Community News

CommUnity News

Issue 2 5th June 2020

Community Food Vouchers help 124 people

Our Community Food Voucher scheme, Similar Blessings Boxes are also located in which started in the w/c 4th May, has helped Kyleakin, Dornie, Glenelg and Aucher- 124 local people (46 households) in the first 3 tyre. Those who would like to request food weeks of its operations. Jo Wawrzyczek, Devel- vouchers are asked to either email opment Officer for KLCT, said: "We can see an [email protected] or increasing number of people relying on local call the Lochalsh Community Response help- food support and are pleased to be able to offer line on 01599 534505 between 9am and 4pm this service locally. So far, £1,830 went directly Monday to Friday. Vouchers are then deliv- to families in need across all community coun- ered via post in the following week. cils in Lochalsh as well as Kyleakin and Kyler- If someone needs additional help or hea. This service is in addition to the food share requires meals rather than vouchers, we ad- project where we distribute Co-op food at the vise you to call the Highland Council free help- end of its sell-by date or store food at the Bless- line on 0300 303 1362 and request free frozen ings Box in Kyle. meals to be delivered to your door.

A special birthday See page 6 for the full story

Cameron Sharp of Plockton plays pipes for Margaret Sutherland’s 90th birthday. CommUnity News

Volunteering Week Thanks by Lochalsh Community Response By the time you receive this newsletter, helplines, distributed food, gone to post offic- Volunteering Week might have ended—it runs es, shops, pharmacies, walked dogs, played from 1st-7th June. But what won’t have ended pipes, sewed scrubs, set up new groups, or- is the incredible work being done by the very ganised online meet-ups and many other ac- large team of volunteers all over Lochalsh. tivities to try to keep family, friends and com- Over the last two months, this energetic, dedi- munity supported and connected when we cated, selfless group of people have shown have all been forced apart. they are capable of supporting their neighbours So, to all our volunteers, thank you and community during a time of crisis. They from all of us for everything you are doing have organised, delivered, phoned, manned to keep us together.

Get on your e-bike! By Kate Hathway

Kyle Community E-Bikes have arrived and are raring to go! The new project which has purchased 4 electric bikes of different sizes and an electric cargo taxi trike for community use was set up as part of ‘Let’s Get on with it Togeth- er’. The project offers self-management support to people with any long-term condition. The E- bike scheme has been funded by the Energy Savings Trust and is open to the wider communi- trips to shops, cafes etc, and just to help with ty; however, current Covid-19 restrictions mean their overall wellbeing. Who doesn’t enjoy that Key Workers will get priority use for the next the wind and rain in your face whilst traveling couple of months thanks to help from Cycling in style! This is a great time to cycle with UK’s Big Bike Revival. quieter roads and the summer approaching. The Kyle Community E-bike project We’re also looking for volunteers to cycle the aims to promote cycling in the community E-taxi trike when social distancing re- (particularly The idea behind the electric cargo strictions have been relaxed so please get in taxi trike was to help folk who may feel isolated touch if you think you can help! in their homes, to get out and get some fresh air To find out more or to book an E-bike and be transported for short trial contact Kate Hathway on 01599534731 or [email protected]

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The Vikings are coming! by Janet Ullman

Photo: Sven Rosborn - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1366181 Foteviken Museum, Skania, Sweden, one of a number of recreated Viking villages in Scandinavia. Kyle and Lochalsh Community Trust are traction with traditional workshops and Viking excited to announce that SSE Highland Sus- re-enactments. Working with the community tainable Development Fund has approved their the Project Officer will coordinate a series of funding bid of £66,793 for a Viking Living Vil- Viking themed events, workshops and activi- lage Project Officer and Viking themed events ties based at the Plock over two years. and workshops based at the Plock of Kyle for two years. The idea of a Viking heritage project formed part of the Plock Master Plan communi- VOLUNTEER EXPENSES ty consultation, it was first forwarded by Gor- We recognise the amazing work local people don MacIntyre, Lochalsh’s own local Viking do to support others with shopping and running amateur historian. other errands during the Covid-19 outbreak. That’s why, as part of our funding bid to the Viking invaders are recorded in Skye Scottish Government, we included volunteer and Lochalsh as early as 794AD and over the expenses to cover reasonable out-of-pocket following centuries Norway played a major part expenses. in the area’s history. By 875AD, Norwegian settlers began Any one living in Lochalsh, Kyleakin or Kyler- arriving, fleeing revolution at home. They set- hea who are helping others with shopping, tled all through the islands of the north and delivery or other errands can apply to have their expenses reimbursed. west of Scotland and were soon launching raids against their former homeland. This pro- We can cover expenses such as printing or ject aims to raise awareness of Viking life in mileage for any additional shopping or deliver Lochalsh, promote the Lochalsh Viking herit- trips beyond what you would normally do for age to visitors to the area and create a rich cul- your own household. The expenses can go tural and educational centre. back until 16th March 2020. It is hoped the project will begin this If you wish to claim expenses, please email us year, if and when the Covid-19 restrictions are on [email protected] lifted, and will commence with the employment and we will send you a Volunteer Expenses of the Project Officer who will begin working Policy with experts in local Viking archaeology and and Expenses Form to fill out. history, in the design and the feasibility of plan- ning a Viking Village Open Museum for the Thank you for looking after your Plock. The Village would be a living history at- local community! xxx 3 CommUnity News

