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Strathnairn Community Newsletter Issue 82, October 2015 Cuairt-Litir Shrath Narann

INSIDE THIS ISSUE SANDY THE POST’S RETIREMENT SKYE EDWARDS OUR MIRACLE BABY WILDLIFE IN THE STRATH & MORE! strathnairn news • issue 82

The Cameron’s Tea RoomThe & Cameron Farm Shop’s GlenliaTea Room Farm, & Foyers Farm Shop Glenlia Farm, Foyers Open all year round 7 daysOpen a weekall year 9- round5 7 days a week 9-5 Christmas Craft Fayre on the th Christmasth Craft Fayre on the 5 and th6 December.th 5 and 6 December.

For more information like us on Facebook, For more information like us on Facebook, email Moragemail oMoragn [email protected] on [email protected] or phoneor phone01456 01456486572. 486572.

2 strathnairn news • issue 82 CONTENTS Your Local Councillors ______4 Wildlife in the Strath ______21 Minutes Of Strathnairn Fearnag Growers ______23 Community Council ______5 Strathnairn Community Church ______23 Strathnairn Community Council Care in Strathnairn ______24 Annual Report ______10 Farr Conversations ______24 Mobile Library ______11 Farr Baby and Toddler Group ______24 Little Silver Bus ______12 Upgrading Farr Play Park ______24 Farr Music School ______14 Wha’s like us - Damn Few and Senior’s Lunch Club ______16 They’re Dead ______26 A Big Thank-You ______17 Regular Activities at Farr Hall______27 Skye Edwards: Our Miracle Baby ______17 Strathnairn Community Benefi t Fund _____ 27 Summer Activities ______19 Financial Information ______28 Kirking of the Council ______20 Other Business ______30

EDITOR’S NOTE We are always on the lookout for new and interesting contributions for Strathnairn News, so if you have any stories to tell or advice you can offer (gardening tips, recipes etc) then please send us an email.

If you would like to receive your copy of the newsletter electronically, please email me your postal address details, so that we can remove you from the mailing list, and your email address. The newsletter is also available online at www.strathnairn.org.uk

Please contact Caroline Tucker on 01808 521464 or email: [email protected]

Next newsletter deadline

Friday 27th November 2015

Please note all dates and times published are correct at time of going to print, and please ensure all submissions are non-political and unlikely to offend.

The Craigdarroch Inn Foyers, Loch Ness

Village pub – Real ales – Fabulous loch views

Open daily from 11am to 11pm

Food served every day 12‐2pm and 6‐8.30pm

Tel 01456 486400

3 strathnairn news • issue 82 YOUR LOCAL COUNCILLORS

Anyone wishing to raise any matter with the Community Council can contact one of the elected Community Councillors below:

Sally Moore CHAIRPERSON 01463 772234 [email protected]

Frances Matheson SECRETARY 01808 521255 [email protected]

James MacPherson TREASURER 01463 772228 [email protected]

Ewen Hardie 01808 521456 [email protected]

John Murray 01808 521201 [email protected]

Ian Hunt 01463 772094 [email protected]

Isobel McQueer 01808 521474 [email protected]

Sylvina Tilbury 01808 521455 (evenings & weekends only) [email protected]

Tony Kell 01463 772343 [email protected]

Donnah Murray MINUTE SECRETARY 01463 793654 [email protected] And your Councillors: Other useful numbers:

Cllr Carolyn Caddick - 01463 792951 Daviot Primary School - 01463 772226 Cllr Helen Carmichael - 01463 782555 Farr Primary School - 01808 521246 Cllr Jim Crawford - 01463 794941 Daviot Hall booking – 01463 772228 Cllr Margaret Davidson - 01463 861424 Farr Hall booking - 01808 521346 Cllr Ken Gowans - 07557 744401 SCATA Bus booking - 01808 521321 Cllr Thomas Prag - 01463 791697 NHS 24 - 111 Cllr Hamish Wood - 01463 712530 Police - Non-Emergency – 101

Strathnairn Community Website www.strathnairn.org.uk

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STRATHNAIRN COMMUNITY COUNCIL GENERAL MEETING NO. 232 FARR COMMUNITY HALL • MONDAY 24th August 2015 at 7.30pm DRAFT MINUTE

SUBJECT TO APPROVAL AT NEXT MEETING SCC MEMBERS PRESENT IH, IMQ, ST, FM, SM, TK (Associate Member). Apologies – EH, JMP HIGHLAND COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT Cllr Crawford. Apologies – Cllr Caddick, Cllr Davidson, Cllr Wood, Cllr Prag. Other members present: PC David Elliot MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY PRESENT 9 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTE JUNE 22ND 2015 Proposed: IMQ Seconded: IH a. Matters arising: item 13 – insert a note of appreciation to the services provided by Doctors Mackintosh over the years. b. Review of action points: none noted

Note: Minute of 2015 AGM, not yet completed. Will add to September meeting.

Note: add all Minutes and pertinent correspondence on a disk for future community council(s) (saved in pdf format).

2. COMMUNITY POLICING REPORT AND LOCAL ISSUES a) June report – Strathnairn CC area again had low levels of criminality in the area. Again the bulk of the 21 calls for June, 11 relate to Road Traffi c incidents on the A9 etc. Of note - a suspicious person reported - male looking for farm work. Theft – youth (behavioural issues) reported for the theft of money. Fraud was reported – French business charged for goods, actual crime occurred out with N Division. 2 remaining calls were for admin/ enquiry or accidental “999” – no issues. Trunk Road Policing and the Safety Camera Partnership continue to prioritise locations and areas where issues have been identifi ed. b) July report - statue damaged at the Grouse & Trout, Croachy, and any information would be welcome. For Culloden section 17 youth calls, no repeat areas. 9 noise/disturbance calls, all isolated incidents. Vast majority – no persons traced on police arrival. c) Suspicious activity at Loch Ruthven – be aware, male looking for work in the area then continued to ask several questions i.e. how many people lived in the homes in the area.

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Matter reported to the police but no further sightings occurred.

d) Noted that a complaint re people urinating at the side of the playing fi elds at Farr. Matter being discussed with Doug Meiklejohn, Football and Shinty Clubs.

e) White lines were left unpainted at junction of A9 and B9514 at Daviot East, for 1-2 weeks. Very dangerous. Action: PC Elliot. Action: FM to write to John Taylor: 100m east of Craggie Bridge ditch works required (HGV came off the road).

f) White lines not painted at the Moy junction – very dangerous matter.

g) August – reports of poaching on farm land at the east of Strathnairn. Taking place in the evening, seems to be big business poaching (quad bikes, vans, guns and torches), the registration number has been reported to the police. If lawful shooting activity is planned then it is recommended that neighbours are informed in advance.

3. FINANCIAL REPORT FROM TREASURER TREASURER: JMCP (APOLOGIES NOTED)

No change since last meeting.

