Kiltarlity News

Published by Kiltarlity Community Council Issue No. 26 AUTUMN 2011 50p Highland Council decision on Druim Ba on 20th September Officials recommended NO to proposed Kiltarlity wind farm

ighland Council was to state its tions, are about "community and resi- -and without prejudice to its decision on H position on the controversial dential amenity" and related visual that application - in early discussions on Druim Ba application on Tuesday, impact. The Community Council also potential community benefit, these dis- 20th September, when the Planning believe that the landform, landscape cussions have been halted while High- Committee was due is to visit the are- character and dispersed rural settle- land Council devise a standard formula as around Blairmore Forest before ment pattern make Druim Ba totally to decide which communities would returning to Inverness to vote on Dru- unsuited not just for a major wind qualify for benefit and how cash would im Ba Sustainable Energy Ltd.‟s pro- farm, but for any wind farm whatsoev- be shared among communities affected posed wind farm. A few days before er, since the height differential between and how much allocated to a central fund the meeting Planning Department of- the valley floor and any turbines accen- for projects throughout the Highland ficers recommended that the Council tuate their dominance in the landscape. Council area. object to the application. Although the Community Council Meanwhile, a joint effort by Kiltarlity, At time of printing, the outcome of the have not taken a stance against wind Kilmorack and Inverness West Commu- Council meeting was not known. farms in general, they support Scottish nity Councils to get a local copy of the However, because of the scale of the Natural Heritage‟s view that " the pro- Druim Ba Environmental Statement has project, Highland Council can only make posal as submitted, does not maintain a been successful, despite Druim Ba Sus- a recommendation to the Scottish Gov- good standard of wind farm design". tainable Energy and Highland Council ernment who will take the final decision. The Community Council have also considering it that a paper copy, located A Highland Council objection to the established that there are hundreds in the Council offices in Inverness was wind farm will trigger a public inquiry, of permanent residential properties acceptable. unless a new amended application is sub- within three miles of the turbines and Two copies of this lengthy document mitted and approved. Even a favourable submitted this information to Highland have now been received. And can be decision is likely to be accompanied by Council both in document and map viewed at Brockies Lodge Hotel. numerous conditions. form. Following the unanimous decision of The figures are: within 2 kms - 44 members present at a meeting in April, houses, within 1 mile – 25, within 2 Kiltarlity Community Council objected miles – 122, within 3 miles -about 575 HIGHLAND COMMUNITY strongly to the proposed wind farm. This (about 315 in the Kiltarlity, Abriachan COUNCIL ELECTIONS followed months of discussion and ascer- area, and 260 in the Drumnadrochit, taining of community opinion, in particu- Milton, Culnakirk area). WEDNESDAY 16 NOVEMBER lar at a standing-room-only public meet- (The existence of 44 homes within ing in January attended by around 160 two kilometres of the proposed tur- 2011 people. Of 120 questionnaires accepted bines has been highlighted because the at the meeting a hundred or so were re- Council agrees that large scale wind LATEST DATE FOR LODGING turned with 97 people objecting, only farms should usually be located at a NOMINATION PAPERS three of whom lived outwith the Kiltar- distance of at least two kilometres from lity area. settlements.) Kiltarlity Community Council's objec- While the Community Council was TUESDAY 4 OCTOBER tions covered a range of concerns, the involved, quite separately from its con- most important ones, which cannot readi- sideration of the planning application, Full details on Page 11 ly be mitigated by planning condi- 2

losing its „moral backbone‟. The prob- Raising Children in the lem is nowhere more evident than in Kiltarlity Church of Dark the lives of our children. In recent Scotland by months I‟ve asked local teenagers if Joe Barnard they know what „sin‟ is. The answer has consistently been „no‟. In a world ugust saw a gathering of hen I hear people talk about where 32 year old men go on shooting A youngsters at the Chat- the „Dark Ages‟ I sometimes sprees (Oslo), „sin‟ is a concept not to W be cast aside. Likewise, I‟ve asked if tabox Holiday Club to enjoy a wonder if they are thinking about the week of songs, Bible stories, 21st century. My wife and I have two they know about the „conscience‟. young boys, and one of our greatest Again, a negative reply. crafts and games, and also get- challenges in life is trying to figure out As a pastor, it is important to say that ting to know other children of how to raise them in a world in which the primary function of the church is their own age. not to maintain the morality of society. it is increasingly difficult to see which On the final Friday, children and fami- The church will always be first and way to go. lies were invited to join in a scavenger foremost that community of faith The recent death of pop star Amy hunt and barbeque. On Sunday, a spe- which proclaims the Lordship of Jesus Winehouse highlights the problem. On cial, and well-attended, Chattabox ser- Christ. Still, there is no doubt that one the one hand, Winehouse symbolized vice was held at Kirkhill Community effect of the church is that it does rein- everything that children and teens are Centre, with the worship themed around force the basic moral principles and trained by our society to love and pursue. the messages and songs taken from the values which most of us affirm to be She had fame, fortune, and popularity. Chattabox week. true and use to guide our lives and be- Yet, on the other, her tragic life revealed A Communion Service will be held at haviour. every symptom of moral blindness. She Kiltarlity Church on Sunday 2nd Octo- Going back to our main topic of par- could not understand the basic ideas that ber at 12 noon. The Communion Prepar- enting, this leads to a very practical pleasure and happiness are not the same; atory Service will be held at Kiltarlity conclusion. If any parent is frustrated that popularity cannot account for self Church on Thursday 29th September at by the amount of violence children worth; that living within limitations 7:30 p.m. absorb from TV, fearful of the poten- might actually promote personal wellbe- The next meeting of the men‟s social tial threat of drug and alcohol abuse, or ing. evening will be on Friday, 28 October bothered by the corrupt perception of So back to my kids. Raising them in a 2011 at the Old North Inn, Inchmore, sat sex within popular culture, one readily world that idolizes sex, drugs and vio- 7:00 p.m. Cost is £15 which includes a available step toward combating these lence is no simple exercise of common drink, 2-course meal ( starter / main ) influences is to take your child to Sun- sense. In fact, the truth is, all of us need and tea / coffee with fudge. Please book day school. All of us agree on the need help if we are going to find and keep your place for this fellowship event with for our children to have a well bal- track on the path to successful parenting. Alasdair Morrison on 831 185. anced diet for their bodily growth. My This is where a dusty old concept might The weekly choir practice for the humble opinion is that, considering the be worth salvaging from the past and Christmas Carol Service starts on Satur- challenges of raising kids in the 21st reconsidering: Sunday School. I find as I day, 17th September, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. century, it might also be time for us to go around Kiltarlity that people, who at Wardlaw Church. Choir practices will consider the need for a well balanced would not describe themselves as Church be in Kiltarlity Church during October diet for moral growth. goers and perhaps not even as Christians, and November during Wardlaw Church readily agree that Scotland appears to be refurbishment. Anyone interested in singing, who would like to join this won- derful choir should please speak to Mary Robb after any service, or turn up at a Saturday choir practice, or give her a ring on 01463 795 553. Autumn Birds Walk The Guild season starts on Tuesday 4th nd Saturday 22 October October at 2:30 p.m., the first guest speaker being Fiona Macleod from the Highland Archive Centre. October and Join Malcolm Harvey for a short walk through the forest looking and listen- November Guild meetings will be in ing for any birds which are present. Kiltarlity Church, because of the Ward-

law Church refurbishment work. Meet at forest entrance at Ardendrain – CONTACTS: Rev. Dr. Kobus Smit 831 662, E-mail: [email protected]; 10.30am David Garvie 741 038; Sunday School

All Welcome! – Linda MacKenzie 741 313 / An- neliese Garvie 741 038; The Parishion- er – Iain and Rosemary Mortimer 782 Phone Sheila on 01463 741382 or Malcolm on 01463 741328 648, E-mail – for more details [email protected] 3

