It is quickly approaching the one year mark since I first begin this adventure to bring together community groups across Argyll & Bute. The purpose? in order to form an official Network and apply for Hub funding from the Scottish Government, on behalf of the Scottish Government.
From the end of July 2022 until February 2023 most of my time was spent meeting over 200 community groups across the region to discuss what they do, their needs, struggles and successes. It really has been wonderful meeting everyone and along the way we have been able to fordge connections for knowledge sharing and cross-sector sharing through the region and indeed across Scotland.
All the photos throughout this A&BCAN webpage, have been taken during my travels and shows just how beautiful and fragile our landscape is; and how important these connections are now and will be even more important in future.
During Spring 2023, a series of events were held. Apologies to those areas I haven’t been able to host events at yet; and to the food growers, I know we were hoping to have hosted another networking event by now! But by and large the events this past spring were very successful and brought a multitude of agencies, individuals and groups together.
The first, in a series of events, was a Food Growing and Community Garden Networking event, held at the Hub Grub Food Bank in Dunoon.
The next event was hosted in conjunction with the Argyll Cultural Heritage and Arts Gaelic Officer and was held in Knapdale and Kilmartin Glen. This cultural heritage ceremonial event was delivered in Scottish Gaelic and barefeet! It was an otherworldly experience trancended space and time.
The Third event of the season came about from the Campbeltown Youth Forum, through discussions held at an ADS Adaptation event, where they mentioned that they were concerned about Argyll & Bute waste streams. This event brought together The Grab Trust and Zero Waste Scotland to help unravel the best way forward to reduce waste.
The Fourth event was an unexpected pleasure, which saw the Novara Ice Breaker sail into Campbeltown Harbour, on the first stop of their three year voyage to New Zealand, campaigning for Climate Action along the way.
A series of Visualisation to Realisation events were then held in May to formally launch the Network membership and move closer to Hub application. The first of this series was held in Helensburgh with Louisa Harvey, who oversees the Network and Hub programme for the Scottish Government, on hand to answer questions. There were another two online sessions held. This was then followed by an online meeting hosted by TSi who put together a proposal to create a consortium for the Network with TSi and ACT acting as support structures for the Network & Hub.
And here were are now, to date 27 community groups/organisations have signed up to membership of the Network. Next we’ll be looking at creating a working group or steerig committee to formally commence with organising our new structure. Once some decisions on structure have been decided (open for everyone to have a say & join in) then we will apply for the Hub funding.
A long journey with much laughter
A sunny start at Crinan with sea views. A group of men and women from far and wide. No cameras allowed in ceremony.
Àdhamh prepares the way
His Gaelic lilting through the air as the young catkins dance. Waiting listening to present moment barefoot in the grass.
A magical ruined village unfolds Gaelic ritual, a standing stone and fresh water well the scent of whisky.
Offerings of food and flowers introducing ourselves to the ancestors smiling and nodding half understanding or feeling the Gaelic hoping it will filter into my mind . Witnessing the beauty of others half attempts at conversation.
Crunchy oats on my tongue plum vodka on stone and grass.
Rose petals fly in the wind.
The fairy’s will be happy tonight.
Spiralling in wet squelching mud an immersion in cold refreshing water. Cool clarity pouring down my throat my hands my face.
A new beginning with the echo of ancient ancestor watching.
High banks embrace, trees witnessing.
Birdsong, dog rustling in bracken. Mossy undergrowth and giant trees along the path.
It is a privilege to be here.
Then onwards to Dunadd and black mountain sheep with curly horns a secret doorway into a Gaelic world a cold wet wind a fabulous view waiting and following the young man eager for the mother tongue.
Spring water a gift to the holy well a foot cleansed and I walk upright into sovereignty. A queen of my life, a symbolic rebirth, a connection and a deep reverence for this land of Scotland! I was held and ancient codes of reawakening are whispered into my ear. I stand and am truly seen and embraced. It is a deep rich honouring ritual. I am bathed and dried and boots brought to me as I witness the others eager flow on Dunadd hill fort ancient mound of the Shee we are all re awakened with love and laughter a great end to the day . A beautiful experience, I was sad to leave them all, our group of new found hopeful stumbling gaels.
With love
I hope to sing in Gaelic next time I go there!
Sarah Long
