Argyll and Bute Council is further improving its green credentials and reducing its carbon footprint by investing in four hybrid vehicles.
The vehicles, three 17 seater minibuses and a transit van, are replacing older diesel vehicles and were bought as part of the effort to tackle climate change. This is an important first step in reducing transport emissions and it is predicted that fuel savings and carbon release will be reduced by between 15 – 25 percent.
The council invested in hybrid technology because it is an ideal solution for the geography of Argyll and Bute. This is because hybrid vehicles don’t have the same range restrictions as all-electric vehicles.
The minibuses are based in Dunoon, and as well as taking children in the area to and from school during the week will be available for community group use at weekends.
Council Leader Dick Walsh said, “I am delighted that the council, as part of the Community Planning Partnership is taking a leading role in reducing road transport carbon emissions. This is a great opportunity for the council to introduce and evaluate low carbon vehicles in a wide range of working environments. The feedback from the drivers will help us respond to the Scottish Government on their use and suitability.”
Wednesday, 25 January 2012
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Argyll and Bute Council budget proposals to be published
Argyll and Bute’s 2012/13 draft budget papers will be published later this week.
The proposals have been drawn up following a lengthy period of public consultation, during which the council sought to engage the maximum possible number of individuals and groups.
The aim of the consultation was to alert people to the budget process and to the need for the council to make significant savings, and give residents the opportunity to make suggestions as to what they think the council’s spending priorities should be.
The consultation ran from October 13 to December 6 2011, and residents were encouraged to participate in events and activities across the region, as well as online. Among them were:
Publication of budget information on the council’s website, with a brief survey. The budget consultation web pages recorded more than 1,200 unique hits during the consultation period.
Inclusion of the same survey questions in the Autumn 2011 Citizens’ Panel survey
An online budget simulator, which allowed respondents to devise budget scenarios and leave comments. The simulator provided an interactive way for the public to view some of the consequences of budget decisions and highlighted the difficulties faced by the council in presenting a balanced budget
Use of a ‘budget@argyll-bute.gov.uk’ email address for submission of comments and questions
A programme of 10 meetings across the region involving budget consultation sessions
Provision of postcards and comment boxes in public areas of 63 council-run facilities
Webchats with the council leader and the senior management team
Emails to 54 community councils
The council commissioned Argyll Voluntary Action (AVA) to carry out a consultation on the budget with ‘hard to reach’ groups.
Information sent to all local press, generating articles in all of the main local papers
Sending out three tweets every day of the six-week consultation period, aimed at the council’s 1,500+ Twitter followers
Council leader, Councillor Dick Walsh, said: “This was one of the most comprehensive consultations we have ever undertaken. Our aim was to engage with the widest possible cross section of the Argyll and Bute community, and we took on board people’s suggestions as to how we might reach the maximum number of residents.
“The consultation set out the overall context for our budget, and showed how funds are currently divided between service areas.
“We also clearly set out the financial challenges we face as a result of the reduction in overall public sector finance, and asked our residents for their views and responses to various questions.”
From the beginning of the consultation exercise, comments received were passed to the Budget Working Group, Heads of Service and the Strategic Management Team on a weekly basis.
Councillor Walsh said: “The responses we received covered a huge range of issues – some high level and strategic, and others focusing on local or, in some cases, personal matters.
“However, a common thread throughout was a widespread recognition among respondents that cuts to council services are inevitable.
“Our job is to ensure that – wherever possible – we safeguard and invest in the areas which people have told us they most want to protect, while at the same time identifying the necessary savings to ensure we can balance our budget.
“I believe the draft proposals published later this week will provide a solid basis on which to achieve that. We have listened to what people have said to us, and will continue to consider how best to take account of their views.
“I would like to thank all those who took the time to feed into in the very challenging task of drawing up the draft 2012/2013 budget. The feedback on the consultation from those who took part was positive, and we will continue to look for ways in which we can further engage our residents and communities on the best way forward for Argyll and Bute Council in the future.”
The budget papers will be published on Thursday (January 26 2012).
The proposals have been drawn up following a lengthy period of public consultation, during which the council sought to engage the maximum possible number of individuals and groups.
The aim of the consultation was to alert people to the budget process and to the need for the council to make significant savings, and give residents the opportunity to make suggestions as to what they think the council’s spending priorities should be.
The consultation ran from October 13 to December 6 2011, and residents were encouraged to participate in events and activities across the region, as well as online. Among them were:
Publication of budget information on the council’s website, with a brief survey. The budget consultation web pages recorded more than 1,200 unique hits during the consultation period.
Inclusion of the same survey questions in the Autumn 2011 Citizens’ Panel survey
An online budget simulator, which allowed respondents to devise budget scenarios and leave comments. The simulator provided an interactive way for the public to view some of the consequences of budget decisions and highlighted the difficulties faced by the council in presenting a balanced budget
Use of a ‘budget@argyll-bute.gov.uk’ email address for submission of comments and questions
A programme of 10 meetings across the region involving budget consultation sessions
Provision of postcards and comment boxes in public areas of 63 council-run facilities
Webchats with the council leader and the senior management team
Emails to 54 community councils
The council commissioned Argyll Voluntary Action (AVA) to carry out a consultation on the budget with ‘hard to reach’ groups.
Information sent to all local press, generating articles in all of the main local papers
Sending out three tweets every day of the six-week consultation period, aimed at the council’s 1,500+ Twitter followers
Council leader, Councillor Dick Walsh, said: “This was one of the most comprehensive consultations we have ever undertaken. Our aim was to engage with the widest possible cross section of the Argyll and Bute community, and we took on board people’s suggestions as to how we might reach the maximum number of residents.
“The consultation set out the overall context for our budget, and showed how funds are currently divided between service areas.
“We also clearly set out the financial challenges we face as a result of the reduction in overall public sector finance, and asked our residents for their views and responses to various questions.”
From the beginning of the consultation exercise, comments received were passed to the Budget Working Group, Heads of Service and the Strategic Management Team on a weekly basis.