Looking back from the 1970s

om Fraser (Tom Gow) of Auch- Our food, the first thing T vaich, Kiltarlity, was born in the in the morning, we were early years of last century and served up usually at six o‟ clock in the 60s and 70s as an Inverness- to feed the horses and the shire County Councillor for his side of cattle and we came in for Kiltarlity. During the 1970s he was our breakfast which was interviewed for a schools radio broad- brose, and tea afterwards. cast about his early years as a croft- Brose is oatmeal and salt er‟s son growing up in Kiltarlity. The in a bowl and then hot interviewers play the role of pupils of water poured on it and an Inverness secondary school but then we put milk on the Tom Fraser on the binder with his father (next right). were apparently actors - to satisfy the top of that and that was requirements, at the time, of the ac- our breakfast. body said that a funeral was a day's work. tors' union. The speech of the And what would you have for lunch? Can you tell us something about High- “children” does not sound particularly Well, we called it „dinner‟, our din- land school life when you were young? genuine, but the questions (scripted by ner. In those days there was usually a Yes, the school I went to was Glen Con- Mrs Katharine Stewart of Abriachan, barrel of salt herring, we would have vinth School, and we had over a mile to now in Inverness) elicit very interest- that through the week. Sunday we walk, which wasn't very far in those ing responses from Tom. might have meat, but in those days we days. We went into school at 10 o'clock, The questions in this transcript are would [rely also] on catching rabbits, we had an hour for play and we got out at not always given in full; a few words of and eating the rabbits, with plenty of 4 o'clock. what Tom says cannot be deciphered potatoes. What subjects did you do? from a very old recording and, while Can you tell us about going to cut The usual subjects, English, Arithmetic, the transcript is generally accurate the peats? History, that was the main subjects. very unclear phrases are in square The peats was a neighbourly task that Mr Fraser could remember the end of brackets. we did, all the neighbours would go the First World War. Tom Fraser died in 1978. one day, help each other cutting the I remember Armistice Day. We were in peats and we took a few days, a day for school, I remember fine coming home. Did your father ever tell you anything each household, but all the neighbours about crofting life? We were lifting potatoes with a digger worked together and we as boys and which came to our place for the first time Yes, he was a crofter himself, brought girls went there helping. up with a family of nine in a very small and we heard the bells of Beauly ring. I Are there parties you can remember? remember that quite well. place and he went out first working as a What about weddings? cattleman in any place at all and eventu- What effect did the war have on Kiltar- Usually a wedding took place at the lity? Did the men come back from the ally he took over the croft of Auchvaich house where the daughter was getting which had poor buildings. The first thing army? married, and sometimes, in the sum- A great many of them didn't come back, he had to do was repair the buildings, mer, the wedding was outside. The build fences, and drain it. because we have a memorial stone down reception would be in the house and in Kiltarlity, names that are down on it, I And what sort of crops and livestock then after the reception, dancing in the did he have? knew very well when I was a boy, so barn and the wedding would go to five, quite a lot of them, didn't come back. The Well the crops at that time was oats, six in the morning. Quite common. turnips and potatoes. He had livestock, few that did come back tried to get into Weddings went on for four to five trades - joiners, masons. Life wasn‟t very not many, about seven cows, that‟s what days. I remember when I was young. The cows good for quite a while. Can you tell us something about a [Tom Fraser’s views on crofting.] were in the byre. They were taken out Highland funeral? two times a day for milking. I think that the modern crofting today as Yes, a Highland funeral, they always I see it, is a part time job, because a lot of Did you have any sheep? walked with the remains perhaps three, The sheep were bought in autumn and crofters they're either tradesmen, or they four – four miles quite often. The ser- work on the roads, and they have a croft we fed them throughout the winter, vice was always at the house and after walked them to Inverness the twelve about 5 to 20 acres which they work on the service was finished there was the Saturday and in their spare time in the miles in March and sold them there. whisky, and biscuits and cheese passed Did you ever use them for wool? evenings and every one of them makes a round. And then the remains went off, very, very good job of it. We didn‟t use the wool. I did remember [the mourners] walking, and somebody when I was young my great granny liv- There’s a proposal for a new Crofting went in front […] and anybody coming Act which would let the crofter buy his ing with me, with us, and she had a spin- to the funeral they‟d get a glass of ning wheel and she spun the wool, black land. What do you think of that? whisky. At the churchyard there was Well I think it's very good. If this Act wool and white wool, And I remember the service, again, just before the coffin fine my father getting that wool woven, goes through [it will be the biggest step] was lowered into the lair and, as the since the 1886 Act (which of course gave it was black and white, and had a suit people left the gate, the churchyard, made of it. crofters security of tenure while remain- they got another dram, because it was ing tenants). Mr Fraser, what did you have to eat? very, very hard work, a funeral. Every- 4

movements contributes to better balance Tai Chi in Kiltarlity and posture, increased strength and flexi- by bility, and calmness and peace of mind. Annie Woolston The second myth is that Tai Chi is ex- clusively for the elderly. You‟ll see peo- ple of all ages benefiting from the heal- ing movements of this ancient art form.

Getting better through the Taoist Tai Chi™ arts We offer “health recovery programmes”, which are specialized classes for people with chronic illnesses or those recover- ing from injuries. These arts have proven very effective as complementary therapy in aiding and speeding recovery. Move- Tai Chi in ments can be adapted for people with Kiltarlity Hall reduced mobility. There is a weekly Health Recovery class in Inverness. And we‟ve found most people can do the Tai Chi set regardless of handicaps or ailments. Many conditions have Find balance in the heart Healthy body and mind: shown to improve with the regular prac- of the Highlands! the balanced approach tice of the set of exercises, including conditions such as poor circulation, high A new beginner programme of Taoist Can you benefit from the regular prac- blood pressure, arthritis, back pain, joint Tai Chi™ classes is to start at Kiltarlity tice of the Taoist Tai Chi™ arts? Try immobility, respiratory problems, diges- Village Hall on Wednesday September answering this question. Do you have tive disorders, Parkinson‟s disease, Mul- 21st at 19:30. We have run a successful stress in your life? If you answered tiple Sclerosis and Fibromyalgia. first session through the summer months “yes” - and really, who doesn‟t? - and would like to invite anyone who is we‟d like to introduce you to a form of interested to come along and give it a moving meditation that is both a health Come and see what try. -promoting exercise and an incredible To help you understand more about us stress reliever. For both body and it’s all about please read on… mind. We hold classes in various locations in Taoist Tai Chi™ takes a ho- and around Inverness, Nairn, East Ross- listic approach to good health. shire and the Islands. Incorporating the 108-move Tai Chi set, the ensemble of If you wish to know more about us arts that we practise can bring and our classes please visit our website a wide range of health benefits www.taoist.org where you can read a to the muscular, skeletal and lot more information. Or telephone circulatory systems, with a Annie on 01456 415423 who is the soothing effect on the mind. In instructor for the Kiltarlity class. the hectic pace of today‟s soci- ety, that‟s a balance that can benefit us all.

Slow and steady DRAINAGE DOCTORS

brings you to better SEPTIC TANKS AND health SOAKAWAYS There are two misconceptions that we‟d like to clear up. REPAIRS AND First, that Tai Chi is too slow INSTALLATION to do you any good. While we agree that this art is about gen- TEL: ANDY BAWDEN tle turning and stretching, our 01463 741468

[email protected] form of Tai Chi is also specifi- or cally designed to improve ALI MATHESON health. So the significant and 01349 877629 impactful degree of turning and stretching in each of the 5

Kiltarlity Youth Club from Nikki Rasdale

he young people who attend T Kiltarlity Youth club (every Tuesday from 7pm – 8.30pm) have been taking part in lots of exciting activities over the last couple of months. We have had pamper sessions, baking, ceramic painting with Kira Brown Ceramics, rugby sessions with the High- land Rugby Academy and we had Great Glen adventures visit us just before the summer holidays with their mobile The boys having a go in the climbing wall. sumo suits!! We have been on two trips over the summer holidays. The first was a day of canoeing and abseiling at Kincraig and the second a visit to Cadona‟s amuse- ment park in Aberdeen. All the young Enjoying the climbing wall!! people thoroughly enjoyed themselves and learned lots of new skills. Some of the youngsters participated in the regular Fusion nights which run monthly at the Charleston Community complex. The Highland Council provide transport from Beauly, Kiltarlity and Kirkhill which allows young people to take part in free activities such as Laser Tag, Gladiator Dual, Sumo Suits and Nail Art. The fusion events will re-start in October, please contact Nikki Ras- dale, Youth Development Officer, on 07774337735 for more infor- Stephanie Williamson showing mation. off her new nails!!

6

Kiltarlity Gala 2011 Report from Sheila Moir

ecause of the usual difficulties B in arranging a date for the Gala which suited all the groups, a new date, the 11th June, was decided and there was a bit of concern that this would not work out because Rock- ness was on the same day. And even worse, the weather forecast was pret- ty bad. However, we need not have worried. The sun shone, the local people turned out in force, and, true to our motto, it was 'a grand day out'. And at the 9.30 am set up, extras turned up to help the (very small) committee and their, sometimes reluctant, families, so thanks to all of them. It is always a good thing to remind people that the Gala, and indeed other Kiltarlity events, are run by volunteers. It‟s much better to help than criticise. The Gala officially started at 2.00 pm with the usual selection of stalls, inflatables, food and games, and Jimmy at the mike. Strawberries and cream were on offer this year from the Nursery as well as the WRI teas, and plenty of children (and a few adults) were soon going about with painted faces and tattoos. Entertainment was provided by Showstop- pers, dancers, pipers, and by the agile dogs of Canine Concern - not a complete list. There was also plenty fun to take part in, such as a popular greasy pole and bungee, and the Sumo wrestling was again a winner. The tug-o-war caused much amusement, with the usual grunting and cries of cheat- ing. Then there were things to see and do like the School eco group and the Art works, the flight simulator, tombolas, raf- fles, the bottle stall, Guess the Number of Balls and Hook a Duck, as well as stalls where you could buy plants, home bak- ing, popcorn, craft items and second hand bric-a-brac and books. It was all there on June 11th and if you‟ve never been to the Gala, you now know what you are missing! The Gala in its present form at the school has been going for ten years, and we hope All the fun of the Gala to go into the next decade with something From top: four legged winner; special. Don't worry, though, many of the old favourites are likely to remain. We pillow fight; face re-design; Show- hope everyone will give us their full sup- stoppers do just that; one half of port to make next year's Gala one to the Tug o’ War; Sumo wrestlers remember. relax. 7

Following Dave‟s death, and now in where she met Ewen in 1959 when he Florence Cowie her 50s, Florence applied to and was was working in the Strontian area and 1920 - 2011 accepted by Inverness College for a she moved to Milton of Campsie to teach secretarial course and duly qualified. while Ewen was doing his teacher train- She also learned to drive. ing. They married and moved to Petty She then worked as receptionist and East School, Gollanfield, for a joint post- in the office of what was then The Fra- ing as teachers in 1965, then to Foyers in ser Arms Hotel (now Brockies Lodge) 1969 and to Nethy Bridge in the 1970‟s. and then in the offices of James Fraser Mary had time out to have her family in Beauly. but when both children were at school, Florence was a long time member of she went back to teach at Kincraig, Kiltarlity Church of Scotland and for Carrbridge and finally Boat of Garten many years an active member of The where she became Head Teacher, retiring Women‟s Guild and the WRI. She also in 1995. Mary was well respected by particularly enjoyed her time in the parents and pupils and her firm but fair WRVS at Raigmore, where she never style won much support. adly, April saw the death of one of seemed able to grasp the fact that many Mary and Ewen retired to Kiltarlity in S the area‟s oldest residents, Flor- of the “old dears” as she called them, 2002 from Nethy Bridge and were close ence Cowie of Croft Road, Allarburn. who she and others in the WRVS team to daughter Mairi and grandchildren Sa- Only last November Florence was at were helping, were in fact younger than rah and Sean Freck. Their other daughter, Brockies Lodge celebrating her 90th she was! Catriona moved to the area in 2007 and birthday with family and friends, but Her latter years were blighted by an now lives at Redcastle. The family kept since the start of 2011 her health had osteo-arthritic condition in her shoul- their strong connection with Ardnamur- declined and she passed away peacefully ders and a variety of other health prob- chan, spending much time in Laga Cot- at Ross Memorial Hospital, Dingwall on lems which restricted her ability to tage at the family farm helping Mary‟s 27th April. continue to get out and about as much father until he died, and then her brother, Florence, who was born in Aberdeen, as she would have liked and be in- George, who took over Laga Farm. tragically, was widowed twice in her life. volved in the sorts of activities that had Mary was an active member of the local Her first husband Bill Shand was serving kept her occupied for so many years. WRI and the Ross-shire Floral Art Club. on HMS Kite, one of the ships protecting Florence leaves her daughter Aileen A fluent Gaelic speaker, she was always the Russian convoys during World War and her son, Gordon, eight grandchil- ready to burst into song., and was an II, when the ship was attacked and sunk dren and seven great grandchildren. enthusiastic founder member of the WRI with the loss of all but a handful of men. choir. A keen Country Dancer, Mary Florence and Bill had been married for enjoyed walking, gardening, traditional less than 2 years and had a baby daugh- Mary Ross music and many forms of art and crafts. ter, Aileen. 1937 - 2011 She was well known in the Highlands, After the War, Florence met and mar- had many friends and always made time ried Kiltarlity man Dave Cowie. As for people. There was always a warm many readers will remember, Dave was a welcome from Mary and the kettle went professional footballer who started as a on readily when visitors arrived, with lad at Ross County and then Inverness many hours spent enjoying the exchange Thistle before being transferred to Dun- of stories and news. dee and then on to Aberdeen and, after All who knew her will remember her the War, Swindon Town. Dave „signed sense of fun, warm laughter and her abil- up‟ at the outbreak of WW2 and the war ity to live life to the full. Sarah and Sean took what should have been the peak enjoyed many happy times with their years of his career. However, after the beloved Granny and were glad to have war he was honoured with the Scotland her support and encouragement as they captaincy in one of the first post-War ary Ross, who had lived at grew up. M Glaichbea, Kiltarlity, since internationals. Dave died suddenly in th Over 200 friends and family members 1972 at the early age of 58 and Florence 2002, died in hospital on 18 May from all over the country attended the was widowed for a second time. Dave 2011 aged 74 after a short period of celebration of Mary‟s life held in Inver- and Florence had a son, Gordon. illness. She had been diagnosed with ness Crematorium and hundreds of cards During the War, Florence served in the cancer two and half years earlier, were received. The WRI choir sang Fire Service in Aberdeen spending many but had not let the illness get the beautifully and friends in the Floral Art a cold east coast night fire-watching from better of her, carrying on country Club made a floral tribute to be remem- roof tops in Aberdeen city centre. dancing, walking and gardening un- bered. The collection raised £1500 for Florence was a trained gent‟s tailoress til only a month before. Maggie‟s and MacMillan Nurses and the and in the 1960s and 70s led evening Mary was born in Acharacle, Ardna- family is grateful for all the support that sewing classes at Tomnacross School. murchan, in 1937, and attended Prima- they have received since then. Brockies There were quite a few ladies of the Par- ry School in Glenborrodale, and Oban Lodge did a great job of fitting in and ish who at the time could be seen wear- High School. She went on to Jordanhill feeding more people than expected on ing skirts, jackets and suits made to College, Glasgow, to train as a primary the day. Ewen, Mairi and Catriona ex- measure for them by Florence. teacher. Her first post was in Strontian tend their thanks to all. 8

Kiltarlity girl‟s South African adventure

fter a marathon journey: car to activities transferring her crofting skills patch. It was a relief to hear that croco- A Glasgow, plane to Heathrow, to clear and sow a field of maize. diles mind their own business and keep to plane to Johannesburg, plane to Rich- Equipment for the six volunteers con- the river bank and that you have to be ard‟s Bay, and the final lap by car, sisted of sickles, a hoe and two shov- very rash indeed to incur their displeas- Kirsty Henderson, Culburnie, at last els, but the task was accomplished. The ure. More frequent animal nuisances were arrived at St Lucia, the village where group then employed their skills to the vervet monkeys which seemed to play she was to stay and spend a month build a mud house for an old lady in a role similar to the pizza pinching sea- helping the villages of neighbouring the village, in temperatures topping 40 gulls of Inverness. Kwalazoo. degrees. As well as the game drive, Kirsty did Kirsty had originally planned to fly to Besides her encounter with the locals, some surfing and snorkelling. She found South Africa in January, just after New mainly white in St Lucia and Zulu in surfing more complicated than the TV ads Year, but had her trip put back to late Kwalazoo, Kirsty had to get used to make it seem but she assures us that she February. sharing local space with mosquitoes, was safe from the tiger sharks within the Kirsty‟s main duties with the African cockroaches, noisy crickets, and mon- area of sea and beach marked out for hu- Impact organisation were to be with the keys. But on a game drive through a mans. Although she was up for sky- Zulu children of the Shnenhlanha and nearby reserve Kirsty spotted some diving and canoeing, these were called Inkanyezi „crèches‟ (combined nursery rather larger specimens. There she was off due to lack of support and water con- and early primary schools), the main task lucky enough to see four out of the five ditions. being to help them learn the English lan- resident “big five” – elephants, lions, Kirsty and her fellow volunteers lived in guage. Every weekday Kirsty and her rhinos and hippos. The one she didn‟t a volunteers‟ house in St Lucia, complete five co-volunteers – all from Holland – see was the leopard but the villages with tree growing through the middle. would spend the morning at one or other knew when there were leopards around They had meals prepared by their in- of the crèches. because smaller animals moved into house cook, Pindheile, but also ate at the But to make teaching the children a bit the village for safety. restaurants in St Lucia. Food tended to be easier it was necessary for the volunteers Two animals, however, did not keep based on maize, pasta, rice, and more to have some knowledge of the Zulu lan- to the game reserve: hippos wandered maize but Kirsty had no complaints about guage, not that easy because many com- about the villages and crocodiles the local dishes. mon Zulu words involve a click sound emerged regularly from the nearby Kirsty did have difficulty finding any- which Europeans find very difficult to estuary. Fortunately, Kirsty was with one who had heard of Scotland, and there acquire, but which Kirsty mastered with more experienced folk when in the were many new to the idea that Africa a formal lesson and ongoing help from village street she sighted her first hip- was not the whole world. But she found their interpreter. popotamus pedestrian. She was ad- the local people, white and Zulu, ex- As well as classroom teaching Kirsty vised not to approach it and try to tremely friendly, including the numerous was involved in teaching groups of adults make friends. Hippopotamuses kill very poor families. She would like to visit and children about HIV and Aids and more people in that part of Africa than another part of Africa but wants at some took part in an after school club for older are killed in car accidents. Apparently point to return to St Lucia and Kwalazoo high school children, keeping them busy the highly territorial hippo takes imme- and is going to keep in touch until the with talent shows and sports days. diate offence if it seems to him or her opportunity to do so arises. Kirsty was also involved in practical that there is a rival of any sort on their

