Looking towards AttadalePhoto by by PeterPeter Teago

AN CARRANNACH The General Interest Magazine of , Shieldaig, , Kishorn, & Kinlochewe Districts

NO: 367 August 2018 £1.00

“Walking to the Island” and other poems. by Alan MacGillivray

"Walking to the Island” is a collection of poems which, in the author’s own words, is “A poetic evocation of boyhood summer holidays in the village of Lochcarron in the years during and just after the second world war.” This modest description, found on the back cover of the book, is accurate enough to whet the appetite of anyone who might casually pick it up for inspection, but fails to do justice to the scope and range of the work found within its covers.

“Walking to the Island” is itself a sequence of poems and prose poetry, by turns nostalgic, celebratory, descriptive and elegiac, the totality of which is considerably more than the sum of any of its constituent parts. These are poems, which, like a good malt “uisge beatha”, which in a way they resemble, need to be savoured slowly and appreciatively. Their memories, observation, humour, wit and wisdom a complex and heady distillation of experience matured over time, and served up here in verse, which has style and variety sufficient to maintain the reader’s interest over the course of the “journey”, a journey both back in time, but also into the heart and soul of a community and culture. There is the occasional flash of anger, and overall a sense of sadness entirely in keeping with the book’s dedication to the author’s late brother James MacGillivray of affectionate memory in these parts. James MacGillivray and his younger brother, Alan, come from a long-established MacKenzie family in the area. Their grandfather, John MacKenzie, or ‘Seonaidh Kenaidh’, was born in Bruaich in Slumbay, and settled in Dail a’Chladaich in the 1890s. He operated a carpenter and builders business from his workshop at the foot of the old Kishorn Road, now disappeared. Over his career, he built many buildings in the Lochcarron area, including churches and the old manse beside the West Church. His grandson, Jim MacGillivray, settled in Dail a’Chladaich after his retirement as Procurator Fiscal in Lochaber and died there at the end of 2016. “Insular poems” are what the name suggests, five poems not immediately part of that journey but related to its central theme, the Island of the Title.

The poems are themselves illustrated with a number of mostly old photographs, each one evocative of a lost, though not forgotten era, or of those Carrannach who most of all, made it what it was. (Continued on page 2)

1 (Continued from page 1) WEATHER RECORD - SLUMBAY This is a book which will be appreciated not only JUNE 2018 – though particularly – by the true successors of the worthies whose lives are celebrated within its pages, but by anyone who loves poetry, or who has been caught by that special “magic” which Max Temp Min Temp Rainfall in Lochcarron, and the Gaelic west inspires. Date: in oC in oC inches 1 24.60 11.80 ----- Copies, priced £5, can be obtained from the Spar bookshop, or from Carron Pottery, proceeds from 2 26.20 12.00 0.05 the sale are being generously donated to the work 3 22.30 11.00 ----- of the Howard Doris centre. 4 21.30 9.00 ----- Francis Minay 5 22.60 8.30 ----- An T’Alltan Fial 6 23.50 9.30 ----- 7 22.60 10.80 ----- I found the following short descriptive piece of writing among my Grandfather, John Mackenzie’s 8 21.70 10.20 ----- papers and journals. Seonaidh Kenaidh as he was 9 21.00 12.30 0.03 known was born in Bruaich Cottage, in Slumbay, in 1864. I assume the little burn he describes was on 10 18.50 11.60 ------the croft attached to the house but am open to 11 19.10 8.10 ----- correction on this. Does it still exist? He suggests it had changed considerably over the sixty years he 12 16.50 6.40 ----- looked back on it, late in his life. 13 15.10 10.50 0.93

Janie Minay 14 12.80 9.30 0.48 15 15.60 7.90 0.16 “ An T’Alltan Fial, the kindly little burn, is a small stream flowing diagonally across the croft and 16 14.90 6.40 0.34 cutting it into two parts, the upper and the lower 17 15.00 9.30 0.03 parts. The source of this stream is a spring rising out of the hill face near the summit. It is grey during the 18 14.40 8.20 0.25 cold months, but green in the early summer and yellowish in this ripening sunshine of September. 19 15.10 7.80 0.23 After a hurried rush down the slope it enters into a 20 14.80 6.30 0.39 little flat of short heather and coarse heath grass and right through the talc mines where the women of a 21 14.70 8.20 ----- former generation dug out talc with which to 22 14.50 9.70 ----- whitewash their inside walls and partitions. Now they use it for their faces and their arms instead of 23 13.50 9.90 0.03 their walls. The Alltan Fial receives many springs 24 17.30 5.80 ----- before it comes down to the level of the croft through which it noisily pursues its way. The bed is 25 19.60 7.20 ----- rather deeper than it was sixty years ago, and the 26 22.10 10.60 ----- timber growing on its banks is taller and heavier. There are trees of willow and birch and alder and 27 29.30 12.50 ----- rowan, growing close together, shading over the 28 29.10 12.60 ----- pools and the falls as if finding it good to grow, and finding it good to have their roots in the good, cool 29 26.60 11.70 ----- and clean water of the Alltan Fial. 30 28.40 12.20 ----- Just sixty years ago my boyhood came to an end. I left the croft to go and see the places beyond the ridges and the summits that surrounded the home about which I dreamed and enquired and wondered. TOTAL JUNE 2018 2.92 Now I am back trying to recall the voices and the faces and the animals and the scenery of those far RUNNING TOTAL 2018 27.48 away times. TOTAL JUNE 2017 5,60

John Mackenzie RUNNING TOTAL 2017 31.97 2 AN CARRANNACH

Published by An Carrannach Society, Lochcarron.

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3 CHURCH OF APPLECROSS, LOCHCARRON & TORRIDON

Charity No: SCO32334 Times and Places of Worship for August 2018

5th August Lochcarron 10.30am Torridon Community Hall 1.00pm 12th August Lochcarron 10.30am Shieldaig 1.00pm Applecross 1.00pm 19th August Lochcarron 10.30am Kinlochewe 1.00pm 26th August Lochcarron 10.30am Applecross 1.00pm Shieldaig 1.00pm

Minister Rev. Anita Stutter Tel. 01520 722783

Email [email protected]

ALL ARE WELCOME

FREE CHURCH LOCHCARRON & Are you looking for occasional APPLECROSS Sunday Worship?

