‘Muir‘Muir Matters’Matters’ Winner of the 2007 MFR Best Community Initiative Award Issue 12 December 2007 50 pence

Through the Muir? a five and a half hour addressed should the proposal ever be approved. Planning Hearing in These included how the roads would be prepared After on Tuesday 11th December, the in advance to cope with this extra traffic, such as decision on Scottish and Southern Energy‘s pro- structural checks to all bridges, in case there is a posal for a 35mega-watt, 20-turbine wind farm need for strengthening ahead of the abnormal at the Fairburn Estate, near , was loads being transported. It also suggests that the deferred. first and second bend at Distillery cottages be Council had received some 111 opened out as well as junction alterations at objections as well as 255 letters of support for West Road. How these road changes will be this venture. achieved has not yet been explained and this was one of the reasons that the proposal was If this project were to go ahead the biggest deferred. impact to the Muir will be during the At the meeting Councillor Angela MacLean construction phase which is scheduled to last for raised the point about the condition of Muir of approximately 9 months. This would mean an Ord‘s railway bridge, a subject which has estimated 5 heavy goods vehicles as well as an been highlighted in the past by Councillor David additional 20 cars/vans per day accessing the Chisholm. Add to this ―Muir Matters‖ own site. Due to the limitations of the current railway campaign for improvements to the bridge junc- bridge in the village, the huge turbines would tions with a safe crossing point on the West have to be delivered via Conon Bridge into Muir Road and it becomes clear that the bridge and of Ord, turning onto West Road and onward to road traffic impact is an aspect of this site.. Although it was said that alterations would proposal which must be looked at very carefully. be carried out at the Distillery corners and the junction of the West Road by widening and While there is an appreciation for the need to creating a safe crossing point, no details were invest in renewable energy projects (65 applica- specified. tions for wind farms in the Highlands has already been made) the long-term benefits need Although The Highland Council and Trunk to be weighed against the repercussions for Roads Authority have raised no objections to the communities such as our own. In the current general principle of these traffic movements, the climate of budget cut-backs it seems to us that preliminary planning report did highlight a this may be the only way our community would number of issues that would need to be be able to resolve our roads issue. We‘re in the pink..... and blue and green and......

last...... back again with Muir Matters in colour..! At It has taken almost a year to get our previous printer manufacturer to acknowledge that the printing problems we experienced weren‘t our fault, but eventually they did and also agreed to a full refund. BUT.....how were we going to ensure it didn‘t happen again? Enter Highland Office Supplies who came to our rescue with a brilliant Konica Minolta printer (Bizhub C350 for those who are interested) and a service package which makes sure we keep going come what may. When they heard of our predicament they sat down with us and worked out what could be done to avoid this happening again. We now have the technical support and locally based engineers all in place to make sure that we can deal with just about everything that comes our way. No more waiting for ink supplies or technicians to arrive from the south.! It does mean that from Spring 2008 there will be a price increase to £1 to cover our costs (we don‘t make any profit on Muir Matters) but we‘re still one of the cheapest community magazines in the Highlands and we intend to keep it that way.

On the subject of Muir Matters itself, some people have asked why we haven‘t updated the website recently. Sadly, we have been subjected to a series of pornographic, obscene and anonymous email. It‘s neither pleasant nor helpful. Muir Matters was created to help clubs, groups and individuals find out about events in the village and to help communicate the community‘s concerns to a wider audience e.g. Highland Council or our MSP‘s. It is not a platform to be used for personal views or crusades. We‘re now in a position to tackle this problem and hopefully normal service will be resumed shortly..!

fridge, phone and a chair-bed. You name it and it‘s No, it‟s not the No 19 there, even a bag of locally made tablet so that visitors can help themselves. Bus Stop..! Four of Muir of Ord‘s residents were on a short break to when they came across this novelty and mighty impressed they were too. We did some research (the shelter has its own website) on how this quirky little shelter came about and apparently as the old bus shelter was wobbly and decrepit and the roof came loose in a storm, the council came and took the shelter away away. A sensible move some would say, but the two lads, Bobby (about 7 then) and his elder brother Jamie had nowhere to wait for the school bus. They waited and waited but still no new shelter. So Bobby (a politician in the making we think) wrote to the local paper and - surprise... the new shelter appeared within days. Bobby and Jamie are now aged 18 and 21 respectively but still involved with looking after the shelter. So if you‘re planning a visit to , why his quite amazing bus shelter is to be found not stop by and sign their guest book. on the A968 trunk Road between Baltasound For all of us in the Muir on a wet Monday morning T and Haroldswick, on Unst, Shetland. The heading for work by bus, it sounds like a little piece decoration and furnishing was started and was the of heaven. Any chance Stagecoach could be reading brainchild of a couple of young brothers Bobby and this..??

Jamie Macauley. Something new is added from time Ann Bell to time and so far you will find a TV, computer,

2 ‗Muir Matters‘ Issue 11

Over 60s Club News Fair in the Square

was a most beautiful autumn morning when here was very good turnout at the November the first ―Fair in the Square‖ was held in T meeting of the Over 60s Club to hear Mrs It Muir of Ord on Saturday 20th October. Joan Ross of . Even as the stalls were being set up a large number Mrs Ross has been involved right from the begin- ning with the transformation of Alness into the very attractive, award-winning village it is today. Illustrated with beautiful slides,she took the audience on a journey from a small, insignificant, featureless and depressed village right up to the present day when Alness is world famous, as a beautiful, immaculately kept village whose inhabitants are, quite rightly, hugely proud of what they have achieved. Mrs Ross told the audience of the great co-operation of all the village organisations and especially the wonderful part played by the young people. Interestingly, she emphasised that vandalism was not a problem and virtually absent. It was very sad to hear from Mrs Ross that two of of people started to gather and once sales got under- the hugely popular Alness events - the vintage car way business was very brisk. Taking part were the rally which attracted around ten thousand spectators SWRI, the Muir of Ord Rovers Football Club, the and the Pipe Band Championships had outgrown the Communications Group (Muir Matters), the venue at Alness. The organisers had offered them to Community Association, the local Youth Group and the Farmers to be held at the Showground the Bowling Club. - but they refused the offer!!! has since A feature of the Bowling gratefully accepted. Club stall was a ―Guess the It was a hugely interesting and entertaining evening Bear‘s Birthday‖; the top - even if it did leave the audience very envious. prize being a carving of a bear, made and donated to The next meeting of the Over 60s will be the the club by Ian Chalmers. Christmas Party which will be held in the Village The lucky birthday the 2nd Hall on Wednesday 19th December at 7.30 p.m. March was selected by Niall Bolger, Beauly with runners up Muriel Mackay & Chrissie McNeil. Heading West Such was the enthusiasm for this event, plans are already being made for the Hi Mattie, I think this is the best, next ―Fair in the Square‖, to be held in May next It‘s about the road that heads to the west. year. A junction for I2O will sure cause some strife, before crossing be sure to insure your life. The plan seems to be in the can, but IT‘S TOO DANGEROUS FOR A GREEN MAN. Accidents I can see will be not a few, If there's no change, the worst will be true. Well Mattie, have your say Some common sense could save the day.

Mattie

Issue 11 ‗Muir Matters‘ 3 Lesley Philip and Roy Cleaver,

Muir of Ord Art Group and Mrs Annie MacLean, the driving force and art adviser of Exhibition the Group. Donations from the proceeds of "A quite outstanding art exhibition" was the general the Exhibition were given to the opinion being expressed after the Muir of Ord Art following charities - Muir of Ord Group's exhibition which was held in the Old School Community Association's Senior on the 9th to 11th November. A total of 258 Citizens' Christmas Party (£150), Fort William M.S. paintings were on display by 38 artists, and 72 of the Society (£50) and the Dingwall branch of the Royal paintings were sold over the course of the exhibition. British Legion (£50). The works were painted in oils, watercolours, The Muir of Ord Group meets every Saturday acrylics, encaustic wax, pastels, pen and inks and morning from 10 a.m. until 12.30 p.m. and on pencil drawings. Tuesday evenings from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. in the Old Approximately 200 viewers were present on Friday Tarradale School. Although both classes are full at evening and throughout the viewing times on the moment anyone is welcome to go and see what Saturday and Sunday there was a steady stream of the Art Group do and put their name on the waiting viewers. The exhibition was organised by the list. Group's committee comprising of Esther Thomas, The Art Group would like to thank everybody who (President), Helen Lesley, Elizabeth Rogers, came to support them at the Exhibition and helped to Maureen Howie, Heidi May, Kim Mackenzie, make it the most successful to date. Christmas Caption Competition

Mr Roy Cleaver a Muir resident and local artist, painted this very topical picture of our neglected old bridge showing his own unique solution to its weakened structure!! ‗Muir Matters‘ is offering a prize of a framed print of Roy‘s painting, to the person sending us the most amusing and apt caption. No rude answers please!!

