Bast Rous Munity Council Are Usually Held in the Old North Inn on a Tuesday Evening at 7.30Pm and Are Open to Members of the Public

LentranKirktonClunesReeligInchberryKirkhillInchmoreEnglishton Muir DrumchardineAltnacardichNewtonhillKnockbainBunchrewCabrich CrannogCrannog Autumn 2007 Read it first online at www.kirkhillandbunchrew.org.uk

Community Councillors Your Highland Councillors Helen Carmichael Ian Weir, Groam Farm, Kirkhill 831750 The Haven, Ferry Lane, Beauly IV4 7EB Chris Heaton-Armstrong, Kirkhill PO 831779 Tel: 01463 782555 Ally MacNeill, Tigh Cala, 4 Newtonhill 831339 email: [email protected] Fred Geddes, Newtonhill 831324 Margaret Davidson Cameron Kemp, West Altnaceardaich, Lentran 831552 Abriachan Nurseries, Loch Ness Side, Inverness IV3 8LA Tel/Fax: 01463 861424 Mobile: 07818 015689 Fiona Stoddart, 8 Fingask Drive, Kirkhill email: [email protected] Karen Young, Glen Rowan, Bunchrew 234128 Iain Urquhart, 58 Newton Park, Kirkhill 831278 Hamish Wood 14 Kennedy Drive, Inverness IV3 8QR Raymond Khan, Blaven, Bunchrew Tel: 01463 714844 email: [email protected] Janet Peterson, Blaven, Bunchrew Drew Hendry Secretary Old Kilcoy House, Tore, Muir of Ord, Ross-shire IV6 7RZ Jim Ogilvie, 22 Newton Park, Kirkhill 831316 Tel: 01463 811480 email: [email protected] Crannog is published four times a year by Kirkhill & Bunchrew Community Council.

The date of the next three meetings of the community council are 19 October, 16 November and 18 December. All meetings of the com- Bast Rous munity council are usually held in the Old North Inn on a Tuesday evening at 7.30pm and are open to members of the public.

If you have any concerns you would like raised please come along or alternatively speak to one of the councillors.

Our Highland Council ward Graham Strachan is the ward manager for the Aird and Loch Ness ward. His job is to ensure the efficient delivery of services within the ward and work with other agencies and community groups to maxim- ise available funds. He will also administer the local Ward Forum. private service

Ward Forums have been set up across the Highlands to help you have your say in what’s happening in your area. The forums will meet regularly in public led by the ward members in your area, assisted by the ward manager. Representatives of community councils and partner agencies, such as the police and fire, will also serve on the forums. Competitive Rates The meetings will last for up to two hours, with a 20-minute slot allo- cated at the end of the meeting for questions from the public.

If you want to raise an issue or ask a question for consideration at Locally Based the ward forum there’s an online form on the Highland Council website at www.highland.gov.uk, or contact the ward manager:

Graham Strachan Town House Inverness IV1 1JJ tel 07766 382651 Tel: 01463 724215 [email protected] Crannog Autumn 2007 1 Kirkhill & Bunchrew Community Trust bish bags, cardboard boxes etc home with you or to the Henderson Kirkhill Community Park Road recycling site the next time you are in Inverness. If you would The Park is now being well used by the youngsters of Kirkhill, and like to help with a rota to make sure the site is kept tidy please con- thoroughly justifying the effort put in by the group who raised the tact George Hogg on 831674. The Council has now started a pilot funds and organised its refurbishment. There remains a few things programme for collecting plastic bottles but only at the Dingwall and to be finished off. In particular some site works promised by UBC Alness recycling points. These are the PET (eg fizzy drunk and water) Group Ltd remain incomplete and unsatisfactory. We are continuing and HDPE (eg milk) bottles. Look for a triangle with a ‘1’ or ‘2’ inside to pursue the company to deliver on its earlier undertakings. it on the bottles. If the pilot works it will be spread throughout the Council area, perhaps even to Inchmore! There have unfortunately been some acts of vandalism and anti- social behaviour associated with the park. Kirkhill is not a big place Woodland Group and I’m sure that some people know who will be involved in these The Trust’s woodland group has now passed our comments to the activities – please don’t just turn a blind eye. Any information should Forestry Commission on how we would like to see Reelig wood man- be passed to the police (tel 782222 or 715555). aged. This will help inform the draft Forest Design Plan which will now be prepared by Environment Group - the Commission for Inchmore Recycling Site Thoughtless dumping at the wood. The Plan, As reported in the last Crannog Inchmore Recycling Site once drafted, will the recycling site is being really be consulted upon well used. Unfortunately it is and will then, in its also being used by some selfish/ final form, inform the thoughtless individuals to dump management of the cardboard boxes, bags of rubbish wood over the next (filled with a child’s homework), ten years. The group plastic containers which have has also been look- held red diesel, a car battery and ing into the provision even a Baby Belling cooker (see of training in the use attached picture). The lorries will of chain saws which it only remove the glass and other hopes to make availa- containers so everything else ble to group members creates an eyesore and potential later in the year. The health problem. It is therefore group’s active period left to volunteers from within the will be starting again community to remove what’s left. at the end of October We only have use of the site with when we’ll be work- the goodwill of the owner of the ing once again every Inchmore Hall so it needs to be second Saturday in kept tidy. Please take your rub- the wood. It is good Clunes Garden Services Rowanhill Natural Crafts Grass Cutting any size large or - albums , cards, craft supplies and stationery small domestic & commercial that don’t cost the earth! Personalised Wedding Stationery, Albums Hedge Trimming, Strimming and Guest Books plus Bespoke Photograph & Weed Control Albums and Greeting Cards for all Occasions, created using Handmade, Gravel, Sand, Wood Bark etc Recycled, Re-used and Organic Materials Supplied & Laid Craft and Stationery Supplies also available: Patio & Decking • Handmade Recycled and Fair Trade Papers and Card Pressure Hose Washing • Handmade Mulberry Paper Card Kits, Card Toppers and Flowers All types of Fencing • Recycled Stationery Supplies, Card Blanks and Envelopes, A4 Printer Paper work also undertaken We would be delighted to discuss your requirements – for samples and/or further Give us a call for a fast, information, please contact us on friendly & reliable service 01463 831334 Home 01463 831755 or by email at Mobile 07762 939291 email [email protected] www.uniquelyhandmade.com

