Issue 119

February 2021

Welcome to the February issue of the Voice for Arran and we hope you are keeping well – either well occupied or finding time for a break in hectic times, but hopefully safe and happy! If in this continuing lockdown things are a struggle, we have some articles and resources for you in the following pages… For me, these latest restrictions came as something of a surprise. I had been paying some attention to the news but I had been trying quietly to convince myself that there surely wouldn’t be a return to home-schooling. But return it has and the last month for us has been quite an array of ups and downs, joy as well as pain. So I was interested to receive Kenneth Gibson’s article on mental health and support, an issue that has a magnified relevance during the current Covid times. As has been reported in the national news, he writes that mental health support groups and organisations have seen a huge rise in demand for their services.

In Arran we have been lucky to have only a small number of cases of the virus. But the recent Arran Recovery Group surveys in June and October 2020 found issues of mental health to be one of the highest concerns for people in Arran. Social isolation, fear of the unknown and financial concerns were a few of the challenges people stated to be experiencing. Of course here in Arran we are vulnerable to the same human experience as people everywhere, and I have found over the last few weeks the following words of Kenneth Gibson have returned to me: “So often when times are hard, life becomes about survival. We take things day by day, hour by hour, or even minute by minute when we have to”.

So in this issue we have a piece from therapists on the island which provides information about the help that is available on Arran. Connecting to others and support groups can be one important way to improve our sense of wellbeing. Turning towards ourselves and strengthening our inner resources is another way and we have some great practical advice from Heather Regan-Addis of the Mindfulness Association on how “we can build up our resources…and cultivate a habit of remaining cheerful.” Spending time in nature is another activity that provides so much benefit. In her article Nature Prescriptions, Kirsty Nutt reports on a recent project where GPs are partnering with the RSPB Scotland to literally prescribe time in the outdoors for people as a way to look after their mental health. After the success of the project in Shetland over the last couple of years, the initiative has now launched in Edinburgh. They are hoping to extend the project across the country; I am keeping my fingers crossed it will come to Arran!

Apart from our focus on mental health we have a range of pieces and poems which have been sent in. There is news from Corrie’s Art Competition, a Wildlife Spotter’s guide to Goatfell, and details of the screening of the film ‘The Limit’ coming up in February. Sally Campbell guides us through the nuances of carbon capture as opposed to direct emissions reduction, and there is a very uplifting story of the meeting between Greta Thunberg and the Dalai Lama last month to start us off. While we wait for the world to open up again, keeping well in body and mind can be more challenging than usual and if you are facing difficulties for whatever reason we hope there is something here that can be of help. I am certainly trying to follow another of Heather’s tips – Make challenges the path. She writes, “When something challenging emerges in your life, think of it as part of your curriculum for the day”, which is absolutely perfect as a piece of advice to follow in our home-school situation! And if all else fails, see here for some ShantyTok which can go far to lift the spirits! Elsa

Greta Thunberg meets the Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama and Greta Thunberg Unite Against the Climate Crisis

Last month two of the earth’s most ardent climate advocates, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Greta Thunberg, joined their voices together to discuss what we can do collectively to correct the impact of destructive climate feedback loops. On 9th January His Holiness the Dalai Lama, climate activist Greta Thunberg and leading scientists gathered to address the question: “What can be done to slow down this threat before it’s too late?”The following article is reprinted from the Mind and Life Institute websiteClimate Emergency: Feedback Loops Our Only Home: A Climate Appeal to the World.The Mind & Life Institute was honoured to host this free livestream event on January 9/10, 2021 and you can watch the recording of the discussion here Eco Savvy film club am Greta",here

Greenwashing, Carbon Capture and Climate Change

By Sally Campbell

GREENWASHING, CARBON CAPTURE, AND CLIMATE CHANGE What is our responsibility?

