ardgay & district community Council newsletter
Price: £1.00 ISSN 2514-8400 = Issue No. 41 = AUTUMN 2018 = Ardgay & Culrain SWI centenary Your local branch of the SWI cel- ebrated with style its 100 anniver- sary at Kincardine church Page 12
Betty Wright, Chairperson Ardgay & District CC (left) and Marion Turner, Secretary & Treasurer, having a break on one of the new benches. New benches for Ardgay -Bonar straight It is hoped that these colourful seats will encour- age people of all ages and levels of fitness to walk the distance between the two villages. Mrs Molly Sangster (left), Honorary Treasurer of Scottish Women’s Institutes with Mrs Liz Cormack (right), Ardgay and Culrain SWI’s President, A year ago, we published an Community Council then took cutting the centenary celebration cake. article by Gloria Clarke, where the idea forward. Betty Wright, she explained how having seats Chairperson of Ardgay & Dis- in the straight between Ard- trict CC said, “The idea for the Report on the work of your gay and Bonar Bridge could benches came from a local res- Community Council Pages 4 to 6 change people’s lives. Your ident (Continues on page 8)
New leadership at the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust Article from Pete Campbell (Page 18) Helen Houston’s farewell letter (Page 27)
Reduce, reuse ‘Tweed at Heart’ a and recycle new shop 40 pages featuring Lettes to the Editor, with TEAS at Ardgay Opening times, and Lairg village Telephone guide, Bus & Train timetable, Learning Centre Page 16 Page 21 Sudokus & Crossword Whats happening at Falls of Shin?
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Friday & Saturday 10.00am-9.00pm ardgay & district community Council newsletter AUTUMN 2018 = Page 3
Contents
13 15 29 34
ARDGAY News =Change of leadership at the Kyle of =Calendar of events ��������������������������� 30 =Ardgay & District CC chairperson Sutherland Development Trust ���������18 =Highland Archaeology Festival ��� 31 annual report ������������������������������������������������4 =Tweed at Heart shop in Ardgay ����19 =The work of your CC (map) ������������5 =All about Wester Fearn Burn ���������22 adult clubs & societies �������������32 =How to contact your CC ������������������ 6 =Kyle of Sutherland Heritage Society =Coul Links �������������������������������������������������� 7 with Bonar History Group ������������������24 Wildlife ����������������������������������������������������34 =New benches on the Ardgay / =Bradbury Centre news ���������������������� 25 Bonar straight ����������������������������������������������8 =How to apply for wind farm funds �26 children & young people �������� 35 =Pension Wise service ������������������������10 =Ardgay & Culrain SWI centenary �� 12 letters to the editor ����������������27 CHURCHES =Kyle of Sutherland Gala Week ����� 13 =Church of Scotland �����������������������������36 =Ardgay Public Hall ���������������������������� 14 gearrchoille wood ��������������������28 =Kyle of Sutherland Development local services a-z �������������������������� 37 Trust receives HSI Awards ��������������������15 what’s on in the area =Reduce your carbon footprint ����� 16 =Autumn concerts �������������������������������29 puzzles ������������������������������������������������������39
Ardgay editor’s letter Ready for Autumn & District his issue features -for the Tfirst time- 40 pages of photos (mostly) good news. It is very re- warding as a CC member to see Wester Fearn projects such as the new bench- Burn es coming to fruition. Many of by Gregor Laing our local groups are celebrating Wester Fearn Burn was once referred in 2018 their 20th, 50th or 100 to as “formidable year anniversary, congratula- in spate”. That is as tions! Also a warm farewell to true today as it was back then. The burn Helen Houston on her retire- is the boundary ment, and all the best to David between the farms of Wester Fearn Watson, the Kyle of Sutherland and Mid Fearn. The Development Trust new manag- present bridge has er. Thank you to all the volun- the date 1932 on the wall and there teer distributors, particularly to are bridge abut- David Mackay, who has recently ments on the south joined us, and a big thank you to side which presum- ably were built to all who support the newsletter in replace the ones one way or another. < swept away in the 1830s. (Full article on page 22) Silvia Muras Editor Page 4 = AUTUMN 2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter
Ardgay & District News Chairperson’s annual report by Betty Wright, Chairperson Ardgay & District CC would like to give a short sum- the funds we have in our bank a/c are Ardgay) asking about the possibility mary of the work of the com- restricted funds that have come from of providing a seat or two by the side munity council during the past Windfarm community benefits, not of the pavement to make the walk year. It is often a valuable task to be spent on subsidising THC stat- less challenging for those with health to take a step back and review utory functions. We will discuss actu- or mobility problems. I am happy Iwhat has been achieved, what is still al amounts later and also a proposal to say that we now have permission a work in progress and identify those to reduce the number of times we from THC to install 2 benches and things that seem to turn into an oft- meet to 6 per annum – the minimum have the money from Beinn Tharsu- recurring theme. Although with our required under the Highland Coun- inn Wind farm community benefit excellent newsletter, we do have a cil Scheme of Establishment for CCs. and look forward to their installation good record of our undertakings. We can only hope that by the time we over the summer. We are also pursu- But first, a few thank –yous: to my run out of Admin funds, THC will ing the possibility of a speed restric- fellow councillors for all their vol- have realised our dilemma and re-in- tion along the straight as this would untary efforts, attending meetings, stated our budget for next year. greatly improve the walking experi- delivering newsletters, and generally ence and help bring the 2 communi- being concerned about and wanting Due to budget cuts, we ties closer. to give something back to their com- have to reduce the We have addressed several issues munity; to our Treasurer/ secretary around the village. We are once again Marion who does a great job looking number of times we meet organising the caretaking of the toi- after our money and Leslie who was to 6 per annum, the lets in Ardgay – thanks to Silvia and our secretary until she had to stand minimum required Marion for this and Sheena Shaw down for health reasons,; to Linda for her hard work; the flower tubs one of our ward Highland councillors So, what changes have we seen were watered by a small number of who puts in a lot of hours to attend over the last 12 months? There has volunteers last summer - tubs have our meetings – often driving through been a huge impact on the centre of been removed for renovation and some pretty bad weather; to Silvia for Ardgay with the completion of works replanting by Jean Richardson and producing our excellent newsletter; on the Barn and stage 1 of Drovers Steve Wilkinson. The polling station to Phil Olson who manages our web- square. Not only has this greatly im- was temporarily moved to Gledfield site; and of course Mary, our marvel- proved the appearance of the village, school, but we are confident that it lous minutes secretary. This CC really but several businesses are housed in will be back to Ardgay Hall for the would not function without her. Also the Barn providing much needed job next election. There are now two de- thanks to members of our communi- opportunities. Thanks to KoSDT for fibrillators in our area – one outside ty who have raised various issues with all their work on taking this and so the Hall in Ardgay and the other in us- that is why we are here! many other projects forward on be- the old telephone kiosk in Culrain. But it’s not all thank-yous. I must half of the local community. We again had a Christmas tree on the express my personal disappointment Last summer saw the opening of green and arranged for the lights to be with the way all community councils The Hub which is now providing a on during the day. A lack of volunteers have been treated by The Highland variety of activities for children and meant that there were no lights on Council. I feel their actions in cutting families, including soft play area, café, lampposts as per previous years, but our budget by 50% is nothing short youth clubs, gym, yoga classes. This is we are hopeful that these will reap- of an attack on the most local level of an example of a project which brings pear next winter. The road up Kincar- democracy. Our grant this year from together the 2 communities of Ard- dine Hill has been resurfaced and has THC is not sufficient to run our CC. I gay and Bonar Bridge. The 2 villages new extended passing places to make can only think that THC acted upon a are separated by a very fast stretch of it up to standard for timber extraction poor understanding of the funds held road. We were approached by a cus- lorries – although whether this stand- by various ccs – the bottom line looks tomer at the Community Food Stop ard is high enough remains under very healthy, but the vast majority of (several of the regulars come from discussion (Continues on page 6) ardgay & district community Council newsletter AUTUMN 2018 = Page 5
Ardgay & District News
The work of the Community Council
What are the issues discussed at our meetings? Did you know that Ardgay & District CC manages Beinn Nan Oighrean & Beinn Tharsuinn Community Funds? Some of your councillors also represent Ardgay & District interests on the E.ON Rosehall/SSE Achany Panel. Below are most of the items your CC has been dealing with last year. If these are of any interest to you, why not come along to our meetings? They are open to the public and you will be made very welcome. < Silvia Muras
Bonar Bridge 3 Carbisdale Castle
Invershin 4
Lower Gledfield 15 7 10 1 2 9 5 Ardgay 6 14 8 13 Culrain 12
Oldtown
11 Kincardine Culrain
Ardgay 12 Defibrillator inside the decommissioned phone box. 13 Signage and train stop request for Culrain station. 1 Polling station: now back to Ardgay Public Hall. 14 Plans for the future of Culrain Hall. 2 Christmas tree & lights. 15 Carbisdale trails and paths maintenance. 3 Speed at South Bonar / Ardgay-Bonar straight. 4 New seats at the Ardgay-Bonar straight. Wider area 5 Defibrillator in Ardgay Public Hall. 16 Meall Buidhe Wind Farm Croick. 6 Management of the Ardgay Public Toilets. 17 Community Council budget reduction. 7 Mobile banking: request to stop at Drovers square. 18 Tain 3-18 campus. 8 Flower tubs maintained by volunteers. 19 Coul Links. 9 Ardgay Public Toilets. 209 Coire na Cloiche Wind Farm. 10 Electronic signage for Ardgay train station. 21 Sutherland Community Partnership. 11 Kincardine road improvements. 22 Broadband in rural areas. © Silvia Muras / Ardgay & District Community Council newsletter Page 6 = AUTUMN 2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter
Ardgay & District News
