page 28 Issue No 38 June 2012 and a big thank you to all our sponsors We have been able to produce and distribute the Kilmallie Community News through sponsorship from the following local businesses. The facility to print this newsletter has been generously provided by

Lorna and Finlay Finlayson of The Crannog Restaurant, Fort William.

inside KCC reports – p2 Blar gallery – p3 on the web – p4 Community Benefit – p4 councillors’ corner - p5 community policing - p5 Heather’s Walk - p6 Kilmallie Hall - p7 Corpach in Colour – p7 Banavie Floral – p7 rugby fun – p8 Blar update – p8 Banavie Primary – p9 Lochaber High – p10 Kilmallie Playgroup – p11 Showstoppers – p11 FOCAL – p12 Room 13 - p12 broadband update – p12 for your email copy of the next newsletter? next the of copy email your for happy 30th birthday The greening of Achanellan – p13 Kilmallie Conmmunity to Walter Cameron Way! Company – p13 Hanover Housing at Walter Cameron Way celebrated plants from Caroline Whitehead, Sheila Cameron Flower & Produce Show thirty years in Corpach with an anniversary party held in (daughter-in-law of the late Walter Cameron who gave schedule – p14 the common room in April. the scheme its name) and a picture from Allan Livingston Pictured above are a group of residents including Mrs Phyl the local postman. carry on up the canal - p16 Tebbett and Mrs Sally Johnston cutting the special cake Mrs Fair, the Sheltered housing manager, said:- six day trials - p17 made by Jane Childs. “Hanover have always strived to promote quality, lochaber marathon - p17 The afternoon celebrations included catering by independent living which is affordable, and in pursuit of Heather Davie and music by Larry Byrne, all of which was this we have recently had a bio-mass heating plant coastguard – p18 enjoyed by 40 party goers made up of residents, their installed by Highland Wood Energy which has resulted in a canal news – p19 families, friends and staff. reduction of heating costs by approximately 30% to our wild about Kilmallie – p20 Several presents were donated to the scheme including residents.” indignant Judi - p21

ten years ago - p21 and green fingers - p22 Strone Farm - p22 Caitheamh nan Coille - p23 congratulations focus on business – p24 focus on folk – p24 to kilmallie’s about Annat – p25 Would you like to see your name or logo in print supporting your community newsletter? letters – p25 very own If so, then please join with our sponsors. spotlight – p26 We rely on the financial contributions from our business community for the cost of printing and distributing this feedback - p27 olympic torch free newsletter to every home and business in our area. We welcome sponsorship from all businesses located in puzzles – p27 Kilmallie, or with principal key personnel resident in Kilmallie. up signed you have sponsors – p28 Contact us at [email protected] for details bearer for Lorna’s story see page 24 page 2 The newsletter is very professional but We were delighted to get another page 27 Kilmallie Community Council you can also see that it has been done newsletter – we’d just moved in when feedback with love and care. (CC) the Christmas issue arrived on our from the chair making your views count it’s such a lively newsletter. It really doorstep, and it made us feel very makes you feel upbeat about the area. Well hello there and welcome to issue 38 of the Kilmallie A big issue for the Community Council is how we can use our time We really enjoyed it! Very impressed welcome to the area. Community News and our 4th Newsletter since we re- most effectively, and this means carefully choosing the issues that (RS) by the variety of articles. It’s formed in February 2011. we work on. Our main role is to articulate the views and concerns obviously a lot of work and quite an You’ve only been going a year and of Kilmallie residents by making representations to The Highland Very informative (MG) undertaking for such a small group. already you’re way ahead of all the

Yet again I am fascinated by the interesting and informative Council, other public sector bodies and private agencies. From the It’s great to know more about what the other community councils with

content of this June edition of the Kilmallie Community European Union down to local government, we are now I’d thought previously of getting goes on locally, like the Coastguard the newsletter and website. It’s a bombarded with consultations. These range from fundamental News, it truly is a wonderful news resource and I hope you together some points of local history reports. And articles like Ron great achievement. (AH) changes to the health service to a recent consultation in Australia enjoy it as much as I do. A very well done to all our for my visitors, but I’m so impressed Cameron’s about the Blar added to contributors and newsletter team …. awesome! on the least appealing colour for cigarette packets. The internet with the content of the newsletter and modern communication methods make it very easy for our knowledge of the area. Please The newsletter’s really informative. I that I leave a copy in the lounge for organisations to run consultation exercises, but does this really keep up the midnight oil! (FR) was really glad you gave information You will see on page 5 that all our Councillors have been re- mean we all have a greater say in decision making? Filling in survey my guests to read through. (TR) about the Blar development, as I knew elected. They are an invaluable source of information for us. forms and taking part in every consultation that happens would be The newsletter’s brilliant! My teenage very little of it from anywhere else. As an example, at our May meeting a resident of Corpach more than a full time job, and so there is a need to choose the Really great! – even better than last advised that there was a fair amount of rubbish on the son’s friend (who lives in Inverlochy) ones that may actually make a difference. time! cut out bits specially to take home to It was a really good read - I enjoyed Corpach beach and suggested it would be good for the Some consultations are clearly designed to rubber stamp a And THANK YOU! that’s the first time community to organise a clean-up. Our Councillors present, show his Mum! (JI) every page. It’s amazing decision that has already been made, or are simply exercises to I’ve been able to see what is actually Allan and Eddie, were able to advise us that the Highland that it’s free and you tick the relevant box. A rare few really do make an attempt to proposed for the Blar! (DM) Council would supply the bags, gloves, litter picker/grabbers Website is brilliant (EH) deliver it to everyone, gather ideas and build a consensus. Cunningly designed and remove the collected waste bags, all the community questionnaires with a clever statistical analysis can be used to bias all the businesses as Excellent newsletter! (HB) would need to do is to find the volunteers! We are currently results, or claim a much greater level of support for controversial Newsletter is magic! (IS) well. (EB) looking in to some issues regarding the path to the beach developments or plans than might really be the case. A proper but once that is clarified perhaps we could all get involved in consultation should not simply be there to get support for what a clean-up. Let us know what you think. has been suggested; it should also help to reveal problems that are not immediately apparent, and enable any plans or developments On page 4 there is a short article on Community Benefit. to be improved. There has been some confusion over just what exactly this is Take the example of the development of the Blar. If people in and I trust the article will give some clarification. Payment Lochaber were asked if Fort William should have another large

into this system by the developer is voluntary but Highland supermarket to keep prices down through competition, most issues future in see to like you’d what people would answer yes. However, if they were asked questions Across

Council are setting up a database that will name and shame any developer who has not made a Community Benefit about how much environmental damage, impact on local retail 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 On which matches are played (7) contribution to the community/communities in which their jobs and changes to the High Street were acceptable, the answers 4 Remembrance flower (5) might be more varied. In terms of the Blar, the consultation may 7 Nice and Eastern central makes female

to a KCC meeting if you have any local concerns any have you if meeting KCC a to wind farms etc are sited. not have made it clear that, as the area is a peat bog, building relation (5)

there may not only be prohibitively expensive for anything other 9 Throwaway (7) One of our neighbouring Community Councillors has told us 7 8 9 than high earning businesses such as supermarkets, but also has a 10 Above part of play. Some thespians of another scheme, a Community Fund, into which business massive carbon footprint. Disturbing the peat on a 40 hectare area might do this (7) members of the community contribute. We are currently of the Blar may release as much CO2 as heating all the houses in 11 He may be without a cause? (5) investigating this and will report back on this later. Kilmallie for the next 10 years. 12 Closer (6) In addition to the problem of whether people’s views have 10 11 14 Coloured pencil (6) The diggers started work on the Blar and it reminded me of genuinely been considered by a consultation, there is also the 18 This foxy lady is an actress (5) the photographic record of the Blar Mor that Mandy and issue of how results are publicised. Both politicians and the 20 He had forty thieves (3,4) Russell are taking before its flora and fauna are lost to us. Do electorate rely on the media to communicate and find out about 22 This rushes to Richard’s leader and go online at www.kilmallie.org.uk and see the structure of plans and developments. In general, politicians use the media to 12 13 14 15 16 takes out a lease (7) some of the mosses… they are amazing! There are also some claim public support. However, the need for positive press 23 Paris river (5) lovely photos of the Community Gardens at Corpach taken imposes serious constraints on their ability to make rational 17 24 Jumps and this year goes south (5) on a very sunny May day. And I found when rooting around decisions. So important is the media influence on decision-making, 25 Roman horses pulled one of these (7) on the website that the translation of Badabrie was a marshy that BBC correspondent Roger Harrabin devised ‘Harrabin’s Law’, 18 19 20 21 Down thicket… good to learn a new thing every day! which suggests that the amount of media coverage is often 1 Floating pier (7) 2 Idea found in Goethe memoirs (5) inversely related to the significance of an issue. It is mostly the Last year we concentrated our efforts on finding ways to unusual rather than the everyday incidents that receive media 3 Calm at the south east meeting (6) coverage. This coverage may well then result in call for 4 Model (5) communicate to you who we are and what we do. This year 22 23 we would like to find ways to make it easy for you to government action. Common incidents receive little media 5 Theatrical work for the lad who is a bit attention compared to rare ones resulting in politicians taking of a Romeo (7) communicate with us. We have the website and we can add methods of feedback such as data entry forms, surveys, measures to prevent the unusual while ignoring the biggest risks. 6 Swiss mountain song (5) 8 A duck might do this (5) forums etc. We have also created a Facebook page and a Sometimes it seems like there’s more likely to be action to prevent shark attacks (around 10 deaths a year worldwide) than car 24 25 13 North African country (7) Twitter site, but we need to start posting to both; no tweets accidents (over a million deaths a year). 15 On which a train runs (5) as yet! We perhaps may get permission to site a suggestion 16 Tidiest (7) The difficulties for politicians to make rational decisions Thank you to Tony Whitelocke for another great crossword. post box in either the Kilmallie Hall or the Co-op for 17 Scandanavian sea (6) highlights the need for a more community-led approach to Answers to his puzzle are on the website www.kilmallie.org.uk members of the community who are not into computers, or 18 Material to be found where I met AL (5) government rather than a top down approach. The Community (follow the link on the RHS of the homepage) able to communicate electronically. Please let us know your 19 Goes with haggis (5) Council can help represent your concerns and ideas however and will also be published in the next issue of the newsletter for people thoughts on this, they would be greatly appreciated. 21 A mitigating excuse (5) ambitious or unusual; all that is needed is enthusiasm and without access to the internet engagement.

Maggie, Chairman Russell , Secretary us telling keep please

why not come along along come why not [email protected] [email protected] Have you got any puzzles of your own you’d like to contribute to future newsletters? We’d love any crosswords, quizzes, word games etc printing, stapling and folding. If you feel that you want to be page 26 The Handyperson Service followed kilmallie community news involved in any of this, please get in touch - a couple of hours, four page 3 quickly in 2001 and can help with times a year, would help us so much - think about it - we would The newsletter team have once again been busy ferreting out small jobs around the house. love to hear from you! articles from our regular contributors and some new unassuming spotlight Changing light bulbs, fitting curtain Issue 39 is planned for September 2012 and so articles, ones. We feel that you will enjoy the mix of topics and if you have feedback, letters, photographs etc for that issue would have to be rails, hanging pictures/mirrors, an unwritten article in your head and your fingers are twitching to with the newsletter team by August 15th please. Start thinking, get This time, Benny MacDonald focuses on some of assembling flat pack furniture or put it down on paper then please don't be shy - get in touch with us writing and we look forward to hearing from you! It is your the work of Care Lochaber for us - including the small decorating jobs, etc are the and we will encourage you as much as we can! newsletter, so get your thoughts in there! regular types of work carried out. We are hoping to have delivered a lot of the newsletters by Community Car Scheme and the Handyperson Your newsletter team: Small jobs are classed as around one hand - with a few new volunteers getting involved in making sure Christine Hutchison 772252 Service. that you have received this copy as quickly as possible. Remember hour’s work and larger jobs may require a tradesman Jan MacLugash 772383 that you can get your email copy if you let us know, or you can read though the handyperson can offer advice. The ‘jobs’ are Kshama Wilmington 772499 Lochaber Community Care Forum was formed in the it on our website at www.kilmallie.org.uk. completed free of charge but any materials used are paid Mandy Ketchin We are so grateful to our sponsors (see back page) who make it early 1990’s and became constituted in 1997. This for by the client. possible for us to produce this newsletter and get it to you, and to allowed the committee to email us at [email protected] access funding for two services all the contributors and volunteers who do the desktop publishing, To contact the Handyperson Service which they felt were much needed in Lochaber. call 01397 700311 KILMALLIE COMMUNITY COUNCIL Members of the public are most welcome at all our meetings. Meetings are held at 7:15pm in Kilmallie Hall on the 3rd Wed of every month excl July and Dec. in future The Community Car Scheme A Volunteer Development Project began in June 2011 with the appointment of a Volunteer Development Next ordinary meeting dates are 15 Aug, 19 Sept, 17 Oct, 21 Nov. started during 2000 to provide Next AGM is 19 June 2013. Officer. The project aims to increase the number of issues transport for people with ill volunteers bringing together people of all ages, with Lots of good things in store - health, a disability or recovering Chairman Maggie Mackenzie, 42 Hillview Drive, Corpach, PH33 7LS ‘Pulp, paper & the past’ different backgrounds and skills. The project also aims to from an injury/operation. The [email protected] from Bill Clark service relies on volunteer provide appropriate empowering services to enable Secretary Russell Leaper, Canal House, Banavie, PH33 7LY ‘Crofting in Kilmallie’ drivers using their own vehicles people to feel safer, more confident, and to enhance [email protected] from Maisie Dennison to take passengers to medical their skills and access to their community and other Treasurer Jan MacLugash, Salen, Banavie PH33 7LY ‘The History of Locheilside’ appointments, shopping, services. These services are delivered by enabling the [email protected] from Hugh Muir community to contribute to service Other members Jillian Clark, Christine Hutchison, Mandy Ketchin, Kshama Wilmington Sorry we’d no room for all these visiting or community activities. Associate member Chris Pellow There are drivers in each area of Lochaber helping their provision through active and this time. local communities. This now amounts to around 250 accessible volunteering, including trips and 300 volunteer hours per month. To use the car potential volunteers who are scheme call the number below, you’ll be asked a few socially or geographically isolated. questions just to clarify your transport needs and register as a passenger. There is a small charge for trips from a To enquire about Blar gallery minimum of £3 for a round trip of eight miles to £10 for volunteering with us call our Volunteer journeys over 76 miles. We’d appreciate three working Our project to capture the Blar in profusion of gold from the ‘flowers’ of Development Officer, 01397 702440. days notice when booking and journeys are limited to photographs throughout the seasons the mosses. Technically speaking, within Lochaber. continues. mosses don’t flower apparently - they For many years the Care Forum held meetings around In late spring, two things in produce ‘sporophytes’ and then To contact the Car Scheme Co-ordinator Lochaber to find out what community care needs people particular were really striking. The first ‘capsules’ but they are just as beautiful had. More recently work has concentrated on the was the density of tree cover that has as flowers. Unfortunately we can’t phone 01397 701222 projects and occasional other help. The committee naturally regenerated. With the birch reproduce their golden beauty in our decided a change of name was necessary so from last bursting into soft green leaf around us, black and white pages here, but you

October the group became Care Lochaber which seemed it felt much more like walking through can see lots more photos in full colour of display wildorchids on Blar,the apparently someof them quite rare? You can get more information about the appropriate to the work which is still ongoing. established woodland than across peat on the website at www.kilmallie.org.uk

Community Car Scheme by looking at their bog. The second striking thing was the at 28 pages it’s bigger and better than ever, thanks to all the great contributors thanksthe great betterit’s to bigger ever, pages 28 all than and at

For more information, please contact - leaflet at www.kilmallie.org.uk Care Lochaber (go to About Kilmallie, Travel and Transport) An Drochaid, Claggan, Fort William, PH33 6PH

email: [email protected]

the beautiful beautiful the

this issue thisissue

calling all who lived in Corpach in the 1960s! You may have read in a recent KCC Newsletter how used to live in Kilmallie House, Corpach in the late 1960s. someone got in touch with Libby Williamson, having Sheila has lost touch with Alison and would like to catch seen her name mentioned in an earlier issue of the up with her. If you know of Alison’s whereabouts please newsletter - well we have another request of a similar contact the newsletter team, so we can nature - see if you can help. send Sheila’s contact details to her.

The newsletter team have been approached by Sheila We look forward to seeing what you Guest to help her make contact with Alison Cameron. come up with and we will update you

Alison is the daughter of the late Hugh Cameron who with any news in a later issue.

hope you enjoy you hope

have you seen you seen have

Here’s the second part of page 4 gateman. page 25 Hugh’s piece about the history Over the Camusnaha crossing, Lochiel built a 9 hole golf on the web of Annat. Hugh has been course on arable ground. It was designed by Fernie of Troon. In about writing lots more articles for us June 1904 it was formally opened by Captain Thos Honeyman, which we look forward to Lochiel’s factor. Mrs Everard Jones hit the first ball. Banavie www.kilmallie.org.uk sharing with everyone in future schoolchildren sang "a golfing we will go" – and they were given Our website is gradually developing in all sorts of ways as a  find the contact details of our local councillors annat issues. milk and buns. The golf course was closed in 1939. With the coming of the Second World War, Annat fantastic community resource. Whether you visit it regularly

 have your say in current local issues With the coming of the railway in 1901 it cut off a lot of the Farm and Lochaber became a centre of naval and military activity. The

or only occasionally, there is lots on offer there and we are  find out what’s on at Kilmallie Hall continually talking about ways to develop it further. ground - arable and grazing. There were three crossings - a bridge land to the East of the rail crossing became the Admiralty Site  see what the Banavie Quarry Liaison Group are all about at Camusnaha, a crossing west of Annat Burn and a crossing (part of HMS St Christopher). It had been Church Glebe land. The  catch up with significant local planning applications opposite the Oakwoods. The builders of this railway, the so-called site was developed by builder Willie Logan mainly to service some of the great  find out where Kilmallie’s Site of Special Scientific Interest Mallaig Extension, were McAlpines. A son ran this project, and smaller Coastal boats. It had workshops, slipways, a floating is while doing so, lived in the Bungalow positioned on the dock and rail siding. It was shut down by 1944. From then until  read about Gormshuil’s Bend, the White Cockade and Oakwoods. 1950 it became an ammunition depot together with up to 7 reasons to visit the other stories Going over the " Oakwood " crossing, going down towards anchored storage ships in Loch Eil. Over the next few years it was  browse local news items the shore, there was once a salmon curer. There is still an used by a number of small businesses: a seaweed collection icehouse built about 1800. It is relatively rare but, despite being point, Pulp Mill construction workers’ camp, a rifle range, the website -  contact KCC the easy way Listed, is in a poor state. Down by the shore there was a Meal Auction Mart and the Mill social club.  find out when the blue bin days are when you’ve mislaid Mill. Up to the 1950s there was a ruin which is said to have been The Admiralty Site required a large workforce. The numbers your recycling calendar We’re also very excited by the possibility that we might the home of persons who were on lookout in case the Macleans and skills were not available locally. The skilled workforce came  check out all our local services and facilities if you’ve just shortly be linking in with the fantastic Kilmallie Image Library from Ardgour attempted to cross to Cameron territory! from shipping repair yards many from the SE of England. With moved to the area website. We’re also talking to the Kilmallie Community This Meal Mill, built about 1830(?), served the Fort William the closing of the golf course, a housing estate of approximately  share your wildlife photos Company about hosting a page for them in our community area and was closed in the 1930s. Its water power came from the 200 houses was built by Marines. The houses were of poor  read old issues of the newsletter section. And we’re hoping to start an archive of historical mill lade just to the North of it and it was popular as a local quality – single-walled poured concrete. This Annat Camp had 2  find out about how the Lochaber Local Plan affects us in articles too. More news of all these things next time. Please icerink. Water was fed to the lade via a man-made channel from shops, a Post Office, a school and a hall. It also had a rail siding Kilmallie get in touch with any comments or contributions by emailing the Annat Burn about ½ mile away. Parts of this channel can still and a signalbox.  read the minutes of KCC meetings [email protected] be seen. For a time the old Millhouse was the home of Lochaber Partly because of the state of the houses most of the site was Yacht Club. Sadly there was a bad fire and the building has since empty or demolished by the late 1950s. During this time, on the  learn more about the history of Kilmallie on our timeline been cleared. The one remaining piece of evidence is a millstone road to Annat Farm, which ran straight from the main road to the  find out about local walks and another great local website to check out - www.westhighlandmuseum.org.uk which is displayed in Kilmallie Community Gardens. With the new Farm, 4 houses were built for Officers. This was called Annat  learn about the Gaelic placenames of our area for highland life, jacobites, archaeology, and lots more crossing, the miller, Peter McNaughton, refused to operate the Terrace.  browse our great growing photo archive gates. The rail company had to build a house there and employ a Hugh Muir

 Above that level, local communities will retain 55% of and working full time inspite of being badly treated in recent the benefit. times). (Actually I’m possibly working harder than ever as a carbon store thanks to my rapidly establishing woodland cover). No – my Community Benefit  30% will go to a wider Area Fund in the Highland Council The Highland Council recently hosted a Community Benefit letters death will be inevitable following the injuries you’re about to inflict area on me. Digging me out and piling me up in spoil heaps will kill me, workshop in their offices in the High Street, Fort William. What  15% will go to The Highland Trust Fund. sure as damselfly eggs is eggs. Not just in the patches that you cut is Community Benefit we hear you say? Well the Highland Dear KCC into but also round my wider edges - as soon as I am disturbed I will Council’s definition is “Community benefit is a ‘goodwill’ So even if we do not have a wind farm or hydro-electric scheme start to die, and my life-water will drain away, taking with it all my contribution voluntarily donated by a developer for the benefit I’m writing to say goodbye because I’m about to die. in Kilmallie, the community may still benefit from these usefulness to you as a carbon store. And in a double whammy, of communities affected by development where this will have a I am a peat bog. I know I’m not handsome in most people’s schemes through the wider area fund. The Community Benefit while I’m dying and decomposing I will be releasing all my 5000 long-term impact on the environment.” Whilst this initially eyes – most folk think I’m brown and featureless and boring, I’ve page on the Highland Council website states “The Highland years’ worth of stored carbon into the atmosphere as more heard many say I’m just a wet blanket. And OK I know I’m not the looks as though it could be for any type of development it greenhouse gas, so Kilmallie residents will have to suffer even more Council wishes to ensure that local communities benefit directly biggest or the best, which maybe is why no-one fought to save me. transpires from the workshop and Community Benefit Policy from the use of their local resources and are compensated for draconian measures to reduce your carbon footprints than if you

