Kintyre compassion shines through – past and present

FROM the biggest human efforts to the smallest, all count as we navigate our way through life.

Some 25 years ago a number of people, navigating helicopters and ships in galeforce winds in one of the West Coast’s fiercest storms, were involved in a heroic rescue effort to save the lives of sailors stranded off the coast of Islay.

It didn’t matter what nationality they were, people responded to the crisis the same way they would have for anyone.

Their courage in the course of duty saved 47, likely terrified, souls as the powerless boat swung helplessly in the storm towards the coast of Gigha.

The new memorial overlooking the bay the boat rests in will be a fitting tribute to all of those involved.

Closer to present day, a year ago a young Kintyre woman on holiday saw a dog without a home, stranded and likely to lose his young life through no fault of his own. She could easily have left him.

Thankfully, her benevolence kicked in and, having worked through the necessary paperwork, including his very own passport, the wee dog now enjoys the high life in Scotland, paddle-boarding in the Atlantic and walking on silver sands. A European trip beckons. How different it could have been for the pup.

The magnitude of these events could not be more different, but they both have compassion equally at their heart.

With events around the world constantly bringing into question our faith in the good of people, it is heartening to see many still care, whether a year or 25 years ago, no matter the size of the task.

Hopefully, that compassion will continue far into the future.