Kiltarlity News

Published by Kiltarlity Community Council Issue No. 21 DECEMBER 2009 50p Sawmill site to have 80 houses

he number of houses being pro- Flats had been included in the original applica- Tposed for the Balgate Sawmill site tion turned down by Highland Council in 2007 has shot up from the 14 reported in and had been one of the reasons for Kiltarlity our issue of December 2008 to a total Community Council’s original objection to Wil- of 80 dwellings, including 12 flats. liam Gray’s plans for the sawmill site. Under the new planning regulations, If the new development goes ahead, it will con- developers William Gray launched their sist of four blocks of semi detached affordable latest plan for 57 homes in an exhibition/ homes (8 houses), six detached houses (ranging drop-in session in Kiltarlity Hall on the from 4 to 2 bedrooms), 26 semi detached houses th afternoon and evening of Tuesday 17 (with either 2 or 3 bedrooms), and two blocks of November. Manned by three representa- flats each containing six two-bedroomed apart- tives from architects Colin Armstrong ments. In addition there are to be five self-build and Glasgow consultants, Keppie, it had plots, bringing the total number of dwellings pro- been advertised in the Inverness Courier posed up to 57. Added to the permission already and was attended by an estimated 25 granted for 23 houses, this would give the go people over the afternoon and evening. ahead for 80 houses in total. Feedback forms were provided, not all of However, it must be said William Gray have which have yet been returned. not yet made a start on the first mainly affordable As far as is known, the formal applica- houses phase for which they have been granted tion to Highland Council Planning has permission. not yet been lodged but this is expected early in the new year, when it will also come before the Community Council. The earlier decision of the Scottish Gov- ernment’s Reporter, following a Public Inquiry, cleared the way for William Gray to build 27 houses. A subsequent proposal to build 13 affordable houses and a private house (later clarified as two private houses) was not opposed by Kiltarlity Community Council. This ap- plication, which was granted, provided, in fact, for two phases – a first phase of 13 affordable and two private houses and a second phase of 8 private houses. How- ever, the second stage was not to go ahead without a re-application to High- Above: the two land Council for permission to start Phases. Left: building. The entire pro- This latest application now provides for posed develop- a further 57 houses, including 12 flats. ment.

A very Happy and Prosperous New Year to KN readers Many thanks to all who contributed or helped in 2009 2 Head settles in at new look Tomnacross School

and Teanassie with the focus being on will always need to change and develop Literacy, Numeracy, and HWB (Health and that children are being taught now and Wellbeing). HWB is a wide cur- for a technological future very different riculum area which includes sport, PE, from the present. She comments on the personal development and life skills. estimate that 80% of the jobs that will be Since it is now seven years since Tom- available to today’s Primary One pupils nacross last had an HMI inspection Mrs have not yet been invented! At a more Offord expects the school to be visited immediate level, French is being taught in the quite near future. in the school and there is a prospect that Tomnacross’s main secondary school basic Gaelic can be introduced by a staff liaison continues to be with Charleston member keen to use her Gaelic, and Mrs Academy in Inverness, with links to Offord is a firm believer in using and other secondaries if children are to go developing the existing skills of staff. there. In fact, Tomnacross has had both The use of existing strengths and skills Charleston and Glen Urquhart pupils also applies to Tomnacross’s traditional on work experience placements. sport of shinty. While children ought to Mrs Offord supports strong links be- be introduced to a wide variety of sports, tween schools and believes it is now like rugby, football, badminton and so accepted that secondary schools can on, and both schools have the services of Mrs ‘Jojo’ Offord., who comes to learn from the experience of primaries, an active sports co-ordinator, Mrs Offord Tomnacross and Teanassie with a and that the primary schools in turn can recognises the strength of shinty at Tom- wealth of experience learn from the nursery sector. She feels nacross and believes it should continue to Curriculum for Excellence has helped be encouraged. lthough Tomnacross School now inter school co-operation and Tomna- Mrs Offord’s husband is an engineering A shares its headteacher with cross and Teanassie are members of director with Gaelforce (designing and Teanasie Primary, new Headteacher, the liaison group of Aird and West In- building fish farm barges) and the cou- Mrs Josephine (Jojo) Offord, firmly verness Schools (with Kinmylies, ple, who have four grown up children, believes the schools can work together Muirtown, Kirkhill, Beauly and live at Easter Clunes. without losing their individual identi- Dochgarroch). (See also School Council/PTA report) ties. She sees lots of similarities be- Mrs Offord considers herself fortunate tween Tomnacross and Teanassie and in having a strong and able staff in both opportunities for joint initiatives and schools and plans to contribute to the her vision is that they will work to- stability she feels the schools need. gether in activities such as staff train- Both schools also have supportive and ing and in some sport activities: Tom- enthusiastic Parent Councils which nacross and Teanassie children re- liaise with each other (each sends a cently participated at a primary representative to the other’s meetings) schools rugby tournament where Tom- but are quite independent. The Parent nacross won and Teanassie was Teacher Associations are also enthusi- awarded the fair play trophy. But astic and have helped to fund the High- there is no question of the schools be- land Literacy Project. And the new coming one unit and each will continue head considers herself fortunate to to have its own Parent Council. have taken over at Tomnacross after its Mrs Offord, originally from Irvine in long awaited refurbishment has been Ayrshire, came to Tomnacross from completed. Carrbridge where she was headteacher Mrs Offord believes the curriculum for 10 years. Before that she had worked in Argyll, at Dalavich for six years and at Above: in- Barcaldine for five years. Although she side the spa- has worked before as a headteacher, this cious new is her first experience of a combined hall, gymna- school arrangement. sium, com- Mrs Offord is enthusiastic about the plete with Curriculum for Excellence (CfE), cur- wall bars rently being developed in Scottish schools, both primary and secondary. Left: the She believes it is adaptable to children’s state of the different needs and enables each child to art school fulfil his or her potential whether aca- kitchen demic or in other kinds of learning. CfE is well underway in both Tomnacross 3

“The children made six World DRAINAGE DOCTORS Tomnacross Parent War II displays and dressed up in 1940s clothes. The displays in- Council & Parent cluded Propaganda, the Blitz, Ra- SEPTIC TANKS AND Teacher Association tioning, Anne Frank, Evacuation SOAKAWAYS and the Singing Ship. Each David Garvie, Chairman of Tomnacross showed information the children Parent Council, reports had researched, their art work, REPAIRS AND pictures and artefacts. Articles INSTALLATION were borrowed from Inverness new school year, a new school Museum including evacuee suit- A hall, a new head teacher …. TEL: ANDY BAWDEN cases, clothes and toys. Mrs Bell, 01463 741468 Tomnacross has seen a number of the school auxiliary, also provided changes this year, all of which are set- photographs and information for or tling down nicely. the display on the Singing Ship. ALI MATHESON We are very pleased to welcome Mrs After parents and carers had 01349 877629 JoJo Offord to the school. She is pro- looked round the displays, the filed in a separate section of the newslet- class put on a drama play about ter so I will not detract further from that. Anne Frank. The money raised As anticipated, the new school hall is went to the Earl Haig Fund.” FOUND proving to be a brilliant asset for the The nursery is also working hard this school in so many ways. At lunchtimes session developing ways of giving par- WASH HAND BASIN it accommodates all the school at once, ents even more information about their ATTRACTIVE GREEN COLOUR making for a smoother lunchtime transi- children’s learning. tion. It provides a much larger space for Finally, did you know that you could BESIDE GARDEN OF HOPE indoor sports activities and has now been help Tomnacross School by doing your ROUNDABOUT NEXT TO THE fully kitted out as a school gym hall with shopping online?! If you buy online at SHINTY PITCH a modern set of wall-bars and more gym www.buy.at/tomnacrossprimary up to equipment. The main entrance to the 12% of the price of your purchase goes CAN BE CLAIMED BY APPLCIA- school is now via the new building which to the school (at no extra cost to you). TION TO HIGHLAND COUNCIL also houses two offices for the head This website links to many of the major TECS DEPARTMENT teacher and school secretary, Mrs Linda online retailers such as Amazon, M&S, Small fine payable Bell. Part of this project also included a HMV, Early Learning Centre, and over hard surface outdoor play area and this is 150 more. All you have to do is access a great extra addition to the playground, your favourite retailer’s web site via providing a much needed surface to play this link and help the school by shop- on when the weather is wet. This area ping! also will provide a hard playground for As a reminder, PTA/Parent Council the nursery to use ride-on toys. meetings are open to all parents and we There will be a formal opening of the are always keen for new faces! We new school hall early in the New Year – meet roughly once a term and the next this will include entertainment provided meeting is on Thursday 21 January in by the children and some light refresh- the school. ments. This event will be open to the whole community and we welcome any- one who would like to see the new hall to come along. Paul Oparka, Principal Teacher, has Craft Class temporarily left us to go on a secondment Attention all Drivers as Curriculum for Excellence Develop- Held in village hall every 2 nd and 4 th Twenty’s plenty ment Officer for the Highlands. We wish Wednesday of the month, from Sep- him every success in this. Whilst Paul is tember through to the end of May. away Gavin Cormack has joined us as s you are driving through the vil- our Principal Teacher and P2/3/4 teacher. Anyone interested come along and A lage and particularly past the Gavin joins us from Teanassie and we bring a cup for tea, and see what we school, please can you check your welcome him to Tomnacross. get up to. speed regularly? It's very easy to drive One of the activities that Mrs Kerrie fast along the country roads round the Laird organised for her P5/6 class in No- Nobody is expert, we all help each school while forgetting that there are vember was a World War II Museum other, be it cross stitch, patchwork etc, small children using the same roads to Day and drama production which was You may learn something new. walk to school. All children will be featured in the Inverness Courier. This very grateful if you could respect the allowed the children to acknowledge Re- A nice sociable two hours. The door is 20 mph limits that are in existence in membrance Day and display their learn- always open. the morning and afternoon when they ing to their parents. Here’s how one of are making their way to and from the pupils described it: school. 4

