Issue 191 August 2008 - e-mail edition

CONTENTS - USE EDIT / FIND ON YOUR TOOLBAR TO READ ARTICLES LISTED BELOW

- DR JIMMY STOTHERS REVISITS CARRADALE

- GROGPORT RAINFALL IN JUNE
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY !
- INCANDESCENT OVER DELAY
- FOOTBALL FRACAS
- CARRADALE HARBOUR
- LETTER TO THE EDITOR - THE HARBOUR AND CAR PARK
- BATTLING ON
- GRASSING ON ABC AND ACHA
- I DECLARE THESE DOORS WELL & TRULY INSULATED
- CARRADALE CRICKET CLUB
- TOP MARKS FOR ARGYLL AND BUTE SCHOOLS STAFF
- NEW JURA FERRY
- CONSERVING THE ENVIRONMENT
- ANTLER COSTS RISE
- NEW DEVELOPMENT TRUST
- BT CONSULTATION PROCEDURAL FAILURES - PAYPHONE CLOSURE AND NOTICES
- STREET FOOTBALL - FREE SESSIONS FOR ARGYLL AND BUTE CHILDREN
- THE COLL GUN
- CAMPBELTOWN MUSEUM RE-OPENS
- CARRADALE BEACH CLEAN
- DOG FOULING AT VILLAGE HALL
- YOUR WISH IS GRANTED : LEADER GRANTS 2007 - 2013
- FACING THE FIRE - AN INTRODUCTION TO MARRIAGE - CAMPBELTOWN STYLE
- AS OTHERS SEE US - EXTRACTS FROM A MOTOR-CARAVANNER'S DIARY
- MISTA – WANNA BUY ISLAN – VERY CHEAP ?
- COUNCIL CAUGHT KNAPPING - BETTER BUS SERVICES IN KINTYRE
- KINTYRE INITIATIVE WORKING GROUP

DR JIMMY STOTHERS REVISITS CARRADALE

Dr Stothers was a regular visitor to Carradale many years ago and made a sentimental journey back on the weekend of
5/6 July. Well over 30 years ago he played the Golf Course and scored 9 “threes” giving him a record score of 27 over
9 holes off the box tees. His record appeared in a golfing book called “Great Golfing Feats”. His record stood until a
couple of years ago when Jamie Campbell went round, off the box tees in 26, finishing the last 4 holes in 2, 3, 2, 1. Dr
Stothers, a good friend of Bob Jeffrey, was taken round the village to acquaint him with some of the changes that have
taken place. However, he was pleased to see that he also recognised many aspects of the village which have not
changed.

GROGPORT RAINFALL IN JUNE

The monthly total was 122mm (just under 5 inches) Although this reflected only average rainfall for the month of June
it proved invaluable for farmers, gardeners and those with private water supplies.

Surprisingly17 days in June had either no rain or a mere trace and the total was made up principally with four wet spells,
most notably on the 22nd when 28mm (over an inch) was recorded.

Taking the rainfall figures for the first half year, January to June, 2008 is the second lowest with only 2001 having lower
rainfall.
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The range for the half year period varies between 609mm (2001) to 1225mm (2000) with this year having 692mm.

What can we expect in July ? On past years perhaps 100mm (4inches of rain)

Sarah Coleridge in her poem “The Seasons” writes that “Hot July brings cooling showers, Apricots and gillyflowers.”
So will this prove to be the reality ? The weather always deals us a varied hand, so time will tell.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !
NOT QUITE CHUANG TZU OR CONFUCIAN

On the first day, God created the dog and said: "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in
or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years". The dog said: ‘That’s a long time to be barking. How
about only ten years and I’ll give you back the other ten ?" So God agreed.

On the second day, God created the monkey and said: "Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I’ll
give you a twenty-year life span". The monkey said: "Monkey tricks for twenty years ? That’s a pretty long time to
perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog did ?" And God agreed.
On the third day, God created the cow and said: "You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer
under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer’s family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty
years". The cow said: ‘That’s kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I’ll give
back the other forty ?" And God agreed again.

On the fourth day, God created man and said: "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I’ll give you twenty
years". But man said: "Only twenty years ? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten
the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay ?" "Okay," said God, "You asked for it."

So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the
sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last
ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Life has now been explained to you. Sent in by Donald Kelly, Muasdale.

INCANDESCENT OVER DELAY

The continuous and unreasonable request that Constable Malcolm Hannah should spend most of his time dealing with
crime and disorder in Carradale, when he has duties in other parts of Kintyre, was ameliorated for at least one day in
July. Accompanied by our resident coastguard, Johnnie Durnan, he sat enjoying the view on Shore Road for almost
twelve hours while awaiting the arrival of a bomb disposal team to deal with a washed-up phosphorus device. No
longer, can it be said, that policing is ‘at a low ebb’.

FOOTBALL FRACAS
GARRY SUTHERLAND REPORTS ON THE GOAT WEB-SITE

Carradale AFC's match against Campbeltown Utd yesterday evening was abandoned following a sickening injury and
numerous transgressions by the town side. Iain 'Glow' Galbraith fell to a very hard tackle which left him with a badly
broken leg that seems certain to keep him out of the game for the rest of the year. The ambulance had barely left the
scene when another Carradale player had the shirt literally torn from his back and others went down to further vicious
attacks from the Campbeltown side as the referee lost all control of the game. A touch-line meeting of Carradale's
players and officials resulted in the village team walking away from the match. As the players left the field a voice was
heard to shout "That's another 3 points" - a stunningly insensitive remark which seemed to sum-up Campbeltown's
attitude on the night: to win at all costs. We understand Iain Galbraith remains in hospital awaiting surgery on his leg
and we wish him well and hope for a speedy recovery, as we do for Carradale's other players who face Davaar AFC
next weekend.

Now I understand why footballers haven’t the time to report on local games or send in audited accounts for the Wind-farm grant – they’re
either in hospital or repairing their clothing; and to think that I thought it was just a lack of interest. I hope Iain Galbraith is well on the
way to recovery. Ed.

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 CARRADALE HARBOUR
A STATEMENT SUBMITTED TO THE ANTLER AFTER CHUG’s MOST RECENT MEETING

A meeting was held in the Carradale Village Hall on Monday, 9 June to discuss some future aspects following the
successful repairs to the Harbour.

The meeting was attended by 3 officers of Argyll and Bute Council, the Harbourmaster (Willie MacDonald), our three
local Councillors (Anne Horn, Robin Currie and John McLapine), Shelagh Cameron (Chair-EKCC), 4 members of
CHUG, John McFadyen (CFA). This meeting was called by the Argyll and Bute Council, chaired by Stuart Irvine and
the Secretary was Alison Younger (ABC).

There were 4 main items on the agenda as follows : -

TIDINESS OF PIER It was noted that the current day to day management of the pier was being reviewed and it was
agreed that any future arrangements should be as locally based as possible.

BETTER USE OF THE NET STORAGE AREA : It was generally agreed that if this area was cleared of all items
at present, we could revert to the original use of the hard standing area by having bays relined (much larger than
before), and then re-allocated to each user of the harbour. This would be done on the basis of nets and gear having to
be stored properly, i.e. boxed / pallets, etc. Further local discussion will take place on this to see what the preferred
options are.

FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF THE HARBOUR AREA : It was felt by the Council that CHUG or its
replacement could perform a local task on behalf of the Council in ensuring that more control was exercised locally in
regard to some general matters affecting the harbour.

A further meeting is being held in Carradale Village Hall on Friday, 5 September and, while not a public meeting, the
Council would like to see a strong representation from the fishermen and that is why the meeting is being held on a
Friday evening.

As before, once the way ahead is much clearer, it would be beneficial to hold another public meeting as the Harbour is
so important to the village. The success of the meeting a good number of years ago, with well over 100 people turning
up, proved the total local community interest in this facility.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

THE HARBOUR AND CAR PARK
Dear Sir,

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Carradale for a few days, relaxing and reading. An article in the Antler caught my
eye. It appears there is a dispute over car parking at the harbour and the amount of ‘rubbish’ that is lying around. While
I do not want to join in an argument over who has lived the longest in the village it seems that there are some valid
points being made over the volume of material that is creating an eyesore and does nothing to encourage visitors.

Surely if the harbour area was tidied, not only would it look better but it would also be safer, help local businesses, and
maybe, just maybe bring some much needed employment to the village.

