Argyll and Bute Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise were amongst the 570 exhibitors from 20 countries packing the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre for the 11th annual All-Energy Conference.
All-Energy brings together wide ranging organisations, products, services, concepts and projects across the renewable energy sector – providing up to date information on all renewable energy sources, opportunities and challenges facing the industry.
Argyll and Bute Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise jointly showcased the vast scale and mix of renewable energy resources within ‘Argyll and the Islands’, along with the region’s distinguished track record of pioneering and delivering world first renewable energy developments.
Also exhibiting and highlighting the strong support network of businesses geared up to service this industry from within ‘Argyll and the Islands’, were ALI Energy, North West Marine Ltd, Seafari, Shearwater Marine Services Ltd, Storm Cats, and The Professional Diving Academy Ltd.
All-Energy successfully established the region’s commitment to working in partnership to deliver sustainable economic growth for the benefit of our communities, the region and Scotland, and highlighted the range of services which Argyll and Bute already boasts in terms of supporting this industry.
Friday 27 May 2011
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 4 June – Friday 10 June 2011
Title: Taghadh bho Na Trads
Julie Fowlis presents music and chat from Trad Award Winners’ – some of the finest traditional musicians in the country. Tonight’s show features Eilidh MacKenzie.
Transmitted: Monday 6 June
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Talamh Trocair/Revealing Scotland's Past
Exploring archaeology around Scotland. This week's theme is "ritual" archaeology which features current thinking on some of the unusual ancient burial practices and a recently discovered cemetery in Skye dating back to a Scotland of 4000 years ago.
Transmitted: Tuesday 7 June
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Archibald Hall - An Uaislean/The Perfect Gentleman
Gary Lewis stars in a drama documentary as Glaswegian Archie Hall, the "mad butler" who murdered five people in the 1970s.
Transmitted: Wednesday 8 June
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Last Stronghold of the Pure Gospel: An-Diugh
In 1979, the BBC's Everyman series broadcast a documentary about religious belief on the Isle of Lewis. This programme offers a unique opportunity to see The Last Stronghold of the Pure Gospel and also find out what happened to some of those featured in the original programme.
Transmitted: Thursday 9 June
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Donny B/The Original King of Daytime
The inspirational story of the writer and broadcaster, Donny B Macleod, and the journey that took him from a small Hebridean town to the Hollywood homes of the rich and famous.
This film delves into the rich archive of Donny's programmes, films and writings. It also looks at the fascinating life that he led before embarking on his broadcasting career - including an eye-catching spell as a school teacher and a famous, charisma fuelled, general election campaign.
Narrated by Patsi Mackenzie and featuring contributions from family, celebrity friends and colleagues - including musician Aly Bain and journalist Angus Macleod of The Times.
Donny B is the story of a man of vast talent and radiant personality, one that affected the ordinary and the famous equally, and treated them all with the same respect.
Transmitted: Friday 10 June
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Dolly Parton Live at the O2
Live from the O2 Arena in London, BBC ALBA brings you a concert of Dolly Parton's greatest hits.
Transmitted: Friday 10 June
Time: 10.00 – 11.10pm
Julie Fowlis presents music and chat from Trad Award Winners’ – some of the finest traditional musicians in the country. Tonight’s show features Eilidh MacKenzie.
Transmitted: Monday 6 June
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Talamh Trocair/Revealing Scotland's Past
Exploring archaeology around Scotland. This week's theme is "ritual" archaeology which features current thinking on some of the unusual ancient burial practices and a recently discovered cemetery in Skye dating back to a Scotland of 4000 years ago.
Transmitted: Tuesday 7 June
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Archibald Hall - An Uaislean/The Perfect Gentleman
Gary Lewis stars in a drama documentary as Glaswegian Archie Hall, the "mad butler" who murdered five people in the 1970s.
Transmitted: Wednesday 8 June
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Last Stronghold of the Pure Gospel: An-Diugh
In 1979, the BBC's Everyman series broadcast a documentary about religious belief on the Isle of Lewis. This programme offers a unique opportunity to see The Last Stronghold of the Pure Gospel and also find out what happened to some of those featured in the original programme.
Transmitted: Thursday 9 June
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Donny B/The Original King of Daytime
The inspirational story of the writer and broadcaster, Donny B Macleod, and the journey that took him from a small Hebridean town to the Hollywood homes of the rich and famous.
This film delves into the rich archive of Donny's programmes, films and writings. It also looks at the fascinating life that he led before embarking on his broadcasting career - including an eye-catching spell as a school teacher and a famous, charisma fuelled, general election campaign.
