Carradale Antler - 196 - January 2009

8/14/2019 Carradale Antler - 196 - January 2009

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Issue 196 - January 2009 - e-mail edition

- MORNING ALL - CAMPUS OFFICERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS- CASE DISMISSED ! NEXT

- PETER CAMPBELL- IAN MACDONALD - 25/02/1925 11/11/2008- SADDELL AND CARRADALE GUILD- ARE SEVENTEEN HEADS BETTER THAN ONE ?- JEAN BROWNIE 1929 - 2008- LOOKING BACK - AUTHOR ANGUS MARTIN CHART'S HIS FAMILY'S ORIGINS- PLANNING APPLICATIONS- THE CINEMA- KINTYRE INITIATIVE WORKING GROUP- KINTYRE CULTURAL FORUM - AGM PRESS RELEASE- CARRADALE GOLF CLUB- CHILDREN IN NEED - CARRADALE SCHOOL HELPS NATIONAL APPEAL

- WIND-FARM ISSUES - An Evaluation of Wind Farm Community Benefit Funds in Scotland- NEW STRUCTURE FOR FOREST ENTERPRISE SCOTLAND- UP & COMING EVENTS - CARRADALE VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE- ACHA FACTORING- COLLECTING FOOD WASTE- WARM HOMES CAMPAIGN- RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCILS IN KINTYRE UNDER THREAT- REVIEW OF COMMUNITY COUNCILS- CAMPBELTOWN PARKING- OW, ARRR : A SHORT COURSE IN PLANNING JARGON

MORNING ALL - CAMPUS OFFICERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

The Bute and Cowal Area Committee have received feedback on the first year of a pilot project to provide Campus Officers in RothesayAcademy and Dunoon Grammar School, and now wish the Executive Committee to agree to extension of the scheme on a permanentbasis. Members are asked to agree to the continuation of the Campus Officer scheme which was introduced to Rothesay Academy andDunoon Grammar School in August 2007 and to agree that Officers should enter into discussions with Strathclyde Police regarding the

possibility of extending the scheme to secondary schools across the whole of Argyll and Bute.

OBSERVATIONS FROM FFIONA BOYD, CAMPUS OFFICER AT DUNOON GRAMMAR SCHOOL

The main priority was establishing good working relationships with staff members and outside agencies within theschool. There were a few issues with this initially and it took a number of months to clearly establish the roleboundaries within the school environment - when it was appropriate for police to get involved and when not. Thiscould have been improved by better communication between senior management and staff, many of whom were not

informed of my role and responsibilities. This school year will see a different approach in this regard with all staffspoken to on inservice days and regular contact with heads of departments. Parents were not properly informed ofthe implications of having a police officer based within the school and again this has been addressed this year by aletter sent to every parent or carer clearly outlining the role and responsibilities of the Campus Police Officer.

Partnership working with social services has very quickly built up into a good working relationship where theregulated flow of information has greatly benefited the school, the pupils involved with social services and thePolice. Police and social work take part in a weekly joint support meeting along with key members of staff and theparent or carer of the pupil involved, and this approach has shown that every single person holds a small piece ofinformation vital to everyone else's understanding of the problem at hand. This would not be possible unless a policeofficer was based within the school having built up the working relationships which are key to this joint approachsucceeding.


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Identification of young people at risk of falling into offending behaviour is made a lot easier by the fact that thesesame young people cause problems at school be it through disruptive behaviour or persistent truanting. These traitscan now be identified early and along with parents or carers, guidance staff and pupil support, intervention strategiescan be implemented in order to divert the young person away from entering the criminal justice system. Havingaccess to pupil profiles and teachers notes on the school computer system is essential for police and staff to co-ordinate their approach and to keep accurate records of steps taken.

Presentations to pupils have been many and varied. They have included road safety, citizenship and the law, knifecarrying, internet safety, alcohol and drugs, the police's role within the community and for the first year "playfair"day a lesson in positive messages and images portrayed in modern rap music. Feedback from all presentations hasbeen overwhelmingly positive both from staff and pupils and has given the Campus Officer a chance to speak topupils on an informal basis. Each presentation ends with questions and answers and a discussion session wherepupils get to air their opinion on the influence of the police service in their life. This has led to many livelydiscussions but more importantly has built bridges between the younger members of our community and the police.

Diversionary activities were instigated whereby pupils who normally don't participate in any activities that the schoolhave to offer were targeted. Funding was obtained to take groups of first and second year pupils on 4 separate tripsto lazerHQ at Hunter's Quay holiday village. Pupils were invited to put their names down on a first come first servedbasis and in the end 80 of them enjoyed participating in the laserHQ games. This built up a good rapport with thepupils involved and many of the police officers in the office volunteered their services as moving targets. The pupilsall engaged well with the activity and had fun at the same time. Another example was the activities week taskorganised by police and social services which took a group of 20 pupils on a three day locally based activity. The

pupils conducted a beach clean in a nearby village and planned and executed a long walk through part of LochLomond and the Trossachs national park in extremely poor weather conditions. All participated well and gained agreat deal of self worth and enjoyment from taking part. A lot of the pupils were taking part in this activity as theydid not have the financial means nor record of good behaviour within school that let them take part in otheractivities planned for the last week of term.

Criminal activity by pupils is now detected at an earlier stage and investigated by a single point of contact. This hasled to an increase in intelligence gathered about criminal activity taking place outside of school and affecting thecommunity at large. This can include thefts of mobile phones, illegal purchase and consumption of alcohol,possession of controlled drugs, assault whether pre arranged and subsequently recorded on camera phone or not,cyber bullying, vandalism, stalking, underage sex and breach of the peace. Places where young people go to consumealcohol are now easily identified and information about issues affecting the community such as noisy groups of

youths gathering and causing annoyance can be obtained, with a view to engaging with these young people outside ofschool and attempting to draw them away from anti social behaviour.

I have found that this role has been essential in re-engaging with young people in our community who are feelingdemonised and misunderstood by the media and the police. There is plenty of scope for expansion of the role andon a recent training course it was suggested that campus officers are engaging with the wrong school children - weshould be starting with pre school children and using the above measures to identify and divert children from crimeat age 3 ! It is a posting that I am really enjoying and finding that there are just not enough hours in the day toachieve everything that I'd like to."

CASE DISMISSED ! NEXT SCENE : CROSSROADS IN DOWNTOWN PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD

If you think local police should deal more informally with traffic offences, Gloria Siggins account of a traffic incident from warmer climestends to suggest that a simple warning that everything you say may be used in evidence against you may be preferable.

Wait. the constable warned, doan touch none of the de evidence.

'Buh, constable, ah jes reversin' back here...!

Doan reverse nuttin!

Buh ah blockin' de traffic.


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De law more important dan traffic. Stay right wey you is, boat of you all, until ah get dong all you footprint and han'print an take de measurements.

Doan worry wid dat. If all you want rnih measurements all you go have to sen a policewoman to take dem dong.

Excuse mih lady, but ah wasen' intenin' to put han' on you. Ah jes have to measure de lengt of dis incident, end ahdoes measure de widt, an' den ah does multiply de two an' de answer does gimme de area in which de crime takeplace.

Well hurry up because I kyah stan' up here ail day.

Well if you would jes gimme a chance. You could tell mih you name please?

If you really mus know, mih name is Harmony Small !

Small wid a capital S ?

Well dah is how I does write it.

Very well den Miss Small. An' you, defendant, what is you name?

Jes a minute, constable. I ent no defendant nuh. Dis lady...

I ent do nuttin. I does always follow de traffic rules.

Jes a minute. Mister, what is you name please. Ah kyah make no charge until ah write dong de names of boat partieson dis line here.

Mih name is Sedwick Bomparte.

Gentleman, ah would tank you not to make dat kina joke wid de law please. Gimme you right name.

Dat is mih name. Sedwick. Ah call after mih Uncle Oscar. Bomparte is mih title. Ah is Miss Gully son.

Oh mih Gord. Bomparte dat spell wid a B null ? Anyhow ah bes had lef dat till later. Relate mih wha happen.

Well ah was ridin mih bicycle...

Jes a minute, jes a minute.

Miss Small, ah comin' to you in a minute, ah jes want to hear what de gentleman have to say.

Doan worry wid he. He is de cause of de whole ting an: he tryin' to put de blame on me.

One at a time, if you please. Now den, Mister what you was doin' ?

Constable, ah was jes ridin' mih bicycle, an' as ah was approaching de lights, ah see dat it about to turn red. Well ahdoan have no brake on mih bicycle...

No brake ?

None at all. So as ah was approachin de corner, dis lady drivin' dis car to de side a me now, ah jes hole orn to de carto slow dong mih bike.

Orficer, ah jes want to tell you one ting. When you see I take de trouble to shine up mih car, ah doan like nobodyput day han' on it. Tomorrow, please Gord, I goin' an' sit de drivin' tes' an' ah want to go wid mih car nice an' clean.

Oho. So lady what you givhr me to onderstan' dat you ent have you licence yet?


