Two Weeks in Kintyre

[ionnsaigh]

We arrived safely at our destination on the Saturday of the music festival- our arrival happened to coincide with the festival.
We found the atmosphere in the toon absolutely brilliant. People awash with happy smiling faces. You have something really special going on- we have happened to be in several Scottish Towns during Music festivals , and I can honestly say that they pale into insignificance, not the musicians rather the people who gather to watch. Campbeltown may require economic regeneration through Government intervention (I wonder if the SNP could be more specific on there plans for the area if they happen to get in) What Campbeltown has in great wealth is its People- who in my opinion shine as an example to others of a less appealing nature. The gathered crowd in the square, the People at the open windows, This a true Community gathering. I take nothing away from any of the paid Stars- I heap praise on the unpaid crowd - and the behaviour of the youth is something to be upheld and admired well done all of you young ones, your a credit to your Parents and Teachers. In terms of Public safety the Police done a good job.The organisers also deserve a pat on the back. We would also take this opportunity in thanking the Staff at the White Hart. thanks from Fiona and Mick. Shortly after the festival my Wife had a unfortunate accident that resulted in both of us up at the hospital shortly before 8am. We waited approx 5 Minutes before my Wife was seen- having waited for Seven Hours in Glasgow Royal Infirmary for what turned out to be a deep vein thrombosis. Your Hospital is clean- your staff appeared efficient and polite well done Argyle Health Board. During our stay we passed the beach at Dalintober- forgive me if the spelling is wrong-There was a Council Workman with a machine cleaning up the beach, we noticed the additional commemorative bench on the street - and thought it would be an nice idea to try and find out from the Council if it would be possible to donate a similar seat in memory of the happy times spent by Fiona's now departed parents at this spot. We both suspected that there would be a considerable amount of red tape to navigate through, this is largely due to our experiences of Glasgow District Council.
Yet to our delight we where introduced to the officer in charge of this type of request. We where shown into an office- then invited to go and see the proposed sight in the Officers car- so well done the Council. As Ive said previously your greatest wealth lies with your tremendous friendly People. Thanks

[Jeanette]

Mick, your post is a reflection of how most of us feel about Campbeltown. You found us welcoming and responsive probably because that is what we are. I enjoyed reading the words of someone who came to enjoy themselves and be involved in the community and appreciate our way of life.

I have read other posts on here recently where the prospective visitor falls just short of asking us for a c.v. before gracing us with their presence and allowing their children to be educated here.

I think your post says it all. You appreciated how you found us and not once did you ask what we can do for you if you decide to relocate.

Good luck with the new bench

Jeanette

[Bruce]

You appreciated how you found us and not once did you ask what we can do for you if you decide to relocate.

So you're saying that no one should ask questions about the area before deciding to move? The most recent query I can think of is regarding schools - something that someone with kids will have to consider... or are you expecting them to do that after they move?

[ionnsaigh]

You appreciated how you found us and not once did you ask what we can do for you if you decide to relocate.

So you're saying that no one should ask questions about the area before deciding to move? The most recent query I can think of is regarding schools - something that someone with kids will have to consider... or are you expecting them to do that after they move?

I suppose it is a fair enough question- however I suspect that some local People can get pretty fed up of , what appears the intensive scrutiny and subsequent judgement of their lives and lifestyles. This appears to be a one way phenomena. Having to continually show and prove credentials to People from a different background and Culture, would I imagine quickly become tedious and tiresome. In the final analysis it could be interpreted as rudeness. Do Local People have a say on who comes and who goes, I doubt it very much. I wonder how the Local young People manage, when so many homes appear to be Second holiday homes- it is a problem not entirely restricted to Kintyre, however one that has to be addressed to stop the decline of local inhabitants -and the influx of newcomers- each directly effects the other. The perspective incomer's bring with them certain unrealistic mostly English expectations- at the end of the day, one would expect a certain amount of resentment to surface- rightly so. Kintyre in my opinion needs more People, however in order to accomplish this it has to stop the economic driven migration of its own People first and foremost.

[Bruce]

Of course it appears to be a one-way phenomena - this is a forum about Kintyre after all and people from outside that area would need to ask the questions of those that actually live there! The same happens on many other forums, whether they are specific to a small area or apply to a larger area. If people do not want to provide answers then that is their choice... however, it is better that the questions are answered rather than ignored as the people of Kintyre should (rightly) shout out about their area to the world at large! If it was to be a big secret then the forum and sites it is attached to would need to close down!