Please send your entry on a postcard along with your name, address & telephone number to:- ―Caption Competition‖, Muir Matters, Seaforth Road, Muir of Ord IV6 7TA Entries by 29th February please.

Sid MacDonald

Painter & Decorator Rock View Upper Arcan Torr-A-Chuilinn Marybank Heights of Achterneed Muir of Ord Strathpeffer, IV14 9AE Tele: 01997 433244 Tel/Fax: 01997 421719 Mobile: 07759898771 Mobile: 07801 539595

4 ‗Muir Matters‘ Issue 11 Community Association News

t‘s been a busy year for the Association with lots can put forward a proposal to purchase it. The of changes and plenty of achievements. Assoc. has agreed that the new hall working group I A Company Ltd by Guarantee was created and will take this project forward. incorporated in October 2006 but this created some dissatisfaction and there were several rather heated Skate Park meetings about it. Another item that has As a result of this, eight members of the committee been on the agenda for resigned at the Special General meeting in July and some time is the new new members of the committee were elected to take Skatepark. their place. As there appeared to Another Special General Meeting was held on 18th be a question over legal responsibility, the October where the decision was taken that the committee felt that the Skate group should be Company which had been created should be struck assigned a piece of land for the Skatepark, this off and a new Company created which would not be would give them the security of their own lease defined by postcode, as required under the Land directly from Highland Council, and would free the Reform Act 2003. This process is underway at the Association of any possible liability issues. moment. We asked Highland Council to move this forward as quickly as possible and the skate group tell us that they hope that it will be agreed and signed before Football Club Christmas. As most folks already know an area of land owned by the Association was leased Play Park to Muir of Ord Rovers Football Club so After some two years of that they could build their own facility. planning and fundraising, the They did a remarkable job with this and all building of the play park is of us in the Association would like to finally underway. Particular record our appreciation and gratitude for their hard thanks are due to Heather work and commitment. MacLean for this. Heather led this project with the support of Sale of Land the previous and the present committee and she‘s There had also been a question of selling a small devoted considerable time and energy to it but we‘ve piece of land which lies between the Lily Loch had to promise her that she will eventually get her houses and the back of the football pitch. Some felt life back..!! as this land was locked in, it was of no use to the Association. But after hearing the views of the Lily Loch residents at the meeting in June the present Playgroup committee felt that this land should not be put on the The playgroup has continued in the pavilion with market. five mornings per week but because the Association is Sports Hall obliged to ensure that the Still on the subject of land; the Assoc. has community has access to the secured the land to the other side of the Pavilion we were unable to football pitch beside Lily Loch develop- exclude the community and ment for the use of the community. It had offer our building to Highland been agreed a number of years ago that this would Council for their sole use during the daytime hours. be the site for the new hall but as there had been no We have offered five morning and three afternoon progress Highland Council‘s Housing Service had sessions but sadly Highland Council have chosen not been looking at this area for more housing. How- to use any of the afternoon sessions and this decision ever, with the support of the four ward councillors, has caused a great deal of anxiety for the affected the Ward Manager and the Corporate Manager it families. was agreed that the community could have the land Unknown to the Association, Highland Council had either on the previously agreed 60 year lease or we sent out letters in the summer offering places in the

Issue 11 ‗Muir Matters‘ 5 Pavilion without any form of consultation over the MacLean, Frances MacGruer and Moira Chalmers use of the community‘s facility. We are aware that and a special thanks to Julie MacKeddie who not only is pre-school education vital to the develop- organised everyone‘s transport and to everyone who ment of a child it is also a statutory duty on the part gave up their cars and time to ferry everyone around. of the local authority. The Association will fully I would also like to assure Mr Tom MacIver (who support any parent in their efforts to ensure that celebrated his 100th Birthday this year) that, as Highland Council fulfil that duty. requested, I have put his name on the list for next year‘s event..! Senior Citizens Christmas party Once again, The Finally, I‘d like to take this opportunity to thank Priory Hotel everyone, past and present committee members, hosted the Senior community and local businesses who have supported Citizens‘ Christ- the very important aims and objectives of the mas party and Association over the past year and sincerely hope we‘re delighted to that they will continue to do so. report that a very successful evening was enjoyed by everyone. Thanks again are due to Heather Martha Chisholm, Bringing your Garden to Life Attracting wintering birds in your garden t this time of year when it is wet and So is your garden a haven for miserable and you are cosy indoors think birds or an empty wasteland? A about the birds and other animals outside. A Is there plenty of shelter with shrubs and trees or just garden can be a thing of living beauty even at this an open area of lawn or gravel? How is the garden time of year if you invite birds in to enjoy it. From for providing food - lots of leaf litter for the birds to the colourful chaffinches to drabber dunnocks which turn over for insects, plenty of seed heads left over when looked at through binoculars from summer, berries ripe on the trees and apples are subtle greys and browns every lying on the ground? None of these! Well maybe it is bit as beautiful as the chaffies. The something you can investigate and develop into your interactions between different birds garden plan for future years. of the same species make an What to do in the short term to bring your garden interesting spectacle each day as you watch out the alive with birds? Position feeders and seed holders kitchen window at breakfast time. The fighting of close to some shelter for the birds to escape into the robins as they jostle for the best feeding when a local sparrowhawk or cat is about. Feed the territories, the scuffles of the black- birds with scraps from the house and peanuts and birds over an apple core or piece of bird seed bought locally. Avoid buying cheap bird- bread and the little coal tit hiding seed which has a lot of large wheat grain and maize sunflower seeds amongst moss or as this encourages larger birds such as wood pigeons cracks in the patio to store for later. and crows which can be a bit destructive to your Many of the birds using gardens in the Highlands bedding plants as well as encouraging rats. Another have migrated from Scandinavia and further east tip is to keep feeders clean and avoid overusing one where their summer breeding grounds are frozen spot, move feeding stations around the garden to wastes with sub zero temperatures throughout the allow areas to recover and remain healthy. winter months. They come to Britain as our winter Also put up bird boxes on fences or trees for smaller climate is milder because of our closeness to the birds to roost in at night. Atlantic Ocean warmed by the Gulf Stream. Even so By putting food out on a daily basis you get birds still require a large part of their body weight in to see not just the common birds but attract food each day to help them survive through the cold others including, siskin, tree creeper and wet nights we are having at the moment. They bullfinches as their normal food sources in quickly find suitable places to roost and good the surrounding area runs out later in the feeding areas which they use constantly until the winter giving you the opportunity see our food source runs out. less common birds. Turn to Page 22

6 ‗Muir Matters‘ Issue 11 “Muir of Ord” Jogging Capital of the Highlands!

ho would have thought 18 months ago, when the W Muir of Ord Jogscotland group was set up, that 11 of us would be running a half marathon on the 14th of October 2007 in Aviemore? That is 13.1 miles!! The weather was perfect. The route, through Rothiemurchus forest and round Loch Morlich, was stunningly beautiful and the support from friends and families was fantastic. Our fluorescent running vests with ‗Muir of Ord website: www.jogscotland.org.uk . jogscotland‘ generated a lot of interest – ‗where is Our main aim in Muir of Ord is to encourage Muir of Ord?‘ – ‗how many of you are there?‘ ‗How beginners. Jogging is a great way to get fit, to lose long have you all been running?‘ It‘s not that long weight, to make friends, to feel good about yourself. since many could hardly jog a minute, walk a minute You don‘t have to take part in events – though some- and keep that going for 30 minutes. In such events times that can be fun and a way of measuring competitors are classified according to age. Our progress. Many beginners have now taken part in Aviemore team consisted of 3 ‗seniors‘, 3 ‗veterans‘, 5K (3 mile) and a few in 10K (6 mile) events. 3 ‗super-veterans‘ and 2 ‗vintage‘. We all finished We now have 8 trained jogscotland leaders/coaches with smiles on our faces and in very respectable and we try to make sure that at least 2 of us are times. present at each session with one always supporting At the time of writing, 98 people have joined the and encouraging beginners. The biggest hurdle for Muir jogscotland group. Not everyone who joined is everyone is turning up for the first time. still jogging with the group – some have left the In the winter, we meet on Wednesdays – either 1.30 area, others have decided that jogging is not for pm or 7 pm. We meet outside the library, opposite them. Some are still jogging, but no longer able to Premier (formerly Spar). All ages (our youngest come to the group sessions because of other commit- member is 17 years and 6 of us are over 60), all ments. However 69 are jogging regularly with us levels of fitness, males and females. Come and join which is fantastic. us! Further information from Joan Munro, 01463 Jogscotland is part of Scottish Athletics and informa- 870237 or Ian Dempster, 07724 199880. tion about the organization can be found on the FOR GOODNESS SAKE...WAIT FOR THE BEEPS...!!

