CHAIRLESS FUTURE

PROBLEMS FOR THE KINTYRE FORUM ON COMMUNITY CARE, SOUTH KINTYRE SENIORS FORUM & KINTYRE CIVIC SOCIETY The reluctance among members of voluntary organisations to accept a nomination as Chairperson, secretary or treasurer is spreading. Unless something dramatic happens at the AGM, Kintyre Civic Society, an active force in ensuring the architectural and environmental future of Kintyre, will fold. The Seniors Forum has recently lost its treasurer and has long carried on under temporary arrangements. The Community Care Forum has struggled for more than twenty years but with periods of developmental progress under several different chairpersons, now faces a battle to seek a new chair despite having an active membership; its 2012 AGM is on the 25th April in the Community Education Centre (see page 7). Other groups in Kintyre have adopted shared chair responsibilities.

CARRADALE GOLF CLUB

A KINTYRE HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE: SEE PAGE 6 Goat photo courtesy of Malcolm Trott & The Goat

FURTHER INFORMATION IS ON PAGE 5

TWO NINE DAY WONDERMENTS

ROAD REPAIRS IN EAST KINTYRE The special meeting called by East Kintyre Community Council to address continuing road problems, had an almost immediate effect. Within a few days of the meeting on Friday 16th of March, an unusual vehicle escorted by two stop-go traffic supervisors was dealing with the backlog of holes on the B842 from the north side of Torrisdale hill into Carradale village, but failed to treat several minor roads. All car users behind the lorry could see of the operation was a swinging mechanical arm, a puff of dust and an immediate patch. All credit to the EKCC Acting Convener, Councillor John McAlpine and the visiting officials. A report of the meeting is on page 3. ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL ELECTIONS Thursday 3 MAY 2012 (Candidates listed on page 4) Published Date: 20 Mar 2012 - 11:39 The nomination period for local government elections on 3 May 2012 is now open, with anyone interested in standing for election advised to request a nomination pack or contact the councils election office as soon as possible. Thirty six councillors will be elected on 3rd May within the 11 wards that make up the Council, and will serve for a period of five years before the next elections take place. Nomination forms and guidance for prospective candidates are available online at www.argyllbute.gov.uk/elections, at local council customer service points or by calling the election office on 01546 603264. The last date for nominations to be received by the returning officer is 4.00pm on 29 March. The day before the April Antler was distributed this official notification appeared on the Councils web-site. While there may be some excuse for a monthly newspaper having problems keeping up with current affairs, there is no excuse for the Council to restrict Internet notification to a nine day period. Perhaps it is that the Council seeks to attract those with time to spare, preferably without business or active voluntary commitments, and hopes that those more actively engaged wont have the time to scan notices on its web-site. The quickness of the administrative hand deceives the democratic eye.

THE SECRETARY IS MARGARET RICHARDSON, 2 OLD SCHOOLHOUSE, CARRADALE

PA28 6QJ. TEL: 01583 431788

IN THIS ISSUE
P2 Birthdays & Hoax tax returns. P3 Education news & Grants. P4 ABC news, Elections & Prisons. P5 Golf, Roads, Talking to TalkTalk. P6 A Holiday Adventure. P7 Kintyre Forum on Community Care Seminar and AGM. P8 Rain, Rubbish & Kintyre Mag. P9 Crime, Football & Notices. P10 EKCC, Network and Harbour. P11 Steamer view - Davaar & Ctown P12 Steamer view - Caves.

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2 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

The ANTLER

2 TAXING PROBLEM
JOHNNY RETURNS TO PHISHING Johnny Durnan has made the Antler aware of another scam. This time it is phishing agencies trying to persuade tax payers to contact them to receive overpaid tax. The Tax authorities confirm that any over-payment will not be notified by e-mail or by telephone; all its contacts are made by postal deliveries and do not require taxpayers to contact their offices by e-mail or to give details of your personal passwords or family connections. Often, the email addresses look genuine too, often ending in 'hmrc.gov.uk'. Here are some of the reported email addresses used to distribute the scam tax rebate emails, according to HMRC: tax.refunds@hmrc.gov.uk attached.form@hmrc.attached.gov.uk service@hmrc.gov.uk hmrcrefunds@hmrc.gov.uk refundsdept@ir-efile.gov.uk noreply@hmrk.co.uk customers@hmrc.gov.uk taxcredits@hmrc.co.uk officer.robinson@hmrc.co.uk securemail@hmrc.gov.uk hmrc@tax-revenue.uk Constantly be on your guard. Whether its fishing or phishing there are dangers involved. Be prepared for anything that new technologies are capable of doing to relieve you of your hard won earnings or benefits. If you do get an email like this, you should send it to HMRC for investigation before deleting it. Forward all suspicious emails to HMRC at phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov .uk. If you have reason to believe you have been the victim of an email scam, report the issue to your bank/card issuer as soon as possible.

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Top to bottom: Evie Strath at 99, Margaret Causton at 90, with Dulcie Wilson and Allan McLay at 80. The Three top photos at Abbeyfield celebrations courtesy of Johnny Durnan and the lower one at Dunvalanree courtesy of the McLay family. Alastair McMillan, not pictured, celebrated his 70th birthday.

MASSEY FERGUSON

3
CARRADALE PRIMARY SCHOOL
FOUR MISSIONS AND SOME TITANIC TASKS

THE ANTLER

TOM GRANT
PARTNERSHIP
CAPTAIN'S BALL - CELEBRATION OF LEARNING: Over the last 8 weeks Carradale Primary School has received secret missions to do with the Unsinkable Ship, The Titanic. As a celebration of their learning, the pupils held a Captain's Ball on Thursday 29th March for parents and community members. The pupils performed 'My favourite Things' from the Sound of Music, 'Breaking Free' from High School Musical, 'Castle on a Cloud' from Les Misrables with solos from Anna Gemmill and Catriona Newman and Elliot Gemmill sang 'Where is Love?' from Oliver. P4-7 played 'Pavane' on the recorders and finally P3-7 played 'My Heart will Go on' on the bells. Parents and community members then had the opportunity to look round all the work the pupils had completed to do with the Unsinkable ship, before enjoying the buffet. The school would like to thank Inverloch Creamery for donating cheeses towards this. ABOUT THE MISSIONS: Mission 1 and 2 asked the pupils to recreate the unsinkable ship in the school. They created a wall display and ticket office. Mission 3 said to research interesting facts about the Titanic and record these for others to enjoy. The pupils decided to create fact files. Mission 4 was split into two parts. Part one asked p1-3 to create a wall display showing examples of clothing that the different people on board the Titanic wore. P4-7 had to create posters based on the passengers and crew, talking about clothing, jobs and why they were on the Titanic. Mission 4 part 2 asked the pupils to make models of the cabins. They worked in three teams and each created a different class cabin. As well as the missions, extra challenges were also worked on: creating posters to do with the launch, writing stories, diaries and newspaper reports and creating two 500piece Titanic jigsaws. Lynn Galbraith, Class teacher. RMS TITANIC was a passenger liner that sank in the North Atlantic Ocean on 15 April 1912 after colliding with an iceberg during her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City. The sinking of Titanic caused the deaths of 1,514 people in one of the deadliest peace -time maritime disasters in history. She was the largest ship afloat at the time of her maiden voyage.

