. And, as revealed by the Banner in May this year, Danish company KC LNG

which received the £5m contract to construct two underground LNG tanks at Ardrossan and Uig, have con rmed they will not be nished until the beginning of 2025.

e correspondence from Mr Tydeman also revealed that Hull 802, MV Glen Sannox’s sister ship which is also being built at the Port Glasgow shipyard, will be delayed by three months.

The current featured artist at Arran Library’s exhibition space is photographer Ben Jay of Beyond the Lens.

The exhibition, which runs until Wednesday October 12, is a compilation of local landscape and outdoor images.

Ben said: ‘It's hard not to be a photographer when living on an island as beautiful as Arran but never did I expect it to become what it is to me. Photography isn’t just my career, it’s a way of life. Every photograph means something to me. It represents the trials and tribulations I went through to get that shot.

Every picture is a memory of the people I met on that journey. Photography means something to me. What does it mean to you?’

An international group of 10 young adults from the Netherlands, Nigeria, India and the US came to Arran for a week-long visit as part of their ministry training course with Youth With a Mission (YWAM).

e group was accompanied by the Reverend Andrew Clark, minister of Arran Baptist Church and ministry team leader at Sannox Christian Centre, who led worship and preached at services in Kilmory and later in Lamlash Church.

During the services, the group sang contemporary worship songs in some of their native languages and two of the group, Pastor Raymond from Nigeria and Lauren from the US, spoke about their experiences in their

own countries and shared some of what they are learning on their YWAM course.

YWAM is based in Paisley and has a training centre in Seamill.

e trainee ministers were based at Sannox Christian Centre where they held an open house worship session. ey also joined a music-making session in Lamlash.

As well as o ering encouragement and blessing to locals during the visit, the team went on a ‘prayer walk’, asking for God’s blessing on village homes and businesses.

e YWAM ministry training course lasts for three months and the organisation, founded in 1960, is an inter-denominational Christian training organisation.

Marine diesel oil is likely to initially power the huge propeller of the MV Glen Sannox.

Photograph: Mark Gibson Digital.

Ferguson Marine chief executive o cer David Tydeman.

Classical guitarist at Brodick

Music Arran welcomes Sasha Savaloni to Brodick Hall on Saturday October 15 at 7.30pm.

Classical guitarist Sasha won the prestigious Sevilla International Guitar Competition in 2018.

As a soloist, he has staged concerts in Italy, Spain, France, Cyprus, Iran, Ireland and throughout the UK as well as performances in festivals including the London Guitar Festival, St Magnus International Festival, Sul Tasto Paris, Festival de la Guitarra de Sevilla, Big Guitar Weekend and Ullapool Guitar Festival. He has performed as a soloist with orchestras including the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the European Union Youth Orchestra. He has also performed and given interviews for BBC Radio Scotland’s Classics Unwrapped programme. Sasha is a lecturer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS). He is also pursuing a doctoral degree at the RCS focusing on the performance of Schubert’s music on guitar.

Tickets, priced £12, are available from Inspirations or at the door, as well as online with Ticket Scotland. Young people of 18 years and under are free.

Certas to shut Brodick depot and ship fuel from mainland

by Hugh Boag editor@arranbanner.co.uk

Certas Energy is to close its Brodick depot and instead bring all fuel from the mainland from the end of the month.

e company says Arran’s ageing fuel depot in Market Road has to be shut down as fuel tanks are no longer t for purpose and investment would be needed to replace the tanks. Any such investment would result in the price of the fuel passing through those tanks soaring to cover the cost.

However, North Ayrshire Council says it wants to ensure residents and businesses, who are Certas customers, have continuity and certainty of fuel supply - particularly as winter approaches.

Two jobs are expected to be lost as a result of the closure.

Certas Energy, which took over the ageing Scottish Fuels depot in 2007, say the company has already been distributing petrol by ferry since the petrol tank reached the end of its usable life in July last year.

Competitors also distribute fuel this way.

e lifespans of the other two tanks have already been extended by Certas Energy’s experts for as long as possible. e thickness of the metal wears down over time because of factors, including climatic

conditions, and will soon not be of an acceptable industry standard. e only solution would be to replace all the tanks. e switch of distribution method will take place at the end of October and will not result in any interruption to supply.

e company will then manage the site through to a potential sale or future alternative operation in accordance with all legal requirements, standards and with the utmost care and consideration to

the island and the environment. Emma Wordsworth, operations director at Certas Energy, said: ‘Storage tanks have a certain operational life. Unfortunately, our tanks at Brodick have reached the end of their e ective lifespan. We have considered many options, but switching to distribution of fuel by ferry is by far the best way to ensure continuity of supply and competitive prices for our customers. erefore, we will operate like our competitors do now on the

island. We have been keeping North Ayrshire Council fully advised about the future of the site and our plans for a smooth transition.

‘We will contact customers in the coming weeks to answer any questions they might have and reassure them this way of operating is in line with our competition and will meet their needs. Certas Energy has worked on the Isle of Arran for many years, and we immensely value our many loyal customers.’

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: ‘We have been informed by Certas that it is to close its storage depot on Arran, due to the fuel tanks reaching the end of their working lives.

‘Certas has assured us it has robust plans in place to keep customers informed about the operational changes taking place in the coming weeks and well-developed arrangements for managing the transition of supply to daily deliveries from the mainland.’

Sasha Savaloni.

