Issue 188 - May 2008 - e-mail edition

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

- CARRADALE GOLF CLUB

- TV RECEPTION
- TV AND SATELLITE REPAIRS - ADVERTISING DEFAULTERS
- ‘RACENIGHT’ - CARRADALE GOLF CLUB - FUNDRAISER AT THE GLEN
- NOT THE EKCC MINUTES - THE EDITOR’S PERSONAL VIEW
- ONE FUNERAL AND A MARRIAGE (ROOM)
- B.O.G.O.F. - (BUY ONE GET ONE FREE) - ABC MAKE A GRAVE OFFER
- NETWORK THANKS THE WIND FARM TRUST
- COMMUTER BUS SUCCESS ?
- MARCH RAINFALL
- THE TARTAN DAWN WALK
- ENERGY ACTION SCOTLAND
- PLANNING APPLICATIONS - CARRADALE - CAMPBELTOWN - DRUMLEMBLE
- GLENCREGGAN - SADDELL
- FREE TO A GOOD HOME
- CALLING CONNOLLY
- COUNCIL EXPRESS RET (Road Equivalent Tariff) VIEW
- CHIEF EXECUTIVE "CALLS IT A DAY"
- AQUALIBRIUM - TO CLOSE FOR MAINTENANCE WORK
- MIDNIGHT LEAGUE
- KINTYRE CRIME PREVENTION PANEL AGM - HELD ON 12TH MARCH 2008
- MALAWI PICTURED - MUCH MORE THAN JUST AN EXHIBITION
- KEEP GIRLS ACTIVE
- WATER WATER EVERYWHERE BUT . . . . .
- THE ASSOCIATION OF ARGYLL & BUTE COMMUNITY COUNCILS

CARRADALE GOLF CLUB

One of the competitions introduced during the Centenary year was a mixed Texas Scramble and this, due to its popularity, has
become a regular annual competition.

This year’s was held on Easter Saturday with an entry of 34 players. The normal competitions are underway following the
completion of the Winter League in both the Ladies’ and Men’s Section.

The Building Fund continues to grow but we would welcome any further donations to it. Having had C.A.S.C. approval from the
Inland Revenue an extra 28% can be claimed from the IR.

The Fund received a contribution of over £800 as a result of the Race Night held in the Glen on Friday 4 April. There are many
people to thank but special mention must go to John McFadyen and Neil Thomson for their wonderful entertainment and effort
along with all the sponsors who generously donated prizes for each of the 8 races.

Finally on a personal note, Stuart Irvine, after 22 years as Treasurer, has decided to retire from all Committee work and will tender
his resignation at the AGM but will continue in office until 31 December 2008 to complete the current year’s financial matters.

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 MEN’S SECTION & LADIES SECTION
Once again - no reports received.

TV RECEPTION
If one or more of your terrestrial TV programmes suddenly goes blank, ring 01583 431281. An ex-directory telephone report will be
sent immediately to Aquiva, the servicing agency for both Carradale & Claonaig masts.

TV AND SATELLITE REPAIRS - ADVERTISING DEFAULTERS

Recently two residents contacted the Editor about TV and satellite repairs, asking for information about an advert which appeared
in earlier Antlers. Unfortunately the advertiser decided not to pay for a series of adverts going back over six months, and as a
result, his advert was withdrawn. The service he provided was excellent, but in view of his decision, no information will be
provided to enquirers.

Since 1995 there have been two other cases of non-payment - one from the owners of a Campbeltown company (now defunct)
who claimed that they never saw a copy because their employee took issues home to read. The other was a gardening
entrepreneur who found the grass greener in New Zealand !

‘RACENIGHT’ - CARRADALE GOLF CLUB - FUNDRAISER AT THE GLEN

Fun and frolics were had at the Glen Bar and Restaurant on Friday 4th April. A ‘Race-night’, with races sponsored by local
businesses and others, feature prizes and and a well supported raffle, gave rise to an £820.00 boost to the Golf Club's building
fund. A good time was had by all.

Before every race, an auction took place wherein each and every horse was sold to a lucky (or not so lucky) ‘owner’. The winning
‘owner’ received the Sponsor's prize; the prizes were magnificent.

Acknowledgements are due to Tracy and Fiona (Ashbank Hotel), Donald and Mary Macalister Hall (Torrisdale Castle), Ian
Neilson (Club Captain), David McKell (Electrician, Campbeltown), Mike and Trish Hurst (Wallis Hunter Design), Alan Walker
(Club Hon. Pres.), Angela (Paterson's Bakery and Post Office), and Mr and Mrs Colin Burgess (Carradale Bay Caravan Park) for
their sponsorship. Thank you all from every member of the Club.

Raffle prizes were donated by some dozen and a half folk and businesses. Too numerous to mention here, but you know who you
are and again, many, many thanks.

As the chief ‘gofer’ of the evening, I would like to express my own appreciation to Neil Thompson (wasn't he a killer auctioneer?),
Gary Sutherland (printer and advisor), Audrey Willan (chief accountant), Janita King, Janice Hanning, Stephie Sutherland and
Lynn Galbraith (the Tote), Maureen Owen (‘Tote 64’ - great job - and other assistance), Eilidh Neilson, Jamie Robertson, JSI
(shanghaied cashholder) and Marlene and Kathy who drew the raffle so elegantly.

Congratulations to all who won nice prizes, thanks for coming, and last but not least thanks to Sue and Penny at the Glen. If I
have missed anyone out - sorry, but thank you all the same. On behalf of the Club may I thank all who contributed to a most
enjoyable evening.

John McFadyen. (Vice Captain CGC).

PS : I suspect that there may be another Race-night later in the year. Watch out for notices. You might visit The Carradale Goat
web-site where info will no doubt be available.

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 NOT THE EKCC MINUTES
THE EDITOR’S PERSONAL VIEW

Again there was an acceptable attendance, including Councillors, John McAlpine, John Semple and Anne Horn, six community
councillors and seven residents.

The scheduled event of the evening was a well orientated and simple introduction to the history, state and progress on developing
the Kintyre Way. Owen Paisley, now the combined Route Manager, Liaison Officer and Ranger of the Kintyre Way, who was
involved in the design concepts of the exhibitions and advertising display at the Network Centre, gave an easily understood talk
and invited questions from the audience. One or two residents who had walked all or most parts of the’ Way’ were able to
appreciate the problems involved and the work which was being done to improve the safety and surface state of the route.
Particular concerns were expressed over the dangers of walking the road sections of the ‘Way.’

FINANCE : Most of the rest of the remaining hour was taken up by Sheena MacAlister re-stating proposals made to the Chair-
person in March to change the nature of Wind-farm investments and involve an independent agency in authorising cheques issued
by the Wind-farm Trust. It was pointed out by at least two community councillors and several residents that it had already been
agreed at the March meeting that these proposals were not welcomed, unnecessary, inappropriate and time-wasting.

BRACKLEY, WATER & LIGHTS : In dealing with the remaining items on the agenda the Chair-person said that the meeting
to solve problems at Brackley Cemetery would take place on site at 10am on Tuesday 8th April to which all residents were invited.
Mr Page stated that he had been in contact with Jane McKenzie of Scottish Water who confirmed that their contractors should
have written to all residents on the intention to reline water-mains before the work started; she would be in contact with the
contractors to remind them of this legal requirement. Letters about the problems with the debris and safety aspects of street-
lighting cable laying had not been answered, but there were remaining problems over failed lighting at Tosh’s Park, at the Old
Manse, Network and one or two other sites. Although Councillor McAlpine will investigate again the Chairperson reminded
residents that they should continue to report the post number of lighting faults.

