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Life is today a little brighter for five Scottish charities thanks to a series of donations from the Gannett Foundation. The charitable arm of Gannett Company Inc - owner of The Herald's publishers, Newsquest Media Group - is funding the charities as part of its £1m grant programme. Here we meet the five teams who make a difference every day. Glasgow Children's Holiday Scheme Wemyss Bay's magnificent railway station and pier provide an unforgettable welcome to the people who step off the trains in this beautifully restored 1903 building. This Clyde coast town had been a family holiday favourite for the best part of a century until the rivalries of budget flights and package deals. Now, many of the rail passengers are simply hurrying down the glass-roofed walkway to the ferry, on their way to the Isle of Bute. Not everyone uses Wemyss Bay as a stopping-off point, however. There is a large and popular caravan park just back from the shore, with fantastic views across the Firth of Clyde. For Lorraine Park, a single mum of five, it's an outlook she adores. "It is beautiful here," she says. "The main thing is that it is so peaceful. It's great to be able to just chill out and forget all the everyday stresses back home." Lorraine and her family are staying in one of the three caravans owned by the Glasgow Children's Holiday Scheme (GCHS), a charity that has been running since it was founded in the 1950s by Lilias Graham, a social worker in the Gorbals area of Glasgow. The charity receives support from Church of Scotland and Episcopal congregations around Glasgow, but is entirely self-funded and managed by a volunteer committee. It is involved in providing caravan holidays to families who need them, and also oversees volunteer host families who invite a child to spend a week with them during the summer holidays. Lorraine, from Glasgow, found out about GCHS six years ago, following the death of her husband. The charity was able to help ease pressures on her family at a time when they desperately needed it. Lorraine is grateful for the chance to spend quality time with her children. "So many families need this, so we don't have the opportunity every year," she says. "The charity gives everyone a chance. Some people really need to get away, to have a wee break from routine. The charity does such a fantastic job." This week, Lorraine has been at the caravan with her two youngest children - Kevin, 13, and Shannon, 11 - plus her two-year-old granddaughter, Megan. "The kids really enjoy it here," she says. "It's a very pleasant location. From the small shop beside us you can look out and watch the big ferry boats come in. And there's plenty to do, with a park and a club for the kids on the site, plus a swimming pool. But we're just enjoying being out and about." The £5000 grant from the Gannett Foundation means the charity can buy a fourth caravan at Wemyss Bay. "We aim to have it up and running in time for the summer," says Ann Pert, GCHS co-ordinator. "This season the three vans were allocated from April to August to families who were unsuccessful last year. That's 45 families before we even look at this year's requests. Priority is given to those who would otherwise miss out on a holiday and who have particular strains to cope with. "Around 60% of our caravan referrals include a child affected by disability, and we have tried to take that into account in the type of caravans we buy. We can now offer 120 families a season a week's holiday between April and October. It will make a huge difference to many children and their families, and we are very grateful for the support of the Gannett Foundation."
Life is today a little brighter for five Scottish charities thanks to a series of donations from the Gannett Foundation. The charitable arm of Gannett Company Inc - owner of The Herald's publishers, Newsquest Media Group - is funding the charities as part of its £1m grant programme. Here we meet the five teams who make a difference every day.
Glasgow Children's Holiday Scheme Wemyss Bay's magnificent railway station and pier provide an unforgettable welcome to the people who step off the trains in this beautifully restored 1903 building. This Clyde coast town had been a family holiday favourite for the best part of a century until the rivalries of budget flights and package deals. Now, many of the rail passengers are simply hurrying down the glass-roofed walkway to the ferry, on their way to the Isle of Bute.
Not everyone uses Wemyss Bay as a stopping-off point, however. There is a large and popular caravan park just back from the shore, with fantastic views across the Firth of Clyde. For Lorraine Park, a single mum of five, it's an outlook she adores. "It is beautiful here," she says. "The main thing is that it is so peaceful. It's great to be able to just chill out and forget all the everyday stresses back home."
Lorraine and her family are staying in one of the three caravans owned by the Glasgow Children's Holiday Scheme (GCHS), a charity that has been running since it was founded in the 1950s by Lilias Graham, a social worker in the Gorbals area of Glasgow. The charity receives support from Church of Scotland and Episcopal congregations around Glasgow, but is entirely self-funded and managed by a volunteer committee.
It is involved in providing caravan holidays to families who need them, and also oversees volunteer host families who invite a child to spend a week with them during the summer holidays.
Lorraine, from Glasgow, found out about GCHS six years ago, following the death of her husband. The charity was able to help ease pressures on her family at a time when they desperately needed it. Lorraine is grateful for the chance to spend quality time with her children.
"So many families need this, so we don't have the opportunity every year," she says. "The charity gives everyone a chance. Some people really need to get away, to have a wee break from routine. The charity does such a fantastic job."
This week, Lorraine has been at the caravan with her two youngest children - Kevin, 13, and Shannon, 11 - plus her two-year-old granddaughter, Megan. "The kids really enjoy it here," she says. "It's a very pleasant location. From the small shop beside us you can look out and watch the big ferry boats come in. And there's plenty to do, with a park and a club for the kids on the site, plus a swimming pool. But we're just enjoying being out and about."
The £5000 grant from the Gannett Foundation means the charity can buy a fourth caravan at Wemyss Bay. "We aim to have it up and running in time for the summer," says Ann Pert, GCHS co-ordinator. "This season the three vans were allocated from April to August to families who were unsuccessful last year. That's 45 families before we even look at this year's requests. Priority is given to those who would otherwise miss out on a holiday and who have particular strains to cope with.
"Around 60% of our caravan referrals include a child affected by disability, and we have tried to take that into account in the type of caravans we buy. We can now offer 120 families a season a week's holiday between April and October. It will make a huge difference to many children and their families, and we are very grateful for the support of the Gannett Foundation."
STUNNING Lauren Paterson from Skelmorlie spent a day trying out the high-flying life of a top model. Lauren, 17, is thewinner of our Make Me A Model competition, and we took her on board a luxury yacht for her first photo shoot among the fabulous yachts at Kip Marina. And the Greenock Academy student loved every moment. She said: “It’s been great. I really want to be a model now. I love all the clothes and want to keep them all.” Lauren posed in designer outfits from Greenock boutique Domani — and the results are terrific. She dressed up in evening wear, coats, hats, smart office wear and a cocktail dress to show off her stunning figure and beautiful smile. The yacht, a Grand Banks 47, is worth more than half a million pounds and was the perfect setting for a photo shoot with our Make Me A Model winner. Lauren received more than 2,000 votes in the competition and was crowned the winner last week. The new yacht — as yet unnamed — is for sale at Kip Marina for £620,000. Lauren found that modelling is not as easy as it looks when she had to duck between venues, change quickly and dodge the rain clouds. Kevin Blamire, from the marina’s Chartroom restaurant provided changing facilities for Lauren before she headed over to the yacht. Avoiding seasickness was also important as well as keeping warm and away from the edge. Lauren says she is definitely keen on getting into the modelling world. She said: “I have just loved the whole experience. It all felt really glamourous.”
A GIANT new shop has opened in Greenock and attracted a torrent of shoppers to the Oak Mall. Popular clothing chain Primark opened yesterday and hundreds of bargain hunters flooded in within hours of the shutters going up. The company has hired 97 members of staff from Inverclyde and refitted the three-level store, formerly occupied by Littlewoods. Primark’s area manager, Arlene Bovill, said: “It is the most successful opening we have had to date. We are just absolutely bowled over by the enthusiasm of the customers.” One excited shopper, Gladys McAnespie, 49, from Skelmorlie, said: “It is something Greenock needs and long may it last. I have been to the one in Argyle Street in Glasgow and this one is exactly the same. “I didn’t think we would get the three floors. “We used to go up to Glasgow, but it is expensive for parking and petrol. I am just having a look today, but I will definitely be back over the next few weeks to get some Christmas stuff.” Bill Reid, manager of the Oak Mall, said: “We are glad to see Primark open and think it will be of great benefit to Greenock. “It shows the regeneration of Greenock is under way. It all looks very positive and very bright.” But not everyone is so pleased to see the store arrive in Inverclyde. Eve Broadis, local Fairtrade campaigner, said: “It’s sad people don’t know the value of anything any more. “We don’t ask why it is such a cheap shop. Businesses like Primark are devaluing everything — everything is just throwaway now.”
A groom missed his wedding after apparently suffering concussion in a car crash on the eve of his big day. Mark Mason, from Wemyss Bay, Inverclyde, went missing from his home for three days following the accident. The 40-year-old IT worker failed to turn up for his wedding to Fiona McAskill, 38, on Saturday after disappearing the day before. Concerned relatives contacted the police, who launched a major search for him. He was found by officers yesterday. Reports said he was discovered near a village 25 miles away and is now recovering in Dunoon General Hospital. The minister at Skelmorlie Parish Church, where the wedding was to take place, said it had been a "fraught" time for everyone involved. The Rev William Armstrong said: "Everybody was mighty relieved when he turned up. "It was a great mystery, and so vexing for the girl, that her groom had disappeared. "Now we can almost laugh about it but before we were very fraught." The minister added: "I believe he may have been concussed in the accident and became confused." It is understood that Mr Mason was involved in a car accident on the Largs to Skelmorlie Road early on Friday morning. Police took him back to his Lomond Road home but he went missing later that day. Strathclyde Police confirmed that Mr Mason was traced yesterday
A groom missed his wedding after apparently suffering concussion in a car crash on the eve of his big day.
Mark Mason, from Wemyss Bay, Inverclyde, went missing from his home for three days following the accident.
The 40-year-old IT worker failed to turn up for his wedding to Fiona McAskill, 38, on Saturday after disappearing the day before.
Concerned relatives contacted the police, who launched a major search for him.
He was found by officers yesterday. Reports said he was discovered near a village 25 miles away and is now recovering in Dunoon General Hospital.
The minister at Skelmorlie Parish Church, where the wedding was to take place, said it had been a "fraught" time for everyone involved.
The Rev William Armstrong said: "Everybody was mighty relieved when he turned up.
"It was a great mystery, and so vexing for the girl, that her groom had disappeared.
"Now we can almost laugh about it but before we were very fraught."
The minister added: "I believe he may have been concussed in the accident and became confused."
It is understood that Mr Mason was involved in a car accident on the Largs to Skelmorlie Road early on Friday morning.
Police took him back to his Lomond Road home but he went missing later that day.
Strathclyde Police confirmed that Mr Mason was traced yesterday
Congratulations Well done Skelmorlie Golf Team, yesterday the Firth of Clyde trophy was picked up by a triumphant Skelmorlie Golf Team for the first time in 18 years.
