Mull & Iona Life #49 Spring 2023

parties submit to the jurisdiction of the Scottish Courts and Scots Law. In the event of any dispute or action by the Publisher to recover payment from an advertiser, it is agreed that matters will be settled in the Oban, Argyll Sheriff Court or such other Court as the Publisher may choose. 7 The Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage occasioned by any total or partial failure (however caused) of publication or distribution of any newspaper or edition in which any advertisement is scheduled to appear. In the event of any error, misprint or omission in the printing of an advertisement or part of an advertisement, the Publisher will either re-insert the advertisement or relevant part of the advertisement, as the case may be, or make reasonable refund or adjustment to the cost. No re-insertion, refund or adjustment will be made where the error, misprint or omission does not materially detract from the advertisement. 8 Errors must be notified to the Publisher in writing within fourteen days of publication. In no circumstances shall the total liability of the Publisher for any error, misprint or omission exceed the amount of a full refund of any price paid to the Publisher for the particular advertisement in connection with which liability arose or the cost of a further or corrective advertisement of a type and standard reasonably comparable to that in connection with which liability arose. 9 The Advertiser/Advertising Agency agrees to indemnify the Publisher in respect of all costs, damages or other charges falling upon the publication as the result of legal actions or threatened legal actions arising from the publication of the advertisement in any one or more of a series of advertisements published in accordance with copy instructions supplied to the publication in pursuance of the Advertiser/Advertising Agency order. 1 12 A request to insert an advertisement assumes acceptance of our conditions. Published by Wyvex Media Limited, P.O. Box 1, Oban, PA34 4HB, (01631) 568000 Fax (01631) 568001 — www.obantimes.co.uk and registered as a newspaper at the Post Office http://termsandconditions.wyvexmedia.co.uk

Argyll gets a share of CalMac community fund

CalMac Community Fund has announced a fresh round of awards of up to £2,000 each to local causes across Argyll.

Beneficiaries include a parent and children’s group on Islay and a warm space project at Iona Village Hall.

Since it was set up in 2019, the CalMac Community Fund has made 258 awards benefiting over 11,000 people.

Rhinns Bumps, Babies and Beyond on Islay will use its share of funding to keep providing a place for parents and their little ones to meet.

Our Community Fund continues to deliver impactful outcomes and we are excited to see the difference made by these new awards.

group said: “The award will allow us to continue to provide a place for mothers and young children to meet, make new friendships and tackle social isolation in the rural community. Being a new parent can be lonely in normal times, but especially so after lockdown and enforced social distancing. Our group was set up in 2021 following the pandemic and subsequent baby boom!”

week, giving islanders the chance to spend time in a heated community space, either to work, socialise or just relax away from cold homes which are often hard to heat.

Mary Redman from the

Iona Village Hall’s Island Living Room project has also got a share of the latest funding. Money will go towards the three to five drop-in sessions it runs every

Other successful groups in Argyll and Bute include: Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre; Lorn and Oban Healthy Options; MacDougall and Dunollie Preservation Trust; Argyll Wellbeing Hub; Hebrid-

ean Pursuits Outdoor Learning; Pennyghael Community Hall; Comunn Gaidhealach Mhuile; Solar Tiree; Oban Youth Café; Campbeltown Picture House; Islay and Jura Community Enterprise; Kintyre Recycling; Tarbert Soup Group; Islay Natural History Trust; Jura Playground Association; and Cove and Kilcreggan Youth Café.

Gordon McKillop, CalMac’s

corporate social responsibility manager, said: “Our Community Fund continues to deliver impactful outcomes and we are excited to see the difference made by these new awards.”

Helen Wray, head of programmes at Foundation Scotland, added: “The importance of supporting small grassroots community groups and charities to meet

the needs and rise in demand they are seeing in their local communities is hugely important particularly as the cost of living is rising and more people are struggling. It is always impressive how local communities respond to changing needs and this funding will make a real difference to the lives of people living in Clyde and Hebrides communities.”

First Mull and Iona Open Studios:

Arts trail now open all year round

People who enjoy visiting Mull and Iona for its wildlife, scenery and history had a chance to experience another fascinating aspect of the islands over the Easter weekend. This year for the first time, there was a unique opportunity to discover the visual arts talent of the islands in the most exciting way, by meeting the artists and makers themselves in their own settings.

