THE

ISSUE 232

APRIL 2012

antler
JOBS IN AND FOR CARRADALE
VILLAGE SERVICES GROUPS OUTSTANDING SUCCESS The proposal which the village services group of the Community Council put to the investing in ideas fund of the Big Lottery was approved on Thursday 23rd February. This is the proposal that was discussed at the February meeting and described in the March Antler. It is worth 10,000. To see full details including the project application form see: http://villageweb.org.uk/eastkintyre/Village%20services.htm On the 23rd February a group of five of us had a meeting with representatives of Argyll & Bute and of Argyll Voluntary Action. We all agreed that we shared the same objectives of providing better care for the elderly and helping the elderly to live in their own homes. However, the meeting did highlight that care for the elderly, unless they are rich, tends to be seen as either state provision with all the accompanying expense and bureaucracy or else voluntary provision - either or. Our hope is that we can find some middle ground which rather than placing more load on volunteers can create jobs locally and save money for the state. We have no idea whether or not this is possible but this grant from the Big Lottery will enable us to employ the Centre for Rural Health (http://www. abdn.ac.uk/crh/) of the University of the Highlands and Islands to help us to explore the idea. The Centre for Rural Health was recently the lead agency in an EU research programme looking at the needs of elderly people in remote rural areas of Europe (see http://www.o4os.eu/). That project mainly looked at how young elderly people could help older elderly people. In our project we are trying to challenge them to look at possibilities beyond volunteering. Part of their brief will be to help, if possible, to design a pilot project for East Kintyre. We should hear soon from the Centre for Rural Health as to how they propose to organize their work. E.D. There is more information on the issue of care for the elderly and job opportunities for younger people on Page 2.

ITS AN ILL WIND..

KINTYRE MAY SOON BE BRISTLING ALL OVER WITH TOWERING INDIGNATION

THE TIMES THEY ARE ACHANGING

While British Summer Time comes into its own this weekend and we lose an hours sleep, the same cannot be said of the voluntary organisations who seem to be working all the hours available to improve the lot of Kintyre residents and visitors. While cynics might be right in assuming that council election time is approaching, the same cannot be said for those who are promoting new ideaas in Campbeltown and the rural villages. At a time when school rolls are falling and local businesses are in decline, an outburst of new and rejuvenated blood is evident in a number of interesting initiatives. Not to be outdone a variety of community sub-groups are hitting the headlines and, with a least one community council being saved from dissolution through elections in the Autumn, things can only get more interesting. Whether you fly to support the Airbase buy-out, motor or sail with CHUG, entangle yourself with Carradale Network, bunk-off to Campbeltown, stride to secure the Kintyre Ways future or help the elderly to benefit from new arrangements being researched by the UHI, your interest, help and support is vital in keeping Kintyre alive as a working and welcoming community.

With more wind-farm applications being contested or turned down a rash of single turbines may proliferate

see page 9.

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IN THIS ISSUE
P2 EKCC, Jobs and Care. P3 EKCC Meeting, Fire and Rescue & Drama. P4 Toilets, frames & Poppies. P5 Scenic routes, Council budget. 2013-2016. P6 Bunks, Guild and Seniors. P7 Kintyre Initiative, extracts. P8 Footfall & Grogport Rainfall P9 Single wind turbines. P10 Ferries ancient & modern P11 Turbine steamers. P12 Picture House, Hearing problems, House for sale

CARRADALE GOLF CLUB

THE SECRETARY IS MARGARET RICHARDSON, 2 OLD SCHOOLHOUSE CARRADALE PA28 6QJ. 01583 431788 FURTHER INFORMATION IS ON PAGES 4 & 8

THE ANTLER WELCOMES CONTRIBUTORS, SUBSCRIBERS & ADVERTISERS

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need to be able to live independently in the community and the acceptability of different models of care to different groups in the community: older people, people with disabilities, people with mental health problems, informal carers etc., It will also be important to gather information about what assets the community may have which can be drawn upon to help provide local services. This might include for example: local organisations with relevant expertise, buildings from which services could be provided, people with relevant skills such as lawyers, accountants, care professionals, people with experience of risk management or health and safety legislation, people with talents or resources. How this work will be done will depend upon how much information is already available from previous research. We will discuss the options with the Community Council, which are likely to include: a short questionnaire, telephone or face to face interviews, group discussions. Outputs We will prepare an interim report summarising the results of the local research into needs and assets and case study examples of models of rural community service provision. During a visit to the area we will discuss the report with the Community Council and agree a shortlist of 2-3 options to be examined further in the final phase of the project. 3) Phase Three: Options Appraisal The final phase of our proposal involves holding a participatory option appraisal workshop. The workshop will be designed and carried out with the active participation of members of the Community Council and other key organisations (this could take the format of a key actors workshop followed up with wider/public consultation). A checklist will be drawn up against which each option can be assessed. This is likely to include issues such as: range of services to be provided; client groups to be served; service levels to be offered; options for governance arrangements; sources of funding; status of employees; registration requirements, acceptability to community and commissioners. It is likely that some further desk based information gathering and interviews will be required during this phase to prepare material for the workshop. Following the workshop we will prepare a final report summarising: key data gathered during the project which will be required for business planning purposes; the results of the option appraisal and description of the preferred model; sources of funding and a next steps action plan. Outputs We will prepare a final report containing a range of information which should provide most of the information which the Community Council will need for funding applications and business plan preparation. C.F. & E.D.

EAST KINTYRE COMMUNITY COUNCIL:

SUPPORT FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING PROPOSAL FROM THE CENTRE FOR RURAL HEALTH Background East Kintyre Community Council is seeking consultancy support to develop a model of care which will meet the needs of local people who require support to live at home and provide local employment opportunities. Funding is available from the Big Lottery scheme Investing in Ideas of around 9k to pay for advice and support to: Test assumptions about how care services are currently provided and identify current barriers due to e.g. Care Commission requirements, health and safety legislation, commissioning strategies
Research different models of service provision in rural areas and what types of services have been successfully delivered by local communities Gather information about community preferences, views of service commissioners, governance options, financial sustainability etc. against which different models can be tested Prepare proposals and funding applications to take forward the preferred model. The Centre for Rural Health has been invited to outline how we would work with the Community Council to take forward their ambitions for a community independent living service. Our Approach Our initial thoughts on how we would approach this task are set out below and we will be happy to discuss these further with the Community Council. Our ideas are based on experience of similar projects we have carried out as well as practical issues such as the funds available, distance, timetable etc. Our approach is based upon: Putting the views of older people and others requiring support in the community at the heart of any decisions about how care should be provided locally Ensuring the community has the best available information on which to make decisions about the way forward Making the best use of your funds minimising travel costs, not reinventing the wheel, If this project demonstrates that a new and sustainable model of local service provision will bring benefits to East Kintyre, implementation will require the active collaboration and support of a number of individuals and organisations as well as local community members. It will be important to have an effective strategy for

