Stramash Blog / News

Adventure Activities in Oban and Argyll

Sat 14 Jan 2012

Stramash deliver a wide range of top quality outdoor activities in Oban and Argyll. Using the unique wild Scottish landscape, our fully qualified and experienced instructors will give you the quality personal experience you are looking for. We pride ourselves in providing memorable, real and unique outdoor adventure experiences that are of outstanding quality. If you are looking for things to do in Oban and Argyll then join us for a taste of adventure.

 

RBS Community Force Winner

Tue 29 Nov 2011

At last ... the waiting is over ...!  We are delighted to announce that we are a regional winner of an RBS CommunityForce award of £6,000 which will be used to support our work with people living in difficult circumstances.  Dependent on public votes we are delighted to have received such fantastic support.  A huge thank you to everyone who voted and registered their support for us, we really appreciate it.

 

Coaching Champions 2012

Mon 24 Oct 2011

Inspired by London 2012, Stramash are partnering with Argyll and Bute Council to deliver 56 courses in a range of sports and activities; building on five years of successful growth in quality sports coaching developing quality coaches teaching in quality clubs in Argyll.

Whether you are looking to develop your skills in a particular sport, want to learn more about sports coaching or want to try something new Coaching Champions 2012 has the right combination of programmes to meet your needs. 

Stramash are leading courses on BCU Foundation Safety and Rescue Training, BCU 2* Award, Teaching Orienteering, BCU 3* Sea Kayak Award, Mountain Skills and Navigation, UKCC Level 1 Paddlesports Award, and BCU White Water Safety and Rescue Training Course.

Downloadable Documents

 

RBS CommunityForce Award

Tue 27 Sep 2011

Voting for our project to benefit from a Royal Bank of Scotland Community Force Award has now closed.
A huge thank you to everyone who voted and registered their support for us, it was encouraging to receive so much support. We will find out some time in November if we have been successful. We will let you know how we get on.

 

More than activities…

Wed 07 Sep 2011

Stramash is a social enterprise and a registered charity that uses the outdoor environment to provide life changing experiences. We currently have a number of projects we are working on including an apprenticeship scheme for local young people, adventure clubs that use a mixture of structured and unstructured play and exploration to promote personal and social development, outdoor sports development, Gaelic language development in the outdoors, outdoor learning projects and Forest Schools.

 

Stramash meets the Scottish Government Cabinet

Thu 28 Jul 2011

It was a great privilege for Stramash to be invited to a reception with the Scottish Government Cabinet this week to celebrate the work that Stramash and others have been doing to develop outdoor sports and physical activity over the past year.

The reception was held at the Nevis Range near Fort William. Alex Salmond, First Minister, gave an inspiring and encouraging speech about the need to develop outdoor activity and outdoor sports and the support that the Government are providing for this to happen.

Stramash were given the opportunity to speak individually with a number of the Cabinet, including the First Minister, and to discuss a variety of relevant topics. We were very honoured to be given such a rare opportunity.

Alex Salmond, who had presented the original Stramash with a CoSLA Excellence Award in 2006, was keen to hear of the progress Stramash had made and of the impact of our work. He was very interested in the outdoor sports development work that Stramash carries out. He also wanted to know which activity was most popular! (It’s canoeing and kayaking if you were wondering!)

Kenny MacAskill, who visited Stramash two years ago to see our work firsthand, wanted to discuss our projects with young people and in particular our apprenticeship scheme. He was pleased with the way things had developed since he visited us.

We did suggest to Nicola Sturgeon that she persuade the rest of the Cabinet to take part in one of our outdoor team development days, but she didn’t think they would be up for it!

John Swinney was very interested in the story of Stramash and our journey from Lottery funded project, to Local Authority service, to independent social enterprise. Such a journey was, he felt, encouraging and an example of what is possible with some commitment, passion and inspiration. We spent some time talking about social enterprise and the role it has to play in today’s society.

We had an excellent discussion with Alasdair Allan, the Minister responsible for Gaelic. He was delighted to hear of our work with both Gaelic medium school pupils and with the families of the pupils. He was encouraged to know that we are using the outdoors as a way for people to use the language and develop their skills in it and is keen for us to keep him up to date with our future progress.

