Speak up for Burgh Hall
As options for Dunoon’s Burgh Hall continue to be considered, the community is being urged to contact the team in charge of reviewing redevelopment of the town centre landmark.
Potential uses for the hall are being compiled and investigated by the Options Committee, led by Strathclyde Building Preservation Trust, which was commissioned to lead the project by Fyne Homes Housing Association last year.
The Options Appraisal, which was expected to be completed mid-summer, is now due to be concluded by the end of September. These findings will be presented to the public at a meeting later in the year. Alongside the appraisal of potential uses, the team’s historical researcher is exploring the history of the Hall and of Robert Bryden, its architect.
Sarah McKinnon, Chief Executive of Strathclyde Building Preservation Trust, explained: “The process has taken slightly longer than anticipated due to the number of additional potential uses which have come to light during investigations for the appraisal.
“There are a number of options under close scrutiny at present and the alterations that would be needed to accommodate these uses are being costed.
“The Burgh Hall provides an interesting project for us as it is likely that we will not only be looking for one single use for the hall, but considering how a number of uses might fit together so that the best use is found for the building.
“Our aim is to ensure that all possible options for the Hall are thoroughly considered before hopefully coming up with a viable use for the building.”
Sarah was unable to provide more specific details at this stage about the alternative applications for the hall, or the options under consideration, saying that costs must be examined before a final list of possibilities is drawn up.
She added: “A public meeting will definitely go ahead when the Options Appraisal is completed.”
The trust has made a number of appeals for contributions which might aid its investigation, and Sarah confirmed: “We are still very interested to hear from the local community and would encourage those with any memories of the Burgh Hall to contact us - as those past recollections can help shape its future.”
Alan McDougal, director of Fyne Homes Housing Association, said: “We’re grateful for all the time and effort that Sarah and the team have invested into developing the Options Appraisal to come up with the best, sustainable use for the Hall. I look forward to hearing more about the options available in due course.”
Strathclyde Buildings Preservation Trust can be contacted on 0141 248 4013 or via their website on www.sbpt.org.uk.


Riverside toilet upgrade
The much criticised public toilets at the Riverside in Dunoon are set to be upgraded in a project that will cost an estimated £127,000.
Although the available budget was initially only £54,000, thus leaving a shortfall of £73,000, the deficit has been reduced to £32,000 after a further allocation of funds.
At a meeting last Thursday of the Executive Members of Argyll and Bute Council it was unanimously decided that the project should not be delayed further due to this shortage in funds, and it was agreed to cover the shortfall from expected future capital and receipts.
The council has been widely condemned for the state of the toilets and acknowledges that the area relies heavily on tourism and that the poor provision of public conveniences has an impact on visitors’ perceptions. As such, it is hoped that once this work is complete these toilets will be less intimidating and more comfortable for locals and tourists alike.
At earlier meetings, in February and June, members of the council were presented with three options for the upgrade, all with different standards of finish and different associated costs. The middle ground option was deemed to be the most appropriate way forward.
This option will allow a ‘pay-to-enter’ facility and see the toilets undergo a medium standard of internal upgrade and redecoration. The entry fee for use of the facility has been proposed at 20p which is in line with similar facilities elsewhere in Argyll and Bute.
Further details of the upgrade are due to be announced within the next week.


Alleged vandalism at new Dunoon Grammar School
The Observer has received reports of alleged acts of vandalism which took place during the move from the old school building to the new premises, which only opened on Monday.
Rumours suggested that boxes of school books and other items of school equipment - said to include freezers in the Home Economics department, and school computers- had been urinated and defecated on.
Responsibility for the move between school buildings lay with ABC Schools Ltd, the council’s project development partner, and its build contractor Mansell. The actual removal was carried out by employees of a subcontractor of Mansell, HPI (Commercial Services) Ltd, which is a professional removal company and has previous experience of moving schools in similar circumstances.
A spokesperson for Argyll and Bute Council said: “The council was made aware of one isolated incident which allegedly involved an unpleasant smell coming from a crate which was part of the decant. The smell was suspected to be that of urine.
“The matter was immediately reported to the removal company and, whilst it could not be confirmed that urine was present within the crate, the crate was immediately emptied and cleaned. The incident is now being investigated by the company.
“This was a one-off incident involving an allegation that there may possibly be urine in a crate. It was dealt with immediately and the company has stated that its employees were not responsible for any such incident.”
Ffiona Boyd, Campus Officer for Dunoon Grammar School, said: “Nothing has been brought to the attention of Strathclyde Police in connection with this, and it is not the subject of any police investigation.”


MSP urges Argyll and Bute to join national conversation
Local MSP Jim Mather has today welcomed First Minister Alex Salmond’s launch of a National Conversation on Scotland’s Future.
The First Minister published ‘Choosing Scotland’s Future’, which sets out the different options for Scotland from the status quo to full independence, and launched the dedicated website www.anationalconversation.com where people across Scotland can share their views and join the debate on Scotland’s future.
Mr Salmond said: “As First Minister I will contribute by making the case for independence, its benefits and opportunities. I invite others to join the conversation to share their opinions and argue their case.”
The paper explores the concept of independence and other constitutional possibilities, and will act as the starting point for the conversation. Scotland can then carry it forward to reach an informed decision on the future.
Calling on Argyll and Bute residents to take part, SNP MSP Jim Mather said: “I will be joining the First Minister in making the case for independence and I urge others, whatever their opinion, to take part.
“This is a conversation with the people of Scotland. The most important voice in this conversation is yours.
“Whether online, by letter or by attending one of the public events, it is your view that matters and I hope people across Argyll and Bute will take this opportunity to have their say on Scotland’s future.”
Members of the public can leave comments on the website or by email to joinin@anationalconversation.com.
Comments can also be sent to A National Conversation, Constitution Unit, G-A North, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ.