June 2007 Sponsored by the Family of the Late Hamish Taylor Issue No 38

THE ROTHESIAN

June 2007 Sponsored by the Family of the late Hamish Taylor Issue No 38

WELL DONE!

Nearly ten years ago, five members of the Rothes community, Sandra, Hamish, Anne, Jean and Pearl, met to see if a local newspaper was fea- sible. The first edition was a great success. Hamish was so proud to be associat- ed with “The Paper”. To know that this edition was the start of 10 years would have given him such pride. We hope that the Rothesian contin- ues to give as much joy and satisfac- tion to the Rothesian group and its readers, far and near, as it did to Hamish. Congratulations and best wishes for the next 10 years at least. Sponsored by the family of the late Hamish Taylor.

THIS ISSUE TEN SHORT YEARS OF THE ROTHESIAN

Would you believe that the “Rothesian” is now Group News on various pages into its 10th year. The first edition was printed Sports group news on pages 3, 4 & 5 in April, 1998. New Ideas, page 5 Letters and Poem on page 6 We plan to do a special colour edition within Diary, with events right up to October, on page 7 this year and ask your help in deciding what Flood Prevention progress on page 8 to put in. The size of the edition will depend Wind Farm Fund news on page 9 on sponsorship and articles. We plan some Council News, from Speyside and Rothes Coun- new and some old articles, so if there were cils, on page 10 any in the past that you may wish to see again Rothes Gala details on page 11 please let us know. If there are any areas of Continuing letters on the history of the Bulwark Rothes life you wish us to research for an arti- on the back page cle get in touch.

What sort of mix do you want to see? Do you like photos, stories, poems or humour? We will look forward to hearing from you.

You may contact The Rothesian by e-mail, using the following address: [email protected] ROTHES LIBRARY NEWS

I cannot believe that I have been at Rothes Library for over a year – time certainly flies by. I would like to thank you all for making me feel so welcome. Rothes Nursery had 2 visits to the library in May for an Introduction & Storytime Session. Everybody seemed to enjoy the stories, especially “The Big Sneeze” and “Once Upon A Time”. Hopefully we will see you all back on a monthly basis for more stories.

We will be having a stall at Rothes Gala on Sat 23rd Do you need advice or June so please come and visit us. There will be books information about pension credit, state pension or for sale, information on Computer Taster Sessions, other entitlements? Call and see someone from information on the Summer Reading Scheme for The Pension Service at: children, which is the “Big Wild Read” – come and sign your child up! Hopefully we will have a couple of ROTHES MEDICAL CENTRE storytimes, so pop by and see what else is going on. HIGH STREET ROTHES On Sat 15th September Rothes Library will be having an OPEN DAY between 10am and 3pm to let people On Thursday 26th July see what we have to offer. We will be demonstrating from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. our Online Reference Databases, Local History Sites and Moray Council and Libraries Websites. You can Although you don’t need an appointment, we can sign up for basic computer courses, find out what’s arrange one if you wish. We will see you in good to read, enter competitions/quizzes with prizes, private. join the library and sign up for Computer/Internet To arrange an appointment, ring 01343 528034. Access. We will be holding storytimes at 11am and 2pm and refreshments will be available throughout the day. Hopefully we will see some new faces as well as some of our regulars. I look forward to seeing you all on the day. Arlene McLean Library & Information Assistant SENIOR CITIZENS Rothes Library

Well, we have come to the end of our fortnightly meetings. For the last seven months, we have had some great entertainment. We also had five new members. To finish off this session, we had a bus run to Hewd- TIDY UP PLEASE!!! en’s Garden Centre in Inverness, with lunch at the Dows Diner enjoyed by everyone. We have been asked by the public to put a plea in the Have a nice break until October. “Rothesian” on their behalf. When you erect birthday greetings around the town, please can you please remember to take them down. We all enjoy a laugh when we see the displays, but if LINNBURN DAY CENTRE they are left they can become unsightly.

We went on our annual Summer trip to the Priory at Beauly, where we had an excellent meal. After dinner, we went to the Holm Mills at Inverness. Everyone enjoyed themselves. The clients are busy doing their crafts for the Rothes Flower Show.