Sewing Skye Scrubs by Jackie Sheddan

All sewers working on the Skye Scrubs project recently received an email from Angie Nicolson thanking all volunteers involved in Skye Scrubs project, and celebrating the fact that in the Skye and Lochalsh area a total to date of 415 sets of scrubs had been made and put into service in care homes, local hospitals and with carers involved in N.H.S. Laundry bags, masks and hats had also been volunteered by sewers, all working in own homes. I became one of the “scrubbers” – i.e. volunteers makings sets of scrubs at home – at end of April, when a lady who runs our sewing group in Dornie mes- saged members of her group to explain how we could become involved in this admirable task if we wanted to. I volunteered and within a couple of days heard back from one of organisers who asked if I could do five sets of scrubs for the cause! O.K. five doesn’t sound a lot, but this is another example of people working together to do something good to help people. Many sets of five, and I know that others have made many more than that, soon begin to add up – “many a mickle makes a muckle!” as a good old Scots saying says. I received my pack a day or two later to begin – pattern, fabric, interfacing, tape and thread. I spent weekend sorting out multi sized pattern and began in earnest on the following Monday and by ten days later I had finished my said sets which were collected by “Stu”. I have to say for me this was quite labour inten- A team of at least a dozen sewers n Loch- sive, working 4/5 hours a day, but the feeling of satisfac- alsh have been helping to make scrubs tion was immense and I was happy that I had played my part, however small, in a worthwhile cause. Beautiful rainbow brooches raise funds for good causes

Alison Orr is taking orders for these lovely knitted rainbow brooches. Alison explains “rainbows are recognised across the UK as the symbol of Covid-19, representing hope and also as a symbol of thanks for the NHS”. They are all the same design and are sold for a £5 donation to Lochalsh Community Response, the local Food Bank, NHS charities or any other Covid charity of the buy- ers choice. Colours may vary slightly. To order, find Alison’s post on the Community Heart, Kyle and Lochalsh Facebook page, leave a message and she will reply to you https:// www.facebook.com/112677643719986/posts/131496551838095/ or email her at [email protected]

