STRATHDEARN NEWSLETTER May 2021 Also on the community website: https://thestrathdearn.org/ Volume 21 No 2
https://thestrathdearn.org/community-matters/about-strathdearn/newsletters/
A rather thin Newsletter this time, since we’re still under Covid restrictions and not a lot has been happening. However, there are recent moves towards more freedom as the infection rate has dropped low and many people have received their vaccinations. The café’s been able to re- open, non-essential shops are open again (yay!), folk can travel around Scotland and we socialize in small groups outside … on the rare occasions when the weather is good enough …
Most indoor meetings and clubs still can’t happen, however, so we have a way to go yet before life as we used to know it returns. Hopefully the heavy snow (!) of early May will be the last and we’ll all be seeing a lot more of each other in the sunny days of summer.
Strathdearn Community Council and Strathdearn Community Developments publish the "Strathdearn Newsletter" quarterly, delivering it free to every home in Strathdearn. It is also posted on the Strathdearn website.
This is a community newsletter, and the views and opinions expressed in contributions submitted by members of the community are not necessarily those of the CC, the SCD, nor of the Editor. No items are written by the Editor unless indicated.
Editor: Mrs Denise Barley, Lauriston, Tomatin, IV13 7YN.Tel. 01808 511733 e-mail [email protected] Printing: Mrs D.Barley, Mrs S Edward, Mrs K Duthie Posted newsletters: Mrs M Buckle
Business adverts £10 per quarter page Next deadline: Wednesday 28th July 2021 Currently NO organised activities STRATHDEARN SPORTS FACILITY (in normal times) except Church are taking place This facility is unlocked 9am-9pm daily. It is free for casual use to indoors and the Hall is still closed local youngsters (under 18) and any accompanying adult. (but that may change before the next During the winter months light tokens are available free to local Newsletter). under 18’s wishing to play ball games. These are available 9-4pm from The Strathdearn Office and 4-6pm from the Shop during the week and 9-5.30pm on a Saturday at the Shop. The covered Sports Pitch is still open for Hourly bookings by adult user groups will be charged and should casual use be booked with the Events Manager at The Strathdearn office, on 01808 511700 or email [email protected]
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES (in normal times) Charges: Usually £11 per hour local, £22 per hour non-local. Use of the lights by adults is included in the hire and 3rd Monday of Month (except December) Gardening Club tokens will be issued if required on booking. 7.30pm The Strathdearn, Contact: May Buckle 511448 Please Note: No animals, no bicycles or other wheeled equipment Every Tuesday (October to April) Keep Fit to Music and no consumption of food/drink allowed on the 11am -12, The Strathdearn Pitch. Contact: Denise Barley 511733
2nd Tuesday of Month Community Council Local phone numbers: 7.30pm The Strathdearn All welcome Community Council:
Every Wednesday Jimmy Duncan (Chair) Tel 07977 558865 Community Coffee Morning Davie Cameron (Vice Chair) Tel 07719 121988 10.30-11.30am The Strathdearn All welcome, £2 Strathdearn Community Developments Still running: Hotline for assistance and information: 07546 042570 Every Wednesday Walking Group 2pm meet at The Strathdearn car park Hall Office 511700 Contact: Kathy Bonniface 511740 Shop 511460
Every Wednesday 9am – 11am The Strathdearn POST OFFICE POLICE CONTACT Any concerns about Law and Order, information on vandalism, requests for advice, or any other police related matter should be passed on to Community Beats, Burnet Road, Inverness. 01463 Every Thursday (term time) 228485 Toddlers’ Group 10am-noon, The Strathdearn To telephone, for matters not urgent enough to require Contact: Debbie Noble: 511487 999 ... please call 101 and you will be put through 07850 570 827
Every Thursday Art Class 2.00– 4pm The Strathdearn, Contact: Betty Watson 511271 LOCAL NURSING SERVICES Pam Hardwick 511766 Strathdearn nursing services are covered by the Inverness
Monthly, usually on a Thursday East Community Nursing Team. Natural History Club Some indoor, some outdoor, events. The Nursing Team s telephone number is 01463 Days vary, so look out for posters. ’ Contact: David Bonniface 511740 230850 or Carol James 531220 The NHS24 telephone number is 111
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wishing the best of luck to Kirsty Allardice and James Scobie, of Dell View, for their wedding day on Tuesday 29th June at Clava Mains, Daviot.
Bill and Linda Hall would like to say a huge thankyou to everyone for the kind gifts, flowers, cards and best wishes on the occasion of our Golden Wedding. While we were not able to celebrate with direct family due to lockdown restrictions, we were looked after by our Tomatin family, who made it special for us. Sending lots of love to all our friends and family.
