AN CARRANNACH The General Interest Magazine of Lochcarron, Shieldaig, Applecross, Kishorn and Torridon & Kinlochewe Districts

NO: 354 JUNE 2017 £1.00

The Strathcarron Artisan Dairy Project.

Background; West Highland Dairy is run by Kathy and David Biss, and is located around 10 miles from LCDC’s main base. They produce a variety of cheeses and other dairy products for sale via their farm shop and local outlets. Cheese and Dairy product workshops are offered throughout the year. WHD also produce a variety of hard cheeses and mould ripened cheese which take 9 months to mature. Their premises are small and located within the curtilage of their own home. WHD regularly attended our market days. In 2014, they approached us explaining that they wished to retire within the next few years. They had worked hard to establish their well-known brand over 30 years, and wished to pass on their business and knowledge to a local organisation with an agricultural background. West Highland Dairy currently produce a variety of cheeses, ice-cream, yoghurt, crème fraiche, preserves, butter, and cheese based desserts. The fact that their premises are small limits the range of products they can produce. After much discussion, it was agreed to further investigate the idea – would it be feasible? Could we pull it off? Could we arrange the finance for a new build at Strathcarron – many ifs, buts and maybes? HIE provided us with a small grant to allow for further investigation Transferring the Business; LCDC has land available for a new build. West Highland Dairy are willing to donate their business, customers, and brand name, as well as much of their equipment, stock at cost, and remain on board as consultants for two years after the build is complete. They would train two cheesemakers to take over from them on retirement. WHD owners are heavily involved with the Cheesemakers Association of Scotland. Within the next 2 years, they wish to establish a Scottish School of Excellence – a perfect opportunity to provide such a facility at Strathcarron with on-site conference, catering and dairy. Current Development Stage; Planning permission has been granted for a new build on land owned by LCDC. £56k Initial Development funding has been awarded by the Lottery Assets Fund to appoint a design team (architect, QS, safety engineer, structural engineer, land surveyor). An application for Building Warrant approval was recently submitted. We are currently working through the Stage Two Strategic Plan for submission to the Lottery Assets team for the main funding. Other sources of funding are being investigated. The estimated capital costs are £1.8million plus vat. If successful, we aim to complete the build by Spring 2018.

The Build incorporates;  Artisan cheese manufacturing facility.  Retail outlet for local produce – food and crafts.  Café serving locally sourced artisan food with a Dairy viewing platform – 32 covers with additional decked area.  Conference room – 12 covers. Office space/workshop for hire.

(Continued on page 3)

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AN CARRANNACH LOCAL TELEPHONE DIRECTORY

Covering postcode area IV54 – Fifth Published by An Carrannach Society, Lochcarron. Edition The last directory was published in 2012, Chairperson: Joanna Macpherson and I have been persuaded that an updated

Editorial Content: [email protected] version is necessary! I am currently working my way through the latest BT Treasurer: Tony Caminiti Phone Book, checking entries against my 10 Kirkton Road Lochcarron IV54 8UF existing records, adding and removing 01520 722 148 where needed. In order to comply with [email protected] Data Protection regulations, I can only use

Mailing: Hilary “Post” Rooke information which is already published and is in the public domain, such as the BT Distribution: Anthea Zell Phone Book and local advertisements. From my previous productions I am aware Area Representatives: Applecross: Lenore Small 01520 744 337 that some local residents who have ar- Kishorn: Carol Cocks 01520 733 213 ranged to be nationally ex-directory may Shieldaig: Lucy Kerr 01520 755 368 wish to have a local entry, or wish to Torridon: Glyn Meredith 01445 791 270 publish their mobile number or email Features: address. If you fall into this category, or A Word from the Church/On Reflection conversely do not wish to have any details Gardening – Maureen Lyon – 01520 733 488 included, please advise me as soon as email: [email protected] Nature Notes – Jean Stewart – 01520 722 238 possible by email to email:[email protected] [email protected], giving me your permission to publish your specific Advertising: [email protected] Local Rate: information. Entertainments, Sales, Services, Trade – Whole Previous editions have also included some Page £24, Half page £14, Quarter page £7 “yellow pages” of local businesses and Single items for sale or wanted - £4 with advert or £5 if invoiced trades, details of which I have obtained Out of Area Rate: Please email us for prices from sources such as An Carrannach. Again, if you would like to include your Insertions: trade or business details, please let me Births, marriages, deaths, acknowledgements. Congratulations, thanks notices – No charge have an email. The closing date for these extras is 30 June Subscriptions: 2017. I look forward to hearing from you! 11 issues post paid, U.K. £25.00 : Australia £66.00 Canada and USA £60.00 Contact [email protected] CLOSING DATE FOR THE JULY 2017 ISSUE Editorial Content MATERIAL MUST BE RECEIVED BY Material for publication must be emailed to NO LATER THAN 15TH JUNE 2017 PLEASE [email protected] or a phone call to reserve E&OE. space on 01520 722148

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Please note we can now accept copy in any format.. Cover photograph by Annie MacDonald

2 (Continued from page 1) Wendy Barrie, the Director of the Scottish Food Guide, together with her husband Bosse Dalgren, a Swedish heritage farmer, form part of our advisory team. Bosse has a huge amount of experience working with low impact, heritage cattle breeds capable of producing the highest quality milk yield. Wendy has a wealth of market- ing experience and is regularly in conversation with the top chefs, food outlets and restaurants such as Gleneagles and Harrods. West Highland Dairy and Wendy Barrie have worked together for a number of years. We would particularly welcome along to our Dairy steering group anyone with experience in the catering industry, project development and business financial projections.

Jobs;  Overall, the project will provide 12 jobs; a mixture of full time, part time, and seasonal, with a number of skilled appointments. It will be open all year around.

Potential revenue streams;  Dairy produce – on-site and existing customers.  Café sales.  Retail sales – produce and crafts.  Conference room customers - e.g. local businesses. Pressed cheese ready to wax.  Cheese making and Dairy related training workshops (1- 3 days).  Trade from the on-site existing 5 artisan businesses and Visit Scotland Information Point. The site is located on the LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS North Coast 500 route and part of the Wester Ross Biosphere. PLEASE  Events and workshops. Do you have a regular free morning, afternoon or even day when you might be able to be in the Gatehouse at Attadale Gardens? We are happy to pay your petrol money if you had some time you could spare every week during this season, that is till the end of October. You do not have to know about

PHASE TWO (post Year 2); gardens but you do have to be West Highland Dairy collects milk from Tain weekly using a small milk tanker pulled by a Land Rover. friendly and willing to talk to The ultimate aim is to produce our own milk. Early visitors negotiations with local crofters and two farm estates, all rearing cattle, show enthusiasm for such an initiative. The It would be wonderful if you concept would involve 8-10 producers rearing cattle suitable for the purpose. A mobile milking machine would could so do get in touch on 01520 call to the premises daily and collect the milk. In the past, West Highland Dairy has used milk from cows, goats and 722217 or by email their own flock of milk sheep. to [email protected] to talk about it if you're interested

3 Scottish Episcopal Church Courthill Chapel, Kishorn FREE CHURCH

Services for June LOCHCARRON & Sunday Service 10.30 a.m. APPLECROSS You are welcome at our services June 4 Eucharist Rev. John Searl 10.30 a.m Pentecost Lochcarron Church Street IV54 8YP June 11 Eucharist Rev. Heather Sunday 11am and 6 pm Widdows 10.30 a.m Trinity Sunday (Crèche and Sunday school) June 18 Eucharist Rev. John Searl Midweek Wednesdays 10.30 a.m Pentecost 2 7.30pm June 25 Eucharist Rev. Francis Minay Applecross Camusterrach IV54 8LU 10.30 a.m Pentecost 3 3 pm every Sunday July 2 Holy Communion Marcus Given 10.30 a.m Pentecost 4 Other events as intimated. Scottish Charity SC038169 For more information, ring: Rev M. Florit 01520 722 999 [email protected] Marcus Given Rita Sykes 01520 722 617 01520 722 995 www.freechurch.org

Rev. Heather Widdows or Rev. John Searl 01445 712 176 01445 741 231 CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Roman Catholic Mass Father William MacLean APPLECROSS, LOCHCARRON Monthly on Saturdays 1 p.m. Contact 01478 613 227 and TORRIDON Urgent 07881 956 660 Charity No: SCO32334 Are you looking for occasional Times and Places of Worship Sunday Worship? 4th June Lochcarron 10.30am The Scottish Episcopal Church Torridon Community Hall 1.00pm (Part of the Anglican Communion) 11th June Lochcarron 10.30am meets in Shieldaig 1.00pm Kinlochewe (Church of Scotland Building) Applecross 1.00pm on the first Sunday each month at 2.30pm 18th June Lochcarron 10.30am Celebrant and Preacher: Revd Pam Kinlochewe 1.00pm Shinkins 25th June Lochcarron 10.30am Next service: The Feast of Pentecost Sunday 4th June 2017 Applecross 1.00pm Tel: (01445) 781346 Shieldaig 1.00pm (Scottish Charity Number SCO20389) Minister Everyone welcome (Spotted on a church notice board: Rev. Anita Stutter, Church of Scotland “Faithbook: You have one new friend request Manse, Colonel’s Road, Lochcarron from Jesus!) Tel. 01520 722783

4 jumbled up together) as they went with the Church Missionary Society, about their task of bringing God to Africa. It is unlikely that any of us will be asked to step up to the plate as did they, through the grace of God. ON However, there are tasks we can undertake in our REFLECTION small ways to make the world a better place. They are so simple, we are amazed by their simplicity: a ready smile for all we meet, remembering to say our prayers for our troubled world every day and to be thankful I don’t know about you but my ego seems to get in my deep down in our hearts for the grace we are each way more than it assists me. I mean, I readily agree given to serve right up to the time when we shall be that the ego is needed so that we can have the called to glory. strength and courage to stand up and be counted sometimes in lonely debates. However, it is a very As Eastertide continues and we try to make sense of exposed place to be when we find ourselves suffering and resurrection and the notion of being expressing a particularly controversial Christian view of ‘born again’, let us not get ahead of ourselves. Let us a problem. be calm and trusting and hopeful even though the world tries to embroil us in inappropriate action It is at first quite alarming to discover that our Lord is towards one another, which we shall surely regret in not impressed by one person more than another when our quieter moments. I so want him to be impressed by me rather than, say, As Eastertide draws to a close this year, perhaps we you. We are sometimes such judgemental souls are we could provide a rest time for our galloping egos, and not? How can God approve of someone who crosses maybe even a joyful love towards one another could us so badly when we know we are right? Some people burst out amongst us...... are so unlovable, how come God loves them and It is not said anywhere that being a Christian is easy! worse –loves them as much as God loves us? It’s a Does any of this sound good to you as I wish you all mystery. the joys of the season? Scripture says ‘the first shall be last and the last shall Rev’d Pam be first’? Are we comforted by that? Well only if we June @ the Applecross Inn know in our hearts that we occupy the last position at Sun 4th Music Session from 3pm all welcome with the present and can therefore look forward to better Lochcarron Musicians ranking. In my experience those who occupy spiritually Thurs 8th Zeta in the Kailyard, a great fun duo with some Folk /Celtic Maybe some dancing we did last year. and worldly boggy ground don’t often know it at the Thurs 22nd Tarneybackle … The return of our favourite time or are so sucked into bad behaviour that the Celtic folk trio.Here again in July and August if you miss notion of hope for better times is a non-starter. them. Thurs 29th Ross & Cameron Playing a great set of traditional music from 9pm. So when sinners (that’s us –I’m sorry to remind you) clean up their acts a bit, I imagine no one is more New to the Inn this month is our Vin de Verre machine, it surprised than them that suddenly they feel in their allows us to open any bottle of wine and pour a measure of your choice 125/175/250 ml to enjoy a different glass with hearts, with deep gratitude, the love and forgiveness each course, we can then reseal the bottle so every glass is of God. Another mystery! served in perfect condition, You can view our new wine list online to choose before you Will we ever know how God ‘works’? No we won’t. arrive!