Clockwise from far left: Kirsty in Zulu outfit (she attended a Zulu wedding); hippos having fun—at a safe distance; some of the children; volunteers and a local family; Kirsty and Maria 9

as well as socialising with each oth- Tomnacross Parent er. The chat is always very entertain- SYLLABUS

ing! September 7th Council This year Beavers had potatoes grow- Talk on Chest, Heart and Stroke by ing in bags, and made food, presents Linda Campbell of Chest Heart August 2011 for family and friends, giant ladybirds & Stroke Scotland to sell at the Gala, and toys for them- from Competition - Healthy Snack selves. They had a fun night at Christ- David Garvie mas, an Easter egg hunt and finished October 5th Chair, Tomnacross Parent with a Ready Steady Cook arranged by Virgin Vie Cosmetics home Council Caitlin. Beavers also had the oppor- Competition - Foliage in a teapot tunity to go to Fort George for the Big November 2nd ll pupils are now back at school Beaver Birthday Bash in May when after the summer holiday, and a Beavers celebrated 25 years of being Paper Craft by E. Mackenzie A officially part of the Scout Movement. Competition - Pin Cushion very warm welcome to all the new P1 pupils. I would also like to express my Beavers started again on 22nd Au- December 7th thanks to the parents whose children gust, and if you would like your child to go to Beavers, please call Moira Christmas Night Out have left Tomnacross and moved on to Competition - Knitting for Special Charleston. There are a large number MacRae (Keema) 741229 or Sheila Care Baby Unit at Raigmore Hospi- of parents who have given a huge Moir (Odakota) 741618 for more in- formation. tal amount of their time and talents to the school and who have been particularly January 4th supportive on the Parent Council. Kiltarlity SWRI Members Night Thanks and good luck to your chil- Competition - Fruit Loaf dren at Charleston! Our AGM is on Monday 26th Septem- Report February 1st ber, and this is an opportunity for new Catherine MacRitchie Corn Dollies by Val Saunders people to be appointed to the Parent Secretary Competition-Easter Card Council, and for the appointment of new March 7th office bearers. Tomnacross has had a In April we held our annual history of strong parental involvement Grand Tour of Achnagairn House Whist Drive. £200 was raised for and it can only help the school for this to Mission Possible, a charity for April 4th continue. Parents and others in the Com- Whist Drive munity have so much to offer the school children who are innocent vic- and I would encourage you to get in- tims of HIV. May 2nd volved if you can. So please come along May was our AGM when we had AGM and Pot Luck Supper to the AGM and give serious thought to a Pot Luck supper and we could Competition-Pressed Flowers becoming a member of the Parent Coun- give Gordon Ramsay a run for his cil. It requires as much or as little com- money! mitment as you would like to give and On May 13th and 14th the Arts the more parents we have involved, then and Crafts Exhibition was held in GARDEN TREE the more representative the Parent Coun- Drumnadrochit Hall. cil is. If you want to discuss it more with SURGERY me then please call me on 741038. Kiltarlity came home with three trophies: the late Mary Ross won H & H BROWN, Bunchrew. for best knitting, Shirley Little won Kiltarlity Beavers the best exhibit for the over 70s, Tree Felling & Topping and we also won the over all cup from Removal or Make Safe Dam- Sheila Moir for the smallest institute. Our new session started on Sep- aged Trees tember 7th. We meet on the first Fruit Tree Care he Kiltarlity Beavers have had a Wednesday of each month and old Tree Management T good year once again. We have a lovely group of boys and girls aged and new members are welcomed. and Advice from about 6 to 8 who meet every Free Quotations Monday evening in the village hall at Kiltarlity SWRI Public Liability Insurance six for an hour during primary school 2011-2012 term time. Phone Hugh 01463 713245 This last year we had help from two Duke of Edinburgh Award girls, Emma (Mobile) 07845 468540 MacRae and Caitlin Sandilands, as well Committee: as a Sea Scout, Josef Cribb. Beavers President: Alison Mackenzie 741294 Secretary: Cath MacRitchie 741264 play games, learn a little, work for badg- www.h-h-brown.org es and do craft work and other projects Treasurer: Mary MacAulay 741501 10 Newcastle success Advertising in for Kiltarlity student the Kiltarlity my Henderson, from Culbur- A nie, has just graduated Bach- News elor with Honours in Folk and Tra- ditional Music after completing a four year course at Newcastle Uni- We can offer space in the versity. Amy was already an ac- Service Directory where we complished accordionist and for a time was a member of Torridon. will print a maximum of 30 Amy‟s course involved performance words for a cost per issue and composition as well as academic of £5. work and during her time at Newcastle she was part of various bands and duos. Also, display/box advertise- She worked on a primary school project ments which would have up where she led workshops on folk music and also worked with nursery children to 150 words and would be with students leading a project using approximately either 5 col- music. umn centimetres ( 5 cm X 5 Amy is a former pupil of Charleston Academy which she left at the end of 4th cm approx) or 10 column year to become a student for two years at centimetres (ie twice as high the National Centre Of Excellence in Traditional Music in Plockton for two ished working as lead musician with or twice as broad, though not years, before enrolling at Newcastle. the Inverness Festival Band, perform- both). Cost per issue for a 5 Amy cannot speak too highly of her ing at gigs around Inverness, with a cm box is £15 and for a 10 time at the Plockton Centre, recently of final performance at Belladrum in the course saved from the threat of closure. Grass Roots Tent. She comments on cm box £25. Other sizes “Plockton was a fantastic experience, Belladrum , “This was a fantastic expe- and designs can be arranged. where I got to travel to parts of Norway rience and all the musicians were and Italy on music tours. I also played in amazing.” For next issue send your various venues across Scotland.” Amy is now available for work and, requirements and text by 14 Amy has all along employed her practi- as well as performing, will give tuition. November 2011 to: cal skills outside school and university. She is hoping to continue working with Last summer she worked in the Skipin- children through music and music ar- [email protected], nish Ceilidh House, Oban, as an in-house rangement. or post to R D MacLean, musician, and this year she has just fin- „Berisay‟, Culburnie, Kiltar- lity IV4 7JJ (01463 741323).

Boblainy Forest Archaeology Project EXHIBITION

Wednesday 5th October Kiltarlity Hall: 2.30 pm-8.30pm

All welcome - entry free Amy relaxes but accordion is ready for action (See also pages 20 and 21) 11 New blood needed for new Community Council Elections to be held in November by postal ballot

iltarlity Community ous years. In the past the Community and also by e-mail – Council reaches the end of Council had to find its own returning [email protected] . K officer, but this time the Highland The Nominations received will be pub- its four year period in office in Council Chief Executive will act as the licised locally. If more Nominations than November when elections for Returning Officer to conduct all the vacancies have been received, some new community councils will be elections. Nominees may want to withdraw, which held by Highland Council The process has been made simpler might avoid an election but they must do across the whole of the High- because there is no longer a require- so by Thursday 6th October. Candidates ment for a candidate at a community will be advised if there is to be a ballot land Council Area by Postal council election to obtain the support of and will be notified of the date, time and Ballot on 16 November 2011. a proposer, seconder or assentors. All location of the counting of the votes, It is hoped that new candidates will residents in the community council which they can attend as observers. come forward for election to the new 8 area who are on the Electoral Register, There will be a period of 21 days from member Kiltarlity Community Council, or Supplementary Electoral Register, the close of Nomination to the posting which will hold office for the next four for that area can stand for election to out of the Ballot Papers, on Tuesday years, and that there will be enough of the Community Council and vote in 25th October. Meanwhile Ward Manag- them to justify a vote. If there are be- the election, if a vote takes place. ers will issue a notice detailing those tween 4 and 8 nominations, then there Although Kiltarlity candidates can persons directly elected if, in Kiltarlity‟s will be no ballot and the people who nominate themselves, their nomination case, there are between 4 and 8 nomina- have been nominated are regarded as needs to be witnessed. Nomination tions and on 16th November these candi- being elected. This has been the situation Papers have to be submitted to Aird dates will be officially elected as Com- in Kiltarlity for many past elections, as and Loch Ness Ward Manager Charles munity Councillors. in other community council areas. Even Stephen, Town House, Inverness, IV1 If there is a vote, ballot papers worse, if only 3 nominations were to be 1JJ, 01463 724215, must be returned to the Election submitted, no community council can be [email protected] , Office by 4.00 pm on 16th Novem- formed, and Highland Council have to by 4.00 pm on Tuesday 4th Octo- ber. decide whether to hold another election ber 2011. E-mailed copies of the after a period of time has elapsed. If the numbers of votes cast for 2 or Nomination Form will be accepted so more candidates are equal, and after a Clearly only a ballot and voting long as it has been correctly completed recount, successful candidate(s) will be ensures a properly democratic and contains the signature of the candi- decided by lot, the result of this being election and a community council date and witness. final. which more truly represents the Nomination forms can be download- At present there are nine members of local community. ed from the Highland Council Website Kiltarlity Community Council, all of For the first time, anyone over the age at http://www.highland.gov.uk/ whom are eligible for nomination. of 16 at the time of the election is eligi- yourcouncil/elections/ ble to stand and to vote in the election, communitycouncils/; obtained on re- but they must be either on the current quest, by e-mail, to elec- Electoral Register for the Community [email protected]; in person Council area, or if aged 16 or 17 years from any Service Point, or from the old, if their head of household has not Council‟s Service Centre (Tel 01349 already registered them, have completed 886606). a Voter Registration application, which A Notice of Election will be promi- nently posted on the Council‟s Website had to be done by Wednesday 31st Au- Wednesday 21 September 19.30 - 21.30 gust. It was intended that Highland and copies sent to strategic local points Youth Voice representatives would raise within each Community Council area. the issue of the elections at Secondary The Nomination Paper needs to have Schools in Highland to encourage 16 and the candidate‟s valid Electoral Regis- 17 year olds not on the Register to sub- tration Number. Your number can be mit a Voter Registration Form. obtained from the Electoral Registra- The November elections will be con- tion Officer‟s offices which can be ducted by the Highland Council and not contacted on Freephone 0800 393783, by the Community Council as in previ- 12