You are welcome at our services Lochcarron Church Street IV54 8YP All Saints Scottish Episcopal Mission Sunday 11am and 6 pm (Part of the Anglican Communion) meets in Kinlochewe (Church of (Crèche and Sunday school) Scotland Building) Midweek Wednesdays 7.30pm on the first Sunday each month at 2.30pm Celebrant and Preacher: Applecross Camusterrach IV54 8LU Revd Pam Shinkins 3 pm every Sunday Services: Sunday 5th August 2018 Other events as intimated. and Sunday 2nd September 2018 Scottish Charity SC038169 Everyone welcome Rev M. Florit 01520 722999 Tel: (01445) 781346

(Scottish Charity Number SCO4655) [email protected] (Spotted on a church notice board: www.freechurch.org “Faithbook: You have one new friend request from Jesus!)

4 find it difficult ever to trust again. But in these times of telephone scams and computer fraud, ON of false news and misleading propaganda, of reports of historic wrong doing, disenchantment and scepticism often creep in REFLECTION and make it difficult to keep alive the ability to trust. It is easy to identify those attitudes or behaviours that cause distrust: dishonesty, aggressiveness, arrogance, self-centredness, I was asked recently to write an appreciation acquisitiveness, unfaithfulness. Because these of a friend and former colleague who had died strong human traits lead to conflicts between after some years of deteriorating health. I individuals and between nations it is important recalled how, in the year 2000 as part of a Lent to develop means of trust building. Working series with the theme ‘My journey to Faith’, he and living cooperatively rather than began his contribution: competitively make good relationships “I want to acknowledge, here and now, that the possible and there are many aspects of our life Church needs people who make a study of together that need a joint approach: climate Theology. We need people who devote a large change, sustainability, poverty, diseases, … part of their lives to researching the past and These joint activities will not be without trying to ascertain the circumstances in which economic cost but failing to undertake them a piece of writing was made, for whom it was will result in even higher human cost. And written and what it might have meant at the within our communities there is the need to time. They then go on to try to think about provide care for the disadvantaged and what it might mean today. I really believe that underprivileged and that too has economic the Church needs such people. Having go that implications. off my chest, I have to admit that I am not one But trust is needed in activities of a more of them!” modest scale, in emergences as in the rescue Despite repeated denials, his sermons were of the young footballers in Thailand. Without often memorable. They were laced with trust in their would-be rescuers, the young humour and quiet Christian insight. One footballers could not have been saved, occasion he told the congregation that he had over-slept that morning and had not had time for breakfast. So he had taken a tin of dog food John Searl from the kitchen cupboard, “It’s very nutritious you know.”, and he would snack from it while he delivered his sermon! Then he walked up and down the church offering people a taster from the tin of dog food. “It’s very nice you know.” Not surprisingly people were very reluctant to accept a sample of the dog food. “Don’t worry about what is on the label, it is what is inside that matters.” We should have trusted him - he was teasing us of course. Inside the tin was a chopped-up Mars bar! Trust and trusting people is so vital to our everyday life together. Trust makes the world go round and when trust is lost, relationships between people or communities or nations become difficult and sometimes dangerous. Trust is so important that we must take care to preserve it where it exists and to try to build it when it is absent. Some people, when their trust is abused, begin to distrust everybody and

5 NATURE NOTES been used as a substitute for saffron and for producing hair dye. The species name June 16th – July 15th 2018 ‘ossifragum’ (meaning bone breaker) derives from an As I write this, I can see a Spotted old observation that grazing the plant made the bones Flycatcher feeding in the garden. of sheep brittle. How- What a wonderful, captivating bird ever, brittle bones it is, carrying out its most are not caused by spectacular aerial acrobatics, consumption of this occasionally giving an alarm call. I can hear calls plant – it is the acidic coming from what would seem to be two young and conditions that it fa- the adult keeps disappearing up into the same vours which provides location in the trees with each serving of insects. calcium-poor grazing We’re so lucky to have these birds nesting in the and it is this fact that garden and I know that there are some nesting at the contributes to weak east end of the village, somewhere in the trees bone formation. around the ruined church. As Spotted Flycatchers are I know I keep men- pretty tolerant of humans, it is easy to get a good view tioning Slumbay of their antics as they perch on top of one of the Head and its pro- gravestones before carrying out an insect-catching fusion of wild flowers sortie. but it really is a great place to stroll and look at what is grow- ing on the ground. The variety is wonderful. Plants such as Common Mouse-ear, White Stonecrop, Meadowsweet, White and Red Clover, Wild Angelica, Common Valerian, Yarrow, Yellow Saxifrage, Kidney Vetch, Sheep’s Sorrel, Marsh Thistle, Common Knapweed, Rosebay Willowherb, Hedge Woundwort, Self-heal and Sea Aster are flowering at the time of writing this and by the time August’s An Carrannach is out, Devil’s-bit Spotted Flycatchers feed mainly on flying insects and Scabious should be in full purple bloom there. There can also catch butterflies however, they may turn to are also wonderful swathes of wild flowers to see as searching amongst foliage for aphids in cooler you walk along Church Street, on the roadside banks weather when large insects are not flying. It will not be or down towards the sea. There is one particular small long before they start to leave on their long-distance area that I love, where the undisturbed land is migration, with most of them wintering south of the crammed full of different wild plants and this is a equator. The air is very quiet indeed at the moment as glorious spot for small birds to breed. Grasshopper birds are going through their moult and interestingly, Warblers used to nest in this area but they haven’t Spotted Flycatcher adults are unusual in that the done so for two or three years now. However, this sequence of moulting their flight feathers is often year a pair of Sedge Warblers took up residence there irregular – they split their moult, having a partial moult and, seemingly happy to ignore nearby building between July and September before migration and works, have successfully reared young. As well then, a complete moult between November and roadsides, fields and banks providing wild flowers March in Africa (RSPB). galore, hillsides are of course colouring up beautifully A brief mention of some other birds - Eider, as Heather comes into full bloom. Merganser, Greylag, Mallard, Oystercatcher, When using books to identify plants, it is always Common Sandpiper and Ringed Plover young have interesting to note bits of folklore, stories and uses all been seen on the loch or shore respectively and I that surround some plants. For instance, Hedge have caught sight of young Buzzards and Ravens in Woundwort (Stachys sylvatica) has a long medicinal the sky. It took a long time for ‘our’ Swallows to lay history. It (and other Stachys species) have been eggs but eventually they did and they are now busy used since the time of the ancient Greeks in poultices feeding three young. Last year they raised two broods for wounds and to help staunch bleeding. Self-heal but I suspect that this year it will just one as they was also a popular wound-herb in country areas until started so late. I am acutely aware that far fewer quite recently. Also used for staunching wounds, Swallows seem to have been around the village this Yarrow was regarded as a powerful herb as far back year. Garden birds, although virtually silent now, are as Anglo-Saxon times. It was used in divination rituals around and about with their young and the shinty pitch and as a charm against illness and bad luck. is a favoured feeding area for Pied Wagtail families. However, with the On June 29th three Crossbills passed through the paradox often found garden, stopping in the Scots Pines for a few minutes in magic-based before moving on. herbalism, it was Wild flowers are in abundance with some truly striking also believed that colours and delicacy catching the eye. The flowering Yarrow caused of Bog Asphodel is, as usual, a joy to behold. This nosebleeds or at plant has spikes of starry, golden flowers which later least sneezing if a turn to a fiery orange colour as its fruit develops. leaf was put up the Historically, the furry stamens of Bog Asphodel have nose …. you don’t

