The fab guide summer 2015

THE

FABGuide

Summer 2015

For Families Living & Loving Life in Argyll & Bute

What’s on this Summer!

YOUR

FREE

MAG

AZIN

E! up a toda copy y

Pick

Plus...

Local Clubs and Groups Community Profiles Recipes Competitions and much more!

Win!

£50 CalMac vouchers plus weekend family ticket to the Wickerman Festival!

Distributed throughout Argyll & Bute TO families, FOR families!

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The-Fab-Guide

For Families Living & Loving Life in Argyll & Bute!

Welcome to the 2nd issue of The FAB Guide!

We have had great feedback from our 1st issue and know lots of you went along to the Easter events we listed.

We’re almost at 300 “likes” on Facebook and we hope you are following us on Twitter too?

Well, this issue is even bigger and better and packed with events you can enjoy with the whole family.

We had a good response to our Ideal Home Show competition and 10 pairs of tickets have been sent out to the lucky winners! See Page 10 for details on how to win a weekend family camping ticket to the Wickerman Festival in July.

In this issue we highlight some family centred community projects throughout Argyll. Talking to those involved was a privilege and we salute them.

Features include useful tips on ‘choosing a childminder’ and ‘your child’s transition to primary school’ from the experts. The Food Art feature on Page 48 was great fun to do and our regular clubs, group and activities pages will inspire you to get active!

Have a FABulous Summer!

Nicky & Liz

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The Transition to Primary School Summer Fun Starts Here!

Focus on…HomeStart Majik Focus on…Green Shoots Oban Clubs, Groups & Activities Choosing a Childminder Cranachan Recipe Facts on Shared Parental Rights Family Friendly Restaurants Tips on Potty Training

S 5 6 24 26 28-45 44 46 52 54-55 60

WIN! Win! £50 CalMac Exclusive to The FAB Guide, a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) to the Wickerman Festival, worth over £300!

SEE PAGE 10

vouchers.

See page 33

Publisher: Nicky Murphy | Editor: Liz Deverill | Graphic Design: Skep Design T: 01369 704153 / 07500 563883 / E: thefabguide@outlook.com Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in this publication, neither the publisher, editor or it’s contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. The FAB Guide does not officially endorse any advertising material included in this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in any retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher.

Cover image Forest Holidays

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The Transition to Primary School “With a little forethought and preparation, moving to school will be a happy and successful milestone in your child’s life” Curriculum For Excellence 2010 This guide, by Mariessa Devlin of Enchanted Forest Nurseries, will help you support your child on the daunting step up to primary school. However, if your child has been in a childcare setting for a while, they will have actively (and discreetly) been prepared for school since their early years.

The most important time for children moving to primary school is the ‘pre-school’ year. During this phase, nursery staff take a more focused approach to the learning experiences, whilst still being led by the children’s interests.

While the details of school enrolment programmes are set by local authorities, most are very robust and schools use various methods to engage the child and their family well ahead of the start date.

All children, however, will find starting school easier the more independent they are. Therefore, it’s helpful to do the following: • Encourage your child to go to the toilet independently • Ensure school clothing is easy for your child to manage, for example, If the school has a polo-shirt option, this is great for a PE day until your child can confidently tie their school tie • Consider your child’s shoe fastenings. If they can’t tie laces, then opt for velcro.

• Consider meal routines at home – sitting for meals, using cutlery, so children transfer these skills to school • Encourage your child to find and use a tissue for their nose, wash their hands, tidy up, share and take turns.

• Positively discuss school, possibly taking your child to see the building and playground and by acknowledging that they may be feeling a little apprehensive, even if they appear excited about a new uniform or school bag.

• Activities involving drawing, painting, colouring and cutting will help co-ordination.

• Construction toys aid dexterity and imagination.

• Card and word games and jigsaws all help with pre-reading skills.

Some points to remember:

• Exposure to books fosters a life-long love of reading

• When the teacher begins to teach formal handwriting, children with well-developed muscle control will learn to write more easily. Here’s what you can do:

• It does help if your child can recognise their own name but remember not to write in capitals: For example: Claire not CLAIRE Starting school is a very exciting time and during the weeks prior to leaving nursery, staff there will be talking about this transition, using role-play to develop familiarity with ‘big’ school and may have arranged visits from reception class teachers and a visit to the school.

Primary 1 teachers are highly trained and, more, importantly understand the importance of their job as they take a child and start them on their journey through school, fostering a love of learning. Although an emotional time for some families, your child will embrace primary school and most children cope very well with their new learning environment.

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From fetes to festivals and hillwalking to Highland Games – we’ve got it all for you here in The FAB Guide! Never let it be said that there is ‘nothing going on!’

On the contrary, Argyll & Bute is rammed full of great things to do – attractions and family activities, along with a plethora of events and what’s ons to fill up your diary with.

them, but we can only do that if we know about them!

Get in touch with us either by emailing liz.thefabguide@outlook. com call us on 07500 563883 or message us on Facebook.

Please keep up with us on Facebook and Twitter as we add more events and activities to inspire you.

Now go and let your hair down and have a FAB Summer!

We would love you to send us your future events and ideas for family days out – we want to support these events by helping to promote The Waverley Cowal Highland Gathering

Check out the next 17 pages for some inspiration: Music & Dance, Food & Drink, Watersports & Boat Trips, Sporting Finales, Places of Natural Beauty and Historical Interest, Cycling, Kayaking, Raft Races, Highland Shows, Agricultural Shows, Galas and more. So much to see, do and get involved with.

Yacht Racing in Tarbert

Loch Fyne Viking Festival

Food from Loch Fyne!

‘Please note, that whilst we have taken every care to ensure accuracy, please check with the event organisers that any event you are interested in attending is still taking place and that tickets for paid-for events are still on sale, before making any travel plans.

Please note that some festivals may sell out during the shelf life of The FAB Guide, so again please check with them directly’.

Loch Fyne Viking Festival 2015

26th - 28th June

This event sees a replica 40 ft. Viking longship (built by volunteers in Tarbert) raid the villages of Loch Fyne in a re-enactment of Magnus Barefoot’s successful bid to claim Kintyre as part of his Kingdom.

All sorts of Viking mayhem for a whole lot of Scandinavian fun – free for all the family! The Vikings ‘raids’ and re-enactments will be on the following dates:

Lochgilphead & Ardrishaig 26th June • Tarbert 27 June • Portavadie 28 June

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Islay Beach Rugby

Follow

for updates.

Visit an icon Inveraray is easily one of the most iconic castles in Scotland, but there’s a lot more to it than that. What about a wander in the recently opened gardens, a woodland walk and a visit to the traditional tearoom?

Inveraray Castle is a unique piece of architecture and was the first of its size and type to be built on the West Coast of Scotland. Visitors to the Castle will be able to explore the many historical rooms available to the public, and helpful guides will answer any questions you might have.

The homely tearoom offers teas, coffee and a range of soft drinks, along with freshly made sandwiches, home made cakes, light meals and ice creams.

The Gift shop offers a range of quality Scottish and Clan Campbell items, ranging from food to children’s toys, books, clothes, jewellery and souvenirs.

It’s a wonderful place to visit, all year round.

Inveraray Castle & Gardens

Open 1st April - 31st October 7 days a week 10am – 5.45pm (last entry 5pm)

Home of the Duke & Duchess of Argyll Inveraray Castle, Inveraray, Argyll Tel: 01499 302203 Email: enquiries@inveraray-castle.com www.inveraray-castle.com Gift Shop • Tea Room Guided Castle Tours Spectacular Walks • Picnic Area Corporate Events

Date for your Diary

Inveraray Castle’s Annual Family Festival 12th & 13th September www.bowfest.co.uk FABGuideArgyll

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Explore the Secrets

The Ocean LEGO®

of with

Visit Sea Life Loch Lomond or the Scottish SEA LIFE Sanctuary in Oban over the summer for a great family day out.

Sea Life Loch Lomond is just 30 minutes from Glasgow and was a finalist in the category of ‘Scotland’s Favourite Family Day Out’ in both the Glasgow Awards and Scottish Entertainment Awards this year. As well as a huge collection of marine life including Scotland’s only Giant Green Sea Turtle, the centre has recently teamed up with a local photography group for an exhibition in the Staircase Gallery.

This light and airy spiral staircase provides a unique area to display some of the best work local photographers have to offer.

The Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary is now in its 36th year and is the oldest site in the SEA LIFE network. Having begun refurbishment works at the start of the year the site now boasts improved tanks and an even wider variety of creatures.

Come along and learn about the important conservation work the Sanctuary carries

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out, as well as meeting everyone’s favourites- the resident seals and otters!

Both centres offer plenty for everyone to enjoy with kids’ quiz trails, daily talks and feeds and interactive rock pool sessions where anyone feeling brave can touch a starfish, crab and other creatures!

In addition to all this, both centres are hosting a special treat this summer…a chance to explore the secrets of the ocean and become a LEGO® City Deep Sea Explorer.

From June 1st Sea Life attractions nationwide will be hosting a LEGO® City Deep Sea Experience where visitors can take part in activities to become an official LEGO® City Deep Sea Explorer.

The Oban and Loch Lomond Sea Life sites will be adding to the experience with an exciting treasure hunt. The LEGO® Deep Sea Explorers have lost some of the pieces of their equipment around the aquarium and it will be up to visitors to help them find it, hidden amongst the colourful marine life in the tanks! Visitors will also be invited to get hands-on and build a LEGO® sea creature.

Every Sea Life visitor will receive an activity pack that includes; an Official LEGO® Deep Sea Explorer certificate, sticker sheet, fun Scuba mask and more.

With all this and more taking place at the centres over summer, a visit to Sea Life is sure to be fun for all the family- whatever the weather!

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Wickerman Festival 2015 Scotland’s Iconic Family Friendly Music Extravaganza! three of music’s most iconic names to its 2015 line-up. The hugely popular pop-rock band Squeeze, Scottish superstar Lulu and seminal punk performance poet John Cooper Clarke will be taking centre stage alongside recently announced The Waterboys, Tom Odell and Example & DJ Wire.

Boldly mixing established, emerging and retro artists, the Wickerman Festival (24th & 25th July) is one of Scotland’s leading independent music festivals, attracting music lovers from all over the UK. Its nine stages present an eclectic and often surprising mix of leading artists as well as alternative acts and up and coming talent. From dance and electronica, to rock, indie, reggae and punk, Wickerman prides itself on catering for every music taste.

Wickerman is turning up the heat this summer with the addition of

It is one of the friendliest festivals in Scotland and with hundreds of music-loving families in attendance each year, there’s a host of cool kids entertainment and activities on offer. The festival site is a working farm in picturesque Dumfries and Galloway; its rolling hills, lush forests and fresh country air make for a refreshing vibe.

It is also where the classic 1973 Wicker Man film was made – the inspiration for the festival’s name.

Now in its fourteenth year, the twoday Festival will once again come to its legendary and spectacular climax with the Saturday night lighting of the Wickerman.

Prices for an adult weekend ticket start at £110 and children aged 12 and under can attend for free.

For further information please visit www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk

WIN! Exclusive to The FAB Guide, a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) to the Wickerman Festival, worth over £300!

One lucky FAB Guide reader will win a weekend FAMILY camping ticket to The Wickerman Festival!

Just answer this simple question: Which legendary female Scottish superstar female singer is among the line-up this year?

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is visit and LIKE our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/The-Fab-Guide then send us a private message with your answer along with your name, telephone number and email address. Alternatively text your answer to 07500 563883 or email liz.thefabguide@outlook.com Closing date Monday 6th July.

Winners will be notified by text and email.

No cash alternative. Good luck!

Friday 24th & Saturday 25th July 2015

www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk East Kirkcarswell Farm, Dundrennan, Dumfries & Galloway The-Fab-Guide 10 | Tickets can be purchased from www.skiddle.com

like for the men, women and children – some as young as seven – who were tried and locked up here all those years ago.

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Compare the old prison with the new built in 1848.Try out the hammocks and the wooden beds, get strapped onto the Whipping Table or take a turn on the Crank Wheel. Discover the gripping

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Come and experience one of the finest and best preserved Jail and Courtroom complexes in the world. Explore this unique collection of historic buildings brought to life by real characters from the Jail’s past. Experience the true stories of what life was

Witness the many forms of punishment used before the days of civilised courts. Discover how criminals were branded with hot irons or even their ears nailed to a post! Move through time and enter the spectacular courtroom.

Take your seat and listen to actual trials held in this room. Walk the narrow corridors of the Old Prison.

See the cramped, overcrowded cells and be shocked at the young children in a cell next to the lunatic.

&

stories of many of the prisoners held here.

Explore the prison grounds, get locked up in the Airing Yards used for the prisoners exercise, visit the Jail kitchen and search over 4,000 prisoner records. take a tour with our brand new intereactive multi-media guide

It was a PRIsON fOR aLL meN, wOmeN, chILdReN, eveN LuNatIcs - the same rule applies today - we even allow dogs OPeN aLL YeaR

www.inverarayjail.co.uk FABGuideArgyll

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Summer Events...

Highland Games & Agricultural Shows

Highland Games & Gatherings A celebration of Scottish and Celtic culture with a great mix of heavy events, athletics, piping and dance competitions, alongside music, food and entertainment for all ages.

Cowal Highland Gathering is known to be the largest in the world.

Helensburgh & Lomond Highland Games Saturday 6th June. 10am-5.30pm Helensburgh Rugby Club Grounds Adults £5, Concession £3, Age 15 and under £2, Family ticket (2 Adults, 2 children) £12 www.helensburghandlomondgames.co.uk Lorne Highland Games Sunday 28th June. 11am Mossfield Park, Oban Adults £6, Under 16’s £3, Family ticket £16 www.lorne-highland-games.org.uk Taynuilt Highland Games Saturday 18th July. 11am-6pm Sports field, Taynuilt Adults £6, Child/Concession £3, Lucky Programme £1 www.taynuilthighlandgames.com Rosneath Peninsula Highland Gathering Sunday 19th July. 12.30pm Howie Park, Rosneath Adults £5, Senior £3, Child £2, Family Ticket £10 www.rosneathgames.co.uk Inveraray Highland Games Tuesday 21st July. 10.45am Inveraray Castle Adults £8, Seniors £5, Child £3, Family ticket £18 www.inveraray-games.co.uk Mull Highland Games (Tobermory) Thursday 23rd July. 10.30am Erray Park, Tobermory

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Cowal Highland Games

Adults £6, Children & Concession £4, Family ticket £18 FB: Mull Highland Games Balquidder, Lochearnhead & Strathyre Highland Games Saturday 25th July. 12pm Lochearnhead Village Adults £6, Children £4 www.lochearnheadhighlandgames.co.uk Bute Highland Games Saturday 22nd August 8.30am onwards The Stadium, High St, Rothesay Adults £8 + £3 Grandstand, Concessions £5 + £2 Grandstand, £20 Families, £4 + £2 Grandstand www.butehighlandgames.org.uk Oban Argyllshire Gathering Thursday 27th August. 10am-4.30pm Mossfield Park, Oban Adults £6, Children £2 Parking £2 www.obangames.com Cowal Gathering Dunoon Stadium & Town Centre Thursday 27th & Friday 28th August, Highland Dance Championships Saturday 29th August, Family Fun & Entertainment, Heavy Athletics, Food & Drink, from 12 noon Thurs: Adult £5, Child £2, Fri: Adults £7, Child £2, Sat: Adults £11 (in advance), Child £5 www.cowalgathering.com

Agricultural Shows These events make for a great family day out. Open to the public and many showcase livestock and farming machinery along with crafts, entertainment, competitions, food and drink. A showcase for the countryside and agricultural industries.