keeping people informed as the work progresses and easing access to information held within organisations. The Community Council will be able to use existing tools such as the community web site but other options include a short term steering group, newsletters and email alert lists. WORK PLAN MAIN STAGES 1) Phase One: Where Are We At Now? Phase One will be about familiarising ourselves with the current situation, gathering together and digesting as much information as possible about local needs, assets and services and any other local initiatives which might be relevant. Work will start with an initial 2-3 day visit to the area and a series of meetings with people who will have a key part to play in taking the work forward such as: the Community Council itself, key staff in the Council and NHS, local councillors, local community support organisations such as Argyll and Bute CVS, the Social Enterprise Network, community transport associations and the existing community carers. Prior to this visit we will have already started gathering and reviewing information such as: results of the recent community planning survey and any other needs assessment work undertaken in the area, community care plans and relevant Council and NHS plans and policies, directories and databases of local community services and organisations providing local support services etc., relevant legislation and regulatory requirements. Outputs From this desk based research, the local visit and any follow up research we will produce an initial report identifying what further information will be needed to take the project forward and highlighting key issues to be addressed. 2) Phase Two: Where Do We Want To Be? Phase two will begin with desk research into existing models of rural community services and what lessons can be learnt from these. We will aim to arrange opportunities for the Community Council and others to meet people already involved in providing and commissioning community led services, either through study visits or by video conference. The Centre already has considerable information and contacts from projects already completed. As part of this work we will seek to gather examples of relevant guidance, policies and procedures which may be required for business planning purposes e.g. equal opportunities, health and safety, training and development etc. We will also liaise with anyone engaged to provide legal advice on appropriate governance formats such as: Community Interest Company, Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation, Scottish Charitable Organisation. Phase Two will also involve plugging any gaps in information about what services local people

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CARRADALE BRANCH OPEN THURSDAY 10am - 11am

EKCC MARCH MEETING
REPORT ON THE MEETING : 1 MARCH 2012 There was an excellent turnout for this meeting mainly due to the agenda matter concerning the possible removal of the Cloanaig to Lochranza ferry. Cllrs Robin Currie, John McAlpine and John Semple were in attendance. The meeting began with a welcome from the acting Convenor, Stuart Irvine. He began by suggesting a change in procedure regarding minutes of the meeting. In future he will send a report to the Antler and The Carradale Goat immediately after the meeting. A draft minute will be prepared by the Secretary and sent to the Acting Convenor for approval and this will then be read out at the next Council meeting for approval, following which it will be sent to the Antler and The Carradale Goat for publication. The minutes of the last meeting were then read out and approved and the following matters arising discussed. a) It has now been agreed with Argyll and Bute Council that the present Council members will retire in early Autumn and a fresh election of councillors will be made. b) In regard to the East Kintyre Wind-farm Trust it has also been confirmed that a new Committee will have to be formed if there are not enough new councillors to maintain the present basis. The letter is that the committee is made up of the Community Council plus three independent members to ensure governance matters Other matters arising, such as Ferry and Services to the elderly were on the agenda 1. Ferry: - In the ferry consultation document there is mention of a real threat to the removal of the CloanaigLochranza ferry. Cllr John Semple gave a report on a recent meeting in Campbeltown. The was followed by comments from Network Carradale Ltd given by their Chairman, Alan Walker. A number of members of the public also added their views. It was clear that there is massive support for the retention of this ferry and the EKCC agreed to put its support by writing to Argyll and Bute Council accordingly. It was also agreed that EKCC will put a sheet in the two Post Offices and Network Tearoom asking for support from the public. 2. Services for the Elderly: - Eric Dudley reported that a grant of 10,000 has agreed to finance a consultant study on what could be developed in Carradale which might also produces a number of local jobs. 3. Cllr John Semple pointed out the plight of the Kintyre Way which currently has severe cash flow problems. It was confirmed that the EKWFT may assist as it has done in the past. 4. Roads: - Following the meeting a few months ago when Damien Green from A&B gave a report on roads in this area, John McAlpine spoke with Sandy McTaggart at Kilmory and he has agreed to attend a meeting in Carradale on Thursday, 15 March to answer questions from the public on the state of our roads. He will also be prepared to take questions on harbour issues. JSI

CARRADALE FIRE AND RESCUE

CAN COLLECTIONS AND CHRISTMAS CARD DELIVERIES AID DONATIONS

In late February, and true to their established record, Carradale Firefighters have made two more charitable donations. The first was 360 to the Anthony Nolan bone marrow fund and the second 250 to Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Family Support Trust. Money raised from Christmas card deliveries in Carradale and the surrounding villages this year allowed the crew to assist the Anthony Nolan fund and can collections in Carradale itself made the donation to the SFR family support possible. Pictured with Group Commander Stuart McLean and Watch Commander Robert Strang are the Carradale crew - from the left Firefighters E. Durnan and S. Partridge, GC S. McLean, T. Lee, J. Durnan, WC R. Strang, J. Paterson and L. Campbell. The fire crew acknowledge the very generous support given by members of the public. Incidentally Strathclyde Fire and Rescue is offering free smoke alarms and home fire safety visits for anyone in the village. To take advantage of this please contact the fire station, telephone 0800 0731 999, text check to 61611, or visit the Strathclyde Fire and Rescue web-site. Photo courtesy of JD & the Carradale Goat.

YOU CANT WIN THEM ALL

RAYMOND CHANDLER: A CARRADALE DRAMA GROUP UPDATE Pauline and Tony were delighted by the fantastic support of Carradale people at the Dress Rehearsal, Pre-performance meal and at the Performance itself at the SCDA Drama Festival in Campbeltown on 14th February. On the night they gave a faultless prompt-free performance of the two-hander play The Beach Hut by Mark Rees. They were pleased with how they had performed and the response showed that it was well received by an appreciative audience at the Campbeltown Grammar School. At the Prize Giving they were rewarded by being awarded the Visitors Quaich- a cup given for The Best Moment of Theatre. However, there was, widespread disappointment that they didnt get more recognition for their colourful set. This was constructed by Tony assisted by Cameron McNair and completed with excellent artwork by Eleanor Bennett. Hopes of winning other silverware had been raised as both the public and private adjudications by Ron Nicol were glowing and very positive in every respect apart from a couple of minor points. But earlier hopes were dashed as they werent placed in the top three, but nothing daunted, the Club takes the Play to both the Lorn Drama Festival in Oban in late March and to The Mid Argyll Festival in Ardrishaig in April. And they will of course be putting it on in the Village Hall when they hope to attract and entertain a local audience. Watch out for posters advertising this, the posters will go up around the village nearer the time. M.L.

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Tracy and Fiona are very pleased to announce that Nonnie has now joined the team of staff at the Ashbank Hotel. Bar open from 12pm-2pm & 4pm to late. Quiz every Thursday @ 8.30pm prompt - limited space so get there early!
New Lunch & A'la carte menu every 2 months - Eat in our new contemporary 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 Free-wi-fi & parking, Events parties & Outside Catering available to suit your needs. E-mail: ashbankhotel@tiscali.co.uk Internet:www.ashbankhotel.com

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A WARNING FROM INDIA

This morning I received an international telephone call purporting to be an agent from Microsoft. They had a foreign accent. They said that my computer had been invaded by a virus and that Microsoft had detected this. They asked me if my computer was currently turned on and if not to go and turn it on and they would talk me through a process to get rid of this virus/problem. This all sounded very genuine. I told this agent that I was a very cautious person and that if they gave me their telephone number I would telephone them back. They immediately hung up. Please be aware of such telephone calls. They do sound genuine but if you do as I did they will hang up. When I did a 1471 dial to see who had been telephoning me there was no number. Regards, Leonard McNeill, Ardrishaig Community Council

M.B.E. & M.S.P. POPPY CHANGEOVER

After years of dedicated service to the Poppy collection, Edna Paterson, Betty MacGregor, Mary McMillan and Lilian Campbell have decided to leave the collection in 2012 to younger members of the community. In their stead are two strong supporters of charities associated with the armed forces, Charles McMillan and Andrew Charlwood, ably assisted by another veteran of the Poppy Day Appeal, Neenie MacDougall. The collection may be some months away but after the sterling work put in with the Monument and coastal walks, and the equally creditable tidying of the Carradale War Memorial by members of the Community Council and contractors employed by Argyll & Bute Council. It is gratifying to hear that those who served in the armed forces, or who supported national efforts in other ways, are not forgotten in the passage of time.

