A Very Merry Kilmallie to You

page 28 Issue No 44, December 2013 a huge thank you delivered free to every address in Kilmallie to our sponsors A huge thank you to the businesses below who have sponsored the newsletter this year. The cost of copying this newsletter has again been very generously donated by Lorna and Finlay Finlayson of Crannog Restaurant, Fort William. runner-up The paper for this issue has again been generously donated by BSW Timber, Kilmallie community Our other newsletter costs have been met by donations from the other businesses below and from KCC’s limited newspaper funds. of the year 2012

KCC reports – p2

reasons to join KCC – p3

road safety – p4

road safety & happiness - p5

councillors’ corner - p6

community policing - p5

cherishing wild land- p7

christmas lights - p8

Banavie Primary – p9

Lochaber High Notes - p10

playgroup - p11

Coastguard – p12

ambulance station - p12

Canal News – p13

Community Centre - p14

Music for All – p14

Banavie Floral - p15

FOCAL - p15

no thank you big enough - p16

shinty club - p16

art lochaber - p16

Corpach Woods - p17

Green Fingers - p17

pulp mill gantry – p18

update from Africa - p19

Rugby Club - p20

BOYD BROTHERS CLYDEBoyd wild about kilmallie – p21 (HAULAGE) LTD Fort William Ltd canal steamers - p22

getting ready for winter – p23 nights will soon be soon out! drawing will nights more scouting memories - p24

would you like to become a sponsor too? remembering school days- p24 thanks to Alex Gillespie for taking these pictures & staying up extra late so we could get them to press on time win We rely on the contributions from our business community Muirshearlich & Glen Loy – p25 for the cost of distributing this free newsletter to every address in our area. a prize! focus on folk - p26 We welcome sponsorship from all businesses located in Kilmallie, or with principal key personnel resident in Kilmallie. If you a very merry in john’s focus on business– p27 would you like to see your name or logo in print supporting your community newsletter, please join with our current sponsors. xmas quiz All donations, big or small, are hugely appreciated. puzzles - p27 for children age 5-11

kilmallie to you all see page 13 Please contact us at [email protected] for details. sponsors - p28 Kilmallie Christmas Lights Fund gave us a great start to the festive season - story and more pictures on page 8

What does your company do? generation family members involved in the page 2 We are a logistics company, using HGV business. Headed up by Managing Director, page 27 from the Chair focus on vehicles, specialist trailers, shipping vessels Alasdair Ferguson, with fellow directors, Welcome to a Christmas Cracker Kilmallie Community News. seasons and rail to deliver the best solutions for our Carol MacKinnon, Financial Director, Jack In this issue we highlight both the wild lands of, and road safety in, Kilmallie. customers. We also have warehousing and Ferguson, Operational Director, and Leslie In Russell’s article he reminds us that we can walk all day in Kilmallie and not business Ferguson lorries are a familiar site on storage facilities in Corpach and our own Innes, Office Admin, Director. We employ meet another soul in areas only accessible by foot, whilst our road safety greetings port facility at Kishorn Port and quayside 152 staff in total, with approximately 75 our roads. So this time, we spoke to articles draw our attention to the difficulties members of our community face warehousing in Mallaig. based from our Head office, service when trying to cross the busy main road that cuts through our villages. MD Alasdair Ferguson about his How long have you been operating in department and depots locally in Corpach. Congratulations to the members of the Kilmallie Christmas Lights Fund for & all best business. Kilmallie? What do you and your business like best organizing the funding, and a very big thank you to the local businesses and We relocated from Spean Bridge almost four about being in Kilmallie? individuals who donated the monies, to enable Kilmallie to have a Christmas What is your company name? wishes years ago into our purpose built service The people, the working environment, and tree and festive street lighting this year. Ferguson Transport & Shipping workshop and Head Office premises the business opportunity in the area. We are There are some wonderful articles in here so settle down in a comfy chair Trading as Ferguson Transport (Spean adjacent to Corpach Port, but we have been now closer to three of our main customers

and enjoy. Thank you to all the contributors, newsletter team and sponsors - for 2014, bridge ) Ltd & Ferguson Shipping (Kishorn

operating in and around Kilmallie for the where we aim to provide “Logistic solutions well done on another excellent issue. Port) Ltd. All companies are a part of past 50 years! Historically for Riddochs successful with partners”. We have built With all best wishes to you and yours for a very merry Christmas and a Ferguson Freight Holdings Ltd. from sawmill, TSK, Wiggins Teape pulp and paper custom built premises including our Head Happy New Year. Where are you located? mill, loading and unloading ships at Corpach Office, service workshops, welding/ Our Head Office is in Corpach on the site of basin. Our key customers in the area today fabrication and warehouses to suit our Margaret Mackenzie, Chairman KCC the Old Auction Mart adjacent to Corpach are BSW, Marine Harvest, along with Rio customer and business needs bringing our [email protected] Port and harbour. We have other depots, operating centres and facilities at Annat Tinto and the Forestry Commission. business closer not only to our key Corpach, Mallaig, Kishorn, Invergordon, How many people do you employ locally? customers in the area but the core of our Inverness and Grangemouth in Central We are a family business, founded in 1959 employees who live in the local area. Scotland. by the late Archie Ferguson and his wife Kilmallie’s Anne Ferguson, and now with 6 third natural

heritage One snowy day last month, we set out to walk to the highest point habitat of European importance and now just home to a few Across in Kilmallie. It was the sort of weather that Scottish winters do best wandering seagulls, is a constant reminder of planning gone wrong. – crisp, cold and bright. We started up the track to the bothy in When development takes place which impacts on the natural 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 Cracker (7) Glen Dubh Lighe; it was straightforward enough. But from there up landscape, either on a large or small scale, there is a need for a 4 Get on the horse (5) on to the ridge of Braigh nan Uamhachan it became rougher and strategic overview of where this can best be located, rather than 7 Bagel mix at end of house (5) steeper. Despite an early start, we soon realised that we would not the current approach of treating each application in isolation. The 9 Fruit sounded like it was meant to be of the get all the way up and back down in daylight. It was still a long way Local Plan should be able to do this for some types of development. 7 8 9 imagination (7)

along the ridge to the coll between Gaor Bheinn and the apparently However, there have been several recent applications in Kilmallie 10 Drink cooler (4,3)

unnamed peak just to the south at 961m. The snow made for slow for housing developments in areas designated as ‘hinterland’ in the 11 Viking from the north or south east (5) going, but even on a long summer day it would still be a challenge. Local Plan. Hinterland areas should be off-limits to preserve key 12 Get away. See cap mixing it up (6) As we stood high on the ridge, admiring the deeply shadowed glens areas of crofting land or natural habitat, but the repeated 14 Part of the branch or something used as a tether 10 11 below, it was apparent how much of Kilmallie is only accessible by argument that ‘just one more house won’t do any harm’ results in (6) foot. It is easy to walk all day in Kilmallie and not see anyone else. an increasingly fragmented landscape. Forestry also has a huge 18 For writing on (5) These are the kind of wild places that fire the imagination. In impact on our area, where we are fortunate to have such beautiful 20 I find this is the best policy (7) many ways they define the character of Kilmallie, and we all want native woodlands. There seems no overall strategy for encouraging 22 Makes your eyes water, or cry? (4,3) ballot? BID Living Lochaber the in part take you did to see them protected. Indeed Scottish Natural Heritage is in the land owners to grow the most suitable trees in the best locations. 12 13 14 15 16 23 Can come before the kebab(s) (5)

process of designating ‘wild lands’ which include large areas of Micro-hydro schemes are another example where KCC has been 24 Of the kidneys (5) - Kilmallie. pushing for a strategy that looks at the best solutions for the area 17 25 Halves of quarters (7)

However, in some senses, protecting wild land is the easy part as a whole. We all need power, and micro-hydro can be a very Down of habitat conservation. What is more frequently overlooked are effective way of delivering this with relative little impact. 18 19 20 21 the small pieces of natural, undeveloped land closer to home. Nevertheless, there is still a need to take account of the overall 1 Scottish wind instrument (7) 2 Bares about this blade (5) These areas may be more fragmented and less remote but despite, impact of multiple schemes. and indeed because of that, they are still very important areas for A key role of KCC is to represent the view of the community on 3 Little Miss Muffet sat here (6) wildlife and nature. Even in the more developed areas of Kilmallie, planning applications that have wider implications. Nobody in 4 This girl is in the mega nebulus (5) 22 23 we can still live alongside wildlife with just a little thought and care. Kilmallie wants to lose our natural heritage and important wildlife. 5 Dig up (7) Small areas of woodland and burns can provide vital connections Somehow we need to find a way to move on from looking at each 6 Part of the blue tit learning about the heading that link habitats, often giving them a much greater significance planning application in isolation to a more co-ordinated approach (5) than just their land area would suggest. However we are seeing a where all developments that impact on our landscape are located 8 Kit out this mixed up pique (5) steady encroachment into these habitats, partly as a result of in a way that maximises the benefits while minimising the damage. 24 25 13 A tin cap stirred up. He’s top man on the ship. failures in the planning system, and a lack of appreciation that, (7) even if these places may not look all that special to us, they are Russell Leaper, Secretary 15 You can be made up to these (5) Thank you to Tony Whitelocke for another great crossword. 16 Beats (7) important for wildlife. The bare gravel of the Blar, once a natural And for a bonus point... 17 Part of Chas telling a story is pure 6) 18 A saint (5) over 40 contributors to this issue! issue! this to contributors 40 over have you noticed the recurring ‘theme’ in Tony’s crosswords, 19 Royal lager up (5) businesses and can you guess the charming reason behind it? 21 This flyer is quick (5)

Answers to last issue’s puzzle: Across: 1 SCALPEL, 4 SIDES, 7 CREAM, 9 GAMBLER, 10 NOSEGAY, 11 ALLAN, 12 STRING, 14 BISHOP, 18 LISTS, 20 THISTLE, 22 COMPERE, 23 GREEN, 24 SODOM, 25 MUSTANG Down: 1 SECONDS, 2 AMENS, 3 LEGBYE, 4 SAMBA, 5 DELILAH, 6 SIREN, 8 MEGAN, 13 RESUMED, 15 ICING, 16 PFENNIG, 17 STREAM, 18 LOCHS, 19 STEAM, 21 THETA page 26

your ideas for future ‘focus on folk’

please send us two of them of atChristmas.two My teaching After all years with these Istillcorrespond andpool, there. weput shows on aqua synchronised the in swimming stunts town particular good really were girlsI trained senior four girls but of in alot qualifiedswimming asasynchronised coach. thethen LifesavingSociety. Royal And I acourseI took qualify to examiner as an for When built was school’s the swimmingpool see now. facilities fantastic have the they thereby to the and gobsmacked Head Iwas back then staff. The facilities great all weren’t that short time more wehad and take to on about1400pupils 500to from a very in days, but it pulp whenthe came, grew mill Thein reasonably was school those small principal teacher PE staying and Iretired. till there, ajob got 1960, I becoming eventually here since. ever the onewas of firstbuilt. loved beI’ve to it just grassland,therenohouses, were ours Hillviewhere Drive. wemoved When it was we’d like upparthigher come the to to of house.decidedWe and scoutedround Jane, by weneeded then abigger and Corpach that year! was quite Walter surprised! theto finals, the wewon and championships thefor Theythrough got relief come. to bus whiledoingnow) the that us of rest waited up with Inverness away to get wouldn’t (you sprinters, were aboy, given alift and agirl thatcar goingtwo was and north my have missed Iflagged heats, so the downa there,way busbroke the we’d down and Walter said chance!the no On had they Scotland Championships Inverness. in and one the N year Ienteredof for them 1964. eventually the won they Cup Camanachd in the in shinty Hall,and team old the GSC association Itrained with thearea. Corpach Shinty Club,and that myfirst was night training giving Kilmallie class PE to Walter Cameron,me run He persuaded to a including under School, old the Banavie Secondaryseveral Schoolothers and and wemoved north, Inverlochy. to offered take it up ajob to here, Idecided the teacher, when aPE area. Iwas and Iwas with Lochielfactor Estates liked Ireally and holidaybrother when was myassistant Dumfriesshirehere I’d area, been but on tried persuade to staythe me to in Sheila Authority in theand 1955, Education broughtI was inmarried up I Lockerbie.

about about his life and his writing. recently spoke toChristine and Mandy envy of many people half his age. He enthusiasm for life that would be the 86,At David Cargill has an energy and When new the Schoolopened High in After acoupleto years of wemoved I worked in the I trained School in Banavie the athletics

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the policeon new station the precededBlar, by atour Community Council. the newsletterof Kilmallie or team are necessarily not views the of Views expressed this newsletter in [email protected] email Mandy Ketchin Kshama Wilmington Jan MacLugash ChristineHutchison newsletterYour team: publicationfor of March. in middle to early The deadline the nextis newsletter 15 for more help always very welcome. is very very you’d likeIf help to in please in any get way, touch couldn’tinput happensupport. alland your without team and course of sponsors our Thanks all asalways to contributors, our delivery our Associate member Other members Treasurer Secretary Chairman 2014. Next AGM is 18 June 2014. dates are 15 January, 19 February and 19 March website in case of changes. ordinary Next meeting every month excl July and Dec, but please check the Kilmallie Community Centre on the 3rd Wed of meetings. Meetingsare currently heldat7:15pm in Members of the public are most welcome at all our COUNCIL COMMUNITY KILMALLIE of theirof greatnewwelcome.But facilities. Everyone hopefullywill of KCC meetingin be January the held pleasearrangements emailcheck first to us as are join usfora community community night inthe

us at subject change last to atthe minute. kilmallie

[email protected] Salen, Banavie PH33 7LY Jan MacLugash [email protected] Canal House, Banavie, PH33 7LY Russell Leaper [email protected] 42 Hillview Drive, Corpach, PH33 7LS Maggie Mackenzie,

news

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Chris Pellow Kshama Wilmington Mandy Ketchin Christine Hutchison

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the newsletter

February,

maybe you and youryouand and maybe friends neighbours enjoy your opportunity to promote toopportunity community radical activism,to Kilmallie Community Kilmallie help make themake youwhetherwant help things happen, or big community councilsarecommunity greatplaceyoung fora people maybe youhavea onefor maybe passion or particularproject Please getin Please ifinterested you’retouch and wouldlike to gain experience withto local non Community Councillors aren’t Councillors nimbies,it’sCommunity but agreat free newsletter free and like would continue?to it we can differencea to make care aboutlocally things you protecting wildflowers verges? protecting onour associate as an maybe you’re Christinemaybe hungry? Janandbring great community councillor you councillorcan community focusyour time and energy on things energy the that youmatterto you, don’t maybe youhaveancareer interestin maybe ain politics? young changes people, young or timetable,bus to the or maybe you care whatyoucare maybe inhappens yourbackyard? local service (likeservicewanting local more local forfacilities five great reasons greatreasons five KCC has space space fortwo andKCC members, has full lotsof (and thereare (and dozens more) dozens cakes and cakesbiscuitstoourand meetings! have to getinvolved have to ineverything always do with a always morehelpbitdo it looks onyourit goodCV! Council associate members. associate to join to to knowmore. to small

