Mike and Liz Rose, Oakbank, Lamlash

Individual

Mike and Liz Rose have reduced their energy needs to a fraction of their previous bills, while saving the environment.

To supplement a biomass boiler they installed 16 x 250 watt solar panels in their backyard in December 2015. They can produce up to four kilowatts, which is the maximum domestic installation, before moving up to commercial three phase electric supplies. In last 12 months they have produced 2991.86Kw hours of electric.

Asked what their motivation was Mike said: ”We have always wanted to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Over the years we have enjoyed many visits to The centre for alternative technology in Wales. We would encourage everyone to pay a visit, as they have hundreds of ideas on how to become more environmentally friendly while saving  you a load of money too.’

Kenneth Bone, Glenkiln Farm, Lamlash

Business

Between December 2012 and 2016 businessman and farmer Kenneth Brone installed a run of river micro hydro generating scheme able to produce up to 500Kw per hour.

The multi-million Glenkiln hydro scheme, which at 4.2km is one of the longest in Scotland, uses the water of Benlister Burn in Lamlash.

Fully automated, during the June and July dry spell it closed down. Now after the recent rain is back up to full production. Only takes a small percentage of what naturally flows.

Is able to provide approx 70-80 per cent of Lamlash with its electricity needs.

At its completion Kenneth said: ‘It’s been a long journey but we are immensely proud of what we have achieved with this project. We wanted to diversify our business further and after many successful years running our farms, we saw a great opportunity in providing sustainable energy.’

Eco Savvy

Community group

Eco Savvy is an outstanding example of the kind of community action that the California summit has in mind: community based and working energetically and creatively to do all it can to help Arran folk reduce our carbon footprint.

Starting in 2014 with a community shop run by volunteers in Whiting Bay, and awarded charitable status in 2015, Eco Savvy set out from the beginning to have a great environmental impact by focusing the shop and related events on waste reduction, saving huge amounts from going into landfill by encouraging re-homing, upcycling, repairing, re-using and even cooking up a free feast from good food no longer wanted. Vital work for an island community where everything comes and goes by ferry, including the so-called rubbish!

These activities were expanded around the island in April 2017 by Eco Savvy’s first external grant, from the Climate Challenge Fund, which supported the establishment of eight microhubs. Over 100,00 tonnes of carbon dioxide were saved from the atmosphere, and over 6000kg of items saved from landfill. In 2018 the Climate Challenge Fund has rewarded Eco Savvy with a further grant of over £100,000 to support home energy audits to reduce domestic energy consumption – and save islanders money.

In the immediate future, Eco Savvy is buzzing with ideas around developing sustainable island transport, and home food production – watch this space. However, medium term plans are on a grander scale – we know Arran must step up a gear if it is to keep pace with the need to mitigate climate changes already unavoidable, and to stay within the Paris Climate Agreement targets of keeping warming to within 1.5 degrees. Eco Savvy is looking at ideas for acquiring land, to deal with compostable waste, even an Eco Park.

Mike and Liz Rose with their friend Robert Watt at their solar panels. NO_B34climate01

Kenneth Bone at his Glenkiln Hydro project. NO_B34climate02

The Eco Savvy team promoting energy audits back in June are Whiting Bay shop manager Sarah Kelly, project manager Jude King and Ruth McLaren. NO_B34climate03

The post How Arran is fighting climate change appeared first on Arran Banner.

The results Arran Bridge Club summer tournament held on Monday August 13, were: N/S: 1 Brenda Livingstone and Pat Adamson, 2 David Boag and Eendy McNiven, 3 Tricia Martin and David Campbell. E/W: 1 Alan and Shahina McKelvie, 2 John Dick and Giorsal Kroner, 3 Liz Robertson and Jennifer McArthur.

The results of the tournament held on Monday August 20, were: N/S: 1 Tricia Martin and David Campbell, 2 Douglas and Margaret Bruce, 3 John Dick and Andy Martin. E/W: 1 Alan and Shahina McKelvie, 2 Margaret McGill and Jan Beattie, 3 Eendy McNiven and Ann McKelvie.

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By Hugh Boag

A leading Arran environmentalist is taking part in a major climate change summit in the US.

And one of the ambitious proposals he will be taking to the summit is how to make Arran carbon-neutral in the next few years.

Howard Wood, the co-founder and chairman of the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST), will travel to San Francisco next month to take part in the Global Climate Action Summit as a climate trailblazer.

The 22 climate trailblazers reflect the global nature of the summit, which aims to bring together the best in international climate change activity from across the world. They will humanise the event as they will show through their actions that everyday people can do extraordinary things.

And Howard aims to show how Arran individuals, businesses and community groups that are already doing a great job in tackling climate change with renewable and environmentally friendly projects on the island, not least of which is COAST.

He said: ‘There is a tremendous amount of work going on on Arran to improve the environment which I intend to highlight at the conference, some of which I am aware of and some, of which, I am sure I do not.’

Howard will also be taking an island commitment to be carbon neutral in the next few years to next month’s summit, but without a definite timetable.

He said: ‘We are all agreed it’s a target we need to achieve, but before putting a date on it we need to build a full island audit of both energy use and stored carbon in the environment. However, I am confident that with both Scottish government and North Ayrshire Council support, with funding and expert advice, Arran as a carbon neutral island can be achieved within a few years.

‘My personnel commitment is to campaign tirelessly to protect and  conserve blue carbon stores. It’s a win win situation, basically a no brainer, if the Scottish government are serious about both reducing the effects of climate change and stopping biodiversity loss.’

Howard said the South Arran marine protected area could go along way to assisting with this goal as the four kilometre stretch of sea grass at Whiting Bay, and the mearl and kelp beds, which are now protected, are excellent sources of carbon capture.

