Exciting time for Scouts
It has been a very busy and exciting time for the active 19th Argyll Scout Group as work gets under way on its new base.
The group has purchased the Uillian Barn and surrounding 0.3 of an acre of ground near Kilmichael Glassary.
Bringing back to life the old steading with a long history, the Scouts will refurbish the barn, install composting toilets and use the site as a base for camping and outdoor adventures.
At one time the settlement of Uillian was larger than Bridgend is today. It appears on the OS map in 1851 but Kilmartin Museum has records of it existing as far back as 1550.
Over a period of time the size of the community declined and it was last believed to be inhabited in the 1960s. The entire Uillian renovation project has a budget of £100,000, with around £80,000 going towards the barn and £20,000 on the new eco friendly toilets.
While there is a long way to go, the adventure has already begun. The first working party took place at the site on Sunday.
David Smart, Scout group leader, said: “We cleared ground of slip, trip and fall hazards and made the barn secure for safety reasons. We also enjoyed a well-earned brew.
“Our next work party will continue ground clearing, mark out paths and clear the barn of debris. Forget going to the gym. If you want a workout just come and join us.”
The next work party is currently scheduled for March 17.
Once the site has been developed, the Scouts will welcome other community groups along. The base will be a key vehicle in delivering the Scouts’ Skills for Life agenda and be a place where memories are made.
David added: “This site has been used as a settlement for hundreds of years. We are now a new chapter in the Uillian story. This is a huge step in the life of the 19th and not a bad start to our 75th birthday year.
“It has been very gratifying to see how positively the community has responded to the Scouts acquiring the barn and our future plans for the site.”
The group enjoyed a ceilidh for Burns Day at the Baptist Church in Lochgilphead. Tickets to the event were sold out as families danced to the famous Rabbie’s Bairns Ceilidh Band. There was also a raffle and funds will go towards a special 75th anniversary trip later in the year.
This month the 19th took part in a Scout camp at Paisley, where they enjoyed a tour of Paisley Abbey and took part in activities, including climbing and archery.
The group has also been getting creative designing flags and decorating stones to commemorate the purchase of Uillian.