Will we ever understand how God answers our A Defibrillator also now positioned at the Inn. This is part of prayers? Probably not. So if we don’t know and we the Health Care Association initiative and one of many to be don’t understand –well, where does that leave us? It positioned in the village. Ours has been funded by Christopher, Judith, Carolyn, Katie, Robert and family in leaves us brothers and sisters as people of faith for memory of our dear father, Roger Littlewood who passed whom ‘not knowing’ and ‘mystery’ are acceptable away 24/12/15. It seems fitting that it is positioned on the under the reign of a loving God. We do not need to wall of the extension that he built and was his last job before know the mind of God or how God answers prayer. All a very happy retirement spent in Applecross. I know he would be very proud to be remembered by this, and hope we need is trust in the Lord. that it is never required but there if needed. We also have trained staff onsite to assist. Bishop James Harrington and his Companions had It seems fitting to mention at this point, a speedy recovery to Geoff (Bubbles) of The Waterside Café who is recovering trust(together with fear and hope and despair all from a wee heart problem. xx

5 Police Notice. WEATHER RECORD - SLUMBAY Between 1500 hours on 30th April 2017 and APRIL 2017 1000 hours on the 1st of May, two panes of greenhouse glass were broken on a property called "Seaforth" on the main street Max Temp Min Temp Rainfall in Lochcarron. Date: in oC in oC inches It's suspected that a stone was thrown from 1 11.10 5.60 0.09 the area known as Croft Road into the 2 11.80 5.80 ----- garden below and that caused the damage. It's suspected that it may be children playing 3 12.70 5.30 0.17 about. 4 10.50 5.90 0.02

Police in Lochcarron are asking that anyone 5 11.40 7.30 0.02 with information contact PC Craig Allan at 6 10.90 7.10 0.10 Lochcarron or contact 101 or Crimestoppers 7 11.10 7.30 0.01 anonymously on 0800555111 8 12.60 4.50 ----- 9 9.80 4.90 0.57 Applecross Historical Society 10 10.50 5.00 0.68 There have been a few changes recently at the 11 8.50 6.00 1.95 Society. I was pleased to take over the role of Chairman in 12 9.40 5.20 0.13 February 2017 from Alistair McCowan. Alistair 13 10.20 5.20 0.08 remains actively involved and is now our Honorary President. Due to recent poor health Janet Mackay 14 9.50 2.80 0.25 has also stepped back from full involvement. We 15 10.40 3.80 0.28 are very appreciative of all the work that these two and my late father, Ian Mackenzie did to establish 16 10.40 1.00 0.01 the Society in its earliest days. 17 11.10 -0.50 ----- We have made two new appointments as Directors in Annabel MacRae and Mike Summers, and they 18 9.10 1.80 0.03 join Catriona McCowan and Ruairidh Cameron as 19 12.40 7.30 0.04 our full team of Directors. On 9th June we are delighted to sponsor an evening 20 11.20 7.60 0.51 talk by Lord Minginish, Chairman of the Scottish 21 10.90 3.40 0.15 Land Court. Roddy John Macleod is well known in the Highlands and will be an engaging speaker, 22 9.10 4.00 0.02 details elsewhere in the magazine. 23 10.20 2.10 0.38 We will be organising a public meeting later in the year to talk about future and ongoing work, and to 24 4.70 0.40 0.59 get feedback and ideas. Specifically, we are in the 25 8.30 0.90 0.21 process of obtaining formal Museum status for Applecross Heritage Centre, and have a small grant 26 9.20 3.20 0.07 from Museums and Galleries Scotland to help with 27 10.00 5.70 0.16 this. We are also pleased to have recently obtained a grant from Bord na Gaidhlig to support some 28 10.80 3.50 ----- community based research into the First World 29 12.80 7.50 ----- War. The Heritage Centre is up and running for the 30 15.20 7.50 ----- season and we look forward to welcoming you 31 there. Specifically, we are very grateful to our volunteers who all give freely of their time to TOTAL APRIL 2017 6.52 support the Centre. Fiona Mackenzie RUNNING TOTAL 2017 24.45 Toscaig TOTAL APRIL 2016 4.43 Applecross RUNNING TOTAL 2016 24.81 6 Retired gentleman ACKNOWLEDGEMENT requires property to SLOCOMBE rent in the Lochcarron The family of the late Adrian Slocombe wish to thank all relatives area from mid-July and friends for the support and [for minimum 6 sympathy shown to them in their recent sad loss. Many thanks to all months] who attended the celebration of life for Adrian at Torridon Community Centre and donated so generously the Ring Sue and Dermot amount of £300 to Trees for Life. Thanks also to all at John Fraser & Gleeson Son, Chapel Street, Inverness for 01520 766100 their care and compassion with the funeral arrangements.

STRICTLY COFFEE MORNING. 6TH MAY 2017 We were incredibly lucky with the weather on Saturday, as it was both bright and warm, which brought a lot of people out locals and visitors alike.

Robyn and Jan Teago would like to first thank the Lochcarron Hospice Fund- raising Group for their support and help on Saturday, without them it would have been difficult. So thank you so very much.

The Coffee morning raised £630.29 with £56.38 collected by Stephen and Áine as Bobby the Bee in their bucket. They did a brilliant job walking up and down the street, cars even stopped to put in some money, thank you both.

The total raised by the coffee morning, local donations and collecting box in the pottery is £806.67. A very big thank you to everyone for being so gener- ous.

Robyn will be dancing on 17th 18th 19th and 20th May at the Ice rink we will put an update in the next months An Carrannach.

7 BIRD & MINIBEAST DAYS IN MAY a pan to make bird seed cakes We had glorious sunshine on Monday 1st May at which could be the Treehouse. A group of children came along to hung from trees learn all about what birds are up to this time of after they set year, and how we can help them. Everyone can overnight. do their bit to help birds as they are busy There will be preparing nests and feeding their young. Birds more use of the really do have superhero status after long jour- Kelly Kettle on neys, preening themselves to win the heart of a some of our mate, fighting to get a mate, building nests and forthcoming then the endless arduous task of feeding the events in the nestlings. Luck had it that help was on it’s way. summer Armed with empty plastic bottles, children made holidays. their own bird feeders, giving a second life for a On Thursday plastic product otherwise destined to the recycle 4th May, we bin. had an In- In groups, the children were assigned a bird service day – challenge, learning what their birds eat and need and another to survive on, before going on a forage to find the sunny one too! goods. Children came We examined a along to learn all about helping Minibeasts. bird’s nest and Linking in with the bird project on Monday, marvelled at children learned that many birds need insects to just how feed their young! intricate it was. After a lengthy bug hunt (Lynda gave them a real Two groups challenge to find all 15 bugs), we set about were given the making some “Bug Hotels” using items otherwise challenge of intended for landfill. YES, I hear you cry! We have making their found a use for old odd socks at last! Stuffing the own nest using old socks with wool, dried grass and moss, the only natural children then hid their old socks – now homes for materials. We many minibeasts under grass. studied the We cut up bamboo and packed it tightly together differing sizes to provide more hollow homes. Some children of bird boxes, used a power drill to make holes in logs for discussing solitary bees and placed logs in shaded areas for which birds deadwood – a precious fodder for minibeasts. nest in each, as An old air brick came in handy too, stuffed with well as the rolled up corrugated cardboard and dried grass – fascinating there will be booming colony of creepy crawlies habit of Blue tits who cover the edges of the hole living there too. to make it smaller to deter predators. We The Birds and Minibeasts at The Treehouse have discovered human hair can be a welcome addition received great assistance from the children of to nest building. The children combed their hair Lochcarron and Applecross this May. Thanks to with their fingers, watching this precious Avril Mackenzie for her kind donation of Bird commodity drift away for the birds to collect Seed, and to LCDC for the use of the fantastic later. Treehouse as a venue. Children found dry twigs to fuel the “Kelly Kettle” – a portable kettle that uses firewood to boil Lynda Beveridge water. After a safety demonstration and an opportunity to fuel the kettle, we melted fat into

8 NATURE NOTES -- JUNE 2017 Lochcarron Youth

Maritime Trust th Winter finally arrived on April 24 as snow show- The Youth Maritime ers swirled and briefly settled. It should be no Trust has begun the surprise as that is one of the more reliable process of building weather events here. Third week in April – up funds to cope Lambing Snow – strange how often that happens with the demands of when the weather is generally chaotic and unpre- young sailors from our local communities. We are dictable. most grateful to Kenny and Gemma Livingston th Hattie’s swallows returned on the 19 April – al- who donated the proceeds of an evening on their ways a relief when they make it safely back – and luxurious Seaflower, taking a dozen local people Hattie is returning too – from next month she will out in into Loch Torridon with an informed be writing her Nature Notes once more so be guided tour up to Diabeg, with wine and canapés sure to send to her and not to me as I step down. under blue skies. Cuckoo, Grasshopper Warblers and Barn Swal- In early April, one of our young sailors, Calum lows are back at Achintee. Does anyone know if Reid, was invited to take part in the Laser Youth the Sand Martins were there last year – I think Nationals based this year on Hayling Island, there was a land slip which took out their nesting Hampshire. Here is Calum’s report: spot? “We set off on Wednesday after school and Visitors often want to see Seals and there were arrived on Friday afternoon. It took us about 13 eighteen on the island opposite the Waterside hours to drive down with a couple of stops. Café on the first of May and usually some to be When I turned up on Friday at the club for seen from thereabouts. The Robinsons also sent registration, boat measurement and equipment a lovely photo of a very smart Redpoll seen at inspection, it was like being on a tropical island; Balmacara Square. the sun was shining and the sea was a gorgeous I was over at Shieldaig last week and watched a turquoise colour! The clubhouse was massive. Sea Eagle cruising above for a while so I hope I’ve not seen a club house like that before. On the they are nesting happily this year – too much Saturday I went to a fitness test in Chichester attention has been known to put them off in the which lasted about three hours. The Games Hall past. was roasting, some of the girls even fainted. On Bluebells are everywhere just now, Cuckoo Flow- Sunday I attended a briefing in the evening which er also known as Milkmaids/Cardamine pratense explained the sailing rules for the week. I was up appear in damp places and Butterfly Orchids before 7 o’clock every day to make sure I had a should bloom in June too. These are often along good breakfast and to get my kit ready. On the roadside going up the hill towards Ap- Monday I had to be at the sailing club for a plecross and alongside the Shinty pitch. briefing at 9 o’clock. After this we made our way There have been photos on Facebook recently of out to the race course which took over an hour. a lamb attacked by a dog at Reraig. I hope it sur- There were 53 Laser Radials at this event. On vived but may I remind all dog owners that their Tuesday I managed to get a 7th as the wind was lovely family pet which ‘wouldn’t hurt a fly’ can very much favouring me. The rest of the week turn wolf in an instant when it comes upon a vul- was mixed with one or two black flags, a day off nerable prey animal – especially so if out of the water due to sunstroke and most results your sight. varied from 30th- 50th. The week was a very good The first half of May has been dry – just like in experience for me, I learnt lots racing with the the old days when May was always the best time best sailors in the country and I’d love to go back to come to the Highlands. I wonder if there will to an event like this. I’m already looking forward be more summer to come! to the Nationals in Largs next year. Thank you so Hattie is now ready to take on the Nature Notes much to Lochcarron Maritime Trust for once more so her email is supporting me to take part in this event”. [email protected] and phone 722551.