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page 3 see the newsletter in full colour at www.kilmallie.org.uk Only about 1/4mile of the mysterious early 1960s there was a foresters’ camp at page 4 history nearby Banquo’s Walk is visible although the farm. About 10 men lived in a basic hut. page 25 another section was exposed, nearer the This hut is believed to have been formerly road safety for kilmallie? Castle, with 2012 tree felling. Thoughts are used by contractors on the construction of You may have seen the recent press Thanks to everyone who has contributed to snippets - that this is all that remains of a road the new Glencoe road! coverage about calls for improved road the discussion so far. Some of the views If we want Transport Scotland’s stretching northwards from the castle. crossing facilities at Corpach. expressed include: Glen Loy is the glen of the calf. The best survey results to support the In the early 19th cent Torcastle Mansion known place in the Glen is probably Erracht KCC has had road safety firmly on the  it’s not just about safety, it’s about need for a crossing at Corpach, Muirshearlich agenda since we re-formed in 2011. The independence, being able to cross the was built - by/for Lochiel’s factor. Later it (= place of assembly). Formerly known as we need to give them the previous KCC also campaigned for road without relying on help from others was let to a number of tenants with one of Ardloy. A son of Lochiel lived here in 1715.

the better known - the Gooch family - who By 1772 a large stone barn was built and is a improvements, but it is not always easy for  it’s not safe for children on the traffic evidence of all the difficulties, to Glen Loy got involved in scouting, guiding and WRI. listed building although at this time the the simple requests of local communities to islands frights and near misses that we We remember Hugh Muir in another The building became Torcastle Hotel in 1947 house was still of a very basic construction. hold sway against the might of national  it’s hard for mothers with pushchairs have experienced. Please give great collection which he sent us under W Bremner. Serious fire destroyed agencies. Like many rural Highland  sometimes you’re stuck on the traffic KCC as much information as you In 1793 Major Alan Cameron of Erracht before he died earlier this year. the building in 1950.The mansion had been communities, we don’t have all that many island for ages and it’s scary with huge formed the Cameron Highlanders. The can, either by email or via our With thanks to Hugh’s family for a hospital in the 2nd WW. roads in Kilmallie. A large proportion of the lorries driving so close, even when permission to publish it, and more to Camerons of Erracht had their own tartan.

suggestion boxes. Please give network we do have is classed as trunk they’re travelling well within the speed In 1852 Torcastle had 17 acres of arable land your name and contact details. come next time.. At the head of the Glen is Achnanellan road,** ie part of the essential national limit and supported 8 cows and 2 horses. (= field of the island) and also Puiteachan road network that is subject to national  the parked cars either side of the main The community of Muirshearlich is roughly The first known Kilmallie Church Glebe was (= place of the young moor fowl). Many standards for design and speed limits, and crossing zone don’t help north of Banavie and west of Torcastle. It established here in 1734 of 4½acres. The signs of building ruins in the glen. At one, comes under the control of Transport  sometimes there are cars parked all means the field of the broom-rape. In 1466 house cost £60. The site was returned to the Achnaherry (about a mile east of Scotland*** (not Highland Council). round the corner too was called Mischoralich and in 1633 heritors in 1804 when a new glebe was Achnanellan) supported 8 families in 1750 When a community asks for a new  I don’t feel safe using the traffic islands. I Musherlich. given at Corpach. but by 1875 was just ruins. An old drying kiln pedestrian crossing, Transport Scotland go further down to cross but that means Strone means a promontory. Viscount can still be seen here. There was once an Inn surveys the site to see if it meets the Going through this area - and the Canal having to cross the whole road at once. I Graham of Claverhouse (Bonnie Dundee) led near the south side of the upper river. It was national criteria. The main factors are the tunnel - is Allt Sheangan (= the narrow can’t hurry, so sometimes I have to wait the first Jacobite Rebellion. During his run by Duncan McPhee believed mainly for number of people crossing and the amount burn): this burn is fed from a lochan called for ages for a long enough break in the attempt to raise the clans he stayed for drovers. of traffic passing the site. Other factors Kilmallie Loch. It is reported that this was traffic in both directions months at Strone before going on to the In 1729 there was a school at Bunloy. In include the number of road casualties near once a place where people skated and  it’s not just crossing the main road that is battle of Killiecrankie. Strone was the home 1901 a new school at Innerskilavulen (= the site and local features such as hospitals, noted for its mussels. About 200 yards from difficult. Parked cars at Drumfada Terrace of a well known bonesetter called Alex confluence of the mill burn). This site was schools and shops. In response to KCC, Bob the burn is a house now called Arkavie. It make crossing bad there too, and there thanks to everyone who Cameron who died in 1875. Below and to about a mile up the glen. Some part of mill Mitchell of Transport Scotland has agreed opened as a school in 1841 and was still a are blind corners where the cars travel turned out for the school until about 1887 when it became the East of the farm is the outline of a large dam can still be seen. to commission the survey, but this is no too fast Lochaber News photoshoot, Kilmallie Poorhouse. It could accommodate sawmill used at the time of the Canal In 1931 a new school was opened at the NE guarantee that the crossing will happen.  if you’re partially sighted, you can’t http://vimeo.com/80398797 and to Care Lochaber too 16 people. I believe it was still operating in construction and was driven by water side of the bridge over the River Loy. Closed Indeed the outcome of the survey might always see the cars unless they have most of the culprits were apparently local apparently were culprits the of most for highlighting the difficulties faced the 1930s when Mrs McLennan was warden. diverted from the river Loy. in 1946. even strengthen the case for not having a lights on, even during the day by our elderly and disabled residents At the bottom of Strone Brae there was crossing: our population is small, there is As well as a safe means for pedestrians to In the 1873 minutes of Kilmallie School Hugh Muir once a blacksmith. From the 1930s until the only one shop, and - fortunately - there cross the main road at the Co-op, other Board it is noted that in the area "east of have been few accidents. Also the amount issues that KCC are pursuing are: thanks to the kind and Hotel " ie Camaghael, Torcastle and courteous Fergusons lorry Muirshearlich there were 34 children of of traffic might not be considered high  reduction of the speed limit between the driver who stopped to let school age (5-13 years). enough. We don’t yet know whether they new Blar roundabout and the eastern us cross the road safely take into account the proportion of HGV outskirts of Corpach - it is 60mph at On the hillside above Muirshearlich, is an traffic (Corpach is described as a transport present - terrifying if you are trying to when we were getting pictures taken to obvious long wall. This was the march-wall hub in the Local Development Plan). cross the road at the canal bridge where highlight the road safety issues in the until 1891 when it was the boundary But all this is to reduce the issue to mere sightlines are very restricted. Lochaber News between Argyllshire and Inverness-shire. It transport statistics, and we know it is not  reduction of the speed limit between the is claimed that, in 1745, Bonnie Prince just about that. It is about our community western outskirts of Corpach and the thanks to Lochaber News Charlie, after raising the standard at feeling comfortable and safe moving around sawmill - it is 40mph at present and we for giving our road safety Glenfinnan marched his army through here, at video Corpach the at in our own local environment. think it should be reduced to 30mph issues prominence on their via Annat, to avoid being seen by the because of the extent of residential front page troops at the Fort. development on both sides of the road, Torcastle means the bluff rock of castle or, if  introduction of driver-activated speed but apologies to the HGVs it was once torc castle, boar castle. The signs at the entrance to the 30mph zone who might have thought we original castle, one of the earliest in either side of Corpach. If places like were getting at them. Scotland, was built in 11-12th C by Banquo, Spean Bridge, Fort Augustus and even the KCC have no issue with the lorries Thane of Lochaber. Then owned by Clan tiny Strathyre can have them, then why themselves. The businesses that use Chattam/McIntosh. About 1530-1570 rebuilt can’t we? HGVs are a valued part of our local by Lochiel. By about 1665 Cameron Chief  introduction of 20mph limits in ALL economy. People just want to be able left. By about 1740 the castle was empty residential streets and roads. to cross the road without fear or and becoming ruinous. At one stage it had a The Glen Loy aqueduct, carrying the Caledonian Canal over the river Loy Photo: Colin Park We’ll continue to keep you posted. anxiety. Buses going by can be just as drawbridge. our photographer photographing their frightening if you are waiting on the photographer photographing us! ** ie the A830 all the way from Lochybridge traffic island, but we would westwards. (The B8004 from Banavie to nevertheless like to see more of them! Gairlochy is the responsibility of the local 10 years authority, Highland Council).

take a look look a take ***Transport Scotland are the national transport agency of the Scottish ago Government. They are accountable to On the right is an extract from the Parliament and the public through Scottish November 2003 newsletter. Do you Ministers. They have contracts in place with have any reminiscences about the private operating companies to manage and garden competitions? We’d love to in recent speed checks checks speed recent in maintain our motorways and trunk roads. Care Lochaber, KCC, and local residents at risk on hear from you if you do. the narrow traffic island www.transportscotland.gov.uk

Walter Cameron, in the old GS hut which and guns being parachuted in on them. Billy page 24 scouting memories was still in use then. In fact, he actually became Assistant Activities Commissioner. page 5 After our last issue, Billy MacMillan took over from Walter Cameron as Scout He took the scouts to Beauly and to ideas for road safety & happiness Master and was indeed the last ever Auchangillan where he earned his Camp got in touch to offer more scouting Today’s progressive urban planners scoutmaster of Kilmallie when he became Warden Badge. Here he was one of the so- memories. Kshama and Libby went to acknowledge that what makes a happy city the first ever Scout Leader. Billy was Scout called Service team; he was a successor to meet him to listen to his stories. (irrespective of its relative wealth or Leader for a total of about five years from the previously mentioned Andy Holmes who poverty) is one that fundamentally favours Libby and I were recently made most about 1967 until 1972; he only stopped was himself preceded by Douglas Scott. He pedestrians, cyclists and public transport welcome in the home of Billy and Ann because he says that he had no back up in planned the Scout Camp in Holland, the over cars and lorries (1). Moreover a happy MacMillan in Corpach, where everyone must the early 1970’s from the District Camp was in Ommen. He remembers that city fosters a healthy economy with untold know him and his family: some of you might Commissioner. There was a reorganisation of the host Dutch group requested to borrow

spin-off benefits for everyone. The same is

know him for his first aid expertise. Others the then geographical areas as far as the Scottish troop’s heavy equipment when true for towns and villages. But it makes for might know him for his well deserved Silver scouting in Lochaber was concerned. Of they paid a visit. a tricky design challenge when a trunk road Acorn Award, the second Highest Award in course, Billy was quick to step in as activities Such memories are precious and should Scouting. He was given it in 1983 for adviser for the whole of Inverness-shire; he be shared; Billy certainly showed deep passes right through the middle of a village, Specially Distinguished Services and must be thus became one of the earliest advisers. feelings for Kilmallie whilst we were as it does in Corpach. We all need our trunk one of the youngest at the age of 39 to get The title in full was “District and Area interviewing him. He has worked hard for roads: they allow us to transport ourselves it. We soon realised that he must also be Activities Adviser”. the youngsters here and I feel very privileged and our freight around the country with Transport Scotland may say it can’t be done. famed for his very good memory! Billy was responsible, with the help of to have met such a true Scouting hero. reasonable speed and efficiency. But do we other routes to And they will no doubt quote all sorts of Billy left Glasgow and moved to Fort friends, for the classification of waters in the Kshama Wilmington really want them to overwhelm the Guidance Notes that they must adhere to. William to serve in the pulp mill back in area into different grades for example “open character of our villages as they pass road safety But times, and attitudes, are beginning to through? Government policy seems to change as more people experience the Easter 1967. He had been an Assistant water” which was most difficult to navigate Should we be asking instead for dictate that they must. But many people, advantages of slower road speeds. In their Scoutmaster back in Glasgow, but he loved was graded A while Loch Ness was only a  a 20mph zone through the centre of the including groups like the Go20 campaign, last Speed Limit Review, Transport Scotland mountaineering and canoeing amongst mere B but many of the locals thought quite village, which would significantly reduce are challenging this presumption. A 2010 didn’t consider 20mph speed limits, but other outdoor sports. When he came to rightly that it should be upgraded as it really the risk of serious accidents (and at British Social Attitudes survey found 71% of they did say that as part of their “ongoing Lochaber he couldn’t wait to teach boys how is a challenge. Many visitors to the area were approx 1/3 mile long, it would only add people were in favour of 20mph limits review of the safety of the trunk road to explore the hills, rivers and lochs and to advised by Billy, he remembers a group from a mere 20 seconds to a vehicle’s where people live (2). network, consideration will be given to realise how lucky they are to live here. Billy Bermondsey near London who had only journey)? potential 20mph pilot sites at suitably found that he and his many fellow workers practised on the Norfolk Broads - an  traffic calming measures at the start of identified locations”. had to be housed all over the area. But it inexperienced and uneducated lot by the 20mph zone, eg road narrowing to

seems as if Billy was a person who helped Highland standards! Tourists came from all be careful what create ‘gateways’? (This is considered Should we call for Corpach to be one of establish a centre of community life here in over. Billy helped to set up an official good practice to draw drivers’ attention these pilot sites? Should we reclaim the Corpach for the workers which is vital for campsite in Inches and remembers some of we wish for to the lower speed limit) village for people on foot of all ages and roundabout? speed families settling into an area. Amongst other those in charge: Andy Holmes, Alistair While a new conventional pelican crossing  and a simple ‘puffin’ type crossing at the things he resumed the role of helper with Whitehead, Chris Dyre, Dr John Richardson abilities. What driver wouldn’t be willing to -

access to the war memorial improved? improved? memorial war the to access seems on the face of it to be a good solution shop, without railings (there’s no need trade that extra 20 seconds for the the boy scouts here, a role that he had and him. He remembers an army exercise Billy with his certificates and his prized Silver to crossing the road at Corpach with less to restrict where people must cross increased independence, confidence, safety, obviously loved in Glasgow. He helped above the camp: Chinooks flying overhead Acorn Award anxiety and risk, it may have downsides too: because it will be easy anywhere). security and, ultimately, happiness, of our

families. There would be no congestion and little

inconvenience to trunk road traffic, (who 1 Happy City: Transforming our lives through were you in would notice that extra 20 seconds?). urban design, by Charles Montgomery, Traffic would hardly ever be held up by the Penguin 2013 primary school lights at the crossing because it would be 2 2010 British Social Attitudes Survey –  making the village centre a much more easy for people to cross wherever they Attitudes to transport urban place, a more no-go place for wished without traffic control. (Why bother www.20splentyforus.org.uk/UsefulReports/ in the 1930s? BSocialAttitudes2010.pdf If so, Christine and Mandy would love to come pedestrians, especially if there are long with the puffin crossing at all you might ask, ugly railings either side of it. but they definitely make life easier for some 3 eg Investigation of Pedestrian Accidents and talk to you about your reminiscences of Analysis at signalised pedestrian crossings in  causing frustration to traffic having to people with disabilities like partial sight or your school days. Edinburgh, Napier University, 2009 Many thanks to Dougie Dykes who has sent stop and start (plus higher fuel learning difficulties, and for children building us these photos wondering if they jog anyone’s consumption and extra noise especially confidence in crossing roads independently). memory. Can anyone fill in the missing names? from lorries accelerating and changing All those people on foot who suffer anxiety Dougie lives in Corpach now but has lived in the gear). and practical difficulties crossing the road at past in Torlundy, Caol, North Ballachulish, and  reducing the amount of parking space present, would not have to live their lives various other places outwith the area. near the Co-op (because the zigzag lines intimidated by a trunk road. restrict parking either side of the Top: Photo of Dougie’s father Ewen (Okey) Dykes and crossing). This will inconvenience all other pupils at St Bride's Primary School North the local residents who take the car to Ballachulish circa 1933. shop at the Co-op, as well as people Back row: John Macintyre, Kirsty MacInnes, Ewen passing through on their way west. And (Okey)Dykes, Morag Finnigan, Jean if lack of convenient parking deters Finnigan, ??, ??, ??. people from shopping there, our one Front Row: ??, Kirsty Peak?, ??, ??, ??. remaining local shop may become