ARCHITECTS
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Mobile 07770 538 661
MARYS MEALS AND SPORTS RELIEF On Friday 23rd March, the school held a tea & coffee morning to raise money for Mary's Meals. There was also a baking stall with lovely homemade baking. The school raised 190 for Marys Meals which is an international movement to set up school feeding projects in communities where poverty and hunger prevent children from gaining an education P4-7 pupils took part in Sport Relief on Tuesday 20th March by running their mile in the school playground. All pupils did really well, raising money for this charity. Lynn Galbraith.

TOM GRANT Dip., Arch., R.I.B.A., R.I.A.S

Kilbrannan Catering

CHARLES & BARBARA TYRE TRUST GRANTS

In implementation of the objects of the above Trust, the Governing Body may, in each financial year, award grants to assist applicants (a) to obtain a qualification additional to a qualification of a University or other institute of higher education already obtained. (b) to train in a trade or profession other than in which they are at present trained. (c) to undertake a course provided by the Open University for which they have registered. (d) to undertake training in leadership and initiative, (ej to benefit from recreative holidays in cases of physical or mental disability. In accordance with the wishes of the donors, the Governing Body shall satisfy themselves that the applicant is a Protestant, has completed school education, but is not, at the time of award, more than 25 years of age, and is ordinarily resident within the area of the former County of Argyll. Further details and an application form may be obtained online at www.charlesandbarbaratyretrust. org.uk. Completed applications must be received no later than 31 May 2012, and applications received after the closing date will not normally be considered except in exceptional circumstances. Please note application forms will be accepted before examination results are received. Clerk to the Governors, Charles & Barbara Tyre Trust, Loch Awe House, Barmore Road, Tarbert, PA29 6TW. Tel: 01880 820277. Fax: 01880 820722. Local advice can be obtained by ringing 01583 431751 or 01583 431281.

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4 ABC NEWS
THE FUTURE IS LOOKING BRIGHT FOR CAMPBELTOWN Over the next two years you will notice major changes in and around Campbeltown. Several projects have already started and several more are about to get underway including new homes being built, improvements at the New Quay and road-works to allow Kintyre to develop as a renewable energy hub. Already underway is the construction of 32 new flats and terraced housing at the Kinloch Road regeneration site. Its expected this will be finished in early 2013. Work has also begun on the conversion of 16 Grade B Listed flats to form 8 new flats and 4 new terraced houses at Dalaruan Street and this is expected to finish later this year. As part of the Kintyre Renewables Hub project a new road is being built through Park Square to make it easier to transport wind turbine components. The hub project will see Campbeltown and Machrihanish develop as a centre for the renewable energy industry in Scotland. The new road will link Kinloch Road and Longrow in the town. There will be new junctions at Kinloch Road and Longrow along with new pavements, crossing points, street lights and road signs. The new road has just been called Aqualibrium Avenue, following a naming competition within the local schools. This work started last month and will finish in August. Meanwhile work is due to start in spring on new passing places on the A83 and junction widening at the U59 (the road to the factory). This will help manage traffic when the abnormal load vehicles are travelling between the factory and the harbour. Work started last month on the New Quay in Campbeltown which is also part of the Kintyre Renewables Hub project. New piles will be driven along the length of the New Quay on the inner harbour side, there will be a new concrete groundslab over the piers surface, there will be dredging of the adjacent sea bed and there will be widening of the road at the Old Quay Head by reclaiming a small part of the inner harbour.This will make it easier to transport wind turbine components and other freight to the New Quay. This summer will see public realm works finished in Campbeltown. This includes new benches, bins, notice boards, lighting, signs, pavements and plants which will make the area look much better. There are roadworks planned at a hillside around a mile South of Muasdale to allow wind turbines to be moved from Campbeltown to Carraig Gheal windfarm on the Loch Awe side. This work is to be carried out for Greenpower and the machinery will be moved by road via the A83 and A816 with a police escort. More work is expected at Kilmartin. It is expected that these movements will take place in autumn this year. Elsewhere you can expect to see resurfacing at various points on the A83 and on Kinloch Road over the summer. Work is due to start on the All Weather Pitch at Kinloch Park this summer in late March. The third generation (3G) synthetic turf pitch will be big enough for two seven a-side pitches. And, because the pitch will be floodlit, matches will be able to take place on winter evenings. In addition the work of Campbeltown Town Heritage Initiative continues. It will finish in 2014 having rejuvenated the centre of the town. Already you can see the effects on shop fronts and buildings. Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, Sandy MacTaggart said These projects will make a real difference to Campbeltown over the coming years. With new and improved roads, the Kintyre Renewables Hub and better housing the projects will breathe new life into the town. Id like to say thank you to the people of Campbeltown for their patience while the work goes on.

THE ANTLER

4 COUNCILLOR TO PRISON

Alasdair McPhee

IFA

REVIEWING YOUR FINANCES? Areas of Financial Planning Protection - Personal, Mortgage, Business and Income.
Savings / Investments - Annual ISA Allowance / Low interest rates, there are alternatives offering potentially greater Capital Growth and or Income. Pension Planning - Plans should be reviewed on a Annual Basis. Under the current Economic Climate reviewing your Finances should be seriously considered. We offer, in the privacy of your own home, a free Personal Review covering all the above, meetings can be arranged by calling:Contact numbers are 01586-552598 / 0779 857 4890 / or 0141 887 6778. Alasdair McPhee, Financial Consultant was born in Carradale, lives and works in Campbeltown. Financial Planning Made Simple
e-mail: amcphee@hotmail.com, St James Business Centre, Linwood Rd, Paisley PA3 3AT Tel: 0141 887 6778 Fax: 0141 887 6344
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An Argyll and Bute councillor will among those on the visiting committee of Scotlands newest prison. HMP Prison Low Moss has just been completed near Bishopbriggs in East Dunbarton shire, and is due to open next week. At (a recent) council meeting, Councillor Andrew Nisbet was chosen to represent Argyll and Bute. The other councils with a presence on the committee are East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire & Inverclyde. Every prison in Scotland must have a visiting committee, which has the role of monitoring conditions and hearing and investigating requests and complaints made by prisoners. As Argyll and Bute is within the catchment area of the new facility, the Council has been asked to provide one elected member to take a place on the 15-strong visiting committee. This announcement comes at a time when the nature of prison visiting is being reviewed and when it seems likely that the actions of local cell-visiting committees will be further curtailed, their monthly inspections reduced or stopped and their limited influence over prisoner transport arrangements curtailed. Ed.

