Dalmally children were treated to an unexpected half term spectacle (last week), when three helicopters used the Mart Park as a refuelling station.

The trio of 350 B2 squirrels were based in the village on Tuesday (14 February) and Wednesday while they conducted an aerial deer survey that included estates around Crianlarich, Tyndrum and Inveraray, and ranged as far as Tarbet on Loch Lomond.

The research, by the Inveraray and Tyndrum Deer Management group, is part Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)’s national programme and helps with decisions about habitat management and conservation. While all Scottish estates conduct annual ‘foot counts’ with teams working on the ground, a helicopter count such as this only happens about once a decade.

“A combination of local geographical knowledge, GPS and digital photograpy means we can now build up a pretty accurate picture of deer numbers,” explained Tom Kirsop, Head Stalker at Argyll Estates, who was one of the specialists on board. “The helicopters came from Inverness, and Dalmally was the ideal refuelling station, as there is plenty of space.”

The Mart Park location also created an “amazing” experience for local children on half term. They were able to safely watch the helicopters land from the neighbouring shinty field, while still getting close enough to feel the breeze from their blades.

As the spring deadline approaches for funding applications to Glenorchy and Innishael Community Council (G&I CC) local groups are being encouraged to apply and make the most of the chance to receive financial support.

Thanks partly to contributions from local renewable energy companies, the community council has a ‘seed capital’ fund to help support and develop local good causes.

Grants, which are allocated at the council’s regular meetings, can range from less than a hundred pounds, to around £3,000, and the money could be spent on anything from building projects to equipment and training, so long as there is a tangible community benefit.

Recent beneficiaries have included the community orchard in Dalmally, and Portsonachan Village Hall’s lending library.

Members of the village hall committee in Bridge of Orchy, who are working to renovate and re-open the facility, last year received a grant of £820. This enabled them to pay critical initial fees: “The grant made a big difference at a crucial time, when costs were being incurred, but before major funders had come on board,” said committee member Lucy MacDonald.

Knit and Natter, a Dalmally-based craft and social group, received £250 to help their move from the old church hall, which was recently sold, to Dalmally Community Centre. “The grant enabled us to set up in the Community Centre, and we’re very grateful for it,” said Pam Gibson, a member.

John Kerr, Secretary of G&I CC said: “We would encourage any local group in need of funds to apply. Our main criteria for support is community benefit, so if you have a project that you can prove helps members of the local community, then there’s a good chance that we will be able to help you.”

Applicants are asked to complete a one-page form, which can be found online, and to submit it by Tuesday, March 7. “The application process is quite straightforward,” says Mr Kerr. “Our key request is that a representative of the group applying attends the next community council meeting, so that they can answer any questions that we might have.”

– To apply for a community council grant, residents must complete the short Grant Application Form, which can be downloaded from http://www.loch-awe.com/community-council, and return it to John Kerr, glenorchyb8074@gmail.com by March 7.

– In addition to its own funds, Glenorchy and Innishael community council also approves grants from the An Suidhe and Carraig Gheal wind farms. While applications to these funds should be made separately, the community council can provide advice and information to applicants who wish to be considered for them.