But as peat bogs go I’m exceedingly good at my job, and I’m sad to bridge Canal rail the of side Tomonie the at signal a box was there that this benefit currently refers only to onshore renewable had left me working away quietly and discreetly on your behalf. the disruption and inconvenience associated with large scale think I’ve worked hard all my life with little recognition for my energy developments such as wind farms and hydro-electric Don’t misunderstand me - I’ve no hard feelings. I know how development work”. pains.

the Scottish midge forecast website? Kilmallie scoring time the website? midge weScottish last 4/5 Kilmallie forecast looked! schemes and offshore developments such as wave power. The hard it is for you humans to see things in the long term perspective, Let me explain. My job is to store carbon. It might look like I’m policy seeks a minimum payment to community benefit funds KCC questioned at the workshop that if a development, such as even when it’s hugely to the benefit of your children and your just lazing about all day doing nothing, but I’m really hard at work equivalent to £5,000 per megawatt of installed capacity per a supermarket, used local resources, such as land at the Blar, children’s children. It’s in your nature, and I forgive you your 24/7 helping to protect humans from the climate change that is should the community not then receive a form of a Community weaknesses, as I hope you forgive me mine (like midges and a few year. The Council will seek to negotiate concordats with being brought about by all the greenhouse gases produced by your Benefit and it was initially thought that a Community Benefit wet feet). I know you believe you need more supermarkets, and developers to achieve this figure. These concordats will ensure modern lifestyle. had been negotiated for the Blar Mor development. Our Ward that open spaces between your built-up areas are inconvenient, that developers operate within the Council’s policy and that You might think habitats like me are two a penny, but we’re Manager, Dot Ferguson, later informed us that the negotiations and that money makes your world go round. But perhaps in years developers negotiate directly with the Council on behalf of actually quite rare on a global scale. Less than 3% of the globe is to come you might look back and think on me fondly - when rising communities to secure the greatest level of benefit possible. for the Blar Mor (10 acres of land, £500k and the new covered by peat bogs like me. Yet collectively we store twice as sea levels have wiped out much of where I used to live, when the roundabout at Lochybridge) all came under ‘Developer much carbon for you as all of the world’s forests put together, even The Council will decide on the communities that will benefit midges have been replaced by malaria-carrying mosquitos, and Contribution’. Developer Contribution, unlike Community though the area of forest is more than three times greater. Acre from this approach in each individual circumstance by applying when hurricane force winds and floods have ravaged your homes. Benefit, is not voluntary, it is a pre-requisite of gaining planning for acre, we store SIX TIMES as much carbon as woodland does, yet the following four Allocation Factors: I doubt the likes of me will ever be seen again at my present permission. trees get all the glory and recognition and us peat bogs are  Proximity to the Site address in the lifetime of your human species. But if I have one dismissed as worthless. Developer Contribution can be used for projects within the dying wish, it is this – that you fight to protect all the other peat  Visual Impact 15% of the world’s peat bogs live in Scotland. This might Highland Council area and may not always necessarily be spent bogs in your area, for your own sake, in the long term interests of  Construction Impact surprise you, but together WE SCOTTISH PEAT BOGS STORE AS on projects within the community in which the your people.  Number of Residences MUCH CARBON AS TWO AND A HALF TIMES THE ENTIRE AMAZON contribution was gained. KCC has asked the But farewell in haste, as I already feel the rumble of the diggers RAINFOREST! Highland Council that we be informed when the approaching... The Council’s policy is that benefits should be widely spread Yet our great contribution to the planet’s wellbeing is still ignored, monies gained from the Blar are spent and we across all of Highland and they have proposed a 3 tier system of while the rainforest gets all the attention and credit. What’s worse, will be reporting details back to the community In eternal sadness benefit to ensure this: we’re not just ignored, we’re continually being threatened, injured via the newsletter and website when we’ve been I remain your humble servant  and killed off by human activities. haveyou visited All of the first £100,000 per year of benefit will remain provided with that information. Blar Mor with local communities within a Local Fund. Anyway I will shortly be dead. Not from old age (though I am Maggie Mackenzie already 5000 years old). Not from disease (I am still fit and well ago... years 100 until

propane and butane gas for sale and we sell off our old holiday page 24 stock locally to builders etc. our 3 ward councillors re-elected page 5 focus on business How long have you been operating in Kilmallie? The Highland Council Elections were held For this issue, thanks to Colin Wood of Linnhe As of March 2013 we will have operated in Kilmallie for 50 years. on Thursday 3 May 2012 and 80 councillors were elected to serve on the Lochside who tells us about the business he Originally we were situated where the Pulp Mill was but we were Council's 22 multi-member wards. The runs at Annat. relocated further West hence the “Linnhe” even though we are on Loch Eil. turnout across Highland was a low 41.6%. What is your company name? How many people do you employ locally? Councillors are elected to make decisions Linnhe Lochside Holidays formerly Linnhe Caravan Park Off peak about 7 rising to 15 when busy. affecting the whole of the Highland area Where are you located? What do you and your business like best about being in but the primary role of a councillor is to Our caravans are situated by the banks of Loch Eil Kilmallie? represent their ward and the people who What does your company do? Our business flourishes because of the scenery, history and live in it. Primarily we are holiday accommodation providers. We provide wildlife. I speak to holidaymakers from built up areas everyday Kilmallie is in Ward 12 (Caol and Mallaig) and we are pleased that we have chalets, holiday caravans, Touring caravans, and tent pitches. who cannot believe the peace and quiet that we often take for continuity of support from our 3 ward councillors who were all re-elected this time: When full we bring over 800 extra people to Corpach. We also granted.  Allan Henderson (Independent) offer Holiday Homes for sale on and off the park. We offer  Bill Clark (stood for election as Independent, but later joined the SNP in June)  Eddie Hunter (Independent).

They attend our KCC meetings when they can and their wealth of knowledge and experience help guide us with, for example, who to contact in the Highland Council focus on folk or other public body, or information on a similar situation which happened before in Kilmallie or elsewhere; their advice is invaluable. We also receive support and advice from Dot Ferguson, Lochaber Wards Manager, her supporting staff, and Kilmallie is bursting with pride for 12 year old Lorna Linfield, Allan Henderson Bill Clark Eddie Hunter other officers of the Highland Council. from Torcastle, who was chosen to be one of the Olympic torch bearers who carried the flame through Lochaber on its Those parties obviously thought that they could find more equality journey round the UK. What a great day it was!! The weather to form an Administration made up of SNP / Lib Dem / Labour was gorgeous and lots of people turned out to watch Lorna and our Highland Councillors. They should be judged on their commitment to their to enjoy the razzmatazz! Thanks to Lorna for telling us about programme and that alone. her day... councillors’ corner STEPPING OVER THE MARK Not all Councillors or indeed politicians play by the rules. As in any Way! to the Glen Great th As our three incumbent councillors were all successfully Saturday the 9 of June 2012, will be a day I will always remember profession some people overstep the mark and bring dishonour to re-elected, Bill Clark, Allan Henderson and Eddie Hunter because I carried the Olympic Torch through Fort William. I was their profession, more often than not for personal gain. When nominated by Mrs Watt from Lochaber High School a few months continue to take turns to write a piece for each people or groups become a threat to the ambitions of politicians, it ago. It was a big surprise to find out I’d been chosen. The Olympic newsletter. This time we’re round to Bill again. is all too often the case that they are at best misrepresented or at Committee sent me my Uniform, Scarf and Information Pack a week Thank you to everyone who voted. I will continue to do my utmost worst demonised to reduce the effect of their views. That has before the event. to improve the lives of residents and the services they receive. been the case for as long as we have had democracy and it will On the day itself, my mother took me to the Nevis Centre and THE DEMISE OF THE INDEPENDENT COUNCILLOR always be the case. We must never turn a blind eye to such issues signed me in, after proof of documentation. I was taken to the The leadership of the Independent Party/Group lost out in their if we are to provide a level playing field for everyone in our Torch Bearers Bus with a chaperone where there were the other effort to be Highland Council’s next Administration. To go into community with alternative views who wishes to express them. Torch Bearers. On the bus we had a briefing on what to do – how negotiations with the other Political Parties with a premeditated WHERE HAVE ALL THE VOTERS GONE to hold the Torch and pass the flame on. agenda worked against them, so it was hardly surprising that the All over the world, people protest and are prepared to go to jail I started my run at the end of the roundabout. At the beginning other Political Parties refused to accept the subordinate role on and, in some cases suffer torture to get the opportunity to vote. I felt a bit nervous when I had my torch lit but once I started offer to each of them. On a personal level, it must have been a Nelson Mandela spent 30 years in jail to get the right to vote. In running, I felt fine. Running up the street I could see and hear crushing experience for those ambitious leading Independent the Highlands, less than half those entitled to vote took that people cheering my name, which was great. At the Leisure Centre, I politicians who must have believed that as the largest party / opportunity (41%). In saying that one 95 year old lady in Corpach lit the next torch with lots of photographers taking photos. Then group, senior positions were within their grasp. Their irritation and voted. Do those who declined to vote believe that it won’t make back on the bus to the pick up point. gloom is from their point of view understandable. It was over the any difference who represents their community? Many Councillors To celebrate the day, we had a BBQ at home with family and past five years that the Independent Councillors turned themselves put their heart and soul into representing their community. friends. My Granddad bought the torch which will go into the West into a bona fide political organisation which enabled their Councillors obviously must do better to convince people that it is Highland Museum for a while before coming home. I feel very lucky leadership to attain some senior posts and a voice in the last Lib worthwhile voting for a local representative. to have had this opportunity. Dem / Independent / Labour Administration. Nevertheless, on this occasion more people voted for the SNP/Lib Dem / Labour parties. Bill Clark

Lorna Linfield age 12

was spotted on Russian TV by Rachel MacLugash working in Azerbaijan !! !! Azerbaijan in working MacLugash Rachel by TV Russian on spotted was

speed checks to be carried out in the Lochaber High School area although routine checks have been carried out in and around community policing Banavie Primary School which has resulted in several motorists With the tourist season well underway and events such as the UCI being warned regarding their speed. Road policing remains a very Mountain Bike World Cup and the Olympic Torch Relay just recently high priority on Northern Constabulary’s policing plan for 2012/13 complete it promises to be a busy time ahead for the Lochaber and efforts will continue to improve the safety of, and reduce public and this will be no exception for the Police. The plans criminality on our roads throughout the summer months. undertaken in preparation for such events with other partner In relation to overall crime figures, Northern Constabulary is agencies paid dividends as the Lochaber area celebrated a highly pleased to report that the detection rate for all crime within the Lochaber area currently stands at 66.6%, one of the highest in the successful weekend with no reported incidents of any major birthday 10th happy concern for the Police. force. This would not be possible without the full support and Locally, I’m sure the Kilmallie and Caol residents especially assistance we receive from the local communities. welcomed the completion of the Road to the Isles roundabout. We I would like to conclude by reassuring the local community that have appreciated people’s understanding regarding the inevitable as our efforts short term have been focused on recent major events delays and effect this has had on people's commute to work. The mentioned, we will not be taking our ‘eye off the ball’ in our Banavie road has been used on a number of occasions for continued efforts to tackle all levels of crime within Lochaber. diversions when any major delays have occurred, including the

recent fatal road traffic collision and the problems with the new Andrew Bilton Lorna with Lorna torch technology on the Banavie Swing Bridge. Police Sergeant In light of the road works there has been limited opportunity for Liaison Officer for Kilmallie Community Council most of the smaller woods and lots of fine trees have been page 6 left lying where they fell. At the same time many are page 23 Heather’s Caitheamh suffering from fuel poverty and others are idle due to lack of employment. Even more surprising, our government recommends burning firewood instead of oil or coal as a nan Coille green way of heating our homes. Something is far wrong. Walk 2012 (R Camshron, deisaichte le Murdina Skinner) It has to be said, before we start to make excuses for ourselves, that things are managed much better on the The fifth Heather Sponsored Walk was held European mainland. Tidy stacks of firewood can be seen on Sunday 27th May and started this time Thathar ag radh nach eil ach dà rud cinnteach nar outside just about every house in the villages and rural areas from Kilmallie Hall: it was a great success. beathannan, cìsean ‘s bàs. Dh’fhaodamaid fear eile a chuir of France, Germany and northern Italy. Each family gets the Ninety of us took part in the walk. We all riutha; thèid prìs na h-ola, agus connaidh san fharsaingeachd, an àird gu cunbhalach. ‘S e cùis iongnaidh a th’ann air sgàth opportunity to buy an annual allocation of firewood from the

walked along the canal and then back

community woodlands, ready for burning. along the road. It was gloriously sunny and sin, dhomhsa co-dhiù, an uibhir de fhiodh a tha sinn a’ We have a wee wood burning stove that keeps our sitting perhaps a wee bit on the warm side and caitheamh. room delightfully warm with birch logs. I have to do about six many of us were feeling the heat. Back at Tha coltas blàr a’ chiad chogaidh air na coilltean againn as days work a year to keep the stove going so I’m aware that the Hall, jams and chutneys were being deidh leagail nan craobh, leis an talamh air a reubadh suas firewood doesn’t come free but among the many good sold; we had a “Guess the Weight of The agus cnapan mòra fiodha air fhàgail air feadh an àite. Chì things about it is that it isn’t priced in American dollars! Fish”; Alan Simpson making the best sibh, gu tric, stacan mòra fiodha air a ghearradh agus air Trees were scarce in Lochaber sixty years ago but estimate and we had a raffle for a lovely fhàgail ri taobh rathaidean na coille far a bheil iad a’ there are plenty of them now and scrub woodland is iced Madeira cake made by Kath grodadh. Rinn siantan a’ gheamraidh sgrios uamhasach air Piper leading off the walk with organisers Margaret and Sarah at front spreading quickly because of climate change and declining Treadwell. There was also a treasure hunt coilltean beaga am bliadhna agus tha cus chraobhan fhathast stock numbers on the hills. Our government is giving in the community gardens for the kids. Our nan laighe far an do thuit iad. Aig an aon àm tha mòran substantial subsidies to various forms of renewable energy, thanks go to Margaret Simpson and to a’fulang bochdainn chonnaidh agus cuid eile nan tàmh air pretty wind generators for example. Should they not, Sarah Walker for organising such an sgàth dìth obrach. Nas iongantach buileach, tha an riaghaltas perhaps, give some thought to ways of increasing the use of enjoyable day for a good cause. £5069.68 againne a’ moladh fiodh a losgadh mar dhòigh uaine air na firewood and is there a possibility of community was raised in total for the Highland taighean againne a theasachadh an àite gual no ola a involvement? Hospice. A great community effort by all! losgadh. Tha rudeigin fada cearr. Feumar a ràdh, mus tòisich sinn leisgeualan a dhèanamh air ar son, gu bheil cùisean fada nas dòigheile air tìr mòr an * the title harks back to an 18thC environmental disaster that followed on from the clearances Roinn Eòrpa. Tha stacan sgiobalta fiodh-teine ri fhaicinn air taobh a muigh, cha mhòr, a h-uile taigh anns na bailtean beaga agus na sgirean dùthchaill san Fhraing, sa’ Ghearmailt

forMaggie’s Monsterbikers andhikers agus ceann a’ tuath na h-Eadailt. Gheibh gach teaghlach Walkers crossed the canal and headed off along opposite bank cothrom uìmhir de fhiodh a cheannach gach bliahdna bho choilltean choimhearsnachd, deiseil airson losgaidh. Tha stòbha beag fiodha san taigh againn a tha cumail an sèomar suidhe blàth le òrdan beithe. Feumaidh mi sia làithean obrach a dhèanamh gach bliadhna gus an stòbha a chùmail a’ dol agus, air sgàth sin, tha mi mothachail nach eil

fiodh-teine saor ‘s an asgaidh ach, a measg nan rudan math your articles on different aspects of life in Kilmallie in life of aspects different on articles your mu dheidhinn, chan eil a’ phrìs air a tomhais ann an Coastguard had "Beat the dollairean Ameireaganach! buzzer " game Bha craobhan caran gann ann an Lochabair o chionn tri fundraiser. fichead bliadhna ach tha pailteas dhiubh ann a nis agus tha iad a’ sgaoileadh gu luath air sailleabh blàthachadh na cruinne agus crìonadh àireamh an stuic. Tha an riaghaltas againne a chur taic-airgid gu leòr gu sgeamaichean cumhachd ath-ùrachail eile, muileannan-gaoithe brèagha mar eiseimpleir. Nach bu chòir dhaibh beagan smaoine, a Coastguard had "Throw a lifejacket" game fundraiser bharrachd, a thoirt do dòighean fiodh a chleachdadh agus am bheil cothrom ann airson a’choimhearsnachd pairt a ghabhail?

The Waste of the Woods * Woodpile, Banavie (photo KCC) The walk was in aid of the Highland Hospice (by R Cameron) Is anyone else interested in exploring the It is said that there are only two things certain in life, taxes potential for community woodland fuel locally? and death. To this we can add another. The price of oil, and energy in general, is going to rise steadily. It is therefore If so, please get in touch with KCC. something of a surprise to see the amount of wood that goes Is it something that the Kilmallie Community

great send off of dawn piping send dawn of off great to waste. Company might consider? Our forests look like First World War battlefields after Reforesting Scotland publish a number of us send please the trees have been harvested with the ground ripped up information sheets on community fuelwood - you’ll and masses of wood left lying all over the place. Frequently find them on the Links page at one sees large piles of wood cut and stacked beside the www.kilmallie.org.uk roads but left to rot. The winter storms have devastated Heading off Dawn’s face painting fundraiser through some spruce trees and and when it is is full flower it looks group of 100 will be using the hall in page 22 wonderful. They do best when they are allowed to grow freely, so June for a sponsored climb of the Ben in page 7 green fingers along a fence or through trees is best. We had one that was too aid of the MacMillan nurses. And once near the house and it grew right into the loft. You can prune them Thanks to Morag for the first of our kilmallie again thanks to all our regular clients occasional pieces on gardening. a bit after they flower just to keep them under control but I like to leave them. who support us weekly. Why not send us some of your own local The next group are the large flowered ones which I think most Our plea for volunteers gardening tips for future issues? people would favour. They can be very eye-catching but they are to assist with the running

the trickiest I think. They need pruning in the Spring: some of Hall of the hall has appeared When I was asked to do a piece for the Newsletter I said 'no I don't know enough', then it was suggested I just do something about them just have the tops taken off and the others need to be It’s that time of the year again, as you to have fallen onto deaf one plant. As we have around 75 Clematis in the garden, that pruned down to about 4 inches above the ground. They are also will all have noticed most of the ears. Once again I would seemed a good choice. more prone to Clematis Wilt, however, if this happens and they regeneration work has been completed: ask if you have any spare Now, I am no expert but just someone who loves gardening die, just pile a lot of soil round the base and they will very often new roof and heating system, new time to assist, please contact any of the pop up again the following year They also have a second and plants and have done since my first experience over 60 years ceiling in the small hall and dressing committee. ago when an old lady gave me a Nasturtium seed she had kept and flowering in the Autumn although the flowers will be a bit smaller. When these are finished come the Viticellas, again they have rooms, and the painting completed in Information on what’s on can be it grew. My Mother was a natural gardener so I suppose it rubbed part. The work on the disabled ramp found on the Kilmallie Community off. I don't like the garden to look manicured which is just as well small flowers but are very easy as you just cut them down to the Council website (If you have a as it is not my style at all. I think this is why I love Clematis in all base in Feb and let them grow as they wish. Best if they can and parking is ongoing, also access to their forms. scramble through shrubs. Clematis are versatile, hardy, and easy the disabled toilet from the car park computer) if not check the notice The First ones to flower are the Alpinas, the flowers are quite to grow. All you need are a deep hole when planting, plenty of using a Radar Key is in progress, and it is boards. small but there are many varieties and, if you look at them closely, fertilizer and, at this time of year, a feed with Sulphate of all down to cash flow. With regards to Jimmy Smith they are really pretty. They don't need any pruning so it is best to Potash. They also do very well in tubs with a bit of support. I was the heating, we are still fine-tuning it plant them where they have room to spread a bit. The in Morrisons today and they have loads of new ones in, I was so for the best results, so be patient. Kilmallie Hall, Station Road, Corpach, next group are the Montanas, now these can be really spectacular tempted!! Fort William, PH33 7JH Morag Mackell The hall is very busy now, and over and we have a white one that must be 50 feet tall, it is growing the last few months we have had Scottish Charity SC000604 concerts by Music for All, the final CHAIRMAN Mr John Macdonald, Merchiston, Badabrie, Banavie, concert of the Music Festival. The Fort William. Tel 01397 772443 Caring for our sheep and lambs is difficult - Button’s & Bows concert in March was the rams go out with the ewes on 20th SECRETARY Mrs Norma MacLellan, November and around 20th February we get a a great success. We provided 12 Hillview Drive, Corpach, Strone Farm guy in to scan the ewes and he tells us which is accommodation for the Commandos Fort William. Tel. 01397 772597 yeld (without lamb), which are single and which during their speed march in March. The TREASURER Mr James Smith, Here’s the second instalment from our fascinating interview are twins and then we can feed them accordingly. The lambing Ward 12 forum was held in the hall in 13 Lady Margaret Drive, Corpach, with Malcolm Cameron starts about 20th April and from then until 20th May we shift 300 February - a very busy night. A charity Fort William. Tel. 01397 772561 ewes from Strone to Inverness with their lambs. We do this to We breed pedigree Limousin cattle - all registered, so you know keep the lambs safe from the foxes, sea eagles and the golden their lineage. We picked Limousin because we felt they were the eagle over the other side of Loch Arkaig. We appreciate that golden most suitable animal for this area - it's funny though, if you ask our eagles are native here but the introduction of sea eagles has been neighbours which they thought were the most suitable, one would communities of Banavie, Corpach and Locheilside and bad news for us and our lambs! We could lose almost 200 lambs say Simmental another Shorthorn and another Angus! There’s no schedules will be available at Corpach Post Office*** over summer. If this had continued it would have ruined us right and wrong - it's just what suits us. Corpach in Colour If you missed this event last year, please try to come along financially - so we had to think of a way to stop this. Some This project began in 2005 and has grown over the years. We enjoy breeding the Limousin - we’ve got about 30 now, and this year even just for tea or coffee. By doing so you will be costs running their to contribution a as Council shepherds will reckon that otters will take a lamb - I think they may we get a great kick out of it. Each cow has to produce a calf every In the early days we planted a variety of plants in the tubs but supporting your community. take a dead lamb but I don't think they would take a fit lamb. year - not always possible but we have to try to achieve it. Each latterly we discovered that begonias grew well so we have Unfortunately Corpach in Colour will not be re-starting the The other really big problem we have with sheep is ticks - they calf has to put on as many kilos as possible by the time we sell ordered them again for 2012. Kilmallie Gardens Competition this year as it will be too time- seem to have more and more disease - we can never get rid of ticks them at about 10 months old, and the heavier they are the more All the spring bulbs have been lifted and they will be consuming. & liver fluke because the wild red deer are affected with both and Highland from £1500 awarded being for Colour In toCorpach they are worth, but we have to balance that against the cost of the replanted or replaced in the autumn. Thank you to Councillors Clark, Henderson and Hunter for spread them into our sheep flock. We have to dose the sheep for feed. To help the cost of the feed we grow our own silage and we Some tubs have been replaced, others had bands replaced. their continued support; to Corpach Boatbuilders for their liver fluke and spray for ticks! have a big baler and a machine that puts the black wrap on the The bands have all been painted and we thank Gerry, of LBS generosity; to the local Co-op, Treasures of the Earth and We bring the ewes back home by the middle of August, so they bales. To cover the cost of the baler we do contracting on who donated the paint. Harbro for having our collecting tins; to all local folk for their at the Lochaber Agricultural Show, Torlundy, Sunday 25th August 25th Sunday Torlundy, Show, Agricultural Lochaber the at are only off the hill for a short time. We sell the male lambs in neighbouring farms to bale and wrap their silage. Local folk tell us how much they appreciate our efforts…. donations; to all our extra volunteers (including husbands and Dingwall and then we winter the ewe hogs up on the Black Isle and We are trying to breed good pedigree animals and so we go to but we appeal to drivers of vans and lorries not to park their Allan S and Bruce D) who help us in so many ways. then they come home in April and the rotation starts all over again. France and look for a bull that's breeding well and we'll buy semen vehicles on the grass verges through the village. Several areas We could not do it without you! They get wintered up there because it's much drier - they winter in off that bull. We're always wanting to breed good females as have been churned up and tubs have even been smashed Margaret MacIntyre, Corpach in Colour them on grass, turnips and hay. they stay in your herd for about 12 years - and she'll give you 10 because of this. It's been an old custom that people have to send sheep away st *** A copy of the schedule is also included on pages 14 calves - so she is very important. When we are selling our bulls, we On September 1 the Second Flower and Produce Show from here - even before there was a road. There's a museum in the and 15 of this newsletter need our females to be in very good condition so the buyer can see will be held in Kilmallie Hall. Entries will be accepted from the new Dingwall Mart which is really interesting - they vary the photos the quality of our stock, so we keep animals in show condition and and one time I was up there they had a fantastic photo, taken at we take them to the Show. Aberchalder, of Cheviot ewe hogs coming back home: they Our pedigrees are named - our prefix is Stonefield and each year brought them down in a huge barge - I think there'd be 100 lambs - The residents of Banavie and visitors to has a letter - last year it was G so our two young bulls were down the canal and into Loch Lochy and they let them off at Banavie just love the floral displays Stonefield Gaddafi and Stonefield Gladstone! We also name all Bunarkaig and made them walk from there! that 'Banavie Floral Improvements’ have our heifers, but as there are a lot of them we can get a bit confused Our sheep have to be electronically tagged in their ear - each with them! produced in the last few years - we thank lamb gets a double tag. Using a digital reader we can put all the We also have hill sheep - North Country Cheviots which come them all and remember with love and information into the computer and our records are kept up to date. from the Thurso area (while South Country Cheviots come from gratitude Kay Gretton, one of the founder There is an awful lot of work connected to keeping records for all around Hawick) and they have white faces. I do smile when people gardeners, who passed away on 5th June our animals but that's the way the authorities want it so that is come and tell me "your sheep are on the road" and we say “what what we have to do. 2012. Kay will be greatly missed by her colour are their faces?” - if they're black face they're not mine and My son Christopher can only get a half wage out of this place so family, friends and all who knew her. We if they're white then they are! The Cheviots aren't the most he goes away for half the year and contracts out to help other will remember her smile and enthusiasm suitable sheep for this area but the lambs are worth a bit more farmers gathering, clipping and doing whatever is needed. for life. The flower displays in Banavie bring lots to enjoy enjoy to lots because there’s more meat on the gigot! It was North Country Life on the farm is busy when you have sheep and cattle – but a smile to everyone who passes them.

