
cialis brand

Those who remember it in its heyday speak of it as a magical place, festooned with fairy lights and inhabited by woodland creatures - a place of enchanted escape from the confines of the town, and adding to the charms of Dunoon for the ‘doon the watter’ holidaymakers who came in their droves.
Sadly, for many years, Dunoon’s Morag’s Fairy Glen has seemed far removed from that idyllic environment - but Dunoon Community Development Group is seeking to help the local beauty spot enjoy a new lease of life, and wants to know what local residents think of its proposals.
The glen was gifted to the people of Dunoon in 1929 by Baillie George and Mrs Margaret Jones, who owned the Glenmorag Hotel nearby.
They had purchased the hotel, along with 18 acres of land, in 1926. Baillie and Mrs Jones felt that the glen was very special and that it was important for everyone to be able to use and enjoy it - not only hotel patrons.
The town council later installed fairy lights and other attractions which helped to make Morag’s Fairy Glen a magical and romantic place, with beautiful walks over three levels.
Over the years, though, the glen fell into disrepair, partly due to vandalism but also following storm damage - eventually resulting in its temporary closure.
Argyll and Bute Council secured funding to refurbish the beauty spot, which was reopened in 2004 by local woman Linda Pursley - the granddaughter of Mr and Mrs Jones who had originally made a gift of the glen.
Now, in partnership with other organisations, Dunoon Community Development Group (DCDG) has come up with three proposals to improve access to and use of the woodland areas around Dunoon - particularly Morag’s Fairy Glen and the Bishop’s Glen.
The groups, which include Argyll and Bute Council, Argyll Voluntary Action, the Green Gym and the HELP Project alongside DCDG, feel that the two areas have tremendous potential and want to encourage local people to make more use of these assets right here on their doorsteps.
They have identified potential sources of funding and their proposals are designed to meet the criteria required by funders.
The agencies are commencing on an initial consultation stage in order to hear the views of local residents.
The first proposal is the recruitment of woodland rangers, with a remit to develop programmes and activities which would attract people to use the glens and woodland areas around town.
The rangers would also become involved in signage, paths, maintenance and land management, and engagement with voluntary groups and the local community would be key to their success.
A second proposal suggests creating clear links between Morag’s Fairy Glen and the Bishop’s Glen by establishing dedicated walkways.
Finally, improved access to the Bishop’s Glen is proposed - by creating two new entrance points, one at the top of John Street and another in Alexander Street.
Local people who spoke to the Standard were initially enthusiastic about anything which might help to improve what was an extremely popular local attraction for many years - although some were concerned to ensure that it is used responsibly.
One man who lives near the glen said: “It is already used by teenage drinkers and this would need to be resolved as well as doing it up
“Access is also an issue - and as livestock is kept nearby, walkers would need to be made aware of the importance of keeping gates closed and so on.”
“I remember it as being really lovely, with all the lights and animals,” said one woman. “It was something really special to go there, especially as a child. It would be lovely to see it improved again because it was in a bit of a state a few years ago, really sad to see.”
The glen obviously holds a very special place in Linda Pursley’s heart, given the family connection.
She told the Standard: “It’s great that they are doing something - all three proposals would be fantastic.
“Upkeep of the glen can be difficult because of its height and location, but it is very important to maintain it.
“Puck’s Glen, for example, is very popular and well-used and there is no reason why Morag’s Fairy Glen cannot be the same.
“It is a very special place.”
The initial consultation runs until Friday July 16, and members of the community are asked to indicate whether they think each proposal is a good idea and are also asked for their own comments and suggestions.
Questionnaires about the proposals are available at various locations around town and can also be downloaded at Dunoon Community Development Group’s website, . Technical issues mean that online responses are not possible, but forms can be printed off, completed and returned to DCDG at the Community Centre, Edward Street, Dunoon.
