P2 Duncan Dunlop and the VischersP3 Trees and the Wind-farm Trust.P4 School issues and life at 90.P5 The Plays, Golf & Network.P6 Going Dutch, David, Jen Owen.P7 Campbeltown Tours, planning.P8 Carradale Primary and Rainfall.P9 Jobs in Carradale, Diamond ‘do’P10 Helen Owen on Colonsay.P11 Road issues & policy statement.P12 EKCC June minutes, Pool pic.

IN THIS ISSUE

THE SECRETARY IS MARGARET RICHARDSON, 2, OLD SCHOOLHOUSE CARRADALE PA28 6QJ TEL 01583 431788 FURTHER INFORMATION IS ON PAGE 5 & 11.

CARRADALE GOLF CLUB

ISSUE 225 AUGUST 2011 ISSUE 225 AUGUST 2011 ISSUE 225 AUGUST 2011

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PUBLIC CONSULTATIONWhen difficult decisions have to be made it is increas-ingly common for authorities to consult those likely tobe affected. Although many will welcome the move,others will see it as an attempt to avoid responsibilityfor cuts to services or reductions in funding. Howeverthree recent initiatives in East Kintyre have arisenfrom a real concern for the future life of the area. The public meeting to discuss the development ofCarradale harbour was well supported and gave im-petus for the Carradale Harbour Users Committee tocontinue the long battle to rejuvenate the facility andto attract tourists to enjoy the undoubted delights ofits hinterland Similarly the Community Council’s Village Surveyis a serious attempt to resist the population declineand to provide much needed improvements both forresidents and visitors. Hot on the heals of these moves two local resi-dents, running an internationally known mappingbusiness, have thought deeply about employmentprospects in the area and submitted a discussiondocument to the Community Council. (See page 9). All three moves require active consideration byresidents and visitors and will not attract the successthey so richly deserve unless commonly agreed goalsare supported wholeheartedly. With a falling school roll and an increasingly eld-erly population the challenges are unlike any seensince Carradale developed from a small hamlet in theearly nineteenth century. In the present financial and social climate, failureto tackle these problems will lead enthusiastic re-searching visitors to add Carradale East and West tothe list of derelict townships.

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DUNCAN JOHN DUNLOP28/10/46 – 02/07/11

Duncan was born at 14 Stagpark, Lochgilphead on the 28th of October1946, to Isabella and John Dunlop, one of six children, Flora, Tina,Jean, Nannie and Catherine. Duncan being the only boy, enjoyed ahappy childhood in Lochgilphead. He then began his apprenticeship, at the trade he loved, as amechanic in the Stag Garage. On completion of his apprenticeship hesoon met Catherine MacKinnon at a dance in Kilmartin, the romanceblossomed and after a few years they got married in The Church herein Carradale. Duncan continued his trade as a mechanic in Campbel-town. The happy couple settled to married life and lived in TorrisdaleSquare, where their first son Diarmid was born, they then got a housein Broomfield where their 2nd and 3rd sons were born Alasdair andIain. At this point of time Duncan had a career change and joinedCarradale’s fishing fleet. It was whilst at the fishing, that their daughterRona completed the family in 1984 In 1990 Duncan’s mechanical career came calling again withDuncan leaving the ‘fishing’ for the last time, he returned to his fa-voured trade, which he remained at till he had to retire due to ill healthrecently. Duncan continued to live life to the full and was never happier thanwhen he was at a Dance or Ceilidh, notably at Skipness, where he hasleft fond memories of being one of the Carradale contingent and waswell known to be found outside the hall having a ‘wee’ puff when not onthe dance floor. He was well known for his nimbleness on the dancefloor. It would be wrong to not mention Duncan’s love for his familybecause that was his real love of his life, especially when his grandchil-dren arrived. Did you know that he went to Campbeltown twice a weekon the bus to look after Morgan allowing Rona a chance to go to work? When he got home from hospital last Friday, he was ‘over the moonthat his grandchildren appeared up to see him. Waving goodbye to himas they returned to their own homes, That MUST HAVE been atreasured and sacred memory for all the Family. I’m sure that there is a lot of things that folk don’t know aboutDuncan, errands of mercy, always a kind word from him, and thenumber of folk who got a lift to a bus or a lift when visiting people, Suchwas the man that he would leave home earlier than needed to catch abus, starting work at 8 oclock, he would be in Campbeltown earlier ifanyone needed to catch the 7-15, the same applied when he workedat Ardrishaig, he would also wait for folk going home. I myself canvouch for this ‘personal service’ on many occasions, and earlier in lifeduring the seventies I used to give him a lift to Lochgilphead on aMonday morning when fishing out of Crinan at the time. He was‘winching’ Catherine. There are so many stories of his escapades thatare told; One time when coming from the town, dressed with a white shirton, him and Catherine came on the Auchnasavil Land-rover brokendown and Duncan jumped out of the Hillman Imp he had and climbedup on the front bumper to see what the problem was, meanwhileCatherine had to tow the land-rover (always a rope in the boot of hiscar!) and Duncan sticking out of the bonnet, he got the engine goingmuch to the relief of brother in law Dunkie, His wife was a bit concernedabout the state of his good clothes, but that became the ‘norm’ as hisconcern was always for others. Another time when coming down the single track there was a galeof wind and discovered a tree blocking his route home, he turned onlyto find his exit blocked the other way also. He ended tying the Hillman

Imp to a fence and waited on the gale abating. I know there are a lotmore adventures that many of us can tell. One incident must be told, which sums up the true character ofDuncan. During the extreme winter that we had, he felt compelled tohelp warm up the bin-men on their Friday rounds, he had startedproviding a much appreciated cup of tea and a bacon roll which hedelivered and joined them in the cab. The bin-men sensed a few weeks ago that something was not right.They, Jimmy Thompson and Ian Mc Sporran, realized Duncan was illand proceeded to take him to the surgery; owing to their quick actionsthey saved Duncan’s life, The Family are ever grateful to this deed,also Dr Elder & Eileen Black at the surgery for their valiant efforts. A UNIQUE FAMILY MAN has left us and we thank GOD for hisunselfish life, Today we ask Almighty Gods safekeeping of his Belovedfamily, Catherine his loving wife of 38 years, Diarmid, Alastair, Leyona& Fallon, Iain & Nicky, Rona, Scott, Morgan & Abigail. Sisters Flora,Tina, Jean, Nannie & Catherine, Mother-in-law Christine, and all theDunlops & all the MacKinnons, all those who knew him and loved him. Matthew Ramsay.

