carradale antler - 193 - october 2008

8/14/2019 Carradale Antler - 193 - October 2008

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Issue 193 October 2008 - e-mail edition

COMPLETE INDEX TO ALL "KINTYRE ON RECORD" UPLOADS

NOW ALSO ONLINE

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

- TH E CARRADALE GOAT WEBSITE DEPARTS- AUGUST RAINFALL- FISH BENEATH OUR FEET - LETTER TO TH E EDIT OR- The H arbor Porpoise- NO PORPOISE IN COMIN G ASH ORE - LETTER TO TH E EDITOR- SADDELL & CARRADALE GUILD 2008/ 2009 Programme- GUI LD SUMMER FAYRE

- AN IN TRODUCTION TO TH E FUTURE - APRIL FOOLS DAY PLUS ONE- OIL REFIN ERY - TH IRTY YEARS ON- TH E OLD SCOTT ISH CAPITAL - CAMPBELTOWN ? - CUTH BERT BEDE

- MONEY ADVICE : TH E COUNCILS MONEY ADVICE SERVICE- MON EY ADVICE : A VOLUNTEERS REACTI ON- H OUSEY - H OUSEY - PLAN NING APPLI CATION DECISIONS - An Interesting Case- THE PICTURE HOUSE- BONN IE BABIES - AN UPDATE- SALLY REID IN POST - ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCILS CHIEF EXECUTI VE- FERRY FARES PETITI ON- ALIEN ERGY - Argyll , Lomond & the Islands Energy Agency - Who are we ?- ALCOHOL

- TH IS IS YOUR DRIVER SPEAKIN G - RETURN TO SH ETLAND : A NORSE SAGA- TOM TOM REROUTE- GOLF CLUB- SWIFT WARM CHALLENGE

NOTE - ONLI NE TRIBUTE TO DUNCAN RITCHIE

TH E CARRADALE GOAT WEBSITE DEPARTS

As the Autumn draws nigh it is time to say thanks to Gary Sutherland and his family for their contribution to Carradale life.

Garys well-known web-site, TH E CARRADALE GOAT , has carried an up-to-date and informative cover of local evenand a host of web-cam pictures showing 'Carradalians' going about their daily tasks. His reports and pictures have graced tpages of The Antler, while the ultimate responsibility for the setting-up and servicing of a unique service to dog-walkers alonNaomis walk, rested solely on Garys shoulders, but hopefully not on his hands : where will The Community Council findsuccessor ?

The familys move to the landscape pleasures of Sutherland will remind those of us who enjoy the wilder parts of Scotland th

Kinlochbervie has much to gain from their presence. As a final tr ibute, Garys picture in the photographic exhibition says it all.

The loss of Gary and his Carradale Goat web-site may seen potty to those who appreciate only Carradale, but fuels other ambitiontalent does not go to waste or go up in smoke.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6045102/Whats-Online-Here-A-to-Z-Guidehttp://www.scribd.com/doc/6045102/Whats-Online-Here-A-to-Z-Guidehttp://www.the-carradale-goat.co.uk/http://www.scribd.com/doc/5553797/Carradale-Antler-Duncan-Ritchie-Funeral-Tribute-September-4-2008http://www.the-carradale-goat.co.uk/http://www.the-carradale-goat.co.uk/http://www.the-carradale-goat.co.uk/http://www.the-carradale-goat.co.uk/http://www.the-carradale-goat.co.uk/http://www.scribd.com/doc/5553797/Carradale-Antler-Duncan-Ritchie-Funeral-Tribute-September-4-2008http://www.the-carradale-goat.co.uk/http://www.scribd.com/doc/6045102/Whats-Online-Here-A-to-Z-Guidehttp://www.scribd.com/doc/6045102/Whats-Online-Here-A-to-Z-Guide


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AUGUST RAINFALL - What Goes Around Comes Around

Rainfall to redress the deficiency earlier in the year continued during August. There was heavy rain on three occasions (1st, 7th

9th when 28mm, 20mm & 26mm was recorded) and moderate rainfall on ten more. Hopes that we might have some late summsun & warmth never materialised as many days were depressingly overcast many with light drizzle. This gave a distinctly eaautumnal look and feel which was reinforced by the early turning of leaves on some deciduous trees.The statistics are that trainfall total in August was 171mm (just under 7 inches). This is above average for the month.

The total for the year so far is 977mm (about 39inches). Since keeping records the average annual rainfall is for 76 inch

Therefore, one could conclude that 2008 will either prove to be a dry year, or we are in for quite a bit more rain or perhaps we whave an Indian Summer ? Welcome to Autumn - the season of mellow fruitfulness - and whatever it brings. M. L

FISH BENEATH OUR FEET - LETTER TO TH E EDITOR

Dear Geoffrey,

Mary McMillan found this stranded porpoise on the shore in front of her house on Tuesday Aug 19. We phoned Bob Reid of tSAC Veterinary Services, Drummondhill, Inverness. He came and removed the porpoise and sent the following report.

"Firstly many thanks for taking the time to let us know about the dead porpoise.

As I said on the day the animal was an adult female harbour porpoise and we measured it at 168cm from the tip of the lower jato the notch on the tail fluke which is the standard way to measure such creatures. The weight was 51 Kilograms. I t had givbirth this summer and was lactating. There was no evidence of feeding in it's last few days. I t had a mild parasitic pneumonia bnot severe enough to cause it's demise.

There were changes consistent with live stranding including over-inflation of one lung and hypostatic congestion of the otheThis is commonly seen when a cetacean strands as it goes over on to one side and the "lower" lung shows fluid pooli(hypostatic congestion). At this stage we do not know why it live stranded but further tests will be carried out over the next femonths and I will let you know if anything signif icant is found. Please pass on my thanks to all involved". Cathy Forbes.

THE H ARBOR PORPOISE (Phocoena phocoena) is one of six species of porpoise. I t is one of the smallest ocean mammals. Aits name implies, it stays close to coastal areas or river estuaries and as such is the most familiar porpoise to whale watchers. Thporpoise often ventures up rivers and has been seen hundreds of miles from the sea. Wikipaedia.

NO PORPOISE I N COMI NG ASHORE - LETTER TO TH E EDITOR

Dear Geoffrey,

Mary McMillan found this stranded porpoise on the shore in front of her house on Tuesday Aug 19. We phoned Bob Reid of tSAC Veterinary Services, Drummondhill, Inverness. He came and removed the porpoise and sent the following report.

"Firstly many thanks for taking the time to let us know about the dead porpoise. As I said on the day the animal was an adufemale harbour porpoise and we measured it at 168cm from the tip of the lower jaw to the notch on the tail fluke which is th

standard way to measure such creatures. The weight was 51 Kilograms. It had given birth this summer and was lactating. Thewas no evidence of feeding in it's last few days. I t had a mild parasitic pneumonia but not severe enough to cause it's demise .

There were changes consistent with live stranding including over-inflation of one lung and hypostatic congestion of the other. Thiscommonly seen when a cetacean strands as it goes over on to one side and the lower lung shows fluid pooling (hypostatic congestio

At this stage we do not know why it live-stranded but further tests will be carried out over the next few months and I will let you know

anything significant is found. Please pass on my thanks to all involved." Sent in by Cathy Forbes

SADDELL & CARRADALE GUI LD 2008/ 2009 Programme

The Guild start their winter programme in October and would be delighted to welcome new faces at any of the meetings. Yodont have to be a member to come. Look out for the posters throughout the village.


