THE ISSUE 215 SEPTEMBER 2009

ANTLER
WINDING_UP MACHRIHANISH
A possible view of the proposed wind-farm off Machrihanish
The most southerly row of turbines Islay
The most northerly row

IN THIS ISSUE
P2 Pretty Pictures, Pretty Creditable, & Pretty
Disgraceful, Art for fun, Argyll First.
P3 Carradale Golf Club results.
P4 Virus attack,Tenants Charter, Potted history,
Wee Pictures, Retiral thanks
P5 Mull Eagles, Grogport rainfall, Glide the Clyde.
P6 Guild Fayre, Football, ABC Vision, David
Heft - an apolgy.
P7 Machrihanish wind-farm proposals.
P8 Here come the Blues, BT or not BT, Fuel costs
P9 Fernacreilag - The Man in the Creel.
P10 Runrig Lottings, Care of the Elderly.
P11 Lorne MacDougall and the String Fest.
P12 Community Council minutes, Show notes.
Scottish and Southern Electric’s Wind-farm THANKS: The Editor wishes to thank Robert
plans have certainly ‘put the wind up’ many of Westerman, the SSE representatives and
Machrihanish’s villagers and a large number of web-site for assistance in presenting the
other Kintyre residents anxious to maintain the issues surrounding the proposals.
appeal of this well-known and loved area of
Kintyre.
At the consultation meeting arranged in
Campbeltown’s Council Chamber on Thursday
5th of August the hum of enquiry and discon-
tent was palpable. Members of the public, rep-
resentatives of community councils, other
Campbeltown groups and the Civic Society’s
Committee were feverishly questioning the
SSE representatives, making their comments
and recording them on the SSE question-
naires. Some individuals, while supporting the
idea of environmentally-friendly production of
electricity, were shocked at the scale and ex-
tent of the proposed wind-farm and concerned
about its effect on the seascape, on holiday-
makers and those involved in catering for the
golfing fraternity.
SSE representatives were anxious to point
out that despite obtaining permission from the
Crown Estate for the development, the pas-
sage of approval could extend to ten years and
would involve local and national government
agencies and attract further consultations.
More details and an Executive Summary of the
SSE proposals are on page 7.

Please contact the

Editor at Benbecula,
Waterfoot, Carradale, Camera & Craft Show: August 13-15
Campbeltown Argyll
PA28 6QX
Tel: 01583 431281
e-mail geoffreyf.page CARRADALE GOLF CLUB
THE SECRETARY IS DR R. J. ABERNETHY, THE ARCH, TORRISDALE PA28 6QT. TEL: 01583 431321
@homecall.co.uk FURTHER INFORMATION IS ON PAGE 7. GOLF NEWS IS ON PAGE 3.

DAVID MCKELL
ELECTRICIAN
9 ISLE VIEW, MACHRIHANISH, CAMPBELTOWN ARGYLL PA28 6PY
PHONE 01586 810472 MOBILE 07786 650937
DAVIDMCKELL@YMAIL.COM
2 The ANTLER 2
PRETTY PICTURES? PRETTY DISGRACEFUL
PUBLIC CATALOGUE FOUNDATION COMES TO Ronald Togneri, well-known local artist and

Phone
CAMPBELTOWN emeritus Principal Teacher of Art at Campbel-
The PCF is busy cataloguing and photographing all oil town Grammar School, has concerns over the
paintings in public collections throughout the UK - proposed ‘moth-balling’ of Campbeltown Town

KeeF
around 200,000 in total. Hall in November. Writing in the The Kintyre
Each region is to have its own fully illustrated cata- Cultural Forum’s August Magazine at a time
logue and Scotland, where 30,000 of these paintings when the South Kintyre Art Group had its Sum-
are located, is to be represented in 14 volumes. The aim mer Exhibition in the Council Chamber, Mr
Need a repair or a small job done?
Can’t get a tradesman to come out? is to inspire people about the paintings they own and to Togneri said:
encourage them to visit their local collections, as well as “Carnpbeltown has no public gallery space
DIY to stimulate more research and educational activities. but this exhibition will be held as usual in the
Tiling Each painting will be going live in 2012 in an exciting Council Chamber of the Town Hall. This venue in
Joinery new web-site hosted by the BBC, YourPaintings. the heart of the town, even at a rental to Argyll &
Fencing Councillor Neil Mackay, Argyll and Bute’s spokes- Bute Council of £16 per hour, is perfect in terms
Decking of its position; success over a quarter of a centu-
person for Arts, Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “We
Shelving ry largely due to this location”.
Decorating are very much on board this innovative project, and the
Path laying PCF team was impressed by the enthusiasm and com-
Domestic repairs mitment of local museum staff in Campbeltown as well
Dry-stone walling as by the range and quality of the works of art them-
Flat-pack assembly selves. Campbeltown boasts paintings of international
significance such as A Westerly Gale, Machrahanish by
Scottish impressionist William MacTaggart and
Your local Archibald Mackinnon’s The Campbeltown Fair, with its
handy-man lively portrayal of Campbeltown’s Main Street full of
who won’t let stall-holders, entertainers, family groups and animals”.
you down “These paintings, and many others in the museum,
& won’t charge have been enjoyed by several generations of people not
the earth just from Campbeltown and Kintyre but from across
Scotland, the UK and further afield. I am delighted that
No job too small this project will now ensure that these important works
of art are properly catalogued in a national database.”
01583 431614 For more information on the activities of The Public
07786 838996 Catalogue Foundation, please go to www.thepcf.org.uk.

ART FOR FUN

Tracy & Fiona would like
to welcome you to the
Ashbank Hotel
Carradale
New Summer Menu
Now fully licensed
En-suite rooms with sea & golf course views
New a'la carte menu every 2 months -
Eat in our newly refurbished restaurant or
cosy lounge. Daily specials
Sunday Lunches Monthly theme nights -
Indian, Italian, Chinese & Tapas
Take away menu plus all items from the
main menu, just order before 1 pm
Parties, Events & Outside Catering
available to suit your needs
e-mail: ashbankhotel@tiscali.co.uk
Internet www.ashbankhotel.com
Free Wi-fi & parking
For further details please
call 01583 431 650
OPENING TIMES:
Tuesday - Sunday 11am - 2.30pm.
Evening meals: 5.30pm - 8pm
Anyone interested in helping to form an informal and
'purely for fun' ART GROUP (no instruction), please
contact either Dorothy McCormack 431216, or Margaret
Richardson 431788. Artistic talent is not a requirement,
but you may always have wanted to paint - if so, this may
be the group for you. It is hoped that if there are a few
takers, then we may be able to use the Village Hall Library
PRETTY NECESSARY
A CHANGE TO COUNCIL COMPOSITION
Three members of Argyll and Bute Council have formed a
new political group - Argyll First.
Argyll First’ has been set up by Councillors Douglas
Philand (Mid Argyll), Donald Kelly (South Kintyre) and John
McAlpine (Kintyre and the Islands). A report to full council
in August will formally recognise the group. The political
make-up of the council is now as follows:
14 Alliance of Independent Councillors
9 Scottish National Party
6 Liberal Democrats
3 Argyll First
2 Conservative
2 Other Councillors
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
TORRISDALE: Ref:10/01206/PNELEC Erection of do-
mestic wind turbine. Creag Lodge, Torrisdale, Campbel-
town, PA28 6QT. Mr & Mrs Holgate. Development Type
0 - not required for statutory returns. Grid Ref 179884-
635376
PENINVER: Ref: 10/01157/PPP Site for the erection of
8 dwelling houses (to include 2 affordable dwelling hous-
es). Land North East of Sealand, Peninver. Applicant Mr
William McMillan. Agent Gillian Wright, Lochside Low
Askomil. Dev.type: 03B-Housing-Local. Grid ref:
175903-625040.
UGADALE: Reference: 10/01169/ Proposal: Site for the
erection of a dwellinghouse. Location: Low Ugadale
Cottage, Campbeltown, Argyll & Bute,PA28 6QR Appli-
cant: Jonathan Hooper, Development Type: 03B -
Housing - Local. Grid Ref: 178154 - 628789
“If the Council has its way this will be the last
show to be held in the Town Hall as it is the
stated intention to 'moth-ball’ the building in No-
vember. Boarded up with decay and dereliction
an inevitable consequence. Is this the future for
an iconic architectural treasure which is also a
vital part of our heritage?”
“When the Council moved their meetings out
of the Chamber the Town Hall lost the dignity of
its civic function. As a first step this should be
restored and funding found for essential repairs
and adaptations which would allow enhanced
and increased use to evolve. The Council are the
caretakers of this building for the rate-payers of
Kintyre and should accept their responsibility to
ensure its continuing availability”.
PRETTY CREDITABLE
GRAND-MOTHER & GRAND-DAUGHTER
Edna and Samantha Paterson have more than a
few things to celebrate. In Edna’s case it is 35
years as a member of Carradale Village Hall
Committee, with 27 years as treasurer and a
long period as booking secretary. Despite her
wish to retire Edna was persuaded to stay on;
whether its for another 35 years or not only Edna
knows!
Her 9½ year-old grand-daughter Samantha,
who used to live in Carradale but now lives in
Campbeltown, won 3 Firsts & 1 Second with her
dog Lucy at Campbeltown’s Annual Pet Show.
including the ‘Best Special Dog’ and the ‘Dog
with the Waggiest Tail’ classes. Congratulations
to them both.
 3 THE ANTLER 3