A MESSAGE FROM THE VISCHERSTO THE CONGREGATION OF SADDELL & CARRADALE CHURCHThis card is long overdue to thank you all for your incredible generosityto us on our departure. We were overwhelmed by your kindness andwish to thank you all for your gifts and support. We have settled inreally well to the community here in Haddington and are encouragedby the good start the children have made at the school too. We missKintyre and all of you very much, but please know you are alwayswelcome to ‘pop by’ here in Haddington, we would love to see you. Wehave taken our precious memories of ‘the Kintyre years’ with us andhold them dear. We plan to come back to see you all, sooner ratherthen later, and wish you every blessing in your journey forward with thechurch in Carradale. John, Elizabeth and the children.

LOCUM MINISTER APPOINTEDAs of the first of July Matthew M. Ramsay of Portnastorm, Carradale,has been appointed Locum for one day per week to the parish ofSaddell and Carradale, linked with St Brendan's Skipness. Anyonewho wishes to get in contact with Matthew can do so at 01583 431381.This post is originally for 6 months, during the vacancy.

‘GRAMMAR’ RECTOR TO RETIRELETTER TO PARENTS OF STUDENTS AT CAMPBELTOWN CGS

"I write to confirm what you have no doubt heard by now through thelocal ‘grapevine’, namely, that I will be retiring this summer afternineteen years as Rector of the Grammar School. While lookingforward to retirement and to having more time for the things which willcontinue to keep me busy, I will in many ways be sorry to leave. BeingRector of the school in which I was a pupil has been challenging attimes, occasionally frustrating, but more than anything else fulfilling. Iextend my thanks to you and to your children that this has been so. MrMichael Casey, who has been senior depute since 1994, has accepteda 23-month secondment as Rector in order to maintain stability inmanagement while further roll-drop staffing adjustments are made. Ithank him for his outstanding support over the years and extend to himand my other senior colleagues, Miss Cameron and Mr Gallagher, myvery best wishes for the future."In a similar management operation Neil Brown’s retirement as HeadTeacher at Dalintober Primary School will lead to the appointment ofMrs Watson, former Head of St Kieran’s Catholic School, to act astemporary head at Dalintober.

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‘K’ ‘CLARKS’ ‘LOTUS’ ‘ROHDE’SALT & WIND DAMAGE TO TREES

A COMMON WEST COAST EXPERIENCE IN 2011Martin Mears e-mailed the Antler about wind damage on the west coast ofScotland trees. He had been in contact with the Forestry Commission and its firstresponse was that it could be wind damage and they would recover, however asecond contact came from Joanne MacLean.

Hi MartinI do believe it is salt affecting the leaves from the high winds two weeks ago.The winds carried salt from the sea which caused the leaves to have brownpatches so you were right! Any other queries please get in touch.Many thanks,Jo MacLean, joanne.maclean@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.

Subsequently the Editor received a news release from the Forestry Commission.

BROWNED TREES BATTERED BY STORMS FORESTRY NEWS RELEASE No: 14690Experts from Forestry Commission Scotland are allaying public fears over the‘browning’ of many trees on the west coast of Scotland. Although the trees maylook unhealthy, it is hoped that most will recover over time. Experts are citing theexceptionally strong winds and salt laden sea air of 23 May as the cause for'scorching' the trees and turning them brown. Many broadleaved trees and larches have been affected and, to a lesserextent, pine and other conifers. The main geographical area affected appears tostretch from Dumfries and Galloway north to Fort Wiliam on the western seaboard. Hugh Clayden, Tree Health policy adviser for Forestry Commission Scotlandsaid: "We've had a number of calls from worried members of the public who haveseen large areas of trees turning brown for apparently no reason. Their firstthought is that they are in bad health due to disease. We're very grateful for thesecalls but we are quite sure that what is being reported here is usually a result ofthe recent very strong winds coupled with salt-laden air on the coast. Basicallythe trees' delicate new leaves and needles have been dried out as well asphysically damaged by the exceptional winds. Browning and leaf wilt is alsoapparent inland but does not yet appear to be anything like as severe. Othercauses of extensive browning include the severe winter frosts”. Mr Clayden added: "We will be examining trees to see if the buds and twigsare still alive. If they are, recovery should take place this year and next. If not,some die-back of branches is likely to occur - although we would still expect mosttrees to recover unless they suffer further extreme events. If for some reasontrees continue to show signs of ill health in a month or two then ForestryCommission Scotland would welcome reports from the public.Media enquiries to Steve Williams, Forestry Commission 0131 314 6508.News coming from visitors to Northern Ireland suggest that the 23rd of May sawsimilar damage to trees across the Province. Ed.

TREE GENE POOLEnvironment & Climate Change Minister, Stewart Stevenson visited the ForestFestival at Scone Palace on Saturday (18 June) to launch the National TreeCollections of Scotland (NTCS).A partnership project, led by Forestry Commis-sion Scotland and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, NTCS will serve asScotland’s national arboretum. The collections – at sites around the country - willraise awareness of Scotland’s world-leading role in tree conservation and alsohighlight the rich history of Scottish plant collectors, whose legacy shapesmodern forestry - and its significant contribution to Scotland’s rural economy. TheNational Tree Collections Scotland inaugural sites are:

• Benmore Botanic Garden, Argyll• Dawyck Botanic Garden, near Peebles• Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh• Kilmun Aboretum, Argyll• Scone Palace Pinetum, near Perth.

TREE SAVED FOR FORTY YEARSApart from the accident at the Network Centre several othertrees came down in the recent winds including one at River-side Cottage, Torrisdale, which the Roads Dept insistedunnecessarily impaired ‘sight lines’ in 1971.

EAST KINTYRE COMMUNITYCOUNCIL WIND-FARM TRUST

The Wind-farm Trust met on Thursday, 12 May to reviewgrant applications in the Spring tranche. There were 14applications from which none were rejected, four were grant-ed less than the amount applied for and nine were grantedthe full amount of their application. The total distributedamounted to £16,050. The following is a list of the successfulgrants: - £

Supporting Homeless 25 Peninver Village Hall 70 Campbeltown Cinema 1000 Carradale Harbour User’s Group 4000 * EKCC Lochpark right of way repair 750 Kintyre Link Club 500 Argyll FM 1000 Kintyre Amenity - Bunk House 1000 Kintyre Amenity - Kintyre Steamer 500 Carradale Surgery - patient transport 600 Kintyre Way 2250 South Kintyre Development 1500 EKCC - path clearing, etc 800 Network Carradale 1200

The grant to CHUG was in the form of an immediate grant of£500 and a ‘draw down’ facility towards further costs. JSI

MURIEL CARRIERHow nice it was to see Muriel back in the village for a fewweeks both at the Abbeyfield and at her house in Port Righ.We wish her well. We remember the encouragement shegave to several local projects over the years and hope to seeher back in Carradale at sometime in the not too distant future.

