4th December 2008 / The Arran Voice Ltd Tel: 01770 303 636 E-mail: [email protected]

4th December 2008 — 087 65p SNOW Raven LIVESTOCK WONDER Attacks FEARED Multiplying ravens have outstripped their normal food supply, say farmers

Farmers are calling for a cull of 15 years ago, Liz lost 29 sheep out of a last year. Unable to suckle its mother for young ravens to protect next year’s new flock of 200 to louping ill in a single month milk, he found the calf had had its tongue lambs from the changing appetite of these on the Dougarie fields. But she says, ‘At pecked out and had to be later put down. birds. Normally carrion-eaters, feeding that time the ravens were there, but they He said farmers now often find themselves only on dead meat, anecdotal evidence would leave the sick lambs alone until having to put animals out of their suffering suggests that ravens are increasingly opting they were dead.' Now, however, Liz claims before the vet arrives. 'The bird folk don't to attack live animals — particularly young that ravens will attack vulnerable lambs accept that this happens,' Jim added. 'Folks lambs, and on occasion even calves. It is and even try and separate them from their get sentimental about birds and badgers. felt that this is due to an increase in raven mothers. But have a thought for what they leave numbers, causing tighter competition for behind for farmers to deal with.' food amongst the flocks. Cull called for currently, legislation provides for a earlier this year, a survey of 125 ‘shoot-to-scare’ policy. Farmers can apply farms in the Argyll and Islands region Between 31st July to end of December for a licence permitting them to shoot at Meet the heroes and the conducted by National Farmers Union of farmers could get a licence to kill ravens, the ravens to scare them off and prevent funsters on page 12 Scotland (NFUS) recorded 1,203 ‘deaths or but the licence permits the killing of only them from learning bad behaviour. Graeme mutilations’ of lambs said to be caused by three birds. ‘That’s not enough,’ says Liz. Walker, Arran’s local officer for Scottish ravens. 60% of respondents to the survey ‘What difference will that make? We need Natural Heritage (an organisation viewed said their livestock had been subjected a cull of the immature ravens.’ with notorious scepticism by those farmers to attacks, with the average cost borne southend farmer Jim Climie at ‘REEL’ by individual businesses amounting to Clachaig Farm agrees and has petitioned Continued on page 2 £461.88. The survey estimated that 1,534 the Scottish Government to ravens were affecting the 125 farms. relax legislation on the use DANCERS of decoy bird traps. Due to Roaming flocks their intelligence ravens are difficult birds to shoot and There is wide agreement that the numbers traps are a more effective of ravens on Arran has risen markedly over way of killing them. the past twenty years. Local estimates now put the population of these birds at ‘several 'Killers' are learning to hundred.’ With only around two dozen attack calves breeding pairs on Arran occupying a nesting territory, the remainder of young ravens ‘These birds are killers. roam around the island in large flocks. The They are highly intelligent,’ island’s large raven population may be the Jim told The Arran Voice. unprecedented result of the conservation ‘The more leeway they get, policies introduced in the 1980s. the worse it gets ... I’ve had ‘They have changed their habits because newly born lambs with their they have outstripped their food supply,’ guts hanging out, living and says Machrie farmer Liz Robertson. ‘There still bleating.’ Jim observed is less carrion. There are far too many of the horrific consequences of Last summer, Southend farmer Jim Climie found this calf failing to suckle its mother and on closer inspection them and they are out of control.’ an attack on one of his calves discovered its tongue had been seemingly pecked out. The calf was later put down on the vet’s advice

Primary Schools, 10th Annual IN THIS ISSUE: Winter Health / Youth Centres / Food For Thought Quiz Part 2 Scottish Dance — page 15 Page 2 For more news, this week and every week, register FREE at www.arranvoice.com / 4th December 2008 Raven Livestock Social Enterprise Forum DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Wednesday 17th DECEMBER Attacks FEARED The current economic meltdown What are some examples of social is painful for many people who have fallen enterprises? Multiplying ravens have outstripped their normal food supply, say farmers victim to others' greed — but there is also an incredible shift amongst the business They can be local and quite small, but Continued from front page at the end of the summer Lisa Webb, community. New questions are being asked. there are well-known names there, too. NFUS regional manager for Argyll and the Is it possible to run a successful company The Big Issue is a social enterprise. So calling for the cull) believes that if operated Islands, submitted the findings of the survey to properly, ‘shoot-to-scare’ can deal with the Environment and Agricultural ministers Mike but do it in an ethical way? Can you have is the Eden Project in Cornwall. Jamie problem. Russell and Richard Lochhead. A meeting a good career but also help the community Oliver's restaurant Fifteen, award- ‘Nobody will deny that there are incidents,' was promised, but it has yet to take place. On you live in? The answer is, yes — through winning Divine Chocolate, Cafedirect Graeme said, but took the view that ravens are Friday this week, NFUS will meet with SNH becoming a Social Enterprise Company. — all of these work within the social capable of learning to leave living animals alone. to discuss farming issues and ravens will be on ‘The worry is that if they become aggressive, the agenda. social enterprises are businesses set up enterprise model, as do countless smaller then it is learned behaviour and that to provide a social or environmental need. organisations and voluntary bodies. then it is copied by other ravens. The They combine market efficiency with social ideal situation is that the ravens learn and environmental justice, and their profits Can social enterprise work on that it is not wise to go anywhere near the livestock,’ he added. are reinvested to sustain and further their Arran? He says that there are about half mission for positive change. The pioneers a dozen licences for killing ravens on of social enterprise can be traced back Undoubtedly. Social enterprise Arran, and only one has ever reached at least as far as the 1840s in Rochdale, companies are starting to make quite its ‘bag limit’ (the number of ravens that can be legally killed.) Farmers where a workers' co-operative was set up an impact throughout the Highlands can apply to extend the licence if to provide high quality affordable food in and Islands area. Hand in hand with the there are particular problems. response to exploitative factory conditions. Social Enterprise Network (SEN) many Despite the growing number of A resurgence of social enterprise started in social enterprise companies are thriving, ravens on Arran, they are still very rare on a country-wide basis and the late 1990s and has developed fast since as they have not spent all their profits on SNH maintains that a ‘universal’ cull then, encompassing organisations such as inflated salaries and expenses. SEN is policy would undermine the national This calf — one of a twin born last year on Clachaig farm — development trusts, co-operatives, housing an affiliation of a wide variety of social raven population. had been found surrounded by ravens pecking at its feet associations, 'social firms' and village enterprises. Its membership comes from associations. These businesses are operating all over the country, meeting every few The rise of Arran's ravens across an incredibly wide range of industries months to share good practice, develop and sectors from health and social care to trading links and explore new ways of Ex-gamekeeper Howard Walker was responsible for about 44,000 acres when he worked for Arran Estates between the 1960s and 1980s. During this period, ravens were a rare renewable energy, recycling and fair trade. strengthening the social economy in the bird, with only five or six pairs noted on the island. Howard says there were pairs at A social enterprise company needs to be region. Drumadoon Point, Dippen/Bennan Head, two at Dougarie, Meall Don, Fallen Rocks a strong, profit making business model in argyll and Bute SEN (ABSEN) is and Holy Isle. ‘That was the sum total of ravens in those days. I would say they have order for it to achieve its social aims. one of the strongest in our region, and increased well over tenfold. I would say there are maybe even several hundred. They used to be a very shy bird, but they are now common and not so shy.’ Howard explains its representatives will be coming to that in the past it was usual to put out cages to catch hoodie crows, but increasingly cages Why social enterprise? Arran on Wednesday 17th December would be kicked in and wrecked by birdwatchers. to hold an open forum. Mike Geharty ex-gamekeeper Henry Murdo is more sceptical about the raven problem. He points You're not just in it for the money. Owners of ABSEN and Nicola Walsh of the to studies that have videoed large flocks of ravens in lambing parks. They show the birds ‘cleaning’ young lambs of their afterbirth rather than actually attacking them. ‘No-one’s and employees of social enterprises can Social Enterprise Academy, the Social ever filmed a raven actually attacking a healthy lamb. It’s amazing,’ he said. ‘It’s like a earn a decent living, but the business isn't Enterprise training body, will be happy witch-hunt for ravens.' However, Henry recently witnessed a cross-breed carrion and used as a vehicle for building personal to answer any questions you have and hoodie crow swoop over the road and throw a large living rat into a field with its beak, wealth, because most of the profits are provide you with as much information and added, ‘I could be made to eat my words.' reinvested into furthering social aims. Social as possible. We hope to have members enterprises often break with conventional from North Ayrshire SEN in attendance business models to find new and more also. Details of time and place will be sustainable ways of improving the world provided next week. Meanwhile, anyone Winter health provision around them. Wherever there's a social or interested should contact Claire Berrie. environmental need, social enterprises are Tel 01770 810295 or e-mail cmberrie@ If you fall ill this initatives to address winter working on solutions. aol.com for further details. winter, have no fears — pressures. NHS Ayrshire and Arran Dr Woods said: ‘Winter has robust plans in place to always brings an increase in cope with extra demand. illnesses like colds and flu chief Executive and the NHS makes careful Kevin Woods has plans to make sure it has the announced plans for necessary resources in place additional staff and to deal with the likely extra 12 extra beds for acute demand.’ He added, ‘We medical assessment at would also remind people Ayr Hospital for an that they have a huge range 8–10 week period over of quality self care advice the winter months. An at their fingertips at www. investment of £300,000 nhs24.com or by calling pounds will be made the NHS Helpline on available to support 0800 22 44 88.’ 4th December 2008 / The Arran Voice Ltd Tel: 01770 303 636 E-mail: [email protected] Page 3 Celebrity ‘Homecoming’ ad directed from High Corrie Arran's 'food for

The high-profile Homecoming Scotland four months in the making. Tying in all the relevant people when they've been available thought' quiz advert which is now gracing the nation’s television screens was directed by David has been tricky, but in some cases, a real pleasure... Working with Dougie MacLean Boni, Arran's own photographer from High Last week, we published five questions for a special two- Corrie, The Voice can reveal. Ever modest, was great fun!’ part quiz for a chance to win a special Scottish food hamper, David is reticent about his involvement, but First Minister Alex Salmond believes which is jam-packed with local produce. How hard were last everyone knows that the advert features ten the video is ‘the perfect anthem for our Year week's questions? A bit tricky? If you want a chance to win Scottish star personalities singing snippets of Homecoming’, and is now extending an the special hamper, featuring a growing list of local food of Dougie MacLean’s homesick ballad invitation to people from all over the world goodies (Wooley's oatcakes, Co-op haggis, Laura Currie's ‘Caledonia’ in a bid to promote next year’s to join Scotland’s celebrations next year. eggs and turnip, Torrylinn Creamery cheese, potatoes from series of Homecoming Events and celebrate Lulu is equally rapturous. ‘Scotland lives in John Picken, a bag of St John's Wort from Drimlabarra Farm, the 250th anniversary of Rabbie Burns. my heart no matter where I am,' said the a preserve from Machrie Preserves) and many more, then it includes a rare return to the screen Lennoxtown-born chart-topping singer. 'No see if you can answer these. from Sir Sean Connery, who shteadfashtly matter where I travel, I always feel at home shpeaks hish lines, instead of singing them. when I bump into a Scot or meet a lover of 6. What mineral was mined from Sannox in the Amy MacDonald, Eddi Reader, Sam Scotland. I hope the Homecoming Scotland 19th century? Torrance and Lulu also make appearances, ad will encourage them all to join me in and all of them gave their time for free to returning for one of the many great events 7. In what year did Billy Connolly last perform on encourage Scots overseas to come home. that are part of the Homecoming Scotland Arran? The video was filmed in 2009 programme.’ a variety of ‘iconic’ Scottish 8. Where is the first noted example of ‘Hutton’s locations from Speyside to Unconformity’? Glencoe, but some of the post- shoot editing was actually 9. Who was the longest standing secretary of the undertaken in High Corrie, Arran Farmers Society? where the director and his family live. It demonstrates that 10. Before their trophy match against Southend broadband — for some rural areas at least — has facilitated United earlier this year, how long was quite literally a ‘cottage industry’ Northend Thistle Football Club's losing streak? in media. David Boni refused to Send in your answers to all ten questions to The Arran Voice, divulge too many details about Pier Buildings Brodick, or e-mail [email protected]. the production of the advert, Entries must be submitted by 5pm on Monday 8th of December. but said: ‘I was delighted to be See next week’s Arran Voice for answers and winner. approached regarding directing this one. It's been particularly David Boni directed the film for challenging production and over The Union advertising agency Scotland’s homes Two Youth Arranvoice.com Centres Online Poll need repair Two modular cabins in two separate villages are set to become flourishing Youth Centres. The Lamlash one was in use for this This week's question is: Nearly half of all homes in Scotland, said the report ‘shows that function, together with another one deemed Scotland are in need of urgent repairs, for many of our citizens Victorian too frail to be shifted, until the new school Would you support a a survey has found. The Scottish House levels of housing hardship persist.’ was built. After vigorous protests that a Condition Survey 2007 reveals that The report found that 74% of homes continuing Youth Centre was badly needed, cull of young ravens on four out of five (79%) homes should failed on central heating, 11% had the better of the two cabins was moved last Arran? have some work done. Graeme Brown, condensation in at least one room and week from the front of the school building to its new site at the rear. This, as before, will be director of housing charity Shelter 5% of homes had rising or penetrating run by North Ayrshire Council, but the one Share your opinion, visit damp. The Craigforth report, published in Brodick is going to be managed by the www.arranvoice.com and earlier this year, does not provide detail Arran Youth Foundations group, chaired cast your vote! about the structural conditions of the by David Christison, as a charity-run centre. island's housing stock, but according It used to belong to Jimmy the Barber, and Last week's question was: to 2006 figures 26% of Arran’s housing is currently sitting behind Alldays. When Will you be doing your the preliminary work is finished, it will stock is second homes or holiday Christmas shopping on be moved into place behind the bowling accommodation, with a further 2% green adjacent to Brodick Library. David Arran? being long-term vacant properties. Christison anticipates that it will probably be Yes: 50% There are also quite a few houses which outgrown when the volume of use increases, No: 50% Arran's latent housing stock. Is this home in have fallen into recent ruination, like but already there are plans to start fund- Not sure: 0% need of repair? the one pictured to the left. raising for a larger building. Page 4 For more news, this week and every week, register FREE at www.arranvoice.com / 4th December 2008