Hi everyone, my name is Stuart Pottie. I live near Strathdearn Primary in Tomatin. For those of you who think you don't know me I have been known to try my best at badminton in the hall. You may have seen me walking Baxter, my St Bernard, or running in and around the village in my orange jacket. To those of you who have slowed down, given me some space and a wave thank you. During my runs I never fail to be impressed by the beauty of this area. Particular favourites are down to Balvraid, along to Clune , through the distillery over the hills to Dalmagarry, up through the Slochd to Carrbridge and of course along towards Coignafearn ( haven't been all the way yet but I will). I have seen deer and eagles (I think), confused the cows and jumped as the grouse take off at my feet, All amazing. This year I have the added bonus of taking part in the London Marathon in October. This opportunity has been made possible by Lidl (where I have worked for the last 20 years) and their charity partners NSPCC. All the money I can raise will help protect children throughout the UK. If you would like to donate, you can use my Virgin Money giving page for this worthy cause. Thank you again for your support whether that is a donation or a bit of space and a wave. The Strathdearn Community shop have very kindly agreed to have a collection can for NSPCC.
COFFEE MORNING
Finally!.... I think it will be possible to hold social, indoor events such as this in the not too distant future. I am informed that we should be able to have a coffee morning in the hall, subject to government guidelines at the time, at the end of June or the beginning of July. As you will appreciate, this is not set in stone!
Hopefully, a definite date will be advertised in the community, on social media and by word of mouth as soon as we know we can go ahead.
I hope all of you have stayed safe and well since we last met and I look forward to seeing everyone again soon.
Carol James.
JP at the Strathdearn:
Current opening hours, mid-May, for the café are: Monday to Saturday 9-4, Sunday - 10-4 .
This will probably change in the summer.
SHOP
Opening hours are: Monday to Friday 7am - 6pm, Saturday 9am - 5pm MOY MATTERS (14) Natural History Club A fairly short summary this month...... The Natural History Club was asked during 2020 lockdown if it could produce a local wildlife video for showing in the 1. Moy signs: Our new Welcome to Moy Community. signs have been erected and looking A small “bubble” was able to share material and create a good. short video which we hope to show at a Club meeting in 2. Wild flowers and Flower planters: The September, subject of course to Covid restrictions. We would like lots of people to view it and the aim is to MSC has bought wild flower seeds to seek further contributions and produce a bigger and better plant along the Birch Walk. We are also updated version. planning to buy plants for our 8 planters
(2 on Ruthven road, 2 at Lynebeg and 4
in Moy). If you are interested in joining PARTNERSHIPS FOR WELLBEING (P4W Walking) us for a community planting day please ‘ ’ - FORMERLY STEP IT UP HIGHLAND get in touch with any of our committee
members or drop Marian an email and Sorry for the very long title, but our Step it Up organisation we can get something organised. has for some time been absorbed into the larger and more 3. Projects to date: We have completed widely funded organisation called Partnerships for many of the ideas suggested to us at Wellbeing, and we are the walking for health group within our past community events so we it. From now on therefore I shall refer to us as P4W walking thought we would give you a summary of – not my choice! what we have done to date: path along the length of the village restored and After having to abandon our walks during the last year we maintained twice yearly; 2 chainsaw are now up and “walking” again! Things at the moment are carved benches with 2 more on order a little different in that we cannot meet indoors for our cup for Lynebeg and Ruthven; flower of tea at the end of the walk, and we try hard to be socially distanced whilst walking. However, that does not stop us planters; welcome to Moy signs; enjoying a drink outdoors when the weather allows, and it upgrading of Birch Walk ; repair of has given us all an opportunity to meet with friends again fence and small styles built at wooden and catch up on how things have been for us over rail bridge; litter picking equipment lockdown. There is little doubt that this social aspect of our bought; Moy Christmas tree; fibre to weekly meeting is as enjoyable as the actual walk. the house broadband. We are not a rambling group with long walks over the hills. We have a few ideas for future projects but However, depending upon the fitness of our members we we would love you to keep your ideas coming to can accommodate either a longer, faster walk or a shorter us so please get in touch with any of the MSC one at a slower pace within our lovely countryside. members to share your ideas or give any feedback. Whichever the walk we enjoy observing the landscapes and wildlife, and any historical points of interest. If you would
like to join us you would be most welcome. We still meet Remember.....The MSC has been established by on Wednesdays at 2.00pm in the car park of The Strathdearn Community Development (SCD) “to Strathdearn. Sometimes we set off from there, but on other identify projects for funding through the occasions we use cars to enable us to walk over a wider Strathdearn share of the Moy Windfarm area, and as Covid restrictions gradually ease this becomes Community Benefit Fund” more possible. If you are interested do contact Kathy or David on 01808 The members are Marian Hendry (Chair, 511740 or Carol on 531220, or just turn up at the hall. [email protected]), Alastair Fraser (vice chair), Davie Cameron, John Clarke and Kathy Bonniface. Linda Armit.