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No, not yet. So you can imagine how ah did feel when ah see dis gentleman puttin' he nasty han' on mih car. Ah getvex nuh.

So what you do den ?

I know what she do. She shoot trough de red light an' she trow me offa mih bike.

Orficer, ah din do nurtin' of de sort. When ah see he was holin ; orn to mih car, ah start to wiggle waggle it, Toshake he orf like.

Oho

Huh, as how ah not accustom to drivin' nuh, ah mash de rong pedal an' ah shoot trough de red light. Air he, like afool, still hangin: orn to de car. When ah see dat, ahget more vex again an' so ah lorse de little control what ah didhave.

Yes, an, trow mih dong.

Jes a minute. Jes a minute, boat of you all. Lady, you see dis man before?

No.Well, dat prove to me dat it wasen deliberate. Ah could onderstan' dat dere wasen' no malice in you action. In udder

words, all you coulden help all you self because dis gentleman bike ent have brake, an you now, ent have noexperience wid drivin' car. An' you lorse you temper, break de traffic light, knock dong de man an' crash into dislampos. Well dat ent nuttin' make enemy about, an' call de police, de whole ting was a accident. Man, all you muslearn to live in peace wid one annuder. Case dismiss !

PETER CAMPBELL

I would like to thank all relatives and friends for their support during my stay in hospital and since coming home.Your visits, cards and phone calls have been greatly appreciated by myself and my family.

IAN MACDONALD - 25/02/1925 11/11/2008

Ian was born on the 25th February 1925 to Elisa Kidd and Angus MacDonald who was a fisherman. He was 1 of 7children, living with his family next to the shop in the cottage that is now the post office. As the family requiredmore space ( elderly relatives moving in as well) it was decided to erect another building next to the cottage and it

was in this wooden house that Ian came to spend most of his life.

When he left school at the age of 14 he went to work for Naomi Mitchison in the gardens and kennels of CarradaleHouse. In 1942, being 17 years of age, he was called up for service and joined the Royal Marines, serving out inIndia. [It is in reference to this service out East that he was given his nick-name Puna] His boat was sunk in 1945 bythe Japanese and for Ian, who on that occasion received quite severe head injuries, that was the end of the war. Afterrecovery from his wounds, he came home to take up employment with the forestry, staying with them for 43 yearsuntil he retired.

Afterwards he moved into Rowenlee in Portrigh, a house which his parents had bought some time earlier. Beingretired, Ians week was structured by daily trips to Campbeltown and a weekly journey up to Lochgilphead to be withhis sister Betty and her family. That came to an end, however, when his driving finally became too hazardous forhimself and for other road users. Due to his dementia the roots of which may well be in the head injuries hesustained in the war Ian moved into a care home in Ardrishaig where he received very good care and was within

visiting distance of his younger sister Betty.

Experiencing serious threats to his life on several occasions Ian would always bounce back. But last Tuesday, on the11th of November, he was finally called to rest.

Ian was a gentle, kind and very quiet person. He was a longstanding member of the church and sang in the choir formany years. The Word of God was before him in life, may it now shine for him in his death.


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SADDELL AND CARRADALE GUILD

The Guild has for many years supported C.H.A.S. (Children's Hospice Association Scotland), so it was especiallyinteresting to have Maisie Miller, a volunteer fund-raiser from Tighnabruaich to enlighten us about the work of thecharity.

There are two hospices, Rachel House in the grounds of Kinross House near Loch Leven, Robin House in Ballochand an at home service in Inverness. Maisie bought with her two excellent videos, one made by the Daily Record

with a commentary by Ewan McGregor. Children referred to C.H.A.S. have a short life expectancy, mainly due tocongenital conditions rather than cancer. The children and their families spend four or five days in one of eighthouses. This is repeated several times a year. Older children have a special house and come on their own. With allthe equipment and one-to-one care, this gives the children an opportunity to have professional nursing, pain reliefand generally a happy time. There is also support for families after the death of a child.

Although there is paid professional help, a vital part is played by the many volunteers who gave their time on aregular basis. Financial support comes from the health board, local authorities, donations, legacies, sponsorshipfrom corporations, a charity shop and general fundraising.

The audience was very moved by Maisie's talk and afterwards had an opportunity to purchase Christmas cards andsmall gifts.

The next meeting is at 2.30 on Tuesday the 13th of January 2009 when Matthew Ramsay will talk about the VineTrust.

ARE SEVENTEEN HEADS BETTER THAN ONE ?POWER CORRUPTS, ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS . . . . .

As we go through life we tend to view our days at school with rose-tinted spectacles, except for those events whichleave incriminating marks on our reports, or in earlier days, across our hands or behinds. But what of our teachers,do they have a somewhat different view of those who have power over them ? Here is one ex-teachers recollectionof 17 Heads.

The first was a strict, part-time head controlling one class of a three-class primary. She thoroughly enjoyed the

teaching experience. Under her auspices at least one teacher on a stepped chair gave the equivalent of primary onessitting on the floor an early understanding of fashion underwear while drinking their milk

To add confusion early on in this critique, the second school filled the length of one road and consisted of acombined infants, junior and senior all-age school under three Heads but the junior section was the responsibility ofour number one head whose school was closed under slum clearance regulations. Each Head seemed to keepstrictly to their separate parts of the building and apparently rarely interacted with the staff of the other departments.

Although it must be said that when the cane was brandished the whole school suffered the pangs of interest and fear

Head number three appeared with the end of all-age schools and was appointed to a new secondary building on theoutskirts of the town. Resembling Ernest Bevan of Labour Party fame, he managed a reasonable interpretation ofRoy Hattersly showering the front row of the class with a fine

Numbers four and five governed a highly selective boys grammar school with the dignity appropriate to the task inhand. Neither engaged in any form of loose repartee and staff certainly maintained the set standards, although theamount of smoke in both the Junior and Senior Staff rooms suggested otherwise.

An immaculately dressed number five and his more worldly and cultured successor, number six, served their furthereducation establishment successfully for a number of years but number six was scuppered by the move to join otherFE groups and by the machinations of one or two malevolent male staff.

Number seven was a single balding male, ex army, a non graduate, emergency trained, who within a few years ofjoining the profession had lectured at a training college and was firmly in control of a small secondary school. Heran a tight ship, always met and talked to teaching staff before daily assembly and insisted in seeing weekly plans atleast a week before the lessons were given. Highly respected, he introduced national exams to the school and within


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a further two years took over the largest comprehensive school on the Channel coast. He was promptly followedsouth by a quarter of the male staff.

His successor, number eight, sat in his office all day studying for his Masters degree and was rarely seen in theschool. He made no impression and the hard work put in by his predecessor withered away.

Number nine, was Head, and his wife was Deputy, of a small rural secondary school. Needless to say the Deputyruled. Without a great deal of drive, his one achievement was to obtain permission from the Director to allow acloakroom, complete with benches and hooks, to be used for staff dining.

His successor, number ten, was another enthusiastic non-graduate, who victimized certain members of staff butencouraged others to develop sailing and canoeing courses and personally led weekend and full week sailing events inicy Easter weather. His treatment of staff he considered to be inadequate or unorthodox teachers was harsh; a widowof one of the teachers refused to allow the Head or members of staff to attend her husbands funeral because of theneglect the member experienced during his illness.

Number eleven was the first Head of a comprehensive middle school in the county. Again a PE Instructor, eachmorning he extracted female teachers from classes to arrange flowers on his desk and at a senior staff managementmeeting shouted at a new head of department that he was paid to decide not to consult members of staff on newinitiatives.

Number twelve was a tall man with a fixed smile who despite suffering as a prisoner in the second world war, treated

his new staff with respect but found it difficult to smile quite so warmly when dealing with intransigent teachers andthose who joined strikes.

His successor, number thirteen, endeared himself to pedagogic common room lawyers by closing their staff roomand insisting that books should be chosen by him rather than by Principal Teachers. He managed to survive windsof over 100 mph on the lee-side of the building while other staff continued teaching on the windward side with glassand frames detaching themselves from the wall and smashing on the opposite side of the room.

Number fourteen owned a preparatory school and with his deputy, his wife, spent his weekends dressed up inmediaeval costume at a local Elizabethan manor. In keeping with his interests, courtesy was his watchword althoughhe was never caught spreading his coat across puddles for female staff.

Number fifteen was the Head of a Middle School, temperate, calmly ambitious, his school was a tribute to the best ineducation.

Number sixteen was a between-jobs clergyman. Qualified as a teacher, he had no idea of how to tame an unruly staffand even more unruly children on two site a mile and a half from each other. His time-tabling meant that staff had tohave a car and be able to travel quickly between buildings at lesson intervals. Dealing with a class who had been

waiting while the incoming teacher was held up in traffic was no mean feat. His other quality was persuading newstaff to teach in auxiliary classrooms without a door and without the appropriate equipment.

Number seventeen was a physically handicapped lady of mature years who ran her school for severely handicappedchildren with enthusiasm and persuaded a larger number of charities and organisations to financially enhance theschool environment. Her preferences led a co-habiting divorcee-secretary to fly up the promotion ladder and reachequally dizzy heights in a very short period of time.