We‟ve been asked by a number of residents to remind everyone who uses the new pedestrian crossing on the High Street that after they press the button THEY MUST WAIT FOR THE BEEPS. This will let you know that it‟s safe to cross. Some of our elderly folk are just pressing the button and walking straight out in front of the traffic. So remember everyone - If it isn‟t beeping - you shouldn‟t be crossing..!!

Issue 11 ‗Muir Matters‘ 7 Bygone times in the Muir

n conjunction with the Living History project, Margaret Henson has kindly given us access to a re- I cording of an interview her father, Roderick Mackay, gave to Radio Highland in 1975.

During the interview, when he was 90 and sounding like a man 20 years younger, he had this to say about the market days in Muir of Ord when he was a boy (circa 1895):

‗Muir of Ord had the biggest market in the Highlands after the Falkirk and Stirling markets. We had a great number of dealers from the West with huge droves of Highland cattle. As a boy in school I used to come to help herd the cattle. I gathered the cattle in the morning and brought them to the market. The market was held on the golf course with cattle and young pigs on one side and horses on the other.

As far as prices were concerned, you wouldn‘t get much for the cattle – probably 10 or 15 pounds, but this was considered a good price at the time.

I remember the German gypsies coming to the Muir of Ord market before the War. They were a poor crowd, very down at heel and no English. The market had never seen so many people as that weekend, everyone was so curious to see them. Some people suggested they might have been spies but I don‘t think so, they were too down at heel.‘

Roderick Mackay was born at Muir of Tarradale in 1885. Margaret remembers him telling her that his first job earned him 5 shillings a week. He was working at the Post Office when WWI broke out in 1914 and as an expert telegraph operator he joined the Royal Engineers spending time in India. Unfortunately due to a bout of dysentery, he was discharged from the army in 1922.

He married in 1925 and had two children, Margaret and Ian. They moved into ‗The Sheiling‘, Tarradale Terrace, Muir of Ord in 1926 where Margaret still lives. For most of his career he worked at Ross & Cromarty County Council becoming Chief Clerk before his retirement. He died in 1981 aged 96. Hazel Chisholm

recently been contacted by their granddaughter Anita who is trying Can anyone to put together the family history and would love to know more help? detail of their time in the Muir of Ord.

Muir Matters has received a Mary Ann Drummond was request for help in trying to originally from the Aberdeen area identify this house. so maybe that would help to jog

someone‘s memory. The photograph was taken in Muir of Ord around 1937 and the house If anyone has any ideas or was inhabited by a Mary Ann recognises the house please get in Drummond. She also had a brother touch. Our contact details can be named Alexander. Alexander later found on page 13 of this issue. married and he and his family later moved to Canada but we‘ve

8 ‗Muir Matters‘ Issue 11 Local Services

Floral Creations MUIR OF ORD by Florrie Macgruer POST OFFICE

59 Highfield Circle For all your Postal Services Muir of Ord Toys * Cards* Confectionery * Wool Tele; 01463 870431 Faxing & Photo Copying, Free to use Cashline Flowers for all occasions On demand Euros (Buy & Sell) Post Office SATELLITE SERVICES at :- ROBERTSONS Marybank Hall (Tuesday & Thursday 10am to 1pm) Achterneed Hall (Tuesday & Thursday 1.30 to 4.30pm) Plus Post Office :

HOME PHONE SERVICE TO TORE THE LARDER Telephone 01463 870250 TOMICH FARM SHOP, BEAULY We would like to thank all our customers for FOR A RANGE OF SEASONAL GIFTS. their loyal support throughout the year Christmas Baskets filled with tempting treats. Home reared free range eggs, pork, dry cured bacon & pork sausages. BRIAN CORBETT ‘The Larder’ is packed with a delicious range of old fashioned quality products that FULLY EXPERIENCED MUIR OF you won’t find in supermarkets. ORD GARDENER/HANDYMAN ALL ASPECTS OF HORTICULTURE & LANDSCAPING Visit us ½ mile north of Beauly on the A862 UNDERTAKEN PLUS GENERAL GARDEN WORK. Open Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm Sun 12 - 4pm (Disabled access) HOURLY RATE £9.OO (All materials must be bought & supplied by client) 01463 782181 Robertsonstomichfarmshop.co.uk For more information contact 01463 871119 (After 6.00pm) REGULAR MAINTENANCE INCLUDING:- Tartan & Lace DIGGING, WEEDING, HEDGE PRUNING, CLEANING RHONE PIPES (SINGLE Specialist in Bespoke, Handcrafted & Celtic items. STOREY ONLY). PATHS LAID,FENCES ERECTED/ PAINTED/PRESERVED. WEED KILLING SERVICE

Highland Dress Sales & Hire for special occasions. WINTER WORK INCLUDES:- Bridal Tiaras, Fascinators & Bridesmaids’ PRESSURE CLEANING OF DRIVEWAYS & PATHS. WEEDING, Accessories. FRUIT TREES SPRAYED, PLANTING & PRUNING TOOL SHARPENING SERVICE Christmas Gift Ideas; naturatanning Hip flasks, Quaichs, Sporrans, look good feel good…………. Jewellery, Clan items. Celtic & tartan gifts. With naturasun spray tanning Spend over £50 and receive a £5 Gift Voucher get that holiday look and feeling Forces Discount Available all year round.

For more information or book an appointment For advice call Sonya Call Susan on 01463 871005 or 07732222285 on 01349 865009 Certified naturasun operator Inchvannie Court, Dingwall Make an appointment today

Issue 11 ‗Muir Matters‘ 9 A - Z of The Muir Clubs/Associations Art Group Football Club (The Rovers) Tues @ 7.00pm & Sat 10.00am / 12 noon Football for all ages. The old School Further details can be obtained from Team Contact Annie MacLean on 870274 Coach Billy MacGruer on 870093 Meet all year round. Anyone wishing to join the Committee will be welcome.

Bowling Indoor Jogging for Beginners Saturday evening @ 7pm Wednesday @ 1.30pm to 2.30pm plus Village Hall, Seaforth Road 7.00pm to 8.00pm (Age no barrier) Contact Ann Bell 01463 870170 Contact: Joan Munro 870237, Hazel Keiro Meet October to April 01997 414376 & Ian Dempster 07724 199 880

Bowling Outdoor Lunch Club Meet April to September Club nights Wednesday & Saturday & 7pm. Wednesday @12 noon Contact details ; Village Hall, Seaforth Road Maureen Howie 870282 Contact details 01463 870065

Bridge Club Over 60s Club Thursday evenings 7.00pm - 9.30pm 2nd Wednesday of the month @ 7.00pm GP Room, Tarradale School Tarradale School Contact Dot Chalmers on 870045 Contact details Ken Howie 01463 870282 Meet September to April Meet October to April

Community Association Scrabble Club Monday afternoon 2.00pm - 4.00pm Meeting are held Bi-monthly in the Pavilion . Church Hall, Seaforth Road. Next Meeting Tuesday February 5th @ 7.30pm Contact Muriel Mackay on Contact details; 870033 01463 870917

Community Council Swimming Club Monday All meetings are open to the public. Meet in the Square They are normally held in Tarradale School and are advertised locally. Contact 871200, 870315 or 871731

Country Dancing S.W.R.I. Monday evenings 1st Monday of the month @ 7.30pm October / April Village Hall, Seaforth Road Village Hall 7.30 - 9.30pm Contact Mrs R Gair, 870509 Contact Ellan Cromb 870860 Meet September to May

Curling Club Walking Group (Step-it-up) Monday evenings, 7.30pm & 9.30pm If you would like to get involved in the group, Inverness Ice Rink, Bught Park. receive a pedometer progress card, a Great Contact ; Tom Inglis on 01463 870693 Glen Way Challenge Map, please contact or Email [email protected] Step it up Highland 01463 72997

Are you a member of a local club or group which is not mentioned above? To advertise your club or group free on this page contact ‘Muir Matters’, our contact details can be found on page 13.