SNOWDROPS REMEMBERED
The interest shown by individual residents and members East Kintyre Community Council in the War Memorial Garden was amply rewarded this year by a magnificent display of snowdrops nestling among the remains of last years show of perennial geraniums. In an early bout of spring tidying, one of the former activists has come across the remnants of financial donations given to boost the money received from the Wind-farm trust for the construction of the garden. As a result just over 42 has been passed back to the remaining members of the present community council, and the new members about to be elected in the next few months, so that the care of the garden can be maintained. Again, thanks go to the living and dead who contributed both plants and money to its creation, and to those still actively involved.

krisp print
LUSS-URY TOILETS
NATIONAL PARK MONEY : ABC DESIGN At a time when public toilets are no longer a protected species, there is welcome news for the elderly, the disabled, frustrated parents of young children and those who sometimes get caught short - the LL&TNPA is about to help them reach their destination dry and without discomfort. With the disappearance of the Millknowe toilets through the lack of ABC foresight for the needs of those arriving in Campbeltown late at night by bus, the earlier threat to the Tayinloan facility and the withdrawal of toilets at Arrochar and Duck Bay, it is reassuring that some relief is at hand, as the following ABC announcement shows. Work is well underway on the new toilets for Luss village. The old building has been demolished and the walls and roof structure of the new building are now in place. The building which has been designed by Argyll and Bute Councils property team features natural materials. Larch cladding, natural stone, timber decking and a slate roof have all been used to complement the surrounding area and ensure that the toilets enhance the village. In addition to the toilet facilities the building will also have a separate baby changing area.

T: 01586 554975 F: 01586 554903 E: staff@krispprint.co.uk www.krispprint.co.uk

The project was the inspiration of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and is scheduled to be completed by Easter. Spokesperson for environment Councillor Bruce Marshall said, I am delighted that the work is going so well. Luss is a beautiful village with many tourists visiting over the summer months. These new toilets will provide both residents and visitors alike pleasant, high quality facilities. The design of the building reflects the beauty of the area and its thanks to the grant from Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Parks Authority that made the project possible. Fiona Logan, CEO for Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park said: I am thrilled that we have funded these new toilets and that work is now underway. We wanted to make sure the facilities not only provided a welcome break for the huge numbers of visitors coming to enjoy Luss but also looked great. It was important to the National Park that any design should remain sympathetic to the landscape and were pleased the use of natural materials is being used during this construction phase. Im sure the new toilets will be a real asset to the village.

ITS A FRAME-UP
A last minute spurt of enthusiasm has enabled one of the present Community Councils cherished ambitions to be fulfilled. With the kind permission of the owners of the grocery shop in Carradale East, a new notice board has been placed in a prominent position on the shops front wall. No longer will advertisers have to rely solely on the damaged Hotel frame, the difficulty of balancing the Halls large front panel on their heads while inserting notices in the prepared sleeves, or come unstuck on the encrusted obscured plastic panels of the bus station - nice one Stuart and many thanks Angela. That just leaves the steps from Lochpark to the harbour, the maintenance of the Broomfield garden and ..............

THE GOLF CLUB DRAW

The prizes in the monthly draw for January and February are as follows:January February 1st 30 Val Conley Liam Paterson 2nd 18 Gail McIntosh Ian Robb 3rd 12 Eileen Naismith Julie Allan

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SCENIC ROUTES
ALAN MILSTEAD HERALDS A CONTENDER Top Five Scenic Drives In Scotland In early March The Carradale Goat web-site carried a cutting sent in by Alan Milstead from The Glasgow Herald praising a Tarbert to Islay route through Carradale as one of the top five Scenic Drives in Scotland, suggesting that drivers leave - the A83, turn into the funnel-like B8001 and enjoy grand views of the Arran mountains. Further on, the B842 will speed you along to the fishing village of Carradale. Once you reach Campbeltown, turn north at the A83 until you reach West Loch Tarbert, where you can catch a ferry to Islay. Shame the whiskys off-limits, mind. The Heralds article attracted a lot of interest and a few adverse comments like one from Old Soldier - I notice none of the fine

drives in the North of Scotland are mentioned, is it the Scotsman cannot afford the fuel? Kate Luke asked why, in the accompanying picture, are the motorcyclist and the car on the wrong side of the road? Finally Graham Slater promotes a more well-known road - Ullapool to Applecross via the Bealach-na-Ba appears to have been omitted.

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COUNCIL BUDGET
PLANNING & BUDGETING EXTRACTS 2013 - 2014 & 2015 - 2016 To establish a resilience fund through a one off budget provision in 2012-13 revenue budget of 700,000. To establish a youth employment/opportunities fund based around learning choices for the 16+ age group through a one off budget provision in 2012-13 revenue budget of 200,000. To provide in the revenue budget for festive decorations across Argyll and Bute of 100,000 per annum for 2012-13 to 2014-15. To freeze the cost of school meals at the current level with a reduction in budgeted income in the revenue budget of 46,000 (2012-13) / 94,000 (2013-14) / 143,000 (2014-15). To make provision in the revenue budget of 11,000 in 2012-13 and 2013-14 for a contribution to the cost of operating the Jura mainland passenger ferry in partnership with the Scottish Government (ABC 20%/Scottish Government 80%). To make provision in the revenue budget for one off contribution to the running costs of

Auchindrain Museum in 2012-13 of 20,000 (prior to the museum being taken over by Historic Scotland or closed). To increase the fund for events and festivals by 3,000 to make provision for an annual payment of 1,000 for the next three years to meet the cost of support for the Lantern Parade in Lochgilphead subject to agreement of an appropriate SLA. To make provision in the revenue budget for an increase in financial support to community councils of 10,000 per annum. To un-earmark the NPDO and Waste PPP Smoothing Funds utilising 12,500,000 as a contribution to capital to fund the Councils contribution to the replacement of Campbeltown Grammar School and the replace of Dunoon Primary Schools with the balance of 2,092,000 being retained as an un-earmarked balance in the General Fund and used as part of the overall budget strategy. AMENDMENT Leaders of the opposition groups within Argyll and Bute Council requested advance notice of the administrations budget proposals from the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council on Monday 13 February 2012 so that serious and constructive consideration could be given to

the possibility of producing a budget that all Members of the Council could support. Unfortunately this request was refused. As a result of the above refusal, opposition Councillors have had insufficient time to consider the complex proposals contained within the administrations proposed budget. This does not allow all opposition Councillors time to consider all the implications of what the administration is proposing and the impact that these proposals will have on residents of Argyll and Bute. While a number of positive proposals within the administrations proposed budget are welcomed, there are a number of areas of concern that we would wish to see being addressed within the Councils budget. These include such things as: Concerns over the level of funding for road repairs and maintenance. Concerns over the level of funding for various support services for the most vulnerable within our communities. Concerns over the impact that the changes being proposed as a result of the Street Scene Review will have on many of our communities, and the specific implications for some of our more remote and island communities.