Below : Photo of Dougie and other pupils at threatened. Tomacharich Primary School 1952-53.  and some research even shows that Back Row; Kenny Matheson, Irene Carr, Sophia pelican crossings can increase the Spence, Elizabeth Matheson, Daisy Dunn, Mary number of accidents (3) (maybe because Lawrie, David Matheson, Donald Cameron? traffic generally travels faster and takes (Auchindaul Farm?) & Miss Nicholson (teacher). less care?). Mid Row: Ian Lawrie, May Stewart, Grace Chappel,

page 6 Many thanks to page 23 our Highland councillors’ corner Fiona MacLeod Eddie sent us his apologies as he was since he was head teacher at Banavie and This time we asked our Ward unable to write something for us this School, and he has spoken to Lochaber Anne Eadie councillors: What do you consider is time, but he welcomes what KCC is News recently about the specific local of the the greatest road safety issue in getting doing in campaigning for road safety, road safety issues that KCC British Red Cross Kilmallie and what would you like to Cllr Eddie and he is in full support of KCC’s aims. are raising. for this be done about it? Hunter Kilmallie ready He says road safety has been an issue valuable advice for winter about Speed is the one overriding road safety issue safeguard residents. Transport Scotland the Council may erect 20mph signs, where Severe weather is part of life in Northern winter safety. which has been brought to my attention by invariably takes account of any accidents appropriate, which are enforceable on those Scotland. We are all too aware of the residents at various intervals. The main which have occurred in the area in question non trunk roads under Highland Council’s consequences that severe weather can emergencies. If you have care responsibilities, think about road safety concerns in Kilmallie are the before taking action. My own view is that control. All this will cost an extraordinary bring: power cuts; frozen pipes; being stuck In your Community: who will help anyone you normally look speed of vehicles, particularly heavy lorries, action should be taken before accidents amount of money from Highland Council’s in your home or stranded in your car or Do you have a community resilience/ after if you are stranded. travelling through the village of Corpach. happen. If there is a negative response Capital Budget and could take anything from being unable to pick up essential supplies emergency plan? If not visit Trunk Roads, and more recently the police, from Transport Scotland to providing a 5 to 10 years to accomplish throughout the such as medicines and food. www. readyscotland.org/my-community If you are interested in learning first aid the carried out speed checks. The Police crossing, I would suggest that the Highlands. We could achieve an awful lot Such consequences can be debilitating and to find out how your community can start to local British Red Cross team offers courses reported that in some cases it was local Community Council collates those instances more if Scotland had fiscal responsibility. distressing even for those of us who are put a plan together. that can be tailored to your community’s

motorists who were ignoring the speed of close shaves and pass them on to Bob Until then, we have no option but to live accustomed to harsh winters. That is why If there is a plan, why not think about need. They teach everything from first aid limit. They also reported, that in the main, Mitchell at Transport Scotland with an with the fact that there is not enough the British Red Cross is running a campaign testing it out. This may be something that for sprains, burns and falls to emergency life motorists including those large Lorries invitation to attend a future meeting of the money in the Westminster block in partnership with the Scottish Government your local authority emergency planning -saving skills. The course can also take time which trundle through the village adhere to Community Council to discuss the concerns grant to accommodate all Local to raise awareness of the risks severe officer could assist with. to look at risks that communities face in the speed limit. This is something that of local residents. The good news is that Government requirements. weather can pose, and encourage Publish a list of community contact numbers winter, and give hints and tips on how first many residents have not accepted. The Highland Council intends to implement individuals and communities to become Organise a first aid training course in the aid and other simple steps can help. police will continue to take note of residents twenty’s plenty signs on appropriate roads Cllr Bill Clark more resilient. community. Having members of your If you would like more info or would like to concerns. A pedestrian crossing outwith under their control. Unfortunately, these We are asking people to think ahead and community trained in First Aid could save a book first aid training please contact Emma the vehicle parking areas at the shops would are not enforceable. On the other hand, pull together some essential items that life - especially in rural communities. Georgeson either by phone (01463 796614) could help you through the winter. A little During severe weather check on your or email [email protected] For me the greatest road safety issue is houses and the bus stop separated from the walk railings to guide pedestrians to them neighbours, family and friends, especially time spent planning your journey, knowing For further advice please visit really multi-faceted in Kilmallie, as the fact main shop, post office, pub and hotel, then would be much more effective than the those who live on their own the risks and preparing an emergency kit for www.redcross.org.uk/preparescotland is, a busy trunk road runs through a long it is the latter I will choose. The first four can refuge islands which are currently in place your home or car could help you cope better Clear snow and ice from pathways of elderly busy working village stretching from Annat be covered by reduced speed limit at the and difficult for articulated lorries and buses during an emergency. neighbours to the Marine Harvest roundabout, bridge, roundabout at Drumfada, and are to negotiate. With the best will in the world, At home your emergency kit could consist bordered by the Caledonian Canal and the already covered by smiley face 20mph and a large vehicle will cause a passing draught of: main line railway. Traffic and pedestrians do lollipop person at the school, and the as vast quantities of air are disturbed, even  List of emergency contact numbers – on not mix well in any situation and certainly railway crossing gates already installed. when observing the speed limit. It must also paper not alongside a trunk road which now However, the centre of Corpach has be very difficult for wheelchair users and  Battery operated torch and radio with carries vast quantities of trees, timber, fish different problems. helpers to balance on these perches while spare batteries (or wind up) farm feed, harvested salmon as well as After recent discussions at Kilmallie being buffeted by a lorry legally travelling at  Any essential medication and a first aid tourists and ferry traffic for Skye and Community Council it was evidently clear 30mph. it is also very disconcerting for our kit beyond. that the crossing of this busy part of the fleet-footed youngsters to have to make the  Three days’ supply of bottled water and If I have to prioritise Great Glen Way road in the centre of the village needs traffic decision, do I carry on, or wait. ready to eat food that keeps

walkers and canal users crossing a 60mph calming and I have already written to A great question, a simple thanks to the guys who’ll be gritting be our who’ll winter roadsthanksthis guys to the

what should KCC be focussing on2014? in focussing be KCC should what  Copies of important documents like stretch at the Banavie bridge, Banavie Transport Scotland requesting traffic lights answer, now wait for the insurance policies and birth certificates school, the heavy lorry use at industrial with pedestrian controls, similar to Lochy installation!  If needed, baby and pet supplies Annat, the railway crossings, and Corpach Bridge and Camaghael, be installed. Cllr Allan Henderson In your Car: village centre with most of the residential Traffic lights combined with more side  Ice-scraper and de-icer  Snow shovel sergeant and nine constables operating from the area. This is the  Map for unplanned diversions only new road policing base being created in Scotland and will  Blanket and warm clothes bring direct benefits to communities across the wider Lochaber community policing  Water and some snacks area through an increased high profile policing presence on arterial The build up to the festive period has begun and the local policing  Jump leads routes such as the A82 and A830. The first officers have already response will again focus on drink driving and alcohol-fuelled  Battery (or wind up) torch and radio arrived and it is expected that half the unit will be in place by the violence and disorder. On the move: end of November 2013. Work on the new Fort William Police Station at Blar Mor  Check the weather forecast before Operational performance in Lochaber in the first six months of continues on schedule with completion expected in the second making your journey Police Scotland has been good with violent crime down 20% and week of December with the building being fully operational well  Fully charge your mobile phone instances of public disorder down 24% compared with the same before Christmas. The Scottish Ambulance Service will co-locate a  period last year. A significant increase in the number of visits and Tell someone where you are going few weeks afterwards. We are also asking communities to get This new police station has been the subject of many years of inspections of licensed premises has in no small part contributed to sizeable reduction in alcohol-fuelled violence and disorder. together and plan ahead for severe weather careful planning and local police officers and civilian staff alike are and emergencies. Taking a few simple let us know know us let looking forward to moving into a modern facility which is fit for As per previous newsletter articles, I would welcome any st feedback or comments on local Policing in the Lochaber/Kilmallie measures can make communities more 21 Century policing. resilient and better placed to cope with On a wider level, Police Scotland has designed a divisional area as we continue to prioritise keeping people safe in the policing structure which ensures there is equal access to specialist communities we serve. To donate online to the Red Cross policing services across Scotland. The purpose of these units is to PS197 Andrew Bilton Typhoon appeal, please go to provide direct support to local policing. A number of these Liaison Officer for Kilmallie Community Council anticipation in www.redcross.org.uk specialist units have already been deployed in Lochaber on a [email protected] variety of significant and resource intensive enquiries thereby Police Service of Scotland negating the need to redeploy local officers away from their Fort William Police Station, communities. Furthermore, as you may already be aware, Police High Street, Fort William Scotland have committed to a Trunk Road Policing Unit being based at Fort William which will eventually see an additional Tel 101 for non-emergency page 22 canal steamers cherishing page 7 I greatly enjoyed the piece on The Gondolier live so I have reason to be in the last newsletter. My grandmother’s grateful to him. uncle, Captain Donald Cameron, was skipper Peter Grant took over the of her for many years, as were two of my Gondolier about 1915 and was kilmallie’s mother’s uncles, Peter and Alec Grant. her skipper until shortly before

Donald Cameron was born in Banavie in his death in 1935. He, too, had 1848 into frightening poverty. It is a tribute previously served on the to the old parish school system that he got Chevalier and Gairlochy. His wild land enough of an education to go to sea and father, William Grant, was in “Wildness is a key quality of Scotland’s pass his master mariners ticket in 1878. Like charge of bank maintenance PS Chevalier, skippered by Ronald’s great uncle Alex Grant landscapes which is widely appreciated Photos from Jack Lee’s Paddle Steamer Picture Gallery other Kilmallie people at this time, such as and lived at Canal Cottage, and increasingly recognised as a high-value

the poet Mary MacKellar, he probably had near Torcastle. My mother asset. the Rev Archibald Clerk of Kilmallie to thank claimed that Peter delivered the daily

“Scotland’s extensive natural and semi- that he grew up literate in both Gaelic and newspaper by throwing it onto the bank natural areas - often rugged, relatively English, an advantage that would be denied from the paddle wheel casing! She remote and showing limited obvious subsequent generations as the Education remembered the canal in the 1920s as being management or development - are an Act of 1872 suppressed education through beautifully maintained with freshly painted important part of the nation’s identity that the medium of his mother tongue. woodwork, manicured grass and hanging sets it apart from the rest of the UK. These An inscription inside his Gaelic dictionary baskets of flowers at the locks. It is to the areas provide significant economic reads Mr Donald Cameron, SS Chevalier, credit of the current canal staff that this benefits, especially by attracting visitors to Glasgow 1876. In the pre-railway age The situation has, in large measure, been Scotland, and are often promoted in the Chevalier plied between Glasgow and Oban restored. marketing of products and services. via the Crinan Canal and, I think, onwards to Peter’s brother Alec apparently also Significant health and social benefits Corpach. Chevalier Cottage in Tomonie skippered the Gondolier but I remember accrue from their use as many people probably has a link with this boat. After a him as skipper of the canal tug, Scott ll. As a derive both physical and mental benefit spell on the Orkney crossing he moved to child of 5, I was taken on a trip towing the from recreating in these areas. The the Caledonian Canal where he successively canal’s dredger from Banavie to Loch Lochy, habitats found within them are also an commanded four of MacBrayne’s canal where I had my first ever bout of important resource for biodiversity and steamers: Glen Garry, Loch Ness, Gairlochy seasickness. In the words of the song Tioram carbon management. and finally Gondolier. Of these craft, air Tir “An fhirinn a th’agam nach maraiche “The experience of wildness can be Gondolier was the only one specifically mi” (The truth is I’m not a sailor). All these enjoyed widely across Scotland in a range designed and built for the canal. Glen Garry Captains would be ashamed of me! of settings, such as rocky gorges, more

began working on the canal in 1846 as Gondolier was withdrawn from service isolated coast and even in greenspace

Edinburgh Castle ll and was lengthened and at the start of the Second World War and close to settlements. However, Scotland’s renamed in 1875. When she was broken up sunk as a block ship in one of the entrances bliadhna mhath ùr mhath bliadhna larger and more remote areas where in 1927 she was one of the oldest steamers to Scapa Flow. HMS Royal Oak had just been wildness qualities are most strongly PS Gondolier in one of the locks at Fort Augustus

in the world. sunk by a U-boat that managed to sneak in expressed are known as wild land. These

For many years, Gondolier and Gairlochy past the nets. On a visit to Orkney I was told areas are not empty of human activities or ran the Banavie to Inverness service, one that the fierce Pentland tides ripped the I got my information from a collection of influence, and it is important to recognise leaving either end of the canal in the wee steamer apart, leaving only the engine family newspaper cuttings, memories that Scotland’s wild land is distinct from morning and completing the passage in block for divers to visit today. If they had of what my parents said plus “The agus agus ideas of ‘wilderness’. But the evidence of about 7½ hours. Gairlochy went on fire at only preserved her for another 50 years Caledonian Canal” by AD Cameron and plus past and contemporary uses of these areas Fort Augustus pier in 1919 and her remains what a visitor attraction she would be today. “The Caledonian Canal” by Guthrie Hutton. is relatively light, and do not detract can still be seen there, I believe. significantly from the quality of wildness Donald largely built the house in which I Ronald Cameron that can be experienced. “The Core Areas of Wild Land 2013 map identifies those areas of wild land Here are the words of the traditional whaling song from South Uist that Ronald refers to in his article above. character which are significant in a You can hear it as sung by Arthur Cormack at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A_LvyCgWxI national context. These areas are especially important and merit particular Tioram Air Tìr On dry land recognition as they identify Scotland’s remaining extensive areas of the highest Ruith na muic-mhara ri gaillionn 's a chuan Chasing the whales in a storm at sea wildness. This is an increasingly rare Mo mhéoirean air reothadh a dh'aindheoin a bhith cruaidh My fingers frozen in spite of their toughness characteristic in a Scottish, UK and B' fhéarr a bhith 'n ceart-uair air acair air Chluaidh It'd be better now to be at anchor on the Clyde European context”. Na bhith díreadh nan crann an South Georgia Than climbing the masts in South Georgia The above words are taken from Sèist Chorus Scottish Natural Heritage’s recent 'S truach nach do dh'fhuirich mi tioram air tír It's a pity I didn't stay on dry land Consultation Paper on the Core Areas of 'N fhìrinn a th'agam nach maraiche mi It's the truth that I'm no sailor Wild Land 2013 Map. 'S truach nach do dh'fhuirich mi tioram air tír It's a pity I didn't stay on dry land In the map on the right, we have Ri m' mhaireann cha till mise shéoladh As long as I live I won't return to sailing overlain the boundary of the wild land