Councillor Walsh said: “The responses we received covered a huge range of issues – some high level and strategic, and others focusing on local or, in some cases, personal matters.
“However, a common thread throughout was a widespread recognition among respondents that cuts to council services are inevitable.
“Our job is to ensure that – wherever possible – we safeguard and invest in the areas which people have told us they most want to protect, while at the same time identifying the necessary savings to ensure we can balance our budget.
“I believe the draft proposals published later this week will provide a solid basis on which to achieve that. We have listened to what people have said to us, and will continue to consider how best to take account of their views.
“I would like to thank all those who took the time to feed into in the very challenging task of drawing up the draft 2012/2013 budget. The feedback on the consultation from those who took part was positive, and we will continue to look for ways in which we can further engage our residents and communities on the best way forward for Argyll and Bute Council in the future.”
The budget papers will be published on Thursday (January 26 2012).
New Council arrangements for handling initial planning enquiries
A new ‘golden number’ is being introduced to make it easier for members of the public with planning enquiries to contact Argyll and Bute Council.
The number – 01546 605518 – will go live tomorrow (Tuesday, January 24) and will replace planning services’ previous reception numbers in the various council areas.
Anyone dialling one of the old numbers will hear a message telling them about the new golden number before being automatically transferred to it.
Chair of the planning, protective services and licensing committee, Councillor Daniel Kelly, said it was all part of making the council more customer-friendly.
“We wanted to ensure that the system for handling initial customer enquiries regarding planning made the best use of our significant investment in the Customer Service Centre and Customer Service Points,” he added.
“From tomorrow, customers will be able to dial this one single number and have all their queries dealt with from there.
“This will not affect people’s ability to contact planning officers directly, which they will still be able to do in the same way as before. It will simply make it easier and quicker for those with a general enquiry to reach someone who can answer it for them.
“At the same time, of course, it will also make the council more efficient by reducing the duplication of reception functions and minimising the various numbers which customers currently call to find help.”
The new number – which has 20 lines available at any one time - will handle all initial customer contacts for planning services, including building standards and planning policy.
The customer services advisors who will answer the calls will:
Answer any planning and general building enquiries where possible
Pass calls to planning services officers where requested, or pass on messages by email
Take payments for any planning related fees
Advise customers of the progress of a particular planning application
Deal with requests for copy documents, planning policy documents and/or CDs
Deal with requests for planning application forms
Where a customer is seeking an appointment ,advisors will pass on details of their requirements to the relevant officer to arrange a call back
The customer service points in each of Argyll and Bute’s main towns will still be able to take face to face enquiries relating to planning, along with the full range of council and payment services they already offer.
Posters advertising the new golden number have already been put up in the customer service points and in planning office receptions.
The number – 01546 605518 – will go live tomorrow (Tuesday, January 24) and will replace planning services’ previous reception numbers in the various council areas.
Anyone dialling one of the old numbers will hear a message telling them about the new golden number before being automatically transferred to it.
Chair of the planning, protective services and licensing committee, Councillor Daniel Kelly, said it was all part of making the council more customer-friendly.
“We wanted to ensure that the system for handling initial customer enquiries regarding planning made the best use of our significant investment in the Customer Service Centre and Customer Service Points,” he added.
“From tomorrow, customers will be able to dial this one single number and have all their queries dealt with from there.
“This will not affect people’s ability to contact planning officers directly, which they will still be able to do in the same way as before. It will simply make it easier and quicker for those with a general enquiry to reach someone who can answer it for them.
“At the same time, of course, it will also make the council more efficient by reducing the duplication of reception functions and minimising the various numbers which customers currently call to find help.”
The new number – which has 20 lines available at any one time - will handle all initial customer contacts for planning services, including building standards and planning policy.
The customer services advisors who will answer the calls will:
Answer any planning and general building enquiries where possible
Pass calls to planning services officers where requested, or pass on messages by email
Take payments for any planning related fees
Advise customers of the progress of a particular planning application
Deal with requests for copy documents, planning policy documents and/or CDs
Deal with requests for planning application forms
Where a customer is seeking an appointment ,advisors will pass on details of their requirements to the relevant officer to arrange a call back
The customer service points in each of Argyll and Bute’s main towns will still be able to take face to face enquiries relating to planning, along with the full range of council and payment services they already offer.
Posters advertising the new golden number have already been put up in the customer service points and in planning office receptions.
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 28 January – Friday 3 February 2012
Title: SPL Motherwell v St. Johnstone
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Motherwell host St Johnstone at Fir Park.
Transmitted: Saturday 28 January
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Paddy Keenan agus 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 28 January
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Trusadh: ME An Sgiths Nimheil/The Toxic Tiredness
In the second episode of a two part special, Trusadh takes a deeper look into the world of ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), a debilitating disease which affects more than 250,000 people in the UK. Scientific opinion is split as to the origins and nature of the illness, and the best way to approach treatment. The episode focuses on the controversial work of a David Mickel, a Scottish doctor who believes he has found the 'cure' to ME - a talking therapy which addresses an imbalance in the emotional centre of the brain. He has no scientific proof, but claims an astonishing success rate. We follow two patients as they undergo his therapy, and hear a very different perspective on the illness from neurologist, Prof. Peter Behan, who carried out groundbreaking studies on ME at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow.
The stakes are high for the ME sufferers, Allison MacColl from Ness in Lewis, and Kim Ayres from Castle Douglas in Dumfriesshire. Both have suffered from ME for many years, and have had their lives turned upside down. Both were resigned to life with an illness which some doctors even now do not believe in. The ME Association, the charity which represents sufferers in the UK, is highly sceptical. Can Allison and Kim dare to hope?
Transmitted: Monday 30 January
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Eòrpa
Roddy Munro looks back through the Eorpa archive at stories that the team has covered on human rights issues.
Transmitted: Wednesday 1 February
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Gleusta
Gleusta is a fast, exciting studio game show in which two teams of youngsters go head to head in a battle of brains, wit and agility.
