Kiltarlity News

Published by Kiltarlity Community Council Issue No. 20 AUGUST 2009 50p Village housing plan approved

he Glebe housing development is to note that the Glebe developers must Tto go ahead, but initially will be install temporary surface water drain- PUBLIC MEETING limited to 14 houses, although permis- age to prevent flooding and contamina- sion has been granted in principle for tion during construction and ensure that BOBLAINY a total of 24 houses. there is no overspill of surface water LET’S USE In the first phase, there must be at least onto the public roads. three affordable houses - affordable And there is to be no question of a OUR LOCAL FOREST housing must eventually comprise 25% start to house building until it can be of the total. And developers must ensure demonstrated that the development can PUBLIC ACCESS; RECREA- that there is proper drainage for surface be served by a water supply. TION; ARCHAEOLOGY water so that there will be no possibility Further building can only be started of excess water escaping from the estate, with the permission of the Council. TUESDAY giving hope that the chronic problem of water flooding into the Hall car park will 15TH SEPTEMBER be ended. 7.00 pm Highland Council planners have im- Culnaskiach Falls KILTARLITY HALL posed a number of further conditions on the Glebe estate developers: rediscovered SPEAKERS FROM FORESTRY no phase of the development can start COMMISSION, ABRIACHAN until the Council is satisfied that all ar- ighteen people turned out for AND REELIG WOODLANDS chaeogical finds in the area are preserved Etwo enjoyable early summer and recorded; walks to view the Culnaskiach Falls ALSO: 3.30 PM - 5.30 PM in order to provide an entrance to the in the depths of Boblainy Forest. EXHIBITION/ estate, the School road must first be wid- The evening walks were joined by DROP-IN SESSION ened and improved; folk of different ages who were blessed STAFFED BY a play area with at least five pieces of with reasonable weather on both eve- FORESTRY COMMISSION AND play equipment must be ready before the nings. COMMUNITY COUNCIL first residents move in ; Such is the continuing level of interest arrangements must be in place for the that the Community Council plan to areas of open space, verges and play area organise another walk to the falls next to be maintained before work on the site year. (See separate article on Boblainy can start. An ongoing maintenance Forest for plans to promote other forest scheme will become a legal responsibil- walks and give encouragement to any- ity of homeowners. Open space between one wishing to start up a local walking the estate and the Hall is to be designated group.) as a community area; a one metre high stone dyke must be built right along the north boundary of the estate (facing the Hall). Once work has started, working hours on the site are to be between 7 am and 8 pm on week days, between 8 am and 1 pm on Saturdays with no work to be car- ried out on Sundays or public holidays. Readers who recall the muddy roads Above Not Niagara but well worth see- which resulted when the Post Office Brae ing. Left Walkers at new bridge link- houses were being built will be interested ing Culburnie and Ardendrain 2

Boblainy Forest

iltarlity Community Council’s K plans for increasing the recrea- tional use of Boblainy Forest and a re- lated archaeology project are making progress. On Tuesday 15th September, at 7 pm in Kiltarlity Hall there will be a public meeting to assess the level of local inter- est. The meeting will be addressed by speakers from the Forestry Commission and from other communities which have successfully increased the use of their local forests. Before the evening meeting there will be a small display and drop-in session in the Hall from 3.30 - 5.30 pm . It must be emphasised that Boblainy is still a working forest with felling and replanting programmes for well into the 2030s and beyond, so the current plans for increased use by the community do not include any proposal for a commu- nity buy-out of the forest, though this has been appropriate elsewhere - and is cur- No response on Kiltarlity signs but rently being proposed for Aigas wood- land. ( See sparate report) Highland Council alters Should there be a good response to the public meeting, funding applications will bilingual stance then be made to carry out the first phase of improvements to public access at Cul- burnie, Tor of Boblainy and Ardendrain. iltarlity Community Council is to Kiltarlity names are anglicised Gaelic These improvements will include car K seek a response from Highland but a few, such as Foxhole and Hugh- parking (beyond which access would be Council officials on the paper recently ton have no agreed Gaelic version, and on foot or by bicycle), picnic benches, submitted on the inadequacy of local Eskadale is Norse.) information boards and waymarking. road signs. Meanwhile Highland The Council is prepared to allow local Forestry Commission staff along with Council members have agreed minor consultation on new and replacement KCC representatives and Cllr Margaret changes to its approach to the erection street name signs while stressing that Davidson visited the forest in May to of bilingual signs. This has required a bi-lingual signs should be encouraged. discuss on-site the planned access im- change in the Council’s Gaelic Lan- The responsibility for ensuring road provements, and also saw the new bridge guage Plan which is to be to for- signs conform to the Council’s Gaelic which links tracks from Culburnie and warded to Bòrd na Gàidhlig (the Plan lies with the Area Roads and Ardendrain and now enables all timber to Gaelic Board) for their consideration. Community Works Manager but there be extracted via the A83 rather than us- The extent to which local people, ei- is a commitment that these signs will ing the narrow winding public roads ther through the Community Council be bilingual where an authentic Gaelic around Culburnie. (Though there have or otherwise, are to be consulted is not translation exists. Statutory highway been reports of timber lorries continuing particularly clear. signs e.g. Give Way will not be pro- to use the latter route; if this persists The Council will note the advice of duced bilingually. please contact the KCC Secretary - see Ainmean Aite na h-Alba (Place Names New street names are the responsibil- KCC contact list on Page 19 - who of Scotland), the organisation set up to ity of the Ward Manager who will be will raise your concerns with the Forestry establish correct and consistent forms of required to consult the local councillors Commission.. Gaelic place names and will also estab- and, where appropriate (our italics), Our early summer walks to the Cul- lish a procedure for resolving disputes with the relevant Community Council. naskiach Falls proved popular (see sepa- through a Gaelic Names Sub-Committee Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba (AÀA), also rate article) and we will be leading or consisting of 10 members (cross-party, known as Gaelic Place-Names of Scot- promoting various walks in Boblainy with 3 members from the Gaelic Com- land, has members drawn from the Forest in future years. There are huge mittee). Highland local authorities, Bòrd na walking opportunities in the Kiltarlity Bi-lingual directional road signs will Gàidhlig, Comunn na Gàidhlig (the area, both in and outwith our local for- only be erected where there is a true Gaelic Association), HIE, the Ord- ests. Anyone thinking of starting a local Gaelic name – since a bilingual sign can nance Survey, the Scottish Place-Name walking group can be assured of support only be meaningful where there is both a Society and the UHI Millennium Insti- and background information on local Gaelic and an anglicised name. (Most tute . walking opportunities from KCC. 3

pylonpressure.com moves from one DRAINAGE DOCTORS Iain Goodwill Trust location to another every ten days at Mark Goodwill writes most - we’ve had no complaints from local landowners (fence owners to be SEPTIC TANKS AND s you may have seen in the press, more precise!) so thanks for that. SOAKAWAYS A we have had a breakthrough in The Scottish Government has led us the quest to prevent driveway acci- to expect a decision on the huge Public dents. Inquiry Report this year . Late autumn REPAIRS AND At a recent European Commission seems the most likely time so cam- INSTALLATION meeting where the issue of safety devices paigning will be stepped up from the was discussed, representatives from the end of this month. This will include a European Automobile Manufacturers TEL: ANDY BAWDEN new poster, and a new post card featur- 01463 741468 Association and the Japanese Automo- ing two quotations about the impor- bile Manufacturers Association agreed to tance of unspoiled landscape to the hu- Or the secondary safety device that Iain’s man psyche. ALI MATHESON Trust has been campaigning for. All new Each of these quotations is among the 01349 877629 models with a push-button start (push- twenty-five or so, dealing with many button starts are becoming standard) will aspects of the human existence which be fitted with a device to prevent acci- are engraved into the stonework of one Busy summer for dental starting, making a repeat of the wall of the Scottish Parliament. accident that claimed our son’s life im- These messages, from prominent Kiltarlity and Kirkhill possible with these cars. Scots of times past are surely intended This is fantastic news but there are still to be for the guidance of the many Churches many cars in use easily started by a Government Ministers and MSPs who young child. Car owners need to be pass by every day as they walk along Wedding Kiltarlity and Kirkhill made aware of this, particularly if they the Canongate towards the main en- Minister Willis Jones’ and wife Pat’s ever look after young children. Acci- trance to the Parliament building, guid- daughter Heidi was married to Mr Tony dents on public roads are well- ance which should tell them that the Hercus on 18 July 2009. The wedding documented, but the appalling number of industrialisation of our best landscapes was held in a marquee in an Inverness accidents and near misses involving cars and victimisation of our populated ru- garden and a good time was had by all on private property are not. In order to ral communities by mega pylons is not despite the heavy rain. The father of the better understand these incidences Iain’s acceptable. bride is reported to have been resplen- Trust and RoSPA have produced a short, By refusing to properly discuss under- dent in his "Spirit of Scotland" tartan kilt. on-line survey. If you are a parent, grounding, SSE forced a public inquiry Daughter Heidi is Parish Assistant at grandparent or carer of a child less than and opted to incur huge costs which the Trinity Church, Inverness. seven years old we ask you to spare a consumer is now being forced, by OF- Garden Party Avril and Iain Marr, few minutes to complete the survey GEM, to pay with increased bills. Eilanreach House, Newtonhill, invited please: www.rospa.com/childrenincars Meanwhile, despite the quasi legal pro- members of Kirkhill and Kiltarlity con- Please also encourage your friends to cedure of the expensive public inquiry gregations to an open Garden Tea Party take part.. The more responses we have, Holyrood committees and powerful on Sunday afternoon, August 2 nd . There the more accurate the findings , allowing pro-pylon interest groups seem entirely was no charge, but donations to Kirkhill us to provide the best information possi- free to influence the outcome with pre- Church Development Fund were wel- ble to keep our driveways safer for mature and well publicised pronounce- comed. young children. ments. Website The Kiltarlity and Kirkhill Please help us make driveways safer Churches website ( www. places for children - don’t let the death of kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk) has reached a Iain be in vain. total of over 7,500 visits in the last Mark G Goodwill, (Telephone 741854) twelve months. Average daily visits to the site during July were a record 28. Thanks go to David Garvie for maintain- Power Line ing and improving this website each update month. Holiday Club Kirkhill and Kiltarlity Churches invited all primary school age ith Scottish Ministers and children to Beaufort Castle, through the MSPs on holiday over July and W generosity of Anne Gloag, for an inaugu- much of August, the continuing cam- ral five day Summer Holiday Club at the paign against the Beauly Denny power Castle between 10th and 14th August. line has been low-key. The Holiday Club had a cowboy and However, our colourful objection post- cowgirl theme. cards are still available at the Kiltarlity Village Store and at Brockies Lodge Ho- tel, while the Pylon Pressure banner pub- Wedding Bride and groom with licising the campaign website www. the bride’s parents 4