The Certas Energy depot in Market Road which is to be closed. 01_B40certas01

Creative drive steps up a gear with Eòghann in post

Eòghann MacColl is Arran and Cumbrae’s new island arts co-ordinator.

Working closely with Arran Theatre and Arts Trust, the aims are to increase participa tion in creative industries and encourage new conversations around the delivery and pro motion of the arts on Arran and Cumbrae and the wider North Ayrshire Council area. It includes national links, in particular around good prac tice across Scotland.

Originally from Argyll, Eòghann now lives near Kilmarnock so has an easy commute to Arran and Cumbrae and, although he has been in post since December 2021, the creation of two further arts posts on the island will help drive his work forward.

Eòghann said: ‘There can be a misconception around how vital the arts are to our wellbe ing and who we are, where we are and we can miss this at our peril. The arts cross into every aspect of our lives.

‘A significant amount of our communications are non-ver bal. We have all become familiar with online meetings and yet we all crave connecting with people in the human way. Creativity is a wonderful way to re-engage or link with people. Arran has a strong and vibrant creative community.

‘After an enforced hiberna tion as a result of lockdown, we can see the good practice re-emerge.

‘The McLellan Festival, the ALiVE Project, Arran Open

New arts co-ordinator for Arran and Cumbrae

the pandemic and by using online communications that there was a real need for great er communications within the arts trust and its partner pro jects, as well as newer projects which have not engaged in the arts on Arran.

ed by North Ayrshire Council’s Place Partnership and Creative Scotland, is a visual artist and his practice has an interest in how we co-exist in our places, their histories and futures. His practice links into place and combines teaching, facilitation and research. He sees creativi ty across all aspects of life and believes abilities to tap into creativity are essential to our well-being.

Studios, greater potential connections with the archae ological project Awakening Sleeping Giants, dialogue with the Arran Youth Foundations (AYF) and Arran GeoPark are just a few of the projects and excellent third sector organisations.

‘Discourse is developing and collaboration around the arts and their place within Arran for islanders and visitors is growing in depth.’

Arran Theatre and Arts Trust recently secured a grant from North Ayrshire’s Community Planning Partnership Ventures Trust Fund to enable two parttime posts to be funded for three years.

The hope is to see these posts taken up by highly-motivated and island aware freelancers.

It was clear emerging from

This should enable artistic and creative activities to be shared and encourage wider participation. It is also a step towards a more sustainable approach. The posts, although part-time, provide some stability in terms of planning and communications, in these uncertain times.

Within plans for the island’s creative future, there is flexibility and the chance for people to share their ideas and views.

The hope is to use existing venues and opportunities across the island, to think about co-production and new conversations.

Details of the two posts are in the recruitment pages of this week’s Banner and are available at https://www. arrantheatreandarts.co.uk/ job-opportunities.

Closing date is Friday October 21 at noon. These opportunities are support ed by the North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership Ventures Trust Award.

Eòghann, whose post is fund

Food share scheme re-launched

Eco Savvy has restarted its Food Share scheme which will be available at island locations every night of the week.

The group has been running the scheme in conjunction with the Co-op since November 2018, but the pandemic saw it move in-store to ensure the safety of the Food Share volunteers and the wider community.

However, Eco Savvy says the time has come to re-start the collect and distribute model

of Food Share. This began last night (Thursday) in Ormidale Pavilion, Brodick. Food shares will be held every night of the week in eight villages on the island.

The Food Share scheme aims to prevent food and the energy that went into growing/rearing, manufac turing, transporting, storing and packaging the items being wasted. Food Share is open to everyone and to date the Arran community has diverted more than £250,000

- or 40 tonnes - of food from being binned.

Special thanks go to staff at the Big Co in Brodick and Lamlash Co-op who have kept the scheme running and to the volunteers who collect and distribute the food.

If you are interested in becoming a Food Share volunteer, contact Jess on jess.ecosavvy@gmail.com. Volunteers are especially needed for Lamlash, Pirnmill and Lochranza but are welcome in all locations.

Eòghann is co-chairman of Art Paisley and an associate artist for Ayrshire and Arran with the Society of Scottish Artists.

Contact Eòghann on Instagram @eoghannmaccoll or arrantheatreandarts@ gmail.com.

New arts co-ordinator Eòghann MacColl in Brodick last week.

‘There can be a misconception around how vital the arts are to our wellbeing and who we are, where we are and we can miss this at our peril. The arts cross into every aspect of our lives.’

Brodick for sale

It could be all change for hospitality in Brodick in the not too distant future.

Who would have thought three di erent establishments on the short Brodick shorefront would be up for sale at the same time?

Sadly it was inevitable the Douglas Hotel would come on the market sooner or later following the death of Sean Henry three years ago.

Management and sta have done a great job since keeping up standards at the prestigious boutique hotel - even during Covid - but it was limited what it could do going forward.

Perhaps then it is good there is to be a new owner to take the business into a new era of achievement. Similarly, e Shorehouse - still remembered by many as the Gwyder Lodge - may be given a new lease of life given its prominent position on the shorefront.

Sad too this week to record the loss of Cro ers Arran. It provided an alternative to the other restaurants and bars in the village and its devotion to live music and to promoting local produce is to be commended. We wish them well in any new venture.

We hope there is widespread interest in all three properties.