Iain‟s Trust Update Boblainy Forest Group from September 2011 Mark Goodwill

huge thank you to everybody for A supporting us over this last year; it seems no time at since I was cycling across the Pyrenees last September. Following our fantastic success secur- ing an agreement from both the Europe- an and Japanese Car Manufacturer Asso- ciations to fit a secondary safety device preventing cars from being accidentally started we have had an awareness flyer produced highlighting the dangers of young children around cars. Although new models will now not start if a key is turned in the ignition, there are still many thousands of cars on Exploring the woods near our roads which will and they will be a Culnaskiach ruins danger to young children for a number of years. Much of the money you kindly donated BFG summer walks/activities last year has been used to produce this Boblainy Forest Group held a series of evening and daytime walks and fun activities and we are now busy distributing to Edu- in the forest during the summer months. These were attended by local people and cation Departments around Scotland in visitors and, hopefully, enjoyed by all. Of particular note, sights spotted during these an attempt to reach all pre-school par- activities included a weasel, numerous interesting coloured fungi, and grown adults ents. If you have any contacts into Edu- running through the trees to beat their children to the hidden treasure! cation Departments or Nursery groups Vehicle access to Boblainy Forestry we would be delighted to hear from you The Forestry Commission stress that access is prohibited for unauthorised vehicles in [email protected] . Thank you. the forest. They have installed a locked barrier and gate at the Culburnie and Arden- Finally, the Kiltarlitastic monster team drain entrances to help prevent this. The Commission is aware of people using motor- are attempting the First Monster Duath- bikes and quad bikes in the forest and they have posted signs advising that the use of lon Challenge around Loch Ness for the motorcycles is forbidden. third year in succession – this is tough Illegal Dumping of rubbish and unfortunately gets no easier as the The FC hope the locked gates will help to prevent the dumping of rubbish in the for- legs grow older so please sponsor us est. Again the Commission has posted signs advising the public that this is illegal and those responsible are likely to face heavy fines. with all donations going to Iain‟s Trust, nd thank you. www.justgiving.com/ Autumn Birds Walk – Saturday 22 October Malcolm Harvey will lead a short walk through the forest looking and listening for garvie2011. any birds which are present. Readers who would like to take part should meet at the forest entrance at Ardendrain at 10.30am . All are welcome! Kiltarlity Free Church of Scotland Morning Service, Crèche, Sunday School and Bible Class, KILTARLITY CALENDAR 2012 each Sunday, at 11.00am Now available First Sunday (informal evening worship) 13 beautifully painted scenes on the first Sunday of the month at 6.00pm from the Kiltarlity area.

Prayer and Bible Study £5.00 each every Wednesday at 7.30pm Available from Kiltarlity Post Office (tel: Other activities and further 741284) information, please click on kiltarlity.freechurch.org or any Gala club member. or call Kiltarlity 741099 13

Kiltarlity Church of Scotland Refurbishment by Kobus Smit, Minister

ork is about to commence for W the extensive repair of our parish church. This much loved build- ing dates from 1829 and it is remarka- ble how well it has withstood the rav- ages of time. Deterioration has howev- er been inevitable and the time has now come when action simply has to be taken to prevent further dilapida- tion. Work has accordingly been instructed for the repair or replacement of sarking, re-slating, re-leading, refurbishment of rones and downpipes, repair of the belltower, pointing, some window refur- bishment, insulation and associated nec- essary work at a cost of £45817 (plus architect‟s fees) and will start soon. The church will not have to close and ser- Church of Scotland have offered us a ment our Fabric Fund will be signifi- vices will not be disrupted whilst the grant of £10000 but we have been una- cantly reduced leaving us with say, project is ongoing – probably over six ble to source assistance elsewhere. The £50000. That may seem a lot but it is weeks or so. problem is that to enable us meet the inevitably going to disappear over future It is essential for the preservation of the difference between income and ex- years. Our congregation gives generously building that this work is done now but penditure our Fabric Fund has de- but set against ever increasing costs there the financial implications for the congre- creased and will continue to decrease is always an annual deficit to be offset. In gation are going to be very significant. by an average of £5000 each year, of- the longer term our ability to safeguard Our treasurer set these out in “Fabric ten more. This is to cover ongoing our church heritage in Kiltarlity will be Forecast” in the June edition of our items such as maintenance costs, insur- inexorably diminished. monthly newsletter, “The Parishioner”, ance, electricity and cleaning. We also I have written to each of our members which can be read on our web site have to contribute a half share of main- and adherents asking if they can help www.kiltarlityand Kirkhill.org. taining and repairing the manse at defray the cost of our new roof. Our Basically, because our congregation has Kirkhill. church, though, is open to all, through- some £90000 in its Fabric Fund, in the This “sinking fund” situation means out our parish, community and beyond short term we are able to meet the con- that, on completion of the refurbish- and I hope readers will agree that it tractor‟s bill. The General Trustees of the plays and symbolises an essential part in the spiritual life of our locality. My pray- er is that it will continue to do so and that more may join in our worship. D.J. MACLENNAN & SON If you feel that you wish to help us fund Funeral Directors our current enterprise then I can assure you that all donations of whatever size will be gratefully welcomed. Mrs. Ann "Your local Funeral Director Gloag has very generously promised to “with sensitivity and dignity” match, pound for pound, whatever sum we ourselves can raise. For taxpayers each contribution will attract GiftAid 01463 870891 relief making each £1 given worth £1.25 to us. If you‟d like to donate, wish a All arrangements made for Burial or Cremations GiftAid donation envelope, or would Private Rest Rooms available like to discuss anything written above please do not hesitate to call me (01463 Distance no object 831662) or our Treasurer Ian D. Morri- 24 hour Personal Service son (01463 782727), or, alternatively, Pre-Paid Funeral Plans from Golden Charter just speak to any of our other office- bearers. Kobus Smit, Minister, Kiltarlity Westwater, West Road, Muir of Ord Parish Church [Scottish Charity No. Established 1947 SC014918} 14 Kiltarlity undertaker Moth Trapping Event 24/25 June to retire by Malcolm Harvey listair MacLennan, formerly of A Lonbuie, Kiltarlity, is retiring from the Muir of Ord funeral direc- n 24th and 25th tors established by his father, Duncan, O June, Forestry in 1947. The business is now to be op- Commission Scotland erated by John and Mairi Russell of (FCS) in conjunction Alness. Mr MacLennan has provided with Butterfly Conser- Kiltarlity News with the following vation Scotland, orga- statement. nized a weekend of As from 1st October 2011 the family run moth trapping in the funeral business of D.J. MacLennan & Kiltarlity area. Son, Muir of Ord will be run by John and This was a continua- Mairi Russell with a member of their tion of similar exercises staff residing in Muir of Ord at the same held in the previous two address, "“Westwater" , with the same years with the aim of telephone number (01463 870891). It is ascertaining the range of pleasing to know that the business will be the Pine-tree Lappet run as presently with the same dignified Moth, which is regarded and sensitive approach to all families. by FCS as a potential threat to pine forests in the area, and indeed elsewhere, if it May I thank the communities for their spreads. Because it is an extremely rare moth, the Kiltarlity area being the only tremendous support since my father es- place in Britain where it occurs, the event attracted quite a number of moth enthusi- tablished the business in 1947 in Kiltar- asts from all over Britain. lity and which I took over at a later stage Some trapping was carried out where the Pine-tree Lappet Moth has previously been with my late wife Isabel who supported caught to ensure that everyone attending at least saw this species, but most trapping me throughout in the running of the busi- took place in areas not previously checked. On 24th June, I put out two traps at the ness; our family always being very sup- Culburnie end of Boblainy Forest and through the Boblainy Forest Group, an invita- portive and co-operative. A special thank tion was extended to anyone interested to come along at 9 a.m. to view the moths you to our staff who willingly helped and which had been trapped the previous night. Those who did come along saw almost conducted themselves appropriately. I 180 moths of 30 different species, including seven Pine-tree Lappet moths. have no hesitation in recommending the Many of the other moths trapped have rather fanciful names such as True Lovers new owners and their staff in the running Knot, White Ermine, Satin Lutestring, Small Phoenix, Brimstone and Large Emerald of the business and wish them well. (a large, rich green moth which is very common but not often seen as, like most Alistair MacLennan moths, it is nocturnal). There is a general misconception that moths are rather dull in

airi Russell Funeral Services comparison to butterflies, but this is certainly not the case. Even the very small spe- M have also provided KN with a cies when seen through a magnifying glass, reveal beautiful patterns and blends of statement. colours. Mairi Russell Funeral Services are a Moths have been given very little attention over the years compared to other aspects family owned and operated funeral of our flora and fauna, but with the recent introduction of good field guides and the directors based in Alness and serving the availability of relatively inexpensive trapping equipment, interest has now greatly community in Alness, Invergordon and increased and this upsurge in interest in moths is to be welcomed as they are very surrounding areas and throughout Ross- good indicators of the health of our environment. shire. In 2006 Butterfly Conservation established Moths Count, the project‟s aim being to We are delighted to now include from create an ongoing National Moth Recording Scheme to create an up to date, accurate 1st October, 2011, the previously run and accessible database of records of the 2500 species of moths found in the UK. funeral directors D J MacLennan and This database will serve to improve our knowledge of the distributions and ecology of moths, to generate Son, Muir of Ord, where our most recent addition to our team, Iain Macleay, will trends and revised threat be our resident manager. statuses for each species Alistair's business has been established and to inform land-use and served the local community in Muir planning and manage- of Ord since 1947 and we hope to contin- ment decisions that im- ue to provide the dedication and commit- pact on biodiversity ment previously given while enhancing conservation. the level of service from our established facilities in Alness. Above: Pine-tree Lap- We are proud to continue to serve the pet Moth caterpillar Ross-shire area and now especially Muir dining on its favourite of Ord , Kiltarlity, and the surrounding food. Right: a full area grown moth. "“with sensitivity and dignity "“. 15 In your garden Sue’s top tips for autumn