9 Boccia Bowling, Lounge, 1.30pm Howard Doris Centre Chat June 2017 HDC Coffee Morning Mini Garden Sales Table Howard Doris Centre Ladies that lunch ….. in the sun! How lovely to spy a group of our clients eating lunch on the patio. It is a special place to be – surrounded, at the moment, by tubs and tubs of colourful tulips! When the sun shines the patio becomes a popular spot and an extension of our lounge.

We are rolling out a Royal Banquet on Friday 9 June as Tuesday 6 June 2017 a celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Birthday. Take 11.00am – 12.30pm the opportunity to dress up in your best ‘bib and tuck- Lots of garden treats…Mini Garden Sales er’ (or come more casual if you prefer!) and we will pro- Table vide bow ties and tiaras! Howard Doris CentreTuesday 6 June 2017 11.00am – 12.30pm It is British Flower Week in June. We are marking it by touring ‘our garden and grounds’ in picture mode! Our Lots of garden treats photography group will have their lenses focused out and around in the garden! - Another session of our popular sport. Wednesday 7 June June sees a couple of foyer displays being on show. A Bridge the Years, Lounge, 2.00pm Fathers Day display where we remember our Dads in - Some Lochcarron Primary pupils join us for a beetle photograph followed by a Diabetes Awareness Week drive. display to raise the awareness of Diabetes. Thursday 8 June

Discover Your Creativity, Lounge, 11.00am We are aiming to revamp the Centre Chat layout starting in July issue of An Carrannach. We are quite - Iona Lister joins us to give support and help with art excited about rolling out an updated and new style of Points of View, Small Lounge, 11.30am Centre Chat. Royal Birthday Banquet Join us for our Royal Banquet Lunch Dates for your Diary

Thursday 1 June Guided Imagery, Small Lounge, 11.15am - Go on a guided mental tour of a beautiful place, feel stress-free and comfortable under the guidance of Iona Lister Shopping in Kyle, departing HDC directly after lunch Celebrating Queen Elizabeth II Birthday - Join us for lunch & afterwards enjoy free trip to Kyle. Friday 9 June, Dining Room, 12.30pm Friday 2 June Exercise Class, Dining Room, 11.45am Dress up for the occasion - Bow Ties & Tiaras provided - Another chair based exercise time. Monday 5 June Poetry, Small Lounge, 11.30am - Enjoy poetry? Join our group to share your favourites. - Discussion at its best! News articles, opinions, ideas Tuesday 6 June flow! Singing for Fun, Small Lounge, 11.30am Friday 9 June - Another fun session singsong with Hatty. Royal Birthday Banquet, Dining Room, 12.30pm Coffee Morning & Mini Garden Sales Table, Lounge, Monday 12 June 11.00am Reiki, Small Lounge, 10.45am

10 Tai Chi, Dining Room, 11.30am - Enjoy a game or two of indoor skittles. - Let Frances Pearce show you how to combine deep North Coast 50, leaving am breathing and relaxation with slow & gentle movements. - Another adventure on our North Coast 50 outing. Tuesday 13 June A destination ‘Selfie’ for our North Coast outing map! Meet our local policeman, Lounge, 1.45pm Thursday 29 June - PC Craig Allan introduces himself to the Howard Doris Guided Imagery, Small Lounge, 11.15am Centre and gives some handy tips on safety. - Another guided mental tour of a beautiful place. Wednesday 14 June Team Quiz, Lounge, 1.45pm Father’s Day Display, Foyer, all day - Diabetes. Myth/Fact & lots more! Join our team quiz. Share your favourite photographs of your Dad. He will Points make Prizes! be part of our Foyer Display for the next week or so. Other regular weekly events Skittles, Lounge, 1.45pm Sunday - Enjoy a game or two of indoor skittles. Praise and worship, Main Lounge, 4.00pm Thursday 15 June Monday & Friday Guided Imagery, Small Lounge, 11.15am Bridge Group, Conservatory, 1.30pm - Another guided mental tour of a beautiful place. Monday Cross Stitch & Tapestry, Lounge, 2.00pm Film Club, Lounge, 1.00pm Tuesday - A monthly film club run by Rob Smith. Enjoy films? Knit and Knatter, Small Lounge, 2.00pm Be part of this club – suggest titles, watch classics, Wednesday discuss viewing. Quilting & Patchwork Group, Dining Room, 2.00pm Friday 16 Juine Please contact us on 01520 722012 / 541 or Exercise Class, Dining Room, 11.45am email [email protected] re Day Centre queries or - Another chair based exercise time. any of our events. You can pop in to the lounge for a Photography Workshop, Lounge, 1.30pm chat if you prefer. - Join our photography group in the small lounge today. Our website address is www.HowardDorisCentre.org.uk Monday 19 June Gardening Day, 10.30am – 3.00pm - Join us to assist in the garden. Tuesday 20 June Singing for Fun, Small Lounge, 11.30am - Another fun session singsong with Hatty. Pampered Palms, Lounge, 1.45pm - Pretty and Pampered! Let your hands enjoy a treat! Thursday 22 June Discover Your Creativity, Lounge, 11.00am - Iona Lister joins us to give support and help with art General Health Wellbeing, Dining/Treatment Room - With Sarah Almond 1.30pm Massage (Treatment Room) - 2.00pm Yoga (Dining Room) Friday 23 June Boccia Bowling, Lounge, 1.30pm - Another session of our popular sport. Monday 26 June HDC Diabetes Awareness Week, all week - Foyer Display on raising awareness of Diabetes Tuesday 27 June Three Degrees Meeting, Conservatory, 11.00am - Our three degrees committee meets to discuss Day Care. Pass your suggestions and ideas to the committee. Fit as a Fiddle, Small Lounge, 11.30am - Our healthy living programme continues. This months is based around our HDC Diabetes Awareness Week. Wednesday 28 June Skittles, Lounge, 1.45pm

11 Lochcarron Camanachd On Saturday 29th April, we travelled to Newtonmore to meet their 2nd team for the first game in our Sutherland Cup challenge. Lochcarron made a positive start to the game. They had Newtonmore on the back foot for the opening fifteen minutes but couldn’t find a breakthrough. The home side then started to take control and took the lead in the 23rd minute. An unfortunate mistake by Lochcarron saw them score an own goal in the 24th minute. A further quick follow up goal by Newtonmore made the score 3-0 to the home side. Newtonmore continued to dominate, netting a further two goals before half time. Newtonmore did not rest and found the Lochcarron net once again, 3 minutes after the restart. With heads down, Lochcarron continued to feel the pressure. The visitors, tired and already defeated, allowed Newtonmore to claim a further two goals before the full time whistle. Final score: Newtonmore 2nds 8, Lochcarron 0.

The 6th of May saw a visit from Lochcaber 2nds to The Battery Park in North Division 2. The game started evenly, with end to end play. Lochcarron were then dealt an early blow; Sean MacCuish had to go off injured, with a broken and dislocated thumb, after only 5 minutes. Play resumed with neither side being able to dominate until Liam Arnott opened the scoring after half an hour. Iain Cameron proved his worth in goals for the home side, saving a number of Lochaber chances. A mistake in the Lochcarron defence, allowed the visitors to equalise before half time. The second half began, but neither side could get a grip of the game. The play continued back a forth until the Lochaber forward line found the net at the 60 minute mark. A further injury blow to the home side saw Seumas Charity coming off with a knee injury. Lochcarron kept pushing on despite this, however were unable to convert all their efforts. Full time score: Lochcarron 1, Lochaber 2nds 2. The club would like to wish Sean and Seumas all the best in their recoveries.

The defence of the Strathdearn Cup started on Saturday 13th May against Kingussie 2nds. From the first whistle, Lochcarron looked a far more determined team than previous weeks. The game was played at a fast pace, both teams getting opportunities, but it was the home side who took the lead after only 10 minutes. Lance McCuish found the net from 30 yards. Play continued with the home side looking dangerous, but it was Kingussie who managed to take their chance and equalised 5 minutes before half time. It was looking like it would be all square at the break, but a drop in concentration from the Lochcarron defence saw Kingussie go ahead with the final hit of the half. Half time score: Lochcarron 1, Kingussie 2nds 2. Spurred on by last year’s success, the home side started the second half the stronger team. The Kingussie defence stood up to everything Lochcarron threw at them. Fitness began to tell, and with the home side tiring, they allowed a third goal from the visitors. The game was still competitive until the final whistle but with no more goals, it finished: Lochcarron 1, Kingussie 2nds 3.