Thought for the week

Real tragedy of ferry scandal

BBC Disclosure programme

Write to us: editor@arranbanner.co.uk or e Editor, Arran Banner, Brodick, Arran KA27 8AJ

CONTACTUS

Arran Banner, Brodick, Isle of Arran, KA27 8AJ.

Phone: 01770 302142

News editor: Hugh Boag: editor@arranbanner.co.uk

Reporter: Colin Smeeton: editor@arranbanner.co.uk

Advertising: Maureen McDonald:: adverts@arranbanner.co.uk

the

asco is down to either gross incompetence, corruption, or both,

the parts of CMAL, Ferguson Marine, the faceless civil servants at Holyrood and the Scottish Government.

Who, in their right mind, would begin to build anything before a nalised and agreed design was in place?

Listening to the workers was particularly signi cant, as they knew the project could not be ful lled.

e programme barely touched on the other scandal of the untold millions which will have to be spent on every port which is supposed to berth these behemoths so that they will t the piers.

e real tragedy is that for the vast majority of the voting public, who neither live on an island nor have any need or inclination to travel to one, this scandal is of no importance as it does not impact on them.

It is obvious that when Ms Sturgeon resigns or retires, the whole incompetent house of cards which is the current SNP administration will come tumbling down.

Yours, John NE Rankin, Bridge of Allan.

Disclosure revelations

Sir, Is it any wonder residents on Arran and Cumbrae are dissatis ed with their ferry service?

e delays in building new ferries and the failure in replacing old and worn-out ferries has led to delay a er delay, cancellation a er cancellation.

Now the BBC Disclosure programme on

PRESSPOLICY

At The Arran Banner, 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). However, we realise that mistakes happen from time to time. If you think we have made a significant 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@arranbanner.co.uk; telephoning the chief reporter on 01770 302142 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 unsatisfied with our response, you can contact IPSO, which will investigate the matter, by emailing: inquiries@ipso.co.uk.

the SNP's ferry asco has provided enough prima-facie evidence of wrongdoing, probable illegality and possible corruption at the heart of the ferry procurement process. How long must the Clyde islands put up with an incompetent and unreliable service?

If only we had an SNP MP, SNP MSP or an SNP-led council, they would intervene on behalf of their constituents, would they not, and not have these serial failures year a er year?

But we do have these SNP representatives. Surprisingly none of them has any comment to make on the BBC’s revelations. I wonder why?

Yours, Alex Gallagher, Largs.

Scouring the market?

Sir,

CMAL's latest assertion regarding vessel availability demands challenge and clari cation - six months ‘upgrade’ for Pentalina.

When Pentland Ferries newer boat ‘Alfred’ grounded earlier this year, the Pentalina took over the route, fully inspected and MCA compliant within 14 days.

e Pentalina, already successfully trialled, is still available; economic in operation, four props for manoeuvrability, 18 knot speed capability, 85 car and 350 passengers capacity.

By comparison, the recently sourced Loch Friesa - previously MV Utne - at an overall cost to CMAL of around £11 million, manages 10 knots, 30 cars and 150 passengers and, expert opinion intimates, will have di culty coping with west coast conditions.

We should not accept the continuing six month CMAL ‘mantra’ - perhaps the real reason is the Pentalina cannot o er cabins for all crew members.

e concept of shore-based crews has worked well in Orkney for years and in many other

countries. Arran Ferry Committee and Arran Ferry Action Group should demand evidence of the alleged unsuitability of Pentalina and that it should quickly be added to the eet.

e additional £5 million earmarked for maintenance costs next year - total anticipated £35 million for 30 vessel eet - would have provided the majority of the purchase price for the Pentalina and added resilience to the almost derelict eet.

Yours, John Lamont, Dippen.

Mental wellbeing self-check

Sir,

Life can be challenging. With so much going on, it’s easy to get caught up in the everyday tasks and have little time to self-check our emotional wellbeing.

World Mental Health Day on Monday October 10 reminds us to pause and think about our mental health and what we can do to protect it.

Poor mental health can be prevented if we are supported to live well. While we need government action to x many of the root causes of mental health problems, such as poverty, poor housing and job insecurity, there are things we can do individually to help ourselves.

For more than 70 years, we’ve been working to make sure mental health is treated on a par with physical health. Mental health problems exist in our lives, families, workplaces and communities. We need to do as much as possible to prevent mental ill-health - as individuals and as a society. We will continue to call on national and local government to prioritise reducing the factors known to pose a risk to people’s mental health, enhancing those known to protect it and creating the conditions needed for people to thrive. World Mental Health Day is also a chance to talk about mental health in general, how we need to look a er it and how important it is to talk about things and get help if you are struggling.

The Editor welcomes letters for publication on this page. The Editor reserves the right to shorten, amend or to refuse to print them.

Names and addresses MUST be supplied to indicate good faith, although these details can be withheld from publication. Telephone numbers, if available, should also be included. Anonymous letters will not be considered. Please write to: Letters, The Arran Banner, Brodick, Isle of Arran, KA27 8AJ. Fax: (01770) 302021.

Email editor@arranbanner.co.uk Emailed letters can only be considered if they have a name, full address and telephone number.

We’ve been in our Glasgow depot for 25 years, our long time friends Hebrides Haulage operate it and provide a great service. We can accept all size of deliveries into Glasgow. Our trucks call in daily to collect all goods destined for Arran.