Increase your plant stock Late summer and early Autumn are good times to take the opportunity to increase your garden plant stock. This can be by: a) Splitting herbaceous perennial plants, ie those that die back in the winter and come up again next spring. b) Taking cuttings; in summer this can be by semi ripe cuttings or in autumn by hardwood cuttings. c) Collect seeds from your plants. Wait until seed heads ripen; then remove the seed head and place into a labelled paper bag. Leave the bag open and place some- where dry and cool to allow the seeds to dry. The techniques listed above are not difficult but are easier demonstrated than described. If you would like to have a go please ask me at the garden centre and I will be only too happy to show you!

Prolong flowering the ground and plant roots beneath from tainers, but also for beds, borders and Many of the late flowering Herbaceous frost penetration. grassed areas as well. Most popular for Perennials and Roses can be encouraged reliable colour are the Daffodils, Tulips, to continue flowering for longer if the Trim Hedges Irises, Crocus, Muscari, and Hyacinth. faded flowers are regularly removed. If Now is the time to be thinking about the weather is kind to us, some can even trimming or thinning hedges. Most hedg- Mulching continue flowering into November, so it es need trimmed only once a year, alt- By mulching you help to prevent frost can be worth the effort. hough some of the more vigorous grow- penetration of the soil and hence root ers may need taming in late spring as damage, as well as enriching the soil for Wildlife well as autumn. If your hedge has got next year and suppressing weed growth. Some ways to consider the needs of out of control it may be necessary to Best time to do this is in September or wildlife for the coming winter months: prune it hard back. The timing of this October before the soil gets too cold. Leave tidying your garden until spring will very much depend on the hedge Thickly cover open ground with organic and make a lot of creatures happy! Dead plant and your location. Again, if you matter, the deeper the better. Materials to foliage acts as a great cover for insects, need advice please ask. use are home made compost, well rotted and leaving seed heads on plants not only manure, seaweed (fresh or composted), provides food for birds but can also look Plant bulbs for next spring commercially produced compost or soil attractive. By not cutting down plants in Now is the time to plan for spring flow- conditioner (the cheapest available is autumn the old foliage can help protect ering bulbs, not only to brighten up con- fine).

Kiltarlity News - Winter 2011

Material by November 14th, please

Material can be sent to R. MacLean, „Berisay‟, Culburnie, (741323), e-mailed (in Word preferably) to: [email protected], left in the shop/PO or given to any Community Council member. 16

Beauly Denny update from Lisa Kelly SSE Community Liaison Manager

would like to start by saying of issues. These include various envi- ing the accommodation of the 400kV I thank you to all the residents ronmental and archaeology issues line which is to be located next to the of Fanellan, Kiltarlity Village, which have come up. existing substation within the quarry. Trees could not be felled due to To finish my report ( which I have to and surrounding areas for their breeding birds, bats, squirrels, pine say I was really worried about writing patience throughout the public martens, lizards, badgers, moths - the but I have really enjoyed) on a positive road improvements. list goes on, but each one quite rightly note the local play park at Kiltarlity Vil- To date we have seen a much improved had to be addressed. We‟ve done this lage has now been completed and we road surface around Fanellan, Culburnie in a number of ways from cameras in were pleased to be able to provide the and Rose Bridge. I know that at times trees, fencing, relocating and just sit- play bark. when the work was being carried out it ting still and waiting for mother nature The project has also provided employ- has been a bit inconvenient but, all in all, to take her course and, literally, wait ment for a number of local people in our we have tried to carry out the work with for young birds to fly the nest. We‟ve office, warehouse and out on site, not to a minimal amount of disruption. I know taken advantage of the small windows mention the increase in business with the that it was felt that some of our signs of opportunity that have presented accommodation and sustenance that is were a little confusing at times and we themselves, and, working closely with required. have taken steps to ensure that this is all the relevant agencies, we‟ve been If you have any comments or queries improved for future works. able to continue with work in some please feel to give me call or pop in to You will see that the work at the Hugh- areas. our office at Fanellan ton Junction has now been completed Tree felling has commenced along Lisa Kelly and the bus stop has been relocated. This some of the access tracks and test foun- Community Liaison has enabled us to provide a pavement for dations have been started along the Manager the school children and members of the Fanellan road. We were all very excit- (07825) 015507 public to stand on whilst waiting for the ed when we came across what turned bus, a much safer solution all round. out to be prehistoric remains and stud- Nature postscript Also, the traffic flow has changed and ies of the find are ongoing. Readers of Kiltarlity News will be eager priority is now given to traffic from Over the coming months work will be to learn the fate of the two gorillas whose Fanellan to Kiltarlity: you now have to progressing with tree felling in the Eskadale habitat is threatened by prelim- stop and give way where the Eskadale Hansia-owned and Eskadale Woods, inary works for the Beauly/Denny power road meets the Hughton Junction, again and the construction of access tracks line (Kiltarlity News, May 2011). Thanks improving the safety for anyone waiting and tower foundations along the Fanel- to the efforts of Lisa Kelly and her col- at the bus stop. lan Road. leagues, they have now been safely relo- Work is progressing in the area but, as A lot of work has been carried out at cated up their tree. To our surprise, they is always the case on a project of this the Beauly substation but there is still a have also been joined by a young gorilla size, we have had to deal with a number considerable amount to be done includ- (did we miss a happy event here?) and two small monkeys. So, all's well just now, but as the noise and disturbance increases, it remains to be seen what the future holds. Officials from the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are believed to be investigating the position.

CORRECTION

Tigh Mhor Alpacas

In the Spring issue the Tigh Mhor Alpaca Blog address was wrongly printed and should have been:

www.shirley-alpacablog.blogspot.com

Investigation of archaeological re- mains at Fanellan - most likely post Apologies for this mistake. holes from prehistoric round houses. What appears to be a flint working workshop has also been identified. 17

New Kiltarlity Play Park

n the initiative of Kiltarlity Com- minute problem with the precise loca- O munity Council, spearheaded by tion of the new equipment in relation Treasurer Dorothy Ward, a meeting to the shinty pitch, the Play Park was was first held in March 2010 of Kiltar- completed and everything was in place lity children and parents with a view on the very last day of the school term to a new or refurbished play park. - ready for the 2011 summer holidays. Council officials had explained, what Not only that but, alongside the equip- was increasingly apparent, that the ment designed for the use of younger existing equipment was non longer „fit children, there is a a cycle track with for purpose‟. jumps and ramps for older primary That meeting agreed on what was re- children and teenagers. quired and Highland Council was con- The new facilities were officially tacted to see if it was possible. opened on the last day of term by After lengthy discussions the funding Councillor Drew Hendry and everyone was eventually put in place, but though seemed very pleased with what has work was scheduled to start in April been erected, which seems to suit 2011, further funding problems arose to young and old. delay the start. Approaches were made to Thanks are due to Dorothy Ward raise funds; Scottish and Southern Ener- whose perseverance produced the re- gy said they were not able to contribute sult, and to Councillor Drew Hendry but later agreed to provide the „bark‟ to for his very considerable support for be laid once equipment was installed the project. - which released extra money for equipment. In spite of these setbacks, and a last

