Winter Edition 2003 Number 68

Huge Wind Power Station proposed for Gienmoriston INSIDE.... Windfarm developers RDC along with sister BLETHER company West Coast Energyare proposing to build a Editor’s Words 3 huge windfarm consisting of at least 21 turbines on the hill between Gienmoriston and Fort Augustus. NEW LOCH NESS The land on which the turbines are to be built is the Monsters...... 4 property of Achlain Estate and Aberchalder Estate. The turbines will be owned and operated by Falck NEWSROUND Renewables, a subsidary of an Italian multinational Local Services 6 registered in Milan. According to West Coast Energy ’ s project manager GOLDRUSH Peter Barker, the turbines will be 115 metres tall (380 Wind Bonanza 8 feet). This is 60ft taller than Big Ben with each blade VILLAGE HALL the size of Nelson’s Column. The wind turbines will be clearly seen from Fort Augustus, Gienmoriston, Happenings 19 Cluanie, Glengarry and the south side of Loch Ness. COUNCILLOR’S Local residents are expressing concerns that not only Column...... 24 could the wind power station mair the landscape of the Loch Ness area - a worldwide destination for GARDENING 29 tourists - but damage local tourism, businesses and property prices for no real gain. This is one of five CROSSWORD..30 windfarm proposals for the Loch Ness area alone. And Much More... www.moriston.com

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Moriston Matters - Winter 2003 I BLETHER I

Following several requests and the momentous EDITOR windfarm proposal, we have decided to issue Ann B erry another edition of the Moriston Matters DESIGN & PRINT community magazine. The last edition was in Ray B erry Autumn 1999. Just after that we bought the Redburn Cafe PUBLISHER and we have, apart from two short breaks for a Imprint Publishing holiday, been working seven days a week. This is ADDRESS in addition to running our original Web Design Sylvan House business. R edburn Gienmoriston As you can imagine, this made it impossible to IV63 7YJ continue to publish Moriston Matters and . although we tried hard to find someone else to take it on, no-one was forthcoming. Recently, TELEPHONE Elaine fromDundreggan has offered her valuable 01320 340210 help and it has m ade this edition possible. W e are WEB SITES still seeking an editor, but we feel very strongly www.ipw.com indeed that anyone taking on the magazine should wwwf, moriston.com www.Iochnessguide.com be completely independent from other organisations and committees in the glen. So if EMAIL ADDRESS you fancy the job, please contact us. The details [email protected] are in the right hand column of this page. SUBSCRIPTIONS The magazine has existed intermittently since UK £2.50 per annum the 1970s and in spite of the gaps in publication, EUROPE £3,50 per annum there is always the website at www.moriston.com WORLD £6.00 per annum where articles and information will continue to Mastercard/Visa accepted be published. © Imprint Publishing 2003 Having spoken to many people in the glen regarding the proposed windfarm, the overall No part of this publication is to be copied or otherwise reprinted impression that I have been given is that more without permission of the information is needed. Although the development publisher, company RDC has conducted a roadshow and Moriston Matters is a local sent leaflets to everybody, it is very much in their magazine serving the residents : interests that the windfarm goes ahead so their and the visitors of Glenmonston.. information is hardly independent. Therefore I Invemiortston by Loch Ness and . will devote a large part of this edition of Moriston district. Matters to trying to bridge that gap as well as It is published on a not-for-profit putting the other points of view. basis and its puqro'se is to provide This windfarm is biggest thing to happen to a means of communication and interchange of news and ideas this glen and Fort Augustus for many years. We within our community. must have our say - it is our community after all Moriston Matters - Winter 2003 3 The New Loch Ness Monsters

Today is a beautiful day. The on the banks of Loch Ness and runs deep blue sky glows above the gold parallel to the Great Glen, Loch of the autumn birches. Silence, Ness and the Caledonian Canal for except for the rustle of a gentle breeze the first nine miles or so before it in the aspen trees. You can see for peels off westward towards the Five miles, and as you wander closer to Sisters of Kintail - some of the most the river Moriston, the occasional popular of the Munroes - and on to splash of a leaping trout, or was it a the mystical Eil an Donan Castle and salm on? the road to Skye. Gienmoriston, the road to the isles The 400 metres high hill between just by Loch Ness is considered by Gienmoriston and Loch Ness is a many the most beautiful of the treat to climb. It isn’t difficult as the Scottish glens. Tourists from all over ancient drover’s road crosses it here, the world return here because of the but from the top you can see across glen N unique aura of peace, i know Loch Ness, Fort Augustus and because I speak to them frequently. Gienmoriston. The rush of energy, Gienmoriston is a special place of spirit that you feel at the splendour in the hearts' of all who have of that view, perhaps the best in the experienced it. From America to highlands of , sustains and Australia, from the Netherlands to renews you. We are of the earth and Namibia this place, Gienmoriston, the earth has little to show more they tell me, holds the spirit of incredible than this. S cotland. For thousands of years the wild In the early 1930's, the traveller birds, the eagles who hover here H. V. Morton wrote: “Fifteen miles have been a part of this landscape. A of beauty lie between hills. They are landscape that people cross the world called Gienmoriston. There is dark to see and feel for themselves. Loch Cluanie, there are scraggy deer But that is today. And that was so forests, then the glen seem s suddenly for the millions of yesterdays that to peal with laughter as the road created this beauty. Tomorrow it dives into thick birch woods alive will be gone. It is proposed that this with rabbits what a perfect glen very place be industrialised with this is." more than twenty 380 foot high, 115 Finally over spectacular metre structures made of concrete waterfalls the river Moriston tumbles and steel. Roads will be torn through into Loch Ness. Gienmoriston starts the heather and the bedrock broken 4 Moriston Matters - Winter 2003 and filled with concrete as huge explanation left is vandalism, and vehicles bring these, the new Loch surely our politicians are not Ness monsters to destroy this vandals.... landscape perhaps for ever. Windpower has developed from If the local or national an idea to an obsession. Scotland is government of the area received already more than self sufficient in planning requests to build twenty or energy without any huge windfarms. more buildings bigger than the In fact it exports power to England. L ondon P ark Lane H ilton here, they So why is it that there are applications would have laughed. Structures that for m ore than three hundred o f these dwarf Big Ben and Nelson’s Column monster windfarms across Scotland, - it must be a joke. five of them around Loch Ness? But no, it is no joke. It is real and Loch Ness has very little industry has just been submitted for planning and is sustained largely by tourism. permission. These monsters are wind Loch Ness is probably the most turbines. Thus in their blind famous lake in the world and more dogmatic scramble for the profits of than four million people visit the renewable energy the people behind area every year. It isn’t to find the this wanton destruction of one of Loch Ness monster, although Britain’s, even Europes’ finest everyone casts an eye over the sullen landscapes can think only of the beauty o f the loch from tim e to tim e. profits involved. No, it is to gasp at the extraordinary It m ust be the profits. A fter all, it scenery and participate in the can’t be the electricity. These wind breathtaking landscape. To walk, to turbines are notorious for being climb or just to wander through a intermittent and produce energy only place that nature has built out of approximately a third of the time. gargantuan proportions and of And anyway, Gienmoriston alone incredible beauty. already produces approximately 5 To destroy this landscape, part of percent of Scotland’s energy needs the world’s heritage, is, in my in the underground hydro power opinion, a crime. It is a crime that is stations already there. Good energy, about to be committed for short term renewable energy achieved with no greed and political expediency. visible damage to the environment At least five windfarms are and not even seen by the passing proposed for the Loch Ness area tourists. alone. Do we need them? If it isn’t the profits that are If you have a voice, now is the motivating them then the only time to raise that voice.

