Photo by Peter Teago AN CARRANNACH The General Interest Magazine of Lochcarron, Shieldaig, Applecross, Kishorn, Torridon & Kinlochewe Districts

Lochcarron By Peter Teago

NO: 383 FEBRUARY 2020 £1.00

Mia Quigley Aged 13 2019 Highland Games & now Planning for 2020

In July 2019, the sun actually shone and some 2000 people joined us at the Lochcarron Highland Games. Thanks for the support of our sponsors, in particular our Lead Sponsor, the Scottish Salmon Company, and others such as Kishorn Port Ltd and Ferguson Transport, we were delighted by both the turnout and the enthusiasm of all those who helped both before and on the day.

Naming names would be invidious but we do want to thank you all most sincerely and encourage you all to join us at our Thank You Evening on Thursday 5th March in the Upper Hall.

We shall tell you about our successes and the resulting £7000 nominal profit we made. Every single person who works at the Games, before, during or afterwards does so for love not money. We always have to keep enough back for the following year, in case we have to cancel at the last minute, which has only had to happen once in over forty years but you never know. Allowing for this and thanks to the successful accumulation over several good years, during 2019 we were able to distribute £19,000 locally.

We want to ensure that this July we raise as much money again so do please join us to hear about how the local groups have made the most of their additional funds raised.

The following donations were made to those groups who requested support, both before and after last July. The Lochcarron Highland Games Association was delighted to donate £2000 each to the Lochcarron Sailing Club and the Lochcarron Coastal Rowing Association. In addition, £2000 was donated to the Kishorn Play Park with another £2000 to the Lochcarron Golf Club and £2000 for the Lochcarron Shinty Club. The Leisure Centre received £1000 and the Tea Set were given £500 towards their launch. The (Continued on page 2)

1 Lochcarron Primary School Parent Council also got £1000, the Quilters received £250 towards AN CARRANNACH their exhibition, and the Lochcarron Highland Published by An Carrannach Society, Lochcarron. Dancers received £500. Finally, last but by no means least, the Howard Doris Centre also Chairperson: Joanna Macpherson benefited to the tune of £7000 within the last Deputy Chair Roger Cundiff twelve months. Editorial Content Material for publication must be emailed to Michelle Teago at We’d be delighted to see as many of our [email protected] or a phone call to 01520 722688 volunteers as possible at the Thank You Evening, and would particularly welcome any potential new Sub Editor Joanna Macpherson helpers. Both current and new support is always greatly appreciated and indeed invaluable in Area Representatives: helping us maintain one of the main highlights of Applecross: the summer and the vitally important financial Kishorn: Carol Cocks 01520 733 213 contribution it makes to so many organisations in Shieldaig: Lucy Kerr 01520 755 368 our community. Torridon:

Features: A Word from the Church/On Reflection Gardening – To be confirmed Autumn in Attadale Nature Notes – Hatty Arthur – 01520 722 551 Email: [email protected]

Autumn in Attadale, Advertising: [email protected] where, for a while, a riot of russet, Local Rate: Entertainments, Sales, Services, Trade Whole Page £28, Half page £18, Quarter yellow, gold and green page £10 Out of Area Rate: Please email us for prices is seen in bright profusion. Here burnished beech leaves, heaven-hung, Mailing: Hilary “Post” Rooke lie banked in glitter of gold against the Distribution: Anthea Zell waning sun, while there, Treasurer: Alec Cormack Mackays Cottage a treasure trove of leaves lies limpid Strathcarron IV54 8YX on the still, dark surface of a pond, 01520 722603 like scattered coins. [email protected] Elsewhere a feast of un-plucked berries, Insertions: Births, marriages, deaths, acknowledgements. Congratulations, dark as drying blood, thanks notices – No charge brings frolic of fieldfare Subscriptions: 11 issues post paid, U.K. £25.00 Europe £54.00 in frenzy of feathered flighting, Australia £66.00 Canada and USA £60.00 alighting here, then there, Contact [email protected] in hurried hunger, while in the grove, reaching from riven rock, Website: www.ancarrannach.com where clutching roots suck moisture from Material intended for publication must include your name and address. each crack, the tall, gaunt conifers, Please note we can now accept copy in any format.. dreaming giants, rise like spires of prayer into the ether’s CLOSING DATE FOR THE thin, frost hinted air MARCH 2020 ISSUE feeling the fell of Winter nearly here, MATERIAL MUST BE RECEIVED BY and in the kitchen garden NO LATER THAN 15TH FEBRUARY PLEASE Christmas Pippins bring a promise of good Errors and omissions excepted. cheer.. The An Carrannach Society does not accept responsibility for the content/accuracy of reports, Francis Minay articles and advertisements received. The views expressed by contributors are NOT necessarily those of the Society.

2 CHURCH OF SCOTLAND APPLECROSS, LOCHCARRON & TORRIDON Charity No: SCO32334

Times and Places of Worship for February 2020

2nd February Lochcarron 10.30am Torridon Community Hall 1.00pm

9th February Lochcarron 10.30am Kinlochewe 1.00pm Applecross 1.00pm

16th February Lochcarron 10.30am Shieldaig 1.00pm

23rd February Lochcarron 10.30am Shieldaig 1.00pm Applecross 1.00pm

Minister Rev. Anita Stutter

Tel. 01520 722783

Email [email protected]

ALL ARE WELCOME

All Saints (Scottish Episcopal) Mission FREE CHURCH LOCHCARRON & Kinlochewe APPLECROSS (part of the world-wide Anglican You are welcome at our services Communion) Lochcarron Church Street IV54 8YP

Sunday 11am and 6 pm invites you to services on the first Sunday of the month at 2.30pm (Church of (Crèche and Sunday school) Scotland Kinlochewe building) Midweek Wednesdays 7.30pm Sunday 2nd February 2020 Applecross Camusterrach IV54 8LU 3 pm every Sunday Celebrant and Preacher:

Other events as intimated. The Most Revd Dr. Mark Strange Scottish Charity SC038169 (Primus Scottish Episcopal Church)

Rev M. Florit 01520 722999 Everyone welcome

[email protected] Further info: (01445) 781346

www.freechurch.org (Scottish Charity Number: SCO04655)

3 has taken humanity a long time to wake up to the fact of our mutual dependency, but we understand ON it now as we never have before, though the selfishness that infects us all as individuals also undermines the way nations interact with one REFLECTION another.

Lent – the six weeks that lead up to Easter in the Knowing what we can do as individuals to aid the Christian calendar – begins on Ash Wednesday on process of reversing the trend, which has brought 26th February. Traditionally Lent was a time when about the crisis we face, is another matter. We Christians undertook the discipline of self- probably feel helpless in the face of necessary denial in solidarity with Jesus who fasted forty change so radical that only governments, or days and forty nights in the wilderness. industry can effect it. Yet it is as individuals that In an episode of “Call the Midwife” (screened in we have to respond, and it is the efforts of early January) nurse Trixie Franklin was seen individuals, the Greta Thunbergs as well as the trying to give up cigarettes, Fred Buckle was David Attenboroughs of this world, that change having a serious struggle to keep off cakes, and public opinion and create the pressure that can Sister Monica Joan was missing the “easing of bring reluctant world leaders to the table together. spirit” which flowers on the altar always brought her. Meanwhile, we have got to be prepared to “give Such minor observations of the Lenten discipline up” not merely chocolate, cigarettes or booze, if are typical of what Christians today think of as a we are all to come though this truly global Lent, “Lent fast”. Does any of it have any relevance in but things that will cut much more radically at our our day and age? life-styles. This is the fast that God – or if you prefer it, our future survival, requires, and it is Viewed from the perspective of the real crisis required of us all. facing today’s world – global climate change - giving up minor luxuries for Lent smacks somewhat of “fiddling while Rome burns” (while Francis Minay Australia burns, while Jakarta drowns, while the icecaps melt, while species after species in their thousands are made extinct, while the oceans fill with plastic). It’s little wonder that so many people think the Church an irrelevance, while it continues to obsess about sin and salvation!

