With comparative examples from across Scotland, particularly communities like ours in Argyll, ForArgyll again covers the sale and future of the Glendaruel Hotel, mentioning the effect the lack of a hostelry has had on local business, the Cowal Way and ColGlen Shinty Club.

http://forargyll.com/2009/05/what-has-happened-to-the-glendaruel-hotel/

Image from Telegraph shows Chris Hunter measuring to the tip of the fir

The community of Colintraive and Glendaruel has received  a great deal of press attention over the last week or so as it has emerged that the Stronardron Douglas Fir has been crowned Tallest Tree in the UK.

from The Herald:

Mr Creelman, who hails originally from Greenock, says he regards himself more as a custodian of the tree than its legal owner. “When it was planted there was a kind of altruism where somebody plants a tree in 1848 and they are not going to see it in any great form and neither are their children,” he said.

“These days are gone but it’s nice that there are these living memorials. All you can do is look after the tree.”

While the title may seem rather obscure to some, it can be expected to boost tourism in the local area.

However, Mr Creelman is keen to strike a balance between making the tree accessible to the public and destroying the surrounding foliage.

“While we welcome people to come in and see the tree and see the garden, we don’t want to be trampled with people. It has survived there since 1848,” he said.

Reproduced with kind permission from The Herald

As more stories emerge they’ll be posted here:

• Scots fir is ‘tallest tree in UK’ (BBC)
• Trees worth meeting (The Telegraph)
• It’s a tall order measuring the biggest tree in Britain (The Scotsman)
• The tallest tree in the UK… by Fir (The Sun!)
• Douglas Fir in Argyll named tallest tree in Britain (Herald)
• Britain’s tallest tree is 209 ft Douglas Fir (Telegraph)
• The 210ft fir that’s been crowned Britain’s tallest tree – and is still growing (Mail)
• Sparsholt Lecturers Find Tallest Tree (Hampshire Chronicle)
• Is the Tallest Tree in the UK Argyll’s - in Glendaruel? (ForArgyll)
• Views of the Tallest Tree in the UK at Dunans Castle (LairdofDunansCastle.com)
• It’s a YES. Argyll has the tallest tree in the UK - see it from Dunans Castle in Glendaruel (ForArgyll)
• How long will Argyll’s Stronardron Douglas Fir hold on to the ‘UK’s Tallest Tree’ title? (ForArgyll)
• Dunans Castle Views the Tallest Tree in the UK – it’s official! (Dunans Heritage Project)
• Arborist’s to Search for Britain’s Tallest Tree (HortWeek)
• Sparsholt College Lecturers Search for Britain’s Tallest Tree (Sparsholt College)

THE ANNUAL BBQ held at Colintraive raised the sum of £1,125 for Yorkhill Children’s Hospital.  A super day was had in lovely sunshine with the ‘Saddlebags’, our local Country Western Band keeping everyone entertained.  The food was excellent, as were the teas served inside the hall.  Goods for sale were quickly snapped up and the raffle had a great deal of wonderful prizes.

It was also an emotional day for Alex and Jessie McNaughton, family, relatives and friends who were saying their goodbyes to Brian and Anne McNaughton, Eilidh, Cally and Neily who were emigrating to Australia the following day.  The annual BBQ was normally organised by Anne due to youngest son Neily having been treated at Yorkhill three years ago.  This year the event was organised for Anne by her friends.  Alex McNaughton proposed a vote of thanks to everyone at the end of the day.

MARGARET WOODS and her husband Daniel have lived at Woodlands Cottage at Duiletter for about 5 years.  Margaret knits wonderful Arran sweaters and cardigans; she also knits general, gents, ladies, children and baby garments and is happy to do so to order.  Her costs are reasonable as she is not running a business, she just enjoys her knitting.  Anyone interested can contact Margaret on 820295. Garments are also available occasionally at the Post Office/Shop at Colintraive.

Glendaruel Caravan Park, as a contribution to the recent Cowal ArtsFeast, staged a small but intruiging exhibition of artworks and stained glass loaned by several artists who have a connection with Glendaruel. There is also an historical display of old photographs and information relating to the Glendaruel Estate.
This initiative proved so popular and generated such  interest it has been decided to leave them on display throughout the summer during shop hours or by arrangement (Tel: 01369 820 267)
The Caravan Park would like to thank the following for their contributions: Anne Ferguson, Eleanor McLaughlin, Paul Morley, Carol Paterson & Hannah Frew Patterson.