ARGYLL FERRIES GEARS UP FOR FIRST COWAL GAMES

Newly-formed ferry operator Argyll Ferries Ltd, (AFL) which recently won the tender to provide passenger services between Gourock and Dunoon, has announced its plans to assist people travelling to the Cowal Gathering later this month.

The Cowal Gathering (August 25 – 27) is traditionally one of the busiest weekends of the summer on the Upper Clyde and Argyll Ferries is to supplement its current two vessel passenger service with CalMac’s MV Saturn on Saturday, August 27, when the gathering reaches its climax with the Pipe band Championship and Highland Games.

The timetable will operate as published on Thursday and Friday and up until 0820hrs on Saturday morning, (see http://www.argyllferries.co.uk/timetables-and-fares.htm) after which time three vessels, the MV Argyll Flyer, MV Ali Cat and MV Saturn will provide a regular passenger service for the rest of the day, with the last sailing of the day departing Dunoon for Gourock at 2310 hrs. In order to accommodate the extra sailings during the day, the late night Saturday sailings at 2340 and 0100 from Gourock and 0010 and 0125 from Dunoon are cancelled.

AFL Contract Manager, Alasdair Henderson, said: “This is the first Cowal Gathering since Argyll Ferries was created and we are pulling out all the stops to help people travel quickly and comfortably between Gourock and Dunoon. The increased frequency of ferries offers improved connectivity with rail services from Glasgow into Gourock Station and we will guide travellers on arrival and sell tickets on the pier to provide the best possible passenger experience at a very busy time.

“Through tickets to Dunoon are also obtainable on rail services from Glasgow Central station to Gourock, and purchasing them this way will help reduce queuing times. Once in Dunoon, buses will be available to take people directly to the stadium from the Pier.“

He added:”We want our customers to enjoy their trip across the Clyde as part of a great day out, and remind everyone that, in line with local byelaws, drinking alcohol in public is forbidden in Gourock and Dunoon, and also on board. This will be strictly enforced via CCTV systems which will be used to monitor passenger safety and revenue control.”

MACKENZIE WELCOMES BT PLANS TO UPGRADE BROADBAND IN RURAL AREAS

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Mike MacKenzie has welcomed the recent
announcement from BT that it is to upgrade the copper network that
presently connects 2.5 million internet subscribers in rural homes
across the UK. This is a move that should result in substantial
improvements in broadband performance that is set to deliver speedier
services to those affected at as much as twice existing speeds for many
users.

Mike MacKenzie said: "Broadband speeds have been improving dramatically for most urban based
users in recent years but those who live in rural areas have often found
that the response times that they operate with are considerably slower
than the norm and this means that both for business and recreational use
they are operating at a distinct disadvantage. One of the principle
stated benefits of efficient IT operation is that the "playing field"
across the country is level and any move that will help to remove the
disadvantages presently encountered by rural users across the Highlands
and Islands, where broadband speed is notoriously patchy, is to be
warmly welcomed.

The copper upgrade to the network will result in significant improvement
in operating speeds for many more users but in those areas where it has
not yet proved economic to upgrade their infrastructure because of
population sparcity or rurality subscribers will find that they are
falling even further behind the new levels available elsewhere. In such
areas BT is working with mobile phone companies, software operators and
satellite service providers to develop other means of mobile technology
to deliver improved broadband speeds

BT hope to complete this exercise early in 2013 and it will be
interesting to see what effect that this has on broadband communications
within the Highlands and Islands."

SEARCH IS ON FOR SCOTTISH FILMS AND VIDEOS OF LAST FEW DECADES

The Scottish Screen Archive is looking for films and videos shot anywhere in Scotland over the last 40 years that may be gathering dust in attics and forgotten cupboards.

The Scottish Screen Archive (SSA), which is part of the National Library of Scotland, wants to collect the films and videos now as there is a danger they could be lost forever.

They will be added to the national collection of film held by the SSA which provides a wonderful and unique record of Scotland in the 20th century.

