Last week’s decision by the European Commission not to accept the need for tolerances when reading Sheep EID tags makes it practically impossible for farmers and the sheep supply chain to adhere to current movement recording rules according to UK and Irish farmers leaders.
Livestock Chairmen from the IFA, NFU, NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland and the UFU came together in Cardiff yesterday to discuss the latest developments from Brussels and agree the next steps that the Unions will take to try to bring some common sense to the commission’s thinking.
NFUS Vice-President, Allan Bowie who was at the meeting said:
“Without tolerances, individual recording in Scotland’s extensive sheep systems is simply not possible. This hard line approach to cross compliance goes against all previous assurances from the Commission and would place every sheep farmer in Scotland in a position of non-compliance.
“Scotland has worked hard since the introduction of this regulation to establish a system that delivers effective traceability, but the Commission must be prepared to implement the regulation in a way that accepts the limitations of the technology.
“Without some flexibility from the Commission we will be left with a Regulation that, despite their best efforts, the industry cannot comply with and will leave many producers questioning their future at a time where confidence is otherwise quite high.
“We have made our thoughts about the situation very clear and will have further opportunity to do so over the next two days as we embark on a series of face-to-face meetings with Commission officials from DG-SANCO and DG-AGRI.”
Wednesday 18 May 2011
" Council must seek legal opinion on school closure procedure." says SNP Cllr Semple
SNP Liaison Councillor with the Argyll Rural Schools Network (ARSN), John Semple, is calling on Argyll and Bute Council to seek the advice of a QC to ascertain the legality of the current school closure consultations.
“I am seriously concerned for the reputation of the councillors and officers of Argyll and Bute Council in progressing with these consultations, if they undergo legal challenge.”
Council officers have confirmed to Councillor Semple that no advice external to the council’s legal team has been sought on the school closure consultations.
“The consequences of a legal challenge maybe be costly, there is an old tradesman’s adage – measure twice cut once, all I am asking the council to do is seek a second opinion, we do this in the Council regularly where the stakes are high, we use external consultants, why not in this case?”
Councillor Semple’s comments follow the publication of a “letter before action” issued to Argyll & Bute Council earlier this week in relation to the proposed consultation on the closure of Toward School.
“I am calling on my colleagues in the Alliance of Independent Councillors to wash the scales from their eyes, they have consistently held a party line which has been subjective and are now being led by the hand, by the Liberal Democrats on a party political crusade which has spectacularly backfired, there is a new political landscape in Scotland which they must recognise. It is time for the sleepers to awaken or risk the blame themselves for yet further additional cost to the Council in a protracted legal challenge and yet more heartache to the communities involved,”
John Semple
Councillor for Ward l -South Kintyre
“I am seriously concerned for the reputation of the councillors and officers of Argyll and Bute Council in progressing with these consultations, if they undergo legal challenge.”
Council officers have confirmed to Councillor Semple that no advice external to the council’s legal team has been sought on the school closure consultations.
“The consequences of a legal challenge maybe be costly, there is an old tradesman’s adage – measure twice cut once, all I am asking the council to do is seek a second opinion, we do this in the Council regularly where the stakes are high, we use external consultants, why not in this case?”
Councillor Semple’s comments follow the publication of a “letter before action” issued to Argyll & Bute Council earlier this week in relation to the proposed consultation on the closure of Toward School.
“I am calling on my colleagues in the Alliance of Independent Councillors to wash the scales from their eyes, they have consistently held a party line which has been subjective and are now being led by the hand, by the Liberal Democrats on a party political crusade which has spectacularly backfired, there is a new political landscape in Scotland which they must recognise. It is time for the sleepers to awaken or risk the blame themselves for yet further additional cost to the Council in a protracted legal challenge and yet more heartache to the communities involved,”
John Semple
Councillor for Ward l -South Kintyre
Funding to Support Health Improvement Activities in Argyll and Bute
ISSUED BY ARGYLL AND BUTE COMMUNITY HEALTH PARTNERSHIP (CHP).
Argyll and Bute CHP is committed to improving the health of the people in Argyll and Bute in partnership with other public sector bodies such as Argyll and Bute Council and Strathclyde Police, and with the Third Sector.
Argyll and Bute CHP is delighted to announce that it is continuing to fund local health improvement initiatives throughout the area. A total of £71,556 will be made available and this will be distributed as follows:
Bute
£5,700
Cowal
£12,000
Helensburgh
£21,800
Islay
£2,856
Mid Argyll
£7,900
Oban and the Isles
£15,100
South Kintyre
£6,200
This funding is for activities to improve the health of the population such as increasing participation in physical activity, promoting sensible alcohol consumption and promoting mental health and well-being. Priority will be given to initiatives that can demonstrate that they are reducing health inequalities, that means, focusing on the people who are most in need, for example deprived communities that are most likely to experience poor health.
Funding can be accessed by joining a Local Public Health Network and completing an application form.
There are 7 Networks in Argyll and Bute that give organisations with a remit for health improvement the opportunity to work together to plan joint activities. Lorna Alquist, the co-ordinator from Bute said:
'The Local Public Health Networks are a great way of getting a wide range of people together to share opportunities and resources and look at local need. We decide together on funding local initiatives that make a difference to people's health. The Green Gym and health walks are great examples of the things that we do to improvement the health of our community.'
Alison McGrory, Health Improvement Principal from Argyll and Bute CHP said:
‘The Networks are essential in helping us to build capacity in the workforce to improve the health of our population. The NHS is committed to health improvement but this is something that as many of us as possible should buy into because a healthier Argyll and Bute is in everyone’s best interest.
Argyll and Bute is fortunate in having the ability to provide a Health Improvement Grant Fund and it provides an excellent opportunity for lots of different types of agencies, including voluntary organisations, to access financial assistance to support their activities.’
Argyll and Bute CHP is committed to improving the health of the people in Argyll and Bute in partnership with other public sector bodies such as Argyll and Bute Council and Strathclyde Police, and with the Third Sector.
Argyll and Bute CHP is delighted to announce that it is continuing to fund local health improvement initiatives throughout the area. A total of £71,556 will be made available and this will be distributed as follows:
Bute
£5,700
Cowal
£12,000
Helensburgh
£21,800
Islay
£2,856
Mid Argyll
£7,900
Oban and the Isles
£15,100
South Kintyre
£6,200
This funding is for activities to improve the health of the population such as increasing participation in physical activity, promoting sensible alcohol consumption and promoting mental health and well-being. Priority will be given to initiatives that can demonstrate that they are reducing health inequalities, that means, focusing on the people who are most in need, for example deprived communities that are most likely to experience poor health.
Funding can be accessed by joining a Local Public Health Network and completing an application form.
There are 7 Networks in Argyll and Bute that give organisations with a remit for health improvement the opportunity to work together to plan joint activities. Lorna Alquist, the co-ordinator from Bute said:
'The Local Public Health Networks are a great way of getting a wide range of people together to share opportunities and resources and look at local need. We decide together on funding local initiatives that make a difference to people's health. The Green Gym and health walks are great examples of the things that we do to improvement the health of our community.'
Alison McGrory, Health Improvement Principal from Argyll and Bute CHP said:
‘The Networks are essential in helping us to build capacity in the workforce to improve the health of our population. The NHS is committed to health improvement but this is something that as many of us as possible should buy into because a healthier Argyll and Bute is in everyone’s best interest.
Argyll and Bute is fortunate in having the ability to provide a Health Improvement Grant Fund and it provides an excellent opportunity for lots of different types of agencies, including voluntary organisations, to access financial assistance to support their activities.’
BBC ALBA LAUNCHES ON VIRGIN MEDIA
On Wednesday 18th May, BBC ALBA, the Gaelic television channel will launch on Virgin Media’s Cable channel 188, making it available to all of its digital TV customers for the very first time in Scotland.
To date, BBC ALBA has only been available to those viewers with access to Sky and Freesat, with selected programmes made available on the BBC iPlayer and the Virgin Media on-demand service.
BBC ALBA will also soon be made available on Freeview and full details will be announced shortly.
Alasdair Morrison, Chairman of MG ALBA said: “BBC ALBA now available on Cable via Virgin Media is another great development for the channel with Cable offering a platform to reaching out to a new group of viewers in Scotland, many of whom have been unable to enjoy our high quality Scottish programming to date.”
Margaret Mary Murray, Head of Service for BBC ALBA, said: “Launching on the Virgin Media Cable network marks a significant milestone for BBC ALBA and with the channel's imminent launch on Freeview, BBC ALBA programmes will soon be available to be enjoyed by audiences across Scotland and beyond.”
BBC ALBA content offers documentaries, music and sport as well as a popular daily schedule of children’s programmes, local, national and international news and current affairs.
To date, BBC ALBA has only been available to those viewers with access to Sky and Freesat, with selected programmes made available on the BBC iPlayer and the Virgin Media on-demand service.
BBC ALBA will also soon be made available on Freeview and full details will be announced shortly.
Alasdair Morrison, Chairman of MG ALBA said: “BBC ALBA now available on Cable via Virgin Media is another great development for the channel with Cable offering a platform to reaching out to a new group of viewers in Scotland, many of whom have been unable to enjoy our high quality Scottish programming to date.”
Margaret Mary Murray, Head of Service for BBC ALBA, said: “Launching on the Virgin Media Cable network marks a significant milestone for BBC ALBA and with the channel's imminent launch on Freeview, BBC ALBA programmes will soon be available to be enjoyed by audiences across Scotland and beyond.”
BBC ALBA content offers documentaries, music and sport as well as a popular daily schedule of children’s programmes, local, national and international news and current affairs.
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 28 May – Friday 3 June 2011
Title: Magners’ League Final
Live coverage of the mouth-watering season finale to the Magners League as Munster face Leinster in the Grand Final at Thomond Park.
Transmitted: Saturday 28 May
Time: 17:00 – 19:00
Title: Skipinnish
Popular cèilidh band Skipinnish are joined by friends for a special concert for Celtic Connections at St Andrews in the Square in Glasgow.
Transmitted: Saturday 28 May
Time: 21:00 – 21:45
Title: Scottish Junior Cup Final
Live coverage of the Emirates Junior Cup Final between Musselburgh Athletic and Auchinleck Talbot from Rugby Park, Kilmarnock.
Transmitted: Sunday 29 May
Time: 14:50 – 17:00
Title: Trusadh: Access All Areas
How accessible is Scotland in 2011 for a wheelchair user?
The Equality Act came in to force in October 2010. One of its aims is to improve access and equality for people with disabilities and increase their chances in the workplace as well as wider society.
But is Scotland accessible to all?
