Chiropodist John L

KIRKHILL SWRI

his year will end in May with a visit to the will be busy organising the programme for TInvergordon Lifeboat Station. the new session which will recommence in In March members enjoyed a cookery dem- September. onstration from Frances Grant and then It has been most encouraging to see how in April we had the AGM together with the the membership has increased and we usual Pot Luck Supper. hope this will continue in the 2013/2014 During the summer months the Committee session

Dan Fraser Tree Surgery

- Tree Surgery -

- Small Scale Mobile Saw Milling -

- Log Splitting -

- Woodchipping - Chiropodist John L. Stott - Firewood Sales - D.S.Ch. F.A.Ch.Pod. M.Inst.Chp Home visits by appointment throughout the Black Isle, Ross-shire and 01463 831030 Inverness-shire 07703 517941 MEMBER OF THE “INSTITUTE OF [email protected] CHIROPODISTS & PODIATRISTS” State Registered: HPC Regsitration Number CH25760 Always check your chiropodist is HPC registered Tel 01463 811746

12 Crannog Summer 2013 LentranKirktonClunesReeligInchberryKirkhillInchmoreEnglishton Muir DrumchardineAltnacardichNewtonhillKnockbainBunchrewCabrich LentranKirktonClunesReeligInchberryKirkhillInchmoreEnglishton Muir DrumchardineAltnacardichNewtonhillKnockbainBunchrewCabrich LentranKirktonClunesReeligInchberryKirkhillInchmoreEnglishton Muir DrumchardineAltnacardichNewtonhillKnockbainBunchrewCabrich LentranCrannogKirktonClunesReeligInchberryKirkhillInchmoreEnglishton Muir SummerDrumchardine 2013 AltnacardichRead it first onlineNewtonhill at www.kirkhillandbunchrew.org.ukKnockbainBunchrewCabrich KIRKHILL GALA WEEK - 18th - 25th Mayy

ashion, racing, stilt walkers and inter- ner Eamonn Doorley and Duncan will also collabo- Fnational stars – and that’s just a rate to lead off the afternoon’s music. There won’t normal Friday afternoon in St.Mary’s Road! be a seat on a bale to be had, so get there early. Book your tickets now and clear your diary. There’s lots going on in this year’s Gala Week! And in the main arena, there will be circus skills and stilt walkers from Fly Agaric, terrier racing New for 2013 – Race Night on Saturday and a display from the Territorial Army as well as 18th May from 7.00pm in Kirkhill Community dancing, Shinty, fancy dress footie and tug o’ war. Centre. Free entry, but don’t be late. This will Money raised during Gala Week sup- fill up fast so don’t end up in the photo finish. ports our newly refurbished Commu- nity Centre and keeps running costs down. Back by popular demand is the Fashion Show Go to the centre pages of this Crannog for your pull out at Achnagairn House on Thursday 23rd May Gala Week programme and Gala Day information. from 7.30pm. Fashion by In Stitches with shoe and jewellery showcases and local entertain- ment. Tickets £12.50 including a glass of bubbly. Tickets from Lorraine MacLeod on 831465. Top of the bill for Gala Day on Saturday 25th May, compered by Davie Robertson, is the official opening of the newly refurbished Community Centre by local musician Duncan Chisholm and the crowning of the Gala Queen by singer and multi-instru- mentalist Julie Fowlis - most recently known for her work on Disney Pixar’s Brave. Julie, her part- MORGAN’S GROUNDWORKS TREE SURGERY AND PLANT HIRE • Drainage – domestic and industrial • Firewood • Landscape gardening • Roof maintenance Plus much more……… Tel 07706 301740 Shaun www.morgansgroundworks.co.uk

Crannog Summer 2013 1 READERS' LETTERS t is really depressing to see that the vandalism to in the park I would be very grateful as volunteers Ithe trees in the park which occurred last year is have put a lot of time and effort into looking after starting again, presumably a youth or youths (who- and maintaining the trees, bushes and willow in the ever it is is quite strong) trying to break or uproot park for everyone’s enjoyment. trees by pushing and pulling them. Please report any deliberate acts of vandalism you Last summer I had to dig out two young fruit trees see happening around Kirkhill to the police. which were still standing but dead, broken at the Lindsey Stout (original Park Group Member) base of their trunks. Already someone has been breaking branches of DISTRIBUTORS WANTED blossom off one of the miniature fruit trees. Many of the miniature trees were broken off at the top of their trunk last year, stunting their growth. You would not be reading this valuable community publication if it were not for the hard work and Broken branches grow back on the willow, but not commitment of a few unsung heroes who volun- on other trees. I have left cut branches lying about teer their time to distribute and post the Crannog for children to play with as I have seen children through everyone’s letter boxes. This is a job for the breaking branches off to play games. community that is definitely best shared amongst as many as possible. If you want to be involved and Whether youths or children, if parents could have could spare some time to help distribute Crannog, a word with their children to look after the trees please contact Ken or Irene McColl on 831617. Thank You!

