STRATHDEARN NEWSLETTER February/March 2021 Also on the community website: https://thestrathdearn.org/ Volume 21 No 1

https://thestrathdearn.org/community-matters/about-strathdearn/newsletters/

This edition has been published online only for the meantime, as the Hall office and printing facilities are closed to due to lockdown.

Even the weather was against us …. With the numbers of Covid cases rising at a great rate once winter set in, even in the Highlands, the Scottish government imposed a full lockdown after New Year (stay at home and only leave for essential purposes) which continued right through the winter. Here in Strathdearn we had the hardest winter for about ten years, with deep lying snow that didn’t thaw from Christmas until mid-February and very low temperatures that burst a few pipes. On the night of the 10th February the weather station at Dell (Morile) recorded a low of minus 17C The Hall remained closed, the shop was open for reduced hours, and the café did takeaway only, four days a week. The social highlight of most people’s days was taking a stroll around the village roads and encountering a neighbour or two to have a socially-distanced chat with. However: the days are getting longer, the snow has melted, infection rates are falling sharply, and the vaccination programme is rolling out at a good speed. Better times are coming!

Strathdearn Community Council and Strathdearn Community Developments publish the "Strathdearn Newsletter" quarterly, delivering it free to every home in Strathdearn. It is also posted on the Strathdearn website.

This is a community newsletter, and the views and opinions expressed in contributions submitted by members of the community a re not necessarily those of the CC, the SCD, nor of the Editor. No items are written by the Editor unless expressly indicated.

Editor: Mrs Denise Barley, Lauriston, , IV13 7YN.Tel. 01808 511733 e-mail [email protected] Printing: Mrs D.Barley, Mrs S Edward, Mrs K Duthie Posted newsletters: Mrs M Buckle

Business adverts £10 per quarter page Next deadline: Wednesday 5th May 2021

Currently NO organised STRATHDEARN SPORTS FACILITY (in normal times) activities are taking place This facility is unlocked 9am-9pm daily. It is free for casual use to local youngsters (under 18) and any accompanying adult. indoors and the Hall is still During the winter months light tokens are available free to local closed. under 18’s wishing to play ball games. These are available 9-4pm from The Strathdearn Office and 4-6pm from the Shop during the week and 9-5.30pm on a Saturday at the Shop.

The covered Sports Pitch is still open for Hourly bookings by adult user groups will be charged and should casual use be booked with the Events Manager at The Strathdearn office, on 01808 511700 or email [email protected]

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES (in normal times) Charges: Usually £11 per hour local, £22 per hour non-local.

rd Use of the lights by adults is included in the hire and 3 Monday of Month (except December) tokens will be issued if required on booking. Gardening Club 7.30pm The Strathdearn, Contact: May Buckle 511448 Please Note: No animals, no bicycles or other wheeled equipment Every Tuesday (October to April) and no consumption of food/drink allowed on the Keep Fit to M usic 11am -12, The Strathdearn Pitch. Contact: Denise Barley 511733

2nd Tuesday of Month Community Council Local phone numbers: 7.30pm The Strathdearn All w elcome Community Council: Jimmy Duncan (Chair) Tel 07977 558865 Every Wednesday Community Coffee Morning Davie Cameron (Vice Chair) Tel 07719 121988 10.30-11.30am The Strathdearn All w elcome, £2 Strathdearn Community Developments

Still running: Hotline for assistance and information: 07546 042570 Every Wednesday Walking Group Hall Office 511700 2pm meet at The Strathdearn car park Shop 511460 Contact: Kathy Bonniface 511740

Every Wednesday

9am – 11am The Strathdearn POST OFFICE POLICE CONTACT Any concerns about Law and Order, information on vandalism, requests for advice, or any other police related matter should be passed on to

Community Beats, Burnet Road, . 01463 Every Thursday (term time) 228485 Toddlers’ Group 10am-noon, The Strathdearn To telephone, for matters not urgent enough to require Contact: Debbie Noble: 511487 999 ... please call 101 and you will be put through 07850 570 827

Every Thursday Art Class 2.00– 4pm The Strathdearn, Contact: Betty Watson 511271 LOCAL NURSING SERVICES Pam Hardw ick 511766 Strathdearn nursing services are covered by the Inverness East Community Nursing Team. Monthly, usually on a Thursday Natural History Club Some indoor, some outdoor, events. The Nursing Team’s telephone number is 01463 Days vary, so look out for posters. Contact: David Bonniface 511740 230850 or Carol James 531220 The NHS24 telephone number is 111

Announcements

Jane and Graeme Manson are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their granddaughter Fiadh Jane Manson born on the 19th February and weighing 8lbs 1oz. Parents Sinead and Alastair are thrilled to bits!

Congratulations to Ben and Alex Saunders on the birth of their baby daughter Harriet Roya Saunders on the 1st December. Margaret’s first baby granddaughter.

Congratulations to Mike and Jess Mulraine on the birth of their baby son Finlay Rae Mulraine who was born in Raigmore Hospital on 12th January. A baby brother for Angus.

I want to thank the following people so much for clearing the snow on my drive, even when I wasn’t there. I’m very grateful to Doug and Liz Campbell, Charlie Edward, Robin Maclean and last but not least Mike Mackay Cathie Simpson

A great big thank you to Susan Falconer for arranging the Senior Citizens Festive Lunch again this year. Due to the Coronavirus things were very different this time but thanks to Susan’s amazing organisational skills and the chef and staff at JPs we all had a lovely time. The meal was delicious and it was nice to relax and enjoy a glass of wine with a few friends. The cafe was beautifully decorated and had a lovely, festive atmosphere. Carry out meals were available and much appreciated by those who were unable to go to the cafe. Well done and thanks to everyone involved in making it a happy time for many. Special thanks to the SCCT for making it possible by funding it.

