ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Price: £1.00 ISSN 2514-8400 = Issue No. 38 = winter 2017-2018 = The transformation of Ardgay 100 years separate these two images. Let’s take a look at the history of our vil- lage Page 6 Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust’s The Barn is now open Page 4

The attentive Fixed Wireless restoration of Superfast Carbisdale Castle broadband ready Great care is being taken to re- in Edderton store Carbisdale Castle to its for- mer glory. The clock tower is now The providers, Highland fully restored. The owners were Wireless & IT, will work in particularly pleased to be able to engage the original company that partnership with the KoS- built the clock to handle its refur- DT to service Rosehall and bishment. Page 5 lamb © steven Strathcarron Page 10

Celebration of Red Robin, a the official our favourite 32 pages featuring What’s on in the area, opening of Christmas Opening times, The Hub bird Telephone guide, Bus & Train timetable, Page 10 Page 26 Sudoku & Crosswords

KEEP ACTIVE TOGETHER (KAT)

HO, HO, HO! It’s time to dust off your dancing shoes and come along to our Christmas Ceilidh Tea Dance. Santa and his helpers will be there again, serving refreshments and handing out gifts. WEDNESDAY 20th DECEMBER, 2pm-4pm ROSEHALL VILLAGE HALL Admission £2

www.facebook.com/keepactivetogether T:01863 766554 E:[email protected]

Keep Active Together (KAT) is funded by the Scottish Government. It is part of the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust, which is a company Limited by Guarantee Scottish Registration:SC401019 & Scottish Charity:SC043587. Registered office:The Trust Offices, Dornoch Road, Bonar Bridge, Sutherland, IV24 3EB ardgay & district community Council newsletter WINTER 2017-2018 = Page 3

Contents

11 12 16 22

ARDGAY News =Upholstery classes in Ardgay ������ 16 what’s on in the area ����������������23 =The Barn open for business �������������4 =Kyle of Sutherland Heritage Society =New team in the KoSDT ���������������������4 & Bonar Bridge History Group �����������17 adult clubs & societies �������������24 =Renovation of Carbisdale Castle ���5 =SSEN Priority Services ���������������������17 =Ardgay Village through time ����������� 6 =How to apply for Windfarm children & young people =How to contact your CC ��������������������8 Community Benefit ������������������������������ 18 =Gledfield Primary School ����������������26 =Remembrance Sunday ���������������������� 9 =Wildlife: Red Robin ����������������������������26 =KoSDT to deliver Superfast letters to the editor ���������������� 19 =Hamish, the Tartan Dragon ������������ 27 broadband to the area ������������������������10 =Kyle of Sutherland Apprenticeship charities & volunteering from the manse Scheme report for 2017 �����������������������11 =SCF new nail-cutting service ������ 20 =Ask not what you can get out of it �28 =Official opening of The Hub ��������� 12 =East Sutherland CAB Universal =Falls of Shin Christmas Fair ���������� 14 Credit outreach services ������������������ 20 local services a-z ��������������������������29 =Visit of the Inverness Architect Association to Falls of Shin ����������������15 ardgay public hall ����������������������22 puzzles �������������������������������������������������������31

Ardgay & District photographs

Ardgay by Donald Bain A stunning view of Ardgay with a snowy Carn Bren in the back- ground. The photo was tak- en on the 7th March 2016. For more photos from Donald Bain, please visit the Facebook page Kyle of Sutherland’s Scenery.

editor’s letter winter we have many business Barn in Ard- our pages about the things to celebrate in gay. For those living in history of Ardgay, now Renewal our area, as most of the Culrain, it’s nice to see that the village centre is developments we have the clocks giving the being renewed. Certain- hanks for your con- been following on these correct time, and it’s a ly Ardgay has seen quite Ttinued support, and pages over the years are testimony to the work a few buildings rise from a very warm thank you coming to fruition. The being done to refurbish their ashes in the last to those who have con- long awaited Hub is Carbisdale Castle. I century! < tributed to this edition now part of our every- hope you will enjoy the for the first time. This day lives, as will be the peek into the past from Silvia Muras Editor Page 4 = WINTER 2017-2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Ardgay & District News Ardgay Barn open for business The new development which has transformed the centre of Ardgay is now up and running.

Built on the site of the old Lady Ross Hotel in the middle of the vil- lage, The Barn provides six business spaces which opened at the begin- ning of December and are all al- ready rented out to local businesses. A new village square, to be known as Drovers Square, has also been cre- ated as part of the project work car- ried out by contractors William Gray Construction Ltd on behalf of local development group the Kyle of Suth- erland Development Trust. The Barn is now home to a va- riety of local businesses, ranging from holistic massage therapists Kyle of Serenity and hairdress- er Hair @ The Barn to Business

Gateway, CH Architecture and Exterior and interior images of The Barn. / © awfie bonnie photography upholstery, craft and design stu- dio Tweed at Heart. Heaven Bikes to the village. We had always hoped Council, Highlands and Islands En- are renting storage space while the that local businesses would want to terprise, SSE Regional Fund, Achany Kyle of Sutherland Development set up in Ardgay but we have been Community Benefit Fund and E.ON Trust has moved all its team into overwhelmed by the demand which Rosehall Community Benefit Fund.” one large office. The Barn is fully proves that this was a timely and < Jenny MacPherson equipped with Wi-Fi, photocopying much needed development. and scanning facilities and the Trust “We’re also pleased to be able to also provides a call answering and offer assistance to existing and new KoSDT general office services. businesses with services which they The Barn, Drovers Square, Marion Turner, Board Direc- might otherwise have had to find out- Ardgay IV243DH ) tor, said: “We are delighted that with the Kyle. Bringing this regenera- 01863 766 190 * [email protected] The Barn is opening for business tion project to fruition has only been right on schedule and that Drovers possible with the generous support of @KOSutherland Square is such an attractive addition the Scottish Government, Highland Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust

The Trust welcomed four ty Engagement Assistant, new team members in De- New KoSDT team members James and his family live cember. Kirstin Langlois in Dingwall. Taking on joins as marketing officer. to engage with communi- has a strong tie to Tain and the part time Communi- Kirstin lives in Dorn- ties to create locality plans, has worked in Scotland on ty Engagement Assistant och with her family and Martin Thomsen joins our other community based position is Jodie Ross from has a strong track record team to take on the role of projects. James Turner is Dornoch. Jodie brings her in marketing within the Community Engagement currently studying for his talent in advertising and social enterprise sector. Officer. Martin is moving BSC in Sustainable Devel- public relations to the To assist the Sutherland to the Highlands from opment at UHI and he will team. < Helen Houston, Community Partnership Denmark but he already be the full time Communi- Development Manager ardgay & district community Council newsletter WINTER 2017-2018 = Page 5

Ardgay & District News © gr e gor la i n g Carbisdale Castle is being restored to its former glory The works on the castle are progressing well and completed to the highest standards.

A spokesperson for FCFM Group pany that built the clock to handle Carbisdale Castle is one of the fin- Limited said: its refurbishment. All three faces est buildings in Sutherland and “The renovation of Carbisdale of the clock now tell the time again we take very seriously the restora- Castle is progressing well and and the bells chime perfectly once tion of this magnificent building. work has already been completed again. Work is now focused on re- All of the work is being complet- in a number of important areas. storing the living quarters within ed to the highest standards, using The structural damage has been the castle and selecting furniture skilled tradesmen and profession- rectified, the building is water- and fittings to show the castle off al architects and engineers. We tight and the clock tower, for ex- at its very best. While the struc- are mindful of the grounds and ample, is now fully restored along tural and building work contin- the wider estate also and look with the main staircase, stained ues, all of the castle’s paintings forward very much to working glass windows and the unique have been sent for restoration and with the local community to de- ceilings in all of the rooms. We we look forward to receiving them velop these for the wider benefit. were particularly pleased to be back in the near future so they can It is very important to us that the able to engage the original com- be re-hung in their rightful place. community is involved in secur- ing and sustaining the castle for the future and to that end we plan Following an initial approach several months ago by the new owners to invite the community into the of Carbisdale Castle via an intermediary, representatives of the Com- castle in the Spring or Summer munity Council were invited to the castle to view the renovation works. 2018, once works are completed, The works are indeed impressive. The owners indicated that once the so that everyone can see the work renovation is complete they would like to establish discussions with that has taken place, the magnif- the local community about potential future involvement with the castle icence of the castle and of course and any associated developments. < to meet with you and share some time together.” < Page 6 = WINTER 2017-2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Ardgay & District News The deep transformation of Ardgay

1918 1930

(Left) Balnagown Arms Hotel in 1918, Church Street with the old Hall and smiddy. The two buildings on the right are the general merchants owned at the time by David Mackay, and the Post Office. (Centre) 1930: The hotel’s main building has been extended with an additional gable hidden to the rear (with extra chimney pots visible). There are two new porches, the windows on the right have been turned into bay windows and curiously one of the new windows in the roof has a chimney built in front of it. The photo also shows a clear view of Church

1812 1850s 1892 1943 Opening of A fair or market that lasted three Lady Ross of Balnagown gifts a A thriving Balnagown hotel burns to Telford’s 1st days in November is at this point Public Hall to the people of Ardgay the ground. Its ruins will stand in the Bonar Bridge. established in Kincardine/Ardgay. District, built just behind the hotel. centre of the village for many years.