The chance to spend time with each of the members of the Cabinet and to tell them the story of Stramash and of the impact of our work really was a great privilege. The reception was also a great opportunity to meet various members of sportscotland and to discuss outdoor sports development with them.

All in all it was a very worthwhile time.

 

We have worked with 2037 people in the past year

Sun 26 Jun 2011

That’s a lot of people!

During the past year, Stramash worked with 2037 people. In total we delivered 4543 individual sessions. The team were kept busy! One of our aims is to inspire people using the outdoors and to help make a real difference to peoples lives. We are pleased that we were able to work with so many people to help do that.

 

Oban Charities Day

Fri 10 Jun 2011

Stramash will be at the Charities Day on Saturday!
Come along and see Stramash in Oban town centre for the Charities Day. It’s a great day out- lots to do and see. Hopefully we’ll see you there!

 

Summer Youth Programme

Wed 08 Jun 2011

Summer is almost here with only a few weeks to go until the school holidays!  The Stramash team are busy preparing six fun filled weeks of activity for you to explore, discover, have fun and enjoy the adventure. 

Our Summer Youth Programme 2011 offers a range of adventures for everyone between the ages of 5 to 17 years, individuals or groups of friends.  All equipment, travel and activity instruction is included in the cost.

If you would like to join us while we conquer the Crags on our climbing and abseiling day, explore Loch Awe on a canoe adventure or discover the challenges of the River Spey on the Spey Descent visit the Youth Courses page now to find out more and book your place. 

There is lots on offer this summer, whether you want to spend a week on a yacht, go coasteering for a day or try your hand at wild archery for half a day.  Don’t miss the activity camps – Girls Allowed and Boyzonly – they’re great fun!

 

New Staff

Thu 02 Jun 2011

Our admin team has expanded to include Shiralene and Catriona this week. Catriona has already been out coasteering with us and had a great time. Give Shiralene or Catriona a call and find out more about the amazing activities on offer this summer.

 

Oban 200 Burgh Festival

Mon 23 May 2011

Oban 200 Burgh Festival will be held from the 9th - 18th July 2011 to celebrate the town’s bicentenary year. 

During these 10 days the town has a packed programme of events including:

A Royal Visit, Capercaille concert, a prestigious sporting tournament, Tall Ships, watersports, concerts, ceilidhs, fun days, highland games and more!

Click on the link below to download your Oban 200 programme!

To keep up to date with the latest Oban 200 news follow them on Facebook

Downloadable Documents

Oban 200 Burgh Festival - Bicentenary Programme - 10 Days in July - 9th - 18th July 2011

 

Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series

Fri 20 May 2011

Join in the celebrations at the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series

From Friday the 27th to Monday the 30th May the Scottish Series will take place on the west coast with Tarbert, Loch Fyne playing host to a wealth of entertainment after the races.

As part of the event The Crown Estate have funded free Dinghy Sailing lessons at Tarbert, Loch Fyne for youths on Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th May which Stramash will be delivering.

To find out more about the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series visit http://www.clyde.org/ and to recieve more information about Dinghy Sailing and book your place telephone 01631 566080

We hope to see lots of you there - it will no doubt be a great weekend!

 

SAMS Open Days 28th May

Fri 13 May 2011

Come to Oban on Saturday 28th May to experience the annual Open Day of the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), Scotland’s premier independent marine science organisation.

Held between 11 am and 4 pm at the Scottish Marine Institute, this event usually attracts over 600 visitors for a day of fun and discovery.

There will be lots of exhibitions and entertainment held throughout the course of the day for all the family including outdoor activities offered by the Stramash team.  Stramash will be offering 2 exciting canoeing sessions from 11.30 and 2 o’clock.  If you would like to find out more and book your place please contact the Stramash office on 01631 566080.

We hope to see lot’s of you there!

Take care

The Stramash Team x

 

Luing Go Coasteering

Tue 10 May 2011

Last week Stramash enjoyed an afternoon exploring the coastline with the Luing Adventure Club, check out this clip!

To find out more about our Adventure Club Network please call Aileen, our club co-ordinator on 01631 566080.