2 This issue is sponsored by the family of the late Hamish Taylor ROTHES BABY AND TODDLER GROUP

The Rothes Baby and Toddler Group have had a fan- tastic year with lots of new people coming along and joining the group. The children are having a great Well the summer is now upon us ! and we have had a time meeting new friends. We have been working busy term, We have continued with a rainbow rounda- hard raising funds to ensure that the youngsters who bout and the girls had a ping-pong popcorn night and attend the group have the best resources that we can we even learned how to make real popcorn. The final provide. Our sponsored circuit raised £326.00 and our part was to do rubbings and the girls rubbed coins, recent coffee morning raised another £200.00. We kitchen atricles and even money. All girls acheived would like to thank the local pubs and businesses who their blue badge. we have also been completeing our gave so generously for our raffle. Thanks also to eve- Right to be Happy badge and hope to have this fin- ryone who supported us by coming along to the coffee ished by the summer. We also have had a fun night in morning. the Church hall in which the girls made chocolate If anyone is interested in coming along to the group milkshake and chocolate crispies. We are heading off then we meet on a Tuesday and Thursday morning in for a Mystery Tour for our summer trip and hope to The Grant Hall from 09.15-11.15. The cost per ses- finish off with fun nights in the park. sion is £2.00. This includes tea/coffee for adults and juice and snacks for the children. Your first session is free. Call Angela on 831131 if you would like any further information.

ROTHES GALA

The Baby and Toddler Group will be running the face Chocolate, chocolate and painting stall at the gala this year. We look forward to more chocolate, that was seeing you there. the theme the night of the election, we made crispies, milkshake, chopped fruit and had a chocolate foun- tain.Great fun. We have been looking at our Cook's badge and hope that all mums and dads enjoyed their breakfast or lunch being made. We have been working ROTHES TENNIS CLUB on our Right to work together badge and the girls have been posed with small challenges to solve together in The Club is currently taking part in three of the thier sixes. We are also going on the Mystery Tour Highlands District Leagues. Having been relegated and will be taking a stall at the Rothes Gala. One last season, our Mixed team has so far won all lucky girl is to be chosen to be this year's Gala Prin- its fixtures in Division 2, and looks good for a cess. Hope to see you all there. quick promotion back to the top section. The Men’s team is not faring so well, with only one draw to its name so far. The battle to stave off relegation is between Rothes and Forres. LADIES GROUP In the Ladies Doubles Competition, we look cer- tain to be relegated, having lost all the matches In March we had a relaxing evening with reflexology. to date, whilst managing to win only two sets. Very soothing. Several of our young members took part in an In April we had a super evening with “The Hip Bump- Under 10 tournament held by the Forres Club, ers”, laughter, exercise and dance!!! We will be hav- with Chloe Bitters winning the girls event. Others ing them back again. taking part were Corrine McIntosh, Jack Reid, In May we held our AGM with fun and games to fin- Michael Watson, and Jordan Wight. ish the session. The Club is continuing its fund raising pro- The members are now all set for our outing to Cele- gramme which is aimed at having the courts re- th brations in Turriff on the 9 June, and then tea at the surfaced - hopefully next year. We are, at present, Waterfront in Macduff. in the process of seeking prices from various Margaret Matthews companies

This issue is sponsored by the family of the late Hamish Taylor 3 ROTHES GOLF CLUB – MAY 2007. ROTHES BOWLING CLUB

The season got underway at the beginning of April and We are pleased to welcome some new members to the competitions in all sections of the club continue to be Club, and hope they enjoy the game as much as we do. well supported. The club has over 200 members and Members competitions have now begun and we expect anyone interested in joining can get membership forms stiff competition in all of these. at the bar. Fees for this year are £120 for full adult We have arranged a few friendly matches during the membership. coming season. There have been some changes to the course over the Our annual pairs competition will be held on the winter and the new tee at the first makes the hole seem weekend of 21st and 22nd July, with the finals taking more challenging and extends the length by quite a bit. place on Sunday 29th July. We are indebted to Rothes Tees at the 4th, 6th and 7th have also been extended or Garage and Bells for their continued sponsorship of altered, changing the holes and making players think the event. about how to play them now. Plans are also in pro- Our Coffee Morning raised the magnificent sum of gress to extend the 3rd tee back in to the woods. The £450.00 and we greatly appreciate the public support. course is due to be re-assessed by the Scottish Golf We are rather perturbed about vandalism on our bowl- Union during this year and it is hoped they will take ing surface and would respect your efforts to find the the changes into consideration in their rating. culprits. The club has held a number of very successful fund- Chas Christie raising events recently and would like to thank everyone who has supported in any way by attending events or donating for them. Your support is much appreciat- ROTHES INDOOR BOWLING CLUB ed. There will be another prize bingo in July at the clubhouse, so look out for the posters in due course. The end season bowling was held on 23rd April in the Any senior citizens requiring a lift up from the village Rothes FC Social Club. should contact Sandra Bruce on 831317. The Club held a 2 bowls competition before the Two holes in one were recorded recently at the club in presentation of the prizes. The winners of the 2 Bowls the same week. On Wednesday 16th May, Hugh competition were Mrs Anne Smith and Mr John Brian. McPhee aced his tee shot at the 4th hole in the seniors There were sixteen person present when the President competition. Congratulations go to Hugh as one of the Mr W Masson thanked everyone for all the work done most senior players at the club. Richard Bruce also over the season. The prizes were presented by Miss M holed his tee shot at the 4th on Saturday 19th May, Munro. The following were winners:- using his driver in extremely windy conditions, with a bump and run shot. Congratulations also go to Rich- Open Singles ard. Winner - Mr S Cameron Runner up - Mr I Shaw