Much of the language of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), Carbon Offsetting and Carbon Credits is unfamiliar so first some explanations:net zerocarbon offsettingCarbon creditscarbon dioxide removal (CDR)Some companies even in hard-to-abate sectors – such as cement, steel and marine freight – plan to cut emissions directly, by innovating where necessary. Conversely, others plan to use CDR to offset even easy-to-abate emissions, such as in power generation.Many companies plan to simply purchase credits on carbon markets, which have been beset with integrity problems and dubious accounting, even where certified. Once again certification is being found to be flawed, and even corrupt, giving the impression that everything is fine!So, how does all this work in reality?carbon creditsrepeated scandalsSo what is Greenwashing?Net Expectations: Assessing the role of carbon dioxide removal in companies’ climate plansWhat is being promised? The RealityAbout 25.8 million tonnes of CO2, out of 71.1 million tonnes set to be created annually by the UK sector, will need to be addressed through what Sustainable Aviation calls “market-based measures”, or offsetting.without genuine rapid emissions reductionsWhen engaging with our government, local authorities, investors and companies on their climate plans, voters and other stakeholders might find these questions a helpful starting point.References:Net Expectations. Assessing the role of carbon dioxide removal in companies’ climate plans Carbon markets: A conversation with Bill Gates, Mark Carney, Annette Nazareth and Bill Waters.Sally CampbellJanuary 2021

Emotional and psychological help available on Arran

Emotional and psychological help available on Arran

The Arran Ear 01770 649 505. Listening from 9am to 5pm.The cancer support groupJanSusanThe Last Waltz Grief CircleLonger term psychological and emotional supportFunding for therapySupport for under 18sSupport at end of life from CaimAlcoholics AnonymousHeather Lodge websiteHeather Lodge Facebook pageWith many thanks to Susan Knox and Chris Attkins for contributing this article to the Voice this month.

Ten tips for remaining cheerful

As this current lockdown progresses and the implications of the pandemic for our day to day life in the longer term become more apparent it is easy to become overwhelmed. As human beings we have a negativity bias which orients us to over-focus on threats and challenges and many of us may notice this in our day to day life. We might find ourselves watching the same bad news on the TV or listening to it on the radio repeatedly. We may find ourselves ruminating on upsetting things that have happened or worrying about what the future may bring.

Nature Prescriptions

From Cornwall to Shetland conservation groups and GPs are partnering to “prescribe nature”. The government has committed funding to develop social prescribing, and since the end of last year, GPs at five practices in Edinburgh are now able to prescribe nature to patients as part of their treatment, thanks to an innovative project designed by RSPB Scotland, in collaboration with NHS Lothian’s charity partner, the Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation.

A new funeral celebrant on Arran

In the November edition of The Voice, Alice Maxwell wrote an article entitled “Thoughts On Becoming A Celebrant”.  Alice has since completed her training with Celebrant Training Scotland, which included writing an entire funeral service, story telling and public speaking. She is now available to create and deliver funeral services, which will have the wishes of the deceased and their families at their heart. For those who wish to organize their own funeral service, Alice is happy to write Living Eulogies.

News from Eco Savvy

eBike fleet expansion!

Are you a key/essential worker who would be interested in a free loan of an ebike to get around?Whether you are working in health care, energy, transport, teaching, food provision or any other key job get in touch and see how eBikes could work for you as an alternative, low-carbon way of getting about!Simply fill in this formand one of the Eco Savvy team will get back to you.Eco Savvy workshopsregister your interest here.And a message from Jess, Sustainable Food Cooridnator at Eco Savvy:here

Film screening of The Limit

‘The Limit’ is a film about restoring the threatened connections between people and the life in our sea. It explores the impacts of drastic declines in Scotland’s fish populations and the hidden damage to our seabed. How can we bring about an urgent and fair transition towards more sustainable fishing?

You are invited to the online public premier of the coalition film, 'The Limit'.

When: Wednesday 10th February, 7pm

Where: Live streaming. Sign up here for a reminder .

