West Coast Review #163 May 2020

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may 2020 issue 163

learning locally but remotely coronaVirus community contacts DELIVERED FREE TO ALL MAINLAND HOMES AND BUSINESSES WITHIN A 30-MILE RADIUS OF OBAN

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welcome to the may issue of

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contents

06 Learning locally - but remotely

We wish our readers good health at this very challenging time, and hope that you find something to bring a smile or a little entertainment within these pages.

Celebrations

As ever, we enjoy hearing about what the community have been up to, and though this month’s news will not be of the ‘out and about’ type, we would still love to know more about how you have been keeping busy, trying new things or supporting your community.

Community Profile

Do continue to get in touch, using the details below.

The West Coast Review Team

FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPH:

A mother helping her daughter with home schooling. Photo: shutterstock.com

Care in the Community

Tea Break Healthy Oban Rotary Community Profile Be fair to the hare Life through the lens Home & Garden Entertainment Kids Puzzles Sudoku

editorial Louisa MacDougall Email: lmclennan@obantimes.co.uk

adVertising Sheila MacDonald Email: smacdonald@obantimes.co.uk

production Kevin McCubbin Email: kmccubbin@obantimes.co.uk

Published by Wyvex Media limited, P.O. Box 1, Oban, PA34 4HB T: 01631 568000 F: 01631 568001 W: www.obantimes.co.uk

Community Contacts Protect and survive Culture Countdown

05 06 08 09 13 14 16 17 18 20 22 26 28 29 30 33 34

local serVices

Trail West

Tel: 01631 563638 trailwest1oban@gmail.com 3 Mill Lane, Lochavullin Industrial Estate, Oban PA34 4HA

Special-purpose trailers Supplied to order

Trailers – Sales/ Servicing/Repairs

Bateson Trailers from stock

A TRAILER FOR EVERY MOVE

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community

Learning locally – but remotely

The closure of schools across Scotland, from Friday March 20, put the majority of local parents in the position of unexpectedly educating their children at home. It’s a challenge that many have embraced, doing their best to ensure that time away from school still contains lots of fun and learning.

While local schools are shut, their staff have still been offering support via their websites and social media, making resources and live learning sessions avail­ able, often free of charge.

Oban organisations shar­ ing their ideas include The Rockfield Centre (Oban Com­ munities Trust, the Rockfield Centre on Facebook), which suggested daily window art that children could create, and Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds, which introduced a a new ‘things to do’ section for its website, with themed colouring and word searches.

For those looking to get active in or near their homes, Atlantis Sport and Leisure posted active challenges, including a ‘spell your name’ workout, and Oban Boxing

Fitness lead workouts – live from the living room.

As well as activities to help children stay in touch with their schools and local clubs, many have enjoyed national initiatives, such as the daily PE with Joe Wicks, and David Walliams’s short stories.

We know that a lot of energy and creativity have gone into Learning in Lockdown this spring and we would love to know what our read­ ers have enjoyed most.

Do send us your photos and stories and we can share them in a future issue.

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Oban golf ace Robert MacIntyre was delighted to accept a cheque on behalf of Martyn’s Monday Club for more than £15,000 raised by Robert Cruikshanks, father of Oban man Martyn who took his own life in May 2018, from the sale of his Ootmahoosewindae wildlife calendars.

Argyll and Bute Rape Crisis had a good turnout to an open day, raising awareness of its work in Oban. Centre workers Maggie Dougall, Ailsa MacEachen and Jean Campbell with Oban High School pupils Stephanie Bajko and Isobella Maclean who are doing on a project that could earn thousands for the centre’s work

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There was great excitement at Dalmally Primary School when their history box was handed over by Dalmally Historical Association.

The award-winning roadside Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum has been accredited as a Living Wage Employer. To celebrate, Tyndrum MSP Bruce Crawford presented Sarah Hewerd and Charles Mair of the Real Food Cafe with their plaque.

Oban High School Pipe Band held its annual concert at the Corran Halls to raise funds for new equipment along with the refurbishment of existing kit. Money will be used to buy new drum harnesses.

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care in the community

The Dove Centre: how the coronavirus is impacting services

All the group activities held at the Dove Centre will cease for the time being. This situation will be reviewed at regular intervals.

All therapies, whether at the Dove Centre or at home, will be cancelled, pending individual reviews being held in future.

The number of home visits will be reduced, and individuals will be contact­ ed by phone instead.

Counselling sessions will con­ tinue to be offered via Skype or telephone, where possible.

David Entwistle, chairman of the Oban Hospice board, said: “Dealing with the coronavirus threat is a source of worry to all of us. The staff, volunteers and board members remain committed to reducing the impact of the coronavirus as much as possible and in a way that protects all of us in our local communities.”

While in­person services have been impacted, the Dove Centre team will continue to keep in touch and offer support to those who need it.

Befriending service: an emergency befriending service is being set up to offer telephone support and run errands for clients, and those

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the dove centre is the home of oban hospice and normally provides services, from its stevenson street base, for local people who have life-limiting conditions. the restrictions in place because of the coronavirus have led to temporary changes which are outlined below. an appearance from one of the regular entertainers.

You can contact the Dove Centre by phone, 01631 561315 or email enquir­ ies@obanhospice.org.uk

in the community who would normally come into the centre.

What’sApp: Where possible, What’sApp groups are being established for the people who usually attend groups at the centre. The Men’s Group is already proving popular, with all the fun and banter of the live group – and even

The Dove Centre is the home of Oban Hospice and provides help, companionship and advice for those with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

To find out more, to volunteer, or make a donation, go to obanhospice.org. uk or find Oban Hospice Limited on Facebook.

community profile

Community profile: Argyll & Bute Women’s Aid

During these very uncertain times ABWA are still providing telephone support so please don’t hesitate to call

Introducing...

Argyll & Bute Women’s Aid (ABWA) are a specialist charity that provide a free, confidential support service for women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse.

We help individuals, communi­ ties, agencies and organisations to better understand what consti­ tutes domestic abuse, as well as the limitations it brings to the lives of those directly affected.

ABWA are part of Scotland’s Wom­ en’s Aid network. The network has been at the forefront of supporting women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse for over 40 years - campaigning, march­ ing and lobbying with the ultimate aim of ending domestic abuse.

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is a pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and/or violent behav­ iour, that can also include sexual violence by a partner or ex-partner.

Domestic abuse is overwhelm­ ingly experienced by women and perpetrated by men. It doesn’t mat­ ter how old someone is, what race or ethnicity they are, what class they are, whether or not they are disa­ bled, or whether they have children – anyone can be a victim of abuse.