Moriston Matters - Winter 2003 Essential Local w m Services Under Threat

ROUND It has recently been revealed that two essential services to this community may be under threat. Our out-of-hours doctor service will cease to exist in December of next year if NHS plans go ahead. Already in Drumnadrochit and the surrounding area the community is unable to call out a doctor outwith normal surgery hours. The options available in cases of need are:- cail the ambulance or drive to Dingwall to see a doctor. Our local doctors are dismayed at this prospect and envisage loss of lives as a result, but receive no payment for being on call or attending emergencies out of hours. On Thursday 13th November a meeting was called between representatives of Council, the School Boards ofKilchuimen Academy andKilchuimen Primary School and the Community Council to discuss the future of the Academy. This meeting was prompted by the decline in school rolls nationally and the very overcrowded conditions in the Primary School. Options for the future were outlined as:- l,The status quo - and fight for investment for necessary improvements. 2. Reduce provision at the Academy to S 1-4 or S 1-2. 3. A phased transfer of all pupils to Glen Urquhart High School (Options 2 & 3 would allow the Primary School to utilise the space freed up from the Secondary School, but would still require a large investment to convert this space). Glen Urquhart High School was built to hold a far greater number of pupils than its current roll orpredicted figures for that area, and filling some of this spare capacity with Kiichuimen Academy pupils is a much cheaper option for Highland Council than providing Fort Augustus with the educational accommodation it

Moriston Matters - Winter 20G3 I needs within the village. The disadvantages for Primary and Secondary pupils, parents and the community as a whole, however, are clear, and it is Highland Council policy that any changes will only happen if the community wants them* ROUND Windfarm Planning Application Lodged

The wind power station developers RDC have lodged their planning application for the Glenmoriston/Fort Augustus Windfarm (Millenium Windfarm) with Highland Council Planning Dept. It was lodged on the 28th November 2003 and you have the stautory 28 days to object - although council sources tell us this m ay be extended slightly because of the Christmas/New Year holiday. It is important to place objections promptly, however. Objections should be sent to: Mr Bill Hepburn, Planning & Development Services, Highland Council, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX. The application, maps, photos and environmental study can be viewed at Redburn Cafe, Gienmoriston ; The Service Point, Fort Augustus and the Post Office Invergarry. New Community Council Elected

The elction results for the community council are now in. Your new community councillors are: Matthew Douglas; Iain Farmer; Thomas Girvan; George Henderson; Kenneth Knott; Donald J MacDonald; Dierdre MacKinnon; Iain MacKnocher; Patrick Patterson and Adrian Varweli. The next community council meeting will be on the 11th December when a chairman will be chosen. Moriston Matters - Winter 2003 GOLDRUSH The Windfarm Bonanza

I am asked time and time again: generate electricity - well so they “If what they say about windfarms are and this electricity is sold on the is true, why would anybody ever local grid for whatever the going consider investing money in them? rate is - around 3 pence per kWh or Especially foreign multinationals 30 pounds per MWh. who have probably never even heard That is one product. The wind of our lovely glen. How come there turbine actually generates a second is this scramble to erect windfarms product - this product is the ROC all over the country? If the electricity which has a value of its own in that they supply is intermittent and addition to the electricity sold to the miniscule compared with a regular grid. Think of it as two distinct power station, why would people products being produced by the spend so much on these huge windfarm both of which have a turbines?” marketable value. Actually the answer is very How does this work? Well the simple. It isn’t only about the ROC is part of the government’s electricity they generate for the grid, plan to increase the use of renewable what makes them so profitable to energy used and generated in the erect and for international banks to UK in line with Kyoto and other invest in them is something else agreements. Non-re new ab le energy entirely. producers, coal, gas etc are now That something else is what is obligated to supply 3 percent of all globally known by several curious of the energy they sell as coming acronyms: TRECs, RECs, ROCs or from a renewable source. To do this simply Green Certificates. The UK they can buy a Hydro Dam or a version is the ROC: Renewable Windfarm and hope it constitutes 3 Obligation Certificate. That puts us percent of their sales. Most of the betw een aR O C and a hard place I’m time it doesn’t come dose so the afraid because this is what makes government fines them so much per windfarms in particular the source kW h. The other w ay is to buy R O C s of the latest goldrush. from renewable energy producers So let me explain from the to the amount of MWh they are beginning. Most people assume that snort. So there is a m arket fo r R O C s wind turbines are designed to right away. But it isn’t the only one.

S Moriston Matters - Winter 2003 So how does a ROC get issued. It £1200. If we multiply that by 365 works like this: OFGEM, the days in the year we get £438,000 or government’s energy regulator is getting on for half a million quid - the issuing body. When a windfarm and that is just very conservative or whatever is built they register output on one turbine. Multiply that with OFGEM and OFGEM then by say 30 turbines in the average comes along and inspects the facility windfarm and we have over to see that the output metering is £13,000,000 or thirteen million correct etc. Then as electricity is pounds per annum. If you own ten generated (and sold on to the local windfarms over say 20 years grid fo r cash) every M W h generated we start getting into big numbers creates one RO C. T h u s each R O C is like two and a half billion green worth lMWh (or 1000 kWh ones. And that’s about the closest depending how you count these industrial wind powerstations come things.) to being green ...... Every ROC generated is kept on Of course you have the capital OFGEM7 s register of ROCs - its costs of buying and erecting the database. These ROCs can then be things and a pittance in comparison used by power companies to offset on maintenance, but look at the their 3 percent fines (a percentage rew ards. H ow m uch do they pay the that rises every year until 2015) or landowners? Not a lot in fact, and they can be sold on the open market the communities get say £30,000 a through a growing network of year. traders. How much are they worth? So perhaps you can see why banks Well in the last auction (yes they are and investment houses are auctioned too) the average price was scrambling to get a slice of the action. about £67 per ROC or per MWh. Right now trading markets are being And this is for the NEXT year’s set up world wide to deal in Green generation - future generation. Thus certificates and the EU is jumping if you add together the sales from firmly on the bandwagon. The price the local grid mentioned above - for Green certificates is on the rise approx £30 per MWh PLUS £67 per and who knows what they will be ROC you get every Megawatt-hour w orth ten years dow n the road when turned out by a windfarm being even more stringent carbon emission worth getting on for £100. penalties are imposed. So let’s do a few sum s. If we have Lovely jubbly as someone one 2.2 MW turbine putting out just frequently says, and less than a third 1 M W h for 12 hours a day (25 percent of the bonanza comes from actually rated capacity) it earns around generating electricity. Moriston Matters - Winter 2003 9 MPs,MSPs and Councillors please do not be misled? By Jim Hampson