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CARRADALE GARDEN SERVICES

SADDELL AND CARRADALE GUILD
On Tuesday, the 21st of February, David McEwan took us on a tour of Campbeltown, with his slides of its most interesting buildings, with details of all their architectural features. He has long been interested in architecture and certainly has a wealth of knowledge giving us a new perspective of Campbeltown. Now on shopping visits we will be scanning the streets for architraves, pediments, and columns rather than watching where we put our feet. David is to conduct a few architecture walks in the summer and these should be well worth joining. The last meeting of the session was a well organized AGM presented by Margaret Leighton. After the reading and acceptance of last years minutes, the treasurers report was given by Dorothy McCormick. She resigns this year and Dede Robertson has agreed to take her place. A report from CHAS followed; several members had a tour of Robin House last year and were impressed by the facilities, the collection for the year was just over 200. Carol Abernethy gave a report on Auchinlee, which is now in the process of becoming a dementia care home; staff are being trained with this in mind. At present there are 24 rooms with 22 in residence. Carol is looking for a partner to attend meetings and events as Isabel Williamson has resigned. The Guild projects change this year and the committee were left to decide which two to support. The six national projects over the last three years have made a total of 506,000. The secretarys job is again being shared by three members. Several committee members are staying on for another year while Eleanor Bennett will replace Margaret Cook. All other members with special duties agreed to continue. Other matters discussed included a notice-board in the village hall for use of the Guild and changing the World Day of Prayer service to an afternoon one, The summer outing is hoped to be a visit to Campbeltown police station and a meal at the Ardshiel Hotel. The meeting ended with an excellent slide show by Margaret Richardson from an extensive range of photographs taken on her travels in Europe and Africa and included a few home grown ones. M.P. Although the far-sighted EKCC jobs and care initiative on page 2 of this Antler was not mentioned at this meeting, the enthusiastic proponents will obviously have to convince the new Council and NHS that Kintyres needs require a more holistic approach in keeping with its complex employment and care needs. The most disappointing aspect of Alisons address and of the questions she answered was the overwhelming sense that, however willing, she could not divulge the machinations implicit in negotiations between the two main protagonists, ABC & NHS, and with the main providers - Saga, Argyll Homecare and Enable. It is clear that the question of care standards and working practices are already ruling out some care providers from the lists of those which will be invited to quote when contracts are being considered. In some areas of Argyll and Bute care workers will have the option of being transferred to new companies while others may benefit from redundancy payments before joining approved agencies. One rather disturbing aspect at the opening of the meeting was the disclosure that while the University section of the new dental section was functioning, twelve months after it was complete, the Campbeltown Dental Surgery had still not transferred to the building behind the hospital. Reports from Lochgilphead suggest that an even longer period elapsed before a similar transfer took place. Alison was thanked by the Chair for her interesting, complicated, but not over long, cover of care issues.

THE SENIORS FORUM

One of the delights of attending the meetings of the South Kintyre Seniors Forum is the opportunity to hear personal experiences and frank views on the provisions for the elderly and disabled in Kintyre. The meeting on Thursday 8th of March was no exception. The speaker for the afternoon was Alison Hunter, who though based in the Hazleburn Building is responsible for organising Social Work adult care in Mid Argyll, Kintyre, Islay and Jura. In an extensive cultivation of the existing administrative ground and the likely planting of new, more exotic and less expensive crops, she made it clear that the uncultivated ground between the NHI and Council plots will not be be fertilised until well after the new Council is elected in May, and even then proposals are unlikely to be considered unless they deal with the whole of Argyll and Bute rather than just one sub-area.
6

HARDWARE STORES
15 LONGROW CAMPBELTOWN
KINTYRE INITIATIVE WORKING GROUP
EXTRACTS FROM THE MINUTES OF MEETING ON FRIDAY 24TH FEBRUARY TRANSPORT TRANSPORT SCOTLAND - UPDATE David Hamilton and Phil Hinchcliff, Transport Scotland, reported on the latest developments at the Rest and Be Thankful and apologized for any inconvenience and delays caused by the road closure. They advised that the road would re-open at 11.00a.m. and detailed that their investigations to determine the landslip cause had been hampered by weather conditions. The Geo-technical team had made the decision to open the road earlier on the morning of Friday, 24 February. David Hamilton continued that exploratory work to ascertain the feasibility of the forestry track at the Rest and Be Thankful were continuing. The work involved Geo-Technical and Topographical teams determining the level of work needed to ensure the road adhered to the requirements for public safety. A report would be compiled and Transport Scotland were liaising with the Forestry Commission and Argyll and Bute Council to complete this. In addition, the Forestry Commission had agreed to input money towards costs. Further investment if 1 million had been agreed by Keith Brown, the Transport Minister for the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful to develop additional contingencies and mitigation work to help deal with future landslips. Various alternatives were being considered. These included: Further netting Viaduct Avalanche shelters Re-alignment of the road away from the hill-side Alternative route(s) David Hamilton stated that Transport Scotland needed to ensure that safety was not compromised. However, they were working as quickly as possible and endeavouring to overcome technical issues. He advised that it was envisaged that the work would be completed before the end of the financial year, weather permitting. In regards the A83 study, Transport Scotland were aware of community concerns and general interest in the whole of the A83. The study was being commissioned to address these issues. Michael Russell stated that, in his opinion, the forestry road was the best fall-back option. He reported on 2 meetings (23rd December/23rd January) and reported on funding of 800K to allow preparatory work to commence. David

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enquired on a timescale when the technical studies had been concluded. David Hamilton envisaged that this would be completed by the back end of the summer. However, it may not be the final design solution. Michael Russell agreed that a report would be compiled and the timescale would be for the summer. The Chair invited further questions from the group. No further questions were submitted to the Transport Scotland representatives. The Chair thanked David Hamilton and Phil Hinchliff for their attendance at the KIWG meeting and for information provided. ROAD ISSUES Stewart Clark was unable to attend the meeting and Moya Ingram spoke to his report. Discussion continued in regards the ingress of water on local roads. The Chair suggested closer liaison between Scottish Water and local landowners. David Barbour replied that annual inspections may alleviate these problems. Councillor Semple agreed on this and stressed the need for funding to be prioritised to address this issue. He enquired on the status of the new Asset Management Plan. Moya Ingram replied that she had seen a draft of the plan, however she would need to speak to the Roads Department for clarification. Councillor Kelly reiterated the need to inject funding into Kintyre roads which, in his opinion, were the worst in Argyll and Bute. Action: Moya Ingram to ascertain status of Asset Management Plan. FERRIES REVIEW - UPDATE Moya Ingram spoke to the draft report and advised the group that the dealine for responses was 30 March, 2012. Discussion ensued and the group discussed and debated various issues. These included the potential threat to the Claonaig - Lochranza ferry, the need for local communities to voice their opinions on the consultation, re-visit a previous report which detailed the economic viability of a ferry service from Campbeltown to Ayrshire and the need to build-in RET to any new ferry route. Jim Martin enquired if commercial vehicles would be included in RET. Michael Russell reported on a change in regulations for commercial vehicles and that measures were being undertaken to address this. Councillor Semple advocated that value for money be the ethos for any new proposals and a review of previous work be done. Michael Russell advised that to ensure the retention of the Claonaig - Lochranza route, local communities should lobby for this and respond to the consultation in order to make a positive contribution. Jim Galbraith, Sue Harris and Alan Walker attended the meeting representing Network Carradale.