Editorial Voice mail Voice mail THE BIG SCREEN distributors, but it has to be borne in extra mind that the Screen Machine does not Readers’ News and Views... ‘Going to the pictures’ has long been simply slip a DVD into a computer. It a traditional delight. TV is more wide- has full projection facilities, and the Arts Festival thanks Cinema-scope for two? spread, admittedly, but cinema has picture quality is superb. Its expenses something of the theatre about it, the are therefore high. On behalf of the committee of the Arran It was reported in our other local same slight prickle of expectation as a reader asks this week whether Theatre and Arts Trust, may I take this newspaper (22nd November) that the house lights dim. Afterwards, going Arran needs a second cinema, and the opportunity to thank all those who were Arran had not had a cinema for more out into the dark, people glance at each question is an interesting one. Certainly, involved with, or who supported in any than 50 years. other in amusement at what they have it is unfortunate that Filmobile Scotland way, the recent production of Balloons as This is patently false as we have had seen or grave-faced at the impact of chose to show the same film, on the well as the poetry, music and the McLellan a mobile cinema, the Screen Machine, Award events associated with the Arran visiting us for the past 8 years. It comes images that are impossible to ignore. same night, as the one being shown by Arts Festival. to Arran every 6 weeks and shows Viewing a film as a DVD in one’s own the Screen Machine. Since the website it is always a risk committing to an several films over a 4 day period. The home is not the same thing. The small of the latter displays its programmes absolutely new project and I am extremely films shown are the latest that can be screen can never quite convey the sweep many weeks in advance, there is really grateful to all those who were willing obtained outside the major cinemas of huge landscape. Think, for instance, no good reason why this should have to take that risk and give so generously — if you want to see them earlier you of the marvellous sequence in The Kite happened — but it does not invalidate of their time, talents and support. In have to travel to the big cinemas on the Runner that takes in the roofs of Kabul the viability of a second cinema for particular, I would extend warm gratitude mainland. The Screen Machine is a and the whole surrounding vastness the island. It does suggest, perhaps, to all the hard working and talented cast sophisticated piece of machinery with of sky and snow-capped hills, or that rather than concentrating on a and band of Balloons, Diana Hamilton the latest digital equipment and cinema Brokeback Mountain with its immensity limited range of new releases, Filmobile and Jonathan Hollingworth for musical surroundings providing a complete of land threaded with necklaces of Scotland might consider very good direction, David Aitcheson and team for cinema experience for those attending. grazing sheep. The sheer size is vitally films that came out a year or two ago, stage design, John Baraclough and team This weekend, competition for lighting, Andy Surridge for sound, appeared in the form of a company important. or even earlier. As Arran people have Ann Hollingworth and team for costumes, known as Filmobile. On Friday night The Screen Machine is a welcome to spend a night on the mainland if Richard Barr, Dougie Bruce and Tom Filmobile showed the same film, in feature of Arran life, lumbering in they want to catch a particular film, McNeish for stage building, Christine the High School hall, that Screen like a parcel of wrapped-up magic to many simply shrug and admit that McKerrell, Anne McNeish and team for Machine was showing that same night unfold itself into a comfortable, almost one of the things they miss is access front of house, for so ably crewing and in Brodick. Filmobile promises to show luxurious cinema. It has brought us to a cinema. For all these reasons, the standing in at the last minute, Robert films on Arran every fortnight. Are many enjoyable films, and its visits are Filmobile is a most welcome addition Crawford, Graeme Davidson, Robert there are enough good films to fill that always to be eagerly anticipated. It does to the island facilities, particularly in Simpson and Jim Young and to Alan Little schedule? not, of course, seek to be ‘art house’ in the long gap between Screen Machine and Mite staff alongside Maureen Smith my worry is that the Screen Machine its programming, since it needs to show visits. Countless good films wait to be and KA Leisure staff for tolerance, help may decide to leave Arran for good the most profitable films it can in order shown, and the Community Theatre and flexibility during the production. and I ask myself how long Filmobile to justify its commercial existence to its at the High School, with its raked, That warm gratitude also extends to will stay on the island. It has costs in those who gave support: North Ayrshire hiring the hall and in travelling to and sponsors. There are those who would comfortable seating, is an ideal place to Council; Awards for All; the Co-op from the island via CalMac. If the like to see more response to reviews see them. But an overlap of programmes for generous sponsorship; that stalwart takings are insufficient to cover costs and feel the selection of films is over- between our two cinemas is certainly to supporter of all local productions, the then Filmobile may also leave and we heavily dominated by the London be avoided. Book and Card shop in Brodick for selling will once more be without a cinema. tickets — an irksome and thankless task i feel we should perhaps keep the but so appreciated; Bar Eden and The Screen Machine we know rather than 'Operationally, God is beginning to resemble not a ruler but the last fading Ormidale for welcoming venues, The take a chance on something we know smile of a cosmic Cheshire cat.' Burnside Gallery for support of the Poetry very little about and which is not up Workshops; Corrie and Sannox Village to the same standard as a modern Sir Julian Huxley (1887-1975) biologist. Hall Committee for hosting McLellan cinema. He used to be on the Brains Trust, back in the radio days. He was president of the Award events, Marvin Elliott for

Quote London Zoological Society, too, so knew about cats. Probably about God, too. Ed. beautifully-produced McLellan Awards J Y Gourlay for both Poetry and Play Competitions; Buchanan Bank Cottage all those who entered the competitions Brodick THE ARRAN VOICE PRODUCTION TEAM PRESS POLICY or gave of their time to take part in Made on Arran and Arran and Beyond, especially Editorial Director: Alison Prince We welcome contributions from readers Amy Hume, Robyn Keen and Sheila Don't shear your collies — for all sections of The Arran Voice. Chief Reporter: Nick Underdown Middleton. just comb them! Material can be submitted online or Trainee Journalist: Kelly Donnelly posted to our office and may be used, Finally, to all those who took adverts Advertising Manager: Janis Murchie in whole or in part, at the discretion of and gave donations, took photographs, Before Arran farmers rush out to shear Business & Admin Manager: Samantha Payn the Editor. All contributions must bear videos and gave newspaper copy or came their Border Collies, I should point out Online Director: Graeme Attkins contact details and will be attributed as audiences to the events — thank you so that the dog hair waistcoat admired Fishing Correspondent: John Kinsman unless anonymity is requested. Anyone much. Coming out on a cold, sometimes by Assja at Kilmory Farmers' Market submitting material must warrant that Poetry Editor: Jason Watts wet and miserable November evening to is from Bearded Collies, which only they hold the copyright and agree to its support other local people’s activities and require regular combing to produce Newspaper designed by: Graeme Attkins publication in both The Arran Voice and/ endeavours is always so humbling and fuzz for spinning — and no, it doesn't Website designed by: Frecosse Website Design or ArranVoice.com. Copyright thereafter rewarding for all those involved. smell. Printed by: Caledonian Offset Ltd, Edinburgh remains with the author. Views expressed in The Arran Voice are not necessarily Heather Gough Roslyn Gibson those of the management team. The Arran Voice is registered as a newspaper Carlo Glenside Sannox Kilmory

The Arran Voice Ltd, Pier Buildings, Brodick, Isle of Arran, KA27 8AX Tel/Fax: 01770 303636 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.arranvoice.com Your letters can be sent by e-mails to: [email protected], or by post to: Voice Mail, The Arran Voice, Pier Buildings, Brodick, Isle of Arran, KA27 8AX 4th December 2008 / The Arran Voice Ltd Tel: 01770 303 636 E-mail: [email protected] Page 5 News in Brief...

Action to protect all UK Seas to ecological, rather than political Voicemail boundaries.' UK administrations in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland £53 Million Investment for have agreed on a UK-wide approach to Mental Health Facilities in marine planning and management. Ayrshire calum Duncan of the Scottish Marine Conservation Society, said: 'If Local MSP Kenneth Gibson is delighted we are to properly protect our sea life, by the Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board's halt the loss of marine biodiversity, decision to approve the investment of £53 promote the recovery of our seas and million in a newly built adult inpatient ensure a sustainable future for coastal mental health services facility at the communities ... forthcoming legislation Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine. It is must fit neatly together and have the expected that the state-of-the-art 220 bed environment at heart.' He went on, 'It is mental health facility will be developed essential our seas are managed according over the next four to five years.

Voice mail extra LOST CAT FOUND We have a very varied programme for you and, if like us you also enjoy singing, With reference to our 'missing cat' notice you will have plenty of opportunity to in last week's edition, I am glad to be able join in. Arran Brass will be there too to to report that our pet is now back home help us all raise the rafters. with us, safe and well. The Rowan Singers' Christmas Concert i would like to thank all the good takes place on Tuesday 16th December at neighbours who gave us information 8pm in Brodick Hall. Doors will open at leading to his recovery, particularly Sara, 7.30pm. who found him and took him to Ina Craig Tickets are now available at £6 per at APAWS, who cared for him until she adult and £2 per child at the Book and saw my notice, then phoned me to say she Card Shop, or from choir members. This had a cat answering to his description. includes refreshments. To the boy who was seen lifting him Maureen Oakes and taking him away from his familiar Island Bank Lamlash Will be closed from Thursday 11th surroundings (I am naming no names) December until Thursday 18th I would say please don't do this sort of December inclusive. thing. It causes a lot of distress to both Pirates are worse than bankers owners and pets, and most friendly, Telephone: 07917 671913 healthy looking cats come from a good I was amazed to read in last week’s “On home and deserve to stay there. the Green” that the pirates that threaten and murder innocent seaman are not Sheila Selkirk quite as bad as Bankers. Alma Road The pirates are apparently motivated Brodick by the desire for a university education and have Johnny Depp and Robin Hood Rowan Singer's Christmas Concert on their side. Against these simple folk, a vast army of baddies align in attempt Come and soak up the spirit of Christmas to prevent them realising their simple and, in doing so, help us support two dream. deserving charities. These include; The UN, US, German every Christmas the Rowan Singers Fish Factory Ships, Sub Prime Bankers and perform for charity. This year all proceeds of course The Sheriff of Nottingham. from our Christmas Concert will be given approximately two hundred people to two charities: Arran Youth Foundation are currently held by pirates and this and Royal Hospital for Sick Children, appears to be a rolling number. In all Yorkhill. cases their lives are threatened, in many arran Youth Foundation needs funds beatings handed out and in some their to help establish and run a permanent lives are taken. In one of the worst attacks, dedicated recreational base where our the crew of a small freighter were placed young people from Arran High School can in the ships freezer and set on fire. spend time together in a safe environment Political and economic terrorists can outwith school hours and at weekends. always put forward a sad tale of historic The important work of the Royal injustice to justify the taking of innocent Hospital for Sick Children is already life. We have to resist the sad tale and well known. But one of our founder focus our sympathy on the people they are members, the late and much loved terrorising and our actions on restoring Margaret Marriott, actively supported order. them for many years. The choir's decision to donate to Yorkhill this year is in the Tom Tracey memory of Margaret. Brodick Page 6 For more news, this week and every week, register FREE at www.arranvoice.com / 4th December 2008

