Timetable For The Seafood Festival and New Site Updates

Click Me To Go To The Seafood Festival Timetable

As always in Tarbert there is plenty happening, the Seafood Festival this weekend!
Celebrations, crowning of Queens live music competitions and lots of fun and entertainment click here for full details!

Details for all events are being added to the new website, so bookmark it and sign up to subscribe to new posts.

The offer of a totally free full website page for your local business is still running, the pages are being updated on the new site, go to www.tarbert.online and see the menu on the left for the local business directory.

Click Here To Go To New Site

Kilberry Scarecrow Festival

We took a drive along the Kilberry Road for the scarecrow festival.
As always there was quite a good mix, including a brilliant Tim Peake/Rocket man David Bowie!
Marvel Superhero's with an epic battle between Batman and Spiderman!
We found Donald Trump, Trumping and Jack Sparrow chillin' on the hill.

A few had been battered from the strong wind the night before but most had survived.
The scarecrow festival happens every year and is organised by the Ormsary District Social Club.
Today (Easter Monday) at the hall they are having an Easter event with an Easter Egg trail for the children while serving tea, coffee and homebaking before they announce the winning scarecrow.

I wouldn't want to be the judge there are so many great 'crows along the road!

Apologies for those I didn't manage to photograph, I know there were a few more but I didn't get the chance to stop off at all of them.

Thanks to everyone that takes part, I look forward to them every year.

Here's hoping we see even more next year!

Kung Fu Panda 3 And Dad's Army

Kung Fu Panda 3

The Screen Machine is coming back to Tarbert on the 12 April 2016!
When Po’s long-lost panda father suddenly reappears, the reunited duo travels to a secret panda paradise to meet scores of hilarious new panda characters.

But when the supernatural villain Kai begins to sweep across China defeating all the kung fu masters, Po must do the impossible-learn to train a village full of his fun-loving, clumsy brethren to become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas.

Living large and loving life, Po (Jack Black) realizes that he has a lot to learn if he's going to fulfill the next challenge from his beloved instructor (Dustin Hoffman).
After reuniting with his long-lost father (Bryan Cranston), Po must transition from student to teacher and train a group of fun-loving, clumsy pandas to become martial-arts fighters.
 Together, the kung-fu brethren unite to take on the evil Kai (J.K. Simmons), a supernatural warrior who becomes stronger with each battle.

Check out some of the reviews online! If you loved the others in the series this one is said to be the best Kung Fu Panda film yet!


 

Also Showing is the new Dad's Army film.

Dad's Army is a 2016 British war comedy film, based on the BBC television sitcom Dad's Army. Directed by Oliver Parker, set in 1944, after the events depicted in the television series.
The story sees Catherine Zeta-Jones play a glamorous journalist, who is sent to report on the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard platoon.
This is all before MI5 discovers that there is a German spy, hiding in the fictional British town.


 



While looking on youtube for the trailers I found this great little film by Armin Grewe giving you a virtual tour of the Screen Machine when it visited Islay.

A Brilliant Aurora App!

Image By Moyan Bren, Iceland

I follow various Aurora groups and pages on facebook, so this is just a quick post to share this brilliant App with you.
I found it in the AUK-Aurora UK Group.
But the actual APP is from The Glendale Isle Of Skye Website.

It is totally free to download and quick and easy to embed into your website

The Glendale Skye Aurora Alerts App is the UK's only 100% accurate aurora alert app that has been designed by an aurora-hunter for aurora-hunters.

You won't find the unreliable Kp or ovation model data anywhere on this app.
 It is powered entirely by the most accurate data feeds that are used by expert aurora-hunters in the UK.
Totally free of charge.
Optimised to work in remote areas where mobile signal is extremely weak.
It will run quite happily over 2G in remote parts of Scotland.
Minimal bandwidth usage.
Minimal space on your phone.
To reduce data usage, all graphs are load-on-demand and only refresh while you are using them.
Also, works in Chrome Browser on any Desktop PC or Laptop.

