Campbeltown Courier From Our Files - 7.3.25

The buyer is understood to be an English businessman who plans to renovate and improve the buildings before selling them on again.

 

He is currently employing a local building firm to carry out patch work on the houses following the damage caused recently by vandals.

 

But the spokesman dismissed the rumour that the RAF base itself has been sold, confirming that it is definitely not on the market.

Fond farewell to Father Roddy 

 

Father Roddy McAuley said goodbye to his friends, colleagues and congregation this week with a tear in his eye to accompany the sadness of those who will miss him so much. 

 

A special presentation was made to Father Roddy at the St Kieran’s church ceilidh in the Victoria Hall on Saturday when the priest and his friends enjoyed a real knees-up. 

 

A collection in the town raised £750 as a leaving gift and the cheque was presented during the ceilidh by Dominic Belli, Chairman of the Parish Council.

 

The pupils of St Kieran’s Primary School said their goodbyes last Friday morning after their weekly service. 

 

As a thank you for all he has done for the school in his five-and-a-half years in the town, Father Roddy was presented with a framed picture of the town and a cigar. 

 

Pupils from Dalintober Primary were also on hand to make a presentation to Father Roddy, giving him a second framed picture and a bottle of Springbank whisky. 

 

Former St Kieran’s pupil, Alastair Casey of the grammar school, piped in Father Roddy at the start of the presentation.

Garden volunteers

 

Volunteer gardeners helped out on the first day of work on the garden at Auchinlee Eventide Home.

 

The gardening work is organised by Kintyre Environmental Group, with the eventual aim of producing organic fruit, herbs and vegetables. 

 

Those who helped out on the first day on Sunday February 27 made themselves familiar with the site and started to clear some of the many brambles from the garden.

FIFTY YEARS AGO
Thursday, March 6, 1975

 

Local fishermen in Westminster

 

Readers of the National Press will have noted that recently a large delegation of fishermen flew to London to lobby MPs. 

 

The lobby was an attempt to produce a 50-mile exclusive British limit around our coasts to protect West Coast Herring stocks. 

 

Part of this delegation was a group representing the Clyde Fishermen’s Association amongst whom were Mr Robert Gillies, Mr Andrew Harrison of Campbeltown, and Mr Patrick Stewart, representing the Secretaries.

 

It was not only the problem of the 50-mile limit which concerned the fishermen from the Clyde and indeed many fishermen from other parts of the country but also the question of financial support to the industry. 

 

Because of crippling increases in the cost of fuel, gear and other items of equipment, the fishing industry has entered a period of crisis and it is felt by the fishermen that unless prompt government action is taken by way of an operating subsidy or some other form of financial assistance then severe hardship will result.

 

It should be remembered that fishermen cannot increase their prices to meet rising costs as their return is determined by auction on the quay.

 

Continued lobbying and representations are being made and recently a government minister promised an early statement on the matter. 

 

It is to be hoped that the government’s response will be both speedy and effective.

 

Council to honour piping champion

 

Mr Hector McNeill presided at the AGM of The Kintyre Piping Society held in the Argyll Arms Hotel on Saturday. 

 

The annual report showed the society to be in good heart. It was reported that seven successful recitals and one competition had been held.

 

The present office-bearers were all re-elected for another year.

 

During the evening a recital was given by Gordon Lang, Ronald McShannon, Archd Coffield, Wm McCallum, John Brown and Ian McKerral. Maurice Duncan gave a very fine rendering on the fiddle.

 

Forthcoming recitals will be given by Hugh McCallum, Duncan McFadyen, Duncan Johnstone, Harry McAleer and Kenny McDonald. 

 

The annual competition will be held on 19th April and another new trophy is being donated to the Society by Pipe Major John McKenzie, Dunblane.

 

The society is to travel to Islay to give a recital to the Islay Piping Society.

 

Campbeltown Town Council is to present a plaque to William McCallum for winning the Scottish Junior Piping Championship at St Andrews recently.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO
Saturday, March 7, 1925

 

Gigha fishermen’s trying ordeal 

 

As reported last week, motor trouble developed while the boat belonging to Mr James M’Neill of Gigha was engaged at the cod fishing last Tuesday. 

 

A strong gale sprang up from the south-east, and the boat rapidly drifted towards the north-west.

 

The crew consisted of Mr M’Neill and his three sons. Amid considerable risk, the heavy mast was raised and the sailed hoisted. The latter was soon in tatters, and the M’Neills ran before the increasing wind towards Jura.

 

Mountainous seas were experienced and it says much for the seamanship of the father and sons that safety was found at Small Isles. 

 

We regret to have to report that Mr M’Neill took suddenly ill on the day following his landing in Jura.

 

He was brought home per the ‘Pioneer’ on the Thursday in an unconscious condition, and died on Saturday night last.

 

He was a keen and successful fisherman, a fine type of island seafarer, and was well known all over the West Highlands.

 

Much sympathy is felt for Mrs M’Neill and family, in their crushing bereavement.