Since the 1980s, most individuals, organisations or community groups used video to capture ordinary life, local events, changes to their neighbourhood or to promote local interests. However as video is becoming increasingly obsolete, tapes are being thrown away and these unique visual records from the last few decades could be lost forever. The SSA is appealing to the public for help in saving these films to ensure the most complete record of life in Scotland from the 1970s up to the present day is preserved.

In particular it is looking for film / video / digital media material, fiction or non-fiction from:

Video workshops / community groups / action groups
Cine / Video Clubs
Promotional films for local industries / charities / tourism
Sport and leisure
Footage depicting significant changes in local communities
Special local community events. eg. Gala Days ; Millennium Celebrations

Kay Foubister, SSA Curator who is working on this project said: “The advent of cheaper video cameras in the 1980s and 1990s made it much easier for people to record local events. However, video has been replaced by newer technology and there is a real danger that these tapes will just be forgotten about and discarded. We want to prevent that happening.”

The SSA is looking for films from 1970 onwards and anyone who can help is asked to contact Kay by completing an online submission form at www.gla.ac.uk/cams or by emailing ssaacquisitions@nls.uk . Alternatively, they can telephone on 0845 366 4608.

The SSA is also interested in films that were made by children in the same period. It is working with a team at the University of Glasgow who are researching aspects of childhood and the development of children making their own movies. This team in interested in hearing from anyone who
Made their own movies as a child
Were part of a group that ran video workshops for children
Participated as a child in movie making during the 1970s – 2000

Further information can be found on the project website www.gla.ac.uk/cams or by writing to the research team, Dr Karen Lury and Dr Ryan Shand.

More than 1000 films or film clips depicting community life in Scotland throughout the 20th century can be viewed on the SSA’s website at www.nls.uk/ssa. The website has just been recognised by List magazine as one of the top 30 webites in Scotland.

BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 13 August – Friday 19 August 2011

Title: SPL - Hearts v Aberdeen
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Heart of Midlothian host Aberdeen at Tynecastle Stadium.

Transmitted: Saturday 13 August
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm


Title: Paddy Keenan & Fred Morrison aig Celtic Connections

Two piping legends: Ireland's Paddy Keenan and Scotland's Fred Morrison, in concert at Celtic Connections with a host of musician friends from Scotland, Ireland and Galicia.

Transmitted: Saturday 13 August
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm


Title: Cuirm @ Celtic: Colin Farrell
More music and chat from Celtic Connections with acclaimed fiddle player Colin Farrell as guest.

Transmitted: Saturday 13 August
Time: 10.00 – 11.00pm


Title: Dannsa
The latest Dannsa instalment, following six different dance groups from around Scotland through the highs and lows of rehearsal, competition and performance. The groups are highly diverse in location, style, aspiration, age and accomplishment, including The Space at Dundee College, the teenage girls of the Fusion dance class in Aberdeen, the Ballet West school in Taynuilt, Oban, the Golden class at their Dance Base studio in Edinburgh, the street-dancing crew Heavy Smokers in Livingston and the Maryhill Integration Network from Glasgow.

In this programme, Anne Morrison and Kevin Walker watch on as renowned Scottish contemporary choreographer Andy Howitt oversees rehearsals for the end of series performance special at the Tramway Theatre in Glasgow.

Dannsa...........six groups, six different dance styles, one live dance show!

Transmitted: Monday 15 August
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm


Title: An t-Slighe a bu Mhiosa / The Worst Journey in The World

During World War II an important supply chain of military and other aid travelled to Russia by Arctic Ship Convoy. These voyages saved Russia from collapse and prevented Germany from winning the war. Some of the last few remaining veterans of these journeys gathered to pay tribute to their fallen comrades and make a final pilgrimage along the original route from Britain to Murmansk in Russia.

Transmitted: Wednesday 17 August
Time: 9.00 – 9.50pm


Title: iTRAD

Schools, colleges and festivals all over Scotland are at the centre of a traditional music revival. Arising out of these institutions are talented singers and musicians who go onto successful careers in the music industry.

In this final programme of the iTrad series we meet two bands - Fuaim Ghlaschu and Caledonian Canals - who are among the youngsters who are now at the forefront of this musical revitalisation. Now they gather in Ullapool to put on a special show case for this series reflecting on the rise in interest in traditional Scottish music.