Dates for your diary: 10th June – Strathspey (A) 24th June – Kilmallie 2nds (A)

12 GARDENING Almost as bad, and spreading by the same tactic, is en- chanter’s nightshade, though it is a pretty enough thing when When we used to come to this area on holiday, before limited to the odd, overgrown corner of the garden. As with moving here, we were restricted to university vacation times so many of our wild plants it is only when its vigour brings it and usually came in April. Our friend Gillian Smith, who romping into areas we want to preserve for our chosen plants then lived at Little Courthill in Kishorn, would say to us, that it becomes a problem. It is not related to other night- ‘Come in May if you can, it is the best month here’. This shades but is in the willowherb family and has not been used year who could disagree with her? The weather for the first in this country, either medicinally or for magic. fortnight of the month was glorious and brought Lochcarron into fantastic colour. Gardens were full of rhododendrons My other weed-related conversation was with someone in and azaleas and house fronts were covered in the scented Diabeg who is tackling a much more important problem: a blooms of clematis montana. ditch congested with hemlock water dropwort, one of this country’s most poisonous plants. Cattle were poisoned by it Gardeners can be a bit choosy about colour and try to in south west England in 1995, when drought drove them to combine our plants carefully, but in May I feel all the rules graze in ditches, and humans have been poisoned in 21st go joyfully out of the window and we can have the fun of century as a result of mistaking it for wild parsnip or celery. purple, pink, orange and yellow all at once in azaleas, rhododendrons and candelabra primulas. No doubt weeds will be always with us but now it is Many of us have favourites among our garden plants and time to enjoy the special some of us love to hate certain weeds. We can probably all delights of June. Trees are agree to try to get rid of ground elder, horse tail, bindweed in full, fresh foliage, and and creeping buttercup but a couple of times recently I have roses, honeysuckle and lilies had conversations which would sound really strange to are bursting into bloom. We non-gardeners: we were discussing our other most-hated can make the most of the weeds. long days, whether peacefully weeding to the One conversation took sound of evening birdsong or place in my polytunnel sitting with a cup of tea or where a visitor asked glass of something stronger about a self-seeded and soaking up the late aquilegia (columbine) I sunshine. had left to grow. It turns out that he hates Many of us can be a bit choosy about colour and try to them because the long combine our plants carefully, but in May I feel all the rules tap root is a challenge go joyfully out of the window and we can have the fun of to get out and because purple, pink, orange and yellow all at once in azaleas, they seed everywhere. rhododendrons and candelabra primulas. I happen to be very fond of them (I suspect it may have something to do with AL ANON FOR FAMILIES AND their resemblance to fairies!) and I leave them to grow until I can see whether they are a good colour and then just lift out FRIENDS OF PROBLEM the sludgy, unappealing ones. I am enjoying the one in the polytunnel which has turned out to be the fine blue of our DRINKERS. native wild flower. CONTACT NO: 020 7403 0888 One of my particular dislikes among weeds is pearlwort. It forms a mat on the surface of the ground, gets into paving cracks and is often on the soil of pots and container-grown plants. It self-pollinates and each tiny capsule contains 60 to 80 fine seeds which are dispersed by the wind. Seed can TREE SURGERY survive in the soil for more than 8 years. Small fragments of the plant can regrow and the prostrate shoots root and Tree Surgery carried out produce laterals. by an experienced and fully insured operator. Up Interestingly, in the Highlands and Islands pearlwort was once believed to be the first plant Jesus stepped on after his -to-date test certificates. resurrection and was regarded as protective to women in labour and to cows, calves and milk. Lop and top can now be chipped on site. Another of my least favourite weeds is hedge woundwort. I usually become aware of it when its unpleasant, astringent All aspects of garden smell emerges from some precious plant I am moving. Then I am faced with untangling its underground rhizomes (stems) work carried out, grass cutting,hedge and trying to remove every scrap from the roots of my plant. trimming, strimming etc. So far I always seem to have failed to be thorough enough because it is still cropping up amongst herbaceous Also fencing undertaken. perennials. As its name implies it has had a medicinal purpose and the Elizabethan herbalist Gerard used it to cure several men injured in brawls. Phone DAVID THOMSON on Lochcarron 722347 (evenings)

13 LOCHCARRON MEDICAL PARTNERSHIP – FERGUSON MEDICAL CENTRE

Ticks and Lyme Borreliosis How do you get Lyme disease? Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis) is transmitted by ticks that are infected with Borrelia spirochaete (a strain of bacteria). Humans can get it if they are bitten by an infected tick. It normally takes 24-48 hours for the bacteria in the tick to pass into the human after they bite. Therefore, if you remove a tick soon after being bitten, you are very unlikely to develop Lyme Disease, even if the tick is infected.

Lyme borreliosis symptoms: The early stage, and the most common, is the development of a rash (erythema migrans) at the site of the tick bite. This rash can appear 3-30 days after the bite. There is usually a single circular red mark that spreads outwards slowly over several days. A paler area of skin emerges on the inner part of the circle. It can range in size from a few centimetres up to 30cm. It is not usually painful or itchy. Other early symptoms tend to be flu-like with headache, joint pain and muscle aches. Later stages and further complications can affect different parts of the body.

Treatment: All stages will respond to antibiotics so you should arrange to see your GP if you develop any of these symptoms. Simple tick bites with no sign of infection do not need medical review.

Tips to prevent against infection: Wear long trousers and tuck them into your socks. Wear light-coloured clothing - this makes ticks easier to see. Walk in the centre of paths, away from vegetation.Consider using an insect repellent - one that contains DEET 25% can be sprayed directly on to skin. Premethrin-based ones can be sprayed on to clothing. Inspect your entire body every day for ticks, paying special attention to your hair, underarms, behind knees and groin. To keep pets tick free, use vet-recommended treatments, and check them daily for ticks. Carry a tick remover. Remove ticks as soon as possible – there is no need to see a doctor or nurse for this. Tick removal: Tweezers - Use fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the tick as close as possible to the skin. Pull upwards with an even steady pressure. Do not twist, as this may cause the tick to regurgitate and increase the risk of infection. Tick removal tool - There are various tools. The tool is inserted from the side, lifted slightly, and rotated two to three times. Twisting is OK with this method, as the tool doesn’t exert pressure on the mouth parts or abdomen in the way that tweezers do. Sometimes the tick’s mouthparts may remain in the skin, but they will eventually come out without intervention. Further attempts to remove them may break the skin and cause infection. Further information can be obtained via www.bada-uk.org

14 News from knocked out in the first game. Eleanor Lochcarron Strath achieved the same and got knocked Primary! out in the second round. Cara Strath won 1 game and got knocked out in the consolation pool. All 3 played really well. In the doubles, Eleanor and Cara reached the Quarters and were put out by the No.1 seeds, just losing 19/21. So close! Evie Stubbs and Zoë Robins lost in the Sporting results: consolation pool but reached double figure Lochalsh Triathlon, Sat 6th May: scores in every game. Great job everyone. Sasha Westerduin, Kiera Whittingham and George Murphy came 2nd in the team event. Sasha also came 2nd in the 3x3 Individual event. Great effort. Shieldaig Primary came first. Their team included one of our children, Rose MacLaren-Lee. Well done to you all. We were competing without some of our pupils as they were away at another sports event.

South West Ross Piping Society Piping competition, May 6th: Sasha Westerduin won 3rd place in the Novice Piping Competition. Kiera Whittingham won 2nd place in the Advanced Chanter. Vivienne Goodman won 6th place in the Beginners’ Chanter.

Rare Breeds Croft Visit to Mrs Maclennan’s Croft

Winning Team – Shieldaig 2nd Lochcarron As part of our Art & Science activities we Sasha Westerduin – 2nd in Individual 3x3 visited Mrs Maclennan’s croft to have a event. look at rare breed animals. The children Badminton, Scottish Finals in Perth, Sat went up in class groups and had a great 6th May: This was a time getting to know the ponies, highland marathon 9 hour day cows and some very lively sheep! The of games against the weather was great and the children top players in the enjoyed sketching pictures of the animals country. and amazing scenery. A fun time was had by In the singles games, all. Thank you to Mrs Maclennan for James Brown, allowing us on to her croft. Kishorn, was in a hard group but won 2 of his 3 matches, which was excellent, and so qualified for the knockout stage, where he was

15 School trip to the Shieling Project: their rare animals like the Shetland cow, Many thanks again to Scottish Sea Farms Hebridean sheep and Oxford Sandy and and Niall McCallum for providing a large Black piglets. part of the funding for the trip. Also many We also used soaked willow and reeds to thanks to Bòrd na Gàidhlig for providing make fish and decorated them with natural the remainder of the funding. We are very materials. grateful to both bodies for their support. Apart from the ticks, midges and compost toilet, it was a blast. Rose and Kiera Visit from author Victoria Eveleigh

Victoria Eveleigh, author of children’s books, visited the school along with her husband Chris.

Victoria has written many books about ponies for both boys and girls. Many of her ideas for her stories have come from her own experiences with her own ponies. Both Victoria and her husband Chris are farmers in Exmoor. Her visit to the school tied in with the school project on Rare Breed Animals. The visit from Victoria was thoroughly enjoyed by both children and staff. The children had plenty of questions We had an to ask and are thoroughly enjoying reading amazing whole school trip to the Shieling her books. Victoria and Chris very kindly Project. The weather was fantastic and there was plenty to keep the children occupied. We learnt about rare breed animals and visited the cows, sheep and pigs. The children also learnt about felting and natural dyeing of wool. By the end of the day the children had created a fabulous felt picture to take back to the school. We also had a very busy day cutting turf and making turf benches. The children were taught how to make things out of willow and reeds. They all made a fantastic fish to take home as a souvenir of the day. Throughout the day the children learnt a lot about sustainability. The whole day was a great success thanks to the wonderful staff at the Shieling project and to the children who were brilliant throughout.

Chaidh a h-uile duine ann am Bun Sgoil Lochcarrainn airson latha a mach dhan Proiseact An Airigh anns an Glen Affric faisg air Cannich. S’e latha breagha a bha againn agus latha trang! Vivienne

For our school trip this year we went to the Shieling Project near Cannich. We had signed books and bookmarks for all the a great time, dyeing wool with natural children, much to their delight. materials, felting and learning how to card wool.We also made a bench out of turf (it was surprisingly comfortable). We saw all

16 17

18 Coffee Morning and Boat Jumble Sale Saturday 10th June 10.30am – 12 noon Lochcarron Sailing Club Catering by 1st Lochalsh Cubs Lochcarron Leisure Centre plus Fundraiser shorefront treasure hunt; QUIZ NIGHT WITH KENNY POST Sat 10th June @ 8pm games and activities Lochcarron Hotel Lochcarron Leisure Centre fundraising goes Live! We are now looking for donations / Gifts that could be used as prizes in our forthcoming fundraising events. Unwanted gifts, vouchers, tickets for events you could pass on. Any contributions or donations gratefully received. Keith Pearce Dundrum, Arinackaig, Strathcarron, IV548YN [email protected] 07834195155