The mess at the harbour is a similar situation that was in place in my home-town. The local allotment site had for years
become a dumping ground for all types of rubbish. A local businessman appeared to encourage this behaviour. A few
folk decided to regenerate the site and despite opposition from this one gentleman, the folk hired skips over a two-year
period. Nearly 100 tonnes of rubbish was removed. The site is now ‘green’ and from only being used by 6 plot-holders,
there are over 100 members, a site full notice and is fully integrated into the community. Oh and guess what! The local
businessman has discovered that more people coming down to the area has meant that his business is booming.

So people power can resolve issues. I suggest that a meeting is called, a committee formed. The aims to clean up the
harbour, encourage visitors, open a tea-room, whatever! Grants must be available to help. But it is amazing what can
be achieved. Beg, steal or borrow your first skip, ask somebody to sponsor it ! The results can only benefit the entire
village. A visitor. (Name and address supplied.)
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 BATTLING ON
GALBRAITHS, CAMERONS, BYFIELDS, GREENWOODS, EKCC, AABCC, CPP, & THE NHS

The monthly battle to keep the community at the forefront of developmental affairs proved to be a bit beyond the
scope of some community councillors. Some couldn’t identify their ABCs from their XYZs. Another admitted to be
good at nothing other than handling money. Byfields and Galbraiths were confused with Camerons and Greenwoods,
car parking crossed swords with harbour detritus, leaving everyone confused about the outcome of a harbour meeting
held a month ago. The chair fought her way through piles of papers, tried to be diplomatic with old adversaries and
triumphed in just over an hour and a half. Constable Malcolm Hannah was congratulated in solving some recent crimes
and was invited to deal with others. Brian Gee was also congratulated on informing ABC about three bridge problems
and was surprised to hear that repairs had been started. He and his wife together with Tom Adams were thanked for
their help with the community gardens.

The only ABC Councillor present to mediate was John Semple, although John McAlpine sent his apologies. Cllr Semple
offered to contact Cllr Currie about road signage and Cllr Colville about a locked Saddell gate. An NHS enquiry elicited
a number of concerns about the ambulance service and the inability of Central Scottish Hospitals to appreciate rural
transport problems, a good night was had by all, particularly by the new minute secretary Cheryl Byfield-Greenwood.
G.P.

GRASSING ON ABC AND ACHA

Despite efforts by the Community Council and Unitary Authority councillors, it was left to Elizabeth and Matthew
McMillan to attack the savannah at Tor Mhor in late June. As last year ABC and ACHA each claimed it was not their
duty to cut the cackle ! Thanks E & M.

I DECLARE THESE DOORS WELL & TRULY INSULATED

Venue : Carradale Village Hall, Carradale, Argyll PA28 6RY Date and time: Friday 4 July 2008 at 3pm

Attending: Jim Mather MSP; Norman Kerr, Director, Energy Action Scotland; Elizabeth McMillan, Chairman,
Carradale Hall Committee; Carol Aitken, Corporate Affairs Manager, Scottish Gas; and Bob Mcllwraith, ALIEnergy

Residents in Carradale, Argyll will now have an even warmer welcome than usual when they visit their village hall,
thanks to a project to install energy efficient doors.

Local MSP Jim Mather will today (Friday 4 July) visit Carradale Village Hall which was selected for energy efficiency
improvements as part of the Warmer Communities Initiative. The Initiative is run by fuel poverty charity Energy
Action Scotland and the work in Carradale has been funded by Scottish Gas. Local company ALIEnergy assisted with
technical advice.

The three sets of energy efficient double doors installed will cut the heat loss from the building. This should result in
lower energy bills and a warmer, more comfortable hall in winter. The community-owned hall is regularly used by a
variety of groups for activities which include carpet bowls, keep fit, drama, whist drives and computer lessons.

Jim Mather, MSP for Argyll and Bute says: "This is a great example of what a community can achieve by working
together and I am keen to see other communities learn from Carradale. I believe that this can help to start a phase
where facilities and services are constantly developed and improved across Argyll & Bute and that this triggers further
investment from the private sector and more people coming to live in the constituency."

The event is being held in Carradale Village Hall to show Mr Mather the work that has been carried out.

Director of Energy Action Scotland, Norman Kerr explains: "Improving the energy efficiency of community facilities
like this is important, as it reduces the amount of energy that needs to be used and so can lower energy bills. It is thanks
to the support of Scottish Gas that Energy Action Scotland and its members can carry out this work for the benefit of
local people."
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Carol Aitken, Corporate Affairs Manager, Scottish Gas, adds: "We are delighted to be supporting the Carradale Village
Hall as part of our wider community programmes. Local initiatives are a great way to demonstrate our commitment to
the communities we operate in. This is a good example of how we are helping individuals and organisations to become
more energy efficient. Locals will now be able to enjoy using their local village hall and benefit from a warm,
comfortable and safe environment."

CARRADALE CRICKET CLUB

Carradale Cricket Club played Oban twice in June. The first game was at Oban where the home side won an excellent
match. Oban batted first and scored 143 (a score augmented by Carradale conceding 27 extras). S. Hess was top scorer
with 34. A. McMillan bowled beautifully to take 5 for 30 with the captain (A. Keogh) also having excellent figures of 3
for 22. This was the first time this season that Oban had been bowled out.

Unfortunately, the Carradale batting was weak with only S. Walker (29), R. Fox (11) and F. Gray (14) making double
figures. The visitors finished on 83. The return match was played at Carradale on Sunday, 22nd June. The visitors again
batted first and made 118 all out, the main contributions being from A. Laycock (29) and D. Brown (28). The Carradale
bowling was very tight over all with A. Keogh (4 for 23) and S. Walker (3 for 22) the main wicket takers. Again, the
Carradale batting was poor, with no one reaching double figures and the home side capitulating for 40 runs. A. Leach
taking 4 for 13.

Although the team has yet to record a win there are very encouraging signs of improvement in the fielding (excellent in
the last game) and the bowling is good enough to win matches if the team could amass a reasonable total. Any budding
batsman or previous exponent itching for a game will be made very welcome. The club are grateful to Patersons,
Carradale Hotel and Kilbrannan Catering for their support.

Carradale Cricket Club travelled to Mid-Argyll for the return league fixture. They went with high hopes of an improved
batting performance after a couple of encouraging practices. Unfortunately, it was not to be with the visitors, batting
first this time, amassing only 51 runs. P. Stogdale was top scorer with 9. R. Shackelton bowled well, taking 5 for 13.

Although they were never going to make a large total, Carradale gave away at least 20 runs by poor running between the
wickets.

Mid-Argyll soon knocked off the required total , winning by 8 wickets. G. Lyburn made 25. Aidan Keogh bowled
steadily to get both the wickets for 22.

Mention must be made of the debut appearance of the captain's young brother Joseph Keogh, age 11, who showed
considerable promise and with his own smaller bat and pads to fit him, will score a lot of runs in the future.

As the match finished early, the teams played a 15 overs a side game, which allowed those who had not batted or
bowled to have a turn. This was a very closely contested match with the home team just gaining victory in the last over.
In this game Joseph showed his prowess with the ball, getting a wicket and would have had two, but for a dropped
dolly catch at square-leg off his first ball by a mortified fielder who shall mercifully remain nameless ! R. J. A.

TOP MARKS FOR ARGYLL AND BUTE SCHOOLS STAFF

Twenty-two members of staff from schools throughout Argyll and Bute were presented with prestigious qualifications
at an awards ceremony held in Lochgilphead Joint Campus.

A total of 12 Special Educational Needs Assistants and 10 Classroom Assistants received Professional Development

Awards from the Scottish Qualifications Authority for their outstanding work. The assistants all work in schools in Mid
Argyll, Kintyre, Islay, Oban and Cowal.

The awards were presented by Fay MacKenzie, Head-teacher of Lochgilphead Primary Learning Centre and the
ceremony marked the successful completion of a year’s accredited training, which developed the candidates’ skills and
knowledge in relation to their professional role, supporting pupils and classroom teachers in our schools.

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Councillor Isobel Strong, Argyll and Bute Council's Education Spokesperson, said: "The candidates must be
congratulated on their wonderful achievements. Their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm is very highly valued
both by the Council, the school in which they work and the education authority.

"The candidates have demonstrated high standards of work and I wish them all the very best in their current posts and
in any future training.