(Starts on page 4) – I think it high- A&DCC administers application to thing we have talked about at every lights the problems we have with our funds from BnO (£2,500 p.a.), Be- meeting - Broadband. BT have deliv- roads and ever increasing size of lorries. inn Tharsuinn (£14,500 pa). We also ered superfast broadband to Ardgay We continue to communicate with have 2 reps on SSE Achany and EoN exchange and KoSDT are now work- Scotrail and HITRANS about our rail Rosehall panel (£130k between 3 ing with a local provider on a scheme service regarding timetabling and CCs = £43k) to provide wireless broadband to possible provision of electronic signs As part of our regular meeting, we properties who do not benefit from at Ardgay and Culrain stations. often invite others to speak on issues BT’s provision by virtue of being too Windfarms and Community Ben- of particular concern. This year we remote from a green cabinet. efit: There has been an amount of welcomed: Helen Houston, updating This is a brief summary of some activity over the last year. Braemore us on the projects of KoSDT; Reps of the issues dealt with by your com- Wind Farm obtained consent from from Muirden Energy re proposed munity councillors over the last 12 Scottish government whilst Caplich - Wind Farm at Meall Buidhe; Jason months. There are full accounts of all with whom we had signed an MOU Gardiner from Scottish Fire & Res- our projects in our newsletter. I would re shared ownership - was refused. cue Service – who is also a member of once again like to thank Silvia for the There is a proposal going to planning Sutherland Community Partnership. excellent job she does; together with from Meall Buidhe renewables for Although we have not been in- all our contributors and those who a WF on Croick Estate. At present, volved directly in this, there is some- deliver to all houses in our area. < ardgay & district community council: Betty Wright, Chairperson, silvia muras, Vice Chair, Marion turner, Treasurer & Secretary, rob pope, andy wright, DR BUSTER CRABB (Co-opted member), leslie pope (Associate member), mary goulder, Minute Secretary how to contact councillors north, west & central sutherland ardgay & district community council Linda Munro 8, Munro Place, Bettyhill KW14 1TD Tel 01641 521 366 [email protected] By phone By post Kirsteen Currie Rowanwood, Lamington, Kildary, Invergordon 01863 766 100 (Marion Turner, Secretary) IV18 0PE Tel 07787 221 572 [email protected] Hugh Morrison Orcadia, Lerin, Durness IV27 4QB By mail Tel 07557 566 543 [email protected] Marion Turner, Secretary A&DCC Oldtown, Ardgay IV24 3DH msps Caithness, Sutherland & Ross Gail Ross M5.13 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP Email Tel 0131 348 5927 [email protected] @ [email protected] Donald Cameron M2.18 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP Tel 0131 348 6989 [email protected] Website John Finnie MG.16 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP www.ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil.org.uk Tel 0131 348 6898 [email protected] Rhoda Grant MG.06 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP Facebook Tel 0131 348 5766 [email protected] Ardgay & District Community Council Edward Mountain M3.18 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP Tel 0131 348 6143 [email protected] Drop-in Sessions Douglas Ross M2.08 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP We will be holding clinics from 1 to 4 pm at the Tel 0131 348 6140 [email protected] Ardgay Stores on the following dates: MG.05 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP 13th OCTOBER & 10th NOVEMBER David Stewart Tel 0131 348 5766 [email protected] Please stop by for a cup of tea/coffee and chat. Maree Todd M4.05 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP In person Tel 0131 348 5784 [email protected] Just contact any member you know or come along to our meetings at Ardgay Public Hall, at mp Caithness, Sutherland & easter Ross 7 pm. Next meetings: Jamie Stone House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA 8th october & 10th december Tel 01862 892 726 [email protected] ardgayardgay & districtdistrict community Council newsletter AUTUMNSPRING 2018 = Page 7
Ardgay & District News letter sent by your cc to the Scottish Government in august fly Conservation Scotland, Plantlife Scotland, the Marine Conservation Proposed development at Coul Links Society, the National Trust for Scot- The proposed development of a golf land and the Scottish Wildlife Trust. course which would include part of There have been calls from interna- the Coul links, which is covered by tional bodies for Scotland to protect
several environmental protections – u k its internationally designated conser- SSSI, SPA & RAMSAR has become vation areas. Highland Council north o rg. an important local issue. A&DCC planning committee voted against the was approached by the developer & advice of its planning officials to grant asked to add our support to the de- b u glife. planning permission. The Scottish velopment. We replied that he was been a lot of claims in the media and government now have the option to welcome to come and address our on twitter from the developers about call-in the application and make the meeting to inform local residents the ‘overwhelming support of the lo- decision at Scottish ministerial level. of proposed development and this cal community’ for this development. We would urge them to do so. < might give an indication of support, We know of no robust data gathering or opposition in our local area. We that has occurred in Ardgay area so we NOTE: At the time of going to press, received no response to the invitation can assume this is mere conjecture. the application has been called in and so have not given any opinion on The proposal to develop has been by the Scottish government.< this issue to date. Since then there has objected to by RSPB, Buglife, Butter- Page 8 = AUTUMN 2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter
Ardgay & District News funded by ardgay & district and creich beinn tharsuinn community benefit New benches between Ardgay and Bonar (Starts on front page ) Gloria Clarke, who was finding the walk between Ardgay and Bonar tiring due to health problems. It seemed an ideal project for using Com- munity Benefit funds from Beinn Tharsuinn wind farm and it has been very rewarding to work on this project jointly with Creich Community Council which will hopefully bring our two commu- nities closer by enabling more people to walk between villages to use shared services such as the Hub, station, shops and doctors
Page 8 =AUTUMN 2017 surgery.”
ARDGAY & DISTRICT Community Council newsletter The project, led by Ardgay & Dis- Ardgay & District News trict CC chairperson Betty Wright,
received £1,278.60 from each Be- The straight between Bonar Bridge and Ardgay would be a less challenging walk, if there was somewhere to sit down halfway. inn Tharsuinn Community Benefit How a bench between Ardgay and Bonar could make a difference I had never really no- Gloria Clarke shares her inspirational story on how she came up with ticed before that it was a the idea of roadside seats for the Ardgay straight. fair distance, and I started to wonder if other people Some Fund. The two benches have been of uS go through the get exhausted after walk rigours of modern day life the trip to Inverness three ing it. I wondered whether- of commuting, housework times a week for dialysis, ed as much as cancer char it would be worthwhile to etc, without thought to sometimes being out of the ities. I wanted to be able- see if two chairs could be those with disabilities un house for more than eight to help other people get to put up at equal distances placed at roughly the third-way less they are in constant- hours. The chemo and di have the opportunity to re between Ardgay and Bo contact with someone who alysis were both changing- ceive either a transplant or- nar Bridge, to give others a- has them. Like most, I car- my lifestyle. I had no en- a better quality of life. chance to rest. I contacted ried on in my own little ergy to work, walk or com I am going to do the Ardgay Community Coun- “bubble”, I could walk miles plete normal tasks. It was- 7 mile walk with my son cil to see if there were ways points, one facing towards the Kyle for exercise whenever I very hard on the family. Struan MacLean and his to go about it. wanted, managed to work, Luckily, I received a girlfriend Kirsty Matheson, I have since spoken to run the other, bring up kidney transplant in De- but to be able to do this I a few people with limited three boys and everything cember 2016. I still lacked had to relearn to walk dis- walking capabilities and and the other towards the Dorn- else in my world, until it all energy and slept a lot, but tances. As you can imagine, they’ve said they would be changed. after a while, I no longer after a spell of being in interested in being able to In July 2012, after a few had to go to Inverness hospital, and another few walk across the straight if weeks of what I thought of three times a week. months of feeling awful, there were a few chairs, as backache from digging the After three months of your leg muscles get lazy. it would give them some- och Firth. The seats are made from garden, I went to the doc being in isolation, I volun One day I managed to where different to walk. tor for a blood test. The fol-- teered to help at The Food- walk the Ardgay straight. Maybe we as a com lowing day I was called into Stop in Bonar Bridge on a Before, it would have tak munity could fundraise- Raigmore immediately as Monday, it gave me a sense en less than an hour to- and ask the Council for my creatinine levels were of worth and helped me go both ways, now it took permission to put up the coloured recycled plastic, which so high and my kidney connect back with people a very long time walking chairs. I would be willing function was so low. After in the area. It wasn’t always very slowly, but I was deter to help with fundraising two weeks of endless tests, easy but I enjoyed it. mined to prove I could do- and maintenance of the it was discovered I had I joined a Kidney Sup- it. I managed it but by the chairs if we were able to is a very durable material and re- multiple myeloma in my port group on Facebook, time I got back to Ardgay, get them, although I am bones and chronic kidney and discovered that there my legs were like jelly. I was sure a lot of people would disease, stage 5. was going to be a spon exhausted but I had done it. be grateful for them. After that, my life be- sored walk in Glasgow on- < Gloria Clarke came more challenging. I the 8th October. I wanted quires no maintenance. The con- One of the benches is facing the Dornoch Firth had no energy to do much, to take part in it, to help Gloria Clarke contacted the CC suggesting roadside seats as I was having to make raise funds for Kidney Re- between Ardgay and Bonar Bridge. At our August meeting, we all agreed that it was an idea worth taking forward, and search, as it’s not support- (top). A year ago, Gloria Clarke proposed placing we will explore the possibility with The Highland Council. crete bases were built by local firm < roadside seats on the Ardgay- Bonar straight. (right). Migdale Construction. <
Remembrance Sunday: centenary of the Armistice
The Creich and Kincardine Branch of Royal British Banners for each school will be on display in the Legion Scotland are working hard on the arrange- Hall, each made up of poppy themed posters pro- ments for local commemorations of the end of WW1 duced by the children. Branch members have been 100 years ago, on Remembrance Sunday 11 Novem- sent personal invites and school children and their ber. The day will start with a solo piper playing a families are being given priority for tickets. Any tick- lament at 6 am, commemorating the hour when the ets remaining will be offered to the whole commu- Armistice of Compiègne was signed. Then after the nity. So look out for posters going up in the villages usual parade and church services, which this year will around mid September.< Fiona Porter, Secretary be in Bonar Bridge, a WW1 food themed lunch, ex- hibition and family ceilidh will be held in the Bonar Royal British Legion Scotland Bridge Community Hall. Hopefully there will then be Creich & Kincardine Branch a bonfire on the land in front of the War Memorial and finally the Last Post will be played on the bugle. * [email protected] ) 01863 766349
The Community Food Stop
Many people, living on their own, sometimes do not feel able to cook for themselves. We are looking for those who can provide a meal for others living locally. If you are cooking a meal for yourself, just make an extra portion, to share with another. It’s quite simple….. Just register with us, if you wish to make or receive a meal. Participants must be over 18yrs of age. For further information about meal sharing or to register an interest, please contact: Beverley Hill, Project Officer, Community Food Stop T: 01863 766190/07985626340 E: [email protected]
www.facebook.com/keepactivetogether T:01863 766190 E: [email protected]
Keep Active Together (KAT) is funded by the Scottish Government. It is part of the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust, which is a company Limited by Guarantee Scottish Registration:SC401019 & Scottish Charity:SC043587. VAT registration number: 251 4030 5 Registered office: The Trust Office, The Barn, Drovers Square, Ardgay, Sutherland, IV24 3AL Page 10 = AUTUMN 2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter
Ardgay & District News
face to face at your local Citizens Advice Bureau. At the end you get a summary of the pension options and next steps you need to take. To book an appointment you must be 50 years old or over and have a defined contribution pension. Pension Wise guidance spe- cialists are impartial – they don’t recommend any products or com- panies and won’t tell you how to invest your money. For more information visit the Pension Wise website www.pen- sionwise.gov.uk or phone 0800 Ian Campbell at his desk. 138 3944 to book an appointment. The Pension Wise service is delivered in your area by citizens advice bureau currently delivered across Scot- land by the network of Citizens Pension Wise Service Advice Bureaux (CAB). Local arrangements can also be made East & Central Sutherland Citi- about the different ways you can for people in remote locations, zens Advice Bureau are delighted take money from your pension. including home visits for people to welcome Ian Campbell to the Pension Wise will guide to make who are unable to attend a lo- team. Ian has taken up the post of an informed choice about your cal office for health reasons. < Pension Wise Guidance Specialist pension options, their implication Rhionna Mackay, Manager and will deliver the Pension Wise for your tax situation and state service for Caithness, Sutherland benefits and help you decide what East & Central Sutherland and Ross-shire. you can do next. Citizens Advice Bureau Pension Wise is a free and im- Appointments last around 45 ) 01408 633 000 partial HM Government service to 60 minutes and are available * [email protected]
