page 32 Issue No 55, December 2016 a huge thank you to our sponsors delivered free to every address in We welcome Wilmington Science and Maths Tuition as our latest new sponsor, with grateful thanks. A huge thank you to all the businesses below who are sponsoring the newsletter this year. Our newsletter costs have been met by their sponsorship donations, from KCC’s limited funds, from donations from the community and in kind from all our many volunteers.

in this issue

KCC from the chair – p2 fact and fiction - p2 KCC meetings – p3 on the buses- p4 local heroes - p4 ELLCT- p5 Marina - p5 remembering - p5 community policing – p6 planning applications - p6 Councillors’ Corner - p7 missives from MSPs – p8-9 sawmill - p9 Park - p9 boundary changes - p10-11 Banavie School News - p11 Caramel takes biscuit - p12 Small Boats - p13 Community Centre- p13 Canal News - p14 Grace Wegner and Jack Boyd getting ready to switch us on Focus on Business - p14 and feedback... and pictures...and articles...and stories articles...and pictures...and and and feedback... Banavie Floral - p15 BOYD BROTHERS Corpach in Colour - p15 lighting up Corpach for CLYDEBoyd Christmas Lights p15-17 (HAULAGE) LTD High Notes - p18 Fort William Ltd on the verge - p19 Corpach Woods - p20 Christmas FORT spotlight - p21 see page 15 and centre pages for more pictures Lochaber Athletic - p22 WILLIAM Shinty Club - p22 Music, music, music - p23 TYRE Art Lochaber - p23 SERVICES CREEL - p24 Rugby Club - p24 wild about Kilmallie - p25 success in Stornaway - p26 Green Fingers - p26 Kilmallie Singers - p27 Torlundy hydro - p27 We rely on the contributions from our business Focus on Folk – p28 community for the cost of producing and distributing this Torcastle - p29 free newsletter to every address in our area. We welcome sponsorship from all businesses located in Kilmallie, or Andy’s photo archive- p29 with principal key personnel resident in Kilmallie. If you Caledonian Stores - p29 would like to see your name or logo in print supporting First Minister unveils mosaic scouts - p30 community your community newsletter, please join with our current First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP was in Lochaber High School to deliver poems - p30 consultation sponsors. Kshama Wilmington the Lecture on 17 November as part of Lochaber Ideas Week. She All donations, big or small, are hugely appreciated. would you like to become 07557 051205 Puzzles from Pithean - p31 stopped off to unveil three impressive mosaics created by a group of High School 14 Dec Please contact us at [email protected] for details. a sponsor too? 01397 772499. Sponsors - p32 pupils, Gabrielle Campbell, Rianne Gilchrist, Julia Kaczor, Josie Rigby and Ryan Watchman. The First Minister took time to speak to the young artists see page 11 please send us YOUR letters... send letters... us YOUR please and even posed for selfies!

page 2 Setting boundaries page 31

kilmallie There’s a looming issue that we need to deal with, as a community. The independent body, the Boundary Commission for is undertaking a “2018 Review of UK Parliamentary Constituencies” and the proposals were published on 20th October for a 12 week community consultation closing on 11th January 2017. “some straight, some cryptic, some easy, some not so easy” The big picture is the desire to reduce the number of MPs at 1 2 3 4 5 6 Across

Westminster to 600, with Scotland reducing from 59 to 53. The 1 Simon was the Saint (7) council boundaries are assessed on the basis of population, the calculation 4 Mates got confused for this engine(5) being total electorate divided by the proposed number of MPs, “Fast away the old year giving 74,769 across the UK, with each constituency required to be 7 There is no sun about for these words (5) 7 8 9 passes…” the carol sings – within 5% of that, namely between 71,031 and 78,507. While the 9 This goes over my head(7) and so it has! They say the idea is praiseworthy, the practical outcome for us here in Kilmallie 10 The grandee is all at sea when it goes boom (7)

years pass more quickly and is that the Canal becomes the boundary, with Camaghael going to 11 I am one. So are you (5) that’s true for the Community ‘, Bute and Lochaber’ along with and Fort William, 12 ’s river (6) Council too, with our various activities. leaving Banavie, Corpach and Locheilside within ‘ and 10 11 14 Rubber in this era, service included (6) Skye’. See pages 10 and 11 for more information. 18 Hoard(5)

Important for us this year has been road safety and we continue to 20 Acorn grows into it. Teak ore is about too (3,4) KCC will be considering how to consult the community and react to encourage Transport Scotland to provide safer crossings at Banavie 22 Progressed when devolved is headless (7) Swing Bridge, Banavie School Road end and at the Co-op in this Review. We must respond and so should you as individuals. 12 13 14 15 16 23 He’s mentioned in 15 (5) Corpach. You may have seen the traffic counters and cameras at Please watch our noticeboards and our website for details. 24 Lost romany lacking direction looking for the swing bridge in October – we have still to hear from Transport 17 dignitary(5) Scotland the results of their survey – but we will continue in our aim to make crossing the A830 safer for our community. Community land ownership 25 Let in again (7) We hope you have been following the East Lochaber and Laggan 18 19 20 21 Down Community Trust and their aspiration to buy the Rio Tinto Alcan First Minister speaks to Kilmallie Estate land on behalf of the community. The announcement of the 1 Could be thing to do after this evening (7) The First Minister visited Kilmallie for the second time this year – sale of Rio Tinto’s assets in Lochaber on Wednesday 23rd 2 Jerry or Mickey (5) November 2016 was welcomed and I know that ELLCT are still The Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon delivered the Charles Kennedy 22 23 3 Goes into space, or your salad (6)

involved in the process – we look forward to hearing how they Memorial Lecture at Lochaber High School (in Kilmallie, of course) 4 This goes before kebab (5) progress. in mid-November. The lecture formed a closing highlight to the 5 Confused in games. They are puzzling (7)

Lochaber Ideas Week – I wasn’t able to attend but I hope some of 6 This girl is game mixed with direction added (5) you did. The Ideas Week Team produced an impressive panel of So, in sending my best wishes for Christmas and the New Year, I’ll 24 25 8 A black card (5) four MSPs for a ‘Question Time’ panel of Kate Forbes, David finish with the same carol, “Hail the new, ye lads and lasses!” 13 Little fish (7) Stewart, Donald Cameron and John Finnie. I found their knowledge Christine Hutchison, Chair 15 Drake got in a twist when he did this to the on local issues quite refreshing and encouraging! Thank you to Tony Whitelocke [email protected] leaves (5) for another great crossword. 16 Vote back in (2-5)

17 Singer Stevie is this (6) Minister, Michael Gove who said that ‘I 18 The cat got it (5) think people in this country have had Answers to last issue’s crossword: 19 Young eel (5) enough of experts’. What is education for fact and 21 Kingdom (5) unless it is to equip our children with the Across: expertise that they need for their future 1 BOB A JOB, 4 CREAM, 7 CABIN, lives? 9 ROCKING, 10 RELEASE, fiction 11 ADMIN, 12 IMPOSE 14 MISSED, The lack of respect for facts is starting to rok ! astný nový 18 ASCOT, 20 AMNESIA, picture quiz no 11 encroach on all aspects of life beyond where in Kilmallie?

22 REFEREE, 23 RANGE, 24 NICHE, Šť Happy New Year ! Happy New Year Everyone is entitled politics. Large commercial companies used to be concerned about public image. Giving 25 SACHETS to their own opinion customers incorrect information was once a Down: big deal, but is slowly edging towards 1 BACARDI, 2 BABEL, 3 BARREL, but not their own acceptability. High profile companies like 4 COCOA, 5 ENIGMAS, 6 MEGAN Volkswagen have been caught cheating in 8 NEARS, 13 PACIFIC, 15 INNER, facts ways that harm the whole of society but 16 DIAPERS, 17 CADETS, 18 ARRAN, ‘Everyone is entitled to their own opinion they are still in business. More close to will affect our lives in all respects. Parents 19 THREE, 21 SENSE but not their own facts’ is a quote generally home, I was recently without an internet trying to teach their children to tell the truth attributed to US politician and academic connection for 3 weeks. Every few days BT now have to explain why people who should Answer to last issue’s Daniel Moynihan. A real concern is that repeated the same story about a fault at the be role models can get away with, or even Picture Quiz No 11: recent political campaigns in both the UK exchange which needed a visit from a benefit from, dishonesty. Decisions will no Sorry, no idea, it’s a mystery - we were and US have been swung by poorly different engineer to the one that they had longer be based on facts or evidence and hoping you could tell us! informed opinion presented as fact or sent on the previous occasion. It was clearly commercial companies will feel no need to sometimes just plain lies. In times past, obvious to both the BT representative and provide reliable information to their being exposed for giving knowingly incorrect to me that this could not be the case but customers. We all have a role to play in information would often spell the end of a they repeatedly stuck to the same script. ensuring that neither politicians nor politician’s career. Now, politicians seem to When companies can tell customers things commercial companies can get away with that are obviously not correct without just saying whatever suits them at the time. Answers to these puzzles are on the easily shrug off being caught out for website www.kilmallie.org.uk misrepresenting facts and rant against fearing any consequences then the (follow the link on the RHS of the ‘experts’ as a way of avoiding inconvenient customer becomes helpless. If we accept, or Russell Leaper, Secretary homepage) and will also be published truths. Ironically, it was an ex Education even vote for, dishonesty in politics then it in the next issue of the newsletter for people without access to the internet.

page 30 Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh ! . William The itself. older also travel Explorers asfar from all the over from area, asthere currently is not agroup Fort in Although meetingCorpach,the the is in place young peoplecome      weeks. sectionswith Explorersregularly meet the in on hall, alternate KilmallieScouthave Group been3 nearly it leasing for All 50years. The current hallbelongs the to atCorpachScotland, Church of but 100 years Scouting 2011. of inOctober BanavieKilmallie 1911. startedNovember of in celebrated the its formed and 3rd 2nd numbered Fort & William. 1st, Corpach & theOctober 16th,By group 3 firstWilliam.groups in Fort were number boys in of Cameronfor and Square inspiration the this was speaker MrCCBranch Castle. of atInverlochy Headdressed agood On Monday 25thhe same September the year guest the of was Inverness, the boys from he Northern arally counties. addressed of SaturdayNorthern September, Meeting Park 23rd atthe in Autumn Baden 1911, of visited Powell on Highlands the and In 1909 arally During London. held was Palace, atCrystal the Scouting wasGeneral started Baden inby Sir Robert 1907 Powell. Group ScoutKilmallie

and nationally. the organised opportunity join inactivities to regionally with regularly are asthe majority They leaders. however do have Network aged 18 between 7:30 Explorers aged14 7:30 - Scouts aged10½ 6:00 - Cubs aged8 are currently 8members. 7:00pm. This started recently section thereup and has again Beavers aged6

Moira McDiarmid Moira show care. you and us Please cherish world withwe you wondrous share: This and low. hushed its hold beauty, To will thesnow arms falling catch Our allaround. scatter goldness And we the ground will autumn bronze In the summer's through day. With birdsong sway branches will our dappled Sun gladness bring. and hope Will always spring leaves our in of greening The trees beautiful our of soul from the A call 9:00pm. about This 20members. section currently has 7:30pm. Thiscurrently section 6members.has

Thanks toJohnson Ken Thanks from Banavie - 10½ aWednesday on years between old meet who sent us these two these who poems us sent -

9:00. This section has 9members. - 8 years on aMonday old meet between 6:00

- - 14 years old meet on aMonday between - 25 years old. This25 years section meet old. don't 18 years old meet18 years on alternate old Tuesdays

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 As Scouts guidedvalues: by these weare The Values ofScouting contribution to society. theirpersonaldevelopment, them make empowering apositive to Scouting existsengage and activelysupport to young people in The Purpose of Scouting Our Mission statement overseas. Edinburghin UKand both International camps Scotland, and Explorers get Network and involved in Duke Expeditions, of large (650 Highlands alternate &IslandEvery Region. there avery is year sections involvedgroupsin getwiththe Districtand the even other camping campsiteInsh, local atour Spean atolder Bridge. The sleepovers,camp visits,badges,skillsandtheseby out crafts, trying activitiesThe from of sectionsgames,wide section a run      adults, together based work Scouting values the on of and: Scouting takes whenplace young people, in partnershipwith The Scout Method       01479 872989 [email protected] 01479 872989 District Steven, Jenny Commissioner please me. contact interestedIf inoffering child enrollingyour or in Scouting help,

and loyal. Integrity withWe - act integrity;we are honest, trustworthy Respect we live. Care with others make and friends. Co Belief enjoy whattheydoing fun arehave and learndoing by takeoutdoors indoors part activities and in make and by live their Promise. undertakenew and activities challenging take responsibility make and choices share spiritual reflection in - buds, coloured leaves, followed by sparkling snow, leaves,followedsparkling by coloured buds, operation - In praise of our In praise Think of your landscapes without shapes of landscapes our your Think

We support the othersand care of take world in which How we provide colour throughout the colour year, How provide we - Without us the skies would be greyish, bare, bare, greyish, be the skieswould Without us - We explore and beliefs faiths, our attitudes. to let our leaves flicker with the sun’s light. sun’s with leaves toflicker letthe our 1000) camp on the on 1000) camp Isle Black Showground. Scouts,

- it’s up to you to save us, good humans, good tosave us, toyou it’sup We have self mature trees we need good humans to help to help protect humans we good need

by the reckless use of the power saw. the of power recklessuse by I will end this ode with one last view last with will one ode I this end Look up at us humans down down below at us humans up Look Protect us and we will love you wetoo. you love will Protectand us letgrow. know, us we you feel, also to help us grow to majestic heights, grow tomajestic us to help not much beauty for you toshare. you for beauty much not We have no voice, no one tocare, voice,no We no have something as beautiful as a tree. as beautiful as something Alas our lives are livesare cutbeing short our Alas a tree. as beautiful as something - with swaying leaves of green. of with leaves swaying

We make apositive difference; co we

from the slaughtering few. the slaughtering from we skies the blue cover

if only I could see could I if only If only I could see could I If only

- Ken Johnson Ken respect and others. respect for

-

- operate -

Kilmallie Community Council. Kilmallie Community of teamor newsletter the of views the necessarily not are newsletter this in Views expressed [email protected] us at Email Ketchin Mandy Sue Chadney 772383 MacLugash Jan 772252 Hutchison Christine team: newsletter Your keep going. couldn’t simply whom we sponsors, without our to as always Thanks one or occasional regular, be a like to ifyou’d touch in please get do so like, the stories and photos, news, features, articles, material, whether fornew looking We’re always ago,. over4 years up started wesince issue single a missed haven't whom some of contributors, regular our value We particularly Kilmallie. relevance to of topic a about written or Kilmallie in someone living by written all either articles, of variety great a weAs have ever presses. the off themcoming of days of couple a just within letterboxes Kilmallie the all nearly through newsletters the getting are, the teams efficient how by impressed We’re always issue. this you bring weatherto winter the forbraving teamsdelivery our to Special thanks Members Treasurer Secretary Chair changes. of case in Secretary the with check Please December. and July excluding month every of Monday 4th the on Centre Kilmallie Community in at 7:15pm held currently are Meetings meetings. our all at welcome most are public Members the of COUNCIL COMMUNITY KILMALLIE

community

kilmallie

Russell Leaper Hutchison Christine Jim Ramsay Campbell Anne Carol Ketchin Mandy [email protected] 7LY Banavie PH33 Salen, MacLugash Jan [email protected] 7LY PH33 Banavie, House, Canal [email protected] news

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off contributor.

Do letDo us greeting ifwe missed know in a out your language (but check Secretary (but with case last of any in your ideas and concernsideasand your local issues about within if14 Evenwithin days. less20 than people all welcome always try to accommodate one accommodate always toif urgent try includes welcomes and discussed. If at least If (resident discussed. 20 people countries cultures, and meeting, areobligedmeeting, we conveneto one Remember you you Rememberdon’t havetowait a for 7:15pm atKilmallie Community7:15pm Centre and eligibletovote)and requesta special regular meeting regular there if somethingis request a specialrequest meeting, we would from many different urgent you thinkurgent that to needs be a Happy New Year minute changes cancellations) minute or meetings meetings in 28languages. so our snippetsso our greetings at KCC wish everyone season’s Monday 27thFebruary Monday Monday 23rd 23rd January Monday Monday 27thMarch Monday Kilmallie the placethe toshare people people and practicable and next meetings: next

page 3 Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku ! page 4 page 4 Gelukkig nieuwjaar ! thatencouraged he all to passengers the embarrassed the of vehicle standard atthe journeys driver the was where so on this bus we’d heard not of before route, bothfor passengers staff. Until recently and These crowdedproblems vehicles caused inappropriatebusesno luggage with space. partly Citylink/Stagecoach using due to passengersturned beingThis was away. oftencompletely with sometimes full, all not was news, good asthewerebuses This service it popular. However, very was the 2016summer timetable. were pleased were they that reinstated in campaign restore to services, and these we do this aSunday. on the KCC joined theRaigmore for day were able longer no to wanting visit to relatives friendsor in easily homeand at weekends, come those working studyingcould or not Inverness in init 2015, meant area our from those servicesbetween Inverness Fort and William route.bus When Sunday Citylink cut reliant thisbusservices for on important between Fort William Inverness,weare and in theWith trainservice direct no area. Highlands, enableand to all live us to work Joined buses on the

the community who are deserving of the title ‘Local Hero’. ‘Local title ofthe deserving are who community the of members four of each to £25 worth vouchers of award offer an we’reto going and £100, value to the are doubling KCC award. special a for use them we’d like to We decided So fit. thought we use as to KCC to vouchers the generously donated the resident personally, profiting comfortable about Not gesture. compensatory goodwill a vouchers as of £50 worth gave resident kindly the and issue, the addressing in helpful Co of the TheManager op. Co the at noise disturbance morning early about concerns resolve residentto Corpach a with worked KCC recently - - what to vouchers? the do with up in transport the links are vital

- op was very understanding and and understanding was very op local heroes local heroes maximise thenprofit, their timetabling is Citylinkservices is doing to is running route is wellexcess clearly that. all in If of Thisis requiredservice. justify to running a indicated average that an 20passengers of Transport ForumShielBuses meeting, economically viable. Indeed atarecent full through would winter be the clearly through summer the togetherathird with theover A winter. bus service running full on average were buses one around third provide itsaid data. the has However that business case. to refused Citylink has numbers the that so canconsider they asked informationabout for passenger considering and runningservices has these summer.bus Another company is no assurancethatback againbe it will in the eveningor service winter, the through and We morning are leftwithSunday again no assurance KCCwere given to amistake. both thethe andwritten timetables services, didn’t buses run. the Apparently some timetables showing continued Sunday would run despite Unfortunately all year. service Fort William from Inverness to assurance that evening 16:45Sunday the We were happytoo. be to given the it’s anservice important people local for some people summervisitors use it who are service would year continue whilst round; We thensought this Sunday assurances that demand the for was service. there muchcomplain. how Nevertheless,shows it

- and community in Kilmallie. in community and placespeople, the to contribution voluntary valuable made a have people who for looking particularly are we awards forthese But ways. so many in heroes are people many So newsletter. June 2017 winners the in the of names the will publish and to vote, detailshow of with together newsletter of the next issue the in nominations of shortlist a willKCC publish 2017. January is 31st nominations for date The closing    be: can and writing be in must Nominations address. and name own giveto your Remember award. ofan deserving are they think you why 200words morethan no tellusin and forward, put like to you’d people of addresses and names the us know let Please Local Hero award toHow nominate forsomeone a vote. community a to it put will then and the community from fornominations KCC are looking we will who wins How decide

delivered by hand to any member any of to KCC. hand delivered by Banavie noticeboards and Corpach the at boxes suggestion KCC’s of one into posted [email protected] emailto sentby

