Sponsored by Rothes Fish & Chip Shop

THE ROTHESIAN

March 2007 Sponsored by Rothes Fish & Chip Shop Issue No 37

Business Partners Andrew McLaughlin and Robert 5 minutes away. The vast majority of all the food and Findlay took over the running of Rothes Fish & Chip drink we use are purchased from a company based at Shop on 21 July 2006. Troves farm, near Elgin and all our fruit and veg pro- duce are bought from local shops daily. Our fish supplier is probably the furthest away but that is as close as Portsoy. Service and maintenance is carried out by local contractors.

Both Andrew and Robert are delighted to say that the Fish & Chip Shop is doing well due to a lot of hard work and effort, but mainly – and more importantly - thanks to the people of Rothes and the surrounding areas for supporting us. We are still in our infancy but the feed back we get from our customers are very encouraging.

Takeaway Menus are available to everyone – pop in and pick one up. Telephone orders (for collection) are welcome.

If you have visited Rothes Fish & Chip Shop since 21 July 2006 we would like to thank you for your custom, support and warm welcome. If Having previously been in business together running a you haven’t yet paid us a visit – why not drop in, say café and a Coffee Shop, near North Berwick, East Lo- hello and see what we have to offer. thian and faced with the sub let tenancy expiring, we decided that it was time for a change – especially in Rothes Fish & Chip Shop – 34 New Street, Rothes. location. (01340) 831 064

Since arriving in Rothes, our aim has always been to Rothes Fish & Chip Shop provide a traditional Fish & Chip shop for the village. is a registered member of the National Federation The first requirement was to re-introduce a potato of Fish Fryers, and have achieved qualifications peeler and chipper for the production of freshly peeled and certificates in food hygiene from the Charted and cut chips on the premises. This done, we now pro- Institute of Environmental Health Foundation & duce at least 75 kg of chips daily. Sourcing fish and all the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scot- our other food products took weeks of enquiries and land now ensure that we are able to offer our customers a quality meal at very reasonable prices. SPRING HOLIDAY BREAK In addition, we have introduced a Stone Oven for THE FISH & CHIP SHOP WILL BE CLOSED making Stone Baked Pizza, fresh to order, and with a MONDAY 26th MARCH AND WILL RE-OPEN large selection of toppings. Pizza is available in 9” and ON 3rd APRIL 12” bases.

The local area, surrounding areas, and the local economy are of great importance to any small town or village - that’s why we do our utmost to ensure that all of our suppliers and tradesmen are from the local community. For example: the best quality potatoes used for making our chips are supplied from a company just

You may contact The Rothesian by e-mail, using the following address: [email protected] The Rothes Medical Centre Patient Group

nd The Patient Group met on Thursday 22 February 2007 at 6.30pm in the Surgery. The Patient Group is a forum for patient concerns about the Health Service. Enquiry Service It provides a support for Rothes Medical Centre and acts as a bridge between the Health Service and the for Pensioners Community.

Members of the Group are:- Dr N M Johnston, Dr T Dennis, Mrs Anne Johnston Mr J Tilley, Mrs Linda Meldrum, Mrs L Masson, and Mr Mark Ingram. Mr Jim Anderson, Rev Bob Ander- son, Mrs Heather Ewen, Mrs Margaret Matthews

Dr Johnston thanked all those present for attending the third Patient Group Meeting. He once again reiter- Do you need advice or information about pen- ated how important it was to have members of a group sion credit, state pension or other entitlements? in touch with local concerns about the National Health Service. Call and see someone from The Pension Service at: The results of the Patient Questionnaire were discussed and it was noted that everyone continued to be ROTHES MEDICAL CENTRE happy with the Non-appointment system at the surgery. HIGH STREET ROTHES The Out of Hours service was discussed and those present had no concerns. It was noted that it seemed to be On Thursday 19 April from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. working very efficiently for our area with no com- plaints received about it.

Although you don’t need an appointment, we Dr Johnston informed the group that Mrs Alison Clark can arrange one if you wish. We will see you in (Receptionist) was retiring in April after 16 years and her place had been filled by Mrs Shona Scott who private. would begin work on 2nd April 2007. To arrange an appointment, ring 01343 528034. The meeting concluded at 7.15pm

NEWS FLASH HEADTEACHER

423 (Aberlour) DF, Air Training Corps Are Moving and changing our name...... The Rothesian would like to extend a warm welcome to Rosemary Garrity the newly appointed headteacher We are moving to the Grant Hall, Rothes as of for Rothes Primary School. Rosemary, who was April, and our name will become 423 (Speyside) DF, headteacher at Craigellachie Primary takes up her new Air Training Corps post at Rothes in April. We also wish to pass on our best wishes to past INTERESTED IN JOINING? headteacher Juli Grant who is now headteacher at Milnes Primary, Fochabers. Come along and find out more

Parade Nights will be Monday and Thursday 1830 – 2100

Any queries please call Sarah or Jason on 01340 831108 or speak to the local loons

2 This issue sponsored by Rothes Fish & Chip Shop The Grant Hall Update.

First of all, the good news. We have recently been awarded £10,000 from the National Lottery ‘Awards For All’ Scheme. st This will be spent on an ongoing renovation pro- 1 Rothes Rainbows started back with four new girls, gramme. At the moment, the toilets in the main hall Katie, Jasmin, Alana and Georgia. We have started on are undergoing a transformation, with new wash hand the next part of our roundabout badge, and we have also basins already installed in the Gents. New cubicles are started our “right to me” and “ right to be happy” badges. on order for both sets of toilets, and Ian James is just These badges are about our “human rights” and we will waiting for their arrival to complete the installation. learn through fun activities and games. As usual we have In conjunction with Moray Council, we are trying to been playing games, having craft sessions, singing, we have made pancakes and cards. For thinking day this establish a series of Music Workshops for young peo- year we stayed close to home and remembered Scotland ple interested in all aspects of the music industry. It is and Scottish Rainbows. We made thinking day thistle hoped to access some funding from The Scottish Arts cards, ate oatcakes; cheese from Orkney; beetroot; pan- Council to help with this project. This would enable us cakes; shortbread and tunnocks wafers. We had so much to buy equipment; Drum Kit, P.A., Microphones, to do on the night, that we didn’t have time to “Toss the Speakers etc., and hopefully subsidise transport for the Wellie” or make our flags. We are looking forward to Speyside area. Check posters for details. Easter and will be finishing for the Easter holidays on the The A.T.C. have been using one of the upstairs rooms 29th, reopening on the 19th April. Rainbows is for girls for storage of equipment and uniforms over the winter aged 5 – 7 and anyone wishing to put their daughters months, and it is hoped that they will be joining the name on the waiting list should contact Bev (831137) or ‘fold’ very soon. Jennifer (831201). We are looking forward to another successful year and as always would appreciate your comments or criti- cisms to [email protected]

Finally, the bad news………Oh, there is none!

