Monday, 5 September 2011
BBC Alba: Programme Highlights Saturday 10 September – Friday 16 September 2011
Title: Pro 12 Live Rugby – Ospreys v Edinburgh
Live rugby action from the Celtic League as Ospreys host Michael Bradley’s Edinburgh at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.
Last season’s fixtures between the sides ended in a share of the spoils, with one win apiece, and Edinburgh will be hoping for a repeat of their last encounter in March which saw them run out 23-16 winners at Murrayfield.
Transmitted: Saturday 10 September
Time: 6.25 – 8.20pm
Title: Cuirm @ Celtic – Art Club Comp
Julie Fowlis and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh present a roundup of some of the acts who appeared onstage at Glasgow’s Art Club during Celtic Connections 2011.
Transmitted: Saturday 10 September
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: SPL Hibernian v Aberdeen
‘As-live’ coverage from the Scottish Premier League as Colin Calderwood’s Hibernian face Craig Brown’s Aberdeen side at Easter Road, Edinburgh.
Transmitted: Sunday 11 September
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Breab / Teenage Reality Show
Breab is back with six new teenagers from across Scotland faced with tackling an array of interesting and varied challenges.
In this programme, the teenagers are given two stalls at Glasgow's Farmers Market to raise as much money as they can for charity. The catch? They must stock the stalls themselves.
We join the teenagers as they get their bakers whites on and quickly learn the art of baking, with one of the lecturers from the City of Glasgow College keeping a close eye on proceedings.
Transmitted: Wednesday 14 September
Time: 6.05 – 7.00pm
Title: Soillse – Saoghal na Surma / Black Samurai
In ‘Black Samurai’, we're thrust into the lives of the Surma people, one of the fiercest tribes of south-western Ethiopia, where war ravages the land.
Recently, because of a terrible famine, the Surma land has been infiltrated by hundreds of their lifelong enemies, the Bumis. They are aggressively seeking new territory, leaving the Surma no choice but physically defend their land. In this film, we follow Wole Kiwo and his group of Surma warriors, as they watch over confines of their territory to prevent attacks from the Bumis.
War is about to break out, and the Surma King decides to call for a Donga. The Donga is a dual with long sticks during which blood must be shed. It helps the clan and supply a contingent of new fighters for the upcoming battles.
Transmitted: Wednesday 14 September
Time: 9.00 – 9.50pm
Title: Fuil a Chiùil
Exploring the musical links within families and across generations. In 2001, three families are already making a name for themselves in traditional music circles - the MacKenzie sisters, Ruaraidh, Marianne and Rory Campbell and the young Henderson clan.
They discuss their musical influences and the impact of their families on their developing talent and the programme captures a snapshot of their musical journey up until that point and their ambitions going forward.
Transmitted: Friday 16 September
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
SIX TEENAGERS FEATURE IN NEW REALITY SERIES ON BBC ALBA
The reality series which follows talented young Gaels on a journey of discovery returns to our screens on BBC ALBA.
‘BREAB’ (‘Kick’) which was shortlisted in the Young People category of this year’s Celtic Media Festival, is back for a fourth series and will provide an exciting insight into the lives of six young Gaels as they gather to face an array of challenging tasks.
The series features six, fresh young Gaelic speaking teenagers from all over Scotland as they spend two action packed weeks together in both town and country locations.
In the latest series, the teens skid into action with go-karting; get hot in the kitchen with a cookery challenge and face physical obstacles when they ‘go country’ facing outdoor pursuits and the prospect of sleeping under the stars for a night.
Can the six also handle the heat when they are faced with the challenge of being fire-fighters for the day, and we get to see the drama-queens amongst the group shine during the acting challenge on the River City set.
In their final challenge the six ‘Breabsters’ head to Perthshire to face a 40ft bungee drop, and with the cameras rolling, will they all make the leap?
The chosen six teenagers, from auditions that took place throughout Scotland, are:
· Katie aged 17 from Skye - Katie just loves to talk! When she isn't talking, she is yawning. She is a laid back, chilled out girl who loves photography, walking, hanging out with her friends and going to music festivals. She loves all types of music but her musical hero is Bruce Springsteen. She describes herself as “full of fun, always laughing and willing to give anything a try”.