COUNCIL ELECTIONS
THURSDAY 3RD MAY 2012 Voting stations open from 7am to10pm NOMINATED CANDIDATES Ward No, 1 South Kintyre, 3 to be elected. CAMPBELTOWN, PENINVER & SADDELL (SOUTH OF THE BURN) BAIRD Anne, Scottish National Party, 2 Coastguard Houses, Southend, Campbeltown. COLVILLE Roy, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Langa Farm, Kilkenzie, by Campbeltown. GRAHAM Robert, Independent, 64 Ralston Road, Campbeltown. HENDERSON Deidre Independent, Crocken Cottage, Southend, Campbeltown. KELLY Donald, Scottish Conservative & Unionist, Strathmore, Drumlemble, Campbeltown. RAHMAN George, Independent, 44 Main Street, Campbeltown. SEMPLE John, Scottish National Party, Flat 5, Strathaird Place, Kirk Street, Campbeltown. Ward No. 2 Kintyre & the Islands, 3 to be elected. CARRADALE, TARBERT & SADDELL (NORTH OF THE BURN) CHICKEN Bob, Scottish Labour Party, Caol Na Mara, Garval Road, Tarbert. CURRIE Robin, Scottish Liberal Democrats, 10 Bumside, Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay. HORN Anne, Scottish National Party, 4 Lochgair Place, Tarbert. MCALPINE John, Independent, 10 Market Place. Tarbert. MCFARLANE Arthur, Ground Flat, Mount Pleasant, Lady Ileene Road, Tarbert. REDMAN Alastair John, Scottish Conservative & Unionist, 24 Shots Street. Port Wemvss, Isle of Islay. TYLER Ed, Scottish Green Party, Daisy Cottage, Big Brae, Tarbert.

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RNLI BONUS BALL WINNERS

10th March R. Grant 4th Feb No Winner 11th Feb E. Caldwell 17th March Dede Robertson 18th Feb M. Foreman 24th March Mary Paterson 31st March Gregor S. 25th Feb J.W.C. Maureen Owen. 3rd March No Winner

5 CARRADALE GOLF CLUB

March Medal 1st J.Paterson, 2nd A.G.T.Walker Winter League results: a) W/L Tankard: J.W.Campbell b) Nonnies Quaich: R.J.Willan c) John CC Ritchie Cup: Winners A.Dunlop & I.Dunlop 2nd J.W.Campbell & M.Hannah 3rd R.J.Abernethy & D.Munro c) W/L Singles: J.W.Campbell d) W/L Shield: Winner A.G.T.Walker 2nd J.W.Campbell 3rd A.Dunlop Magic 2s J.K.W.Campbell & A.Dunlop J.S.I.

THE ANTLER

5 TALKING TO TALKTALK
Apart from serious illness, moving house, or saying goodbye to a relative or friend for the last time, theres nothing that has quite the same potential for stress as changing a power supplier or a telephone service provider. After living and dying with Tiscali, Lineone, Homecall and Pipex as they were taken over by succeeding avaricious super-companies, TalkTalk appeared on the scene as the latest inheritor of a distinguished service line. All seemed well until the first purely TalkTalk bill arrived. Previously the combined package of unlimited phone use, broadband and BT line brought a total monthly bill of 26 to 27, depending on how many 0845 and 0870 numbers were called. When the first TalkTalk bill arrived and rose to 34.81(admittedly with a slight increase for the BT line facility) it seemed time to change. I duly asked for a MAC key number and received it the next day. I approached a company recommended by Which, based in Yorkshire called Plusnet, and decided to change over just before Christmas - expecting a slight delay because of the traditional holiday. Broadband was cut off by TalkTalk two days before the agreed start with Plusnet, but the phone change was postponed to January 12th; a decision not of my choosing. This happened correctly on the 12th and I soared away with a small tinge of regret in losing periodic chats with members of the Indian continent who always seemed to have endless patience. I cancelled my direct debit with Pipex/TalkTalk and prepared to send a cheque for the overlapping service period of phone use - then the crunch. On the 4th of February I received a bill for 95.45 - of which 88.64 was a contract breakage fee. It seems that because I changed over on the 12th of January 2012 I should have waited twelve months, until the end of the contract on 13th December 2012. During the course of the following exchanges of correspondence, I received identical statements of company policy from Julian Krishnasamy, Minaaz Khan, Alfie Trias, Michelle Sigamoney and Damian Govender of Customer Relations, no-one seemed to understand that during my years with the earlier companies taken over by TalkTalk I had never been informed that my use of their services had a yearly termination date - they just rolled on from year to year and equally from takeover to takeover. The second crunch came with the receipt of a letter from the Roxburghe Debt Collection Agency of Croydon, Surrey asking for 110.38; they had not been told that I had sent a cheque for 15.07 to TalkTalk - my calculation of the outstanding debt. In a spirit of good will I decided the least I could do was to invite TalkTalk and Roxburghe to make a claim at the Small Claims Court in Campbeltown. A few days later I considered I ought either to wait for TalkTalk to understand the nature of the complaint, saving Roxburghe a long trip to Kintyre, or waste no more time, energy and increased postal charges writing letters to TalkTalks polite Indian employees who have little power to alter company policy or to mediate. It was obviously pay-up or shut-up time; I paid the required charge. However the next day I received a letter from Sandile Ndabandaba acknowledging that I did not agree to the renewal, offering a return of an earlier overpayment and credit for the earlier termination fee of 88.64. TalkTalk service users certainly need to keep every document they receive and record any conversations they have with the companys efficient but doctrinally circumscribed spokespersons. Talk doesnt cost anything - or does it? G.P.