1810 1820 1830 1840 1850 1860 1870 1880 1890 1900 1910

1817 1893 1958 A farm house is converted in the Balnagown Arms Hotel. In the Opening of the The Lady Ross Road following years, the parish centre will move from Kincardine to this Second Bonar House Bar & Café is built junction of roads by the hotel, marking the beginning of ‘Ardgay’. Bridge. on the site of the hotel.

1812 1900 1960

(Left) William Daniell (1769–1837), aquatint on paper depicting the first Bonar Bridge. (Centre) The Balnagown Arms hotel before undergoing extensive renovations. The old hotel was built in 1817 and was originally a farmhouse. We can see Ivy Cottage, which dates from 1790. (Right) The Lady Ross after its opening. The old barn from the Balnagown farm can be seen in the background.

© Silvia Muras / Ardgay & District Community Council Newsletter

1918, 1930, 1900 © Photos courtesy of Donald Brown. 1972 © Photo courtesy of Gregor Laing. 1960 © highland photographic archive ardgay & district community Council newsletter WINTER 2017-2018 = Page 7

Ardgay & District News

Let’s take a look at the history of Ardgay, now undergoing profound change. Witness of the times, the old barn from the original farm house is now refurbished as a business hub.< SM ardgay village through time

1975

Street with the old hall, blacksmith’s workshop run by Donald Aird, and the blacksmith’s house. The house which is now Noranside was originally The Commercial Bank (it’s the building with a dormer window in the roof). (Right) In 1975 there was a bank, grocer, Lady Ross café and pub, paint shop, butcher, paper shop, post office, and two garages with petrol pumps. By the mid seventies Nigg oilrig yard was the big employer, with workers commuting from Golspie and Brora. The bus would pass daily through the village picking up workers on the way.

1966 1968 2008 2014 The original Balnagown The local community builds a The Lady Ross closes two A café and two new shops open in the Public Hall is declared new Public Hall on adjacent land years after suffering a fire village. A year later, the KoSDT launch- condemned as unsafe. donated by Balnagown Estates. that damaged the building. es the project Gateway to Sutherland.

1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

1973 1991 2017 Opening of The Dornoch Bridge opens and the traffic through Ardgay reduces The new commercial centre ‘The Barn’ brings the Third drastically. From now on, the majority of Ardgay & Bonar Bridge several new business to the village. The devel- Bonar Bridge. hotels, B&Bs, shops, and all of the filling stations will close down. opment includes a new Drovers Square.

20052004 20172017

(Left) The 2000s saw the loss of almost all of the village’s shops: Ardgay last filling station closed in 2006, The Lady Ross Post Office, in 2008. (Right) The Barn, with several business spaces, brings new life into the village. The project includes the creation of the new Drovers Square and a terrace of houses.

© Silvia Muras / Ardgay & District Community Council Newsletter To know more: Copley, Stephen (2015) The Kyle of Sutherland, A brief history. Published by the Kyle Of Sutherland Heritage 1918, 1930, 1900 © Photos courtesy of Donald Brown. 1972 © Photo courtesy of Gregor Laing. 1960 © highland photographic archive Society, this 200+ book contains a wealth of information about the Kyle of Sutherland. Page 8 = WINTER 2017-2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Ardgay & District News from ssen resilient communities fund Speed limit on the Ardgay & District Community Council A836 Ardgay to Bonar receives grant to purchase two defibrillators Ardgay & District CC and Cre- Your Community Council’s recent tered with Scottish Ambulance Ser- ich CC are working together to bid for funding to the Scottish vice. The Community Council will secure a safer limit in the A836 and Suthern Electricity Networks organise free courses of CPR to all between Ardgay and Bonar Resilient Communities Fund has those interested in understanding Bridge. Following the opening been successful. Ardgay & District how to use these lifesaving devices. of The Hub, traffic has increased CC has been awarded £3,000 to- A cardiac arrest can happen to with children involved when at- wards the costs of purchasing and anyone, anywhere, at any time, tending the facility. Councillor installing two defibrillators for Ar- and a person’s chance of survival Linda Munro has raised the for- dgay and Culrain. We would like to falls by about 10% for each min- mal request for a traffic speed thank our funders for this award. ute that passes without defibrilla- analysis with a view to having The aim is to install the defibrilla- tion. It’s important that members the speed reduced to 30 mph tors in the porch of the Hall in Ard- of the community know where limit. However, it is highly un- gay, and also by the Hall in Culrain. it is and how to use it. < Silvia likely that the full stretch would The two defibrillators will be regis- Muras, Vice Chair be approved for restriction. < ardgay & district community council: Betty Wright, Chairperson, silvia muras, Vice Chair, Marion turner, Treasurer & Secretary, rob pope, andy wright, DR BUSTER CRABB (Co-opted member), leslie pope (Associate member), mary goulder, Minute Secretary how to contact councillors north, west & central sutherland ardgay & district community council Linda Munro 8, Munro Place, Bettyhill KW14 1TD Tel 01641 521 366 [email protected] By phone By post Kirsteen Currie Rowanwood, Lamington, Kildary, Invergordon 01863 766 100 (Marion Turner, Secretary) IV18 0PE Tel 07787 221 572 [email protected] Hugh Morrison Orcadia, Lerin, Durness IV27 4QB By mail Tel 07557 566 543 [email protected] Marion Turner, Secretary A&DCC Oldtown, Ardgay IV24 3DH msps Caithness, Sutherland & Ross Gail Ross M5.13 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP Email Tel 0131 348 5927 [email protected] @ [email protected] Donald Cameron M2.18 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP Tel 0131 348 6989 [email protected] Website John Finnie MG.16 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP www.ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil.org.uk Tel 0131 348 6898 [email protected] Rhoda Grant MG.06 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP Facebook Tel 0131 348 5766 [email protected] Ardgay & District Community Council Edward Mountain M3.18 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP Tel 0131 348 6143 [email protected] Drop-in Sessions Douglas Ross M2.08 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP We will be holding clinics from 1 to 4 pm at the Tel 0131 348 6140 [email protected] Ardgay Stores on the following dates: MG.05 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP 13 JANUARY & 10 FEBRUARY David Stewart Tel 0131 348 5766 [email protected] Please stop by for a cup of tea/coffee and chat. Maree Todd M4.05 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP In person Tel 0131 348 5784 [email protected] Just contact any member you know or come along to our meetings at Ardgay Public Hall, mp Caithness, Sutherland & easter Ross at 7 pm. Next meetings: Jamie Stone House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA 13 FEBRUARY & 13 MARCH Tel 01862 892 726 [email protected] ardgay & district community Council newsletter WINTER 2017-2018 = Page 9

Ardgay & District News Remembrance Sunday at Ardgay Local children played a central role at the Remembrance wreath laying service at the Kincardine War Memorial in Ardgay.