Like all those in positions of power she was exposed when other promotions were not fulfilled and unwittinglymanaged to squash a number of peripheral activities when she decided that under a new national contractpreparation time concessions could not be taken before school started, but had to be used after the school finishedat 3.30. This convenience suited her own role as a Teacher-Head - her subject requiring no practical preparation time- and allowed her to arrive in the morning somewhat after the full-time teachers.

If there is a moral to this story it is that no matter how qualified, competent and worldly-wise the Head and howdifficult his or her Governors, Parent-teacher body or School Parliament are, there is almost always a point at whichthey overstep the mark in terms of the rights of the individual. Whether you are a child, a student, a teacher or aparent your time will come - no one is perfect ! G. P.


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JEAN BROWNIE 1929 - 2008

Jean was born in Rose Cottage, Shore Road, on April 18th 1929 to Donald McIntosh and his wife Mary Campbell.

She went to Carradale School where she did very well, winning the Kintyre Club prize for merit. From school shewent to work in the Lochpark tea-room where she stayed in employment until she married Fred Brownie. Thewedding took place on November 6th 1953.

The couple was blessed with a daughter, Mayme, who arrived in 1955, and with 4 grandchildren, Mairi, Walter, Gayle

and John. She found her vocation in being a housewife and mother and always enjoyed having her neighboursround for a visit. When her mother died in November 1974 the family moved back to Rose Cottage to care for herfather until his death at the age of 94. In 1992 she lost her husband to cancer; that proved to be also the time in

which her own health began to decline.

Increasingly she would stay at home, leaving it only on rare occasions, passing much of her time reading books anddoing crosswords ( she was a voracious reader and very skilled at doing crosswords). That she was able to stay in herhome right up to the time of her death was due to the care she received from her family.

LOOKING BACKAUTHOR ANGUS MARTIN CHART'S HIS FAMILY'S ORIGINS

The following account is a modified chapter from a book which Campbeltown author Angus Martin has written about his family. Itremains unpublished and, as he admits, probably never will be. It charts the Martin familys putative origins in Skye, thence toCarradale via settlement in Minard, and finally to Dalintober, where they established themselves as fishermen in the mid-19th century.The story begins with Anguss great-great-great grandfather, Duncan Martin, which is as far back as that branch of the family can betraced.

TORRISDALE

Wherever Duncan Martin was born, he entered into married life at Achnasavil, Carradale, with Mary McCallum, whomight well have belonged there. McCallum is now one of the commonest surnames in Kintyre, but cannot beconsidered one of the old native names, such as McEachran, McKay or McNeill. The McCallums belonged to theKilmartin area and no doubt appeared in Kintyre - in strength, anyway - after Clan Campbell expanded into the

peninsula in the 17th century, for the McCallums were nothing if not utterly loyal to those most remarkable andmost detested of Gaelic land-grabbers. There were McCallums recorded in the Carradale district in the late 17thcentury, and in Achnasavil - GaelicAchadh an t-sabhail, Barnfield - at least from 1724, when Neil McCallum appearsin a Carradale Estate rental.

At this stage, a certain unease begins to pull on the momentum of this narrative, and I identify its source at once -the imminence of genealogy and its multitudinous tentacles, like those of a giant squid depicted on the edge of asketchy chart and bearing the warning: Here be monsters. Like some medieval seafaring hero, I must fight themonster, chopping off tentacle after tentacle so that it cannot drag the ship under, but not so that it perishes entirely,for the beast must survive until the end, vigorous but tamed.

My own genealogy has fascinated me for most of my life, but the record of ones ancestry is, like that of onesmedical history, best administered to others in small doses. If there is any greater bore than the person who feels

compelled to relate the entire catalogue of his illnesses, then its the bore who imagines that his every relation - livingand dead - must interest the stranger in the same intense degree that it interests him.

Concerning the genealogy of the first Duncan Martin, there is no such problem, for there is no known genealogy.That in itself is a problem of another kind, but not one with which to trouble the reader. For Duncan, there is nobaptismal record, no marriage record and no death record, and his existence is known only from the records of hischildren. That he was a journeyman shoemaker is also known from these records, but that is all. Even his grave isunknown, and that surprises me because his family prospered, and erected, in Kilchousland, a fine headstone whichcommemorates two subsequent generations of his family and several members of the third. That his corpse wasreturned to his native parish for burial, as was customary, or buried with his wifes corpse in her native parish arepossibilities, but no stone to Duncan and Mary Martin has so far been identified anywhere in Argyll.


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Duncan and Mary had three known children born at Achnasavil, the first in 1786 and the last in 1791, and four bornat Torrisdale, the first in 1794 and the last - my great-great grandfather, John - in 1810. There was almost certainly atleast one other child, Angus, but he appears not to have been baptised, and, like his putative father, has generatedintense research. It is a common assumption that parish baptismal records represent an entire emergent population,but some children simply do not exist in these records. Reasons vary - a doctrinal disagreement with the minister,perhaps, or the witholding of sacraments owing to some misdemeanour, such as Sabbath-breaking or fornication.Even after 1855, when registration of births, marriages and deaths became mandatory, some births went unrecorded,as I know personally from research. A Campbeltown fisherman, Donald Gilchrist, was prosecuted in 1882 forhaving failed to register his marriage within three days. He pled ignorance of the law, but that didnt save him froma jail sentence.

The enigma of Angus Martin, fisherman in Dalintober, was solved in 2005, when I submitted a DNA sample to alaboratory in the United States at the same time as a descendant of Anguss in Australia: the result was a completematch, thus putting the connection effectively beyond doubt. So, he probably was a son of Duncan and Mary, andhis birthplace would have been Torrisdale, the long and beautiful glen which must have been named eight or ninehundred years ago when Kintyre was in control of the Norse. The name communicates its meaning with ease, evenin its present Anglicised form - the Dale of Thor, Norse god of thunder.

The spirit of Thor must have descended on the glen in January 1821, at the time of Old New Year, celebrated thenon the 12th, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, adopted in Britain in 1752. New Year was a time ofunihibited excess in a society which sanctioned few official holidays.

At about 11 a.m. on the 12th, 27-year-old Duncan Ferguson left his house at Torrisdale in the company of aneighbour, Alexander McDonald, to watch a shinty match at Carradale Bay. In the avenue of Carradale House,about half-a-mile from the Bay, they encountered Archibald McKay, farmer at Kerranashee and a son of JohnMcKay, tacksman of Carradale Estate. He had been sheltering from a shower of rain and emerged from behind adyke holding an umbrella.

On seeing Ferguson, McKay addressed him in Gaelic: Are you there, Big Prick ? An angry dispute ensued, with agood deal of cursing and swearing on both sides. The exchange became so heated that Alexander McDonald had toforce himself between the pair and separate them, but to no effect because they immediately came to blows and abattle took place between them.

A crowd gathered, spectating the brawl, until the police constable at Carradale, David Henderson, grabbed Ferguson

and dragged him away; but McKay was in no mood to disengage and came at Ferguson brandishing his shinty-stick.Ferguson broke clear of the constable and again engaged with his adversary, but some men in the crowd immediatelyseparated them and Ferguson, fearing arrest, ran off home.

Ferguson admitted to being a little the worse of drink that morning, but was not by any means intoxicated, anddrank only one dram throughout the rest of the day. He remained about his own house all day, and about seven inthe evening was seated at dinner with Duncan McDougall, fisherman in Lonaduppin, when Archibald McKay andhis brother Donald appeared at the door, armed with sticks and shouting: Are you in Ferguson, you bugger ? Turnout here! Ferguson, by his own admission, was so terrified that he fled through the house. The McKays entered inpursuit, and, when they cornered Ferguson, Donald McKay aimed a violent blow at his head, but Ferguson raisedhis arm in protection and the blow fell on his right elbow, which was left badly bruised and swollen.

Ferguson managed to escape from his house and ran to a nearby wood, pursued by the McKays. He reached thehouse of Alexander McAlister and, crying Murder ! at the window, begged him to come out. While he andMcAlister were talking, Fergusons wife, with a child in her arms and another at her feet, appeared there crying,having imagined that Ferguson had been murdered in the wood.

Others there were also terrorised during the McKays rampage that evening. One of the innocent victims was adaughter of Duncan and Mary Martin, Isabella, who was married to a crofter-fisherman in Torrisdale, DuncanMitchell. They shared the house with Ferguson and his family, and Isabella - then 24 years old - was struck byDonald McKay. She was three months pregnant at the time and four days later miscarried. She was still veryunwell when interviewed on 24 January, during the preparation of charges against John, Archibald and DonaldMcKay, and ascribed her miscarriage to the fright she took at the McKays violence.


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Both Duncan and Isabella were born in Torrisdale - his parents were Duncan Mitchell, crofter, and MaryMcConnachie - but died in Dalintober, she in 1873, aged 74, and he in 1877, aged 84.