Aigas Community Forest Andrew Leaver Secretary, Aigas Community Forest ABC PLANT HIRE

DIGGERS AND DUMPERS SKILLED OPERATORS

Tel: ANDY OR ALI 01463 741468 Or 07999 352399

LOWER hroughout the summer Aigas Community Forest Steering Committee DRUMNAGARRACHAN, T worked to put together an application to the National Forest Land Scheme KILTARLITY for approval to purchase Aigas Forest and put it into community ownership. A ballot of the local community was held in two parts in late-August and mid- October. There was a 65% turn-out with 93% voting in favour of community acquisition. With this clear mandate the Steering Committee submitted the Jim MacKay’s Scottish Dance Band, NFLS application. taking over at second box from long Since then the application has been available for public scrutiny on the NFLS web- standing member Nicol MacKay who site and the Committee have had a site visit from NFLS Panel member Diana Gilbert. has retired. This meeting took the form of a drive / walk through the forest allowing Diana to see Rehearsals meant numerous trips up for herself what she and fellow panel members will be discussing. There was some and down the A9, part of life as a dance gentle quizzing around the same points that were in the NFLS application , band musician, but St Andrew’s weekend i.e. community capacity, community support and social, environmental and economic saw Matthew in London’s York House benefits. Committee members took the chance to talk about all the potential benefits with Harrisman Ian Angus Macleod’s of community ownership both in terms of potential income generation and also, im- band. A mix up had the band travelling portantly, in terms of improved access, social use and environmental regeneration. to Luton on a later train and having to fly The next stage was the NFLS panel meeting on 10 December. After the panel de- to Edinburgh before getting a train back cide, this has to be ratified by Forestry Commission management. We were optimis- to Inverness. tic we would hear before Christmas. The All Scotland Accordion and Fiddle Festival saw Matthew runner up in the All Scotland Senior Traditional Accor- Flora Duncan dion Competition for the coveted Jimmy Shand Trophy, for the sixth time in a 1916 - 2009 row. In the Senior Pipe Music on Accor- dion Competition he came third and in rs Flora Duncan, nee MacKenzie, the Open Band Competition he played M who died on the 20, August, 2009, double bass in third placed Cameron Kel- aged 93, was the eldest daughter of low band. Charles MacKenzie. Tailor, Allarburn, During December Matthew has taken Kiltarlity and his wife Margaret. part in the Lunchtime Concert series in She commenced Nurse training in 1937 Inverness, Town House, with Nicky at the Royal Northern Infirmary, Inver- McMichan, originally Dumfriesshire but ness, and by 1943 was a Queen's Nurse now Muir of Ord based, and also in the and Midwife, with her first posting an Ironworks FEST AID Concert in aid of island in the Shetlands, with a population the Inverness Multiple Sclerosis Ther- of 800 persons. Kiltarlity accordionist apy Centre. Following her marriage to William takes the floor You can enjoy Scottish dance music at Duncan of Shetland she moved back to our two local Accordion and Fiddle the Inverness area, and was appointed at BBC - twice Clubs: in Dingwall (National Hotel) on Matron of the Military Hospital at Fort the first Wednesday of the month; and in George while her husband served in the ighlight of a busy year for Kil- Inverness (Waterside Hotel) on the third Navy. H tarlity semi-professional accor- Monday, both at 7.30 pm. At the end of the war the couple set up dionist Matthew Maclennan was an home in Inverness. invitation this summer to play on Flora is survived by her daughter Rose- BBC Radio Scotland’s Take the CONGRATULATIONS mary, son Charles and brother Addie, Floor . And just a week later Mat- to Alex and Heather Brockie, Kil- and by her grandchildren and great- thew was back in the BBC studios to tarlity, on the birth of their beauti- grandchildren. record a broadcast with well known ful baby daughter, Rowan. 5 News from Charleston Academy by Craig MacRitchie Head Boy (additional material from Amber Johnston)

Starquest Review At the end of last term ence in using the German language. Charleston girls. we held a talent contest called Starquest. Swedish Exchange In September a S1 Hockey team: this team includes The final, held at the end of June was a Swedish exchange group joined us for local girls Alex Farquharson and Polly- great night, showcasing a host of talent a week and stayed with host families anna Grey. In their first league game within Charleston. Performers included throughout the area. They spent time they drew 4 - 4 against a very strong Kiltarlity’s very own cello player, David exploring and comparing school life Kingussie team and they won their sec- Buhl from Kinerras who put on a bril- and enjoyed trips to Landmark, Edin- ond game against Millburn at home. liant performance. The worthy winners burgh and Urquhart Castle. Unfortunately they lost the return were Drone Zone, a band with a High- match against Kingussie 4 - 3, but then land twist who comprise of pipers, drum- Macmillan Cancer Support Day - in their fourth game had a great away mers and synthesizer and who at the mo- 9/10/09 During the Macmillan Cancer win against Culloden of 10 - 1. ment are preparing to record a CD. Support Day we held a staff soup and The Sleeping Beauty Charleston Acad- sandwich lunch and juice and cakes for emy school play was to be performed on pupils. Additional money was also Clubs meeting in Thursday 17 th and Friday 18 th December raised through donations and selling in the school hall at 7.30 pm. . raffle tickets to staff and lucky squares Kiltarlity Hall to pupils for which we had fantastic prizes which were donated by local Foreign Links School Badminton (term time); companies. Altogether the school Botswana Trip In June 2010, 32 pupils Beavers (term time); raised £1769 for Macmillan Cancer (including Craig and fellow Kiltarlity Kempo (every week) ; Support. A great achievement. pupils, Jenny Collings, Amber Johnston, Mother & Toddlers (term time); Albert Roux In September 50 pupils and Serena MacRae ) will be embarking School Shinty (winter terms); from the Home Economics and French on a school trip to Botswana. The global Fitness Class (term time) ; classes were given a talk on how to ap- dimension part of the project began with Badminton Juniors (Oct- end preciate food by Chef Albert Roux and two of our teachers, Mr Corrance and Ms March); Glen Watson from Chez Roux at Sutherland, travelling in the October Badminton Seniors; Rocpool Reserve, Inverness. They are holidays to visit the host school, Lotsane Shinty training; following a theme which began on the Senior Secondary, Botswana. In April WRI (1st Wed of each month); previous visit in June of developing 2010 a return visit will be made by two Craft class; their culinary senses. Earlier in No- Lotsane teachers. The visits will be used Hall committee meeting (2nd Wed of vember a very successful gala dinner to look at the global curriculum in each each month); was prepared by 4 th year pupils under school and look at issues facing our re- Ready Steady Go (Term Time); the direction of Chef Roux and served spective pupils in global terms. The Art Cubs (Term Time); up to 100 paying parents. The night and Science departments in both schools Scouts (Term Time); was a great success and all proceeds are developing a global curriculum pro- Indoor Football (Adults) (Winter are to be donated to the Play Therapists ject. Fundraising is ongoing for this trip Terms); at Raigmore Hospitals Children’s and in September we took part in the Indoor Football (Children) (Term Ward. M.F.R. car boot sale, and in November Time); Hockey Season This year Charleston held a hog roast ceilidh in the school. First Shinty Club (Winter Terms); had an excellent start to the Senior Links with J.E. Malepe Secondary Youth Club (Term Time); Hockey League. The senior team hosts School, South Africa The South African Kirkhill Football Club (Winter three local girls, Laura MacLeod, Principal Teacher and Head of Geogra- Terms); Gemma Mainland and Ellie Watts. So phy recently spent a week in Charleston. Model Aeroplane Club (Winter far they have played four games: Kin- Our Headmaster Mr MacSween, Head Terms); gussie 0 - Charleston 6, Charleston 3 - Girl Leanne Keil and I and the South Af- Whist Drive (Last Sat of Month) Millburn 0, Charleston 3 - Kingussie 0 rican teachers were lucky enough to be invited to have a meal with the Provost in and Culloden 0 - Charleston 0. the Town House. Our visitors made a S3 Hockey team have also had a great lasting impression on us all and they are start to the season. They beat Millburn very keen to establish a mutually benefi- 10 - 1 in their first game and Culloden Club information may be 8 - 0 in their second. Laura Gallacher, cial exchange between our two schools. incomplete or German Visitors Four pupils from who also stars in Lovat’s under 14 Augsburg, Germany, one of Inverness’s shinty team, scored 17 of the 18 hockey change; see also twin towns, visited the school whilst on goals scored. Laura has been also notice boards, or contact: holiday near Beauly. They visited the asked to represent the Highland Region 741 447 German classes to provide some experi- at U16 level along with two other 6