Tiree Agricultural Show Friday 24th July. From 8.30am

Rural Centre, Crossapol www.tireeshow.co.uk Lorn Show Saturday 1st August. 10am-5pm Tralee Beach, Benderloch, by Oban For info Tel: 01631 770228 Email: musdale@btinternet.com Bunessan Show Friday 7th August Bunessan Primary School Showground, Isle of Mull Tel: 01681 700283 Facebook: Bunessan Show Kintyre Agricultural Show Friday 7th August Gates open 8am Anderston Park, Campbeltown For info Tel: 01586 810231 Mid-Argyll Show Saturday 8th August, Kilmory, Lochgilphead www.mid-argyllshow.co.uk Bute Agricultural Society Annual Summer Show Wednesday 12th August 10am-4pm The Showfield, High Street, Rothesay, Bute www.kilchattan-bay.co.uk Islay, Jura & Colonsay Show Thursday 13th August, 9am-6pm 9am-6pm (plus ceilidh) Showground, Bridgend, Islay www.exploreargyll.co.uk Salen Show Thursday 13th August The Showfield, Aros Bridge, Salen, Isle of Mull www.salenshow.wordpress.com Dalmally Show Saturday 5th Sept, Auction Mart, Dalmally www.dalmally-show.co.uk

fantastic

Cowal family fun

2015

Highland Gathering

A Fantastic Day Out for the Whole Family in Dunoon!

Saturday 29th August

Don’t miss the WORLD’s most SPECTACULAR Highland Games!

STOP PRESS…NEW FOR 2015

GIG at the GATHERING sponsored by Argyll Ferries

Friday 28th August (evening)

Ceilidh and BBQ - Music from Skippinish and Heron Valley A fantastic evening of music, food and fun for the whole family Dunoon Stadium, 7pm-11pm Tickets for Gig at the Gathering and the Saturday main event available online at www.cowalgathering.com or from the Cowal Highland Gathering office in Hillfoot Street, Dunoon

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Summer Days Out...

Castles, Estates, Gardens & Museums

Museums Castle House Museum All aspects of Dunoon’s history, heritage, culture and geneology Argyll Street, Dunoon Open Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm, Adults £2, Concessions £1.50, Children free with an adult Tel: 01369 701422 www.castlehousemuseum.org.uk Strachur Smiddy Museum & Craft Shop An interesting insight into rural life in Scotland Strachur, nr Dunoon Open: 1pm-4pm daily until Sept Adults £1, Children 50p Tel: 01369 860508 www.strachursmiddy.org.uk The Bute Museum Archaeology, History and Geology of Bute Stuart Street, Rothesay Open Mar - Nov, daily from 10.30am-3.30pm (1.30pm-3.30pm Sundays) Adults £3, Child £1, Concession £2 Tel: 01700 505067 www.butemuseum.org.uk Oban War & Peace Museum A fascinating collection of local, historical artefacts Corran Esplanade, Oban Open daily, 10am-6pm (summer) & 7pm-9pm Tues-Thurs Free admission (donations welcome) Tel: 01631 570007 www.obanmuseum.org.uk 14 |

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Easdale Island Folk Museum History of the slate industry & local life Easdale, Nr. Oban Open until Oct daily 11am - 4pm Free admission (donations welcome) Tel: 01852 300173 www.easdalemuseum.org Kilmartin Museum, Gift Shop & Cafe A site of huge international historical and archaeological significance Kilmartin, nr Lochgilphead Open daily, 10am-5.30pm (summer times) Adult £5, Child £2, Family, £8 Tel: 01546 510278 www.kilmartin.org Campbeltown Heritage Centre Big Kiln Street Open Apr-Sept, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Donations welcome Tel: 07733 485387 www.campbeltownheritagecentre.co.uk Campbeltown Museum Shore Street, Campbeltown Undergoing refurbishment midMay (check ahead) Tel: 01586 559017 Helensburgh Heritage Trust Promoting Helensburgh’s history and heritage Helensburgh Library, West King Street Open Mon-Sat times vary Free admission, donations welcome Tel: 01436 658833 www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk

Mull Museum An insight into the Isle of Mull’s history Main Street, Tobermory Open Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm and Sunday afternoons Free admission, donations welcome Tel: 01688 301100 www.mullmuseum.org.uk

Castles and Estates Inveraray Castle, Gardens, Tea Room and Shop Home of Duke & Duchess of Argyll See feature on page 7 Castle Stalker Portnacroish, Appin Open for one tour daily (boat seats 12) Adults £19.50, Children (under 16) £9.50 Tel: 01631 730354/0774 3623127 (pre-booking essential) www.castlestalker.com Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds A fascinating insight into the MacDougall family history Dunollie, Oban Open daily until 30th Oct, MonSat, 10am-4pm, Sun 1pm-4pm Adult £5, Child £2.5, Concs £4, Under 5’s free. Tel: 01631 570550 www.dunollie.org Dunstaffnage Castle Mighty stronghold of the MacDougall’s Dunbeg (SatNav PA37 1PZ) Open all year daily, 9.30am5.30pm (summer times) Adult £4.50, Child £2.70, Concession £3.60 Tel: 01631 562465 www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Summer Days Out...

Castles, Estates, Gardens & Museums

Duart Castle The ancient seat of Clan Maclean Craignure, Isle of Mull Open daily until 18th Oct, 10.30am-5pm Adult £6, Child £3, Family £15, Seniors/Students £5.40 Tel: 01680 812309 www.duartcastle.com

Admission by donation: £5, £15 per family Tel: 01499 600261 www.ardkinglas.com

Hill House A classic representation of Charles Rennie Mackintosh Upper Colquhoun Street, Helensburgh Open daily 11.30am-5.30pm NTS members Free, Adults £10.50, Family £24.50, 1 parent £18, Concession £5 Tel: 0844 493 2219 www.nts.org.uk

Ardardan Estate Woodland walks, gardens, shop & café Open Tues-Sun, 10am-5pm Cardross, Nr Helensburgh Tel: 01389 849188 www.ardardan.co.uk Mount Stuart House, Gardens & Visitor Centre Rothesay, Isle of Bute Open until 4th October days/time vary, check website Admission prices vary, check website Tel: 01700 503877 www.mountstuart.com

Ardkinglas House & Gardens And the new Gruffalo Trail Cairndow Open for tours (surcharge), every Friday 2pm, Walled garden dawn ‘til dusk

Ascog Fernery Rothesay, Isle of Bute Open daily, 10am-6pm Adults and Seniors £4, Children free Tel: 01700 503461 www.ascogfernery.com

Arduaine Garden Nr Kilmelford and Oban Open: 9.30am to sunset Adult £6.50, Family £16.50, Concession £5 Tel: 0844 493 2216 www.nts.org.uk Crarae Gardens Nr Inveraray Open: 9.30am to sunset Adult £5.60, Family £16.50, Concession £5 Tel: 0844 493 2210 www.nts.org.uk Benmore Botanic Garden, Café & Gift Shop Dunoon Open daily, 10am-5pm, guided tours 2pm Free to RBGE members, children under 15 and essential carers Adult £6, Concs £5, Children and Essential carers Free Tel: 01369 706261 www.rgbe.org.uk

For many other Gardens in Argyll & Bute visit www.gardens-of-argyll.co.uk

Mount Stuart

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Summer Days Out...

Visitor Attractions & Boat Trips

Visitor Attractions Auchindrain Township Museum Furnace, nr Inveraray April-October, 10am-5pm Adults £6.50, Concession £4.00, Under 18’s £4 Tel: 01499 500235 www.auchndrain.co.uk Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace Taynuilt April-Sept, 9.30am-5.30pm Adult £4.50, Child £2.70, Conc £3.60 Tel: 01866 822432 www.historic-scotland.gov.uk Scottish Sea-Life Sanctuary Barcaldine, nr Oban Open all year, 10am-4pm Adults £13.20, Child £10.80, Family £42 Book ahead online for 30% off Tel: 01631 720386 www.visitsealife.com Inveraray Castle Inveraray Open all year, 10am-5.45pm Adult £9, Child £6, Family £29 (under 5’s free) Tel: 01499 302203 www.inverary-castle.com Inveraray Jail Main Street, Inveraray Open all year, 9.30am-6pm (10am-5pm winter) Adult £7.95, Child, £4.45 (under 5’s free) Tel: 01499 302381 www.inveraryjail.co.uk Cruachan Hollow Mountain Dalmally, Loch Awe Open daily 9.30am-4.45pm Adults £7, Senior Citizens/ Students £6, Children 6-16 £2.50,

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Tel: 01866 822618 www.visitcruachan.co.uk Inverawe Smokery & Fisheries Loch Awe, SatNav: PA35 1HU Open daily, 9am-5.30pm Tel: 01866 822808 www.inverawe-fisheries.co.uk

Boat Trips & Wildlife Watching Sea.fari Adventures Easdale, nr Oban Marine wildlife & Corryvreckan boat trips Tel: 01852 300003 www.seafari.co.uk Sealife Adventures Wildlife & whale watching boat trips Clachan Seil, nr Oban Tel: 01852 300203 www.sealife-adventures.com Staffatours Staffa & Treshnish Wildlife Tours Depart Oban & Mull Tel: 07831 885985 www.staffatours.com Coastal Connections Regular trips and charters to Argyll’s islands and lochs Pick up at Oban Pier Tel: 01631 565833/07919 615210 www.coastal-connection.co.uk Craignish Cruises Guided wildlife boat trips & charters Ardfern, nr Lochgilphead Tel: 07747 023038 www.craignishcruises.co.uk DC Marine Trips, charter and fishing around the Kyles of Bute Departing Tighnabruich Pier Tel: 01700 811 538 or 07799 661493 www.dcmarineboattrips.co.uk

Venture West Boat trips from Loch Sween, Crinan Harbour, to and from Jura and The Corryvreckan Tel: 077890 71188 www.venture-west.co.uk Sea Life Surveys Whale watching trips departing Tobermory, Isle of Mull Tel: 01688 302916 www.sealifesurveys.com Mull Cruises Wildlife & Photography Cruises & Sea Angling Salen, Isle of Mull Tel: 01680 300444/07788 677131 www.mullcharters.com Three Isles Tour West Coast Buses In conjunction with Gordon Grant Marine and Caledonian MacBrayne Tel: 01631 566809 www.westcoasttours.co.uk Caledonian MacBrayne Ferry service to and from various island destinations All year round, all island destinations Tel: 0800 066 5000 www.calmac.co.uk Argyll Ferries Passenger Ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon Adult single £4.50, Child single £2.25 Tel: 0800 066 5000 www.argyllferries.co.uk Western Ferries Passenger and Vehicle ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon Tel: 01369 704452 www.western-ferries.co.uk

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Summer Days Out...

Events & Festivals

Kyles Festival Sat 1st-Friday 7th June Tighnabruaich A week-long festival celebrating the best of Argyll’s Secret Coast.

Mostly free admission www.kylesfestival.co.uk Oban Charities Day Street Fair Sat 6th June, all day Station Square Oban Charity stalls, music and dance Tel: 01631 562762 Libraries Summer Reading Challenge Libraries across Scotland Children aged 4-11 read 6 books over the summer and gain rewards Starts 1st saturday of school holidays www.summerreadingchallenge.co.uk Scottish Wildlife Trust Fundraising Day Sat 13th June, 10am-4pm Dunollie House, Museum & Ground, Oban Crafts, Home-Baking, Falconry and Steam Engine Displays Adults £6, Children £3 Tel: 01631 710559 www.obanwhatson.co.uk Sandbank Gala Sat 13th June, 11am-5pm Sandbank, Nr. Dunoon A family fun day of music, dance, stalls, shows, kids activities FB: Sandbank Gala Helensburgh Summer Festival Sat June 20th & 21st June Helensburgh To book a stall: fiona@ letspromoteukltd.co.uk Oban & District Classic Vehicle Club’s Annual Show 21st June, 11.30am

Corachie Garden Centre, Inverawe, By Taynuilt, A display of classic vehicles through the years For info: kevindevine122@ btinternet.com Loch Fyne Viking Festival Fri 26th – Sun 28th June Lochgilphead, Ardrishaig, Rabert, Portavadie. Free Re-enactment of Viking raids www.lochfynevikingfestival.com Tee in the Port Saturday 27th June Rothesay, Isle of Bute Music in a beautiful setting Adult £10 Child under 14 £5 (under 5’s free) www.teeintheport.com Mendelsson on Mull Mon 29th June – Sat 4th July A celebration of orchestral music at venues throughout Mull & Iona Ticket prices vary per venue on Mull FB: mendelssononmull.com www.mendelssohnonmull.com Tarbert Seafood Festival Sat 4th and Sun 5th July Tarbert Harbour Local culinary delights and tonnes of entertainment. Free www.tarbertfestivals.co.uk Cantilena Music Festival Sun 5th-Fri 10th July Isle of Islay A week of Chamber Music in venues across Islay Prices: £12 (£10 concession) Season £60 (£50 concession) www.cantilenafestival.co.uk Be on the Beach Sat 11th July, 12pm-5pm Oystercatcher Pub, Loch Fyne BBQ, rib rides, tug-o-war, kids events, stalls and more. Free

www.theoystercatcher.co.uk Tarbert Traditional Boat Festival Tarbert Fri 17th - Sun 19th July Showcasing 30+ traditional boats plus shore-side food, drink, stalls & entertainment stclairegarval@outlook.com / Phil: 07713 332319 (for boat owners) www.tarberttraditionalboatfestival.org.uk ButeFest Fri 17th-Sat 19th July Isle of Bute Music, food, family entertainment and camping. Weekend camping tickets from: Adult £65, Child £30, under 5’s free www.butefest.co.uk Tiree Music Festival Fri 17th- SatD19th OUT July SOL Crossapol Bay, Tiree www.tireemusicfestival.co.uk Tarbert Fair Tarbert Wed 30th- Sat 2nd August www.tarbertfestivals.co.uk West Highland Yachting Week Sat 1st – Fri 7th August Croabh, Oban and Tobermory A blend of competitive raising and family social events Tel: 01631 710132 www.whyw.co.uk Mull of Kintyre Music Festival Wed 19th – Sun 23rd August Venues in Campbeltown Tickets released June FB: mokfest www.mokfest.com ArtMap Argyll Fri 28th – Mon 31st Aug 40+ artists, makers & designers open up their creative space to visitors www.artmapargyll.co.uk Kyles Festival

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The Great Outdoors Dig It 2015 A year-long celebration of Scottish archaeology.

