Saturday 8 March, 1997
Faith rewarded
Lamlash Church, threatened with closure just last December, has been saved.
At a meeting of Ardrossan Presbytery on Tuesday, the church was deemed a ‘necessary building’. Yet it was the same presbytery that, just three months ago, decided it should close. So adamant were they that an alternative proposal put by the Rev Bill MacMillan was unworkable that the church and presbytery were lining up for a heated debate at a hearing of the Property Commission later this month.
However, peace has broken out and Ardrossan Presbytery has had a complete change of heart. Refurbishment plans are now also able to go ahead with the first phase being for a new roof to be installed at a cost of £110,000 most of which is already in place with a grant from Historic Scotland and congregational funding.
Games go-ahead
Brodick Highland Games are on course to take place on August 9 on the new Ormidale sports field in Brodick. The games committee decided this after an inspection of the field on Monday evening and after assurances from the Sports Association it would be ready in time.
This was not a forgone conclusion because the field is still very soggy underfoot. Apparently this is because only deep drainage is in and surface drainage has still to be completed. Last year’s Highland gathering had to be cancelled because the sports field was still under construction.
Ship contaminated
MV Pioneer, which often acts as a reserve ferry for Arran, has been contaminated by asbestos. In dock at Troon for her annual overhaul, the asbestos was distributed during modification work on the panelling in the ferry’s deckhead.
Health and safety officials have been called in and 30 crew members have undergone health checks. Additional work costing around £100,000 has had to be carried out and she is unlikely to resume service for at least two weeks.