Often when people think of domestic abuse they think of physical violence, but domestic abuse is often so much more than that. For many women who live with domestic abuse there will be no scars, bruises or broken bones, but for some it can take their life. No one kind of abuse is more serious than any other.

Sandra Paton, Manager of Argyll and Bute Women’s Aid, introduces a local organisation that is helping women through these increasingly difficult times What services do you offer?

ABWA have two specially trained staff teams. Our women’s service provides support, information and practical assistance for women affected by domestic abuse.

Our children and young people (CYP) service provides age appropriate support for younger service users. Helping service users make sense of their experiences is a key element of the support we deliver. We also help them develop safety plans, and can assist them to seek legal advice, make housing applications and relocate.

We don’t ever try to take control of, or influence, service users decision making, because we believe they have the right to determine what happens next.

What’s next?

Over the past three years ABWA has experienced a growing volume of self and agency referrals, and one of our challenges for 2020 will be supporting families experiencing domestic abuse during our COVID-19 crisis.

How can readers support you?

Our Facebook page not only pro­ motes our service, but also acts as a vehicle to reach women and their children who will be experiencing greater isolation and risk during our current Lockdown situation.

By ‘liking’ us, local people can help us create a wider profile, reaching

more potential service users. Our page will also share links to help raise awareness of the issues sur­ rounding domestic abuse, and as people become more aware of the tactics a controlling partner uses, they can help to educate others about behaviours that are unac­ ceptable and harmful – this applies whether the abuse is emotional, physical, financial, sexual or digital.

If you know or suspect some­ one in your family, community or workplace is experiencing any form of domestic abuse, try to find a safe time when they are on their own to talk to them about your concerns and to offer to assist them to seek support when they feel ready.

What should I do if I need your help?

ABWA offer a free, confidential service for anyone affected by domestic abuse. Our service can be accessed from any area of Argyll and Bute by calling 01369 706636 or emailing: info@abwa.org.uk If you feel scared of your partner or if you are worried about some­ one you know, you can call Scot­ land’s 24 hour Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline on 0800 027 1234 www.sdafmh.org.uk.

More info: Find Argyll and Bute Wom­ en’s Aid on Facebook or ar­ gyllwomensaid.org.uk.

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business

Oban Memorials Monumental Sculptors Oban Memorials is a family business with a heritage stretching back almost a cen­ tury. Today, the company offers modern designs as well as the traditional, but the commit­ ment to quality and attention to detail has remained con­ stant throughout it’s history.

Oban Memorials was established in 1989 and the company is owned by Dougie MacLean, a monu­ mental sculptor with 40 years’ experience, whose father and grandfather were also Oban monumental sculptors and masons. Dougie’s son and daughter are also now a part of the family business. The company is now based at new purpose-built premises in Crannog Lane, Lochavullin.

As well as creating both modern and traditional granite memorials, the team can undertake additional letter­ ing, cleaning, renovating and repairing existing memorials

in most cemeteries. They also create bespoke house signs.

Oban Memorials provides memorials of high quality granite, which can be selected from their brochure or designed to a client’s specification. Though exact times vary, it usually takes

around three months from the time of ordering to completion.

For more information contact: info@obanmemorials.co.uk www.obanmemorials.co.uk Or call 01631 563123 or 07765815982

Modern and Traditional Memorials, Lettering, renovations and Brochure available on request.

Unit 4, Crannog Lane, Oban PA34 4HB 01631 563123 or 07765815982 email: info@obanmemorials.co.uk

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business

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The Dochas Carer Centre Are you an adult unpaid carer?

We are here for you

We provide a service to unpaid adult carers across the whole of Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Isles (MAKI).

We have three teams: • Support outreach worker team • Trained counselling team • Volunteer befriending team We are available 10-4pm Monday to Friday and our service is open to any unpaid adult carers that needs support.

The Outreach/Support Team

This team are maintaining regular contact with carers via telephone. Our team is providing a listening ear during this challenging time and we have been fortunate to receive additional funding to support carers and those they care for with creative solutions to help with their mental and emotional health while in isolation. Our website – www.dochasfund.org. uk and Facebook pages will be updated regularly with information and advice.

The outreach/support team can be contacted via the telephone number 01546 600022 or by emailing -enquiries@dochasfund.org.uk

The Volunteer Befriending Team

Our volunteer befriending service called Circle of Friends is continuing to run. Volunteers are maintaining contact with the individuals they are befriending by telephone.

Our volunteer Co-ordinator, Ryan Taylor, continues to support this service. If you have an interest in this service Ryan can be contacted via the telephone number 01546 600022

The Dochas Counselling team

The team are keeping up with their existing clients and people who are contacting them via the counselling service.

Visit the Dochas Facebook page for more information on the new counselling service set up to help during the Covid-19 crisis. This service is for people and their families who are living with long term conditions/terminal illness and bereavement.

Please telephone 07432 231217 or contact counselling@dochasfund.org.uk and someone will get back to you to explain the process.

They can’t obviously offer any face to face counselling at the present time, but we can offer you telephone, email or online support.

Are you a young carer?

We are here for you…

MAYDS are still providing support for children, young people and families where we can. Anyone needing advice or help can contact the above at anytime.

Mid Argyll Youth Development Services

We are providing our child and adolescent counselling services via skype, phone etc., and still open for referrals for any young person feeling isolated or in need of support Our Young Carers are still being supported by our team across MAKI and again referrals are still being taken.

Providing Information and Accessible Youth Friendly Services

We have regular information and updates on our facebook page mid Argyll youth development services.

Online support is also available on www.cool2talk.org.

Contact 07788900049 or fiona@mayds.org.uk lynn@mayds.org.uk

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beer business bounces back A one­woman business in Oban has bounced back despite shutting the doors a day after opening.

Karen Lindsay planned to launch The Oban Beer Seller on March 27 after 18 months in the pipeline and thousands of pounds and hours of investment.

Setting up shop in the former home of The Flower Basket in Stafford Street which she bought in May last year, her goal was to open this spring and source, sell and bring to Oban some of the finest craft beers from across Scotland and England.

With mounting concern about the coronavirus, she tentatively held a soft launch on Friday, March 20 but by the following afternoon she took the agonis­ ing decision to shut the door.

Yet Karen has come through it all with determi­ nation and persistence.

She said: ‘During March I could see something was coming and it wasn’t good but I had to stick to the plan. Being here in Oban, I had cut­off dates to order stock in or it wouldn’t have arrived here on time.’

Despite having no custom­ er­base, little social media expe­ rience and no website for online sales, The Oban Beer Seller has still had something to cheer.

Through a combination of word­of­mouth, e­mail and Facebook, sales have been made against all odds.

‘I am massively grateful to everybody. I really didn’t know if anyone would buy anything and the fact that they have has been so heart­warming to me,’ she said.