Getting away from Westminster from Danny Alexander MP t is always a great pleasure to be sary to appease the Daily Telegraph. A which local families and businesses are I back working full-time here in the General Election will be a chance for facing – and that has rarely been more Highlands over the summer recess, but the public to have their say – and to important than in the course of the con- perhaps especially this year . vote either for more of the same, or to tinuing economic storm we are facing. The justified anger of the public over take back power for themselves by re- Later this summer, I’m hoping – as the expenses scandal has taken its toll on forming the system from top to bottom. much as the timetabling of meetings al- Parliament, at a time when the Govern- As the recess approached, my col- lows – to visit community councils and ment itself seems largely to have run out league Charles Kennedy told me that other local organisations which meet on of steam. One of the strongest arguments “MPs are like manure”. According to weekday evenings when I would nor- for a General Election to be held sooner Charles, “Piled up in London we only mally need to be in London. If you are rather than later is that little serious legis- create a bad smell, but spread out involved in an organisation and would lative work will be done between now across the country we may be able to like to bend my ear about something, or and next May, when an election has to be do some good!” just to let me see and understand what held anyway. Perhaps it is a sign of the times that you are doing, I will do my best to come The expenses issue showed just how some people will feel that colourful along. Just let me know of any meeting badly broken our politics is. But neither metaphor is, on the whole, a little bit dates you have planned for August and the Government nor the Conservative generous! September by emailing opposition are interested in serious re- In seriousness, though, the long recess [email protected] or call- form. Transparency over MPs’ expenses is not a holiday for MPs, as some mem- ing 01463 711280. is long overdue, but the Westminster es- bers of the press might have you be- More generally, if you do miss me tablishment has no intention of rocking lieve – although I concede that it is a when I am in Kiltarlity, don’t hesitate to the boat any further than strictly neces- welcome break from the constant com- use those details to get in touch about mute between the Highlands and West- other issues – or to write or call in at my minster. office at 45 Huntly Street, Inverness, IV3 A longer period of uninterrupted time 5HR. Helping you solve problems or ABRIACHAN at home is a very valuable chance to do raise concerns is what MPs are here for – what MPs should do – get out and and I will always do my best for you. NURSERIES about, and speak to the people who Note: Danny Alexander is the Westmin- they represent. ster MP for the Inverness, Nairn, Bade- www.lochnessgarden.com I try to make myself as easy to contact noch and Strathspey Constituency, as possible throughout the year – by which contains most of Kiltarlity. The Tel. 01463 861232 post, by email, by telephone, and last change in Westminster constituen- through my website. Even so, there is cies split Kiltarlity along the boundary nothing quite like speaking to people between the now defunct wards of Offering Excellent Quality on their own terms in their own com- Kirkhill and Beauly and Strathglass , so and local Value munity. Very often a different range of western parts of Kiltarlity are in Ross, issues can be raised, because people Skye and Lochaber and represented in Old Fashioned Primroses & feel more able to talk about opinions London by Mr Alexander’s colleague Primula Auriculas & Single and experiences which may not be Charles Kennedy. See also Page 7 Colour Hellebores problems with immediate solutions, but reflect in an important way on the work Parliament should be doing in the fu- An excellent range of spring ture. Hardy Herbaceous I count myself very fortunate to repre- ABC PLANT HIRE Perennials; Shrubs and sent an area which not only contains David Austin Roses – some of the finest and most famous landscapes in the UK – from the Cairn- DIGGERS AND DUMPERS Including Jacobite Rose gorms, to Dava Moor, Loch Ness and SKILLED OPERATORS the Beauly Firth – but a huge number Open Every Day 9am-5pm of diverse and strong communities too. I have used this time every year since Tel: ANDY OR ALI I was first elected to make sure that I 01463 741468 Just 5 miles from visit as many communities as possi- Or Kiltarlity, over the ble – both to hold a short advice sur- 07999 352399 Abriachan hill and gery and to speak to constituents on a right on to the A82 less formal basis too. Invariably, this LOWER towards throws up a lot of work which may oth- Drumnadrochit erwise be neglected, but it also helps a DRUMNAGARRACHAN, lot to get a balanced sense of the issues KILTARLITY 5 How does a beehive work and what do summer bees do? Kiltarlity beekeeper John Cartilidge, continues his series on bees

owards the end of January or be- Tginning of February the queen bee begins to lay the eggs which will become the "summer bees". March and April herald the arrival of spring and the winter bees which have lived throughout the winter and ensured the survival of the colony, begin to die. This is all part of the life cycle of the honey bee. Winter bees live for ap- proximately six months, summer bees for thirty days! A queen bee, who is one year old and in her prime, will lay up to 2,000 eggs per day. She must build up the colony size to ensure there are sufficient bees for the major job of collecting food stores for feeding the young brood and to see the colony through the following winter. The beekeeper provides a hive consist- ing of a floor on to which is placed a colony should swarm or not, usually on specifically stocking bee friendly plants. brood box . The bees fly in and out the basis of: (a) Is there sufficient food For those who are interested, ask for through the slot between the brood box in the area? (b) Are the site conditions Susan Mullins, a bee friendly person, at and the floor. Inside the brood box are 12 still good or have they been interfered the garden centre; she will be happy to wooden frames, each carrying a sheet of with? (c) Is there sufficient room to advise you on which plants provide nec- wired wax foundation embossed with the continue to expand in the hive? (d) Is tar and/or pollen. "honey comb" print. The worker bees the queen laying enough eggs (and pro- produce wax through a wax gland and ducing enough bees)? HONEY RECIPE draw out individual wax cells to form the If the colony decides to swarm the honey comb. The queen lays an egg in bees will make a queen cell to provide Honey and Almond Flapjacks each cell building up around the centre to a new young queen. The old queen will form a large ball across the frames in the leave the hive (swarm) with some of 3oz (75g) Set honey middle of the brood box. The eggs laid in the bees (known as a caste ) leaving the 4oz (125g) Butter, cut in pieces this way will become "worker bees", all young queen to emerge and take over (unsalted butter if possible) of which are female. The egg of a worker her duties. First the young queen must 2oz (50g) Soft light brown sugar bee takes 21 days to develop. The life fly up to the "drone" level and be 7oz (200g) Jumbo rolled oats cycle of the worker bee is, first, as a mated. This event happens only once, 1½ oz (40g) Blanched almonds, cut "nurse bee" to feed the emerging baby but with several male drones, after in slivers bees, then "house bee", to keep the hive which she returns to the hive and even- 2 tablespoons (30ml) Sesame seeds tidy and polish cells in which the queen tually after maturing begins to lay the ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) Mixed spice will lay. She will then become a "guard next generation of bees. bee" to guard the entrance against any Honey bees play the huge and very Preheat Oven - 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. unwelcome visitors or robbers, and fi- important role of pollinator for com- Grease and line a shallow square tin nally, a "flying bee" to collect pollen and mercial crops such as apples, pears, 7 inch (18 cm). nectar. Pollen is protein to feed the baby strawberries, raspberries, blackberries/ Place honey and butter in saucepan bees and nectar is the raw material to brambles, oil seed rape, to mention a over a low heat until melted. make honey, their food stores. few just for example. In fact they are Stir in sugar to dissolve. The male bees, known as "drones" take responsible for pollinating 25 to 30% Remove from heat. 24 days to emerge and are not required of the food we eat and pollinate 90 Add the oats, almonds, half the sesame until the swarming season, usually May- crops world wide. Add to this the huge seeds and mixed spice and stir until June. The colony is usually up to full pollination of all our wild and garden evenly coated. Turn into the prepared strength by this time, ie 60,000 to 80,000 flowers, plants and trees and you can tin and level the surface. Sprinkle over bees according to how good the weather see how central they are to our very the remaining sesame seeds. is and the age of the queen - reflecting existence and indeed how the planet Bake for 20-25 minutes or until her ability to lay. It has been calculated looks! golden. Leave to cool for 5 minutes. that the queen's laying capacity falls off You can help bees to survive by plant- Cut into squares. Leave until firm then by approximately 20% each year of her ing "bee friendly" plants, bushes and transfer to wire rack to finish cooling. life. trees in your garden. Our own local Store in an airtight container. It is the worker bees who decide if the garden centre, Highland Liliums, (Makes 9 flapjacks.) strongly supports honey bees and is 6

Good old days on the croft recalled

t two showings in June of a A unique rural roadshow Kiltarlity schoolchildren and older folk were re- minded of crofting life in past times by Isabel Campbell MBE. Isabel, though nowadays based in Lochaber, grew up as Isabel MacLean at Boblainy, Kiltar- lity. The audiences were taken on a trip through the crofthouse kitchen of her childhood with its massive open fire and cast iron pots and pans, pre-electric irons and Tilley lamps. Highlight of the eve- ning was fresh butter, churned and fin- ished on the spot by daughter Linda, and sampled by children and adults alike. Clockwise from Also on show were outdoor imple- top left: Linda ments from an unusual Lochaber cowbell to the corn ‘sowing box’ for broadcasting shows how to make seed, once a familiar sight on local crofts butter; some in springtime. things no Isabel Campbell’s determination that crofthouse could the rural past should not be forgotten has do without; some led to the establishment of the Lochaber Rural Education Trust based in “An Cla- outdoor equipment chan” in the Lochaber Rural Complex at here (including a Torlundy on the outskirts of Fort Wil- sowing ‘box’); liam. more useful items; June’s events were organised by the a man (or woman) Trust in co-operation with Kiltarlity Hall sized butter churn; Association and Tomnacross Primary School. Isabel is keen to take her enter- some of the audi- taining roadshow more often beyond ence who enjoyed Lochaber and particularly into the rural their trip into the communities at the north end of the past. Great Glen. She can be contacted on 01397 708642/703819 and at [email protected] 7