However he believes that the Scottish Government is not doing enough to protect blue carbon capture and hopes to question First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on the subject when she visits Arran next week.

Along with Howard the only other European delegate is British inventor Adam Dixon of Cardiff based Phytoponics who has has developed technology allowing a wide variety of crops to be grown highly efficiently and productively using hydroponics.

The three-day summit Howard is attending will take place from Wednesday September 12 in San Francisco and Howard received his personal invitation, through the Goldman Foundation, from the Californian Governor Jerry Brown.

The summit will bring leaders and people together from around the world to: ‘Take ambition to the next level.’ Organisers say it will be a moment to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of states, regions, cities, companies, investors and citizens with respect to climate action.

It will also be a launchpad for deeper worldwide commitments and accelerated action from countries—supported by all sectors of society—that can put the globe on track to prevent dangerous climate change and realise the historic Paris Agreement.

At the heart of the Paris agreement is the commitment by national governments to review their progress and rachet up the ambition of national climate action plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The summit, happening midway between Paris 2015 and Poland in 2020, is timed to provide the confidence to governments to ‘step up’ and trigger this next level of ambition sooner rather than later.

The summit will also consider range of new climate commitments under five key areas: Healthy Energy Systems, Inclusive Economic Growth, Sustainable Communities, Land and Ocean Stewardship and Transformative Climate Investments.

A spokesman for the conference organisers said: ‘The confidence, enthusiasm and support generated by this wave of action now and through 2019, will embolden national governments leaders to trigger the necessary domestic processes ahead of 2020 while also triggering more states and regions, cities, businesses and investors to ‘step up’ further action themselves.’

Howard added: ‘It is a wonderful opportunity to go and tell the world the tremendous work that a small island corner of the planet is doing to fight climate change.’

Howard, a well-known marine environmentalist , diver and campaigner was awarded an OBE for services to the marine environment and in 2015 was a recipient of the Goldman Prize , often referred to as the Green Nobel, for his decades of work on marine conservation in Scotland.

Do you know any projects on Arran which are helping to fight climate change? If so do get in touch with Howard and they could be highlighted at next month’s international gathering in San Francisco. Email: howard@arrancoast.com

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Shiskine Golf Club

Thursday August 9, Captain’s Prize and veterans and scratch barometer for ladies. Silver: 1 and veteran,winner of captain’s prize, Elizabeth Kelso 52-11=41, 2 Jill Smith 51-9=42. Winner of scratch barometer, Jenni Turnbull 51 BIH. Bronze: 1 Esther Henderson 63-16=47, 2 Shelagh Rae 72-21=51.

Saturday August 11, Captain’s Prize and veterans trophy for gents. 1st class: 1 David Duthie 43-5=38, 2 Jack McNally 44-4=39, 3 and scratch, Martyn Ker 42-2=40. 2nd class: 1 J Corrie 49-10=39, 2 S Campbell 55-13=42, 3 Ian Rae 53-10=43. Magic twos, D Duthie, P Betley.

Thursday August 16, ladies visitors and locals match. A total of 15 ladies played a Tri-Am on a lovely sunny evening, followed by sandwiches, cakes and a raffle. 1 Heather Burnet, Carole Stewart and Esther Henderson 37pts, 2 Sandra Myles, Jenni Turnbull and Elizabeth Kelso 39pts. The raffle raised £58.50 for Music in Hospitals and Care.

Sunday August 19, Victory Shield and Kay Maxwell. 1 and scratch, Jimmy Morrison 45-5=40, 2 Brian Sherwood 52-7=45 BIH, 3 Alan Napier 50-5=45 BIH. Magic twos Jimmy Morrison.

Sunday August 12, Allan Maxwell Golf Day. Many thanks to all who took part or donated prize money. Thanks to everyone who gave either a raffle prize or a monetary contribution or even both. Thank you to all the local businesses who helped with donations and to everyone else who helped on the day. This couldn’t happen without you. 1 John, Michael and M Whyte and Rick Urban 60pts, 2 The Richie’s 59pts BIH, 3 Miles Baigent, Ian Brown, Callum Young and Niall Hird 59pts. Hole Prizes: 1st Martyn Ker, 2nd Mairi Pollock, 3rd Marshal Dale, 4th Tegan Browning, 5th Fraser Jackson, 6th Christine Macgilchrist, 7th Gordon Stewart, 8th Johnny Thurlow, 9th Martyn Ker, 10th Andrew Howie, Martyn and Elizabeth Ker and Allan Howie, 11th Peter Robertson, 12th Stevie Crawford.

Brodick Golf Club

Wednesday August 15, Summer Cup, 28 played, CSS 64. 1 Charlie O’Neill 80-19=61, 2 Jim Green 83-21=62, 3 Babbies MacNeil 85-22=63. Scratch Ewan McKinnon 65.

Thursday August 16, Brodick GC Senior Open Championship, Stableford, 53 played, CSS 36 points. 1 Jimmy Armit 12, 40pts, 2 Alan Konarski 14, 39pts ACB, 3 Derek Roxburgh 9, 39pts. Sweep, aged 55 to 64, 1 Alan Konarski 39pts, 2 David Hendry 34pts ACB, 3 Stuart McGregor 34pts. Aged 65+, 1 Jimmy Armit 40pts, 2 Derek Roxburgh 39pts, 3 David Brookens 36pts. Nearest the pin: 4th, J McCall, 7th, D Cameron, 13th, D Brookens, 15th, I Sharp. Many thanks to all who supported this event, see you all next year.