Cheviots that were on the farm when we we took it over. congratulations we enjoy it and it’s our life! a spectacular display of daffodils earlier this year, all thanks to the volunteers of Banavie Floral Improvements page 8 rugby fun in the sun at Banavie Indignant ten years ago page 21 Thanks to Pauline Donaldson for this report from buses started rolling in the sun came out and stayed out for the remember this? Lochaber Rugby Club. It would be great to have a rest of the day, providing the pupils with the perfect conditions to enjoy the competition. from newsletter no 11 regular contribution from them in each issue. Judi This popular event which is run in conjunction the Highlife www.lochaberrfc.co.uk in the summer of 2002? Highland’s Active School Co-Ordinators and officiated by the clubs

Lochaber Rugby Club hosted their Inter-School Tag Rugby volunteer coaches and SRU officials has become a regular slot in Hello everyone. I’m Judi the cat Competition at Banavie on Wednesday 9th May. This year’s the diary of Lochaber Primary and Secondary Schools. This year (well known to regular readers of competition was sponsored by Sportsafe UK Ltd, which is based in saw over 270 pupils competing throughout the day. Lochaber Life.) !’m feeling rather Corpach and their Area Manager for Scotland, Charlie Donaldson The Primary Competition is held in the morning, with schools aggrieved at the moment as a from around Fort William and outlying schools from as far as presented the trophies to the winning teams for each category. strange cat is daring to come in through my cat flap and is Acharacle, Mallaig/Arisaig/Morar, Glencoe/Duror, Invergarry Spean Prior to the competition the club’s Community Coach, Chris even eating my dry food! Cheek! Simpson visited the Lochaber Schools to provide Tag Coaching to all Bridge/Roy Bridge and 3 of the 4 Secondary Schools took part in This naughty cat has been coming in at night for a the pupils ensuring that they understood the rules which made it the Secondary Competition in the afternoon. while now. I sleep mostly on Mum’s bed and as soon as I hear more competitive and fun for the boys and girls – and even some of The winners in the Primary School Competition were - P4-5 the cat flap – it makes quite a noise – I jump down and sit 14 July? 14 the teachers who were getting pretty enthusiastic on the side-lines, Mallaig Primary School, P6-7 Upper Achintore. In the Secondary cheering their pupils on. School Competition, the winners were Ardnamurchan High School. growling at the top of the stairs. Of course Mum wakes up. The day started off overcast and dull but luckily by the time the Congratulations to you all. She says “Don’t worry, Judi. I’ll chase that cat out” and goes downstairs. Usually when it hears Mum’s voice, it thinks the better of staying and we hear the cat flap again as it disappears. But one night lately it diddled us. We must have been sleeping very soundly or else it had sneaked in when the door was open earlier. I heard the cat flap and thought that was it coming in but actually it was going out having enjoyed a good meal of my bikkies. We discovered this in the morning when we went into the sitting room. Why were Mum’s papers on the table by the window scattered all over the floor, bits of earth on the table and a small plastic bag which had contained quite a lot of my Our Youth Awards were presented by Club President Alistair MacKinnon and Club Captain Kenny Turnbull at the end of season Awards dry food lying on the table empty? Mum was astounded and Ceremony on Saturday 16 June in the Clubhouse. The award winners this year were: said “Judi, that is a very naughty cat but I can’t but admire its P3-P7 Winners Season 2011-12 sense of smell, its agility (it was quite a high table) and its Midi rugby winners P6/7 Player of the Year - John Clark appetite. She didn’t think it was a stray cat. – From the few S3/4 Player of the Year - Finlay Ireland P6/7 Most Improved Player - Ben Fulford glimpses she had seen of it, it looked well nourished – and Joint S1/S2 Players of the Year - Ryan Davies & Matthew Bradley P4/5 Player of the Year - Johnny Forster there are quite a lot of cats living up the hill behind us. S1/2 Most Improved Player - Frederik Ewers P4/5 Most Improved Player - Fraser Davis So to get a bit of peace at night the cat flap is shut. I P3 Most Improved Player of the Year - Dylan Monk don’t mind too much just now as the weather is so awful. But wait till I meet that cat face to face! How dare it eat my food!

Ruth Miller

ago years 30 Club Mill Pulp the dartsexhibition, Bristow’s Eric

watching (or taking part in) the Glen Nevis Raft Race on Race Raft Nevis Glen the in) part (or taking watching

Miller's expense) is the final trigger to commencement of the Tesco scheme at Blar Mor, which is the first phase of a much Blar development larger development that will - over time - incorporate a new Police Station, retail park, Gaelic School and Hospital. Given that KCC have received the following update from Colin Graham, the Blar is entirely covered by a layer of peat, up to 3m deep in Development Manager of Miller Developments places, it is a substantial engineering exercise to prepare the site "As you will no doubt be aware, Miller Developments has been on for building. To accommodate the new Tesco store and site's -site with its major upgrading of the A82/A830 Lochybridge internal road network, around 160,000 cubic tonnes of peat will roundabout. The unfortunate Friday night delays aside (which require to be moved, and a similar quantity of sands and gravels occurred at this junction even before Miller's works started, and recovered from the old riverbed underneath the which our contractors did their best to minimise through manual peat. Fortunately, our appointed contractors, I&H Brown, have will you you will be adjustment of the traffic light system), the Lochybridge junction extensive experience in muck-shifting on this scale. Our Dramatic giant flower spikes and emerging upgrade went very smoothly and any delays will hopefully be infrastructure works should be complete by Xmas 2012 forgotten about now the new roundabout has opened to traffic. (again, weather permitting!) and the site handed across to Tesco leaves in Kilmallie’s Community Gardens. The completion of these works (which were done entirely at for the erection of their store in early 2013.” Visit the photo galleries at www.kilmallie.org.uk there? you were page 20 page 9 wild about

kilmallie This has been a strange old year for butterflies and flowers locally. The Glencoe Residential

unusually warm and mild weather in On the 18th to the 20th of April, P7 from Banavie

Lochaber in March brought a multitude Primary School stayed at the Glencoe Outdoor Centre of moths to my trap at Glen Loy – for two nights. We left school at half past eleven and hundreds per night on mild nights. The arrived at the centre at quarter past twelve. The

damp and cold April and first half of May Glencoe Centre staff came to pick us up in a minibus. soon put paid to that. There was a fabulous display of Lady’s-Smock When we got to the centre, we took our suitcases off (Cuckoo Flower) along the verges this the minibus and went and stood outside the house as year, starting as early as March– we were instructed to. Another school was there too, certainly something to look at while which was St. Mary’s Primary School. sitting in the Lochy Bridge roadworks above: our regional speciality, the chequered skipper All the instructors came out to meet us and all the queue. Unfortunately this came too soon below:the striking green hairstreak for the Orange-tip butterfly. By the time see these great photos in colour on the natural kilmallie pages of KCC’s website, www.kilmallie.org.uk schools had to walk around and talk to each other. these hatched in May, their favourite Next, the instructors told us all their names and an pupate properly and were just delayed hindwing, while the small variety has food plant was all but gone. Similarly, interesting fact about themselves. Once we met by the cold, and that when they do several white marks. Both butterflies rely overwintering butterflies did well– the finally hatch there is something for the on a combination of bracken and violets, everybody, all of us got told what room we were in and Peacocks and Tortoiseshells, and even adults to feed on.The skippers are often and again prefer open, sunny areas for who we were sharing with. All of us went up to our the odd Red Admiral could be seen out described as liking open oak woodland, feeding. rooms to unpack our clothes and the teachers came to and about earlier in the year, only to but I have seen them foraging along By the time this article appears disappear in the cold. Those Peacocks check that we were okay. I was sharing with my friend typical forest rides surrounded by another locally notable species, the that are about now are pretty raggy. Rosie and all the other St. Mary’s girls. There were only conifers such as at Erracht. The males Large Heath, should have emerged. Look Other spring butterflies seem to be are typically aggressive and fast–flying, for this in wet heath, dominated by four other St Mary’s girls. Our room was quite small but very late. As I write in the last week of patrolling their territory, using look-out Hare’s-tail cotton-grass. This is more of a the other room with all the rest of the Banavie girls May, I have yet to see our regional posts from where they can spot rivals butterfly for the connoisseur, but is a was really big. The Banavie boys had to share with the speciality, the Chequered Skipper, and see them off. muted orange above and brown although some have been reported St Mary’s boys too. The Pearl-bordered Fritillary is underneath, slightly smaller than a further south from Glasdrum NNR. These Called down by the teachers, we had to go downstairs another regional speciality that is tortoiseshell. Do not forget the beautiful little chocolate brown and and into the dining room. An instructor called Colin relatively common here, but rare and supporting cast of other butterflies at yellow butterflies are only found within talked to us about what activities we would be doing declining elsewhere. This handsome this time of year– the striking Green School Banavie raisingtheir for at £3280 night fun approximately a 30 mile radius of Fort orange butterfly has a series of white Hairstreak, with its iridescent green and what time breakfast, lunch and dinner was. Colin William, and so our area is rightly ‘pearls’ along the borders of the hindwings (seen when the butterfly also told us what groups we would be in. Then, he celebrated for them. This butterfly has underside of its wings, hence the name. lands, as it keeps its wings closed whilst only been known in Scotland since finally told us what our first activity was going to be for

some of your own local wildlife pictures for the next issue? next the for pictures wildlife local own your of some It flies earlier than its closely related feeding), the Speckled Wood, and later World War 2, where it was first spotted the day. Next, all of us had to go up to our room and cousin, the Small Pearl-bordered in the season, the handsome Scotch by a notable naturalist, Lt-Col Cyril get ready for our first activity. Fritillary, which emerges about the Argus. For the meantime we might just Mackworth-Praed, who was stationed at beginning of June, and is locally have to make do with our most common All the groups had to meet in this garage space and get Inverlochy Castle. Glen Loy is one of the common. Despite the name there is not butterfly, the Green-veined White, which equipment for what we needed for our activity. The hotspots for Chequered Skipper, along much difference in size between the two seems to be everywhere. with Allt Mhuic, the butterfly reserve on group that I was in was going canoeing first. In our species, but the Pearl-bordered Fritillary the side of Loch Arkaig. There are plenty group were two boys from St Mary’s and four girls only has one large, and one other Jon Mercer of other places to see them nearby, from Banavie. Our instructor was called Nathan. Once notable white cell in the middle of the Glenloy Wildlife however, including Fassfern and we all got our equipment on, we went in the minibus Corriebeg. Almost certainly more and went to Ballachulish Slate Quarry. colonies could be found by searching for When we got to the quarry we had to take the canoes them. The larval food plant is Purple- Moor Grass, preferably growing in a out of the trailer and carry them to the edge of the sheltered, sunny, flushed location, which water. We then got into pairs and carried the canoe allows the caterpillars to continue into the water. Rosie and I went into a canoe together feeding well into the autumn. Often and we were lucky because we got our instructor these boggy areas are associated with Nathan in our canoe to help us. We played lots of fun Bog-myrtle, now just coming into leaf and smelling gorgeous. The adults nectar games and then did capsizing at the end! on mainly blue or purple flowers, such as We did lots of other activities during our stay like rock- Bluebell, Bugle or Lousewort, preferably climbing, hill walking and problem-solving dynamics. congratulations on the edges of sunny rides. The We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and it helped our self- bluebells are very late coming into confidence and team-building skills. flower in Glen Loy, and there also seems

why not send us us send why not to be a dearth of Lousewort. It can only hoped that the skippers were able to By Amy Campbell training and further and higher education. At a recent Kilmallie Community Council meeting it was page 10 Each Sixth Year is special but the Sixth Year asked Why in this day and age the Bridge cannot swing at page 19 of 2011/12 has particular significance for set times? There are a number of reasons –

me: firstly, because they are the first year canal news group I have seen go all the way through Because the bridge is next to a flight of locks, times

so classes per week with 70 teachers. It’s from primary transition to Graduation and, locking up and down can vary greatly, anything between an May 2012 always satisfying when classes are secondly, because they are the first group You might be forgiven for thinking that, hour and two and a half hours. A number of issues come into scheduled; course choices are made; class I’ve had the privilege to be Year Head to with only a few weeks remaining until we effect with each locking. Number of vessels in the chamber/ lists are compiled and individual pupil (thanks to the retirement of the inimitable competency of the crew / manoeuvrability of the vessel/ start our summer holidays, school might be timetables (870 of them) are printed. This and much respected Mr Morgon). I am very winding down… not a bit of it; at Lochaber weather conditions. Locking up is always slower as the task gets more difficult each year as staffing proud of what ‘my’ Sixth Years have High, we’re winding up for the next school water is going on to the vessel and with untrained staff the budgets are squeezed but, as I write, I am achieved and I look forward to hearing of Evening cruises in May on MV Crinan session! When our Fourth Year and Fifth pleased to say, we’re just about ready to their successes and achievements in the vessel could be thrown against the rear lock-gate. Tidal Year pupils return from study leave on 5th With the 2012 summer season fast approaching we have go! future – there is certainly plenty of issues at Corpach also effect timings of lockings at Banavie. June – after an extra one-day holiday to been hit with a number of problems, and for the first time in 150 pupils from our 11 associated potential! The final event for Sixth Years As a local team we try to keep Bridge swings to a minimum. celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee – th my tenure the canal has had to close to boat traffic because primary schools have been taking part in a will be a formal Graduation ceremony on 7 In the height of the season usually four swings take place in a we will start our new 2012/13 timetable, transition programme organised by Mrs June – with posh frocks, suits and kilts – of a lock-gate failure. One of the lock-gates at Gairlochy with all classes moving up a year. day with at most five swings; average time approx 10 Yvonne Clark, Principal Teacher of followed by a dinner dance in the Ben Nevis came close to falling in the canal. The heel post the gate sits Timetabling a school the size of Lochaber minutes. Guidance. Pupils from each school have Hotel. A night to remember! on had rotted at the lowest point (2 metre section). The gate High is no mean feat and, this year, it has visited LHS for a tour, guided by senior Jim Sutherland, Head Teacher had dropped leaving it hanging by the metal collar strap with We also have a lot of informal procedures in place – If an been the task of Depute Head Teacher, pupils and, on 18 June, all will return for a emergency vehicle is seen to be crossing the bridge with its Donald MacLean, to schedule the 1500 or about ½ inch of it keeping the gate in place. The largest gates one-week induction. Moving from primary LOCHABER HIGH SCHOOL AND THE in the canal are at Gairlochy with each gate weighing over blue light on, the local lock-keeper will put a call in to the to secondary can be a nerve-wracking GLOBAL CAMPAIGN FOR EDUCATION 25-ton. As a result we have had to bring in a crane company local police Station /ambulance depot to check what time it experience for youngsters… and parents. Lochaber High School’s First Year Modern to conduct the lift. A 200-ton crane had to be brought up will be coming back. Supervisor & senior lock-keeper keep Our transition programme aims to answer Studies pupils signed up in May, with an eye on local funeral notices to try and avoid any questions and allay fears so that pupils can thousands of other schools, to take part in from Preston, England to carry out the crane lift: a 150-ton interruptions to the funeral cortege taking into account a return in August, confident that they will the Global Campaign for Education. The crane was too small to lift the gate and a 250-ton crane too settle in quickly and that they will be well campaign aims to ensure that world leaders large to gain access to the lifting area, so with only two of number of factors. Different churches have different length looked after. like Prime Minister David Cameron, keep these cranes available in Scotland and both tied up on other of funeral services: this could vary between 45 minutes and Also moving on are our Sixth Years – 92 their pledge to give every child in the world jobs the crane had a sixteen hour journey from Preston. an hour and a half. Other factors taken into consideration of them – who leave us for a variety of a primary education by the year 2015. With are how well the deceased is known locally etc. to allow The Sixth Year Class of 2012 wave goodbye to destinations including employment, travel, only 3 years to go, there are still 67 million The other major problem we had recently was a bridge Lochaber High. people taking a cord time to cross over the Bridge. children missing out on education. failure at Banavie. The swing on the day was for Transerve We also liaise with event co-ordinators to minimise Prior to the meeting of the G8 countries who are required to carry out a monthly swing on the stand- disruption to events (Maggie’s Bike & Hike, Lochaber in the USA, pupils used their artistic talents by generator. Unfortunately the generator failed and for Marathon, Cycling triathlon events & Heather’s Walk to to decorate “Going for Gold” Olympic some reason the main power supply did not kick in name a few.) themed medals. These were then sent to immediately. This caused delays to road traffic for just over local MP Charles Kennedy, for forwarding to an hour. Fortunately Transerve’s local representative was on On a more positive note the Towpath between Corpach David Cameron, before he flew to the site and he was talked through a procedure to get the bridge & Banavie on the Caol side has been repaired. United States to attend the G8 Summit. up and running as our nearest Bridge round the pond at Gairlochy has been replaced. The campaign organisers have Sink Hole & Culvert at Banavie repaired 15th May. Open to acknowledged the pupils’ involvement by electricians were still ¾ of an hour public 22nd. awarding a certificate of recognition to away. The response time to a bridge Lochaber High School. failure is within two hours. John Stafford

LOCHABER HIGH SCHOOL ENTREPRENEURS COMPETE IN YOUNG ENTERPRISE The first ever wedding ceremony on the canal took place at Corpach on Saturday 19th May 2012 HIGHLAND FINALS Congratulations to Kenneth Biggin & Alison Martin On Wednesday 2nd May, eight Fifth and who took their vows at Corpach Sea-lock entrance. Sixth Year students who ran their own Sixth Years on their last day at Lochaber High throw their ties in the air – full of energy & aspiration! business under the Young Enterprise’s Company Programme won a place in the

Highland Regional Finals of the Canals Scottish as trading now are who Waterways, toBritish programme’s annual competition.