10 ‗Muir Matters‘ Issue 11 The Really Really Useful Page Telephone Numbers Library Opening Hours Doctor‘s Surgeries Monday: 10am /12..30pm, 2/ 5 pm & 6/ 8 pm Strathlene, Muir of Ord 01463 870843 Thursday: 10am / 12.30 pm & 6/ 8 pm Croyard Rd, Beauly 01463 782794 Friday2.00 / 5.00pm Dingwall Med. Group 01349 863030

Aird Practice, Beauly 01463 782214 Internet access Chemist Talking books for adults and children are available and Muir of Ord Pharmacy - 01463 870806 a selection of magazines can be read on the premises. Telephone/Fax 01463 870196 Hospitals Raigmore - 01463 704000 Ross Memorial - 01349 863313 The Rape and Abuse Line (RAL) ‗NHS 24‘ - 08454 24 24 24 The Rape and Abuse line offers a freephone confidential helpline to persons who have survived rape or abuse no matter how long Samaritans ago their experiences were. We also offer support to the family or 0845 7909090 partner of the person who has been affected. We can, where Inverness - 01463 713456 possible, arrange for face to face counselling. Our helplines are: Alcohol DrinkLine 08 08 800 123 answered by female support workers. Freefone - 0800 917 8282 08 08 800 122 answered by male support workers. Both lines are manned most evenings between 7pm & 10pm. Childline (RAL is a registered charity; SC 007515) Freefone - 0800 1111

National Drugs Helpline Alcohol Counselling Service Ross / Freefone 0800 77 66 00 Need someone to talk to? Council Services Free confidential one to one counselling Support for family and friends Highland Council - 01463 702000 Out of hours confidential answering service *** Telephone 01862 894097 Council: Refuse Collection 01349 863381 The agency works throughout Ross-shire & Sutherland and those *** wishing for an appointment will be seen in a confidential setting. Dingwall Leisure Centre All our counsellors are trained by Alcohol Focus 01349 864226 Opening hours Monday to Friday 9am : 4pm. *** M.O.O. Service Point - 01463 870201 *** D.J. MACLENNAN & SON Dog Warden Funeral Directors Westwater, West Road, Muir of Ord Schools Established 1947 Dingwall Academy - 01349 863071 Tel: 01463 870891 & 01463 741312 Mulbuie - 01349 861289 Tarradale - 01463 870484 *** Hearse & Limousine– Funerals & Cremations Police Private Rest Room Muir of Ord - 01463 870222 Distance no Object—24 hour Service Crime Stoppers - 0800 555 111 *** “Your local business serving a wide area with Post Office - 01463 870250 *** sensitivity and dignity” ‗Handy Person Service‘ Golden Charter and Golden Leaves Funeral Plans 01349 884774

Hearse and Limousine hire available

Issue 11 ‗Muir Matters‘ 11 The Really Really Useful Page 2 Train Times to and from The Muir Bus Times to and from Muir of Ord to Inverness The Muir Monday to Saturday 0754, 0936, 1017, 1116, 1156, 1343, 1408, 1559, 1630 1857, 1945, 2013 & 2235 Muir of Ord to Inverness Sunday Monday to Friday 1548, 1724 0640, 0715, 0805, 0905, 1005, 1105, 1205, 1305, 1405, 1505, 1605, 1705, 1805, 1917, 2017, 2217 plus 0803, 1105 &1435 via Kessock & 1803 to Longman bus depot. Saturday 0640, 0715, 0811, 0905, 1005, 1105, 1205, 1305, 1405, 1505, 1605, 1705, 1810, 1917, 2017, 2217 plus 0803 & 1435 via Kessock Sunday Inverness to Muir of Ord 1139, 1339, 1539, 1739, & 1959 Monday to Saturday 0714, 0853, 0915, 1039, 1052, 1217, 1433 Inverness to Muir of Ord 1703, 1752, 1815 & 2039 Monday to Friday Sunday 0615*, 0650* , 0745, 0845, 0940, 0945, 1045, 1145, 1245, 1118, 1800 1310, 1345, 1445, 1600, 1610, 1700, 1710, 1800, Muir of Ord to Dingwall 1900,2100, & 2320 Monday to Saturday Saturday 0734, 0914, 0938, 1103, 1116, 1238, 1455 0615*, 0800, 0845, 0940, 0945, 1045, 1145, 1245, 1310, 1726, 1813, 1837 & 2101 1345, 1445, 1600, 1705, 1710, 1800, 1900, 2100, & 2320 Sunday Sunday 1138, 1825 0945, 1145, 1345, 1545 & 1830 Dingwall to Muir of Ord Monday to Saturday 0744, 0925, 1007, 1053, 1146, 1331, 1400, 1550, 1621 1849, 1935, 2004 & 2226 Sunday 1539, 1715 From 9th December 2007 to 17th May 2008

Highland Council DIAL-A-BUS SERVICE Operated by C & E Taxis Muir of Ord to Dingwall This service is available Monday & Friday; Monday to Friday 7am - 8am & 6pm - 7pm plus Tuesday, Thursday & 0823, 0923, 1013, 1023, 1123, 1223, 1323, 1343, 1423, Friday; 7am - 8am, 9am - 1pm & 4pm - 7pm. 1523, 1638, 1643, 1738, 1844, 1944, 2144 & 0004 Telephone bookings 01349 866007 Saturday 0838, 0923, 1013, 1023, 1123, 1223, 1323, 1343, 1423, For more information pick up a brochure from the 1523, 1638, 1743, 1844, 1944, 2144 & 0004 Service Point, Seaforth Road. Sunday 1032, 1232, 1432, 1632, & 1917 Shopmobility Highland Dingwall to Muir of Ord Inverness, Falcon Gallery, Car Park Level 2, All times from the Royal Hotel Eastgate Centre, Inverness, IV2 3PR. Monday to Friday Tel; 01463 717624 or email [email protected] 0750, 0850, 0950, 1045, 1050, 1150, 1250, 1350, 1415, Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 5.00pm. 1450, 1550, 1650, 1750, 1905, 2005, 2205 Saturday Dingwall; Nicol‘s Court, Dingwall, IV15 9SW; Tel; 01349 0756, 0850, 0950, 1045, 1050, 1150, 1250, 1350, 1415, 1450, 1550, 1650, 1755, 1905, 2005 & 2205 866040 or email [email protected] Sunday Monday to Friday 10.00am - 4.00pm 1128, 1328, 1528, 1728, & 1948

The service can also provide you with an escort if you *Leaves from Longman bus depot require any assistance with your shopping, and if you are travelling by public transport chairs can be arranged to meet you on your arrival. Latest published times

12 ‗Muir Matters‘ Issue 11 The Really Really Useful Page 3 ave you relatives and friends staying away from the Muir who would be interested in receiving a copy of ‗Muir Want to contact us? H Matters‘? We could mail them a copy on your behalf for a yearly subscription of: UK 1st class £4.80, and overseas rates of: Europe £7.00, World Zones 1 and 2 £8.80. Price includes, ‗Muir Matters‘, postage & packing plus 10p handling charge. For more information please write, email or telephone we will be happy to discuss your requirements. To order a copy of „Muir Matters‟ please contact us using the details as given on this page. Back copies of ‗Muir Matters‘ are also available on request.