28 May 2006YACHT A CHEEK EXCLUSIVE Bust bus boss buys £150,000 boat and names her Phoenix By Norman Silvester A SMUG bus tycoon whose failed companies ran up debts of £500,000 has named his new £150,000 motor cruiser Phoenix Rising. Champagne-swilling Alexander Kean, 55, who is banned from running any firm, forced several small businesses to the brink of bankruptcy. The chubby bus and coach boss was accused by liquidators of serial phoenixism - closing down firms to avoid paying debts then opening them up under different names. But as his victims still wait for their money, Kean and third wife Sharon, 38, are having the last laugh on their 37-foot luxury boat, complete with plasma TV and bar. Kean's victims claim the name is a two-fingered salute to those who lost money to School Bus Scotland and nine other firms. Last night, Kean tried to deny the name was an insult to people who had lost cash. He said: "I took the name Phoenix Rising off another boat - though it does sound good now that you mention it. "The boat is worth less than half the figure you mentioned and it needs a lot of work. "Many people who have complained about losing money also made a lot when they were in business with me. "That's the way business is - you win some and you lose some. People are determined to put me down regardless of what I do. I know who they are. They should get a life." Three years ago, we revealed how School Bus Scotland, set up in 1996, went to the wall in May 2001, after running up losses of £500,000 and owing creditors £344,715. It provided services in the west of Scotland, including the Glasgow area, and was used by holiday firms for foreign coach trips. But by October 2002, Kean was running a new firm, McGills Bus Services, to provide many of the same services in Largs, Wemyss Bay, Gourock, Greenock and Port Glasgow. Another Kean company, Argyll Bus and Coach Holdings, went bust with debts of £181,700. After an 18-month probe into his business dealings over 10 years, the Department of Trade and Industry imposed a three-year ban which prevents Kean from running a company until October 2007. Yet he has been able to continue to live a life of luxury after selling Port Glasgow-based McGills for £600,000. He has also spent thousands of pounds upgrading his boat, which has a state-of-the-art satellite navigation system, fitted kitchen, mini-bar, luxury toilets and showers. Kean lives in a £400,000 home in Wemyss Bay, Renfrewshire. He also owns a smaller boat worth £40,000 and a Mercedes. Glasgow businessman George Steele, whose company, Clifford Finance, is still owed £180,000 from School Bus Scotland, said: "It is ridiculous that this man enjoys the trappings of wealth while creditors are out of pocket. "I am bitter. He should be forced to sell his boat, house and car to pay back some of what he owes." 'He should be forced to sell the lot'
A SMUG bus tycoon whose failed companies ran up debts of £500,000 has named his new £150,000 motor cruiser Phoenix Rising.
Champagne-swilling Alexander Kean, 55, who is banned from running any firm, forced several small businesses to the brink of bankruptcy.
The chubby bus and coach boss was accused by liquidators of serial phoenixism - closing down firms to avoid paying debts then opening them up under different names.
But as his victims still wait for their money, Kean and third wife Sharon, 38, are having the last laugh on their 37-foot luxury boat, complete with plasma TV and bar.
Kean's victims claim the name is a two-fingered salute to those who lost money to School Bus Scotland and nine other firms. Last night, Kean tried to deny the name was an insult to people who had lost cash. He said: "I took the name Phoenix Rising off another boat - though it does sound good now that you mention it. "The boat is worth less than half the figure you mentioned and it needs a lot of work. "Many people who have complained about losing money also made a lot when they were in business with me. "That's the way business is - you win some and you lose some. People are determined to put me down regardless of what I do. I know who they are. They should get a life." Three years ago, we revealed how School Bus Scotland, set up in 1996, went to the wall in May 2001, after running up losses of £500,000 and owing creditors £344,715. It provided services in the west of Scotland, including the Glasgow area, and was used by holiday firms for foreign coach trips. But by October 2002, Kean was running a new firm, McGills Bus Services, to provide many of the same services in Largs, Wemyss Bay, Gourock, Greenock and Port Glasgow. Another Kean company, Argyll Bus and Coach Holdings, went bust with debts of £181,700. After an 18-month probe into his business dealings over 10 years, the Department of Trade and Industry imposed a three-year ban which prevents Kean from running a company until October 2007. Yet he has been able to continue to live a life of luxury after selling Port Glasgow-based McGills for £600,000. He has also spent thousands of pounds upgrading his boat, which has a state-of-the-art satellite navigation system, fitted kitchen, mini-bar, luxury toilets and showers. Kean lives in a £400,000 home in Wemyss Bay, Renfrewshire. He also owns a smaller boat worth £40,000 and a Mercedes. Glasgow businessman George Steele, whose company, Clifford Finance, is still owed £180,000 from School Bus Scotland, said: "It is ridiculous that this man enjoys the trappings of wealth while creditors are out of pocket. "I am bitter. He should be forced to sell his boat, house and car to pay back some of what he owes." 'He should be forced to sell the lot'
New Train Times LATE night revellers are toasting rail chiefs who have pledged to lay on extra services from the city to the Clyde coast. First ScotRail services from Glasgow Central to Gourock currently offer a late train three nights a week. From June 11 late trains will be every night at 11.50pm except Sunday. The first Glasgow to Wemyss Bay train will leave a minute earlier at 6.32am and the train to the city from the town will be at 7.13am - three minutes later than previously. The Bellgrove to Helensburgh Central train which leaves at 4.57pm is being put back to 5.15pm. The train will depart Queen Street Low Level at 5.20pm following a decision to put it back by 19 minutes. All services from Neilston to Glasgow Central will leave a minute earlier which will mean departures at 26 minutes and 56 minutes past the hour. Publication date 25/05/06 LATE night revellers are toasting rail chiefs who have pledged to lay on extra services from the city to the Clyde coast. First ScotRail services from Glasgow Central to Gourock currently offer a late train three nights a week. From June 11 late trains will be every night at 11.50pm except Sunday. The first Glasgow to Wemyss Bay train will leave a minute earlier at 6.32am and the train to the city from the town will be at 7.13am - three minutes later than previously. The Bellgrove to Helensburgh Central train which leaves at 4.57pm is being put back to 5.15pm. The train will depart Queen Street Low Level at 5.20pm following a decision to put it back by 19 minutes. All services from Neilston to Glasgow Central will leave a minute earlier which will mean departures at 26 minutes and 56 minutes past the hour.
Jason and the aquanauts JASON McCreadie defied the weather to edge a tense play-off against fellow Inverclyder Chris Doak and seal the Northern Open title. PICTURE by Kenny Ramsay FORMER Skelmorlie pro Jason McCreadie held his nerve in the rain to edge an Inverclyde golfing battle during a play-off to decide the Northern Open title. The now Buchanan Castle player, who won the title in 2004, pipped defending champion, and former Greenock pro, Chris Doak, to the £8,000 prize at the first extra hole after both players finished on eight-under 276 at a soggy Skibo Castle. This was McCreadie's second success at the event in three years. Doak looked a clear favourite for the crown when he set a course record 64 to surge into the lead, but McCreadie caught him with an equally impressive 65. The Gourock-based 35-year-old then sealed the victory with a par three in the sudden death shoot-out, cushioning his tee-shot at the 15th onto the green and two-putting for par while Doak, who had missed the green from the tee, failed to sink the ball from 12 feet. The Skibo course suited McCreadie's big-hitting game and his impressive round included six birdies, three in the last five holes, and no dropped shots. "I'm very pleased," he said. "I lost in a play-off in the final of the Scottish Matchplay event last year, so it's nice to come out on top this time. "I was five behind at the start of the final day and knew I just had to go for it. I birdied five of the first six holes and that got me motoring." McCreadie was top Tartan Tour money-earner last year with more than £36,000. He still hopes to make the grade on the European Tour and has starts coming up in the Barclays Scottish Open and Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles. "There have only been four games played out of 10 on the tour so far this year," he said. "I missed one and played rubbish in another but this was a 72-holer and you get more merit points for winning those, so I shouldn't be too badly off. "I know Chris [Doak] off the course, too. "There was a bit of friendly rivalry there and we knew one of us would be bringing a trophy back to the Greenock area. It was good publicity for the area. "We've both won this in the past and it made an interesting final." Beaten finalist Doak has meanwhile been preparing for his first visit to Wentworth tomorrow for the BMW Championship.
FORMER Skelmorlie pro Jason McCreadie held his nerve in the rain to edge an Inverclyde golfing battle during a play-off to decide the Northern Open title. The now Buchanan Castle player, who won the title in 2004, pipped defending champion, and former Greenock pro, Chris Doak, to the £8,000 prize at the first extra hole after both players finished on eight-under 276 at a soggy Skibo Castle. This was McCreadie's second success at the event in three years. Doak looked a clear favourite for the crown when he set a course record 64 to surge into the lead, but McCreadie caught him with an equally impressive 65. The Gourock-based 35-year-old then sealed the victory with a par three in the sudden death shoot-out, cushioning his tee-shot at the 15th onto the green and two-putting for par while Doak, who had missed the green from the tee, failed to sink the ball from 12 feet. The Skibo course suited McCreadie's big-hitting game and his impressive round included six birdies, three in the last five holes, and no dropped shots. "I'm very pleased," he said. "I lost in a play-off in the final of the Scottish Matchplay event last year, so it's nice to come out on top this time. "I was five behind at the start of the final day and knew I just had to go for it. I birdied five of the first six holes and that got me motoring." McCreadie was top Tartan Tour money-earner last year with more than £36,000. He still hopes to make the grade on the European Tour and has starts coming up in the Barclays Scottish Open and Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles. "There have only been four games played out of 10 on the tour so far this year," he said. "I missed one and played rubbish in another but this was a 72-holer and you get more merit points for winning those, so I shouldn't be too badly off. "I know Chris [Doak] off the course, too. "There was a bit of friendly rivalry there and we knew one of us would be bringing a trophy back to the Greenock area. It was good publicity for the area. "We've both won this in the past and it made an interesting final." Beaten finalist Doak has meanwhile been preparing for his first visit to Wentworth tomorrow for the BMW Championship.
Bouncing back FLYING HIGH: Andrew Morton, takes to the air at Battery Park. FRUSTRATED charity bungee jumpers will get another chance to help two boys travel to Florida for 'human dolphin therapy'. Last weekend, dozens of people were unable to take part in the bid to raise cash for Lewis Harkins and Andrew Morton when equipment suppliers UK Bungee Company missed their flight from London due to a traffic accident. Now Saturday 27 May has been set as the new date for the fundraising bungee at Greenock's Battery Park. Children's bungee firm Sky High Leisure did make the weekend event and Lewis, eight, of Wemyss Bay and Andrew Morton, seven, of Greenock, took part. Lewis has an undiagnosed learning disability and Andrew suffers from Henoch-Schonlein purpura, a condition in which the body attacks its own blood vessels. Lewis has been to Florida twice for the therapy and has shown great improvement each time. He visited the Key Largo centre last April with mum Helen, dad Brian and wee brother Blair. Helen said: "The first visit helped his walking, co-ordination and understanding of the world around him. The return trip helped even more. "It's thought dolphins encourage children to want to learn, and some scientists think their sonar waves affect the children's brains." Lewis held a ring for dolphins to jump through, swam with them and was pulled around as he held a dolphin's fin. Helen said: "They recommend three weeks because it takes a week for children to get used to the surroundings. It took Lewis 10 days, then he was beaming and loving being there."