Eight boys and girls from Bonar Bridge and Gledfield Primary Schools volunteered to read the names of the 32 men from Creich and Kincardine parishes who fell in WW1 between 12 November 1916 and 11 November 1917. 11 girls from the newly formed 1st Kyle of Sutherland Rainbow, Brownie and Guide Unit joined the parade and Paige Matthews laid their wreath. While around 30 children laid crosses in re- membrance. The day began with a wreath laying service at the Creich War Memorial in Bonar Bridge and ended with a service at Ardgay The girls from the Rainbow, Brownie and Guide Unit. Rebekah Lall is holding the church. Music was a moving fea- wreath. Front row from left is Rhianna Lall, Maree Munro, Amy Grant, Milly Grant, Chloe Sawyer and Rhea Vetters. Back row from left Kayleigh Chalmers, Holly ture throughout. Tony Osborne Mackenzie, Cameron Chalmers and Paige Matthews. played the Last Post and Reveil- le on the bugle, the first time he Hannah and Carl Claridge King Branch Secretary Fiona Porter said had played in public for 50 years. were the standard bearers. Fiona “Remembrance is a key priority for Piper Chris Bowden played High- Porter laid the Legion Scotland Legion Scotland. It was good to see land Cathedral as the lament. The wreaths at both War Memorials. so many from the local community singing of Psalm 23 at the Ardgay Wreaths were also laid by the Ard- attend the services to pay their re- Memorial was lead by Minister gay and Creich Community Coun- spects to those who gave their lives Karl Weidner and organist Euan cils, the Scottish Fire and Rescue for us, especially at this time when Stewart, who also accompanied Service, Highland Council, the Ro- we are remembering those who fell the hymns and National Anthem tary Club, and Kay Smart. in WW1 100 years ago. We are also in the church. And the Singing For very grateful for their generosity in Fun Choir sang a remembrance poppy appeal giving to the Poppy appeal, which anthem, conducted by local mu- The Branch also organised the lo- raises vital funds to help veter- sician John Brozovsky who had cal Poppy Scotland appeal for the ans”. < Fiona Porter written the piece specially for the first time this year, collecting an occasion. impressive £1,344. The total was The services were organised by higher than last year because vol- the Creich and Kincardine Branch unteers went collecting door to of Royal British Legion Scotland. door in Ardgay and Culrain for the Fiona Porter Secretary Eric Porter oversaw proceedings as first time in years and Gledfield Pri- * [email protected] Parade Commander, while David mary School also did a collection. ) 01863 766349 Page 10 = WINTER 2017-2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Ardgay & District News with support from the beatrice partnership fund and supplied by highland wireless Partnership with the KoSDT to deliver broadband to the Kyle of Sutherland and Strathcarron areas Readers will remember These two exchanges ser- with BT to provide me with Speed Broadband should that two years ago the vice 260 homes and 11 higher speeds than most be a priority to 100% of Kyle of Sutherland Devel- non-residential premises. in this area, the service is population and not ex- opment Trust consulted The survey showed a clear inadequate for present day clude rural areas.” with the community on desire for an improved ser- needs and also limits me With funding from the the need for a communi- vice across the area. Some to one supplier.” “Speed Beatrice Partnership Fund ty broadband scheme but of the comments from the very poor, sometimes total the Kyle of Sutherland De- due to changes out with surveys were: loss of signal for no appar- velopment Trust will now our control it was not then “At present it is not pos- ent reason. Not reliable at be able to commission a possible to go ahead with sible to conduct business, all.” “The appalling speeds microwave system to pro- the proposed scheme. children’s homework, make working from home vide superfast broadband The results from the watch YouTube clips.” near impossible. Breaks in across the Kyle of Suther- community consultation “Disgraceful service! service, poor quality email land. Highland Wireless at that time were: 50% There’s many households provision. Bad for getting will commence work on of the total respondents away from the East Coast new residents.” “Possi- the scheme in January couldn’t achieve 2MBps corridor who require and bly interested, depends 2018 and there will be a with households in Rose- demand parity.” “Almost what is offered. As we are gradual rollout across the hall and The Craigs being impossible to download obliged to interact with area during the year. < unable to achieve speeds anything” “Although I am government online, e.g. Helen Houston, KoSDT greater than 0.512 Mbps. fortunate as I have battled DVLA, VAT, Tax etc. High Development Manager

Joint Ardgay & Culrain the fixed wireless project is in the final build stage Scottish Women’s Institute Edderton premises are getting Ardgay and Culrain institutes have superfast broadband this winter now amalgamated. It will now be known as “Ardgay and Culrain As announced in the last The order process will in- SWI” and we meet on the 3rd Tues- issue of the Edderton volve carrying out a sur- day of the month at 7:30 pm from Community Council vey to see if the proper- September until the end of May an- Newsletter, the com- ty can get a clear line nually. The institute looks forward pany is now in the of sight of the nearest to celebrating 2018 as it will be the final build stage and transmission station. 100th Anniversary of Argay SWI. < will be ready to accept The instalation con- orders very soon. They sists in fixing a small will be delivering flyers to antenna on the side of the Christmas at the Bradbury each property within the Ed- property. Those who currently Centre Bonar Bridge derton Coverage Area with all the receive a poor broadband service The centre will be having its relevant details. (2Mbps or below) or who have Christmas party on the 20th De- The project uses fixed wireless not benefited from fibre rollout cember, and a Carol service on the point to point technology. Res- through Digital Scotland / High- 22nd December. We will be closed idential users will receive up to lands & Islands Enterprise, will be from 4 pm on the 22nd December 50Mbps download and 20Mbps eligible for a Government grant to until 9 am on the 8th January. We upload. Business users will have cover all but £40 of the installation wish everyone a Merry Christmas a range of speeds available -up to fee. For more information, visit and a Happy New Year. < 50Mbps, 80Mbps and 120Mbps. www.highlandwireless.co.uk. < ardgay & district community Council newsletter WINTER 2017-2018 = Page 11

Ardgay & District News KOSAS scheme Co-ordinator’s Progress Report for 2017

The Kyle of Sutherland Apprentice- There has been serious interest from to 13% of grant recipients, which is ship Scheme has been going from a few local organisations which has far lower than the 22% Skills Devel- strength-to-strength over the past not transferred into apprenticeships, opment Scotland dropout rate for year, with all apprentices making some employing a young person for Scottish apprentices in 2016/17. good progress and two new appren- fixed term or seasonal work, others, The scheme successfully gained a tices joining the scheme, making sev- such as a local hotel, struggling to re- further grant and are about to em- en in training. One apprentice com- cruit an apprentice, although this is a bark on an employer engagement pleted his training and fully qualified common problem in the hospitality initiative, to capture possible Christ- a year early. Another apprenticeship industry. Surveying the 15 apprentic- mas school leavers. If any business terminated early with the youngster es that have engaged with the scheme, or young person is interested in an achieving a level 2 SVQ. Every young 5 apprentices have fully qualified and apprenticeship within the commu- person improved their practical, on- are still in post, 6 are still apprentic- nity council areas of Ardgay, Creich site skills, and all college exams and es, living locally, although two have and Lairg, then please contact Jane skills tests were passed. moved to organisations outside of Dixon, the Co-ordinator. < Promotion of the scheme has been the scheme’s remit area, 1 is a fulltime via leaflets, press releases, attending mum and another is self-employed. Jane Dixon, KOSAS Co-ordinator events such as the Sutherland Jobs Only two did not fully qualify and ) 01549 402 050 Fair, and the KoSAS Facebook page. moved out of the area, which equates * [email protected]

Senior Citizens Lunch Monday 11th December Includes: 3 course Christmas Lunch Tea & Coffee and Mince Pies Only £10.50 per person Pre Christmas Lunches From 1st—24th December Daily Includes: 3 course Christmas Lunch Tea & Coffee and Mince Pies Only £18.50 per person To Book Call 01549 402 888 Falls of Shin Café & Gifts, Achany Glen, By Lairg, Sutherland, IV27 4EE Page 12 = WINTER 2017-2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Ardgay & District News

On Saturday 21st October over 600 people attended this day of celebrations Official opening of KoS Hub

The Kyle of Sutherland The opening saw each on a high with the most Hub officially open after Hub officially opened child residing at a Suth- spectacular firework an incredible journey of on Saturday 21st Octo- erland postcode get a display from Fireworxs 14 years. To see so many ber. Over 600 people at- raffle ticket upon entry, Scotland, with many of people join us on the day tended to join The Hub the winning holder was the children lying down to celebrate was fantas- in a day of celebrations. Lee Holden aged 7 from on the soft play surface tic. I want to say a huge With craft stalls, music, Bonar Bridge Primary looking up to the sky. thank you to everyone crepes and smoothies, a school who was given the Hayley Bangs, Chair who has helped us get DJ and mocktails, can- opportunity of cutting said, “It was an emo- here. We look forward to vas art, soft play, foot- the opening ribbon, de- tional day for myself and seeing the project grow ball shoot off and gym claring the hub official- the Management Com- and develop further and sessions - showcasing ly open. The day ended mittee to finally see the achieve the aims that we all the things the Hub have set in place in tack- has to offer. There were ling issues that affect this hub opening times November 2017 also fantastic dance and remote area.” cheerleading displays Monday to Thursday 9 am 7:15 pm Adele Newlands, Hub from Jan Trumbles Friday 9 am 8:30 pm Manager said, “it was a Saturday 9 am 5 pm Dance School. The day Sunday 9 am 4 pm very humbling day, the was a huge success. Hub was buzzing with Bonar Bridge Post Office SERVICES AVAILABLE: ardgay & district community Council newsletter — Cash deposits and withdrawals via chip and pin — Postal services — Post Office© card account — Postal orders — Moneygram — Electronic bill payments — E top-ups — Pre-order travel money — Car tax — Euro and US dollar currency

Ardgay Stores & Highland Café

OPENING TIMES: Thursday 7am-9pm Monday 7am-8pm Friday 7am-8pm Tuesday 7am-8pm Saturday 8am-8pm Wednesday 7am-8pm Sunday 8:30-7pm

Bonar Bridge, Sutherland IV24 3EB

Local venison, beef, pork, shellfish, beers and whiskies. Convivial dining in the Kyle of Sutherland Tuesday to Saturday

s © Ge org e Michi from 6.30 pm o t Open all year - booking

P ho always recommended 01863 766 111 www.crannag.com people of all ages doing Adams & Sutherland Ar- something in every area of chitects and the design Traditional Sporting Activities the building. The weather team and Catriona Hill for experienced and beginners held out and we have had for making the Hub be- some really lovely feed- come a reality. Here’s to back from the community 2018 and all the exciting HIGHLAND SHOOTING and further afield. We are projects and adventures CENTRE Air Rifle, Air Pistol, Airsoft, Archery, Clay now looking forward to the Hub will take us on. Shooting, Full Bore Rifle Shooting, Indoor setting up a calender of Soft Play costs £4.50 Underground Rifle Range, Laser Shooting Simulator, Photography Safaris, Shotgun events for the year ahead PAYG, there are mem- Shooting and Wildlife Expedition Safaris. which I’m sure will in- bership options availa- clude a further one year ble that reduce the rate Check out our website and Facebook page BURNSIDE, ALTASS, LAIRG IV27 4EU l Tel. 01549 409 129 anniversary of this fantas- to £3 per child. We have [email protected] tic project to the commu- different Gym Member- nity of Sutherland.” ships, if you are looking We would like to say a to book an induction or Your advert could be HERE huge thank you to all our would like more infor- volunteers, our funders, mation please call 01863 McGregors Construction, 769 170. < 400 400 500+ Adele Newlands, Hub Manager paper copies digital copies times each distributed for free distributed edition is ) 01863 769 170 to all households by email downloaded *[email protected] in the Ardgay (and from our www.kyleofsutherland.com Kyle of Sutherland Hub & District area growing) website Contact us at [email protected] Page 14 = WINTER 2017-2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Ardgay & District News