Advice on private water supplies Invercharron Highland Games
This summer, private water supplies were failing dur- Unfortunately, the Invercharron Highland Games ing the dry weather. The Highland Council issued a has had to be cancelled this year. The farmer, whose reminder to owners of private water supplies that it field we use, grows his winter feed hay crop is their responsibility to arrange for the provision of in the field and because of the exceptional- water to their properties. However, the Council were ly dry weather we have had, the crops are able to provide water via Scottish water, but the cost growing too slowly and as a result he will had to be borne by householder. The Drinking Water not be able to harvest before the games. He Quality Regulator instructed Scottish Water to pro- has made the difficult decision that he cannot let us vide bowsers or bottled water to properties with pri- have the field. There wasn’t enough time to find -an vate water supplies which had failed due to the dry other field nor to apply for a new Public Entertain- weather. Grants of up to £800 are available to upgrade ment licence so there was no alternative other than to existing private water supplies - to make them more cancel this year. However plans are already underway resilient by for example installing a large storage tank. for next year’s games. As part of this it is hoped to de- More info: https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/1053/ velop an exhibition covering the games’ history and private_housing/93/private_water_supplies. < what is involved in putting on such an event. < M O N D A Y 1 7 T H S E P T E M B E R Golspie Community Centre 6.30pm for 7pm
Raffle & light refreshments Find out about our services & volunteering opportunities Recruiting new board members, contact us for details * All welcome *
E: [email protected] T: 01408 633000
Scottish Charity SC039847 and Company Limited by Guarantee SC341055 Page 12 = AUTUMN 2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter
Ardgay & District News
REPORT OF the CENTENARY CELEBRATION HELD ON 8 & 9TH JUNE 2018 Ardgay & Culrain Scottish Women’s Institute
Ardgay and Culrain SWI celebrat- plus Mrs Molly Sangster (Honor- set up the exhibition and decorate ed their Centenary at Kincardine ary Treasurer at HQ in Edinburgh) the venue, Thelma and Michele Heritage Church on 8th and 9th of and Pat MacLeod, Chairman of In- Easom who provided the beauti- June, 2018. We are the oldest Scot- verness-shire & Islands Federation, ful tea and Tracey Bremner and tish Women’s Institute (SWI) in also Ann McGee, Chairman and Alison MacRae who also baked for Ross-shire. Christine Pokorniecki, Secretary us, Adam and Holly Wardrop who On Friday 8th June, members from Ross-shire Federation. Sever- organised the drinks and donat- of the public were invited to come al guests visited Migdale Hospital to ed the biscuits for the cheese and for cheese and wine and view the view the Millennium Quilt, where wine evening, and anyone I may exhibition. There were items dis- it is displayed, made by members of have left out. Vida Laurinavicius played made by current and past Ardgay and Culrain SWI. who baked a delicious Centenary members - some of whom are sad- Coffee and biscuits were served cake and Ausrele Ripley who dec- ly no longer with us; these were during the day culminating in a orated it. kindly lent for the occasion. Also grand tea party at 3pm followed by Also the Rev. Mary Stobo and displayed were Minute books from the cutting of the cake by Mrs Molly Mrs Valerie Mackenzie-Harris the start in 1918 and nearly every Sangster. (KOSHS Committee members) book up to the present time; these There were about thirty six vis- who provided their support and give a wonderful history of the pe- itors plus our own membership. Ian Glennie who did the printing riod. Also shown were photograph The visitors all enjoyed the exhibi- and organised the music and slide albums and two slide shows, one tion and especially the tea party. A shows. of the Fashion Show at Carbisdale raffle was also held and members We thank everyone for attending on the 90th anniversary the other would like to thank local business- and celebrating with us and espe- of SWI activities over the years. es and everyone who provided such cially Ardgay & District Communi- On Saturday 9th June, mem- lovely prizes. ty Council (A&DCC) who helped us bers from Institutes from all over Thanks must also go to our financially to stage the whole event. Ross-shire arrived during the day, members for working so hard to < Gillian Glennie, Secretary
Members and visitors enjoyed the tea party (left). Some of the items on display (top right). Signage at Kincardine church (right). Bonar Bridge Post Office SERVICES AVAILABLE: ardgay & district community Council newsletter Cash deposits and withdrawals via chip and pin Postal services Post Office© card account Postal orders Moneygram Electronic bill payments E top-ups Pre-order travel money Car tax Euro and US dollar currency
Ardgay Stores & Highland Café
Raft race winners posing with Salmon Queen Stephanie Davies (top). There were very creative fancy dress outfits in this year’s parade (bottom). OPENING TIMES: Thursday 7am-9pm Monday 7am-8pm Friday 7am-8pm Tuesday 7am-8pm Saturday 8am-8pm Wednesday 7am-8pm Sunday 8:30-7pm
ARDGAY & DISTRICT Community Council newsletter Advertising Tariff Design available Contact us to get a quote Get help with sizes & fi les Great discounts if Reach 100% of your target you book for Boost your business for less the whole year! Full Page Book for the whole year size A4 (4 issues) and get £10 discount! Kyle of Sutherland £40 £160 £150
Half Page Book for the whole year Gala Week 2018 size A5 - landscape (4 issues) and get £5 discount! £20 £80 £75 This year’s Kyle of Sutherland Gala Week was a huge success, kicking off with crafts and the crowning at 1/3 Page Book for the whole year size A5 - portrait (4 issues) and get £3 discount! the Hub. Stephanie Davies was crowned in front of £20 £80 £75 a large crowd and we had some brilliant fancy dress outfits for the parade, as well as two brilliant pipers; 1/4 Page Book for the whole year Rory Scott and Daniel Murray. size A6 - portrait (4 issues) and get £2 discount! £10 £40 £38 It was great to see the Fruit and Veg show back, it was a successful day and turnout. The popular raft Module Size 100 mm x 55 mm race took place with three teams battling it out, quite Smallest size The whole year will cost you a spectacle! Other well attended events were the Car £5 ONLY £20! Next Treasure Hunt, Family Bingo, Pet Show, Bubble edition: Football and Nerf Wars (both children and adults!), 12th Clay Pigeon Shoot, sessions in the woods, Pub Quiz December and the Duck Race. Thank you to everyone who came out and sup- BOOKING & ported the events. The committee welcome feed- ENQUIRIES: back on the week and any ideas for next year – get Silvia Muras in touch via facebook or speak to any gala committee 01863 766 690 member. < Elissa Steven [email protected] Page 14 = AUTUMN 2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter
Ardgay & District News
visaged at the start of the year. But, thanks to the support of the Badminton Club - one of the few orig- inal 1968 user groups still in existence – it is planned to refurbish the main hall floor in early September. The hall committee apol- ogies to any group that will be temporarily un- convinced whilst this work Several planned projects have now been completed and more are in the pipeline. is being done, but trust everyone will see the bene- fit over the long-term. The Ardgay Public Hall outside committee would also like to emphasis they will strive and inside refurbishment to complete the whole re- decoration project as soon A grant from the E.ON award. This push button the hall committee are also as is practicable next year. Rosehall Communi- heating system is similar extremely grateful to the As you can see from all ty Fund supported by to that already in opera- Ardgay Badminton Club of the above everything Foundation Scotland, tion in the main hall and for its very generous fi- from refurbishment to enabled the paining of all committee room. It turns nancial donation towards unexpected maintenance the hall’s exterior wood- off automatically after the the main hall redecoration takes money. Therefore, work and handrails this designated time; handy project. this year as much, if not summer, and with the for those groups who just For a variety of reasons more than, any other, the hall signage enhanced want to snatch a quick cup- there have been several un- income from the Annual by the installation of the pa, and means it cannot be expected calls on the hall Christmas Fair will play name board on the east accidentally left on when funds, e.g. the PV panels a big part in what can gable, courtesy of finan- the kitchen is unoccupied, malfunctioning and the or cannot be achieved cial support from the Ar- helping lessen the hall’s necessity to re-prioritise next year, because every dgay Beinn Tharsuinn carbon footprint whilst some other works, e.g. the grant application has to Community Fund; the also safeguarding its fragile front steps deteriorating contain some element of planned refurbishment finances. faster that anticipated. In self-generated finance as of the front steps due to And its not just grant total making it financial- a demonstration of the be completed in the next giving bodies which have ly impossible to carryout community’s support for few weeks, and the good enabled work to be carried the full redecoration of the the hall. So, please put effects of the weed kill- out in the hall this year, main hall as had been en- ‘Ardgay Fair - 2pm - Sat- ing treatment applied urday 24th November’ earlier in the year still in your diary today; the evident, the outside of Help needed - Fridge committee looks forward the hall should be look- Your Hall fridge died in August, and we had to buy a new to seeing you there. ing tidy in time to cele- one. Any help by way of donations for this totally unexpect- Another note you might brate its Golden Jubilee ed expense will be appreciated. It cost £305, including VAT like to make is ‘Hall 7pm,’ in December. & Delivery from ILM Highland in Alness, who kindly took on Thursday 4th October. the old one away. The fridge was expensive because it has On the inside new sup- to be a big larder type in order to cope with the functions This is the Hall Commit- plementary heating has which are held in the hall. Please leave donations in the Hall tee AGM date. This meet- been installed in the kitch- Post Box, inside the Hall, or pass onto any of the Commit- ing, like all management en, thanks to another Ar- tee. Thanks. < David Hannah, Chair meetings, is open to every- dgay Beinn Tharsuinn one. Honestly, you will not ardgay & district community Council newsletter AUTUMN 2018 = Page 15
Ardgay & District News
end up being press-ganged onto the committee - but Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust obtains you would be welcomed if two Highland Third Sector Interface Awards you wanted to volunteer. Never forget, the hall be- Kyle of Sutherland De- more recently he has dedi- longs to the whole com- velopment Trust (Ko- cated a huge amount of his munity and everyone’s SDT) has received the time working with High- views are valid and sought ‘Highland Third Sector land Wireless to bring after by the committee. Organisation of the Year superfast broadband into So, please, come along Award’ and Director the Kyle of Sutherland.” and hear what’s been done Ron Boothroyd of Altass On receiving the award and what’s being planned has received the ‘Volun- Ron commented, “I am and let the committee teer of the Year’ award at naturally very pleased, know what you think; the Highland Third Sec- though somewhat sur- it’s your hall after all. tor Interface Awards. prised to receive this Ron Boothroyd. < Rhonwen Copley, KoSDT’s manager award, as there are many Secretary Helen Houston said, “Ron was nom- deserving volunteers throughout the inated for volunteer of the year (...) Highlands, who work tirelessly to LIke us 0n facebook! because he was heavily involved in the make things better for others within Ardgay Public Hall Falls of Shin Visitor Attraction [and] their communities.” <
NEW SEASON starting Friday 28th September
Photocopying Prices May 2017
Black and White A4 single sided 15p A4 double sided 20p A3 single sided 20p A3 double sided 25p
Colour Copies 2nd & 4th Friday of the month A4 single sided 25p A4 double sided 35p A3 single sided 35p A3 double sided 45p BONAR BRIDGE HALL - 7:30 PM
Laminating MBERSH E I A4 60p M P A3 £1 only
Price on request for bulk copying. G£15year
F ee & all welcome
