Peat and Diesel date change agreed
COLONSAY
Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) has announced a new GP has been awarded the general medical service and out of hours contract for Colonsay.
Dr Simon Willetts will take over the running of the island’s medical practice from October.
Originally from Banchory on Deeside and a graduate of Aberdeen University, he began his career as a hospital physician in London. After a change of career direction, he completed his GP training in 1995 and has been a partner in a large practice in Dumfries since 2003.
Dr Willetts said: ‘I am thrilled and delighted to have the opportunity to live and work on Colonsay, tending to the health of islanders and their guests. I am also aware I have big shoes to fill and I hope to carry on where the current GPs left off when they retire later this year.
‘The first priority is to see island folk safely through the Covid-19 challenge. I then hope to ensure the population can have the best mix of easy access to their doctor and the advantages of an expanded health care team offered by the current redesign of primary care services in Scotland.’ Dr Rebecca Helliwell, associate medical director for the HSCP, said: ‘It is great news. Dr Willetts brings a wide range of skills and knowledge. I am also sure he will embrace island life to the full.’
ARGYLL AND BUTE
VisitScotland’s three remaining tourist information centres – known as iCentres – in Argyll and Bute are to reopen by the end of August.
After a four-month closure as a result of the coronavirus lockdown, the tourism agency’s 26 iCentres across Scotland will open, after adaptations to meet new requirements, in a phased programme.
Five sites have already opened while another five, including Oban, are due to open their doors on Monday July 27. Rothesay and Craignure iCentres will be opened in August.
Fans of the musical phenomenon known as Peat and Diesel will need to wait for their dose of ‘Peatlemania’ in Tarbert after a planned show in September had to be rescheduled.
The show by Innes, Uilly and Boydie from Stornoway was to have been held at The Big Gig In the Hall at Tarbert Music Festival on September 18, but in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, organisers West Kintyre Promotions CIC took the difficult decision to reschedule the event to Saturday April 3, 2021.
A West Kintyre Promotions spokesperson
TARBERT
said: ‘We are obviously very disappointed. We tried to give the show every chance of going ahead. We are grateful to our partners and the band for agreeing to the date change and know the guys are excited to play in Tarbert.
‘Tickets remain valid for the new date. We look forward to welcoming everyone for what will be a unique and intimate evening with Peat and Diesel.’