COWAL FEST JOHN MUIR TALK & DEACON BLUE TRIBUTE SONG
Written by Archie Fergusson on 07/10/2014
After another day of some of incredible activities from fairly strenuous walks of exploring the Kilmun Ridge taking in the stunning views of the River Clyde from forest roads and open hills…………….
…………………… to a gentle stroll around Innellan or even a Geology Walk an insight to the Rock history along the Innellan shore, 600 million years of earth history, old oceans, deserts and glaciers……………………….
……………………………………. or out to Toward to visit the the fascinating Chinese Lakes and the ruins of the 15th century Lamont stronghold of Toward Castle with its treacherous tale of the 1646 Campbell massacre of the Lamonts. Maybe you took the taster session to introduce you to Nordic Walking and the correct handling of Nordic walking poles and exercises………………………..
………………………………..The World famous beautiful Benmore Gardens a very popular activity was featured today to explore this fascinating woodland garden with an experienced garden guide. On first entering the garden you are greeted by an imposing avenue of Giant Sequoias ) plus several Douglas-firs the impressive avenue was planted in 1863 and several of the trees exceed 45 metres (148 ft) in height. Benmore contains one of the finest collections of plants from Bhutan including This is a regional garden of the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh containing collections from Bhutan, Chile, Japan, Tasmania and many other temperate regions of the world and did you get to visit The Golden Gates in all their Glory………………………..
…………………………………… .The Lachlan Bay Heritage Walk gave walkers the opportunity to Explore Strathlachlan – a short off-road walk taking in the main heritage sites around Lachlan Bay, featuring the former croft, now known as the very famous restaurant Inver Cottage, Kilmorie Chapel, burial place of Maclachlan Clan Chiefs, and ruined mediaeval fortress of the Old Castle Lachlan, with extensive views of the designed landscape of Strathlachlan, “new” Castle Lachlan, and Loch Fyne…………………….
Deacon Blue record song as tribute to Scots-bo
Regular listeners to Dunoon Community Radio will have heard tunes from the latest Deacon Blue Album A NEW HOUSE which includes the song “For John Muir” a tribute to the Scots-born founding father of American National Parks Association. The song comes 100 years after the East Lothian-born ecologist’s death.
Born in Dunbar, East Lothian, in 1838, Muir emigrated to the American state of Wisconsin aged 11 and went on to become a hugely respected figure in the study of nature.
He lobbied American presidents Roosevelt and Wilson over the protection of delicate US ecosystems and was massively influential in the establishment of America’s National Parks.
His legacy is such that the Scot is now known in America as the Father of The National Parks because of his pioneering insight.
NIGEL SCRIVAN TALKS JOHN MUIR
In this his centenary year, we celebrate tonight at the Burgh Hall John Muir and his achievements.
Introduced by the learned “all things Conservation” Nigel Scriven who will talk of the founder of the modern conservation movement and the of the Trust set up in his name that now manages many areas of land for conservation. They also run the John Muir Award to encourage young people to take an interest in conservation.