Lovat Seniors triumph but Juniors’ record also shines John MacRitchie reports on the final games of an exciting and ultimately successful season

fter a fine performance against A one of our main rivals, Kilmallie, on 22nd August, resulting in a 3-2 win Lovat next welcomed Strathglass, also still in the running for the North Divi- sion One title, to Balgate. Lovat started brightly and should have been in front but for some good goal keeping and poor finishing. This all changed in the 33 rd minute when, against the run of play, Strathglass scored twice within a minute and were 2 - 0 up at half time. In the second half Lovat dug in and began to force the game and on the hour mark Fraser Gallacher rifled in a shot to halve the deficit. Lovat, now pushing forward, were rewarded when The victorious Lovat squad Greg Matheson levelled the scores to ing and Lovat could see their title title race was still in our hands, if we secure the point, vital to keep our title challenge fade but showed great resil- won our last three home games the Divi- hopes alive. ience and continued to pressure the sion One Cup would be back at Kiltar- Caberfeidh in early September were the Strathglass defence. On the 55 th minute lity. next visitors to Balgate. The last time we Fraser Gallacher saw his well struck Kinlochshiel were next to visit Balgate, had run out 4-1 winners, although the shot saved but Greg Matheson was dangerous opponents on an excellent run score did flatter. Caberfeidh, too, were first to react and slot away the rebound, and looking to finish third in the league. still in the running for the league title 1-1. In the 75 th minute Lovat got the Only a win would do and Lovat started with an excellent away record. Lovat breakthrough from another Greg well with a goal early on from Raymond started the game below par and Caber- Matheson goal close in. In the final 15 Rennie. Kinlochshiel levelled soon after, feidh had long spells of possession, minutes the Lovat defence held out and but Lovat responded immediately via though without testing Stuart MacDonald we secured another two vital points Greg Matheson. Nerves were eased when in goal. As Lovat gradually got into the along and eliminating another title con- Fraser Gallacher scored twice to make game they were now creating chances tender. the score 4-1, and though Kinlochshiel and only some good Caberfeidh goal Lovat’s final away fixture, in early fought back, scoring twice to bring them keeping kept the scores level. But in the October, was away to Skye who had right back into the game, Lovat soon 30 th minute the goalie was adjudged to led the league virtually from day one. stepped up the pace scoring the best goal have kicked the ball, and Greg Matheson It was a surprise to everyone that the of the game from James MacPherson and stepped up and confidently scored. In the game was not postponed as the weather a good display was rounded off when second half Lovat started to dominate on the day was the worst of the year Jimmy MacKenzie scored from the spot - and only some more excellent goal keep- with gale force winds & driving rain. final score 6-3. ing kept the scoreline at 1-0. Although The match started with both sets of In our penultimate home game we were this was not our best performance it was players struggling to cope with the hor- paired against Inverness who had drawn a good result and eliminated Caberfeidh rendous conditions. Lovat had the wind with us 0-0 earlier in the season. Nerves from the race for the title. at their backs and put Skye under were settled within the first four minutes In our penultimate away fixture we mounting pressure and only some out- with strikes from Fraser Gallacher and made the short journey to Cannich to standing goalkeeping and poor finish- Greg Matheson. During that period we play Strathglass and, with a fiercely ing prevented Lovat taking the lead. also had two goals disallowed! Lovat fought draw only two weeks before, an- Skye began to push forward and scored then seemed to take the foot off the pedal other tight game was expected. This was twice before half time. At the start of allowing Inverness into the game and we a game where only a win, for either side, the second half Skye scored again and were punished early in the second half would do. Lovat started well and were with the elements now with them it was when Inverness scored. However, this winning the midfield battle, but were going to be difficult for Lovat to get only spurred Lovat on with goals from failing to convert the pressure into goals. back into the game. Lovat did pull a Raymond Rennie and Greg Matheson. The game was very even and Lovat de- goal back through Fraser Gallacher but Lovat were now totally dominant with fence were dealing with any threats. Skye responded with a fourth. Shortly superior fitness telling. Callum MacAu- Over the last few games the defence had after that Greg Matheson scored via the lay rounded off an excellent performance been outstanding, borne out by the fact penalty spot to give a glimmer of hope, with a well taken goal two minutes from that Lovat had conceded the fewest but the home team scored late on to the end, Lovat running out 5-1 winners. goals in the league. seal their victory. This was only In the last game of the season, on 7th Half time arrived with the teams dead- Lovat’s second defeat of the season and November, Lovat hosted bottom club locked, 0-0. However within 5 minutes although two points were dropped the Lochcarron knowing a win would secure of the restart Strathglass opened the scor- 7 the league title and promotion back to the Premier League. However, it was not as Letters from Beauly easy a task as it looked on paper as Loch- n the summer of 2008, a chance other documents about the Canadian carron were a far better team than their search through the attic of Forestry Corps in the Highlands of Scot- league position would suggest. Lovat I Melynda Jarratt’s family's home in land during World War Two, or know started the game nervously and were Bathurst, New Brunswick, Canada, people with a link to the CFC (Frasers, struggling to get into the match. It was revealed nearly 300 war time letters Munros and MacKays are some of the no surprise when Lochcarron took the written by and to her grandfather, family names that appear frequently in lead in the 20 th minute, and the home Patrick "Pat" Hennessy while he was her grandfather’s letters) , please contact support feared the worst. But this goal serving in Scotland, in the Beauly Melynda Jarratt and Patsy Hennessy at seemed to lift Lovat and within five min- area, as a cook with the 15th Com- [email protected] or Cana- utes Raymond Rennie equalised from pany, Canadian Forestry Corps. dian Forestry Corps Project, c/o Maven close in., was soon to be followed by an- Although Pat was 56, he had more New Media Inc., PO Box 482, Station A, other goal from Fraser Gallacher, 2-1 at experience as a cook in logging camps half time. Fredericton , New Brunswick, Can- than anyone else and that's what the Ten minutes after the restart Lochcarron ada E3B 4Z9) Canadian Army needed. So he began a levelled through Scotland internationalist Fuller details of the project and back- five year odyssey in Scotland, and in Allan MacKenzie. At this stage Lovat ground are available on the website Beauly Patrick established close friend- were under pressure and only a number www.LettersFromBeauly.com ships with the local people, especially of fine saves from Stuart MacDonald the Frasers to whom he developed a kept the home side in the game. On the special bond, as his wife was a Fraser hour mark Fraser Gallacher scored again GARDEN TREE by descent. to put Lovat ahead 3-2. Then James His family were astounded by the SURGERY MacPherson replaced the injured Lorne number of letters, fascinating because MacKay and with virtually his first touch they explore an unknown part of slammed the ball into the Lochcarron H & H BROWN, Bunchrew. Melynda’s grandfather's life, (though net. This settled both the team and the they had heard stories of Scotland, and home support and Lovat were now start- of his meeting and attending church at Tree Felling & Topping ing to take control and it was no surprise Beaufort Castle at the invitation of Removal or Make Safe when Greg Matheson completed the Lady Lovat, wife of Lord Lovat.) Damaged Trees scoring, the final score 5-2. Celebrations Now Melynda is working on a book could now start along with preparations Fruit Tree Care to tell the story, of the Canadian Forest for the Premier League next year. Tree Management Corps in Scotland - a compelling story A very successful year for the Club that has never been told before in Can- and Advice with excellent cup runs for both Senior ada or Britain - through the Hennessy Free Quotations and Junior teams would not have been letters, and she is trying to locate the Public Liability Insurance possible without the work of Gordon Fra- descendants of the many Scottish peo- ser, our trainer, the Club’s committee ple whom he befriended and named in who work tirelessly ensuring all the Phone Hugh 01463 713245 his letters to family back home in Can- teams have the support they require both ada. She has visited Beauly and Kiltar- (Mobile) 07845 468540 on and off the park and finally the sup- lity and made contact with some local port given to Lovat Shinty Club from the people who remember the Canadian local community and beyond whose lumberjacks and their camps. sponsorship and donations are integral to www.h-h-brown.org If you have letters, photographs or the clubs survival. Lovat Juniors have also had a very creditable season. After their fine 8 – 2 win over Kilmallie in August they went on in September to record a 6 – 1 home victory over Kinlochshiel. Things didn’t go so well for them against Kingussie, where they went down 8 – 4 at the Dell, they drew their next game against Kinlochshiel and shared the points with old enemies Fort William in the final postponed fixture to finish in the upper half of Marine Harvest North Divi- sion 2, in 5 th position with 20 points. Lovat Juniors also reached the finals of both Sutherland and Strathdearn Cups. They lost both times to Fort William (3 – 1 and 3 – 2) but made a strong Fort Wil- liam team fight every inch of the way. A fine view of Beafuort Castle by Richard Fraser 8 An old story revisited s a young girl at home in South A Clunes, Kiltarlity, Mrs Mary Nairne, now in her 90s and living in Inverness, did a good turn for a neighbour. But her good turn and its unexpected and fascinating result were never correctly recorded and she has always been keen to set the record straight. In March 1933, James Forbes of 6 South Clunes was so ill he had not been able to plant his potatoes, but teenager Mary Chisholm, as she was then, and the Chisholms’ faithful horse, Star, came to the rescue. However, when Mary was ploughing part of a field on the Forbes’s croft so that the potatoes could be planted, Star suddenly stopped. Nothing would induce him to move an inch fur- ther. Mary called in her mother who was equipped for just such a situation with a ‘piece and jam’, not, as you might as- sume, for her daughter, but for Star, who wanted to have the record corrected. immediately got moving again, when his Above: Mary revisits the field where she made her discovery. Below: jam sandwich was put on offer a short Extract from the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical distance ahead of his nose. Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) website. Next page (clockwise While Star enjoyed his snack, the Chis- holms were able to examine the spot from bottom left): the story as originally reported by the Inverness where he had come to a halt, and discov- Courier (the Courier , like others, was unclear on district bounda- ered that the plough had come up against ries); the house at 6 Clunes; the Courier recalls the story in 2008; a large buried stone object. When they Mary’s old home, now altered somewhat. got the soil away from the surface they found a prehistoric stone chest, or ‘cist’, and inside it the remains of a skeleton South Clunes contracted burial and beaker, and an earthenware urn. Alternative Names Kiltarlity was found on the croft by Mary was sent down to Knockbain Schoolhouse to fetch headmaster and Site type CIST , BEAKER James Forbes, South Clunes local history and archaeology expert Canmore ID 12711 (No 6 South Clunes, Kirkhill, John N MacLeod (writer of a regular col- Site Number NH54SE 15 Kiltarlity, Inverness). The site umn in the now defunct Northern Chronicle ). He took one look and in- NGR NH 5560 4151 was in a gravelly ridge. The sisted that nothing must be touched or Council HIGHLAND cist was formed of six slabs set removed while he got expert advice. A Parish KILTARLITY AND CON- on edge and covered with 5 ir- few days later Aberdeen University sent VINTH regular flat stones all of proba- Professor Low who examined the find and arranged to have the contents taken Former Region bly local micaceous schist. The to Aberdeen. The skeleton was given to HIGHLAND beaker was intact, but the the Anatomy Museum in Aberdeen and Former District bones (presented to the Anat- the cist covered up and protected by a stone. INVERNESS omy Museum, Aberdeen) were The “Inverness Courier” ( see next page ) Former County fragmentary. carried the story of the South Clunes INVERNESS-SHIRE Visited by OS field surveyor 1 find, but Mary explains that they wrongly attributed finding the kist to old November 1967. A Low 1934. James Forbes. He was seriously ill and, Archaeological Notes This cist survives in good or- in fact, died not long afterwards, and it der. Oriented ENE- WSW, it would have been impossible for him to have made the discovery. Somehow, this NH54SE 15 5560 4151. measures 0.9m x 0.5m x 0.3m mistake got established in the official NH 5560 4151. In March, deep. It has been covered with record of the find and Mary has always 1933, a short cist containing a a stone for protection. 9