Salvation is, of course, the issue, but no more the personal and private affair the Church so often gives the impression of making it than it was for Jesus, who saw his own people – the people of God! - embittered, self-regarding and hate-filled - heading for a confrontation with Rome they couldn’t hope to win, their true vocation – that of being a “light to the nations” - forgotten and ignored. Salvation is – and always has been – about how we are to live together as God’s children in the world of his making, a world our “march to progress” now threatens with extinction.

The discipline of fasting – doing without - was always right in aiming for “pieta”, that word that means solidarity with, an imaginative and empathetic walking in the shoes of the other, whether of Christ in his temptations, or the hungry and suffering of the world in their privations. The crisis of global warming demands of us all a radical “pieta” with all who regard Mother Earth as their home, not only the human family, but all that lives and moves on land, in air or in the sea. It

4 Letter to the Editor.

MacTavish Dear Editor

On a number of occasions over the past years there has been Maggie, Douglas, James and a suggestion that the magazine should have a “Letters to the family, would like to express their Editor” page. It is hoped that this may come to fruition, but, no doubt, the decision will need to be taken by the sincere thanks to family and friends Committee. for the many kind expressions of sympathy they received by way of On the basis that matters proceed in this direction, I have put finger to keyboard in the hope that I may be the first in visits, cards, messages, flowers and the queue! gifts on the sad passing of a devoted Mam and granny, Mary Kate Twenty years ago, we celebrated the Millennium. As part of the celebrations residents of the village and surrounding Mactavish. area were asked to complete a short piece about their Our grateful thanks to Dr Strath, Dr family, why they were living in the area, and any historic Hogan and all the Lochcarron family history which would be of interest to the community. The responses were collated and published in two very large District nurses, who all went volumes which are currently held in the Howard Doris beyond the call of duty in their care. Centre and are available for inspection and perusal. The To the Reverends Roddie Rankin, hard work was carried out by Sheila MacLean and the outcome was, and is, admired by many. It would be James MacInnes and Marcus wonderful if the contents could once again be looked at with Florritt for their uplifting service. a view to publishing parts in a smaller format, much in the Arthur Cormack for his singing in way Paul Swan has dealt with the Roll of Honour, and be available for sale as a fundraiser for the Centre. It is Gaelic of Psalm 23. M&D believed that the originals were funded by grant at the time MacLeod, Funeral Directors, for and it may well be that something similar is available their care, support, patience and twenty years later. Some have said that the permission of the original families should be sought, but this seems professionalism. unnecessary when the contents are in the public domain. To Stuart, Susan and Ella, The Old Manse. Lauren and Ryan, Rockvilla So, Madam Editor, can a challenge be issued for a person or persons to come forward and progress things in time for Hotel and Sandra and Donald, publishing as a celebration for 2020! Woodend for accommodation for A response is awaited with great interest! family. To Cis, Sandy, Lachie and

Yours sincerely Ian for setting out the seating in the Church. Shona Macdonald, Kate Roger Cundiff Ellis, Flora Catto, Jon Devalle, Elaine Porritt, Dena Ross, Gail Maguire and Ishbel MacKinnon for all their support at a difficult time. Loch Duich Plants for the beautiful flowers and wreaths. Lochcarron Hotel Staff for the catering and being so welcoming, making sure so many were fed. To the many who came to pay their lasts respects at Church and graveside. All those who made donations amounting to £1,400 to date for the Howard Doris Centre, the loving care and devotion shown to Mam was exceptional. Gad ionndrainn. Lochcarron and Chatteris, Cambridgeshire

5 NATURE NOTES conceal them from predators. The young can Up to January 15th 2020 swim and dive almost immediately after Siskins and Goldfinches hatching. everywhere …. On January British Birds and Their Haunts, 12th around 40 Siskins and 25 published in 1892 and written by Rev. C.A. Goldfinches were squabbling Johns was successful due, in large part, to his over niger and sunflower informal and entertaining way of writing at seeds at our feeders and also feeding on the that time in history. I would like to share with ground. Coupled with 4 Blackbirds, Blue and you some of his words about Little Coal Tits, Chaffinches galore, Dunnocks, Grebes…..”If you are unobserved, it swims Robins and Collared Doves, this developed steadily for a short distance, then suddenly into a right old feeding fest. Earlier on, whilst disappears, making no splash or noise but I was watching them, they had all scattered as slipping into the water as if its body were far away as possible as a Sparrowhawk lubricated. It is diving for its food…..it swooped in doing what it does best, carrying reappears most likely not far from the spot you out its ambush with deadly accurate aim and first observed it.…….Advance openly or make reducing the number of Blackbirds by one. a noise, it wastes no time in idle surmises of The hawk will have been ‘lying’ in wait your intentions but slips down as before, not to having worked out its direction of attack and reappear in the same neighbourhood. Its chosen its moment wisely. Nature in the raw. motives are different: it now seeks not food but safety and this it finds first by diving and then The shinty pitch has seen a lot of birds feeding by propelling itself by its wings under water in on it over the last few weeks. On one day some direction which you cannot possibly alone in late December, I watched 100 plus divine; for it by no means follows that it will Redwings, 45 Fieldfares, 9 Curlews, 35 pursue the course to which its bill pointed Oystercatchers, some Twite, Pied Wagtails, when it went down”. Rooks, Jackdaws, Song Thrushes and 12 Blackbirds. The Curlews and Oystercatchers Another but much more modern book are there daily at the moment. (published in 2019) I would like to mention is “The Twelve Birds of Christmas” by The Little Grebes that appear on the shoreline Stephen Moss and I quote from the along the village each winter make for good introduction: watching. With their fluffed-up tail-feathers, The ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ is one of our “making them look like bathtub rubber best known carols…..Centuries old, the ducks”, I marvel at their diving ability. provenance of the carol’s long and rather Shakespeare called these birds ‘dive-dappers’ surprising list of gifts, which culminates in ‘a and another common name for them is partridge in a pear tree’, is now lost in time. Dabchick, referring to their disappearing act as Stephen Moss gives a whimsical avian they dive to feed or avoid being seen. They are interpretation of the carol. Delving into the very secretive birds and, as a general rule of possible meaning of the verses, he tells the thumb, are more likely to dive than fly. Books story of 12 fascinating British birds……He will tell you that Little Grebes breed on lakes weaves history, culture, bird behaviour and or slow-flowing rivers and canals and in win- folklore into a compelling narrative for each ter move to reservoirs and sheltered coasts species.’ It is a lovely book and beautifully (hence our good fortune to see them here each written. winter). Their most common call is a loud trilling or whinny, that is used during There have been various sightings of Black courtship or territorial disputes and according Grouse in the locality, the most recent being of to RSPB notes, the oldest known individual three males just up Kishorn Hill beyond the survived for 17 years. In the breeding season, water treatment building. The last 100 years like other grebes they build a nesting platform has seen a huge decline in the number of from pondweeds and waterside plants on Black Grouse. According to records, there are which they lay their clutch of white eggs. only an estimated 5000 displaying males left These soon become stained olive green by the in the UK, these being mostly confined to waterweed the adults cover them with to Scotland and the central belt of northern

