March 2006 Sponsored by Strathspey Kilts & Gifts Issue No 33

THE ROTHESIAN

Strathspey Kilts & Gifts opened its doors at 39 and other materials, so if you want your own kilt and New Street on Saturday 11th June 2005. There was a don't have a specific tartan in mind there's plenty to wee opening ceremony performed by Sarah Jane Scot, choose from, and you may even be spoilt for choice! alias Divine Inspiration, and local piper Gary Wilson. We have shirts to set off your kilt or trews, from dress Sarah declined a fee in favour of a donation to Mac- shirts through highlanders, (otherwise known as ghillie Millan Cancer Relief. or Jacobean shirts) to casual tops more at home at football or rugby matches. There's a new range of casual tops coming for this spring/summer New jackets are always in stock but, for the difference in price, made to measure is a sensible option giving you the fit and quality an off the peg jacket cannot match. There is a wide range of accessories to suit every pocket, for example from a basic day sporran, for the price of a few drinks, to the most elaborate and ornate silversmith produced sporrans costing hundreds of pounds. This spread in cost and quality is repeated in the rest of our range of kilt accessories including Kilt- pins and Sgians Dhu. We also have gifts on the tartan theme comprising clocks, handbags and spectacle holders, although these items are being added to all the time. For the ladies there is a range of silver jewellery and some interesting occasional pieces which have been proving very popular. For the men, we stock hip flasks, quaichs and sporran wallets to name just a few. Another local product stocked are “Doris in Doric” greetings cards - a humorous if slightly irreverent way of making your feelings known on any occasion - the brain wave o' a Rothes The shop has had several uses over the years but for quine. those of us over a certain age, it will be remembered Although the shop has not as the drapery part of the Co-op. been open a full year yet, Our aim at Strathspey Kilts & Gifts is to provide the we are encouraged by the very best quality products at value for money prices. interest shown from the Proprietor Martin Flynn trained at the Keith Kilt local community, and School, and wanted to put his new found talents to use would like to thank every- by opening a shop in Rothes. In the last nine months one for their continuing since opening, he has built the hire range of kilts to support and good wishes. over the seventy mark. Needless to say he had to enlist some help from local kilt makers in order to meet deadlines and to get some sleep! The hire range at the moment is in five different tar- tans, soon to be expanded to a total of fifteen, enabling us to cater for a wider variety of tastes. Tartan trews are also available for hire and sale. They are proving increasingly popular as a practical alterna- tive to the kilt for both formal and informal occasions. Kilts can be made in almost any tartan, plain colours

You may contact The Rothesian by e-mail, using the following address: [email protected] THE UPGRADING OF THE DOUNIE PATH

The upgrading process is now in hand, and a contractor has been appointed to carry out the work. Two main areas will be upgraded where the floodwater invaded the Enquiry Service path making it difficult to negotiate. These areas will be for Pensioners abandoned and a new path opened up creating a turn-off point and around the damaged area. The area which looks on to the Linn Falls will be upgraded to create a viewpoint, opening up the view across to Chapel Ley with a timber post rail barrier put in place to ensure safety. Negotiations with the Moray Access Officer, Ian Douglas, have been in progress over the last year. The planning and survey process was agreed and funds have been made available for the work to be car- Do you need advice or information about pension ried out. The contract work will begin in the first weeks credit, state pension or other entitlements? Call of March, weather permitting, and hopefully the path will be finished for the spring. and see someone from The Pension Service at: The Dounie is part of Rothes history and can relate to stories as a place of recreation and family outings and ROTHES MEDICAL CENTRE picnics. It is a welcome facility for both the community HIGH STREET and visitors to enjoy the local countryside. ROTHES Ray Brumby, Speyside Paths Network Group

On Thursday 27 April from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

THE ROTHES MEDICAL CENTRE Although you don’t need an appointment, we can PATIENT GROUP arrange one if you wish. We will see you in th private. The Patient Group met on Monday 30 January, 2006 in To arrange an appointment, ring 01343 528034. the Medical Centre at 6.30pm. The patient Group is a forum for patient concerns about the Health service. It provides a support for Rothes Medical Centre and acts as a bridge between the Health service and the Community. Members of the Group are: Dr N Johnston, Dr T Dennis, Mrs A Johnston, Mr James Anderson, Rev Robert An- derson, Mrs Heather Ewen, Mrs Elizabeth Masson, Mrs Margaret Mathews, Mrs Linda Meldrum, Mr John Til- NICKNAMES COMPETITION ley. Dr Johnston thanked all those present for attending the The winners of the Nickname competition were:- second Patient Group Meeting. He reiterated how im- portant it was to have members of a group in touch with 1 47 out of 50 – Mrs Lily McGregor, 82 Land local concerns about the NHS. Street, Rothes. The results of the patient Questionnaire were calculated and it was noted that everyone continued to be happy with the Non-Appointment system at the surgery. 2 44 out of 50 – Mr Jock Sherret, 58 Depot The Out of Hours Service was discussed and those pre- Road, Huntly. sent raised no concerns. The Health service and Hospital appointments were dis- 3 42 out of 50 – Mr Jock Eddie, 1 Forsyth Ave- cussed. Concern was expressed about appointments nue, Rothes. made for the future, and the difficulty in keeping track of them, especially where the end of the year and the new A full list of the of the answers can be seen at The calendars were concerned. Cottage or sent on request. Dr Johnston informed the group that Mrs Jill Grant, Re- ceptionist for over 12 years was retiring on the 15th Feb- ruary, 2006. Mrs Louise Kelman has been appointed to succeed her.