We are open to accept all your deliveries large and small. A lot of companies won’t deliver to Islands, why not use us as your mainland address and let us bring it to your home. We have all the national parcel companies and pallet networks calling in daily to our Parcelpoint. If you are ordering from a few different companies we can

e Mental Health Foundation has produced a new guide giving information on the things we can do to help protect our mental health. It’s available for free on our website mentalhealth. org.uk. is World Mental Health Day people can show their support by wearing the green ribbon. See mentalhealth.org.uk/ribbon.

Yours, Claire Fleming, Mental Health Foundation in Scotland, Glasgow.

Anything in before 1pm is guaranteed next morning delivery on the Island. Let us know your requirements when you book in with our office, as well as our speedy parcel service, we offer 2 man delivery and Tailift Service throughout the island. Forklift at depot.

hold it until all your goods have arrived and deliver it all together to your home.

If you’re needing special arrangements for your delivery we can help. Just let us know your requirements when you book in. Forklift on site for pallets and as well as our speedy parcel services, we offer a 2 man and tailift service throughout the Island.

First Island Plan meeting

by Colin Smeeton editor@arranbanner.co.uk

Representatives from across Arran’s public, private and volunteer sector attended the rst Island Plan meeting in Brodick Hall last ursday.

e Island Plan is a 10-year project with its long-term strategic focus developed with, and for, the community. It aims to be a framework and delivery method covering various aspects of island life including population, environment, transport, tourism, digital connection and governance.

With help from local stakeholders, the plan is to be the framework and impetus for delivering actions and improving outcomes for the economic, community and environmental wellbeing of Arran.

Although the plan was released almost six months ago, the meeting was the rst opportunity to discuss the various aspects of the action plan - informed by the Island Plan - a er an initial community workshop in August called ‘Arran 2030, our

Island in Balance’. Chaired by councillor Timothy Billings, who is also chairman of Arran Locality Partnership, the plenary session was run by North Ayrshire Council’s Sarah Baird, senior o cer (islands), and Emma McMullen, senior manager economics policy. e session discussed the

establishment of the new Arran Island Plan Delivery Group, where island stakeholders will take the lead in strategic community-led local development to deliver actions and improve outcomes for the island. is may eventually be incorporated into the Locality Partnership.

Ardeer misses out on fusion plant

North Ayrshire has missed out on housing the UK’s, and potentially the world’s, rst prototype commercial nuclear fusion reactor.

Fusion is a potential source of almost limitless clean energy but is currently only carried out in experiments.

e government had shortlisted ve sites but picked the West Burton A plant in

Nottinghamshire ahead of Ardeer near Stevenson, which North Ayrshire Council was backing.

e new plant should be operational by the early 2040s, a UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) spokesman said.

e government had pledged more than £220 million for the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) pro-

gramme, led by the UKAEA. Business secretary Jacob ReesMogg announced the government’s choice in a speech at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham.

‘ e plant will be the rst of its kind, built by 2040, and capable of putting energy on the grid and, in doing so, will prove the commercial viability of fusion energy to the world.’

100 %

Face-to-face bridge games

Arran Bridge Club face-toface games will resume at Brodick Golf Club next week after they were moved online during the pandemic.

Club members will get back together again on Tuesday October 11 at 1.30pm, and thereafter every fortnight.

The successful online bridge games will continue every Thursday evening at 7pm at https://www.bridgewebs. com/arran/.

If you would like to play at any of the Arran Bridge Club events and do not have a partner, please ring Tricia Martin on 01770 600835 or Gege Kroner on 01770 700396 and they will try to nd one for you.

Bridge lessons are available online on Monday afternoons at 3pm and further information about this can also be obtained by contacting Tricia or Gege.

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Attendees included representatives from organisations on Arran including police, medical, tourism, volunteering, nancial and other interested stakeholders. 01_B40IPLAN03

Locality Partnership’s Timothy Billings with North Ayrshire Council’s Sarah Baird, senior o cer (islands), and Emma McMullen, senior manager economics policy. 01_B40IPLAN01

Arran raises funds for world’s

Words and photos by Colin Smeeton editor@arranbanner.co.uk

CalMac’s annual co ee morning, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, has once again helped to raise funds for the cancer charity which encourages people and organisations to join thousands of people taking part in the world’s biggest co ee morning.

Taking place in the departure lounge at Brodick ferry terminal, CalMac sta and volunteers laid out an expansive selection of cakes, biscuits, home baking and sa-

voury snacks which had been baked by sta and donated by supporters.

In addition to the generous donations, Alix Hitching and So a Pantazidou of Arran Co ee provided the warm drinks using Arran Dairies milk.

Julia Bovee and Michael Gettins, other willing volunteers, also provided assistance with the fundraiser by manning the cake stall and selling ra e tickets.

e event, which more than doubled in size from last year, was beset by torrential rain, however, this did not stop

So a Pantazidou and Alix Hitching of Arran Co ee serve up another warm beverage. 01_B40macmillan08

Left: Mark Harwood provided some

world’s biggest coffee morning

a steady stream of visitors popping in throughout the morning and helping to raise £1,421.75 for the charity.

Port manager Colin McCort thanked everyone for attending, the volunteers, bakers, sta volunteers and all of the organisations and people who donated goods and who contributed to the ra e.

Elsewhere on the island, Kildonan Hall also held a Macmillan co ee morning which raised £710 for the charity.

Chairman of Kildonan Hall and Improvements Committee, Alistair Yates, said: ‘ anks to the wonderful bakers and helpers who gave of their time so generously.