Noted that the cost of the memorial bench for the late Willie MacQueen has been covered, however if anyone else wishes to donate then please do so directly to Jimmy MacPherson. 4. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS SM declared interest in Moy windfarm due to future wayleave and payments for power cables crossing. ST declared an interest in item 9. 5. PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND UPDATES, INCLUDING: a) Weekly planning documents reviewed.

i. Formation of temporary track at Dunmaglass w/f – no additional comments noted.

ii. Conversion of existing steading to form dwelling and erection of outbuildings land south west of Culchunaig Farmhouse, Westhill. No comments noted. Comments before 18 Sept.

iii. Erection of dwelling on land SW of Greenfi elds at Nairnside – no comments noted.

iv. Subdivision of existing house and outbuilding into 3 dwellings, south view, Daviot, no new entrance canopies – no comments noted.

v. (New) plant at the Daviot Quarry - Erection of replacement asphalt plant, agreed, prior approval not required. Comments: the colours are too bright, noted that the plant will be painted to be in keeping with the surrounding environment. Action: follow up that painting for blending-in colours will be carried out: IH

vi. Agreed applications – Revised house design, Longfi eld, Daviot; Erection of House and Garage/workshop, Windy Hills, Farr; Alterations and extension, Police House, Daviot.

b) Planning application number is 1501361. Property at Lomas Lindas, has been refused planning twice, SNCC did not object to the application. For those in support or objections to a planning application then they must write in to the HC (need 5 letters to go through to HC planning committee). Objections must be on planning grounds. Highland wide

6 strathnairn news • issue 82 Local Development Plan was approved last week and applications for planning must fall within the remit of this. Send letters to the HC, can copy SNCC. SNCC cannot take any further action on this matter as this is an appeal on an existing application. c) Old Free Church at Farr, handwritten ‘For Rental’ sign up. Has there been any application for change of use? Not aware of any. Leaking roof, broken windows. The change of use from church to dwelling was renewed in 2014, and extended in 2011, Planning Offi cer at that time Stuart Morrison Action: send a photo of the current sign to planning to seek clarifi cation and raise residents’ concerns (Fran). 6. ROAD UPDATE INCLUDING a) CLG (roads) SSE group (Dunmaglass) – no meeting over the summer. Next meeting 10th September. b) Other roads issues, follow ups:

i. Hedge at B851 to Tordarroch is overgrown and needing trimmed again. Action: Fran to email owners.

ii. B851 to Tordarroch – suggestion of a ‘20 is plenty’ sign, speed motoring to take place at the Church. Action: Fran to keep progressing.

iii. More dangerous trees beside B861 at Tomfat Woods – Action: FM to speak with John Taylor to assess all other trees which are partially fallen in the wood.

iv. Overgrown verges on the B851 at Brin and Daviot Quarry – it was noted that Strathdearn employ a local contractor to do maintain verges. Action: FM to write to the HC (John Taylor) to seek clarifi cation on HC policy on verge cutting.

v. Road as you approach Sockichs bends from Croachy - narrow section of the road with no safety barrier, plus follow up the natural stone facing. Action: FM to liaise with Ian MacGillvary.

vi. Complaints re the works for the cycle path from Inverarnie to Farr – seek clarifi cation from Ian MacGillvary on the matter. MacGregors contractors. Passing Place sign being removed and large 2ft concrete block lying at the side of the road, very dangerous. HGVs seen driving on the footpath to pass other HGVs. HGV came off the road, making the ditch deeper. Action: Urgent!

vii. Noted the extent of the pot holes on the verges on the road. Traffi c is asked to slow down “and keep to the tarmac”. Noted that other main tourist route roads receive EU funding.

viii. Craggie Bridge fl ooding – fi eld drain is overfl owing again. Field drain needs cleared properly. Action: SM to speak with parties involved. 7. WIND FARM UPDATES a) Moy (under construction, 20 turbines):

i. Reaction of residents to the Moy w-f turbines beginning to be erected – several people noted that the turbines are larger, and closer than expected, plus a distraction to drivers on the A9. b) Aberarder (In planning) – no further actions noted.

7 strathnairn news • issue 82 c) Carr Ban - planning permission has been granted for the anemometer mast (approved by the reported on appeal). Wind farm application currently withdrawn.

d) Daviot DFL row of wind turbines (completed scoping) - no further actions noted.

e) Tomfat Woods (application refused) – no further actions noted. 8. REPORTS FROM BENEFITS LIASION REPRESENTATIVES / NEGOTIATORS: a) Moy w-f liaison group update following public meetings in Strathnairn and Strathdearn.

b) Meeting on July 21st. Minute in community newsletter. Note: Residents of Daviot will be more impacted than those in Moy (noted that one house in Moy will be seeing the turbines). One member of public suggested published report of public meeting with Eneco by IMQ. was not accurately representative. SM to re-assess against notes. “Strathnairn community put our views to Eneco”

i. Matrix used for calculating fund division was discussed, not felt to refl ect the effect of the wind farm, mostly dominating Daviot, though not yet completed. Next meeting with Eneco 22nd September. 9. SCBF AND ANY PLANS FOR FUTURE CHANGES IN THE WAY FUNDS ARE ALLOCATED (ST) It was decided that this letter suggesting future ways of working, for SCBF should go direct to benefi t fund for their action. Content of letter was not discussed but some brief general discussion followed. Generally agreed SCBF had worked to increase open-ness; and there could be new ways of working which could pro-actively increase focus on community, possibly a community development offi cer; but that any broad changes should be in consultation with the community. Noted: IMQ suggested item no 9 should not be taken as it should have been raised fi rst with the SCBF.

Actions: ST to write a letter to SNCC; SM to then pass letter to the SCBF immediately to potentially discuss during the SCBF meeting this week. Request that SCBF to then report back to SNCC. 10. THE HIGHLAND COUNCIL QUALITY AWARDS 2015 By 5.00 pm Friday 25 September 2015. SNCC are to nominate two HC employees:

1. Mr Andy McCallum, Head Teacher, Daviot Primary School. Action: SM

2. John Taylor, Head of TECS. Action: FM and IMQ 11. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM RESIDENTS/ COMMUNITY AND UPDATES a) Request that SNCC ask Royal Mail to reinstate the post box at the Culloden Visitor Centre, just outside the site. The shop now sells international stamps. Actions: FM to write to Royal Mail; Cllr Crawford to ask Charles Stephen to put the matter forward from the HC.

b) Noted that the size of slots in the Royal Mail post boxes are inadequate as they will not take large letters. Actions: FM to write to Royal Mail, cc Charles Stephen; IH to raise at the next Ward Forum meeting.

c) Concerns from residents of school children using the No 18 Stagecoach bus service, due to: the bus not operating to the scheduled timetable; this week the bus being too small resulting in passengers (including school children) having to stand for the journey; buses

8 strathnairn news • issue 82 not have any seat belts. Action: FM to write to Steve Walker at Stagecoach, copying Head of IRA, Charles Stephen, local Councillors. Noted that it is an offence by the Traffi c Commissioners if a bus is operating out with the approved bus timetable. d) Concerns re larger vehicles accessing the A9 from Daviot Farms. Question whether DFL has permission for non-agricultural activities at the site? Noted working through the night. Noted there is a signifi cant increase in number of HGVs.