4 CommUnity News Dùrachdan ‘s taing as An Achadh Mhòr Greetings and Thanks from Achmore by Duncan Ferguson Firstly, well done and thanks to all in- 1886 Crofters’ Holdings (Scotland) Act passed volved with the first issue of CommUnity by the Westminster parliament with Gladstone News a packed edition reflecting the strong as prime minister: a seminal piece of legislation ethos and supportiveness in all our communi- with great significance for land usage and tenan- ties in these unsettling times for us all; and cy in the Highlands & Islands especially welcome with the Free Press cur- 1897 railway line extended from Stromeferry to rently not being published (and of course the Kyle Whfp team should be thanked for keeping the 1948 ‘One Horse Farm’ published - recollections website updated with local news, articles etc) of Raymond O’ Malley on his three years as ten- but hopefully back with us as soon as the ant of Achbeg, in Achmore lockdown ends; and also recording publicly 1956 Sorley Maclean, renowned Gaelic poet, the gratitude we all feel for health, care and appointed headmaster (sic) of Plockton High all the services, shops, mail, police et al and School indeed all who are currently at work making 1995 Skye Bridge opened - initially with tolls sure our local area and its people are very 1999 Opening of the Scottish parliament John well served. Farquhar Munro as our local and popular MSP; Secondly, thanks to those who joined at the official opening ceremony Neil MacRae the recent telephone ceilidh (a world first?!) (Ratagan) and Lisa Coe (Plockton) were present co-hosted by Mary Jane Campbell and myself as head boy and head girl respectively of Plock- with great encouragement from Karen ton High School MacRae, our helpful moderator: mòran taing. 2000 National Centre of Excellence in Tradition- More ceilidhs are planned I am told on good al Music established at Plockton High School authority! with a continuing massive contribution to music education in Scotland Favourite Historical Events 2005 Gaelic Language Act passed by the Holy- A few significant dates and events in the his- rood parliament - a significant milestone for the tory of our districts (a personal, random selec- language tion I hasten to add!): 2006 All weather pitch opened at Plockton - by 1411 battle of Harlaw when an army led by John Beattie, the great Scotland and British Li- Donald, lord of the isles, assembled at ons rugby player; a huge development for sport Strome and went east to confront a royal ar- in our area my under the earl of Mar near Inverurie with 2010 West Highland College UHI established James I in prison in England: a tactical draw including learning centre at Auchtertyre; bringing when a victory for the Highland troops could further and higher education opportunities to our have changed the course of Scottish history local area 1688 Fernaig Manuscript – one of the most 2016 Kinlochshiel won the MacAulay Cup in precious Gaelic documents now in Glasgow Oban – an historic first national senior trophy for University Library special collection – this col- our local shinty club (established in 1958) lection of poetry was compiled by Duncan There endeth a quick potted local history lesson! MacRae of Inverinate (Donnchadh nam pìos / And finally I have a couple of suggestions Duncan of the cups) for the Gaelic for lockdown: lethoireachd or 1719 our most famous local battle at bràighdeanas (cf the French call it ‘le confine- Glenshiel when a Jacobite army with Spanish ment’ and the Spanish ‘el encierro’) support were defeated by the Hanoverian army; and the ghost of a Spanish general still Cumaibh sàbhailte ‘s slàinte mhath/keep haunts Kintail in midsummer(!) safe and in good health 1843 The Disruption - Free Church broke away from Church of Scotland with a huge Duncan Ferguson impact on the religious life of the west High- Email: [email protected] lands Twitter: @djfachmore 5 CommUnity News

A Young Person’s Special Birthdays Response to

by Malcolm MacKenzie Lockdown

By Duncan Healy (and Mum)

I am at my Dad’s. I am feeling sad, my sister has a cough.

There we stay till it goes away. Me, Freya and Eliza.

School work needs to be done, no playing in the sun.

Maths, spelling and meets.

Hot chocolate Friday for some, no need to be glum.

Won’t be long till we’re back in our seats. Margaret Sutherland, Plockton Alice MacKenzie, Plockton celebrating her 90th birthday celebrating her 1st birthday Happy Birthday! Co-là Breith Sona Dhuibh! Feliz Cumpleaños! Joyeux Anniversaire! La Multi Ani! Penblwydd Hapus! Congratulations

All across the world people are spending their birthdays in lockdown; Elton John, Celine Dion and Philip Schofield all celebrated lockdown birthdays. In Plockton, like other villages in Lochalsh, we have also had a few birthdays. Alice Mackenzie turned 1, Kenneth MacRae turned 40, Elspeth MacRae turned 50, Rory Loudon turned 18. Sarah Bruce, Shona Jones, Dun- can McAndrew, Calum Mackenzie, Lynn Bruce and Neil MacRae all celebrated undisclosed ages. Three villagers, Seonaid Mackenzie, Charlie M MacRae and Margaret Suther- land reached ages so high, they were serenaded with Happy Birthday on the Bagpipes by Cameron Sharp, who has also been playing weekly to honour Key Workers, on Thursday Nights. On our Plockton Past and Present Community Facebook Page, a photo was posted of Cameron playing for Margaret on her 90th Birthday. It was shared a few times and soon the post had reached people around the world, 21,298 people to be ex- act. Soon Birthday wishes were being sent to Margaret from A little ray of sunshine in near and far. So, Happy Birthday to you Margaret and to every- this rather topsy turvy time. Dr one else across Lochalsh who has had a birthday recently - with Caroline McKellar had her love and best wishes from Bret in Virginia USA; David and Shei- beautiful baby, Brodie Isaac la Preston Down Under; Karen in Saskatchewan Canada; May McKellar on the 9th April. His in Long Island NY; Agnes in Newcastle UK; Pauline in London; big brother Luke is being very Tom in Baltimore; Jeanne-Marie in France; Maria in Romania; helpful and caring and the Dan in Ireland; Rose in the Phillipines – to name just a few -and whole family are loving spend- from everyone else near and far. ing all this time together.