Choir warms icy Lochranza the The Lochranza Choir performed a village hall funds. full programme of heart-warming classical The concert was well attended, and pieces in Lochranza and Catacol Village the audience listened with rapt attention Hall last Sunday afternoon, their choice to the strong singing community that voice of music ranging from Maunder's Border is the Lochranza Choir. Its members Ballad to a chorus from Handel's Messiah. are Ile Morrison, Laura Selkirk, conducted by Diana Hamilton, the choir Joan McKenzie, Rachel Phillips, Buy the Balloons sang magnificently, and the programme was Pamela Wood, Alison Richards, Betty augmented by guest contributions from the Buchanan, Hilary McMaster, Eileen talented youngsters of Pirnmill Primary McMaster, Fiona Crawford, Ruth Experience! School and young musicians Eilidh Kerr, Yates, Aileen Wright, Ian Buchanan, Catherine McEachern, Donald McEachern, Douglas Coulter, John Wilson, Julian By John Tilbury Thomas McMaster and Scott McMurray. Davidson, Laurie Campbell, Archie The afternoon of music raised funds for Cumming, Wren Gentleman, Sandy the Beatson Cancer Research Institute and Sloss and Brian Wood. Pink. A colour universally recognised The story behind the decision to make as a girl’s colour. The colour that most me the least masculine male in the play young boys will retch at. Of (second possibly to Stuart Gough’s course, a girl with a pink bow excellent part of Donald in her hair may attract a Persiflage) goes back to flock of blushing boys the Drama Festival in asking for her hand, February this year. In but by the time a play called Under they grow up to Jekyll’s Hyde, I was their mid-teens, it ‘Little Oliver’, a would seem that character who dark colours had to jump win out. I am about like a small one who sports child, dressed in a nearly all a funny outfit, black wardrobe, including tights. because 'it just Pink tights. My ends up that way'. parents think I may I don’t own any pink be getting typecast as clothing. the ‘play idiot’. so, for anyone who But while I’ll probably personally knows me, going never be as worthy of the Alison Richards, Joan McKenzie and Rachel Phillips sing to the conducting of Diana Hamilton to see the recent production of phrase “I — AM — MAN”, as my Balloons, must have been quite strange, as I friend and fellow actor Gavin Davidson was wearing not a trace of black. Instead, is, I have been told, 'it takes a man to go the colour of choice (well, the choice of in front of an audience and act like that.' the Balloons team) was…pink! Pink from So I wonder: perhaps there is something Biomass boost head to foot. The only non-pink thing was quite manly about not being manly at all. my dark hair. I was considering going the Paradox, anyone? Arran Woodfuels calls for more incentives to convert whole hog by dying my personal mop But enough rambling about my pink as well, but I ran out of time to find questionable masculinity. Balloons was a the right dye. resounding success. With global warming John Farrell has been appointed don’t think £2m is going to go very far For someone who plays in a Heavy stirring fear in many of losing their houses as the new ‘Biomass Development throughout Scotland.’ Metal band, I did feel rather silly in my and 4x4s to the sea, ideas to keep us away Officer’ for the Central Belt region Katy Clark MP said that the UK pink sweatband, with three mini-parasols from ‘sleeping with the fishes’ should of Scotland, which includes Arran. parliament is currently discussing attached. I also had an elasticised pink top be glady considered. And I think ‘light- and pink wellies, but what really perfected weight plastic, tethered by cables’ is a darn Forestry Commission Scotland has the Energy Bill, which may make my ‘camp-ification’ was the inclusion of good idea. Buy the Balloons Experience! assigned him the task of working with provisions for enhanced Renewable pink tights and bright satin-pink boxer current and potential users of woodfuel Obligation Certificates, currently used shorts, giving me enough confidence to This comes from John Tilbury who and creating stronger links in the by those running wind turbines. She attempt to floor Mohammed Ali with a has realised that his small desk supply chain. He will also encourage said that other forms of renewable single slap. Or smother him with my pink has got even smaller. local authorities and public sector energy will also receive ROCs 'but pom-poms. organisations to use more woodfuel. actually at a higher rate' and felt that Duncan Mulholland, co-director this would be a considerable help when of Arran Woodfuels, said he was the Bill becomes law, hopefully by the encouraged by the appointment, but felt end of the year. there were still important steps needed meanwhile John Farrell, the new to make the switch to woodfuels. At Biofuels officer, says, ‘Now is an ideal Driver cleared of the recent ‘Arran Question Time’ event time for businesses, public bodies and hosted by Transition Arran, he said, other organisations to start thinking ‘We are trying to encourage the use of about switching to woodfuel. With the dangerous driving biomass in heating for establishments current economic climate and expensive throughout the island.’ He noted the oil and gas prices, woodfuel is starting In December 2007, there was an accident on the road opposite the £2m support funding through the to really find its way into many more Ormidale pavilion in Brodick in which Nancy Cooper tragically died. Scottish Biomass Support Scheme, projects and I hope to act as a catalyst Last week, almost a year later, the driver, who had been on his way to but commented, ‘Unfortunately I in making this happen.’ the local medical centre, was cleared of careless driving in Kilmarnock Sheriff Court. The Sheriff, Colin MacKay, said the Crown prosecution team had failed to prove their case of careless driving. 4th December 2008 / The Arran Voice Ltd Tel: 01770 303 636 E-mail: [email protected] Page 7 Aidan sheds light on lamp Arran has a new hill 1920s-era paraffin lamp found amongst Arcas shop treasure Sail Chalmadale, the hill north of The trio of Mariyln-baggers also A lamp purchased in ArCaS has Glen Iorsa, has been promoted to a list surveyed Beinn Tarsuinn during their trip to turned out to be a relic of the war era. of ‘Marilyns’ following a recent survey. Arran, but the west coast peak failed the test Dippen’s Aidan Smith spotted the brass Alan Dawson, John Barnard and Graham with a drop of only 148.5m. In the same way lamp as it was being dropped off at Jackson took their GPS equipment up the that Munros are sometimes reclassified, the Brodick’s second-hand charity store and 480m (1,575ft) peak and declared the shapely list of Marilyns is likely to change again as once it went on display he returned to buy hill to be an official Marilyn — the technical surveyors take to the hills armed with GPS it for £15.' I initially bought it because category of mountains or hills which have technology. I thought it was aesthetically pleasing, peaks with a 150m or more drop. practical for the Arran powercuts and The classification means that some quite had a touch of nostalgia,’ said Aidan, small hills are included whilst also excluding ‘but I must admit when I looked at it I some of Scotland’s bigger mountains — immediately thought of the war years. I Aiden Smith with his paraffin lamp a few of the Munros (Scottish hills over took it home and gave it a good polish.’ bust in the late 1960s. 3,000ft) do not qualify as Marilyns as their noticing that the lamp had a Aidan reckons the lamp may be most proximity to other peaks with adjoining prominent ‘V’ symbol on its base, accurately valued at £60 or more, but ridges means there is no 150m drop on all he discovered that it was one of two he uses it as a ‘comfort lamp’ in his own sides. popular brands of oil-burning lamp – home. ‘It throws out heat and, if you There are now 1,555 Marilyns in Great Nova and Veritas — produced by Falk use it correctly, very little smoke,’ Aidan Britain, and the majority (1,215) are in Stadelmann, a business originally set told the The Arran Voice in a special Scotland. But no-one has ever climbed them up in Germany by two people (Johann lamplit interview at Copperwheat’s all, as five of them are located in the remote Gottlieb Stadelmann and Salomon Café. St Kilda isles, 81miles from the Scottish Falk). The company set up in London coast. in 1887 and started producing wick- Antique enthusiast service burning lamps in the 1920s, establishing eight factories throughout the UK. If you think you might have found ‘It was in the inter-war years that the something of interest, from ArCaS Veritas lamps became popular, which is or anywhere else, then bring your politically quite interesting,’ said Aidan. potential antique or curiosity into ‘It’s a little piece of history.’ During The Arran Voice office (right behind Alan’s World War II the trading relations the ArCaS shop) and our guest between the UK and Germany ceased Antiques Enthusiast Aidan will to exist and after competition with the research the item further so it can Tilley Lamp Co. Ltd and Willis and be featured in the newspaper. Bates, the company eventually went Book Members of the Arran Childminders' Group Debbie Jackson and Lorraine Hewie hand over two DVD players to staff at the Arran War Memorial hospital to be used by patients in the wards. The money Review was raised at a bingo night held a couple of weeks ago. The Arran Childminders' Group would like to thank all those who supported a good night. Book review Sponsored by Book and Card Centre

here to remind the reader of Arran, though the THE RECKONING fast, alarming action is played out against an Reviewed by Alison Prince enterprise brought in by strangers that might All-island carol service have been stopped by vocal Arran protesters This gripping thriller centres round before it attained its full, ominous power. 18-year-old Fin, an islander who, at first, has no criticism is intended. The logical basis begins festive season no reason to question the activities of the of The Reckoning has been carefully worked out, Research Institute that has been built near the and probing its dreadful activities involves Fin, By Samantha Payn wind turbines. But, on a day of thick, chilling along with his family and friends, in highly risky sea mist, he is walking near the piers of the activity within a place that is gradually revealed high bridge that now connects his island to the as not merely mysterious but downright Lamlash Church was packed The Christmas story was retold in mainland when he hears a car stop, up there dangerous. Nothing would induce me to on Monday night for the traditional all- readings from the Bible by Tony and Gill on the bridge. A door opens ­ and then, quite breathe a word about the plot, except that it had close to him, there is ‘a dull, wet thud.’ The me turning pages at three in the morning, quite island carol service that for many marks Butcher, Maureen Oakes, John Potter shocked young man wades out to where he can unable to turn out the light and settle down until the start of Christmas festivities on and Jean Hunter. Musical interludes see something caught across a rock, and finds I knew what would happen next. And next, and Arran. from Brodick Primary School Choir, himself kneeling in the water, cradling a girl not next… much older than himself as her life ebbs away. James Jauncey has written a solidly satisfying The severe weather conditions were Arran High School Choir, the Rowan Piece by telling piece, the author blocks in the book for readers of any age, but its particular not enough to keep most people away, Singers, Arran Brass and the Lochranza pattern of Fin’s life. We come to know like real skill is to focus on a typically uncertain school- although there were reports of one or two Choir (making their appearance at this people his father, Danny, crippled and angry as leaver as the horrified hero of the tale. Any a result of a sea-faring accident, his much-loved parent who has despaired of finding a book that would be attendees unable to get their event for the first, and hopefully not the sister, vanished from the family after a blistering enters easily into the world of young adults and cars out, and Ian Auld unfortunately last time) provided beautiful moments of row with her dad, and his friends, with their yet invites thought and outrage about serious slipped on the ice on his way in to the illustration and reflection on the age-old odd nicknames and their skills in cooking and issues should wrap this one up for Christmas at kayaking. And, like an all-embracing stage set in once. church and suffered a suspected broken tale throughout the evening. David Oakes which the terrifying events are played out, there ankle. gave the vote of thanks to all involved is the island community with its gossip and its The Reckoning by James Jauncy The service was conducted by Arran’s in this very special event — musicians, kindness, its unpredictability and its dependable Published by Picador, Paperback RRP £10.99 support when the chips are down. There is a lot ISBN 978-0-45401-8 newest minister, Gillean Mclean, who readers and those who provided front declared that she had been looking of house support and decorated the You can buy any book reviewed in The Arran Voice from the Book and Card forward to it since arriving on Arran. church. Centre at a handsome reduction of £2.00 on the published price. Page 8 For more news, this week and every week, register FREE at www.arranvoice.com / 4th December 2008

Do you have an island-based event you want to promote? Add it to ArranOnline.com free of charge, and it will automatically Out appear in these listings (subject to space and suitability). About Alternatively, send details of your event to: & The Arran Voice Ltd, Pier Buildings, Brodick, Isle of Arran, KA27 8AX

Every Day (Or Most Days) Friday 5th Tuesday 9th Arran Craft Gallery, beside Bilslands, Yoga, Lamlash Church Hall, 10.30am Senior Fitness, Auchrannie Spa, Brodick, UP & COMING Brodick — open Monday–Saturday Aquafizz, Auchrannie Pool, Brodick, 9.45–10.30am Arran Art Gallery, Shore Road, Whiting 9.45am Pulmonary Rehab, Auchrannie Spa, WEEKEND PREVIEW Bay—closed for holidays Arran Riding Club for the Disabled AGM, Brodick, 12.30pm Corrie Filmclub's X-mas Double Bill & Supper, The Burnside Gallery & Exhibition Space, Church Hall, Brodick, 11am AA Alcoholics Anonymous, Brodick Church The Weeping Camel (Mongolia, Davaa/ Sculpture Garden, Auchrannie Road Senior Badminton, Auchrannie Spa, Hall, 2pm Falorni) & [I]Some Like it Hot [/I](USA — open daily (except Thursdays) Brodick, 2pm Indoor Bowling, Corrie & Sannox Village 1959, Billy Wilder), Corrie Village Hall, all year round 10.30am–5.30pm Lamlash Friday Club, Lamlash Church Hall, Hall, 2–4pm Sunday 14th, 8pm (current exhibitions: Christmas Show 2pm Mini Kickers Training, KA Campus, Arran of paintings, crafts and exclusive Kids' Club, Games Night, KA Campus, High School, 3–4 yrs old 5–5.45pm, School Christmas Shows & presents for Christmas) Lamlash, 6.30–8pm 5–7yrs old 5.45–6.45pm Children's Christmas Parties Corrie Art (former Corrie Village Shop), Arran Pipe Band Practice Session, Brodick Legs, Bums & Tums, Auchrannie Spa, Whiting Bay Primary School Christmas Corrie—current exhibition: Avril Paton Hall, 7.30pm Brodick 6–6.45pm Performance, Tuesday 9th, Whiting Bay What's on Your Plate? Decorative hand- Quiz Night, Whiting Bay Golf Club, 9pm Body Conditioning, KA Campus, Lamlash, Village Hall, 7pm painted platters by the artist, daily Over 21's Disco, Ormidale Hotel, Brodick, 6–7pm Brodick Primary School, The Snow Queen, 1–6pm 10pm Kids Fit, KA Campus, Lamlash, 6–7pm Monday 15th, Brodick Primary School, Main Fine Art, Michael Main Gallery, Shapers, Auchrannie Spa, Brodick, 7–8pm 13.30pm & 7.30pm Douglas Centre, Brodick — open Saturday 6th Arran Rotary Meeting, Glencloy Suite, Pirnmill Primary School Show, Tuesday 16th, 10am–12.30pm & 2–4.30pm Dance School, KA Campus, Lamlash, All Auchrannie, Brodick, 7pm Prinmill Primary School, 1.30pm Isle of Arran Distillery, Lochranza — winter day Whiting Bay Primary School Concert, Lamlash Primary School Performance, Tuesday opening times: Monday, Wednesday, RNLI Shop Lamlash open 10.30am– Whiting Bay Hall, 7pm 16th, Arran High School Theatre, 7pm Saturday 10am–4pm, Sunday 11am– 12.30pm Scottish Country Dance Class, Brodick, Shiskine Primary School Concert, Tuesday 16th, 4pm Coffee Morning, Whiting Bay and Kildonan Church Hall, 7.30pm Village Hall, 7pm Arran Heritage Museum, Rosaburn, Church, Church Hall, Whiting Bay, Pop Music Quiz, Ormidale Hotel, Brodick, Kilmory Primary School Concert, Wednesday Brodick — closed for the winter 10.30am–12noon 10pm 17th, Kilmory Church, 7pm Claddach Pottery, The Store, Claddach, Christmas Fayre, Shiskine Primary School, Corrie Primary School Concert, Thursday 18th, Brodick — open 7 days 10.30am, raffle at 11.30am Wednesday 10th Primary School, 2–4pm Auchrannie Spa, Brodick, gym inductions, Karate, Auchrannie Spa, Brodick, 11.30– Aquafizz, Auchrannie Pool, Brodick, Arran High School Concert, Thursday 18th, fitness assessments, personal training 12.30am 9.45am AHS Theatre, 7pm for 7.30pm, tickets from daily Family Games, Auchrannie Spa, Brodick, Yogalates, Auchrannie Spa, Brodick, school office Balmichael Visitors Centre, String Road — 3–4pm 10–11am Brodick Village Children's Party (up to P4), Monday and Tuesday closed Fun in the Pool, Auchrannie Spa, Brodick, AIMS Advocacy and CAB Outreach Saturday 13th, Brodick Hall, 2–4pm Arran Adventure, beside Auchrannie Spa, 4–5pm Service, Corrie and Sannox Village Arran High School X-mas Parties: Juniors — Brodick — open daily for outdoor Youth Club, Church Hall, Brodick—tabletop Hall, 11am–2pm Monday 15th, 7pm, Seniors — Wednesday activities gaming (last Sat. of month), pool, PS3, Corrie Wednesday Club, X-mas 17th, 7.30pm Brodick Castle,castle closed for the dart, arts and crafts (1st sat of the preparations +entertainment, Corrie WRI Village Children's Party, Saturday 20th, winter, park open all days, shop open month), table tennis, board games and Sannox Village Hall, Corrie, 2–4am Shiskine Hall, 2–4pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10am– etc., 7–10pm Core Strength, Auchrannie Spa, Brodick, WRI Village Children's Party, Saturday 20th, AHS 3.30pm until Christmas Disco, Ormidale Hotel, Brodick, 10pm 5.30–6pm Theatre, Lamlash, 2.30pm (Santa at 4pm) KA Campus, Arran High School, Lamlash Kick Boxing, KA Campus, Lamlash, 6–7pm WRI Village Children's Party, Saturday 20th, — regular fitness classes, gym Circuit Training, Auchrannie Spa, Brodick, Whiting Bay Hall, 4–7pm inductions Sunday 7th Boys' Football, KA Campus, Lamlash 6–7.15pm WRI Village Children's Party, Wednesday 24th, (Astroturf or Games Hall), 10–11am Arran Rugby Club S1–U18 from 6.30pm, Kildonan Hall, 6pm Thursday 4th Christmas Fayre, Shiskine Primary School, Seniors from 7.30pm WRI Village Children's Party, Wednesday 24th, Senior Aerobics, Auchrannie Spa, Brodick, 10.30am, raffle at 11.30am Hockey, Auchrannie Spa, Brodick 7–8pm Kilmory Hall, 5.30–8pm 9.30–10.30am Arran Wargames Club, Arran High School, Arran Brass Band Rehearsal, Lesser Hall, Senior Fitness, Auchrannie Spa, Brodick, Lamlash, 1–4pm Whiting Bay, 7.15–9.15 Sunday 7th (preview) 10.45–11.45am Hospital Supporters League Christmas Schools off for X-mas/New Year, Monday, Cardiac Rehab, Auchrannie Spa, Brodick, Fayre, Arran High School, Lamlash, Thursday 11th 22nd December 2008–Sunday 4th 12.30–2pm 2–4pm Senior Aerobics, Auchrannie Spa, Brodick, January 2009 Lochranza Craft Club, Lochranza Hall, 2pm Kids' Club Sunday Matinée, 1.30–3pm 9.30–10.30am AHS Parents' evenings S4 — Monday, 26th Table Tennis, Kildonan Hall, 3–5pm AA Alcoholics Anonymous, St. Margaret's Senior Fitness, Auchrannie Spa, Brodick, January, 7pm KA Jog, all levels, KA Campus, Lamlash, Church, Whiting Bay, 4.30pm 10.45–11.45am AHS Parents' evenings S1 — Thursday, 5th 5.30–6.30pm Fiddle Class, Ormidale Pavillion, Brodick, Cardiac Rehab, Auchrannie Spa, Brodick, February, 4.15pm Pilates, Auchrannie Spa, Brodick, 5.30–6.30pm 12.30–2pm AHS Parents' evenings S2 — Tuesday, 28th 6–6.45pm Lochranza Craft Club, Lochranza Hall, 2pm April, 7pm Beavers & Cubs, Theatre & Dance Studio Corrie + Sannox WRI, Christmas Half Term School Holidays — Monday, Arran High School, Lamlash, 6.15– Monday 8th Senior Fitness, Auchrannie Spa, Brodick, Decorations with Assja Baumgärtner, 9th–Thursday 12th February 8pm Corrie & Sannox Village Hall, 2pm Schools' In-Service Day — Friday 13th Junior Scottish Country Dancing, Lamlash 9.30–10.30am & 10.45–11.45am Ways 2 Walk Group, Ormidale Pavillion Car Table Tennis, Kildonan Hall, 3–5pm February Church Hall, 6–7pm KA Jog, all levels, KA Campus, Lamlash, Arran Drama Festival 2009 — 25th–28th Legs, Bums & Tums, KA Campus, Park, Brodick, 11am Scottish Country Dancers, Beginners & 5.30–6.30pm February Lamlash, 6.30–7.15pm Pilates, Auchrannie Spa, Brodick, Arran Music Festival 2009 — 25th, 26th & Outdoor Boot Camp, Ormidale Park, Improvers, Corrie Hall, 2pm Weight Wise, Hospital Bungalow, Lamlash, 6–6.45pm 27th March Brodick 7–8pm Junior Scottish Country Dancing, Lamlash Schools' Easter Holidays 2009, Monday 6th Brodick Bridge Club, Ormidale Pavillion, 5–5.30pm Core Strength, Auchrannie Spa, Brodick, Church Hall, 6–7pm April–Sunday 19th April 7.15pm Outdoor Boot Camp, Ormidale Park, Schools' In–Service Day — 1st May Brodick Embroidery Group, Library, 5.30–6pm Circuit Training, Auchrannie Spa, Brodick, Brodick, 7–8pm Wyrd Sisters, Play by Terry Prattchet Brodick, 7.30pm Brodick Bridge Club, Ormidale Pavillion, performed by the Arran Torch Players, Middle Eastern Dancers' Practice & 6–7.15pm Ab Class Beginners, KA Campus, Lamlash 7.15pm 1st–3rd May (incl) Lessons, Lamlash, ChurchHall, Brodick Embroidery Group, Library, May Day — Monday, 4th May (Schools off) Beginners 7.30–8.30pm, 6.30–7pm Aerobics, KA Campus, Lamlash, 7–8pm Brodick, 7.30pm The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,musical Intermediates 8.30–9.30pm Middle Eastern Dancers' Practice & performed by the Arran Music and Drama Arran Natural History Socienty, Liz Parsons Sannox Cricket Club, Indoor Practice, Auchrannie Gym, Brodick, 7–9pm Lessons, Lamlash Church Hall, Beginners Club — Monday 25th–Saturday 30th May on Glasgow's Farmland Bird Project, 7.30–8.30pm, Intermediate 8.30–9.30pm (incl.) Ranger Centre, Brodick, 8pm Lamlash Bridge Club, Golf Club House, Lamlash, 7.15pm General Knowledge Quiz, Ormidale Hotel, Arran Wildlife Festival 2009 — 13–30th May General Knowledge Quiz, Ormidale Hotel, Brodick, 10pm Arran Folk Festival2009 — 7th–14th June Brodick, 10pm General Knowledge Quiz, Cameronia, Whiting Bay, 9.30pm Schools' Summer Holidays — Wednesday 1st July–Sunday 16th August Teachers' Return — Friday 14th August 4th December 2008 / The Arran Voice Ltd Tel: 01770 303 636 E-mail: [email protected] Page 9 Getting to know Avril Paton By Alison Prince