In ‘Dig It!’ Kilmartin Museum will be exploring past lives and landscapes in Kilmartin Glen.

There will be archaeological excavations at Carnassarie and the following public events: Saturdays 13th and 20th June – guided walks and tours of the Carnassarie Mor ‘Dig It’ site Sunday 14th June – guided tour of some of Kilmartin Glen’s hidden rock art sites. www.digit2015.com Summer Solstice Walk Sunday 21st June 2015 8am to10am A guided walk with Museum Curator Dr Sharon Webb to celebrate the summer solstice.

The walk leaves Lady Glassary car park at 8am and explores Temple Wood stone circle and the Linear Cemetery, arriving at the Museum for breakfast at 10am.

Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school summer holidays there

will be summer holiday activities for children. More information available on the Museum website www.kilmartin.org Mull Eagle Watch Various visiting locations on the Isle of Mull 2-hour guided tours April-Oct (booking essential) Adults: £8, £4 child, Family of four £20, free for Mull Residents Tel: 01680 812556 www.scotland.forestry.gov.uk/visit/ mull-eagle-watch Forest Walks, Paths and Events in Argyll www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland National Cycle Network 75 Edinburgh - to Portavadie www.exploreargyll.co.uk Walk the Cowal Way 57 Miles long Divided into 5 main walks www.exploreargyll.co.uk Beachmore Alpacas Alpaca Trekking

An Tairbeart, Tarbert Saturdays, April – Sept Hourly sessions, 10am-5pm Tel: Zofija Sloan 07881 786680 www.beachmorealpacas.weebly.com Hunter’s Quay Holiday Village Dunoon Go Active activities To book: 01369 707772 www.argyllholidays.com Carradale Bikes & Buggies Bike and Buggie hire Daily 10am-4pm Tel: 01583 431296 www.carradalebikesandbuggies.co.uk Tralee Segway Benderloch, nr Oban Segways, Kiddies bumper boats, Quad Pod rides & Water Walkerz Tel: 07788 993806 www.obansegwayexperience.co.uk Glencoe Activities Dragon’s Tooth Golf Course, Ballachulis Golf, Canyoning, Fast Boat, Via Farrata, Archery, Segway, Rafting, Laser Clay Tel: 01855 413000

For a whole host of countryside activities and walks also visit www.act-now.org.uk

Summer Sporting Events Some of these events might be open to spectators only at this stage - please check.

To find events to enter into visit www.entrycentral.com Mull Cyclosportive, Sunday 7th June, www.cyclosportive.co.uk • Islay Beach Rugby, Saturday 13th June, White Hart Hotel, Port Ellen, www.exploreargyll.co.uk • Primary Shinty Tulloch Cup Final, Saturday 13th June, Bught Park, Inverness, www.shinty.com • Mackay Cup Final, Saturday 20th June, Winterton Park, Inveraray, www.shinty.com • “Toward for a Tenner” Half Marathon, Saturday 1st August, Dunoon to Toward, West Bay 10am • Loch Lomond Soccer Festival, Friday 7th to Sunday 9th August, The University of Stirling, www.soccerevents.co.uk • Oban Bay Raft Race, Saturday 8th August, www.obanwhatson.co.uk Half Marathon, Sunday 9th August, www.mullrunners.com Arinagour, www.collhalfmarathon.co.uk

•

• Mull

• Coll Half Marathon, Saturday 15th August,

Oban Sea Kayak Race, Saturday 29th August, Oban Bay,

www.obanseakayakrace.org • MacQuiston Cup Final U17, Saturday June 27th, www.youthshinty.com Cowal Peninsula Road Cycling Sportif, Saturday 22nd August, www.cyclosport.org

•

•

Craggy Island

Triathlon, 5th-6th September, starts with swim from Kerrera to Oban, www.craggyislandtriathlon.com FABGuideArgyll

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SOS Fitness –

a big deal in family fitness in Helensburgh, Mid Argyll & Kintyre The SOS Fitness vision is to bring people together in a happy environment to enjoy a holistic approach to fitness and well-being for you and your family for life.

Great SOS KIDS Summer Camps in Helensburgh, Campbeltown and Mid Argyll to keep youngsters entertained, fit, healthy and happy this summer!

SOS Fitness was the inspiration of Steve Losh, a military fitness instructor with over 20 years experience in the Physical Training environment.

For general information about SOS Fitness please contact us at: info (@) sosfitness.co.uk 07951 229752 Steve Losh 07568 370820 Paul Andrew Kids SOS Summer Camps MAKI (Mid Argyll & Kintyre) Fiona 07460505658 Kids SOS Summer Camps Helensburgh, Liam 0781 4395112

Having worked with people from all walks of life our instructors have developed excellent methods of communication and can be relied upon to encourage, motivate and ensure you have the utmost fun, whatever your fitness levels, age or ability, whilst achieving your goals along the way.

SOS MAKI (Mid Argyll & Kintyre) Summer Camps Fun and Fitness for Pre-school to 12 year olds this July & August SUMMER CAMP SOS DANCE TROOP SOS DANCE TROOP SOS DANCE TROOP SOS DANCE TROOP SOS DANCE TROOP SOS CADET CORPS SOS TRI-HARD ACADEMY

AGE GROUP NURSERY PRIMARY 1 – 3 PRIMARY 1 – 3 PRIMARY 4 – 7 SECONDARY AGE GROUP 7 YEARS TO 10 YEARS 8 YEARS TO 12 YEARS

DATES 20TH – 24TH JULY 20TH – 24TH JULY 20TH – 24TH JULY 20TH – 24TH JULY 27TH – 31ST JULY 3RD – 7TH AUGUST 10TH – 14TH AUGUST

TIME 09.45 – 10.30 10.45 – 12.15 12.30 – 14.00 14.30 – 16.00 10.00 – 14.30 13.00 – 15.00 13.00 – 15.00

COST £12 FOR WEEK £20 FOR WEEK £20 FOR WEEK £20 FOR WEEK £50 FOR WEEK £25 FOR WEEK/£5 A DAY £25 FOR WEEK

SOS DANCE TROOP will be held in Lorne & Lowland Church Hall, Campbeltown SOS CADET CORPS & SOS TRI-HARD ACADEMY will be held at Barracks81, MACC Airbase, if well attended children will be ferried to and from the airbase by minibus.

To book, telephone: Fiona on 07460 505658 or email sosmaki@hotmail.com

SOS FITNESS Helensburgh Kids Summer Camp A whole lot of sporting fun!

Mon 20th July – Fri 24th July 10am-3pm Mon 10th August to Fri 15th August 10am-3pm The Pavilion, Hermitage Park, Helensburgh Open to all kids aged 5-15, undergoing orienteering, adventure walks, cricket, rugby, football, boxing and lots of boot camp fun filled team games.

Price £80 per child and reductions available for siblings. Book early to avoid disappointment!

For more information call Steve Losh or Liam Conroy on 07951 229752 Or book online at www.sosfitness.co.uk

BELIEVE AND ACHIEVE EMAIL: sosmaki@hotmail.com

BOOTCAMPS | PRIVATE CLASSES | FITSTEPS | RICKY HATTON BOXING PERSONAL TRAINING | EXPERIENCED PERSONAL TRAINER QUALIFIED TO LEVEL 4 CARDIAC REHAB

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Kilmartin Museum –

Where Argyll’s Ancient Past Comes Alive Nether Largie South Chambered Cairn

best collection of West Highland grave slabs in Scotland. Most are of the “Loch Awe School” which tended towards designs representing armoured men, swords and spears.

You can also see fantastical beasts and interlaced foliage patterns.

Kilmartin Glen, Argyll, is an ancient, beautiful place with a rich natural heritage. Kilmartin Museum, situated at the heart of the Glen, aims to inspire and educate visitors by explaining, conserving and interpreting this internationally important archaeological landscape.

Kilmartin Museum is family friendly and offers information on the hands-on exhibits to help you explore the relationship between people and the land. When visiting the Museum Sir Tony Robinson said: “How many museums can you go to where you can examine a bronze age pot and look out of the window and see the burial mound where it came from?”

Following your Museum visit go out into the landscape to explore the Temple Wood stone circle and Benderloch Urn

the linear cemetery. During the summer, there are free guided glen walks every Wednesday at 1.30pm.

These are led by knowledgeable volunteer guides and are designed to enable visitors to the Museum to learn more about what makes Kilmartin Glen special. There is no charge for the walk, just sign in at the Museum Shop on the day, any time before 1.30pm.

Within 6 miles of Kilmartin Village, there are more than 800 historic and prehistoric sites, including the standing stones at Ballymeanoch.

At the hill fort of Dunadd, home to the earliest Kingdom of the Scots, you can see carved footprints believed to have been linked to an ancient coronation ceremony.

There are a number of rock art sites including Ormaig and Achnabreac.

In Kilmartin churchyard there is the

Upper Largie Footed Food Vessel

Glebe Cairn Food Vessel

The ruined Carnassarie Castle, 1 mile north of Kilmartin, is in a commanding location overlooking Kilmartin Glen and is well worth a visit. From the top of the Castle there are spectacular views over Kilmartin Glen and beyond.

High Morlaggan Excavation

Add to this wonderful gifts and treasures in the visitor centre’s shop and an award winning café, you have yourself a diverse, interesting and thoroughly enjoyable day out.

For more information on the Museum opening times and to view the diary of events visit: www.kilmartin.org and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Kilmartin-House-Museum FABGuideArgyll | 23

About Home Start MAJIK Supporting families in Argyll & Bute for 20 years

Home Start MAJIK (Mid-Argyll, Jura, Islay and Kintyre) is a local, independent charity that offers emotional and practical support to families who have at least one child under 8. Home Start MAJIK believes that children need a happy and secure childhood in order to flourish and fulfil their potential.

They recognise that parents play a fundamental role in providing a good start in life but sometimes, life can be overwhelming. It can feel like a struggle just to survive.

Home Start works with parents to build their confidence. This could be anything from chatting over a cup of tea to showing parents how to shop or follow a recipe, providing their family with a healthy meal.

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Dee Hancock tells us “We recruit and train local volunteers who are parents themselves or have parenting experience to provide home visits. Volunteers are carefully matched to families and visit them weekly at home for 2-3 hours.

Sometimes just having a shoulder to lean on or a listening ear can make all the difference to a parent going through a difficult time.

They may be facing bereavement, relationship difficulties, coping with family illness, have several young children or are new to the area. Volunteers play games or read to the children, help families attend appointments and engage in local activities”.

Home Start MAJIK covers a significant geographical spread including the Islands of Jura and Gigha. Whilst these communities are situated in some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland their remoteness often means families feel isolated. Comments include, “When you think things are going to be too much, Home Start share their MAJIK with you and help take away some of the burden” and “If it wasn’t for Home Start I wouldn’t be here today”.

Dee adds “We are currently looking to strengthen our team of volunteers in all of the areas.

We will be running a volunteer preparation course near you soon.

If you have parenting experience and could offer 2-3 hours a week

you could make a HUGE difference.

This might just be the opportunity that you have been looking for!

We would like to hear from male and female volunteers”.

To find out more about this opportunity or if you might benefit from the services of Home Start Please contact Dee Hancock on 07887 511 022 or email her on dee@homestartmajik.eclipse.co.uk Alternatively if your organisation could offer our volunteers training that might benefit the families we work for, please get in touch.

2015 Only 50 mins. from Helensburgh

Steeped in history and legend, Loch Katrine is the perfect place to start your Trossachs adventure.

Home of the Steamship Sir Walter

D

The Steamship Sir Walter Scott is fully wheelchair friendly

A SPECIAL *20% DISCOUNT OFF FAMILY CRUISE TICKETS TO READERS OF FAB GUIDE There has never been a better time to enjoy a cruise on Loch Katrine - just bring this advert along to receive this special family 20% discount offer on a standard cruise.

• Classic Steamship Cruises on Sir Walter Scott

• Legends of the Loch Cruise on the Lady of the Lake • Walking and Cycling on the shores of Loch Katrine • Lochside Dining in the Brenachoile Restaurant • Katrine Gifts - Souvenirs & Crafts • Katrinewheelz - Cycle hire • Borg Grech Photography

Trossachs Pier, Loch Katrine, By Callander, Stirling FK17 8HZ Tel: 01877 376315/6 • Email: enquiries@lochkatrine.com www.lochkatrine.com *20% Discount offer is not valid in conjunction with any other offer and does not include the Sunday Jazz Cruise.

FABGuideArgyll | 25 Valid until 03-01-16.

Moving to Pastures New

In Dec 2013 the Petit family moved from the bustling City of Nottingham to the tranquil west coast of Scotland. They did this to begin work on the “Green Shoots” Glencruitten Estate Walled Garden Project in Oban. We spoke to Catriona Petit.

willing group of volunteers we had begun to clear the site and could see it had great potential as a place for people to come, meet with others and learn new skills. As a two year Pilot Project, we applied successfully for funding from The Rank Foundation, The Voluntary Action Fund Scotland, locally from The Common Good Fund and The MacQueen Bros. Charitable Trust and received donations from individuals and churches.

How were you able to go forward with your dream of opening up the Walled Garden?

David James, owner of the Glencruitten Estate, had been exploring the possibility of opening up the walled garden in conjunction with Hope2Oban.

During our visits here, along with a

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What’s next?

Plans include volunteer work placements from the Jobcentre, to create a Potager Garden (an ornamental flower and vegetable garden), finish the fruiting garden and to renovate the existing greenhouse.

How can people get involved and get in touch?

We hold regular Open Days (bring your wellies!) for all ages with workshops, refreshments and a warm welcome.