6 say? (Flora Britannica). Lochcarron There have been quite a few sightings of Pine Martens in the village, coupled with regular views of a Camanachd female otter with two young in the loch, at times close to the shore in Main Street. It was an early start for the boys A headline on the BBC Scotland Highlands & Islands on the 16th June as they made page (July 10) caught my eye: - Seabirds return to the journey to play Lewis Outer Hebrides after mink ‘eradication’. Mink were Camanachd in Shawbost. The introduced to Scotland as part of the fur farming game got off to a great start for the visitors and they industry in the 1950s and when farmers went out of went 1 nil up after good work from David Bauermeister business in the 1960s, feral Mink populations grew saw him finish from close range. The home side would across the Hebrides, with breeding populations strike back not long after, a long range shot was becoming established on North Uist and Benbecula by 1999. Escaped or intentionally freed, the American Mink, an extremely invasive non-native species, quickly became established and, preying on ground nesting birds (and fish) they decimated native species. Following a 17 year project to get rid of the American Mink, native wildlife is ‘flocking back’, helping to restore the numbers of Terns, Lapwings and Red-throated Divers amongst other birds. Good news. For those of you interested and out there watching (weather permitting), I hope you enjoy the Perseids. Happy listening, looking and watching. HATTY ARTHUR Bank House 01520 722551 [email protected]

Kishorn Notes

We have enjoyed another hot sunny month and, with the holidays ahead, we hope this continues! Kishorn was not so lucky on the Games day, the only Sunday stopped well by ‘Ronnie’ Cameron, but the Lewis full when we have had rain. Which was admittedly forward reacted well to slot home the rebound. Half welcome, but unfortunate for the players on the Dell. time was approaching with the score level, but Peter Mackenzie changed that when he scored from the Luckily it did not dampen their spirits, but the sunshine edge of the ‘D’. Half time score: Lewis 1, Lochcarron would have been appreciated. Bettina Schroder was 2. The second half was only 5 minutes in when the tutor at the week long water painting course which Lochcarron increased their lead further, the goal again was run this time by Mark and Gillian's daughter coming from Peter MacKenzie who scored from twelve Fiona, together with her daughter Sophie. The course yards out. The mainland side were starting to dominate was well attended by several overseas students; four possession and found the net once again, this time it from Canada, one from USA and two from France. would be Liam Arnott to get his name on the score They were busy painting away outside in the village, enjoying their new and inspiring surroundings.

All the local sailors have their boats in the water, on their moorings, or out at sea...or they should be! One boat broke from it's moorings and ended up on the rocks. Luckily rescue was at hand, and no harm was done. Boat owners are an observant 'crew'!

The Meeting House in the village is nearing completion. It has been a satisfying project, bringing the fabric of this old building back to life after years of neglect .

We send our condolences to Julia Haig on the loss of her Mother, who lived in Shieldaig.

(Continued on page 8)

7 (Continued from page 7) without any really troubling the visiting ‘keeper. The sheet. A good finish from a tight angle. The game deadlock would be broken on the 23rd minute, a cross wasn’t completely over for Lewis, in the 65th minute a from the right made its way to Peter MacKenzie around long ball made its way to an unmarked player on the 15 yards from goal, after a good touch, his excellent edge of the ‘D’ and the ball was smashed home to strike beat the ‘keeper with ease. The lead would make the score 4-2. With the game coming to a close remain for less than ten minutes, Cabers’ quick there was still time for another goal, a well worked passing move in the forward line caught the defence move from Lochcarron was finished off by Sean out and a low drilled shot made the score one each. MacCuish just inside the Lewis penalty area and both The remainder of the half was mainly played out in the points were secured. Full time score: Lewis 2, middle of the pitch with no more real opportunities in Lochcarron 5. front of goal. Matthew Young had to be substituted early and would not return to the pitch, after receiving a The Battery Park would play host to the Strathdearn nasty cut just above his eye from an accidental clash Cup quarter final clash between Lochcarron and Skye Camanachd on a baking hot 30th June. The game was started at a very fast pace and the young Skye forwards were creating numerous chances with there quick link up play, but were let down by their finishing. Twenty minutes in and Lochcarron were starting to get a grip on the game with some good play of their own. Maybe somewhat against the run of play though, Skye got on a good break, with a couple of good passes and an excellent strike the islanders were 1 nil up on 35 minutes. The heat was starting to take a toll on both sides and the remainder of the half quietly came to a close with the half time whistle much needed. Half time score: Lochcarron 0, Skye 1.

The second period had barely got started when the North Division 1 side would increase their lead, this time a low hard strike too quick and close for ‘Ronnie’ Cameron to react in the home goal. Skye would increase their lead further only four minutes later with a strike identical to the second and after 50 minutes the score was 3 nil. With the tie seemingly over as a contest and the match closing in on full time, Lochcarron eventually got a foothold in the game when Liam Arnott finished calmly from close range in the 80th minute. The home side pushed hard in the final ten with a Caberfeidh defender. Half time score: minutes to get back in the game, but Skye couldn’t be Lochcarron 1, Caberfeidh 1. broken and the game came to an end, Skye progressing to the semi final. Final score: Lochcarron The second half was played in much the same fashion 1, Skye 3. as the first, both sides looking hard for the winner, but not a lot of action in front of goal. Lochcarron probably had the best of the play early on and were looking more like the team going to get the next goal, but after 72 minutes played it was the visitors who made a chance and with a wonderful strike, leaving the ‘keeper no chance, it was 2-1 to the Strathpeffer side. There was only one more real opportunity in the match, Liam Arnott was fouled in the ‘D’ and a penalty was awarded. Kenny ‘Duffy’ Murray stepped up to take the penalty, but his strike was saved well by the Caberfeidh goalie, who managed to clear his line also. The game came to a close and with the win Cabers leapfrogged Lochcarron to take second place in the league. Final score: Lochcarron 1, Caberfeidh 2.