Avril, whose painting of a mardi Gillies was beautiful, stylish and was bombed. All the babies were whisked Glasgow tenement, Windows in the privileged, having attended St Leonard’s away to safety, and the newly-delivered West, has sold countless prints world- school in St Andrews and fresh from mothers waited outside the blitzed wide, has Arran connections that go spending a year in Paris. She was nine years hospital for transport, to a men’s hospital UP & COMING back three generations and forward for younger than the handsome islander, and on Glasgow’s outskirts that had no female at least two. ‘If we’re talking about my fell in love with him at the first dazzled facilities. There were tales of mix-ups antecedents, we might be here all day,’ glance. ‘It was a great romance,’ Avril says. about who got which infant, but Avril she says in her Corrie cottage perched ‘Their passion for each other never faded, had no doubts. ‘I was a very ugly baby,’ on the hill above the harbour. Avril right to the end.’ And yet, the marriage she says. ‘There was no mistaking me.’ has grand-children who grew up on was a secret one. The young society girl She knows, too, where she was conceived Arran, and her father and grandfather knew how angry her family would be that — ‘just the other side of Corrie port’, were from Corrie, both of them she had ‘thrown herself away’ on a humble no more from a stone’s throw from the It was only then that her career as a painter artists while still being practical men artisan from Arran, no matter how great cottage she has known all her life but only began to prosper. Lesley Main, who has a who could turn a hand to anything. his talent and charm. For a whole year bought in the spring of this year. ’There’s gallery in the Douglas Centre in Brodick, Her father interrupted his studies at their respective families were ignorant of a wonderful circularity about that,’ she mounted her first solo show in Glasgow Glasgow Art School in order to come the fact that they were living together in muses. in 1986, and two years later, her painting back and help complete the building legal but secret bliss. But when Mardi’s avril grew up on Arran, but her of The Barras was bought by Glasgow Art of Black Rock House. It was when husband, Hugh, went to see his parents father was away during the war years. Galleries and Museums. In 1992 they bought he returned to the Art School to pick in Corrie, she came after him. Her arrival Her mother delighted in escape from the the now famous study of a tenement on a up his interrupted studies that he met on Corrie quay from the paddle steamer, ‘Victorian rules’ of Glasgow, and they snowy morning. Windows in the West evokes the girl who was to become Avril’s complete with parasol and a roped cabin lived in what Avril describes as an early fascination in the viewer who looks from mother. trunk, started a babble of excitement that form of Hippiedom, in great happiness. room to room, seeing tantalising glimpses reached her unsuspecting in-laws at top ‘The village was my mother,’ she says. of the life privately lived in each. Well over Arran speed. A grim announcement was ‘Every corner was my magic place.’ She 30,000 reproductions of the painting have called up the stairs. ‘Hugh, your wife has went to Rothesay Academy at 15, and been sold, plus at least 100,000 cards. In come off the ferry.’ encouraged by the art teacher there, 2005 she showed 70 works in the Mitchell began a course at Glasgow Art School. Library’s New Looks exhibition. ‘They didn’t Blitz And, like her mother before her, she met know,’ she says, ‘that their basement was an an enchanting man and married him. air raid shelter during the war years.’ Her Despite the shock, Arran became the Abandoning further studies, they set off mother, who had digs near by while she was couple’s home, though Mardi continued for London. Two daughters were born to still at the Art School, used to run in for safety her studies and was in Glasgow when them, but the marriage was not an easy during the blitz — at which time she must she gave birth to Avril in 1941 — in the one, and after the birth of her son in 1975, have been pregnant with Avril. Truly, this Redlands Hospital on the night when it Avril came back once more to Arran. ever-creative artist’s life is full of circularity.

Bella’s Diary By Margaret Kay

Well, what a trip last weekend chatting. They said how desperate they we decided to head back to Methven — a — I wasn’t wrong when I said we were were to get another wee pup, but wanted round trip of 190-ish miles!!! going off on an adventure. Our first to deal only with a reputable breeder. an early night and a very early start stop, after setting off on the 11.05am on Having been given my number and saw us back at Ardrossan in time for Thursday, was to visit the family who details they phoned me on Sunday night the 9.45am on Monday. That journey were desperate to meet Wee Malkie. to see if they could go on my list. I told went smoothly and we were all home Having recently lost Dougie, their 15 them all about Malkie and gave them my by lunchtime, with Wee Malkie safely year old Yorkie, they were missing him website address, where they could see back in his box for a snooze. I can easily desperately and needed to fill the huge photos of the gang. They phoned back tell when he is awake now as his eyes hole had left in their lives. We had the following day for a blether and to opened on Sunday, so he can see what’s spoken a fair bit on the phone but I am see if they could book him. The rest, as going on around him. Malkie took all never prepared to book a puppy without they say, is history — or outlined above this disruption in his stride — I think he meeting the family concerned — so their at least. is going to be an intrepid traveller. name had been pencilled in against Wee The rest of the weekend went When he is awake now he makes his Malkie, subject to us all being satisfied. smoothly. at least, that is, until we arrived presence felt. He squeaks if his Mum is Our meeting was so successful that Wee in Ardrossan at 11.50am for our return not around. He is also starting to play a Malkie will be going to live in Darvel on trip on Sunday, just in time to see the little, gnawing at fingers if they go near 9th January 2009. Caledonian Isles head out on sea trials, his mouth. This is where the fun part sometimes I think there are some which she subsequently failed. There begins — he will get livelier and more things in life that are just meant to be, we were, stuck in Ardrossan, four dogs interested in things on a daily basis and and Wee Malkie going to Darvel is one and Wee Malkie. We had anticipated we have already started on the house of them. It was just by chance that Peter problems, so as well as filling Malkie’s training. I was so proud of him when we and Elizabeth came across a family from hot water bottle, we had filled flasks with went to Darvel. I lifted him out onto the Glasgow who had one of CoCo’s pups boiling water, so were able to keep him pee-pee mat and he performed to order born in April, and seeing the opportunity topped up and warm. After speaking to — only two weeks old and doing as he for a much needed “Yorkie Fix” they got CalMac staff, and to my friends of course, was told!!! Hope that keeps up. Page 10 For more news, this week and every week, register FREE at www.arranvoice.com / 4th December 2008

PUT YOUR SMALL ANNOUNCEMENTS ON OUR MESSAGE BOARD, FREE! Celebrated

ay And Nonagenarian Whiting B Kildonan Church By Chris Attkins Arran Natural Histor A coffee morning and book stall is being held in y Society the church hall on Saturday 6th December from Thurs 4th Dec, 8pm, Ranger Centre 10.30am to 12 noon Liz Parsons on All proceeds for church funds Glasgows Farmland Bird Project

SHISKINE PRIMARY SCHOOL Christmas Fayre

SATURDAY 6th DECEMBER @ 10.30am in the School

Grand Raffle drawn at 11.30 am

Home Baking, Tombola, Children’s Craft, Tea and Coffee Arran’s only street hawker, Proceeds in aid of School Funds HOMES WANTED Mary Davies, celebrated her 90th For two, birthday last Wednesday by inviting her friends to a slap-up lunch at the 8 week old tabby kittens Auchrannie. both boys, lively with mary is frequently found selling Hospital Supporters League Christmas Fayre Sun 7th loving natures. her popular trilogy of Arran-inspired Dec 2-4pm in the High School. Tel: 302 150 novels from a tiny table on Brodick’s pavement. Her writing career is only All the usual stalls. Come and have a cup of tea and a one of many; during her long life she mince pie while you solve Dr.Tinto's Quiz. has been a building inspector, artist’s model, hypnotherapist and hotelier. She For table tops please phone Judy on 700 245. is fluent in Esperanto and makes daily use of the internet. Whatever next, Mary? Any donations for home baking or bric-a-brac will be Annual General very welcome and may be left at the school from 11am on Meeting the morning of the fayre — come along and support your Arran Riding for hospital. the Disabled Ready, Freddy, Go!

Philomena The Annual General Brodick youngster Freddie Meeting will take Bunyan won the honour of the big Would like to say a place on Friday switch on at Brodick last weekend. big Thank you to all 5th December in The Brodick Illuminations — which include new Christmas tree pattern her family, friends Brodick Church Hall designs decorating the lamp-posts along and colleagues for at 11am. All Welcome Brodick's shorefront — were put up by their cards, gifts Brodick's Ian Small earlier in the week. and good wishes On Sunday morning, Ian was testing the for her retirement, lights and said he was keeping his fingers and for making crossed for a crisp, snowy evening for the the ceilidh such a event. Mother nature did not disappoint special occasion. and after a rousing performance of Christmas Carols by Arran Brass in Arran Rotary Club is holding a Fund-raising event Brodick Hall, folks wrapped up warm to for the Glasgow Maggie Centre, at the home witness the switching on of the island's of the President, 40 Murray Cresent Lamlash most impressive street decorations. on Friday 5th December from 10.30 - 12, 3- 4pm and and from 7pm (bring your own bottle in the evening for a drink with friends.)