2 This issue sponsored by Strathspey Kilts & Gifts 1St ROTHES BROWNIES December the fundraiser from the Webb Ivory cata- logue raised £243 and the recent coffee morning raised As usual, we have had a busy start to the year. Our first £412. Thank you to all those people who contributed badge was the to these events, to the Mums, Dads, Grandparents and Fire safety badge. Fire-fighter Rob Nicol visited us a to all others who have baked, and bought etc. few times to teach the girls about fire safety and then we visited the fire station. We had a very informative tour of the station and the Fire Engine, with Victoria and Paula being enrolled into the Brownie Pack while standing in the Fire Engine. A big thanks to the Rothes SPONSORED WALK Fire-fighter. The girls all finally gained their Entertain- ers badge and we have now started working on the Linda, Carol and Kids would like to thank everyone Stargazer Badge with instruction from Mr Keith King- who kindly gave a donation for their sponsored walk. ham. We have also enrolled Rachel and Ronnie, who The walk was in aid of Paul Taylor who had a moun- wanted a butterfly themed party. We all made caterpil- tain bike accident in October and has been left wheel- lars out of marshmallow, chocolate spread and jelly chair bound. sweets, made acetate painted butterflies, which will The walk raised £300 and over £4,000 overall on the eventually become a mobile to display in the Brownie day. corner. On Feb 22nd we celebrate Thinking day, the girls wanted to remember guiding in Chinese Hong Kong and around the world. We had a taste of Chinese food (there were no leftovers) learnt a bit about guiding HELP FOR PAUL’S WHEELS in Hong Kong and had a candle ceremony to remember all the other members of Guiding and Scouting around At a recent fund-raising ladies night held in the East- the world. Of course we can’t let Shrove Tuesday pass bank Hotel Mrs Angela Taylor, wife of Paul Taylor without a pancake or two. Brownies is open to girls the young man who was badly injured in a mountain from 7 – 10 years, if you wish to place your daughter bike accident, was presented with cheques from two on the waiting list or you would like to contribute in local organisations. Rothes AFC presented a cheque any way, please get in touch with Jennifer Nicol for £150 and Lodge St John OP 193 a cheque for 831201 or Bev MacLeod 831137. £235. This money will go towards a special wheel- chair which will enable Paul to compete in the Great North Run this year. 1st ROTHES RAINBOWS Paul’s progress has been followed in the local press and both the members of Rothes AFC and Lodge St We are well on the way to gaining our first badge. We John OP 193 wish him all the very best. don’t do interest badges like the Brownies, but we gain badges for following the Rainbow Roundabout programme. The girls have chosen their first badge colour to be red.. We have been working on the “head to toe” theme and have been working on things from our sens- ROTHES INDOOR BOWLING CLUB es to tying our laces, all they have left to do is paint their feet. (Messy, sticky and hopefully not smelly!!) The Rothes Indoor Bowling Club would like to thank We had a Butterfly promise party for Nicole and a McKerron and Milne, Plumbers and Forsyth, Copper- Thinking Day promise party for Debbie and Emma, smiths for their sponsorship of the February tourna- these parties were full of games, craft and of course ment. The tournament winners were Mulben, runners food. We also had a candle ceremony and each Rain- up were Craigellache. bow lit a candle, with the help and guidance of their We are in the finals of the Triples which will be leader, to remember a member of guiding. Although we played this year in Huntly. have Rainbows on Thursdays we still managed to make On behalf of our members we would like to wish Billy pancakes for Shrove Tuesday, from scratch, and we Masson, our president a speedy recovery. managed to get the flour into the mixing bowl (well Hilda Thomson most of it!!) Rainbows are open to girls aged 5 – 7 years. Anyone wishing to put their daughter on the waiting list should contact Jennifer 831201 or Bev 831137.