Congratulations to Phyl Wilson who celebrated her 90th birthday on 12th November. Phyl enjoyed a very special day at home with her family and had lots of friends popping by to wish her a happy birthday. Phyl spoke to everyone through the window and had a very happy, memorable day.

Congratulations to Megan Edward who celebrated her 50th birthday on 3rd February. Megan had a very happy ‘lockdown’ birthday. With love from family and friends.

Congratulations to Bill and Linda Hall who celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 12th February. They are looking forward to a special celebration with their family when restrictions are lifted. Well done spending 50 very happy years together. Love from family and friends.

Congratulations to James Robertson who celebrated his 80th birthday on 22nd February. With love and all good wishes from family and friends.

Once more a big thank you goes to Pam and Alan Hardwick for all the hard work they put into distributing the Vouchers, kindly donated by the SCCT, for the Senior Citizens. Everyone enjoyed spending the vouchers either in the Shop or with James MacPherson. Thanks too for arranging the sale of Hospice Christmas cards etc.

We were sad to hear of the passing of Margaret (Geddes). Margaret was brought up in Tomatin and was the daughter of the late Jimmy and Bella Geddes.

A big thank you to Paul McIntosh the snowplough driver for keeping the roads clear and passable during the last spell of bad weather. Many thanks also to Mike MacKay for the great job he made of clearing the snow around the village and for helping so many people to clear their driveways etc. He came to the rescue when the track and car park at Dalarossie Church needed to be cleared for Mrs Christie’s funeral.

Mrs Betty Christie The Strathdearn Community was sad to hear that Betty had died on 11 January in Dundee. She had moved there a few years ago to live with her daughter Jenny and husband Keith.

Betty was born in , and grew up at Slochd with her parents and her sister Margaret. She went to Slochd Primary School and then to Inverness High School. When she left school she worked in the Carrbridge Hotel and at Kyllachy House.

She married Ian and moved to Tomatin where she spent most of her life, bringing their fam ily up in Old Mill Road. Betty worked as the cook in the Freeburn Hotel; and later on as the school cook at Raigbeg for many years. During her time at Raigbeg a book of her recipes was compiled as a fundraiser. It sold really well. Many tributes to Betty were posted on the Strathdearn Facebook page, including one from my nephew Murdy who said he 'still got taste memories to this day of dinners he had never had since.' But even a great cook like Betty has the odd mishap. Jenny remembers the family sitting round the table when an impressive pavlova, lavishly filled with cream and plump, juicy raspberries was served. Everyone politely tucked in until Jenny tasted it and told her Mum she'd put salt on the top instead of castor sugar! Keith and Bill (her ot her son-in-law) hadn't said anything because they hadn't wanted to offend!

She also helped Jean in the Shop at weekends (while Ian helped Andrew with fencing and so on). Betty and Jean remained good friends, often going to town on the bus together on Wednesdays after they retired. When Betty became ill Jean used to take her paper from the Shop to her every day.

Apart from her cooking, Betty loved knitting and sewing; as well as knitting soft toys to sell in the Shop; and she also did alterations. And she loved her garden, enjoying long hours tending it. She loved to see the variety of flowers she had carefully planted appearing in all their glory and in a multitude of colours, brightening up her corner of Old Mill Road for at least three seasons of the y ear, and even in winter there were still some nice plants and snowdrops to admire. She also enjoyed blethering with fellow gardeners Agnes and Jimmy next door, and with Jenny (who also did her hair), as well as the folks passing by. She loved spending time with her family including going on holiday - at home and abroad - with Jenny and Keith and family; and Angie and Bill and family. In October 2016, Betty went on holiday to Lara's hen -do in Las Vegas. The dress code was 'fairies’ and so everyone dressed up as fairies including Betty who was 80 at the time (so who says fairies can't be 80?)

They arrived at the hotel and a man came up to Betty, told her she was the nicest fairy he had ever seen, dropped down on one knee and asked her to marry him, which kept Betty and family giggling for the rest of their stay! She loved spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they loved her. Sundays were usually spent with Ian and Fiona and family and they took her to Morrison's so she wouldn't have to struggle home on the bus on Wednesday carrying heavy shopping. She appreciated this as she loved and appreciated everything her family did for her From Frank's and my perspective she was a great next door neighbour, but much more than our neighbour, she was our friend. A very long-suffering friend who, over the 33 years we lived next door variously put up with Frank and his clarinet; Katie and her drum kit; Katie practising with her band (heavy metal aspirations were involved but this didn't last long, fortunately!) The thumps and bumps associated with young children practising Highland Dancing and piano tunes; and more thumps and bumps caused by my clumsiness in the kitchen! Betty was one of these lovely, smiley people who go through life coping with whatever life throws at them. She was a widow for 39 years which must have been very hard for her. She often spoke of Ian, keeping his memory with her.

Betty had a fine singing voice. Ian used to ask her to sing at gatherings in the house and there was one so ng he always wanted her to sing 'The Isle of Innisfree' and so it was very fitting that a CD of this was played at her funeral before she was laid to rest in Dalarossie Churchyard alongside Ian, on a very cold, wintry day. Heavy snowfall caused travel problems for the family and the funeral service had to be delayed to allow more time for her daughters and families to get there and then turn round after the service and head straight back down the A9 because of the Covid restrictions.

I was very grateful to Fraser Mackay for driving me around that day; and to his uncle, Michael, for doing an outstanding job clearing the field at Dalarossie allowing the funeral party and the mourners to park safely and not get stuck in the snow!