The Tomatin Children's Entertainment Committee would like to invite you to the zoom AGM on Wednesday 12th May at 7.30pm.
If you would like to attend please email [email protected] and we will send you the invite and papers.
The committee are looking for new members as myself (Chair) and Julia (Treasurer) are stepping down after two years. If you would like to become involved but can't attend the AGM please let one of the committee members know.
We didn't manage to hold the discos and parties www.aliceandangus.com we hoped to over lockdown but we did enjoy organising the outdoor Elf Trail. Thanks to all the families who came along and made it a fun event. We’re delighted to have moved to, and now be I'm sure there will be other great ideas for future based in, Tomatin and to be able to offer free events! delivery throughout IV13. TCEC (Mhairi MacSween, Julia Cowe, Kay Pearson and Rachael Beatty) Until 30 June we’re offering a 10% discount on our candles, just visit our website and use the code STRATHD on checkout. Rhoann s Recipes ’
You can find us on Instagram @ alice_and_angus Pasta con broccoli - a really quick and on Facebook @ Alice & Angus supper dish
Recipe for 6 persons (so adapt as necessary)
Ingredients Perhaps 600g of pasta (I use fusilli) 800g of broccoli Perhaps I'll leave an empty space 2 -4 cloves of garlic I've lost my thoughtful bubble, Olive oil 2 -3 chillies (adjust according to your my brain and pen are out of gear heat preferences!) chopped but I'll try a little scribble. Perhaps it's down to solitude Boil broccoli in well salted water until locked either up or down, very soft. Drain reserving the cooking water. or maybe it's the second jag I got when last in town. Place about 15tbs of olive oil in large frying pan add chillies, crushed garlic Perhaps I'll get it back again and broccoli. Fry the broccoli, crushing it down so that you have a paste like as the Covid curtain rises, “ ” and lights a new direction mixture at the end. for all prisoners of this crisis. Meanwhile cook your pasta in the broccoli water until al dente. Drain and Perhaps this space has now been filled add to the broccoli mixture, mixing well as the brain and pen connect, so that it sticks to the pasta. Serve engaging in the usual way with grated Parmesan. as all " ditty " folk expect . When I cook it for the 2 of us, I use 160g of pasta and a medium head of DG Macaskill broccoli and adjust the oil accordingly.
Strathdearn Community Council
After completing most of what was in the last CADISPA consultation which was ten years ago, the CC with the help of SCD and SCCT thought it was time to have another review on what the Community would like to see happen in the area to help improve the Strath.
So the Community Council have got together a group of people to organize a new community consultation group, to find out what the Strathdearn people would like to see happen in the area over the next seven to ten years
We have people from the SCD, the SCCT, the CC and three who are ordinary members of the public on board to give us a broad idea of what might be expected.
We are at the moment looking at companies that might be able to help with the Community Consultation so we can best decide the type of questionnaire we would like to put together for the community to answer We do not want an overly complicated questionnaire that some thought the CADISPA consultation was - we would like a fairly condensed questionnaire that achieves the concerns and wants of the community.
We hope to have the questionnaire up and running soon
Please feel free to contact us with any of your thoughts on how to take our community forward:
James Duncan. [email protected] 07977558865 Vivian Roden. [email protected] 01808511355 Edward Usborne. [email protected] 07786436176 Carol James. [email protected] 01808531220 Davie Cameron. [email protected] 07719121988 Aimee Holland. [email protected] 07799761433
Jimmy Duncan, Strathdearn Community Council
The Community Council needs you!
Strathdearn Community Council are looking for someone to take on the secretary role and preferably become a co-opted community councillor, but the councillor role is optional.
The Community Council meet once a month and the secretary’s job is to contact organisations like the roads department, contacting Highland councillors, putting out the agenda every month, setting up the monthly meetings and a few other responsibilities.
If you would like to talk it over with me, call me on 07977 558865 to discuss
James Duncan Strathdearn Community Council
The Church of Scotland Moy, Dalarossie and Tomatin linked with Daviot and Dunlichity (Scottish Charity No: SC 015653)
Interim Moderator: Rev Robert E Brookes T: 01667 404686
Moy, Dalarossie & Tomatin News – MAY 2021
Sunday Morning Services: Church @ The Strathdearn it's great to be back worshipping together once again at The Strathdearn. Our Services are at 10.30am in the An Balvraid (Auditorium) and are usually taken by Rev Mike Lind, our Locum. All are Warmly Welcome . If you go on the Churches Website – www.strathsnairnanddearn.co.uk you will be able to read a copy of our Interim Moderator, Rev Robert Brookes' Service. Or to watch it live streamed, or watch the recording after the Service, go to YouTube and type in Cawdor Church.