6 England, with small, outlying populations in North Wales and the North Midlands. Kishorn Notes Here we are in a brand-new year! Let’s hope On Christmas Day 2019, we went for a short, that it is a good one for us all, despite rather a very pleasant coastal walk starting from Duirinish station. The drive over from rocky start globally. Lochcarron was lovely, with peaceful roads Achintraid welcomed New Year’s Day down and shafts of sunlight heightening the glorious on the Dell where a large gathering watched winter colours and lighting up the wonderful with admiration [!] as about thirty looney lichens that adorn branches of various trees. dookers rushed into the very cold sea. It was Silver Birch trees look particularly beautiful in quite rough so there was no respite for the the winter, with the distinctive, silvery-white bathers who would have preferred to immerse bark and almost claret-coloured twigs. themselves slowly! Helen MacInnes, with Travelling along the bypass, we were some help from her family, had organised hot rewarded with an impressive view over to chocolate, coffee and tea together with Lochcarron with the added bonus of a rainbow delicious brownies and flapjacks. All – it was a bit special. swimmers survived to enjoy this treat and it The start of the walk down towards Portneara was much appreciated too by the supporting took us past some eye-catching twisted Silver onlookers. Thank you, Helen for making this Birches and the ground around them was cold windy event more enjoyable. There was a covered with various sorts of vivid-looking collection for the Kishorn playground which green mosses, which seem to come into their raised £100 so thank you to everyone who own at this time of year. In Port Luinge we contributed. had close up sightings of Mergansers, a lone male Goosander and a Black-throated Diver Later in January, as the winds increased and (in its winter plumage of course) and in Port the gales blew, Nana and Mairi hosted a pop- Cam, the unmistakable view of a Great up restaurant in the Meeting House to Northern Diver. At the end of the walk, we acknowledge Veganuary! The sceptical ones were treated to a wonderful rendering of song amongst us went out of curiosity whilst quite a by a Starling perched on a wire. Apart from few young [I have to say] were following a the usual wheezy warbling and musical vegan diet anyway. The lunch...as a non-vegan whistles delivered whilst waving its wings commenting...was absolutely delicious! It was energetically and ruffling its throat feathers, it a good opportunity for the village to get included imitations of an Oystercatcher, together and it was a very well supported Blackbird, Curlew and Chaffinch alarm call initiative. I am not sure how many feasters (pink, pink) …. what amazing songsters will be taking up the discipline of a vegan Starlings are. diet...watch this space! Many thanks to Nana and Mairi for their plan. Snowdrops were blooming in our garden at the beginning of January and there are sights and The snowdrops are coming up, a few are sounds of the forthcoming Springtime braving life above ground and what a welcome everywhere at the time of writing, despite sight their nodding white heads are. A heron Storm Brendan and all that goes with it on our pond this month was perhaps not a sign (honest). Leaf buds are fat and ready to open of Spring, but I think he may have had designs on trees, there are catkins on Hazel bushes, on getting an early tadpole. Some hopes, but daffodils are well up out of the ground, the days are getting longer despite the grey primroses are flowering and Great and Coal and windy weather so we have much to look Tits have been giving their spring calls on forward to. calmer, mild days. It is a precious gift …... the power of appreciation by eye and ear of what Congratulations to Finlay McCallum for is already happening and what is to come. winning the photographic competition, we Happy listening, looking and watching. look forward to seeing lots more good Hatty Arthur photography both from him and everyone Bank House under 21 for the An Carrannach cover. 722551 [email protected]

7 Photographic Competition 2020

Another year and another opportunity to win this prestigious prize as well as having your photography on the cover of the An Carrannach!

The competition is open to anyone under 21 years of age. Please submit your picture together with a TITLE, your name and age to reach [email protected] by the 15th of the month.

Good luck and happy photographing! WANTED

Articles for your local paper. Anything considered. Please email Michelle at [email protected]

8 WEATHER RECORD - SLUMBAY NOVEMBER 2019

Max Temp Min Temp Rainfall in Date: in oC in oC inches 1 106.00 4.40 0.13 2 12.40 8.10 0.03 3 11.30 8.70 0.04 4 10.60 2.70 ----- 5 10.20 -0.60 ----- 6 6.60 -0.50 ----- 7 6.80 -1.80 ----- 8 6.20 -1.20 ----- 9 6.40 -2.80 ----- 10 5.00 -2.80 0.05 11 5.60 2.70 0.20 12 7.70 -1.30 0.02 13 3.40 -2.20 ----- 14 6.10 -1.90 0.01 15 6.30 0.60 ----- 16 4.40 0.90 0.06 17 7.10 -2.10 0.11 18 3.50 -2.10 0.01 19 6.40 -1.30 0.03 20 8.90 4.20 0.05 21 8.70 4.20 ----- 22 7.60 5.20 ----- 23 9.10 6.30 0.01 24 9.00 4.70 0.01 25 9.20 5.80 ----- 26 11.10 7.90 0.09 27 8.90 3.40 ----- 28 5.60 0.40 0.01 29 4.10 -4.20 ----- 30 2.20 -4.30 -----

TOTAL NOV 2019 0.86 RUNNING TOTAL 2019 66.50 TOTAL NOV 2018 4.69 RUNNING TOTAL 2018 62.91

This November has been the driest month since I started doing weather 22 years ago, especially as it is so late in the year. The next driest was April 2000 when we had 1.25”

Rosemary Malone

9 Dates for your Diary For the Chrissy MacKenzie 90th Birthday Celebration Howard Doris Centre Monday 3 February Saturday 30th of November, Lochcarron Village Poetry, Library 11:30am Hall is resplendent in its Christmas decorations Afternoon Whist, Lounge 1:45pm (thanks to Owan Maura and Connie, their Mum Tuesday 4 February Claire, Roz and all the others who helped to prepare Singing for Fun with Hatty, Small Lounge 11:30am the hall, put up the tree and the streamers). Thanks Pets as Therapy, Small Lounge 1:45pm also to Donna, Isabella and Josh and her band of Wednesday 5 February Shopping in Dingwall, After Lunch helpers who decorated the tables and staged the 90th Thursday 6 February celebration table, ready for the party guests. Skittles, Lounge 1:45pm Friday 7 February The guests old and young from near and far arrived Craftworks, All Day and once the party diva herself arrived, the show got Monday 10 February on the road. The youngsters set the tone, great Tai Chi , grandchildren, grandchildren, (then the not so young Raiki ,Small Lounge 11:30am Boccia Bowling, Lounge 1:45pm in age - but young in spirit) children, family and Tuesday 11 February friends, chatted, caught up, laughed, danced, ate, Guided Imagery, Small Lounge 11:30am drank and made merry. Drama, Lounge 1:45pm Wednesday 12 February Special thanks go to the following for making it an Games Afternoon, Lounge 1:45pm evening to remember; Sandy and George for keeping Evening Whist, Lounge 7:30pm the feet tapping and the dancers toes twinkling. The Thursday 13 February Photography, Lounge 1:45pm Gaelic singers, those who stood and those who Friday 14 February joined in around the hall and especially to Chrissy's Valentines Lunch, Dining Room 12:30pm grand-daughter Isabella for her lovely singing. A Music with Peter Hindley, Lounge 1:45pm real ceilidh was enjoyed by all, those that could sing Monday 17 February - sang, those that could dance -danced, and those Gardening Day that watched on couldn't help but enjoy the Film Afternoon, Lounge 1:00pm wonderful musical entertainment. Tuesday 18 February Singing for Fun with Hatty, Small Lounge 11:30am Drama, Small Lounge 1:45pm A grand party was truly enhanced by the magnificent Wednesday 19 February efforts of those who cooked, baked, confectioned Bingo, Lounge 1:45pm and worked. Our thanks go to Elaine and Morag Thursday 20 February from Cafe Ceardach, for the delicious stovies, full of Gaelic Blethers, Small Lounge 1:45pm flavour. The cake baker Laura, and Heather her Boccia Bowling, Lounge 1:45pm Friday 21 February helper, decorated a very special birthday cake. It North Coast 50, After Lunch took 5 hours to apply the icing! It looked and tasted Monday 24 February wonderful, thanks to them and Laura's partner Pete Fit as a Fiddle, Small Lounge 11:30am for the careful transportation, we all enjoyed a Skittles, Lounge 1:45pm scrumptious piece of birthday cake. Thanks go also Tuesday 25 February to Tubby for the smooth sweet buttery tablet, it Guided Imagery, Small Lounge 11:30am melted in the mouth and was enjoyed by all, with a Drama, Small Lounge 1:45pm Wednesday 26 February few pieces left to take home to squabble over later! Pampered Palms, Lounge 11:30am Finally, thanks to Anne and her team from Games Afternoon, Lounge 1:45pm Lochcarron Camanachd for organising, running and Thursday 27 February clearing up the bar on the night and the next Photography, Lounge 1:45pm morning. Your efficiency and good humour helped Bridge the Years, Lounge 1:45pm the evening go with a swing. Friday 28 February Afternoon Whist, Lounge 1:45pm Chrissy would like to thank everyone who attended Other regular weekly events the party for making it such a lovely night to Sunday remember. To them and to those who couldn't make Praise and worship, Main Lounge, 4.00pm it she is grateful for their cards, letters, flowers and Monday gifts (120+ cards) they brightened her home and her Cross Stitch & Tapestry, Lounge, 2.00pm heart. Her biggest thanks are to everyone who made Tuesday a donation to the two charities she was fundraising Knit and Knatter, Small Lounge, 2.00pm Wednesday for through her birthday party. Quilting & Patchwork Group. Dining Room, 2.00pm Friday Friends, neighbours and family in total gave £1810 Computer Session, Lounge 11:00am which was split between Lochcarron Good Our website address is www.Strathcarronproject.org Neighbours, and Calums Cabins. Telephone (01520)722541 (www.calumscabin.com)