Transmitted: Friday 19 August
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm

Summer placement students "prepare to face their dragons"

Sixteen ambitious students, bringing fresh ideas for business development to companies across the Highlands and Islands, are gathering to prepare their own dragons den style pitches at a residential training course this week.

The students, who come from across the UK and abroad to work for eight weeks with local businesses, are part of the TalentScotland Summer Placement Programme managed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

The projects carried out provide new thinking for the host businesses across a wide range of disciplines including scientific research, marketing projects and design.

As well as gaining experience through the paid placements, the students receive tailored training from Robert Gordon University’s Aberdeen Business School. This is taking place this week at Fairburn Activity Centre near Muir of Ord.

The training helps them with presentation and business pitching skills in preparation for a competitive event at the end of August where they pitch their project findings to a panel of business experts.

The students attending this week’s training course work in businesses and social enterprises in Shetland, Stornoway, Fort William, Inverness, Tain, Oban, Torridon, Wick, Thurso, Lossiemouth, Islay and Dingwall. (Details of businesses and students at end of release)

James Porcas, who is working with Highland Biosciences at the Dochfour Business Park, in Inverness, is studying for a MSCi Natural Sciences at University College London.

He said: “"My placement has been a great opportunity to learn new lab skills. Highland Biosciences is a small ambitious company and I feel like my research is making a difference."

Up to 70 students in Scotland will benefit from this course in 2011 and 2012. The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and Skills Development Scotland (SDS) has made the development and delivery of the tailored section of the course possible.

Ruth Sime, Acting Head of Business Support Programmes at HIE said: “The TalentScotland Summer Placement Programme provides benefits for both students and employers. The relevant work experience gained by the students sets them apart from others when applying for jobs, particularly when graduate opportunities are limited. The employers are able to take on committed project staff at a subsidised rate during the holiday period. Some employers are able to offer a permanent job to their placement students when they have graduated and this helps to retain skilled young people in the region.”

New drive to cut child passenger casualties in Argyll and Bute

Argyll and Bute Council’s road safety unit is launching a new campaign to raise awareness among parents, grandparents and carers about the dangers of incorrectly-fitted or inappropriate child car seats.

As part of this, three ‘car seat clinics’ have been arranged to which members of the public are invited to drop in to have their child seats checked by the experts.

In tackling this vital road safety issue, the council is supporting the national Scottish Good Egg In-Car Child Safety campaign, which has significantly reduced casualty rates among child passengers across Scotland over the last 10 years.

Director of Road Safety Scotland, Michael McDonnell said: “We have seen the number of children killed or seriously injured in cars fall by 72% over the past ten years which marks a welcome contribution to the UK Government target of a 50% reduction. This is a tremendous success story which I believe could not have been achieved without the Good Egg campaign.”

Campaign literature including posters, information leaflets and Good Egg guides will be widely distributed throughout Argyll and Bute in the coming weeks, backed up by a series of 'car seat clinic' events where people can have their child car seats checked for safety by experts and hear more about in-car child safety from the Good Egg team.


Taking place between 11am and 2pm, the dates and venues are:

Helensburgh – Sinclair Street Car Park – Monday, 22nd August
Oban – Tesco Car Park – Tuesday, 23rd August
Dunoon – Safeway Car Park – Wednesday, 24th August

Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for transport and infrastructure, said: "Although well-intentioned parents install a child car seat to keep their child safe, there is a significant danger of serious injury if the seat is not fitted properly or if they have chosen the wrong type of seat for the height, weight and age of the child.

“I am delighted that the road safety unit is organizing these clinics throughout the area as part of this campaign, and strongly advise all parents to take advantage of this free opportunity to let the experts make sure children of all ages are being carried safely using the correct restraint. It will give them peace of mind and it could save their child’s life.”


For more information, please contact road safety officer June Graham on 01546 604182.

