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February 14, 2014February 28, 2026

Outdoor Centre lends a hand on the beach

Working with the John Muir Trust, Ardentinny Outdoor Centre will be undertaking monitoring and cleaning of the beach from Ardentinny Hotel to Finart Bay from the end of February. It’s anticipated that the visiting groups will undertake the work every 4-6 weeks, with local Strone School children hopefully also participating.

The Outdoor Centre’s Aidan Docherty said at the recent meeting of the Community Council that the conservation project will encourage the participating children to work towards the John Muir Trust Discover Award. Mr. Docherty also suggested that the centre may be able to offer some of its resources to the community such as strimming, grass-cutting and possibly assisting in the nature trail initiative.

Additionally, Ardentinny Outdoor Centre is introducing weekend groups at the centre, promoting existing centre activities with both the John Muir Trust and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park and acting as an information point for promoting the area.

February 11, 2014February 28, 2026

Japanese Knotweed to be nipped in the bud?

Over the past months there has been much discussion regarding the eradication of Japanese Knotweed in the village. At a cost of £522, Ardentinny Community Council has now financed the training of local resident Geoff Carr to undertake spraying of the public areas in the village.

Spraying equipment will be provided by Blairmore Community Council. Additional equipment still to be purchased includes storage locker, overalls and safety equipment. Prior to spraying, the Community Council will need to liaise with the various local bodies including Scottish Water, SEPA and local householders. Anticipated spraying time would be August.

February 11, 2014February 28, 2026

Historic Kilmun Visitors’ Centre opens 12 February

National Park board member David McKenzie gave a brief update on the Historic Kilmun project (formerly Kilmun Mausoleum) at the February Ardentinny Community Council meeting. The new visitors’ centre opens on 12 February for 3 days a week during the winter and 6 days in the summer. It is hoped that the centre will attract some 6,000+ visitors in its first year.

Blairmore Village Trust are also pushing ahead with their plans to purchase Blairmore Village Green as a community facility. Indications are positive that the project will go ahead for a wild flower garden and additional parking.

February 11, 2014February 28, 2026

Plans for new Ardentinny cycle route

Plans for a 25 mile cycle route from Kilmun Arboretum to Whistlefield, Ardentinny and back to Kilmun using existing forestry tracks were outlined by Councillor Bruce Marshall at the recent Ardentinny Community Council meeting. Preparations are also underway to promote and organise a cycle event using the new route in 2015.

Also under consideration is Ardentinny Outdoor Centre and Benmore Centre being used to disseminate visitor information on the area to children visiting the centres.

February 11, 2014February 28, 2026

February Police Report

At this month’s Community Council meeting the Police Report included 28 minor incidents in the shore/Ardentinny area over the previous 2 months. Most incidents were related to road traffic accidents, several from the effects of the storms. One crime was recorded, with a male being arrested for disturbance.

There are ongoing measures underway related to speeding and anti-social driving. A Community Councillor reported that she had informed the police regarding instances of “boy racers” going through the village on Thursday evenings. Residents are requested to call 101 to report any similar activity within the village.

Ardentinny falls within the Cowal East Rural Watch Scheme. One of the main aims of the scheme is to promote continued communication between villagers and the Police; share intelligence; heighten awareness of vulnerabilities; and work together to prevent crime. Police Scotland and the Ministry of Defence Police will carry out patrols including joint operations to reassure the community, act as a deterrent and ultimately reduce crime in the area. Residents are encouraged to join the scheme at ourwatch.co.uk.

Dates for mobile police office visits to the area are published in the local paper and we will endeavour to include dates for these visits in future.