WIND-FARM TRUST : The Secretary read a list of applications, some of whom were not complete and could be
described as unacceptable. It was decided to consider applications on Thursday 10th April, 2008.

PLANNING, EKCC AGM & OTHER MATTERS : One planning application was noted - the removal of the Golf
clubhouse. The Chairperson listed the letters received and, under any other business, suggested that the community council AGM
should precede the normal meeting on May 1st. Councillor Semple as Chair of the Kintyre Initiative Committee invited a
representative to attend the Initiative’s next meeting on Friday April 25th in the Town Hall Campbeltown. Shelagh Cameron
asked why the meeting was held at a time when those with work commitments could not attend. Mr Semple replied that it was an
aid to attract a wider range of membership. Sheena MacAlister said that she was no longer interested in acting as the EKCC
representative - Geoffrey Page who attended the last meeting as Secretary of the Association of Argyll & Bute Community
Councils offered to add this to his present responsibility. Several residents with forestry interests or commitments said they hoped
to attend a meeting in Lochgilphead convened to discuss forestry planning.

The meeting closed at 8.30 approx; the next meeting is as stated on Thursday May 1st 2008 - The AGM at 7pm and the normal
meeting at 7.30 pm
Geoffrey Page.

ONE FUNERAL AND A MARRIAGE (ROOM)

Thursday 14th April was a memorable day. After a quiet morning, early lunch, the important event of the day was Jeanette
MacDougall’s funeral - an event which may be reported more fully in the June issue.

Arriving at the Church at 12.25, almost too late for a seat downstairs for a service due to start at 1pm, propriety determined that
an early departure for a Seniors Forum meeting in Campbeltown would be more quietly accomplished from the gallery. By the
time the service started there was standing room only on the staircase, in the vestry and outside.

When the final hymn started at 1.35 a quick exit down the crowded staircase became somewhat of a series of apologies. A quick
trot to the Dippen implement shed found the not-so-Smart car completely boxed in. A faster trot home procured a second vehicle
and the Kinloch Hall appeared in view at 2.05, surrounded by a dozen slightly concerned pensioners - the hall was locked.
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Mrs Turner of MBE fame dashed off, procured the Marriage Room in what was the Museum, and everything was set for a
presentation by the NHS Kintyre Integrated Care Team - a fine body of women doing their best to provide essential emergency
services during the last few years under a galaxy of ever-changing titles.

The moral - attending one funeral and travelling to a marriage room 15 miles away in the same hour could lead to a hard pressed
Care Team and Mr. Blair offering a more unusual Integrated Service than anyone expected. G.P.

B.O.G.O.F.
(BUY ONE GET ONE FREE) - ABC MAKE A GRAVE OFFER
I don’t know what reaction the Suffragette Major, Flora Drummond, had to the meeting at Brackley Cemetery on Tuesday 8th
April, but overlooking the ‘flow’ of claim and counterclaim from her black tombstone, she at least, must have been delighted that
the weather was dry enough to approach problems without having mud up to her plinth.

The expected outcome was that there was no money for wall repairs, felling dangerous trees or road repairs, but Scottish Water
and Forestry are to be approached for help with repairs to the road from the B842 to the car park and cure the water ingress
problem. In addition ABC’s Andy Law is to be pressured by Councillor John McAlpine and the Community Council to find
money for felling a dangerous lime tree and rebuilding two sections of wall.

The only helpful proposal came from, Thomas Semple of Brackley Farm, who suggested that unless he needed all gates closed
for essential work, all could be left open except for the gate to the car park. If you find the gates open leave them open except for
the one into the car park - this must be closed after entering the park and again when leaving it. No longer will the single motorist
have to operate the gates sixteen times to visit a grave.

The highlight of the meeting was that lairs at the lowest end of the cemetery are available as ‘two for the price of one’ - because of a
high water table triple depth graves are not approved, but sales of double-depth ones should go along ‘swimmingly’ as the charges
will be for a single. So now is the chance to make a financial ’killing’. Incidentally this offer has all the hallmarks of a ‘Greengrass’
initiative from a grave-digging episode of ‘Heartbeat,’ shown on ITV3 on April 7th! G.P.

NETWORK THANKS THE WIND FARM TRUST

Network Carradale is very grateful to the EK Wind Farm Trust for its grant last year. This was put to carrying out some necessary
maintenance but the bulk went on painting the tearoom outside walls. The Network Centre is a forms a part of the efforts of all to
attract tourism to the village.

A further grant has just been agreed and this will be used, in addition to continuing with the general maintenance, to paint the
outside of the exhibition area. Also congratulations to Jose MacKinnon for keeping the tearoom open 5 days a week throughout
the winter. There was not a day with have at least 1 visitor.

COMMUTER BUS SUCCESS ?

The commuter bus which travels between Campbeltown and Kilmory has been a huge success since it began last spring.

An average of around 400 journeys are made each month, with travellers getting on the bus at various points along the A83.
Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, the Council's Transportation and Infrastructure spokesperson, said: "It is great to see that the
success of this service is continuing to grow and passengers numbers are continuing to rise steadily at around 11.5% per month.
The commuter coach provides more employment opportunities for people in Kintyre, allowing those without access to private
transport the opportunity to purse job opportunities in Mid Argyll. The initiative is designed to provide a practical alternative to
travelling to work by car with a ticket price pitched at the same level as it costs to car share. The introduction of the service is also
having a huge impact on the environment. With more and more people leaving their car at home, the service is helping to reduce
congestion on Argyll and Bute's roads and greatly improving the carbon footprint."

4
The service leaves Campbeltown at 0730 Mondays to Fridays, passes through Lochgilphead at 0844 and carries on to Kilmory
Industrial Estate for 0849. The return journey in the evening leaves Kilmory at 1705, Lochnell Street 1710 and arrives back in
Campbeltown at 1824. Connections to and from the new Mid Argyll Hospital can be made at Lochnell Street.

Issued by Aileen Maclennan on 31/03/2008 09:45:40

Comment : In a four and a half week month 400 journeys equates to 17.39 journeys a working day, but if the 400 includes
the inward and outward leg then its 8.69 a day. Admittedly some Kilmory workers from as far away from Kilmory as
Campbeltown and others possibly only from Ardrishaig or Lochgilphead will be using the route, but is that a ‘success’
story or is it more likely that the Kilmory bus will be subject to withdrawal like some rural routes under pressure
because of ‘budgetary constraints’.

MARCH RAINFALL
The statistics show that this month’s rainfall is the second highest since we’ve been keeping records. The total for the month was
187mm (about 7 ½ inches) This compared with 193mm in 2006. The lowest monthly total for March was just 77mm in 2001.

Apart from a brief dry spell in the middle of the month from the 16th-19th it was generally showery; but it was wet on the 7th &
20th and very wet on March 28th when 37mm was recorded (1½ inches). Surprisingly, however, rainfall statistics for the first
quarter of 2008 are still below average.

Some cold weather with a distinctly wintry feel made a mockery of the few warm Spring days we experienced. We’re told Spring
should be “showery, flowery, bowery”. The reality is that the weather has been very like a yo-yo and it has had us guessing, and on
our toes on a daily basis.

THE TARTAN DAWN WALK

Jose, Joanna and Irene are organising the Tartan Dawn Walk on the 22nd June 2008. Leaving from the Network Centre at 5.00am
and walking to Grianan and returning to the Network Centre via Deer Hill. All money raised will be going to local Cancer
Charities. Please support us. Registration Fee £5. Anyone interested please contact Irene on Tel No. 07799705996 or see Jose at
the Network Centre.