FRIENDS OF GUIDING – ROTHES

Friends of guiding are a committee who raise money to help pay for annual fees, sundry expenses etc. Last

This issue sponsored by Strathspey Kilts & Gifts 3 Silver Jubilee Year! BIG BOSSY BINGO BELL

Rothes Majorettes started 25 years ago this Easter when Marjo- ry MacKay approached me and asked me to teach a group of She hurries oot tae catch the bus Rothes girls to march. I was in the Keith Pipe Band at the time. That taks her tae the toon She said only a month and then I have someone lined up to She’s aye sac feart that she’ll be late teach them twirling’. I’m still waiting!! An’ misses the ‘Eyes Doon’ Elgin Library was visited many times to find books on twirling. Mr Burns, the undertaker at the time, made the first Rothes Aye, aince again it’s bingo Bell Batons They were wooden and my girls stood proudly at the She’s off tae play the game church door on my wedding day with their wooden batons. I She hopes tae win the big ane then sat my Teachers Exam in 1985, and we advanced to the That’ll bring her ‘National’ fame batons used today. We have lots of laughs and lots of tears She’s niver late. She’s aye in time when that baton pops a nose or a head when trying new moves, She likes her favourite chair but the feeling of pride when that child is up there accepting a An peety ony body else medal or trophy through their hard work can never be bought! That she finds sittin there Thanks Marjory! The Majorettes did really well last year travelling down that ‘Yer sittin in my seat’, she’ll say dreaded A9 to festivals and never failed to bring back medals (A glower on her face) and trophies. Ye’ll hiv tae shift tae somewye else The troupe has expanded yet again with the addition of 4 girls ‘Ye ken that ‘ats my place’ from Dufftown who are now ready to attend festivals. They Then sittin doon oot comes the pens have worked really hard. Black, purple, blue an green Majorettes is a very expensive sport and as a small troupe I Ready noo she looks aboot tae see fit can be seen decided a few years back that the children, or should I say par- ents, would have to buy their own batons and competition Then Bell espies a stranger dresses and pay towards the transportation to festivals. Fund- An’ she disna ken the face raising was beginning to be a problem. ‘Fa’s that?’ she asks. ‘Her ower there It came to my notice when I was moving house, that out of the She’s new aboot the place 40 troupe dresses that were purchased through fund-raising, Well I jist hope she disna win only 20 can be accounted for, which means somewhere in The first nicht that she’s played Rothes at the back of cupboards of ex-majorettes there must be It’s aye the same the new anes win troupe dresses! PLEASE LOOK. These new girls would love Time new rules shid be made to have a troupe dress like the others. The dresses are £50 each. The majorettes are having 2 fund-raising events, a coffee morn- But then the shouter starts the game ing and prize bingo, with the dates to follow. This will assist An’ Bell sits crossin’ aff with transport to festivals which the kids love so much. ‘Nae luck for me bit maybe I’ll For the 10th year the Rothes Majorettes are heading down to Shout in the second half Berwick-upon-Tweed on the 7th of April for a week long festival, where girls and boys from all over Britain compete. We Sittin’ ower the seat frae Bell have always been successful down in Berwick where many There’s a wifie, name o’ Beattie overall trophies won by Diane Mackenzie, Kim Fenton, Han- She offers Bell a caramel nah Slessor, and past Majorettes plus many medals have come A great big stickie sweetie back up north. Leigh Fenton has won the ‘champion of champi- An’ Bell’s chawin’ at her caramel ons’ trophy 3 times. An’ wheeks it roon her moo I hope all Rothesians wish them luck this year as they very She starts tae sweat, cos she’s only much represent their village and are proud to tell any one that Needin’ number two will listen where they come from. This is a self funded trip by those attending. The number that Bell’s waitin’ on Diane Mackenzie has now turned 18yrs and has decided to Is shouted oot at last hang up her shoes and assist with the coaching of the girls. But she is sittin’ silent , and lets the hoose go past Diane and Leigh have made up the girls Freestyle routines THEN, Wi’ bulgin’ een an firy face for this year’s festivals, this takes a lot of time and patience She grabs the wifie Beattie which both girls have shown. ‘it’s a’ yer blame’ she splutters oot I once again thank the folk of Rothes for their support. For gaein’ me that sweetie

Marion Fenton. By Jean Henderson, Aberdeen

Any former Majorettes please contact the Rothesian with your stories.