- full

- bus travel. prospects theirbusinessby encouraging of positiveway thatthe termhelps long hopebus thecompanies in engage a will as itpollutionWe reduces and congestion. cars benefitwhen usebus othersservices, benefit. useto thoseEvenwho their prefer improveand to theseeveryone’s work for the current services.try to chance offers It a beendrivendiscontent by widespread with withinForum LochaberTransport the has BusThea of recent Users’ group formation round service wouldtotally be viable. busproper year atall,providing when a full. We lose thethere in out as winter no is route asthe are away, turned are buses too get to want who booked, on the or bus mid summer,not people have when who the for not fit outthe purpose.Wein lose

- - front of the Banavie Hotel in the 1880s the in Banavie Hotel of the front in archive,one this photo Goodwin’s from Andy charabanc a gem Another of August 1939 it was re 1939 it August In abeyance. into went troop scout boy the WW1, of end Towards the Scotland. Institute) Institute) Rural Women’s (Scottish SWRI the of branch William Fort the of founders the of one was Gooch 1917Mrs In inside the church. inside the him to plaque commemorative a is also There William. Fort graveyard, Church Andrews St in He is buried 1915. in Gallipoli at received wounds from England in died and Yeomanry Berkshire the with War World Inverness of Commissioner Scout appointed was later He December1911. or boy scouts boy of troop Corpach Banavie and of the scoutmaster first the became Gooch Gooch. Major S Mrs E and Major by tenanted was 1900s house the the In them. work to large staff a with gardens extensive were quite there that believe I private tenants. to rented and enlarged years was it over the and Estate, Lochiel for house factor’s as a was built House Torcastle

Torcastle Torcastle

- - shire. He served in the First the in shire. served He the second oldest in in oldest second the - raised during November raised during

- established by by established

Neil MacBride Neil around!. lying bottle odd bethe stillmay knows there Who possible. spirits as wine and of bottles many as rescue made to was rush a that rumour unconfirmed an fire there was caught hotel the When yards. hundred overseveral hand by dug painstakingly was and MacLean, and Pringle firm, a local by was installed supply This Muirshearlich. in burn a came from which erraticwater supply an had Torcastle at fivehouses and The hotel site. the on now is house private A demolished. being of yearsbefore number a for ruin as a sat 1950and May in down burned it But anglers. with very popular was and hotel a to converted 1947 was it in Then military. the overby taken was House Torcastle WW2 During still Kilmallie? in they Are Church. Parish Kilmallie in were re 1913and in Mrs Gooch by were given troop of the colours The ordinary Banavie School. of headmaster Cameron, Walter

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dedicated in 1963 in dedicated dates? those Stores between Caledonian the kept who Kilmallie in know anyone Does 1971. over about in Bryce took So shop. became Spar a it store the at time parents’ her during that She thinks work. live and to Lochaber to returned has daughters the of one 1981but in on moved Thefamily School. High Lochaber and Primary Banavie attended who family young their with came up They Mrs Cameron. and Mr Stores a to Caledonian sold 1975Bill Bryce In sales. their boost to master from order the an get try to and down run would they bay the came into – German and Dutch mainly – ships when cargo that recalls Bill timeand that thrive at exactly not did Business Glasgow. from transported been having morning the late in quite doorstep the on dumped been had they after together them all put to had as he time and tedious especially were papers time. The Sunday that at businesses asCorpach butchers Dunlop's and chandlery Cuthbertson's John store, general Stevie Stafford's Billremembers timealthough that at newspapers selling shop was only the It cigarettes. rolls and papers, daily their get to in came Mill workers Paper and Pulp the when mornings the in was day ofthe time 6am. The busiest from week a days 7 was open shop asthe himself weekends the working shop, the in man young a employed he so Construction MacGregor's full alsoworking Bill was it. for £20,000 paid he groceriesand and cigarettes newspapers, store selling general independent an was Bryce.It byBill run was Stores) Caledonian called time this (by shop 1975, the to 1970s ofthe beginning From the

- the Suttons left in 1963 and Bill and in 1963 left Suttons the Caledonian Stores Stores Caledonian

West Highland West to Caledonian Caledonian to Warehouse Warehouse Colosseum Colosseum

and now now and - time for time Sue Chadney Sue - consuming consuming from from

page 29 page 29 Feliz año nuevo ! We are an outdoor-loving family. My page 5 page 28 focus partner works for Nevis Range on the hill, East Lochaber and Laggan Community Trust my son loves snowboarding and I get up the hill when I can. I go out riding along the canal and love taking my daughter on her on folk pony Apple out on lots of adventures! My This time our focus is on animals are my best friends; they are Jessica Crighton, who lives in Banavie. calming and empathic, I love riding and would like to do some long distance, You will probably have seen the channels wherever possible. We had a case, with a view to holding public I was brought up in Cambridgeshire until the endurance riding, such as from bothy to announcements in the media that GFG very good initial meeting with GFG meetings during week commencing 9th age of 11 when my family moved up to bothy, when my daughter is older. Alliance have bought the aluminium Alliance on Thursday 24th November January, to allow us to report to Loch . I went to Lochaber High School We moved to Banavie earlier this year from I have been a member of Art Lochaber from smelter from Rio Tinto. Folk have been and will be meeting them again in the members and further test local project and stayed in the hostel during the week as Fort William and we love it here. The a young age and have enjoyed exhibiting in asking the Trust what the new New Year. ideas. at that time there was no children can walk down to see my mum as their annual exhibition. I took higher art in ownership means. We always knew High School. Although it was a big thought she lives close by. I have a part-time job in school and my mother is also an artist. that Rio Tinto would prefer to sell to a During December we will be pressing John Hutchison to leave your home I soon found that there Harbro which is good for me as painting can However I am mainly self-taught and over single party, which is why we kept open forward with developing our business were lots of young people all living together be a potentially isolating occupation so the the years have developed my own style. I and I have fond memories of my time in the social side of work is important. I also learn like to create large contemporary portraits hostel; I am still in touch with friends from about animal health and feed working there. my hostel days. of Scottish wildlife and livestock. My art and photography started to take off which I feel that I am following what I have always Thomas Telford Corpach Marina Ltd I did well at school and went to Dundee Uni allowed me to do it as a full time profession wanted to do – the combination of creating The marina project is progressing well with a Planning Application Canals who are extremely supportive of this project. We also have a to study geography and psychology. and I now run a successful open studio on art, plus wildlife observation and now submitted to the Highland Council. As part of our Marine lot of goodwill and support from all local Highland Councillors, However I did not like the big city: I missed the industrial estate with another creative photography in my working life together Scotland licence application, a public consultation event was held in many local businesses and organisations home and the Highlands too much so I left friend. with keeping my own animals and horse- the Kilmallie Community Centre on 6th October; there was and members of the public. This uni after a short while to return to Lochaber. riding, all within this inspiring and beautiful considerable interest in the project and a number of positive and widespread support has been further Wildlife and sporting photography is my I worked at various local businesses and the landscape. helpful suggestions were made by attendees. We have also demonstrated by approval this month of winter seasons at Nevis Range as a liftie, and other passion. I have had some great submitted marine soil samples for analysis to facilitate dredging, a £50,000 funding package for project I was a keen snowboarder. opportunities from Achnacarry Estate which Jessica this will be needed for the marina pontoons aspect of the project. management services - with allows me to go out into the hills and study Crighton contributions from the Lochaber I have always had a strong passion for the behaviour and appearances of garrons, We are working to finalise the detailed layout of the pontoons and LEADER fund, Highland Council, HIE, the animals: as a family we kept goats, sheep, stags, and wildlife... I use a full-frame DSLR the access gangway, this is taking time and effort to ensure that the Crown Estate and Scottish Canals. dogs and ponies and now my own family has camera so can get good close-ups. I recently gangway and marina are fully accessible for everyone. The final quite a few! I have recently got a Appaloosa got a Highly Commended in the Field Sports layout will be available to view on our website Andy McKenna, Chair X Thoroughbred called Cody. We also have a Photographer of the Year competition, (www.corpachmarina.co.uk) before the end of November. Thomas Telford Corpach Marina Ltd German pointer called Zaffi, a miniature which delighted me. I get the inspiration for We continue to work closely on operational issues with Scottish spotted pony for my 3½ year old animal- my wildlife portraits from close study of mad daughter and my 10 year old son has a animals in their own habitat - the glorious gecko. We keep a couple of bottle-raised scenery of West Highlands. I am also a lambs which have grown into sheep and are freelance photographer. Top: Jessica painting in her studio destined to be eaten soon! Middle: Jessica and Cody Bottom: Jessica’s winning photograph

Remembering… For a few generations now, Kilmallie folk have an appropriate location to set off fireworks on remembered their war dead at the Memorial in the 5th of November is completely beyond me. Banavie. Luckily, I arrived first on the Sunday which just gave time to clear up an armful of the usual It’s possible that you might not know that the firework detritus and bottles. In the unlikely gu Jauno gadu ! gu Jauno gu Jauno gadu ! gu Jauno

Memorial is located at the end of the old A830, event that the perpetrators are reading this ī ī extending due west from Banavie, to the north article, I’m sure the populace will support me in of the present A830. The Memorial is accessed asking that you leave the place tidy next year or, from the turning place by a few flights of steps better still, go somewhere else… with handrails; all is in fair condition though the Community Council hopes to be able to gain John Hutchison Laim Laim funding for access improvements. Badabrie

Numbers attending the service have been increasing in recent years and around 30 were greeted appropriately by piper Ruth MacCallum from Banavie. The Rev Dr Richard Corbett from Kilmallie Church of Scotland and the Rev Chris MacRae from Kilmallie Free Church of Scotland jointly led the short service. Richard poignantly set our act of remembrance in complete context by reflecting on his own family links with two World Wars.

The service is traditionally held at 3pm on Remembrance Sunday and you may want to think about attending next year?

Our forebears chose outstanding locations for our war memorials and Banavie is no exception with commanding views of the Ben, the Mamores and towards Fort William. Why anyone should think that our War Memorial is

2016, it will be an offence to use, Should any member of the public not page 6 possess, purchase or acquire an air wish to keep an air weapon they can After Christmas we will start to page 27 community weapon in Scotland, without holding an continue to hand it in to the police for kilmallie singers practice for our spring concert. air weapon certificate. (Existing firearm surrender and destruction. In 2017 we are excited that we are

or shotgun certificate holders will still So it's that time of year again, the nights are long and the days going to be led by a new conductor, policing short, but we at Kilmallie Singers have an excellent way to fill those Catherine MacDonald. Catherine is be able to use and possess air weapons Can I conclude by wishing all the long winter evenings: we've been thinking and singing about no stranger to the choir and we look I am writing this article during the early until their firearm or shotgun certificate residents of Kilmallie the very best over Christmas... since October! forward to this new chapter in the hours of the morning on my last night expires). the festive period and look forward to life of Kilmallie Singers. We meet in shift of the week, where temperatures working with you again in the New It would be so good to see you all at our Christmas concert this the Kilmallie Church of Scotland in have plummeted to minus 4 degrees, The deadline for air weapon Year. December. Our concert is in the Duncansburgh Mackintosh church Caol every Thursday: October to April the lowest recorded this winter in Fort applications being processed before the on Saturday 17th December at 7.30pm. Tickets on the door or from from 7.30pm to 9.15pm (approx). William! new laws are introduced on 31 Andrew Bilton, a member of the choir, priced £5 for adults, £4 for concessions and December 2016, has now passed and Police Sergeant £1 for children. The programme includes a wide variety of We're a choir of about 50 members: some read music, some can't; During these winter months we will be any person who has applied for an air Liaison Officer for Kilmallie Community Christmas songs and carols, some old, some new, some traditional, some are young, some aren't; some sing high, some (mainly the engaged in a number of campaigns both weapon certificate after 31 October Council some modern; something for everyone, including a lolly for the men) really don't. We would love you to join us whether as a children who want to accompany us to one of our special songs. potential new member or simply as someone who likes to listen to nationally and locally, looking to 2016, which has not been granted by 31 [email protected] We promise that even the Ebenezer Scrooges amongst you will feel good quality local music. promote road safety by encouraging December 2016, will be committing an more Christmassy by the time you leave. Ishbel Murray motorists to check the weather and offence unless one of the following Police Service of Scotland road conditions prior to travelling and measures are taken, while awaiting the Fort William Police Station ensuring their vehicles are suitably new certificate and authorisation being BLAR MOR, Fort William Permission was kindly given by Messrs roadworthy for potential bad weather. granted: PH33 7GA Torlundy I Smith and D Matheson of Premiere Developments, the land owners, and with For those travelling on bikes we are  air weapon is stored with someone financial assistance from Rio Tinto Alcan it promoting the use of high visibility who has an Air Weapon Certificate. Tel. 101 for non-emergency was finally moved to a new resting place clothing that is both warm and  air weapon is stored with someone hydro- in the grounds of the Lochaber Smelter. waterproof and to consider investing in who has a current Firearm or some good quality lights. Shotgun Certificate. It is doubtful if the machine will ever run  air weapon is stored with a electric again but it could become a challenge for Road safety aside, I would like to Registered Firearms Dealer. some apprentices to at least give it a remind locals that from 31 December facelift. However the group who worked turbine on splitting the machine from its pipe Over one hundred years ago a hydro work were surprised at the ease with Here are the local applications that we’ve noticed on the Weekly Lists in the last three electric generator at Torlundy supplied which the rust covered bolts came apart. months, up to week ending 02/12/16. Some may already have been determined. power to Inverlochy Castle which at that It is unusual that this machine survived time was the home of Lord Abinger. When the war effort which called for all kinds of plans metalwork to be salvaged and re-used. For further information about Weekly Planning Lists, see the the BA put the tunnel through from Loch Sept 2014 edition of Kilmallie Community News. Treig and harnessed the rivers from the hills above, the River Lundy was no longer There are a lot of interesting facts

pertaining to the history of this machine If you would like to receive weekly lists by able to drive the turbine. but that is another story. afoot email, please contact KCC Secretary.

The turbine then lay unused until by chance it came to the notice of a few local This is a valuable piece of our local PIP = Permission in Principle, FUL = Full Application, enthusiasts in 2007. A great deal of work industrial history and the local Historical LBC = Listed Building Consent. PNO = Prior Notification, and a lot of willing helpers were required Society and friends and The West OHL = Overhead Electricity Line, ADV = Advertisement to clear a hundred years of rubbish from Highland Museum are delighted that it has MSC = Matters Specified in Conditions (ie typically follow-up details to a permission on top of the machine and prepare it for been saved. already granted), extracting it from its abode. Alex Gillespie Hyvää uutta vuotta ! uuttaHyvää vuotta Thomas Telford Corpach Marina, Construction of the car park, slipway and change of use

E ku odun, eku iyedun ! eku iyedun E ku odun, 08/11/16 16/04706/FUL of the canal buildings. Pier, Canal Basin, Corpach

19/10/16 16/04747/PIP Erection of house, Carinbrook, Banavie

Erection of Steel Portal Frame, Biomass Building, Land 170M North of Glen Suleag Car 07/10/16 16/04509/FUL Park,

06/10/16 16/04445/PIP Erection of house, renewal of 13/03995/PIP, House Plot 2, Coilleras, Wilson Way, Banavie

Erection of house, upgrade existing access, installation of septic tank and soakaway 10/10/16 16/04161/FUL (renewal of 13/03142/FUL) Grianan, Corriebeg,

08/09/16 16/04101/PIP Siting of residential chalet, Mingarry, Corpach

02/09/16 16/03960/FUL Erection of two storey extension, 16 Annat View Corpach Ghlèidh Còisir Ghàidhlig Sgìre Loch Abar an duais shònraichte – This time we asked our three Highland Councillors page 26 Cuach Cuimhneachan Mairead NicDhonnchaidh – aig Mòd nan our Highland councillors’ corner about the Ward Discretionary Fund page 7 Soirbheachas ann an Eilean Siar air a’ mhìos a chaidh seachad. In my opinion Discretionary Budgeting is a budget. This budget creates a lot of buzz looked on favourably. We tend to spread Seo an dàrna bliadhna aig a’ chòisir a bhith a’ seinn le chèile fo stiùir really good method to help projects. There and interest, almost in the way an auction this budget over the year. Raghnaid Walker. ’S e Raghnaid fhèin a sgrìobh an co-sheirm air an are 3 types of Discretionary Budget - all does and tends to be through social media What I would like to see is more of the Steòrnabhagh òran a sheinn iad mar an taghadh aca fhèin – Òran an Tombaca, designed to help constituted organisations and constituents voting for their chosen Highland Council funds devolved to local agus abair gun do sheinn iad gu math e airson a’ chiad àite a and communities in similar ways, but project. This type of discretionary budget communities to encourage more local Success in Stornoway glèidheadh. Nas cudromaiche, tha measgachadh dè luchd- possibly different scales. The best known works really well for youth groups, schools people and groups to determine how the Lochaber District Gaelic Choir retained the prestigious 'Margaret ionnsachaidh agus fileantaich na Gàidhlig anns a’ chòisir agus one is the councillors’ discretionary budget and communities that have a specific money is spent locally. Imagine being able Duncan Trophy', at the Royal National Mòd in Stornoway last choisinn iad Cuach Cuimhneachan Iain MhicNeacail airson nan which we spend jointly, either by consensus project and target in mind. to participate in a roads or bridges budget month. comharran as àirde. or agreeing to differ. The larger, but lesser The budget we as councillors are most for your community or better still The choir, only in its second year, conducted by Rachel Walker, who used fund is the Capital Discretionary closely associated with is, the Councillor’s community land or woodland. Rather than arranged their own choice piece, 'Oran an Tombaca', gave an Dh’ obraich gach ball anns a’ chòisir gu cruaidh airson a bhith Budget, administered by Highland Council Discretionary Budget which has been almost pouring money out in the same old way, the energetic rendition to gain first place. More importantly, the choir ullaichte airson nam farpaisean agus abair gu robh iad uile a’ and all councillors, primarily for larger halved in the past few years due to financial public would be tasked and energised to comprising of both fluent and Gaelic learners was awarded the John fuireach air feadh na sgìre eadar Nis agus Sgalpaigh! projects, as brick in the wall funding. In cut backs and part being given to the come up with innovative solutions to McNicol memorial trophy for the highest marks in Gaelic. other words, once all the other funders Participatory Budget, to tie in with provide vastly improved returns for the It was down to the commitment of all involved that the competition As dèidh làithean-saora goirid, bidh an còisir air ais air an àrd-ùrlar have committed, but there is still a Community empowerment and Localism. capital invested. Just think on how was so successful as the choir travelled independently and were mu chuairt sgìre Loch Abar a’ seinn. Ma tha sibh ag iarraidh significant gap - and as a result a good That said, we still have a fairly healthy communities could spend profits reaped accommodated in a plethora of venues from Ness to Scalpay! barrachd fhaighinn a-mach mun a’ chòisir, bidh oidhche fhosgailte sustainable project would fail, you could amount and are willing to help any good from run of river schemes or turbines After a short break the choir will soon be performing at several aca anns an ùine ri teachd. apply to the Council. sustainable project or community council owned by their community which were local events in and around Lochaber. If you are interested in finding The second is the participatory budget, initiative, especially if the project has funded by discretionary budget money for out more about the choir, there will be an open night in the near Anne Marie Campbell amounting to £30,000, which formerly was additionality. For instance a £4000 project the real betterment of their community. future. Tomonie part of a larger councillor’s discretionary requiring £1000 to close the gap would be Cllr Allan Henderson

I doubt if any Lochaber Councillor would educational end of term visits. Many others One such decision was a cap of £200 on agree that local discretionary budgets should like Kilmallie Parent & Toddler Group and school trip activity. To make things a little be considered in the future as a budget Banavie Floral Improvements received more complicated for some clubs and saving as has been suggested by some in funding. Thousands of pounds were also organisations, Highland Council also agreed Inverness. Those budgets have helped so spent on Christmas trees and lights for the that a sixteen page application form had to many local organisations and clubs achieve Ward. These are but a few examples of be completed. One positive decision that their goals and, in some cases, survive. It payments made at that time from the ward has found favour with main stream clubs would be in no-one’s interest to pass control discretionary budget. and organisations is our participatory of discretionary budgets to a centralist Local However, things changed in 2007 when budgeting processes “Your Voice Your Authority in Inverness. The last thing we eight wards became two with three Choice” where communities get to vote for require in Lochaber is more decision making councillors in the North Ward and four in the projects which they feel deserve funding. In being transferred to the Inverness honeypot. South Ward. Many more applications were this way, the public gets to participate in When I was first elected in 2003 as the sole received from clubs and organisations discretionary budget decision making. The councillor for the Kilmallie/Invergarry Ward, throughout the extended wards with each other way to access our discretionary budget each of the eight councillors representing application being considered by all is to apply direct to the Council as normal. the eight wards within Lochaber had a ward Councillors within their relevant ward. With reduced resources available, scrutiny of

discretionary budget and was responsible for Budget cuts from Westminster to the spend will be crucial. considering applications from various clubs Scottish Government in turn created budget It is an evolving situation. We must and organisations within the ward. cuts to Local Government. Discretionary publicise what is on offer to ensure that any Each year, many thousands of pounds were budgets like all other budgets suffered and isolated or vulnerable groups are also I tried planting sweet peas in Oct last year: didn’t make any awarded to numerous clubs and until things change at a national level, this catered for and, to that end, some monies difference as they were rubbish this year. They can be planted early organisations within the Kilmallie Ward. type of funding will continue to be at risk. should be held back in each Ward. though so will try them about end of Jan. green fingers In 2004 and 2005, Banavie Primary School There has also been an increase in I would like to take the opportunity to wish

received £1,000 and £1100 respectively applications resulting in difficult decisions everyone a Happy and Healthy Christmas Here we are at the end of another year in the It pays to keep an eye on things like hoses, power washers etc so towards end of term educational visits. having to be made by Councillors in their and New Year. garden. It is chilly now but still things to be that they don’t get frozen. Even in a garage it is a good idea to Invergarry Primary School received £500 and ward. done, so on with the gloves, boots and hat cover them: once frozen they are probably ruined. Same with tins £600 over the same period for their Cllr Bill Clark neuesFrohes Jahr ! Bliadhna Mhath Ùr ! and get outside. of emulsion paint that have been put in a shed and forgotten.