Community Councillors Crannog is published four times a year by Kirkhill & Bunchrew Community Council. Chairman All meetings of the community council are usu- Cameron Kemp, West Altnaceardaich831552 ally held in the Old North Inn on a Tuesday evening Treasurer at 7.30pm and are open to members of the public. Fred Geddes, Newtonhill 831324 If you have any concerns you would like raised please Secretary come along or alternatively speak to one of the coun- Jim Ogilvie, 22 Newton Park, Kirkhill 831316 cillors. Ian Weir, Groam Farm, Kirkhill 831750 Chris Heaton-Armstrong, Kirkhill 831779 Kirkhill and Bunchrew Community Ally MacNeill, Tigh Cala, 4 Newtonhill 831339 Karen Young, Glen Rowan, Bunchrew 234128 website and facebook page Iain Urquhart, 58 Newton Park, Kirkhill 831278 If you want to know what’s going on in the com- Ian Cowan, Tigh-na-Beithe, Kirkhill 831344 munity or want to share things with others then Caroline Crawford, Gardener’s Cottage,Kirkhill the community WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK PAGE is 831503 Judith Rumbold, Fearna, Birchwood,Bunchrew225073 the place to go. Send your news and events to edi- Nikki Maclean, Eileantulloch House, [email protected] and “Like” us Moniack, Kirkhill831041 at www.facebook.com/kirhillbunchrew (yes that is how it’s spelt). And if you’d like to promote your Crannog Newsletter publication information club or activity we can set up a page on the site Print period: Quarterly for you at www.kirkhillandbunchrew.org.uk Circulation: 800 copies Circulated to households in the Kirkhill and Crannog contact information Bunchrew Community Council area and selected Get in touch with the Crannog for the next edition local businesses including some in the Inverness at the following email address as appropriate: and Beauly areas [email protected] Next issue of the Crannog: Autumn 2013 [email protected] Contribution deadline: 16th August 2013 If you do not have email then please send your *no late submissions will be accepted comments to: Crannog, 4 Newton Place, Kirkhill, IV5 7QE, or by phone to 01463 831546. 2 Crannog Summer 2013 WARDLAW CHURCH NEWS and progress of the church during 2012. One team’s aim was to raise funds to present each somewhat unexpected activity has arisen in the child in P3 with a copy of the Lion Storyteller’s last year – we have been getting a few enquiries Bible, to mark their participation in three years of from people researching family history. The latest these special assemblies. The team also wish to enquiry has been from a gentleman in Quebec, offer their thanks to Cris Ford and her teaching researching a family member believed to have staff at Kirkhill Primary. been married in Kirkhill in 1745, but who joined The church is delighted to once again be holding the 78th Fraser Highlanders, and later settled in a special family Sunday service on 19th May to Quebec. Older church records are largely held at mark the start of Gala Week in Kirkhill. All Kirkhill the Highland Archive Centre in Inverness nowa- folk are warmly invited to this service, which will days, and provide much information. be led by Rev. Bill Freel, who is a retired, but very much in demand, Baptist Minister from Inverness. On 6th April, over a dozen members of the church Bill and his wife Betty have become frequent congregation and friends gathered to have a “Tidy members of the Wardlaw congregation whenever Up Day” for the church grounds and adjacent Bill’s continuing preaching commitments allow. house plot. Progress was helped by the good Please do come and join in this celebration of the number of volunteers, who were rewarded with Kirkhill community and its church. tea, sandwiches and cream meringues afterwards Sunday, 2nd June is the date for our “Sandwich – we were able to sit outside in the sun that day, Sunday” service. This service is conducted by a the next day brought snow once again! Volunteers range of church elders and members of the con- were able to try out the new wooden bench that is gregation, and centres on the work of the Church now located of Scotland’s at the church HIV project. door. Thanks After the serv- to Kenny ice, everyone is McColl for invited to stay making on for a lunch of the bench sandwiches and secure. The home baking purchase of with tea and the bench coffee – there was made is no charge for possible by this, but dona- donations tions towards made at the the work of the very popu- HIV project will lar Tuesday be welcome. coffee mornings – since All Sunday starting, the L to R: Margaret Birkbeck, Flora Morrison, Alisdair Morrison, Mary McLel- morning serv- coffee mornings land, Eileen Morrison, Ellenor Thomas (Photo: Avril Marr) ices start at have also funded 10:30 a.m., but pots of shrubs and spring bulbs at the church don’t forget our Third Sunday Praise event which is doors, the painting of the church doors, and a sub- held every third Sunday evening each month. The stantial contribution towards a new microphone May Praise event will be held on Sunday, 19th May and stand. at 6:00 p.m., when the more modern songs are a April 27th brought a much enjoyed coffee morn- highlight of the evening, and there is a chance to ing held at Kirkhill School, hosted by the “Open meet friends and neighbours over tea and home the Book” team. This team visit the pupils of P1 baking afterwards. So there’s plenty going on – through to P3 each week during term time, to act please come along and join us, you will be made out costumed presentations of Bible stories. The very welcome! Crannog Summer 2013 11 KIRKHILL INDOOR BOWLING CLUB The indoor bowls had to find aldson, Neil Maclean a new venue last autumn when we started our winter J & J TROPHY (Gents Singles) Winner session as the hall was out of – Neil Maclean, commission due to the refur- Runner up – Danny MacGillivray bishment. We are grateful to Kirkhill Primary school for allowing us to use MALDUN TROPHY (Ladies Singles) Winner – their hall last autumn. This allowed us to continue Mary Donaldson, with the normal bowling season. However we had Runner up – Helen Stuart to play some of our home games away and as a result the club finished 8th in the Inverness league DRUMCHARDINE TROPHY (Pairs) Winners – this year. We were knocked out in the quarter- Helen Stuart & Willie Maclean finals