Among those who received PDA Certificates of Support for Learning Assistants were Joanna McMillan (Carradale
Primary School), Dawn Gladstone (Campbeltown Grammar School) and Jacqui Clark (Drumlemble Primary School). A
PDA Certificate for Classroom Assistants was awarded to Hazel Stalker (Campbeltown Grammar School)

Issued by Aileen Maclennan on 30/06/2008 14:07:54

NEW JURA FERRY

This new service, which started on 16th June, is operated by an 11-metre Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) and runs from
Craighouse to and from Tayvallich six days a week.

Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, the Council's Transportation spokesperson, said: "This is a wonderful service that will
not only enable people to visit this remote and beautiful island, but it will also enable the residents of Jura easy access to
Lochgilphead, Oban and even Glasgow thanks to good connections with local and national bus services. These same
bus routes also allow visitors to get to Jura easily. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in getting the service
up and running."

The idea of a fast ferry came about after the island was designated an Initiative at the Edge (IatE) area by the Scottish
Executive in recognition of its remoteness, declining population and the fragile nature of its economy. The community
decided that a direct link to mainland Scotland was an essential ingredient if the island was to reverse its decline. After
an independent study into the feasibility of such a link, a vehicle ferry option was rejected due to high infrastructure
costs and the unwelcome environmental impact it would have on the natural heritage of this beautiful island.

A study into a passenger ferry led by Jura’s IatE Committee found that there was strong local support which was
reflected by the community in Tayvallich. A three week trial during September 2007 showed that such a service was
technically and financially feasible and that links to bus services on the mainland worked well. This service was used
extensively by visitors and local businesses, as well as residents from both sides of the water. The ferry will run six days
per week (no service on Tuesdays) until 29th September with four crossings each day, two in each direction at a cost of
£30 for the return trip. The vessel is based in Craighouse and departure times from there vary to enable passengers to
travel to Oban and Glasgow on Mondays and Fridays. Morning departures from Tayvallich are 10am on each service
day except Sunday, when it is 10.30am. Full details of the bus and ferry timetable can be viewed by logging on to
www.argyll-bute.gov.uk. Bookings can be made by contacting the operator, Nicol MacKinnon, on 07768 450000.

Issued by Aileen Maclennan, ABC Press & Media Department

CONSERVING THE ENVIRONMENT

PLANNING PERMISSION FOR CAMPBELTOWN CONSERVATION AREA

Argyll and Bute Council is reminding shop owners and people living in the Campbeltown Conservation Area that
planning permission is often required before carrying out any alterations to property.
Alterations that require planning consent in this designated area include: the formation of driveways; the erection of
fences and walls; the installation of satellite dishes; window alterations or replacements; alterations to the roof; the
installation of oil storage tanks; the demolition of walls or buildings; replacement of drainpipes, guttering etc; changes
to shop frontages; and the painting of exterior walls and buildings.

Many properties within the conservation area have also been listed by Historic Scotland and have additional protection.
If you are in doubt at all as to whether or not your property is within the Campbeltown Conservation Area maps can be
viewed in Council offices. Online information as to whether your building is listed can also be found by logging on to
www.pastmap.org.uk

If you would like any advice on prospective alterations or extensions to your property, please contact the Council's

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Area Planning Officer, Tim Williams on 01546 604084. Issued by Aileen Maclennan on 01/07/2008 13:58:45

ANTLER COSTS RISE

Since July 1992, when the first monthly Antler appeared, readers living in Carradale have had copies delivered without
cost; readers in other areas received their copies through the post at an annual cost of £10. Since September 1995,
when the present Editor took over from Mike Hurst, readers in Saddell, Peninver and hairdressers in Campbeltown
also received copies without cost. Those living in other parts of Kintyre, the UK and abroad continued to have their
copies posted to them at an annual cost of £10.

Sixteen years later, subscription and advertising rates have remained the same, despite the rising cost of printing and
postal charges. Now each 12-page copy costs 48.91p, postage another 27p and envelopes 5p - a grand total of 80.91p -
£9.70 a year : the occasional 16-pager costs 91.78p. The days of subscribers financially assisting ‘free’ East Kintyre
readers are coming to an end.

This leaves the ‘honour’ of supporting the Antler to those who send donations and the faithful advertisers in East
Kintyre, Campbeltown and Lochgilphead, who, every quarter, pay their invoices promptly - some because of increased
patronage, others because they enjoy reading its pages and wish to support a community newspaper.

At this moment in time the financial situation is not critical. With no staff, telephone, electricity or labour costs,
generous help from area distributors and a hard-working postal officer, there is little to cause immediate concern.

Various options to minimise costs have been looked at in the past. The most recent was two or three years ago when
East Kintyre residents if they wished to continue to receive The Antler. The result was a temporary fall in the number
of copies printed which recovered with in a month or so. Charging for individual copies in East Kintyre would present
collection difficulties; offering a lower subscription rate would defeat the universality of issue. Other options are being
considered.

If you have any ideas for ensuring the continuance of this occasionally criticised publication please contact the Editor at
Benbecula, Waterfoot, Carrdale, Campbeltown, Argyll PA28 6QX. Tel: 01583 431281 e-mail: geoffreypage@lineone.net

NEW DEVELOPMENT TRUST

On Tuesday the 24th of June, members of the Campbeltown Area Development Group, community representatives,
business entrepreneurs and residents met to set up a development trust in South Kintyre.

In the aftermath of the withdrawal of funding for the regeneration of services in the previously designated
Campbeltown area of deprivation, and the extension to include the remaining areas of the town and the hinterland as
far north as Carradale and Tayinloan, consideration was given to establishing new funding avenues for a range of much
needed facilities.

Decisions were made to consider previously prepared memoranda and articles of association for a South Kintyre
Development Trust as a ‘company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital’ under the Companies Act 1985.

A second meeting was called for Tuesday 8th July at which directors will be appointed, priorities established and a
formal registration request will be prepared. Those interested in assisting the aims of the Trust are advised, in the first
instance, to contact Felicity Kelly at the Area Community Education Office, Manse Brae, Lochgilphead. Tel: 01546
604750.

BT CONSULTATION PROCEDURAL FAILURES

PAYPHONE CLOSURE AND NOTICES

I was pleased to note from the online minutes of The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and The Islands Area Committee, at its
meeting on 7 May 2008, agreed that members should provide comments on BT’s current programme of proposed
public payphone removals to the Area Corporate Services Manager by 30 May 2008 and to note that the committee
considered the report submitted by the Area Corporate Services Manager which outlined the objections received by
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Members and Community Councils which would formulate the response to the consultation to be sent to BT by 2 July
2008, the decision of the committee being to approve the objections as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report to the
proposed BT payphone closures.

At least in the cases of the payphone kiosks at Muasdale (01583-421-257) PA29 6XD, Tayinloan Village (01583-441-
220) PA29 6XG and Tayinloan Ferry Slip (01583-441-296) PA29 6XG, it seems that BT has ‘defaulted’ in its posting
and serving of the 42-day Closure Notices in these (and most like in other) payphone kiosks in the area served by Argyll
and Bute Council generally.

On the morning of Tuesday, May 27, 2008 an undated 42-Day Closure Notice was observed in the Muasdale payphone
kiosk but no notices were observed or reported to have been put up in either of the Tayinloan payphone kiosks.

Then, this week, on Monday, June 23, 2008, with only 9 days to go before the July 2, 2008 deadline date when 'The
Council' has to submit its objections to the proposed payphone closures list with BT in Croydon, it was noted that
somebody, in right-sloping, thin-pointed, black 'Biro' ink, had written ‘18:05’ in the top left-hand box of the closure
notice which should of course have been ‘properly dated’ when the notice(s) were first put up in the threatened
payphone kiosk(s).

For the first time, on Monday, June 23, 2008, an identically dated, ‘18:05’, 42-day Closure Notice was observed in the
Tayinloan Village payphone kiosk and the following morning, Tuesday June 24, 2008, passengers from the 0930 Gigha
ferry, travelling to Campbeltown on the weekly, Tuesday only, 1000 bus, confirmed that for the first time a 42-day
closure notice, again simply dated ‘18:05’, had appeared in the threatened Tayinloan Ferry Slip payphone kiosk. Given
these ‘defaults’ of BT, in particular the incomplete and improper dating of the payphone closure notices, the ‘18:05’
signifying perhaps the celebration of the year of The Battle of Trafalgar (1805) or perhaps the actual time that the
notices were put up 1805, but whether GMT or BST another matter and, were such casuality in the application and
enforcement of the notices to be tested in law, the notices then most likely to be invalidated.