TOM
GRANT
PARTNERSHIP
ARCHITECTS
41 Longrow
Campbeltown
Argyll PA28 6ER
Tel: 01586 554727
THE MCMILLAN SALVER CAPTAIN’S PRIZE COMPETITION Fax: 01586 551727
Margaret Richardson and John Petrie - 1st Alan Smith,
Winners of the McMillan Salver. 2nd Roy McMurchy
3rd Sandy Johnstone.
24 Argyll Street
24 golfers took part in a Mixed Greensome competi-
tion for the McMillan Salver on Sunday 18 July. The The best Scratch was Mike Holder (70). Lochgilphead
winners of the Scratch Competition were Stuart Neil- Additional prizes were awarded to -
Argyll PA31 8NE
son & Adam Ritchie with 37 and the McMillan Salver 1st non-member G. Anderson, Tel: 01546 603050
was won by Margaret Richardson (36) & John Petrie 1st Junior Boy A. Neilson,
(12) with a Net 28.5. 2nd Junior Boy Euan Headrick. Mobile 0370 538 661
The following are the results from the Lady
SUPPORTING THE R.N.L.I.
Captain's Day 22 July held at Carradale Golf Club.
A mixed greensome competition was held at Car- TOM GRANT
18 ladies including members and invited guests Dip., Arch.,
radale on Wednesday, 4th August in aid of funds for
took part in a most enjoyable competition in which
R.N.L.I. The amount raised from the entry money R.I.B.A., R.I.A.S
the weather looked kindly on all. The Lady Captain,
and raffle amounted to £297.00. Forty four competi-
Mrs Janeta King chose Robin House in Balloch as
tors turned out for a scratch competition over 9 holes.
her charity, and £323 was raised on the day.
The winners were as follows: -
Captain's Prize: Laura McGeachy(Carradale) (37pts) 1st A. Neilson & Mrs C. Loudon 36
Runner Up: Sylvia Irvine (Carradale) (33pts)
Captain's Prize: Visitor Winner Margaret Robertson
2nd D. Munro & Miss S. Headrick 37 b.i.h.
3rd D. Ritchie & Mrs J Bashford 37 THE
(Machrihanish) (40pts)
Captain's Prize: 9 holes Winner: Janice Hanning
4th F. Park & Mrs S. Rattray 39
TEXAS SCRAMBLE .
ROYAL
(Carradale) (15pts)
Longest Drive at 18th (Silver): Gill Petrie
(Kingsknowe, Edinburgh)
Saturday 7 Aug saw 60 golfers take part in a mixed
Texas Scramble playing for The Centenary Shield, a BANK
Longest Drive at 13th (Bronze): Margaret Robert-
son (Machrihanish)
trophy presented annually by the McMurchy family.
A keenly fought contest, the results are as follows: OF
Nearest Pin at the 8th (all): Margaret Richardson
(Carradale) M.R.
Winners - Alan Cameron, Sandy Galbraith, Eilidh
Neilson, Jenny Baishford 26 - 4.1 = 21.9
SCOTLAND
MEN’S SECTION Second - Roy McMurchy, Heather Robertson, ‘Where people matter’
The main highlight in July was the Open Competition Mark Kitson, Mary Cameron 27 - 3.5 = 23.5
played on 11 July. There were 52 entrants, but Third - Duncan Munro, Jim Cordiner,
P.O. BOX 13,
unfortunately the very inclement and windy condi-
tions early morning cut the eventual number down to
Bob Walsh, Jeannie Astill 29 - 3.9 = 25.1 11 CASTLEHILL
44. The results were as follows: - CAMPBELTOWN
Handicap
1st I Watson (Machrihanish)
Scratch
P Davis (Ranfurly)
ARGYLL
2nd J Robertson (C’dale) M Sherwood (Machrie) PA28 6AP
3rd A Dunlop (C’dale) I Brown (Buchanan Castle)
4th A Anderson (Macrihanish) C Kivlin (Kingsknowe)
CARRADALE
Prizes, kindly donated by the Committee members
and green-keeper, for ‘nearest the pin’ at the 10th BRANCH
and 17th holes and the ‘longest drive’ were awarded
to A. Napier (Shiskine), A. Gilmour (Deer Park) and
OPEN
I. Brown (Buchanan Castle). A.G.T. Walker won the THURSDAY
Fishermen’s Cup on 26th June.
CAPTAIN’S PRIZE COMPETITION
10 to 11 a.m.
The Captain, John McFadyen, held his Captain’s The following were winners in the Monthly Draw
Prize Competition on Saturday, 31 July. 30 players May June
and 5 junior boys entered the competition raising 1st £30 Mrs G. McIntosh Mrs M. Richardson
£501.50 for the Royal Mission For Deep Sea Fisher- 2nd £18 Mrs J. King Mrs C. Strang
men. The results were as follows:- 3 rd £12 M. McMIllan Mrs L. Campbell
4th £ 6 Mrs B. Thomson Miss M. Paterson
4 THE ANTLER 4
ANOTHER VIRUS ATTACK DATES
Kilbrannan PLEASE CIRCULATE TO YOUR FRIENDS,
FAMILY AND CONTACTS.
A POTTED ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY
OF CAMPBELTOWN 1100-1955AD
Catering In the coming days, do not open any message with From a locally based mapping course conducted by
an attachment called: Black in the White House, the librarian Norman Newton and attended by the
Regardless of who sent it to you. It is a virus that late Nan Loudon, who passed on maps and this
opens an Olympic torch that burns the whole hard account to the Editor.
disk of your computer. This virus will come from a 1160s Saddell Abbey founded.
known person who you have in your list. Directions. 1498 Kilkerran Castle (James IV).
That's why you should send this message to all your 1511-12 Saddell Castle.
contacts. It is better to receive this email 25 times 1609 Burgh of Campbeltown founded Castle of
Quality catering to than to receive the virus and open it. If you receive Lochhead started (Castlehill).
arouse your senses. a message called: Black In The White House, even
if it is sent by a friend, do not open it and shut down 1539 'Trench1 Point - Fort Argyll built to counter
We cater fpr parties large your machine immediately. It is the worst virus an- threat from the Earl of Antrim. Traces
and small, at your home, nounced by CNN. This virus has been discovered remained in 1867.
at your business or other 1642 Gaelic Church at end of Kirk Street (and
locationof your choice – recently and has been classified by Microsoft as the
we promise you stress most destructive virus ever. This virus was discov- graveyard).
free entertaining. ered yesterday afternoon by Mc Afee. And there is 1647 Lochhead Castle captured by General
no repair yet for this kind of virus. The virus simply Leslie.
Book your Special event destroys the Zero Sector of the hard disk, where 1700 Royal Burgh Charter issued.
with us today – you won’t information vital function is stored. 1706 Lowland (English) Church in Kirk Street,
be disappointed.
replacing the 'Thatched House’ - aban
Visit our website: Received from Highland Fuels.
doned 1770, restored 1904.
www.kilbrannancatering.co.uk 1722 Old Quay begun. Completed 1765.
Telephone Anne
TENANTS CHARTER 1742 Town Well (possibly replacing an existing
CALLING ALL TENANTS.
on 01583 431581 As part of the 2010 Housing Bill a ‘Tenants Charter’
one).
or Jennifer on is proposed. At the moment this is a blank sheet of
1750s Old Courthouse built in Bolgam Street
01583 431632 paper and the Scottish Government are seeking
1754 New Quay.
1758-60 Town House built, replacing Tolbooth on
Tenant’s views as to what they want to be in this
Charter. For tenants a major part of this consultation same site.
is involving Tenant Associations through the 1765 Old Quay completed. 2nd well opened
Regional Networks of Registered Tenant’s near the Schoolhouse.
Associations (RTO’s). 1767 Dalintober Pier, Longrow Church opened
1773 Castlehill Church (closed 1971).
The Regional Networks have regular meetings 1780 ‘Batteries’ erected at 'Red Quarry' on Kil
with the Housing Minister and senior Civil Servants
kerran Road and at Merkland Cottage
and have been heavily involved in the consultations
1733-91 Coal Canal to Drumlemble - coal mined
that preceded the current Housing Bill and are now
there, 1690-1968.
involved as the Housing Bill goes through the
1800 ‘Old’ Grammar School built.
Scottish Parliament. However there are not Tenant
1803-06 Highland Parish Church built(Gaelic
Associations in every area so it is important that
Tenants in these areas get a chance to influence Church).
policy. In simple terms the Charter will set out what 1840 First Dalintober School established.
Tenants can expect from their landlords in relation to 1852-53 Old Courthouse remodelled.
all sorts of things. It could be the state of repair of 1857 Portion of coal canal filled in.
properties, it could be the built environment, it could 1866 SW wing added to Town House.
be............that is up to you. What will have to be 1870s Sheriff Courthouse built at Castlehill.