FRUSTRATED charity bungee jumpers will get another chance to help two boys travel to Florida for 'human dolphin therapy'. Last weekend, dozens of people were unable to take part in the bid to raise cash for Lewis Harkins and Andrew Morton when equipment suppliers UK Bungee Company missed their flight from London due to a traffic accident. Now Saturday 27 May has been set as the new date for the fundraising bungee at Greenock's Battery Park. Children's bungee firm Sky High Leisure did make the weekend event and Lewis, eight, of Wemyss Bay and Andrew Morton, seven, of Greenock, took part. Lewis has an undiagnosed learning disability and Andrew suffers from Henoch-Schonlein purpura, a condition in which the body attacks its own blood vessels. Lewis has been to Florida twice for the therapy and has shown great improvement each time. He visited the Key Largo centre last April with mum Helen, dad Brian and wee brother Blair. Helen said: "The first visit helped his walking, co-ordination and understanding of the world around him. The return trip helped even more. "It's thought dolphins encourage children to want to learn, and some scientists think their sonar waves affect the children's brains." Lewis held a ring for dolphins to jump through, swam with them and was pulled around as he held a dolphin's fin. Helen said: "They recommend three weeks because it takes a week for children to get used to the surroundings. It took Lewis 10 days, then he was beaming and loving being there."
Cub together and help boys APPEAL: Cub Scout assistant leader Tom Baxter with Akela Alastair Wyllie. CUB scouts are appealing for help to raise enough cash to let them continue going to Cub camps and meetings this year. The Skelmorlie-based 71st Ayrshire troop desperately need £4,000 for a minibus that will take them to camp in Wigan this summer. Fundraisiers so far include a sponsored ‘wakeathon’ but they need support to hit their target. Tom Baxter, assistant Cub Scout leader of the group, said: "A minibus would really help for our summer camp. It is coming up in July and the minibus would help us to keep the costs down. It is a lot of money to take the kids away." The Cub Scout group is also facing problems because a hall they use is shutting down. The hall at the Balvonie Conference Centre in Skelmorlie has been sold by the Salvation Army and will no longer be available to the group. Tom Baxter said: "We have been using the hall since 1984. It is going to be a huge loss to us. "We use this hall for weekend camps so with it being gone we have to go a lot further afield. If you think you can help the Skelmorlie Cub Scouts contact the Telegraph on 558805. If you wish to donate money to the group you can also contact the Telegraph.
CUB scouts are appealing for help to raise enough cash to let them continue going to Cub camps and meetings this year. The Skelmorlie-based 71st Ayrshire troop desperately need £4,000 for a minibus that will take them to camp in Wigan this summer. Fundraisiers so far include a sponsored ‘wakeathon’ but they need support to hit their target. Tom Baxter, assistant Cub Scout leader of the group, said: "A minibus would really help for our summer camp. It is coming up in July and the minibus would help us to keep the costs down. It is a lot of money to take the kids away." The Cub Scout group is also facing problems because a hall they use is shutting down. The hall at the Balvonie Conference Centre in Skelmorlie has been sold by the Salvation Army and will no longer be available to the group. Tom Baxter said: "We have been using the hall since 1984. It is going to be a huge loss to us. "We use this hall for weekend camps so with it being gone we have to go a lot further afield. If you think you can help the Skelmorlie Cub Scouts contact the Telegraph on 558805. If you wish to donate money to the group you can also contact the Telegraph.
From: Anne Baldwin < type=text/javascript>DisplayMail('tinyworld.com','anne.bagbyss.baldwin');</SCRIPT> anne.bagbyss.baldwin@tinyworld.com> Subject: Boyd's in Skelmorlie Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2001 14:25:13 -0800 Posted on: Ayrshire Scotland QueriesReply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/Scotland/Ayr/4311Surname: Boyd-------------------------My Grandmother was Eliza Boyd born in Skelmorlie in 1881.She had brothers Hugh, Alex, and William.Willie was stationmaster as Wemyss Bay pier.They all lived in Skelmorlie. Alex and his wife Molly lived at 'Malabar',and I seem to remember my mother talking of 'the diggins' - I think thatwas a place in the village. There was also a Victoria Place, and anotherHugh Boyd ran the golf club in Skelmorlie. Eliza married George Murrayfrom Grange in Banffshire in 1909 in Skelmorlie School. Any further informationplease ?
Nazi warplane built in garage AN artteacher has built a German warplane — complete with Nazi flying colours — in his garage. It took Jim Hardie, 67, of Skelmorlie, 13 years of painstaking work to rebuild the plane, designed in the 1930s by Nazi aircraft expert Willie Messerschmitt. Despite the painstaking effort, Jim maintains he's perfectly sane. He said: "I'm not an obsessive. If I was obsessive, I'd have had a nervous breakdown years ago." Jim doesn't know how much money it cost to get the rotting hulk of the plane up and flying in pristine condition. He is, however, sure about why he did it. The Glasgow University art teacher said: "It's a creative force, that's why I did it. I go along with the flow. "I can't really believe it myself. It just sort of happened." What "sort of happened" was this: in the 1960s, Jim learnt to fly when he was given lessons by a Second World War fighter ace. The experience of flying inspired Jim and he began to work on paintings of flying machines for an exhibition called "the Naked Pilot". Then, in 1993, in a field near Prestwick Airport he found the remains of the old plane and decided to set about restoring it to full working order. The aircraft, a Nord 1101, has all the main features of its more famous sister plane — the Messerschmitt Bf 108 — a German fighter that nearly destroyed the RAF during the war. Jim spent the next thirteen years scouring Europe for the right bits and pieces to get it working. This week he took it for its first successful test-flight. Jim added: "I'd love to take it on a fly-past up the Clyde."
AN artteacher has built a German warplane — complete with Nazi flying colours — in his garage. It took Jim Hardie, 67, of Skelmorlie, 13 years of painstaking work to rebuild the plane, designed in the 1930s by Nazi aircraft expert Willie Messerschmitt. Despite the painstaking effort, Jim maintains he's perfectly sane. He said: "I'm not an obsessive. If I was obsessive, I'd have had a nervous breakdown years ago." Jim doesn't know how much money it cost to get the rotting hulk of the plane up and flying in pristine condition. He is, however, sure about why he did it. The Glasgow University art teacher said: "It's a creative force, that's why I did it. I go along with the flow. "I can't really believe it myself. It just sort of happened." What "sort of happened" was this: in the 1960s, Jim learnt to fly when he was given lessons by a Second World War fighter ace. The experience of flying inspired Jim and he began to work on paintings of flying machines for an exhibition called "the Naked Pilot". Then, in 1993, in a field near Prestwick Airport he found the remains of the old plane and decided to set about restoring it to full working order. The aircraft, a Nord 1101, has all the main features of its more famous sister plane — the Messerschmitt Bf 108 — a German fighter that nearly destroyed the RAF during the war. Jim spent the next thirteen years scouring Europe for the right bits and pieces to get it working. This week he took it for its first successful test-flight. Jim added: "I'd love to take it on a fly-past up the Clyde."
Messerschmit Restoration Project Thirteen years ago it was little more than a heap of metal lying abandoned in a field. Now, thanks to an artist from Skelmorlie, a Messerschmit plane dating back to 1948 is flying once again. For more than a decade now Jim Hardie has gathered parts from around the world. When artist Jim Hardie rescued the rotting remains of a Messerschmidt plane from a field, he never imagined that one day he would get it off the ground. He said: "I had no intention of re-building an aeroplane. I had this exhibition in the Collins Gallery and I had motorbikes that I had re-built, I had two motorbikes in it and I thought, "I wonder if I could put an aeroplane into this Naked Pilot", so an obvious thought. I got the aeroplane out of the field, took it along to Shelmarine, this village in Stornoway, put it in my garden and we built a shed round it...it is incredible, isn't it? And people of course didn't believe me that I had a Messerschmitt in my shed, but when I pulled it out, all painted up onto my front lawn to move it to the next stage, the neighbours were totally amazed." Having put the plane in the exhibition Jim thought that was the end of it. He said: "These French people phoned me up and said "Oh, Jim, you've got a wonderful aeroplane here, you know, are you going to fly, are you going to re-build it and fly it?" I said, "I can't do it, I mean it's impossible, "there'll be no spare parts. Oh no, there are spare parts". "Word of Jim's project spread, and with the help of a growing team his front room quickly filled and the plane gradually took shape. But several of the parts have a short shelf life, and Jim is constantly on the hunt for replacements and improvements.He said: "This morning really was the big test of it, that's it put through its paces, I've never flown it like that before, it's incredible. It was so many years in the making, Jim feels now is the time to enjoy his wonderful flying machine
When artist Jim Hardie rescued the rotting remains of a Messerschmidt plane from a field, he never imagined that one day he would get it off the ground. He said: "I had no intention of re-building an aeroplane. I had this exhibition in the Collins Gallery and I had motorbikes that I had re-built, I had two motorbikes in it and I thought, "I wonder if I could put an aeroplane into this Naked Pilot", so an obvious thought. I got the aeroplane out of the field, took it along to Shelmarine, this village in Stornoway, put it in my garden and we built a shed round it...it is incredible, isn't it? And people of course didn't believe me that I had a Messerschmitt in my shed, but when I pulled it out, all painted up onto my front lawn to move it to the next stage, the neighbours were totally amazed."
Having put the plane in the exhibition Jim thought that was the end of it. He said: "These French people phoned me up and said "Oh, Jim, you've got a wonderful aeroplane here, you know, are you going to fly, are you going to re-build it and fly it?" I said, "I can't do it, I mean it's impossible, "there'll be no spare parts. Oh no, there are spare parts". "Word of Jim's project spread, and with the help of a growing team his front room quickly filled and the plane gradually took shape. But several of the parts have a short shelf life, and Jim is constantly on the hunt for replacements and improvements.He said: "This morning really was the big test of it, that's it put through its paces, I've never flown it like that before, it's incredible.