10 11 Shieldaig Angling Club NEW YEAR HOOLIE

The AGM of the Club will be held on Wednesday 12th February at Kinloch, The Lochcarron Primary Parent preceded by refreshments at 6pm. All with an Council would like to express their interest in game and/or sea fishing whether sincere thanks to all the local experienced or novices are welcome. businesses and individuals that Membership is open to residents of Shieldaig made both monetary and raffle and coast, Kishorn and Torridon to Diabaig, prize donations towards the or to those with strong local connections. Instruction/coaching can be given if required, fundraising event. with Club tackle provided. Fly fishing for brown trout, sea trout and salmon is available A special thanks to the Albatross to members in season, and sea boat trips are Cafe and The Bistro for supplying arranged each year, most recently out of the delicious food on the day. Portree, Staffin and Applecross. To assist arrangements for the refreshments Thanks to the musicians and please call the Treasurer (01520 755 206) Lochcarron Highland Dancers that indicating whether you will be partaking. The kept us entertained. And a big thank AGM will follow immediately after c. you to Roz for volunteering to help 6.30pm. set up and clean the hall for us. And We look forward to a new and exciting of course to each and every one of season, and all input is welcome. Please address items for the Agenda to myself you that came along to support us (tel 01445 791 386) on the day. The event was a huge Best Wishes, success, raising a total of £1927.86 Colin Blyth (Secy) plus £530 in donations. Thank you !

12 News from Applecross and we work with, to recognise and harness our thoughts, Lochcarron Primary Schools feelings, and emotions and how these can be positively Naidheachdan bho Bun- managed. sgoiltean A’Chomraich agus The “fizz” relates to those moments, which we have all Loch Carrainn encountered, when we feel wound up, stressed, and Bringing the Classroom Alive with Music and Sing- emotional. It feels just like taking the top of a heavily ing shaken bottle of coca cola, and then the “fizz” effect Our latest school training days gave us an excellent occurs. opportunity for staff from Applecross and Lochcarron The Decider Life Skills programme was originally to come together in order to share our experiences and devised by two award-winning nurses who wanted to develop our skills. provide a set of One of the real highlights of this collaborative training strategies and skills, opportunity arose when we were provided with a which are simple to “hands on” morning to develop our music and singing learn and apply and skills for future use with all the children. The workshop which could be taught was brilliantly led by our visiting music teacher, in a fun, engaging and Dolina Munro, who took us through a variety of easily accessible way. welcoming songs, competitive music-based games, and We all believe this will rhythm, both in English and Gaelic. enable the children to These songs, rhymes and games encourage listening, be more aware and to turn taking and engagement. Some activities are try out these simple competitive in design and, therefore, can be preventive strategies, to incorporated in gym and hall games. Some promote ensure we shall all be understanding of beat, rhythm, patterns and rhyme, as in the best position to well as those which can be sung to begin and end the use this toolkit to day. maintain positive So, this was an inspirational, fun, and a vital creative mental health experience for us all. It will inspire more confidence and creative planning, so please do not be surprised if your children come home with a renewed spring in The afternoon session was imaginatively led in a their step and singing some beautiful uplifting songs. positive and engaging way by one of our teachers, Miss Starr, who has taken time during weekends to become Understanding Our “Fizz” Moments trained and thus confident in presenting these vital After our morning spent singing and making great Decider Life Skills. music, we used the afternoon to explore how, as a team, we can enable, both ourselves and the children

13 SLUMBAY HOUSE - LOCHCARRON Holiday let in the heart of the west coast.

Slumbay House is a modern, architect-designed, four-bedroom house overlooking Loch Carron on the west coast of Scotland. The house offers self-catering accommodation for up to seven people. It is generally available for rent for full weeks only, Saturdays to Saturdays, but partial-week rentals can sometimes be arranged depending on the season and availability.

For more information, please visit our website or contact us.

Web: www.slumbayhouse.co.uk Email: [email protected] Phone: +44 (0)7480 064 793

14 LOCHCARRON The Treasure of Pirate Frank by Mal Peet LIBRARY NEWS and Elspeth Graham, Clive is a Librarian by Jessica Spanyol, Tiny Dinosaurs by Joel We’ve survived Christmas, the Stewart, Life is Magic by Meg McLaren holidays, New Year and January and Sunk by Rob Biddulph, to name but a which is purported to be one of few. So, go ahead. Encourage their reading, the most depressing months of the year. and collect the set! And here we find ourselves in February getting into winter proper. So, to stop us At the beginning of February, it will be a all shivering and to add a splash of (God year since we began Lego Club and with Forbid) romance to our lives, those pushy around 750 people attending this club in pen-pushers (also known as Lochcarron the last year, it has been very successful. Writing Group) will be putting their great Also, its presence as an after-school club literary skills to the test with the title of here in the library, goes a long way to Valentine. Yes, you guessed it – on securing our position in the community. Valentine’s Day at 10:30am Friday 14th Therefore, I am hopeful LEGO at February here at Lochcarron Library. LOCHCARRON LIBRARY will be All welcome! equally as successful in 2020. So, remember: Lochcarron Reading group will also be most Fridays after school from 3:30- meeting this month at 1:30pm on Friday 4:15pm for LEGOCLUB 21st February. All welcome. One of the books they will be discussing in the near Others things to remember are our Self future will be A Rising Man by Abir Issue Machine for use out of library hours, Mukherjee. This debut novel is described our wonderful selection of Audio Books, as a ‘thought-provoking rollercoaster’ by Our Sale Books, Our Leaflets and the Ian Rankin and as ‘an exceptional crime What’s On Leaflets, Large Print Books in novel’ by C.J Sansom. And with this in addition to our normal adult and children mind, I await the views of our intrepid Books, and, of course, our online catalogue readers with interest. at www.highlifehighland.com/libraries

Other events happening in February will be Something for every taste, so please take a our regular Bookbug slots, both in Gaelic note of our contact details and library and in English. At the time of going to opening hours which remain exactly the press, I am unable to supply the exact dates same for 2020! so please check with the library for more Tuesday 9.30am - 12.30pm and 6-8pm exact details. Wednesday & Friday 2.00pm-4.30pm Telephone: 01520 722679 As a parent or carer of a pre-school child Email: [email protected] there are lots of different ways to encourage reading and an interest in books. Appointment of new grazing Regular trips to the library are a great method and within the Bookbug scheme, committee we have something called the Bookbug Library Challenge which encourages this. Easter Slumbay , Lochcarron If your child takes part, they will be issued with a Collector’s Card, and after each visit Held at Cnocgorm on to the library, the card will be stamped. After six visits or six stamps, your child Monday 10th February at will then receive a coloured certificate with an illustration from a variety of books: 7.00pm

15 SAMARITANS Whatever you’ve done. Whatever life’s done to you. Call Samaritans. No pressure. No judgement. We’re here for you any time. 0845 790 9090.

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16 and commissioning dates are concerned, and if the scheme is Applecross Trust Monthly Update to work financially it must be built within a year. Further January 2020 details, including the mechanism for the contribution for community benefit, will be available after a meeting in Woods January involving all interested parties, including the Lonbain and Callakille crofters. Allt Mor Plans are being produced for a new woodland creation site Helipad along the Allt Mor, on the Applecross Estate. The Trust has been asked to oversee the project, and to liaise between the Helipad group and Kenny MacBeath as Airigh Drishaig contractor. The woodland at Airigh Drishaig is to be continued under a new grant scheme. This will result in on-going responsibility Crofting to enhance woodland regeneration, but the presence of Amy Various crofting related matters are on-going to clarify Clarkson (tenant) will give some assurance that the works ownership, boundaries and wayleaves. should prove successful. Pensioners’ Firewood Smiddy The Applecross Trust team delivered free firewood to 43 Clearance of the gorse and Sitka spruce regeneration from pensioners in the area. the Smiddy Wood broadleaf area has been undertaken by a local team.