Kiltarlity and neighbours written out of new constituency

evised proposals for new Holy- R rood boundaries avoid splitting Kiltarlity between two constituen- cies – as was proposed in a Highland Council alternative. Astonishingly, however, our new constituency is to be called Skye, Lochaber and Bade- noch , despite the fact that Aird and Loch Ness ward, together with neighbouring Ross-shire wards, Dingwall and Seaforth, and the Black Isle, contain almost half of all the voters – and far more than any of the areas mentioned in the title. Kiltarlity Community Council was represented at the Inverness Public Inquiry into the new boundaries in November 2008 by CC member “Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch” Ronald MacLean, who has submit- ted a further representation suggest- mission itself will now accept no and boundaries in Scotland for each ing the name be changed to Mid and further representations, the Com- of the four main levels of govern- West Highland (the first name pro- munity Council agreed to inform it ment (and a fifth voting system for posed by the Commission was West of their support for Mr MacLean. community councils) and these Highland) so that all areas can be The Commission will not present changes complicate maters further. fairly included. its final recommendations to the While Kiltarlity is not to be divided The Community Council agreed at Secretary of State for Scotland until for Holyrood elections, the area was its August meeting to support Mr June 2010. recently divided for Westminster MacLean’s representation and to Highland Council had favoured elections and is currently represented seek the support of other Community the creation of four Highland con- by Danny Alexander, MP for Inver- Councils, local MSPs and council- stituencies, but councillors have ness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strath- lors. Although the Boundary Com- agreed to accept the three constitu- spey (which contains most of Kiltar- ency arrangement recommended in lity - previously within Kirkhill the Boundary Commission’s re- Ward), and Charles Kennedy, MP for The proposed new Highland vised proposals, which avoid split- Ross, Skye and Lochaber. Ross, Skye (Holyrood) constituencies ting Inverness City between con- and Lochaber contains the Culburnie, Inverness and Nairn CC 61,600 stituencies. But Highland Council Fanellan, Kinerras and Eskadale Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch CC are now objecting to the Commis- area - on the basis that it used to be 56,470 sion’s proposal to include Dumbar- within Beauly and Strathglass Ward. Caithness, Sutherland and Ross CC 55,690 ton Constituency in the wider High- It may be that the low turnout in the lands and Islands Region, to be rep- recent European elections was due to How the wards make up our resented by the Scottish Parliament our incredibly confusing arrange- new constituency Highlands and Islands list MPs. Ex- ments. For Holyrood, it is difficult to Part of Wester Ross, Strathpeffer & tending the south-western boundary see how being in a constituency Lochalsh - about 2,500 within Skye, of the Region to include Helens- named as consisting of entirely sepa- Lochaber and Badenoch burgh and Dumbarton, the High- rate communities will help matters. Dingwall & Seaforth 9,067 land Council says, would be to add One improvement in the system is Black Isle 8,015 an area which has nothing in com- that Kiltarlity voters in the western Eilean a' Cheo (Skye) 8,076 Caol & Mallaig 6,683 mon with the Highlands and Islands area who used to have to vote in the Aird & Loch Ness 8,495 and should not be done merely to Phipps Hall are now able to vote in Part of Badenoch & Strathspey - 5,360 balance numbers of voters. Kiltarlity Hall - a change which within Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch Voters are likely to be even more took effect at least for the recent Fort William & Ardnamurchan 8,677 confused by these proposals. There European elections. are already different voting systems 8

clerical position until 1998 when ill Obituaries We are happy to print all obituaries submitted to us. . health forced his early retirement. From his early years John had grown up Gloria will be missed by friends and playing shinty and played both in Cul- Gloria Braithwaite family for the enthusiasm she put into burnie and Tomnacross Schools. During September 1931 - everything she did. She is survived by his time in Glasgow he played for Glas- April 2009 husband Ben, sons James and Antony, gow Inverness-shire and was their Club daughter-in-law Anne, and grandsons Secretary for a number of years, also orn in Leeds Yorkshire, Gloria Michael and Alexander. serving as Secretary of the Southern BBraithwaite’s first job on leaving Shinty League and as a Director of the school was as shorthand typist, quickly Glasgow Celtic Society. On his return to followed by general secretary and then the North he played with Lovat Juniors personal secretary to the manager of and after hanging up his boots was a suc- the Leeds Electricity Board. cessful and very popular Second Team In her late teens she joined a firm of Manager, which was recognised by a solicitors as a legal secretary until 1955, personal trophy from the players. An- when after a long distance courtship she other notch was added to his shinty ca- married Ben . After the birth of their sec- man when he was elected a member of ond son she returned to college as a ma- the Camanachd Association’s Executive ture student to train as a teacher, teaching Committee and served for a year as Vice- shorthand and typing at first before mov- President. ing on to economics . She always took an But perhaps he will be best remembered interest in her students, particularly the as a highly efficient Secretary, for no problem ones, sometimes for years after fewer than nine years in total, of his they had left school. In the mid 60s she Gloria and Ben Braithwaite beloved Lovat Shinty Club. After joined the examination board preparing relinquishing that post, shinty continued exams for office practice while still John Munro to be a major part of John’s life and he teaching. was a valued member of the Lovat Even with this busy working life she 20 September 1939 - Shinty Club Committee right up to the still found time to drive her MG sports 6 May 2009 time of his death. car in competitive motoring events, in- A modest and unassuming man, John cluding rallying, winning the ladies’ tro- ohn Munro was born in Glasgow was a popular and extremely well known phy three years consecutively; she also J but came to live at Culburnie in member of the Kiltarlity community. He played cricket for the Yorkshire ladies’ 1941 when just a year and a half old. had an encyclopaedic knowledge of peo- team. He grew up in Culburnie and at- ple and places and an inexhaustible fund As the boys grew up, a hobby had to be tended the primary school (now of stories about them, stories which often found that they could enjoy, so boating closed) before going on to Tomna- focussed memorably on the ironies and was taken up, first motor cruising then cross Secondary School. eccentricities of local life. sailing. As usual Gloria didn't do things After leaving school, where he was A large gathering, including old shinty by half, quickly taking her Board of Dux, in 1954, he joined the Bank of colleagues from Newtonmore, Skye, Trade coastal and ocean navigator’s Scotland at Dingwall, later transferring Glasgow and elsewhere, as well as a ticket, then teaching navigation to the to Inverness. During this period he was wide circle of friends from Kiltarlity and York yacht club members. Most week- ‘called up’ and spent some time in the the local area, attended his funeral ser- ends and holidays were spent on the RAF, though this was cut short for vice in Kiltarlity Church of Scotland and coastal waters of the north sea, both U K compassionate family reasons. his burial in Tomnacross Churchyard. and Europe . She had trips as purser on In 1964 he took up a manager post He will be greatly missed by all in the both the Winston Churchill and the Mal- with a subsidiary company of the Bank shinty world, and most of all by the com- colm Miller sail training ships. of Scotland in Renfield Street, Glas- munity of Kiltarlity. Around 1985, after a serious illness, she gow, and worked and lived in Glasgow took early retirement, and had to curtail until he moved back to Inverness in sailing and any physical hobbies, so she 1973 to become a bookkeeper and took up gardening and helped Ben with wages clerk in the construction indus- the family business, the Clifton Green try. Hotel. In 1988 it was decided to retire to In 1976 he took up a similar post with Scotland to be near eldest son James, and Howard Doris at Kishorn, one of the family. Pettyvaich provided an ideal largest oil industry platform construc- place for the family and this gave Gloria tion companies and also spent some an opportunity to indulge in her interest time offshore on the North Sea. In 1986 in trees, and many of the trees she John joined the Hospital Board in In- planted are now large mature specimens. verness and worked at Raigmore until, For the last few years she was an active in 1991, he again had a change of ca- member of the British Legion Garden reer when he returned to Kiltarlity to Club, and the Inverness and District join the then new Lovat Mineral Water Fuchsia Society. Company at Fanellan. He held a senior John and faithful friend Frank 9