It was so many years in the making, Jim feels now is the time to enjoy his wonderful flying machine
2. Largs/Skelmorlie: Population and Residential TrendsSubmit report by the Assistant Chief Executive (Development and Promotion) on the effects of developing flats on the population characteristics of the communities of Largs and Skelmorlie (copy enclosed). Report Appendix
2.2 Skelmorlie: Conservation Area AuditSubmit report by the Assistant Chief Executive (Development and Promotion) on an alteration to the boundary of the designated Conservation Area in Skelmorlie Report Appendix
11. Skelmorlie: Skelmorlie Castle Road: Tree Preservation OrderSubmit report by the Assistant Chief Executive (Development and Promotion) on the confirmation of the Tree Preservation Order at Skelmorlie Castle Road, Skelmorlie (copy enclosed). Report
9.5 05/00808/OPP: Skelmorlie: Skelmorlie Castle Road: Former Lower ReservoirResidential Development Report Appendix List of Representees Location Plan
9.2 05/01041/PP: Skelmorlie: 17 Montgomerie TerraceErection of extension to the side of a ground floor flat Report Appendix Location Plan
NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL Agenda Item 7 6 February 2006Planning Committee Subject: Breach of Condition Notice: Skelmorlie: 72 Innes Park Road: Alan Clark Purpose: To seek approval for the serving of a Breach of Condition Notice with regard to non-compliance with Condition 1 of planning permission N/05/00672/PP granted on 20 October 2005. Recommendation: That the Planning Committee Authorises the serving of a Breach of Condition Notice for the non-compliance of conditional planning permission N/05/00672/PP granted on 20 October 2005. 1. Introduction No. 72 Innes Park Road, Skelmorlie is a mid terraced dwellinghouse situated in a residential area. There is an access lane to the rear of the property.2. BackgroundIn April 2005 complaints were received regarding the siting of a container in the rear garden of the property. A site visit was made by the Planning Inspector. Mr Clark was advised verbally and in writing that the container, gates and fencing required planning permission. The application was submitted and registered on 15 August 2005. This application was for the erection of a double garage within the rear garden, erection of boundary fencing to front and rear, erection of gates to the rear and the temporary siting of a storage container within rear garden (part retrospective). The proposed garage would replace the storage container.3. Current PositionOn 20 October 2005, North Ayrshire Council granted conditional planning permission. Condition 1 states that, within 3 months from the date of consent, the storage container shall be removed from the site, to the satisfaction of North Ayrshire Council as Planning Authority. The site was visited on 19 January 2006 by the Planning Inspector. Mr Clark intimated that he had no intention of removing the storage container in the foreseeable future. He was advised in writing on 20 January 2006 to comply within 14 days. To date, he has failed to comply.Compliance with the condition is required in the interest of the amenity of the area.4. ProposalIt is proposed that a Breach of Condition Notice be served in terms of Section 145(2)(a) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 to ensure compliance with Condition 1 of planning permission N/05/00672/PP granted on 20 October 2005.5. ConclusionIt is considered Mr Clark has been given sufficient opportunity and time to comply with Condition 1 of planning application N/05/00672/PP granted on 20 October 2005. IAN T MACKAYAssistant Chief Executive (Legal and Protective)Reference : TC/ALR For further information please contact Tom Cunningham, Planning Inspector , on 01294 324320
Top navy man dies Captain Jim Boyd ONE of the navy's top ranking captains has died just weeks into his retirement. Captain Jim Boyd suffered a heart attack while climbing the Cairngorms last week. The 55-year-old had only just retired as Captain of the Faslane Flotilla after a naval career spanning more than 35 years. Educated in Greenock, Captain Boyd joined the Royal Navy in 1969 and became a submariner in 1975. He was one of the very first captains of the Trident subs when they were introduced, was later in charge of submariner training. Captain Boyd was also the defence attaché in Tokyo. The father of two was originally from Perthshire and tragically lost his wife Jenny just two years ago. He leaves behind daughters Kirsty and Kerry. A spokesman for the Navy in Faslane said of the Skelmorlie resident: "He had a very distinguished career. He was an immensely popular man, very down to earth and well liked." Captain Boyd was walking in the Cairngorms with five friends on Saturday when he became unwell near the top of Lochnagar. A helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth dropped members of the Grampian Police and Braemar Mountain Rescue Team close to the party's location but Captain Boyd was dead by the time the rescue team arrived at the scene
ONE of the navy's top ranking captains has died just weeks into his retirement. Captain Jim Boyd suffered a heart attack while climbing the Cairngorms last week. The 55-year-old had only just retired as Captain of the Faslane Flotilla after a naval career spanning more than 35 years. Educated in Greenock, Captain Boyd joined the Royal Navy in 1969 and became a submariner in 1975. He was one of the very first captains of the Trident subs when they were introduced, was later in charge of submariner training. Captain Boyd was also the defence attaché in Tokyo. The father of two was originally from Perthshire and tragically lost his wife Jenny just two years ago. He leaves behind daughters Kirsty and Kerry. A spokesman for the Navy in Faslane said of the Skelmorlie resident: "He had a very distinguished career. He was an immensely popular man, very down to earth and well liked." Captain Boyd was walking in the Cairngorms with five friends on Saturday when he became unwell near the top of Lochnagar. A helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth dropped members of the Grampian Police and Braemar Mountain Rescue Team close to the party's location but Captain Boyd was dead by the time the rescue team arrived at the scene
Strike grinds Scotland to a stop 28 March 2006 05:53 Much of Scotland will be brought to a standstill today as two hundred thousand local government workers walk out on strike. Members in nine unions are taking part in the biggest walkout for 80 years, closing thousands of schools and paralysing services from rubbish collection to the Glasgow Underground and Forth Road Bridge. Local government workers are angry that their pension rights to retire at 60 are being changed while other public sector staff such as teachers, fire fighters, police and civil servants are getting a better deal. Police support staff, classroom assistants, school cooks and caretakers will all be on the picket lines. At the Forth Bridge, motorists can expect delays because with no toll collectors, two lanes will be tapered to pass through the booths. Edinburgh buses will be on strike in the capital but other bus services will run normally and ferry operator Calmac has cancelled the Gourock to Dunoon and Wemyss Bay to Rothesay services. After today's walkout a series of one day strikes, probably targeting specific sectors, will be announced by the unions.
Much of Scotland will be brought to a standstill today as two hundred thousand local government workers walk out on strike.
Members in nine unions are taking part in the biggest walkout for 80 years, closing thousands of schools and paralysing services from rubbish collection to the Glasgow Underground and Forth Road Bridge.
Local government workers are angry that their pension rights to retire at 60 are being changed while other public sector staff such as teachers, fire fighters, police and civil servants are getting a better deal.
Police support staff, classroom assistants, school cooks and caretakers will all be on the picket lines.
At the Forth Bridge, motorists can expect delays because with no toll collectors, two lanes will be tapered to pass through the booths.
Edinburgh buses will be on strike in the capital but other bus services will run normally and ferry operator Calmac has cancelled the Gourock to Dunoon and Wemyss Bay to Rothesay services.
After today's walkout a series of one day strikes, probably targeting specific sectors, will be announced by the unions.
The village was mourning another sad loss on Thursday when there was a massive turnout at the funeral of Gerry McKinnon, a well-known face in the village who tragically passed away on Saturday 18th February. Deepest condolences and best wishes go to his wife Sandra, son Allan, daughter Lorna and all the family. Gerry will be missed greatly.
Jane’s bronze JANE Paterson, in action during the senior curling championships. JANE Paterson of Skelmorlie did local curlers proud in last week’s Women’s Senior Curling championships held in Copenhagen, Denmark. Curling at third for Ireland, Jane’s team were unexpected winners of the B division, having only one loss in the round robin games to New Zealand. This secured them a semi-final slot against Canada, winners of the A division, in which they lost five shots to eight. Playing off for the bronze medal against Switzerland, the game went down to the very last stone, Ireland leaving themselves too much to do. They did manage to pull the game back to eight shots to nine. With the exception of their first game against New Zealand the Irish ladies, who included two 70-year-olds, played some great curling throughout the week and deserved their fourth place finish. Sweden were eventual winners of the women’s title with Canada silver medalist. In the men’s competition Canada claimed gold with USA second and Sweden third. Other local curlers, playing in the men’s event, were John MacDougall of Greenock representing England, and Jim Jamieson of Kilmacolm playing second for Scotland.
JANE Paterson of Skelmorlie did local curlers proud in last week’s Women’s Senior Curling championships held in Copenhagen, Denmark. Curling at third for Ireland, Jane’s team were unexpected winners of the B division, having only one loss in the round robin games to New Zealand. This secured them a semi-final slot against Canada, winners of the A division, in which they lost five shots to eight. Playing off for the bronze medal against Switzerland, the game went down to the very last stone, Ireland leaving themselves too much to do. They did manage to pull the game back to eight shots to nine. With the exception of their first game against New Zealand the Irish ladies, who included two 70-year-olds, played some great curling throughout the week and deserved their fourth place finish. Sweden were eventual winners of the women’s title with Canada silver medalist. In the men’s competition Canada claimed gold with USA second and Sweden third. Other local curlers, playing in the men’s event, were John MacDougall of Greenock representing England, and Jim Jamieson of Kilmacolm playing second for Scotland.
HIT THE ROAD JACK ..AND VICTOR Exclusive Store row is 'just like Still Game' By Craig Mcdonald EXCLUSIVE: TWO feisty pensioners have been nicknamed Jack and Victor after a bizarre row saw them banned from a branch of Somerfield. Bill Warnock, 76, was trying to buy a bottle of brandy when the manager told him to get out. Grandad Bill is still not sure why he was barred, although he suspects it was mistaken identity. And his brother-in-law Tom McLean, 91, also got the boot after muttering: "This is a lot of shite." Both OAPs were told not to come back to the store. A friend said last night: "We've started calling them Jack and Victor. It's like something straight out of Still Game." Bill, a church elder and retired police sergeant, said: "The manager marched up to me as I was picking up a bottle of brandy for Tom. "He said, 'We had trouble with you two years ago,' and told me to get out of the shop. "I wasn't looking my best. I had a cold and had wrapped up with a scarf and a bunnet. He must have mistook me for a shoplifter. "It's absolute rubbish. I'm not from the area and I never set foot in the shop two years ago. "In any case, I've got enough money to get by on. I don't need to resort to shoplifting. I'm a former police sergeant, for goodness sake." Bill lives miles away in Skelmorlie, Ayrshire. But he regularly makes the trip to Renfrewshire to help frail great-grandad Tom, of Kilbarchan, with his shopping. He said: "We'd been going to the Somerfield in Johnstone for about six months. There had never been a problem until this happened." Bill's daughter Julie McMillan wrote to Somerfield demanding an apology. But she got a letter back saying: "Following an investigation, I have no cause to reverse action taken by local management." Julie said: "I couldn't believe it. It's deplorable to treat pensioners in this way. "The store manager has obviously got mixed up. It's a clear case of mistaken identity." A Somerfield spokesman told the Record: "We do not take the decision to ban anyone lightly."
EXCLUSIVE: TWO feisty pensioners have been nicknamed Jack and Victor after a bizarre row saw them banned from a branch of Somerfield.
Bill Warnock, 76, was trying to buy a bottle of brandy when the manager told him to get out.
Grandad Bill is still not sure why he was barred, although he suspects it was mistaken identity.
And his brother-in-law Tom McLean, 91, also got the boot after muttering: "This is a lot of shite."
Both OAPs were told not to come back to the store. A friend said last night: "We've started calling them Jack and Victor. It's like something straight out of Still Game."