CommUnity News Reviews of the Virtual Community Events The concept of virtual community events, with telephone ceilidhs and online events was created by Susan Walker, Community Development Officer with Kyle & Lochalsh Community Trust, as part of the Lochalsh Community Response, specifically to build well-being and community cohe- sion during the Covid-19 lockdown. The events are organised by Coordinator Karen MacRae, funded by the Scottish Government’s Supporting Communities Fund. The first telephone ceilidh was attended by at least 25 people, and the virtual foraging event by 25 people. For more events, see the back page.

Wild Food in Wild Weather by Jennifer Teague

Nettle crisps, anyone?? And all these different crisps, anyone?? And all these different elements were brought together at the end into a mouth-watering fish dish. Just a shame we couldn’t get to taste it! Thanks, Verity, for sharing your knowledge and hopefully you’ll be back to show us more. And thanks to Karen for doing the technical stuff and also recording the webinar, so you can catch up with it if you missed it.

Wild Garlic (Ramson) Pickle Verity Hurding

1 cup apple cider vinegar (237 grams Wild garlic or ramson flowers 1 cup water (237 grams) 1 Tablespoon salt The virtual foraging webinar last Saturday, 1/4 cup sugar (55 grams) hosted by Verity and Jenny of Eolach Food, Mix ingredients, dissolve in a pan, allow to Glenelg was a feast of facts and flavours. Veri- cool. Add ramson buds and seeds in a sterile ty switched between her kitchen and short vid- jar (can be used for any vegetables). eos of her out and about gathering pepper Store 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator be- dulse, nettles, wild garlic and wood sorrel. We fore using or if using on the same day, just learned where to look, what to pick and how to pour warm mixture on ramson buds and seeds cook. It was a revelation to find out how to instead of allowing to cool. pickle flower buds from wild garlic and enjoy To sterilise jar, place in the oven for 20 pepper dulse, the ‘truffle of the sea’. minutes at 140 degrees Celsius

First Telephone Ceilidh by Anne Campbell

I had never attended a telephone ceilidh shops and services that were situated before so I was curious to discover how the locally. It was indeed an entertaining way to evening of stories and local history, hosted by spend an hour. The conversation flowed Duncan and Mairi Sine would go. It Duncan re- throughout and it was lovely to occasionally minded us of the extent of the late Sorley Mac- hear the familiar voices of quite a number of Lean's literary works as well as his immense people who we haven't seen for some time join contribution to shinty in the Lochalsh area. He the ceilidh. even concluded by delighting us with one of his As well as their individual contributions, own poems which he has become renowned Duncan and Mairi Sine shared common for. ground when they discussed musical provision Màiri Sìne gave a historical description of in Lochalsh from days gone-by until the pre- Plockton Village in the 1950's and 60's, surpris- sent day. For me, it was a highly enjoyable ing many listeners with the extensive list of “ceilidh” and I look forward to the next one. 7 CommUnity News

Kyleakin Connections News by Charlene MacLeod

Kyleakin Connections is a day resource Weekly Zoom meetings are held for eve- for adults with learning disabilities and provides ryone and this includes picture/number bingo, 1:1 support through Individual Service Funds. mastermind, quizzes, dressing up and general In March we sadly had to close our doors to our catch ups. Through the week, smaller groups attenders and all our café customers due to get together, independently and with staff, for Covid-19 but we did not stop providing support. their own quizzes, movies nights, guitar lessons Our staff came together to plan and de- etc. And of course, we use the good old- veloped new ways of staying connected and to fashioned telephone as part of our weekly time- continue supporting everyone, during this un- table to talk with our attenders and help in any certain time. way we can. We prepare weekly activity folders, spe- Staff provide supported walks to help cifically tailored to each attender to include their keep everyone’s body and mind in good health interests and preferred formats. These folders and more importantly, someone to talk to face to are collected and delivered weekly and include face. themes on health & wellbeing, spring, nature, Thank you to Kyle & Lochalsh Communi- geography, recipes, maths, entertainment, ty Trust for helping us secure funding through sport, arts & crafts, history of art projects, litera- their application to the Supporting Communities cy, numeracy and games. Included are lock- Fund. This has helped to finance our new way down logbooks to document their own story of delivering our service. during these difficult times and their hopes for I believe the Kyleakin Connections com- the future. We have encouraged our attenders munity has become even closer and I must pay to keep connected by writing letters and post- tribute to all our staff who have risen to the chal- cards to each other too. lenges we face and continue to improvise, de- Many of our attenders did not use tech- velop ideas and resources to keep us all togeth- nology to communicate before and this is rele- er and our spirits high. vant to some staff too. So, it has been a great Our attenders face great changes in their learning curve for us all. We have worked to lives but have embraced our new style of sup- ensure all are connected through the internet port and kept us focused and motivated. As al- by setting up broadband, new emails, equip- ways, we receive great support from our board, ment and guidance and support on how to use carers, and families, which allows Kyleakin Con- Skype and Zoom. Although learning fast, we nections to continue playing a vital role in our now know where to develop our skills! community. Top, L to R, Lachie John playing the guitar, Kerry making cards, Scott walking, Ewen playing bingo, Bottom,Jamie doing a jigsaw, Cameron on a walk, Jenny on a walk, Ester keeping the café spirit going

