Strength of community spirit

The summer is in full swing on Arran and, boy, there is a lot going on.

The island is packed with visitors and all over there are fetes, galas, coffee mornings and events for kids. You name it, you’ll find it.

What is maybe sometimes forgotten is that a lot of the events rely on volunteers to set them up and run them. And not just on the day. The big gala days and fun weeks need a serious amount of organisation and planning, as well as fundraising over the course of the year. For all those who enjoy and come out for the events that is maybe sometimes forgotten.

There are unsung heroes in all the villages but perhaps Whiting Bay has this year been a stand-out for community spirit. It started two weeks ago with the splendid memories event, which people are still taking about, followed by a great raft race and Bay Queen crowning event. But throughout the fun week the events have been well supported, including the beach sculpture. And it was good to see the emergency services getting involved with their new display day at Sandbraes, which proved really popular.

In the south, Kildonan had a successful fun week, while Lamlash had a Heather Queen day to remember.

Brodick Highland Games day is yet to come but preparations are well under way followed by the Brodick Improvement Committee’s beach barbecue the next day.

That will be used to raise more funds for the beach which this week also showed the community getting behind them with their appeal raising £5,000 in a matter of days.

And, of course, the biggest community event of the year is just around the corner as the Arran Farmers Show takes centre stage – not forgetting the great SWI show on the same day.

So I think it is fair to say that one thing Arran certainly does not lack is a sense of community which can embrace both locals and visitors alike.

We just hope the weather looks down on us kindly.