· Annemarie aged 16 from Barra - Annemarie is a chilled out happy go lucky islander. Her great passion is dancing and when she isn't dancing, she loves to get out running on Barra. She thinks there is nowhere better in the world than her island. She loves hanging out with her friends on the beach and enjoys a good gossip over a cup of tea. She describes herself as “bossy, sporty, confident and happy but my dad made me admit to also being lazy”.
· Catriona aged 17 from Inverness - Catriona is an accomplished step dancer and loves dancing and singing with her friends. She is fun loving and is always playing pranks on her friends. She plays an active part in a local radio station and one day would love to work in the media. She describes herself as “bossy at home, fun, crazy but also nice”.
· Carwyn aged 16 from Aberdeen - Carwyn, at 6' 5" is the tallest of all the ‘Breabsters’. Playing Rugby league for Scotland and skateboarding with friends makes him happiest! He also loves being out and about in his hometown of Aberdeen and relishes heading down to the recording studio to jam with his mates in his band in which he plays the bass guitar. He describes himself as “funny, interesting and sporty”.
· Gordon aged 16 from Lewis - Gordon is the sporty ‘Breabster’, playing football in his hometown of Stornoway for the local U16s and U18s team, describing himself as a fast but not very accurate striker. He also takes part in the local athletics team where he trains weekly. When he isn't busy at sport, he loves chilling out in Bernera where he grew up. He heads out with his fishing rod though he admits he isn't always so good at catching anything. He says there is no better place than the island of Lewis and would describe himself as “sporty, loves a good laugh and can get very competitive at sport”.
· Daniel aged 15 from Mallaig - Daniel at 15 is the youngest of the ‘Breabsters’ - but certainly not the quietest! He loves hanging out in the beautiful countryside around Mallaig with his friends and he cooks up a storm where he works in the kitchen of a local restaurant. He isn't sure what he wants to do when he leaves school, but would love to make lots of money! He describes himself as “pretty laid back and loves getting the craic with his mates”.
Speaking Gaelic is the one thing they all have in common and the level of fluency is mixed but Breab represents real teens growing up in rural and urban Scotland with Gaelic being taught in school or spoken in the home. Katie, Catriona, Gordon, Carwyn, Annemarie and Daniel are a real inspiration to young learners and native speakers alike.
Can they kick it, will there be tears and will they get on? Find out as ‘BREAB’ starts broadcasting weekly, over six weeks, on BBC ALBA starting Wednesday 31st August at 6.05pm.
BREAB has been produced by BBC Gàidhlig for BBC ALBA.
‘BREAB’ (‘Kick’) which was shortlisted in the Young People category of this year’s Celtic Media Festival, is back for a fourth series and will provide an exciting insight into the lives of six young Gaels as they gather to face an array of challenging tasks.
The series features six, fresh young Gaelic speaking teenagers from all over Scotland as they spend two action packed weeks together in both town and country locations.
In the latest series, the teens skid into action with go-karting; get hot in the kitchen with a cookery challenge and face physical obstacles when they ‘go country’ facing outdoor pursuits and the prospect of sleeping under the stars for a night.
Can the six also handle the heat when they are faced with the challenge of being fire-fighters for the day, and we get to see the drama-queens amongst the group shine during the acting challenge on the River City set.
In their final challenge the six ‘Breabsters’ head to Perthshire to face a 40ft bungee drop, and with the cameras rolling, will they all make the leap?
The chosen six teenagers, from auditions that took place throughout Scotland, are:
· Katie aged 17 from Skye - Katie just loves to talk! When she isn't talking, she is yawning. She is a laid back, chilled out girl who loves photography, walking, hanging out with her friends and going to music festivals. She loves all types of music but her musical hero is Bruce Springsteen. She describes herself as “full of fun, always laughing and willing to give anything a try”.
· Annemarie aged 16 from Barra - Annemarie is a chilled out happy go lucky islander. Her great passion is dancing and when she isn't dancing, she loves to get out running on Barra. She thinks there is nowhere better in the world than her island. She loves hanging out with her friends on the beach and enjoys a good gossip over a cup of tea. She describes herself as “bossy, sporty, confident and happy but my dad made me admit to also being lazy”.