The Brownies now have five new girls who have moved up the guiding FRIENDS OF GUIDING ladder from Rainbows, welcome Michaela, Megan, Les- ley, Mia and Coco. We are now well on our way with Friends of Guiding Rothes would like to thank every- our World Cultures badge. Part of our badge work is to one who has contributed with our last two fundraiser's. make a scrapbook about our own culture. We have had a The Webb Ivory sales did very well we were on par trip across the road to the “Strathspey Kilts and Gifts with last year's figures. Our Coffee morning in Febru- Shop”, where we were shown by Martin Flynn, all about ary was fantastic we raised £440. Thanks goes to all tartan, its history, Sporrans, Sgians Dhu and how to make who helped on the day, donated raffles and baking and a kilt. Thank you for all the help you gave us Martin and to all who came and shared a coffee and a blether. the swatches that you gave us for our scrapbooks. Our Your generosity is much appreciated. World cultures badge incorporated Thinking Day this year, and we had a Scottish theme and thought about the other Brownies in Scotland. We coloured in a Piper, made our flag and had a lovely taster session of foods HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. from Scotland. We love food at Brownies, and the week before we had celebrated the Chinese New Year. We made and coloured fans and had a buffet meal. We will At our Annual General Meeting the date for our Plant be finishing the term on the 29th of March with a Promise Sale and Coffee Morning was set for Saturday 29th celebration party for the girls who are ready to become May in the Grant Hall. We also set the date for our fully fledged Brownies. Unfortunately Emma, Leah, Annual Show, this will take place on Saturday 1st Michelle and Lauren are leaving and we will miss them, September. We are a very small committee and would as they have been wonderful Brownies. We will be reo- welcome any new members to help at our events. If pening on the 19th April. Brownies is for girls aged 7 to you would like further details of our group please con- 10, anyone wishing to put their daughter on the waiting tact the Secretary 831201. list should contact Bev (831137) or Jennifer (831201).

This issue sponsored by Rothes Fish & Chip Shop 3 ROTHES FC SUPPORTERS CLUB ROTHES INDOOR BOWLING CLUB

The on field success of Rothes FC this season has led The Rothes Indoor Bowling Tournament was held to larger numbers of supporters watching the team at over 27/28th January and the 3/4th February in the So- both home and away matches. It has been decided that cial club. There were 42 entries in our Open tourna- a supporters club should be formed in order to organ- ment including clubs from Aberlour, Buckie and ise buses for away matches and to support the team Burghead. The tournament was sponsored by R For- through fundraising activities. syth, McKerran and Milne and G & L Quality caterers. Buses will be organised for the last three games of this Mr Masson would like to thank the sponsors very season however the club will officially start running in much for sponsoring this years event. time for the 07/08 campaign. If anyone is interested in joining the club or would like Triples tournament - The winners were a triple from more details please contact one of the following com- Keith – Mr A Mearns, Mr B Smith and Mr N Dalgar- mittee members. no. The runners up came from the home club. They Conk (01340 831859) were – Mr J Brian, Mr A Cameron and Mr S Cameron. Ian Cameron Ryan Bruce We did not do so well in our section this year finishing in 3rd place.

MORAY STREET FOOTBALL PROJECT The season finishes in the second week of April. There is still time to give Bowls a try. The Moray Street Football project recently visited Dufftown Fire Station and Rothes Primary, with both Mr W Masson venues being hailed a success by the project co- ordinator. The initiative, which aims to reduce antisocial behaviour amongst youths, recorded attend- ance’s of around 30- 35 for each of the sessions, with ages ranging from 8 – 18. ROTHES BOWLING CLUB The Speyside Neighbourhood Forum recently agreed to donate £500 to help develop the project and in re- At the Annual General Meeting the following office- turn the co-ordinator has promised to return to the area bearers were appointed:- in the near future. The pitch will return to Dufftown fire station on Fridays 20th/ 27th April and May 4th. President Bob Murray These sessions will be run as Street Football Leagues Vice President/Secretary Innes Shaw where individuals from primary 6 to secondary 6 ages Treasurer Scott Cameron will be invited to enter and play for the chance to com- Committee C Christie, B Grant, G pete at a Carnival of Street Football scheduled for June Jamieson, C Munro & this year. Further details will be distributed around H McPhee schools and local shops nearer the time. Match Secretary D Grant If anyone has any queries regarding the Street Football Green warden B Murray please contact the project co-ordinator on 01343 548 040, or email [email protected] The green will open for play on Tuesday 24th April, when it is hoped that a new generation of Bowlers will join us.

THE COTTAGE Coffee Mornings are to be held in the Church Hall on Saturday 12th May and Saturday 8th September . We are intending to open The Cottage for five days a week, from Monday 2nd April. The Rothes Open Pairs competition will commence on Anyone who wishes to help us by volunteering to do a Saturday 21st July when we again hope for a record two hour stint, should phone Pearl Paul, or drop their entry. details into The Cottage.