CARRADALE

GOLF CLUB
Juniors Adult Round 9 18 Daily 12 25 Weekly 87 Two weeks 115 Country 40 144 (May play in Club Competitions) Affiliate Club Members 10

ROAD REPAIRS IN EAST KINTYRE

A meeting was arranged through Cllr. John McAlpine with Argyll and Bute Council to discuss the dreadful state of the roads in East Kintyre. Sandy Mactaggart, Executive Director, accompanied by Martin Gorringe and Stewart Clark came to a meeting in the Village Hall, called by the East Kintyre Community Council. A very frank and honest introduction was given by Mr Mactaggart followed by a detailed outline of what is planned to deal with the potholes. Clearly, finance is an issue but those attending were delighted to hear that remedial work will be carried out soon on the major problem areas which have been identified. It is hoped that a 5 year plan for our area will be drawn up in the future which will address the issue of road maintenance. Those who attended left the meeting with the feeling that, at last, a proper plan was going to be introduced to make repairs more long-lasting and move away from the very short-lived method of simply putting a little tar in a hole which would be missing after a few days. Some issues in regard to the state of the area around the harbour were also brought up. Mention was also made concerning the difficulty West Coast buses have turning at the quay Acting Convener of the EKCC said in his closing remarks We all like what we have heard tonight and we will be hoping for action J.S.I.

FEES

For further information Contact The Secretary,

Margaret Richardson 2 Old Schoolhouse, Carradale, PA28 6QJ Tel: 01583 431788

JOHNNY DURNAN
Servicing Motor and Commercial vehicles, Repairing & Servicing Garden machinery & Outboards

Garden maintenance, Grass cutting Hedge trimming & Fencing, Paths and drives pressure washed.

Small building work undertaken, Joiner, Plumbing, Tiling, Plastering.

BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE

Members of Carradale Camera Club are not behind in taking appropriate action when a planned speaker fails to appear. Photo courtesy of Johnny Durnan.

GIVE ME A CALL ON 431365

CARRADALES ODD JOB MAN

6
WIND TOWERS & GOATS
A SPIRITUAL AWAKENING TO KINTYRE For most young people the thought of going on holiday is exciting, but for those of more mature years the experience can be a heady mixture of anticipation and trust that the pleasures are not disproportionate to the pain involved. Whatever the transport mode there can be problems or unexpected delights. Holiday makers coming to Kintyre have either lost their way, misread their sat-nav or are intent on fighting the weather and bad roads in the hope of reaching a Scottish Shangri-la. Two such London visitors flew to Glasgow, hired a car and made their way down the A83 as far as Red House, decided not to take the B8001 across the Kintyre peninsula but thought another Google suggested B type road at Bellochantuy seemed interesting. As darkness started to fall the car wended its way upwards, habitations disappeared, forestry plantations increased and wind-turbines began to appear. They continued their way ever upwards with the road becoming more of a forestry track. It wasn't until they had been on the dirt road for quite some time that there was a sign more or less telling them not to go any further - although it was a Suggested Route in Google Maps. Having come so far, and with no sign of a locked gate they continued to make their way down the Kintyre spine arriving in the dark at their holiday address in Carradale.

THE ANTLER
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF AIRPORT EXCELLENCE There is a metaphysical thing out there which friends of mine refer to as The Jason B. Standing Transport Effect, which is the name for the gestalt of the seemingly limitless variety of transportial cockups that surround and accompany me wherever I choose to roam. Its seldom anything critical (Ive only ever missed 5 flights - 3 from Perth airport), and whats more though the whole thing seems to serve no purpose than to make me a nervous wreck until Im on the plane it seems that despite my best contingency planning theres just no escape. I imagine you saying, as the well-informed and up-to-date person of distinction and taste that you undoubtedly are, didnt you fly from London to Glasgow just the other day? Well, yes. So, flight from Gatwick at 11:50. Checked in online already. 30 mins from Victoria to Gatwick on speedy expensive train. Easy, right? I met up at Gatwick in the North terminal after a tiny amount of confusion about where our flight left from and made our way to the South terminal, where our flight was leaving from. We joined the bag drop queue to put our checked bag in and were mildly startled to hear an employee walking up and down the queue shouting last call for people flying to Glasgow! Scurrying forth we popped our bag on the scales and found that it was 7kg over (PING!): cue the frantic removal of things from bag, stuffing into other bags, and the wearing unnecessary layers of clothing which no longer fit in the other bags (we know the world record for wearing t-shirts is at least 224). We got it down to 1.3 kg over, and the girl who was checking our bag in went off-shift, so told us to go to the desk next door - and just before we threw our bag on the scale, the inevitable family group with 8 suitcases trundled up (PING!)... with employee still hollerin LAST CALL FOR FLIGHT TO GLASGOW behind us. But eventually the bag was allowed on, and we hoped nobody would pick us up on having oversized hand luggage (my red backpack now very much resembled an Angry Bird, sans beak and wild stare). Executing some neat dodgem-work, we found a security entrance with no queue and presented the guy with our iPad with PDFs of the tickets on. We dont accept iPads, sir you need a printed ticket (PING!). We briefly tussled about the merits of online checkin if you dont have a printer, and then it turned out that the thing the lady at the bag drop desk had given me was a boarding pass, and not a baggage receipt (as Id incorrectly assumed: shed only given me one of them). But that one was just for me, and Liz needed to go & and; get another one (PING!). So we belted it back to the EasyJet desk and managed to frantically get a pass printed out, then back to the security dude who let us through this time. Thats the hard part, right? Once youre in the line for the scanners (and in this case, a short line) you can relax and let it all happen, right? Well, not if you are wearing jeans - as we both were - as clearly the amount of metal used to rivet & and zip a pair of Levis is just over the tolerance factor for what airports have deemed that terrorists might be able to hijack a plane with (to be fair - if I was going to hijack a plane Id more likely to be

6
shoving a pair of sweaty boxer shorts in the pilots face than fashioning a rudimentary knife out of my zipper), and so we both got the hand-scan, frisk and pat-down (PING!). For added comedy bonus points, Liz also got the random explosives screening (PING!), which may have been in part due to the frenzied look that shed now taken on (but may have also been triggered by being with a companion with a visibly overstuffed backpack who was now looking nervous and probably uncommonly sweaty). We deciphered from the screen which gate our flight was boarding at, saw we had 5 minutes til the gate closed, and realised that the airport advised passengers to allow 10-15 minutes to reach gate 55, and as we employed our expert London-learned dawdlerdodging skills and sped towards our gate, I felt an unwelcome sensation in my calf muscle and realised that Id just partially torn it (PING!). Just what the doctor ordered. We now speed-limped toward gate 55 to find that it was an EasyJet special - in order to reduce enjoyment and relaxation, Gate 55 is actually Gate 55A, 55B, 55C, D, E, F, H, I, J and K, but theres one ticket-scanning bottleneck that everyone uses - resulting in a huge army of people backed up in a queue (PING!), which must constantly emit the smell of fear. We got to near the head of the queue only to get blocked by a guy who was holding an argument because their scanning thing wouldnt scan the barcode on his iPhone (PING!). Quite how hed been able to get past security in the first place using an iPhone wasnt clear, and one can only assume its because the security dude we went to had decided not to accept iPads rather than it being an actual policy. But then when you ask a security dude any sort of question about why somethings the way it is, they just grunt and gruffly non-answer security. Somehow - I dont really know how, because Im sure some of those people are still stuck in that line - we managed to get through and heard a final final last call for 4 passengers on the Glasgow flight at Gate B, so we sprint-stumbled down there (PING!) only to find that it was the BA flight for Glasgow, not the one we wanted - which was Gate K (PING!). So, happily, we managed to make it on to the flight by what we thought was the skin of our teeth - leaving time only for about another 40 people (including a stag do) to saunter on after us. And the GOOD news is that we didnt have another travel-related hitch Until we decided to follow the 2nd of the routes from Tarbert to Carradale that Google Maps suggested to us. The one which the instructions describe as Turn left (8.0 miles), but could more accurately sum up as Turn left and follow windy steep dirt track that comes within about 50 feet of a frigging WIND FARM, which will be impossible to travel faster than 15mph for the majority of the journey. Jason B. Standing.
But that part of the story you have already read. Do you really still want to go on holiday? Ed.