of the league cup. We won the Jim Suther- Runners up – Duncan Gray & Mary Donaldson land trophy against Beauly but have still to play for the Jen Sutherland trophy. STRATHNAIRN CUP (Two bowl singles) Winner - Catherine Sawicki The winter season finished with the Annual Prize Runner- up – Billy Horne Giving on Friday 12th April in the Bogroy Inn. We Spoon Winner – Willie Maclean have a new club champion this year with Neil Maclean beating Billy Horne in the final. The fol- The season will start again in late September lowing club trophies were presented at the prize 2013 in the community hall on Monday nights – giving: we are always looking for new members to keep up our numbers up so FERNLEA TROPHY (Club Champion) Winner – watch out for a notice Neil Maclean about the start of our Runner up – Billy Horne new season in the Crannog this autumn. MACGILLIVRAY TROPHY (Triples) Winners – Norma Scrimgeour, Ann Lyle, Ken MacColl David Scrimgeour Runners up – Catherine Sawicki, Mary Don- WARDLAW CHURCH NEWS ince the last issue of Crannog, we have “lost” us. The post has been advertised, and is listed on Sone Interim Moderator and gained another! the Church of Scotland website. In the meantime, Since we have been without a Minister, we have numbers attending church have not reduced at all been looked after by Rev. Edgar Ogston who was – but we will always welcome new folk ! based in Beauly, and who was Minister for the In March, the church was full for the funeral of Bob area known as Kilmorack and Erchless. Edgar and McNab, a much respected member of the Kirkhill Jean have now safely arrived at their new home community and well known in farming circles. in Mallaig, where Edgar is now Minister for North Later that same month, we saw the wedding of West Lochaber. Our new Interim Moderator is Elaine Stuart and Bruce Buntain from Bridge of Rev. Peter Donald, who is the Minister from Crown Don, who chose Wardlaw Church for their wedding, Church in Inverness. Peter has already taken both with surrounding celebrations being hosted at a wedding and funeral service at Wardlaw Church, Achnagairn House. and cleared his schedule to take a much appreci- The Guild A.G.M. in early March was enlivened ated Sunday service for us on 7th April. Peter by members bringing in old photographs, with will be organising a schedule of Ministers to take all the pictures provoking happy memories, and our Sunday services. He also has links with the several causing much raucous laughter as well. Nominating Committee for Kirkhill and Kiltarlity, Late March saw the A.G.M. for the church as a who are charged with finding a new Minister for whole, with members reporting on the activities 10 Crannog Summer 2013 KIRKHILL DISTRICT AMENITIES ASSOCIATION irkhill District Amenities Association held its Fitting out and film showings KAGM in the new Williamson Room at the com- The KDAA were delighted to get funding from munity centre in February. It certainly beat squeez- Awards for All to help fit out the new facilities. The ing onto the stage. There was a good turnout to kitchen equipment is in place and new blinds and hear about the enormous amount of work that has new chairs and tables for the Williamson Room gone into progressing the Kirkhill Centre Forward have been ordered. project. Chairman Ken MacDonald thanked all During our consultation one of things that the com- involved in particular Alasdair Morrison who’s been munity wished to see in the new centre was films. managing the build on a daily basis and Sandra The grant has enabled us to purchase a projector Hogg for managing the finances. The challenge now and large screen which should allow us to show is to make best use of the new facilities and grow films in the main hall or Williamson Room. If you’d the number of activities and events held. A commit- got a passion for cinema or don’t like the trek to tee was elected but there were no new faces so the VUE and would like to help take this idea forward committee would be delighted to hear from anyone please let us know. Young people are welcome too, who would like to help out. perhaps you could organise your own showings. Email [email protected] or phone Community Centre opening and Gala Week Sandra Hogg on 831674. 2013 Tennis membership We will be celebrating the new facilities with an offi- Annual tennis membership of the MUGA is now cial opening ceremony at this year’s Gala Day. open. At only £25 per year for the family this must We’re delighted to announce that local musician be the best value ever. Renew your membership Duncan Chisholm will be opening the hall and invite or join now. Forms are available on the website, you all along to share in the community’s achieve- Email [email protected] or phone ment. Sandra Hogg on 831674. Thank you for your support for past Gala Weeks which have enabled us to carry out the recent Contact work. Now more than ever we need your support If you’d like to make a booking for the centre or to enable us to continue to offer our fantastic facili- find out more about what we can offer please con- ties at such reasonable rates and develop new tact Wilma Williamson on 831737 or email kdaa@ activities and events. This year’s Gala is shaping up kirkhillandbunchrew.org.uk and more details at to being the best ever. You can find out more about www.kirkhillandbunchrew.org.uk. We’d be happy to Gala 2013 elsewhere in Crannog. arrange to show you round the facilities and dis- cuss your needs. Kirkhill Community Centre Kirkhill Post Office At Kirkhill Community Centre from 10am to 1pm every Tuesday and Friday Community Centre Fully equipped and recently renovated, Kirkhill Community Centre is suitable for a wide range groups, clubs, meetings, drama, music, sports, Kirkhill MUGA fitness, parties, celebrations, sales, fundrais- Kirkhill multi use games area (MUGA) has a floodlit ing events and more. The new Williamson Room all weather surface and is suitable for a range of is ideal for smaller groups or to give additional sports including football, tennis, shinty and basket- space for larger events. ball. Contact Wilma Williamson 01463 831737 or Contact Ken MacDonald on 01463 831479 or email [email protected] [email protected] Kirkhill District Amenities Association is a charity registered in Scotland,No. SC012797

Crannog Summer 2013 3 KIRKHILL & BUNCHREW COMMUNITY TRUST Spring Volunteering Day – Saturday 20th April would like to help, contact Rachel on 741675. Away y the time you read this we will have had our from the wood we have also had a development BLitter Pick around the village. Thank you to all workshop to provide a vision for the future work of who took part. We will also have helped the KDAA the group – thanks to Archie Prentice and Aileen to cut back the whins around the Armstrong for their facilitation of the event. MUGA – making it easier to find We are always keen to involve more of the local balls that find their way over the community in our activities and will highlight these fence! Hopefully both activities in Crannog, on the website and via Facebook. If will have helped support attend- you’re interested in any of the activities do get in ance at the Village Market in touch with our co-ordinator Anne Griffiths 01463 Kirkhill Primary School. 831600 or [email protected]

Plans are now in place for the Cycle Path Cycling Event in the school grounds alongside the An application for funding of market on Saturday 18th May. Children and par- the construction of a cycle ents will be invited to bring their bikes for a free path from Lovat Bridge to the maintenance check from local cycling group Veloc- Kirkhill junction is still being ity and take part in an obstacle race around the considered– fingers crossed! playing field. Just what you need to loosen up for a If successful, work could start summer of cycling! There will also be a stand from this year. New Start Highland where you can find out about buying a refurbished bike or donate one that has www.kirkhillandbunchrew.org.uk been gathering dust in your garden shed. The Community web site continues to provide a Woodland Group source of up to the minute news and information. It

The spring session of Woodland group workdays ROBERT KINGHORN is drawing to a close at the TREE SURGERY end of April. We have had a successful year – with Fully qualified and insured further habitat enhance- Arboricultural contractor ment and management of the tree resource - as well All aspects of tree care undertaken. as improving the amenity Small garden trees to full site clearances aspects of the wood. Further to the First Aid train- ing course held in the wood in September we also Hazard trees ran a successful Wood-carving course in February Site clearance led by Henry Fosbrooke. Nine attendees spent an Hedge trimming enjoyable weekend developing their practical artis- Tree dismantling tic skills. Some wonderful carvings were crafted Deadwood removal and there is an aspiration to produce a Community Tree and hedge planting Totem Pole! We would like to thank the FCS Com- All aspects of tree pruning munity Seedcorn Fund for the funding which sup- ported these activities. We also have worked with Urban / woodland forestry Moniack Mhor Writer’s Centre in supplying timber Felling large and small trees for their roundwood structured eco-building and look forward to following its construction with inter- [email protected] est. We have just heard that the BBC’s Beechgrove http://www.kinghorntreesurgery.co.uk/ Garden will be filming the creation of a Community 01463 783241 Garden at Moniack Mhor in the summer. If you 07717 194 567

4 Crannog Summer 2013 KIRKHILL & BUNCHREW COMMUNITY COUNCIL car park for the Reelig Glen walk. The Community show what was causing the high usage. One solution Council was prepared to pay for the bins if they could would be to supply energy meters that show when be emptied on a regular basis. most electricity is being used. The Secretary said he The Secretary had been in touch with the waste would show this request in the survey reply. disposal people and the difficulty was not in having b). The Secretary reported that Inverness Leisure had extra bins but in the emptying of them as the people vacancies for trustees to be made up from the local employed were working at full stretch. community if anyone was interested he had all the An idea was proposed that standard black wheelie information about these vacancies. bins be deployed and emptied when the bin lorry in on its regular trips round the area. This idea was to 11). Planning applications. be discussed with the head of department and they The Secretary drew the Community Council’s promised to come back with a decision. At the time of attention to a planning application for a new furniture writing no further word has been heard of this idea. workshop and residence adjacent to Moniack Castle, 7).Achnagairn House. Application number 13/00102/FUL. This application The Secretary reported that several of the empty has attracted 12 objections from local residents due houses in the Achnagairn estate had been purchased to to its style which looks a bit like a castle made from by the proprietors of Achnagairn House. Planning appli- Lego and its size which would dwarf surrounding prop- cation for the alteration and completion of five proper- erties. ties has been lodged with the planning department. After discussion it was agreed to object to this appli- Change of Use of 5No existing, partially built houses at cation on the grounds of the design and size of the Achnagairn to create additional en-suite accommoda- building which if built would not be in keeping with the tion. Original Planning Reference 05/01316/FULIN surrounding area. Ref. No: 13/01127/FUL 8).Traffic through Inchmore. The meeting was then closed. The date of the next Again members of the public complained about the meeting 30th April. speed of vehicles going through the village and ignor- ing the speed limit. A white Mercedes was seen to overtake dangerously while driving very fast through the speed limit. This incident was reported to the local GARDEN TREE SURGERY police and enquires are continuing into this incident. The speed strips have been down for some time so we should get results from these shortly. 9). Traffic Lights. Questions were asked at a recent meeting about the sequence of lights at the Junction of Young Street , H & H BrownBunchrew Kenneth Street and Tomnahurich Street, The Secretary reported that the light’s sequence was Tree Felling & Topping biased towards keeping the through traffic up Tomna- Removal or Make Safe Damaged Trees hurich Street moving. Light sequence is Tomnahurich Street and Young Fruit Tree Care Street, then Kenneth Street and Young Street then Tree Management & Advice Tomnahurich Street and Young Street for a shorter time, then left Kenneth Street and Young Street and Free Quotations finally Young Street into Kenneth Street. The lights are Public Liability Insurance programmed to change in this fashion when traffic is heavy and during night hours they change pretty well to demand. The lights on the Clachnaharry rail bridge now change Phone: Hugh on quickly on demand. 10).A.O.B. 01463 713245 a). SSEB survey. The electricity board were asking 07845 468540 for views on their service. The one sticking point was about the complexity of their bills with one or two members saying that their metered usage was excessive and that they thought the bills could more accurately

Crannog Summer 2013 9 KIRKHILL & BUNCHREW COMMUNITY COUNCIL This item had been circulated to members prior to the provide? meeting for their consideration. This was a really routine c).The performance of the traffic lights at the Clachna- felling and replanting operation. Considerable damage harry railway bridge and the ones at the Tomnahurich had been done to the existing trees by Sika deer. The and Kenneth Street junction were raised. The Secretary plan is to clear all apart from existing NBL and restock reported that the program on the lights at the railway with NBL. This work being necessary was passed with- bridge had again been tweaked and were once again out any adverse comments. changing on demand at low peak traffic flow. 8). Fireworks at Achnagairn d).A member brought up the question of sheep rus- I received through George Hogg an email from the new tling after finding the body of a dismembered sheep. manager at Achnagairn House and I have replied to The police said they were always on the lookout for this him suggesting if he sends dates when fireworks will be activity but nothing had been reported so far. used we can publish them on the website and in Cran- nog. Copy of email below. Meeting was then closed. Date of next meeting 12th “I have recently taken up the post of manager at Achna- March. gairn House and I am aware that in the past there have been issues with us letting off fireworks at the house for ------weddings. Both the owners and I would very much like inutes of the meeting held in the Bogroy Inn to be able to inform the community of plans to let fire- MOn Tuesday 12th March 2013 at 7.30pm. works off as widely as possible and wondered if there Chairperson Mr Cameron Kemp was any way of us doing this via the community council? Present. If you could perhaps let me know if you can help us I C.C. Judith Rumbold, Nikki Maclean, Cameron Kemp, would be grateful. Karen Young, Ian Cowan Kind regards and Jim Ogilvie (Secretary) Robert “. 1). Apologies. Fred Geddes, Ally MacNeill, Chris Hea- 9). Traffic through Inchmore when Kessock Bridge is ton-Armstrong, Ian Weir and Caroline Crawford. closed. 2).Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 29th January Police will monitor the speed of traffic through the vil- was read and approved. Judith Rumbold proposed lage although the last survey showed very little speed- and Nikki Maclean seconded . ing. It was suggested that the 40 mile speed limit could 3).Matters arising from the minutes. be cut to 30mph. The matter of advertising on the documents giving 10) Community Council Scheme Evaluation. planning approval for a project was omitted from the This survey is to establish if there are any problems minutes and the secretary reported that adverts could or difficulties with the new rules and operational guide also be carried on the planning website. The adverts lines for Community Councils. This survey was aimed are just a way of making a little extra money for the at office bearers but the discussion was opened to the council. floor for any comments either adverse or good. 4). West link road and the Community Council Forum It was agreed that we had no difficulty with any amend- The two members who attended this meeting were ments to the original scheme or in operating the guide absent but it appears that no progress was made in lines so the Secretary was left to reply to the survey. changing the Highland Council’s mind on the preferred 11. Planning Issues option 6. It is claimed by objectors to the scheme Only one issue and that was another attempt at the that a bridge could be built for very little more money seven plots on and near to the old smiddy at Inchmore. and that a tunnel could work out cheaper in the long The last time this development was submitted for plan- run. A public exhibition of the plans will take place on ning approval the Community Council objected to this Wednesday 17th April and on Thursday 18th April in development and after discussing this application again Kinmylies Church and the Culduthel Christian Centre it was decided to continue the objection on the grounds respectively. of overcrowding and that the largest part of the develop- 5). Reelig Glen. ment is on ground not earmarked on the local plan for The Secretary reported that the decking on a bridge housing. was now repaired and that the circuit walk could now 12). A.O.B. be undertaken safely a). Provision of street lighting at Lentran. 6). Provision of extra dog waste bins. b). Lack of dog waste bins at Reelig Glen and on the At a previous meeting it had been agreed to ask road from Kirkhill to Inchmore. the council to provide dog waste bins on the road from The Community Council is willing to pay for the bins the village down to Inchmore a suitable site being on but would the council site and then empty the bins we the railings at the sewage treatment plant and at the