4 This issue sponsored by Rothes Fish & Chip Shop OPENING DAY ON THE RIVER SPEY ROTHES LIBRARY NEWS

Ian Simpson of Castlehill Garage had an amazing day I would like to say a big “THANK YOU” to all of you on the 12th February, 2007. The 12th was the opening who use the library and a big “WELCOME” to all the day for fishing on the River Spey. Ian caught the first new borrowers who have recently signed up. I would fish of the season on the Middle Beat of the like to remind you all that the library isn’t just about Knockando Estate at 10.25am. The fish weighed in at reading books. We have audio visual materials that 14lbs which was later confirmed as the heaviest fish you can borrow, i.e. spoken word cassettes and cds, of the day. videos and music cds (these can be borrowed for a The following small charge); internet/computer access, general/local awards were information access, applications for Buss Pass and presented to storytime sessions on a Monday 2.45pm – 3.15pm for Ian, both for Age 3 – Primary 3 (during school term). the first fish of the season In January libraries across Moray have been promot- and the heavi- ing Talis Prism. If you have been to the library recent- est:- First ly you will have been given your borrower and pin fish – Walk- number to access your account. All you have to do is ers Hamper, log on to Talis Prism from the web page: Bottle of www.moray.gov.uk/libraries by entering in your bor- Glenfarclas rower and pin number. You will have access to the 30 year old Library Catalogue where you can request materials and a Quaich. held in stock and you can check your loans and renew For Heaviest them yourself. If you do not have your pin number just fish –Walkers pop into the library to obtain it. Hamper and a bottle of In April we will have Careers Scotland holding drop- Glenfarclas in sessions to help with job/college application forms, 105% Proof. letters and CV’s. Please feel free to come along to the Library on these dates to get some helpful advice. The fish was Tuesday 3rd April 3-5pm caught on Thursday 12th April 10-12noon intermediate line, tube fly, Ian Nicoll pattern tied by Thursday 19th April 3-5pm Sandy Smith, Ghillie. The fish was netted by relief Tuesday 24th April 3-5pm ghillie Orn Sigurhansson. Between 16th & 27th April, Rothes Library will have a small display to promote online services by Moray Council. Remember you can access the online services by the website: www.moray.gov.uk. If you want to know more please come and see the display. ROTHES COUNCIL LIBRARIES MEETING Last summer we held the Reading Mission for chil- The Rothes Library is an important facility within the dren, which was a great success. This summer the town of Rothes. We intend to fight vigorously for the reading challenge is “The Big Wild Read” covering retention of the library and have taken the opportunity conservation and wildlife. I hope to see you all signing to invite the Moray Council libraries manager to the up for this in the summer holidays as there will be next meeting of the Rothes Council. books to read, activities and a fun website to visit. The Moray Council Libraries manager has agreed to come to the next meeting of the Rothes Council on Arlene McLean (Library & Information Assistant) 2nd April to speak on the libraries situation and to Rothes Library hear the views of the community. As we are expecting a large turnout, the meeting will be held in the Rothes Football Club Social Club at 7pm. Please come along to air your views. The support of the community is vital. Pearl Paul

This issue sponsored by Rothes Fish & Chip Shop 5 Dear Rothesian Bulwark Station - GNSR

I refer to the Rothesian – Issue Number 36 regarding Hi there, the story sent in by Jimmy Logan. Jimmy was in my Looking through your websites I wondered if you had class at school. any information about Bulwark Station on the GNSR, I don’t know when I have enjoyed a trip into the past which existed approximately 1.5 miles south of so much as I did when I read Jimmy’s article. It sure Rothes. I believe it operated from 1856 - 1863. This brought back memories when we all had to make our information comes from the GNSR Association. It will own fun without the aid of modern technology. make a good article for our magazine. Especially if I would like to thank Jimmy through the Rothesian as any remnants are left! I see the Station Hotel has gone. I don’t know his home address. At the same time I Is it now the Ben Aigen? would like to say best wishes for 2007 to all my old Should you have some free time sometime our website school chums. Quite a number still send me Christ- is at www.bulwarkassoc.plus.com mas Cards. Many thanks, I get the Rothesian passed on by Mrs Marion Tawse Leigh Easton, (Betchley) for which I am grateful. The Rothesian re- Membership Secretary, ally travels far. HMS Bulwark Albion Centaur Association. Sincerely [email protected] Ms Rosa Newlands

The Square Hello As a Rothesian, I am writing about the vandalism in I lived in Burnside Street for 3 1/2. years, leaving in the Square. October 2006. I loved living among the lovely friendly Bulbs have been taken out of tubs, and the heads people of Rothes but sadly due to the fact that my hus- snipped off some left in tubs. Bricks have been taken band aged 57 could not get permanent employment we up a few weeks ago, and last week 30 were taken out. were forced to move back south. We are keeping up A few loyal residents plant these bulbs to make the with all the news from Rothes through your excellent place look nice for visitors. How would the culprits web site and the Rothesian. We hope to visit soon to feel if someone went to their parents house and did the see some of the people we met in our short time in same to their gardens? Rothes. A special "hello" to Ena & Karen at the hair- dressers, Mrs. Jocky Phinn and Gordon and Charlie Grubb, as I said "see you all soon" Moira Duff, Isle of Arran. Looking for a Childminder? [email protected] Registered childminder in Rothes has various vacan- cies. HNC qualified in childcare and education. Dear Sir Call Tracey Thomson on 01340831177/07896855679

I have an ancestor Alexander Anderson bc 1789-1800 Boharm Scotland who married in 21 May 1831 a Miss Helen Watson. PAID DOG WALKER REQUIRED Their children John, Margaret, Aleaxander, William, Ann, James were all born in Fordyce 1832-1842. I Please contact Dr Dennis at Rothes Medical Centre on wonder if there may be distant cousins in the Rothes 01340 831435 area? Thanks I'd be interested to hear from any Anderson's in your Anne Johnston area. Regards Mark Robert Dunbar Anderson Cape Town South Africa [email protected]