Bill, a church elder and retired police sergeant, said: "The manager marched up to me as I was picking up a bottle of brandy for Tom.
"He said, 'We had trouble with you two years ago,' and told me to get out of the shop.
"I wasn't looking my best. I had a cold and had wrapped up with a scarf and a bunnet. He must have mistook me for a shoplifter.
"It's absolute rubbish. I'm not from the area and I never set foot in the shop two years ago.
"In any case, I've got enough money to get by on. I don't need to resort to shoplifting. I'm a former police sergeant, for goodness sake."
Bill lives miles away in Skelmorlie, Ayrshire. But he regularly makes the trip to Renfrewshire to help frail great-grandad Tom, of Kilbarchan, with his shopping.
He said: "We'd been going to the Somerfield in Johnstone for about six months. There had never been a problem until this happened."
Bill's daughter Julie McMillan wrote to Somerfield demanding an apology. But she got a letter back saying: "Following an investigation, I have no cause to reverse action taken by local management."
Julie said: "I couldn't believe it. It's deplorable to treat pensioners in this way.
"The store manager has obviously got mixed up. It's a clear case of mistaken identity."
A Somerfield spokesman told the Record: "We do not take the decision to ban anyone lightly."
Woman dies after party for father A LOVING daughter died of a heart attack on the way home from her dad's 70th birthday party. And the family of Caroline Andrews Redmond have only just found out she had kept a heart condition secret from them for a year. Today Caroline's sister Linda paid tribute to her, saying: "She was the strongest woman I knew. She had a heart attack a year ago and kept it from everybody. She didn't want us to know because she knew it would worry us." Sixty people attended Bill Andrews' birthday party in Wemyss Bay Station Bar. Bill, who lives in Skelmorlie with wife May, said: "It was the best party the family has ever had. I did the last dance and the Gay Gordons with her. I was dancing with Caroline all night, right up to the last beat of the drums. "She made sure I had a great birthday." Caroline (43), who lived in Irvine, worked as a sales assistant in Kilmarnock. She was on a coach home after the party on Saturday 26 November when she took ill near Skelmorlie Castle Road. Tragically, her sister Jacqueline was killed in a road accident less than a mile away from the same location 29 years ago. Knowing she was ill, Caroline went out of her way to spend extra time with her family in recent months. Linda said: "She was always cheery. You never saw her without a smile on her face." During the past year, Caroline has been to Gambia, where she sponsored a child, had two trips to Spain and was planning a holiday to Canada with Linda. Linda said: "She made this year her life and she partied. Nobody would have thought she was ill. My heart goes out to her. Despite everything she was going through she made sure we were all happy. " Caroline is survived by husband Charlie Redmond, children Pauline (25), Ian (22), Richard (21), Gary (18) and four grandchildren. Her funeral will take place at Greenock Crematorium on Wednesday at noon. The family request no flowers but suggest donations be made to the British Heart Foundation.
A LOVING daughter died of a heart attack on the way home from her dad's 70th birthday party. And the family of Caroline Andrews Redmond have only just found out she had kept a heart condition secret from them for a year. Today Caroline's sister Linda paid tribute to her, saying: "She was the strongest woman I knew. She had a heart attack a year ago and kept it from everybody. She didn't want us to know because she knew it would worry us." Sixty people attended Bill Andrews' birthday party in Wemyss Bay Station Bar. Bill, who lives in Skelmorlie with wife May, said: "It was the best party the family has ever had. I did the last dance and the Gay Gordons with her. I was dancing with Caroline all night, right up to the last beat of the drums. "She made sure I had a great birthday." Caroline (43), who lived in Irvine, worked as a sales assistant in Kilmarnock. She was on a coach home after the party on Saturday 26 November when she took ill near Skelmorlie Castle Road. Tragically, her sister Jacqueline was killed in a road accident less than a mile away from the same location 29 years ago. Knowing she was ill, Caroline went out of her way to spend extra time with her family in recent months. Linda said: "She was always cheery. You never saw her without a smile on her face." During the past year, Caroline has been to Gambia, where she sponsored a child, had two trips to Spain and was planning a holiday to Canada with Linda. Linda said: "She made this year her life and she partied. Nobody would have thought she was ill. My heart goes out to her. Despite everything she was going through she made sure we were all happy. " Caroline is survived by husband Charlie Redmond, children Pauline (25), Ian (22), Richard (21), Gary (18) and four grandchildren. Her funeral will take place at Greenock Crematorium on Wednesday at noon. The family request no flowers but suggest donations be made to the British Heart Foundation.
The man who might hold the secret to defeating Aids By Louise Cotton Published: 14 November 2005 The man who may hold the key to a cure for Aids was urged by doctors last night to come forward for the sake of millions of virus carriers worldwide. The case of Andrew Stimpson, 25, who was diagnosed as HIV-positive in 2002 but found to be clear of the virus in 2003, has stunned the medical world. If doctors can establish why this happened, without treatment, it could benefit the 34.9 million virus carriers worldwide. But Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Trust, which carried out the initial diagnosis tests, said Mr Stimpson has so far declined to undergo further tests with it. A spokeswoman for the Trust said: "I can confirm that he has a positive and a negative test. "When we became aware of his HIV-negative result we offered him further tests to help us investigate and find an explanation. So far he has declined to do so." Mr Stimpson subsequently tried to sue the hospital, believing his initial positive test was inaccurate. But he was told there was no case to answer because both tests were correct. The Trust spokeswoman insisted there was no chance a mistake had crept into the testing system. Mr Stimpson told the Mail on Sunday: "My doctor said 'you've cured yourself, you're fantastic'." "I can't help wondering if I hold the cure for Aids. There are 34.9 million people with HIV and if I have something to contribute, then I am willing and ready to help." The Scotsman, 25, who moved from the Ayrshire village of Skelmorlie, near Largs, to London four years ago, did not take any medication for HIV. Genevieve Clark, the director of communications at the Terence Higgins Trust, said: "For this to happen is unheard of. We are not aware of any similar cases in the UK. "The news is potentially remarkable but raises a lot of questions. There needs to be a thorough, scientific investigation to find out exactly what has happened. "The fact that the hospital doctors are keen to do more tests shows it is early days. It could be a major breakthrough but we are keen to know more." Mr Stimpson, who works as a sandwich maker, caught the virus from his long-term partner, Juan Gomez, 44, who has been HIV positive for some years. Mr Stimpson felt tired, weak and feverish in May 2002. He had three blood tests at the Victoria Clinic for Sexual Health in west London, which specialises in HIV. At first they were all negative, but Andrew was told the virus takes three months to show up in the blood after contraction. And when he returned for more tests in August, they found HIV anti-bodies in his body. Mr Stimpson said he became depressed and suicidal after being told he was HIV-positive but remained well and did not require medication. "One thing I decided early on was I never wanted to see the HIV through to Aids. I was having nightmares about being in intensive care, hooked up to tubes and covered in lesions. "It got so bad that I began researching euthanasia as a possible way out." In the months following the diagnosis, Mr Stimpson complained of feverishness and other flu symptoms. But his doctors told him his body was "controlling" the virus well and that his immune system remained strong. However, in October 2003 during a routine appointment at the Victoria Clinic, a doctor suggested a more sensitive test to check his viral load. It came back negative. Three more tests came back the same. "There was a massive relief but I was also deeply confused," said Mr Stimpson. "And the doctors seemed as confused as me. I thought the first positive tests must have been wrong." But an investigation by the trust claimed otherwise. Dr Patrick Dixon, an expert from Acet, an international Aids group, said the case was "very, very unusual. I've come across many anecdotal reports of this kind of thing happening in Africa, some quite recently, but it's difficult to verify them," he said. "You have to be rock-solid sure that both samples came from the same person, no mix-up in the laboratory, no mistakes in the testing. This is the first well-documented case." The case was important because "inside his immune system is perhaps a key that could allow us to develop some kind of vaccine". The news will bring hope to millions dying of Aids who could benefit if medical scientists discover how Mr Stimpson's medical status changed. Lisa Power, the policy director at the Terence Higgins Trust, said: "This could be of major interest to HIV researchers. We need to find out precisely what's happened with this person."
The man who may hold the key to a cure for Aids was urged by doctors last night to come forward for the sake of millions of virus carriers worldwide.
The case of Andrew Stimpson, 25, who was diagnosed as HIV-positive in 2002 but found to be clear of the virus in 2003, has stunned the medical world. If doctors can establish why this happened, without treatment, it could benefit the 34.9 million virus carriers worldwide.
But Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Trust, which carried out the initial diagnosis tests, said Mr Stimpson has so far declined to undergo further tests with it.
A spokeswoman for the Trust said: "I can confirm that he has a positive and a negative test.
"When we became aware of his HIV-negative result we offered him further tests to help us investigate and find an explanation. So far he has declined to do so."
Mr Stimpson subsequently tried to sue the hospital, believing his initial positive test was inaccurate. But he was told there was no case to answer because both tests were correct. The Trust spokeswoman insisted there was no chance a mistake had crept into the testing system.
Mr Stimpson told the Mail on Sunday: "My doctor said 'you've cured yourself, you're fantastic'."
"I can't help wondering if I hold the cure for Aids. There are 34.9 million people with HIV and if I have something to contribute, then I am willing and ready to help."
The Scotsman, 25, who moved from the Ayrshire village of Skelmorlie, near Largs, to London four years ago, did not take any medication for HIV.
Genevieve Clark, the director of communications at the Terence Higgins Trust, said: "For this to happen is unheard of. We are not aware of any similar cases in the UK.
"The news is potentially remarkable but raises a lot of questions. There needs to be a thorough, scientific investigation to find out exactly what has happened.
"The fact that the hospital doctors are keen to do more tests shows it is early days. It could be a major breakthrough but we are keen to know more."
Mr Stimpson, who works as a sandwich maker, caught the virus from his long-term partner, Juan Gomez, 44, who has been HIV positive for some years.
Mr Stimpson felt tired, weak and feverish in May 2002. He had three blood tests at the Victoria Clinic for Sexual Health in west London, which specialises in HIV.
At first they were all negative, but Andrew was told the virus takes three months to show up in the blood after contraction.
And when he returned for more tests in August, they found HIV anti-bodies in his body.
Mr Stimpson said he became depressed and suicidal after being told he was HIV-positive but remained well and did not require medication.
"One thing I decided early on was I never wanted to see the HIV through to Aids. I was having nightmares about being in intensive care, hooked up to tubes and covered in lesions.
"It got so bad that I began researching euthanasia as a possible way out."
In the months following the diagnosis, Mr Stimpson complained of feverishness and other flu symptoms. But his doctors told him his body was "controlling" the virus well and that his immune system remained strong.
However, in October 2003 during a routine appointment at the Victoria Clinic, a doctor suggested a more sensitive test to check his viral load. It came back negative. Three more tests came back the same.