If you have hellebores (Christmas roses), now It’s a good chance to check tools, lawnmowers , shears etc. Make The Council discretionary funds are limited or in Resources committee. Two recent award would have been about the largest is the time to cut off the foliage so that the flowers can be seen sure they are clean and a smear of oil doesn’t go amiss. Maybe but very useful for making sure projects examples of this Fund being used in source of funding. properly. They are just lovely and will be out in the next few weeks start the mower a couple of times in case there is a problem in the either get going or are completed. Lochaber are the indoor sports training Given the huge pressure Council budgets whatever the weather is like. I prune the long stems on roses about spring: really annoying when you take it out for its first cut and it Discretionary funds are often the final piece facility and Swimming Pool. The are under, the outlook for discretionary half way, to stop them getting damaged by the winter winds but won’t start. of the jigsaw that enables a funding package indoor training facility was not successful, funding is bleak. Local groups will leave the proper pruning till March. The garlic should be settled in to come together or they are the initial only being offered a smaller part of the sum increasingly have to look to national by now and needs a touch of frost for a good crop next year. Keep feeding the birds and check if you are having a bonfire to funding to develop business proposals. requested, which has really stymied the programmes for funding. This centralisation Sprouts are at their best just now: if you cut off a plant at the base make sure there isn’t a hedgehog hiding for the winter. Once the The discretionary fund process at the project. The Mallaig Pool was successful in is a worry. My concern is that rural and they will keep for ages if they are hung upside down in a garage or jobs have been done, settle down with tea and scones (or a dram) local level is run from Lochaber House and its application for £275,000 towards a semi-rural communities in the Highlands like similar. and get the catalogues out, plan your garden for next year and get decisions on funding are made by the Ward £1.1million refurbishment and Kilmallie will lose out if competing against ordering. councillors (myself, Allan and Bill). All our redevelopment, which should see the Pool well-resourced urban groups - who simply Some things will be in storage just now: carrots, beetroot, potatoes. funding decisions to date have been continue to thrive. have a greater population from which to Keep an eye on them so that the sand or whatever you have them Happy Christmas unanimous, or at least without objection In both cases I argued strongly for the draw volunteers and hence expertise to stored in doesn’t freeze. Leeks, if you were lucky enough to have and enjoy the from any one of us. Such awards are usually funding to be made available. One major develop projects. The Scottish Governments any that didn’t go to seed, are fine left in the ground. We also have winter views in the a few hundred to - exceptionally - a few difference which might account for one need to be held to account to make sure some carrots we forgot to lift so, hopefully they will be all right if garden and keep thousand pounds. being fully successful and the other not was grant funding in future doesn’t they get frozen and are left to thaw in the ground. Begonias were an eye open for Much larger awards have been made the scale of the funding requested. The predominately favour urban projects. lifted and, supposedly, labelled for next year. I always get them the first bulbs from the Council’s Capital Discretionary Council emphasises the contribution of the mixed up and end up with giant ones in the window boxes and popping up. Fund. This Fund is run from Inverness and discretionary funds should be minor in the Cllr Ben Thompson small ones in the big tubs. I like the element of surprise! Keep decisions on it are made by all Highland overall scale of the project. In the indoor them frost free. Same with dahlias and fuchsias. Morag Mackell Councillors, either at full Council meetings training facility’s case, the discretionary Lochy, the margins of and , and even page 8 missives from MSPs along the edges of and . In cold winters page 25 wild about dippers may become concentrated along the shores of the In this our second slot for MSPs, we invited one MSP from each of the parties sea lochs, whilst conversely, when water levels are high in representing us in the Highland regional constituency to introduce themselves. the spring, they move up the smaller rivers and burns into Let us know if there are any questions of local relevance that you would like us areas of shallower water more suitable for feeding. The to put to our constituency MSP Kate Forbes next time. kilmallie shallow rapids of the around Gairlochy is a good place to look for dippers as well as wagtails. Firstly, thank you to all who Support Our Rio Tinto, which attracted quality broadband or in some cases cannot run the newsletter for asking hundreds of signatures. Labour Councillor afford to get online. These are big issues for me to contribute on a regular Brian Murphy was also involved in the all of us and I will keep pushing for equal Dipper Early breeding allows dippers to take advantage of the basis. Community news and campaign. I’m delighted that the deal will access regardless of where you live or what If you hear a bird singing around the Christmas period it is wealth of aquatic insects, particularly juicy titbits like caddis campaigns are so valuable safeguard 150 jobs at the plant. I’m also your income is. Other campaigns, which I’m likely to be the familiar robin, lustily defending its territory. fly larvae, before these hatch in the summer. Adult dippers for people, raising local delighted that the community got behind involved in, include continuing problems There is another local bird that could well be heard during will also take small fish fry and eggs, but are not a threat to issues that really matter. For those who our campaign to keep the company in the with Scottish Ambulance Service’s Patient the cold winter months, however, and that is the dipper. This salmonid populations. In times gone by dippers were heavily don’t know me, I represent Labour in the area and their support should not be Transport system; fuel poverty; trains failing is the familiar, little round bird with black / brown plumage persecuted, along with many other birds and animals that Highlands and Islands with my colleague, forgotten. I am still keen to see the detail of to stop at Corrour railway station leaving and a white throat and breast that sits in the middle of fast- were thought to compete with fishing interests, and were David Stewart, and I am the Party’s Rural the deal and the input from the Scottish passengers stranded; support for crofters flowing burns and bobs up and down on a rock before exterminated on a number of rivers in northern and eastern Economy and Connectivity spokesperson. Government because there has been a lack and farmers and the chaos over CAP disappearing under the water. Scotland. The dipper is adapted to swimming and fishing of transparency over the agreement. I also payments; lack of affordable housing and There are so many issues which touch find it particularly galling that there has cuts to council services and health boards’ underwater and can even walk along the bed of a fast- fragile areas of the region including been an announcement about the future of budgets. Around the holiday period dippers start to do the most un- flowing stream, using its beak to probe the gravel for food. Kilmallie, but the recent announcement on HIE and the scrapping of its board when the dipper like things, including perching up in the tops of trees Its feathers are well waterproofed and it has a third the continuation of the smelter in Fort If anyone has an issue they would like me to economic development agency has played and even flying high above them singing. These are the ‘nictitating’, white eyelid that closes off its eyes whilst William – the UK’s last remaining aluminium take up, please contact me at my an important role in helping to secure a males that are advertising their territories, courting their hunting underwater. Having fed, it returns to a rock in the smelter – is good news and key to the constituency office on 01463 716299 or deal. future economy of all in Lochaber. Along email me at mates and seeing off rivals. Nests are also repaired at this water or low bankside twig to sit and bob while the water with David, I have been involved in I am also campaigning for better [email protected]. You time of year. The lusty song can be heard from now until the runs off its feathers. The reason why a dipper bobs is supporting a continued future for the broadband, more and more services are can also write to me at: Rhoda Grant MSP, spring, when the paired dippers get down to the business of uncertain, but it certainly gives it character. smelter from early this year, meeting only available on-line as Government cuts PO Box 5717, Inverness, IV1 1YT. breeding. management and union representatives and demand savings. Many people are losing Rhoda Grant MSP One Dipper launching an i-petition and paper petition, out because they don’t have access to good Dippers lay their eggs relatively early for Highland birds, in or around mid-April. The domed nest of mosses and liverworts Bobbing to a staccato rhythm, the water weeble I’m very much a son of the As a former Highland Councillor for political divide to ensure we collectively is often hidden behind waterfalls, tucked into ledges of cliffs stands rotundly on polished mid-stream stone, Parish of Kilmallie: I was born Inverness Ness-side I consider it’s a deliver what’s best for Kilmallie and all the close to water, or hidden in the stonework of bridges. fast-flowing water rushing by on either side. and brought up at Clunes and ludicrous situation that Councillors from communities of the Highlands and Islands. Locally the small burns that feed the River Lochy are Handsome chestnut with snow-white breast, attended Achnacarry Primary Wick travel to Lochaber to make planning Given the size of the Highlands and Islands, I favoured for nest sites. The white eggs take about 16-17 dark eyes peer over a short, trim beak. and Lochaber High School, so decisions and vice versa. There is no way try to be innovative to make sure I am days to hatch, and the young are then brooded for two A dip forward and he is gone, under the water, I know the Community that can be considered ‘local government’. accessible to citizens in every corner of the weeks, with fledging taking place a week later. At this point feathers slicked back, tiny bubbles flowing off his body, Council’s area well and I’m region. You can email me on

the young dippers are escorted downstream to quieter searching the stony bed for a juicy caddis larva very proud to be one of its elected Whilst the A830 trunk road is a Scottish [email protected], write to waters where they are fed by their parents for a further two representatives. Government responsibility, the safety of me at Room MG.16, The Scottish or an unwary nymph. Kilmallie residents seeking to cross the road Parliament, , EH99 1SP, or call me weeks. The young dippers stay around their parents’ A quick commotion, a shake of wings and he’s back, The Scottish Green Party believe in vibrant is everyone’s duty. Likewise, whilst housing on 0131 348 6898. I also welcome territory until they have moulted their dull juvenile plumage bobbing as before, as if nothing happened. local democracy and recognise the is primarily a local authority matter, my constituent enquiries via Facebook and then disperse into the wider area. This includes the With a shrill call he’s off, important part that community councils Green Party colleagues and I are pushing (facebook.com/JohnFinnieHI) and Twitter shallow edges of freshwater lochs as well as the edges of little wings whirring like automata play in our civic life. Sadly, too many the Scottish Government for more (twitter.com/JohnFinnieHI), I am happy to coastal sea lochs. hugging the contour of the river, decisions affecting Kilmallie are not taken in resources to ensure warm, energy efficient arrange Skype or video-conferencing Feliçnou ! any fast disappearing upstream, the community. It’s unsurprising that many homes for everyone. appointments, and I will of course hold conclude that politics is something done to The waters around Kilmallie are relatively fast-flowing, well- until rounding the bend… So, whether on health, social care, occasional surgeries in the area. the community, rather than something that oxygenated and free of pollution, and therefore ideal for … he’s gone. can be done by the community. education or jobs, I will work across the John Finnie MSP dippers. We may therefore see dippers almost anywhere in the area, from the small burns feeding the rivers such as the Jon Mercer Hello! As you may know, I am I have a legal background as an advocate of decreasing budgets, I have met many Loy, Laragain and Suileag to the main body of the river Glenloy Wildlife from Achnacarry, so just with over 10 years’ experience at the inspiring people who embrace and thrive in ! Jabulela omusha unyaka down the road from Corpach Scottish Bar and as a result, I have a keen a rural environment where community spirit and I also have longstanding interest in crofting law. However, I am here is strong and people support one another. family connections with to assist with any issue that concerns you, That was in evidence here in Lochaber when Kilmallie, and Loch Eil. and will be out and about in the region as I attended the inaugural event of Lochaber much as possible, meeting people and Ideas Week on 14th November with other Elected in May 2016, I am one of the seven hosting surgeries. MSPs, which has demonstrated the strength regional MSPs for the Highlands and Islands of entrepreneurial and creative spirit in the and my responsibility is to represent I hope that I will be able to meet many of Lochaber area. constituents from the whole region. I am you over the next 5 years, and I have also the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for already attended and spoken at Kilmallie We hope to open a regional parliamentary Health and Sport and, whilst I have a Community Council in a personal capacity office in Oban in the new year and we will of specific interest in health and social care last year. course publish details when all is in place. especially in terms of how that is provided In the meantime, I can always be contacted in the Highlands, my remit as an MSP is all- Much of the Highlands’ population resides directly at encompassing and also covers education, in small communities like yours and it is a [email protected] or transport, agriculture, communications, feature of the region that presents both by telephone 0131 348 6989 housing, the environment, justice, civil and challenges and benefits. Whilst maintaining www.donaldcameron.org.uk/ social matters insofar as they affect service provision, healthcare, education, residents of the Highlands and Islands. transport links and more is tough in the face Donald Cameron MSP challenges and opportunities we’ll face in the future. page 24 contd page 9 missives from MSPs Thank you for giving me the when the rest of Scotland could learn from I have joined lots of cross party groups – The Wildings concert in November was a great Watch out for opportunity to introduce us. some, like renewables and rail, because I night - a fresh musical blend of traditional and confirmation myself. I am delighted to think they will be helpful in my role as a original, contemplative and footstomping. of dates and represent the Highlands and My passion for a fairer more equal country regional representative; some, like Science details in the Islands region. I grew up in means I was delighted to be asked to join and Technology, because of my own Full diary details for 2017 aren’t yet finalised but press, on Ullapool and worked in the committee for Finance and the interest. Constitution. So far we have scrutinised the we’re looking ahead to, hopefully... Nevis Radio, Inverness as a mental health Please feel free to get in touch if you want  February on posters, pharmacist for 20 years before entering new Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, challenged the Budget timetable and my help or if there is something you think I Fras, a local band... bagpipes (our own Angus and on our politics. need to know about. Thanks! learned a lot about the new fiscal Binnie), banjo, flute, accordion, guitar mailing list. My experience as a health professional has framework. Maree Todd  May been helpful on the Health and Sport Top Floor Taivers, from Glasgow, combine An anonymous donor has offered a £1 committee. In the first few months we have As well as my work on these committees, I Contact Details: stunning vocals with piano, fiddle and clarsach discount on tickets for our next event looked at a wide range of topics from GPs to am pleased to have been appointed a [email protected]  July to anyone who arrives on foot or by mental health and we have had a number of director of Scotland’s Futures Forum Ltd. twitter: @MareeToddSNP a fusion of Colonsay and Sardinia from Donald bike. representatives from the Highlands and which is the Scottish Parliament’s think- Facebook: Maree Todd MSP and Jen MacNeill and Roberto Diana Islands giving evidence. I am always keen tank. It was created in 2005 to help its To find out more, to join our mailing Members, along with policy makers, Constituency Office: CREEL is the new local non-for-profit community that the parliament understands that we list, or share ideas, please email Susie businesses, academics and the wider 12 High Street group bringing gigs and entertainment to small venues and Mandy at sometimes need to do things differently in in and around Kilmallie the Highlands. There are definitely times community of Scotland, to look beyond the Dingwall, IV15 9RU [email protected] here and now, towards some of the (01349) 863888

Youth Rugby Minis - Our minis have been training huge thanks to all our sawmill very hard every Saturday at Banavie volunteers KCC has become aware and have played at a few tournaments that a number of local now. The last training session before who help us distribute and residents are being International success Annual we break up for our winter break is deliver the newsletter free of affected by noise from Saturday 17th December. We take an sawmill operations at for former mini Boxing Day 8 week break as the weather charge to every address in BSW, particularly during conditions deteriorate and the younger Kilmallie. If you are one of the night. rugby players Match players can’t cope with the conditions. PRESIDENTS xv –V- CAPTAINS xv We recommence on Saturday 25th the few areas left that KCC has invited BSW to ! Our club is extremely proud @ Banavie, Kick off 2pm February 10am at Banavie. receive the newsletter by their meeting on Monday to have had former Mini Rugby Players Everyone welcome. 23rd January at 7:15pm succeed in attaining international U16s - We recently hosted a friendly

post, please get in touch to bring this to their caps. Katie Dougan made her first U16s game against Nairn Academy. if can you help us attention and discuss debut for Scotland in February 2015 This was the first game of the season what can be done to and Helen Nelson against France in for this age group and what a reduce our costs help. 2016. We are watching their progress difference a year makes. Coach Gary

by delivering to a 新年快樂 with great pride. Here are some Hendrie was very pleased with the way photographs of the two latest heroes in the boys played and is looking forward few of your their early years - sorry girls, but it had to taking them to their next friendly neighbours to be done!!… and a couple of them fixture at Campbeltown on Sunday 4 An Nou Fericit !An Nou Fericit now. December.

U14’s – Our U14’s have their first friendly game on Sunday 4th December at Banavie against Huntly and then the following weekend they travel to Highland.