Nollaig chridheil Nollaig area on top of the KCC area. From it you

Díle bho'n t-sneachd 's tu gun fhasgadh o'n fhuachd Heavy snow showers and no shelter from the cold www.highland.gov.uk/yourcouncil/highlandfactsandfigures/census2011 results: census Kilmallie T' aodann 'ga sgailceadh le fras bho gach stuadh Your face slapped with a shower from every wave can see that almost 40% of Kilmallie is 'S t-airgiod am pàilteas 's gun doigh a chur bhuat Plenty of money with nowhere to spend it classed as wild land, and as such deserves 'S e síor-losgadh toll ann a d' phòca And it forever burning a hole in your pocket our special care and recognition. For more information go to Nuair gheibh sinn forladh 's nuair ruigeas sinn traigh When we get leave and we reach the shore www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands- Falbhaidh an oinseach-sa còmhla ri cach This idiot will go along with the rest nature/looking-after-landscapes/ Chosg mi de dh'airgiod aig cunntair a' bhàr I've spent enough money at the bar landscape-policy-and-guidance/wild-land/ see A cheannaicheadh tri taighean-òsda. To buy three hotels. mapping/ glen road. John Cuthbertson of Snowgoose reported a page 8 KILMALLIE wildcat right in the middle of Corpach two winters ago, and page 21 wild cats have also been seen along the shores of Loch Lochy as CHRISTMAS LIGHTS far as Kilfinnan. Whether or not these are 100% ‘pure’ is unknown, but the issue of genetic purity is contentious, and Over 200 hardy Kilmallie residents turned out on a cold but to some extent does not matter if these animals are the thankfully dry night on Friday 6th to witness the Christmas tree about nearest thing we have to Scottish wildcats. switch-on organised by the Kilmallie Christmas Lights Fund. It If you have seen a wildcat or wildcat type in and around was great to see the community spirit that has meant Corpach and Banavie has continued to enjoy its Christmas lights this year the area please let us know and we will pass it on. This despite the council funding being withdrawn. information is invaluable to the effort to conserve the Councillor Bill Clark thanked the local businesses and kilmallie Scottish wildcat. If it turns out that there are several in the individuals who have provided the sponsorship while area then it may well be worth taking more active steps to Banavie Primary School’s Nia Reid (P1) and Laura Davie (P7) Wildcats look after our very own Highland Tigers. Foremost of these is performed the switch-on ceremony. This was followed by The Scottish Wildcat is an iconic species of the remote and the control of domestic cats. Please consider keeping your carols led by a choir from the Music Shed and music from rugged countryside typical of the landscape in Lochaber. moggies in at night and/or having them neutered so as to the Lochaber Community Wind Band. Sadly, wildcats have been much in the news this last year, reduce the risk of further hybridisation. We cannot promise The whole event was supported by the Star for Harris primarily for the wrong reasons. Some estimates have sightings of wildcats to visitors, but we can feel privileged charity who provided well-earned refreshments for placed numbers of viable ‘pure’ wildcats in the whole of everyone after the event. that we share our space with Britain’s rarest mammal. Britain at less than 30, a far cry from the previous figures of Could I also make a further appeal for Despite months of planning the ceremony almost never around 400 animals, which was bad enough. Small happened. The first bad storm of the winter had broken the information about the whereabouts of local populations are under threat from disease, persecution and Banavie tree and damaged many of the lights and tree in hedgehogs. I have seen live hedgehogs (or Corpach as well. Thankfully with the help of Robbie Milne changes in food supply, but the real threat to their survival is their droppings), or even road kills only from Highland Council repairs were made in time for the hybridisation with domestic or feral cats. However, true infrequently around and about Kilmallie. We had one in the switch-on to go ahead. population numbers are unknown, and in remote areas with garden a couple of summers ago, but it seems to have The Christmas Lights Fund would like to thank everyone few feral cats there may be wildcats remaining that are moved on. Whilst hedgehogs should be safely tucked up for who braved the cold weather to attend, helping make the going about their daily lives unbeknownst to man. This is night a great success. Our special thanks go to the Star for the winter now, hopefully having escaped bonfire night, it especially true of some of the wilder areas of Lochaber, but would be good to get some idea as to how their population Harris team for the hard work providing the refreshments nevertheless it seems that unless we do something about afterwards. It certainly shows that Kilmallie still deserves its is faring in the area. Does anyone have hedgehogs that the situation now the Scottish wildcat will soon be extinct. Christmas lights and that it has been worth the effort to ensure regularly visit their garden? This is another declining species, Recent local proposals aim to address this issue. These the Christmas spirit is kept alive in our community. but in an area rich with slugs and snails, one that we would Andy Wilmington include the establishment of an island reserve on Carna in do well to look after. Loch Sunart and also a wildcat haven on the tip of the Members of the Kilmallie Christmas Lights Fund have been Ardnamurchan peninsula, where there is a known Jon Mercer meeting throughout the last six months in order to co-ordinate population of ‘pure’ animals. Here feral cats can be removed Glenloy Wildlife fundraising and to make arrangements for the switching-on photo at top of page: Keven Law th photos and domestic cats neutered. ceremony that took place on 6 December. by Alex,

to next year’s christmas lights party already! to year’s next lights christmas Meanwhile, it seems that there are other potential We would like to say a big “thank you“ to the many local Andy, businesses and organisations who have sponsored us. Jan & wildcats in and around the region, including and thank you to Mandy Without their help we would not have had any Kilmallie. In the past year we enjoyed Angela Mercer Christmas lights this year – a good sighting of a wildcat (or for her beautiful drawing a miserable prospect! We are also grateful to wildcat-type) whilst returning home of a close wildcat STAR for Harris who have made many of the late one night from a bat and moth encounter at arrangements for the evening. event at Glenfinnan. The cat crossed Glen Loy Paul Brian (Chairman, the road between Kinlocheil and Kilmallie Christmas Corriebeg, paused to look at us and Lights Fund) slunk off into the roadside Our Sponsors vegetation by the loch. Even more

All-Round Signs excitingly we recorded camera giving “a voice to the things that don’t have one”, Lochaber News Nov 28 Nov News Lochaber one”, have don’t that things the to voice giving“a BSW Sawmill trap images (albeit grainy) of a Breedon Aggregates large stripey feline with a thick Cameron Carriers bushy tail in the garden of Glenloy for CLYDEBoyd Lodge. The cat was investigating the Corpach Boat Builders pine marten den and also caused a Corpach Co-operative Soc commotion amongst the residents. This Corpach Hotel follows on from other reported sightings Corpach in Colour Gillian Sloan Framing from neighbours up and down Glen Loy in Harbro Ltd the last couple of years, and we have also John McLellan & Co found cat footprints in the snow along the the glenloy tiger Letterfinlay Foods Letterfinlay Hotel

looking forward looking Lochaber Housing Assoc Ltd Lochaber Rugby Club lochaber natural history society Marine Harvest Lectures are held in the Alexandra Hotel, Fort William, 7:30pm Moorings Hotel all welcome Rockhopper Sea Kayaking 16th Dec - The Ancient Pinewoods of Scotland: a Traveller's Guide - Clifton Bain, IUCN Snowgoose Mountain Centre St Clements Fruit Baskets 20th Jan - Freshwater Pearl Mussels - Iain Sime, SNH Tradewinds 18th Feb - Ancient Life at Mistaken Point, Newfoundland - Noel Williams

And many individual donors. 24th Mar - topic to be confirmed Ken done well

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Busy Busy Busy Pitch Improvement Works Pupils and staff have been working very hard since the start of the new school year. In class we have been studying a wide range Unfortunately due to weather conditions, work has stopped on our pitch improvements and it is unlikely of topics including volcanoes, the Romans, Ancient Egyptians, to recommence until 2014! The works are 80% Wallace and Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots and Julia Donaldson. complete, but they need at least 1 week of dry

Children from throughout the school entered the Lochaber weather before they can drive over the surface to carry out the remainder of the works. Finally the Agricultural Show, The Rural Education Trust Show and the pitch will be seeded in early spring - the delays most Kilmallie Show and came back with armfuls of awards from each likely mean we will be at the Black Parks for two years one. instead of one.

Lochaber Sports Association Awards Lochaber Sports Association held their Annual Awards Ceremony at Banavie on Fri 22nd November and we are very proud to announce that Lochaber Rugby Club came away with a hat trick of awards:  Youth Endeavour Award - Laura Davies  Services to Sport - Pauline Donaldson  The club that has been most active in Children In Need was on Friday the 15th of November and we the promotion of sport in the community - did loads of activities to raise money. Primary Three/Four sold Lochaber RFC wristbands for £1 and Pudsey key rings for £2 around the

school. They also drew giant pictures of Pudsey for every class

Annual Boxing Day Match and if people had loose change at home, they would bring it in and www.scottishruralparliament.org.uk at Presidents XV v 1st XV stick them all over Pudsey. Overall, we raised the amazing total Kick off 2pm of £415.66. Black Parks Everyone Welcome Date for your Diary Christmas Craft Fair Youth Report Saturday 14th December, 11am – 2pm In the month of October, Lochaber Rugby Club mini section have Christmas Concerts travelled North and South to attend tournaments with great This year’s Halloween disco was a huge success with a wide Wednesday 11th December – afternoon success. Our P4/5 and P6/7 teams firstly attended the Etive Vikings variety of costumes. Thursday 12th December – evening round of the Argyll Dalriada series. Both teams playing very good Primary Five to Seven children worked very hard at Dance (Tickets only) rugby with varied success. Teams taking part included Etive Vikings, Platform and put on a super dance over two nights in the Nevis Mull RFC, Oban RFC, Mid Argyll and Lochaber RFC. The P4/5 team Centre. coming away with 3 wins out of 4, and the P6/7 winning 2 of their The school have also had visits from Eden Court, Blas, Save a Seasons Greetings matches in a very competitive tournament. Life, Countryside Rangers and Feis, giving children a wide range from everyone at The teams them attended the Ross Sutherland mini tournament of experiences. Banavie Primary School at Invergordon. This was also the first time our P4/5 team were presented with Around the Classes their new playing strips from our sponsor Bidwells. The P6/7 team In Nursery, children have been learning about Divali and trains played great rugby winning a few of their games, considering they and they are hoping to go on an exciting visit soon to the railway Autumn

Paulineand Linda, local sports heroes working tirelesslyfor their clubs station. were up against teams with substantially bigger playing numbers. by Millie Jackson The boys stuck to the task and gained in confidence as the Primary One children have settled in well and have been tournament went on. having great fun on the Trim Trail, keeping fit and healthy. Autumn is wondrous, leaves falling everywhere. The P4/5 team started where they left off at Taynuilt in winning Primary Two had a surprise visit from Wilma the Witch at Autumn is vibrant; orange, brown, copper and yellow are form, playing teams from Highland, Caithness, Moray, Nairn, Halloween and they were able to help replace her stolen Spell all around. Strathspey, Ross Sutherland and Kinloss. The team eventually ran Book. Autumn is spine-chilling; nipping frost bites your nose. out winners of the tournament being undefeated with some great Primary Three/Four have been learning all about money, while

performances from all the players. For some of the players in both Primary Four/Five has been busy learning Gaelic with Mrs Beck. Autumn reminds me of my bedroom, it’s very messy with about the plans for Parliament the about Rural plans Scottish the new

age groups this was their first time playing in a tournament and Primary Five/Six visited Urquhart Castle as part of their leaves and twigs that the wind has blown everywhere. they came through the experience with flying colours. topic, Wallace and Bruce. Autumn tastes full of fresh air, cool and breezy. With tournaments coming up in November at Lochgilphead and In October, Primary Six children spent the day at Glencoe Autumn sounds are mixed, from roaring fires to the Oban before the Winter break, we look forward to more success on Outdoor Centre where they took part in kayaking, archery and churning leaves. the pitch. problem solving/team work.

Pauline Donaldson Primary Six/Seven class recently visited Stirling Castle to Autumn smells of newly grown pumpkins from newly extend their learning about Mary Queen of Scots. grown pumpkin patch. www.lochaberrfc.co.uk Primary Seven have made the first of their transition visits Autumn feels like you are standing under a waterfall with or ‘Like’ us on Facebook to LHS when they took part in the basketball competition in forever falling rain. to keep up to date with all the latest news from Banavie. October. Autumn looks golden, like it’s worth a million pounds. RESPECT Charity Fund Raising Autumn makes my fingers go numb, if I’m not wearing

assignment and feeling very settled and very much part of the will be published in January by Education experience highly; in remembering lost www.lochaber.highland.sch.uk centre and its work. In fact we came back into the country after amazing sight. The patients are now back to just me without a Scotland. heroes our pupils learn valuable lessons and a week in Tanzania last month, this time with our proper work note in my head, never mind an accompanying instrument. The other big news this term is that The make a significant contribution to the permits which allowed us to fill in our entry forms legally as The morphine crisis I reported in the last two editions has, at Highland Council has approved funding for events of the weekend. “work” for reason for entry. On passing through immigration, last, come to an end. The long awaited morphine powder is now Phase 4 of our ‘Lochaber 21’ rebuilding and Many of our pupils achieved success at my passport was stamped and the officer looked up and said in the country, and we received the promised delivery of our refurbishment programme. This means that the National Mod in October and many have – subject to contract – the final phase of the achieved individual and team or group ‘welcome home!’ It was quite an emotional moment, but I have first supply within the week. At NdiMoyo we never completely building work involving the refurbishment of successes locally and further afield to say that that’s exactly what it felt like – coming home. I think ran out thanks to the wheeling and dealing with the HIV clinics classrooms in Art, English, Maths and Music throughout the year. Some recent successes ‘settled’ covers it! who accessed stock from the NGOs supporting them, but we did will now be started two years ahead of include Paulina Szumko winning the ‘Young Work at NdiMoyo keeps us both very busy within our respective run a bit too uncomfortably close to the wire on a number of schedule and the whole project will be Chef of the Year’ competition organised by roles, and despite the slower pace of life and smaller workload, occasions. The campaigning did bring together many like- completed in 2015. The ‘icing on the cake’ the Rotary Club of Lochaber and Zoe Smith there still never seems to be enough hours in the day! Peter has minded medical folk from across Malawi and we have formed a was news that funding had also been and Owen Cairns sharing the Fraser now completed Mark 2 of the strategic plan with accompanying research forum, whose first project is to explore the availability approved to upgrade our astro pitch to a MacPhee ‘Sports Ambassador’ award. I am budgets for further scrutiny by the UK Board of Trustees prior to and use of morphine in Malawi and of which I seem to have state-of-the-art 3G all-weather pitch with pleased to report that our staff achieve ratification. It has been a huge piece of work so he is looking found myself as principle investigator! On the up side we have work to be carried out during summer 2014. successes too. Earlier this term, at the forward to an ease of the pressure for a little while, although managed to secure funding and once through ethics, hopefully While the ongoing building works are a Lochaber Sports Association Awards Night, this month, we plan to get started and complete the first round constant factor at the school just now, we Donald MacLean, Depute Head Teacher was this seems unlikely. The main area of focus at the minute is the proposed new build planned for next Spring. Our current clinic of interviews and visits before the end of December. The will very soon see real improvements to the awarded the accolade of ‘Coach of the proposed outcome is to be able to find out how much morphine learning environment. When the project is Year’. Mr MacLean has been a stalwart of is no longer fit for purpose, and by UK standards probably never was! There is limited space, and no real privacy to examine/ Malawi needs and then try to marry this to the quotas raised in complete we will have a secondary school shinty for many years, coaching the order to stop the stock-outs which have been happening year education facility that is amongst the best in LHS team to be the best school shinty team communicate with patients. However when first renovated on year. the country. in the world! He gives freely of his time and from the old bank it previously was back in 2008, it was a huge November is always an important month has a first class working relationship with step up from the ‘clinic under a tree’ option. The first drawings The more vigilant reader will have noted that I have not in the school calendar as we work with the team members, always employing an for discussion were, of course, far too ambitious so following mentioned the festive season many of you will be preparing for Commando Veterans’ Association to mark inclusive approach to team selection. He endless meetings and brain-storming sessions this has been as you read this. In my on-line UK newspaper and ‘Good Remembrance Day. This year, because our has guided his school teams to win all the scaled down to a more serviceable new model with six Housekeeping’ I read of shopping days left, winter weather, and

hall is currently ‘under re-construction’, our major shinty trophies, the most notable photo by Iain Ferguson, The Write Image examining rooms, all with a door, a couch, wash-hand basin, mouth-watering recipe ideas related to this time. I feel quite to use KCC’s suggestion boxes for all your ideas your all for suggestion boxes KCC’s to use