next phase of improvements at High School in for planning consent recently recently consent planning for in School High at improvements of next phase In the Company Programme, students learn about business through setting up and running their own company over the course of one year. ‘Bonnie Buttons’ spent the past Principal Teacher of Modern Studies, Mr Bob Colman with Class 1LN year creating button themed items, including clocks, bouquets, and ornaments to sell at local Trade Fairs. The directors won their way through several local rounds to the Highland Final. They were judged on their performance at Dragon’s Den; a written 10 page Company Report; their answers to questions at a

company display stand and, finally, a ten- farewell minute verbal presentation. The group was Highly Commended for their Market Research and won the Judges’ Prize for Product Development. In addition, six members of the group passed the

great to see see to great Strathclyde Business Examination. Principal Teacher of Business Studies, Mrs Marie Meldrum with the Young Enterprise team, Bonnie Buttons. even donned skull and cross-bone hats place at the Nevis Centre on the 29th page 18 made from recycled Lochaber News May. We used public transport once page 11 HM and The Oban Times! We later settled again to get into town and completed down to listen to stories of the sea too an hour long session of gymnastics, COASTGUARD and then were kindly rewarded with which included using our physical skills goody bags of storybooks and stationery on equipment like the high beam and from the library’s treasure chest. The vault. Thanks to all the hard working AT CORPACH weather was so fine on our visit that children, parent helpers and gymnastic we played some outdoor games and ate coaches for their time and effort our snack picnicking in the sunshine on assisting with this valuable learning For the last six months or so here at the Corpach base I The Parade. We all look forward to experience and monies raised will be a have been working with nine students in the 16 – 18 age A busy and fun time has been had by visiting the library again independently, great boost to our ever needed funds at range to help them achieve their Duke of Edinburgh Silver all at Kilmallie Playgroup this term. adding to our love of books and interest Playgroup. level award. They are part of a thriving community group First we took part in a ‘rope trail’ in in stories. Kilmallie Playgroup is well underway to project operating from Caol Youth Centre.

nearby woods. This involved a lot of Our love of rhymes and songs has been becoming a Scottish Charitable balancing, climbing, concentration and greatly enhanced by musical maestro Organisation. This slight change of Most Tuesdays have been taken up learning new skills. teamwork. It was great to enhance our Clare Reynolds again this term when organisation incorporates nominated

Apart from probably the most important subject of First Aid enjoyment of these woods which we she made her third visit to playgroup trustees rather than committee the students have been learning more about map reading, actually know quite well from regular with her guitar and bag of instruments. members, and should be more communications and ropework. In First Aid they have all walks and play in the fresh air, and Sheer delight beamed from all the straightforward to deal with all aspects been given instruction on basic life support including fantastic to develop new skills and gain children’s faces as they sang along, of running the Playgroup. resuscitation and recovery position and control of bleeding. confidence from this outdoor activity followed the actions and kept time and We would like to wish When the program comes to an end in June they will each which was expertly planned and led by rhythm with various musical all the children and be issued with a certificate. The group also completed a Vicky Dodman. instruments. Clare has introduced us to their parents an night search exercise along the beach between Corpach working with stretchers and Caol where they had to find various targets put out Our next adventure was on 23 May to many new songs and already everyone, enjoyable summer previously and communicate to base on marine band radio Fort William library. We all hopped on playworkers included, has their own holiday and wish a description of what they had found. Interestingly enough board the double decker to town and firm favourites. Personal requests are everyone well for the they managed to find more targets than were put out !! resisted singing ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ now slotted into Clare’s set list when move to nursery. The final session in June will include them putting their and suchlike until we arrived into the she visits and we are even coming up trust in one of the knots they learned to tie and carry out a library itself where we sang and moved with our own additional lyrics to some Day Care will remain open over the self controlled abseil. in time to sea-shanty songs of pirates songs for next time she returns. summer period - with the library education team, Our energy has also been channelled at enquiries to I must admit that I was a little hesitant at taking on this playgroup staff and mum helpers. We the sponsored Gymathon which took [email protected]

program as I am unused to working with young people but toMaisie the clootiedumpling champion!

having spent the time with them and the D of E coordinator Shela-Ann Ryan, her very capable assistant roles in Lochaber Showstoppers’ latest Jane Young and volunteer Karen Landsborough, I very much Banavie production playing the parts of the Artful admire the work and the effort they all put in. In these days Dodger (Katryn & Sian) and Oliver (Alexandra). Alison Boyle who was wardrobe when it is so easy to stray down a less moral path these Primary’s got mistress for the production commented on youngsters are an inspiration. I was privileged to attend an the enormous energy and talent all pupils exhibition which the centre and some of the students put Dalai Lama enjoyed his local Kilmallie produce Kilmallie hislocal enjoyed Lama Dalai talent! had throughout the rehearsals and the together. The subject was bullying and it was brilliant! It performances. “It was wonderful for Banavie School pupils, Ayla Barr Moir, Jaynie Showstoppers to work with primary aged not only portrayed the effects bullying has on the victim Ireland, Isla MacEachan, Morgan MacDonald, pupils as our age restriction is normally high but looked at what causes the act in the first place and why Stephanie Hume, Katie Ross, Ryan Boyle, first aid school age. Katryn, Sian and Alexandra are there is such anger within. Katryn Muir, Sian Angus and Alexandra all budding leading ladies of our future. McKeown have earned a well earned rest Showstoppers will be 20 years old next Back to search and rescue. after a very hectic show week performing year so it is encouraging to see such young Oliver to an audience of over 1000 people at th th talent coming to the fore”. For many, many years the residents of the town, Caol, the Nevis Centre, 17th, 18 & 19 May. Banavie and mainly Corpach have seen and more often Three of the pupils played principal junior Alison Boyle, Lochaber Showstoppers heard one of the three rescue helicopters that visit the area on what often seems a daily basis day or night. These are the yellow Sea King of the RAF, the black and red Sea King of the Royal Navy and the red and white Sikorsky of HM

hope the the hope Coastguard. They would land at the old pulp mill landing site (now BSW timber) either to hand over a casualty to the waiting Ambulance or to get fuel or both. Things over the

village will soon be a bit quieter as congratulations this facility is due to close. Personally I will miss them. The new facility will be at Torlundy. More about that in the next issue.

Phil Wren radio communications page 12 WHAT FOCAL NEWS? six day trials, May 2012 page 17 SCOTTISH CANALS’ DEVELOPMENT MASTERPLAN FOR CORPACH TO GAIRLOCHY British Waterways Scotland, now known as Scottish Canals (SC), Next steps The tale of Trotter’s Burn held two update sessions on 19th April: one at Kilmallie Hall in FOCAL has asked SC for a workshop session where the It was in the late 1970s that Muirshearlich first became part of the Scottish Six Days’ the afternoon, and again in the evening at The Moorings. The community can collectively: Trial (SSDT). However, this stage of the SSDT was not known as “Trotter’s Burn” until display boards presented by SC at these sessions can all be the late 1980s. Ewan Trotter tells how this came about: viewed on KCC’s website www.kilmallie.org.uk (follow the link on  identify all the ideas/concerns that emerged from the the right hand side of the home page). September consultations (ensuring none get lost!), “In those years gone by, the SSDT was smaller and organized on a more personal level.  discuss all the ideas and concerns raised by the community Ewan Trotter The Chairman of the SSDT visited each landowner each year, to thank them for the use of their ground and to ask permission to make use of it the following year. His visit to  prioritise the importance of issues to the community  agree which key themes emerge from the my place usually included a very sociable time with a party and a piper in attendance! community views One year, on being asked for permission to use the burn for the following year, I replied “You are welcome to use it every year” and added, purely as a joke, “But I  explore which ideas might be feasible to carry think you should change the name to ‘Trotter’s Burn’ !” forward and who/how/when to do so Nobody was more surprised than me, when the following year ‘Trotter’s Burn’ got its We think these are essential steps before SC starts thinking about title!! And I am delighted that my wee burn continues to date, to play a part in what specific designs for specific developments. has now become an event of major proportions.”

Our main contact person in SC has changed and we’re hopeful this will make things easier in the future. We’re pleased that they have responded positively so far to discussing a workshop along One of the competitors at Trotter’s Burn Judging from the feedback we received these lines. We are discussing suitable dates for the workshop – afterwards, many people felt the sessions were looks like the end of September – and then we hope to agree the disappointing and had not been a good use of format of the sessions with SC in more detail. their time. Some people were concerned that popular views and suggestions from the If you attended any of the previous sessions and felt it community had not been given fair representation was a waste of time, by SC, and that SC’s key themes were misleadingly presented as if please please please don’t be put off. they had already gained community support, and other people Your views, ideas, concerns are really important, so please stay involved and were quite angry about the attitude of some of the SC team. Classic view on way around on Friday’s sections Approaching the start of one of the sections Competitors queuing to ride a section in don’t lose heart. FOCAL thinks the community deserves better than this, and that (photo John Ireland) (photo John Ireland) Glen Nevis (photo John Ireland) SC should be obliged as a public body to try a bit harder, and at Please look out for further news on the KCC website, and please least to meet the Scottish National Standards for Community get in touch with me if you would like to be added to FOCAL’s to the area of Lochaber and I wanted to helped out at various different locations Engagement. So we have been working hard since April to mailing list, so we can keep you up to date with developments a helper’s be involved. through the event, I was a small wheel in and arrangements. The event is organised by the a big machine and rapidly came to realise achieve a more constructive outcome for everyone. We have asked SC for Jan MacLugash 01397 772383 perspective Edinburgh and District Motor Cycle Club the passion and commitment the  better communication from their team email: [email protected] Having attended various sections of the and has been run since 1911, this year organisers and event helpers put in to  more objective, comprehensive recording of FOCAL (Friends of Caledonian Canal Lochaber) is a subgroup of event as a spectator over the years since there were 276 riders taking part. making it all happen. community views the Kilmallie Community Company, 1984 There are a lot of people involved in I really enjoyed the experience and  greater transparency in their consultation process. working to ensure that community ideas for the canal count! This year I finally managed to take the making this event happen, locals and there is a variety of jobs to suit all sorts, I week off work and go and help out at the visitors, and a lot of the work goes on can highly recommend getting involved event. This is something I have wanted to behind the scenes. and hope to be involved again next year. Whatever the reason, the Corpach? at arrive Yachts Race Peaks Three the Room 13 problem is still there for a do for a long time; the event brings a lot I was involved as a marshal and John Ireland, Banavie update on number of us in Kilmallie. After reading an article by the BBC Summer Art in 2.49.11 with Andrew Cameron having broadband recently, (see link below) I wrote to Michael Moore MP asking for Team Strides an excellent run taking 18mins off his We haven’t received many Programme more details on where and previous time in 3.38.31 and winning the responses so far to the th We are running the following especially when this money will 29 Lochaber Tarradle shield for the most improved broadband issue. This might be rd courses at Caol Youth Centre be made available, and be put to local, and 3 was Jim Hamilton in 4.07.21 for various reasons: during July: good use. and Ian Adams close behind in 4.07.30

that there’s a geocache at Banavie’s top lock? PS what’s a geocache? a what’s PS lock? top Banavie’s at geocache a there’s that Marathon  people are happy with their and John Grant finished in 4.18.45. In the Portfolio Preparation week I know that I am probably 432 runners were on the start line for the broadband speeds? ladies, Amanda Blackhall also had an for those applying to Art College living in a utopian world where 29th Lochaber marathon on Sunday 15th  people can have fast excellent run to set a new pb in 3.38.38 Skills Workshops my expectations are concerned, April. From the start 6 runners set the broadband access at work and Margaret Rose MacPhee who was age 12+, for a taste of new skills - but I would like to hang on to pace and were still together through half and are depending on it as that little bit of hope. not going to run the previous finished in  Drawing with Confidence way till about the 18 mile mark when 3 much as we are? At the moment I am waiting 5.03.05 . The Oban Times team prize went  Printmaking pulled away, lead by Daniel Gay (Hunters  people who have limited for another e-mail regarding the to Inverness Harriers with Kirkintilloch  Sculpture Bog Trotters) who went on to win in a access try to optimise their contacts within BT to discuss this Olympians 2nd and Greenock Glen Park Workshops for Very Young Artists very close finish in a time of 2.38.22 with time online and will not matter further. Meanwhile, if 3rd. Carnegie Harriers won the ladies, for 5-8 years Stuart Kerr (Kirkintilloch Olympians) a bother e-mailing KCC? you are unhappy with your nd Family Art Session nd Hunters Bog Trotters 2 and Kirkintilloch see did you  the recent publicity about previous winner 2 in 2.38.51 with rd come as a group of 5 incl 2 adults broadband speeds, please get in Olympians 3 . Lochaber Athletic Club impending improvements by touch with me. Rodger Van Gompel (Dundee Hawkhill) What is Art? rd would like to thank everyone who helped BT in some areas may have finishing a 3 in 2.38.51 the same position a workshop intended to get you thinking! age 8 - adult Chris Pellow with over 100 volunteers helping, also the as last year. The winning lady was Megan raised hopes and deterred [email protected] police, Nevis Centre, Ben Nevis Distillery,

is it is true Please contact me at Room 13 International for more info: people from complaining? Wright (Hunters Bog Trotters) in 2.57.33 - Richard Bracken Tel 07788 740257 nd Strontian Stores.  there are too many other link to BBC article a PB. 2 was Rhona Anderson 3.09.50 email: [email protected] rd more urgent matters to www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk- Some of the leading bunch as they headed for and 3 Gail Murdoch (Carnegie Harriers) Room 13 International is on Facebook st Jim Hamilton, Banavie complain about! scotland-scotland-business- Corpach on their way out to Kinlocheil in 3.11.35. The 1 local runner was John www.room13international.org 18359184 Binnie, Lochaber club, finishing 13 overall

canal at Banavie, gave us the chance to half an hour to excavate or the driving rain page 16 listen to all the springtime birds giving it and wind, necessitating full waterproof page 13 carry on some feathery welly at their most vocal The Greening cover for the planter, who needless to say time of the day; and to make the most of was not smiling. Reality rid me of the Stephen’s knowledge of and enthusiasm for of Achanellan/ glossies and I began to settle for the likes of up the canal! identifying all their different calls. ‘The Crofting Forestry Handbook’. The Waterways Trust have organised a Chaffinches were easy to get the hang of; It was quite flattering when passers- fantastic programme of events on the canal we could soon tell a coal tit from a great tit; Achnanellen by would stop and praise my enterprise. this year which are all free. Here’s news of a nice smattering of warblers kept us on our One morning I was in very determined mode

In late 1997 we were the proud owners of a

some of the events so far, plus details of the toes; and there was even a friendly cuckoo trying to dig up some obstinate rushes when great events still to come. around, just to make everyone feel they’d pile of bricks and rubbish which was all that I realized a gentleman was behind me taking

remained of a burnt-out house, one car Telford’s Tales really cracked it. It was a fun and photographs. ‘I do hope you don’t mind’ without wheels, 6 washing machines that Unfortunately it was just a gallant few who informative morning – many thanks to says he, but ‘I want to show my wife what would never know again the thrill of a braved the bitter early April morning chill to Stephen for organising. you are doing. She thinks pruning roses is spinning cycle, an ancient caravan that turn out for this entertaining promenade hard work.’ How proud I felt, especially repelled travellers of any persuasion and 17 drama depicting the story of how the canal when the photos arrived, addressed to the acres of West Highland bog at the top of was built. Characters included Telford ‘Digging Lady’ at the top of Glen Loy. Even Glen Loy. himself, and his co-engineer William Jessop, Jim the Post had recognized my dedication. Having just spent 20 years in the the Canal Commissioners, the Brahan Seer, I was soon to be deflated however by my and was able to look out over a small loch Outer Hebrides we were well equipped to and one stalwart navvie. Great fun, and practical husband who showed me that an complete with island in the middle. Ducks deal with the wreckage - either make it a thanks to all the acting folk involved. application of ‘Round-up’ was a much more soon came to visit us and now every year feature to keep away the tourists or bury it, effective way of getting rid of rushes. Mallards choose our ‘island’ to make their but the 17 acres posed more of a problem. Photo call Not all passers-by were as nests. Horticulture had not really been part of our After the success of the photography encouraging. ‘Why are you planting all these Most of our trees are indigenous – busy life in the metropolis of Stornoway, but workshop last December, The Waterways trees and bushes? – you will just encourage in fact our Caledonian pines are offspring I had just retired, and with all the talk of Trust organised another workshop run again the midges’ and ‘why are you doing all that from our neighbouring ancient Caledonian becoming green and reducing one’s carbon by local professional photographer John draining? What’s going to happen to all the forest at Puiteachan. I blush to think that I footprint I decided a woodland garden was MacPherson (see snippet at side). John dragonflies? ‘You will just spoil the view you paid good money for rowan, birch and alder just the thing. The fact that the little soil we perfectly combined a readiness to share his know when all these trees grow up.’ saplings which have grown up to be poor had was totally impoverished and the few skills and experience in photography with a Undeterred I carried on planting, while imitations of the real things that planted trees that the sheep and deer had spared keenness to demystify the process of taking husband drained, cleared and fenced. We themselves as soon as we put in protection looked distinctly dismal did not deter me creative images, giving us all the confidence imported tons of soil, spread masses of lime from marauding deer and sheep. As well as one whit. I started to think about, read to get stuck in. We spent a very enjoyable for grass and non-acid lovers and slowly our trees seeding themselves, wild flowers have about, and dream about trees. I confess, at Thanks to Susie Calderan for telling us couple of hours at Corpach experimenting dull brown acres began to turn green. The appeared where we have cleared. Too the beginning I hardly knew my acer from woodland Loy Glen the to entrance the at about two more of the Waterways Trust with different ways of looking at the natural ‘sticks’ I had planted started to produce impatient to let them grow at their own my alnus but what I lacked in knowledge I and man-made environment of the canal, leaves and looked like little trees. I rate, I can’t resist giving them a helping events in May. made up for in enthusiasm. I can’t say the much of it from the viewpoint of lying on remember the excitement of seeing a hand and we now have a field of mimulus; same for our neighbouring farmers. They Early birds our bellies! We all came away with renewed blackbird recognize that the twig I had and red campion, hypericum and wood would look on in disbelief as they watched It may be perfectly light at four in the in the inspiration, and some great photos too, planted a few years previously was now a anemones poking up everywhere. me stuffing 30 cm Caledonian Pine whips in morning, but it’s still the middle of the night some of which can be seen on The proper willow in which he could sit and sing. In spite of our lochans (yes our places rejected by every other plant - even as far as the average human body clock is Waterways Trust’s Caledonian Canal Early on we made the acquaintance ‘pond’ artist constructed another one) the rushes and bog myrtle. ‘You would be better concerned. However, undeterred (well, website, www.thecaledoniancanal.org.uk of a master digger driver who showed us midge population has declined, possibly almost undeterred) by this little issue, we sticking to sheep’ was the common refrain. how to drain the very boggy bits of our land. due to the presence of midge machines, but Photo credits: merrily bundled ourselves down to the I soon found that most of my One of his specialities was creating ponds, the amount of stagnant water has Moorings Hotel on 19th May to meet up 1-5 KCC reading matter was not really relevant. In a but husband was not keen on that idea. decreased and the bat population has 6,7 Kshama Wilmington with Stephen Wiseman from The beautifully illustrated ‘How to ……’ manual, I “Ponds will just attract even more midges” increased. We still have lots of dragon and 8 Waterways Trust remember looking at a picture of a smiling Waterways Trust for a dawn chorus walk. 9 Susannah Calderan said he. Murdo was an artist however and damselflies and we are on good terms with This was part of a series of events organised See all these photos in tanned lady in white shorts admiring the also persuasive and it didn’t take him long our neighbouring farmers who have been by Stephen based around the Caledonian colour, plus lots more in shrub she had just planted in the middle of a to gain my support. The fact that husband heard to say ‘your park is beginning to look Canal to encourage us to get to know it our KCC photo galleries perfect circle of crumbly loam. It all looked spent all the daylight hours away at work quite good.’ Praise indeed! better. The walk, along and around the at www.kilmallie.org.uk so easy, but nowhere did this manual meant that the project could be executed mention the pick axe, the collection of with minimal interference and even he was Sheila Goodall molehills to put in the hole that had taken impressed when he came home one evening More free events from the Waterways Trust this summer. They’re great for children and adults alike, and for local

community and visitors alike. Canal cruises Please support them by spreading the word and going along if In mid May, there was a week of cruises aboard the MV Crinan from Banavie to Moy. you can. The bigger the turnout, the more events the

The cruises were for local schoolchildren Waterways Trust are likely to organise for everyone next year. during the day, and for the wider Sun 24 Jun Towpath Trail – bike ride from Banavie to Gairlochy, 1:00 to 4:00pm 2012 AGM - Corpach Woods by John MacPherson of Sail Caledonia raiding Kilmallie, see links page on KCC website onKCC page links see Kilmallie, raiding Caledonia Sail of MacPherson John by Sun 1 Jul Introduction to Geocaching. Geocaching can turn simple dog walks community in the evening. Stephen Our AGM was on Tuesday 29th May in the Two new directors were appointed: John into discover/explore missions and take you places you never knew Wiseman (Waterways Trust) and the local Kilmallie back hall. Paul Brian chaired the MacIntyre and Colin Gray. So our board now existed! Banavie 10:00 to 12:00am lock-keepers were all absolute stars - they meeting and welcomed all those present and includes these two and Paul Brian, Roddy Thu 5 Jul Towpath Trail – bike ride from Banavie to Gairlochy, 1:00 to 4:00pm had all generously given their evenings for then gave a report. He thanked the retiring directors John Ireland Mainland, Chris Strong, Lee MacKenzie and Jan Tue 24 Jul Towpath Trail - walk - aqueducts and ruined castles, Banavie 1:00 to free, and they made everyone so welcome, & Richard Grieve. He described the start up of the company and MacLugash. 4:00pm entertained us with anecdotes about the the activities during the year. A short discussion of the "Right to Sun 26 Aug Towpath Trail - walk - aqueducts and ruined castles, Banavie 1:00 to AOB included a discussion on taking core samples to discover the canal past and present, let us all have a shot buy" followed and it was emphasised that although the company 4:00pm age of the trees. We discussed the safety and conservation at taking the helm and working the swing had the ability to register interest in land we had no immediate Wed 29 Aug Bat detectors - come and help us search for bats at Banavie, 8:30 to reasons for not using chainsaws. Allan Colquhoun plans to bridge at Moy, and gave us all tea and plans to do so. The canal project and the marina project were 10:00pm organise the taking of borings. biscuits too (juice and crisps for the mentioned but there have been no plans to take these projects Sat 1 Sep Towpath Trail – bike ride from Banavie to Gairlochy, 1:00 to 4:00pm children). They were absolutely fantastic further. The meeting finished with an informal and their enthusiasm for the canal made For more details of any of these events and to book a place, contact Stephen chat over a cup of tea. David Govan explained our accounts, copies of which were each cruise a thoroughly enjoyable outing, Wiseman, The Waterways Trust’s Heritage Officer for the Caledonian Canal, tel info geopark new great great pics great circulated. Paul Biggin Megathanks to them all. 01463 725561, or email: [email protected]. page 14 Corpach in Colour’s page 15

Flower and Produce Show Programme

who mended our potholes recently potholes our mended who

is the river of the dark goddess, does anyone know who she was? who know anyone does darkgoddess, the of the is river

thanks to the guys the to thanks if the Lochy Lochy if the

see all the great photos from their 2011 show in the gallery pages of www.kilmallie.org.uk page 14 Corpach in Colour’s page 15