ENERGY ACTION SCOTLAND

Energy Action Scotland is to make a promotional visit to Carradale Village Hall by Energy Action Scotland et al to “inspect” the
work done to the windows and doors. DATE: Friday 25th April, 2008 TIME: 1pm - 2pm

ATTENDING :

- Jim Mather (MSP, Enterprise, Energy & Tourism)

- Norrie Kerr (Director, Energy Action Scotland)
- Scottish Gas (Senior Manager yet to be confirmed)
- Ali Energy (Representative yet to be confirmed)
- Local Councillor (yet to be confirmed)
- Village Hall (Representatives yet to be confirmed)

I think in terms of detail, the date/time and the bodies being represented are the important aspects for anyone wishing to attend
the event, so hopefully you can work with what you have here. Obviously I will get any additional information to you as soon as I
have it.

We have a Committee Meeting next Wednesday 19/03/08 where the minutiae will be ironed out and I will keep you posted of
course.

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 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
CARRADALE

Application Ref:08/00343/DET Officer: Kim MacKay

Ward Kintyre & the Islands
Proposal: Demolition of existing and erection of new club-house
Location: Carradale Golf Club Airds Carradale Campbeltown Argyll A & Bute PA28 6SF
Applicant: Carradale Golf Club Per The Secretary Dr Robert Abernethy The Arch Torrisdale PA28 6QT
Agent: Richard W G Cameron Drumblair House 5 Dore Road Inverness IV2 4QX
Development Type:5B
All other developments:
Minor Grid Ref:181580 638408

CAMPBELTOWN

Application Ref:8/00158/DET Officer: Stuart Green

Ward Details: South Kintyre
Proposal: Erection of garden shed
Location:11A Hillside Road Campbeltown Argyll & Bute PA28 6NE
Applicant: Paul Quinn 11A Hillside Road Campbeltown Argyll PA28 6NE
Agent:
Development Type: Householder
Grid Ref: 171455 621191

Application Ref:08/00427/DET Officer: Tim Williamson

Ward Details: South Kintyre
Proposal: Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of sun room
Location:1 Lochview Avenue Campbeltown Argyll & Bute PA28 6FN
Applicant: Mr And Mrs W Livingstone 1 Lochview Avenue Campbeltown Argyll & Bute PA28 6FN
Agent: Martin Stewart Top Floor 1 Argyll Street Lochgilphead Argyll
Development Type:1 Householder Development.
Grid Ref:173270 620826

Application Ref: 08/00583/DET Officer: Peter Bain

Ward Details:South Kintyre Proposal:Erection of extension
Location: Rosehaven Ardnacraig Avenue Campbeltown Argyll & Bute PA28 6JP
Applicant:Mr And Mrs A Scott Rosehaven Ardnacraig Avenue Campbeltown Argyll & Bute PA28 6JP
Agent: Gillian Wright Lochside Low Askomil Campbeltown PA28 6EP
Development Type:1 Householder Development.
Grid Ref: 172424 619599

DRUMLEMBLE

Application Ref:08/00441/DET Officer: Tim Williamson

Ward Details: South Kintyre
Proposal: Installation of solar panels
Location: Drumlemble Primary School Drumlemble Argyll And Bute PA28 6PN
Applicant: Ann-Marie Elliot Drumlemble Primary School Machrihanish Road By Campbeltown Argyll PA28 6PN
Agent: Suzie Hunter Solar Century 91-94 Lower Marsh London SE1 7AB
Development Type: 5B
All other developments:
Minor Grid Ref:167193619794

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 GLENCREGGAN
SADDELL
Saddell Castle is the most perfect of the ancient fortresses of Cantire. It stands near to the sea, on low ground, environed by
wooded hills, and commanding an excellent view across the water to Arran. It is of a plain and massive character, quadrangular in
form, like Skipness, and with an embattled and machicolated top, with small projecting turrets at the four corners. It was a place
of great strength, and had at one time a regular gateway and courtyard, and is believed to have been surrounded by a moat. The
castle commands the approach to the glen, down which flows the river, passing near to the castle, and making its channel over the
sandy plain, and so into the sea. It is this sandy plain that gives its name to the place, for Saddell, or Sandel (for so it is found
written in ancient chartularies), means sandy plain. At least so says the Rev. John Macfarlane in his history of this parish (According
to this author, there is a very good field for the botanist in this neighbourhood! and "plants of great beauty and interest" are to be
found upon the "sandy plain."); but the differences of etymologists are even greater than those of doctors, and the Rev. Dr.
Macleod says that Samhdail is the original name, and that it "means the quiet peaceful valley;" while other authorities make it out to
be derived from Saigart-dail, "the plain of the priests," who occupied the monastery a little higher up the glen. All these meanings
describe the spot. The castle is on the "sandy plain" of the sea beach, in the "quiet, peaceful valley" of the sequestered bay. An
avenue of fine beech trees leads up to the castle, dividing it from the village. A good road is carried over the river by a bridge, and,
on the opposite side of the stream, is Saddell House, the modern residence of the proprietor of the castle, which is now inhabited
by dependants and old servants. We have a good view of both oastle and house as we sail past, and also the picturesque mouth of
the glen, but we cannot see the ruins of the monastery, unless, indeed, we see a portion of them in the additions to the old castle,
which we afterwards find to be the case. As has been very truly remarked by Mr. Burns, in his "Ecclesiastical Antiquities of
Scotland," the landowners of the last century have done more than Knox and his followers ever did towards destroying the
antiquities of their native country; and this was a case in point.

There is a sad significance in these remarks of Mr. Burns. "To the last hundred years Scotland can trace more destruction among
her antiquities than ever occurred before; and her own children, from no religious or party prejudices, but from sheer motives of
gain, have been the despoilers. Did the magnates of the burgh want a few good feast*? the funds were at hand by an appropriation
of dressed stone from the ready-made quarry presented by the old cathedral or abbey. Did the baronial leader, or the laird
descended from him, want farm-steadings, stone walls, or cottars' houses built ? the old abbey or castle wall was immediately
made use of. Those who wish proof of this assertion may see its evidences, either at the village of New Abbey, near Dumfries, or
in the dikes about Kildrummie, in Aberdeenshire. So strong, indeed, was the desire for appropriating such precious spoils in
Scotland, that even in a report from a surveyor to the government, some few years back, upon the cost of some repairs to another
building, the destruction of one of the most interesting baronial remains in the country (the Earl's Palace, at Kirkwall) was
suggested, on account of the saving to be effected by using its materials."

Fragments of tracery in the walls told their own tale, and divulged the theft. "After it had for centuries withstood the violence of
the solstitial rains and equinoctial gales," says Mr. Macfarlane, "the hands of a modern Goth converted it into a quarry, out of
which he took materials to build dykes and offices, paving some of the latter with the very gravestones, he did not, however, long
survive this sacrilegious deed, as he soon afterwards lost his life by a trifling accident, which the country people still consider a
righteous retribution, and the estate passed into other hands."

As a matter of course, in consequence of these spoliations, there are but few actual remains of the monastery, and they have no
particular beauty or architectural interest. The buildings formed a square, in which the main fabric took the form of a cross. The
length from east to west was about 136 feet by 24, and of the transept, from north to south, 78 feet by 24. The body of the church
itself, from east to west, measured 60 feet, and the height of the side walls 24 feet. The extent of the monastic buildings was
originally marked out by "consecrated dust" (whatever that maybe) "brought from Rome;" as much ground as the dust could be
made to cover, so much was to be built upon. This was done by Reginald, the son of Somerled - the "mighty Somerled" of Scott -
who was Thane of Argyleand Lord of Cantire and the Isles, and was slain, in 1163 (As appears from the Chronicle of Melross.
VOL. I.), in an endeavour to subjugate the whole of Scotland, and was buried at Saddell. He had commenced the monastery -
which was for monks of the Cistercian order - and it was completed by his son and successor, Reginald, who assumed the title of
King of the Isles and Lord of Argyle and Cantire. In conformity with a common practice among the Scandinavian sea-kings, he is
said to have lived for three years without entering under the roof of any house where a fire had been kindled, and thus
accustomed himself to privation and hardship. The site for the monastery had been well selected in the hollow of the glen,
surrounded by woods and rocks, and close by the trout and salmon-stocked river. The churchyard is beside it, shaded by tall ash
and elm trees, and containing some very interesting and ancient tombstones, rich in sculptures of abbots, and warriors, and Lords
of the Isles, more or less mutilated.