Dates for your diary:

11th August – Inverness (A) 18th August – Kilmallie (A) 25th August – Lovat (A)

It was second versus third in North Division 2, when Lochcarron welcomed Caberfeidh to the Battery Park. There was a lively start made to the game from the home side and plenty chances were been created

8 LOCAL ROADS...a never ending topic! A Big “Thank You” It is two hundred years since the first road capable of Hannah and I would like to say a big thank carrying a horse and carriage, was opened to Strome you to all those who came to our rescue Ferry. I don't suppose it had a lot of use as goods were and offered support after our accident on th transported by sea, but obviously it brought easier 11 July. A special thankyou to Emma and travel to the area. I am full of admiration for the Hector who stayed with us, supporting us engineers and craftsmen who built the road. Many of and the other driver, until the police had the original culverts and bridges are still in use. One of taken necessary details and the ambulance the most challenging parts was the lochside at crews had checked us over. Achnashellach. It still is! Thanks to Stan, our local paramedic, and One hundred years ago there was a huge row with a the other ambulance crew members; to timber merchant from Inverness who was harvesting Craig, our local police officer for his help timber there. During 1919, the South Western District and “patter”; to DMK for collecting the Committee of , were in dispute with car and sending someone to bring us the contractor. At a meeting in October 1919, the home; and Roz, who brought us home. Road Surveys declared that 4 miles of road were Also thanks to all who have been in touch dangerous to the travelling public, due to timber since. haulage. It was resolved to recommend 'closure of said We are so lucky! We and the other driver portion of this road , until put into a proper state of were able to walk away shaken but repair'. Later , it was agreed to refer the matter to Messrs Duncan Duncan solicitors, Dingwall. unharmed! Also we are so lucky to live in a place where people care enough to change In January 1920 the contractor agreed to put two their plans to help others. Thank you all so horses and four men at the disposal of the Committee much. for the repair of the road. By this time the occasional Hannah and Les-Ann car was making an appearance and of course the railway was well established. I wonder if the timber was being transported by rail? Lochcarron Community Fund In 1919 locals were protesting about these newfangled Annual disbursement from the Allt cars, which damaged bridges and frightened the horses. Little did they know that in another 100 years, a Chonais Hydro Scheme to the locals would be protesting that the roads were clogged Community. with these self same cars on the Route 500. What will The scheme is open for bids. £4600+ yet another 100 years bring? available! Helen Murchison. Applications to the Lochcarron Community Fund are encouraged from individuals and groups within Lochcarron Primary Beach the LCC area. Projects must be for the Clean up benefit of residents within the LCC area. Thanks to staff and teachers. Applications can be made Mums Lynda, Tikka and ANYTIME for the LCC to consider at their next meeting. Applications Francis. MUST BE MADE FULLY IN BOTH Hector and Emma for ELECTRONIC AND PAPER FORM. refreshments and last but by Application forms can be obtained no means the least the from the Secretary, Lochcarron Community Council, Jacob House, children who all took part. Croft Road, Lochcarron, IV54 8YA or email:lochcarroncommunitycouncil@ Well done everyone! hotmail.com:

9 Lochcarron Costal Rowing at Cromarty in June and, over 2 days, enjoyed Association some excellent racing with up to 20 boats and a party like atmosphere that gave a great weekend. In July we headed up to for Summer Update their annual regatta, a highlight in the calendar. 30 skiffs had gathered from as far afield as It’s been a busy summer for skiff rowers in Holland for a great weekend racing, in excellent Lochcarron so far this year. In early May we conditions. There were so many boats that most travelled to a weekend festival at , a events had to run heats and whilst we were community owned island situated a few miles entered in only 3 categories, we managed to north of Ullapool in Ardmair Bay. Six skiffs were qualify for one final. We’re learning a lot about there to circumnavigate the island then have a rowing technique and the good news is that it’s few races in the afternoon. The scenery was not all about strength. spectacular with cliffs, mountains and calm seas adding to a great experience as well as a decent We’re now planning for our open day in performance in the afternoon sprints. The Lochcarron on 8th September and training hard weather was kind and the hospitality generous for the 13-mile Castle to Crane race on the and a great day enjoyed by all in wonderful Clyde the following weekend. We will be taking surroundings. both skiffs to that race and greatly looking forward to it. We’ve also started a training programme for aspiring row leaders/cox with six candidates currently involved. It’s not all racing and training however as we continue to have open/social rowing sessions on Wednesday evenings @ 6pm and Saturdays @ 2pm - open to all. Please come along and give it a go – there is no charge and all you need is a pair of wellies and some waterproofs; you will be made very welcome!

The launch of Black Raven our second skiff took place on 26th May almost 12 months to the day after we launched Maighdean Chairainn. Thanks are due to many people including Sue Robb who led the build team, to John Robinson and Rob Teago for their craftsmanship and to everyone else who gave their time and skills. It was all in a good cause as Black Raven is a lovely looking boat that attracts many positive comments. Thanks also to Donnie and Evelyn Mackay for the use of their barn on Croft Road, to Councillor Kate Stephen for launching the skiff, Marcos Florit for delivering the blessing and to SAMARITANS our wonderful pipers Eilidh and Robert MacInnes. Lochcarron Community Fund Whatever you’ve done. supported the build and fit out of the skiff as did Scottish Sea Farms Heart of the Community Whatever life’s done to you. Fund and Lochcarron Games Call Samaritans. Committee; we’re very grateful to all of those organisations and to everyone else who has No pressure. supported this project. No judgement. Since the launch both skiffs have been on the water regularly enabling the rowers to enjoy We’re here for you any time. some informal racing as well as social rowing. We took Black Raven to the Black Isle Regatta 0845 790 9090.