Over 100 people sat to meals in the restaurant and 12 businesses displayed their products within the Christmas Fair shopping village. There was also the Christmas Prize Draw, which would see the Bradbury Centre and at Falls of Shin Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust, both benefit from the £1,400 raised in ticket sales from the draw. However, the highlight of the night was an incredible display of fire- works from Fireworx Scotland that left everybody in amazed. The night was an incredible suc- cess for the new centre and Experi- ence Officer, Dale Pryde-MacDon- ald, wanted to thank everybody for their involvement. He said “Everybody involved tonight was in fantastic spirits and it contrib- uted to an unforgettable night for us all. This is our first time doing an event like this and there will be lessons to learn but we can not de- tract from the positives of tonight as well. I can not thank everybody involved enough, from the stall holders to the catering staff to the fireworks team and especially Beth Simco and Valerie Houston On Friday 10th November around 600 visitors who were sensational in helping to make this event a success.” defied the cold rainy weather to attend the event. The KoSDT would like to thank the following for their support: It was certainly a fantastic night for Bradbury Centre, Fireworx Scot- all in attendance. With a range of land, Catering 1864, North High- stalls in the shopping village accom- land Events, Councillor Linda panied with food services from both Munro, Mark Shaw, Invercharron the restaurant and pavilion there Highland Games, Herchers Fun- was a great family feel to the event. fair, Little Lads & Lassies, Isla’s The event, which had been Jewellery Box, Kilted Fudge Com- heavily publicised and well-re- pany, Glenwyvis Distillery, Alison ceived on social media, attracted Cuthbertson, Highland Candles, around 600 visitors on the night Loch Ness Gin, Cocoa Skye, High- amid the cold, and rainy condi- land Bake House, Scottish Un- tions. Liam Christie, of North bakery, Sonsie, Highland Home Highland Events, kept the crowds Cook, Anta Pottery, Tain Pottery entertained with some music, and everybody that attended the and the Christmas Lights were event. < Dale Pryde-MacDonald, officially turned on at 6.30pm by Experience Officer - Falls of Shin Councillor Linda Munro. Falls of Shin Visitor Attraction ardgay & district community Council newsletter WINTER 2017-2018 = Page 15

Ardgay & District News

As part of the IAA conference at Carnegie Hall, over 20 architects visited the new attraction Visit of the Inverness Architects Association Friday 3rd November the Royal Incorporation new centre received. He in sport, art, cookery, the 2017 saw over 20 archi- of Scottish Architects. said, “It’s a real testament list is endless, but this visit tects from the Inverness The professionals spent to Catriona and her team shows that we have found Architects Association around 30 minutes dis- for having the vision and a gem in CH Architecture.” flocking to the new Visi- cussing various points of determination to see the Dale felt that they had tor’s Centre as part of their building and its construc- concept through. I think made something that sets conference which took tion. They were joined by sometimes, being in the them aside: “you can go place at Carnegie Hall, Falls of Shin Experience far north of Scotland its right across the North of Clashmore. Organised by Officer Dale Pryde-Mac- easy to get lost amongst Scotland and see 40 castles Catriona Hill, architect of Donald, who expressed the rest of the world, but that all look similar, Falls Falls of Shin Visitor’s Cen- what the new facility this is a moment where Falls is totally different to tre and Director of CH meant to the visitors and CH Architecture need to anything in the North of Architecture, the visit re- which parts had stood out take the praise they de- Scotland and that is what ceived fantastic feedback. to them over the summer serve. We have always had makes us stand out to peo- The Inverness Archi- months. Dale Pryde-Mac- a knack of finding great ple.” < Dale Pryde-Mac- tects Association is the Donald, was delighted people in Sutherland, re- Donald, Experience Officer Northern Chapter of with the endorsements the gardless of whether it be - Falls of Shin

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Member of the Scottish Massage Insured through Therapist Association Balens Ltd. Page 16 = WINTER 2017-2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Ardgay & District News

are now running in Invershin and more will be held in the new year, the venues and times being released in early January. As well as running upcycling and recycling classes, there are also cookery and gardening classes, and ‘Energy cafes’ – this is where staff visit local groups and can either give a talk or run a bespoke work- shop. The Ardgay SWRI requested a talk last month, but did not ‘want a green talk’. The Manager, Jane, gave an animated talk about the centre’s Climate Challenge Fund project, and all of the exciting free classes, and they became complete- ly engaged in ways they could re- use all sorts of materials. They also organised by lairg & District learning centre liked the community volunteering sessions, where upcycled wood is being turned into benches and Ardgay Upholstery Class planters for community use, under tutor tuition. Lairg Learning Centre were de- and more arty items like High- The centre are currently taking lighted when they were awarded land Coos! donations of wood and textiles, for funding to run free classes and Upholstery is another popular further classes, and are also plan- workshops until March 2018 and subject and the recent class is Ard- ning a swishing event in January. over the last 3 months, they have gay had seven students ripping apart Their classes until Christmas are had 576 people engage with their old foot stools and chairs, updating mostly full, although some addi- classes, workshops, energy cafes them into lovely new pieces of fur- tional workshops have just been and Harvest Celebration. niture. Some items were destined added. If you would like more in- The upcycling classes and for landfill, others were heirlooms formation, please contact using the workshops have proven very pop- that had seen better days, but all details below. < ular, with waiting lists for many benefitted from being transformed subjects. Woodworking with their with new or upcycled textiles. One Lairg & District Upcycling Tutor, at their kitted student became so enthused by her Learning Centre out Cabin in their grounds, is upholstery work that she stopped a ) 01549 402 050 always oversubscribed, and stu- static caravan from going into land- * [email protected] dents have converted old pallets fill and is now completely renovating www.lairglearnincentre.org.uk into planters, trugs, saw horses, it instead! New Upholstery sessions Lairg Learning Centre

Closure of Bonar Bridge Police Station Education Bill Consultation launched

Police Scotland is seeking the views of the commu- For anyone with an interest in the future of edu- nities on the future of some police stations, includ- cation in Scotland, please contribute to the Scottish ing Bonar Bridge and Lairg. The online survey gives Government’s new consultation on the Education the public the opportunity to learn more about the (Scotland) Bill. Decisions to be made as close as pu- premises being considered for disposal and their fu- pils as possible. The consultation is available here: ture. Available here: https://consult.scotland.police. https://consult.gov.scot/learning-directorate/edu- uk/consultation/estates/. Until 18th January. < cation-scotland-bill/. Until 30th January. < ardgay & district community Council newsletter WINTER 2017-2018 = Page 17

Ardgay & District News kyle of sutherland heritage society with bonar bridge history group About History and Heritage Please do not be put off by the title Speakers are as varied as their pictures? Contact Hilary Gardiner of the organisation. It was chosen to topics. Do you have something of for our Art Show hold over Easter, encompass all those dwelling with- which you could speak? A hobby, a newcomers are always welcome. in the area refered to as the Kyle house, a family? Or some idea you An appeal: Found amongst our of Sutherland. Heritage is not just would like to hear about more fully? archive there are pamphlets, etc History (as some think), it refers to Someone you know who is a good refering to another Kincardine in all things belonging to people and speaker who might be persuaded to Canada. Does anyone know how we places, and can include climate, en- give an hour or so of their time? acquired those? Any family with re- vironment, language (written and Alternatively, come along to an lations in that place? Please contact spoken), art in all its forms, local evening of open discussion, “Your Mary Stobo or myself. fauna and flora, etc. etc. memories of Ardgay, Bonar Bridge Any more information required, History is not just dates, politics and Edderton et al in not too far off or for a visit to the Heritage Cen- and battles. It refers to people, plac- times” at the Bradbury Centre on tre, Kincardine Old Church Ard- es, events, things people make and Tuesday 13th February at 7 pm. gay, please contact me. For any talk do and achieve. All ages and times, Do you play an instrument? Or or exhibition all are welcome. < even as I write, history is being made otherwise perform? Do you want an Valerie Mackenzie Harris not only on the international and audience? A venue? We could help. Elmbank, Lairg Road, Bonar Bridge nation stages but in your lives too. An artist? Want a place to show your Kyle of Sutherland Heritage Society

ssen priority service registration How to get extra support in the event of a power cut