2 Crannog Autumn 2007 exercise, fun and sociable. It also improves the wood for both com- will be closed for a day is Castle Street and the permanent project munity use and wildlife. If anyone is interested in being involved they is Freecycle. You can get forms which commit you to changing your should contact travel mode for the day. To take part you have to use public trans- Les Bates on 831320 port, cycle, walk or car share or use some other non motorised mode - horse, canoe? There will be events on the day in Castle St. Watch Transport & Path Group - Inverness to Beauly Cycle Route Study out for details in local media. Halcrow have completed the initial phase of their study for Highland Council. Thanks to all individuals who wrote expressing their views. Web Site The study included a visit to Kirkhill Primary to get views from the The Trust supports a community website at www.kirkhillandbunchrew. pupils on their school journeys. The initial findings will be reported org.uk This isn’t a Trust web site but is intended to be for all the to TEC services committee shortly. The Trust has written to each of community. We will shortly be meeting with a number of interested our four councillors to ask for support in principle for the creation of parties to consider how we can make better use of the website. In a route. At the time of writing we have had positive responses from particular we propose to establish a group to managed the content Councillors Davidson and Wood. of the website to ensure that it is up to date and a useful source of information for all those living within or interested in Kirkhill & Core Path Network Draft Proposals Consultation Bunchrew. If you would be interested in being involved in this please Many of you will recall that members of the community had the contact me at the number below. opportunity to tell Highland Council’s Local Access Officer where George Hogg, Chairman 831674 or [email protected] they would like to be able to walk, cycle and ride in the area at a consultation in the community centre last December. There was a Gates Open on farms and crofts across Highland very good turn out that day. Stewart Easthaugh ( the Access officer ) After a wet and windy summer, followed by the scare of foot and has been developing draft proposals for a Core Path Network since mouth, farmers and crofters everywhere need to see a bit of fun and then. some friendly faces! ‘Gates Open’ days , organised by Highlands and Islands Local Food Network are taking place every weekend through- We have received information (28 August ) concerning the next out September and October. phase of the process. Draft proposals have been mapped together with an explanatory text. Stewart has sent us a link where these can Over 25 local food producers have volunteered to hold an open day be viewed online at www.highland.gov.uk/leisure/countryside/coun- on their farm and on Saturday 13 October, Les and Sheila Bates are trysideaccess/corepathplans.htm opening the gates to Croft7 in Kirkhill.

