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[News] 25 November, 2009.

Interview with Argyll & Bute MP Alan Reid.

Thank you to all who submitted questions to be posed to MP Alan Reid on issues regarding Ardentinny. Given the constraints of a 15 minute surgery slot, there was insufficient time to put them all. However, we deliberately requested a meeting prior to his mobile surgery in Ardentinny on Tuesday 24th, in order to free up all his time there for those who wished to speak to him in person.

Points raised

1. National Park Authority's proposal to build affordable housing in Ardentinny

There was concern by residents at the apparent lack of transparency by the National Park Authority with regard to their initial proposal to build 36 houses beside Loch View. Both The Ardentinny Working Group, elected by the village residents to represent them in this matter, and Ardentinny Community Council, had received what appeared to be stalling replies to their requests for a full response to their detailed responses on the issue. In the meantime, Councillor Bruce Marshall informed those present at the Inaugural meeting of the new Community Council on 17th November that the original proposal would be deleted from the plan and asked the Community Council Committee if a reduced number of houses would be acceptable. The meeting rejected this approach, asking that formal lines of communication and proper consultation be maintained by the Park Authority.

Alan Reid responded that he had been unaware of this proposal by the National Park Authority but assured us that any proposals or proposed changes would have to go through a formal consultation process. Since our meeting, he has emailed to say that he has written to the Park Authority about the Local Plan.


2. Destination Dunoon and Cowal Steering Group's proposal for a Cowal Bridge over Loch Long

Some residents had expressed dismay at this and strongly rejected the idea.

Alan Reid said he felt sure that it was 'a bit of a joke' and that it would not go forward.


3.Opening up Loch Long with increased water traffic.

As there had been talk in the press about increased water traffic on Loch Long to encourage tourism to the area, we were asked to pose the question: Was anything happening on this and also what our MP's views were on the subject.

Alan Reid said that the jetty at Arrochar was awaiting funding and that a decision on that was due this month. He said he supports the idea and that it is a pity that the Waverley goes up Loch Long and has to turn and come down again instead of being able to, e.g., drop passengers off at Arrochar, who could then walk or take other transport to other Park locations.


4. Ardentinny Caravan Park

There has been a lot of concern expressed regarding the upkeep and condition of the caravan park and, while action has been taken on the part of relevant authorities, it was felt it was difficult to enforce.

Alan Reid said that the Council does have enforcement powers. He said they may sometimes be reluctant to employ them or, depending on the issue/s, it may not always be possible to prove breaches of the owner's licence. He promised to look into the issues and get back to us. Since our meeting, he has confirmed that he has written to the National Park regarding the enforcement of planning conditions at the Caravan Park and to the Council regarding enforcement of licensing conditions. He will let us know the replies he receives.


5. Harnessing hydro power for local electricity supply

We asked if Alan Reid had any information on this and how a community might go about it. He said there were micro hydro schemes in place in some areas and that he would do some research and get the details to us. He has since provided a useful url on the subject which has been passed to the Community Council.


6. Coulport

While some residents are 'comforted' by the presence of the Naval Base in Coulport, others have expressed the opposite view, particularly with regard to the presence of nuclear submarines and the storage of Trident missiles. We asked Alan Reid his view.

He replied that Coulport represented some 11,000 jobs. He said that, while it was regrettable that those living nearest it did not benefit from that employment resource, it was valuable to the constituency, as a whole.


We would like to thank Alan Reid for taking the time to respond to some of our local concerns and we will publish the replies he receives to the enquiries he has made on our behalf... Discuss this.

Related resources:
Alan Reid MP website.
Alan Reid MP entry at TheyWorkForYou.com.


[News] .

Oyooni Palestine Project Update

Oyooni trip to Palestine, July 09.
Summer project photographs.
Oyooni Facebook page.

[News] 26 July, 2009.

Sailing dinghy rescue

[Click image to enlarge]
MoD Police came to the assistance of a lone dinghy sailor whose craft had overturned in relatively choppy seas off Ardentinny today. Despite repeated attempts to right the dinghy, the craft was finally towed back to Ardentinny slipway by the outdoor centre motor launch.

[News] 16 July, 2009.

Oyooni Project update

Click here for latest progress report on the Oyooni Project (pdf). You can also sign-up to these updates at alisnews-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

[News] 29 June.

A Cowal Bridge?

The Destination Dunoon and Cowal Steering Group have produced a report proposing a new road and rail bridge (possibly over Loch Long), therefore reducing the distance by road from Glasgow to Dunoon from the present 80 miles to 51 miles. The proposed Bridge would also benefit the vast majority of Cowal residents. The report can be viewed here. The views of the community are sought by the Steering Group at enquiries@ddcsgcowalbridge.co.uk.
Tell us what you think of the proposal!

