Campbeltown Courier From Our Files 8.5.26

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
Friday, May 11, 2001

Turbine factory could create even more jobs for Kintyre

The proposed wind turbine factory at RAF Machrihanish could create even more jobs than originally hoped.

A Campbeltown Courier source revealed that Vestas Wind Systems, the company who will build the turbines, were hoping to get permission to implement a double shift system, creating up to 250 jobs.

Previous reports had suggested that the factory would provide between 40 and 150 jobs – a much-needed boost for the struggling Kintyre economy. 

The factory has been the subject of much discussion between landowners the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Vestas, with the most recent dispute concerning an access road to the factory.

However, this difficulty should not prove insurmountable, and the contracts should be signed in the near future, according to the source.

The planning application for the site is currently in the hands of Argyll and Bute Council.

Vestas are the world’s largest wind turbine company, and the £10 million investment in Kintyre is the largest ever in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) area.

Although the deal to bring Vestas to Kintyre has not yet been concluded, HIE Chief Executive Sandy Cummings confirmed in last week’s Courier that negotiations were at an advanced and delicate stage. 

It is believed that when Vestas are given the go-ahead to build their factory, 50 jobs will be created in the construction stage.

SIXTY YEARS AGO
Thursday, May 12, 1966

Driver, cows escape as cattle truck plunges to seashore

A young farm worker had an amazing escape from serious injury early on Saturday when the cattle float he was driving crashed through a wall and toppled 20 feet on to the shore just outside Bellochantuy.

The lorry ended up on its roof but seconds later the driver, 22-year-old Charles McIsaac, of Muasdale, staggered clear with only slight injuries. The seven cattle in the lorry were uninjured.

Mr McIsaac is employed by Mr Malcolm McDonald, livestock carrier, of Beachmenach. The cattle were on their way to a sale at Dalmally on behalf of their owner, Mr William Smith, Barrmains.

After the accident, Mr McIsaac, who was badly shaken, made his way to the Argyll Hotel, Bellochantuy, where he was given attention by the proprietrix Mrs Jenny Stewart, and her son, hotel worker James Allan (41), who stays at Isle View, Shore Street, Campbeltown.

Said Mr Allan later: “It was almost eight o’clock in the morning when we heard a rattling on the front door of the hotel. When my mother answered she found Mr McIsaac there, extremely upset. His right arm was hanging limp by his side and at first we thought it was broken.

“I was shocked when I saw the float lying on its back on the shore, badly damaged. Mr McIsaac really had an amazing escape. The cattle, too, were okay apart perhaps from fright. The float was all twisted and one of the cattle had managed to jump through a hole in the front.”

After a preliminary examination, Dr R W D MacDonald, of Muasdale, arranged for Mr McIsaac to be transported to Campbeltown’s clinic but it was found that, apart from a badly bruised shoulder and shock, he had no other injuries. He was later allowed to go home.

The cattle were taken on to Dalmally in another float.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO
Saturday, May 8, 1926

General strike

This week the nation has been plunged into an upheaval unprecedented in its history. 

The protracted negotiations between employer and employed in the coal mining industry having reached a crisis, the whole question has suddenly been switched from that of hours and wages at the coal pits to a much bigger one which strikes at the very roots of constitutional and democratic government as we understand it in this country. 

Situation in Campbeltown

The effects of the national stoppage were felt in Campbeltown by the curtailment of the mail and steamer services. 

It will be seen that a three-days-a-week service will be carried on, till further notice, while the Post Office announces that mails will only be received and despatched by steamer.

The stoppage of newspaper publication in the cities has deprived the nation of its usual channel of information regarding the situation, but there are indications in various centres that this phase may only be temporary, and the government are announced to have set about the publication of a national newspaper, which may not be available in unlimited quantities, and which those who get a copy are requested to hand round.

The rationing of coal supplies commenced on Tuesday. The Town Clerk is the authorised officer in the Burgh. The weekly allowance is 1 cwt, and any person with stocks exceeding 5 cwt is not entitled to any allowance.

The transport workers and miners are the local unions involved in the dispute, and their members are observing the instructions coming from headquarters.

The steamer is only carrying perishables, and volunteer workers are handling these without interference.