There will be a sale of Avon Products, and a chance to guess polar bear Maggie's birthday and a raffle to help the Cancer drop-in centre carry on its invaluable work. PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM

Freddie Bunyan lights up Brodick and fellow spirits (picture by Nicol Hume) 4th December 2008 / The Arran Voice Ltd Tel: 01770 303 636 E-mail: [email protected] Page 11 Blooming good move Stef’s stab at the weather Eleanor opens new shop, despite another BT delay By Stef Holmer Eleanor McCue’s flower shop has Eleanor. However, some administrative recently moved to premises at the end of problems with the order have delayed the Amateur Meteorologist Brodick’s Auchrannie road and is now in full job and now some extra telegraph poles re-located bloom for Christmas. However, need to be erected, so Eleanor is having to the enterprising Eleanor has had to deal use her mobile. ‘They office staff just don’t Summary of last week’s forecast with another delay by British Telecom, who seem to care,’ she said on Tuesday, and have yet to install a new line at the shop. added that not having a landline was 'bound Absolutely bizarre! Yes, I got it totally wrong on Saturday. But then so did all other forecasters. Even Sean Blatt who left the Met Office last year to take up a position with STV and achieved The florist was quoted a staggering to put some people off.’ recognition as the country’s most accurate forecaster predicted much the same as I did. And we £4,362.50 (plus VAT) for her home situated beside the Good Furniture were both correct for certain bits of this peculiar Island of ours. Thick snow in the north of Holy connection earlier this year. After months Shop near to the Burnside Gallery, Island and clear in the south. Roads closed between Whiting Bay and Brodick and completely dry of call-centre misery and inconvenience, Eleanor’s new shop is like a floral Aladdin’s in Lochranza. Ah, the joys of weather forecasting! the job was eventually sorted for a fraction cave. After Christmas, she plans to set up a of the price. But now Eleanor is waiting specialist wedding flowers display area (she General Summary for 3rd December to 8th December: yet again for her business connection. She has supplied flowers for thirty weddings A deep low south off Iceland on Wednesday will be with us by Thursday, centred over the Western initially contacted BT at the beginning of already this year), but in the meantime she Isles by the looks of things. This means fairly strong winds and rain over much of the country. By September. ‘I was told that it wouldn’t be is crossing her fingers that she will receive Friday the low will continue to move eastwards, hopefully allowing a big Atlantic anticyclone to a problem and that it would be just 7–10 a new phoneline from BT as an early influence our weather over the weekend. However, another deep low looks like moving down towards us by Monday, ushering in another wet and windy day. days from the time I placed the order,’ said Christmas present.

Thursday Temperatures rising a wee bit to about 8°C, but a horrible wet (sleet and snow) and windy day. Very strong winds from the west in the morning, probably in excess of 25mph, but falling back to about 18mph by the afternoon. We may see some glimpses of sun in the afternoon and the rain will ease a bit by evening.

Friday A better day today with fairly light winds coming in from the north. Some showers in the morning but clearing to give us some nice sunny spells in the afternoon. Still pretty cold at 4°C, but not the big freeze of last week. Looks like the start of a reasonable weekend.

Saturday Quite a nice day. That high pressure is giving us a respite. Sill cold but dry and some good sunny spells, especially in the afternoon. Looks like a great day for any outdoor activities Having experienced lengthy delays of BT administrative as long as you are well clad. Could become very frosty at night. bureaucracy, Eleanor is less fazed this time round Lighthouse Caledonia Sunday Not so much sun around, and becoming cloudier as the day goes on. Still quite chilly at 8°C. The wind will probably increase from the south west in the afternoon as that big fined for pollution low to the north moves down towards us. It could be 25mph or more. I’m afraid the rain will not be far away by late afternoon and evening. Lighthouse Caledonia, owner called Pan Fish Scotland, later changed of the St Molios fish farm in Lamlash, to Lighthouse Caledonia. It was fined is to close its Marybank fish processing £10,000 back in 2005 for a spillage in plant on Lewis following a conviction Loch Torridon. Monday for diesel contamination in March colin Bayes, Director of Wet and windy again, but with the temperature keeping up at 8°C, snow seems unlikely. 2007. The firm pled guilty at Dingwall Environmental Protection and The west wind will probably increase to more than 25mph in the morning, with gale Sheriff Court on Thursday to spilling Improvement, said in SEPA's press force gusts, then ease back a wee bit in the evening. fuel, which leaked through a protective release, 'Where pollution is significant embankment into a burn running into or persistent, or is as a result of wilful Loch Kishorn in the Highlands. On the or negligent actions, SEPA will use same day, it announced the closure of its enforcement powers to protect the Outlook (Very long-range stuff) the plant on the outskirts of Stornoway environment for the benefit of all of Things are looking no’ bad for the rest of the week. Mostly cloudy but dry until by the end of the year, with the loss of Scotland's citizens.' Thursday and temperatures staying around 7°C. Winds will be variable in direction 130 jobs. The diesel contamination of farmed and fairly light but getting a bit blowy by Friday. A good week for Christmas shopping. The offence was reported by SEPA salmon by Marine Harvest Scotland (Unless you more sensibly do it on the island! Ed.) and in a BBC News article headed, earlier this year led to a food alert from 'Troubled fish farm company fined'. the UK Food Standards Agency and Ferry Notes SEPA pointed out that a previous a food recall from major UK retailers Watch out on Thursday, but the strongest winds will be very early in the morning. Monday is pollution incident had occurred when including Sainsbury's, who source also looking dodgy in the middle of the day. the company operating the site was predominantly from Marine Harvest. Page 12 For more news, this week and every week, register FREE at www.arranvoice.com / 4th December 2008 Snow wonder — or is it?

Localised snowfall and 15 inches a minute freezing temperatures foxed the forecasters and transformed parts of Meanwhile the Brodick to Lamlash Arran into a winter wonderland last route was host to a similar scene, with weekend. Initially perfect conditions cars pointing in towards the verges all for snowballing and sledging, the along the road. The Voice received a surprise snow caused a fair bit of reliable report of one snowfast Stevie's disruption on some of the island’s Decor van edging very slowly forwards roads. From Sannox to Whiting Bay along the icy road as its two occupants on the east coast and a few miles scraped small clearings in front of Niall Hume operated the island's ninth emergency inland to the top of the String and Ross its wheels with a short ruler. At their service last Saturday on the String Road roads, several inches of snow created tortoise-paced progress, it was estimated treacherous driving conditions. by one witness that they would reach Amazingly, areas such as Kilmory and Brodick by next week. Blackwaterfoot remained unaffected sections of the main coastal road by the wintry weather, receiving not were closed early in the afternoon to a single snowflake. prevent further congestion and allow the gritters and plough clear paths between Snowballs yes, crystal balls no the villages. Any snow-fast vehicles strewn about on the String could take ‘We do get very accurate forecasts their pick from a wide range of Arran’s Drivers and passengers lend weight to help this normally,’ said NAC's island officer ‘snow emergency’ services, seasoned Landrover out from the verge on the String Free Personal Gus MacLeod. ‘Unfortunately it breakdown recovery experts every one even took the forecasters by surprise. of them, from Angus Lambie’s recovery Christmas Messages It was so localised. 95% of the time truck to the police deployment of the we get it right — but we don’t have Mountain Rescue landrover . A roving crystal balls,’ he added. rescue team consisting of Niall Hume Although the conditions were and his co-driver came to the aid of worse than expected, the Council one John Connor, the driver of a silver gritters had been out on Friday Honda Accord whose front wheels had night and once again early on found the sheuch on more than one Saturday morning at 5am. Once the occasion. He had been heaved back snow started falling in earnest by onto the road by Ross Auld and Angus Arran's sixth emergency service? late morning, they were deployed Lambie amongst others, but found the Angus Lambie (right) and Ross Auld (left) Send us your name and short Christmas throughout the day, subject to driver verge a further two times on his Brodick- message for publication free of charge. working time regulations. bound descent of the String. Please include your phone number so that By early afternoon the snow we can contact you if we have to. Space will be limited so send your messages in had started to cause some chaos Salt coups running low? early to save disappointment. on the String road, as some drivers approaching from both directions During the afternoon drivers began Name: decided to abandon their cars. Others to complain that there were no longer Telephone Number: braved the slippery snow-covered salted sand-heaps by the edge of the Personal Christmas Message: roads and by 1pm the String was road to enable drivers to provide a grip PC Frazer Mitchell deploys the Arran Mountain Rescue littered with cars — many of them under their wheels. Earlier this week Team's Landrover to help clear the roads of snow-fast cars 4x4 vehicles — which had attempted Gus MacLeod assured road-users to travel the steep hill between the that the Council had already started pass and the bridge at the bend in the to replenish the roadside sand coups. road on the lower slopes of Muillean Each year the Council waits until the Goaithe. end of the leaf fall before topping up a number of commercial delivery the piles on the verges of the roads. vehicles, including Arran Deliveries This work had been commenced last and Arran Dairies, were delayed by Friday, before the recent snowfall, but the weather. Alastair Dobson, owner not on the String where it would have of Arran Dairies, was contemplating been needed most. the loss of some perishable goods, For anyone not on the roads, it was a but eventually managed to make safe weekend to savour and many folks were Liam Atkinson and David Morrison build passage over the String. out enjoying the deep snow. a snowman family at St Elmos House 4th December 2008 / The Arran Voice Ltd Tel: 01770 303 636 E-mail: [email protected] Page 13 Magical glass at the Burnside

how the flashes of colour within the glass come about. When NASA scientists were designing the first space probe, they had to develop new materials of great strength, and started to experiment with fusing glass and metals. Among them were creative people who saw what extraordinary colours became locked into this new material, ready to gleam out as the surrounding light With ice glistening on the changed — but only a few artists have roads and snow falling, there was used the technique creatively. a crystalline feel about Arran last Prime among them is Carolyn, Friday night, echoed inside the whose delectable pendants of fused Burnside gallery at the preview of glass seem to lock up the colours of wonderful glass creations by Carolyn golden autumn or a hot, heather- McDonald. covered hillside, releasing flashes of carolyn grew up in the West of iridescent turquoise or emerald from Scotland and fell in love with Arran the depths of the deeper colours. Her Thai Stained Glass as a child, when she came to stay large dish with its golden centre is with her grandparents at Atholl a present to die for, and she shows House, where Rennie Mackintosh House in Lamlash and played in the smaller ones that have been built up provided every last detail to complete burn there. She has lived for a long layer upon layer, sometimes trapping a magical interior. Not often does one time in Surrey, but hopes to make a design of silver wire within the meet an artist so freely inventive and her home on Arran again before too colour or presenting a wonderful yet so useful. If you are looking for a long. Meanwhile, her Burnside show tracery of golden spider-web. She present for that tasteful person who has features wonderful uses of coloured can use stained glass for all sorts everything, get down to the Burnside and iridescent glass, both as jewellery of purposes, even as mundane as a as soon as the snow stops! There are and a variety of wonderful vases and glowing design to cover a toilet-roll lots of other lovely things, too, from dishes, and she was happy to explain holder, and the mind jumps to Hill colourful model boats to lights among red berries — not to mention some very covetable paintings. And Mhairi ADVERTISING in The Arran Voice definitely makes the best mulled wine on Arran! 1/32nd Advertisment £25 (Mono)/£32 (colour) in Classifieds — £16 (mono) in Personals — £11 (mono) 1/16th Advertisment £46 (Mono)/£60 (colour) in Classifieds — £30 (mono) in Personals — £20 (mono) Line Ads from only £3.50

Discounts available for block bookings All above prices plus VAT We will be happy to visit you at your premises to discuss any advertising. Our full ratecard is online at: www.arranvoice.com

Mandy Simsek and Heather McLeod delighted buyers at the Whiting Bay Christmas Fair with their clarsach playing Nautical Cheer Page 14 For more news, this week and every week, register FREE at www.arranvoice.com / 4th December 2008

ADVERTORIAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR HER Guys! With snow on the ground and carols in the air — there’s no ignoring it; it’s time to go Christmas shopping! if you know your lady-love’s size and favourite colour, clothes may be a good option. Arran Active, Bilslands and The Old Byre Showroom all have a good selection, and offer gift vouchers if you can’t decide what would suit. While at Cladach don’t forget to drop in to the Pottery and pick up some extra special decorations for the tree. A new handbag or purse is a great gift, too — Brodick Post Office now stock a new range of leather-goods, and there is a fantastic selection at Island Treasure in Balmichael. Take the time to drop into Trareoch Crafts while you’re there, for a great choice of gifts for the craft-loving ladies in your life. carry on to Blackwaterfoot and go to the Harbour Shop for a wide range of Arran made lotions, potions, candles and porcelain. remember — if you shop local you’ll even be home in time for the footie results on the telly and that can’t be bad.

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Café Specials: Soup & Toastie for only £4.99 4th December 2008 / The Arran Voice Ltd Tel: 01770 303 636 E-mail: [email protected] Page 15 In the final Schools learn some Pupils from Arran High School Make it through to Grand Final of The Big Green Challenge ‘reel’ dancing Dance leader thanked for a decade of inspiration A team of students from Arran response to this year’s competition High School have made it through with more than 120 students getting to the final The Big Green Challenge involved and putting their debating debating competition. The Big Green skills to the test. The four teams who Challenge is an innovative project have made it through to the final have by Highlands and Islands Enterprise done very well to get to this stage as the which is helping pupils across Scotland standard of the teams was very high.' to gain a better understanding and John McClatchey of the awareness of renewable energy. Eilidh Environmental Research Institute, who MacLeod, Sherlea MacDonald and was a judge in the semi round says, 'The Ealana Swinton-Boyle from Arran High passion and enthusiasm shown by the School will join pupils from Gairloch students is exceptionally encouraging High School, Gairloch, Portree High and I believe we have many renewable School, Portree and Sandwick Junior energy industry leaders in the making! High School, Shetland in the grand ... I wish the four finalists the very best final of the competition which will take of luck for the next round.” place at the end of January 2009. The four finalists will now compete increasing Scotland’s renewable for a group trip to Iceland to visit Last week, Arran’s primary angie Fisher, Rachel Phillips, energy generation is a key Scottish the country’s famous Blue Lagoon schools united in the tenth annual Rita Salmon, Marion Devine, Louise Government pledge, with the aim of waterfall and the geothermal area of Dance Scottish Festival at Whiting Bay Simmons, Margaret Green, Mairi deriving half of Scotland’s electricity Geysir. Hall. Young Iain Clarke performed a Farquhar, Mairi Duff, Liz Kennedy, rousing skirl on the bagpipes to start Stewart Lambie and Alistair Glen from renewable sources by proceedings and expert dance teacher have all been involved in teaching 2020. Alastair Aitkenhead kept feet tapping the dances before the festival and support for the pupils as he led almost 150 school pupils they performed a fine waltz. has come from The through a wide repertoire of Scottish ann Hart said a ‘huge thank you’ Big Green Challenge country dance tunes. to Alistair for his inspiration over portal website www. it was the last festival to be led by the the years, which has surely laid the thebiggreenchallenge sprightly 88 year old, who started the foundations for another generation .co.uk which also has pages event ten years ago. He is now stepping of country dancing. in Gaelic. The Big Green down from the role. MC Joe Rae said ‘The real emphasis is on fun and Challenge participants are there was ‘some terrific dancing on flight,' said Alastair. 'At that age display’ and his introductions to the you’ve just got to be having fun. expected to comprehensively different tunes kept the afternoon It’s part of our culture.’ There have research motions both for and flowing. Some new acquaintances been similar dance festivals across against renewable energy. were made as pupils were asked to Ayrshire recently, the highlight anna Allan, senior dance with partners from different being 1,400 children dancing in development manager in primary schools, and children were Troon Hall, taught by volunteers HIE’s Energy team, says, Arran High pupils Eilidh MacLeod, even invited to judge the dancing skills and run through cooperation with 'We have had an exceptional Sherlea MacDonald and Ealana Swinton-Boyle of the adults in the room. the schools.