Friday concert for the Commandos was held being thirteen consecutive wins in the and a desk, a nurses’ room and patient and staff toilets which is disassociated with it all, not just in the no access to anything, in the Duncansburgh MacIntosh Church. As MacPherson Cup (the Camanachd such a bonus on current facilities (yes – I did mean it when I said and knowing this is the first year we will be celebrating without always, the Wind Band, the Big Band and Association’s U14 Scottish Schools the current facilities needed upgrading). Projects such as this family about, but because we are currently at the height of the the Lochaber Schools Pipe Band gave Championship). Not only does he coach the take much time to reach fruition as they are totally reliant on hot season and Salima is very hot and dry! We will do Moorings) (inThe Kilmallie in place took Week Ideas Lochaber first impressive performances culminating in a donor-funding, and the applications that precede them. something to celebrate as the centre will be closed for a few joint rendition of ‘Highland Cathedral’. The Thankfully two generous benefactors have helped realise the days, it will just be a different experience. plan thus far and it is hoped we will be working from our new So, on that note I will bring this update to a close. We wish you premises by the middle of 2014. Although state of the art, and those you love a very happy Christmas and every best wish Malawian style, they are basic in comparison to Scotland, for the New Year ahead. We will be thinking of you all at (our wooden examining couches without helpful pump action other) home. raisers, no computer access in the clinic rooms etc, but there is a considerable buzz of excitement amongst the staff. I hope to Further updates will be made as we continue this work. If be able to report back in the Spring edition of definite progress anyone would like to follow the process more closely, there is a on that front. The current clinic is kept very busy meantime with group setting on facebook which I try to add to on a fortnightly increased admissions and attendees in each of the last three basis. Type Ndi Moyo into the FB search bar and you should get successive months, possibly as a result of increasing awareness a ‘closed group’ option (not the open one I suggested in my last

sessions we have run in getting the information about palliative report). Otherwise my email address is don’t forget don’t photo by Iain Ferguson, The Write Image care to everyone in the community. Much work is still needed [email protected] and I do so enjoy hearing tales but following a review of expected demand, the clinic team are from Corpach and surrounds! now looking at a change in their hospital and outreach clinic Our fundraising webpage remains open for sessions to try to make the service more accessible and anyone who would like to contribute, with all equitable for those living in the more remote villages. We are donations going straight to NdiMoyo Palliative still seeing patients with very advanced disease so some of our Care: role is in raising awareness of symptoms that should be

reported on earlier when there may just be some treatment www.everyclick.com/peterandkathryn great that that great the available. There is always something to be done/worked at Kathryn Hamling Familiar faces and excited new faces spilled house corner has served many purposes from creating a page 18 through the door into a brightly newly bustling productive kitchen cooking lots of items for the page 11 decorated cloakroom. The children and menu, to the “Co-op” and latterly the building site. This is parents busily searched for photographs to proving to be a firm favourite with everyone enjoying building determine the placement of personal with assorted sizes and shapes of bricks to measuring and belongings prior to participating in the hammering. To the delight of the group this culminated in an wonders of play. The children have all activity using real tools and materials to produce some Pulp Mill settled in well to a new term which saw the successful interesting creations which are now ready for decoration. application of an extension to our centre numbers to include Lots of scrap paper and catalogues piled up in the writing everyone. area, and with the supervision of a staff member the children Making the most of the good weather we have enjoyed an busily fed this into the shredding machine. A number of array of play experiences both indoors and outdoors. The local children were fascinated by this procedure and now take on Gantry

woodland is definitely a favourite with exploits ranging from the responsibility of “weekly shredders” to assist in caring for den-building, climbing, running and rolling, drawing, mark our environment by giving consideration to how we can The gantry which has been with us since making, map writing “in case we get lost going back to reduce waste. The shredded paper was used as a medium for the mid 1960s is now no more. playgroup”, to Gruffalo and Troll hunting. While back in our play to the great delight of all involved: the playroom floor ClydeBoyd have organised its removal garden the children have been busy threading ribbons making was re vamped!! Items were buried within the paper with lots on behalf of ClydePort. brightly coloured creations to dance in the wind, building of feeling, touching and fumbling to describe what was found. houses with “real heavy wood brick” supported by “numbers” The introduction of metal items into the tray supported by an The gantry was built by Arjo Wiggins to or “names” developing their understanding of print and assortment of differently sized magnets intrigued the children carry a pipe line. Wood chips arriving by numeracy in the wider environment. Our budding gardeners and saw the development of problem-solving skills relating to boat were blown along the pipe to joyfully picked carrots, potatoes, peas and lettuce some of forces and materials. stacks on shore. The venture was never which were transformed into lovely soup for snack. Soup Not only have the children been busy, but so have the a great success as the chips jammed in making was great fun with a number of children intrigued by Mums, Dads and the board of trustees, initially with the the pipe and when they did flow the the “roaring” of the “noisy blender” while others waited in organising and delivery of the Halloween fundraising night anticipation to sample the culinary delights. “This is held in Kilmallie Community Centre, which catered for wear on the pipe was considerable. My the gantry as seen from the hill above Achaphubuil own memories of the gantry include delicious”, “yum it makes us healthy and strong” and “my everyone; stalls for adults and children, delicious baking, all sailing when the yacht club was based at muscles grow big”, “can we do lots of cooking” were just a kindly donated, bouncy castle, face painters and a great few of the children’s comments. Many changes of clothing raffle. The success of this was quite apparent and hopefully the old mill. Being swept under the were experienced as a result of the exploits at the water butt, this will become an annual event. Recently parents held a gantry by the tide was always a some were pouring and filling, others experimenting with baking and produce stall outside the old post office in Fort possibility! materials that floated and sank while some wanted to William: again a fantastic amount of money was raised.

“shower “their friends. Latterly the change of weather has Without the support of parents and the community the have got a fantastic facebook page! facebook fantastic a got have

Now with ships carrying logs and chips seen the formations of icicles on the side of the building and function of the Playgroup and Day Care would be greatly – for the sawmill to and fro and boat loads wondrous glass ornaments forming in stray buckets which diminished, and the experiences of the children would be of salt for the roads, the port is little hands and fingers have tentatively touched and pressed, compromised, so please accept our thanks and gratitude for becoming quite busy. In addition “ouch its cold and slippy”, “it’s so clear, it’s like glass” were all that you do. Corpach Boatbuilders have their own some of the descriptions: do we have budding authors in our Playgroup presently is filled to capacity with a few names traffic. Space is needed to manoeuvre midst? on the waiting list. However we do have vacancies from 12 boats especially when there is a tide At the beginning of term indoors the children enjoyed noon onwards for Day Care. Enquiries to 01397 772016 or running. The gantry has now been climbing, balancing and crawling on the climbing frame, via e-mail to [email protected]. completely removed including the piles. rolling and cutting out with playdough and experimenting Enrolment for the 2014-2015 session is usually organised for So the channel is clear right down to the with many types of materials within the arts and crafts table. February/March time. Please look at local newspapers and

sea bed. The only bit to be left is at the The children’s enthusiasm led to them making pictures of noticeboards for information. corpach paper mill mill paper corpach

seaward end of the island where the flowers for the Rural Complex show and “tickly“ feet painting Carole - gantry is connected to the dolphins. pictures for Kilmallie Community Council. They all proudly

showed their exhibits off to one another and to anyone who Kilmallie people are healthier than people in Scotland generally generally Scotland in people than healthier are people Kilmallie Paul Biggin came to visit: imagine the excitement when they won a lovely piles of the gantry being removed shiny trophy. This holds pride of place next to Kenny our Playgroup mascot. We have been experimenting with an assortment of equipment to create pictures, imagine the astonishment when we splattered paint everywhere using toothbrushes and used our lungs in ”big puffs” to blow the paint across the table: we really did get in quite a mess but giggles all around highlighted the fun and experimentation within this activity. Art work is greatly valued and is used to decorate the playroom: regularly the children make reference to their own work and reflect on that of their peers. The

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with its 50th anniversary coming up next year average on we’d love to hear about your reminiscences to commemorate the opening of the pulp mill November 2013 and we have dealt with 9 incidents since my last page 12 report but even so we are heading for the busiest year since 2006. HM COASTGUARD page 17 Have you ever wondered how it is possible to speak on a radio (not a phone) to someone hundreds of miles away? Probably not! It is by the marvel of radio waves, also called propagation. AT CORPACH Have you ever wondered what happens when it all goes wrong? Again, probably not, because like me we take it for granted that an engineer from somewhere will be on the case and preparing to locate and fix the problem. It is not an easy fix for us as it involves attending an aerial site which I will explain about later. Radio transmissions from ships in and around Corpach and surrounding areas are passed either directly from ship to ship or ship to shore but only if they are in a direct line as these radio waves (very high frequency) can’t travel round corners. In order for a ship to talk to someone a long way off then the transmission is relayed via one of our aerials at a high point. We have just two in Lochaber. One on the hill above Achindaul near Aonach Mor and the other on the hill above Arisaig. Radio traffic at sea from the Mull of Kintyre to Cape Wrath (and for us, inland to cover the canal, Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Tom Giubhais lifesize Ness) is monitored and co-ordinated by the Coastguard Operations Centre in Stornoway. Very recently this Operations Centre suffered and National Moth Night The real stunner was, wait for it, Argyresthia a complete loss of communications at 10 pm. The emergency plan now kicks into place. This involves manning every aerial site with Paul Biggin reports that Martin Faulkner (of Scottish goedartella. It’s a micromoth which really is micro. Its members of local Coastguard teams so here the Corpach team and National Heritage) asked if he could go up into the wings are like burnished gold with inlay of pearl. The the Mallaig team were dispatched up their respective sites to “Pinewood” and see what moths he could find as part of the only problem is that it’s about 5mm long at most. It’s operate the equipment manually. This involves taking local control The green box which is sometimes “home” National Moth Night. This is what Martin said about it:- other curious habit is that it ALWAYS rests with its head and to listen, answer and intercept if necessary radio traffic from down and its tail up. Nobody knows why. ships between Oban and Skye. The team members worked in shifts Moths undoubtedly get a raw deal when compared to their I’ve been trapping in Tom Giubhais quite a few times this through the night until the problem was resolved at 0530. The butterfly cousins. Sometimes it’s just because most of them summer. What I enjoyed finding the most was another Achindaul site is a 6 foot square metal box with a desk, a chair and a come out at night. National Moth Night tries to redress the micro-moth - Nematopogon swammerdamella. Another woodland? community more for radio set. The box has no windows and a heater balance. This year it was 10 August and we had a good, long name as well! But its family are called longhorns which keeps the temperature just above freezing. warmish night. It was made more enjoyable by listening to It has bottled water and a kettle. Not the best of because their antennae (feelers) are so long. This one waves tawny owls and watching bats hunting. them about constantly. It has a hard life – eats dead leaves environments, especially in winter. We got a real result in Tom Giubhais using three It is testimony to the professionalism of our as a caterpillar, turns into a dull brown adult and has a long ultraviolet lights. The Rusty-dot Pearl is a rare immigrant for volunteers that keep our shores safe. name. Scotland and has never been found in Lochaber! Bit dull Here’s the list of the others I caught this year. They have Phil Wren, Sector Manager maybe, but still a result! more interesting names: Barred Red, Chestnut, Clouded This shared user site looks down Loch Lochy and Loch Linnhe The other 18 species were all fairly common, but there Drab, Common Carpet, Common Marbled Carpet, Common were some very beautiful carpet moths. The moth that Quaker, Common Rustic, Dark Marbled Carpet, Dotted Clay, complement is now 26 and staff are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 seemed to be most popular and common was the dark Double-striped Pug, Dun-bar, Ear moth, Engrailed, Flounced there is a Banavie Merino sheep stud in Australia? sheep stud therein Merino isBanavie a welcome days a week – this has cut down on on-call duties, a much more marbled carpet. However, that’s because it’s big enough to Rustic, Green Carpet, Green-brindled Crescent, Grey Pine efficient system for staff and the community. Included in the 26 see without a magnifier. Carpet, Hebrew Character, July Highflyer, Larch Pug, Large are Support Department staff, eg Health and Safety and The yellow underwings are the ones you would probably Yellow Underwing, Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow to Community Resilience. The latter includes the First Responders know. They’re big, common and sometimes you see them Underwing, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Light Emerald, Scheme. during the day. If they get disturbed they whir away and you Mottled Beauty, Northern Spinach, Red-green Carpet, Small Kilmallie see their bright underwings. Then they seem to disappear! Alan says the new station on the Blar is custom designed to fit Quaker, Small Wainscot, Yellow-line Quaker, Scoparia They fold up their wings and drop to the ambigualis. Christine had a chat with Alan the modern needs of the paramedics, technicians and other staff. ground while you or a bird is still looking Knox, the Area Service Manager Surfaces are easily cleaned – granite worktops and ‘wet wall’ If you want to see what they all look like, UK Moths is a for the bright orange. of The Scottish Ambulance walls – very efficient and perfect for infection control. The layout great website (ukmoths.org.uk). Service for Lochaber, Skye and of the station will allow the cleaning of ambulances to flow Lochalsh, in his office in better– after a call-out the ambulance will be reversed into the Inverlochy. bay, equipment emptied out for cleaning and taken through the sluice and laundry areas. The vehicle is steam-cleaned and then Alan and his staff are looking forward to moving to the new the equipment is replaced ready for the next call. Ambulance Station on The Blar. The new station is spacious, The new station has shared areas with Police Scotland. These Outside hose reels and lances should be put under cover. We have bright, purpose built with extra facilities which will make it very include locker room, dining room, conference room and an lost one or two over the years. Make a cover for outside taps. efficient and much easier to clean. education room with video-conferencing equipment. Such a We have fish, frogs, newts etc in our outside pond and if the frost is change from the current station! They will have a larger stores green fingers The Ambulance Station in Inverlochy became their Fort hard we put a cover made from a frame with fleece tacked to it, if it area which will mean better procurement. William base in 1974 when there were 4 members of staff. The gets very frosty you might need to break a small area to keep it free This will be a pleasant area to work in and access to the main the garden in winter building is now not fit for purpose and although the service pass of ice as frogs and fish can die. roads should be easier. The Scottish Ambulance Service staff As Winter approaches there is a lot to do in the did you know know did you their audits on Health and Safety issues, such as infection garden. Leaves to be lifted and stored (you can make How many of us have dirty tools?? Now is a good time to check control, the conditions they do this in are not efficient. The staff hope to be in the new station at the end of January 2014. a container out of netting), they will take a year or two to rot down, them and oil them, also get Mower serviced if don’t put them on Compost Heap as they take too long to break necessary. You can order your seeds etc for the coming down. We lift a lot of them on the lawn with the mower, saves raking them up. year. We get a selection of Catalogues and Children’s Holiday Club opportunities there are Lochaber Rural We store some of our veg in the shed, but they need extra it is lovely to plan for next year’s garden. for Children aged 4 – 8 protection if the weather turns very cold or you will be left with Don't forget to feed the Wild Birds. th st Wednesday 19 to Friday 21 February 2014 mush! Check the shed or garage for frost sensitive items eg paint, Education Trust for more information contact Linda 01397 700800 sprayers, power washers etc. Some writing on labels is VERY small. Morag Mackell page 16 Alan will be based at Gairlochy over the summer months page 13 there is no thank and Davie will operate between Corpach Sea-lock & canal Gairlochy.