As you say ionnsaigh, Kintyre (as does almost every other area) needs people for it to survive and (hopefully) thrive - if the people from the area won't stay (for whatever reason) then people from outside will move in! Before the latter do just that (whether for a holiday or for good) they will want to ask questions first... more so if they are considering living there!

[ionnsaigh]

Of course it appears to be a one-way phenomena - this is a forum about Kintyre after all and people from outside that area would need to ask the questions of those that actually live there! The same happens on many other forums, whether they are specific to a small area or apply to a larger area. If people do not want to provide answers then that is their choice... however, it is better that the questions are answered rather than ignored as the people of Kintyre should (rightly) shout out about their area to the world at large! If it was to be a big secret then the forum and sites it is attached to would need to close down!

As you say ionnsaigh, Kintyre (as does almost every other area) needs people for it to survive and (hopefully) thrive - if the people from the area won't stay (for whatever reason) then people from outside will move in! Before the latter do just that (whether for a holiday or for good) they will want to ask questions first... more so if they are considering living there!

A classic case of putting the cart before the horse- The People of the area can't stay if there is nowhere to live. Put another way where do the young live in say 10years when every second or third home happens to be turned into a holiday retreat.

[Jeanette]

Bruce

Looking at the wider picture there is nothing wrong with prospective incomers finding out about the area or, for their families sake the facilities that are available.

I become cynical when the tone becomes "what's in it for me and mine" The town is small enough for us all to have experienced the good and the bad of "immigrants". Ask any young couple about trying to buy a house here. It is almost unattainable for them. It must be really annoying for them to hear folk on about cheap housing. Cheap housing to the incomer may be a price that a Campbeltown wage could never support.

I make no apologies for being cynical or asking why someone wants to come here to live permanently. There are no jobs and no available housing. It must then be the area and its people but in my experience as Mick said they want to bring their own values and and before you know it they are shouting for change. It could be argued that all areas need people but in my opinion not at any price. If questions are asked of us why can we not ask ones in return.

As a point of interest we only have one secondery school so there is no choice. Take it or leave it and as there are many school leavers able to take up places in colleges and universities it would appear to be doing the job it is charged to do.

[Bruce]

Sadly its a problem in many parts of Scotland - those down south can sell their own homes for a small fortune and buy something bigger and better up here! I appreciate the cynicism Jeanette and know what its like trying to get onto the property ladder - even getting a house off the council can become a case of spending too long on a waiting list and wondering how so many houses are standing empty! I am referring in this case to the Livingston area, which is not the sort of place people would even look at buying a holiday home... that in itself must be even more infuriating for the youngsters trying to make their own way in life in Kintyre itself! Housing tho is only part of the problem of the movement of locals out of an area - more houses can be built, but more jobs aren't always guaranteed (or if they turn up, how long will they last?)

[Kevin Mc]

Mick, your post is a reflection of how most of us feel about Campbeltown. You found us welcoming and responsive probably because that is what we are. I enjoyed reading the words of someone who came to enjoy themselves and be involved in the community and appreciate our way of life.

I have read other posts on here recently where the prospective visitor falls just short of asking us for a c.v. before gracing us with their presence and allowing their children to be educated here.

I think your post says it all. You appreciated how you found us and not once did you ask what we can do for you if you decide to relocate.

Good luck with the new bench

Jeanette

In my 30 or so visits to the town through my life, I've found the same thing as Mick. People in the town are very welcoming and friendly towards visitors. As a child I made friends easily in the many summers I spent in the town over on Davaar Avenue.

To me, moving to Campbeltown would almost feel like coming home. I am always very happy up there and believe it would be as good an environment for my kids to grow up in as there is.

However, I am concious that I may be looking at things through rose tinted spectacles. I therefore need to ask practical questions to find out about the reality of living in the town. Who else better to ask than the people who live there - the people on this forum!

We're considering moving to the town to live, not to buy a holiday home. If we didn't have kids, the decision would be far easier, but as we do, finding out about the schools is a high priority. As there is only one senior school, it is even more important to ask questions and find out as much as we can before comitting ourselves. We will be going up to have a look round the schools too (they would be in primary schools before moving up to CGS). We did the same thing down here as we feel strongly about our children's education.

