Strathard News; Free Christmas Edition Dec 2005 Issue 18 Local Children lead Curling Ceremony Aberfoyle Primary School was others’ countries every five recently invited to select two years. This 2-week tour took children to be flag bearers at the team to 18 ice rinks, from the opening ceremony of the Inverness and Elgin down to /Switzerland curling Dumfries and Lockerbie. match, held this November at On meeting the Scottish team, Forest Hills. Mairi McLellan the children also recognised and Christopher Addison were some old acquaintances; the two lucky youngsters, and Sandy Shearlaw and Betty they were joined on the day by Montgomery, who have young piper, Annie coached successive years of Minnaar. local school children at Forest The Opening Ceremony began Hills as part of the Curling with Annie, Mairi and Development Programme, and Christopher leading the two Irene Hird, who originally teams in a procession onto the initiated the programme. ice, and closed later with a Irene is now the Scottish beautiful rendition of ‘Amazing representative to the World Grace’ played on the Alpine Curling Federation, and the horn by Swiss Musician Linus children were delighted to be Auer, who accompanied the invited to sit with her in the team. The children were then viewing gallery with some Children with Swiss team(Top left), Mairi, Christopher and Annie with Linus presented with keepsake coffee and biscuits to watch the Auer(above right), receiving medals from Captain Urs Muller (top right), Watching medals by the Switzerland start of the match. An the match with Irene Hird(above left) captain, Urs Muller. Many of enjoyable and memorable the team members knew each morning for everyone, and other, as Swiss and Scottish back in time for maths in the teams take turns to tour each afternoon!

hristmas countdown has begun. Important Notice From The Doctors Christmas at C We’re obliged to join the fun. Now’s the season to be jolly; Aberfoyle Medical Centre Tree Come ye faithful - spend your lolly. HOLIDAYS Price List “Silent Night” for ever more Please note that the Medical Centre will Blaring out in ev’ry store. be closed on the following dates: + Ev’ry year our precious nearest Monday 27th December 2004 Norway Spruce & Lodgepole Pine Do become by far the dearest; Tuesday 28th December 2004 3’ And Under 4’ (0.9m – 1.2m) £9 Youngsters want a video game, and 4’ And Under 5’ (1.2m – 1.5m) £11 Father, too - not quite the same! rd Aunt and uncle are quite safe: Monday 3 January 2005 5’ And Under 6’1 (5m – 1.8m) £12 th Talcum powder, after-shave! Tuesday 4 January 2005 6’ And Under 7’1 (8m – 2.1m) £15 Christmas bells are ding-a-linging? It would be helpful if all repeat 7’ And Under 8’ (2.1m – 2.4m) £17 No! The tills are madly ringing. prescriptions could be ordered by 8’ And Under 9’2 (4m – 2.75m) £21 Of all we may receive or give 15th December 9’ And Under 10’ (2.75 – 3.05m) £26 How materialistically we live; All doctors and staff would like to take 10’and Under 11’ (3.05 – 3.4m) £29 Lucky are those who reminisce: this opportunity to wish patients a Nordman Fir Once Christmas time meant joy Iand bliss! Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year Sigrid Armitage 3’ And Under 4’ (0.9m – 1.2m) £13 4’ And Under 5’ (1.2m – 1.5m) £19 Season’s Greetings to All Our Readers 5’ And Under 6’ (1.5m – 1.8m) £26 from Ian, Norman, Marion, Dougie, Margaret & David Christmas Quiz 6’ And Under 7’ (1.8m – 2.1m) £30 1 Who declared that Christmas was ‘humbug’? 7’ And Under 8’ (2.1m – 2.4m) £31 2 Tar charms is coal. Who the dickens is that? 8’ And Under 9’ (2.4m – 2.75m) £33 3 Christmas Island is in which ocean? 9’ And Under 10’ (2.75m – 3.05m) £35 4 Can Christmas Day fall on Boxing Day? 5 What can be silent at Christmas? 6 Christmas Atoll is in which ocean? 7 A class Aunt can be which Christmas figure? 8 In which country was the Christmas card first designed in 1843? 9 Where is Christmas Ridge? 10 Where did the modern Christmas tree originate? Answers on page 15 DML Notice Board New Owners of Kinlochard Aberfoyle and Port of Kirk News TH Shop Repeat History SAT 4TH/SUN 5 DECEMBER Christmas Dates The first of three Christmas events weekends Shona and Richard Baston follow once concentrates on children’s activities: an again in the footsteps of a not forgotten opportunity to make your own Xmas cards and Sunday 19th December: Carol Service - decorations, bird feeders and wooden local hero - Donnie MacDonald. Donnie 10am at and 11.15am at pendants. built the original “shack” on the grounds Aberfoyle. “Children’s crafts” is on from 12noon-4pm both of the village shop and he and his wife, Friday 24th December: Watchnight Serv- days. There will also be a wildlife walk each Margaret, ran a successful business from ice - 7.30pm at Port of Menteith and 11.30pm day in the company of our forest ranger, Katy Freeman (1pm -2pm). There is a small charge there for many a year. Soon after, he built at Aberfoyle. of £1.00 for both these events. Ardmore and life continued for him and Sunday 26th December: Sevice - 10am SAT 11TH/SUN 12TH DECEMBER his family in Kinlochard. When Donnie Port of Menteith and 11.15am Aberfoyle. As in the previous weekend, “Children’s Crafts” passed away, the Bastons purchased will still be on the menu, with the added Whether you are a visitor or a local resident attraction of a Christmas Treasure Hunt. On the Ardmore from Donnie’s sons and settled each of our Churches extends a warm wel- Sunday ONLY The Lodge is delighted to into their own life in a new view of the come to you, especially at this time of the welcome back The Lomond Mountain Rescue village. Not knowing that their previous celebration of the love of God brought to us Team for their annual Fun day, with all the tenant had originally built the shop, they by a child. traditional Christmas trimmings, including tombola, mulled wine and mince pies. There moved back into the site and started trad- The Boys’ Brigade will be on holiday will also be an appearance by our very special ing in September 2004. So if you’ve ever from Friday 17th December and resume canine friends from the local husky group. wondered about coincidences and odd on Friday 14th January. SAT 18TH/SUN 19TH DECEMBER turn-ups, surely this has to be one of them. The Guild Christmas Meeting will be held The David Marshall Lodge will be bursting at in Church House at 2p.m. on Monday the seams on our Christmas Fayre weekend, Were they guided or pushed? No matter, offering the last-minute shoppers a chance to a warm welcome will greet you in the shop 20th December 2004. choose an unusual or special gift from the shop just as it did at the kitchen door of May the joy and wonder of Christmas or the twelve craft stalls in attendance. come into your homes, may the Ardmore. Pop in and see for yourself. Demonstration workshops will be ongoing and blessing of good health and successful there will be a chainsaw sculptor displaying his endeavour be your reward in the New skills throughout the Sunday. Carol singing by Year. the local brownies can be heard between 1pm Changes to our Waste Collection and 2pm. There is a strong rumour SANTA Reverend Danny Gibb CLAUS will be paying us a visit around 2pm!! During October/November all green bins will be replaced by grey bins. The process of emptying, uplifting and replacing the bins will take place in one Adult Learning Programme day and involves three lorries - one to / January to March 2005 Macmillan Cancer Relief empy, one to uplift and one to drop off. delivered in partnership between The coffee morning, held in the Medical Centre The reason for the change is that the new on the 24th September in aid of the Macmillan bin lorries coming in November are Clackmannan and Falkirk Colleges Nurses, raised the magnificent sum of £800. designed to take the same style as the The classes starting in January are now We have been overwhelmed by the generosity brown bin. As you can understand this being planned, and cover a variety of of all the people who donated money, baking will take a great deal of organisation. topics including Computing, Languages and raffle prizes to this worthy cause. Please be patient with all the staff The Medical Garden Committee sincerely and Pottery. Brochures will be available involved in this. They really will be doing st thank all who supported the coffee morning from 1 December and our special thanks go to the Surgery ladies their best to make it go smoothly but even who worked so hard selling the raffle tickets a small hold-up, let alone a breakdown, For a free brochure please for two weeks; it is due to their efforts that can throw the timetable out. Once this phone 01360 441608 such a large sum was raised. Thank you all. is complete we should see a great Margaret McKeand improvement in the service.