Both bring different skills to the team. Alan previously you big enough... worked as a Ghillie in Arisaig and brings a load of practical loves spending time with them. Normally Remember the great photo of Morgan they see each other at clinics or when they news skills with him. Davy was a police officer in a previous life Macintyre on the front page of our are unwell at Yorkhill Renal Unit. Morgan and his vast knowledge of the local area & community will last issue? She had just won medals We are now into our Winter hours and because of early certainly add to the experience of using the canals to our also took part in the Donor Run, this is one at the Transplant Games in Sheffield. of the most important parts of the whole darkness we are open from 9am till 4pm Monday to customers. (PS In the photo Davie hasn’t got the pig-tails). Here, her mum Caroline tells us more weekend as it not only raises awareness but Friday and closed over the week-ends. about the bravery of transplant donor also lets us all acknowledge all donors and families, and she expresses the eternal their families. This is a 3km or 5km run, jog photo: Iain Ferguson, The Write Image th gratitude that Morgan and her family At Christmas we close on Tuesday 24 December at or walk that the whole team and their that they are saving so many peoples lives approx 2pm and will remain closed until Monday 6th (and others in similar need) feel families can take part in. During these and it also effects each person’s whole January 2014 at 9am. A duty team will be available 24/7 Children’s towards the donors and their families. events you get to meet so many other family too. Sadly as a family we have been people that are going through the same to deal with any emergencies over this period: the Canal In August this year Morgan was in Sheffield on both sides of Organ Donation. We have emergency number is 0800 072 9900. This number will for The British Transplant Games. It was the thing as you are and everyone is so grateful been on the Transplant List waiting for a connect you to the Police Control Room in Inverness. They 4th year running that she has competed in for the second chance at life that they have kidney for Morgan and we made the been given by Donor families who when in turn will contact the Duty Officer who will deal with the Canal Safety the Games. Unfortunately her health was heartbreaking decision to Donate what we not very good this time and it was decided they are going through the most painful could when Morgan’s Dad Jason MacIntyre emergency. times in their lives when their loved ones to grumble ways tech that Morgan would travel down with the was killed nearly six years ago. We - rest of the Glasgow Children's Team as a have passed away they have made the most understand these are decisions no one After the turn of the year we will be open to boat traffic spectator only. On the day of Morgan’s race courageous decision to donate their organs. wants to make but you just need to look at from the Monday 6th till Friday 10th January and close Quiz for There is no thank you big enough that any of Morgan decided that she no longer wanted Morgan and see the difference it makes to again to boat traffic from the 11th January till Monday 17th us could possibly give to these Donors and to be a spectator and wanted to take part in someone’s life. March 2014. the Obstacle Race. Unbelievably Morgan personally for Morgan this is something she Morgan is keeping her fingers crossed that won her first race and ended up winning a will be needing sooner than we would like. It she will be well enough to compete in next We have just appointed two new full time staff to our Xmas silver medal in the final. This is Morgan’s is very difficult having the health of your year’s Transplant Games in Bolton... best result to date. Morgan loves being part loved ones in the hands of a stranger but operational team - Alan Douglas from Arisaig and Dave  For ages 5 to 11 Something to look forward to... of the Glasgow Children's Team which is sadly this is the way it is. The only thing we McCook from Caol. can do as a family is raise enough awareness  Prize: a tin of sweets for the first correct answer sponsored by Kidney Kids Scotland. Morgan Caroline Macintyre has made life long friends in her team and for Organ Donation and reassure people drawn out of hat

provided by the Ballochmyle Band. BSW Shield  Answers to Corpach Sea-lock office by Monday 6th The following awards were made:- Under 14’s Player of the Year January 2014 - just pop your answers through the Kilmallie The Robert Hood Shield Kyle Michie letter box. Remember to include your name, First Team Player of the Year Kilmallie Shield address, phone number and age. Liam MacDonald Under 14’s Most Improved Player to STAR for Harris for being awarded a grant grant a awarded being for Harris for toSTAR Shinty Club The Mungo MacLeod Shield Dean Jeffries The Club is quiet at the moment: we will Second Team Player of the Year 1) What does S.A.F.E. stand for? The next Club “do” is the Christmas Draw on

have a few pre-season friendlies but they Donald MacIntyre th hi new of consideringintroduction Saturday 28 December in Tradewinds. Ian 2) Anagram safety equipment -- Nig rifle have not been arranged yet and the games Alasdair MacIntyre Cup Joseph MacDonald and Malcolm Hughes will fixtures don’t come out until about Under 17’s Player of the Year be playing the tunes! 3) Ducks float, you- - - - (fill in missing word.) Christmas. Alexander MacIsaac Kilmallie Shinty Club had a great dinner The BOSS Trophy Linda Campbell 4) What does R.N.L.I stand for? and dance in Caol Community Centre on Under 17’s Most Improved Player Secretary 01397 700800 5) What number do you dial for the Coastguard? Saturday 9th November. The music was Finlay Ireland 6) What do lock-keepers wear to keep them safe in case they fall in the water? with a limited palette. are £45 for the weekend workshops; £10 7) What should you stay off in winter? The final weekend workshop of the for the day at Braxy Hall. programme will be held on 5/6 April when If you would like further details on our 8) Is it safe to swim in the canal? The New Year kicks off the second part of Lys Hansen from Stirling will be leading programme of workshops or would like to our programme of workshops on Sunday ‘WILD AND WONDERFUL PAINT’, an book a place, please contact Catherine 9) What colours can be seen when you look at the 19th January with Gay Anderson and introduction to expressionism. Putman on 01855 841231. lighthouse lights? ‘A JOURNEY INTO THE UNKNOWN...’ Unless otherwise stated, the workshops Please look up our new website A chance to relax and enjoy the process of take place at An Clachan, Torlundy. Lifts are artlochaber.co.uk. 10) Hard one to finish - What are the left & right sides of letting your painting evolve moment to available for anyone without a car and fees Lorna Finlayson the boat called and what colours are displayed to moment. The journey is the thing! So represent each side? make your way to the Braxy Hall in

Inverlochy and begin that journey. Then on 8/9 February local painter Have a Safe Xmas & New Year Alistair Smyth will teach us some useful wishing everyone all the best for 2014

techniques in ‘PRACTICAL SKILLS FOR congratulations congratulations PAINTERS’, a workshop to explore Linear John, Alec, Michael, Structure, Perspective, Colour and Glazing. Tom, Terry, Davy and

Borders tutor Bella Green will return to Alan. HighlandCouncil Art Lochaber on 18/19 March to give a weekend course on ‘BALANCING John Stafford COLOUR, looking at ways of creating mood page 14 banavie floral page 15 Kilmallie Community Centre improvements Well I had my wish for heavy rain and strong winds to test Carol Service which is always driven by the Mustard Seed

the final remedial work on the new roof. Glad to say it’s all Fellowship will be held on Sunday 15th December at 6.30 memorial for a friend

ticketyboo, now along with the biomass heating system the pm followed by tea, coffee and mince pies. Hope to see Shortly after Kay Gretton died the remaining members of hall is very comfortable for the various user groups. you all there. Banavie Floral Improvements (Joanne and myself) were busy planting daffodils in Banavie (an annual occasion in the autumn I must congratulate the Kilmallie Playgroup and their A big thank you goes out to the Highlanders Muay Thai to guarantee a splendid display for the following spring) we helpers who ran and organised a very successful Halloween Club (Kick Boxing) as they gave up their night to allow the discussed various options for a suitable memorial and finally Brenda and Helen enjoying Kay’s memorial bench

Party, the hall was filled to capacity with all these hyper Christmas Light Fund Committee to use the main hall to settled on a bench somewhere in Banavie. Following a March March

active children and parents having a fabulous time, once make it a bit of a Gala Night along with the support of the discussion with Ron (Kay’s husband), he picked a site with rd again very well done to them all. STAR for Harris , the pupils from Banavie Primary School probably one of the best views on the canal of Ben Nevis and

and the Wind Band. Glen Nevis. He also selected the inscription for the plaque on they? are who The Lochaber Music For All have had some excellent concerts so far this year, they generally have five or six The hall bookings are going very well. we have bookings the seat. - from September through till March. Their next concert is through January, February, March and April as well as We contacted the canal through John Stafford to see what he “The Cullin Sound“, a woodwind trio with a difference. This some annual events such as Heather’s Walk. thought about our idea. He was very supportive and not only should be another excellent show, it’s on Sunday afternoon found suppliers for us but also submitted an application to Best wishes to you all for the Festive Season and the 26th January starting at 3pm. All welcome. Historic Scotland for permission to site the seat on the canal forthcoming year 2014. side (something we hadn’t even thought of). We looked at what During late November to early December the hall John Macdonald was on offer and finally settled on a recycled bench made by a committee and some volunteers were busy erecting and Chairman company based in Comrie. The bench is made from recycled a fantastic view from Kay’s bench decorating the trees for the Christmas Tree Festival and the plastics and is weather resistant and, hopefully, vandal proof Christmas Craft Fare Kilmallie Community Centre too. Money was raised by donations from friends of Kay who which was held on the Station Road, Corpach, Fort William PH33 7JH were so very generous, including a van to collect the seat thus 7th December, the trees Scottish Charity SC000604 saving a large delivery bill (thank you McKleener’s laundry). The were also in situ for the CHAIRMAN Mr John Macdonald, seat was finally put in place exactly one year after Kay’s death Christmas Tree Lighting Merchiston, Badabrie, Banavie, Fort William 01397 772443 and has been very well used ever since. Ceremony which was SECRETARY Mrs Norma MacLellan, held on the 6th of 12 Hillview Drive, Corpach, Fort William 01397 772597 Sheena MacIntyre December. The TREASURER Mrs Sarah Kennedy 0776 880 5040 Community Christmas

Sheena and Joanne tidying up the tubs Music For All and planting them up again calling all is a local music club series in Lochaber ready for another spring which holds around five concerts a year between the months of October and They say “The site is popular but under bike and Scottish Canals wish to promote kilmallie food April. developed in terms of tourist infrastructure. the use of the canal and the tow path to day

There is insufficient signage from both the trippers. This is to be combined with tourist Prices A830 and A82, poor landscaping of the car developments in Gairlochy to receive such & drink Annual adult membership £38.00 park, lack of toilets, insufficient visitors and we have had interest from Senior citizen membership £30.00 Neptune’s News interpretation and insufficient cafe and retail outdoor activity providers to partner with us Adult per concert £10.00 The Jacquin Trio We have news of a consultation at The offering.” From this you maybe get a fair to implement this. We have earmarked the garden waste collection (brown bins) stopped now till Mon 3 Mon till now stopped bins) (brown collection waste garden businesses Senior citizen per concert £8.00 Saturday 15th February, 7.30pm Moorings on 11th December about Scottish idea of what they are proposing to develop. cluster of buildings on the east side of the Highland Council is working on a project with Child per concert (under 18) £1.00 Canals’ latest proposals for Banavie. They say “Neptune’s Staircase is worthy of canal at Neptune’s Staircase to Think Local to develop support for local food As winners of the St Martin-in-the- All concerts are taking place at Fields Chamber Music Competition But unfortunately this is too late to let more! Scottish Canals have put Banavie accommodate these uses.”

and drink businesses. In order to do this they Kilmallie in thanmen more women 20 are there 2011census, Kilmallie Community Centre. 2012, the London-based Jacquin Trio you know about it in advance and too soon forward as part of the Scottish need to find out what your business needs are to be able to give you a report on what Government’s Scenic Routes initiative. The Pods and identify barriers to growth. Please Tickets are available at the door are emerging as persuasive advocates happened at it. first phase of this was rolled out in the Loch SC have said their plans for pods at Banavie contribute to their consultation by completing Beryl Austin of music for the distinctive combination of clarinet. viola and piano. Hope you were able to make it along and Lomond National Park where key vistas are are dropped “for the time being” but it was their online survey at had an opportunity to express your views. to be celebrated with small architectural still interesting to see a photo of the pilot

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ Scottish Canals (SC) want to develop interventions to allow tourists to enjoy the pod on BBC News a few weeks ago - see Highland_Producers_Survey Cullin Sound Neptune’s Staircase as a tourist attraction. scenery. A design competition amongst “Bothies planned for Caledonian Canal” at In a separate Brass Diversions young architects will be conducted with the www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands survey they Sunday 26th January, 3:00pm Sunday 23rd March, 3:00pm brief to improve the landscaping around the -islands-25106652. Does the photo will be This is a woodwind trio with a real Brass Diversions is a cutting edge bottom car park and creating a viewing area reinforce your original opinion of the pods (a researching difference! Three of Britain’s leading ensemble, recently formed to promote for Ben Nevis.” It is welcome news that they few loved, a lot loathed) or will it change the needs of woodwind players - flautist Amina a wide range of unexplored repertoire, also say “We are keen to include in the brief your mind? Maybe we’ll have had news of local retailers Hussain, clarinettist Sarah Watts and and is already involved in a number of ideas from local stakeholders.” the proposed pods at Moy at the and bassoonist Laurence Perkins - are a collaborations and commissions. The SC also want to develop Banavie as an consultation on 11th. hospitality small beautifully balanced ensemble trio’s three members met as students ‘Activity Hub’. On this they say “Banavie is (Friends of Caledonian Canal Lochaber) providers in which is as well suited to concert at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music at the start of the Great Glen Ways and yet relation to performances in the major UK and is a subgroup of and Drama, and each is pursuing there are no facilities, such as equipment the Kilmallie Community Company. the provision international concert halls as it is to diverse careers with their respective hire facilities to support this. The Banavie to For more info, or to be added to our mailing list, of local food smaller community venues.

don’t forget: forget: don’t instruments of piano, trombone and Gairlochy stretch of the canal is a contact and drink. trumpet. manageable 7 mile journey by boat, boot or Jan MacLugash, 01397 772383, photo: Colin Smith email: [email protected] according to page 14 banavie floral page 15 Kilmallie Community Centre improvements Well I had my wish for heavy rain and strong winds to test Carol Service which is always driven by the Mustard Seed

the final remedial work on the new roof. Glad to say it’s all Fellowship will be held on Sunday 15th December at 6.30 memorial for a friend

Party, the hall was filled to capacity with all these hyper Christmas Light Fund Committee to use the main hall to settled on a bench somewhere in Banavie. Following a March March

don’t forget: forget: don’t instruments of piano, trombone and Gairlochy stretch of the canal is a contact and drink. trumpet. manageable 7 mile journey by boat, boot or Jan MacLugash, 01397 772383, photo: Colin Smith email: [email protected] according to page 16 Alan will be based at Gairlochy over the summer months page 13 there is no thank and Davie will operate between Corpach Sea-lock & canal Gairlochy.