"There was a massive relief but I was also deeply confused," said Mr Stimpson. "And the doctors seemed as confused as me. I thought the first positive tests must have been wrong." But an investigation by the trust claimed otherwise.
Dr Patrick Dixon, an expert from Acet, an international Aids group, said the case was "very, very unusual. I've come across many anecdotal reports of this kind of thing happening in Africa, some quite recently, but it's difficult to verify them," he said.
"You have to be rock-solid sure that both samples came from the same person, no mix-up in the laboratory, no mistakes in the testing. This is the first well-documented case."
The case was important because "inside his immune system is perhaps a key that could allow us to develop some kind of vaccine".
The news will bring hope to millions dying of Aids who could benefit if medical scientists discover how Mr Stimpson's medical status changed.
Lisa Power, the policy director at the Terence Higgins Trust, said: "This could be of major interest to HIV researchers. We need to find out precisely what's happened with this person."
Get our boy out of this 'dirty' ward GRANDPARENTS want their new-born grandson and daughter out of the 'dirty' RAH maternity unit hit by an MRSA outbreak. Tom and Cathy Smith were so disgusted with conditions at the unit in the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley, they took pictures of the ward they believe is 'unhygienic'. Cathy, pictured left, and her husband Tom want answers from NHS Argyll & Clyde about the cleanliness of the maternity unit in the wake of five babies being affected by the MRSA bug at the hospital. Health chiefs launched an investigation after the bug was found on the babies in the hospital’s special care unit. Four of the infants remain in a stable condition under round-the-clock care while a fifth has been discharged. Cathy and Tom's daughter Sharon was rushed to the RAH from the Rankin at Inverclyde Royal Hospital in the late stages of labour when the birth of her baby son Stewart went dramatically wrong. Luckily baby Stewart and the new mum are doing well, but the family are angry. Property developer Tom (51), of Montgomerie Terrace, Skelmorlie, said: "We just want her out of there. We are not jumping on the bandwagon but someone has to tell people what is going on. "The shower was so unclean you would need a power washer to clean it." The family also say cleaners have been in Sharon's room only once since Sunday. Sharon (22) gave birth to Stewart on Sunday afternoon at the RAH. Rankin midwives were forced to send her there when she got into difficulties. The family, including Sharon and her husband Colin, feel her traumatic experience demonstrates the dangers of closing down the consultant-led Rankin Maternity Unit in Inverclyde. Cathy said: "They told us the RAH was to be a centre of excellence. To me that means top doctors and facilities. Looking at that shower, I don't think anyone would say that is a centre of excellence. It is atrocious." The Skelmorlie couple now plan to make a formal complaint to NHS Argyll and Clyde regarding the cleanliness of the ward and the changes put in place. Mary Morgan, Renfrewshire Acute Services general manager said: "The maternity ward and shower area in question are cleaned once a day. Our monitoring reports have recognised there is a need for refurbishment in this particular department and that is one of the reasons behind our the recent announcement we will be investing a further £2 million in upgrading the Royal Alexandra Hospital's maternity unit."
GRANDPARENTS want their new-born grandson and daughter out of the 'dirty' RAH maternity unit hit by an MRSA outbreak. Tom and Cathy Smith were so disgusted with conditions at the unit in the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley, they took pictures of the ward they believe is 'unhygienic'. Cathy, pictured left, and her husband Tom want answers from NHS Argyll & Clyde about the cleanliness of the maternity unit in the wake of five babies being affected by the MRSA bug at the hospital. Health chiefs launched an investigation after the bug was found on the babies in the hospital’s special care unit. Four of the infants remain in a stable condition under round-the-clock care while a fifth has been discharged. Cathy and Tom's daughter Sharon was rushed to the RAH from the Rankin at Inverclyde Royal Hospital in the late stages of labour when the birth of her baby son Stewart went dramatically wrong. Luckily baby Stewart and the new mum are doing well, but the family are angry. Property developer Tom (51), of Montgomerie Terrace, Skelmorlie, said: "We just want her out of there. We are not jumping on the bandwagon but someone has to tell people what is going on. "The shower was so unclean you would need a power washer to clean it." The family also say cleaners have been in Sharon's room only once since Sunday. Sharon (22) gave birth to Stewart on Sunday afternoon at the RAH. Rankin midwives were forced to send her there when she got into difficulties. The family, including Sharon and her husband Colin, feel her traumatic experience demonstrates the dangers of closing down the consultant-led Rankin Maternity Unit in Inverclyde. Cathy said: "They told us the RAH was to be a centre of excellence. To me that means top doctors and facilities. Looking at that shower, I don't think anyone would say that is a centre of excellence. It is atrocious." The Skelmorlie couple now plan to make a formal complaint to NHS Argyll and Clyde regarding the cleanliness of the ward and the changes put in place. Mary Morgan, Renfrewshire Acute Services general manager said: "The maternity ward and shower area in question are cleaned once a day. Our monitoring reports have recognised there is a need for refurbishment in this particular department and that is one of the reasons behind our the recent announcement we will be investing a further £2 million in upgrading the Royal Alexandra Hospital's maternity unit."
Logan John McConnell was born 6/7/05 weighing 7lb 13oz,he is the second McConnell boy to be born in Australia.In Soccer little Logan is already a Scotland and Rangers supporter,in Aussie Rules football he is a Saint Kilda supporter and in Cricket he follows Australia
Power houses Inverkip Power Station. WORK will start on 400 new houses at Inverkip Power Station in 2012. Councillors have agreed plans with landowners Scottish Power to go ahead with the dismantling of the power station to make way for houses. Residents objected to the idea, saying it will damage the environment around Inverkip and increase traffic problems. And in February councillors looked as though they might stop the plans for the 43-hectare site by declaring the power station to be within the green belt. But then Scottish Power objected to the green belt decision and entered into negotiations with council officers. Those negotiations have now secured a commitment from Scottish Power to limit the size of the development to 400 homes and to complete the dismantling of the power station within 46 months. Work on clearing the area will not begin until 2007, but councillors are keen to have the massive chimney at the station demolished as soon as possible. Planning convener, Lib Dem councillor Eric Forbes said the plan would benefit Inverkip and the whole of Inverclyde. He said: "Although there were objections, they were not strong objections. We will get the benefit of investment there." He said the commitment from Scottish Power not to build until 2012 would give the development along the Inverclyde Waterfront a chance to get up and running without competition from the Inverkip development. He said the plans would still be subject to the usual planning process, and stressed final decisions on the exact form of the Inverkip development would be decided at a later date. Labour councillor Stephen McCabe described the decision to declare the site fit for development as a "u-turn".
WORK will start on 400 new houses at Inverkip Power Station in 2012. Councillors have agreed plans with landowners Scottish Power to go ahead with the dismantling of the power station to make way for houses. Residents objected to the idea, saying it will damage the environment around Inverkip and increase traffic problems. And in February councillors looked as though they might stop the plans for the 43-hectare site by declaring the power station to be within the green belt. But then Scottish Power objected to the green belt decision and entered into negotiations with council officers. Those negotiations have now secured a commitment from Scottish Power to limit the size of the development to 400 homes and to complete the dismantling of the power station within 46 months. Work on clearing the area will not begin until 2007, but councillors are keen to have the massive chimney at the station demolished as soon as possible. Planning convener, Lib Dem councillor Eric Forbes said the plan would benefit Inverkip and the whole of Inverclyde. He said: "Although there were objections, they were not strong objections. We will get the benefit of investment there." He said the commitment from Scottish Power not to build until 2012 would give the development along the Inverclyde Waterfront a chance to get up and running without competition from the Inverkip development. He said the plans would still be subject to the usual planning process, and stressed final decisions on the exact form of the Inverkip development would be decided at a later date. Labour councillor Stephen McCabe described the decision to declare the site fit for development as a "u-turn".
Wemyss Bay <FORM name=tourFB action=/execute/tour/townarea;jsessionid=abEPPfdOHsm8 method=post> The growth of Wemyss Bay was largely the result of the railway line to Glasgow and the steamer service to Rothesay. The station and the pier where most of the travellers made a change in their mode of transportation still remains and it is an important landmark in the town. However, the history of Wemyss Bay goes back much father than that. James 111 originally granted the land to the Wallace of Kelly family in the 15th century. The Kelly estate, including the Kelly Castle, went through many hands through the centuries. Each owner strived to build the town as a seaside resort. In fact, one owner, Robert Wallace envisioned a resort of 200 villas. Charles Brown managed to build up Wemyss Bay to 36 villas earning it the name of “Little Glasgow” because it was a popular vacation place for the wealthy merchants of Glasgow. type=text/javascript></SCRIPT> src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js" type=text/javascript> </SCRIPT> Salmon fishing has always been a popular sport in Wemyss Bay and this alone draws many tourists. The easy drive from Glasgow makes this a popular location for visitors who just want a day out as well as for those who want to spend a longer period of time here. With the wooded areas and the views of the bay, visitors are thrilled with the panoramic view of nature.The shopping experience in Wemyss Bay is incomparable to anywhere else. With two shopping centers to choose from – the plaza on Ardgowan Road and the shops near the station. There are many quaint stores and restaurants where you can have a sit down meal or if you are in a hurry, there is also a takeout. A must see on any trip to Wemyss Bay is the Castle House Museum. Here you will see artefacts of a long gone time and read about the visit of Mary, Queen of Scots where she met the Earl of Darnley. In fact her room is still called the “Presence Chamber”.The Wemyss Bay Holiday Park is built on the site of Kelly Castle. This 150-acre park has many full service sites where you can park your RV or if you want to get closer to nature, you can pitch a tent. The park has many fun activities for the whole family. This makes for an enjoyable vacation in Wemyss Bay.Caledonian MacBrayne Hebridean & Clyde Ferries: Bute - Wemyss Bay - Rothesay details, ferry timetables & fares.</FORM>
Night shift CAREFUL manoeuvres at theBullring. REVELLERS from Inverclyde's pubs poured out onto the streets last night to watch a massive convoy rumble past. At about 11pm, two giant lorries — with 42 pairs of wheels each — carried between them a 159-ton transformer from Inverkip power station along the A78 to James Watt Dock in Greenock. Travelling at between 10 and 15 miles an hour, sometimes much slower, at walking pace, the eight mile journey took three hours. Police had cleared cars from the roads to allow the convoy to pass. At Chapel Street in Gourock, a crowd of about 30 people watched as the lorries snaked past. When the convoy reached the bridge in Brougham Street, Greenock, engineers from the transport company, Abnormal Load Engineering, lowered hydraulics on the lorries to allow the load to pass — with just inches to spare. They arrived at James Watt Dock at 2am. The only damage done on the entire journey was a slight dent in the entrance sign at the dock that took a knock from the wide load. It was made safe on the spot. The convoy is one of three this month to transport equipment from the power station which has been sold to Drax Power, a Yorkshire based company. The equipment will be moved by ship from Greenock to its new owners.