2 Huskies No More….! editorial Welcome to our Christmas/New Year Sadly and for the What might be good enough for training edition. It looks really festive with the first winter in over our dog teams is not sufficient for a husky addition of colour. This, of course, is 15 years, there will race, for obvious reasons. only possible because of the money be no husky races The good news is that the Forestry have raised by donations, regular in the Queen worked hard on our behalf this autumn subscribers and advertisers. Thank [email protected] Elizabeth Forest. and developed trails for training our you for that. Remember, you can use There has always teams. Unfortunately, at this moment in the form on page 15 to receive your been at least one, sometimes more, time, the race calendar for this winter is copy by mail or have it sent to events involving huskies in the Aberfoyle now full. We are hoping, however, that someone you know has an interest area. we might be able to run a longer distance in the area – an original Christmas That is not to say the sport is dying out. event towards the end of the winter present perhaps. It has, in fact, grown in popularity over season. This area is still popular with Talking of Christmas – and who can the past few years. This winter, for many mushers from England and the avoid it at this time of year- we seem example, there will be 4 husky rallies held north of Scotland, as well as being fairly to have an outbreak of peace and in Devilla Forest, Kincardine and 3 held local to a number who live in the central goodwill. People are managing to at Forest of Ae, Dumfries and Galloway. belt. work in harmony to improve our Unfortunately, for our immediate area the Another idea we are considering is to run community: the National Park is forest trails have degenerated over the a 2 day event to coincide with the genuinely consulting, the work on past 2 years so much so that ‘mushers’ Aberfoyle Mushroom Festival next paths and trails seems to be (Husky drivers) are unwilling to risk October. It could be an added attraction, progressing without discord and the bringing their dogs to compete on such hopefully, and bring in some more visitors RSPB is working with the British Feral surfaces. and competitors who would stay in Goat Research Group. Perhaps we It cannot be avoided. The Forestry have overnight accommodation. This is are learning to be less always been understanding of our needs something which we will discuss with the confrontational and more proactive or but the necessary extensive harvesting Forestry and with the Aberfoyle Traders is this just wishful thinking? has ruined the trails for the time being. once a definite date is set for next year’s In the run up to Christmas I hope you festival. will all take the opportunity to shop By Dougie MacPherson The Digital Divide Is Narrowing!! locally for presents and produce. I have bought most of my presents in A fast internet connection is available this area for many years now. It is to you now! Managed by local Guyana Charity BBQ ideal: we have a great selection of volunteers, not some faceless ISP. 25 shops offering quality and unusual As part of the Aberfoyle Mushroom items, free convenient parking, homes are already benefiting from rd th Weekend of the 23 /24 October we activities for the children and Satellite Wireless internet access. organised a charity BBQ. This was very If you live in Kinlochard or Aberfoyle excellent places to sit down and take successful and well supported by the local a break – all without queuing for and are tired of waiting for files to Aberfoyle community and visitors to come and go, or want to use your hours. Aberfoyle. This raised an amount of When that bit is all over, may I wish phone when someone else is surfing, £561.83 for CHAS. This was an increase then call me for more info. you all a very merry Christmas and on last year’s excellent £353.82. all the very best for 2005. I’m especially interested to hear from Many thanks to Donald and Elspeth for you if you operate a business from their hard work and time. Margaret home and would like broadband. Robert Figgis Mary Phillips 01877 382 696 Director