BBC ALBA – Saturday 20 August – Friday 26 August 2011

Title: Scottish Premier League – Dundee United v Dunfermline

The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Jim McIntyre’s Dunfermline side travel to face Dundee United at Tannadice Park. This game marks the first league clash between Dundee United and Dunfermline since the 2006/2007 season.

Transmitted: Saturday 20 August
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm


Title: Cuirm@Celtic: Taigh Ciuil - Atlantic Seaway

Coverage of the Celtic Connections 2011 festival continues in Cuirm@Celtic with coverage of The Atlantic Seaway which features staff and students from Strathclyde University, the RSAMD and Boston’s Berklee College, tracing the transatlantic evolution of Scottish music, in a collaboration supported by Glasgow UNESCO City of Music. They are joined by acclaimed piper Finlay MacDonald, one of the new generations of brilliant young pipers.

Transmitted: Saturday 20 August
Time: 9.55pm – 10.25pm


Title: Trusadh – Ag Iomradh Sa Tarraing / Coastal Rowing

This Trusadh documentary will take a look at the resurgence in coastal rowing throughout Scotland, and we follow one of the latest groups to get involved in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis on their journey to join the ranks.

The arrival of the outboard engine brought a new way of life to coastal towns throughout Scotland. No longer were traditional wooden boats necessary and as their use declined so too did rowing. That is until a couple of years ago when the Scottish Coastal Rowing Project began, with the arrival of a new kit boat called the St Ayles Skiff. Over 40 different community groups have come together across Scotland to build their own skiff and then take part in one of the many regattas that have sprung up in their wake.

Transmitted: Monday 22 August
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm


Title: Leabhar an Aigh
This is the story of the man behind the indispensible Dwelly's Gaelic Dictionary.

Dwelly's Gaelic Dictionary is one of the most important works of Scottish scholarship, an indispensable reference guide for a century of Gaels since its first publication in 1901. This programme examines the amazing achievement of Edward Dwelly, who originally undertook the compilation for his own private use.

Transmitted: Thursday 25 August
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm


Title: 'S ann an Ile / Islay
'S ann an Ile explores the community of Islay through the prism of Gaelic. An unusual wedding takes place, and Islay's population soars as the lively Malt and Music Festival begins.

Transmitted: Friday 26 August
Time: 8.30pm – 9pm


Title: Dannsa/Dance Series

Over the course of this vibrant and highly energetic television series, viewers have followed six different dance groups from around Scotland through the highs and lows of rehearsal, competition and performance.

The last programme in the series will see the six divers dance groups perform together at the Tramway Theatre in an entertaining grand finale showcasing their work for a national television audience under the guidance of renowned Scottish choreographer Andy Howitt. The production took place to the accompaniment of a specially commissioned new piece of work by Quee MacArthur of Shooglenifty and the show will also feature special guest stars, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

The groups are highly diverse in location, style, aspiration, age and accomplishment, including BALLET WEST, the international dance school situated in Argyll, THE HEAVY SMOKERS, an independent breakdancing crew from Livingston, GOLDEN, an over 60's group run by DanceBase, the national centre for dance in Edinburgh, THE MARYHILL INTEGRATION NETWORK, a company of asylum seekers and refugees based in Glasgow, the aspiring hopefuls from THE SPACE at the School of Contemporary Dance in Dundee and FUSION from City Moves in Aberdeen, a teenage dance group.

Transmitted: Friday 26 August
Time: 9pm – 10.30pm

Councillor Donald Macdonald

Argyll and Bute Councillor Donald John Macdonald has died suddenly whilst on holiday in North Uist.

Council leader Councillor Dick Walsh expressed his shock and sadness at the news, and paid tribute to Councillor Macdonald’s contribution to the council over the last four years.

“This is devastating news. Donald was a conscientious and popular councillor who will be very sorely missed by all who came into contact with him,” Councillor Walsh said.

“His loss will be particular keenly felt in the Oban area, which he was so proud to serve and to which he devoted so much of his time and energy. He contributed greatly on a wide range of issues, both local and regional, and always with the best interests of his constituents in mind.

“I had a high regard for Donald, who was always a gentleman in his approach to council business and in dealing with his colleagues, whatever their political persuasion.