Scottish & Southern or a nominated contact, Electricity Network’s free if they need to switch off priority service offers your power to carry out extra help to those who essential maintenance. need it most during a l Safety advice tailored to power outage. your needs. Some reasons you might l Connection to local want to be on the register: emergency services. l you are deaf or hard of l Provisions for your com- hearing munity during severe l You are disabled weather events and pro- l You have children under longed power outages. the age of five at home l Emergency power sup- l You are blind or partial- plies (e.g. for home ly sighted medical care). l You are chronically ill l Security password to l You rely on powered keep you safe. medical equipment If you’d like to register Bonfire night l You are over 60 for Priority Services, even The service offers: if only temporarily, please Great firework display in Dornoch on the night of the 4th November. It was a cold and bitter evening but that l A Priority Services line call SSEN on 0800 294 didn’t spoil the fun of the people there. < © steven lamb available 24 hours a day. 3259 or visit www.ssen. SSEN will contact you, co.uk/priorityservices. < Page 18 = WINTER 2017-2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Ardgay & District News How to apply for Community Awards

Small projects projects under under £250 £2,000 The Beinn nan Oighrean Windfarm Awards The Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm l Go to Ardgay & District CC website: Community Benefit Fund www.ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil.org. l Go to http://ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil. uk/funding where you can find full details and org.uk/funding/windfarmcommunitybenefit/ to download the application form. download the guidelines and application form. l Send your completed application form to l Send your completed application form to secretary@ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil. secretary@ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil. org.uk org.uk and to [email protected]

between £2,000 between £2,000 and £10,000+ and £25,000+

SSE Achany Community Fund E.ON Rosehall Community Fund

l Visit the fund’s page sse.com/beingresponsible/ l Foundation Scotland administers E.ON Rosehall responsiblecommunitymember/localcommunity- Community Fund. Visit www.foundationscotland. funds/achany for more info and to download the org.uk/programmes/eon-rosehall.aspx for details. application form. Please note that there are two You can apply online or download the application different forms: £2,000-£10,000 and £10,000+. forms (£2,000-£25,000 and £25,000+). l Complete and return to fiona.morrison@sse. l Alternatively, you can contact Carol Elliot by email com or by Royal Mail to: Fiona Morrison, Corporate [email protected] or call 07500 779 Affairs, SSE, 10 Henderson Road, Inverness, IV1 1SN 227 if you require any further information or advice. l Next deadline: 30 April 2018 l Next deadline: 30 April 2018

Summary of awards relevant to Ardgay & District Latest Beinn Tharsuinn from the E.ON Rosehall Community Fund last year Windfarm Community During year 5, from August 2016 to £4,982. To contribute to the cost Benefit Fund Awards July 2017, E.On Rosehall made the of architect fees and other costs (Ardgay) following awards relating to Ardgay: for an extension. Since last reported, in the summer

Letters to the editor

Do you have a strong feeling about something you read? Do you want to share your opinion or point of view? Send your letters to [email protected].

Heating oil buying local area who is involved reaching the communities clubs in the area: in or uses an oil club for BENCHES AND it is supposed to be serving. their domestic heating oil. TABLES FOR SALE Few of the partners actually Can you help? Good quality benches and We would also like to hear tables available for viewing live in Sutherland, and al- Citizens Advice Scotland from anyone who uses by arrangement. For details most all of those attending are running a project oil but is not currently a contact 01863 766 285. are paid employees of one looking into heating oil member of a buying club. of the partners. There is no buying clubs in different Get in touch by email: Sutherland CP voluntary input from the regions of Scotland and Susannah.Munro@esvas. communities and although the potential savings there casonline.org.uk. Golspie The Sutherland Commu- members of the public are could be for customers office: 01408 633 000 nity Partnership started off ‘permitted’ to input at the and East & Central Suth- (Monday & Tuesday 10am as being a better alterna- end of the meeting, their erland CAB are involved – 1 pm to speak with Su- tive to the previously run comments are not minuted in researching for the sannah). < Sutherland District Part- and therefore have no ac- project. We would like to Susannah Munro, Oil nership. However, it is los- tion points against them. < hear from anyone in the Project Research Worker ing momentum and it’s not David Hannah, Ardgay

ARDGAY & DISTRICT Community Council newsletter Bonar Bridge Advertising Tariff  Design available Contact us to get a quote Gaelic Playgroup  Get help with sizes & fi les Great  Reach 100% of your target discounts if Croileagan a’ Chaolais  Boost your business for less you book for the whole year! Full Page Book for the whole year size A4 (4 issues) and get £10 discount! Programme £40 £160 £150 22th December: Christmas Party Suggested Half Page Book for the whole year 15th January: Normal Session (4 issues) and get £5 discount! donation 50p size A5 - landscape 19th January: Children’s Dance Session £20 £80 £75 with Julia McGhee 1/3 Page Book for the whole year 26th January: Burns Ceilidh size A5 - portrait (4 issues) and get £3 discount! - Book Bug Session. £20 £80 £75 2nd February: Storytelling with 1/4 Page Book for the whole year Catriona Lexy. (4 issues) and get £2 discount! size A6 - portrait 9th February: Valentine’s £10 £40 £38 Day Crafts. Module Size 100 mm x 55 mm 16th February: Normal Session The whole year will cost you Smallest size 23rd February: Normal Session £5 ONLY £20! - Banner Painting Next BOOKING & 24TH FEBRUARY SOUP & SWEET EVENT edition: ENQUIRIES: Bonar bridge Community Hall 15th Silvia Muras 12 noon - 2 pm March 01863 766 690 2nd March: Messy Ness & Open Day Please note 9th March: Gearrchoille Woods all activities are [email protected] - Nature Detectives. subject to change Page 20 = WINTER 2017-2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Charities & Volunteering

Sutherland Care Forum is expanding its services in central Sutherland New SCF nail cutting and advice service The Sutherland Care Forum The recent Lairg Communi- (SCF) is delighted to announce ty consultation (independent of the launch of a new service in cen- the SCF findings) also mirrored tral Sutherland. the need for such a service in the With thanks to the E.ON Rose- Lairg area. hall Community Fund we will be Recruitment is now in progress introducing a new nail cutting and to appoint a Service Co-ordinator advice service in Central Sutherland to run this new Sutherland Care soon. By listening to our service us- Forum service.< Valerie Gale, ers and carers this new service will for example: Development Worker plug a gap of unmet local need. In l lack of transport to access services, community feedback to the Forum l financial constraints, Isobel Murray, Service it was established that people often l nail cutting not being part of the Manager, SCF had problems accessing foot care NHS podiatry services in some ) 07907 595 962 services for a whole host of reasons, areas. * [email protected] Universal Credit Outreach Services From 1st December, East & Central Sutherland Citizens Advice Bureau will deliver out- reach clinics to help people who are claiming or looking to claim Universal Credit.

Following a successful come related Job Seekers some clients. ECSCAB information on the near- funding bid to the Com- Allowance/Employment can support claimants by est places to them with munity Capacity and Re- and Support Allow- providing information on computer access to will silience Fund through ance, Income Support sources of help and funds be available. The project the Scottish Council for and Housing Benefit. that they can access until will empower clients to Voluntary Organisations The Highlands became their first payment comes be able to take control ECSCAB are delighted to a Universal Credit full through. The clinics will of their Universal Credit have secured £10,000 to service area on 5th July offer a place for claim- claim and to fully under- deliver outreach clinics 2017; this means that ants to come and learn stand the commitments and services for people most people who needs how to make a claim, ac- that come with it. who are claiming or are to make a new applica- cess their online journal, Clinics are currently looking to claim Univer- tion for a means-tested update their journal and being planned for Ard- sal Credit across East & benefit will have to claim receive help resolving gay, Bonar Bridge, Lairg, Central Sutherland. The Universal Credit. Claims any issues that they are Dornoch, Golspie, Brora project starts on 1st De- for this benefit need to having with their claim. and Helmsdale. Full de- cember 2017 and runs for be made and maintained In addition clients will be tails will be available lo- 12 months. The project online and this can pose offered benefit checks to cally, as soon as they are will be delivered by the problems for people who maximise their income finalised, through the current Client Access Of- don’t know how to use a and ensure they are re- ECSCAB Facebook page ficer, James Sutherland, computer or who don’t ceiving all benefits that and by contacting the of- who has 8 years of experi- have access to the inter- they are entitled to and fice.< Rhionna Mackay ence in delivering welfare net at home. Additional- and benefits advice. ly it can be up to 6 weeks East & Central Sutherland CAB. Universal Credit is before claimants receive ) 01408 633 000 the new benefit which their first payment which * [email protected] replaces Tax Credits, in- can result in hardship for East Sutherland CAB ardgay & district community Council newsletter WINTER 2017-2018 = Page 21

Charities & Volunteering East & Central Sutherland CAB need you to volunteer The new group Friends of ECSCAB will organise events and activities around East and Central Sutherland to help raise funds for your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Did you know that East & Central events and activities around East We are also recruiting for vol- Sutherland CAB is a registered & Central Sutherland to raise unteer advisers. This varied role charity? You may also not be aware funds to help us deliver our ser- involves comprehensive train- that all CABs in Scotland are in- vice. We are looking for volun- ing through our online Adviser dependent and receive different teers of all ages with all different Training Programme and on site levels of funding from different kinds of experience to join the learning to prepare you for face to sources. In order to deliver parts group. Bureau Manager Rhionna face interviews with clients with of our service, including outreach Mackay will be on hand to pro- a wide range of enquiries. If this clinics and generalist advice, we vide support when necessary so is something you’d like to know rely on grants and fundraising as do not let a lack of experience put more about please get in touch. < well as the time dedicated by our you off from becoming involved. fantastic volunteers. If you would like to fundraise for East & Central Sutherland We are setting up a ‘Friends of us as a one off instead of being in- Citizens Advice Bureau. ECSCAB’ group whose focus will volved in the group please let us ) 01408 633 000 be on organising and running know. * [email protected]

East & Central Sutherland Citizens Advice Bureau Your local, independent advice charity

We need volunteers to help plan and organise fundraising events and activities throughout the area as part of our new ‘Friends of ECSCAB’ group. All funds raised will go towards running our service.

