Carrick Castle Residents’ Information Pack

Photo courtesy of Graham Mathie

Contents

Contents ...... 1 Introduction and welcome ...... 2 About the village… ...... 2 Community representatives, contacts and meeting details ...... 2 Sources of local information ...... 4 Cash ...... 5 Food and provisions ...... 5 Transport ...... 6 Health and emergency services ...... 7 Support services...... 8 Schools ...... 9 Eating out ...... 9 Waste and recycling ...... 9 Amenities and activities ...... 10 Social activities and events ...... 11 Churches ...... 12 1 Introduction and welcome

Carrick Castle Community Trust, along with our other local volunteer groups and community representatives, would like to take this opportunity to offer a very warm welcome to Carrick Castle. We hope the information contained in this package will help residents old and new make the most out of living in this special corner of .

About the village…

Carrick Castle is on the western shore of , 6 miles south of by minor road along the loch shore, on the peninsula in Argyll. It is within the Argyll Forest Park, and also the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

The castle itself is a tower house believed to be built by the Campbells in the last decades of the 14th century. Mary, Queen of Scots, visited the castle and village in 1563. The castle was attacked and burned during an uprising in 1685, and remained derelict until acquired into private ownership in the late 20th century.

In 1877 a wooden pier was built at the castle, enabling convenient and frequent steam-boat access, and the three-storey tenement building Hillside Place constructed to provide apartments for visiting tourists. This was followed by several villas built along the shoreline as countryside accommodation for merchants, and the associated development of village facilities. However access by motor vehicle was not practical until the 1930’s!

Today the village comprises a mix of permanent homes, holiday/second homes, and rental properties.

Community representatives, contacts and meeting details

Community Council

At the formal local government level, Carrick and Lochgoilhead are represented by Lochgoil Community Council. Like other Community Councils, this is a democratically elected body of Community Councillors, who give their time voluntarily. They are the primary problem solvers and supporters for local community concerns – taking those issues to Local Government, MPs and MSPs, NHS, Police, National Park, or Forestry and Land as applicable. Community Council meetings, which are open to the public, are held the second Monday of the month (no meeting in July) in Lochgoilhead Village Hall at 7.30 pm.

For more information, and to subscribe to the Community Council mailing list, see:

http://lochgoilhead.info/meet-the-council/

2 Carrick Castle Community Trust Ltd

The Carrick Castle Community Trust was set up in 2016 for the specific benefit of the community of Carrick. The Community Trust replaced and took over from Carrick Castle Amenities Association. The Trust status enables access to a broader range of grants and funding options, in particular towards the objective of providing a Community meeting facility within the village.

The Trust organises local events (notably summer and Christmas fairs, see Events section, below), and provides monthly reports to Carrick residents on its activities, and on other important local information. The board of directors is made up of 8 Carrick residents, elected by the Community on a rolling basis. See additional documents included with this information pack, and on-line at:

http://lochgoilhead.info/carrick-castle-community-trust/

County Councillors

The Cowal ward is represented by three Councillors – of whom Alan Reid is particularly involved in, and responsive to, Carrick and Lochgoilhead matters:

William Gordon Blair Scottish National Party [email protected] 07585 127187

Yvonne McNeilly Conservative Policy Lead for Education [email protected] 01369 708479 or 07514443697

Alan Reid Liberal Democrats Depute Policy Lead for Strategic Finance and Capital Regeneration Projects [email protected] 01369 708487 or 07787570961

MP and MSP

Our Member of Parliament in Westminster is Brendan O'Hara MP, whose constituency office is: 8 Colquhoun Square Helensburgh G84 8AD [email protected] 01436 670 587

3 Our Member of Scottish Parliament is Michael Russell MSP, whose constituency office is: 81 Argyll Street PA23 7DH [email protected] 01369 702011 or 0131 348 5738 (Holyrood)

National Park, and Community Action Plan

Loch Goil, and Holy Loch, and their associated communities, have a special role as the only sea lochs in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Perhaps best known for its role in promoting the outdoors, the National Park has significant local influence in many other aspects too – notably in Planning, conservation and rural development.

