KirktonClunesReeligInchberryKirkhillInchmoreEnglishton Muir DrumchardineAltnacardichNewtonhillKnockbainBunchrew 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 WinterDrumchardine 2009 ReadAltnacardich it first online atNewtonhill www.kirkhillandbunchrew.org.ukKnockbainBunchrewCabrich

Community Councillors Ian Weir, Groam Farm, Kirkhill 831750 In this issue Chris Heaton-Armstrong, Kirkhill 831779 Successful year for KDAA - Ally MacNeill, Tigh Cala, 4 Newtonhill 831339 community award for Wilma p2 Fred Geddes, Newtonhill 831324 Cameron Kemp, West Altnaceardaich, Lentran 831552 Locals bare all in panto shocker - p7 Karen Young, Glen Rowan, Bunchrew 234128 Iain Urquhart, 58 Newton Park, Kirkhill 831278 Crannog is published four times a year Ian Cowan, Tigh-na-Beithe, Kirkhill 831344 by Kirkhill & Bunchrew Community Council. The next Caroline Crawford, Gardener’s Cottage, Achnagairn, Kirkhill meetings are 15 December 2009, 26 January 2010, 831503 9 March, 13 April, 18 May and 22 June. All meetings Arthur Lacey, 26 Newton Park, Kirkhill 831785 of the community council are usually held in the Old North Inn on a Tuesday evening at 7.30 and are open Secretary to members of the public. If you have any concerns Jim Ogilvie, 22 Newton Park, Kirkhill 831316 you would like raised please come along or alterna- tively speak to one of the councillors. First Responders recruiting in our community Life saving scheme needs volunteers Seasons greetings Over recent months local volun- that require an ambulance, attended is chest pain, uncon- teers have been supported by being based in the scious person and severe bleed- and best wishes for the Scottish Ambulance Service community and ing. to establish three First Respond- carrying vital life a prosperous 2010 ers Schemes. saving equipment We are looking for more volun- such as oxygen teers. and if you have some free The schemes will be , and defibrillators, time and want to participate in from all at the and Kirkhill and their they will fill the gap providing such a valuable serv- Kirkhill & Bunchrew respective surrounding areas. prior to the ambu- ice to your community please Community Council lance arriving on scene. contact: First Responders will respond Alan Hogan, Co-ordinator Kirkhill and Crannog to specific 999 emergency calls The type of call that would be First Responders tel 07740 416856 FIRST CHOICE DECORATIONS Contact PAINTING JIM GOODMAN DECORATING tel WALLPAPERING 01463 831301 mob TILING 07922 038868 PLASTERING 3-8 MILLIFEACH KIRKHILL, IV5 7PH Crannog Winter 2009 1 Kirkhill District Amenities Association Successful year reported for the KDAA as Wilma lifts much deserved community award •Open evening results will help The hall and grounds were gen- When asked to suggest ideas •MUGA project scores funding committee erally thought to be well main- for improving the running of the tained and managed. The toilets facilities most of the comments The other main item was the The Kirkhill District Amenities and kitchen were identified as were around making better use progress this year to redevelop Association (KDAA) manages needing attention as they are of the web for advertising activi- the tennis court into a multi use the community centre and considered drab and uninviting. ties and bookings. games area or MUGA. sports pitches in the centre of Kirkhill for the benefit of the all The lack of a small meeting room The new management commit- Funding has now been secured, in the area. was highlighted and the pitches tee will carefully consider these including a contribution of were considered boggy and comments in planning for the £20,000 from KDAA funds The KDAA held an informal open poorly drained. Suggestions for coming years. If you’d like to towards the £87,000 projected evening and AGM in November. improvements included creating see the full report of the evening cost. A small subgroup are pro- more space for storage, meeting you can download it at gressing the project. It is hoped The management committee rooms or shop/café and redeco- www.kirkhillandbunchrew.org.uk that the MUGA will be completed wanted to find out what the com- rating some areas. or contact in early summer 2010. This will munity thought about the com- Sandra Hogg be a great resource for all the munity centre and grounds and Gala Week was thought to be an tel 831674 or email community and we will keep you how they are managed and to important opportunity for bring- [email protected] updated with progress. identify actions to take forward ing the community together and in the short and medium term. good fun to take part in. However, Sandra would also be happy to You can find a copy of the MUGA the format was thought to be in receive any further comments. business plan and a summary of Questions were put on flip need of revision with new activi- progress to date at www.kirkhil- charts and attendees invited to ties and attraction needed. •Wilma Williamson scoops landbunchrew.org.uk. add comments on post-it notes. volunteer award Around 25 people attended. The The timing of Gala Week was •New committee appointed but results, therefore, reflect a snap- also recognised as problematic The AGM followed where the still some vacancies, including shot of views from those that as it traditionally clashes with Chairman Ken MacDonald gala sub committee attended but may reflect wider the Cross and other reported a successful year for views, concerns and ideas. local events. the hall. Finally, the AGM appointed the new committee. There are some The highlight of the year was vacancies so if you would like to ROWANHILL the award to Wilma Williamson help run the hall and grounds as Volunteer of the Year at the please let us know. NATURAL CRAFTS Outstanding Contribution to the Voluntary Sector award’s civic This year the committee are dinner held at the Town House intending to set up a gala sub- in Inverness in October. committee that can focus on UNIQUE HANDMADE & Gala Week. ECO-FRIENDLY GIFTS The award recognised the out- standing contribution that Wilma You don’t have to be a full com- RECYCLED PAPER STATIONERY SETS has made to the KDAA over a mittee member to join, so please long number of years. come forward if you have any SCRAPBOOKS & PHOTO ALBUMS ideas for putting a bit of sparkle MULBERRY “SILK” WRAPPING PAPERS Wilma said, “ I have the time into proceedings. and enjoy working with so many people in the community.” Contact DELICIOUS HANDMADE PRESERVES Ken MacDonald & CHRISTMAS GIFT BASKETS By all accounts she had a rare tel 831479 [ALSO AVAILABLE TO ORDER] time at the reception too.

BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE SILK SCARVES

FABULOUSLY GLAMOROUS! “ANGEL’S GLADRAGS” CORSET BELTS

NEW! HANDMADE CHANONRY SOAP

Open Easter to Christmas Usually 12 – 5, Tuesday to Saturday (please phone before making a special trip - lots of Christmas fairs on!) OPEN ANY TIME BY APPOINTMENT Sue Blaney mob 0774 844 6609 tel 01463 831334 Email: [email protected]: Web: rowanhillnaturalcrafts.co.uk 2 Crannog Winter 2009 Kirkhill’s Got Talent Community links group Kirkhill Primary School Community Links Group would like to invite the community to a Tea Party in the school on Wednesday 27 January from 2.00pm to 3.00pm.

Everyone is welcome. Please phone the school so they know youare coming. There will be raffle prizes. tel 831543

On behalf of Jayne Macmillan, Mary Hannant and myself I would like to thank all our cast members and those behind the scenes for ABC PLANT HIRE their hard work in putting together what I’m sure you will agree was a fantastic show. DIGGERS & DUMPERS

I must of course thank all of you who bought tickets and came along SKILLED OPERATORS to see us as without you there would be no show. Also all our families and friends who supported us while we were putting it all together. Tel: ANDY or ALI We were overwhelmed when we discovered that we had raised approx £2000! We will be meeting in due course to distribute these 01463 741468 monies back into the local community. or So if you feel inspired then brush off your dancing shoes start practic- 07999 352399 ing your songs because KIRKHILLS GOT TALENT 2010 needs YOU! Many many thanks Helena Stewart LOWER DRUMNAGARRACHAN, Robert Kinghorn Tree Surgery

Fully qualified and insured Arboricultural contractor All aspects of tree care undertaken.

Small garden trees to full site clearances

Felling large and small trees Tree dismantling All aspects of tree pruning Hazard trees Deadwood removal Site clearance Urban / woodland forestry Hedge trimming Tree and hedge planting

[email protected] 01463 223743 07717194567

Crannog Winter 2009 3 Kirkhill and Bunchrew Community Trust Parks, picks and paths on the agenda as Trust gets down to business The Paths and Transport Group including many Beaver and Cub The approximate cost would be is holding an open day in Reelig of the Community Trust is seek- pack members. Many black £12,500 as several items of Wood on 2 January – see sepa- ing funding from the Climate sacks were filled and among equipment would have to be rate advert. Just the thing to blow Challenge Fund for surveys of the interesting finds were 2 the cobwebs away! two sections of the main A862 traffic cones and a car wheel. The Group is also to see where off-road paths Many thanks to all who helped keen to undertake could be created. The sections keep our village clean, including biological record- we’re looking at are Bunchrew Kirkhill Primary School and the ing to monitor the - and Dunballoch Eco-School Committee. The next impact of our work - Brockie’s corner. The even- Pick will be in the Spring. on the biodiversity tual aim is to create an off-road of the wood. We option all the way from Beauly The Community Park Group of are already seeing to Clachnaharry, but the scale the Trust successfully raised some encourag- of the task means we will have £58,000 two years ago to refur- ing evidence of to look at it in instalments. We bish the park, which was becom- this but know that really need more people to get ing dilapidated and unsafe with simple photo- involved in this work, so if you’re little play value for older chil- graphic recording interested contact Aileen Arm- dren. The majority of the equip- from fixed points strong tel 831558 or at aileen. ment was replaced, trees were at set times of [email protected]. planted and willow structures Don’t mess with us! the year is a really created. However, recent com- useful and achievable way of The latest Litter Pick organised munity consultation has dem- moved to meet safety regula- demonstrating the impact. If you by the Environment Group of the onstrated a growing demand tions. We also hope to replace are interested in volunteering to Trust was held on Saturday 14th for additional equipment for the the toddler slide unit which is take photographs for this project November and was attended by very young, i.e. a set of swings deemed unlikely to withstand a we would be delighted to hear about 30 children and adults, suitable for babies and toddlers. move, and there would be addi- from you contact Annie Griffiths tional safety surfacing require- on [email protected] or ments. Almost £1000 has tel 831600. already been raised through fundraising events within the We have Upper Reelig Com- Chiropodist community and this is continu- munity Wood charcoal and log ing, along with grant applica- candles for sale that we will be tions to various organisations. taking to the Village Market in John L. Stott Please continue to support our the lead up to Christmas – just D.S.Ch. F.A.Ch.Pod. M.Inst.ChP fundraising efforts! We are also what you need for a Festive party re-canvassing the community to warm everyone up! (parents and carers of 0-5 year Home Visits by appointment throughout olds) to see what the support As you can see, the Trust is is for or against fencing off the involved in many activities which The , Ross-Shire & Inverness-Shire benefit the local community, MEMBER OF THE “INSTITUTE OF CHIROPODISTS & PODIATRISTS” toddler area once work is com- plete. The Trust contacts for this and more and more people are State Registered: HPC Registration Number CH25760 are Caroline Crawford crcraw- joining us to show their support. [email protected]. or tel Membership is open to all who 831503 and Lindsay Stout tel live in the Crannog area, and it’s 831642. free! George Hogg is the contact Tel 01381 621196 tel 831674 or by email at hogg@ The Woodland Group of the Trust rhuallan.wanadoo.co.uk. Blooming Marvellous Working to help you enjoy your garden • Regular garden care • Planting and pruning • Spring and autumn tidy up • Flowerbed and border makeovers Elizabeth Shiach, Gardener, RHS Cert. in Horticulture Call 01463 831591 or 07733 421039 “a thorough job to a high standard” • “reliable, friendly and very knowledgeable” • “excellent at giving ideas” Inverness, Beauly & Kirkhill areas 4 Crannog Winter 2009 2011 works will have Festive by Cllr Drew real implications for Kirkhill Hendry greetings As another year draws to a and Bunchrew traffic tel close it is time to remember 01463 You will probably have heard by will have to work very carefully those members of our com- 811480 now about the plans to resurface to make sure that clear traffic munity who sadly are no mob the Kessock Bridge in 2011. management measures are very longer with us and to rejoice carefully thought out. 07748 in the new babies who have 320071 This work is vital to the keep the arrived to complete the circle bridge in good condition and I As your elected councillors we of life. suppose the fact that so little will have to be on the ball to work has been carried out since highlight potential issues to the During the winter months we My sincere good wishes go out it’s opening is a tribute to every- roads folk and to help to deal are seeing increased rainfall to all our residents, for making one involved in its construction. with problems as they arise. and localised flooding. I have our area a already been asked to report good place You may wonder why I mention This area will need special con- record numbers of road drain- to live, it here, but you should be aware sideration as simple day to day age issues this year and the pat- work, and that this will have real implica- activities, such as going to the tern looks set to continue. raise our tions for Kirkhill and Bunchrew shops or posting a parcel, often families. as a fair percentage of the traffic requires jumping in the car and You will probably be aware of the normally going over the bridge yet, that is going to be more diffi- coming financial situation over May I wish is going to pass by right here to cult as the works go on. We have the next few years as the Treas- you all A avoid the works. a bit of time but we will have to ury’s allowance to is Very Merry consider how to make our own cut back to pay for other things. Christmas I was told recently about a lorry contribution to reducing traffic. and Good with an abnormal load that was My bike may even need to see You may hear about lack of Health in 2010 diverted during high winds and the light of day again! budget, however, I would urge got stuck at the railway bridge you to continue to report these Feel free to contact me on: causing a lengthy delay while One good thing is that this issues as some of this simply tel 01463 782555 or email they sorted it out. Imagine the necessary work will be carried must be attended to urgently helen.carmichael.cllr@high- disruption that could be caused out during the spring/summer and the rest should be identi- land.gov.uk if such incidents multiply during months when conditions and fied and planned in for when Cllr Helen Carmichael, Haw- the works. Highland Council and visibility should be better on the finances allow. thorn, 25 Ferry Road, Beauly the Roads Authority, Transerv, road. IV4 7EA J & N Cleaning GARDEN TREE SURGERY H & H Brown Have been working all week and not looking Bunchrew forward to the weekend of house cleaning? Why not let us do it for you. www.h-h-brown.org Tree Felling & Topping Wouldn’t it be nice to chill out and do your own Removal or Make Safe Damaged Trees thing without the added worry of cleaning? Willing to do any job around the house. Fruit Tree Care Tree Management & Advice References available. Free Quotations Give us a ring. Very reasonable rates. Public Liability Insurance

Willing to travel within 10 miles radius from Beauly. Phone: Hugh on Tel 0782 5069494 between 9am and 9pm 01463 713245 07845 468540

Crannog Winter 2009 5 ABRIACHAN NURSERIES Winter home heating check Keeping your home warm over This allows you to vary the tem- www.lochnessgarden.com the winter will mean using more perature of different rooms. And Tel. 01463 861232 energy and bigger fuel bills. setting your heating system to However there are some simple reflect your winter routine will steps you can take to make also help save you energy and sure you get the best from your money. One of the best ways to heating system this winter. And reduce your heating bills is to Available Now! – Universal Pansies making your home more energy replace an old inefficient boiler. efficient can knock pounds of This can knock nearly a third off & Polyanthus 6 Packs – winter energy bills. your heating bills.

Excellent Value at £2.50 a pack Keep the heat in. Draughts let About a third of the heat lost in heat escape and cold air into the average UK home is through your home. Adequate ventila- the walls with a quarter through We will have stalls at Christmas tion is as important as draught the ceiling and roof. Cavity proofing - and essential if you wall insulation helps to reduce Farmers Markets in: have solid fuel fires, gas fires the amount of heat escaping Inverness - 5th &19th December and or a boiler with an open flue. through the walls. Topping up However too many drafts mean existing mineral wool loft insula- 12th December warm heated air will be escap- tion helps reduce heat escaping ing your home. On a windy day through the roof. check for drafts. With some simple DIY gaps can be made These simple steps will help On Offer will be: draught proof. get the most from your heating Scented Hyacinth Bowls system this winter, saving you Give your heating system a energy and money too as wll as Jacobite Roses winter check up, which can helping the environment. knock pounds of your winter Seasonal Bunches of Foliage & Holly heating bill. Bleeding your Archie Prentice runs Save You radiators lets any trapped air Energy - helping homeowners Open EveryDay 9am - 7pm escape and helps the radiator make their homes more energy 9miles SW on the A82 (on main Road) work more effectively. Individual efficient and reduce their energy radiator temperature controls bills. He can be contacted on help save energy and money. tel 831224 HEALINGPOINT SHIATSU REFLEXOLOGY KINESIOLOGY

Treatment for releasing tension and painand for revitalising the body Kerstin Ward Bunchrew THE ART OF DRAWING Tel 077 5344 5948 Anyone can learn the art of drawing. Translating our perceptions onto paper with graphite, pen or charcoal is a liberating experience that awakens our visual and sensory awareness. With guidance and in a relaxed atmosphere we can DRAINAGE DOCTORS discover our innate ability to express and communicate. No previous experience in drawing is necessary, even SEPTIC TANKS & SOAKAWAYS so the workshop will deepen the process for experi- enced students.

REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION Andrew is an artist whose work with students goes back 20 years. Sharing the dynamics of the creative TEL: ANDY BAWDEN process is an integral part of his work. 01463 741468 Wednesday evenings 19.30 – 21.30 at Bunchrew Starts on Wednesday 13 January for 7 weeks. OR ALI MATHESON Info & registration: [email protected] 01349 877629 Tel: 077 4664 9709 6 Crannog Winter 2009 Kirkhill elite mountain bike rider has her eyes on the Olympic squad Live to work, not work to live says Lee by Lee Craigie, www.ridehighland.co.uk Other exciting things happening include my setting up a project My 2009 race season got off called Cycletherapy which Locals bare all to a really good start this year engages young people through helped considerably by the three bike riding, maintenance and in panto shocker months I was able to spend train- trail building and will oper- ing in Spain at the start of it. ate out of the old steading at Bunchrew. I raced for Team Square Wheels this year in the seven races of the Once I get established, I am Scottish Cross Country Moun- really keen to work with the pri- tain Bike Series where I won the mary school, local scouts and title of Scottish Cross Country help the community in any way Mountain Bike Champion 2009. I can to get better cycle routes In 2010 I will be travelling all to Bunchrew and Kirkhill from over the UK racing at elite level Inverness. All of this while work- with a new team TORQ/Kona to ing as a mountain bike coach aid my goal of making the Com- and guide both here and in monwealth and Olympic devel- Spain. Work to live not live to opment squads. work, I say! Kirkhill Tots Have you got your panto tickets yet? Highland Hospice fund- The Tots group meets every Wednesday and Friday morning (10- raising group is proud to present ‘Bairns in the Woods’,starring many 12), during term time, in the Community Hall. All pre-school age familiar faces from Kirkhill and round about! Performances at the children and their parents/carers are welcome, so come along Phipps Hall, Beauly on: 11 December at 7.30pm and 12 December and meet us all. Snack is provided at the Wednesday session at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets available from: Liz Hoey (831422), whereas the Friday session is less structured and people bring Aileen Armstrong (831558), Morison’s Ironmongers in Beauly or their own. Tea and coffee (and chocolate biscuits) are available for Robertson’s Larder (farm shop on road between Beauly and Muir of the adults. We try to be very friendly so do come along. Ord). There are just some things you can’t afford to miss!

Highlands & Islands J RUSSELL Fire & Rescue Service GARDENING SERVICES EST. 1969

Whinbrae, Lentran, IV3 8RJ ALL TYPES OF GARDEN WORK EXPERTLY UNDERTAKEN zCheck your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard. zNever place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings and vHEDGE and TREE SURGERY don't leave them burning unattended. zMake a fire escape plan for your family and guests. vFENCING, SLABBING, WOODCHIPPING zNever overload electrical sockets and take special care with Christmas tree lights. vLAWNS UPLIFTED & GRAVELLED zCelebrate safely. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed. vGRASS CUTTING z Get more out of your festive season by drinking responsibly. vPATIO and PATH LAYING zMost fires start in the kitchen – never leave a cooker unattended. zMake sure cigarettes are completely extinguished before going to bed. vGARDEN TIDY-UPS zTest the battery in your smoke alarm every week. RUBBISH REMOVED ON COMPLETION zKeep candles, lighters and matches out of the reach of children.

zTake the time to check on older relatives and neighbours this Christmas to make sure they are safe and warm. NO JOB TOO SMALL - For a FREE Home Fire Safety Check CALL NOW FOR A Freephone: 08000 12 13 12 FREE ESTIMATE or visit www.hifrs.org PLEASE PHONE 01463 831070 Working together with Highland Alcohol & Drug Partnership OR MOBILE 077 808 62035

Crannog Winter 2009 7 Kirkhill & Bunchrew School notes....

Community Trust Nursery enrolment 2010 A reminder to parents of nursery age children in the Kirkhill Primary School catchment area.

Woodland Open Day for Watch out for posters in the Community Centre and other local notice boards, as well as notices in the press regarding all the family nursery enrolment for three and four year olds. These should be Saturday appearing in March 2010. Fundraise for the school by shopping online 2 January 2010 Support Kirkhill Primary School for free when shopping online with over 2000 popular retailers, including Argos, NEXT, M&S, John Lewis, Debenhams, HMV, Vodafone, DELL, The Body Shop©, PLAY. Blow away the com, Interflora, Comet and many more. cobwebs and explore http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/kirkhillpsch upper Reelig Wood Thanks for reading with us. Crannog ... see you in 2010

The next issue - Spring 2009 will be out in early March - deadline Meet at Reelig Glen Car Park 10.30am for contributions 26 February. If you have any news, views or adverts (only £10 for a quarter page or £35 for four issues!) Crannog Editor Alison Hay, 1 Groam Court, Kirkhill IV5 7NW Hot drinks, Mince Pies - and a tel@ 01463 831042 chance to see what the Trust has been doing in Upper Reelig Wood. We desperately need help with writing, editing, producing and delivering Crannog. We rely on volunteers to keep things lively and to share the workload. If you can help contact Alison Hay or All welcome (for delivery) Ken MacColl 83167

Dan Fraser Tree Surgery Doggie Daycare

- Tree Surgery -

- Small Scale Mobile Saw Milling - - Log Splitting - KENNELS & DAY Boarders

- Woodchipping - Would you like your dog to have company when you are out to work all day? - Firewood Sales - Book them in as ‘Day Boarders’ - drop off between 8.00 and 9.00 am and pick before 6.00pm 01463 831030 07703 517941 Tel. 07851 744590 [email protected] or 741303 (Shona) KILTARLITY - BEAULY - KIRKHILL - MUIR OF ORD - DRUMNADROCHIT

8 Crannog Winter 2009