Iain Macdonald bringing, keeping in touch with the March 1923 – Macdonald family, with other children Tomnacross April 2009 who had lived with them, and with old school friends and neighbours. He re- turned on holiday and had done so sev- School- ain Macdonald, of Grunwald, Bel- eral times in recent years. projects and I ladrum, was born in Oban and at- He had acquired the shinty habit in tended primary and secondary school Culburnie and Tomnacross and played changes there. On leaving school he had vari- shinty in Glasgow for Glasgow Mid ous jobs before, in 1941, being called Argyll and Glasgow Inverness-shire. up at age 18 for war service. He spent Billy died on 21st May and was laid Report from four years on active service and then to rest in Glasgow after funeral Mass Mark G. Goodwill - Chairman, two further years in the Intelligence in St Peter’s, Hyndland, near to his Tomnacross Parent Council Service and Control Commission, home. He is survived by his wife Mary which included being in charge of a and a son and daughter. displaced persons’ camp. After his military service Iain Mac- donald studied at Edinburgh University and qualified as a teacher, teaching in the Nicolson Institute, Stornoway, in Hedge plants for Tain, and in Tarradale, Tore and Kiltearn the new hedge. A Primary Schools. He retired in 1983. huge thank you to One of his main interests both in and out- side school was the study of other lan- all the parents guages. who helped Throughout his married life Iain at- tended Balblair Free Presbyterian Church, from where his funeral took place. He is survived by his wife, Rena, his he Parent Council (PC) and two sons, John and Allan and his two A huge thank you to everybody who Parent Teacher Association daughters, Marie and Shona. T helped make the Gala such a success and (PTA) would like to congratulate supported the PTA. The money raised JoJo Offord in her new appointment will help buy new reading books for the William Carlin as Cluster Headteacher of Tomna- school as the pupils benefit from joining June 1940 – cross and Teanassie. the Highland Literacy Project next term. Although Mrs Offord lives locally, May 2009 This is a fantastic initiative aimed at im- she joins us from Carrbridge Primary proving literacy right across the school School where she was also head- which, in turn encourages the children to teacher. Mr Alan Danson, Acting become independent learners. Further Headteacher, put a tremendous amount information can be found at www.hvlc. of hard work into the school last term org.uk/hlp/ . for which we are all very grateful. We Nobody can have failed to have noticed send him our very best wishes as he the fantastic new school hall which is returns to North Kessock Primary. now complete and should be ready for Tomnacross had a busy Summer term full use after the summer. The hall is with many activities, including the designed to be multifunctional and will Eco-Schools project now well and truly accommodate the children for lunches, underway. Eco-Schools ( www.eco- indoor sports and concerts etc. By the schools.org.uk/ ) is an international illy Carlin was born in Glasgow same token, the removal of the old initiative designed to guide schools to- Bbut came to live at 15 Culburnie “Nissan” huts is just as welcome, both wards sustainability and help embed when he was three years old. He at- smartening the school grounds and pro- these principles into school life. Under tended primary school at Culburnie viding the necessary space for a hard sur- the expert guidance of Miss Roxanne and Tomnacross Secondary School. face outdoor play area – so we have been MacKay (Teacher P6/P7) the children After school Billy returned to Glasgow, promised! have planted a new hedge to increase working with Singers in Clydebank be- The PTA / Parent Council meetings’ are biodiversity; made paper bricks as part fore becoming a lorry driver. This job open to all parents and we would actively of a recycling project; picked up litter involved trips to the Highlands and it encourage more to attend! The meetings and taken part in the “Walk to School was in Oban that he met his wife, Mary, tend to be run as one and we try and meet Week”. Mr Graham Bell has also do- originally from South Uist. roughly twice per term. The next meet- nated a new cover for the polytunnel Billy also worked in the building trade ing is 7.30 pm, Wednesday 16 th Septem- and it is hoped that the children will be but finally became a taxi driver, a job ber at the School. from which he retired three years ago. able to start growing flowers and vege- Billy never forgot his Kiltarlity up- tables next year. 10

for some feedback on this so that we is a Master of both arts with lineage to Kiltarlity Hall can try to avoid a repeat in the future. ancient Kempo and JuJitsu Ryu Our monthly Whist Drives which are (schools). Yoshin Kempo is a modern Association held on the last Saturday of the month life-protection art based on proven bat- Veronica Tervet at 7.30 pm. have been a constant profit tlefield skills used by the ancient warri- Chairman throughout the whole year but new ors of Japan, the legendary Samurai. faces are always welcome. Yoshin Kempo is a non-competition In September we are holding a Har- martial art. Our extensive and practical ummer is passing and we will all vest Coffee morning, and in October syllabus includes: strikes, kicks, Stoo soon be into the dark nights we will have our annual Craft Fair. At punches, throws, joint locks, bone break- once again. Over the past few the start of the new year we will be ing, chokes, strangles, nerve points, months we have tried a varied selec- holding a Quiz Night in which all board breaking, bag and pad work. Cer- tion of events at the hall. Some suc- groups and clubs will be asked to put tain techniques are adjusted for, or ex- cessful others not, but, all proceeds forward a team of six. So, come the cluded from, children. The syllabus pre- raised are used for the daily mainte- dark nights get listening to quiz pro- pares Kempoka (Kempo practitioners) nance and upkeep of the hall . grammes and get the brains into gear. for a no-nonsense approach to combat. The much needed outside painting of Watch for posters nearer the time for High kicks are rarely employed as kicks the hall is now complete at a cost of these events. are generally directed at mid-to-low- nearly £3,000, but what a difference it Once again thank you to all who help level target areas whilst multiple strikes has made. in any way. The Hall would not be and punches are mainly executed to up- Isobel Campbell (Isie MacLean, there if it wasn't for your attendance at per body target areas. Practical throws Boblainy) gave a talk on 10 June on events, donations and other contribu- are performed which are designed to in- "Crofting Life In Kiltarlity" which was tions. flict maximum damage to an opponent enjoyed by the school children of See also Report on Page 13 upon impact with the ground whilst en- Tomnacross in the afternoon and was suring that the defendant does not cause followed by an evening show. About undue physical exertion to oneself. thirty people attended and joined in the Kempo techniques are studied in a safe, butter making which was followed by Kiltarlity Kempo structured and friendly environment with cheese and wine and butter tasting. a matted area for throwing techniques (See report page 6) and the system is suitable for 8 year old The July activities events appear to children, teens and adults. have gone very well with up to 23 at- here's a Martial Arts school at the Kempo classes are held on Monday tending the sports events. The Ceramic Kiltarlity Village Hall which has T evenings (from 17th August) at the Kil- and Art classes have equally been well been running for 7 years. The Martial tarlity Village Hall from 7.15 pm - 8.15 attended, and we hope this will con- Art is called Yoshin Kempo. pm for children aged 8 yrs +, and from tinue. We hope that August's events Yoshin Kempo is the martial art 7.15 pm - 8.45 pm for teens and adults. will be as well attended. taught within the Scottish Kempo The class instructor is Sensei David We participated at the Belladrum Academy and is recognised by the Munro, 2nd Dan Black Belt. Come along ‘Tartan Heart Festival' once again this Government of Japan. Yoshin being for a FREE trial lesson. If you enjoy the year and our thanks must go to Joe the style and Kempo the art, this is a trial lesson the first month of tuition is Gibbs for this opportunity. We are also Japanese term meaning Willow Heart FREE of charge!!! If you require further doing teas and home baking at Inver- Fist Law. The Yoshin Kempo Self- information please telephone 0845 838 ness Flower show on the 29th and 30th Defence system incorporates elements 5156 or visit www.kempo.co.uk of August. Once again any donations of of JuJitsu and was created by the SKA home baking are very much appreci- Founder: Kyoshi Neil Hourston, 7th SEE YOU AT KEMPO! ated. These events should mean a prof- Dan Black Belt, who lives in Tain and itable sum to allow us to paint the in- side of the hall and replace the curtains Pictured is local and tracks. Any donations can be given Kiltarlity girl: to any member of the hall committee or G e m m a contact Eunice on 741447. Mainland Our one disappointment was the show (right) with we held for the children called The Kyoshi Neil Weatherman. Although Jennifer Ken- Hourston and nedy put a lot of time and effort into Lucie MacKin- trying to make it a success with adver- tosh (Strath- tising and promotion of the event, very peffer). The few attended, though the lack of audi- girls recently ence didn't spoil the enjoyment of the passed their 1st show by those who were there. Dan Black Belt A large financial loss will have to be exams and we borne by the Hall Association, and we are very proud wonder if this was because it was a of them! Sunday show. We would be grateful 11

We would like to say a big Thank You to Kiltarlity Beavers tember and all old and new members Lorraine MacRae who has played a big will be most welcome. part in raising funds and organising eavers have had a good term with events for the club. Also to John-Al and Bquite a number of evenings spent Kathryn who have enabled the youth outside around the village hall when French Class club to continue running. the weather was fine. We started undertaking a parent rota We managed a village walk with all e continue our armchair just as numbers decreased this year but sorts of things to find out: Do you know W travel through France during hope you will all participate as this new what a 20 minute phone call costs? How the primary French lessons in Kiltar- year starts. Thanks to those parents who many steps up to the War Memorial? lity Hall. undertook this duty and I am pleased to What kind of tree is the huge one on the This year the older class transformed say they all enjoyed the experience, as village green? Ask a Beaver! the room into an aeroplane for their did the young people (So they say!) Inside the hall, we played games, did end-of-term play and flew their audi- We hope to undertake a few sponsor- crafts and made things to sell at our very ence from French-speaking Canada to ship activities to help with the funds so if successful Craft and White Elephant stall Paris. We had been learning about all you have any ideas please let us know. at the Village Gala. Thanks to all who the other countries which have French We would also like to hear from anyone contributed and bought things! as a national language – 28 in all! The with a skill or hobby willing to pass on Beavers finished up after the summer P1—P3 class also felt confident their expertise for the enjoyment of our term with a picnic and treasure hunt at enough to perform a short play in youth. Odakota's garden, which was much en- French for their parents. This was This year we are looking for other en- joyed by all. The weather was great and based on the insects we had been learn- thusiastic helpers to assist in the running the children raced round following photo ing about over the term. of Friday nights. Anyone interested clues to find the treasure. Keema pro- Classes are a mixture of songs, sto- please contact Jackie - 741701 - for de- vided a superb 'healthy eating' picnic - ries, games and drama-related activi- tails. with a few naughty extras! The Beavers ties. All of which are designed to intro- handed over a wedding present to Keema duce children to the fun part of learning and a thank you one to Jenny Collings a language. Clubs meeting in who has been helping us as part of her Classes run at a variety of times. Kiltarlity Hall Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Please call Anneliese if you are inter- We said goodbye to quite a number of ested in joining on 741038 or email: our children who are now too old, and [email protected]. School Badminton (term time); Bea- we now have plenty of spaces for any 6 vers (term time); Kempo (every year olds wishing to join. We meet on week) ; Mother & Toddlers (term Mondays at 6 pm in the Village Hall Kiltarlity Youth Club time); French for p1-p2 (term time) ; during term time (not in-service days or Kathryn Aspinall reports School Shinty (winter terms); Fitness holidays), and will start again when the Class (term time) ; Badminton Juniors school goes back in. Do come (Oct- end March); Badminton Sen- along. For information, please phone Hi everyone hope you all had a good iors; French for P3s; Shinty training; Odakota (Sheila Moir) 741618 or Keema summer. WRI (1st Wed of each month); Craft (Moira Macrae) 741229. The Youth Club has been running on class; Hall committee meeting a Friday night 8:15 to 9:45 for children (2nd Wed of each month); Commu- Kiltarlity WRI attending Primary 7 and secondary nity Council Meeting (3rd Wed - can schools. The dates are those of school Catherine MacRitchie vary); Ready Steady Go (Term term-time and all young people of these Time); Cubs (Term Time); Secretary age groups are very welcome. This th Scouts (Term Time); Indoor Football year’s session is to start on Friday 28 (Adults) (Winter Terms); French August. Class (Term Time) ; Indoor Football he WRI had a wonderful end to Last year’s session was very well at- the session. At the Federation (Children) (Term Time); First Shinty T tended for m ost of the year until the Club (Winter Terms); Youth Arts and Crafts Show in Kyleakin we bright nights came, but remember - we came home with the Cup, being over Club (Term Time); Kirkhill Football are open for business even when the Club (Winter Terms); Model Aero- all winners and having the most sun shines. points. And one of our ladies won a plane Club (Winter Terms); Whist We have available on any given night Drive (Last Sat of Month) Cup for the best exhibit for the over use of the Wii, the karaoke machine, . 70s. unihock, football, badminton etc. We came home on a high and to cele- Also popular were the hair and nail brate had a meal at the Loch Ness Inn at demonstrations done by Serena, Lewiston. Leanne and friends - allowing us to Club information, if not Three members, Sheila Moir, Ruth learn from the experts. Baking also Saunders and Cath MacRitchie, were given here or on proved to be a favourite with the girls, notice boards: guests at our twinning Institute at Har- so come on boys show us what you can burn, at their Gala Day. A lovely week- do. Anyone with other suggestions? 741 447 end was enjoyed by all. We are open to ideas, - let us know! Our new session starts on the 3 rd Sep- 12

