Bute FM goes live
Bute FM, our new local radio station went live in July. Full details and programming info can be found at www.butefm.com
Rhubodach Forest Community Buyout
UPDATE - There is now a dedicated website at www.buteforest.com
Can we do it?
The Rhubodach Forest which was put up for sale recently with an asking price in excess of £1.3 million could become a community owned asset for Bute. The community has the statutory right to buy-out the privately owned forest at the north end of Bute and 95% potential funding for a community buy out could be available making this a real possibility.
John McGhee QC who is spearheading the campaign has had “exciting discussions” with government ministers this week. John said “we need the community to get behind this to get it off the ground but it needs to do so straightaway – we need to have over 6oo signatures from eligible voters on the Island before Wednesday the 16th of September to be able to make a bid”.
John said the forest – described by the sellers as a “dream location” in a “magical situation” should be owned and used by the people of Bute. He described how the area could be made more accessible and attractive to tourists and visitors (as well as locals of course!) with walkways, cycle paths, pony trekking, forest crafts, children’s play areas and interpretation boards. John urged people to sign up and support this important development for the wider benefit of the island.
Rhubodach Forest is home to a Site of Special Scientific Interest. John has discussed the proposal with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and said the aim would be to enhance this area in conjunction with SNH to protect the important bird populations and ancient woodland while at the same time generating an income from managing the area of commercial forest for the benefit of the community.
The forest will provide employment and training opportunities for local people and the improved access and attractiveness of the area will provide significant benefits to the economy of the island as a whole from increased tourism. But in John’s view, more important that all that, it provides probably the only opportunity that will ever arise for the community as a whole to own and have a stake in the future management of a large and important part of the island.
If you are an eligible voter from Bute and would like to add your support to the campaign for a community buyout of this beautiful forest please fill out your details in the form below and press the send button:
Rothesay Academy
Rothesay Academy moved in 2007 to be part of the new Rothesay Joint Campus complex. The campus incorporates the Academy, Rothesay Primary School and Argyll College.
The new buildings have first class facilities and the management team are working to enhance the educational development of all the pupils. A new website is now up and running here.
Bute Sons & Daughters
Who do you think you are? If you are researching your Bute ancestry then Bute Sons & Daughters could provide you with valuable information to help you in your research.
Like much of Western & Highland Scotland the Island of Bute has witnessed the gradual depletion of its population to the current level of around 7000. Now, instead of a large island population we have a massive off-island population, many of whom still like to keep in touch with their spiritual homeland.
The Bute Sons & Daughters project aims to develop Bute’s genealogy strands, not only in terms of family histories but also our local heritage. Within these pages we have compiled some interesting articles, facts and anecdotes gathered from various sources on the island, including members of Bute’s population. Some of this information will stir nostalgic memories of bygone Bute and some may help budding genealogists in their quest for family roots.