10 usual during the heatwave and world cup, we fully expect visitors to increase again once the football is over! At the iGallery, the availability of volunteers to staff the desk has been a struggle, many visitors really value having a friendly local person to answer their queries. If you'd like to sit in for an hour or two to meet visitors, again we'd love to hear from you. proposed visitor information shelter Lochcarron Community Development to be built on site has had various delays to do with Company News. some technicalities, but the final stumbling blocks have been resolved and we are told that work on the shelter The LCDC volunteers and our Development Officer will start at the end of July. This will extend the current have been working as hard as ever to deliver multiple visitor information capacity and provide a year round projects in the area. As ever we are incredibly grateful facility. Any local businesses, organisers of individuals to the support of the community and especially to the who wish to display promotional materials please pop it volunteers who make it possible to achieve things up to the iGallery. which benefit the whole community. It’s never easy getting everything done, finding time or achieving The Dairy Work on the Dairy project is ongoing, the deadlines, and those who are working away in the sub committee working on the funding application and background contribute so much. business planning have all been going over the facts and figures with a fine comb before the next funding Housing Survey application is submitted. We will keep you updated. Highland Small Communities Housing Trust (HSCHT) has previously conducted a housing needs survey to Firewood ascertain the future residential housing needs. LCDC is This is a good time to stock up on firewood to dry working in partnership with HSCHT to deliver before the winter and support the community woodland affordable housing in Kirkton Woodland. It came to development, if you’d like to order chopped logs or light that many local businesses were also struggling to lengths of timber contact [email protected] grow or remain sustainable due to the lack of 01520 722 952. accommodation for employees in the area. As with many aspects of community sustainability, the www.lochcarroncommunity.com problems are multifaceted and intertwined. With more working age families in the area, other smaller businesses would do better, local services and infrastructure could be protected from cutbacks and other growth opportunities would arise. HSCHT organised a second survey so we could find out more about this, this time the survey went to local businesses. Thanks largely to the enthusiastic efforts of Peter MacKenzie, who distributed and collected surveys we have had a very high level of responses that clearly shows that there is a need for a range of housing solutions in the Lochcarron area. HSCHT have now awarded a tender for a site infrastructure survey which will start soon.

Bushcraft at the Treehouse. At the time of writing family events at the treehouse are planned, we'll have a report about how these have gone in next months An Carranach. You can see photos and up to date news on our website and facebook pages.

Market days These have been continuing to help raise some much needed funds each month and provide an important community social event. Many thanks to Sheila Cudby who has stepped in to help coordinate the catering, thanks also to those who all help make this event happen, you are all much appreciated! We are still very short of kitchen and general hall volunteers, if you feel you could help with setting things up, taking the meal payments, serving food or in any other way, we'd love to hear from you. The next dates are August 25th, September 29th, and October 27th. If you would like to book a crafts, charity or produce table for £5 please contact [email protected]

The Smithy Hub The site has been a little quieter than

11 Notes from a new garden It was an international affair last week at North West Highlands Art. Painters from far-flung corners of the world gathered at Brynaport for a wonderful week of Just as the garden reaches perfection, a cold watercolour, led by super tutor, Bettina Schroeder. We unseasonal blast of windy weather wreaks havoc. Why had Americans, French, Germans, Canadians, and did I plant a new rose in the teeth of the gale, just English. Foreign relations were strong and successful, before this inclement break in our wonderful summer? with no mention of the impending visit from another, The tender leaves have been reduced to brown paper less popular American… and the beautiful flowers torn from their stems. I was seduced by a pot grown rose in a garden centre. But this is gardening, not just in the Highlands, as weather attacks every garden.

All is not lost. In a small sheltered corner of our wind- swept field, sweet peas, runner beans, broad beans and a colourful flower garden flourish. This, the only sheltered area in our garden, was the dumping ground for the builders waste. Many bags of compost, leaf mould and manure have been labouriously dug in, and bucket full after bucket full of stones removed. It has taken hours of work but slowly the ground is becom- ing productive.

Our attempts at planting a wild flower circle has been hindered by the hot weather. A successful killing of the grass, ready for planting remains. By changing our seed option, we now intend to sow seed this autumn. Our determination to succeed remains.

Four raised beds still present a bit of a conundrum for me. Potatoes have produced an excellent crop in one bed, a herb garden thrives an another but salad crops Gillian and Mark were such generous hosts they in the other two have not been so successful. My good retreated to Loch Damph for the week, allowing gardening friend the late Maureen Lyon sieved all the fourteen artists to descend upon their home and trusting their daughter, Fiona, and granddaughter, soil into her raised beds. I chose to ignore her wise Sophie, to take care of things in their absence. example, which I deeply regret, as I am now faced with topsoil which is difficult to improve, despite Low cloud was used to our artistic advantage, copious quantities of seaweed and compost, because culminating in some beautiful and atmospheric is hard to dig in. I am told the joys of raised beds, is no paintings which lined the studio wall on the final night. digging . I don't 'get it'! It seems the way to an artists’ heart is through their A battle with the rush in an area of grass which we stomach, as Kishorn Kitchen proved with delicious decided to mow, has been tough to get rid of. We are dinners and irresistible cakes. One student was so charmed she insisted on acting as omelette sous chef now winning with this most definitely, which is very one morning – definitely a first! A big thank you to satisfying. I hope we can maintain the death of the Alison and Ally for all your hard work. We are looking beastly rush! forward to next year’s course already.

Our pond has been a lucky success! Initially with the help of a digger, we dug out an area with a small island. With no lining, and after a couple of years the water has found it's own level and it doesn't leak away. Bog plants thrive and willows round and about are growing fast. Yellow iris and Hosta's have put their feet well down and the whole is an excellent habitat for frogs and insects with lots of dragon flies. Despite the hot sunny weather we still have a little water in the pond!

A new garden is a real challenge but once a gardener always a gardener.

Carol Cocks

12 13 LOCHCARRON LIBRARY NEWS The Tee-Off Café

I never thought I would look forward to Lochcarron Golf writing my monthly article – but I have. And yes, it is good to be back with some Club semblance of normality! Being off work and at home is all very well if you are 100%, but if not, it can become quite tiresome – something else I never thought I’d complain about! Seriously, I would just like to thank everyone for all the cards, kind words, phone calls and impromptu visits received after my accident. It was very much appreciated! And my thanks must also go to my boss Elinor Niven and reliefs Adam Turner and Chris Gudgeon for supplying cover. And to all our many library users who had to put up with library closures due to lack of cover! Your patience and understanding was much appreciated.