Torgarve Wood Electricity...What a Blessing! A meeting in Applecross with Community Woodlands is scheduled in January to discuss options for the future of As I switched on my electric blanket in my warm house, Torgarve wood. I suddenly remembered my childhood pre electricity

Properties days, when we went to bed in a cold room with just a stone hot water bottle in our bed. The Old Smiddy Planning consent has finally been secured for the renovation. In these pre double glazing days, the windows might well As part of a planning condition a car parking area for the Old have been frozen over covered in 'fern patterns'. Speed Smiddy, Smiddy Cottage and Forge End is to be completed was necessary to get under the blankets covered by a before works can start on the cottage itself. down quilt. How many people use blankets these days? Estate Shed Pure wool woven blankets made by Brora mill with a The necessary planning consent is now in place and the fleece or two from your own sheep was the norm. These design specification for the foundations specified and all had to be washed each summer, a really heavy job for approved by an engineer. The contractor is due on site in the house wife, remember with no washing machine! No January to lay the concrete foundation pads, and the shed sections are expected during the week starting 27 January. polyester sheets either, mostly cotton with a pair or two of linen sheets as an alternative with lace edging for the Once completed, this will release the existing staff workshop guests. at Clachan for an alternative use in line with the proposals under the Community Land Use Plan, hopefully sometime in The housewife would have to come down in the morning the Spring of 2020. to a freezing cold kitchen, light the fire and put the kettle

The Old Cart Shed on before making the porridge and getting her husband The Trust will be working with others to clear the Old Cart off to work. Then the children to get up and fed before Shed (at the entrance to the Campsite), again with a view to taking the older ones to school. making it available for an alternative use. All this was done by lamplight, another chore to be Hartfield tackled, the wick cleaned, the glass cleaned and the lamp The roof of the hall has now been replaced; the hall will also benefit from new windows which will prepare it for use as a base refilled. wedding reception, and event venue. Full outside lighting has been installed, and the drying room has been refurbished I heard a story recently of a lady who was walking about for the coming season. Works are now underway on an antique shop when she came across a young woman creating 3x en suite double rooms, and an en suite family examining a copper kettle. She was saying to her friend room. 'I wonder what it was for?' This lady spoke up and

Bookings are going extremely well and the season is already explained that it was a kettle, to which the reply was 'Oh looking busy! no! It couldn't have been, there is nowhere to plug it in'.

Hydro We hear so much nowadays about climate change and doing away with fossil fuels etc. Now that most modern Allt na Moine homes haven't even a fire place, I wonder how these CRF Hydropower Ltd have now confirmed that funding for the hydro scheme is in place, and that they are in a position young ones, who are so fanatical, would cope without the to mobilise works by March 2020. Resumption of the blessing of electric power? development area, including the pipeline route, is part of a pending application. Timelines are very tight so far as SSE Helen Murchison

17 18 19 Active Applecross E-bikes

Two-week free trials of the Active Applecross e-bikes for Applecross residents have started in November. We are delighted to say they have been a success so far. The bikes have received much praise from the participants, even if the weather has not always been ideal for cycling these past two months! E-bikes (electric bicycles) are really easy to use and give the choice between different levels of assistance whilst cycling. They are suitable for different fitness levels and ages, and ideal for a hilly landscape and windy weather. All primary residents in Applecross are welcome to sign up for a free two-week trial by clicking here or via the paper form in the Community Hall or GP surgery. The first maintenance and allocation workshop for the volunteer group was also held in November. There are more workshops scheduled for next year. If you are interested in learning how to care for your bike - please come along! The two-week trials will continue in the new year and after they are complete, we will be launching the e-bikes for local hire. We will keep you updated with the details on how to book your e-bike hire. ACC greatly appreciates the support for the project from the Applecross Community Hall, who have generously provided a container for storing the bikes and equipment in. In turn, we are renting the Hall more frequently for various bikes-related events and bike pick-up and drop-off of the ebikes.

Feasibility studies underway There has been a lot of action in Applecross over the last month with both our feasibility studies well underway: Affordable Housing Project The feasibility study started in November. Topographical, geological and environmental studies are now complete on the three potential sites identified in the Plan It Applecross Community Land Use Plan (Smiddy, Clachan and front of hydro field). The archaeological study is in progress. We had an inspiring initial meeting with our architects, Reynolds Architecture, and we look forward to their draft report which is expected in February 2020. We will be scheduling a public community meeting to discuss the feasibility report in mid-February. Community Woodlands Also started in November, the community woodlands feasibility study for Torgarve is underway. The Community Woodlands Association are undertaking the study and a draft report is expected before Christmas. An independent valuation and archaeological study are also in progress. The Community Woodlands group held an open meeting last month to outline the project and discuss possible options. A public community meeting is scheduled for 6th January 2020 at the Community Hall to discuss the draft feasibility study. More details will follow nearer the time.

Appleseed Allotments The Appleseed Allotment group and ACC submitted an application to the Climate Challenge Fund last month. The funding is for the establishment of a community allotment scheme and a composting facility, and includes funding for community events. As part of this application we submitted a planning prior notification application to the Highland Council for a polytunnel and shed at the allotments site. Thank you to all who helped with this application and those who provided letters of support. Fingers crossed with the application – we expect a response by the end of January 2020! In addition, the allotments were awarded £1,000 from Scottish Sea Farms in November. The Appleseed Allotment group and

20 ACC continue to develop the project. A public meeting is to be held at the Community Hall in the new year. We will keep you posted on the details. Please get in touch with Kirsten Mackie ([email protected] or 01520 744 317) if you would like to get involved with the project.

Hydro EV Charger Last month Apple Juice applied for the CARES innovation grant for £11,000 for a feasibility study for setting up an Electric Vehicle (EV) charger in Applecross, powered by the Apple Juice hydro station via batteries. We are excited to say this was successful! The feasibility study will: • explore the energy system of the hydro station, battery and EV charging, • provide a preliminary design and location of EV charging point, • provide indicative costs of project work, • undertake community consultation on the project and renewable energy infrastructure, • and outline project risks, including legal, financial and planning.

Apple Juice aims to put the project out to tender mid-January for the feasibility study expected to begin mid-February. ACC's Local Development Officers Roslyn and Saara are helping Apple Juice with the project.

2020 and beyond – what will it mean for you? Well, I hope everybody had a great festive period, and are looking forwards to a successful 2020! There's so much happening this year and next, we think the next few years are going to be some of the most important years in a while for the whole industry! So, what's happening that you should be aware of?

Corrieshalloch Gorge: Well, with approximately 140,000 visitors, this is already one of the busiest attractions in Wester Ross, and a “must stop” location on the North Coast 500. However, the actual facilities are need further development work done to cope with its popularity, and the existing bridge and path network are showing signs of age and strain. With this in mind, the National Trust for Scotland have made a successful bid for funding to create a new £2.3 million Wester Ross visitor centre. The conservation charity says its plans for a world-class visitor facility at Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve will go ahead thanks to £923,277 funding from the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Year of Coasts and Waters 2020: https://scottishtourismalliance.co.uk/ycw2020/ In 2020, Scotland celebrates its Coasts and Waters with a year-long programme of events and activities which will shine a spotlight on these vital elements of our landscape. From our beautiful natural features including coasts, lochs and rivers to our industrial heritage such as our canals, mills and the creation of our national drink – whisky, Scotland’s coasts and

waters have shaped our culture, our stories and our way of life. Event and festival organisers are invited to join the celebration by submitting their event to the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 Partner Programme. If your event or festival aligns well with the theme, join the Partner Events Programme and benefit from the #YCW2020 promotional platform for FREE, whilst helping to promote Scotland in partnership.

And if your event doesn't align with the theme at present – why not tweak, alter, or adjust it to do so!

