hi folks I have noticed a whining noise in 1st and 2nd gear at low speeds / moving away.

Noticed it on yesterday's drive driving down from just outside fort william and a wee while ago whst nipping out to shop. Car has done 149000miles and was serviced last week.

Please tell me its a thrust release bearing or clutch and not anything to do with the gearbox

Could well be, best to get it checked out by the garage. Mines just gone but I am stage 2 so I was expecting it. Also, mine crunched in 2nd/3rd gears. 

If it's only in first and second, it'll most likely be something inside the gearbox. If it was clutch/thrust bearing related, it'd be noticable across all gears.

Anybody know for sure ?

49 minutes ago, benbeckid said:

Anybody know for sure ?

 

The only way you're going to know for sure is to take the box off and have a look.

Does the noise increase in volume on power, or when you've been coasting for a second or two in either of the affected gears?, if so, which?

 

Have to say It does sound like box, but double check all your gear linkage rubber mounts are intact and not transfering the noise up the linkage (very slim cance of it being this but you never know.)

 

Is the gearbox oil level correct?.

Layshaft bearings, expect that its present in 3rd and 5th gears also but inaudible at present.

Just as I'm moving of / or riding clutch waiting to move. 2nd gear also but not at a higher speed / power. 3rd and 4rth seem to be ok.

Car not worth much and have just spent a few quid sorting out suspension components

Gear box oil level should have been sorted as car was given full service so all fluids should have been changed for new. 

I would double check the gearbox oil level was definately done, as that set of symptoms you listed there tends to suggest a first motion shaft bearing, which could either be failing or out of oil because the level is low.