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Lochalsh Leisure Centre News by Charlene Maguire

Firstly, on behalf of myself, the staff and whilst we are in lockdown. Again, this work will the board of trustees we would like to say a be undertaken when safely allowed to do so. massive thank you to all our members that The staff at the centre have been trying have been able to continue paying their mem- to keep ourselves busy and stay connected bership fees throughout this difficult time. It has with our community in various ways. Myself, certainly helped ease the financial strain, and Anna, Sarah and Amy are posting weekly fit- together with the small business grant we re- ness and Zumba videos on the leisure centre ceived, it will ensure we can open our doors Facebook page, the feedback we’re are getting again when restrictions permit, and it is safe to from this is amazing, thank you! Marlene has do so. also been keeping in touch with her Otago I am pleased to report some good news; class through weekly group chat sessions. we have been able to get the roof replaced and As yet, we have no opening date, but as soon it is looking brilliant! Many thanks to Ruairi as we do have one we will make sure that eve- Matheson and team for getting this done. It is ryone knows, although when we do re-open it great to see this crucial piece of work complet- will definitely be, like most things now, different ed, paid for by the amazing fundraising efforts from before. of our community. Your fundraising efforts will We hope everyone is keeping well, also see other essential work carried out - pool keeping up their fitness as best they can and maintenance, painting of the exterior of the most importantly staying safe. building and upgrade of the boiler, all done

www.lochalshcommunityresponse.co.uk Visit our website for instructional videos on bicycle maintenance, pilates for beginners, to find out how to ask for food vouchers, an events calendar, a digital version of the newsletter and lots more

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Get Growing with Jake and Kate

Join Jake and Kate from Cosaig Grow- Cosaig Growers is a market garden ers in Glenelg on Saturday 6th June at 4- which Jake and Kate started from a 5pm on Zoom or a chat about growing your wet field of rushes and a North facing own veg! See page 16 for how to register. slope. Now in their 3rd year, the land We will discuss how to set up your is productive and provides a diverse own plot really easily using the no dig method (saving the soil and your backs), the beauty environment for many birds and polli- of composting and talk about what you can nators. They grow almost everything sow now. Up at Cosaig we are trying to use outside, experimenting with things that as little plastic as possible in our day to day work the best here (one crop that loves growing - we will show you methods of sow- these conditions is florence fen- ing and planting without plastic which often nel!). They sell through the Glenelg works much better anyway. We will talk Shop and a veg box scheme in the about the easiest route to getting seeds in the season. Last autumn they planted lots soil without the need for buying loads of extra equipment and using the abundance of local of fruit bushes and trees and will be resources. able to provide delicious blueberries, We are excited to share what we have blackcurrants, raspberries, apples and been doing, but are still on a learning journey plums in a few years. Jake and Kate ourselves. If anyone has anything to add to are experimenting with many things, the discussion about their experience of using less plastic, growing outside (no growing here that would be really useful. It polytunnel!) and growing on what may would be nice to open up conversations so be considered ‘marginal land’. we can continue to share knowledge in the future.