taken into account is the regional variations. 1876 Railway opened Mussel Ebb filled in and
Kinloch Park laid out.
I Chair the Highland & Argyll & Bute Regional
Superb self-catering Network Committee and we feel that the needs of
1885-86 Victoria Hall opened as Drill Hall.
accommodation in rural communities should not be ignored while the
1889 New Dalintober School.
Castle or Cottage in big urban communities get everything their way. The 1897-98 Library and Museum.
absolutely fabulous best way to use our voice is to present such a good 1906 Passenger railway opened.
surroundings. case for rural communities that we cannot be 1908 Longrow South opened.
Ideal for a relaxed ignored. 1913 Picture House opened.
holiday. Bird 1931 Railway closed.
The only way that we can build this case is if 1933 Air passenger service to Glasgow.
watchers paradise. every tenant is involved and we can say x number of
1955 Argyll Estates sold.
Tenants have put forward their views and this is
what they want. If you e-mail me your views at tRETIRAL
Colour brochure from stevecampbeltown@hotmail.com and put the THANKS
catering to arouse your senses
I have now for
retired fromlarge
nursing,
andand would like to
TORRISDALE subject as Tenants Charter I will collate all the
responses and bring them to the Regional Network
We cater
convey sincere
home,
parties
thanks
at your to Dr. Elder,
business
small, at your
Practice
or other Manag-
location
CASTLE Committee and your view will make a difference. er Gail, all staff at the surgery, Community Nurse
Jacquie McGougan and all the Carers in Carradale
Carradale, Steve Byrne. for enabling me to have such a pleasant end to my
Campbeltown, THE WEE PICTURES long nursing career.
Argyll PA28 6QT Sat 21 August 2010 for 6 days at 7.00pm, I enjoyed my work in Carradale over the years I
was there, and cannot think of spending the end of
Tel: 01583 431233 TOY STORY 3 (U), my work in the Community in a more picturesque
Sat 28 August 2010 for 6 days at 8.00pm place.
Web-site
www.torrisdalecastle.com INCEPTION (12A), I have always felt welcomed by everyone, both
patients and professionals I have worked alongside.
e-mail Sat 4 Sept 2010 for 6 days at 8.00pm,
My very best wishes are sent to you all, together with
machall@torrisdalecastle.com THE KARATE KID (PG),Quali much gratitude for flowers and gift received.
Eva MacDonald, MBE.
 5 THE ANTLER
MULL'S EAGLE WATCHERS
HAVE STARS IN THEIR EYES
The Mull Eagle Watch hide at Loch Frisa has soared
to new heights by achieving a coveted four star
award for being an excellent wildlife experience for
tourists.
The award from VisitScotland has been given in
recognition for an excellent standard of facilities and
services with special mention made of the "passion
and enthusiasm" of the eagle watch wildlife guides.
Receiving the four star tourism rating is very timely
as all those involved in sea eagle reintroduction are
celebrating 25 years of wild bred sea eagles in
Scotland.
Stuart Maidment of Forestry Commission Scot-
land on Mull said: "This is brilliant news for all those
involved in the Mull Eagle Watch partnership.It is the
first time that we have been rated by VisitScotland
and our new status recognises how far we have
come after ten years of running this wildlife viewing
project.
There are now 10 breeding pairs of white-tailed
sea eagles on Mull and with 6,000 visitors each
year, the eagles are bringing in £2million to the
island's economy. The project is a real success
story."
The Mull Eagle Watch partnership comprises
Forestry Commission Scotland, RSPB Scotland,
Mull & Iona Community Trust, Scottish Natural Her-
itage and Strathclyde Police. Half of the income
raised by the Loch Frisa eagle viewing hide itself
goes straight back into the community to help local
good causes. This year £13,000 was given out to
local groups by Environment Minister Roseanna
Cunningham.
RSPB Scotland Officer Dave Sexton said: "It's a
tribute to the skill and enthusiasm of the rangers that
the eagle hide achieved this excellent VisitScotland
rating, but the stars of the show are the Loch Frisa
white-tailed eagles which give many visitors a wild-
life experience they will never forget."
A vast array of other wildife can be seen from the
viewing hide including buzzards, red-breasted mer-
ganser, goldeneye, goosander, red and black-
throated divers. Golden eagles, buzzards, hen harri-
ers, sparrow-hawks, peregrines and kestrels are
also regular visitors to the area.
Trips to the hide at Loch Frisa can be arranged
by calling the Craignure Visitor Information Centre
booking office on 01680 812556. The hide is open
from Monday to Friday with trips at 10am and 1pm
(closed Saturday and Sunday).
1. Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the
Scottish Government's forestry directorate. The
Commission is also celebrating a four star award for
their Huntly Peregrine watch viewing centre in Aber-
deenshire.
5
2. The White-tailed Sea Eagle Haliaeetus albicil-
la, which was previously found breeding across the
UK from the Isle of Wight to the far north of Scotland,
was heavily persecuted in the 18th and 19th centu-
ries. The last bird was shot on Shetland in 1918 and
the species was then officially extinct in the UK.
3. A reintroduction programme between 1975
and 1985 saw 82 sea eagle chicks brought to the
Isle of Rum from Norway. They were acclimatised
and subsequently released when they were old
enough. In 1985 a pair of Sea Eagles successfully D.McNAIR
fledged a chick on the Isle of Mull, marking the
return of the eagles after 67 years. This year, people
involved in the reintroductions are celebrating the
& SON
25th anniversary of that first fledging.
Fuel Merchant
KINLOCH ROAD
4. There are now nearly 50 pairs of Sea Eagles
in Scotland, with 10 pairs on Mull. Last year 36 CAMPBELTOWN
young Sea Eagles fledged across Scotland, includ- PA28 6EG
ing 10 on Mull. Another reintroduction project is now TEL: 01586
in its fourth year on the East coast of Scotland. 552020 /552039
Stuart Maidment, Forestry Commission Scot-
FAX: 01586 552039
land, 07831 132226, Steve Williams, FC Scotland
press office 0131 314 6508, & David Sexton RSPB
Scotland on 07818 803 382..
JULY RAINFALL QUALITY HOUSE
June and July were like chalk and cheese weather- COALS
wise. June had very few wet days July, had very few
dry. June was the driest June over the ten years of
SMOKELESS &
our record keeping, whilst July now comes in as the COOKER FUEL
wettest July during the same period. CENTRAL
The total rainfall in July was 222mm (nearly 9 HEATING OIL
inches). This equates to ten times the rainfall we had
in June! It seemed to be always raining and what a FREE DELIVERY
disappointment for school children over their holi- MONDAY TO
days. Those in the know would say “It is often the
case, the rain starts as soon as school breaks up.” FRIDAY
This now brings the rainfall figures for the year
so far as 714mm and despite the boost this month it
THE GLEN
is still the driest year we’ve had; though only margin-
ally so as 2001 was also a very dry year overall.
Will the rain continue in August, or will there be
sunshine to ripen the harvest? Jane Asher in her
poem ‘The Seasons’ says of August:-
“August brings the sheaves of corn,
Then the harvest home is borne.”
BAR AND
We could ideally wish for sun and rain in equal
measure and hope the reality is as kind, but who
RESTAURANT
knows what the weather will throw at us?
The rest of the world also appears to be experi-
encing extremes. Russia has had a severe drought CARRADALE
with forest fires and a much reduced wheat harvest Offering a warm & welcoming
whilst Pakistan has suffered severe monsoon rain- family atmosphere with an ex-
fall with resultant flooding and loss of life. This cellent menu of home-cooked
food. Locally caught sea-food
shows just how fickle the weather can be. At least
a speciality. Home-made ice
our extremes are not as drastic. M.L.
cream. Full disabled and
GLIDE THE CLYDE baby-changing facilities.
Functions catered for.
CARRADALE-BORN SISTERS, MORAG AND Takeaways -free delivery on