Previously Karen and her husband ran the Barn Bar at Lerags for 17 years before she moved on to hospitality training.

She said her new enterprise had been a ‘labour of love’ with so much help from family and friends, including sons Calum, aged 29, and Tom, 25.

She offers a regularly chang­ ing range of 150 different types of beers and the way to order is to email obanbeer­ seller@gmail.com to receive a comprehensive stock list.

Boxed­up orders can be collected from the shop with social distancing maintained.

Alternatively, Karen will, where possible, make a doorstep delivery providing it is within Oban itself.

You can find @obanbeerseller on facebook and Instagram

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business

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tea break

tea break: the lighthouse vessel officer

Each issue the West Coast Review joins a hard-working local person to find out about their job.

Best day ever...

My name is James Camp­ bell. I live in North Connel and I am chief officer on the Northern Lighthouse Board vessel PHAROS.

My day...

No two days are the same.

At sea, we operate a watch system working four hours on and eight hours off. When alongside loading buoys, lighthouse equipment or contractor’s cargo, it’s usually nine to five, but this can be subject to change depending on the job we are doing.

One day we could be storing a remote lighthouse with diesel and water using the helicopter, the next day we could be servicing one of our 170 buoys around the coast of Scotland and the Isle of Man. When travelling between different locations the ship can take anything from a couple of hours to a cou­ ple of days to arrive.

There are many memories to look back on over the past 27 years. One of the more unusual jobs was to lift the Queen’s Rolls-Royce from The Royal Yacht Britannia onto the deck of the PHAROS. We tied up alongside Britannia and lifted the Rolls-Royce using the ship’s crane.

As you can imagine, this was a very delicate oper­ ation as the Rolls-Royce was extremely valuable. I’m pleased to say we landed it ashore in Leith without a scratch and then replaced it with a vintage Land Rover.

Challenges Due to the nature of our work we generally operate in areas that other ships navigate away from. Our navigation buoys are in place to keep ships clear of danger. Some are in shallow water and can only be serviced at high tide. Our

work is governed very much by weather and tide. Storing lighthouses in the Pentland Firth is certainly a challeng­ ing operation with tidal flow reaching up to 10 knots.

What special about working here?

The West Coast is a very scenic area to work in, with many beautiful islands with stunning beaches and shel­ tered lochs. We regularly see wildlife including dolphins, whales, basking sharks and sea eagles. When you have a spell of nice weather in the summer there is no better place to be. The West Coast also offers plenty of bays to anchor in during bad weather.

Tea or coffee?

Tea, milk, no sugar.

And a wee treat?

My daughter’s lemon drizzle cake.

More info: Find the Northern Lighthouse Board on social media, or go to www.nlb.org.uk Note to readers: this interview took place before COVID-19 restrictions were in place

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healthy oban

Step out of yourself once this is all over

Singing, dancing and acting have been proved to have mental and physical benefits.

Singing lowers stress and anx­ iety levels, improves confidence and is a mindfulness activity; it gives people self­belief, a sense of inclusion and allows emotions to be expressed.

‘It’s fun,’ exclaimed Sheena Dodman at the end of a practice with Oban Community Singers.

The group of meets every Monday at Glencruitten Church Hall Undercroft and is tutored by conductor Janet Fergusson.

Sandra Munro said: ‘You

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come in on a Monday morn­ ing and you go out and you have laughed and you are smiling when you leave the hall. We just enjoy singing.

‘Who would come into Oban at 10am on a Monday morning unless you did enjoy it?’ added Sheena. ‘Everyone is so friendly and here to enjoy themselves.’

Dancing has many of the same benefits as singing and the physical benefit of a full body workout.

On Thursday evenings Oban Dance Academy, owned and run by Pamela McGinty, teaches an adult hip­hop dance class.

Amie Williams said: ‘It makes you feel really good, you learn a lot of skills but also you make friends here so that makes you feel content and happy when you walk away from it too.’

Rebecca McRitchie added: ‘You forget about the stress­ es of the day and feel your mood is so much more lifted.

‘It gives you a pause for the day and you are not just driving home thinking about work, you’ve had a break from work and definitely feel more relaxed when you get home.’

Acting can help to build con­ fidence, concentration, com­

healthy oban

munication, physical fitness and memory – and not just on the stage, but back stage too.

Val Hamilton has been a member of Benderloch and North Connel Drama Club, which has its own premises in Benderloch, since 1978.

‘I am actually a very shy person by nature but when you are in a rehearsal or performing, you are not being yourself,’ she said. ‘It is team building on all sorts of levels – emotional, in­ tellectual – and you all belong.’

Husband George, whom

Val first dragged along to amateur dramatics in Dum­ barton, added: ‘If you have had a hard day at work you can forget everything except what you are doing there; playing someone totally different.’

Contact and times: Oban Community Singers: chairman Ken Oxland; 10am-11am Mondays,

Glencruitten Church Centre Undercroft, Oban.

Adult Hip Hop: info@obandanceacademy.com or 07921012865; 6-6.45pm Thursdays Oban Dance Academy, Soroba Road, Oban.

Benderloch and North Connel Drama Club: https:// www.facebook.com/Benderloch-North-Connel-Drama-Club-144716882258775/

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rotary

Challenging times As I write, COVID­19 has meant cancellation of our meetings (apart from inter­ net conference calls) and fundraising activities.

Our annual Am­Am golf competition, duck race and involvement with other events will sadly leave a huge gap in our ability to raise funds for worthy charitable causes.

Our activities with the schools likewise have been curtailed – the primary schools quiz, young speakers competition, and presenta­ tions to young writers.

Fortunately, before such draconian measures took place we carried out a number of functions.

In early March, we were treat­ ed to a fascinating illustrated evening talk by retired civil engineer Keith Bruce, who took us through the history of the many bridges in Scotland and some worldwide. We were left with an immense sense of pride at the input of Scottish engineers and designers.

We managed personally to present cheques to Oban FM for refurbishment of their Day Out Trailer, the Oban and Lorn Youth Pipe Band for new drum

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harnesses and the Glencruit­ ten Golf Club towards junior tuition. After presenting our cheque to the pipe band, we were treated to a magnifi­ cent performance under the guidance of Angus MacCall at which Mary Catherine Maclean sang beautifully. Young soloists Bethany Dunlop and Innes McKay were outstanding when they sang and received much applause from the audience.

A number of our members attended a race meeting at So­ roba House to help raise funds for OHS’s Laurinberg Exchange Scheme which hopefully will be held next year and group

of seven of our members travelled to Renfrewshire to compete for the Canada Cup at the Greenacres Curling Club.