What impact did moving from Nottingham have on your family?

Our decision mainly affected our twin boys who were 10 at the time and at first found it difficult to adapt. As parents, John and I were delighted to be leaving a noisy, stressful environment for beautiful Oban, which we had visited several times. Now, 18 months on, we have all settled in really well.

Lorne Resource Centre and our 34 volunteers. The Grass Roots Community Café now use the garden to grow their own produce.

Call us on 0777 599560, come along on Thurs 11th & Sat 27th June, Thurs 9th & Sat 25th July.

“Like” us on Facebook: Green Shoots – Hope 2 Oban or visit www.hope2oban.co.uk

What has been achieved in your 1st year?

We have rebuilt the walls, created raised beds within the polytunnels and brought the neglected areas, such as the herb garden, the borders and vegetable patch back to life! Harvest time yielded an abundance of fruit and vegetables.

It has been a steep learning curve, learning about what grows (and doesn’t) in Argyll. Groups benefitting from the opportunities we provide at “Green Shoots” are the XL group from Oban High School, The Dementia Group, Hope Kitchen, Young Carers, Argyll College horticultural students, The

Do you have a community project that has a focus on local families?

We want to hear about it.

Get in touch with us: liz.thefabguide@outlook.com or call 07786 861266.

Get Sporty – Get Active – Get Talking!

The FAB Guide endeavours to include as many clubs, groups and activities as we can find and provide a great source of information to parents of children aged primarily 0-12 years.

Your Guide to Clubs, Classes, Groups and Children’s Activities throughout Argyll…

Argyll and Bute is as long as it is wide (well, not factually, but you know what we mean) and including every club within 7,000 square Kilometres is an impossible task. HOWEVER… every club or group that gets in touch with us and is geared towards entertaining, educating, enlightening and generally keeping 0-12 year olds busy and off the streets WILL be included in the next available issue of the magazine and that’s a promise!

As parents and grandparents, we know what it’s like trying to get this information and we want to make the search a little easier!

Joining a local club can build confidence, identify hidden skills, inspire, encourage and of course, offer the opportunity to make new friends.

Whether it’s swimming, dancing,

Spectacular views of over 40 traditional sailing and motorboats along with live Scottish music on the pontoons, entertainment, trade stalls, bar, BBQ and Saturday night ceilidh!

• Boat building demonstrations • Wood-working • Locally made produce A truly great day out for the whole family in beautiful Tarbert.

playing football or simply spending time with like-minded mums, dads, grandparents and carers, we hope you will find something new and interesting here.

If you are taking a short break or day trip elsewhere in Argyll, then don’t forget to take your copy of the FAB Guide with you!

Please note that whilst we have endeavoured to publish correct and up-to-date information, we recommend that you contact the group directly to ensure details have not changed, prior to arriving/ enrolling at the session. Remember that many of these clubs are termtime only. This issue spans June and July, so after June, you will definitely need to check if they are on, if TT, meaning ‘term time only’ is not stated in our listings.

Send your club, class or group information to Liz Deverill: liz.thefabguide@outlook.com or call us on 07500 563883. You can also find regular updates and info on our Facebook page: The-FAB-Guide or via Twitter: FABGuideArgyll. We would love you to like and follow us there!

Tarbert Traditional Boat Festival Tarbert Harbour Fri 17th, Sat 18th and Sun 19th July 2015

For further info: stclairegarval@outlook.com Phil: 07713 332319 (for boat owners) www.tarberttraditionalboatfestival.org.uk

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Oban & District Groups Activity Type

Age Range

Venue

PP = Pre Primary Soft Play Atlantis Leisure 0-Primary Dalriach Road, Oban Go Bananas 0-8 yrs Bridge Café, Oban Baby & Toddler Groups Appin Croileagan Tennis Hut 0-PP Tennis Hut, Kinlochlaich, Appin Benderloch Baby & Toddler Group 0-PP Victory Hall, Benderloch Bookbug Sessions All ages Library, Albany St, Oban Born to Move 4-5 yrs/8-12 yrs Atlantis Leisure, Oban Bumps & Beyond 0-PP Seil Village Hall Connel Toddlers 0-PP Achaleven School, Connel (Church Hall from August) Craignish Parent & Toddler Group 0-PP Craignish Village Hall, Ardfern Dalmally Tea and Tots 0-PP Church Hall Dunbeg Parent & Toddler Group 0-PP Dunbeg School Furan Bookbug (Gaelic) All ages Oban Gaelic Centre, Corran Halls, Oban Happy House Parent & Toddler Group 0-PP Baptist Church, Shore St, Oban (Closing end of June) Kilchrenan Child Friendly Coffee Morning 0-PP Village Hall Kilmelford Mother & Toddlers 0-PP Village Hall Mini Movers Parent & Toddler/3-5 yrs Atlantis Leisure, Oban Parent Carers Group Parents of children with a disability Go Bananas, Bridge Café Oban Infant Feeding Support Group For new mums Bridge Café, Oban Parent & Toddler Swim Group 0-PP Atlantis Leisure Rhythmic Rascals 0-PP St Modan’s Church Hall, Benderloch Soroba Young Families Best Start Group 2-3 yrs Scalpay Terrace, Soroba Rd Soroba Young Families Cook-n-Stay-n-Play 0-PP Scalpay Terrace, Soroba Rd Soroba Young Families Group, Messy Play 0-PP Glencruitten Church Hall, Oban Soroba Young Families Intergenerational Group, Exploratory Play All ages Scalpay Terrace, Soroba Rd, Oban St. Columba’s Early Year’s Group 0-PP St Columba’s, Rockfield Primary Campus, Soroba, Oban Taynuilt Play Group 0-PP Village Hall Toy Cupboard (Gaelic) 0-PP The Undercroft, Glencruitten Church Hall, Oban Toy Cupboard (Toy Library) All ages The Undercroft, Glencruitten Church Hall, Oban Toy Cupboard (Toy Library) All ages Glencruitten Church Hall, Oban Activities Archery 10 yrs+ Atlantis Leisure, Oban Mixed Activities - Freestyle Friday S1-S6 Atlantis Leisure, Oban Athletics Athletics 8yrs+ Atlantis Leisure, Oban Mini Athletics P1-P3 Atlantis Leisure, Oban Badminton Junior Badminton Club P3-P7 Atlantis Leisure, Oban Climbing Climb Cube P4-P7 Atlantis Leisure, Oban Climb Cube S1-S2 Atlantis Leisure, Oban Dance 28 |

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s, Clubs & Associations Day

Time

TT = Term Time

Every Day From 9am Weekdays, 10am Weekends Every Day 10am-3pm

Wed TT 1.30pm-3.30pm Tues 10am-12pm Thurs TT 9.30am & 11am Fri/Thurs 12.30pm-1.30pm/5pm-6pm Tues 10am-12pm Mon TT 10am-12pm Thurs TT 12pm-2pm Wed TT 10am-12pm Wed TT 10am-11.45am Sat 10.30am Tues & Thurs TT 9.45am-11.15am Mon TT 10.30am-12.30pm Wed TT 2pm-3.30pm Fri TT 10am-10.45am/11am-11.45am First Tues of the month 10am-12pm Mon TT 10am-12pm Wed TT 1pm-2.30pm (booking required) Wed TT 10.30am-12pm Wed & Thurs TT 9.15am-11.30am Tues TT 9.15am-11.45am Mon TT 1pm-3pm

Fri TT 1pm-3pm Wed TT 1.40pm-3.10pm Tues TT 10am-2pm Mon TT 10am-11.30am Tues TT 1.30pm-3.30pm Fri (All Year) 10am-12pm

Fri TT 5.30pm-7.30pm Fri TT 7pm-9.30pm

Wed TT 5pm-6pm Wed/Fri TT 4pm-5pm

Monday TT 5pm-6pm

Wed/Thurs TT 4pm-4.45pm Mon TT 4.15pm-5pm

Contact

www.atlantisleisure.co.uk Tel: 01631 566697/www.bridgecafeoban.co.uk Tel: 07990 585087 Tel: Sarah Hunt 07745 259153 Tel: 01631 571444 www.atlantisleisure.co.uk Tel: 01852 300062 Tel: 01631 710862 Tel: 01852 500245 Tel: 01838 200535 Tel: 01631 564781 Tel: 01631 567886 Tel: 01631 562494 Tel: 01866 833233 Tel: 01866 844212 www.atlantisleisure.co.uk Tel: 01631 564422 Tel: 07798 724932 Tel: 01631 566800 Tel: Sarah Hunt 07745 259153 www.sorobayoungfamilygroup.com www.sorobayoungfamilygroup.com www.sorobayoungfamilygroup.com www.sorobayoungfamilygroup.com Tel: 01631 568090 Tel: 01866 822024 FB: ObanToyCupboard FB: ObanToyCupboard FB: ObanToyCupboard www.atlantisleisure.co.uk www.atlantisleisure.co.uk www.atlantisleisure.co.uk www.atlantisleisure.co.uk www.atlantisleisure.co.uk www.atlantisleisure.co.uk www.atlantisleisure.co.uk FABGuideArgyll

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Activity Type

Age Range

Venue

PP = Pre Primary Ballet PP Atlantis Leisure, Oban Ballet Primary Atlantis Leisure, Oban Ballet Adult Atlantis Leisure, Oban Ballet @ Ballet West 5-7 yrs/10 yrs + Oban High School Ballet @ Ballet West 2-5 yrs First Steps Nursery Ballet @ Ballet West 2-5 yrs/7-10 yrs Oban High School Ballet @ Ballet West 5-7 yrs/7 yrs + Taynuilt Village Hall Ballet @ Ballet West 2-4 yrs Connel Village Hall Highland Dancing PP/Primary Atlantis Leisure, Oban Hip Hop P4-P7/P1-P3 Atlantis Leisure, Oban Jazz/Hip Hop @ Ballet West 5 yrs + Girls Fit4Less, Lochside Road, Oban Football Oban Saints P1-P7/13-15 yrs Oban High School Football P1-P3/P4-P5 Atlantis Leisure Little Dribblers Under 5 Atlantis Leisure Hockey Oban Hockey Club P5-P7 Oban High School Horse Riding Achnalarig Riding Stables (Includes Riding For the Disabled Facilities) 4+ yrs/Adults Glencruitten, Oban Lettershuna Riding Centre 4+ yrs/Adults Lettershuna Lodge, Appin Martial Arts IKKU Scotland - Caledonia Kyokushin Up to 14 yrs/Adults Soroba Lane, Oban Rugby Mini-Rugby 5+ yrs Oban Rugby Club Shinty Oban Camanachd Under 14’s Atlantis Leisure,Oban Oban Camanachd Under 17’s Oban High School Swimming Adult and Child 18 mths-PP Atlantis Leisure, Oban Otters/Otters Lifesavers/Otters Amateur 5+ Atlantis Leisure, Oban Swimming (Adult and Baby) 0-18 mths Atlantis Leisure, Oban Tennis Mini Tennis P1-P3 Atlantis Leisure, Oban Tennis P3-P7 Atlantis Leisure, Oban Volleyball P5-S2 Atlantis Leisure, Oban Social Groups/Clubs Air Cadets 12-17 yrs Tweedale St, Oban Beavers 6-8 yrs Boys Mull & Oban/North Connel Cubs 8-10 yrs Boys Mull/Oban/North Connel Explorers 14-18 yrs Boys Oban Scouts 10-14 yrs Boys Mull/Oban & North Connel Boys’ Brigade Anchors 5-7 yrs Boys Oban Congregational Church Boys’ Brigade Juniors 8-10 yrs Boys Oban Congregational Church Sea Cadets 12-18 yrs Tweedale St, Oban Argyll Youth Theatre From 7 yrs Corran Halls, Oban Little Phoenix Film Club 3 yrs+ Oban Phoenix Cinema Healthy Eating Weightwatchers Adults Great Western Hotel, Oban Slimming World Adults COS Centre, Glencruitten Rd, Oban 30 |

The-Fab-Guide

Day

Time

TT = Term Time Sat 10.30am-11.15am Sun 11.15am-12pm Mon 12pm-1.30pm Mon 6pm-7pm/7pm-8.30pm Wed 10.30am-11.30am Wed 6pm-7pm/7pm-8pm Tues 3.45pm-4.45pm/4.45pm-5.45pm Tues 2pm-3pm Mon TT 4pm-4.45pm/4.45pm-5.30pm Wed/Thurs TT 4pm-5pm/4pm-4.45pm Wed 4pm-5pm

Sun/Mon, Tues & Thurs 10am-12noon/Call for details Mon & Thurs/Tues TT Both 4pm-5pm Mon/Tues/Wed TT 1pm-1.45pm

Thurs 5pm-6pm

Daily Call for details Daily 10.00am onwards

Thurs 6pm-7pm/7pm-8.30pm

Wed 6pm

Thurs 6pm-7pm Tues 6pm-7pm

Wed/Thurs/Fri 1.30pm-2.30pm Mon-Fri & Sun/Tues/Thurs 6.30am-8am & 5pm-6pm/5pm-8pm/4.30pm-9.30pm Wed 1pm-1.30pm

Fri TT 4pm-5pm Wednesday TT 4pm-6pm Thurs TT 5pm-6pm

Wed 7pm-9.30pm Wed/Mon Call for details Fri/Wed/Mon Call for details Mon Call for details Thurs/Mon Call for details Fri 6pm-7pm Fri 7.15pm-8.30pm Thurs 6.40pm-9.00pm Wed 6pm-8pm Sat 9am

Mon 5.30pm-7pm Thurs 10.30am & 5.30pm

Contact www.atlantisleisure.co.uk www.atlantisleisure.co.uk www.atlantisleisure.co.uk www.balletwest.co.uk www.balletwest.co.uk www.balletwest.co.uk www.balletwest.co.uk www.balletwest.co.uk www.atlantisleisure.co.uk www.atlantisleisure.co.uk www.balletwest.co.uk Alan MacLeod Tel: 07795415948 www.atlantisleisure.co.uk www.atlantisleisure.co.uk Iona Fulton/www.obanhockeyclub.co.uk Tel: 07748 708141 Tel: 01631 730227 Shihan Iain Rodger Tel: 07584 166542 Tel: 01631 570481 Steven Sloss / FB: ObanCamanachdClub David McCuish / FB: ObanCamanachdClub www.atlantisleisure.co.uk islalewis@hotmail.co.uk www.atlantisleisure.co.uk www.atlantisleisure.co.uk www.atlantisleisure.co.uk www.atlantisleisure.co.uk Tel: 07585601264 Tel: 01866 844160 E: carol@carolthomas.co.uk As Above As Above As Above Tel: 0788 1935561 Tel: 0788 1935561 Tel: 07795161126 Tel: Gwyneth 01631 562120 Tel: 01631 562905 Just turn up Gillian Tel: 07796 040803 FABGuideArgyll

| 31

32 |

The-Fab-Guide

Enter our exclusive competition by simply emailing your name, email address and telephone number to: thefabguide@outlook.com or text 07500 563883.