KAREN RAMSAY, ARE GOING TO ‘GLIDE THE food orders over £10 in the
CLYDE’ FOR ‘CLIC SARGENT’ Carradale area
Morag Ramsay is a Staff Nurse in the Schiehallion
Open 12.30pm to late
Cancer Unit for children at Yorkhill Hospital and has every day
signed up to do a sponsored zip slide across the Food served
Clyde to raise money for the charity CLIC Sargent, 12.30 - 2pm
which stands for Cancer and Leukaemia In Child- & 6pm - 8.30pm
hood.
The charity does a lot of valuable work within the
To book a table in the
restaurant ‘phone Sue or
ward and this is her way of thanking them for every- Penny on 01583 431431
thing they do. The event takes place on the 15th
or e-mail us at
August and is 150 feet high and 1000 feet long. info@theglencarradale.
Not bad for someone who has not a head for wanadoo.co.uk
heights. To support her on the day her sister Karen Web address
agreed to do it as well. www.theglenbar.com
6 THE ANTLER
GUILD SUMMER FAYRE
TOMMY
MILLAR
TRAVEL Three Ice Cream Maids - Pat, Rachel and Dulcie
Photo by Margaret Richardson.
COUNSELLOR The Guild Summer Fayre was opened by Mrs Cath-
erine McIlvride. Before declaring it open she remi-
nisced on times past when the Hall would have
been crowded with summer visitors, standing six
FFor all your Travel and rows deep in front of the baking stall. Then, the craft
Holiday arrangements put stall was one of the main attractions. Nowadays, in
your trust in your her opinion, that although the visitors were fewer,
those who have chosen to live in Carradale have
own Travel Adviser made a great contribution with their varied skills and
TOMMY active involvement in village life. After a floral
arrangement had been presented to Mrs McIlvride
by Elliott Gemmill, the selling began.
MILLAR As always, the baking stall laden with enticing
offerings was the first port of call for most. The three
Tel: 0845 0587589 ‘Margarets’ and Helen did a great job in selling
e-mail: Tombola tickets (every-one a winner) and depleting
tommy.millar@travel their well stocked shelves. This year saw a wel-
counsellors.com come return of Alec MacKinnon’s potatoes to the
produce stall, supplementing other locally produced
Web-site fruit and vegetables, plants and jams. Those in-
www.travelcounsellors volved with the guessing games and ice cream
.co.uk/tommy.millarr were kept very busy as also were the ‘tea ladies’.
In all a total of £1050.95 was made.
The prize winners for the guessing games were
Cake and tablet -Wum Semple,
Hamper - Donald Macalister Hall,
PATERSON’S Jar of sweets Grace Galbraith and Ben Wood,
BAKERY
&
Treasure hunt – A. Kitson.
The Guild wishes to thank all who helped in any
way to make this a most successful evening. M.P
POST OFFICE
FOOTBALL
With only three games of the league campaign left,
Licensed Grocers
Carradale are in good shape at the top of the Campbel-
Bakers & Newsagent town and District Amateur Football League, placing up
maximum points against Kintyre Select, Ardrishaig and
Meadows.
THE SHOP The first match they travelled to the Meadows park
in Campbeltown to take on Kintyre Select. The away
IS OPEN side took a 3-0 lead at halftime. The home side got
Thursday 8-1 back into the game in the second half, although they
scored two goals and gave a good account of them-
Sunday 10-11 selves, they finally went down 5-2.
Other days: The next match Carradale played last year’s
8-1 & 2-5
champions Ardrishaig at the lovely setting of Furnace
Park. The away side went down to 10 men early on in
THE POST the match with their centre half getting sent off. It didn’t
OFFICE IS seem to put off the East Kintyre side; they put on a fine
performance winning the game by 4 goals to 2.
OPEN
Monday to Carradale were tested to the limit when Meadows
AFC came visiting to the village because eight players
Saturday 9-1 were unavailable to play, but a great team perform-
ance by the home side produced a 5-1 convincing
Try our freshly baked victory with McDougall scoring four goals and young
morning rolls, crusty Ryan McConnachie scoring the fifth.
bread, tea bread and After the league finishes the Knock-out competi-
tion will start in September for the Dalriada Cup and
cakes, baked in our old- the Provan Sports Shield.
fashioned stone oven
The members draw for July was -
No 45 Nicky McDougall £25.00.
Tel: 01583 431725 No 21 Colin Campbell £15.00
Donald .MacAlister.
6
ARGYLL & BUTE COUNCIL’S
VISION AND VALUES
MONDAY, 9 AUGUST 2010
Argyll and Bute Council is to review its vision and
values as part of its ongoing improvement journey.
Councillors are being asked to agree that the
authority moves away from the current vision
(Leading Rural Area) and instead discuss its
proposed replacement – ‘Argyll and Bute - Realising
our Potential Together.
The authority’s Executive will debate a report on
the proposal, drawn up following a period of
consultation with council employees and elected
members as well as community planning partners, on
August 12.
Leader of the council, Councillor Dick Walsh, said
that any new vision should be ambitious yet realistic,
and something which is meaningful to all the
authority’s stakeholders.
“Argyll and Bute has significant potential on all
levels, and has very strong partnership connections.
With this in mind, I believe that the vision Argyll and
Bute – Realising Our Potential Together underpins
what we are trying to achieve and should be
encouraging one another to achieve. This vision
translates into all areas of service delivery and can
easily be applied to everything we do towards
ensuring that we are delivering best value services to
all our stakeholders. I look forward to hearing my
colleagues’ views on this proposal for what is a vital
element of the council’s identity.”
The report also details four new values, drawn up
on the basis of feedback received from employees.
These state the way in which the council should act
in achieving its outcomes and set the standard of
behaviour expected throughout the organisation.
They are:
• We involve and listen to our customers and
communities
• We take pride in delivering best value services
• We are open, honest, fair and inclusive
• We respect and value everyone
If the Executive approves the report’s recom-
mendations, the proposed new vision and values will
go out for consultation with the public and other
partners through the Local Area Community Planning
Groups before being formally adopted.
The Council’s ambition, or boast - depending
which way you read previous announcements - has
obviously been affected by its past performance in a
number of areas, but in proclaimimg new values it
cannot afford to be caught out again. It might have
been more judicious and add ‘will seek to’ to the first
value, ‘hope to’ in the second, ‘intend to be’ in the
third and ‘will’ in the fourth. Ed.
DAVID HEFT: AN APOLOGY
The Editor offers an apology for inaccuracies in the
article about David Heft in the August edition. David
has written to the Editor with the following comments -
“I am not in a residential caravan but actually, it is
called a Park Home, which is not quite the same thing.”
“I am not an organist at all at St. Botolph's, though
I do have access to the instrument. There are two
organists in addition to the Director of Music and they
would be rather upset had they read, or do in the
future read, that I am, it would appear, 'claiming to be
one of them'. I am however in both the robed choir
and the St. Botolph Singers.”
“My piano does indeed languish in St. Botolph's,
but it is only used for important concerts and only
ever with my express permission. We have, for
example, Lesley Garrett coming on the 29th Septem-
ber and the piano will be used then. (Information of
this concert can be found on the St. Botolph web
site).”
 7 THE ANTLER 7
Comments can be emailed to:
SCOTTISH & SOUTHERN KintyreOffshoreWind@amec.com or letters
RENEWABLES PROPOSAL FOR A sent to the following address: AMEC Power &
CARRADALE
Process Europe, Hexham Business Centre, St
WIND-FARM AT MACHRIHANISH Matthew's House, Haugh Lane, Hexham Nor-