In particular, the National Park facilitated creation of the Lochgoil Community Action Plan 2018 – 2023, which sets out a broad range of objectives for our local area. The plan can be downloaded here:

http://lochgoilhead.info/community-action-plan-2018-2023-get-your-copy/

Full information on all aspects of the work and services of the National Park are here:

https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/

Sources of local information

Village notice boards

There are two public notice boards in the village – one in the carpark alongside the bus stop which provides formal Council etc information, and one facing the castle which provides information from the Community Trust, Boat Club, Woodlands Association, and other social groups, events and local news.

The Wee Goil

The area is fortunate in having an excellent community newsletter/newspaper “The Wee Goil”. This is published monthly and copies (priced £1) can be purchased from Lochgoilhead Post Office or Costcutter, or by subscription in electronic or hard copy format. As well as reporting on local news items, events and initiatives, The Wee Goil includes a wide range of advertisements from local businesses and tradespeople. See: http://lochgoilhead.info/the-wee-goil/ or e-mail [email protected]

4 Lochgoilhead.info website

The Lochgoilhead.info website is another excellent local resource (as can be seen from the number of links from it quoted in this information pack). It acts as an “umbrella” site, hosting pages for the Community Council, local Community Trusts, Lochgoilhead Village Hall and much more. The site features a comprehensive range of resources, and listings from local businesses, services and tradespeople – all of which is maintained impressively up-to-date. See:

http://lochgoilhead.info/

Facebook groups

There is also an active public Facebook group Lochgoilhead - News, Events & Stuff for Sale. See:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/552538958456648/

Local telephone directory

The publishers of The Wee Goil compile a local telephone directory periodically. At the time of writing (September 2019) a new edition is due shortly.

Dunoon Observer

A range of news reports, information, services and advertisements from the wider Cowal area can be found in the weekly Dunoon Observer newspaper, published every Friday and available from Lochgoilhead Post Office or Costcutter.

Cash

Cash machines

Lochgoilhead Post Office (see below) accepts most cards for withdrawal of funds, and there is also a cash machine (with a withdrawal fee) in Drimsynie.

Food and provisions

Lochgoilhead Post Office

Lochgoilhead Post Office offers stamps and postage, road tax, bill payment, personal banking etc, as well as a well-stocked general store. It is open mornings Mon – Sat, and the afternoons of Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri. Call 703201.

5 Costcutter

Costcutter is a licensed general store located in Drimsynie Caravan and Chalet centre. April to October it is open 8 am to 8 pm every day, November to March 8 am to 5.30 pm and 9 am to 4 pm on Sundays. Call 703826.

Aray fish, fruit and vegetable deliveries

Paul Blyth provides an excellent mobile service, delivering fresh fish, fruit and vegetables to your door! Every Friday morning approx. 9 am to 10 am in Carrick Castle. Call Paul on 0778 7113746.

Asda deliveries

Please support our local shops, but sometimes it’s convenient to have a larger order delivered and Asda have shown good commitment to our local area. An account with Asda is required.

Transport

Buses

The two main bus services from Carrick are those to/from Dunoon (with connections to the ferry to Gourock) and to/from Helensburgh (with connections to the train to Glasgow). The timetable for the Dunoon bus is here:

https://bustimes.org/services/484-dunoon-carrick-castle

The timetable for the Helensburgh bus is here:

https://bustimes.org/services/302-carrick-castle-helensburgh

In addition, it is possible to change buses at the Rest and Be Thankful, to join CityLink bus services through to Glasgow. See information here:

http://lochgoilhead.info/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Rest-and-Be-Thankful- letter.pdf

Ferries

Two companies provide ferry crossing over the Clyde at Dunoon:

• Western Ferries, regular service carrying passengers and vehicles:

https://www.western-ferries.co.uk/

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Multi-ticket booklets are more cost-effective, and can be purchased in several outlets, such as the General Store at 1 Oakfield Place, Sandbank:

https://www.western-ferries.co.uk/ticket-agents

• CalMac (formerly Argyll Ferries) passenger-only service from Dunoon pier:

https://www.calmac.co.uk/gourock-dunoon-service

Concessionary travel is available on the ferries for those meeting the qualifying criteria. See:

https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/free-and-discounted- travel-passes

Community minibus

Managed by Lochgoil Community Trust, with financial assistance from the Scottish Executive, a 15-seater community minibus is available for hire. See:

http://lochgoilhead.info/community-bus-hire/

Roads and garage services

The nearest petrol stations are in (open daytime, with shop facilities) and Arrochar (open 24 hours, but unstaffed and card-only).