We look forward to getting back to our other activities when the lifting of Covid restrictions allo ws. We are unable to hold Services in Dalarossie Church meantime because the social distancing rules mean we would only be able to have 12 people in the Church but we hope this too will change later in the year.
Rev Mike Lind, Locum. We have been very fortunate in recruiting Rev Mike Lind as our Locum Minister. Mike is a retired Minister who lives in Conon Bridge. His last charge was in Campbelltown He and his wife, Mrs Ann Lind, are settling well into the congregation and also at Daviot & Dunlichity as well.
Christian Aid This coming Sunday is Christian Aid Sunday. We are unable to have our Christian Aid Big Breakfast in aid of funds because of Covid restrictions, but will be having a retiring offering after the Service at The Strathdearn on Sunday. Please donate to this if you can, if you are coming to Church. The need is great throughout the world.
Ten years ago I found the AGM and Minutes book of the old Tomatin Village Hall and took a note of the people who had worked so hard for the Hall over the years since 1981 (I couldn’t find a record of the previous 20 years). I think the book disappeared in the handover to the new Hall owners in 2010, the SCD, so here’s the list before it gets lost in the mists of time
1981 - 1997: Chairpersons: I.Hallam, J.McLeod, I.Watson, A.Ferguson, B.Harman, Mrs J.Crummy, Secretaries: J.Carson, Mrs P.Hallam, Mrs L.Blazey, Mrs W.Duff, Mrs M.Bryden, G.Hobson Treasurers: Mrs M Fraser, Mrs S. Edward, J.Tweedie, Mrs J. Crummy, R.Buckle
In 1997 there was no one willing to stand for the Hall Committee, and dissolution threatened. After an EGM attended by only 7 people, Col Donny Grant agreed to be Chairman, Alan Hardwick became Treasurer/Bookings Secretary and Alasdair Wallace and Janet Crummy became committee members.
Subsequent other officers until the Hall Committee came to an end in 2010: Chairpersons : G.Fraser, Mrs C James Secretaries: I.Leitch, Mrs H.MacLennan, Mrs C. Chainey, Mrs D Ross (nee Buckle), Mrs C Simpson Treasurers: Mrs H.Maclennan, Mrs C. West, Mrs D.Barley Hall Managers: Mrs C West, S.Culeen
Denise Barley FTTP Upgrade Update
If you are building a house, never say "We will be in by Christmas" because it guarantees you won't. Apparently broadband upgrade schemes started in November with intentions to complete by Christmas are similarly doomed. Little did James and I think that we'd still be door-knocking and emailing in May, trying to get the job finished.
In the last newsletter I explained the major cause of delay at that point: the FTTP project is funded by vouchers made available by the Scottish government's Dept of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to support rural areas. The vouchers were due to be replaced by R100 measures and Openreach had to establish that existing projects like ours would be allowed to complete. We received that reassurance and the scheme quickly progressed to the next stage where property owners claimed the vouchers. Such was our readiness and enthusiasm by this time that applications came in faster than ineligible ones could be weeded out, causing a premature announcement that we had achieved the target finance. This was Openreach's error and they quickly retracted the announcement. Meanwhile James and I continued to garner support and we edged towards the real threshold.
Then there was another serious upset. DCMS moved the goalposts. They reduced the value of the vouchers to half of what was originally promised on the basis that our scheme had expired. There followed a tense period of negotiations between ourselves, Openreach and DCMS. Our strategy was to imply that we were barely managing to restrain a mob of enraged locals armed with pitchforks and letters to their MP, ready to march on Holyrood, burning every telephone exchange en route. After all we had already been told once that we were home and dry and we weren't going to be cheated a second time. I am pleased to report that DCMS eventually did the honourable thing and restored the original voucher value.
The latest news is very encouraging. We have been told that there is a short list of loose ends to tie up and then we can crack out the champagne. There are 9 properties outstanding who have claimed the voucher but not confirmed it. They are not responding to email reminders. For data protection reasons we cannot be told which exact properties, but by a process of elimination we are able to make shrewd guesses. We are doing our best to sort this out but please ask yourself if you could be one of these people. Check your email (including spam folder) for emails from either DCMS or Openreach, read them carefully, and follow instructions.
There's time for a final appeal. If you received the original letter saying you are eligible for the scheme but haven't yet applied for the voucher, it may not be too late. Contact me at [email protected] or phone 811496 (7-9pm) and I'll try to get you added. Any additional vouchers will ... (1) compensate for any of those outstanding 9 properties that we can't finalise, and (2) strengthen our hand when we lobby Openreach for more properties to be added to the scheme. Once the contract is signed, the economics change. Openreach will be going ahead with a major infrastructure upgrade anyway, bought and paid for with your vouchers. Adding a few extra properties becomes less expensive per unit, and Openreach will ultimately be paid by service providers for their usage, so they have an incentive. Which properties are added will be mostly an engineering decision, but we will have some input. Originally this scheme only included Balvraid but we argued that the distillery was viable too because the houses were clustered. We will use our local knowledge and any extra vouchers to maximise this opportunity.