The ‘urn’ or beaker found with the skeleton in the stone coffin or cist, is now in Aberdeen University’s Maris- chal Museum, where it is described as follows: " Beaker Although this beaker was found at Kiltarlity near Inverness, it shares features with pots from throughout Western Europe at the turn of the 2nd millennium BC. The fingernail impressions on this pot and its burial in a grave empha- sise the individuality of even the dis- tant past." The contents of the grave at South Clunes were about four thousand years old. Picture and quoted text by cour- tesy of Marischal Museum, Univer- sity of Aberdeen . Glenconvinth School The last class

Mr and Mrs Peter Macaskill with the last of the pupils at Glenconvinth School in Kiltarlity. Mr Ma- caskill had been Headmaster and Mrs Macaskill also taught in the school. She continued to teach after her husband’s retirement and was, in fact, the last teacher. L to R from back: Mr Macaskill, Sheila MacDonald, Billy Zuckert, Mrs Macaskill, Malcolm Urquhart. Elizabeth Macmillan, Margaret Maclean, Linda Zuck- ert, Roderick Smith, Irene Zuckert, Kathleen Macrae, Tommy Maclean (?), Hilda MacCaulay. We’re not entirely sure of everybody. Let us know of any corrections. Glenconvinth School closed in 1963 when Mrs Macaskill retired. 10