Vivian Roden Retirement of Jimmy Irvine Coffee Morning. from Glenmazeran In the last newsletter I said that I had had two suggestions Jimmy Irvine has been Head Keeper at Glenmazeran for recipients for our Christmas donations. They were the for almost exactly thirty years. He came to us after Inverness Foodbank and the Highland Hospice. I received no other suggestions so, in consultation with some regular experience at two other Highland estates and brought attendees, it was agreed to split the £400 available equally with him the highest standards which he applied in between these two good causes. everything he did at Glenmazeran. Under his management those visiting were instantly struck at Since I knew the shop already had donations for the how tidy everything was. Every piece of machinery or Foodbank, I agreed with the staff that the Coffee Morning equipment was always in immaculate condition and would pay for £200's worth of food and toiletries to be every gate and fence perfectly maintained. added to their collection. This was done. The boxes were delivered in time for Christmas along with my letter He has given three generations of the Benyon family explaining our donation. I have received a letter of thanks enormous enjoyment but more important than that was from Lorna Dempster, the Foodbank manager. The letter the reassurance he gave to the family that this very says that, thanks to generous donations such as ours, they special place was being looked after by someone who delivered a three day emergency supply of food to 8,276 was trusted and highly professional in all he did. He people across Highland in 2020. was able to turn his hand to almost any task. As well as managing the wild deer population and seeing a I sent a cheque for £200 to the Highland Hospice at the remarkable recovery of grouse numbers and other start of the year. I have received a thank you letter and wildlife, he could repair roads, mend a creaking official certificate from Katie Gibb, their Community plumbing system in the Lodge and build a bothy in a Fundraiser. She says that in these uncertain times the remote part of the glen. Perhaps one of his most warmth, kindness and compassion shown by communities remarkable and lasting pieces of work were the such as ours is much appreciated. construction of bridges to replace those washed away in a freak flood two years ago. Working with the under I will have both letters and the certificate to show you keeper, Megan Henderson, he accomplished this task when we can get together again and enjoy a good blether. which will be an enduring legacy of his skills. Let’s hope that time is not too long in coming Carol James We are pleased that Jimmy and his wife Kate, who has RHOANN S RECIPES been the shepherd at Glenmazeran, will be remaining ’ in Strathdearn. Every member of the Benyon family Jalapeño Chicken and hundreds of people who have enjoyed themselves Ingredients at Glenmazeran over three decades are deeply grateful 1 chicken breast p/person, cut in chunks to Jimmy and wish him well for his retirement. 6 jalapeño chillies (I use sliced jalapeños from a jar so you can adjust New appointment to your taste) 1 onion finely chopped The Glenmazeran Estate has appointed Murray Wilson 1 clove of garlic crushed to take over from Jimmy Irvine when Jimmy retires at 2 tbs oil the end of January. Murray comes from Nairn and 1/2 tsp gr cumin 1 tin condensed chicken soup knows the area well. He worked on estates in the 300g/ 10oz spinach Highlands before moving to England where he was Carton of sour cream (not small one) Headkeeper on an estate in North Yorkshire. He will Large packet of tortilla chips be moving to the refurbished Old Post House at 250g/ 8oz grated cheddar Glenmazeran with his fiancée, Ella, who is a qualified Paprika nurse for people with learning difficulties. Method Richard Benyon Sauté onions, garlic and chillies until soft. Add chicken and cumin, continue cooking for 5-10 mins. Add soup, spinach and some salt, bring to boil. Simmer until spinach cooked. Add sour cream. In a casserole dish layer 1/3 tortilla chips, 1/3 cheese and 1/2 chicken. Repeat finishing with cheese and sprinkle with paprika. Bake for 30 mins at 180/gas 4

Enjoy!

Paths Project

We are finally on the right path! A long-term aspirations for the community is a spinal path network linking the north and south of the village with the Strathdearn . Prior to Covid, people were walking and cycling to the new shop/café and the Strathdearn. During ‘lockdown’ this has probably increased. New affordable housing by the school will only increase walking and wheeling. Non-motorised options are better for our health and wellbeing. They are safer for all, especially our older residents and children walking to school as well as making a positive contribution to Climate Change targets. We particularly wanted to ensure that children coming out of the primary school at Ard Park had a safe footpath to follow right to the bottom of Juniper Drive. To recap. This project began in 2009 with significant progress achieved up to 2018. Our design team at Arch-Henderson - Civil Engineers of Inverness produced a solution for Section 8 - from the Strathdearn to the bottom of Juniper Drive. At the time, the area roads team at the council were unhappy with our engineer’s solution. Work halted in the autumn of 2018 as efforts and available finance focused on completing the Strathdearn. SCD is now in a position to move this project forward. In October 2020, an on-site meeting took place with senior council management and they agreed a pragmatic approach which would be in everyone’s interest. The area roads team have been very helpful in reaching a solution and we would like to thank them for their efforts towards making Tomatin a safer village. A difficulty has always been the vehicle speed through Sections 7 and 8 and whilst the speed limit is a 30 , not all vehicles adhere to that. We also have HGVs such as timber lorries coming through the village. With that in mind and probably a condition of any funding traffic calming measures will be assessed and a speed reduction programme will be considered as part of the overall project. Highland Council are designing Section 7 at their cost across the bridge from the entrance to Old Mill Road to the Strathdearn. Section 7 is more challenging as the design must include a solution for the bridge and retaining the crash barriers. The council will then combine Sections 7 and 8 into a single design, submit for planning select contractors and manage the project. The council’s Safer Routes to School Team have considered the entire route from the north end to Juniper Drive and are very hopeful Scottish Government funding will be available to assist with building Sections 7 and 8 together in the new financial year. [MM-C]