Flower and Produce Show Programme

who mended our potholes recently potholes our mended who

is the river of the dark goddess, does anyone know who she was? who know anyone does darkgoddess, the of the is river

thanks to the guys the to thanks if the Lochy Lochy if the

see all the great photos from their 2011 show in the gallery pages of www.kilmallie.org.uk canal at Banavie, gave us the chance to half an hour to excavate or the driving rain page 16 listen to all the springtime birds giving it and wind, necessitating full waterproof page 13 carry on some feathery welly at their most vocal The Greening cover for the planter, who needless to say time of the day; and to make the most of was not smiling. Reality rid me of the Stephen’s knowledge of and enthusiasm for of Achanellan/ glossies and I began to settle for the likes of up the canal! identifying all their different calls. ‘The Crofting Forestry Handbook’. The Waterways Trust have organised a Chaffinches were easy to get the hang of; It was quite flattering when passers- fantastic programme of events on the canal we could soon tell a coal tit from a great tit; Achnanellen by would stop and praise my enterprise. this year which are all free. Here’s news of a nice smattering of warblers kept us on our One morning I was in very determined mode

In late 1997 we were the proud owners of a

some of the events so far, plus details of the toes; and there was even a friendly cuckoo trying to dig up some obstinate rushes when great events still to come. around, just to make everyone feel they’d pile of bricks and rubbish which was all that I realized a gentleman was behind me taking

remained of a burnt-out house, one car Telford’s Tales really cracked it. It was a fun and photographs. ‘I do hope you don’t mind’ without wheels, 6 washing machines that Unfortunately it was just a gallant few who informative morning – many thanks to says he, but ‘I want to show my wife what would never know again the thrill of a braved the bitter early April morning chill to Stephen for organising. you are doing. She thinks pruning roses is spinning cycle, an ancient caravan that turn out for this entertaining promenade hard work.’ How proud I felt, especially repelled travellers of any persuasion and 17 drama depicting the story of how the canal when the photos arrived, addressed to the acres of West Highland bog at the top of was built. Characters included Telford ‘Digging Lady’ at the top of Glen Loy. Even Glen Loy. himself, and his co-engineer William Jessop, Jim the Post had recognized my dedication. Having just spent 20 years in the the Canal Commissioners, the Brahan Seer, I was soon to be deflated however by my and was able to look out over a small loch Outer Hebrides we were well equipped to and one stalwart navvie. Great fun, and practical husband who showed me that an complete with island in the middle. Ducks deal with the wreckage - either make it a thanks to all the acting folk involved. application of ‘Round-up’ was a much more soon came to visit us and now every year feature to keep away the tourists or bury it, effective way of getting rid of rushes. Mallards choose our ‘island’ to make their but the 17 acres posed more of a problem. Photo call Not all passers-by were as nests. Horticulture had not really been part of our After the success of the photography encouraging. ‘Why are you planting all these Most of our trees are indigenous – busy life in the metropolis of Stornoway, but workshop last December, The Waterways trees and bushes? – you will just encourage in fact our Caledonian pines are offspring I had just retired, and with all the talk of Trust organised another workshop run again the midges’ and ‘why are you doing all that from our neighbouring ancient Caledonian becoming green and reducing one’s carbon by local professional photographer John draining? What’s going to happen to all the forest at Puiteachan. I blush to think that I footprint I decided a woodland garden was MacPherson (see snippet at side). John dragonflies? ‘You will just spoil the view you paid good money for rowan, birch and alder just the thing. The fact that the little soil we perfectly combined a readiness to share his know when all these trees grow up.’ saplings which have grown up to be poor had was totally impoverished and the few skills and experience in photography with a Undeterred I carried on planting, while imitations of the real things that planted trees that the sheep and deer had spared keenness to demystify the process of taking husband drained, cleared and fenced. We themselves as soon as we put in protection looked distinctly dismal did not deter me creative images, giving us all the confidence imported tons of soil, spread masses of lime from marauding deer and sheep. As well as one whit. I started to think about, read to get stuck in. We spent a very enjoyable for grass and non-acid lovers and slowly our trees seeding themselves, wild flowers have about, and dream about trees. I confess, at Thanks to Susie Calderan for telling us couple of hours at Corpach experimenting dull brown acres began to turn green. The appeared where we have cleared. Too the beginning I hardly knew my acer from woodland Loy Glen the to entrance the at about two more of the Waterways Trust with different ways of looking at the natural ‘sticks’ I had planted started to produce impatient to let them grow at their own my alnus but what I lacked in knowledge I and man-made environment of the canal, leaves and looked like little trees. I rate, I can’t resist giving them a helping events in May. made up for in enthusiasm. I can’t say the much of it from the viewpoint of lying on remember the excitement of seeing a hand and we now have a field of mimulus; same for our neighbouring farmers. They Early birds our bellies! We all came away with renewed blackbird recognize that the twig I had and red campion, hypericum and wood would look on in disbelief as they watched It may be perfectly light at four in the in the inspiration, and some great photos too, planted a few years previously was now a anemones poking up everywhere. me stuffing 30 cm Caledonian Pine whips in morning, but it’s still the middle of the night some of which can be seen on The proper willow in which he could sit and sing. In spite of our lochans (yes our places rejected by every other plant - even as far as the average human body clock is Waterways Trust’s Caledonian Canal Early on we made the acquaintance ‘pond’ artist constructed another one) the rushes and bog myrtle. ‘You would be better concerned. However, undeterred (well, website, www.thecaledoniancanal.org.uk of a master digger driver who showed us midge population has declined, possibly almost undeterred) by this little issue, we sticking to sheep’ was the common refrain. how to drain the very boggy bits of our land. due to the presence of midge machines, but Photo credits: merrily bundled ourselves down to the I soon found that most of my One of his specialities was creating ponds, the amount of stagnant water has Moorings Hotel on 19th May to meet up 1-5 KCC reading matter was not really relevant. In a but husband was not keen on that idea. decreased and the bat population has 6,7 Kshama Wilmington with Stephen Wiseman from The beautifully illustrated ‘How to ……’ manual, I “Ponds will just attract even more midges” increased. We still have lots of dragon and 8 Waterways Trust remember looking at a picture of a smiling Waterways Trust for a dawn chorus walk. 9 Susannah Calderan said he. Murdo was an artist however and damselflies and we are on good terms with This was part of a series of events organised See all these photos in tanned lady in white shorts admiring the also persuasive and it didn’t take him long our neighbouring farmers who have been by Stephen based around the Caledonian colour, plus lots more in shrub she had just planted in the middle of a to gain my support. The fact that husband heard to say ‘your park is beginning to look Canal to encourage us to get to know it our KCC photo galleries perfect circle of crumbly loam. It all looked spent all the daylight hours away at work quite good.’ Praise indeed! better. The walk, along and around the at www.kilmallie.org.uk so easy, but nowhere did this manual meant that the project could be executed mention the pick axe, the collection of with minimal interference and even he was Sheila Goodall molehills to put in the hole that had taken impressed when he came home one evening More free events from the Waterways Trust this summer. They’re great for children and adults alike, and for local

community and visitors alike. Canal cruises Please support them by spreading the word and going along if In mid May, there was a week of cruises aboard the MV Crinan from Banavie to Moy. you can. The bigger the turnout, the more events the

The cruises were for local schoolchildren Waterways Trust are likely to organise for everyone next year. during the day, and for the wider Sun 24 Jun Towpath Trail – bike ride from Banavie to Gairlochy, 1:00 to 4:00pm 2012 AGM - Corpach Woods by John MacPherson of Sail Caledonia raiding Kilmallie, see links page on KCC website onKCC page links see Kilmallie, raiding Caledonia Sail of MacPherson John by Sun 1 Jul Introduction to Geocaching. Geocaching can turn simple dog walks community in the evening. Stephen Our AGM was on Tuesday 29th May in the Two new directors were appointed: John into discover/explore missions and take you places you never knew Wiseman (Waterways Trust) and the local Kilmallie back hall. Paul Brian chaired the MacIntyre and Colin Gray. So our board now existed! Banavie 10:00 to 12:00am lock-keepers were all absolute stars - they meeting and welcomed all those present and includes these two and Paul Brian, Roddy Thu 5 Jul Towpath Trail – bike ride from Banavie to Gairlochy, 1:00 to 4:00pm had all generously given their evenings for then gave a report. He thanked the retiring directors John Ireland Mainland, Chris Strong, Lee MacKenzie and Jan Tue 24 Jul Towpath Trail - walk - aqueducts and ruined castles, Banavie 1:00 to free, and they made everyone so welcome, & Richard Grieve. He described the start up of the company and MacLugash. 4:00pm entertained us with anecdotes about the the activities during the year. A short discussion of the "Right to Sun 26 Aug Towpath Trail - walk - aqueducts and ruined castles, Banavie 1:00 to AOB included a discussion on taking core samples to discover the canal past and present, let us all have a shot buy" followed and it was emphasised that although the company 4:00pm age of the trees. We discussed the safety and conservation at taking the helm and working the swing had the ability to register interest in land we had no immediate Wed 29 Aug Bat detectors - come and help us search for bats at Banavie, 8:30 to reasons for not using chainsaws. Allan Colquhoun plans to bridge at Moy, and gave us all tea and plans to do so. The canal project and the marina project were 10:00pm organise the taking of borings. biscuits too (juice and crisps for the mentioned but there have been no plans to take these projects Sat 1 Sep Towpath Trail – bike ride from Banavie to Gairlochy, 1:00 to 4:00pm children). They were absolutely fantastic further. The meeting finished with an informal and their enthusiasm for the canal made For more details of any of these events and to book a place, contact Stephen chat over a cup of tea. David Govan explained our accounts, copies of which were each cruise a thoroughly enjoyable outing, Wiseman, The Waterways Trust’s Heritage Officer for the Caledonian Canal, tel info geopark new great great pics great circulated. Paul Biggin Megathanks to them all. 01463 725561, or email: [email protected]. page 12 WHAT FOCAL NEWS? six day trials, May 2012 page 17 SCOTTISH CANALS’ DEVELOPMENT MASTERPLAN FOR CORPACH TO GAIRLOCHY British Waterways Scotland, now known as Scottish Canals (SC), Next steps The tale of Trotter’s Burn held two update sessions on 19th April: one at Kilmallie Hall in FOCAL has asked SC for a workshop session where the It was in the late 1970s that Muirshearlich first became part of the Scottish Six Days’ the afternoon, and again in the evening at The Moorings. The community can collectively: Trial (SSDT). However, this stage of the SSDT was not known as “Trotter’s Burn” until display boards presented by SC at these sessions can all be the late 1980s. Ewan Trotter tells how this came about: viewed on KCC’s website www.kilmallie.org.uk (follow the link on  identify all the ideas/concerns that emerged from the the right hand side of the home page). September consultations (ensuring none get lost!), “In those years gone by, the SSDT was smaller and organized on a more personal level.  discuss all the ideas and concerns raised by the community Ewan Trotter The Chairman of the SSDT visited each landowner each year, to thank them for the use of their ground and to ask permission to make use of it the following year. His visit to  prioritise the importance of issues to the community  agree which key themes emerge from the my place usually included a very sociable time with a party and a piper in attendance! community views One year, on being asked for permission to use the burn for the following year, I replied “You are welcome to use it every year” and added, purely as a joke, “But I  explore which ideas might be feasible to carry think you should change the name to ‘Trotter’s Burn’ !” forward and who/how/when to do so Nobody was more surprised than me, when the following year ‘Trotter’s Burn’ got its We think these are essential steps before SC starts thinking about title!! And I am delighted that my wee burn continues to date, to play a part in what specific designs for specific developments. has now become an event of major proportions.”

Our main contact person in SC has changed and we’re hopeful this will make things easier in the future. We’re pleased that they have responded positively so far to discussing a workshop along One of the competitors at Trotter’s Burn Judging from the feedback we received these lines. We are discussing suitable dates for the workshop – afterwards, many people felt the sessions were looks like the end of September – and then we hope to agree the disappointing and had not been a good use of format of the sessions with SC in more detail. their time. Some people were concerned that popular views and suggestions from the If you attended any of the previous sessions and felt it community had not been given fair representation was a waste of time, by SC, and that SC’s key themes were misleadingly presented as if please please please don’t be put off. they had already gained community support, and other people Your views, ideas, concerns are really important, so please stay involved and were quite angry about the attitude of some of the SC team. Classic view on way around on Friday’s sections Approaching the start of one of the sections Competitors queuing to ride a section in don’t lose heart. FOCAL thinks the community deserves better than this, and that (photo John Ireland) (photo John Ireland) Glen Nevis (photo John Ireland) SC should be obliged as a public body to try a bit harder, and at Please look out for further news on the KCC website, and please least to meet the Scottish National Standards for Community get in touch with me if you would like to be added to FOCAL’s to the area of Lochaber and I wanted to helped out at various different locations Engagement. So we have been working hard since April to mailing list, so we can keep you up to date with developments a helper’s be involved. through the event, I was a small wheel in and arrangements. The event is organised by the a big machine and rapidly came to realise achieve a more constructive outcome for everyone. We have asked SC for Jan MacLugash 01397 772383 perspective Edinburgh and District Motor Cycle Club the passion and commitment the  better communication from their team email: [email protected] Having attended various sections of the and has been run since 1911, this year organisers and event helpers put in to  more objective, comprehensive recording of FOCAL (Friends of Caledonian Canal Lochaber) is a subgroup of event as a spectator over the years since there were 276 riders taking part. making it all happen. community views the Kilmallie Community Company, 1984 There are a lot of people involved in I really enjoyed the experience and  greater transparency in their consultation process. working to ensure that community ideas for the canal count! This year I finally managed to take the making this event happen, locals and there is a variety of jobs to suit all sorts, I week off work and go and help out at the visitors, and a lot of the work goes on can highly recommend getting involved event. This is something I have wanted to behind the scenes. and hope to be involved again next year. Whatever the reason, the Corpach? at arrive Yachts Race Peaks Three the Room 13 problem is still there for a do for a long time; the event brings a lot I was involved as a marshal and John Ireland, Banavie update on number of us in Kilmallie. After reading an article by the BBC Summer Art in 2.49.11 with Andrew Cameron having broadband recently, (see link below) I wrote to Michael Moore MP asking for Team Strides an excellent run taking 18mins off his We haven’t received many Programme more details on where and previous time in 3.38.31 and winning the responses so far to the th We are running the following especially when this money will 29 Lochaber Tarradle shield for the most improved broadband issue. This might be rd courses at Caol Youth Centre be made available, and be put to local, and 3 was Jim Hamilton in 4.07.21 for various reasons: during July: good use. and Ian Adams close behind in 4.07.30

that there’s a geocache at Banavie’s top lock? PS what’s a geocache? a what’s PS lock? top Banavie’s at geocache a there’s that Marathon  people are happy with their and John Grant finished in 4.18.45. In the Portfolio Preparation week I know that I am probably 432 runners were on the start line for the broadband speeds? ladies, Amanda Blackhall also had an for those applying to Art College living in a utopian world where 29th Lochaber marathon on Sunday 15th  people can have fast excellent run to set a new pb in 3.38.38 Skills Workshops my expectations are concerned, April. From the start 6 runners set the broadband access at work and Margaret Rose MacPhee who was age 12+, for a taste of new skills - but I would like to hang on to pace and were still together through half and are depending on it as that little bit of hope. not going to run the previous finished in  Drawing with Confidence way till about the 18 mile mark when 3 much as we are? At the moment I am waiting 5.03.05 . The Oban Times team prize went  Printmaking pulled away, lead by Daniel Gay (Hunters  people who have limited for another e-mail regarding the to Inverness Harriers with Kirkintilloch  Sculpture Bog Trotters) who went on to win in a access try to optimise their contacts within BT to discuss this Olympians 2nd and Greenock Glen Park Workshops for Very Young Artists very close finish in a time of 2.38.22 with time online and will not matter further. Meanwhile, if 3rd. Carnegie Harriers won the ladies, for 5-8 years Stuart Kerr (Kirkintilloch Olympians) a bother e-mailing KCC? you are unhappy with your nd Family Art Session nd Hunters Bog Trotters 2 and Kirkintilloch see did you  the recent publicity about previous winner 2 in 2.38.51 with rd come as a group of 5 incl 2 adults broadband speeds, please get in Olympians 3 . Lochaber Athletic Club impending improvements by touch with me. Rodger Van Gompel (Dundee Hawkhill) What is Art? rd would like to thank everyone who helped BT in some areas may have finishing a 3 in 2.38.51 the same position a workshop intended to get you thinking! age 8 - adult Chris Pellow with over 100 volunteers helping, also the as last year. The winning lady was Megan raised hopes and deterred [email protected] police, Nevis Centre, Ben Nevis Distillery,

is it is true Please contact me at Room 13 International for more info: people from complaining? Wright (Hunters Bog Trotters) in 2.57.33 - Richard Bracken Tel 07788 740257 nd Strontian Stores.  there are too many other link to BBC article a PB. 2 was Rhona Anderson 3.09.50 email: [email protected] rd more urgent matters to www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk- Some of the leading bunch as they headed for and 3 Gail Murdoch (Carnegie Harriers) Room 13 International is on Facebook st Jim Hamilton, Banavie complain about! scotland-scotland-business- Corpach on their way out to Kinlocheil in 3.11.35. The 1 local runner was John www.room13international.org 18359184 Binnie, Lochaber club, finishing 13 overall

even donned skull and cross-bone hats place at the Nevis Centre on the 29th page 18 made from recycled Lochaber News May. We used public transport once page 11 HM and The Oban Times! We later settled again to get into town and completed down to listen to stories of the sea too an hour long session of gymnastics, COASTGUARD and then were kindly rewarded with which included using our physical skills goody bags of storybooks and stationery on equipment like the high beam and from the library’s treasure chest. The vault. Thanks to all the hard working AT CORPACH weather was so fine on our visit that children, parent helpers and gymnastic we played some outdoor games and ate coaches for their time and effort our snack picnicking in the sunshine on assisting with this valuable learning For the last six months or so here at the Corpach base I The Parade. We all look forward to experience and monies raised will be a have been working with nine students in the 16 – 18 age A busy and fun time has been had by visiting the library again independently, great boost to our ever needed funds at range to help them achieve their Duke of Edinburgh Silver all at Kilmallie Playgroup this term. adding to our love of books and interest Playgroup. level award. They are part of a thriving community group First we took part in a ‘rope trail’ in in stories. Kilmallie Playgroup is well underway to project operating from Caol Youth Centre.

nearby woods. This involved a lot of Our love of rhymes and songs has been becoming a Scottish Charitable balancing, climbing, concentration and greatly enhanced by musical maestro Organisation. This slight change of Most Tuesdays have been taken up learning new skills. teamwork. It was great to enhance our Clare Reynolds again this term when organisation incorporates nominated

Apart from probably the most important subject of First Aid enjoyment of these woods which we she made her third visit to playgroup trustees rather than committee the students have been learning more about map reading, actually know quite well from regular with her guitar and bag of instruments. members, and should be more communications and ropework. In First Aid they have all walks and play in the fresh air, and Sheer delight beamed from all the straightforward to deal with all aspects been given instruction on basic life support including fantastic to develop new skills and gain children’s faces as they sang along, of running the Playgroup. resuscitation and recovery position and control of bleeding. confidence from this outdoor activity followed the actions and kept time and We would like to wish When the program comes to an end in June they will each which was expertly planned and led by rhythm with various musical all the children and be issued with a certificate. The group also completed a Vicky Dodman. instruments. Clare has introduced us to their parents an night search exercise along the beach between Corpach working with stretchers and Caol where they had to find various targets put out Our next adventure was on 23 May to many new songs and already everyone, enjoyable summer previously and communicate to base on marine band radio Fort William library. We all hopped on playworkers included, has their own holiday and wish a description of what they had found. Interestingly enough board the double decker to town and firm favourites. Personal requests are everyone well for the they managed to find more targets than were put out !! resisted singing ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ now slotted into Clare’s set list when move to nursery. The final session in June will include them putting their and suchlike until we arrived into the she visits and we are even coming up trust in one of the knots they learned to tie and carry out a library itself where we sang and moved with our own additional lyrics to some Day Care will remain open over the self controlled abseil. in time to sea-shanty songs of pirates songs for next time she returns. summer period - with the library education team, Our energy has also been channelled at enquiries to I must admit that I was a little hesitant at taking on this playgroup staff and mum helpers. We the sponsored Gymathon which took [email protected]

program as I am unused to working with young people but toMaisie the clootiedumpling champion!

having spent the time with them and the D of E coordinator Shela-Ann Ryan, her very capable assistant roles in Lochaber Showstoppers’ latest Jane Young and volunteer Karen Landsborough, I very much Banavie production playing the parts of the Artful admire the work and the effort they all put in. In these days Dodger (Katryn & Sian) and Oliver (Alexandra). Alison Boyle who was wardrobe when it is so easy to stray down a less moral path these Primary’s got mistress for the production commented on youngsters are an inspiration. I was privileged to attend an the enormous energy and talent all pupils exhibition which the centre and some of the students put Dalai Lama enjoyed his local Kilmallie produce Kilmallie hislocal enjoyed Lama Dalai talent! had throughout the rehearsals and the together. The subject was bullying and it was brilliant! It performances. “It was wonderful for Banavie School pupils, Ayla Barr Moir, Jaynie Showstoppers to work with primary aged not only portrayed the effects bullying has on the victim Ireland, Isla MacEachan, Morgan MacDonald, pupils as our age restriction is normally high but looked at what causes the act in the first place and why Stephanie Hume, Katie Ross, Ryan Boyle, first aid school age. Katryn, Sian and Alexandra are there is such anger within. Katryn Muir, Sian Angus and Alexandra all budding leading ladies of our future. McKeown have earned a well earned rest Showstoppers will be 20 years old next Back to search and rescue. after a very hectic show week performing year so it is encouraging to see such young Oliver to an audience of over 1000 people at th th talent coming to the fore”. For many, many years the residents of the town, Caol, the Nevis Centre, 17th, 18 & 19 May. Banavie and mainly Corpach have seen and more often Three of the pupils played principal junior Alison Boyle, Lochaber Showstoppers heard one of the three rescue helicopters that visit the area on what often seems a daily basis day or night. These are the yellow Sea King of the RAF, the black and red Sea King of the Royal Navy and the red and white Sikorsky of HM

hope the the hope Coastguard. They would land at the old pulp mill landing site (now BSW timber) either to hand over a casualty to the waiting Ambulance or to get fuel or both. Things over the

village will soon be a bit quieter as congratulations this facility is due to close. Personally I will miss them. The new facility will be at Torlundy. More about that in the next issue.

