KATY Lauffer had clambered up on to dad Campbell’s chest as we were talking and seemed oblivious to the content of the conversation until, as we discussed that rarest of things, a relatively modern car that is rising in value, she amused him with a sudden  interjection.

Even to a non-petrolhead the vehicle and its provenance are pretty impressive. One of a limited edition of 200 when released for sale in the mid-90s, Campbell reckons it is now one of just 61 that remain, the McRae imprimatur rendering it even cooler now than at the time of its launch during the late world rallying champion’s prime.

All of which naturally led to those questions relating to its value which, as it transpired, had resulted in wee Katy’s outburst.

“Did you hear that?” Campbell asked. “She just told me, ‘Don’t sell it daddy’.”

While Katy obviously has the edge, it was pretty obvious she has little to worry about since that vehicle evidently also ranks pretty highly on dad’s list of affections.

However, if her legacy seems secure, the reason we were there was to discuss an event which is part of an attempt to use sport to boost efforts to do that for all local youngsters

The Argyll Rally – the first event of its type in the area in some 14 years – is a leg of the Scottish Rally Championship and, in a mix incorporating mountain biking, triathlon, cycling and running, one of seven quality sports competitions being staged in the area this summer as part of the “Dunoon Presents” Business Improvements District plan which was initially pitched to me as being unusual in its ambition by its manager, Colin Moulson.

It aims to give private sector business communities more control of their own destiny by voting projects in and funding them with local authority involvement.

“It may seem like stating the obvious, but the five-year business plan in any town context should absolutely match the needs of that town. In Dunoon’s recent history, the American Navy departing in 1992 and the lifetime change in people’s holiday habits, i.e. no longer going with maw, paw and weans ‘Doon the Watter’, are gone forever, which has had a major effect on the local economy,” Colin told me.

“In short, the town is starting to awaken from its ‘brown bear type hibernation’ after many years of decline and sport is at the very heart of this welcome re-emergence.

“The theme going through a lot of what we are doing is bringing the town back to life, in some cases re-introducing things that stand the test of time. They just need resources and a single-minded approach to make them happen and the rally is a prime example.

“There are subtle, simple things going on that create a real USP for people when they come over for events such as finishing a half marathon or an ultra marathon on the beautifully restored Victorian Pier or starting a major road race with a set of canons that normally start a yacht race. It’s about the competitors’ experience being made memorable and very often that can be simple things that don’t cost big money.

“What do you think is the thing that most people that come to events rave about by a country mile, though?” he asked rhetorically.

“The 20-minute ferry journey. They seem to lap it up and it takes them back to their childhood in many cases.”

Maybe the surname means it is in the blood, but I always delight in such boat trips, so completely appreciate that. However on the way back a visit to a cafe provided a less evangelistic encounter with a local in the form of the pleasant but fed-up teenage girl who, while assembling a bacon sandwich and cup of tea, told me with the brutal lyricism of a latter day Irvine Welsh: “I love Dunoon in my heart, but there’s nothing to do here. That’s why so many people are on drugs.”

When I subsequently put that to Colin he replied: “The fact is there is loads to do but the perception of some is clearly different.

“I think when the term ‘there’s nothing to do’ gets rolled out, it is very often that the person has heard it so many times, they actually start to believe it, instead of questioning it. The project is doing just that and providing compelling evidence that the opposite is the case. But it’s a slow process, getting some to see what is happening right on their doorstep.

“I too love the town and the area and really want the ‘Dunoon Presents’ Business Improvement District to be a springboard to reversing that mindset.”

Which takes us neatly back to wee Katy, her dad and the role to be played by adults in helping the next generation understand the value of things. Hats off to Campbell and those trying to show off Dunoon’s best side to visitors and locals alike.