This episode of the local podcast for the Argyll communities of Colintraive and Glendaruel sees Kirsty and Michael interviewing "Gramps" - long time Glendaruel resident Martin McFarlane - who, having beaten prostate cancer is a strong supporter of the local NHS. So strong in fact that he is fundraising for Sir Chris Hoy's Prostate charity by undertaking a 60k bike ride this September. (Sponsorship details are in the podcast) Martin also recalls arriving in the Glen in 1964 , swimming across the loch which features in the podcast's title , and surviving two major forestry accidents. The podcast also features the usual "What's On " spot and discussions about an upcoming meeting in Colintraive Hall about the recent Argyll Rally , complaints about the sight lines on local roads because of lack of verge cutting and a preview of the process likely to arise from the proposed re-powering the Cruach Mhor Wind Farm.

Email Kirsty & Michael at acrosstheloch@gmail.com with comments, ideas and suggestion for this local ColGlen Podcast.

Email Kirsty & Michael at acrosstheloch@gmail.com with comments, ideas and suggestion for this local ColGlen Podcast

Last Sunday saw a small earthquake in Glendaruel - literally according to the British Geological Survey. And whilst Michael heard and felt it, Kirsty didn't ! So the latest episode of the podcast for Colintraive and Glendaruel in Argyll, Scotland starts with a bang, and goes on to consider community resilience, the upcoming Argyll Rally (which has divided local opinion) and the continuing saga of the Bailemor Bridge. Michael and Kirsty also celebrate and commend community participation in local organisations in the regular "What's On" spot whilst the feature interview is with Karen Scotland whose remarkable Caol Ruadh Sculpture Park opens again with a new collection on Friday 2nd May for two months .

Email Kirsty & Michael at acrosstheloch@gmail.com with comments, ideas and suggestion for this local ColGlen Podcast

In this episode Andrew Barker, Chair of the Ruel River Improvement Association talks about the innovative work being done to increase the stock of salmon and sea trout and to restore the River Ruel , mindful of the fact that seventy years ago angling was the key tourism offer of the area. Michael & Kirsty also talk about the after effects of Storm Eowyn, give a run down of future events in Colintraive and Glendaruel which are being organised in both community halls, explore the history of the McKirdy Memorial, a touching tribute to twin brothers who died at Gallipoli and express scepticism about an possible attempt to charge local and visiting boat owners on the Clyde estuary and neighbouring waters.

PLEAES NOTE; since recording this episode the start time of the Nordic Walking on a Wednesday has been changed to 10.30

Email Kirsty & Michael at acrosstheloch@gmail.com with comments, ideas and suggestion for this local ColGlen Podcast