With the support of a special celebrity guest, the teams meet on the studio set of Gleusta and battle over five rounds of competition.
This week's programme features teams from Laxdale Primary School and Broadford Primary School, with special guests Kerry Ann MacLeod and Moira MacDonald. Gleusta is presented by Liz Pyper and Steven MacIver, directed by Michael Hines and produced for Sealladh by Morag Stewart.
Transmitted: Thursday 2 February
Time: 5.30 – 6.00pm
Title: Glasgow City FC
This week Anne Morrison joins Rachel at her graduation in Aberdeen and having made it to the last 32 of the Champions League, the girls face Iceland Champions Valur Reykjavik in Glasgow.
Transmitted: Thursday 2 February
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Partaig
The MacLeod clan are out and about the fortnightly Farmer's Market in the heart of Partick, trying foods from across Europe. With the FilmG award ceremony at Eden Court up in Inverness and the opening night of Aileen's pub where she has evening shifts brings a bit of glitz to some of the Partick residents this week.
Meanwhile, Donnie is with the lads down at Partick Bowling Club and Rev Murdo Angus is out and about visiting his Partick parishioners. Nan does a Gaelic class with a twist and Shona attends the GGs choir practice.
Transmitted: Thursday 2 February
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Alba 1984
Experience some of the stories hitting the headlines in 1984 through archive footage and the year's chart hits: the effects of the miners' strike are felt across the country, Robert Mugabe is honoured by Edinburgh University for his services to education in Africa and a steam train is introduced on the Fort William to Mallaig railway line in an attempt to attract more tourists to the Highlands. The year's chart hits include Prince's Purple Rain, Young at Heart from The Bluebells and Band Aid's Do They Know It's Christmas.
Transmitted: Friday 3 February
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Motherwell host St Johnstone at Fir Park.
Transmitted: Saturday 28 January
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Paddy Keenan agus 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 28 January
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Trusadh: ME An Sgiths Nimheil/The Toxic Tiredness
In the second episode of a two part special, Trusadh takes a deeper look into the world of ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), a debilitating disease which affects more than 250,000 people in the UK. Scientific opinion is split as to the origins and nature of the illness, and the best way to approach treatment. The episode focuses on the controversial work of a David Mickel, a Scottish doctor who believes he has found the 'cure' to ME - a talking therapy which addresses an imbalance in the emotional centre of the brain. He has no scientific proof, but claims an astonishing success rate. We follow two patients as they undergo his therapy, and hear a very different perspective on the illness from neurologist, Prof. Peter Behan, who carried out groundbreaking studies on ME at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow.
The stakes are high for the ME sufferers, Allison MacColl from Ness in Lewis, and Kim Ayres from Castle Douglas in Dumfriesshire. Both have suffered from ME for many years, and have had their lives turned upside down. Both were resigned to life with an illness which some doctors even now do not believe in. The ME Association, the charity which represents sufferers in the UK, is highly sceptical. Can Allison and Kim dare to hope?
Transmitted: Monday 30 January
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Eòrpa
Roddy Munro looks back through the Eorpa archive at stories that the team has covered on human rights issues.
Transmitted: Wednesday 1 February
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Gleusta
Gleusta is a fast, exciting studio game show in which two teams of youngsters go head to head in a battle of brains, wit and agility.
With the support of a special celebrity guest, the teams meet on the studio set of Gleusta and battle over five rounds of competition.
This week's programme features teams from Laxdale Primary School and Broadford Primary School, with special guests Kerry Ann MacLeod and Moira MacDonald. Gleusta is presented by Liz Pyper and Steven MacIver, directed by Michael Hines and produced for Sealladh by Morag Stewart.
Transmitted: Thursday 2 February
Time: 5.30 – 6.00pm
Title: Glasgow City FC
This week Anne Morrison joins Rachel at her graduation in Aberdeen and having made it to the last 32 of the Champions League, the girls face Iceland Champions Valur Reykjavik in Glasgow.
Transmitted: Thursday 2 February
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Partaig
The MacLeod clan are out and about the fortnightly Farmer's Market in the heart of Partick, trying foods from across Europe. With the FilmG award ceremony at Eden Court up in Inverness and the opening night of Aileen's pub where she has evening shifts brings a bit of glitz to some of the Partick residents this week.
Meanwhile, Donnie is with the lads down at Partick Bowling Club and Rev Murdo Angus is out and about visiting his Partick parishioners. Nan does a Gaelic class with a twist and Shona attends the GGs choir practice.
Transmitted: Thursday 2 February
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Alba 1984
Experience some of the stories hitting the headlines in 1984 through archive footage and the year's chart hits: the effects of the miners' strike are felt across the country, Robert Mugabe is honoured by Edinburgh University for his services to education in Africa and a steam train is introduced on the Fort William to Mallaig railway line in an attempt to attract more tourists to the Highlands. The year's chart hits include Prince's Purple Rain, Young at Heart from The Bluebells and Band Aid's Do They Know It's Christmas.
Transmitted: Friday 3 February
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Council says "Huge effort from council workers to help power cut residents"
Worker at Argyll and Bute Coucil are returning to business as usual after more than a week of special effort to help residents whose electricity supply was cut off by storms.
Council teams first swung into action on the January 3 Bank Holiday Tuesday when high winds brought down trees and power cables across the whole of Argyll.
Roads teams and social care team were first to respond. All care customers received their usual visits and extra checks were made on vulnerable residents who were left without power.
Meanwhile roads teams took to the highways and byways to remove fallen trees and debris which was washed ashore in the storms. Snow ploughs were used to clear seaweed, rocks, flotsam and jetsam from the A83 outside Campbeltown. And teams responded to more than 350 calls about fallen trees, removing almost all by nightfall on Tuesday, clearing the way for engineers for power company engineers to access damaged cables.