Registered Scottish Charity No. SC040502

19 20 LOCHCARRON LIBRARY NEWS several new books have been purchased particularly in Amazingly this edition of Lochcarron Library News Adult crime & Sci-Fi, as well as books for our junior marks the half way mark in the year’s calendar telling section, has indeed contributed to a much healthier us all that it’s now Summer, and it’s good that over the looking library. Just a wee note of caution when last few weeks we have finally had the weather to requesting books, please don’t forget to collect them match. Our summer programme starts clicking into once they arrive here! You should get an automated place right now with our last Bookbug Sessions of this email to say they are here at the library, but please do school year happening in June (more about these remember they will not be held here ad infinitum, only later!) usually for about 3 weeks after which they may just be But of course it’s never really Summer here in the allocated elsewhere!!! library till we’ve talked about the Tesco Bank Summer We have also greatly increased our stock of Gaelic Reading Challenge which happens in all HLH libraries reading material across the board, and so these are and, of course, further afield over the school summer dotted around the library in our various ‘new-in’ areas holidays. This year we have ANIMAL AGENTS for our along with our other new books. Thank you kindly for theme. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the all the wonderful donations of stock we have received, scheme, the idea is to read 6 books over the school these have all, where possible, been catalogued and holidays (one book for each week) and receive some are gracing the shelves of our library as library books all interesting goodies and of course stickers as you of which makes for a healthier, fuller looking more progress and complete the Challenge. The official write ‘rounded’ library! And please carry on with book up is as follows: donations as this is really helpful. ‘These special Animal Agents need your help, join the Dates for June are as follows: Tesco Bank Summer Reading Challenge Scotland and be Lochcarron Writing Group meets on Friday 16th June at a super sleuth! 10.30am with the title of ‘Leap of Faith.’ Just a quick -Sign up at your local library and you’ll receive a reminder to say that the library still has copies for sale detective starter pack. of the Group’s excellent publication entitled -As you read over the summer, you’ll use your wits and ‘Driftwood’, but they are selling fast so pop down to power of observation to sift through the vital clues and avoid disappointment. crack the case-you’ll even pick up some stinky stickers The final Bookbug Session of the school year for 3-5 along the way! To find out more, head to animal- years age group is on Wednesday 14th June at 10am. agents.org.uk’ And as June tends to be more of a ‘sporty’ month this Many of you have been very busy requesting books will be a most ‘active’ session. yourself from home on your computer, tablet or other Our babies and toddlers are having their final Bookbug device and this has certainly been baring fruit as most Session either on the 9th June or 23rd June at of this requested stock has now found its way onto our 10am.Please check with library staff later on for the shelves, as have the many good quality books which actual date. you have donated. This coupled with the fact that Advance warning!!! Due to holidays, next month’s offering will be considerably shorter so you can all breathe a mighty sigh of relief( in advance of course) that you too are being given a holiday. Thanks once again to all who use our services and thank you too for all the many donations we have received in books and otherwise. It is quite heartening to see that having a library here in Lochcarron is important to so many. Finally please do take a note of our contact details and opening hours at the end of this article, and remember there is our Self Service unit in the Howard Doris Centre foyer, and finally, finally to manage your account on line it’s: highlifehighland.com/libraries You will also need your library number and pin number. Happy Reading! Tuesday 9.30am-12.30pm 6.00pm-8.00pm Wednesday 2.00pm-4.30pm Friday 2.00pm-4.30pm Telephone: 01520 722679 Email : [email protected]

21 Gallery Newsletter

June 2017 In this issue Midsummer greetings! Interview with Ken Bryan Spotlight on Jo Simpson Jill Holmes Solo

We are delighted to be able to catch up with the multitalented Ken Bryan this month. Jo Simpson, well known for her love of animals, touches on some of the story behind her art. We are also pleased to say that Jill Holme’s Solo Exhibition of light infused Pewter work will be running through until July. We hope you will be able to find time to call by the Gallery to see it, along with all the vibrant new work now part of the summer season Wild For Colour Exhibition.

Ken Bryan – artist, photographer, potter

My interest in art nature and wildlife started at an early age. I was born 1941 in Stapleford, a small town 6 miles from Nottingham, in those days surrounded by countryside. I remember at the age of 12, trips to the Peak District, catching the Ramblers Special: a steam train from our local station. This was before Doctor Beeching’s axe fell! I was in awe of the landscape even in those early days. I left school at the age of 15 and trained as a painter and decorator, wasted my teenage years as many of us did Rock and Roll and all that! I married at the age of 19 and had a son and daughter. I bought my first camera shortly after to take pictures of my children. This was the start of a lifelong passion. In fact, it changed my life. Everything I did from that point on involved art and photography. I studied art in my very limited spare time. At the age of 28, I bought my first car. This opened up a whole new world. We camped in many of the most beautiful places in Britain including the Isle of Skye. This was a time of discovery and inspiration. I soon realised I had to take control of my life. I gave up my job to become self employed. This gave me the time to spend in my beloved wild places; climb more mountains and take more pictures. Every summer we had 3 weeks climbing in the Swiss, French, or Italian Alps. At times I spent the night on my own sleeping on glaciers, and in high places, recording all this on film with my trusted camera, while Polly camped in the valley. Other times, we would climb a peak together, exciting times for both of us. At home I would paint my pictures. Sometimes I would work till 3 am in my tiny darkroom under the stairs, producing my exhibition prints. I met Polly in 1984 .We married in Fort William Christmas eve 1986. We encouraged each other, sharing our desire to create, Polly with her weaving and textiles, I started working with pottery. In 1994 we bought a semi derelict property by Broadford hospital car park, Isle of Skye, renovated it and moved there in1996, where we opened Three Herons Studio.

(Continued on page 23)

22 (Continued from page 22) My Painting in the early years was mostly in acrylics or oils. Moving to Skye with the mountains, sea, atmosphere and light, I find I can express this best in watercolour. I still use oils for some subjects. After 40 years working in the darkroom, my photography is now all digital. This allows me to work mostly in colour. Unlike most photographers who produce high contrast saturated images, my work is mostly low contrast and more pastel in appearance. With some subjects I use a little diffusion to help capture the wonderful atmosphere here in the Highlands. For many years I gave illustrated lectures to photographic societies and camera clubs in Britain including the Royal Photographic Society. I still do the occasional tour. I am also on the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain judges list for international exhibitions etc. I do all my own presentation and picture framing, as well as bespoke framing for customers. My bird pictures are purely opportunist. I do love my birds and wildlife, but it is a subject for the specialist. It takes a lot of time and patience and would mean giving up other work to give it my full attention. I gave up my pottery about 15 years ago, but bought a new kiln in 2014 and started again! I love to hand build using stoneware. I find sitting down of an evening working the clay very relaxing. After biscuit firing, I use brush on glazes. The exciting part is opening the kiln after the last firing. My work can be seen at: Three Herons Studio, Broadford Isle of Skye, Dandelion Designs, Stein Isle of Skye. Lael Crafts Gallery, Lael near Ullapool & the Torridon Gallery.

SPOTLIGHT on Jo Simpson - artist & designer

I specialise in original paintings and drawings and also transfer these images to Prints and Greetings cards. I have a background in design too so in my spare time I like to produce design ideas for fabrics, wallcoverings, cards and giftware. Alongside my Art, I clean houses and holiday homes and do a lot of dog walking/pet minding in the local community. I have several approaches. However, the most characteristic style is Naïve and relative to Folk Art. This quirky series of paintings conveys the humour and happy memories of a certain time and place. Imagery is often out of proportion and exaggerated for added amusement. I like to highlight the special sights and qualities found in the highlands and brighten moods with these colourful scenes. They are made up compositions which emphasise the positive aspects of a certain time, they tell a story or record memories. Inspiration comes from a variety of sources but at present, Wester-Ross and the Highland Coast as a whole especially influences my work. I am drawn to bold colours, textures, form and pattern so I like to recreate this in my drawings and paintings. My Beach Comb collection of work is an example of this. As a big animal lover, I cannot help drawing and painting these alongside other collections and here in Wester-ross there is an abundance of wonderful wildlife.

The dramatic skies, mountains, old mysterious crofts, sea and lochs here possess an enchanting, moving and enticing allure to me. When I interpret a scene, I want it to reflect the mood it provoked in me. I sketch and take photo’s regularly when out walking, then use these at a later date to refer to as a guide. I especially do this when creating a local scene or animal so it is recognisable but interpret it as I remember (Continued on page 24)

23 (Continued from page 23) witnessing it. Wester-Ross is a special place, I am lucky to live here so like to show this appreciation through my art and hope that my work will resonate with others also. I like to create colourful Art mainly because I want these to help brighten moods and lift the spirits. Summer 1st April – October 31st Monday to Saturday 10am – 4pm Closed Sunday Contact Email: [email protected] Tel: 01445 791 361 Website: www.lochtorridoncentre.co.uk Address Loch Torridon Community Centre Torridon, By Achnasheen Ross-shire, IV22 2EZ

Applecross Historical Society Annual Talk

Lord Minginish, Roddy John Macleod will talk on "The place of the Scottish Land Court in Social History"

Friday 9th June at 7.30 in the Hall

Tea and bakes to follow

Entry by donation on the night

Everyone welcome

24 Shieldaig Notes Gaelic 0-5 Group:

Bha mios trang againn am bhuighean na Gaidhlig. Thainig What a glorious start to the summer! No doubt clas Ghaidhlig bho bunsgoil Lochcarron a cheilidh oirnn. there will be some consequences of experiencing Bha iad a'seinn agus a'deanamh gnionhnachas comhla. such low rainfall but how lovely to have been warm and dry for the last 3 weeks. The good We've had a busy month at the Gaelic group. The Gaelic weather seems to have kick-started the touring class from Lochcarron Primary school came to visit us. They sang for us, and did craft. season and we've seen a big Increase in the number of NC500'ers passing through the We meet every Wednesday 1-3pm, upper hall, Lochcar- village. It's become something of a car-spotter's ron, for free play, singing arts and craft. All babies, paradise, with cars ranging from a fleet of toddlers and children under school age welcome. You are modest Fiats to a rather less modest fleet of welcome to bring a pack lunch for the start of the session.

Ferrari's that were a colourful diversion for the Contact: Angela 722 989 afternoon they were in town. No news on our sea eagles yet but the lambing season seems to have been a success. Despite a chilly first week, the lambs have enjoyed a good few weeks of growing conditions and are now beginning to range a bit further afield and get out & about to make the most of the spring growth. If you keep your eyes open as you walk along the point you'll see lots of violets, primroses, lousewort, sorrel, bluebells and lots of new-growth bracken. The birds are tweeting, the cuckoos calling and it's lovely to see the swallows back. Fingers crossed this is an early sign of good things to come

Lucy Kerr.