Above: Dorothy and Drew - job done. The other pictures need no explanation. 18

time. The second 45 minutes continued Lovat Seniors in the same way with Greg Matheson completing his hattrick and Jimmy Mac- by Kenzie completing the scoring to finish John MacRitchie with a fine 7-1 win. The team went on their travels again, fter a fine away win against It was no surprise when Lovat scored this time to Newtonmore. This was a A Glenurquhart (April 23rd) Lovat through an excellently taken goal from disappointing display with New- were on the road again the following Jamie Matheson after 18 minutes. tonmore dominating much of the game week, this time to Inveraray. This was However, six minutes later Fort Wil- and by the end of the first 45 minutes always going to be a difficult game liam had levelled. But as the second Lovat were down 2-0. Ten minutes after away to one of the top teams in the half started Lovat continued to push the restart Fraser Gallacher pulled a goal south. Preparations were not helped forward and were rewarded in the 55th back - 2-1, but this only had the effect of spurring the home side on to score when both Lorne MacKay and Craig minute by a long range goal from Fraser nd Mainland pulled out during the warm Gallacher. At this stage the home team twice more. In the 62 minute Greg up, Lorne with an ankle injury and were comfortable and even had a third Matheson scored to make the score line Craig with food poisoning. goal ruled offside. At the end it was a 4-2 but the home side continued to press Lovat started the game well with the well deserved win. forward and completed the scoring with Inveraray goal keeper being kept busy Lovat were back to league business two late goals . Final score 6-2 for New- and it was no surprise when Lovat took with a rearranged game against tonmore. the lead through a well struck shot from Kilmallie who were occupying a similar On July 2nd Lovat were on the road yet Greg Matheson. The lead was held until league position. This was a game of two again, this time away to Kilmallie in the the stroke of half time when the home halves because of the strong wind Camanachd cup. Our preparations were side equalised. blowing down the park. In the first half, hampered when Martin Bell had to be The second half was an even affair with with the wind at our backs Lovat were substituted after only 10 minutes due to both teams creating chances. Lovat were camped inside the Kilmallie half and it food poisoning and by that time we were 3-0 down! Owen Ferguson pulled a goal unfortunate to go behind when a Stuart was disappointing that all we had to th MacDonald clearance hit the back of an show for our pressure was a goal by back in the 16 minute and shortly after Inveraray player and rebounded into the Greg Matheson in the 30th minute. that we had a goal disallowed. As the back of the net, 2-1. Lovat responded In the second half Lovat were made to second half began Kilmallie scored two well and soon levelled, once again pay for the missed first half chances quick goals, effectively ending the tie as a contest. Jimmy MacKenzie pulled a through Greg Matheson. Lovat then when, late in the game, Kilmallie scored th passed up the chance of taking the lead twice to win 2 - 1. goal back in the 66 minute with the when the Inveraray goal keeper saved Next for Lovat was an away game at home side completing the scoring late well from a Martin Bell penalty. Lovat Kingussie in the MacAulay cup. In an on. Final score 6-2. were made to pay for this as the home excellent game Lovat found the Back in the league Lovat were hosts to team scored a controversial goal near Kingussie goal keeper on top form and Kyles, the league leaders and newly the end of the match. Final score 3-2. making a number of outstanding saves. crowned Celtic Cup winners. This The following week Lovat were once Kingussie took an early lead and soon turned out to be an excellent game with again travelling on the A82, this time to after half-time they doubled their ad- Lovat playing to a standard which they Oban. This turned out to be a very diffi- vantage. However, Lovat dug in & had shown earlier in the season. They cult game and Lovat did well to keep scored in the 65th minute through Fraser put Kyles under pressure from the first their discipline and register an excellent Gallacher. Kingussie scored two late whistle and were unlucky not to take the away win. In a very even game chances goals to end with a more flattering score lead when Greg Matheson found himself were few, but Oban scored early and line of 4-1. through on goal only for the Kyles goal were now beginning to settle. However, The following week Lovat were once keeper to make an outstanding save. Lovat responded well with a goal in 33 again away from home, this time in the Lovat continued to compete and were minutes into the game from Fraser Gal- Camanachd cup against Glenorchy. In a very unfortunate to concede a goal in the lacher to make the half time score 1-1. In game which should have been a com- final minute of the half. The second 45 a very towsy second half Lovat held fortable win Lovat struggled on a poor minutes continued in the same manner their composure and began to win the park and although scoring in the first with both teams playing good shinty. mid-field battle and were rewarded with minute through Greg Matheson con- The turning point came 20 minutes be- a penalty in the 82nd minute, which was ceded an equaliser within 60 seconds. fore the end when Callum Cruden re- duly dispatched by James MacPherson. After missing a number of chances ceived his marching orders for a second Final score: Camanachd 1, Lovat 2. Lovat were happy to escape with a yellow card. Shortly after that Kyles After three weeks on the road Lovat draw, bringing Glenorchy to Balgate scored the decisive goal, to make the had a home tie in the MacAulay cup for the replay. At home the tie was a final score 2 - 0 for Kyles. against Fort William and this turned out different game all together with Lovat The next game saw the team back on to be one of the team‟s best performanc- dominating throughout. Early goals the A 82 to meet Fort William. Lovat es of the season. Lovat started well with from Greg Matheson and Euan Fergu- were no fewer than seven first team the centre line dominating and Callum son settled the home side, and further regulars short and drafted in a number Cruden having an excellent game at wing goals from Greg and Euan and one from of second team players. On a heavy , centre against the dangerous Gary Innes. Owen Ferguson ended the tie by half- waterlogged park Lovat were a goal behind in the first minute. However, 19 after that they settled down with Tom Collins making his debut with an excel- Lovat Juniors lent game in mid field. But Lovat squan- dered a number of chances and instead by of being 2-0 behind at half time should James White have been in front. The home side‟s superior strength was a telling factor in he Lovat 2nd team went into the round Strathdearn cup victory over the second half and they ran out com- 2011 season with some confi- Lochcarron. fortable 8-0 winners. T dence after the success of 2010. Next up was Lochaber at Spean Following on this setback, Lovat had to There were some changes to the Bridge and in what turned out be an pick themselves up for an extremely squad this year - most notably Craig extraordinary end to end game Loch- important game against fellow strug- and Martin Mainland moving into aber won by the odd goal in 11. This glers, Inveraray. Back to more or less the senior team, which created op- was the start of a four week period in full strength the home side started well portunities for youngsters Danny which we travelled to the Lochaber but, though camped inside the Inveraray Kelly, Andrew Wallace, Bradley district every Saturday. A week later it half, and creating a number of chances, McHardy and Duncan Collings to was Fort William in the Strathdearn were not troubling the visiting goal get involved at junior level. Cup when, unfortunately, we were keeper, until the breakthrough after They say the first game of the season defeated, as we were also to be in the minutes in the form of a well taken goal is never easy and that could not be Sutherland Cup, by Skye. After a hard by James MacPherson. Lovat were giv- more true as we faced Kingussie at fought 2-2 draw at Kilmallie we were en a scare close to half-time when they Balgate. The young Lovat side held away to Fort William, again in conceded a penalty, but this was well their own until half time but the ever the league, with a young scratch team saved by Stuart MacDonald. dangerous Kevin Thain was our down- who all put in tremendous performanc- Lovat continued to dominate proceed- fall, scoring four of his side's goals in a es and must be congratulated, even ings without testing the Inveraray goal game that ended 5-2 for Kingussie. though we lost that game. and then paid the penalty for missed After a week off due to heavy snow, Our next opponents were the top two opportunities when Inveraray were we realised the season was going to teams in North Division 2 - New- awarded a penalty which was duly dis- be a stop start affair but a good perfor- tonmore and Glengarry who were too patched. At this point it looked as if the mance against Kinlochshiel, winning 7- strong for our youngsters and might game was going to end with a 1-1 draw, 2 at home, brought some confi- well have been too strong for some but Owen Ferguson had other ideas dence. Alas this was short lived as two senior sides. But we were not down- when he picked up the ball in midfield serious long term injuries in the senior hearted and when we lined up against to go on a run through the Inveraray side to James Grieve and Drew How- Glenurquhart in a midweek game with defence to slot the ball home - the win- ie meant that the experienced Martin all of our team available we were to ner, and a crucial goal for the Club. Bell and the excellent young Michael win comfortably which was a much In a rearranged fixture on July 30th Mackenzie were drafted in to help needed confidence boost. Lovat were hosts to league champions, out. This meant a re-call to the squad And after an 8 - 2 demolition of Fort Newtonmore. Balgate was in excellent for some players, such as Ryan Fraser William, relegation worries have been condition and Lovat had the strong wind and Steven Cameron, who have heavy dispersed. at their backs in the first half and were work commitments. All in all it has been a mixed bag able to peg Newtonmore back for long However, this led to a four game win- this year and I would like to say that periods, though without troubling the ning streak with the team beating Gle- the younger players have shown a visiting goalkeeper. And although Lovat nurquhart, Lochaber, Kilmallie and great attitude and commitment and played well in the first 45 minutes they Skye. This run was interspersed with that is to be commended in what has at were to pay the penalty for not taking a second round Sutherland cup win times been a trying season for the advantage of the wind. At the start of the over Beauly and a first team. second half Newtonmore had the best of starts when they scored in the 46th minute. From then on and with the wind now in their favour Newtonmore began to dominate and put the home side under more and more pressure. It was no sur- prise when they scored twice more to make the final score 3-0 for New- tonmore. On August 13th Lovat had another relegation battle to fight at home against Oban Camanachd which they won 1 - 0 with Greg Matheson‟s 58th minute goal, a late Camanachd equaliser being disal- lowed as offside. There has since been a long spell with- out games, leaving the team with some Lovat, conceding black and white to Glenorchy in the last minute work to do. Camanachd Cup replay, but nothing else. 20

Birthday Party Special

Congratulations to Avis Eckersley who celebrated her 91st birthday in May with a few friends at the Brockies Lodge Hotel. Left: Avis and friends Mary Fraser and Martha Milne - sharing over 270 years between them. Below: guests at the birthday celebration.