Building standards surveyors were also busy dealing with buildings throughout the area which sustained damage during the storms. As a result some roads in the area were temporarily closed to allow officers to instruct the removal of loose and dangerous chimney pots, guttering, flashings, slates and roof tiles. Some roads remain closed until buildings can be made safe.
At the same time the council’s emergency response teams across the entire region were mobilised, working with the police and power companies to make sure the council fulfilled its statutory duty to protect vulnerable people.
Receiving and distributing information about the storms across the whole of Argyll proved challenging, with telephone lines and power lines down. Mobile phone masts were also damaged during the storms and, where mobile reception was available, batteries soon ran out and could not be recharged.
By Wednesday 7 January almost all roads were cleared of fallen trees and debris and electricity supplies had returned to some areas. However hundreds of properties across Argyll remained without power.
Social care teams again provided care as usual but were now looking for people who were finding it harder to cope as the length of time without power increased.
Entire communities were without any form of power or communication, and while the council was using local radio, web updates and twitter to send out information there was no guarantee this information was being received, especially as not everyone had a battery operated radio or charged up smart-phone.
The Isle of Bute was particularly badly hit, with no power on the whole of the island.
A temporary refuge centre set up on Bute by the council, in accordance with the island’s local plan, was inundated with donations of food and blankets from local residents who wanted to help those with no power.
Residents in other remote areas rallied round, demonstrating their resilience and community spirit. The council urged its staff to check on elderly relatives or those in poor health to make sure they were OK.
By Thursday, despite the efforts of Scottish and Southern Energy, some residents were facing their third day with no electricity. Temporary catering units were set up in the worst hit areas, or areas accessible to the greatest number of people. Many hotels and pubs opened their doors to provide warmth and hot food to those with no power supply.
A map developed by council staff, based on postcodes of areas with no power, showed hundreds of incidents across almost the whole of Argyll.
Teams from Argyll and Bute Council assisted teams from the energy companies to identify vulnerable customers who were still without power. While the council was already providing assistance to its usual care customers some residents who had been able to cope for one or two days with no power became increasingly vulnerable as the situation continued.
And the energy companies were making efforts to contact customers on their special needs lists of customers who ordinarily don’t need extra help but who do need electricity to maintain their independence while treating medical conditions at home such as dialysis or nebuliser users.
On Friday council teams joined energy workers, telephoning those who were still without power. Where no contact could be made by phone visits were arranged from council teams or the police, to make sure everyone was safe and well.
Power was finally restored to all properties on Saturday afternoon.
Councillor Dick Walsh, leader of the council, has praised the council’s response. He explained:
“It may have appeared to some that the council wasn’t doing anything but I can assure you our emergency teams responded immediately. It was more difficult than usual to contact our communities as we had no electricity, phones or mobile signal but we have trained teams in all areas and these were able to respond without any direct external instruction.
“Our priority is to look after the most vulnerable people in our communities. While it was uncomfortable and inconvenient for many people we had to direct our resource towards helping those who couldn’t help themselves.
“Where possible we opened refuge centres and provided food and our teams made sure the road network was cleared quickly, allowing engineers access to the cables they needed to repair.
“The response from our communities has been fantastic. It was a good reminder of how everyone can be a good neighbour and check on people who live nearby during periods of bad weather.
“We are learning lessons from this storm but we can be sure weather related incidents will continue in Argyll. I’d urge everyone to look at the advice offered by the Scottish Government so they can help make sure they’re prepared for the next storm which comes our way.”
More information on getting ready for emergencies can be found at http://www.readyscotland.org/
Council teams first swung into action on the January 3 Bank Holiday Tuesday when high winds brought down trees and power cables across the whole of Argyll.
Roads teams and social care team were first to respond. All care customers received their usual visits and extra checks were made on vulnerable residents who were left without power.
Meanwhile roads teams took to the highways and byways to remove fallen trees and debris which was washed ashore in the storms. Snow ploughs were used to clear seaweed, rocks, flotsam and jetsam from the A83 outside Campbeltown. And teams responded to more than 350 calls about fallen trees, removing almost all by nightfall on Tuesday, clearing the way for engineers for power company engineers to access damaged cables.
Building standards surveyors were also busy dealing with buildings throughout the area which sustained damage during the storms. As a result some roads in the area were temporarily closed to allow officers to instruct the removal of loose and dangerous chimney pots, guttering, flashings, slates and roof tiles. Some roads remain closed until buildings can be made safe.
At the same time the council’s emergency response teams across the entire region were mobilised, working with the police and power companies to make sure the council fulfilled its statutory duty to protect vulnerable people.
Receiving and distributing information about the storms across the whole of Argyll proved challenging, with telephone lines and power lines down. Mobile phone masts were also damaged during the storms and, where mobile reception was available, batteries soon ran out and could not be recharged.
By Wednesday 7 January almost all roads were cleared of fallen trees and debris and electricity supplies had returned to some areas. However hundreds of properties across Argyll remained without power.
Social care teams again provided care as usual but were now looking for people who were finding it harder to cope as the length of time without power increased.
Entire communities were without any form of power or communication, and while the council was using local radio, web updates and twitter to send out information there was no guarantee this information was being received, especially as not everyone had a battery operated radio or charged up smart-phone.
The Isle of Bute was particularly badly hit, with no power on the whole of the island.
A temporary refuge centre set up on Bute by the council, in accordance with the island’s local plan, was inundated with donations of food and blankets from local residents who wanted to help those with no power.
Residents in other remote areas rallied round, demonstrating their resilience and community spirit. The council urged its staff to check on elderly relatives or those in poor health to make sure they were OK.
By Thursday, despite the efforts of Scottish and Southern Energy, some residents were facing their third day with no electricity. Temporary catering units were set up in the worst hit areas, or areas accessible to the greatest number of people. Many hotels and pubs opened their doors to provide warmth and hot food to those with no power supply.
A map developed by council staff, based on postcodes of areas with no power, showed hundreds of incidents across almost the whole of Argyll.