Good compost, the secret to successful growing, particularly on poor soil, vegetables and herbs, a great apple crop and flowers to lift the spirit. 10 CommUnity News

Lochalsh Food Futures by Susan Walker

A new sub-group of the Lochalsh Col- need to think about where our food comes laboration has been set up to promote and from. support increased growing, production and If you are a producer or have relevant access to local food in Lochalsh. The Loch- knowledge or skills and would like to join the alsh Collaboration, which had been meeting group, contact Susan Walker on communityde- for a year, was put on hold after the outbreak [email protected] or Tel 01471833274 of Covid-19 pandemic and instead invited in The group also wants to produce a Local new partners to concentrate on the Lochalsh Food Directory to promote and encourage local Community Response. However, at a recent food and to conduct an audit of how much is meeting of the Response, which is held online, being produced already in the area. If you are a Susan Pettie of Balmacara was given wide producer and would like to be listed in the direc- support when she suggested there was a tory, please get in touch. need to start to plan for the future so that the At a time when we are all being encour- area becomes more self-sufficient in its own aged to get fit, get outside and eat well, grow- food. The lockdown and the shortages in food ing and sourcing our own food locally can help products that had occurred had raised a real us to stay healthy both physically and mentally. concern about how secure the current global So the challenge is to get more people growing food systems are and had heightened the and eating local food. Petition for more business support by Jenny & Verity Many tourism reliant local businesses never imagined. Jenny and Verity, who don't and self employed individuals are struggling qualify for any assistance because of becom- at the moment due to insufficient government ing self employed in July of 2018 and making funded financial support. Verity and Jenny of less than half of their income that year through EOLACH in Glenelg have started a petition self employment, are adapting their private to the UK and Scottish governments to ask catering / supper club business into a BBQ for more support, especially for those who takeaway. Thanks to the generous support of have fallen through the net and don't qualify their community they are currently building for any current Covid-19 support schemes. If "The Shed" due to open in June. They will be you or anyone in your community is affected serving slow smoked BBQ, burgers, local veg by a lack of adequate support please go to: plates and homemade ice cream. https://www.change.org/ They are also happy to deliver meals to highlandcovid19support anyone in the community who has the need Sign and leave a comment so we can for no charge or an optional donation to help stand together to urge the government for fund meals for vulnerable people more support during these stressful and un- in the community. They can be reached at certain times for the tourism industry. 01599522395 or [email protected] Most of us are having to adapt in ways we

ANSWERS to LAST ISSUE’S CROSSWORD ACROSS: 1: PLOCK. 4: DUICH. 6: DUN. 11: STROMEFERRY. 12: SEER, 14: COMGAN, 16: KINTAIL, 19: CNOC 20: OTTER, 22: GLENELG, 26: HASTE, 27: FULLTONES, 31: GIN, 32: DONNAN, 33: TOLL, 35: BALMACARA, 38: NAPIER, 39: BURN, 40: CROFT, 41: BERNERA, 42: MACPHERSON.

DOWN: 2: LEEKS, 3: CREEK, 5: CREEL, 6: DUNCAN, 7: ATTADALE, 8:DOE, 9: CRANNOG, 10: BROCHS, 13: BAIT, 15: MACBETH, 17: HIGHLANDER, 18: BAN, 21: ESME, 23: EILEANBAN, 24: HAMISH, 25: MEALLAN, 27: FANKS, 28: TINGLE, 29: SHONA, 30: NOSTIE, 34: HAAKON, 36: CHOIR, 37: CRAB 39: BO.

11 CommUnity News

Selfie challenge set by Gus Loudon and Karen MacRae and young people

12 CommUnity News

Local knowledge crossword Set by Gordon McIntyre

ACROSS: 10. They were based in Kyle during the 1: Village/Hamlet near Dornie (4). War (4) 2: Memorial on A82 near Balmacara (9). 11: Turntable Ferry is here (8). 6: Beauty spot near Glenelg (7). 12: Broad Valley, Scots (6). 13: Type of Fish (3). 15: Folk used to live in these round houses 14: Famous local Castle (6+5). (3+7). 19: He built the Bridge in Duirinish (6+7). 16: Hilltop (3). 21: Girls name (4). 17: What sea water tastes like (5). 18: A Star in Gaelic (5). 23: Tree or Fire remains (3). 20 & 25: A shaggy beast (6+3). 27: Island / Girls name (4). 22: There’s a Bronze Age Burial Cairn here, 28: Watch out for these when driving (4). near Glenelg (8). 30: Herb good with seafood (4). 24: Rubber Boat with an Engine (3). 32: Not a High tide a ___ tide (3). 25: see 20 across. 34: Steamboat that visits the area (8). 26: You have these with Chips (5). 35: Black in Gaelic (4). 29: Hamlet on the Stromeferry to Strathcarron 37: Bright yellow bush (5). Rd (8). 31: A Brewer makes this (3). 39: see 42 across. 32: Bodies of water (5). 40: Power Company (abbrev) (3). 33: Tree type that has berries (5). 36: Broch in 41: It changes every day (7). 43: Protest Group Glenelg, Dun _____ (5). against Bridge Toll (4). 37: Broch at Totaig (7). 45: Prayer ending (4). 38: Female sheep (3). 46: Oak in Gaelic (6). 39: Compass Direction (3). 42 & 39 Down: Local Bar in Kyle (3+4). 49: It was played on the Plock (4). 44: Calum will give you one if you don’t see any 50: House attached to a Church (5). (4+4+5). 47: Body of Water (3). 53: Runs from Inverness to Kyle (5) 48: Local Boat Building Project (2+4). 55: Night Bird (3). 51: Broch in Glenelg, Dun ______(7). 56: You do this with a tent (4). 52: Kinlochshiel play this (6). 57: This will help you catch fish (3). 54: This Trust looks after E.D. Castle (7). 59: Type of Tree, Douglas ___ (3). 57: Stromeferry ______(2+5). 58: Well known Local Waterfall (5+2+7). 60: Traditional music (abbrev) (4). 61: Picturesque village with Palm Trees (8). 62: You climb on these (5). 63: Traditional type of Cooker (3).