Hamilton detailed some of the further work proposed at the Rest and Be Thankful: further safety netting planned, more short-term protective measures. Councillor Kelly welcomed the further investment and highlighted that there was still time to sign the Argyll First petition. He stressed the importance of reviewing the forestry road. However, he highlighted the other areas of concern detailed within the petition and the need for a definitive plan of action:- Pinch

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points on the A83 Pedestrian safety on the A83 Trunking of the A83 between Kennacraig and Campbeltown. David Hamilton replied that the forthcoming study would not look at policy on the A83. The Policy section at Transport Scotland would give due consideration and determine the necessary strategic action to be taken. Councillor Semple enquired if Argyll and Bute council together with HIE could undertaken work to assist in raising awareness on the detrimental economic impact of these frequent road closures on local businesses. Action: Letter would be written on behalf of the KIWG. Moya Ingram requesting overview in regards to this issue by the Roads and Transportation group. David Hamilton continued that vehicles using the forestry road would travel in a convoy system on the forestry road (which was 2 miles long). Michael Russell advised that speed limits would be imposed. This was not a perfect solution, but the road would be accessible to all traffic. The Chair

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A SUNDAY WALK UP TORRISDALE GLEN.

IFA

Malcolm and Kate Trott with a couple of friends, Dave and Hillary Lord, enduring a wee bit of the white stuff above Torrisdale Glen. From the Carradale Goat Web-site.

The Scottish Country Dancing group organised by Jim and Celia Holgate met for the first time on Friday 10th February in Carradale Village Hall. Judging by the comments of some of the eighteen dancers who attended, the evening was a great success. Jim, who was born and raised in Edinburgh and has been dancing for many years, showed everyone a few simple steps and then got them walking through a dance, started the music and they were away! Malcolm Trott said It was an excellent evening. We thought they pulled it off well and Jim got the balance just right between talking and demonstrating. The music was good and well be joining the queue at the door for next weeks session! Audrey Gee said A really fun evening and a good work-out too. Im looking forward to next week. This was echoed by David and Hilary Lord from Peninver who said The whole evening was great fun and we will be back for more! Laura Finlayson said We learnt so much in one evening! It was great fun! When in the village shop the next morning Malcolm heard comments such as: It was good fun, .should get us fit, very enjoyable Well certainly go again and The village has needed something like this for years! Jim said I was heartened by the number of people who attended the first session and the enthusiastic way they tackled the challenge of the dance. We have a large village hall which can accommodate many more dancers, so lets fill it with sound of music and people enjoying themselves! WEEK 2 It was good to see everybody coming back again, bringing another five dancers with them. Malcolm brought his camera and managed to take a photo of some of the dancers doing one of the three dances that they learnt during the evening. Jim hopes that anyone who is still thinking about joining in will come along next Friday (with or without a partner) and find out how much fun it is. Fridays at 7.15pm in Carradale Village Hall. Your contact Jim and Celia Holgate 01583 431113. A report from the Carradale Goat web-site courtesy of J.D.

FEBRUARY RAINFALL
There was a dry start to the month, it ended on a dry note, and there were a couple a dry blinks along the way, but the general overall impression was one of its being mild and wet. The total rainfall in February was 152 mm (about 6 inches) The monthly total was seemingly not untoward, but closer scrutiny of the statistics in our records revealed that only two years had recorded a higher total. Last years total for February was 185mm and there was a massive 338mm in 2002. The high 2002 figure does distort the average but this months rainfall is still above the average for the month which is 125 mm (5 inches). [If, out of interest, one excludes the inflated 2002 figure the February average is a more modest 104mm, 4 inches.] The eight dry days in February were lost, even appearing non- existent in the pattern of rainfall that was for the most part little and often. However higher rainfall of 19mm,17mm & 22mm was recorded on the 9th,18th and 22nd. As the month progressed and the days got longer, with the unseasonably mild temperatures, the early appearance of snowdrops crocuses daffodils and other flowers, and of new born lambs in the fields all combined to give the distinct feeling of Spring in the air - an early Spring. It surely cant last? There is bound to be a sting in the tail, but the respite from the dreary wet weather of recent weeks has been most welcome and it has put a happy smile on many faces. Heres to Springtime. Maybe the drought stricken areas in the SE of the UK will be hoping to get a more equitable share of the rainfall in the weeks ahead, refilling their depleted reservoirs and avoiding the threatened impending drought restrictions. There certainly isnt any fear of drought here in our area either now, or in the foreseeable future. Who can predict what will happen? In the words of someone (I cant recall who) its only a wise fool that will do so! M.L.

