At Random with Martin Laing - 4.7.24
For peats slake
Consider this: I have never been to Islay.
However, I now find it is a top priority to correct that after having caught up with my son Stewart this week for the first time in a while.
He had recently sailed from Ardfern to the Islay whisky festival courtesy of my brother-in-law Ian, who lives on the Lunga estate nearby, and in the company of another two aficionados of the water of life.
Unsurprisingly, my son was delighted to discover on a visit to Ardnahoe Distillery, the ninth and newest on Islay (I think), that it was created and built by Stewart Laing (no relation as far as I know).
My son loved the coincidence and the whisky, but had zero luck in trying to persuade staff in the distillery shop that he should qualify for a discount because of his name. Cheeky rascal!
Please vote
This is, of course, general election day with the outcome possibly a momentous swing to Labour if the polls are correct. Hm, perhaps.
Polling has been hopelessly inaccurate in the past so we will find out by tomorrow the make-up of the Westminster government – and there may be surprises. My point in mentioning the general election is not to urge support for any party but merely to beg all of you who have the vote to go out and use it. It is a very precious privilege and to be cherished.
Please make sure you have your say.
High praise
Bumped into old chum and former colleague John McLellan the other day purely by chance.
John is, among other notable achievements, a former editor of The Scotsman and my boss back then. We blethered about journalism and the press and he, unbidden, praised the new West Coast Today website and online activity of The Oban Times and its sister titles, The Argyllshire Advertiser, Lochaber Times, Campbeltown Courier and Arran Banner.
From such a stellar figure in the Scottish media firmament, this was hugely high praise, with which I concur absolutely.
What do you think? Send your comments to editor@obantimes.co.uk
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Childcare and Education Worker - ARB15733 - Argyll and Bute Council
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JOBS
Childcare and Education Worker - ARB15733 - Argyll and Bute Council
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