Throughout this scheme we've stressed that community involvement was crucial. We want to thank the many people who took that message to heart. Lots of you canvassed your neighbours, others told us of houses changing ownership, technical problems with forms, and other useful feedback, and there are more than a few who, whilst unconvinced of their own need for faster broadband, willingly enlisted anyway for the community good. If we pull this off, and it looks like we will, WE can all pat ourselves on the back. [SC] Bike Friendly
A range of cycling equipment has been ordered, thanks to the funding received from Cycling UK, and will be installed at the hub on arrival: A covered bike shelter, 3 e-bike chargers, a bike maintenance stand for repairing bikes and a shed for bike equipment. Cycling road signage for the village and further bike training opportunities will also follow.
As recognition of SCD’s commitment to making it easier for more people to enjoy the benefits of cycling we were awarded the Cycling Friendly Community and Employer from Cycling UK. Thanks to all those who took part in our travel survey and attended our cycle workshops. [MM] Board Member, Strathdearn Community Developments (SCD) Station Road Upgrade
Are you interested in being involved in making changes within Strathdearn to ensure SCD wish to advise the community that that the community can face the future in a confident and sustainable manner? they have arranged to have delivered 500 SCD was established in 2013 to deliver local projects and services in the area to meet tonne road planings ex A9 which has been with the community needs. Projects vary in size and cost ranging from multi-million pound delivered to the Station Yard area. affordable housing, the recently new Strathdearn hub/shop/cafe to simple footbridge SCD wish to ask interested contractors in replacement. In accordance with regulation covering our charitable status, we must the area who may be interested in tendering demonstrate that all projects and services can be delivered and maintained to ensure we for the works to send an e mail to can achieve the best value and social outcomes for our community. [email protected] to note We are currently looking for an additional director on our board. Faced with a number of their interest. unique financial, project management and service delivery challenges, we are looking for a The work will entail scraping and motivated individual who is committed to the community and prepared to give their time and preparing the existing track and laying the effort. planings and rolling them in. We want to hear from anyone within the community irrespective of their skill set or A full detailed specification will then be background, who is interested in the challenge of developing the strategic direction of SCD issued to all interested parties for pricing. activities in order to shape a positive and sustainable future for Strathdearn. To further The current plan is to carry out this strengthen the board, people with professional financial experience would be particularly upgrade from the adopted section of Station welcomed. Road through to the main road near the The appointment is voluntary with input on an as needs basis depending on individual Distillery. project or service delivery involvement. There is currently a minimum of twelve Board We are aware that additional damage is meetings per annum; normally held on a Thursday evening. At present these are held being done by the forest extraction vehicles “virtually” in order to comply with current guidance. This position is on a co-opted basis and that is under discussion with Tomatin chosen by the other directors until the next AGM in October/November’21. Estate and the upgrade will only start after For more information about SCD and our activities please visit www.thestrathdearn.org timber extraction works are completed. where application forms are available in the Document Library under SCD Forms. Should Exact timing will be circulated on you wish to find out more or discuss the requirements please email Facebook as we commence the works. [email protected]. [GM]
Playpark Tomatin Spinal Paths this does not provide enough protection for walkers, pushchairs, or mobility Various improvements and safety Most people will know the paths scooters. They are looking at options to measures have been completed at Old Mill project is another long-term project re-route this to provide a better Road playpark. New swing seats were fitted which has seen a flurry of options and alternative and increase safety. (MMC) to replace the old cracked ones; Mike activity throughout the years. The cost MacKay has done a great job of fencing the and availability of land dictates the area; the bark ground covering has been speed at which certain sections of the Affordable Housing Report topped up to the required depth; safety paths network can be achieved. sigange has been installed. However, we aim to make progress Since the last update extensive where we can... negotiations have been progressing with "Don't do this, don't do that!" - we didn't I am pleased to advise two sections The Highland Council and the "preferred have all these rules when I was young. are moving forward, the section from bidder" contractor 7EVEN Construction. Agreed, but these days we get sued or the top of Old Mill Road to the sports Due to complexities, the financial side of prosecuted if we don't put up such signs. pitch (section 7) and then (section 8) the project was revisited to ensure best Please encourage the young ones to take from the sports pitch to the bottom of value for the community under the notice. [GM] Juniper Drive. constraints of Brexit and Covid which have These sections have been identified both impacted on the availability and cost of as a priority due to the increased footfall building materials. and vehicles which are in proximity of Further negotiations were held with The the school, playpark, and local facilities Highland Council and the Scottish central to the village. Government regarding grant funding, and We are collaborating with The we are delighted to announce there has Highland Council and safer routes to been a significant uplift in grants agreed for school on this project and at present this project, to offset the financial increase SCD have supplied revised design which has arisen due to circumstances out drawings for section 8 to The Highland with our control. Council's Road Department which We are now in the final stages of our should meet with their suggested revised offering to 7EVEN Construction and revisions. hopefully this will mean we can confirm the The Highland Council in turn are contract details and progress with the nest designing section 7 and once that is stages of the planning application." (MMC) completed soon, these will be merged to assess synergies. Post Office Outreach It is hoped this will then be submitted to planning with a view to one contract Chris now has a Pay Station key being procured for both sections to machine. If you use a key to top up your achieve efficiencies. electricity meter he can now provide this The Highland Council are also service, as well as postage, pensions, bill surveying the section of path which runs paying, savings accounts, etc., every under the viaduct and narrows, Wednesday 9-11am, at The Strathdearn. [No date was given me for this, but from the text I would say second half of the 19th century, before the A9 was constructed, when Wade’s Road was still the route north (Ed)]