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SCHOOL ISSUESCAMPBELTOWN GRAMMAR & CARRADALE PRIMARY NEWS

The Editor wishes to apologise for incorrect references in the July issue of TheAntler to the development plans for educational building in Campbeltown, and inparticular to the very active plans for a new Campbeltown Grammar School.Information from a very reliable source confirms that the plans for a new buildingin Campbeltown are well advanced with money committed by the ScottishGovernment for a new secondary school in the town; Argyll and Bute Council arealready engaged in planning for the school and arrangements are said to be wellunder way.

The suggestion that primary education in Carradale might be affected istherefore also incorrect although some years ago consideration was given to aplan for a combined secondary and primary school on part of the Grammarplaying field. If this proposal were considered at the present time the funding ofthe primary sector would need to be found from the Council itself. Additionallysome parents of Campbeltown primary children were not in favour of the propos-al as it was thought that it might lead to an increase of bullying by secondarypupils.

The whole issue of school amalgamation is still very much in the news,particularly in the light of falling school rolls and the need to conserve financialoutlay, but with six primary schools within 15 miles of Campbeltown, with threewithin 4 miles of the town, there are sound educational and financial reasons fora combined campus in Kintyre’s main town. Although such a prospect is not idealfor those rising four years old, education authorities in other parts of the UK havetaken steps to mitigate the problem and have seen educational advantages inavoiding the stepped transfer from primary, through secondary to sixth formcolleges. No doubt educational and financial considerations will continue toconcern parents, teachers, councillors and education departments for some timeto come. Apologies are also offered to Carradale Primary School in that informationabout end-of-term activities from Friday 24th June to Wednesday 29th of Junewere received by the Editor two days after the July issue went to print onThursday 9th of June.

‘TRY BEFORE YOU BUY’‘A small area of Campbeltown Grammar School is being refurbished as part of atrial national project, which will last for five years. It could see schools designedin a new way in the future which would complement the Curriculum for Excellence. An area on top of the south block of the school will be used for the project.Work’s expected to start in October. It’ll see a number of classroom areascombined to form a large multi-purpose teaching space that would be ideal forthe new teaching methods associated with Curriculum for Excellence. One of the key changes will be a team of teachers teaching a whole yeargroup at a time. This isn’t possible in the current school layout. The Governmentfunded body, Architecture and Design Scotland have offered their services freeof charge to create the new teaching space as part of research they are doing.They’ll provide specialist design services and look into getting specialist furnitureand fittings free of charge on a trial basis. Spokesperson for Third Sector and the Communities and Kintyre CouncillorRory Colville said ‘School pupils, teachers and the local community will be veryinvolved in the design process. There’ll be a series of workshops held witharchitects from the end of May and throughout June. Pupils and staff will also visitJames Gillespie’s High School in Edinburgh. They’ve just finished a similardesign exercise for their refurbished school. I hope involving pupils in the processwill inspire them to consider careers they may never have thought of before.’The current group of first year pupils at Campbeltown Grammar are being taughtunder the ‘Curriculum for Excellence’ and it will have been implemented through-out all year groups once the new school is open. If the exercise is successful itcould determine how the brand new secondary school in Campbeltown will lookwhen it’s built in 2015’. ABC press report.

LIFE CONTINUES TO SPARKLE AT 90How many men over the age of 90 are still piloting anaeroplane, driving their own car and skipping around theworld on holidays? Well there was one called George visitingCarradale this week with his companion, Joan Trott. Thislovely couple were spotted having a pleasant evening at theAshbank with Joan’s son Malcolm Trott and his wife Kateand under intense interrogation George’s adventurous life-style eventually emerged. Seen here sporting a San Francis-co T-shirt it was hard to believe this sprightly 90-year old wasthe age he said. It was only his remarkable resemblance toHRH Prince Philip, another sprightly 90-year old, that gave aclue to his age’. ‘George and Joan have known each other for more than50 years but got together as a couple more recently aftertheir respective spouses passed away. They both travelextensively and have come up from the south of Englandwhere Joan lives in the village of Ticehurst, the name comingfrom the Anglo Saxon meaning ‘goat wood’. (Surely there issome connection with Carradale here!) ‘George still regularly takes a small plane on hops overthe English Channel to France where he treats Joan to agourmet lunch before flying home again to the airfield inHeadcorn in Kent. He is a shining example of how age reallydoesn’t matter. You are as young as you feel and the num-bers don’t count for anything’.Report from the Carradale Goat, courtesy of Johnny Durnan.(incidentally Kate Trott is the new Secretary of the Hall Committee)

‘INFORMAL CARERS’ TRAININGThis is an 11 week course which started in June . It is beingheld between 1.30pm and 3.30pm on Wednesdays in Camp-beltown Hospital. The course is for any informal carer lookingafter a family member or friend. These sessions will providean opportunity for establishing supportive networks and thechance for carers to participate in awareness sessions andto discuss any problems that they may have.20th July Legal issues Jan McCorkindale27th July Welfare rights James McCorkindale 3rd Aug Nutrition Jackie ? (dietician)10th Aug Moving & handling Louise Kerr (nurse)17th Aug Stress & anxiety Helen Chinn (occ.therapist)24th Aug Communication Ferlyth ? (speech & lang.ther.)For further information please contact: Mairi Brown, StaffNurse, Integrated Care Team, 01586 555852

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A BEAN-TRUSS SUPPORT EVENTTWO ONE-ACT PLAYS WITHOUT A GARDENING THEME

Vegetable and fruit growers are experiencing problems this year. Firstthere were two unseasonably warm days at Easter, then a barrage ofwind and salt spray and latterly a return to a plentiful supply of rainwithout a hoped for rise in temperature. Grapes are still waiting the calland beans will be ‘has beans’ without adequate ‘trussed’ support.Thank heaven then for the evergreen artistic endeavours of the play-wright Stephen Bean, the author Lynne Truss, Carradale Drama Cluband Mad Cow productions; without them frustrated Saturday night TVgardeners on June 25th would have be faced with an attack of the‘Wimbledons’ and ‘Glastonburys’. The alternative evening embraced an unlikely story of a suicideleap from a block of ‘Dedham’ flats (I hope John Constable was at handto take control of the watching crowd), while two distraught women, andan amateur sleuth tried to persuade a reluctant male to give up readinghis outdated copy of ‘The Antler’ - a ‘rubbish magazine’, and to indulgein a web of intrigue and concern over the contents of a cardboard box.The ‘B’ side of the evening involved a bright, posh delusionist who,while addicted to health farms and its attractive staff, worries aboutJaney - her daughter and Janey’s boyfriend. Predictably the performance by the members of Carradale DramaClub, Mary Macalister Hall, Pauline Burrows, Joanne Paterson,Torrisdale’s grass-cutting Harry Wheatcroft and Carradale’s iconicsurgery ‘flower’ Margaret Rutherford was magnificent and fully up to thestandard which won them praise at two recent festivals. Not to be outdone Jane Dunbar gave a highly professional one-woman performance of Lynn Truss’s ‘The Mother’. Superficially unlikethe author’s reputation as a stickler for punc-tuation and phrasing in ‘ Eats, Shoots &Leaves,’ Truss’s sexual innuendos remainamidst a flurry of emotional ploys designed tofascinate those of a particular female persua-sion and elicit a sustained sigh and a releaseof air from a few of the opposite gender. With the accompanying ‘draw’ and bever-ages, this was certainly an evening not to bemissed and drew patrons from far and wide.Congratulations to all involved. G.P.