Rotary Club members are anxious to assist wherever and whenever possible at this difficult time. A commit­ tee has been set up to liaise with the local authority and other organisations who will give advice as to how we as a club can help. We are all finding these times chal­ lenging but if we follow the advice given by the scien­ tists, medics and politicians, we will get through this.

Stay safe.

President Douglas Small

community profile

Community profile: Carr Gomm Introducing...

Carr Gomm starting operating in Argyll and Bute in 2010 and now offers services across the region. In Oban, these including housing support, care at home, social work emergency services an adult responder service.

Service manager Susan Colin explains how Carr Gomm is supporting local people in need, through the coronavirus crisis, and beyond.

How do you help homeless people?

We provide tenancy support to individuals and households and support those who are experiencing homeless­ ness or housing issues.

Our support can be transfor­ mational for those on a journey out of homelessness. We work with many partner agencies to ensure the best outcomes for people we support.

Who can benefit?

We support anyone from aged 16 years upwards who needs our help. This might mean helping a young person who is living in temporary accom­ modation to acquire life skills such as cooking or budgeting (which can help them main­ tain their future tenancies), or supporting an elderly person who requires more suitable housing for their needs.

We also work with families to ensure that their income is maximised, and support people moving from temporary ac­ commodation into mainstream tenancies. In normal times, we help with aspects of settling

and maintaining their tenancy, from furnishing the home (with assistance from Argyll and Bute Council’s social welfare fund) to supporting people to engage in local activities.

Our services include providing information and support with finances/benefits, housing issues, form filling, applications and access to food parcels.

How has your service changed in response to new restrictions?

Our drop-in sessions are not running at the moment, but we are offering phone support to everyone who would normally access them.

We are assisting with collect­ ing shopping and prescriptions, which is not something our service would usually do.

In the coming weeks we expect to be very busy helping people as they face new finan­ cial challenges and might need support to complete paper­ work such as online claims.

More info: Though drop-ins are usually part of the Carr Gomm service, during the Coro­ navirus restrictions, support is mostly available by telephone/ online. Find Housing Support Oban on Facebook, call 01631 563375 or text 07827 993020.

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LAMB LAMBMany Manyofofus usenjoy enjoyaaSunday Sundayfeast feastthat that involves involveslamb; lamb;the theherbs herbsand andspices spicesvary varyfrom from country countrytotocountry countrybut butgarlic garlicand androsemary rosemary feature featurestrongly stronglythroughout. throughout.

KULICH KULICHAAtraditional traditionalOrthodox Orthodox Easter Easterbread breadwhich whichisissomething something like likeaacross crossbetween betweenFrench French brioche briocheand andJewish Jewishchallah, challah,this this bread breadisisaalightly lightlysweetened, sweetened, egg-glazed egg-glazedcylinder, cylinder,often oftenbaked baked ininaacoffee coffeecan cantotomake makeaatall tall loaf, loaf,and andserved servedwith withpaskha. paskha.

RUSSIA RUSSIA & & UKRAINE UKRAINE PASKHA PASKHAAAcream/cottage cream/cottagecheese cheesedish dishstuffed stuffedfull fullofofdried dried fruit, fruit,sugar, sugar,almonds almondsand andeveryone’s everyone’sfamily familyhas hastheir theirown own recipe. recipe. AAtraditional traditionalmould mouldfor forthe thedish dishlooks lookslike likeaapyramid pyramid with withthe thetop topsnapped snappedoff, off,totorepresent representthe thetomb tomband andmany many have havethe thethree-bar three-barcross crossororthe theCyrillic Cyrillicletters lettersXXand andBBtoto symbolise symbolisethe thetraditional traditionalEaster Eastermessage messageofofChrist Christisis Risen.

Risen.Improvise Improviseand anduse useaaflowerpot flowerpot lined linedwith withbutter buttermuslin. muslin. Avoid Avoid the therecipes recipeswhich whichinclude includeraw raw egg eggyolk yolkininthese thesetimes timesofof compromised compromisedimmune immunesystems. systems.

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life Rapidly taking shape – the first phase of Oban’s new housing scheme at Soroba. The site seen in the foreground of our picture, affords views of Oban Bay. Altogether 400 houses are planned for the area.

through t from The Oban Times archive

Work is well advanced on the erection of the steel girders for the extension to Oban High School.

Oban Gaelic Choir, winners of the Lovat and Tullibardine Trophy, the premier choral event at the National Mod in Stirling.

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| may 2020

the lens 1971

The award for the “best all round nurse� at the West Highland Hospital to Mrs C. Collins seen in the centre of our picture.

Sightseeing at Stirling Castle was one of the highlights of the day for the children of Dunbeg School Choir who attended the National Mod.

Seventeen-year-old Peter Howe, 2 Miller Road, Oban, who has joined the Argylls, was the 100th soldier to enlist in the Scottish Division last month.

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Sponsored by

gardens are oblIvIous.

Last month has probably been the worst month for many with the COVID­19 outbreak and possibly May is going to be worse.

For those of you who are fortunate enough to have a garden, embrace it, for gardens are oblivious to this disease.

There is a lot of doom and gloom around but as you look out in your garden, flowers are bright, bursting with colour and full of health, for the flowers are oblivious to this disease.

Tired of hearing about all the bad news around the world?

Out in the garden all you hear are birds singing, for birds are oblivious to this disease.

Businesses, shops and the self­employed are grinding to a halt, our economy is plummet­ ing, but as you look out in

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| may 2020

the garden, watch the grass grow­ ing and never stopping, for the grass is oblivious to this disease.

Children are forced into home schooling, parents struggling to teach, earn and entertain, but out in the garden, a full classroom of activities awaits within nature, for nature is oblivious to this disease.

Our elderly loved ones are trapped in their homes, in need of food deliveries and much needed company, but out in the garden, greenhouses and plots produce the food of the earth, for the earth is oblivious to this disease.

This man­made disease has taken hold like never be­ fore but in our MAN­ ifested lives we are not oblivious to this disease.

We are responsible for this disease.

When this is all

over there is a huge opportu­ nity for everyone of us to reset, reboot and learn from this.

Out in the garden we can be bright, bursting with col­ our and full of health, for we have beaten this disease.

We can sing and laugh, for we beat this disease. Businesses and people can grow, for we beat this disease. Children can learn from this, adapt and change for the better, for we beat this disease.

The elderly can hug their loved ones again, for we beat this disease.

Gardens are more than property, they are sanctuaries where we can learn, grow and reset. Get out in your garden, breathe in the fresh air and be thankful for what nature brings, for gardens are oblivious.