Pairs Winners - Mrs R Murray & Mr C R Grant Runners up - Mr S Cameron & Mr R Murray

Triples Winners - Mr K Fraser, Mrs G Horne, Mr R Murray Runners up - Mr S Cameron, Mr G Jamieson, Mr I Shaw

Hat Night Winners Gents - Mr A Cameron Ladies - Mrs G Horne

HOLE IN ONE! The AGM of the Indoor Bowling Club will be held in August. We are hoping for a good attendance, While playing in the Wednesday Seniors at the Rothes W Masson Golf Club, Mr Hugh McPhee, 8 Land Street, Rothes, President age 83, aced his tee shot at the 4th hole “Wee Geor- dies” 116yard par 3, using a 7 iron. This was his first hole in one after over 30 years of playing golf. His playing partners were Dr J Lawrence and Mr Wuldie Smith, both of Aberlour

4 This issue is sponsored by the family of the late Hamish Taylor WHERE ARE THEY NOW? ROTHES FOOTBALL CLUB

Andrew Clerihew This year Rothes finished the season well pleased, with 10th place in the league table. This was the high- I started my banking career as a wee lad working for est finishing place for a long time, but they are keen to the Clydesdale Bank in Rothes in the Highlands of finish higher next season. Scotland. After 5 years of working in various branch- At the end of season dance in the Social Club, the fol- es, including Aberdeen, I was offered the opportunity lowing players received trophies: to transfer to the London City Office where I had my Players player of the year Alan Stephen first experience of the securities market working with Supporters player of the year Nathan Sharp bearer bonds and marking name securities. After a 10 Committees player of the year Nathan Sharp year stint I then moved on to the Bank of New York ( London) in November 1996 where I have seen Cor- With the season finished, all hands will be required to porate Trust grow from a handful of staff to the huge get the new dressing rooms up in time for the start of operation which now exists at EMEA. next season. At present, the existing building is about to be knocked down in preparation for the delivery of I have recently taken over, as manager, at the Bank of purpose built dressing rooms on the 10th July. New York’s establishment in Poole. The move has All going to plan, the new dressing rooms will be been beneficial for my 4 year old son and 6 year old “christened” when Aberdeen FC second team visit daughter who both love the beach. My wife is also Rothes on Saturday 14th July. happily settled in the area and I am looking forward to Most of you will already know that new floodlights the Bank going from strength to strength with the ded- were erected at the beginning of the year. icated team which we have at this time. My family Our dedicated supporters have formed “Club 59”, and take up most of my spare time although I do like to have been allocated the back room at the Mackessack watch sports on TV and turning my hand to DIY jobs Boardroom as their meeting place, and they are busy which require to be done round the house. decorating in preparation for the start of the season. None of these things could happen without the hard work of the committee, supporters and players, and it also costs lots and lots of money. Keep your eyes open for posters on pre-season friend- lies which have yet to be confirmed The AGM will be in August, with new members more than welcome. The Duck Race, and Good-as-New sale will be held in September.

Hoping to see you all at the start of the season.

AUTOBANK Editors Note We had lots of feedback on the Rothes Autobank. The The edi- torial team community is grateful to the Rothes Post Office for of the ‘Rothesian’ would like other Rothes exiles to their efforts, and for putting up with the disruption. write in to let us know where they are now, what they Also Rev Bob Anderson who liaised on our behalf are doing and any interesting snippets on their life of with the Royal Bank. today. Please feel free to send your submissions to The Rothesian, The Cottage, 86 New Street, Rothes, AB38 7BJ, or e-mail to the Rothesian. A photo would also be helpful.