Please feel free to come along and support our young players at Banavie – Friends of Banavie Park held its Annual Since the AGM, we have shown MSP Kate everyone is welcome. General Meeting at the Moorings at the Forbes around the site and got her Good luck to both teams we hope you end of October, and reconstituted its enthusiastic support. We are hoping for enjoy your game. committee. We would like to thank the a positive outcome to a meeting previous committee members for the great scheduled in December with Scottish Pauline Donaldson work they've done for the park project. Lisa Canals. We will keep you posted and New players of all abilities are Wharton continued in the committee, hope to have good news for you in welcome – taking the role of Secretary, and Hilary the New Year! if you fancy giving rugby a try, come Tresidder was appointed Chairperson. We and see us at Banavie. are looking to recruit a Treasurer (no In the meantime, have a great We are 1st left after the Moorings experience needed) so contact Hilary on Christmas season. Hotel (07796 244 452) if you think you can spare www.lochaberrfc.co.uk a bit of time for this great cause. Friends of Banavie Park Committee of their life as a touring group. Arctic The end of October saw a well attended page 10 Winds chose to start with the familiar performance by LOCHABER COMMUNITY page 23 music, music overture from Mozart's Magic Flute, then WIND BAND which was in aid of the local boundary changes played more modern English, French and Parkinson's Disease Support Group. We The UK Parliament has legislated to reduce Where we previously had four: Farewell to Lochaber German compositions, finishing in listened to our talented local musicians the number of Westminster constituencies  Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross and more Czechoslovak with a piece by Dvorak. It who started the concert on a Scottish from 650 to 600. In Scotland this means that  Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and as we know it? was certainly a varied and superb concert. theme with a variety of pieces arranged 59 constituencies will be reduced to 53. As Strathspey for wind bands - including one called music... BUTTONS AND BOWS concerts are an a result, changes to constituencies are  Ross, Skye and Lochaber, and The proposals impact significantly on "Help ma Boab!" Tea and sumptuous required. (But note there are no changes Lochaber. It has been split in two: annual feature in Kilmallie Community  Argyll and Bute Music lovers in Kilmallie are fortunate to cakes took up the interval, courtesy of the proposed (yet at least) to the constituencies with most of it going into the Argyll Bute Centre and the October concert featured the proposal is now for three: have easy access to good music on a band members and families. In the that apply in Holyrood elections).  Highland North and Lochaber constituency, but a sizeable 17 fiddlers and accordions from regular basis and, since the last second half the Band played selections  Inverness and Skye, and chunk of it - Kilmallie, , Windygates in Fife led by Bruce Lindsay. newsletter, we have been able to enjoy from films and shows; the concert ended, In October, the Boundary Commission for  Argyll Bute and Lochaber. Invergarry and - being split off to An audience of 100 was treated to three different concerts right here in appropriately, with "Going Home" from Scotland published its initial proposals for For us this has resulted in radical boundary the north, going into the Inverness and Skye Scottish music and songs in Gaelic and Corpach, in Kilmallie Community Centre. the film "Local Hero." Over £500 was the map of the new Westminster changes from previously, and of course the constituency. English from members of the audience, all raised for the charity. constituencies. Two constituencies (the loss of one MP for the whole area. The October LOCHABER MUSIC FOR ALL of whom were also invited to join in to Western Isles and Orkney and Shetland) The name ‘Lochaber’ has been retained in a concert featured a wind quintet called sing along with some old favourites. Music for All's 2017 concerts start on stay the same, but the rest change. constituency name - but (rather than Bottom left: the proposed new constituencies. "Arctic Winds" comprising oboe, flute, January 21st in the Hotel at alongside Ross and Skye as before) now Below right: the new proposed Inverness and Skye horn, bassoon and clarinet. They are a 19:30, then in Kilmallie Hall on 26th As required by the UK legislation, each of alongside Argyll and Bute - perhaps constituency, showing Kilmallie shaded a darker young UK group (one is from Paisley!) February at 15:00. Watch the local notice the remaining 51 constituencies must: grey, separated from most of its closest significant incongruously so, given that only part of who have developed a reputation for an  not exceed 13,000 square kilometres, neighbours. Lochaber is included in the new boards for forthcoming performances by and Bottom right: the new proposed Argyll Bute and constituency. In this context at least, the interesting and versatile repertoire. A the Community Wind Band, and for the  be within 5% of the average population Lochaber constituency, with the excluded Kilmallie identity of Lochaber will be affected by the good-sized audience enjoyed listening to next Buttons and Bows concert. shown dotted. the explanation of the various pieces and of 74,769 (ie to have between 71,031 proposed new boundary cutting across it. Sue Chadney and 78,507 electors), except where a were also entertained by some witty tales constituency is larger than 12,000 Contd on next page square kilometres when it may have You can see these maps more clearly in colour online at fewer than 71,031 electors. Art Lochaber’s first workshop of the new season enjoyed beautiful scotland.independent.gov.uk/2018_westminster/initial_proposals/index.asp These rules limit the possibilities for dividing weather at the Glencoe Visitor Centre in October. Tutor Jemma up the new constituencies. Derbyshire from Edinburgh explored with us the use of colour and how to achieve fifty shades of grey! The following workshop in November was led by Jonathan Shearer, a landscape artist from Impact on Highlands, Inverness who exhibits widely in Scotland and London.

islands and Argyll In January local artist Alistair Smyth will be helping us with those tricky Because the intention was to even out the body parts in a workshop entitled ‘Head, shoulders, knees and toes ‘to population within each constituency, the be held in Fort William at The Hub and in February local ceramicist less dense rural constituencies have Helen Michie is treating us to a ceramics workshop at .

probably had to absorb most of the change. So across the Highlands, islands and Argyll, For more details and information on other workshops please see our four old constituencies are being condensed website artlochaber.co.uk, where you can also view our artwork in the into three. Members’ Gallery.

POP UP SHOP – hope you popped in to our winter show of work at Nevis Range’s ‘Pinemarten Café’ from 28th November to 4th December: we had lots of interesting work for sale including framed Bonne année !Bonne année and unframed pictures and cards. Tau Houhari ! If you are interested in coming along to any of our events or finding out more about the group, please contact Lorna on 01397 772806 or Dorothy on 01855 821297. All welcome! Lorna Finlayson

page 22 page 22 हैप्पी न्यू ईयर ! ਨਵਾ ਸਾਲ ਮੁਬਾਰਕ ! MV60s. led the home Connolly Michael 1stFV50. Pearce Emma and 1stMV50 Ali Kennedy in coming 1:03:32 in (LAC) Blackhall Amanda with & 1stFV40, 2nd in 1:03:15 (unattached) Foley Joanne was First 3rd TomSmith(LAC) and 49:31 (Deeside Runners) Henry brilliant a in first home came (LAC) Yells John winter sunshine. in part took 71 runners November. 27th Sunday on race of the report following the sends Mertens Corrina Druimfada Chase Race £1. only is cost the welcome and very made be race.You’ll league winter next the for calendar www.lochaberac.co.uk at look a take race please a running in interested Anyone enjoy. and come to ofrunner abilities ages and all encourage to winter each deliver Club Athletic the which races 10 of series winter a of one This is race just Annat. at finish a to descends hillside,then the on high circumnavigate to track forestry steep a climbingup Locheil Bound Outward beyond starts course November.The 27th Sunday on Race Druimfada annual their held club athletics The local Athletic Club Lochaber Kyle Michie Team PlayerSecond Year the of The Mungo MacLeod Shield Innes Blackhall First Team Player of Year the The Robert Hood Shield were presented: night and great followingthe awards Caolthe Community Centre. was in October Saturday held 22nd on The AnnualAwards Dance Dinner and November.on 12th the Reserve Team their finallyfinished season Premierpromoted to the League. National League Divisionand now are successful 2016. Kilmallie a Team have 1st very had

49:36. Tom was also 1st MV40. 1st was also Tom 49:36.

LisetteWalter lady home in an excellent 15th overall position overall position 15th excellent an in home lady

time of 49mins 5 secs, closely followed by Peter by closely followed secs, 5 of 49mins time

The boys the won

(unattached)

The Druimfada Chase in Chase The Druimfada

Kilmallie Shinty Club Kilmallie Club Shinty

We all a had

in 1:00:13 followed by by followed 1:00:13in The

Liam MacDonald Scotland Senior squad: Kilmallie the: had representatives in The National Cup. Division The Ian and AitchisonCup The BSW Cup, The First Teamwon Balliemore Cup, the Aiden Love Under Most 14’s ImprovedPlayer The Kilmallie Shield Cam Clark Under Player 14’s of Year the ShieldThe BSW RodgerKeir Under Most 17’s ImprovedPlayer Trophy The BOSS Calum MacDougall Under Player 17’s of Year the The Alastair MacIntyre Cup

3rd.

glorious glorious

in in

Forster Nicola time. the fordetails nearer Facebook and press 2017.Watch March in be will date start Thenext program. week thisdeliver 10 to trained are fully Caol, from Adams, Ian Banavie, and from Hamilton, Jim and Pamela leaders, Jog Scotland Local spring. the in starting plan beginners new JogScotland be a there willprogram running a starting in interested If you’re ScotlandJog help. their for Woodlands Scottish to thanks Jim.Also and Roger Billy, Bryan, Margaret Elizabeth, Corrina, Jon, June, timekeepers: and helpers marshals the all to thanks and ran who everyone to Well done by Raymond Murdoch (Deeside Runners), John Yells (LAC) centre and Tom Smith (LAC) First three home in the Druimfada Chase Race: from left to rightPeter Henry

- Rose, Elma, Raymond, Ian, Graham, Graham, Ian, Raymond, Rose, Elma, Linda Campbell Happy Year. New wishall a youand Merry a Christmas and everyone for theirsupport in 2016 Kilmallie tothank Shinty Club like would The Board,coaches and players of aton Friday 8pm. December 30th Drawis inwhich Tradewinds being held ChristmasOur final of “do” is the year the Division ofManager Year the Mark Nationalalso won MacPherson the Cam Clark Under 14’s:North Calum MacDougall Under 17’s:North Innes Blackhall Scotland squad: Under 21

Here’s to2017! Here’s

in 3rd. Photo

 yet12: theyhave split ours. In Ward Commission avoid splitting try to to Wards, It is the astated principle of Boundary does all. appearrespect not to this at the LochaberArea. The new boundary and comprising economically, they as do closely linked together socially, culturally, (Fort William are and Ardnamurchan) Mallaig)neighbouring and 22 our Ward The Ward that and Ward we’re 12(Caol in, Wards on ourImpact local  beto split boundary: by proposed the new Furthermore Kilmallie the is areaalso itself    more than areas: community most council likeIt looks Kilmallie be might affected on KilmallieImpact   to learn about the parliament and how it works. time their microphone turns off.It very was interesting certain amount of time to and if talk they run out of explained when the MSPs a speech have they have a and showed the percentage of the choice. class She controllers press to a button to choosethe right answer The Scottish Parliament. She handed out theselittle On the 27th of October we had a visitor in to talk about supported our coffee morning. how to an organise event. Thank you to everyone who emotional help. We really enjoyed the day and learned different with ways practical help, helpmedical and charity. The Macmillan nurses help people in three Macmillan coffee morning! We £502raised for the This term 6/7primary have been busy a organising boundary changes boundary

Bute and Lochaberconstituency MallaigMorar, all into go Argyll the ,Caol, Lochailort, , constituency. are put the into Skye Inverness and Bridge,Roy Knoydart, and Invergarry while Kilmallie, of most Spean Bridge, Lochaber becoming part Argyll, Bute of and to gowithoff and Caol William, Fort canal and riversplit the is be Lochy to Camaghaelstrip the the between and cultural neighbours. economic and we will be closest our split from social, Ward our of werest will the be of most split from Lochaber definition of Kilmalliebe willthe ‘removed’ from to Invernessto Skye. and while rest the allocated Kilmallie of is

westminster/initial_proposals/index.asp consultation January. periodon 11 closes their direct– commentif wish you details and which can you make through Boundary further Commission website for The linkbelow will take the to you For details see right.   Please either: views Let knowyour us the Boundary Commission. decide make to representations to what gathering helpbelow) to (see views us theobjections to Weproposal. are Kilmallie make whether matters, and to KCC is on considering the impact whether scotland.independent.gov.uk/2018_ www.bcomm itmatter?Does us for so here Kilmallie. in Yet the have to seem done proposals not    Commission account: can take into The legislationthe thatstates Boundary

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Archie Macintyre. P7 at Banavie Primary By Clark, Erin Rachael Rhoden and around the corner. Children In Need and Christmas is just Now we are starting Pudsey day for how the hill fort walls were built. rough and bumpy. She us explaining showed a diagram it’s one because one side is flat and the other side is archaeologists found an wheat oldgrinder. They can tell One is the in thedig hillfort up in . The two us about firsttheir and digs their most interesting digs. people who explore the history of the country. They told in our class to jobs.talk Archaeologistsabout their are Later on the 31st of October we had two archaeologists

ON BOUNDARY CONSULTATION or complete survey our COMMUNITY Community CentreCommunity on paper or online or on paper deadline 31deadline Dec Drop CHANGES Wed14th Dec see enclosed 7pm to9pm All welcomeAll Kilmallie Kilmallie KCC -

in session in

page 11 11 page Ευτυχισμένο το νέο έτος ! when she is in harness and we're out and page 12 about going to the shops or into town on page 21 Caramel the bus. At all times we have to behave spotlight ourselves as we are representing Guide Dogs and need to work to a high standard. In this issue our Spotlight falls on Re-Act takes the Whilst we have been getting out, and I can't Refugee Action Lochaber and their work to even begin to tell you the feeling of joy I help refugees. have when working with Caramel, I have biscuit! encountered a rather ticklish problem... the Recent television news has shown us deeply The greatest need at present is for helpers Holly and Digby Dodman of Banavie (age 6 goodwill of motorists. shocking and horrific scenes from Aleppo. to offer an hour or two to sort out the years and 8 years ) are possibly the And a wee message to The good kind folk of Lochaber, in their cars Hospitals bombed and dreadful injuries and donated items and make up the parcels. youngest Kilmallie helpers. They got all the on the A830 or on Kilmallie Road or any suffering inflicted on the terrified and This work currently takes place in the neighbours together for a tea and cake Lochaber car owners... other road around here, have one aim in heartbroken civilian population. Everything canteen at the former Saint Mary’s Primary party earlier this summer. This was to raise Hi folks, those of you who peruse the KCC mind and that is to stop mid-flow and let is destroyed around them and they are in School. This is an ad hoc base, as the money for the refugee crisis that they'd newsletter on a regular basis will be familiar Caramel and me across the road if they see desperate need of refuge somewhere. building may well be up for demolition in been witnessing on TV. Their Mum, Vicky with my story of being visually impaired and us standing waiting to cross. This is so kind, the spring. So there may well be need of Dodman says "It was their human reaction having a daily battle to get across the A830 and typical of the good folk around here, Many of us watch from afar and wonder another base come springtime - if anybody to ask 'How can we help them?' So I in one piece without any controlled crossing but my message is this... it's actually the how on earth we can help. What difference has any ideas – please get in touch! suggested an after school tea and cake points at Banavie or Corpach. WRONG thing to do! could one person make in this monumental A “World Food Night” was held in the Sugar party, where neighbours donated money refugee crisis which is happening now ‘n’ Spice cafe recently to raise funds. The and baking to come and join the fun. It was The latest hot news is, I have now qualified Surely not! I hear you all say... well, have a around the world - in Aleppo and beyond? owners donated the use of their premises. so easy to organise: the kids made and as a guide dog owner... no more trundling wee think. You are sat in your car driving The answer is - a huge difference! If you can Local musicians donated their songs and delivered some invitations and I sent a few along with a white stick for me. I now have along and you see me (or any sight It is a wonderful and fascinating thing a give just a little help, it may seem like a drop music to entertain guests and the group texts and baked a few cakes. Not only was the honour and privilege of being the impaired/blind person) stood at the side of guide dog: the level they are trained to and in the ocean, but together we can make our cooked and donated a variety of tasty food it great to get folk together but we raised official, qualified owner of the beautiful the road. You do what you think is the the intelligence they have to keep their little drops become a huge splash! from around the world. Some of the funds £117 through the amazing generosity of Caramel. She is just over 2 years old and is a decent thing and slow down and wave the owners safe is amazing. Caramel is will be donated to the medical aid crisis in everyone who came”

! labrador-retriever. She was given the name person across. Or you may flash your particularly quick at learning new routes so I Re-Act Refugee Action, Lochaber is a group Aleppo and some of the funds will help with Caramel as the biscuit company Tunnocks headlights. How can a blind person see you go flying around Kilmallie and Fort William of volunteers operating a not-for-profit transport costs to get packages to Teacakes very kindly sponsored her... go on, indicating in either of these ways? The now. In time we'll add to the routes and I'll humanitarian aid project in Fort William, Edinburgh. if you haven't bought any of those gorgeous answer is; we can't. The sight-impaired be able to go up to Inverness or other places working to help bring vital necessities to caramelly biscuits they make then now’s the person is relying on HEARING to cross and on my own. I am very struck by how good displaced people across Europe and beyond. Some people from Kilmallie already help chance to go and treat yourself! we listen for the sound of traffic, the speed Guide Dogs Glasgow has been to me: the So far aid has been sent directly to Syria, the group. Amongst them, Ernie MacLugash and weight of the vehicle. If a vehicle slows I had been waiting for a guide dog to be level of support and the enthusiastic Greece, Calais and Dunkirk via our Umbrella from Banavie is possibly the oldest Kilmallie to a stop we don't know if it's because they matched to me for just over a year and I got commitment of Jaeger during my training is group Re-Act, Refugee Action, Scotland who helper at 79 years. Despite not being in the are turning, dropping someone off, fiddling THAT phone call at the beginning of heart-warming. The Guide Dogs charity are based in Edinburgh. best of health, he willingly does what he can with their satnav thingybob or any of the October. The Glasgow team of Guide Dog works tirelessly to improve the lives of by collecting and delivering donated items other devices onboard a car now. The fact mobility trainers were the ones helping me people like me. If you take into account that We rely entirely on the generosity and to the group in his little Nissan Micra. is, a blind person will only cross a road using and a young lady called Jaeger brought it costs them £50,000 to bring up, train and kindness of the people of Lochaber to do Lorraine Wheelan from the group is a set method they know to be safe in the Caramel up to Fort William on the 3rd maintain one single guide dog in it's lifetime, what we do – we need clothing and endlessly entertained at the amount he can prevailing circumstances. you get some idea of the hard work involved

