A pirate ship, rocking frog and jumbo noughts and crosses game are among the items of play equipment recently installed at the Cruachan, The Hollow Mountain visitor centre, on the banks of Loch Awe.

The mini play park, in a picnic area on the lochside, adds a new dimension to facilities at the Scottish Power tourist attraction, which offers visitors an insight into the workings Cruachan Power station, one of Scotland’s foremost engineering achievements.

In tandem with the existing coffee shop and the children’s ‘interactive house’ and dressing-up station inside, the new play equipment reflects a commitment on the part of the centre to welcome local families as well as those visiting the area.

“We’re in a beautiful spot, and there are things to outdoors and indoors,” said Sarah Cameron, visitor centre manager. “We want local people to feel that the free facilities here are for them to come and use, whenever they want to.”

Members of a Dalmally exercise class received an unexpected confidence boost last month, when singer Amy MacDonald praised their efforts dancing to her latest single.

The Scottish star’s attention was drawn to a video clip of the Zumba class, led by instructor Dorah Mothae-Hall, after a class member posted it on Twitter.

Members of the ‘Zumba with Dorah’ exercise class

Kimberly-Anne MacGillivray posted the dance, to Amy’s latest single, Dream On, with the message: “Amazing fun Zumba routine created by my instructor Dorah to @Amy_Macdonald.”

Within minutes a reply from Amy appeared: “I love this. Looking awesome ladies”

“I was ecstatic when I saw she had replied,” said Kimberly-Anne. “I absolutely love my Zumba class – Dorah makes it so much fun that it doesn’t even seem like a workout!”

Dorah had devised the routine herself, as she is a fan of the singer. “I normally prepare routines for the class based on other Zumba instuctors’ moves,” she said. “But I love Amy MacDonald and I really wanted to use this song, so this was one that I had choreographed myself.”

“It’s an amazing boost to everyone who comes to the class. They should be proud of themselves.”

Dorah recently qualified as a Zumba instructor, and her Wednesday classes at Dalmally Community Centre have been a hit, with more than 30 locals of all ages (from P7 to 70) attending regularly.

The video was recorded by eight-year-old Billy Campbell, whose mum, Caroline attends the class. It was shared online with the permission of members.

Dorah’s next venture is a new class on Thursday evenings (6.30pm) in Taynuilt Village Hall, starting today, June 1.