Swamped by admiration
I had intended this week to continue down the sporting path I trod last week but was diverted instead down a different route given the crisis caused by the weather over the past few days.
I thought I might better serve you dear readers by considering some of the implications of the flooding and the approach taken by many, including obviously the emergency services and Argyll and Bute Council, to counter the damage and cope with the outcomes.
I am of course, as many of you will know, a huge admirer of our emergency services and the many people in our communities who strive for the benefit of others. And they were manifest across the region over the past few days.
Make no mistake, the damage, disruption and cost of these floods have been excessive and will be long felt by those worst affected.
For some, the inability to travel by either road or public transport would have been merely a disappointing inconvenience but for others it may have had a serious impact.
Indeed, an ongoing amber weather warning from the Met Office involved a “danger to life” alert for the areas surrounding Fort William, Inveraray and Oban, though I am, thankfully, unaware of any deaths arising directly at the time of writing.
Thankfully, the conditions appear to be moderating at least somewhat, though we are advised to be wary of a return to more flooding. Fingers are firmly crossed that the weather continues to improver and that we can return to normal for the time of year.
Many thanks are owed by the majority of us to those whose job it was to venture out and do their best to combat the crisis.
And thanks also to The Oban Times’ team who worked tirelessly over the weekend to ensure readers had the most accurate and up-to-date information on the local roads situation via the website and their social media channels. Not easy given how changeable it was from hour to hour. We are lucky to have such a dedicated team of folk.
What do you think? Send your comments to editor@obantimes.co.uk