Onshore Wind Energy more expensive than conventional The first step is to bridge the electricity and carries a premium divide between those who care about you can quickly see that this is the scenic beauty o f our countryside financially driven and the and those who care about our planet. environmental factors are extremely In most other debates we are the shallow . same people. On-shore wind will The government’s white paper contribute so little to reduce global on energy is far from balanced as it warming that it should not even be focuses primarily on the issues on the radar screen for a debate on concerning the energy involved in land based wind energy. On shore electricity generation. Only one third wind will totally ruin our landscape. of the energy used in the UK is for Scotland is already a net exporter of this purpose. Thirty five per cent of electricity some of it from energy is used in transport with only hydroelectricity the best alternate a small part of that by electricity. In energy resource. The development this context the contribution of land of hydroeiectricity was postponed based wind farms can be easily by our forefathers until its impact on misconstrued. The future the environment could be reduced contribution from land based wind through height restrictions including farms is likely to be about 1.5% of the creation of underground power the energy involved in electricity stations. It is a pity that they could g eneration or 0.5% o f the U K ’s total not still be with us to stop the energy. Land based wind energy decimation of one of the world’s does little to offset global warming best landscapes..... by fossil fuels Considering the size Let those of us who care about of the UK, the contribution to a the planet and the countryside join reduction in the world’s global forces to stop those who are in this warming is so insignificant that it market purely for financial gain. should be disregarded. Land based Please attempt to quantify these wind energy is simply about making financial gains for yourselves. money and destroying the Simply estimate the hours when countryside in the process. It is best ample wind is available and the that readers do their own estimates efficiency and knowing that this is and draw their own conclusions

10 Moriston Matters ~ Winter 2 003 l£ is clear that in almost all cases wind energy cannot be relied upon w ind turbines provide a threat.to the for meeting peaks and has to be countryside. backed up by traditional sources of generation. This duplication of plant Primary Energy Demand UK generates more emissions in its 2002: Nuclear 9%, Coal. 15%, Gas manufacture and is counter 39%, Oil 35% and Other 2% productive in terms of global Onshore Wind is part of the 2%. w arm ing. Electricity Generation UK Land based wind energy in a 2002.: Nuclear 23%, Coal 32%, Oil country th e size o f Scotland w ill do 4%, Gas 38% and Renewables 3% so little to mitigate global warming Onshore wind is part of the that energy companies portraying renewables. this as a meaningful advantage are misleading opinion.. The above information illustrates It is a no win situation for the tha t for the government to focus planet and fo r the countryside and a only on energy used in generating win win situation for landowners, electricity means that they give wind developers and energy companies. energy a higher profile than it The government has allowed itself deserves as an energy contributor. to be misled by being influenced by Some may take the view that any those advisors who also stand to contribution to reduction in gain commercially from this and emissions should be seized however similar initiatives small. W e do h owever have a n umber It is now time for MSP’s and of better alternative choices Councillors to read up on these including reduction of the energy matters and form their own used in transport, through the use of independant opinions. Part of the better thermal insulation for more education must be'on scale and for efficient home heating, through people to really understand what a better insulation, the use of solar 120 metre high structure will look panels and so on. None of these like bearing in m ind 165 m etre ones blight the landscape but neither do are already in development. The they produce the rich pickings that differences caused by party political wind energy produces for the influences is small compared to the developers and landowners. continued affect on our countryside. Wind energy affects neither the So let us simply vote in the future nuclear debate nor the mix of only for those who will pledge to traditional energy generation since stop this ruination of our land

Moriston AAaiters - Winter 2003 11 Reasons for objecting b y A nn B erry

For those of you who want to object to the wind farm I have tried, with the help of a well-seasoned objector, to put together the outline of an objection which will give you the basis for your objection. Of course there may be oiher points which you might want to raise especially after you have seen or read the Environmental Impact Assessment which accompanies the application and can be seen at Redburn Cafè or the Fort Augustus Service Point. Objections should be sent to: Mr Bill Hepburn, Planning and Development Services, Highland Council Glenurquhart Road Inverness IV3 5NX.

D ear Sir, I wish to object to the Glenmoriston 'M illennium' wind farm application for the following reasons: 1. The benefits of this development are minimal, therefore there is no justification for a departure from the Local Plan. W hen the Plan was discussed with this community no mention was made of an Industrial development in this area. 2. The visual impact cannot be justified or mitigated. This is an area of natural beauty on the main scenic route between Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. Two of the most visited areas in Scotland. The El A states “6.93 There are two areas of Great Landscape Value within the study area, located to the east and west extremes of the study area. 6.94 There are two proposed Areas of Great Landscape Value within the study area, these as yet have not been finalised by the Highland Council.” 3. The visual impact of 21 turbines 115 metres high is unacceptable. 4. This application does not meet the criteria set out in NPPG6 which states that: “developments should not be permitted where they would have a significant long term detrimental impact on the amenity of people living nearby, where the impact cannot be mitigated satisfactorily” 5. Serious effect on tourism. The VisitScotland survey undertaken in 2002 stated that 26% of tourists would not return to an area where there were turbines. The Scottish Executive Mori poll states 20% will not return. Businesses become unviable when this amount of

12 Moris ton Matters - Winter 2003 business is lost. Tourism is the biggest employer in the Highland region 27.9% (Highland Council census 1999) In the area affected by this visual impact the figures are higher. This development would definitely cause the loss o fjobs. M ost visitors to the area are touring around to see the scenery. Coach and car passengers do not come to look at turbines. 6. Serious effect on house prices. Savilles survey showed at least 25% reduction for houses which could see a wind farm. People move to this area because of the scenery. There are no other facilities here e.g. schools, shops, and very few employment opportunities. Over the last decade this area has started to grow due to the building of new homes. Each new home provides employment for skilled craftsmen in this remote community. The visual impact of this development would not only reduce the value of the present homes, most of which will be facing onto the development but it would negate any further development in the area and the number o f people living here permanently is likely to decline. 7. This development, in association with the others targeted for this area, will result in an unacceptable industrial build-up in our countryside. It will also open the door for an extension which would mean more turbines. There are already 300 to 350 applications in Scotland (SNH source). The Energy Minister expects only 10% of these to be denied. The number of these applications are already too high. It would turn Scotland’s countryside into an industrialised landscape. 8. 6.79 of the EIA states “Consultation with Highland Council identified Millennium Wind Farm as having potential cumulative visibility with the following proposed wind far developments listed below: Corriemoile, Garve proposal, Dunmaglass, Strathnairn - proposal Far, Tomadn - approved.” This cumulative visual impact is unacceptable 9. There will be up to 18 turbines visible from the A 8 87. Some of these will only be partially seen which is the worst scenario for safety purposes (SNH). This road already has a high rate of accidents, several being fatal. (2 accidents in one day last July). A nything which diverts drivers’ attention should be avoided. The most visual impact is near single track road. This is a recipe for disaster.