· Catriona aged 17 from Inverness - Catriona is an accomplished step dancer and loves dancing and singing with her friends. She is fun loving and is always playing pranks on her friends. She plays an active part in a local radio station and one day would love to work in the media. She describes herself as “bossy at home, fun, crazy but also nice”.
· Carwyn aged 16 from Aberdeen - Carwyn, at 6' 5" is the tallest of all the ‘Breabsters’. Playing Rugby league for Scotland and skateboarding with friends makes him happiest! He also loves being out and about in his hometown of Aberdeen and relishes heading down to the recording studio to jam with his mates in his band in which he plays the bass guitar. He describes himself as “funny, interesting and sporty”.
· Gordon aged 16 from Lewis - Gordon is the sporty ‘Breabster’, playing football in his hometown of Stornoway for the local U16s and U18s team, describing himself as a fast but not very accurate striker. He also takes part in the local athletics team where he trains weekly. When he isn't busy at sport, he loves chilling out in Bernera where he grew up. He heads out with his fishing rod though he admits he isn't always so good at catching anything. He says there is no better place than the island of Lewis and would describe himself as “sporty, loves a good laugh and can get very competitive at sport”.
· Daniel aged 15 from Mallaig - Daniel at 15 is the youngest of the ‘Breabsters’ - but certainly not the quietest! He loves hanging out in the beautiful countryside around Mallaig with his friends and he cooks up a storm where he works in the kitchen of a local restaurant. He isn't sure what he wants to do when he leaves school, but would love to make lots of money! He describes himself as “pretty laid back and loves getting the craic with his mates”.
Speaking Gaelic is the one thing they all have in common and the level of fluency is mixed but Breab represents real teens growing up in rural and urban Scotland with Gaelic being taught in school or spoken in the home. Katie, Catriona, Gordon, Carwyn, Annemarie and Daniel are a real inspiration to young learners and native speakers alike.
Can they kick it, will there be tears and will they get on? Find out as ‘BREAB’ starts broadcasting weekly, over six weeks, on BBC ALBA starting Wednesday 31st August at 6.05pm.
BREAB has been produced by BBC Gàidhlig for BBC ALBA.
WALKER TAKES UP TOP POST AT NFU SCOTLAND
Scott Walker has this week taken up his new position as Chief Executive of NFU Scotland.
Scott has been part of the NFU Scotland staff body for 17 years, working at Head Office and in the regions in a number of positions including Commodity Director, Regional Policy Team Manager and most recently as Policy Director.
Speaking about his new role, Scott Walker said:
“My primary focus is ensuring that NFU Scotland remains relevant to members. Farms are changing and we have to change with them. We don’t need a radical overhaul, but we do need to make sure we provide the right services and are prioritising the right issues for the benefit of our members.
“The big picture policy work, such as CAP reform, will continue to form the backbone of NFUS. We have been working hard to ensure that the views of the individual farming sectors are heard within Scottish Government and further afield on this issue, and that will remain a priority in the run up to the 2014 reform. Ultimately NFU Scotland is a lobbying organisation and we haven’t forgotten that. We have built strong political relationships which we won’t be taking for granted.
“Our members’ interests are wider than ever before. The Union is here to support farm-based businesses and as such it is important that we are equipped to tackle new issues alongside our long-standing priorities. Ambitious renewable targets are now upon us, members have issues with planning applications, and more farmers are looking into diversification projects such as agri-tourism. In addition we are concentrating on selling the benefits of Scottish agriculture to processors and retailers in order to secure better returns for our members.
“I’m confident we’re in a good position to tackle all these challenges. NFUS has great strength in our group secretary network and a hugely talented staff body, and it is through them that I intend to build on the personal service we offer to members over the coming months and years. I will also be looking to enhance the current working relationships we have with other organisations to see how we can help our members together.
“I am fortunate to be taking over a hugely successful organisation that has been left in good health by James Withers, who did a fantastic job for NFUS. It is my intention to build on that legacy going forward and I look forward to this new chapter and new challenge.”