In 2007, Angus John Laing from South Uist was in the process of planning the build of his new house when a stroke left him in a wheelchair. Having now had his house modified to suit his needs, day to day life is easier for him and his wife, Chrissie. In Barra, Mairi Macdonald, who's also confined to a wheelchair, still lives in her childhood home. Though comfortable, it isn't ideal for her needs.
Transport can also be difficult, and finding suitable accommodation for specific needs could still be improved dramatically – with rural and urban areas having their own unique and very different problems to contend with.
Trusadh :Cothrom? - a look at the issues surrounding disability access in Scotland today.
Transmitted: Monday 30 May
Time: 21:00 – 22:00
Title: Farpaisean Chon-chaorach / Sheep Dog Trials
Catriona MacPhee and Donald MacSween present the second day of the 2009 Scottish National Sheepdog Trials, from Annan.
Transmitted: Tuesday 31 May
Time: 21:00 – 22:00
Title: Ulaidhean – Scottish Fisheries Museum
Derek MacKay and Kirsty MacDonald scour Scotland's museums in search of fascinating artefacts and the stories behind them.
In this programme they explore the treasures of the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther.
Transmitted: Wednesday 1 June
Time: 20:30 – 21:00
Title: Broadford or Bust
Broadford or Bust is a sitcom satirising the world of the professional Gaels.
At Gaelic language HQ, boss Rothach prepares for the launch of the Great Gaelic Sat Nav system, with a guarantee of promotion to Edinburgh.
But Rothach's efforts are thwarted by his nemesis Iain who plans to hijack the launch to reveal the long lost Gaelic poet An Doirb.
Transmitted: Thursday 2 June
Time: 22:00 – 22:30
Live coverage of the mouth-watering season finale to the Magners League as Munster face Leinster in the Grand Final at Thomond Park.
Transmitted: Saturday 28 May
Time: 17:00 – 19:00
Title: Skipinnish
Popular cèilidh band Skipinnish are joined by friends for a special concert for Celtic Connections at St Andrews in the Square in Glasgow.
Transmitted: Saturday 28 May
Time: 21:00 – 21:45
Title: Scottish Junior Cup Final
Live coverage of the Emirates Junior Cup Final between Musselburgh Athletic and Auchinleck Talbot from Rugby Park, Kilmarnock.
Transmitted: Sunday 29 May
Time: 14:50 – 17:00
Title: Trusadh: Access All Areas
How accessible is Scotland in 2011 for a wheelchair user?
The Equality Act came in to force in October 2010. One of its aims is to improve access and equality for people with disabilities and increase their chances in the workplace as well as wider society.
But is Scotland accessible to all?
In 2007, Angus John Laing from South Uist was in the process of planning the build of his new house when a stroke left him in a wheelchair. Having now had his house modified to suit his needs, day to day life is easier for him and his wife, Chrissie. In Barra, Mairi Macdonald, who's also confined to a wheelchair, still lives in her childhood home. Though comfortable, it isn't ideal for her needs.
Transport can also be difficult, and finding suitable accommodation for specific needs could still be improved dramatically – with rural and urban areas having their own unique and very different problems to contend with.
Trusadh :Cothrom? - a look at the issues surrounding disability access in Scotland today.
Transmitted: Monday 30 May
Time: 21:00 – 22:00
Title: Farpaisean Chon-chaorach / Sheep Dog Trials
Catriona MacPhee and Donald MacSween present the second day of the 2009 Scottish National Sheepdog Trials, from Annan.
Transmitted: Tuesday 31 May
Time: 21:00 – 22:00
Title: Ulaidhean – Scottish Fisheries Museum
Derek MacKay and Kirsty MacDonald scour Scotland's museums in search of fascinating artefacts and the stories behind them.
In this programme they explore the treasures of the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther.
Transmitted: Wednesday 1 June
Time: 20:30 – 21:00
Title: Broadford or Bust
Broadford or Bust is a sitcom satirising the world of the professional Gaels.
At Gaelic language HQ, boss Rothach prepares for the launch of the Great Gaelic Sat Nav system, with a guarantee of promotion to Edinburgh.
But Rothach's efforts are thwarted by his nemesis Iain who plans to hijack the launch to reveal the long lost Gaelic poet An Doirb.
Transmitted: Thursday 2 June
Time: 22:00 – 22:30
Highlands and Islands target renewable energy opportunities
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the community and economic development agency for north and west Scotland, is ramping up its drive to help the region become a world centre for the renewable energy industry.
The development agency has created a new senior post to spearhead its efforts to capitalise on the region’s natural resources and secure economic benefits which could be worth billions to Scotland’s economy.
Calum Davidson, previously Head of Key Sectors with HIE, has been appointed Director of Energy and Low Carbon.
HIE Chief Executive Alex Paterson said the new role would cover the whole of the energy sector, focusing on the ‘once in a generation’ opportunities presented by renewable energy in particular.
“The energy sector plays a significant role in the Highlands and Islands and has the potential to grow dramatically in the coming years,” said Mr Paterson.
“HIE’s decision to create this new post underlines the significance we attach to the sector, both as an economic driver and as a contributor to Scotland’s drive to cut carbon emissions.
“Our ambition is for the Highlands and Islands to become an international leader in the field of renewables, which has the potential to play a major role in Scotland’s economic recovery and growth.”
Mr Davidson said HIE was firmly focused on ensuring the region can derive the maximum economic and community benefits from its considerable renewable energy potential.
“It’s well known that the Highlands and Islands has some of the best wind, wave and tidal energy resources in Europe, and we’re already attracting interest from developers around the world,” he said.
“However, these resources on their own won’t deliver economic growth to the region.
“If the energy sources are here, we want the jobs to be established here too.
“There are a number of things we can do to improve our chances.
“We can continue to develop research capacity, as we’re already doing with testing, deployment, environmental impacts, new technologies and systems in Orkney, Caithness, Argyll and the Western Isles.
“We will be working to expand the supply chain of local businesses involved in the sector, including those with a background in oil and gas and nuclear.
“Together with Scottish Development International, we will be marketing ourselves across the globe to attract major manufacturers to the Highlands and Islands, especially to our key fabrications sites.
“And we will be working hand in glove with government on the critical issues of transmission charging and grid connections to ensure that the Highlands and Islands remains at the heart of the new energy revolution.
“This is a very important sector for the Highlands and Islands, and there’s never been a more exciting time to be involved in its development.”
Mr Davidson is a regional planner with 25 years’ experience in economic development.
He was born in Caithness with North Sutherland connections and brought up in Shetland and Inverness, where he attended Inverness Royal Academy.
He lives in Cromarty in the Black Isle, is a graduate of the Glasgow School of Art and Stirling University, and is married with three sons.
The development agency has created a new senior post to spearhead its efforts to capitalise on the region’s natural resources and secure economic benefits which could be worth billions to Scotland’s economy.
Calum Davidson, previously Head of Key Sectors with HIE, has been appointed Director of Energy and Low Carbon.
HIE Chief Executive Alex Paterson said the new role would cover the whole of the energy sector, focusing on the ‘once in a generation’ opportunities presented by renewable energy in particular.
“The energy sector plays a significant role in the Highlands and Islands and has the potential to grow dramatically in the coming years,” said Mr Paterson.
“HIE’s decision to create this new post underlines the significance we attach to the sector, both as an economic driver and as a contributor to Scotland’s drive to cut carbon emissions.
“Our ambition is for the Highlands and Islands to become an international leader in the field of renewables, which has the potential to play a major role in Scotland’s economic recovery and growth.”
Mr Davidson said HIE was firmly focused on ensuring the region can derive the maximum economic and community benefits from its considerable renewable energy potential.
“It’s well known that the Highlands and Islands has some of the best wind, wave and tidal energy resources in Europe, and we’re already attracting interest from developers around the world,” he said.
“However, these resources on their own won’t deliver economic growth to the region.
“If the energy sources are here, we want the jobs to be established here too.
“There are a number of things we can do to improve our chances.
“We can continue to develop research capacity, as we’re already doing with testing, deployment, environmental impacts, new technologies and systems in Orkney, Caithness, Argyll and the Western Isles.
“We will be working to expand the supply chain of local businesses involved in the sector, including those with a background in oil and gas and nuclear.
“Together with Scottish Development International, we will be marketing ourselves across the globe to attract major manufacturers to the Highlands and Islands, especially to our key fabrications sites.
“And we will be working hand in glove with government on the critical issues of transmission charging and grid connections to ensure that the Highlands and Islands remains at the heart of the new energy revolution.
“This is a very important sector for the Highlands and Islands, and there’s never been a more exciting time to be involved in its development.”
Mr Davidson is a regional planner with 25 years’ experience in economic development.
He was born in Caithness with North Sutherland connections and brought up in Shetland and Inverness, where he attended Inverness Royal Academy.
He lives in Cromarty in the Black Isle, is a graduate of the Glasgow School of Art and Stirling University, and is married with three sons.
Tuesday 17 May 2011
LOUISE ELLMAN ASKS FOR ASSURANCES FROM GOVERNMENT MINISTER ON COASTGUARD INTIMIDATION
The Committee will be taking oral evidence from serving coastguards representing their local PCS union branches in Stornoway on 19 May and Westminster on 24 May. In Falmouth on 18 May the Committee will be meeting local coastguards informally, and many other coastguards have submitted written evidence to the inquiry.
Louise Ellman, chair of the Transport Committee has written to Mike Penning MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport asking for assurances that coastguards will not be subject to intimidation as a result of contributing to the Committee’s inquiry.
On 10 May the Minister for Shipping Mike Penning MP announced that he was instructing regular coastguards not to give formal oral evidence to the Committee. It has since emerged that serving coastguards who are also union representatives can give oral evidence to the Committee as a representative of the local union branch, but not in an individual capacity.
Speaking about the letter, the chair of the committee Louise Ellman MP said today:
“I am concerned that the Minister’s instructions to coastguards not to give oral evidence—contrary to his previous statements in the House of Commons—are creating an atmosphere of fear amongst the coastguard community. It is imperative that no intimidation takes place in relation to coastguards who have either submitted written evidence or express a critical opinion about the proposed re-organisation.
I seek assurances from both the Minister and the MCA that no-one will be subject to such action as a consequence of giving evidence to the Committee or speaking to the Committee informally.
I will be raising this issue with the Minister when he appears before the Committee on May 24th.”
The letter of 16 May to Mike Penning MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport is appended.
As part of its inquiry into the future of the coastguard service, the Committee agreed to invite coastguards from eight UK Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (Aberdeen, Belfast, Brixham, Falmouth, Liverpool, Milford Haven, Shetland and Stornoway), as well as volunteer coastguards, to give oral evidence. On 10 May Mike Penning MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, wrote to Louise Ellman MP, Committee Chair to say that he had instructed regular coastguards to decline the Committee’s invitation to give oral evidence.