love to share a pot of tea if you fancy But what about the victim? popping in. She would love to see you. David Stewart, Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, writes about his proposal for a Victims’ Commissioner for Scotland The Kuzmicki Family

y proposal for a Member’s health, education and social ser- 23rd July 2009 M Bill to create a Victims’ vices, and could also work closely My memories of Kiltarlity are of happi- Commissioner in Scotland has just with services that are provided for ness in nature. Shyness and timidity were completed a consultation exercise, victims of crime, providing advice damaging to me but I have a very lovely with valuable contributions from for Scottish Ministers on such mat- memory of my father, in the pulpit, sing- ing with the congregation “When I sur- the Scottish Police Federation, ters. The work of those who already vey the wondrous cross.” It rescued me UNISON and Victim Support Scot- in later life from a prosperous place in land. When Parliament resumes in support people affected by crime my life where my soul was tired and hun- September I will be looking again should not be underestimated. The gry and wanting ‘home’, but that is not at the proposals and publishing an Police perform invaluable tasks and of place, and I knew hunger as in Psalm analysis of the consultation. I am Victim Support Scotland provides 107 although I wasn’t familiar with that aiming to secure the support of at free emotional and practical support psalm then. If I had been it could have least 18 MSPs from half of the po- for victims of crime. Indeed, the saved me some time. I looked around and litical parties represented in Holy- charity made one of the original what I wanted wasn’t there any more, rood to enable me to introduce a proposals for a Victims’ Commis- and what I had was the opposite of what sioner in their “Manifesto for my upbringing would have asked in a Bill. soul place. Change” published in 2007. This is the start of the legislative My turning to Jesus was unpopular with process – but what would a Victims’ I believe there is a strong case for my husband but nevertheless he, a good Commissioner do? One million peo- a Scottish Victims’ Commissioner, man, gave in and found a new life him- ple are victims of crime in Scotland a case that would make Scotland self – but not with me in spirit. What I each year. They can experience fully compliant with European in- know now and didn’t know then is that shock, fear, anger and low self- struments such as the Framework all the things that were poured on us as esteem and this leaves them vulner- Decision on the Standing of Vic- children were of wisdom, truth and time- able during the criminal process. tims in Criminal Proceedings. I be- lessness and I am privileged to have had I believe that it should be the re- lieve that, with cross party support, that Kiltarlity upbringing that I cherish this proposed Bill could bring the immensely in my deep places. Never sponsibility of the criminal justice again will I compromise Christ’s place system and supporting organisations voice of victims and witnesses to for mammon. to help protect, compensate and the heart of government in Scot- guide victims through the maze of land. Isobel Davie the system. Victims are often in distress and We would like to have letters from read- may not know who to turn to or who LETTERS ers, on any topic, local or general. can give them a voice. Is it not ironic Please write soon. that we have a Commissioner for 4 August 2009 convicted prisoners but not for vic- As some of you may know, our mother tims? My Bill would create a Vic- Lena Kuzmicki has left Kiltarlity and is tims’ Commissioner for Scotland now settled in Cameron House, Cul- who can advocate, advance and as- duthel Road, Inverness. sert the rights of victims and wit- During the years Mam has lived in nesses to crime, and who can play a Allarburn Drive she made many friends part in addressing issues and devel- through her sewing, church and social events in the area. Special mention oping a comprehensive and effective must go to her wonderful caring strategy for victims. neighbours – people like you are the I see a Commissioner being a focal family we chose ourselves. Thank you point for signposting victims to ap- to everyone who looked out for her and propriate support organisations; a therefore helped her stay at home for so Commissioner could also highlight long; many of whom we don’t know the views of injustice that victims personally but please accept our heart- suffer as a group, such as in the han- felt gratitude. dling of cases involving rape. The It is said that it takes a village to bring up a child; it took a village to protect Commissioner could review the ef- Mam. fectiveness and long term practices Mam is a lot less aware than she was relating to victims in areas such as but still laughs and smiles and would 13

Good summer for Hall Association Major Consultation for Summer activities Report 2009 Community Council from Eunice Ramsden, Secretary Review he Hall Association held a series of Summer Fun Activities mainly for chil- ollowing a national review of com- dren of primary school age. The activities included: T munity councils by the Scottish Sport Week by John-Al MacAulay, Tomnacross, proved exceedingly popular and F Government, to which Kiltarlity Com- enjoyable. munity Council, along with others Ceramics Week by Keira Brown, Beauly, was fully subscribed. throughout Scotland, contributed, Guitar Class sponsored by Highland Council Traditional Music was well attended. Highland Council are now undertak- ‘Highland Games’ Collage organised by Mieka White – many children took part ing a major review of community completing a large permanent feature to be displayed in the community hall. councils within Highland Drama Group – this one-day event had a limited appeal but was fairly well sup- The Council has agreed to replace the ported and thoroughly enjoyed by those who took part. existing eight district schemes with one Aigas Group had a number attending and was enjoyed by all. The theme was the Highland-wide scheme, based on the red squirrel. model scheme produced by the Scottish The Hall Association would like to thank everyone for their support, especially the Government review, but adapted to local Councillors who approved the award of grant aid. circumstances. Highland Council’s re- Also, on 7 th & 8 th August members of the Hall Association provided ‘Cream Teas view will consider the size and composi- and Home Baking’ at the Belladrum Festival. The event raised over £1,000.00 for the tion of Community Councils, including hall funds. Sincere thanks to all those local bakers who freely gave their time and pro- boundaries; election procedures, finan- duce to the stall. cial support and the code of conduct and We hope to run another Activity Week in October 2009, so look out for posters. associated dispute resolution. The review will include three periods of public con- sultation. versity of the West of Scotland, and Stage one of the consultation process New UHI Principal UHI. will begin in September, when the Coun- Of UHI he says, "Although it's been cil will announce its intention to revoke great that young people from the re- the current eight schemes and invite sug- gion have had the opportunity to go gestions on the area and composition of away and study, we would like young- Community Councils. This will last for sters to have the choice of staying 12 weeks. here. A university is necessary for de- The second 12-week period of public veloping new economic activity — consultation will follow in April 2010, and that's where UHI can play a part." after the publication of a new Highland- James Fraser and his family came to wide draft scheme. This will include dis- live in Kiltarlity in 2002 when he cussion at Ward Forums. A third period joined UHI, having previously been of consultation will follow in October, secretary at the University of Paisley. next year, when the public is invited to His wife Sheila, originally from Ding- comment on amendments to the draft wall, is a lawyer in Inverness, and is a scheme. ames Fraser, of the Old Manse, former member of Kiltarlity Commu- The new scheme should be presented to J Camaultmuir, who is presently nity Council. They have three children. the Council for adoption in December, Deputy Principal and Secretary at As one might guess from his name, next year. UHI Millennium Institute is to take James’s family on his father’s side The Scottish Government’s model over as Principal when Professor Bob were from not too far away - in fact, scheme has been approved by the com- Cormack retires later this year. from just over the hill in Glenurquhart. munity councils’ national body, the As- Brought up in Inverinate, near Kyle of James is also Session Clerk of Kil- sociation of Scottish Community Coun- Lochalsh, James was educated at Plock- tarlity Free Church. cils. ton High School and subsequently gained a first class honours degree in mental philosophy from Edinburgh Uni- Charleston School versity and later a master of education degree from Stirling University. He be- David Buhl , Kinerras, has been named Highland Young Musician of the Year ( see gan his career as a lecturer in English separate item) . and Liberal studies at the former Inver- The senior squad football team (featuring Kiltarlity’s Martin and Craig Mainland ness Technical College before spending and Neal Hemmingway) added the North of Scotland Cup to their victory in the High- 23 years in senior management roles land Schools League). with Stirling University, the former Secondary school correspondents with good inside information required for the Queen Margaret College — now Queen new session - phone 741323 or e-mail [email protected] (can be anony- Margaret University — in Edinburgh, mous if desired). the University of Paisley, now the Uni- 14 Birthday celebrations at Culburnie Beauly Square Public Consultation