Sunday August 19, Captain’s Prize, Stableford, 18 played, CSS 37 points. 1 Stuart Brodie 16, 39pts, 2 Iain Sillars 16, 37pts ACB, 3 Donald McKinnie 10, 37pts.

Monday August 20, Senior Club Championship Final, Billy Armit bt Bruce Jenkins.

Congratulations to our Champion, Ewan McKinnon, on winning the AGA Champion of Champions for the ninth time.

Fixture: Brandon Cup Final and sweep. No specific draw for Brandon so turn up for draws at 8.30am or 12noon.

Ladies Section: Tuesday July 3, July Medal. 1 Gege Kroner nett 67 BIH, 2 Susan Butchard nett 67. Susan also carded the best gross score of 77.  Tuesday July 10, Stronnach Foursomes. Winners Carole Stewart and Pat Adamson, gross 85, nett 65.5. Runners up, Fiona Henderson and Margaret Roxburgh, gross 89, nett 73.5.

Tuesday July 17, 9 Hole Stableford. 1 Elizabeth Lawrie, 2 Brenda Livingstone. Welcome back Brenda. Tuesday July 17, Wright Trophy. 1 Susan Butchard 32pts, 2 Fiona Henderson 30pts.

Tuesday July, 31, Second Medal. 1 Fiona Henderson nett 65, 2 Gege Kroner nett 74. Division two winner was Margaret Bryce.

Whiting Bay Golf Club

Wednesday August 15, Summer Trophy. A total of 16 played in the latest round of the Summer Trophy. The threatened poor weather didn’t come to much although the breeze stiffened as the day went on. That did nothing to dampen the scores however, and CSS came down to 62. Jamie Macpherson returned a gross score only two over that figure to win with a fine net 58. 1 Jamie Macpherson 6, 58 and lowest gross, 2 John Pennycott 14, 60 ACB, 3 Danny Head 5, 60, 4 Nicol Auld 5, 63. Magic twos Danny Head @7th, Jamie Macpherson @17.

Sunday August 19, Stableford. A total of 13 played in the Stableford competition arranged to take the place of the cancelled Kilbride Challenge. A dull start to the morning soon gave way to some fine weather and some fine  golf was played to match. CSS stayed at 63/36 points. 1 Jamie Macpherson 5, 38pts, 2 Stuart McGregor 13, 36 ACB, 3 John Pennycott 13, ACB, 4 Stan Rainey 11, 36. Magic twos Nicol Auld @6th.

Fixtures: Sunday August 26, Medal. In light of the cancellation of the Kilbride Challenge we will play a medal round from the white tees. Usual terms and conditions; open all day, handicap counter, draws at 9am and 11 am. Wednesday August 29, Summer Trophy.

Lamlash Golf Club

Thursday August 16, Summer Cup and Jim Young Cup, CSS 65. 1 Stuart Campbell 69-6=63, 2 Neil Young 70-5=65, 3 Ian Bremner 74-7=67. Scratch, Stuart Campbell 70. Magic twos Neil Young @14th, Stuart Campbell @16th.

Sunday August 19, Jamieson Cup, CSS 64. 1 Billy O’Connor 88-24=64, 2 Lee Dutton 90-21=69. Scratch Drew Wales 80.

Fixtures: Sunday August 26, Frank Crum, 9.30am and 12.30pm. Thursday August 30, Summer Cup and Commando Cup. Make up own games, see starter for times.

Ladies Section: Wednesday August 1, Fleet 5, CSS 64, par 65, three played. 1 Sheena Murchie 81-15=66, 2 Anne MacVicar 86-18=68. Scratch, Sheena 81.

Wednesday August 8, Medal 6, CSS 66, par 65,  nine played. 1 Ellie Jones 87-18=69, 2 Sheena Murchie 85-15=70. Scratch, Sheena 85.

Wednesday August 15, Stroke 5, CSS 65, par 65, five played. 1 Yvonne Brothers 81-17=64, 2 Liz Sinclair 94-18=76. Scratch, Yvonne 81.

Corrie Golf Club

Wednesday August 15, Summer Cup and magic twos. 1 A Napier 74-9=65, 2 R Logan 72-5=67 and scratch. The Magic twos rolls over.

Fixtures: Saturday August 25, Medal, ballots at 9am and 2pm. Wednesday August 29, Medal, ballot at 5pm.

Machrie Bay Golf Club

Fixture: Tuesday August 28, Lawson-Cameron final, sweep tee off at 12.30pm.

Winners of the Allan Maxwell Golf Day held at Shiskine Golf Club; John ,Michael and M Whyte and Rick Urban.Winners of the Allan Maxwell Golf Day held at Shiskine Golf Club; John, Michael and M Whyte and Rick Urban, No_B34golf01

Club stalwart Jimmy Armit, Brodick Golf Club’s 2018 Senior Open Champion. No_B34golf02

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A group of young dancers on Arran are hoping for a good turnout at their annual fundraiser which raises much needed funds to keep the group afloat and to be able to continue with their free lessons.

The Arran Dancers, who meet weekly during term time at the Arran High School dance studio, will be hosting their fundraiser at Lamlash Church Hall today, Saturday, between 12noon and 3pm.

On offer in addition to the usual coffee, tea and homebaking and face painting there will also be a number of stalls offering interesting things to see and do. Among them will be; Made on Arran by Alisa. The wee gem shop, Mummy made this stuff, Sea spray designs, Earth threads, Emma’s teeth whitening, Karabell designs, Forever beautiful, Drifting on air and the big Co-op.

The club has previously faced closure owing to the loss of an instructor who moved to the mainland. However they were lucky enough to secure the services of another professional instructor who has helped to ensure that the children are able to continue with their lessons – which many of them have been attending since they were toddlers.

