The West Coast Today Podcast, airing on October 22nd, 2025, offers a comprehensive snapshot of the critical news and trending local stories shaping Argyll and the Islands. This week’s episode delves into significant environmental concerns, infrastructure challenges, community initiatives, and the evolving lifestyle across the west coast.
Environmental Hotspots: Sea Turtles and Salmon Escapes
A remarkable discovery has captured national attention: a critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, nicknamed ‘Sorbet’, was found washed ashore on Tiree’s Sorabaidgh Beach on October 19th, 2025. This species, typically found in the Gulf of Mexico, is believed to have been displaced by recent severe weather systems, including Storm Amy, which battered Scotland’s west coast earlier this month. Rangers carefully rescued the turtle, ensuring it was not warmed too quickly due to cold-shock trauma, and transported it to Sea Life Loch Lomond for rehabilitation. This rare find underscores the wider environmental shifts impacting marine life and highlights the vulnerability of these creatures when their migration ranges are altered by rising sea temperatures.
In contrast to this heartwarming rescue, the region is also grappling with the environmental fallout from a substantial fish escape. An estimated 75,000 salmon were released into Loch Linnhe from Mowi’s Gorsten farm following damage sustained during Storm Amy. This incident has sparked widespread concern among environmental groups and anglers, who fear the genetic contamination of wild salmon populations. Critics argue that such frequent escapes, not always reported, demonstrate a failure in regulation and a disregard for Scotland’s delicate marine ecosystems. Investigations are ongoing, and calls for stricter penalties and a pause on new salmon farming projects are gaining traction, highlighting the ongoing debate around the cost and impact of aquaculture.
Infrastructure Woes and Service Disruptions
Local infrastructure has also been under scrutiny this week. Connel Bridge experienced a closure due to an unspecified incident, adding to travel disruptions. Further afield, repair work on the Ballachulish Bridge necessitated overnight closures in late October, leading to significant diversions for motorists, particularly for heavy goods vehicles, impacting travel cost and time. Meanwhile, vital services in Kilchoan are slated to cease by the end of the month, a move that is expected to have a considerable impact on the local community.
Community Initiatives and Lifestyle Trends
Despite these challenges, the spirit of community and learning remains strong. Arran’s ‘Sort it Saturday’ event successfully celebrated International Repair Day, an initiative promoting the value of repairing items to reduce waste and promote a more sustainable lifestyle. This aligns with broader efforts across the UK, with International Repair Day officially observed on October 18th, encouraging community repair events and skill-sharing.
Apprenticeships continue to be a key focus for career development. A ‘special modern apprenticeship’ has been noted as touching down in the region, symbolizing new opportunities in skilled trades and industries. Scottish Apprenticeship Week, held earlier in the year, underscored the critical role apprenticeships play in building Scotland’s workforce and economy, with initiatives like the Highlands and Islands Apprenticeship Awards recognizing achievement.
Property Market and Local Events
The property market across Argyll and the Islands continues to see varied activity. High-value properties, including islands like Shuna, are listed, alongside a range of detached houses and apartments, reflecting diverse lifestyle choices and investment opportunities.
The podcast also touched upon a vibrant local events calendar. The Royal National Mod Lochaber 2025 is a significant cultural highlight, drawing participants and audiences. Other events include the Mythical Mystery Hunt at Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel, and the Trail West concert in Oban, demonstrating the rich tapestry of culture and entertainment available.
Connectivity and Looking Ahead
Ferry disruptions, particularly affecting the isles of Coll and Tiree due to fleet issues, continue to impact travel and create uncertainty for island residents, emphasizing the critical need for reliable transport links. The podcast also addresses the aftermath of Storm Amy, providing useful links for storm recovery and updates on road and ferry services affected by the weather.
The West Coast Today Podcast serves as an essential news digest, connecting communities across Argyll and the Islands by reporting on local challenges, triumphs, and the unfolding news landscape.