The first “Mull and Iona Open Studios” consisted of 25 venues representing the work of 60 artists. The venues included artists’ personal studio spaces, often with other invited artists; galleries selling work from a range of artists and pop-up events in a community hall and a restaurant. Following the Open Studios trail was a fun way to discover the local arts scene and explore parts of the

islands that are more hidden or off the beaten track. A wide range of unique artwork and gifts were on exhibition and for sale, from textiles, jewellery, painting, drawing, ceramics and sculpture, to glass, printmaking, bookbinding, basketry and photography.

Most visitors find that Mull is a surprisingly big island and many people chose to visit the clusters of venues in the communities of Tobermory, Dervaig, Fionnphort and Iona, while also enjoying a scenic walk and a stop-off to try the local food and drink. Some of the venues dotted along the dramatic and scenic west coast route were less busy, but nevertheless attracted a good

number of intrepid art lovers. Island residents also took the opportunity to explore the wealth of visual arts available on their own doorsteps with most venues reporting a high number of visitors and sales. Mull and Iona Open Studios is a development of the Mull and Iona Arts Trail and Artist Directory, which is a project of Visit Mull and Iona, the Destination Marketing Organisation for the islands. Discussions are already underway on the possibility of making the event an annual occurrence. Meanwhile, anyone who missed the Easter event can follow the Mull and Iona Arts Trail at any time of the year or contact Artists individually on the Artist Directory. www.mullandiona.art

Champion sold to States-side cattle company

Breeders from as far away as New Zealand, America and Germany were among buyers who turned out for the Highland Cattle Society’s 132nd show and sale in Oban.

A large presence of UK and overseas breeders ensured a good trade on Monday at the Livestock Centre where a top price of 22,000gns was paid for the overall male champion.

Sale leader at 22,000gns was Seamus of Benmore, a May 2020-born bull from Emma Paterson who runs the Benmore fold at Auchlyne, Killin. This red bull, by Torquil 2 of Ubhaidh, out of Dossan Ruadh Og 14 of Benmore, sold to Starlake Cattle Company in the United States.

The Highland Cattle Society, in conjunction with United Auctions, hosted the two-day

event which included the pre-sale show on Sunday and was judged by Graeme Easton from The Ranch at Letham near Forfar.

The second top priced bull at 6,200gns was also sold abroad, this time to Joseph Schneider from Germany. This champion aged bull from Castles Estate, near Hursley, Winchester was Eoin Mhor of Castles Estate, a four-

year-old bull by Eoin Mhor 17 of Mottistone, out of Furan Beathag 24 of Glengorm.

Angus MacDonald’s Ardbhan fold from North Uist, topped at 6,000gns for Falaisg of Ardbhan, a May 2020-born son of the fold’s 14-year-old stock bull Gilleaspuig of Tiretigan. This black bull is out of Peallachag Phroiseil of Ardbhan and sold to Andrew and Anne Smith from Ardalanish Farm on Mull.

The reserve champion, Gilleasbaig of Balrownie, from Balrownie Farm, Menmuir, near Brechin, sold for 4,800gns to J Carr of Marrick Park, Richmond in North Yorkshire.

The two-year-old bull is by Corineal 3 of Balmoral, out of Iseabal 9 of Mottistone.

Top price in the females was 9,000gns for the reserve champion from Ken and Eva Brown of the Craigowmill fold, Kinross. Their twoyear-old heifer named Beitidh Dhubh 11 of Craigowmill, by Seumus Dubh of Craigowmill, sold to Coul Estate, Laggan, Newtonmore.

The couple also sold their second prize senior heifer for 6,800gns. Julie 3 of Craigowmill was bought by Neale and Janet McQuistin, Airyolland Farm, near Stranraer. Julie 3 is the May 2019-born daughter of Ruaridh 1 of Ubhaidh, due to calve to Gille Dubh 4 of Craigowmill.

The overall female champion from Grant Hyslop, Glentewing, Crawfordjohn, near Biggar, made 6,500gns and was sold to Coul Estate. This was Molly of Black Glen, a heifer by Coirneal 3

of Balmoral, which bred the 15,000gns male champion at Oban last year, and the senior champion and reserve native at Stars of the Future Calf Show.

Mr Hyslop, also received 5,200gns for Magaidh of Black Glen, by Eoin Mhor of Black Glen, which stood

reserve male champion at the Highland. She sold to James Alexander and family, from Jalex, Northern Ireland.