Teams from Argyll and Bute Council assisted teams from the energy companies to identify vulnerable customers who were still without power. While the council was already providing assistance to its usual care customers some residents who had been able to cope for one or two days with no power became increasingly vulnerable as the situation continued.
And the energy companies were making efforts to contact customers on their special needs lists of customers who ordinarily don’t need extra help but who do need electricity to maintain their independence while treating medical conditions at home such as dialysis or nebuliser users.
On Friday council teams joined energy workers, telephoning those who were still without power. Where no contact could be made by phone visits were arranged from council teams or the police, to make sure everyone was safe and well.
Power was finally restored to all properties on Saturday afternoon.
Councillor Dick Walsh, leader of the council, has praised the council’s response. He explained:
“It may have appeared to some that the council wasn’t doing anything but I can assure you our emergency teams responded immediately. It was more difficult than usual to contact our communities as we had no electricity, phones or mobile signal but we have trained teams in all areas and these were able to respond without any direct external instruction.
“Our priority is to look after the most vulnerable people in our communities. While it was uncomfortable and inconvenient for many people we had to direct our resource towards helping those who couldn’t help themselves.
“Where possible we opened refuge centres and provided food and our teams made sure the road network was cleared quickly, allowing engineers access to the cables they needed to repair.
“The response from our communities has been fantastic. It was a good reminder of how everyone can be a good neighbour and check on people who live nearby during periods of bad weather.
“We are learning lessons from this storm but we can be sure weather related incidents will continue in Argyll. I’d urge everyone to look at the advice offered by the Scottish Government so they can help make sure they’re prepared for the next storm which comes our way.”
More information on getting ready for emergencies can be found at http://www.readyscotland.org/
Monday, 19 December 2011
AN AFFECTIONATE PORTRAIT OF A SCOTS FOOTBALLING LEGEND ON BBC ALBA
KING KENNY - SGEULACHD DALGLISH
Wednesday 28th December at 8.55pm on BBC ALBA
In January 2011, Kenny Dalglish made headlines when he was reappointed manager of his beloved Liverpool FC for the second time, in a glittering forty year career.
In the year that he also celebrated his 60th birthday, BBC ALBA’s exclusive ‘King Kenny - Sgeulachd Dalglish’ tribute documentary looks back at the life and achievements of one of the most outstanding sportsmen Scotland has ever produced and also reveals his lesser known charity work in the Western Isles, which he undertakes with his wife Marina.
Having recovered from breast cancer, Marina Dalglish devotes her time to fundraising, much of it carried out with her husband. Their voluntary work has extended to the islands where, since 2004, they have had a regular commitment to the Bethesda Hospice in Stornoway. Kenny’s golf games and auctions have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds in recent years. The documentary witnesses the couple in Stornoway, and hears from locals and hospice staff how their special tie with the islands has evolved.
Carol Somerville, manager of Bethesda, speaks warmly of how the player has changed the hospice: “You only have to mention his name, and people light up. When there is a patient well enough, we might ask if they want to meet him - and they do. Even just having a photograph taken – memories are so important for the families and this is another little memory for them to have. But he doesn't think of himself as a ‘celebrity’. When you mention the word he turns round and says ‘who?’.”
2011 also brought fresh reminders of darker days for Kenny Dalglish, as the Hillsborough tragedy came into focus once more. An online petition of 140,000 signatures led to an emotional debate in the House of Commons in October, when Home Secretary Theresa May announced that all documents related to the disaster would be released, following a report by an independent panel. The programme recalls the events of April 1989, when Kenny Dalglish acted not only as manager for the Club but effectively caretaker for Merseyside's countless grieving, after 96 fans lost their lives in the stadium crush.
In a moving interview with the mother of one young victim, the depth of Dalglish's deep-seated bond with Merseyside becomes apparent. Margaret Aspinall lost her 18 year old son, James, in the tragedy.
Recalling the day he died, Mrs Aspinall pays tribute to Kenny Dalglish for the private, long-term support he offered the mourning: “He gave a great deal of comfort. Kenny didn't know it at the time. But I just know what the families think of him. And he's still there for us. We loved him before then, we needed him at that time - and we still love Kenny, now.”
At key moments, the documentary pulls back the curtain to recall Kenny Dalglish’s astounding record on the pitch, ever since he was first earmarked by Celtic FC as a young boy growing up on a Glasgow housing estate. Former team mates Graeme Souness and Danny McGrain pay personal tribute, with appealing archive including accolades from Bill Shankly, and Jock Stein.
“On the pitch, he was just the best I ever played with - he was the King" - Graeme Souness.
Produced by Sorbier Productions for BBC ALBA, ‘King Kenny - Sgeulachd Dalglish’ will be broadcast on Wednesday 28 December at 8.55pm.
Wednesday 28th December at 8.55pm on BBC ALBA
In January 2011, Kenny Dalglish made headlines when he was reappointed manager of his beloved Liverpool FC for the second time, in a glittering forty year career.
In the year that he also celebrated his 60th birthday, BBC ALBA’s exclusive ‘King Kenny - Sgeulachd Dalglish’ tribute documentary looks back at the life and achievements of one of the most outstanding sportsmen Scotland has ever produced and also reveals his lesser known charity work in the Western Isles, which he undertakes with his wife Marina.
Having recovered from breast cancer, Marina Dalglish devotes her time to fundraising, much of it carried out with her husband. Their voluntary work has extended to the islands where, since 2004, they have had a regular commitment to the Bethesda Hospice in Stornoway. Kenny’s golf games and auctions have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds in recent years. The documentary witnesses the couple in Stornoway, and hears from locals and hospice staff how their special tie with the islands has evolved.
Carol Somerville, manager of Bethesda, speaks warmly of how the player has changed the hospice: “You only have to mention his name, and people light up. When there is a patient well enough, we might ask if they want to meet him - and they do. Even just having a photograph taken – memories are so important for the families and this is another little memory for them to have. But he doesn't think of himself as a ‘celebrity’. When you mention the word he turns round and says ‘who?’.”