Written evidence submitted to the inquiry by coastguards around the country has been published on the committee website, or made available in the Parliamentary Archives.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Committee Membership is as follows:
Mrs Louise Ellman (Labour/Co-operative, Liverpool Riverside) (Chair); Steve Baker (Conservative, Wycombe); Jim Dobbin (Labour/Co-operative, Heywood and Middleton); Mr Tom Harris (Labour, Glasgow South); Julie Hilling (Labour, Bolton West); Kwasi Kwarteng (Conservative, Spelthorne); Mr John Leech (Liberal Democrat, Manchester Withington); Paul Maynard (Conservative, Blackpool North and Cleveleys); Gavin Shuker (Labour/Co-operative, Luton South); Iain Stewart (Conservative, Milton Keynes South); Julian Sturdy (Conservative, York Outer).
Louise Ellman, chair of the Transport Committee has written to Mike Penning MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport asking for assurances that coastguards will not be subject to intimidation as a result of contributing to the Committee’s inquiry.
On 10 May the Minister for Shipping Mike Penning MP announced that he was instructing regular coastguards not to give formal oral evidence to the Committee. It has since emerged that serving coastguards who are also union representatives can give oral evidence to the Committee as a representative of the local union branch, but not in an individual capacity.
Speaking about the letter, the chair of the committee Louise Ellman MP said today:
“I am concerned that the Minister’s instructions to coastguards not to give oral evidence—contrary to his previous statements in the House of Commons—are creating an atmosphere of fear amongst the coastguard community. It is imperative that no intimidation takes place in relation to coastguards who have either submitted written evidence or express a critical opinion about the proposed re-organisation.
I seek assurances from both the Minister and the MCA that no-one will be subject to such action as a consequence of giving evidence to the Committee or speaking to the Committee informally.
I will be raising this issue with the Minister when he appears before the Committee on May 24th.”
The letter of 16 May to Mike Penning MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport is appended.
As part of its inquiry into the future of the coastguard service, the Committee agreed to invite coastguards from eight UK Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (Aberdeen, Belfast, Brixham, Falmouth, Liverpool, Milford Haven, Shetland and Stornoway), as well as volunteer coastguards, to give oral evidence. On 10 May Mike Penning MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, wrote to Louise Ellman MP, Committee Chair to say that he had instructed regular coastguards to decline the Committee’s invitation to give oral evidence.
Written evidence submitted to the inquiry by coastguards around the country has been published on the committee website, or made available in the Parliamentary Archives.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Committee Membership is as follows:
Mrs Louise Ellman (Labour/Co-operative, Liverpool Riverside) (Chair); Steve Baker (Conservative, Wycombe); Jim Dobbin (Labour/Co-operative, Heywood and Middleton); Mr Tom Harris (Labour, Glasgow South); Julie Hilling (Labour, Bolton West); Kwasi Kwarteng (Conservative, Spelthorne); Mr John Leech (Liberal Democrat, Manchester Withington); Paul Maynard (Conservative, Blackpool North and Cleveleys); Gavin Shuker (Labour/Co-operative, Luton South); Iain Stewart (Conservative, Milton Keynes South); Julian Sturdy (Conservative, York Outer).
Loch Fyne Food Fair 21st Anniversary goes with a bang!
The renowned Loch Fyne Food Fair took place on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th May 2011, at the fields next to the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, Cairndow, celebrating its 21st anniversary. The event which has been running since 1990 attracted 5000 people to this years fair.
Alongside Loch Fyne Oysters own seafood stands, stalls included Food From Argyll producers, as seen at T in the Park, Belladrum and Connect festivals: Winston Churchill Venison, Barbreck Farms, Bumble Puddings. The food tent also featured other Scottish producers such as Great Glen Game, Orkney Herrings, Arbroath Smokies, Crystal Shortbread, and Ayrshire Confections. There were three bars stocked by Fyne Ales, wines from the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar and the Spencerfield Spirit Company.
Table talk sessions ran throughout the two days, giving people a chance to meet those producing the products showcased at the Fair. People who attended the sessions were able to meet with the producers, try their products and talk about their experiences in the food industry.
Saturday night saw the return Rusty Nail, who performed for the Loch Fyne Food Fair ceilidh.
Bruce Davidson, Managing Director at Loch Fyne Oysters said, “It was amazing to see such a great turnout at the Food Fair this year, especially as we were celebrating its 21st birthday. Everyone looked to be having a great time trying the remarkable range of produce from the local area. We’re delighted to have held an event like this for all the local families and visitors from further afield to enjoy.”
Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd – background
Loch Fyne started with one inspirational idea – to grow oysters in the clear, fertile waters of Loch Fyne. It has since developed into a cluster of businesses whose success is built on an honest approach to superb quality food.
All Loch Fyne businesses abide by the guiding environmental principles established by founders John Noble and Andy Lane at the outset. The companies work together to ensure that only the very best produce – farmed and fished to the highest quality and environmental standards – reaches the kitchens and plates of their customers.
Along with the smokehouse and shellfish farms at the base of Loch Fyne are the Loch Fyne Farm shop and the Oyster Bar, the genesis behind the Loch Fyne Restaurant group, now owned by Greene King with whom Loch Fyne Oysters have both supply and licence agreements in place.
Loch Fyne Oysters work closely with the Marine Conservation Society and is one of its Oceans 25 Ambassadors.
Alongside Loch Fyne Oysters own seafood stands, stalls included Food From Argyll producers, as seen at T in the Park, Belladrum and Connect festivals: Winston Churchill Venison, Barbreck Farms, Bumble Puddings. The food tent also featured other Scottish producers such as Great Glen Game, Orkney Herrings, Arbroath Smokies, Crystal Shortbread, and Ayrshire Confections. There were three bars stocked by Fyne Ales, wines from the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar and the Spencerfield Spirit Company.
Table talk sessions ran throughout the two days, giving people a chance to meet those producing the products showcased at the Fair. People who attended the sessions were able to meet with the producers, try their products and talk about their experiences in the food industry.
Saturday night saw the return Rusty Nail, who performed for the Loch Fyne Food Fair ceilidh.
Bruce Davidson, Managing Director at Loch Fyne Oysters said, “It was amazing to see such a great turnout at the Food Fair this year, especially as we were celebrating its 21st birthday. Everyone looked to be having a great time trying the remarkable range of produce from the local area. We’re delighted to have held an event like this for all the local families and visitors from further afield to enjoy.”
Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd – background
Loch Fyne started with one inspirational idea – to grow oysters in the clear, fertile waters of Loch Fyne. It has since developed into a cluster of businesses whose success is built on an honest approach to superb quality food.
All Loch Fyne businesses abide by the guiding environmental principles established by founders John Noble and Andy Lane at the outset. The companies work together to ensure that only the very best produce – farmed and fished to the highest quality and environmental standards – reaches the kitchens and plates of their customers.
Along with the smokehouse and shellfish farms at the base of Loch Fyne are the Loch Fyne Farm shop and the Oyster Bar, the genesis behind the Loch Fyne Restaurant group, now owned by Greene King with whom Loch Fyne Oysters have both supply and licence agreements in place.
Loch Fyne Oysters work closely with the Marine Conservation Society and is one of its Oceans 25 Ambassadors.
MARK BEAUMONT CALLS ON DRIVERS TO GIVE KIDS CYCLE SPACE
Scottish school children stage demonstration to encourage cycling to school
Scottish cycling legend, Mark Beaumont, today (16 May 2011) asked drivers across Scotland to give children the space they need to cycle to school.
Mark Beaumont joined a group of children from St Mark’s Primary School in East Renfrewshire on the picket line hoping to catch drivers’ attention with placards highlighting how drivers can help Scottish children in their quest for safer routes to cycle to school.
With children across Scotland gearing up to cycle to school over the summer months, the ‘Give Me Cycle Space’ campaign aims to break down the biggest barrier to kids riding their bikes to school – parents’ fear of busy roads – by making motorists more aware and considerate of child cyclists.
The campaign will be centred around local schools to promote ‘Cycle Friendly Zones’ – areas where drivers are asked to give children as much space as possible so they can make an easy and safe journey by bike. The six week campaign will include outdoor advertising, leafleting to parents and advertising on local radio.
Coordinated by Cycling Scotland, the campaign will take place in seven areas of Scotland; Glasgow, Inverclyde, Aberdeenshire, Argyll and Bute, Moray, Perth & Kinross and East Renfrewshire and hopes to encourage more children to get on their bikes for a healthier, fitter lifestyle. Schools in each of the areas will receive a visit from The Riderz, Scotland’s stunt cycling team, in a bid to show children cycling to school can be fun and exciting.
Mark Beaumont said “I believe the Cycle to School campaign is invaluable for children. Research shows that children want to cycle to school, so the aim of this campaign is to make sure drivers look out for them. This will give more children in Scotland the confidence to get on their bikes and cycle to school."
Cycling Scotland Chief Executive Ian Aitken commented: “The Give Me Cycle Space campaign achieved incredible results last year, contributing to huge increases in the number of children cycling in the schools we targeted. In some areas we saw levels of cycling to school double, for example in Orkney the percentage of kids riding their bikes to school rocketed from 9% to 18%.
“I think the mixture of strong communication to drivers, supported by children getting their cycle training really gives parents the confidence to let their kids start using their bikes to get to school.”
Schools in Scotland are being encouraged to provide Bikeability Scotland cycle training to help children learn skills on the road, in a real-life cycling environment. The training teaches children key skills such as manoeuvring, checking for danger and carrying out risk assessments effectively. In addition, Government funding is allowing for more and more cycle paths to be developed. The provision of bike sheds in schools and 20 mph zones around schools, has also helped ensure both the safety of children cycling to school and the security of their bikes.
What’s more, schools can also be awarded for their commitment to cycling under the Cycle Friendly Schools award scheme which recognises schools that provide good facilities, incentives and promotion for children cycling to school. There are currently 89 schools that have been awarded Cycle Friendly School, this equates to some 22,552 pupils, in 24 local authorities. Find out more about the scheme at www.cyclingscotland.org.
Scottish cycling legend, Mark Beaumont, today (16 May 2011) asked drivers across Scotland to give children the space they need to cycle to school.
Mark Beaumont joined a group of children from St Mark’s Primary School in East Renfrewshire on the picket line hoping to catch drivers’ attention with placards highlighting how drivers can help Scottish children in their quest for safer routes to cycle to school.