Alternatively like our Facebook page the-fab-guide and send us a private message with your details.

FABGuideArgyll

| 33

Dunoon & Cowal Groups Activity Type

Age Range

PP = Pre Primary

Venue

Soft Play Rusty’s Fun House 0-8 yrs Hunters Quay Holiday Village Baby & Toddler Groups ActivePlay 0-PP Dunoon Primary School Baby Massage Babies Maternity Unit, Cowal Comm Hospital Book Bug Session & Musical movement 0-PP Dunoon Primary School Book Bug Sessions Babies + Dunoon Library, Argyll St Bumps and Babies 0-12 mths Walkers Coffee Shop, Dunoon Colintraive Parent & Toddler Group 0-PP Village Hall Dunoon Baby & Toddler Group 0-PP Dunoon Primary School Gaelic Parent & Toddler Group 0-PP Comm Church Centre, Victoria Rd Health Visitor Clinic Babies + Cowal Community Hospital Innellan Parent & Toddler Group 0-PP Innellan Primary School Patchwork Toddlers Dunoon 0-4 yrs Dunoon Comm Education Centre, Edward St Sandbank Parent & Toddler Group 0-3 yrs Sandbank Primary School Strachur Playgroup 0-PP Memorial Hall Strone Parent & Toddler Group 0-PP Strone Primary School The Mudskippers (Outdoor Adventure Group) 0-PP Various outdoor locations Tighnabruaich Toddlers 0-PP Kyles Parish Church Badminton Cowal Badminton Association Juniors Queens Hall, Argyll St., Dunoon Dance Ballet, Tap, Jazz Toddler + Hanover Street Hall Christine Cairns School of Highland Dancing Beginners Hanover Hall, Dunoon Joanne McGeachie School of Dancing (Highland) Beginners/Competition Cowal Golf Club Joanne McGeachie School of Dancing (Highland) Competition Cowal Golf Club Katrina Martin School of Dancing Beginners Dunoon Argyll Pipe Band Hall, Union St Football DYFL Mini Kickers P1-P3/4-5 yrs Dunoon Grammar School Gym Gymnastics Level 1 P1+ Dunoon Grammar School Gym Level 2 P1+ Dunoon Grammar School Gym Martial Arts Satori Martial Arts Club (Karate, Fitness, Self-defence & Jiu Jitsu 5-8 yrs/8-11 yrs/11+ 104 Edward Street/Strachur Memorial Hall Rugby Cowal Junior Rugby P4+ Dunoon Stadium Shinty Dunoon Camanachd (new) Juniors Black Park Astro Pitches Dunoon Swimming Adult & Child Lessons 3+ Riverside Pool Adult & Toddler Swim 6mths+ Riverside Pool Commando Inflatable Fun Session 8+ Riverside Pool 34 |

The-Fab-Guide

s, Clubs & Associations.

Day

Time

Contact

TT = Term Time

Daily 10am-11pm

Tues TT 1.30pm-3pm Thurs 10.30am-12pm Fri TT 1.45pm-2.45pm Thurs TT 11.30am Tues 10am-12pm Mon 10am-12pm Mon TT 1.30pm-3pm (Health Professionals available) Mon & Thurs TT 9.30am-11.30am Wed (1st in month) 9.30am-11.30am Tues TT 9.30am-11.30am Fri TT 1pm-3pm Wed & Fri TT 9.30am-11.30am Fri 11am-12.30pm Thurs TT 1.30pm-3.30pm Wed 10am-11.30am Thurs 10am-11.30am

Mon 5pm-9.30pm

Wed 3.30pm-4.30pm Mon 4pm-5pm Mon 5.15pm-6.15pm/6.15pm-7.15pm Thurs 5.30pm-7pm Mon 5pm

Thurs/Sat TT Call for times

Mon & Fri TT 4pm-5pm Mon & Fri TT 5pm-6pm

Mon-Thurs Range of classes from 5pm

Tues 7pm-8pm

Tues 7pm-8.30pm

Mon TT 11am-12pm Mon & Fri TT 1.30pm-2.30pm Sat TT 3.15pm-4pm

Tel: 0845 4596412 Tel: 01369 704159 Tel: 01369 706612 Tel: 01369 704159 Tel: Ailsa Dominick 078875 279974 Tel: 01369 704003 Tel: 01369 704159 FB: Cowalgaelictoddlers Tel: 01369 708361 Tel: Sophie 07769174343 Tel: 01369 707997 FB: Sandbankparentandtoddlergroup Tel: 07967 560495 Tel: 01369 840242 Tel: Diane 07970 421094

Tel: 01369 704968/07763 621129 No further details Tel: Christine (member B.A.T.D.) 01369 704533 Tel: Joanne 07874 123608 Tel: Joanne 07874 123608 Tel: Katrina 07746 307754 Tel: 07785 530186 E: dyfl2013@aol.com Block booking at Queen’s Hall, Dunoon Block booking at Queen’s Hall, Dunoon Tel: Alister 01369 704919 or 077406 43958 Just turn up dunooncamanachd@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 01369 701170 As above As above FABGuideArgyll

| 35

Activity Type

Age Range

Family Fun Session

PP = Pre Primary All Ages Riverside Pool

Venue

Flume

All ages

Riverside Pool

Rookie Junior Lifesaving

8-12 yrs

Riverside Pool

Tennis Castle Tennis Club

P4 +

Kirk St, Dunoon

Social Groups/Clubs Beavers

6-8 yrs

Dunoon/Sandbank/West Cowal

Cubs

8-10 yrs

Dunoon/Sandbank/West Cowal

Scouts

10-14 yrs

Dunoon/Sandbank/West Cowal

Explorers

14-18 yrs

Dunoon

Brownies

5+

Guide Hall, Victoria Rd, Dunoon

Boys Brigade (Anchors)

P1-P3

Pipe Band Hall, Union St, Dunoon

Boys Brigade (Junior Section)

P4-P6

Pipe Band Hall, Union St, Dunoon

Boys Brigade (Company Section)

P7-S3

Pipe Band Hall, Union St, Dunoon

Cowal Baton Twirlers (Pom Poms & Baton Twirling)

2-5 yrs/5-8 yrs

Community Church Hall, Victoria Rd

Cowal Baton Twirlers (Pom Poms & Baton Twirling)

8 yrs +

Community Church Hall, Victoria Rd

Cowal Baton Twirlers (Pom Poms/Baton Twirling)

All ages

Senior Citizens Hall, Alfred St

Circus Skills

P1-S7

Dunoon Grammar School Gym

Out of School Club E.S.C.A.P.E.

4-12 yrs

Dunoon Primary School

Healthy Eating Weightwatchers

Adults

Dunoon Baptist Church, 9 Alexander Parade

Slimming World

Adults

Senior Citizens’ Hall, Alfred St./St. Andrew’s Hall, Rothesay

Horse Riding Velvet Path Riding Centre

5+

South Campbell Road, Innellan

Summer Camps ExP 15

P7-S6

Benmore Centre, Benmore, Dunoon

Church Groups

Youth Alpha

All ages(Under 18) Dunoon Baptist Church, Shore Road

Argyll Holidays have a selection of parks set in the heart of Scotland that offer beautiful scenery, wildlife, walking trails and a huge range of events and activities. Whether you’re a family looking to entertain the kids, couple looking to relax or a group of friends looking for adventure, there’s something for everyone at Argyll Holidays.

Hunters Quay - Park Reception: 01369 707 772 • Drimsynie Estate Holiday Village - Park Recep

36 |

The-Fab-Guide

Day

Time

Contact

TT = Term Time Sun TT

10am-12noon

As above

Sat/Sun TT

Various between 11am and 2.30pm

As above

Wed TT

4.30pm-5.10pm

As above

Fridays

6.45pm-7.45pm

FB: Castle Tennis Club/Tel: 01369 830617

Mon/Tues/Mon

Call for details

Beth Aitkin: Tel: 01369 701226/07876 615418

Wed/Mon/Mon

Call for details

As above

Wed/Thurs/Wed

Call for details

As above

Fri

Call for details

As above

Thurs

6pm-7.30pm

Just turn up to join

Wed

5.30pm-6.30pm

Just turn up

Wed

6.15pm-7.45pm

Just turn up

Wed

7.30pm-9.30pm

Just turn up

Thurs TT

4pm-4.30pm/4.30pm-5.15pm

Mandy Tel: 07545 246209

Thurs TT

5.15-6pm

As above

Mon TT

Pom Poms 4pm-5pm/Baton Twirling 5pm-6pm As above

Check

Check

Tel: 01369 706776/andy.leni@tiscali.co.uk

Mon-Fri TT/School Holidays 3pm-6pm/8am-6pm

Grethel Walker Tel: 01369 707835 - do not ring school

Wed

10am, 12.30pm & 5.30pm

Susan Hoy - just turn up

Thurs

5.30pm & 7pm/5.30pm & 7.30pm

Elizabeth Tel: 07833 536699

All year

All day

Tel: 01369 830580

10th-14th August

5 day camp (£150)

Sun

6.30pm

ption: 01301 703 344 • www.argyllholidays.com

Tel: Paul Beautyman 07596 164 112 Tel: 01369 706665

Argyll Holidays

@ArygllHolidays

FABGuideArgyll

| 37

Mid & South Argyll & District Activity Type

Age Range

PP = Pre Primary

Venue

Baby and Toddler Groups Ardrishaig Parent & Toddler Group 0-PP North Church Hall Bookbug 0-PP Lochgilphead Library Bookbug 0-PP Campbeltown Library (within Aqualibrium) Bumps, Babies & Toddlers 0-PP Lochgilphead Parish Church Hall Campbeltown Comm Church Baby & Toddlers 0-PP Guide Hall Fyne Families & Toy Library 0-PP Lochgilphead Community Centre Jumpstart 0-PP Lochgilphead Baptist Church mainly music 0-PP Lochgilphead Baptist Church Toy Library 0+ Lochgilphead Community Centre Social Clubs/Groups Beavers 6-8 yrs Lochgilphead/Campbeltown/Southend Cubs 8-10 yrs Lochgilphead/Campbeltown/Southend Scouts 10-14 yrs Lochgilphead/Campbeltown/Southend Explorers 14-18 yrs Lochgilphead/Campbeltown/Southend Messy Church All Ages Lochgilphead Baptist Church Messy Church All Ages North Knapdale Church, Tayvallich Messy Church All Ages Living Stones Hall, Kilmartin Messy Church All Ages Kilmartin Church (Living Stones) Messy Church All Ages Lochgilphead Parish Church Rainbows/Brownies/Guides 5+ Lochgilphead Sea Cadets Junior 8-12 yrs Hazelburn Business Park Soul House Group S1-S6 Lochgilphead Baptist Church Lochgilphead After School Club (LASC) P1-P7 Lochgilphead Community Centre Martial Arts IKKU Scotland - Caledonia Kyokushin (practical) 14 yr+ Mid-Argyll Sports Centre IKKU Scotland - Caledonia Kyokushinkai 8-14 yrs/14+ Mid-Argyll Sports Centre Music & Dance Mid Argyll Youth Chorus Ask for details Ardrishaig Public Hall Swimming Public Swimming All Ages Mid Argyll Pool, Lochgilphead Learn To Swim P1+ Mid Argyll Pool, Lochgilphead Family Fun Sessions All Ages Mid Argyll Pool, Lochgilphead Swim Fit Adults only Mid Argyll Pool, Lochgilphead Aqua Natal Mums-to-be Mid Argyll Pool, Lochgilphead Kayak Club All Ages Aqualibrium, Campbeltown Private Lessons All Ages Aqualibrium, Campbeltown Rookies P1+ Aqualibrium, Campbeltown Horse Riding Argyll Riding 4+ yrs/Adults Dalchenna Farm, Inveraray Crosshill Training & Trekking All ages Peninver, Campbeltown Healthy Eating Slimming World Adults and Teens Lochgilphead Baptist Church

We need your Mid-South Argyll Groups and Clubs for our August/Septem 38 |

The-Fab-Guide

t Groups, Clubs & Associations Day

Time

Contact

TT = Term Time

Mon/Thurs 10am-11.30am/1.30pm-3pm Fri 9.30am-10.15am & 11am-11.45am Tues TT 2pm-3pm Tues TT 1pm-3pm Thurs TT 10am-11.45am Wed 10am-12pm Fri 10am-11.30am Tues TT 10am onwards Fri TT 10am-11.30am (TT)

Tues/Thurs/call for details Various Tues/Thurs/call for details Various Tues/call for details Various Tues/call for details Various Check Dates 5pm-6.45pm check Dates 4pm-6pm Last Thurs in month 4pm-6pm From 14th May 4pm-6pm Last Thurs in month

Various Various Monday Enquire Friday 8pm-9.30pm Mon-Fri 3.15pm-5.45pm (TT)

Mon 7pm-8pm Wed 7pm-8pm/8pm-9pm

Tuesday (new members enrol 1st Sept) 7pm-9pm

Every day 1pm onwards except Wed 1pm-2pm Tue, Wed & Thurs/Sat 4pm-6pm/11am-12am Sat/Sun 12noon-1pm/11am-12am Thurs/Sat 7pm-8pm/8am-10am Wed 1pm-2pm Sun 10am-12pm Wed/Thurs/Fri 4pm & 4.30pm Thurs 5pm-6pm

Daily 10.00am, 11.30am, 2pm & 4.30pm Tues & Thurs - Sun 10am-5pm

Mon 10.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm

ardrishaigtoddlers@hotmail.co.uk fynefamilies@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 01586 555435 Tel: 01546 602238 Anne: toddlers@campbeltowncommunitychurch.co.uk fynefamilies@yahoo.co.uk Tel: Alison 01546 600175 As Above FB: ElfStoryToyLibrary Tel: Beth Atkin 01369 701226/07876 615418 As above As above As above Tel: 01546 600175 jenv8r@googlemail.com jenv8r@googlemail.com jenv8r@googlemail.com 01546 602238 Carol: Tel: 01546 606696/Jenny: 01546 602303 Tel: 01586 550177 Tel: Alison 01546 600175 Tel: Lorna 07876 735876 Senpai Stuart MacDonald: stuart@kskscotland.com Senpai Wallace Simpson: wallace@kskscotland.com Tel: Fiona 07788 251038 Tel: 01546 606676 www.macpool.org.uk Tel: 01546 606676 www.macpool.org.uk Tel: 01546 606676 www.macpool.org.uk Tel: 01546 606676 www.macpool.org.uk Tel: 01546 606676 www.macpool.org.uk Tel: 01586 551212 Tel: 01586 551212 Tel: 01586 551212 Tel: 01499 302611 Tel: 01586 551791 Tel: Rhona 07880 878906

mber issue - let us know about dance, drama, art, music and sports clubs!