2011 also brought fresh reminders of darker days for Kenny Dalglish, as the Hillsborough tragedy came into focus once more. An online petition of 140,000 signatures led to an emotional debate in the House of Commons in October, when Home Secretary Theresa May announced that all documents related to the disaster would be released, following a report by an independent panel. The programme recalls the events of April 1989, when Kenny Dalglish acted not only as manager for the Club but effectively caretaker for Merseyside's countless grieving, after 96 fans lost their lives in the stadium crush.
In a moving interview with the mother of one young victim, the depth of Dalglish's deep-seated bond with Merseyside becomes apparent. Margaret Aspinall lost her 18 year old son, James, in the tragedy.
Recalling the day he died, Mrs Aspinall pays tribute to Kenny Dalglish for the private, long-term support he offered the mourning: “He gave a great deal of comfort. Kenny didn't know it at the time. But I just know what the families think of him. And he's still there for us. We loved him before then, we needed him at that time - and we still love Kenny, now.”
At key moments, the documentary pulls back the curtain to recall Kenny Dalglish’s astounding record on the pitch, ever since he was first earmarked by Celtic FC as a young boy growing up on a Glasgow housing estate. Former team mates Graeme Souness and Danny McGrain pay personal tribute, with appealing archive including accolades from Bill Shankly, and Jock Stein.
“On the pitch, he was just the best I ever played with - he was the King" - Graeme Souness.
Produced by Sorbier Productions for BBC ALBA, ‘King Kenny - Sgeulachd Dalglish’ will be broadcast on Wednesday 28 December at 8.55pm.
Friday, 9 December 2011
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 31 December 2011 – Saturday 6 January 2012
Title: Balaich Bhatarsaigh @ Na Barrowlands / The Vatersay Boys @ the Barrowlands
Scotland's number one party band, The Vatersay Boys, play their annual Glasgow Barrowland gig mixing their unique blend of ceilidh and traditional music. This one off concert special captures the madness and mayhem as the Vatersay Boy fans let their hair down and put on their dancing shoes.
Transmitted: Saturday 31 December 2011
Time: 9.30 – 10.30pm
Title: Iseabail / Ishbel MacAskill
Time stood still for a few minutes at the beginning of the year in March with the devastating news that the renowned Gaelic singer Ishbel MacAskill had tragically and suddenly died - leaving a void in the lives of so many.
The news shook the musical world, the Gaelic world and the Arts community here in Scotland and further afield to the core. They had lost one of their own.... a sister in singing. A woman who had a special gift - a voice like silk.
A special tribute to Ishbel - an incredible lady who had a zest for life and an infectious positive outlook.
A Mother, a Grandmother, a Singer, a Lewis woman and a point woman through and through...... Ishbel MacAskill.
Transmitted: Saturday 31 December 2011
Time: 10.30 – 11.30pm
Title: Ceilidh na Bliadhn’ Uire / Hogmanay Ceilidh
Hosts, John Carmichael and Kirsteen MacDonald are throwing open the doors of the Duisdale Hall in Sleat, Isle of Skye for a live Hogmanay cèilidh - Cèilidh na Bliadhn' Ùire 2011 to say farewell to 2011 and a big Gaelic fàilte (welcome) to 2012. Joining in the New Year party celebrations are a wealth of Gaelic singers: Donnie Munro, Julie Fowlis, Christine Primrose, Arthur Cormack with Norrie MacIver and Mànran, along with a host of Gàidhealach musicians joining in - Éamon Doorley, Ingrid Henderson and Ross Martin.
Fiona MacKenzie will be bringing you the craic from Am Pràban Bar at Hotel Eilean Iarmain, where The Angus Nicolson Trio will be raising the roof with their cèilidh sets. Also, several stars from the world of Gaelic broadcasting will appear with special messages and expect fireworks and fantastic first footers after the bells. Bring in the bells live from the Isle of Skye only on BBC ALBA.
Transmitted: Saturday 31 December 2011
Time: 11.30pm – 1.00am
Title: Te Bheag a’ Ghruffalo / The Gruffalo’s Child
The Gruffalo's child isn't too sure whether to believe her father's stories about the Big Bad Mouse who lives in the forest. One night, feeling very brave, she leaves the Gruffalo cave and goes in search of the fabled creature all on her own. However, there are many more of her father's old acquaintances to met on her journey through the deep, dark wood!
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 4.00 – 4.30pm
Title: Sgeulaiche
The McFinnigan family travel to Australia for a holiday. There's sun , there's sea and there's sand , but it's one wrong turn leads to a fantastic adventure.
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 4.30 – 4.35pm
Title: Pro 12 Live Rugby – Glasgow v Edinburgh
LIVE PRO12 Rugby: Glasgow host Edinburgh in the all-important 1872 Cup decider.
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 5.30 – 7.25pm
Title: Dolina
Born and brought up the youngest of seven children in the fishing community of Marvig on the east coast of Lewis, Dolina MacLennan became, within a few years of moving to Edinburgh in 1957, a mainstay of the Scottish folk revival of the 60's and 70's. Her Gaelic singing was a revelation and an inspiration to many while her writing for radio and her acting – perhaps particularly as the only Gael in 7:84's The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black Black Oil - contributed greatly to the developing culture of the Gàidhealtachd.
In this archive-rich celebration of her career, Doli converses with Domhnall Uilleam Stiubhart and reminisces with family, friends, and associates in locations as different from one another as Marvig and Edinburgh's Waverley Bar but all of them integral to her many-faceted career.
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Dha Gordon a-mhain / Just for Gordon
In December 2005 Scotland tragically lost one of its most innovative musicians and composers of the age of 41. It is surprising though that this world renowned Scottish musician was not someone that would be instantly recognised by the vast majority of the public in Scotland, yet his music is played the world over. Gordon Duncan, from Perthshire, was quite simply unique as a Piper of his generation. He was a multi instrumentalist and prolific composer.