“I know I speak for everyone at Argyll and Bute Council when I say how sad we are to hear of his death. Our thoughts are of course with his family and friends, in particular his wife Dorothy and children Donald and Kirsty, who I will be contacting to express our condolences.”

Councillor Macdonald worked for many years for British Gas as a distribution engineering manager before taking early retirement in 2001.

He joined Argyll and Bute Council in 2007, representing the SNP for the Oban North and Lorn ward.

Public bodies in joint bid to boost Gaelic

Staff in offices, nature reserves and forest districts from Shetland to Dumfries and from Aberdeen to Tiree, will now be able to learn Gaelic by using an online Gaelic toolkit.

A group of Scottish public sector organisations are launching an innovative programme for their staff to learn Gaelic today, as part of a government commitment to support the language. Both Alasdair Allan, the Scottish Minister for Gaelic, and Dinny McGinley, the Irish Minister of State with special responsibility for Gaeltacht affairs, will be present at the launch.

The initiative, by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) and Crofters Commission, received funding from Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s Gaelic Language Act Implementation Fund.

Each toolkit, developed by the Skye-based company Cànan, includes a series of generic introductory lessons, as well as personalised glossaries of useful phrases, and terminology specific to each organisation.

They also include interactive maps showing office locations, forest districts and crofting counties, as well as a variety of puzzles and animations for easier learning. And more than 1,000 audio files allow the learner to hear, as well as see, the phrases.

Minister for Gaelic Alasdair Allan said:

“I am very pleased to see bodies which are key to Scotland’s rural infrastructure working alongside Bòrd na Gàidhlig to widen opportunities to learn the language and about how it relates to the day-to-day work of the organisations.

“We are determined to secure a sustainable future for Gaelic, and the involvement of public bodies with a strong presence in rural Scotland, particularly the North East, is key to moving forward.”

Dinny McGinley, the Irish Minister of State with special responsibility for Gaeltacht affairs, said:

“This is an exciting and innovative programme that demonstrates the positive benefits that can accrue from public sector companies working together on a shared vision. I commend all who were involved in developing this project and I have no doubt that there are valuable lessons we can learn from it in Ireland as we pursue the common goal of promoting increased awareness and usage of our native Irish language.”

Andrew Thin, SNH chairman, said:

“I’m sure the toolkit will prove invaluable to many of SNH’s staff. It’s another building block to make sure Gaelic not only survives but thrives in Scotland. This is so important for our culture and history – as well as practical for those working in the Highlands and Western Isles.”

John Angus Mackay, Bòrd na Gàidhlig chief executive, said:

“This is a truly innovative initiative and Bòrd na Gàidhlig congratulates the partner organisations on planning and implementing it. Its objectives, scope and scale are commendable. As well as the benefits the individual themselves will see both culturally and linguistically, each organisation is also investing in cultural diversity which better reflects today’s business environments, as well as raising the profile of our own national language.”

Simon Hodge, Forest Enterprise Scotland chief executive, said:

"Gaelic is an integral part of Scotland's heritage and national identity. We want to continue promoting the language externally but also internally to our own staff. The new online toolkit is a great interactive resource for staff which will help them build up a better knowledge of the language."

Argyll and Bute pubs fail the test

A high proportion of licensed premises across Argyll and Bute are failing to comply with relevant legislation.

A programme of visits by the council’s licensing standards team has revealed a startling level of non-compliance with the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.

The situation is made even more serious by the fact that all premises were written to advising that a visit would be taking place. The letter detailed the areas which would be looked at during the inspection and provided advice and guidance on the Act’s requirements – including draft statutory notices which they could display if they were not already doing so.

In the event, just 12 of the 92 premises visited were fully compliant with the legislation, leaving 80 needing remedial action.

Councillor Daniel Kelly, chair of Argyll and Bute’s Licensing Board, said he was shocked by the failures, and would have no hesitation in urging the Board to review the licenses of any premises which failed to take all reasonable steps to adhere to the law.

“It is extremely disappointing that despite the efforts of our licensing team in supporting licensed premises across the area, it appears that many of them are failing to comply with the basic legislation,” he said.