Playpark project The bark at the bottom of the shop bike tools, cycle friendly road brae will brought up and spread to signage and various cycling training After weeks of hibernation under provide a soft surface under the courses. As part of the application the snow the play park project equipment. The concrete on on the we launched the SCD travel survey. below Old Mill Road is underway skate board section has not This is still ongoing so please take a again. During the big white, it was survived the freezing temperature moment to fill out our survey either good to see folk sledging on the that well and we will need to find a online by following the link below or snow covered bank. We installed solution before installing any ramps paper copies are available at the anchors for ropes and next winter or rails. [DB] shop. parents will be able to pull https://thestrathdearn.org/ themselves back up the slope more strathdearn-travel-survey/ easily! Contractors Willie Matheson Cycling Funding The survey is part of a and Gary Stuart are now commitment to increasing cycling constructing the shelter and Gary is SCD are delighted to announce through Cycling Scotland's brushing up on his Lego skills to that Cycling Scotland have awarded nationally recognised Cycling reassemble the play park us £19,457 to purchase 3 ebike Friendly Award. Thank you for your equipment with some replacement charging stations, a bike shed, an time! [MM] parts from manufacturer Playdale. outdoor bike maintenance stand, Shop news Covid-19 Hardship Fund

The shop has operated on restricted hours since January due to the SCD recognise that the majority further Covid lockdown restrictions. of the community are facing However during this lockdown the shop has opened on restricted hours additional expenditure as a every- day mon to sat which is an improvement on the first lockdown which consequence of lockdown. was only three days per week. The Strathdearn Community Christmas trading was very successful and thank you to all our Charitable Trust (SCCT) Hardship customers for making it a record December for the shop since taking it Fund is available for any residents over in July 2016. in the community who are finding it The pandemic continues to interrupt the supply chain but despite some difficult to cope financially due to shortages in some areas Paula and her team have worked hard to cover covid-19 and have suffered a the supplies by foraging! related loss of income or inability to Suppliers should get back to a normal in the coming months. Whatever access essential items and normal will look like! services. We are constantly looking for new innovative suppliers so please let us For more information or for an have your feedback to these new lines which will be arriving on the run up application form please contact the to Easter. Company Secretary on The shop has enclosed a questionnaire in this quarters newsletter for [email protected] or the community to let us know how you see the shop now and for the Download the forms from the future. So if there are any comments you would like to make please fill in community website: the questionnaire and drop it off at the shop or the mail- box outside the www.strathdearn.org. Strathdearn if you prefer. The shop under White River Trading has new board members and the Anyone within the community board now consists of that is either affected directly by the Debbie Mackay, James Duncan, Rosemary Dempster, and Stan Coronavirus, or suffering hardship Falconer. We wish Stan a speedy recovery and hope he is back with us as a result, please contact one of soon. the numbers below to see how we The Board are looking to all aspects of your community shop and what can help you. If you know of anyone improvements can be made. who is self-isolating and may need In the meantime stay safe, shop local. [CM] assistance with essentials please let us know. The Strathdearn in Film Strathdearn Carers SCD emergency number: 01808 511700 (Calls diverted, 24 hour For those that didn’t catch it on At present we have two carers access emergency mobile number: the community website (it can be who are employed through Highland 07546042570) Please note a viewed on the homepage), and on Home Carers in partnership with change to the mobile number. social media at Christmas, SCD SCD looking after our clients . • Home deliveries commissioned Redbeard This winter has been tougher • Shop credit where access to Productions to produce a and particularly challenging with the bank is not available. (All requests promotional video for The amount of snow we have had, will be treated in confidence). Strathdearn: Meet, Eat and Explore. followed by a big freeze, which has Shop: Paula Morgan 01808 Featuring not only the facilities at impacted on the carers struggling 511460 The Strathdearn but a host of sometimes to get to folks. However reasons for people to visit the area SDC stepped in and hired a 4 x 4 Get well soon, Stan from the scenery, to the wildlife to Ford Ranger vehicle the carers can the local distillery. It was such a use which glides through the snow. Our chairman Stan Falconer has good snow season we decided to This has been so appreciated by been forced to take a temporary also engage another up and coming our clients and our carers who have break from his SCD duties. He had drone pilot from Boat of Garten, commented on the job satisfaction a bit of a scare with his heart last Angus Trinder, with a degree in of never having to let clients down month but will be fine as long as he digital media who has been credited due to the weather. Before that we takes it easy for a while. Stan will be with images of the Cairngorm on have to give a big shout of thanks both relieved and disappointed to recent news reports from the BBC. to Michael Mackay who worked learn that we're managing fine He helped as to capture the fun that tirelessly and endlessly to assist without him. He's all yours, Susan, has been taking place in Tomatin carers stuck in snow and other you have our sympathies. and Moy which can showcase the elderly residents who had difficulty Wishing you a speedy recovery, area as a year round place to visit getting vehicles and drives clear. Stan, from all the directors and staff, post lockdown.[MM] [LC] and remember ... house arrest or cardiac arrest, your choice! Affordable Housing

Since the last update, we are delighted to confirm that we have exchanged Missives for the land with Tomatin Estate. The planning application status has moved from validation to under consideration. This part of the process will take considerable time as the Highland Council has advised us that it is not ‘business as usual’ for them due to their teams being seconded to other departments to cope with the pandemic. To date there have been no objections, with 2 supporting comments. Transport planning has commented on various additional information required and the contractor is working with his design team to facilitate this. We welcome comments via the planning portal. We are now entering a period of negotiations with the contractor to agree revised cost which have developed due to the pandemic and the impact on the price and availability of material. Following the open evening in November 2020, we have had a good response to people wishing to register for the properties. • By way of a reminder SCD will have two 2 bedroom 4 person semi- detached • Two three bedroom 6 person semi-detached houses. • Two 2 bedroom 4 person bungalows (for older residents) • Two self-build plots

The Highland Council are proposing : • Four cottage flats which are 2 bed four person • Two 3 bed, six person semi-detached houses FTTP Broadband