Read more and get the APP Here

I have added the APP to this site on the top right hand corner.
Brilliant, thank you Glendale Isle Of Skye, great widget!

Fyne Diving!

Come On In The Water Is Lovely!

Did you know you can explore the beautiful clear waters surrounding Kintyre with Fyne Diving?

Make your break even more memorable with Loch Fyne Dive Charters 
With stunning and unspoilt dive sites suitable for all interests and experience levels.
Their sites include pinnacles, drift dives, wrecks and reefs, in a range of depths from ~10m to 50m+
There is abundant marine life, giving plenty of scope for keen underwater photographers.
Take a look at some of the visitor photos here!
The sheltered waters of Loch Fyne mean there are usually good diving conditions and visitor all year round including, Seals, Dolphins and Basking Sharks
Read More Here...

Posted by Loch Fyne Dive Charters on Wednesday, 9 May 2012

The Big Blue has specially designed seating provides plenty of space for the storage of cylinders and personal equipment as well as having space to seat all 12 divers.
There is stern gate giving a simple step into the water and a dive lift, also at the stern, gives an easy way to return to the boat after your dive.
 There is also a toilet for added comfort.
For more info, take a look at this fantastic video
As well as the wildlife there are also chances to view some of the old wrecks that rest on the sea beds, the team have extensive knowledge of the locations and what you are likely to see. All the info you could need is on their website, you can follow them on Facebook too.

Sorry About The Poop

Some might say it's been a crappy weekend, and others have every right to do so, with the relentless rain the ongoing sewage problem started bubbling up, causing concern.

Aggie Dennis posted a video on the All Things Tarbert Facebook group.

Many other members of the group were obviously angry as they had reported it many times, and yet, obviously it has not been fixed.

I posted the video in various places and got on to SEPA and Scottish Water, Scottish water responded quickly, with a reference number, a number that had been given to others and yet, so far, no job done.
So here it is, Monday morning, lets set the clock and see how long this takes!

Meteor Showers 2016

Tarbert 27th Jan

Firstly, apologies for the delay, we have missed the Quadrantids at the start of January.
If you follow the facebook page you'll know that I've been getting excited about the beautiful mornings line up that we have been spoilt with (in between crazy weather).
If you are a morning person and are blessed with clear skies, look out before/during sunrise to the SE, S, SW and West from the horizon up, Mercury, Venus, Saturn Mars and Jupiter have been visible, unfortunately the weather was not on our side most mornings, but I managed to see them a few times.

Fireballs!
Around the Spring Equinox  we now have a fireball season, unpredictable but a regular occurrence so keep your eyes peeled in the weeks just before and after the 20th March!


Towards the end of April is the Lyrid Meteor Shower, from around the 16th to the 25th April, with a bright moon though we may not be able to see as many as usual, look NE after around 10pm.
The Lyrids quite often leave trails and has surges of around 100 meteors an hour, so it's well worth looking out for.

Stargazing For Beginners

Between May the 5th-7th, if you are an early bird and up before the crack of dawn, look out for the Eta Aquarids, again, we are possibly too far North to see many.


August brings us the Perseids, probably one of the best/easiest meteor showers to view on a clear night.
The nights are warmer too, so it's a perfect introduction for younger members of the family.
It builds up through August and peaks around the 10th to 13th.
They radiate from the constellation Perseus, however, you don't need to be an expert on constellations, just allow your eyes to adjust to the dark and gaze into the sky, before long you will spot any movement.
Perseids can often give a spectacular display, so if the weather is on your side make the most of it!

October gives us the Draconids in Draco, the Dragon Constellation, it has the potential to be another spectacular show!



The Draconids is another meteor shower that is best watched early evening, making it another one ideal to look out for if you have young children.
The Draconid showers radiant point stands highest in the sky as darkness falls, so unlike many meteor showers, more Draconids are likely to fly in the evening hours than in the morning hours after midnight.
This shower is usually a sleeper, producing only a handful of  meteors per hour most years. But watch out if the Dragon awakes!   Draco has been known to show many hundreds of meteors in a single hour!

