Building a more resilient future for Kintyre

One attendee said: “This was a wonderful event. I learned so much about all the resources available for this great community. Hats off to everyone who showed up to help!”

The organisations present shared their top tips, some of which we can share with readers.

The Scottish Flood Forum team said: “Make your household resilience plan with the help of our website, and check your potential flood risk via SEPA flood maps. Finally, be prepared: with silicone sealant, polythene wrap, waterproof fabric tape, and enough warning, you can help stop the water getting in.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service representatives said: “Make sure you have working smoke alarms and heat alarms in your kitchen. All should be ceiling mounted and interlinked. We offer a free home fire safety check, just call 0800 0731 999.”

Scottish and Southern Electricity Network advised: “Note the important power cut phone number, 105; download the free Power Track app, and register for our free ‘priority service’ if you may be vulnerable during power loss.”

HM Coastguard crews said: “On the water, always carry a means for calling for help, and make sure your phone is protected and attached to you. Check weather, tide times, signs and local hazards first – and keep someone posted as to your plans. In an emergency, 999 is also the number for the coastguard.”

The Red Cross Crisis Response team said: “Prepare for the worst, but hope for the best. Stay safe – don’t become the second casualty!”

And Strathclyde 4x4 Response suggested: “On a potentially challenging journey, start with a sufficient fuel, take a fully charged phone, carry warm drinks and food just in case, keep someone updated on your progress, and if you are not confident – don’t go.”

Both the Red Cross and Strathclyde 4x4 Response invited anyone interested to contact them about local volunteering in times of crisis.

Kintyre Grows and Kintyre and the Isles Climate Action were also represented on the day, offering information around mitigating the climate damage that destabilises everyone’s future, and food growing as Scotland’s climate changes.

Visitors were able to take away the newly-launched South Kintyre Resilience leaflet, funded by Campbeltown Community Windfarm Fund and produced by SKDT, which offers tips and resources households can use to prepare for the unexpected, whether flood, fire, freeze, or isolation.

People also had the chance to help themselves to free baby clothes, toys, and other useful items dropped in by others, as part of the ‘sharing economy’ approach promoted by Kintyre Climate Action throughout the last year. 

The funding for Kintyre Climate Action organising has now ended for the time being.

Eric Spence of SKDT said: “The Kintyre Grows project, which began under the Kintyre Climate Action banner, continues, and some recently-funded biodiversity research and promotion is also underway, both hosted by SKDT. 

“We remain committed to promoting climate action themed work in South Kintyre, as future opportunities arise.

“We also invite people to drop into SKDT to pick up their copy of the new South Kintyre Resilience leaflet. 

“As well as advice, it includes a brief survey where people can make suggestions and offer resources to the Kintyre Resilience Group. 

“The group formed to support our community during the Covid pandemic, and it too is taking the opportunity to plan for future unexpected events.”

Visit www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/DAXXRN/ to complete the survey online.