Friday, 26 August 2011
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 3 September – Friday 9 September 2011
Title: Cuirm Ciuil dha Gordon / The Gordon Duncan Experience
The Gordon Duncan Experience concert is the fourth concert held in Perth in the memory of Gordon Duncan, a piper, folk musician and composer, who is widely regarded as one of the most skilled and innovative traditional music performers and composers of modern times.
The 2010 concert features performances from Seamus Begley & Tim Edey, Willie MacCallum, Old Blind Dogs, Galician piper Xose Manuel Budino, The Pitlochry & Blair Atholl Pipe Band and the Gordy Duncan Jr Band.
While steeped in the art of traditional highland piping, his approach to his music was always imaginative, fresh and at times radical, to the extent that his influence can be heard within an entire generation of younger musicians across Scotland and well beyond. Gordon died in December 2005, aged 41.
The annual concert is organized by the Gordon Duncan Trust, which was set up for the promotion of piping and other forms of traditional music amongst young people in Scotland, and this concert features performances by over 30 young musicians who have benefited from the work in the trust by being part of the Gordon Duncan Experience orchestra.
Transmitted: Saturday 3 September
Time: 8.55 – 10.00pm
Title: Cuirm @ Celtic: Taigh Ciuil - Dual
Dual, the top Scottish and Irish musicians in concert during Celtic Connections 2011. With Julie Fowlis, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Eamon Doorley and Tony Byrne.
Transmitted: Saturday 3 September
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Trusadh – Canada An Turas / The Journey
Take the journey of a lifetime from the mystical Hebridean shores of the Isle of Lewis, over the Atlantic to the historical heart of
Canada - Prince Edward Island. In this action-packed hour we find out what happens when a group of Gaelic exchange students
head out to meet their Canadian counterparts, as they each experience student life, leisure & family as a Canadian.
To kick the exchange off the Canadians spend a week on Lewis tracing their lineage and brushing up on their Gaelic.
Despite being separated by the mighty Atlantic, these two groups of students might have a lot in common. What will the natives
of Prince Edward Island make of the Heather Isle?
Tweed waulking, bridge jumping, exploring new delicacies, every step of the way through the eyes of the children.
Transmitted: Monday 5 September
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Breab
Breab is back with six new teenagers from across Scotland and plenty of challenges to throw at them.
The teenagers face a series of physical challenges on a camping trip in the great outdoors. Teamwork is needed to succeed but will it be the boys or girls who come out on top?
Transmitted: Wednesday 7 September
Time: 6.05 – 7.05pm
Title: Fergie
A profile of Fergie MacDonald, one of Scotland's most enigmatic and enduring musicians. In this revealing and candid documentary, filmed around the Highlands and Islands, Fergie revisits many friends and locations where he has played his distinctive brand of ceilidh music for over forty years.
Transmitted: Friday 9 September
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Scottish Govt Press Release on Salmon Farming Industry
SCOTTISH SALMON EXPORTS ON THE RISE
Government and industry team up to encourage further investment in salmon sector
Scottish farmed salmon continues to show record export growth, according to the latest figures released as the Environment Minister attends the key event in the international trade calendar.
Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson will be joined at Aqua Nor in Norway by representatives of Scottish Development International (SDI), the Scottish Government, Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation (SSPO).
Exports of fresh Scottish salmon have continued to rise and are up 37 per cent, comparing the start of 2011 (January to May) with the same period last year. The Scottish delegation at Aqua Nor aims to encourage investment in Scotland’s industry and support sustainable growth.
During his three-day visit, Mr Stevenson will meet with senior executives from some of the major salmon farming companies, as well as Lisbeth Berg-Hansen, Norwegian Fisheries Minister, and Pablo Galilea, Chilean Vice Minister for Fisheries. Norway, Chile and Scotland are the world’s top three producers of farmed salmon.
Mr Stevenson said:
"Scottish salmon is a high quality, delicious product that is becoming increasingly popular around the world – as illustrated by the latest booming export figures. Last year salmon accounted for 36 per cent of the value of Scottish food exports, while the industry also provides much needed employment opportunities in our fragile rural communities.