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KINTYRE MAY SOON BE BRISTLING ALL OVER WITH TOWERING INDIGNATION

Most Kintyre residents have always been in favour of the production of power by environmentally friendly means, but fewer fought for the need to maintain quality within the landscape; the latter group thought they had achieved a reasonable compromise when the Beinn-an-Tuirc and Deucheran wind-farms were built. Certainly the impression given to radio and TV interviewers who left the Central Belt to talk to Community Councillors and other representatives was that further destruction of the landscape would not be tolerated. Since then attempts made by independent companies to promote new farms and engender the receipt of rich subsidies available under the UK and Scottish Government scheme, have been met with hostile resistance by local communities. The scheme proposed for Kilchattan at Southend received a rebuff and it looks as if proposals for Glenbarr and The Slate in South Kintyre may meet the same hostile reception. However with ABCs Argyll and Bute Council vision to be at the heart of renewable energy development in Scotland plans for Kintyre to become the renewable hub of the County, individual private companies have taken advantage of a previously unnoticed window of opportunity in the County plan. Developmental and financial investment companies now see a potential for erecting multiple individual turbines as being more cost effective than a single wind farm since they may require less environmental impact reporting, may attract less time consuming consideration and the rates of subsidy are much higher per unit of electricity. Unsurprisingly single turbines are also being promoted to landowners as a creditable way of helping the environmental production of electricity and of gaining a large annual bonus through government subsidies and possibly reducing their own electricity costs. This seems all very worthy but this subsidy, paid to a few, is funded by a levy added directly to the electricity bills of the many - ordinary mortals who are mostly without the wherewithal to invest in solar panels or the space and appropriate site for a wind generator. While the Local Plan assumes that the site of a single turbine would be close as safely and technically possible to the applicants home or work premises and should be the correct size for its proposed location and should fit well with its surroundings, it seems that some landowners prefer to have sites which are not quite as close to their dwellings as one would expect of wind enthusiasts. And the turbines themselves are also much bigger industrial in size - typically 45.9 metres, imported from the Canaries. As can be seen by the attached list, heights and placings are pushing the letter and spirit of the developments. At least one of the applications is supposedly for the use of a farm which is unoccupied and has been, for many years. Certainly while rural incomes need boosting, one wonders if some applications ought to be more appropriately considered as a new form of agricultural or industrial subsidy, paid for by increased electricity bills, rather than an attempt to defeat global warming. formation of temporary access track Land North West of Ardnacross Farm Peninver Campbeltown Argyll & Bute PA28 6QP Ref. No: 11/02426/PP | Received: Wed 30 Nov 2011 | Validated: Wed 30 Nov 2011 | Status: Pending Consideration. Erection of 225kw wind turbine (46.9 metres high to tip height) and formation of temporary access track Land North East of Bunlarie Saddell Campbeltown Argyll & Bute PA28 6QR Ref. No: 11/02411/PP | Received: Wed 30 Nov 2011 | Validated: Wed 30 Nov 2011 | Status: Pending Consideration. Erection of 225kw wind turbine (46.9 metres high to tip height) and formation of temporary access track Land North East of Strathnafanaig Clachan Tarbert Argyll & Bute PA29 6XL Ref. No: 11/02428/PP | Received: Wed 30 Nov 2011 | Validated: Wed 30 Nov 2011 | Status: Pending Consideration. Erection of 225kw wind turbine (46.9 metres high to blade tip) and formation of temporary access track Land South West of East Laggan Peninver Campbeltown Argyll & Bute PA28 6QP Ref. No: 11/02121/PP | Received: Mon 24 Oct 2011 | Validated: Thu 24 Nov 2011 | Status: Pending Consideration. Erection of 225 kilowatt wind turbine (46.9 metres to blade tip) and formation of temporary access track Land North West of Lephinmore Saddell Campbeltown Argyll & Bute Ref. No: 11/02096/PP | Received: Thu 20 Oct 2011 | Validated: Mon 28 Nov 2011 | Status: Pending Consideration. Erection of 225kw wind turbine (46.9 metres high to blade tip) and formation of temporary access track Land North West of High Ugadale Campbeltown Argyll & Bute PA28 6QR Ref. No: 11/02094/PP | Received: Thu 20 Oct 2011 | Validated: Sat 26 Nov 2011 | Status: Pending Consideration. Note: For those still working in imperial measurements 45.9 metres is 150 feet and 46.9 metres is 153 feet. Looking at the documents, comments by planning officers and submissions by bodies like SNH, it is clear that not all the individual companies have complied with planning requirements or taken the trouble to carry out advisory consultations with affected parties. Similarly some have paid no more than lip service to the requirement to walk the site and to seek authoritative views on flora, fauna, the impact on archaeology and the likely interruption to drainage works. Whatever the outcome of these applications it is to be hoped that decisions will be in keeping with the long term interests of Kintyre. Thanks to those, both pro and anti-wind turbines, who contributed to this article.

LOCAL APPLICATIONS Erection of wind turbine 45.7 meters high to blade tip) and formation of temporary access track. Land North East of High Dalrioch Campbeltown Argyll & Bute PA28 6PH Ref. No: 12/00436/PP | Received: Thu 23 Feb 2012 | Validated: Fri 02 Mar 2012 | Status: Pending Consideration. Erection of wind turbine (46 metres high to blade tip) and formation of temporary access track Land North West of Calliburn Campbeltown Argyll & Bute Ref. No: 12/00428/PP | Received: Thu 23 Feb 2012 | Validated: Fri 02 Mar 2012 | Status: Pending Consideration. Erection of 225kw wind turbine (45.9 metre high to blade tip) and formation of temporary access track East Skeroblingarry Campbeltown Argyll & Bute PA28 6NX Ref. No: 12/00328/PP | Received: Fri 10 Feb 2012 | Validated: Fri 10 Feb 2012 | Status: Pending Consideration. Erection of 225kw wind turbine (45.9 metre high to blade tip) and formation of temporary access track Pennygown Farm Campbeltown Argyll & Bute PA28 6PH Ref. No: 12/00321/PP | Received: Fri 10 Feb 2012 | Validated: Fri 10 Feb 2012 | Status: Pending Consideration. Erection of 45.9 metre high (to blade tip) wind turbine and formation of temporary access road. Oatfield Campbeltown Argyll PA28 6PH Ref. No: 12/00007/PP | Received: Mon 19 Dec 2011 | Validated: Thu 26 Jan 2012 | Status: Pending Consideration. Erection of 45.9 metre high (to blade tip) wind turbine and formation of temporary access road. Lagalgarve Farm Bellochantuy Campbeltown Argyll & Bute PA28 6QE Ref. No: 12/00009/PP | Received: Mon 19 Dec 2011 | Validated: Thu 26 Jan 2012 | Status: Pending Consideration. Erection of 45.9 metre high (to blade tip) wind turbine and formation of temporary access road. South Tomaig Farm Tomaig Road Campbeltown Argyll & Bute PA28 6PE Ref. No: 12/00006/PP | Received: Mon 19 Dec 2011 | Validated: Thu 26 Jan 2012 | Status: Pending Consideration. Erection of 225kw wind turbine (46.9 metres high to blade tip and 32.4 to hub height) and
9

FERRY DISTURBING NEWS 2012

Those readers who took the trouble to read Eric Dudleys researches into the Scottish Governments consultation on ferries in the Highlands and the Isles, must have been surprised or shocked that the Claonaig to Lochranza ferry was not mentioned in the section dealing with Kintyre; the advantages of the Tarbert to Portavadie are mentioned as being an important connection which is not only used as an alternative to the extended road journey for people travelling from Kintyre to the Central belt, but is used by people living around Portavadie who want to travel to Kintyre and from there to Oban..... and forms part of a strategic route in the summer months (for tourists). Erics contention is that the any attempt to under-value the Claonaig to Lochranza would have a very damaging effect on those living on Kintyre and tourists who wish to travel to Arran and on to the mainland. The Scottish Governments sop to Kintyre residents is support for a ferry from Campbeltown, via Arran to Ardrossan or Troon; Erics alternative proposal was for a new slipway at Carradale to allow a two-legged ferry route - Claonaig - Lochranza - Carradale and back. However most representatives of local groups attending the Kintyre Initiative Working Group meeting in Campbeltown on Friday 24th February preferred to retain the Claonaig to Lochranza and have a new daily ferry connection between Campbeltown and the mainland.