Just for Gordon is a new documentary for BBC ALBA about his life and the tunes he wrote that have quickly become a mainstay of the Scottish traditional music repertoire.
His tunes had true significance, not just in their unique and original arrangement but also in their very inspiration often from entertaining occurrences in Gordon's life - Andy Renwick's Ferret, The Famous Barovan, The SleepingTune, Break Yer Bass Drone and Zito the Bubbleman - to name but a few.
His tunes can be heard at T in the Park, Celtic Connections, Celtic Colours in Canada, The Lorient festival in Brittany and the Fleadh Cheòil in Ireland. Gordon Duncan helped to put piping on the map for a whole new generation and for his pupils such as Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton who are now themselves making their mark in the traditional music scene by following his style.
The programme features the musicians that knew and played with him and those who continue to play and be inspired by his music, especially his own pupils…. a celebration of the music and memory of Gordon Duncan.
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 10.00 – 11.00pm
Title: SPL Kilmarnock v St Mirren
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Kilmarnock host St Mirren at Rugby Park.
Transmitted: Monday 2 January 2012
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: An Ribheid Chiuil
The pipes are one of the music world's most distinctive sounds and piping is one of its earliest musical forms. This exciting, new series - An Ribheid Chiùil / Reed Music - tells the amazing story of the instrument and its players, and is a fascinating introduction to the international, colourful and exciting world of the pipes. From diffusion, change and sophistication in the world of piping over history, to today's players who have taken piping into new popularity through pipe bands, solo performing and bands touring international festivals and circuits.
The first programme in the series looks at the earliest pipes, probably dating from as early as the 8th century which were made out of reed and commonplace in Iraq and Iran. Some of the world's foremost pipers also tell how they started playing the pipes, and we hear how the instrument became so strongly associated with Scotland. Presented by piper Anna Murray.
Transmitted: Monday 2 January 2012
Time: 8.30 - 9.00pm
Title: Farpaisean Chon-chaorach / Sheepdog Trials
The new series of sheepdog trials returns with coverage of the Comrie and District Sheepdog Trial in Perthshire.
Transmitted: Tuesday 3 January 2012
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Caman
In the final episode the Borthwicks play in the Camanachd Cup, Eddie, Lisa and the Rodger family look back over a great year, and the First Minister attends his first shinty match.
Transmitted: Thursday 5 January 2012
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Balaich Bhatarsaigh / Beware the Vatersay Boys
Beware The Vatersay Boys is a behind the scenes look at one of Scotland's most loved party bands. The boys give BBC ALBA exclusive access to their lives as they go about their day jobs as postman, bin man and fisherman and we join them as they head out on tour around Scotland. First it's a lively afternoon gig at their local pub in Castlebay, followed by an even more lively evening gig on the main stage in a tent at Barrafest. Life on the road with the Vatersay Boys is never dull as the onstage party continues off stage, and despite having up to four managers things don't always run to schedule!
We also see the band maintain their roots with a local ceilidh in the Vatersay village hall. Not just a live act, the band have an on-board resident engineer and recording studio on Vatersay, courtesy of Donnie's brother, former Simple Minds keyboard player, Mick MacNeill. The boys lay down a few tracks in their makeshift mini aircraft hangar. In early December the band pack up and head to Glasgow for the annual festive ceilidh at the Glasgow Barrowland. As the band motto suggests, life with the Vatersay Boys is full of unexpected twists and turns and the banter is hilarious.
Transmitted: Thursday 5 January 2012
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Alba: 1980
Experience some of the stories hitting the headlines in 1980 through archive footage and the year's chart hits: Scottish teachers strike for more money, Hercules the Bear goes missing and the Island of Eriskay is up for sale. The year's chart hits include Pink Floyd's Another Brick in the Wall, Blondie's Atomic and Cliff Richard's We Don't Talk Any More.
Transmitted: Friday 6 January 2012
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Scotland's number one party band, The Vatersay Boys, play their annual Glasgow Barrowland gig mixing their unique blend of ceilidh and traditional music. This one off concert special captures the madness and mayhem as the Vatersay Boy fans let their hair down and put on their dancing shoes.
Transmitted: Saturday 31 December 2011
Time: 9.30 – 10.30pm
Title: Iseabail / Ishbel MacAskill
Time stood still for a few minutes at the beginning of the year in March with the devastating news that the renowned Gaelic singer Ishbel MacAskill had tragically and suddenly died - leaving a void in the lives of so many.
The news shook the musical world, the Gaelic world and the Arts community here in Scotland and further afield to the core. They had lost one of their own.... a sister in singing. A woman who had a special gift - a voice like silk.
A special tribute to Ishbel - an incredible lady who had a zest for life and an infectious positive outlook.
A Mother, a Grandmother, a Singer, a Lewis woman and a point woman through and through...... Ishbel MacAskill.
Transmitted: Saturday 31 December 2011
Time: 10.30 – 11.30pm
Title: Ceilidh na Bliadhn’ Uire / Hogmanay Ceilidh
Hosts, John Carmichael and Kirsteen MacDonald are throwing open the doors of the Duisdale Hall in Sleat, Isle of Skye for a live Hogmanay cèilidh - Cèilidh na Bliadhn' Ùire 2011 to say farewell to 2011 and a big Gaelic fàilte (welcome) to 2012. Joining in the New Year party celebrations are a wealth of Gaelic singers: Donnie Munro, Julie Fowlis, Christine Primrose, Arthur Cormack with Norrie MacIver and Mànran, along with a host of Gàidhealach musicians joining in - Éamon Doorley, Ingrid Henderson and Ross Martin.
Fiona MacKenzie will be bringing you the craic from Am Pràban Bar at Hotel Eilean Iarmain, where The Angus Nicolson Trio will be raising the roof with their cèilidh sets. Also, several stars from the world of Gaelic broadcasting will appear with special messages and expect fireworks and fantastic first footers after the bells. Bring in the bells live from the Isle of Skye only on BBC ALBA.