6 This issue sponsored by Rothes Fish & Chip Shop ROTHES COUNCIL

HOUSING THE HOMELESS IN ROTHES Dear Ms Stewart,

On 5 February the Rothes Council held a public meet- The Use of B&B Accommodation in Rothes to ing to which Jill Stewart (Chief Housing Officer, House The Homeless Moray Council) and Richard Anderson (Housing Needs officer, Moray Council) were invited. Mr Ste- Firstly on behalf of the Rothes Council I wish to phen Peasnall, proprietor of The Ben Aigen, also at- thank you and Mr Richard Anderson for attending tended the meeting and addressed the public. This the public meeting we called on 5 February 2007. meeting was set up in order to give the Moray Council representatives an opportunity to explain the Council’s Your input was very much appreciated. Housing policy with regard to the homeless. More importantly, however, the meeting gave Rothesians the At a subsequent meeting of the Rothes Council, opportunity to express their concerns and ask ques- held on Monday 19 February 2007, the views and tions. information exchanged at the public meeting were From that meeting it was clear that the vast majority of discussed. the people of Rothes empathised with those who found themselves homeless through no fault of their own, but The Rothes Council seeks assurance on the fol- they also made it clear that they had grave misgivings lowing points: about an entire hotel being occupied by homeless people, especially considering the size of the town, the No sex offenders will be housed in Rothes espe- lack of 24-hour police presence and the lack of facilities for people who may have nothing to do all day. cially as there is not a 24-hour police cover. The possibility of paedophiles and persons with a vio- No persons with an extensive criminal record or lent or extensive criminal record being housed in convictions of a violent nature will be housed in Rothes. Rothes, again because there is not a 24-hour po- The Rothes Council met again on 21 February to com- lice cover. plete council business and to consider the views aired ‘Out of hours’ placements will not be housed in at the public meeting. The committee decided to write Rothes. to Jill Stewart to seek reassurances on certain issues regarding the housing of the homeless. The Rothes The Rothes Council also wish the following sug- Council members were also mindful that all three ho- gestions to be implemented: tels in Rothes have been used to accommodate the homeless, and that such people could be from the village itself, as was the case in November 2002, when Within Rothes there should be a mixture of fami- Rothes was flooded. ly and single units. A copy of this letter along with Jill Stewart’s response is published below, along with a letter to Mr Stephen There should be an equal split over Moray to Peasnall. house the homeless in B&B accommodation with no more than ten individuals at any one time In the letter to Jill Stewart, the Rothes Council has : in Rothes. asked for a mixture of families and single people. It was felt that this would avoid the possibility of all sin- Proprietors of hotel and B& B establishments gle men being housed in Rothes. should have some sort of vetting procedure in stipulated a maximum of ten people in Rothes – not in place with regard to housing the homeless. any one establishment – because you could have two families consisting of two parents and two children, thus leaving only two more places for either a couple All B& B establishments in Moray should have or two single people. an evaluation form, which homeless guests would be requested to complete just prior to de- The Rothes Council is seeking reassurance on behalf parture. This form, issued by the Moray Council, of all Rothesians with regard to concerns raised at the would offer feedback to the relevant communi- public meeting, but they have also tried to take a re- ties, and so enable them to gauge what facilities sponsible approach to housing the homeless. This is can be provided to make homeless guests’ stay not written in tablets of stone and your comments more comfortable. By doing this, communities would be welcome. Finally, can we thank all who at- would be showing a responsibility to these guests tended the Rothes Council meeting on 5 February to and would help dispel any apprehensions be- discuss this issue.

This issue sponsored by Rothes Fish & Chip Shop 7 tween the guests and local residents. Dear Ms Brumby,

We know that the issue of housing the homeless is Thank you for your helpful letter of 23 February, going to Committee in April 2007, but the Rothes 2007. Council would like to review in twelve months Following discussion with the Local Member, time the housing of the homeless in Rothes. Councillor Paul, I can confirm that in early course, the Council will be asked to consider a Like many Rothesians, the Rothes Council feels procedure to be used in making all placements to that there is a good economic argument for main- bed and breakfast accommodation. This proce- taining tourist accommodation within Rothes as dure will detail the assessment of needs and risk this provides seasonal employment to some of the assessment to be carried out in considering any locals, albeit a small number of employees. In ad- placements and will consider factors such as the dition removing another establishment from the size of the local community, Police presence, village will be detrimental to the economy of availability of support etc. Rothes. I do wish to stress that over the past I would again reiterate that it has not been the twelve years—this will be the thirteenth season— Council’s intention at any time to use any estab- the Rothes Council has run a very successful visi- lishment exclusively for homelessness purposes. tor information centre. The success of this venture The points made by the Rothes Council will be has been due to the commitment of volunteers in fully considered in the development of this proce- Rothes. To encourage any B&B establishment dure. I would also intend to present the Rothes within the village to house only the homeless Council’s letter to the Committee at that time. would be acting against the efforts of all volun- I hope that this is helpful to your Council. I would teers and the community at large. hope to be able to come back to you in due course with details of the Council’s procedures. We are not saying that homeless people cannot be Yours sincerely housed in Rothes but we do feel that the number Jill Stewart accommodated should take into consideration the Chief Housing Officer size of the village and the scarcity of amenities it can offer such people. Dear Mr Peasnall, Yours Sincerely Sheila Brumby Ben Aigen Hotel, Rothes Secretary Rothes Council At a recent meeting of the Rothes Council the views and information exchanged at the public meeting on 5 February 2007 were discussed. Clearly the people of Rothes have concerns on two accounts: 1. Regarding the homeless individuals offered accommodation at the Ben Aigen, and 2. The possible loss of a hotel/B&B establishment for tourists and its detrimental effect on the economy of the village.

On point 1 the Rothes Council realises that no consultation with the community is required to run a B&B facility, but we hope you would exer- cise good moral judgement, in sympathy with Moray Council guidelines and taking account of the concerns of local people, when accepting homeless guests.