25 Community Councils’ Minutes Comhairle Choimhearsnachd Gearr-chunntais

MINUTES (draft) of LOCHCARRON COMMUNITY for a litter bin to be placed at the bottom of Park Road. COUNCIL Miss Rebecca Dean representing the Scottish Salmon Meeting Monday 8th May 2017 Company gave a verbal report on the plans for the 7:30 pm Village Hall expansion of the salmon farm in the loch at Sròm. She Members Present: explained that the new site will be of the same 1600m rings Mrs Helen Murchison BEM (Chair), Mr Roger Cundiff to the West of the existing farm. SEPA have given their (Treasurer), Mrs Emma McCallum (Secretary), Mr John approval and it now remains for HC to grant planning Macpherson, Mr Alec Cormack, Miss Hannah Cundiff, Cdr Q permission which can take up to 2 years to complete. How- Banting RN (Minute Sec.). ever, it is very much hoped that work will start on the new Also Present: farm by September 2018. The project will secure existing Mr M Pattinson, Mr Ian Mitchell, Mr K. Mackenzie, Mr W. jobs and should provide 3 more full-time and 3 part-time Mackenzie, Miss Rebecca Dean positions. Rebecca explained that during the seabed Apologies:Cllr Kate Stephen surveys, considerable damage to the Flame shell scallops from dredging was noted and passed on to SEPA. The AGM 2016/2017 Scottish Salmon Co. would assist in protecting these shell- th Approval of Minutes Monday 9 May 2016: fish in whatever way they could though she pointed out After a minor amendment to the date, the minutes were that these scallops are not found beneath where the new proposed by Roger Cundiff, seconded by John Macpherson cages are to be put. and accepted as a true record. Mr Mark Pattinson raised the subject of the Travellers’ Clan Chair’s Annual Report Gathering (approx. 26 men, women and children) at the Helen Murchison said that this year has seen wide range of Scottish Water site above Lochcarron. He had had issues brought to the attention of the Community Council discussions with PC Craig Allan in which he thought that the by the public. The Chair felt that there was still sometimes land was owned by Scottish Water and that there might be little or no response from Highland Council to letters written an issue with contamination of the water supply. As Mr to them by the Community Council. In the year, we have Willy Mackenzie explained, it remains, in fact, part of the been sorry to accept the resignation of Linda Jackson now Slumbay Common Grazing but in the past Scottish Water ably replaced by Alec Cormack. More recently we have also had obtained a wayleave to put a run-off pipe beneath the sadly lost Beryl Weighill. site. Mr Mackenzie also gave an illuminating history of past Treasurer’s Annual Report agreements that the Grazing’s Committee had acquiesced st Roger Cundiff presented the year ending 31 March 2017 to for accommodation units during the construction of the accounts which have been independently verified by Mr water treatment plant. Mr Pattinson said that if in fact he Alexander Ross. In summary: was the landowner, his lawyers had warned him that he Total Income £8483.88 might be liable for any injury caused to people or livestock Total Expenditure £8082.11 while on the estate land. Helen Murchison said that she had Surplus for the year £401.77 also discussed matters with the police and that at least the Add balance brought forward £954.84 HC had now provided much more than one solitary rubbish Balance carried forward £1356.61 bin. She remarked that travellers had been visiting this area Office Bearers for a long time and that if they were “moved on” it would All the office bearers stood down but offered themselves just be to another local site. However, she suggested that it for re-election. Unanimously supported by the Community was up to whoever owned the land they were on to decide Council, Helen Murchison, Roger Cundiff and Emma what they would wish done about it – if anything. Hannah McCallum were re-elected to the office of Chairperson, Cundiff raised a note of caution with whatever action was to Treasurer and Secretary respectively. be taken. She said that while we might not empathise with Date of Next AGM the travellers’ way of life, they should nonetheless be th Monday 14 May 2018 at 7:30pm. Lochcarron Village Hall treated with dignity and fairness. (Upper) Mr Kenny Mackenzie reported on the Public Meeting held The AGM concluded at 7:40p.m. on 17th April last to discuss the Red Deer invasion of the ORDINARY MEETING township. He said it was very well attended (about 40 souls) The Chair offered to hear representations from 5 members and that the Deer Management representative Mr Sean of the public at the start of the Ordinary Meeting so that Macdonald had given a helpful briefing. Apart from fouling they could leave afterwards without having to remain until and damage, there was also a fear expressed that there was the end of the meeting for AOB. an increased risk of Lyme Disease from the deer. Mr Any Other Business: Mackenzie said that an Action Group had been formed and Mr Ian Mitchell raised the matter of Dog Fouling around that an invitation to all proprietors and SNH representative Battery Park. Helen Murchison explained that she had had been extended for a further meeting on 30th May to contacted the Council Dog Warden, Naomi MacDonald who come up with a plan of action. Mr Willy Mackenzie outlined could not attend until next week. Ian Mitchell offered to the history of various cattle grids and fencing that had been meet and accompany her when she visited. He also asked

26 removed and replaced elsewhere. He suggested that HC area for the batching of concrete roads department had not followed local advice and that Location of Works Land at Kishorn Base, Kishorn, addressing this issue might significantly improve the deer Applicant Name Kishorn Port Limited situation. Applicant Address C/o Ferguson Transport (Spean Bridge) Approval of Minutes Monday 10th April 2017 Limited, Annat, Corpach, PH33 7NN The minutes were proposed by Roger Cundiff, seconded by Case Officer Graham Sharp John Macpherson and accepted as a true record. Ref Number 17/01886/FUL Matters Arising: Application Type Full Application The Secretary has received a reply from BT about the Validation Date 24/04/2017 adoption of phone boxes. BT explained that the HC has Grid Reference 191917 841841 objected to the removal of telephone service from Description of Works Erection of 33kv/11kv sub-station Strathcarron and Achnashellach. BT are committed to building keeping the box at Ardaneaskan due to its proximity to the Location of Works Land to West of Roads Depot, Industrial coastline. Therefore, there is no further action on the Estate, Lochcarron matter and the Community Council retain adoption of the Applicant Name Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks one box only at Kishorn. Applicant Address Per: Mr Max Bigham, Crannog Lane, As from 1st July the Applecross to Inverness (No.504) local Lochavullin, Oban, PA34 4HB, bus service will run on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. Ref Number 17/02017/FUL Mr Kenny Maclean has suggested that the next Joint Application Type Full Application Community Council meeting should be left until after the Validation Date 28/04/2017 new HC Councillors have settled in. The date of 7th Septem- Grid Reference 192577 842654 ber is a possibility with Lochcarron as the venue. Description of Works Erection of cafe/retail outlet/dairy There has been much in the news concerning the plans for production building (amended design to planning Kishorn Dry Dock and its promising future for employment. permission Helen Murchison will be discussing the increased road 15/03491/FUL) usage when next she meets with HC Community Affairs. Location of Works Land 150M SW Of Ribhuachan, The new play frame has been installed at Battery Park and Lochcarron, is attracting some robust use. Applicant Name Lochcarron CDC Chair’s Report: Applicant Address Per Agent The Chair has still not received a reply to her letter to Graham Sharpe with respect to the possible breach of plan- Treasurer’s Report: ning at Kishorn and has therefore written to the Head of The Treasurer submitted the financial statement: Planning at HC. In the meantime, Mr Sharpe has been in Community Council: touch and the matter is with the Enforcement Team. But Balance c/f £1350.61 there is still no reply on the matter! Amounts received Nil Helen Murchison has been looking at the issue of vehicle Expenditure: £6.00 (Hall hire) speeding through Kishorn and has noted that there is only Current Balance: £1344.61 one cautionary sign at one end of the village and not the Community Fund: other. She will be raising this with HC and whether it would Balance c/f: £47.64 be possible to have a 40m.p.h. limit imposed. Amounts received: Nil Planning Applications: Grants made: Nil The Community Council has been notified of the following Current Balance: £47.64 planning applications, for all of which the case officer is Secretary’s Report: Graham Sharp.01478613808 The Secretary has been in communication with SSE over [email protected] power outages and the lack of alternative power to the Ref Number 17/01193/PIP fresh water pumps for Kishorn and Achintraid. SSE have said Application Type Planning Permission in Principle the matter is not for them but Scottish Water. Emma Validation Date 12/04/2017 McCallum will now issue a formal complaint to SSE as well Grid Reference 191193 840509 as the one she has sent to Scottish Water. However, Roger Description of Works Erection of house Cundiff pointed out that they are allowed about 8 weeks for Location of Works Site at Junction of Kirkton Road and a response and that we should be patient and allow them A896, Lochcarron, time to come back with a reply. Applicant Name Kirkton Investments Correspondence received: Applicant Address Per: Mr Alan Berry, 7 West Gorgie Park, (email 5/5/17) West Highland and Islands Local Edinburgh, EH14 1UP Development Plan – Proposed Plan. The WestPlan was Case Officer Graham Sharp published on 5/5/17 for an 8-wk. public consultation. Ref Number 17/01795/FUL The Council intends to use the WestPlan to guide Application Type Full Application Validation Date 18/04/2017 development over the next 10-20 years in the West Grid Reference 181531 839785 Highland and Islands area. They are inviting comments Description of Works Temporary erection of mobile on a Proposed Action Programme to accompany the concrete batching plant and use of part of the foreshore Plan and on a Revised Environmental Report.

27 Comments must be received by 12 noon on 30 June 17. Shieldaig Community Council http://consult.highland.gov.uk. DRAFT Minutes of meeting 2nd May 2017 at 7.30p.m. (email 2/5/17) Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks, Ian Rogers, Customer Relations. Looked at complaint Present: Susan Holmes (Chairman), Lucy Kerr regarding Kishorn water supply and power cuts, but the (Secretary), Claire Munday, Kalie Wilkinson, Beverley Hill recent power cut was out for their control. Apologies : Lisa Fraser, Donald Gillanders, Duncan Carmichael, Craig Allan Unfortunately, they cannot guarantee a continuous 365 1. Minutes of the last meeting days a year supply. The issue is with water supply, so Approved. out of their control – they advise contacting Scottish 2. Police matters Water Nothing to report. (email 28/4/17) Scottish Water acknowledged receipt of 3. Matters arising complaint – and a customer service advisor will Generator – it was reported that the ongoing costs of respond asap (nothing to date!) maintaining and insuring a generator would be ours to (email 11/4/17) Village of the Year 2017. A brand new and bear, SSE would not contribute to these costs. There was exciting programme that is being made by Reef a discussion about alternatives to installing a generator Television for Channel 4. This summer, Penelope Keith in light of the fact that emergency generators would be provided to the village if the need arose. Alternatives and her team of judges will be visiting villages across could include purchasing gas heaters, gas cookers, the UK to determine a winner, with a £10000 prize for equipment for helping keep the community safe in an the village up for grabs. Apply via website http:// emergency situation e.g. communication equipment and villageoftheyear.co.uk Emma McCallum will see food & water supplies. whether the ‘Adopt a Barrel’ organisation would wish Emergency plan – Kalie Wilkinson had finalised the to take this on and will put something in An Carranach household emergency plan and the emergency too. questionnaire and it was agreed that Lucy Kerr would (email 3/4/17) Improving Parking in Scotland Consultation type up and print out copies to be distributed locally. launched. The consultation explores how parking is HSCHT survey cost – The SCIO agreed to share the cost managed across the country, and invites views on of the survey and strongly supported going ahead with it. delivering a consistent approach to managing and Two representatives from the SCIO and two from the Community Council met with HSCHT to discuss moving enforcing parking on public roads, while improving forward with the project. Survey questions were agreed accessibility for all. Consultation will run until 30 June and it will be distributed at the end of May to be 17. http://consult.scotland.gov.uk/road-policy/ returned by the 7th of June. It was agreed this would be improving-parking-in -Scotland/ done by hand so that Councillors could explain to (email 4/5/17) from recently appointed Project Officer for householders the purpose of the questionnaire. Results Wester Ross Biosphere, Natasha Hutchinson asking from the survey will be available approximately 2 months whether she could attend LCC meeting and give an after the date of distribution. There will be £25 million update and take suggestions and questions. The available for rural housing projects in the Highlands over Secretary will invite her to the next LCC meeting. the next 3 years. Police Feedback: De-fibrillator – it was agreed that we would go ahead No police attendance. with asking Lucky to be Alive to provide a de-fibrillator The Meeting Closed at 9:05 p.m. for the village and that we would ask the SCIO if some Date of next meeting: funds from the fete could be used to finance the project. Monday 12th June 2017 at 7:30 pm Lochcarron Village Hall Roads update – nothing to report, no response had been (Upper) received from enquiries sent to the Council. Members of the public are most welcome to attend 4. Correspondence Community Council Meetings which are held on the None. second Monday of each month. 5. Planning Matters (email: [email protected]) No new applications. 6. Finances PROPOSED DIVISION OF A TENANTED CROFT Nothing to report. Donald Mackenzie is applying to divide the tenancy of the 7. AOB croft at 400 402 418 Easter Slumbay, Lochcarron, into two crofts to reinstate 418 Woodside Easter Slumbay. Thanks was given to Audrey Sinclair for her 10 years’ The application includes the return of 1 share in Easter service as our local Councillor, the Community Council Slumbay common grazings. has been very grateful for all her help and support in this Written comments from those with a relevant interest time. (which may be made public) to: The AGM will be held on Tuesday 6th June at 7.30pm Crofting Commission, Leachkin Road Inverness IV3 8NW, Info at Crofting Scotland. Gov.Uk By 28-06-2017