EILA’S ‘UP, UP AND AWAY’

NETWORK NEWSCHARITY DAWN WALK OF 3-4 MILES on SUNDAY 26 JUNE

THANKS FROM JOSE, HEATHER AND IRENEThe organisers would like to say a huge thank you to all 31 walkerswho turned out for The Dawn Tartan Walk on Sunday 26th June 2011,and to Cheryl Strang who donated tea and coffee. The event, in aid ofMacmillan Cancer Support and the Mhairi Semple Fund for CancerRelief and Research, started at 5am, attracted 31 walkers. Next year’sevent begins at the same time on Sunday 24th June 2012. Anothervery worthy event which failed to take advantage of Antler free adver-tising was the sale of baking and plants for ‘Erskine Week’ which raised£95.

Photo from the Carradale Goat, courtesy of J.D

CARRADALE GOLF CLUB The prize winners in the monthly draw for May and June were:

MAY JUNE 1st £30 Mrs A Borthwick Sandy Thomson 2nd £18 Mrs C McFadyen Mrs J Brown 3rd £12 Mrs Betty Thomson Mrs F Martindale 4th £ 6 Bob Jeffrey Mrs A Paterson

Eila Durnan and several others had an opportunity of a free helicopterflight in June, courtesy of visitor Rob Jones and his pilot ‘Johnnie’.

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DUTCH MOTOR-HOMES & CARAVANS VISIT THE BAY CAMPSITE.Netherlands Caravan Club members arrived for a three day stop-over in June.The group have been touring part of England and most of Scotland over fiveweeks. Carradale Bay site is their third last stop before returning back to Hollandvia the Hull ferry service. A buffet and barbecue was laid on by KilbrannanCatering for the the Dutch visitors. We in turn sampled one of their specialitysweets of barbecued banana drizzled with brown sugar, sultanas, avocadosauce, whiskey, rum and a dash of scoushy cream ( I’m not very good at mindingingredients) but it was very tasty. The evening turned out fine for all with music,some dancing, a wee dram and a bottle or two of wine to quench the thirst.

Report and pictures from The Carradale Goat web-site courtesy of JD

“Evenif we are now unofficially a

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in our rest periods.”

GOING DUTCH AT CARRADALE BAY

JEN OWEN - AWAY FROM IT ALLFROM PAISLEY TO QUAY BRAE VIA ‘THE MULL OF KINTYRE’ ?

Yet another tale of relatively local success is described and pictured on JohnnyDurnan’s Carradale Goat web-site. Jennifer Owen, twin daughter of Maureenand Bob Owen, has started her own driving school in Paisley, After six yearsdealing with vehicle claims, qualifying as a ADI in August 2009 and working forthe British School of Motoring, she has gone independent. On her web-site sheconfides that - “Away from the ‘L’ plates, you will find me in the Mull of Kintyre -where my sister and parents now live”. - Is that another house on Quay Brae upfor sale or is Jen’s sat-nav malfunctioning?

OH! ITS YOURSELF!THE AUTUMNAL HAZE

While Kintyre is not often renowned for its Indian summerswhen students, after a disappointing summer, return toschool just as the sun decides that it had better make up forits past demeanours. When this does happen, the windlessdays and warm sunshine are welcomed by mothers free oftheir extra holiday responsibilities and by those entering theirautumn years. Unfortunately some of the older generation have to dealwith a haze of a different kind which affects their hearing andtheir vision. Whether its cataracts, glaucoma, age-relatedmacula degeneration, or increasing deafness, contact withfriends and neighbours becomes more difficult. David Currie, like many others, relishes contact withthose he has got to know, but is concerned to reassure thosewho appear to believe that he is not aware of them, that hewould welcome being brought to a halt on his ‘buggy’ andinvited to renew contacts with those he has ‘mist’.

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E-mail: ashbankhotel@tiscali.co.uk Internet: www.ashbankhotel.comFor further details please call 01583 431 650

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IS A SEMI-DETACHED PROPERTY SET INTHE COASTAL VILLAGE OF CARRADALE.LOCHAIN

CAMPBELTOWN HERITAGE TRAILThe Campbeltown Heritage Trail Group have announced the dates for this year’stours. The group, made up of volunteers, was formed last year as part of theCampbeltown Town Centre Regeneration Project and aims to provide people withan interesting insight into the area’s historic past, ensuring our heritage is notlost.This year’s tours will take place every Wednesday in July and August,departing from Campbeltown Tourist Information Centre at 1pm. Pilot tours willalso be held on Saturday 9th July and Saturday 6th August at 1pm from theTourist Information Centre. The tours are completely free of charge and will lastapproximately 50 minutes. If you would like any more information, please contactCara Browning at the Town Centre Regeneration Office on 01586 559048.Main Tours are at 1pm on Wednesdays 20th July, 27th July, 3rd August, Satur-day 6th August, Wednesday 10th August, Tuesday 16th August (Music Fest.)and Wednesdays 17th August (Music Fest.), 24th August and 31st August.

CAMPBELTOWN ARCHITECTURAL TOURSThe Campbeltown Heritage Trail Group has also announced that 2 architecturaltours of Campbeltown will take place this summer, led by David McEwan. Thepurpose of the tour is to learn about simple architectural terms whilst gaining aninsight into some of Campbeltown’s finest buildings and the history behind these.The tours will take place on Friday 15th July and Friday 5th August, leaving at 1pmfrom Campbeltown Tourist Information Centre. These tours will only be held ifthere is a demand and therefore pre-booking is essential. For further informationor to book your place, contact Cara Browning at the Town Centre RegenerationOffice on 01586 559048. These initiatives are funded via the Campbeltown THIwhose funders include the Heritage Lottery Fund, Argyll and Bute Council andArgyll and the Islands Leader.