Also at 5,200gns, was Ken and Eva Brown’s first prize senior heifer, Dossan Og 20 of Craigowmill, which was purchased by James Brown from New Zealand.

RESULTS

Two-year-old bulls:

Class 1 - 1, two-year-old champion and reserve male, Balrownie Farm’s Gilleasbaig of Balrownie; 2, Mr and Mrs S Haley’s Brogach Murphy Ruadh of Sean; 3, E Mackay’s Dougie Boy of Glengoyne.

Class 2 - 27/03/21 to 31/12/2021 - 1 and reserve two-year-old, E Mackay’s Duglas of Glengoyne; 2, Lurg and Townhead Fars’ Murchadh Dubh of Luruha; 3, J and M McConachie and Son’s Fingal 3 of Culfoich.

Senior bulls - 1, senior champion and overall male, Mrs Emma Paterson’s Seamus of Benmore; 2, Sir W Lithgow’s Domhnall of Ormsary; 3, W MacLean’s Jock of Sguir Mor.

Aged bulls - 1 and champion aged, Castles Estate’s Eoin Mhor; 2, R and S Strachan’s Camus Dubh of Allanfearn; 3, K Howman’s Friseal Reachdmhor of Strathellie.

Yearling bull - 1, A and H Kirkpatrick’s Iain Raudh 2 of Glengarnock; 2, Tordarroch Estates’ Argyle 2 of Tordarroch; 3, Castles Estate’s Ben Cruachan 2 of Castles Estate.

Senior heifers - 1, KWW and EM Brown’s Dossan Og 20 of Craigowmill; 2, KWW and EM Brown’s Julie 3 of Craigowmill; 3, Sir W Lithgow’s Mairi Mhor 16 of Ormsary.

Three-year-old heifer - 1, A and H Kirkpatrick’s Claggorm 56 of Glengarnock; 2, A and H Kirkpatrick’s Claggorm 57 of Glengarnock; 3, K Howman’s Mairead Stuamaig 3 of Borland.

Two-year-old heifer - 1, two-year-old heifer champion and overall female, G Hyslop’s Molly of Blackglen; 2, K Howman’s Isla 3 of Borland; 3, G Hyslop’s Magaidh of Black Glen.

Two-year-old - 1, reserve two-year-old and reserve overall female, KWW and EM Brown’s Beitidh Dhubh 11th of Craigowmill; 2, Y White’s Morag of Romesdal; 3, Johnstone Agri Services’ Heather of Craigleek.

Yearling heifers - 1 and yearling champion, Leys Castle Farm’s Morag Dubh 6 of Leys; 2 and reserve yearling, Lurg and Townhead Farms’ Gillian 2 of Luruha; 3, Leys Castle Farm’s Bean Dubh 5 of Leys.

Yearling heifers - 1, Lurg and Townhead Farms’ Nighean Ruadh Luruha; 2, Glengorm’s Mairina Ciatach 22 of Glengorm; 3, Glengorm’s Furan Beathag 42 of Glengorm.

Yearling heifers - 1, Dunlossit Farming’s Dee of Ceannacroic; 2, KWW and EM Brown’s Lilly Ann 13 of Craigowmill.

Junior handlers - 13 and under - 1, Tara Adams; 2, Ruairidh Mackay; 3, Ruby Rowbottom.

14-18 years - 1, Emily Armstrong; 2, Calum Mackay; 3, Kelsie Prentice. Best pair of females - Leys Castle. Reserve - G Hyslop.

Pupils create ‘soundwalk’ of Mull for BBC

The BBC has published a ‘soundwalk’ of Mull created by pupils of Tobermory High School, and aided by Idlewild lead singer Roddy Woomble.

It is the third in a series of sound walks produced by BBC LAB with school pupils, following on from Baldragon Academy in Dundee, and Queen Margaret Academy in Ayr, where pupils toured their city and recorded an original sound track of four songs with Belle and Sebastian singer (and local Ayr lad) Stuart Murdoch.

Islay High School pupils have also produced a video for the BBC LAB website called: Why we love Islay.

BBC LAB is “a wee outreach team” that “exists to teach media skills to children and young people from a diverse range of backgrounds – often

disadvantaged - across the whole of Scotland”, a producer Anna Miles explained.