On point 2 the Rothes Council wishes clarifica- tion as to whether you will be running the Ben Aigen as an establishment offering accommoda-

8 This issue sponsored by Rothes Fish & Chip Shop tion to visitors and, if so, will the principle aim of the Ben Aigen be to provide accommodation for THE STRANGER IN OUR MIDST visitors or for the homeless? The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews in Chapter 13 The community has over the past twelve years and verse 2 says “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels built up a reputable visitor information centre. without knowing it.” Or as the Jim Reeves’ song puts We have tried to improve the look of the village it, “A stranger’s just a friend you do not know.” through floral displays to attract visitors from home and abroad. All this is carried out entirely The community of Rothes has an outstanding record by local volunteers, has been held up as an exam- of welcoming strangers, including some who were ple to other small communities on being active in migrant workers from other lands and some who have promoting the village. been temporarily homeless over the years and have stayed for a while in local hotels. Such people like all We would, therefore, ask that you consider im- others in our midst have been welcomed into our com- proving the look of the hotel. The Cottage—our munity life whether in the Church or in the many Visitor and Resource Centre—would display any groups and organisations that meet in Rothes. adverts for your B&B establishment. Many folk staying for a short time in our community find themselves at a point in their lives when they long Should you wish any other information please do more than ever for a friendly face, a kindly word and a not hesitate to contact me on the number above. sincere welcome and sign of caring. That is something that most people in our community have been Yours sincerely, good at doing, and I am sure that we will go on doing Sheila Brumby it because that is the kind of folk that we are. Secretary Rothes Council Just now a great many people in Rothes are under- standably far from happy with the conduct of Moray Council in regard to the application of some of its pol- Dear All icies, and they are pursuing their legitimate concerns in a dignified, legal and proper fashion. In the mean- To be accountable to the people of Moray it is impera- time we can go on demonstrating our respect for other tive that the Moray council has a clearly defined pro- people by respecting the privacy of those who come to cedure on the housing of the homeless in Bed and stay amongst us, whilst at the same time extending the Breakfast establishments in Moray. The Community hand of friendship to all who wish to avail themselves Services Committee will be setting a policy on the use of it. of bed and breakfast accommodation in Moray on Wednesday 4th April. The letter from the Rothes I sincerely hope and trust that is just what we will con- Council putting forward the concerns of Rothes will tinue to do. be an integral part of the report. The draft report for debate takes account of the points put forward by the Rev. Bob Anderson Rothes Council on your behalf, other issues highlight- Parish Minister ed at the public meeting and issues that have arisen since. I would welcome your response on this issue so feel free to talk to me at any opportunity, give me a ring on 01340831761, e-mail me on [email protected] or drop a note through my door. You could also leave a note at The Cottage. This is a separate issue from an application for an HMO license. This will be discussed at a meeting of the Licensing Committee on the 11th April. Although I am not a member of the Licensing Committee and therefore have no vote I have, as the local member, asked the chairman’s permission to speak at the Com- mittee. Councillor Pearl Paul

This issue sponsored by Rothes Fish & Chip Shop 9 THE BULWARK – WAS IT A STATION chie and the old one renamed Dandaleith. The direct route from Elgin to Rothes via Rothes Glen was opened Round about last Christmas, an e-mail was received from on 1st January 1862. The line via Orton was closed on the HMS Bulwark, Albion, Centaur Association by the 2nd July 1863 by the GSNR unilaterally, much to the an- Rothes Visitor Centre at the Cottage asking if we had any noyance of the Morayshire Railway Company. information about “Bulwark station” on the GNSR. The I am grateful to Sheila Brumby for much of this infor- association has got some information from the GNSR mation which she gleaned from the internet and from her web-site which located the station about 1.5 miles south mother as well as to John Gray’s book. Jean-Anne of Rothes and said that it operated from 1856 – 1863. McDonald also recalls that old Mrs Balfour, known in We all know Bulwark cottage, now a private residence, Rothes as “Bess from the Bulwark” was brought up by a but long as memories are in Rothes, nobody can remem- Mr and Mrs Gray at Bulwark Cottage at the beginning of ber back to 1863. last century. Mr Gray worked for the railway. Possibly According to John R. Gray, in his book “Rothes Past and as a crossing keeper. Present” published in 1954, the extension of the Moray- The association who made the original enquiry have been shire Railway Company’s line from Rothes to Dandaleith informed of our findings but if anyone has any further was opened on 23rd December, 1858. information on the history or origins of Bulwark Cottage The Morayshire Railway Company was taken over by I would be grateful if they could let me or Rothes visitor the Great North of Scotland Railway in 1863 when, pre- Centre know. sumably, the station at The Bulwark, if there was one was closed. From 29th August 1929 the station at Dan- John Tilley daleith, between Rothes and Craigellachie, was down- graded to having a porter in charge, answerable to the stationmaster at Craigellachie. The GSNR was merged with the LNER on 1st January 1923 before becoming part of British Rail until the line was closed to passengers in Three Rothes Loons May 1968 following the Beeching recommendations. It continued to operate for freight until November of that This is a photo of three Rothes Loons on the old year. bridge across the burn, taken in the 1940s. There were eight “convenience” crossings between They are (left to right) the late Peter Ross, the late Rothes Station and “the point where the road, rail and the Wilkie Watson, and Dan MacFarlane, who lives in River Spey meet at the Bulwark” writes John Gray. This Canada, and will be 80 this year. was the result of an agreement between the old Moray- shire Railway and Seafield Estates to accommodate ten- ants of the allotted lands situated between the railway track and the Spey. John Gray makes no mention of there having been a station at the Bulwark but there has been a building there for as long as anyone can remember. Was it originally a station, a stationmaster’s house or a house for a crossing keeper? It is, to the best of my knowledge, owned by Seafield Estates and occupied by one of their staff but the occupier may have bought it. It is now quite a substan- tial dwelling house with a garden going down to the Riv- er Spey across what was once the railway line. The early history of railways in Moray and the North East of Scotland is a very detailed subject with many small companies trying to make a profit from the new technology, but, as is an ongoing problem with the railways of Great Britain. They were dogged by debts and a shortage of cash. Among the main investors and provid- ers of loans to the Morayshire Railway Company were the brothers John and James Grant, the owners of Glen Grant Distillery and the first locomotive used on the line was named “Glen Grant”. The original line from Elgin to Rothes was via Orton and terminated on the west bank of the Spey to avoid the cost of a bridge. It wasn’t until June 1863 that the bridge was completed and the line joined the GNSR controlled track at Craigellachie on 1st July. Until this time, apparently, the station on the west bank of the Spey was called Crai- gellachie but with the opening of the new junction on the far side of the river, the new station was called Craigella-

