So good they named me twice! …

Comment posted And have you heard: ‘Argyll and Bute – the NeverSeconds Song’ by WCHB.

So good they named me twice!

Recent comments by WCHB

• International fleet of classic Fife yachts to create a July sailing spectacle on Argyll’s secret coast
  I’m a (sort of) internet punctuation bigot, and in this case Neil was absolutely correct – a short, enthusiastic comment in ALL CAPS.
  (And I’m a sailor too, if you hadn’t guessed)
• Why has UK Borders Force changed immigration rules for cruise passengers?
  So, how many Immigration Officers (and their associated desks) are going to turn up at Oban to disembark 2000+ passengers? 2? – even 20 means each one processes 100 passengers. And then hang about all day, because, unlike an airport, the cruisers don’t all disembark on arrival.

  They don’t all go back on board. Some will take taxi or hire car to meet up with the liner at a later port.

• Scotland said to lack systems to maintain safe road markings
  I don’t often agree with Simon but…

  I went looking for NRSMA, and the report.

  I found no National RSMA, but found RSMA

  http://www.rsma.co.uk

  It’s a commercial organisation, supporting its members.
  When you look at the “About” section, it’s very much about.

  The organisation … promoting the industry as a whole and the collective interests of its members.
  The RSMA’s team … support its members.

  …providing a base for discussion, training and standards that help to ensure the health and safety of operators and to develop a highly trained, fully-qualified workforce

  The report itself

  http://www.rsma.co.uk/index.php/news/press-releases/80-red-alert-on-white-lines.html

  is very much Highways Agency (Eng, Wales) based, with a couple of scathing paragraphs on Scotland towards the end (but no Argyll roads get specific mention)

  The contact detail on the report is not RSMA itself, but a London PR company – Hadstrong

  http://www.hadstrong.com/rebecca-hadley.html

  Style: Confidently creates punchy media stories on minuscule budgets
  Skill: devises PR campaigns to give clients a share of voice in the media that outstrips their marketing spend ten-fold and changes their status in their industry

  So, an on the ball, effective pressure group, deploying good resources. But, the term “vested interest” could apply.
  —————–
  Comment. If you’re driving at night, and can’t see where the road goes, slow down.

  If you really really want the specs for road marking, it’s a 30 page pdf

  http://www.dft.gov.uk/ha/standards/dmrb/vol8/section2/td2607.pdf

  I think it’s up to date, the previous version was TD26/05

• A85 Connel to Dalmally closed in both directions
  It’s all right, Mel. Size is not important – really.
• Transport Scotland’s response to Public Petitions Committee on A83
  Have I missed anyone suggesting improving the uphill drainage on the Rest, with ditches and culverts?
  (As appears to have been done at the Glen Ogle avalanche site)

  Everyone appears to expect a higher risk when the rains come, and when the drains are silted up. The solution appears to be to turn on the lights, wait for the avalanche, and then manage the consequences.

  Would it be possible to put a network of drainage (more than Glen Ogle) into big storm drains (style as seen in Los Angeles car chase films, but slightly smaller) and get the water off the hill?

  Maintenance would be to keep the drains clear. Because this would be before a fall, drainage repair should not interfere with traffic.

  Initial expense would be less than for galleries, probably less than a new road. (Think maybe of digging 2 (or 4) miles of ditch, but no need for a smooth, relatively level surface for running water downhill)
  In the longer term, though, regular patrols and flume clearance are dearer than maintaining the carriageway, but the A83 might continue to need this anyway.

  (The wigwag sign leaflets do mention drainage and culverts, but at a lower priority than the debris fences (for 100 tons of debris))

  http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/files/documents/roads/Wig-Wag_leaflet.pdf

  Get the water off the hill! It can’t be that easy, though?

  Walter Burton

  PS For our German tourists. The “Dam Busters” film wouldn’t have been nearly as impressive if they’d only drained the water off first!

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