[Click image to enlarge - pdf 120kb]
[Click image to enlarge - pdf 809kb.]
View report (pdf 97kb)



[News] 23 June.

Plant theft

We hope that the person or persons who took the bouganvillia plants from the planter at the Ardentinny noticeboard is/are enjoying them. We regret that the residents of and visitors to Ardentinny are not!

[Click image to enlarge]



[News] 21 May, 2009.

Spirit of Adventure

Cruise ship "Spirit of Adventure" passes Ardentinny enroute to Port Ellen.

[Click image to enlarge]



[News] 20 May, 2009.

Oyooni Website launched

Last September Ardentinny residents and visitors rallied to support the work of Dr. Ali Dabbagh's mobile eye clinic in Palestine. This week, Ali has launched the project website at www.oyooni.org/. The following is a brief update from Sana & Ali.

Dear Friends,
We are so pleased to announce that Oyooni's Website (the mobile eye clinic in Palestine) is now launched. Please have a look at it and let us know what you think www.oyooni.org/.
Friday magazine of Gulf News has published an interview with Ali on Oyooni (under health section). The article is available on www.gulfnews.com/friday/Health/10309989.html if you're interested.

Oyooni will be travelling to Palestine this summer to continue / follow up on its work. The objectives of this trip are listed below. We are in need of further funds to purchase more equipment (for details please refer to the website under urgent needs). Ali will travel and carry on the work in all cases, but the purchase of those pieces will enable the screening and the low visual aid assessment program he's scheduled for this trip. Rawan, one of our volunteers on the trip will be taking photos and making notes about progress. We will upload this information on the website as soon as we're back. Please let us know if you'd like to help in any way or if you have any questions.

Thanks for all your support during the past year.
Warmest regards
Sana & Ali

July 2009 Visit objectives:
North: Jenin & surrounding area:
- Screening diabetic patients
- Evaluating & entering Data onto computer database.
- Demonstrate & train doctors, whenever possible

Central: Beit Jala (Shurooq School)
-Assessment of school children re level of visual impairment
- Set up the low visual aid clinic

Ramallah: - Follow up Glaucoma seminar to community workers.

South: Hebron
- Seminar ?? depending on demand
- Needs assessment in Hebron.


[News] 4 Apr.

Missing canoeist named

Police have now named the missing Loch Long canoeist as Andrew Maconochie, 57, of Cove. Mr. Maconochie was a past commodore of Cove Sailing Club.

[News] 22 Mar. 17:50.

Missing canoeist

Despite earlier media reports to the contrary, we understand that police and coastguard teams are continuing their search for a 57 year-old male canoeist who was reported missing from Cove on Thurday at about 22.35. A canoe belonging to the man was found on the loch on Thursday. Three coastguard teams, police from Faslane and Coulport, Strathclyde Police Air Support Unit and the Royal Navy have been assisting in the search.

Helicopter and police craft search off Ardentinny in the early hours of Friday.


[News] 10 Mar. 2009.

Time to sow and sew....

Ardentinny's Annual Flower and Craft Show will take place on Saturday 15th August, 2009, which gives you all plenty of time to prepare your entries. As always, the range of categories is extensive, offering prize opportunities to the young and older. Each exhibitor is permitted one entry per exhibit. Entries may be placed in the Hall between 08.00 and 10.00. and judging will commence at 10.45. Prize Giving will follow the opening at 14.30. [more]

View last years event

[News] 4 Mar. 2009.

First meeting of Ardentinny Proposed Housing Development Working Group

The working group, which was elected at the Public Meeting of Ardentinny residents on the 24 February, 2009, held its first meeting on Tuesday. 3rd March. Chairperson, Dr. Keith Hacking, has already written to The National Park and Local Councillor, Bruce Marshall, as requested by those attending the public meeting. The working group agreed its modus operandi with group members assuming specific research tasks with a view to better representing the villagers' views on the planned housing development in its communications with the National Park and other authorities.

[News] 27 Feb 2009.

Proposed Ardentinny Housing Development

Ardentinny Community Council response to National Park Authority.


[News] 27 Feb 2009.

In the media...

The Ardentinny public meeting earlier this week features prominently on the front page of the current Dunoon Observer & Argyll Standard. [Click image to enlarge 549kb/271kb]

[News] 25 Feb 2009.

Packed hall embraces new working group

[Click image to enlarge] On Tuesday 24 April 2009 there was a public meeting held in Ardentinny village hall. Its aim was the formation of a working group which would act on the community's behalf and coordinate future action regarding the National Park's proposed Ardentinny housing development.