The Stramash Team x

 

Oban, Lorn & Isles Inter Schools Orienteering Championships 2011

Sat 07 May 2011

In association with EckO, Stramash organised the Oban, Lorn & Isles Inter Schools Orienteering Championships at Ganavan.

Full results available on the EckO website.

 

Job vacancy

Tue 26 Apr 2011

Due to Stramash growing and becoming even busier we are looking to recruit a new member to the team.

Office Administrator

Full-time; Monday- Friday 9am to 5.30pm
£16,000 to £18,500 pa (DOE)

You are an experienced office administrator who is very well organised and who pays close attention to detail. You are a superb communicator whether on the telephone, by email or in person. Your strong administrative skills mean you can establish priorities and handle a variety of functions simultaneously with minimum supervision. You can provide a very high level of customer service and you really enjoy working as part of a small team as well as having the ability to work independently. You are reliable and professional and want to work for an organisation that makes a real difference to people’s lives.

For an application pack please email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

 

 

Sailing Traniees

Fri 22 Apr 2011

The Tall Ships Races 2011 is coming to Scotland and you could be part of it! Race or cruise between ports and join in with the exciting events on offer in host ports.
If you are between 15-25 years old in July/August 2011, you could be part of the adventure!!

The races take place from the 30th June until the 8th August 2011.  It is held over three legs sailing from Waterford in Ireland to Halmstad in Sweden, visiting Greenock, Lerwick and Stavanger on the way.  You can choose to join the Cruise in Company, which will sail up the West Coast of Scotland, from Greenock to Lerwick between the 9th – 21st July 2011!

Sail Trainees have to contribute towards the costs of their voyage, but FUNDING IS STILL AVAILABLE!

For further details please contact:

Martin Gorringe
Argyll and Bute Council
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Lisa Hardie
Argyll and Bute Council
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Or visit these useful sites:

• At Sea Sail Traning

• Tall Ships Lerwick

• Sail Training International

Downloadable Documents

 

Tesco Vouchers for Schools and Clubs

Wed 13 Apr 2011

We have just received excellent news that Stramash have been approved to collect ‘Tesco Vouchers for Schools and Clubs.’  From now until the 1st of July Stramash will be collecting vouchers which will contribute towards new equipment for our activities with local young people and our Adventure Clubs.

If you have any spare Tesco vouchers for schools and clubs and would like to donate them to Stramash you can either hand them into the Stramash office at the auctions mart in Oban, or post them to:

Stramash Social Enterprise
Oban Live Stock Centre
Upper Soroba
Oban
PA34 4SD.

To find out more about the scheme please follow this link…Tesco Vouchers for Schools and Clubs

Thank you

The Stramash Team x

 

Missing Kayak

Mon 14 Mar 2011

Unfortunately we lost one of our river kayaks in the Kilmore area last weekend.  It was a blue and white Inazone 243 river kayak and it was lost on Saturday the 5th of March. It completes a set of kayaks we use when doing activities with local young people.  If anyone has any useful information that may help us track down our lost kayak call us on 01631 566080.

Thank you

 

BCU Level One Coaching Certificate in Paddle Sports

Tue 08 Mar 2011

Over the past four days Stramash hosted the BCU level one coaching certificate in paddle sports award in Oban.  This is the first step on the paddle sports coaching pathway where participants learn to understand and coach technical and tactical elements of paddling. 

We would like to say a massive well done to the 9 participants from throughout Argyll who passed with flying colours! 

 

2 Star Canoe Course

Wed 02 Mar 2011

It was blue skies and sunshine for the 2 star canoe skills course and the FSRT course we ran on Monday and Tuesday. The water was still a bit chilly! All the participants did really well and achieved their awards. The “all in” rescues were a challenge and the chilly water meant everyone worked really quickly to help each other back into their boats! Well done folks.

 

Stramash Team Development Trip

Mon 28 Feb 2011

Last week the Stramash team took some much needed time away from the busy office and headed off to Aviemore for three days to concentrate on team development.  We welcomed our patron Karen Darke to the Badaguish Lodges where she stayed with us to facilitate our sessions.  We had an excellent three days doing team building exercises, trail orienteering, walking and we even managed some climbing at the Kinlochleven Ice Factor which was fantastic!