FERRY INTERESTING ROUTES 1905

THE DIRECT ROUTE, ARDRISHAIG & INVERARAY, LOCHRANZA AND CAMPBELTOWN The article and map in the adjacent column are symptomatic of the changes in Highlands and Island transport provision in the last hundred years. While steam and diesel have still to reappear on rails in Campbeltown, road transport has improved dramatically, if somewhat disastrously in conservational terms, but the Good Old Days of Up the Water to Glasgow remain in the memory of many older travellers. The latest piece of interesting local history, delivered to the Editor by Peter Dancer of the Old Post Office, Saddell, is in the shape of the 1905 edition of a booklet entitled New Turbine Steamers, King Edward and Queen Alexandra. It contains a host of advertising, a number of photographs of both vessels and the ports they visited, together with a commentary on the pleasures of travel in the Clyde Estuary and Kilbrannan Sound. It is hoped to reproduce some of the observations contained in the booklet in future Antler issues. One very interesting picture shows that even in 2005 fast ferries were not that far in the future and, certainly, S.Y. Turbina, steaming at 34 knots was a worthy forerunner of West Coast Motors Ballycastle and mainland service. S.Y. Turbina, steaming at 34 knots

1905 VERSUS 2012

Unlike the long and time-consuming direct link between Campbeltown and Glasgow by the north of Arran in 1905, it is clear from the adjacent map that keeping the Claonaig to Lochranza ferry and connecting Campbeltown directly to the main bulk of mainland Scotland, without deviating to Arran, would have tremendous advantages for tourists, and for local transport companies, but whether the costs involved would commend the route, or if the Scottish Government is minded to open up another major route following the failure of the Ballycastle vehicle ferry, is open to question. The case for the retention of the Claonaig/Tarbert/Lochranza route is certainly well made in comparison to the Oban/Barra/Lochboisdale route - in 2010 CTL carried 52,100 passengers compared with 58,200 for the more well-known & longer OBL route.

Turbine steamer routes in 1905

Would another ferry solve this problem? Photo courtesy of J.D.

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TURBINE STEAMERS IN 1905 & THE COMPANYS VIEW OF KINTYRE VILLAGES T.S. KING EDWARD T.S. QUEEN ALEXANDRA
Built as a larger and faster sister to King Edward, Queen Alexandra had the benefit of a shade deck, which proved extremely popular and was later copied on King Edward and King George V. Queen Alexandra had a short time on the Clyde and in the early hours of Sunday 10 September 1911 she suffered a serious fire which proved disastrous for her. She was so badly damaged that a replacement was ordered and the original Queen was sold to the Canadian Pacific Railway. They had her repaired by her builders, Dennys, and she was renamed Princess Patricia. They sailed her to British Columbia via Cape Horn and she sailed on the west coast of Canada until she was broken up in 1937 CARRADALE This is the village and pier of Carradale whose rocky and picturesque promontory - the Aird of Carradale - projects into the Sound and forms the upper end of Carradale Bay. The pier here is a substantial and even elegant iron structure, erected in 1871, and it serves a considerable traffic in live stock and timber, as well as passenger and tourist needs. Carradale is a favourite haunt of artists, and it is resorted to year after year by city families whose members have good reason to bless the beneficent result of sojourns by the breezy hillsides and among the rich glens of the neighbourhood. Rounding Carradale Point or the Aird of Carradale, on which may be seen the remains of an old fort, we steam past Carradale Bay, and see, at its head, Carradale House, a seat of Sir David Carrick Buchanan, of Drumpellier. Torrisdale Castle is also seen about a mile and a quarter further on SADDELL: a quaint little hamlet nestling among woods, near the left bank of Saddell Water where it joins the sea, next claims our attention. It gives name to one of the parishes and is one of the many places in Kintyre rich in folk-lore reminiscences, and has besides not a few antiquities of note. At the village are the tree-embowered ruins of Saddell Abbey, once an edifice of considerable importance. In the churchyard are some most interesting sculptured effigies, and near by is a holy well. This abbey was founded about the end of the twelfth century for Cistercian monks by Reginald, second son of Somerled, who is himself styled King of the Isles and Argyll, and who died in 1207. The abbey made peace with Haco of Norway in 1263, and in 1507 it was, with all its possessions, annexed by James IV. to the bishopric of Argyll. Some little distance off, at the head of Saddell Bay, stands Saddell Castle, a large square battlemented tower, and close by is the modern Glen Saddell House, the seat of John Neil Macleod, Esq. of Kintarbert. As we proceed along the coast the scenery does not present any new features of interest, and involuntarily our eyes seek the open prospect which now presents itself on the south-west. Lonely birdhaunted Ailsa is now seen more clearly, and further west the eye can trace the ins and outs and prominent points of the Ayrshire and Wigtonshire coast, Corsehill Point, with its lighthouse, and the mouth of Loch Ryan. From New Turbine Steamers Ltd 1905 booklet.

Glasgow Transport Museum: web-site: www.glasgowmuseums.com

The King Edward was a unique and truly revolutionary ship. The King Edward, built in 1901 for Clyde service was the world's first steam turbine powered passenger ship, using a form of propulsion first demonstrated by the engineer Charles Parsons on the launch Turbinia in 1896. A more efficient user of steam, the turbine was to replace the reciprocating engine as the main power source for screw steamers and the speed and economy of King Edward soon made the turbine the chosen method of propulsion for Clyde steamers on the long-haul cruise routes such as to Campbeltown and Inveraray. As a result she has an exceptionally important place in British and Clyde maritime history. She was built in 1901 by William Denny & Bros. shipyard in Dumbarton on the River Clyde in Scotland for Turbine Steamers Syndicate (later known as Turbine Steamers Ltd). Her speed and economy made turbine propulsion an instant success on the Clyde. Her speed enabled her to open up the long distance run from Fairlie to Campbeltown and Inveraray to cruises. Thus paving the way for the future Clyde Turbines steamers that followed her success. During the First World War from 1915 to 1919 she was used as a troopship on the English Channel and also sailed to the White Sea in Northern Russia. After the end of the First World War she returned to her cruise duties and sailed to Campbeltown and Inveraray from Greenock and Gourock instead of Fairlie. With the introduction of the King George V on the long distance routes, the King Edward was switched to sail from Glasgow to Rothesay. During the Second World Photo from the Clydesite Magazines web-site War she remained on the Clyde and undertook tendering duties based at Greenock for ships anchoring at Tail O' The Bank off Greenock. In 1946 she returned to her peacetime duties and resumed the run from Glasgow to Rothesay. She remained on this route for the rest of her career. She was retired from service in 1952 and scrapped at Troon. Happily both her high pressure steam turbine and her low pressure steam turbine are now preserved at the Glasgow Transport Museum as a lasting reminder of this famous and revolutionary Clyde Turbine Steamer. Website: www.glasgowmuseums.com

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PROBLEM HEARING PHONE?

DID YOU KNOW? Many of us have hearing problems as we get older, and using the phone can become increasingly difficult. My problem was hearing the person at the other end of the phone. I spent a fortune on phones with volume control (which turned out to be for the ringer only), hearing aid compatibility (which seemed to make no difference), speaker-phones etc. Help is available. What was the RNID, now called Action on Hearing Loss, has a range of both telephones, and other aids for those with hearing problems. They can lend you a phone, for up to a month, to try at home and see if it suits your needs. If so, you pay for it; if not, you can take or post it back and borrow another to try. Their web-site is useless, all about 'please give money', though it does give a phone number for the Glasgow office; 0141 341 5330. The person who advises on which phone might be best for you, and arranges loans is; Malaika Rose, Action on Hearing loss, 131 West Nile St., Glasgow. (corner of Sauchiehall St and West Nile St). Office Tel: 0141 341 5330, Malaika's direct line 0141 341 5335, and her email; malaika. rose@hearingloss.org.uk. I hope this might help anyone having similar problems. I have a catalogue which Im happy to loan or pass on. Helen Owen 01586 550202

HOUSE FOR SALE

WATERFOOT, CARRADALE, CAMPBELTOWN, ARGYLL PA28 6QX The house stands at the bend of a minor road, branching from the B842 at Dippen Bridge, just south of Carradale on the east coast of Kintyre, 15 miles north of Campbeltown and approximately 110 miles south-west of Glasgow. The house has mains water and electricity, a recently installed outside oil-fired central heating boiler and an efficient septic tank sewage system requiring little or no maintenance. Standing on high ground on the landward side of an adopted road and the Carradale Burn it is about 200 yards from the river mouth and enjoys views towards Arran to the north and east, towards Ailsa Craig and the Ayrshire coast to the south-east and to the local hills in all other directions. Television reception from the Carradale mast was upgraded to distribute terrestrial Freeview signals in May of 2011; broadband is available.