Phil Wren radio communications training and further and higher education. At a recent Kilmallie Community Council meeting it was page 10 Each Sixth Year is special but the Sixth Year asked Why in this day and age the Bridge cannot swing at page 19 of 2011/12 has particular significance for set times? There are a number of reasons –

me: firstly, because they are the first year canal news group I have seen go all the way through Because the bridge is next to a flight of locks, times

so classes per week with 70 teachers. It’s from primary transition to Graduation and, locking up and down can vary greatly, anything between an May 2012 always satisfying when classes are secondly, because they are the first group You might be forgiven for thinking that, hour and two and a half hours. A number of issues come into scheduled; course choices are made; class I’ve had the privilege to be Year Head to with only a few weeks remaining until we effect with each locking. Number of vessels in the chamber/ lists are compiled and individual pupil (thanks to the retirement of the inimitable competency of the crew / manoeuvrability of the vessel/ start our summer holidays, school might be timetables (870 of them) are printed. This and much respected Mr Morgon). I am very winding down… not a bit of it; at Lochaber weather conditions. Locking up is always slower as the task gets more difficult each year as staffing proud of what ‘my’ Sixth Years have High, we’re winding up for the next school water is going on to the vessel and with untrained staff the budgets are squeezed but, as I write, I am achieved and I look forward to hearing of Evening cruises in May on MV Crinan session! When our Fourth Year and Fifth pleased to say, we’re just about ready to their successes and achievements in the vessel could be thrown against the rear lock-gate. Tidal Year pupils return from study leave on 5th With the 2012 summer season fast approaching we have go! future – there is certainly plenty of issues at Corpach also effect timings of lockings at Banavie. June – after an extra one-day holiday to been hit with a number of problems, and for the first time in 150 pupils from our 11 associated potential! The final event for Sixth Years As a local team we try to keep Bridge swings to a minimum. celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee – th my tenure the canal has had to close to boat traffic because primary schools have been taking part in a will be a formal Graduation ceremony on 7 In the height of the season usually four swings take place in a we will start our new 2012/13 timetable, transition programme organised by Mrs June – with posh frocks, suits and kilts – of a lock-gate failure. One of the lock-gates at Gairlochy with all classes moving up a year. day with at most five swings; average time approx 10 Yvonne Clark, Principal Teacher of followed by a dinner dance in the Ben Nevis came close to falling in the canal. The heel post the gate sits Timetabling a school the size of Lochaber minutes. Guidance. Pupils from each school have Hotel. A night to remember! on had rotted at the lowest point (2 metre section). The gate High is no mean feat and, this year, it has visited LHS for a tour, guided by senior Jim Sutherland, Head Teacher had dropped leaving it hanging by the metal collar strap with We also have a lot of informal procedures in place – If an been the task of Depute Head Teacher, pupils and, on 18 June, all will return for a emergency vehicle is seen to be crossing the bridge with its Donald MacLean, to schedule the 1500 or about ½ inch of it keeping the gate in place. The largest gates one-week induction. Moving from primary LOCHABER HIGH SCHOOL AND THE in the canal are at Gairlochy with each gate weighing over blue light on, the local lock-keeper will put a call in to the to secondary can be a nerve-wracking GLOBAL CAMPAIGN FOR EDUCATION 25-ton. As a result we have had to bring in a crane company local police Station /ambulance depot to check what time it experience for youngsters… and parents. Lochaber High School’s First Year Modern to conduct the lift. A 200-ton crane had to be brought up will be coming back. Supervisor & senior lock-keeper keep Our transition programme aims to answer Studies pupils signed up in May, with an eye on local funeral notices to try and avoid any questions and allay fears so that pupils can thousands of other schools, to take part in from Preston, England to carry out the crane lift: a 150-ton interruptions to the funeral cortege taking into account a return in August, confident that they will the Global Campaign for Education. The crane was too small to lift the gate and a 250-ton crane too settle in quickly and that they will be well campaign aims to ensure that world leaders large to gain access to the lifting area, so with only two of number of factors. Different churches have different length looked after. like Prime Minister David Cameron, keep these cranes available in Scotland and both tied up on other of funeral services: this could vary between 45 minutes and Also moving on are our Sixth Years – 92 their pledge to give every child in the world jobs the crane had a sixteen hour journey from Preston. an hour and a half. Other factors taken into consideration of them – who leave us for a variety of a primary education by the year 2015. With are how well the deceased is known locally etc. to allow The Sixth Year Class of 2012 wave goodbye to destinations including employment, travel, only 3 years to go, there are still 67 million The other major problem we had recently was a bridge Lochaber High. people taking a cord time to cross over the Bridge. children missing out on education. failure at Banavie. The swing on the day was for Transerve We also liaise with event co-ordinators to minimise Prior to the meeting of the G8 countries who are required to carry out a monthly swing on the stand- disruption to events (Maggie’s Bike & Hike, Lochaber in the USA, pupils used their artistic talents by generator. Unfortunately the generator failed and for Marathon, Cycling triathlon events & Heather’s Walk to to decorate “Going for Gold” Olympic some reason the main power supply did not kick in name a few.) themed medals. These were then sent to immediately. This caused delays to road traffic for just over local MP Charles Kennedy, for forwarding to an hour. Fortunately Transerve’s local representative was on On a more positive note the Towpath between Corpach David Cameron, before he flew to the site and he was talked through a procedure to get the bridge & Banavie on the Caol side has been repaired. United States to attend the G8 Summit. up and running as our nearest Bridge round the pond at Gairlochy has been replaced. The campaign organisers have Sink Hole & Culvert at Banavie repaired 15th May. Open to acknowledged the pupils’ involvement by electricians were still ¾ of an hour public 22nd. awarding a certificate of recognition to away. The response time to a bridge Lochaber High School. failure is within two hours. John Stafford

LOCHABER HIGH SCHOOL ENTREPRENEURS COMPETE IN YOUNG ENTERPRISE The first ever wedding ceremony on the canal took place at Corpach on Saturday 19th May 2012 HIGHLAND FINALS Congratulations to Kenneth Biggin & Alison Martin On Wednesday 2nd May, eight Fifth and who took their vows at Corpach Sea-lock entrance. Sixth Year students who ran their own Sixth Years on their last day at Lochaber High throw their ties in the air – full of energy & aspiration! business under the Young Enterprise’s Company Programme won a place in the

Highland Regional Finals of the Canals Scottish as trading now are who Waterways, toBritish programme’s annual competition.

next phase of improvements at High School in for planning consent recently recently consent planning for in School High at improvements of next phase In the Company Programme, students learn about business through setting up and running their own company over the course of one year. ‘Bonnie Buttons’ spent the past Principal Teacher of Modern Studies, Mr Bob Colman with Class 1LN year creating button themed items, including clocks, bouquets, and ornaments to sell at local Trade Fairs. The directors won their way through several local rounds to the Highland Final. They were judged on their performance at Dragon’s Den; a written 10 page Company Report; their answers to questions at a

company display stand and, finally, a ten- farewell minute verbal presentation. The group was Highly Commended for their Market Research and won the Judges’ Prize for Product Development. In addition, six members of the group passed the

great to see see to great Strathclyde Business Examination. Principal Teacher of Business Studies, Mrs Marie Meldrum with the Young Enterprise team, Bonnie Buttons. page 20 page 9 wild about

kilmallie This has been a strange old year for butterflies and flowers locally. The Glencoe Residential

unusually warm and mild weather in On the 18th to the 20th of April, P7 from Banavie

Lochaber in March brought a multitude Primary School stayed at the Glencoe Outdoor Centre of moths to my trap at Glen Loy – for two nights. We left school at half past eleven and hundreds per night on mild nights. The arrived at the centre at quarter past twelve. The

damp and cold April and first half of May Glencoe Centre staff came to pick us up in a minibus. soon put paid to that. There was a fabulous display of Lady’s-Smock When we got to the centre, we took our suitcases off (Cuckoo Flower) along the verges this the minibus and went and stood outside the house as year, starting as early as March– we were instructed to. Another school was there too, certainly something to look at while which was St. Mary’s Primary School. sitting in the Lochy Bridge roadworks above: our regional speciality, the chequered skipper All the instructors came out to meet us and all the queue. Unfortunately this came too soon below:the striking green hairstreak for the Orange-tip butterfly. By the time see these great photos in colour on the natural kilmallie pages of KCC’s website, www.kilmallie.org.uk schools had to walk around and talk to each other. these hatched in May, their favourite Next, the instructors told us all their names and an pupate properly and were just delayed hindwing, while the small variety has food plant was all but gone. Similarly, interesting fact about themselves. Once we met by the cold, and that when they do several white marks. Both butterflies rely overwintering butterflies did well– the finally hatch there is something for the on a combination of bracken and violets, everybody, all of us got told what room we were in and Peacocks and Tortoiseshells, and even adults to feed on.The skippers are often and again prefer open, sunny areas for who we were sharing with. All of us went up to our the odd Red Admiral could be seen out described as liking open oak woodland, feeding. rooms to unpack our clothes and the teachers came to and about earlier in the year, only to but I have seen them foraging along By the time this article appears disappear in the cold. Those Peacocks check that we were okay. I was sharing with my friend typical forest rides surrounded by another locally notable species, the that are about now are pretty raggy. Rosie and all the other St. Mary’s girls. There were only conifers such as at Erracht. The males Large Heath, should have emerged. Look Other spring butterflies seem to be are typically aggressive and fast–flying, for this in wet heath, dominated by four other St Mary’s girls. Our room was quite small but very late. As I write in the last week of patrolling their territory, using look-out Hare’s-tail cotton-grass. This is more of a the other room with all the rest of the Banavie girls May, I have yet to see our regional posts from where they can spot rivals butterfly for the connoisseur, but is a was really big. The Banavie boys had to share with the speciality, the Chequered Skipper, and see them off. muted orange above and brown although some have been reported St Mary’s boys too. The Pearl-bordered Fritillary is underneath, slightly smaller than a further south from Glasdrum NNR. These Called down by the teachers, we had to go downstairs another regional speciality that is tortoiseshell. Do not forget the beautiful little chocolate brown and and into the dining room. An instructor called Colin relatively common here, but rare and supporting cast of other butterflies at yellow butterflies are only found within talked to us about what activities we would be doing declining elsewhere. This handsome this time of year– the striking Green School Banavie raisingtheir for at £3280 night fun approximately a 30 mile radius of Fort orange butterfly has a series of white Hairstreak, with its iridescent green and what time breakfast, lunch and dinner was. Colin William, and so our area is rightly ‘pearls’ along the borders of the hindwings (seen when the butterfly also told us what groups we would be in. Then, he celebrated for them. This butterfly has underside of its wings, hence the name. lands, as it keeps its wings closed whilst only been known in Scotland since finally told us what our first activity was going to be for

some of your own local wildlife pictures for the next issue? next the for pictures wildlife local own your of some It flies earlier than its closely related feeding), the Speckled Wood, and later World War 2, where it was first spotted the day. Next, all of us had to go up to our room and cousin, the Small Pearl-bordered in the season, the handsome Scotch by a notable naturalist, Lt-Col Cyril get ready for our first activity. Fritillary, which emerges about the Argus. For the meantime we might just Mackworth-Praed, who was stationed at beginning of June, and is locally have to make do with our most common All the groups had to meet in this garage space and get Inverlochy Castle. Glen Loy is one of the common. Despite the name there is not butterfly, the Green-veined White, which equipment for what we needed for our activity. The hotspots for Chequered Skipper, along much difference in size between the two seems to be everywhere. with Allt Mhuic, the butterfly reserve on group that I was in was going canoeing first. In our species, but the Pearl-bordered Fritillary the side of Loch Arkaig. There are plenty group were two boys from St Mary’s and four girls only has one large, and one other Jon Mercer of other places to see them nearby, from Banavie. Our instructor was called Nathan. Once notable white cell in the middle of the Glenloy Wildlife however, including Fassfern and we all got our equipment on, we went in the minibus Corriebeg. Almost certainly more and went to Ballachulish Slate Quarry. colonies could be found by searching for When we got to the quarry we had to take the canoes them. The larval food plant is Purple- Moor Grass, preferably growing in a out of the trailer and carry them to the edge of the sheltered, sunny, flushed location, which water. We then got into pairs and carried the canoe allows the caterpillars to continue into the water. Rosie and I went into a canoe together feeding well into the autumn. Often and we were lucky because we got our instructor these boggy areas are associated with Nathan in our canoe to help us. We played lots of fun Bog-myrtle, now just coming into leaf and smelling gorgeous. The adults nectar games and then did capsizing at the end! on mainly blue or purple flowers, such as We did lots of other activities during our stay like rock- Bluebell, Bugle or Lousewort, preferably climbing, hill walking and problem-solving dynamics. congratulations on the edges of sunny rides. The We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and it helped our self- bluebells are very late coming into confidence and team-building skills. flower in Glen Loy, and there also seems

why not send us us send why not to be a dearth of Lousewort. It can only hoped that the skippers were able to By Amy Campbell page 8 rugby fun in the sun at Banavie Indignant ten years ago page 21 Thanks to Pauline Donaldson for this report from buses started rolling in the sun came out and stayed out for the remember this? Lochaber Rugby Club. It would be great to have a rest of the day, providing the pupils with the perfect conditions to enjoy the competition. from newsletter no 11 regular contribution from them in each issue. Judi This popular event which is run in conjunction the Highlife www.lochaberrfc.co.uk in the summer of 2002? Highland’s Active School Co-Ordinators and officiated by the clubs

Lochaber Rugby Club hosted their Inter-School Tag Rugby volunteer coaches and SRU officials has become a regular slot in Hello everyone. I’m Judi the cat Competition at Banavie on Wednesday 9th May. This year’s the diary of Lochaber Primary and Secondary Schools. This year (well known to regular readers of competition was sponsored by Sportsafe UK Ltd, which is based in saw over 270 pupils competing throughout the day. Lochaber Life.) !’m feeling rather Corpach and their Area Manager for Scotland, Charlie Donaldson The Primary Competition is held in the morning, with schools aggrieved at the moment as a from around Fort William and outlying schools from as far as presented the trophies to the winning teams for each category. strange cat is daring to come in through my cat flap and is Acharacle, Mallaig/Arisaig/Morar, Glencoe/Duror, Invergarry Spean Prior to the competition the club’s Community Coach, Chris even eating my dry food! Cheek! Simpson visited the Lochaber Schools to provide Tag Coaching to all Bridge/Roy Bridge and 3 of the 4 Secondary Schools took part in This naughty cat has been coming in at night for a the pupils ensuring that they understood the rules which made it the Secondary Competition in the afternoon. while now. I sleep mostly on Mum’s bed and as soon as I hear more competitive and fun for the boys and girls – and even some of The winners in the Primary School Competition were - P4-5 the cat flap – it makes quite a noise – I jump down and sit 14 July? 14 the teachers who were getting pretty enthusiastic on the side-lines, Mallaig Primary School, P6-7 Upper Achintore. In the Secondary cheering their pupils on. School Competition, the winners were Ardnamurchan High School. growling at the top of the stairs. Of course Mum wakes up. The day started off overcast and dull but luckily by the time the Congratulations to you all. She says “Don’t worry, Judi. I’ll chase that cat out” and goes downstairs. Usually when it hears Mum’s voice, it thinks the better of staying and we hear the cat flap again as it disappears. But one night lately it diddled us. We must have been sleeping very soundly or else it had sneaked in when the door was open earlier. I heard the cat flap and thought that was it coming in but actually it was going out having enjoyed a good meal of my bikkies. We discovered this in the morning when we went into the sitting room. Why were Mum’s papers on the table by the window scattered all over the floor, bits of earth on the table and a small plastic bag which had contained quite a lot of my Our Youth Awards were presented by Club President Alistair MacKinnon and Club Captain Kenny Turnbull at the end of season Awards dry food lying on the table empty? Mum was astounded and Ceremony on Saturday 16 June in the Clubhouse. The award winners this year were: said “Judi, that is a very naughty cat but I can’t but admire its P3-P7 Winners Season 2011-12 sense of smell, its agility (it was quite a high table) and its Midi rugby winners P6/7 Player of the Year - John Clark appetite. She didn’t think it was a stray cat. – From the few S3/4 Player of the Year - Finlay Ireland P6/7 Most Improved Player - Ben Fulford glimpses she had seen of it, it looked well nourished – and Joint S1/S2 Players of the Year - Ryan Davies & Matthew Bradley P4/5 Player of the Year - Johnny Forster there are quite a lot of cats living up the hill behind us. S1/2 Most Improved Player - Frederik Ewers P4/5 Most Improved Player - Fraser Davis So to get a bit of peace at night the cat flap is shut. I P3 Most Improved Player of the Year - Dylan Monk don’t mind too much just now as the weather is so awful. But wait till I meet that cat face to face! How dare it eat my food!

Ruth Miller

ago years 30 Club Mill Pulp the dartsexhibition, Bristow’s Eric

watching (or taking part in) the Glen Nevis Raft Race on Race Raft Nevis Glen the in) part (or taking watching

Miller's expense) is the final trigger to commencement of the Tesco scheme at Blar Mor, which is the first phase of a much Blar development larger development that will - over time - incorporate a new Police Station, retail park, Gaelic School and Hospital. Given that KCC have received the following update from Colin Graham, the Blar is entirely covered by a layer of peat, up to 3m deep in Development Manager of Miller Developments places, it is a substantial engineering exercise to prepare the site "As you will no doubt be aware, Miller Developments has been on for building. To accommodate the new Tesco store and site's -site with its major upgrading of the A82/A830 Lochybridge internal road network, around 160,000 cubic tonnes of peat will roundabout. The unfortunate Friday night delays aside (which require to be moved, and a similar quantity of sands and gravels occurred at this junction even before Miller's works started, and recovered from the old riverbed underneath the which our contractors did their best to minimise through manual peat. Fortunately, our appointed contractors, I&H Brown, have will you you will be adjustment of the traffic light system), the Lochybridge junction extensive experience in muck-shifting on this scale. Our Dramatic giant flower spikes and emerging upgrade went very smoothly and any delays will hopefully be infrastructure works should be complete by Xmas 2012 forgotten about now the new roundabout has opened to traffic. (again, weather permitting!) and the site handed across to Tesco leaves in Kilmallie’s Community Gardens. The completion of these works (which were done entirely at for the erection of their store in early 2013.” Visit the photo galleries at www.kilmallie.org.uk there? you were through some spruce trees and and when it is is full flower it looks group of 100 will be using the hall in page 22 wonderful. They do best when they are allowed to grow freely, so June for a sponsored climb of the Ben in page 7 green fingers along a fence or through trees is best. We had one that was too aid of the MacMillan nurses. And once near the house and it grew right into the loft. You can prune them Thanks to Morag for the first of our kilmallie again thanks to all our regular clients occasional pieces on gardening. a bit after they flower just to keep them under control but I like to leave them. who support us weekly. Why not send us some of your own local The next group are the large flowered ones which I think most Our plea for volunteers gardening tips for future issues? people would favour. They can be very eye-catching but they are to assist with the running

