Spirited communities embrac

Towns and villages throughout Kintyre showed incredible community spirit by embracing new Hallowe’en traditions this year.

In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the official government advice was to stay at home and avoid going out guising this Hallowe’en but, despite these restrictions, people found other ways to celebrate.

In Campbeltown, a HalloWee Toon Witch Walk Facebook page was set up, encouraging people to decorate their homes spookily so people could walk around town to see them in a physically distanced manner.

A map was created, showing all the haunted homes and businesses taking part. The decorations were so impressive there were calls for it to become an annual event.

Last Thursday, Friday and on Hallowe’en itself, McKellars Confectionery on Main Street gave away sweets and juice while adhering to all rules and restrictions - to children who visited in their costumes.

Zoë Glendinning from the sweet shop said: ‘The children were so pleased that they were allowed to go somewhere dressed up and be able to tell us their jokes or songs!

‘We painted our faces and made an effort for them as well.’

In Glenbarr, where there would usually be a party for the children, the community decided instead to decorate the village with scarecrows, specially painted rocks and pumpkins.

The children also received Hallowe’en treats from the villagers who, in a display of rural community spirit, came together and brought Hallowe’en to Glenbarr despite wind and rain.

Clachan residents also showed their community spirit with all families with children given pumpkins - thanks to Tesco for donating a voucher and asked to put their lanterns outside on Hallowe’en evening.

Several people worked hard to make a spooky trail starting at Longrigg and ending at Clachan Filling Station.

Permission was given to use the Kilcalmonell Free Church grounds which gave extra scope for scariness.

Despite the weather doing its worst, many children and parents wandered around the displays and got thoroughly frightened.

There was also an online fancy dress and pumpkin-carving competition for children and adults, with prizes galore, run by Funky Chicken.

Last week we shared some photographs of Kintyre’s youngsters in their spooky costumes. This week, we are able to share some more.

Alexandra Black, six, Campbeltown, dressed as Anna from Frozen.

Above: Peyton Robertson, three, Campbeltown, as a pussy cat. Top left: Mullen siblings Aria, two, David, three, and Amara, five, Campbeltown. David was a spider for the third year and Aria and Amara were skeletons. Left and below: A ghoulish display in Clachan and scarecrows at Glenbarr.

Charlotte Graham, eight months, Campbeltown, celebrated her first Hallowe’en by dressing as a little witch.

One-year-old Riley Graham, Campbeltown, as a dragon.