October to meet me and my two pet dogs. equipment donations, volunteers, get packed into it ! For example, I cross at that wee traffic island in running this charity. I am doing my bit by fundraising for essentials and fuel costs and Although I was excited at the prospect of just near Banavie Road on the north side of paying for Caramel's food and donating a van hire to transport the aid. A huge part of having a guide dog, I was wondering if I was the swingbridge. First of all my dog finds small sum every month but if any of you what Re-Act Lochaber do is to make up doing the right thing as my two pet dogs, the kerb and sits. She will not budge until I would like to help, maybe even sponsor a clothing and activity packs for babies and Chip and Ellie, are 13 years old and siblings. am in the right position and squared up with guide dog puppy, that would be wonderful. children. As you can imagine, it takes a lot ! an Novjaron It took determination, careful management the next kerb. I then listen for the traffic: I of work and we always welcome volunteers ĉ and a lot of effort to help all three pooches You can find out more about all the work do still have some eyesight so I can just see to help us. You can look up the group under settle in together. Chip and Ellie are very the association does at what's coming unless it's really dazzling Re-Act Refugee Action on Facebook to see spoiled, pampered and beloved pets. www.guidedogs.org.uk and sunshine. I then calmly WAIT until I am details of their ongoing work and what help Caramel is a working dog therefore there www.guidedogs.org.uk/guide-dogs- happy that there is a big enough gap in they need to carry on with it. If you don’t Feli are different rules for each. But with the scotland traffic to cross to the island. I give Caramel use Facebook , you can email expert help of Jaeger, the Guide Dog the command to go Forward, Straight. She I am hoping that in time Caramel and I will [email protected] mobility trainer, and with lots of love and bond into a really good team and my

walks me to the island and sits and we do or contact Lorraine on 07470 219328 سنة جديدة سعيدة effort from me and my husband Mark, we the same again to get to the final kerb. confidence and independence will increase or Jan MacLugash on 01397 772383. have succeeded in restoring peace in our thanks to this wonderful, beautiful dog. wee house in Banavie. Chip treats Caramel If a car comes along and slows down, I with friendly politeness whilst Ellie cannot see the driver and therefore do not One final note, the campaign to have completely ignores her and looks know if they are gesticulating for me to controlled crossings put in at Banavie and disapproving when Caramel empties the toy cross. The worst thing was yesterday when a Corpach is waiting on the results of the box and generally creates mayhem in the motorist peeped his horn at us... I was latest survey which was carried out at evenings. This highly trained and very CERTAINLY NOT about to step onto the road Banavie swingbridge. If any of you would intelligent working dog is really a playing when a horn is peeped at me! Caramel like to help us achieve the objective of a safe machine... didn't move either, by the way. crossing for our community, please either contact KCC or email Transport Scotland Now, me and Caramel qualified on the 3rd So, in the nicest possible way, may I ask all with your comments. Even with Caramel's November after several gruelling weeks of drivers to have a wee think... visually help I will not be able to cross this road training. It's tough learning how to use a impaired/blind person... can they see a when I lose the rest of my eyesight, it is just guide dog: even though I've owned pet dogs driver waving them across..? No! So I always too dangerous. for over 25 years nothing prepared me for wave the car on and give a big smile and the this. I have to look after her to a high thumbs up to say "thank you but I'll cross Well, it's getting on for 5pm, that's specification, including a precise diet, when I'm ready". Truly it's not that us blind Caramel's dinner time so I'm away to feed healthcare, grooming and daily training to folk aren't grateful for your help, it's just her. Thanks to all of you for reading this and reinforce everything she has learned. I have that we are trained, with our dogs, to cross I'll keep you up to date with how we get on! to make sure I use the right commands roads in a safe and specific way. Annette Hobson forward and a committee was formed under month notice to quit. Membership was page 20 the chairman Alex Pyper and a proper stable at about forty members per year until page 13 Lochaber constitution was set up. At that time the well reported problems with the condition local councillor was Ewan Harper who of the access road hit our membership. We

News from our Last autumn we had two work parties at which pine managed to secure funding from Lochaber currently have twenty one members of Small Boat Limited. Construction was carried out in which about 5% are visiting boaters. seedlings raised from local seed were planted. Each tree was community woods 1998 by Corrie Construction at a cost of Tom Guisach placed in a tree shelter made from rabbit wire. About 30 £4520.00 plus £480.00 for the marine Typically the local boats tend to be in the trees were planted, all survived the winter and have put on a Owners licence. A good concrete ramp was region of 16 ft. fitted with outboard engines. Pinewood & good year’s growth. constructed, accessible at all states of the The principal activity is fishing, but some go tide (except very low spring tides) and over to the island nearest Camusnagaul Cnoc nam Faobh In the oak wood a good effort was put into clearing the Association enabling a launch into sheltered waters. The where there is a good landing place for drains for the main path. The Nevis Partnership installed 4 slipway is at Corpach Harbour, between the having a picnic or barbecue. Oakwood owl nesting boxes, 2 in the oak wood and two in the pine In 1955 Alex Pyper from the (then) Pulp Mill boatyard and the timber yard. wood. Tenants are awaited. approached Eric Wallace, who was the The visiting boats usually are going through councillor for the area, regarding the In 2001 things changed when Clydeport the and tend to be cabin Kilmallie Community Company is now over 10 years old - cause for a small celebration. The community has owned possibility of constructing a community acquired the former wood yard area from cruisers of 20 ft length: sometimes they The photo below shows some of the latest work party which slipway for the area in response to concerns Arjo Wiggins: we then had to rent the access travel through the canal to Inverness and and managed the small pinewood next to Guisach Terrace was in the pine wood, and by the time you read this we will and the small oak wood next to Druim Fada housing estate of sea anglers he had met on his fishing on a twenty one year lease which could be take the boat out there, others return to our also have had one in the oak wood. The main jobs have been trips. By 1977 things had taken a step terminated by either party by giving one slipway before heading for home. since 2009.

as usual clearing litter and removing unwanted seedlings of

rhododendron and holly. Many thanks to all those who help. Now that the problems with access have

At the end of October we had our AGM. Thanks to all those It is remarkable that with sufficient help we can get through been resolved we hope that no further ! す

who came. The directors continue the same as last year a lot of work in a short burst of activity. Over time it is issues will arise and we hope to see an

Chris Strong, Lee MacKenzie, Jan MacLugash, John Ireland, noticeable that there is less litter to pick. Perhaps people are increase in membership for 2017 - or at ま least until we could provide an alternative Colin Gray, Alan Thomson, Gill Barnes and Angela Mercer dropping less or are thanks due to a few casual walkers who

and with Paul Biggin as secretary and David Govan as boat launching facility as part of the Thomas

pick up any litter they see? Telford Corpach Marina. い treasurer.

On a seasonal note - use a The slipway is also listed on a website called Eventually we have been successful in getting much of the ざ sprig or two of holly as a Boat Launch UK. clearance of trees which were blown down in December Christmas decoration. You

2013 done by volunteers from the Nevis Landscape don't need to find holly with Thanks to Bobby Mathers for this

ご Partnership (last year) in return for taking pine discs and berries - usually the birds information.

from the SSEPD (this year) under their “Community at Heart” have got their first - you can Sue Chadney う

initiative. This has meant we still have some funds allocated add a twig of berries from

for this purpose which are as yet not spent. SSEPD has been cotoneaster which is a と clearing power lines; we seem to have quite a few going common garden shrub.

through or alongside our woods. The work has been done neatly. They also used our woods for a one day training で Paul Biggin

session. Kilmallie Community Centre

The Kilmallie Dance went really well on 22nd October and a good better so if you haven’t yet signed the petition then please do come め number of folk came along to enjoy the positive health benefits of down and add your name - your support would be much

dancing. It isn’t just laughing and socialising with friends that helps appreciated!

to reduce stress, dancing lifts the mood by producing endorphins お Customers who have used the Centre over the past few weeks are:

which generate a feel good factor. We have a number of different

dancing groups who run regular sessions at the Centre so do have a Kilmallie Singers, Children’s Party, Weddings, Dances, Scottish て look at our website or posters in the entrance foyer for more Beekeepers Association.

information! Our thanks go to our regular customers for supporting the Centre: し The Buttons & Bows Concert on 29 October was a super event and Felice anno nuovo !

it raised £497 for the Centre! Thank you all so much for coming NHS Highland, Lochaber Beekeepers Association, The Mustardseed

along and enjoying the evening. A huge thank you to Bobby and Fellowship, Parents & Toddlers, Scottish Country Dancing, Zumba

ま Jessie and the rest of the Committee for all their hard work in classes, Lochaber Music For All, Olde Tyme Dancing, Kilmallie

making everything run so smoothly. Community Council. け We held our AGM on Thursday 24 November at 7pm at the Centre. Please remember that the contact details for making bookings is Thanks to those who came along to show their support to the small our Centre Manager (Jimmy Milne) on E-mail: committee that keep it going! [email protected], Mobile: (07787) 866813, Tel (01397) 712663. We are delighted to advise that one of our residents, Danny Watts, We wish all readers and users of the Centre a very Merry Christmas 明 has highlighted the state of the Kilmallie Community Gardens and has offered to help bring the up to scratch! This cannot be done and Happy New Year! alone and it would be great to get a team Sarah Kennedy FMAAT FCCA (Treasurer) together so if you’re interested in helping then please do contact Sarah Kennedy at [email protected] Kilmallie Community Centre or 07768 805040 and we’ll organise a session Station Road, Corpach, Fort William PH33 7JH for folk to get together and get started. Scottish Charity SC000604 We have had an excellent response to the Petition that is in the foyer of the Centre requesting that the CHAIRMAN post vacant at present Highland Council transfer the Car Park to ourselves so we can then SECRETARY Mrs Norma MacLellan, get funding to have it resurfaced. Thank you to everyone who has 12 Hillview Drive, Corpach, Fort William 01397 772597 supported us but nevertheless, the more signatures we have the TREASURER Mrs Sarah Kennedy 0776 880 5040 beneficial effects for the folk who made, and supply a map with the sector page 14 experience them. The Blàr Mór is agreed with TS several years ago. page 19 appreciated by many folk, both locals and canal news focus on on the visitors, we know this from comments So, my pre-Christmas thank-you letter is to passed to us from many different people. follow-up my earlier annual letter and goes During the spring/summer & autumn Can I ask members of the public to These verges are distinctive and to Transport Scotland, and their contractors seasons our main focus as far as the please keep their dogs under control characteristic of the North-West Highlands BEAR Scotland and their verge-management operational team is concerned is the when going along the canal bank; we business of Scotland. Similar to the rest of the sub-contractors, to express appreciation for country during the last 20 – 40 years most contributing to keeping these Lochaber safe passage of vessels through the have a number of crofts that are This time we focus on Kshama verge canal network (1300 vessels through adjoining the canal and gates can be left Wilmington, whose business is hay meadows are no longer being managed verges a stronger more resilient ecosystem as such, therefore there are far fewer areas and a more diverse and interesting and the sea-lock up to October and 548 open so please remain in complete the latest to sponsor the Why are some sections for these plants to grow and thrive. richer experience for all of us. short term licences sold). When we control of your dog either by keeping it newsletter

have spare time from lock-keeping, the on a lead or very close to heel. (Latest of the A830 Blar Mor Why were these particular sections between Dr Mary Elliott team will look after the key manned news: sheep not destroyed; VET has put What is your business’s name? verges not cut during the Banavie/Corpach 30mph signs and the locations. Most of the time you will see it on antibiotics and it as a 50% chance Wilmington Science and Maths Tuition. References : new roundabout by the Police Station the team using their spare time to cut of survival) the summer? W. Milliken & S. Bridgewater 2004 Flora Celtica Where is your business? chosen? A. Chevalier 1996 The Encyclopedia of Medicinal the grass, grease the lock mechanisms, Parents usually bring students to my Partly because of the high numbers of Dr Mary Elliott, who lives in Corpach, Plants paint and repair the fences, empty the house which is Tir Aluinn on the Canal Northern Marsh Orchids (Dactylorhiza Useful websites tells us why she’s written one seasonal F. Houston & X. Milne 2008 Seaweed and eat it. dog/litter bins and carry out minor just up from the Moorings. I have been purpurella) used to symbolize this whole In last month’s newsletter, FOCAL asked thank you letter even before Photos taken in June 2016: facility maintenance. known to visit students in their own herb-rich acid grassland ecosystem. Partly if it would be possible for us to let them Christmas. because the chosen sector includes the Top: at the ‘Police’ roundabout showing the home but then I don't have all my past contrast between un-cut and mown verges. know if any unusual boats were making sections l’ve been monitoring for over 20 From the beginning of November to exams, worksheets, text books etc. Middle: Northern Marsh Orchids growing in transit through. Unfortunately, most of Why are the Blàr Mór verges important and years and thus there is a record of Northern middle of March we will concentrate on with me, and I have a lot! profusion at the Banavie junction. the time we don’t know ourselves until why does it matter that parts are not mown Marsh Orchid numbers over the years. Bottom: Northern Marsh Orchids and Bird’s-foot jobs identified by our Asset team as the they appear at Corpach Sea-lock (plus What does your business do? during the flowering and seed-setting These figures were used to show the dire Trefoil in flower, with Meadow Sweet, plantains highest risk of failure and most I give one-to-one tuition in maths, season? we have to adhere to the confidentiality effect after the one year when the verges and other herbs and grasses in an un-cut verge important to maintain our operations. chemistry, biology and physics for These road verges contain far more species were cut just when the orchids were at their Act). A way of finding out what vessels This small team of five will initially be students in full time education and also of wild flowers and herbs than most verges. maximum flowering and extension, so only arriving in the area is to use a couple of pressure washing the lock gates, ram- to adults who need to improve their Compared with nearby frequently-cut a few plants which flowered later had a websites SHIP AIS or MARINE TRAFFIC. pits and coping stones (top stone on skills for work. I have tutored nurses, verges in and around Fort William and chance to set seed for the next year when electricians and even firemen in the Corpach there are at least 10 times as many locks) throughout the District. These very few orchids were found. With a non- Another useful site is EASYTIDE which past. species growing beside the A830 in the cutting regime in the summer since then the areas can become very slippy, especially will give you the tides at Corpach for section which is not cut between early May orchid numbers have recovered, as have the at this time of year when the leaves fall the next six days free of charge (handy I am happy to help students who are and September. other herbs whose seed was lost and plants from the trees causing the areas to for fishermen). struggling to build up their weakened, that year. become very treacherous underfoot. Why does this matter? confidence; I help them prepare for Other Jobs programmed : exams or because they have difficulty Well, it provides a richer, more varied The Governments and The Highland Council  sluice Spears at Banavie sticking Canal opening Hours understanding particular topics such as habitat (home) for plants and animals and (THC) have agreed to support various  an access gate at Gairlochy to fix. November 16 to December 23rd 2016 algebra maybe. Maybe, older students for many ecosystems (plants and animals ecological measures. For example in the just want to improve their knowledge. I forming a community in a particular place).  sea-lock gates removal of seaweed 9am to 4 pm Monday to Friday Lochaber Biodiversity Action Plan (2004) enjoy hearing about students who are The more diversity there is, the more stable  scrub area at Kilmallie Road tidied point 6.3 - maintain and promote making progress and achieved. Many it is likely to be as it has a wider range of biodiversity in road verges etc. Previously up Closed younger students want help with the species to adapt to changing conditions. when THC managed the A830 verges, after  towpath repairs Gairlochy locks & 24th December to 3rd January 2017 basics and would like to revisit certain You might like to check this sometime on a discussing the reasons for the request for Banavie North pontoon area areas of the syllabus. Personally I love walk by comparing the numbers (part of non-cutting during the summer with the  removal of vegetation from Re-open to boat traffic maths and science and my experiences biodiversity) of plants and animals such as Roads Department folk at Carr’s Corner, just Structures. 4th, 5th, 6th Jan 2017 of teaching and pupil support is in insects, other invertebrates, wee mammals an annual reminder phone call to the team college or working in the school with and birds, that you see by cut verges and in the spring was enough. Now each year l these subjects. those verges allowed to grow in the

write a letter to the Transport Scotland (TS) ! С новым годом At the turn of the year our focus will Winter Closure turn to preparation for the 2017 9th January till mid-March 2017. summer. The wild flowers and herb species manager for the A830 asking and explaining How long has your company been inform folk that we are in the north-west season. Painting, grouting our facility The major Winter works will be at why the request to the verge management operating? Highlands; compare this to a frequently- contractors to desist from mowing the blocks will be our main focus for Jan/ Aberchalder Bridge & Kytra. As a result Since 1992, first in Lancashire where I mown verge which could be anywhere. verges during the summer months is being Blwyddyn Newydd Dda ! Dda Blwyddyn Newydd Feb, but if the weather turns colder we we will still have boat movements in used to live, and for the last ten years Signs of bees, butterflies, slaters, millipedes, will concentrate on gritting the lock the West District. here in Kilmallie. snails, moles, hedgehogs, and buzzards

locations. perching on lamp posts, are a few of the How many people do you employ native animals which frequent the Blàr Mór locally? Stay safe verges. I’m a self-employed one-woman Attacks on sheep Finally, as it becomes colder over the business. As I write this letter Monday the 14th, winter can I remind everyone TO STAY Why does biodiversity matter? we received a call from a member of OFF THE ICE. What do you like best about For many reasons : such as for our health the public regarding a sheep by the living in Kilmallie? and well-being. Most medicines we use water’s edge in distress; when the lock- CANAL EMERGENCY number should you It’s the community feeling, and how were originally derived from plant extracts keepers went to investigate they found come across a serious incident is 0800 lots of people like to be involved in or the plant tactics gave humans the ideas that the sheep had been attacked by a 072 9900. Remember: please stay safe helping others. It’s a small community eg for antibiotics. On the Blàr Mór, herbs like self-heal, eyebright, meadowsweet and dog and had been bitten badly on its too, so most folk know each other - there’s a sense of familiarity which I several plantain species grow. These plant rear end, fortunately one of our lock- Regards John & the team in the West species and others found in these verges keepers is also a crofter so he knew District wishing you all health & like. And I love walking my dog Niko along the canal! The views and scenery are, and have been, used in herbal remedies how to keep it calm till it could be taken happiness for 2017. are brilliant and there’s so much going for many centuries. Our surroundings affect to the vet by the member of public who on around the canal. I’ve never been our physical, spiritual and mental health: it reported it. John Stafford bored since we moved here! is well-documented that green spaces with Canal Superintendent a variety of growing green plants have Dance Platform The barrels of Banavie have been spectacular this year, page 18 despite the wet weather - they never once needed to be page 15 The annual Dance extravaganza, Dance Platform, was held in the school over three watered. The colour continued well into November and they Banavie have provided a colourful backdrop to the area. nights (22-24 November) and involved young people of primary and secondary age Pulse, Còisir G, 'sans, Highland Youth Choir (photos by Jasmine Webb, S5). Following a generous donation, a further 300 daffodils have Youth and Philanthropy and Highland Regional String Orchestra been planted , so hopefully there will be a colourful display provided a wide selection of traditional and Initiative Floral in the spring. The work is over for us for the time being. The classic music during the afternoon and Mocado next thing we will look forward to are the Christmas lights evening with a total of 24 Lochaber High Maddie Lennon and Caitrin Edmond, who pupils representing the school in many of are both in S5, explain about the Mocado and tree, thanks to another group of volunteers. them. A total of 280 young musicians from exhibition which they recently brought to schools all over the Highlands were involved Improvements Sheena McIntyre Lochaber High. not only on the day but during hours and hours of committed rehearsals leading up to “The Mocado exhibition showcases the an exceptional day of music. unique and original work of young artists from around the UK. With this exhibition, We have lots of ideas but We look forward to hearing from All of our Third Year pupils have been Flavour and Aroma we aimed to make contemporary art more Corpach unfortunately, now that we are both interested parties. Please contact us on working in groups with local charities as part accessible to people in the Highlands and working, not the time required to chase (01397) 772870 (Nicola), email: of the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative. Chemistry further afield, as well as give young artists up or implement these ideas. We are [email protected] or via the the voice they deserve. Each group prepared a presentation on their Scientists have looked at a number of both happy to stay involved with Corpach in Colour Facebook page.

charity and six groups won through to the different flavour combinations and carried in Colour Corpach in Colour and to help with final event where presentations were made “The exhibition visited Ironworks Inverness, out a lot of research as to why these New blood required! Due to changes in planting the tubs etc but we require to Many thanks, to all of S2 (who will be involved with this flavours ‘go together’, such as fish & chips Forres Culture Day, a print studio in our personal circumstances we are no pass on the running of the organisation Louise (Treasurer) and Nicola project next session). The six charities and strawberries & cream. One suggestion is Edinburgh, Lochaber High School, Eden represented at the final were: Lochaber that the molecules that make up flavours, Court Inverness, and will go on to its final longer able to commit to Corpach in to individuals who have a bit more time (Secretary) Women’s Aid, Lochaber Action for Disability, known as aldehydes & ketones, are common destination at a small gallery in Dundee. To Colour in the capacity of Secretary and on their hands - perhaps someone Action for Children, The Leanne Fund, to both components. In collaboration with do this, we applied and received funding of Treasurer. recently retired? Please help keep our Lochaber Foodbank and Lochaber Mountain the Home Economics department, pupils £1000 from the Highland Youth Arts Hub village vibrant - it would be a shame if Rescue. The presentations were adjudicated from the Higher Chemistry classes made (HYAH), Room 13 and various other people We are looking for people to take over the legacy that the '2 Margarets' provided us with support and knowledge by a panel of four judges who decided that Heston Blumenthal’s chocolate and blue these roles. While neither role is overly created over 10 years ago could not be from the initial ideas to this final show. We the winner was the team representing cheese cakes. The pupils will go on to study time-consuming they do require people continued. Lochaber Mountain Rescue…. who now recently had an opening in Lochaber High why unusual food pairings work due to their who have the ability and enthusiasm to receive a cheque for £3000. specific molecular profile. The pupils School, which presented a new set of take Corpach in Colour forward. Recent Thank you to everyone who has helped, enjoyed the cakes, not surprisingly, as challenges as we had never planned an Music from across the chemistry predicted they would! event before. However, there was a great changes in funding mean that a more supported or volunteered their services turnout, good vibes and the exhibition was creative approach may be required in to Corpach in Colour up until now - it is