From all at The Landscaping Centre, we wish you all well.

home & garden

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home & garden 1/2 page_March 2020.qxp_Layout 1

02/03/2020 15:22 Page 1

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IN THE MAY ISSUE: SHETLAND & ORKNEY: LIFE IN THE IDYLLIC NORTHERN ISLES  ALDO KANE: IN LOVE WITH THE GREAT OUTDOORS  SCOTLAND’S SKIES AT NIGHT  EDINBURGH’S MAGNIFICENT 7  CONVERTING A HIGHLAND KIRK  HEDGEHOG HOSPITAL  THE REAL TILDA SWINTON: THE INSIDE STORY OF THE RISE OF AN ICONIC SCOTTISH ACTOR  WIN AN OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE RUTLAND HOTEL’S 5* LUXURY APARTMENTS

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26

| may 2020

WELL, I NEVER!

home & Garden

WELL PERHAPS YOU SHOULD...

We have never been in a situation like this before so all the more reason to do things you have never done before - here’s a few dos and one big don’t for surviving the next few months

A

lot of us are paying dearly for this time in terms of income lost and future job security so make sure you use this time wisely.

D0

DON’T

Establish a routine: especially for children, it reassures them. No lying in your pit and slobbing round the house in PJs. Google: Make your bed, by US Navy SEAL Admiral William H McRaven.

Don’t be misled

Home-school: use the BBC webpage to back up the work your children have been given by their schools.

BBC bitesize is superb and make sure you read the BBC teach pages.

You can also find a lot of disinformation and half-grasped ideas. At a time like this the majority genuinely want to help each other and will send you links or post things on community pages they believe to be helpful.

Learn: something new – the web is packed with short courses from the world’s top universities. Go back to work smarter.

Knit: the internet is full of free knitting patterns. Tell the guys that it is engineering with wool and if they can knit an amigurumi – miniature toy animal everyone will think them awesome. Download a basic pattern for quilt squares and get everyone in the family to knit a few to create a family heirloom – a Covida-quilt. Sew them all together once its over.

All the ‘to do’ items here on this list have one thing in common – you can find advice and help on line.

Always check and rely on good sources - use government, council and NHS websites, BBC and STV and the established national and local press like ourselves. We are owned by companies which all work within the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) guidelines.

Cook: food is essential for morale and kids can join in – you will eat a lot of chocolate crispy cakes before this is over. Come out of Covid time having mastered an all-in-one sponge, scones, flapjack, and fork biscuits and you will never go back to shop-bought. Perfect your egg-fried rice and wok technique and save cash on takeaways.

Mend: all those missing buttons, burst seams unravelled hems, broken mug handles, loose screws, that huge garden tidy-up you have been promising to do.

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entertainment Reviews

West Coast Reads

The West Coast Review shares its pick of new books with a local connection

Set partly in the Black Isle, this new edition of Moira Forsyth’s novel is an insightful reflection on both loss and recovery, brimming with empathy for its characters. There is mystery, suspense and betrayal, but these are outweighed by kindness, redemption and hope.

InsIghtful reflectIon

Decades after her disappearance, the loss of vivacious thirteen-yearold lindsay continues to have an impact on her brothers, Tom and Jamie, and cousins, Annie and Alistair. Though rarely mentioned, it still shapes their lives and creates an exceptional bond between them.

When Alistair’s fifteen-year-old son, Rob, arrives, rudderless, at Annie’s Aberdeen doorstep, the family members face a fresh challenge, which brings new experiences and connections for each of them, as well as stirring up memories of their traumatic past.

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Waiting for Lindsay,

by Moira Forsyth (Sandstone)

fantastIc folklore

The legend of the First Unicorn is a fable about a young prince who has lost his smile, and the drama that follows when the kingdom’s magician and his grand-daughter, conjure

up magical beings in a bid to make the prince happy again.

Hana creates and names the first-ever unicorn, but her grandfather’s beast turns out to be a monstrous winged lion intent on a battle that only the children can stop. lari Don has a talent for building fresh and exciting stories on the foundations of folklore, and this story feels wonderfully familiar, even as you itch to discover what happens next.

The legend of the First Unicorn is a perfect first foray into folklore for a young reader, but also a reminder that picture books are not just for pre-schoolers – this rich blend of words and Nataša Ilinčić’s striking pictures should be enjoyed by much older children (and grownups) too.

The Legend of the First Unicorn, by Lari Don and Nataša Ilinčić (Kelpies)

bIg top tale

A story about glorious chaos that will

resonate with parents as much as their little ones (especially those home-schooling at the moment) Molly’s Circus follows a little girl and her imagination on a tour of the circus that she envisions in her garden.

In few words, and with images full of energy, we follow Molly as she transforms the everyday - from the washing line, to a stepladder - into something vibrant and enchanting.

Molly’s Circus, from Oban-based publisher little Door Books, introduces a new talent in esther Kent, and includes a memorable last line that will make everyone smile.

Molly’s Circus, by esther Kent (Little Door Books)

game reviews My Hero One’s Justice 2

Now and again, an anime will poke its head into the mainstream. One such series in recent years has been My Hero Academia. While your average person on the street may still not have heard of it, with its world of superpowered heroes and villains, it’s not hard to see why it’s become so popular; and why it’s spawned two beat ‘em ups. While this is undoubtedly best appreciated by fans, it’s no lazy cash in.

There was no way that the entirety of the voluminous cast was going to make it in, but there’s a respectable 40 characters to choose from (including two unlockables). It seems a little bit of a cheat that a few of them are variations on

the same character, but overall, your favourite will probably be here. Todoroki, with his flames and ice; the killer whale man (yes) Gang Orca; the big bad All For One; the roidtastic All Might, of course; and many more. The characters are superbly recreated here. They look fantastic which, combined with the original Japanese voice actors, already makes it a fan’s dream.

The basic setup will be instantly familiar to anybody who’s played an anime beat ‘em up in the last ten years or so.

1v1 fights (in semi-destructible environments), with each character having two ‘sidekicks’ they can briefly summon according to their cooldowns.

Each main character has a three-stage gauge that fills up as they land or take hits, which is used to activate a super move, a superduper mover, or a megasuperduper move. Best of three rounds.

Staying true to the show, each character has unique quirks (powers), which means no two play exactly alike. There are

* Format: PS4 (version reviewed), PC, Xbone, Switch * Publisher: Bandai Namco * Developer: Byking * Players: 1-4 (offline), 2 (online)

some great little touches too, such as ensuring the frog-like Asui moves unlike anybody else.

Each character’s personality from the show translates into a different playstyle, which means there’s a lot to learn.

Don’t be fooled, though - this is a very accessible game. Quirk powers are mapped to two buttons, with standard attacks on a third. The fundamental controls are the same for everybody, meaning you can learn all of the basics within your first few fights. This can make things feel as though they’re oversimplified, but a trip to the online mode will teach you, the hard way, that skill still counts for a lot.