10 This issue sponsored by Rothes Fish & Chip Shop Rothes Diary 30th June Coffee Morning (Rothes Parish Church) Kirk Hall 3rd July SHS School Sports Please note that the diary displayed in the Rothes th Library window, is updated every two weeks and 5 July Schools close for Summer Break 7th July Rothes FC Social Club Coffee Morning takes in changes which occur during the time be- th tween the Rothesian quarterly editions. Please keep 14 July Coffee Morning Kirk Hall in aid of CHAS 21st July Rothes FC Social Club Tombola Sandra informed of events and meetings as fund- th raising works best with no competition! 26 July The Pension Service at Rothes Medical Please note the new email address for the diary: Centre 1.30 to 3.30pm No appointment necessary 4th August Rothes FC Social club Coffee Morning [email protected] th If you would like the diary emailed to you, please 18 August Rothes FC Social Club Tombola contact this address.

2007 March AUTOBANK th 28 March SHS Inter-House Swimming Gala 30th March Schools close for Easter Break th After many years of trying through the Clydesdale 30 March Rothes Primary Easter Service in Kirk Bank to get an autobank in Rothes we are grateful to the Royal Bank of Scotland who listened to our plea April 1st April Palm Sunday and have now installed an external autobank at the 6th April Good Friday Post Office. 6th April Declaration of Arbroath signed 1320 (Now The feedback has been very positive and here you can celebrated as Tartan Day world-wide) see Douggie Brooks making use of the facility. Phone 7th April Rothes FC Social Club Coffee Morning cards can also be accessed through the machine. 8th April Easter Day 14th April Coffee Morning in the Kirk Hall (Guild) 10am to 12noon 16th April Schools re-open for Summer Term 19th April The Pension Service at Rothes Medical Centre 1.30 to 3.30pm No appointment necessary. 21st April Coffee Morning in Rothes Kirk Hall 21st April Rothes FC Social Club Tombola 23rd April St George’s Day 26th April 28th April Coffee Morning Senior Citi- zens in the Kirk Hall 10 to 12 noon 30th April SQA Examinations Start 4th/5th/6th Year SHS

May 3rd May Scottish Parliament and Local Authority Elections 5th May Rothes FC Social Club Coffee Morning 7th May ‘May Day’ holiday Schools closed 12th May Coffee Morning (Rothes Bowling Club) Kirk Hall 14th May SHS S3 Residential Week 19th May Coffee Morning Rothes Toddler Group Kirk Hall 19th May Rothes FC Social Club Tombola 24th/25th May In-service Schools Closed 26th May Coffee Morning (Christian Aid) Kirk Hall

June 1st June SHS Activities Day 2nd June Rothes FC Social Club Coffee Morning 4th June Local Holiday Schools Closed 4th June End of SQA Examinations SHS 8th June End of Session SHS 9th June Coffee Morning (Rothes Tennis Club) Kirk Hall 9th June Rothes Ladies Group Outing 16th June Rothes FC Social Club Tombola

This issue sponsored by Rothes Fish & Chip Shop 11 BLAST FROM THE PAST! ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

The following two pictures were printed in the Some time back I had a problem – inflammation of the tail Press and Journal of April 7th 1959. I’d tried all sorts of remedies but each was doomed to fail I had no trouble standing; I could walk with perfect ease And lying in my bed at night was comfy as you please But when it came to sitting in my normal office chair The pain in my posterior was more than I could bear.

I thought I’d hurt my coccyx but my GP told me no Inflammation of the ligaments – given time the pain will go Pills for pain and inflammation were all put to the test But the simplest of solutions was the one that worked the best It was a plain old rubber ring I placed upon my chair So that my afflicted region was suspended in mid air.

It did take time, the problem stayed for six months or so And I’d take that old ring cushion everywhere I’d go We were setting of on holiday and I did not want a fuss But carrying a big rubber ring felt a bit conspicuous The first one shows the Boys Brigade Bugle Band However down at Tesco’s I saw the very thing of Rothes, standing for a picture before marching A brightly coloured plastic bag, just the size to fit my ring. off to practice. The second picture shows members of the Rothes I carried it onto the plane and popped it on my chair Life Boys team, with their officer Bill Nicol. And the ring continued to protect my tender derriere But after six hours sitting… oh what unlucky chance The picture of bright fruit and veg had transferred to my pants And as I left the aeroplane my husband saw his wife Had emblazoned on the bottom “A Tesco Bag for Life!”

Crys Sinclair 2007.

ROTHES FC SOCIAL CLUB

The Club has been hit by the resignation of Secretary Mr. Garry Davies, after 6 years in the position. Steward, Mr. Bill Hardie, also left on 8th February to al- No doubt some of you will recognise some faces low the Club to cut the wage bill, and appoint a part-time from the past. bar person. Bill was presented with a wallet of notes from If you have any reminiscences of these pictures, members, and whisky from the Football Club, for his 10 perhaps you can tell us about them for the next is- years service. sue. Mr Scott, Mr Ness, Mrs Ness and Mrs Laing met new Club owner Mr Keith Minto on Monday 26th February, and discussed the future of the premises. He was im- pressed by the cleanliness of the Club. LADIES GROUP The Club Hall is available for bookings for functions: Birthdays, Weddings, Parties and Funeral Teas. Catering We started this side of the year with a Scot’s Night can be arranged. and Stovies. Great entertainment. In February we Contact Mr. R. Ness (Vice President) on 01340 831513 or had WAXART with Irene. In March we have Re- 831348 flexology and in April we are having ‘The HIP Bumpers’, from Botriphnie. We are looking forward to that very much. In May we will be having our AGM followed by Fun and Games. Margaret Matthews