In December we posted a letter to 135 properties connected to Tomatin telephone exchange. We explained that those lucky homeowners had the chance to upgrade their homes to the fastest broadband speeds available (FTTP) at no cost to themselves. Through a combination of good luck and our past relationship with Openreach, Strathdearn has been offered a golden opportunity to become one of the best-connected rural communities in Britain. Unfortunately not all Strathdearn properties are included; selection was based on poor existing speeds and favourable geographical location. However the upgraded infrastructure will stand us in good stead when Scot Gov's upcoming broadband improvement scheme (R100) comes into effect in the near future. The FTTP project is funded by vouchers made available by the Scottish government to support rural areas. The vouchers are soon to be replaced by R100 measures and there was an unexpected delay while Openreach established that existing projects like ours would be allowed to complete. We've received that reassurance and expect to move soon to the next stage where property owners claim the vouchers and pledge to sign an FTTP contract for at least 12 months. When that time comes, SCD will post or email details and instructions to all involved parties. There is one potential stumbling block: the scheme depends on enough people claiming their vouchers. We need to reach a financial threshold before the work can begin. Many have already pledged their support so we should get off to a flying start but success is by no means guaranteed. Similar schemes elsewhere have foundered for lack of support but I believe we can pull it off in Strathdearn because we have a strong well- informed community. For some the choice will be easy; their broadband is too slow to permit services many of us take for granted these days, such as streaming TV or movies, video meetings with friends and relatives, online shopping and banking, etc. These folk are champing at the bit to join in! Others who already have reasonable speeds may question the necessity of upgrading. To them I would say: you are being offered a chance to future-proof your home - grab it or you'll regret it later. A hundred years ago, would you have turned down a free offer to plumb running water into your house because you have a well at the bottom of the garden!? You use the internet twice as much as you did 5 years ago, and that'll double again in the next five, and the five after that ... and that's not even taking account of lockdown with its home-working, home-schooling, online medical consultations, increased need for home entertainment, ....! Are you are worried about the cost of an FTTP broadband contract? Five years ago, everybody in Moy was offered free FTTP broadband, and they took it. Ask someone from Moy how much they pay - it might even be cheaper than you pay now. Then ask your friend from Moy if they regret accepting the offer ...... I rest my case :) [SC] From the Strathdearn Facebook page: Hi All I hope you are all well and surviving through the snow!

Zoom I am writing to say that although the hall is closed a lot of groups are still holding their groups online through zoom. SCD have their own account which means there are no time restrictions to the length of the video call. If any group is interested in accessing this account to keep in regular contact with their group members then please get in touch.

Emergency Contact Numbers Anyone within the community that is either affected directly by the Coronavirus, or suffering hardship as a result, please contact one of the numbers below to see how we can help you. If you know of anyone who is self-isolating and may need assistance with essentials please let us know. Areas available for help:- • Home deliveries • Shop credit where access to bank is not available. (All requests will be treated in confidence).

Shop: Paula Morgan 01808 511460 SCD & SCCT: 01808 511700 (Calls diverted, 24 hour access emergency mobile number: 07546042570) Please note a change to the mobile number.

Hardship Fund SCD recognise that the majority of the community are facing additional expenditure as a consequence of lockdown. The SCCT Hardship Fund is available for any residents in the community who are finding it difficult to cope financially due t o a covid-19 and have suffered a related loss of income or inability to access essential items and services. For more information or for an application form please contact the Company Secretary on [email protected] or download the forms from the website. Strathdearn Community Charitable Trust (SCCT) - The Strathdearn

Many Thanks Mhairi MacSween Executive Assistant ...... Strathdearn Community Developments Company No: SC462621Charity No: SC044487 Registered Address: Strathdearn Village Hall, Tomatin, Inverness-shire, IV13 7YN www.thestrathdearn.org

MOY MATTERS (13) A fairly short summary this month......

1. The Birch Walk: it is anticipated that there will be some finishing off work done to the path in the coming months . 2. Salt: We still have a limited number of bags of salt left over from last year. Please get in touch with any of the committee members and we can arrange to drop them off. 3. Moy signs: Our new Welcome to Moy signs will be erected shortly, one at the wind farm road entrance and the other at the south of the village, 4. MSC election 2020 : Current committee members for 2021 are Marian Hendry (Chair, [email protected]), Alastair Fraser (vice chair), John Clarke and Linda Armit. Davie Cameron is the Community Council Appointee. 5. Projects to date: We have completed many of the ideas suggested to us at our past community events so we thought we would give you a summary of what we have done to date: path along the length of the village restored and maintained twice yearly; 2 chainsaw carved benches with 2 more on order for Lynebeg and Ruthven; flower planters (if anyone has green fingers and would like to help maintain these please let us know); welcome to Moy signs; upgrading of Birch Walk ; repair of fence and small styles built at wooden rail bridge; litter picking equipment bought; Moy Christmas tree; fi bre to the house broadband. We have a few ideas for future projects but until we are allowed to meet up again we would love you to keep your ideas coming to us so please get in touch with any of the MSC members to share your ideas or give any feedback. The members are Marian Hendry (Chair, [email protected]), Alastair Fraser (vice chair), Davie Cameron, John Clarke and Linda Armit.

MOY, DALAROSSIE & TOMATIN CHURCH NEWS – March 2021 Rev Robert E Brookes, Interim Moderator: Telephone 01667 404686. Blue Badge Bonus

We reopened for Services at The Strathdearn in Old bones and muscles creak a bit November and December but lockdown forced us getting in and oot the car , to close our doors again just before Christmas. so a good excuse was needed We're keeping an eye on the First Minister's for parking near a store. Announcements on Lockdown and hope to reopen for worship in The Strathdearn before too long. Idle lockdown tapping on my much abused computer In the meantime we're happy to chat on the produced the very item telephone. Otherwise our activities for the that my weary bones were after. moment are pretty much online or by zoom, for details see below:| I happened on the blue badge scheme with submissions now online, Robert, our Interim Moderator, prepares a written but the gospel truth it must be told weekly Service which Steve from the which rules out number 10. development company kindly puts on the website. You can also access the written Service from a A further probing phone call link on the Strathdearn Facebook page, or from proved they heeded what I said, the Churches of Strathnairn and Strathdearn as a badge was duly granted website at in exchange for twenty quid. http://www.strathsnairnanddearn.co.uk/ I now take triple comfort And you can also watch Robert's recorded in these most uncertain times, Services if you go to YouTube and type in I'm officially immune to Cawdor Church. (Every Saturday the recording covid,flu and yellow lines. changes to the Service for the next day.) The Service this coming Sunday, 7 March, will be DG Macaskill. recorded at Dalarossie Church (you can watch it on YouTube by typing in Cawdor Church from Saturday 6 March and through the week until the following Saturday).