Organiser Jill McKillop said: ‘Our classes are Royal Academy of Dance approved, and carry educational points, so the children are particularly keen on continuing with their graded exams.

‘We are fortunate that we are able to make use of the High School dance studio as there is no other venue that is available at the required times, but it does mean that we are not allowed to charge pupils to help cover costs. This does put a strain on us to cover teaching and equipment costs so this fundraiser is vital for us.’

Anyone that is interested in joining the ballet or modern dance classes is welcome to contact the club at arrandancers@yahoo.com

Classes range from pre-primary to high school and are designed to teach age specific movement, co-ordination and expression, not to mention being good fun and beneficial to health and happiness.

The young Arran Dancers demonstrate their skills. No_B34dance01

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Arran’s environmental pioneer

Arran environmentalist Howard Wood will once again be taking his Arran inspired message across the Atlantic. Having driven profound change on Arran, through establishing the Marine Protected Area and Lamlash No Take Zone, he added impetus to concerns which are now well known and supported, but at the time were just taking root.

While both doggedly determined and relentless in his pursuit of challenging accepted, but environmentally harmful, norms, it is Howard’s considered approach, amicable nature and symbiotic reasoning that has allowed his voice to be amplified and stand out among the many. It is for these reasons that he has had such success with his decades of hard work which has advanced conservation, not only on Arran but across Scotland. So too, in his being awarded the prestigious Goldman Prize and being awarded an OBE for services to marine conservation in 2015.

Considering his record, and the reasoning behind being selected as one of only two Europeans invited to the San Francisco climate summit, we are fortified by his commitment to tackle climate change initiatives through the preservation of blue carbon stores and defending against the relentless attacks on our natural heritage.

Being at the forefront of any pioneering initiative will lead to difficulties – and resistance- but with a strong body of support behind it, remarkable achievements can be made. We wish Howard every success in his latest endeavours and encourage everyone to lend their support in helping Howard, and Arran, to achieve carbon neutrality.

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Isle of Arran AFC 2

Irvine Victoria 2

Arran have qualified for the Ayrshire Sunday Amateur Football Association’s first division with a game to spare after earning a point in a tough away game to Irvine Victoria. The visitors made a few changes in an injury hit squad with players like Toby Wingham, Matthew Dobson and Johnny Sloss among the injury list. Manager Alan Murray decided to change the formation and went with a 4-5-1 plan as Irvine looked a strong team with a powerful front line.

Martin Hynes was brought into centreback with John Drummond returning to the midfield. Cailin Applegate got his first start after making a big impact the previous week against Killie United.

Straight from the off the Arran boys knew they were in a tough game but they were holding their own and playing some good passing football. It was Irvine that broke the deadlock though when Drummond fouled on the edge of the area and Irvine scored the resulting free kick into the bottom corner.

Arran captain Danny Head had to limp off after being on the end of a painful late challenge which put him out of action, and to his surprise, only earned the offender a yellow card.

After half-time it didn’t take long for Arran’s top goalscorer Archie McNicol to get on the scoresheet after rounding the goalkeeper and putting the ball into the net.

Irvine then put themselves back in the lead soon after with a mix up in the Arran defence leading to the ball going beyond substitute keeper Stevie Judge.

Joel Small came on for Arran and made a big impact down the left hand side with some strong running. He got his reward when he was in the right place at the right time, to hit home after a corner was swung in by McNicol.

McNicol looked to have earned a late penalty too after being taken out by an Irvine player but the referee did not concur and waved away the claims to the dismay of the Arran players and supporters. Fraser Gilbert joined the list of injured when he was on the receiving end of a mistimed challenge that forced him off with a leg injury.

The game finished 2-2 which was a fair result based on the play. Ryan Armstrong was given man of the match after his return to fitness and creating a lot of the chances with his runs through the midfield.

Arran’s next game will be against Irvine CSC on Sunday September 9, at the Ormidale park at 2pm. Arran can top their qualifying group if they beat Irvine by at least two goals.

Photography: Marc Head

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Arran RNLI’s busy summer continued with their 16th callout for the year after a request to go to the assistance of sailing vessel with mechanical difficulties in Brodick Bay.

At 5.10pm on Wednesday August 22, Arran RNLI’s volunteer inshore lifeboat crew assembled and launched the inshore lifeboat Rachel Hedderwick to come to the assistance of the vessel which had suffered dual engine failure and was adrift near Brodick Bay. Once arriving on scene the Arran RNLI crew towed the vessel towards a mooring within Brodick Bay.

Arran RNLI helm Mark Nelson said: ‘Today’s callout just showed the value of being well prepared to call for assistance when needed, the crew of the sailing vessel were very unlucky to suffer engine failure but knew to call for assistance when needed and we’re happy to help. At the end of the day we’re just happy everyone is back in port safe and sound.  This year has been busy with the station averaging a callout once a fortnight and this just goes to show the dedication of the volunteer crew we have on station.’

The RNLI charity provides a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. They RNLI operate over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and depend entirely on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.

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Following a rigorous selection process, Argyll College UHI’s board of governors has appointed Martin Jones as its Principal and Chief Executive Officer, and he will take up this post on Wednesday November 5.

Martin, who is currently a Senior Lecturer in Law at Glasgow Caledonian University, will replace Fraser Durie in the next academic year. Fraser, who has served at the College since 2012, will retire in October.

Martin Jones is no stranger to Argyll, having lived near Dunoon for many years. He said: ‘’m pleased to be appointed as Principal of Argyll College UHI. I look forward to working with staff and students in Argyll and in the wider University Network at what is an exciting time in the sector.’