8 Crannog Summer 2013 KIRKHILL & BUNCHREW COMMUNITY TRUST is a great way to create awareness of a project or up leave any other items next to the bin as someone and coming event. The web site can also be used to else will have to remove them. Should any glass get help promote a local business, reaching customers broken please clean it up or inform the staff in the between the quarterly Crannog publications. If you Community Centre. would like more information or to have your mate- rial uploaded to the web site, contact Archie Pren- Kirkhill Primary School Eco-School Commit- tice on 831638. tee On 27th February the group organised a dance Playpark performance on the theme of ‘renewable energy’. The fence is now finished and the willows have Eden Court Theatre helped with the choreogra- been trimmed. They will grow over the summer and phy. The group is also providing art work for a dis- hopefully be ready for weaving into new roofs over play at Highland Liliums – look out for it when you the play spaces in the autumn. Thanks to Tree Sur- are buying your bedding plants! The group is also geon Rob Kinghorn and the other helpers who car- experimenting with different varieties of carrots in ried out the work. All we need is a few parents to the raised beds this year, after they have been dug come forward and help keep it in good shape. over by a group from Scottish Hydro. The willows in the park have been pruned and the dogwoods cut right back so that they bush out and Bats in the Commu- retain their vivid colours. The cut branches have nity Hall been left for children to play with to discourage Local Bat Consultant breaking branches off the miniature fruit trees. Richard Koczy gave a Trimmings from the bushes cut during the fence fascinating talk about repairs also provide a home for wildlife. Thank you the 5 species of bats that can be found in our area to the parents who regularly tidy up the litter and at the AGM of the Trust on 25th March. I now know pop broken branches in the bin. which ones are likely to be flying around my head as I walk the dog around Wardlaw Mausoleum and Environmental Group Graveyard. The Recycling Point in the Com- I am a keyholder for the mausoleum so if you ever munity Centre Car Park has want a look around this fascinating historic build- bins for clear, brown and green ing, give me a call. glass, steel/aluminium cans and textiles. It is well used and If you have any queries or would like to get involved a great facility. Please put any with Trust activities, call Erik Lundberg on 831742 bags/boxes in the wheelie bin or email [email protected]. next to the glass bins and do not

FIRST CHOICE DECORATIONS Contact PAINTING JIM GOODMAN DECORATING tel 01463 831301 WALLPAPERING mob TILING 07922 038868 PLASTERING 3-8 MILLIFEACH KIRKHILL, INVERNESS IV5 7PH

Crannog Summer 2013 5 WARDLAW MAUSOLEUM CHURCHYARD n the old Graveyard there are several Yew trees. were made of wood from the Yew tree. IThe yew tree is one of our native trees which were held sacred by the Druids in pre-Christian Fred Geddes from the Community Council and times. They some other interested parties had a meeting with no doubt Robert Patton the Forestry Officer for the Highland observed Council and some alternatives were discussed. It the tree's is the unanimous view of the Community Council qualities of that these trees should retained as they are part longevity of our heritage. and regen- eration (drooping DRAINAGE DOCTORS branches of old yew trees can SEPTIC TANKS & SOAKAWAYS root and REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION form new trunks where they touch the ground), and the yew came to symbol- TEL: ANDY BAWDEN ise death and resurrection in Celtic culture. They 01463 741468 will also have been familiar with the toxicity of the tree's needles in particular, which can prove fatal, and which may have further contributed to its connections with death. Shakespeare too was Providing A Quality, Reliable Service familiar with these qualities when he had Macbeth concoct a poisonous brew which included "slips of yew, silvered in the moon's eclipse". STEWARTS CARPETS Choose Your Floor Coverings In The The themes of death and resurrection contin- Comfort Of Your Own Home Or Business ued into the Christian era, with the custom of Contract & Domestic Flooring Specialists yew shoots being buried with the deceased, and boughs of yew being used as 'Palms' in church at • Carpets & Vinyls Easter. Yew trees have in fact established a popu- • Wood/Laminate Flooring lar association with old churches in Britain, to the • Karndean Floors extent that very old specimens of yew trees are • Repair Work Undertaken now relatively rare outside of church grounds. • Distance No Object The two yew trees at the west end of the grave- • All Floor Coverings Supplied & Fitted yard have taken a pronounced lean with the • Wide Choice Available prevailing wind and encroach on some graves • Fit Only Service and grave markers. A member of the public with relatives buried there has asked for the trees to All Work Guaranteed u Free Estimates be removed. These trees are very old and can be Tel/Fax: traced back nearly two centuries. 01463 831008 Mobile: 07785 344992 It is possible that there were Yew trees on the site of the old Wardlaw prior to the graveyard although Clashaidy, Inchmore the trees were likely to be planted as the grave- IV5 7PX yard was extended. Clan Fraser adopted a sprig e: kevin@stewarts of yew as their clan badge and the best long bows carpets.freeserve.co.uk