7
Among the monuments are some in memory of Macdonalds, the former possessors of Saddell. Although the worldly possessions
of these Scottish chieftains were so extensive and varied, and their power so great, yet, so far as money went, their income must
have been no larger than that of a merchant's clerk. This chiefly arose from their rentals being generally paid in produce —beef,
and mutton, and meal, and malt, and cheese, and geese, and poultry, taking the place of pounds, shillings, and pence. The rent-roll
of one of the Macdonalds, who was Lord of Cantire, and Lord also of May and Rheinds, in the year 1542, was scarcely equal to
140l- sterling. And yet these Macdonalds of Saddell were some of the greatest among the great. Our Prince of Wales still bears the
title that they held, and in future pages we shall have occasion to make frequent mention of them. Many are the legends of their
prowess and power, though the tales told of one of them are more peculiar than pleasing. It is said of this chieftain, sur-named
"Righ Fiongal," that he was accustomed to amuse himself by keeping watch from the battlements of his castle, and firing at any
suspicious-looking person, with a gun that he called "the cuckoo," the notes of which, as may be imagined, were listened to with
less delight than those of the " blithe new-comer of the spring."

There is a legend extant that this proprietor of " the cuckoo " went to Ireland, and not only fell in love with the wife of another
man, but brought her back by force to Saddell Castle. The husband followed, and Macdonald made him a prisoner (without the
wife's knowledge), and endeavoured to rid himself of the encumbrance by the tedious process of starvation. So he shut him up in
a barn; but the poor fellow kept himself alive by eating the grain. Then Macdonald moved him to another place, where a generous
hen came daily, and charitably laid an egg for him, by means of which diurnal gift he sustained life. Macdonald then shut him up
in the deep dungeon of the castle, where no aid could reach him, when the poor wretch died miserably, after gnawing his hand
and arm. But Macdonald gave him burial; and his widow saw the funeral from the top of the castle, and asked whose it was. "It is
Thomson's," said Macdonald. " Is it my Thomson ?" she asked. " Yes !" was the reply. "Wait a little, and I will be with you," she
said; and she leapt from the battlements. So they buried her in the same grave with her husband.

This little mishap, however, did not prevent Macdonald's Irish friends from paying him a visit. One day three of them came, and
were hospitably entertained. They were housed in the barn, where their host went early next day to wish them a good morning.
He found them asleep, lying close beside each other, with their necks bare. Now, for a long time past, Macdonald had greatly
wished to try the strength of his arm and the temper of his blade. Here was a chance not to be thrown away; so he tried the
experiment, and found that it answered his most sanguine expectations; for, with one swishing stroke of his sword, he decapitated
his three Hibernian friends. It is also told of this disgrace to the Lords of the Isles, that having had to make peace with the clan of
M'Lean, he invited M'Lean and his principal chieftains to a feast, in order to cement their friendship. But when they came he
threw them into his dungeons; and hung one of them every morning after breakfast, until, the King of Scotland hearing of it,
forbad him to gibbet the small remnant of the M'Leans, and to come to the Parliament at Campbelton and answer for his
misdeeds. Macdonald went, and was very humble, and swore allegiance; but no sooner had the king sailed away, and before he
was out of sight, than Macdonald hoisted a flag of defiance. But one of his ancestors was a man of a far different stamp. This
was —
"The heir of mighty Somerled, — Ronald, from many a hero sprung, The fair, the valiant, and the young, Lord of the
Isles, whose lofty name A thousand bards have given to fame:"

though, as Sir Walter Scott explains in a note, the true name of the hero of his poem was Angus Oig (Buried at Iona. See
Pennant's " Hebrides," p. 250. 13), exchanged for "Ronald," euphonies gratia. How this Angus or Ronald supported the interests of
Robert Bruce, we may pleasantly learn from Scott's poem, to which we may add a fact not mentioned by Sir Walter, that Bruce
crossed over from Arran, and was entertained at Saddell Castle, and afterwards at Dunaverty Castle, in the Mull of Cantire, and
finally removed by Angus in safety to his Island of Rathlin, between the Mull of Cantire and the Irish coast. It was to this Angus,
on his arrival at Torwood, near Falkirk, that Bruce addressed these words, still borne as a motto by the lineal descendants of the
Lords of the Isles, "My hope is constant in thee." He had waited for him in anxiety; for some had begun to suspect his allegiance,
and the King of England, with a mighty army, was at hand. A battle was impending, the battle of Bannockburn, in which Angus
nobly repaid his monarch's confidence by his assistance in the final and decisive charge. It is to that juncture, indeed, that the poet
transfers the words of Bruce : —
"Lord of the Isles, my trust in thee,
Is firm as Ailsa Rock;
Rush on with Highland sword and targe,
I, with my Carrick spearmen, charge;
Now, forward to the shock !"
At this point in our passage our friend at the wheel waxes mighty eloquent on the subject of "the Breeyuce," as he terms the
valiant King Robert, for recollections of him beset us on both sides. Nearly opposite to Saddell, he points out to us the basaltic
cliff of Drum-moduin * [* OP Druim-an-Duin, "the Ridge of the Fort," from a round tower on its summit.], on the Isle of Arran,
jutting precipitously into the sea. Near this the hungry waves have eaten away the base of the white gritstone cliff, and hollowed it
into caves, the largest of which is called "the King's Cave." The Breeyuce is said to have inade this cave his residence, when, as a
8
fugitive, he first landed upon the island. A rude sculpture on the wall of the rock is pointed out as having been carved by the king,
pour passer le temps, a tradition thus rejected by the matter-of-fact Macculloch (who, however, takes no notice of any connection
between Bruce and this cave, and Pennant and Martin are also silent on the subject) : "the sculptures, as they are called, consisting
of rude lines scratched in the soft rock, are more likely to be the work of the children who herd the cattle along this open shore."
But our friend at the wheel, and all true Highlanders, prefer to father all these things upon their idol, Robert Bruce; and they also
call the neighbouring caves by the names of the king's kitchen, the king's cellar, and the king's stable. The chief cave (says
Pennant) is 112 feet long and 30 feet high. Lord Teignmouth mentions that Mackinnon, the patriarch of the lay preachers of
Arrant was accustomed to preach in this cave; and that, on one occasion, when a woman who heard hini had fallen into
convulsions, he coolly observed, when they had ceased, " Poor thing ! what a struggle she had with the devil !" For then, as in
these later revivalism days, a convulsive emotion or external bodily sign was looked upon as an evidence of conversion.
Mackinnon, however, was not the first who had preached in this spot; for Martin records that, one hundred and fifty years ago, a
minister preached in this cave "in regard of its being more centrical than the parish church."