Kiltarlity Hall Murder in Loanvichiem Association Veronica Tervet Loaneckheim, Lonvichkime – a difficult Chairman month before his wife’s death except on place to spell, for van drivers to find, and one occasion he went to Clachnaharry to even, especially for strangers from e have seen the summer come purchase herring and then to Inverness W and go and we are now back places like Hughton and Culburnie, to where he bought a napkin, a pair of gar- disentangle from Camaultmuir. But if at into the dark nights. However, this is a ters, an almanac and two sheets of paper, busy time for the Hall with all the least it seems quite a safe place to live but he denied buying arsenic from the clubs in full swing, along with birthday in – it was not always so. Shona Selkirk shop of Dr. William Kennedy, surgeon in parties, Christmas parties and the rest . came across this story in records held at Inverness , under pretence of destroying Over the October holidays we held the the National Archive of Scotland and foxes with the same. same activities, more or less, as we had Highland Council Archive. When a message arrived on Saturday over the summer period, but due to a 19th February from Colonel Fraser of break down in communication and ad- wen (or Evan) Cameron of Belladrum stating that Hannah should vertising they were not attended as well. ELoanvichiem, son of John Cam- not be interred until the body was exam- In November our annual Craft Fair was eron and Mary MacLean, was cited to ined by a doctor, Ewan was much af- very well supported considering the stand trial by the Circuit Court in In- fected as he thought it conveyed a suspi- weather conditions. It was nice to see verness on 8 September, 1798, in- cion against him. The body of “the de- some new faces attending, but it would dicted and accused of the murder of funct“ was opened for examination by be great to see even more. his wife Hannah Fraser, daughter of Dr. James Robertson of Inverness. Also Last month saw us purchase new cur- John Fraser of Teanacroft, near Bel- present were Mr. John Fraser the Parish tains and tracks for the hall - what a dif- ladrum, who had died by poisoning. Minister, Donald Fraser the Schoolmas- ference these have made to the appear- Donald Fraser, writer Prov Fiscal of the ter, Mr. James McLachlan Chaplain to ance inside! We are having the fire doors Sheriff Court, petitioned on 6 March, the Fraser Fencible Regiment of Infantry, replaced in the near future along with 1798, for Ewen Cameron to be appre- Primrose McLean and another midwife, repair to a damaged front door. hended and imprisoned as various facts Betty Morrison. It's an ongoing battle to try and keep the and circumstances which had come to his Ewen petitioned for banishment: “the maintenance up but with your continued knowledge, “unnecessary to be here con- petitioner begs leave to declare his inno- support we are managing. Our thanks go descended on “ gave strong reasons to cence of this crime in the most positive to everyone who has helped in any way believe that Ewen Cameron was the per- and direct manner; but satisfied that be- at all and from everyone on the Hall son who had administered the poison. ing charged with so unnatural a crime Committee I would like to wish you all a On the morning of Thursday 15 Feb, has already injured his former good char- Merry Christmas and a Happy New 1798, Hannah had made breakfast of po- acter that he cannot live with comfort in Year . tatoes and kale after which she became this part of the country and being desir- violently ill and died later that day. Ewen ous to enlist in His Majesty’s Service he Kiltarlity SWRI denied that he had administered arsenic is therefore willing that your Lordship or any other kind of poison to his de- will banish him forth of Scotland ...... ”. Catherine MacRitchie ceased wife nor had he at any time struck This was consented to and if he was Secretary or beat his wife or threatened by any found in Scotland after 1 Oct, 1798, not means whatever to take away her life. in His Majesty’s Service, he was to be According to his declaration, inter- taken out on the next market day and ur monthly meetings continue to preted from the “Galic Language” by whipped through the streets of Inverness be, as always, very enjoyable. O Donald Fraser, writer in Inverness, Ewen before being banished again. In September Ian Marr was our guest Cameron declared that he had been mar- On 24 September, 1798 Lieut. Peter telling us the fun side of being an antique ried to Hannah Fraser for about twelve Nicolson petitioned for Ewen Cameron dealer. He took along one of his prize years and that they had had six children, to be detained in the Tolbooth, Inverness items, Highland Dress accessories pre- four of whom were still alive. He said till he could send him to Chatham as, sented to the Chief of Clan Cameron by that he had lived in “perfect good har- having enlisted and attested with the 45 Queen Victoria. mony” with his wife till the beginning of Regiment of Foot, “he thought proper In October Ron Lyon, gave an insight the previous summer when a report was afterward to enlist and attest in another to the wonderful Work of C.H.A.S. and circulated by John and Barbara Fraser, Regiment”. Having already attempted to in November Catriona Ross showed us his deceased wife’s brother and sister, desert, Lieut. Nicolson considered that if slides of her and her friend’s holiday in that Ann Ross, daughter of Robert Ross Cameron was allowed out of jail he South America. Catriona made us feel at Teanakyle (Teanacoil),” had an at- would immediately go away and never like “wish we were there", but you would tachment for and was in love with the be heard of again, by which means Lieut. have to be very brave for that holiday! declarant and the declarant likewise an Nicolson would be deprived of the Our thanks to Catriona. attachment for this girl”. He denied that Bounty and pay as would the public of December is the month for a night out Ann Ross was “with his child or that he the service of the man. at Brockies Lodge for a meal and a had any carnal knowledge or connection Note: As banishment was consented to chat. At this time of the year also we do- with her”. the case did not go to full trial and the nate Annuals to Social Services for chil- Ewen declared that he had not been in witnesses were not called. dren in their care. Inverness for about three weeks or a 11

Kay celebrates her 70th

ay Munro was born Kay Smart K and was chosen by Mary Nairne to be one of her family. She celebrated her 70th birthday this year and a sum- mer garden party was held at Dirie- bught House in Inverness on a fine sunny May afternoon. All the extended Nairne family were there and Kay en- joyed meeting up with family mem- bers, some of whom she had not seen for some time. Kay was born in Inverness and went to stay with the Chisholm family at Clunes but when ill health befell Mrs Chisholm her daughter Mary Nairne took Kay to stay at Culburnie. Mrs Chisholm was not able to ever care for Kay again and Kay remained at Culburnie. She went to school there and then Tomnacross When she left school she had several jobs and whilst working at the old Caley Hotel in Inverness she met her husband George Munro and they still live on Dochfour Kay, next to Mary, the rest of the Nairne family and cousin Rose Estate. Kay was also well known as she worked in the first Eastgate centre. She retired from that job several years ago. WILD BIRD FOOD, FREE DELIVERY Her main hobby is her garden which PRICES PER 25 Kg SACK, we also gives her great pleasure. The birthday party was a surprise and pack in 20s, 13, 10 & 6 Kg sacks all the Nairne family enjoyed sharing a SEE, wildbirdfoodscotland.co.uk special and memorable day with their sister Kay. for full price lists and info. PEANUTS £29.75 Kiltarlity News STANDARD SEED £19.75 We are anxious to have material for the Spring issue of the Kiltarlity News SUPREME SEED £22.80 and will print as many local news NICE & CLEAN SEED £28.50 items, club, school news, sports obitu- aries, letters, articles etc, as possible. SUNFLOWER HEARTS £38.47 Please send material by 31 March 2010. We may be able, but cannot NIGER SEED £42.00 guarantee, to print later contributions. Material may be sent to R. MacLean, SUET PELLETS PER 10 Kg £27.50 ‘Berisay’, Culburnie, (741323), e- FAT BALLS PER 100 £17.50 mailed to [email protected] , or given to any Community Council ORDER LINE 01456 486 639 member.

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 March 2010 to: [email protected], or post to R D MacLean, ‘Berisay’, Culburnie, Kiltarlity IV4 7JJ (01463 741323).

12 Traditional Music success

The Caledonian Canal Ceilidh trail, or- ganised by Highland Council Traditional Music Coordinator, Kiltarlity’s Margo Maclennan, was nominated recently un- der the “Community Project of the Year” and won a coveted Scottish Traditional Music Award. The Ceilidh Trail results from the combined efforts and contribu- tions of British Waterways Scotland (Highland Canals Section), TMC Folk through the Highland Cultural Pro- gramme, Highland Council Education Culture & Sport Service and various gen- erous funders. The Ceilidh Trail features an extremely talented group of young musicians from throughout Scotland. The group has a rolling membership with a proportion of new younger members being recruited each year as older members move on to fresh musical challenges elsewhere. The Traditional Music Awards were decided by internet vote and Margo and the Ceilidh Trailers would like to thank everyone who voted for the group. Congratulations to Margo and the Ceilidh Trailers. They perform through- out the summer season at various venues Ceilidh Trail young musicians in the Great Glen. If you didn’t get over Front - lead musician Cam- to hear them this year, be sure to do so in eron Kellow, accordion, stu- 2010! dent musician Alasdair Tay- Margo writes: lor, guitar. Back - trainee TMC Folk go from strength to strength. lead musician, Rachel Camp- The group practises regularly under the bell, fiddle, student musicians guidance of their new musical director Rachael MacDonald, Gaelic Cameron Kellow. The group welcomes song, whistle and pipes and musicians who play at intermediate level Euan Smillie, fiddle. and if you know of anyone in the Inver- Left: Margo celebrates the ness area who would be interested in award joining them contact us. TMC Classes 2010 will get underway on Monday 11 January and run until the For more information contact Margo 25 th March. With a break for the Febru- Maclennan, Traditional Music Co- ary mid term weekend from Tuesday 11 ordinator, ECS Area office, 13 Ardross to Thursday 16 th . The Bodhran class is street, Inverness, IV3 5NS on 01463 ready to start with tutor Selwyn Roberts 663817 or by email to margo. for which we are looking for at least 6 [email protected] students of all levels of ability to join. Plus there are places in the keyboard and accordion classes. Community Council The monthly tutor led Informal Session will re-start on Saturday 9 January fol- Review lowed by another session on the 20 Feb- ruary to be held in Millburn Academy, Inverness from 2-4pm. The sessions are At their December meeting Kiltarlity suitable for slower players and students Community Council agreed that the who are keen to increase their knowledge current area and composition of the of session tunes. Also on the 20 Febru- Community Council were appropriate ary will be an hour long Song Work- and that no changes to either boundary shop - from 2-3 pm - with Fiona J or composition were necessary or de- MacKenzie. sirable. 13

