Thankfully a thaw has set in and hopefully it will be sufficient to clear this past fortnight’s snow and ice in Ardentinny and allow freedom and safety of access and egress for all its residents.

Ardentinny is fortunate to have its own ‘sub-zero hero’, who wishes to remain anonymous, but, who delivered essential supplies to those who were stranded.

It is expected that, at its forthcoming meeting on the 21st December, the Community Council will discuss the possible creation and implementation of an emergency plan to assist Ardentinny residents in all manner of emergency circumstances.

Argyll & Bute Council gritter turning at Sligrachan earlier today

The Ardentinny – Loch Eck road remains impassable due to the weekend’s snow. Access is possible only as far as Sligrachan (bus terminus). As can be seen from the accompanying photographs, approximately 6 inches to a foot of snow is on the road. The gritter/snowplough turns back at the bus terminus.

[Click images to enlarge]

Our photographer's faithful hound 'Mori' finds the conditions challenging!

Loch Long and shore path

Along with much of Scotland it was slow going in Ardentinny today, due to the heavy snow. With temperatures reaching a maximum of just 1.9C, with a minimum overnight of -2.4C, Ardentinny beach and the village remains under several inches of snow. The 485 bus service does not appear to have been running but the snowplough/gritter made it through by mid-afternoon. The snow continues…

Grab shot of a basking seal today at Ardentinny.

Ardentinny’s artists had a busy time over the weekend with the opening of their studios to the public as part of the excellent Cowal Open Studios event. With some 30+ artists participating this year, the annual event is the largest ever. Three Ardentinny artists welcomed visitors during the 4-day event: Guy Elder (wood), Freda Waldapfel (oil and watercolor paint) and  Bill Williamson (ceramics). Bill who works  mainly in stoneware and raku clay, said “The Open Studios concept is a tremendous opportunity for the artists and the public at large to interact. We had a stream of visitors throughout the weekend. I would really like to pass on my thanks to the organisers who helped make the event so successful”.

Bill throws a pot.

You can download the complete artists’ directory here.

'The Quality of Mercy' by Bill Williamson.

Bill entertains in his studio.

This dead bird was found on Ardentinny Beach today. Can anyone identify the species? Possibly some type of Skua?

Ardentinny beach earlier this week.

The luxury Glen Massan at anchor off Ardentinny tonight. While the  MOD Police launches from nearby Coulport continue their regular patrols of Loch Long.

The River Finart in spate today during the early evening storm.

Rather than walk a few metres to bin their rubbish in the car park recycling area, these “wild” Ardentinny beach campers simply deposited the remnants of their weekend (including their “bag for life” – see inset) inside their new tent and abandoned the lot!  We’ve  binned the junk and if anyone would like to get their hands on a brand new tent, please contact us!