Inverlochy and begin that journey. Then on 8/9 February local painter Have a Safe Xmas & New Year Alistair Smyth will teach us some useful wishing everyone all the best for 2014

techniques in ‘PRACTICAL SKILLS FOR congratulations congratulations PAINTERS’, a workshop to explore Linear John, Alec, Michael, Structure, Perspective, Colour and Glazing. Tom, Terry, Davy and

Borders tutor Bella Green will return to Alan. HighlandCouncil Art Lochaber on 18/19 March to give a weekend course on ‘BALANCING John Stafford COLOUR, looking at ways of creating mood November 2013 and we have dealt with 9 incidents since my last page 12 report but even so we are heading for the busiest year since 2006. HM COASTGUARD page 17 Have you ever wondered how it is possible to speak on a radio (not a phone) to someone hundreds of miles away? Probably not! It is by the marvel of radio waves, also called propagation. AT CORPACH Have you ever wondered what happens when it all goes wrong? Again, probably not, because like me we take it for granted that an engineer from somewhere will be on the case and preparing to locate and fix the problem. It is not an easy fix for us as it involves attending an aerial site which I will explain about later. Radio transmissions from ships in and around Corpach and surrounding areas are passed either directly from ship to ship or ship to shore but only if they are in a direct line as these radio waves (very high frequency) can’t travel round corners. In order for a ship to talk to someone a long way off then the transmission is relayed via one of our aerials at a high point. We have just two in Lochaber. One on the hill above Achindaul near Aonach Mor and the other on the hill above Arisaig. Radio traffic at sea from the Mull of Kintyre to Cape Wrath (and for us, inland to cover the canal, Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Tom Giubhais lifesize Ness) is monitored and co-ordinated by the Coastguard Operations Centre in Stornoway. Very recently this Operations Centre suffered and National Moth Night The real stunner was, wait for it, Argyresthia a complete loss of communications at 10 pm. The emergency plan now kicks into place. This involves manning every aerial site with Paul Biggin reports that Martin Faulkner (of Scottish goedartella. It’s a micromoth which really is micro. Its members of local Coastguard teams so here the Corpach team and National Heritage) asked if he could go up into the wings are like burnished gold with inlay of pearl. The the Mallaig team were dispatched up their respective sites to “Pinewood” and see what moths he could find as part of the only problem is that it’s about 5mm long at most. It’s operate the equipment manually. This involves taking local control The green box which is sometimes “home” National Moth Night. This is what Martin said about it:- other curious habit is that it ALWAYS rests with its head and to listen, answer and intercept if necessary radio traffic from down and its tail up. Nobody knows why. ships between Oban and Skye. The team members worked in shifts Moths undoubtedly get a raw deal when compared to their I’ve been trapping in Tom Giubhais quite a few times this through the night until the problem was resolved at 0530. The butterfly cousins. Sometimes it’s just because most of them summer. What I enjoyed finding the most was another Achindaul site is a 6 foot square metal box with a desk, a chair and a come out at night. National Moth Night tries to redress the micro-moth - Nematopogon swammerdamella. Another woodland? community more for radio set. The box has no windows and a heater balance. This year it was 10 August and we had a good, long name as well! But its family are called longhorns which keeps the temperature just above freezing. warmish night. It was made more enjoyable by listening to It has bottled water and a kettle. Not the best of because their antennae (feelers) are so long. This one waves tawny owls and watching bats hunting. them about constantly. It has a hard life – eats dead leaves environments, especially in winter. We got a real result in Tom Giubhais using three It is testimony to the professionalism of our as a caterpillar, turns into a dull brown adult and has a long ultraviolet lights. The Rusty-dot Pearl is a rare immigrant for volunteers that keep our shores safe. name. Scotland and has never been found in Lochaber! Bit dull Here’s the list of the others I caught this year. They have Phil Wren, Sector Manager maybe, but still a result! more interesting names: Barred Red, Chestnut, Clouded This shared user site looks down Loch Lochy and Loch Linnhe The other 18 species were all fairly common, but there Drab, Common Carpet, Common Marbled Carpet, Common were some very beautiful carpet moths. The moth that Quaker, Common Rustic, Dark Marbled Carpet, Dotted Clay, complement is now 26 and staff are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 seemed to be most popular and common was the dark Double-striped Pug, Dun-bar, Ear moth, Engrailed, Flounced there is a Banavie Merino sheep stud in Australia? sheep stud therein Merino isBanavie a welcome days a week – this has cut down on on-call duties, a much more marbled carpet. However, that’s because it’s big enough to Rustic, Green Carpet, Green-brindled Crescent, Grey Pine efficient system for staff and the community. Included in the 26 see without a magnifier. Carpet, Hebrew Character, July Highflyer, Larch Pug, Large are Support Department staff, eg Health and Safety and The yellow underwings are the ones you would probably Yellow Underwing, Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow to Community Resilience. The latter includes the First Responders know. They’re big, common and sometimes you see them Underwing, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Light Emerald, Scheme. during the day. If they get disturbed they whir away and you Mottled Beauty, Northern Spinach, Red-green Carpet, Small Kilmallie see their bright underwings. Then they seem to disappear! Alan says the new station on the Blar is custom designed to fit Quaker, Small Wainscot, Yellow-line Quaker, Scoparia They fold up their wings and drop to the ambigualis. Christine had a chat with Alan the modern needs of the paramedics, technicians and other staff. ground while you or a bird is still looking Knox, the Area Service Manager Surfaces are easily cleaned – granite worktops and ‘wet wall’ If you want to see what they all look like, UK Moths is a for the bright orange. of The Scottish Ambulance walls – very efficient and perfect for infection control. The layout great website (ukmoths.org.uk). Service for Lochaber, Skye and of the station will allow the cleaning of ambulances to flow Lochalsh, in his office in better– after a call-out the ambulance will be reversed into the Inverlochy. bay, equipment emptied out for cleaning and taken through the sluice and laundry areas. The vehicle is steam-cleaned and then Alan and his staff are looking forward to moving to the new the equipment is replaced ready for the next call. Ambulance Station on The Blar. The new station is spacious, The new station has shared areas with Police Scotland. These Outside hose reels and lances should be put under cover. We have bright, purpose built with extra facilities which will make it very include locker room, dining room, conference room and an lost one or two over the years. Make a cover for outside taps. efficient and much easier to clean. education room with video-conferencing equipment. Such a We have fish, frogs, newts etc in our outside pond and if the frost is change from the current station! They will have a larger stores green fingers The Ambulance Station in Inverlochy became their Fort hard we put a cover made from a frame with fleece tacked to it, if it area which will mean better procurement. William base in 1974 when there were 4 members of staff. The gets very frosty you might need to break a small area to keep it free This will be a pleasant area to work in and access to the main the garden in winter building is now not fit for purpose and although the service pass of ice as frogs and fish can die. roads should be easier. The Scottish Ambulance Service staff As Winter approaches there is a lot to do in the did you know know did you their audits on Health and Safety issues, such as infection garden. Leaves to be lifted and stored (you can make How many of us have dirty tools?? Now is a good time to check control, the conditions they do this in are not efficient. The staff hope to be in the new station at the end of January 2014. a container out of netting), they will take a year or two to rot down, them and oil them, also get Mower serviced if don’t put them on Compost Heap as they take too long to break necessary. You can order your seeds etc for the coming down. We lift a lot of them on the lawn with the mower, saves raking them up. year. We get a selection of Catalogues and Children’s Holiday Club opportunities there are Lochaber Rural We store some of our veg in the shed, but they need extra it is lovely to plan for next year’s garden. for Children aged 4 – 8 protection if the weather turns very cold or you will be left with Don't forget to feed the Wild Birds. th st Wednesday 19 to Friday 21 February 2014 mush! Check the shed or garage for frost sensitive items eg paint, Education Trust for more information contact Linda 01397 700800 sprayers, power washers etc. Some writing on labels is VERY small. Morag Mackell Familiar faces and excited new faces spilled house corner has served many purposes from creating a page 18 through the door into a brightly newly bustling productive kitchen cooking lots of items for the page 11 decorated cloakroom. The children and menu, to the “Co-op” and latterly the building site. This is parents busily searched for photographs to proving to be a firm favourite with everyone enjoying building determine the placement of personal with assorted sizes and shapes of bricks to measuring and belongings prior to participating in the hammering. To the delight of the group this culminated in an wonders of play. The children have all activity using real tools and materials to produce some Pulp Mill settled in well to a new term which saw the successful interesting creations which are now ready for decoration. application of an extension to our centre numbers to include Lots of scrap paper and catalogues piled up in the writing everyone. area, and with the supervision of a staff member the children Making the most of the good weather we have enjoyed an busily fed this into the shredding machine. A number of array of play experiences both indoors and outdoors. The local children were fascinated by this procedure and now take on Gantry

“shower “their friends. Latterly the change of weather has Without the support of parents and the community the have got a fantastic facebook page! facebook fantastic a got have

sea bed. The only bit to be left is at the The children’s enthusiasm led to them making pictures of noticeboards for information. corpach paper mill mill paper corpach

check it check out

with its 50th anniversary coming up next year average on we’d love to hear about your reminiscences to commemorate the opening of the pulp mill which makes the roles we have taken on so interesting. We had team, he also deals with funding, transport, page 10 strips and fixtures. a young UK doctor out for eight weeks as a volunteer and page 19 Now we are looking towards Christmas update from although restricted in his activity by lack of the local language, and, again because of building work, we are he has been great at helping at clinics, leading on some teaching using external venues for some of our sessions, acting as an extra driver lifting and laying patients/ traditional events. The Wind Band concert sub-saharan africa! even occasionally delivering the bodies of those who have died The current term at Lochaber High School Vic Ralph Memorial Shield for Young will be held in the Duncansburgh MacIntosh from hospital to their villages (a very important task and very has proved to be even busier and more Musician of the Year was awarded to Church while the junior Christmas disco and Hello to all Kilmallians from Malawi! Thank you to the editors of expensive if families do not have this service), and generally eventful than planned. Firstly, the arrival of Ruairidh Shaw of the Pipe Band and jointly the senior Christmas dance will be held in this newsletter for continuing to seek out news from us, and being there to bat ideas off, which I have very much ‘The Box’ shortly after the October break to Sarah Johnson and Glen Falconer of the Caol Community Centre. We’re grateful to publishing the ramblings I send. Thank you also to all who have appreciated. Helps allay the worry that I am making it up as I go heralded the arrival of a team of Her Wind Band. Sunday saw the bands these organisations for providing these read and then emailed, messaged and even donated since – along, as I often am, faced with some of the scenarios I have Majesty’s Inspectors to carry out a whole- performing again at the Commando venues and I’m sure that the events will be hearing stories and news from home and being reminded of seen over the last few months! Seamus (not as Irish as his name school inspection. Inspectors arrived on 18 Memorial while, earlier in the day, Sixth just as enjoyable wherever they’re held. local generosity always uplifts us and helps me in particular November and spent a week in school Year pupils Mairi McCrae and Ashley Merry Christmas from all at Lochaber High suggests) left early November and I have to say we all miss him. observing lessons and meeting groups of MacLachlan laid the school’s wreath at the School! continue to feel connected. Contact details are at the end of the As well as his medical talents, he also played a mean guitar and pupils, parents, staff and partners. The war memorial in the Parade. Remembrance “news” for anyone who has a spare moment to write. boisterous sing-songs were the highlight of our recent patient experience has been a positive one for the weekend is of great importance for our Jim Sutherland So – here we are, more than a quarter of the way through our day-care days, as they initially listened in awe then happily school and a report of Inspectors’ findings school and all those involved value the Head Teacher joined in and those who could got up and danced! It was an

school. They also drew giant pictures of Pudsey for every class

congratulations Our Macmillan Coffee Morning in September raised £398.78. gloves. find find out COMMITMENT Thank you to all those who contributed delicious baking and also Autumn is beautiful, so many colours around at once. to Morrisons for donating the tea and coffee. A final thanks to TEAMWORK all those who came along to help this worthwhile cause. glen road. John Cuthbertson of Snowgoose reported a page 8 KILMALLIE wildcat right in the middle of Corpach two winters ago, and page 21 wild cats have also been seen along the shores of Loch Lochy as CHRISTMAS LIGHTS far as Kilfinnan. Whether or not these are 100% ‘pure’ is unknown, but the issue of genetic purity is contentious, and Over 200 hardy Kilmallie residents turned out on a cold but to some extent does not matter if these animals are the thankfully dry night on Friday 6th to witness the Christmas tree about nearest thing we have to Scottish wildcats. switch-on organised by the Kilmallie Christmas Lights Fund. It If you have seen a wildcat or wildcat type in and around was great to see the community spirit that has meant Corpach and Banavie has continued to enjoy its Christmas lights this year the area please let us know and we will pass it on. This despite the council funding being withdrawn. information is invaluable to the effort to conserve the Councillor Bill Clark thanked the local businesses and kilmallie Scottish wildcat. If it turns out that there are several in the individuals who have provided the sponsorship while area then it may well be worth taking more active steps to Banavie Primary School’s Nia Reid (P1) and Laura Davie (P7) Wildcats look after our very own Highland Tigers. Foremost of these is performed the switch-on ceremony. This was followed by The Scottish Wildcat is an iconic species of the remote and the control of domestic cats. Please consider keeping your carols led by a choir from the Music Shed and music from rugged countryside typical of the landscape in Lochaber. moggies in at night and/or having them neutered so as to the Lochaber Community Wind Band. Sadly, wildcats have been much in the news this last year, reduce the risk of further hybridisation. We cannot promise The whole event was supported by the Star for Harris primarily for the wrong reasons. Some estimates have sightings of wildcats to visitors, but we can feel privileged charity who provided well-earned refreshments for placed numbers of viable ‘pure’ wildcats in the whole of everyone after the event. that we share our space with Britain’s rarest mammal. Britain at less than 30, a far cry from the previous figures of Could I also make a further appeal for Despite months of planning the ceremony almost never around 400 animals, which was bad enough. Small happened. The first bad storm of the winter had broken the information about the whereabouts of local populations are under threat from disease, persecution and Banavie tree and damaged many of the lights and tree in hedgehogs. I have seen live hedgehogs (or Corpach as well. Thankfully with the help of Robbie Milne changes in food supply, but the real threat to their survival is their droppings), or even road kills only from Highland Council repairs were made in time for the hybridisation with domestic or feral cats. However, true infrequently around and about Kilmallie. We had one in the switch-on to go ahead. population numbers are unknown, and in remote areas with garden a couple of summers ago, but it seems to have The Christmas Lights Fund would like to thank everyone few feral cats there may be wildcats remaining that are moved on. Whilst hedgehogs should be safely tucked up for who braved the cold weather to attend, helping make the going about their daily lives unbeknownst to man. This is night a great success. Our special thanks go to the Star for the winter now, hopefully having escaped bonfire night, it especially true of some of the wilder areas of Lochaber, but would be good to get some idea as to how their population Harris team for the hard work providing the refreshments nevertheless it seems that unless we do something about afterwards. It certainly shows that Kilmallie still deserves its is faring in the area. Does anyone have hedgehogs that the situation now the Scottish wildcat will soon be extinct. Christmas lights and that it has been worth the effort to ensure regularly visit their garden? This is another declining species, Recent local proposals aim to address this issue. These the Christmas spirit is kept alive in our community. but in an area rich with slugs and snails, one that we would Andy Wilmington include the establishment of an island reserve on Carna in do well to look after. Loch Sunart and also a wildcat haven on the tip of the Members of the Kilmallie Christmas Lights Fund have been Ardnamurchan peninsula, where there is a known Jon Mercer meeting throughout the last six months in order to co-ordinate population of ‘pure’ animals. Here feral cats can be removed Glenloy Wildlife fundraising and to make arrangements for the switching-on photo at top of page: Keven Law th photos and domestic cats neutered. ceremony that took place on 6 December. by Alex,