12 This issue sponsored by Rothes Fish & Chip Shop PRESENTATION EVENING OF Cpl D Reid 423 (ABERLOUR) DF AIR TRAINING CORPS Wing Chevron (Sport) On the evening of the 26th February 2007 a presentation Cpl D Thomson (for Rugby) evening was held at 423 (Aberlour) DF Air training Corps with the Aberlour Parish Hall Staff Cadet Pt II This was an evening that was well represented by staff, Instructor Cdt Sergeant D Dunlop cadets, parents, teachers from Speyside High School and Local Aberlour councillor Mrs A Taylor presented this local councillors of the Rothes and Aberlour area. The evening was there to recognise cadet achievements Gliding Scholarship from the previous year. It was opened by the Command- Instructor Cdt Sergeant D Dunlop ing Officer who welcomed everyone to the evening and Local Aberlour councillor Mrs A Taylor presented this gave a brief history of the sqn and the events that had taken place and what lay ahead for the forth-coming Best Shot year. Cdt D Morrison The cadets did an excellent display of static drill which Best Flight Hercules

Best NCO Cpl D Thomson

Most Improved Cadet Cdt T Caldwell and Cdt S Strathdee (f)

Warrant Officers Trophy Cdt R Sommerville This award was presented by local Rothes councillor, Mrs P Paul and the Sqn Warrant Officer

Best Cadet Cdt E Wright was had been arranged by the squadron warrant Officer The evening came to a close where it was certainly made and the instructor cadet sergeant. This display was done clear that it was not just the cadets that made the squad- with no words of command, which is not an easy thing to ron but it was also the support in the background and that do. was from the staff that were there every parade night to This was well received and many comments were, we the civilian committee who looked after the finances to then invited all guest to enjoy the various activities that the parents who got up at unsociable hours to ensure that had been organised and also on display. Even the parents the cadets got to where they had to get to on time. had a go at recognising some of the obscure aircraft that our civilian Instructor had organised. Also on display was the theory of the rifle that is used by the cadet organ- isation and aircraft modelling was very much hands on if anyone wanted a go!!! All guests were then invited to take a seat and the pre- senting of awards then took place and these were presented not only by staff but also it was asked if both Council- lor Paul and Councillor Taylor would help out. The awards are as follows

Swimming Proficiencies Cpl D Thomson Cpl D Reid Cdt F Macdonald Cdt C Macdonald Cdt E Wright (f) Cdt R Sommerville Cdt T Caldwell Cdt M Payne

Marksman Badge

This issue sponsored by Rothes Fish & Chip Shop 13 SPEYSIDE NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM ROTHES FLOOD PREVENTION

Speyside Neighbourhood Forum wasted no time in Since our last article, progress on the flood scheme has establishing itself over the past few months. Having been good. The two public open days held in Decem- started life slowly, members wanted to research other ber, the latest in a series of six, gave everyone another Neighbourhood Forums from across Moray before opportunity to ask questions about the scheme and deciding on the best way forward for them. also look at the landscape plans which showed how Forum member invited Councillor Eric McGillivray, the town may look once construction of the scheme is Chair of the Laich Forum and Chair of the Community complete. Planning Steering Group along to discuss the formation of the Laich Forum, the advancements they Once again, over a hundred people attended the open have made as the longest established Neighbourhood days and we would like to thank you all for your con- Forum to date and the possibilities for their area. tinued support, your comments have been taken on board by the flood team as we move into the detailed The Forum has elected a chair, a Treasurer and is in design stage. the process of drawing up a contract to employ a secretary for the group. The consultation period for the Flood Prevention Or- der has now passed with only 5 objections to the Relationships have been fostered with the Speyside scheme being received by Scottish Ministers. We have Council and several members have joined the Forum subsequently been successful in adapting the scheme to assist and inform the formation of the Forum. to have one of the objections withdrawn and the consultation team will be working hard in the coming Numbers have grown over the past months with 39 months to resolve the other issues in order to ensure a members making up the core of the Forum. Not all construction start in 2008. attend meetings but are kept up to date with progress through minutes and updates posted on the Communi- The next stage is now to submit the Planning Applica- ty Planning website. tion to The Moray Council at the end of next week and this will be followed by a further 4 month period of Activities for Young people, Community Safety and consultation. Antisocial behaviour has been at the forefront of issues identified. And in direct response to this members In the next few weeks you may see diggers and other have agreed to further fund the Street Football Project machines around the town, these will be gathering the that will be delivered at “Hotspots” across Speyside, further ground investigation information needed to identified directly by Forum members. finalise the detailed design, also our investigation and Members have also determined that given the geo- survey teams will be around the town gathering infor- graphical spread of Speyside that Satellite Forums in mation, our consultation team will also be hard at each of the communities across the area would form to work talking to affected people and local businesses. become representative of their community. To aid and encourage new membership from a broad representa- If anyone has any queries regarding the scheme they tion of the Speyside area. Meetings will visit a “venue should telephone Peter Haslam at Moray Flood Allevi- near you”. ation on 01343 559055 or visit the website at www.morayflooding.org The next Forum meeting will take place in the library of the Knockando School on Monday 26th March 2007 STEVE VERNON at 7p.m. PROJECT MANAGER

Anyone wishing to attend any of the meetings of the Speyside Neighbourhood Forum but are experiencing LINNBURN DAY CENTRE difficulties with transport then please contact Rosalind Adie on 01343 829026 or 07966120587 The centre will be holding their Annual Easter Fayre on Wednesday 28th March, from 2.00 – 4.00. Everyone welcome.

