By Mary Currie 530544

millport@newsquest.co.uk

Save Millport Pier

There was probably approximately 400 people taking part in the protest demonstration at the Pier on Saturday afternoon, and it also appeared on the STV News on Saturday evening

There were quite a few banners, and a competition for the best banner made by a child going to two year old Aaron Morton - Sandy Morton's grandson. A special song by Rhona Gourlay was sung by Sonoro - Millport's Community Choir - to the tune of 'Donald Where's Your Troosers'. This was very apt as the song was originally sung by Andy Stewart who had a holiday house, Redcliff, in Marine Parade. Everyone attending took part in singing the song. A lot of visitors, including members of the Scooter Rally, joined in with the protest. There is a petition in every shop on the island, and a lot of signatures have been gathered so far.

Waverley Memories

Millport man Bill Anderson of Crichton Street has fond memories of the MS Waverley. He trained as an apprentice plumber with Charles Kerr and Sons over 50 years ago. The company did maintenance for Caledonia Steam Packet ships which included the Waverley, the Jeanie Deans, and all the ships in the River Steam Packet. Work was done on the ships during the winter as they were tied up at the Albert Harbour in Greenock or Rothesay Dock in Clydebank, but also continued when the ships sailed throughout the summer. Bill, 75, remembers working in the toilets by candlelight. The ship, then had a generator which shut off at 3pm. However, Bill's shift didn't finish till 5pm hence the candles to work by! Bill's fondest memories were sailing up the Kyles of Bute and Tighnabruaich when he was working. He became a plumber and eventually retired from the West of Scotland Water Board to Millport 22 years ago.

September Weekend

The Millport Illuminations weekend this year is on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September. Everyone is invited to take part in what is always a marvellous community event. Everyone is asked to get their thinking caps on now, to dress up their windows, houses or their gardens in any theme whatsoever. Shops also take part as is tradition, while there is also some street entertainment. The main people at the event are the children and the weekend is geared up especially for them. Lots of events are now in the planning process and there are lots of competitions to take part in including the best dressed window, house, shop etc and the biggest sandcastle competition, and trampoline, photography, story, crabbing, kids fancy dress among other competitions. There will be leaflets throughout the businesses nearer the time with the full list of events. Once again this year there will be a mini Millport's Got Talent show on Sunday, and the fantastic fireworks display on Saturday evening.

Three special late night ferries will be provided by Cal Mac on the Saturday night to accommodate those who are not staying on the island but enabling them to see all the events. A full schedule will be published nearer the time.

Roads

Pleased note the following road restrictions will be in place during the Country Music Festival this weekend: At the Bute Terrace and College Street 1 September, 7pm to 3 September, 9.30pm

- Road closed for Millport Country Festival; Clifton Street (from its junction with Bute Terrace to its junction with B896 Glasgow Street from 1 September, 7pm to 3 September, 9.30pm - Waiting and loading restrictions for Millport Country Festival; B896 Glasgow Street (from its junction with Reid Street) for a distance of 300m eastwards from 1 September, 7pm to 3 September, 9.30pm - Waiting and loading restrictions for Millport Country Festival.

Cathedral

This year the cathedral has a Friday evening concert this weekend to celebrate our magnificent Bösendorfer concert grand piano. Completely restored in the winter of 2015-16, it is already recognised as one of the finest pianos west of Glasgow. A number of our best pianists have agreed to present first-rate programmes for these occasions, and the careful timing of these events will allow our audience to return to the mainland. The concert will begin at 7.30pm and last for an hour, finishing in ample time to catch the 9.00 or 10.30 ferry back to Largs. Following this concert a gala buffet supper (price £7.50) will be available in the Cloisters. Please order in advance from the Warden