3 Community Futures Update

Transport & Access Group Historic Route to & Stronachlachar As regards the service, we are keeping our fingers crossed. Last Paths & Trails With the help of the National Park and the Forestry Commission, the proposal summer we wrote to Stirling Council It is now a year since the Transport and to establish a traffic-free route through urging them to apply for a Scottish Access Group carried out the first stage Strathard has been gaining momentum. Executive Bus Route Development Grant of a consultation designed to help identify This would involve restoring sections of for this service. The scheme will provide where people were currently taking old road, including the old military road extra funding for new routes or under- access, either on foot, by bike or on between Inversnaid and Stronachlachar, used existing ones for up to three years, horseback, and where they would like to and connecting them up to existing and would allow time for the routes to see improvements and take responsible forestry roads and paths to form a prove themselves viable if the level of access in the future. Members of the local continuous route from Aberfoyle, avoiding service were to be improved. We have community joined the existing group to the B829 and the C68. argued that the Aberfoyle-Stirling service form a path group, together with National Although it was originally hoped the is too infrequent to be a realistic option Park and Forestry Commission staff. The whole route would be available to walkers for many people, and we hope this group would like to take this opportunity and cyclists, it has been decided for a scheme will be an opportunity to show to thank Forest Hills Hotel for providing, variety of reasons that the section by there are many more potential free of charge, facilities for the group to Loch Arklet to Inversnaid should be for passengers. hold meetings throughout the year. walkers only, and for the last mile or so John Digney Since the consultation, various to Inversnaid the route should deviate 01877 382636 combinations of group members have from the line of the old road and cross to been out walking the routes and reporting the south of the Arklet Water. back. We had to discard a few routes for Several letters expressing local support practical reasons but, where possible, we Local Economic Development and encouragement have been received, worked out alternatives and added links, and we have been promised funding from The Makkers Don’t Bite where appropriate, to create a cohesive Leader+ and the National Park towards Most of us have become familiar with local network. Routes were marked on maps a feasibility study. Other funding arts and crafts group “The Makkers”, and from these the National Park have applications have been made and we perhaps at the regular David Marshall produced digitized versions of the expect to appoint consultants shortly. Lodge events or at the Memorial Hall originals which will go on public display They will advise on costs and determine during the Mushroom Festival, or perhaps as part of the second phase of the the most appropriate route at key at Hopetoun House during the Summer. consultation process. Various landowners locations, notably where the existing What makes The Makkers different? In have been consulted, and where public road and the Arklet Water are one word fun! negotiations are still progressing this will crossed. The basic tenets of the group are for be indicated on the digitized maps. An important preparatory stage will be an talented folk to entertain and encourage Several of the desired routes have tied archaeological dig at three sections along people to take part in the creative arts in well with the Forestry Commission’s the route. It is hoped this will take place whilst showcasing locally made products own 5-year path-creation programme in March 2005 and that local people will to wholesale and retail buyers. which was already under way. The be able to visit the sites while work is in Unashamedly commercial in our Forestry Commission is constructing four progress. The archaeological work will objectives, past years’ themes have been footbridges in key locations, three of involve volunteers – we have already had to help AILLST, our Area Tourist Board to which should be completed by Christmas. offers of help, but anyone wishing to take offer locally made goods to our Summer These are: (1) across the Duchray Water part should contact me on 382636. visitors... then last season we sought below the new car park just south-west direct access to wider sales opportunities. of Milton; (2) also across the Duchray Transport Many people will think of the progress Water approx 8km upstream to replace thus far as an end in itself, but no - it’s the former bailey bridge; (3) across the There was a good response from Strathard as a whole to the National Park still only the beginning!! Some of our Achray Water approx 800m west of Loch objectives are enough to make your hair Achray Hotel. The other bridge is to be transport survey last summer, so we hope we have made our case for an curl! over the Forth just south-east of Doon If you have creative talent and would like Hill, and should be completed early next improvement to our services once the results are acted upon. to be a part of the future of “The Makkers”, year. please contact either John Epps, group Public display of the maps produced by However, after the luxury of two Trundler buses last summer, we are for the time leader for Community Futures Local the National Park will take place at two Economic Development, telephone 01877 afternoon drop-in sessions at Aberfoyle being back to square one with no Trundler service at all through late autumn, winter 382276,e-mail [email protected] Memorial Hall and Kinlochard Village Hall or Eric Lewis, tel 01876 870295, e-mail on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th and early spring. This means no service during daylight at the moment to [email protected] We don’t bite, February respectively (details to follow there really is a place for anyone who later). This will be the opportunity for – the Addison evening service to Callander and back is still running, and enjoys being creative in a caring and people to comment on the routes, indicate social environment, and if you like making their preferences and express any the Postbus does an afternoon run just one way. money from your talent too, you can be concerns before the project goes to the sure you will fit in perfectly. next stage. 4 Country Pursuits of Strathard Jobseeker’s Allowance The annual Arts and Crafts Exhibition, held on 23rd and 24th In 2003 the government October, was a huge success. It was well supported by local people reinterpreted the law regarding as well as visitors. Thanks are due, in particular, to those who Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) for demonstrated a variety of crafts and provided an opportunity for seasonal workers. This means that the children to have a “hands on” experience. if you are a seasonal worker for The standard in the Schools Competition seems to improve every more than one year you will no year. The judges were very impressed, often finding it difficult to longer be entitled to JSA between decide who should win. In most categories it was very, very close. Thanks to those who brought such enthusiasm to this very difficult seasons. Since most seasonal task. jobs pay minimum wage, or just above, this in effect halves the Results of Schools’ Competition minimum wage. This puts a strain, Calligraphy: not only seasonal workers, but also P1/2: 1st Rachel Johnson (Port of Menteith); 2nd Beth Whitelaw (); on local businesses struggling to rd 3 John Gardner (Gartmore) find staff. P3/4: 1st Ava Dinwoodie (Gartmore); 2nd Duncan Maclean (Gartmore); 3rd Seona Glen (Port of Menteith); HC Bethan Peddle (Aberfoyle) Most people taking on seasonal P5/6/7: 1st Ebbe Galbraith (Gartmore); 2nd Rachel Speirs (Gartmore); 3rd Emma Buchanan jobs do so to make ends meet, only (Gartmore); HC Tamsin Webster (Gartmore) to find they are worse off. This Model Room in a Shoe Box: means they can’t afford to take on Lower Primary: 1st Eslyn Craven and Colette Walker (Gartmore); 2nd Emily Ross (Gartmore) and Eilidh Walker (Inversnaid); 3rd Aimee Cholerton and Holly Palmer (Gartmore) jobs to help themselves, and the Upper Primary: 1st Rachel Speirs and Ebbe Galbraith (Gartmore); 2nd Emily Gardner and Emma Buchanan local economy. Our aim is to help (Gartmore); 3rd Tamsin Webster and Cameron Reid (Gartmore) people keep their jobs and not fall Portrait of an Historical Character: into this poverty trap, and to this st Pre-school: 1 Finn Manders (Kinlochard) end we ( Community P1/2: 1st Paul Martin (Inversnaid); 2nd Eilidh Walker (Inversnaid); 3rd Nathan Martin (Inversnaid) P5/6/7: 1st Henrietta Bowie (Gartmore); 2nd Ross Walker (Inversnaid); 3rd = David Wallace (Aberfoyle) and Trust) have been corresponding Callum MacDougall (Port of Menteith) with Anne McGuire for several 3D Models months, are currently awaiting st nd rd P1/2: 1 Annmarie Peerless (Gartmore); 2 John Gardner (Gartmore); 3 Veronica Owen (Gartmore) further discussions with her, and P3/4: 1st Duncan Maclean (Gartmore); Eslyn Craven (Gartmore); Megan Simpson (Aberfoyle); HC Elie Hall (Aberfoyle) would like to see a change in the P5/6/7: 1st Rachel Speirs (Gartmore); 2nd Tamsin Webster (Gartmore); 3rd Cameron Maclean (Gartmore); law to improve the situation. HC Cameron Angus Reid (Gartmore) If this situation affects you, or Creative Writing: anyone you know, or if you just st nd Upper Primary: 1 = Callum MacDougall (Port of Menteith) and Henrietta Bowie (Gartmore); 2 = want to lend some support, please Christopher Addison ( Aberfoyle), Laura McDougall (Port of Menteith) and Stephanie Betts (Gartmore); 3rd = Rory Anderson (Aberfoyle), Jamie MacDougall (Port of Menteith) and Lucy Brooks (Gartmore) contact Mike Pearson (Director, Technology: Loch Katrine Community Trust) on P5/6/7: 1st Lucy Brooks and Stephanie Betts (Gartmore); 2nd Henrietta Bowie, Hannah Reid and Ebbe 01877 386 279. Galbraith (Gartmore); 3rd Andrew Orr and William McIlheron (Gartmore) Strathard Cup: (awarded to the best photograph taken locally): Susan and Sandy Philips

Thanks are also due to all who exhibited, without whom there would be no show, and, of course, the committee which works so hard to put it all together.

5 Cry “FREEDOM” at David Marshall Lodge FORESTRY MINISTER ANNOUNCES HELP FOR COMMUNITY LAND PURCHASE A woollen mill delivery driver came across Scotland’s Forestry Minister today consultation paper strives to put people a scene of mayhem in June: a Mallard announced a public consultation on and communities to the top of the agenda. escorting her clutch of day-old duckling proposals to make it easier for It is part of our work in land reform to across the road near Aberfoyle had been communities to buy or lease national diversify land ownership and empower struck by a car... her offspring (still sitting forest land. communities. by their cold mother) were gathered safely Three key initiatives are being proposed “The proposed National Forest Land into a used delivery box and taken to the in the paper entitled The National Forest Scheme has three parts: community Scottish Wool Centre... within minutes Land Scheme. They are being dovetailed acquisition, sponsored sale of surplus they were under a heat lamp at Crannaig together to ensure the national forest land, and land for affordable housing. House - sharing a creche with some chicks estate works harder for the benefit of “Based on the principles of the Community Right to Buy Scheme, it will provide a which Ann and John Epps were raising. communities across the country. The initiatives are: more flexible route for the purchase or Below are the ducklings at 16 weeks old * local people would have a range of lease of land managed by Forestry being returned to the wild at the DML options to get more involved in their Commission Scotland. If communities can pond, the event shared with visitor centre forests including, for the first time, the meet the eight criteria, they will be able experts and a gathering of interested flexibility to buy or lease national forest to apply to buy or lease national forest visitors... within moments the duckling land where community control is in the land. They will have to show that their were entirely at home, feeding and public interest; proposals will bring increased benefits to splashing in the water. Their wee legs were * housing organisations would be able to the community, and be in the wider public ringed before release, so if we learn where buy land at a reduced price for affordable interest. they turn-up in the future, we’ll let SN housing; and “We are currently working with the Forestry for People Advisory Panel and readers know how they are getting on. * communities would be given the first chance to buy national forest land when the Birse Community Trust to explore how it comes on the market, ensuring they best the scheme can meet the needs of don’t have to enter into a bidding war. communities.” Speaking at the Scottish Forestry Forum The public consultation on the proposed in Loch Lomond, Forestry Minister Lewis National Forest Land Scheme will run until Macdonald said: Monday 7 February. For more information “Our national forests contribute greatly to log on to www.forestry.gov.uk/ the economy and the environment, but consultations. Hard copies of the report also have a great deal to offer in social are available by contacting Sharon terms. We need to ensure that the Robinson by e-mail on national forest estate works harder for [email protected], or people in Scotland, and this new by calling her on 0131 314 6486.