“The LAB recently went to the Isle of Mull to work with S1/S2 pupils from Tobermory High to make a ‘sound walk podcast’ in which the pupils take you on a journey around the island.

“The BBC LAB team spent two days working with a group of 12 students from Tobermory High, six of whom contributed to the song-writing and performing with Idlewild frontman Roddy Woomble.

The BBC has published a ‘soundwalk’ of Mull created by pupils of Tobermory High School, and aided by Idlewild lead singer Roddy Woomble.

“The music teacher Connor Weir was brilliant and helped record the music made by the students –two short songs about Salen Pier and Calgary Beach – across the street at the arts centre An Tobar, who kindly lent us

their space.The other four [songs] are: Tobermory Pier, Aros Park, Eas Fors Waterfall, and Killiechronan beach.

“With guidance from the BBC LAB team, the Tobermory High students also wrote the script for the sound walk and recorded their links.

“The second day saw the students travel around the island to locations they had personally selected - locations they felt were important historically, geographically and personally.

“The BBC LAB team then recorded the students as they described each location; recalling fond memories of crabbing at Tobermory Pier, picnicking on Calgary Beach and cantering with their horses on Killiechronan beach.

“One student even brought her bagpipes for a wee practice at Calgary, and there was lots of singing on the bus, to boot! The students really grew in confidence as the days went on.”

Head teacher Shelley Carmichael said: “We were

delighted to welcome the BBC LAB team to Tobermory High School 2-18 to work with some of our S1 and S2 pupils.

“The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the two-day experience, not only sharing with our visitors the treasures of the Isle of Mull, but also developing their digital media skills through the creation of the immersive podcast.

“Our visitors commented on the positive engagement of all involved and we would like to thank the BBC for their

support of the pupils through this exciting educational opportunity, enhancing pupil understanding of the world of media.”

One of the pupils involved said: “I learned about recording and how people make podcasts and it was fun to learn more about the places that everyone loves on the island. It was an exciting experience because we haven’t had the chance to do anything like that before.”

You can hear their Mull soundwalk here.

Would a nursing home be good for Mull’s health?

Does Mull need a nursing and care home on the island?

That’s one of the questions being asked by Mull & Iona Community Trust as part of its latest online survey to test public demand.

MICT says it is keen to demonstrate the need for such a facility on the island but needs people to help prove its belief that there is such a need.

The hope is that building a nursing and care home would add more to what supported living and aid is already available in the community.

“Our vision is for a facility to provide residential care, nursing care, dementia care and ultimately palliative care on the island avoiding the need to move away to the mainland as is currently the case. To provide support for families, friends and neighbours caring for loved ones at home the facility would also offer day care and respite care,” said a MICT spokesperson.

The proposed location would be as part of the new housing development being

planned at Craignure.

“This survey is part of our initial research, it would take several years to bring a project to fruition if we are able to prove the need and demand,” added the spokesperson.

This survey that takes about around five minutes to complete can be found here: https://forms.office.com/e/ b3ZkV5J20M

Questions include: Do you feel there is a need for a 24-hour care facility on Mull? Have you or your family struggled caring for a loved

one at home longer than you would have done if there were a suitable nursing and care home on Mull? What kind of care provisions do you think are necessary and do you believe it would be a positive move to base any new care facility close to a school or child care place to help encourage relationships between different generations?

The survey also asks if anyone would be willing to help by joining a steering committee to oversee the feasibility study.

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Mull and Iona explore new croft creation

Hundreds of people have responded to a survey exploring options to create new crofts across Mull and Iona.

Mull and Iona Community Trust (MICT) says it was “overwhelmed” by the number of people interested and their feedback

Nearly 300 responses gave “immediate” proof that people are genuinely excited about the possibility, says MICT’s housing development manager Helen MacDonald. The short online survey was carried out via social media in January and February this year.

MICT carried out the survey to help it find out how much interest there was in crofting as part of its work to improve sustainability on both islands.

That commitment includes access to land, supporting land-based employment opportunities, and access to housing outside the islands’ existing main settlements.

“Nearly 300 responses were received to that survey, confirming there is clearly significant interest in – and

excitement about – crofting on Mull and Iona, and that interest is immediate.

“The results highlighted several themes: that there was both genuine and aspirational interest in crofting, the interest was throughout all locations on the islands, and in both bare land and woodland crofts,” said Helen,

The majority of people who took part in the survey were looking for three to six hectares of land.