Cara Browning, Campbeltown Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI)Tel: 01586 559048 (int ext - 2248) 3 Harvey's Lane, Burnside Square,

While the first Architectural Tour will be past by the time the Antler is published,the second is on Friday 5th August at 1.00pm

PLANNING APPLICATIONSReference: 11/00894/ Proposal: Replacement of hip roof with gable roof, installa-tion of roof-lights and alterations to openings on rear elevation Location: East-wood, Lochpark, Carradale, Campbeltown, Argyll & Bute, PA28 6SG Applicant:Mr & Mrs Paul Davis, 66 East Craigs Rigg, Edinburgh, EH12 8JA. Agent: GillianWright, Lochside, Low Askomil, Campbeltown, PA28 6EP Development Type: 01- Householder Development Grid Ref: 181871 – 638508. Reference: 11/00889/PP Proposal: Erection of extension to dwelling-houseLocation: Grianan Cottage, Lochpark, Carradale, Campbeltown, Argyll & Bute,PA28 6SG Applicant: Miss Sandra Galbraith Grianan Cottage, Lochpark, Car-radale East, Campbeltown, PA28 6SG. Agent: Equillo Shurig, Peninver, Campbel-town, PA28 6QP Development Type: 01 - Householder Development Grid Ref:181722 - 638503. Reference: 11/00971/PPP Proposal: Site for the erection of a dwelling-houseLocation: Land North West of Mingulay, Port Righ, Carradale, Campbeltown,Argyll & Bute, PA28 6SE Applicant: Mr Lorne Cousin C/o Lawflat House, Dud-dingston, South Queensferry, EH30 9SU Agent: Niall Macalister Hall, TouchBusiness Centre, Touch Estate, Cambusbarron, Stirling, FK8 3AQ DevelopmentType: 03B - Housing – Local Grid Ref: 181688 - 637918.

COLLOQUIALLY SPEAKINGQUOTE OF THE MONTH: BBC NEWS 28 JUNE

“Space is a very ‘cool’ place” - Steve Lindsey Commander of the last Americanvehicle to enter space for five or more years. Internet quote: ‘Temperature is thevibration of atoms, in space there are really no atoms so space doesn’t really havea temperature. If you put a thermometer in space away from sources of radiationsuch as the sun it would slowly cool to 2.7K (-454.54 Deg F) that’s the heat orenergy left over from the big bang’. - Cool man, Fantastic, Absolutely Fabulous.

CARRADALE PRIMARYSCHOOL

HEAD TEACHER’S LETTER TO PARENTSCarradale Primary School has enjoyed yet anothersuccessful Kintyre Music Festival and I would like tooffer my congratulations to all the pupils who tookpart. Our Pre 5 and P1-3 performed ‘Super Singers’.The adjudicator said of them, “I love your outfits.You sang this very well and held your breath beau-tifully. You have worked hard to learn the actions sowell and to sing so clearly. I loved the ending –Yeah! Very well done.” Congratulations to the individual winners whowere: Elliot Gemmill: 1st Pr 5 and under VocalSolo.Niall Gemmill sang in Pr 6 & 7 Vocal Solo andplayed his chanter in the March section. ShaunaBrown and Shannon Arkell played their recorder inthe Junior Recorder Solo. What talented pupils wehave – Well done everyone. I would like to take this opportunity to thankmost sincerely Mrs Morag Allan for her invaluablemusical tuition of our singers and recorder players. As you know, we have been busy improving ourschool grounds. and we were dismayed to discoverthat our outdoor classroom is already requiringrepair. This would appear to be the result of vandal-ism. However, on a brighter note, I would like tothank the following for their hard work, enthusiasmand commitment to our gardening project : Ray-mond Gosling, Charles McMillan, Craig McCallum;Glynn Arkell; Lachie McAllister, Iain and Adam Gull,Eleanor Sloan, Andy Lawton, Morag Burns & JohnLinn, Shelagh Cameron & John Brown. A huge thank you to all parents and friends whosupported our Soup and Sandwich Charity Eventwhich raised £342.75 for Macmillan Cancer Sup-port. Much fun and enjoyment was had with our‘Mock Wedding’ and we raised £94 for school funds. Our end of term service raised the fine total of£174.60. I would like to take this opportunity tothank Mr Mike Hurst of Wallis Hunter, for the mostgenerous donation of the Mathew Neil MacDougallMemorial medal. £70 was also raised for school

funds from the sale of books at the Post Office. Wewould like to thank Mrs Angela Arkell for her contin-ued support for this venture. All of the above is dueto the wonderful support and inherent generosity ofthe community. Next session we would like to wel-come Ms Julie Brown and Ms Emily Johnstone toour teaching staff. Ms Brown will be teaching for 2days and Ms Johnstone will be instructing the pupilsin Music for half-days. Next session, school lunchwill cost £2 per day. Due to budget cuts, free fruit forP1-3 will cease. Finally, on behalf of the pupils and staff of Car-radale Primary School, I would like to wish everyonea very pleasant and hopefully sunny summerholiday! Head Teacher: Mrs Anne Marie ElliottMiss Lynn Galbraith sent in pictures of the mainprizewinners and information below:Harlow Award for Citizenship (P7 Award voted byP7 pupils): Niall Gemmil, Matthew Neil MacDougallMemorial Prize (P7 Award): Bethany Paterson, Car-ol Anderson Memorial Quiach for Citizenship (P1-7Award voted by all pupils): Shauna Brown P7. CPS.Personal Achievement Award: Shauna Brown P7CPS. Creativity Award: Niamh Baxter P5. CPS Jun-ior Sports Champion: Elliot Gemmill P3. CPS SeniorSports Champion: Lauren Burns P7. Clan Shield(awarded to clan relay winners): Carradale Glen.Henry McGougan Memorial Prize for Perfect At-tendance: Raymond Gosling P7.

JUNE RAINFALLJune felt cold and wet. We experienced low temper-atures brought on by predominantly Northerly windsand with many overcast days it was more like drearymisty bleak November than the heady hot summerdays we might have hoped for. The total rainfall forJune was 125mm (about 5 inches) which is a slight-ly above average rainfall for the month. Half thedays (fifteen altogether) were dry, with no rainfallrecorded. Most recordings were less than 13mm butnotably 18mm was recorded on the 6th and 24mm(nearly an inch) on June 18th . Overall June was adisappointing month weather-wise but a distinctlydrier and warmer end to the month perhaps sig-nalled more typically summery weather ahead? ML

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JOBS IN CARRADALE -TIME TO GET REAL?

There are plenty of things which Carradale is not: it is not a compact,picturesque little settlement that day-trippers flock to see; it is not anatural harbour; it does not have a "front" for trendy shops and eatingplaces; it does not have historic buildings and artefacts; it is not acentre for mountaineering, energetic hill walking or surfing; it does nothave a lively night-life. On the other hand, there are plenty of things going on in Carradale:golf, cricket, bowling, camera club, women's guild, amateur dramatics- plenty of pastimes for the inhabitants, or at least the older inhabitants.But what these activities do not do is create jobs. If Carradale is to haveany kind of future it needs jobs.