Calling all Badger Lovers! Badgers are still persecuted throughout don’t need a vast knowledge of Badgers, Scotland and the more local groups we the only qualification required is Scottish Badgers, the have, the more protection we can enthusiasm. If you are interested in organisation responsible for try and give these delightful becoming part of the group or simply Badger Conservation in creatures. The group will be require any more information, please Scotland, is hoping to form a responsible for collating contact Scott Ashworth on 01877 382034 local Badger Group in the information on Badgers in the or 07739 775050. For more information area of the Loch area, carrying out surveys of Badger setts on Scottish Badgers visit Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. and monitoring Badger populations. You www.scottishbadgers.org.uk

6 Community Council Report

A good turnout in now qualify by age, (60 for women, and are hoping that current plans to Kinlochard, and the 65 for men). Please feel free to set up a Trust to manage the tourism main topic? Roads of contact any of the councillors to have complex and the boat will help to keep course, the B829 in particular. It was your name added to the list. We only the community viable. For this reason no surprise to anyone that Stirling go by local knowledge, guesswork, we attempted to have 3 of the smaller fared so badly in the latest road and sometimes by asking properties withdrawn from auction conditions survey. Time for more embarrassing questions, (and getting until we could establish what need strongly worded letters to the Council. it wrong!). Apologies for any mistakes there will be for affordable housing, Since the meeting I have been made. though only one was withdrawn contacted with regard to the You’ll all have heard by now that before the event. Community Council’s thoughts on Scottish Water have sold Glengyle As you will see elsewhere in this how best to spend the £47,500 which and several other properties within the edition, our skip and re-cycling bins the Forest Hills complex is contributing Loch Katrine catchment area. Our are to be removed from the car park towards the upkeep of the B829. This community council has been working in the near future, and we have been follows their application for permission for nearly two years now, alongside trying to find alternative sites, although to build an extension to the hotel, all the other community groups it looks as though the skip will more lodges and staff quarters. This representing the catchment area to disappear permanently, due to new amount of money will cover about ensure that not only Scottish Water regulations on the management of 4km of road, so we want to make sure but also other agencies such as the these sites. Any thoughts on this we identify the right stretch of road. Scottish Executive, National Park, development will be welcome. Please The best thing about this time of the Stirling Council, the Area Tourist Board get in touch with ourselves, or with year is that we are planning the senior and Forest Enterprise, are all aware Stirling Council direct. Citizens Christmas Dinner – a very of the importance of the Loch and the And finally…. It only remains to wish enjoyable chore. One or two people SS Sir Walter Scott,to our each and everyone of you A VERY have mentioned that they hadn’t communities. We are dismayed at HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A GOOD received an invitation, although they how small the remaining population is NEW YEAR! Ros Changes to Aberfoyle Civic Amenity Site As some residents may already be aware, collection. For households who have a the Civic Amenity Site at the Wool Centre brown bin, all sorts of cardboard packaging car park in Aberfoyle is changing. For a can be put in this for composting (please number of reasons, including fly-tipping at remember to remove any other packaging the site, Stirling Council has taken the materials such as polystyrene or plastic). decision to remove the skips from the site, Once the skips have been removed and unfortunately is unable to re-site these residents who have bulky waste to dispose in Aberfoyle. The recycling banks will be of will have a couple of options. The closest relocated locally, although a new site has Civic Amenity Sites are in Callander and yet to be agreed - residents will be informed , and waste can be taken to these before the banks are moved. sites and disposed of free of charge. Their The initial plan was to remove the skips in opening hours are Monday to Friday 5pm mid-December, however after consultation till 8pm, and Saturday 10 am till 2 pm. with Strathard Community Council it has Alternatively, for large items such as been decided that the skips should remain furniture, residents can contact Stirling in place until after the New Year. They will Council’s Contact Centre to arrange a now be removed on Wednesday 12th special uplift. January 2005. This will give residents There are a number of properties in the access to them over the Christmas period, outlying Aberfoyle area who do not have a traditionally a time when we all produce refuse collection service in place, and who more waste than normal. bring their household waste to the civic Before taking rubbish to the skip, please amenity site. Waste Services will provide think about what you are throwing out and a regular collection service to these whether it can be recycled instead. properties, and Officers are currently Remember much of the additional waste investigating this and contacting the produced over the festive period is households concerned. If you have not yet recyclable, e.g. all those extra glass bottles been contacted, please get in touch with and cans, not to mention Christmas cards Jennifer Elliott, Community Waste and wrapping paper. These can either be Planning Officer, on 01786 442696 or e- put in the recycling banks at the Wool mail [email protected]. Centre, or in recycling boxes for kerbside