While most respondents would look to rear livestock, grow crops and or plant trees, more than one third would move or start a business to croft land, such as accommodation, ecotourism, arts and crafts or food and drink enterprises.

Two-thirds of people surveyed wanted to be able to build a home on a croft, and a further 23 per cent wanted a home to rent.

The survey also raised many questions from people about how potential future crofts would be managed

and allocated, people also asked about costs.

MICT is now looking for crofting consultants to put in tenders to use the survey results as part of a full feasibility study.

“The outcomes of this study will help inform a decision as to whether MICT should develop the project further, and if there is sufficient demand, it will make recommendations regarding potential location or locations for new croft creation, and suitable ownership, tenure and management options.

“While MICT is still at the earliest stages of considering new croft creation – which realistically will take many years to come to fruition –the survey results have given the organisation real impetus to pursue the project.

“As one respondent commented, this is ‘one of the most exciting projects being currently proposed with positive implications for land, net zero, communities, land reform, housing and repopulation,” said Helen.

Could you spare a couple of hours a week to help out a local family?

We are looking for volunteers to offer practical help, emotional support and friendship to families with young children in the area. Many people struggle alone through early parenthood because they don’t have a nearby family member or a network of support to turn to, but having that someone to turn to can change lives! Could that someone be you?

Full training is provided, expenses are covered and Home-Start support is available throughout your volunteering journey.

Accident or emergency?

It’s your call on Mull

NHS’s 111 urgent care healthline is not fit for everyone on Mull.

The island’s community council heard wait times to pass on information to a call handler and then wait again to speak to a health professional are causing concern for some residents, especially those living in remoter areas away from Mull & Iona Hospital in Craignure.

Community council convenor Billy McClymont said: “We have an accident and emergency on the island, so

if in a situation needing help, you have to ask is it an accident? Or is it, in your eyes, an emergency. Dialling 111 is not for everyone. You have to decide yourself. If it’s an accident or emergency you can ring 999 for an ambulance or you can get in the car and drive to the hospital door. That’s how you get round 111 on Mull.”

“If in doubt, do what you have to do,” he said.

The meeting was told while the 111 system might work on the mainland where hos-

pitals are very busy, it was “flawed” on Mull.

Pam MacColl also told the meeting: “I’ve been told, and I hope it’s not true, staff and families at Bowman Court have to phone 111 if there’s a medical issue. To me that’s ridiculous when all they have to do is walk along the corridor and straight into the hospital to get help. Bowman Court was built there so if they needed hospital assistance it was right there.”

The Oban Times asked Argyll and Bute Health and

Social Care partnership for a comment on all the above. A HSCP spokesperson replied: “An A&E Department deals with life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, acute confused state, fits that are not stopping and chest pain. NHS 24 111 service is free to call when you have an urgent healthcare need that isn’t life-threatening. Following a short assessment, NHS 24 will direct or refer people to the right service, at the right time and as close to their homes as possible. The service also advises people where to go out of hours when GP, pharmacy, or dental practices are closed. If there is a danger to life or serious injury the HSCP encourages everyone to dial 999 or go straight to A&E, where our team will be able to provide emergency medical care.”

An out-of-action lift has left residents at Mull’s Bowman Court “trapped” for months, the meeting heard.

The breakdown meant people were stranded upstairs in the extra care housing building, right next to Mull & Iona Hospital, while repairs were awaited.

“It’s not acceptable to leave people stranded in that building,” said convenor Mr McClymont.

A West Highland Housing Association spokesperson later told The Oban Times: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused to tenants in Bowman Court due to the defective lift at the property.

“We have been in urgent contact with the manufacturers to source the part required to fix it, but due to international supply issues, this has taken longer than anticipated.

“We have updated tenants and their families as things have progressed, and will continue to do so as we work towards a speedy resolution. We have also been providing updates and maintaining contact with NHS colleagues onsite at the Progressive Care Centre.

“We would urge any tenant, family or stakeholder to get in touch if they need further information or support.”

When Bowman Court was built in 2012 with its 12 one-bedroom flats, it was hailed as a progressive care centre so older islands would not need to go off the island.

A question was also asked at the meeting if criteria for

applying for flats at Bowman Court had changed. The CC will now write direct to West Highland Housing Association for clarification. If it has changed, members want to know when and why it was altered.

