THE ARRAN BANNER 20 YEARS AGO

Saturday January 24, 1998

One way

There are those who do not fancy the idea of yellow lines on Arran. Nor do they relish the prospect of traffic lights or roundabouts. But on Tuesday it was proposed that a one-way traffic system just might be on the cards.

It was at the community council on Tuesday that Brodick’s councillor, Stewart Walls, raised the problem of traffic congestion around Brodick Post Office and a likely increase once potential developments in the area were completed. Mr Walls, whose chemist shop is opposite the position, asked for planning and roads and sewerage to get together so that an overall plan could be devised.

After a suggestion of making the road a one-way route, members agreed that the corner had long been a focus of anger and congestion and that bollards had to be placed at Kames corner after Kames cottage had been hit by cars on several occasions. Sergeant Jim Weir added to the discussion by saying: ‘What we also need is for the islanders to be aware of The Highway Code. It is illegal to park within 15 metres of a junction.’

Explosive celebrations

A member of the public reported to the police two flares and loud bangs above Whiting Bay on Wednesday last week. Investigation uncovered that two military aircraft were in the vicinity at the time and an alert was signalled.

However, closer investigation disclosed that it was merely two fireworks which had been set off in celebration of the 21st birthday of Andrew Driver of Largiemeanoch. Both police and the Ministry of Defence took it in good spirit.

Ferry figures

The number of passengers carried on the Brodick to Ardrossan ferry during 1997 was 636,425, an increase of 2.6 per cent on the previous year. Cars, however, at a total of 99,599 were down 0.4 per cent while coaches were up by 16.5 percent.

These recently released figures reflect very much the trends for the whole fleet and it has been argued that the increase in coaches, each of which carry around 60 passengers, could be the explanation of the increase in passenger figures.

The Banner office had an unusual visit this week. Making up the Hodgson School (and family) are Michael, Katherine, Stephanie and teachers John and Janet Hodgson, with little Rachel, who are all home-schooled on Arran and who came to learn how a...

01_B05twe01 Head NTS ranger Duncan Stevenson stands next to a sign at the Merkland Wood where after years of rhododendron clearing a network of paths and open woodlands has been created.

01_B05twe05 More than 20 Arran farmers joined a mass rally in Edinburgh in protest at rules that are increasingly making farming in Scotland no longer viable. The protests started at the Edinburgh Playhouse and continued along Princes Street.

01_B05twe03 At their Burns lunch in Corrie Hall last week, the Corrie Wednesday Club was entertained by children from the primary school. Particularly memorable was their dance to the Flying Scotsman which included choo-choo sound effects.

01_B05twe04 On Tuesday the Brodick Youth Club enjoyed a Burns supper. There was no immortal memory, nor was there a toast to the lassies and there was no whisky. But the pipes did play, Burns was spoken of and it was a lot of fun for the many young...