We would like to thank Karen and the brilliant team at Badaguish for helping to make our time away so beneficial, now we are all ready to begin another busy season!

 

 

Taynuilt Adventure Club go canoeing

Sat 19 Feb 2011

The wind and snow on the hills didn’t put any of them off! Visit the Stramash youtube channel to see a couple of short clips of their adventure.

 

Lots of adventure!

Fri 11 Feb 2011

Last weekend the team ran three courses as part of the Argyll and Bute Coaching Conference- 2 star paddlesports, 3 star sea kayak and mountain skills. It was a great weekend and everyone did really well. During the week we were mountain biking at Aonach Mor, gorge walking at Sutherland’s Grove, coasteering at Ganavan, navigating on Kerrera and bushcrafting on Mull! Despite the rain on Wednesday, the pupils of Salen Primary Gaelic Unit had a great time learning the skills of bushcraft in Gaelic. Some of the team are off to Tiree this coming week- canoeing and climbing. Hope the crossing isn’t too choppy!

 

Stramash Adventure Vouchers

Tue 08 Feb 2011

Stramash gift vouchers can be redeemed against a fantastic range of exciting outdoor adventure activities including:

Kayaking, Canoeing, Gorge Scrambling, Coasteering, Canyoning, Climbing & Abseiling, Bushcraft, Expeditions, Skill Development courses and much more!

Telephone Stramash on 01631 566080 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to order yours now.

Join Stramash for an adventure of a lifetime!

 

First Stramash AGM

Wed 26 Jan 2011

Originating as an Argyll and Bute Council special programme in 2004, Stramash is now an independent social enterprise, head-quartered in Oban and trading as a charitable company limited by guarantee.  Our AGM marked the remarkable transition we have made over the past year and all the developments within the organisation. 

Our Chef Executive, Niall Urquhart, outlined the wide range of activities which had been undertaken during the past year.  These included the establishment of an apprenticeship scheme for 8 young people from Argyll and Bute which has given them the opportunity to gain various outdoor coaching qualifications and valued work experience.

During the year Stramash have also:

• Recruited five staff members
• Involved 13 volunteers
• Worked with 17 schools
• Set up a network of Adventure Clubs throughout Argyll
• Worked with over 1000 different individuals
• developed partnerships with a variety of agencies, organisations and groups

Thanking CEO, Niall Urquhart, his staff and the other members of the Board of Directors for their efforts over the past period, Stramash Chairman, Mr John Urquhart said that a huge amount had been achieved by the fledgling organisation since it was set up last year and that this was largely down to the CEO’s tremendous commitment.  Mr Urquhart added that he felt sure that Stramash had the right people and skills to go from strength to strength and achieve its goals in the coming year.

 

Stramash Adventure Club Update

Wed 26 Jan 2011

Despite the grey skies and winter weather, January saw the start of two new exciting Outdoor Adventure Clubs for 8-11 year olds in Ardfern and Taynuilt.  The children have enjoyed building dens, playing games and making fires to toast marshmallows under the stars. 

The clubs are coordinated by Stramash and provide an opportunity for children to explore & enjoy their local environment through a variety of adventurous, fun outdoor play activities. 
The format follows the same model as a club that has been running successfully for two years on Luing, where the children have enjoyed a huge variety of outdoor experiences from camping to canoeing, cycling to coasteering. 

Stramash has been fortunate to secure funding from Inspiring Scotland to support the set up of 12 Adventure Clubs across the west coast over the coming year. 
Clubs are run by a team of local volunteers with support from Stramash, with the children actively involved in planning and choosing which activities they would like to take part in. 

 

New staff join Stramash

Sun 16 Jan 2011

Gordon Smith is to take up the post of senior instructor. Gordon is a highly experienced and qualified outdoor instructor and will be a great addition to the team. Tom Falla, an accomplished sailor, will be joining us as an instructor and Tom MacAilpein has joined us as our new Gaelic apprentice instructor. The Stramash team is going from strength to strength and the development of the team means we can make a greater impact with the work we do.