There’s a lengthy story mode

for both heroes and villains, though the way it skips through season 3 of the show means it gives spoilers while remaining confusing for anybody who hasn’t yet watched it. Mission mode is a clear disappointment, promising that you can run your own hero agency while delivering a bog-standard set of fights. There’s a traditional arcade mode too, though, and a 4 player mode that allows your friends to take limited control of the sidekicks.

It’s a fan’s dream, with enough care to ensure that there’s no danger of the experience running out of steam any time soon. There are better fighters out there for the uninitiated, but for Academia nuts, this is PLUS ULTRA!!

written by Critical Gamer’s Luke Kemp

Read full reviews, gaming news, and articles: www.criticalgamer.co.uk west coast review

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kids’ puZZles

HOLIDAYS WORDSEARCH Q B E J R E D X O X S U E B E

H T G F L A A T G U S S Q S G

V E X W O C E Y K O F B H A D

U O I G C H D D S L N I N C H

6

every row, column and mini-grid must contain the numbers 1 through 9. Don’t guess – use logic

swim postcard passport airplane tan

FRUITS CROSSWORD Can you fit the following words associated with fruits in the grid on the right:

apple plum pear peach orange

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strawberry raspberry lemon grapes banana

| may 2020

2 3 5

4 8 7 6 9 7 4 2 3 7 2 6 1 9 6 3 5 6 4 2 7 9 5 8 5 2 8 1 4 2 6 1 3

Can you find the following words associated with holidays in the word search above:

sun beach summer suitcase hotel

9

1 2

3

4

5

7

8

10

6

9

S A T P R P E A R P L W E E B A N A N A E C R H B E R R Y Y

E Y X K A B C R L T R P H T E

L E P L U M O O R A N G R A R A S P E S

O D R C E C R S R X K Y R N W

2 3 5 9 7 4 8 1 6

K R F X O D H O T R S G A M J

7 1 9 8 3 6 5 4 2

J A Z N C R P S L U E L A X Y

4 8 6 2 5 1 9 3 7

E C J R W S F J F Q P M E X W

9 5 7 1 2 3 6 8 4

Q T P R S F H M K R L C M P S

3 4 8 7 6 5 1 2 9

F S C A Y G N B I E T L Q U S

6 2 1 4 9 8 7 5 3

E O P M X G F A T P G T A X S

8 9 3 5 4 7 2 6 1

A P V S U N X O T W N S W I M

1 6 2 3 8 9 4 7 5

Y X T B R R H U Z X N O E B B

5 7 4 6 1 2 3 9 8

U N S G X S U I T C A S E O Z

SUDOKU

sudoku

Just for fun SUDOKU HARD

EASY

7 5 3

9

6 1 2

3 1 4

4 9

7 6 1 4 2 3

4 1

8

6

8 6 5

1 6 8

9 7

1 8 3 2 6

9

5 1

3

2

1 9

3 5

3

6

8 6

7

EASY

9 8 2 5 1 6 7 3 4

6 7 5 3 4 2 9 1 8

4 1 3 9 7 8 5 2 6

5 3 6 2 8 1 4 7 9

7 2 8 6 9 4 3 5 1

1 4 9 7 5 3 8 6 2

2 6 7 4 3 9 1 8 5

8 5 4 1 2 7 6 9 3

3 9 1 8 6 5 2 4 7

7 2 6 8 9 5 3 1 4

5 8 1 2 4 3 7 9 6

9 3 4 1 6 7 8 2 5

6 5 8 9 1 4 2 3 7

2 1 7 3 5 6 4 8 9

4 9 3 7 8 2 6 5 1

3 6 2 5 7 1 9 4 8

8 7 5 4 3 9 1 6 2

1 4 9 6 2 8 5 7 3

HARD

SOLUTIONS

PLEASE NOTE: OUR REGULAR COMPETITION SHALL RETURN ONCE CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTED CONDITIONS OF ACCEPTANCE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS YOUR attention is drawn to the following terms and conditions which relate to the placing of advertisements in all publications owned by Wyvex Media Limited. Parties to this agreement are the Publisher, Wyvex Media Limited Limited on the one part and the Advertiser on the other part. The Publisher publishes newspapers, magazines, books and provides advertising space therein or provides for the delivery of advertising materials to the public within these publications. 1 Advertising copy shall be legal, decent, honest and truthful and comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice and all other codes. 2 The Publisher does not guarantee the insertion of any particular advertisement. 3 The Publisher reserves the right to cancel or alter the advertisement by giving reasonable notice. 4 An order for an advertisement shall be deemed to be made on acceptance of the advertisers’ order by the Publisher whether placed by telephone, mail, fax or in person. 5 Cancellation of display advertising must be received by the Publisher before the publishing deadline, failing which, the publisher reserves the right to invoice the customer in full for the whole cost of the advertisement. 6 The parties submit to the jurisdiction of the Scottish Courts and Scots Law. In the event of any dispute or action by the Publisher to recover payment from an advertiser, it is agreed that matters will be settled in the Oban, Argyll Sheriff Court or such other Court as the Publisher may choose. 7 The Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage occasioned by any total or partial failure (however caused) of publication or distribution of any newspaper or edition in which any advertisement is scheduled to appear. In the event of any error, misprint or omission in the printing of an advertisement or part of an advertisement, the Publisher will either re-insert the advertisement or relevant part of the advertisement, as the case may be, or make reasonable refund or adjustment to the cost. No re-insertion, refund or adjustment will be made where the error, misprint or omission does not materially detract from the advertisement. 8 Errors must be notified to the Publisher in writing within fourteen days of publication. In no circumstances shall the total liability of the Publisher for any error, misprint or omission exceed the amount of a full refund of any price paid to the Publisher for the particular advertisement in connection with which liability arose or the cost of a further or corrective advertisement of a type and standard reasonably comparable to that in connection with which liability arose. 9 The Advertiser/Advertising Agency agrees to indemnify the Publisher in respect of all costs, damages or other charges falling upon the publication as the result of legal actions or threatened legal actions arising from the publication of the advertisement in any one or more of a series of advertisements published in accordance with copy instructions supplied to the publication in pursuance of the Advertiser/Advertising Agency order. 10 Adverts under the value of £75 must be paid on acceptance of order by the Publisher. All advertising on a credit basis must be agreed with the Publisher in advance. 11 Payment of any invoice raised by the Publisher will be due 15 days from the date of invoice or as otherwise directed on the invoice. In the event of non-payment the Publisher may charge late payment interest at a rate of 2% and this is chargeable on a daily basis from the due date until the bill is paid. In addition the Publisher may charge a late payment levy of £10 as an administration fee. In the event of late payment the Publisher reserves the right to disallow any discounts given and to raise an additional invoice for the discount which will be treated as though it has been raised with the original invoice. 12 A request to insert an advertisement assumes acceptance of our conditions. Published by Wyvex Media Limited, P.O. Box 1, Oban, PA34 4HB, (01631) 568000 Fax (01631) 568001 — www.obantimes. co.uk and registered as a newspaper at the Post Office http://termsandconditions.wyvexmedia.co.uk

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coronavirus – community cont some of the activities listed below are term time only - please check ahead Organisation

Community

Contact Details

Appin Aid ACUMEN

Appin Argyll and Bute Wide

Tel. 01631 730416 (Clare Hunt) Email: clare_appintransport@outlook.com Tel. 0141 847 8900 Email. enquiries@acumennetwork.org (Also on Facebook search “Acumen Network”).