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2008

Sun Oct 5 12.00pm Church Dedication - Rev J VischerMon Oct 6 7.30 pm Gardening - Robert WestermanMon Oct 27 7.30 pm Musical Open Night in Village Hall Music by C.G.STue Nov 18 2.30 pm CHAS - Maisie MilneSat Nov 29 2.30 pm Winter FayreMon Dec 8 TBA Christmas Dinner

2009

Tue Jan 13 2.30 pm Vine Trust - Matthew RamsayTue Feb 3 2.30 pm Orphans in Nepal - Pam FrancisMon Feb 9 7.30 pm Invitation to Lome & Lowland Guild - Mr Peter SlossTue Feb 24 2.30 pm Malawi - Margaret RichardsonFri Mar 6 7.00 pm World Day of PrayerMon Mar 9 7.30 pm AGM

GUILD SUMMER FAYRE

The Guild would like to thank everyone who helped or contributed in any way to the success of the Summer Fayre. We wedelighted to raise as total of 1,234.12

AN INTRODUCTION TO TH E FUTURE - APRIL FOOLS DAY PLUS ONE

As the Community Council Elections on Thursday 2nd April 2009 draw ever closer it is, perhaps, more appropriate to look ahearather than reflect on community affairs during the last three and a half years; the future beckons with a host of new challenges.

The consultative and advisory rle of community councils remains, at least until the Scottish Government decides what it expecof community volunteers, but it is clear that traditional responsibilities are only part of the likely package. The TV pattern community action south of the border - down Dibley way - although the equivalent of community councils in Scotland bwithout the advantage of a rate precept, are the last vestiges of a past era. Helping unitary authorities to do their job, and allowinlocal democracy to play a greater part in assisting communities to benefit from more direct financing, is now the name of tgame.

It's no good following Jim Trotts example in answering No-no-no-no-yes , to important questions like is your communcouncil willing and able to manage its own essential services ?

These important issues are an integral part of the discussion which will take place at the AGM of the Association of Argyll & BuCommunity Councils in the Council Chamber at Kilmory on Saturday 4th of October. Although only community councils aallowed to attend, have you questioned your local community councillors about their feelings on the possibility that they may asked to do some of the work previously carried out by Argyll & Bute Council.

This is a unique to get your community councillors to express your point-of-view on the possible changes to its rle in your loccommunity. On the other hand are you so outraged or enthusiastic about the prospect perhaps you will consider stand for electioas a community councillor on April 2nd, 2009.

OIL REFINERY - TH IRTY YEARS ON

WITH VESTAS SWEPT AWAY TO THE ISLE OF WIGHT BY A DISGUST OF WIND, IS IT TIME TO REOPEN THMINE ?

"Just the place for an oil refinery" ! This had become a cynical saying in our house whenever we came upon a particulabeautiful and secluded place. For the past seven Septembers we have stayed in just such a spot, now threatened with an refinery. It is at Ardnacross, near Peninver in Kintyre. It is a birdwatcher's paradise and seals can be seen on the rocks in tunspoilt sandy bay.


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There are important archaeological sites on the farm of Ardnacross - a Stone Age cairn which we discovered and are excavatineach September - and a Bronze Age cist known as the Priest's Grave and a possible Christian site. The coastline is particulalovely, and its rocky nature, with small islands and submerged reefs, make it extremely dangerous for large oil tankers. Tapproach from Campbeltown is along a narrow road with steep hills and sharp bends, quite unsuitable for heavy industritraffic.The adjoining village of Peninver, which is developing as a holiday resort, would be blighted and the famous salmon rivethe Lussa -would also be badly affected.

The originator of the scheme professes to be a lover of the countryside and a keen fisherman - loves the land and would nothing to harm it. One wonders how many country holidays or fishing expeditions he has recently spent at Grangemouth ?

That must have been an attractive place before the oil refinery and other industrial enterprises took over. There are 20unemployed men in Campbeltown, five miles away, but a refinery once built, would give work only to a handful of highly traineengineers, who would no doubt be brought in from outside the area. It would surely be more sensible to reopen the coal minear Campbeltown and make available fuel which already exists

It is to be hoped that the rezoning of good agricultural land for industrial use and the despoliation of a coastline of exceptionbeauty will not be permitted to take place, and that planning permission by the Argyll County Council will not be granted.

(Mrs.) Margaret E. Scott,12 Grosvenor Terrace, Glasgow. (Scottish Field January 1974).

I f you have views on the best way far Kintyre to r ecover from yet another withdrawal of publ icly-funded development, please contact your local A BCouncil lor, your M P or M SP, or wri te to the A ntler E ditor.

THE OLD SCOTTISH CAPITAL - CAMPBELTOWN ?

CUTHBERT BEDE (aka Rev. Edward Bradley 18271889)

A Dialogue - Brevity and Clearness - Campbelton the earliest Seat of the Scottish Monarchy, and the Christian Religion Scotland. - The Dalruadhs - An out-of-the-way Place - Round Robin Hood's Barn - The Inverary Cross - The Campbelton Crodid it come from Iona ? - Arguments for and against - Popular Traditions and their value - Ornamentation of the CrossMacculloch at fault - Demons and Angels - Pen and Pencil Records - The Town House.

SCENE. - Freeborn's (White Hart) Hotel, Campbelton: first-floor sitting-room: Author and Friend seated near a table on which abooks.

Friend. - The old Scottish capital, you say. Of course you mean Edinburgh ?

A uthor.- Of course I do not.

Friend.- Scone, then, or perhaps Dunfermline ?

A uthor.- Don't know such modern places.

Friend.- Forteviot, then, in Perthshire?

A uthor.- Nothing of the kind, my dear sir, though you are certainly coming nearer the mark; but Forteviot was not a capituntil the ninth centurythree hundred years after this spot; and Dun-Edin was not heard of when this town was the seat

monarchy.Friend.- But this town is Campbelton, in Cantire, at whose harbour we landed yesterday afternoon from the Greenock steame

A uthor.- Certainly, my dear friend, and this Campbelton was a capital city long before the present metro-polis of Scotland haeyen swelled into the dimensions of a little village.

Friend - You surprise me.

A uthor.- I don't wonder at i t. To tell you the truth, it has surprised me also to discover the fact. I fear that I must have gshaky in my Scottish history, or else it was imperfectly taught me, and bumped each year by Greece and Rome, until tClassical Boat had got to the head of the river, and the British Boat was nowhere. But, here are some very instructive volumthat have greatly enlightened my ignorance. This is Dr. Smith's "Historical Account of Campbelton," which exhausts thsubject.

Friend.- And its reader, I should imagine. It looks terribly dry.
http://wiki/1827http://wiki/1889http://wiki/1889http://wiki/1827


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A uthor.- Not to those who are thirsting for information, and this is William Smith's "Campbelton and Its NeighbourhoodAnd this

Friend.- Oh, spare me ! those Smiths are to be found everywhere, doing everything. Can you not present them with the prefix Mac, wherewith to improve their appearance, and make them more congenial to these Highland sights and sounds ! But paway those terrible folios, my dear Author, and tell me a few of the most important facts, if they are interesting and worth ttelling. Boil down those dreary looking volumes, and extract their essence; and be brief in serving up the banquet.

A uthor.- Willingly ! though as Horace said, and as Thomas Warton wittingly quoted when he snuffed out the candle "I truthat while I endeavour to be brief, I may not become obscure."