FABGuideArgyll

| 39

Helensburgh & District Gro Activity Type

Age Range

PP = Pre Primary

Venue

Soft Play

Gogglebox is now closed Lomond Pirates Play Zone and Café

PP and Primary

Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch

Pandamonium Play Centre

PP and Primary

53 Kilpatrick Drive, Erskine

Baby & Toddler Groups Café n Play

All ages

Centre 81, Garelochhead

Corner House Créche

1-3 yrs

13 King Street, Helensburgh

Dance with Babies/Dance with Toddlers

6 wks-18 mths/18 mths-5 yrs

Cutty Sark Community Centre, Bellsmyre, Dumbarton

Dance with Babies

6 wks-18 mths

Benview Community Centre, Dumbarton

Dance with Babies/Dance with Toddlers

6 wks-5 yrs/18mths-5 yrs

St. Michael’s & All Angels Church Hall, Helensburgh

Family Fun Day

All ages

Centre 81, Garelochhead

Fun First Groups (9 entries below): Cardross

Under 5’s

Main St

Fun First Fitness Helensburgh

18mths-3 yrs/3 yrs-5 yrs

Victoria Halls, Helensburgh

Fun First Fitness Helensburgh

5-8 yrs

Victoria Halls, Helensburgh

Garelochhead

Babies and Toddlers

Centre 81, Garelochhead

Helensburgh

0-Walking & Under 5’s

Helensburgh Library

Helensburgh

0-PP

Kirkmichael Centre, Townhead Rd

Helensburgh

0-Walking & Under 5’s

Victoria Halls, Helensburgh

Helensburgh

0-PP

Family Centre, Churchill Square

Helensburgh

0-PP

Helensburgh Library

Helensburgh Baby & Toddler

0-PP

Park Church Hall, Charlotte St

Funky Wee Monkeys

2+

Masonic Hall, Helensburgh

Mini Makers

18 mths-5 yrs

Victoria Halls, Helensburgh

Stay & Play Toddlers

0-PP

Cove Burgh Hall

Social Groups/Clubs Boys’ Brigade (Anchors)

5-8 yrs

St. Andrew’s Kirk Cottage, Helensburgh

Juniors

8-11 yrs

St. Andrew’s Kirk Cottage, Helensburgh

Seniors

11-18 yrs

Hermitage Primary

Route 81 Youth Project

P7 +

Centre 81, Garelochhead

Dance & Fitness Boys Hip Hop by DanceFit

Primary & Secondary

Centre 81, Garelochhead

Girls Hip Hop/Cheerleading by DanceFit

Primary & Secondary

Centre 81, Garelochhead

Helen O’Grady Drama School

5-11 yrs

Victoria Halls, Helensburgh

40 |

The-Fab-Guide

oups, Clubs & Associations Day

Time

Contact

TT = Term Time

Daily

All day

lomondpirates@gmail.com or Tel: 01389 751035

Daily

Mon-Sun, 9.30am-7pm

Tel: 0141 812 6081

Thurs

1pm-2.30pm

www.centre81.org.uk

Mon, Tues & Friday/Wed & Thurs

9.15am-12.15pm/Until 2.30pm

Tel: 01436 679666

Tues until 18th June, then TT

1pm/12pm

Thurs until 18th June, then TT

10am

Thurs until 18th June, then TT

1pm/12pm

Last Sat each month

11am-1pm

www.centre81.org.uk Tel: 077529 62335/mail@funfirst.org.uk

Tues

1.45pm-2.45pm

As above

Wed

10am-10.45am/1.30pm-2.15pm

As above

Thurs

4.45pm-5.45pm

As above

Fri

10am-11am

As above

Mon

9.45am-11am

As above

Tues

9.45am-11am

As above

Thurs

9.45-11am

As above

Thurs

1.45pm-2.45pm

As above

Fri

1.45pm-2.45pm

As above

Wed

10am-11.30am

FB: HelensburghBabyandToddlers

Mon

1pm-2pm

Tel: Julie 01389 732634

Mon

10.30am-11.30am

Tel: Gill 07763 729648

Tues

12.45pm-2.45pm

Tel: 01436 831884

Wed

From 6pm

Ask

Wed

From 6pm

Ask

Wed

7.30pm

Ask

Wed & Fri TT

7pm-9pm/7pm-10.30pm (P7 & S1 leave 9pm) www.centre81.org.uk

Mon

3pm-4.15pm

Tel: 07903 524883

Mon

4.15pm-5pm

As above

Wed

4pm-4.45pm

Tel: 0141 847 1696 FABGuideArgyll

| 41

Activity Type

Age Range

PP = Pre Primary

Venue

Helensburgh Savoy Musical Theatre

14+

St Michaels Church Hall

Over 5’s Gym

5+

Centre 81, Garelochhead

Pre-School Gym

Under 5’s

Centre 81, Garelochhead

Football Absolute Sports Academy

All ages

Helensburgh & Garelochhead

Helensburgh FC

6 yrs-17 yrs

Hermitage Academy

Golf Helensburgh Golf Club

Juniors (new class)

Helensburgh GC

Martial Arts Steve McLaren Tae Kwondo

All ages

Helensburgh & Garelochhead

Rugby Helensburgh Ladies RFC

16+

Helensburgh RFC

Helensburgh Youth Rugby Club

P1 & P2 (Micros)

Ardencaple Ground, Rhu Road Higher, Helensburgh

Helensburgh Youth Rugby Club

P3 & P4 (Minis)

Ardencaple Ground, Rhu Road Higher, Helensburgh

Helensburgh Youth Rugby Club

P6 & P7 (Minis)

As above & Hermitage Academy

Helensburgh Youth Rugby Club

S1 (Youth)

Ardencaple Ground, Rhu Road Higher, Helensburgh

Helensburgh Youth Rugby Club

S2 (Youth)

Ardencaple Ground, Rhu Road Higher, Helensburgh

Tennis CBF Tennis

3 yrs-11 yrs

Helensburgh Lawn Tennis Club

Out Of School Clubs B.A.S.I.C. Breakfast Club/After School Club

4-13 yrs

13 East King Street, Helensburgh

B.A.S.I.C. Holiday Club

4-13 yrs

13 East King Street, Helensburgh

Healthy Eating Weightwatchers

Adults & Teens

Slimming World Adults & Teens

Victoria Halls, Sinclair St./Commodore Hotel, West Clyde St. United Reformed Church, West Princes St./ Masonic Hall, West Princes St.

Curling Cardross Curling welcome

16+ M/F

Greenacres Ice Rink, Howwood, Renfrewshire

Horse Riding Blacks Equestrian Centre

All ages

Stuckenduff Farm, Shandon, Nr Helensburgh

Duncryne Equitation & Trekking Centre

4+

Little Duncryne Farm, Gartocharn, Nr Balloch

Summer Camps SOS Fitness Kids Summer Camps Age 5-15 Helensburgh (venue TBC)

Funk Forever Streetdance Camp P1-P7 St. Andrew’s Church Hall, Aitkenbar Circle, Bellsmyre

Athletics Helesburgh Amateur Athletics Age 9-17

42 |

The-Fab-Guide

The Old Academy, Helensburgh new members must apply by email

Day

Time

Contact

TT = Term Time Wed

7.30pm

FB: (as per title)

Wed

4pm-4.45pm

As above

Wed

3.00pm-4pm

As above

Various

Various

www.absolutesportscoaching.com

Wed

Evening

Tel: Sam Gemmell 07738 953810

Sat

1pm-3pm

Tel: 01436 675505

Mon, Tues, Wed, Sat

Various

Tel: 07722068238/stevenmclaren78@yahoo.co.uk

Tues & Thurs

7pm

Tel: Kirsty 07792932662

Sun

10am

Tel: 01436 674056/www.pitchero.com

Sun

10am

Tel: 01436 674056/www.pitchero.com

Fri at HA/ Sun at HMRC

Fri 4pm / Sun 10am

Tel: 01436 675056/www.pitchero.com

Thurs

6pm

Tel: 01436 675056/www.pitchero.com

Mon/Thurs

3.45pm/5.15pm

Tel: 01436 675056/www.pitchero.com

Half/Full Days from 10am

www.tennishelensburgh.org.uk

Mon-Thurs/Mon-Thurs/Fri TT

7.55am-9am/3pm-5.59pm/3pm-5.30pm

Tel: 01436 679666

Mon-Thurs/Fri

8.00am-5.59pm/8.00-5.30pm

Tel: 01436 679666

Mon/Tues

10.30am/5.30pm

Wed/Thurs

5.30pm-7.30pm/10am-12noon/7pm

Just turn up

Thurs (Sept-Mar)

6pm or 8.30pm

Tel: Ewan Baird 01436 678810 New members

Daily (please book)

All day

Tel: 01436 820838

Daily (various activities)

All day

Tel: 01389 830425

6-10 July / 20th-24th July / 10th-15th Aug Mon-Fri 13th-17th July

Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm (ÂŁ80 per child, pw) 10am-3pm

Tel: Steve or Liam: 07951229752

Apr-Mid Sept/Tues, Thurs, Sun

6.30pm, 7.30pm, 10.30am

haacheadcoach@gmail.com /helensburghaac.co.uk FABGuideArgyll

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Choosing a Childminder Choosing a suitable childminder is essential to both you and your family. It is an important decision that will take time but the end result will be the best possible outcome for your child or children. Be careful to base your choice on someone who meets your child’s individual needs rather than offering you the best price. It is also important that you feel that your child is entering a warm, friendly, stimulating and fun environment. (You should get a good sense of this the moment you walk in the door). Below are some important points to consider.

• Ask other parents/friends if they could recommend a childminder to you. A good reputation is very valuable.

• To start your search, go to the Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) website at: www. childminding.org • When you enter your area and postcode details, a list of childminders will appear for you to choose from. Information such as their qualifications, contact details, the age range they cater for and their rates are available for you to see.

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• All childminders must be registered with the Care Inspectorate and have Public Liability Insurance. When you have decided on one or more in your area make sure you ask to see their registration certificate and details of their insurance policy.

• Ask to see a copy of the childminder’s policies and procedures. How do they deal with risk assessments, child protection issues, discipline, infection control and any other important practices?

All their Inspection reports can be found at: www.scswis.com • Childminders are obligated to take responsibility for their own professional development.

You can ask about their Continuing Professional Development (CDP) Record to find out if they have been proactive in improving their knowledge and skills.

• The childminder should offer you a settling in period. Usually, the arrangement will be to go with your child to visit and then to leave them for a short while on their own. If any issues arise then they can be resolved before either of you enter into a contract.

• Once you have made your decision a contract needs to be signed so both parties are aware of the service provided. Keep a copy in a safe place.

• The SCMA has a helpline for parents to answer any questions you may have. Available Monday to Friday from 10am to 4.00pm, Tel: 01786 449063 If you are considering becoming a childminder request SCMA’s free Guide to Becoming a Childminder by calling 01786 449063 or download it from www.childminding.org

Other useful contacts: Care Inspectorate Scotland: www.scswis.com Argyll and Bute Council: www.argyll-bute.gov.uk

This article was compiled with the help of the SCMA

Unique Approach to Overcoming Reading and Writing Difficulties In our modern world, strong language skills are crucial to success in order to maximise potential. It is estimated that around 30% of children find reading and writing difficult despite good teaching and support. In many cases this is labelled as dyslexia, however dyslexia is just one of many barriers to learning which hinders progress and seriously affects self-esteem.

Many families struggle to find help tackling these issues; however the unique approach delivered by Cellfield has successfully helped many people overcome dyslexia and similar difficulties. In many cases Cellfield proves to be life changing

due to the positive impact it has on self belief and confidence.

Cellfield is based on brain imaging research and the multi sensory programme targets the areas in the

brain used by good readers to bring about permanent and sustainable improvements in reading ability.

After just two weeks of treatment, average gains in reading age of about 2 years can be achieved.

Cellfield is being delivered in Stirling by former Headteacher and teacher Fiona Macdiarmid, who also runs the successful Kip McGrath Education Centre. Fiona travelled to New Zealand for training and introduced Cellfield to the UK 6 years ago. Cellfield is now available at 6 UK Centres.

To find out more, contact Cellfield on 01786 447527. www.cellfielduk.com

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• 600ml double cream • 100g Crowdie Cheese (softened) • 250g Fresh Scottish Raspberries (or fresh Blackberries) • 50g Oatmeal • 70g demerara (brown) sugar • 1 tbsp whisky (a good single malt) • 2 tbsp honey (heather honey if possible) Recipe Method: Start by toasting the oatmeal in a heavy bottomed saucepan or frying pan on a medium heat. Shake the oatmeal over the heat until crisp. Take off the heat and sprinkle over the sugar. Leave to rest and cool and the sugar to caramelise over the oatmeal.

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Simple, quick and delicious. From Scotland, this original Cream Crowdie recipe (often called ‘Cranachan’ or ‘Gruth is Uachdar’) is everything you could hope for in a summer-time dessert; it is easy to make and you will not be able to resist coming back for more.

We want

RECIPE

Scots Cream Crowdie (Cranachan)

In a small bowl beat the Crowdie Cheese into a soft cream, add the cool oatmeal and sugar and beat in.

In a mixing bowl beat the cream to a thick froth, stir in the Whisky, Fruit (keep a few nice raspberries or blackberries in reserve for decoration) and toasted, sugar coated Oatmeal and Crowdie Cheese. Once fully mixed serve at once in small bowls with some of the whole fruit you reserved and a drizzling of honey over the top.

This recipe was submitted by our friends at The Big Cheese Making Kit – visit their website for more deliciously cheesy recipes for the whole family, or browse the fantastic range of gifts and hampers and all the tools you need to make your own delicious cheese! Each kit makes 10 batches and the Kits last around 2 years.

Visit www.bigcheesemakingkit.com

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Route 81 Youth Project, Garelochhead

by Lesley Fitton (Director Project 81)

(Part of Project 81 Youth and Community Enterprise Ltd) Route 81 is a Youth project based in Garelochhead catering for 11 to 18 year olds.