4 This issue sponsored by Strathspey Kilts & Gifts ROTHES GOLF CLUB NATIONAL PARK PLAN CONSULTATION BEGINS IN APRIL! In November of last year Rothes Football and Golf Club jointly held a Sportsperson’s Dinner in the Grant The Cairngorms National Park Plan goes out for con- Hall. Dave Edwards was compere for the evening and sultation from the beginning of April for a period of guest speakers were former Motherwell footballer three months. The Cairngorms National Park Authori- John Gaeghan and former policeman and referee John ty (CNPA) has a statutory duty to produce both a Na- McKelvie. The audience enjoyed both speeches and tional Park Plan and a Local Plan for the area. the guests commented on the warm Rothes welcome Up until now, most communities will be more familiar and banter they had enjoyed during the evening. with the development of a Local Plan for the Park, Ian Bruce is Club Captain for this season and the with wide community consultation having taken place Council is eager to hear from golfers who are prepared since September 2004. The Local Plan will set out a to offer their services on the council. The position of clear strategy for built development in the area with Vice Captain is still vacant. The Golf Club has land use planning policies and site specific proposals achieved a lot over the last fifteen years. It has pro- for development, enhancement or protection of the vided facilities for playing golf and has managed to area and will replace those Local Plans currently in purchase the course itself, build a new clubhouse uti- existence for the four local authority areas covering lising the former farmhouse and extend the range of the Park (Moray, Highland, Aberdeenshire and An- equipment necessary to maintain the course. None of gus). this would have possible without extensive support from a variety of sources. However, in order to sus- The priorities for action are: tain this level of development more support from Conserving and enhancing the Park’s biodiversity and members is needed. If you can help in any small way, landscapes. please make yourself known to council members. Developing more sustainable deer management. The Ladies section will be holding a Social Evening at Supporting more integrated land management. the end of March (date still to be confirmed). This Improving high quality opportunities for outdoor ac- will take the form of a demonstration by Pampered cess. Chef followed by Cheese and Wine. Tickets are £5 Making housing more affordable and sustainable. and available from any Ladies Committee member or Making business and tourism more sustainable. by telephoning Sandra Bruce on 831317. Developing awareness and understanding of the Park. th The Sair Heidies’ competition will be played on 18 March, weather permitting. The season gets underway To get to this stage the development of the National th on 8 April with a competition open to all ladies, Park Plan, extensive research, consultation and discus- gents and juniors. Hopefully, the weather will be kind sions have been undertaken with public sector partners and the sun will be shining. Ladies competitions com- and other interested parties. From April, it is over to th mence with the Spring Meeting on 9 April, followed the public! by the regular club competitions after that. Now is This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future, your chance to blow away those winter cobwebs, dust overall direction of the Cairngorms National Park! down the clubs and get playing! New members will be most welcome. Rothes Firefighters Christmas Collection.

The local Firefighter's would like to thank everyone

who contributed to their Chrismas collection, £700 Fire Service Recruitment. was raised for The Fire Service National Benevolent Fund. Grampian Fire and Rescue Service are always looking for Retained Firefighters, there are currently vacancies at the Rothes station, if you would like any further POLICE SPECIALS information please contact the Recruitment hotline on

01224 788700 Grampian Police are to have a presentation on the or e-mail [email protected] above at the Cottage, on Monday 24th April at 7pm.

A number of Special Constables will be in attendance to talk on their role.

This issue sponsored by Strathspey Kilts & Gifts 5 Rothes Community in the 20th Century ROTHES COUNCIL

Hello, we are primary 7 pupils at Rothes Primary At a recent meeting of the Rothes Council the follow- School and we are planning an exhibition on Rothes ing issues were highlighted:- Community in the 20th Century, to be held at our Windfarm Fund Primary School. We are looking for people who were The applications from local groups for the windfarm educated at Rothes Primary School from 1916 so fund are now all in and a meeting has been arranged that we can interview them and find out what it was like during World War Two. by the sub group to discuss the issue. For this year the If anyone has any photographs or information on applications are for almost double the money available the school which they would be willing to lend for so some hard thinking is called for. The sub group is our exhibition, we would be very appreciative. We made up of: the office bearers of Rothes Council, the can be contacted at the School. head teacher from Rothes Primary School, the Minis- Yours sincerely, ter, and two lay members from Rothes Council. Jim Lauren Watt & Craig Mundie Anderson has kindly agreed to act as co-ordinator for the group. Moray Burial Ground Research Group The Rothes Council has been in correspondence with FAMILY SEARCH the above group for some time now as we were interested in having them work in the Rothes and Dundur- My grandmother was Maggie Catto daughter of James cas Cemeteries at some time. We were heartened to Innes Catto who was born in Rothes on 3.12.1864 ad- hear that our cemeteries may be done next year and dress Back Street, Rothes. James Innes Catto was the son have arranged with the group to come and talk on their of William Catto, mother Jessie Boyne. His father Wil- work. Both groups have agreed that a way forward liam was a sawmiller/wood manager. In 1881 census would be to have an open meeting at the Cottage in they were living in Elgin, James being 16 years old. the afternoon of Sunday, the 30th April . Her mother was Isabella Stewart born 3.5.1863 address The published results of the research group will bene- Old street, Rothes. Isabella had three sisters and one brother. Two of her sisters, Margaret Campbell Stewart fit genealogists, family, local and social historians, as and Elspeth Stewart are buried in Rothes Cemetery. Her well as archaeologists. As readers of the ‘Rothesian’ father George Stewart and mother Grace Campbell are will have seen we are increasingly asked for infor- also buried in Rothes cemetery. They were not born in mation on family histories. The work of the group Rothes but are in the 1861 census as living at Old Street, will be invaluable to the town. The meeting will be Rothes with first child Jane. an open meeting with all interested parties welcome Attached is part of a photograph taken at my grandmoth- to come along. er and grandfathers wedding. The lady on the left is Isa- bella Catto (Stewart) and her husband James Innes Catto is on the right. Don’t know the chap in the middle. Does this ring a bell with anyone? Any help would be very much appreciated. SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL

The following Festival events are happening in Rothes, so get along there!

28th April - The Real McCoy - Story of Cutty Sark, Glenrothes Distillery, 2:00pm £10.00 29th April - Five Distilleries of Rothes, from Glen Grant car park, 12:30pm £20.00 29th April - Five Still Dinner, Ben Aigen Hotel 30th April - Secrets of Sexy Whisky Sniffs, with Pro- fessor Dodd, Rothes, 2:00pm

Full details in the brochure, available at the Cottage. Keith McKenzie E-mail – [email protected]

6 This issue sponsored by Strathspey Kilts & Gifts 17th June Rothes FC Social Club Tombola Rothes Diary th 30 June Schools close for Summer Break 1st July Rothes FC Social Club Coffee morning 2006 th 15 July Rothes FC Social Club Tombola 15th July Tomintoul Highland Games MARCH nd 21st March Ladies Group Meeting Visit to ‘The Oaks’ 22 July Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall in aid of CHAS Bus leaves Square 7pm th 21st March Spring Equinox 27 July The Pension Service at Rothes Medical rd Centre 1.30pm to 3.00pm. Phone 01343 528034 23 March BROWN BIN Collection Day th 23rd March Music Dept. Concert Speyside High 29 July Dufftown Highland Games School 25th March Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall - Church Please note that the diary displayed in the Rothes 25th/26th March Clocks Forward for Summer Library window, is updated every two weeks and Time takes in changes which occur during the time be- 26th March Mothers Day tween the Rothesian quarterly editions. Please keep 26th March No – Smoking in Public Places be- Sandra informed of events and meetings as fund- comes Law raising works best with no competition! 30th March GREEN BIN Collection Day Please note the new email address for the diary: 31st March Schools close for Easter Holiday [email protected] If you would like the diary emailed to you, please APRIL contact this address! 1st April Rothes FC Social Club Coffee morning 6th April BROWN BIN Collection Day Rothes Diary is ©Copyright (Sandra Ross) and 8th April Rothes Kirk Guild Coffee Morning may not be reproduced without permission 9th April Palm Sunday 13th April GREEN BIN Collection Day 14th April Good Friday 15th April Coffee Morning in Church Hall - BB 15th April Rothes FC Social Club Tombola MOBILE BANKING 16th April Easter Day 17th April Schools re-open for Summer Term The Royal Bank of Scotland have extended their mo- 18th April Rothes Ladies Group bile banking service to include Rothes. From the first 20th April BROWN BIN Collection Day week in April, the mobile van will visit Rothes on nd 22 April Senior Citizens Coffee Morning in Kirk Thursdays between 10.45 and 11.45. Hall 27th April GREEN BIN Collection Day 27th April The Pension Service at Rothes Medical Centre 1.30pm to 3.00pm. Phone 01343 528034 29th April Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall - Bowlers 28th April/1st May Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festi- val

MAY 1st May May Day Holiday- Schools closed 6th May Rothes FC Social Club Coffee morning 13th May Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall - Church 16th/17th May Schools closed for In-Service 16th May Rothes Ladies Group 20th May Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall - Majorettes 20th May Rothes FC Social Club Tombola 27th May Rothes Horticultural Society Plant Sale and Coffee Morning in the Grant Hall 28th May ROTHES GALA DAY

JUNE etc 1st June GALA PRIZE BINGO 3rd June Rothes FC Social Club Coffee morning 3rd June GALA CHALLENGE DAY & CAR BOOT SALE 5th June Schools closed (Speyside Area) local Holiday 10th June Ladies Group Outing -To ‘Happy Planter’ and Inverurie for tea 10th June Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall - Toddlers

