FORTY YEARS AGO Friday February 4 ,1983

Mid Argyll storm damage

and talked of his many awards and achievements for the Inveraray Woodlands and forestry schemes.

Tiree estate factor Ian Gillies presented retirement gifts on behalf of estate staff and tenants and spoke of Peter Fairweather’s kindness and loyalty to his staff. Mrs Diane Fairweather accepted a beautiful bouquet from estate office secretary Mrs Margaret Mather.

Peter Fairweather made reference to his long and enjoyable period of 34 years of service with the Argyll family, particularly his work within crofting communities, where he is an acknowledged expert on crofting law and procedures.

Around 60 guests then enjoyed a buffet with the Duke and Duchess of Argyll.

The storm-force winds which lashed Mid Argyll on Monday night and Tuesday morning left a trail of fallen trees and minor damage.

A council house in Kilmory estate was evacuated when it was believed strong gusts caused movement in the gable end. The McCuaig family of MacDonald Terrace moved in with relatives for the night, but have now returned home.

A council spokesman said moving the family was a precautionary measure and there was no damage to the house.

Staff on the way to work at Argyll and Bute Hospital on Tuesday morning had to make a detour as the main drive was blocked by a fallen tree.

However, the 70-foot Scots pine was cleared by midday and the road reopened.

And on Friday afternoon, Father Ed Murphy of Saint Margaret’s Church, Lochgilphead, was prey to a relic of the storm.

While driving to the hospital, his car was hit by a broken branch which had been caught in another tree but fell just as he was passing. It smashed the rear window of the car leaving Father Murphy shaken but unhurt.

Trees were also blown down at Carnasserie,

Acnaba, and a house in Ardfern was in danger of having its roof blown off. A building site at Kilmichael-Glassary was damaged.

Police attended most incidents and fortunately no-one was injured.