Moriston Matters - Winter 2003 13 10. The excavations (borrow pits, turbine foundations) will undoubtedly affect the water table and associated risk to water catchment areas. There have already been landslides in this area. 11. Risks to endangered species. Numerous raptors are seen in this area. It is already known that wind turbines kill raptors. This development would be the cause deaths to protected species such as the golden eagle. Golden plovers and black grouse are known to be breeding here. (EIA). These birds should not have their habitats disturbed. The EIA admits that the survey would have been better if carried out in April. There should be a survey carried out this coming spring when birds are breeding before an application is approved which could disturbed protected species. 12. Bats are present in the glen and it is known that wind turbines kill bats, another protected species. (David Bellamy, environmentalist) There wfas no environmental impact assessment carried out during the evening hours. 13. Unacceptable damage to peat bogs and moorland which are €02 sinks. In particular there is montane heath which can be considered scarce or rare on a local, regional and national scale in Scotland. Juniper conifers are also present. These are the most difficult conifer to germinate and their habit should be protected. (www.forestry.gov.uk). 7.19 EIA states there is alpine bearberry Arctostaphylos alp inns a nationally scarce species. Therefore this area should be protected. 14. There is scientific evidence to show that wind turbines produce more noise than the “computer based predictions" used by the developers and quoted in PAN45. The glen acts as a funnel for noise. One baying deer several kilometres away sounds as though it is close by. The noise from 21 turbines would be accumulative and funnel down the glen to the residents. 15. Any community fund provided would not compensate for the loss of jobs in the tourist industry, devaluation of property, loss of a quality landscape and the noise created.

This is an individual letter and 1 do wish to be kept informed of events. Yours faithfully...

14 Moriston Matters - Winter 2003 Wind turbines and rural tourism A ‘V iew s o f S co tlan d ' R eport

Tourism is, by any reckoning, a avoid parts of the countryside with crucial contributor to the Scottish wind developments; economy and accounted for over Heading the list of things that eight per cent of employment in most detracted from a visit to the 2000. In 2001, over 19 million country were electricity pylons and tourists stayed m ore than 78 m illion mobile phone masts followed nights in Scotland, spent over £4 closely by wind turbines and billion and supported around telephone poles. (It is not clear if 193,000 jobs. respondents were aware, when A little over a year ago, questioned, of the height of wind VISITS GOTLAND published a turbines.) 190-page report, Investigation into The Executive publicly the Potential Impact of Wind welcomed the report as a useful Turbines on Tourism in Scotland, contribution to the debate and w hich included w hat appears to be a promptly forgot about it. well-conducted survey that showed Since the survey was published visitors to be less enthusiastic about the number of sites has increased turbines than was perhaps expected. dramatically. It contradicted the findings of an No-one appears to have made earlier poll commissioned by the any attempt to gauge the economic British Wind Energy Association effect that a proliferation of wind and the Scottish Renewables Forum. turbines might have on tourism. Four out of five of the visitors VIEWS OF SCOTLAND interviewed said they came to researchers have therefore analysed Scotland for the beautiful scenery Area Tourist Board data for 2001 and almost all said they valued the (the most recent available) in the chance to see unspoiled nature; light of the survey. More than half agreed that wind- Since tourists tend to visit both power sites spoiled the look of the town and country, itean be difficult countryside, saying that one of their to gauge the relative importance of main attractions is the fact that they the rural sector. We counted are few and far between; holidaymakers only but excluded Over a quarter said they would visitors to Edinburgh and Glasgow,

Mansion Matters - Winter 2003 15 where there are no site proposals. regional variations, that popular, We.excluded visitors attending designated areas will be less affected conferences, staying with relatives, and that UK visitors especially may etc. (We had to omit Orkney, tend to be diverted rather than Shetland and the Outer Hebrides as displaced. It agrees that wind-power compatible data are not available. sites are not all equally intrusive. Clearly, however, tourism is But we also feel that some Area important for these areas.) Tourist Boards are perhaps overly We then took the proportion of sanguine on the issue. It is self- these holidaymakers whose activity evident that the determinant for site was ‘walking two miles or more,’ selection is not tourism loss but i.e. tourists involved in specifically proximity to the grid. rural activities as opposed to those Our figures are conservative. merely visiting attractions located VISITSCOTLAND ‘activity in the countryside. holidays5 reports suggest double the Fifteen percent of those surveyed number of visits to rural areas. by VISITSCOTLAND answ ered However, some visitors may have categorically that they would steer been included in more than one clear of an area with a wind report and revenue data are not development. Nationally, this would separated into rural and urban spend. result in the loss of over 3,750 tourist- Despite a promised ‘Renewable related jobs, 430,000 trips and over Energy7 employment boom - for £80 million in revenue. which there are no firm forecasts - A further ten per cent said they these job losses would be, by any would be dess likely5 to return to the reckoning, a serious blow to an Scottish countryside if the number industry which, despite failing of wind-power sites increased. If visitor numbers over the last four these are included, the figures rise to years, increases in relative over 6,250 jobs, 780,000 trips and importance as manufacturing nearly £ 140 million in lost revenue. continues to decline. These losses do not include the The Scottish Executive has self-employed or those working in generally been quite dismissive of the grey economy. w hat is surely areal risk to an already VIEWS OF SCOTLAND claims fragile rural economy. only to have made a preliminary It also downplays criticism of the analysis of the problem on a national cumulative environmental and scale. ecological effect of what is It accepts that there will be effectively Westminster’s wind-