If you want to see a paper copy it can be seen at Kirkhill P.O., Beauly They are offering a guided tour around their woodland croft, with a and Inverness libraries or the Inverness Service point. You have chance to see where they grow soft fruit, vegetables and cottage until October 26 to comment. Stewart Easthaugh will be available garden plants. to speak to at THC HQ Glenurqhuart road 7 September 12 noon to 8pm. The community trust path group will be making a response. Come and see how Sheila makes her own naturally dyed felt and This group is open to any community member. try your hand at willow weaving under Les’s instruction. Don’t miss Ged Church 831306 out on the chance to see where their jams and chutneys are made and of course take the opportunity to taste some before perhaps Alternative Transport Events purchasing a jar to take home. To help us all consider ways of shifting from solo car use to more environmentally friendly and/or healthier ways of travel Inverness & The events, part of Highland 2007, and have been sponsored by the Nairn Transport Forum ( INTRANS ) have initiated two projects. Co-operative, Leader+ and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. All the sites are open from 10am to 4pm; they are free. Freecycle - free bikes on loan to people travelling by public transport to Inverness. Anyone arriving by bus or train and registered with the For a full programme of events visit: www.gatesopen.co.uk. Or call scheme will be able to book a bike for use in and around Inverness. 01381 600525 for a programme – which are also available in High- You will be able to book on an occasional or regular basis. The bikes land Council libraries, service points, and in farm shops and at farm- will be located at Farraline Car Park at ground level. Secure cycle ers markets across the north. parking is also available. Language lessons Alternativeness - Wednesday 19 September is “In Town Without If you are interested in learning or brushing up your French, Italian My Car Day”. Inverness to be the only Scottish City taking part in or Spanish, there is a course running in each language - it might be the annual European Mobility Day. To take part a street has to be possible to slot you in. closed to traffic and a permanent project set up. The street which K Thomson 831643

Claire Swanepoel Body Control Pilates ® Instructor Telephone : 0777 857 5159 For further information and class availability please contact me on the above number.

Crannog Autumn 2007 3 A A MacDonald Ltd Lottery, Paypoint, Off-Sales, DVD Rental, ATM’s. Local Products ***Over 100 Special Offers in-store*** LOCAL SUPPLIERS Bakery - Deas of Dingwall Vacancies - Forbes, Muir of Ord - Harry Gow Shop Butchery Assistants - John Munro & Sons, Dingwall If you would like to become part of our - Venison - Tarradale Game, Muir of Ord progressive and enthusiastic team Eggs apply with CV to: - Organic Eggs, Bunchrew - Farm Eggs, Arrabella Farm, Nigg Recruitment Spar Dingwall Fruit & Veg 40 High Street - Williamson Group, Inverness Dingwall IV15 9SN

Sandwiches Please give details of - Tastebuds, Allness preferred location, previous Alcohol work experience and days/hours you are - Black Isle Brewery available for work. Celebrating 50 Years of SPAR

SPAR Conon (Main Street, Conon Bridge) SPAR Dingwall (40 High Street, Dingwall) SPAR Thornbush (45 Thornbush Road, Inverness) SPAR Kinmylies (2 Charleston Court, Inverness) [Instore Post Office] 4 Crannog Autumn 2007 Kirkhill Toddler Group We meet every Wednesday and Friday during term time in the community hall from 10.00- 12.00. The group have a wonderful variety of toys, from soft play and climbing frame activities, to ride-on bug- Toddling fun in gies and role-play equipment. Kirkhill Community We also have stimulating, bright and colourful toys for tiny babies. Centre! You can have a cuppa, relax and chat with friendly and supportive mums and dads from our local area.

It’s a great time for pre-school children to socialise and have some fun - as well as enjoying our special events, craft, songs and parties.

Why not pop along and give us a try! For more information call Anne 831638 or Madeleine 831063 H & H Brown Tree Surgery Parks, Gardens, Site Clearance Phone: Hugh on 07845 468540 [email protected]

Kirkhill Krew Kirkhill Krew started again on Wednesday 5 September and continues on most Wednesdays in term time (not Halloween!) from 7.00 Stock/Timber Fencing - 9.00 pm. You are welcome to come along if you are in S1 - S4 at Charleston and live in Kirkhill and Bunchrew area. We have some Phone: Hamish on 07841 516085 new equipment, including a pool table and dartboard, and we will be [email protected] doing lots of activities including football, badminton, music, games, arts and crafts, cooking and lots more. It costs £1.50 per session. Caroline Crawford 831503 01463 713245 Charleston Academy Year of ‘79 school reunion Come and join your classmates at:- Free Quotations Loch Ness House Hotel, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on 29th September, 7.30pm till midnight. Entry by ticket only – cost £8.00 Operators trained and insured includes disco & buffet.