This issue sponsored by Strathspey Kilts & Gifts 7 ROTHES GUILD NEWS ROTHES GALA

Our first meeting of 2006 was on 14th February and This year’s Rothes Gala will be held in the park on our speaker for the evening was Mrs Anne Oliver from Sunday 28th May, the Gala Bingo in the grant Hall on Elgin Museum. Mrs Oliver gave us a brief history of Thursday 1st June and the Challenge Day on Saturday the museum and some insight into lives of the lairds of 3rd June. Each year we depend greatly on the people of Wester Elchies. A lovely evening enjoyed by all. Rothes for their kind donations of bottles/tins etc and The World Day of Prayer meeting was held on Friday once again we will be calling around in the week com- 3rd March 2006 in the Kirk Hall. This year the service mencing 15th May. was written by Christian women of South Africa. RAFFLE – This year, in order to cut down on the Everyone is most welcome to join us in prayer and work of the Gala helpers we are proposing to deliver a fellowship. raffle book along with the annual chitty which we Our next meeting will be on 14th March 2006 and our hope you will buy. These can be handed back during speaker will be Mrs Ann Bowie from Moray West the collection in May or handed in to the Cottage or Presbyterial Council. any Gala Committee member. Donations of items for We will be hosting a Coffee Morning on Saturday 8th the cake and candy stall will also be greatly appreciat- April in Rothes Kirk Hall from 10 AM to 12 Noon ed, and these can be in to the pavilion in the park on with the usual sales tables. Please come and join us. Gala morning between 10am and 12 noon. This year we hope to have a colourful array of new Celine McDuff-Jones gazebos in place of the old stalls which are time con- Joint Secretary suming to put up. We were fortunate in getting money from the windfarm fund to purchase this new equipment. We are still in the process of deciding on the full pro- WHAT ARE SENIOR CITIZENS WORTH? gramme for Gala Day but do know that we are to have the Agility Dogs who will be seen at an earlier time on Did you know that old folk are worth a fortune? the day this year. As you will see by the old photo They have silver in their hair, gold in their teeth, stones there used to be a lot of local activity within the gala in their kidneys, lead in their feet and lots of gas in their programme and although we would be unable to hold stomachs. a tug o war competition we are considering having a J.A. Wellie Throwing competition between the hotels, bars and licensed premises in the town. Dear Jean On Challenge Day we are having a CAR BOOT SALE and Jims’ usual Bingo in the large gazebo. I have become older and wiser since I last saw you and a Please look out for the full programme when it be- few changes have come into my life, frankly I have become a frivolous old girl and am seeing six gentlemen every day. As soon as I wake up Will Power helps me out of bed, then I have to visit John. It is then time for Mr Tetley and my other friend just called by the initials PC. Then someone I do not like, Arthur Ritus. He knows he is not welcome but he insists, and what is more he stays for the rest of the day. He does not like to stay in one place so he takes me from joint to joint. After such a day I am really tired, and go to bed gladly with Johnny Walker. What a hectic Life!

P.S. Oh! Yes I am flirting with Al Zeimer. The minister called the other day, and said that at my age I should be thinking about the hereafter. I told him Oh but I do. No matter where I am in the bedroom, kitchen, sitting room or even in the garden I stop and ask myself ‘ now what am I here after’. J.A. comes available.

8 This issue sponsored by Strathspey Kilts & Gifts

Many thanks to the families who have sent in photographs, newspaper articles and artifacts; it helps to bring the era alive for our young people. A personal link with relatives and friends who have lived through the era under study is another aspect of ‘reality’ media, making learning interesting and meaningful. On behalf of the pupils, I would like to put out an ap- peal to the people of Rothes and those who are now As the snow continues to keep its icy grip on Rothes living further afield, through The Rothesian, to get in and the surrounds, teachers are hard at work completing touch with the school if they have material which may school reports for the end of term and catching up on be of interest to the school and its community and their planning and assessment. In the meantime, I hope could be used as part of our exhibition. We would be that the children are making the most of the days off grateful for any items, which reflect the life of the school to enjoy the wintry conditions and have fun in school, from prize-giving to participating in local the snow. events, etc. These can be delivered to the school and kept safely to show children and record, photograph or display them. Our display will be broken down into the decades of the twentieth century, so if anyone has any- thing that marks a particular decade, from school cloth- ing to old books/jotters, bags, we would be very happy to borrow them and promise to look after the items too. The children are also interested in interviewing any of our local residents who have memories of school in a bygone era. They will keep it simple and ask only for memories recalled by the individual of their own time, which they will then write up and include in the exhibition material. If you are interested in helping us out this way, please contact the school and we can either visit you or you would be made most welcome in school. With best wishes Juli Grant, Head Teacher

As many of you know, the school is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the building this year, with plans for a stained glass window designed by pupils to be installed in the school hall along with an exhibition mounted by THE COTTAGE pupils, with support from teachers and volunteers, based on Rothes School in the twentieth century. We The Cottage has being undergoing internal structure plan to hold the exhibition in the school hall in May changes paid for with monies from the Windfarm and are already working on the research part linked to fund. We now have more room in the Computer suite particular topics currently being undertaken in school and will have shelves to display goods in the main by P6 and P7, namely, The Victorian Era and World room. We are in the process of deciding on a wider War 2. range of goods for sale than we have had in the past as it is clear that visitors are looking for a variety of Rothes related goods. We are grateful to the Gala Group who donated £500 to make this possible.