I become cynical when the tone becomes "what's in it for me and mine" The town is small enough for us all to have experienced the good and the bad of "immigrants". Ask any young couple about trying to buy a house here. It is almost unattainable for them. It must be really annoying for them to hear folk on about cheap housing. Cheap housing to the incomer may be a price that a Campbeltown wage could never support.

The houses up there aren't as cheap as you think - perhaps a few years ago, but the one's we're looking at are comparable with the prices down here.

As for being an immigrant - I was born in Craigard, so would be going back to my roots.

The only thing we've asked for is for opinions of people on the forum. I don't think we've asked anything unreasonable. We would be asking the same questions about any area we would potentially move to. I think it would be hugely irresponsible not to. We apologise if we have offended anyone by asking questions, that was never our intention. We are not looking to take anything away from anyone.

If this sort of opinion - that we would be resented outsiders, is prevelant, then maybe we would be making the wrong decision moving to Campbeltown. We want to join in, mingle and live with the community. We're not going up there for cheap housing, it's for a new life in a place that feels like home.

This is the reason we're asking questions. If people would feel uncomfortable with us living amongst them then we are best to know this before hand. Again, we are not looking to upset anyone.

[Jeanette]

As someone who has visited the area so often you must have some opinion of the people and whether you would fit in. Only you can answer that and decide what is best. Only a very tiny number of real locals post on here so the opinions, mines included are not a true reflection of the area

It is a good place to bring up young children but you have to bear in mind that your children have to go far away to continue their education. Finding money for accomodation and all living expenses is very difficult to sustain on a Campbeltown wage and if you truly wanted to fit in that is what you would be experiencing.

I know everyone has their own agenda and rightly so in some circumstances. Please don't think I am being xenophobic but how does commuting equate to being involved and fitting in. I personally would find it hard to adjust if I was trying a new lifestyle and my old life was also to be sustained ie. commuting? I'm not getting at you personally I am trying to understand why anyone would want to do that and say they are starting anew. Call it nosey or tell me to mind my own business but I had to ask.

Sorry, I should have added I am not offended

jeanette

[John S]

(I wonder if the SNP could be more specific on there plans for the area if they happen to get in)

The specific plans are not for the SNP Mick, but the local community. Its our community, not a political parties. If you take a look back through the threads in this forum you'll find most of the issues.

Over the last 24 months I feel that this community has turned a corner in that, rather than politely expecting civil servants & politicians to do things for us, we are starting to demand the way we want things to happen. The Sewerage Taskforce, the ferry, Opportunity Kintyre - all community initiatives challenging the perceived wisdom of expert advice.

[Ranald]

If this sort of opinion - that we would be resented outsiders, is prevelant, then maybe we would be making the wrong decision moving to Campbeltown. We want to join in, mingle and live with the community. We're not going up there for cheap housing, it's for a new life in a place that feels like home.

I'd like to hope that you'd be made more than welcome by MOST people, though there will probably be some who demand you prove your Campbeltown-ness before they even let you walk down the street, far less get involved in the commmunity. Your family usually has to have been here for at least three generations for these people to be satisfied.

Don't worry about them though, I'd like to think that there aren't as many of that sort around as there used to be. I think most of us realise that new people with new ideas (and new pupils for our schools for that matter) should be welcomed and be good for the area.

Personally I think the fact you asked all these questions shows that you want to move here for the right reasons.

[Jeanette]

[Don't worry about them though, I'd like to think that there aren't as many of that sort around as there used to be.

"that sort" Do you mean locals who care about who comes to the area or folk who just post to give their views?

Do you know Kevin. What sort is he?

jeanette

[ionnsaigh]

[Don't worry about them though, I'd like to think that there aren't as many of that sort around as there used to be.

"that sort" Do you mean locals who care about who comes to the area or folk who just post to give their views?

Do you know Kevin. What sort is he?

jeanette

What sort are you Ranald - know whit a mean wink wink.

[Hoopoe]

The houses up there aren't as cheap as you think - perhaps a few years ago, but the one's we're looking at are comparable with the prices down here.

Kevin, it's a sorry fact that some people seem to be under the illusion that anyone moving into the area does so whilst over-burdened with suitcases stuffed full of Fivers. They never let reality get in the way of a good bit of bigotry.