7 Stirling Area Local Learning Partnership Adult Learning Fund / Adult Learning Guide The Ranger’s Stirling Area Local Learning Partnership(SALLP), which is funded by the Big Lottery Fund, launched the Adult Learning Fund last Corner year. The fund supports projectsdirectly related to Adult The Forest Learning; e.g. supporting tutor costs where these cannot be “A Place To Enjoy, Not To Own” covered from other sources; travel costs to adult learning events, The river crackles with the sound of small cakes of ice courses or projects and meeting childcare costs to improve Floating with a speed full of promise. access to adult learning. I wonder at their conversation, these tiny rafts Groups who have benefited from the Fund in the past include Lets Make it Better (LMIB), And if their journey’s end will bring contentment. Last year’s grasses, now entombed in frost a self-help mental health users’ group supporting its members via the Sunlite Café Project, the Display a stunning mosaic of spiders’ webs LMIB Walking Group, the Thursday Group and other social events. The Adult Learning Appearing like gossamer veils spun by the faeries Fund grant sponsored Jackie Turnbull, the Café Co-ordinator and Eileen Gunn, an LMIB volunteer Exposed by the early morning dew. through Falkirk College’s Flexible Learning ECDL in order to extend the computer skills base In understanding The Forest, you must seek it out in all seasons And be familiar with its moods.. within the project and strengthen the project’s organisational, financial and administrative That the flower falls in spring or summer.. structures. The Café also produces the LMIB newsletter (bi-monthly), and the skills gained by That the fruit and leaves fall and wither in autumn.. Eileen and Jackie on the ECDL course will allow them to make the best use of their computer And that, even in winter, the naked twigs equipment and software. Can appear more brilliant than in the fullness of spring. During the changing of seasons the landscape exudes A grant was also awarded to cover the costs of training in Stress Management for 24 carers at floods of charm the Stirling Carers’ Centre. The course was designed to help carers cope with the stress Offering an inexhaustible array of images and sounds. and isolation which often results from being a carer. The Centre will also benefit from further As the hardness of winter is relaxed Adult Learning Fund grant money to run a course in Self Assertiveness for carers later in the The spring advances, in spite of the cold year. Creating ghosts out of the early morning mists Songsters, who perform to a wide range of local audiences including residents And whispering near silent dreams of intent of local residential care homes, accessed the Fund to cover costs for workshops on singing For it is now that the light begins to appear And no strong wind or rainstorm will deny it. technique, breathing control, diction and general musicianship to address the lack of formal As the ice thaws..it brings expectancy vocal training amongst choir members. The Songsters performed 14 concerts in 2003 to Breathtaking hidden treasures await. around 1100 people as far afield as Kirkintilloch, Calander and Dollar. The Fund is also paid for tutor costs for an Arts and Crafts class at the Hillview Community Our patience is rewarded with an explosion Of life and colour Centre in Cultenhove. The classes covered basic arts and crafts techniques, as well as textile And changing contrasts of land and water work. The application was made by Cultenhove Opportunities Partnership after particular And the scent.. interest in this type of class was expressed by local people via an adult learning survey conducted What can compare with nature’s perfumes Intoxicating the cool breeze? in the area. With each passing day it appears as though If you would like more information about the Fund, please contact Margaret McKechnie on An army of painters have been working through the night 01786 448887 or by email at [email protected]. Feverishly dipping their brushes To add a new coat of paint to each blade and leaf. SALLP also produces the Adult Learning Guide, a virtual “Yellow Pages” of learning opportunities There is immense admiration to be found throughout the Stirling Council area The latest edition of the Stirling Adult Learning Guide is In the tenacity and greed of spring now available at all Stirling Council libraries and community centres or direct from SALLP by As it pummels its way into our lives. Surely there is no finer time to be alive. telephoning 01786 448887 or emailing [email protected]. The Guide is also available in electronic text format, suitable for screen readers for those learners with a visual impairment. But nature is unceasing, and there is no time to pause And though I never tire of its tonic The liquid dreams of spring Make way for the phenomenon that is summer. Letters to the Editor There is now an abundance of life to be found In the trees, in the meadows, in the hedgerows...... have your say! In the sweet flowing rivers and lochs. The Forest now stands as proud as it can be What do you think? If you have something on your As if there is no thought of duration mind, let’s hear it. There’s no better way to reach It is intense..and pure all the residents of Strathard than through the And more.. It is breeding season. Strathard News. Send your comments to The As the woodland birds fledge their nests Editior, Strathard News, School house, Inversnaid They display an arrogance in flight with little prompting FK8 3TU, or email [email protected] Each sight, however glimpsing Of a raptor in the midst of summer Is an elixir to my eyes Carcass Transportation And a fountain of youth to my senses. Recently I had the misfortune to witness All too soon these sensations come to pass the sickening sight of a number of dead As the virtues of autumn provide new inspiration Bathing us in a kaleidoscope of scarlet reds, stags being trundled down Lochard Road yellows and purple hues in an open trailer behind a Forestry truck. As the leaves escape their summer holdings The timing was even more unfortunate They perform a merry dance on the forest floor As if to celebrate their freedom. as the school kids were just leaving If there is a coldness to be found in these times school. I know there appears to be a need Then it comes in the shape of the evergreens In their dogged refusal to take part in the theatre. for the culling of stags, but surely they can be transported in a less conspicuous New voices are to be heard with the coming of winter: The dry rustle of withered oak leaves underfoot, way. It saddens me to write this article The thunderous applause of the waterfalls and rivers since the Forestry Commission do such Basking in the melting of snow from the hilltops. an outstanding job in the community but Though The Forest appears to be passing away Its life will make way for another I feel that this is a sensitive issue that Stronger and more fruitful in its growth. should be addressed. Each one of us perceives The Forest in our own way Ian Marshall Of stillness, solitude or wildness.. The one thing we can all be certain of, however, Is that the picture it paints today Will be different tomorrow.. 8 National Park News Pairc Naiseanta Loch Laomainn is nan Troisichean by Owen McKee

It has been a bit of a marathon but at long Another duty falls to the Park Authority emergency services. There are some five last the National Park Plan is edging under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act such masts in position at present. These towards the finishing line. The proposed 2003 and that is to set up a Local Access masts do require planning permission plan should be ready in January/February Forum. The Forum is intended to bring and the company concerned has been and then begins the formal consultation together all parties with an interest in the asked to make formal planning time. This is when you see whether the development and management of access. applications. Unfortunately the company contribution you have made is We are all being encouraged to enjoy the had misinterpreted the regulations which represented in the document - it is countryside but, underlying that allow in some circumstances the erection amazing how many people have encouragement is the need to ensure that of a mast temporarily during an contributed. It is also the time when you we all act responsibly, so that we do not emergency caused by the failure of get the opportunity to comment on the adversely affect other people‘s existing telecommunication masts. content and make representations if you enjoyment, livelihood or property. And Historic Scotland are conducting a survey feel that adjustments are necessary. It equally we must ensure that the of the built environment in the Park area would be a foolish man who would say environment does not suffer as a result so now is the time to get in touch with that we will have a perfect Park Plan, of our activities. We will have to involve them about any structure that you feel is although clearly a great deal of work and a variety of interested parties and worthy of listing.Their address is effort has been spent in achieving the consequently adverts will appear in the Longmore House, Salisbury Place, best possible. When the consultation edition of a‘ Phairc which will be issued Edinburgh, EH9 1SH but please do period has been completed and any about the same time as you are reading ensure that you consult first with the necessary adjustments made the next this article. In case you don‘t get your owner of the property. step is to present the Plan to the Scottish copy and you are interested in Access May I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas Executive for approval and sanction. matters please contact Bridget Jones, and a New Year which brings joy, peace They too have the opportunity to seek Senior Access Officer at The Old Station, and a Park Plan which enriches all our amendments but when all is complete the Balloch -phone 01389 722600. The Park lives. really constructive work begins. After all Authority at our meeting on 13th As always I can be contacted as follows; the Park Authority has the duty to bring December will be nominating two email: [email protected] about the actions detailed in the Plan. members to take part in the Forum. phone: 01567 830214 And we will. Nonetheless the Park Plan The last month or so has produced some post: Taigh Na Bhuth, is not set in stone. Inevitably new concern over temporary , situations will arise which will necessitate telecommunications masts which were , adjustments. Consequently the Plan will being erected solely for the benefit of the FK19 8PR be under constant review. strange but...... IN the ‘Nowt As Queer As Folk’ category, we AH NOW, the humour of the Irish, sure – a NOTIFICATION of old age comes in many recently heard tell of a Strathard lady who different way in looking on the world which guises. It can result from the simplest thing. journeyed to the fair city of Stirling, that ‘toon can grow on you. One jovial Irishman (well, Only recently, one of our readers was of bonny men and honest lassies’ as the Bard aren’t they all?) marches into one of the local reminded of this whilst watching a quiz might have said, to seek nylon chews for her tourist offices in the Trossachs/Loch Lomond programme on television. dog. On entering the pert shop, she enquired area, stating that he wished to go to The question was put to a young competitor: if they had any nylon rings. She got the reply, Edinburgh. “How many miles to the west is it “What is a companion set?” He did not know “Roon rings? Hawd oan!” and the lady went now?” he asked. When it was pointed out to the answer. Perhaps he thought it was through to the back shop to make enquiries, him, that Edinburgh was actually in the east, something to assist lonely people. Our reader, only to return seconds later and state, in a he retorted quick as a flash, “Ah but, if I go in in his anger, had a Victor Meldrew moment, booming voice, “Naw, we hae nae roon rings.” reverse I’ll still be facing west now, won’t I?” jumping up and poking at the fire furiously, Square rings, perhaps? No arguing with that. crying, “I don’t believe it!”