Councillors’ Corner Kiltarlity Christmas 2009 from Community Councillor Helen Carmichael Council s the Festive Season approaches the A days are short and dark so it is heartening to see the new low voltage lights which have been installed in the Norman Grant, Chairman cherry trees in Beauly adding a welcome highlight to the Square. (741532) Beauly Square update The initial outcome of the consultation has shown there is a strong local desire to see parking retained, both for convenience and in support of the Hector Douglas, Secretary local businesses. There is a considerable amount of feeling that the Square should be (741881) prioritised for short term parking with a number of locations, both existing and poten- tial, being suggested for long term parking. There is also a clear need to resolve the Dorothy Ward, Treasurer question of parking for residents in the Square and some legal matters that require fur- (741253) ther investigation. Congestion caused by deliveries is also a major concern and we Karen Ferguson (831251) will be speaking with both TECS and the business community in the search for solu- tions that are workable for all parties. We are very grateful for the amount of time Floris Greenlaw (741342) and effort that people put into their responses; the vast majority gave us far more than Lesley MacColl (741430) just the tick box answers and many people had offered innovative solutions helping us Ronald MacLean (741323) to conclude that some of the solutions to problems within the Square may be solved by works outside the Square. Two dates are being arranged for early February: the Hamish Maclennan first meeting is for the Business Association and the second one is for the community (741312) and will be held in the Phipps Hall. In addition to the funding from Highland Council we are hoping to attract further Eunice Ramsden (741447) funding through the LEADER project. John Al MacAuleay Ward Discretionary Budget Kiltarlity has benefited from the Ward Discretionary Budget this year and below is a summary of the organisations and amounts. Community Council meetings are com- Kiltarlity Hall Association £820 pletely open to the public who, with Kiltarlity Community Council- Archaeology Project £2000 the Chairman’s agreement, can con- Kiltarlity 2000 £3000 tribute to the discussion, though not Kiltarlity CC- promotional material £200 vote. Cycle Path Work is ongoing on the proposal for a cycle path to Inverness and a The Council can discuss extremely grant application is in the process of being prepared. There are issues to be addressed confidential issues and take decisions and my colleague Councillor Wood is leading on this by working closely with the in private session but this almost never community and keeping us updated at the Ward Business Meeting which is held every arises. two weeks. Community Council members will Unwanted Mail. Over a third of direct mail is discarded unopened. By signing up welcome approaches for advice or as- to the Mailing Preference Service householders can significantly reduce the amount of sistance from any local resident unwanted mail that is put through your letter box each day. whether on an individual or commu- For more information, visit stop-the-drop.org.uk/ nity basis. For example, the Commu- Furniture Re-use. As Highland Council now charge for uplift of bulky items from nity Council may be able to provide households, please be aware there are several organisations based in our Ward that some finance for local projects either accept furniture and household goods which are suitable for reuse. Some offer a col- from its annual grant of around £750 or lection service for free. by applying for additional funds to The two organisations that operate in our area are Blythswood - 0845 4569460 and Highland Council or other funding New Start Highland - 01463 715615. bodies. Individual. members may be The Family Ceilidh will be held again in the Phipps Hall on the 1 st January. Tickets, able to help with matters such as offi- which sold out very quickly last year, are available from The Tweedhouse or myself. cial letters, forms and documents, or Would the Kiltarlity family who came along last year with their wonderful young put people in touch with an appropriate piper please get in touch - we would like the piper to perform again! source of assistance. Any personal ap- Festive Greetings As another year draws to a close it is time to remember those proach to a Council member will be members of our community who sadly are no longer with us and to rejoice in the new treated with total confidentiality and babies who have arrived to complete the circle of life. My sincere good wishes go out will only be discussed in Council meet- to all our residents, for making our area a good place in which to live, work, and raise ings with the clear agreement of the our families. person who has made contact. May I wish you all A Very Merry Christmas and Good Health in 2010 Feel free to contact me on: 01463 782555 or email [email protected] Community Council Website: Helen Carmichael, Hawthorn, 25 Ferry Road, Beauly.IV4 7EA www.kiltarlity.info 14 Christmas party 2009

his year’s Christmas Party arranged by Kiltarlity TCommunity Council was attended by about 80 guests, a record number for recent years. And due to the generosity of Robbie Sheriffs of Brockies Lodge Hotel they were served with a splendid Christmas dinner with turkey and all the trimmings. High quality entertain- ment was then provided by Torridon and their fellow artistes followed by a visit from Santa Claus. Some were even lucky enough to receive one of the special paper bricks for the home fire, made by local children. The very warm thanks of Community Council and guests go to Council Treasurer Dorothy Ward and her band of tireless organisers (and waiters), Robbie of Brockies Lodge and his staff, Graham Bell, who again recruited and presented a team of accomplished per- formers, including talented youngsters, and the generous donors who helped fund what must have been one of the most successful parties to date. 15

Kiltarlity Church of Scotland Advent and Christmas events n Friday, 11th December the entire church family at Kiltarlity gathered for the "Greening of the Church." Young and old, Omen and women, boys and girls, everyone was invited to come to the church at 6:30 p.m. for a family meal, and to decorate the Christmas tree, the gallery and the columns with greenery for the Christmas season. Christmas Carols were sung to accompany the work, special crafts for the children were provided, and the elders provided the wassail for the occasion. Sunday, 13 December 2009 : New members received in both Kirkhill and Kiltarlity Churches. Sunday 20 December: Kiltarlity Sunday School and TCC nativity pageant at the 12 noon worship service. “ Candles and Car- ols" service (for both congregations) t 6.30 pm at Kirkhill Church. Wednesday 23 December: Tomnacross Primary School Christmas Service at Kiltarlity Church starting at 1:30 p.m. Thursday 24 December: The Eve of Christmas service conducted by the Elders at Kiltarlity Church at 11:30 p.m.

Sunday School sponsors Lanoi Batinga iltarlity Sunday School is sponsoring a nine year old, Lanoi Batinga, who stays at the Kenyan Children’s Home, Nairobi, K Kenya. Her mother died, and her father had difficulty supporting their very large family. Lanoi enjoys dancing, swimming and running. The Sunday School's sponsorship of Lanoi costs £35 a month (£420 annually) which covers all aspects of her well being from food, clothing, shelter, education, medical and dental expenses. Sponsorship encourages communication between Lanoi and the Sunday School. The Sunday School has already received a letter from Lanoi and they are currently preparing a letter and Christmas card for her. Quinquennial Presbytery Visit iltarlity and Kirkhill were visited in September. Areas reviewed with Elders were worship, office bearers, congregational life, K Christian education, mission and ministry support. Finance and the church fabric were reviewed with the Deacons present. The committee were encouraged that attendances at both churches were increasing. The monthly newsletter and the joint ventures between the churches (Summer Holiday Club, Burns Night, Celestial Choir, and Christmas Carol play) all received favourable com- ment. Hospital visits reminder from Willis: I urge you to let me, or an Elder, know when you, or someone known to you, are admitted to the hos- A pital. I want to be there with you at such a time. I thank those of you who have let me know, but keep the information flowing. I would not want someone in our churches to think that the minister didn't care about them. It is hard to care when you do not know!

Celestial Choir The Celestial Choir, under the guidance of Mary Robb, continues to grow and continues to rehearse each Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. at the Kirkhill Church. with between 18 and 21 members ready to take part in the Candles and Carols Service. But there is room for new members. CONTACTS: Locum Minister: Rev. Willis Jones (Tel. 01463 831662). Session Clerk: Mrs Marie Harvey (Tel. 01463 741328). Website: www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk . Newsletter “The Parishioner”: contact: Mrs Rosemary Mortimer, 7 Priory Place, Beauly (Tel. 01463 782648).