The computer classes are going well with a number of students undergoing their first exams and others who have already sat and passed theirs. We were fortunate to get a MAC Grant of £2,000 and another Grant of £2,000 from REAP (MBSE monies) to help us to keep going.

This issue sponsored by Strathspey Kilts & Gifts 9 A BLAST FROM THE PAST

Mr Patty Wales has handed in three articles on differ- ing subjects which we thought you might like to see. Two are of interest to the Dufftown folk among us, and are about his late father-in-law Mr Edom O Gor- don, a regular contributor to the Dufftown Squeak. The TA Trophy article is an old Newspaper cutting (date unknown) of Rothes and Fochabers interest . PRIZE PULL FOR TA TROPHY

Left to right :-Major McKessack, Sgt Jas Harrold RAISING OF THE GORDONS (Fochabers), Sgt James Munro, Sgt James Anderson, Cpl ‘Toorie’ Simpson, CSM Sandy Cameron, ‘Ginger’ Mor- It was in 1794 rison (Spey Bay), Shod Harrold and Jim Inglis That Duchess Jean rode oot (Fochabers). The man at the front is Sgt P Wales, the Tae raise the Gordon Regiment coach Fae country round aboot Earlier this year we published a young man standing by When each recruit the shilling got a German field gun – controversial relic of the First Fae lips o’ Bonnie Jean World War. The year was 1925, and that young man Tae serve his country faithfully was James Anderson, then 17 years old. That was the vow he’d taen Today Mr Anderson lives at 8 Kirk Place, Rothes and he sends us the above picture showing the tug o’ war win- By Huntly Toon she roved around ners of C Company, 6th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders. An’ up by Gartly tae Mr Anderson writes; ‘It was taken at the Territorials Corgarff an’ Tomintoul she gaed summer camp at Barry in 1939. The Camerons, 4/5 Sea- th Doon Livet’s Glen rode she forths and 6 Seaforths competed on a sports day. The C Company personnel came from Rothes HQ, Fochabers But this is 1960 noo we need anither Jean and Knockando. And were requiring a point to clinch the So come ye Bonnie Lassies a’ all-round championship Cup. All depended upon our tug An’ see fat can be deen o’ war team, who came to the rescue by pulling the Cam- At oor Grand Dance in Local Hall erons in the final. The cup was filled with Glen Grant by our officer, Major D McKessack. Unfortunately that was For we maun find a Jean to be our last camp as war broke out in 1939’. E.OG

FARE WEEL TAE EDOM O’GORDON SCHOOL REUNION

Fare ye weel dear Edom Calling all ex pupils who attended Rothes Primary from You’ll be missed frae aff this page 1971 and finished in 1977 with the then Miss Hopes, For when it cam tae verses now Mrs Cameron. Myself and friend Fiona Windwick, now Thomson have spoken about a reunion for a while Ye fairly were a sage now, and as we will all be 40 this year, there couldn’t be a more appropriate time. Ye gied a deal o’ pleasure We have tried to recall as many as possible, but hope that Tae a’ who read your words the Rothesian will cover everyone or at least family Ye were an inspiration members or friends who will recognise the searched for Tae ane an’ a’ o’ us 'pupils'. We hope to have the reunion in Rothes, and the proposed For lang as time will mind on you date and venue is yet to be confirmed, however we had We’ll nae grudge you your rest thought the last Saturday in August was preferable. If For tae a’ o’ us that kent ye weel you are one of said 'pupils' I'd love to hear from you, and Ye were the very best. hope that you are up for a catch up before we become M.M. unrecognisable as the 'pupils' we once were. Feel free to contact me by email or by phone. Joyce Brian now Hay 01343548357 [email protected]

10 This issue sponsored by Strathspey Kilts & Gifts THANK YOU FROM THE FLOOD the situation can be improved has been underway for ALLEVIATION TEAM some time. Moray Flood Alleviation has already contacted Scottish Water and will be keeping the pressure The Rothes Flood Alleviation Team would like to on them to say what they are going to do about it. thank everyone who came along to the public exhibi- Another question that came up more than once was tion on 10th January 2006. Over three hundred people ‘What about the flooding in the meantime?’ The team passed through the doors of the Kirk Hall, a real re- has identified a number of areas where work might be flection of the continued excellent support received carried out in advance, either as short-term solutions from the community in Rothes. or as a part of the final scheme. We’d also like to thank Rothes Primary classes 6 and At the moment the Rothes team are working hard to finalise the outline design of the scheme. You might

also have seen some diggers around the town carrying out ground investigations to help us to finalise the design work. In the mean-time if anyone has any queries regarding the scheme they should telephone either Peter Haslam on 01343 559055, or Dave Gowans on 01343 559058 at Moray Flood Alleviation, or visit the website at www.morayflooding.org. There is also information on display in the cottage. Rothes Flood Alleviation Team