Friend.- It is certainly, in many matters, no easy thing to be brief; conciseness and clearness can only be obtained at the expen

of thought and labour; and I don't wonder at Cicero apologising for writing a long letter, on the plea that he had not time write a short one. And now, my dear sir, perge !

A uthor.- When, early in the seventh century, that fortress rock that had been known as Castrum Pud-larum received its AngSaxon name of Edwins-burgh, which was the nucleus for a thriving village that was afterwards to grow into the gremetropolis of Edinburgh, this town of Campbelton, or Dalruadhain, as it was then called, had, for more than a century, beethe capital or seat of the original Scottish monarchy, and had received within its boundaries the first preachers of Christianin the western Highlands. The earliest mention that we have of this district, is by Ptolemy, who distinguishes it, together wthe islands of Islay and Jura, by the name of E pidium; "probably," Dr. Smith remarks, "from a similar Celtic word signifying tIsle of the Picts." * [* E byd, however, was the old British word for "a peninsula." The Epidii formed one of the twenty-otribes among whom Scotland was originally divided by Agricola.]

This might refer to that portion of Cantire from this place to Mull, which was once island or, to the whole of the peninsula o

Cantire, which was commonly reckoned as an island, and was established as such in the year 1093, when the sovereignty of thisles was granted by Donald Bain, king of Scotland, to Magnus the Barefooted, king of Norway, who had his barge drawn undsail over the isthmus of Tarbert, and in this way brought Cantire under the compass of the grant, and fully established it as one othe islands of the Lords of the Isles.

The chief inhabitants of "the Isle of the Picts," of course, were Picts until about the year 210 A.D., when the natives of the Mof Cantire were driven to I reland, But before the third century had expired, Cairbre Kuadh, or "red-haired Cairbar," the son Conan the second king of Ireland, crossed over f rom I reland, at the head of a colony of the ancient Celtic inhabitants, and landiupon the Mull, effected a settlement in that southern portion of the Pictish dominions, from which they had formerly beexpelled. In this contest, Oscar, the son of Ossian was slain. About the middle of the fifth century, the Scots were again drivback to Ireland, where they remained till the year 503, when they made another descent on Cantire, headed by Lorn, Angus, aFergus, the three sons of Ere, and made themselves masters of the Peninsula, dividing the country between them. * [* "All thGaelic traditions now current in the isles, point at an Irish migration which took place in the year of grace once upon a time, and tword Righdeire occurs continually, where it seems to mean a small king, and a king of Erin. Even the word Albanach, now usefor Scotchman, means Wanderer." Campbell ' s Popular T ales of the W est H ighlands, Vol ii. p. 36.]

Lorn took that northern point of Argyleshire that still retains his name. Islay fell to the share of Angus, who died soon afteFergus who had landed at Dunaverty, took possession of Cantire; and on his brother Lorn's death, added his territory to his owand so became sole monarch of the Scots, and has ever since stood at the head of the Scottish kings. ** [** Father Innes haviwritten a "Critical Essay on the Picts and Scots," in which he sets forth that the Scots probably did not come into Britain unafter the time of Christ, and had not a king before the fif th or sixth century after Christ, was answered by a valorous Scottigentleman (supposed to be a Mr. Waddel; see "Scotia Redi-viva," vol. i. p. 266), who, in a pamphlet published 1733, entitle"Remarks on Mr. Innes's Critical Essays," &c., proves satisfactorily (to himself) that "the Scots began to reign 452 years before t

Incarnation, and 245 years three months before the Picts".

This little touch of correctness about the three months is a master stroke. In speaking of the time of Alexander the Third (12491285), Mr. Chambers says, "When Fergus invaded the country in 503, he brought with him a flat black stone like a cushion, whichad been, even for ages before his time, a kind of family palladium. A destiny was attached to it, according to tradition, thwherever it should be placed, there should the race of Scots be predominant Perhaps the sacred object had been carried with thtribe through Ireland, and might be afterwards committed to the charge of Fergus, as a means of procuring success to hexpedition. On this the Scottish kings had always been placed at their coronation. Another Celtic ceremonial was gone through osuch occasions. A Highland senachy, or herald, appeared before the new king, and recited his genealogy back to the time Fergus, by way of showing his right to the throne."H istory of Scotl and, Vol. i. p. 14. There were at Iona sacred black stones folike purpose.]


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From Cairbre Kuadh, Cantire and the adjacent lands" received the name of Dal-ruaedh, or " the portion of Kuadh;" the Scowere called Dalruadhini; their kingdom, the Dalruadhinian kingdom; and their capital or seat of government, Dalruadhain, nocalled Campbelton. *

The Frith of Clyde is universally allowed to have been the boundary which separated the Dalriads from the Strathclyde Britonand consequently it follows that D alriada, or the territory of the Scots in Britain, must have been confined to South A rgyll, or that part the county lying to the south of Linne Loch; and the Scots appear to have maintained their possession of a territory sinconsiderable in comparison with that of the Picts, partly by the strong natural boundaries and impervious nature of the counitself and partly by the close connection which they at all times preserved with the Irish." (Skene's "Highlanders of Scotland," vo

i. p. 33.) The same author also says of the three Dalriad tribes of Lorn, Cowal, and Kintyre, " that of Kintyre attained to so grepower as eventually to obtain the supreme authority over all Scotland." (Vol ii. p. 9.)]

King Fergus had a sister named Erca, who married a son of Conan, king of Ireland, to whom she bore Felim, who was the fathof St. Columba. He is believed to have been born in the year 521, or 523, though a rather later date is sometimes assigned. His lis so clouded with monkish legends, that, in most instances, its facts can only be a matter of speculation; nor can we tell anythimore of his visit to Cantire than we learnt when we paid our visit to Kilcolmkill yesterday.

It is very evident that he preached the Gospel here before proceeding to Iona, and also that St. Kiaran, "the Apostle of Cantirewas his predecessor in the work, and thus this old Scottish capital received within its boundaries the earliest preachers Christianity in the Highlands. For nearly three centuries and a half, the ancient Campbelton continued to be the seat government, and the capital of the Scottish kingdom, until 843, when Kenneth the Second, king of the Scots, having finasubdued the Picts, merged into one the two kingdoms and races of the Picts and Scots, and transferred the seat of governmefrom Dalruadhain to Fortren (Forteviot), in Perthshire. Such, briefly, is the ancient history of this place in its palmy days, whenwas the capital of the Scottish kingdom; and there is no spot throughout the length and breadth of Scotland, which has a higher onobler history than this town at its very Land's-end; but because it lies out of every one's way, few care to visit it.

Friend. - Certainly, it must be confessed, that however interesting Campbelton may be, it is not a very accessible place. It isterrible voyage to us gentlemen of England who live at home in ease. Just four times as long as the passage from Dover Calais, even if you abbreviate this voyage as we did yesterday, by taking the rail to Greenock, and thereby getting two houless of the steamer's company. A voyage equal to four times across the channel! and the worst of it is, that when we are herwe have got to get back again !

A uthor - I will take you back by a shorter route. We will post up to Tarbert, and then get from thence to Greenock through t

Kyles of Bute. By that way, the voyage will only be three hours and a half - if the weather is propitious.Friend Only - and if ! I groan within me !