Further in these matters, while for some reason best known to BT officials themselves neither the Whitehouse or
Bellochantuy payphone kiosks are being threatened with closures, as they were when BT tried closing Argyllshire
payphones in 2004, it should too be equally forcefully pursued that the also seemingly threatened payphone kiosk
(01880-760-221) on the Carradale to Claonaig road at PA28 6QL, which is in the Grogport / Sunadale area (and
included in the ‘Appendix 1’ objection list) was (reportedly) removed for repair during 2007, before and now being
threatened with a closure order ! That’s unacceptable.

Further, rather like the case of the isolated payphone kiosk on the Knoydart Peninsula at Inverie, residents of Saddell
informed me yesterday that the payphone kiosk at Millers' Park, Saddell (01583-431-644) PA28 6RA, it too threatened
with closure and objections made in the aforementioned 'Appendix 1', has long suffered a history of BT neglect, the
phone there frequently and long out of order and, at least in the past, the BT failing to empty the coin cash from the
payphone and therefore rendering the phone 'out of order'.

Once again, in securing the best interests of its residents and visitors alike, I would hope that Argyll and Bute Council
and others would immediately respond to and take action on these matters before BT's July 2, 2008 deadline.
Donald Kelly, Muasdale

STREET FOOTBALL
FREE SESSIONS FOR ARGYLL AND BUTE CHILDREN

Argyll and Bute Council is offering young people the chance to take part in free "Street Football" sessions as part of the
Scottish Football Association's (SFA) Youth Football initiative.

These events are open to boys and girls aged between 10 and 18-years and are being supported by Strathclyde Police.

The Council's Football Development Officer, Dylan Kerr, said: "These football sessions will take place at a variety of
locations in Argyll and Bute throughout the summer holidays and are aimed at encouraging young people to get off the
streets and get active.

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"They are completely free and are a great way for youngsters to have fun whilst getting fit. We're hoping that people of
all ages and all abilities will come along for a fun day out." The Campbeltown Football session will take place at
Campbeltown Meadows - 28th/29th July - 10am-12 noon.

Issued by Aileen Maclennan on 27/06/2008 11:16:06

THE COLL GUN

Few relics of the Great War survive in the West of Scotland so a letter to the magazine Britain At War particularly
attracted my interest. It was from a reader who had recently visited Coll and wondered about the origins of the gun on
the ferry pier. A response from a reader in the next issue identified it from the photograph as possibly being a WW1 15-
pdr. BLC, though 'strange looking' because wrongly mounted on its Elastic Frame Mounting and the casing over the
recuperator was missing. Though guns of this type were sometimes used in coastal defences during WW1 the condition
of this one and its location pointed to its having been salvaged from a wreck.

The source might have been, I thought, HMS Jason which hit a mine and sank off Coll in 1917; however, before
submitting this idea to the magazine I contacted Duncan Ritchie, knowing he would be interested, and Christine found
the true answer on the Internet - thus saving me making a serious faux pas ! The gun had come from the Nevada II
which had run onto rocks on the north west of the island in 1942 when inward bound from a North Atlantic convoy.

The Master of the vessel had, it was said, lost two previous commands in a similar way and a scurrilous story gained
currency that he had deliberately grounded the vessel to avoid future convoy work and was subsequently brought to
trial and executed ! A much more realistic explanation would be dense fog - the cause of many mishaps in these waters
in both wars - and a crew exhausted at the end of a dangerous crossing.

Diving on the Nevada II in 1992, the Hyndburn Sub Aqua Club found much of the cargo in a fair state of preservation.
The gun was upside down in the seabed still attached to decking which had to be removed before lifting could be
accomplished. Once ashore the gun was deposited at the nearby hotel and during removal of 75 years of marine
encrustation its manufacture at Brest, France, on 12 June 1917 was revealed.

Researching the vessel's history further I found she had been built in 1915 for the German East Africa Line and named
'Rovuma'. After WW1 'Rovuma' passed to the French Line under the war reparations scheme and renamed 'Nevada'.

Then, in 1940 and now called 'Nevada IF, she came under the management of Henderson & Co through the auspices
of the Ministry of Transport, and with the old gun mounted on the stern her last months were spent on the North
Atlantic run. G.S.

CAMPBELTOWN MUSEUM RE-OPENS

There were celebrations in Kintyre yesterday (Wednesday 25th June) when the official re-opening of Campbeltown
Museum took place.

Councillor Douglas Philand, Argyll and Bute Council's spokesperson for Arts and Culture, declared the Burnet Building
open by cutting a ribbon, as delighted guests looked on.

Councillor Philand said: "This is a very important day, not only for the people of Kintyre but for the whole of Argyll
and Bute. Campbeltown Museum is home to an interesting collection of objects from internationally important
archaeological sites, including objects from the chambered cairn at Beacharra and a jet necklace, which is one of only 10
in Scotland. The museum also has a varied collection of works of art, including two oil paintings by Sir William
McTaggart and others by local artists Archibald MacKinnon and John Campbell Mitchell. It also has vast material
connected to the area's local social, industrial and natural history, along with geology and much more. I would
encourage visitors and locals alike of all ages to go along to the museum and take a trip through yesteryear."

The Council has entered into a Service Level Agreement with Kilmartin House Museum and Auchindrain Museum
whereby Campbeltown Museum now has three specialist staff, including an archaeologist, a social historian and an
education specialist. This arrangement benefits all three of these museums and shows new and innovative ways of
working through sharing staff and skills between several institutions.

9
The opening times for the museum are generally Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm but please check before visiting by
calling 01586 559000.

A photograph was attached to the e-mail showing invited guests and ABC representatives at the opening including
Joanne Howdle, Curator of Auchindrain Museum; Kerry Corbett, Argyll and Bute Council's Principal Library and
Information Services Officer; Councillor Douglas Philand, the Council's spokesperson for Arts and Culture; Councillor
Donald MacMillan, chairperson of the Area Commitee; and Sharon Webb, Curator of Kilmartin House Museum.

Issued by Aileen Maclennan on 26/06/2008 16:01:54

CARRADALE BEACH CLEAN

Thirteen people turned out on a beautiful, sunny Sunday (15th June) to clean The Bay and the approach road to the
beach. It was a disappointing turn out for a community beach clean but was, however, very successful. Young (toddler)
and not so young(pensioner) alike, wandered happily along the beach grabbing all sorts of litter with grabbers provided
by GRAB(Group for Recycling in Argyll & Bute) and bags, once full,were picked up by jeep and trailer.General flotsam
and jetsom filled 22 bin bags with, as expected, a high proportion of plastic. We then retired to the Network Tearoom
where Josie provided us with complimentary tea and buns to reward us for our efforts. Much appreciated Josie !

A few requests:- Don't flush anything with a plastic backing down the loo.

Take all your litter home with you when you go to the beach.

Clean up after your dog and don't leave bags of poo for somebody else to pick up. (Yes dog owners - somebody is
doing that ! ! )

The beach is a wonderful resource that we should all treasure.

Beach Cleaning - a perfectly pleasant way to spend a few hours on a breezy sunny afternoon! (when you're in good
company and don't need to bend or actually touch the litter ! )

DOG FOULING AT VILLAGE HALL

CARRADALE VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE DISCUSS ACTION

The Forestry road is not the only place in Carradale where dog fouling is a recurring problem. Over the last few months
it has become evident that someone is bringing a dog or dogs to Carradale Village Hall car-park for the express purpose
of allowing their dog or dogs to defecate in the car-park and then leave the mess for someone else to clean up.

This is always in the same place, a few feet out from the wall between the path and the fire-doors. This is also where
most people park their cars and on a number of occasions dog droppings have been picked up on shoes and
transferred to the hall carpets. Doubtless others have stepped in it just before getting into their cars. This is a
thoughtless, irresponsible and illegal action by the dog owner concerned. If the person responsible reads this I would
suggest he or she finds a more appropriate place to take their dogs for this purpose and also carries a plastic bag
whenever they take a dog out, to remove any mess made by their pets.

In writing an e-mail on behalf of the Village Hall Committee, Brian Gee said that it stopped for about five weeks immediately after one
Committee meeting but then he found more droppings and then, some weeks later, yet more. Looking back it now seems to happen during
rainy weather, suggesting the dog owner doesn't enjoy taking out the dog on wet days. So they drive to the hall car-park instead. If you see
someone with a dog acting suspiciously at the Village Hall in wet weather, but don’t recognise the owner or the dog, make a note of the car
registration and report it to the locally-based Environmental Warden or direct to Operational Services, Manse Brae, Lochgilphead Argyll
PA31 8RD Tel: 01546 604666 .

YOUR WISH IS GRANTED : LEADER GRANTS 2007 - 2013

LEADER is a funding programme that encourages innovative rural development. The Argyll and the Islands Local
Action Group (LAG) has been awarded £2,740,000 to implement the new LEADER Programme within its area and
held its first decision meeting on applications to the Programme on Thursday 15th May 2008. A subsequent meeting
will be held on 27th June 08 (deadline 6th June), with quarterly meetings thereafter throughout the life of the

10
Programme. This LEADER Programme seeks, through close and positive partnership working, to support the rural
communities throughout the area to respond to some of the many development challenges that are still facing them.

For more detail on what can be funded through LEADER please see website or call :
http://www.argyllandtheislandsleader.org.uk/index.html Lorna Elliott 01631 563013 lorna.elliott@argyll-bute.gov.uk
or Sheila McLean 01631564424 sheila.mclean@argyll-bute.gov.uk

FACING THE FIRE

AN INTRODUCTION TO MARRIAGE - CAMPBELTOWN STYLE

The exchange of vows was never required from someone returning their library books to what used to be called
Campbeltown Library and Museum, but now its ‘The Burnet Building’ its more a case of “do you Rory Colville” accept
Argyll & Bute Council as your awfully wedded associate ?”

The old library is indeed the new Marriage Room for those who foreswear religious ceremonies and prefer to be
married by someone they are unlikely to meet again.

Fortunately the Marriage Room has other uses and in recent weeks has hosted a meeting of the South Kintyre Seniors
Forum and two meetings of community representatives hoping to establish a South Kintyre Development Trust.

Those who spent their formative years looking for unusual literature on its shelves or, as pensioners, found it a warm
place on cold winter days, everything has changed - except for the placing of the town’s art collection, which continues
to stretch the neck and condition the susceptible to fits of giddiness. Upholstered chairs will also present problems for
those who have to return the room to its pristine state after maternal tears laced with mascara have made an indelible
impression.

All in all the room and its well maintained Linda McCartney garden will add quality to one of life’s most important
events. G.P.

SOCIAL WORK STAFF AWARDED

Argyll and Bute Council's Social Work staff were recently presented with a variety of certificates at a special ceremony
held in the Council Chambers, Lochgilphead.

Awards presented included SVQs in Health and Social Care Levels 3 and 4; Registered Managers Awards; SVQ
Assessor Awards; Internal Verifiers Awards; HNCs in Occupational Therapy Support; and Post Graduate Certificates
in Child Care and Protection Studies.

Twenty-six successful students from throughout Argyll and Bute received their certificates and were joined by friends
and family members, managers and training staff. Most of the front-line services were represented including residential
and day care, home care, child care, learning disabilities and area teams.

Councillor Donald McIntosh, the Council's spokesperson for Social Services, said: "We set up this event to recognise
the efforts of all the workers who have undertaken these studies and ultimately gained valuable qualifications that will
serve them well in their current positions and in their career development. We are working hard to embed a real
learning culture within our service and events such as these contribute greatly towards that end."

Jim Robb, the Council's Head of Adult Care, said: "It takes a well trained and qualified workforce to deliver and
maintain our high standards of care. This ceremony clearly demonstrated our staff commitment to training and this is
reflected in the care that we deliver on a daily basis.”

Back Row – left to right : John MacMahon, Charlene Newman, Nicola Baikie, Margaret Blair, Liz Welsh, Barbara Sloey,
Catherine Lang, Ava McCowan. Third Row : Jane Terris, Annabel Telfer, Caroline Rae, Laurene Cameron, Sharon
Campbell, Suzanne MacDougall, Kate O’May.

Second Row : Janis MacArthur, Annette McMillan, Marie Hamilton, Morven McInnes, Jackie Connelly.
11
Front Row : Councillor Donald McIntosh, Catherine Galbraith, Jackie Richardson, Flora Grogan, Jim Thorpe, Jim
Robb, Head of Adult Care
Issued by Aileen Maclennan on 11/06/2008 13:03:44

AS OTHERS SEE US ….
EXTRACTS FROM A MOTOR-CARAVANNER'S DIARY
Mark Sutcliffe writes in the ‘Experience Scotland’ Magazine.

‘We fetch up in Tarbert (there are loads of Tarberts in Scotland - it basically means 'isthmus' - a narrow sliver of land
between two bodies of water). This one refers to the point at which Argyll ends and Kintyre begins - the two regions all
but severed by the sharp sliver of West Loch Tarbert.

Here, they're just clearing up after the excesses of a major yachting event and this little harbour town is still bustling
with a mixture of bleary-eyed yachties and equally hung-over locals who obviously joined in with the partying with
equal abandon in various bars along the seafront. There are a couple of Seafood Trail establishments here and I opt for
The Anchor - a pastel pink painted hotel right opposite the fish dock, where you can watch your lunch landed just
before its served. This slightly chaotic venue may look pretty unprepossessing, but the welcome is warm, there's a great
wine list and the food is superb - in an unpretentious, down-to-earth sort of way. Half a dozen oysters disappear in
quick time, followed by a fillet of haddock smoked, according to the menu, over peat by 'a bloke up the road', stuffed
with prawns and served with a dill sauce. The vegetables accompanying it are the perfect foil and the helping is so
hearty I need a second glass of Chablis to wash it down. After such uncharacteristic lunchtime indulgence, there's only
one thing for it - a quick kip - and the Carthago is a great place for a quiet afternoon snooze.

Heading south down the main ASS towards Campbeltown, I have a choice to make. Do I continue along what passes
for a motorway in these parts and head down the west coast of the peninsula to Campbeltown, or run the gauntlet of
the single track road which runs down the Eastern seaboard ? These narrow little roads can be quite daunting -
especially with a coach-built or A-class - but as long as you're confident reversing and not in a hurry, they can be
tackled safely. Passing places are plentiful and usually big enough to accommodate a motor-home, while the local traffic
is very quick to pull off and give way. I'm feeling adventurous and plump for the latter and, after climbing over the
spine of Kintyre on the Claonaig road, the reward is a simply breath-taking view of the menacing black peaks across the
water on the Isle of Arran. Motor-caravanners with anything bigger than a compact A-class would be well advised to
stick to the Western route - where the views out across the Sound of Jura towards Gigha, Jura and Islay are equally
breath-taking. These foreboding 3,000ft mountains exert a mysterious attraction over the traveller and I resolve to
forsake the delights of the West coast of Kintyre in favour of a trip across the Kilbrannan Sound to take a closer look.

Fetching up at Claonaig - less a port than a slipway and a Portakabin, I check the availability of ferry crossings and then
continue down the east coast to Carradale and find a pitch at the Caravan Club-affiliated site just a mile or so out of
town.

Carradale itself is a pleasant little port with parking almost right on the harbour wall, but watch out for the very tight
left hand hairpin into the parking area. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants here, as well as a gold foundry and
jewellery workshop where visitors can watch the artisans at work. There's also another Seafood specialist here - the
Dunvalanree Hotel perched atop a modest cliff top, over-looking the perfect horseshoe bay of Port High. It's a bijou
little hotel with only a few bedrooms and a small dining room where non-residents are welcome - but the food is
outstanding.

The smoked mussels starter and main course of Sea Bass with rosemary, lime and garlic 'en papillote' exhibited a depth
and intensity of flavour that would reinvigorate even the most jaded of palates. The restaurant is just a short drive from
the Carradale site. Alternatively, it's a pleasant mile or so walk along the coast, and up a path which winds up in the
hotel's back garden. Well, it was pleasant when I set out for Port High; but on the return journey, the weather had
closed in and I got a bit of a soaking.