6 Crannog Summer 2013 KIRKHILL & BUNCHREW COMMUNITY COUNCIL

inutes of the meeting held in the Bog Roy Inn The capital of the Highlands and Islands attracts many MOn Tuesday 29th January 2013 at 7.30pm. thousands of visitors each year. The area is also proving Chairperson Mr Cameron Kemp popular for large scale outdoor events such as musical Present. C.C. Chris Heaton-Armstrong, Judith Rumbold, festivals RockNess and Belladrum and attracting sub- Nikki Maclean, Ally MacNeill, Cameron Kemp, stantial crowds during the football season to the Tulloch Fred Geddes, Ian Cowan and Jim Ogilvie (Secretary). Caledonian Football Stadium. Police Constables Billy Macdonald and Gary Ross Inverness is the main centre of the Highland and attended as did Highland Councillor Helen Carmichael. Islands area and has the heaviest demand for policing 1). Apologies: Caroline Crawford, Karen Young and within the Northern Constabulary. The Area Command Margaret Davidson. is responsible for not only the city, but many of the outly- 2).Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 12th December ing areas such as Beauly, Culloden and Fort Augustus were read and approved. Chris Heaton Armstrong pro- to name but a few, as well as the region's main airport posed and Nikki MacLean seconded at Dalcross. 3).Policing in the Highlands. To contact command headquarters in Inverness, tele- The two police constables gave an interesting talk on phone 0845 600 5703 the revamp of the Scottish Police Service The offices at Raigmore are where the senior officers which is coming into effect this year. The main message work from and is the Regional Headquarters. The opera- is that although because of cost cutting some smaller tional side works out of Burnett Road which also has a police stations have had to close community policing is 24 hour service desk. the main priority. Local police can now be found by dial- The two officers were then thanked for an interesting ling 101 throughout Scotland although for emergencies insight of the new structure. 999 should be used. 4). Flooding Scoping Report. The Force Review Programme has created two strategic This item was discussed at some length and Chris Swift territorial policing areas, Highlands and Islands to pro- was again thanked for the effort he has put in to getting vide clarity in terms of overall structure with the empha- the project this far. A list of options are now available sis remaining on local policing and in preparation to the that will carry the work forward and hopefully prevent single Scottish Police Force due in April 2013. further incidents like the one depicted below but money Territorial Policing has therefore been structured in the will now have to be found to carry out the preferred following way: option. There is still a feeling that the money spent on • Territories are Superintendent led and are prin- the report could have been better spent on a machine cipally coterminous with Highland and Island Council to clear the main channels and ditches. management areas, and provide strategic management 5).Inverness West Link Road and Inverness Area Com- and direction to Area Commands. munity Forum. • Within these Territories are eight Area Com- The next meeting of the above forum will take place mands policed by locally based Chief Inspector and on the 19th February and part of the agenda will be Inspector teams. The Area Commands retain tactical the west link road proposal. Alternatives to the proposal and managerial oversight responsibility for delivery of favoured by the Highland Council have been put for- local policing. Under the Area Commands are Local ward. Each alternative will cheapen the proposed plans. Policing Teams which are Inspector led and provide The proposals are for 6A, 7A and 8A. Discussion then localised operational oversight, response coverage and took place on the need for a west link bypass at all and accountability. was it the road to nowhere. It was agreed to try and get • Local Policing Teams correlate with the princi- a copy of the original traffic census that showed the pal centres of population within each Area Command volume of traffic through Tommnahurich Street heading generally providing 24/7 policing capability. The Force down the A82.It had been stated before that on traffic covers an area of around 10,000 square miles and volume alone the new link road expenditure could not stretches from the village of Kilchoan in the South West be justified. Two members said they would try to attend and as far as Shetland in the North - the largest land the meeting on the 19th February. mass covered by a UK Police Force. With most of the 6). Scottish Water Consultation. Highland's 300,000 residents populated within small This consultation to help shape the future of water and villages, a community-based approach to policing is a waste services in Scotland was left over from the last primary aim of Northern Constabulary. meeting. The main thrust was to be on charges and The City of Inverness is one of the fastest growing cities future investment to improve services. The Community in Europe with a multi-cultural population of approxi- Council felt that it had nothing to offer on these matters mately 80,000. Inverness City is the urban centre of and this item was let drop. Northern Constabulary's Force area. 7). Forestry Commission Craggach Woods Consultation. Crannog Summer 2013 7 Saturday 25th May 2013 A Great Day Out for all the Family with Davie Robertson as Compere CRAFT STALLS ATTRACTIONS Gates Open 12.00 noon Lush Soaps Inverness Mini Official Opening of Gala Day and newly refurbished Community Centre by Duncan Chisholm Owners Group Caz’s Cupcake and crowning of Gala Queen and Attendants by Julie Fowlis Heaven Bottle Stall Laser Quest - Pony Trekking - Bungee Trampolines—Merry-Go-Round Bouncy Castle - Archery - Face Painting and Much, Much, More Temple Spa Book Stall MINI MUSIC FESTIVAL FEATURING Inverness COLLABORATION BY DUNCAN CHISHOLM, JULIE FOWLIS & EAMONN DOORLEY Tombola Gift Box Also - “The Caspians” and other local bands Kids Quad Bikes For the Love of Jewellery REFRESHMENTS MAIN ARENA EVENTS COMMUNITY CENTRE Coastguard

and lots more Champagne & Strawberries Fly Agaric Teas by WRI Vintage Tractor Display Stilt Walkers & Circus Skills Burgers Mad for Bags Terrier Racing Beer Tent Rowan Hill Crafts TA Display

