Scissor Snip Starts Self-catering Surf Spot

Lesley and Peter liked Westport so much - they bought the cottage! Now this cottage has been converted into their home, plus a delightful holiday hideaway with the most magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Peter is a keen surfer and he and Lesley had spent many weekends in Kintyre while Peter enjoyed the rolling breakers of Westport and Machrihanish.

Alan Reid with proprietors and guests on the deck at the Island View launch party

Local MP Alan Reid cut the ribbon to launch the business at the well-attended party on Friday 3rd. April. Impressed by the standard of the work done at Island View, and by Peter and Lesley's enthusiasm for their cottage by the surf, he said:

"It's remarkable what they have done here. These are difficult economic times, but I'm sure that their ideas and enthusiasm will see them through to making a success of this venture."

"We always found it difficult to find somewhere to stay," said Lesley. "So when we saw the 'For Sale' sign at Westport Cottage, we just knew we had to buy it. It was our dream to begin a more sustainable and self-sufficient life beside the sea."

The couple found jobs locally and have spent the last year lovingly restoring the cottage, concentrating first on the half for letting. The result is a charming holiday home for four, cosy and comfortable with decking to sit and enjoy the glorious views and sunsets.

Having found their dream home, they hope to spend the rest of their days here and, with luck, contribute more to the community and to the development of tourism in Kintyre. Peter has created his own website which has a webcam showing surfing conditions at Westport. This has helped to promote the cottage and they have already had enquiries from as far afield as America and Germany. They already have several bookings and are opening for business at Easter.

Westport Cottage and Island View, showing lounge and kitchen.

"When we moved in, we weren't sure which community we would belong to, but we soon found out. We were amazed at the friendliness and helpfulness of the local people. Sometimes there would be a knock on the door to ask how we were getting on and offers of help came from all directions. We are definitely part of the West Coast community now," Lesley explains.

"We wanted to thank everyone who has helped us, and a Launch Party seemed the perfect way to do that," says Peter.

"We have been helped throughout the renovation process by Opportunity Kintyre; (Enterprise Facilitator) Lynn Hammal has spent many hours talking through our plans with us, introducing us to local business folk and generally advising and listening. This is our opportunity to say thanks to those people who have helped and supported us in the last year - from tradespeople to friendly neighbours - and get to know some more of the people in our community."

Lynn's skills have now helped over 100 clients in the Kintyre area, some established businesses as well as new ones. This launch marks the 9th. new business that Opportunity Kintyre has supported on the peninsula, and brings the total jobs created and sustained by local entrepreneurs (full and part-time) to 29. Morag Duff, Chair of Opportunity Kintyre, added enthusiastically:

"Panel members and clients of Opportunity Kintyre, and other local business people and residents, have come together to congratulate Lesley and Peter - their hard work has clearly led to the fulfillment of their dream and we all offer them our very best wishes for the future. We cannot think of a more fitting occasion to mark the second anniversary of successful Enterprise Facilitation in Kintyre".

David Digs Deep for Community Garden

Digging up a winning website for CCOG are David Roberts (left) with Dave Pearson (digging up the new website), supported by volunteers (L to R) Fiona Irwin, Mairi Campbell and Tom Donnachy (foreground).

Campbeltown Community Organic Garden (CCOG) is celebrating the launch of its new website this week, thanks to the generosity of local web developer, David Roberts, of Letter Red Design. The unusual groundbreaking ceremony took place at the garden this week, behind Auchinlee on High Askomil, Campbeltown, amid an array of volunteers who had amassed to thank David for his tremendous support. Said a slightly overwhelmed David,

"It was really Opportunity Kintyre that made the link for me to work on this project. Whilst further developing my own business last year and digging around for new commercial clients, I was introduced to Dave Pearson, volunteer manager at the garden, and I just couldn't help getting involved in such a great community project. The volunteers are an inspiration and I'm a vegetarian anyway, so I was delighted to help!"

The Community Garden depends upon volunteers to grow fresh fruit and vegetables for needy groups in the town. It is a stunning south-facing garden and has a range of attractions for visitors to experience including a children's play area and peaceful wildlife section. The garden has tea-making facilities in its newly built resource centre and is open to all-comers.

Over the coming months, volunteers are to commence a series of workshops to offer local families and budding gardeners the chance to get more involved and informed about organic local produce.

Dave Pearson, Chairman of CCOG, couldn't thank David enough for his efforts,

"It's fantastic to receive this contribution on behalf of all our volunteers. David has been extremely professional and we are delighted to bring the CCOG experience to everyone online... even people who are no longer fit enough to come up and visit us can see our beautiful garden all year round. It's a real bonus for us and we are all thrilled with the results of David's hard work".

A Family Open Day held on 19th April was well attended, showing off the work of local groups and schools who prepared the garden so that everyone in the community could enjoy it to the full. Latest CCOG news, events and volunteer opportunities can be viewed at www.ccog.org.uk.