9 Inversnaid Primary What a lot of exciting things we’ve done. We Difference Day.’ This included Anne McGuire Yellow Pages in September and found that we have worked very hard to keep our playground MP who gave up the whole day to help, as had won first prize in the Scottish heat of the a ‘Litter Free Zone’. When Adam Watson from did the volunteers and locals. We had painted Challenge by collecting the most ‘old’ copies Stirling Council’s Litter Awareness team came all the parts for our 3D mural with guidance per pupil. At the Presentation we received a he was very pleased to see that we were almost from Bob Tindall, on wood donated by Russell cheque for £300 part of which we spent on litter free. McKeand and Mike Campbell. On the day the our bark path. Ross, Mathew, Jake and Thomas thoroughly volunteers cut the parts out and screwed the In November we continued with our enjoyed throwing themselves around the field playground developments. Jude Richardson every Wednesday morning and getting as wet came on Friday 19th November and worked and muddy as possible. They impressed our with us to start our Willow Den. It was a really football coach, Paul, with their skills and cold day and we had to keep retreating indoors motivation. They got muddy and wet but they to thaw out. This is a living den that will always also had a great time developing their skills. be growing. Next year we will be able to weave Since September we have been working on a the new shoots of willow and improve our den. project based on ‘Ben Lomond’ and ‘Tourism It will be a great place to play Hide and Seek in the Area’. This has been organised by Jo once the shoots have grown and it will also Mercer, a ranger for the National Trust for be a cool place to read in the shade. Our next Scotland. We went on a visit to playground project is our Orchard, which we to interview some of the workers and to see will be planting very soon. We are looking what it is like round the other side of Ben forward to being able to pick and eat our own Lomond. We have also been on a visit to mural on to the wall. It looks bright and cheery apples at playtimes as long as the deer don’t Comer to interview Mrs Campbell, to find out and has really made a difference to our get there first! what it is like living and working in the shadow entrance. Also on that day we cut and laid a Christmas is coming and we’re getting very, of Ben Lomond. We are now editing our bark path from the playground to the climbing very busy. We wish everyone in the recordings and producing a film that will be frame. This was really hard work but with all Community a very Merry Christmas. shown at Inversnaid School in the New Year. our great helpers we finished it on the day. Thomas, Jake, Mathew & Ross On the 30th October Volunteer Stirling On 22nd October we all went to The Trossachs organised a team of volunteers to come and School for the ‘Yellow Woods Challenge’ work at Inversnaid School as part of ‘Make a Presentation. We had collected old copies of

10 Argaty Red Kite Stirling Enterprise Project delivering Business Gateway locally ‘1st Anniversary’ Information Technology Following the huge popularity of the attraction and Business Skills over its first winter, Argaty red kite project A full list of training from March-October is in 1992 when its programme ‘1A’ for 5 to 6 has been extended into a year-round attraction. now available on our Website: www.stirling- year olds was reviewed in the Times On guided walks this summer 79 species of enterprise.co.uk/training.htm Educational Supplement. It complemented bird and 16 species of mammal, with an array The following IT and Business Skills courses the dynamic and interactivemethod already catering for 6-11 year olds. In 1997, La Jolie of wildflowers and other wildlife spotted. 23 are running here at Stirling Enterprise during December. Ronde won a special award from the DTI red kite-breeding territories were discovered under the heading of Languages for Export. this summer in Central Scotland. Some of PowerPoint: 1st December - 09.30 - For further information contact Elizabeth these were first time breeders that didn’t quite 16.30 Wilson on 01324 638503 or e-mail: make the grade this time round. However 17 Graphic Design Using Publisher: 2nd [email protected] of the pairs managed to fledge 32 young December - 09.30 - 16.30 between them. Many of these young birds Leadership & Teambuilding: 6th Sponsorship Sought For Rising Stirling Talent can now be seen at Argaty. Red kites are most December - 09.30 - 16.30 abundant through the winter months, when John Reid of the Richmond Fellowship (based Beginners Excel: 8th December - 09.30 at Enterprise House) is proud of his son they form large social groups. A purpose built - 16.30 Calum’s achievements. The hide offers great close-up views of the kites Graphic Design Using Word: 9th youngster won the junior under-20 title at the coming down to the daily feed. The birds December - 09.30 - 12.30 racketlon world championships held in Vienna themselves have become quite well Negotiation Skills: 13th December - recently. accustomed to 09.30 - 16.30 Calum made it through to the final without visitors Intermediate Word: 16th December - dropping a single game of table tennis, squash, badminton or tennis, which combine coming to the 09.30 - 16.30 to make up the racketlon challenge, to defeat hide and as of The Web - Getting Noticed: - 09.30 - the end of Australia’s Christoph Krenn in the final. 16.30 Calum also took part in the men’s elite september we competition, where he reached the quarter are already Fluent In French? finals. starting to see Make Money From Your Linguistic Anyone interested in sponsoring Calum and many of this Talents WithLa Jolie Ronde generating a bit of publicity for their business, year’s joining Are you fluent in French? Would you - or can contact John, Calum’s dad, on 07968 up with the older birds, with recent counts anyone you know - be interested in running 790698. your own business teaching young children from the hide as high as 35 individuals French? Then here’s an opportunity not to French Student For Hire delighting us with their aerobatics. be missed. Lerrocks is very much a working farm so 21-year old, French student, Emmanuelle Elizabeth Wilson, Licensee Co-ordinator for La Rion, is looking for a 3-month work placement visitors are asked to book in advance by Jolie Ronde, Scotland will be holding a in either an importing-exporting or marketing phoning 01786 841373 or email prospective licensees meeting in Stirling on department from February 2005. Any local [email protected], 29 January 2005. The meeting is designed business that feels it might benefit from the The viewing hide is accessed via an all abilities to give potential licensees the opportunity to services of Emmanuelle should get in touch. footpath from the car park. There is a small view materials and hear more about La Jolie Interested? Then contact Caroline Brown at fee to visit the project, which helps cover the Ronde before making any commitment to the STEP, [email protected] or call organisation. costs of providing these facilities. For more 01786 463416 for contact details Founded in 1983 and recognised by the French for Emmanuelle. information please visit our website Government, La Jolie Ronde broke new ground www.argatyredkites.co.uk

11 T G Canine Capers in Aberfoyle he arden Canine Capers, the Prettiest Bitch To Prune or not to Prune! fun dog show, was 1. Cabbage (Siberian Husky) shown held during the by Mrs MacPherson The beginning of winter is the pruning Aberfoyle Mushroom 2. Dale shown by Holly Palmer time for a lot of shrubs – but not all: not Festival over the 3. Ozzy shown by Victoria Grosse the ones that form their buds in the Saturday and 4. Kate shopwn by Amy Henderson autumn such as rhodies, azalaeas, Sunday at the Most Handsome Dog hydrangeas etc. Check your shrub and if Scottish Wool 1. Jake shown by Dawn Prentice it has big fat flower buds don’t touch it; if Centre. The event from Lanark you do you will have no flowers in the was organized by the Alexandria and 2. Magnus shown by Robert Irvine spring. The best time to prune flowering District Community Dog Training Service 3. Dino shown by Andrew McLeod shrubs is immediately after flowering. For and sponsored by McCaskies Farm 4. Archie shown by M. Palmer shrubs grown for their leaves, now is the Supplies who provided £10 prize vouchers 5. Mutley shown by Mary Ann time to prune. to the class winners. A & DCDTS provided Chidgey The main rule for pruning is cut the plant rosettes up to 4th place. Saturday 23rd Wags and Wellies to the size and shape you wish it to be. October started misty but cleared to a 1. Val and Margaret Bouttell However, it is also necessary to keep the lovely day although conditions underfoot 2. Archie and Holly Palmer centre of the shrub open to let the air and were a bit squelchy. There was a large 3. Shadow and Natalie Von Westarp light in, to encourage new growth from turnout of competitors especially the girls Unfortunately, on the Sunday the weather ground level to keep the shrub healthy. from the Wool Centre who must have took a turn for the worse and the paddock Each year, look for two or three old stems rounded up every Collie from the area. A was flooded but, by kind permission, we and cut them right back to the base. This large number of visitors gathered along were allowed to use the Theatre in the opens up the middle of the plant and the paddock fence for most of the day Wool Centre. However, the bad weather keeps it looking a natural shape. and were well entertained especially at the scared away any competitors and the It is possible to clip shrubs, but this agility fun competition. It was just a pity second day of events had to be cancelled. causes the bush to produce leaves on more local people did not turn out to take Instead, the Dog Training Service put on the stem ends only. As it gets bigger it part. The results of the competitions were displays of obedience training for the begins to become woody and die back in as follows:- visitors during the afternoon. the centre and, in time, it will die Best Fancy Dress Thanks to all who took part and it is hoped altogether. Having said this, there are 1. Magnus and Stephanie Irvine that future events will see a larger turnout shrubs which just love being clipped. 2. Buffy and Haley Murray of local people as it is a family fun day-an These are the hedging kind and the ones 3. Ozzie and Victoria Grosse event to have fun with your dog. used for topiary e.g. box, yew, certain 4. Jill and Jodie Cranmer Alistair Boutell hebes and the dreaded cupresses. Fastest Recall Vice Chairman The rule is know your shrubs and they 1. Melody (Margaret Murray) A & DCDTS will repay you: prune at the wrong time 2. Shadow (Natalie Von Westarp) and you might lose them – never prune 3. Archie (Morven Palmer) when it is frosty. How would you like to 4. Poppy (Stewart Duncan) cut your finger and then have it frozen? Midi-Maxi Jumpers (Agility) Ugh! 1. Melody (Margaret Murray) Hope the weather stays good for all this 2. Poppy (Stewart Duncan) gardening you can do in the winter! 3. Val (Margaret Bouttell) 4. Floss (Haley Murray) Welly Boot