DOWN: 2: Festival of Gaelic Song, Arts and Culture (3). 3. There was one in Stromeferry in 1883 (4). 4: Name of Local Lifeboat (6+2+4+5). 5: Haggis ____ & Tatties (4). 7: There’s a ‘Wee’ bakery here (7). 8: Local Matheson Castle (8). 9: Old style Hotels on the Road- side (4). 13 CommUnity News Kyle Medical Practice

The Kyle Medical Practice staff would like to thank all our patients for helping us to keep our patients and staff at the practice safe. For this reason, the doors of the building remain locked at present. We would ask that you only come to the practice if you have an appointment booked, and ask that all prescriptions are ordered online, over the telephone or handed in to the pharmacy. We can offer telephone and Video appointments and these are proving to work really well. Face to face appointments will only be offered if the situation cannot be dealt with over the phone or by video. At some point the door will be unlocked, as more staff in the Health Centre return to work however we would still only ask that those who have an appointment booked, come in to the practice to minimise risk and we would ask that patients do not come in to the practice for any other reason. Thank you for your help in these challenging times.

Counselling Care Skye and Lochalsh Karen Haddow At this current time, we are unable to provide face-to-face counselling, however we do provide sessions over the phone and by video link. Although we are still running a waiting list, we are working on increasing our capacity.

Therefore, we welcome referrals to our service. Members of the public can self-refer to our service by contacting myself on 07979 081367 or [email protected]. For more detailed information or queries about the service please contact Kasia McMorland by e-mail: [email protected], or by phone on 07818 223166.

A Wee Tipple Jayne Calderwood

We have been in lockdown since the 23rd March and no one has been allowed out to the pub, to a restaurant or to any other entertainment venue. We are missing socialising and entertainment outside our homes. We are bored and some of us are out of our normal routines and feeling anxious about the whole Covid-19 situation. One thing we can still do is have a wee tipple. A couple of glasses of wine or a zoom party with friends. Most of us like a drink but statistics are showing a growth in alcohol sales during lockdown. Social drinking can move into problem drinking quite easily. Small things can become habit and tolerance increases. There is huge stigma surrounding alcohol dependence and finding help in normal times can be a struggle. But in the lockdown era it can be even harder to find information. There are also a lot people who are already struggling with alcohol or are in recovery. Far from the stereotype of a tramp drinking from a bottle in the street, the reality is, alcohol dependent people are ordinary people, mums, dads, brothers sisters, friends, children, people we know and love, whose lives have become impacted by the hold of alcohol, affecting their mental health and the lives of their families and loved ones. People need to access to help whilst in lockdown otherwise there could a mental health time bomb waiting for us when we come out of this situation.

Where to find help • Consult your GP if you are worried about your own drinking or someone else’s. • In the Kyle and Lochalsh area there are AA meetings in Kyle and further afield in Portree, Broad- ford and Lochcarron, at the moment these are by phone or Zoom. You will get your local contact from phoning the national number below. There is also local, faith-based help for Alcohol and drug dependency through Living in Hope. Phone 07715435341. • The Alcoholics Anonymous helpline is open 24/7 on 0800 9177 650. If you would prefer, you can also email them at [email protected] or live chat via their website at www.alcoholics- anonymous.org.uk. • Al-Anon UK and Republic of Ireland offers support to families and friends affected by someone else’s drinking Their Helpline number is 0800 008 6811 • Drinkline, a free, confidential helpline for people who are concerned about their drinking, or someone else's. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm). • https://smartrecovery.org.uk/ Smart recovery is a science based, therapeutic recovery programme, helping people overcome addiction.