We now find ourselves smack bang into the middle of the most amazing summer for years. Can you remember me ever starting Library News without complaining about the weather? Well I can’t! Thinking about the last few months, there have been several advantages to having a Network Librarian from Dingwall covering for me! Most obvious is Open for the Season that the shelves are now bulging! Yes, Elinor has worked her magic and enabled considerably more stock to wing its way over to Lochcarron. So it’s is well worth coming Open Sunday to Friday down and looking at this wonderfully well stocked library – almost worth breaking my hip!!! 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.

Summer is also the time of the Tesco bank Summer Reading Challenge. And this year we have Mischief Makers. Despite being unable to visit the school for my 01520 722744 usual yearly presentation, I am heartened by the fairly reasonable numbers that have signed up. Yes, you are a well-trained lot! The characters this year are suitably mischievous too with Dennis the Menace, Gnasher, Mobile :-07765657457 Minnie and Bananaman and friends all visiting six places in Beanotown. Full details at mischief-makers.org.uk As usual, and amidst all the smelly stickers, I will be visiting the Primary school in September to present BYOB certificates and gold medals to our intrepid readers who have completed the challenge and read all 6 books! So please GET READING! Closed on Saturday Finally, I know you’ve all had enough to put up with, without the Self Issue going ‘belly-up’ but unfortunately, with the spell of hot weather, the machine being near glass windows, the poor little thing got itself well and truly overheated with fan trouble! As I have said on many occasions, it is no more than an oversized pc/laptop and so will suffer from overheating in the same way! However, help is on its way, and as many of you will have noticed, it now has a new site - near the dining hall entrance away from direct sunlight, so we are hopeful its problems are over – at last!

Finally as per normal are opening times and contact details are as follows:

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]

14 August @ THE INN Sunday the 5th – LOCAL MUSICIANS – from 3pm-6pm in the bar The local musicians from Lochcarron play a mix of Scottish traditional and popular tunes. Other musicians are welcome to join in. A great afternoon of music, food, and drinks! All welcome. Please confirm the date on website or Facebook page, it may change.

Raft Race on Fridayth 17 August @ 7pm From Miltown Jetty to the Inn we need lots of homemade rafts to make this into a fun night, let’s try to get a new winner this year Northwinds Engineering seem unstoppable ……The challenge is on, who can beat them and claim the 88-pint prize. Rules are 4 per raft, it must be all homemade even the paddles Further prize for first ladies raft, and best dressed raft too. Music and BBQ @ the Inn. The Portree Lifeboat and maybe the Coastguard Helicopter will make a visit if not on callout, this is part of a fundraising event for them.

Fishing Competition and Charity Auction Dance on Saturday 18th August lots of people required to bid on the amazing prizes all donated for this fundraiser and to enjoy some great tunes, Licenced bar from 9.30 pm. At Applecross Village Hall Annual Bed Push Saturday August 25th The Greater Manchester Police, Servicemen and friends come up every year to raise funds. This year for Combat Stress, RNLI, and Royal British Legion they push a bed from Lochcarron to Applecross Inn over the Bealach during the day, please donate to them if you see them on the road. We have a great raffle and music at the Inn from 9pm.

Applecross Inn-Side Out Our very popular shiny take away food truck is open from 10am to 9pm weather permitting. Serving our famous fish & chips, freshly made sandwiches, snacks, hot and cold drinks, and ice-creams from Applecross Ices. Some great new fruit sorbets have now been created too! Bealach na ba We are delighted that all works were completed three weeks early, and several small improvements have been made. Please take extra care when driving over, do not drive in convoys or park in passing places. Remember the person behind you flashing and tooting may be one of our response workers trying to reach an incident, Doctor/Nurse/Firefighter/Coastguard please let them past. Applecross Brewing Company and more! Coming soon the first batch of bottles, with the best ever design of label ………. created by our very own talented Mairi Summers, who is getting married this month , We wish Mairi and Alejandro all the very best for a wonderful happy life together.

15 16 17 The Legacy of the Vikings in Scotland

We are by now fairly familiar with such place names as Kyle-Akin and Skeabost, and the Battle of Largs in 1263 which marked the end of Viking occupation in Scotland. Skeabost is a name meaning the sheltered house, and Kyle-Akin the strait of King Hakkon. The name ‘bost’ appears all over the Hebrides as in Carbost, Leurabost, Crossbost and so on. Another name ‘shader’ denoted a sheiling.

Near Skeabost House lies St Columba’s Isle in the river Snizort. It contains the ruins of Skye’s ancient cathedral, and tradition has it that 28 chiefs of the Clan Nicolson are buried there. Nearby is a golf course which was once a field called the Field of Blood, the site of a battle between the Macleods and Macdonalds.

It is well enough known that the Vikings made many raids on our islands but there is plenty of evidence of a longer settlement up to the mid-13th century. The Kings of Norway had a series of petty Kings to control the Isle of Man and the Western Isles.

Two brothers, Reginald and Olav the Black, were rulers. Olav ruled over Lewis while his brother ruled over the remainder, though he was the younger. Olav was jealous of his brother and sought the advice of Reginald, Bishop of the Isles. He advised him to divorce his wife and marry the daughter of the Earl of Ross. His rejected wife was a sister of his brother Reginald’s wife. Reginald’s wife was furious and ordered her son, Godred Donn, to murder his uncle Olav. Godred left for Lewis with the aid of another Norseman, the Sheriff of Skye. Olav heard they were coming after him – he escaped in a small boat to join his father-in-law, the Earl of Ross. The Sheriff of Skye changed his allegiance and crossed the Minch to join Olav and the court of Ross. They decided to deal with Godred and with their supporters in two ships they set sail for Skye. Their spies discovered that Godred had taken refuge on St Columba’s islet on the river Snizort. This islet was a religious settlement, possibly dating back to St Columba himself, but certainly from 1079 when Raymond who was Bishop there was made Bishop of Skye at York. He was sub- ject to the Archbishop of Trondheim.

Olav and the Sheriff of Skye sailed into Loch Snizort at dead of night. They dragged small boats up the river and invaded the island. Godred realised he was surrounded. Olav’s men slaughtered everyone found outside the church buildings. Godred’s life was spared but his eyes were put out to ensure he could not produce any opposition to Olav’s claim to the Kingship of the Isles. This happened in 1223.

Many, many years later an excavation of a mound near Tote found a battle-axe and part of a Viking shield – perhaps, who knows, the last resting place of one of the Vikings killed in the skirmish.