They were the great-grandparents of Willie Mitchell, who was born in North Shore Street, Dalintober, in 1904, anddied in Campbeltown in 1986. Willie, a butcher to trade, was a popular local musician, who not only collectedtraditional songs in Kintyre, but also wrote his own, of which Road to Drumlemman is internationally recognised.

Andy Mitchell, who was born in 1945, has continued the familys musical tradition. His compositions have beenrecorded by such as Cilla Fisher, Vin Garbut, Patrick Street and Country Celtic, and his best-known song, Indiana,has appeared on some thirty albums at the last count. He remembers, as a boy in Ballachullish in the 1950s, WillieMitchell arriving by bicycle from Campbeltown to visit his father, Duncan Mitchell, who was the United FreeChurch minister in the village. Duncan and Willie were full cousins, but Duncans father, John, married CatherineCook of Carradale, and their family was born and brought up there, close to the Mitchell origins in Torrisdale.

Duncan Mitchell, who was born in 1906, was first a herring fisherman in Carradale and then a merchant seaman,before training for the ministry. He wrote to me, shortly after The Ring-Net Fishermenappeared in 1981, seekingconfirmation of a link he understood existed between the Mitchells and Martins, but at that time I had no knowledgeof it and replied to say so. Years later, when that link emerged in the violent incidents of 1821, I wrote to him again,this time with confirmation.

I was very fond of Willie, Duncan replied, as he was the only one of the many Campbeltown relations who kept intouch with the Carradale branch. Before he married, and before I went to sea, he used to cycle up almost every

Sunday afternoon and he was very popular with us all. I used to sit thrilled, listening to him play the mandoline - hewas a very fine player indeed.

There was no village at Torrisdale, only scattered crofts and cottages; nonetheless, a fishing community grew there inthe 19th century and survived into the 20th. That community held itself apart from the fishing communities at

Waterfoot and Port Crannaig, which effectively merged as Carradale. In the 1852 petition against the trawl- anembryonic ring-net - the Torrisdale fishermen signed separately from their Carradale counterparts. There were 14signatures from Torrisdale, including four McCallums - Edward, Dougald, Duncan and Archibald - and twoMcMillans - both Donald - these being the two principal fishing families there. In 1904, seven fishing-boats wereregistered at Torrisdale - Agnes (CN 117), T McMillan; Mary (CN 125), John McAnsh; Susan (CN 134), AlexCampbell;Mary (273), Robert Brown; Maggie(CN 300), J McMillan; McMillan(CN 341), J McConachie; and Mary

Anne(CN 406), James McMillan - and, by the Second World War, only one, Donald McAnshs Betty.

Cecil Finn - the well-known Campbeltown seine-net skipper, now retired - was brought up in Gayfield Place,Dalintober, and one of his neighbours there was an elderly retired fisherman, Donald Brown, who belonged to

Torrisdale and to a family which goes back to the 17th century, at least, in that district. It was Donald who taughtCecil, at an early age, to mend nets. When Cecil himself became a ring-net fisherman, and was back home for a

week-end, Donald would ask him where hed been and how long hed taken getting there. Then Donald would tellhis own stories, and very different they were - of leaving for the great Islay herring-fishery of the late 19th centuryand rowing round the Mull and away for the Sound of Islay and the west side, where the fishing was; of mooringalongside rocks out by the Dorus Mor at Crinan, brewing tea and waiting for the tide to turn and start the crews ontheir passage by sail to the Minch herring fishing.

My cousin Jim McAulays ashes were scattered in Torrisdale Glen in 2002. His mother was Victoria Martin and hisfather Neil McAulay, who died at the age of 34 in 1926, a belated fatality of the Great War. The original McAulaysin Campbeltown formed a small part of the massive influx of Irish immigrants into Kintyre. Jim would not haveknown of the Martin connection with Torrisdale, but his happiest times, he said, were the boyhood summers hespent at the shepherds cottage at Achanuillt with an aunt and uncle, Donald and Bessie Buchanan. Bessie was NeilMcAulays sister and her husband was a shepherd from Lewis. Jim maintained a close connection with theBuchanans long past boyhood, and when Donald became shepherd at Crossaig - which also belonged to TorrisdaleEstate - Jim took his wife, Chrissie McGeachy, and the first of his family to stay there.

The Martin line which descended from the enigmatic Angus, referred to above, continued in Kintyre through hisgrandson, the notable Captain Duncan Martin, but is now locally extinct, though the name survives in the well-known bookshop, at 14 Main Street, which his daughter Katherine established in 1901 and which is still known asMartins and still family-owned. During its first half-century, the shop - which also supplied nautical charts and soldnewspapers, stationary and much else, including plug tobacco, cut and weighed on the premises ! - was managed by


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Katherine. In 1951, her daughter, Mrs. Efric Wotherspoon - who had married into a Gigha family - succeeded tothe business and herself ran it for close on half-a-century. Her daughter Mrs. Efric MacNeil now manages thebusiness.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

CAMPBELTOWN

Application Ref: 08/02005/COU

Officer: Tim WilliamsTelephone: 01546 604084Ward Details: South KintyreProposal: Change of use of disused byre to dwelling house and erection of garageLocation: East Chisken Farmhouse, Chiskan Road, Campbeltown, Argyll And Bute, PA28 6PNApplicant: Mr And Mrs I Fawcett East Chiskan Farmhouse, Machrihanish Road, By Campbeltown, PA286PN

Application Ref: 08/01840/COUOfficer:Tim Williams

Telephone:01546 604084Ward Details: South KintyreProposal: Change of use from shop to cafe - class threeLocation: 59 Longrow, Campbeltown, Argyll And Bute, PA28 6ERApplicant: Kadus, Castlehill, Campbeltown, Argyll, PA28 6ANAgent: Tom Grant Partnership Campbeltown 41 Longrow, Campbeltown, Argyll

Application Ref: 08/02004/COUOfficer: Tim Williams

Telephone: 01546 604084Ward Details South KintyreProposal: Alterations and change of use of existing stores to two flatsLocation: 8A Burnbank Place, Burnbank Street, Campbeltown, Argyll And Bute, PA28 6JBApplicant: Campbeltown Lettings 35 Longrow, Campbeltown, PA28 6ERAgent: Tom Grant Partnership Campbeltown 41 Longrow, Campbeltown, Argyll

Development Type: 5BAll other developments:Minor Grid Ref: 171945 620513

THE CINEMA

Cinema Closed 24, 25 and 26 Dec 2008

Sat 27, Sun 28, Mon 29 and Tues 30 Dec at TBCThe Tale of Despereaux cert TBC

Audio reinforcement available

Cinema Closed 31 Dec, 1 and 2 Jan 2009

Sat 3 Jan 2009 for 6 days at TBCThe Tale of Despereaux cert TBC

Audio reinforcement available


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KINTYRE INITIATIVE WORKING GROUP

Extracts from the minutes of the meeting held in Council Chambers, Town Hall, Campbeltown on Monday 3 rd ofNovember.

FERRY INITIATIVES

Campbeltown / Ballycastle - Councillor John Semple gave the Group an update regarding the telephone call whichhe had received from The Transport Department at the Scottish Executive advising that the STAG Appraisal was

now in the final stages with a meeting being organised between Jim Mather MSP, Stewart Stevenson and ArleneFoster. Councillor Donald Kelly intimated that Pentland Ferries are still interested in the route. Various discussionstook place on the ferry service with Alison Younger advising that Moyle Council are still very interested in the route.Gigha / Tayinloan - Alison Younger advised that there would be a report at the December Area Committeeregarding this situation.

UPDATE ON INITIATIVES/PRIORITIES AND THEMES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

Opportunity Kintyre - Alison Younger read an email from Mary Turner advising that Opportunity Kintyre werefortunate to secure Leader funding in the last round so they are now funded for another year.

The September Ball was a great success and had leading Politician and Economic Development expert fromWestminster Vince Cable MP as the guest speaker, along with Alan Reid MP who introduced him and Ernesto Sirolliwho was entertaining and inspirational as usual.

Lynn the Facilitator continues to be very busy and have a number of new business start ups. Some publicity willfollow.

Harbour Project / Campbeltown Town Centre Project - Alison Younger reported that the OBC had beensigned off 3-4 weeks ago and it would be going to the full Council meeting on 27th November. Councillor Colvilleintimated that Campbeltown was the most deserving case and would be beneficial if businesses and the communitycould look up the website and write to the Council stressing the importance of Campbeltown obtaining a share ofthis money. Councillor Kelly expressed his opinion that the OBC was an excellent document and would beextremely disappointed if Campbeltown were not successful.

Council Leader + Programme - Jane Fowler gave the Group a talk on the Leader + Programme advising thatthere is 7.9 million to be spent on projects to 2013. Every Town apart from Helensburgh is eligible to apply toLeader + with the 2 Officers being very capable of assisting the process of applying for funding. The next approvedate is February with awards being made in March 2009.

Miniature Railway - Councillor Colville intimated that there has been a new Chairperson appointed to thisCommittee.