Photographic superimpositions courtesy of Robert Westerman.

thumberland NE46 3PU

OFFSHORE WIND-FARMS GOLF

IN SCOTLAND:
AN ARGYLL & BUTE COUNCIL STATEMENT
The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 re-
CLUB
ceived Royal Assent in August 2009. The Act
commits Scotland to a world-leading green-
house gas emission reduction target of 42% of
1990 levels by 2020.
This compares with the UK Government
target of a 34% reduction by 2020, with an
intention to increase this to 42% if targets are
met, and the European Union’s (EU) current
FEES
Juniors Adult
commitment to a reduction of 20% of 1990 Round £7 £16
levels by 2020 (www.decc.gov.uk). Daily £10 £20
Project type:Offshore wind farm. Location Site 3, Scottish Scotland is currently committed to achieve Weekly £35 £75
Territorial WatersCapacity up to 378MW a headline target of 20% of total Scottish energy Two weeks £45 £95
use coming from renewable sources by 2020. Country membership £119
SSE Renewables, was granted exclusivity by the Crown (May play in Club Competitions)
Estate in February 2009 to develop two offshore wind Specific targets include 50% of the electricity
demand, 10% renewable transport and 11% of Affiliate Club Members £10
farms on the west coast. The sites for development are
Kintyre, which is located 2km off the Atlantic coast on the heat demand (Scottish Government,
2009a). For further information
Kintyre due west of Machrihanish and Islay, which is
contact The Secretary,
located 13km off the west coast of Islay. Following consultation, the Scottish Gov-
ernment published a Renewables Action Plan Dr R. Abernethy,
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
SSE Renewables Developments (UK) Limited (SSE (RAP) in July 2009. This sets out a framework The Arch,
Renewables) is proposing to develop the Kintyre Off- for action in the specific area of renewable Torrisdale,
shore Wind Farm, a 378MW, 105 wind turbine develop- energy. The key objectives of the action plan Carradale,
ment which would cover approximately 70 square are: PA28 6QT
kilometres, generating emission free electricity for ap- • To establish Scotland as a UK and EU leader Tel: 01583 431321
proximately 401,370 homes* in the field
*Based on household consumption of 3,300kwh a year • To ensure maximum returns for Scotland’s
domestic economy
The Scoping Document forms part of the consents • To meet Scotland’s targets for energy from
process. The aim of the document is to inform stakehold-
ers about the proposed development, the consents re-
renewables, and for emissions reductions, to
2020 and beyond
KINTYRE
quired and the planned approach to the Environmental
Impact Assessment. For each environmental topic, avail- With an estimated 25% of Europe's offshore VERMIN
able baseline information is provided, the proposed wind resource, the benefits for Scotland in ex- & PEST
scope of the assessment in terms of the studies and
surveys to be undertaken is discussed and potential
ploiting this resource are significant. Jobs are
already being created in engineering and plan-
CONTROL
impacts of the project which require further investigation ning. Technology is being developed using ex- Prompt & Efficient
are identified, including potential mitigation and monitor- perience from 40 years in the offshore oil and Attention
ing. gas industry and direct financial benefit is com-
ing into communities from the generation and
The Scoping Document also outlines the approach to sale of renewable electricity (Scottish Govern-
cumulative assessment for each of the ment, 2009b).
topic areas. Detailed scopes of work for the Environmen-
tal Impact Assessment will be informed by stakeholder The need to maximise economic opportuni-
responses and prepared through detailed consultation ties from renewables is recognised in the draft
with relevant consultees and subject specialists. Argyll and Bute Renewable Energy Action Plan
(REAP) – 2010 to 2013 which aligns with the
The full Scoping Document is available on line at: Council’s Economic Development Action Plan
www.sse-kintyre.com (EDAP) 2010 to 2013 (Argyll and Bute Council,
HOW TO HAVE YOUR SAY 2010). The REAP sets out the key actions
SSE Renewables welcomes your comments on this required to further develop renewable energy
Scoping Document, particularly information on data avail-
VERMIN/PEST
sectors and secure benefits for the communi-
able, and advice on how best to involve stakeholders ties of Argyll and Bute.
CONTROLLER:
during the Environmental Impact Assessment process. Proprietor
DONALD KELLY
A likely view of the proposed wind-farm from Westport
Telephone/Fax:
(01586) 810391
Mobile: 07977 327751
Strathmore, Drumlemble,
Campbeltown, Argyll
PA28 6PW