28 Applecross Community Council Meeting area, and to fairly express the diversity of opinions and Held on the 11th of April 2017-04-25 outlooks of the people’. Further, that every Community At Applecross Community Hall Council is charged: ‘It is essential that these views be At 7.30pm demonstrated to be accurately representative of the community. Accordingly, the community council will have Present; Tim Daplyn, Ali Brown, Ali Macleod, Ewen Gillies in place, in consultation with the local authority, recognised 2 Members of the public consultative mechanisms to validate their views and devise strategies to secure greater involvement by all sectors of the Apologies; Annie Fletcher and belated apologies Audrey community.’ Sinclair (turned back due to weather conditions) Tim Daplyn questioned whether the Community Council Minutes; Approved by Ewen and seconded by Ali B. It was was adequately exercising its purported aims and pointed out the minutes should be sent to the Councillors responsibilities in this area generally, and specifically in within 14 days (the last minutes were ten days later) A relation to the Applecross Trust Consultation. He requested member of the public also noted that the minutes were not that this matter be placed on a future Community Council posted. One suggestion was to advertise for a Minute Agenda when our Highland Council representative might be Secretary and noted that this was the case in the past and able to offer advice and assistance in improving our had not worked out. We would appreciate any offers to help. performance. It was noted that the Secretary, through no fault, has not been able to attend the previous two meetings and it has In discussion it was acknowledged that the Community been left to the Chair to take minutes. While acknowledging Council had very little in the way of funds to support an e that there has been a problem, no one has offered to help out xtensive standing consultative apparatus. It was pointed out and it has fallen to the Chair to take minutes again. The that Councillors represented a very diverse constituency and action resulting from the concerns is a promise to write up that it was difficult to voice all opinions in an appropriately minutes within the term demanded from the CC constitution unbiased manner. Reservations were expressed about the Post Meeting Note; The Chair has complied with this and as way in which the Applecross Trust Community Consultation the Secretary should be available for next meeting this process was being conducted. The engagement of people in problem has been actioned. the community was welcomed but doubt was expressed as to how representative a ‘self-appointed’ working group could Finance; Open Balance is £3122.90 and, as no cheques be in its objective of formulating a ‘Community Shared written, this was the closing balance. Vision for Applecross’. A member of the public asked how the Community Council intended to engage with the next Correspondence; Beating the Retreat by the combined stage of the consultation process. Tim Daplyn was invited to Army/Air/SeaCadets on Friday 14th at Dingwall, meeting at present to a future Council meeting any suggestions he had the British Legion at 2.15 for 2.30pm. for improvements to consultative strategy. “ Flyer is to be sent out, for printing off locally, by Hands on Events. Suggested that Hands would send out the completed The Chair added, in his view, that the process of the printed leaflets. Consultation has been flawed all the way through and the Post Meeting Note; That request was sent. objectives are radically different from what was laid out at Agreed that the request for next Ward Meeting be held in the start of the process and it has been very hard to put “a Lochcarron, hopefully to be arranged for June. Community view” especially as the make up of the Working AGM requirements were sent out and it was agreed that we Group, although self appointed, in his view, is a broadly have complied with Draft AGM Minute, Certified Accounts representative community group. In effect the CC would be and all Minutes of Ordinary Meetings. duplicating its work and the Chair broadly agreed with the Price of First Responder Kits passed onto the Health Care statement to the Trustees. Tim was tasked with setting down Association. a process that the CC could more readily gain the view of the community. Community Consultation; A discussion initiated by Tim expressing concern about the Community Council’s role in AOB; There was a request for more defibrillator training and the Trust led Consultation and was asked by the Chair to this will be passed onto the Health Care Association. provide a minute of the discussion and this is as follows. The RBS has announced that the van will no longer come into Applecross due to “health and safety concerns about the Applecross Trust Consultation Process route”. While acknowledging that this may or may not be the case, it was accepted that there was little the CC can do to “Tim Daplyn expressed his personal disappointment in what remedy this. It was also pointed out that this should be he saw as a lack of engagement by the Community Council passed onto the HC as another stage of the deterioration of as a body with the on-going Applecross Trust Consultation the Bealach due to the increased traffic. Process. He said that as a Community Councillor and as a Post Meeting Note; The Chair has been in touch with resident he had been unaware of the formation of a Richard Green who is intending to come into Applecross, community working group that had convened following a Chair has also taken more photos and will circulate an email public meeting called by the consultants working for the to, as wide as possible, a group of HC councillors and MSPs Applecross Trust. He understood that 4 meetings of an stating the perilous state of the road. ‘Applecross Community Working Group’ had taken place Finally, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to during March 2017 and that some Councillors had attended Audrey who is retiring as our HC councillor. Over the years or participated in a private capacity. she has been very helpful to the CC and has travelled over the Pass to the majority of our Meetings despite spending the Referring to the Model Constitution For Community day on HC business. We wish her a happy and peaceful Councils document published by the Local Authority he retirement and is able to spend more time with her bees. maintained that it was both an objective and a responsibility of the Community Council as a body: ‘to ascertain, co-ordinate and reflect the views of the community which it represents, to liaise with other community groups within the

29 Applecross Community Council Meeting avoid any build up at passing places." It is understood this MINUTES (Unapproved) – 9th May 2017 @ 7.30pm will be managed by Alba Traffic Management with no Present: Ann Fletcher, Ewen Gillies, Ali Brown, Henry police involvement and any complaints are to be directed to Robertson, Tim Daplyn the Roads Departments. Outcome: PC Allan is awaiting Apologies: Ali MacLeod, PC Craig Allan confirmation about this, once received CC will arrange for Members of the Public: 2 local advertising. Time Opened: 19.40 Time Closed: 20:40 Previous Minutes: Approved by Ali B & Tim. Broken down car: Vehicle has been removed after a long Matters Arising: Defibrillator training: More training will be period of time and processed with the local authority. organised by Dr Chris Ward Financials: Opening: £3122.90 and Closing: £3122.90 Local Crimes: No Crimes in the local area which is good to Correspondence: hear. Email from Reef TV about nominating Applecross for their ‘Village of the Year’ TV show. Outcome: As this is not core NC500: Request to contact NC500 for improved information CC business it was passed to the Applecross Community about slow moving vehicles using passing places to overtake Company for consideration. including multi-lingual signage on their website and on their Email from Dales surveying about Pre-consultation for Facebook. Outcome: AF will contact NC500 and we have proposed Telecommunications Mast at Cnoc nan Uan – See suggested PC Allan does too. Agenda item 5. Email to & from the Applecross Trust about correspondence ITEMS item b – see Agenda item 5. Condition of the Bealach – No update Email from the Applecross Trust with letter from Richard Road Safety – Smiddy corner & speed limits – No update Wills. This letter advised the CC of Richard’s intention to Applecross Trust – Community consultation – Tim attended resign as Chairperson and Trustee of the Applecross Trust at the latest meeting and provided an update. This is their May meeting. The letter referred to the achievements of progressing well and the end date is the end of June. It is the Trust under Richard’s tenure and the ongoing community understood the outputs will be the Trusts development plan consultation being undertaken. Harvey-Jamieson will be- produced by the Consultants and a ‘vision statement’ come the new Chairperson and Valerie MacPherson will produced by the working group under guidance of the become a trustee. Outcome: AF: The CC will write to the Consultants. It is expected there will be a public meeting and Applecross Trust to express their thanks and appreciation to a mail shot to residents/stakeholders on these outcomes. Richard for his contribution. There is the intention for this working group to continue post Email from Dorothy Edwards, HM Fire Inspectorate this time but no more details are available yet. requesting the CC complete a questionnaire relating to the Bealach Beag Cycling Sportive – refer to Police Report. upcoming inspection in the Highland region. Outcome: EG Pre-consultation for proposed Telecommunications mast at will complete. – also see AOB Cnoc nan Uan – Summary: Email informing the CC that the proposed West Highland & EE are planning to establish new site infrastructure to Islands Local Development Plan is now available for public improve network coverage across the UK to provide: consultation until 20 June 2017. Outcome: All community • Emergency Services Network (ESN) coverage. councillors will review and discuss at our June meeting • Extension of commercial 4G coverage in line with before feedback is submitted. Residents are encouraged to providing 90% geographic coverage. submit their thoughts locally at the next CC meeting or via As part of EE’s continued network improvement program, email on [email protected] OR directly there is a specific requirement for a radio base station at this to the consultation via the HC online portal or by contact location to provide both ESN and 4G coverage to the Tim Stott, Principal Planner at HC directly. surrounding area. Roll out of the sites is subject to Home Multiple email alerts reporting from Gail Ross (SNP MSP, Office time-scales, the sites need to be operational by spring Member of The Scottish Parliament for Caithness, 2017. Sutherland and Ross) about discussions in the Scottish The Home Office ESN circulated a briefing note in early Parliament. Outcome: These were noted and if individuals 2016 to all Local Authorities to provide background are interested they should refer directly to Gail’s information on the scope and purpose of the new Emergency parliamentary webpage or social media for more infor- Services Network provided by EE. mation. Outcome: The CC are in broad favour of this proposal and given its purpose understands the importance and necessity. Police Report: Received via email from PC Allan. Summary Further, the benefits better mobile/4G coverage will bring to below: businesses in the area. Prior to the meeting, additional Injured Cyclist: The cyclist struck by car is on the mend the information was sought from the Applecross Trust about this last I heard, with non life threatening injuries. it would proposal. More details were provided as well as notification appear from enquiries that this was cyclist error. of an additional proposal about another mast near Cruary. This notification and information from the Trust was dis- Bealach Beag: The first Cycle event seems to have passed cussed at the meeting. Post the meeting, feedback was sent without incident anywhere. More signage further afield is to Dales surveying via email requesting the following: More suggested. Outcome: AF will contact the organisers. information on the type of mast proposed; request that it be on the top side of the road; more information on why the Bealach Road interruption: Notification received from TV other sites were discounted; more information about the production company intend to Film a car on the Bealach on Cruary mast, including whether consultation will be Wednesday 24th May, 2017. Time: From approximately included; more information on the wider proposed 12pm to 16.00 hrs. As far as stopping and holding of Traffic, improvements to mobile signal coverage and confirmation we will keep this to an absolute minimum. On previous about the wider community consultation process outlined in occasions, we have been set a time limit of 10 minutes from the consultation plan. Copies of the information provided the arrival of the 1st vehicle and if there are 6 vehicles being thus far will be made available locally via the noticeboards. held at any time the traffic is released. We will also have Local Community Council Elections – The results are as crew to assist at passing places when traffic is released to follows: Ward 5: Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh (4)