People of all ages and from all areas will be welcome to join. If you would like to be involved please get in touch.

Call or email for further information Telephone: 01408 633000 Email: [email protected]

Volunteer advisers also wanted! Page 22 = WINTER 2017-2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Ardgay Public Hall Ardgay Public Hall Christmas Fair 2017 The Committee wishes to thank everyone who supported the Fair, and invites anyone who would like to help maintain the hall to come along to our next meeting on the 9th January.

If you didn’t manage to get to the hall AGM last October you may not know that the committee of David Hannah (Chairman), Fio- na Venters (Booking Secretary), Rhonwen Copley (General Sec- retary / Treasurer), Jockie He- witt, Sinead MacFarlane, and Silvia Muras (A&DCC Rep.) was re-elected, and that it is their clear aim and intention to continue to maintain and enhance the hall building for everyone in the com- munity. If you would like to help them in this endeavour, please, come along to their next meeting; notices will be posted as usual, but this is currently scheduled for Tuesday, 9th January, 2018, at 7pm, in the hall. You would be made most welcome. Meanwhile, a big “Thank You” Gledfield pupils singing Christmas carols at this year’s Christmas Fair. is due to everyone who support- ed November’s Christmas Fair in the gents toilet, including inter- insulating the remaining toilet are- any way; this is an essential fund- nal insulation within the exter- as and installing name signage on raising event for the hall, and you nal wall to help mitigate running the exterior of the building. But, to achieved a clear profit of £738 costs and the building’s carbon achieve any of these financial help Well done! The children from footprint, has only been made has to be secured, and an inescapa- Gledfield Primary School certain- possible with the ongoing support ble element of any grant application ly set the Christmassy tone with of Ardgay & District Community is a degree self-generated funding. their wonderful carol singing, and Council and the Beinn Tharsuinn So, if you have any fund-raising with all that festive retail therapy and Beinn nan Oighrean wind- ideas which would benefit the hall, on offer it was no wonder that re- farm funds, for which the com- please, get in touch with anyone on viving refreshments were in such mittee is most grateful. the committee, or better still come high demand; Rhona, Margaret As the New Year approaches and along to a hall meeting. After all, and all the kitchen team – Many the on-going hire of the building by the hall belongs to everyone: Not to Thanks, we needed you! a wide variety of user groups con- the committee. The committee were also firms that the hall provides a much Finally, everyone on the com- pleased to have been able to deliv- needed service to the local area, the mittee would like to wish you a er the provision and installation committee feel optimistic that, with very happy & peaceful 2017 fes- of new stage curtains and a new community support, more pro- tive season. < Rhonwen Copley, kitchen extractor fan in time for jects will come to fruition in 2018. Secretary the fair. These were both self-fi- Things like the redecoration of the nanced from hall funds. However, main hall, and the plans which are LIke us 0n facebook! the upcoming refurbishment of afoot to investigate refurbishing / Ardgay Public Hall ardgay & district community Council newsletter WINTER 2017-2018 = Page 23

What’s on in the area

27 ardross community hall, 8 pm The Busquitos until jan. gearrchoille cw ardgay The Busquitos play a very catchy mix of Magical Woods brilliantly played music, sing with an impressive Louis 9 Armstrong-like hoarse voice, and dazzling, funny enter- Take a wander through this magical jan. tainment that will put a smile on everyone’s face! Tickets display of fairy lights and Christmas tree available on: 01349 880591 or on: www.ardrosscommu- messages for a truly wonderful experience. The nityhall.ticketsource.co.uk £10 and £8 conc. lights will be on from 3 until 8 pm each day. This event is organised by the KOS Hub, KOS Gala, Ard- gay & Bonar Bridge Christmas party committees bonar bridge community hall and the Gearrchoille Woods. If you would like to 24 Sweet & Soup lunch make a donation towards the continuation of this annual event there is a donations box at the Hub. feb. Come along on Satur- day 24th February from 12 noon golspie gallery until 2 pm for a warm soup and until homemade baking. In aid of the ‘Polar’ Exhibition Gaelic Playgroup Bonar Bridge. 24 dec. Until 24 Decem- ber, Monday to dornoch square Saturday 10 am to 5 pm. 31 Hogmanay party Lots of new craft and art dec. including beautiful em- 10:30 pm Dancing in the broidered textile work by Street! With The Red Reel Rachel Wright (pictured) Ceilidh Band. Lone Piper and series of daily paintings on Castle Battlements by FE Clark. Free entry. at midnight, followed by Fireworks Display. Bucket achness hotel, rosehall 7:30 pm Collection – all donations gratefully received! 27 Gillian Frame with dec. Anna Massie m © v i s t dor n och.co The ever-popular mid-winter bradbury centre, bonar bridge concert in the Achness Hotel 13 Evening of open discussion this year features multi-talent- ed musicians Gillian Frame and feb. Come along to the evening “Your memories Anna Massie. Tickets from www. of Ardgay, Bonar Bridge and Edderton et al in gillianframe.eventbrite.co.uk, not too far off times” at the Bradbury Centre on Tues- from Lindsay’s in Golspie and day 13th February at 7 pm. Organised by Kyle of Suther- the Pier, Lairg. Organised by land Heritage Society with Bonar Bridge History Group. Sutherland Sessions. Page 24 = WINTER 2017-2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Adult Clubs & Societies

Sutherland Ardgay & Culrain Walkers Club SWI

Pilates We meet the 4th Sunday of All ages welcome. Ardgay the month, all year round. Public Hall 7:30 pm. Meets Bonar Bridge Hall, Mondays SUNDAY 28 JANUARY Edderton & District on the 3rd Tuesday each 10-11 am. Contact: Moira Kinhrive. OS 21 685 737 Gardening Club month from September until Chisholm 8.5 miles, circular. Leader: Car- the end of May. ) 01862 810 786 oline Dallman. Enquiries: Fiona Meetings start at 7:30 pm in Contact: Mrs Gillian Glennie MacDonald 01862 810 275. Edderton Community Hall. ) 01863 766 674 Ardgay Scottish SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY JANUARY: Members meet Country Dancing Sleastery to Overskibo. OS for a social lunch at Luigi’s Kyle of Sutherland 21 642 962. 8 miles, track, in Dornoch. Monday 5th Club low level, one way. Leader: february: Our annual Heritage Society Ardgay Public Hall at 7:30 Jean Mezzetti 01862 810422. light-hearted gardening quiz Kincardine Old Church, pm. The free sessions from WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH night at 7:30 pm in Edderton Ardgay. Organising events, October to December was AGM. Golspie Community Community Centre. exhibitions, lectures, work- a great success and we at- Centre, 7:30 pm. Monday 5th march: Jay- shops and history walks. tracted enough new mem- Contact the Walk Leader the Jay Gladwin will be talking Contact: Mary Stobo bers to make up 2 sets every day before the walk to confirm about garden design and the ) 01863 766868 Tuesday. New Year Classes that it is taking place. gardens at Old Allangrange. Facebook: Kyle of Sutherland start again on 9th January Contact: David Hannah New members and visitors Heritage Society Contact: David Hannah ) 01863 766 061 are always welcome. Club ) 01863 766 061 members benefit from a 50% Sutherland Radio Bonar Bridge discount on Suttons seeds Control Club Ardgay Badminton Ardgay Golf Club orders, and 15% discount on other products. During the By Ardgay Garage. Club Market Stance, Migdale growing season there is a Facebook: Sutherland Radio ADULTS: Thursday evenings Road, Bonar Bridge. plant swap of surplus plants. Control Club at Ardgay Hall, 8 - 10 pm £2 ) 01863 766 199 Patricia ) 01863 766 061 ) 07703 196 005 per night. Adult’s badminton [email protected] sessions will stop during Creich & Kincardine Esther) 01862 811 381 Kyle of Sutherland Christmas from 21st Decem- Art Group esther@bumblebeecottage. Whist Club ber until 4th January. me.uk Contact Gregor Laing Meets in Bonar Bridge Hall Whist Drives Wednesdays at ) 01863 766 223 tearoom on Wednesdays Kyle of Sutherland 7:30 pm, Bonar Bridge Hall. JUNIORS (P4 upwards): from 10 am to 3 pm. All wel- Joggers Admission £2 including tea. Thursday evenings at Ardgay come. Contact: Doreen Bruce 20 dec: RBLS, Creich & Hall, 7 - 8 pm. £1. Juniors’ ) 01863 766 852 Facebook page: Kyle of Kincardine Branch. 10 JAN: sessions will stop for Christ- Sutherland Joggers Bonar Bridge Hall Funds, mas on 14th December and Kyle of Sutherland Contact: 17 jan: KOS Joggers, will resume on 11th January. Elissa ) 27 jan: Ardgay Scottish Cinema Club 07743 228 661 Contact Patricia Hannah Naomi ) 07818 482 341 Country Dancers, 31 jan: ) 01863 766 061 2nd and 4th Friday of each Catriona ) 07929 886 105 Ladybird Club, 7 feb: Please let us know in month. Bonar Bridge Hall Ardgay & Culrain SWI, 14 advance if you are interested at 7:30 pm. Free entry. £2 Tai Chi feb: KOS Heritage Society, in the junior’s class. Refreshments. 24 feb: RBLS, Creich & Alternative sessions organ- Contact: Silvia Muras Ardgay Public Hall. Kincardine Branch, 7 mar: ised by KAT, Wednesdays Facebook: Kyle of Sutherland Monday 2:30 pm £2 Gledfield School PTA, Con- 10 am - 12 pm. Cinema Club Contact: Angela tact: Rosemary Logan ) 01863 766 702 ) 01863 766 690 ) 01549 421 336 ) 01549 421 282 ardgay & district community council newsletter 2nd Children’s Art Competition