As a matter of course, where there is anything rather remarkable, whose history is lost in the mists of antiquity, that renowned
gentleman Fingal must be thrust forward to play his part. Accordingly, we are told that he inhabited this cave for the convenience
of hunting, and that the sculptures of men and animals were made by him, and not by "the Breeyuce." "Fingal's Cave," says
Pennant, " branches into two towards the end; within these two recesses, which penetrate far, are, on each side, several small
holes, opposite to each other; in these were placed transverse beams, that held the pots in which the heroes seethed their venison;
or, probably, according to the mode of the times, the bags formed of the skins of animals slain in the chase, which were filled
with flesh, and served as kettles, sufficiently strong to warm the contents, for the heroes of old devoured their meat half raw,
holding that the juices contained the best nourishment." * [* Voyage to the Hebrides, pp. 181, 182.] Which is the reason why the
boating heroes of modern times are prescribed the diet of half-cooked steaks. But, as to this cooking of venison for Fingal, hear
matter-of-fact Mac-culloch: - "Near Tormore are to be seen some caves in the sandstone, the supposed habitations of traditionary
heroes, not a little problematical Fingal, like our Arthur, the ubiquarian king and warrior, is said to have occupied them during his
hunting excursions. It is not improbable that they have been inhabited in later times, as they are much better adapted for human
habitations than almost any caves in the Western islands, being dry, light, and convenient of access, while they are capacious
enough to receive a large community. It is not long since the caves of Isla were inhabited, and those of Bridgenorth have been
converted into commodious houses in the present days. In such circumstances the holes which, in the caves of Arran, seem to
bespeak contrivances for cookery, may have been made." (Vol. ii. p. 321. In the town of Kidderminster, and within a circuit of
four miles, there are scores of houses made in the sandstone rock.)

Close adjoining these caves, at Tormore, are traces of (supposed) Druidical circles and Celtic cairns, and there are also three pillars
of old red sandstone sunk deeply in the ground, and five yards in height above the soil. Through one of these stones a hole has
been drilled, and this hole (according to one account) received the cord that was passed round the victim's neck, and strung him
up to the sacrifice *
"He cross'd his brow beside the stone,
Where Druids erst heard victims groan;
And at the cairns upon the wild,
O'er many a heathen hero piled,
He breath'd a timid prayer for those
Who died ere Shiloh's sun arose."
Lord of the Isles, canto v. 6.]
but, according to another and more innocent version of the story, it was made in order that Fingal's dog, Bran, might be tied up to
it. (By the way, the adjacent village is called She-dog; but whether this has anything to do with Fingal's dog, or if, indeed, Bran was
of the feminine gender, we are not informed.) In the notes to Ossian's poems — poems of which Buonaparte was so fond, that
they formed the chief portion of his poetical library (See Sir James Mackintosh's " History of England," vol. i. p. 86.) -
Macpherson says, " there is a stone shown still at Dunscai, in the Isle of Skye, to which Cathullin commonly bound his dog
Luath." So here is a companion stone of a companion dog. "Bran is howling at his feet, gloomy Luath is sad;" says Ossian, in
"Temora (Book i) And he thus sings of Bran: -"A deer fell by every dog; three by the white-breasted Bran. (Temora, book viii.)
"Bran does not shake his chains at the gate. (Fingal, book v.) "There shone to the moon the broken shield of Clatho's son, and
near it, on the grass, lay hairy-footed Bran." Macculloch has an interesting chapter on "Ossian" in the second volume of his
"Highlands," (pp. 190-225.) Bran signifies "a mountain stream;" it is a common name for a Scotch deer-hound. It was to Trathal,
Fingal's grandfather, that the fall of the Druids maybe imputed. He was the Vergobretus, or chief magistrate, and when a new war
arose between the Caledonians and Bomans, the Druids, in order to strengthen their position, attempted to resume their lapsed
right to appoint the Vergobretus. On the refusal of Trathal to lay down his office a civil war arose, the Druids were conquered,
and soon became extinct.

9
 FREE TO A GOOD HOME
An old Pioneer TX 5300 stereo tuner, a Pioneer SA 5300 stereo amplifier an Eclipse compact disc player and a Pioneer stereo
cassette tape deck (unfortunately with a slipping drive belt) plus a BT 2010 dual telephone system. Ring 01583 431281

CALLING CONNOLLY
Are you a Mr or Mrs Connolly and did you take place in a recent draw possibly at the Cricket Dance on Saturday 22 March in
Carradale. If you are and can produce your counterfoil you can collect your prize. Please contact Jean Campbell of 16 Tormhor
(Tel: 01583 431327) – no relation to the oft-quoted Elizabeth Campbell.

COUNCIL EXPRESS RET (Road Equivalent Tariff) VIEW

Argyll and Bute Council has in principle welcomed the Transport Minister’s announcement on Road Equivalent Tariff (RET)
fares.

As part of a pilot scheme, Stewart Stevenson has announced that current ferry fares to the western isles (plus Coil and Tiree) are
to be replaced with an RET scheme which, in the main, will bring cheaper travel for islanders, tourists and businesses.

Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, Councillor Dick Walsh, said: “I am delighted that communities and people who visit our
islands may benefit from RET and reduced ferry fares. Specifically, our communities on Coll and Tiree. We are, however, aware
that there are concerns from those island and peninsula communities not included within the pilot. Our Transportation and
Infrastructure Spokesperson, Councillor Duncan Macintyre, has already been in touch with Graham Laidlaw, Head of Ferry
Services at the Scottish Government, requesting a presentation to be made to Argyll and Bute Council and others from the pilot
scheme consultants, Halcrow. This request has had verbal approval and a date to be arranged. I understand that the future RET
fares structure will be £5 for a car plus 60p for each steaming route mile. This represents roughly half the current fares and should
make a huge difference to the lives of our island communities."

RET involves setting ferry fares on the basis of the cost of travelling an equivalent distance by road. High ferry fares have been
seen by many as a barrier to economic growth on the islands. Issued by Aileen Maclennan on 07/03/2008 15:30:52

CHIEF EXECUTIVE "CALLS IT A DAY"

The Chief Executive of Argyll and Bute Council, James McLellan, has today (20th March) announced his intentions to “call it a
day” after serving local government for 35 years. Mr McLellan made the annoucement at a meeting of the Executive Committee
in the Council's chambers, Lochgilphead. He said: "I have enjoyed my time working with the local authority but I am looking
forward to beginning this new chapter in my life.

It feels the right time to go, having led the Council through various reorganisations and many challenging times. Local
government and the services we provide are at the hub of community life and it has been a privilege to have been involved in the
developments in public service in this time."

Mr McLellan has seen vast changes throughout his time at Argyll and Bute, including the reorganisation of the Council in 1975
when he moved from Argyll County Council to Argyll and Bute District Council before moving to the current Council on his
appointment as Chief Executive in May 1995. He will step down from his position in July this year.
Council Leader, Councillor Dick Walsh, said: "I would like to thank James for everything he has done over the years. I worked
with James during my first term as Council Leader in 1996 and now in my second term, and his dedication to his role has been
second to none. Although we are all extremely sad to see him go, I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all the
work he has done for this Council and wish him a long and happy retirement." Bachelor of Law. In 1973 he became a law
apprentice for Argyll County Council. He went on to be a legal assistant, then Deputy Director of Administration. He was made
Chief Executive in May 1995.
10
Issued by Aileen Maclennan on 20/03/2008 16:59:41

AQUALIBRIUM
TO CLOSE FOR MAINTENANCE WORK
Aqualibrium in Campbeltown will be closed to the public for a period of two weeks during May in order for important
maintenance works to be carried out. The centre will be closed from Monday 21st April until Monday 5th May 2008. Issued by
Aileen Maclennan on 11/03/2008 15:57:48

MIDNIGHT LEAGUE
Young footballers from the Isle of Bute recently took part in a Midnight League aimed at getting young people off the streets.
The Midnight League programme, sponsored by Bank of Scotland, is part of a drive by the Scottish Football Association, Argyll
and Bute Council and Strathclyde Police, to reduce youth crime and anti-social behaviour in the community. It was established to
get young people off the streets in the evenings and play football instead. The scheme has proved extremely popular, with a huge
number of youngsters attending the event.