In the past, as we all know, Carradale lived on fishing, forestry andsummer visitors. All three have declined dramatically with little prospectof return. With effort there may well be some scope for increasingtourism but the cold reality is that tourism alone will never be enough.The season is short and it coincides with the midges. The competitionis stiff and visitor expectations higher than ever before. Nostalgia is nota viable strategy. We need to reinvent ourselves.

In attempting to get real we need to ask what is the essence ofCarradale? Once it would have been described as a fishing village withsummer visitors. No more. The defining characteristic of the village isthat the population is increasingly old. Our natural instinct is to shyaway from this inescapable fact as a depressing problem -but could itnot also point to a solution? If Carradale is elderly then surely ourchallenge is to determine how we can make it the best elderly village inScotland and, above all, generate sustainable year round jobs for theyoung in the process.

Until now Carradale people generally cared for their own. Thankful-ly many of those carers are still with us but they are growing older andthe generation that would have cared for them is increasingly scattered.Neither natives of Carradale nor in-comers who have retired hereshould be forced out of the village because they cannot be cared for init.

We are repeatedly told that the costs of the NHS and the SocialServices are disproportionately spent on the needs of the elderly. Notwishing to sound mercenary, but if there is money spent on the elderlythen there is money in the elderly. We oldies are golden oldies. Ratherthan the NHS and Argyll and Bute spending money on Carradale howcan we encourage them to spend money in Carradale? If an elderlyperson needs a bathroom modification, why does a builder or a plumb-er need to come out from Campbeltown or Lochgilphead? Whyshouldn't that kind of work be done by people in the village? If an elderlyperson needs help taking a bath, why does a carer need to drive outfrom Campbeltown? Cannot all our caring needs be met from here?

If we could demonstrate that one pound spent in the village couldsave two pounds spent in a care home, or ten pounds in a hospital,then the people holding the purse strings ought to be falling overthemselves to give us money. This should mean that there are oppor-tunities for creating and paying for imaginative new services to supportindependent living. If there is a problem getting groceries due to thelack of home delivery from supermarkets then perhaps there is anopportunity for a delivery service organized from here, preferably onewhich builds on and amplifies the role of our village shops. It would bea tragedy if Carradale were to lose the good neighbourliness which isits greatest strength. But neighbours themselves grow old and needsupport. Could we set up village schemes to enable people to remainsafely and comfortably in their own homes? We need ideas, technolog-ical and organizational, to build into a coherent package exciting

enough to attract the politicians and budget holders. Above all we needideas from the senior citizens of Carradale.

We know that the social and health care services are in the processof being restructured and reduced. If we do not act to ensure that ourtaxes are spent on the kind of care we want, we will have to put up withwhatever ‘they’ give us. Not only do we need to take control, we arebeing urged to do so. From April of this year a system of ‘Self-directedsupport’ is in place ‘designed to meet your care needs in creative andflexible ways’. (Information from Council and Care: 23) This govern-ment mission statement could become reality but only if we ourselveschoose to become self-directed.

In the press we often hear calls for the NHS and Social Services towork together more closely. In a remote rural context such as ours doesit not make sense for the village as a body to act as a third party in thediscussion? If the village can deliver services for less then whyshouldn't it? Could Carradale become a pilot for developing a village-based model for cost-effective and dignified elderly care in the remoterural areas of Scotland. There is no doubt that such a model is needed.It is in our interest to get in on the ground floor.

One of the most successful community initiatives in Carradale inrecent years was that which resulted in the Abbeyfield home. In retro-spect, could this be just phase one of a larger process of making thevillage fit for purpose in the 21st century, a century characterized by anaging population?

Making the village grey-friendly would encourage grey tourists -and their young relatives. Carradale may not be a centre for mountain-eers but it has excellent credentials as a place for people who wantgentle walks and spectacular views. This is one of our natural strengthsand we should build upon it.Trying to make Carradale a good place to be old does not mean makingit a bad place to be young. If meeting the needs of the elderly cangenerate jobs then that means more children, more security for theschool, and more prosperity. Eric Dudley and Catharine Forbes.

DIAMOND CELEBRATIONS“Just to let everyone know we had a wonderful day on the anniversaryof our Diamond Wedding.  We would very much like to thank all ourfamily and friends for their gifts, cards and best wishes.  We reallyappreciated your caring and kind generosity in making it a very specialday.”  Jim and Isobel Williamson, Mingaladon, Carradale.Several other residents including two ‘new’ octogenarians have givencredence to the popularly held belief that ‘we’ are living longer, butwould prefer not to be reminded of the fact. However its no goodkeeping quiet because we know who you are !

9

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PATERSON’S BAKERY & POST OFFICELicensed Grocers, Bakers & NewsagentTry our freshly baked morning rolls, crusty bread, tea bread

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Telephone 01583 431725COLONSAY 2011

It started with a paragraph in 'The Courier'; Colonsay was holding aSpring Festival in May. Interesting . . . I went online to find out more. Aseries of themed walks, wildflowers, birdwatching, archaeology,foraging and cooking; a range of activities from painting to bridge; aceilidh, slide shows, art exhibition. Even golf. It sounded a perfect wayof exploring an island I'd always wanted to visit, with local guides whohad expert knowledge to pass on. Within a week, I had three friendsinterested, we'd checked out ferries, found a self-catering cottage, andbooked for a week on the island.

For anyone who hasn't been, it's a beautiful, peaceful place withone hotel, a few B & B's, and a range of self-catering properties spreadthroughout the island. Both the general store and the bookshop areextremely well-stocked considering the size of the island andpopulation. We were told Colonsay was flat, well, for a flat island it'sremarkably bumpy. None of the hills are high, but they tend to be steep.Because there is no public transport and the walks we wanted to do allstarted from different places, we decided to take a car. The alternativewould have been to hire bikes, but as pensioners none of whom hadridden a bike in many years, we decided to do it the easy way. Two ofthe highlights, Oronsay with it's ruined priory, and Balnahard Bay, wouldhave been impossible otherwise.