Narrated by Patsi Mackenzie and featuring contributions from family, celebrity friends and colleagues - including musician Aly Bain and journalist Angus Macleod of The Times.
Donny B is the story of a man of vast talent and radiant personality, one that affected the ordinary and the famous equally, and treated them all with the same respect.
Transmitted: Friday 10 June
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Dolly Parton Live at the O2
Live from the O2 Arena in London, BBC ALBA brings you a concert of Dolly Parton's greatest hits.
Transmitted: Friday 10 June
Time: 10.00 – 11.10pm
Third Sector Grant money still available from Area Committees
There is good news for third sector community groups – there’s still money available for grants from Argyll and Bute Council. The maximum amount of money given is up to half the costs of the project or activity you are applying for.
There’s a limited amount of funding left in each of the four areas. There’s more than £20,000 in Oban, Lorn and the Isles, just under £13,000 in Helensburgh and Lomond, more than £5,000 in Bute and Cowal and £4,500 in Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Isles.
Margaret Allan from the Mid Argyll Pipe Band says ‘it was really easy to apply for the third sector grant. We’ve applied before and used the money for new uniforms. This time we’ll be using our grant for transport so we can take part in more competitions and encourage young musicians to join us.’
The decision of who gets the award will be made by the respective local area committee in August. The money is a one off annual grant. Organisations have until Friday 24th June to submit their applications via the council’s website. There’s a form to fill out and return as soon as possible.
http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/council-and-government/third-sector-grants
There’s a limited amount of funding left in each of the four areas. There’s more than £20,000 in Oban, Lorn and the Isles, just under £13,000 in Helensburgh and Lomond, more than £5,000 in Bute and Cowal and £4,500 in Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Isles.
Margaret Allan from the Mid Argyll Pipe Band says ‘it was really easy to apply for the third sector grant. We’ve applied before and used the money for new uniforms. This time we’ll be using our grant for transport so we can take part in more competitions and encourage young musicians to join us.’
The decision of who gets the award will be made by the respective local area committee in August. The money is a one off annual grant. Organisations have until Friday 24th June to submit their applications via the council’s website. There’s a form to fill out and return as soon as possible.
http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/council-and-government/third-sector-grants
"Drop In" meetings arranged for the public to discuss Local Development Plan
Nine public meetings have been organised across Argyll and Bute so people can discuss the Local Development Plan: Main Issues Report with one of the council’s planning officers. The consultation phase on the first formal stage of the plan, the main issues report, started on Thursday 12th May 2011 and will end at 5pm on Monday 18th July.
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. It 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.
The report is not fixed and is up for discussion. We’d like as many people as possible to let us know what they think about the suggestions and ideas outlined.
The first meeting is on Monday 30th May at The Pavilion in Rothesay. On Tuesday 31st May there’ll be a meeting at the Queens Hall in Dunoon. Planning officers will be at the Corran Halls in Oban on Thursday 2nd June and at the Victoria Halls in Helensburgh on Monday 6th June. On Tuesday 7th June there’ll be a meeting at the Aros Hall in Tobermory on Mull. On Wednesday 8th June you are invited to the Town Hall in Campbeltown then on Thursday 9th June the Community Centre in Lochgilphead. Planning staff will be at Bowmore Hall on Islay on Friday 13th June and the final meeting will be at the community hall on Tiree on the 16th June.
All meetings take place between 1pm and 8pm and everyone is very welcome, although it would be more beneficial for you to have a look at the Main Issues Report before you come.
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.
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. It 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.
The report is not fixed and is up for discussion. We’d like as many people as possible to let us know what they think about the suggestions and ideas outlined.
The first meeting is on Monday 30th May at The Pavilion in Rothesay. On Tuesday 31st May there’ll be a meeting at the Queens Hall in Dunoon. Planning officers will be at the Corran Halls in Oban on Thursday 2nd June and at the Victoria Halls in Helensburgh on Monday 6th June. On Tuesday 7th June there’ll be a meeting at the Aros Hall in Tobermory on Mull. On Wednesday 8th June you are invited to the Town Hall in Campbeltown then on Thursday 9th June the Community Centre in Lochgilphead. Planning staff will be at Bowmore Hall on Islay on Friday 13th June and the final meeting will be at the community hall on Tiree on the 16th June.
All meetings take place between 1pm and 8pm and everyone is very welcome, although it would be more beneficial for you to have a look at the Main Issues Report before you come.