Highlands well received.“ order for Corpach in Colour to continue. greatly appreciated. On Saturday 19 November in Aviemore, ! llar ı thirteen young musicians from Lochaber

High School performed in the Highland Youth Wind Band, conducted by Mr Reynolds. A whole day of excellent music KILMALLIE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FUND was enjoyed by parents and Friends of Highland Young Musicians who were also The last four years have involved a very steep learning curve entertained by young swing musicians Chairman's Report for 2016 for members of the Christmas Lights Group and it would be performing in the Highland Youth Big Band. fair to say that we had not fully realised the magnitude (or Highland Youth String Orchestra, Highland Mutlu Y Following the cost!) of the operation. Light failures have been frequent disappointing and no doubt there will be more glitches in future. performance of many of the lights last year, Some communities, it seems, have not been able to committee members overcome these difficulties and as a result they spent considerable no longer display festive lights. This is unfortunate but, for time this autumn our part, we are determined to persevere and to make repairing and servicing further progress - so please bear with us. the lamppost fittings. We also spent some of This year, once again, we have received great support from our dwindling funds on many local businesses and individuals - too many to name several new here. We would however like to thank, in particular: "sparklight" strings for  Duncan, Linda and customers at the Tradewinds for their the Corpach tree and fundraising Race Night. This is now our main fundraiser the living tree. Gott nytt ! Gott ! nyttår nytår Godt år Godt for the year and is greatly appreciated;  Robert Skinner and Angus Campbell for use of access Our "switch-on" ceremony was well attended and expertly equipment; executed by our two celebrities - Jack Boyd from Banavie  Kevin Byrne and Dougie Dykes for hours of electrical Primary School and Grace Wegner from St Columba's. work in difficult circumstances; Thanks to both of these young people for their help and to  Robbie Milne and Andy Campbell for safety checks. their teachers for nominating them. Refreshments and home baking afterwards were provided by Tanya and her Thanks to many others for their help, generosity and great team from STAR for Harris. encouragement. Paul Brian, Chairman thanks to Alex Gillespie and Andy Wilmington for taking photos. You can see all these and more in colour at www.kilmallie,org,uk thanks to Alex Gillespie and Andy Wilmington for taking photos. You can see all these and more in colour at www.kilmallie,org,uk Dance Platform The barrels of Banavie have been spectacular this year, page 18 despite the wet weather - they never once needed to be page 15 The annual Dance extravaganza, Dance Platform, was held in the school over three watered. The colour continued well into November and they Banavie have provided a colourful backdrop to the area. nights (22-24 November) and involved young people of primary and secondary age Pulse, Còisir G, 'sans, Highland Youth Choir (photos by Jasmine Webb, S5). Following a generous donation, a further 300 daffodils have Youth and Philanthropy and Highland Regional String Orchestra been planted , so hopefully there will be a colourful display provided a wide selection of traditional and Initiative Floral in the spring. The work is over for us for the time being. The classic music during the afternoon and Mocado next thing we will look forward to are the Christmas lights evening with a total of 24 Lochaber High Maddie Lennon and Caitrin Edmond, who pupils representing the school in many of are both in S5, explain about the Mocado and tree, thanks to another group of volunteers. them. A total of 280 young musicians from exhibition which they recently brought to schools all over the Highlands were involved Improvements Sheena McIntyre Lochaber High. not only on the day but during hours and hours of committed rehearsals leading up to “The Mocado exhibition showcases the an exceptional day of music. unique and original work of young artists from around the UK. With this exhibition, We have lots of ideas but We look forward to hearing from All of our Third Year pupils have been Flavour and Aroma we aimed to make contemporary art more Corpach unfortunately, now that we are both interested parties. Please contact us on working in groups with local charities as part accessible to people in the Highlands and working, not the time required to chase (01397) 772870 (Nicola), email: of the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative. Chemistry further afield, as well as give young artists up or implement these ideas. We are [email protected] or via the the voice they deserve. Each group prepared a presentation on their Scientists have looked at a number of both happy to stay involved with Corpach in Colour Facebook page.

charity and six groups won through to the different flavour combinations and carried in Colour Corpach in Colour and to help with final event where presentations were made “The exhibition visited Ironworks Inverness, out a lot of research as to why these New blood required! Due to changes in planting the tubs etc but we require to Many thanks, to all of S2 (who will be involved with this flavours ‘go together’, such as fish & chips Forres Culture Day, a print studio in our personal circumstances we are no pass on the running of the organisation Louise (Treasurer) and Nicola project next session). The six charities and strawberries & cream. One suggestion is Edinburgh, Lochaber High School, Eden represented at the final were: Lochaber that the molecules that make up flavours, Court Inverness, and will go on to its final longer able to commit to Corpach in to individuals who have a bit more time (Secretary) Women’s Aid, Lochaber Action for Disability, known as aldehydes & ketones, are common destination at a small gallery in Dundee. To Colour in the capacity of Secretary and on their hands - perhaps someone Action for Children, The Leanne Fund, to both components. In collaboration with do this, we applied and received funding of Treasurer. recently retired? Please help keep our Lochaber Foodbank and Lochaber Mountain the Home Economics department, pupils £1000 from the Highland Youth Arts Hub village vibrant - it would be a shame if Rescue. The presentations were adjudicated from the Higher Chemistry classes made (HYAH), Room 13 and various other people We are looking for people to take over the legacy that the '2 Margarets' provided us with support and knowledge by a panel of four judges who decided that Heston Blumenthal’s chocolate and blue these roles. While neither role is overly created over 10 years ago could not be from the initial ideas to this final show. We the winner was the team representing cheese cakes. The pupils will go on to study time-consuming they do require people continued. Lochaber Mountain Rescue…. who now recently had an opening in Lochaber High why unusual food pairings work due to their who have the ability and enthusiasm to receive a cheque for £3000. specific molecular profile. The pupils School, which presented a new set of take Corpach in Colour forward. Recent Thank you to everyone who has helped, enjoyed the cakes, not surprisingly, as challenges as we had never planned an Music from across the chemistry predicted they would! event before. However, there was a great changes in funding mean that a more supported or volunteered their services turnout, good vibes and the exhibition was creative approach may be required in to Corpach in Colour up until now - it is

Highlands well received.“ order for Corpach in Colour to continue. greatly appreciated. On Saturday 19 November in Aviemore, ! llar ı thirteen young musicians from Lochaber

High School performed in the Highland Youth Wind Band, conducted by Mr Reynolds. A whole day of excellent music KILMALLIE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FUND was enjoyed by parents and Friends of Highland Young Musicians who were also The last four years have involved a very steep learning curve entertained by young swing musicians Chairman's Report for 2016 for members of the Christmas Lights Group and it would be performing in the Highland Youth Big Band. fair to say that we had not fully realised the magnitude (or Highland Youth String Orchestra, Highland Mutlu Y Following the cost!) of the operation. Light failures have been frequent disappointing and no doubt there will be more glitches in future. performance of many of the lights last year, Some communities, it seems, have not been able to committee members overcome these difficulties and as a result they spent considerable no longer display festive lights. This is unfortunate but, for time this autumn our part, we are determined to persevere and to make repairing and servicing further progress - so please bear with us. the lamppost fittings. We also spent some of This year, once again, we have received great support from our dwindling funds on many local businesses and individuals - too many to name several new here. We would however like to thank, in particular: "sparklight" strings for  Duncan, Linda and customers at the Tradewinds for their the Corpach tree and fundraising Race Night. This is now our main fundraiser the living tree. Gott nytt ! Gott ! nyttår nytår Godt år Godt for the year and is greatly appreciated;  Robert Skinner and Angus Campbell for use of access Our "switch-on" ceremony was well attended and expertly equipment; executed by our two celebrities - Jack Boyd from Banavie  Kevin Byrne and Dougie Dykes for hours of electrical Primary School and Grace Wegner from St Columba's. work in difficult circumstances; Thanks to both of these young people for their help and to  Robbie Milne and Andy Campbell for safety checks. their teachers for nominating them. Refreshments and home baking afterwards were provided by Tanya and her Thanks to many others for their help, generosity and great team from STAR for Harris. encouragement. Paul Brian, Chairman beneficial effects for the folk who made, and supply a map with the sector page 14 experience them. The Blàr Mór is agreed with TS several years ago. page 19 appreciated by many folk, both locals and canal news focus on on the visitors, we know this from comments So, my pre-Christmas thank-you letter is to passed to us from many different people. follow-up my earlier annual letter and goes During the spring/summer & autumn Can I ask members of the public to These verges are distinctive and to Transport Scotland, and their contractors seasons our main focus as far as the please keep their dogs under control characteristic of the North-West Highlands BEAR Scotland and their verge-management operational team is concerned is the when going along the canal bank; we business of Scotland. Similar to the rest of the sub-contractors, to express appreciation for country during the last 20 – 40 years most contributing to keeping these Lochaber safe passage of vessels through the have a number of crofts that are This time we focus on Kshama verge canal network (1300 vessels through adjoining the canal and gates can be left Wilmington, whose business is hay meadows are no longer being managed verges a stronger more resilient ecosystem as such, therefore there are far fewer areas and a more diverse and interesting and the sea-lock up to October and 548 open so please remain in complete the latest to sponsor the Why are some sections for these plants to grow and thrive. richer experience for all of us. short term licences sold). When we control of your dog either by keeping it newsletter

have spare time from lock-keeping, the on a lead or very close to heel. (Latest of the A830 Blar Mor Why were these particular sections between Dr Mary Elliott team will look after the key manned news: sheep not destroyed; VET has put What is your business’s name? verges not cut during the Banavie/Corpach 30mph signs and the locations. Most of the time you will see it on antibiotics and it as a 50% chance Wilmington Science and Maths Tuition. References : new roundabout by the Police Station the team using their spare time to cut of survival) the summer? W. Milliken & S. Bridgewater 2004 Flora Celtica Where is your business? chosen? A. Chevalier 1996 The Encyclopedia of Medicinal the grass, grease the lock mechanisms, Parents usually bring students to my Partly because of the high numbers of Dr Mary Elliott, who lives in Corpach, Plants paint and repair the fences, empty the house which is Tir Aluinn on the Canal Northern Marsh Orchids (Dactylorhiza Useful websites tells us why she’s written one seasonal F. Houston & X. Milne 2008 Seaweed and eat it. dog/litter bins and carry out minor just up from the Moorings. I have been purpurella) used to symbolize this whole In last month’s newsletter, FOCAL asked thank you letter even before Photos taken in June 2016: facility maintenance. known to visit students in their own herb-rich acid grassland ecosystem. Partly if it would be possible for us to let them Christmas. because the chosen sector includes the Top: at the ‘Police’ roundabout showing the home but then I don't have all my past contrast between un-cut and mown verges. know if any unusual boats were making sections l’ve been monitoring for over 20 From the beginning of November to exams, worksheets, text books etc. Middle: Northern Marsh Orchids growing in transit through. Unfortunately, most of Why are the Blàr Mór verges important and years and thus there is a record of Northern middle of March we will concentrate on with me, and I have a lot! profusion at the Banavie junction. the time we don’t know ourselves until why does it matter that parts are not mown Marsh Orchid numbers over the years. Bottom: Northern Marsh Orchids and Bird’s-foot jobs identified by our Asset team as the they appear at Corpach Sea-lock (plus What does your business do? during the flowering and seed-setting These figures were used to show the dire Trefoil in flower, with Meadow Sweet, plantains highest risk of failure and most I give one-to-one tuition in maths, season? we have to adhere to the confidentiality effect after the one year when the verges and other herbs and grasses in an un-cut verge important to maintain our operations. chemistry, biology and physics for These road verges contain far more species were cut just when the orchids were at their Act). A way of finding out what vessels This small team of five will initially be students in full time education and also of wild flowers and herbs than most verges. maximum flowering and extension, so only arriving in the area is to use a couple of pressure washing the lock gates, ram- to adults who need to improve their Compared with nearby frequently-cut a few plants which flowered later had a websites SHIP AIS or MARINE TRAFFIC. pits and coping stones (top stone on skills for work. I have tutored nurses, verges in and around Fort William and chance to set seed for the next year when electricians and even firemen in the Corpach there are at least 10 times as many locks) throughout the District. These very few orchids were found. With a non- Another useful site is EASYTIDE which past. species growing beside the A830 in the cutting regime in the summer since then the areas can become very slippy, especially will give you the tides at Corpach for section which is not cut between early May orchid numbers have recovered, as have the at this time of year when the leaves fall the next six days free of charge (handy I am happy to help students who are and September. other herbs whose seed was lost and plants from the trees causing the areas to for fishermen). struggling to build up their weakened, that year. become very treacherous underfoot. Why does this matter? confidence; I help them prepare for Other Jobs programmed : exams or because they have difficulty Well, it provides a richer, more varied The Governments and The Highland Council  sluice Spears at Banavie sticking Canal opening Hours understanding particular topics such as habitat (home) for plants and animals and (THC) have agreed to support various  an access gate at Gairlochy to fix. November 16 to December 23rd 2016 algebra maybe. Maybe, older students for many ecosystems (plants and animals ecological measures. For example in the just want to improve their knowledge. I forming a community in a particular place).  sea-lock gates removal of seaweed 9am to 4 pm Monday to Friday Lochaber Biodiversity Action Plan (2004) enjoy hearing about students who are The more diversity there is, the more stable  scrub area at Kilmallie Road tidied point 6.3 - maintain and promote making progress and achieved. Many it is likely to be as it has a wider range of biodiversity in road verges etc. Previously up Closed younger students want help with the species to adapt to changing conditions. when THC managed the A830 verges, after  towpath repairs Gairlochy locks & 24th December to 3rd January 2017 basics and would like to revisit certain You might like to check this sometime on a discussing the reasons for the request for Banavie North pontoon area areas of the syllabus. Personally I love walk by comparing the numbers (part of non-cutting during the summer with the  removal of vegetation from Re-open to boat traffic maths and science and my experiences biodiversity) of plants and animals such as Roads Department folk at Carr’s Corner, just Structures. 4th, 5th, 6th Jan 2017 of teaching and pupil support is in insects, other invertebrates, wee mammals an annual reminder phone call to the team college or working in the school with and birds, that you see by cut verges and in the spring was enough. Now each year l these subjects. those verges allowed to grow in the

write a letter to the Transport Scotland (TS) ! С новым годом At the turn of the year our focus will Winter Closure turn to preparation for the 2017 9th January till mid-March 2017. summer. The wild flowers and herb species manager for the A830 asking and explaining How long has your company been inform folk that we are in the north-west season. Painting, grouting our facility The major Winter works will be at why the request to the verge management operating? Highlands; compare this to a frequently- contractors to desist from mowing the blocks will be our main focus for Jan/ Aberchalder Bridge & Kytra. As a result Since 1992, first in Lancashire where I mown verge which could be anywhere. verges during the summer months is being Blwyddyn Newydd Dda ! Dda Blwyddyn Newydd Feb, but if the weather turns colder we we will still have boat movements in used to live, and for the last ten years Signs of bees, butterflies, slaters, millipedes, will concentrate on gritting the lock the West District. here in Kilmallie. snails, moles, hedgehogs, and buzzards

locations. perching on lamp posts, are a few of the How many people do you employ native animals which frequent the Blàr Mór locally? Stay safe verges. I’m a self-employed one-woman Attacks on sheep Finally, as it becomes colder over the business. As I write this letter Monday the 14th, winter can I remind everyone TO STAY Why does biodiversity matter? we received a call from a member of OFF THE ICE. What do you like best about For many reasons : such as for our health the public regarding a sheep by the living in Kilmallie? and well-being. Most medicines we use water’s edge in distress; when the lock- CANAL EMERGENCY number should you It’s the community feeling, and how were originally derived from plant extracts keepers went to investigate they found come across a serious incident is 0800 lots of people like to be involved in or the plant tactics gave humans the ideas that the sheep had been attacked by a 072 9900. Remember: please stay safe helping others. It’s a small community eg for antibiotics. On the Blàr Mór, herbs like self-heal, eyebright, meadowsweet and dog and had been bitten badly on its too, so most folk know each other - there’s a sense of familiarity which I several plantain species grow. These plant rear end, fortunately one of our lock- Regards John & the team in the West species and others found in these verges keepers is also a crofter so he knew District wishing you all health & like. And I love walking my dog Niko along the canal! The views and scenery are, and have been, used in herbal remedies how to keep it calm till it could be taken happiness for 2017. are brilliant and there’s so much going for many centuries. Our surroundings affect to the vet by the member of public who on around the canal. I’ve never been our physical, spiritual and mental health: it reported it. John Stafford bored since we moved here! is well-documented that green spaces with Canal Superintendent a variety of growing green plants have forward and a committee was formed under month notice to quit. Membership was page 20 the chairman Alex Pyper and a proper stable at about forty members per year until page 13 Lochaber constitution was set up. At that time the well reported problems with the condition local councillor was Ewan Harper who of the access road hit our membership. We

News from our Last autumn we had two work parties at which pine managed to secure funding from Lochaber currently have twenty one members of Small Boat Limited. Construction was carried out in which about 5% are visiting boaters. seedlings raised from local seed were planted. Each tree was community woods 1998 by Corrie Construction at a cost of Tom Guisach placed in a tree shelter made from rabbit wire. About 30 £4520.00 plus £480.00 for the marine Typically the local boats tend to be in the trees were planted, all survived the winter and have put on a Owners licence. A good concrete ramp was region of 16 ft. fitted with outboard engines. Pinewood & good year’s growth. constructed, accessible at all states of the The principal activity is fishing, but some go tide (except very low spring tides) and over to the island nearest Camusnagaul Cnoc nam Faobh In the oak wood a good effort was put into clearing the Association enabling a launch into sheltered waters. The where there is a good landing place for drains for the main path. The Nevis Partnership installed 4 slipway is at Corpach Harbour, between the having a picnic or barbecue. Oakwood owl nesting boxes, 2 in the oak wood and two in the pine In 1955 Alex Pyper from the (then) Pulp Mill boatyard and the timber yard. wood. Tenants are awaited. approached Eric Wallace, who was the The visiting boats usually are going through councillor for the area, regarding the In 2001 things changed when Clydeport the Caledonian Canal and tend to be cabin Kilmallie Community Company is now over 10 years old - cause for a small celebration. The community has owned possibility of constructing a community acquired the former wood yard area from cruisers of 20 ft length: sometimes they The photo below shows some of the latest work party which slipway for the area in response to concerns Arjo Wiggins: we then had to rent the access travel through the canal to Inverness and and managed the small pinewood next to Guisach Terrace was in the pine wood, and by the time you read this we will and the small oak wood next to Druim Fada housing estate of sea anglers he had met on his fishing on a twenty one year lease which could be take the boat out there, others return to our also have had one in the oak wood. The main jobs have been trips. By 1977 things had taken a step terminated by either party by giving one slipway before heading for home. since 2009.

as usual clearing litter and removing unwanted seedlings of

rhododendron and holly. Many thanks to all those who help. Now that the problems with access have

At the end of October we had our AGM. Thanks to all those It is remarkable that with sufficient help we can get through been resolved we hope that no further ! す

who came. The directors continue the same as last year a lot of work in a short burst of activity. Over time it is issues will arise and we hope to see an

Chris Strong, Lee MacKenzie, Jan MacLugash, John Ireland, noticeable that there is less litter to pick. Perhaps people are increase in membership for 2017 - or at ま least until we could provide an alternative Colin Gray, Alan Thomson, Gill Barnes and Angela Mercer dropping less or are thanks due to a few casual walkers who

and with Paul Biggin as secretary and David Govan as boat launching facility as part of the Thomas

pick up any litter they see? Telford Corpach Marina. い treasurer.