The Festival was in its first year, so may well develop and changein the future. It was built round themed walks with knowledgeableleaders, all either local or regular visitors to the island over many years.For us, this was an opportunity to see parts of the island we might nothave discovered on our own, with the added advantage of expertise onhand when our interest exceeded our knowledge. Two walks, wildflow-ers and foraging and cooking, involved transport by land-rover from thecar park to the start of the walk some distance away, allowing us to seeplaces our elderly legs might not have reached. Everybody would havedifferent highlights; we all particularly enjoyed 'Foraging and Cooking'– first find your wild food, then cook it, then eat it, with the addtionalingredients being of the highest quality; 'Wildflower walk' which took usto the wild and remote Balnahard Bay [via the Whale] and has enrichedlocal walks in Kintyre as we can now name many of the flowers we see;and the guided walk through Colonsay house gardens. A self-cateringapartment in Colonsay House could be worth booking another time ifonly for the chance to spend time relaxing in this glorious garden. Thewalk across the Strand to Oronsay was not part of the Festivalprogramme, but well worth doing if low tide is at a suitable time. The[ruined] Priory with its carved stones is well kept and interesting, andit's a beautiful walk. And I have to mention the animals; lambs andcalves may not be novelties to us, but the lambs were curious andcheeky; and it's not often that you return 'home' to find a new-born calfstruggling to its feet for the first time.

Would I go again? Almost certainly, particularly if it is still asreasonably priced. It will be interesting to see if more publicity brings awider age range of participants, this year most were over forty; butduring school term-time this is perhaps inevitable. Helen Owen.

HYDROCARBON REMOVALKINLOCH ROAD (PARK SQUARE) SITE, CAMPBELTOWN

‘Work has started at the former Kinloch Road, Roads Depot site toremove hydrocarbon contamination. Hydrocarbons include petrol anddiesel, and this work will address reports about the smell of petrol in thearea. This is the next phase of the plan to regenerate the Kinloch Roadarea of Campbeltown which will allow ACHA to go ahead with theirplanned housing development. ‘The work, which is part of the council’sCHORD programme is being undertaken by AJC Civils Ltd. The Kin-loch Road regeneration is a key aspect of Campbeltown’s CHORDproject as it will allow construction of the new road through ParkSquare.  This is part of the infrastructure improvements which will allowthe transportation of wind turbine tower components from the manufac-turing base at Machrihanish’.

CAMPBELTOWN MUSEUM UPDATE‘The main focus of recent work at Campbeltown Museum has been‘behind the scenes’, preparing the various elements of the Council'sre-submission seeking full Accreditation for the museum. This includedthe preparation of a Forward Plan covering the period 2011-12 to2013-2014: the content of this is as discussed at departmental level,and as broadly agreed with the Spokesperson. The Plan itself should receive DMT approval later this month, andsets out a series of costed objectives for museum activities over the nextthree years, including an ongoing programme of building and displayrefurbishments for which modest annual capital allocations will besought. The Council should hear in July if its application for Full Accred-itation has been approved. Museums Galleries Scotland have awardedthe Council a grant of £20,000 towards the cost of refurbishment workson the museum due to take place this year - 50% of a project costing£40,000 which will see replacement of the gallery heating system, newdisplay lighting, and the installation of blackout blinds to reduce naturallight. Future reports will note progress with this project. The Council continues to work with the Friends of CampbeltownMuseum, who are responsible for opening the building to visitors onsummer Saturdays. This locally-based community group is a greatsupport, and their activities are greatly appreciated. Work has proceed-ed well on recovering the damage to the collections that took placewhen the store was flooded in 2010, and is now nearly complete.Negotiations have taken place with the Trust that controls the photo-graphic output of the late Lady Linda McCartney. It now appears verypossible that late this year Campbeltown Museum will receive a dona-tion to its collections of a number of Linda McCartney photographs, forfuture display as the Council sees fit. The museum continues to be curated by staff from Kilmartin HouseMuseum and Auchindrain, under the terms of Service Level Agree-ments that provide the Council with the professional museum servicesit requires. These arrangements, which have been in place since 2007,have just been renewed for 2011-2012 and continue to provide theCouncil with excellent value-for-money. The arrangement has attractedvery positive attention at national level, where it is regarded as a modelof innovative good practice’CAMPBELL

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A.A.B.C.C. & A.S.C.C. PROBLEMSFollowing the review of community councils two years ago a state oflethargy has followed. Unfortunately, with his own business to run, thenew AABCC Secretary has decided to resign. With few communitycouncillors prepared to spend time helping run the Association, Ccs willbe without help or guidance: no AGM was held in 2010. In a similar veinthe national association, the ASCC, is short of Government fundingand is closing for at least a year.

11

THE PICTURE HOUSE CARRADALE GOLF CLUB

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A NEW ROAD CONTRACT SIGNEDSUMMERTIME WITH BREDON With apologies to A.E.Housman.

‘Argyll & Bute Council has signed a three year £7 million partnershipagreement with Breedon Aggregates Scotland to carry out roadimprovements on Islay, Jura, Mull and in Kintyre. Work starts this monthand will include road reconstruction, resurfacing, patching and markingsas well as surface dressing which keeps out rain water and keeps rot atbay’. ‘Spokesperson for Transport and Infrastructure at Argyll and ButeCouncil, Councillor Duncan MacIntyre said: “This partnership agreementwill ultimately mean that we can ensure good maintenance of the routesin Islay, Jura, Mull and Kintyre over a long period of time at a competitiverate. It will make a real difference to the communities in these areas ofArgyll and Bute. We are committed to improving the area’s roads forlocal people, businesses and tourists. Breedon Aggregates have provedthat they are able to deliver time and again. We are looking forward toworking with them”.’ ‘Chief executive of Breedon Aggregates Scotland, Alan Mackenziesaid: "This is great news for Breedon Aggregates Scotland and for thelocal authority, as this approach allows them to maximise their budgetsat a time when funding is under pressure. We have a good workingheritage in this area and the fact this is a long-term deal and apartnership agreement is testament to our experience and ability todeliver good quality results”.’

A PENNSYLVANIAN CONTRACTKITCHEN POETRY FROM ‘THE EVERGREEN’ MAGAZINE

FOR THOSE WHO LIKE TO BE ‘IN CONTROL’Please stay away from my kitchen,From my dishwashing, cooking and such,You were kind to have offered to help me,And I want to thank you so much.I hope you won’t think me ungraciousWhen I ask you to leave me alone,For my kitchen is not very spaciousAnd my system is strictly my own.So please stay out of my kitchen,It might help to prevent a few wars,And when I’m invited to your house,

I promise to stay out of yours.

The plaudits will sound for Breedon,And still the roadsides hum.'Come all to vote, good people,'Oh, noisy men, be dumb;On election day, I will come.

In summertime with BreedonThe spades they sound so clear;Round Kintyre and Islay they ring themOn poor roads far and near,A happy noise to hear,Here of a weekday morningMy love and I would lie,And see the coloured lorries,And hear the craic so highAbout us bye and byeThe ‘phone would ring to call themIn valleys miles away:'Come to us, good workmen;Good workers, come our way.'But here my love would stay.

And I would turn and answerAmong the spreading grime,'Oh, put tar on our road,And we will bear the fine,And come to vote in time.'But when the snows at ChristmasOn Beinn-an-Tuirc were strown,My love rose up so earlyAnd stole out unbeknownAnd went to town alone.They filled the one hole only,Many more were seen,The traffic followed after,And so to town went she,And would not wait for me.