Andrew Campbell, Chair of the Board of Governors of Argyll College UHI, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Martin to our team.  We were impressed with the calibre of candidates from across the further and higher education sector but we believe that Martin has many unique qualities and characteristics which will enable him to very quickly make a positive contribution to the future of the College.

‘Martin brings with him a wealth of experience in the Higher Education sector. Since 2003 he has held a number of senior roles at Glasgow Caledonian University, including Head of Learning Teaching and Quality. He sits on the University’s Academic Policy Committee and was the founding Director of the Learning Development Centre.’

Andrew continued:  ‘Fraser Durie has led the College over the past few years where we have seen our HE students numbers increase rapidly and our performance improve. His commitment to the college, our staff and our students, is greatly appreciated.’

Clive Mulholland, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands said: ‘We are pleased to welcome Martin to the university partnership. Argyll College UHI is a vital part of our network, providing learning opportunities across Argyll through a range of further and higher education programmes. I look forward to working with Martin in serving our students and communities and offer my sincere gratitude to Fraser for his dedication and leadership over the last six years.’

Argyll College UHI offer further and higher education in one of the most geographically fragmented areas of Scotland. From Tobermory in the north to Campbeltown in the south and Dunoon in the east our 11 centres provide students with support, high-speed internet access and video conferencing facilities.

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The Arran Mountain Rescue Team (AMRT) were called out earlier this week to assist a female walker who had sustained an ankle injury while descending from the summit of Goatfell.

Shortly after 4.30pm on Wednesday August 22, two groups of team members, in both Argocats, made their way to the shoulder of the mountain where, after a short hike with equipment, the casualty was located.

Following an injury assessment the casualty was packaged into the team stretcher and carried down to the awaiting Argocat. On arrival back at the team base she was then transferred to an ambulance and taken to the Lamlash War Memorial Hospital where she received treatment for her injuries.

A spokesperson from the rescue team said: ‘We wish the casualty a speedy recovery.’

Four days prior to this, team members responded to a callout on Saturday August 18, to go to the assistance of a male walker who had become crag-fast in the Black Cave area at Bennan Head.

Due to the location of the walker, team members had to lower themselves down to his location from the cliff top above, where he was then lifted out to safety, uninjured.

It has been a busy few months for the AMRT with numerous callouts nearly every week. The team which currently has 33 members are all unpaid volunteers who respond to calls initiated by Strathclyde Police.

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For anyone that has lived and worked on Arran, even for the shortest of time, there is a clear understanding that island life comes with its own set of unique challenges and circumstances, most of which we can all agree with, and which are partly the reason why so many people aspire to live and work here.

It would not be unfair to say that, especially judging from our own letters page, Arran residents hold strong opinions on these matters and through their valuable contributions towards public discourse, are uncowed in airing them.

Especially so, with the arrival of the Scottish Cabinet and First Ministers visit earlier this week, where public discussion was invited at the meeting at Arran High School.

While it became evident that their exists a desire for status quo in certain aspects, so too is there a desire for improvement in many of the issues which were raised at the meeting, including transport, care for the young and elderly, poverty alleviation and improving public services.

It is heartening to see, particularly among the youth who were well represented at the meeting, that the issues affecting them, are the shared issues of the community.

The opportunity to air views and opinions, which are the cornerstone of any well functioning community, will hopefully go a long way towards Arran residents and political leaders in reaching a level of mutual understanding that can spur on the desired social and political change.

It is the varied opinions and many voices, joined together, that create a powerful and unified voice – as Arran so admirably displayed at the public meeting.

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Ramblers rescued

Sir,

As a group of 17 walkers from Bearsden and Milngavie Ramblers, we had just completed a lovely 8.5 mile circuit around Whiting Bay and Kings Cross area on Saturday August 11, in glorious weather. The kind staff of Coast opened up to serve us coffee and cake, even though they were preparing for their evening service. When the 4.50pm number 323 bus came, it was surprisingly busy and there were six of us who couldn’t get on. We were going to miss the 6.00pm Ferry! On the advice of the very helpful lady in the Bay Stores shop, we thumbed a ride -success! A very kind young man who was only going to Lamlash took three of us all the way to the ferry, but the couple who had overheard our conversation at the Bay Stores really came up trumps by taking the first three to Brodick and then coming back to collect the second three, by dropping the wife off at home to collect her car so that she could quickly come back to Whiting Bay for us (before the second car arrived and unfortunately unknown to the three of us with the young man!)

We are truly grateful to all of these knights in shining armour who did all that with a smile.

Arran is GREAT and apologies to the gentleman’s wife who had a fruitless journey back to Whiting Bay.

Yours,

Sheila Crawford

Bearsden and Milngavie Ramblers

Meter woes

Sir,

Having read the excellent points made by Jim Climie on smart meters, in the Banner of August 11, there is a more fundamental shortcoming on their use.

The meter communicates, via the mobile phone networks, to a central computer which is linked to the energy suppliers. Since mobile phone coverage is only designed for outdoor use, it is a lottery whether meters will be able to connect to the network. As a result, due to many meters being in cupboards and flats, they will not have the ‘benefits’ claimed by the sponsors.

Many of the meters already installed are Mk1 versions, which apparently have software incompatible with the central computer and may have to be replaced. Several EU countries decided not to proceed with smart meters. Germany is only installing them in selected areas, and due to a political decision to shut down all their nuclear power plants, had to build new coal-fired power stations.

I was surprised dedicated  masts are to be used, considering the additional expense and the limited number of houses which will have coverage. Already a number of MPs are questioning the viability of smart meters, since there are still 40 million meters to be installed (by 2020 !).

However I do not know who will make a stance to halt this project. No doubt this will end up like other IT disasters by successive Scottish and UK governments.