The next day they woke to the attractive view of the harbour and in the foreground, four goats enjoying the forbidden fruits of Seaview Easts garden. Summoning local help, the goats were persuaded that more succulent herbage could be found elsewhere at Lochpark and at Portrigh, but seemed less than enthusiastic about accepting the use of the visitors sat-nav. The goats wandered off muttering that if sat-navs werent good enough for Londoners they were even less useful for goats. They left Jason and Liz to enjoy the rest of their stay. If there is a moral to this story it is that the conventional traveller, without a sat-nav and using folding maps, will not be goated into accepting any unconventional holiday experiences. Jason Standing is involved in the whisky trade and is the founder of spiritual awakening - his web-site is www://whiskysquad.com. The earlier part of his journey was also full of unexpected surprises - please read on - backwards to the beginning -

JUNE ANTLER
Closing date Tuesday 15th May at 4pm. To print Thursday 17th May at 9am. Publishing date Thursday 24th May.

THE ANTLER

7
being the need for information and support with two of the groups noting the need for a carers centre. Such a centre would have facilities such as; One stop information shop Telephone contacts e.g. a pod or skype to speak to people rather than travel Meeting space for support groups Private space for meetings and counselling

KINTYRE FORUM ON COMMUNITY CARE

& KINTYRE PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP FORUM

SEMINAR & AGM 25TH APRIL 2012

Kintyre Community Education Centre, Stewart Rd, Campbeltown, PA28 6AT 12.00 Registration & Lunch 12.40 Past, Present & Future Review* 1.45 Break 2.00 Scottish Ambulance Service Presentation 3.00 Break 3.15 AGM 3.45 Close *Based on the results of last years seminar & workshops we will look at any achievements and what we hope to happen in the future. Please accept this invitation to come along to the Seminar & Annual General Meeting. Further information to Susan Paterson Tel: 01586 830335 e-mail: Susan. paterson1986@btinternet.com

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ISSUES RAISED AT THE LAST AGM

TRANSPORT Issues raised on the day; 1. The future of the Red Cross bus which is essential for a number of people especially in rural areas to get people to and from the doctors. They also take members of vulnerable groups to clubs, meetings and appointments. 2. Ring and Ride which is only town based and again with cut backs has an impact on older and vulnerable people. It is used by many with disabilities (physical and learning) to get around the town (including going to work) where normal bus routes do not run. 3. Lack of accessible transport not just wheelchair as many buses are too difficult for people with mobility problems to get into. Taxis are a major problem and although there are council mini buses that are accessible they are rarely available for use in particular during the day e.g. afternoons therefore all day use out. 4. Volunteer transport has been tried in the past but no success SOCIAL CARE PACKAGES AND CHARGES Both issues are causing concern not just for clients already in the system but the public in general Where and who there are a range of places to get information from but some only have some of the information needed and it depends on asking the right questions or fitting the right criteria to access. Who can provide care there are now so many organisations apart from the Council and so many people do nothing as they have no idea who to trust. What is there to find out about types of package and charges for them. Why cant there be a one stop information centre or package that can be available for present and future users? When should you look for information? Once in the system either through a recognised disability/ illness or age there are difficulties in making sure you are getting the correct packages/care etc but there are many people who either recognise for themselves that they may need future care or a relative of a person realises that care is needed or will be needed. How can we redress the above? What appears to have come out of this particular section is the minefield of information. HELP FOR CARERS What do carers need most in support? Each of the workshops highlighted similar concerns that are familiar to carers. Most commonly

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Other concerns brought up were the need for; GPs to register or note that a person is a carer as this can affect the carers health physical & mental Schools to know about a young carer as this can affect their schoolwork and social life Carers can need individual support as there is no one carer/client need Access to income maximisation services from the beginning and looked at regularly to take account of changes in circumstances. Many carers have to rely on word of mouth to find out about what can be claimed/given help with and often this is at a crisis point. Know what respite services they and the cared-for are entitled to in time and funds as soon as possible Know what self-help groups and organisations are in the area and support for them to attend KEEPING GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS GOING This is a common issue and one that can differ Charity regulations can make recruitment difficult and administration complicated. Volunteers are thin on the ground and many of the same people are on several committees. Carers find it difficult to make time to be involved. For groups e.g. Seniors Forum and Special Needs Groups members are those that move on for various reasons and find it hard to rejuvenate once those who had the initial impetus to start it are no longer there.

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THE ANTLER

MARCH RAINFALL
The pre-dominance of high pressure during the month explained the calm, settled weather which allowed the unseasonably high temperatures that we experienced for the time of year - a glorious start to Spring. The total rainfall in March was 63mm (2 inches). This is the lowest recorded total for March that we have experienced in the twelve years that we have been keeping detailed rainfall statistics. The average rainfall for the month is considerably higher at 147mm. There were 17 completely dry days and a further 5 with just a mere trace (1mm). Such rainfall that there was, fell in three tranches:- 2nd 4th (12mm); 7th - 9th (28mm) & 16th - 17th (13mm) with 5mm on the 20th making up the total. The first quarterly rainfall total in 2012 (January - March) is 443mm. This compares with the highest for the equivalent period of 802 mm in 2002, and the lowest of 348 mm in 2010. An average for the first quarter of any year over the past eleven years is 489 mm. What will the weather throw at us in April? Will there be the typical short and sharp April showers and will it be as the childhood rhyme suggests, a case of April brings the primrose sweet, Scatters daisies at our feet. A lot of rain earlier in the year followed by the mild weather has meant lawns have had not only their first, but several subsequent cuts, but comments from most owners that I have heard from say they have moss rather than daisies in their lawns. M.L.