£2 Refreshments www.facebook.com/kyleofsutherland.Development Trust. Telephone: 01863766190 Kyle of Sutherland Cinema Club Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust is a company Limited by Guarantee Registered in Scotland: SC401019 and a registered Scottish charity: SCO43587. Registered office: The Trust Offices, Dornoch Road, Bonar Bridge, Sutherland, IV24 3EB Email [email protected] to receive the programme Page 16 = AUTUMN 2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter
Ardgay & District News Help to reduce local carbon emissions From The Energy Advice Service and Lairg & District Learning Centre
Members of the commu- community-led organ- lieve that small actions to heat, light and power nity are being encouraged isations that aim to re- really do add up to make our homes. The Energy to look at ways of reduc- duce local carbon emis- a big difference. Advice Service, managed ing their carbon footprint sions. With 42% of the In Scotland, the majori- by the Kyle of Sutherland by making more sustain- UK’s carbon emissions ty of greenhouse gas emis- Development Trust, offers able choices and actions caused by an individual’s sions come from housing free and impartial home in their everyday lives actions, both projects be- and the energy required energy advice to individ- and saving themselves uals in Sutherland. The money in the process. team aims to improve The Energy Advice Ser- the energy efficiency of vice and Lairg & District homes and encourage Learning Centre are both sustainable energy habits, funded by the Scottish ) 01863 760 050 ) 01549 402 050 making the link between Government’s Climate *[email protected] *[email protected] household energy usage Challenge Fund (CCF) and the impact on cli- who provide grants for EnergySutherland LairgLC mate change. Free home ardgay & district community Council newsletter AUTUMN 2018 = Page 17
Ardgay & District News energy visits are availa- opportunities that will tre help individuals and signing up for a free home ble to any householder in save you pennies, reduce local communities com- energy visit with The En- Sutherland where recom- your carbon footprint all mit to make small be- ergy Advice Service or at- mendations will be made whilst meeting new peo- havioural changes, en- tend a workshop at Lairg to reduce home energy ple and having fun too. couraging Sutherland to & District Learning Cen- consumption, cut fuel The Energy Advice have a collective impact tre. Get in touch to learn costs and tackle housing Service and Lairg & against climate change. more about what you can carbon emissions. District Learning Cen- Make your first steps by do to make an impact. < Meanwhile, in Lairg and surrounding east coast villages, Lairg & District Learning Centre have been running a vari- ety of classes, workshops and activities. Their CCF funded Train To Gain programme offers woodwork, cookery, up- holstery, plarn and tarn, card making, quilting, patchwork and much more. Their creative tu- tors and students have been making everything from salmon coat hooks to rag wreathes, as well as running gardening workshops, growing their own fruit and veg- etables, making and dec- orating xmas cakes and holding cookery classes. The message from the learning centre is, “Please don’t send items Contact The Energy Advice Service to set up a free and impartial to landfill if you think home energy visit. We will provide guidance on: they can be creative- ly reused at any of our · Energy efficiency measures for your home classes or workshops.” · Guidance on insulation, draught-proofing, heating systems & Design They also run communi- energy suppliers & ty woodwork and social · Cutting fuel bills and energy costs enterprise sessions. If Illustration you fancy learning a new · Availability of grants and loans for fabric upgrades Price skill then pick up a pro- Eilidh · Reducing your carbon footprint by spectus from one of the Design local shops or e mail: ad- T: 01863 760050 E: [email protected] min@lairglearningcen- tre.org.uk to request one and choose from their wide range of educa- tional and hobby based Page 18 = AUTUMN 2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter
Ardgay & District News A change in leadership at the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust Pete Campbell, Chairman of KoSDT, writes for A&DCCN on Helen Houston’s retirement
So, we’re just witnessing some- thing of the end of an era taking place at the Kyle of Sutherland De- velopment Trust. Helen Houston, our very much trusted and highly respected Trust Manager is going to retire from her position at the end of October. Certainly, we all have to retire sooner or later, but it’s with great regret that we’re seeing Helen leaving us just now. Helen has been with the Trust for some five years. In short, in that time she’s transformed it from little more than a burgeoning concept Helen Houston (third from right), with some of the Trust’s team members. to the vibrant and effective com- munity organisation it now is. She This is not meant to be a listing of ment. My guess is that you won’t be has led the Trust through about achievements, but I think that one retired for long - how can you keep £5m of inward investment to the statistic which demonstrates Hel- that interesting brain in the slow area, some notable and award win- en’s effectiveness and, for which we lane! Thank you for being such a ning capital projects – The Barn in should all be extremely grateful, is worthwhile person. Ardgay, Falls of Shin, the Bonar the fact that there are 17 jobs which The Trust Directors have chosen Post Office and the introduction of directly relate to current works at a new Trust Manager who will be a Community Broadband Service the Trust and they represent a daily in position by the end of October. - as well as life changing social im- economic input to the communi- His name is David Watson and he provement activities assisting our ty in salaries of £1,000 per day. If comes with a lifetime of experience communities with fuel and food nothing else makes one sit up and in the sector. Interestingly, his ori- poverty, programmes for physical take notice, that should. gins are from Altass near Rosehall well being and designing strategy As Chairman of the Trust, and and one of his driving forces for for community self improvement. personally, I have got to know and wishing to get the job is the fact that She has also masterminded turn- like Helen in some depth over the he will be returning to his roots and ing the Trust from being 100% last 5 years. I have to say that there able to fulfil his ambition of giving grant assisted to being on the are few people whom I hold in high- something of value back to the com- road to financial self sustainabili- er regard. We have forged a lasting munity which he feels he ultimate- ty. She is broadly regarded as be- friendship which allows room for ly belongs to. We wish him well in ing something of a steady hand in mutual respect, discussion and his new role. People have asked me an otherwise fairly turbulent and the sharing of ideas - not always in “how will you fill Helen’s boots?” He complicated work sector. Helen agreement - but if a friendship sur- won’t and he won’t be expected to - has a vast network of business vives disagreement as well as agree- his boots will be another pair sitting and social contacts - every one ment then it only makes it stronger. on the same rack. We can now look of which she has been more than Helen, thank you for your time and forward to the start of a new era willing to bring to bear in the pur- effort. You will be missed by us all, of leadership at Kyle Trust. < Pete suit of development works in our Directors and Staff alike, we wish Campbell, Chairman Kyle of Suther- community. you and Rod well in your retire- land Development Trust ardgay & district community Council newsletter AUTUMN 2018 = Page 19
Ardgay & District News
Tweed at Heart, located by Ardgay Garage, features Kincraig tweed fabrics, throws, scarfs, wool, and items from 15 local crafters.
sion work making curtains and smaller upholstery Tweed at Heart, exciting work. The space in the shop is perfect for selling new shop in Ardgay village local crafters work and I also sell an extensive range Ardgay & District CC newsletter popped in for a chat with owner of Tweed fabrics, throws, Denise Brown, who speaks here about her beautiful shop. scarfs and wool on behalf of Kingcraig Fabrics from My name is Denise Brown the last 12 years. I started Bikes moved to the Post Brora. I can order in their and I moved to Scotland by making handbags and Office at Bonar Bridge beautiful tweeds using in 2003 with my husband cushions and selling at and the shop became free the samples I carry in the and one of my 3 sons and Craft fairs and Highland I jumped at the chance to shop. I am always on the my daughter. We have Games. In more recent move into it. The space look out for craft items to moved around a years when I in the shop gives me the stock in the shop and cur- few times, I have a lived in Lairg I room to teach Upholstery rently have around 15 local bit of a passion for had a large stu- classes on behalf of the Crafters work on display. I doing up houses dio and started Lairg Learning Centre on nearly forgot to mention I and then moving teaching sew- a Tuesday afternoon and sell a range of patchwork on. I love fabrics ing and doing Thursday evenings. I can fabrics and curtain and and wool and it small uphol- also now take on commis- upholstery fabrics. has developed into stery projects. My opening hours are a a business/hobby/ When I moved little varied, best thing to obsession. Probably Ob- to Bonar Bridge in 2017 I Opening times do is follow me on Face- session is the driving force initially had a unit in the Monday 10 am - 5 pm book @ Tweed at Heart as I can’t help stopping recently converted Barn Tuesday 10 am - 1 pm and I put any changes and touching and looking at Ardgay, but although Wednesday 10 am - 3 pm to the day up. My shop at and then buying fabric. it was a fabulous place Thursday 10 am - 5 pm number is 01863 766451. Friday 10 am - 5 pm I started my business to work and spend my Saturday 10 am - 2 pm Please feel free to pop back in 2006 and it has days it was just too small. Sunday Closed in and have a chat and seen many changes over When Chris from Heaven browse. < Denise Brown Page 20 = AUTUMN 2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter
Ardgay & District News in the categories ‘best social enterprise’ and ‘apprentice of the year’ Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust shortlisted for Highland Business Awards in two categories
Inverness Chamber of Commerce I would be a finalist for Appren- has just announced the finalists tice of the Year at the Highland for the prestigious Highland Busi- Business Awards. University was ness Awards 2018. This year 106 always a planned path. I could entries were received across the not be more grateful to The Kyle twelve categories, presenting the of Sutherland Development Trust judges with an enormous task of and the Virtual Learning Acade- narrowing down the final short- my for giving me buckets of sup- list. Kyle of Sutherland Develop- port and inspiration to drive and ment Trust is delighted to have project manage contracts in the been shortlisted for ‘Best Social Highlands. A massive shout out Enterprise’ in the Awards, which to Cath, Helen and Valerie for the are to be held at a ceremony in In- amazing opportunities that have verness on the 28th September. been given to me. These three la- Helen Houston, the Manager of Beth Simco. dies have inspired me, supported the Trust said, “I am very pleased me and been a constant source of that the Trust has been recog- Food Stop’ health and wellbeing knowledge and advice. This nom- nised for the work that we have programmes which connect peo- ination was so unexpected, and I been doing in Sutherland. Some ple in our rural community who am so appreciative for this! Thank people are familiar with us be- might feel socially isolated… We you again.” < Kirstin Langlois cause of our ‘big’ capital projects are also immensely proud of our such as redeveloping the Falls of Contracts Assistant Beth Sim- Shin Visitor Attraction and for co who has been shortlisted for KoSDT transforming the derelict square ‘Young Apprentice of the Year.’ The Barn, Drovers in Ardgay. However, we are just She is a hardworking, dedicated Square, Ardgay IV243DH as passionate about delivering our individual and is such a valued ) 01863 766 190 projects such as the Energy Ad- member of the team.” * [email protected] vice Service which helps people Beth Simco from Bonar Bridge out of fuel poverty; and our ‘Keep said: “Really, a year ago today I @KOSutherland Active Together’ and ‘Community would have never thought that Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust
Sutherland Community Engagement 2018/2019 - Ardgay