Argyll and Bute Council’s Football Development Officer, Dylan Kerr, congratulated the young people and commented on the
success of the scheme. He said: “The Midnight League not only gets young people off the streets but it has also been a great
success in promoting healthy lifestyle and education. The league is part of a national drive to reduce anti-social behaviour and has
led to a dramatic drop in youth crime across the country. A large number of people from Bute regularly attended the weekly
sessions in Rothesay and the programme has already proved a great success in Campbeltown, Dunoon and Oban. I would like to
congratulate everyone who has attended these sessions for making them the great success they have been and thank them for
coming along."

Issued by Aileen Maclennan on 25/03/2008

KEEP GIRLS ACTIVE

Two Active Schools Co-ordinators from Argyll and Bute Council attended the launch of the Scottish Government's Fit Girls pilot
programme along with four pupils from Dunoon Grammar School.

The programme, which was launched in Ratho, is aimed at tackling high levels of physical inactivity among girls throughout
Scotland.

'Fit for Girls' (FfG) is a national initiative that will be led by Sport-Scotland and backed by government investment of almost
£530,000. It is aimed at schoolgirls aged between 11 and 16 years, with the intention of encouraging them to adopt more active
lifestyles. Five Youth Sport Trust (YST) trainers will provide training for teachers and Active Schools Coordinators, so that
specially tailored activities can be developed for girls both in and out of the school curriculum.

Councillor Isobel Strong, the Council's education spokesperson, said: "This is a wonderful initiative and the benefits of exercise
and physical activity cannot be underestimated. There appears to be a trend developing among young girls where exercise levels
are dropping. However, research shows that during the the last pilot project, average participation rates increased from 18 per cent
to 26 per cent in three quarters of the schools previously involved. I really hope the initiative is a success in Argyll and Bute and I
wish all those involved the very best of luck."

Issued by Aileen Maclennan on 25/03/2008

11
 KINTYRE CRIME PREVENTION PANEL AGM
HELD ON 12TH MARCH 2008 WITHIN THE ARGYLL ARMS HOTEL, CAMPBELTOWN

MEMBERS PRESENT - Johnny Durnan (Chair), William Durance (Vice Chair), Walter Bell (Treasurer), Chief Inspector
Kenneth Boyter, PC Keith Kirkland, Eva MacDonald, Cllr John Semple, Nancie Smith, Mairi Kennedy, Catherine MacIntyre,
Andrea Hopkins, Colin Middleton.

APOLOGIES - Cathy Duncan, PC Ian Clarke (Secretary)

The Chair, Johnny Durnan read out minutes from previous year's AGM dated 14 March 2007. They were proposed by Nancy
Smith and seconded by Eva MacDonald. The Chair recounted the events of the previous year with regards to projects including
bicycle locks, Nancy's "Take Pride In Your Town", "Alcopops" and "Spikeys" and the positive feedback from the community and
good publicity for the panels good works printed in the Campbeltown courier and the Antler.

The Chair spoke of the tragic death of panel member and former chair, Dave Browning who would be sadly missed. He
mentioned the loss of panel members Rev Keith Pagan, Sergeant Willie Brian and PC lan Clarke who have moved on to pastures
new. He expressed his thanks to Willie Brian for the excellent work he did over the years with the panel, particularly in relation to
the CCTV. He expressed his thanks to lan Clarke for his dedication and for assisting the panel as Secretary. He recognised Keith
Pagan's 22 years of service to the panel.

The Chair welcomed the recruitment of new panel members, Christophe Adie, Willie Crossan, Catherine Maclntyre, Andrea
Hopkins and Colin Middleton. He thanked all panel members for their efforts in particular Willie Durrance, Vice Chair.

The Chair announced that he was stepping down as Chairman and may have to give up his membership of the panel in the near
future due to commitments.

Chief Inspector Boyter gave a short input re the changes in panel and indicated that he was seeking to fill the secretarial gap left
by the departure of PC Clarke but had not had an opportunity to discuss this with the prospective candidate.

He briefly discussed the changing situation re the CCTV and thanked the panel for their efforts in maintaining the CCTV over the
years.

ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS

Eva MacDonald nominated Willie Durrance to the position of Chairperson and this was seconded by Nancy Smith. Willie
Durrance accepted the Chair and Johnny Durnan stepped down.

Marie Kennedy nominated Eva MacDonald as Vice-Chair and this was seconded by Colin Middleton Johnny Durnan proposed
Walter Bell to remain as Treasurer and this was seconded by Willie Durrance.

PC Kirkland will replace PC Clarke as Secretary in the interim.

As of 12th March 2008 the Office Bearers are as follows: Chairperson - William Durrance, Vice Chairperson - Eva MacDonald,
Treasurer – Walter Bell, Signatories will be Eva MacDonald, Walter Bell and Willie Durrance

TREASURER'S REPORT

The Treasurer, Walter Bell presented the accounts on an Excel Spreadsheet printout. The accounts were proposed by Marie
Kennedy and this was seconded by Willie Durrance.

CCTV

Eva passed some good news regards the fmalization of the handover of CCTV. It would not require an audit if the last three
annual account reports, and the minutes of the 2007 AGM are forwarded to the council, together with a covering letter from the
panel. PC Kirkland will compose the letter after consultation with PC Clarke.

12
MATTERS ARISING

PROJECTS

Nancy Smith said she has spoken with Castlehill Primary re "Take Pride In Your Town"and it is likely that they will not be able to
provide a date for this project until after the Easter Holiday. She suggested it would be nice to perhaps try and source some small
give aways for the children taking part.

The Midnight League is not taking place this summer.

Nancy Smith proposed a rerun of the bicycle locks project. Johnny Durnan indicated that there would be no possibility of
securing repeat funding for this. PC Kirkland proposed bicycle lights for kids as there was a problem with children riding bikes
after dark with no lights. Willie Durrance proposes to bring it up at the next meeting of Safety Forum.

CALL CENTRE

Willie Durrance remarked that he had received no further complaints re the Police Call centre. He was unsure if that was a good
sign or whether people had just given up complaining.

SHOPPING TROLLEYS

Nancy Smith will be placing an article in the Courier about the increased incidence of Tesco shopping trolleys being abandoned in
and around the town having been removed from the store and not returned. Panel will consider writing a letter to Tesco
management querying why they do not use coin-op trolleys similar to those in use at the Co-op.

AOB

Catherine referred the Chair to the ongoing problem for the elderly posed by inconsiderate motorists parking at the dropped
kerbs in the town, particularly in the vicinity of the Monument and the Roads Dept had declined to put road markings down to
prevent this.. Cllr Semple indicated that there had been a recent restructuring within the Roads Dept and the manager previously
responsible no longer had ownership of this issue.

Willie Durrance brought up the subject of underage drinkers and expressed concern at a recent incident involving juveniles and
drink. PC Kirkland explained the facts and reassured the panel that Strathclyde Police had a number of local and forcewide
initiatives in the pipeline and local licencees were also coming onboard in an effort to reduce drink related antisocial behaviour for
the benefit of the wider community and that it was a case of "watch this space".

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be held Wednesday 23 April 2008 at 1900hrs at the Argyll Arms Hotel, Campbeltown.

CLOSE OF MEETING

There being no other business, Johnny Durnan thanked the Panel for their support. The meeting was then closed.

MALAWI PICTURED
MUCH MORE THAN JUST AN EXHIBITION
One of the delights of the Easter period was the exhibition of photographs by Margaret Richardson in Carradale Village Hall. As a
prominent member of Carradale Camera Club, she uses her digital Canon 400.D with consummate skill bringing crocodile tears to
the eyes of those committed to conventional technology. Despite the facilities offered by computer orientated processes Margaret
certifies that her prints are un-enhanced, confirming her belief that the photographer rather than the keyboard operator should be
the sole arbiter of light, colour and composition.

Among the more than one hundred prints on show which attracted the Editor’s eye were the sombre umber tones of the rocks,
sand and native paddlers of ‘Evening Ablutions’. Equally attractive was ‘Sandal Stall’ with its pile of colourful footwear. ‘Wart
Hog’ brought viewers back to current local issues - grunts, snuffling, rooting around and marking the ground. ‘African Squirrel’ by
comparison, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, offered hope for the future. Finally ‘Crew Leaving a Ship’, and ‘Sunset over Lake
13
Malawi’ brought Carradale and Nkhota-Khota noticeably closer together.

Apart from the pictures, the kitchen hosted an equally attractive video show of the Malawi landscape and wild-life, and the central
tables featured wooden artefacts and books about the African scene. Incidentally Martin and Margaret Mears derived a great deal
of pleasure in seeing a tourist vessel that Martin was responsible for ploughing up the Zambesi pictured in one of the books on
show.

WHY HOLD AN EXHIBITION ?

Last October, Mike and I visited friends who live in Malawi, near the township of Nkhota-Khota roughly in the centre of the
country on the shores of Lake Malawi.

They have been helping the people in their local village in various ways for example, they are paying for one young lad to go to
school, and boarding school fees for another. If someone has run out of food, they will buy some to help them out, or if another
person falls ill, they will take them to hospital. They employ 14 local lads and girls to help them earn enough money for their
families and they take a great interest in all that is going on in the area.

Other friends who previously visited wanted to help the school out and provided pens, books, jotters and other essential items.
We wanted to help too, and with my health background, the idea of building a Health Clinic seemed perfect. A rough estimate on
the cost of building the basic clinic which will be split into two parts to provide the health clinic section and a pre school area for
toddlers should be about £2,000. Mike and I have pledged to raise half the total amount required which will be more than this
once contents are added in.

It seemed a good idea to share some of the memories and photos of this lovely country with the people of Carradale and perhaps
further afield, to let them see what life is like (albeit in a limited way) in a country which has little in the way of facilities and is
about as far from our lifestyle as the Stone Age.

We won't just stop at the Exhibition, but this is a start, and we hope you enjoy our display and be generous in your donation. All
the proceeds from today will go directly to the fund and once we have a sufficient amount, we hope to go back to Malawi to help
with the construction of the clinic.

MALAWI

Malawi, formerly Nyasaland, is located in Southern Africa, east of Zambia. It borders with Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia
and is landlocked. However, running right down the length of the country to the east is Lake Malawi which was once known as
Lake Nyasa.

Lying south of the equator, the climate is sub-tropical with the rainy season arriving in November through to May. The country is
host to many migrant birds as well as indigenous populations of animals, reptiles and birds, but big game like lions and giraffes are
less likely to be seen given that Malawi does not have vast plains.

Malawi has a number of natural resources such as unexploited deposits of uranium as well as coal, bauxite, limestone and arable
land and hydropower. Unfortunately arable farming is very limited with only 1.18% being used for permanent crops and 20.68%
being used on an ad hoc basis.

53% (2004 figs) of the population is currently living below the poverty line, and life expectancy at birth is still appalling with a
male's average life span 43.35 and a female's 42.61 (2007 est). The population was estimated in 2003 at reaching 14,000,000 and of
this number 14.2% were infected with HIV/Aids - roughly 900,000 people. Other than HIV/Aids, water-borne and food diseases
are common, as is bacterial and protozoa diarrhoea. Hep A, typhoid, vector-borne diseases such as malaria and the plague plus
schistosomiasis combine to endanger health in a country with little health care facilities.

The population is made up of eleven different ethnic groups, such as the Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuka and Yao as well as Asian and
European. 57% of the population speak Chichewa, the official language, and the currency is Kwacha with approx. 140 to the US$.
Education still lags well behind European countries with 62% of the population being able to read and write (76% males/49.8%
females), although children are desperate to learn. Books, paper, pens and pencils are all in extremely short supply and classroom
facilities are on a par with the workhouse era as you can see in the photographs.

Christianity is the major religion with nearly 80% of the population. There are just over 12% Muslims.
14
David Livingstone, the famous Scottish explorer landed at Cape McLear in the south of the country with the idea of building a
hospital. He found that his chosen area suffered from mosquitoes so he chose further north which still was affected. He
eventually settled for an area in the far north which was cooler and did not suffer as much from the mosquito. This area is now
known as Livingstonia in his memory.

The capital of Malawi is now Lilongwe although Blantyre (named after Livingstone's Scottish birthplace) in the south used to hold
this honour. President Bingu wa Mutharika runs a multi-party democracy and he is also the Chief of State. He has had a hard fight
to assert his authority against his predecessor President Hastings Banda, and although there has been some economic
improvement, political deadlock has meant his minority party has been unable to pass legislation to counter corruption. The
country faces increasing problems due to population growth, pressure on agriculture to produce more food, corruption and the
growth of HIV/Aids.

Malawi produces tobacco, cotton, tea, pulses and groundnuts, as well as macadamia nuts, cassava and potatoes. Industry is mainly
tobacco, sugar, tea, cement, sawmill products and consumer goods.

Amongst the most densely populated and least developed country in the world, 84% of Malawi's population lives in rural areas
where there is no electricity or running water.

A beautiful country whose people are welcoming, friendly, peaceful and charming, Malawi is known as the 'Warm Heart of Africa'.
Very many thanks to Alan Me Lav for his time and patience in mounting all the photographs as well as his donation of card and
spray. Also thanks to Martin Mears for his help in identifying some of the birds and flowers.

Thanks to the Carradale Camera Club for the use of equipment and thanks to Carradale Primary School for the loan of the
Community Boards.

WATER WATER EVERYWHERE BUT . . . . .

The picture above (not here in e-mail edition), courtesy of Johnny Durnan, shows the water works at Low Moineruadh almost cut
off by water! A somewhat different picture can be gauged by talking to residents throughout Carradale and the surrounding
isolated houses who have been cut off from a piped water supply for most of the day for a period of up to ten days.

Stories coming in from some Brackley residents is of having to travel to the Carradale Hotel to do their washing or for bathing.
Lochpark was cut off for most of the day for a week, while Tosh’s Park residents had difficulty to getting away from their houses
by car because of excavations and road works. One can understand the need to upgrade water supplies to a standard to match
European requirements but to do so without either residents or the Community Council being informed before the work started
would seem to be a breach of courtesy. What is even more surprising is that few if any residents have taken issue with Scottish
Water, the contractors or sub-contractors about this failure, or about the length of time some sections or road are lest with partly
filled tarmacadam. Perhaps it is that the notorious failure of water schemes in other parts of Kintyre and of the County have
‘stunned’ - a very popular TV word in recent months - to the extent that the will to live has reached a new depth - usually about as
deep as the average trench, but not as deep as the grave of community relations. All the more reason to contact Mary Turner, who
is trying to start the ‘Drinking Water and Sewerage Forum.