Missing the Wednesday morning Coffee Morning during lockdown? Why not join us for a Zoom Coffee and Chat at 11am (please don't click on before 11am) by following the link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8950406718?pwd=T 25zQ3hZVlJKUEVCa1JXemM4Sk9hQT09

This is purely 40 minutes of chatting and getting to know each other – open to everyone and doesn't matter if you come to church or not.

While we can't meet face-to-face, please take care and keep safe and we look forward to welcoming you to our regular Services and Activities as soon as we are able to do so.

STRATHDEARN BUSINESSES (There are more. All welcome to join in in the next Newsletter – please contact the Editor)

HollanDesign, bespoke quality V-carved signage including company logos. Aimee Williamson (nee Holland) @HollanDesign (Facebook) 07799 761433, [email protected]

Holland Engineering, Machining of parts for just about anything. Norman Holland 07720 430203/01808 511391 [email protected]

JB Maclean & Son Fencing Contractors All types of fencing work eg. Garden, Agricultural, Security etc 07715 704066

Jessica Rolfe - Body Shop At Home. Find me on Facebook: Beauty Buys with Jessica or phone 07495 710885

JUNIPERSKY - Ladies online fashion and lifestyle store based in Strathdearn offering free local delivery and a Strathdearn residents discount using the voucher code STRATHDEARN. www.junipersky.co.uk or find us on facebook at @juniperskyfashion as we regularly update the collection.

Little Red Fox Handmade cards for every occasion, personalised at no extra cost. Diane Buckle 07542 544826 www.little-red-fox.com

Neals Yard Remedies Organic - Elizabeth Campbell T: 07751 207235 email: [email protected] Web: -uk.nyorganic.com/shop/elizabethcampbell

Polish Me Pretty (Temporarily closed at the moment due to current situation and Scottish government guidelines) Tracy Campbell 07590 286596 Facebook: pretty.m.polish Avon same mobile number. Facebook: @Tracycam87 Neals Yard same mobile number. Facebook: @NYRtracycampbell

Self- contained apartment, part of Drovers House – up to 3 people and pet. Contact Maureen on 07483 807449 or Airbnb for further details (please note not suitable for long-term letting)

Tomatin Firewood: dried & kiln dried firewood, wood briquettes, coal, peat, kindling, wood pellets. James Macpherson: 07527 883 606, Email: [email protected], Website: www.tomatinfirewood.co.uk

Tomatin Glamping Pods. Four luxury pods each with shower room and kitchenette, sleeping up to 4, with a private fire pit and picnic bench. Wendy & Jack Watson website www.tomatinglampingpods.co.uk email [email protected]

Window & gutter cleaning Myles Evans : email - [email protected] or phone - 07749 720386.

DALAROSSIE IN STRATHDEARN This article, written by Margaret MacKenzie, a freelance writer, was first published in the “Scots Magazine” in April 1948. Her niece, Mrs Anne-Mary Wharton of Beauly, has kindly given permission for it to be reprinted in this Newsletter.

Part 2 The River was not always known as such. In former days it was spoken of as the Erne, or the Water of Erne – hence Strathdearn. The preface Fin, or Fionn, meaning white, was in all probability bestowed upon it by the Roman Catholic Church of , in whose diocese it was, in order to distinguish it from other Ernes within the bounds, such as Auldearn. In old charters it is named “The Water of Erne”. In church records it is “The Findhorn” or “Fyndarne.”

The King’s Forest attached to the Royal castle at Inverness was in this upper strath of the river, and included the grassy bank where formerly it was believed St Fergus preached and where his followers built their first church.

At the time of the Reformation, one John Dow was appointed to minister to the wants of the people. In the year 1597, the Mackintosh Chief of Clan Chattan, whose territory it was, submitted to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland a plan for placing schools and churches throughout his property, he himself to be responsible for the salary. Dalarossie and Moy, where the Mackintosh had his seat, were now united into one parish. At the Restoration of Charles II, the minister of the joint charge conformed to Episcopacy, but in 1709, a vacancy occurring through the death of a clergyman, the Mackintosh of that day applied for the settlement of a Presbyterian minister.

For a time all went well. The people were kindly disposed towards the probationers sent. Then shortly before the actual settlement, a wave of Jacobitism swept Strathdearn from end to end. The kindly feeling swung round to the other extreme. Candidates for the vacancy withdrew one by one, all except James Leslie from the parish of on the Nairnshire banks of the Findhorn, and in the church at Moy, he was duly ordained. The proceedings passed off quietly, the close proximity to the proprietor’s house, and the assembly of Lairds and clergy, acting no doubt as a deterrent to any would-be disturbers of the peace.

But this effective bodyguard could not accompany the new minister on the Sunday following, when he set out on foot from his father’s home to take a service at Dalarossie. It was a walk of well over twenty miles, part of it through the grim pass of Pollochaig. Such a journey meant little to James Leslie. Did he not, as a student at Aberdeen University, walk from Ardclach to the Granite City?

On one occasion, when he had almost reached the town, he realised he had forgotten to bring with him a Latin book which had cost him seven and sixpence. Such a sum meant much in those days. Instantly he turned on his heel, retraced his steps, and, at his father’s farm, retrieved the volume. After a hasty meal he set off again for Aberdeen.