We have a dedicated Youth Hub based in Centre 81 Community Centre from where Route 81 offers evening sessions, residentials, a variety of exciting events and opportunities for learning and volunteering.

The Youth project has grown over the last 12 years from a small youth group with 12 members to a vibrant, varied project involving over 200 young people. During that time we bought and refurbished (with help from the Big Lottery Fund and other funders) the building which is now Centre 81 in which Route 81 have a dedicated space. This is fitted out with a café area, comfy seats, a variety of games consoles, pool table, table football and a large screen projector.

The young people are very much at the centre of the project and are actively involved in the running and decision making and are encouraged to broaden their horizons by volunteering and by taking up courses and training opportunities.

The Youth facility is run by a group of dedicated Youth workers led by Youth Manager Michelle McDonald.

This team is complemented by a fantastic group of volunteers from the youth group themselves who through their work, are learning many new skills and

gaining volunteer certificates through the Saltire awards.

Last year 71 young people received awards this way.

Route 81 also now have in place a trainee youth worker scheme for 17-19 year olds and also an Entertainment Team who, through skills learned in volunteering, are offered sessional work running parties in Centre 81 adding to the sustainability of the Centre.

The group draws its membership from the catchment area of Hermitage Academy so we have a very diverse group of young people from a wide variety of backgrounds. Our membership (full members and friends) currently stands at 240 .The activities provided

by Route 81 are many and varied from “chill out” sessions in the hub to trips abroad. Currently the group are involved with a “Come Dine With Us” weekend and a FIFA football tournament alongside the usual evening events.

During holiday periods we like to provide “away day” trips as well as in-house events and over Easter we went cycling around Cumbrae, freed ourselves from an Escape room in Braehead and enjoyed a trip to Blair Drummond safari park.

Our regular weekly sessions run Wednesday 7.00pm 9pm and Friday 7.00pm - 10pm New members always welcome, why not come and meet us!

Contact Tel: 01436 811100, www.route81.org.uk FABGuideArgyll | 47

FAB F

d Art

At FAB Towers, we asked our followers and friends to come up with some delicious works of art that are both fun and healthy. We are very impressed with the results and hope you are too! Why not copy the designs and have lots of fun making your own culinary creations? If you would like some other ideas, check out @ foodArtgo on Twitter or ‘Food Art’ on Facebook. Enjoy!

Here are some other inspirational food art ideas for you!

Peacock – Kixdevserver.com

Butterfly – kixcereal.com

Dunoon’s Anna Headrige and her sons Ben aged 6 and Caelan aged 2 ¾ became foodie extraordinaires to produce these amazing dishes! Owls and Racing Cars were on the menu and we love them.

Bicycle – 123inspiration.com

Treehouse – inhabitat.com

Fish – ufunk.net

Sun – kixcereal.com

Archie Malloch, aged 8, from Oban had great fun making this very healthy lion - a lunch fit for a King of the Jungle!

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We love Ryan and Theo’s Kilt and Racing Cars

Sheep – eatsamazing.com

Cairndow Community Childcare is to expand Local enterprise set to take leap forward thanks to Lottery funding is a non-profit making, voluntary organisation with charitable status serving the village of Cairndow and the surrounding rural area, one of the many successful community businesses set up in Scotland.

Childcare is a key issue for many parents who could not go to work without an appropriate service to look after their children.

Virginia said: “We had a situation where parents and guardians had to drive for miles and miles to find child care.

So, what do you do if there is no affordable provision where you live?

Virginia, also Marketing and Events Manager at Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd, said: “We’ve been working from the Village Hall since we started, but we are planning a new purpose-built facility to be built at the Head of the Loch.

“It will be designed to cater not just for child care, but for community interests as well.

“We aim to have a soft play area inside and outdoors play facilities as well.

The answer for Virginia Sumsion was – start up your own facility.

Cairndow Community Childcare Ltd was set up in 2004.

It is a professional child care facility for residents and visitors to the area, fully registered with the Care Commission and the local authority, and provides pre-school, after care and holiday cover for children 3 months – 8 years old.

“We cover a 30-mile radius so it’s a pretty big patch – but we provide a service where there was none before.”

Cairndow Community Childcare

And the service is set to expand.

“I was one of them and so I decided to help to set up the Cairndow operation.

“We have managed to obtain Stage 1 Lottery funding to cover the planning permission stages and preparatory work – and we aim to get building as soon as possible.”

For further information about Cairndow Community Childcare, Tel: 01499 600181.

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CROMLECH

Events

Special Event Venue Transformations Wedding Specialists from Ceremony to Reception Turn your venue into one of dreams with beautiful chair and table coverings, stunning centre-pieces and sparkly back-drops. A wide variety of styles and colour schemes to suit your requirements Traditional • Contemporary • Vintage • Bohemian Full set-up service offered Also available: Candy Cart, Wishing Tree, Wishing Well and more…

Call the Cromlech Events Specialists:

MandM

Bouncy Castl Hire

The perfect way to keep the kids amused!

Ideal for birthday parties or just a fun get together with friends and family!

Just £40 for up to 3 hours!

Can be arranged for longer if required. Price includes, delivery, set up & collection*

Contact Pamela Adamson Cheng 01369 701174 / 07729 208056 / 07718 249056 *within 10-mile radius. Small delivery charge applies thereafter.

01369 701515

Pop In: Cromlech Launderette, 184-192 Victoria Road, Dunoon

Indo or outdor oor!

CromlechEvents

The Big Green Egg has become the World’s largest producer of kamodo-style cookers. The Egg is a unique cooker with unmatched capabilities that surpass all other conventional cookers combined. It is a smoker, BBQ, grill and an oven and can cook any food all year round. The Big Green Egg is used by Heston Blumenthal, Rick Stein, Raymond Blanc, Claude Bossi to name but a few and 7 out of 10 top UK restaurants use the Egg

Available in 6 sizes from the Mini Egg up to the XX Large and a fantastic range of cooking accessories are available and on display in our Ayrshire Showroom Visit our Showroom Auldton Farm, Lugton Road Dunlop, Ayrshire, KA3 4DR

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Opening Hours Tue-Sat 10am-4pm Sun & Mon Closed

Contact Telephone: 01560 480002 www.auldtonstoves.co.uk

Summer 2015 Special Offer Bundles

s Foocnu…

Young Carers

A Young Carer, aged between 8 and 18, is defined as a young person who cares for a family member with a diagnosed physical or mental health condition. Arlene Colewell is the Young Carers Service Co-ordinator at the North Argyll Carers Centre, Albany Street, Oban. There are currently 70+ Young Carers, aged 8-18 and 16 Young Adult Carers aged 18-25 registered with them.

The FAB Guide asked her about the support the Service provides and invited a Young Carer to comment on how they cope with day to day life.

Q1. What is the procedure for registering a young person?

A professional from Health, Education or Social Work will usually refer them to us, but families can contact us themselves. I will carry out an assessment to ensure that they have a genuine caring responsibility - it would normally be a situation where the person they care for could not manage without their help. The Young Carer may be responsible for cleaning, washing, shopping, paying bills, looking after younger siblings, preparing meals or providing emotional support.

in North Argyll

Q2. How do their circumstances affect their school/social lives?

A lot of Young Carers have poor school attendance and some families have to face children’s hearings because of this or other issues. Homework can be left because of lack of time or there is nobody to help them with it.

Young Carers are sometimes socially isolated or bullied about their family member’s condition. However, they can also develop qualities such as good social and practical skills, an unselfish attitude and maturity beyond their years. Being a Young Carer can be a really positive rewarding experience, as long as the support is there.

other professionals and attend various meetings about Young Carers and their families.

Q4. What does a Young Carer say about their situation?

“It can be tough because I worry about my mum and money and also about the future. But I do feel appreciated and I have become more understanding and more aware of how mature I can be. The service is great because it has given me the chance to make friends and have loads of fun.”

Q3. How does the Young Carers Service help them?

Building relationships with Young Carers and gaining their trust is essential. We support them through group activities, respite and help with schoolwork at our after school clubs, whilst giving them the opportunity to make friends with each other. We go on day trips and residential breaks during school holidays and also provide individual needs-led support when required, including therapeutic interventions. I work closely with

Q5. How can people help?

If anyone thinks they know or are a young carer please speak to Arlene on 01631 564422.

Organise a coffee morning!

Donations welcome. “Like” us on Facebook - North Argyll YoungFABGuideArgyll Carers Service. | 51

How will breakthrough rule changes on “Shared Parental Rights” affect Scottish families? by Steven Balmer

As a business owner and employer my initial feeling was simply “Oh, bother! What has our government done now?” I do not believe I am alone in my initial concerns and it may be beneficial to look closer at SPL and what this means for a typical young family in Argyll & Bute.

Politicians say they’ll create a cultural shift in the workplace but what exactly are the new rules on shared parental leave; and will they meet their core objectives?

Some question if we are about to see a generation of dads taking an equal share of child care? I would suggest we already have as more and more families share this role in order to achieve a desirable lifestyle.

For most families in Argyll & Bute, the question is more likely to be what benefits will my family receive and how much time will we be able to share together?

Until April the UK had the most unequal parental leave arrangements in the western world, with new mothers entitled to up to a year off work while employed fathers got just two weeks statutory paternity leave.

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once t h e n e w arrival was over five months old and only if mum went back to work.

This all changed on Easter Sunday as additional paternity leave made way for shared parental leave. Now, after two weeks of compulsory maternity leave, new parents have 50 weeks to split between them in any way they wish.

The key changes are: • Fathers’ (or mothers’ partners) can take up to 50 weeks of leave – useful for families where mum is the higher earner.

• Couples can take all or part of the leave simultaneously. Long overdue when considering the long term benefits of stronger family bonds.

• Each parent may take up to three separate blocks of leave – so either one could return to work for a

particular project, or to help with a seasonal increase in workload.

• Both parents need to be working, but only one has to be an employee. By the 15th week before their baby is due, one parent must have been continuously employed for six months.

The other could be in a new job or self-employed as long as they meet the “employment and earnings test” (basically, working full- or part-time for at least 26 of the 66 weeks before the due date).

• Each parent on SPL may work up to 20 Shared Parental Leave in Touch (SPLIT) days. These are optional and paid at the employee’s usual rate.

The new rules apply to couples who are adopting, in a same-sex

partnership, or bringing up a baby from a previous relationship, as well as to birth parents.

The right to six weeks’ leave at 90% of full earnings remains exclusively for birth mothers and primary adopters, so it’s unlikely many mums will be handing their newborn to dad and dashing back to their desk after a fortnight.

For some, SPL doesn’t go far enough.

Although it’s called shared parental leave it’s really transferable maternity leave. It doesn’t give fathers any independent right or responsibility for taking time off, and it doesn’t fundamentally challenge employers’ or society’s attitudes.

undoubtedly the biggest question for most families is: can we afford it?

Unless one or both parents works for a company offering enhanced SPL pay, they’ll receive just £139.58 a week (or less for lower earners) – little more than half of the national minimum wage for a fulltime worker. And 13 weeks of the maximum 50 that a couple can take are unpaid.

Currently only 55% of fathers manage to take even their two weeks of statutory paternity leave, with the figure just 25% in the lowest income households.

For others, the new regulations go too far and as an employer I fear it may heap yet more burdens and perceived fear of complexity during difficult periods of job creation.

The government expects just 2-8% of the 285,000 eligible couples to apply for SPL in the first year. I expect this may increase in time as parents expectations alter and employers better understand the implications and benefits of these rule changes.

This legislation raises unanswered questions

I expect for the majority of young families in and around Argyll &

many but

Bute this may not be an option due to financial restraints. I do however applaud the idea of supporting greater equality and would hope that this ideal can be promoted to all young families through greater social and financial assistance.

I suggest that babies born today are our workers of tomorrow and spending more time with both parents in a loving environment will benefit all of society. Children with greater developmental support will grow to be more responsible, considerate and socially motivated leaders for tomorrow.

Although I do have some nagging fears about impact and costs, and my frustration is this will benefit the same lucky few as so much other UK legislation, I must remind myself that this is still a small step in a progressive direction and should be heralded as such.

No Fee, No Obligation, Just the Best Deal for You… We search the whole of the market to find the right mortgage for you. We will help guide you through the process and ensure you have all the options available.

Come and have a chat with us for all your mortgage and insurance requirements.

Specialists in: First Time Buyers • Buy To Let • Help To Buy • Equity Release Local, trusted and working for YOU to get YOU the best deal.

Call Steve Balmer Steven Balmer Cert PFS MAQ Principal: Lets Move with Complete Finance 12 Ferry Brae, Dunoon, PA23 7DG. Tel: 01369 706787 E: steve@cfinance.co.uk www.letsmovedunoon.com

FABGuideArgyll

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Family Friendly Restaurants

We all know that a meal out with young children can either go one way or the other. It’s either a relaxed affair with smiles, laughter and light family chit-chat or the polar opposite. ‘Family friendly’ doesn’t necessarily mean that the tables are made of easy-clean formica and the ‘glasses’ don’t have to be rebranded as bounce-able ‘plastics’. Nor does it mean that the waiters dress up as Iggle Piggle or Peppa Pig. They don’t go that far (thank goodness – let’s

leave the world of CBeebies just where it belongs – at home). A good café or restaurant makes parents and their little cherubs feel comfortable and welcome and thankfully, most fellow-diners who have ‘been there’ at one time or another, give a knowing, empathetic smile when the spaghetti ends up in a pile on the floor! We will be building on our Family Friendly Restaurants feature over the next few issues of the FAB Guide, bringing you suggestions of

the best places to go that makes the whole experience of dining out with little ones a little more, shall we say, appetizing.

Over the next few pages, we feature some of our favourite places. Please feel free to email us with your restaurant/café recommendations, or if you are a restaurant owner and you want to be featured then let us know at thefabguide@outlook.com Bon appetite!

We’ve included ‘at-a’glance’ icons so you know what type of family friendly facilities are on offer: From left to right: Crayons • Parking close-by • Welcomes nursing mothers • Bottle warming • Toy Box • Nappy changing facilities • Kid’s menu.

Here it is...Chocolate Heaven.

Oban Chocolate Company has it all – chocolates, chocolate themed gifts, chocolates, hot chocolate drinks, chocolate, a chocolate-making viewing area, chocolate treats, cakes and snacks. And did we mention…chocolate? It’s not all about the beautiful hand-made chocolates. There are other tantalising treats, gifts and beverages available. You know, just in case.

Enjoy beautiful views across Oban Bay, comfy leather sofas, organic and fairly traded tea or coffee, ice cream floats, milkshakes and towering Sundaes made with Mackies ice cream, fresh, warm waffles served with your choice of hot sauces, fresh fruit, cream and ice cream.