16 Moriston Matters - Winter 2003 power policy. It appears indifferent Towards Wind Farms in Scotland to academic and industry concerns when VIEWS OF SCOTLAND about the engineering viability and pointed out fatal sampling errors. A social risk of what informed opinion new survey, originally promised for sees as an over-reiiance on wind last spring, has yet to be published. power. (Seminal reports have A senior Scottish National suggested that wind-power’s Heritage manager has called for a contribution to overall UK C02 national wind-power strategy to be emissions will be minimal at best drawn up to cope with the and might even be negative.) proliferation of proposed The Executive sees wind power developments. While supporting only in political and commercial this, VIEWS OF SCOTLAND terms, striving as it does to meet 60 believes the Executive should also percent or more of renewable energy call a m oratorium on approving and ‘targets’ for England over the next building wind-power sites until it decade. has a coherent energy policy for It does not publish a full list of Scotland. The first step towards this proposed sites. (The VIEWS OF would be the commissioning of a SCOTLAND sites database and map comparative environmental audit for has been compiled with the help of all forms of electricity generation residents in the regions. It is accurate by independent experts. but probably not comprehensive.) In the meantime, the future for The Executive’s record on testing employment in rural tourism public acceptability of wind continues to look bleak. development is also poor. Eight A ‘Views of Scotland’ Report months ago it was forced to withdraw www.viewsofscotland.org its flagship survey Public Attitudes www.wind-farm.org

I The Redburn Cafe i Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and Happy Hogmanay. Open Daily 10am to 5pm (Closed 25th & 26th December and Ist & 2nd January)

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Moriston Matters - Winter 2003 17 Court Ruling Means Turbine Noise Trial In an article in the North West Evening mail by Clair Darragh on October 24th, it is reported that a group of Furness residents have been granted the right to fight their case in court. It is also reported that the residents o f Askam , Ireleth and M arton have been cam paigning fo r four years against the noise from the Old Park Windfarm at Ireleth. They claim that their quality of life has been adversely affected. The residents want the court to impose a nuisance order on the windfarm operator Windprospect and the windfarm owner - Powergen Renewables - under the Envoronmental Protection Act. Both the owner and operator of the windfarm could face a fine of up to £50,000 if the trial goes against them. The district judge decided tha t there was a case to answer and Powergen Renewables and W indprospect will face a criminal trial next year on January 12th 2004 at South Lakeland Magistrates Court in K en d al Now what was that about windfarms hardly making any noise?

“It’s not a green form of energy, it’s chopping birds up, it's chopping bats up and it is ruining a lot of people !s lifestyles. ” Professor David Bellamy.

GLENMORISTON INDOOR i BOWLING CLUB 1 The Indoor Bowling Club meet every Monday afternoon from 2pm- 4pm Summer and Winter. Evening sessions are held every Monday evening from 7.30pm to 9.30pm from 6th October to mid April. | Meetings are held in the Glenmoriston Millennium Hall. j New members are always welcome. Why not try a game this j Winter? (first meeting is free of charge). Bowls are supplied, and the j aim is friendly competition combined with a good evening out amongst [ friends. j Call Betty Draper on 01320 351313 I

18 Moriston Matters - Winter 2003 GLENMORISTON MILLENNIUM HALL What does regularly happen? Indoor bowling, Painting, The new Hall was opened in April Badminton, Art & Craft, Yoga, 1999 by Charles Kennedy and Pat Scottish Country and Ceilidh (the Pier) Macdonald: in good time Dancing and Youth Club are all to welcome in the new millennium. well-established and run on a weekly The opening night was speedily basis by their own members. arranged by an exhausted Some annual events have already committee, still reeling from become semi-established and are overseeing the planning, tendering, well-attended. The Salvation Army re-tendering, building, equipping, and the Ecumenical Church Group reporting to grant givers and arrange the Carol Service. The arranging payments for the new Hall. Hogmanay Ceilidh has been the The Glen responded inspiration of Sandy Greig, who, magnificently and the new (and with a small group of helpers has larger) Hall was packed. Derek built up a reputation for this event. MacFarland marked the opening The Over-60s Dinner Dance (to ceremony in the only way possible: which “youngsters” of ail ages up to with his pipes, and the excellent 59 are also welcome for a very dance music was provided by Hurly- modest price) has been very much Burly, Shona Robertson and Sheila appreciated the last two years and Peters. made possible by the Over-60s Some astonishment was Committee. The Scottish Dance expressed at the “enormous” (I put Group hosts an annual dance in this in inverted commas because it A pril, to w hich all are w elcom e, but, was the lowest priced project of the be warned, it is only for those who Millennium Commission) cost of like to do more dancing than £246,000 and doubts that it would drinking! For the last 2 years. be much used. This fear was Highland Council have hired the unfounded. It has been andcontinues Hall for part of the Canal Ceilidh to be well-used - but not, perhaps, in Trail. the way some would see as being Music and Theatre. relevant to them. There has been an attempt to see Perhaps letters to the editorcould whether sufficient interest exists in be one way of correcting this? the Gien to have a range of music Moriston Matters - Winter 2G03 19 and theatre brought to the doorstep you need both? at affordable prices. A group, calling To entice you to try a new dish, themslves “PAN”, (not because of how' about Mae West? She will be any similarity to Pan’s People, but appearing in the Hall in February, standing for Promoters of Arts complete with colourful regalia, one Network, a Highland-wide group) liners and innuendo. But we’ll be have been bringing a wide variety of able to see beh in d the stage too, the high standard entertainment to the woman behind the act: the mother, Hall over the last two and a half sister, lover. years. Neon strip lighting and Lite Bites. Many give their time badm inton court m arkings present a and talents over a six-week period decor challenge, which they have in the Summer to make possible the tried hard to overcome with only fund-raising event for the Hall. uplighters and standard lamps, The serving of homemade soup, screens and tartan table cloths; sandwiches and baking is cushions for the not-exactly-easy increasingly well-patronised and this chairs are in the pipeline. The year made a profit of almost £2,000. potential for socialising is seen to be Backed by such things as the sale of of major importance and a full bar or bric-a-brac and the raffle of a print glasses of wine are always available. from Brian Clarkson, this almost Financially, the programmes certainly means that the ongoing have been possible because grants costs of running the Hail can be met have been awarded to cover the without either increasing hiring deficit between ticket and charges or dipping into reserves. refreshment sales and performance Which brings me finally to saying costs. However, with some notable a word about ...... th e H a ll exceptions: (Scottish/Celtic music, Committee. Although, as national orchestras and children’s individuals, many members are theatre), there doesn’t seem to be as active in the events w;hich take place much interest this year as previously. in the Hail, the Committee as such If the thought of turning out to a does not plan a programme. It sees concert or play in the hail on a the premises are maintained and the W inter’s evening seems less inviting bills are paid but offers the facility than staying home in front of fire for interested people to set up and telly, perhaps you could reflect whatever they choose. As you see on the difference between mince from the above, quite a few people and tatties and a new recipe you’re have taken the opportunity. If trying for the first time Don’t somebody else hasn’t organised an