he Highland Council Planning Tand Development Service, Regen- eration Section, are holding a Public Consultation in Beauly Square on Wednesday the 2nd September from 1 pm to 7 pm. Around £62,000 is available from the Capital Programme for Environmental Improvements within the Square and the Service would like to hear the views of residents, businesses and visitors on the Square as it stands and what changes they might like to see.. Council Officers will be manning a mo- bile exhibition unit in the Square with plans, questionnaires and time to talk. There will be lots of opportunity to make your views and priorities known and to talk to staff and Councillors. Although there will be a plan showing ot an emergency - the helicopter com- what might be possible, this is for discus- N ing in to land in a Culburnie field was sion, and to indicate what might be possi- just part of 70th birthday celebrations for ble with the available cash. This is only Tommy Mackenzie of 19 Culburnie. the start of the process and there will be Tommy’s family, John, Linda and David or- further consultation once views from the ganised this surprise trip by helicopter to Plock- event in the Square have been gathered. ton, Skye, Lochaber and back. It was followed The Planning and Development Service by a birthday garden party with family, friends would be delighted to see Kiltarlity resi- and neighbours featuring the Torridon Band, of dents at the event. If you wish further which son-in-law Kenny and granddaughter information beforehand you should con- Amy are members. tact Anne Cowling, Landscape Officer Tommy has spent most of his 70 years at 19 on 01463 702509 or by e-mail: Anne. Culburnie, apart from a fairly brief spell of [email protected] early married life with wife Anne, from Skye, in the urban setting of Pine Road, Allarburn. Tommy has turned his hand very successfully GARDEN TREE to a variety of jobs. On retirement he drove the Top The helicopter lands. Above SURGERY Kiltarlity bus for several years but retired from One we took earlier that to spend more time crofting. H & H BROWN, Bunchrew. ongratulations to David Buhl, CKnocklea, Kinerras, winner in Tree Felling & Topping June of Highland Young Musician of Removal or Make Safe the Year 2009. David is studying for Damaged Trees his Highers at Charleston Academy. Fruit Tree Care David is the grandson of Caroline and Wolfgang Bergius who have returned Tree Management to Knocklea after musical careers in and Advice Germany. Caroline is the daughter of Free Quotations Marion and Richard Butcher who came Public Liability Insurance to live at Knocklea in the sixties. Caroline and Wolfgang also have a Phone Hugh 01463 713245 holiday home on the Island of Berneray, between Uist and Harris, (Mobile) 07845 468540 where they run an annual Summer Music School . www.h-h-brown.org Highland Young Musician of the Year David Buhl 15

Aigas Community Volunteering in Thailand Kiltarlity girl Cheryl Ferguson recently visited Thailand Forest as a volunteer with the charity Pakanyor his year the Forestry Commission Tdeclared Aigas Forest surplus to n the 17 th of June, I landed in Chiang Mai airport with 18 other students. requirements and the community OWe were to work on a project with the charity 'Pakanyor' which has done were given the opportunity to acquire hundreds of projects all around northern Thailand, some of which we visited. it through the National Forest Land The humidity was intense and took some getting used to. We got into four small Scheme (NFLS). old pick-ups which took us four hours and 1500 feet up in the hills of Mai Cheng At a public meeting in March the Aigas to our destination, a small but scenic village full of small wooden houses, all Community Forest Steering Committee raised up on stilts. was established to try to acquire the for- We were welcomed very quickly by the headman of the village, an old man named est. With funds from the HIE Commu- Don Ka, who spoke very little English but was very happy to see us. He showed us nity Land Unit, The Highland Council where we were sleeping which was to be on the floor in the houses of the villagers - and Strathglass Community Woodland the girls were given one house and the boys were in another. the Committee hired Bell Ingram to un- We then got straight to work. First we needed to carry long pipes and bags of cement dertake a community consultation and three kilometres up the mountain to the water source where we built a small reservoir investigate the feasibility of community to collect the water and send it down our 3 km long piping chain which we buried ownership and management. They found about one foot in the ground all the way down. significant advantages under the head- The work was hard and strenuous but it was all worth it. The villagers were all very ings of Environment, Enjoyment, En- keen and were also working - we would be walking up with two or three pipes and ergy, Economy and Education. you would see an old lady with about ten. They concluded that community owner- When we had completed that part of the project we had an R+R (rest and recreation) ship and management was viable and that weekend to recover and then got straight back into it; we next had to build two 1500 the timber alone would produce an in- litre water tanks, which was kind of like putting a jigsaw together. They consisted of come for the long term management of four layers of concrete cylinders that we made, and rendered them all together. Fortu- the forest and saw other opportunities for nately we managed to get the work done early which was a surprise to the charity income to reinvest in community aims. leader Jim. The Steering Committee therefore Having finished our project a day early we got to spend time with the villagers. We agreed to hold the required ballot of the all learned a small bit of the Thai and Karen languages and we visited and helped to th whole community on August 27 . Over teach in a small school for young kids, which was one of my highlights. We got to half the eligible voters needed to vote help make and then had to drink the local whisky - 'rice whisky'. with half of them saying ‘Yes’. Before I knew it our time was up and we had to be leaving, but on our last night, at a The community boundary was drawn to huge bonfire, the villagers sacrificed a cow in our honour. A cow is the equivalent of include as many as possible close to the four months work for them, so when we saw this happen we were all very touched, forest or who had the forest as a major even if was a bit unsettling. The ladies of the village made all 18 of us their traditional part of their view. It therefore includes Karen tops, which we all wore proudly. both sides of the River Beauly and much These three weeks were a once in a lifetime experience, which I would do again and of the Eskadale Kinerras, Culburnie and again if possible. The feeling remained of knowing that these villagers will never for- Lonbuie area, within Kiltarlity. get the 18 young people who helped them. We also managed to raise a little more An Aigas Forest Open Day was held on money than needed so we were able to pay for the supplies needed to mend their rd Sunday 23 August. Full information roads. In the rainy season it is a struggle for the villagers to make it to the town and on website www.aigasforest.org.uk back home for essentials when the road is like a landslide of red mud.

Cheryl and the other volunteers working on a reservoir; and wearing their Karen tops 16 Macraes win the Battle of Balgate

lan warfare returned to Kiltar- As part of a Fraser Gather- lity when Macrae and Fraser C ing which attracted clansmen clansmen slugged it out on a wet Bal- from USA, Australia and gate on 21st August. But this was South Africa back to Fraser really to celebrate the fact that the country, it was preceded ear- Macraes and Frasers have been firm lier in the day by a children’s friends for centuries. One thinks of Highland Games and fol- all those Macraes being allowed to lowed by a clan ceilidh in the live in Kiltarlity without a hint of Phipps Hall. bother from their Fraser neighbours. In any case this was a shinty match, (not quite the real thing) organised by Clockwise from top left: the Lord Lovat to mark the Highland Year teams are piped onto the field of Homecoming. It must be impartially of battle; a goalmouth skir- reported that the Macraes, many of mish; Lord Lovat ready with whom had travelled from Kintail with some refreshing liquid for the temporary visas, won by a narrow 3 - 0, winning Macrae captain possibly putting a little strain on this particular Old Alliance.

Highland Archaeology Festival he Festival will run this year from 3rd to 18th October. THighland Archaeology Festival provides an opportunity to present the results of recent field projects and research, raise awareness of local archaeology, history and heritage, and encourage new people to discover the Highlands' wealth of archaeology and history. This years' event will culminate with the "What's New in Highland Archaeology" conference taking place on the final weekend. Festival organisers aim to feature a wide variety of activities, from guided walks, talks, exhibitions and displays, to special mu- seum/visitor centre openings, 2-for-1 discounts, experimental archaeology, practical demonstrations, music and children's ac- tivities . When the opportunity arises, there will be links with the Local archaeology: horse drawn binder at Auchvaich; Year of Homecoming Scotland, and with issues such as Highland Tom Fraser (Gow) in the driving seat; next right his father; emigration, clearance, ancestry studies or the Scottish Diaspora. third man not known 17 A Grand Design for all that

Mairi Ross, a former editor of “Kiltarlity News” , describes her eco-friendly Belladrum home

veryone who visits our house ‘Roshven’ at Belladrum for the first time usually says something along the lines of “Why Edid you not get on Grand Designs?” My response is usually that it would have been really boring TV as there was too much harmony when the house was being built! It was constructed three years ago with David Somerville from Abriachan ( www: somervilledesign.co.uk) as the architect and Davey Fraser, Kilmorack, the builder. Both of them had worked together many times over the years and perfected the technique. David was away ahead of his time designing timber clad houses and energy efficient designs before it became trendy. We first met on a frosty morning and it was hard to envisage how to develop the site with the huge Silver Fir Tree that dominated. It had to go and that was the one point of contention with the Council whilst it went through the planning process. If it had been a native Oak or Scots Pine, it would have been a different matter and we would have had to work round it. David came up with an incredible design, different to all he had done before and pretty bold in terms of the amount of glass in it. The house also has a ground source heat pump, taking heat from the ground and using under floor heating as well as solar panels. A lot of the components such as doors, windows and external paint are Scandinavian and designed to perform in colder climates than we have. The house is very open and airy and having so many doors and windows that open straight out to the front, the light is fantastic. As the house faces west and there are trees in front - the sunlight in the evening filters through rather than glaring and that is a bonus we had not anticipated. The most innovative features are the amount of glass and the heating source and since the house was designed there is much more being done in terms of such design. I imagine that some folk will think it is not traditional enough in design for Kiltarlity but my per- sonal view is that we have to move on from repeating the same designs from a certain era. It fits really well into the landscape, is energy efficient and is wonderful to live in. The planners who dealt with the application had been to Norway and seen the timber clad designs that are there, some of which are very old and can be seen in Scotland too in areas like Badenoch and Strathspey. The timber in the house is Scottish Larch for external cladding, and oak flooring. Larch cladding does not have to be coated, but I con- fess to not liking the way it weathers grey and black in Scotland. The hardest selection to make was on detail such as lighting which is really important but difficult to picture. David made sugges- tions and I tended to go along with those. There is absolutely nothing I would change about the house design or components and I have no desire to build another one. ‘Roshven’ was built as a home rather than an investment. One of the joiners working on the house who came from Lochcarron used to shake his head at what he though were “queer ideas”, but my mother’s baking kept him working hard! David Somerville won an award for the house in 2008 “ Best Inverness Area Design “ and the team all enjoyed a star studded celebration at Eden Court . The house was exposed to a bit of publicity at that time but there are more designs using the same ideas coming through in the Highlands now which is a reward in itself.