On a seasonal note - use a The slipway is also listed on a website called Eventually we have been successful in getting much of the ざ sprig or two of holly as a Boat Launch UK. clearance of trees which were blown down in December Christmas decoration. You

2013 done by volunteers from the Nevis Landscape don't need to find holly with Thanks to Bobby Mathers for this

ご Partnership (last year) in return for taking pine discs and berries - usually the birds information.

from the SSEPD (this year) under their “Community at Heart” have got their first - you can Sue Chadney う

initiative. This has meant we still have some funds allocated add a twig of berries from

for this purpose which are as yet not spent. SSEPD has been cotoneaster which is a と clearing power lines; we seem to have quite a few going common garden shrub.

through or alongside our woods. The work has been done neatly. They also used our woods for a one day training で Paul Biggin

session. Kilmallie Community Centre

The Kilmallie Dance went really well on 22nd October and a good better so if you haven’t yet signed the petition then please do come め number of folk came along to enjoy the positive health benefits of down and add your name - your support would be much

dancing. It isn’t just laughing and socialising with friends that helps appreciated!

to reduce stress, dancing lifts the mood by producing endorphins お Customers who have used the Centre over the past few weeks are:

which generate a feel good factor. We have a number of different

dancing groups who run regular sessions at the Centre so do have a Kilmallie Singers, Children’s Party, Weddings, Dances, Scottish て look at our website or posters in the entrance foyer for more Beekeepers Association.

information! Our thanks go to our regular customers for supporting the Centre: し The Buttons & Bows Concert on 29 October was a super event and Felice anno nuovo !

it raised £497 for the Centre! Thank you all so much for coming NHS Highland, Lochaber Beekeepers Association, The Mustardseed

along and enjoying the evening. A huge thank you to Bobby and Fellowship, Parents & Toddlers, Scottish Country Dancing, Zumba

ま Jessie and the rest of the Committee for all their hard work in classes, Lochaber Music For All, Olde Tyme Dancing, Kilmallie

making everything run so smoothly. Community Council. け We held our AGM on Thursday 24 November at 7pm at the Centre. Please remember that the contact details for making bookings is Thanks to those who came along to show their support to the small our Centre Manager (Jimmy Milne) on E-mail: committee that keep it going! [email protected], Mobile: (07787) 866813, Tel (01397) 712663. We are delighted to advise that one of our residents, Danny Watts, We wish all readers and users of the Centre a very Merry Christmas 明 has highlighted the state of the Kilmallie Community Gardens and has offered to help bring the up to scratch! This cannot be done and Happy New Year! alone and it would be great to get a team Sarah Kennedy FMAAT FCCA (Treasurer) together so if you’re interested in helping then please do contact Sarah Kennedy at [email protected] Kilmallie Community Centre or 07768 805040 and we’ll organise a session Station Road, Corpach, Fort William PH33 7JH for folk to get together and get started. Scottish Charity SC000604 We have had an excellent response to the Petition that is in the foyer of the Centre requesting that the CHAIRMAN post vacant at present Highland Council transfer the Car Park to ourselves so we can then SECRETARY Mrs Norma MacLellan, get funding to have it resurfaced. Thank you to everyone who has 12 Hillview Drive, Corpach, Fort William 01397 772597 supported us but nevertheless, the more signatures we have the TREASURER Mrs Sarah Kennedy 0776 880 5040 when she is in harness and we're out and page 12 about going to the shops or into town on page 21 Caramel the bus. At all times we have to behave spotlight ourselves as we are representing Guide Dogs and need to work to a high standard. In this issue our Spotlight falls on Re-Act takes the Whilst we have been getting out, and I can't Refugee Action Lochaber and their work to even begin to tell you the feeling of joy I help refugees. have when working with Caramel, I have biscuit! encountered a rather ticklish problem... the Recent television news has shown us deeply The greatest need at present is for helpers Holly and Digby Dodman of Banavie (age 6 goodwill of motorists. shocking and horrific scenes from Aleppo. to offer an hour or two to sort out the years and 8 years ) are possibly the And a wee message to The good kind folk of Lochaber, in their cars Hospitals bombed and dreadful injuries and donated items and make up the parcels. youngest Kilmallie helpers. They got all the on the A830 or on Kilmallie Road or any suffering inflicted on the terrified and This work currently takes place in the neighbours together for a tea and cake Lochaber car owners... other road around here, have one aim in heartbroken civilian population. Everything canteen at the former Saint Mary’s Primary party earlier this summer. This was to raise Hi folks, those of you who peruse the KCC mind and that is to stop mid-flow and let is destroyed around them and they are in School. This is an ad hoc base, as the money for the refugee crisis that they'd newsletter on a regular basis will be familiar Caramel and me across the road if they see desperate need of refuge somewhere. building may well be up for demolition in been witnessing on TV. Their Mum, Vicky with my story of being visually impaired and us standing waiting to cross. This is so kind, the spring. So there may well be need of Dodman says "It was their human reaction having a daily battle to get across the A830 and typical of the good folk around here, Many of us watch from afar and wonder another base come springtime - if anybody to ask 'How can we help them?' So I in one piece without any controlled crossing but my message is this... it's actually the how on earth we can help. What difference has any ideas – please get in touch! suggested an after school tea and cake points at Banavie or Corpach. WRONG thing to do! could one person make in this monumental A “World Food Night” was held in the Sugar party, where neighbours donated money refugee crisis which is happening now ‘n’ Spice cafe recently to raise funds. The and baking to come and join the fun. It was The latest hot news is, I have now qualified Surely not! I hear you all say... well, have a around the world - in Aleppo and beyond? owners donated the use of their premises. so easy to organise: the kids made and as a guide dog owner... no more trundling wee think. You are sat in your car driving The answer is - a huge difference! If you can Local musicians donated their songs and delivered some invitations and I sent a few along with a white stick for me. I now have along and you see me (or any sight It is a wonderful and fascinating thing a give just a little help, it may seem like a drop music to entertain guests and the group texts and baked a few cakes. Not only was the honour and privilege of being the impaired/blind person) stood at the side of guide dog: the level they are trained to and in the ocean, but together we can make our cooked and donated a variety of tasty food it great to get folk together but we raised official, qualified owner of the beautiful the road. You do what you think is the the intelligence they have to keep their little drops become a huge splash! from around the world. Some of the funds £117 through the amazing generosity of Caramel. She is just over 2 years old and is a decent thing and slow down and wave the owners safe is amazing. Caramel is will be donated to the medical aid crisis in everyone who came”

! labrador-retriever. She was given the name person across. Or you may flash your particularly quick at learning new routes so I Re-Act Refugee Action, Lochaber is a group Aleppo and some of the funds will help with Caramel as the biscuit company Tunnocks headlights. How can a blind person see you go flying around Kilmallie and Fort William of volunteers operating a not-for-profit transport costs to get packages to Teacakes very kindly sponsored her... go on, indicating in either of these ways? The now. In time we'll add to the routes and I'll humanitarian aid project in Fort William, Edinburgh. if you haven't bought any of those gorgeous answer is; we can't. The sight-impaired be able to go up to Inverness or other places working to help bring vital necessities to caramelly biscuits they make then now’s the person is relying on HEARING to cross and on my own. I am very struck by how good displaced people across Europe and beyond. Some people from Kilmallie already help chance to go and treat yourself! we listen for the sound of traffic, the speed Guide Dogs Glasgow has been to me: the So far aid has been sent directly to Syria, the group. Amongst them, Ernie MacLugash and weight of the vehicle. If a vehicle slows I had been waiting for a guide dog to be level of support and the enthusiastic Greece, Calais and Dunkirk via our Umbrella from Banavie is possibly the oldest Kilmallie to a stop we don't know if it's because they matched to me for just over a year and I got commitment of Jaeger during my training is group Re-Act, Refugee Action, Scotland who helper at 79 years. Despite not being in the are turning, dropping someone off, fiddling THAT phone call at the beginning of heart-warming. The Guide Dogs charity are based in Edinburgh. best of health, he willingly does what he can with their satnav thingybob or any of the October. The Glasgow team of Guide Dog works tirelessly to improve the lives of by collecting and delivering donated items other devices onboard a car now. The fact mobility trainers were the ones helping me people like me. If you take into account that We rely entirely on the generosity and to the group in his little Nissan Micra. is, a blind person will only cross a road using and a young lady called Jaeger brought it costs them £50,000 to bring up, train and kindness of the people of Lochaber to do Lorraine Wheelan from the group is a set method they know to be safe in the Caramel up to Fort William on the 3rd maintain one single guide dog in it's lifetime, what we do – we need clothing and endlessly entertained at the amount he can prevailing circumstances. you get some idea of the hard work involved

October to meet me and my two pet dogs. equipment donations, volunteers, get packed into it ! For example, I cross at that wee traffic island in running this charity. I am doing my bit by fundraising for essentials and fuel costs and Although I was excited at the prospect of just near Banavie Road on the north side of paying for Caramel's food and donating a van hire to transport the aid. A huge part of having a guide dog, I was wondering if I was the swingbridge. First of all my dog finds small sum every month but if any of you what Re-Act Lochaber do is to make up doing the right thing as my two pet dogs, the kerb and sits. She will not budge until I would like to help, maybe even sponsor a clothing and activity packs for babies and Chip and Ellie, are 13 years old and siblings. am in the right position and squared up with guide dog puppy, that would be wonderful. children. As you can imagine, it takes a lot ! an Novjaron It took determination, careful management the next kerb. I then listen for the traffic: I of work and we always welcome volunteers ĉ and a lot of effort to help all three pooches You can find out more about all the work do still have some eyesight so I can just see to help us. You can look up the group under settle in together. Chip and Ellie are very the association does at what's coming unless it's really dazzling Re-Act Refugee Action on Facebook to see spoiled, pampered and beloved pets. www.guidedogs.org.uk and sunshine. I then calmly WAIT until I am details of their ongoing work and what help Caramel is a working dog therefore there www.guidedogs.org.uk/guide-dogs- happy that there is a big enough gap in they need to carry on with it. If you don’t Feli are different rules for each. But with the scotland traffic to cross to the island. I give Caramel use Facebook , you can email expert help of Jaeger, the Guide Dog the command to go Forward, Straight. She I am hoping that in time Caramel and I will [email protected] mobility trainer, and with lots of love and bond into a really good team and my

walks me to the island and sits and we do or contact Lorraine on 07470 219328 سنة جديدة سعيدة effort from me and my husband Mark, we the same again to get to the final kerb. confidence and independence will increase or Jan MacLugash on 01397 772383. have succeeded in restoring peace in our thanks to this wonderful, beautiful dog. wee house in Banavie. Chip treats Caramel If a car comes along and slows down, I with friendly politeness whilst Ellie cannot see the driver and therefore do not One final note, the campaign to have completely ignores her and looks know if they are gesticulating for me to controlled crossings put in at Banavie and disapproving when Caramel empties the toy cross. The worst thing was yesterday when a Corpach is waiting on the results of the box and generally creates mayhem in the motorist peeped his horn at us... I was latest survey which was carried out at evenings. This highly trained and very CERTAINLY NOT about to step onto the road Banavie swingbridge. If any of you would intelligent working dog is really a playing when a horn is peeped at me! Caramel like to help us achieve the objective of a safe machine... didn't move either, by the way. crossing for our community, please either contact KCC or email Transport Scotland Now, me and Caramel qualified on the 3rd So, in the nicest possible way, may I ask all with your comments. Even with Caramel's November after several gruelling weeks of drivers to have a wee think... visually help I will not be able to cross this road training. It's tough learning how to use a impaired/blind person... can they see a when I lose the rest of my eyesight, it is just guide dog: even though I've owned pet dogs driver waving them across..? No! So I always too dangerous. for over 25 years nothing prepared me for wave the car on and give a big smile and the this. I have to look after her to a high thumbs up to say "thank you but I'll cross Well, it's getting on for 5pm, that's specification, including a precise diet, when I'm ready". Truly it's not that us blind Caramel's dinner time so I'm away to feed healthcare, grooming and daily training to folk aren't grateful for your help, it's just her. Thanks to all of you for reading this and reinforce everything she has learned. I have that we are trained, with our dogs, to cross I'll keep you up to date with how we get on! to make sure I use the right commands roads in a safe and specific way. Annette Hobson page 22 page 22 हैप्पी न्यू ईयर ! ਨਵਾ ਸਾਲ ਮੁਬਾਰਕ ! MV60s. led the home Connolly Michael 1stFV50. Pearce Emma and 1stMV50 Ali Kennedy in coming 1:03:32 in (LAC) Blackhall Amanda with & 1stFV40, 2nd in 1:03:15 (unattached) Foley Joanne was First 3rd TomSmith(LAC) and 49:31 (Deeside Runners) Henry brilliant a in first home came (LAC) Yells John winter sunshine. in part took 71 runners November. 27th Sunday on race of the report following the sends Mertens Corrina Druimfada Chase Race £1. only is cost the welcome and very made be race.You’ll league winter next the for calendar www.lochaberac.co.uk at look a take race please a running in interested Anyone enjoy. and come to ofrunner abilities ages and all encourage to winter each deliver Club Athletic the which races 10 of series winter a of one This is race just Annat. at finish a to descends hillside,then the on high circumnavigate to track forestry steep a climbingup Locheil Bound Outward beyond starts course November.The 27th Sunday on Race Druimfada annual their held club athletics The local Athletic Club Lochaber promoted to Premierpromoted to the League. National League Divisionand now are successful 2016. Kilmallie a Team have 1st very had Kyle Michie Team PlayerSecond Year the of The Mungo MacLeod Shield Innes Blackhall First Team Player of Year the The Robert Hood Shield were presented: night and great followingthe awards Caolthe Community Centre. was in October Saturday held 22nd on The AnnualAwards Dance Dinner and November.on 12th the Reserve Team their finallyfinished season

49:36. Tom was also 1st MV40. 1st was also Tom 49:36.

LisetteWalter lady home in an excellent 15th overall position overall position 15th excellent an in home lady

time of 49mins 5 secs, closely followed by Peter by closely followed secs, 5 of 49mins time

The boys the won

(unattached)

The Druimfada Chase in Chase The Druimfada

Kilmallie Shinty Club Kilmallie Club Shinty

We all a had

in 1:00:13 followed by by followed 1:00:13in The

Liam MacDonald Scotland Senior squad: Kilmallie the: had representatives in The National Cup. Division The Ian and AitchisonCup The BSW Cup, The First Teamwon Balliemore Cup, the Aiden Love Under Most 14’s ImprovedPlayer The Kilmallie Shield Cam Clark Under Player 14’s of Year the ShieldThe BSW RodgerKeir Under Most 17’s ImprovedPlayer Trophy The BOSS Calum MacDougall Under Player 17’s of Year the The Alastair MacIntyre Cup

3rd.

glorious glorious

in in

Forster Nicola time. the fordetails nearer Facebook and press 2017.Watch March in be will date start Thenext program. week thisdeliver 10 to trained are fully Caol, from Adams, Ian Banavie, and from Hamilton, Jim and Pamela leaders, Jog Scotland Local spring. the in starting plan beginners new JogScotland be a there willprogram running a starting in interested If you’re ScotlandJog help. their for Woodlands Scottish to thanks Jim.Also and Roger Billy, Bryan, Margaret Elizabeth, Corrina, Jon, June, timekeepers: and helpers marshals the all to thanks and ran who everyone to Well done by Raymond Murdoch (Deeside Runners), John Yells (LAC) centre and Tom Smith (LAC) First three home in the Druimfada Chase Race: from left to rightPeter Henry

- Rose, Elma, Raymond, Ian, Graham, Graham, Ian, Raymond, Rose, Elma, Linda Campbell Happy Year. New wishall a youand Merry a Christmas and everyone for theirsupport in 2016 Kilmallie tothank Shinty Club like would The Board,coaches and players of aton Friday 8pm. December 30th Drawis inwhich Tradewinds being held ChristmasOur final of “do” is the year the Division ofManager Year the Mark Nationalalso won MacPherson the Cam Clark Under 14’s:North Calum MacDougall Under 17’s:North Innes Blackhall Scotland squad: Under 21

Here’s to2017! Here’s

in 3rd. Photo

  beto split boundary: by proposed the new Furthermore Kilmallie the is areaalso itself 

  more than areas: community most council likeIt looks Kilmallie be might affected on KilmallieImpact   yet12: theyhave split ours. In Ward Commission avoid splitting try to to Wards, It is the astated principle of Boundary does all. appearrespect not to this at the LochaberArea. The new boundary and comprising economically, they as do closely linked together socially, culturally, (Fort William are and Ardnamurchan) Mallaig)neighbouring and 22 our Ward The Ward that and Ward we’re 12(Caol in, Wards on ourImpact local to learn about the parliament and how it works. time their microphone turns off.It very was interesting certain amount of time to and if talk they run out of explained when the MSPs a speech have they have a and showed the percentage of the choice. class She controllers press to a button to choosethe right answer The Scottish Parliament. She handed out theselittle On the 27th of October we had a visitor in to talk about supported our coffee morning. how to an organise event. Thank you to everyone who emotional help. We really enjoyed the day and learned different with ways practical help, helpmedical and charity. The Macmillan nurses help people in three Macmillan coffee morning! We £502raised for the This term 6/7primary have been busy a organising boundary changes boundary

constituency. are put the into Skye Inverness and Bridge,Roy Knoydart, and Invergarry while Kilmallie, of most Spean Bridge, Bute and Lochaberconstituency MallaigMorar, all into go Argyll the Glenfinnan,Caol, Lochailort, Arisaig, to Invernessto Skye. and while rest the allocated Kilmallie of is Lochaber becoming part Argyll, Bute of and to gowithoff and Caol William, Fort canal and riversplit the is be Lochy to Camaghaelstrip the the between and cultural neighbours. economic and we will be closest our split from social, of our Ward our of werest will the be of most split from Lochaber definition of Kilmalliebe willthe ‘removed’ from

westminster/initial_proposals/index.asp the Boundary Commission. decide make to representations to what gathering helpbelow) to (see views us theobjections to Weproposal. are Kilmallie make whether matters, and to KCC is on considering the impact whether Commission account: can take into The legislationthe thatstates Boundary scotland.independent.gov.uk/2018_ www.bcomm consultation January. periodon 11 closes their direct– commentif wish you details and which can you make through Boundary further Commission website for The linkbelow will take the to you For details see right.   Please either: views Let knowyour us itmatter?Does us for so here Kilmallie. in Yet the have to seem done proposals not   

take part survey. our in drop our to come changesin constituencies. tiesanywhich local would brokenbe by electoral wards; and boundaries council areas of and accessibility constituency; a of including shape and size, the special considerations, geographical