"It's important that we continue to promote this key product and encourage further investment in the industry, as well as working with others internationally on ways to continue improving the environmental sustainability of aquaculture. These are areas I will be discussing with my Norwegian and Chilean counterparts, while also sharing successes Scotland has had in the development of our industry."
SDI chief executive Anne MacColl said:
"The quality of Scottish salmon is globally renowned and earlier this year it was voted the best farmed salmon in the world in an independent poll of international seafood buyers. The fact that farmed salmon is now Scotland’s largest food export underlines the contribution it makes to our economy, so we are looking to support this industry in any way we can.
"We are working with our industry and government colleagues to increase investment for the benefit of our economy, and are looking forward to a series of successful meetings in Trondheim."
Scott Landsburgh, Chief Executive of SSPO, said:
"We welcome this joined-up approach to attracting further investment as the sector is enjoying an upward trend, confidence is high and demand continues to increase.
"The salmon farming sector has made around £150 million in capital investment during the last five years – the vast majority of this has been in the Highlands and Islands. Salmon farming is capital intensive and this initiative will help to inform future investment strategies in remote, rural economies in Scotland."
Iain Sutherland, senior manager for aquaculture at HIE, said:
"Scottish salmon, exported from some of our most remote and rural locations in the Highlands and Islands, is celebrated across the world. As our largest food export its success can be attributed to the quality, taste and the hard work and experience of the generations of men and women in the businesses.
"From Shetland in the north to Bute in the west, HIE is working with ambitious businesses every day to support growth in the international arena."
Background
While meeting the Norwegian Fisheries Minister (on Monday evening), Mr Stevenson expressed his condolences to the Norwegian people, for the atrocities committed in Norway last month. Mr Stevenson is the first Scottish Minister to visit Norway since this took place.
Mr Stevenson will hold one-to-one meetings with salmon companies operating in Scotland, as well as touring the Aqua Nor exhibition to meet Scotland-based exhibitors. Aqua Nor, held in Trondheim, is an important international event for the aquaculture industry, showcasing the latest products, services, and research and development projects.
Key facts about Scottish salmon farming:
· Exports of fresh Scottish farmed salmon have risen to 34,840 tonnes (Jan – May 2011), an increase of 37 per cent when compared with the same period for the previous year;
· Scotland is the largest producer of farmed Atlantic salmon in the EU and the third largest globally, behind Norway and Chile;
· It is expected to be confirmed soon that Scottish salmon production increased to over 150,000 tonnes in 2010, which would be a third successive annual increase;
· In 2010 salmon farming provided 1,813 direct jobs in Scotland, an increase of around 15 per cent on the previous year (while many more jobs are supported indirectly).
Government and industry team up to encourage further investment in salmon sector
Scottish farmed salmon continues to show record export growth, according to the latest figures released as the Environment Minister attends the key event in the international trade calendar.
Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson will be joined at Aqua Nor in Norway by representatives of Scottish Development International (SDI), the Scottish Government, Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation (SSPO).
Exports of fresh Scottish salmon have continued to rise and are up 37 per cent, comparing the start of 2011 (January to May) with the same period last year. The Scottish delegation at Aqua Nor aims to encourage investment in Scotland’s industry and support sustainable growth.
During his three-day visit, Mr Stevenson will meet with senior executives from some of the major salmon farming companies, as well as Lisbeth Berg-Hansen, Norwegian Fisheries Minister, and Pablo Galilea, Chilean Vice Minister for Fisheries. Norway, Chile and Scotland are the world’s top three producers of farmed salmon.
Mr Stevenson said:
"Scottish salmon is a high quality, delicious product that is becoming increasingly popular around the world – as illustrated by the latest booming export figures. Last year salmon accounted for 36 per cent of the value of Scottish food exports, while the industry also provides much needed employment opportunities in our fragile rural communities.
"It's important that we continue to promote this key product and encourage further investment in the industry, as well as working with others internationally on ways to continue improving the environmental sustainability of aquaculture. These are areas I will be discussing with my Norwegian and Chilean counterparts, while also sharing successes Scotland has had in the development of our industry."