categories NURSERY TO P1 , P2 TO P4, AND P5 TO P7

1st PRIZE 1st PRIZE 1st PRIZE Nursery to P1 P2 to P4 P5 to P7

Crayola Crayola Artworx The Paint Box Inspiration Box 125 piece box

THEMES DEADLINE FRIENDS - TREES - HOME WEDNESDAY 31ST JANUARY

RULES l The competition is open to all children from Gledfield, Bonar Bridge and Rosehall Primary Schools, from Nursery to P7. l Entries are grouped by age (Nursery-P1, P2-P4 and P5-P7). l Each artist may submit a maximum of 4 entries. l The size of the artwork and the painting/ drawing technique are the artist’s choice. l The artists should choose one of the following themes for their artworks: FRieNdS or TReeS, or Home. l Artworks should be submitted at their Primary School before the 31st January 2015. l All artwork submitted to the competition must be the original idea and creation of the credited artist. Please do not copy (e.g. your favourite cartoon character), or colour in an outline printed or drawn by someone else. l Winning artworks and the name of the artists will be published on the Spring issue of Ardgay & District newsletter (#39 Spring 2018). Prize giving will be after 15th February date TBC. Page 26 = WINTER 2017-2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Children & Young people Gledfield Primary School We have lots in the diary so far! We have had some exciting events over the last few weeks and lots more to come. Thanks to everyone for their continued support of the school. We are grateful for all everyone does to help us. We look forward to seeing you all for lots of fun Christmas events. < Anne Wemyss, Clerical Assistant, Gledfield Primary School

safe highlanders Our P7 pupils had a very interesting and informative day at the Safe Highlander event. They learnt all about how to keep themselves safe and healthy. christmas Extravaganza & Christmas Play: We are holding our Christmas Extrav- aganza and play on the 21st Decem- ber at 1 pm in Ardgay Village Hall. If you would like a ticket for this event, please contact the school office. All welcome. Christmas Church Service It will take place in the church at 10am on Friday 22nd December. As last Outdoor football year we will then go back to the school Our football team played for our Christmas party. extremely well and had a great time at the competition in Brora.

identical, and young birds have actually increase in the winter. n It is Wildlife no red breast and are spot- thought that robins’ association with ted with golden brown. n Despite Christmas originated in the Victorian Red robin their cute appearance, they are era. At that time, British postmen Erithacus rubecula aggressively territorial and uniforms were emblazoned red, and are quick to drive away intruders. the postmen earned themselves the n Our beloved robin redbreasts are n Our resident robins are joined in nickname ‘Robins’. After this, robins present all year round, but the winter months by migrants began to appear on Christmas cards. may just be overlooked by most from Scandanavia, meaning More info: www.rspb.org.uk and people. n Males and females look that the number of robins does www. scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk.

Adult Male and female look identical.

Juvenile Robins acquire Juvenile their red breasts 3-4 months after fledging. ardgay & district community Council newsletter WINTER 2017-2018 = Page 27

Children & Young people Gledfield Primary School benchball competition Another fantastic effort by our Benchball team. Lots of fun and amazing teamwork! music All our pupils have been enjoying some specialist music input. Our pupils in P1-4 have been getting Kodaly music and our pupils in P5-7 have been enjoying more traditional lessons through Feis.

halloween The pupils from P1-7 joined the Nursery Pupils for a bowl of pumkin soup at Halloween. On the right photo: Nursery pupils making gloop.

by Andymack & Sil

MEET HAMISH THE TARTAN DRAGON A shy veggie dragon who lives on Carn Bren

That winter, Hamish had learnt everything there and... nothing! But then Morag came, carrying a is to know about Christmas. He wished he could wrapped packet. “Father Christmas left this for get a visit from Santa. It was Christmas day in you in our house”, she said. Hamish opened it the morning, Hamish looked under his tree quickly. It was a beautiful fluffy dragon-size scarf! Page 28 = WINTER 2017-2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

From the Manse... Ask not what you can get out of it

hristmas time is often misun- derstood as a time of getting, Cwhen in fact it is better un- derstood as a time of giving. We cele- brate the birth of Jesus Christ in very lowly circumstances – God’s greatest gift to the world. It should be a time of joy, a time of peace, and a time of love. Real love is shown as a two way thing – there is the one who receives, Gledfield Primary School Christmas Story Celebration at Ardgay Parish Church. but there is also the one who gives. The old saying has it that it it is “more any given day. It is what we bring to ment of friendships. Church is much blessed to give than to receive”. the fellowship of faith and God knows more than the preacher, whoever they ‘Ask not what you can get out of it nothing of a solitary religion. You happen to be. I am fortunate to have but, what you put into it’ or ‘You have cannot be a christian in isolation. We others who can assist me with Sun- to put out to get owt’. These are two share our gifts and help each other. day services, each with differing skills. expressions which have passed into Church of course is much more than If this were not the case, my ministry our every day language and every day the sharing of gifts and the encourage- would be impossible. Our churches lives. This can also be applied to go- are all increasingly ‘stretched’ in the ing to church. Sometimes people are special christmas local area and the national church has heard saying “I don’t get anything out CHURCH SERVICES seen an enormous shortage in the re- of going to church. It does not do any-

Guide to local services

Village Halls & venues Ardgay Public Hall Mobile Library Bonar Bridge Train times Fiona Venters / 01863 766 602 Recycling Centre [email protected] GLEDFIELD, CULRAIN From 10/12/2017 to 19/05/2018 Ardgay Church Hall carbisdale Monday: 1 pm - 4:30 pm inverness è ardgay Rev. Anthony Jones / 01863 766 285 18 January 2018 tuesday: 1 pm - 4:30 pm Monday to Saturday: Culrain Village Hall 8 February 2018 ¨ wednesday: Closed 07:00 (08:33) Catering serv. available [email protected] 1 March 2018 thursday: 8 am - 12 pm 10:41 (12:05) Catering serv. available Croick Church Gledfield School 9:30 10:40 friday: 8 am - 12 pm [email protected] 14:00 (15:29) Catering serv. available Gruinards 10:55 11:10 saturday: 9 am - 1 pm Kincardine Heritage Centre The Craigs 11:30 11:50 17:12 (18:39) sunday: Closed Mrs. Mary Stobo / 01863 766 868 Corvost 11:55 12:10 18:30 (20:01) Catering serv. available Braelangwell 13:15 13:30 Bonar Bridge Community Hall Sunday: Sally Thompson / 01863 766 883 Cornhill 13:40 13:55 17:54 (19:23) Catering serv. available Bradbury Centre Culrain 14:10 14:45 Lorraine Askew / 01863 766 772 Mr & Mrs Charge 14:55 15:10 Post Office Ardgay ardgay è inverness Wester Badarach 15:20 15:40 Invershin Hall Ardgay Public Hall Monday to Saturday: Housebound service 16:00 16.30 monday: 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm Elissa Steven / 01549 421 369 06:14 (07:43) friday: 10 am - 1 pm Rosehall Hall edderton - ardgay 06:43 (08:12) Ann Malone / 01549 441 345 17 January 2018 Post Office 09:07 (10:35) Catering serv. available 7 February 2018 Auld Kirk of East Bonar Bridge 10:54 (12:26) Catering serv. available 28 February 2018 Sutherland and Tain monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm 15:30 (17:02) Catering serv. available Ardvannie 13:00 13:25 tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Part of the Scottish Episcopal 18:52 (20:10) Catering serv. available Church. House services at Oakwood 13:40 14:00 wednesday: 8:30 am - 1 pm Hollybank Ardgay every 2nd & Ardgay Hall 14:10 15:10 thursday: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm 19:28 (20:57) 4th Tuesday at 10:30 am. Father Housebound 15:15 15:35 friday: 9 am - 12:30 pm Sunday: Arabella 16.30 16:50 9 am - 12:30 pm James Currall: 01862 881 737 SATURDAY: 14:49 (16:16) Catering serv. available