Action: IH to follow up. Cllr Crawford to continue to follow up. e) DFL – noted recycling activity refused on the 21 March 2014, appeal and subsequently withdrawn. There should now be no recycling activities on the site. f) Residents at the housing beside Farr Hall are concerned that cars are turning outside their homes, especially late in the evening. Noted – is the road adopted by the HC? John Taylor would know. Potentially erect signage to say ‘No through road’. g) Noted that signage for Farr Hall could be better. Action: Farr Hall Committee. 12. LIST OF EVENTS, MEETINGS AND DATES FOR ATTENDANCE / INTEREST – ALLOCATE a) “Fairer ” event in Glasgow on Wednesday 16th September b) Roadshows about the Community Empowerment Act: , 25th September 2015 c) Scottish Resilient Communities Conference, Wednesday 23 Sept 2015, Edinburgh d) Workshop on digital engagement for Community Councils, 30 Oct 2015, Elgin e) Sandy the Post’s Retirement Presentation will be after the Seniors Lunch on Friday 11th Sept at 1.30pm. Action: FM to send to DI to put on the website. 13. QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC* (may be taken earlier in meeting if briefl y put.) 14. AOCB a) Farr/Inverarnie is a community of housing. There is no focal point – suggest a local bar/ restaurant. Action: noted for the Community Plan group and Farr Hall committee. b) School Wood is open for 6-weeks with new carved animals. Noted School Wood car park is pretty mucky and request for gravel to be spread in the car park. Action: Peter Christie. Milton Woods still waiting for contractor to remove the last trees. c) Grass strimming at Daviot War Memorial has been completed. d) Community Council email address – agreed that email addresses such as xx@ strathnairncc.com would be set up. Action: Fran e) Community Emergency Plan – agreed that Shona Horn to attend the September SNCC meeting to run a mini resilience roadshow. To start the roadshow at 7pm, SNCC meeting to start at 7.30pm. Action: Fran. 15. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING (233) Monday 28th SEPTEMBER 2015. (Agenda items by 18th September, please.)

Meeting closed at 22:39. *Residents and members of the public are invited to speak at the discretion of the Chairperson.

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STRATHNAIRN COMMUNITY COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT FOR AGM JUNE 2015 (& NEAR END OF CC 4 YEAR TERM) AUTUMN 2015

SNCC Year 14-15 was extremely busy, dominated by more wind-farm/ turbine / anemometer planning applications. SNCC responded to: Carr Ban, Tomfat Woods, Glen Kyllachy, Aberarder, Craggie, and followed Daviot Farms Ltd. We all owe a huge vote of thanks to SNAG (Strathnairn Action Group) for their detailed, painstaking analysis work. SNCC held public meetings on wind-farm proliferation, and on the Moy benefi ts scheme. Meanwhile Dunmaglass w-f is ready to receive turbines planned for next year, and Moy w-f now has all components on site with least 6 turbines completed. Separately, SNCC rep’s liaised on benefi ts payments into the community, trying to achieve the most benefi t, by the most helpful method.

Other constant themes included road works and road safety issues, where we try to support local residents’ case for minimum inconvenience. Though we welcome stretches of improved roads, it has not been without economic and ecological loss to the local area. We need to progress the ‘natural stone-facing’ and planting for the new urban-style retaining wall and bare slopes at Sockich Bends.

Big ‘Thank you’ to our Secretary, Fran; Jimmy - Treasurer - who is standing down after a generation of service; Ian our diligent Planning matters rep; our liaison reps on roads groups and benefi ts groups (to Tony, also much respected member will not re-stand); our elected Highland Councillors – their advice is always appreciated; the HC staff who receive all those emails, - and everyone who has attended, helped and served SNCC this session.

SNCC would like to be pro-active, rather than just reacting to planning applications and problems. So what should we be working for in the next SNCC session? Your views are welcome – do come along to meetings. Support the Community Planning sub-group and help to enable their work on themes including: broadband and mobile phone signal; community services, facilities and amenities; and community groups and activities. With more benefi t funding coming into the community this year perhaps there should be further consulting among the community, seeking suitable community projects. Do get involved in helping the future of your own strath and community and PLEASE VOTE IN THE ELECTIONS IN NOVEMBER!

10 strathnairn news • issue 82 MOBILE LIBRARY Moray Firth Mobile library comes every 3 weeks and carries a range of adult fi ction and non-fi ction in standard and large print, children’s’ books and talking books and DVDs.

Full Information about the mobile routes can be found on the High Life Highland Moray Firth Mobile webpage: http://highlifehighland.com/libraries/moray-fi rth-mobile-library.

Mondays (Route 9): Farr Primary Thursdays (Route 12): Daviot Primary School - Daviot East - Moy - Brookfi eld - School - Gorthleck - Stratherrick Primary Sunnyside - Balloch School - Whitebridge - Errogie - Farr

Dates: Dates: 12 Oct, 02 Nov, 23 Nov, 07 Dec 2015 15 Oct, 05 Nov, 26 Nov, 17 Dec 2015

09.30 – 10.50 Farr Primary 09.25 – 10.05 Daviot Primary School School 11.20 – 11.50 Meallmore 10.35 – 11.25 Invernarnie, Nursing Home Farr Hall 11.50 – 12.05 Daviot East 12.00 – 12.15 Gorthleck Public 12.20 – 12.40 Moy Forestry Hall Cottages 13.15 – 13.55 Stratherrick 12.40 – 12.55 Moy Primary School Housebound 14.00 – 14.25 Whitebridge Old 14.20 – 15.00 Culloden Post Offi ce Brookfi eld 15.00 – 15.35 Errogie Bridge 15.05 – 15.30 Culloden before “Ark” Sunnyside 16.00 – 16.20 Farr Croft Croy 15.45 – 16.30 Balloch Braeside 16.25 – 16.50 Farr Community Park Hall

REGULAR ACTIVITIES AT DAVIOT HALL Monday and Thursday evenings (October to May) – Badminton

Tuesday and Friday evenings, 7.30pm – Strathnairn Indoor Bowling Club

If you would like to book Daviot Hall please contact:

Christine MacPherson on 01463 772228.

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STRATHNAIRN’S LITTLE SILVER BUS The bus is continuing the regular runs – from anybody who would like to become Tesco shopping trip, Lunch club, as well a driver, your availability may be only as all the important appointments to be for occasional use, or weekend use, or kept at hospital/GP/opticians/hearing aid indeed, only week day use, but anyone clinic etc. As well as visiting friends, Post will be welcome. Full instruction will be Offi ce, Bank, we have many regular users provided. Your enthusiasm certainly much who could not do without the service appreciated. provided by the volunteer drivers in our To fi nd out more on using the bus, or community. Do you have any use for the becoming a volunteer driver, please call bus? – remember anyone, who lives in Donna on 01808 521321 the Strathnairn area, can use it.

To extend our service, I would like to hear

Would you like to become a driver?

Your availability may be only for occasional use, or weekend use, or indeed, only week day use, but anyone will be welcome.

Full instruction will be provided. Your enthusiasm will certainly be much appreciated.

Tel: Donna on 01808 521321 to discuss.

12 strathnairn news • issue 82 PLEASE SHOW CONSIDERATION FOR HORSES AND THEIR OWNERS I would respectfully ask that everyone who is considering setting off fi reworks in the rural Strathnairn area please think twice before they do this.