With children across Scotland gearing up to cycle to school over the summer months, the ‘Give Me Cycle Space’ campaign aims to break down the biggest barrier to kids riding their bikes to school – parents’ fear of busy roads – by making motorists more aware and considerate of child cyclists.
The campaign will be centred around local schools to promote ‘Cycle Friendly Zones’ – areas where drivers are asked to give children as much space as possible so they can make an easy and safe journey by bike. The six week campaign will include outdoor advertising, leafleting to parents and advertising on local radio.
Coordinated by Cycling Scotland, the campaign will take place in seven areas of Scotland; Glasgow, Inverclyde, Aberdeenshire, Argyll and Bute, Moray, Perth & Kinross and East Renfrewshire and hopes to encourage more children to get on their bikes for a healthier, fitter lifestyle. Schools in each of the areas will receive a visit from The Riderz, Scotland’s stunt cycling team, in a bid to show children cycling to school can be fun and exciting.
Mark Beaumont said “I believe the Cycle to School campaign is invaluable for children. Research shows that children want to cycle to school, so the aim of this campaign is to make sure drivers look out for them. This will give more children in Scotland the confidence to get on their bikes and cycle to school."
Cycling Scotland Chief Executive Ian Aitken commented: “The Give Me Cycle Space campaign achieved incredible results last year, contributing to huge increases in the number of children cycling in the schools we targeted. In some areas we saw levels of cycling to school double, for example in Orkney the percentage of kids riding their bikes to school rocketed from 9% to 18%.
“I think the mixture of strong communication to drivers, supported by children getting their cycle training really gives parents the confidence to let their kids start using their bikes to get to school.”
Schools in Scotland are being encouraged to provide Bikeability Scotland cycle training to help children learn skills on the road, in a real-life cycling environment. The training teaches children key skills such as manoeuvring, checking for danger and carrying out risk assessments effectively. In addition, Government funding is allowing for more and more cycle paths to be developed. The provision of bike sheds in schools and 20 mph zones around schools, has also helped ensure both the safety of children cycling to school and the security of their bikes.
What’s more, schools can also be awarded for their commitment to cycling under the Cycle Friendly Schools award scheme which recognises schools that provide good facilities, incentives and promotion for children cycling to school. There are currently 89 schools that have been awarded Cycle Friendly School, this equates to some 22,552 pupils, in 24 local authorities. Find out more about the scheme at www.cyclingscotland.org.
Strathclyde Crimestoppers achieves significant rises in arrests
Press release:
Strathclyde Crimestoppers has more than doubled the amount of arrests and charges across West Central Scotland to 313 as a result of information received over the last year - April 2010 to March 2011.
Alan Fraser, Chair of the charity’s volunteer Strathclyde Crimestoppers committee said: “I am delighted that the people across the region have used the charity to pass on information about crime. We’re extremely proud that Crimestoppers continues to play such a vital role in helping to make our local communities a safer place to live.
“I’d like to reassure the public that our service is completely anonymous and in the 23 years that the charity has been running no one has ever been identified. The service is run for you, the public, to help make your community a safer place to live. We’re not part of the Police or government, we’re an independent charity, so by contacting us you’ll never have to give a statement to the Police or go to court.”
A number of local campaigns have been run over the last year from Lanarkshire to Argyll and from Ayrshire to Glasgow and beyond which has contributed to this rise. In addition, national campaigns, such as cannabis cultivation and counterfeit goods have impacted across Scotland.
This impressive rise shows that the quality of information Crimestoppers has received during the past year has been of a very high quality, achieved with only a five per cent increase in information. The arrests were for a number of different crime types from violent crimes to drug offences, drink driving housebreaking and fraud and included ten wanted persons and fugitives.
Crimestoppers operates the 24/7 0800 555 111 telephone number for people to pass on information about crimes anonymously. Information can also be passed via the charity’s website www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Strathclyde Crimestoppers has more than doubled the amount of arrests and charges across West Central Scotland to 313 as a result of information received over the last year - April 2010 to March 2011.
Alan Fraser, Chair of the charity’s volunteer Strathclyde Crimestoppers committee said: “I am delighted that the people across the region have used the charity to pass on information about crime. We’re extremely proud that Crimestoppers continues to play such a vital role in helping to make our local communities a safer place to live.
“I’d like to reassure the public that our service is completely anonymous and in the 23 years that the charity has been running no one has ever been identified. The service is run for you, the public, to help make your community a safer place to live. We’re not part of the Police or government, we’re an independent charity, so by contacting us you’ll never have to give a statement to the Police or go to court.”
A number of local campaigns have been run over the last year from Lanarkshire to Argyll and from Ayrshire to Glasgow and beyond which has contributed to this rise. In addition, national campaigns, such as cannabis cultivation and counterfeit goods have impacted across Scotland.
This impressive rise shows that the quality of information Crimestoppers has received during the past year has been of a very high quality, achieved with only a five per cent increase in information. The arrests were for a number of different crime types from violent crimes to drug offences, drink driving housebreaking and fraud and included ten wanted persons and fugitives.
Crimestoppers operates the 24/7 0800 555 111 telephone number for people to pass on information about crimes anonymously. Information can also be passed via the charity’s website www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Alien invasion in Argyll and Bute
Argyll and Bute has been invaded by several new species – of plants! Many of our gardens have been greatly enriched by the introduction of plants from abroad but a small number like rhododendron, Japanese knotweed, Skunk Cabbage, Gold Deadnettle, Himalayan or Indian balsam and Parrot feather are highly invasive.
They are a big problem in the wider environment threatening our habitats and native species and they can be an issue in the garden too. It’s difficult and expensive to control these species but many are widely available with little indication of the damage they can do if they are allowed to escape into the countryside or disposed of carelessly. The threat to our biodiversity, native species and habitats from these plants is very serious.
You should always be aware of what you are buying and growing and make sure you avoid using plants know to be invasive. There are always alternative plants better suited to gardens. If a plant is unfamiliar to you make sure you do some research. Be wary of any labels which use terms like ‘vigorous’, ‘spreading’, ‘fast-growing’, ‘self –seeds’ and ‘good ground cover.’
If you are exchanging plants with friends you should think about how what you are offering could spread. Much of the problem with Himalayan balsam is down to gardeners donating seeds. Watch out for introducing an alien species as a ‘hitch – hiker’ as many invasive pondweeds in particular as introduced to gardens this way. It’s a good idea to quarantine newly bought pond plants to see what else might come with it. Garden waste should be composted to provide organic matter to feed your plants and cut down on costs. If you’re buying topsoil it’s always a good idea to try and see it before you buy it as this is how many alien species make it into our gardens.
You can find some useful web addresses on the council’s website at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk
They are a big problem in the wider environment threatening our habitats and native species and they can be an issue in the garden too. It’s difficult and expensive to control these species but many are widely available with little indication of the damage they can do if they are allowed to escape into the countryside or disposed of carelessly. The threat to our biodiversity, native species and habitats from these plants is very serious.
You should always be aware of what you are buying and growing and make sure you avoid using plants know to be invasive. There are always alternative plants better suited to gardens. If a plant is unfamiliar to you make sure you do some research. Be wary of any labels which use terms like ‘vigorous’, ‘spreading’, ‘fast-growing’, ‘self –seeds’ and ‘good ground cover.’
If you are exchanging plants with friends you should think about how what you are offering could spread. Much of the problem with Himalayan balsam is down to gardeners donating seeds. Watch out for introducing an alien species as a ‘hitch – hiker’ as many invasive pondweeds in particular as introduced to gardens this way. It’s a good idea to quarantine newly bought pond plants to see what else might come with it. Garden waste should be composted to provide organic matter to feed your plants and cut down on costs. If you’re buying topsoil it’s always a good idea to try and see it before you buy it as this is how many alien species make it into our gardens.
You can find some useful web addresses on the council’s website at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk
Locals invited to SNH reception in Lochgilphead
Local people from across mid Argyll are being invited along to an informal evening reception by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) at their office at 1 Kilmory Industrial Estate, Lochgilphead from 5.30 until 7pm on Thursday 26 May.
Scottish Natural Heritage is the Scottish Government's advisor on the management, enjoyment, understanding and sustainable use of Scotland's wildlife, natural habitats and landscape.
Andrew Thin, SNH chairman, will host the event, along with unit manager David Maclennan.
Andrew Thin said: “The evening will provide an opportunity for informal discussion about the work of SNH in the area, what we do and why; giving people the opportunity to raise issues relating to the natural environment which are of interest to them. This is about making senior people in SNH more accessible to the public and is also a really useful way for us to keep in touch with public perceptions of the organisation. We certainly hope many people will be able to come along and we look forward to meeting them on the night.”
The event is free and light refreshments will be provided. Please contact Caroline Anderson on 01546 603611 for more information and to book a place.
Scottish Natural Heritage is the Scottish Government's advisor on the management, enjoyment, understanding and sustainable use of Scotland's wildlife, natural habitats and landscape.
Andrew Thin, SNH chairman, will host the event, along with unit manager David Maclennan.
Andrew Thin said: “The evening will provide an opportunity for informal discussion about the work of SNH in the area, what we do and why; giving people the opportunity to raise issues relating to the natural environment which are of interest to them. This is about making senior people in SNH more accessible to the public and is also a really useful way for us to keep in touch with public perceptions of the organisation. We certainly hope many people will be able to come along and we look forward to meeting them on the night.”
The event is free and light refreshments will be provided. Please contact Caroline Anderson on 01546 603611 for more information and to book a place.
Monday 16 May 2011
Planning 'made easier' says Argyll and Bute Council
The council says its planning department is making it easier to use the online planning system. It says "It contains information and documents to do with planning and building standards applications. We are keen for people to use the council’s website to submit planning applications, view applications and make comments.
It’s now easier to navigate, quicker to use and there are several new added features. You can now create a user account which allows people to track applications, save searches and be sent email notifications when anything changes on their saved application or search.
Community councils and individuals will be able to save searches for their area and they’ll be notified directly when any application is received.
Individuals can easily make comments on current planning developments as well as see comments made by other members of the public and agencies like the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and Scottish Water.
Also you are now able to do a history search on any property you are interested in. It will show up any planning or building standards applications related to the property.
In order to make the planning process as smooth as possible there’s a new pre-application service called ‘Planning for Firm Foundations.’ The downloadable form allows those thinking of taking on a building or renovation project to get a planning officer’s view on their drawings or written proposals before a formal planning application is submitted. This is all free and is designed to help identify any issues at an early stage and add certainty to the process."
For more information on the online planning system go to http://publicaccess.argyllbute.gov.uk/publicaccess/
For more information on pre application guidance go to
http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/planning-and-environment/pre-application-guidance
It’s now easier to navigate, quicker to use and there are several new added features. You can now create a user account which allows people to track applications, save searches and be sent email notifications when anything changes on their saved application or search.