The excellent turnout of 59 residents formed a working group of 6, which included one member of the new group also being co-opted on to the Community Council committee and one of the existing Community Council committee being co-opted on to the new working group. The body of the meeting was then invited to request specific action from the group, which it did with alacrity. The working group members are as follows: Dr. Keith Hacking (Chairperson), Teresa Forsyth, Dennis Gower, Pauline Gordon, Jennifer Kennedy and Norman Kennedy. old.ardentinny.org will report on the work of the group over the coming weeks and months to keep residents fully informed. Updates will also be posted on the village noticeboard.


[News] 20 Feb 2009.

Ardentinny adopts a beach

[Click image to enlarge] On Thursday 19th February Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Ranger, Jim Downie gave a compelling presentation on the Marine Conservation Society's Adopt-a-Beach programme. He cited plastic as being the main cause of pollution and damage to marine life and he outlined how the Adopt-a-Beach programme operates, full information of which can be found at www.adoptabeach.org.uk.

Some of those present raised the issue of anti-social behaviour at the beach during the summer months. Jim Downie cited the recently introduced Operation Ironworks programme whereby Central Scotland Police will cover areas of the Park within their jurisdiction, providing high profile patrols in a bid to promote responsible behaviour. However, Strathclyde Police are not currently involved in this programme.

22 village residents attended the presentation, 19 of which signed up to the Adopt-a-Beach programme.


[News] 20 Feb 2009.

In the media...

Dunoon Observer & Argyll Standard. [Click image to enlarge]


[News] 17 Feb 2009.

Ardentinny Snowdrops

[Click image to enlarge] The snowdrops are later this year than last, probably because of the prolonged cold spell, but the ones around the post box seem to be among the first to open. Along the sloping banks here seems to suit them and I think all the ones which have been planted there have come up - we will keep adding to them. Around the village hall some particularly tall ones come first and are looking lovely. The ones by the restored bridge are the thickest (although they are not fully out yet) and this is a lovely photo opportunity when they do come out. The churchyard ones are not so successful - the soil there is... [more]


[News] 10 Feb 2009.

Proposed Ardentinny Housing Development
Response from Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority.

LOCH LOMOND AND THE TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY - response to old.ardentinny.org regarding the Draft Local Plan 09/02/09

Ardentinny - A Winter's Day. February 2009.

[News] 4 Feb 2009.

National Park Consultation Open Day raises more questions than answers?

On Wednesday 4th February, 2009 representatives of old.ardentinny.org attended the National Parks' drop-in consultation day in the Younger Institute in Kilmun with the intention of asking impartial questions regarding the plan to build 36 new houses on currently Forestry Commission-owned land south of Lochview, in order to better inform those who did not/could not attend.

The event was well attended, packing the inadequate space provided. When we introduced ourselves to one of the Planning Officers in attendance, we were told that she did not feel qualified to answer questions to the media and that these should be addressed... [more + images, video & downloads ]


View Larger Map
Click image to enlarge

Have Your Say!
What to do next?
Please download, complete and return the National Park Draft Local Plan Response Form (PDF) to the National Park.
A Word version which can be returned by email to the Park Authority, is available here. Document: Consultative Draft Local Plan November 2008.
Section/Policy: 3.5 Housing/HOUS1. Schedule 1 proposed housing development Ardentinny.
Page: 22 & 95.
RESPONSE FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE PARK AUTHORITY BY SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY, 2009.



[News] 1 Feb. 2009.

Ardentinny celebrates Burns' 250th.

Ardentinny's annual Burns Supper is well known for its excellence. On this, the 250th anniversary of Burns' birth, the Ardentinny village hall committee and all its participants have surpassed themselves, as can be seen in the following recordings of the proceedings... [more]


[News] 1 Jan 2009.

'Oyooni' Project.
Positive feedback from Palestine's Mobile Eye Clinic

Click image to enlarge
On 6th September 2008, Ardentinny residents and visitors rallied to support Dr. Ali Dabbagh's ground-breaking project to establish and manage a mobile eye clinic in Palestine. Dr. Dabbagh's wife, Sana, has kindly provided us with feedback on Dr. Dabbagh's November Palestine trip. They have called the project 'Oyooni' which Sana tells us is Arabic for 'my eyes' but is also used as a term of endearment, i.e., 'my love'.

