Excerpts from issue 48/24 11 September 2021
Islay's new 'ili' distillery
Above, is the first computer generated image released of the new distillery being proposed at Gearach Farm, west of Port Charlotte on Islay. A Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) outlining the plans was recently submitted to Argyll and Bute Council for the development. These include a two-storey distillery building and associated works, as well as a renewable energy element ensuring the distillery will be net-zero in its operation.
The distillery would produce whisky under the brand 'ili', a name based on the oldest written form of Islay, with a brand identity based on the standing stones which dot the island's landscape. It will be carbon-neutral from the outset through the inclusion of renewable energy generation on-site, representing a long-term and sustainable diversification of the existing farm operation.
If planning consent is granted, this would represent a substantial investment in the local area, bringing a number of skilled permanent jobs and apprenticeships, in addition to the investment and jobs brought about in the construction phase.
Speaking about the proposals, Bertram Nesselrode said, "We're excited to bring forward these proposals for a new, sustainable distillery on Islay, and to share the first image of the proposals. The distillery would be something new for Islay, and, while still respecting the island's history and its natural beauty, will look to secure a long-term future for Gearach Farm and this part of the island."
The proposed distillery will have a target capacity of 200,000 litres per annum, highlighting the smaller, more bespoke approach being taken. A consultation website, which can be found at www.iliwhisky-consultation.co.uk, will be in place from 23 September 2021.
The website will include a virtual exhibition, with information outlining the proposals, and will also include a facility for leaving feedback. A virtual live text chat session will take place on 30 September from 3pm to 7pm, offering the opportunity to discuss the proposals directly with the project team. A second virtual exhibition will be live from 28 October, with a further live text chat taking place early in November.
The project team can be contacted on enquiries@ilidistilleryconsultation.co.uk.
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................
In this week's issue:
Ella Edgar's Dancers receive multiple dancing awards, Councillor Alastair Redman suspended again, Staycation despondency, This yearŐs primary one intake at Islay schools, Bramble picking at Lussa Gin, Covid passports, Proposed new distillery at Gearach - first image, Islay fuel problems averted, A&B Council instigate pavement and road repairs, Scottish Water's major upgrade in Bowmore, Matters arising (or not) at the Rest and Be Thankful, Ladies' Golf Open, Perry Green's boat trip, Response from SPT regarding price increases, Interview with guitarist, Robin Miller + album review, The aketon at Finlaggan, TII and MYFOS collaboration, Album review of 'Sanctuary'
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................
Please wear a mask when travelling
The Ferries Community Board is asking all passengers to wear their masks while travelling unless exempt from doing so.
At a recent meeting, the board were informed of the huge pressures currently applying to our ferry services. The number of staff having to self-isolate and vessels having to be deep cleaned has already hit services and the onboard offerings on some crossings. This has coincided with a reported drop in the number of passengers wearing masks.
Therefore the Ferries Community Board have asked Islay and Jura residents travelling to the mainland, to please help protect our island communities, your fellow passengers plus the staff and crew on the ferries network by taking the simple precaution of wearing a mask.
Further increases in incidents can only lead to fewer services in an already struggling ferry network hurtingour islands and the health of those who live and work on them.
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................
ISLAY & THE COVID-19 VIRUS: IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Last updated Tuesday 31 August 2021
Prepared for the benefit of Islay residents, this downloadable PDF file offers general information along with details of the Islay Volunteer Network and the state of play with regard to local businesses and services. Please check this page regularly.
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................
Major water works in Bowmore
As mentioned by Councillor Currie in another article, concerning pavement repairs in Bowmore village, a £3 million improvement project to upgrade the water network in Bowmore, is to begin next month.
Work is due to get underway on Monday 11 October, to replace almost four miles of water mains on several streets across the town to help prevent bursts on the network.
Scottish Water's Corporate Affairs Manager, Georgina Reid, said, "This major upgrade work is vital to add resilience to the water network for the future and help reduce the chance of pipes bursting."
This vital project, to replace aging infrastructure, will be delivered in phases by McFadyens Contractors of Campbeltown, and is expected to take around 18 months to complete.
Traffic management, which may include temporary traffic lights, will be in place as required as the works progress across the town. All traffic management has been agreed in liaison with Argyll & Bute Council.
Ms. Reid continued, "Some of the water mains serving our customers in Bowmore are over 100 years old now and there were a number of bursts on the network.
"We would like to thank in advance, our customers and visitors to Islay for their patience while we deliver this important water main improvement project."
Information about the project can be accessed via the Bowmore Water Mains Improvement Project, including meeting the project team, video fly-throughs to show the scope of the work and to ask any questions about the work.
You can register for this information at https://bit.ly/3DTjTBa
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................
This is Islay
A new monthly podcast featuring individuals, personalities and features of Islay and Jura. Listen now at https://anchor.fm/thisisislay
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................
Ileach calendar 2022
Though recent temperatures have done their very best to convince it's summer again, providing the very light and colours beloved of the intrepid photographer.
As a result, we'd once again like to invite readers to submit photographs for inclusion in the Ileach calendar of 2022. Subject matter should clearly reflect recognisable locations or aspects of Islay or Jura, and be submitted in landscape format (as opposed to portrait). We'd prefer images to be e-mailed at a resolution suitable for reproduction at A4 size, but we're also happy to receive prints through the post, providing they're of a quality that will allow scanned reproduction.
The closing date for submissions is Friday, 8 October 2021. e-mailed images should be sent to calendar@ileach.co.uk and postal submissions to Ileach, Main Street, Bowmore, Isle of Islay PA43 7JH.
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................
Still here
The Ileach, now approaching its 49th year of publication, has weathered more than just a few economic downturns in its time, local, national and global. However, the current situation is unprecedented in our lifetimes.
We have every intention of continue to produce the newspaper for as long as is practical and possible. And just as in previous times of difficulty, we would appreciate your support in making this happen.
The office in Main Street, Bowmore is open Monday - Friday, 10am - 1pm. If you have stories to tell, articles to submit or need to advertise your services, please call in or phone 01496 810 355, or e-mail theileach@ileach.co.uk
To keep up to date with important local information, please check our twitter feed @theileach or check this page regularly.
Why not consider a PDF subscription? Annual cost is £29. We thank you and appreciate your continued support.
Stay safe.
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................
to subscribe or advertise, contact ileach@ileach.co.uk