Mary’s contact details are: Kildalloig, Campbeltown Argyll PA28 6RE (01586 553192)

THE ASSOCIATION OF ARGYLL & BUTE COMMUNITY COUNCILS

For nearly 14 years the Association of Argyll and Bute Community has served the interests of community councils throughout
Argyll & Bute and has been involved in a number of initiatives to improve relations between Argyll & Bute Council, community
councils and individual residents. East Kintyre Community Councillors were involved in the formation of the Association in 1993
and have played an active part in its day to day running including the production of a quarterly News Bulletin, the setting up of a
web-site and in offering advice to other councils. The latest meeting of the Executive Committee was held at the Nicholl Hall,
Inveraray on Saturday 15th February 2008. The extent of the Association’s involvement in county and national affairs is described
in the following extracts

15
1 Attending Vice Chair Katy Murray (Dunadd), Treasurer Phil Risby (Lochgilphead), Secretary Geoffrey Page (East Kintyre),
Anne Gabriel (Dunoon), Irene Pratt (South Cowal), Nicola Walsh (Oban), Sandy Dunlop (Connel), John White
(Helensburgh), David Price (Avich & Kilchrenan), Leslie Cuthbertson (Lochgoil) Peter Wallace (Bute) and Alan Livingstone
(Taynuilt)

2 Apologies : Mary Turner (Campbeltown), Catriona Macaulay (Cardross) and Gibb Thomson (Hunters Quay)

3 Minutes of The Executive Committee Meeting on Saturday 17th February 2007 were read and approved. Proposed by
Anne Gabriel and seconded by Sandy Dunlop.

4 Matters Arising but not on the present agenda: none

5 Treasurer and Membership Secretary’s Report :. The Treasurer reported that after expenses for 2007/2008 the current
account contained £1,500. 32 of 56 community councils were in membership – 57% of eligibility

6 LIAISON between CC & ABC : Alan Livingstone presented a case for the appointment of an Argyll & Bute liaison officer
to overcome difficulties experienced in dealing with matters involving combinations of Council departments. He had elicited
support from Unitary Authority Councillors in his own area and presented the case to the Council Leader and Chief
Executive. He said that it was fairly common practice in Scotland for community councils to have this facility and individual
councils to receive administrative assistance. While supporting this additional facility Leslie Cuthbertson said it was also
essential to maintain direct contact with departments and principal officers where a good working relationship had been
established. Mr Livingstone asked Executive members to press Unitary Councillors for the establishment of a liaison officer
and the Secretary agreed to write to the Leader and the Chief Executive supporting the proposal.

7 OTHER PLANNING MATTERS : Brief comments were made about the value of two meetings in February. The first
with Council Planning Officers at the Development Management Forum in the Cairnbaan Hotel and the second arranged by
Dunoon Community Council, with Planning Aid for Scotland. Members were invited to ask for a copy of the CD issued by
the Argyll & Bute Council Planning Department giving design preferences. The Secretary was asked to contact Planning Aid
and Community Councils in areas other than Cowal in the hope that planning training events could be held in local areas, or,
at least in a central location, possibly with funding assistance from AABCC and other sources.

8 LEADER FUNDING : Leslie Cuthbertson and Nic Welsh provided information on the uncertainties surrounding new and
reduced Leader funding

9 NEWS BULLETINS : The Secretary intended to circulate a newsletter with up to date information on a number of
community council issues once Sandy Dunlop had been in contact with the Oban office and established if, in the absence of
Ken MacDonald, duplication of a newsletter could be undertaken.

10 ARGYLL & BUTE SEWAGE & DRINKING WATER FORUM : In the absence of Mary Turner, members were given
copies of her presentation. They were asked to contact her by e-mail to support her involvement in the Forum and in
seeking resolutions to sewage and drinking water problems throughout the County.

11 WEB-SITES : The Secretary invited members to view the Association site (AABCC.btik.com) and to provide links to it.
David Price, as Chairman of the group promoting argyllcommunities.org, said that a number of community councils and
voluntary organisations were already linked to argyllcommunities.org and invited others to become linked. With the new Argll
& Bute Council now open, the Secretary said that in an attempt to correct the statement on the old site that community
councils were under review, he had approached the Corporate Service Department and was reassured that no review was
being undertaken at this time.

12 ELECTIONS : Community council elections, due to be conducted this year, have been delayed until April 2nd 2009 to fit in
the middle of the ABC term; any contest would need to be financed from the normal annual administrative grant.

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13 COMMUNITY COUNCIL MINUTES : The Secretary noted a reduction in minutes received and the increasing
difficulty in finding common issues

14 AGM 2008 and Meetings with Councillor Walsh. The Vice Chair stated that she thought that the annual meeting with the
Council Leader and the following AABCC AGM was a very worthwhile event and asked the Secretary to write to the Leader
hoping that the 2008 event could be held at Kilmory on Saturday 4th of October. Ideas for presentations in the morning
session led to housing and water being suggested as suitable subjects; ACHA and Scottish Water may be invited to describe
their work and to answer pertinent question about problems they have experienced. No decisions were confirmed and other
subjects may be suggested following the issue of the next news bulletin

15 WIND-FARM ISSUES Save your regional park’ – (Archie Simpson’s call & web-site: saveyourregionalpark.com.) Following
discussion it was considered that Mr Simpson’s concerns about the practice of placing wind-farms in national parks was
specific to a single National Park area, and unless the practice extends it was not seen as being particularly appropriate for the
Association to respond.

16 ROADS : Sandy Dunlop spoke on behalf of an e-mail petition organised by Les Stewart of Connel CC about the state of the
A82 north of Tarbet. Other members raised issues in relation to the A83, not only for the Rest and be Thankful slip but also
sections between towns. The Secretary was asked to write to Malcolm Reid of Transport Scotland about plans to bring both
trunk roads up to the required standard.

17 COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MEMBERSHIP. After reporting on contacts with Eileen Wilson,
Community Planning Manager and Raymond Park, the Chairman of the Management Committee, the Secretary expressed
concern over a number of aspects of the CPP role and actions in relation to community councils. He gave the example of the
intention to designate a Kintyre and Islay Power Area, virtually an unknown move to Unitary Councillors in the area and
completely unknown to the eight resident community councils. In reply, David Price, who sits on the management
Committee and represents voluntary organisations, stated that he thought that the CPP played a valuable role in the
relationship between the aims of the Scottish Government and the facilities and financial assistance which may accrue to
Argyll & Bute. In ensuring that community councils have a voice at both levels of CPP, David Price will attend the full
Partnership meetings on behalf of the AABCC and Nic Walsh will attend the Management meetings, although, in the absence
of Nic Walsh, Alan Livingston will attend the Management meeting planned for the coming week.

18 OTHER AGENCIES (Reports from holders of executive roles with other agencies): Because of a shortage of time there
was no opportunity to hear reports from representatives on a number of other bodies, but Katy Murray has prepared a
statement on progress with the Public Partnership Forum (previously the Public Involvement Network) to be inserted in the
next news bulletin. Phil Risby has offered an item on the Timber Transport Group’s meeting, and Leslie Cuthbertson will
forward information on the Argyll & Bute Transport Focus Group. Irene Pratt recounted the problems in her area in
providing transport for those experiencing long hours away from home in attending hospitals for appointments or treatment.
She also asked for information on WHELK (a grant giving body entitled the West Highland European Leader Kist) and was
told that the organisation no longer existed

19 ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS : In answer to a request earlier in the meeting, Anne Gabriel, on the occasion
of her 70th birthday, offered and was warmly accepted as Chairperson for the remaining twelve months of the present
Executive Committee term. She also agreed to act on behalf of the Association and Argyll & Bute Community Councils as an
area representative for the Association of Scottish Community Councils, despite the Association being refused ‘conglomerate’
membership of the national body.

20 Confirmed Date of Next Meeting : Saturday 14th June 2008 at the Nicholl Hall, Inveraray, at 10am

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