Mr McClymont said he believed a multi-agency approach was used to allocate flats when they become available but added: “It seems to have fogged over slightly. It’s worth investigating.”

The issue is causing quite a bit of concern among some of the community’s older people, the meeting heard. However, the WHHA spokesman confirmed with the OT that the criteria for applying for a Bowman Court flat had not changed.

It was decided to invite Argyll & Bute Health and Social Care partnership’s chief officer Fiona Davies, head of adult services Caroline Cherry and Morven McPhillips, who is its local area manager to meet community councillors to discuss the island’s health and social care issues.

Mull NEWSROUND

The idea of encouraging people once a year to nominate their unsung heroes in recognition of those who do good work and go the extra mile, came from community councillor Mary-Jean Devon who said the initiative would also be a way of lifting the CC’s profile.

Her suggestion won agreement from her fellow community councillors who will now look at how to take it forward.

The sum of £480,000 to sort a ‘bulging’ retaining wall in Tobermory’s Breadalbane Street has been carried forward to the 2023/24 budget for roads and infrastructure. The funding was originally approved about two years ago but there were recent concerns it might have been lost because work was never carried out. Argyll and Bute Council will also be asked by the community council to put a movement monitor on the wall to keep a

Who is the community champion in your neighbourhood? That is the question Mull Community Council could soon be asking islanders.

check on its safety.

Community engagement is ongoing between residents of Little Colonsay, fishermen and salmon producer Bakkafrost regarding setting up a new fish farm. The community council heard there was no timeline for any plans being submitted as yet. It was also noted that members had not been “awash” with letters of objection. There are talks about a possible community fund being created. A one-off offer of compensation had been offered to fishermen who would lose their fishing ground but it had not been accepted.

Anyone still needing to put in short-term let applications with Argyll and Bute Council now has until September 13

after the Scottish Government extended the deadline, the meeting also heard.

And Fionnphort residents who sent a petition to Argyll and Bute Council for the return of their recycling point have received good news - but with a warning. The facility was removed because it was abused with people dumping animal carcasses and bits of washing machines, the community council heard.

Island councillor Willie Hume said: “The council is not responsible for dealing with that kind of stuff. They are going to reinstate the facility but if its abused again it will get taken away again.”

Also discussed was collaboration between the commu-

bour Association and elected members of Argyll and Bute Council to help get funding together to pay for an extension of a 30mph zone as far as Aros Park Gates.

Mull and Iona are still waiting for news on government funding to support a new school campus.

There are 32 local authorities all vying for the pot of money, although confidence is high.

A solution to Mull’s firewood shortage is still being sought. The island needs about 1,000 tons to see it through the rest of winter. Firewood suppliers are down to their ‘last sticks’ the community council heard. The shortage is being blamed on harvests being bought up for good prices by

power stations and other big purchasers needing trees for building materials. Mull might have to resort to shipping in wood from Morvern which would be expensive. There is a possibility of 150 tons of wood at Tioran but otherwise any other wood is either green or diseased.

Fionnphort residents who sent a petition to Argyll and Bute Council for the return of their recycling point have received good news – but with a warning.

A “concerted and consistent” effort will be needed to make “a real change” at Mull’s Co-Op convenience store to get more lines of produce stocked there. The lack of floor space is an issue. A positive meeting has been held to discuss the issues and as a result there are plans to bring in more of the supermarket’s value range. The community council heard that shopworkers have been getting the blame when items runs out

or fridges break despite it not being their fault if stock does not appear on the shelves.

Mull Rally organisers have got positive feedback so far from Forestry Land Scotland about potentially using a forestry road at Fishnish to avoid ferry queues backlogging the main Craignure road over the event weekend later this year.

And Gaelic spelling mistakes have been made on new signs for Craignure and Pennyghael and community councillors will also be asking CalMac to add Gaelic signs on MV Loch Frisa when she goes to dry dock soon - the absence of such signs have been noticed.

Joe Reade from the Island Bakery and Mull & Iona Ferry Committee has been co-opted on to Mull Community Council. A vice-convenor is also needed now that Billy McClymont had stepped up to be convenor, the role of minutes secretary needs to be filled too.

Helipad plan for Mull hospital

Mull & Iona Community Care Hospital could be getting a helipad.