The Communications Group are looking for old photographs of Muir of Ord as part of our Living History Project. If any of our readers are in possession of old snaps of the ―Muir Matters‖ village and surrounding area we would love to hear from you. Village Hall We promise to take great care of your photographs and Seaforth Road return them to you as soon as possible. Muir of Ord Please contact us using the details as shown above. IV6 7TA Tele: 01463 870822

Do you know something Email: [email protected] [email protected] we don‟t? Muir Matters is constantly growing and evolving, so if Visit our Website on you’re aware of any new material, information or stories that www.muirmatters.co.uk you think we could include then please get in touch. Please write, email or give us a call. Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the editors of ‘Muir Matters’ take no responsibility for errors in Do you live in a Council or ex-Council house? articles submitted.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO ? Would you like to see improvements made in or around PUBLICISE YOUR SERVICES your home? IN ‘MUIR MATTERS’

NEWSLETTER? ? Did you know Council tenants have a legal right to be For further details & cost consulted about their Housing Service? Contact Maureen Thomson on 01463 870365 ? Would you like to join with your neighbours or other Council tenants in your area to tell us what improvements are necessary where you live? Whilst we welcome and look forward to receiving letters and articles for If you would like to find out more please call: publication in „Muir Matters‟ we Carol Elliot, The Highland Council Tenant reserve the right to alter or amend Participation Officer for your area on them as we deem necessary. 01349 877408 or All correspondence must be e-mail [email protected] accompanied by your name, address and telephone number.

The next issue of „Muir Matters‟ will be on sale from Early March 2008. Any articles for inclusion must be submitted by our deadline of Friday 15h February 2008

Issue 11 ‗Muir Matters‘ 13 Local Services Culture Cuts MINIBUSES Professional Ladies & Gents Hair Salon Why not treat yourself to a new FOR HIRE Style for The New Year? Call in to see what we can do for you. CMH, MUIR OF ORD Call us on 01463 870205 8/16 SEATERS FOR HIRE Natural Nails 16 PEOPLE TO INVERNESS £40 Janet Smith TO AND FROM INVERNESS £75 Qualified Nail Technician ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED 11, Ord Place, Muir of Ord Manicure, Pedicure, Gels, Acrylics & Overlays, TEL; 01463 870345 New Body & Facial Waxing Daytime & Evening Bookings Available Proprietor C MacLeod, For an appointment telephone 01463 870475 , mobile 07745637819 16 Corrie Gardens, Muir of Ord

Reflexology ALEXANDER & MACKAY GARAGE SERVICES the natural step to better health Christmas Gift Vouchers £20 Over 40 years Main Dealer Experience Susan Bennetta, IIR, MAR West Lodge, Highfield, Muir of Ord (FORD, JAGUAR & VW SPECIALISTS) 01463-871900 ALL MAKES CATERED FOR

ELEANOR FISHER Unit 18, Tomich Industrial Estate, Muir of Ord, Ross-shire In-Touch Therapies Tele: 01463 871321

Ord Road, Muir of Ord 01463 871866 & 07887 556503 QUALITY WORK AT AFFORDABLE PRICES Massage : Aromatherapy : : Indian Head Massage : Hopi Ear Candles : Seasons greetings to all our customers

CHIQUE BOUTIQUE HAIR & TANNING SALON Matrix Products Professional Colouring & Cutting by our Stylists Caroline & Donella

Gift Christmas greetings to all our customers Vouchers Available www.intouchhighland.co.uk FORBES BUILDINGS, MUIR OF ORD Tel: 01463 870 054

14 ‗Muir Matters‘ Issue 11 Weekly Activities Church of God, Muir of Ord. Evening Services Monday Every Sunday @ 6.30pm In the Village Hall Village Hall, Seaforth Road Bodybalance @ 10am to 11am Local believers organise fellowship meetings. In the Free Church Hall, West Road Sunday evenings. Everyone Welcome. Mother & Toddler Afternoon (contact Deirdre 871257) Pastor W G McLaughlan B.A.Hons.PGCE In the Church Hall, Seaforth Road Contact Church Secretary 01463 870001 Scrabble Club meets @ 2.00pm. Meet in the Square Church of Scotland Swimming Club, contact 871200, 870315 or 871731 Service times:

1st & 3rd Sundays of the month at the West Tuesday Church , 11.00am. In the Free Church Hall, West Road 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sundays at the East Church, Noah's Ark Group 10am - 11.30am Seaforth Road, 11.00am In the Old School Evening Services at 6.30pm in the East Church. Art Group @ 7pm Morning crèche available

Wednesday Pastoral Care Group In the Village Hall In the Church of Scotland we have a pastoral care Babyzone from 9.30 to 1.30pm group that visits the house-bound, sick, elderly (for more details phone Health Visitor 783403) and others in need. If anyone who presently does Lunch Club @ 12 noon (870065 for futher details) not receive a visit feels they would like one, please Scout Group @ 5.15 to 9.30pm contact Ivy on 01463-870308. (For further details telephone 01463 870810) Meet in the Square Beginners Jogging @ 1.30pm to 2.30pm plus Free Church 7.00pm to 8.00pm (Age no barrier) Further info. from Joan West Road, Muir of Ord Munro 870237, Hazel Keiro 01997 414376 & Service Times : Ian Dempster 07724 199 880 Sunday 12 noon and 6.30pm Healthways Step-it-up Walking Group @ 2pm Creche Available

Thursday School Calendar Session 2007/2008 In the Village Hall Open Close Egyptian Belly Dancing @ 10am - 11.30am Hip Hop Street Dance @ 7 - 8pm Thursday Meet in the Square 20th December 07 Jogging 7.00pm (will be stopping during winter months) Monday Thursday 7th January 08 20th March 08 Friday Monday Friday In the Village Hall 7th April 08 27th June 08 Legs, Bums & Tums @ 10.00 - 11.00am Step & Step Dance @ 6.15 - 8.30pm Muir of Ord Scout Group In the Free Church Hall, West Road Contact Numbers Jam Club @ 4 to 5pm (contact Deirdre 871257) Friday Zone @ 6.30 (contact Nicki 870250) Scouts (10 - 14 years) 8pm to 9.30pm Youth Club @7.30 (contact Chisholm Urquhart 871257) Alf McGregor 01463 870810 In the Church Hall, Seaforth Road Challengers academy age @ 7.30pm ( Alistair 870259) Cubs (8 - 10 years) 6.30pm to 7.45pm Tracey Macleman 01463 870810 Saturday In the Old School Beavers ( 6—8 years) 5.15pm to 6.15pm Art Group 10am to 12 noon Brenda McGregor 01463 870810 In the Village Hall Indoor Bowling @ 7pm Wednesdays in the Village Hall

Issue 11 ‗Muir Matters‘ 15 The Really Really Useful Page 3½ Diary Dates The Handy Person Service Whist Drives This service is available to pensioners over 60 and those Muir of Ord Bowling Club is holding a with a disability, who find it difficult or impossible to undertake small jobs around their homes. Whist Drive on 30th January 2008 Some examples of tasks undertaken are fitting and in the Golf Club @ 7.30pm. Admission £2 hanging curtains, moving furniture around the house, For more details contact Ken Howie on 870282 replacing washers, unblocking drains, cleaning gutters (single storey) and much more. For more information Church of Scotland Guild phone 01349 884774 Seaforth Road Church Hall @ 7.30pm

Ross-shire Women's Aid 28th January - Alzheimers Scotland with We provide refuge, support and information to women Mrs E. MacDonald children and young people who have experienced 25th February - Post Natal Depression with Domestic Abuse. To speak to someone confidentially Mrs C Smith plus Project Night/Bring & Buy please telephone 01349 863568 Monday to Friday 10am 7th March - World Day of Prayer to 5pm (24 hour answering service) Christian Women of Guyana A warm welcome to all Citizens Advice Bureau 4 Church Street, Dingwall, IV15 9SB Telephone; 01349 864850 Fax; 01349 862898 or Email; S.W.R.I [email protected] Village Hall @ 7.30pm Office Hours; 10.00 to 2.00 Tuesday, Wednesday 7th January - Bums & Tums with Daphne Fraser and Friday 4th February - Craft Evening with Alison McKenzie 5th March - Talk by Gail Langdale on Seirra Leone Telephone Preference Service (TPS) Are you fed up with unwanted and Indoor Bowlers Coffee Morning unsolicited telephone calls? You can register free of charge for this service when you Saturday 15th Dec. 10am - 12 noon do not want to receive direct marketing calls. Village Hall, Seaforth Road. Call 0845 07 007 07; 24 hours a day 7 days a week to Also access this automated service. Floral Display & Raffle Florrie MacGruer Have You Registered Yet? Why not register your mobile phone free of charge on the National Mobile Phone Register by Over 60s Christmas Party visiting www.immobilise.com The information given can help the Police to Wednesday 19th December return lost or stolen phones to their rightful @ 7.30pm owners. It also enables a bar to be placed on the phones SIM card which prevents unauthorised use whilst out of Village Hall, Seaforth Road your hands. Phones can only be registered through the website. Over 60, Club Before you go on-line, you need a note of your phones serial number. You can obtain this by keying *#06# into Wednesday 9th January the handset, the 15-digit number immediately appears. If Tarradale School @ 7pm. you aren‘t on-line at home, the library will provide help Speaker Alistair Cameron on ‗Highland Recycling‘ and internet access.