12 RSPB Inversnaid Milton Fieldfare and redwing methods for monitoring the feral goat Hello Children, were spread population. We were fortunate to have Well, winter is here at last. It was great throughout the Tracy Livingstone of the British Feral Goat to have hard ground to play on and very reserve feasting on the rowanberry crop Research Group along to help advise and slippery ice to slide over! We have all been and the alarm calls of a flock of 250 we discussed ways to improve the current itching to take up curling again. Dad took fieldfare, next to the sheep fank attracted method of goat counting. During the visit, us all up to the lochan on Beinn Dubh, my attention. They were still alarm calling we were lucky enough to encounter a between Loch Chon and Gleann Dubh – when a buzzard drifted above them but group of goats rutting and mating on a the Secret Glen. Dad and Grandpa Otter something was not right, as buzzards are remote crag at the north end of the made sure that the ice was thick enough not a direct threat to fieldfare. Suddenly, reserve, a rare sight. to play on. The little loch sits deep in a a female hen harrier came drifting The feral goats at Inversnaid normally hollow, well shaded from the sun. The downhill just above the trees mate between September and ice was quite safe and we had enormous and crossed the track next to the November. The dominant billy fun sliding our stones – and falling over! sheep fank. The sun was behind will secure most of the matings. I hope that it freezes again, and soon. me as she passed within 30 Other mature billies (normally One of Santa’s little helpers was here metres and I had superb views aged 3+) will be present during looking for Rory the Stag. Father as she continued to hunt over this time, however, the only Christmas was wanting to ask for his help the Snaid burn being mobbed by opportunity they will have to pulling his sleigh over the mountains and four fieldfares. Later in the day mate is if the dominant billy is through the glens of the Highlands. Our I spotted her again as she worked the busy elsewhere and they can ‘sneak in’. old friend, Hamish the Highlander, has slopes leading up to Beinn a Choin and a Young males normally socialise with the been the team leader on the West peregrine falcon was also over the ridge nanny (female) group until they reach a Highland run for many years. This gives at the north end of the reserve. A stage when they can prove their maturity Rudolph a well earned rest in Hamish’s waxwing was with a flock of fieldfare at with the other males (usually at about 2- paddock at . Every year people Corriearklet, eight jackdaws flew low over 3 years old). However, it must be noted ask Santa for bigger and heavier presents. Garrison farm, which is an unusual record that males become sexually mature It is a wonder that the sleigh will move at for the reserve, and a small flock of twite anywhere from 3-5 months old, and all, never mind fly! The problem is nobody (25-30) were in the trees near the sheep females can kid within their first year. can find Rory. Everybody has been out fank. Other birds have been 3 blackcock The billies attract the nannies with a searching but there has been no sign of (male black grouse) displaying at the lek, strong musky scent, which is excreted him. It is a little bit worrying. bullfinch in small numbers throughout the from glands behind their ears. This musk The twins, Duke and Katrine, are not reserve, kestrel, short eared owl, mistle scent is combined with the very strong helping Santa – their Christmas list gets thrush, long tailed tit, woodpigeon, smell caused by billies spraying urine longer every day! My sister, Braeval, has sparrowhawk, raven, greylag geese, around their mouth/beard area, this then asked for one of those up-to-date mobile heron, greenfinch, robin, siskin, chaffinch, congeals to form a strong unmistakable phones. I am not surprised that she needs tree creeper, grey wagtail, dipper, house ‘billy odour’. The females find this very a new one, her old one must be quite sparrow and dunnock. The red stag rut attractive during the mating season. If worn out with the use it has had. The has been in full swing with five stags you are walking in Inversnaid during the only time it was not clamped her ear was roaring on the reserve, their rut, you will no doubt smell the billies well at the curling – there is no signal in that accompanying hinds (30-40) seemed before you see them! part of Strathard! Braeval has even asked oblivious to what the fuss was about until The nannies are pregnant for 150 days for a special ring-tone. She wants her new, they try to wander away from their group and the kids are normally born anytime hi-tech, ultra sophisticated piece of and are quickly shepherded back into line between January and March. Nannies will equipment to sound like – a real by the stag. Roaring could also be heard give birth to a single kid or a set of twins. telephone. Now that’s original! from the surrounding hills at Ardleish, Triplets are extremely rare in the feral My list was sent up the chimney last week. Cruachan and even from across Loch state. Top of my wish list is for Rory to turn up. Lomond. Walking along the West Highland There is generally a high mortality rate I know that he is usually very busy around way it was surprising for a doe (female with kids during the early days of life. This October time, but he doesn’t disappear roe deer) and her late fawn to be happily is very common amongst feral herds. It altogether! Even the faery queen has sent grazing whilst we stood watching from is nature’s way of singling out the a big black cat into the forest to look for about 10 metres away. A Small strongest kids able to survive our harsh him. Let’s hope for some news soon. Have Tortoiseshell butterfly was out in the winter climate. If the kids manage past a good Christmas and a happy New Year November sun on the 10th. the first two or three months, then their to you all. As part of the ongoing development of overall life expectancy is good. Bye for now, mammal monitoring on the reserve, a Milton special trip was made to review our Duncan Cameron, Conservation Assistant Tracy Livingstone, Scottish Area, BFGRG