TOURISM / LEISURE INITIATIVES / KINTYRE WAY INCLUDING:

Machrihanish - Campbeltown Railway Walk- Councillor Semple advised that a survey of local farmers who haveland which would be affected by the proposal was taking place and the results would be made available to the

Laggan Community Council.

Kintyre Way - John Bakes expressed his thanks to Argyll and Bute Council for the grant that Kintyre Way receivedto allow the Kintyre Way to continue. He further thanked the Councillors who recently walked the route. John statedthat he had forgotten to bring the grid reference showing where the pressure pads were located but advised that 2 ofthe 3 pressure pads are working. To date 600 walkers have taken part but would like to see between 1 and 2,000

walkers using the Kintyre Way which would potentially bring a lot of money into the area.

Councillor Semple raised the issue of marketingArgyll and Bute brands and it was reported that theAgriculturalForum had highlighted Argyll food at various music festivals in 2008. Councillor Colville suggested tying inenvironment and history into this marketing.


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It was reported that the Kintyre Marketing Group still exists with Stewart Rafferty from Bellochantuy Hotelinterested in promoting and marketing Kintyre.

Alison Younger advised that there is an activity going on with HIE to scope out marketing initiatives.

John Bakes mentioned The Kintyre Way website where businesses can have a whole page of advertising forapproximately 50.

Paul Convery informed the group regarding a project to promote Argyll brands in Cannes but intimated thatfunding has to be identified.

Westport- No update available.

Banner Project - Linsay MacPhail intimated that the banners should be erected by Easter.

Pipe Band Championships 2009 - Linsay MacPhail advised that the date of the Pipe Band Championships hasbeen changed to the 3rd May 2009. The committee has received 5000 from the Council's Homecoming Grant.

UPDATE/REPORT ON NEW GOLF COURSE

Councillor Semple stated that Brian Keating had informed him that 100 PGA players are coming to visit over thenext few months. The sale of the cottages at Machrihanish has slowed down due to the financial market. Councillor

Semple raised Brian's concerns that Campbeltown Berthing Company is considering getting rid of the pontoons ifthe sewage situation is not rectified.

Ann Gallacher intimated that there were currently 6 of the 18 holes completed and it is hoped to have the coursecompleted by Spring of next year.

John Bakes stated that Brian Keating should be thanked on bringing so many people to the Kintyre area.

VESTAS

No further update apart from recent press release. Councillor Semple advised that there was an open meetingorganised by Jim Mather MSP regarding Vestas, Base and Ferry on Saturday 8th November in the Council

Chambers, Town Hall at 10.30 am.

CAMPBELTOWN GAS WORKS

It was reported that Opportunity Kintyre were hopeful to secure 5000 funding from Community Energy Scotlandto carry out a community energy project feasibility study.

CAMPBELTOWN AIRPORT CONSULATIVE ITEMS

Loganair Ltd - Unfortunately the representative from Loganair/Flybe was unable to attend this meeting but hopedto attend a future one. John Bakes raised the issue of photo identification being required causing a problem withpeople who don't have a passport. Also patients who have been flown out by ambulance plane but are flying back onthe service plane was discussed. It was agreed to invite Flybe to the next meeting and address these issues.

Councillor Kelly intimated that the PSO was open for negotiation and hopefully this would see the start of a Sundayflight.

Highlands and Islands Airports Limited - No report available.

Defence Estates - Allan Muir stated that there had been a meeting with Douglas Cowan and a brief had been setwith Defence Estates, HIE and Argyll and Bute Council on selling the MOD site. Negotiations are on going withHIA Ltd for new lease of airport. Jane Fowler is working very closely with Defence Estates and HIE to try andestablish if there are any significant planning problems.

Councillor Rory Colville stated the need for the local community to be involved.


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FARMING REPORT/INITIATIVES/AGRICULTURAL FORUM

It was reported that milk prices in Northern Ireland was 18p.

Councillor Colville stated that the Agricultural Forum is taking forward Kintyre Environmental Group regardinglocal food and abattoirs with the Area Development Group being given an update on Friday. It was agreed to invitethe Development Worker for the Kintyre local food feasibility study to attend a future meeting. Councillor Colvillereported that he had attended a review in Inverness recently of the support system for Farmers with changes takingplace over the next 5 years which will affect the Kintyre area.

TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES TARBERT/A83/CAR PARKING/PIER

Traffic Calming Measures - No update.

A83 - Councillor Semple reported that there had been a good input from hauliers who had responded toquestionnaire. This exercise will be followed up when more responses are received from some of the larger localhauliers.

Councillor Colville stated that work on the section of road at Stonefield was due to commence in March/April 2009which would see the road closed at night as it wasn't wide enough to have a convoy. It was agreed to try and obtainan update on this for the next meeting.

Car Parking - no report available.

Pier - Councillor Colville informed the Group that the work between the 2 Quays has been suspended meantimebut Councillor Kelly advised that Stewart Clark had promised that this work would be completed before the end ofthe financial year.

WRITTEN REPORTS FROM COUNCIL SERVICES, JOB CENTRE PLUS,ARGYLL COLLEGE, H.I.E., KINTYRE REDESIGN GROUP

Council Services - No report available.

Jobcentre Plus - No report available.

Argyll College - Darlene Russell gave an update from Argyll College, a copy of which was circulated and attached tothis minute for information.

HIE - Lucinda Gray gave the Group an update on HIE and the focus they had on delivering the NationalEconomic Strategy and Account Management approach. Lucinda confirmed that this meant HIE were moving awayfrom supporting training for existing businesses. HIE had been working closely with the Council to revise theKintyre Action Plan and it was hoped to bring this to the KIWG in the New Year for discussion and monitoring.

Kintyre Redesign Group - Susan Paterson advised that the Kintyre Redesign Group are no longer established andhad their last meeting in April. This Group has now been taken over by the Argyll and Bute Public PartnershipForum (PPF). Susan circulated information leaflets to those attending and advised that the registration form has tobe completed to enable people to obtain information on various health aspects. Susan informed the Group that there

was an open public meeting to be held in the Corran Halls, Oban on 13th November when various organisationshad been invited to attend.

SNH - Councillor Semple welcomed Donna Causer from Scottish National Heritage who advised that she wascurrently working on the SSSI, Kintyre Way and Windfarm applications.

SCOTTISH WATER REPORT

Councillor Semple introduced Jane McKenzie, Louise Adamson and Chris Toop from Scottish Water and thankedthem for attending the meeting. Louise gave the Group an update on the revised project and intimated that it isScottish Water's intention to hold a public information day on the 25th November to advise of timescales etc. Phase


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II of the Campbeltown project has been added and moved on. There are 5 packages of work the first threecompliance with current regulations package 4 is to do with the storm sewage and package 5 is treating the stormand extension of outfall with designers and contractors on board. Chris Toop intimated that Scottish Water will beimproving screening while works are being completed. The Group were advised that the extension of the outfall

would be 80 metres and completed by 2009 to respond to the enforcement actions of SEPA an ensure compliance.

Concerns were expressed that this should be longer and it was noted that final phase, phase 5 would consider this aspart of the full holistic review of the system. The completion date for these works will be 2011. Councillor Kellyremarked that if it's feasible to use as many local contractors with good local knowledge of drainage, it's feasible touse as many local contractors with good lock knowledge of drainage. Alastair McKinlay stated that when the originalsystem was installed the existing outfall at the Lighthouse was the best option. Alastair raised the issue of thedreadful odour at Aqualibrium. Scottish Water intimated that the odour was due to a build up in equipment but thisshould have been rectified as a return valve has now been fully opened and this should alleviate any problems.

Councillor Semple intimated that Jim Mather MSP has a meeting organised with SEPA and Scottish Water and thereshould be an update for the next meeting. It was agreed to invite SEPA to a future meeting.

INITIATIVES / PRIORITIES AND THEMES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

Councillor Semple advised that in terms of the Airport, Base and Action Plan there is an interest in using the KintyreInitiative Working Group to monitor progress so it was decided that the Agenda and emphasis would changesignificantly to focus on priority economic drivers Councillor Colville stated the importance of involving the third

sector. Alison Younger intimated that it was essential to put intensive thinking into the Kintyre Action Plan on theeconomic situation in Kintyre with the initial exercise was to look at the Agenda to make this more focused. It wasagreed that the Chief Executive be invited to a future meeting.

A.O.B.

Alison Younger stated that James Lafferty is busy working with planning applications for shops in the area throughthe CARS scheme and hopes to have THI submission for January, Alison Younger further intimated that as of last

week the Burnet Building in Campbeltown was now conducting the facility to have a passport interview for first timeapplications through webcam to the passport offices. An email was received from Open Space Audit advising thatthat they will be carrying out a survey on green sites in the area.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING Friday 6th February in the Town Hall, Campbeltown.

KINTYRE CULTURAL FORUM - AGM PRESS RELEASE

The Kintyre Cultural Forum held its AGM Thursday 13th November with the Chair of Deirdre Henderson, theSecretary of Elaine Hemmings and the Treasurer of Iris Kerr being voted back in. Thanks were given in particular to

Adrian Clements for his four years of service as the previous Treasurer.