 

Argyll and Bute Council Sports Coaching 2011

Wed 15 Dec 2010

From the 4th to the 6th of February 2011

Sports courses for Sports Leaders, Club officials, Youth Leaders, Community Groups, Volunteers, Individuals and YOU!!

This fantastic event includes courses in:

Sea Kayaking, Swimming, Football, Canoeing, Mountain Skills and Navigation, Trail Cycling, First Aid, Analysing Coaching, Athletics, Zumba and MUCH MUCH MORE!!

Free Transport from across Argyll and Bute

For more information email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Downloadable Documents

Sports Coaching Conference 2011 Brochure

 

Feasgar math!

Mon 18 Oct 2010

Stramash are currently delivering an exciting programme of activities for Gaelic speakers and learners which will be delivered throughout Argyll over the next few months!  Stramash are working with each Gaelic medium unit in Argyll and Bute, delivering a range of outdoor activities in Gaelic which will be topped off by a brilliant residential trip inviting members from each participating school to join in!  Stramash will also be including lots of Gaelic family day sessions into this excellent programme delivered in partnership with Argyll and Bute Council, with support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig.  To find out more keep checking our website or call us on 01631 566080.

 

October Youth programme 2010

Fri 17 Sep 2010

In association with Argyll and Bute Council and the Commonwealth Games 2014, Stramash has put together an excellent programme of activities at fantastic prices this October!  This programme will help mark the official handover of the Commonwealth Games flag from Delhi to Glasgow on the 14th of October.Full day activities are only £15 and our overnight Island Adventure is only £35 due the substantially subsidy from the 2014 Games!  There are very limited places available so book online now to avoid disappointment!
For more information about our October programme please visit the ‘Youth Courses’ part of our website or telephone 01631 566080

We look forward to hearing from you soon
Take care 
The Stramash Team

 

Stramash’s 1st Birthday

Thu 09 Sep 2010

On the 8th of September 2009 Stramash, Scotland’s Outdoor Social Enterprise was born!  To mark this special day we took time out in the Stramash office and invited a few special guests to reflect on an amazing 12 months.  Over the past year Stramash has grown from only a core team of three operating under Argyll and Bute Council to an independent organisation of 14 housed in brilliant new premises at Oban Live Stock Centre.

To celebrate we watched an excellent presentation of photos from the past year while enjoying a great buffet topped off with some massive strawberry tarts donated by Helen and Ernie McInnes from Forteiths, which were delicious!

 

Loch Etive Expedition

Wed 01 Sep 2010

Our dedicated team of Stramash apprentices have just returned from the successful completion of a 3 day self lead expedition of Loch Etive. Our budding group of outdoor instructors set sail on Canadian Canoes up Loch Etive on Tuesday the 24th of August in blistering summer sunshine.  Over the course of the three days apprentices practised their mountain navigation, walking, canoeing and bushcraft skills.  On their return apprentices presented their findings from their expedition to the entire Stramash team, highlighting the challenges they faced and what they learned from their experiences. 

Please visit our facebook page to see pictures.

The Loch Etive expedition was lead and co-ordinated by senior apprentice Bruce Griffiths who done an exceptionally good job!  Unfortunately this was Bruce’s last expedition with Stramash as he has now left the organisation to begin his studies at Dundee University.  We would like to take this opportunity to say a massive THANK YOU and GOOD LUCK to Bruce. Bruce is an exceptionally hard worker and great team player who will be sadly missed by the organisation.  Fingers crossed Bruce will return to instruct with Stramash during his holidays from University!!

 

Stramash Summer Youth Programme Summer 2010

Mon 09 Aug 2010

Stramash have had another excellent summer taking youths from across Argyll & Bute and beyond away on life changing outdoor adventures!  This week sees the last of our residential trips for this summer leave the office.  Niall and Martin are away to Machrihanish for our famous Surf Camp trip while Aileen and Dave headed to Tayvallich for the Girlsallowed camp! Over the next week we will be preparing a Newsletter which will review summer 2010 which will include highlights of all our trips and our plans for the rest of the year!  Please join the Stramash mailing list to ensure you receive your copy! 

