Islay News roundup - first-half Nov 2007

Following is a short overview of Islay news published in the Ileach Newspaper and from various other sources.

New Ferry: Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has welcomed the confirmation by asset owning company Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd that a new ferry will become available on the routes serving Islay from the mainland within four years.The new ship, which will cost a total of £24.5 million will be built by the Remontowa yard in Gdansk, Poland, and delivery is expected in spring, 2011. The Ileach printed a picture of the new ferry (right).

A 83 Landslip: After the three week closure due to a landslip the A83 at Rest and be Thankful is re-opened, for single lane traffic only. The traffic flows are controlled by traffic lights.

Whisky and oil: Representatives from the Scotch Whisky industry, oil company Gleaners and Argyll & Bute Council met on Monday 29 October to explore options to resolve the on-going disruption of oil supplies to Islay. All parties expressed their commitment to continuing to work together to find a long term solution. A spokesman for The Scotch Whisky Association commented: "Distillers, oil suppliers and the local Council now have a clearer understanding of the issues to be addressed, and the urgency of finding a sustainable delivery programme that secures a satisfactory long term outcome." Didn't they say the same last year?

Port Askaig upgrade then and now: February 2000: Port Askaig pier is to receive a massive injection of £5.5 million to upgrade the pier and harbour facilities which will address the serious congestion problems which have been experienced there over the last number of years. October 2007: The current marine works contract should complete in mid December 2007. This will allow the mainland ferry to berth overnight. The third phase to upgrade the pier buildings is due to commence in January 2008 and complete in September 2008. The current estimated cost of all three phases is £11.5 million. The budget has therefore exceeded with 100%, I wonder how they explain that!

Armin's blog: read what other blogs write about Islay on Armins blog roundup nr10 and check out a sketch of the new hotel in Port Ellen.

New Book: Mark Unsworth from Islay Studios published his first book called Islay Past and Present - A Century of Change. This is a must have for everyone with an interest in Islay and the book, £15, is only a few mouseclicks away so why wait?

Bowmore Primary: Pupils from Bowmore Primary School built a greenhouse out of 1,600 plastic bottles and as a result they won an award for their amazing achievement. Well done!!

Ardbeg Ten is the best! BBC published the story a few days ago about Ardbeg being awarded the title World Whisky of the Year in the Whisky Bible 2008 and also for being named as the best Scotch Single Malt.