The following morning, I head back up the east coast to Claonaig, but I just miss the ferry, so continue up the coast a
couple of miles to the town of Skipness, with its ancient castle and beautiful beach. It's also home to the Skipness
Seafood Cabin, a venue which offers simpler fayre than some of the larger establishments on the route, but is none the
worse for this. I can't resist a small serving of shell-on langoustines and also order a fresh crab sandwich, which goes in
the fridge for later. ‘Loch Tarbert’ - the Claonaig to Lochranza Ferry - is halfway across the short four-mile Kilbrannan

12
Sound when I join the queue at the top of the slipway and I manage to get a slot on the next crossing. A word of advice
here - depending on the state of the tide, the angle between the ferry ramp and the slipway can become quite
pronounced - so if your motor-home has a long overhang - exercise caution.

It's only a short 30-minute trip and as I'm admiring the view, a thick Glaswegian voice hails from the wheelhouse. It's
the captain pointing to the ‘Carthago’. I assume he's complaining ab0ut the size of the thing, but he beckons me up to
the bridge and it transpires Kenny has a coachbuilt sat on the quayside which he uses as a mobile B&B when he's
providing relief cover for ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne across the West Coast. And I thought I had a plum job.

The views from the wheelhouse are superb and by the time we've compared notes on the relative merits of German
and British motor-homes and tried to spot the friendly dolphin, which sometimes accompanies the ferry, the dock at
Lochranza is looming.

Straight off the ferry, the half-ruined structure of Lochranza Castle beckons - standing at the head of the inlet like
something straight out of the set of Braveheart. It's origins date back to the 14th century, but a local laird made some
extensive improvements in the middle ages before it was abandoned and one corner subsequently collapsed during a
fierce storm in 1898. The castle is also said to have literary connections, having possibly been used for inspiration in the
Tintin adventure book 'The Black Island' penned by Herge. The castle itself is open to visitors from April to October.

Further along the main road across the north of the island to Brodick lies the Isle of Arran distillery, which is open to
visitors for guided tours, but it's decision time again and as the sun threatens to break through the clouds, I opt to take
the longer route around the south of the Island to reach Brodick. And what a good decision it turned out to be.

Within an hour, the sun burns away the clouds turning the dark, brooding waters of the Sound into the sort of limpid,
aquamarine more often associated with the Aegean. The main road follows the shoreline along the almost deserted
West coast, with ample opportunities to pull off and paddle in the limpid waters, explore the hills above the road or
simply soak up the splendid isolation. While there are no official Seafood Trail establishments on Arran, the contrasting
scenery and environments crammed into its compact 167 square miles make it an un-missable destination if you are in
the area. In the north lies a 'massif of menacing peaks - crowned by the distinctively shaped Goat Fell, which at almost
3,000ft is the highest point on the island. The south is much more rolling and gentle, offering wonderful views down
the Firth of Clyde and across to Dumfries and Galloway.

The contrast between east and west coasts is equally dramatic, with the latter wild and sparsely populated, offering
direct access to an almost deserted shoreline of bleached white pebbles and sand. Thanks to its proximity to the
mainland and the 45-minute ferry crossing to Ardrossan, the west, meanwhile, is much busier with the island capital,
Brodick rapidly becoming a bit of an offshore playground for wealthy Glaswegian weekenders. There are culinary
attractions too - such as the Island Cheese Company and the Arran Brewery in Brodick - whose dean, yet distinctive,
brews accurately reflect the character of the surroundings in which they are produced. The Brewery is located in
Cladach just north of Brodick and is housed in a neat slated-roofed micro-brewery in the shadow of Brodick Castle. It
offers three main beers : Arran Dark, Arran Blonde and Arran Ale. Best of all, if you don't have time to visit the place
in person, you can order online at www.arranbrewery.com

I wished I'd dedicated more time to explore Arran in greater detail. Even in the short time we spent there, we stumbled
across a couple of superb sites in Lochranza and Kildonan - both of which are ideally placed for exploring the north
and south of the island respectively. Unfortunately, the ferry beckoned and as we steamed back across the Firth of
Clyde to Ardrossan, I gazed wistfully at that mountainous citadel rising out of the sea just a few short miles away from
the mainland, but light years away in time and place.

MISTA – WANNA BUY ISLAN – VERY CHEAP ?

VLADI PRIVATE ISLANDS IS SELLING SANDA FOR 3.25 MILLION

“Sanda Island, Scotland, Size: approx. 400 acres Price: £3,250,000 + purchasing costs. Location: The Island of Sanda,
Southend, Mull of Kintyre, Argyll Ownership of Sanda Island includes the neighbouring Sheep Island and Glunimore
Island. A beautiful island of about 400 acres, situated 1½ miles off the southern tip of the Mull of Kintyre. It consists
of sandstone and rock, and moderately high cliffs form parts of its shores; one of these is pierced with a very large
natural arch and forms a very picturesque object. The island is covered with grass. It measures 1¼ mile in length, ¾

13
mile in breadth and has a circumference of 4 miles. Sanda can be reached by boat from Southend, which is the nearest
village south of Campbeltown Harbour. There are twice daily air services to Campbeltown from Glasgow. Alternatively
a helicopter may be chartered from Glasgow direct to the island. It is a flight of approximately 45 minutes. The owner
is entitled to use the title ‘Laird of Sanda’ and has the right to issue own postage stamps and to mint own gold coins.

History

Sanda has an interesting and varied history and was first mentioned in the 7 th Century by Adamnan, disciple and
biographer of St. Columba. In the Early Middle Ages, the island was used as a rendezvous by the Norsemen who
terrorised this part of Western Scotland. They called it “Sandey” (sandy island) – this probably refers to the Oitir
Buidhe, which lies between Sanda, Glunimore and Sheep Island. Another name that appears to have been attached to
the island is ‘Havin’ (and numerous variants such as ‘Aven’, ‘Avona’), this is cognate with the English ‘haven’ and
probably refers to the anchorage on the north coast. It is also named in the Saga of King Magnus Barefoot of 1093.
From this time until the Reformation, the church owned Sanda. The island is known for the ruins of a chapel built by
Saint Ninian and for its Celtic crosses, which remain under the protection of the Department of the Environment. In
the 16th Century, the island was granted to a branch of the MacDonalds. In the Civil War, however, the Campells
dispossessed them for a few years, after killing their chief in the massacre of Dunaverty in 1647. At the Restoration of
Charles II, in 1660, the MacDonalds returned and Sanda remained in their possession until 1926.

The property

Sanda Island amounts to some 400 acres and comprises a self-contained hill farm. There is a central area of arable
ground of about 45 acres with hilly pastures taking up the remainder. The farmhouse and outbuildings lie on the edge
of a sheltered bay with convenient access to the pier and boathouse. The main house is a stone construction with a slate
roof and has fine views to Sheep Island and beyond. It comprises two reception rooms, a kitchen, dairy, 3 bedrooms,
bathroom, W.C., box-room and an attic. Adjoining the house is a stone-built barn with workshop and store. There is
also a further store/workshop, a walled kitchen garden and a dilapidated disused house. The stone-built boathouse with
launching rails is set in a sheltered position to the south of the bay, and boats may be launched at any state of the tide.
At the southern tip of the island there is a lighthouse built in 1850. When seen from the seat to the south, the natural
arch and the lighthouse on the rock can look like a ship, hence its name ‘The Ship’ on marine charts.

Natural life

Sanda has a great variety of bird-life, with many migratory species being seen on the island. The waters around the
island make for excellent sea fishing”.

COUNCIL CAUGHT KNAPPING

BETTER BUS SERVICES IN KINTYRE

Argyll and Bute Council has agreed to extend the 421 bus route from Ormsary to Kilberry for an experimental one year
period starting on 30th June.

The present bus service from Lochgilphead currently terminates at Ormsary whilst Kilberry is served by route from
Tarbert which only operates at school times. The extension of the service comes as a result of local requests made to
the Council that consideration be given to linking up the two routes to provide Kilberry with a better bus service.

In addition to linking up school time journeys it has also proved possible to extend some Lochgilphead to Ormsary
journeys to Kilberry. The bus service between Kilberry and Lochgilphead will consist of four buses a day each way on
school days and two per day on Saturdays and during school holidays. On school days there will also be two journeys
from Tarbert to Kilberry and one from Kilberry to Tarbert. There will be an extra journey to Ormsary on Saturday
mornings.

The improvement has been welcomed by local businesses on the route, who see the advantages which better public
transport links can bring to this rural part of Kintyre.

