AS COMMUNITY concerns grow over the status of the waste amenity at Kilchattan Bay, its landowner, the Mount Stuart Trust, said it is committed to continued constructive discussions.
Last week, this newspaper highlighted the worries filtering across the community about the state and the status of the quarry land.
Initially, the quarry had served as a useful local place for residents’ garden waste. But over time, according to the Kingarth and Kilchattan Bay Improvements Committee, it has been misused.
Grass cuttings and weeds have been joined by branches, trees, pallets, flower pots, stones and other miscellaneous non-garden waste items. One member of the committee, Finlay Martin, commented to The Isle of Bute News: “The humble quarry has become less a community composting area and more a botanical crime scene.”
As we reported earlier, a gate has been erected at the entrance to the quarry, apparently to bring a halt to fly-tipping, which is a Scotland-wide epidemic causing chaos for councils and private landowners.
This week, Mount Stuart responded to our questions. We were made aware that their Head of Rural Operations was on leave when we initially made contact. We agreed to follow that up once she had returned to the office.
Katie Warden is the Head of Rural Operations. Her role focuses on land management, sustainable agriculture and conservation.
“While the Trust owns the land on which the quarry is situated, the quarry is managed by the Kingarth and Kilchattan Bay Improvements Committee. Where appropriate, we support the committee’s efforts to maintain the area for local community use,” she said.
“The gate was installed by Mount Stuart following a request from the committee in response to concerns about fly-tipping, with the aim of helping to address these issues and support responsible management of the area.”
Katie Warden continued: “Mount Stuart recognises the importance of the quarry as a valued local amenity and appreciates the efforts of those in the community who have cared for the area over many years.
“We remain committed to constructive discussions with the Kingarth and Kilchattan Bay Improvements Committee and local residents about the future of the area.”
Kingarth and Kilchattan Bay Improvements Committee member Finlay Martin said it is clear the community should respect and take care of the amenity.