Last Winter I spent more nights standing in a cold dark fi eld or stable with a terrifi ed pony than I care to remember. This was the result of people not considering the consequences of their actions.

Last year the fi reworks started in early October and carried on right through to January. All I ask is that if you are planning to set off fi reworks at the very least let ALL your neighbours know especially if they have animals be it horses, dogs or other livestock. If owners know in advance they can take measure to ensure that their animals are in a safe place or if necessary ensure that they can have the animal sedated so everyone can stay safe. Please also remember that the sound and lights from fi reworks carry a long way. Horses are fl ight animals and when scared run fi rst and think later sometimes with disastrous consequences. Remember it is not illegal to set off fi reworks but it is illegal to cause unnecessary suffering to any animal and the level of distress experienced by some horses would in my experience be deemed unnecessary suffering.

13 strathnairn news • issue 82 Farr Music School Would you or a member of your family be interested in playing a musical instrument?

We are in the early stages of scoping and assessing the feasibility of setting up a music school for residents of Strathnairn.

The aim of the school would be to provide tuition in music from beginners to advanced levels, and is likely to be for anyone from 5 years old with no maximum age limits. The provision would be during term times, in after-school weekly sessions of 0.5 to 1.5 hours maximum, held at Farr Community Hall. Most tuitions would be provided in groups to make it more affordable. The music school is expected to start at the beginning of academic year 2016-17. All teachers at the school will hold a professional qualifi cation in their chosen instrument, and be PVG registered to work with children.

How do I register an interest? We need you to register an interest by completing a quick and easy questionnaire. The purpose of this questionnaire is to establish the current needs for music tuition for our community. The results of this consultation will help us with tailoring the music school programme, and assess the funding requirements.

Where can I get a questionnaire?

• download from the Strathnairn community website;

• pick up a paper copy from Inverarnie Stores, Farr or Daviot Primary Schools,

• email Marielle or Fran at [email protected]

PLEASE RETURN YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES (TUTORS & FUNDING) FOR THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR. THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE has been set to 30 NOVEMBER 2015.

Please note that the questionnaire does not tie you in to take on any music lessons in the future with Farr Music School. A proper enrolment process will be scheduled closer to the starting date (still to be determined).

Head Teacher of the Year!

Well Done to Mr McCallum of Daviot Primary School who won Head Teacher of the Year at The MFR Awards at the end of September! More details to follow in the December issue of Strathnairn News.

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Give something back to your Community by becoming a Director of the Strathnairn Community Benefit Fund

The Strathnairn Community Benefit Fund (SCBF) was set up in 2004 as a charity and limited company with funds from the Farr Wind Farm, and received further funds from the Dunmaglass Wind Farm. The key objective of the SCBF is “the promotion, for the benefit of the public, of urban or rural regeneration in areas of social and economic deprivation and in particular in the Strathnairn Community Council area as established in the Memorandum of Association.” Further information is available on the website www.strathnairn.org.uk/scbf.asp

SCBF is seeking to recruit a number of new Directors to assist with the engagement of the local community and with the management of the funds for the benefit of all Strathnairn residents.

SCBF is valued at approximately £1.5million and is managed by a Board of 12 Directors assisted by a Company Secretary. It receives approximately a further £165,000 a year from the wind farm developers and income from investments.

Director Duties and responsibilities include:

• Attendance at Board Meetings (normally 12 per year) • Ensuring correct management and investment of monies within the Fund • Reviewing grant applications to ensure compliance with Articles and Memorandum of Association and the developer agreements (a copy of which is available on request) • Reviewing operational procedures and policies as appropriate

Directors serve a term of 3 years with a possibility of an additional year. If you are over 18 and interested in becoming a Director please contact our Company Secretary, (details below) for further information or an application form. Applications from candidates with a financial or legal background would be particularly welcome.

Applications must be received by Friday 6th November 2015 and Directors will be appointed at the AGM on Wednesday 9th December 2015

Hayley Lewis – Company Secretary Addresss: PO Box 5783 Email: [email protected]

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SENIORS LUNCH CLUB We had a great lunch in September after our summer break. It was good to see everyone again and we gave an excellent Retirement Party to our Postie Sandy Mackenzie and his wife Linda as well.

We were wonderfully helped by Margaret and Fiona on their accordions, Farr School singing unforgettable renditions of ‘Postman Pat’ and ‘Please Mr. Postman’, a speech from Alasdair Forbes, a cheque representing the marvellous collection the community had made for Sandy, a delicious lunch and a really beautiful cake made by Debbie Parker. It was a very happy and memorable occasion for Sandy who has been our postman in Strathnairn for over 19 years.

Starting in October The Community Church has suggested putting a Prayer Box on the signing-in table at our Lunch each month for people to put in anonymous prayer requests. The Community Church will collect the box and offer up the prayers requested.

We meet the 2nd Friday of the month unless announced otherwise. Could you please let us know by the Tuesday of the week of the Lunch Club if you are UNABLE to come by phoning Barbara Collins on 01808 521334. Christina Murray’s telephone no. is 01808 521205. We meet in the Farr Community Hall at 12.30 p.m. and do let Donna know on 01808 521321 if you would like transport on the SCATA Bus.

We look forward to seeing everyone again on Friday 9th October for another great get together.

All Lunch Club Helpers – Christina, Moira, Karen, Barbara, Ria and Fiona

Photos by Peter Christie

16 strathnairn news • issue 82 A BIG THANK YOU FROM SANDY THE POST I would like to thank everybody who gave so generously both through the collection at Inverarnie Stores and in person, the celebration champagne has been drunk and I have several very nice malts which will see me through the winter (at least).

Many thanks to the luncheon club for a most enjoyable lunch and entertainment on Friday and to the staff and pupils of Farr School for their very apt ‘tribute act’ which was so enjoyed by all, it had to be repeated. Also a big thank you to everyone who was involved behind the scenes, including the production of the ‘Sandy’ cake.

Strathnairn is like an extended family where you have a quick catch up, a laugh, a joke, an act of kindness and sometimes a sadness, a rub of a cats tummy, and dogs each with their own agenda! Also great gardening tips both given and received!! After the many years being your postie I shall miss all of it, however retirement beats delivering the Strath in winter any day.

Kindest regards to all, Sandy

SKYE EDWARDS OUR MIRACLE BABY Excerpts of original article published in The Press & Journal on 10th August 2015. To read the full article, please visit https://www.pressandjournal. co.uk/fp/news/inverness/662038/skye-edwards- miracle-baby-three-hours-death/

Baby Skye Edwards is her parents’ pride and joy – but at just a day old she had to be airlifted 170 miles and kept in a drug-induced coma to survive. Skye was so ill following a mystery complication in the womb that her devastated parents were told if she had arrived three hours later she would have been stillborn. Skye was covered in bruises, a rash and had severe heart, lung and blood problems following birth. Her organs began to shut down and her bone marrow production was “suppressed to the point of failure”, leaving her with a high risk of internal bleeding.