THE PICTURE HOUSE

The past year has been a challenging time for the Directors of Campbeltown Community Business as they work on the development phase of the Centenary Project. It is such an important undertaking that it is vital to find the correct solution. First and foremost, the aim is to conserve the historic building for the future. But it must be financially sustainable, and this is where the challenge lies. How best to bring back the unused assets to provide a financially viable way ahead? There is an empty annexe beside the main auditorium and an empty courtyard to the rear. The Board has looked at many many options, and the consultancy teams have worked tirelessly to see whether each of these could work. It is hoped that a solution has finally been found that will deliver all the original aims presented to the Heritage Lottery Fund in our application. Further details will be available soon. In the meantime however, The Picture House must Go Digital. This has happened sooner than was originally planned. The industry is expected to move away from 35mm projection by the end of 2012. Only about five prints of each film will be made in the 35mm format. The Picture House cannot wait its turn for one of these if it is to fulfil its stated remit of showing films within 4 5 weeks of release. Steps are being taken to ensure that we do not get left behind. For the past fifteen months a cinema supporters group has been mounting a series of fundraising efforts. These were greatly increased by winning the recent Royal Bank of Scotland's Community Force challenge, providing a boost of 6,000. This sum has been matched by generous donations from local bodies like The Rotary Club of Campbeltown and the Balure Trust, a coffee morning, a bingo night, a bottle stall, a quiz, charity boxes in shops, garden openings, and the sale of the commemorative DVD of HMS Campbeltown's final visit to the town. These efforts will continue till we reach our goal of approximately 16,000. (The total cost of the equipment needed will be just over 100,000! Other funders will hopefully be the Digital Funding Partnership, HIE and LEADER.) The Picture House would welcome help to reach this total from other groups or individuals. On Sunday, 11th March the Hippodrome Cinema in Bo'ness reached its hundredth birthday and CCB joins with them in celebrating this important event. They underwent a thorough restoration process starting in 2005 and reopened in February 2008 after thirty years lying empty. We earnestly hope that we can follow in their footsteps and restore our precious but fragile gem to its former glory. Now we invite everyone to visit our web-site (www.weepictures.co.uk) to our Countdown Clock to watch the seconds tick by till that moment next year on 26th May when The Picture House too will reach its Centenary. We have also launched a new Face-book page, so please sign up and follow developments. You can even watch trailers of the current films and those booked to come soon. 'The Muppets' are coming during the first week of the holidays, and continuing our Oscar season here in Campbeltown the next First Monday will be 'The Artist'. Of course, the Wee Pictures was doing a roaring trade at the time of the silent movies which is the setting for 'The Artist'. The Talkies arrived in Campbeltown in July 1931 when the first film was 'The Desert Song'. The Courier reported that 'the new innovation was a novel and intriguing entertainment'. Adding an interesting further comment, 'it was pleasing to note that Campbeltown audiences, which were inclined to be rather noisy at the silent shows, were completely silent'! Jane Mayo, 13th March 2012.
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The Carradale area has a system of integrated walks unique both in Kintyre and the west of Scotland, largely through the largesse of a previous owner of the Carradale Estate and safeguarded by the Scottish Governments Right to Roam Act and registered with Argyll and Bute Council and the Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society; it has been a well known holiday location from the days when a trip doon the water was an annual pilgrimage. Carradale has a delightful golf course and, together with other links in Kintyre, attracts visitors year after year. The local harbour is a feature of the village and is the subject of ambitious plans. There is an upgraded village hall, three hotels, a heritage centre and tearoom and a number of local groups offer a wealth of opportunities for social activities. Carradale has two post offices, a gift shop, a grocery shop, and two suppliers of daily papers; there are hopes to provide a community road facility in the future. Campbeltown has a large number of independent shops, a Coop supermarket and a Tesco Metro. There are four concessionary buses a day to the town and a similar number returning. A service aircraft leaves Machrihanish for Glasgow in the morning and returns in late afternoon. The Carradale surgery has the services of a single doctor on four days a week and operates an open door system, although appointments can be arranged during surgery hours. A new Dental Centre opened in Campbeltown in January 2011 and operates one wing without charge for patients happy to be served by dentists from Glasgow University in their final year of training. THE HOUSE CONTAINS : A Timber & glass fronted porch (Max 78 x 50) an Entrance Hall (116 x 46 and 15 x 39) a Lounge /Dining Room (228 x 107 dining 80 x 70) a Conservatory (250 x 100 ) a Kitchen (Max 130 x 110) a Back Hall (52 x 29) a separate Toilet: ( 411 x 30) a Back Porch (410 x 28). Bedroom 1 (126 x 107), Bedroom 2 (100 x 86), Bedroom 3 used as an Office (100 x 86), Bathroom Max 100 x 66) and a Second Sitting Room (240 x 150) UPPER FLOOR: Bedroom 4 (240 x 150) and a partly boarded Loft .There are 3 Garages (Total size 3210 x 214 with two up and over doors and one electric roller door). GARDEN The gardens contain five cordyline australis and two trachycarpus fortunei palm trees, three camellias, a wisteria, several clematis, two Chilean fire-bushes, other native trees and beds of heathers together with a variety of perennials and areas planted with shrubs, daffodils, crocuses, snakeshead fritillary, and pachysandra terminalis. There is an extensive vegetable garden and a fruit frame with raspberries, gooseberries and currants, with four wooden and 3 plastic compost bins. Attached to the garage is a block built 108 x 66 shed with bench and tool racks and a small wooden greenhouse with two mature grape vines and a work bench. In the centre of the garden are two ponds the smaller of which attracts up to 60 frogs in the breeding season. Both ponds are planted with water lilies. GENERAL All lighting bulbs have been replaced with approved low consumption versions. Double tubular metal gates give a vehicle entrance of 22, with a separate tubular metal walking gate. The property is surrounded with sheep fencing and with rabbit netting. Hedges of griselinia littoralis on the south-west and part north-west borders are augmented by mixed hedging on the north-east border and by the neighbours rhododendron hedge on the south-east border. There is a 10 feet wide concrete circular drive round the house and an extensive pattern of 3 and 18 slabbed paths. An electrically operated satellite dish is mounted on a concrete base in the garden and operates from inside the house; it is capable of picking up a variety of English and European language TV and radio stations. Rainwater from the house is deflected into three water butts and a further three are sited behind the garage block. This property is open for informal offers: Tel 01583 431281