Funded by the Aspiring Communities Fund, the and think that there is a relatively strong community Community Engagement Team at Kyle of Suther- spirit and identity in the area. Public transport, work land Development Trust is assisting local communi- and local economy, mobile/internet connection, and ties and the Sutherland Community Partnership in - to a lesser extent - housing were areas in need of creating local development plans. improvement according to respondents. At the time We have been working in Ardgay & District since of writing the follow-up workshop and surgery have the start of July. 20.8% of the population in the not yet taken place. These are scheduled for Monday community council area filled out the questionnaire, 27th and Tuesday 28th of August respectively. which closed for Ardgay responses on 6th of August. The first draft of the Ardgay & District Plan, Analysis of responses revealed that people feel safe, which will summarise findings from the community are generally satisfied with their health and wellbeing engagement, will be published in early October. < Kyle of Sutherland Fisheries Protecting Salmon and Sea Trout stocks in the Kyle district since 1865
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT Thistle welding & KYLE OF SUTHERLAND FISHERIES TRUST fabrication Thursday 11th October 2018 6.00 p.m. Trust annual general meeting
All light welding and fabrication 6.30 p.m. Trust ordinary meeting projects undertaken. Auto restoration and repair performed to high standards. KYLE OF SUTHERLAND DISTRICT SALMON FISHERIES BOARD Hours: 0830 - 1630 (Mon - Fri) Friday 12th October 2018 0900 - 1300 (Sat) 9.00 a.m. Board annual meeting of qualified proprietors 10.00 a.m. Board ordinary meeting Contact us on Facebook at Thistle Welding and Fabrication Board meetings are open to the public
T: 01863 766702 E: [email protected] 07496 908 143 W: www.kylefisheries.org
KEEP ACTIVE TOGETHER (KAT)
It’s time to dust off your dancing shoes as our popular Ceilidh Tea Dances are back. Come along and enjoy some delicious cakes and great company! WEDNESDAY 19th SEPTEMBER 2pm-4pm
BEINN THARSUINN ROSEHALL VILLAGE HALL COMMUNITY Admission £2 WINDFARM LTD. (which includes refreshments)
www.facebook.com/keepactivetogether T:01863 766190 E:[email protected]
Keep Active Together (KAT) is funded by the Scottish Government. It is part of the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust, which is a company Limited by Guarantee Scottish Registration:SC401019 & Scottish Charity:SC043587. VAT registration number:251 40305. Registered office:The Barn, Drovers Square, Ardgay, Sutherland, IV24 3AL. Page 22 = AUTUMN 2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter
Ardgay & District News
once known as allt grugaig or “the surly one” The Wester Fearn Burn s © greg o r laing o t ph o
One of the less known treasures scribes the burn as being “formida- of Ardgay & District Community ble in spate”. Pictured along these Council area is the Wester Fearn lines is the burn road bridge on burn, that gathers water from a 26th October 2006, after a spate, wide area with a catchment of and below, a photo taken only three approximately 37.2 square kilo- days later. metres. Its main source comes There are numerous waterfalls close to, but not from, Lochan- on the burn, the most spectacu- Na-Charn near the road between lar and the highest in the district Kildermorie and Glencalvie, and at 90 ft (27 m) is Eas a Chobhain drains into the Dornoch Firth Duibh about 1.5 miles upstream about 3 miles east of Ardgay. from the river mouth. The burn contains a healthy The burn is also very productive. brown trout and eel population The unpolluted, pristine moun- throughout most of its catchment tain stream water from the West- and a small late autumn running er Fearn burn has been found to population of salmon in the lower be ideal for fish farming purposes, sections of the river. Occasional and a successful locally operat- sightings and evidence of otter ac- ed salmon smolt rearing business tivity has also been seen. has operated there for the past 20 years. It rears young salmon formidable in spate which are sold to salmon ongrow- “Allt Grugaig”, its Gaelic name, ers in the Northern Isles and west means ‘the surly one’. Campbell coast of Scotland. There is also a Mackenzie, author of the book 0.95 MW run-of-the-river hydro “The Chronicles of the Ardchronie scheme on the burn operated by Children” can remember the road Eas a the Mid Fearn Estate, renewable bridge being swept away during a Chobhain electricity can be generated when Duibh spate in September 1839 and de- water levels allow. < Gregor Laing
SAMPLE MENU
Every Monday Bonar Bridge Community Hall 11.30am until 2pm
Lentil Soup —00— Mince Pie with Baby Potatoes —00—
Cream and Jam Sponge with Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream —00—
Toasties - Cheese/Tuna mayo/Prawn Mayo/Ham —00—
Childrens’ Snack Boxes (sandwich, yoghurt, raisins and fresh fruit juice) —OO— Cappuccino, Mocha, Latte or Hot Chocolate Tea/Coffee Fruit Juice, Bottled Water—Still or Sparkling —OO— Takeaways must be ordered before 11.30am and collected by 1pm. Please phone 0798 5626340/01863 766554 to order. Everyone welcome Page 24 = AUTUMN 2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter
Ardgay & District News Review of the Summer activities and summary of our next events Kyle of Sutherland Heritage Society with Bonar History Group
Firstly apologies. Sorry Wick and the restoration from visitors to add to my sites). We were advised I forgot to write for the at Kirk Michael were so own store of information. that the Old Church was last edition. Regrets that interesting the group is Ashley Smith will talk open 1st and 3rd Satur- talks have been either planning to visit both on his family’s part in the days in July and August cancelled, postponed or sites in the next year or so. preservation of our herit- and that teas etc were replaced. Speakers some- Anyone interested will be age at 7:30 pm on Friday available in Edderton times have difficulties at able to join us. 19th October. Following Hall. Please contact the last minute and we The building, Kincar- Graeme Muckhart’s talk Dawn Smith on 01862 have to accept and al- dine Old Church, will be on Edderton Old Church 821 326 for more infor- though I try to get a re- open Monday to Satur- and the Preaching Ark, mation. placement, sometimes it day 9th September to 6th the possibility of a service has to be me. October 11:30 am - 4 pm. at the Ark was wanted summer outing The talks on both the Do come, look and chat, I (please watch for posters A big thank you to Broch being built near usually learn something and on the various web Alaistair and Hannah MacIntyre for arranging the outing which took place on Saturday 4th August. The small group who were most appre- ciative of the planning the event had taken. Even the weather was on our side, not too hot but remaining dry. We went along to Portma- homack, visited the Pic- tish Exhibition (always something added) and out to the Lighthouse - unfortunately there is no access to the premis- n © do n ald b r ow es though we were able to admire the outside View from the Bank House circa 1900 revitalisations. On then Photograph taken from the roof of the Bank known as Montrose Cottage is behind and to Hilton and Shand- House in Ardgay, possibly during construction to the left. Angus Graham and his wife Mary, wick to view the stones in 1900. The small building at the bottom of the both retired grocers, lived there with their photo was altered a few times over the past 118 family. Further up Church Street, Oykel Ter- and the beach sculpture. years, it later became Bona Vista and is now race is under construction. Nigg had to be left to an- known as Noranside. It started out many years Behind Oykel Terrace is Poplars Farm. The other day. earlier as a general merchants; the only one farmer and post master at that time was John Any information about in the village at the time. It has also been The Ross. The post office and sorting office were the Society and for the Commercial Bank and a bicycle shop. in the end of the building next to the road. Six building is available. The large house in the centre of the photo- years later John Ross retired as postmaster graph is Ivy Cottage, occupied at the time and a new office was built in the centre of the Please phone 01863 766 by 98 year old Isabella Ross. The house now village. < Donald Brown 700 for details or access.< Valerie Mackenzie-Harris ardgay & district community Council newsletter AUTUMN 2018 = Page 25
Ardgay & District News
Summer outing. Bradbury Centre news
We had our summer outing All of these activities were in June when we took over funded by the National 40 clients for morning cof- Lottery. Clients have also fee to Kincraig house hotel, been on trips down the then onto Nairn where we Caledonian Canal in the enjoyed a lovely lunch at Seagull Trust vessel. We the Newton hotel. In July enjoyed lovely weather on we held our 20th anniver- all our summer activities sary celebrations with a which was a bonus. We are community funday which waiting for the outcome of was well supported, we funding applications for had live music, a barbecue, our extension which we lots of stalls and the wild hope to hear news of in Oc- Highland Drinks van on its tober.< Lorraine Askew first outing. The afternoon events were followed by a The Bradbury Centre private function for all past ) 01863 766 772 and present Board mem- www.bradburycentre.co.uk 20th anniversary. bers, staff and volunteers. *[email protected]
Community Food Stop’s
SUNDAY 7TH OCTOBER 11am-1pm BONAR BRIDGE COMMUNITY HALL Admission free Everyone welcome
“Challenge Poverty Week is a time for us to join together to challenge the existence of poverty in our communities. Our vision is to end child poverty- to listen to those affected by poverty, to invest in high quality education for every child, liveable wages for families and a social security system which make respect for human rights and dignity the cornerstone of a new approach to welfare.” Satwat Rehman, Director, One Parent Families Scotland.
East Sutherland Citizens Advice Bureau and The Energy Advice Service and will be present at this event. If you require any advice please come along and speak to their representatives, who will be happy to help you.
Page 26 = AUTUMN 2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter
Ardgay & District News How to apply for Community Awards
Small projects projects under under £250 £2,000 The Beinn nan Oighrean Windfarm Awards The Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm l Go to Ardgay & District CC website: Community Benefit Fund www.ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil.org. l Go to http://ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil. uk/funding where you can find full details and org.uk/funding/windfarmcommunitybenefit/ to download the application form. download the guidelines and application form. l Send your completed application form to l Send your completed application form to secretary@ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil. [email protected] and to secretary@ org.uk ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil.org.uk l Next deadlines: 5 October & 7 December l Next deadlines: 5 October & 7 December
between £2,000 between £2,000 and £10,000+ and £25,000+
SSE Achany Community Fund E.ON Rosehall Community Fund
l Visit the fund’s page sse.com/beingresponsible/ l Foundation Scotland administers E.ON Rosehall responsiblecommunitymember/localcommunity- Community Fund. Visit www.foundationscotland. funds/achany for more info and to download the org.uk/programmes/eon-rosehall.aspx for details. application form. Please note that there are two You can apply online or download the application different forms: £2,000-£10,000 and £10,000+. forms (£2,000-£25,000 and £25,000+). l Complete and return to fiona.morrison@sse. l Alternatively, you can contact Carol Elliot by email com or by Royal Mail to: Fiona Morrison, Corporate [email protected] or call 07500 779 Affairs, SSE, 10 Henderson Road, Inverness, IV1 1SN 227 if you require any further information or advice. l Next deadline: 31 October 2018 l Next deadline: 31 October 2018
Ardgay & District CC newsletter funding
Your community newsletter has re- cently received £2,000 from Beinn Tharsuinn Community Fund. This award is the last of a 3-year plan put forward in Spring 2016, and together with funds received from E.ON Rosehall Community Fund, it will ensure the continuity of the Defibrillator Seminar and CPR training session newsletter until Spring 2019. How- With support from Beinn Tharsuinn Community Benefit, your CC ever, a certain level of self-funding organised a free training event that took place on Sunday 24th June. needs to be demonstrated, so thank Steven Gorman, from Scottish Ambulance Service and Jason Gar- you all for your continued support diner from Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, provided the course. A by giving donations, buying hard total of 20 residents of all age groups attended the event. It is hoped copies, and placing adverts. < that a refresher course will take place next year. < ardgay & district community Council newsletter AUTUMN 2018 = Page 27
Letters to the editor
Do you have a strong feeling about something you read? Do you want to share your opinion or point of view? Send your letters to [email protected].