Around the 21st to 22nd October is the Orionids, another one for early risers as you are most likely to see these just before dawn.
However, often you can see meteors various times of the night, if you are out and about it is always worth taking some time to just look up, you could be surprised!

The Taurid Meteor showers last a long time, but I have just put their peak dates on our Public Calendar.
The South Taurids spread out from the 25th September right through to the 25th November, so you could see them anytime, but the peak for the South taurids is the 4th to the 5th November.

The North Taurids spread out from around October the 12th to December the 2nd, but the peak time for viewing these is between the 11th and 12th November.

3D Astronomer 

The Taurids radiate from Taurus, the bull and are best seen around midnight when Taurus is high in the sky.

In November, the Leonids peak around the 17th November, the best time to see them is just before dawn, although they are often seen during the evenings and late night.

The  Leonid meteor shower happens every year at this time, as our world crosses the orbital path of Comet Tempel-Tuttle.
Tempel-Tuttle litters its orbit with bits of debris. It’s when this cometary debris enters Earth’s atmosphere, and vaporizes, that we see the Leonid meteor shower.

Around the 13th December, the Geminid meteor shower peaks.
The best time to see this is around 2am, although you are likely to see many before then.
This year though the full Moon may prevent us seeing as many as usual, but it is still well worth staying up for!

You don't need expensive equipment to enjoy these stunning displays, the meteors are easily visible with the naked eye, and some can be spectacular!
You just need some patience, dark clear skies and to wrap up warm!
For the ultimate luxury, spoil yourself to a luxury camp bed and lay back, relax and enjoy the display!

 If you want to meet other astronomers and learn more about all our dark skies have to offer here on the West Coast, take a look at West Kintyre Stargazers who organise group talks, events and advice.

Pets Welcome!

Pets Welcome

With so many woodland and coastal walks  it is so easy to find the perfect tranquil spot to unwind and give you that well earned peace a holiday on the West Coast can bring.

For a huge majority of us, there is always that problem of finding a place to stay that welcomes pets.

Some kennels offer a great service in taking care of your pets while you have a break, but here in Scotland there are many fabulous walks that your dog will love just as much as you would!

I decided to ask online so I could quickly gather a list of all pet friendly place to stay in and around Tarbert, so in no order of preference here is what we have so far;

West Loch Hotel, a short walk from the centre of the village on the shores of West Loch, easy access to forestry walks, you are also very close to the starting point of The Kintyre Way, a beautiful walk that criss crosses the whole of the Kintyre Peninsular.

The Kintyre Way

Also at West Loch are a selection of cosy lodges set on a hill they have spectacular views over the Loch.
West Loch Shores are set right beside Corranbuie, a natural woodland beside forestry land, you can follow the track all the way along to bring you back to Tarbert village.

The track is popular with other walkers, runners and dog walkers.
Although more often that not you can walk the full track without seeing another soul.
Also at West Loch you will find Kayak Majik, you can hire a canoe, try sea kayaking, even meet some of our local seal population,
A truly relaxing way to explore the lochs.

Argyll Haven also sits at the West Loch, another lodge sat in a quiet and beautiful location yet not too far from the village centre, surrounded by forest overlooking the loch. What better place to unwind!

Have you ever tried Glamping?
Well now you can, and what's more you can bring your dogs too!
Stonefield Farm Holidays have small and cosy wooden wigwams, allowing you to enjoy the fun of camping outside but with the comfort of a sturdy and cosy shelter with washing and cleaning facilities.
There is also a coffee and farm shop on site serving fresh, local produce.

Tarbert From The Hills

In the village The Tarbert Hotel allows pets, with a friendly bar and delicious food it is another popular place to stay!

Also overlooking the beautiful Harbour is The Islay Frigate Hotel, it has a popular bar, a harbour view restaurant and a beer garden out the back, a pretty little sun trap to sit and relax in.

Overlooking the Tarbert Church is the Cullins Bed and Breakfast, a perfect base to relax after a day of exploring.