This issue is sponsored by the family of the late Hamish Taylor 5 My grandmother, Jessie Helen Taylor, was born at MAUREEN’S SONG Inchberry, near Fochabers in 1892. She was the daughter of Robert Cushnie Taylor (Agricultural Worker / Salmon Fisher / River Ghillie) and Isabella I’m yearning for my very loving Highlands, Taylor (ms. Jamieson), and sister to Jane, Isabella, The mountains there are heather sweet today, William, Robert, James and Margaret Tay- It may be just because my heart is Highland. lor. Addresses listed for the family are Inchberry I’m longing for Rothes-on-the-Spey. Farm, and Spey Cottage, near Fochabers. My Grand- mother had two children before marriage, who she left In Rothes they make whisky by the gallon, in the care of her parents before going into service Glengrant the Gibbet and of course Glenspey, with the Maxwell family at their estate near Glas- If I had wings to fly, I’d fly them yonder, gow. There she met my grandfather James Then settle down by Rothes-on-the-Spey. Young, they had 5 children, and she remained in Glas- gow until she died in 1974. Up here it seems I don’t belong just rightly, She never returned to Fochabers, but always spoke Though Rothes they would say I disobeyed, fondly of the area and particularly of her siblings. Fol- But still I know my heart it anchored tightly, lowing her death, my cousin and I decided to do some To home I’m back to Rothes-on-the-Spey. research to find out a bit about her family and her previous life. It's amazing what you can find on the Inter- By Maureen Greig net! We have managed to obtain details of dates of births, death & marriages for most of the family, as well as census information, so have accumulated a huge amount of information. WHAT IS A SENIOR CITIZEN? However, although these events all took place a long time ago, we wondered if anyone has any memories of A senior citizen is one who was here before the pill, this family, or perhaps photographs that they might be television. Frozen foods, credit cards and the ball point willing to share with us. pen. For us “time sharing” meant togetherness, not comput- Kay Marson ers, and a “chip” meant a piece of wood. “Hardware” [email protected] meant hard wear and “software” was not even a word. Teenagers never wore slacks or jeans. We were before panti-hose, drip-dry clothes, dish washers, clothes driers and electric blankets. THANKS We got married first, then “lived together”, and thought cleavage was something a butcher did. We were before Batman, disposable nappies, jeeps, pizzas, Mrs Roberta Dickson wishes to thank Mrs Patterson, instant coffee and “Kentucky Fried” wasn’t even heard the Rothes Pharmacy for her marvellous service and of. thoughtfulness to myself and no doubt the community. In our day cigarette smoking was fashionable, “grass” Thank you so much for your understanding during my was for mowing, “pot” was something one cooked in, recent difficulties. a “gay” person was the life and soul of the party, Roberta Dickson whilst “aids” meant beauty lotions or help for someone in trouble. We are today’s senior citizens, a hardy bunch, when you think of how the world has changed and adjust- Councillor Pearl Paul wishes to thank all her constitu- ments we have had to make. ents for their support during the recent election. A special thanks to all who helped with the campaign. Sent in by Jean Allan

6 This issue is sponsored by the family of the late Hamish Taylor 20th October Rothes FC Social Club Tombola Rothes Diary th 25 October The Pension Service at Rothes Medi- cal Centre 1.30 to 3.30pm. Please note that the diary displayed in the Rothes Li- th brary window, is updated every two weeks and takes in 29 October Schools Reopen After Autumn Break changes which occur during the time between the Rothe- sian quarterly editions. Please keep Sandra informed of events and meetings as fundraising works best with no competition! Please note the new email address for the diary: [email protected] HOW TO KNOW WHEN YOU ARE If you would like the diary emailed to you, please contact GETTING OLD this address.