To everyone who has been on an adventure with us so far this summer we hope you had a Stramashing Time!!  Also, visit our facebook page to see some brilliant pictures from the Assynt Adventure Trip, Tiree Bikes & Beaches camp and more!  http://www.stramash.org.uk/facebook

We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Take care

The Stramash Team :-)

 

Oban Outdoor Summer Adventures

Mon 09 Aug 2010

Oban Outdoor Adventure Activities!!!

Stramash are offering amazing outdoor summer adventures in Canoeing, Coasteering, Canyoning, Kayaking, Gorge Scrambling and much more all based in the Oban area!  Miles cheaper than our nearest competitors, Stramash offer a great value family ticket for as little as £59 which includes two adults and two children! Single adults are go for only £27 and Children £10.

Activities are all based around Oban lasting on average 3 hours and necessary transport is provided. 

NO experience is needed, all Stramash require is for you to have a change of clothes ready for getting wet, a towel and an abundance of enthusiasm!!

Get involved, book online or call 01631 566080 for more information!!

The Stramash team look forward to seeing you soon!! :-)

 

TripAdvisor

Fri 06 Aug 2010

The Stramash team would like to let you all know we now feature on the popular website TripAdvisor!!  If you have been on one of our Stramash adventures over the past few years or your children have please share you views with others here :-)  Find us on: TripAdvisor

 

Stramash Staff Dinghy Sailing

Fri 09 Jul 2010

The Stramash ‘All Star Office Team’ were let loose again this week.. this time the name of the game was Taz Dinghy sailing!  From our Stramash Sea Store at Dungallan Park, Paula, Helen, Janet and Aileen set sail on Stramash Taz Dinghies under close supervision of instructors Ben and James.  These sailing novices soon learnt the ropes and by the end of their afternoon session were cutting some ‘jibes’ in Oban Bay.  Everyone had a brilliant afternoon and the girls can not wait to get back out on the dinghies again. 

For more pictures check our facebook page. 

 

Staff Day Out

Mon 05 Jul 2010

Over the past month the Stramash team has rapidly expanded. We have just welcomed a new Head of Instruction, Health and Safety Co-ordinator, Business Development Co-ordinator, Administrator and Adventure Club Co-ordinator to the organisation.  To celebrate the arrival of the new All Star Cast and initiate the start of our team development days Stramash took off to Ganavan Sands for the morning to embark on some wild coasteering.  Scrambling along the coastline, jumping from cliff tops into magnificent tidal swells, swimming in the sea…....... yes, just another day in the Stramash office!

An excellent time had by all, next stop Canyoning!

Check out more pictures on our facebook page.

 

Join us on Facebook and Twitter

Mon 05 Jul 2010

Stramash have recently entered the world of social networking through facebook and twitter.  Please join us on cyberspace to keep up with the latest Stramash news, pictures and events!

 

Luing Adventure Club, visit by MSP

Tue 15 Jun 2010

A grant has been given to enable Stramash to expand its work with children from more rural communities across Argyll and Bute through a network of adventure clubs.

A pilot club has now been established – on the Argyll slate island of Luing – and earlier today (15th June 2010) Children’s Minister, Adam Ingram MSP, visited. The minister wanted to see how funding from the Scottish Government’s Go Play programme is helping to create better play opportunities for five to 13 year-olds.

You can read the full article on the forargyll.com website.

 

2010 Easter and summer programme

Thu 01 Apr 2010

New for 2010

Adult expeditions and Skill courses

Yes, you too can have as much fun as only your kids have had until now. We are now running a full adult programme, starting with a skills weekend on the 24th/25th of May, which will be an introduction to Mountain navigation.

We will also be running courses in canoeing, kayaking, climbing, mountain skills and bushcraft. Check the website for the full range of courses.
For the younger ones aged 6 — 9

How about a bit of Bog Trotting, where nimble footwork won’t keep you out of the soggy bits. The muckiest puddle jumping fun anyone could ever have…...guaranteed to get them wet and happy.

Book now

 

Duke of Argyll abseils Inveraray Castle for Stramash

Sat 13 Mar 2010