Community councils and individuals will be able to save searches for their area and they’ll be notified directly when any application is received.
Individuals can easily make comments on current planning developments as well as see comments made by other members of the public and agencies like the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and Scottish Water.
Also you are now able to do a history search on any property you are interested in. It will show up any planning or building standards applications related to the property.
In order to make the planning process as smooth as possible there’s a new pre-application service called ‘Planning for Firm Foundations.’ The downloadable form allows those thinking of taking on a building or renovation project to get a planning officer’s view on their drawings or written proposals before a formal planning application is submitted. This is all free and is designed to help identify any issues at an early stage and add certainty to the process."
For more information on the online planning system go to http://publicaccess.argyllbute.gov.uk/publicaccess/
For more information on pre application guidance go to
http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/planning-and-environment/pre-application-guidance
SNP Calls for Smarter Council Business
SNP Councillor John Semple is calling for Argyll & Bute Council to do its business smarter after the abandonment of a Local Community Planning meeting because of faulty video conferencing (VC) equipment which excluded participants form Islay, Jura, Colonsay and Lochgilphead.
“In the past I have described Argyll & Bute Council as being Prehistoric, which may have been tongue-in-cheek however the way council business is conducted and organised is so wasteful, costly, and environmentally damaging that it cannot be described as 21 Century. It also excludes the opportunity for public participation, people should not be denied access to council meetings by virtue of geography or poor facilities.”
“As chair of the Environmental PPG in 2008 I led a successful pilot in conducting meetings of the group via Video Conferencing and therefore saving travel time and expenses for two councillors on Mull which would have amounted to about £200 and 8 hours travel for a 2 hour meeting.”
“At the time assurances were given by senior management that serious attempts would be made to increase and improve the use of VC equipment for council business. Since then we have seen sharp reductions in our budgets for delivering services and steep increases in the cost of travel yet, next month the MAKI area committee will travel lock-stock-and-barrel to Islay; 8 members, 5-6 officers and 4 cars, that is equivalent of 3 weeks working time and I would suggest £1000 plus in expenses and fares.”
“I have written to Ellen Morton, Acting leader of the council calling her to make VC the primary means of communication over and above direct face –to-face meetings and to significantly expand and upgrade the councils VC equipment in the MAKI area as a matter of top priority.”
“This could be funded by projected savings in travel expenses and increased efficiency in workload of councillors and officers. I predict that a 50% saving in travel costs alone could be achieved which could amount to over £100,000 per year in the MAKI area alone. The saving could be used establish a state-of-the-art VC system which would significantly improve the efficiency of the council and reduce its carbon footprint.”
“The council must also grasp the nettle and stop hiding behind geography as an excuse for excluding its business from the vast majority of its electorate there is no reason why meetings cannot be streamed live to the councils website”
“In the past I have described Argyll & Bute Council as being Prehistoric, which may have been tongue-in-cheek however the way council business is conducted and organised is so wasteful, costly, and environmentally damaging that it cannot be described as 21 Century. It also excludes the opportunity for public participation, people should not be denied access to council meetings by virtue of geography or poor facilities.”
“As chair of the Environmental PPG in 2008 I led a successful pilot in conducting meetings of the group via Video Conferencing and therefore saving travel time and expenses for two councillors on Mull which would have amounted to about £200 and 8 hours travel for a 2 hour meeting.”
“At the time assurances were given by senior management that serious attempts would be made to increase and improve the use of VC equipment for council business. Since then we have seen sharp reductions in our budgets for delivering services and steep increases in the cost of travel yet, next month the MAKI area committee will travel lock-stock-and-barrel to Islay; 8 members, 5-6 officers and 4 cars, that is equivalent of 3 weeks working time and I would suggest £1000 plus in expenses and fares.”
“I have written to Ellen Morton, Acting leader of the council calling her to make VC the primary means of communication over and above direct face –to-face meetings and to significantly expand and upgrade the councils VC equipment in the MAKI area as a matter of top priority.”
“This could be funded by projected savings in travel expenses and increased efficiency in workload of councillors and officers. I predict that a 50% saving in travel costs alone could be achieved which could amount to over £100,000 per year in the MAKI area alone. The saving could be used establish a state-of-the-art VC system which would significantly improve the efficiency of the council and reduce its carbon footprint.”
“The council must also grasp the nettle and stop hiding behind geography as an excuse for excluding its business from the vast majority of its electorate there is no reason why meetings cannot be streamed live to the councils website”
Biodiversity week fun in the Highlands and Islands
Spotting corncrakes and learning about nettles are all part the celebrations taking place across the Highlands and Islands for Scottish Biodiversity Week from 21-29 May.
Organised by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and partners, the week has events for every taste, including a walk to search for corncrakes and other birds at Benbecula, learning about the many uses of nettles in Applecross ,and a one-day festival celebrating the forests of the Cairngorms in Aviemore.
For more information on these and many other events across Scotland, see www.snh.gov.uk/biodiversityweek.
Scottish Biodiversity Week organiser, Zeshan Akhter, said:
“We live in an extraordinary country where people can enjoy nature easily – whether it’s at a city park or on a remote western isle. So this week is a great chance to get out and enjoy the brilliant nature on our doorsteps.”
Scottish Biodiversity Week has been held every year since 2001, starting as a local initiative in Fife in 2000 and growing into a national event. Many organisations put on events, including park ranger services, councils, environmental charities, botanic gardens, businesses, schools and community organisations. For more information and event listings, see www.snh.gov.uk/biodiversityweek.
The theme for Scottish Biodiversity Week in 2011 is "Biodiversity is Life - Biodiversity is Our Life", emphasizing the critical links between humans and our amazing, complex world. Biodiversity, the variety of life on earth, is crucial to sustaining ourlives. It produces air for us to breathe, food to eat, water to drink and even medicines to cure our ills. It also provides value to us through activities such as walking or birdwatching and inspiration for art. We need it for our overall health, wealth and wellbeing.
Organised by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and partners, the week has events for every taste, including a walk to search for corncrakes and other birds at Benbecula, learning about the many uses of nettles in Applecross ,and a one-day festival celebrating the forests of the Cairngorms in Aviemore.
For more information on these and many other events across Scotland, see www.snh.gov.uk/biodiversityweek.
Scottish Biodiversity Week organiser, Zeshan Akhter, said:
“We live in an extraordinary country where people can enjoy nature easily – whether it’s at a city park or on a remote western isle. So this week is a great chance to get out and enjoy the brilliant nature on our doorsteps.”
Scottish Biodiversity Week has been held every year since 2001, starting as a local initiative in Fife in 2000 and growing into a national event. Many organisations put on events, including park ranger services, councils, environmental charities, botanic gardens, businesses, schools and community organisations. For more information and event listings, see www.snh.gov.uk/biodiversityweek.
The theme for Scottish Biodiversity Week in 2011 is "Biodiversity is Life - Biodiversity is Our Life", emphasizing the critical links between humans and our amazing, complex world. Biodiversity, the variety of life on earth, is crucial to sustaining ourlives. It produces air for us to breathe, food to eat, water to drink and even medicines to cure our ills. It also provides value to us through activities such as walking or birdwatching and inspiration for art. We need it for our overall health, wealth and wellbeing.
Enquiry announced into: THE CROWN ESTATE IN SCOTLAND
During its inquiry into the Scotland Bill, the Scottish Affairs Committee received a significant amount of evidence, which identified a number of concerns and issues in relation to the administration of the Crown Estate in Scotland.
On 17 February 2011 the Committee announced that it would conduct an inquiry in to the Crown Estate in Scotland, and that terms of reference would be published in due course.
The Crown Estate Commissioners (CEC) are a public body responsible for the management of the Crown properties and property rights known as the Crown Estate.
The Committee would welcome submissions on the following:
* The management and governance of the Crown Estate in Scotland;
* The role and mandate of the Crown Estate Commissioners; and,
* The interaction between the Crown Estate Commissioners and UK, devolved and local government.
In particular, the Committee would welcome responses to the following questions in relation to the Crown Estate Commissioners:
* Do the CEC serve a useful purpose in Scotland?
* What is/should be the role of the CEC in investing in Scotland?
* What is the legacy of the CEC in Scotland?
* Are the current management, administration and accountability arrangements of the CEC appropriate?
* How could the CEC best act in the public interest in Scotland?
The Committee welcomes written evidence from interested parties on any, or all, aspects of the inquiry by 10 June 2011. Should you wish to submit written evidence after this date, please contact Committee staff. The Committee will be arranging public oral evidence sessions, and details of these will be announced in due course.
Submissions should be in Word or rich text format and sent by e-mail to scotaffcom@parliament.uk. Do not send in pdf format. The body of the e-mail must include a contact name, telephone number and postal address. The e-mail should also make clear who the submission is from.
Submissions must address the terms of the inquiry and should not, as a rule, exceed 2,000 words. Paragraphs should be numbered for ease of reference, and the document should include an executive summary.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Committee Membership is as follows: Mr Ian Davidson MP (Lab/Co-op, Glasgow South West) (Chair), Fiona Bruce MP (Con, Congleton), Mike Freer MP (Con, Finchley and Golders Green), Cathy Jamieson MP (Lab/Co-op, Kilmarnock and Loudoun), Jim McGovern MP (Lab, Dundee West), David Mowat MP (Con, Warrington South), Fiona O'Donnell MP (Lab, East Lothian), Mr Alan Reid MP (LD, Argyll and Bute), Simon Reevell MP (Con, Dewsbury), Lindsay Roy MP (Lab, Glenrothes), and Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP (SNP, Banff and Buchan)
On 17 February 2011 the Committee announced that it would conduct an inquiry in to the Crown Estate in Scotland, and that terms of reference would be published in due course.
The Crown Estate Commissioners (CEC) are a public body responsible for the management of the Crown properties and property rights known as the Crown Estate.
The Committee would welcome submissions on the following:
* The management and governance of the Crown Estate in Scotland;
* The role and mandate of the Crown Estate Commissioners; and,
* The interaction between the Crown Estate Commissioners and UK, devolved and local government.
In particular, the Committee would welcome responses to the following questions in relation to the Crown Estate Commissioners:
* Do the CEC serve a useful purpose in Scotland?
* What is/should be the role of the CEC in investing in Scotland?
* What is the legacy of the CEC in Scotland?
* Are the current management, administration and accountability arrangements of the CEC appropriate?
* How could the CEC best act in the public interest in Scotland?
The Committee welcomes written evidence from interested parties on any, or all, aspects of the inquiry by 10 June 2011. Should you wish to submit written evidence after this date, please contact Committee staff. The Committee will be arranging public oral evidence sessions, and details of these will be announced in due course.