14 This issue sponsored by Rothes Fish & Chip Shop THE SPEYSIDE COUNCIL ROTHES GALA

The Last meeting of The Speyside Council departed The Rothes Gala Group have been meeting on a regu- from normal in that it took place in Inveravon Prima- lar basis to come up with new ideas for this years gala. ry School. Twelve members were present and covered We have agreed on a number of changes to the normal a range of subjects in their deliberations. Rothes was procedure, the most significant being that the Gala represented by Jim Anderson (President) and Ray Day and Challenge Day will be held on the same Brumby (representing The Rothes Council). day. The date has been set for Saturday 23rd June Following on from a talk at the last meeting by Eric with the Bingo taking place on Thursday 21st. McGillvray on The Speyside Forum where several The first event of the Gala will be a two-day Photo areas of interest were common to both organisations it Exhibition in the Grant Hall, starting on the 16th June. was agreed to work in tandem with The Forum in the We plan to have a Genealogist on hand. meantime to ensure the best representation for Spey- We have been talking to other groups in the town i.e. side. This situation will be subject of ongoing monitor- bowling club, golf club, to see if they would be pre- ing to make sure that there isn’t undue duplica- pared to organise an event on that week which can tion. The footpaths network was again discussed and it then be advertised on the Gala poster. This is still at was agreed to invite Ian Douglas of The Moray Coun- an early stage. cil to be guest speaker at our AGM. Part of the agreed programme will be Taekwondo, a We have also been advised by Moray Council that display by the cadets, the fire eater, barrel making and they have encountered opposition to their proposal for the Dufftown Pipe Band. We are awaiting confiration a new Dufftown spur of the Speyside Way over the from others. Gownie and this route has had to shelved in the mean- We will be holding our usual raffle and will be calling time. Moray Council have agreed to adopt the original round for contributions of bottles and cans nearer the Dufftown spur as a core path and are also to publicise time. paths coming off the Speyside Way leading to towns As per other years each group helping to organise and and villages. run the gala will get a contribution from the proceeds. A Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) consultation document on the future of the Post Office Net- work was discussed. A submission will be made high- lighting a number of issues relating to the essen- ROTHES GUILD NEWS tial part the Post Office plays in remote rural areas, and emphasising that services previously done at Our first meeting of 2007 was on 13th February, and the Post Office (eg TV licensing) now with the private our speaker for the evening was Mr Martyn Harris sector be returned to them. from the charity MAP (Moray Against Poverty). Mr The next meeting of The Speyside Council will take Harris told us about how the charity first started and of place in Speyside High School at 7.30pm on Thursday its main objective: to raise awareness about poverty in 19th April and the AGM will be held in Craigellachie Moray. Poverty affects all ages and influences health, Village Hall on Thursday 24th May 2007 . education and opportunity. MAP provides advice, support, advocacy and training. The charity holds training sessions, which helps people to boost their confidence and help them in budgeting. This, in turn, enables IRRESPONSIBLE CYCLING them to move forward with their lives. Over the years MAP have expanded their information service on We have been asked by a number of people through housing, health, relationships, money and employ- the Rothes Council to pass on their concerns regarding ment, and have recently introduced a freephone tele- cycling activities in the town. phone number. Everyone agreed that it was a very There appears to be a lack of consideration for the el- enjoyable and informative evening. derly by cyclists who have been using the pavements We will be hosting a Coffee Morning on Saturday for cycling. The police regard this as an offence. 14th April in Rothes Kirk Hall from 10 AM to 12 The other issue is the great concern of the public at Noon, with the usual sales tables. Please come and youths putting themselves and others in danger by cy- join us. cle running oncoming cars. Celine McDuff-Jones This is a genuine concern expressed by people of all Joint Secretary ages whether they are walkers or drivers.

This issue sponsored by Rothes Fish & Chip Shop 15 MEMORIES OF MUM AND HER NATURE TALES A ROYAL GOOD DAY FOR FISHING

Mum had a liking for animals having been brought up with 2nd June, 1953, a day I will never forget. The her own dad’s dogs. Our first pet was a pure white cat Queen got coronated or something! I had the called Dinky but alas she was run over in the High Street. day off work along with 20 others who travelled Mum then volunteered to look after Johnnie Brown’s budg- daily to Popine Mills at the Craig, mostly by ie. Not a good idea as it picked a hole in the living room pushbike. I got up at seven in the morning, as wallpaper and tried to sharpen its bill on my dad’s stubble. usual, looked out, it was pouring rain , there Dad was not an animal lover! We also had a rabbit for a was only one thing for it, go fishing. After my while until it became ‘Rover’ Tawses lunch. porridge I got an empty syrup tin with holes in the lid and dug around the hen run for worms. One night on her way home around 10pm mum spied a hedgehog in the lane outside. ‘The kids would love this’ so Off I went down to Spey, it was running ‘fu’. It she shovelled it up and put it in a box for us to see it in the was not long before I was catching fish, brown morning. How did the animal get up the stairs and start pull- trout, sea trout, finnock and even a grilse, it was ing the bedclothes off my dad’s side of the bed? Again dad great fun. At dinner time I went home for a was no animal lover. After a few harsh words Mr Hedgehog plate of soup, I was just finished when Grant was homeless again. Paterson appeared, I showed him my catch and he immediately asked if I was going back as he In one primary class we were invited to take our pet to wanted to come. Just as we were setting off my school. I obtained a lizard from Ike McWilliam and to say granny shouted “Take a sea trout in past Dr chaos reigned, it escaped in Miss Crichton’s class along with Caithness, she loves a bit of fresh fish”. a jackdaw which I think was owned by Norman Forsyth. We were not long back fishing when we started Back to our own pets. This time a goldfish. We definitely to catch more fish. About an hour later Grant didn’t have Peter Scott genes. This ended in tragedy when it says “here’s Big Beel, the Ghillie coming”. It was found dead on the floor after jumping out of the tank. was too late to hide the fish and we only had a permit for brown trout. He empties my bag and Maybe we should have stuck to wild birds. As the photo with his wading stick points out, that’s not a shows mum just holding her hand out and the birds descend- brown trout, that’s not a brown trout, that’s not ing. The garden was a virtual sanctuary for wildlife with a brown trout and so on”. The Toff mannie mum doing her famous pervoosh noise to scare away the with him speaks up “leave the laddies alone cats, much to the delight of her grandchildren. I could go on they are enjoying themselves”. Well! You and on – deer at Ardcanny – pigs and horses – coo’s at the should have seen Beel’s face, his chin near Haughs - moles etc. But enough. dropped into Spey, it made our day. Hugh Percival To this day I bet ‘Lizzie’ doesn’t know what a good days fishing she missed the day she was crowned. Jimmy Logan

SENIOR CITIZENS

The second half of our meetings started off on the 10th January. We have had some good entertainment with a few more meetings still to come. Our Coffee Morning is on 28th April in the church Hall and our Bus Run is on the 22nd May.

Jean Allan (Secretary)

16 This issue sponsored by Rothes Fish & Chip Shop