20 Moriston Matters - Winter 2003 activity that you would like, do incisiveness and efficiency shown please consider getting it going in this matter has continued through yourself. The whole Hall is unused her three years in the chair and, m ost w eekends and often during the together with a tactful and quietly daytime. You certainly don't have encouraging approach, has led to to join the Committee to get involved productive business meetings and in what happens in the Hall. the benefit generally of the Hall. Before closing, I would like to She now feels it is time for her to underline how fortunate the Glen retire and make way for someone has beep in those who have so far new. The new chairman, following held the office of chairman in, the the November AGM is Simon new hall. Ian Common was the first, L ew ins. who so efficiently oversaw the T he thanks of all o f us go to these planning and building of the Hall people, who have been prepared to and with such humour presided over take on the “top job” but, of course and maintained the impetus at the they are only the tip of the pyramid often tense and occasionally of folks who are giving and have disputatious committee meetings. given sterling service to the When increasing ill health and, community over the decades. This hopefully, a sense of a job well is an appeal to all those who have done, led to his retirement, Jeff been involved in the past and have Dymond was prepared to step in, lost touch because, maybe, they felt Jeff had had a long involvement overburdened or under-appreciated with hall matters, having more than or it wasn't “for them” anymore or ten years previously begun, with a just needed a change: consider the small group of friends, to fund-raise Hall yours and make use of it; join seriously for abetter facility, raising those who run it if you have a few a sum of money which made spare hours a month or some fresh possible the successful grant ideas for it. If you would like more applications of 1997/8. Judith Poore information, contact the secretary, took over from Jeff, after a year on Margaret Allen, 01320 351228. the committee, during which she Future events: was the prime mover in getting December 13th: Grand Craft Fay re acoustic panelling installed. (The December 17th : Carol Service original plans includedpaneilingbut December 31st: Hogmanay Dance this had to be removed, along with January 10th: Over 60s Dinner/ many other features, when the first D ance tenders came in too high.) The February 27th: “Mae West”

Moriston Matters - Winter 2003 21 From the Parish Minister

It is great to see Moriston M atters why it is that our Creator seems so back in print again. I’m sure we are poor at communicating with His all appreciative of the hard work creation. Or to put it another way, that goes into the gathering of “W hy does G od not speak to people articles, collating, printing, stapling nowadays?” The evidence all around and distribution. Why are we us seem s to suggest G o d ’s silence - grateful? Surely, because it keeps us whether it be international events in informed of what is going on in our the Middle East or Iraq - or the com m unity. situation closer to home in Northern We like to keep informed. Good Ireland and the daily horrors of which communication is as important in a we read in the daily newspapers. Is com m unity as it is in an organisation. God silent - or is He there at all? The better informed we are, the more I want to suggest that the problem, we know and the more we may be if there be one, is not one o f G o d ’s able to do to both help and enjoy our poor communication. On the community. We may hear of an contrary, it is our reception that is activity in which we would take poor. I am told there are some very pleasure, or we may hear of a need fine radio programmes these days, which we feel able to meet. Yes, but none of the radios in our house communication is a wonderful thing. lick up any signal, so we cannot sit Now, some readers, while at home and listen to the fine output delighted at this means of over the airwaves. communication opening once again, The fact is that God is speaking may also wonder from time to time ail the time to us. He speaks of His

22 Moriston Matters - W inter 2003 beauty in the created world. When we look at the wonderful scenery what followed it - the New amongst which we are privileged to Testament). live we often say how lucky we are, You say that all happened a very but rarely do we acknowledge Who long time ago - God coming to it was that made this magnificent speak to people in Palestine. And so landscape. God is speaking through it was, but the God Who spoke the hills and glens. through Jesus’ words then, still G od also speaks m ore personally speaks to people through Jesus’ to us in our sense of right and wrong. words today. God communicates From where does that sense of very clearly to anyone who will morality come? Is it all learned from listen. Time to get tuned in. our parents? No, we have planted in Rev. Hugh Watt us (albeit very blunted in some people’s lives) a conscience - and Parish Church that conscience was planted by God - a good and moral God. Services And that raises the question - The Church of Scotland Services well, if God is such a good and have changed venue since the last m oral G od - w hy all the w ickedness edition of Moriston Matters. We in the world. Well, actually, all this now meet in the Invermoriston wickedness and its effects (which Millennium Hall on the first Sunday are many) are also part of God’s of each month at 3pm. This service communication with us. He wants is for the whole community and all us to acknowledge wickedness for are welcome - of all ages. We have what it is - namely, life lived without a Sunday Club each month for the reference to Him. All wickedness children and throughout the year we stems from a disregard for God, and have occasional special services. O n our world suffers as a result. the first Sunday of October we have Very depressing, you say? And a Harvest Thanksgiving Family so it would be if it were not for Service, and on the Sunday prior to God’s supreme means of Christmas we have a Christmas communication - namely the Family Service. We have been sending of His Son to speak to us - encouraged at the larger attendances and the w ritten record o f the com ing in Invermoriston and will welcome of Jesus (the Bible tells us of God’s ail newcomers. Do put the dates in plan to send Jesus- the Old your diary for 3 pm on the first Testament, and of the event and Sunday of each month.