Councillor Donnie MacMillan, Chairperson of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and Islay Area Committee, said: "The extension
of this bus service is in response to requests from local residents and businesses in the area a the Council hopes they
will help to promote and use the service so that it can continue beyond the one } experiment. The extension to the

14
service has been achieved at marginal cost by making better use of existing resources and if it is well supported then
other journeys currently terminating at Ormsary could also be extended to Kilberry."

The 421 bus service is operated on behalf of the Council by West Coast Motors.

Aileen Maclennan ABC Press & Media Relations Officer

EDITOR QUESTIONS TITLING

Dear Aileen,

Many thanks for the e-mail about the additional buses to Kilberry; this service should be entitled 'Better bus service in
Knapdale' since this service is almost wholly out-with Kintyre !
Kind regards, Geoffrey Page

ENIGMATIC ABC REPLY

Hi Geoffrey,

Thanks for your e-mail. I have discussed this with a local historian who has told me that the demographic area of
Kintyre actually starts at the phone boxes in the Kintyre.
Kind regards, Aileen
EDITOR GETS GEOGRAPHICAL
Dear Aileen,

Thank you for replying - I think your sentence was unfinished - there seems to be a word missing !

My view is that despite the ABC Kintyre designated area being south of Stonefield, Ordnance Survey retain the name in
the same way as the Norse invaders as being south of Tarbert.

While I agree that at least a mile of the new service is in ABC's Kintyre - from Tarbert to the Golf Course - the
remaining majority is clearly in Knapdale.

It would be nice if the Council and West Coast Motors would look again at providing bus services in East Kintyre
which connect conveniently with at least one of the Glasgow buses and allow passengers arriving on the late Glasgow
bus to travel home the same day, rather than staying in Campbeltown overnight or making a 16 mile taxi ride home at
6pm: that really would be a new bus service in Kintyre.
With very kind regards, Geoffrey Page.

FURTHER COMMENT

Taking this new initiative at its face value, may we may expect the new road and pavement surfacing in Inveraray and
upgrading between Lochgilphead and Ardrishaig to be catalogued as improvements within Kintyre, leaving extra cash
for such worthy cultural events as a aardvark festival at Kilmory ?

This transport improvement for businesses in Knapdale will cancel the need for visitors to travel to see Campbeltown -
one of the Council’s area of deprivation - and avoid the need for the Campbeltown Area Development Group to
become a trust.

Why stop there - surely there are even more valid reasons to re-route the Irish ferry to Lochgilphead, there’s just the
mere matter of a few acres of mud to remove which could be used to fill in West Loch Tarbert, allowing Kintyre to
benefit from other improvements in Knapdale.

This issue may seem petty and not worth serious consideration but when Campbeltown lost its historic role in the
history of Argyll at the demise of Strathclyde, and Kintyre became an adjunct to a twentieth century minor Burgh, the
protesting cries of Viking descendants were scarcely heard in the clamour for Unitary Authority status. Is it now time to
link West & East Loch Tarbert Lochs, declare independence from ABC, Scotland & Europe ?
15
 KINTYRE INITIATIVE WORKING GROUP
EXTRACTS FROM THE JUNE

MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 25th April 2008 were approved. Councillor Donald Kelly raised the following
issues arising from the minutes regarding the A83 - many constituents are concerned with the traffic lights at the Rest
and Be Thankful, when will these be removed. He asked on a progress report for the Tarbert to Ardrishaig stretch of
road and also when the Kennacraig to Campbeltown was going to be trunked.

Jim Mather MSP stated that the Scottish Government is well aware of the lack of investment being fed in and this has
been well registered with the Transport Minister. He intimated that he knew that transport was crucial for Argyll and
Bute.

Councillor Kelly thanked Jim Mather for his input but requested a timetable for improvements in the roads. Jim Mather
advised that this timetable will be made available very soon.

FERRY INITIATIVES

CAMPBELTOWN / BALLYCASTLE - Councillor Semple reported that Alison Younger had attended a
presentation from MVA consultants who are doing the feasibility study on the Campbeltown to Ballycastle ferry. The
following was noted :

It was felt that the route would be additional routes rather than displacing traffic from existing Northern
Ireland/Scotland ferry routes. The balance of benefits was weighted more to Kintyre than Moyle.

There was no evidence of significant new markets since the last service ran, though uplift in user numbers would be
applied to take account of increased freight usage if a year round reliable service was delivered and marketing was more
effective. (Specific mention will be made of some key market sectors e.g. forestry, building supplies etc.) A full list of
consultees will be enclosed within the report.

In terms of the service options we were advised that there will be a long list of approximately 17 options which will be
analysed against the key objectives. From this it's likely that 2 preferred options will emerge which will be looked at in
detail to provide cost/benefit information.

Whilst they have not run the full data on these yet it looked likely that the 2 preferred options may be 1) Two daily
return journeys between Campbeltown and Ballycastle and a return leg between Campbeltown and Ayrshire and a
return leg between Campbeltown and Ballycastle.

Some other emerging findings included : Campbeltown might be the best option for overnight berthing as Ballycastle is
vulnerable to bad weather.

Daily operations would be looked at within a 14 hour context so that the service would operate with need for one crew.

Speed would be limited to 14 knots from a mono-hull vessel (similar to Claymore speed) - this is due to depth
constraints at Ballycastle which would not allow a faster boat.

Searches had identified 37 vessels world-wide which could operate on this route - all in existing service. Identified as a
potential risk to delivery - options would be to test the market to see if vessel came forward, or look at procurement (3
year lead in time).

Councillor Semple said that he had already made contact with Jim Mather MSP and Stewart Stevenson MSP raising
concerns and a lack of consultation with business stakeholders. Councillor Kelly asked that Jim Mather MSP put
pressure on MVA.

Ian Macintyre stated that Mid Argyll Chamber of Commerce had not been invited to the meeting at Stonefield and felt
that they should have been involved from the start. It was reported that MVA had still not met with the Councillors
and Councillor Semple agreed to get a meeting organised urgently.

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GIGHA / TAYINLOAN - It was reported that £2 million is committed to Tayinloan and design works are currently
being procured. It is hoped to have design works completed by the end of the year. It was agreed to get feedback for
the next KIWG meeting on what's in place if design work is not completed by the end of the year. Councillor Kelly
stated that this situation is totally unacceptable for the people on Gigha and asked Stewart Clark to look into this.

UPDATE ON INITIATIVES/PRIORITIES

OPPORTUNITY KINTYRE - Mary Turner intimated that there are now 100 clients registered with Lynn Hammall.
Opportunity Kintyre is represented on the Third Sector Steering Group and that any organisation should contact Mary
or Lynn. The first meeting will be held on Tuesday 17th June until September when they hope to devise a plan.
Councillor Semple asked how the number of visits to each client distributed with Mary Turner saying she would
provide statistics for the next meeting.

HARBOUR PROJECT / CAMPBELTOWN TOWN CENTRE PROJECT - Councillor John Semple informed
the Group that everyone was working hard on this project but he was disappointed with the process being slow. The
scoring of the OBC's for the 5 towns up for consideration should be resolved by the end of August. The Campbeltown
project is well placed to top the list of funding. The three elements going forward were discussed which were marina,
Kinloch Road and CARS.

Councillor Donald Kelly stated his disappointment with Cogent on the length of time that the OBC process has taken.

COUNCIL LEADER + PROGRAMME - Jane Fowler to be invited to a future meeting.

MINIATURE RAILWAY - It was reported that the committee have recently visited the railway on Mull and are
planning to take their findings to their next meeting. This project is moving forward.

TOURISM & LEISURE INITIATIVES

Councillor Semple introduced Mags Russell and John Saich from Dalriada Arts & Culture who gave a presentation on
the proposed activities which could be done using Dalriada to promote the wider area including Kintyre and Northern
Ireland as part of the homecoming 2009 proposals. Councillor Colville welcomed the initiative and offered support.

RAILWAY WALK - Councillor Semple has spoken to Laggan Community Council who is very keen to support this
project and move it forward. The contact that they have had with landowners proved positive but it was felt that
Laggan Community Council needs to form a group with perhaps The Kintyre Way. The next stage is to get back in
touch with landowners. Councillor Colville stressed the importance of liaising with The Kintyre Way.