A uthor. If you dare not trust yourself to so long an acquaintance with salt-water, and wish to get back to England on dland, you will have to go round Robin Hood's barn with a vengeance, though you will be compensated by lovely scenery. the first place, you would have to post seventy-three miles from here to Inverary, unless you stopped short at Ardrishaig to sthe Crinan Canal, and then crossed Loch Fyne by the Otter Ferry. You might do worse than this; and if you should stop aArdrishaig, which is a very pretty spot, and well worth seeing, I would counsel you to put up at Mrs. Johnson's Hotel, wheyou will have nothing to put up with, but will meet with all the comfort, cleanliness, and attention that you can possibly desiIf you go on to Inverary, don't forget to look at the old cross.

MON EY ADVICE : TH E COUNCILS MON EY ADVICE SERVICE

Argyll & Bute Councils Director of Corporate Services has prepared a review of the Councils Money Advice Service. On tpromotion of the Service the review states.

The Protective Services Money Advice Service is highly valued by those who are driven to seek its intervention and advice and bagencies and services across the community who refer their clients to the Service. Although not actively promoted within tcommunity, the Service works on the basis of referral from local agencies and increasingly on "word of mouth".

The decision not to advertise the service is necessary to restrict the demand to the service to a level which would prevent thservice being over-whelmed by the resultant demand, giving rise to unrealistic expectations of on the part of the client(s) and thcreditors, of a speedy resolution of their problem. As things stand, whenever the number of clients rises to a level beyond whicthe team can sustain, the Service closes the list of those awaiting debt advice and/ or intervention. Whereas this has previous


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been something that has happened most often in the "aftermath" of a Christmas spend, it is now an important tool usthroughout the year to balance and manage Officer workloads and maintain the quality of the service provided.

The prevailing demand for the Service and the need to close the list of clients awaiting debt advice, confirm the demand fmoney advice services which are free and independent. 32 clients were refused access to the service in the past three months.

The report goes on - The service is currently operating with a reduced staff resource, due to the necessary re-deployment oTrading Standards staff who have historically undertaken some debt counselling work. This action has proved necessary address problems in sustaining that service, in light of long term absence, recent death in service and a lack of success recruitment. The deferral of recruitment pending the realisation of the Strategic Best Value Review of Protective Services hserved to extend the period over which these difficulties have been experienced. This reduction in the available staff resource (0f.t.e.) has seen a reduction in the number of cases handled in the year from 600, to 420.

Although the prevailing circumstances will rightly be seen as temporary in nature and impact, there is no prospect of aimprovement in this situation in the longer term, as current plans for efficiency savings will see a permanent reduction in tTrading Standards staff complement of 1 full time employee, a resource beyond the reduction described above.

MONEY ADVICE : A VOLUNTEERS REACTI ON

When the Council decided to reduce funding to Argyll Citizens Advice service, forcing the Lochgilphead administrative office

close all local volunteer offices, it was obvious that debt problems were going to increase. Instead of financing a training upgradfor all unpaid CAB volunteers, ABC decided, on the advice of its own competing professional officers, that the service was not uto its own standards, despite accreditation by the Scottish CAB office.

At a single stroke, nearly 20 volunteers, with a variety of skills and training experience, were told that they were no longerequired. Hundreds of clients, part way through processes to solve their problems, suddenly found themselves remote from locadvice, slipping down the slippery slope towards bankruptcy. Others with minor problems had to try and contact the elusitrading standards officers. All in all a disaster that could have been so easily alleviated by a small increase in financial support.

Now, with the Councils own Money Advice Services being stretched by those affected by the credit crunch and Trading Standaofficers, always difficult to contact, becoming less involved in helping those with financial problems, Argyll & Bute residents finthemselves without the urgent advice and support they need.

The administrative CAB office, set in a town with probably fewer client problems than any other, remains open for those able travel to Lochgilphead or contact it by telephone. The volunteer centre in Longrow also houses a paid CAB advisor for a fehours one day a week, but the service offered, while expert, cannot deal with the sheer numbers attending the CAB volunteoffices throughout the County during the nearly four years of service given by trained volunteers.

The Councils short-sightedness, and the lack of enthusiastic support by some local councillors serving at the time, - the outrighostility of others, assisted the failure of the CAB service in Campbeltown and in Helensburgh, Dunoon, Oban, Mull and thassociated service on Islay; not one local councillor accepted the invitation to see the local service in operation - although onactually crossed the doorstep - perhaps he was seeking advice. G.P.

HOUSEY - HOUSEY

PLANNING APPLICATI ON DECISIONS - An Interesting Case

If youve ever wondered about why a planning application for a house was allowed or refused here is an interesting case from tnorth of the County. The applicants name and other location details have been excluded.

TH E AREA COMMI TTEES VIEW

It was unanimously agreed by the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee to recommend to the Protective Services aLicensing Committee that planning permission be granted as consistent with Local / Structure Plan Policies - for the followi


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reasons: a) the application justifies rounding off as it will form a small node of housing with the hills as a backdrop and therefocomplies with the new Local Plan; and b) there is no significant adverse environmental impact as the house fits well into tsloping hills and landscape so therefore is not in breach of RUR2.

A re you with it so far ?

TH E PROFESSIONAL PLANN ERS VIEW

The application site is located within an area of 'Sensitive Countryside' where Structure Plan Policy STRAT DC 5 states thawithin Areas of 'Sensitive Countryside' encouragement shall be given to small scale infill, rounding off, redevelopment proposaand/ or change of use of buildings.

In special cases development in the open countryside may be supported if it accords with an Area Capacity Evaluation (ACEHowever, given that; the proposed dwelling-house does not meet the criteria of infill, rounding off, redevelopment or change ouse of a building and that the special circumstances claim is insufficient to justify the proposal and, as the development is contrato the established settlement pattern and will have an adverse landscape and visual impact on the area, the proposal is contrary Policy STRAT DCS of the Structure Plan.

With regards to the adopted Mull, Coll & Tiree Local Plan, the site is located within the Loch a'Chumhainn / Calgary Area Local Landscape Signif icance and would result in an unacceptable form of development contrary to POL RUR (1A) of the Pl

which seeks to resist prominent or sporadic development which would have an adverse environmental impact.

There is no locational or operational need for a house on the site and there is no economic benefit, all of which confirms that tproposal is contrary to POL RUR (1A) and POL RUR (2) of the adopted Mull, Coll & Tiree Local Plan.

The application site is located in sensitive countryside as defined in the Modified Finalised Draft of the Argyll and Bute LocPlan. Policy LP HOU 1 contains a general presumption against small scale housing in open undeveloped areas within SensitivCountryside.

The text amplifying the Policy suggests that this zone does not have the general capacity to successfully absorb any scale of nehousing development when it is in the open countryside. Consequently, the presumption in favour is restricted to small-scahousing development in close proximity to existing buildings in infill, rounding-off, change of use of building and redevelopmesites.

It is considered that due to the location of the dwelling house it does not meet the criteria referred to in Policy LP HOD I. Tproposal is contrary to Policy LP HOU 1 of the Modified Finalised Draft of the Argyll and Bute Local Plan. The proposals acontrary to the terms of the adopted development plan and also the Council's emerging Local Plan.

APPLI CANTS SUPPORTI NG STATEMEN T

On submission of the application the applicant had submitted a special claim of medical need for the applicant. T he appli cant hsince passed away and a new claim of special medical need has been submitted . . . . .

. . . . . Having considered the terms of the additional medical information it is considered that there is no special justificatiowhich would merit the grant of a planning permission for the erection of a dwelling-house in an area of Sensitive Countryside.