Moriston Matters - Winter 2003 23 as possible on an individual basis. I expect the Community Council From will deal with the application some Your time during November/December and that is another forum for you to Local have your views heard. rnnnrillnr Watch local newspapers and notice boards for the dates of m eetings. The detailed planning application papers will be available at H ighland Council headquarters and at the Service Point in Fort Augustus. As ever with any planning application, letters from individuals are very important and whether you It is going to be a busy and are in favour of the application or interesting winter. against, I urge you to make your Our minds will be occupied with views known. issues such as Renewable OTHER SCHEMES. Energy....wind farms and hydro schem es, access and land issues and I very much enjoyed the evening at Invermoriston Millennium Hall who knows, even abit of enjoyment. when Sir Martin Holdgate took us WIND ENERGY through an evening of discussion on As I write West Coast Energy renew able energy and helped us to has arranged public displays at see the bigger picture and our place Daichriecart. Invermoriston, Fort in it. Augustus and Invergarry. There were some issues to follow F ollow ing the displays it is likely up arising from the evening the their planning application will be community council and I will take lodged. that on board. That means that the time forpubic If anyone would like a copy of consultation will be with us. Martin Holdgate's summing up, I I intend to hold a series of would be happy to copy them one. surgeries throughout November and Meanwhile the Glendoe appl ication you may choose to come along and makes its way through the system. give me your views. I will also do My understanding is that we are still my best to speak to as many of you waiting on a traffic impact study Morision Matters - Winter 2003 and more environmental evaluation, not be involved in negotiations w ith taking particular account o f the bird an ap plicant, but can help to prepare populations affected and disposal of our thoughts. spoil. It is unlikely that the All of this does not take away application will come to Planning from the basic premise. committee before February next Yes we all support Renewable year. Energy, but are these the right F o r your interest, there is another schemes in the right place. application lodged by Innogy using Ell hear from many of you about some of the same headwaters as that over the next few months. Scottish and Southern Electric for ACCESS ISSUES the Glendoe application. In addition there are at 3 other A good few of you attended the small hydro schemes proposed along meetings facilitated by Ken Knott South Loch Ness. of Forest Enterprise when we The other element of this is what discussed land use and access issues. does the community gain? One of the outcomes was areas I saw with Interest news items identified where we can improve about the engineers from 50 years public access. I hope that we can ago visiting the schemes they make progress over the winter and planned and built. make some funding applications to It is a good time to reflect on the enable the work to go ahead. legacy in Highlands have had as a We have a Glenmoriston Land legacy of these great hydro schemes. Use Partnership to take forward the There were jobs at the time, but ideas. Anyone with an interest in w hat else? joining us, let me know. I am aware that many of you HERITAGE would like to see some direct local There are so many sites of great link from any new energy schemes, heritage worth around Invermoriston be that cheaper electricity or a and the Glen and i am constantly scheme to fund energy saving concerned that no preservation or measures in local communities. interpretation work is underway. Along with the Community Council There is little hope of Historic and indeed the added weight of Scotland or Highland Council Stratherrick Community Council I organising anything. They will be taking forward background increasingly see their role as meetings to explore our options. facilitator, which means we have to As a member of Highland help ourselves. If the active heritage Council planning committee I will Moriston Mattel's - Winter 2003 25 group or any other members of the community wish to take projects Gienmoriston forward, get in touch with me and we will see what can be done. Painting Class We need to shoulder some of the planning and funding application The fifth season started on work and get things moving. Tuesday 14th October. The class takes place in the Gienmoriston COMMUNITY Hall meeting room every LEARNING. Tuesday 2.30pm to 4.30pm. The current session runs for Invermoriston Millennium Hall ten weeks up to Christmas and committee have a good programme then there is another ten week of events and recreation activities in session in the Spring of 2004. the village. They do very well. This is a thriving and But how about using Dalchriecart enthusiastic club working under School Building? We could use it the guidance of our talented and more as a community meeting place. resourceful tutor, David Gerrard. H as anyone an interest in C om puter If you are interested in joining courses e.g. Introduction to the us then please contact Mave Ersu internet and e-mail courses? Art on 01320 351326 classes? Let me know' if there is a dem and and I can see what can be organised. Margaret Davidson MASSIVE Highland Councillor CRAFT Loch Ness West. Abriachan Nurseries; Loch Ness FAYRE Side; Inverness IV3 8LA Tel/Fax 01463 861424 SATURDAY e-mail: 13th DECEMBER [email protected] 10am - 4pm We would like to offer our condolences on the sad death of Lee INVERMORISTON HALL Cormac of Invermoriston who died on 25th November aged 16 years Support local Craft Producers after a long illness. He leaves a and buy your gifts here. mother, Caroline and brother Jordan.

26 Moriston M atters - Winter 2003 INVERMORiSTON RENEWABLE ENERGY DEBATE

In July of this year there was a Who would pay for the back-up general debate on renewable energy capacity and connections costs? in the hall in Invermoriston chaired (We understand that the taxpayer by S ir M artin H oldgate. W e h av e n ’t will have to bear the cost of the space here for the whole summing necessary grid upgrade. - Editor) up but have included the most 4. It was uncertain how' many relevant part of the summary. jobs would be created by the The chairman states: development of renewables, given “Perhaps the most important tha t most of the equipment would thing we will take away from this come from outside Scotland. evening is the central role of social (We are told the proposed considerations. Many speakers Glenmoriston development of 21 insisted on the need for social equity. turbines will create 2 ‘virtual’ jobs, Points made included: whereas the Skye development of 30 1. Any benefits paid to the turbines will create 2 part-time community should be channelled jobs!) back into the enhancement of energy 5. How could the impact on the efficiency and especially the tourist industry be quantified and alleviation of energy poverty. (Does injected into the process of social this mean low energy light bulbs for judgement? (The VisitScotland everyone ? - There is already help survey carried out last year stated available in the form of grants for 26% o f visitors would, not return to insulation, central heating etc for an area were there are turbines. those who cannot afford it. Editor) The Scottish Executive Mori poll 2. Local elected Councils were predicted 20%) the ones to decide how to spend the 6. How would the wider impact m oney. on ‘Joe Public’ be taken into 3. The economics of renewables account? (It is essential that if you were not being evaluated correctly. want to object you contact you MSP, Renewable electricity would cost MP, Highland Councillor and around 8p a unit as against current Community Councillor in order to market prices of 3p to 4p, making be h e a rd. Th e silent majority is heard schemes inherently uncompetitive. by no one.)

Moriston Matters - Winter 2003 27 Finally, the meeting seemed in only a very short period for no doubt of the value of discussions response.” like the one held this evening. It had Since this meeting Murdo Fraser been conducted in a fair, open and MSP managed to have a motion mutually respectful atmosphere. heard in the Scottish Exeuctive Points made included: asking for a moratorium on ail 1. People want to be involved in windfarm planning applications the debate over developments that until a proper strategy could be affect the place they live in, or places worked out. Despite there being to which they are attached. All more contributions to the Scottish ‘stakeholders' must feel they have E xecutive online forum than on any had an opportunity to have their say. other subject - Murdo Fraser was 2. The public needs information. unsuccessful. A route map through the What was interesting is that some administrative jungle of policies, MSPs are under the misconception strategies, schemes, development that 80% of planning application in control regulations EIAs and so on Scotland w ill be turned dow n. T hey is badly needed. Councils have a w ere in fact corrected by the Energy responsibility to inform their Minister that although 80% were electorates. turned down in England only 10% 3. Non-governmental will be denied in Scotland. organizations and concerned Please see the map of planning individuals must be made to feel applications already submitted/ that their views are valued and proposed on the Views of Scotland listened to. site or www.wind-farm.org. if you 4. Ministers and the Scottish want to see exactly what is planned Executive need to be sensitive to for Scotland. public concerns and to make sure The latest map does not take into that proposed major policies are account the 500 turbines proposed debated openly before final for Mull and the Ardnamurchan decisions are taken. peninsular. This is particularly the case with More information on windfarms energy developments where and their effects on people and schemes with a capacity of over communities can be found at: 50mw by-pass normal planning www.wind-farm.org processes and are considered by the There is also a forum where wind Energy M inister-who must consult farm topics can be discussed as well local authorities but who gives them as many articles on the subject.