Submissions should be in Word or rich text format and sent by e-mail to scotaffcom@parliament.uk
Submissions must address the terms of the inquiry and should not, as a rule, exceed 2,000 words. Paragraphs should be numbered for ease of reference, and the document should include an executive summary.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Committee Membership is as follows: Mr Ian Davidson MP (Lab/Co-op, Glasgow South West) (Chair), Fiona Bruce MP (Con, Congleton), Mike Freer MP (Con, Finchley and Golders Green), Cathy Jamieson MP (Lab/Co-op, Kilmarnock and Loudoun), Jim McGovern MP (Lab, Dundee West), David Mowat MP (Con, Warrington South), Fiona O'Donnell MP (Lab, East Lothian), Mr Alan Reid MP (LD, Argyll and Bute), Simon Reevell MP (Con, Dewsbury), Lindsay Roy MP (Lab, Glenrothes), and Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP (SNP, Banff and Buchan)
Scottish deer consultation begins
A public consultation has begun on a new code for deer management in Scotland.
Anyone with an interest in deer management is being encouraged to give feedback on the Code of Practice on Deer Management, developed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
The purpose of the code is to help all land managers and land owners, whether in the Central Belt or the Highlands of Scotland, to manage deer sustainably. The code supports the current voluntary approach to deer management. The consultation runs until 1 July.
Andrew Thin, SNH chairman, said:
“Wild deer are an important part of Scotland’s ecology, economy and culture. Deer are managed in certain parts of Scotland to protect crops, trees and protected natural areas, as well as to reduce road accidents. Deer stalking also provides a valuable source of income to many fragile rural economies throughout Scotland. Balancing these different objectives presents a real challenge.”
The code provides guidance on how to manage deer sustainably and outlines the main environmental, economic and social actions associated with deer management. The code also sets out when SNH may intervene in deer management for the public interest.
SNH has developed the code with input from a range of organisations and people involved in land management. The code arises from the Wildlife and Natural Environment (WANE) (Scotland) Act, which was passed by the Scottish Parliament earlier this year.
Alastair MacGugan, SNH’s wildlife management manager, said:
“I’d encourage anyone involved in managing deer to look at the code and let us know their thoughts. This guidance will help all of us to manage Scotland’s deer sustainably in a cooperative way – so it’s important we get input from all those involved to develop a workable and clear code.”
For more information and to respond to the consultation see http://www.snh.gov.uk/land-and-sea/managing-wildlife/managing-deer/code-of-deer-management . Hard copies of the consultation can be supplied by contacting Scottish Natural Heritage,
Deer Code Consultation, Great Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness, IV3 8NW.
Anyone with an interest in deer management is being encouraged to give feedback on the Code of Practice on Deer Management, developed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
The purpose of the code is to help all land managers and land owners, whether in the Central Belt or the Highlands of Scotland, to manage deer sustainably. The code supports the current voluntary approach to deer management. The consultation runs until 1 July.
Andrew Thin, SNH chairman, said:
“Wild deer are an important part of Scotland’s ecology, economy and culture. Deer are managed in certain parts of Scotland to protect crops, trees and protected natural areas, as well as to reduce road accidents. Deer stalking also provides a valuable source of income to many fragile rural economies throughout Scotland. Balancing these different objectives presents a real challenge.”
The code provides guidance on how to manage deer sustainably and outlines the main environmental, economic and social actions associated with deer management. The code also sets out when SNH may intervene in deer management for the public interest.
SNH has developed the code with input from a range of organisations and people involved in land management. The code arises from the Wildlife and Natural Environment (WANE) (Scotland) Act, which was passed by the Scottish Parliament earlier this year.
Alastair MacGugan, SNH’s wildlife management manager, said:
“I’d encourage anyone involved in managing deer to look at the code and let us know their thoughts. This guidance will help all of us to manage Scotland’s deer sustainably in a cooperative way – so it’s important we get input from all those involved to develop a workable and clear code.”
For more information and to respond to the consultation see http://www.snh.gov.uk/land-and-sea/managing-wildlife/managing-deer/code-of-deer-management . Hard copies of the consultation can be supplied by contacting Scottish Natural Heritage,
Deer Code Consultation, Great Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness, IV3 8NW.
Britain’s gentle marine giants leave spotters open mouthed at their sheer siz
e
Shark spotters urged to record sightings as they happen using mobile phones
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) says enormous basking sharks are once again being spotted in UK coastal waters as they cruise close to the shore, hoovering up vast amounts of plankton through their gaping mouths.
Through their long-running Basking Shark Watch programme, MCS has already been alerted by the public to sightings around Land’s End, off the world famous Cobb at Lyme Regis, off Donegal, Northern Ireland, at Dingle and Kerry in southwest Ireland, the Isle of Man and Scotland.
The first basking shark of the year was seen very early - reported to MCS off the island of Canna, west coast of Scotland - in January, with the next two sightings reported in March, one close to Millport, Scotland and the other close to Newlyn, Cornwall.
Last month’s warm weather has resulted in more early close encounters for coastal walkers, who spotted these bus-sized animals close to shore at traditional basking shark hotspots. They appear to have come about a month early compared to ‘usual’ years, when sharks start appearing in May.
Rachel Wyatt, from Cornwall, was walking along the cliffs at Porthcurno, near Land’s End, when she saw a basking shark in the sea below: “It was quite unexpected as it’s so early in the season. It was a really great sight as it swam up and down this stretch of coast, probably within about five metres of the cliff. We had a good view of its huge mouth which was wide open.”
MCS is urging people to report sightings of these huge animals as part of the Basking Shark Watch programme, to help conservationists better understand the behaviour and needs of the UK’s largest fish.
“The more we can map the location of these creatures over time, the more we can discover about their lives and ensure they continue to thrive in our waters,” said Dr Jean-Luc Solandt, MCS Biodiversity Policy Officer: “With so many people carrying smart phones these days, it’s easy to go straight to our website (www.mcsuk.org), record your sighting and take a picture and upload it directly to our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mcsuk), all within moments of seeing a basking shark.”
The MCS Basking Shark Watch programme holds the biggest database of publicly reported sightings in the world and has led to MCS successfully campaigning for the protection of basking sharks under UK and International laws.
“This year we hope to get even more information about the lives of these massive sharks. As well as encouraging spotters to record sightings online, we are also working with the University of Exeter to carry out a detailed survey of local knowledge and opinion about basking sharks in Cornwall,” said Dr Solandt. “Evan Landy, a University of Exeter Masters student, will be interviewing fishermen, surfers, coastal walkers, swimmers – anyone who has seen a basking shark up close in Cornwall – to see how local knowledge reflects the findings of our own work.”
As with all sightings of wild animals, MCS urges caution: “These impressive creatures can grow up to 11 metres long and weigh up to seven tonnes and, although they aren’t dangerous to humans, their behaviour can be unpredictable and involve sudden leaping out of the water or ‘breaching’,” said Dr Solandt. “Seven tonnes of flailing basking shark has real potential to spoil your day if you get too close, so we urge people to keep a safe and respectful distance from them.”
In collaboration with the Shark Trust, MCS has produced the Basking Shark Code of Conduct, which provides clear guidance on how the public can behave safely around basking sharks. You can find out more at www.mcsuk.org
Shark spotters urged to record sightings as they happen using mobile phones
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) says enormous basking sharks are once again being spotted in UK coastal waters as they cruise close to the shore, hoovering up vast amounts of plankton through their gaping mouths.
Through their long-running Basking Shark Watch programme, MCS has already been alerted by the public to sightings around Land’s End, off the world famous Cobb at Lyme Regis, off Donegal, Northern Ireland, at Dingle and Kerry in southwest Ireland, the Isle of Man and Scotland.
The first basking shark of the year was seen very early - reported to MCS off the island of Canna, west coast of Scotland - in January, with the next two sightings reported in March, one close to Millport, Scotland and the other close to Newlyn, Cornwall.
Last month’s warm weather has resulted in more early close encounters for coastal walkers, who spotted these bus-sized animals close to shore at traditional basking shark hotspots. They appear to have come about a month early compared to ‘usual’ years, when sharks start appearing in May.
Rachel Wyatt, from Cornwall, was walking along the cliffs at Porthcurno, near Land’s End, when she saw a basking shark in the sea below: “It was quite unexpected as it’s so early in the season. It was a really great sight as it swam up and down this stretch of coast, probably within about five metres of the cliff. We had a good view of its huge mouth which was wide open.”
MCS is urging people to report sightings of these huge animals as part of the Basking Shark Watch programme, to help conservationists better understand the behaviour and needs of the UK’s largest fish.
“The more we can map the location of these creatures over time, the more we can discover about their lives and ensure they continue to thrive in our waters,” said Dr Jean-Luc Solandt, MCS Biodiversity Policy Officer: “With so many people carrying smart phones these days, it’s easy to go straight to our website (www.mcsuk.org), record your sighting and take a picture and upload it directly to our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mcsuk), all within moments of seeing a basking shark.”
The MCS Basking Shark Watch programme holds the biggest database of publicly reported sightings in the world and has led to MCS successfully campaigning for the protection of basking sharks under UK and International laws.
“This year we hope to get even more information about the lives of these massive sharks. As well as encouraging spotters to record sightings online, we are also working with the University of Exeter to carry out a detailed survey of local knowledge and opinion about basking sharks in Cornwall,” said Dr Solandt. “Evan Landy, a University of Exeter Masters student, will be interviewing fishermen, surfers, coastal walkers, swimmers – anyone who has seen a basking shark up close in Cornwall – to see how local knowledge reflects the findings of our own work.”
As with all sightings of wild animals, MCS urges caution: “These impressive creatures can grow up to 11 metres long and weigh up to seven tonnes and, although they aren’t dangerous to humans, their behaviour can be unpredictable and involve sudden leaping out of the water or ‘breaching’,” said Dr Solandt. “Seven tonnes of flailing basking shark has real potential to spoil your day if you get too close, so we urge people to keep a safe and respectful distance from them.”
In collaboration with the Shark Trust, MCS has produced the Basking Shark Code of Conduct, which provides clear guidance on how the public can behave safely around basking sharks. You can find out more at www.mcsuk.org
BORN TO BE WILD: ULTIMATE ISLAY MALT HEADS OUT ON THE HIGHWAY
--- Ardbeg Chopper tour to deliver sensational whisky across Europe after starting its tour from spiritual home of Islay ---
Ardbeg Islay Malt will be delivered with a suitably wild roar to whisky fans across Europe this summer with the arrival of the Ardbeg Chopper. The eye-catching motorbike has been specially custom-built by cult US manufacturer Orange County Cycles ahead of its adventure.
