Russell meets Loch Awe Boatwatch and catches up with Crofting Federation at Dalmally Show

A busy Dalmally Show on Saturday 5th September saw Michael Russell MSP, SNP Candidate for Argyll & Bute, meet a wide range of local organisations and charities as well as many local famers and crofters.

Russell (far right, below), who was Scotland’s Environment Minister until February 2009, made a point of spending some time at the Scottish Crofting Federation stall , where he talked with with Councillor Donald MacDonald (left, below);  SFC Chief Executive, Patrick Krause (2nd left below) and SFC Development Officer, Donald Murdie (3rd left below)  about pressures on Argyll and the islands crofters.

He then visited the Loch Awe Boatwatch volunteers who are active in recruiting loch watchers, spreading the word about water safety and marking the Loch. Loch Awe Boatwatch was born following the tragic deaths on the loch of four Glasgow anglers in March 2009. The men died in heavy fog on the loch, their cries audible from the shore and with the rescue services unable to do anything to try to reach them – because they had no freshwater loch rescue boat.

Mr Russell finished up in the tent given over to community groups  and charities where he spoke to representatives of a number of organisations, including the new Dalmally Community Centre.

Speaking after the Show and energised by what he had found, Mr Russell said: ‘Clearly this major event is not only good for the local farming and crofting sector It also gives local charities a chance to showcase their activities and seek volunteers.  I was particularly struck  by the energy and enthusiasm that is going into recruiting local people to help run sports and other activities at the soon to be opened Dalmally Community Centre.

‘All the community groups  and charities at the show deserve great praise for their get-up-and-go attitude and I am sure they will continue to get  as much strong backing as possible from the Government and the local council.’