Yours,

Robin Gardner,

Lamlash and Milton of Campsie.

Scotland’s schools

Sir,

Deputy First Minister John Swinney is now requiring local authorities to devolve powers and budgets to local schools. If councils do not respond within the next year, he has vowed to legislate for improved  school governance across the country.

The fear of making mistakes has led to an unwillingness to experiment and a total absence of diversity to suit individual communities. Local authorities have prevented head teachers and staff from running their schools and classes in their pupils’ true interests. Councils have failed to recognise the very significant contribution which broadly constituted and empowered school councils could make to the overall education system. Schools have had little incentive to cut back wasteful expenditure.

The shortage of resources being allocated to education is of course partly to blame for the mess we are in, but it is by no means the whole story.

We now have an ideal opportunity to introduce governance reforms so as to ensure that policies are shaped to local circumstances; otherwise we could all well end up with more direction from St Andrew’s House. Is it too much to hope that councillors and education officials in every education authority will now play their part in restoring Scotland’s state schools to their once iconic world status?

Yours,

Angus Tulloch

Longniddry

Long lost

Sir,

I am trying to find my cousins who I believe all moved to the Isle of Arran some years ago.

I do not know their surnames now as I have presumed they will all have married but their maiden name was Green. Their Christian names are Kathleen and Mary and they had two brothers Gerald and Anthony.

Their father was my fathers brother and his name was also Anthony, married to Mary. I am Nina Bayer, daughter of their uncle John.

I would be obliged if they, or anyone who knows them, to contact me at nina2141@mac.com

Yours,

Nina Bayer

Kilmarnock

Boat tipping

Sir,

If the car fly-tipping problem mentioned last week is being looked into, then perhaps the same authorities could also consider how to go about removing abandoned boats on Arran’s coastline. Examples of this problem can be found on Cordon shore beach but they are distributed around the island.

These sad looking remains usually have no realistic prospect of repair to enable them to ever float and be used again.

Meanwhile visitors and residents alike have to see these neglected hulks and over time watch their inevitable deterioration as they break apart and become increasing health and environmental hazards.

Perhaps a notice, similar to that used for parking offences, could be attached and the owner given six months in which to claim the boat and either remove or repair it?

After this time if nothing has been done by the owner, then perhaps having it removed to a storage area for a further three months before the council finally disposes of it safely would be a fair and satisfactory procedure? This would help to ensure the coastline remains both safe and attractive.

Yours,

David Lang

Cordon

Written notice

Sir,

At the Scottish Government Cabinet , Public Discussion meeting held in Lamlash on August 27th I raised two issues regarding the new ferry terminal with the Minister of Transport, Michael Matheson.  I requested that written signs be placed at the ticket counters in Ardrossan and Brodick explaining that assistance was available to foot passengers for help with luggage and for those with impaired mobility.  While some residents are aware of the availability of these services, many visitors and residents do not know that they can receive help in managing the long passageway and large number of stairs. Matheson agreed that the placement of written notices should be fairly simple to implement.  During the coffee break I had the opportunity to speak to the Minister privately and he assured me that he plans to meet with CalMac executives shortly in order to request that these written notices be placed as soon as possible. As he is based in Edinburgh he asked me to let him know when (and if) such notices are in place.

As a part time resident of the island I can only monitor the situation from May to September.  Therefore I would greatly appreciate any help that can be given by full time residents who use the ferry terminal regularly.  Please let me know when the written notices are in place by sending an email to me at: sshenhav@zahav.net.il.

I also requested that the Minister of Transport use his power to improve coordination of bus service with the ferry arrival times so that foot passengers are not left behind when buses to the north and south of the island leave before all foot passengers have left the terminal.  Anyone who has experienced such difficulty should contact me so that I can report to the Minister.

Yours,

Sharon Shenhav

Lamlash

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A fundraising event held in Lamlash Church Hall Saturday raised £300.14 in aid of Scottish Association of Mental Health (SAMH).

Organised by Maureen Uy and  Stephen Flynn, visitors enjoyed delicious homebaking with tea and coffee and there was a huge raffle with prizes donated by local businesses and other organisations.

In addition to the fundraiser the organisers will also be participating in the Great Scottish Run 10k which takes place on Sunday September 30. Maureen has already completed the charity run for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland and Alzeimers Scotland and this year.

Maureen said: ‘It was all down to the  generosity of all the sponsors who donated the prizes for the raffle and those who came along on the day that we were able to raise more than £300 and I would like to thank each and every one of them.’

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The Arran Dancers are tapping their toes with delight at the response to their annual fundraiser which saw Lamlash Church Hall packed to capacity with supporters and well-wishers.

The event, which raises funds to allow free tuition for the weekly dance classes, will allow participants to continue with their graded exams which are sanctioned by the Royal Academy of Dance.

Visitors were treated to a wide array of things to see and do with over ten stallholders exhibiting at the event. Most popular among them was a large tombola table laden with desirable prizes and an even larger table brimming with tempting home baking.

Seated in the centre of the hall, visitors enjoyed soup and sandwiches, tea and coffee and a seemingly endless supply of home baking.

Organiser Jill McKillop said: ‘ All of the young dancers, myself and everyone else that is involved in helping to make the dance classes possible, cannot thank all of the visitors, young and old, enough for their support.  We enjoyed a busy afternoon which was filled with fun and laughter, and good food, and we are grateful to every single person who visited and showed their support.’

Former professional dancer and choreography teacher for over 30 years, Fiona Rodriguez said: We offer something for dancers of all ages and all styles, get in touch and we will be delighted to help you or your little one to enjoy a fun activity that will develop physical skills and encourage creativity, expression, and musicality.’