A POLICY STATEMENTSometimes readers e-mail the Editor about the Antler’s policy on anumber of issues - publication dates, advertising charges and freepersonal adverts. Other correspondents ask about the failure toreport sports events, marriages, births, silver, golden and diamondevents and visits to East Kintyre by celebrities and returning formerresidents and holiday-makers. The Editor’s dual rôle in reportinglocal events and commenting on them is sometimes mentioned. Toput the record straight once again I have tabulated replies to the morefrequent enquiries.(1) Publication date is a Thursday, one week after the issue reaches

Krisp Print in Campbeltown - usually slightly earlier than themiddle of the preceding month. This issue, for example, went toprint on the 14th of July and was assembled in late June and earlyJuly with the latest submissions inserted by Tuesday 12th July.

(2) Minutes and reports are included without alteration.(3) No submissions are refused unless they are offensive, might lead

to legal action or are not from a clearly identified source.(4) With the cooperation of Johnny Durnan, items and photographs

from the Carradale Goat web-site are inserted when it is thoughtthat readers without Internet access would welcome their inclu-sion. ‘The ‘Goat’ and the ‘Antler’ are free and complementaryinformation sources welcoming all kinds or items but they rely ona ready supply of reports and comments. It is virtually impossiblyfor Johnny as a working man to attend every meeting and theEditor’s youthful interest may not be matched by his inability tofollow charity events over hill and dale.

(5) Subscriptions are £10 a year. Adverts cost £7 a month for approx-imately 53 square centimetres (or pro rata) and there are nocharges for setting-up or changing content.

(6) Although the ‘Carradale Goat’ has a facility for viewers to recordtheir comments, there is no reason for readers of the ‘Antler’ tohesitate to make their views known by writing to the Editor atBenbecula, Waterfoot, Carradale, Campbeltown Argyll PA286QX, e-mailing him at geoffreyf.page@homecall.co.uk or tele-phoning him on 01583 431281. Ed.

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MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON JUNE 2ND 2011Present: Shelagh Cameron, Ronnie Brownie, Andrea Hopkins, Elizabeth McMillanApologies: Lachie Paterson, Tom Adams, Stuart Irvine, Councillor Robin Currie Conven-or Shelagh Cameron welcomed everyone present.MINUTES OF LAST MEETING:• Correction - should be Alan Walker not Alan Parker.• Proposed by Ronnie Brownie seconded by Andrea Hopkins.UPDATE FROM MINUTES dated 7 April 2011• Goat management - Andy (forest ranger) has agreed to set up a goat management

plan, more details later.MATTERS ARISING FROM LAST MINUTES:• No quote for road as yet.• Not heard back from Alan Walker. Convenor Shelagh Cameron to approach Robert

Strang at golf club to see if they would be willing to use tractor to fill in holes.• No plans by West Coast Motors to cut transport to Carradale.• Treasurer report - same as last time.• Planning - none.• Village survey - not all survey forms collected, update next month.• Harbour plans - Alan Milstead from Carradale Harbour User Group (CHUG) gave anupdate on the meeting that was held on 20 May 2011. 47 members of the publicattended, a questionnaire was handed out. Those that were filled in gave a positiveresponse. Nothing was actually decided, but was agreed that the status quo was notacceptable, tt was agreed that a short meeting should be held every three weeks to givean update. Next meeting Thursday 16 June. Malcolm McMillan from South KintyreDevelopment Trust to attend, Convenor Shelagh Cameron stated that the CommunityCouncil had also been in touch with Malcolm McMillan re the Village Community Planand did not want this jeopardising, but that the harbour plans could be worked in withthis. What plans are being looked into: 1. Moorings - to north, outside harbour, CrownEstate been approached - waiting for reply; 2. Conceptual architect - to look at ideasbrought up at meetings to see if feasible; 3. Buildings - shower, update toilets, flats?. Noquestions were forthcoming, Convenor Shelagh Cameron thanked Alan Milstead forattending.CORRESPONDENCE:• Argyll and Bute Main Issues Report Appendices - large booklet.• West Argyll Forest Design Plan - Grogport, CD.• Argyll and Bute Community Council Bi-Elections - letter.• Argyll and Bute - Strathclyde Police Internet Hacking - letter (to be put in Antler and

on Carradale Goat web-site).• Roads - Julian Green - letter.• Councillor Robin Currie - email - funding for War Memorials, funding for Community

Ownership Report.• NHS mental health - leaflet.• Argyll and Bute Area Committee Meeting - response to natural marine plan - email• Committee for Older Peoples Services - email.ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS: noneConvenor Shelagh Cameron thanked everyone for attending. A.H.

EAST KINTYRE COMMUNITY COUNCIL

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TFREEDOM OF INFORMATIONThe Freedom of Information Act 2000, and its Scottishequivalent, The Freedom of Information (Scotland)Act 2002, introduced a public ‘right to know’ in relationto public bodies. While the full provisions of the Acts,which didn’t came into force until 1 January 2005, donot apply to a range of voluntary bodies, the generalfeeling was that FOI would allow a free flow of infor-mation throughout the whole range of human activities. Unfortunately the spirit has still to be kindled inparts of Kintyre amongst some local organisationsand has encouraged individuals and committees toeither restrict the release of information or to refuse todivulge anything about their plans or activities. Although one pseudo-Government agency wasan early member of the Kintyre non-conformist chap-ter in 2008, with the premise that ‘no news is goodnews, the latest group to become clandestine hasdecided that while information about some meetingsmay become available, minutes of ordinary committeemeetings are ‘not in the public sphere’ - I wonder ifthose who attended the public meeting ten monthsago would have bothered if they knew they were to bekept in the dark about its activities So in terms of an open and free society whatcomes next - secret hand-shakes, cryptic phrases,special articles of clothing and induction rights - or dowe simply agree these organisations would be easierfor the elected to manage if they refused entry tousers, residents, and the media? The oft-quotedstatement by older embittered male teachers -“schools would be perfect places to work if there wereno students” - is becoming a recognised ideal for mostpublic bodies and an increasing number of voluntaryorganisations. G.P.

A COLOUR VERSION OF ‘THE ANTLER’ IS AVAILA-BLE ON ‘THE CARRADALE GOAT’ WEB-SITE ANDON ‘THE KINTYRE COMMUNITY FORUM’ WEB-SITE

THROUGH THE AGENCY OF ‘SCRIBD’.

POOL TROPHYTHE 2011 DUGALD JOHN CAMPBELL EVENT

Missing from the July issue was this photo with thedonors, the winners & Matthew Ramsay receiving acheque of £1076.56 on behalf of RNMDSF.