But somehow, against all odds, Skye has stunned medics and her parents, Gemma and Craig, by making a full recovery. Gemma Edwards, 33, from Daviot, said: “I’ve never been a believer in miracles, but Skye genuinely is a miracle. Within 24 hours of being born she really went downhill; we were told everything was going wrong. She had heart and lung problems. Her [blood] platelet level was only seven when it is normally between 150 and 450, and anything below 20 there is a danger of bleeding out. Her haemoglobin, which helps distribute oxygen around the body, was also only at 60-odd

17 strathnairn news • issue 82

and you get a transfusion at 80. She was pretty much a goner. It’s very hard to say it’s just one of those things. But we were told if she had been born three hours later she would have been stillborn. She is a very lucky girl.”

Doctors battled for 24 hours to keep her alive in Raigmore hospital’s special care baby unit. Remarkably they managed to stabilise her and, in a last-ditch attempt to save her, a specialist neonatal ambulance team from Glasgow fl ew to Inverness and airlifted the baby 170 miles back to the city’s Yorkhill Children’s Hospital. At just 36-hours old Skye was then placed into a drug-induced coma to allow doctors “to take back control of her body”. Gemma held her baby for the fi rst time, while she was in the coma.

Skye was kept in a coma for two days and spent a week on a ventilator in the neonatal intensive care unit, before she was fl own back to Raigmore. Days after being transferred back to Raigmore her platelet level plummeted to just 18, leaving her susceptible to severe internal bleeding again.

At night, as she thought about Skye clinging to life in hospital, Gemma also turned to social media to help her cope. She set up a Facebook page to let people know about her daughter’s incredible journey. She also set up a justgiving page and raised more than £3,200 for the Ronald McDonald House, where she and her husband stayed during their daughter’s brave fi ght for life in Yorkhill.

Gemma said: “Social media helped me a lot because it made me feel like I was not alone. Everyone was praying for her and lighting candles and it helped lift my mood. Now every day we are looking at a miracle. She’s still here and to be well and making a full recovery is just astonishing.”

Now, after a total of fi ve platelet transfusions and two blood transfusions, Skye’s bone marrow is working as it should and her platelet level is currently at 130, and rising.

Her proud dad, Craig, a teacher, who has now signed up to become a platelet donor, said: “For her to come so close to the end of life and be fi ne now is unbelievable. I’m still a bit cautious to say she’s made a full recovery. But it’s nice to be out of the woods. I can look at her now and enjoy her but also enjoy thinking about the future; kicking a ball with her, taking her to her fi rst dance class and going to school. Before, we couldn’t think ahead because we were always, ‘is she going to make it?’, is she going to be here in the present? Now to not get any sleep and have sick down my back, it’s great. That’s what we were preparing ourselves for as fi rst-time parents.”

The family is continuing to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House in a bid to help other families, who have to stay miles from home to be with their sick children.

To support their fundraising drive, visit: www.justgiving.com/prayforabetterskye

18 strathnairn news • issue 82 SUMMER ACTIVITIES 2015

The children enjoyed another fun packed week at this year’s Summer Activities with some different things to enjoy. Some of these included judo with Chris Mota, football with Fionnleigh Call, a science session with Marianne Nairn and archery with Paul McGregor all of whom did their sessions voluntarily.

Other sessions were one with Katie Martin (ranger), a Zumba and rebound session and a music workshop with Rokscool4u.

The children were busy all day as when they were not taking part in a booked session they were busy playing lego, crafting or doing other sports, tennis was a popular pastime with many.

Some of the children made comments about the week, which were;-

“It’s good because instead of doing stuff you normally do you get to do other stuff as well” (Mackenzie)

“It’s been amazing, like living the dream” (Jude)

“Its good that you get to see your friends in the holidays” (Alec)

“It’s a fun club, and you get to do lots of different things” (Charlotte)

“Mrs McInnes has been a very good leader of the club” (Thank you Jack!)

“It’s fun and you get to do lots of crafty stuff” (Rachel C)

19 strathnairn news • issue 82

“I liked learning about bats” (Eva)

“It was brilliant” (Sarah)

“It’s fun playing tennis” (Benjamin)

“Summer Activities was really good” (Kian)

“We played a game about bats and owls and trees with Katy (Martin)” (Isla T)

Jonathan, Oliver and Robin said they liked football the best and William said football was “epic”. Lily and Eva said that Judo was best.

These comments were made before the last day which was our Zumba and music sessions so the children did not get chance to comment on these, but I have had many comments since and the children have requested the music sessions again next year.

I would like to thank the parents and volunteers for their support and help in fundraising to make these sessions happen, especially Sylvia Logan, Wendy Black and Belinda Sanderson whom without it would not be possible.

Please don’t forget, our fundraising will begin for next year when we do our annual Carol Singing at Tesco and Asda!!!!(TBC)

Anyone that has any ideas for something different or a particular skill that would like to join our sessions for next year please do not hesitate to get in touch.

([email protected]) Judy McInnes.

KIRKING OF THE COUNCIL On Sunday 13th September, Mrs McInnes and Mrs Logan were delighted to take three very well behaved children to the Kirking of the Council.

Rachel, Ellie and Eva took turns to hold the Farr School fl ag while they marched down the High Street to the Old High Church behind other groups and schools to the sounds of the pipe band.

Reverend Peter W Nimmo welcomed us and was replied to by Councillor Helen Carmichael. The focus on the service was volunteering.

When the service fi nished we marched to the Town House for refreshments where we were complimented on the behaviour and politeness of the children. Well done girls.

20 strathnairn news • issue 82 WILDLIFE IN THE STRATH

BY RAY COLLIER

There will always be controversy over domestic/feral cats and the effect they have on wildlife. This came to a head when the British Trust for Ornithology produced a leafl et about the subject. Studies had shown that cats let outside or living outside killed 55 million birds in Britain every year. That excludes the huge number of other wildlife such as small mammals. Even if these fi gures are not accurate, and many pro-cats believed they are not, that is a very signifi cant amount of wildlife being killed. For me this was put into perspective earlier this year when I looked out into the garden at dusk and watched a black cat stalking its prey. The prey was a medium size bird and after the kill the cat had some diffi culty in dragging the bird away into some cover. I found the remains of the bird the next morning in the shrubbery where I last saw the cat. It was a drake mandarin duck similar to the one in the photograph – enough said. Just in case readers may think I am anti-cats we have three cats that live, quite contently, in the house the whole time and they get on well with the four dachshunds!

However, this predation aside one aspect that is irrefutable is the affect that feral cats have had and have on the true wildcat. Hybridisation between feral cats and wildcats now means that it seems very likely that it will not be long before the true wildcat is extinct. Some naturalists say that there are now only 40 wildcats left whilst others go as far as to say the cause is already lost and hybridisation means the true wildcat is now actually extinct. Various organisations are now breeding true wildcats and trying to set up large areas of countryside to release them. One important part of these programmes, and very time consuming and expensive, is to ensure that such areas are devoid of any feral cats or that they have been neutered. As with many other programmes re-introductions such as the red kites, sea eagles and beavers there is one aspect that is often overlooked. This is the follow up programme after the release as the results must be accurately monitored. This will take a lot of dedicated man hours and last a long time and may even be ongoing for a number of years. For example the sea eagle project started in 1975 on the Isle of Rum and is still an ongoing commitment of careful monitoring.