Farewell from to bring about change either to Helen Houston the economy of the area or to the lives of some of our most Dear Editor vulnerable residents - I thank I would like to take this oppor- each and every one of the team tunity to say farewell to the folks members. in the Kyle who have support- But I now handover to the new ed the work of the Trust during Trust Manager who I am sure my tenure. It has been a busy will carry on the good work. It five years and much has been is pleasing that the new man at achieved. The achievements the helm grew up in the Kyle. have only been possible because David Watson hails from Altass of the vision and determination and he is currently the Econom- of the board of directors so ably ic Development Manager at the led by Pete Campbell. The Kyle Cairngorm National Park. The is very fortunate to have such a Trust is fortunate to have at- group of people whose aim is to tracted someone with such great redress the lack of investment credentials. experienced over the last twenty I wish my team, directors and David Watson, new Kyle of Sutherland five years. Development Trust Manager. David the very best for the fu- Ideas and vision come to noth- ture and I shall watch with joy ing if there is not commitment been surrounded by a great as the Kyle continues to pros- from the people who are paid team, some have come and gone, per. < to deliver the outcomes. I have but all have given of their best Helen Houston
Ardgay & District ties Housing Trust - as a hicle and the nationally ongoing support during representation Board Member. This is al- recognised problems we the years. in local boards most eight years and I feel have with fuel poverty, I will continue to repre- that it is now time to step lack of housing and em- sent our community on Since taking over the down from representing ployment opportunities the Boards of: Highland Chair of Ardgay & Dis- our community and let for our young people it is Senior Citizens Network, trict Community Council someone else bring new important that we have a UNISON, Legion Scot- from Tony Gibbs I have ideas and enthusiasm to voice, someone to speak land, Sutherland Care represented Ardgay, and these roles. up for us and to make Forum, Gearrchoille the Kyle of Sutherland They are important to sure that we receive equal Community Wood Ard- on the following organ- the ongoing impact our consideration. gay and as Chair of Ar- isations: very small communi- If you would like to con- dgay Public Hall Com- Voluntary Groups East ty can have within the sider representing our mittee. I look forward to & Central Sutherland - larger scheme of Central community on the Board your continued support as a Board Member and & Local Government to of any, or all of these and I hope that you will Vice-Chair; East & Cen- ensure that we are not valuable organisations all be speaking up for tral Sutherland Citizens forgotten, or overlooked. please speak to me and Ardgay, and the Kyle of Advice Bureau - as a Considering our very re- I will be happy to make Sutherland in whichever Board Member & Volun- mote rural location, espe- your application as easy roles you have in sustain- teer Adviser; and High- cially if you do not have as possible. ing our community. < land Small Communi- access to your own ve- Thank you all for your David Hannah, Ardgay Page 28 = AUTUMN 2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter
Gearrchoille Community Wood
A digger excavating the pond (left). New noticeboard in the shelter (top right). Pond dipping session (bottom centre & right). the dry weather was concerning for the survival of amphibians and other creatures Gearrchoille pond dwellers get some help
The hot dry weather in May and days after the digger had done its timber to make a noticeboard in June was much enjoyed by most. work and the brown mud started the shelter where we have dis- But not the amphibians and mud showing signs of returning vege- played some info about the wood dwellers in the Gearrchoille pond, tation and the water level start- and you can find a supply of mem- who saw their habitat shrink with ed to rise. During Gala week Ian bership forms. each glorious day. Until there Paterson did some pond dipping We have received two generous was little left but mud. Lots of it, with a group of enthusiastic chil- donations recently. One local res- which had been piling up behind dren and found dragonfly larvae, ident arranged for the awkward the sluice since the pond was dug froglets, beetles and lots of pond fence at the entrance to the con- in 2010. So we decided that it skaters; so life returns! tainer to be replaced with a gate was time to use something oth- During our volunteer after- – which makes access a lot easi- er than volunteer manpower to noons we have started work on er and safer. The other donation remedy the situation and hired a the boardwalk to raise the path allowed us to buy the leaflet dis- man with a digger to excavate the over the mud in the NW corner pensers and netting to cover the mud. It was a difficult decision of the wood. This work will carry new boardwalk. A big thank-you to make as there would never be on into the autumn. The informa- to both! < Betty Wright a perfect time – we would always tion panel near the car park has be interfering with some part of had a makeover – thanks to Stew- gearrchoillecommunitywoodardgay.org.uk the ecosystem. But most of the art MacCarroll for re-edging the *[email protected] frogs had emerged from the pond panel using wood that Andy had )01863755316 and there was almost no water milled from a fallen tree in the Gearrchoille Community Wood left! Fortuitously, it rained a few wood. We also used some of that D D D D D D D D D D D D D D
D Anna Patfield D ardgay & district community Council newsletter Dog Behaviourist & Trainer D D D Pawsability D D www.PawsAbility.co.uk ® D AUTUMN CONCERTS D D
Dog Behaviour Help D D sutherland sessions: Dog Training D Puppy Training & Early Learning D Pons Aelius 22 D Prevent puppy problems arising with puppy early D sept. Edderton learning and puppy socialisation & training. Hall, 7:30 D Sort out lead pulling and jumping with your dog. D pm. Ambitious young Or resolve more complex behaviour problems from D aggression to separation issues or barking. D instrumental sextet exploring the tradi- D Group Workshops D tional and contempo- Group workshops on various topics – Reactivity, rary folk. D Nutrition, Puppies, Aggression etc. Details at D www.pawsability.co.uk/workshop Salt House D D 2 For more information please see D D nov. The Pier, www.PawsAbility.co.uk Lairg. 7:30 D or call 07906 173993 / 01863 760004 D pm. Scottish trio set-
D D ting old words to new Free On-Line Help & Advice pages. melodies, re-working PLUS D D ancient ballads or D D D D D D D D D D D D writing their own.
30 Adam Sutherland Nov. Carnegie Hall, Clash- more. 7:30 pm. Loch Ness international fiddler, composer, storyteller, entertainer Scots Ts and teacher. Morar, Ardgay Hill - Stephen Bird
For more info visit www.sutherlandsessions.com T shirts, sweats, mugs, etc; personal campaign or promotional, Stag or Hen nights, etc.
IT’S your SHIrT or your mug So gIve IT your meSSage
ardross community hall 7 Rob Kemp: The Elvis Dead oct 8 pm. Rob Kemp knows about horror movies and Elvis Presley, so he created this audio/visual mash-up concert show. Tickets on the hall booking line: 01349 880 591 (free) or on: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ Call on 07876 155 113 or visit ardrosscommunityhall(booking fee) £10 and £8 conc. www.scotsts.net Email [email protected] to receive the full programme Page 30 = AUTUMN 2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter
What’s on in the area
plan b creative - ardross hall, 8 pm 16 Tantalus and a Pair nov. of Genes
o m Performed by Neil Joseph Price and Artistic Director, Frank McConnell. This new, witty dance the- atre duet explores how our genetic make-up contrib- - re v iew.c utes to a sense of identity. Frank and Neil are related malt by blood but one exhibits an additional chromosome. from until various venues, dornoch The show also explores the gradual, world –wide, de-population in recent years of people with Down 26 28 Dornoch Whisky Syndrome. Tickets can be bought on the hall booking Festival line: 01349 880591 (free) or online on: https://www. oct. oct. ticketsource.co.uk/ardrosscommunityhall(booking The Festival offers a relaxing weekend of whisky relat- fee) £10 and £8 conc ed activities. At last year’s Festival, it welcomed over 100 people from all over the world to the Main Tasting Event. This year there will be 22 tables representing various whiskies, gins, vodka, beers, non-alcoholic Meadow park, dornoch drinks and food. This year’s VIP for the festival is Ste- 3 Dornoch phen Rankin, UK Sales Director of Gordon & MacPhail. nov. Bonfire Night Torchlight parade, Bonfire and ardgay public hall Fireworks display. Sideshows and 22 Christmas Fair refreshments. 6:30 pm to 8 pm. nov. Firework display will start between From 2 pm. Come along 7:15 – 7:30 pm (weather depend- to our traditional Christmas Fair: ent). Soups and snacks for sale. Carols, Santa’s Grotto,Raffle, Vari- Sparklers available to buy at soup ous Stalls, Teas, Coffee & Scones. stand. Donations for entry.
rosehall village hall 19 Ceilidh tea dance sept.
From 2-4 pm. £2 ad- mission. Come along and enjoy a dance, tea, cakes, and a wee blether. Organised by v en lamb ste Keep Active Together. from 5:30 to 9 pm from bonar bridge hall 9 Falls of Shin nov. 19 Whist Christmas Fair sept. Kyle of Sutherland Whist Food, stalls and great family fun at Drives are back on Wednes- the Falls of Shin. More details nearer days at 7:30 pm. Admission the date on the Facebook page ‘Falls £2 including tea. of Shin Visitor Attraction’. ardgay & district community Council newsletter AUTUMN 2018 = Page 31
What’s on in the area Highland Archaeology Festival 2018 From 29th September to 19th October
For more info and full programme visit www.highlandarchaeologyfestival.org - 07788 835 466
findon hall, culbokie 2-5 pm 30 Another Dance Around sept. Some Heritage Sites Dingwall Scottish Country Dance Club is holding a Tea Dance to recorded music with heritage o rg themes. Experienced dancers and spectators are wel- come. Charge £3 which includes a cuppa and a biscuit.
