At random

Highlights of 2019

Just a few words on the year almost over and what, for me, have been some of the highlights.

From recent times, there was the always enjoyable Oban Winter Festival, which I look forward to each year. Well done to the organisers for this year’s splendid events.

Hope Kitchen continues to amaze me. The excellent work done there to help the less fortunate among us is brilliant and deserves high praise. And in connection with that, Martyn’s Monday Club – for both men and women now – has become an established part of the community, offering help for those with mental health issues.

On the health front, the Dove Centre in Stevenson Street also does a fantastic job in helping people with lime-limiting illnesses.

My colleague Nicky Murphy, as we reported last week, continues to organise the Pink Ladies Day of pampering and pleasure for women who have experienced breast cancer. Well done, Nicky.

It has been an excellent year for Oban Saints, with a great start to a first season in the Central Scottish AFL – Division 1B, winning all 11 fixtures to date. Let’s hope the boys keep winning.

Happy new year

I still have to pinch myself over how rapidly this year seems to have flown past.

Now we are on the verge of 2020, a whole new decade. How time flies, indeed.

I would like to offer all you dear readers a very happy new year and thanks to the many people who have been in touch with feedback on my ramblings in this space. And, quite rightly, many of the comments have not been complimentary!

However, responses are always much appreciated and I would encourage anyone who wants to disagree with me or otherwise to feel free to speak up.

What do you think?

Write to me at mlaing@obantimes.co.uk or The Oban Times, Crannog Lane, Oban, PA34 4HB, or call 01631 568021.