Anyone interested in joining the dance classes can contact the club at arrandancers@yahoo.com who will be happy to provide you with information on the range of ages and styles of dance that are available.

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Champions!

Arran Dairies league

Southend 4

Lamlash 0

Southend ended their league campaign with their 11th victory to ensure a near-perfect finish and to emerge as the undefeated champions in this seasons Arran Dairies league.

The MBS boys ran in four goals with young Gregor Crichton scoring two of them, Lewis Kennedy and Fraser Gilbert securing the remaining two.

The league cup was presented to the players by Arran Dairies representative Greg McCrae before the Copperwheats cup match with Northend on Monday night. Captain Danny Head picked up the trophy to mark a successful season for the Southenders and the first league title they have won since 2013, doing so in style with 11 wins and 1 draw.

Copperwheats Knockout Cup preliminary round

Southend 6

Northend 2

The Knockout Cup which is in the second year of its sponsorship by John Copperwheat got underway on Monday night following their league cup award.

Southend played host to Northend in the preliminary round to see who would face Shiskine in the semi finals.

Southend won comfortably in the end with stand-in captain Ryan Armstrong getting a hat-trick and a man of the match performance. Stevie Judge also got two for the home team with Gregor Crichton rounding off the scoring.

Northend’s two goals came through Jean Demaneux and Donald ‘Scooby’ Roberts.

The Knockout Cup semi finals will take place on Monday September 3, when Southend face Shiskine and Brodick take on Lamlash, both at 6.30pm.

 Arran Football Association 

Arran Dairies League Table

Team                     P    W   L   D   +/-    PTS

SOUTHEND         12   11   0   1    +59   34

BRODICK             11    8    2   1    +29   25

LAMLASH            11    3    6   2    -10    11

SHISKINE             12   3    7   2    -39    11

NORTHEND         12    1   11   0    -41    3

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The national charity for older people, Age Scotland, is encouraging older Scots to check if they could save money by switching electricity providers and by having a quick benefit entitlement check by calling their free helpline.

With energy price hikes just announced Age Scotland is hoping to save older people money by investigation the various tariffs available before winter arrives.

Since April of this year, British Gas raised its price twice – adding a total £104 to the average bill. Other energy companies have also hiked prices between four and nine per cent.

Research conducted by Age Scotland found that almost six in ten single pensioners and four in ten pensioner couples live in fuel poverty in Scotland – with those in rural areas most affected.

Age Scotland’s Chief Executive Brian Sloan said: ‘It’s unacceptable that hundreds of thousands of older people could be putting their health at risk because they can’t afford to adequately heat their homes. We know that cold homes put them at greater risk of ill health and even death over the winter months, exacerbating heart disease, respiratory conditions and dementia. Help is available.’

‘It may be hard to think of the winter’s effects on our fuel bills during this recent heatwave, but with the hike in fuel costs this year you don’t want to be on the other side of a large bill at Christmas, or feel that you cannot afford to heat your home properly.

‘Now is the time to check your energy tariffs with an unbiased home energy service. Impartial energy experts like Citrus Energy will speak directly with you over the phone to advise on the most effective, providers and tariffs that suit your needs. Switching tariffs can seem daunting but well worth the time when it could save you hundred pounds.’

With four in ten Scots entitled to pension credit not claiming it, this could mean they are also missing out on Cold Weather Payments and Warm Home discounts.

Brian said: ‘The most effective way to avoid fuel poverty in older people this year is to find ways of boosting their income. So we urge all older people to check they are receiving all the benefits that they are entitled to by calling our free helpline for advice and a benefits check on 0800 12 44 222.’

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Burial charges for children up to the age of 18 are to be abolished in North Ayrshire.

At North Ayrshire Council’s cabinet meeting on Tuesday members agreed a proposal to remove all charges relating to the burial of a child. It is hoped that the move will help minimise any financial burden on grieving parents and families.

Cabinet member for place, Councillor Jim Montgomerie, said: ‘Only a parent who has tragically lost a child will know the true devastation which they go through.

‘That’s why should offer them all the support we can and while the removal of burial charges won’t take away their grief, it will be one less thing to worry about.

‘No-one should face the financial stress of paying for their child’s funeral. Yet we know that there are bereaved parents who go into debt to pay for their child’s funeral so removing these charges will help ease the burden they face.’

Currently, North Ayrshire Council does not charge for interments of children aged under 16 years of age but there is a charge if a new lair is required, and for the foundation for any headstone to be erected.

This is set to change as cabinet abolish charges for children’s burials. This will mean the removal of all charges for interments for children aged up to 18, as well as the abolition of charges for new lairs, foundations and permits forburials of children.

The move follows on from an agreement earlier this summer between COSLA leaders and the Scottish Government to remove burial charges.

Whilst North Ayrshire Council does not own or operate any crematoria, Council officers will work with the two private providers within the area to support the removal of charges for child cremations.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie. NO_B36burial01

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Arran Eco Savvy recently held their annual meeting and open day at the Ormidale Pavilion in Brodick, which also served as a projects fair and volunteer appreciation day.

During the AGM chairwomen Esther Brown outlined the organisation’s progress over the last year, including the creation of village hubs, the energy audit programme, 74 workshops, 12 educational sessions at schools and numerous collaborations, she then spent a bit of time describing the future aspirations of the organisation.

Chief among these were the creation of an Eco Park, with community composting, and working to secure funding to allow for future development plans. The need for trustees to join the organisation was also highlighted and a new treasurer, Hilary Maguire, was voted in.

After the AGM, visitors were encouraged to have a look at the various stalls which showcased some of the work being undertaken by Eco Savvy. Energy efficiency and audit specialists Derek Morgan and Charlotte Mann were on hand to answer any visitor questions with a solar and insulation display to assist them.