A bus has been organised to take us to and from the event – let me know if you want a lift. For tickets and a seat on the bus - call Lorraine MacRae (nee Skene) 01463 741462 www.h-h-browncontractors.com

FIRST CHOICE DECORATIONS Contact PAINTING JIM GOODMAN DECORATING tel WALLPAPERING 01463 831301 mob TILING 07922 038868 PLASTERING CONON WATER COTTAGE KIRKHILL, INVERNESS IV5 7PG

Crannog Autumn 2007 5 Kirkhill District Amenities Association The above committee thanks all those who assisted and supported Kirkhill Indoor Bowling Club the Annual Gala. The weather on the day was rather disappointing, but never-the-less the profit of £2180 is a good result. Are you getting fed up with TV on Monday nights? We have carried out some improvements over the holiday period - (1) Would you like to learn a new sport? the old portacabin has been replaced with a new steel container for Have you ever thought about indoor bowling? storage financed by a Scottish Government grant; (2) existing tables have been replaced with folding tables which we hope will be more easily handled. If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then you might like to think about coming along to the Kirkhill Dates for your diary: Craft Fair 10 November and AGM 13 Novem- Community Centre to try indoor carpet bowling. ber. Wilma Williamson 831737

Kirkhill Bowling Club is keen to get new members and an Craft Club open invitation is extended to anyone to come along and Winter activities are about to start. The first meeting of the Craft Club give it a try. If you find you like it, the cost is £12 to join will be Monday 1 October. New members will be made most wel- the club for the winter plus £1 per night to pay for the hire come. This takes place at the Community Centre, 1.30 - 3.00pm. of the hall. Age is not a problem – we have had members Wilma Williamson 831737 from 15 to 80+. So come on give it a go!! Kirkhill/Bunchrew Senior Citizens’ Lunch Club Wednesday 5 September was the first meeting of the new session. It is very easy to learn and requires no expensive equip- This takes place in the Community Centre on the first Wednesday of ment apart from a pair of flat soled shoes or slippers. The each month during school terms. club has its own bowls for anyone to use. The game is very simple. It involves bowling on a carpet which is rolled out The club is open to any senior citizen (pensioner) and new members will be made most welcome. The time is 12.15pm. in the hall to a jack (white ball) at the far end. Madda Georgeson 831521

Our opening night is on Monday 24 September 2007. Senior Citizens’ Bowling Club Come along on any Monday night at 7.00 pm and you will The club will commence on Wednesday 3 October at 2.00pm in the Community Centre. New members will be made most welcome. be most welcome. If you want any more details contact Madda Georgeson 831521 David Scrimgeour 831700 or Moira MacColl 831725 Kirkhill Indoor Bowling Club The new season starts on Monday 24 September at 7.00pm in the Community Centre. New members especially welcome. Our presi- dent this year is David Scrimgeour. We look forward to welcoming current members and hopefully new members later in the month. Ardfearn Nursery & Gift Shop Moira MacColl 831725

Highland Dancing Two local dancers did themselves proud recently at the Cowal High- Annual Sale Now On land Gathering 2007. Huge Selection of Plants In the Scottish National Championships, nine year old Kirkhill dancer Melissa Fife was 4th in the Highland Fling, 5th in the Sword Dance, & Gifts at Half-Price 5th in the Seann Truibhas and 5th in the Reel - making her 5th overall. In the same competition, but the 11 year old section, Katie Wright from Lentran was 5th in the sword dance, 3rd in the Seann Shrubs, Trees, Climbers, Bamboos, Conifers, Truibhas and 5th in the Reel, leaving her 6th overall. And in the Scottish Championship, Katie was fourth overall in the 11 Rhododendrons, Herbaceous, etc. year old section, having come 2nd in the Highland Fling, 6th in the Sword Dance and 5th in the Seann Truibhas. Melissa also competed 10% off all non-sale stock in the 9 year old section, coming 6th in the Sword Dance as well as PTS Highland Fling, Seann Truibhas and Reel.

Well done to both girls, pupils of the Fraser School of Highland Danc- We are pleased to be holding another Coffee Morning ing which meets in the Community Centre. aid of Macmillan Cancer Care on Friday 28th Septem- 01463 729477 ber, 10am-4pm. You are most cordially invited to come along for a cuppa and a chat, and help us make this Thanks for reading Crannog another successful day. Try your luck with our raffle The next issue - Winter 2007 will be out in early December - dead- line for contributions 30 November. If you have any news, views or with vouchers, plants and gifts to be won! adverts (only £10 for a quarter page or £35 for four issues!) please (Any donations of home-baking would be gratefully received the day before) get in touch with the Crannog Editor: Alison Hay, 1 Groam Court, Kirkhill IV5 7NW tel 831042 email [email protected] On A862/ 1/4 mile past Bunchrew, open 9am-5pm, 7 days. As our community continues to expand, we are always on the lookout for more volunteers to deliver Crannog. If you can Tel: 01463 243250 help contact Ken MacColl 831617 6 Crannog Autumn 2007