And many individual donors. 24th Mar - topic to be confirmed Ken done well

page 22 canal steamers cherishing page 7 I greatly enjoyed the piece on The Gondolier live so I have reason to be in the last newsletter. My grandmother’s grateful to him. uncle, Captain Donald Cameron, was skipper Peter Grant took over the of her for many years, as were two of my Gondolier about 1915 and was kilmallie’s mother’s uncles, Peter and Alec Grant. her skipper until shortly before

the poet Mary MacKellar, he probably had near Torcastle. My mother asset. the Rev Archibald Clerk of Kilmallie to thank claimed that Peter delivered the daily

began working on the canal in 1846 as Gondolier was withdrawn from service isolated coast and even in greenspace

in the world. sunk by a U-boat that managed to sneak in expressed are known as wild land. These

Nollaig chridheil Nollaig area on top of the KCC area. From it you

walkers and canal users crossing a 60mph calming and I have already written to A great question, a simple thanks to the guys who’ll be gritting be our who’ll winter roadsthanksthis guys to the

what should KCC be focussing on2014? in focussing be KCC should what  Copies of important documents like stretch at the Banavie bridge, Banavie Transport Scotland requesting traffic lights answer, now wait for the insurance policies and birth certificates school, the heavy lorry use at industrial with pedestrian controls, similar to Lochy installation!  If needed, baby and pet supplies Annat, the railway crossings, and Corpach Bridge and Camaghael, be installed. Cllr Allan Henderson In your Car: village centre with most of the residential Traffic lights combined with more side  Ice-scraper and de-icer  Snow shovel sergeant and nine constables operating from the area. This is the  Map for unplanned diversions only new road policing base being created in Scotland and will  Blanket and warm clothes bring direct benefits to communities across the wider Lochaber community policing  Water and some snacks area through an increased high profile policing presence on arterial The build up to the festive period has begun and the local policing  Jump leads routes such as the A82 and A830. The first officers have already response will again focus on drink driving and alcohol-fuelled  Battery (or wind up) torch and radio arrived and it is expected that half the unit will be in place by the violence and disorder. On the move: end of November 2013. Work on the new Fort William Police Station at Blar Mor  Check the weather forecast before Operational performance in Lochaber in the first six months of continues on schedule with completion expected in the second making your journey Police Scotland has been good with violent crime down 20% and week of December with the building being fully operational well  Fully charge your mobile phone instances of public disorder down 24% compared with the same before Christmas. The Scottish Ambulance Service will co-locate a  period last year. A significant increase in the number of visits and Tell someone where you are going few weeks afterwards. We are also asking communities to get This new police station has been the subject of many years of inspections of licensed premises has in no small part contributed to sizeable reduction in alcohol-fuelled violence and disorder. together and plan ahead for severe weather careful planning and local police officers and civilian staff alike are and emergencies. Taking a few simple let us know know us let looking forward to moving into a modern facility which is fit for As per previous newsletter articles, I would welcome any st feedback or comments on local Policing in the Lochaber/Kilmallie measures can make communities more 21 Century policing. resilient and better placed to cope with On a wider level, Police Scotland has designed a divisional area as we continue to prioritise keeping people safe in the policing structure which ensures there is equal access to specialist communities we serve. To donate online to the Red Cross policing services across Scotland. The purpose of these units is to PS197 Andrew Bilton Typhoon appeal, please go to provide direct support to local policing. A number of these Liaison Officer for Kilmallie Community Council anticipation in www.redcross.org.uk specialist units have already been deployed in Lochaber on a [email protected] variety of significant and resource intensive enquiries thereby Police Service of Scotland negating the need to redeploy local officers away from their Fort William Police Station, communities. Furthermore, as you may already be aware, Police High Street, Fort William Scotland have committed to a Trunk Road Policing Unit being based at Fort William which will eventually see an additional Tel 101 for non-emergency Walter Cameron, in the old GS hut which and guns being parachuted in on them. Billy page 24 scouting memories was still in use then. In fact, he actually became Assistant Activities Commissioner. page 5 After our last issue, Billy MacMillan took over from Walter Cameron as Scout He took the scouts to Beauly and to ideas for road safety & happiness Master and was indeed the last ever Auchangillan where he earned his Camp got in touch to offer more scouting Today’s progressive urban planners scoutmaster of Kilmallie when he became Warden Badge. Here he was one of the so- memories. Kshama and Libby went to acknowledge that what makes a happy city the first ever Scout Leader. Billy was Scout called Service team; he was a successor to meet him to listen to his stories. (irrespective of its relative wealth or Leader for a total of about five years from the previously mentioned Andy Holmes who poverty) is one that fundamentally favours Libby and I were recently made most about 1967 until 1972; he only stopped was himself preceded by Douglas Scott. He pedestrians, cyclists and public transport welcome in the home of Billy and Ann because he says that he had no back up in planned the Scout Camp in Holland, the over cars and lorries (1). Moreover a happy MacMillan in Corpach, where everyone must the early 1970’s from the District Camp was in Ommen. He remembers that city fosters a healthy economy with untold know him and his family: some of you might Commissioner. There was a reorganisation of the host Dutch group requested to borrow

spin-off benefits for everyone. The same is

families. There would be no congestion and little

May MacLachlan, Helen Morrow, Margaret would you like to see see to like you would Matheson, Bridie Dunn. have dual only world’s the we do Front Row: Douglas Dykes, Gordon Mathers, Billy So what on earth Palmer, Billy Macdonald, George MacLennan? (forestry?) to think? Only about 1/4mile of the mysterious early 1960s there was a foresters’ camp at page 4 history nearby Banquo’s Walk is visible although the farm. About 10 men lived in a basic hut. page 25 another section was exposed, nearer the This hut is believed to have been formerly road safety for kilmallie? Castle, with 2012 tree felling. Thoughts are used by contractors on the construction of You may have seen the recent press Thanks to everyone who has contributed to snippets - that this is all that remains of a road the new Glencoe road! coverage about calls for improved road the discussion so far. Some of the views If we want Transport Scotland’s stretching northwards from the castle. crossing facilities at Corpach. expressed include: Glen Loy is the glen of the calf. The best survey results to support the In the early 19th cent Torcastle Mansion known place in the Glen is probably Erracht KCC has had road safety firmly on the  it’s not just about safety, it’s about need for a crossing at Corpach, Muirshearlich agenda since we re-formed in 2011. The independence, being able to cross the was built - by/for Lochiel’s factor. Later it (= place of assembly). Formerly known as we need to give them the previous KCC also campaigned for road without relying on help from others was let to a number of tenants with one of Ardloy. A son of Lochiel lived here in 1715.

page 26

your ideas for future ‘focus on folk’

about about his life and his writing. recently spoke toChristine and Mandy envy of many people half his age. He enthusiasm for life that would be the 86,At David Cargill has an energy and I worked in the When new the Schoolopened High in After acoupleto years of wemoved I trained School in Banavie the athletics

–

we had two children, Alanwe hadchildren, two and –

I was recentlyI was shown round folk focus on

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Daniels. which Paul I’d readin by aboutabook had1952, place taken USAin Boston in first that novel illusion’ by a‘locked room writing. write my inspired InI was 2000, to that aswimmer! good swim to challengephotographs that. quite It’s of a Swim atone stage theI was timekeeperthe Linnhe for Loch Photographic the Society for I’d done. work awarded Licentiateship the of Royal withdark allwas I room the chemicals. used printphotosto myself, awee in the everything’s so camera now changed three adigital got I’ve timesatBlackpool). aphotographic won Show (I competition the Ice the and Grand National Blackpool Ballet Rambert events and Edenlike in Court politicallyalso Iphotographedthe correct. an to endcame exactly asthey weren’t them the from wings Show and permission Igot photograph to Manager the Minstrel of White and Black inbecame theatres: afriendthe of I Stage photography. I likedphotograph shows to doing up other Itook thingsand lifetime started I now. away think about to backinThat was a which 1984, seems nothing teacher. PE worsean than aging injured was Ithought there backand whichshows used put in on to Kilmallie Hall. Kilmallie society dramatic amateur Players and of eventuallybecame amember any more. unfortunatelydon’t quite joints it the allow them. butwishdo yoga I Icould still taking still I part. some of correspond with night 40women timeabout atthe class with 60s andpopular 70s. wasthe early It most the message! canoes the on they but playing fields... got Authority sending for photographs them of amildI got rebuke the from Education were thebad reallyof rain, because attimes horseridingInverroy for lessons. and them cross country eventook to and up the less students,wedidathletics, able and days were busy really of Fear,Dr publishedof Mary was last year. book. American Magicians that strength the on of become of amemberSociety the of which Sheilainvited was attended. I had to NursingCentre and Home Montrose the managedMoss Park raise about to £700for cause, Ithen so self agood copiesfor Icould raise moremoney in Jan2010.ifcouldI realised I sell more publishedSheila just America died in before gladI was self thatit get Imanaged to andproceeds give nurses. the Alzheimer to decidedwouldpublished I finish it it, get book suffering Alzheimer's from the Ishelved illshe inthat wefound 2003.When was “TheSheila Three Statue took of when Lies” But Iretired 57 Iwas when part inschool I took pantomimes at too night yoga I alsotook classesin late the The playing fieldsSchool High atthe My second in book trilogy, the Gauntlet I’d just completedfor all research the But older asIgot about Istarted think to –

I just put it away. But by 2008 I I justBut putit by away. 2008

–

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– -

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good mysterygood andtakes Neptune’s it in at Printsmith). plot No spoilers it’s but a ideasuggested Christine thatme by to was greatexisted. (a brings in It Lochabertoo that thenever have it RAF acknowledged Devon a real lifediscovered airfield WW2 in that I meit and for It starts she did agreat in job. livesElliott (who throughhedge) the edited never it. met have Janette without again mystery And thrillers quite I’m happy. I’d gets my readingof pleasure of out one helpsheart. me young feel someone at If but good of doinglot writing and is it me a Cancer ResearchFoundation) Heart the and and to given away (I’ve fortune books the hope fame me yet! for for looking not I’m there’shis 200,so only second sold about his novel sold first atall, he and copies no keephe writing’.wrote Apparently when CommunityCaol Management Committee theof LochaberDistrict the Cluband Lunch doing other lots thingsaswell of in Kilmallie And CommunityI’m Centre. willthe be with published launch next year, whodunnit,hoping full suspense. of it I’m partly init’s set agood Lochaber,and trilogy years. we’re close friends now all these after again the Herald the and Glasgow of review book butshe this yearme having read contacted Glasgow. We lost touch 60years over ago, Lockerbie after she evacuated was from Janetteof in that I’d met around1941 basedin Lockerbie, by Imention agirl name Fair. Book selected representation Frankfurt for atthe Staircase, It was Banavie Corpach. and for local causes, his books are available The Granite House and W H Smith (ask If you’dIf like to help David raise funds online from Waterstones and Amazon Also available in the High Street at Ian Rankin’s‘just me to was to advice working now I’m the on in book final the In was The Three Statue of Lies which

– –

The Cinderella Murders. It too isThe Cinderella Ittoo Murders. it completely wasso hush hush, (kindle and hard copy)

at theat counter)

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the policeon new station the precededBlar, by atour Community Council. the newsletterof Kilmallie or team are necessarily not views the of Views expressed this newsletter in [email protected] email Mandy Ketchin Kshama Wilmington Jan MacLugash ChristineHutchison newsletterYour team: publicationfor of March. in middle to early The deadline the nextis newsletter 15 for more help always very welcome. is very very you’d likeIf help to in please in any get way, touch couldn’tinput happensupport. alland your without team and course of sponsors our Thanks all asalways to contributors, our delivery our Associate member Other members Treasurer Secretary Chairman 2014. Next AGM is 18 June 2014. dates are 15 January, 19 February and 19 March website in case of changes. ordinary Next meeting every month excl July and Dec, but please check the Kilmallie Community Centre on the 3rd Wed of meetings. Meetingsare currently heldat7:15pm in Members of the public are most welcome at all our COUNCIL COMMUNITY KILMALLIE of theirof greatnewwelcome.But facilities. Everyone pleasearrangements emailcheck first to us as are hopefullywill of KCC meetingin be January the held

join usfora community community night inthe

us at subject change last to atthe minute. kilmallie

[email protected] Salen, Banavie PH33 7LY Jan MacLugash [email protected] Canal House, Banavie, PH33 7LY Russell Leaper [email protected] 42 Hillview Drive, Corpach, PH33 7LS Maggie Mackenzie,

news

cells!

Chris Pellow Kshama Wilmington Mandy Ketchin Christine Hutchison

772383 772252 772499

the newsletter

February,

- partisan issuespartisan

and -

page 3 see the newsletter in full colour at www.kilmallie.org.uk

and enjoy. Thank you to all the contributors, newsletter team and sponsors - for 2014, bridge ) Ltd & Ferguson Shipping (Kishorn

along the ridge to the coll between Gaor Bheinn and the apparently However, there have been several recent applications in Kilmallie 10 Drink cooler (4,3)

KCC reports – p2

reasons to join KCC – p3

road safety – p4

road safety & happiness - p5

councillors’ corner - p6

community policing - p5

cherishing wild land- p7

christmas lights - p8

Banavie Primary – p9

Lochaber High Notes - p10

playgroup - p11

Coastguard – p12

ambulance station - p12

Canal News – p13

Community Centre - p14

Music for All – p14

Banavie Floral - p15

FOCAL - p15

no thank you big enough - p16

shinty club - p16

art lochaber - p16

Corpach Woods - p17

Green Fingers - p17

pulp mill gantry – p18

update from Africa - p19

Rugby Club - p20

BOYD BROTHERS CLYDEBoyd wild about kilmallie – p21 (HAULAGE) LTD Fort William Ltd canal steamers - p22

getting ready for winter – p23 nights will soon be soon out! drawing will nights more scouting memories - p24