“The feedback I am getting is that most of this non-compliance is not wilful, but rather the result of ignorance of the requirements. This is not an acceptable excuse. Not only have all these licensees had ample opportunity to familiarise themselves with the Act, but also all have received information and support from our officers in how best to comply with it.

“It is shocking that 87% of those businesses inspected – who all knew well in advance that the inspection would be taking place – are failing in their duties as licensed premises.”

The criteria under which the premises were tested included the display of various statutory notices, staff training/knowledge, security and children and young persons’ policies.

Councillor Kelly said: “Licensing standards officers will now embark on an enforcement strategy – informing all licensees of the findings and providing advice and instruction regarding the areas identified as requiring further attention.

“The premises which failed these initial inspections will then be revisited to ensure that they have rectified the situation, and we will also be visiting other licensed outlets which have yet to be inspected.

“As part of this strategy, licensees should be in no doubt that compliance notices will be issued if necessary, and that they could well find themselves up before the Licensing Board if they continue to flout the law.”

Residents urged to have their say in social work plans

Local people across Argyll and Bute are being urged to give their opinions on the delivery of social work services over the next five years.

The council is about to launch a two-month public consultation on its draft plans for the future delivery of services to some of the area’s most vulnerable residents.

However, the authority is keen to ensure that the plans reflect the needs of social work clients and their carers before progressing to the next stage.

During August and September, the draft Commissioning Strategy and Plans will be distributed to all interested parties for their comments.

These include clients and their carers, staff, parents and families of children for whom services are provided, external service providers, elected members and other council departments and partner agencies such as NHS Highland, Argyll and Bute Community Health Partnership, Strathclyde Police, the Community Planning Partnership and the Alcohol and Drug Partnership.

At the same time, meetings will be held across the area to ensure that everyone has the chance to have their say over the proposals. There will also be an opportunity to post feedback online on the council’s website.

Only once all the comments returned have been collated and considered will the final strategy and plan be drafted later in the year.

The particular issues which the documents aim to address are:


Identifying the demand for social work services both now and in the future
Identifying and agreeing with clients and carers how these services will meet their needs
Planning and designing services to meet clients’ needs in partnership with clients and their carers
Putting these services in place either through the council providing them or by buying them from other organisations

Councillor Andrew Nisbet, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for social affairs, said: “The draft documents have been developed in order to ensure that care services become increasingly flexible.

“The challenges we face of increasing demand, shrinking budgets and the need to provide more personalised services, mean that we have to find better ways of providing services in the future. What we are striving for is to be able to provide a better quality of life for the people who use these services, as flexibly and efficiently as possible.”

One example of the changes proposed is for outside organisations to provide care at home services for older people, rather than the council.

The council is also to consider tendering services for those with a learning disability. In addition, the proposed closure and smaller scale replacement of the Argyll and Bute psychiatric hospital in Lochgilphead means the council and its community health partnership partners will have to make the changes necessary to accommodate clients in the community.



The council also plans to support people in controlling their own social care budgets if they wish, to ensure that the care services they buy meet their own personal requirements and priorities.

Councillor Nisbet said: “I would urge all those with an interest in this critical area to give us their comments during the consultation period.

“The plans will not be finalised until the consultation period is over and the feedback received has been assessed and reported to the council.

“We will make whatever changes we can to reflect the needs of clients and their carers, within the constraints of best value. In the current challenging financial climate, it is obviously vital that we ensure that we spend our money in the most effective way possible, and on those who need it most.”

The draft documents will be posted on the council’s website at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk from Monday, August 15. The consultation will end on Friday, October 14.

The timetable of public meetings will be available on the website from August 15.

PLANNING A PRIORITY AS NFUS WELCOMES AGRI-ENERGY STRATEGY

NFU Scotland has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement that it will develop an Agri-Renewables Strategy, with planning and grid connections identified as key challenges for farmers and land managers.

The Scottish Government’s announcement comes just two weeks after NFUS wrote to Cabinet Secretary, John Swinney calling for an independent expert group on renewables, highlighting the troubles NFUS members are facing with planning applications for renewable projects and connection to the national grid.