The basis on which this proposal was instigated was that the applicant required 24/ 7 care by two carers who would reside in tdwelling house.

The application was supported by several letters from the applicant's medical team, which clarified the position with his health.

Regrettably, the applicant has now passed away and as such the special circumstance which necessitated the dwelling-house is nlonger applicable.

However, since the applicant's death, the applicant has now submitted further supporting information, which claims that thdwelling-house is now required to provide accommodation for carers for the appli cant s wi fe.


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This information is available for Members in a confidential appendix. A report on a further detailed application for the siting otwo mobile homes to accommodate two carers to the south and rear of the existing house is also included in this agenda.

ROAD NETWORK, PARKIN G AND ASSOCIATED TRAN SPORT MATTERS.

Although the Area Roads Manager has suggested that a decision be deferred until access, car parking and turning arrangemenare clarified, it is considered that, had the principle of the development been acceptable, these issues could be easily resolved. Itconsidered that the matters raised could be resolved satisfactory and in themselves would not obstruct the grant of a plannipermission.

PLANNING CONCLUSION

There are no technical difficulties with this proposal, however, there are fundamental difficulties with the principle of this type odevelopment, in the proposed location. Structure Plan Policy STRAT DCS cannot be satisfied by virtue of there being nsubstantiated 'special case".

In terms of the adopted Local Plan, the proposal is also contrary to Policies RUR 1(A) and RUR 2, of the Mull, Coll & TirLocal Plan. With regards to the Modified Finalised Draft Local Plan, the proposed development is contrary to policy LP HOD 1

THE COUNCILS DECISION is not known, but what is your decision? Do you side with the applicant and the AreCommittee, the planners or with whatever the whole Council decides ?

TH E PICTURE H OUSE

Sat 27 Sept 2008 for 6 days at 8.00pm "You Don't Mess with the Zohan" Cert 12A

BONNIE BABIES - AN UPDATE

Y ou may wonder while the A nt ler is carrying another i tem on Bonni e Babies, but the ex cellent work carri ed on by this organi sati on, whose foundD ebby L amont l ives at R honadale, can be judged from the following ex tr act fr om its Summer N ewsletter.

Bonnie Babies is a non-prof it Voluntary Organisation dedicated to helping UK Special Babies - We depend entirely on the ha

work, kindness and dedication from members and friends without whose support none of this would be possible.

Tiny premature baby clothes are knitted, crocheted and sewn. To be sent out to all Special Care Baby Units who are in need these tiny items. Also to individuals who ask for our help. Sadly some babies don't make it so tiny burial outfits are made in thope of helping parents at this time.

A keepsake gift has been created to give to parents; our way of showing we care. The first wedding dress donated to BonnBabies was made into 97 tiny burial outfits, so sad; yet that is 97 parents who we know will have something very special for thelittle one.

All items made and sent out are a gift with love from Bonnie Babies. We know you care too that's why you're reading this andthank you on behalf of Bonnie Babies for taking the time to read about the work we do.

ALMOST 100 HOSPITALS

Bonnie Babies after 7 years of hard work, dedication and so much knitting, crocheting and sewing can proudly announce we asending out our boxes to almost 100 hospitals. A huge well done to everyone who has helped make this possible

We also send items to Children's Hospices and to Blythswood, which is an organisation that sends our baby items across Euroto help many more babies. This is the perfect way to use up any coloured wool and help babies in another country


10/1910

BB CHALLENGE

Bonnie Babies latest challenge has been a brilliant success with amazing totals for all 4 parts. From January to April an amazin17,768 items have been made for our challenge. Well done to everyone

Many BBC Radio stations took part in supporting us during this time and brought many more members online and off to add these totals. A huge thank you to all Radio stations for the kind help and support they gave us in helping to raise our profile.

If you would like a BB pattern pack please send a SAE and a note requesting which one you would like: Knitting, Machi

Knitting or Sewing pack.

If I could suggest you enclose a large envelope and large letter stamp, this would be very much appreciated and by sending onefor your pack you are also helping us.

SUPPORT FROM JOHN LEWIS STORE, EDINBURGH

We are now being supported by The John Lewis store in Edinburgh, which is fantastic. A huge thank you to them for offerithis level of support. The following poster is on display in the store now: With the help of John Lewis customers we can help tcharity with so much more.

From June 1st 2008 the wool department in John Lewis Edinburgh will produce a different pattern each. They will be available o

the 1st of every month for a whole year.

All you have to do is buy the yarn and we will give you the pattern to make the garment, blanket, etc. Bring your completed iteback to us, we will then send all the items that you so generously make to Bonnie Babies for them to distribute to special bacare units around Scotland and the UK.

On the 1st of every month we will let you know how many garments, blankets, etc. were sent to Bonnie Babies the previoumonth. If you live in or around Edinburgh you might want to pop along to buy your wool and pick up a pattern.

SENDING ITEMS TO BONNIE BABIES

All your parcels are very much appreciated and help a great deal to fill our boxes. To help Bonnie Babies if you would like a repto your parcel please include a SAE. This would be greatly appreciated, due to a fantastic response thank you letters are going oby the hundreds. Addressing envelopes has taken up so much of my time and of course stamps are adding up and reducing omuch-needed funds. Thank you for understanding

HOW YOU CAN HELP - Donations we can use

WOOL This is shared out amongst members to make some of the many items needed to fill up our boxes.

RIBBON This is added to bonnets, angel pockets, gowns etc

LACE Used mostly by our sewers for adding to gowns, pretty dresses and tiny Moses baskets

WEDDING DRESSES These are always very much appreciated and used to make some of the most beautiful gowns and angpockets

MATERIAL This can always be used for most of the sewn items made for BB. Nice soft material is used to make sheets, whiare often requested by the Hospitals.

UNUSED POSTAGE STAMPS These are also very welcome and would help towards a parcel postage cost

CASH DONATIONS Are always greatly received and help a great deal towards the growing costs of BONNIE BABIES.

Please make any cheques of postal orders payable to BONNIE BABIES CAN YOU KNIT CROCHET OR SEW


11/1911

Then if so why not join us in helping the UK Special Care Baby Units All baby items are needed ongoing by so many hospitalsPlease feel free to use your own patterns as long as sizes are compatible for premature babies but please note most special cababy units cannot use knitted mittens or booties.

Thank you

BONNIE BABIES FOUNDER DEBBY LAMONT PO BOX 9269 CAMPBELTOWN PA28 6WSwww.bonniebabies.co.uk e-mail; [email protected]

SALLY REID IN POST - ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCILS CHIEF EXECUTI VEAs you know James McLellan retired in June after 13 years as Argyll and Bute Councils Chief Executive. The Council appointeSally Reid as their new Chief Executive, and I am delighted to say that she takes up her post on Monday 1 September. Sally wHead of Performance and HR in Midlothian Council. She brings a range of important skills to lead the Council as this nechapter in its development begins. She is keen to develop contacts with the Councils many partners and she will be doing thprogressively when she is in post. Sallys contact details are below.

Yours sincerelyNigel Stewart Interim Chief Executive

Sally Reid, Chief Executive, Argyll and Bute Council, Kilmory, Lochgilphead, Argyll PA31 8RT Tel: 01546 604350Email : [email protected]

FERRY FARES PETITIONREVIEW OF FERRY SERVICES AND ROAD EQUIVALENT TARIFF (RET)

Robin Curries Argyll & Bute initiative to reduce ferry fares is now active on the Scottish Governments e-petition web-site via apetition by Joan Richardson calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to commence a review of ferservices to develop a long-term strategy for lifeline services to 2025 and provide an immediate minimum discount of 40% on ferfares http:/ / epetitions.scottish.parliament.uk/ . Although Kintyre remains firmly joined to the mainland, completion of the petition on the above site is an act of solidarity with all rural communities.