June Everything hurts – what doesn’t hurt, doesn’t work. The gleam in your eye is the sun shining on your bifo- 15th June Rothes FC Social Club AGM cals. 16th June Gala Photo Exhibition ‘A Trip Down You feel like the morning after, but you haven’t been Memory Lane’, Grant Hall 10am to 4pm anywhere. 16/17th June Rothes FC Social Club Tombola Your black book contains only names ending in MD. th 17 June Gala Tennis Tournament Rothes Tennis You get winded playing cards. Courts Your children look middle aged. 17th June Worship by the River by Spey 6.30pm th You join a health club, but do not go. 18 June Family History in Moray Slide Show and A dripping tap causes an uncontrollable urge. Talk in Church Hall 7.15 19th June Quiz Night in Social Club 7.30pm You have all the answers, but no-one asks the ques- 20th June Library Fun Time at library for the chil- tions. dren 6 -8pm You look forward to a dull evening. 21st Gala Bingo in Grant Hall Doors Open 7pm Eyes You need glasses to find your glasses. Down 7.45pm You turn out the light for economy instead of ro- 22nd Your Family Tree – Where to Start In the mance. Cottage 2-4pm Your knees buckle, but your belt won’t. 23rd June Rothes Gala and Challenge Day in Recrea- Your back goes out more than you do. tion Park starting 11am th You put your bra on back to front and it fits better. 30 June Coffee Morning (Rothes Parish Church) Your house is too big and your medicine cabinet is not Kirk Hall big enough. July 3rd July SHS School Sports Your teeth sink into and steak and they stay there. 5th July Schools close for Summer Break Your birthday cake collapses with the weight of the 7th July Rothes FC Social Club Coffee Morning candles. 14th July Coffee Morning Kirk Hall in aid of CHAS I JUST WANT TO LIVE LONG ENOUGH TO BE A 21st July Rothes Open Pairs Competition Rothes PROBLEM TO MY KIDS? Bowling Club 21st July Tomintoul Highland Games 21st July Rothes FC Social Club Tombola 26th July The Pension Service at Rothes Medical Centre 1.30 to 3.30pm No appointment necessary 28th July Dufftown Highland Games

August 4th August Rothes FC Social Club Coffee Morning 4th August Aberlour Highland Games 5th/6th August Turriff Show 12th/13th August Keith Show 18th August Rothes FC Social Club Tombola 21st August Schools Reopen after summer September 1st September Rothes FC Social Club Coffee Morn- ing 1st September Rothes Flower Show Grant Hall 8th September Coffee Morning (Rothes Bowling Club) Kirk Hall 15th September Rothes FC Social Club Tombola October 6th October Rothes FC Social Club Coffee Morning 12th October Schools Close for Autumn Holiday

This issue is sponsored by the family of the late Hamish Taylor 7 FLOOD PREVENTION Since our last article, the consultation period for the Planning Application has passed and at the time of The Planning Application for the Rothes Flood Allevi- print only one objection has been received (from ation Scheme was registered on 30th March 2007 and SEPA). is now going through a statutory process of advertise- ment and consultation. The design team have now started preparing the de- tailed drawings and contract documents for the works The consultation process requires that the Council asks on the upstream section of the Back Burn before mov- for and considers the views of a wide variety of organ- ing on to the downstream section and then onto the isations. These include SEPA, SNH, Scottish Water, Burn of Rothes & the Black Burn. and Health and Safety. When comments are received the Council has to try and resolve objections. Because We will also be working hard in the coming months to it has involved the production of a document called an resolve the 2 outstanding objections to the FPO re- Environmental Impact Assessment or EIA, the appli- ceived by Scottish Ministers to ensure a construction cation will have to be referred to the Scottish Execu- start in 2008. tive prior to any decision being issued. In the next few weeks our investigation and survey The application was advertised to allow for public teams will be around the town gathering the outstand- comment and after a 28-day period no objections were ing data needed by the design team and our consulta- received. tion team will also be actively talking to affected people and local businesses. It is a complex proposal but I can give my assurance that every effort is being made to bring it before the If anyone has any queries regarding the scheme they Moray Council as quickly as possible. should telephone Peter Haslam at Moray Flood Allevi- ation on 01343 559055 or visit the website at The Flood Prevention Order itself has been submitted www.morayflooding.org to the Scottish Executive. It was the subject of three objections and in the event that any of these remain unresolved there will be a Public Inquiry before a Re- STEVE VERNON – PROJECT MANAGER porter appointed by the Scottish Executive. I have been told however that SNH, who submitted a tech- Member of design team carrying out structural survey nical objection, intend to withdraw that in the next few of Glen Grant Distillery access bridge. days. That would be really good news!

Both the Planning Permission and Flood Prevention Order have to be in place before the Scottish Executive will release money for construction.