Kiltarlity Community Council - Boblainy Forest Archaeology Project EXHIBITION

Wednesday 5th October Kiltarlity Hall: 2.30 pm-8.30pm

All welcome - entry free

Part of Highland Archaeology Festival: 1st - 16th October 2011

21

Second chance to see Forest Archaeology Exhibition

here will be a second chance to Culnaskiach farm and the traces of There is therefore a basis for further T see Kiltarlity Community Coun- settlement along the banks of the archaeological research, whether in- cil‟s Boblainy Forest Archaeology Ex- Bruiach Burn below Culnaskiach house or again with the help of external hibition in October when the Exhibi- Falls, and looking, unsuccessfully, for funding. tion will be in Kiltarlity Hall on the evidence of the „Hundred Steps‟. The The Project was part financed by the th afternoon and evening of 5 October final survey day planned, when it was Highland Council, the Scottish Gov- as part of the 2011 Highland Archaeol- intended to take a closer look at the ernment and the European Communi- ogy fortnight. The year long Project remains of the Canadian Camp at ty Highland Leader 2007 - 2013 Pro- culminated on Thursday 14th July Clunevackie, had to be abandoned gramme, and by other generous sup- when the Exhibition was opened in because of torrential rain, but may Kiltarlity Hall by the Honourable Kim possibly still take place. porters. Fraser of Lovat, uncle of Simon, the The Exhibition features photographs, present Lord Lovat, and a Director of maps and plans relating to the four Lovat Highland Estates Ltd. main areas investigated during the Commending the Archaeology Exhibi- Project: Kiltarlity through the Centu- tion which he said “enriches the present ries; Kiltarlity’s Forgotten Settle- by retrieving the past”, Kim Fraser re- ments; Coulachy Surveyed; and The ferred to the role his family had played in Forest in Wartime. It will be open to the forest history of Kiltarlity and the all, free of charge, from 2.30 pm to part played also by the Canadian Forest 8.30 pm on October 5th. Corps who had been such a striking fea- Although the Project is virtually ture in the life of Kiltarlity during the complete the Exhibition is a perma- years of WW2. He also recalled how his nent asset which can be mounted in grandfather, who became the first Chair- other local venues. Additionally, the man of the Forestry Commission in 1919, Community Council now owns sur- had been instrumental during the First veying and other equipment which can World War in having prisoners of war be used for further research into Kil- brought to the area to work in the forest. tarlity‟s past. The Project has also In fact, the project has uncovered memo- been true to its stated aims in that a ries and evidence of German prisoners number of local residents were re- working in Boblainy and their part in vealed to have archaeology knowledge constructing the forest railway of which and expertise and all who took part in there are still some traces. Kim Fraser the Project have acquired surveying Above: Kim Fraser opens the Exhibi- was introduced by Highland Councillor and other archaeology skills. tion, part of which is pictured below. Margaret Davidson, who had sup- ported and encouraged the Pro- ject throughout. At the end of April a practical „hands on‟ survey within the forest took place over four days, focusing on the deserted settle- ment of Coulachie, which lies between Clunevackie and Loch Bruiach, and which has been revealed by recent clear-felling. However, other features were also surveyed, although in less detail, including the mysterious „plantation banks‟, irregularly shaped drystone wall enclosures, two of which are prominent fea- tures in the moorland between the forest and Loch Bruiach and a third which was identified within the forest quite near Cou- lachie. A further survey day was spent investigating the ruins of 22

Another Forest Report - in 1907 ABC PLANT HIRE

his extract, from Shona Sel- namely, larch, spruce, Scots fir, and DIGGERS AND DUMPERS T kirk (whose grandfather, a some Douglas firs. The nursery con- SKILLED OPERATORS short time later, came to Kiltarlity to tains 4 acres, where the young plants be a forester with the Lovat Estate), are reared from seeds sown. Great in- Tel: ANDY OR ALI complements the Boblainy Forest terest was taken in the nursery, the fine 01463 741468 condition of the beds and young plants information from the Archaeologi- being specially admired. Sawmill or cal Project. Though Boblainy was Wood extends to 1 acre one fourth of 07999 352399 not visited on this occasion by the which was planted in 1898 with Japa- members of the Northern Branch nese larch , and spruce, alternately, 4 LOWER of the Royal Scottish Arboricultural feet apart, the remaining three-fourths DRUMNAGARRACHAN, Society, the picture emerging from being planted in 1900 with Douglas fir. this report is one of progressive and The strip, especially the Japanese KILTARLITY thoughtful management in various larch) was greatly admired, these trees other smaller woodlands. And we being in most cases about 25 feet high. have no reason to suppose that Alder, extending to 20 acres, is being used for the experimental plots. A great A busy autumn for these keen arboriculturalists were at many of these plots are made up of all influenced by having been larch planted in different ways, some Kiltarlity Free Church provided with luncheon. pure, others mixed with beech and syc-

amore, the idea being to note exactly if his Autumn Kiltarlity Free 30. The Northern Branch of there is any difference in the incidence T Church (KFC) is bustling with the Royal Scottish Arboricul- of disease on the larch planted under activity. th tural Society different systems. Dunballoch and On August 20 we hosted a one day Cononbank Woods extend to 120 and Highland Youth Day with the theme 130 acres respectively. The former was „Caffeinated Christianity: Waking up to Visit to the Lovat Estates. planted with Scots fir twenty years ago, God‟s Call on Your Life‟. Teenagers and the latter with Scots fir twenty-five from Dingwall to Inverness came to Kil- The Members of the Northern Branch years ago. In connection with these tarlity for teaching, music from a univer- of the Scottish Arboricultural Society woods, which are good specimens of sity praise band, games, and a barbeque. held their first excursion, which was to closely planted woods the opinion was We are organizing a Fun Day on Satur- the Lovat Estates, on Saturday, 1st July generally expressed that it would be day, October 1st, , for families in the area. 1907. The party numbering about forty, unnecessary to do any thinning out, Activities will include a variety of activi- were met on arrival at Beauly by Mr J. with the exception of the removal of ties such as bouncy castles, face paint- T. Garrioch, on behalf of Lord Lovat, dead and suppressed trees, for a num- ing, games, home baking. It will be a and Mr Gilbert Brown, forester on the ber of years yet. wonderful day of fun and community Lovat Estates. Maps and notes concern- spirit. ing the origin and future management of We continue to host community lunch- the woods to be visited were handed to es (free of charge!), the next one being th each of the party. HIGHLAND COMMUNITY on November 16 . All are welcome. Balblair Wood was first visited. This Our First Sunday service will continue wood, extending to about 130 acres, COUNCIL ELECTIONS to meet monthly (on the first Sunday, of owes its existence entirely to natural course) at 6 pm. These services are a regeneration. Within its area 104 acres WEDNESDAY 16 NOVEMBER wonderful opportunity to find out for have trees about 55 years of age, while 2011 yourself what is going on at KFC 26 acres carry trees of about 35 years of (children always welcome – the more age. It was agreed that Balblair Wood noise the better!). was one of the best examples of natural NOMINATIONS Finally, Kirk Club began to meet again regeneration in this country. From Bal- on August 19th. This group meets on blair the party drove to Beaufort Castle, ARE NEEDED Fridays at 10am in the church and in- where they were entertained to luncheon BY cludes bible songs, stories, crafts, and by Lord Lovat. play. Ages 0-4 are welcome to come. They then inspected other woods. In Lonbuie Wood the matured timber was TUESDAY Dates to Remember: cut in 1902 and the replanted area November 16th: Community Lunch (all amounts to about 19 acres. As the condi- 4 OCTOBER ages welcome); October 1st: Fun Day ; tion of the soil differs in certain parts, First Sunday services (6 pm each first four different species have been planted, Full details on Page 11 Sunday of the month) 23

from Headteacher JoJo Offord

he school year has got off to a T wonderful start. Mrs Heather Hedderwick has joined our staff team covering for Mrs Main‟s maternity leave and we welcome back Mr Les Golder in his new role of Learning Support Teacher. An important improvement area this session will be The Big Write. This is very much active learning to improve writing at all stages across the school. There are also alot of visual prompts around the classroom. Below you can see the exciting start P1/2 classroom has made.

We have reintroduced Houses to the own. The idea is to use local produce and school. House points can be gleaned reduce the amount of waste in wrappers for good behaviour, good manners, and so on. helping others and so on. Our house The nursery children have been out and names, chosen by the children, are about in the woods on a Bear Hunt – they Orkney, Shetland, Skye and Arran. Mrs were very successful as they found the Bell kindly gave us a cross stitch bear! When they came back to nursery embroidery depicting the islands and they produce massive wall hangings what they are famed for for our House created using all parts of their bodies – Points display. messy but great fun! A bee and the butterfly art structures Our Eco Schools group [children Below you can see the fun they had! were made at the Tartan Heart Festival at from all classes] have organised an Our Later in the year we hope to have a Belladrum with the countryside rangers Planet Picnic to which parents and school open day and we hope the and children attending. The rangers friends are welcome. Hopefully the community will visit us. We will also be advertised for a new home and we were weather will be suitable to have this having special events for Christmas so lucky. They have been reassembled and outside but, if not, it will take place in please join us then also; you will be installed in the ICT room and parents and our school hall. Orders can be placed made very welcome. the community are welcome to come in with the canteen [£1.75] or bring your and have alook at them. 24

The Coffee Shop at Kiltarlity Post Office & Village Store

Our menu offers a delicious selection of Hot and Cold food and drinks...

Tasty filled rolls, sandwiches, toasties & baguettes all freshly made to order – just the way you want them!

A variety of scrumptious home bakes, pancakes & teacakes, perfect to enjoy with a cup of freshly brewed Fairtrade coffee.

Take Away available Phone orders accepted: 01463 741284

Kiltarlity Post Office, Village Store & Coffee Shop... Proud to serve the Kiltarlity Community.