the trickiest I think. They need pruning in the Spring: some of Hall of the hall has appeared When I was asked to do a piece for the Newsletter I said 'no I don't know enough', then it was suggested I just do something about them just have the tops taken off and the others need to be It’s that time of the year again, as you to have fallen onto deaf one plant. As we have around 75 Clematis in the garden, that pruned down to about 4 inches above the ground. They are also will all have noticed most of the ears. Once again I would seemed a good choice. more prone to Clematis Wilt, however, if this happens and they regeneration work has been completed: ask if you have any spare Now, I am no expert but just someone who loves gardening die, just pile a lot of soil round the base and they will very often new roof and heating system, new time to assist, please contact any of the pop up again the following year They also have a second and plants and have done since my first experience over 60 years ceiling in the small hall and dressing committee. ago when an old lady gave me a Nasturtium seed she had kept and flowering in the Autumn although the flowers will be a bit smaller. When these are finished come the Viticellas, again they have rooms, and the painting completed in Information on what’s on can be it grew. My Mother was a natural gardener so I suppose it rubbed part. The work on the disabled ramp found on the Kilmallie Community off. I don't like the garden to look manicured which is just as well small flowers but are very easy as you just cut them down to the Council website (If you have a as it is not my style at all. I think this is why I love Clematis in all base in Feb and let them grow as they wish. Best if they can and parking is ongoing, also access to their forms. scramble through shrubs. Clematis are versatile, hardy, and easy the disabled toilet from the car park computer) if not check the notice The First ones to flower are the Alpinas, the flowers are quite to grow. All you need are a deep hole when planting, plenty of using a Radar Key is in progress, and it is boards. small but there are many varieties and, if you look at them closely, fertilizer and, at this time of year, a feed with Sulphate of all down to cash flow. With regards to Jimmy Smith they are really pretty. They don't need any pruning so it is best to Potash. They also do very well in tubs with a bit of support. I was the heating, we are still fine-tuning it plant them where they have room to spread a bit. The in Morrisons today and they have loads of new ones in, I was so for the best results, so be patient. Kilmallie Hall, Station Road, Corpach, next group are the Montanas, now these can be really spectacular tempted!! Fort William, PH33 7JH Morag Mackell The hall is very busy now, and over and we have a white one that must be 50 feet tall, it is growing the last few months we have had Scottish Charity SC000604 concerts by Music for All, the final CHAIRMAN Mr John Macdonald, Merchiston, Badabrie, Banavie, concert of the Music Festival. The Fort William. Tel 01397 772443 Caring for our sheep and lambs is difficult - Button’s & Bows concert in March was the rams go out with the ewes on 20th SECRETARY Mrs Norma MacLellan, November and around 20th February we get a a great success. We provided 12 Hillview Drive, Corpach, Strone Farm guy in to scan the ewes and he tells us which is accommodation for the Commandos Fort William. Tel. 01397 772597 yeld (without lamb), which are single and which during their speed march in March. The TREASURER Mr James Smith, Here’s the second instalment from our fascinating interview are twins and then we can feed them accordingly. The lambing Ward 12 forum was held in the hall in 13 Lady Margaret Drive, Corpach, with Malcolm Cameron starts about 20th April and from then until 20th May we shift 300 February - a very busy night. A charity Fort William. Tel. 01397 772561 ewes from Strone to Inverness with their lambs. We do this to We breed pedigree Limousin cattle - all registered, so you know keep the lambs safe from the foxes, sea eagles and the golden their lineage. We picked Limousin because we felt they were the eagle over the other side of Loch Arkaig. We appreciate that golden most suitable animal for this area - it's funny though, if you ask our eagles are native here but the introduction of sea eagles has been neighbours which they thought were the most suitable, one would communities of Banavie, Corpach and Locheilside and bad news for us and our lambs! We could lose almost 200 lambs say Simmental another Shorthorn and another Angus! There’s no schedules will be available at Corpach Post Office*** over summer. If this had continued it would have ruined us right and wrong - it's just what suits us. Corpach in Colour If you missed this event last year, please try to come along financially - so we had to think of a way to stop this. Some This project began in 2005 and has grown over the years. We enjoy breeding the Limousin - we’ve got about 30 now, and this year even just for tea or coffee. By doing so you will be costs running their to contribution a as Council shepherds will reckon that otters will take a lamb - I think they may we get a great kick out of it. Each cow has to produce a calf every In the early days we planted a variety of plants in the tubs but supporting your community. take a dead lamb but I don't think they would take a fit lamb. year - not always possible but we have to try to achieve it. Each latterly we discovered that begonias grew well so we have Unfortunately Corpach in Colour will not be re-starting the The other really big problem we have with sheep is ticks - they calf has to put on as many kilos as possible by the time we sell ordered them again for 2012. Kilmallie Gardens Competition this year as it will be too time- seem to have more and more disease - we can never get rid of ticks them at about 10 months old, and the heavier they are the more All the spring bulbs have been lifted and they will be consuming. & liver fluke because the wild red deer are affected with both and Highland from £1500 awarded being for Colour In toCorpach they are worth, but we have to balance that against the cost of the replanted or replaced in the autumn. Thank you to Councillors Clark, Henderson and Hunter for spread them into our sheep flock. We have to dose the sheep for feed. To help the cost of the feed we grow our own silage and we Some tubs have been replaced, others had bands replaced. their continued support; to Corpach Boatbuilders for their liver fluke and spray for ticks! have a big baler and a machine that puts the black wrap on the The bands have all been painted and we thank Gerry, of LBS generosity; to the local Co-op, Treasures of the Earth and We bring the ewes back home by the middle of August, so they bales. To cover the cost of the baler we do contracting on who donated the paint. Harbro for having our collecting tins; to all local folk for their at the Lochaber Agricultural Show, Torlundy, Sunday 25th August 25th Sunday Torlundy, Show, Agricultural Lochaber the at are only off the hill for a short time. We sell the male lambs in neighbouring farms to bale and wrap their silage. Local folk tell us how much they appreciate our efforts…. donations; to all our extra volunteers (including husbands and Dingwall and then we winter the ewe hogs up on the Black Isle and We are trying to breed good pedigree animals and so we go to but we appeal to drivers of vans and lorries not to park their Allan S and Bruce D) who help us in so many ways. then they come home in April and the rotation starts all over again. France and look for a bull that's breeding well and we'll buy semen vehicles on the grass verges through the village. Several areas We could not do it without you! They get wintered up there because it's much drier - they winter in off that bull. We're always wanting to breed good females as have been churned up and tubs have even been smashed Margaret MacIntyre, Corpach in Colour them on grass, turnips and hay. they stay in your herd for about 12 years - and she'll give you 10 because of this. It's been an old custom that people have to send sheep away st *** A copy of the schedule is also included on pages 14 calves - so she is very important. When we are selling our bulls, we On September 1 the Second Flower and Produce Show from here - even before there was a road. There's a museum in the and 15 of this newsletter need our females to be in very good condition so the buyer can see will be held in Kilmallie Hall. Entries will be accepted from the new Dingwall Mart which is really interesting - they vary the photos the quality of our stock, so we keep animals in show condition and and one time I was up there they had a fantastic photo, taken at we take them to the Show. Aberchalder, of Cheviot ewe hogs coming back home: they Our pedigrees are named - our prefix is Stonefield and each year brought them down in a huge barge - I think there'd be 100 lambs - The residents of Banavie and visitors to has a letter - last year it was G so our two young bulls were down the canal and into Loch Lochy and they let them off at Banavie just love the floral displays Stonefield Gaddafi and Stonefield Gladstone! We also name all Bunarkaig and made them walk from there! that 'Banavie Floral Improvements’ have our heifers, but as there are a lot of them we can get a bit confused Our sheep have to be electronically tagged in their ear - each with them! produced in the last few years - we thank lamb gets a double tag. Using a digital reader we can put all the We also have hill sheep - North Country Cheviots which come them all and remember with love and information into the computer and our records are kept up to date. from the Thurso area (while South Country Cheviots come from gratitude Kay Gretton, one of the founder There is an awful lot of work connected to keeping records for all around Hawick) and they have white faces. I do smile when people gardeners, who passed away on 5th June our animals but that's the way the authorities want it so that is come and tell me "your sheep are on the road" and we say “what what we have to do. 2012. Kay will be greatly missed by her colour are their faces?” - if they're black face they're not mine and My son Christopher can only get a half wage out of this place so family, friends and all who knew her. We if they're white then they are! The Cheviots aren't the most he goes away for half the year and contracts out to help other will remember her smile and enthusiasm suitable sheep for this area but the lambs are worth a bit more farmers gathering, clipping and doing whatever is needed. for life. The flower displays in Banavie bring lots to enjoy enjoy to lots because there’s more meat on the gigot! It was North Country Life on the farm is busy when you have sheep and cattle – but a smile to everyone who passes them.

Cheviots that were on the farm when we we took it over. congratulations we enjoy it and it’s our life! a spectacular display of daffodils earlier this year, all thanks to the volunteers of Banavie Floral Improvements most of the smaller woods and lots of fine trees have been page 6 left lying where they fell. At the same time many are page 23 Heather’s Caitheamh suffering from fuel poverty and others are idle due to lack of employment. Even more surprising, our government recommends burning firewood instead of oil or coal as a nan Coille green way of heating our homes. Something is far wrong. Walk 2012 (R Camshron, deisaichte le Murdina Skinner) It has to be said, before we start to make excuses for ourselves, that things are managed much better on the The fifth Heather Sponsored Walk was held European mainland. Tidy stacks of firewood can be seen on Sunday 27th May and started this time Thathar ag radh nach eil ach dà rud cinnteach nar outside just about every house in the villages and rural areas from Kilmallie Hall: it was a great success. beathannan, cìsean ‘s bàs. Dh’fhaodamaid fear eile a chuir of France, Germany and northern Italy. Each family gets the Ninety of us took part in the walk. We all riutha; thèid prìs na h-ola, agus connaidh san fharsaingeachd, an àird gu cunbhalach. ‘S e cùis iongnaidh a th’ann air sgàth opportunity to buy an annual allocation of firewood from the

walked along the canal and then back

community woodlands, ready for burning. along the road. It was gloriously sunny and sin, dhomhsa co-dhiù, an uibhir de fhiodh a tha sinn a’ We have a wee wood burning stove that keeps our sitting perhaps a wee bit on the warm side and caitheamh. room delightfully warm with birch logs. I have to do about six many of us were feeling the heat. Back at Tha coltas blàr a’ chiad chogaidh air na coilltean againn as days work a year to keep the stove going so I’m aware that the Hall, jams and chutneys were being deidh leagail nan craobh, leis an talamh air a reubadh suas firewood doesn’t come free but among the many good sold; we had a “Guess the Weight of The agus cnapan mòra fiodha air fhàgail air feadh an àite. Chì things about it is that it isn’t priced in American dollars! Fish”; Alan Simpson making the best sibh, gu tric, stacan mòra fiodha air a ghearradh agus air Trees were scarce in Lochaber sixty years ago but estimate and we had a raffle for a lovely fhàgail ri taobh rathaidean na coille far a bheil iad a’ there are plenty of them now and scrub woodland is iced Madeira cake made by Kath grodadh. Rinn siantan a’ gheamraidh sgrios uamhasach air Piper leading off the walk with organisers Margaret and Sarah at front spreading quickly because of climate change and declining Treadwell. There was also a treasure hunt coilltean beaga am bliadhna agus tha cus chraobhan fhathast stock numbers on the hills. Our government is giving in the community gardens for the kids. Our nan laighe far an do thuit iad. Aig an aon àm tha mòran substantial subsidies to various forms of renewable energy, thanks go to Margaret Simpson and to a’fulang bochdainn chonnaidh agus cuid eile nan tàmh air pretty wind generators for example. Should they not, Sarah Walker for organising such an sgàth dìth obrach. Nas iongantach buileach, tha an riaghaltas perhaps, give some thought to ways of increasing the use of enjoyable day for a good cause. £5069.68 againne a’ moladh fiodh a losgadh mar dhòigh uaine air na firewood and is there a possibility of community was raised in total for the Highland taighean againne a theasachadh an àite gual no ola a involvement? Hospice. A great community effort by all! losgadh. Tha rudeigin fada cearr. Feumar a ràdh, mus tòisich sinn leisgeualan a dhèanamh air ar son, gu bheil cùisean fada nas dòigheile air tìr mòr an * the title harks back to an 18thC environmental disaster that followed on from the clearances Roinn Eòrpa. Tha stacan sgiobalta fiodh-teine ri fhaicinn air taobh a muigh, cha mhòr, a h-uile taigh anns na bailtean beaga agus na sgirean dùthchaill san Fhraing, sa’ Ghearmailt

forMaggie’s Monsterbikers andhikers agus ceann a’ tuath na h-Eadailt. Gheibh gach teaghlach Walkers crossed the canal and headed off along opposite bank cothrom uìmhir de fhiodh a cheannach gach bliahdna bho choilltean choimhearsnachd, deiseil airson losgaidh. Tha stòbha beag fiodha san taigh againn a tha cumail an sèomar suidhe blàth le òrdan beithe. Feumaidh mi sia làithean obrach a dhèanamh gach bliadhna gus an stòbha a chùmail a’ dol agus, air sgàth sin, tha mi mothachail nach eil

fiodh-teine saor ‘s an asgaidh ach, a measg nan rudan math your articles on different aspects of life in Kilmallie in life of aspects different on articles your mu dheidhinn, chan eil a’ phrìs air a tomhais ann an Coastguard had "Beat the dollairean Ameireaganach! buzzer " game Bha craobhan caran gann ann an Lochabair o chionn tri fundraiser. fichead bliadhna ach tha pailteas dhiubh ann a nis agus tha iad a’ sgaoileadh gu luath air sailleabh blàthachadh na cruinne agus crìonadh àireamh an stuic. Tha an riaghaltas againne a chur taic-airgid gu leòr gu sgeamaichean cumhachd ath-ùrachail eile, muileannan-gaoithe brèagha mar eiseimpleir. Nach bu chòir dhaibh beagan smaoine, a Coastguard had "Throw a lifejacket" game fundraiser bharrachd, a thoirt do dòighean fiodh a chleachdadh agus am bheil cothrom ann airson a’choimhearsnachd pairt a ghabhail?

The Waste of the Woods * Woodpile, Banavie (photo KCC) The walk was in aid of the Highland Hospice (by R Cameron) Is anyone else interested in exploring the It is said that there are only two things certain in life, taxes potential for community woodland fuel locally? and death. To this we can add another. The price of oil, and energy in general, is going to rise steadily. It is therefore If so, please get in touch with KCC. something of a surprise to see the amount of wood that goes Is it something that the Kilmallie Community

great send off of dawn piping send dawn of off great to waste. Company might consider? Our forests look like First World War battlefields after Reforesting Scotland publish a number of us send please the trees have been harvested with the ground ripped up information sheets on community fuelwood - you’ll and masses of wood left lying all over the place. Frequently find them on the Links page at one sees large piles of wood cut and stacked beside the www.kilmallie.org.uk roads but left to rot. The winter storms have devastated Heading off Dawn’s face painting fundraiser propane and butane gas for sale and we sell off our old holiday page 24 stock locally to builders etc. our 3 ward councillors re-elected page 5 focus on business How long have you been operating in Kilmallie? The Highland Council Elections were held For this issue, thanks to Colin Wood of Linnhe As of March 2013 we will have operated in Kilmallie for 50 years. on Thursday 3 May 2012 and 80 councillors were elected to serve on the Lochside who tells us about the business he Originally we were situated where the Pulp Mill was but we were Council's 22 multi-member wards. The runs at Annat. relocated further West hence the “Linnhe” even though we are on Loch Eil. turnout across Highland was a low 41.6%. What is your company name? How many people do you employ locally? Councillors are elected to make decisions Linnhe Lochside Holidays formerly Linnhe Caravan Park Off peak about 7 rising to 15 when busy. affecting the whole of the Highland area Where are you located? What do you and your business like best about being in but the primary role of a councillor is to Our caravans are situated by the banks of Loch Eil Kilmallie? represent their ward and the people who What does your company do? Our business flourishes because of the scenery, history and live in it. Primarily we are holiday accommodation providers. We provide wildlife. I speak to holidaymakers from built up areas everyday Kilmallie is in Ward 12 (Caol and Mallaig) and we are pleased that we have chalets, holiday caravans, Touring caravans, and tent pitches. who cannot believe the peace and quiet that we often take for continuity of support from our 3 ward councillors who were all re-elected this time: When full we bring over 800 extra people to Corpach. We also granted.  Allan Henderson (Independent) offer Holiday Homes for sale on and off the park. We offer  Bill Clark (stood for election as Independent, but later joined the SNP in June)  Eddie Hunter (Independent).

They attend our KCC meetings when they can and their wealth of knowledge and experience help guide us with, for example, who to contact in the Highland Council focus on folk or other public body, or information on a similar situation which happened before in Kilmallie or elsewhere; their advice is invaluable. We also receive support and advice from Dot Ferguson, Lochaber Wards Manager, her supporting staff, and Kilmallie is bursting with pride for 12 year old Lorna Linfield, Allan Henderson Bill Clark Eddie Hunter other officers of the Highland Council. from Torcastle, who was chosen to be one of the Olympic torch bearers who carried the flame through Lochaber on its Those parties obviously thought that they could find more equality journey round the UK. What a great day it was!! The weather to form an Administration made up of SNP / Lib Dem / Labour was gorgeous and lots of people turned out to watch Lorna and our Highland Councillors. They should be judged on their commitment to their to enjoy the razzmatazz! Thanks to Lorna for telling us about programme and that alone. her day... councillors’ corner STEPPING OVER THE MARK Not all Councillors or indeed politicians play by the rules. As in any Way! to the Glen Great th As our three incumbent councillors were all successfully Saturday the 9 of June 2012, will be a day I will always remember profession some people overstep the mark and bring dishonour to re-elected, Bill Clark, Allan Henderson and Eddie Hunter because I carried the Olympic Torch through Fort William. I was their profession, more often than not for personal gain. When nominated by Mrs Watt from Lochaber High School a few months continue to take turns to write a piece for each people or groups become a threat to the ambitions of politicians, it ago. It was a big surprise to find out I’d been chosen. The Olympic newsletter. This time we’re round to Bill again. is all too often the case that they are at best misrepresented or at Committee sent me my Uniform, Scarf and Information Pack a week Thank you to everyone who voted. I will continue to do my utmost worst demonised to reduce the effect of their views. That has before the event. to improve the lives of residents and the services they receive. been the case for as long as we have had democracy and it will On the day itself, my mother took me to the Nevis Centre and THE DEMISE OF THE INDEPENDENT COUNCILLOR always be the case. We must never turn a blind eye to such issues signed me in, after proof of documentation. I was taken to the The leadership of the Independent Party/Group lost out in their if we are to provide a level playing field for everyone in our Torch Bearers Bus with a chaperone where there were the other effort to be Highland Council’s next Administration. To go into community with alternative views who wishes to express them. Torch Bearers. On the bus we had a briefing on what to do – how negotiations with the other Political Parties with a premeditated WHERE HAVE ALL THE VOTERS GONE to hold the Torch and pass the flame on. agenda worked against them, so it was hardly surprising that the All over the world, people protest and are prepared to go to jail I started my run at the end of the roundabout. At the beginning other Political Parties refused to accept the subordinate role on and, in some cases suffer torture to get the opportunity to vote. I felt a bit nervous when I had my torch lit but once I started offer to each of them. On a personal level, it must have been a Nelson Mandela spent 30 years in jail to get the right to vote. In running, I felt fine. Running up the street I could see and hear crushing experience for those ambitious leading Independent the Highlands, less than half those entitled to vote took that people cheering my name, which was great. At the Leisure Centre, I politicians who must have believed that as the largest party / opportunity (41%). In saying that one 95 year old lady in Corpach lit the next torch with lots of photographers taking photos. Then group, senior positions were within their grasp. Their irritation and voted. Do those who declined to vote believe that it won’t make back on the bus to the pick up point. gloom is from their point of view understandable. It was over the any difference who represents their community? Many Councillors To celebrate the day, we had a BBQ at home with family and past five years that the Independent Councillors turned themselves put their heart and soul into representing their community. friends. My Granddad bought the torch which will go into the West into a bona fide political organisation which enabled their Councillors obviously must do better to convince people that it is Highland Museum for a while before coming home. I feel very lucky leadership to attain some senior posts and a voice in the last Lib worthwhile voting for a local representative. to have had this opportunity. Dem / Independent / Labour Administration. Nevertheless, on this occasion more people voted for the SNP/Lib Dem / Labour parties. Bill Clark

Lorna Linfield age 12

was spotted on Russian TV by Rachel MacLugash working in Azerbaijan !! !! Azerbaijan in working MacLugash Rachel by TV Russian on spotted was

speed checks to be carried out in the Lochaber High School area although routine checks have been carried out in and around community policing Banavie Primary School which has resulted in several motorists With the tourist season well underway and events such as the UCI being warned regarding their speed. Road policing remains a very Mountain Bike World Cup and the Olympic Torch Relay just recently high priority on Northern Constabulary’s policing plan for 2012/13 complete it promises to be a busy time ahead for the Lochaber and efforts will continue to improve the safety of, and reduce public and this will be no exception for the Police. The plans criminality on our roads throughout the summer months. undertaken in preparation for such events with other partner In relation to overall crime figures, Northern Constabulary is agencies paid dividends as the Lochaber area celebrated a highly pleased to report that the detection rate for all crime within the Lochaber area currently stands at 66.6%, one of the highest in the successful weekend with no reported incidents of any major birthday 10th happy concern for the Police. force. This would not be possible without the full support and Locally, I’m sure the Kilmallie and Caol residents especially assistance we receive from the local communities. welcomed the completion of the Road to the Isles roundabout. We I would like to conclude by reassuring the local community that have appreciated people’s understanding regarding the inevitable as our efforts short term have been focused on recent major events delays and effect this has had on people's commute to work. The mentioned, we will not be taking our ‘eye off the ball’ in our Banavie road has been used on a number of occasions for continued efforts to tackle all levels of crime within Lochaber. diversions when any major delays have occurred, including the

recent fatal road traffic collision and the problems with the new Andrew Bilton Lorna with Lorna torch technology on the Banavie Swing Bridge. Police Sergeant In light of the road works there has been limited opportunity for Liaison Officer for Kilmallie Community Council Here’s the second part of page 4 gateman. page 25 Hugh’s piece about the history Over the Camusnaha crossing, Lochiel built a 9 hole golf on the web of Annat. Hugh has been course on arable ground. It was designed by Fernie of Troon. In about writing lots more articles for us June 1904 it was formally opened by Captain Thos Honeyman, which we look forward to Lochiel’s factor. Mrs Everard Jones hit the first ball. Banavie www.kilmallie.org.uk sharing with everyone in future schoolchildren sang "a golfing we will go" – and they were given Our website is gradually developing in all sorts of ways as a  find the contact details of our local councillors annat issues. milk and buns. The golf course was closed in 1939. With the coming of the Second World War, Annat fantastic community resource. Whether you visit it regularly

 have your say in current local issues With the coming of the railway in 1901 it cut off a lot of the Farm and Lochaber became a centre of naval and military activity. The

or only occasionally, there is lots on offer there and we are  find out what’s on at Kilmallie Hall continually talking about ways to develop it further. ground - arable and grazing. There were three crossings - a bridge land to the East of the rail crossing became the Admiralty Site  see what the Banavie Quarry Liaison Group are all about at Camusnaha, a crossing west of Annat Burn and a crossing (part of HMS St Christopher). It had been Church Glebe land. The  catch up with significant local planning applications opposite the Oakwoods. The builders of this railway, the so-called site was developed by builder Willie Logan mainly to service some of the great  find out where Kilmallie’s Site of Special Scientific Interest Mallaig Extension, were McAlpines. A son ran this project, and smaller Coastal boats. It had workshops, slipways, a floating is while doing so, lived in the Bungalow positioned on the dock and rail siding. It was shut down by 1944. From then until  read about Gormshuil’s Bend, the White Cockade and Oakwoods. 1950 it became an ammunition depot together with up to 7 reasons to visit the other stories Going over the " Oakwood " crossing, going down towards anchored storage ships in Loch Eil. Over the next few years it was  browse local news items the shore, there was once a salmon curer. There is still an used by a number of small businesses: a seaweed collection icehouse built about 1800. It is relatively rare but, despite being point, Pulp Mill construction workers’ camp, a rifle range, the website -  contact KCC the easy way Listed, is in a poor state. Down by the shore there was a Meal Auction Mart and the Mill social club.  find out when the blue bin days are when you’ve mislaid Mill. Up to the 1950s there was a ruin which is said to have been The Admiralty Site required a large workforce. The numbers your recycling calendar We’re also very excited by the possibility that we might the home of persons who were on lookout in case the Macleans and skills were not available locally. The skilled workforce came  check out all our local services and facilities if you’ve just shortly be linking in with the fantastic Kilmallie Image Library from Ardgour attempted to cross to Cameron territory! from shipping repair yards many from the SE of England. With moved to the area website. We’re also talking to the Kilmallie Community This Meal Mill, built about 1830(?), served the Fort William the closing of the golf course, a housing estate of approximately  share your wildlife photos Company about hosting a page for them in our community area and was closed in the 1930s. Its water power came from the 200 houses was built by Marines. The houses were of poor  read old issues of the newsletter section. And we’re hoping to start an archive of historical mill lade just to the North of it and it was popular as a local quality – single-walled poured concrete. This Annat Camp had 2  find out about how the Lochaber Local Plan affects us in articles too. More news of all these things next time. Please icerink. Water was fed to the lade via a man-made channel from shops, a Post Office, a school and a hall. It also had a rail siding Kilmallie get in touch with any comments or contributions by emailing the Annat Burn about ½ mile away. Parts of this channel can still and a signalbox.  read the minutes of KCC meetings [email protected] be seen. For a time the old Millhouse was the home of Lochaber Partly because of the state of the houses most of the site was Yacht Club. Sadly there was a bad fire and the building has since empty or demolished by the late 1950s. During this time, on the  learn more about the history of Kilmallie on our timeline been cleared. The one remaining piece of evidence is a millstone road to Annat Farm, which ran straight from the main road to the  find out about local walks and another great local website to check out - www.westhighlandmuseum.org.uk which is displayed in Kilmallie Community Gardens. With the new Farm, 4 houses were built for Officers. This was called Annat  learn about the Gaelic placenames of our area for highland life, jacobites, archaeology, and lots more crossing, the miller, Peter McNaughton, refused to operate the Terrace.  browse our great growing photo archive gates. The rail company had to build a house there and employ a Hugh Muir