Advertising in the Kiltarlity News

We can offer space in the Service Directory where we will print a maximum of 30 words for a cost per issue of £5. Also, display/box advertisements which would have up to 150 words and would be approximately either 5 column centimetres ( 5 cm X 5 cm approx) or 10 column centimetres (ie twice as high or twice as broad, though not both). Cost per issue for a 5 cm box is £15 and for a 10 cm box £25. Other sizes and designs can be arranged. For the next issue please send your requirements and text by 31 October 2009 to: [email protected], or post to R D MacLean, ‘Berisay’, Culburnie, Kiltarlity IV4 7JJ (01463 741323).

18

Kiltarlity Community Gala 25th May 2009

t had everything . Clockwise from bottom left: fun for the kids; the Sumo Challenge for the more ag- I gressive; wood sculpture while you wait; a chance to try your luck; or just spend money; and (last three) Beauly Fire and Rescue Service prove they can get you out of your crashed car even if it isn’t meant to be a convertible . 19

National Planning Framework 2 Kiltarlity by Floris Greenlaw Community Council he last issue of Kiltarlity News explained some worries about the National TPlanning Framework (NPF), the new Scotland-wide document which came into being with the 2006 Planning Act. After 18 months of inadequate consulta- Norman Grant, Chairman tion, redrafting, and debate in the Scottish Parliament, the final document was (741532) published in late June but remains unsatisfactory. Hector Douglas, Secretary This latest attempt at a national planning document, to be known as NPF 2 , includes 14 National Developments in different parts of the country. The one of real concern (741881) to us, Electricity Grid Reinforcements, confirms that no fewer than five new, up- Dorothy Ward, Treasurer graded or reinforced high voltage lines will lead directly or indirectly into Balblair Sub-station. Also included in this National Development are upgraded Scotland - (741253) England interconnectors to increase export capacity to England and help meet emis- Karen Ferguson (831251) sion targets in the Scottish Parliament’s Climate Change Bill. In theory, the document Floris Greenlaw (741342) accepts that the decision on the Beauly to Denny line has not yet been taken. But, in practice, most of the other power line proposals cannot happen without the new Lesley MacColl (741430) Beauly to Denny line. By approving NPF 2, the Scottish Government seem to be ap- Ronald MacLean (741323) proving Beauly to Denny before the conclusions of the hugely expensive Public In- quiry have been announced. So much for the public inquiry system and local democ- Hamish Maclennan racy! (741312) Another topic in NPF2 that is worrying for Kiltarlity Community Council and Kil- Eunice Ramsden (741447) tarlity residents is the proposed “A96 Corridor” between Nairn and Inverness, set to become the main focus of future population growth in the Highlands, though this is Jan van ‘t Zand (741711) not (as yet?!) a National Development. The intention to spend huge amounts of money and resources in this area to the east of Inverness must reduce the hope that the Community Council meetings are com- Beauly - Muir of Ord area might develop to become a counterweight to Inverness pletely open to the public who, with expansion. More generally, the needs of other parts of the Highlands and the centre of the Chairman’s agreement, can con- Inverness itself seem to have been forgotten in the enthusiasm for a new town at Tor- tribute to the discussion, though not nagrain, and for other proposals, which have already been granted outline planning vote. permission, such as the upmarket marina and residential development at Whiteness, The Council can discuss extremely and proposals such as the westward expansion of Nairn and along the A96 corridor confidential issues and take decisions where companies have identified opportunities for big scale developments. in private session but this almost never Their enthusiasm, first made clear in the first draft of NPF2, about 18 months ago, arises. does not appear to have been reduced at all by the recession which has developed Community Council members will since then and the problems that may cause in the long term. welcome approaches for advice or as- sistance from any local resident whether on an individual or commu- nity basis. For example, the Commu- Don’t forget Kiltarlity’s Dial - A - Bus service nity Council may be able to provide some finance for local projects either from its annual grant of around £750 or by applying for additional funds to Highland Council or other funding bodies. Individual. members may be able to help with matters such as offi- cial letters, forms and documents, or put people in touch with an appropriate source of assistance. Any personal ap- proach to a Council member will be treated with total confidentiality and will only be discussed in Council meet- ings with the clear agreement of the person who has made contact.

Community Council Website: www.kiltarlity.info 20 Painted Ladies and Peacocks by Malcolm Harvey

Painted Lady Peacock

Although black and white can’t do justice to these butterflies, perhaps enough detail will survive to help readers to spot them in their gardens.

n recent years much has been Britain in early Spring, but most bred The reason for their increase is thought I made of the rapidly diminishing in France, Spain and Portugal, their to be partly due to an influx into the numbers of some species of butter- progeny also migrating north to Britain Highlands some years ago. However, it is flies in Britain. However 2009 has in millions. This second generation also the result of longer, milder autumns, been a very good year for two spe- then bred and as the metamorphosis ensuring a prolonged, good food supply cies, the Painted Lady and the Pea- from caterpillar to butterfly is short which enables them to be in better condi- cock, both of which are very evident (one month) we are now seeing the tion to survive our winters, which are in our gardens at the moment, espe- third generation, all still travelling less severe nowadays. cially if there are flowering shrubs north. The Peacock has the distinction of be- such as Buddleia present. Unlike its relative, the Red Admiral, ing one of our longest living butterflies. Both are large butterflies and are eas- where some are known to return south, Whereas many species live for only a ily recognisable. The wings of the our immigrant Painted Ladies appar- few weeks in butterfly form, some Pea- Painted Lady are of an orange base col- ently do not return south and are unable cocks which hatch in July will survive our and the wingtips are black with to survive the northern winters. through the following winter well into white spots and there are also some The Peacock is also a spectacular but- June the following year. black spots elsewhere on the wings. terfly and easily identified, the wings The Painted Lady has a global distribu- being a deep chestnut/maroon colour, tion and in Europe they are migrants with four glossy blue/black ‘peacock from North Africa. They reach Britain eyes’ and scalloped edges to the wings. every year in varying numbers but oc- Anyone who has spent any time in Kiltarlity News casionally in some years, as is the case England and southern Scotland may We are anxious to have material for this year, they arrive in vast numbers well be familiar with it where it is a the Winter issue of the Kiltarlity News when they can be seen virtually every- common resident with numbers supple- and will print as many local news where, even on remote northern is- mented by visitors from the continent. items, club, school news, sports obitu- lands. In recent years they have moved into aries, letters, articles etc, as possible. The reason for the large numbers this the Highlands and are now becoming Please send material by 31 October year is apparently heavy rains in Janu- very common here. It is only five years 2009 . We may be able, but cannot ary in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. ago that I saw my first Peacock in the guarantee, to print later contributions. These conditions were very favourable Highlands, and the following year the Material may be sent to R. MacLean, to the food plants of its caterpillars first one was seen in my garden. Last ‘Berisay’, Culburnie, (741323), e- which hatched and survived to become year I saw a record nine together on our mailed to [email protected] , butterflies in enormous numbers there Buddleia, but last week there were no or given to any Community Council before setting off on their northern mi- fewer than 32 together and I saw many member. gration. more along woodland rides in A few of these Painted Ladies reached Boblainy. 21

slave trade, it has to be acknowledged A Tale of Two Belladrums that those with an interest in the planta- Dave Selkirk recounts Part I of a tale of changing times tion business were in principle and in practice firmly in favour of the con- elladrum residents want sea de- were providing exceptionally good fi- tinuation of a trade that supplied them B fence breach repaired. nancial returns. with the slave labour they used to This isn’t an imaginary headline from But it is clear from place names in maintain and develop their operations some future Kiltarlity News when global Guyana today that the Frasers of Bel- on slave plantations like Belladrum. warming has reached the point that sea ladrum were not the only landowning They argued that the slave trade made defences are needed to protect Belladrum family from our area who were trying an essential contribution to the wealth in Inverness-shire. It’s a real headline to make ‘rapid and very splendid for- and prosperity of the country and that from the Stabroek News, a newspaper tunes’ in Guyana around that time for, its abolition would result in ruin. And published in the South American country apart from Belladrum, there are other when the British Parliament in 1807 of Guyana which carried a report on 25 th familiar sounding names such as the finally passed the Act to abolish the July this year about the problems local Foulis and Brahan which are men- slave trade plantation owners fought on residents were facing in an area called tioned in the Stabroek News report or for the right to maintain it, in opposi- Belladrum on the Atlantic coastline of the Alness, Dochfour, Novar, Cro- tion to those who sought to put an end the Guyanese province of Berbice. marty, Tain and Inverness which are to slavery and to secure the freedom of But there is more of a connection be- listed in a modern gazetteer of Berbice slaves throughout the British Empire. tween the two Belladrums than just the for example. And like Belladrum all of This story of Highland involvement in name, for the sea defences which are these places were once plantations and the slavery business is one which has now in need of repair were first built they were named by members of a only recently been coming to light and over two hundred years ago when Bel- tight-knit group of families from this this account is largely based on the ex- ladrum in Berbice was owned by Colonel part of the Highlands who operated to- cellent work which has been under- James Fraser of Belladrum, Inverness- gether to promote their mutual interests taken by two highland historians, Dr. shire. This was the first step in a process at home and abroad. David Alston and Dr. Douglas Hamil- which enabled Colonel James to reclaim But there can be no escaping the fact ton. A lot of good information about land from the sea and establish a cotton that the cotton plantation at Belladrum Scotland and slavery is available on the plantation to take advantage of the op- and all of the other plantations in Guy- internet, not least in the superb website portunity being created by the huge and ana at that time, whether they produced on Slaves and Highlanders that Dr. ever increasing demand for cotton in the cotton or coffee or the sugar with Alston is developing, which can be cotton mills of Scotland and Britain at which Demerara is synonymous, were accessed at www.spanglefish..com/ the time of the industrial revolution. slave plantations and that ‘very rapid SlavesandHighlanders. Apart from owning Plantation Bellad- and splendid fortunes’ were being In Part Two of this Tale of Two Bel- rum, Colonel James owned several other made by exploiting Africans who had ladrums I will attempt to show how the plantations in Berbice and its neighbour- been transported across the Atlantic two Belladrums were connected in the ing province of Demerara which were against their will to be bought and sold changing fortunes of the Belladrum managed by his three sons, James, Simon like cattle and subjected to the harsh Frasers and how involvement abroad and Evan. And judging by the remark regime and ferocious punishment that contributed to the passing of a tradi- made in 1801 that James Fraser had was common practice on New World tional way of life and to the making of made £40, 000 ‘from his last trip’, which slave plantations like Belladrum. a landscape we know so well. I will is worth something like £2, 287, 570 in And while there is evidence of sup- also attempt to shed some light on an to-day’s money, it is clear that the Bel- port in the Highlands from its earliest aspect of Highland heritage which so ladrum Frasers’ plantation enterprises days for the campaign to abolish the far has been largely forgotten during this Year of Homecoming.