Bob Stewart, Director of Environmental Services, Moray Council

8 This issue is sponsored by the family of the late Hamish Taylor ROTHES HORTICULTURAL & ROTHES WIND FARM FUND INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY. The latest round of applications for assistance from the The committee would like to thank all who have sup- Wind Farm Fund has just been approved by Rothes ported us at our last events, the compost sale, plant Wind Ltd. A total of £7,400 has been granted towards sale and coffee morning. We are now looking ahead to the requested amount of £8,200. summer and our next project will be the garden judg- The individual awards are as follows: ing in the village, This usually takes place at the end of July into August, If you would not like your garden RHIS £300 – To replace old staging to be included this year please contact Molly Scott on Linnburn Arts & Craft £200 – Purchase of arts materi- 831673. als Looking further ahead we will soon be planning our Baby & Toddler Group £200 – Purchase of toys & Annual Show, this will be held on Saturday 1st Sep- tember. Schedules listing all categories will be available now from shops and the usual outlets or from the Secretary, Jennifer Nicol (01340 831201).

SUMMER FLORAL DISPLAY

Arrangements for the town’s summer floral display are now well in hand. Twenty-five self-watering baskets are being filled which will be displayed in the Square and the North end of the town. A further 10 wire baskets will be available to give out to residents who will water and care for them during the summer. Anyone who wishes one of these baskets should contact Jim Anderson (831328). equipment The usual supply of plants from Moray Council Rothes Council Summer floral display £200 – To de- Cooper Park Nursery should be here about the middle fray cost of filling hanging baskets of June to be planted out in the tubs etc around the 2+Group £150 – Purchase of play materials town. We are grateful that help from a number of vol- Rothes Community Ltd £1,200 – Tree surgeon work at unteers from the RHIS has been offered this the play trail year. They will no doubt be receiving a call in a couple of weeks’ time. Any other assistance with keeping the tubs etc watered and in tip-top condition will be gladly accepted. And last, but by no means least, our sincere thanks to Speyside Garden Services for their commitment to the town by watering the baskets throughout the summer, invaluable work indeed.

Golf Club £650 – Purchase of top dressing machine Grant Hall £1,500 – Replace leaking flat roof Primary School £500 – Nursery garden project Rothes FC £2,500 – Contribution towards cost of rede- velopment of Mackessack Park. These monies will be paid out by the middle of June.

This issue is sponsored by the family of the late Hamish Taylor 9 SPEYSIDE COUNCIL ed that that he would not be standing for re-election. Jim thanked John for his many years service as a Seventeen people from the Speyside area attended the Rothes representative, Convenor and, latterly Vice- Annual General Meeting of the Speyside Council on president. The Executive Committee was then formally Thursday 24th May in the Craigellachie Village Hall, elected having been nominated by the constituent Com- including two of the Councillors for the Speyside Glen- munity associations and, at a brief meeting of the EC livet Ward, Pearl Paul and Fiona Murdoch. following the AGM, Brenda Cooper was re-appointed The guest speaker for the evening was Ian Douglas, Secretary and Jane Tweedie, Treasurer. The usual ad- Moray Council’s access Manager, who talked about the visers to the Committee were also appointed. increasing effect that the Land Reform Act 2003 was Under AOCD the meeting briefly discussed the reduc- having on the countryside with the right of responsible tion in funding for Tourist Information Centres and the access to the whole of Scotland. He outlined the steps meeting’s attention was drawn to the presentation by that were being taken to increase the number of foot- Macallan Distillery on 8th June of its proposed ware- paths within the Moray Council’s area of responsibility house complex at Overton. At this point the two Coun- starting with the setting up of an Access Forum. The cillors withdrew in case there should be any discussion task of the forum is to prepare maps showing the exist- on a matter which would be considered by Moray ing paths in the area (“promoted” paths), the new paths Council in due course but, in the event , there was no which will link the existing paths and also different discussion and the meeting closed at 9.23pm. areas of habitation (“core” paths) and paths which it is John Tilley hoped to include in future plans (“aspirational” paths). The Access Forum is due to submit its proposals to Moray council shortly who will come up with a draft ROTHES COUNCIL plan by the 8th February 2008 and put it out for public consultation. The consultation will take the form of a The main business dealt with by the Rothes Council in letter to all interested parties asking for their comments the last three months has been in response to the and a finalised plan will then be submitted to the Scot- threatened closure of the Rothes Library. The April tish Executive for approval. It is hoped to achieve this meeting was held in the Rothes FC Social Club in or- by early 2009. He added that he had already contacted der to accommodate as many members of the public as many of the landowners involved with a large amount possible. The meeting was address by Mr Alistair of agreement though the designation of the River Spey Campbell, Moray Council Libraries Manager. Alt- as a “path” (for the use of canoeists) was proving prob- hough there was a disappointing turnout there was a lematical and may well not be included in the draft robust discussion on the subject. The points of view plan. of the Rothes community were clearly spelled out on Replying to questions, Ian said that funding for the cre- the night. ation and upkeep of these paths had not yet been agreed As a follow on to this meeting the Rothes Council met but it was felt that if money is to be allocated to coun- on the 16th April to formulate a written reply to the cils for footpaths , it will have to be “ring-fenced” for libraries questionnaire. All views expressed by the the purpose. The form of “way-marking” of the paths members and the views of the public put forward at has not yet been agreed but will be part of the project. the previous meeting were taken into account. Mrs Before he departed he left some copies of The Scottish Sheila Brumby, secretary of the Rothes Council duly Outdoor access Code, a booklet prepared by Scottish put forward our views and was congratulated on her Natural Heritage, as well as some leaflets referring spe- submission by the Libraries Manager. cifically to the rights and responsibilities of farmers, The other contentious issue at present is petty vandal- dog walkers, canoeists and horse riders. ism. The broken tree recently replaced in Seafield Ian was thanked for his talk and the meeting then pro- Square has unfortunately been vandalised again. This ceeded to normal business. and other instances are of concern to the people of In his President’s remarks Jim Anderson gave a review Rothes, in particular our senior citizens. of the Speyside Council over the year and the Treasur- Please give a thought before high spirits spoil things er’s report was presented in absentia. The latter was adopted subject to audit but the meeting took the oppor- for others. tunity, due notice having been given, of amending the constitution so that in future years the accounts will only need to be examined by a responsible person rather than being audited by a professional accountant. This to comply with the new rules made by the Office of the Scottish Charities Regulator (OSCAR). Councillor Paul then took the chair temporarily while the election of officers and the committee took place. Jim Anderson was re-elected President and Jean Oliver was elected Vice-president, John Tilley having indicat-