Children with adults welcome. Dingwall Scottish Coun- u se m. tainm try Dance Club. Phone 01997 421241. also 11th & 19th october, 2-2:30 pm 4 Tour of St Duthus Church oct. and Churchyard A guided tour around the medieval church and churchyard of St Duthus in Tain including the Ardja- chie Pictish stone. Free/donations welcome. Wheelchair accessible. Children with adults welcome. Tain & District Black Isle Showground, Muir of Ord Museum & Clan Ross Centre. Phone 01862 894 089 6 Experimental Archaeology oct. Crafting Day camore wood, dornoch, 10:30 am- 12 From 11 am to 3 pm. Join us for a 7 Camore Wood Walk range of crafts including basketry, oct. flint knapping and green wood- Join Anne Coombs for a guided walk and working. Drop in session suitable talk through Camore Wood to explore the Bronze Age for all ages, with opportunities hut circles. Meet at the Forestry Commission south car to have a go. Free/donations park (NH 7672 8887). Free/donations welcome. Chil- welcome. Wheelchair accessible. dren with adults welcome. Dogs on leads welcome. Children with adults welcome. Packed lunch suggested. Bookings: 01862 811 275 / [email protected] ARCH: 07788 835 466 / [email protected]
edderton, 2 pm - 5 pm strathpeffer, 12 noon- 2 pm 6 6 Edderton’s Historic Victorian Medicine and oct. Stones oct. Remedies Guided visit to both Clach Biorach Highland Museum of Childhood in Strath- and the Edderton Pictish stone in the Old peffer. Drop in between 12 & 2 pm to try out Victorian Church graveyard. The Old Church will also remedies made from natural materials. Children are be open. Meet at Edderton Old Church. welcome to come along and look for plants in the Free/donations welcome. Children with gardens to make remedies from. Free/Donations adults welcome. Dogs on leads welcome. welcome. Dogs on leads welcome. 01997 421 031 / Edderton Old Church Preservation Trust. [email protected] Phone 01862 821325 Page 32 = AUTUMN 2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter
Adult Clubs & Societies Bonar Bridge Kyle of Sutherland Ardgay Golf Club Joggers Market Stance, Migdale Facebook page: Kyle of Road, Bonar Bridge. Sutherland Joggers ) 01863 766 199 Contact: Ardgay Badminton Kyle of Sutherland Elissa ) 07743 228 661 Naomi ) 07818 482 341 Tai Chi Growing Group Club Catriona ) 07929 886 105 At Ardgay Public Hall. Ardgay Public Hall. Meetings last Monday of the ADULTS: Thursday evenings Monday 2:30 pm £2 month at Invershin Hall from Edderton & District 8 - 10 pm. £2 per night, Contact: Angela 7-9 pm. all aspects of grow- Gardening Club starting on 4th October. ) 01549 421 336 ing fruit, vegetables and Monday evenings, 8 - 10 pm flowers, including garden- First Monday of each month. £2 per night, starting on Sutherland ing for wildlife. 24 sept.: Edderton Community 29th October. Walkers Club Bulbs, Corms and Tubers. Centre, 7:30 pm. Anyone Contact Gregor Laing 29 october: Growing Cut interested in gardening is ) 01863 766 223 We meet the 4th Sunday of Flowers. 26 november: welcome. Normally we have a JUNIORS: (P4 upwards): the month, all year round. Growing Wildflower Mead- guest speaker, and during the Thursday evenings at Ard- 23th SEPTEMBER John ows. Beginning gardeners growing season there is the gay Hall, 7 - 8 pm. £1, start- o’Groats Trail, Stage 8, are especially welcome. opportunity to swap plants ing on 4th October. Helmsdale to Berriedale. Contact: Jean and cuttings. Members enjoy Contact Patricia Hannah OS17. Cliff top walk 9 miles ) 01863 760 190 discounts at Scotsburn and ) 01863 766 061 one way, car sharing for Dornoch Garden Centres. Please let us know in return. Leader Jon Jenkins Ardgay & Culrain Patricia ) 01863 766 061 advance if you are interested 01862 810 382. Meet for car ) SWI 01863 766 288 in the junior’s class. share at Bonar Bridge PO Alternative sessions by KAT, 08:45, Golspie Toilets 09:30. All ages welcome. SWI Kyle of Sutherland Wednesdays 10 am - 12 pm. The Walk starts from Helms- meetings on the 3rd Tuesday ) 01863 766 702 dale Harbour at 10.15. each month. Ardgay Public Whist Club Contact the Walk Leader the Hall 7:30 pm. Bonar Bridge Hall. Wednes- Ardgay Scottish day before the walk to confirm Contact: Mrs Gillian Glennie days at 7:30 pm, Admission that it is taking place. ) £2 including tea. Drives: 19 Country Dancing 01863 766 674 New members and walk SEPT Rosehall SWI. 26 Club leaders are always welcome. Pilates SEPT Bonar Bridge Christ- Ardgay Public Hall, Tuesdays Contact: David Hannah mas Party. 3 OCT Bonar at 7:30 pm. New season ) 01863 766 061 Bonar Bridge Hall, Mondays Bridge OAP Fund. 10 OCT starts on Tuesday 2nd Octo- Facebook: Sutherland 10-11 am. Contact: Moira Bradbury Centre. 17 OCT ber. Beginners and returners Walkers Group Chisholm Bonar Bridge Indoor Bowl- are always welcome. ) 01862 810 786 ing Club. 24 OCT KoS Flow- Contact: David Hannah Kyle of Sutherland er and Vegetable Show. 31 ) OCT Bonar Bridge/Ardgay 01863 766 061 Cinema Club Kyle of Sutherland [email protected] Heritage Society Golf Club. 7 NOV TBA. 14 Bonar Bridge Hall, 7:30 pm. NOV KoS Guiding Unit. 21 Creich & Kincardine Film nights every 2nd and With Bonar Bridge History NOV Rosehall Youth Club. Art Group 4th Friday of the month Group. Tuesdays 7:30 pm at 28 NOV Bonar Bridge starting on 29th September. the Heritage Centre, Ardgay. Christmas Lights. 5 DEC Meets in Bonar Bridge Hall Free admission / £2 Refresh- 19th October Talk by Nepal Relief Fund. 12 DEC tearoom on Wednesdays ments. Contact: Silvia Ashley Smith - preservation Bonar Bridge Group for from 10 am to 3 pm. All wel- Facebook: Kyle of Sutherland of our heritage. Contact: Tidying up the Village come. Contact: Doreen Bruce Cinema Club Valerie Mackenzie-Harris Contact: Rosemary Logan ) 01863 766 852 ) 01863 766 690 ) 01863 766 700 ) 01549 421 282 KEEP ACTIVE TOGETHER (KAT) WEEKLY ACTIVITY PROGRAMME SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
BEINN THARSUINN COMMUNITY WINDFARM LTD.
Singing For Fun 7pm-8.15pm ARDGAY VILLAGE HALL FREE
Music Practice Group 7pm-9pm BONAR HALL FREE CINEMA ROOM
Ballroom/Latin 2pm-4pm ROSEHALL VILLAGE HALL £2
Latin Cardio Fit 7pm-8pm BONAR BRIDGE PRIMARY £2
Badminton 10am-12pm ARDGAY VILLAGE HALL FREE 1
Childrens’ Play Time 12.15pm-1.30pm ARDGAY VILLAGE HALL FREE
Yoga 10am-11am BONAR HALL £2
www.facebook.com/keepactivetogether T:01863 766190 E: [email protected]
Keep Active Together (KAT) is funded by the Scottish Government. It is part of the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust, which is a company Limited by Guarantee Scottish Registration:SC401019 & Scottish Charity:SC043587. VAT registration number: 251 4030 5 Registered office: The Trust Office, The Barn, Drovers Square, Ardgay, Sutherland, IV24 3AL
Page 34 = AUTUMN 2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter
Wildlife Hedgehog ERINACEUS EUROPAEUS n Hedgehogs are protected. Since 2002 it is esti- mated that we have lost 30% of the UK’s population. n The spines are actually modified hairs and the aver- age hedgehog has about 16,000 of them. n Hedgehogs usually hibernate from October/November through to March/April. n They eat all kinds of invertebrates, as well as amphibians, birds eggs and anything else they can catch; they particu- larly like beetles, earthworms and slugs. Chemicals or slug pellets can make them sick. n Hedgehogs are nocturnal, If you ever see a hedgehog out during daylight it could be a sign of distress. n If you want to help hedgehogs, offer them meaty cat or dog food or complete cat biscuits, and leave log and leaf piles for them in your garden. n Its main defence against threats is to curl into a ball, an effective technique against predators, sadly not cars! More info: scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk ardgay & district community Council newsletter AUTUMN 2018 = Page 35
Children & Young people Gledfield Primary School
< Anne Wemyss, Clerical Assistant, Gledfield Primary School
NURSERY STARTS we have had two new starts in the Nursery this term. They are Rosanna Rodriguez and Santiago Mackenzie.
NEW P1 PUPILS From left to right – Brooke Shaw, Hope Tripney, Annabelle Macrae, Hannah Mentin, Olivia Allan, Nixie Macdonald.
by Andymack & Sil
MEET HAMISH THE TARTAN DRAGON A shy veggie dragon who lives on Carn Bren
One autumn morning Morag and Hamish were playing Under a mushroom at the bottom of an old oak tree, Tom with the fallen leaves. Crunch, crunch, made the leaves. nae Hurry was pointing at a pile of twigs. “Look, Morag They suddenly heard a “Shhh. Be careful!” and Hamish, our friend the hedgehog is sleeping here!” Page 36 = AUTUMN 2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter
Churches The Kyle of Sutherland Churches
The process is well underway in our search for a new Minister to cover creich parish church kincardine, croick rosehall parish our three congregations based in Bo- Bonar bridge and edderton church nar, Ardgay, Edderton and Rosehall, Sunday Service times Sunday Services - nor- Sunday services – 10:00 including the setting up of a new 11:30 until 30th Sept then mally 11 am – Kincardine am until 30th Sept then website to let everyone, including our 10:30 to end March church, Ardgay except 12 noon to end March local communities, know what we get Harvest Thanksgiving for 2nd Sunday each Sale of Work - Saturday up to. We have been working hard 30th September 11:30 month in Edderton 22nd September from to renovate the Manse including the am. All produce to the Parish Church 12 noon to 2 pm in the Highland Food Bank. Harvest Thanksgiving – village hall. installation of a new kitchen, down- Remembrance Sunday Ardgay 21st Oct 11 am. Harvest Thanksgiving - stairs shower room and the renewal 11th November –Ceremo- All produce to the Sunday 30th September of the floor coverings in many of the ny at War Memorial 10:55 Highland Food Bank. 10 am. All produce to the rooms and repainting everywhere. followed by Service of Remembrance Sunday Highland Food Bank. This will ensure the house is a wel- Remembrance at Creich 11th November –Wreath Sunday 11th November coming place ready for a new family Parish Church 11:15 am laying at War Memorial - laying of wreaths and to move in. We are very grateful for 10:30 followed by joint crosses at Rosehall war the help received from many folk in the hub Service of Remembrance memorial at 10:15 am, at Creich Parish Church followed by a Service of the communities and look forward to Prayer & Praise – informal 11:15 am Remembrance in Rose- welcoming everyone to an open day fellowship gathering – hall church starting at when the work is complete. Please every 4th Tuesday 5:30 10:45 am. come along. It will be good to hear pm. Everyone welcome 01863 766 231 what you think! We hope you will support us as we called to show care to our neighbours plan various fundraising events to seven days a week in different ways cover the cost of the manse including supporting the Highland work. Food Bank It’s an exciting time for The monthly meeting at the congregations as we the Hub is an opportuni- MOTs on cars and bikes, welding, tyres, look forward to the future ty which brings together servicing, diagnostics and much more... and look for new ways to people from different de- reach out to everyone. Let us nominations and none. Main dealer warranted servicing know if there is something you think It’s a welcoming space for we could be doing to meet the needs everyone, whether attached to a Hours of business: Monday to Thursday 8:30 - 5:30 of people in our area. Your church- congregation or not. < Rev Mary friday 8:30 - 4:30 saturdays by appointment only es are not just the buildings Stobo, Session Clerk Kincar- used for Sunday services dine Croick and Edderton Contact us on Facebook: Ardgay Garage but are the people who are Church of Scotland
The Scottish Episcopal Church - East Sutherland and Tain Ministry
St. Curetân’s Mission, Ardgay: a prayerful gathering. once a month (week varies, see web site for details). House services at Hollybank, Ardgay every 2nd Tues- Sunday Services at St. Finnbarr’s, Dornoch (11 am) and day of the month, at 10:30 am. Services of prayer and St. Andrew’s, Tain (11 am), each Sunday; St Maelrubha’s, praise at The Hub, every 4th Tuesday at 5:30 pm. Lairg (8:15 am) on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays. St Trolla’s at the Crask Inn: gathering from around the Midweek Services at St Finnbarr’s at 10:30 am each diocese to share worship and hospitality. Holy Eucha- Wednesday and St Andrew’s at 6:00 pm each Thurs- rist at Noon on the 3rd Thursday of each month. day. https://episcopaldornochtain.wordpress.com. There is also a Sunday evening Eucharist at 5:30pm Revd James Currall: 01862 881737 ardgay & district community Council newsletter AUTUMN 2018 = Page 37
Guide to local services
Village Halls & Mobile Library Bonar Bridge Train times Venues for hire Recycling Centre GLEDFIELD, CULRAIN From 20/05/2018 to 08/12/2018 carbisdale Ardgay Public Hall ¨ Monday: 1 pm - 4:30 pm inverness è ardgay Fiona Venters / 01863 766 602 27 September 2018 tuesday: 1 pm - 4:30 pm Monday to Saturday: [email protected] 18 October / 8 November 2018 wednesday: Closed 07:00 (08:33) Catering serv. available 29 November 2018 The Hub thursday: 8 am - 12 pm 10:41 (12:05) Catering serv. available Gledfield School 9:30 10:40 8 am - 12 pm Adele Newlands / 01863 769 170 friday: 14:00 (15:29) Catering serv. available Gruinards 10:55 11:10 saturday: 9 am - 1 pm [email protected] The Craigs 11:30 11:50 17:12 (18:39) sunday: Closed Kincardine Heritage Centre Corvost 11:55 12:10 18:30 (20:01) Catering serv. available Valerie Mackenzie-Harris / Braelangwell 13:15 13:30 Cornhill 13:40 13:55 Sunday: 01863 766 700 Culrain 14:10 14:45 17:54 (19:23) Catering serv. available Ardgay Church Hall Mr & Mrs Charge 14:55 15:10 Post Office Ardgay ardgay è inverness Wester Badarach 15:20 15:40 Mary Stobo / 01863 766 868 Ardgay Public Hall Monday to Saturday: Housebound service 16:00 16.30 tuesday: 14:30 - 17:00 Croick Church 06:14 (07:43) thursday: 13:00 - 16:00 [email protected] edderton - ardgay 06:43 (08:12) Bonar Bridge Community Hall 26 September 2018 Post Office 09:07 (10:35) Catering serv. available Sally Thompson / 01863 766 883 17 October 2018 / 7 November Bonar Bridge 10:54 (12:26) Catering serv. available Bradbury Centre 2018 / 28 November 2018 monday: Closed 15:30 (17:02) Catering serv. available Lorraine Askew / 01863 766 772 Ardvannie 13:00 13:25 tues: 8:30-13:30 / 14:00-17:30 18:52 (20:10) Catering serv. available Invershin Hall Oakwood 13:40 14:00 wed: 8:30-13:30 / 14:00-17:30 19:28 (20:57) Elissa Steven / 01549 421 369 Ardgay Hall 14:10 15:10 thur:8:30-13:30 / 14:00-17:30 Housebound 15:15 15:35 fri: 8:30-13:30 / 14:00-17:30 Sunday: Rosehall Hall 8:30-13:30 / 14:00-17:30 Arabella 16.30 16:50 SAT 14:49 (16:16) Catering serv. available Ann Malone / 01549 441 345
01863 766 231 Local mini digger MOTs on cars and bikes, welding, tyres, servicing, diagnostics and much more... hire
Main dealer warranted servicing Most ground work catered for, Hours of business: Monday to Thursday 8:30 - 5:30 ditching, trenching, friday 8:30 - 4:30 saturdays by appointment only foundations material handling, Contact us on Facebook: Ardgay Garage rock breaker for stubborn boulders, concrete etc, 3 tonne rubber track machine ideal for sites with restricted access.