ALIEN ERGY - Argyll, Lomond & the Islands Energy Agency - Who are we ?

ALIenergy is a local agency that promotes better use of energy and local energy resources throughout Argyll, Lomond and tIslands

We help communities, individuals and businesses to benefit from improved energy education and energy efficiency - improvithe quality of life (and reducing bills!) for householders and improving profitability for businesses.

We work with our partners and stakeholders to harness the renewable energy sources - hydro, marine, bio-mass, wind and solarthat the area has in abundance, for the benefit of communities within Argyll; providing jobs and development opportunities.

WHAT DO WE DO ?

Develop wood-fuel supply chains and help with wood-fuel boiler installations - and we own and operate a demonstratiowoodfuel boiler in Oban.

Education & awareness - we offer fun and informative lessons and activities in schools and communities.

Advice and support - we provide information and advice on energy efficiency and renewable energy, including energy saving your home or business and available grants.

Training - we deliver training to provide new energy related skills within the community.

Project development we develop our own projects and provide assistance to community projects

Consultancy - we deliver contracts for a variety of agencies and NGOs
http://www.bonniebabies.co.uk/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://epetitions.scottish.parliament.uk/http://epetitions.scottish.parliament.uk/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.bonniebabies.co.uk/


12/1912

ENERGY EFFICIENCY - DID YOU KNOW ?

If you were to save just 20% of the energy you use each day, you'll help control climate change.

Every household in the UK creates around 6 tonnes of CO2 every year - this is six times the weight of waste that the averahousehold sends to landfill.

The average household can potentially save 2 tonnes of carbon every year; also cutting the fuel bill by one third - by takisome simple energy saving steps

Businesses can benefit too - reducing energy bills by 20% could add the same amount to your profits as a 5% increase in sal

WHAT CAN YOU DO ? - Some examples

Use low energy bulbs - if every UK household installed just one low energy light bulb, enough energy would be saved inyear to supply all the lighting in 2 million homes

Turn down the heating - adjusting your thermostat down by IC or using one hour less heating a day could cut fuel bills 10%

Insulate - lof t insulation can save around 20% and cavity wall insulation can save up to 40%, on bills

Use less - by boiling only the water actually needed for a cup of tea, UK households could save enough electricity to rpractically all the street lighting in the country

Switch off- appliances left on standby use more than I billion worth of energy in the UK every year - A win-win situatioyou get lower fuel bills and we all get a direct reduction in carbon emissions.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Enough energy can be generated through renewable sources within Argyll and the Islands for the area to be self sufficient and produce energy for other parts of Scotland.We can make a huge contribution to combating climate change.

Argyll and the Islands are rich in renewable energy resources

20% of Argyll is forested - providing a potential renewable woodfuel source

We have a plentiful supply of wind energy

Argyll has some of the best tidal streams in Scotland

Argyll is already a leader in the UK for the large number and size of its hydro-electric installations

Communities, small businesses and households can also produce renewable energy - for example, the community on Gigha hainstalled and operate three wind turbines, exporting electricity to the national grid

ALIENERGY - HOW WE CAN HELP YOU

Energy efficiency :

Free and impartial advice and support to households, communities and businesses

Information on grants - for heating, insulation etc, and other energy saving tips

Energy efficiency surveys and environmental audits

Help and advice with fuel bills and tarif fs


13/1913

Staff training and energy monitoring

Renewable and sustainable energy :

Advice and information on systems, technologies and costing

Support for the development of woodfuel systems and supply networks

Signposting to appropriate funding sources

Contacts for consultants and engineers

Education and awareness :

Education programmes with schools and community groups

Awareness raising events with communities

Presentations

Roadshows

Also :

Project management and feasibility studies

Environmental consultancy

Assistance with community consultation and capacity building

CONTACT US

Argyll, Lomond and the Islands Energy AgencyKilbowie House, Gallanach Road, Oban, Argyll PA34 4PF

Tel/ Fax : 01631 565183 Email : [email protected]

ALIenergy is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status SC032495

ALCOHOL

Alcohol is so widely used that we sometimes forget the harm it can cause to our physical and mental health. So how can we enjoour drink and stay healthy ?

MEN : No more than 3-4 units a day and no more than 21 units in one week.

WOMEN : No more than 2-3 units a day and no more than 14 units a week.

We all need at least 2 days a week without alcohol. Doctors agree that drinking more than the sensible limit damages health in thshort and long-term.

HANG ON - WHAT'S A UNIT ?

A unit equals 10ml of pure alcohol. That's how much the body can safely get rid of in an hour.
mailto:[email protected]://www.alienery.org.uk/http://www.alienery.org.uk/mailto:[email protected]


14/1914

HOW MANY UNITS IN A DRINK ?

330ml bottle standard lager/ beer: 1.7 units700ml bottle whisky: 28 units275ml bottle alcopop: 1.5 units1 pint standard lager/ beer: 2.3 units175ml glass standard wine: 2.1 units1 pint strong cider: 3.4 units35ml measure gin/ rum/ vodka/ whisky: 1.4 units

1 pint medium strength lager/ beer: 2.8 units

The units above are average levels - the strength of drinks varies by brand. Many display their unit content on the label to help yodrink at a sensible level.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ALCOHOL WE DRINK

Some is absorbed in the stomach, most through the intestines. It then travels to all parts of the body in the blood including tbrain. I t's the liver's job to get rid of the alcohol. When it becomes overworked by large quantities of alcohol it doesn't work well.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DRINK MORE THAN THE SENSIBLE LIMIT

W eight gain: Alcoholic drinks contain more calories than you think. I f you're concerned about weight gain you should considcutting down your alcohol intake.

D ehydrati on: Alcohol dehydrates the body. This is partly what causes 'hangover' symptoms. If you've been drinking alcohol, driplenty of water before going to bed.

Make your night last longer, use soft-drink 'spacers' between alcoholic drinks.

E arly ageing: Dehydration and lack of proper sleep wrecks skin and hair. I t expands blood vessels, causing thread veins and othphysical symptoms.

Sleep problems: It can help us nod off but even small amounts prevent the deep sleep that we need to feel alert and refreshed.

Cancer: Drinking is the second biggest risk factor for cancers of the mouth and throat after smoking. Drinking too much couincrease your risk of developing breast cancer.

L iver di sease: Alcohol turns some liver cells into fat and damages others. Because the liver has no 'feeling' in it, people often donrealise it's suffering until it's too late. Repeated heavy drinking scars the liver ('liver cirrhosis') and causes permanent damage whiccan cause death.

M ental health problems: Alcohol is a significant risk factor for poor mental health and mental illness. People sometimes wrongly ualcohol as a way of coping with difficulties in their life. Alcohol can cause and increase anxiety and depression. This is parbecause it uses up our stores of the natural brain chemicals that calm us and lift our mood. People who drink a lot have mo

problems with their mental health. Continued excessive drinking can cause memory loss and alcohol related brain damage. Try adopt healthier ways to cope, like walking, playing sport, learning to relax and talking through your worries.

Strok e: A 20 year study of 6000 Scottish men, found those drinking more than the recommended weekly limit were more likely die of a stroke (those consuming 35 units a week were twice as likely to do so compared with non-drinkers).