Mull & Iona Community Trust has ringfenced a donation of £6,379 from insurers NFU Mutual to kickstart a fundraising campaign to cover its running costs if the plan to build a helipad gets approval from Argyll and Bute Council.

General manager of Mull and Iona Community Trust, Moray Finch, says a helipad at the hospital is vital to get patients the very best medical attention within the Golden Hour - the first 60 minutes after traumatic injury is known to be the most crucial period that can determines a patient’s outcome.

Mr Finch said MICT was grateful for being nominated for the donation which was a share of £1.92million distributed to more than 380 charities.

“We are hoping to construct a helipad at Mull & Iona Community Hospital this year once funding for the build cost has been confirmed. We have ring-fenced the donation from NFU Mutual Agency Giving Fund to kickstart a fundraising campaign to cover running costs of the helipad. A helipad at the hospital is vital

so that patients with any type of trauma or injury receive the very best medical attention within the Golden Hour,” he added.

As part NFU Mutual’s commitment to deliver £3.25m of funding for local and national charities in 2022, the insurer donated £1.92m to over 380 charities through its Agency Giving Fund.

And in recognition of 100 per cent of the fund being distributed to organisations and groups, a short film featuring MICT was made to showcase and celebrate the impact the donations have made to frontline charities across the United Kingdom. To make sure the donations

reached all corners of the UK where they were needed most, NFU Mutual’s agencies and branches were given the opportunity to nominate local charities to receive a share of the fund.

Senior Agent at NFU Mutual in Oban, Euan Warnock, nominated MICT. He said: “Mull and Iona Community Trust makes an incredible impact to people’s lives across the local area. We are extremely proud to have nominated them to receive a portion of the NFU Mutual Agency Giving Fund. Our donation will support their vital work tackling geographic isolation and economic and social exclusion in remote and rural communities.”

Unusual visitor to Treshnish

A walrus has been spotted in the Inner Hebrides, relaxing on a small island off the north-west coast of Mull.

The massive creature was spotted on Cairn na Burgh Beag in the Treshnish Isles by local creel fisherman Lorn MacRae on Monday February 27.

Mr MacRae spotted the walrus basking on the shore in the winter sun and reported his incredible sighting to the Tobermory-based Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT).

The trust has been collecting reports cetacean sightings off Scotland’s west coast for more than 25 years, but this is the first report of a walrus in its database.

Mr MacRae said:

“It was a surprise to see the walrus hauled out and the Atlantic grey seals seemed to be giving it a wide berth.”

Walruses rarely visit Scottish shores, although in recent years there have been several reports of these huge marine mammals in UK waters.

During the festive period, a large male called Thor had been spotted in Yorkshire and prior to that he had been reported off the French coast and in the Netherlands.

A sighting of Thor was also recorded in Iceland on Friday February 24, so if this walrus is him, he has made quite an incredible journey.

Thor has distinctive markings on his flippers, so HWDT is asking anyone who may encounter the walrus to report it on Whale Track and to send it any photographs.

Reporting sightings of this walrus will allow the trust team to monitor the movement and health of the animal, helping the understanding of marine life off Scotland’s coasts.

Education officer at HDWT Sadie Gorvett said: “Reporting through Whale Track provides us with vital data on the species in our seas. Through Photo-ID, we can find out more about

the animals life, monitoring its movements and health.

“We don’t have walrus as a specific species in Whale Track as it is such a rare sighting, however, people can report it using the category ‘other’ and put the species in the comments section.”

While this is an exciting sighting, welfare concerns have been raised when walruses have hauled out in more populated areas.

It is important to maintain a safe and respectful distance, while not hanging around the creatures for too long.

The HDWT also advise that the three-is-a-crowd rule is applicable when watching marine wildlife and it wouldn’t advise being near walruses for more than 15 minutes at a time.

It has shared the sighting of the walrus with its conservation partners, the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).

Rescue and Community Coordinator at BDMLR Molly Gray said: “We ask that everyone behaves sensibly and responsibly in response to the news of another walrus in the area, and we advise giving the animal a very wide berth to avoid disturbing it.

“Walruses travel long distances and have rest stops to recover and regain energy before moving on again, and being disturbed by people being too close or noisy will impact its chance of survival.”

She added: “If you are concerned about the animal’s welfare please contact BDMLR on 01825 765546.”