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Belladrum’s sea defences under attack 22

Mid season finds Lovat’s teams in fine form by John MacRitchie

ovat’s league campaign has taken La back seat over the past few months as we have had one of our best cup runs in recent years. After pro- gressing to the semi - final of the Mac- Tavish cup we were paired against Kingussie. Lovat probably put in one of their best performances of the sea- son pushing their more fancied oppo- Lovat on the attack during the Mac- nents all the way. After holding Kin- the scoring through Martin Bell, but Tavish semi-final against Kingussie gussie for the majority of the first half Caberfeidh equalised and the teams Lovat lost two quick goals, but we bat- turned round at 1-1. In the second half sidelined for the majority of the season tled back to level at 2-2 by half time. Lovat began to take control of the with a knee injury. Fraser slotted in at The second half begun with Kingussie game and soon Raymond Rennie put full- forward & was instrumental in an scoring another two quick goals and it Lovat ahead, to be quickly followed by impressive win , setting up Greg Mathe- looked as if they would go on to win a clever goal from Greg Matheson. son for two goals and Raymond Rennie comfortably, but once again Lovat bat- Lovat were now in command and com- for one. With a 3-0 half-time advantage tled hard and levelled at 4-4. Kingus- pleted the scoring through a Raymond Lovat eased off with Fraser capping a sie’s experience told in the end as they Rennie well taken volley. fine performance with a fourth goal. went on to score another 3 to make the Our next game was once again away, Lochcarron did score a consolation goal final score 4-7. The game was notable this time to Kinlochshiel. This was an- th late on to make the final score 4-1. as Ronald Ross scored his 1000 sen- other excellent result for Lovat with Lovat are well placed in North Division ior goal. two goals from Raymond Rennie and One and with only two more away games Kingussie were Lovat’s opponents one from James MacPherson securing a to play, leaving six home games, we again in the quarter-final of the 3-1 win. should be challenging at the top end of Camanachd cup but this time there was After a break of five weeks without a the league come the end of the season. no repeat of the previous game with Kin- game Lovat played their local rivals, ovat’s Junior team have contin- gussie comfortable winners at 10-1. Beauly in a mid week fixture, and with ued to have a good season with For the third time this season Lovat met Beauly having performed well in their L excellent cup runs. In the Sutherland Strathglass and having eliminated them last two games a stern test was ex- Cup Lovat had a resounding quarter- from the MacTavish & Camanachd cups pected. With the wind at their backs final win over Kincraig, leading 7-1 at were confident when they met at Cannich Beauly dominated the majority of the half- time and finishing with a 9-1 vic- in the semi final of the Balliemore, on first half, but without really testing Stu- tory. This set up a semi- final tie with one of the hottest days the year. Lovat art MacDonald in goals. Lovat were Kyles Athletic and this game turned settled quickly and dominated long peri- also a touch ring rusty after the long out to be their best performance of the ods. After 30 minutes Callum MacAulay lay-off, but competed well and at half- season, winning it 2-0 with Martin scored, but 10 minutes later Strathglass time the teams turned around at 0-0. Anderson scoring both goals and John scored after Stuart MacDonald mis- Within 10 seconds of the restart Ryan Paul Fraser turning in a man of the judged a long range effort. Then, on the Ferguson scored a fine goal with a long match performance in the middle of stroke of half-time, Strathglass were shot which deceived the Beauly goal- the park. awarded a hotly disputed penalty which keeper. By the hour mark Lovat had On August 1st Lovat met Fort William was duly converted. another well worked goal from Callum in the Sutherland Cup final, which was to Within the first minute of the second MacAulay. We were now winning the be televised live for the first time. This half Strathglass scored again and this was midfield battle and with Beauly pinned was only the second time the club have soon followed by a further 2 goals. Lovat back for long periods it was no surprise reached this final, the first being in 2000 did rally in the final 15 minutes, forcing when Raymond Rennie completed the when a famous victory was gained over the Strathglass keeper to make a string of scoring in the 75 th minute. their more fancied opponents, Lochside fine saves. Raymond Rennie scored late Lovat went on to another away fix- Rovers. This time the team had an even on to make the final score a disappoint- ture, this time a potential trick game harder task as they were to play a team ing 5-2. Strathglass did went on to com- against bottom team, Lochcarron. Play- which had reached the last five finals fortably win the final 5-1 against ing conditions were difficult due to the and contained a number of Camanachd Kinlochshiel. wet park and strong winds and Lovat Cup winning players and it was one of With the cup runs over for the season went into this game with a number of them that proved the difference, former Lovat returned to league action with an players missing. As a result we had to Scotland captain, Victor Smith. away game against a strong Caberfeidh draft in Fraser Gallacher who had been team. In a tight first half Lovat opened As Lovat headed for the Bught, most 23 people gave them little chance. Fort Wil- liam took advantage of the strong wind blowing down the park and put Lovat under long periods of pressure. The de- fence was outstanding, marshalled by Jimmy MacKenzie who put in a man of the match display. Lovat conceded a goal on the half hour mark, a wind assisted effort which gave Christopher Mac- Callum no chance, so Lovat reached half time a goal down but with the advantage of the wind for the second half, in which the game was finally balanced with ex- cellent play from both teams. Fort Wil- liam scored through Victor Smith who pounced on a slip from the goalkeeper to make it 2-0. However Lovat dug deep and deservedly scored through Steven Cameron from the edge of the box. As Lovat searched for the equaliser they forced a number of saves from the Fort- William goalkeeper. In the final 5 min- utes Victor Smith scored with an out- standing volley after a miss-hit from our full back. The final score was 3-1, but Lovat earned deserved praise for their effort with many neutrals commenting on the standard of play. . On the way to the Strathdearn Cup semi-final Lovat recorded fine wins - 6-1 at home against Kilmallie and 6-1 away against Kinlochshiel. And on Saturday 15 th August Lovat Juniors continued their A reminder that that wind farms are not an entirely new idea. The late Tom Fraser excellent season with a hard fought win at Auchvaich with his one man wind farm, all his own work. The houses of Allar- over Newtonmore in the Strathdearn burn can be seen in the distance behind him. semi-final. In an even game Lovat turned round 2-0 down at half time but with a fine second half performance where Ste- ven Cameron scored twice and Charlie Mainland once Lovat ensured that they reached their second final of the season - once again against Fort William. In the league (North Division 2) Lovat sit comfortably at 4th position. Recent successes have been 5-4 over Skye and 6-4 over Caberfeidh. Games against Glengarry and Glenurquhart were lost 5-0 and 4-1. With the season near its mid point there was no doubt that both Lovat teams have been performing well. And August 22nd’s fixtures saw the senior team de- feat Kilmallie 4-3 in North Division One to strengthen hope of promotion back to the premier League, while the Juniors consolidated their Division Two position with a fine 8-2 victory over Kilmallie’s juniors. Particular congratulations must go to Stuart MacDonald, Daniel Grieve and James MacPherson who have been se- lected for the under 21 squad for Octo- Yes, this is a pylon garden, but in Switzerland, not Scotland. The purpose of SSE’s ber’s shinty-hurling internationals at the giant pylons is definitely not to create rural allotments. Bught. 24 Kiltarlity's Tartan Heart as sound as ever

Belladrum Tartan Heart 2009 was sold out before it started. With all the fun of the fair, as well as the music, lots of folk decided not to go home until it was Brand new industry over. for Fanellan

nvironment Secretary Richard ELochhead has (20 August) offi- cially opened The Essentially Scottish Botanicals steam distillation unit based in the former Fanellan bottling plant. The unit will be used to extract oil from myrica gale an indigenous Scot- tish plant more commonly known as bog myrtle . Boots has agreed a long-term contract with the company to supply them with the oil for use in cosmetic and health care products and prospects for local employ- ment would appear to be good. The busi- ness anticipates employing around 22 full-time staff, including harvesters and distilling workers with a further 10 jobs likely to be created in Scotland's wider economy. It is hoped the venture will provide landowners and crofters around the Highlands and Islands with opportunities to diversify by supplying plant material. The company is currently awaiting the results of its first farmed fields of the de- ciduous plant. Extracts from bog myrtle have tradi- tionally been used for flavouring food and beer and as an insect repellent. The plant, also known as sweet gale, is found growing in peaty soils in the Highlands.

The former Lovat Wa- ter bottling plant now to be used for bog myrtle distilling