This is a major PR and awareness campaign for the entire West Coast, and has backing from all the main players in the tourism industry. (Continued on page 22)

21 (Continued from page 21)

The Self Catering Market: Proposed legislation: A meeting of the Applecross Community The Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Forum will be held on Monday 2nd March Kevin Stewart MSP, announced that the Scottish Government would introduce a licensing system for 2020 at 6.30pm within the Applecross short-term lets in Scotland with further discretionary powers Community Hall to discuss further the to be made available to local authorities. purpose or purposes to which the donation We are pretty sure this has come about as a result of Airbnb – but it has implications for all self catering facilities. of £170,000 to the Applecross Community More information here: https://news.gov.scot/news/ by the Applecross Trust may be put. regulating-short-term-lets

Proposals to date include Tourism tax – or, “ Highland Transient Visitor Levy” Highland Councillors agreed further work following survey • 1) a fund to which application might be backing introduction of tourist levy. – Read about this on the made by local organisations or Highland council web site – go to the “news” section, type in individuals for assistance on a case by “tourism levy” in the search box, and bring yourself up to date! case basis, Opinion seems to be that this tax is definitely coming – it's • 2) investment in a holiday home to going to be a very important factor in deciding the future of tourism here, so it's in all our interests to follow generate income and profit in the longer developments. term

• 3) donate money to the Applecross Wester Ross Sustainable Tourism Event, March 2020 Community Company to assist with In planning just now, this will be on March 9th and 10th, in their proposed affordable homes Gairloch. Still to be confirmed, but this will feature: Presentations by: projects and The Scottish Tourism Alliance, North Coast 500, The Wester • 4) place money in an Investment Fund Ross Biosphere & “SHAPE” project Launch of the Wester Ross Destination Management Plan for future benefit. Looking at how Highland UNESCO sites can help deliver All are welcome to attend to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals An interactive online link with a tourism group based in this important decision Iceland Discussions on Green Tourism and using sustainable local produce to create productive circular local economy. The “BLEAT” Event - Business Leaflet Exchange Advertising Tourism Also: Opportunities to experience a variety of local activities based around the Gairloch and Wester Ross areas. LOCHCARRON GOOD

NEIGHBOURS Who are we? Why...... we are: www.visitwester-ross.com www.facebook.com/Wester.Ross ANNUAL SALE OF WORK ST And the current Committee : That's Fran Cree, Vanessa SATURDAY 1 FEBRUARY Quinn, Natasha Hutchison (WR Biosphere), Tim Allen, Paula Gordon, Peter Jarozs, Mat Webster, Alec Cormack. 2PM IN LOCHCARRON And Alison French (Plockton) VILLAGE HALL ALL DONATIONS

Thank you so much to everyone who GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED gives me, Claire Munday, used FROM 10.30 AM. stamps for Leprosy Mission Scotland. USUAL STALLS, TEAS, I’m happy to receive them anytime of the year. COFFEE AND CREAM You can ring me on 01520 755206 SCONES. and we can arrange collection

22 Community Councils’ Minutes Comhairle Choimhearsnachd Gearr-chunntais

Minutes of LOCHCARRON COMMUNITY COUNCIL in Lochcarron. After discussion it was agreed to invite the Chief Executive of HIE to the February Community Council MEETING MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019 meeting to explain their current funding commitments and to provide greater clarification. The Correspondence Secretary Present: Helen Murchison (Chair), Aileen Grant, Roger will write to Robert Muir at HIE to invite him to address the Cundiff, Colin Murdoch, Alec Cormack, Matt Wickham, February meeting. John MacPherson. Report from Lochcarron Working Group – the report of Also present: Councillor Alex MacInnes, Debbie Wickham, the questionnaire findings has now been sent to LCDC and Finlay Matheson, David Murray, John Ireland, Kenny should be followed up in due course. (The working group Mackenzie. has been disbanded.)

Apologies for absence - none Planning Applications – None of interest.

Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting – proposed by Treasurer’s Report - Alec Cormack, seconded by Aileen Grant. Community Council Account: opening balance - £2007.71/ closing balance - £1723.71 (expenditure on village hall hire). Matters Arising from Minutes - Lochcarrron Community Fund: opening balance - East Church: the Chair corresponded with Robbie Bain after £13,604.78/closing balance - £13,154.78 (grant made to Councillor Biz Campbell had expressed concerns. It has Adopt-A-Barrel). been confirmed by HC that only a servitude right of access is sought (to erect scaffolding) and it was agreed that on this basis no further action is required. Secretary’s Report – included in Chair's report. Golf Club Grant: a letter from Wang Liston (14/11/19) gave details of how the new equipment store has been formed. It was unanimously agreed that this was a satisfactory Police Feedback - None explanation. The Golf Club are still to provide a final report. Any Other Competent Business – The Data Protection Fee has been paid by Roger Cundiff. Alec Cormack advised that Douglas Gibson (Visit Wester Chair’s Report - Ross) has sent him details of a new funding stream from Appointment of Secretary/office bearers - the following North Highland Initiative - essentially a Small Grants was agreed. Scheme for community groups ( £200-£1000). He will Minute Secretary - Aileen Grant forward the email. Correspondence Secretary - Roger Cundiff Colin Murdoch reported that another Deer Management Treasurer - Alec Cormack Group (which includes a representative of SNH) had taken Aileen Grant to inform Robbie Bain. place. A major concern is emerging about the scale of organised mountain biking causing damage to hill paths and Letter received from Colin Sharp, LCDC, requesting more tracks.. information about reasons for refusing their grant Matt Wickham drew attention to theft of the place-name sign application. The Chair has already responded with a copy of at “Craig” and continuing concern about traffic speeds. Cllr the full report. MacInnes will take this up with HC. Achintraid refuse bin: email received from Katrina Taylor, WMO. Cllr MacInnes will take this up to resolve the current misunderstanding. Kishorn Burial Ground: HC has confirmed that no further LOCHCARRON COMMUNITY COUNCIL burial lairs are available for purchase at present. However, HC has carried out a survey for a possible extension to the Draft Minutes of MEETING MONDAY 13 JANUARY burial ground to resolve the problem, and Cllr MacInnes will 2020 pass a copy of the survey findings to the Chair. Streetlighting on Park Road, Lochcarron: following recent Present: Helen Murchison (Chair), Aileen Grant, Roger streetlight refurbishment, one streetlight is missing, causing Cundiff (Sec), Colin Murdoch, John MacPherson. concern for residents. Councillor MacInnes will follow this Also present: Councillor Alex MacInnes, Kenny Mackenzie, up. Charlie Hills Salt bin refilling: Kenny Mackenzie drew attention to the inadequacy of recent refilling. The residual salt-grit has solidified and needs to be properly broken up so that it is • Apologies for absence: Matt Wickham, Alec Cormack ready for spreading. Councillor MacInnes will follow this (Treas), Craig Allan (police rep) up. LCDC Community Meeting and Follow up: Finlay • Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting: Debbie Matheson and David Murray expressed concern that LCDC Wickham's name had been wrongly noted. Proposed are not currently planning a follow-up meeting although this by Roger Cundiff, seconded by John Macpherson. was promised by Colin Sharp at the meeting on 10/10/19. Approved as amended. The commitments given in LCDC's report, published in An Carrannach (No 382), and the proposed household survey do • Matters Arising from Minutes not address the need to bring the village together and • Refuse Bin, Achintraid: Nothing yet done: watching improve communication. There is still confusion about the brief going forward. role of LCDC and the Development Officer regarding the potential to fund and take forward other community projects • Kishorn Burial Ground: email received from Highland

