Closer to home, that letter in The Buteman led to the formation of Achievement Bute, the local organisation committed to providing activities for children during the school holidays and support for island families with special needs.

Over those ten years Achievement Bute has scored many successes with the island's young people, with a regular series of workshops during school holidays and term time at its Castle Street studio, the creation of an urban garden to the rear of the studio buildings and numerous events at Mount Stuart and on the island's beaches.

But Saturday night was a time to relax rather than work, as Achievement Bute's tenth birthday was marked with a party in the assembly hall at Rothesay Joint Campus.

Helped along by John Lilley's disco, present and past members let their hair well and truly down as they celebrated in true birthday style concluding with a firework display during a break in the incessant rain.

Before doing so they took advantage of the campus's high tech system to enjoy three films produced, directed and starred in by the childen.

For those who were unable to be there on the evening, the films - Game Over, Journey of Recyclates and The Mix - are available on DVD at a cost of £5 each from Achievement Bute's Castle Street studios.

We caught up with the organisation's project manager, Dorothy McDonald, after the party was over.

Dorothy, who has been with the organisation from the outset, said: "When we started, we wanted to make sure that the island's disabled chidren would have opportunities to have fun and to be part of the everyday activities enjoyed by other children.

"Unfortunately some discrimination still exists - for example it's disappointing that ten years on, there is still no wheelchair access via the front door of the Pavilion, though hopefully the new funding application will change this.

"However what people see with Achievement Bute is only the tip of the iceberg. There is lots going on behind the scenes and tonight gives me the opportunity to pay tribute to the unsung heroes and heroines, such as Ann Thomson, who suppports parents in dealing with emotional issues with confidential counselling."

We asked Dorothy what she considered to be the organisation's biggest successes since 1998.

"We have obtained Big Lottery funding and grants from large and small organisations," she replied, "and are now recognised by Argyll and Bute Council, having had a service agreement with them for the past three years.

"We have brought artists, choreographers and people from national organsations such as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, to the island."

But Saturday was a time for fun as well as reflection and Dorothy thanked John Lilley for providing the evening's music and fun and Maxine Dadd for the lovely birthday cake.