Fertility and Pregnancy: Alcohol lowers sperm count in men and fertility in women. I f you're pregnant or trying for a baby avoalcohol completely.

Sex: Alcohol numbs our sex organs and can make it hard to reach orgasm. It also makes us clumsier and that can result unsatisfying and unsafe sex. Unsafe sex can lead to unplanned pregnancy and also sexually transmitted diseases, including Hand AIDS.


15/1915

Blood Pressure Drinking to excess is linked with a rise in blood pressure. Raised blood pressure increases the risk of heart diseaand stroke.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY INFORMATION :

Never leave a drunk person on their own, especially if they appear sleepy.Turn them onto their side (recovery position) so thatthey're sick, they won't choke. I f you can't wake them and it is causing you great concern dial 999. Keep them warm and stay wthem until help arrives.

TIPS FOR SENSIBLE DRINK :

Stick to sensible limits. Eat before and while you drink Food makes the body absorb alcohol more slowly so limits how quicklygets into the bloodstream. Use soft-drink 'spacers' Alternate between alcoholic and soft drinks. That way you make your night lalonger. I t'll stop you getting dehydrated and lessen the effects of a hangover too. Don't drink every day. Drinking too mualcohol damages the liver. I t may repair itself but you have to give it a chance. Have at least two alcohol-f ree days every weeCheck the strength, cut the quantity Drink strengths vary widely between brands. Why not choose a lower alcohol option anconsider cutting back ?

WORRIED ABOUT YOUR DRINKING ? Call DRINKLINE free on 0800 7 314 314at any time.

For more tips and information about alcohol, visit www.infcscotlnnd.com/ alcohol NHS, Health Scotland

TH IS IS YOUR DRIVER SPEAKING - RETURN TO SH ETLAND : A NORSE SAGA

A one-day visit from Edinburgh to Campbeltown to see an old friend is not everyones idea of a day out, but one intreppensioner was prepared to enjoy The Scottish Governments free travel scheme.

Having left Shetland by ferry and bused to Edinburgh for a wedding she decided that being so close to Campbeltown, in relativterms, the extra leg to Campbeltown would be somewhat of a doddle - little did she realise that the trip described by Kate Muir the June Antler was not typical of all bus journeys.

Leaving Edinburgh around 7am, Glasgow was reached, with a few minutes to spare before the timed departure of the Citylink bto Campbeltown.

With others, she waited patiently outside the locked bus and eventually, after the reluctant driver was told by an inspector unlock the bus, allowed to mount. Waiting continued until the bus departed ten minutes late.

The driver seemed to be in no state to drive the bus and dismounted several times at traff ic lights for no apparent reasoPassengers suspected that his lack of conversation and apparently unnecessary stops were due to his activities the previous nigh

Relieved to leave the bus at Tarbert, she travelled by car to Carradale and, refreshed, visited her friend in Campbeltown. Tw

hours later she arrived at the bus stance and, with her Citylink ticket, was directed by the Citylink driver to travel to Glasgow bthe 'West Coast' bus. At this point she takes up the story -

The driver of the bus from Campbeltown to Glasgow on Tuesday 19th August was very quiet and drove well. I wish the two giwho sat behind me had also been quiet. They were very loud and giggly and spoke non stop all the way to Glasgow about theadventures with the opposite sex ! I could have done without the tales. One of them also announced she had to get drunk to gto sleep !

The driver of the City Link Bus from Glasgow to Edinburgh I would describe as a Rab C Nesbet. Not in looks but in manner. Hwas reasonable until we hit Edinburgh and all the road works at which point he lost the head. He took the wrong road and got a terrible mess.
http://www.infcscotlnnd.com/alcoholhttp://www.infcscotlnnd.com/alcohol


16/1916

How he managed to get to the Bus Station without hitting another vehicle was nothing short of miraculous. At one point he dsend a number of cones in all directions and I would be surprised if at least one car had not been hit by a cone. To say hlanguage was colourful was an understatement ! I t was every colour of the rainbow.

He made it known that he would never come to Edinburgh ever again and that no one would go on the F****** Trams ! Hcould not wait to see the supervisor and tell him his views. I would love to have been a fly on the wall at that conversation.

However, it was the driver on my bus journey to Dundee on Tuesday that won the gold medal. Had the bus driver not beeEnglish I would have thought it was 'Jim' from the article in The Antler.

The story begins before the passengers got onto the bus. The driver (I didn't discover his name) told the passengers to get into orderly line and then began his speech.

"This is the bus to Dundee. I f you are not travell ing to Dundee do not get on board. Have your tickets ready and if you haveconcession I want to see your pass. I f you have luggage put it in the luggage compartment, it must not be taken onto the bus."

After all that we were allowed on the bus one by one. Once all passengers were on board the driver drove off and once again gaus a lecture. At this point I felt I was on a flight to Dundee not a bus !

The announcement went as follows - "Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen. You are travelling on the City Link bus to DundeThis bus is fitted with seat belts for your comfort and safety. I f you have not already fastened your belt do so now as it is nocompulsory. Anyone who has taken on a bag must not put it on any unoccupied seat. It must be placed on the luggage raoverhead or under your seat.

"If you have brought on hot coffee I do not want it placed in the luggage rack. You have no idea the number of people who dthat resulting in me having to clean up the mess.

"Speaking of mess whatever you have brought on with you, be sure to take it off with you when you leave. I do not want to finbanana skins, orange peel, apple cores etc left on my bus.

"On our journey today we will stop at Ferrytoll and Kinross Toll. (No mention of Queensferry Street though he did stop theand pick up).

"I will attempt to give you a smooth journey to Dundee accident free. However, should we have an accident I wil l now explawhere the emergency exits are. There is one in the roof and one at the back of the bus. If you are unable to escape through theexits you will have to break a window".

He then went on to tell us where to find hammers to do this with ! !

"On arrival at Dundee passengers travelling on to Aberdeen will have a 15 minute wait for their connection to Aberdeen. Thayou very much ladies and gentlemen for your attention".

At this point he got a round of applause which surprised him.

"Thank you very much ladies and gentlemen that is the first time I have had an applause".

I then began to wonder i f he would repeat all this at every stop. Thankfully that did not happen. When we arrived at Dundee thanked us for being such good passengers and reminded us to take all our rubbish with us ! Had this driver just completedtraining course ? In contrast the bus driver on the Dundee/ Aberdeen bus did not say one word. As the saying goes "Therenothingasqueer as folk" ! A. R


17/1917

TOM TOM REROUTE

Although phonetically similar, this request is not related in any way to Tonton Macoutes, the Haitian personal police force odictator Francois Duvalier (Papa Doc), but jungle drums are certainly vibrating with the sound of frustrated travellers beating thheads against the trunks of the A 83 tree.

Fortunately, the problem is more associated with travel on Britains crowded roads rather than fleeing from the vengeful pursuof the renamed National Security Volunteers.

Simply, how do you get your GPS to avoid sending you via Arran or Portavadie when you want a simple road route from EaKintyre to less civilised parts of the UK without supporting CalMac Ferries.

Even if I enter Inveraray as my home address I am directed back to Tarbert and on to Cowal. If you know a way of resolving thproblem without resorting to more obvious antiquated paper solutions please ring 01583 431281.

For those scornful of GPS devices, just wait until the Government decides to remove road signs and withdraw all paper maps reduce unnecessary travel. Then where will you be ?