The last year has been a very busy year for the organisation as it progresses its plans for the environmental, cultural /arts centre in Campbeltown and the culturally focussed web-site for Kintyre. Currently Iain Johnston as the project

worker is carrying out an audit of need with the general public and with promoters.

Deirdre Henderson said 'we greatly value the support and funding from the Scottish Arts Council, Leader,Campbeltown Common Good Fund, HIE, East Kintyre Wind-farm Trust and the time of Eileen Rae, the Council's Arts Development Officer. We are looking forward to a public seminar on the 19th of March to bring theinformation gathered in the audit to build a plan of need and a design plan together for the staffed environmentalcultural / arts centre and the Kintyre web-site.' It is hoped that these projects will help the regeneration ofCampbeltown and Kintyre using the strengths of the cultural talents.

For more information on the Kintyre Cultural Forum or to take part in the audit contact Iain on 01586 552034 [email protected]


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CARRADALE GOLF CLUB

The demolition of the Clubhouse is expected to take place in the middle of November to make room for thebuilding of the new one. All items had to be removed by 16 November. The annual dance took place in theCarradale Hotel on Saturday, 1 November, and, although the numbers were down on last year, an excellent evening

was had by one and all.

The winners in the monthly draw for the Snowball, November and December prizes were as follows: -

Snowball November December1st J. MacKinnon 150 S. Thomson 30 G. McLean 302nd M. Adams 100 D. MacKinnon 18 M. MacNaughtan 183rd J. Robertson 50 S. Irvine 12 R. Rowe 124th ---------------------- T. Service 6 J.R. MacNautan 6

MENS SECTION

The AGM was held in the Carradale Hotel on Friday, 7 November. Ian Neilson was elected to continue as Captainfor a further year with John McFadyen as Vice-Captain. Other changes were that AGT Walker has moved from

Treasurer to Secretary, Danny Galbraith was appointed Treasurer and Stuart Irvine joins the Committee. There wereno other changes. The fixture list for 2009 was discussed and agreed and passed over to the Ladies Section so thatdates can be coordinated.

CHILDREN IN NEEDCARRADALE SCHOOL HELPS NATIONAL APPEAL

Hi Geoffrey, I'd be really grateful if you could put in the Antler a piece about what the school did to raise money forChildren In Need. I'm on my probation year at Carradale Primary(my old primary school) working with P5,6,7. Ihave also attached some photos of the day.

Carradale Primary had a fun day on Friday 14th November to raise money for Children In Need. Primary 5,6,7organised fun activities for the whole school: face painting, sport activities, Pin The Patch on Pudsey, Jelly Eating,Baking Stall, Pudsey's Birthday, Treasure Map and more.

The winners were :

Guess Pudsey's Birthday - Glynn HarveyTreasure Map, prize donated by Paterson's Shop - Jim SempleSport Activities 1st Louisa West, 2nd Equal - Niall Gemmill and Micheal CharlwoodPin the Patch on Pudsey - Jordon McKenzie and Micheal CharlwoodChoose a Pudsey - Oskar Baxter.

We raised the fantastic amount of 210 and we would like to thank everyone who helped on the day, donated bakingand to Paterson's Shop and Semples Garage for having Pudsey's Birthday and the Treasure Map to let everyone havea chance of winning.

Thanks once again, Miss Galbraith.

WIND-FARM ISSUES

EAST KINTYRE WIND-FARM TRUSTCONTRIBUTES TO A SCOTTISH AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE STUDENTS B.Sc RESEARCH

Elaine Macintosh, a Sustainable Environmental Management Student graduated BSc (Hons) in 2008 with First ClassHonours and won the SAC Prize for Best Honours Dissertation in Sustainable Environmental Management.

TheDissertation entitled An Evaluation of Wind Farm Community Benefit Funds in Scotland utilised informationprovided by a variety of local authorities, community councils and other grant-giving bodies.


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Based on a study of all grid-connected onshore wind farms operational in Scotland in October 2007 and a survey ofall wind farm community benefit fund-managing bodies (53% response rate, n=29), the following observations weremade:

THE EXTENT AND NATURE OF WIND FARM COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUNDS

Community benefit funds are almost universal for commercial wind farms in Scotland, accounting for 95% of totaloutput capacity. There are only two wind farms over 10 megawatts without a community benefit fund.

Annual contributions are typically between 700 and 2,000 per megawatt of installed capacity, although severalLocal Authorities seek higher rates. Initial capital payments and productivity and/or profitability top-ups are alsoused.

The 29 fund-managing bodies who took part in the survey had received over 2 million to date, with over780,000 divested.

The majority of funds are administered by Community Councils. Others are constituted as Community Trusts, orCompanies Limited by Guarantee, a few of which have third-party administrators. A small number are managedcentrally by Local Authorities, with several other Authorities adopting this model for more recent developments.

HOW WIND FARM COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUNDS CONTRIBUTE TO LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

The majority of funds are used for immediate projects and activities. Less than a fifth of survey respondents hadallocated funds to strategic or long-term uses.

Supporting local groups was the dominant category of fund use. Recreational activities, infrastructural andenvironmental improvements, and identifying local needs and priorities also featured strongly.

Over three-quarters of fund bodies surveyed were satisfied overall with the type of benefits derived from the use ofcommunity benefit funds. Satisfaction was relatively high with the extent to which funds were benefiting the wholecommunity, addressing local needs, providing additionality to local funding and providing long-term benefits. Just38% were satisfied with strategic use of funds.

There was suggestion of valuable secondary outcomes in identifying local needs and priorities and building skillsfor community development which did not relate directly to fund expenditure in these areas, suggesting thatcommunity benefit funds may be a catalyst for community development capacity.

SUCCESS AND CONSTRAINT FACTORSIN MEANINGFUL USE OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUNDS

The most highly rated success factor was local management of the fund (93%). Other success factors werecommunity consultation and publicity, key individuals in the community, relevant skills within the fund managingbody, and other local funding sources; all rated important by over two-thirds of respondents.

The most common constraint was difficulty identifying project ideas (41%). Skills gaps for developing andmanaging projects, reliance on volunteer time, limited number of local groups to apply for funds, and difficultyagreeing fund aims and priorities were also constraints for around a third of communities.

Less than two-thirds of respondents had carried out community consultation to establish aims for the fund,although those who had rated it an important success factor. Limited consultation may well be reflected in thedifficulties reported in agreeing fund aims and priorities and identifying project ideas.

Less than a fifth of respondents had received support or training for managing the fund, although most of those who had rated it important. Limited training may be reflected in the skills gap constraints for developing andmanaging projects.

Only a fifth of respondents considered the lack a community development plan or other strategic planning to be aconstraint on deriving meaningful benefit from the fund. This is somewhat at odds with the much larger proportion


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reporting difficulty identifying fund aims and projects, and the relatively low satisfaction rating for the strategic useof funds.

Of those with a community development plan, less than two-thirds rated it important for fund use. Of those with aDevelopment Trust or Officer, less than a third rated it important. As the majority of funds surveyed received under20,000 per year, the limited importance placed on a strategic context may well be related to the size of the fund.

Due to the small number of funds in the survey, no conclusion could be drawn on the hypothesis that communitydevelopment structures and capacity make it easier for communities to make meaningful use community benefitfunds.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendations for practice

Wind farm communities should be encouraged and supported to carry out community consultation to establishaims and priorities for the fund and, as appropriate to the size of fund, to prepare strategic plans for how the fundcan best be used.

Where community development structures exist (such as community development plans, other local plans orDevelopment Trusts), the appropriateness and potential benefits of integrating a community benefit fund with theseshould be investigated, both as a funding context and from an administrative point of view.

When establishing community benefit funds and making decisions on administrative arrangements, the variableneed within each community for support and training should be appraised and addressed so that communities havethe skills and resources to make best use of their funds. This should include support on community consultation,strategic planning, accessing match funding, and developing and managing projects. It is possible that a localDevelopment Agency or Trust could provide such support, perhaps at a cost that could be negotiated as part of thecommunity benefit arrangement, or from the fund itself.

Fund-managing bodies should be supported to develop evaluation methodologies for the use of community benefitfunds, through which the extent to which they deliver meaningful benefit in terms of the needs and aspirations ofthe community can be assessed.

The research strongly suggests that local management is an important factor in deriving meaningful benefit fromcommunity benefit funds. Where third-party administrative arrangements are considered, the benefits of a localelement should not be overlooked.

These recommendations will become increasingly important as the monies available to communities becomeslarger in line with the increasing size and number of wind farms. It may also be that some existing fund-managingbodies would benefit from support in reviewing their arrangements in view of forthcoming wind farm extensions.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH

The findings of this study suggest a number of areas for further research.

This study did not cover wind farm community benefit funds that are centrally administered by Local Authorities.In view of the fact that a number of Local Authorities are adopting this model, and given both the DTIrecommendations and community comments against this approach, it would be instructive to compare the type andextent of benefits derived by the local communities as well as any particular success or constraint factors.

