The start of another year and the latest episode of the local podcast for the community of Colintraive and Glendaruel features the remarkable story of Colonel Hardin Burnley Campbell, who lived at Ormidale by Loch Riddon and who, in 1907, went around the world in 40 days, 19 hours and 30 minutes , capturing headlines and a world record which he held for four years.

However his wife and daughter's scrapbook, which Kirsty discovered when researching the Colonel's feat , opens an even more fascinating window into the local area in the years just before and during the First World War, a time when the first phone came to Glendaruel, when the Glen Hall hosted annual Gaelic Mods with over 250 participants but also when almost every family in the district suffered heart breaking loss - including the Burnley Campbells.

Meanwhile Michael has been talking to former Councillor and community activist Alex McNaughton who remains very active in the Colintraive Hall Bowling Club , of which he was a co-founder and which has just celebrated its 30th anniversary, but which now needs new members if it is to continue for another 30 years.

The podcast also includes the regular "What's On" slot .

Email Kirsty & Michael at acrosstheloch@gmail.com with comments and suggestion for this local ColGlen Podcast

Kirsty and Michael introduce the eighth edition of the local podcast for Colintraive and Glendaruel in Argyll , Scotland which has been running now for a full year. This episode includes an interview with local resident and community activist Rosalyn McKenna who is working , in her day job , on improving access to the Argyll Collection, a unique cultural resource intended for the young people of the area which owes it existence to two visionaries, the remarkable wrier Naomi Mitchison and Argyll art adviser Jim Tyre . In a new history feature Michael explores the national contribution of the distinguished and influential Maclaurin family which had Glendaruel roots whistle the two presenters muse on Christmas food, the prospects of a cold winter and the possibility of a tourist tax for Argyll & Bute whilst also giving a rundown of the various events and celebrations in ColGlen this December.

Email Kirsty & Michael at acrosstheloch@gmail.com with comments and suggestion for this local ColGlen Podcast

Kirsty and Michael recorded the latest episode of the local podcast for Colintraive and Glendaruel on a beautiful Autumn day and their chat this month takes in an improvement in the weather, a need for more local people to serve on the Community Council, a preview of the new Kyles Community Cinema programme, a reminder that the ColGlen Growers lunch (the local harvest festival as Kirsty puts it) takes place shortly , a reflection on sub-titling and - in this episode's feature interview - an interview with Barbara MacVicar , the Glen resident with the longest experience of a place that has changed greatly in the last 90 years.

Email Kirsty & Michael at acrosstheloch@gmail.com with comments and suggestion for this local ColGlen Podcast

In the latest episode of this podcast for , and about, Colintraive and Glendaruel in Argyll Kirsty McLuckie and Michael Russell talk about local events and concerns including an upcoming meeting to discuss the Argyll Rally and its impact on the area. Water is also a theme this month, with an FOI request revealing an astonishing number of bursts on the mains supply to both communities and an equally astonishing lack of concern from Scottish Water, whilst Kirsty goes out rowing in the ColGlen community skiff, and meets a super yacht. She also reveals her future plans......

Email Kirsty & Michael at acrosstheloch@gmail.com with comments and suggestion for this local ColGlen Podcast

Email Kirsty & Michael at acrosstheloch@gmail.com with comments and suggestion for this local ColGlen Podcast

Spring is late in coming to Colintraive & Glendaruel this year so after a wet and windy winter, Kirsty and Michael talk weather and specifically the effect it may have on local tourism following the closure of part of the Cowal and Loch Lomond Way, a long distance path founded locally but suddenly blocked by fallen and uprooted trees. They also discuss the impending threat to the future of the Glen Village Hall for whilst the British Gas CEO earned £8.2 million last year, this tiny hall run by volunteers and used by local clubs , is in difficulty largely because of Scottish Gas electricity bills of £1500 a month and more. Finally Kirsty talks to Claire Banner about taking over, with her husband Joe, the Colintraive Hotel just a few short months before the pandemic struck in March 2020 and how she views lockdown four years on, with the hotel once again a thriving and welcoming venue for visitors and locals alike.

Email Kirsty & Michael at acrosstheloch@gmail.com with comments and suggestion for this local ColGlen Podcast

The outside broadcast feature in this episode is a conversation about the future of Colintraive Kirk, involving those who have exciting plans for the building. Kirsty and Michael also talk about the recent plethora of TV Chefs in Cowal, look into (!) the increasing menace of potholes and enthuse about the possibility of a new publication about the area , 25 years on from the original ColGlen Millennium book. PLUS the usual "What's ON' Guide.

Email Kirsty & Michael at acrosstheloch@gmail.com with comments and suggestion for this local ColGlen Podcast

The second episode of the local podcast for Colintraive & Glendaruel in Argyll, Scotland. Kirsty McLuckie and Michael Russell tackle a range of local issues including the bus service (with a little audio account of a bus trip to Dunoon) and the Cowal Way. The episode also includes information on upcoming events and the podcast can be contacted on acrosstheloch@gmail.com

Email Kirsty & Michael at acrosstheloch@gmail.com with comments and suggestion for this local ColGlen Podcast