ACHA appoints new chairperson
New chairperson Councillor Roddy McCuish says ‘Good quality housing is a basic human right. ACHA will continue to provide this though continued investment right throughout Argyll and Bute.’
News
News
Grand Lodge’s Covid challenge supports Killin project
Lodge Breadalbane St. Fillans No. 815 in Killin’s nominated group was the War Memorial Committee in Killin.
News
Mull biscuits get star status
Great Taste award judges chose The Island Bakery’s apple crumble biscuits out of 12,777 products sent in from 106 different countries
Business
Luxury eco cabins arrive at Loch Awe
Eco cabins craned into place on hillside behind the Ben Cruachan Inn at Loch Awe.
News
Assaults in Oban town centre concern Sheriff
‘This sort of violence in public and directed to people unknown to you is of special concern,’ Sheriff tells Oban man.
News
Mia wins Duart Castle’s tartan competition
The competition to design a new yellow tartan for Duart Castle’s social distancing traffic lights system for visitors, received almost 150 entries
News
Four charities benefit from memorial golf tournament
Four charities will benefit from the amount raised, Friends of Oban Hospice at the Dove Centre, Pink Ladies Day, Macmillan Day Bed Unit at the Lorn and Islands Hospital and also Marie Curie
News
Taking Dunollie Castle to another level
The repaired ruin now has the added bonus of visitors being able to go up to the first floor and then on up to a new viewing platform at second floor level.
News
Oban street cleaner gets royal approval
The image of David Farrell was sent to the National Portrait Gallery’s Hold Still digital exhibition, where it made the final 100 portraits from almost 32,000 entries.
Business
Luxury eco cabins arrive at Loch Awe
Eco cabins craned into place on hillside behind the Ben Cruachan Inn at Loch Awe.
News
10pm curfew ‘last straw’ for many pubs, says tourism body
Furlough package now needed alongside cut in VAT, and business rates ‘holiday’ until March 2022, says Scottish Tourism Alliance.
Business
View from the Chamber 24.9.20
Lochaber Chamber of Commerce looks forward to supporting and celebrating many innovative new developments for local business.
News
Youth arts funding hits right note
Small grants scheme opens a week today to provide funding directly to freelance artists to undertake artist-led youth arts activities.
News
Lisa’s new beer for local hotel is ‘Heaven Cent’
‘It’s fantastic that there are more women taking leading roles in the brewing industry.’
News
Salmon staff rise to the occasion
Global aquaculture awards recognise Scottish Sea Farms with double prize.
News
£1.2 million for timber roads
Argyll and Bute is home to nine forests covering thousands of hectares and the council applied to Scotland’s Strategic Timber Transport Scheme.
Business
Winter ferry timetable goes live
Winter timetable launched for sailings between October and March
News
Distillery in the pink with Co-op gin deal
Carradale distillery’s Kintyre Pink Gin available at Co-op stores for Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight.
News
Energy company gives £2.7m to Highlands and Islands
Company’s community investment programme for 2019-20 has seen thousands of pounds go to local projects.
Church
Thought for the week – 17.9.20
Reverend Morag Muirhead, Ordained Local Minister at Duncansburgh MacIntosh Church of Scotland, Fort William, linked with Kilmonivaig CofS.
Church
Thought for the week – 10.9.20
Reverend Anthony M. Jones, BD (Hons), D.P.S., Dip Theol, Cert Min (Oxon), F.R.S.A, Glengarry Parish Church of Scotland
Church
Though for the Week – 20.8.20
Reverend Marion Kinnear, Auxilliary Minister Presbytery of Lochaber.
Church
Kirk produces new guide to support Bible study and worship in Gaelic
Described as a guide to biblical and ecclesiastical language, the booklet will also more generally aim to help anyone who wants to engage in Bible study or follow sermons more easily.
Church
Thought for the week – 23.7.20
Reverend Dr Malcolm Kinnear, Minister of Kinlochleven and Nether Lochaber Parish Church
Districts
Charity gets creative for World’s Biggest Coffee Morning
Although September 25 is the official day of Coffee Morning, events can be held at any time.
News
Fingal Centre is latest location to bounce back
High Life Highland reopens popular leisure facility in Portree.
Districts
Wheelie good effort from Plockton cyclists
Members of Plockton Two Wheelers go the extra mile for charity
Lochaber
Annat noise issues raised again at Kilmallie Community Council
Community councillors heard that following a number of complaints related to the use of a log chipper in early July, Environmental Health officers attended the site and undertook noise monitoring.
Lochaber
Plockton and Lochalsh District News
Our district correspondent’s regular round-up of local news from Plockton and Lochalsh
Lochaber
Outer Hebrides MP pushes for progress on substation upgrades
Ofgem has acknowledged the letter from Mr MacNeil and he awaits a response.
Lochaber
Online applications and renewals for Fort residents’ parking permits
Any temporary permit arrangements will be withdrawn by November 1 this year.
Lochaber
Nevis Partnership becomes litter picking hub
The funding for these Helping Hands litter kits has been provided by Coca-Cola, and will see kits containing enough litter pickers, gloves, bag hoops and hi-viz vests for up to 10 people to take part in a litter pick at a time.
News
New President for Oban Rotary Club
Douglas Small has officially handed over to Kees Van Rein, originally from Holland.
Lochaber
Works start along A87 on Skye
The project will see a total of 2.3km of road resurfaced on the A87 between Borve and Uig, creating a smoother and safer road for motorists.
Farming
National Sheep Association tackles Scottish Lynx release plan
Move follows the launch of Lynx UK Trust’s consultation on the reintroduction of Lynx in Central Scotland.
Farming
Young crofters gather to share and inspire
Four sessions, using Zoom, will cover a range of topics and offer a variety of formats. Participants can join for the whole day, running from 10am to 4pm, or individual sessions.
Farming
Supporting green innovation in farming
The new funding will drive forward innovation in farming and food production and help agricultural businesses contribute to the green economic recovery by farming more sustainably.
Farming
Time to discuss agri-environment future measures is right now
Future agri-environment measures must enable farmers and crofters to play their key role in managing a significant majority of Scotland’s environmental interests, writes Environment and Land Use committee chairman, Angus MacFadyen, a hill farmer from near Oban.
Farming
Agriculture must be front and centre of new land use partnership
The call comes after the Scottish Land Commission (SLC) published an interim report on Regional Land Use Partnerships (RLUPs).
News
Sheep worrying a ‘scourge’ on agriculture – Forbes
MSP encourages people to add views to consultation as statistics show 40 per cent rise in worrying attacks
News
Pet ban plan for dogs attacking sheep
People needed to give views to consultation into tougher penalties for sheep and livestock worrying
News
Ministers back animal welfare bill
Scottish SPCA hails ‘game changing’ animal welfare bill but gamekeepers’ association calls it ‘bad law’
Farming
Gamekeepers’ group claims bill could be ‘rushed’
The Scottish Greens have said beavers are supposed to be protected in Scotland, but one fifth of the population was killed under license last year.
Gallery
Sporting youngsters set example at Lochnell Football Festival
Over 50 teams from 11 clubs spread between Fort William and Campbeltown took part in the fourth annual festival at the North Connel venue
News
Work on Shulishader steps restarts after lockdown
The 88 steps which lead steeply down to a shore once used as a landing site for fishing boats and now popular for wild swimming – was paused earlier in the year, just as it was about to enter a major stage.
News
Overnight surfacing improvements planned for A82 in Fort William area
Work set to begin from Wednesday September 23 for 12 nights
Lochaber
The Workshop hopes to provide a space for men
Mental health issues affect everyone, from all walks of life. There is no shame in asking for help and investing in yourself.
Lochaber
Uig Pier linkspan plans shelved
Work on the new linkspan at Uig was due to start in September 2021 ahead of delivery of the promised new ferry which was due to come into service in the later half of 2022.
Columnists
Wild Words: Kirsteen Bell
If seeing the first swallow of the year is considered a good omen, what does it mean to see the last?
News
Heart warming story from Aussie ‘brickie’ Phil
Phil Thurlow’s home made fuel is now for sale at Fort Williams Pet and Garden Stop.
Lochaber
Planting seeds of knowledge at Skye Zine
Activities to coincide with the launch of ATLAS Arts’ new programme will include exploring the sharing of stories, publications and knowledge of seed sovereignty and environmental justice on Skye.
Districts
Charity gets creative for World’s Biggest Coffee Morning
Although September 25 is the official day of Coffee Morning, events can be held at any time.