Wildlife spotter’s guide to Goatfell

The National Trust for Scotland is creating a series of online guides for different areas they manage in Scotland, and the one included here is for some of the wildlife to look out for if you are lucky enough to be walking on Goatfell!

The wildest and highest parts of Arran are also home to an incredible range of amazing wildlife, including a number of Scotland’s most iconic species. Featured image shows Goatfell in cloud. All photo credits to NTS.

Corrie’s Art Competition

By Jean Bowden

Corrie’s Art Competition

Corrie's adventuresMeredith MckieLucia FarquharKirsty PalmerRowan SaundersEvaFor more information on Corrie's Capers and to buy the stories about her delightful adventures please see the shopFeatured image shows Ola Wals' commended picture of Corrie at Ostel Bay in the Age 7 and over category

The 11th Commando – part 6

11th Commando Black Hackle - Part 6

In the final part of his history on the 11th Commando, Jim Henderson takes a closer look at a couple of the soldiers whose lives were closely linked to Arran, and the missions they took part in during the 2nd World War.

Marshall, Walters and Burma

Walter Marshall 1918- 2005Featured image shows Walter after the war in Arran

Forgive me not being a better son to you, By the steps I have cut others will climb, By the bridge I have thrown others will cross, I believe no man lives into himself and no man dies into himself.

Corporal Reginald Walters 1911 – 1994Jim Henderson

History repeating itself?

Sent in from Mo khan January 2021. Dippen house caravan, Dippen, Isle of Arran

Proof positive that current world events are not as unprecedented as many would suppose.

HistoriesTacitusFeatured image shows a portrait of Tacitus.

The Gal-Gael Peoples of Scotland

By Alistair McIntosh

The Gal-Gael Peoples of Scotland

Written at the request of and dedicated to Tawny, Colin and Gehan Macleod and other powerful gentle warriors at the Pollok Free State M77 Motorway Protest in Glasgow, whose endeavours for renewal are both ecological and cultural.

We, the Gal-Gael, being a loose association of some native peoples of Scotland, extend our hand to all other indigenous peoples in the world. By invitation of First Nation friends in North America we ask to address you with these words.

Yours, for auld lang sine Beltane Full Moon Wolf Festival Pollok Free State, Scotland, 3 May 1996 (narrated by Alastair McIntosh)

Salt Harvesting

Salt harvesting: Turning sea water into 'white gold' in a Fife village

Angie Brown, BBCEach month John Kinsman from St Monan’s Coastwatch sends in the Marine News from east Fife to the Voice for Arran. Now another local from the area is reviving an industry from the past, harvesting salt. It was reported by the BBC earlier this month, and we thought it would be interesting to include here. Featured image shows Darren Peattie, who will suck 2.5 tonnes of water from the Firth of Forth every day to make the salt. Image credit Darren Peattie.The East Neuk Salt Company

Marine News

Marine News

Salmon season gloom due to lockdownRowing boat rescueOn duty during lockdownFeatured image shows scene on coastal path at St Monans with Coastwatch St Monans station, lookout in foreground.

Recipe for February

RECIPE SENT IN FROM ANNE KINSMAN

Tomato and Green Bean Salad

Ingredients:

250g (8oz) baby red tomatoes (plum if possible)
250g (8oz) thin green beans, top and tailed
Handful of fresh mint, chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper

Method:

1. Cut the tomatoes into halves and put them into a bowl
2. Cook the green beans in boiling water for about 2 minutes, drain well and place in the bowl with the tomatoes
3. Add the mint, garlic, oil and vinegar. Season to taste with salt and pepper and mix well. Serve warm or cold.

A February poem

For one who is exhausted, a blessing

By John O’ DonohueTen Tips for Remaining CheerfulJohn O’Donohue was a poet, theologian, and philosopher. He authored several books, including Anam Ċara, Beauty, and To Bless the Space Between Us, a collection of blessings published posthumously. His newest book, Walking in Wonder: Eternal Wisdom for a Modern World, was published in November 2018. He died on January 4, 2008.