‘Also thanks to Ian McMurdo for the reading of his latest book Dead Man Walking and a huge thank you to those who attended and gave their support to this most worthy cause in spite of the weather.’

Pirnmill Village Hall joined in with the fundraising with its own co ee morning which raised £415.

Hall secretary Katy Penn said: ‘Lots of people, lots of home baking and lots of chat and we raised £415. anks to all who supported.’

Helping to make the co ee morning a success, from left, Michael Gettins, Alix Hitching, Brodick port manager Colin McCort, Euan Stout, So a Pantazidou and Julia Bovee. 01_B40macmillan06

Replacing teeth, Changing lives

Above: Volunteer Julia Bovee and relief port supervisor Euan Stout help serve up a

Visitors at the Pirnmill Village Hall enjoy a co ee, cake and chat. 01_B40macmillan11

Visitors

With torrential rain outside, visitors enjoy the hot drinks, cakes and company in the warm lounge.

Arran students graduate

UHI Argyll celebrates academic achievements

Eight students from Arran were part of the 400 grad uating students and guests from across Argyll, Bute, and Arran who gathered in the Queen’s Hall, Dunoon, for UHI Argyll’s graduation and prizegiving ceremony.

Graduates who had missed out on attending a 2020 or 2021 ceremony, owing to the

pandemic, were also invited to join the current graduates for the recent ceremony.

The eight Arran students included Sophie Corbett of Brodick who was awarded a Master of Letters in Highlands and Island Literature, and Jennifer Rainey of Whiting Bay with a BA Honours in Business and Management

with Tourism.

Ainsley Boal, Emily Moore and Lucy Welch all achieved an HNC in Childhood Practice while Bethany Lewis gained a Social Services and Healthcare SVQ at SCQF Level 6, Carole Johnson, SWAP Access to Nursing and James Murchie, NC Social Sciences.

UHI Argyll principal Martin

Jones said: ‘Studying during the past three academic years has been characterised by change and uncertainty.

‘I congratulate our graduates on rising to that challenge.

‘This event is extra special for us as rarely do so many of our students get the opportu nity to come together in one place, with many studying at a

distance from their peers and lecturers. I wish them all the very best of luck for the future.’

Guest speaker at the event, Ryan McCuaig, a dispute res olution and criminal defence lawyer, gave an inspiring speech and personal account of how he battled through times of hardship to achieve his goals.

Ryan experienced state inter vention early in his childhood due to parental addiction, neglect, childhood trauma and poverty.

He overcame significant personal, financial and social

barriers, including school exclusion, to graduate from the University of Strathclyde with a first-class law degree. He subsequently completed a post-graduate diploma at the University of Glasgow.

UHI Argyll offers further and higher education throughout Argyll with nine centres lo cated in Arran, Campbeltown, Dunoon, Helensburgh, Islay, Lochgilphead, Oban, Rothesay and Tobermory, all of which provide students with support, high-speed internet access and video conferencing facilities.

Corrie film club presents...

Wajib (Palestine) 2017, Cert 15

This month, Corrie film club is screening Annemarie Jacir’s moving comedy Wajib.

Bird

meetings resume

The monthly social meetings of the Isle of Arran u3a got underway again after the summer break last Thursday in Brodick Hall.

Members were treated to a fascinating, well-illustrated talk on Arran’s bird life by Jim Cassels, followed by a wide-ranging Q&A touching on issues such as the migrato ry habits of starlings and the impact of bird flu on Arran’s seabirds.

Jim’s wealth of knowledge and generosity in sharing it made for a very stimulating afternoon.

Bird-themed prizes in the monthly raffle and a chance to socialise over refreshments

rounded off a most enjoyable meeting.

Senior ranger Kate Sampson will be talking about tree re newal in Glen Rosa at the next monthly meeting in Brodick Hall on Thursday October 27 at 2pm.

The Isle of Arran u3a is also organising a coffee morning at the Ormidale Pavilion from on Wednesday October 12 from 11am to 1pm.

If anyone would like to learn more about the range of activi ties on offer, please come along and chat to group leaders and other members of the u3a over coffee.

Karyn Wilson Hill

The film is set over the course of a day in Nazareth, the largest Arab majority city in Israel, and stars real-life father and son Mohammed and Saleh Bakri playing a father and estranged son.

Abu Shadi is a divorced father and a school teacher in his mid-60s living in Nazareth.

After his daughter’s wedding in one month he will be living alone.

His architect son arrives from Rome after years of living abroad to help his father to hand-deliver the wedding invitations to each guest, which is the local Palestinian custom.

As the pair spend the day together, the tense details of their relationship comes to a head challenging their fragile and very different lives.

See this impressive, moving, sensitive and, at times, very funny film in Corrie and Sannox Village Hall this Sunday October 9 at 7.30pm. All welcome.

All of the UHI Argyll graduates. All photographs: Ronnie Cairns.

Jennifer Rainey of Whiting Bay received a BA Honours in Business and Management with Tourism.

Sophie Corbett of Brodick was awarded a Master of Letters in Highlands and Island Literature.

Jim Cassels talks at the busy u3a meeting in Brodick Hall.

THE

BANNER

AGO

Owing to the Banner office previously closing for an annual two-week holiday, we have departed from our usual 20 Years Ago feature and have delved back even further to provide you with a special 30 Years Ago feature.

