Many tales have emerged of Mid Argyll communities rallying round to help people stranded by the floods and landslides last weekend.
Lochgilphead Joint Campus was opened to provide shelter, food and warmth for anyone stranded because of the closed roads and around 40 people used the campus.
In Inveraray, Church of Scotland minister Dorothy Wallace led a big effort to host the stranded travellers with food, drinks, heat – and a movie at the church.
In Furnace, about 30 stranded people were looked after in the community hall and some were put up for the night by villagers.
A joint statement from Argyll and Bute Council and the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) said: “The level of rain that fell on Saturday disrupted the road network in Mid Argyll and elsewhere in the area, with flooding, landslides, fallen trees and other debris closing roads.
“We worked as part of a multi-agency response group, including Police Scotland and the Health and Social Care Partnership, to support people affected.
“This included taking steps to open Lochgilphead Joint Campus to provide shelter, food and warmth for anyone stranded because of closed roads.
“This was led by the HSCP, supported by the council, and involved contacting council staff in the town, and others on-line, to make arrangements and be on site.
“Many others also took steps to help people in need and we would like to thank the Cadet Centre staff in Lochgilphead and everyone involved in responding.”
Rev Wallace of West Lochfyneside Parish Church, her daughter Lizzie and church elder Robbie Kennedy-Elliot, who runs The Pier Shop, quickly realised something had to be done around lunchtime on Saturday.
“Our own story began about 12.30pm, when my daughter Lizzie and one of my elders, Robbie Kennedy Elliot, who runs the Pier Shop, realised all these folk were stranded and may well be overnight,” said Dorothy.
“We managed to get together food and drinks, turn the church heating on and find a family-friendly film to keep people entertained.
“As we were in such a hurry, I looked at the list of films we can show with our current licences and got as far as The Addams Family.
“It was very seasonal, with Hallowe’en round the corner.
“Robbie brought hot sausage rolls and filled rolls, Skippers Bistro brought sandwiches and we had lots of crisps, soft drinks, tea, coffee etc left over from a function the previous evening, so folk were warm, fed and watered, and entertained.
“I put a very rushed plea for help on our community Facebook page and soon Inveraray folk appeared offering food, bedding, offering to stay and help run the pop up B&B, and one lady kindly offered the use of her flat.
“Such generosity and a great community pulling together to help many folk.
“Emma, one of our local nurses arrived to help with any medical situations so most situations were covered.
“Most of the people left by 5pm but we had a few folk who were in cars, who were around for a little longer.
“As it happened, overnight accommodation was not required, with the Campbeltown folk returning home and the Oban folk were put up in the school.”
In Furnace, community council convener Martin Wilson, who is also a police officer, said: “We had about 30 people seeking refuge.
“We set up the community hall and some of [those stranded] stayed with local people.
“Quite a few people opened up their homes. The way that everybody came together was amazing. Furnace as a whole just came together.”
Several people left messages of thanks on the Everything Furnace Facebook page. Liz McGregor wrote: “Thanks to the very kind folks of Furnace for looking after us yesterday when we were stuck due to the foods and landslides.
“Robbie for keeping us in tea and sausage rolls, Martin for keeping us up to date with information, Powdermill B & B for putting us up at short notice and everyone else that helped out.
“Very kind folk and very much appreciated.”
Brigitta Bein wrote: “I’d also like to say a huge thank you for everything you did to us.
“We were so looked after. Thanks Robbie for all the tea and coffee and the lovely shortbread; Martin, the policeman for all the updates on the road and making sure we get accommodation; the lovely couple at Powdermill B&B, Sue and John for their warm welcome.”
It was the worst flooding Minard residents had seen, one told Advertiser.
“The “circuit” is a mile-long circular walk around the village that was impassable for some time because Auchgoyle Burn was over the top of the footbridge on the walk,” said Brian Barker at the weekend.
“The track from the A83 up to Inverae and Garvachy has been badly eroded by running water. It’s not clear if people will be able to get up the track by car as it is so rutted.”
