THE ARRAN BANNER 20 YEARS AGO

Saturday March 13, 1999

Going bananas Arran Aromatics, probably the island’s largest employer, has been caught up in an international trade dispute.

At present the firm has not yet taken any steps to reduce overheads or pay anyone off. But if agreement cannot be reached between America and Europe on bananas, there will be a large knock-on effect on Arran, since the US is threatening to levy a 100 per cent duty on certain luxury products.

Widely publicised has been the effect on cashmere, but less well known are that sweets, biscuits and many toiletries will also be affected.

Arran Aromatics, whose products are sitting in warehouses at docks awaiting shipment to America, can do nothing but let them sit there until a resolution is reached. With 50 per cent of their products destined for the export market, and a 100 per cent duty levied on their products, the entire American market would cease to exist with dire consequences for the company. Longboats built Two replica Viking longboats are to be constructed by the Arran Viking Longboat Association. And if the speed at which plans have progressed is anything to go by, it could be very soon that construction starts.

At a well-attended and enthusiastic meeting at Corrie Hall, a committee was formed and a constitution approved in very short order. A mould for making the boat has already been found, a place to build them identified and skilled craftsmen have volunteered their skills.

01_B11twe04 Derek Shand of the Royal Bank gives Mike Lunan an umbrella as a symbol of the sponsorship that the bank is providing for the annual conference of the Federation of Small Businesses at which Mike is to be a delegate from Arran.

01_B11twe02 Staff from the Royal Bank present Arran High maths teacher Jimmy Stewart with travel vouchers worth £500. Jim was one of four people nationwide to win a prize in a Royal Bank competition.

01_B11twe03 A farewell party was held at Brodick Castle to say goodbye to administrator Veronica Woodman, who is leaving for Peebles. On her left is successor Ken Thorburn and head gardener Nigel Price. John Simcock of Friends of Brodick Castle is to her right.

01_B11twe01 Men of the Arran RNLI pose with their lifeboat to mark the 175th birthday of saving lives at sea.

01_B11twe05 Susan Mills, licensed bat handler and volunteer country park ranger, is looking to start up a bat group. Offering interesting information on habitat and habits, the group will be formed if there is enough interest.