And so we find him, on this particular Sunday, walking with the long strides of the practised pedestrian, to take his service. On reaching a wood, he had his first brush with the enemy. Out from the trees came a crowd of women, their aprons filled with stones. They delivered their ultimatum – retrace his steps, or be stoned. James Leslie waited until the angry voices had quietened somewhat. Then he spoke. “Let the greatest witch among you throw the first stone,” said he. None wishing to avail herself of such notoriety, the women proceeded to discuss the next line of attack. In the confusion caused by the argument the parson slipped quietly away.

Arriving at the church, he found it empty, but on the glebe a crowd had gathered, watching certain local athletes “putting the stone”. These the clergyman approached, inviting them to finish the game and attend the service. His words fell upon deaf ears. The game went on. Then one of the crowd challenged the minister to join in the sport. He accepted, upon the condition that if he threw the stone further than any of them they would come into the service. Leslie stood over six feet in height, and was powerfully built. His one throw went considerably further than that of any of his opponents. Instantly the new minister rose in their estimation. They kept their word, and followed him into the church.

But opposition was to last for many a day. It was even said that on another Sunday a ferocious bull was let loose upon him while he was making for the church. As the animal lowered his head for the toss, Leslie had the presence of mind, and the strength, to strike the animal right between the horns with his strong walking boots, and so laid him low.

For fifty years he laboured in Strathdearn, slowly but surely winning over the people, and so transforming their way of living, that when his charge was handed over to a successor, twenty-three elders were ordained in one day in the Church of Dalarossie.

The last glimpse which local history gives us of James Leslie, now an old man, is in the role of protector to a lady in distress. The Battle of Culloden had been fought and lost. In the Mackintosh castle as Moy, the Jacobite wife of the Chief, the Lady Ann, who had rallied eight hundred men to the Cause, heard the dire tidings, coupled with the news that the Clan regiment had suffered disastrously, only three of its officers surviving. James Leslie also heard the news of the battle. Politically his sympathies were no doubt Hanoverian, but the Chief’s wife was in danger, and that was sufficient reason for him to hasten to Moy Hall.

On the morning following the battle, two detachments of Cumberland’s men arrived to remove all available cattle and household goods, and to take prisoner the Lady Ann. Leslie was standing by her side when they entered the room. Vainly he argued with them. They were heady with victory, and in no mood to listen to an old parson’s pleading. Money they must have, and the Lady Ann as their prisoner. Some indeed were in the act of laying hands upon her, when one of their own officers came on the scene. Instantly he recognised in the lady a former friend. The romanticists maintain he was once in love with her. There was no further threatening or violence, but Sir Everard Faulkner, lover or not, had to do his duty. Lady Ann, after bidding farewell to James Leslie, was escorted in quite a peaceable manner to Inverness, where for six weeks she was detained as a prisoner of war.

Far up in Strathdearn, at an altitude of twelve hundred feet, are patches of grassy moorland. Here in former days the inhabitants of the Strath repaired with their cattle for the summer sheiling. It was a happy time, with work and song, and good company, and some called the district Fairyland; others the Abode of Peace. On a summer’s evening, in the silence of those hills, one feels either name is appropriate.

From the “Northern Chronicle” (1950’s) Article by Coinneach Mor, provided by Dudley Meech. Many thanks to Angie Noble for typing it.

Jimmy Dunbar - Anywhere you go around Tomatin asking about local history, as I did last week, you will be told: "Jimmy Dunbar is the man for you." And believe me, he is! I mentioned him in my column last week, when I wrote about a visit to Invereen. I met him again when I went back to Tomatin and passed a good half hour on the roadside with him, having a "good real news." Jimmy is a rather amazing person. He has an extraordinary memory for dates. Ask him any question you like about the past and I'm sure you won't stump him. He will tell you the date i t happened, too. I liked a yarn he told me about a minister who was passing through Invereen one day - to take a short cut - when he was met by a savage looking bull. But he was not afraid, and when the animal charged at him, he merely raised his foot and struck the bull on the forehead. The beast dropped dead! Jimmy Dunbar claims to be descended from the Dunbars of Boath. He was born and brought up on the family farm of Edinchat and tells me that he began by paying a rent of forty shillings a year, it has since been raised to £42. His family were the biggest and strongest men in the countryside; yet his father was the only one who lived to be seventy.

Home-made home. Another man who takes an interest in the affairs of the past is Mr Murdo MacAskill, Alt Dubhag, one of the local roadmen. His small bungalow is by the roadside near Freeburn Hotel and is quite a fine little building, considering that he built it himself. It was formerly a Canadian Forestry Unit hut at Carr Bridge, but Murdo saw possibilities of making it into his home after the war. He tells me the site is the only one he could get, as only the Tomatin estate would permit him to build. It used to be a favourite stance for the tinkers. Murdo served in the Signal Corps during the war and spent three and a half years as a prisoner of the Japs in Singapore. But he looks none the worse for the experience. About 200 yards to the rear of his house he has his own peat moss and I feel rather proud of it. No wonder. It's like having a coal mine in your back garden. It takes him 36 working hours to cut two thousand peats, so he certainly has to work for his fuel. The face of the peat, before it is cut, lies in the sun and wind, and, consequently is always drying. Contrary to the local district custom, Murdo undercuts each peat block, thus preventing braking. This way he gets a much bigger peat. The peats are then laid out on the ground, before being staked and covered with a roof of corrugated iron.