SDI chief executive Anne MacColl said:
"The quality of Scottish salmon is globally renowned and earlier this year it was voted the best farmed salmon in the world in an independent poll of international seafood buyers. The fact that farmed salmon is now Scotland’s largest food export underlines the contribution it makes to our economy, so we are looking to support this industry in any way we can.
"We are working with our industry and government colleagues to increase investment for the benefit of our economy, and are looking forward to a series of successful meetings in Trondheim."
Scott Landsburgh, Chief Executive of SSPO, said:
"We welcome this joined-up approach to attracting further investment as the sector is enjoying an upward trend, confidence is high and demand continues to increase.
"The salmon farming sector has made around £150 million in capital investment during the last five years – the vast majority of this has been in the Highlands and Islands. Salmon farming is capital intensive and this initiative will help to inform future investment strategies in remote, rural economies in Scotland."
Iain Sutherland, senior manager for aquaculture at HIE, said:
"Scottish salmon, exported from some of our most remote and rural locations in the Highlands and Islands, is celebrated across the world. As our largest food export its success can be attributed to the quality, taste and the hard work and experience of the generations of men and women in the businesses.
"From Shetland in the north to Bute in the west, HIE is working with ambitious businesses every day to support growth in the international arena."
Background
While meeting the Norwegian Fisheries Minister (on Monday evening), Mr Stevenson expressed his condolences to the Norwegian people, for the atrocities committed in Norway last month. Mr Stevenson is the first Scottish Minister to visit Norway since this took place.
Mr Stevenson will hold one-to-one meetings with salmon companies operating in Scotland, as well as touring the Aqua Nor exhibition to meet Scotland-based exhibitors. Aqua Nor, held in Trondheim, is an important international event for the aquaculture industry, showcasing the latest products, services, and research and development projects.
Key facts about Scottish salmon farming:
· Exports of fresh Scottish farmed salmon have risen to 34,840 tonnes (Jan – May 2011), an increase of 37 per cent when compared with the same period for the previous year;
· Scotland is the largest producer of farmed Atlantic salmon in the EU and the third largest globally, behind Norway and Chile;
· It is expected to be confirmed soon that Scottish salmon production increased to over 150,000 tonnes in 2010, which would be a third successive annual increase;
· In 2010 salmon farming provided 1,813 direct jobs in Scotland, an increase of around 15 per cent on the previous year (while many more jobs are supported indirectly).
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 27 August – Friday 2 September 2011
Title: SPL St Johnstone v Dundee United
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as St Johnstone host Dundee United at McDiarmid Park.
Transmitted: Saturday 27 August
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Cuirm @ Celtic: Na Caimbeulaich
Julie Fowlis and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh present The Campbells of Greepe, one of the singing dynasties of Gaelic music, from Celtic Connections 2011.
Transmitted: Saturday 27 August
Time: 9.55 – 10.25pm
Title: Breab
Breab is back with six teenagers from all over Scotland who have signed up to two weeks of Breab challenges!
In this first programme, the islanders are pitted against the mainlanders as they take part in a go-kart race and fight it out in Combat City – a new version of paintballing. But how will our six get on together and how will they cope under pressure? This is Breab!
Transmitted: Wednesday 31 August
Time: 6.05 – 7.05pm
Title: Soillse – Spors is Grinneas / Footballers and Beauty Queens
Taking place in the middle of the world's largest rainforest, the Peladão is a unique event that involves thousands of footballers and hundreds of beauty queens.
Football and women are the twin obsessions of Brazilian culture and the Peladão shows how the two come together. The football tournament doubles up as another competition: each team chooses its beauty queen. And the Miss Football contest can have a direct influence on the matches.
Transmitted: Wednesday 31 August
Time: 9.00 – 9.55pm
Title: Togail Sgeoil
An appreciation of the work of Dr John MacInnes, Gaeldom's foremost folklorist. Formerly based in the School of Scottish Studies in Edinburgh, he has collected the oral literature and tradition of Gaelic speakers throughout Scotland.
Transmitted: Thursday 1 September
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Pro 12 Live Rugby - Ulster V Glasgow
Action with Ulster and Glasgow Warriors in the RaboDirect Pro 12 competition.
Transmitted: Friday 2 September
Time: 7.00 – 8.55pm
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
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.”
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