Business
View from the Chamber 24.9.20
Lochaber Chamber of Commerce looks forward to supporting and celebrating many innovative new developments for local business.
News
Fingal Centre is latest location to bounce back
High Life Highland reopens popular leisure facility in Portree.
BOBcast
BOBcast – Episode 15 – “USA Open – now closed”
This time we chart Oban golfer Bob MacIntyre’s fantastic progress through his debut at the US Open and leading onto the Scottish Open in a few weeks time.
BOBcast
BOBcast Podcast Episode 14 “Viva Espanola – Howdy USA”
As Oban’s Bob MacIntyre pulls out all the stops for a fantastic recovery in Spain – the team talk about his progress in the Andalucía Masters and the upcoming US Masters at Winged Foot.
Podcasts
What’s in This Week’s Oban Times 9th September 2020
Trying to get Covid-19 testing kits , the demolition of Kilbowie Outdoor Centre approaches, and possible illegal drone flying at Oban Airport are just some of the topics that Ellis and Kathie discuss and are coming up in This Week’s Oban Times
Podcasts
Something for the Weekend 28th August 2020
Ellis, Kathie and Steevie are back with some more weekend banter Kathie is getting all her supplies in for winter including candles and firewood, Steevie is busy gathering in all the good TV he can find and Ellis is having retro fun with his new 19” TV and DVD player…
Podcasts
What’s in This Week’s Oban Times 2nd September 2020
Ellis and Kathie discuss just a few of the items appearing online and in this weeks Oban Times , Covid-19 testing, the Sailing Club and concerns about social distancing standards slipping are a few of the items.
Podcasts
Something for the Weekend 28th August 2020
Ellis, Steevie and Fiona are have a not to serious chat about ideas of things to do – Its “Something For the Weekend” from The Oban Times with the usual banter 28th August 2020
BOBcast
BOBcast Podcast Episode 13 “Snails and Casual Water”
Fiona, George, Keith and Steevie discuss all things Bob MacIntyre and his performance in the Welsh Open, the lovely weather, slow play and prize money among other things chatted about as well has his forthcoming debut at the US Open.
BOBcast
BOBcast Podcast Episode 13 “Snails and Casual Water”
Fiona, George, Keith and Steevie discuss all things Bob MacIntyre and his performance in the Welsh Open, the lovely weather, slow play and prize money among other things chatted about as well has his forthcoming debut at the US Open.
Podcasts
What’s in This Week’s Oban Times 26th August 2020
Fiona and Ellis reveal some of the stories in this week’s Oban Times with coronavirus testing, and the lack of it, being one of the main talking points. Ellis has been looking at the ongoing plans to repopulate Ulva while a boat launch and a hectic few months for the new council chief are also featured.
Podcasts
Something for the Weekend 21st August 2020
This week the team discuss taking more photos after lockdown (or indeed taking more photos during lockdown) , doing the “tourist” thing and watching the world going by, Fiona is off to a boat launch…….
News
SAMS staff get poetical for World Oceans Day
‘I wandered lonely as a copepod’: Marine sciences staff managed to flawlessly recite their love of the ocean.
Lochaber
WATCH: Loch Arkaig Ospreys season summary
Take a look back at some of the highlights this year.
Football
WATCH: Fans and players celebrate historic victory at Claggan Park
Relive the celebrations after last night’s win over Nairn.
Lochaber
WATCH: Lochaber landmarks shine blue for World Parkinson’s Day
Some of Lochaber’s best known landmarks were lit up blue.
Lochaber
WATCH: Osprey pair Louis and Aila back at Loch Arkaig
They arrived at the nest together shortly after 7pm on Thursday night.
Lochaber
VIDEO: Author discusses Ballachulish Camanachd Club 125th anniversary book
Ian MacPhee spoke to the Lochaber Times about his new book celebrating the history of Ballachulish Camanachd Club.
Lochaber
WATCH: Virtual football manager Loki Doki visits Fort William FC
Jon Cox, better known as “Loki Doki”, started fundraising for the club with his online fans.
Lochaber
WATCH: Families turn out in force for Stramash fire clean-up
More than 100 people stopped to lend a hand with the clean-up throughout the day on Saturday.
Lochaber
WATCH: Stunning video entry shows off best of Lochaber landscape
Anna Wells’ short film has been entered into the British Mountaineering Council’s “Women in Adventure” competition.