Established in 1815, Ardbeg embodies the untamed ruggedness of the wild western Scottish island of Islay where it is produced. Devotees worship its memorably smoky flavour, which has seen it judged Best Scotch in the World in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
The Ardbeg Chopper pulled into its spiritual home on at the Ardbeg Distillery on Islay before it sets off across Europe. The Ultimate Islay Malt gets aboard the equally iconic and free spirited Chopper motorbike to bring new fans to its devoted global following.
The Ardbeg Chopper bike will be pulling in at bars, whisky shops and festivals in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Netherlands and the UK. Fans of the Ultimate Islay Single Malt will be encouraged to pose with the Chopper and sample a dram of the award-winning Ardbeg 10 Years Old.
As part of its European odyssey the Ardbeg Chopper will begin its tour at Glasgow airport and after driving 2,000 miles across Europe will eventually return home to the Ardbeg Distillery.
Rachel Barrie, Whisky Creator and Master Blender at The Glenmorangie Company, said: “Ardbeg is the free spirit of our whiskies. It is the embodiment of the big, powerful beauty of Scotland’s wild western isles where it is produced. The Ardbeg Chopper bike is the perfect way to bring together two icons and win over new fans to our whisky.
“As a biking enthusiast myself the Ardbeg Chopper combines my two passions in one. Feeling the wind in your hair on a classic bike or drinking a rugged malt like Ardbeg are similar experiences. It’s about the search for adventure, an untamed and memorable experience.”
Mickey Heads, Ardbeg Distillery Manager, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Ardbeg Chopper home before it sets out on a European tour that is bound to win over new converts to our superb whisky.”
The brand’s thousands of Facebook and Twitter followers can follow the Chopper as it tours across Europe thanks to regular photos and updates. Fans should log on to www.ardbeg.com for more information.
Ardbeg Islay Malt will be delivered with a suitably wild roar to whisky fans across Europe this summer with the arrival of the Ardbeg Chopper. The eye-catching motorbike has been specially custom-built by cult US manufacturer Orange County Cycles ahead of its adventure.
Established in 1815, Ardbeg embodies the untamed ruggedness of the wild western Scottish island of Islay where it is produced. Devotees worship its memorably smoky flavour, which has seen it judged Best Scotch in the World in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
The Ardbeg Chopper pulled into its spiritual home on at the Ardbeg Distillery on Islay before it sets off across Europe. The Ultimate Islay Malt gets aboard the equally iconic and free spirited Chopper motorbike to bring new fans to its devoted global following.
The Ardbeg Chopper bike will be pulling in at bars, whisky shops and festivals in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Netherlands and the UK. Fans of the Ultimate Islay Single Malt will be encouraged to pose with the Chopper and sample a dram of the award-winning Ardbeg 10 Years Old.
As part of its European odyssey the Ardbeg Chopper will begin its tour at Glasgow airport and after driving 2,000 miles across Europe will eventually return home to the Ardbeg Distillery.
Rachel Barrie, Whisky Creator and Master Blender at The Glenmorangie Company, said: “Ardbeg is the free spirit of our whiskies. It is the embodiment of the big, powerful beauty of Scotland’s wild western isles where it is produced. The Ardbeg Chopper bike is the perfect way to bring together two icons and win over new fans to our whisky.
“As a biking enthusiast myself the Ardbeg Chopper combines my two passions in one. Feeling the wind in your hair on a classic bike or drinking a rugged malt like Ardbeg are similar experiences. It’s about the search for adventure, an untamed and memorable experience.”
Mickey Heads, Ardbeg Distillery Manager, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Ardbeg Chopper home before it sets out on a European tour that is bound to win over new converts to our superb whisky.”
The brand’s thousands of Facebook and Twitter followers can follow the Chopper as it tours across Europe thanks to regular photos and updates. Fans should log on to www.ardbeg.com for more information.
Your chance to have a say in the local development plan for Argyll and Bute
Argyll and Bute Council’s asking people to get involved in the first formal stage of the Local Development Plan for the area – the Main Issues Report. The plan itself will set out planning policy on how land will be used across the whole area, excluding the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National park. It’s designed to look at the next twenty years although there’s greater detail for the first ten years and there’ll be a comprehensive review every five years.
The Main Issues Report is designed to get people’s views on possible policy direction and how land in Argyll and Bute is used for planning purposes. There are a number of questions identified in the report and the council would like as many people as possible to consider these and give their opinion. Through this process we can quickly establish where agreement can be reached and identify areas in need of further discussion and adjustment.
The report looks at issues like the impact of climate change, growing our economy, providing the right levels of housing and safeguarding the environment. Its aim is to stimulate debate on identified areas of major change like introducing the concept of Rural Renaissance Settlements to help stimulate rural growth and investment, proposing a Green Belt Masterplan for the Helensburgh and Lomond area and developing the roles of strategic industrial locations e.g. at MoD base Machrihanish and Dunstaffanage Marine Science Park.
At this stage the planning authority has yet to reach a firm view and wants as much opinion as can possibly be gathered. Once the consultation period is over, the findings will be reported back and used to inform the proposed plan that will be published in the first quarter of 2012.
You’ll have the opportunity to do make your views know starting from Thursday 12th May for the next nine weeks until 5pm on Monday 18th July.
You can see the Main Issues Report online at http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/ldp , at all public libraries, council headquarters at Kilmory, council offices at Manse Brae in Lochgilphead, Chalmers St in Ardrishaig, Municipal Buildings in Oban, Milton House in Dunoon, Blairvadach in Helensburgh, Bowmore on Islay and Tobermory in Mull. It’s also on display at service centres in Crossapol on Tiree, Craighouse on Jura and Scalasaig, Colonsay. You can see it at the Post Office in Arinagour on Coll, Achnacroish on Lismore and Ardminish on Gigha.
There will be several public engagement events across Argyll and Bute. Details will follow shortly.
New ideas are welcomed as part of this consultation. If anyone believes an important issue has not been addressed they can let the council know through the final question contained in Chapter 11.
The Main Issues Report is accompanied by a Monitoring Statement which provides background information. There is also an interim Strategic Environmental Assessment: Environmental Report, which assesses the impact of the proposals in the MIR on the environment.
The Main Issues Report is designed to get people’s views on possible policy direction and how land in Argyll and Bute is used for planning purposes. There are a number of questions identified in the report and the council would like as many people as possible to consider these and give their opinion. Through this process we can quickly establish where agreement can be reached and identify areas in need of further discussion and adjustment.
The report looks at issues like the impact of climate change, growing our economy, providing the right levels of housing and safeguarding the environment. Its aim is to stimulate debate on identified areas of major change like introducing the concept of Rural Renaissance Settlements to help stimulate rural growth and investment, proposing a Green Belt Masterplan for the Helensburgh and Lomond area and developing the roles of strategic industrial locations e.g. at MoD base Machrihanish and Dunstaffanage Marine Science Park.
At this stage the planning authority has yet to reach a firm view and wants as much opinion as can possibly be gathered. Once the consultation period is over, the findings will be reported back and used to inform the proposed plan that will be published in the first quarter of 2012.
You’ll have the opportunity to do make your views know starting from Thursday 12th May for the next nine weeks until 5pm on Monday 18th July.
You can see the Main Issues Report online at http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/ldp , at all public libraries, council headquarters at Kilmory, council offices at Manse Brae in Lochgilphead, Chalmers St in Ardrishaig, Municipal Buildings in Oban, Milton House in Dunoon, Blairvadach in Helensburgh, Bowmore on Islay and Tobermory in Mull. It’s also on display at service centres in Crossapol on Tiree, Craighouse on Jura and Scalasaig, Colonsay. You can see it at the Post Office in Arinagour on Coll, Achnacroish on Lismore and Ardminish on Gigha.
There will be several public engagement events across Argyll and Bute. Details will follow shortly.
New ideas are welcomed as part of this consultation. If anyone believes an important issue has not been addressed they can let the council know through the final question contained in Chapter 11.
The Main Issues Report is accompanied by a Monitoring Statement which provides background information. There is also an interim Strategic Environmental Assessment: Environmental Report, which assesses the impact of the proposals in the MIR on the environment.
Scottish Ambulance Service Public Education Exercise “Ellister” Islay 1st June 2011
...EXERCISE...
Scenario:
INTRODUCTION
A road traffic collision has occurred just past Wester Ellister farm towards Portnahaven on the A847, a two car head-on collision with four persons involved completely blocking the single track road, police officers who were returning from a call at Portnahaven come across the incident around 16:55hrs. There is one fatality, one walking wounded and two trapped casualties
The location for the event will be Bowmore Square car park towards the harbour side; this is to allow as many spectators from the general public to view the exercise.
For continued spectator interest and to reduce participant’s time, the real time of the event will be shortened to accommodate the emergency services as they may have to respond to a live call.
AIMS & OBJECTIVES
The aim of exercise “Ellister” is to educate the public as to the consequences of careless\dangerous driving and the resources required to respond to this type of incident.
To test the multi-agency response to a remote RTC with multi casualties during daylight hours.
Each organisation should set their own aims and objectives over the ones set out below.
to exercise inter-agency communication and cooperation
to respond safely & appropriately to the incident site/s
carry out primary triage of casualties
Medical staff to promote SBAR
TIMINGS & LOCATIONS
An exercise briefing will take place at RVP (Bowmore Fire Station) at 16:30. The exercise will begin at approx 17:00, it is expected that the exercise will finish at approx 18:30 hrs. A hot debrief will take place in Bowmore Hall at 19:00 where refreshments and a light snack will be provided. With limited time available a 1hr time constraint on the debrief.
Risk Assessment
All participants must adhere to their organisations PPE requirements for the incident.
Each organisation must carry out their own risk assessment.
A risk assessment for the causalities and general public is attached to this document.
SAFETY
An exercise risk assessment is issued alongside this document. All participants must read this prior to the commencement of the exercise.
Throughout this exercise Dynamic risk assessments must be carried out by each agency in order to protect the casualties and viewing public.
Barriers will be used to safeguard the general public and to maintain an access route for emergency vehicles.
Volunteers with Hi-viz vest to marshal the barriers to prevent children entering the exercise area.
Vehicle access to the area will be restricted except for emergency services taking part in the exercise.
If it is necessary to suspend the exercise for any reason the following message will be used “Exercise Ellister Hold”. If it is appropriate to continue with the exercise the following message will be used “Exercise Ellister Resume”. If the exercise can not resume the message “Exercise Ellister Terminate” will be used.