You have a local advisor who knows • currently receiving benefits The Energy what's on offer and can tell you more • pregnant about: • has a child under 5 Assistance Package • how to save energy in your • has a disabled child under 16. older weather can often mean home - the advice can save you The Scottish Government wants to make Chigher fuel bills and tighter family up to £300 a year sure that everyone in Scotland who needs budgets, but this year could be different. • lower cost energy rates without help with their energy costs saves money The Energy Assistance Package could switching supplier - that can and keeps cosy. If you sometimes strug- help you save money and stay warm. save up to £150 a year gle when the fuel bills need paid, you're The Energy Assistance Package TV • finding out about money avail- exactly the kind of person this scheme is advert is now running and you can see it able from benefits and tax cred- for. on ITV, Channel 4 and Five. its Remember: If you find it hard to keep your home • free loft and cavity wall insula- • you'll be calling a local advisor warm and cosy, here's some good news. tiongrants for energy saving • everyone is different, so our ad- You could save money on energy, or measures like central heating, to vice is personal - especially for maybe even get insulation for your home make your home warmer. you and your home or a whole new heating system. Call your What you could get depends on your • your advisor will guide you local advisor on 0800 512 012 now, for circumstances through every step of the way. personalised advice. 0800 numbers are Who can call? This is a real chance to make yourself not charged to a customer ( except where Everyone can phone us, and we are es- better off - so don't miss out. Pick up charges are notified to callers at the start pecially keen to hear from you if you or the phone now, and if you know any- of the call, e.g. made from a mobile). someone living with you is either: one else who could do with a hand - What happens if I phone? • 60 or over pass it on. 16 Boblainy Forest Group makes good progress

ood progress is being made with G Kiltarlity Community Council's plans for increasing the recreational and educational access and use of Boblainy Forest. The public meeting in September, chaired at Kiltarlity Community Coun- cil's request by Councillor Margaret Davidson who has long been closely as- sociated with the Abriachan Forest Trust, was deemed a success, showing both Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) and the Community Council that there was community support for the general concept and most of the planned im- Boblainy’s hidden landscape provements. meantime. However, the posts of sec- Nearly seventy people attended the af- retary and minute secretary urgently ternoon display/drop-in session and/or require to be filled: volunteers Forest Archaeology the public meeting. The main speakers in please! Good progress has been made in the the evening were representatives from forest too, with path surveys almost Project the renowned Abriachan Forest Trust, complete, and routes for signposting Recovering a hidden landscape from the Woodland Group of Kirkhill assessed. It is likely that some paths and Bunchrew Community Trust who will need work to clear them, or to have done so much at Reelig Glen, and iltarlity Community Council’s make circular routes. At the recent from FCS, who all emphasised the bene- Boblainy Forest Community meeting with Brian Duff of FCS assur- K fits to the local community. Floris Archaeology Project - Recovering a ances were given that waymarking of Greenlaw and Ron MacLean from the hidden landscape , planned to start in the main route between Culburnie and Community Council also spoke. late winter or early spring of 2010, is Ardendrain would be given priority, This quickly led to the setting up of the linked to but not part of the Boblainy and that felling contractors would be Boblainy Forest Group (BFG) with some access project. (See previous article) asked to remove redundant "No Ac- fifteen interested local people getting The project will have three main stages, cess" and equivalent signs, and to mini- involved. These include Malcolm Harvey all facilitated by a locally based profes- mise their use where forestry opera- of Loaneckheim, well known as an orni- sional archaeologist. Sessions will be tions are underway: use common thologist, who has taken on responsibility offered according to people’s interest and sense when coming across these signs for progressing liaison with FCS, Lee will take account of their other commit- e.g. ignore any still in place on a Sun- Craigie of Kirkhill, a Scottish Champion ments. There will be no charge for any of day as no felling will be underway. mountain biker, and Eddie Freeman of the sessions and no costs beyond things FCS are also working up costs for Foxhole (Dularich) who has taken on the like taking pack lunches during field trips planned improvements at the Culburnie newsletter. The Christmas edition is just and getting to local indoor sessions or and Ardendrain accesses with a view to out - contact Eddie on foxhole4BB@aol. outdoor sites. funding applications being made com or tel. 741433 if you wish to be put It must be emphasised that people do shortly. To ensure continued commu- on the mailing list. not need to take part in all three nity support for whatever proposals are Community Council members have stages. It may be that some will prefer to go forward, a follow-up display/ agreed that Boblainy Forest Group be- to limit themselves to indoor sessions evening meeting will be held in Kiltar- come a distinct sub-group of the Council while others are primarily interested lity Hall around the end of March. in accordance with the Constitution, ena- in outdoor fieldwork. Look out in due course for details of bling the Group to appoint separate of- Stage One will be indoor, desk-based, this meeting and of planned spring to fice-bearers and open a separate bank with research and assessment of sites and autumn events and activities in the for- account. The Community Council is also features. This will take place in Kiltar- est. applying to become a member of the lity Village Hall but will involve one trip Community Woodlands Association All are welcome at the next meet- to Edinburgh to visit either the Royal where it will be represented by the Forest ing of the Boblainy Forest Group in Commission for Ancient or Historical Group. The Group now has a treasurer, a Kiltarlity Hall on Wednesday 20th Monuments in Scotland or the National volunteer as chairperson has come for- January at 7.30 pm . Library of Scotland. Stage Two will ward with this appointment likely to be ratified at the next meeting, and the sec- (See also next item) Continued on next page retarial side of things is being covered 17 also involve fieldwork sessions in won't be telling the Scottish peo- Boblainy Forest, and findings will be ple until next year. Kiltarlity Free submitted and shared with various ar- So, expect the Minister to make an chaeological databases and bodies. announcement at the first session of the Church welcomes Stage Three will involve participants Scottish parliament after the Christmas new pastor mounting an exhibition of their findings recess...... or there again, maybe not! in Kiltarlity Hall and elsewhere in the One thing we can now be fairly sure ecently arrived Free Church pastor local area where appropriate. of at the end of five years of campaign- R Joe Barnard is a native of Texas. The project has already been awarded ing, is that this monstrous intrusion into Joe, wife Anna (from Oklahoma) and some of its necessary funding but a our fine Highland landscapes and com- children Dan and Caleb now live in LEADER (European funding) applica- munities is likely to be given the go- Camault Muir. tion is being made for the remainder, ahead. We can only hope if this is in- Before graduating from Baylor Uni- which will be required for the project to deed what is announced, that there will versity in Texas in 2005 Joe completed a take place. This is more likely to succeed be partial undergrounding, and at this Certificate in Theology at the Highland if it there is strong support for the pro- end of the line the route will be under- Theological College in Dingwall. He is ject, including where possible, financial ground from the Balblair sub-station now studying for a PhD in Theology at support, and also a strong local interest in for the first nine kilometres or so, thus St Andrews University. taking part in the project. ensuring all of Kiltarlity including Joe and Anna love living in Kiltarlity Strong interest in the archaeological Eskadale and Kinerras will be free of and now regard it as their Scottish home. project was registered by an encouraging mega-pylons and the health concerns Joe is keen to get to know the community number of those who attended the and loss of amenity which come with and is trying to understand the intricacies Boblainy Forest public meeting and a them. of shinty! He hopes the Church’s De- subsequent mailing has identified further It's important to note that any deci- cember Community Programme will intending members of the project. There sion to grant permission to Scottish and have enabled him to meet folks from the have also been expressions of support Southern would not mean an early start community and would be delighted to and some extremely generous financial to construction. Even if a contract is welcome all to Sunday service. contributions. This interest and support not held up by legal challenges, there A well attended Talk & Discussion with will be invaluable in strengthening the would be various outstanding mat- Joe titled “Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga bid for essential funding still required. ters including planning permission for and the Problem of figuring out who I It is still possible to register an inter- a depot for workers, vehicles and am” was held in Kiltarlity Community est - simply contact 741323 or email to equipment, and compulsory purchase Hall on Thursday 10th December. rdmaclean5@ berisay.co.uk . It must be orders which might be resisted for a Kiltarlity Free Church held a Christmas stressed that anyone who does so will not while. There is also the issue of the Carol Service (with mince pies and cof- be committing themselves to every stage outstanding public local inquiry for the fee) on Sunday 20th December. And of the project. latest re-incarnation of the Balblair local children were invited to a showing There will be an information meeting in sub-station extension. of the film Prince Caspian, scheduled for late January or early February of all Construction, whether overhead or Tuesday 29th December in Kiltarlity those who have said they would like to underground, would lead to consider- Community Hall. take part in the Boblainy Forest Archae- able disturbance for at least a couple of ology Project - Recovering a hidden years, to those close to the route - landscape . noise, dust, dirt on the roads, heavy Traditional loads on roads not designed for them, long working hours and the rest. This Music Classes Decision and sorry saga is far from over. No, it's not too late to send off more TMC Classes re-start on Monday 11 indecision of our campaign postcards. They are January to Thursday 25 March 2010 available from the Kiltarlity and Still no powerline Beauly post offices or Brockies Places in Accordion, Bodhran, Ceilidh announcement Lodge Hotel, with each card accom- Dance, Chanter, Fiddle, Guitar, Key- panied by an explanatory leaflet. boards, Mandolin, Scottish Song and or months Scottish Ministers have This is just one of several similar Whistle Fbeen confirming there would be a post card actions down the route of Margo Maclennan decision on the Beauly to Denny power the power line, with cards arriving Traditional Music line "before the end of the year". daily in the offices of Jim Mather Co-ordinator However, indecision seems a better and his boss, John Swinney, and also Highland Council ECS Area Office word to describe what's been happening, being sent on by supportive MSPs. 13 Ardross Street, with a newspaper leak in October that Sent post cards already? Well, take Inverness IV3 5NS permission for the line would be granted, one or two for friends and http://www.highland.gov.uk/ and subsequent, less public, media hints neighbours. Two minutes and a leisure&tourism/what-to-see/arts/music. of a pending announcement. In the latest stamp is all it takes to support the htm bizarre turn of events, Jim Mather the hundred or so local households close Winners of the Scottish Traditional Minister for Enterprise Energy and Tour- to the line and sub-station, and help Music Award ism has confirmed he has indeed taken a ensure the line is underground if it with decision "before the end of the year", but goes ahead. Caledonian Canal Ceilidh Trail 2009 18 Tartan Heart August 2009

