Campbeltown Courier From Our Files 1.5.26

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
Friday, May 4, 2001

End of the line for Jaeger factory

Campbeltown was reeling this week after the announcement that Jaeger will probably close in July with the loss of 161 jobs.

At a meeting last Thursday (April 26), workers were told that, unless last ditch efforts to find someone to continue the factory were successful, it would close.

Although there have been numerous scares in the past about the future of the factory, the workforce was stunned by the news.

And as the effects of the announcement sunk in, there has been a growing feeling of anger.

GMB Trade Union Shop Steward at Jaeger, Shona Anderson, told the Courier last Thursday that workers were “shell-shocked”.

She explained why the decision will devastate whole families.

Mrs Anderson said: “There are quite a lot of families which are going to be devastated. In many cases it is the only wage going into a household, but in others two or three people in the same family all work in the factory.”

Workers are asking why officials and elected representatives allowed this to happen to Campbeltown after a long succession of financial and employment blows.

Before last week’s announcement, unemployment in the area was already the third highest in the Highlands and Islands and it now looks set to rocket to the number one slot.

SIXTY YEARS AGO
Thursday, May 6, 1976

Gigha Laird’s birthday present

The people of Gigha got together with mainland friends recently to honour Sir James Horlick on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

Presenting him with a garden summerhouse at a party in the island hall, Mr Malcolm Macdonald, of Achamore, said on behalf of islanders and friends that the people of Gigha were fortunate to have as laird one who lived among them and who had a close interest in their welfare.

In his reply, Sir James Horlick expressed his thanks for their kindness. He spoke of his hopes for the island’s future and thanked the islanders for their co-operation.

The Rev Kenneth Ross, minister of Gigha, spoke of Sir James’ varied and interesting life as a Member of Parliament, businessman, traveller and soldier. 

The Gigha Estate contractor, Mr Harry McGougan of Kirk Street, Campbeltown, told of the unbroken happy relationship he had had with the island over many years. He joined gladly in wishing Sir James many blessings in the years to come.

During the evening, songs were sung by Nurse McNeill, Musadale, and Mr Ewen Henderson. Stories were told by Mr Angus Allan.

Lady Horlick was thanked for her gift of new chairs for the hall. A dance followed.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO
Saturday, May 1, 1926

Kintyre Provincial Mòd

The Kintyre Provincial Mòd organised by the Campbeltown Branch of Communn Gaidhealach (An Comunn Ceannloch) was a notable success. 

Only the second venture of the kind in this district, it was very pleasing to find within a twelvemonth a marked advance in interest, in enthusiasm, and in the number of competitors.

The Mòd, or festival, movement in Scotland is advancing by leaps and bounds.

It is undoubtedly a pleasing and worthy expression of national patriotism, and it is most gratifying to find that Kintyre is not being deprived of a share in this great cultural movement. 

So far, the principal support has come from rural centres. The town-dwellers seem slower to respond to the inspiration of the work of An Comunn Gaidhealach, but it is to be hoped that this will be remedied in time, and that the Kintyre Mòd will rise rapidly to a place of importance among provincial Mòds in Scotland and of influence in the propaganda of the central body. 

The entries were substantial and, in some instances, even surprising in number. In the junior section there were 79 entrances for the oral tests and solo singing, and, in addition, seven choirs. In the senior section 35 entered for the oral tests and solo singing and in addition, three choirs. 

Launch at Tarbert

Messrs AM Dickie and Sons, Tarbert, Lochfyne, launched last week the twin-screw motor yacht Janetha, which they have built for Mr Hetherington, Cambuslang.

The vessel, which is 65ft in length, will be propelled by two Gleniffer engines, each of 40hp, and fitted with electric light and central heating. 

The naming ceremony was performed by the owner’s daughter.