14 CommUnity News

Free Church Plockton and Kyle, Glenelg & Inverinate

Churches across the area have had to suspend our usual Sunday worship meetings, our weekly youth and children’s meetings and our Prayer meetings and Bible studies. This has meant we have had to re-think how we do church.

The Church is the people not the buildings, so we have moved to keep people as connected as possible and have moved most of what we do online.

We offer a number of weekly services which can be accessed online – Cheryl MacRae runs a live link Sunday School on her Facebook page at 10.30am every Sun- day morning. It is recorded so you can access it at any time. Cheryl combines Bible stories with crafts and activities aimed at primary School aged children. You can join in on this link - https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.macrae.3

Finlay Macdonald and Anna MacDonald run an online Bible Study for S1-6 and university and college students at 7.00pm on Saturday Evenings. To access this message Finlay on his Fa- cebook page - https://www.facebook.com/FinlayJMacD

Our weekly Church Services are recorded and can be accessed searching: Free Church Glenelg & Inverinate or on this link - https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UC4i77unBMru8PUA6AazMQKQ

Our church Facebook pages give lots of information – Free Church Glenelg and Inverinate https://www.facebook.com/Kyle.Kintail.Glenelg.Free.Church/ and Plockton & Kyle Free Church: https://www.facebook.com/lochalshchurches/

On our Facebook page, as well as finding out information on how to access our recorded services and online meetings, you can access our daily devotional called ‘Peace in the Storm’ aimed at helping focus on God in these challenging times.

In this time of lockdown and social distancing many people are struggling mentally, financially and spiritually. Our church can offer pastoral support through these difficult times and we are happy for anyone who is anxious, struggling or lonely to call us for a chat and to talk through your difficulties. We can offer a listening ear and practical help if we are able to do so. Pease do not hesitate to get in touch.

Roddie 534990 Kyle and Plockton Murdo 534362 Kyle and Plockton Margaret 534990 Kyle and Plockton Fiona 555755 Kyle and Plockton Willie 530377 Kyle and Plockton Ken 577043 Glenelg, Inverinate and Dornie Fiona 511474 Glenelg, Inverinate and Dornie Moira 522709 Glenelg, Inverinate and Dornie Barbara 522719 Glenelg, Inverinate and Dornie Colin 522719 Glenelg, Inverinate and Dornie

15 CommUnity News CommUnity News Will be produced regularly during this crisis

It is written by the community and edited by Susan Walker, Community Development Officer and Karen MacRae, Coordinator The views expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily represent those of Kyle & Lochalsh Community Trust Deadline for next issue: Friday 12th June [email protected]

The first issue was delivered to all households by volunteers. This and future issues will be delivered to those self-isolating by volunteers and shops, everyone else, please pick it up from your local shop/filling station

Would you like to receive CommUnity News electronically? Please email [email protected] to tell us

CommUnity Virtual Events

A safe way for members of the community to gather, online and by telephone. If you have suggestions of other events or would like to host an event, then please get in touch by email: [email protected]

Telephone Ceilidhs Thursday 11th June 7-8pm—Kyle Past and Present Wilfar Matheson and Andy Anderson chat about the local area of Kyle and how the village and surrounding areas have changed over the decades. Thursday 18th June 7-8pm— Join Duncan Ferguson for another evening of local stories

To access all of our telephone events please ring 0330 336 0036 (charged at local rate) at the given time and enter the pin number 237055 when prompted. Please note that this number has changed since the previous telephone event.

Live Online Events Saturday 6th June 4-5 pm Get Growing with Jake and Kate Cosaig Growers, Glenelg As part of our food security series we will be visiting different food producers at all levels to learn and share knowledge about producing our own food. Monday 8th June 7-8 pm Family Quiz night (Fortnightly) For families with children of nursery up to high school age. Wednesday 10th June 8-9pm Still life Art with Sarah Longley All ability levels welcome, all you need is a pencil or pen and some paper. Sunday 14th June 8-9 pm Quiz night with Paul Wood Quiz night for all, families also welcome. Saturday 27th June 4-5pm Foraging with Verity Join us for our second foraging event to see what wild ingredients June has in store for us.

To sign up for the online events please email [email protected] or visit the Lochalsh Community Re- sponse website (under ‘Important Information’ and then ‘Events’ tabs) or Facebook page. This must be done prior to the event to ensure access.