Casualties and players will be advised to use the codeword “SAFEGUARD” if they experience a genuine illness or injury. The words “Exercise Safeguard” will be used to send urgent messages that are not part of the exercise (e.g. a casualty or player is experiencing genuine pain/injury etc).
In the event of any injury\illness to participants or members of the public, an ambulance is on standby at the event
SITUATION (SITREP)
C Casualties will be simulated by general members of the public; they will be labelled with sufficient information to allow primary triage to take place.
H Actual hazards will include vehicles, equipment and slips, trips & falls. Due to the number of accident damaged vehicles & use of cutting equipment there will be an actual risk of sharp edges & broken glass. SAS staff should be aware of this & should request FRS staff make these areas safe with coverings/sheeting. A risk assessment will be completed prior to the exercise. Participants should carry out dynamic risk assessments throughout the exercise. Staff should wear PPE appropriate to the incident, paying particular attention to eye protection.
A Access will be from the left hand side of the car park, this will be the entry and exit route it must be left clear at all times to allow the exit of any emergency vehicle in the event of a response to a live call.
L The actual location will be at the harbour side of Bowmore Square.
E This is a multi agency exercise involving Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, SAS, Local G.P’s and EMRS and other relevant agencies.
T Type of incident will be a multiple vehicle accident
S Incident logs must be completed for the exercise
INDIVIDUAL ROLES
Name
Role
Location
Mobile
J. Hughes
Incident Director
SAS Islay
D. Sheppard
SAS Advisor \ Umpire
SAS
Dr A. Cadamy
Medical Advisor
SGH
D. Mc Gillivary
Observer
ISLAY
S. MacLean
Fire & Rescue \ Umpire
D. Ferrier
Public Roads management
ISLAY
TBC
GP
ISLAY
TBC
GP
ISLAY
TBC
EMRS
SGH
TBC
EMRS
SGH
TBC
Casualty
TBC
Casualty
TBC
Casualty
TBC
Casualty
Vehicle Requirements
Base location
POLICE VEH X 2
ISLAY
FIRE & RESCUE X 2
ISLAY
AEU X 2
ISLAY
COMMAND & CONTROL
Airwaves will be used to trial all services communications and use of the system.
COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
All communications during the exercise should be preceded by the words “Exercise Ellister*” & end with “Exercise, Exercise”.
EQUIPMENT
2 fully equipped AEU’s on scene.
WELFARE
Hot refreshments will be provided for all participants at the end of the exercise.
MEDIA
Media personnel will be in attendance. Any media requests should be passed to Strathclyde Police.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Local G.P’s and Emergency Medical Retrieval Service will be in attendance at the exercise, if available heli-med 5 will attend the incident and will land at the playing fields.
Any questions regarding the exercise please contact Joe Hughes on 01496810512 or 07912301313.
Joe Hughes
Paramedic Team Leader (Islay & Jura)
Islay Ambulance Station
Scenario:
INTRODUCTION
A road traffic collision has occurred just past Wester Ellister farm towards Portnahaven on the A847, a two car head-on collision with four persons involved completely blocking the single track road, police officers who were returning from a call at Portnahaven come across the incident around 16:55hrs. There is one fatality, one walking wounded and two trapped casualties
The location for the event will be Bowmore Square car park towards the harbour side; this is to allow as many spectators from the general public to view the exercise.
For continued spectator interest and to reduce participant’s time, the real time of the event will be shortened to accommodate the emergency services as they may have to respond to a live call.
AIMS & OBJECTIVES
The aim of exercise “Ellister” is to educate the public as to the consequences of careless\dangerous driving and the resources required to respond to this type of incident.
To test the multi-agency response to a remote RTC with multi casualties during daylight hours.
Each organisation should set their own aims and objectives over the ones set out below.
to exercise inter-agency communication and cooperation
to respond safely & appropriately to the incident site/s
carry out primary triage of casualties
Medical staff to promote SBAR
TIMINGS & LOCATIONS
An exercise briefing will take place at RVP (Bowmore Fire Station) at 16:30. The exercise will begin at approx 17:00, it is expected that the exercise will finish at approx 18:30 hrs. A hot debrief will take place in Bowmore Hall at 19:00 where refreshments and a light snack will be provided. With limited time available a 1hr time constraint on the debrief.
Risk Assessment
All participants must adhere to their organisations PPE requirements for the incident.
Each organisation must carry out their own risk assessment.
A risk assessment for the causalities and general public is attached to this document.
SAFETY
An exercise risk assessment is issued alongside this document. All participants must read this prior to the commencement of the exercise.
Throughout this exercise Dynamic risk assessments must be carried out by each agency in order to protect the casualties and viewing public.
Barriers will be used to safeguard the general public and to maintain an access route for emergency vehicles.
Volunteers with Hi-viz vest to marshal the barriers to prevent children entering the exercise area.
Vehicle access to the area will be restricted except for emergency services taking part in the exercise.
If it is necessary to suspend the exercise for any reason the following message will be used “Exercise Ellister Hold”. If it is appropriate to continue with the exercise the following message will be used “Exercise Ellister Resume”. If the exercise can not resume the message “Exercise Ellister Terminate” will be used.
Casualties and players will be advised to use the codeword “SAFEGUARD” if they experience a genuine illness or injury. The words “Exercise Safeguard” will be used to send urgent messages that are not part of the exercise (e.g. a casualty or player is experiencing genuine pain/injury etc).
In the event of any injury\illness to participants or members of the public, an ambulance is on standby at the event
SITUATION (SITREP)
C Casualties will be simulated by general members of the public; they will be labelled with sufficient information to allow primary triage to take place.
H Actual hazards will include vehicles, equipment and slips, trips & falls. Due to the number of accident damaged vehicles & use of cutting equipment there will be an actual risk of sharp edges & broken glass. SAS staff should be aware of this & should request FRS staff make these areas safe with coverings/sheeting. A risk assessment will be completed prior to the exercise. Participants should carry out dynamic risk assessments throughout the exercise. Staff should wear PPE appropriate to the incident, paying particular attention to eye protection.
A Access will be from the left hand side of the car park, this will be the entry and exit route it must be left clear at all times to allow the exit of any emergency vehicle in the event of a response to a live call.
L The actual location will be at the harbour side of Bowmore Square.
E This is a multi agency exercise involving Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, SAS, Local G.P’s and EMRS and other relevant agencies.
T Type of incident will be a multiple vehicle accident
S Incident logs must be completed for the exercise
INDIVIDUAL ROLES
Name
Role
Location
Mobile
J. Hughes
Incident Director
SAS Islay
D. Sheppard
SAS Advisor \ Umpire
SAS
Dr A. Cadamy
Medical Advisor
SGH
D. Mc Gillivary
Observer
ISLAY
S. MacLean
Fire & Rescue \ Umpire
D. Ferrier
Public Roads management
ISLAY
TBC
GP
ISLAY
TBC
GP
ISLAY
TBC
EMRS
SGH
TBC
EMRS
SGH
TBC
Casualty
TBC
Casualty
TBC
Casualty
TBC
Casualty
Vehicle Requirements
Base location
POLICE VEH X 2
ISLAY
FIRE & RESCUE X 2
ISLAY
AEU X 2
ISLAY
COMMAND & CONTROL
Airwaves will be used to trial all services communications and use of the system.
COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
All communications during the exercise should be preceded by the words “Exercise Ellister*” & end with “Exercise, Exercise”.
EQUIPMENT
2 fully equipped AEU’s on scene.
WELFARE
Hot refreshments will be provided for all participants at the end of the exercise.
MEDIA
Media personnel will be in attendance. Any media requests should be passed to Strathclyde Police.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Local G.P’s and Emergency Medical Retrieval Service will be in attendance at the exercise, if available heli-med 5 will attend the incident and will land at the playing fields.
Any questions regarding the exercise please contact Joe Hughes on 01496810512 or 07912301313.
Joe Hughes
Paramedic Team Leader (Islay & Jura)
Islay Ambulance Station
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 21 May – Friday 27 May 2011
Title: Air an Urlar
A musical showcase from 2005 featuring talented youngsters and established performers. In this programme, the Fergie MacDonald band take to the stage.
Transmitted: Saturday 21 May
Time: 22:30
Title: Alleluia!
Iain MacKinnon presents a mix of hymns, psalms and faith stories. James Graham sings Seo an Gaol mar Mheud na Mara, Glasgow Gaelic Musical Association sing Psalm 66 and Lachie Gillies talks about the role faith has played in his own life.
Transmitted: Sunday 22 May
Time: 19:30
Title: Farpaisean Chon-Chaorach / Sheepdog trials
Catriona MacPhee and Donald MacSween present the first day of the 2009 Scottish National Sheepdog Trials from Annan.
Transmitted: Tuesday 24 May
Time: 21:00
Title: Soillse / Movies Across India
Are movie theatres the same the world over? Is buying a ticket all you need to do to share the audience's mood and reactions?
In India, a movie theatre is a place of worship as well as a place for escapism and dreams. Movies are the country's main social outlet and every showing starts with the playing of the national anthem.
Home to 14 million movie viewers and 12,000 movie theatres, it's a national obsession.
Transmitted: Wednesday 25 May
Time: 21:00
Title: A’ Fàgail Miughlaigh
One hour special documenting the legacy of the deserted Isle of Mingulay through history, story and song.
Transmitted: Thursday 26 May
Time: 21:00
A musical showcase from 2005 featuring talented youngsters and established performers. In this programme, the Fergie MacDonald band take to the stage.
Transmitted: Saturday 21 May
Time: 22:30
Title: Alleluia!
Iain MacKinnon presents a mix of hymns, psalms and faith stories. James Graham sings Seo an Gaol mar Mheud na Mara, Glasgow Gaelic Musical Association sing Psalm 66 and Lachie Gillies talks about the role faith has played in his own life.
Transmitted: Sunday 22 May
Time: 19:30
Title: Farpaisean Chon-Chaorach / Sheepdog trials
Catriona MacPhee and Donald MacSween present the first day of the 2009 Scottish National Sheepdog Trials from Annan.
Transmitted: Tuesday 24 May
Time: 21:00
Title: Soillse / Movies Across India
Are movie theatres the same the world over? Is buying a ticket all you need to do to share the audience's mood and reactions?
In India, a movie theatre is a place of worship as well as a place for escapism and dreams. Movies are the country's main social outlet and every showing starts with the playing of the national anthem.
Home to 14 million movie viewers and 12,000 movie theatres, it's a national obsession.
Transmitted: Wednesday 25 May
Time: 21:00
Title: A’ Fàgail Miughlaigh
One hour special documenting the legacy of the deserted Isle of Mingulay through history, story and song.
Transmitted: Thursday 26 May
Time: 21:00
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