Likewise with the one wind farm (Wardlaw Wood) where community benefits are provided through direct fundingof local projects and activities; what are the benefits and drawbacks of this approach from a community perspective ?

Case studies on a range of community benefit funds, perhaps from among the larger funds, would be valuable infurther investigating the extent to which community development structures and capacity can enable communities tomake the most of community benefit funds, particularly in terms of strategic use and likely long-term benefits.

Case studies on the few funds where some dissatisfaction was reported might provide valuable transferable lessons.


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Surveying a wider community perspective on the benefits and satisfaction derived from wind farm communitybenefit funds would provide a useful comparison to the views of fund-managing bodies presented here.

Finally, a review of current community benefit fund evaluation methodologies; what measures are in place forensuring best use on behalf of the community ?

The full dissertation can be found at -http://www.sac.ac.uk/learning/courses/undergraduate/envcoucon/sustainablemanagement/exampledissertation-SEM

NEW STRUCTURE FOR FOREST ENTERPRISE SCOTLAND

Forest Enterprise Scotland has recently completed a review of their organisation which will result in a new structureat forest district level to manage the national forest estate.

The review was undertaken to ensure that Forest Enterprise Scotland was able to operate more effectively anddeliver a wide range of social, economic and social forestry policies.

The main finding of the review is to reduce the number of forest districts from 14 to 10 across Scotland. There areno staff reductions or compulsory redundancies as a result of the review as the organisation is simply adjusting themanagement structure and geographical boundaries that each forest district will cover.

Hugh Insley, Chief Executive of Forest Enterprise Scotland said:

"Re-organising our forest districts into fewer but stronger teams will help increase our effectiveness in deliveringcore policies for the benefit of Scotland's people and economy. When undertaking the review we were very mindfulof the importance our local forestry offices hold in rural areas and we believe we have continued to ensure that thecharacter and community spirit is still preserved.

"Our staff trade unions have been involved in this structure review from the outset and have agreed the proposals.We are exploring how we can maximise the benefits and join forces with our SEARS partners in sharing offices andthis will result in a better one-stop service for our customers."

The main changes from the review are:

Scottish Borders and Ae forest districts will merge. Forest management will be located at the Ae centre with anoutstation to be located within the Borders, possibly co-locating with other SEARS partners.

Moray and Aberdeenshire forest districts will join together with the management centre being located at the Huntlyoffice and a number of staff located in Moray at Newton Nursery office.

Fort Augustus and Inverness forest districts will also merge. Discussions with staff are now underway in terms oflocating outstations and opportunities to share offices with SEARS partners is being explored.

Boundary changes will now mean that Lorne Forest District will be split between Lochaber and West Argyll forest

districts. An outstation for Lorne Forest District will be put in place and it is possible that staff may locate withanother government office. The office on Mull will be retained.

The changes are due to be phased in for 1st April 2009.

Note to news editors

1. The SEARS (Scotland's Environmental and Rural Services) family of organisations includes Forestry CommissionScotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, the Crofters Commission, the DeerCommission for Scotland, the two National Park Authorities in Scotland, the Scottish Governments Rural Paymentsand Inspections Directorate and Animal Health. It's aim is to provide a one-stop shop for information and advice toScotland's rural land managers.


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2. Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES) is the agency of Forestry Commission Scotland and is responsible for managingthe national forest estate. The agency manages the estate through a network of geographical areas called forestdistricts.

3. Media enquiries to: South Scotland: Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland press office 0131 314 6508.North Scotland: Paul Munro, Forestry Commission Scotland press office 0131 314 6507.

UP & COMING EVENTS - CARRADALE VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE

Burns Night 2009 Saturday 17 January

ACHA FACTORING

Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) is delighted at the response it has received from private ownersregarding the introduction of a factoring service by the Association throughout Argyll and Bute.

Out of more than 800 responses received to our initial letter that was sent to owners many are supportive of theprinciples of factoring. With comments saying Its about time a factoring service was introduced, Im veryinterested and expect my neighbours will be too and Yes, at last someone has a good idea, it is apparent thatthere is a demand for the maintenance of blocks of properties to be managed as a whole.

The Associations staff have also attended at least 12 meeting of the Area Committees, Tenants and ResidentsAssociation and meetings with Councillors. In addition a meeting has already taken place with the majority of ownersin the first block to be launched into the factoring service and further updates as to progress shall be available soon.

The information helpfully supplied by owners has enabled ACHA to review the planned pilot projects to enablefactoring to be put into operation. Nick Pollard, Director of Finance & IT at ACHA said, On behalf of the

Association I would like to thank all residents who took the time to respond and raise comments and suggestions onthe factoring service. We value all the contributions made and they have certainly assisted us in better planning forthe delivery of what is a much needed service throughout Argyll and Bute. Factoring enquiries can be made to adedicated email address: [email protected]. More information on ACHAs proposals is available athttp://www.acha.co.uk/factoring.htm

COLLECTING FOOD WASTEPROPOSALS FOR INCREASED RECYCLING COLLECTIONSIN HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND

PILOT RECYCLING AND WASTE COLLECTION

The Council will pilot the collection of food waste, recycling material and domestic general waste in the Helensburghand Lomond Area. Householders will be provided with indoor and kerbside outdoor food waste caddies (withcompostable bags) and a blue recycling bin for paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and cans. If a premise is not suitablefor these collections or cannot store such bins and containers then other arrangements will be considered by theCouncil.

FOOD WASTE & BLUE RECYCLING BINS

FOOD WASTE: An internal kitchen caddy, supply of compostable bags and 22 litre outdoor kerbside food wastecollection caddy will be provided to all participating households. The food waste outdoor caddy (for both cookedand uncooked food waste) will be serviced on a weekly basis from the collection point on a specified day.

BLUE RECYCLING BIN: Each household within the H&L area, where practicable, will receive a blue wheeledbin (if they do not already have one) for the collection of clean paper, newspaper, magazines, yellow pages,cardboard, plastic bottles, washed aluminium and steel cans. The blue wheeled container will be serviced on afortnightly basis from the collection point on a specified day as indicated by a collection calendar provided tohouseholders. Where the household is unable to use a blue wheeled bin for the collection of the re-cyclates due toreasons of access or storage capacity, an alternate collection system for the recyclable material may be offered.Householders who do not wish a blue bin or food waste recycling containers can advise the Council prior to planneddelivery dates.


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ADDITIONAL CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS

An additional food waste kerbside caddy (or alternatively a larger food waste caddy) will be supplied free of charge ifrequired. Where a household regularly produces quantities of clean paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, aluminium andsteel cans in excess of that which can be contained by one wheeled container, an additional or larger blue wheeledcontainer may be supplied free of charge to the householder.

COLLECTION ARRANGEMENTS

COLLECTION POINT: The householder will place the appropriate wheeled bin(s) and outdoor food wastecaddy at the collection point on the appropriate day(s).

GENERAL DOMESTIC WASTE:

Each household in Helensburgh and Lomond, where practicable, shall have a 240 Litre wheeled container for thecollection of general waste, which cannot be appropriately accommodated within the blue bin or food wastecollection caddy. Householders with a smaller 140 litre general waste bin will be able to swap free of charge for astandard 240 litre size.

Where a household is unable to accommodate a 240 Litre wheeled container for the collection of general waste dueto reasons of access or storage capacity, an alternative collection system for the collection of general waste will be

offered.

Where a household produces excess general waste, which cannot be accommodated within a 240 Litre, they can buyan additional bin.

No more than 2 general waste 240 litre bins will be uplifted on the appropriate alternate week date. The general waste wheeled bin will be collected on a fortnightly basis from the collection point on a specified day and asindicated by a collection calendar provided to households at the commencement of the new kerbside recyclingservice pilot. Collection will be made as appropriate to the individual circumstances of the properties concerned, atthe discretion of the Director and in line with Operational Services requirements.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Where special circumstance exists (e.g. a medical condition, large family, family

with small children using disposable nappies, high ashes content from solid fuel heating) which could create excessgeneral household waste, a free second general waste wheeled bin may be offered at the discretion of the Director.No additional side waste or bulky items should be deposited alongside the general waste container.

ASSISTANCE WITH BINS MOVEMENT FOR THE ELDERLY AND INFIRM:

There are procedures already in place where elderly or infirm householders (where there is no able bodied adult inthe house who can help present the bin on collection day), can apply to the Council for an Assisted RefuseCollection for general waste and/or blue bin collections. Householders will be able to use the same procedures toapply for an Assisted Collection for the uplift of an outdoor kitchen waste caddy if required. Such householders orthose with a particularly long carrying distance (where carrying an outdoor caddy a distance may be difficult) can beoffered a slightly larger outdoor caddy with wheels, which would allow easier movement to the kerbside for thehouseholder.