Pets & Animals - Useful Telephone Numbers Don‟t forget to buy a ticket for the SSPCA: 01463 231191 “Muir Matters” Christmas Hamper RSPB: 01463 715000 Cat Protection League: 01463 225138 Available in Forbes and priced at 50p, this bumper Munlochy Animal Aid: 01463 811722 hamper of goodies could make Do you have a useful telephone number that you could share your Christmas just that

with us? Please get in touch and we will add it to our extra bit special. Really Really Useful Pages.

16 ‗Muir Matters‘ Issue 11 MY FAVOURITE recipe Turkey au gratin (using left over turkey) Serves 4 chopped parsley 3) Pour the mixture over the Preparation time; 15 minutes 3 oz brown breadcrumbs turkey. Dot with butter. Sprinkle Cooking time; 30-40 minutes Parmesan cheese, grated. the breadcrumbs and parmesan on top and cook in a preheated oven 1 lb cooked turkey, chopped 1) Arrange the turkey in a shallow ( 160°C, 325°F, Gas mark 3) for 1 oz butter ovenproof dish. Melt the butter 30-40 minutes. 4 oz blanched almonds and toss the almond in it until Garnish with parsley. Sauce golden. Sprinkle the nuts and 1 oz butter or margarine butter over the turkey. 1 oz plain flour 2) Melt the butter and stir in the 1 pint milk flour. Slowly add the milk and 2 oz Cheddar cheese, grated simmer for 2 minutes. Add the 1 clove garlic, crushed cheesed and garlic, season to taste. seasoning Stir until the cheese has melted.

Brigid concedes it‘s the heat and not the actual Pedal Power to cycling that will be the toughest challenge. ‗It is hard to prepare for conditions of 30 degrees with an Cambodia!! 85% humidity rate while living in the Highlands!‘

To give an idea of just how far Brigid will be ocal resident Brigid Primrose (46) of Fairmuir cycling, she says it is equivalent to cycling from Road is very excited at the prospect of her trip L Inverness to the Lake District. Not at all daunted by to Asia next February. Nothing strange about that this prospect she says she is so keen to go, she you might think until you discover that she is going wishes it was next week! there to cycle from Vietnam to Cambodia covering

500 km in under a week! The fundraising part of participating in an event like

this, however, can be the most stressful part. ‗I pay The Alzheimer‘s Society is the charity benefiting for the cost of the trip myself and had to raise £1,600 from her fundraising efforts and one close to in sponsorship with every penny raised going to The Brigid‘s heart. Her mum, Ann, suffered from Alzheimer‘s Society.‘ She says that people have vascular dementia for the last few years of her life been very generous in their support and she has and died in 2006 aged 87. Although not as harrow- already reached her target, which she is delighted ing as full-blown Alzheimer‘s, research has shown about. that 1 in 3 adults will suffer from dementia in their lifetime. The Alzheimer‘s Society is the UK‘s leading dementia care and research charity for people with dementia, their carers and families.

No newcomer to charity fundraisers, Brigid has completed sponsored walks in aid of Macmillan Cancer Research in the Canadian Rockies, Costa Rica and Iceland. This is the first time she has taken on a cycling event. ‗Muir Matters‘ would like to take this opportunity to

wish Brigid the very best with her cycle which Most days she cycles to her job in Inverness and this begins Feb 23rd and finishes March 5th 2008. We has helped greatly with raising her fitness. ‗I have will have an update on how it went for our March gradually got more into cycling over the last few issue. years and have always really fancied going to

Vietnam and Cambodia. This challenge allows me

to do both.‘ Hazel Chisholm

Issue 11 ‗Muir Matters‘ 17 Church of Scotland donation to Urray House thanked the Pastoral Care team for the donation. He said that they are all looking forward to a positive future with a new home planned in the next 2 to 3 years where residents and staff will have the most modern facilities available.

The aim of the Pastoral Care at the Church of Scotland in Muir of Ord is to visit the house-bound, sick and elderly and to offer them support.

From the beginning of May through to the end of September, the Pastoral Care team organised a coffee morning every Friday in the Church Hall. It was called ‗Coffee at the Kirk‘ and was well n 1 November, 2007, some members of the attended. There was no charge but donations were O Pastoral Care team at the Church of Scotland, welcome. From that coffee morning a total of £584 Muir of Ord, presented a cheque for £200 to the was raised, £200 going to Urray House, £140 to the Urray House Amenity Fund. The cheque was MacMillan Cancer Fund with the rest to be used for handed over by Cathie Hamilton to Hugh MacPhee a Pastoral Care work in the Muir of Ord and surround- resident there for the past six years. ing area.

Tim Blackie, Interim Manager of Urray House A big thank you to all in the community who

Indoor Bowling Club News Help Required, Please………!!!!

Muir of Ord Rovers need a few more volunteers for football coaching in the under 12‘s category. We have a happy bunch of kids (and coaches) with the focus firmly on making sure that the kids enjoy taking part in the football festivals and their other occasional activities. Coaching courses are made available to the volunteers and a wide network of support is available from the club*. Muir of Ord Indoor Bowling Club, which meets in Some knowledge about the game will obviously be the Village Hall every Saturday evening, recently an advantage...!! held its first competition of the winter. Those who In addition, due to popular demand, girls‘ football took part are pictured here; from left to right, training hopefully will re-commence shortly but Johnny Black, Gwen Black, Ian Bremner, Liz we need adult female supervisors. So if any mums, Bremner, May Hunter, Margaret Smith, Christine sisters or grannies would be interested in helping Hammond, Eleanor Innes, Muriel Mackay, Ann Bell then please get in touch. and Donnie Mackay. The winners of the Club Pairs If you would like to help the kids then please Championship were Johnny Black and Ian Bremner contact Leonard 870209 or Trevor 870941 with Eleanor Innes and Ian Hammond runners-up. *All coaches and supervisor disclosure checks will be paid for by the football club. If you are going to make a book end badly, it must end badly from the beginning. Quote by Henry James

**** Please return this book; I find that though many of my friends are good arithmeticians, they are nearly all good bookkeepers!! Quote by Sir Walter Scott.

18 ‗Muir Matters‘ Issue 11 Nifty after 50 – then join RSVP‟s volunteer programme and help your community. ATIONAL organisation which pairs older of skills in schools by assisting pupils with activities volunteers with suitable tasks is looking for such as story reading, spelling, language, piano, N help. The Retired and Senior Volunteer baking, needle and fabric work, knitting, computing, Programme (RSVP), who work with a wide range of gardening, helping in the library and much organisations, uses the public's expertise and experi- more. Due to the demand for our services we ence to boost their ability to make an impact on require additional volunteers, including those with communities. Linda Skinner, RSVP‘s Highland an interest in the environment and those interested in Development Officer said: "At the heart of what our the culture and heritage of the Highlands to assist Retired and Senior Volunteers achieve is the notion within schools. We have a particular interest in that those over 50 are not a problem for society, but attracting Gaelic volunteers. an extremely valuable resource with skills, In addition to school volunteers RSVP is currently knowledge and time to commit to benefit the looking for volunteer knitters due to the local communities they live in. Earlier this year RSVP demand for their trauma teddies and other knitted published a report "Retire into Action", which was items. In addition, the RSVP Knitting Project the subject of a debate in the . urgently requires any spare wool you may have lying The report outlined the benefits of volunteering for around unused, which can be put to extremely good older people in terms of providing a sense of use knitting Trauma Teddies for the local emergency purpose, opportunities for self development and services, knee rugs for the elderly, and many other building confidence as well as helping break down items to be passed on to good causes in the isolation for both themselves and their communities. community. RSVP, which has in excess of 1300 volunteers working in a range of community projects through- out Scotland, works in partnership with a host of organisations including voluntary and community groups, public authorities and the private sector. Working in partnership with RSVP provides benefits to small community initiatives. This can be access to policies and practice and RSVP‘s insurance for For further details of how you can help with these volunteers up to age 85. and other activities please contact Linda Ann RSVP runs a very successful schools volunteering Skinner, Development Officer, RSVP on 01463 programme. RSVP volunteers use their wide range 713549 or by e-mailing [email protected]

the 11th tee by lan Bruce and Davy the Golf Club on the Sunday night HEIDER CUP Simpson - rumour has it that what after the competition. 2007 Trophy win for the Muir was in the Irish lads‘ drinks, did Next September sees the return visit The photograph shown on the right nothing to help their game, but we to Sligo by the Muir golfers and we was taken at a recent golf competition would like to think that we won this will keep you posted as to the held between some of the Muir's year 'fair and square'. outcome. 'finest' golfers and an equally This is the third competition which By Ian Bruce impressive team from County Sligo has been held between the led by our own Charlie Munro who two and the second visit to now resides in Sligo along with his Muir of Ord by our Irish wife Yvonne. Both teams were piped friends. A great weekend of to the first tee by Willie Sutherland entertainment was had by all and Jim Thomson, ably led by including an impressive meal Charlie Munro, served at the Ord Arms Team Captain for Sligo and Alan Hotel with entertainment by Gitsham, Team Captain for Muir of George, Gill and Mandy and