D D D D D D D D D D D D D D

D Anna Patfield D Dog Behaviourist & Trainer D D D Pawsability D Photocopying Prices D www.PawsAbility.co.uk ® D May 2017 D D Dog Behaviour Help Black and White D Dog Training D A4 single sided 15p A4 double sided 20p Puppy Training & Early Learning A3 single sided 20p A3 double sided 25p D D Prevent puppy problems arising with puppy early learning and

puppy socialisation & training. Sort out lead pulling and jumping Colour Copies D with your dog. Or resolve more complex behaviour problems D from aggression to separation issues or barking. A4 single sided 25p A4 double sided 35p D D A3 single sided 35p A3 double sided 45p Pet Shop D On line pet shop with toys, leads, collars, chews etc – Please look D at the shop and call to arrange pick up. Laminating A4 60p D D Group Workshops A3 £1 D Various workshops helping you to understand more about how D dogs and puppies think, and therefore how to help with their Price on request for bulk copying. behaviour and training issues. D Details at www.pawsability.co.uk/workshop D

D For more information please see D www.PawsAbility.co.uk D or call Anna on 07906 173993 D D D Free On-Line Help & Advice pages. PLUS www.facebook.com/kyleofsutherland.Development Trust. Telephone: 01863766190 Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust is a company Limited by Guarantee D D Registered in Scotland: SC401019 and a registered Scottish charity: SCO43587. Registered office: The Trust Offices, Dornoch Road, Bonar Bridge, Sutherland, IV24 3EB D D D D D D D D D D D D Page 30 = WINTER 2017-2018 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Guide to local services A-Z

BRADBURY CENTRE HIGHLAND COUNCIL LIBRARIES PHARMACY Bradbury Centre Drummuie Golspie Bonar Bridge Libray Mitchells Chemist Bonar 01863 766 772 01408 635 370 01863 760 083 01863 760 011 Bradbury Centre Bus Service Point Bonar Bridge Mobile Libraries 01863 766 772 01863 766 083 0773 330 0761 POLICE Service Point Dornoch Local Police (Inverness) BUSES 01862 810 594 NHS 0845 600 5703 Andrew’s Buses Tain Registration Office Migdale Hospital Non Emergency: 101 01408 641 354 01349 886 644 01863 766 211 Emergency: 999 Doctors Creich Surgery Citizens Advice high SCHOOLS 01863 766 379 POST OFFICE CAB Golspie Tain Royal Academy Nurses Creich Surgery Bonar Bridge Post Office 01408 633 000 01862 892 121 01863 766 237 01863 766 219 Dornoch Academy CHILDREN & FAMILY 01862 810 246 Bradbury Centre Bus PRIMARY SCHOOLS Kyle of Sutherland Hub 920 - tuesday Gledfield 01863 766 310 KOSDT Bonar Bridge to Dornoch 01863 766 580 via Spinningdale KoS Development Trust Bonar Bridge Bonar Bridge Bonar Bridge CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 01863 766 190 Cherry Grove Cherry Grove 01863 766 221 09:40 10:20 Rev. Anthony M. Jones Keep Active Together 13:30 14:20 Rosehall 01863 766 285 01863 766 554 Spinningdale Spinningdale 01549 441 348 Layby at Post Box Layby at Post Box Edderton 09:48 è 10:12 DVLA 13:38 14:11 01862 821260 D & E Coaches Clashmore Clashmore DVLA Inverness Carnegie Hall Carnegie Hall Ardgay èTain è 0300 790 6801 09:54 10:06 RECYCLING CENTRE 900 - Monday to Saturday 13:44 14:05 Dornoch Sq Dornoch Sq Bonar Bridge ELECTRICITY Ardgay Ardgay 10:00 10:05 01349 868 439 09:08 10:35 13:50 14:00 24Hr Emergency 11:26 13:35 920 - wednesday 0800 300 999 14:23 16:35 è Bonar Bridge circular to Dornoch scottish water

Customer Help 17:20 19:09 via Spinningdale, Tain & Edderton 24Hr Emergency è 0800 300 111 Bonar Bridge Bonar Bridge 0845 600 8855 Edderton Edderton Cherry Grove Cherry Grove 09:20 10:20 09:30 14:40 Customer Help FIRE BRIGADE 11:38 13:20 Spinningdale Spinningdale 0845 601 8855

14:35 è 16:20 Layby at Post Box Layby at Post Box Fire Station Dornoch 17:35 18:54 09:38 14:31

01862 810 297 Clashmore è Clashmore

è TAXIS Carnegie Hall Carnegie Hall Tain Lamington St Tain Lamington St 09:54 14:19 Ronnie’s Taxis Ardgay

FISHERIES 09:30 * 10:11 Tain Tain è 01863 766 422 11:48 * è 13:11 * Bus stop at Co-Op Bus stop at Co-Op KoS Fisheries Trust 14:45 * 16:11 10:02 14:08 01863 766 702 17:45 18:45 * Tain Tain TRAINS Lamington Street Lamington Street è 10:04 14:06 National Rail Enquiries Tain ASDA Tain ASDA EPISCOPALIAN CHURCH Edderton Edderton 0845 748 4950 09:33 10:03 10:17 13:53 Father James Currall 11:53 13:03 Ardgay Ardgay 01862 881 737 14:48 16:03 10:39 13:33 VETS 17:48 18:37 Bonar Bridge Bonar Bridge Rogart Vets * Connects with Stagecoach bus Cherry Grove Cherry Grove FORESTRY COMMISSION to / from Inverness 10:42 13:30 01408 641 352 F. Commission Scotland Operates every Tuesday and Easter Ross Vets Tain 01309 674 004 Wednesday apart from Christmas 01862 893 142 Royal Bank of Scotland and New Year weeks. Johnston & Farrell Tain Mobile Timetable Tuesday The minibus has a wheelchair lift GOLF CLUB which will be available as part of 01862 894 223 Bonar Bridge War Memorial the service. Bonar Bridge-Ardgay GC Kessock Equine Vets Arrive 12:05 Depart 12:20 Bookings: 01863 766 772 01863 766 199 01463 731 107 ardgay & district community Council newsletter WINTER 2017-2018 = Page 31

Puzzles Sudoku Easy Medium Hard

A number may not appear twice in the same row or in the same column or in any of the nine 3x3 subregions.

Crosswords Across 3. Vulgar, using or given to coarse language. 6. A Russian country cottage used especially in the summer. 8. Forest situated in the confluence of the four glens of Strath Cuileannach, Alladale, Gleann Mor and Glencalvie. 10. Quick-cooking egg noodles usually served in a broth with bits of meat and vegetables.

Down m s .co word

1. (Informal) Showing poor taste and ss quality. 2. (Two words) A statement -such as a response- that does not follow logically from or is not clearly related to anything previously said. 4. (Scottish) The workshop of a worker in metals. 5. A light mauvish- N / e c l ip se cro A &DCC crimson which is one of the primary subtractive colours, complementary to green. 7. A maker of bits, spurs, and metal mountings for bridles and saddles. 9. A ball of thread, yarn, or cord.

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ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Editor: Silvia Muras Sanmartin ardgay & district community council: Betty Wright (Chairperson), Silvia Muras (Vice Chair), Design & Layout: Silvia Muras Graphic Design Marion Turner (Treasurer / Secretary), Rob Pope, Andy [email protected] Wright, Dr Buster Crabb, Leslie Pope. Contributors to this issue: Andymack, Donald Bain, councillors: Linda Munro, Hugh Morrison, Kirsteen Hayley Bangs, Donald Brown, Rhonwen Copley, Currie (More details on page 8) Jane Dixon, Valerie Gale, Gillian Glennie, David Hannah, Patricia Hannah, Helen Houston, Anthony Next Edition: 15th March Jones, Gregor Laing, Steven Lamb, Rosemary Logan, COPY DATE: THIRD WEEK OF FEBRUARY Dale Pryde-MacDonald, Rhionna Mackay, Valerie Mackenzie-Harris, Jenny MacPherson, Susannah Munro, Adele Newlands, Fiona Porter, Anne Wemyss, www.ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil.org.uk Catherine Williams, Betty Wright. Advertising, letters & contributions: Distribution: Rhonwen Copley, Brigitte Geddes, 01863 766 690 David Hannah, David Knight, Teresa Langley, Alan [email protected] Lawrence, Silvia Muras, Davy Ross, Bob Sendall, Jeannie Sparling, Anna Sutherland, Marion Turner, Facebook: Ardgay & District Community Council Vicky Whittock, Iain Worthy, Betty Wright.

Published with support from the E.ON Rosehall Community Fund and The Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Community Limited.