WESTPORT - Councillor Colville intimated that a recent competition had been held where 3 notice boards which
were designed by Campbeltown Grammar School were chosen. Damage at an organised BBQ was raised. Wild
camping was discussed and it was agreed that a statement needs to be issued to stop the overnight parking which is
causing people to abuse the area.

BANNER PROJECT - Linsay MacPhail reported that this project is moving forward. Pictures have been identified
for banners and banners are being constructed. It is hoped that Linsay will be able to give a power point presentation
on this at a later date.

PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS - Jim Martin intimated that this event has taken place successfully but there were
fewer pipe bands competing which we think is due to the travel distance involved. This event will take place next year.

AIRSHOW 2009 - Derrick Lang advised that preparations have began on the 2009 Airshow depending on suitable
date, funding and rising costs of fuel and availability of site. Last holiday weekend in May was discussed as a possible
date but the Group were advised that this is when the Scottish Series takes place in Tarbert and also the Golf Festival
Week at Machrihanish. Douglas Cowan stated that Event Scotland should be approached to ascertain what the deadline
is for applications.

VINTAGE LORRIES 2009 - This event is hoped to tie in with the Airshow but again this will depend on fuel prices.

NEW GOLF COURSE

Brian Keating gave an update on the Machrihanish Dunes Golf Course. Brian intimated that they have tour operators
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visiting every week. The Golf Course will be open for preview from 19th September to the end of September with the
grand opening in May 2009.

Brian informed the Group that Loganair is chartering a plane from the 5th September for 8 weeks Prestwick to
Machrihanish every Friday. He advised that his company has been awarded tender for new 18 hole golf course in
Ayrshire.

Phase 1 at a cost of £3.2 million has begun at Ugadale with Phase 2 costing £7 million.

Brian intimated that the finance is in place for The Royal Hotel refurbishment but the stakeholders are keen to find out
the outcome on the marina, Kinloch Road and ferry. There are no firm dates when the work will start on The Royal
Hotel.

Sarah Livingstone asked if The Beachcomber would be closing. Brian Keating stated that The Old Clubhouse is doing
really well and there are no plans to close it.

Sarah Livingstone enquired about supporting the local playpark with Brian advising that they would and to supply him
with drawings/proposals.

CAMPBELTOWN GAS WORKS

Councillor Semple advised that a sub group has been set up with the minutes of the first meeting attached to this
minute for information. After discussion it was agreed that Jim Mather MSP and Councillor Semple would be taking
this forward. Dates to be circulated when decided.

HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS AIRPORTS LIMITED - Copy of movements were circulated to the Group a
copy is attached for information. Derrick Lang intimated that figures were steady with private charters being up in May
but down in April with fuel having an effect on flights. Schedule flights were reported as steady with the SAAB
continuing to provide the service. There were no major problems reported with the air ambulance service.

Derrick advised that the US Airforce have fuel reserves at RAF Machrihanish and are looking at staging an aircraft
exercise over 2 weeks in June and July which will result in noise activity in the area. It is hoped that capital funding will
be approved for an extension on the terminal building for security; this will see an x-ray machine and metal detector
facilities to be installed for security with this coming into effect in January/February 2009.

Work will be carried out to stabilise parts of the runway and re-roofing a section of the fire station.

Derrick reported that the strike action is back on scheduled for Monday 23rd June and Friday 4th July.

The issue of more helicopters being landed for patients was raised with Councillor Donald Kelly advising the Group
that the reason helicopters are being used more are due to the fact that the local doctors are concerned on ambulance
cover due to lack of funding for the ambulance service in rural areas. Councillor Kelly stated that this needs to be
addressed by Nicola Sturgeon MSP. Councillor Semple said that presentations were being made in that direction.
Councillor Kelly asked Derrick Lang is there was any more correspondence on weekend flights. Derrick Lang replied
that contact has been made and this is moving forward. Councillor Rory Colville stated that flights will be coming out
of Oban from Monday and wondered if there was any link up with getting people to come and play golf from Oban.
Derrick Lang advised that they have no control over who comes in to the area but marketing people will be in contact
with each other.

FARMING

Robert Millar raised the concerns of fuel prices which is driving everyone out of business.

The cost of red diesel was discussed with Alan Reid MP advising that farmers, local hauliers etc. should write to him
with their concerns so that he can take this back to the Government. It was agreed to write in respect of the fuel prices
to the Scottish Parliament.

ROAD ISSUES

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Traffic calming measures were discussed in Tarbert with Ian Macintyre advising that a cyclist had fallen off his bike
after hitting a pothole on Barmore Road. He phoned the number for Transerve and the hole was filled in in 2 hours but
as stated it still has not been repaired after 28 days.

It was reported that the Glen Road is not be upgraded with Stewart Clark advising that the Council are reengaging with
landowners and hope to get any issues resolved.

WRITTEN REPORTS

Councillor Semple welcomed Stewart Clark to the meeting who circulated a progress report on Operational Services (a
copy is attached to this minute). The issue of the traffic lights at Ballachageechan was raised with Stewart advising the
work will commence in 2 weeks time.

Airport signs were discussed with Derrick Lang agreeing to send Stewart Clark details on which signs were required.

Alan Reid MP noted that A83 South of Tayinloan/Muasdale was on the planned works but stated that North of
Tayinloan requires proper patching.

Councillor Colville reported patching required on the south bound carriageway north of Strathnafanaig.

Stewart Clark to look at the condition of Hall Street. The old road at Clachan and Tangy's road conditions were
discussed.

Robert Millar congratulated Operational Services on the great job done on the cutting of the sides of the roads. It was
reported that additional money has been set aside for scrub cutting. Letter from Malcolm Reed was circulated to the
Group.

ARGYLL COLLEGE - Update from Argyll College was circulated and attached to this minute for information.

HIE - Councillor Semple welcomed Douglas Cowan, new Area Manager for HIE Argyll and the Islands who gave an
update on the changes which were happening at HIE. The development of a new action plan for Kintyre was a
network priority now for HIE with Douglas agreeing to come back to future meetings to progress this.

SCOTTISH WATER REPORT

Charles Murphy raised the issue of the public enquiry which is to be held in regard to the Scottish water solution. Jim
Mather MSP assured Mr. Murphy that he has organised a meeting and is very much on Scottish Water's case.

A.O.B.

Pauline Houston gave Councillor Semple a written question which Jamie had raised regarding The Scottish Executive
whether it will provide an update on efforts to re-establish a Campbeltown - Ballycastle ferry service.

Stewart Stevenson's reply was that the Scottish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive have appointed MVA
Consultancy to undertake a STAG Appraisal for the route.

The STAG Appraisal will consider all of the options available for delivering a ferry service on this route, and will allow
us to examine the economic viability of the route. MVA Consultancy is making good progress with this work, and is on
target to deliver the appraisal by summer 2008.

Following completion of the STAG Appraisal, Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Ministers will reach a
decision about a future tender for a subsidised ferry service on this route. The Scottish Government has put funding in
place to allow the service to start in 2009.

NEXT MEETING - FRIDAY 29th AUGUST 2008

ROYALIST SALUTE ?

TS Royalist, was in Campbeltown on 24th June, but there was doubt if she would still be in port to give Carradale and
Grogport sailors returning from another attack on St Nazaire a ‘Royalist’ salute when they return on the 26th or 27th.
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Alternatively, if she is still in port, trainees with French sympathies, might decide to uncover the false gun ports and
give the Campbeltown-based boat a taste of its own medicine.

TS Royalist is a brig owned and operated as a sail training ship by the Sea Cadet Corps of the United Kingdom. Royalist
was designed by Colin Mudie RDI and launched in 1971 by Princess Anne. In 1992, Royalist was taken out of the water
for a refit, termed as a ‘Mid-Life Upgrade’. Various facilities were improved, and she got a new coat of paint. Royalist
was re-launched by Princess Anne, (now the Princess Royal). She is built of steel, with an overall length of 29 metres
(97 feet) (not including the bowsprit, which adds about 8 metres onto her overall length), and has a traditional square-
rigged brig layout’.

The Royalist was also seen by Kenneth Bayne from his new house near Bunlarie, when she lay for a period of two hours
off Island Ross on Sunday evening, 29th June, and on the following day, making progress north up Kilbrannan Sound.
Perhaps in the first instance the crew were trying to see basking sharks which the Ritchies had observed a few days
earlier off Shore Road, Carradale.

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