23 Council (HC). Some limited capacity remains but no MacInnes, local police, An Carrannach, WHFP and the pre-sales of plots/lairs at the moment. HC considering BBC. purchase of extra land, and a survey has been completed Various emails had been received from (job reference no given). Further update expected. Local police – 1 incidence of no MOT, 1 incidence of breach of the peace/drug possession • Park Road Lighting: Replacement street-lamp now in Highland Council – arrangements for planning place. consultees are changing • Salt Bins: email received from HC but it refers to Finlay McCallum – progress with his project and thanks wrong bins. Bin at Allt a Chuirn still requires salt to be for financial support broken up/renewed urgently. Councillor MacInnes will Newsletter from the community hospital pursue this as an urgent matter. Fiona Mackenzie, Aberdeen Science Centre – introducing an offer to deliver science workshops at • LCDC/HIE – response from LCDC to questionnaire local events findings: The Secretary has written to Highlands and • EV Charging points: Locations already agreed: Islands Enterprise (HIE) to invite them to give a presentation to the February CC meeting – still awaiting construction expected early 2020. a reply. Colin Sharp of LCDC has responded to our Community Noticeboard (Lochcarron): Final questionnaire findings to say that he is “unable to painting almost complete – action soon. New commit or comment as to whether LCDC would be in a noticeboards are now required in Kishorn and position to deliver these projects” and that they will Achintraid – The Secretary will get some quotes in carry out their own household questionnaire survey. the first instance. Treasurer’s Report Community Council Account: • Craig signs and speeding: HC has no record of any • : recent survey and no evidence of need for new or opening balance - £1723.21 /closing balance - £1676.21 replacement signs. However, the issue has been added (expenditure on hall hire and subscription) Lochcarrron Community Fund: opening balance - to their workplan. Councillor MacInnes will check with the police if they have any evidence of speeding. £13,154.78 /closing balance - £13,154.78

Gabion baskets: No action yet, but on HC's workplan • • Police Feedback: See item 8 (a). for the area. Councillor MacInnes hopes that the ongoing restructuring for a 'New Ward 5' will help to • Any Other Competent Business: Can the CC obtain deliver local projects like this. He will report progress to an updated version of who's who in Highland the next meeting. Council? Cllr MacInnes will investigate. • Chair’s Report: Correspondence with Andrew MacKenzie about unauthorised maintenance work on • Date of Next Meeting: Monday 10th February, Upper his land to the rear of War Memorial. The CC had been Village Hall at 7.30. Correspondence to lochcarron- given to understand that the land was owned by [email protected] Lochcarron Estates, who had given their permission. The Chair has now written twice to Mr Mackenzie to apologise for this mistake. Applecross Community Council Meeting • Planning Applications – nothing of interest Held at the Community Hall, Applecross MINUTES (Unapproved) – Tuesday 10 December 2019, • Consideration of Associate Members: the Community 7.30pm Council should consider granting associate membership Present: Ali Brown, Ruaridh Cameron, Ishbel Ferguson, Jon to key community groups. Aileen Grant suggested that Glover, Sarah Paramor, Mark Stewart, Councillor Alex perhaps LCDC and the primary school's Parent Council MacInnes could be invited to be associate members. It was agreed Members of the public: 1, a representative of Applecross that closer links with these and similar groups would be Community Company a good idea, but a decision on what exactly to do was Apologies: Apologies: Julie Baird, Ewen Gillies, Jacqueline deferred until after HIE have made a presentation. Liuba Apologies also received from Saara Viitanen and • Formation of Traffic Management Group: Councillor Roslyn Clarke, and PC Craig Allan MacInnes stated that the traffic survey is now planned Future Meeting Date: Tuesday 14 January 2020, 7.30pm around Easter. However, a number of individuals are Minutes of the Previous Meeting Adopted; proposed by considering buying a speed gun – could the community AB; seconded by JG. council provide funding for this? After discussion, it Actions from the Previous Meeting was agreed that money should not be given from the Community Council Account for a speed gun. • Traffic Management: MS reported that discussions were However, the traffic management group was set up, ongoing about a data-collection pilot for traffic on the including representation from Main Street residents, the Bealach na Ba mountain pass. action: MS to arrange a school's Parent Council and the Police. Group to meeting of the subcommittee. JG also suggested that comprise Jan Overmeer, Hattie Arthur, Charlie Hills, MS bring this to the attention of the upcoming Tourism Councillor MacInnes, and PC Craig Allen in the first Meeting. instance. Anyone else interested should get in touch Treasurer’s Report None. The treasurer Ewen Gillies was with the Community Council. unable to attend. Police Report None. PC Craig Allan was unable to attend. • Secretary’s Report Correspondence Strategic Transport Projects Review: action: MS to Emails, Agendas, Minutes, Correspondence: In future • respond on behalf of the council. the draft agenda will be circulated to CC members and Applecross Community Company: The council others and 24 hours allowed for any additional items. appreciated the update on their activities. Detail of this Minutes will go to CC Members plus Robbie Bain, Cllr

24 is available as a newsletter posted on local noticeboards, Closing balance: £4485.28 and at http://www.applecrosscommunitycompany.org, (the difference represented a cheque cashed from the and updates on social media. SSE money) Safeguarding Scotland’s Remote Rural Communities: JG Police Report None. PC Craig Allan was unable to attend. outlined the detail of this proposal by Gail Ross (MSP, Correspondence Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) for a Bill to enhance Applecross Community Company: an update on their the consideration given to remote rural mainland activities. Detail available at http:// communities by public bodies in Scotland. action: JG www.applecrosscommunitycompany.org, on to complete the survey on behalf of the Community noticeboards and on social media. Council. JG also encouraged members of the Wester Ross Biosphere: Jess Whistance from the community to fill in this simple online survey, whether Tourism Group was attending. as individuals or on behalf of organisations. This is Aberdeen Science Centre: Request for information about available at: https://www.parliament.scot/ local events. action: SP to forward to Applecross Hall S5MembersBills/GR_Consultation_Final.pdf Committee and Applecross Games Committee. Any Other Business My Place Awards: Regarding nominations for the 2020 Traffic management: AB flagged issues with traffic awards, celebrating community-led built environment management on the Bealach by Albyn on Friday 6 projects action: SP to forward to Community December. It was felt that more training was required Company. for managing traffic on a single-track road, and that Torgarve: correspondence received from Bob and Lylla providing more information about why the traffic was Clyde regarding their lease. being stopped would be beneficial. action: AB to Any Other Business contact Albyn. Gritting: AB highlighted issues with Thanks to road crew the council would like to express gritting, including issues experienced by the school bus. grateful thanks to the local road crew who worked on AMcI noted that gritters are now tracked, so it is the washed-away road so quickly despite the ongoing possible to see where they have been. AMcI had put a weather. complaint in to the Highland Council roads department, Charity event: The council were made aware of a and asked for a permanent extra gritter either full-time Highland Hospice North Coast 500 event scheduled for or part-time for the Bealach. May 22-24 (Bank Holiday weekend). action: SP to Meeting Closed: 8.32 pm contact Highland Hospice to request further infor- Next meeting: Tuesday 14th January 2020, 7.30 pm mation. Members of the public are warmly encouraged to attend Meeting Closed: 8.34 pm these meetings. If you would like to add any items to the Next meeting: Tuesday 11th February 2020, 7.30 pm agenda, please email them by the Friday before the Members of the public are warmly encouraged to attend meeting to: [email protected] these meetings. If you would like to add any items to the agenda, please email them by the Friday before the meeting to: [email protected]

Applecross Community Council Meeting Held at the Community Hall, Applecross MINUTES (Unapproved) – Tuesday 14 January 2020, 7.30pm Present: Ali Brown, Ruaridh Cameron, Jon Glover, Sarah Paramor, Mark Stewart World Day The council extend their deepest sympathies to George of Prayer Gilroy’s family and to everyone affected by his tragic death.