 Above that level, local communities will retain 55% of and working full time inspite of being badly treated in recent the benefit. times). (Actually I’m possibly working harder than ever as a carbon store thanks to my rapidly establishing woodland cover). No – my Community Benefit  30% will go to a wider Area Fund in the Highland Council The Highland Council recently hosted a Community Benefit letters death will be inevitable following the injuries you’re about to inflict area on me. Digging me out and piling me up in spoil heaps will kill me, workshop in their offices in the High Street, Fort William. What  15% will go to The Highland Trust Fund. sure as damselfly eggs is eggs. Not just in the patches that you cut is Community Benefit we hear you say? Well the Highland Dear KCC into but also round my wider edges - as soon as I am disturbed I will Council’s definition is “Community benefit is a ‘goodwill’ So even if we do not have a wind farm or hydro-electric scheme start to die, and my life-water will drain away, taking with it all my contribution voluntarily donated by a developer for the benefit I’m writing to say goodbye because I’m about to die. in Kilmallie, the community may still benefit from these usefulness to you as a carbon store. And in a double whammy, of communities affected by development where this will have a I am a peat bog. I know I’m not handsome in most people’s schemes through the wider area fund. The Community Benefit while I’m dying and decomposing I will be releasing all my 5000 long-term impact on the environment.” Whilst this initially eyes – most folk think I’m brown and featureless and boring, I’ve page on the Highland Council website states “The Highland years’ worth of stored carbon into the atmosphere as more heard many say I’m just a wet blanket. And OK I know I’m not the looks as though it could be for any type of development it greenhouse gas, so Kilmallie residents will have to suffer even more Council wishes to ensure that local communities benefit directly biggest or the best, which maybe is why no-one fought to save me. transpires from the workshop and Community Benefit Policy from the use of their local resources and are compensated for draconian measures to reduce your carbon footprints than if you

But as peat bogs go I’m exceedingly good at my job, and I’m sad to bridge Canal rail the of side Tomonie the at signal a box was there that this benefit currently refers only to onshore renewable had left me working away quietly and discreetly on your behalf. the disruption and inconvenience associated with large scale think I’ve worked hard all my life with little recognition for my energy developments such as wind farms and hydro-electric Don’t misunderstand me - I’ve no hard feelings. I know how development work”. pains.

the Scottish midge forecast website? Kilmallie scoring time the website? midge weScottish last 4/5 Kilmallie forecast looked! schemes and offshore developments such as wave power. The hard it is for you humans to see things in the long term perspective, Let me explain. My job is to store carbon. It might look like I’m policy seeks a minimum payment to community benefit funds KCC questioned at the workshop that if a development, such as even when it’s hugely to the benefit of your children and your just lazing about all day doing nothing, but I’m really hard at work equivalent to £5,000 per megawatt of installed capacity per a supermarket, used local resources, such as land at the Blar, children’s children. It’s in your nature, and I forgive you your 24/7 helping to protect humans from the climate change that is should the community not then receive a form of a Community weaknesses, as I hope you forgive me mine (like midges and a few year. The Council will seek to negotiate concordats with being brought about by all the greenhouse gases produced by your Benefit and it was initially thought that a Community Benefit wet feet). I know you believe you need more supermarkets, and developers to achieve this figure. These concordats will ensure modern lifestyle. had been negotiated for the Blar Mor development. Our Ward that open spaces between your built-up areas are inconvenient, that developers operate within the Council’s policy and that You might think habitats like me are two a penny, but we’re Manager, Dot Ferguson, later informed us that the negotiations and that money makes your world go round. But perhaps in years developers negotiate directly with the Council on behalf of actually quite rare on a global scale. Less than 3% of the globe is to come you might look back and think on me fondly - when rising communities to secure the greatest level of benefit possible. for the Blar Mor (10 acres of land, £500k and the new covered by peat bogs like me. Yet collectively we store twice as sea levels have wiped out much of where I used to live, when the roundabout at Lochybridge) all came under ‘Developer much carbon for you as all of the world’s forests put together, even The Council will decide on the communities that will benefit midges have been replaced by malaria-carrying mosquitos, and Contribution’. Developer Contribution, unlike Community though the area of forest is more than three times greater. Acre from this approach in each individual circumstance by applying when hurricane force winds and floods have ravaged your homes. Benefit, is not voluntary, it is a pre-requisite of gaining planning for acre, we store SIX TIMES as much carbon as woodland does, yet the following four Allocation Factors: I doubt the likes of me will ever be seen again at my present permission. trees get all the glory and recognition and us peat bogs are  Proximity to the Site address in the lifetime of your human species. But if I have one dismissed as worthless. Developer Contribution can be used for projects within the dying wish, it is this – that you fight to protect all the other peat  Visual Impact 15% of the world’s peat bogs live in Scotland. This might Highland Council area and may not always necessarily be spent bogs in your area, for your own sake, in the long term interests of  Construction Impact surprise you, but together WE SCOTTISH PEAT BOGS STORE AS on projects within the community in which the your people.  Number of Residences MUCH CARBON AS TWO AND A HALF TIMES THE ENTIRE AMAZON contribution was gained. KCC has asked the But farewell in haste, as I already feel the rumble of the diggers RAINFOREST! Highland Council that we be informed when the approaching... The Council’s policy is that benefits should be widely spread Yet our great contribution to the planet’s wellbeing is still ignored, monies gained from the Blar are spent and we across all of Highland and they have proposed a 3 tier system of while the rainforest gets all the attention and credit. What’s worse, will be reporting details back to the community In eternal sadness benefit to ensure this: we’re not just ignored, we’re continually being threatened, injured via the newsletter and website when we’ve been I remain your humble servant  and killed off by human activities. haveyou visited All of the first £100,000 per year of benefit will remain provided with that information. Blar Mor with local communities within a Local Fund. Anyway I will shortly be dead. Not from old age (though I am Maggie Mackenzie already 5000 years old). Not from disease (I am still fit and well ago... years 100 until

printing, stapling and folding. If you feel that you want to be page 26 The Handyperson Service followed kilmallie community news involved in any of this, please get in touch - a couple of hours, four page 3 quickly in 2001 and can help with times a year, would help us so much - think about it - we would The newsletter team have once again been busy ferreting out small jobs around the house. love to hear from you! articles from our regular contributors and some new unassuming spotlight Changing light bulbs, fitting curtain Issue 39 is planned for September 2012 and so articles, ones. We feel that you will enjoy the mix of topics and if you have feedback, letters, photographs etc for that issue would have to be rails, hanging pictures/mirrors, an unwritten article in your head and your fingers are twitching to with the newsletter team by August 15th please. Start thinking, get This time, Benny MacDonald focuses on some of assembling flat pack furniture or put it down on paper then please don't be shy - get in touch with us writing and we look forward to hearing from you! It is your the work of Care Lochaber for us - including the small decorating jobs, etc are the and we will encourage you as much as we can! newsletter, so get your thoughts in there! regular types of work carried out. We are hoping to have delivered a lot of the newsletters by Community Car Scheme and the Handyperson Your newsletter team: Small jobs are classed as around one hand - with a few new volunteers getting involved in making sure Christine Hutchison 772252 Service. that you have received this copy as quickly as possible. Remember hour’s work and larger jobs may require a tradesman Jan MacLugash 772383 that you can get your email copy if you let us know, or you can read though the handyperson can offer advice. The ‘jobs’ are Kshama Wilmington 772499 Lochaber Community Care Forum was formed in the it on our website at www.kilmallie.org.uk. completed free of charge but any materials used are paid Mandy Ketchin We are so grateful to our sponsors (see back page) who make it early 1990’s and became constituted in 1997. This for by the client. possible for us to produce this newsletter and get it to you, and to allowed the committee to email us at [email protected] access funding for two services all the contributors and volunteers who do the desktop publishing, To contact the Handyperson Service which they felt were much needed in Lochaber. call 01397 700311 KILMALLIE COMMUNITY COUNCIL Members of the public are most welcome at all our meetings. Meetings are held at 7:15pm in Kilmallie Hall on the 3rd Wed of every month excl July and Dec. in future The Community Car Scheme A Volunteer Development Project began in June 2011 with the appointment of a Volunteer Development Next ordinary meeting dates are 15 Aug, 19 Sept, 17 Oct, 21 Nov. started during 2000 to provide Next AGM is 19 June 2013. Officer. The project aims to increase the number of issues transport for people with ill volunteers bringing together people of all ages, with Lots of good things in store - health, a disability or recovering Chairman Maggie Mackenzie, 42 Hillview Drive, Corpach, PH33 7LS ‘Pulp, paper & the past’ different backgrounds and skills. The project also aims to from an injury/operation. The [email protected] from Bill Clark service relies on volunteer provide appropriate empowering services to enable Secretary Russell Leaper, Canal House, Banavie, PH33 7LY ‘Crofting in Kilmallie’ drivers using their own vehicles people to feel safer, more confident, and to enhance [email protected] from Maisie Dennison to take passengers to medical their skills and access to their community and other Treasurer Jan MacLugash, Salen, Banavie PH33 7LY ‘The History of Locheilside’ appointments, shopping, services. These services are delivered by enabling the [email protected] from Hugh Muir community to contribute to service Other members Jillian Clark, Christine Hutchison, Mandy Ketchin, Kshama Wilmington Sorry we’d no room for all these visiting or community activities. Associate member Chris Pellow There are drivers in each area of Lochaber helping their provision through active and this time. local communities. This now amounts to around 250 accessible volunteering, including trips and 300 volunteer hours per month. To use the car potential volunteers who are scheme call the number below, you’ll be asked a few socially or geographically isolated. questions just to clarify your transport needs and register as a passenger. There is a small charge for trips from a To enquire about Blar gallery minimum of £3 for a round trip of eight miles to £10 for volunteering with us call our Volunteer journeys over 76 miles. We’d appreciate three working Our project to capture the Blar in profusion of gold from the ‘flowers’ of Development Officer, 01397 702440. days notice when booking and journeys are limited to photographs throughout the seasons the mosses. Technically speaking, within Lochaber. continues. mosses don’t flower apparently - they For many years the Care Forum held meetings around In late spring, two things in produce ‘sporophytes’ and then To contact the Car Scheme Co-ordinator Lochaber to find out what community care needs people particular were really striking. The first ‘capsules’ but they are just as beautiful had. More recently work has concentrated on the was the density of tree cover that has as flowers. Unfortunately we can’t phone 01397 701222 projects and occasional other help. The committee naturally regenerated. With the birch reproduce their golden beauty in our decided a change of name was necessary so from last bursting into soft green leaf around us, black and white pages here, but you

October the group became Care Lochaber which seemed it felt much more like walking through can see lots more photos in full colour of display wildorchids on Blar,the apparently someof them quite rare? You can get more information about the appropriate to the work which is still ongoing. established woodland than across peat on the website at www.kilmallie.org.uk

Community Car Scheme by looking at their bog. The second striking thing was the at 28 pages it’s bigger and better than ever, thanks to all the great contributors thanksthe great betterit’s to bigger ever, pages 28 all than and at

For more information, please contact - leaflet at www.kilmallie.org.uk Care Lochaber (go to About Kilmallie, Travel and Transport) An Drochaid, Claggan, Fort William, PH33 6PH

email: [email protected]

the beautiful beautiful the

this issue thisissue

calling all who lived in Corpach in the 1960s! You may have read in a recent KCC Newsletter how used to live in Kilmallie House, Corpach in the late 1960s. someone got in touch with Libby Williamson, having Sheila has lost touch with Alison and would like to catch seen her name mentioned in an earlier issue of the up with her. If you know of Alison’s whereabouts please newsletter - well we have another request of a similar contact the newsletter team, so we can nature - see if you can help. send Sheila’s contact details to her.

The newsletter team have been approached by Sheila We look forward to seeing what you Guest to help her make contact with Alison Cameron. come up with and we will update you

Alison is the daughter of the late Hugh Cameron who with any news in a later issue.

hope you enjoy you hope

have you seen you seen have

page 2 The newsletter is very professional but We were delighted to get another page 27 Kilmallie Community Council you can also see that it has been done newsletter – we’d just moved in when feedback with love and care. (CC) the Christmas issue arrived on our from the chair making your views count it’s such a lively newsletter. It really doorstep, and it made us feel very makes you feel upbeat about the area. Well hello there and welcome to issue 38 of the Kilmallie A big issue for the Community Council is how we can use our time We really enjoyed it! Very impressed welcome to the area. Community News and our 4th Newsletter since we re- most effectively, and this means carefully choosing the issues that (RS) by the variety of articles. It’s formed in February 2011. we work on. Our main role is to articulate the views and concerns obviously a lot of work and quite an You’ve only been going a year and of Kilmallie residents by making representations to The Highland Very informative (MG) undertaking for such a small group. already you’re way ahead of all the

Yet again I am fascinated by the interesting and informative Council, other public sector bodies and private agencies. From the It’s great to know more about what the other community councils with

content of this June edition of the Kilmallie Community European Union down to local government, we are now I’d thought previously of getting goes on locally, like the Coastguard the newsletter and website. It’s a bombarded with consultations. These range from fundamental News, it truly is a wonderful news resource and I hope you together some points of local history reports. And articles like Ron great achievement. (AH) changes to the health service to a recent consultation in Australia enjoy it as much as I do. A very well done to all our for my visitors, but I’m so impressed Cameron’s about the Blar added to contributors and newsletter team …. awesome! on the least appealing colour for cigarette packets. The internet with the content of the newsletter and modern communication methods make it very easy for our knowledge of the area. Please The newsletter’s really informative. I that I leave a copy in the lounge for organisations to run consultation exercises, but does this really keep up the midnight oil! (FR) was really glad you gave information You will see on page 5 that all our Councillors have been re- mean we all have a greater say in decision making? Filling in survey my guests to read through. (TR) about the Blar development, as I knew elected. They are an invaluable source of information for us. forms and taking part in every consultation that happens would be The newsletter’s brilliant! My teenage very little of it from anywhere else. As an example, at our May meeting a resident of Corpach more than a full time job, and so there is a need to choose the Really great! – even better than last advised that there was a fair amount of rubbish on the son’s friend (who lives in Inverlochy) ones that may actually make a difference. time! cut out bits specially to take home to It was a really good read - I enjoyed Corpach beach and suggested it would be good for the Some consultations are clearly designed to rubber stamp a And THANK YOU! that’s the first time community to organise a clean-up. Our Councillors present, show his Mum! (JI) every page. It’s amazing decision that has already been made, or are simply exercises to I’ve been able to see what is actually Allan and Eddie, were able to advise us that the Highland that it’s free and you tick the relevant box. A rare few really do make an attempt to proposed for the Blar! (DM) Council would supply the bags, gloves, litter picker/grabbers Website is brilliant (EH) deliver it to everyone, gather ideas and build a consensus. Cunningly designed and remove the collected waste bags, all the community questionnaires with a clever statistical analysis can be used to bias all the businesses as Excellent newsletter! (HB) would need to do is to find the volunteers! We are currently results, or claim a much greater level of support for controversial Newsletter is magic! (IS) well. (EB) looking in to some issues regarding the path to the beach developments or plans than might really be the case. A proper but once that is clarified perhaps we could all get involved in consultation should not simply be there to get support for what a clean-up. Let us know what you think. has been suggested; it should also help to reveal problems that are not immediately apparent, and enable any plans or developments On page 4 there is a short article on Community Benefit. to be improved. There has been some confusion over just what exactly this is Take the example of the development of the Blar. If people in and I trust the article will give some clarification. Payment Lochaber were asked if Fort William should have another large

into this system by the developer is voluntary but Highland supermarket to keep prices down through competition, most issues future in see to like you’d what people would answer yes. However, if they were asked questions Across

Council are setting up a database that will name and shame any developer who has not made a Community Benefit about how much environmental damage, impact on local retail 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 On which matches are played (7) contribution to the community/communities in which their jobs and changes to the High Street were acceptable, the answers 4 Remembrance flower (5) might be more varied. In terms of the Blar, the consultation may 7 Nice and Eastern central makes female

to a KCC meeting if you have any local concerns any have you if meeting KCC a to wind farms etc are sited. not have made it clear that, as the area is a peat bog, building relation (5)

there may not only be prohibitively expensive for anything other 9 Throwaway (7) One of our neighbouring Community Councillors has told us 7 8 9 than high earning businesses such as supermarkets, but also has a 10 Above part of play. Some thespians of another scheme, a Community Fund, into which business massive carbon footprint. Disturbing the peat on a 40 hectare area might do this (7) members of the community contribute. We are currently of the Blar may release as much CO2 as heating all the houses in 11 He may be without a cause? (5) investigating this and will report back on this later. Kilmallie for the next 10 years. 12 Closer (6) In addition to the problem of whether people’s views have 10 11 14 Coloured pencil (6) The diggers started work on the Blar and it reminded me of genuinely been considered by a consultation, there is also the 18 This foxy lady is an actress (5) the photographic record of the Blar Mor that Mandy and issue of how results are publicised. Both politicians and the 20 He had forty thieves (3,4) Russell are taking before its flora and fauna are lost to us. Do electorate rely on the media to communicate and find out about 22 This rushes to Richard’s leader and go online at www.kilmallie.org.uk and see the structure of plans and developments. In general, politicians use the media to 12 13 14 15 16 takes out a lease (7) some of the mosses… they are amazing! There are also some claim public support. However, the need for positive press 23 Paris river (5) lovely photos of the Community Gardens at Corpach taken imposes serious constraints on their ability to make rational 17 24 Jumps and this year goes south (5) on a very sunny May day. And I found when rooting around decisions. So important is the media influence on decision-making, 25 Roman horses pulled one of these (7) on the website that the translation of Badabrie was a marshy that BBC correspondent Roger Harrabin devised ‘Harrabin’s Law’, 18 19 20 21 Down thicket… good to learn a new thing every day! which suggests that the amount of media coverage is often 1 Floating pier (7) 2 Idea found in Goethe memoirs (5) inversely related to the significance of an issue. It is mostly the Last year we concentrated our efforts on finding ways to unusual rather than the everyday incidents that receive media 3 Calm at the south east meeting (6) coverage. This coverage may well then result in call for 4 Model (5) communicate to you who we are and what we do. This year 22 23 we would like to find ways to make it easy for you to government action. Common incidents receive little media 5 Theatrical work for the lad who is a bit attention compared to rare ones resulting in politicians taking of a Romeo (7) communicate with us. We have the website and we can add methods of feedback such as data entry forms, surveys, measures to prevent the unusual while ignoring the biggest risks. 6 Swiss mountain song (5) 8 A duck might do this (5) forums etc. We have also created a Facebook page and a Sometimes it seems like there’s more likely to be action to prevent shark attacks (around 10 deaths a year worldwide) than car 24 25 13 North African country (7) Twitter site, but we need to start posting to both; no tweets accidents (over a million deaths a year). 15 On which a train runs (5) as yet! We perhaps may get permission to site a suggestion 16 Tidiest (7) The difficulties for politicians to make rational decisions Thank you to Tony Whitelocke for another great crossword. post box in either the Kilmallie Hall or the Co-op for 17 Scandanavian sea (6) highlights the need for a more community-led approach to Answers to his puzzle are on the website www.kilmallie.org.uk members of the community who are not into computers, or 18 Material to be found where I met AL (5) government rather than a top down approach. The Community (follow the link on the RHS of the homepage) able to communicate electronically. Please let us know your 19 Goes with haggis (5) Council can help represent your concerns and ideas however and will also be published in the next issue of the newsletter for people thoughts on this, they would be greatly appreciated. 21 A mitigating excuse (5) ambitious or unusual; all that is needed is enthusiasm and without access to the internet engagement.

Maggie, Chairman Russell , Secretary us telling keep please

why not come along along come why not [email protected] [email protected] Have you got any puzzles of your own you’d like to contribute to future newsletters? We’d love any crosswords, quizzes, word games etc

page 28 Issue No 38 June 2012 and a big thank you to all our sponsors We have been able to produce and distribute the Kilmallie Community News through sponsorship from the following local businesses. The facility to print this newsletter has been generously provided by

Lorna and Finlay Finlayson of The Crannog Restaurant, Fort William.

inside KCC reports – p2 Blar gallery – p3 on the web – p4 Community Benefit – p4 councillors’ corner - p5 community policing - p5 Heather’s Walk - p6 Kilmallie Hall - p7 Corpach in Colour – p7 Banavie Floral – p7 rugby fun – p8 Blar update – p8 Banavie Primary – p9 Lochaber High – p10 Kilmallie Playgroup – p11 Showstoppers – p11 FOCAL – p12 Room 13 - p12 broadband update – p12 for your email copy of the next newsletter? next the of copy email your for happy 30th birthday The greening of Achanellan – p13 Kilmallie Conmmunity to Walter Cameron Way! Company – p13 Hanover Housing at Walter Cameron Way celebrated plants from Caroline Whitehead, Sheila Cameron Flower & Produce Show thirty years in Corpach with an anniversary party held in (daughter-in-law of the late Walter Cameron who gave schedule – p14 the common room in April. the scheme its name) and a picture from Allan Livingston Pictured above are a group of residents including Mrs Phyl the local postman. carry on up the canal - p16 Tebbett and Mrs Sally Johnston cutting the special cake Mrs Fair, the Sheltered housing manager, said:- six day trials - p17 made by Jane Childs. “Hanover have always strived to promote quality, lochaber marathon - p17 The afternoon celebrations included catering by independent living which is affordable, and in pursuit of Heather Davie and music by Larry Byrne, all of which was this we have recently had a bio-mass heating plant coastguard – p18 enjoyed by 40 party goers made up of residents, their installed by Highland Wood Energy which has resulted in a canal news – p19 families, friends and staff. reduction of heating costs by approximately 30% to our wild about Kilmallie – p20 Several presents were donated to the scheme including residents.” indignant Judi - p21

ten years ago - p21 and green fingers - p22 Strone Farm - p22 Caitheamh nan Coille - p23 congratulations focus on business – p24 focus on folk – p24 to kilmallie’s about Annat – p25 Would you like to see your name or logo in print supporting your community newsletter? letters – p25 very own If so, then please join with our sponsors. spotlight – p26 We rely on the financial contributions from our business community for the cost of printing and distributing this feedback - p27 olympic torch free newsletter to every home and business in our area. We welcome sponsorship from all businesses located in puzzles – p27 Kilmallie, or with principal key personnel resident in Kilmallie. up signed you have sponsors – p28 Contact us at [email protected] for details bearer for Lorna’s story see page 24