WEST WORD
Community paper for Glenfinnan, Lochailort, Glenuig, Arisaig, Morar,
Mallaig, Knoydart and the Small Isles
June 2000 Issue Contents of the online version: 'The sea that rocked the cradle' at the Highland Festival
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This is the evocative title of a song commissioned by organisers to be part of this year's Highland Festival, and which had its debut at Glenuig Hall on Friday 26th May.
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MV Lochnevis
LAUNCHED AT TROON Monday, 8th. May saw the launch of CalMac's new Small Isles 'superferry' at the Ailsa-Troon shipyard. The vessel cost £5.5 million and will be replacing the Lochmor at Mallaig for the Small Isles and Inverie run. Initially it will serve Rum and Muck, where £5.6 million is being spent on new piers to accommodate it. It will carry 200 passengers and 14 cars. The launch was attended by Councillors King and Foxley and other invited local guests, including island representatives. Rev. Alan Lamb from Arisaig blessed the vessel at the launch. HISTORIC SCOTLAND 'TIME TEAM' KEEP WATCH ON THE COURSE OF THE NEW A830.
An overview of the potential archaeology of the new stretch of road from Arisaig to Kinsadel is being carried out by Historic Scotland at the request of the Scottish Executive.
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THE LAUNCHING OF LOCHNEVIS
By the Rev. Alan Lamb. It was a privilege for me to take part in the launching ceremony of Lochnevis, by dedicating her when she was launched at Troon on the 8th May. CalMac asked me to bless the ship, as I shall be travelling on her to Eigg, Muck and Rum as the minister in the Small Isles Parish when she comes into service.
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ISLE OF EIGG
Month of May, month of changes here on Eigg....First in our mind is Angus MacKinnon, who died peacefully on the 26th, on Eigg as was his wish. Eigg without Angus Mac, it seems unthinkable...I can't shake the picture of Angus, quite frail, but still fiery, urging us to keep Eigg going, to talk less and act more: easy to understand his frustration, Eigg had been his life's work for the past forty years, and we owe it to him to keep the show on the road! Good bye Angus, a' Charaidh, you will be remembered far and wide for what you were: .It's been a privilege to have known you.
Changes again with the departure of Jacqueline McDonell, our brave little project officer who soldiered on whatever the conditions, and gave us a good start in our new self-rule, often working beyond the call of duty. Good luck to her in her new job from all of us!
Camille Dressler |
ISLE OF MUCK
The new ro-ro terminal is now well under way with Port Mor full of shipping, moored or unloading. It is difficult for us islanders to become accustomed to the vast scale of the project compared with anything which preceeded it. Dump trucks work 12 hours or more a day between the quarry and the terminal and so far they have shifted more than 10,000 tons of rock which seems to have virtually disappeared. Above the new road are the rows of pods - square blue boxes - where the builders live when they are not working and just off shore is the barge drilling patterns of holes for the explosions which are lowering the sea bed. Many islanders are now employed by Construction Centre Group who have done everything possible to reduce disturbance and keep the island running. They are a great crowd and we even have had Martin Anderson, founder of the company, staying on the island.
Lawrence MacEwen ISLE OF RUM Wednesday 10th May was a beautiful sunny day, and would have been Richard MacIvor's birthday. On Rum, a group of islanders were joined by Alan and Helen Lamb to start building a cairn in memory of Richard, at one of his favourite fishing lochs. Once the cairn was part built, alan said a few well-chosen words and led us in prayer. On Saturday 13th May we returned to the loch to finish the cairn, this time joined by some of Richard's family and friends. The cairn complete, we gathered round for a prayer, and a fitting tribute on the pipes. From now on the loch will be known as Loch MacIvor. Another of Richard's favourite places was the shop on Rum. Sandy and a few helpers made a solid wooden memorial seat to go outside the shop. The memorial set was well 'christened' in the afternoon sunshine as we all got back to the village. Later in the day, more of Richard's friends arrived and we gathered in the hall for a meal which led into an evening of music, dancing, reminiscing and a few toasts to absent friends. Anne Thomson |
ISLE OF CANNA
Another month gone already, where does the time go to. We saw some really nice weather over the past few weeks, which has helped with all the building work. We say a fond farewell to Donnie and Ian from MacKenzies, they have now completed all their work on the island. I'm sure we'll probably see them back in the spring time next year.
Wendy MacKinnon |
ARISAIG
Community Council: The AGM and Open Meeting was held on 15th. May. Helen Turnbull, Development Officer for Lochaber Communications Network Ltd., spoke about the Network and community computers, to the members and the three members of the public who attended.
She explained that four sites have had computers installed this year - Mallaig is the latest, the others are Kinlochleven, Kilchoan and Acharacle - with the hope of four more next year. Each computer site has a member of support staff to show people how to use it and to help them if they require. The LCNL is working closely with a group called com.com/holyrood who are also providing community computers. Requirements are a safe dedicated space that would provide privacy to users. You can read elsewhere in this issue what LCNL will provide in Mallaig.
ARISAIG STREET PARTY 2000 On Saturday, 15th July we are planning to hold a street party in 'The Avenue' Arisaig. This should give easy access for some of our more elderly folk. The party is open to all residents in the area and hopefully young and old will all come along and have a good time. Anyone who can help in any way, with food, entertainment, or just a willing pair of hands, please contact Angela Hardman (450661), Helen Lamb (450227), or Ann Cameron (450261). In the event of bad weather the party will be postponed until the following Saturday. Helen Lamb |
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