10 This issue is sponsored by the family of the late Hamish Taylor ROTHES GALA Wed. 20th June This years Rothes Gala has been sponsored Childrens Fun Time at the Rothes Library by MORRISON CONSTRUCTION. Once the 6pm – 8pm Flood scheme starts we will be seeing them in town on a regular basis. Thurs. 21st June The format for the Gala has been greatly Gala Prize Bingo at the Grant Hall – Doors changed for this year and we are interested open 7pm – Eyes down 7.45pm to see how it works. We are offering a week long programme, with Fri. 22nd June many events being organised by other Your Family Tree – Where to Start. With groups and organisations. Gala day itself, Graham Wilson at the Cottage 2pm – 4pm will this year, include the Challenge Day Computers will be available. No charge. events of the past. This means an earlier start to Gala Day which this year is on the Sat. 23rd June Saturday. GALA DAY in the Recreation Park 11am – We are grateful to the following who have 5PM organised events and who are assisting with the running of events:- GALA DAY EVENTS INCLUDE:- Betty Johnston and Graham Jefferson, The Rothes Parish Church, Rothes Tennis Club, Dufftown Pipe Band Graham Wilson of Moray Council Libraries, The Fire Eater Rothes FC Social Club, Rothes Library and Tae Kwan Do all the local organisations who will be help- Rothes and Aberlour Cadets ing on Gala Day. Barrel Making The Gala committee this year has been Children’s Races made up of old faces, new volunteers and Fancy Dress group representatives. It has been a good Grampian Fire Brigade mix with bright new ideas. The Storytime Bus All you strong gentlemen out there please Waste Awareness note that we would appreciate help on the Display day to erect and dismantle the stalls. Giant Slide Wheel of Fortune Gala Week Programme Bottle Stall Lucky Dip Sat. 16th & Sun 17th June Step into the Tattoo Stall Past - Photo Exhibition in the Grant Hall Football Stall 11am – 4pm – Cost £1.00 Cuddly Toy Stall Face Painting Sun. 17th June Book Stall Tennis Gala Competition at Rothes Tennis Childrens Lucky Club Dip Tattoos Riverside service with the Rev Bob Anderson Bowls Challenge - The River Spey at 6:30pm Beat the Goalie Tea Tent and Refreshment Mon. 18th June Burger Stall Family History in Moray, talk and slide show Popcorn Machine with Graham Wilson in the Church Hall at 7.15pm - No charge

Tues. 19th June Quiz Night at The Rothes FC Social Club. Start time 7.30pm

This issue is sponsored by the family of the late Hamish Taylor 11 THE BULWARK – COTTAGE – STATION THE BULWARK – CONTINUED