Transmitted: Saturday 31 December 2011
Time: 11.30pm – 1.00am
Title: Te Bheag a’ Ghruffalo / The Gruffalo’s Child
The Gruffalo's child isn't too sure whether to believe her father's stories about the Big Bad Mouse who lives in the forest. One night, feeling very brave, she leaves the Gruffalo cave and goes in search of the fabled creature all on her own. However, there are many more of her father's old acquaintances to met on her journey through the deep, dark wood!
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 4.00 – 4.30pm
Title: Sgeulaiche
The McFinnigan family travel to Australia for a holiday. There's sun , there's sea and there's sand , but it's one wrong turn leads to a fantastic adventure.
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 4.30 – 4.35pm
Title: Pro 12 Live Rugby – Glasgow v Edinburgh
LIVE PRO12 Rugby: Glasgow host Edinburgh in the all-important 1872 Cup decider.
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 5.30 – 7.25pm
Title: Dolina
Born and brought up the youngest of seven children in the fishing community of Marvig on the east coast of Lewis, Dolina MacLennan became, within a few years of moving to Edinburgh in 1957, a mainstay of the Scottish folk revival of the 60's and 70's. Her Gaelic singing was a revelation and an inspiration to many while her writing for radio and her acting – perhaps particularly as the only Gael in 7:84's The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black Black Oil - contributed greatly to the developing culture of the Gàidhealtachd.
In this archive-rich celebration of her career, Doli converses with Domhnall Uilleam Stiubhart and reminisces with family, friends, and associates in locations as different from one another as Marvig and Edinburgh's Waverley Bar but all of them integral to her many-faceted career.
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Dha Gordon a-mhain / Just for Gordon
In December 2005 Scotland tragically lost one of its most innovative musicians and composers of the age of 41. It is surprising though that this world renowned Scottish musician was not someone that would be instantly recognised by the vast majority of the public in Scotland, yet his music is played the world over. Gordon Duncan, from Perthshire, was quite simply unique as a Piper of his generation. He was a multi instrumentalist and prolific composer.
Just for Gordon is a new documentary for BBC ALBA about his life and the tunes he wrote that have quickly become a mainstay of the Scottish traditional music repertoire.
His tunes had true significance, not just in their unique and original arrangement but also in their very inspiration often from entertaining occurrences in Gordon's life - Andy Renwick's Ferret, The Famous Barovan, The SleepingTune, Break Yer Bass Drone and Zito the Bubbleman - to name but a few.
His tunes can be heard at T in the Park, Celtic Connections, Celtic Colours in Canada, The Lorient festival in Brittany and the Fleadh Cheòil in Ireland. Gordon Duncan helped to put piping on the map for a whole new generation and for his pupils such as Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton who are now themselves making their mark in the traditional music scene by following his style.
The programme features the musicians that knew and played with him and those who continue to play and be inspired by his music, especially his own pupils…. a celebration of the music and memory of Gordon Duncan.
Transmitted: Sunday 1 January 2012
Time: 10.00 – 11.00pm
Title: SPL Kilmarnock v St Mirren
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Kilmarnock host St Mirren at Rugby Park.
Transmitted: Monday 2 January 2012
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: An Ribheid Chiuil
The pipes are one of the music world's most distinctive sounds and piping is one of its earliest musical forms. This exciting, new series - An Ribheid Chiùil / Reed Music - tells the amazing story of the instrument and its players, and is a fascinating introduction to the international, colourful and exciting world of the pipes. From diffusion, change and sophistication in the world of piping over history, to today's players who have taken piping into new popularity through pipe bands, solo performing and bands touring international festivals and circuits.
The first programme in the series looks at the earliest pipes, probably dating from as early as the 8th century which were made out of reed and commonplace in Iraq and Iran. Some of the world's foremost pipers also tell how they started playing the pipes, and we hear how the instrument became so strongly associated with Scotland. Presented by piper Anna Murray.
Transmitted: Monday 2 January 2012
Time: 8.30 - 9.00pm
Title: Farpaisean Chon-chaorach / Sheepdog Trials
The new series of sheepdog trials returns with coverage of the Comrie and District Sheepdog Trial in Perthshire.
Transmitted: Tuesday 3 January 2012
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Caman
In the final episode the Borthwicks play in the Camanachd Cup, Eddie, Lisa and the Rodger family look back over a great year, and the First Minister attends his first shinty match.
Transmitted: Thursday 5 January 2012
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Balaich Bhatarsaigh / Beware the Vatersay Boys
Beware The Vatersay Boys is a behind the scenes look at one of Scotland's most loved party bands. The boys give BBC ALBA exclusive access to their lives as they go about their day jobs as postman, bin man and fisherman and we join them as they head out on tour around Scotland. First it's a lively afternoon gig at their local pub in Castlebay, followed by an even more lively evening gig on the main stage in a tent at Barrafest. Life on the road with the Vatersay Boys is never dull as the onstage party continues off stage, and despite having up to four managers things don't always run to schedule!
We also see the band maintain their roots with a local ceilidh in the Vatersay village hall. Not just a live act, the band have an on-board resident engineer and recording studio on Vatersay, courtesy of Donnie's brother, former Simple Minds keyboard player, Mick MacNeill. The boys lay down a few tracks in their makeshift mini aircraft hangar. In early December the band pack up and head to Glasgow for the annual festive ceilidh at the Glasgow Barrowland. As the band motto suggests, life with the Vatersay Boys is full of unexpected twists and turns and the banter is hilarious.
Transmitted: Thursday 5 January 2012
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Alba: 1980
Experience some of the stories hitting the headlines in 1980 through archive footage and the year's chart hits: Scottish teachers strike for more money, Hercules the Bear goes missing and the Island of Eriskay is up for sale. The year's chart hits include Pink Floyd's Another Brick in the Wall, Blondie's Atomic and Cliff Richard's We Don't Talk Any More.
Transmitted: Friday 6 January 2012
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
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