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With rubbish and smell spilling from the three rubbish containers at the foot of Hillside Road, frequently long before Friday emptying, the residents of Hillside Road wish to point out that these receptacles are there solely for their use, since the lorry cannot use the road safely. So please, could others desist from using these bins, especially for items such as gardening debris, agricultural debris, and, more recently, dangerous asbestos products. Residents are currently in contact with the Environmental Health Department to make them aware of the practice, in the hope they will take action against those not resident on Hillside Road for illicit fly-tipping; all Carradale residents have a weekly collection and it is unfair to use the bins which are dedicated to a group of mainly older residents, who have enough difficulty lugging their rubbish the length of the road without finding all three bins over-flowing and smelling.

THE KINTYRE MAGAZINE

THE SPRING EDITION OF THE KINTYRE ANTIQUARIAN & NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETYS MAGAZINE The seventy-first edition of this respected record of Kintyre life has a well-balanced series of articles and reminiscences - enough to entrance readers of all kinds no matter what attractions the popular media has to offer. As the Editor and contributor Angus Martin includes an editorial, finds Gordon Bottomley Was Here, turns piscatorial in Sheggan, Shailister, Salmon and continues his fascinating walks By Hill and Shore. Jean C. MacLeod recalls the life of Duncan Reid, 1848-1912, while Jean Tuckey, en route from Zimbabwe to New Zealand, stops briefly in Campbeltown to see where her wee granny lies. Gloria Siggins, after taking up Dr Abernethys challenge to investigate a portrait in the towns marriage room, brings readers up to date but is still keen to shed a little more light on Bright Morris. Also in this edition is an article about The Pansy King from The People's Journal (1914) and Murdo MacDonald writes about the Visitors Book of Campbeltown Free Library. There is a genealogical enquiry and three miscellaneous extracts from the Argyllshire Heralds of 1865. Copies can be obtained from local bookshops; subscriptions may be sent to Mrs Wendy Byford of High Pluck, Saddell, Campbeltown, Argyll PA28 6QS. e-mail: wsrbyford@ gmail.com.

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THE ANTLER

LONGROW
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KINTYRE CRIME PREVENTION PANEL

The AGM of the Kintyre Crime Prevention Panel was recently held. Office bearers for the next year were elected - Chair, Andrew Hemmings, Vice Chair, Eva MacDonald M.B.E., Treasurer, Walter Bell. Community Police Officer, Craig Bate was present, and advised that Community Officers are now appointed, and will be in attendance at the Crime Prevention Meetings. The Panel have agreed to apply for funding with a plan to erect flood lighting at the Skate Park in Bengullion Road. This project will be in partnership with the Youth Enquiry Service. It was reported that an event in the form of Experiential Learning will take place advising on the dangers of Internet bullying, addiction, and dangers for older people. This Learning Day will be done by the MAKI Community Safety Forum and the KCPP will be taking part, and hopefully will take place during the summer months. The KCPP hope to be present at the Kintyre Agricultural Show, and will be advising on how children can be safe on the Internet. It has been a busy year for the Panel having done various projects covering Bonfire/Fireworks Safety. Drink Driving and Domestic Abuse was another project carried out by the Panel. Advice leaflets and beer mats were distributed to all licensed premises in Kintyre. This project was mainly funded by the East Kintyre Wind-farm Trust. The Panel now has 14 members, and this includes many young people with representatives from Grammar School, Young Fire Fighters, and Sea Cadets. Southend Community Council, Campbeltown Community Council and Laggan Community Council are represented on the Panel. Nominations from East and West Kintyre Community Councils will be welcome.The Police advised panel members that there were 61 Crime Reports with 37 being listed as detected.

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There will be a lot of activity around the Kinloch Green area soon following Argyll and Bute Councils announcement that work is due to start on Campbeltowns all weather pitch at the end of March. The project which is being funded by the council and Sport-scotland will see a floodlit third generation (3G) multi-use synthetic turf pitch on the Kinloch Green site. The council will also remove turf from the site of the pitch which it will recycle in projects around the Kintyre area. Head of Community and Culture Donald MacVicar said, I am delighted that we now have a start date for this project. It is a very exciting time for Campbeltown and Kintyre with the all weather pitch offering new opportunities for sports clubs in the area. It not only means that sports fixtures can take place even in inclement weather but also that clubs can deliver coaching to improve skills development throughout the year. A spokesperson for South Kintyre Sports Councils All Weather Pitch Campaign said Its great to hear that work on the all weather pitch will finally start. After a dignified campaign by the community over the last 10 years its still hard to believe it is actually happening. We have no doubt that the investment by the Councils CHORD project and Sport Scotland will create a legacy for sport in the town and we look forward to working with the Council to maximise use for our local sports clubs and casual users.

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Thursday 8-1 Sunday 10-11 Other days: 8-1 & 2-5

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DID YOU MISS THESE EVENTS?

ANNOUNCEMENTS WHICH MAY NOT HAVE CAUGHT YOUR EYE All too often local events do not receive the support they deserve. Sometimes organisers fail to advertise early enough. At other times notices arrive at The Carradale Goat web-site only a few days before the event or are not sent to The Antler at all. The village notice-boards help but if your visits to the shops are as infrequent as your visits to the Hall or to bus shelters, and you dont have access to the Internet, you may well be under-informed!