GOLF CLUB

The main highlights of the last few weeks were the successful AmAm competition, the Ladies Club Championship at Carradaand Machrihanish and the Mens Matchplay Competition.

Firstly the AmAm attracted 24 teams of 4 players and once again the weather played a major part due to heavy brain and windThe Ritchie Family from Fife were overall winners with a superb score of net 48 for the 18 holes. A local team, comprising oRobert McDougall, Jamie Robertson, John Paterson and Diarmid Dunlop, were second place with an equally good score of n50.

In the Ladies Club Championship 1st in the scratch section and winner of the Chris Campbell Memorial Trophy was LauMcGeachy. The winner of the handicap section was Marlene Walker. Keith, Moira and Michael were thanked for, once agaproviding wine and nibbles for the presentation.

Lindsay Owen won the Ladies Club Championship at Machrihanish

In the Mens Matchplay competition Robert Abernethy was the winner over John Paterson, the match going to the 19th holenot the bar at the hotel !

The mens Club Championship is being played in September and the result will be featured in the next Antler.

MENS SECTION

Other results of recent competitions are as follows : -

5 July July Medal R J Abernethy

12 July July Open 1st Hcap L. Girbow (Lamlash)2nd Hcap R. J. Abernethy1st Scratch P. Davis2nd Scratch J. Litster (Lochgilphead)

19 July Foulds Martin 1st D.Dunlop2nd D.J. Ritchie

2 Aug August Cup 1st W. Ritchie2nd R.J. Abernethy


18/1918

9 Aug Captains Prize 1st D Galbraith2nd I Loudon

23 Aug Walker Quaich M Hannah

LADI ES SECTION

The Club Championship held on Saturday and Sunday, 23 &24 August was one of the highlights of what has been an extremebusy two months. Eleven ladies played and, for once, the weather was favourable for the 36 holes. Laura McGeachy was a veworthy winner of the scratch prize and therefore is Club Champion. Marlene Walker came first in the handicap section whicconsidering what she has been through this year was a remarkable achievement. As mentioned above many thanks to Keith, Moand Michael once again.

Captains Prize on 9 August attracted a great entry of 23 players and raised over 700 to be donated to the Captains chosecharities, McMillan Nurses and Cancer Research. A really enjoyable day ending up with the usual baking, etc. and refreshments

The winners of other competitions are as follows :-

Thu 3 July RNLI Shield Margaret CampbellSun 20 July McMillan Salver Shona Headrick and Angus NeilsonWed 23 July RNLI Mixed Competition Angus Ritchie/ Adam RitchieThu 24 July July Cup Gail McIntosh

July Shield (Scratch) Laura McGeachy

Thu 31 July Ladies Greensome Freda Ritchie/ Margaret WalshMorton Trophy Margaret WalshMatchplay Cup Jennifer Owen

Wed 6 Aug Portcrannag Cup Rosie Stevens/ Iain NeilsonThu 7 Aug Captains Prize Carolyn CordinerThu 14 Aug Medal/ Silver Division Margaret CampbellThu 21 Aug SLGA Brooch Sylvia IrvineThu 23/ 24 Aug Club Championship Chris Campbell

Memorial TrophiesScratch Laura McGeachyRunner-up Lindsay Owen

Handicap Marlene WalkerRunner-up Eilidh Neilson

SWIFT WARM CHALLENGE

SWIFT WARM WINTER CHALLENGE FINDS CHARITY PARTNERAND IS BACKED BY PROMINENT ENVIRONMENTAL MSP

Edinburgh based renewable energy firm Renewable Devices has joined up in partnership with fuel poverty charity Energy ActioScotland to boost their SWIFT Warm Winter Challenge. The Challenge has also won the backing of Sarah Boyack MSP.

In a bold move to help combat increasing levels of fuel poverty within Scotland, Renewable Devices have set a challenge to t

corporate sector offering to donate their profits from the entire financial year to fuel poverty charity Energy Action Scotland ifsocially conscious and environmentally aware business will fund the installation of 250 of their SWIFT home energy systems ffuel poor homes.

Norman Kerr, Director, Energy Action Scotland said This is an exciting and innovative project and we are delighted to involved.

Sarah Boyack MSP visited the Renewable Devices premises in Edinburgh today together with Norman Kerr. Ms Boyack, whocurrently steering a members bill through parliament in support of micro-generation for all households said enabling fuel pohouseholds to generate their own electricity is part of a long term solution. The value of micro-generation cannot underestimated given recent rises in energy costs


19/19

Renewable Devices, directed by Edinburgh University Engineering graduates Dr Dave Anderson and Dr Charlie Silverton, hwon numerous sustainability and design awards including the prestigious Ashden Award for Sustainable Energy, for their patenteSWIFT Rooftop Wind Energy System. The SWIFT is the worlds first silent, building mountable, small scale, wind turbidesigned specif ically for domestic use.

Installing a SWIFT in a fuel poor home will not only reduce the immediate household energy bills, but will continue to generasustainable green electricity for many years to come said Dr. Anderson. The SWIFT system will produce up to 2000kWhs adisplace 1.4 tonnes of CO2 annually making it not only financially beneficial for the fuel poor recipients but also contributing the Scottish Governments ambitious target to source 50% of Scotlands energy from renewable sources by 2020.

Any company interested in f inding out more about the SWIFT Warm Winter Challenge should contact Dave or Charlie direct o0131 535 3301, or go to www.renewabledevices.com.

Notes

1. RDST was set up in 2002 by Dr Dave Anderson and Dr Charlie Silverton to make renewable energy accessible to all by makinit affordable, easy to install and reliable.

2. RDST has developed a worldwide reputation for excellence in its engineering and design, and has won numerous internationawards for the SWIFT Rooftop Wind Energy System: including SMART technology, Scottish Best Green Energy Business athe Ashden Award for global sustainability.

3. Renewable Devices SWIFT Turbines Ltd has recently contracted US sales in excess of 14M which are set to groexponentially in the short term, making the SWIFT the worldwide market leader in the emerging multi-billion pound Renewablmarket

4. Energy Action Scotland is the national charity which campaigns for an end to fuel poverty and works to promote warm, dhomes for all: www.eas.org.uk

5. Fuel poverty is the inability to afford adequate warmth. The three main causes are poor energy efficiency of the home, lo

disposable household income and high energy prices. It is defined as having to spend more than 10 per cent of household incomon energy bills.

6. For every 1 per cent increase in fuel prices, approximately 8,000 more dwellings enter fuel poverty (all else being equal): ScottisHouse Condition Survey, Scottish Government, March 2008

Contact :

Elspeth Utterson, Renewable Devices Swift Turbines Ltd , Bush Estate, Edinburgh EH26 0PH Tel: +44 (0)131 535 3301, Fa+44 (0)131535 3303 Company Number: SC231922 www.renewabledevices.com

Or

Elizabeth Gore, Energy Action Scotland, Suite 4a, Ingram House, 227 Ingram Street, Glasgow G1 1DATel : 0141 226 3064 Fax: 0141 221 2788 Email : [email protected] Website : www.eas.org.uk
http://www.renewabledevices.com/http://www.eas.org.uk/http://www.renewabledevices.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.eas.org.uk/http://www.eas.org.uk/http://www.eas.org.uk/mailto:[email protected]://www.renewabledevices.com/http://www.eas.org.uk/http://www.renewabledevices.com/

carradale antler - 193 - october 2008

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