PROPERTIES WHICH CANNOT BE INCLUDED WITHIN THE PROJECT SCOPE:

There are a number of properties within Helensburgh & Lomond (e.g. flats and common entrance properties) whichfor logistical and practical reasons, it may not be possible to include within the scope of the pilot scheme. Indeveloping the Project Implementation Plan, the Project Team will undertake a review of properties which maypresent logistical and practical difficulties and will consult with residents before the scope of service provided tothese households is finalised.


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IMPROVEMENTS TO COMMUNAL RECYCLING FACILITIES:

In conjunction with the introduction of the pilot scheme, the Project Team will review the current provision ofcommunal recycling facilities in Helensburgh & Lomond to determine what improvements can be made in terms ofaccess and performance to further improve recycling outcomes and to support the pilot programme.

WARM HOMES CAMPAIGNNATIONAL CAMPAIGN IN NOVEMBER FOR AFFORDABLE WARMTH FOR ALL

A national campaign to raise awareness of the plight of millions of fuel poor households in the UK and of thesupport that is available to them will take place in November.

There has never been a greater need for such a campaign energy prices are at an all-time high, there are recordnumbers of households in fuel poverty and the Government and the Regulator have recently made announcementsto attempt to address the problem.

The Warm Homes Campaign is being organised by fuel poverty charities National Energy Action (NEA) and EnergyAction Scotland to raise awareness among politicians of the plight of households who cannot afford to heat theirhomes adequately, and to highlight the availability of energy efficiency grants, social tariffs and advice on welfarebenefits through fuel poverty programmes.

The campaign in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is supported by the managers of the Governments WarmFront scheme, eaga plc, and is supported by the Department for Energy and Climate Change. NEA has teamed up

with its sister organisation Energy Action Scotland to promote the support available in Scotland.

From 21 November to 1 December MPs, Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), Welsh Assembly Members(AMs) and Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLAs) and other decision makers will be directly involvedin visits to constituents who have benefited from energy efficiency grant schemes. As a result, there will be a numberof press and media opportunities across the UK.

For further details contact: Elizabeth Gore, PR Manager, Energy Action Scotland on: 0141 226 3064 or email:[email protected] mobile: 07764 212564.

Background notes:

1. Energy Action Scotland is the Scottish charity which campaigns for an end to fuel poverty and works to promotewarm, dry homes for all.

2. Fuel poverty is the inability to afford adequate warmth in the home, usually defined as having to pay more than 10per cent of income on energy costs. The main causes are poor energy efficiency of the home, high domestic fuelprices and low household income. Around 850,000 households in Scotland are in or at risk of fuel poverty.

3. Please contact Energy Action Scotland for details of MSP/Scottish MP visits.

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCILS IN KINTYRE UNDER THREAT

ABC SEEKS ADMINISTRATIVE EASE AND CRITICIZES COMMUNITY COUNCILREPRESENTATION IN THE RUSH TO COMPLY WITH THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENTS

DRIVE TO BRING DEMOCRACY CLOSER TO GRASS ROOT LEVELS THROUGH THECOMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP

The most significant changes to Community Councils since their formation in 1973 are about to be imposed on allcommunity councils in Argyll & Bute, possibly reducing their number from 56 to 18.

The proposals, outlined in full on pages 11 & 12 of the Antler, following here, are from a minute of the ExecutiveCommittee meeting held on 20th November 2008.


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Because of its failure to consider the review earlier in its present term, community council elections on 2nd April2009 have been rescheduled to September 2009.

This move in itself may be illegal according to Nigel Walters, the National Secretary of the Association of ScottishCommunity Councils, and the Councils failure to keep community councils and the Association of Argyll & Butecommunity Councils informed has angered many and concerned others.

At the heart of the matter is community council involvement in the Community Planning Partnership and theDirector of Corporate Services statement that -

The existing Scheme allows for 56 Community Councils in Argyll and Bute. Of these, 26 are further split into sub-areas, meaning that there is a potential for 121 elections in the event of all sub-areas etc being contested. In 2005,however, there were only 20 contests. Only 82 of the 466 available seats were filled through contested elections, theremainder being either unfilled, or filled unopposed. By-elections in community council areas do not always attractsufficient candidates, sometimes with no competition and sometimes with seats left vacant. Turnouts are generallysmall. This opens the door to accusations of Community Councils with no democratic mandate or representativeaccountability. It is essential that communities themselves and the Council and other bodies have confidence thatCommunity Councils are representative of their communities.

The other major change since 2005 which affected Community Councils was the introduction of multi-memberlocal authority Wards. A Member may now have several Community Council areas within his/her Ward and it is verydifficult in such circumstances to attend every Community Council meeting and to build up a good working

relationship with them all.

The Councils relationship with Community Councils has been a fragmented one characterised by issues ofconsistency in the relations between this Council and Community Councils and current arrangements do not helpMembers of this Council in sustaining a constructive link with Community Councils.

While East Kintyre Community Council with 5 elected and 2 unopposed members has a better record than most, itis not surprising that only 82 of the 466 available seats in Argyll & Bute were filled through contested elections, giventhe poor support given to most community councils. As a purely advisory body with a reasonable record ofcommunity initiatives, its annual administration grant of 400 equates to to 7.69 a week of which 3 is for the hireof meeting venues with the remaining 4.69 covering telephone, postal charges, minute duplication and IT costs. Setagainst an electorate of 642 this represents an equivalent voter precept of 62 pence a year.

Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the Councils action is to fail to keep communities informed and involvedin their deliberations.

Had it not been for an industrious reporter of the Dunoon Observer the proposals might well still be unannounced.Indeed it is difficult enough to find anything up-to-date and relevant to community councils on the ABC web-site.Council minutes are not entered most recent first and the words community councils are not included under theCouncils own index page.

Entering the search engine with Community Council Review brings nothing found After going round in circlesdetails of contact officers are found but in some sub-divisions are out of date.

It would appear that the whole process of modernising Local Government, providing greater democracy and accessto information has been a disaster.

In the change over from the combination of Argyll Council and Local District Councils, many documents includingthose on the ownership of un-metalled roads were lost; Strathclyde brought new terrors but some financial benefits.

The introduction of Unitary Authorities in Scotland condensed administration but left local issues in the hands ofcommunity councils served often by a single Unitary Authority Councillor.

With the more recent changes some community councils had the pleasure of entertaining up to six Unitary AuthorityCouncillors who would arrive, or fail to arrive, unpredictably. These Councillors are either over-worked because oftheir concern to carry out the work needed, or apparently unconcerned about their lack of power in the face ofmajority party decisions until election time rears its head again.


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Summarising the present situation it appears that bread and butter issues, - roads, dog mess, grass cutting, scrubclearance, ditching - the bane and sometimes the delight of most community councils, will be lost in the largerconglomerates. Big budgets and strategic planning will drive all but the most dedicated candidates far fromrepresenting their communities. Cliches and admin-speak will predominate at long drawn-out meetings. Decisions

will be taken in line with national, Westminster of European doctrines; local issues will be treated as the hobby-horseof the uninitiated.

While Argyll & Bute Council continues to criticize community councils and fails to record the work put in bycommunity councillors, so the new breed will need to develop tougher skin and be prepared to take even morecriticism from local residents for failing to procure what they deem is their right.

As with the old district councils, representation may be limited to one of two councillors for each of the existingcommunity councils and will present a heavier work-load for those elected. No matter how assiduously thesecouncillors perform they will be met by the same greeting faced by a serving councillor viewing the soon to bedemolished golf pavilion on one of the few pleasant Sunday mornings -

The bay road and the Hall entrance are disgraceful. In the old days...........

What he failed to remember is that every one in a community bears part of the responsibility for its state. If he hadoffered to help, the community council would have welcomed his expertise and appreciated his involvement.

Whatever happens about consultation on the proposals, it looks as if the die is cast. The running battle with theCouncil will continue for those who remain active in the next eight months; others will retire disappointed thatconsultation is a chimera. G.P.

REVIEW OF COMMUNITY COUNCILS

SUMMARY.OF A REPORT TO ARGYLL & BUTE COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEWHICH WAS ACCEPTED BY THE EXECUTIVE ON 20TH NOVEMBER 2008

This report invites the Council to pass a resolution which would have the effect of postponing Community Councilelections from April 2009 until September 2009.The Executive on 16October 2008:-

Agreed a review of the Community Council Scheme be undertaken.

2 Agreed a short life group comprising the Leader, Depute Leader and Area Chairs be set up to take the reviewforward and report to the Executive.

Noted that the Council may require to pass a resolution to amend the constitutions of Community Councils toextend their lifespan which would have the effect of postponing the elections due to take place in April 2009.

RECOMMENDATION

In order to facilitate a Review of the Argyll and Bute Scheme of Community Councils, that the Council suspends theprovision in the current Scheme of Community Councils and thereby in the Constitutions of Community Councils

which requires elections to community councils to take place in April 2009

(It is anticipated that the new scheme would provide for these elections to be held in September 2009)

DETAIL

The last review of the Scheme of Community Councils in Argyll & Bute was undertaken in 2004 and implemented inApril 2005. The next ordinary

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Carradale Antler - 196 - January 2009

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