The Moment of thePoem week By Margaret Atwood (1939-)

The moment when, after many years of hard work and a long voyage you stand in the centre of your room, house, half-acre, square mile, island, country, knowing at last how you got there, and say, I own this,

is the same moment the trees unloose their soft arms from around you, the birds take back their language, the cliffs fissure and collapse, the air moves back from you like a wave and you can’t breathe.

No, they whisper. You own nothing. You were a visitor, time after time climbing the hill, planting the flag, proclaiming. We never belonged to you. You never found us. It was always the other way around.

Margaret Atwood is Canada’s foremost poet and novelist. Page 16 For more news, this week and every week, register FREE at www.arranvoice.com / 4th December 2008

By Scott McMurray, Eilidh Kerr, Megan McEachern and Thomas McMaster

Hello and welcome to December’s place on the 15th of November, hosted opened the proceedings, and all in all ‘Youth Voice’! Here you will find by Aberdeen City Council in their it was a very successful and enjoyable everything you need to know about council buildings in the city centre. day. the youth of Arran. If there is anything Highlights of the day included debates you want to see on this page or if on knife crime, holocaust education Lamlash Youth Centre you want to add an item or write and the launch of the SYP’s national something for it, please contact the campaign ‘Being Young Is Not A The Lamlash Youth Centre aka The Voice or Scott McMurray at school. Crime’, which looks at promoting Portakabin has finally been moved to Oh, and hope everyone has a great young people in a positive light. To find its new site behind the High School. Christmas when it comes and we will out more about the SYP’s campaign All being well it will re-open with a be back again in the New Year! go to www.scottishyouthparliament. bang just after the New Year! org.uk. Events Youth Forum Party Merry Christmas? School Concert, On the 7th of November, Arran Youth ‘Tis the season to be jolly. But is there Thurs 18th of December Forum held one of their famous non- something about winter that actually alcohol gigs in Brodick Hall. Despite brings people down? For instance the Numerous A-list celebrity artistes are the torrential rain and blowing gales cold, wet weather, the gale force winds, rumoured to be attending, including the turnout was a record breaking 213 the darkness. Not to mention the ferry the infamous wind band, the jazz, young people! Entertainment was disruptions. I’ve begun to notice that, string and percussion groups, and provided by Generic Rude Word and when the weather is miserable, it tends both the junior and senior choirs as Drop Function, both of which were to make me miserable too. It certainly well as several soloists. The night debuting at this gig. After the bands, is the “bleak mid winter”. However, will be rounded off with a couple Holly Weir and Vicky Wetton took to the Christmas period itself is a lovely of carols (which will include the the decks and blasted out some old time of year. It’s the period before and tuneful audience) and some delicious and new favourites. A fantastic night after which I don’t like. There are no refreshments — DEFINITELY the was had by all and we look forward to twinkly little lights, no Christmas trees best part! A big hand must go to Mrs the next one in January! sparkling in the windows. It’s before Diana Hamilton, the ever-enthusiastic the excitement of opening the doors music teacher, without whom this Youth Conference on your advent calendars (a Barbie one night could not go on. this year for me) and going Christmas The 5th Annual North Ayrshire shopping; when it’s cold and dark but Youth Conference took place on it’s not quite the festive period. And Wednesday 5th of November at the then when Christmas is well and truly News Gailes Hotel in Irvine. Around 60 over, it’s still not getting any lighter Scottish Youth Parliament young people were in attendance and or sunnier. Prolong the Christmas General Meeting Thomas McMaster, Holly Weir, Abi festivities, I say. Make them last from Gillingham and Claire Taylor were October to March perhaps, to stop the The 37th SYP General Meeting took all present. Scott McMurray MSYP winter blues. 4th December 2008 / The Arran Voice Ltd Tel: 01770 303 636 E-mail: [email protected] Page 17 Classic Collection By Douglas Hamilton

Douglas Hamilton offers some advice on how to choose a good opera recording. Puccini La Bohème News Freni, Pavarotti, Ghiaurov, Harwood, Panerai, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Herbert von Karajan All Welcome Decca 421 049-2 from the Scottish Episcopal Church Which opera would be the best introduction to opera in general? Tragic or comic? (in full communion with the Church of England) St Margaret’s, Whiting Bay. Classical or Romantic? In English or in the original language? A Mozart comedy Sunday, 7th December: Holy perhaps, or a Verdi melodrama — but I think as a starting point you won't go far Communion, 11.00 am. Revd Dr Hector wrong with something by Puccini. My own choice would be either Tosca or La Blues Soga, Dollar. Coffee after service. Bohème. Both are packed full of good tunes and the music is very colourful; a lot Wednesday, 10th December: Holy happens, in a variety of moods, and neither is too long! For this week, let’s look at Driver reported for ignoring ‘Road Closed’ Communion, 12.15 pm. All Welcome. La Bohème. sign At 2.30pm on Saturday 29th of November a Decca issued a fine recording starring the operatic ‘couple’ of the moment — 40 year old Lamlash male was reported for Church of Scotland Gheorghui and Alagna — conducted by Chailly. EMI also featured Gheorghiu dangerous driving, failing to stop, and failing to Kilmory linked with Lamlash under Pappano in a highly rated version a few years ago, while quite recently the comply with a mandatory road traffic sign. The ‘A faith to proclaim ~ a fellowship to share’ current ‘dream team’ of Netrebko and Villazon appeared on a DG set. This was driver had attempted to drive south along the Sunday 7th December very well received by some critics, less enthusiastically by others, some of whom Brodick to Lamlash road which had been closed Rev. Gillean Maclean by the police due to the poor driving conditions. Kilmory 10am criticise Netrebko’s performance as Mimi, comparing it unfavourably with earlier Lamlash 11.30am interpretations. An early Beecham ‘classic’ (EMI) with de los Angeles and Bjorling Mobile phone All welcome still takes some beating, or there's Tebaldi and Bergonzi under Serafin (Decca). Both At 3pm on Saturday 29th November a 18 year of these are budget priced and highly rated. old Kilmory male was reported for driving whilst Arran Free Church of Scotland many critics rate the young Pavarotti’s Rudolfo as one of his finest recordings. using a mobile phone. The incident occurred on 7th December 2008 the main road opposite the Tourist Information Shiskine, 11am (Church is on the road Here is one of the world’s greatest tenors at his peak, with the other parts equally centre at the foot of Brodick hill. between Machrie and Blackwaterfoot) strongly cast. Freni is one of the best Mimis on record. Karajan’s conducting is Sunday School meets in the Church Hall described as ‘spacious’ — rather slower than many other versions, and the reading Missing person found Brodick, 7pm (Church is behind Post Office) of Act 3 is probably unsurpassed. The recording was made over a very short period, At 2pm on Wednesday 26th November a family Mr William Meney and this is reflected in a great sense of teamwork. At mid-price, with superb sound, from Whiting Bay reported their son as a missing All Welcome, Tel:860426 person and stated that they had concerns for a great team of soloists, a great conductor, and a great orchestra, this too is a ‘classic his well-being. An initial ground search was Arran Baptist Church recording’. It has recently been reissued, and was given a 5-star review in the BBC undertaken of the area surrounding the missing Sunday 6th December in the Ormidale Music Magazine. person’s house. At that time the search proved Pavilion, Brodick. negative, said police sources. 10.55 Worship Service, Tea and coffee a 15-strong team from the Coastguards were afterwards. Everyone welcome soon called and by 3pm a search of the lower shore in Whiting Bay was carried out, responding Arran Free Church of Scotland to information that the individual might be in that (continuing) Sunday 7th December area. The police said that they were acutely aware Trust Housing Lounge, Glen Estate, of the difficulties in continuing a search in fading Brodick, 11am light and so called the called for the assistance of Evening Service, 5 Glen Road, 7pm the Arran Mountain Rescue Team, who were on Prayer Meeting, Wednesday 10th, 7pm the scene by 4.30pm. Rev.D.Macleod. All Welcome The Arran MRT then conducted a line-search from Sandbraes playpark to the garden centre all the way to Point house. The Boys Brigade and the Church of Scotland, RNLI were also engaged in the search. Strathclyde Parishes of North Arran; Brodick, police ‘air support’ was called out, but due to the Corrie, Lochranza, inclement weather had to abort its involvement. Pirnmill and Shiskine at approximately 7.30pm the various Independent but working together. members of the search party regrouped at the Minister Rev. Angus Adamson, Parish Scripture Union site beyond Point House. A new Assistant, Mrs Jean Hunter search was undertaken and by 8.35pm the Arran Worship will be conducted at the Mountain Rescue team had located the missing following times: person in a caravan. The man was transferred by Sunday 7th December: ambulance to the Arran War Memorial Hospital. Brodick Church, 10.30am Corrie Church, 12noon ‘Shocking’ road safety talk Pirnmill, 10.15am, S5 and S6 Arran High School pupils watched Shiskine, 12noon, a road safety presentation earlier this week, as A service of Worship will also be held in police officers from Strathclyde’s Road Safety Montrose House at 1.30pm Unit visited the island. PC Scott Marshall and PC Graham Rutherford work full-time in the Holy Cross Catholic Church role of giving road-safety presentations to school Sunday Morning Mass 11am and company audiences. The presentation Mass in Polish 4.30pm involved touch-pad questionnaires to assess attitudes amongst the groups and also graphically Whiting Bay and Kildonan shocking videos which demonstrated some of the Church consequences of unsafe driving. ‘Our main target Sunday 7th December is young drivers, to keep them safe on the road,’ Worship for Advent will be conducted said PC Marshall. by the minister, Rev Elizabeth Watson, The two officers were keen to point out the at 10.30am. Tea and coffee will be many risks which are not always fully understood served in the Transept after the service. by inexperienced drivers, from the failure to wear All most welcome. There will be a seatbelts to the use of prescription drugs that service in Cooriedoon at 2.30pm and can impair driving. PC Marshall stated that the in Craigielea at 3.15pm to which all are average cost of passing a driving test is £1,500. welcome. Drivers receiving six points or more during the two-year probationary period are forced to re-sit the test. The Religious Society of Friends will meet next week, December 14th. Page 18 For more news, this week and every week, register FREE at www.arranvoice.com / 4th December 2008

Win an Arran Aromatics gift box worth £30 this week Weekly Prize You have until Tuesday, 16 December 2008 to send in your completed cryptic crossword. This week’s crossword sponsored by Arran Aromatics, Tel: 01770 302595, Crossword Website: www.arranaromatics.com. Winners are asked to contact the shop One Crossword — before collecting their prize. Compiled by The Wee Scunner two sets of answers! Answers to Issue 85’s crossword can be found on page 19.

Cryptic Clues Across Down 1 Still unknown extra terrestrial (3) 1 You will sound Christmas (4) 3 Proportionate kin (8) 2 Has a good feed and performs bedtime 8 Behold with Latin substitute (5) ritual (5,2) 9 Can — must — change Holy of Holies (7) 3 Odd drink (3) 10 Thriller not imperial measuring mental 4 Catch girl with nothing on (5) attributes (12) 5 Rage in spike fruit (9) 12 Those with high IQs rearranged names (5) 6 Mixed trove constituent (5) 13 Presses clubs (5) 7 Hits belts (6) 15 Down tops totally ineligible for 12 (12) 11 Ruin country as emergency measure (9) 19 I am pinkish charge (7) 12 Fifties mule cake (6) 20 Tricked failure about gym (5) 14 Complex father (7) Sponsored by 21 Books should be study expert (8) 16 Specimen loses former husband but is still 22 Timid throw (3) enough (5) 17 Addiction help about — about contemptuous expression (5) 18 Little Edward maelstrom (4) 20 Owed 20 without data processing (3)

Quick Clues — just for fun! Across Down 1 Waterproof (3) 1 Honey drink (4) 3 Cake decoration (8) 2 Bends on a motor track (7) 8 Spanish goodbye (5) 3 Fool (3) 9 Reproach (7) 4 Curt (5) 10 Loyalty (12) 5 Defamatory (9) 12 Colonic irrigation (5) 6 Hoist (5) 13 Greek last letter (5) 7 Seaport on Black Sea (6) Please send your completed crosswords to The Arran Voice, Pier Buildings, Brodick, 15 Going to the very edge of danger (12) 11 Creator of Becky Sharp (9) Isle of Arran, KA27 8AX. Alternatively, e-mail your answers to [email protected], 19 Scots weasel (7) 12 Joints (6) with the word “Crossword - Issue 87” in the subject line. 20 Bird of the duck family (5) 14 Part of a serial (7) Name: 21 Neck cords (8) 16 Holiday destination (5) 22 Sheep 17 Flower (5) Address: 18 Lake (4) Telephone/E-mail: 20 American petrol (3)

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We are now offering prints of photographs that appear in each issue The Arran Voice* 8” x 6” prints from £8.50 8” x 6” front page prints from £15.00 CDs — £2.50 Images from £0.50 (exclusive of Postage & Packaging) Discounts available for larger orders. Other print sizes are available For more information, call 01770 303 636, or e-mail [email protected] * This only applies to images where we own the copyright of the image 4th December 2008 / The Arran Voice Ltd Tel: 01770 303 636 E-mail: [email protected] Page 19

Issue 85 Crossword Answers Sudoku really only has one rule: Every row, column and 3x3 box must contain the Cryptic Answers numbers 1 through 9. We’ve given you a medium and hard puzzle to try. Visit our website at www.arranvoice.com to find new Sudoku puzzles everyday! Across: 1 Wilt; 3 Lofty; 6 Asps; 11 Idolize; Sudoku 12 Noxious; 13 Twine; 14 Eke; 15 Lied; 17 Apiary; 19 Bistro; 21 Degree; 22 Osprey; 25 Zero; 27 Boo; 28 Psalm; 30 Puffins; 31 Bustard; 32 Code; 33 Frank; 34 Utes. Down: 1 Waistbands; 2 Lionizing; 4 Omelet; 5 Tandem; 7 Swore; 8 Sash; 9 Vile; 10 Exclaims; 16 Polyamides; 18 Rhetoric; 20 Termagant; 23 Abuser; 24 Bobbin; 26 Effed; 28 Posh; 29 Epic.