Left: Duncan Stevenson is Brodick Country Park’s new ranger following Derrick Warner’s move to Glencoe. Duncan was previously a ranger at Killiecrankie and is looking forward to starting his new post.

Left: Nigel Marshall, who runs Arran Outdoor Education Resource, has been allowed to use the equipment from Corrie Croft which recently closed down. Describing the closure as sad, he is pleased something positive has come out of it.

Sue Girbow of Bay News hands Clive Hughes of Grange House Hotel a £250 cheque after being selected as winner of the Whiting Bay village lottery. 01_B40ABTYALL06

Three Western Scottish buses and a minibus have arrived on Arran for Western’s new Arran services. The buses will run some local bus services and transport school pupils.

Charles Currie with fancy dress winners at Kilmory Fete: Craig Picken, a gangster, and Rowan Rhead, a parcel.

Changes are afoot in Brodick with an agreement being reached for a purpose-built sports field for Arran. The Arran Sports Association, which is behind the project, will create new holes at Rosaburn and Brodick Golf Club and will then hand over land for the new sports field. Greenkeeper Kevin Bunyan’s tenure at the club has ended. He will be replaced by Tom Cotton.

WHAT’S ON

Sponsored by Arran Broadband

Every Day

Foodbank available 24/7 in the vestibule of Brodick Church for anyone who finds themselves in need of some support.

Arran Brewery, Shop Open – Monday to Saturday 10am4.30pm, Sunday, 12noon - 4pm

Arran Heritage Museum, Rosaburn, Brodick, 10.30am - 4.30pm

Brodick Castle & Gardens Brodick, Open daily, 10am - 5pm (last entry 4.30pm)

Brodick Mini Golf, Open seven days, 10am - 5pm-ish, ALL weather

Lamlash Putting Green, Open daily, 10am - 4pm

Lamlash Tennis Courts, Open All hours

Eco Savvy Community Shop, Whiting Bay, Tuesday – Saturday, 10.30am - 4.30pm

ArCaS Shop, Brodick Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10.30am - 4.30pm

Saltwater Gallery Autumn Show, featuring new work from a selection of artists, Cladach, Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm

Trout Fly Fishing, Loch Garbad, bank fishing

Saturday 8th October

Whiting Bay Bowling Club, Open to book call 01770 700636

Rink Games, Blackwaterfoot Bowling Club, 2pm

Open Session, Crofters’ Bar and Bistro, 3pm – 5pm

Live Music, Crofters’ Bar and Bistro, from 9pm

Live Music, The Ormidale Hotel, Brodick 9pm

Live Music, The PHT, Lamlash, 9pm – Midnight

Sunday 9th October

What’s Happening On Arran, http://www.arranmedia.co.uk, 4pm

Alcoholics Anonymous

Zoom Meeting, go to alchoholicsanonymous.org.uk, 7pm

Monday 10th October

Gaelic Landscape Walks, North Glen Sannox, 10am -1.30pm book via www.arrrangeopark.co.uk/ events

Brodick Embroidery Group, Brodick Library, 2pm - 4pm JogScotlandArran@gmail.com, Whiting Bay, Venue varies, 5.30pm

K.A. Leisure, Lamlash, 6pm - 10pm

Arran Rugby Training, Juniors and Seniors, Ormidale Park, 7pm - 8pm

Morning Fitness, Auchrannie Spa Resort, 9.00am - 9.45am

Tuesday 11th October

Arran Bridge Club, Brodick Golf Club,1.30pm

Healthy Outdoor Team, Brodick Castle, 10am - 1pm

Arran Chess Club – new members welcome, Crofters’, Brodick, 10.30am

Active Travel Drop In at the EcoHub, Ormidale Pavilion, Brodick, 11am -3pm

Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting, Brodick Church Hall, 2pm

Rink Games, Blackwaterfoot Bowling Club, 2pm

Junior Hockey, P1 - S3 (age 5 to14 yrs), Ormidale Pavillion, Brodick, 6pm – 7pm

Kettlercise, Auchrannie Spa Resort, 7.00pm - 7.45pm

K.A. Leisure, Lamlash, 6pm – 10pm

Wednesday 12th October

Hydrofit Class, House Hotel Pool, Auchrannie Resort. 10.30am –11.15am

Knit & Blether, Bay Wool and Crafts, Whiting Bay, 3pm – 5pm

Arran Heritage Museum, Archives and Genealogy services, 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Arran Pace Makers please check Facebook @arranpacemakers, Venue varies,5.30pm

K.A. Leisure, Lamlash, 6pm – 10pm

Rock and Pop Bingo, Ormidale Hotel, Brodick, 9pm

Arran Brass Band – Rehearsal, join us at the Ormidale Pavillion, 7.15pm - 9.15pm

Zero Waste Cafe, Lochranza & Catacol Village Hall, 11am - 1pm

Thursday 13th October

Body Blitz, Auchrannie House Hotel, 9.00am - 9.45am

K.A. Leisure, Lamlash, 6pm – 10pm

Senior Hockey (12+), Ormidale Astro Pitch, 7pm – 8.30pm

Arran Bridge online, Access through Arran Bridge Club website and click on the real bridge link Phone Gege 01770 700396 for assistance, 7pm

Whiting Bay Bowling Club, Open to book call 01770 700636

Friday 14th October

Hydrofit, Auchrannie House Hotel, 10.30am - 11.15am

K.A. Leisure, Lamlash, 6pm - 10pm Alcoholics Anonymous Zoom Meeting, go to alchoholicsanonymous.org.uk, 7pm

Friday Informal jam session, any level can join in. All welcome, The PHT, Lamlash, 8pm

Live Music Crofters’ Bar and Bistro, from 9pm.