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.
UNION COMMITTED TO FINDING EID SOLUTION
NFU Scotland is committed to finding a workable solution for Scottish sheep farmers after last week’s revelations that European Commission officials intend to penalise farmers that do not achieve 100 per cent accuracy when reading and recording sheep electronic identification (EID) tags.
During emergency meetings in Brussels last week, NFUS was part of the UK delegation that highlighted to the Commission the serious nature of its demands. Given the nature of Scotland’s sheep flock, it would be impossible and impractical for farmers to achieve 100 per cent accuracy, 100 per cent of the time when reading and recording individual sheep movements.
The Union has discussed the subject with Scottish Government in the past few days. While the Union will continue to work with UK partners on common concerns, the unique nature of the system in Scotland may mean that a Scotland-specific solution may be needed.
NFUS President Nigel Miller said:
“Scotland’s sheep industry is world class with an exciting future. However, producer confidence could be seriously undermined by additional burdens around electronic tagging and movement recording.
“There is a real threat that the compliance standards being driven by the DG Agri branch of the European Commission will force further change on our developing EID tracking system and database. If introduced, it could bring in additional requirements around eartag scanning and recording of sheep movements beyond what we believe is required for traceability.
“Failing to identify a workable solution to this crisis is not an option and, once again, the Scottish industry is pulling together to work through this.
"We have met in private with Scottish Government officials to discuss the subject and we are looking to involve other Scottish industry stakeholders in addressing the situation. Given that we may need to tailor solutions specifically for the Scottish industry, I have raised with the Scottish Government the possibility that Scotland may need to go it alone and enter into direct negotiations with Europe.
“There are problems common to all sheep producers in the UK and Europe and we will continue to work with our colleagues in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and COPA in Europe to resolve those. However, given the unique choices on sheep ID that we have already made in Scotland – a publicly funded EID trial and database development - it is appropriate that we also develop our own agenda if we are to identify a flexible, long term solution to sheep identification and movement recording in Scotland.
"Until compliance issues are settled, it is important all Scottish sheep producers consider making maximum use of the slaughter tag derogation that we have in place. That allows tagging lambs with the single slaughter tag before they reach nine months and then only putting in double tags in those retained for breeding beyond 12 months of age. While the best option for ewe lambs definitely destined for breeding may still be double tagging, for lambs sold as stores, this may make compliance with the current interpretation of rules simpler."
During emergency meetings in Brussels last week, NFUS was part of the UK delegation that highlighted to the Commission the serious nature of its demands. Given the nature of Scotland’s sheep flock, it would be impossible and impractical for farmers to achieve 100 per cent accuracy, 100 per cent of the time when reading and recording individual sheep movements.
The Union has discussed the subject with Scottish Government in the past few days. While the Union will continue to work with UK partners on common concerns, the unique nature of the system in Scotland may mean that a Scotland-specific solution may be needed.
NFUS President Nigel Miller said:
“Scotland’s sheep industry is world class with an exciting future. However, producer confidence could be seriously undermined by additional burdens around electronic tagging and movement recording.
“There is a real threat that the compliance standards being driven by the DG Agri branch of the European Commission will force further change on our developing EID tracking system and database. If introduced, it could bring in additional requirements around eartag scanning and recording of sheep movements beyond what we believe is required for traceability.
“Failing to identify a workable solution to this crisis is not an option and, once again, the Scottish industry is pulling together to work through this.
"We have met in private with Scottish Government officials to discuss the subject and we are looking to involve other Scottish industry stakeholders in addressing the situation. Given that we may need to tailor solutions specifically for the Scottish industry, I have raised with the Scottish Government the possibility that Scotland may need to go it alone and enter into direct negotiations with Europe.
“There are problems common to all sheep producers in the UK and Europe and we will continue to work with our colleagues in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and COPA in Europe to resolve those. However, given the unique choices on sheep ID that we have already made in Scotland – a publicly funded EID trial and database development - it is appropriate that we also develop our own agenda if we are to identify a flexible, long term solution to sheep identification and movement recording in Scotland.
"Until compliance issues are settled, it is important all Scottish sheep producers consider making maximum use of the slaughter tag derogation that we have in place. That allows tagging lambs with the single slaughter tag before they reach nine months and then only putting in double tags in those retained for breeding beyond 12 months of age. While the best option for ewe lambs definitely destined for breeding may still be double tagging, for lambs sold as stores, this may make compliance with the current interpretation of rules simpler."
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