13 £5 Prize Crossword Under the Hammer A MYSTERY buyer has paid nearly half a million pounds for Glengyle House, which stands on the reputed birthplace of Rob Roy. At a packed auction in one of ’s top hotels on Wednesday, an unnamed Scot paid £470,000 to beat 10 other bidders. Despite the fact that it is a mere shell, bidders were willing to pay a high price for the house which nestles on the banks on Loch Katrine and is reputedly built on the site where Rob Roy was born in 1671. Organisers say there were around 10 bidders vying for the former Scottish Water B-listed property. Auctioneer Shaun Vigers admitted he was surprised by the amount of money it took to close the bidding. The results of the other Scottish Water properties sold at the auction are listed below. “Hillview”, Stronachlachar, £101,000 “Crimmond”, Stron’lachar, Withdrawn “Tigh Alainn”, Stronachlachar, £93,000 “Glengyle House”, Str’lachar, £470,000 “Glen Finglas Depot”, Brig O’Turk, £114,000 “Ballat Depot & Cottage No 2”, Balfron Station, £205,000 Across Down Have a laugh..... 1. Young goose (7) 1. Republic in W Africa (5) Jack & Jill were on their way home from the bar one night and 5. Normal contraction of the heart (7) 2. Auctions (5) 9. Vessel built by Noah (3) 3. Interior (5) Jack got pulled over by the police. The officer told Jack that he 10. Makes a loan (5) 4. Breathe convulsively (4) was stopped because his tail light was burned out. Jack said, 11. Icon (5) 5. Jump lightly (4) “I’m very sorry officer, I didn’t realise it was out, I’ll get it fixed 12. Young dog (3) 6. Hindu religious teacher right away.” Just then Jill said, “I knew this would happen when 13. State positively (6) (5) 16. Misplace (6) 7. Unity (3) I told you two days ago to get that light fixed.” So the officer 19. Large marine food fish (4) 8. Very hard mineral (5) asked for Jack’s license and after looking at it said, “Sir your 21. Cry (4) 14. Bondage (7) license has expired.” And again Jack apologised and mentioned 23. Felines (4) 15. Make larger (7) that he didn’t realise that it had expired and would take care of it 24. Papal (9) 16. Virile (5) 25. Listen to (4) 17. Favourable termination first thing in the morning. Jill said, “I told you a week ago that 26. Female sheep (4) of endeavours (7) the DVLA sent you a letter telling you that your license had 27. Exchange for money (4) 18. Aardvark (3,4) expired.” Well by this time Jack is a bit upset with his wife 28. Benzene (6) 20. Pending (5) contradicting him in front of the officer and he said in a rather 31. Soak up (6) 22. Small rodent (5) 35. Prefix “ beneath “ (3) 28. Brand name for a loud voice, “#$&% Jill, will you SHUT UP!” The officer then 37. Unit for measuring gold (5) copying machine (5) leaned over toward Jill and asked. “Does your husband always 38. Join (5) 29. Compare (5) talk to you like that?” Jill replied, “Only when he’s drunk.” 39. Cathedral city (3) 30. Compass point (5) 40. Gum used as a food stabiliser (7) 32. Prickly plant (5) 41. Room for surgical operations (7) 33. Corpulent (5) 34. Abdomen (5) 35. Type of gun (4) 36. Purchases (4)

Please send completed crossword to Editor, Strathard News, Scholhouse, Inversnaid FK8 3TU or hand in to Aberfoyle Post Office. Solution and winning entry will be published in issue 19.

Name:

Address:

Tel No:

14 thank you Poppy Appeal If you wish to take out an annual The collection at Aberfoyle, Kinlochard subscription please complete the and Inversnaid came to a total of £706.40. information slip and post it to: Aberfoyle Toddler Group... I would like to thank all who helped and The Treasurer, Strathard News, would like to thank all the local contributed. Glencleland House, Lochard Road, businesses who donated raffle prizes and J. Pittaway (Convener) Aberfoyle FK8 3TJ. all the people that supported the table top Cheques for £10 made payable to sale on the 16th October in the Memorial The David Marshall Lodge Strathard News Hall. We raised over £200 and are very grateful for everyone’s generosity. THANK YOU Name: Lynne and Marcia The management and staff of the D.M.L. ______and Liz McGregors Coffee Shop, with Mushroom Festival Committee... David Thornaby Brough, woodcarver, Address: would like to thank all those locals who wish to extend a huge thank you to all our regular visitors and friends from ______supported this year’s Mushroom Festival events. This year was the best-attended around the country and abroad, for your to date. The International Flavour for the continued support and the response you Tel No: 2005 Festival will be Finland, famous for have shown towards the events we have put on this past season. It has made us ______its vodka, wild berries, and the home of Santa Claus. The dates for the 2005 all the more determined to make next year Festival will be 23 - 25 October. even better! We would be happy to see Date: you all one more time during our ______Kinlochard Village Shop..... CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA. Shona, Richie, Ryan and Amy would like Real Christmas trees, traditional home to take this opportunity to thank everyone baking, the best views on the planet..... for their amazing support in the first two and good company - can you afford to months we’ve been trading. miss out? We appreciate, so much, all the positive feedback and comments you’ve all made about our new venture in which we are announcements still learning. Juggling a family, a home and a new life style has been so difficult, Ne’erday Ceilidh almost hard even, yet you’ve all helped Kinlochard Village Hall Committee are where you could and not moaned at me holding a Ne-erday Family Ceilidh Dance for forgetting to order enough whatever, in the hall with music provided by the and laughed with me at all my mishaps – Kinlochard Ceilidh Band on 1st January , fingers crossed there aren’t more to 2005, commencing at 7.30 p.m. Tickets, come. Having a supportive local price £5 for adults and £3 for children are community not only makes my job easier available from the Village Shop, but, mostly, more worthwhile. Kinlochard. There will be a grand raffle Now, here comes my “Oscars” speech. and whisky curling. Families are asked Can we thank all the squad at the garage to bring their own liquid refreshments. All who dish out, send and deliver my proceeds to the hall extension fund. See newspapers every day; the boys and girls you there! who uplift them and deliver them at the Strathard Community Council weekend; the people who’ve done all my Meets on the 1st Thursday of every month forms as my computer was in a box! (you at 7.30pm. The next meeting is 6th know who you are. Thanks.) Thanks also January 2005 in Aberfoyle to the lady who took pity on me looking tired one Friday and shoved me into my Aberfoyle Brownies Information for Business Advertisers house to sit down for an hour – I’m smiling Meet every Wednesday at 6pm till When you place an advert with the just thinking about it! 7.45pm in Church House. Strathard News we will continue to We mustn’t forget everyone else who has built, demolished, planted, weeded, run it in every issue unless you tell Kinlochard Toddlers painted, rewired, plumbed, cleaned, us that you wish to cancel or alter Fridays 10.30 – 12 noon served, restocked, ordered and those who your advert. For assistance and Old School or Hall. Bring a Parent advice on layout please contact just came in for a nosey and a blether. Marion Back on Thank-you. We appreciate you all. May God bless you all over Christmas and 01301 702970 or email for sale always. [email protected] Large fishing/row boat, 14ft, fiberglass, part- decked and in v. good condition. To view phone 01877 387219 Fergus Wood, Ledard Farm. Answers 1. Scrooge 2. A Christmas Carol 3. Indian 4. Yes, a horse called Christmas day fell in a Boxing Day race 5. Tinsel 6. Pacific 7. Santa Claus 8. England 9. Under the Pacific Ocean 10. Germany 15 a project in Malawi working in a school deep in the country and sends her reports on the way of life and the problems and tales of the NEWS FROM ST MARY’S CHURCH wonderful people she is living with and help- Since the last report the congregation of ing. This is one of the Vestry of the Church’s St Mary’s have held some wonderful serv- outreach charity projects and if anyone ices and welcomed many visi- would like to know more please tors to the Sunday services. contact the Rector Richard Among the most memorable Grosse at the Rectory. Since services was the Harvest the Rector arrived there have Thanksgiving ceremony when been good attendances at the special picture of the services and the audio system Aberfoyle Slate Quarry was is working well. The collection unveiled by Peter Joynson of Orthodox Icons of Our Lady who is the longest living mem- and the Child Jesus continues ber of the congregation and to grow which is appropriate as who leads the St Mary’s Historical Team. St Mary’s is the host church for the world- We were able to welcome the artist Moira wide prayer group of the Society of the Child Revie and her husband who took part in Jesus, led by Patrick Mileham. the unveiling of the picture mounted in an The Remembrance Evensong was a very impressive frame and is beside the main moving service and more evensongs may door. All are welcome to come and see it be held in the future. The Carol Service will and to find if their ancestor’s name is in- be held on Sunday 19 December at 3.00pm. cluded. The picture shows Peter Joynson and Art- A member of our congregation, retired ist Moira Revie and the slate picture at Har- schoolteacher, Mrs Janet Chesney, is on vest Festival.