Stronafian Forest

Last night Cathleen & I  were in Dunoon for the AGM of the Dunoon branch of the SNP at which I was the guest speaker.   The snow had got progressively heavier during the day but we stayed until about 8.30 and then set off for home, leaving Cathleen's car behind and taking my Land Rover (we had come to town at different times and from different directions in the morning).  We had already received a couple of calls from friends saying that the weather conditions were very poor and suggesting we didn't leave it too long before coming back into the Glen. 

We were therefore pleasantly surprised to discover that even the B road had been gritted and the journey was not as bad as we expected though it was icy in parts and  we knew that more snow was forecast.

That snow had arrived  by the time we made the trip again this morning for the travelling conditions had worsened considerably.  None the less we made it to the  "Save Castle Toward" Rally and march being held int he Queen's Hall , which was very well attended despite the weather.

Coming back to  the Glen in the early afternoon the roads were much improved and the views, heavy with mist in some places were spectacular.

This is Stronafian Forest, seen from the hill above Loch Striven.    The forest was purchased by the local community almost two years ago  under the National Forest Land Scheme  which is a great example of how a sympathetic public body can help communities to own assets.  

The case of Castle Toward, however illustrates how difficult it is to make progress when the seller is a public body that is intransigent and unhelpful.