What helped the present focus on the fate of the wildcat was the announcement, earlier this year, by the Highland Wildlife Park near Newtonmore. Their “tame” wildcats had produced three kittens and, for course, this pulled in the public along with some of their other breeding successes. What will be interesting is just what happens to the three newcomers. Will they stay a public attraction or will they, as the Parks publicity states, be part of a conservation programme and be released into one the wildcat havens. Whatever happens let us just hope that the future of the “Scottish Wildcat “ is assured.

21 strathnairn news • issue 82

INVERNESSINVERNESS GGARDENARDEN SSERVICESERVICES

Tel: 07469 977835 TEL: 07469 977 835 Email:[email protected] EMAIL: [email protected]

• •GRASSGRASS CUTTING CUTTING • FALLEN • LEAVES FALLEN •TREE LEAVES FELLING/REMOVAL • •HEDGE HEDGE TRIMMINGTRIMMING •GRAVEL • DELIVERYGRAVEL •DELIVERYGENERAL TIDY UP • GENERAL TIDY UP • TREE FELLING/REMOVAL SMALL GARDENS TO LARGE ESTATES TIDY PROFESSIONAL SERVICE SMALL GARDENS TO LARGE ESTATES TIDY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

22 strathnairn news • issue 82 FEARNAG GROWERS A year on from the idea of a community growing project fi rst being suggested amongst a group of friends in the Strath, after a lot of hard work, we are very excited to have found an ideal site and secured funding to enable the project to be realised.

Since my last update we are delighted to announce that our community growing project has found a home in the fabulous old Walled Garden on Farr Estate! The garden has been used to grow produce for generations and benefi ts from glorious soil and growing conditions. Also, we have been successful in both our grant applications and our project is now fully funded for the set up phase and fi rst year. We have received funds from the Strathnairn Community Benefi t Fund to pay for access works, parking area work and toilet facilities to be installed at the garden. We have also been awarded funds from the Carbon Clever Community Grant fund to enable us to purchase equipment such as a polytunnel, storage sheds, tools and wheelbarrows, and for the creation of a tea hut and meeting room for our group members. Planning and work will be carried out over the winter with the aim of opening the project to growers in our community come the Spring and the new growing season. We are very grateful and appreciative of all the support we have received from the Mackenzies of Farr Estate, our funders and others in the community.

We would like to appeal for some specifi c donations from the wider community. Should anyone have any wooden pallets to help us create a composting area we would happily receive them. We are also looking for concrete slabs to create foundations for storage sheds to sit on. This may be a long shot but if anyone has a functioning wood burning stove they would be willing to donate to the project in order to bring some warmth to our tea hut we would be over the moon!

If you can help with any of these items or are just interested in fi nding out more and getting involved in the community growing project please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me, Kirsty Adam, on email [email protected] or telephone number 01808521361.

Well Done Darren Read for successfully completing a cycle from Lands End to John O’Groats for charity. We look forward to reading a full report in the December issue of Strathnairn News!

STRATHNAIRN COMMUNITY CHURCH The autumn colours are just fantastic! The seasons come and go with such regularity that is almost easy to miss the amazing diversity of the environment around us. The chilly mornings, blue skies, amazing foliage all produce the most amazing time of year .... until winter arrives and that betters autumn.

Strathnairn Community Church meet on the last Sunday of a month at Farr Community Hall at 10.30am for a very relaxed and informal church meeting where we look to engage with God and each other. We always eat well together afterwards.

23 strathnairn news • issue 82

You would be very welcome to join us whether you consider yourself as someone of faith, religious or neither of these.

Although it seems a good while away, we will also be hosting our annual Christingle Christmas service on Sunday 20 December. More information will be available nearer the time. We’d love to see you there.

CARE IN STRATHNAIRN Care in Strathnairn has been in existence for a few years now, and you may be aware of some of the things that we have been doing, such as odd jobs around the house and garden, snow-clearing in winter, Friendship Group outings, help with form-fi lling, arranging for visits from the Fire and Rescue Service, help with the move to digital television, to name but a few.

We now want to follow our neighbours, Stratherrick and Strathdearn, by facilitating home-care for residents to enable them to continue living at home for as long as possible. We hope that local people will come forward to train as homecarers. Training will given by Highland Homecarers who will also employ successful candidates. This scheme will be funded by NHS Highland.

It is a great opportunity to create employment in the Strath for local people to help local people.

If you are interested in this scheme, either now or in the future, please contact Jenny Stewart on 01808 521 281 or e-mail [email protected].

24 strathnairn news • issue 82 FARR CONVERSATIONS Farr Conversations will be hosting a St Andrew’s night ceilidh at Farr Hall on Saturday the 28th of November, from 7:30pm. Featuring the fabulous ceilidh band Marloch, with stovies, soup and home baking available. £5 per adult on the door, kids go free, BYOB. See you there, bring your dancing shoes, your kids and your granny!

FARR BABY AND TODDLER GROUP It has been great to see some new faces on Thursday mornings and to welcome some of the newest arrivals to our Strath. We’ve had a busy couple of months, which have included our trip to Funbox at Eden Court, a visit from Susie Fraser (our Health Visitor), and a Coffee Morning for the New Play Park at Farr, where we raised £50 towards the project, and we are hoping to do some more fundraising for the new park project in due course. Alongside our usual weekly meetings, we are looking forward to a Halloween Party on the 29th October and a Bookbug Session on 26th November. Our Christmas party will be on 17th December and is open to all children resident in Strathnairn aged between 0 and 5. Please let us know if you would like to come along so that we can make sure that Santa has enough presents!

If you would like to join us, we meet every Thursday morning between 9.30 and 11.30am at Farr Hall. There are lots of toys, books and games and a healthy snack suitable for little ones from newborn up to 5 years old, and coffee and tea for Mums, Dads and Carers. Feel free to call in and join in the fun, or contact Caroline on 01808 521464 or [email protected], Fran on 01808 521255 or francesamatheson@gmail. com or Ruth on 07547 764770 or [email protected] for further information.

FUNDRAISING FOR FARR BABY AND TODDLER GROUP

Fancy winning £500?

Farr Baby and Toddler Group are running a fundraising ‘ Find the Fortune’. Somewhere around Stac Gorm there is £500 hidden. All you need to do is select a square on the grid for your chance to win the jackpot! Squares cost £2 and the winning number will be drawn at random at the Toddler Christmas party on 17th Dec! Contact Ruth, Fran or Caroline on the details above or come and see us at Toddler Group on a Thursday morning if you would like to buy some squares. Good Luck everyone!

UPGRADING FARR PLAY PARK Following our successful Coffee Morning in September and a session with the children and staff at Farr and Daviot Primary schools we are currently collating all the feedback we have received and reviewing the plans for the upgrade of Farr Play Park. If you have not had a chance to look at the plans and would like to, please contact Caroline on 01808 521464 or [email protected], Fran on 01808 521255

25 strathnairn news • issue 82

or [email protected] or Carol on 01808 521371 or carolsmith310513@ outlook.com and we would be keen to hear your views. Once the successful plan has been selected we will be looking at our funding options, including potential grant applications, and are hoping to do some more community fundraising, so if you would like to help then please let us know.