Saturday 15th October

Gaelic Landscape Walks, Loch Iorsa, 10am -1.30pm book via www.arrrangeopark.co.uk/events

Whiting Bay Bowling Club, Open to book call 01770 700636

Rink Games, Blackwaterfoot Bowling Club, 2pm

Open Session, Crofters’ Bar and Bistro, 3pm – 5pm

Live Music, Crofters’ Bar and Bistro, from 9pm

Live Music, The Ormidale Hotel, Brodick 9pm

Live Music, The PHT, Lamlash, 9pm – Midnight

Time’s Plague, David Hayman, leading Scots actor’s one-man show, Whiting Bay Village Hall, 7pm

Sasha Savolini in Concert, Brodick Hall, 7.30pm

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Finance Administrator – Treasurer

2 hours per week/£15 per hour (freelance)

Working with Arran Theatre and Arts Trust and the Island Arts Co-ordinator to oversee the management of the charity’s nances.

Full job description and details: https://www.arrantheatreandarts.co.uk/job-opportunities

Closing date: Friday 21 October (12 noon)

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Communications Administrator

5 hours per week/£15 per hour (freelance)

Working with Arran Theatre and Arts Trust and the Island Arts Co-ordinator to promote the

across Arran and beyond, through websites, social media, print and networking.

Full job description and details: https://www.arrantheatreandarts.co.uk/job-opportunities

Closing date: Friday 21 October (12 noon)

TOWN

TOWN

CHURCH NOTICES

Church of Scotland  Parishes of North Arran, Brodick, Corrie, Lochranza, Pirnmill and Shiskine Independent but working together

Sunday 9th October 2022

Lochranza & Pirnmill Churches Service at Lochranza Church

10:15am Morning worship

Shiskine Church 12noon.

Morning worship

Brodick Church 10.30am Morning worship Corrie Church at 12noon.

Morning worship

Whiting Bay and Kildonan Church of Scotland Charity no SCO14005

Sunday 9th October

Worship will be conducted at 10.30am All welcome.

Church of Scotland Kilmory linked with Lamlash “A faith to proclaim ~ a fellowship to share” Sunday 9th October.

Morning worship at Kilmory at 10 am and Lamlash at 11.30.

All welcome Scottish Charity SC015072

SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH (Part of the Worldwide Anglican Church)

St Margaret’s, Whiting Bay Sunday 9th October

Trinity 17 Sung Eucharist – 11 am. Revd Canon Simon Mackenzie

ALL WELCOME Co ee a er the service

ARRAN BAPTIST CHURCH

Sunday 9th October

All are welcome to join in worship with us at 11am in the Ormidale Pavilion, Brodick. e service will be led by Rev Andrew Clark.

Contact: Church Secretary on 01770 302676 arranbaptistchurch.org.uk

Arran Free Church

On the 1st Sunday of the month, our service will be held at Brodick Free Church, Alma Road, at 5.30pm. On the remaining Sundays the service will be at Shiskine Free Church, Torbeg, at 11am. All visitors very welcome.

Arran Free Church of Scotland (continuing)

Sunday 9th October Morning Service 11am Service held in Brodick Free Church Building, Alma Road, Brodick. All welcome

HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH

Saturday 8th October

Vigil Mass at 5pm

Sunday 9th October Mass at 11 am

So that everyone feels safe coming to church, please respect social distancing where possible and feel free to wear a mask if you wish. Please do not attend mass if you feel unwell.

BLESS O LORD THIS ISLE OF ARRAN ST ROCH, PATRON OF THE SICK, PRAY FOR US OUR LADY OF THE ISLES PRAY FOR US ST COLUMBA PRAY FOR US

SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (QUAKERS)

Every 3rd Sunday at 11am Heather Lodge, Brodick Le of the Douglas Hotel opposite the ferry terminal. Telephone 830622

Everyone Warmly Invited

Whiting Bay bowlers compete for Covid Cup

Whiting Bay Bowling Club players took advantage of a sunny day to play their newest competition, known as the Covid Cup.

The Covid Cup was devised by Johnny McGovern at the end of the bowling season last year. It was such an enjoyable xture, it was repeated this year.

Winners were Duncan Roberts and Karyn Wilson Hill. Trevor Foster won the spider game which was enjoyed by everyone after the cup competition. Other participants received lollipops as consolation prizes.

Jan Young told the Arran Banner: ‘There was a good turnout and lots of fun and laughs on the day.’

ARRAN BANNER GOLF

Lamlash Golf Club

ursday September 29, Summer Medals nal. Triple celebration for Craig Young a er a scratch 60–61 net. ere were ve magic twos, four @16 and one @15th. Hole ve was selected, making it another rollover, and members decided to continue the two accumulator on Sundays only.

Scratch: Craig Young with a ne 60. 1 C Young 60 +1 =61; 2 M Wallbank 73-10-63; 3 I Bremner 75-10-65 BIH; 4 J McNally 70- 5-65. Season Eclectic Cup winner: C Young with 45-9 3s and 9 2s. Summer cup, best four scores: Paul Jameson on 249 tied with C Young on 249. It went to the best h score, which was C Young.