With reference to John Tilley’s article in the last Rothesian, Shortly after the last edition of the Rothesian was and in particular to the railway line between Rothes and published, an e-mail was received from the GNSR Dandaleith, there is little factual evidence as to what was the Association as a follow-up to the e-mail received reason for building a house at this spot. from HMS Bulwark Albion Centaur association:- I very much doubt if there was ever a proper station at the Bulwark, but there may well have been what, was known as “I was quite surprised that you had managed to make a “Halt”. This was a convenience similar to a bus stop, the link to Bulwark on the GNSR but I hope you where people could wave down or otherwise have the train don’t have any high expectations of the station. In stop to pick up or drop off passengers. The possibility of fact, it was just a siding about 1.5 miles south of the such a convenience at such a place might have been related town of Rothes in Banffshire (sic!). The siding at to a ferry crossing, serving the people of the Arndilly area. Bulwark was constructed for the loading of timber One has to consider the long way round to Dandaleith sta- and may have been named after the adjacent cottage. tion, with only foot travel or pony and carriage. The siding was closed in 1863 so it didn’t have a long Sourden, although classed as a station, would have been of a life. The line on which it was situated was opened in similar standing, but there was a ferry at that point which I 1856 and closed in 1868, but we do not know exactly believe was in operation up to the middle of last century. when the siding was opened”. The late Jimmy Rollo, who may have been the last operator Again, quoting from John R Gray’s “Rothes past and for that crossing, was housed on the Aikenway side, and his Present”:- “The Inns of Rothes provided lodging ac- daughter used the ferry to catch the school bus. His widow, commodation for the men who skilfully floated mas- Mary Rollo, still resides in Land Street. sive trees from the forests of Badenoch, Rothiemur- What one might also consider is the fact that the actual chus and Strathspey downstream to the shipping at “Bulwark” was formed by the railway company, and was Garmouth, whilst large quantities of those trees were initially an unknown quantity until it was tried and tested. sawn into manufactured timber at Rothes and floated Maintenance and adjustments may have been required in its on barges as such to the port of Garmouth. A century early years, and so a workman might have been stationed ago (ie in the mid 19th century) there were sawmills there. This same workman might well have carried out the at the Bulwark, Sourdenhead and in the ravines duties of a “surface man”, who would have walked the line through which the burns of Rothes pass.” between Dandaleith and Rothes, checking the rail fixings Perhaps the GNSR were trying to cash in on the trade and keeping the track clear. The Bulwark cottage is end on by transporting the sawn timber by rail to the coast to the railway line, whereas any station building would nor- and constructed a siding for the purpose. mally be parallel to the railway direction. Hugh McPhee’s letter throws further light on the his- When the Beeching cuts took place and the railway closed, tory of Bulwark Cottage but about 100 yards south of Bulwark cottage was bought by a Mr. Harrold, who along the cottage – on the fisher’s path along the Spey – with his sons did forestry contracting, and also scrap dealing there is a freestone wall about ten yards long and six in a small way. Eventually, Eagle Star bought the property, feet high capped with brick which may well have and after restoration, it was used to house a fishing ghillie. been the original “bulwark” (or part of it) built to This part of the river was subsequently sold to the owners of protect the railway line from predations of the River the salmon fishings on the Arndilly side of the water, and a Spey. It was, of course, a mere twenty seven years ghillie still occupies the cottage. between the construction of the railway and the disas- It is the case that where the “Bulwark” was formed was a trous flood of 1829 which had altered the course of weak link in the retention of the river in times of flood. In the river. The country boundary between Moray and the major flood of 1829, houses and farm lands were washed Banffshire follows the centre of the river for much of away. This water came along the boundary of Moray and its length except for a short stretch between Rothes Banffshire, the old course of the Spey. The 1829 flood en- and Craigellachie and the “Haughs” is still in Banff- gulfed the now demolished Haughs farmhouse, then tenant- shire according to the Ordinance Survey map. Inci- ed by the Clark family, and the grandfather clock had a line dentally, further to Hugh McPhee’s comments about about two feet up from floor level, indicating the water a ferry to serve the Arndilly area, the map also indi- depth in the house. cates a “coble pot” on the banks of the Spey, a coble Since the erection of the Bulwark, the major floods of 1915 being a “small flat-bottomed boat”. and 1970 did not cause the damage that might well have Following the article in the last Rothesian, John Brian happened if not for this preventative work. confirmed that Sandy Gray was a “foreman surfacer” It should of course not be forgotten, that the main reason for with the railway company. the formation of the bulwark was to accommodate the rail- John Tilley way track between the roadway and the river. Hugh MacPhee

12 This issue is sponsored by the family of the late Hamish Taylor