WHA’S LIKE US - DAMN FEW AND THEY’RE A’DEID An Englishman enjoys his breakfast of toast and MARMALADE invented by Mrs Keiller of Dundee, Scotland - reaches for his RAINCOAT patented by Charles MacIntosh from Glasgow, Scotland to dash to the station on his BICYCLE invented by Kirkpatrick MacMillan blacksmith of Dumfries, Scotland whose TYRES invented by John Boyd Dunlop of Dreghorn, Scotland and run on a TARMAC road by John Macadam of Ayr, Scotland.

The journey by train whose STEAM ENGINE was invented by James Watt of Greenock, Scotland takes him to work at the BANK OF ENGLAND founded by William Patterson of Dumfries, Scotland. While opening his mail with ADHESIVE STAMPS invented by James Chalmers of Dundee, Scotland he puffs on a CIGARETTE fi rst manufactured by Robert Gloag of Perth, Scotland.

He later rings his wife on a TELEPHONE invented by Alexander Graham Bell born in Edinburgh, Scotland. She tells him his dinner will be his favourite tradional ROAST BEEF from Aberdeen Angus raised in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

He arrives home to fi nd his daughter watching TELEVISION invented by John Logie Baird of Helensburgh, Scotland a programme on the US NAVY founded by John Paul Jones of Kirkbean, Scotland and his son reading TREASURE ISLAND by Robert Louis Stevenson of Edinburgh, Scotland and on lifting the BIBLE the fi rst name mentioned is again a Scot - King James VI who authorsed its translation.

The Englishman is unable to turn from the ingenuity of the Scots. He could turn to WHISKY but Scotland supplies the best, or to end it all he might put his head in a gas oven – COAL – GAS was discovered by William Murdoch of Aye, Scotland. He could shoot himself but his BREACH LOADING RIFLE was invented by Captain Pat Ferguson of Pitfours, Scotland. If unsuccessful he could be injected with PENCILLIN discovered by Alexander Fleming of Darvel, Scotland or given an ANAESTHETIC discovered by Sir James Young Simpson of Bathgate, Scotland.

His last hope a transfusion of Scots blood, then he could ask

WHA’S LIKE US DAMN FEW AND THEY’RE A’DEID

26 strathnairn news • issue 82 REGULAR ACTIVITIES AT FARR HALL Throughout the year and during school term-time there are regular weekly activities taking place in the Hall as follows:

Second Monday of the month – Strathnairn Community Woodlands committee meeting

4th Monday of the month - Strathnairn Community Council meeting 7.30pm

Tuesday evenings from 6pm - Highland Budokan Judo

Wednesdays 4.15pm – Zumba *children are welcome!*

Wednesdays 6.30pm - 8.30pm - Target Technique (see www.target-technique.co.uk).

Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm - Boleskine Shinty Club training

Thursday mornings - Farr Baby and Toddlers

Thursday afternoons 2.30pm – 4.30pm - Post Offi ce

Thursday evenings from 6pm to 7pm - Community Keep Fit resumes in October

Second Friday of the month - Seniors Lunch Club

Last Sunday morning of the month - Strathnairn Community Church

If you wish to book the football pitch, a room, or the whole Hall please call: Maggie on 01808 521346.

STRATHNAIRN COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUND PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO HOLIDAYS THERE WAS NO SCBF BOARD MEETING IN JULY. BOARD MEETING A meeting of the Board of Directors took place on Wednesday 26 August and was attended by : Mike Fitzgerald, Dave Rennie, Paul Robinson, Trevor Colbourne, Ian Hunt, Sally Moore, Scott MacDonald (SMac) and Carol Smith (Company Secretary).

27 strathnairn news • issue 82 FINANCIAL The table below shows a summary of the fi nancial situation for the Benefi t Fund as presented at the Board meeting (including grants approved at the meeting.

Current Value

Current Account £561,683

Deposit accounts £562,440

Value of Investments, £316,897

Interest (1 Sept 2014to 26 Aug 2015 ) £13,574

Grants paid (1 Sept 2014 to 31 Aug 2015) £129,624 GRANT ACTIVITY No applicants attended to discuss their applications. The table below shows the Board grants that were approved at then August Board meeting.

Below is a summary by category of the grants paid in the year 1 September 2014 to 31 August 15.

Type of Applicant Value Comment Grant

Farr Nursery £3,052 General Extra Curricular activites

Farr Primary £13,444 General Extra Curricular activities

Daviot Primary £7,200 General Extra curricular activities

Support services to the Care in Strathnairn £3,000 General community Retrospective Tim Rose £1,000 renewable Installation of biomass boiler energy

HICA £400 Donation

Business Promotion of chemical free Jill McNicol £250 start up Enjo cleaning products

Competing in Working Hunter Sports Rachel Cross £221 and Ridden class at Royal Support Highland Show

Fearnag Growers £6,764 General Community growing project

TOTAL £35,331

If you require further details of grant payments please contact the SCBF Company Secretary. 28 strathnairn news • issue 82

Below is a summary by category of the grants paid in the year 1 September 2014 to 31 August 15

Type of Grant Value

General -£47,563

Venture -£910

Further Education & Trg -£5,750

Donations -£850

Home Heating -£8,800

Renewables -£1,000

Sport Support -£2,011

Learning/Development -£2,120

Business Start up -2,500.00

Respite -164.45

Energy effi ciency -5,100.00

Hardship 0.00

DoE -800.00

Youth Adventure -255.60

Advanced Driving 0.00

Strathnairn Excellence 0.00

Energy -28,400.00

Retro renewable energy -23,400.00

Total £129,624

29 strathnairn news • issue 82

Please note the following grants are now available:

• General, Venture • Hardship

• FE & Training • Respite

• Donations • Duke of Edinburgh

• Home Heating • Youth Adventure

• Sports Support • Advanced Driving

• Learning/Development • Strathnairn Excellence

• Renewable Energy • Energy

• Start Up Business • Energy Effi ciency Improvement

If you require any guidance with your application please contact the SCBF Company Secretary (details below). Please note that the grant allocation decision is with the Board and the Company Secretary has no vote.

OTHER BUSINESS Carol Smith has resigned as the Company Secretary. Following a recruitment process Hayley Lewis has accepted the appointment of Company Secretary

Funding of £532,950 has been received from SSE. This is the commissioning payment and the fi rst annual payment

• The Company Secretary, Chair and Vice Chairs have met with David Easson, Solicitor to review the fi rst draft of the Glenkyllachy windfarm agreement. Comments have been received and these will be discussed with the developer RWE NPower

• An account has been set up with Investment Managers Brewin Dolphin. The Board has agreed to transfer funds to maintain £75,000 in the Clydesdale account and £75,000 in the Santander current account and to close all other accounts, transferring the funds to Brewin Dolphin.

• The Board is undertaking a review of its management structure and grant allocations

For further information or an application form please contact Hayley Lewis (Company Secretary) by email at [email protected] or download the forms from the website www.strathnairn.org.uk/scbf.asp. and send via post or email.