SERVICE & SUPPLIES

(N.P.T.A)
8 THE ANTLER
PODIATRIST
S.R.Ch., D.Pod.M.,
State & HPC
Registered HERE COME THE ‘BLUES’
Chiropodist NHS CONFORMITY OR UNIFORMITY?
Pale sky blue, cornflower blue, Mediterranean blue,
VISITING ocean blue, navy blue, mid green, dark green or
green scrub - the new NHS Highland scheme will
PRACTICE leave patients and users feeling uniformly blue (or
COVERING green with envy).- perhaps confused if colour blind!
Whatever happened to the silver buckles and the
KINTYRE ornate head-gear?
Please Nice to see that a diminutive version of one of the
Carradale staff was included in the photograph. Ed.
telephone ALL UNREGISTERED STAFF / support workers,
for an (including Nursery Nurses and Play Leaders
appointment /Specialists, unregistered Community School Nurs-
es and Healthcare Science Support Staff) - Pale sky
blue tunic with NHS Logo and Navy trousers OR
Pale sky blue Polo shirt option For AHP/Heaithcare
Science support staff only: Embroidered profession-
al role.
REGISTERED NURSING STAFF (including dental
nurses, community nurses and specialist nursing
staff, community School Nurses, Advanced Nurse -
Cornflower blue tunic with NHS Logo and Navy
J.A.A.
trousers OR Cornflower blue Polo shirt option
ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS - Mediterrane-
an blue tunic with NHS Logo and Navy trousers.
CRAIG
Embroidered professional role (see Table 2) OR
Mediterranean blue Polo shirt option (as agreed by
local management).
Joiners SENIOR CHARGE NURSES/ Community Nurse
/Midwife Team Leaders - Navy blue tunic with NHS
Timber Suppliers Logo and Navy trousers.
Key Cutters OTHERS: Pharmacy Technicians, Healthcare
& Ironmongers Scientists Clinical Dental Technicians, Dental Tech-
All types of nicians, Dental Hygienists, Orthodontic Therapists
and Dental Therapists - Ocean blue tunic with NHS
Joinery and Navy trousers: Embroidered professional role
& Furniture OR Ocean blue Polo shirt option.
Repairs A & E and ICU Staff - A & E staff will wear the
appropriate national uniform to their professional
group with appropriate PPE.
17-19 Theatre Staff, Labour Suite Decontamination Staff -
Green Scrub suits only to be worn when working in
SADDELL theatre and labour suite and decontamination envi-
ronments. Appropriate clinical uniform should be
STREET worn at all other times.
STUDENTS - A silver grey tunic with navy trim
CAMPBELTOWN has been agreed nationally with the Higher Educa-
tion Institutions and a new uniform should be availa-
Telephone ble, from them, from September 2010. University
and College logos will be embroidered.
01586 552944 DENTAL STUDENTS - Further guidance is
awaited from the Scottish Government.
MEDICAL STAFF - Uniform options are being
J.A.A.C considered for the Medical Staff by the Scottish
Government.
ADMIN & CLERICAL STAFF - Plain coloured
mid green blouse / mid green dress shirt and Navy
blue tailored trousers.
8
B.T. OR NOT B.T?
A NEW TELEPHONE 'SCAM' HAS ARRIVED.
“I received a call from a 'representative' of BT, in-
forming me that he was disconnecting me because
of an unpaid bill. He demanded payment immediate-
ly of £31.00, or it would be £118.00 to re-connect at
a later date”.
“The guy wasn't even fazed when I told him I was
with Virgin Media, allegedly VM have to pay BT a
percentage for line rental! I asked the guy's name -
the very 'English' John Peacock with a very 'African'
accent - & phone number - 0800 0800 152. Obvi-
ously the ‘fella’ realized I wasn't believing his story,
so offered to demonstrate that he was from BT. I
asked how & he told me to hang up & try phoning
someone - he would disconnect my phone to pre-
vent this - AND HE DID!! My phone was dead - no
engaged tone, nothing - until he phoned me again.
Very pleased with himself, he asked if that was
enough proof that he was with BT. I asked how the
payment was to be made & he said credit card, there
& then. I said that I didn't know how he'd done it, but
I had absolutely no intention of paying him, I didn't
believe his name or that he worked for BT. He hung
up. I did 1471 & phoned his fictitious 0800 number -
not recognised”.
“I phoned the police to let them know, I wasn't
the first! It's only just started apparently but it is
escalating. Their advice was to let as many people
know by word of mouth of this scam. The fact that
the phone does go off would probably convince
some people it's real, so please let as many friends
& family aware of this”.
“This is good but not that clever. He gave the
wrong number - it should have been 0800 800 152
which takes you through to BT Business. The cutting
off of the line is very simple, he stays on the line with
the mute button on and you can't dial out - but he can
hear you trying. (This is because the person who
initiates a call is the one to terminate it). When you
stop trying he cuts off and immediately calls back.
You could almost be convinced! The sad thing is that
it is so simple that it will certainly fool the elderly and
vulnerable. Obviously, if this scam is real, once they
have your credit/debit card details, there is nothing
to stop them cleaning out your account”.
An e-mail warning received by G.S.
PETROL & DIESEL
FIGHTING FOR FAIR FUEL PRICES
FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES
Dear Editor,
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my rural
fuel petition. I am delighted that you have joined this
campaign. I think it is about time we used our mem-
bership of the European Union to our advantage and
I am committed to getting a fairer deal for Scotland.
Having run a business and still living on the
island of Bute, I am painfully aware of the extra
burden and disadvantages that high fuel prices place
on people and businesses in rural Scotland.
Lowering the price of fuel in our rural communi-
ties is something that can be achieved through the
European Union, as other Member States have done
already. I welcome the commitment given by the new
UK coalition government to looking seriously at ways
to reduce the cost of fuel in rural areas.
By joining the campaign you have added your
voice to the campaign for pilot schemes to be intro-
duced in Scotland – the first step on the road to fairer
fuel prices. Thank you again for signing the petition.
Please pass this email on to your friends and family
- the more people we can get behind the campaign
the more chance we have of winning fair fuel prices
for rural Scotland. I will keep you updated as the
campaign progresses.
Yours sincerely, George Lyon, MSP.
9 THE ANTLER
THE BALLAD OF
FERNACREILAG
OR THE MAN IN THE CREEL
Near Campbelton there ance did dwell
A man o'laigh degree.
Whose house three langsome miles did stan'
O' distance frae the sea.
And wi ' him lived ane ill woman,
Wha bore nae goodly fame;
She was his lawful rnarri'd wife,
And she did bear his name.
All in the lown o'Bengolion
Their cozie house was seen;
Where the peas-weep skirls its eerie cry
And the bracken waves sae green.
Now though the house three miles did stan’
O' distance frae the sea,
Ae morning, waukening frae his sleep,
The wondering man did see —
The wondering man did see a creel
Weel fill'd wi' waly fish,
O' the richest kind and rarest kind
That e'er his heart could wish.
The Pan-cod shone in gowden scales,
The Crodan lay in raws,
The Haik display'd its buirdly bouk,
And the Doogey-thoom his claws,
The Clebban and the Maerach-baan,
Spoot-fish and Clabby-doo,
Wi’ Anachan and Brolochan,
Lay tempting to his view.
Yet he kenn'd he hadna been at kirk.
Nor had he been at fair;
And aye he wonder'd to himsel',
How that the fish cam' there.
But wondering is a witless wark,
And his heart grew light and fain,
For the bonnie fish fill'd up the creel,
And they were a' his ain.
Yet he thought that he that night would watch,
And never close his e'en,
Till he would solve the mystery.
If that it could be seen.
Day pass'd, gloamin' spread her wing
Ower glen and mountain steep,
And wearie beasts gaed waigling hame
To close the day in sleep;
And the man slips cannilie to bed
(A willy wight was he,)
And he haps the blankets yont his back,
And snores right lustily.
And now the solemn midnight hours
Creep slowly through the dark,
When Bocans roam, and evil things
are up and at their wark.
And a fearfu’ sight he saw, that made
His very hair to stan',
And words he heard, I wad'na say
For a' Knockrioch's Ian'.
His wife is sitting in a creel
Rubbin’ her taes wi' grease,
And mumblin’ ower thae awfu' words
Fornent the ingle bleeze;
Till the dog he youl'd upon the hearth,
And the meikle grey cock crew,
When, bang! the creel raise aff the floor,
and out the door it flew.
Now morning rubs her drowsie e'en,
And rouses up frae sleep,
And the sun he shoves his ruddy nose
Out-ower Bengolion's steep;
And frae a troubled dream, the man
Casts ower his bed his e'e,
9
And there, wi' fish, the meikle creel
Weel plenish'd he did see;
And in the bed, row'd up in claes, McCormick’s
A solemn aith he's ta'en,
That he wad try thr creel himsel'
Whene'er the day was gane.
The day has pass'd, and darkness deep
Out-ower the world is spread;
And the wife, as he had done before,
Slips cannily to bed.
Fresh fish
And the man he loups into the creel
And rubs his taes wi' grease, delivered to your
And mumbles ower thae awfu' words door
Foment the ingle bleeze;
Till the dog he youl'd upon the hearth,
And the meikle grey cock crew,
And the creel began to fidge about.
And in the air it flew.
Ah, woe is me! that men should mak’
Sic practions wi' the deil; Haddock,
And gang sic arts to seek for fish
Aboard a meikle creel;
Whiting, Sole,
For, gin a single hair-breadth’s wrang, Cod Fillets,
In what they do or say, Fresh Salmon,
They may, as this puir man soon fan',
Dra' meikle dool and wae ; Rainbow Trout,
For now he fins amang the bauks, Smoked &
What he should ken before, Peppered
That in his hurry he forgot
To open up the door.
Mackerel,
Now wad he gein a silver pound Kippers.
That he were safe frae harm,
And snugly in ayont the wife,
Sae cozie and sae warm. TELEPHONE:
But na, the creel bobbed up and doun,
Like a hawk upon the wing, 01586 554338
And 'mang the kebbars in the roof
His head and shins did ding.
Till wi' the dinging on the bauk,
KENNEDY’S
The creel it whammiled ower;
And like a turkey newly shot,
He soss'd upon the floor.