Ice Cream Angel Card Readings MAGICIAN Kids Shinty GRAND PRIZE Including DRAW Martin Retro Sweeties Pixi Soaps GLASS WALK DEMO 1st prize Highland Dancing

2 Belladrum Tickets Candy Boutique Tug ‘o’ War Jewellery Stall

Candy Floss Fancy Dress Footy Competition Entries

COMPETITIONS - SEE BACK COVER FOR DETAILS ALL ENTRIES MUST BE AT THE COMMUNITY CENTRE BY 10.30AM ON GALA DAY FOR JUDGING

Please note we have a limited number of disabled parking spaces available on St Mary’s Road. We regret we are unable to allow any movement of vehicles within the gated area of the Community Centre for Health and Safety reasons after 11.00am. Saturday 25th May 2013 A Great Day Out for all the Family with Davie Robertson as Compere CRAFT STALLS ATTRACTIONS Gates Open 12.00 noon Lush Soaps Inverness Mini Official Opening of Gala Day and newly refurbished Community Centre by Duncan Chisholm Owners Group Caz’s Cupcake and crowning of Gala Queen and Attendants by Julie Fowlis Heaven Bottle Stall Laser Quest - Pony Trekking - Bungee Trampolines—Merry-Go-Round Bouncy Castle - Archery - Face Painting and Much, Much, More Temple Spa Book Stall MINI MUSIC FESTIVAL FEATURING Inverness COLLABORATION BY DUNCAN CHISHOLM, JULIE FOWLIS & EAMONN DOORLEY Tombola Gift Box Also - “The Caspians” and other local bands Kids Quad Bikes For the Love of Jewellery REFRESHMENTS MAIN ARENA EVENTS COMMUNITY CENTRE Coastguard and lots more Champagne & Strawberries Fly Agaric Teas by WRI Vintage Tractor Display Stilt Walkers & Circus Skills Burgers Mad for Bags Terrier Racing Beer Tent Rowan Hill Crafts TA Display

Ice Cream Angel Card Readings MAGICIAN Kids Shinty GRAND PRIZE Including DRAW Martin Retro Sweeties Pixi Soaps GLASS WALK DEMO 1st prize Highland Dancing

2 Belladrum Tickets Candy Boutique Tug ‘o’ War Jewellery Stall

Candy Floss Fancy Dress Footy Competition Entries

COMPETITIONS - SEE BACK COVER FOR DETAILS ALL ENTRIES MUST BE AT THE COMMUNITY CENTRE BY 10.30AM ON GALA DAY FOR JUDGING

GALA DAY COMPETITION TIME

HOW MANY

DIFFERENT ITEMS

CAN YOU FIT IN A Saturday 18th May SMALL SIZE

MATCHBOX? RACE NIGHT

Kirkhill Community Centre (OPEN TO PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS) From 7.00pm AND Admission Free BEST Over 18’s only BYOB CHOCOLATE

SPONGE CAKE Sunday 19th May

Thursday 23rd May (OPEN TO EVERYONE) Gala Golf at Muir of Ord Golf Course

9.00am Junior Shinty ALL ENTRIES MUST BE AT THE (contact Colin MacMillan on Kirkhill Community Centre at 6.30pm 01463 831656 to enter) COMMUNITY CENTRE BY 10.30AM ON GALA DAY Church Service at Wardlaw Church 10.30am FASHION SHOW with tea to follow at Car Treasure Hunt & Family BBQ ACHNAGAIRN HOUSE Kirkhill Community Centre Starts at 4.00pm By “In Stitches” SPECIAL THANKS TO 7.30pm for 8.00pm start Duncan Chisholm, Julie Fowlis and Monday 20th May Tickets £12.50 (over 18’s only) includes a glass of bubbly, Eamonn Doorley Bingo Night shortbread and tablet By Kirkhill Bowling Club at “Dress for the Day” & “Scotkilt” Kirkhill Community Centre at 7.00pm Performances include for dressing Alison Pacey the Gala Queen, Princesses & Princes Imogen Hay Tuesday 21st May and others

Achnagairn House MAMMA MIA! Raffle SING ALONG NIGHT The Crannog Editorial Team Kirkhill Community Centre 7.00pm Showcases by & Allison Hay Fancy Dress Optional Shoe La La Prize for best costume! and others Wilma Williamson Pay at the Door Adults - £3 Under 16’s - £2 Joe Gibb

Bogroy Hotel Wednesday 22nd May Friday 24th May

Pets Parade 6.30pm Football Tournament And all the dedicated members Family BBQ - Dog Agility Kirkhill Community Centre at 7.00pm of the Community who make Fun Run at 7.00pm Kirkhill Community Centre Quiz Night at The Bogroy Hotel at 9.00pm £10 Gala Week the success that it is! Prize for best Home-made Pet per team of 4