Sunday October 2, Glenburn Cup: 1 R McGunnigle 69-1158; 2 P Jameson 77-11-66 BIH;

Glasgow side too good for Arran

Continued from page 16. tions, defensive organisation and e ective passing to repel the constant attacking pressure being applied by the home team.

Although the nal score was 8-0, the Arran players felt the game had been fair, challenging and fun which is important when developing a team. Chatting on the ferry home, many of the new players felt they had learned from the game and improved their skills.

Lynda was congratulated by her teammates when Lorraine announced she had

3 I Bremner 76-10-66. Scratch: R McGunnigle 69. Magic twos: R McGunnigle @5th. Hole 12 selected, giving another rollover with pot of more than £80.

Fixtures: Sunday October 9, Glenburn Cup. ursday October 13, second front nine competition. Sunday October 16, Glenburn Cup.

Whiting Bay Golf Club

Sunday October 2, e Hamilton Salver. Twelve played on a bright morning during which the rain forecast for later in the day made an early appearance but late enough in the morning to let the eld reach the clubhouse reasonably dry.

Captain Stan Rainey carded the lowest gross score to win by three shots from Sandy Pringle. Ryan Barklay, who endured a tough time on the

outward stretch, holed a ne pitch to the 10th green for the only two of the day. 1 Stan Rainey 12, 59 and lowest gross; 2 Sandy Pringle 14, 62; 3 John Pennycott 14, 65 acb.

Fixtures: Sunday October 9, Winter Cup. Wednesday October 12, e Most at Eden Lodge 9 Hole Stableford.

Corrie Golf Club

Monday September 26, Monday Cup: 1 A Pattison, net 60 BIH; 2 K Genda, 60. Monday October 3, Monday Cup: 1 J Adams, net 59: 2 A Pattison 65 BIH; 3 J McGovern 65.

Fixtures: Saturday October 8, 18 hole medal. Monday October 10, Monday Cup, noon.

Brodick Golf Club

Sunday October 2, Winter Cup Stableford, 18 played: 1 Alistair Hume 12, 43 points; 2 Douglas

Robertson 21, 40 points; 3 Ian Shand 18, 39 points ACB.

Fixture: Sunday October 9, Brandon quali er.

Shiskine Golf Club

ursday September 29, ladies Greensome: 1 Clare Buchanan and Ruth Hardy 40.5; 2 Jenni Turnbull and Esther Henderson, 46.

Sunday October 2, gents

Sunday Stableford: 1 C Rutterford 29 points; 2 D Markham 27 points; 3 P King 24, BIH. Magic two: S Black.

Machrie Bay Golf Club

Tuesday October 4, Start of Winter Cup: 1 Brian Sherwood, 68, 2 Alex Morrison-Cowan, 69.

Fixtures: Saturday October 8, start of Lochranza Hotel Cup, noon tee o . Tuesday October 11, Winter Cup, noon tee o .

Arran AFC at home this weekend

Isle of Arran Amateur Football Club face Bobby’s Bar of Saltcoats at Ormidale Park, Brodick, this weekend.

The Ayrshire Sunday Amateur Football Association league xture will take place on Sunday October 9, with a 2.30pm kick o .

been nominated as player of the match by the GHK Ladies for her constant presence and disruption of their attacks throughout the game. e team is at home for its next game against Troon

tomorrow (October 8), with an early pass back time of 11.30am.

e team thanked Pauline Reid for umpiring the match and look forward to welcoming supporters at the next game.

Only one point separates the teams, with Arran sitting ninth in the league and Bobby’s Bar in 11th. Bobby’s Bar is yet to earn any points after three matches.

The match is expected to be a ercely contested one and spectators are encouraged to go along and support the Arran side.

Covid Cup winners Duncan Roberts and Karyn Wilson Hill with the trophy and consolation prize winners.

Lee Reid blasts the ball down the pitch. Photograph: Kellen Craig.

Sponsored by NFU Mutual Cambeltown. Call Chris Husthwaite on 01586 552 428 for

Sponsored by NFU Mutual Campbeltown

Call Chris Husthwaite on 01586 552 428 for your

needs

Powerful Glasgow side too good for re-shuffled Arran

Arran Ladies hockey team travelled to face Glasgow High Kelvinside (GHK) in their second West District 3rd Division game with only 10 players.

Captain Lynda Fenton and coach Lorraine Hewie discussed tactics on the ferry and decided a re-shu e was required to spread senior experience among the side’s new young players.

Suzi Haddow donned her goalie kit and Dawn Lyle, Lee Reid and Marie Craig took up position on the defensive line. Lynda and Lorraine moved into centre mid eld with ‘veteran’ Mia Walker, aged 19, leading Kayla Hewie, Caitlyn Haddow and Julia Kunis on the wings.

Arran ‘borrowed’ an 11th player from the home team thanks to a new Scottish Hockey ruling that recognises travelling teams cannot always eld a full team. With ve substitutes to choose from, on top of their starting 11, GHK were happy to oblige and young Jenny stepped into the centre forward position.

GHK demonstrated their skills and determination throughout the rst half, scoring from excellent passing and strong set piece short corners. e second half saw Arran Ladies use good communica Continued on page 15.

Above: Both teams enjoyed the challenging game which saw a GHK player joining the Arran side as a centre forward.

Left: The Arran side had to put up a strong defence with GHK keeping up the

The

Photographs: Kellen