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THE ANTLER

10

EKCC MEETING: 5TH APRIL 2012

The meeting began with the minutes of the last meeting being read. The following matters were raised if not on the agenda: a) In regard to Jobs in Carradale and Help to the elderly in the Community, projects raised by Eric Dudley and Cathy Forbes, a grant from the Big Lottery Fund of 10,000 have been agreed. This will be paid to the Community Council now that there are 2 signatories to the bank account of the EKCC. With the resignations of Shelagh Cameron and Geoffrey Page there was only one signatory. The vast majority of this grant will be used to employ a consultant to advise on how best to develop the plans. b) Coastal Development Questionnaire has been completed by the acting chairman and Tom Adams will review this before it is returned to Argyll and Bute Council. A matter was, however, raised in relation to the illegal dumping of large material in the Harbour Car Park. It was agreed that there is a serious health and safety issue involved and the matter will be taken up with Argyll and Bute Council to have the items removed. In addition it has been laid out along the car parking spaces overlooking the harbour thus stopping visitors to park there during their visit. c) It was pointed out at the last meeting that the Kintyre Way needs funding and a Dance, in the village hall, has been arranged to raise funds. Turning to the agenda for the meeting the following items are worthy of mention: a) FINANCE: There was no change in the amount of money held in the Bank Account b) ROADS: The acting chairman began by thanking Cllr John McAlpine for his initiative in getting Sandy Mactaggart and his two colleagues to come to a meeting with the local community. The general reaction has been positive and there are already signs that repairs have been carried out in Carradale on a much better solution to filling the many potholes. There is also work having been carried out in brush cutting and while it is unattractive it is part of the job to make our roads safer. c) FERRY PROPOSALS: The acting Chairman confirmed he had written a letter to the appropriate quarters stating the local community were very concerned about the possible loss of the ferry between Claonaig and Lochranza. He also confirmed that the surveys in both Post Offices and Network tearoom had produced over 150 signatures favouring the retention of this service. d) PLANNING: Attention was drawn to a Planning Application for 3 detached dwelling houses and 2 sceptic tanks in Torrisdale Square field. There were no objections raised. e) CORRESPONDENCE: i) Cllr John McAlpine handed over a copy of a letter from A&B regarding A83 Scrub Cutting. ii) A leaflet had been received from Argyll and Bute on Community Renewables Opportunity Plan This stated that the Council and its partners are currently looking at how they can better assist communities in securing socio-economic benefit from renewables and the development of local projects. A questionnaire is available at www.argyllbute.gov.uk/planningandenvironment/communityrenewables-opportun ityplan.Iii. Big Info Day. A leaflet was received stating that A&B was hosting one of the Big Lottery Fund days events to provide on a range of lottery programmes in Scotland. The date of the next meeting was discussed as it falls on Thursday, 3 May i.e. the date of the local elections. The acting Chairman confirmed he would be away on 10 May and, as he would like to also have the Spring tranche of the EKCC Wind-farm Trust following the Community Council meeting, the next meeting has been agreed to be held on Thursday, 17 May. J.S.I.

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THE ANTLER

11

THE TURBINE STEAMER COMPANYS VIEW OF KINTYRE: PART TWO

ISLE OF DAVAAR. Reverting again to the Kintyre coast we now see, a few miles ahead, the prominent Island of Davaar, which as most people are aware guards the entrance to Campbeltown Loch, much in the same way that Holy Isle closes in the Bay of Lamlash on the east side of Arran (whose southern extremity, by the way, we are now exactly abreast of), and which serves equally in making Campbeltown a safe and welcome haven for vessels in distress. On Davaar there is a lighthouse, built in 1854, showing every half-minute a white revolving light, visible at a distance of fifteen miles. Passing slowly through the narrow waters between the island and the coast, we are only now able sufficiently to realise how completely the capital of Kintyre is sheltered and guarded over by wave-beaten Davaar. The island, about two miles in circumference and rising to a height of 300 feet, is connected on its south-west side with the mainland by a natural mole of gravel fully exposed at low tide but covered mostly when the tide is full. CAMPBELTOWN LOCH. We are now in the Bay or Loch of Campbeltown, two miles or so long by about one broad, and passing on the right Trench Point, where the shipyard of the Campbeltown Shipbuilding Company is located, the full beauty and

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charms of the scene before us is realised. The waters exhibit all the stillness and placidity of an inland lake encompassed by overshadowing hills. This mirror of nature comes all the more as a surprise and grateful change after the wide expanse of water our eyes have so recently had to encounter. The harbour and shipping of Campbeltown occupy the inmost reach of the bay, and almost completely round it are verdant sloping hills studded thickly with villa residences, and higher up opulent looking farm-steadings with well cultivated surroundings rising up to considerable heights, purple with heath, beyond which ranges of higher mountains still lift their rough heads. The placid waters of the loch are always more or less enlivened with craft of one kind or another, and at night when the shadows deepen the spectacle of the fishing fleet, manned by hardy crews, winding slowly out to sea is one not easily forgotten. At times when a stiff sou'-wester has made turbulent the sea beyond Davaar, and the stormy Mull is breasting the full swing of the Atlantic, the number of vessels of varied character seeking the restful precincts of the bay imparts an aspect of unwonted life and bustle to the scene. The town proper and its manufacturing district of Dalintober present no outstanding features of any great note as viewed from the deck of our steamer. There is of course the full complement of tall chimney stacks, as becomes the home of twenty odd distilleries, but as a set off against this utilitarian plenitude there is perhaps a commensurate number of imposing church spires. TOWN OF CAMPBELTOWN. (Steamer due about 12-40 p.m.) Before disembarking at the harbour and seeking a closer acquaintance with Campbeltown's main streets and buildings, we may glance briefly at the history of the town. The site it occupies was the original of the seat of the Dalriadan monarchy before its removal to the shores of Lorn. St. Ciaran, or St. Kiaran, one of the twelve apostles of Ireland, landing in the sixth century at Dalruadhain, as it was then called, took up his abode in a cave about four miles distant - still known as the cave of St. Kiaran - and busied himself founding a number of small churches throughout Kintyre, vestiges of some of which yet exist. In time he came to be regarded as the apostle and the patron-saint of all Kintyre, and to commemorate his founding of the mother-church of Dalruadhain the name of the place was changed to Chille-a-Chiaran, or in its modernised form, Kilkerran. From one of the powerful chiefs of Kintyre sprung the Macdonalds, Lords of the Isles, and in course of time these redoubtable chieftains made Kilkerran a sort of capital of their territory, built a strong castle, renovated the town generally and called it Kinlochkerran, signifying the head of Ciaran's Loch. In the course of the conflicts between James V. and the Macdonalds, that monarch brought a force against Kinlochkerran and encountered great and stubborn resistance. Afterwards he made a grant of it and all the surrounding territory to the Campbells of Argyll, authorising them to seize and hold it by their own military power. The fierce and prolonged struggle which ensued greatly depopulated Kinlochkerran and all Kintyre. In

1685, the famous Earl of Argyll issued hence his notable declaration of war against James VII and not-withstanding his own downfall shortly thereafter, the fortunes of the locality began to be in the ascendant. Following upon the revolution of 1688 the lowlanders who had joined the Earl's standard were encouraged to settle in Kintyre, as were also families from the opposite mainland. Kinlochkerran rapidly became a place of prosperous industry, and in 1700, under the name of Campbeltown, it was constituted a royal burgh. Thence-forward its history is mainly a record of progress, and from little more than a mere fishing village it has now developed into a thriving centre of industry and commerce. The town curving round the head of the bay is composed of three portions: the town proper, extending immediately back from the harbour; Dalintober, to the north-east; and connecting the two, the district of Lochend. Beginning at the old quay, at which we disembark, the principal street - Main Street - extends westward through the heart of the town, and contains some attractive shops and handsome buildings. Besides Main Street other thoroughfares are Cross Street, Argyll Street, Lome Street, Kirk Street, Shore Street, Bolgam Street, Longrow, Lochend, and Askomil Walk. Midway up Main Street there stands an ancient granite cross richly sculptured with foliage, commonly believed to have been brought in early times from lona's sacred isle. - It is set on an octagonal