Spacious and family friendly (toy box and changing facilities available) makes this the perfect, family friendly place to lose yourself, in Oban.

Oban Chocolate Company, 34 Corran Esplanade, Oban PA34 5PS T: 01631 566099 | E: enquiries@obanchocolate.co.uk | www.obanchocolate.co.uk

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Dunoon’s No.1 choice for a family celebration, lunchtime feast or social evening with friends!

Renowned for stacked plates of delicious, freshly prepared Tex-Mex, American and Italian favourites.

Enjoy the buzz of this family friendly restaurant with a mixture of private booths, spacious tables and bar. Have fun checking out the American memorabilia adorning the walls!

Regular weekend entertainment • Cocktails, Wines & Spirits • Authentic Italian sister restaurant ‘La Cantina’, tucked away downstairs for every dining occasion – the finest pizza, pasta, steaks and salads around!

The 51st State Bar & Grill & La Cantina Italian Restaurant Tel: 01369 705550, 200 Argyll St, Dunoon www.the51ststate.co.uk • www.lacantina-restaurant.com The 51st State & La Cantina

361 Argyll Street, Dunoon PA23 7RN Open 7 Days

Just past Dunoon Stadium opposite Dunoon Hospital

Visit our Coffee Shop for wholesome good value food, freshly prepared every day Ample free parking • Disabled access Toddler play area • Baby changing facilities Baby feeding station with microwave

Call us on 01369 704003

www.walkersdunoon.co.uk Open 10am - 4.30pm (1pm - 4.30pm Sun) FABGuideArgyll

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Welcome to the House Fabulous Mount Stuart House is a real island treasure

Eccentricity, innovation and entertainment are hallmarks of Mount Stuart House on the Isle of Bute.

It’s the seat of the Stuarts of Bute and the current Marquis is Johnny Bute, better known as racing driver Johnny Dumfries.

It is regarded by many as an architectural masterpiece and contains gems such as the Marble Hall and Chapel and the Horoscope Room with its astrological ceiling dedicated to the cosmos.

The house opened to the public in 1995 and now boasts an award-winning visitor centre which tells the story of the family and the estate.

Mount Stuart was the first home in the world to have a heated indoor swimming pool, and the first in Scotland to be purpose built with electric light, central heating, a telephone system and a Victorian passenger lift. Most of which are, quite remarkably, still in use today.

It’s a house of history – but don’t expect an experience which is stuffy or dry.

The house and its stunning gardens have proved to be a

wonderful attraction for young and old.

The adventure playground in the gardens is a popular venue – and this year, there will be even more attractions for the young ones to enjoy.

Throughout the year, Mount Stuart hosts and organises a varied programme of events and activities, from themed garden walks and craft workshops, to party nights and concerts in the Marble Hall. We are proud to work in association with other local organisations and groups to

ENJOY ISLAND LIFE

FOR A SHORT STAY OR LONG STAY HOLIDAY Stay in one of six highly individual properties, each exuding charm and character, refurbished to provide a high standard of self-catering accommodation in fabulous locations.

Each house provides a perfect base to explore the Isle of Bute, offering immaculate and comfortable living space for family holidays, wedding parties and relaxing breaks – from a cosy cottage for 2 to stunning coastal farmsteads for 16.

For further information, please visit our website.

www.mountstuart.com

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t: +44 (0) 1700 503877

e of History – and fun!

deliver events such as Achievement Bute’s annual “Dens Week”. Please keep an eye on our What’s On calendar on our website for up-to-date details of our events.

Staff have been hard at work clearing the way for new walks around the estate. It’s a wonderful place for a stroll – and you can take your ease on the new benches crafted from estate wood.

You can follow in the footsteps of the great Victorian plant hunters in the many gardens around the estate.

The Rock Garden, the Wee Garden and the Kitchen Garden are musts for those with green fingers.

Bridget Roberts, Sales and Visitor Service Manager, said: “The main focus this year will be on the gardens and we have prepared new maps for walkers.

“We held our first ever Rhododendron Festival during April and May, association with the Glorious Gardens programme.

“We are also making some changes to the way visitors can tour the House. Up until now, our guests have had to book on guided tours – but now we’ve introduced a “free flow” tour arrangement on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

“Visitors can now take as long as they want touring the house, lingering in the areas they find most interesting rather than having to follow a formal tour.”

There’s also good food on the menu in the licensed restaurant of the Courtyard Tea Room.

Indulge in a spot of retail therapy in the gift shops or stock up your larder at the farm shop or at the regular food festivals and farmers markets.

The House is open until October 4th and there is a host of events and attractions so make sure you don’t miss out on a wonderful experience.

Situated on the picturesque Isle of Bute, the most accessible of the Western Isles, Mount Stuart offers visitors a truly memorable day out.

House and 300 acres of garden Visitor centre and restaurant Self catering accommodation Wedding and exclusive use events Britain’s finest victorian gothic revival house

Open from 29 March to 4 October 2015 Closed occasionally for private events, please check before travel www.mountstuart.com t: +44 (0) 1700 503877 e: visitors@mountstuart.com

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The perfect getaway…

Argyll Style Escape to a luxury lochside cabin complete with private hot tub at Forest Holidays’ Ardgartan location – ideal for families, couples and groups of friends. You can even bring your dog to our pet-friendly cabins!

Situated on breathtaking Forestry Commission land, this location has it all. The backdrop is Ben Arthur and the cabins sit where the pineclad mountains sweep down to meet the shore of Loch Long. You can pack your days with action and adventure, hiring bikes or trying your hand at canoeing, gorge walking or a range of other prebookable activities. Or perhaps you prefer to luxuriate with a glass of champagne in your own private hot tub under a starlit sky, simply soaking up the serenity of this stunning lochside location. The freedom, the fresh air and the forest are yours to enjoy at your own pace, whatever the season.

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For any foodies, why not treat yourself to a Picnic Butler experience during your holiday, in celebration of Visit Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink? Imagine the serene tranquillity of the enchanting forest and the inspirational loch filling your view from your magical location, chosen just for you by our Forest Ranger. Your Forest Ranger will take you and your family to this special location and set out your naturally luxurious picnic of a locally sourced, Scottish lunch served with either Prosecco or Champagne. On the way learn all the secrets of the forest and its inhabitants in your private Forest Ranger session. We can’t imagine a better way to enjoy the simple luxury of good food!

right on the edge of Loch Lubnaig and watched over by the majestic peaks of Ben Ledi. Or why not plan a visit to one of Forest Holidays’ 7 locations across England?

For those happy to travel a little further afield, Forest Holidays’ Strathyre cabins are situated in the vast Queen Elizabeth Forest Park,

Feel the magic of a Forest Holiday with a 15% discount off your cabin this summer, valid for breaks taken between 24 July and 3 September 2015. Enter FABSUMMER15 at www.forestholidays.co.uk or call 03330 110495 and quote this code when you book. At other times of year, you can enjoy a 10% discount using code FAB15.

For further information, visit www.forestholidays.co.uk to experience simple luxury.

Exclusive

Reader Offer!

Terms and Conditions: The FABSUMMER15 code gives 15% discount and applies to new bookings for holidays booked by 24 July 2015 and taken between 24 July and 3 September 2015. The FAB15 code gives 10% discount and applies to new bookings for holidays booked by 31 August 2015 and taken by 31 May 2016. Neither offer can be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. The codes must be entered at the time of booking and cannot be added retrospectively. The discount is off the cost of your cabin only and not any extras. Forest Holidays reserves the right to withdraw these offers at any time.

Discover your own piece of Ayrshire tranquillity…

Superb offers on Caravan and Lodge Ownership at Crofthead Holiday Park, Ayr

A place where the whole family can enjoy weekends, short breaks and holidays year round. A superb collection of 2 and 3 bedroom new and pre-owned holiday homes can be viewed. Crofthead boasts truly competitive prices on all stock and prices include connection to utilities, decking and skirting around the caravans.

Crofthead is one of Ayrshire’s premier, four star parks offering a relaxing and peaceful ambiance, surrounded by beautiful countryside and just 2 miles from Ayr town centre, its popular beach and many other local attractions.

luxury at Crofthead. The park holds a 12 month holiday license.

For further information, contact Iain Colquhoun on 01292 263516 / 07766 557323 Crofthead Holiday Park, McNairston, Ayr, Ayrshire, KA6 6EN www.croftheadholidaypark.co.uk

P Re PRE d SS fo eve • S pi r 16 lopm TOP tc ne e PR he w n E t SS s!

We also have an extensive nature walk with stunning views in all directions and welcome tourers and motorhomes as well as having superb Thistle Awarded hire vans. Owning your own holiday home is an affordable

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Tips on Toilet Training

Top tips: • Make the experience very positive with lots of praise • Never let it show if you get frustrated • Take your child to the shop to buy the essentials (e.g. potty, toilet seat, underwear etc) • Ask your child to tell you if their nappy is wet or soiled

by Mariessa Devlin of Enchanted Forest Nurseries Toilet training is one of the eagerly awaited times in a toddler’s life. Parents either fear it or embrace it – or both?

Try to view it positively, as a time of growth and new experience for your child. There is no hard-and-fast rule that children should be toilet trained by a certain time so let your child guide you.

• Use stickers and a reward chart The best time to start toilet training is when the child’s environment is stable and secure, that way toilet training will form a new part of their daily routine.

The key to success is being prepared and that means keeping lots of spare pants and clothes in your child’s bag for when he/she is not at home.

• Don’t make your child sit for the toilet against their will • Have your child sit on the potty within 30 minutes of food and drink • For boys who are ready to stand up, encourage ‘target practice’ – I always suggest using some cereal that floats for the child to aim for • Be relaxed about accidents (which will happen!)

• Ensure that anyone who looks after your child follows your routine and uses the same turns of phrase • Avoid complicated clothing during toilet training such as dungarees.

One of my favourite tips is to focus on your child’s favourite toy/ character. So for example if this is Postman Pat, then buy associated character underwear and create a simple reward chart with the character included. It is good to discuss with your child that they are going to keep ‘Postman Pat’ dry.

The key is to watch for signs that your child is ready, which can be from as early as 18 months! These include your child’s ability to follow simple instructions and relate to words associated with the toileting process e.g. toilet, pee-pee, pants, wet, poo. It also helps if they show an interest in using a potty or going to the toilet.

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I always encourage parents to progress from nappies straight to pants, as I believe the sensation of wearing a ‘pull-up’ is too similar to that of a nappy. Some parents also opt to go straight to the toilet – if your child attends nursery, then the bonus is that low-level toilets are available.

Undertake the start of the process when you have some time to dedicate. A few days of perseverance at home is worth it to give your child the right start.

Remember, teaching toilet training to a toddler is not an overnight experience – it can take between three and six months, with being dry at night taking longer. One step at a time.

Rates & Data

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If you are in the business of offering products and/or services to the family market in Argyll, then the FAB Guide is the perfect marketing platform for you.

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Free Distribution 12,000 copies delivered to highly targeted businesses and outlets throughout the communities of Dunoon, Oban, Helensburgh, Lochgilphead and surrounding districts.

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Summer Sensations with Atlantis Leisure The Best Two Days of the Summer!

11th year and promises to be “the best two days of your summer”.

The 2-day programme may include: Thursday August 13th Atlantis Leisure: (9am - 4:30pm)

“Summer Sensations 2015” is a two-day activity programme open to all P6 & P7 pupils (during the 2014/2015 academic year) that will be moving to Oban High School. The programme supports existing transition programmes and offers the opportunity for children to get to know each other, familiarise themselves with Oban High School, try new activities, and build confidence before starting high school. This popular programme is now in its

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• Dance & Fitness • Badminton • Pool Fun Sessions • Roller-skating • Zumba • Youth Café • Rugby • Rounders • Cage Cricket • Tennis • Stramash Outdoor Activities Friday August 14th Oban High School: (9am - 4pm) • Group Orienteering • Wild Art and Team Challenges • Football (boys & girls) • Cooking • Arts & Crafts • Archery • Shinty • Dance & Fitness • Kick Boxing The programme is offered through a partnership between Active Schools, Atlantis Leisure, Community Learning and Regeneration, Stramash, Oban

Youth Café, Sports Development DO’s, and is supported by the Primary and Secondary schools.

For island and rural children this year we may be able to offer accommodation at the Glencruitten Youth Hostel. Please enquire for details: Maureen Evans at maureen. evans@argyll-bute.gov.uk or phone 01631 567975.

The cost for the 2-day programme is £30 per child. This includes all activities, snacks, & BBQ, (For families with 2 children in attendance the cost is £50 in total.

A concession rate of £5 is available for families requiring assistance – contact Nick Wesley for this prior to booking on 01631 566800. The programme is heavily subsidised and we continue to try to offer the best value possible to ensure your child can attend.

Useful Contacts General:

Housing Benefit: 01546 605512*

Citizens Advice Argyll & Bute:

Welfare Rights: 01546 605517*

Hazardous Household Waste:

Social Work (emergency): 01631 566491/569712*

Other useful websites:

Police (Emergency) 999 Police (Non-emergency) 101 NHS24: 111 Gas Leaks: 0800 111999 Electricity Failure: 0800 300999

Family Information, Support & Helplines: Argyll & Bute Early Years: 01369 708503* Child Protection: 01546 605517/01631 566491*

Argyll & Bute Rape Crisis 01369 700800/01631 567190 Victim Support: 0141 952 2095

08456 123808 01546 604648

Protecting your child online: www.thinkuknow.co.uk

Health & Sport:

NSPCC Childline: 0800 1111

www.healthscotland.com

Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 027 1234

www.sportscotland.org.uk

Family Lives Helpline: 0800 800 2222

www.activescotland.org (Active Schools/Active Play) www.takelifeon.co.uk www.argyll-bute.gov.uk

*Service provided by Argyll & Bute Council

Award Winning

Cr mlech Laundry Service Laden down with Linen? Don’t get yourself in a spin!

Trust the professionals to make life a little easier!

Extensive range of services including: Dry Cleaning • Duvet/Quilt Cleaning Service Washes • Collection & Delivery • Domestic & Commercial Self-service for those that want to come along, get their washing cleaned and dried using state-of-the-art machines, whilst relaxing with a magazine and a cuppa!

Open 7 Days • TV • Free Wi-Fi • Computer • Tea & Coffee Machine • Cold Drinks • Comfy Sofas • Customer Toilet Free Ample Parking and last but not least – service with a smile!

184-192 Victoria Road, Dunoon. Tel: 01369 701515

Cromlech launderette

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