Dr. Dabbagh reported on the 3 objectives of Oyooni, namely, Educational; Telemedicine; and... [more]

[Village Hall Committee]

Ardentinny Christmas Bazaar

The Ardentinny weather was less than kind on Sunday 23rd November when the Village Hall Committee hosted its Christmas Bazaar. However, 80 plus brave souls weathered the storm to enjoy what was on offer and, understandably, the mulled wine and mince pies were devoured in copious measure! Handcraft supplies, linen, cards, jewellery... [more] [Images and video]


[News]

2008 Lombard Rally at Ardentinny

Despite some initial organisational hiccups, the Ardentinny stage of the 2008 Lombard Rally was staged successfully on 7 November, with the willing assistance of four local volunteers acting as Marshalls. The Selectif route took the 40+ drivers and navigators from the Ardentinny Forest Lairds Grave Gate, over an unseasonally dry course to Gairletter. The 4-day endurance rally featuring... [more] [Images and video]


[News]

Proposed Ardentinny housing development

After receiving information that a proposed housing development in Ardentinny was in the Consultative draft Local Plan, the approval of which was to be discussed by the National Park Authority at a meeting at their headquarters in Balloch on Monday 3rd Nov. D,Lilley and J.Robinson decided to attend as members of the public just to ascertain what exactly was going on. Our Representatives Councillor Bruce Marshall and Russell Bruce also attended in their official capacity. On perusal of the said document we discovered... [continued]

[News]

old.ardentinny.org providing LIVE shipping data to ShipAIS.com

old.ardentinny.org is now providing Loch Long and Clyde shipping data to shipais.com, a fascinating live vessel movements site run by shipping enthusiasts from around the UK equipped with AIS (Automatic Identification) receivers. If you're interested in Clyde shipping, you can also join the ShipAIS forum here. For a visual feed on life around Loch Long, don't forget our webcams and daily archived images.



[News]

Ardentinny Bowling Club

Highlights of the 2008 season and awards dinner.
(click image to enlarge)

[News]

QE2 at old.ardentinny.org

If you missed the LIVE video stream we ran on Sunday of the arrival and departure of the QE2, edited archived footage will be available here later this week. (click image to enlarge)

[News]

Ardentinny makes a difference...

£2,247 worth, to be precise. That was the amount raised by the Charity Sale, Music Night and Auction held in Ardentinny on Saturday 6th September to help fund Dr. Ali Dabbagh's mobile eye clinic in Palestine. When you consider that the cost of treating Trachoma, the most common cause of blindness, is just 1 US dollar, that should make a great deal of difference to a population whose majority...more

[News]

Pedal Power for Peace and a Health Mission for Palestine

Fiona Djaelani will be known to many Ardentinny locals and visitors through her work at the Ardentinny Hotel and, more recently, through her latest project, i.e., organising a Charity Sale, Music Night and Auction to help fund a mobile eye clinic for Palestine. The clinic is the brainchild of Dr. Ali Dabbagh, whose family... more

[News]

Charity Art Exhibition and Music Night at Ardentinny Hotel

In aid of a mobile eye clinic for Palestine, Ardentinny Hotel is holding an Art Exhibition, Auction and Music Night on Saturday 6 September. With exhibits donated by Norman Laird, Ann McClintock, Bill Williamson, Colm Docherty, Liz Bruce, Brian Phillips, Andy McClintock, David Morrison, Freda Waldapfel, Ronnie Ford, Anne Morrison, Melissa MacRobert and James O'Neil, the exhibition starts at 1pm. The evening's entertainment with Graeme Lawson and friends begins at 8pm. Tickets (which includes a raffle) are priced at just £5.00, are available from the hotel.

[News]

An old.ardentinny.org Eggsclusive!

Scotland's only egg-o-meter launches at old.ardentinny.org. Check out the latest laying stats and coop gossip from Ardentinny's ex-battery girls.. and remember.. eat free-range!
Discuss this.


[News]

Much missed. Much needed.

Click image to enlarge
The new village notice board has arrived, thanks to the efforts of the Community Council. This time it is of a different design and slightly sturdier construction.


[News]

Caravan Park: a blot on the landscape?

There has been much comment in our forums recently as to the state of the caravan park at Glenfinart.. What do you think?

[News]

Beach Vandalism - Update

Response from Forestry Commission Scotland regarding Ardentinny beach.