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base and bears an inscription in Latin and Lombardic lettering, the interpretation of which runs: "This is the cross of Mr. Ivar Maceachrean, once rector of Kyregan, and of Mr. Andrew, his son, who got this cross made:" a legend, one would think, which tends to bear out the contention of some that the cross was cut and carved not far removed from the spot on which it stands ' Near the Cross is the Town Hall, and, further up are the County Buildings, in the Baronial style of architecture, erected in 1871. In respect to hotels Campbeltown is well provided, the two principal ones being the White Hart Hotel and the Argyll Arms Hotel, both in Main Street, and almost opposite each other. Both these hotels have within recent times been entirely rebuilt and refurnished, and their handsome and spacious public rooms and bedrooms are replete with everything calculated to minister to the comfort and enjoyment of tourists and strangers. Convenient to both hotels is the Head Post Office, with moneyorder and telegraphic departments. Of the churches in Campbeltown mention may be made of the two existing parish churches, viz., Castlehill Church, built in 1871, and occupying the site of the ancient castle; and the Gaelic Church, built in 1807, having a fine spire added in 1836. Also the U.F. Church, rebuilt in 1872 at a cost of 11,000, in the Greco-Italian style, having a massive tower 150 feet in height with a clock, and surmounted by an open ribbed lantern dome. Reference has already been made to shipbuilding as an industry carried on successfully in Campbeltown, but the distilleries are of course the distinctive feature of the place. It is indeed the greatest whisky distilling centre in the United Kingdom; its twenty distilleries having a yearly output of 1,930,000 gallons of proof spirit, the duty on which is about 965,000. The whole of the spirit is made from malt only, the barley being chiefly imported from France, Riga, and Moldavia, besides the absorption of the barley grown in the district. Campbeltown also is head of the fishing district between Fort William and Inveraray, and is a station of the National Lifeboat Institution, the housing and appliances for launching the lifeboat here being of the most modern and substantial description. Campbeltown has two weekly newspapers, the Argyllshire Herald (1855) and the Campbeltown Courier (1873). One of Campbeltown's illustrious natives was Dr. Norman Macleod, the celebrated divine and editor of Good Words, his father having been parish minister from 1808 to 1825. Of Campbeltown's public institutions none will appeal to the visitor more strongly than the Public Library and the Museum. Both of these have within recent times been housed in a handsome new building occupying a central site, the whole decidedly forming one of the town's attractions. This edifice, which is from designs by Mr. J. J. Burnet, A.R.S.A., Glasgow, has frontages to the harbour, Shore Street, and St. John Street, the main entrance being by St. John Street. It contains a suite of chambers comprising public library, ladies' reading-room, general reading-room, museum or picture gallery, and general news-room or hall, the latter in fact being the general vestibule giving independent access to each department. The building, with its library contents, was the gift to the town of James Macalister Hall, Esq., of Tangy and. Killean, the cost of providing and endowing it having amounted to about 12,000. The memorial stone of the building was laid by the Duke of Argyll, on 25th August, 1897, the site having been granted free of duty by that nobleman. The handing over of the institution to the Town Council took place on January 20th, 1899, when in recognition of the munificent gift the Council conferred upon Mr. Hall, with all becoming ceremony, the freedom of the royal and ancient burgh of Campbeltown. The handsome and magnificently appointed suite of buildings which resulted are now the repository of some 6000 volumes, ranging over all departments of literature, and particularly strong in the domain of science, while the museum of scientific specimens formerly controlled by the Kintyre Association is now housed and exhibited to the very best advantage. A notable item in the library collection is a full set of volumes, forty-eight in number, splendidly bound, of records of the Challenger Expedition, which is the gift to the library of John Mackinnon, Esq., nephew and successor to the late Sir William Mackinnon, Bart, of Ballanikill and Loup, founder - with Mr. Hall and other eminent natives - of the vast shipping concern: the British India Steam Navigation Company. CAVE DAVAAR. Reference has already been made to the Cave of St. Kiaran, some four miles distant on the coast line below Davaar, a visit to which may repay the tourist. Another cave nearer at hand and still better calculated to interest the visitor is Cave Davaar, on the seaward side of the Island Davaar, which may be reached by boat, or when the tide suits by traversing the natural bar or mole of gravel connecting Davaar with the mainland. Cave Davaar - or the picture cave as it is often called - is notable as being the repository of a mural painting of the Crucifixion of our Lord, which, considering its unique position, and the romantic circumstances under which it came to be painted there, forms one of the most remarkable reli-

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gious works of art anywhere to be found. Although undoubtedly one of the sights of the Campbeltown district, the degree of interest inspired in it has for long been greatly more pronounced in the case of visitors and strangers than in that of the town's inhabitants. When, however, the painting was first discovered, and its author, and the manner of its creation, were alike a mystery, it gave rise to consuming interest and speculation, and pilgrimages to the cave were the order of the day. Shortly, the picture and its romance are as follows: Upon a smooth mural surface of the rock which forms the inner wall of the cave's interior, and in a position adjusted to the light which penetrates the mouth of the cavern, visitors see a life-size representation of Christ on the Cross, the figure, with all the traditionary mournful details, measuring seven feet from head to foot, and the cross itself fifteen feet. Though perhaps conventional, and in the nature of things rugged in execution, the picture gains an impressiveness and weird power the more it is looked at under the prevailing conditions of the cave's faintly lit interior. The knowledge of how the picture came to be painted in this gallery of nature's own fashioning does not minimise, but serves to enhance its impressiveness. The artist, Mackinnon by name, who was a native of Campbeltown, and, we believe, a ship carpenter originally to trade, but with a strong artistic bent and no mean accomplishments, which were afterwards afforded scope and training through the patronage and assistance of members of the Argyll family, one night twelve years ago had a remarkable dream. He saw in his sleep on the inner wall of Cave Davaar a vivid picture of the Crucifixion, so strikingly real and soul-stirring that the vision possessed him continually in his waking hours. He could not rest, and as he himself has told - "I took my brushes and my materials, and I went to Cave Davaar. I found the smooth surface which I had seen in my dream, and I set to work and painted on and on. I stayed in the cave for twenty-four hours - all through the day and the night - until I had completed my task. When I had finished I had painted just the picture I had seen in my dream." About a year ago the artist visited Campbeltown, and retouched the painting at places where it had begun to fade. Thanks to Peter Dancer for loaning a copy of the Turbine Steamer Companys 1905 guide.

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Network Carradale Ltd has received a grant of 29,920 for the Carradale Cycle Trail, Mountain Bike Hire facility and for improvements to the Old School Room.