28 Moris ion Matters - Winter 2003 By Sylvia Andrews XT get that out no bother!. - I'll need the big fork! - I'll need the spade! -I'll need my Husband! We'll need the six foot A telephone call. A conversation. A jemmy! — We'll need some logs and suggestion made to me: "You could bricks for pivots! - Two Tonnes later write an article for Moriston Matters, we have lifted that small stone. The Sylvia. Something to do with gardening, sense of triumph quite makes up for the may be give us some hints and tips.” effort. My heart sank, words won't come, Then there’s the shortness of the help! Only experts give tips on how to growing season. July and August seem do it, and I'm not one. to be reliably without frost (so far). The All that was a couple of weeks ago year I thought to grow runner beans we and I’ve calmed down now, thought had a heavy frost on June 21st, that did about it anddecided if I can't do 'Hints them no good at all. Very early and Tips' I could do 'Reflections and September has been known to kill off Thoughts' on gardening. all the plants in pots and baskets before Those of you have lived hereabouts I've had time to take cuttings. for all your lives will have met and This year I have had a real triumph. solved a lot of the problems. For me, an I’ve managed two ripe and three semi- incomer from the soft South, gardening ripe tomatoes, on plants in the garden! in Dalchreichart came as quite a shock. Being pessimistic, I’ve now put them From my very first day (well, into the greenhouse, in the hope that all second) I had a lesson to learn. The the green ones left will ripen. furniture arrived with, amongst other Despite all the problems there is things, a large number of pots with nowhere that I would rather be than in small cuttings of some of my favourite my garden, It’s in such a lovely place. I plants. Having things like furniture and look up from my weeding and see pots and pans to sort out, the plants got mountains (often snow capped) and consigned to a paved area at the back, forests and miles and miles of beautiful "Its June the 6th " I think, "they will be sky. Its quiet and peaceful, The alright out there for a day or two." occasional friendly neighbour and Wrong! a frosty night and 90% of visitor to chat to over the fence, two them dead as dodos. dogs to keep me company and You will all know about the "rocks,” somewhere or the other a busy husband. and to think I actual ly had to buy rockery Life in the garden is good! stones for my "Down South " rockery. The one helpful hint I feel perfectly I was dreaming about earth moving qualified to offer is rocks, there’s just a small stone here I’ll "Enjoy your Gardening"

Moriston Matters - Winter 2003 29 ACROSS 25 Down some alcoholic drink 6 Pathname of .& co. (6.5.4) initially. (3) 7 A Britt? (5) 27 Before and behind an abbot. 9 See 11 dow n (5) 11 Flower of Scotland. (5) 28 Pay for a psychiatric wing for 12 It's but a sm ashed urn. (4) one second. (11.4) 13 Sign of extreme feminism? (4) 14 Substitute 19 dow n. (9) DOWN 16 I hear we are not so big. (4) 1 Rosacea, anaemia and cyanosis 17 C ould one be 23 down? (4) are standard symptoms. (3.5.3.4) 18 R efuse to drink. (5.4) 2 Perseveres to exhibit 21 See 24 across. Constable’s art. (5) 22 Back us for a fight. (4) 3 Forfeit unfit for a swimmer. (4) 24 & 21 A U-turn on prestige. 4 Tough meat, not cooked right (5.4) through. (5)

30 Moriston Matters - Winter 2003 5 Worry..fret..work may do it ..believe me! (4.2A3.2) Scottish Dance 8 A king to a count. (4) 9 Reverend Spooner begs to visit Group the coast. (9) 10 Acting secretary in mid W e m eet every Thursday from sentence. (5.4) 7.30 to 9 .3 0 p m in the village hall 11 &9 across Proving ground for a and are very fortunate to have trial marriage? (4.3) two excellent teachers in Sheila 14 Was it inundated, with Peters and Margaret Hill. Sheila, passengers but not a single cabin (whom most people know as one available? (3) h a lf of Huriy B urly and, recently, 15 Tackle from as a near-resident ceilidh presenter behind..curiosity..large ungulate. at the Hotel, playing her accordion together with either Shona (3) Robertson or Jim Donaldson), 19 Tidy 14 across. (4) teaches primarily ceilidh dances. | 20 Type of 9 across for those Yes, exactly those dances she seriously affected? (4) plays for in the Hotel and you've 21 H e5s an expert in brief undies. wished you knew! (5) Margaret teaches mainly j 23 Pleased with oneself for being country dances and must often | prominent. (5) despair at the messes we get into, 26 Grassy bits sawn off. (4) j even though we might have | i remembered moves reasonably j Thanks to Alan and Heather Smart J well the week before. for the crossword. Its great exercise and very enjoyable and anyone wanting to try it would be given a warm w elcom e. The group will be hosting a weekend in April, dancing to the music of Gordon Shand's Scottish f Dance Band. Friday the 2nd wall be country dancing and Saturday old time ceilidh dancing. You’ll be hearing more nearer the time. More info 01320 351228 I

Moriston Matters - Winter 2003 31 Glenmoriston Arms Hotel “What’s on in December?”

Friday 5th of December. {Hurly Burly from 9.30 pm in the Hotel) Playing again in the Hotel after the success of the first time they have played we would like to proudly introduce Hurly Burly, with their excellent mix of Scottish Country Dancing. This is as ever free admission to everyone so come along & join us. Sunday 7th of December. We are ciosed this evening for our Staff Party, we apologise in advance for any inconvenience it may cause. We believe that we deserve it!!!! Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve, we wili be open aii day until 12.30am in order to see in the Big Day. The Tavern will be closed. The Hotel Bar though will have a great atmosphere as ever it should be a really good time. You are all welcome. Christmas Day. In the day the Hotel & Tavern is closed, but in the evening after 6pm we are having a party just for the loca! community & friends. With a buffet & a punch.. .and free admission the only thing you must do to gain admission is to either sing a song, tell a joke, a tale or do a dance and that’s everyone without exception. Boxing Day The Hotel will be open as usual for Drinks. Friday 28th of December. (Sheila Peters & Jim Donaldson in the Hotel) A little bit of light entertainment between the big dates, we have playing in the Hotel Sheiia Peters of Hurly Burly & Jim Donaldson. Having played twice before in the Hotel they always go down well, your friends and families are more than welcome. Hogmanay the 31st of December We will be open as Normal from 11 am to 10pm, when the Hotel will join the Village Hall in their Hogmanay celebration, after bringing in the New Year, all will be welcome back at the Hotel, where the celebrations wili continue.. Nik, Hazel & All of us at The Glenmoriston Arms.

Sylvan House, Glenmoriston, Inverness 1V63 7YJ Telephone: 01320 340210 http://www.ipw.com