Freeburn - The Freeburn Hotel is a very attractive place and folk go to stay there for fishing on the Findhorn or for a nice quiet restful holiday. The climate is bracing, Tomatin being about 1000 feet above sea level. The hotel manager, John Curtis, rents five miles of the Findhorn for his guests, and I understand that this particular stretch of river is excellent - quite famous for its brown trout and salmon. According to Jimmy Dunbar, the hotel was built in 1814. Until the beginning of this century a cattle market was held in the field in front of the hotel. Across the burn, beside the hotel, the Grants from Strathspey set up their own stance to sell animals and produce. These markets followed on the old Dalmagarry markets. At one time, it seems, Freeburn was part of a small estate owned by Mackintosh of Holme and known as the Free estate. It was not very large, stretching between the Alt dub-hag (wee black burn) and the Free burn. There was a farm at Free, now taken over by the Company. Built on it are a few fine houses, put there in fairly recent years.

The Butler - Now the Freeburn Hotel belongs to the Tomatin estate, and presently owned by Colonel George Bulloch. Mr John Curtis tells me that he came to the district as a butler to Mrs Bulloch. He was actually 30 years in that capacity in Mrs Bulloch's household. When he came north from his native Hampshire he was given the opportunity to rent the hotel, and along with his wife, daughter and son-in-law, he is making a great success in this new sphere. The hotel can hold up to fifteen guests, and although open all the year round, the "season" really lasts from April till September, during which time the family are run off their feet.

Retired Farmer - Mr Donald Noble, Sandside, was formerly farmer at Free. He left there in 1935 and went to Burnside, Aviemore. He is now retired. His wife told me that the old Free Farm House was built as an estate house and is now tenanted by a shepherd. At a bend on the main south high-way before reaching Sandside, Mr Noble told me, there used to be a toll gate, a large iron one about ten or twelve feet long. There doesn't seem to have been any evidence of a toll house, however. The gate was removed to Free Farm and used in one of the cattle folds. Tomatin Distillery was built in 1897 and is owned by the Tomatin Distillery Company, a private firm. Its position is ideal with the water from the Alt na Frithe (Free Burn), the prevalence of peat mosses and convenience to the railway. The present owners bought it in 1906.

Holiday Resort - The village of Tomatin is fairly scattered, but has a lively community. Unique for such a small place, perhaps, is its six-hole golf course, made fifty years ago over a piece of former woodland on the Tomatin Estate. Before the introduction of the motor car, Tomatin was a popular holiday resort and continued so till about 1910. The village is well equipped, having post office, church, hall, smithy, and of course a general store. What a fine shop with simply everything!

Thirty Horses - Blacksmith John Bruce has been there only four years. He belongs to Balloch, where his father is a blacksmith. I remember meeting him there when I was round that area. His son was working with him till he came to Tomatin. I am told that these last four years have been busy ones. Horses are not absolutely extinct in these parts, and in all, thirty go to the smithy to be shod. The "tin" church is a former U.F. kirk, the Church of Scotland services are held in it. Tomatin shares its minister with Moy and Dalarossie. A new clergyman is to be inducted shortly.

This was the letter that accompanied the above newspaper cutting:

Tomatin memorabilia – Hi Angie, Jimmy Geddes gave me your contact details as I have old photos etc of Tomatin and some of the people from past along with a 1952 magazine containing a wonderful article Having a family connection with Tomatin I couldn't bear to throw them in the bin so hope you find them interesting. I will post them today.

Just to fill you in with the family link to Tomatin my mother was Mabeth Jean Grant b.26 Mar 1932, daughter of George and Jean Grant who then lived in Wades Cottage just by the school bridge and later at 7 Old Mill Road. At that time my father was chauffeur at Tomatin House and at some time was a cooper at the distillery but later had a joinery business with the little workshop along by the village hall before all the houses were built. My father Roy Meech b. 11 Sep 1928 in had an aunty called Rosa Meech who married John Curtis who was the butler at Tomatin House but later took over the Freeburn Hotel. They had a daughter Iris Curtis who married a local lad called Robert Coull Thain, son of Peter and Helen Thain - I think Peter worked at the distillery. The jigsaw puzzle comes together as my father was evacuated from London during the war to Tomatin, I think staying in Butlers Cottage with the Curtis family, after the war he returned to Tomatin to see Mabeth Grant and the rest is history. I was born in 1955 in Kent so only have holiday memories of the village but I have returned on a few occasions recently to fish the Findhorn again and have a picnic at Shenachie and will try and repeat this when things get back to normal.

Very best wishes Dudley Meech. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks

Glen Kyllachy Windfarm Connection Project Construction Works in and Around Your Area

Safety is always our first priority at Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) and with this in mind, we ask that you please remain vigilant of signage or direction around the construction works and do not enter our working areas. Users of the access tracks are asked to obey signage and are reminded that large vehicles and construction traffic are also using the tracks. About the Project

The Glen Kyllachy windfarm connection project will see our Principal Contractors construct and commission a transmission wood pole overhead line to connect the Glen Kyllachy windfarm to the new substation at Tomatin.

There will be cable entry to the Tomatin substation, therefore there will be a point where the overhead line will drop, and an underground cable will complete the final stretch of the route.

Cable Works

Works on the underground cable are complete. The cables have been installed and testing took place in December. Our underground cable Principal Contractor, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, demobilised from site prior to the festive period.

Substation Works Omexom, our substation Principal Contractor are still on site and the substation works are ongoing. The structures have been installed and the circuit breaker is on site. Works to install the operational equipment have now commenced and will be ongoing until Spring.

Substation structures Overhead Line Works The wood pole overhead line is now largely complete, all the poles have been erected and the conductors (the wires) have been strung. Our overhead line Principal Contractor, Norpower, demobilised from site prior to the festive period and will return in early Spring to make the final connection into Glen Kyllachy substation.

Key Contacts

If you have any concerns or queries regarding the works in your area, please do not hesitate to contact your Community Liaison Manager Louise Anderson, she can be contacted on 07384 454233 or [email protected]

The project has a dedicated website at https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/glen-kyllachy-wind-farm-connection/