SPEYSIDE COUNCIL

nd 7 for their wonderful drawings and congratulations to The meeting scheduled for Thursday 2 March was Emily Haigh-Frarey Kelly McNair, Ellie Sommerville postponed because of the weather. The previous meet- and Lauren Scholes who won prizes for their fantastic ing, held in November was reported in the December ideas for a recreation area next to the football ground. edition of the Rothesian. Ideas included a nature trail, picnic area, obstacle Half the area represented by the Speyside Council has course and even a terrifying tower! now elected representatives to set up the Glenlivet The team is collating the comments and concerns you Community Council, a statutory body whom the raised at the exhibition and will be contacting those Moray Council are legally obliged to consult. How who requested follow up meetings in the near future. this will affect representation on the Speyside Council we do not as yet know, but since there is no communi- Naturally, many of you were concerned about the ef- ty council representing lower Speyside there will still be a need for a body to co-ordinate the local community associations including the Rothes Council The Annual General Meeting of the Speyside Council, which will be open to all residents of Speyside, will be held in May. The date and venue will be announced later. John Tilley, Vice-president

ROTHES CREST

We have been asked by a number of people to do an article on the Rothes Crest and its historical signifi-

cance. This will be part of the next issue. fects of closing the A941 during the construction work; meetings have been held with the Moray Coun- cil Roads service and we are hoping to find a diversion route or some other way of keeping the route open.

The existing drainage system was a concern raised by a number of residents and an investigation into how

This issue sponsored by Strathspey Kilts & Gifts 11 Ninety Years Later

Almost a year ago, a group visiting Flanders were surprised to learn from the Passendale Memorial Museum in Zonnebeke, that they were in the preliminary stages of planning a memorial to the Scottish Divisions who fought in the Ypres Salient in the Great War. Unbelievably no such monument exists, a fact that will be news to many, many people, including many relatives of those who fell in the Third Battle of Ypres. As 2007 will mark 90 years since this event, the plan is to unveil the monument in August next year, during a Scottish weekend. (There is a monument in the Somme which will be commemorated this year.) As can be seen from the artist’s impression, the memorial will be in the shape of a Celtic Cross and will be made in Scotland from granite by Fyfe Glenrock of Aberdeen. The intention is to site the cross on a bed of 100 concrete blocks from a Great War Bunker. The land, on the right-hand side of the road between Ypres and Zonnebeke, has already been purchased. The memorial is estimated to cost about £16500 which is to be raised in two ways: • A person, may, for a minimum donation of £20, sponsor a block in the names of a relative, who fell in the salient. The relative’s name will be placed in a time capsule in the centre of the base • By sending a cheque made payable to ‘Scottish Memorial in Flanders’ or by paying directly into the bank account at National Westminster Bank, sort code 56-0070, account no 38618842 The cheques should be sent to Glen Ross who will forward them with others collected in the area, together with the names if de- sired. Of the ninety odd Rothes casualties, there were fourteen who fell at the Ypres Salient, eleven of whom were with the Scottish Divisions. Another ’local’ cas- ualty was the Earl of Seafield. So far the Rothes casualties identified are:- L/Cpl William Cameron L/Cpl John Innes Cpl Alfred McWilliam Pte George Stewart Sgt Henry Nicol Cpl Robert Phinn Pte Alexander Proctor Pte Millenio Thomson Cpl George Gordon Pte Robert Grant Pte Arthur Milne

Also associated with Rothes, but not with the Scottish Divisions were:- Pte Adam Marshall NZ Sapper James Grant RE Pte John Winchester Canada If you wish more information about what is being planned in 2007, visit http:// www.passchendaele.be/ which has the details as they develop.

ROTHES HORTICULTURAL & SENIOR CITIZENS INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY The Senior Citizens have had a very good six months The Annual General Meeting was held on 23rd January of meetings. Smashing entertainment, our Christmas and it was very well attended. Tribute was paid to Party and now sadly it is time to wind down. The last Chrissie Percival who had been a very active commit- meeting is on April 19th, our Coffee Morning is Satur- tee member for a lot of years. day, 22nd April and our outing is on the 2nd May to The Our compost sale will be held in early March and our Waltzing Waters at Kingussie. We were delighted to Plant Sale and Coffee Morning will be held in the have a few new members this year, and hope this will Grant Hall on Saturday 27th May from 10am until 12 continue for next year. noon. Jean Allan, Secretary

12 This issue sponsored by Strathspey Kilts & Gifts