The Eco Savvy shop had items for sale and an electric bicycle was also available for people to try and to learn the benefits of. The electric bicycle is part of a future plan which the organisation is looking into promoting to encourage a healthier lifestyle and a reduction in car emissions.

Eco Savvy currently have 586 members, with 450 of them living on Arran. Their primary purpose is the advancement of environmental improvement on Arran by identifying and accomplishing environmental projects, which benefit the local community, increase environmental sustainability and support sustainable living, whilst working towards zero waste for Arran

Beverly Walker, Esther Brown, Sue Weaver, Hillary Maguire, Judith King and Sarah Kelly, the friendly faces of Arran Eco Savvy. 01_B36eco01

Energy audit specialists Derek Morgan and Charlotte Mann were on hand to speak about energy savings and efficiency. 01_B36eco02

Eco Savvy project manager Judith King shows Caylyn Millar how to operate the electric bicycle. 01_B36eco03

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Words and pictures by Colin Smeeton

Pupils, parent and members of the Arran community received high praise from head teacher Barry Smith at their annual awards ceremony where he thanked all of those involved in paving the way for a curriculum of excellence for pupils past and present.

The annual award ceremony, during which the Dux is announced, also included attendance and sports awards as well as formally announcing the prefects and captain for the upcoming school year.

Following the group awards, guest speaker Blair Cartmell – who was the lead performance coach for the Scottish triathlon team at the Commonwealth Games – spoke to the attendees about his journey to success and the path that he followed in reaching his goals.

Jamie Thomson and Charlotte McKillop then entertained the audience with a tenor hornpipe and a fiddle performance before the much anticipated inter-house award winner was announced and which went to Glen Shurig this year.

Head teacher Barry Smith then addressed the audience, his fifth since starting at the school, speaking of the numerous changes at both a regional and local level, making special mention of a number of talented teachers that were moving within the educational system. Welcoming new depute head Susan Foster, he then went on to praise the accomplishments of the pupils, along with the continued success of the school which has consistently been showing an improvement in attainment, quality of learning and sporting prowess and achievements.

The special awards were then presented with pupils across the spectrum receiving trophies for various disciplines and subjects, including music, technical and business education, hospitality, mathematics, English, science and social subjects.

The evening was concluded with the highest honour, the Dux, being awarded to the highest ranking student who this year is Nastassja Alberti, with hearty congratulations from Mr Smith.

Jamie Thomson entertained the audience during a musical interlude on the tenor hornpipe. 01_B36AHS01

In his head teacher remarks Mr Barry Smith praised the dedication of the staff, the hard working pupils and the supportive community of Arran. 01_B36AHS02

Coach of the Commonwealth Games’ Team Scotland triathlon team, Blair Cartmell was the guest speaker who addressed the pupils and visitors. 01_B36AHS03

Alice Kinniburgh was awarded the Ceilidh Anderson friendship quaich. 01_B36AHS04

Young traditional musician of the year Megan McNicol. 01_B36AHS05

Alison Provan with the young musician of the year award. 01_B36AHS06

For her contribution to the Music Department, Alison Provan was awarded the Nicola McConnell trophy. 01_B36AHS07

Mak Russell won the Charles Russell trophy for technical education in S5/S6. 01_B36AHS08

Olivia Bunyan was awarded the Admiral Group trophy for business education in S5/S6. 01_B36AHS09

For her outstanding achievement in essay writing Eilidh Hamill received the Buchanan prize. 01_B36AHS10

Evie Campbell was the proud recipient of the Brian Miller trophy for social subjects in S5/S6. 01_B36AHS11

Receiving the Margaret Wright trophy for achievement in S4 SQA, Hannah McCartney. 01_B36AHS12

Golf champion Dylan Smith received the First Ministers trophy. 01_B36AHS13

New captains Ross Traill and Eilidh Macpherson compered the event. 01_B36AHS14

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As an eventful McLellan Arts Festival draws to a close you could be forgiven for thinking that events are starting to wind down when in fact it is just building up to a crescendo, ready to go out with a bang.

From the magnificent poetry of Sinead Morrissey, the fun of a rip-roaring ceilidh, beautiful sacred music in Corrie Church, a fascinating book talk with James McEnaney, the celebration of a special Arran life with Howard Wood, it has already been a McLellan Arts Festival to remember.

And that has not been all of it, from the gentle harp and whistle music of Arran Dawn, to the lively sounds of the Drambusters, all the way to McLellan poetry at its best with Sheila Gilmore and lovely singing from John Cruikshank, there is still plenty in store.

Tonight (Friday September 7) in the community theatre in Lamlash, visitors are in for a treat with the superb young opera singers performing an Opera Gala followed on Saturday night, in Corrie Hall, with the talented young actors of the Royal Scottish Conservatoire presenting their exciting  work in Drama Live.

Finally, on Sunday September 9, the festival closes, back in the community theatre, with a performance of Serenade to Music by Vaughan Williams and Puccini’s Messa di Gloria giving an Arran audience another chance to hear the music students from the Arran Summer School accompanied by members of the Arran community in the McLellan Festival Chorus. Both concerts start at 7.30pm and Drama Live starts at 8pm.

Tickets are available online at arranevents.com, the Book and Card Shop in Brodick or at the door.

Students from Royal Northern College of Music with their tutors Pat McMahon, Peter Wilson and Alec Crowe. Photograph: Arran Theatre and Arts Trust.  No_B36mclellan01

Drama students from Royal Conservatoire Scotland; Alice Masters, Sharon MacKay and Rebecca Wilkie. Photograph: Arran Theatre and Arts Trust. No_B36mclellan02

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