[News]

Beach Vandalism

Ardentinny residents will be aware of the continuing problem of litter and vandalism in the Sandy Beach picnic area. This appears to be caused by both day visitors and overnight campers to the area. We are aware that many of the Forestry picnic tables have been badly damaged by "disposable" barbecues and allegedly trees have been cut down for firewood. Over the past couple of weeks we have received several complaints from concerned residents (see...[more ]

[News]

Rescued ex-battery hens
LIVE from Ardentinny

It was a case of handle with care last weekend when Ardentinny's newest residents moved into the village. The six 11-month old hens were part of a batch of 628 ex-battery birds saved from slaughter by the Scottish branch of the Battery Hen Welfare Trust (www.bhwt.org.uk). The main aim of the trust is to reduce demand for battery hen eggs and to increase the number of consumers opting for free-range and organic. The rescue was organised by BHWT Scottish coordinator ...[more ]

[News]

Classic Motorcycle Scramble 2008

The third round of The Scottish Classic Racing Motorcycle Club Championships took place at Glenfinart, Ardentinny on May 31 and June 1, 2008. Classes included motorbikes from pre-1960 to pre-1975...[more photo's & video]

[News]

Ardentinny Bowling Club - Season Opening

Ardentinny Bowling Club began the new season on Saturday 12th April. President Gordon Smith welcomed members and guests and made special mention of the members who had assisted in the preparation of the green and facilities during the winter. David Dominick said a few words on behalf of the...[more photo's & video]

[News]
07.03.08

Breaking News?

(click image to enlarge)
On Wednesday 5th, it appears that Ardentinny's community lifeline was ignominiously cut down by a gust of March wind. The bearer of news, views, plans and reports, plus the odd advertisement, i.e., the village noticeboard, lay on its face in the car park. Community Council Secretary, Dougie Menzies, said that they will approach the Council to ask if they are willing to share the cost of its replacement. We'll keep you informed of progress. In the meantime, send us your news and upcoming events, and we'll tell the world! [tell us]


[News - updated 29 Feb, 08]

Raining Dogs...

(click image to enlarge)
The recent heavy rains have contributed to an ongoing problem at the village car park. Access to the forest pathway and the public toilets is almost impossible without a suitable pair of wellies! This seems to be a recurring problem. Therefore, we will contact Argyll Council this week to see how it may be resolved. Watch this space!
[Discuss this...]

[News]

Fingall's Well

(click image to enlarge)
Fingall's Well in Ardentinny, which allegedly commemorates a Cuddy of that name that carried the erstwhile Laird, Archibald Douglas of Glenfinart during the Crimean War, has been showing it's age recently. Erosion was taking its toll on the soft sandstone and it had even been repaired at one time in the dim and distant past, due to damage. However, at the back end of last year, it seems it was badly damaged by either a contractor who failed to see it while trimming the roadside hedge or cutting the roadside grass verges... [more]

[News Update 18 February]

Yellow submarine retrieved

An MOD spokesperson today confirmed that the submersible has now been retrieved from Ardentinny and returned to Faslane. He also confirmed that last week the power had been taken out of the craft.

[News Update 17 February]

Yellow submarine remains on Ardentinny beach!

(click image to enlarge)
Ardentinny's yellow submarine saga continues with our intrepid correspondent Jim Robinson reporting on Sunday (17 February), that the craft remains beached on the Knap shoreline. Jim was also able to approach unrestricted and photograph the submarine. An MOD spokesperson last week informed us that the submersible had indeed been retrieved. Watch this space for future updates!
[Click here to discuss this story]

[News]

O'er the Hills to Ardentine was a yellow submarine

Last Thursday, long-standing Ardentinny resident, Jim Robinson, alerted us of a yellow submarine beached in the Knap area of Ardentinny, and kindly provided a photograph. Apparently Blairmore resident David Rankin had discovered & reported its position both to Jim and the Ministry of Defence. We went along to investigate... [more]

[News]

Spot the Snowdrops

As you know, lots of snowdrops are being planted around the village, but it takes a long time to make an impact with such wee flowers - a decade or so to get that carpeting effect we're told... [more]

[News]

Storms damage Ardentinny boat

Narrowly missing nearby caravans, the recent storms brought down a large tree which badly damaged a small boat located at the back gate (River Finart) of the Glenfinart... [more]



[News]

Capsized catamaran off Ardentinny

A small sailing catamaran, with a father and his son aboard, capsized in the blustery conditions off Ardentinny, Loch Long on Monday afternoon (24 September, 2007). The father and young son were unable to right the capsized craft and... [more]

[News]

Waverley at Ardentinny

The world's last sea-going paddle steamer Waverley celebrated its Diamond Jubilee with her first sail of the 2007 season from nearby....[more]

Restored Arched Bridge Opening

On Saturday, April, 7, 2007 the restored stone arched bridge over the River Finart was officially opened by Mrs. Mary Gray of Ardentinny. The earliest known reference to the existence of the bridge is the middle of the nineteenth century where it appears on the O.S. map of....[more]

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