"Guide to the Highlands and islands of Scotland including Orkney and Zetland, descriptive of their scenery, statistics, antiquities, and natural history. Containing also directions for visiting the Lowlands of Scotland, with descriptive notices, and maps." https://archive.org/stream/guidetohighlands00andeiala/guidetohighlands00andeiala_djvu.txt
ROUTE II. E. INTERESTING WALKING EXCURSION. 303
Loch of Killin, and from the south end of the vale of that name, up a strait shelving strath running eastward, about twelve miles from Whitebridge, he reaches the summit of an elevated opening in the hills. Soon after, he approaches the isolated Clach Sgoilte, whence the infant streamlet of the Findhorn flows slowly for about a mile, and then descends for two miles and a half with considerable rapidity, when it is joined by the other more southerly branch of the river. The course of these united streams lies, for seven miles, to the shooting lodge of Coignafearn (belonging to Mackintosh of Mackintosh), through a strath appearing generally about 200 yards wide ; the bottom, at times, level and smooth, at others more or less broken, covered with grass and heath, and a considerable quantity of juniper bushes. The hills rise in steep acclivities, and increase in height in the progress eastwards, being destitute of trees, with the exception of a few scattered birches, and they are rather of a verdant than heathy character. The valley winds a little so as to present itself in successive sections with the exception of two or three bothies, occupied by shepherds during the summer, and a more substantial cottage about a mile below the junction of the river (an accessory to the shooting-lodge of Coignafearn), no habitation is to be seen between Lord Lovat's shooting-lodge, at the end of Loch Killin, and that of Coignafearn, a distance of seventeen miles.
3. We have been thus particular as to this little frequented route, as, from the descriptions of the remainder of the course of the Findhorn, and those of the Vale of Killin, pedestrians may be induced to explore the scenery of both, after that of the Falls of Foyers and Loch Ness, and to undertake an excursion of three or four days betwixt Inverness and Forres, by the valley of the Findhorn. A road has been formed, from the Highland road, as far as Coignafearn, which is ten or eleven miles west from Freeburn. From Coignafearn, to the north end of Killin, a distance of perhaps twenty miles, the foot track is rough, and not such as to be readily followed by a stranger, which, of course, is immaterial, except as it impedes his progress ; on which account, as well as to avoid all risk from mist, it may be prudent for him to take a guide across the pass. The distance from Whitebridge to Freeburn will require fully twelve hours' walking. From the General's Hut, at Foyers, where the accommodation is better, the distance is five miles more.
DELL OF DALMIGAVIE. SECT. V.
4. At Coignafearn, the strath twists so that the succeeding compartment is screened from observation till entered upon. It continues, for about three miles a third of a mile in width, and seems as if blocked up at the lower end by an eminence clothed with a fir plantation : steep and lofty hills rise on all hands, so that this scene possesses a character of most perfect seclusion. It is called the Dell of Dalmigavie. The mountains are grand and imposing, from their massive bulk ; yet sweet and pleasing, from their simple configuration, regular surface, and smiling livery of purple and green. On the north side, the acclivities assume the most brilliant emerald tint. The Findhorn, in this and the upper part of its course, runs over a stony channel, only a few feet depressed beneath the surface of the adjacent ground, which is here quite level, and the stream is uniformly rapid. It is liable to sudden speats or inundations, rising at times so as to present a frightful front, several feet high, to the descending torrent, and sweeping along with such impetuosity as to endanger the lives of any persons who may then happen to be crossing the usual fords. The corn-fields and meadow-grass on the low grounds are also precariously situated ; and the proprietors have been obliged, at considerable expense, to line the sinuosities of the river in many places with bulwarks of stone and turf. Below the central eminence above alluded to, the valley, for nearly two miles, contracts to the width of the sixth of a mile. The upper portions of the hills are here, for the most part, inaccessible ; and they are intersected by deep and steep ravines. On an elevated recess, on the north side, stands the farm-house of Daltomich ; and, further on, Glen Mazeran joins the valley on the same side. Below this, is seen the house of Dalmigavie (Mackintosh), five to six miles from Coignafearn, on an elevated terraced spot on the opposite side, graced with dwarf birch trees. Opposite to Dalmigavie, a road strikes across the hill to Farr in Strathnairn, whence it continued straight across the intermediate range to Inverness. The length of this road is about sixteen miles. Below Dalmigavie, the valley of the Findhorn, for six miles, to the Bridge above Corrybrough, (where the Highland road crosses,) is nowise interesting. The hills slope gently from the stream, and are covered with heather and grass ; but the estate of Cullachy, immediately adjoining that of Dalmigavie to the east, and fronting it, lays claim to be ranked as classic ground, from having been the patrimony and early residence of the distinguished statesman and orator, Sir James Mackintosh. It is now undergoing great improvement from the small farmers using extensively the primitive limestone which abounds in the hills.