DM Auto Marine provides marine and automotive engineering services (including arrangements for MOT tests) from the garage at Lochgoilhead pier. Call Tom Murray on 703432.

In addition to the official Traffic Scotland website, the infamous local A83 Rest and Be Thankful road has an active Facebook group where members report on local road conditions and delays, especially during winter:

https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/roada83/

Health and emergency services

Lochgoilhead Medical Centre

Lochgoilhead Medical Centre (call 703258) is located in Donich Park, Lochgoilhead. Dr Peter von Kaehne is the managing GP. The centre provides a range of medical services, including (on specific days) a dental surgery. GP consulting times are: Mon - Fri 10 am -11:30 am Mon, Wed, Fri 4 pm - 5:00 pm 7 Hospitals

Patients from Carrick and Lochgoilhead may be referred to one of a number of hospitals (Dunoon, Vale of Leven, Royal Alexandra (Paisley), Inverclyde) depending on the consultation or treatment required. In the event of an emergency, ambulances will of course go to the most appropriate hospital – with Royal Alexandra (Paisley) being Carrick’s usual designated A&E facility. Note that Vale of Leven does not have an A&E facility.

Local defibrillators

Defibrillators are located in Carrick on the Hillside building (facing the car park opposite the castle), at the entrance to Lochgoilhead Village Hall, and in the Drimsynie main building. These are maintained regularly, and are available for public use – straightforward to operate, they “talk through” what to do in the event of a suspected cardiac arrest.

Local volunteer services

To help mitigate the effects of our relatively remote location in the event of an emergency, members of the Community operate a number of volunteer services – Fire Service, Ambulance service Community First Responders, and Mountain Rescue. Volunteers, supporters and fund-raisers for these organisations are always much appreciated.

Vets

Veterinary practices are available in Dunoon (Bute & Cowal Vets – 01369 702532), Helensburgh (Lomond Veterinary Clinic – 01436 676 752), and further afield.

Support services

Lunch clubs

A lunch club is held every Monday at 11:30 am in Lochgoilhead Village Hall for senior citizens.

There is also a monthly lunch club, open to all, which meets in the Goil Inn at 12:30 pm on the third Friday of every month. £6, with an annual membership fee in aid of Lochgoilhead Village Hall funds.

8 Schools

Lochgoilhead Primary

The local primary school provides education for 3 to 12 year olds, including via the new pre-5 unit. The school enjoys excellent support from the local Parents’ Council. There is a bus service for pupils living in Carrick.

Dunoon Grammar School

Most local children go on to secondary school in Dunoon. A hostel is available for those wishing to stay during the week, or alternatively pupils can travel daily via the Dunoon bus service.

Eating out

Boat Shed

Situated near Douglas Pier, between Carrick and Lochgoilhead, Loch Goil Cruisers offer excellent day-time home-cooking at the Boat Shed café. Note that they are not open on Fridays or Mondays. A decent walk from Carrick, or take the bus one or both ways! Call 07787 516709.

Drimsynie

Amongst the many services and facilities in Drimsynie leisure centre, The View bar and restaurant offers, as the name implies, a stunning view down the loch. There’s also a fast-food takeaway, with delivery possible. Call 703344.

Goil Inn

Traditional village pub at the head of the loch, with food in the bar and restaurant. Call 703208.

Waste and recycling

Bin collections

Household wheelie and recycling bins are emptied on alternate Tuesdays – see full calendar here:

https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/binroutes/2019/COW_14.pdf 9

Additional communal bins are located in the car park opposite the castle, with care being requested to use the correct bins for recycling and for general waste. (Communal bins at the public toilets are for the sole use of houses at the southern end of the village, which do not have individual bin collections.)