Apologies: Julie Baird, Ishbel Ferguson, Ewen Gillies, Jacqueline Liuba. Apologies also received from Councillor Alex MacInnes and PC Craig Allan Future Meeting Date: Tuesday 11 February 2020, 7.30pm th Minutes of the Previous Meeting Adopted; proposed by Friday 6 March 7pm MS; seconded by RC. Actions from the Previous Meeting Traffic Management: action: MS to arrange a meeting of Lochcarron Church of the subcommittee. JG also suggested that MS meet with Jess Whistance Scotland Safeguarding Scotland’s Remote Rural Communities: action: JG to complete the survey on behalf of the Community Council. Members of the community are encouraged to fill in this simple online survey by 31 January. This is available at: https://www.parliament.scot/S5MembersBills/ A Zimbabwean GR_Consultation_Final.pdf Traffic management: AB contacted Albyn to express evening - “Rise, take concern about traffic management; he was assured that the issues had been noted. AB remained in contact with Albyn. your mat and walk” Treasurer’s Report Opening balance: £5735.28

25 (Draft) Minutes community would put themselves forward to form a new Shieldaig Community Council CC. Meeting Tuesday 3rd December 2019 Nursery/Primary School Update Present: Gordon Drysdale (Acting Chairperson), Claire Gordon summarised the current nursery projected roll & the Munday, Viv Maclennan, Kalie Wilkinson, Lisa Fraser, agreed HC proposal to extend the school premises into the Councillor Alex MacInnes, Janene Waudby, Fiona & Andy schoolhouse by August 2020, with a view to achieving the Moys, Hugh Gosling, Francois Raulier, Elaine Holmes, necessary extra accommodation required. An architect & Kassie Forder, Craig MacDonald, Jo Matheson, Keith project manager visited the site on 1/11/19 and Area Care & McNichol, Mya Aronica, Billy Whitehead, Hugh Learning Manager, Norma Young should have received MacKinnon (MOWI) Marc Browne, Douglas McLeod, plans on 3/12/2019 from the architect. The Parent Council Richard Pawlowski (SSC) are pursuing the matter themselves & are seeking to be kept Fish Farms informed of developments. The CC is to continue to lend its Terms of Reference support going forward. Gordon welcomed members of MOWI & SSC & thanked Update on Affordable Housing Proposal them for attending. The draft copy of the Terms of Francois was thanked for producing a very comprehensive Reference had been received & welcomed as a workable 52-page report, & 3-page summary of a proposal to provide document going forward. It was suggested by Claire more affordable housing in Shieldaig based on needs Munday the forum should be broadened to include identified in the 2017 housing survey carried out by the representatives of the creel fishermen, the Sea Trout Project, Highland Small Communities Housing Trust. Francois river owners & TKCC. Janene & Gordon will return the estimated the costs for 5 units would be in the region of Terms of Reference document to MOWI & SSC with these £630K. The scheme proposes community management & names included. It was agreed one representative from each allocation of units based on local need. Kalie & Francois are group was adequate to keep the size of meetings & to attend a meeting with Morven Taylor of the HSCHT on discussions manageable. It was suggested the first meeting 17th December to seek advice & possible sources of finance should be scheduled for late January. etc. Francois welcomed comments about his proposal as he Feed Barge Colour Scheme recognised it was not perfect. The meeting expressed initial Marc Browne explained the feed barge had been painted concern that it was a big project for a small community to blue, acting on Highland Council advice, whilst it was take on without support. Questions were also raised about ashore. It was pointed out it was not a visually muted colour the proposed levels of rent. It was decided a joint CC/SCA & that recommendations from SNH in 2012 had advised a meeting in the NY should be arranged to discuss this project midnight blue colour with a white stripe. The standout nature further, after Kalie & Francois had attended the December of the present colour puts it at odds with the Loch Torridon meeting with the HSCHT. This to be followed by a wider Aquaculture Framework Plan, issued by Highland Council. community meeting. Janene to forward this information to Marc to take forward Public Toilets with a view to change. Although the keys to the toilets are in community Marine Litter possession, they are closed following a recent survey by HC Both companies were quick to respond when marine litter which deemed them unsafe & the community liable in event from the fish farms was reported & this was appreciated. It of an accident. HC have allowed them to fall into the current was felt it would be helpful to have contact details for state of disrepair but will not carry out repairs & have no members of the community to report to when litter was statutory obligation to do so. Alex suggests we proceed with discovered. It was decided that members of the CC/ TKCC/ the proposed Community Asset Transfer process & a licence Janene-SCA should be the points of contact to pass on to occupy which would mean the community (CC/SCA) information about marine litter to the salmon companies. would oversee & fund the repairs & finance & manage the Monthly litter patrols from the fish farms were welcomed as toilets long term. Kalie has contacted the community in a means of ongoing control. Kinlochewe to glean information about running costs etc to Current Activity at Aird cascade back to the CC/SCA. Without baby changing Reassurance was sought that long-term access for yachts to facilities & disabled access we would only be entitled to a Ob na Acarseid, Aird, Ardheslaig would not be hindered by basic minimum comfort scheme payment from HC & would grids of ropes. Douglas confirmed access was available. He be heavily reliant on donations to fund & pay a cleaner. was asked to check for a potential hazard of a marked Keith McNichol & Phil Collins have assessed the building trailing rope to which he agreed. from a roofing & plumbing perspective & submitted The prospect of an open, frank, working forum was felt to be estimates to the CC re repair work. These do not include any a positive step going forward & it was hoped it would be electrical work that might be necessary. The CC is prepared useful for all interested parties. to fund to a sum of £1500.00 & monies are available from Members of SSC, MOWI & Janene Waudby left the the Ward 5 discretionary fund. It was felt the next step was meeting. for an urgent SCA meeting with Alex in attendance to Minutes of October & November Meetings. discuss & take this forward. Approved. Shieldaig Playpark Apologies Gordon reiterated his own & Ruairidh MacLennan’s None. commitment to try & take forward the development of Matters Arising from last meeting. funding & equipment for the playpark. Alex is to keep Abeyance of Shieldaig CC persevering with the provision of play bark to be provided Alex was asked to explain what happens next as the CC goes by HC through contact Douglas Miles. Keith was thanked into abeyance. He explained nominations to form a new for his workmanship in providing the safety fencing around council would be asked for in the New Year with a view to a the park which is now complete with double gates to allow resumption in February/March 2020. The CC’s bank account the entry of grass cutting machinery. The Woodland Trust would be technically frozen but invoices/bills etc would be were asked if they were able to assist, with funding or managed by Ward 5 Manager Robbie Bain who would otherwise, to create a new play park. Whilst they could not contact Lisa as treasurer. Similarly, any correspondence commit to fully funding the area, they may be able to received by Claire as outgoing secretary was to be forwarded contribute in a smaller way. Kalie had requested a donation to Alex or Robbie for interim management. It was hoped the towards the playpark at an Applecross Trust meeting as resumption would go ahead & more people in the compensation for over 7 months of disruption caused by

26 lorries removing wood along the Coast Road & past Shieldaig. Alex to provide possible funding routes to help with ongoing development of the play park. Planning Three new building projects were queried by a member of the public at the November meeting regarding planning requirements. They were: Erection of fencing at Baile Shuas (HC aware & in dis- cussions with the owners) Erection of a new garage on village north entry road (owners state planning permission is not needed & CC content not to pursue further) Erection of decking at the corner of Corran (HC aware & in discussions with the owners)

Police No report submitted. Finance No change in bank balance but refund expected from SP Supplies (purchase of head torch from Resilience Fund – by Duncan Carmichael) to the sum of £90.93 Correspondence Woodland Trust Newsletter (See noticeboard) Fact checker from Scottish government re Fish Farm Planning Appeal A.O.B - Francois to organise clearance of seaweed from Old Pier on Corran to assess damage - A parent suggested that the school alert 20 mph flashing lights signage would be better placed at the north entrance to village as a more appropriate site to protect children walking to school/nursery. Nearly all village children use this route to school. (Gary Urquhart at HC to be contacted) - Request that Community Resilience Plan be housed in the Hall & not disregarded - Gritting. Pressure should be kept on HC to ensure gritting is appropriate to conditions & all routes covered. It was noted that the Bealach & the Coast Road share the same road classification, but that priority appears to be given to the Bealach, even though no one lives on that road! Alex commented plans have been proposed for a dedicated Bealach gritter which would free up other machines for other routes. He said that gritters are fitted with trackers so their routes can be carefully scrutinised. No date for following meeting as CC in abeyance Carols for the Community

The Carol Concert held in the Village Hall in December raised a total of £270 in aid of Youth Mental Health which will be organised through COOL (Christian Outlook On Lochalsh).

Thanks are due to all those who took part : - Readers, helpers, Eleanor Strath, Rosemary Gates and the Community Choir, Spar for the mince pies, Dr Helen Stewart for the mulled wine, Sandy Ross for the sound system, the ladies in the kitchen, Rev,d Francis Minay and Anita Stutter and of course you the congregation.

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