Kath Koster

18 Making Woodland Work for You: Creation, management and funding

Achintraid, Kishorn, Saturday 4th August, 1.30-4.30pm

A practical walk and talk afternoon event exploring the benefits of woodland creation, management and funding opportunities.

Includes discussion on planting on marginal hill land, shelter belt planting, and how to manage existing woodland. Come along to hear and discuss what trees can do for you.

Speakers include Donnie Chisholm, of Woodland Trust Scotland and Murray Stark, Grazing Clerk of the Achintraid Township Common Grazing. Free to farmers, crofters, foresters and land managers.

Book online here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/making- woodland-work-for-you-creation-management-and-funding -registration-47547984301?ref=ebtn

For more information call Jane on 0131 666 2474, or email :- [email protected]

19 Ready to set sail for Attadale…

Lochcarron Sailing Club News

The sailing club held training week over the first week of July. Courses for juniors ran on mornings and afternoons Monday to Thursday in beautiful hot sunny weather, and adults on courses enjoyed beautiful evening sailing conditions. On Friday, everyone joined together to sail over to Attadale for a picnic and games on the shore. 34 sailors in 19 dinghies crossed accompanied by 3 rescue boats and MV Meridian. Congratulations to everyone for achieving RYA awards for their courses. Many thanks to everyone who helped make the week a success, and in particular to Jenny Baker, training principal, for organising the whole week.

Dinghy racing continues during the school holidays. Any adult who has been on an RYA course, and juniors stage 2 and up, are welcome to come and sail. Free sailing resumes at the start of the new school year on the 22nd August.

The club always welcomes new members and if you would like to try sailing or would like information on sailing and club activities, please contact Angela 722 989 or Steve 722 870.

Events for August:

Sunday 12th August: Club dinghy race 18.30

Saturday and Sunday, 18th and 19th August: Regatta

Wednesdays 22nd and 29th August: Free sailing resumes, 4.30pm onwards.

Sunday 26th August: Club dinghy race 18.00

Letter to the Editor

Dear Readers,

A rose bowl with the inscription 'Kishorn Superbowl' has puzzled quite a few of us. We think it belongs to the 'Howard Doris Days', but does anyone remember it?

Was it a competition prize? If so what for? Any information regarding this would be gratefully received.

Helen Murchison

Tel. 733242

20 Strathcarron Project supporting the Howard Doris Centre

THE STRATHCARRON PROJECT HOWARD DORIS NEWS

You will seen from the huge list of events that we had a very busy and exciting June and July and at time of print we still have more in store. What a wonderful afternoon tea party we had to mark Ciss's retirement. 22 years ago she was head hunted from the school kitchen to become the Howard Doris cook, famous for her meals, baking and legendary shortbread. We are all sad to see her go and wish her a long and happy retirement. Her recipes will continue! Many thanks to all the friends who entertained with music, singing and hilarious speeches and HUGE thanks to Carol and Ann who masterminded and prepared the feast and to all the staff who decorated the lounge so gorgeously. The photos show the staff with a few of the many friends who were there to celebrate with Ciss and another of Ciss and Morag cutting the cake. 2 other pictures are from the Raasay trip enjoyed by a happy band of day care clients. It was a gloriously sunny day and a lovely ferry crossing with a generous lunch at Raasay House. A wonderful day marred only by Bill's minor accidental nose-dive necessitating a reassuring trip to Broadford A and E on the return journey. Many thanks Ina Mackenzie for her enormously enthusiastic fund raising. Her raffled embroidered

quilt raised monies put to good use with a new TV for both the respite room and the sitting room. (pictured) She also involved her son in a sponsored head shave! All thanks to them both and we await a decision on how that will be used. Also please note the "Events at the HDC August 2018" K Liston

21 The Howard Doris Centre needs your help! Monday 20 August Gardening Day Tuesday 21 August The Strathcarron project which runs the Skittles, Lounge 1:45pm Howard Doris Centre is raising funds to cover Wednesday 22 August future shortfalls in funding. North Coast 50, After Lunch Thursday 23 August Please support us. Become a Friend of The Guided Imagery, Small Lounge 11:30am Friday 24 August Strathcarron Project with a regular donation by Men's Shed, Bealach Café direct debit Monday 27 August Eye health awareness, Display Why are we asking for your help? Boccia Bowling, Lounge 1:45pm Tuesday 28 August Invergordon Trip, All day Austerity has hit local councils and integrated Wednesday 29 August NHS services hard. Games Afternoon, Lounge 1:45pm Please email Thursday 30 August [email protected] or pick up a form Discover your Creativity ,Lounge 11:30am at Howard Doris Centre reception. Friday 31 August Producers day, Village hall Photography, Lounge 1:45pm More details are available on Other regular weekly events www.strathcarronproject.org We look forward to hearing from you. Sunday Praise and worship, Main Lounge, 4.00pm Monday & Friday Dates for your Diary Bridge Group, Library, 1.30pm Monday Wednesday 1 August Cross Stitch & Tapestry, Lounge, 2.00pm Sisters Display Tuesday Thursday 2 August Knit and Knatter, Small Lounge, 2.00pm Discover your Creativity, Lounge 11:30am Wednesday Shopping in Kyle, Directly after lunch Quilting & Patchwork Group, a chat if you prefer. Dining Friday 3 August Room, 2.00pm Photography, Lounge 1:45pm Friday Getting IT Together, for those annoying computer problems, Monday 6 August Lounge, 11:00am Poetry, Library 11:30am Tuesday 7 August Our website address is www.HowardDorisCentre.org.uk. Summer themed Bingo, Lounge 1:45pm Wednesday 8 August Pampered Palms, Lounge 11:30am Lochcarron Amateur Thursday 9 August Guided Imagery, Small Lounge 11:30am Dramatic Society Friday 10 August Men's Shed, Bealach Café Skittles, Lounge 1:45pm Monday 13 August A.G.M. Notice Tai Chi ,Dining Room 11:30am Raiki ,Small Lounge 11:30am Tuesday 14 August Summer Quiz, Lounge 1:45pm Wednesday 15 August August 9th at 7.30pm in Boccia Bowling, Lounge 1:45pm Book group, Small Lounge 1:30pm the Small Hall Thursday 16 August Discover your Creativity, Lounge 11:30am Points of View, Small Lounge 1:45pm Friday 17 August Lochcarron Drama Club Photography, Lounge 1:45pm all welcome.