And wi' ae bang out through the roof,
The creel its way has ta'en;
And whar it gaed or whar it stay'd,
Nae mortal man doth ken.
SHOE SHOP
50-52
And now the auld wife waukens up,
Wi' sic an eerie bang,
Longrow
And she has come out ower the bed,
Campbeltown
To see if aught were wrang, Walking Shoes
And there her leal auld man she saw Dress Shoes
As cauld as ony stane,
Lie belly-flaught upon the floor
Walking Boots
Without a sich or grane. Dress Boots
And mony mony wearie days, All your
He through the house did gae, footwear needs
Wi' broken head and plaster'd shins,
And e'en o' doolfu’ blae.
under one roof
And now he's wise, and sairly rues Ladies & Gents
His dealings wi' the deil;
And Fernacreilag he is ca'ad,
Wide fitting
Which means "the Man in the Creel." specialists
MORAL Children’s fitting
A’ ye wha in the ramstam race service
For fame or this world’s gear’
Out-ower the heads o’ honest men, ‘K’ ‘CLARKS’
Fou’ fain your course wad steer,
See that ye look afore ye loup,
‘LOTUS’
Or ablins ye may rue, ‘ROHDE’
And Fernacreilag he may tell
A useful tale to you
Shoes,
Researched and compiled by the late
Shoes,
Duncan Ritchie, 1998
Shoes
10
We make the best
Scottish tablet you
have ever tasted
Looking for the perfect gift
idea? Then look no further than
our selection.
Our Hampers, full of delicious
Kintyre produce and our
Scottish Tablet Gift Boxes
make excellent presents.
We have gifts to suit all budgets
Our tablet is available
in local shops.
You can also order all our
products on-line.
Just visit our web-site ;
www.scottishtabletcompany.co.uk
or telephone 01583 431594 or
431581 and speak to Trish or
Anne
TORRISDALE
CASTLE
TANNERY
& CRAFTY
SHEEP
SHOP
Why go to Glasgow
when you have quality
on your doorstep?
Beautiful jumpers,
cardigans, hats,
gloves, slippers, belts,
wallets, handbags,
soft toys,
rugs and of course -
a wonderful a selection
of top quality deerskins
and goat skins.
Come and look round
you’ll be surprised.
Open most days
and most times
but usually
9-6 Monday to Friday &
2.30-6 on Saturdays &
Sundays
If no one is there
just ring the bell!
THE ANTLER
RUNRIG LOTTINGS
ARGYLL & BUTE COUNCIL NEWS-FEED
Unfortunately too late for local involvement but an
interesting look at past agricultural practice
Auchindrain museum, Scotland’s only preserved
farm township open to visitors, is holding an all-day
Celebration of Heritage and Home Life event on
Sunday, August 15. The day is part of a programme
of activites being run in partnership with Argyll and
Bute Council to support local primary schools
involved in the ‘Crofting Connections’ educational
project, which seeks to provide children in the
Highlands and Islands with a sense of the past,
present and future of crofting. Among the top
attractions will be a revival of the ancient practice of
‘runrig lottings’ – overseen by His Grace the Duke of
Argyll and the Provost of Argyll and Bute.
The day will also feature Inveraray Shinty Club
playing a traditional game of shinty, recreating how
it was played before it was organised into a proper
sport in the late 19th century, using stones for
goalposts.
Those fortunate enough to see the resurrection
of the runrig system will be witnessing history in the
making. In the old days, townships such as
Auchindrain worked their farmland in common. No-
one owned their own piece of land. The ‘outbye’
grazing land on the hills was shared by everyone,
whilst the ‘inbye’ land where they grew things like
hay, barley, oats and potatoes was divided into
strips, or ‘rigs’, each one five and a half yards wide.
Each family in a township was allocated a share of
these strips to work. This system, called ‘runrig’, was
designed to give all tenants the chance at cultivating
the best land and was operational for many
centuries. Every year, one third of this ‘inbye’ land
was reallocated by drawing lots. This process was
called ‘the lotting’, hence the term ‘runrig lotting’.
Runrig gradually went out of use during the first
half of the 19th century, with the land being divided
into fields which stayed with individual families for
many years. The last record of a ‘lotting’ is from
Achnagoul, between Furnace and Inveraray, in
1847. On August 15, each of three local primary
schools will be given a piece of land at Auchindrain
to work. Over the following months, the children will
grow their own crops on their rigs, using only the
methods available in the 19th century. A ‘lotting’ will
be held to determine which school gets which piece
of land, with His Grace the Duke of Argyll and
Provost on hand to assist in the first drawing of lots
for 163 years.
Chair of Auchindrain’s Board of Trustees,
Councillor Alison Hay, said: “The Heritage and
Home Life event promises to be not just a fun but
also an educational day out. The runrig lotting is
likely to be the highlight, as it’s bringing to life a
practice which was such a vital part of our ancestors’
lives. If you had passed Auchindrain a couple of
centuries ago, most of the bottom of the glen would
have been covered in ‘rigs’ running up and down the
slopes on either side. The shinty match is also
bound to be exciting. But there are also many other
things going on during the day for people of all ages
to experience and enjoy. We are all very much
looking forward to Auchindrain being brought to life
in this exciting way, and I am delighted that the Duke
of Argyll and the Provost will be on hand to give the
event their official seal of approval!” Other
attractions at the event include:
WAULK, TALK AND SING – 10.30am onwards –
members of the Inverclyde Waulking Group will be
waulking the tweed, singing traditional Gaelic work
songs, entertaining with stories and demonstrating
the skills of spinning, weaving and baking
10
CREATIVE CRAFTS – 10.30am onwards –
including finding out how the Auchindrain residents
would have made bowls, benches and buildings with
the Scottish Green Woodworkers and learning how
to make baskets with locally sourced wood with
Kathy Potter-Irwin
STORIES WITH SEORAS – 10.45am and 12noon –
enjoy the ancient art of Celtic storytelling with
Seoras Macpherson whose stories have passed
through many generations in Argyll and Skye
A Period Drama – 1.30-3pm – join the award-
winning Walking Theatre Company in an interactive
journey through the township. Runrig Lotting – 3pm.
Musical Interlude – local choirs and musicians. Barn
Building – see demonstrations of how barns in
Auchindrain were constructed using traditional dry
stone walling techniques. Shinty Match
Auchindrain (in Gaelic, Achadh an Droighinn or
Field of the Thorn Tree) is the only example of a
Highland farm township to have survived
substantially unaltered by modernisation or
abandonment. It was worked in the traditional way
until 1962.
For details of admission charges, opening times
and directions, visit www.auchindrain.org.uk. For
more information, please contact Rebecca Martin on
01499 320274 or 07760883166
CARE OF THE ELDERLY
ABC STATEMENT:10 August 2010
Argyll and Bute Council has significantly improved
two key measures relating to its care of older people.
In terms of the number of people on the waiting list
for free personal care in the community, the figure
has dropped from 145 in May 2006 to 17 in March
last year to just eight in March 2010, and Argyll and
Bute’s efforts in meeting the Scottish Government’s
zero target for patients waiting more than 6 weeks
for discharge from hospital have been very
successful, with just one person waiting more than 6
weeks to be discharged from a hospital in Argyll and
Bute in March 2010, compared to eight at the same
time the previous year.
The figures were highlighted in the Chief Social
Work Officer’s annual report, which will be discussed
by the council’s Executive next week.
Councillor Donald McIntosh, spokesperson for
Social Services, said: “The waiting list figures show
the significant progress which has been made at a
time when the requirement for older people’s
services continues to increase both in terms of
numbers, complexity of cases and an ever-growing
public expectation of what we can provide.
Invariably, anyone waiting for services will wait no
longer than a month, with all clients with essential or
urgent needs – as well as those with terminal
illnesses - authorised immediately.”
Councillor McIntosh also praised the adult care
team’s success in trying to meet the delayed
discharge targets.
“To maintain the figure at zero is a significant
challenge, and one which we are doing all we can to
meet,” he added. Although the target is not always
achieved, Argyll and Bute’s performance on this
issue is recognised by both the Scottish Government
and the Social Work Inspection Agency (SWIA) as a
success story, and compares favourably with other
Scottish councils.” In addition, there has been
continued progress over the last year in addressing
the balance between those people cared for at
home, and those cared for in residential care homes.
In March 2009 62.3% of the older people in
receipt of care received care in the community, with
37.7% getting institutional care. By March this year,
those figures were 64.3% and 35.7% respectively.
11
CARRADALE STRING FEST
A weekend of entertainment with great musicians.
CARRADALE STRING FEST –
THE ACCIDENTAL HAPPENING!
Following the brief information about the String
Fest in the August Antler, and while awaiting a
report from a Fest correspondent, the Editor
thought it appropriate to include information
which appeared after the Antler’s publication on
Johnny Durnan’s ‘Carradale Goat’ web-site, with
some details of Lorne MacDougall’s backgound
and subsequent career,copied from his own web-
site.
On August 6th and 7th Carradale Village Hall
is the venue for a unique and unscheduled week-
end of contrasting music. Originally, the intention
was to have a one-night celebration of Scottish
traditional music and particularly the talents of
Carradale’s own piping colossus, Lorne MacDou-
gall. However, a chance e-mail from an ex-mem-
ber of the legendary Incredible String Band,
Malcolm Le Maistre, led to a second night being
added which tips its hat to the psychedelic, coun-
ter-culture days of the 1960’s and ‘70’s. Thus, by
chance rather than design, The Carradale String
Fest was born.