Community Contacts Family Mediation Argyll & Bute

Argyll and Bute Wide Argyll and Bute Wide

Balvicar Stores Connel Community Council

Balvicar Connel

Dalmally Coronavirus Support Dunbeg Stores Ethical Sales Coll Iona Community Council Isle of Lismore Atlantic Islands Centre

Dalmally Dunbeg Isle of Coll Isle of Iona Isle of Lismore Isle of Luing

Atlantic Islands Centre Isle of Luing Tobermory Fish Company Mull Safe and Sound Keel Row

Tel. 01631 570101

Email. admin@familymediation-ab.org.uk

Tel. 01852 300373 Tel. 01631 710132 (Ross Willson) or 01631 710063 (Roger Asforth) Email: connelcommunitycouncil@gmail.com (or complete Google Form - https://forms.gle/H9sFvLXNHCPp7J Email. glenorchy.helps@gmail.com (Also on Facebook, search Dalmally Coronavirus Support) Tel. 01631 566576 or 07919 667221 (between the hours of 10 am and 6 pm) Email. t.e.s.collstore@gmail.com Contact Shiona, Mark, Rob, Toben, Jane, Don

Isle of Luing Isle of Luing Isle of Mull Isle of Mull Ardtun, Bunessan, Fionnphort Craignure/Lochdon Ross of Mull Community Transport Ross of Mull Salen Salen Hotel Salen Tobermory Bakery Salen and Tobermory Tobermory Tobermory Pharmacy Tobermory Park Lodge Hotel Tobermory area Ulva Ferry Community Ulva Ferry Tiree Action in the Community Isle of Tiree Avich & Kilchrenan Kilchrenan Community Council

Tel. 07780 720525 Fiona) or 07943 565609 (Lorraine)

Crossroads North Argyll

North Argyll

Tel. 01631 562277

North Argyll Carer’s Centre

North Argyll

Telephone: 01631 564422 Email: info@northargyllcarers.org.uk Website: https://www.northargyllcarers.org.uk/ Facebook: facebook.com/northargyllcarers/

Albany Stores Factory Shop New Hope Community Kitchen Rockfield Centre

Oban Oban Oban Oban

Tel. 01631 564635 Tel. 01631 565730 Email. bookings@therockfieldcentre.org.uk

Rockfield Centre

Oban

Tel. 07762 756072 (Eleanor), 07483 430113 (Lyn) or 07483 308142 (Caroline)

Minority Ethnic Carers of Older People Oban and Lorn Seil and Easdale Community CouncilSeil & Easdale Taynuilt Community Council Taynuilt

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| may 2020

01688 302120 Grant or Lorna on 01680 300116/07704381255 or Sally at safesoundsally@hotmail.com.

01681 700458 Sue Royle: 07811083227, Helen Dewar: 07488333585, Kate Grierson: 07801070279 Terry Heggarty 01680 700600 Kerry Mitchell: 07825577419, Helen McWalter: 07967094775, Eilidh Allen 07810747431 01680 300324 01688 302225 Karen - 07793037714 (co-ordinating groups) 01688 302431 01688 302430 Tel. 01631 572975 or 07786 496275 Tel. 01866 833402 or 07792499003 Email. chriscowley2015@gmail.com

Tel. 07553 115 457 (Siubhan) Email. siubhan@mecopp.org.uk Email. seilandeasdaleccsec@btinternet.com Tel. 07955 750592 Email. taynuiltvolunteers@gmail.com

ntact oban, lorn and the isles

HCPp7JXk7)

Details of what the organisation or group can offer Essential shopping – help with on-line ordering, collections and delivery. Prescriptions – collection and delivery. Regular phone call to check people are OK Host information sessions online, using Facebook and Zoom for people with access to internet. Facebook page will be monitored during office hours (9.00am-5.00pm) and updated regularly with mental health related news and information.

Offering telephone support to client group - face to face contact will be reviewed on a case by case basis We will be available for telephone support for families. Child contact or contacting partners checking on children’s well being from other partner if parties do not speak to each other. At present we are still operating child contact but this will change if nurseries and schools close.

Offering home delivery service.

Co-ordinating support to ensure no one is left isolated Informal contacts between community members to ask for and provide help.

Delivery service for elderly people in Dunbeg - no minimum order Delivery service Anyone requiring assistance should contact the community council Asking people not to visit the island unless necessary - notice at ferry terminal Matching needs of people affected by Covid-19 guidance to local volunteers who can help. Sending a newsletter out to island residents to inform them of what’s going on and hoping to send out weekly newsletters to keep in contact with the community.

Centre is closed but offering takeaway meals and hot drinks 3 days a week at cost price. Telephone payments and collection via drive through area.

Asking people not to visit the island unless necessary - notice at ferry terminal Delivering all over the island Emotional support for over 16s Ready meals and delivery Shopping, prescription collection and general help Will collect shopping and prescriptions Shopping, prescription collection, posting mail and general help Ready meals to order 6pm - 8pm. Telephone payment. Collection available - will deliver in Salen area where required Delivery of ready meals and groceries in the Salen and Tobermory area Shopping, prescription collection and general help Delivery of prescriptions and other pharmaceutical goods. Online and card payments available. 9am - 4pm (half days Sat and Wed) Food delivery service Fridays, Saturday, Sunday Shopping, prescription collection and general help Information updates are being posted on the website: http://www.tireetrust.org.uk/covid19/ Weekly collection and delivery of medication/repeat prescriptions for orders telephoned to local surgery.

Minimizing the number of surgery visits. Collection of Click and Collect food orders to Oban Tesco.

All goods will be passed to team Hope to support the services they have planned.

Care Attendants will be contacting the carers they support, by telephone, to check they are okay and if there is anything they need.

We will also be liaising with North Argyll Carers Centre to provide a coordinated approach to supporting carers.

We will be maintaining regular contact with carers via telephone. We are keen to hear from anyone in a caring role who is needing support.