The HWDT is unsure as to why there have been increased reports of walrus in more southern latitudes in recent years.

It believes that only long-term monitoring of the species can determine whether this is a trend or an anomaly.

More information about Whale Track is available at www.whaletrack.hwdt.org

Pause & Breathe is a Community Interest Company, which is passionate about providing accessible wellbeing. Staff come to the Isle of Mull several times a year, holding Wellbeing, Martial Arts and Adventure retreats.

They have two more retreats this year:

• 28th August – 2nd September:

An adventure holiday for grown-ups, this retreat includes water-based activities (kayaking, sailing and swimming); hiking; bushcraft skills and selfdefence, as well as Qi Gong and Mindfulness meditation.

• 11th-16th September: Letting Go Retreat –Mindfulness & Qi Gong, with practices themed around letting go of what no longer serves us.

Pause & Breathe is delighted to announce that for the first time it is offering sessions to non-residents – so whether you are holidaying on the island, or you live here permanently, you’re welcome to join the team for any of the activities. For those from further afield, both retreats can also be residential, with participants staying at Saorphin Cottages near Bunessan.

Susie and Phil from Pause & Breathe will be your lead facilitators for both retreats. Both are qualified and experienced instructors, who have been travelling to Mull on a regular basis for the last few years. In August they are joined by Jon Lloyd from Bendoran Watersports CIC and Håkan Ekenberg, whose Swedish Special Forces experience gives him a background in survival skills.

Please get in contact for more details about how to book in, whether for the full retreat experience or to join some of the activities: susie@pauseandbreathe.co.uk / 07859 335532

Two Mull projects named in Scottish neighbourhood investment

A £27 million investment in Scottish neighbourhoods includes funding two projects based on the Isle of Mull. The investment, which comes from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) aims to assist in tackling issues such as addiction and

suicide prevention, supporting schemes which are taking steps towards achieving this.

The Aros Waterfront Development - Outdoor Activity Hub in Tobermory will receive £403,500.

A spokesperson for the Hub said: “We are absolutely

delighted with this award. We have spent over six years working with the community to evolve plans to transform the Aros Waterfront site into a shared, all year round, accessible space, where community and local enterprise can co-exist.

“We plan to transform this site into an outdoor activity hub, creating an anchor for wider park activities and safe access for water sports within Tobermory Bay. This award will regenerate the old boathouse building and create a new storage compound area, which will complement the work we plan to do to restore the pier, slipway, and quayside.”

The second phase of the Nonhebel Light Industrial Park Expansion located near Tobermory, will receive £654,000.

Mull and Iona Communi-

ty Trust general manager Moray Finch said: “We’re over the moon that the second phase of Nonhebel Park will be supported by the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund. It will help build on the success of the first phase which is currently 100% occupied. Even better news is that both projects in Argyll are on Mull, well done to our friends at Tobermory Harbour Association.”

Meanwhile, Community wealth minister Tom Arthur said: “Scottish Government support will help provide services like employment training, affordable childcare, mental health support and addiction counselling. Derelict landmarks will be redeveloped and new buildings created.

“By working in partnership with residents and local authorities, we are helping communities to support themselves and develop fair, green and prosperous economies which accelerate progress towards net zero emissions.”

This latest series of RCGF funding, which will be delivered in partnership with COSLA and local authorities, will aid 23 enterprises in local communities, supporting and creating more than 700 jobs.

It will also generate more than 500 construction jobs and hundreds of training places.

COSLA’s environment and economy spokesperson, Councillor Gail Macgregor said: “In this uncertain time of inflation, rising energy costs and increased demand on services, the fund demonstrates what can be achieved in our towns, cities, villages and islands when support is focused on social and economic renewal.

“From tackling the mental health crisis to food poverty, affordable childcare to climate change, this fund goes beyond what we traditionally think of as regeneration thanks to the ambition and innovative thinking of communities across Scotland.”

The RCGF has invested in around 200 projects since 2014-15, generating thousands of jobs while repurposing and returning landmark buildings in town centres and smaller communities.

Applications to receive RCGF funding are invited every year from all 32 Scottish local authorities.

Applicants must detail how their projects will help meet net zero ambitions and reduce carbon emissions.

By working in partnership with residents and local authorities, we are helping communities to support themselves and develop fair, green and prosperous economies which accelerate progress towards net zero emissions.