REVELLERS from Inverclyde's pubs poured out onto the streets last night to watch a massive convoy rumble past. At about 11pm, two giant lorries — with 42 pairs of wheels each — carried between them a 159-ton transformer from Inverkip power station along the A78 to James Watt Dock in Greenock. Travelling at between 10 and 15 miles an hour, sometimes much slower, at walking pace, the eight mile journey took three hours. Police had cleared cars from the roads to allow the convoy to pass. At Chapel Street in Gourock, a crowd of about 30 people watched as the lorries snaked past. When the convoy reached the bridge in Brougham Street, Greenock, engineers from the transport company, Abnormal Load Engineering, lowered hydraulics on the lorries to allow the load to pass — with just inches to spare. They arrived at James Watt Dock at 2am. The only damage done on the entire journey was a slight dent in the entrance sign at the dock that took a knock from the wide load. It was made safe on the spot. The convoy is one of three this month to transport equipment from the power station which has been sold to Drax Power, a Yorkshire based company. The equipment will be moved by ship from Greenock to its new owners.
Wemyss Bay new ferry ‘doesn’t fit’ A MULTI-million pound new ferry and its gangway don't fit at Wemyss Bay, it has been claimed. Delays and cancellations have sparked a number of complaints from regular passengers and visitors on the route to Rothesay. The problems were discovered a week after the new MV Bute was added to CalMac's fleet. The taxpayer-funded firm paid £8.7 million for the ship to be made in Gdansk, Poland, and another £1m for two Hong Kong-built gangways at the Wemyss Bay and Rothesay piers. But £10m later and hundreds of jobs created on opposite sides of the planet, the two pieces of technology have been blamed for delays at the height of the tourist season. CalMac said it was just "teething problems" and the MV Bute had been running on time since last Tuesday. Getting staff used to the new gangways was said to be the biggest hurdle being faced. MSP Bruce McFee, who has argued for more work for Ferguson's Shipbuilders, said: "It's a lot of money for things that don't work properly. You must always take into account other costs. What is the cost to the public purse? "Not only do you have a situation where public money is being used to put Scottish workers on the dole, but then public money is used to rectify problems on items that were supposed to be purpose built." He claimed a local firm would have taken the Clyde tides into account and prevented such design setbacks. CalMac spokesman Hugh Dan MacLennan hit back: "The problems are not extensive. We have had some teething problems. The biggest problem was a drilling rig that got in the way and could not let the ferry in. “The last delays were on 12 July. It's been regrettable it's one of the things that happens when a new vessel comes in. "MV Bute is performing spectacularly well. We are delighted with her. Where the ship and the gangway were built has nothing to do with being part of the problem. The ship is 100 per cent perfect."
A MULTI-million pound new ferry and its gangway don't fit at Wemyss Bay, it has been claimed. Delays and cancellations have sparked a number of complaints from regular passengers and visitors on the route to Rothesay. The problems were discovered a week after the new MV Bute was added to CalMac's fleet. The taxpayer-funded firm paid £8.7 million for the ship to be made in Gdansk, Poland, and another £1m for two Hong Kong-built gangways at the Wemyss Bay and Rothesay piers. But £10m later and hundreds of jobs created on opposite sides of the planet, the two pieces of technology have been blamed for delays at the height of the tourist season. CalMac said it was just "teething problems" and the MV Bute had been running on time since last Tuesday. Getting staff used to the new gangways was said to be the biggest hurdle being faced. MSP Bruce McFee, who has argued for more work for Ferguson's Shipbuilders, said: "It's a lot of money for things that don't work properly. You must always take into account other costs. What is the cost to the public purse? "Not only do you have a situation where public money is being used to put Scottish workers on the dole, but then public money is used to rectify problems on items that were supposed to be purpose built." He claimed a local firm would have taken the Clyde tides into account and prevented such design setbacks. CalMac spokesman Hugh Dan MacLennan hit back: "The problems are not extensive. We have had some teething problems. The biggest problem was a drilling rig that got in the way and could not let the ferry in. “The last delays were on 12 July. It's been regrettable it's one of the things that happens when a new vessel comes in. "MV Bute is performing spectacularly well. We are delighted with her. Where the ship and the gangway were built has nothing to do with being part of the problem. The ship is 100 per cent perfect."
Ferry delays as new vessel comes up just a little short CALEDONIAN MacBrayne's new flagship service on the Clyde is being plagued by delays and technical problems because the vessel's passenger gangway is too short. The ferry company was expecting more problems as the Glasgow Fair holiday got under way yesterday, just a week after the vessel went into service. Cancellations and late running of services to Bute on the Polish-built vessel have led to a significant number of complaints. Timetable delays occurred within two days of its introduction to service, and problems arose during berthing at Rothesay and Wemyss Bay. On some services, passengers have been asked by the crew to disembark using the car ramp, as the new passenger gangway fails to reach the main deck at low tide. The £8.7 million MV Bute is CalMac's first new vessel on the Clyde for 30 years. Built at the Remontowa Group shipyard in Gdansk, the vessel can carry 60 cars and up to 450 passengers. Two new specially constructed passenger ramps, each costing £1 million and built in Hong Kong, have been erected at Wemyss Bay and Rothesay piers to accommodate the latest addition to the CalMac fleet. The new ferry was named last week by Marjorie Bulloch, the wife of the deputy Lord Lieutenant of Argyll. A CalMac spokesman said: "There have been some teething problems with the new gangway, but they are being sorted out. There are some things you just cannot discover until the ship is operational. There have also been delays because of a drilling rig at Rothesay pier."
CALEDONIAN MacBrayne's new flagship service on the Clyde is being plagued by delays and technical problems because the vessel's passenger gangway is too short.
The ferry company was expecting more problems as the Glasgow Fair holiday got under way yesterday, just a week after the vessel went into service.
Cancellations and late running of services to Bute on the Polish-built vessel have led to a significant number of complaints.
Timetable delays occurred within two days of its introduction to service, and problems arose during berthing at Rothesay and Wemyss Bay.
On some services, passengers have been asked by the crew to disembark using the car ramp, as the new passenger gangway fails to reach the main deck at low tide.
The £8.7 million MV Bute is CalMac's first new vessel on the Clyde for 30 years. Built at the Remontowa Group shipyard in Gdansk, the vessel can carry 60 cars and up to 450 passengers.
Two new specially constructed passenger ramps, each costing £1 million and built in Hong Kong, have been erected at Wemyss Bay and Rothesay piers to accommodate the latest addition to the CalMac fleet.
The new ferry was named last week by Marjorie Bulloch, the wife of the deputy Lord Lieutenant of Argyll.
A CalMac spokesman said: "There have been some teething problems with the new gangway, but they are being sorted out. There are some things you just cannot discover until the ship is operational. There have also been delays because of a drilling rig at Rothesay pier."
IBM plans to sell Spango Valley IBM'sSpango Valley plant which stretches for over a mile along the Greenock to Inverkip road. IBM is planning to sell and lease back its Spango Valley site in Greenock — and says it wants more employees to work from home. But a union fears this could be "the thin end of the wedge" for the future of the plant. Inverclyde MP David Cairns and Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil said today they were unaware of IBM's plans but would contact the company today to seek clarification. Mr Cairns said: "This is not uncommon. IBM are not in the real estate business and don't want to be involved in the upkeep of land." And Mr McNeil said: "I want to know how long the lease will be." Brian MacDonald of the union Amicus, who have dozens of members at IBM Greenock, said: "They have hived off workers to Sanmina and Lenovo and this could be the thin end of the wedge for the future of the plant." It is understood IBM don't yet have a buyer for the site, and today they wouldn't comment about leasing terms. They said in a statement: "IBM is reviewing its UK real estate portfolio as it moves towards an increasingly mobile workforce. IBM is committed to workplace flexibility — enabling home, mobile, office and client-based working." The company say the review reflects good property portfolio management practice as IBM moves increasingly to selling and leasing back its locations. They have already sold and leased back premises in Edinburgh and Southbank in London, and are also looking at doing it at Warwick, Portsmouth and West London. The company added: "This review reflects a broad industry move out of ownership towards sale and lease back of property. In fact, IBM's own property asset management consulting practice is advising several clients on this issue."
IBM is planning to sell and lease back its Spango Valley site in Greenock — and says it wants more employees to work from home. But a union fears this could be "the thin end of the wedge" for the future of the plant. Inverclyde MP David Cairns and Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil said today they were unaware of IBM's plans but would contact the company today to seek clarification. Mr Cairns said: "This is not uncommon. IBM are not in the real estate business and don't want to be involved in the upkeep of land." And Mr McNeil said: "I want to know how long the lease will be." Brian MacDonald of the union Amicus, who have dozens of members at IBM Greenock, said: "They have hived off workers to Sanmina and Lenovo and this could be the thin end of the wedge for the future of the plant." It is understood IBM don't yet have a buyer for the site, and today they wouldn't comment about leasing terms. They said in a statement: "IBM is reviewing its UK real estate portfolio as it moves towards an increasingly mobile workforce. IBM is committed to workplace flexibility — enabling home, mobile, office and client-based working." The company say the review reflects good property portfolio management practice as IBM moves increasingly to selling and leasing back its locations. They have already sold and leased back premises in Edinburgh and Southbank in London, and are also looking at doing it at Warwick, Portsmouth and West London. The company added: "This review reflects a broad industry move out of ownership towards sale and lease back of property. In fact, IBM's own property asset management consulting practice is advising several clients on this issue."
VILLAGES across the country were today assessing the damage after being badly hit by weekend downpours. Islanders on Arran were amongst the worst hit by the early morning torrential rain yesterday. A number of properties were waterlogged, including a bistro which had been open for only three weeks. Other areas were hit by intense rainfall, including Ayrshire and around Glasgow. An inch of rainfall was recorded in Scotland over a 24-hour period. Flash flooding also led to the main roads in Gourock being submerged. The A8 from Glasgow and the A78 coast road to Skelmorlie were badly hit. Elsewhere, rescuers had to pick up eight people who became trapped on an island in the middle of the River Almond at Sma' Glen near Crieff. The four adults and four children were camping overnight when a storm caused the river to rise. They were winched to safety yesterday morning by a Royal Navy rescue helicopter. And an inflatable lifeboat had to be used to rescue four youngsters stranded on an island in the centre of the River Dee in Aberdeenshire. The youths, two boys and two girls, aged 13, raised the alarm at around 9pm last night after becoming stuck near Peterculter. An inflatable lifeboat was called in from Aberdeen and launched, bringing the children to safety around an hour later. Holidaymakers and residents on Arran were faced with debris-strewn roads after a night of storms. Several roads were partially blocked as rocks and tree branches were washed down from the hills. The rising flood water led to more than 20 people being moved from a camp site at Glen Rosa. They were looked after at the library in Brodick, which was used as an emergency centre yesterday morning. Around 6000 people suffered power cuts caused by the storms and even late last night 50 to 70 homes were still waiting to be reconnected.