Our website, Facebook pages and blog will be updated regularly with information and wellbeing tips Delivery service in Oban area for elderly or anyone self-isolating Dedicated shopping hour for Older people. M-TH 8.30 - 9.30 Food parcel delivery for people in emergency situations.

Charity Centre closed. No activities in Rockfield Centre. Asking pvg registered volunteers with access in a car and in good health to contact them for sharing with other agencies.

Although the huts will be closed with exception of designated collection times our staff all have phones . If any of you are a bit stuck for help then please do call and we will endeavour to put you in touch with community support that is being set up in the area or as a minimum just give you a listening ear.

Support to vulnerable and older gypsy/travellers. Delivering food and medication Co-ordinating volunteers to help those self-isolating with essential supplies, prescriptions and the offer of telephone contact to counter social isolation Delivering shopping, dog walking, a chat on the phone to reduce isolation

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ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS GOES ONLINEÂ

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

T

he success over the last 70 plus years for alcoholics finding sobriety, and long term contented sobriety, in Alcoholics Anonymous has been due to the caring sense of fellowship, mutual aid and peer support people find there.

AA meetings, often in church halls and so on, sometimes sat in a circle like you see in TV dramas, face to face honest sharing of experiences, has been the back bone of recovery for many.

The current need for self isolation and social distancing has a potentially disastrous impact for alcoholics, particularly newcomers, as the government recommends cancelling any gatherings of people, and meetings in groups.

As a result many AA meetings in the UK , as indeed around the world, have had to be cancelled.

These decisions for meeting closures, or suspensions as we could say more optimistically, come for the first time ever in the history of AA in the U.K. All is not lost, thanks to the technology of online meeting software, that business have been using for years. Individual AA groups have grasped the opportunity to keep their fellowship groups going, but online.

Online AA meetings are being set up every day, details are kept up to date on the national AA Web Site as more get set up and are added. Meetings listed online are open to anyone with a desire to stop drinking, or to find out more about AA, just as an open physical AA meeting would be.

Members can choose to join a meeting showing voice only or with video.

www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/AA-Meetings/Find-a-Meeting/Online

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| may 2020

PROTECT AND SURVIVE

During the Cold War nuclear threat the government issued a booklet, Protect and Survive.

For the viral threat this is our equivalent for you work-from-home warriors

PROTECT YOUR KIT

I

f you do not have a home office then think about creating one – fast! If you cannot convert a spare room or make your home office into a more professional space, create a safe space.

This is not for you but your files, documents and kit. Think of a no-fly zone but in your case it is a no-sticky and no-spill one. Rampaging toddlers, hyper-active kids and grumpy, texting, teenagers can - and will - inflict untold damage.

Do you really want to be the one who has to tell IT there is an eggy-bread soldier wedged into your keyboard?

Suddenly there are not enough power sockets - you might need to invest in extension sockets make sure they are surge protected.

Ruthlessly guard all stationery. This is the one legitimate time in life to hide things from your family.

Your boss may be at the end of the phone or app but your TRUE boss is right there with you. Your cat knows it is the ruler of the known universe; you are not going to persuade it otherwise.

Resistance is futile. Likewise tell the dog that it cannot guilt-trip you into an extra walk, so stop the big, pleading, eyes routine

PROTECT YOUR IMAGE

S

et up a Skype space. You know that all around you is domestic chaos but when video conferencing make sure the background is bookshelves carefully arranged with some impressive looking books.

You have spent the last six years creating the image of that formidable person in accounts and Peppa Pig plus a clothes-horse full of underpants is not going to cut it.

You may be wearing your trackies and flip-flops but make sure you have a casual-smart top on and can throw a work jacket on to let the boss know you haven’t gone feral.

PROTECT YOURSELF

T

he kitchen is 10 paces away so stick to break times and resist the lure of the biscuit tin; you want your work clothes to still fit when you return to the office.

Try and bring your office chair home. Sounds crazy but it will help keep you grounded to the notion of the work routine and help your spine. Remember that working in bed is a no-no – your back will hate you.

If you are home alone and find the silence unnerving try www.asoftmurmur. Create a soundscape and work from a coffee shop, beach or field full of crickets.

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culture countdown

culture countdown Oban Library Our feature this month was due to be a profile of Oban Library.

The library building is currently closed due to coronavirus restrictions, so we are using this space to remind readers about other library services that they can access remotely.

In Culture Countdown, we challenge a member of a local arts, heritage or cultural group to tell us about their passion project – in just three minutes.

Introducing...

Oban Library is on Albany Street, with a public entrance on Drimvargie Road. The library has a large and varied collec­ tions of adult and junior fiction, plus many non-fiction items, including books of local interest, children’s books, audio books, and items available in large print.

When open, the library offers various services, including free wifi, access to disabled-friendly software, local history records, daily newspapers and a pho­ tocopier. There is wheelchair access, and our facilities include public toilets (including facilities for baby changing and wheel­ chair users) a reading room which is available to hire, and even a Flava drinks machine.

I borrowed books recently – will I be fined for not returning them?

No, the library will automati­ cally extend your loan so you don’t need to take any action.

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From April 2020, LiveArgyll will be abolishing all book fines with the aim of attracting new members and encouraging previous members to rejoin.

What services can I access during the closure?

One of the recent innovations available to library members is Borrowbox, a service that provides e-books and e-audio­ books for free. It makes it easy to browse and download books for reading and listening.

You can access the e-book collection by visiting liveargyll. co.uk/borrowbox. You will need your library membership number (24115….) and your PIN. The PIN should be set to

the last four digits of your membership number, unless you have changed this to your own preferred PIN. If you have trouble logging in, phone or email enquiries@livear­ gyll.co.uk for further assistance.

If you are not already a library member you can find out more, and set up an account using the links on the Live Argyll – Lorn Facebook page.

Also keep an eye on the LiveArgyll Facebook pages which will be offering support for families to access the Bookbug App and lots of other resources.

Find out more at www. liveargyll.co.uk

business

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YOUR WHISKY JOURNEY STARTS HERE

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE APP TODAY #ScottishWhiskyTrail

THE NEW APP FROM CASK & STILL MAGAZINE If you are a whisky lover or just want to try the best drams in Scotland then download our free app today and make the most of your time in the home of whisky.

Our new app is your pocket guide to the Scottish whisky scene. Use our interactive map to find the best places to shop, buy and sample Scotland’s national drink, all at the touch of a button.

Visit iconic whisky bars, rub shoulders with local whisky experts and get the best advice on how to enjoy your preferred dram. Above all have fun and remember – drink sensibly.

Slàinte!

*You must be 18 years or older to purchase alcohol within the UK.