ROUTE II. D. THE STREENS. 305
5. Below the Bridge of Corrybrough the strath widens to a circumference of six or eight miles, presenting the aspect of having been once the bed of a great lake, which found two outlets, one by the lower basin of Loch Moy, and thence to the river Nairn, and the other through the mountains to the north-east of Freeburn, by the gorge called the Streens. Indeed, the present channel of the river is only about eighteen feet above the surface of Loch Moy ; and the parallel terrace banks encircling the valley on all hands, point out the height at which the waters anciently stood.
The distance from Freeburn to Dulsie is about sixteen miles, and is passable only on foot. The scene, however, is worthy of the exertion required to explore it. Continuous chains of hills rise suddenly on either side of a winding stripe of level ground, and at times precipitous rocky mountains of blood-red granite jutting up in lofty cliffs, rise from the water's edge, and confine, and so completely overshadow the river's course, that some of the hamlets on its banks are said to be scarcely ever visited by the sun's rays. There is not much wood ; but the bottom of the valley is pleasingly chequered with cultivated and meadow land, so that the sense of seclusion and repose and the occasional stern character of the Streens is relieved by the traces of unpretending industry.
6. But it is impossible to describe this scene in language more graphic than that used by the late Sir Thomas Dick Lauder, who may well be accounted the historian of Morayshire, and especially of the Findhorn:
306 A CATTLE -LIFTING INCIDENT. SECT. V.
"It was about this period, and (though it may surprise many) it was not much more than fifty years ago (prior to 1817), that Mr. R 1, a gentleman of the low country of Moray, was awakened early in a morning by the unpleasant intelligence of the Highlanders having carried off the whole of his cattle from a distant hill grazing in Brae Moray, a few miles above the junction of the rapid rivers Findhorn and Divie, and The Streens have recently been made accessible to carriages by a road formed by Lord Cawdor, the proprietor, for the use of his tenants, and which, proceeding from the village of Cawdor, is about nine miles long between both. He was an active man ; so that, after a few questions put to the breathless messenger, he lost not a moment in summoning and arming several servants : and, instead of taking the way to his farm, he struck at once across the country, in order to get, as speedily as possible, to a point where the rocks and woods, hanging over the deep bed of the Findhorn, first begin to be crowned by steep and lofty mountains, receding in long and misty perspective. This was the grand pass into the boundless wastes frequented by the robbers ; and here Mr. R 1 forded the river to its southern bank, and took his stand with his little party, well aware that, if he could not intercept his cattle here, he might abandon all further search after them.
"The spot chosen for the ambuscade was a beautiful range of scenery known by the name of the Streens. So deep is the hollow in many places, that some of the little cottages, with which its bottom is here and there sprinkled, have Gaelic appellations, implying that they never see the sun. There were then no houses near them ; but the party lay concealed among some huge fragments of rock, shivered, by the wedging ice of the previous winter, from the summit of a lofty crag, that hung half across the narrow holm where they stood. A little way farther down the river, the passage was contracted to a rude and scrambling footpath, and behind them the glen was equally confined. Both extremities of the small amphitheatre were shaded by almost impenetrable thickets of birch, hazel, alder, and holly, whilst a few wild pines found a scanty subsistence for their roots in midway air, on the face of the crags, and were twisted and wreathed, for lack of nourishment, into a thousand fantastic and picturesque forms. The serene sun of a beautiful summer's day was declining, and half the narrow haugh was in broad and deep shadow, beautifully contrasted by the brilliant golden light that fell on the wooded bank on the other side of the river.