Documents can be posted to PO Box 5783, INVERNESS, IV1 9EW.

SCBF WILL BE HOLDING ITS AGM ON WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER AT 7.30PM AT FARR HALL. ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WILLING TO ATTEND THIS MEETING.

30 strathnairn news • issue 82

NOTICES

Home Care Required in Farr

Is anyone interested in assisting a family New at member?

Farr Hall! 1 hour in the mornings and ½ hour in the evenings to care for an elderly lady. Zumba Classes Any number of flexible days would be 4.15-5.15pm, Wednesdays appreciated, to work opposite a carer who does two e flexibl days a week at Children welcome! present. £5 per adult, children free. Enquiries to Janette MacQueen Tel: 01808 521350 on weekdays

THIS SPACETHIS SPACE IS IS AVAILABLE AVAILABLE TO ADVERTISETo advertise IN STRATHNAIRN in Strathnairn News: NEWS: Size of advert (to nearest 6 editions – A full year – Single edition (please cm) including a listing on the specify month required Local Business Directory and no of issues) Full page – 19 x 12 (colour) N/A £55 Full page – 19 x 12 (B&W) N/A £35 Half page – 9 x 12 (Colour) £135 £25 Half page – 9 x 12 (B&W) £80 £15 Quarter page – 9 x 6 (Colour) £95 £20 Quarter page – 9 x 6 (B&W) £65 £12 1/8 page – 6 x 4.5 (B&W) £57 £10 INTERESTED?Interested? Please contact Caroline on 01808 521464 or Email [email protected] Please contact Caroline on: 01808 521464 Or Email: [email protected]

31 strathnairn news • issue 82

DHM First Aid Training

DHM First Aid Training is focused on providing high quality First Aid training by a fully qualified instructor. I aim to provide customer satsifation at an affordable price.

For further information please visit www.dmcn48.wix.com/dhm-­‐first-­‐aid

Or Contact David McNulty on 07555 582756 Email [email protected]

Professional CV Writing Service

Looking for a new job and would like help to revamp your CV? Gask House Farm Cottages has three, 4* quality properties set around an attractive courtyard available for hire. We offer an in-­‐depth service which will Ideal for family or smaller groups. provide you with a CV perfectly tailored to your needs. Gask House Farm Cottages Balnafoich By Farr IV2 6XG Contact Caroline for more 01808 521409 information: 07970 027741 [email protected] Tel 01808 521464/ 07971 689833 www.gaskhouse.co.uk [email protected] www.albacvs.co.uk

32

strathnairn news • issue 82

Andy Taylor Gloonan  Traditional Stonework Daviot Inverness  Roads, Tracks and Paths IV2 5XQ

 Ground Works

 Fencing

 Timber Structures 07887 915380 01463 771336  Timber Structures [email protected] www.actheritageltd.co.uk

George Borthwick

JCB Hire

Cleaning isn’t top of most people’s list of Site clearance fun activities…but we all spend a huge amount of time and money doing it! Would Foundations you like to:

Drains  Save lots of money?  Improve your family’s health? Septic tanks  Get perfect results every time?  Clean in half the time? Any job considered  Protect the environment?

If you answered yes to any of the above… then it’s time for your ENJO* makeover! Achbain, Daviot, Inverness [email protected] Why not come to a demo! Contact Jill on 01808 521409 / 07970 027741

Tel: 01463 771350/ 07733 445868 *ENJO has created an innovative cleaning system using only water. These products offer a better, more effective way to clean, while enjoying the benefits of a chemical free system. The ENJO cleaning system is fast and simple.

33 strathnairn news • issue 82

Auchnahillin Holiday Park Myles Evans Myles & Evans Co Ltd & Co Ltd Sam Evans Sam Evans

Myles Evans & Co Ltd *Static caravans forSam hire weekly/ Evans Grass cutting & general garden jobs Myles Evans Window cleaning & Co Ltd nightly Sam Grass Evans cutting & general garden jobs Window cleaning *Pitches Grass available cutting for & privately- general garden jobs Window cleaning Pressure washing slabs/decking Gutter clearing and repairs Pressure washing holiday slabs/decking Pressure washing slabs/decking Gutter clearing Gutter and clearing repairs and owned repairs static caravansFence ( and shed treating & painting Fhomesence Grass and only shed cutting treating & general & painting garden jobs A Window reliable, A reliable, cleaning quality quality e servic e servic based based in the in the ) Fence and shed treating & painting A reliable, quality e servic based in O the ther O work ther also work considered also considered Stath Stath since since 2000 2000 Pressure washing slabs/decking Gutter clearing and repairs Other work also considered Stockists of Flogas & Calor Stath since 2000 Very Fence competitive Very and competitive rates shed rates treating & painting gas - contact us with your A reliable, 01808 01808 quality 521486 521486 [email protected] [email protected] servic based in the Tel: 01808 Tel: 521486 01808 521486 requirementsOther work also Very considered competitive rates Stath since 2000 01808 521486 [email protected] Tel: 01808 521486 Daviot East, Inverness, IV2Very 5XQ competitive rates Tel 01463 772286 / 07974 008567 01808 521486 [email protected] Tel: 01808 521486 [email protected] www.auchnahillin.co.uk

34 strathnairn news • issue 82

wild BIRD FOOD Scotland

Highland family business bringing affordable quality bird food and products straight to your door.

PEANUTS SUNFLOWER HEARTS SUPREME SEED NICE&CLEAN STANDARD SEED ROBIN MIX FINCH MIX NIGER SEED BLACKBIRD MIX FAT BALLS SUET PELLETS MEALWORM

FREE DELIVERY

For details on prices and sizes contact us and we will be happy to help you on:

01456 486639 www.wildbirdfoodscotland.co.uk

A & C Douglas-Jones D.J. Drummond Firewood Sales Hardwoods and Softwoods Fencing and tree work Tractor and Timber Trailer and Stone work repairs, walls, dykes Firewood Processor for hire Timber wood stores www.strathnairnfi rewood.co.uk Tel. 01808 521369 Tel: 01463 718396 or 07881 456627

authorised

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Whitebridge Hotel Health & Safety Training, advice, help & qualifi cations for the food industry

email: [email protected] Home cooked bar meals served 12 – 2 pm and 6 – 8.30 pm Food Industry Training Real Ale 01456 486226 www.whitebridgehotel.co.uk 35 strathnairn news • issue 82

Joinery, Carpentry, Roofing Project Management

Contact Andy Brown

Tel: 01808 521418/07732 211968

Email: [email protected] Web: www.ABHomeworx.co.uk

“Tea-room open daily for coffee, tea and home baking”

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Tel: 01463 224040 Or Visit Our Showroom at 20 Carse Industrial Estate, Inverness IV3 8EX Peponi,Peponi, Inverarnie Inverarnie, Inverness, IV2 6XA Your local window and door specialisT Inverness IV2Tel/ 6XAFax : 01808 521709 Tel/Fax: 01808 521709 Mob: 07843 Mobile:685619 07843 685619 E: icmelectrical.hotmail.comctrical.comwww.icmelectrical.com

36 If undelivered, please return to Speedprint, Unit 3, Lotland Place, Inverness IV1 1PB