22 The family of the late Hazel Gordon wish to thank all those friends and neighbours who sent messages of sympathy. Grateful thanks also to those who travelled a long way to Available by ordering attend her funeral. online or from local A particular thank you to those retail outlets. who cared for Hazel during her long illness at home and in the Visit care home in Daviot. www.lochcarron.org.uk Special thanks to Rev Francis Minay for an uplifting service for information about and John Frazer for their local events, where to sensitivity over the funeral arrangements. stay, eat, shop and visit. The sum of £209 was raised for the Chest Heart Stroke Assn. Kenneth Gordon

23 Community Councils’ Minutes Comhairle Choimhearsnachd Gearr-chunntais

LOCHCARRON COMMUNITY COUNCIL Highland Council Quality Awards 2018 – no Minutes (unapproved) of Meeting held on 9 Ju- nominations. ly 2018 Earth Anchors Notice Boards – information passed to Aileen. Members Present: Mrs Helen Murchison (chair), Ferguson Transport – Secretary will distribute Aileen Grant, John MacPherson and Roger Cun- Minutes and Agendas, etc. diff (Treasurer and Minute Taker). Winter Resilience Programme – Secretary is Also present: Mike Bauermeister and Robert Mac- dealing with matter. Innes. Highland Senior Citizens Network – copy of Apologies received from Emma McCallum, newsletter available from Secretary. Quentin Banting and Alec Cormack. No Police Feedback. Minutes of previous meeting were agreed by John Any Other Business MacPherson and Roger Cundiff. Mike Bauermeister gave an update, mentioning a Matters Arising Local Engagement Meeting on 23 August 2018 to Waste Bin at Hall now removed. advise local residents of current situation. Hi Vis jackets – dealt with. Planning application for 33 kv power line – Date of Next Meeting – Monday 13 August at details rather scant in relation to environ- 7.30pm in Small Hall, Village Hall. mental impact. Roger will investigate. School beach clean – very successful and thanks to school. Remembrance Wreath – Roger confirmed that Mackay wreath would be ordered shortly and that I, Joan, would like to express my sincere local Churches were liaising regarding a thanks to family, friends and neighbours for service at the War Memorial. all the kind expressions of sympathy, by 30mph wheelie bin stickers suggested by PC cards, flowers, food, money and baking Allan – agreed to order a pack. received, following the sad loss of my son, Lochcarron Community Fund – no applica- Lindsay. tions, but John mentioned possibility of A big thank you to Joanna Mackinnon for her support, guidance and for the fantastic funding a first aid course for P7 pupils at tribute to Lindsay. school. He will progress the matter. To Paddy Munroe, William T Fraser and Chairman’s Report Son, undertakers for their sensitive funeral Helen had attended meeting last week in relation arrangements, to the Beaufort Hotel for to deer in Achintraid. There were still problems. refreshments. Thanks to Allan Dumbar for She had also attended meeting re closure of conducting the service and to all who Bypass, and was concerned about ac- attended at Inverness crematorium. cess to Broadford Hospital. She felt that our MSP should be involved and will visit the Constit- Lastly from the bottom of my heart, a huge uency Office in Dingwall. thank you to “my Rock”, my amazing Treasurer’s Report sister, Angela and to my super nieces, Balance of Community Council Account was Amy, Lisa and Sarah and their partners. £2,403.43, having received Highland Council Keith and my cousin Ann Mackay. I grant of £426.68 and spent £12.00 on Hall Hire. would not have coped with out you all. Balance of Community Fund remained at Thank you. £4,617.24. Roger confirmed that there was likely to be a re- quest from the Barrel Scheme to cover provision of more benches, etc. Discussion took place re- Apologies to Alfie Edwards on my error garding improved notice boards, and Aileen will in last months issue. It should have read discuss part funding from Business Association. that this year Alfie is donating £3000 to Correspondence and Secretary’s Report the Highland Hospice and not £300 Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust which was printed. – nominations to Board – no volunteers. Local Democracy Reporter re removal of play- Michelle Teago, parks – no action. An Carrannach

24 25 26 27 28 Are you keen on gardening? Can you help us? We would love either a regular contributor or alternatively a series of one-off pieces - can you tell us more about what you enjoy in gardening? Do get in touch. [email protected]

Lochcarron Bistro

Open from 5pm Monday-Saturday 01520 722799

29

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30 HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION CHRIS HINGLEY Broom Cottage is a detached bungalow in TREE SERVICES Lochcarron available throughout the year as self-catering accommodation on a weekly basis; part-weeks are also offered. Broom Cottage sleeps up to four people in one double bedroom and one twin-bedded room. A modern property, equipped to a very high standard, it has everything required for a comfortable stay. Free use of an Internet link is included in the accommodation price. Broom Cottage offers ample off-street parking and a pleasant garden. All aspects of tree surgery & No smoking is allowed in the property. felling undertaken by certified and Pets are welcome by prior arrangement. insured operator. www.broomcottagelochcarron.co.uk tel: Louise Martin 01520 722607  Chris on 01520 744452 Or email [email protected]

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31 WATERSIDE CAFE LETTING OF CROFT TENANCY Main Street Lochcarron Keith Jones of Hillside, Lochcarron, Telephone: 01520 722 303 Strathcarron IV54 9YQ is applying to let the LOCHCARRON’S 2ND YEAR RUNNING AWARD WINNING CAFÉ tenancy of part of Croft 444 & 445 Wester

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32

A. L. J Plumbing and Roofing

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34

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TREE SURGERY HOLIDAY COTTAGE TO LET - ELMBANK, LOCHCARRON

Tree Surgery carried Situated in a quiet lane and enjoying out by an stunning views across , Elmbank experienced and is a traditional detached stone cottage set in its own delightful country gardens. fully insured This attractive cottage is beautifully presented operator. throughout. The pretty living room has wood effect floors with lovely rugs, and a welcoming wood-burning stove. There is a separate dining Up-to-date test certificates. room with comfortable seating as well as a sofa Est.1979 bed for extra guests. The three bedrooms on the first floor are bright Email and cosy and all rooms have superb views [email protected] across to the sea loch and the surrounding hills. All aspects of garden work The gardens are a real feature of the cottage with masses of flowering shrubs. carried out, grass cutting, hedge trimming, strimming etc. Phone DAVID THOMSON on 07960 443475 [email protected] Lochcarron 722347 (evenings) www.lochcarroncottage.co.uk Elmbank Cottage, Church Street, Lochcarron, Ross-shire IV54 8YQ K and A CAMERON GENERAL CONTRACTORS 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 • 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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