Ord. Refreshments were provided at a very enjoyable evening in

Issue 11 ‗Muir Matters‘ 19

ORDKIDZ are growing! If you have any ideas for sessions, have skills to share (music? sports?) or would like to find out more ORDKIDZ is a new group organising fun classes for about ORDKIDZ, then please call Jenny on 871166 children in the village. We're currently running Tiger or Lizbeth on 870865. Toes and Tiger Feet, music and movement sessions for 2-3 and 3-5 year olds. More than 30 children have been coming along and having a great time, and we plan to continue these sessions in the New Year. Recently we held our 1st very successful AGM at which lots of interest was shown in the group. Watch out for the new classes which are due to commence after the February break. We're also setting up a new baby and toddlers’ Pictured above are Lizbeth Collie (Parent Helper), group in the Village Hall, which should be up Libby Daye (Dance Teacher) & Jenny Porter and running soon. (Treasurer) Muir of Ord Bowling Club - Trophy Winners

Following their last "Spoon" competition for the season, the Muir of Ord Bowling Club held the annual presentation of trophies. The winners were as follows:- Club Champion - John Gourlay; runner-up Willie Stewart. Seniors - Willie Stewart; runner-up Geoff Reid. Gents Singles - Willie Stewart; runner-up Geoff Reid. Ladies Singles - Jennifer Mackay; runner-up Moira Fanning. "Spoon" Trophy - Joint winners - Stewart Torrie and Willie Stewart. Fraser Floodlit Triples - Maureen Howie, Ken Howie and John Hay; runners-up Brian Forsyth, Roy Cleaver and Geoff Reid. Two Bowl Pairs - Dot Chalmers and Heather Stewart; runners-up Ernie Smart and John Hay. Gibson Rinks - Gwen Black, Wilma Fraser, John Black and John Gourlay; runners -up Moira Torrie, Dot Chalmers, Christine Hammond and Jennifer Mackay. Two Bowl Singles - Jennifer Mackay; runner-up Willie Stewart. E. Jack Rinks - Bob Putnam, Dot Chalmers, John Black; runners-up Moira Fanning, Liz Whittet, Ian Hammond. Clark Pairs - Moira Torrie and Heather Stewart; runners-up Stewart Torrie and Ian Hammond. Willie Bell Triples - Maureen Howie, Ken Diss and Liz Whittet; runners-up Barbara Gordon, Roy Cleaver and Brian Forsyth. Club Triples - Ian Bremner, Ken Howie and Willie Stewart; runners-up Ken Diss, May Hunter and Moira Torrie. Club Pairs - Barbara Gordon and Willie Stewart; runners-up John Hay and Ernie Smart. The trophies were handed over by the club secretary, Mrs Maureen Howie. In his closing address the club president, Ken Howie, paid tribute to Mrs Heather Stewart, match secretary, for her sterling work in organising all of the competi- tions in such an efficient manner. The season was rounded up with a delightful tea, made all the more so by the excellent service provided by the gentlemen of the Club!

Muir Micro Muir Micro Solutions Ltd A Plea to Solutions Registered Office Dog Owners Andrew Macleman 16 Newmore ‗Muir Matters’ has Muir of Ord received several reports that once again dog fouling Ross-shire Computer Building IV6 7RG is on the increase. This is especially so along the Repairs / Upgrades Great North Road and The Meadows Area. Networks / Consultation Please, please, please would dog owners ensure Tel / Fax No: 01349 866000 / 866111 that every time your dog fouls you E-mail: [email protected] "bag it and bin it".

20 ‗Muir Matters‘ Issue 11 Letters to the Editor Show a little kindness made our holidays even more special. He is very sorely missed. The drivers enjoyed meeting their fans, over a The verse below seemed such an apt little sequel to cup of tea and the famous Forbes Shortbread. Beware Margaret Smiths‘ letter in the last edition of ―Muir they may be back next year. Well done one and all. Matters‖ re her blind brother being accosted by a group

of boys and how one lad very bravely reproached them. George & Val Sutherland Barbara Gordon, Muir of Ord Ordwood Sawmill Somebody's mother Muir of Ord The woman was old and ragged and grey And bent with the chill of the Winter's day. Tarradale School Photo (1924/25) The street was wet with a recent snow In issue 10 of Muir matters and again in issue 11, you And the woman's feet were aged and slow. published a class in Tarradale School. You wondered She stood at the crossing and waited long, when the photo was taken and if anyone could name any Alone, uncared for, amid the throng of the pupils. My mother, Elsie Ross (nee MacKenzie), Of human beings who passed her by who is now resident in Highview House Care Home in Nor heeded the glance of her anxious eyes. Inverness, is in the photo, which she reckons must have Down the street, with laughter and shout, Glad in the freedom of 'school let out,' been taken in 1924 or 25. She can name every one of the Came the boys like a flock of sheep, pupils in it: Hailing the snow piled white and deep. Back Row:Charlie MacKenzie (Charlie the Trapper); Past the woman so old and grey Peggy Gair; Margaret Fraser (later Forbes); Margaret Hastened the children on their way. MacKenzie (my mother’s sister); Sandy MacEwan; nd Nor offered a helping hand to her - Angus MacRae; Rebecca Tuach; John Tunnah.2 Back So meek, so timid, afraid to stir Row:John McColgan; Bella Chisholm; Alec McCulloch; At last came one of the merry troop, Nancy Watson; Hugh Fraser; Colin MacRae; Frances The cheeriest lad of all the group; Fraser; Sarah MacKay; Hugh Watson.3rd Row:Elsie He paused beside her and whispered low, MacKenzie (later Ross); Essie Logan; Nan Kennedy; "I'll help you cross, if you wish to go." Florrie Gordon; Margaret Ross; Jessie Grant; Jessie Her aged hand on his strong young arm Junor; Bunty Forbes.Seated at front:John Burns; Alistair She placed, and so, without hurt or harm, Hamilton; Ralph Campbell; Jackie Ross; Alan MacRae. He guided the trembling feet along, Proud that his own were firm and strong. May I congratulate you on the interesting informative Then back again to his friends he went, and useful content of your newsletter, and wish you and His young heart happy and well content. all who help to produce ―Muir Matters‖ continued "She's somebody's mother, boys, you know, success. For all she's aged and poor and slow, Best wishes And I hope some fellow will lend a hand Judy Ross To help my mother, you understand, If ever she's poor and old and grey, And her own dear boy is far away." Alzheimer Scotland Tea Party and 'Somebody's mother' bowed low her head Bring and Buy Sale; 21 Sept 2007 In her home that night, and the prayer she said Was "God be kind to the noble boy, The tea party and bring and buy sale held at Tarradale Who is somebody's son, and pride and joy!" House on a beautiful sunny day raised a total of £775. This sum has been used to help run Alzheimer Mary Dow Brine (1816-1913) Scotland's day centres at Tain and Inverness. Local businesses generously donated items for a luxury hamper Vintage Tractors which was raffled on the day. Friends and family gave Could we say a huge thank you to the people of Muir of enormous support both prior to and on the day itself, Ord, who so generously supported the ―Round the Horne with organising, baking and advertising the event. My Vintage Tractor Run‖ on the 29th September 2007. thanks to all who attended on the day, making it such a Organised by Neil & Mina MacDonald, The Heights, happy event, and to those who were unable to come but who persuaded 21 tractor drivers to take part, the sum of made generous donations. I look forward to arranging a £6223.90 was raised for Chest, Heart & Stroke, (with similar event in 2008! donations still coming in) in memory of Mike Horne. Mike was a much loved driver with Spa Coaches, whose Judith Grant courtesy to one and all along with a wicked sense of fun, Tarradale House, Muir of Ord

