News from the village of Ardentinny, Argyll, Scotland.
According to information obtained at Ardentinny Community Day on 21 March, the consortium Co-Hydrover is proposing 4 commercial hydro schemes on the following sites with potential financial benefits for the community.
We understand that a group of selected residents with expertise in Green energy and/or the setting up of a Charitable Trust are meeting soon, with a public consultation to follow in May.
In view of the potential onshore renewables projects in Ardentinny which have recently been raised at Ardentinny Community Council meetings, residents may wish to participate in Argyll and Bute Council’s Community Benefit Consultation.
The Council has drawn up a framework for community benefits from onshore renewables which will replace its 2005 policy. You may view this draft document here. You are invited to provide your feedback here.
Responses should be submitted no later than 13 March 2015.
We’ve received a report of a very poisonous plant which has appeared along the high tide mark on Ardentinny Beach (between Coronation Wood and River Finart estuary). The plant is starting to root in the vegetation. A labrador was reportedly sick from eating the plant last Sunday.
We understand that the plant is poisonous to dogs and humans recovery center. It smells and tastes like parsnips. If anyone can identify the plant from the photograph, please let us know .
Please take care when walking your dogs in the beach area.
Update 28 Jan, 23.36: We’ve been informed that the plant is Hemlock Water Dropwort, thought to be the deadliest plant in Britain. A dog in Helensburgh who ate the plant last January died within 20 minutes.
More information:
Poisonous plant warning to dog owners [Scottish Farmer]
A project, led by Community Council secretary, Roy Harrison, to raise money for a village defibrillator has achieved its aim. The sum of £2,264 has been raised for its purchase. It will be sited on the wall of Ferry House at the top of Ardentinny Centre’s slipway. Once in place, training in its use will be provided to as many people as wish to volunteer.
Related link:
Accomplished ceramicist, community councillor and care worker, Bill Williamson wears many hats. A lifelong campaigner for the rights of others, Bill considers the Westminster system is broken. “Working three days a week as a carer, I have seen first hand the effects of the cuts that are being experienced by vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in Scotland.
With the UK government’s recent austerity measures, the Scottish Government has had to judicially juggle its overall budget in order to protect its spending on health. However, with more austerity measures promised by Westminster there is only so much Scotland can do and we need full control of Scotland’s finances if we are to properly care for our sick and disadvantaged”.
Bill has created a ceramic sculpture to commemorate the September 18 Referendum. “This Thursday we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to make things better for Scotland and its people. The Westminster politicians and the mainstream media have done their best to scaremonger and polarise the nation. They would have us believe that the vote is for an individual or a political party, this of course is nonsense.
For the first time in 300 years, we have the opportunity to take control of our own destiny and in 2 years’ time elect a government of our choice. I have no doubt we will have teething problems, however I feel sure that the grassroots groups this referendum has created will ensure our future politicians are kept firmly in line.
My referendum piece represents the four countries of the current UK. Independence will not just be a victory for Scotland, it will represent an opportunity for England, Wales and Northern Ireland to break away from the Westminster system”.
Bill Williamson with be participating in the Cowal Open Studios event from 26 – 29 September, 2014. More details here.