Bottle banks

There are currently no bottle banks in Carrick, with the nearest being in the main car park in Lochgoilhead.

Recycling centres

The nearest Civic Amenities full-service recycling centres are in Bogleha, Dunoon and Blackhill, Helensburgh, which accept a wide range of categories, including metals, timber, building rubble, electrical apparatus, etc. Both are open daily – for details of opening hours, etc, check:

https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/recycling

Amenities and activities

Carrick Castle Boat Club mooring association

Managing the provision of cost-effective moorings for residents, plus three visitors’ moorings for hire, Carrick Boat Club provides a secure and sheltered location for local and visiting boat owners to tie up. See:

http://www.carrick-castle-boat-club.co.uk/

Kayak hire and laser clays

Carrick Farm offers a full range of kayaks and paddle-boards for hire, as well as a high-tech but fun laser clay shooting arena. Call Jai and Vonna on 703646.

Loch Goil Cruisers

Situated near Douglas Pier, between Carrick and Lochgoilhead, Loch Goil Cruisers offer spacious motorboats for day hire – along with boat-refuelling alongside their pontoon, plus excellent home-cooking at the Boat Shed café. A decent walk from Carrick, or take the bus one or both ways! Call Richard on 07787 516709.

10 Walks

Along with water-based activities, walking is one of the most popular activities in the area, given our stunning scenery – and it’s free! Options include: • A variety of marked walks on the hills of Carrick Estate, including for the adventurous, the option to continue up to a lochan in the hill-top marshes high above Cormonachan. • Paths through the ancient Cormonachan Woodlands, maintained by the very active Woodlands Association which includes many local members: http://www.cormonachan-woodlands.co.uk/ • The marked walk (6+ miles in each direction) from Carrick to – direct local access to one of the few coastal paths in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. • Cowal Way, one of Scotland’s most scenic long-distance walks, can be accessed either to the east or west from Lochgoilhead. In total, it stretches for nearly 60 miles and links with other epic routes in the West of Scotland. https://www.lochlomondandcowalway.org/

Drimsynie

As the largest leisure complex in the area, Drimsynie offers a wide range of facilities, including swimming pool, sauna/steam room, 9-hole golf course and archery. See: https://www.drimsynie.co.uk/leisure-drimsynie-estate

Bowling Club

Located alongside Lochgoilhead Village Hall, the Bowling Club welcomes new members and visitors.

Social activities and events

Carrick Fayre

Carrick Castle Fayre is a village institution (reinstated in 2019 after missing a few years) and the highlight of our summer calendar. Held on the Village Green on the middle Sunday of July (the start of “Glasgow Fair fortnight”), the Fayre features stalls, games for young and old, catering, a grand prize draw and other attractions. The event brings together Carrick and Lochgoilhead friends old and new, and makes a key contribution to the funds of Carrick Castle Community Trust.

Lochgoil Gala Day

Later in the summer (typically in early August) Lochgoilhead hosts the annual Gala Day and Craft Fair. With live music, dog show, catering and bar, the various attractions are in marquees in the main Lochgoilhead car park, and in the Village Hall. 11 Carrick Trust supports the event typically by providing the refreshments and tombola stalls.

Christmas Fair

Early in December, Carrick Community Trust organises a Christmas Fair (currently held in Lochgoilhead Village Hall). Like the summer Fayre, this features a prize draw and a variety of stalls and catering, including home baking and other festive favourites.

Churches

Church of Scotland

Services are held every Sunday in Lochgoilhead Church, at 9:45 am.

Roman Catholic

Mass is celebrated every Sunday in St Peter and St Paul’s Roman Catholic Church in Arrochar, at 12:15 pm, and in All Saints Episcopal Church, , at 12:30 pm.

Other Faiths and Denominations

Facilities for members of a variety of faiths and denominations are available further afield, with Glasgow offering a particularly broad selection.

v1.1a 07/03/2020 Additions or edits to [email protected] please

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