Issue 11 ‗Muir Matters‘ 21 Continued from Page 6 group you could ask me to come along one evening Have a field guide close by as you may get more un- to talk about gardening for wildlife. usual visitors such as waxwing and So there is no excuse in being unable to make your brambling which have been forced desert into an oasis for wildlife. Just get on with it. over to this side of the North Sea as conditions in Scandinavia worsen. Merry Christmas from Martin Hind, Easter Ross Ranger. Tel: 01349 868563 or e.mail: If you are part of a community [email protected]

travelled with on outings and holidays. The viewing Round the Horne Tractor Run of the tractors was enjoyed by old and young and C.H.S. benefited by £6223.90, a fitting tribute to n a lovely afternoon in September Ordwood Mike. O Sawmill, Muir of Ord was the setting for a refreshment stop of 2I vintage tractors. They were on a fund raising run from Dingwall to Rosemarkie, through the Black Isle and returning via Beauly to Muir of Ord on the finishing stretch to Dingwall. The hospitality stop was provided by George and Val Sutherland, all in aid of Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland.

The above photograph of the cheque presentation was taken on a wet and windy day in December and shows Front; George Sutherland, Mo Dunbar (CHS Regional Fundraiser), Pearl Horne (Widow of Mike) The event was organised by Norman of Spa Coaches & Val Sutherland. Strathpeffer in memory of Mike Horne. Mike was a Back row; Graham Turnbull, Norman MacArthur, & well known bus driver who many in Muir of Ord Neil MacDonald. Val Sutherland DAY TRIP TO EDINBURGH Contact the Elderly & THE TATTOO A Contact the Elderly Group has been running I again propose to run a mixed Coach Trip to Edinburgh the Muir of Ord area for over 10 years. During and theTattoo on Sat 16th August 2008. this time many older people have benefited Leaving Muir of Ord at 9.00am and arriving in Edinburgh from the regular monthly Sunday afternoon at approximately 1.00pm. outings for tea. We are now looking for some You will have a free afternoon in Edinburgh and the early more hosts. All you require is to live in the show at the Tattoo. There will be comfort stops at Perth general Muir of Ord area, have a large teapot on our way south and tea & sandwiches at North Queens- and a downstairs toilet. By arrangement and ferry on our way home. agreement once a year a group of 5 - 8 old The inclusive cost is approximately people will come along one Sunday afternoon £48.00 which includes Coach, Tattoo a year and enjoy hospitality. Ticket, refreshments on the way home & All enquiries to Mrs Sheila MacLeod 01463 gratuities. 871286 or to Alan Michael on 01463 790410 Payable by 1st December 2007 to me [email protected] Phyllis on 01463 870285. We are totally reliant on voluntary donations Early reservation is advised. to carry out our work.

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Young Voices

The children of Mulbuie School have been working on advertisements to include in Muir Matters to encourage people to come and help them with the school gardens. Mrs Mack – their teacher has asked Muir Matters to include one of them in the next edition. The children are Ryan Murray – Primary 4 and Jack Bremner – Primary 5 If anyone can spare a little time the school telephone contact number is 01349 861289

Grannies and Grandpas We grow vegetables and flowers and we have a wormery. We hang Please help us. Mulbuie School up bird feeders. Green Trackers really need You are welcome to our school gardening help. We are an Eco trips. You will be getting tea and school and our class has jobs. So biscuits and lots of cheerful please, please, please help us. We company if you want to you can have a willow tunnel and because come to our Christmas party we are just little we can’t fix it. Please, please, please.

A special thanks to Douglas Miles of Highland New Playpark Council for all his help and support, to Highland Council for carrying out removal of old equipment ork has recently started on the much and ground works and for continuing maintenance of anticipated new Community Association the new play area and thanks to everyone who W play park beside Tarradale School. This helped and supported the local fundraising events, project was started in July 2005 after several young too many to mention but you know who you are! mothers from the village approached the Community Thanks to everyone in the community, businesses Association about the poor play facilities in the park, and locals alike for letters of support, raffle but they didn‘t just go to have a moan, they decided donations and their enthusiasm for the project. Not that they would do the necessary work to plan the forgetting Tarradale Primary School staff for project and find the funding. allowing the Association to consult the children in The project was led by Heather Maclean who has their classes and to all the children in the school for spent the last 2½ years surrounded by ideas, plans their help in choosing the new equipment. and funding applications..! But her work certainly We‘d like to take this opportunity to thank Heather paid dividends for Muir of Ord..! and all others involved in this very worthwhile I know Heather would like us to pass on the project. community‘s thanks to the many businesses, funding organisations and individual supporters of the new park. The Garfield Weston Foundation, The Robert- son Trust, The Hugh Fraser Foundation, Awards For All, Scottish Executive, (Forward Scotland), Community Environmental Renewal Scheme (CERS), Local Fundraising, Muir of Ord Community Association, Tesco Charity Trust, Diageo Plc, SGL Technic, Highland Council, Education, Culture & Sport, Muir of Ord Pharmacy (charity Book Sales), Highland Council Ward Discretionary Budget, Lifescan, also Fraser-Lee Work in progress Joiners and Muir of Ord Art Group.

Childhood…. The purest well from which the creative artist draws. Patrick White 1912-90

Issue 11 ‗Muir Matters‘ 23

1 2 3 4 5 6 Name……………………………...…………….

Address…………………………………………

7 8 ………………………………………………….

P/Code…………..Tel/No……………………….

9 10 11 12 Signed………………………………………….. 13 14 For a chance of winning a £10.00 Book Token, fill 15 16 17 18 19 in the above form and send the completed grid in a sealed envelope (photocopies not accepted) to „Muir Matters‟ Prize Crossword No 12, Village Hall, Seaforth Road, Muir of Ord, 20 21 IV6 7TA. Entries must be received by Friday January 25th 2008.

The first correct entry drawn after the closing date 22 will win the prize. Answers and winners name will be published in our next Issue.

Across Down Congratulations to 1) Boys name(5) Mrs M Mackenzie, Rose Street, 1) Christmas Panto (4,2 &5) 2) Playing area (6&5) Beauly, on winning our prize 7) Accept as true (5) 3) See 4 down (5) Crossword No 11. 8) Sea water(5) 4&3) - - - - - / - - / - - - - wood, Mrs Mackenzie wins a 9) Partners male issue (7) another 1 across (5,2&3) £10.00 book token. 13) Argentinean Revolutionary 5) alignment or induction (11) leader (3) 6) Witchery or allure (5) Issue 11 Solutions 14) Utility vehicle (3) 10) A Beverage (3) Across: 1) Nectarine 8) Miami 9) Adieu 10) Cod 12) Rot 13) Kay 14) Elf 15) Lip 16) Card game (7) 11) Green Perhaps (3) 17) Fir 19) Who 21) Idiot 22) Issue 23) 20) Calamary (5) 12) Elsewhere or absent (3) Sycamores. 21) Dickens character (5) 15) Part of a church(5) Down: 2)Exact 3)Thick 4)Ready 22) A singer or comedian (11) 17) Low point (5) 5)Naïve 6) Amaryllis 7) Sunflower 11) 18) Aqualung (5) Oasis 16) Privy 17) Fatwa 18) Rhino 19) 19) Attendant (5) Waste

For a chance to win £10.00 in our Young‟uns Spot the ‗Spot the Difference Competition‘ Difference Competition ? find and circle the 6 differences between the two pictures. Send in the right-hand picture with the differences circled, along with your name, age, telephone number and address to: The winner of our Issue11 ‗Spot the Difference‘ „Spot the Difference‟ Competition, Competition was Muir Matters, Seaforth Road, Alice Prentice, aged 9 Muir of Ord, IV6 7TA Broomhill Cottages Entries to reach us by Friday 25th Muir of Ord January 2008 please. Congratulations Alice

Published & Printed by Muir of Ord Communications Group, Village Hall, Seaforth Road, Muir of Ord, IV6 7TA

24 ‗Muir Matters‘ Issue 11