Quick Answers Across: 1 Dice; 3 Bully; 6 Form; 11 Guarded; 12 Rotates; 13 Ethos; 14 RAC; 15 Cyst; 17 Noodle; 19 Zapped; 21 Sudden; 22 Consul; 25 Avid; 27 Rat; 28 Overt; 30 Alloway; 31 Babygro; 32 Ajar; 33 Flier; 34 Pros. Down: 1 Doggedness; 2 Coach Load; 4 Udders; 5 Lyrics; 7 Oaths; 8 Mist; 9 Adds; 10 Staccato; 16 Idolatrous; 18 Lies Down; 20 Passenger; 23 Argyll; 24 Stable; 26 Villa; 28 Orbs; 29 Gala.

Winner of Issue 85 Crossword: Congratulations to Y Weir from Lamlash who wins the gift box this week.

Issue 86 Sudoku & Kakuro On this day... Solutions 1791 The first issue of The Observer, Kakuro the world's first Sunday newspaper, is published. How to do 1954 The first Burger King is opened Kakuro in Miami, Florida, United States. Fill in the blank 1969 Black Panther Party members squares in the Fred Hampton and Mark Clark grid with numbers are shot and killed in their sleep from 1-9 so that during a raid by Chicago police each horizontal or officers. vertical line adds up to the total given 1998 The Unity Module, the second in the box either to module of the International the left or above it. Space Station, is launched. Horizontal totals are given in the top right corners of the shaded boxes. Star Birthdays Vertical totals appear in the bottom 1795 Thomas Carlyle, Scottish writer left corners. You may and historian not use the same 1930 Ronnie Corbett, Scottish number more than comedian once in any run. The number may be used 1949 Jeff Bridges, American actor again, however, in 1949 Pamela Stephenson, New the same row or Zealand-born actress column, but as part of another run. 1973 Kate Rusby, English folk singer

Subscribe to The Arran Voice Annual UK Postal Subscription — £50 Annual European Postal Subscription — £80 Annual World Postal Subscription — £160 Annual PDF Subscription — £25 Annual Website Subscription — £15 All subscriptions are for 52 weeks. PDF and website subscriptions are also available - for more information please visit our website. To order any subscription, please send a cheque for the total (to our office below), made out to “Arran Voice Ltd” Prices include postage and VAT where applicable. You can also order online at www.arranvoice.com “Subscriptions”, The Arran Voice Ltd, Pier Buildings, Brodick, Isle of Arran, KA27 8AX Page 20 For more news, this week and every week, register FREE at www.arranvoice.com / 4th December 2008 Marine News Visiting riding club enjoys By John Kinsman snow-bound stay

NEW MARINA FOR GREENOCK Last Chance for West Coast Riders from the Glasgow University Arran Carriage Driving, they were unable to Prawn Riding Club (GURC) paid a visit to Arran return home due to the closure of the String Greenock’s James Watt Dock — the Industry last weekend to try out carriage driving. Road. Organised as a recreational event for historic site of the Tate & Lyle sugar Although an experienced group of riders, the club by Jane Faulkner from Torbeg, the it was their first encounter with driving a trip soon extended its tour of the island to refinery — is set to be redeveloped into Fishing carriage and for many their first trip to the the Kinloch Hotel and a dance at Kilmory a business and leisure marina facility in leaders will have island. Before they arrived they were told it Hall. Last year the GURC was voted the a £180m regeneration plan. The iconic one last chance to never snows on Arran, but when the ferry best Glasgow University club of the year and A-listed ‘sugar sheds’ — Scotland's persuade the European berthed in Brodick, they soon saw things and competes successfully in the Scottish largest cast iron and brick structure — Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg not differently. BUSA leagues and Scottish University will be a focal point of the new plans. to implement proposals to shut down after spending a morning and afternoon Championships. But the club vows to return The 50 acre waterside site will receive whitefish and prawn fisheries on the at the Greannan in Shiskine, under the to the island in Easter-time 2009 for more funding from the Scottish Government, West Coast of Scotland. The proposals expert tutelage of Janis Murchie from carriage driving. Inverclyde Council and Scottish threaten to close fishing grounds on the Enterprise. Riverside Inverclyde and west coast to all but mackerel and herring Peel, the public-private partnership trawlers, and protesters point to a loss of behind the plan, says 1,700 jobs will trade which is worth over £30 million a be created in building and construction year to the local economy. over the next 10 years. The masterplan scottish Fisheries Minister, Richard comprises more than 750 private and Lochhead MSP SNP, who will also be socially rented homes and almost in Brussels this month, said: 'Tough talks 200,000sq ft of retail and commercial also lie ahead of us ... We are working space, as well as a 400-berth marina, closely with the industry and scientists beside a hotel and yacht club. It is to develop counter-proposals.' He hoped anticipated that the first new houses to apply 'the same the trailblazing and will be ready in 2011, with the others to responsible approach we have adopted be launched in phases. on the Cod Recovery Plan.' Thinking of getting Mark Johnson, Katie Colford, Elly MacDonald, Fiona Webber, Suzie MacBain, Laura Shishodia, Josie Fullarton and Jayne Faulkner from Glasgow University your child a laptop? meet at the Greannan on Saturday morning By Graeme Attkins Filmobile launches If you're thinking about buying mind, and provide a great stepping your child a laptop (but not for this stone for them to familiarise themselves Christmas), why not check out the XO with current computer technology. in Lamlash laptop from the One Laptop per Child The computer itself can be used as a (OLPC) organisation? (Full details can standard laptop, or rotated to function Andrew Goodwin from Filmobile Scotland Machine. His company plans to screen films be found at: http://laptop.org) as a tablet PC, and the rather cute wi-fi launched a new programme of cinema every fortnight at the community theatre While the XO computer itself antennae are known as rabbit ears. The screenings at Lamlash High School last venue in Lamlash. Last week he screened won't run common applications such computer is very robust, designed with Thursday. Andrew reckons he has travelled Mamma Mia and The Duchess on a 16ft x 8ft as Word or Photoshop, it is designed small hands in mind, with a waterproof over 500,000 miles and shown 8,000 films screen, but he hopes to bring a larger 24ft x with children in mind, and the website screen and keyboard, and it only weighs during the 14 years he has operated the cinema 12ft screen over next weekend for the Bond detailed above will provide much more about as much as a child's packed lunch company, which travels to locations stretching movie Quantum of Solace. information about how the computer box (with the food in it!). from Stranraer to Peterhead. can be used by your children. Better yet, by purchasing an XO ‘I get a lot of satisfaction rest assured, though, the packages computer through the Give One, Get from taking films to the rural that do come with the computer, including One scheme, you are basically donating areas,’ said Andrew, whose love an internet browser, have an XO laptop to a child in a developing of the cinema started at the age been designed with nation, whilst purchasing an XO laptop of 11, when he was a very young children in for yourself. This allows OLPC to give assistant to the projectionist at away thousands of laptops to places a cinema in Coatbridge. After like Ethiopia, Mongolia and Rwanda. working as an engineer then This must be expensive, right? returning to his first enthusiasm Actually, no. When it goes on sale as a projectionist at a multiplex in Europe the XO laptop is expected in East Kilbride, he started to cost around £268 (313 Euros) and Filmobile at the age of 50. He should be available in 27 EU nations says he hopes that there is a as well as Switzerland, Russia and wide island demand to support Turkey. both Filmobile and the Screen 4th December 2008 / The Arran Voice Ltd Tel: 01770 303 636 E-mail: [email protected] Page 21

FOR SALE RECYCLING

Potatoes for sale — Golden Free to uplift — 1 double bed, 2 Wonder, Kerrs Pinks, Marris Piper, pieces of corner seating unit — off- dirty carrots and pony carrots. white leather tel: 01770 700 385 Regular deliveries Sliddery-Brodick. Bagged Manure for uplift — Tel Contact W. Cook 820218 600 517. CARS FOR SALE Arran Lamb Prepared for Small neat piano in good condition the freezer £5/kg Delivered free to uplift 600 552 throughout the Island. Please ‘07 Toyota Yaris Diesel 1.4 Contact Richard McMaster — Do you have something for Tel 820 253 sale? Our competitive rates and 5 Door, Silver, 17,000 Miles clearly laid-out advertising will Arran mutton available. £3/kg. help sell your car, boat, sofa... Island delivery available. Please whatever you have. ‘05-05 Nissan Almera 1.5 S contact Richard McMaster — Tel 01770 820 253 Classified listings start at just 5 Door, Silver, 21,000 Miles £3.50 + VAT, though charities benefit from significant savings on our standard rates. ‘05-54 Vauxhall Astra Estate SERVICES You can add your recycle items Club CDTI Diesel, Silver to ArranOnline.com free of Island Blinds. All styles for charge, and they will appear 79,000 Miles here automatically, subject to home, conservatory, velux. Wide space and suitability. fabrics range. Estimates, fittings 53 Ford Galaxy Zetec free. Tel: 01770 302081. 7-seater, Diesel, Silver Clifford Latona Plumbing and Heating Engineers. Tel: 01770 WANTED 66,300 Miles 600391 Corgi, Calor and Oftec A Victorian or Edwardian sitting registered. room fireplace tel: 600552 ‘02 Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.6 SE Professional Garden Services, 3 Door, Black/Gold, 66,000 Miles Hedges, grass, pruning, strimming, drainage, paths, patios, decking, fencing etc. Free ‘02 BMW 320D Touring estimates. Call Tony 303539

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‘02 Toyota Avensis Saloon Silver, 73,000 Miles