30 Biz Campbell - Independent Ian Cockburn - Scottish National Party (SNP) Derek Macleod - Scottish Conservative and Unionist Kate Stephen - Scottish Liberal Democrats No confirmation has been received by the CC as to who our local representative (Audrey Sinclair’s replacement) will be. AOB

Local Fire Brigade – Given the recent spate of fires in the area, concerns were raised from some members of the public about the local fire service’s ability to respond. This was discussed with Marion G prior to the meeting and the issues with being ‘on the run’ are being resolved by the local unit in conjunction with the H&I division. Outcome: AF will contact the local unit to request an update be received for June’s meeting. Applecross Healthcare Association – Update on Lochcarron Men’s defibrillators. These have now been installed around the village. Dr Chris Ward has undertaken further defib training and he will organise additional training soon. Open Steps and Railings at Camusterrach Place – This was noted as still being outstanding. Outcome: This will be followed up by Ali M as part of his consultation with HC on other Saturday 8th July matters. Post meeting note: No updates were available about the road issues, items 1 & 2 2017 and AOB item 3, due to the recent HC elections. Now these have occurred HC will be contacted again. It is noted that the Bealach Beag Sportive donated £938.00 to the Applecross Entry £10 Members £15 Community Company. Next meeting: Tuesday the 13th of June @ 7.30pm. Non Members Members of the public are reminded they are welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings. If you would like to add any items to the agenda please have these to the Prizes for nearest the pin Secretary by the Friday before the meeting – email: [email protected]. and two’s SAMARITANS email – [email protected] Whatever you’ve done. – Thomas Watson Whatever life’s done to you. Call Samaritans. Text or call Thomas – No pressure. 07711029687 No judgement. We’re here for you any time. Text or call 0845 790 9090. Dave Whittingham – FIRST REGISTRATION OF A CROFT 07900957371 Donald Mackenzie has registered their croft 400 402 and 418 Upper and Easter Slumbay, Lochcarron, on the Crofting Register held by The Registers of Scotland. Any person who wishes to challenge the registration may apply to the Scottish Land Court by 14 December, 2017. Lochcarron Golf Club. East End, Details of the registration can be found at www.crofts.ros.gov.uk/register/home. Lochcarron, Strathcarron This croft registration number is C3834. IV54 8YS.

31 32 We are in Plockton village hall on the 16th June at 7.30 pm

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No smoking is allowed in the property. Pets are welcome by prior arrangement. www.broomcottagelochcarron.co.uk Joy Pedley B.A. (hons), ARCM., tel: Louise Martin 01520 722607 PGCE

Acarsaid, Kishorn  : 01520 733372 Mob : 07827338967

WATERSIDE CAFE Are you stressed out at Main Street the thought of Lochcarron Telephone: 01520 722 MOVING 303 HOME? Regional winner of Britain’s It is reckoned to be one of life’s Best Café 2016 most stressful events. Would you like to have a Monday- Saturday 9am -7pm stress free move? Sunday 10am-4pm Then call us NOW Call in and have your favourite from a bacon roll to the Ultimate SCOTTISH REMOVAL Breakfast. SERVICES Homemade soup to fresh Haddock and chips. PHONE : 01471 822777 A wee stick of homemade shortbread to a large wedge of or visit our Web site Cheesecake. www.scottish-removals.co.uk All our menu and cakes are available to take away. or e-mail us [email protected]. We look forward to serving you.

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A. L. J Plumbing and Roofing

Primrose Cottage Main Street Lochcarron

Pitched Roofs Bathroom Suites Lead flashing Soil Pipes Fascia soffit Drains Guttering Sinks Windows fitted Cold and hot water tanks Flat roofing And all plumbing work carried out And all general repair work carried out

Telephone: 01520 722 886 Mobile: 07952 869 962

Road Haulage Shipping Storage & Warehousing Craneage

Ferguson Transport & Shipping offers a comprehensive range of distribution services by road, rail and sea, covering the whole of the UK for general haulage, distribution and plant and machinery movements. Extensive storage and warehousing facilities throughout Scotland are also available, 365 days a year. Superb service from a long-standing family run business, whether for long-term, short-term or ad hoc contracts.

HEAD OFFICE: KISHORN PORT Integrated Freight Facility, Annat, Corpach, Sea Freight & Logistic Services Inverness-shire, PH33 7NN Kishorn Base, Kishorn, Strathcarron, IV54 8XA T: 01397 773 840 F: 01397 773 850 Operations Manager: Alec Cameron Email: [email protected] Contact: 01520 733 358 or 07554 456 540 www.fergusontransport.co.uk

Joint venture between Ferguson Transport and Leiths Group www.kishornport.co.uk

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A & J BROWN LICENSED GROCER & POST OFFICE CAMUSTEIL, APPLECROSS (Branch Right at Fire Station) TEL Shop: 01520 744421 TEL P.O.: 01520 744491

AGENTS FOR CALOR GAS AND CAMPING GAZ

** NORMAL HOURS **

SHOP HOURS POST OFFICE HOURS

MONDAY: 9AM – 5.00PM MONDAY: 9AM – 12 NOON TUESDAY: 9AM – 5.00PM TUESDAY: CLOSED WEDNESDAY: 9AM – 5.00PM WEDNESDAY: 9AM - 12 NOON THURSDAY: 9AM – 5.00PM THURSDAY: 9AM - 12 NOON FRIDAY: 9AM – 5.00PM FRIDAY: 9AM - 12 NOON SATURDAY: 10AM - 5.00PM SATURDAY: CLOSED Lunch 12 -1

SUNDAY CLOSED SUNDAY CLOSED

SCOTT’S GARDENING SERVICE RONALD ROSS GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE Funeral Director

4 Camusnagaul TREES: FELLED OR PRUNED AS REQUIRED BY FULLY DUNDONNELL INSURED AND Ross-shire CERTIFICATED OPERATOR.

GRASS: FULL GRASS CUTTING ALL ARRANGEMENTS MADE SERVICE INCLUDING SCARIFICATION TO FOR BURIAL AND ERADICATE MOSS FROM CREMATION. LAWNS.

24 HOUR PERSONAL HEDGES: TRIMMED AS REQUIRED. SERVICE. ALSO

PAINTING: INSIDE AND OUT. Tel: 01854 633 237 TEL: 01520 722526 or MOBILE NO: 077997 52175 01854 633 380

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ASHBOURNE David Whittingham JOINERY Cabinet Making and Joinery

All types of work undertaken - Kitchens Bedrooms • Cupboards Bathrooms • Chests of Drawers ALSO • Hand Made Kitchens Tiling • Staircases Plastering • Bookcases & Shelving Roofing, etc. • Wall Panelling • Internal & External Enquiries welcome Doors & Frames • Old Joinery Refurbished • Casement & Sash Windows John Ward • Floorboards Taobh-an-allt, Lochcarron • Experience with Reclaimed Timber Telephone : (01520) 722377 Phone Dave on 07900 957371 Mobile : 07768 894891 01520 722867 [email protected]

Kiki’s M & D MACLEOD FUNERAL DIRECTORS Craft Corner Station Road Kyle of Lochalsh Classes & Workshops Ross-shire IV40 8AE

Over 40 years local service Hand - made 24 hour availability Gifts Home Visits

Spinning & Felting Funeral Plans Memorial Stones Patchwork & Quilting

Knitting & Embroidery Tel. 01599 230 355 Notions & Accessories

Smithy Heritage Centre, Lochcarron, IV54 8YS www.kikiscraftcorner.co.uk, Tel. 01520 722919 Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm Crafty Saturday: every last Saturday of the month 2 – 4:30 pm.

40 NEW SPRING/SUMMER COLLECTIONS COMING SOON

If you are looking to buy Highland wear then look no further. We can provide you with a full 8yrd hand sewn kilt in the tartan of your choice.

We also sell a full range of accessories including tartan ties, jack- ets, belts, buckles, socks, flashes, bow ties and sgian dubh’s.

Why not come along and treat yourself to one of our beautiful new scarves. There are a variety of colours and styles to choose from. Whether it’s for a formal occasion or just for everyday wear.

We have a new range of candles, diffusers, soaps and hand lotions.

SALE on knitwear galore – including cashmere

Summer hours (Easter to end of October) – Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm (out of hours appointments available on request) TEL: 01520 722212 Email: [email protected] www.lochcarronweavers.com

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Book Catering CHRIS HINGLEY TREE SERVICES Home Farm B & B Genuine Home Cooking and Baking Catering for all events

PAT Testing

Linda Hoejlund Attadale

079587 44410 All aspects of tree surgery & [email protected] felling undertaken by certified and www.bookcatering.co.uk insured operator.  Chris on 01520 744452 Or email K and A CAMERON GENERAL CONTRACTORS [email protected] AND HAULAGE and CAMERON CARRIERS Achintee STRATHCARRON IV54 8YE SP BUILDING & We operate a DAILY collection and delivery PROPERTY MAINTENANCE service from Inverness to local areas including: TRADESMAN WITH 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE • APPLECROSS • ACHNASHEEN • KINLOCHEWE GARAGES & SMALL EXTENSIONS • TORRIDON • ALLIGIN KITCHENS & BATHROOMS • SHIELDAIG • KISHORN TILING • LOCHCARRON • STRATHCARRON TIMBER & UPVC DOORS AND • STROMEFERRY • ACHMORE WINDOWS • DORNIE • KYLE ALL ENQUIRIES • PLOCKTON WELCOME NO JOB TOO SMALL WE ALSO OPERATE A LIGHT REMOVALS SERVICE - ENQUIRIES WELCOME. Simon Phillips, For all enquiries please Ardrock, Lochcarron Telephone/Fax 01520 722450  : 01520 722 126 Mobile 07876233717 Mobile : 07971 081 568

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Saturday 15th July 11.30 am—5.00 pm REGULAR BUS TRANSPORT FROM LOCHCARRON TO ATTADALE – look out for more details nearer the time

OFFICIAL HEAVY EVENTS, STALLS, SPORTS FROM YOUNG TO VETERANS, INFAMOUS HILL RACE! AND MUCH MUCH MORE

FREE ENTRY TO ATTADALE GARDENS

PUT IT IN YOUR DIARIES NOW

RAFFLE TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM JUNE

www.lochcarrongames.org.uk Adults £7, Children £3 and OAPS £3

We support local organisations, please help us! Get in touch with Tracey Gough,secretary@lochcarron games.org.uk

Sponsor for the heavy events prize . Thank you to

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