AN expert is to warn against the costs and risks of sending out ferry routes to tender. The Scottish Executive will again take evidence from top economic advisors as they struggle to ensure island-hopping routes stay in place and that they meet European rules. All contracts have to go to tender, according to the rules for governments, but MSPs and campaigners have argued services in Scotland are too crucial to risk a public bidding war. Dr Jeanette Findlay of Glasgow University's economics department will speak to the transport committee tomorrow. She is expected to give evidence that CalMac should continue to provide service on routes such as Wemyss Bay to Rothesay and Gourock to Dunoon. In her submission, she states: "It would appear the lowest cost and least risky option would be for CalMac to remain as a single company providing the lifeline service on its current routes. "It is clear there is considerable uncertainty about the cost implications of going ahead with a tender process. But our best estimates are that these are likely to be high." She will argue it would be so much cheaper to stick with CalMac that the Executive doesn't have to put the routes out to commercial bidders. One option, Dr Findlay will state, would be splitting CalMac into two companies: one to own the routes, the other to bid for them. It would meet EU rules but potentially cost millions of pounds more to make a reality. Last week Dr Paul Bennett, of the University of Edinburgh, told the committee a recent major court ruling would the Executive to avoid European rules and keep CalMac routes as they are. Professor Neil Kay of the University of Strathclyde told MSPs last week it would be difficult to use the Gourock-Dunoon route as a model for the rest of the network, as each route has different costs and business potential.
Care home is to close BEACH Houses, Skelmorlie: Fears for residents' future. ELDERLY residents face an anxious future after it was revealed their care home is to close. Relatives of people living in the Beach House nursing home, Skelmorlie, have a search on their hands to find new places for loved ones. There are fears that 22 pensioners at the home may have to go outside the area. Greenock man Ian Donaldson, whose 86-year-old mother lives in the home, says he can't find a local nursing home which has free beds. He said: "I have phoned the social work department and they have told me I will have to go round all the other care homes and get put on their waiting list. "There's very little space in Inverclyde because all the homes are full. There will be 22 elderly people looking for new homes and there just isn't the space to cope with that." He is worried his mother, who suffers from dementia, will not be able to cope when she is forced to move from the Shore Road home. Ian added: "She was quite happy with her treatment and the staff were very kind to her. But it will be very disorientating for her to move." It is believed the home had to close because of a shortfall in funding from the Scottish Executive. One source said they "hadn't been given what they were promised" in terms of grants. Six other care homes in Skelmorlie have closed in recent years. Beach House owner Phyllis Macdonald has vowed to relocate residents when Beach House shuts in November. She said: "It is with deep regret we had to come to a decision to close Beach House. "We tried very hard but we feel it is no longer viable to continue. "I will be doing everything I can to work with the relatives of residents to ensure they find suitable and comfortable alternative care." Inverclyde Council's social work department has already started working to find places for Beach House residents.
ELDERLY residents face an anxious future after it was revealed their care home is to close. Relatives of people living in the Beach House nursing home, Skelmorlie, have a search on their hands to find new places for loved ones. There are fears that 22 pensioners at the home may have to go outside the area. Greenock man Ian Donaldson, whose 86-year-old mother lives in the home, says he can't find a local nursing home which has free beds. He said: "I have phoned the social work department and they have told me I will have to go round all the other care homes and get put on their waiting list. "There's very little space in Inverclyde because all the homes are full. There will be 22 elderly people looking for new homes and there just isn't the space to cope with that." He is worried his mother, who suffers from dementia, will not be able to cope when she is forced to move from the Shore Road home. Ian added: "She was quite happy with her treatment and the staff were very kind to her. But it will be very disorientating for her to move." It is believed the home had to close because of a shortfall in funding from the Scottish Executive. One source said they "hadn't been given what they were promised" in terms of grants. Six other care homes in Skelmorlie have closed in recent years. Beach House owner Phyllis Macdonald has vowed to relocate residents when Beach House shuts in November. She said: "It is with deep regret we had to come to a decision to close Beach House. "We tried very hard but we feel it is no longer viable to continue. "I will be doing everything I can to work with the relatives of residents to ensure they find suitable and comfortable alternative care." Inverclyde Council's social work department has already started working to find places for Beach House residents.
Top centre to be axed BALVONIE: Salvation Army is “with regret” to sell the centre. SOARING costs have forced the closure of a holiday centre that attracts visitors from throughout Britain. The Salvation Army has decided “with regret” to sell Balvonie, in Skelmorlie. Five jobs will be lost, although efforts are being made to offer staff alternative employment. The move is part of a national review of property announced last September to cut costs. A number of properties throughout the UK have been identified for sale. Set in seven acres of countryside, Balvonie has been used by groups from the Salvation Army, Church of Scotland, Church of Nazarene, Christian nurses, firemen and guiders. “The decision to sell Balvonie has been taken after much consultation and in full recognition of the real regret and disappointment that Salvationists, especially those in Scotland, may feel,” a spokesman for the Salvation Army said. “The present management has done everything possible to minimise the deficit funding required, while continuing to provide a sound service to clients and we want to acknowledge that. “However, it is impossible for us to maintain this centre without considerable ongoing deficit funding. “An expensive capital investment fund would also be required.” Phillip Evans, who has been in charge of the centre for the past two years, said it would be missed by all the groups who regularly use it for religious conferences, retreats and over-60s church group holidays. “The place has built up a history,” he said. “There are groups who have been coming for years, and groups coming this year who would have come back again next year.” Bookings are being taken up until November this year. No date has yet been set for the closure. The 100-year-old Balvonie House in Halketburn Road was bought by the Salvation Army in the 1950s for use as a conference and training centre. A £400,000 refurbishment just 10 years ago aimed to turn it into a profit-making business with the creation of 10-room annexe.
SOARING costs have forced the closure of a holiday centre that attracts visitors from throughout Britain. The Salvation Army has decided “with regret” to sell Balvonie, in Skelmorlie. Five jobs will be lost, although efforts are being made to offer staff alternative employment. The move is part of a national review of property announced last September to cut costs. A number of properties throughout the UK have been identified for sale. Set in seven acres of countryside, Balvonie has been used by groups from the Salvation Army, Church of Scotland, Church of Nazarene, Christian nurses, firemen and guiders. “The decision to sell Balvonie has been taken after much consultation and in full recognition of the real regret and disappointment that Salvationists, especially those in Scotland, may feel,” a spokesman for the Salvation Army said. “The present management has done everything possible to minimise the deficit funding required, while continuing to provide a sound service to clients and we want to acknowledge that. “However, it is impossible for us to maintain this centre without considerable ongoing deficit funding. “An expensive capital investment fund would also be required.” Phillip Evans, who has been in charge of the centre for the past two years, said it would be missed by all the groups who regularly use it for religious conferences, retreats and over-60s church group holidays. “The place has built up a history,” he said. “There are groups who have been coming for years, and groups coming this year who would have come back again next year.” Bookings are being taken up until November this year. No date has yet been set for the closure. The 100-year-old Balvonie House in Halketburn Road was bought by the Salvation Army in the 1950s for use as a conference and training centre. A £400,000 refurbishment just 10 years ago aimed to turn it into a profit-making business with the creation of 10-room annexe.
Back to disaster zone LORNA is heading back to south-east Asia soon. A YOUNG Skelmorlie woman is set to return to Thailand to help rebuild lives shattered by the Boxing Day tsunami. Lorna MacPhail (26) was in the country teaching children in a special school on the coast when the disaster struck. She was sleeping at the time in her home on a hill out of reach of the killer waves. She returned to her Skelmorlie home at the end of January but will leave for south-east Asia soon for the new school term. The former Greenock Academy pupil quickly helped out in the local Phi Phi hospital after the towering waves flattened buildings and swept away locals and tourists. She said: "When the tsunami hit you felt the pain for everybody and frustrated that you could not do more. I found it incredibly emotional. The injuries were horrific, but people either survived or they didn't. "One of the main reasons for me living in Thailand is the people, as well as the heat and the food. The Thai people are very polite and this certainly damaged their spirits. People were just in shock and found it difficult to express emotion. But everyone just pulled together so well.” The biggest fear now is that tourists might stay away and kill off all the businesses and side industries which rely on their foreign cash, said Lorna. That's one of the reasons she got involved in a new foundation to help those slipping through the cracks in the rebuilding of Thailand. Founded by a Frenchman in memory of his wife, the Muniti Airee Foundation receives financial backing from Britain, France and Australia for a number of projects for young boys. They learn valuable tourist entertainment skills such as rock climbing and fire-throwing for future employment. She said: "I will continue to do teaching and development — that's where my passion lies. The tsunami made it more clear in my mind that this is the work I want to do. It shows how important life is, how precious we are, and makes you stop and think twice about things. I don't know if it changed me as a person but it's given me more drive to fulfil my quest in life. "It's been nice to be back to see my family and friends after seeing such a horrible thing. I don't miss home really because I have another path to follow at the moment, and I can always come home.” If anyone is interested in finding out more about the foundation or supporting the work Lorna is involved in, they can contact her at lornamacphail@hotmail.com
A YOUNG Skelmorlie woman is set to return to Thailand to help rebuild lives shattered by the Boxing Day tsunami. Lorna MacPhail (26) was in the country teaching children in a special school on the coast when the disaster struck. She was sleeping at the time in her home on a hill out of reach of the killer waves. She returned to her Skelmorlie home at the end of January but will leave for south-east Asia soon for the new school term. The former Greenock Academy pupil quickly helped out in the local Phi Phi hospital after the towering waves flattened buildings and swept away locals and tourists. She said: "When the tsunami hit you felt the pain for everybody and frustrated that you could not do more. I found it incredibly emotional. The injuries were horrific, but people either survived or they didn't. "One of the main reasons for me living in Thailand is the people, as well as the heat and the food. The Thai people are very polite and this certainly damaged their spirits. People were just in shock and found it difficult to express emotion. But everyone just pulled together so well.” The biggest fear now is that tourists might stay away and kill off all the businesses and side industries which rely on their foreign cash, said Lorna. That's one of the reasons she got involved in a new foundation to help those slipping through the cracks in the rebuilding of Thailand. Founded by a Frenchman in memory of his wife, the Muniti Airee Foundation receives financial backing from Britain, France and Australia for a number of projects for young boys. They learn valuable tourist entertainment skills such as rock climbing and fire-throwing for future employment. She said: "I will continue to do teaching and development — that's where my passion lies. The tsunami made it more clear in my mind that this is the work I want to do. It shows how important life is, how precious we are, and makes you stop and think twice about things. I don't know if it changed me as a person but it's given me more drive to fulfil my quest in life. "It's been nice to be back to see my family and friends after seeing such a horrible thing. I don't miss home really because I have another path to follow at the moment, and I can always come home.” If anyone is interested in finding out more about the foundation or supporting the work Lorna is involved in, they can contact her at lornamacphail@hotmail.com