2000 W-Reg Citroën Saxo 1.1 Forte Red Metallic, 46,000 Miles

X-Reg BMW 320 OFFICE HOURS 4 Door, Black (Diesel) Our office at the Pier Buildings is manned — or womanned — from 9.30am to 5.00pm, VANS/COMMERCIALS Monday to Friday. Lunch-break is from 1.00–2.00pm, but there is often someone in 04 Citroën Berlingo at this time as well, so it's worth trying us. 2.00 HDI, White ADVERTISING TERMS 1. The deadline for receiving advertisements is 5pm on the Monday 04 Ford Transit SWB prior to publication. At this time the Publisher reserves the right to Recycling create, repeat or substitute any copy missing from booked space. Medium Roof, White 2. All advertisements must comply with the British Code of Advertising Did you know that you can recycle Practice. your old unwanted items free of 3. All advertisements must be paid for prior to publication. Extended 53 Reg Citroën Berlingo charge on ArranOnline.com? runs of advertising will be invoiced monthly in advance, unless otherwise agreed in writing. 1.9 Diesel, White If you have something that’s just taking up space — why 4. In the event of an advertisement not appearing for any reason, the not visit ArranOnline.com, register free, and offer it to liability of the Publisher will be limited either to a re-insertion, or someone else? refund of the discounted cost of that advertisement. 51 Reg Ford Transit 280 5. Cancellation of any advertisement must be received at least 24 hours You can also put in requests for items that you need. prior to the publication deadline. Any refund will take account of any SWB, Light Blue ARRAN block-booking discount that no longer applies due to cancellation. There are full guidelines on the website, but the main 6. Any error must be notified to the Publisher within 14 days of CANDLEMAKERS rule is that only items that are being offered free should publication. A re-insertion or refund of the price paid for the incorrect be added. advertisement will be offered only if that error materially detracts & SPION KOP from the advertisement. Tel: 01770 840 231 WOODWORK If there is space, we’ll also add a note of items available 7. The Advertiser (or their Agent) agrees to indemnify the Publisher in respect of any liability arising from publication of their advertisement, Open Monday – Saturday Open: Tues; Wed; Thurs; 10am till 5pm for recycling in our Classifieds section of the paper. however caused. 8.00am – 6.00pm On hill between Lamlash & Whiting bay Remember — one person’s rubbish 8. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. Phone : 01770 600 474 can be another person’s treasure! Our ratecard is online at: www.arranvoice.com Page 22 For more news, this week and every week, register FREE at www.arranvoice.com / 4th December 2008 Recipe Arran Pool League Ref-barracking seals point for 5-player Cammy Snow good braking… By Janis Murchie The weekend snow that saw cars Bar Eden’s emphatic start to elsewhere, the Corrie played host sliding untidily back down Lamlash Veggie PASTA BAKE the season continues, but the Drift are to a 5-player Cameronia, which gifted hill raises some thoughts about hanging on by the coat tails and P.T. the home team an instant two-game winter driving — like, keep a torch This week, Janis provides a quick and a spade in the back of the car, 1934 are slowly climbing the table with lead. With impressive Cammy spirit, and easy to make recipe that is sure three wins on the trot. ‘10-2 just doesn’t the Whiting Bay ex-champs pulled with wellies and something to shove to warm you up as the weather takes under the front wheels if you get tell the story,’ said Eddie Picken after it back for a draw, John Ferguson a turn for the colder. stuck. Old sacks are great, or failing the deep south sealed a strong home deploying some clearly well-practised that, cardboard or even newspapers. victory in the Southend showdown and strategic barracking of the referee And carry your phone. Ingredients against Kildonan. Eddie explained how which surely rules him out for the not getting stuck is better. Four- • 350g pasta shapes, such as penne five black ball games and two black ball Copperwheat Cue Challenge. Excellent wheel-drives come into their own foul games saw the P.T. 1934 go 7-1 up snooker-style contributions from Glen • 300g fresh or frozen peas here, but even if your car is the bog after the singles and claim the ‘derby Willis helped claim a valiant point for standard kind, there are useful things • 300g cheese sauce bragging rights’ for the first half of the the understaffed squad. to bear in mind. The same techniques season. as the fuel-saving ones come in handy • A small handful of chopped Kildonan look to be taking over the — be as light as you can on accelerator fresh mint Last week's results: mantle from Catacol as the league’s and brakes. Keep the engine slightly Kildonan 2 – 10 P.T. 1934 • 6tbsp freshly grated Parmesan whipping boys, with speculations that flogging in a rather higher gear than PHT 4 — 8 Bar Eden it is some sort of consequence of the you’d pick in normal conditions, and • Mixed salad and crusty bread, Catacol 4 – 8 Drift dramatic kidnapping of the two teams’ the car will remain more stable. If it to serve Corrie 6 – 6 Cameronia does start to slide, do not brake — it ‘winning gnome trophy’ last season. will only increase the drift you are Method Catacol’s point-winning streak, did already in. Turn the wheel in the however, hit a blip last Thursday as Below is the fixture list for the doubles direction you find yourself travelling 1. Cook the pasta according to they were felled by the Drift. The and singles competitions (venues and gently bring the car’s wheels back packet instructions until just visitors were up 5-3 by the end of the in bold). Winners should phone into a grip on the road surface. It’s very tender. If using fresh peas, add singles, but were clearly impressed in the results to the Cameronia on much like ski-ing, which is essentially to the water for the last 3 by the opposition. ‘That’s probably 700 254. Best of luck to all entrants. a long skid down a mountain, the minutes. the best Catacol team I’ve seen,’ said Pundits at The Arran Voice are tipping same principle of taking the weight Ian Murchie/Steve Heaney for the off then re-establishing it in the new 2. Drain the peas and pasta and John Copperwheat. ‘I think they will doubles and Jamie McPherson for the direction. A skier who tries to brake place in a bowl (add frozen peas, definitely take more points off teams on a bend will land in the nearest if using, to the pasta). Preheat a this year.’ singles...! snowdrift, probably head down and grill to medium-hot. skis up, and motoring is similar. In Pool League Fixtures Switzerland, it used to be a fact that 3. Heat the cheese sauce and mix with the peas, pasta and no driver could be fully qualified 1st Round Arran Doubles Preliminary Arran Singles Round without passing a winter test as well chopped mint. (to be played by January 11th) (to be played by 21st December) as a summer one, though the advent 4. Season and spoon into an 1. D. Cudrie/Richard (PHT) v C. Blackham/M. Wetton 1. l. Logan (Catacol) v T. Mulholland (P.T. 1934) – PHT of good snow tyres may have made ovenproof dish. Scatter over the (Catacol) – Corrie 2. a. Cook (Cameronia) v S. Patrick (P.T. 1934) – Kildonan this less essential. If in doubt, stay at 2. e. Ingram/J. McPherson (Bar Eden) v P. Rouine/A. Dillon Parmesan and cook under the (P.T. 1934) – Kildonan 3. n. Bond (Catacol) v A. Duncan (Bar Eden) – Corrie home with your feet up and a glass of 3. g. McLeod/D. Hackett (Bar Eden) v C. McBain/J. Ferguson 4. e. Picken (P.T. 1934) v L. Robinson (Kildonan) – Bar Eden grill until the cheese is bubbling. (Cameronia) – PHT 5. J. McPherson (Bar Eden) v E. McKinnon (Corrie) – PHT mulled wine, and make the most of 4. D. Head/F. Barr (Bar Eden) v M. Picken/N. McMaster (P.T. the excuse not to drive. 5. Serve straight away with salad 1934) – [B]Kildonan[/B] 6. c. Black (Drift) v P. Holmes (PHT) – Cameronia 5. i. Murchie/S. Heaney (Drift) v P. McKinnon/E. McKinnon 7. g. Willis (Cameronia) v I. Roberts (PHT) – Drift and crusty bread. (Corrie) – PHT Fastest car on ice 6. l. Little/I. Roberts (PHT) – BYE 8. g. Blythe (Drift) v S. Weir (Catacol) – Corrie 7. s. Weir/S. Logan (Catacol) v M. McDonald/W. McDonald 9. m. Worthington (P.T. 1934) v N. Underdown (Corrie) – Those who can afford outrageous (Drift) – Corrie Drift luxury will be drooling over the 8. B. Radtkouski/P. Holmes (PHT) v V. Dillon/Billy TF (P.T. 10. l. Girbow (Drift) v S. Lawson (Catacol) – Corrie 1934) – Cameronia Bentley Continental GT Speed, the 9. J. Lyon/S. Lawson (Catacol) – BYE 11. F. Barr (Bar Eden) v D. Cudrie (PHT) – Cameronia fastest car ever driven on ice (by 10. H. Driver/C. Wannop (Kildonan) v D. Smith/E. Picken (P.T. 12. n. Auld (Bar Eden) v D. Prescott (Cameronia) – Kildonan 1934) – Bar Eden 13. s. Heaney (Drift) v J. Ferguson (Cameronia) – PHT rally champion Juha Kankkunen in 11. g. Willis/J. Ainsworth (Cameronia) v A. Duncan/N. Auld Finland last year.) At 600 bhp and (Bar Eden) – Drift 14. H. Driver (Kildonan) v N. McMaster (P.T. 1934) – Bar Eden 17mph, it’s difficult to see why it was 12. a. Jeffrey/C. Traill (Catacol) v M. Worthington/C. Galloway 15. a. Jeffrey (Catacol) v I. Murchie (Drift) – Corrie (P.T. 1934) – Drift 16. m. McKee (Drift) v J. Copperwheat (Drift) – Drift ever built, but hey, the smart boys 13. s. McGovern/S. Pringle (Bar Eden) v T. Mulholland/S. have to have something to play with. Patrick (P.T. 1934) – Kildonan 17. D. Hackett (Bar Eden) v D. Head (Bar Eden) – Bar Eden 14. J. Welsh/M. McKee (Drift) v L. Logan/N. Bond (Catacol) – 18. J. Ainsworth (Cameronia) v J. Lyon (Catacol) – Drift Its top speed is 202 mph, its pollution Corrie rating is off the scale and it costs from 15. l. Girbow/C. Black (Drift) – BYE 19. J. Picken (P.T. 1934) v L. Little (PHT) – Cameronia £137,000, according to how many 16. J. Copperwheat/S. Scott (Drift) – BYE 20. P. McKinnon (Corrie) v S. McGovern (Bar Eden) – PHT extra gizmos you fancy. Nothing is known about its pot-hole tolerance, alas, so if your rich daddy offers you Pool League Table one, say no. Team Pld W L D F A GOB Pts Pts Bar Eden 5 5 0 0 38 22 3 15 33 Drift 5 4 0 1 39 21 4 13 33 Find this and many other great P.T. 1934 5 2 1 2 34 26 2 8 31 recipes on our website at Corrie 5 2 2 1 29 31 2 7 20 www. arranvoice.com Cameronia 5 1 2 2 27 33 3 5 16 Recipes can be sent to us at PHT 5 1 3 1 28 32 3 4 11 [email protected] or added directly through Catacol 5 1 3 1 25 35 3 4 2 our website. Kildonan 5 0 4 0 20 40 0 0 1 4th December 2008 / The Arran Voice Ltd Tel: 01770 303 636 E-mail: [email protected] Page 23 Snow close! Golf Results Continued from back page but unconverted score. Arran missed another penalty kick opportunity with Arran pulled ahead in the second half ten minutes to go and the final period Arran Golfers Association Lochranza Castle Golf Club via a coolly-taken penalty by Frazer of play was frantic as both teams Barr, but Moffat once again took the sensed the match could swing with a Winter League 2008-2009 Results: lead with another penalty. 9-8 to the single score. Next up for the association is the Sat 29th November, Lochranza V Winter League at Whiting Bay on Shiskine & A C Bannatyne Trophy visitors and with only 20 minutes of clearly operating under 'the best Sunday 7th December from 10am, play, Arran were treading on thin ice. defence is attack' philosophy, Arran 10:50am and 11:40am. The fixture was played at Shiskine It took some serious graft from the held on by threatening the Moffat line in the Stableford format. The top Draw: 3 scores were Pablo Moran, Alan forwards and after some successful No. in the final few phases of the game • Whiting Bay v Machrie bay Napier and Graeme Andrew . These 8 pick-ups by Sparky, and a well-taken and were in healthy possession as the • Brodick v Corrie then headed to the Kinloch hotel to • Lamlash v Shiskine line-out the Arran backs were gifted ref blew the final whistle. The match team up with the fourth competitor, D. some good third phase ball. Flicking finished up 13-8, consolidating Arran’s S. Bannatyne to play dominoes. Due to the weather affecting This year the 'Domino King' DS won wide with some neat snow-defying 6th place position in the league, two conditions on the course, there is a the trophy. handling, George De Mendonca points behind Hughenden with two possibility of a cancellation, if this is the case all team captains will be eventually powered through the games in hand. Arran face Paisley at notified in advance and the fixtures Moffat backline and dived for a great, home this weekend. will probably be rescheduled for the Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club following Sunday (14th December) but this will be confirmed and captains Results: informed. Sunday 23rd November, 12 hole Medal & Winter Cup 1st Willie Kelso 49-4 45 2nd Duncan Markham 57-5 52 Brodick Golf Club 3rd Brian Sherwood 59-5 54 Best Scratch, Willie Kelso 49 Brodick Ladies Golf Saturday 29th November, Alan C. Results: Bannatyne Memorial Quaich Tuesday 25th November, 20 Ladies Winner D.S. Bannatyne turned up to play on a beautiful winter's morning. Results of the Sunday 30th November, 18-hole Medal greensome were: 1st Alan Napier 71-5 66 2nd Duncan Markham 77-8 69 (bih) 1st Ellie Jones & Jennifer Macarthur 42 2/3 3rd Donald Logan 78-9 69 (bih) 2nd Leslie Murray & Carole Arthur 44 Best Scratch, Tom Patterson 65 Please note there will be a Christmas Lunch on Tuesday 9th December at Whiting Bay Golf Club approx. 12.30pm in the Clubhouse to Frazer Barr helps to defend a Moffat attack and which all past and present members are invited. This will go ahead Results: Arran’s slender lead with just ten minutes to go regardless of weather and golf. The snow caused the cancellation of last Sunday's medal.

Machrie Bay Golf Club Fixtures: • Sunday 7th December, Winter Blackwaterfoot bowlers League at Whiting Bay. First match Results: tees off at 10.00am. Tuesday 25th November, Winter Cup • Sunday 14th, Friendly with Lamlash 1st David Price 62 at Whiting Bay. Tee-offs from 2nd Campbell Laing 64 dine with silverware 10.30am — 11.00am 3rd Denise Sherwood 68 Scratch, David Price 74 Two's: Brian Sherwood and Alan Jeffrey Members for Blackwaterfoot Bowling Club held their club AGM and dinner at the Kinloch Hotel last Wednesday 26th November, where players were also awarded with silverware for the 2008 Fixtures: outdoor bowling season. Marian Brambles won the Ladies Singles trophy, with John Robinson • Saturday 6th December, Lochranza Hotel Cup, tee-off at 12.00pm scooping the Gents Singles prize. John also won the Nominated Pairs trophy with Margaret Kerr. • Tuesday 9th December, Winter Cup, Peter Harper won the Opening Trophy, Alex Gardiner won the Thorburn Trophy and Dave tee-off at 12.00pm Brambles, Marian Brambles and Alex Gardiner won the Triples.

Domino King wins at Kinloch

Team Pld W L D F A GOB Pts Pts Arran's 'Domino King' Bar Eden 5 5 0 0 38 22 3 15 33 D. S. Bannatyne is Drift 5 4 0 1 39 21 4 13 33 presented with the P.T. 1934 5 2 1 2 34 26 2 8 31 dominoes trophy by Corrie 5 2 2 1 29 31 2 7 20 Gator Kerr at the Cameronia 5 1 2 2 27 33 3 5 16 Kinloch Hotel last PHT 5 1 3 1 28 32 3 4 11 Saturday evening. Catacol 5 1 3 1 25 35 3 4 2 Kildonan 5 0 4 0 20 40 0 0 1 Forarran more news, this week and every week, register FREEsport at www.arranvoice.com / 4th December 2008 SNOW CLOSE! ARRAN BEAT MOFFAT Late Mendonca try is icing on the cake

Despite the sub-blizzard arran perhaps should have conditions last Saturday, Arran’s notched up another two tries in the scheduled rugby game against Moffat first half. Stephen ‘ice-fingers’ Gill went ahead and proved to be an icy charged over the line, but was judged nail-biter, with Arran rebounding by the referee to have knocked on to victory after trailing twice during as he touched the ball down. ‘We the match. Whilst injured player Big all thought he had grounded it, said E was sporting a big, warm Ruski Captain Murray Picken after the comrade hat on the sidelines, the match. Kal Masia also looked to team took to the park in near-freezing have scored his second try, but the conditions. It was the first time the ref’s vision was obscured during the island’s current team had played as a pile-up and no try was awarded. unit in snow and there were two inches covering Ormidale park as they faced Stitches opponents Moffat, who were sitting only one place below Arran in West In fact it was Moffat that went into League Division 2. the second half with a slender lead. With Donny Bannatyne, Donald They bagged two penalties, one Murchie and Ugg MacDonald resulting from some over-zealous returning to the frame, it required an defence as the Arran forwards were all-round team performance to topple picked up for diving over the ruck- Moffat. The first period of the match line. After 40 minutes it was 6-5 saw some cagey play at either end, with Moffat and Arran were now without both teams camping out for periods Glen Stewart, whose face had found in each other’s 22. But when play a solid connection with a Moffat opened up briefly after ten minutes, knee. It required a few stitches at the Arran capitalised. The ineffable Kal Arran War Memorial Hospital and Masia picked up and drifted through No. 8 Mark Wetton was lucky not to a couple of tackles like a Tasmanian follow suit, remaining on the pitch Devil before going over for the try in with a few well-placed steri-strips the Church-end corner. Frazer Barr applied by Fiona McMaster. missed a wide kick, but Arran had Ewan Stewart (Big E) lends some comradely support dealt the first icy blow. from the sidelines in last weekend’s snow-laden match Continued on page 23 (JinglyJangly Images/Lenny Hartley 2008)

MOOSE ABOOT

Here's a photo from a reader in Canada. As a motor bike rider, he doesn't go out at night in case he collides with a big, shaggy thing with a lot of heavy equipment on its head. But we are not likely to start building bridges for our squirrels — unless, of course, they learn how to grow tyre-puncturing horns.