Musical highlights on Friday were Ork- estra del Sol in the Hothouse tent with their inimitable mix of superb music and theatricality; lovely Lau’s Bella debut on the Grassroots stage, the smooth, mellow tones of the Bevvy Sisters in the Venus Flytrap Palais; a simply dazzling display in the Sideburns tent by Bruce Macgre- gor, Andy Thorburn and Marc Clement (Blazin’ Fiddle, in other words), follow- ing on Hamish Macdonald’s terrific take on ‘Tam O’Shanter’; and of course, the perennially magical Peatbog Faeries. After that, even the smooth indie rock of the headlining Editors with the even and his Tartan Heart team do not rest smoother, bell-like tones of Tom Smith on their laurels. Structural rearrange- didn’t quite fit the bill. ment of the Seedlings and Hothouse On Saturday on the Garden Stage a tent area, including the removal of sev- common thread ran through Treacherous eral trees, had created an open, more Orchestra, Noah & the Whale and the easily navigable central space. Saw Doctors to pave the way for Ocean New stages, including the Homecom- Colour Scene’s finale. Newcomers ing Scotland Sideburns tent and the Treacherous Orchestra look to become Dance DJ set-up in the newly (half) the quintessential festival band. built Mother’s Ruin, meant that this The pace slowed, mercifully, with Noah year it was even harder than formerly & the Whale. The Saw Doctors took to see even half of the treats on offer. things back to folk/rock basics, while The only low point was the loos – but OCS rolled out the Moseley Shoals hits. that’s festivals for you. Other musical highlights on Saturday Threaded throughout the weekend were the DJ set by Edinburgh’s Dolphin were the many joyful flourishes that Boy; The Lost Brothers, impossible to add so much enchantment to Bellad- tory mermaids. Two drag Amy Wine- resist, followed by the sweetness of rum. The living room hanging from a houses stuck to their beehives. Bur- Aberfeldy before the exuberant folk/ tree, the whisky tasting in the Verb lesque, clowning, circus, football, fire- world/rock of Seth Lakeman, all in the Garden, Rimski’s Bicycle and stilt- works, poetry, oratory, debate, excellent Grassroots tent; and a glimpse of the walking giant Big Rory & his anatomi- food and drink, and so much more – it equally exuberant De Votchka in the cally correct dog Ochie. would have been possible to have missed Hothouse tent. British Sea Power, how- Saturday’s fancy dress theme was seeing any music at all, and still have ever, failed to impress. Beach ‘n’ Sea, so there were shiploads had the best weekend of the summer. It is evident every year that Joe Gibbs of sailors, shoals of octopi, and obliga-

What global warming? Some scenes from December 2009

Left: unofficial car parking Above: no gritter or snow- plough yet. Right: local resi- dents adjust to climate change. 19

planned to go through our district, tur- Looking back— bines attract substantial financial benefit for the communities in or near where and forward they are situated. And whereas the py- by lons are likely (as in our case) to run Mary Scanlon MSP through populated areas, wind farms are typically situated on neighbouring upland and well clear of housing,. s quick as it arrived, it’s gone. Fairburn windfarm is on ‘elevated A Yes 1 year, 12 months or 365 moorland’ on the western slopes of a hill days no matter how you say it 2009 has which lies west of Marybank. The wind- just about finished and I don’t know farm is (approximately) 3.3 miles from about you, but for me it has gone in a Marybank, 4.7 miles from Contin, 1. 9 flash. from Comrie and 2.5 from Little It wasn’t the best year to be a politician Scatwell, both in Strathconon. There are by any means but even in the season of in Inverness at 14a Ardross Street, on three houses around Fairburn within goodwill I’m not expecting an out- the phone – 01463 241004 or by e-mail about 1.5 miles. It is interesting to note pouring of sympathy from readers. at mary.scanlon.msp@scottish. that the giant Beauly Denny pylons will Opinions of all politicians have been parliament.uk. have many hundreds of houses within harmed by the actions of several and I In January I have arranged some sur- these distances from the line. think we’d all be wise to wish for a less geries in Kiltarlity and Beauly where There are to be initial payments to com- controversial 12 months next year as we you can come and meet me in person pensate for construction and transport break the wish-bone from the turkey on and I’d be happy to try and assist with disturbance for two years, which will be th Christmas day! More focus on getting any issues I can. On Friday the 29 shared by a larger number of areas af- out of the recession than filling out lavish January I’ll be at the Lovat Arms hotel fected. Thereafter, annual payments will expense claims would be a start. in Beauly from 12 noon to 1.00 pm; be made for a further 22 years; these will The Parliament celebrated its tenth an- then from 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm I will be be limited to Marybank and Strathconon, niversary this year and it was a proud at the Hall in Allarburn. Contin and Muir of Ord. The figures are moment to be in the chamber to hear the as follows: Queen deliver her address, albeit with an There’s money in For the first two years: extremely strained voice as she was suf- Marybank 35.94% £57,500 fering from a cold. I was in the chamber those windfarms Muir of Ord 23.44% £37,500 ten years earlier when the Queen ad- Conon 15.63% £25,000 dressed Members of a Scottish Parlia- Contin 6.25% £10,000 airburn windfarm is near com- ment for the first time in 300 years, an- Ferintosh 6.25% £10,000 pletion. Scottish and Southern other memorable and historic occasion. F Killearnan 6.25% £10,000 Energy (SSE - the pylon line people) Critics are quick to point out where the Maryburgh 6.25% £10,000 report that all 20 turbines for the 40 Parliament has under achieved but there For years 3 to 25: megawatt (MW) wind farm have is undoubtedly a will and a commitment Marybank 55% £44,000 now been delivered and erected, with across all parties to make the Scottish Muir of Ord 17.50% £14,000 the first power set to be generated Parliament work better to improve the Contin 27.50% £22,000 from early next year. lives of people in Scotland. Since, according to the Highland In spite of early discussions on com- Politicians from across the globe have Council guidelines originally discussed, munity benefit which included all com- descended on Copenhagen recently in Kiltarlity was eligible for a share munity councils within a 15 km radius an attempt to thrash out a deal on cli- (probably and justifiably small) of poten- (including Kiltarlity), SSE have set out mate change. We are constantly being tial community benefit from Fairburn the amounts to be distributed and de- reminded about the importance of moni- Windfarm., we had sent representatives cided on the community council areas toring and reducing our carbon footprint, to various meetings. However, it appears which are to receive benefit. but of course in Kiltarlity energy issues that SSE since took control of the ar- In marked contrast to a modern trans- often centre around the decision on rangements, although Kiltarlity CC was mission line with its giant pylons and Beauly Denny. The announcement is never officially informed of this. imminent, or depending when you read cabling, such as the Beauly Denny line this, already made. We can only hope that local concerns regarding under grounding and the number of pylons in the area have been listened to. As we reflect on 2009 and look for- ward to 2010 I continue to feel a sense of pride in my role as an MSP for the Highlands and Islands representing all the communities from Shetland in the North, to Argyll in the South and from Moray across to the Western Isles. I am happy to hear from people across the region and can be contacted at my office 24