"Such was the scene where Mr. R 1 posted his party; and they had not waited long, listening in the silence of the evening, when they heard the distant lowing of the cattle, and the wild shouts of the reivers, re-echoed as they approached by the surrounding rocks. The sounds came nearer and nearer, and, at last, the crashing of the boughs announced the appearance of the more advanced part of the drove ; and the animals began to issue slowly from amongst the tangled wood, or to rush violently forth, as the blows or shouts of their drivers were more or less impetuous. As they came out, they collected themselves into a group, and stood bellowing, as if unwilling to proceed farther. In rear of the last of the herd, Mr. R 1 saw bursting singly from different parts of the brake, a party of fourteen Highlanders, all in the full costume of the mountains, and armed with dirk, pistols, and claymore ; and two or three of them carrying antique fowling-pieces.
Mr. R 1's party consisted of not more than ten or eleven ; but, telling them to be firm, he drew them forth from their ambuscade, and ranged them on the green turf. With some exclamations of surprise, the robbers, at the shrill whistle of their leader, rushed forwards, and ranged themselves in front of their spoil. Mr. R 1 and his party stood their ground with determination, whilst the robbers appeared to hold a council of war. At last their chief, a little athletic man, with long red hair curling over his shoulders, and with a pale and thin but acute visage, advanced a little way before the rest. ' Mr. R 1,' said he, in a loud voice, and speaking good English, though in a Highland accent, ' are you for peace or war ? if for war, look to yourself ; if for peace and treat y, order your men to stand fast, and advance to meet me.'
' I will treat,' replied Mr. R 1 : ' but can I trust to your keeping faith ? ' ' Trust to the honour of a gentleman ! ' rejoined the other, with an imperious air. The respective parties were ordered to stand their ground ; and the two leaders advanced about seventy or eighty paces each towards the middle of the space, with their loaded guns cocked and presented at each other. A certain sum was demanded for the restitution of the cattle ; Mr. R 1 had not so much about him, but offered to give what money he had in his pocket, being a few pounds short of what the robber had asked. The bargain was concluded, the money paid, the guns uncocked and shouldered, and the two parties advanced to meet each other in perfect harmony.
' And now, Mr. R 1,' said the leader of the band, ' you must look at your beasts to see that none of them be awanting.' Mr. R 1 did so. ' They are all here,' said he. ' but one small dun quey.' ' Make yourself easy about her,' replied the leader : ' she shall be in your pasture before daylight to-morrow morning.' The treaty being thus concluded, the robbers proceeded up the glen, and were soon hid beneath its thick foliage ; whilst Mr. R 1's people took charge of the cattle, and began to drive them homeward.
The reiver was as good as his word. Next morning the dun quey was seen grazing with the herd. Nobody knew how she came there ; but her jaded and draggled appearance bespoke the length and the nature of the night journey she had performed."
STRATHDEARN BUSINESSES (There are more. All welcome to join in in the next Newsletter – please contact the Editor)
BRANCHING OUT PROPERTY SERVICES: Gardening work; lawnmower sharpen and repair service. Matthew West 07494 541017
HollanDesign, bespoke quality V-carved signage including company logos. Aimee Williamson (nee Holland) @HollanDesign (Facebook) 07799 761433, [email protected]
Holland Engineering, Machining of parts for just about anything. Norman Holland 07720 430203/01808 511391 [email protected]
JB Maclean & Son Fencing Contractors All types of fencing work eg. Garden, Agricultural, Security etc 07715 704066
Jessica Rolfe - Body Shop At Home. Find me on Facebook: Beauty Buys with Jessica or phone 07495 710885
JUNIPERSKY - Ladies online fashion and lifestyle store based in Strathdearn offering free local delivery and a Strathdearn residents discount using the voucher code STRATHDEARN. www.junipersky.co.uk or find us on facebook at @juniperskyfashion as we regularly update the collection.
Little Red Fox Handmade cards for every occasion, personalised at no extra cost. Diane Buckle 07542 544826 www.little-red-fox.com
Neals Yard Remedies Organic - Elizabeth Campbell T: 07751 207235 email: [email protected] Web: -uk.nyorganic.com/shop/elizabethcampbell
Polish Me Pretty Tracy Campbell 07590 286596 Facebook: pretty.m.polish Avon same mobile number. Facebook: @Tracycam87
Self- contained apartment, part of Drovers House – up to 3 people and pet. Contact Maureen on 07483 807449 or Airbnb for further details (please note not suitable for long-term letting)
Tomatin Firewood: dried & kiln dried firewood, wood briquettes, coal, peat, kindling, wood pellets. James Macpherson: 07527 883 606, Email: [email protected], Website: www.tomatinfirewood.co.uk
Tomatin Glamping Pods. Four luxury pods each with shower room and kitchenette, sleeping up to 4, with a private fire pit and picnic bench. Wendy & Jack Watson website www.tomatinglampingpods.co.uk email [email protected]
Window & gutter cleaning Myles Evans 07749 720386 or [email protected] .