Friday 6th sees an evening in two parts. First-
ly, three former members of The Incredible String
Band (Malcolm Le Maistre, Stan Lee and Graham
Forbes) will give a preview of their new Fringe
show, ‘Not the Incredible String Band’ in which
they will tell anecdotes from their lives within the
music business and perform a number of Malc’s
songs and appropriate covers to illustrate their
stories.
Since the halcyon days of the String Band,
Malcolm has worked as a writer, musician,
children’s entertainer, educationalist and pioneer
of environmental theatre. Stan is now a renowned
photographer in New York although in his day he
was also the stage manager for both blues leg-
end Muddy Waters and Janis Joplin, whilst at one
stage he even managed superstar Art Garfunkel.
Perhaps more controversially, some years back
Stan claims to have been abducted from his body
by aliens but thankfully now he appears to be
reunited with himself. Although still managing a
couple of bands, Graham mostly plays music now
for fun and is a successful businessman and
author of the best-selling ‘Rock and Roll Moun-
tains’ and ‘Rock and Roll Tourist’. All in all, a night
of top notch yarns and music is on the cards.
Please note that this event features passages of
spoken word and requires a listening audience!
The second part of the night will be the
Acoustic Alternative Concert featuring sets from
Malcolm Le Maistre and Emily Scott, Chris and
Robin Adams from legendary Scottish rockers
String Driven Thing, Short Trowsers (a small
off-shoot from the Hugh Trowsers Band), Camp-
beltown singer-songwriter Adam Fortune and the
return of The Dooflickers where Gordy Hanning
and Les Oman attempt to reprise the glory days
of The Cruban!
Saturday 7th is billed as MacDougall’s Return
to Trumpton, marking Lorne MacDougall’s first
proper gig in his home village since he was 15. In
addition to Lorne and Friends, the concert will
feature a more traditional sounding Short Trows-
ers, Ceann an Tuirc (Argyll’s Male-voice Gaelic
Choir) with conductor Joy Dunlop, Mod Gold
Medallist Norman MacKinnon and Camp-
beltown’s Wild Sarachs. The evening concludes
with a ceilidh dance featuring Canterach (Ross
Kennedy, Lorne MacDougall, Rebecca Brown
and Jamie Kennedy) so bring your dancing
pumps and an oxygen cylinder!
THE ANTLER 11
BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the
UGADALE
year, Lorne MacDougall is one of Scotland’s leading
young pipers. Born and brought up in Carradale, in the
VETERINARY
piping stronghold of Kintyre, Lorne was awarded a BA
in Scottish Music at the Royal Scottish Academy of
SURGERY
Music and Drama in 2005 and has performed at many
local and international festivals and has been involved UGADALE
in a number of recordings including UK Top 40 hits and
albums achieving platinum disc status.
COTTAGE
by CAMPBELTOWN
On leaving school, Lorne studied for a BA in Scot-
tish Music at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and
PA28 6QR
Drama in Glasgow, graduating with honours in 2005,
one of the first graduates on the RSAMD’s piping
course. He has played in Grade 1 pipe bands at world
championship level from an early age joining the David B.Sc., B.V.M & S., M.R.C.V.S
Urquhart Travel Pipe Band while still at school and has
also played with Glasgow Pipes and Drums and the is pleased to provide
Scottish Power Pipe Band, providing the musical ar-
rangements for the latter competition and concert rep- veterinary care for
ertoire in 2005. your pets
He has toured Scotland and Europe with his princi-
pal folk band Canterach, led by ex-Tannahill Weavers’
Please telephone
Ross Kennedy and Brian McNeill’s ‘Back of the North
Wind’ prequel ‘Baltic tae Byzantium’ production. He 01586 552427
has performed at many significant festivals including for an appointment
Lorient, Aviles, Celtic Connections, Mull of Kintyre,
Jura, and Orkney Folk Festival and the CoOperative
Cambridge Folk Festival.
A versatile musician who plays Highland bagpipes,
smallpipes, Border pipes, whistles, piano and key-
boards, Lorne has made frequent radio appearances,
including live sessions on BBC Radio Scotland’s Trav-
elling Folk, A Bit of a Blow and Pipeline, and as a
BROTHERS
Engineering Ltd.
session musician has appeared on albums including
Ross Kennedy’s ‘Scottish Voice and Acoustic Guitar’,
Brian McNeill’s ‘Baltic tae Byzantium’, Jeana Leslie The Complete Service
and Siobhan Miller’s ‘In a Bleeze’ and Norman
MacKay’s ‘The Perfect Squeeze’, Alabama’s leading Groundcare &
celtic voice Jil Chambles’s new album as well as 3 Agricultural
albums with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and the 2008 Equipment Sales,
BBC Scotland Children in Need single “We Have a Service & Hire.
Dream”. MOT & MOT Repairs
As a composer his tunes have featured on albums
from such bands as Skerryvore, Deoch ‘n’ Dorus,
LOCAL SERVICE DEPOT
Stuart Cassells, the House of Edgar Shotts and Dyke-
head Caledonia Pipe Band and the Red Hot Chilli
Roading,
Pipers. They have also been used in various media Campbeltown
events such as the theme music for Sky Sport’s SPL Telephone
coverage. 01586 553031
When not playing music he is the presenter and
producer of the highly popular internet radio show
Head Office: Greenock Road,
Bishopton PA7 5AP
PlanetPipe with Bees Nees Media in Glasgow. Work- Tel: 01505 862010.
ing with Bees Nees means he also enjoys occasionally
Fax: 01505 862221
working on other productions including Radio Email: info@hamiltonbros.co.uk
Scotland’s Iain Anderson Show and various produc- Web-site ww.hamiltonbros.co.uk
tions for BBC Alba. He also teaches with various
organisations throughout Scotland such as Tarbert
Academy Music Centre and the Glasgow Fiddle Work-
shop.
(Editor’s note: For expatriates and new residents or
visitors to Carradale and Kintyre, Lorne is the son of
Matthew (Donna) MacDougall and the late Jeanette
MacDougall of Duncrannag, Quay Brae, Carradale
East.) MASSEY FERGUSON
12 THE ANTLER
EAST KINTYRE
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
THURSDAY 1 JULY 2010 MINUTES
Present: Shelagh Cameron, Stuart Irvine,
Tom Adams, Andrea Hopkins, Ronnie
Brownie, tactile Paterson, Councillor Don-
ald Kelly, Councillor John McAlpine, Coun-
cillor Robin Currie, Sergeant Hugh Gilbert.
Apologies: Elizabeth McMillan, Councillor
Anne Horn
Convenor Shelagh Cameron wel-
comed everyone present.
MINUTES of Last Meeting: Proposed by
Ronnie Brownie seconded by Stuart Irvine.
Matters arising from last minutes:
• Convenor Shelagh Cameron had meet-
ing with Arthur McCulloch, Argyll and Bute
Council, on 15th June to get ideas for the
best possible siting of the pontoons and
which would be the least expensive. All this
to be taken forward when a meeting can be
arranged with Martin Gorringe.
• TREASURERS REPORT: Balance in
Community Council account £1511.18.
• AUDIT: Accounts have now been sent
to Kilmory.
• PLANNING: Conversion of an out build-
ing at Ifferdale to a bunkhouse - ok; erection
of two houses at plots 1 & 2 Dippen - ok.
• MACHRIHANISH OFF-SHORE WIND
FARM: 105 turbines proposed for this site,
nearest turbine 2 miles offshore. Surfing
groups - concerned; local people - objec-
tions; Welcon to build turbines - could cre-
ate jobs. !t was suggested that all
interested parties should make their views
known to Southern and Scottish Energy
either by letter, web-site or at a meeting on
5th and 6th August in the Victoria Hall.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Minutes of Local Area Community Plan-
ning, Convenor Shelagh Cameron attend-
ed the meeting at Tarbert Academy - email
ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS:
• Bus Shelter, Carradale - 1 panel re-
ceived still waiting for others.
• Saddell - speed of vans and cars into
village; grass cutting for play park, contrac-
tor already employed by ACHA to cut
grass; sign - Go Slow or Children Playing,
Convenor Shelagh Cameron to take this
forward; picnic benches for Saddell green-
approach Argyll and Bute Council.
• Allow overtaking signs - not in place yet,
Convenor Shelagh Cameron suggested
only 3 would be needed, one each at Red-
house, Claonaig, Glen.
• Councillor John McAlpine brought up
school closures, he suggested that inter-
ested parties should put together a portfolio
for the retaining of their local school to be
ready just in case.
Carpet, Upholstery Cleaning & Window Cleaning Service
12
• Lachie Paterson brought up again the
dangers of the road to Skipness, bushes
need to be cut further back on corners to
allow better visibility, this is another case of
an accident waiting to happen before any-
thing is done. Councillor John McAlpine
suggested that a case should be put for-
ward by the Road Policing Department on
safety issues. Councillor Donald Kelly sug-
gested contacting Tony Lambert, Roads
Department to ask if Street-scene could do
anything Councillor Robin Currie suggest-
ed that there might be a change to gritting
in Carradale next winter.
Convenor Shelagh Cameron thanked
everyone for attending. A.H.
Date of Next Meeting:
Thursday 2nd September 2010, at 7pm
CAMERA CLUB
The Exhibition of the 10th year of the Club
has again shown a wide range of work of
considerable variety – of pictorial and tech-
nical quality, mostly in the same print!
Browsing the show, there were few prints,
if any, which one would have rejected, but
most encouraging were excellent prints
from juniors – by our definition, primary 5 –
7 age. This gives hope of our establishing
a junior section in the club this coming
season, where experienced members can
help with all steps involved from click to
print. This applies equally to anyone inter-
ested in converting their photographs from
dozens (hundreds?) of images stored in
the camera or lying on a card in a drawer
into prints comparable to what was on
show.
The club is for everyone, the first meet-
ing of next season being on Monday 6th.
September at 7.30 pm in the Network Cen-
tre Tea Room with fortnightly meetings
after that, dealing helpfully with all aspects
of photography, digital and traditional, for
complete beginner to experienced. In addi-
tion to advice and help, the club also has
available the necessary tools of the trade –
printer, scanner, mount cutter and more.
Think of joining us! J.A.McL.
Mob: 07799 395709