NFUS is prepared to help wherever necessary in providing information and support to all those involved in drafting the Agri-Renewables Strategy, believing firmly that agriculture has a crucial role to play in helping the Scottish Government achieve its very ambitious targets for carbon reduction, climate change and renewable energy provision.

NFU Scotland’s President, Nigel Miller said:

“The Scottish Government’s announcement that it will draw up an Agri-Renewables Strategy, with the assistance of industry representatives, is welcome and could be valuable for all farmers wanting to make the most of the opportunities for producing green energy on their land.

“The Scottish Government’s manifesto commitment to develop this strategy and, in particular, to simplify the planning process, were spot on. Scottish farmers and crofters have already contributed a great deal in terms of cutting carbon emissions and installing the means of producing renewable energy on their land, however, inconsistencies and constraints in the planning system mean that many farmers are struggling to get energy projects off the ground.

“The ambitious target to be able to produce 100% of our electricity demand equivalent from renewable sources by 2020 could be attainable, but we need a clear steer from the Scottish Government in setting out nationwide planning guidance and priorities for those applying for and approving renewable projects.

“NFU Scotland has built up a long list of examples from among its membership of where the system is and is not working and will offer to work closely with the Scottish Government and other industry representatives in order to help our farmers and crofters contribute to Scotland’s renewable energy aims.

“We have already got the ball rolling in tackling the planning issue and, in addition to our contact with the Scottish Government, we are meeting Scotland’s chief planner next week with a view to addressing the obstacles and anomalies that exist within the planning system and between Scotland’s local authorities.”

Changes to bus services in Mid Argyll and Kintyre

Changes to three bus services in Mid Argyll and Kintyre will come into force from Monday 15 August 2011. The 421 service from Inverliever to Tarbert, the 449 service from Campbeltown to Lochgilphead and the 422 service between Ardrishaig and Lochgilphead are all affected.

The 421 service will now run between Inverliever and Kilmaluaig, South of Ormsary. The experimental extension to Kilberry and Tarbert is being withdrawn. The timetable will go back to what it was before the extension was introduced. As a result the 447 service will now run between Tarbert and Kilberry (Coulaghailtro) on schooldays at school times and will operate to its previous timetable.

The extended route stopped at Port Ban Caravan Park and Kilberry which means there’ll now be no direct link between these places and Lochgilphead. This route has been changed because after an initial increase in the number of passengers they are now down twenty percent. Ending the extension and going back to previous timetables will save £17,080 a year.

The 449 ‘commuter coach’ from Campbeltown to Lochgilphead which ran Monday to Friday leaving at 0730 and returning at 1705 will stop. People will be able to use the Scottish Citylink coach which leaves Campbeltown at 0630 and 0830 and returns from Lochgilphead at 1629. On schooldays there is also a bus leaving Campbeltown at 0725 and returning from Lochgilphead at 1500. Scottish Citylink has agreed to introduce season ticket rates on the 926 service which offers regular travellers a saving on the normal fare. Removing the commuter service will mean a saving of £46,148.32.

The total annual saving being made from these changes will be £63, 228.52.

These services don’t operate on a commercial basis and need a high level of council support to keep them going. They were originally funded with a special ring-fenced grant provided by the Scottish Government but this doesn’t exist anymore.

Transport Spokesperson, Councillor Duncan MacIntyre said “I’m sorry these services have been reduced and changed. There were some difficult decisions to make on how to make savings on public transport in Argyll and Bute. I’d encourage people to look at the council’s website to make a note of the changes.”

After the School and Public Transport Review and savings agreed by the council in February 2011 the transport budgets were reduced from £726,035 to £275,000. The decision on which council supported bus services would no longer be funded was made by the council’s Executive in April.

Timetables at bus stop information panels on the council’s website,www.argyll-bute.gov.uk , will be updated as soon as possible. Up to date information is also available from Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.

In a separate development West Coast Motors have told the council they will be reducing the frequency of the 422 service between Ardrishaig and Lochgilphead. It will now be hourly instead of half hourly.