Phone Dave 07860675194 Page 38 = AUTUMN 2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter
Guide to local services
B L Stagecoach Bradbury Centre Bus Bradbury Centre LIBRARIES 01863 766 772 Bonar Bridge Libray 67 - mon to sat 920 - tuesday BUSES 01863 760 083 TAIN èLAIRG Bonar Bridge to Dornoch via Spinningdale Bradbury Centre Bus Mobile Libraries Tain Lamington St Tain Lamington St 1 2 2 01863 766 772 01349 852 698 06:45 07:00 08:32 11:48 Bonar Bridge Bonar Bridge 08:00 10:11 09:27 14:42* Cherry Grove Cherry Grove Stagecoach Highlands N 13:11* 15:45 17:271 17:42 09:40 10:20 3 3 13:30 14:20 01463 233 371 NHS 16:30 18:45è 17:57 20:12 Edderton Edderton è Spinningdale Spinningdale C Doctors Creich Surgery Layby at Post Box Layby at Post Box 06:551 07:102 08:222 11:38 CAB Golspie 01863 766 379 09:48 è 10:12 08:10 10:20 09:17 14:32* 13:38 14:11 01408 633 000 Nurses Creich Surgery 13:20* 15:55 17:171 17:32 3 3 Clashmore Clashmore
CHURCHES 01863 766 237 16:40 18:55è 17:47 20:02 Carnegie Hall Carnegie Hall è
Ardgay Hall Ardgay Hall è 09:54 10:06 Church of Scotland Migdale Hospital 13:44 14:05 01863 766 868 01863 766 211 07:071 07:222 08:102 11:26 08:22 10:33 09:05 14:20* Dornoch Sq Dornoch Sq Scottish Episcopal Church P 13:32* 16:07 17:051 17:20 10:00 10:05 13:50 14:00 01862 881 737 PHARMACY 16:523 19:07 17:353 19:50 D Mitchells Chemist Bonar Bonar Bridge Bonar Bridge 920 - wednesday 07:101 07:252 08:072 11:23 Bonar Bridge circular to Dornoch DVLA Inverness 01863 760 011 08:25 10:36 09:02 14:17* via Spinningdale, Tain & Edderton 0300 790 6801 POLICE 13:36* 16:10 17:021 17:17 3 3 Bonar Bridge Bonar Bridge E Non Emergency: 101 16:55 19:10è 17:32 19:47 Cherry Grove Cherry Grove ELECTRICITY Emergency: 999 Invershin Invershin è 09:30 14:40 POST OFFICE 07:151 07:302 08:022 11:18 Spinningdale Spinningdale Power Cuts 08:30 10:41 08:57 14:12* Layby at Post Box Layby at Post Box 105 Post Office Bonar Bridge 13:41* 16:15 16:571 17:12 09:38 14:31 01863 766 219 17:003 19:15 17:273 19:42 Clashmore è Clashmore SSE Customer Help Carnegie Hall Carnegie Hall 0345 026 2658 PRIMARY SCHOOLS Lairg Post Office Lairg Post Office 09:54 14:19 Gledfield 07:271 07:422 07:502 11:00 F Tain Tain è 01863 766 580 08:42 10:55 08:45 14:00* Bus stop at Co-Op Bus stop at Co-Op Fire Brigade Dornoch 13:57* 16:29 16:451 17:00 10:02 14:08 Bonar Bridge 3 3 01862 810 297 17:12 19:29 17:15 19:30 Tain Tain 01863 766 221 1 2 Lamington Street Lamington Street Fisheries Trust (KoS) 00:00 Mon-Fri when Academy is open. 00:00 Mon-Fri when Academy is Closed. 00:00 Mon-Sat 10:04 14:06 Rosehall 3 01863 766 702 00:00 Mon-Fri 00:00*Does not operate on Fri- Edderton Edderton 01549 441 348 days when Academy is open. Saturday only. Forestry Commission 00:00 10:17 13:53 Edderton 01309 674 004 Ardgay Ardgay 01862 821260 10:39 13:33 G Stagecoach R Bonar Bridge Bonar Bridge Bonar Bridge-Ardgay Golf 167 - MON TO FRI Cherry Grove Cherry Grove Recycling Centre Bonar 10:42 13:30 Club lairg èdornoch 01349 868 439 Operates every Tuesday and 01863 766 199 Lairg Lairg Football Ground Football Ground Wednesday apart from Christmas
S è H and New Year weeks. Scottish Water 24Hr 07:31 16:42 Highland Council Invershin Invershin The minibus has a wheelchair lift
Emergency è Customer service o/s Hotel opp Hotel which will be available as part of 0845 600 8855 07:39 16:34 the service. 01349 886606 Customer Help Bonar Bridge Bonar Bridge Bookings: 01863 766 772 Drummuie Golspie Post Office Post Office 0845 601 8855 01408 635 370 07:46 16:29 è T Ardgay Ardgay Service Point Dornoch opp Ardgay Hall o/s Ardgay Hall Ronnie’s Taxis Ardgay è Mobile Banking 01862 810 594 07:49 16:26 01863 766 422 Tain Registration Office Ardgay Ardgay Royal Bank of 01349 886 644 trains o/s Ardgay Hall opp Ardgay Hall 07:59 16:16 è Scotland High schools National Rail Enquiries Bonar Bridge Bonar Bridge Tuesday
0845 748 4950 è Tain Royal Academy o/s Police Station o/s Police Station Bonar Bridge War Memorial 08:02 16:13 01862 892 121 V Arrive 12:05 Depart 12:20 Spinningdale Spinningdale Dornoch Academy VETS o/s Post Office opp Post Office 01862 810 246 Rogart Vets 08:10 16:05 è Bank of The Hub 01408 641 352 Clashmore Clashmore Scotland Telephone Kiosk Telephone Kiosk 01863 769 170 Easter Ross Vets Tain è Tuesday 01862 893 142 08:19 15:56 K Dornoch Dornoch Bonar Bridge War Memorial KoS Development Trust Johnston & Farrell Tain Cathedral Square Cathedral Square Arrive 10:00 Depart 12:00 01863 766 190 01862 894 223 08:27 15:40 ardgay & district community Council newsletter AUTUMN 2018 = Page 39
Puzzles Sudoku Easy Medium Hard
A number may not appear twice in the same row or in the same column or in any of the nine 3x3 subregions.
Crossword Across
4. Very eager or curious to hear or see some- o m thing. 5. Temporary stopping of open acts of warfare by agreement between the opponents. o rds.c
6. Expose the falseness or hollowness of (an ssw idea or belief). 8. A pattern consisting of col- umns of short parallel lines, with all the lines in one column sloping one way and all the lines in the next column sloping the other way, for ex- ample as used in the weave of cloth. 9. So lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring. / eclipse cr o A&DCCN Down 1. (Plural) An unexpected and inexplicable change in a situation or in someone’s behaviour. 2. Having or expressing a lively, cheerful, and self-confident manner.3. Three-me- tre Standing Stone located near the village of Edderton in Easter Ross. 7. A shiny silicate mineral with a layered structure, found as minute scales in granite and other rocks, or as crystals. It is used as a thermal or electrical insu- lator. 8. (Scottish) A piece of flat alluvial land by the side of a river, forming part of the floor of the river valley.
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ardgay & district community Council newsletter
Editor: Silvia Muras Sanmartin ardgay & district community council: Betty Wright (Chairperson), Silvia Muras (Vice Chair), Design & Layout: Silvia Muras Graphic Design Marion Turner (Treasurer / Secretary), Rob Pope, Andy [email protected] Wright, Dr Buster Crabb, Leslie Pope. Contributors to this issue: Andymack, Lorraine Askew, councillors: Linda Munro, Hugh Morrison, Kirsteen Denise Brown, Donald Brown, Rhonwen Copley, Currie (More details on page 6) Gillian Glennie, David Hannah, Patricia Hannah, Helen Houston, Gregor Laing, Kirstin Langlois, Next Edition: 12th december Rosemary Logan, Juliette Lowe, Rhionna Mackay, COPY DATE: THIRD WEEK OF november Valerie Mackenzie-Harris, Sally Mackintosh, Fiona Porter, Elissa Steven, Mary Stobo, Marion Turner, Anne Wemyss, Betty Wright. www.ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil.org.uk Advertising, letters & contributions: Distribution: Rhonwen Copley, Brigitte Geddes, David Hannah, David Knight, Teresa Langley, David 01863 766 690 Mackay, Silvia Muras, Davy Ross, Bob Sendall, [email protected] Jeannie Sparling, Anna Sutherland, Marion Turner, Facebook: Ardgay & District Community Council Vicky Whittock, Iain Worthy, Betty Wright.
Published with support from the E.ON Rosehall Community Fund and The Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Community Limited.