Just outside of the village, before you come in to Tarbert are Barfad Self Catering Holiday Cottages set in farmland, surrounded by woodland and near the shores of Loch Fyne.
There are 2 Cottages Available At Barfard the underlined text takes you to their site for further details. Lesley from the Loch Fyne Gallery told me on the All Things Tarbert Facebook Page

"Years before I had my cottage in Tarbert, I stayed at Barfad Farmlands a couple of times with dogs, the cottages were lovely, and direct access to White Shore was fab for the dogs. I met people with dogs over the summer who stay regularly, so they obviously still allow them"

So much exploring for a pup to do!

Barmore Farm Holiday Cottages at Stonefield are also pet friendly, currently their website doesn't have all the info, but there are more details and photos at Hoseasons holiday site.

Sitting right on the shores of Loch Fyne near Stonefield castle is Shore Cottage, a peaceful retreat in beautiful surroundings.

Skipness is one of my personal favourite places, you can walk there from Tarbert, see the map on the Kintyre Way Website for the specific details for the track.
Be warned you may meet livestock on some sections.

The Seafood Cabin offers freshly prepared sea food along with tea and coffee, see their website for opening times and the menu.

If you visit Skipness do visit the castle, in the Summer the tower is opened allowing you to climb up to the top for magnificent views on a clear day.

Skipness Holiday Cottages are in a fantastic location, with beautiful walks and stunning views over to the Isle Of Arran, it is breathtakingly beautiful all year round.
Contact Sophie and ask for a brochure and booking form

Scotland, it's very cool in Winter! <3

On the other side of West Loch is The B8024, with spectacular views of Kintyre and the Inner Hebrides, Jura, Islay, Gigha, if you come all the way to Tarbert you really should take a gentle drive along this road!

Dunmore Villa and Anchor Cottage sit right on the shore, totally wonderful if you love the sea!
Both are large, private self catering holiday lets with total privacy.

A short drive past the villa and slightly up the hill on your right is Dunmore Court, with self catering cottages in a shared courtyard.
Surrounded by ancient Oak woodland and wildlife with beautiful views from the hills.

Back over on the right hand side, with views over the loch, a few miles from Dumore Court is Barr Na Criche offering self catering or bed and breakfast holiday accommodation. It is a perfect get away from it all! Relax on the shores of the loch, walk miles through forest or countryside track or drive into one of the little villages for fine foods and excellent hospitality!

Standing Stones Loch Stornoway, Knapdale

Port Bàn Holiday Park is further along the road, it is set in a beautiful location and you are able to rent or buy a static caravan here.
You can also camp there with pitches for tents and hook ups for tourers and caravans.
Totally pet friendly, the whole site has poop bags and bins, making cleaning up easy, please keep all dogs on the lead on site.

Still within roughly a 30 minute drive from Tarbert Harbour is the beautiful Ellary Estate the cottages and chalets are situated on the Loch Caolisport side of Ellary Estate.
The cottages all stand in their own grounds, offering privacy and seclusion and are equipped with everything that you are likely to require on your holiday.

Just across the loch from Tarbert Harbour is the Portavadie Mariner with a superb spa and leisure centre.
The cottages and studio apartments are dog-friendly so you can bring your dog too!
The ferry trip takes less than half an hour, so it's easy to pop over and back again.
Take a look at all the facilities on offer at Portavadie there is so much to see and do you will be wanting another holiday after your holiday! Set in beautiful surroundings with luxury accommodation.

Ferry To Portavadie. Photo by Blue Wave Services.

The George Hotel at Inveraray also accepts dogs, take a look at some of the virtual tours on their website for an excellent view of the rooms available.

Going further afield but still within easy travelling distance Mellow Melfort accepts all pets.
They have accommodation to suit a wide range of needs.

If you have holiday accommodation and allow pets in or near Tarbert please contact me and I will add your details.

If you are booking a holiday with your pets, please make sure you inform the owner you intend to bring pets, be sure you are happy and agree with any terms and conditions they may have prior to booking.
Please clean up after your pets and keep them under control around wildlife and livestock.

Thank you