-

- in consultation, or in consultation,

contd

Archie Macintyre. P7 at Banavie Primary By Clark, Erin Rachael Rhoden and around the corner. Children In Need and Christmas is just Now we are starting Pudsey day for how the hill fort walls were built. rough and bumpy. She us explaining showed a diagram it’s one because one side is flat and the other side is archaeologists found an wheat oldgrinder. They can tell One is the in thedig hillfort up in Glen Nevis. The two us about firsttheir and digs their most interesting digs. people who explore the history of the country. They told in our class to jobs.talk Archaeologistsabout their are Later on the 31st of October we had two archaeologists

ON BOUNDARY CONSULTATION or complete survey our COMMUNITY Community CentreCommunity on paper or online or on paper deadline 31deadline Dec Drop CHANGES Wed14th Dec see enclosed 7pm to9pm All welcomeAll Kilmallie Kilmallie KCC -

in session in

page 11 11 page Ευτυχισμένο το νέο έτος ! of their life as a touring group. Arctic The end of October saw a well attended page 10 Winds chose to start with the familiar performance by LOCHABER COMMUNITY page 23 music, music overture from Mozart's Magic Flute, then WIND BAND which was in aid of the local boundary changes played more modern English, French and Parkinson's Disease Support Group. We The UK Parliament has legislated to reduce Where we previously had four: Farewell to Lochaber German compositions, finishing in listened to our talented local musicians the number of Westminster constituencies  Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross and more Czechoslovak with a piece by Dvorak. It who started the concert on a Scottish from 650 to 600. In Scotland this means that  Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and as we know it? was certainly a varied and superb concert. theme with a variety of pieces arranged 59 constituencies will be reduced to 53. As Strathspey for wind bands - including one called music... BUTTONS AND BOWS concerts are an a result, changes to constituencies are  Ross, Skye and Lochaber, and The proposals impact significantly on "Help ma Boab!" Tea and sumptuous required. (But note there are no changes Lochaber. It has been split in two: annual feature in Kilmallie Community  Argyll and Bute Music lovers in Kilmallie are fortunate to cakes took up the interval, courtesy of the proposed (yet at least) to the constituencies with most of it going into the Argyll Bute Centre and the October concert featured the proposal is now for three: have easy access to good music on a band members and families. In the that apply in Holyrood elections).  Highland North and Lochaber constituency, but a sizeable 17 fiddlers and accordions from regular basis and, since the last second half the Band played selections  Inverness and Skye, and chunk of it - Kilmallie, Spean Bridge, Windygates in Fife led by Bruce Lindsay. newsletter, we have been able to enjoy from films and shows; the concert ended, In October, the Boundary Commission for  Argyll Bute and Lochaber. Invergarry and Knoydart - being split off to An audience of 100 was treated to three different concerts right here in appropriately, with "Going Home" from Scotland published its initial proposals for For us this has resulted in radical boundary the north, going into the Inverness and Skye Scottish music and songs in Gaelic and Corpach, in Kilmallie Community Centre. the film "Local Hero." Over £500 was the map of the new Westminster changes from previously, and of course the constituency. English from members of the audience, all raised for the charity. constituencies. Two constituencies (the loss of one MP for the whole area. The October LOCHABER MUSIC FOR ALL of whom were also invited to join in to Western Isles and Orkney and Shetland) The name ‘Lochaber’ has been retained in a concert featured a wind quintet called sing along with some old favourites. Music for All's 2017 concerts start on stay the same, but the rest change. constituency name - but (rather than Bottom left: the proposed new constituencies. "Arctic Winds" comprising oboe, flute, January 21st in the Ben Nevis Hotel at alongside Ross and Skye as before) now Below right: the new proposed Inverness and Skye horn, bassoon and clarinet. They are a 19:30, then in Kilmallie Hall on 26th As required by the UK legislation, each of alongside Argyll and Bute - perhaps constituency, showing Kilmallie shaded a darker young UK group (one is from Paisley!) February at 15:00. Watch the local notice the remaining 51 constituencies must: grey, separated from most of its closest significant incongruously so, given that only part of who have developed a reputation for an  not exceed 13,000 square kilometres, neighbours. Lochaber is included in the new boards for forthcoming performances by and Bottom right: the new proposed Argyll Bute and constituency. In this context at least, the interesting and versatile repertoire. A the Community Wind Band, and for the  be within 5% of the average population Lochaber constituency, with the excluded Kilmallie identity of Lochaber will be affected by the good-sized audience enjoyed listening to next Buttons and Bows concert. shown dotted. the explanation of the various pieces and of 74,769 (ie to have between 71,031 proposed new boundary cutting across it. Sue Chadney and 78,507 electors), except where a were also entertained by some witty tales constituency is larger than 12,000 Contd on next page square kilometres when it may have You can see these maps more clearly in colour online at fewer than 71,031 electors. Art Lochaber’s first workshop of the new season enjoyed beautiful scotland.independent.gov.uk/2018_westminster/initial_proposals/index.asp These rules limit the possibilities for dividing weather at the Glencoe Visitor Centre in October. Tutor Jemma up the new constituencies. Derbyshire from Edinburgh explored with us the use of colour and how to achieve fifty shades of grey! The following workshop in November was led by Jonathan Shearer, a landscape artist from Impact on Highlands, Inverness who exhibits widely in Scotland and London.

islands and Argyll In January local artist Alistair Smyth will be helping us with those tricky Because the intention was to even out the body parts in a workshop entitled ‘Head, shoulders, knees and toes ‘to population within each constituency, the be held in Fort William at The Hub and in February local ceramicist less dense rural constituencies have Helen Michie is treating us to a ceramics workshop at Glenuig.

probably had to absorb most of the change. So across the Highlands, islands and Argyll, For more details and information on other workshops please see our four old constituencies are being condensed website artlochaber.co.uk, where you can also view our artwork in the into three. Members’ Gallery.

POP UP SHOP – hope you popped in to our winter show of work at Nevis Range’s ‘Pinemarten Café’ from 28th November to 4th December: we had lots of interesting work for sale including framed Bonne année !Bonne année and unframed pictures and cards. Tau Houhari ! If you are interested in coming along to any of our events or finding out more about the group, please contact Lorna on 01397 772806 or Dorothy on 01855 821297. All welcome! Lorna Finlayson

challenges and opportunities we’ll face in the future. page 24 contd page 9 missives from MSPs Thank you for giving me the when the rest of Scotland could learn from I have joined lots of cross party groups – The Wildings concert in November was a great Watch out for opportunity to introduce us. some, like renewables and rail, because I night - a fresh musical blend of traditional and confirmation myself. I am delighted to think they will be helpful in my role as a original, contemplative and footstomping. of dates and represent the Highlands and My passion for a fairer more equal country regional representative; some, like Science details in the Islands region. I grew up in means I was delighted to be asked to join and Technology, because of my own Full diary details for 2017 aren’t yet finalised but press, on Ullapool and worked in the committee for Finance and the interest. Constitution. So far we have scrutinised the we’re looking ahead to, hopefully... Nevis Radio, Inverness as a mental health Please feel free to get in touch if you want  February on posters, pharmacist for 20 years before entering new Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, challenged the Budget timetable and my help or if there is something you think I Fras, a local band... bagpipes (our own Angus and on our politics. need to know about. Thanks! learned a lot about the new fiscal Binnie), banjo, flute, accordion, guitar mailing list. My experience as a health professional has framework. Maree Todd  May been helpful on the Health and Sport Top Floor Taivers, from Glasgow, combine An anonymous donor has offered a £1 committee. In the first few months we have As well as my work on these committees, I Contact Details: stunning vocals with piano, fiddle and clarsach discount on tickets for our next event looked at a wide range of topics from GPs to am pleased to have been appointed a [email protected]  July to anyone who arrives on foot or by mental health and we have had a number of director of Scotland’s Futures Forum Ltd. twitter: @MareeToddSNP a fusion of Colonsay and Sardinia from Donald bike. representatives from the Highlands and which is the Scottish Parliament’s think- Facebook: Maree Todd MSP and Jen MacNeill and Roberto Diana Islands giving evidence. I am always keen tank. It was created in 2005 to help its To find out more, to join our mailing Members, along with policy makers, Constituency Office: CREEL is the new local non-for-profit community that the parliament understands that we list, or share ideas, please email Susie businesses, academics and the wider 12 High Street group bringing gigs and entertainment to small venues and Mandy at sometimes need to do things differently in in and around Kilmallie the Highlands. There are definitely times community of Scotland, to look beyond the Dingwall, IV15 9RU [email protected] here and now, towards some of the (01349) 863888

Youth Rugby Minis - Our minis have been training huge thanks to all our sawmill very hard every Saturday at Banavie volunteers KCC has become aware and have played at a few tournaments that a number of local now. The last training session before who help us distribute and residents are being International success Annual we break up for our winter break is deliver the newsletter free of affected by noise from Saturday 17th December. We take an sawmill operations at for former mini Boxing Day 8 week break as the weather charge to every address in BSW, particularly during conditions deteriorate and the younger Kilmallie. If you are one of the night. rugby players Match players can’t cope with the conditions. PRESIDENTS xv –V- CAPTAINS xv We recommence on Saturday 25th the few areas left that KCC has invited BSW to ! Our club is extremely proud @ Banavie, Kick off 2pm February 10am at Banavie. receive the newsletter by their meeting on Monday to have had former Mini Rugby Players Everyone welcome. 23rd January at 7:15pm succeed in attaining international U16s - We recently hosted a friendly

post, please get in touch to bring this to their caps. Katie Dougan made her first U16s game against Nairn Academy. if can you help us attention and discuss debut for Scotland in February 2015 This was the first game of the season what can be done to and Helen Nelson against France in for this age group and what a reduce our costs help. 2016. We are watching their progress difference a year makes. Coach Gary

by delivering to a 新年快樂 with great pride. Here are some Hendrie was very pleased with the way photographs of the two latest heroes in the boys played and is looking forward few of your their early years - sorry girls, but it had to taking them to their next friendly neighbours to be done!!… and a couple of them fixture at Campbeltown on Sunday 4 An Nou Fericit !An Nou Fericit now. December.

U14’s – Our U14’s have their first friendly game on Sunday 4th December at Banavie against Huntly and then the following weekend they travel to Highland.

Please feel free to come along and support our young players at Banavie – Friends of Banavie Park held its Annual Since the AGM, we have shown MSP Kate everyone is welcome. General Meeting at the Moorings at the Forbes around the site and got her Good luck to both teams we hope you end of October, and reconstituted its enthusiastic support. We are hoping for enjoy your game. committee. We would like to thank the a positive outcome to a meeting previous committee members for the great scheduled in December with Scottish Pauline Donaldson work they've done for the park project. Lisa Canals. We will keep you posted and New players of all abilities are Wharton continued in the committee, hope to have good news for you in welcome – taking the role of Secretary, and Hilary the New Year! if you fancy giving rugby a try, come Tresidder was appointed Chairperson. We and see us at Banavie. are looking to recruit a Treasurer (no In the meantime, have a great We are 1st left after the Moorings experience needed) so contact Hilary on Christmas season. Hotel (07796 244 452) if you think you can spare www.lochaberrfc.co.uk a bit of time for this great cause. Friends of Banavie Park Committee Lochy, the margins of Loch Lochy and Loch Arkaig, and even page 8 missives from MSPs along the edges of Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil. In cold winters page 25 wild about dippers may become concentrated along the shores of the In this our second slot for MSPs, we invited one MSP from each of the parties sea lochs, whilst conversely, when water levels are high in representing us in the Highland regional constituency to introduce themselves. the spring, they move up the smaller rivers and burns into Let us know if there are any questions of local relevance that you would like us areas of shallower water more suitable for feeding. The to put to our constituency MSP Kate Forbes next time. kilmallie shallow rapids of the River Lochy around Gairlochy is a good place to look for dippers as well as wagtails. Firstly, thank you to all who Support Our Rio Tinto, which attracted quality broadband or in some cases cannot run the newsletter for asking hundreds of signatures. Labour Councillor afford to get online. These are big issues for me to contribute on a regular Brian Murphy was also involved in the all of us and I will keep pushing for equal Dipper Early breeding allows dippers to take advantage of the basis. Community news and campaign. I’m delighted that the deal will access regardless of where you live or what If you hear a bird singing around the Christmas period it is wealth of aquatic insects, particularly juicy titbits like caddis campaigns are so valuable safeguard 150 jobs at the plant. I’m also your income is. Other campaigns, which I’m likely to be the familiar robin, lustily defending its territory. fly larvae, before these hatch in the summer. Adult dippers for people, raising local delighted that the community got behind involved in, include continuing problems There is another local bird that could well be heard during will also take small fish fry and eggs, but are not a threat to issues that really matter. For those who our campaign to keep the company in the with Scottish Ambulance Service’s Patient the cold winter months, however, and that is the dipper. This salmonid populations. In times gone by dippers were heavily don’t know me, I represent Labour in the area and their support should not be Transport system; fuel poverty; trains failing is the familiar, little round bird with black / brown plumage persecuted, along with many other birds and animals that Highlands and Islands with my colleague, forgotten. I am still keen to see the detail of to stop at Corrour railway station leaving and a white throat and breast that sits in the middle of fast- were thought to compete with fishing interests, and were David Stewart, and I am the Party’s Rural the deal and the input from the Scottish passengers stranded; support for crofters flowing burns and bobs up and down on a rock before exterminated on a number of rivers in northern and eastern Economy and Connectivity spokesperson. Government because there has been a lack and farmers and the chaos over CAP disappearing under the water. Scotland. The dipper is adapted to swimming and fishing of transparency over the agreement. I also payments; lack of affordable housing and There are so many issues which touch find it particularly galling that there has cuts to council services and health boards’ underwater and can even walk along the bed of a fast- fragile areas of the region including been an announcement about the future of budgets. Around the holiday period dippers start to do the most un- flowing stream, using its beak to probe the gravel for food. Kilmallie, but the recent announcement on HIE and the scrapping of its board when the dipper like things, including perching up in the tops of trees Its feathers are well waterproofed and it has a third the continuation of the smelter in Fort If anyone has an issue they would like me to economic development agency has played and even flying high above them singing. These are the ‘nictitating’, white eyelid that closes off its eyes whilst William – the UK’s last remaining aluminium take up, please contact me at my an important role in helping to secure a males that are advertising their territories, courting their hunting underwater. Having fed, it returns to a rock in the smelter – is good news and key to the constituency office on 01463 716299 or deal. future economy of all in Lochaber. Along email me at mates and seeing off rivals. Nests are also repaired at this water or low bankside twig to sit and bob while the water with David, I have been involved in I am also campaigning for better [email protected]. You time of year. The lusty song can be heard from now until the runs off its feathers. The reason why a dipper bobs is supporting a continued future for the broadband, more and more services are can also write to me at: Rhoda Grant MSP, spring, when the paired dippers get down to the business of uncertain, but it certainly gives it character. smelter from early this year, meeting only available on-line as Government cuts PO Box 5717, Inverness, IV1 1YT. breeding. management and union representatives and demand savings. Many people are losing Rhoda Grant MSP One Dipper launching an i-petition and paper petition, out because they don’t have access to good Dippers lay their eggs relatively early for Highland birds, in or around mid-April. The domed nest of mosses and liverworts Bobbing to a staccato rhythm, the water weeble I’m very much a son of the As a former Highland Councillor for political divide to ensure we collectively is often hidden behind waterfalls, tucked into ledges of cliffs stands rotundly on polished mid-stream stone, Parish of Kilmallie: I was born Inverness Ness-side I consider it’s a deliver what’s best for Kilmallie and all the close to water, or hidden in the stonework of bridges. fast-flowing water rushing by on either side. and brought up at Clunes and ludicrous situation that Councillors from communities of the Highlands and Islands. Locally the small burns that feed the River Lochy are Handsome chestnut with snow-white breast, attended Achnacarry Primary Wick travel to Lochaber to make planning Given the size of the Highlands and Islands, I favoured for nest sites. The white eggs take about 16-17 dark eyes peer over a short, trim beak. and Lochaber High School, so decisions and vice versa. There is no way try to be innovative to make sure I am days to hatch, and the young are then brooded for two A dip forward and he is gone, under the water, I know the Community that can be considered ‘local government’. accessible to citizens in every corner of the weeks, with fledging taking place a week later. At this point feathers slicked back, tiny bubbles flowing off his body, Council’s area well and I’m region. You can email me on

the young dippers are escorted downstream to quieter searching the stony bed for a juicy caddis larva very proud to be one of its elected Whilst the A830 trunk road is a Scottish [email protected], write to waters where they are fed by their parents for a further two representatives. Government responsibility, the safety of me at Room MG.16, The Scottish or an unwary nymph. Kilmallie residents seeking to cross the road Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP, or call me weeks. The young dippers stay around their parents’ A quick commotion, a shake of wings and he’s back, The Scottish Green Party believe in vibrant is everyone’s duty. Likewise, whilst housing on 0131 348 6898. I also welcome territory until they have moulted their dull juvenile plumage bobbing as before, as if nothing happened. local democracy and recognise the is primarily a local authority matter, my constituent enquiries via Facebook and then disperse into the wider area. This includes the With a shrill call he’s off, important part that community councils Green Party colleagues and I are pushing (facebook.com/JohnFinnieHI) and Twitter shallow edges of freshwater lochs as well as the edges of little wings whirring like automata play in our civic life. Sadly, too many the Scottish Government for more (twitter.com/JohnFinnieHI), I am happy to coastal sea lochs. hugging the contour of the river, decisions affecting Kilmallie are not taken in resources to ensure warm, energy efficient arrange Skype or video-conferencing Feliçnou ! any fast disappearing upstream, the community. It’s unsurprising that many homes for everyone. appointments, and I will of course hold conclude that politics is something done to The waters around Kilmallie are relatively fast-flowing, well- until rounding the bend… So, whether on health, social care, occasional surgeries in the area. the community, rather than something that oxygenated and free of pollution, and therefore ideal for … he’s gone. can be done by the community. education or jobs, I will work across the John Finnie MSP dippers. We may therefore see dippers almost anywhere in the area, from the small burns feeding the rivers such as the Jon Mercer Hello! As you may know, I am I have a legal background as an advocate of decreasing budgets, I have met many Loy, Laragain and Suileag to the main body of the river Glenloy Wildlife from Achnacarry, so just with over 10 years’ experience at the inspiring people who embrace and thrive in ! Jabulela omusha unyaka down the road from Corpach Scottish Bar and as a result, I have a keen a rural environment where community spirit and I also have longstanding interest in crofting law. However, I am here is strong and people support one another. family connections with to assist with any issue that concerns you, That was in evidence here in Lochaber when Kilmallie, and Loch Eil. and will be out and about in the region as I attended the inaugural event of Lochaber much as possible, meeting people and Ideas Week on 14th November with other Elected in May 2016, I am one of the seven hosting surgeries. MSPs, which has demonstrated the strength regional MSPs for the Highlands and Islands of entrepreneurial and creative spirit in the and my responsibility is to represent I hope that I will be able to meet many of Lochaber area. constituents from the whole region. I am you over the next 5 years, and I have also the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for already attended and spoken at Kilmallie We hope to open a regional parliamentary Health and Sport and, whilst I have a Community Council in a personal capacity office in Oban in the new year and we will of specific interest in health and social care last year. course publish details when all is in place. especially in terms of how that is provided In the meantime, I can always be contacted in the Highlands, my remit as an MSP is all- Much of the Highlands’ population resides directly at encompassing and also covers education, in small communities like yours and it is a [email protected] or transport, agriculture, communications, feature of the region that presents both by telephone 0131 348 6989 housing, the environment, justice, civil and challenges and benefits. Whilst maintaining www.donaldcameron.org.uk/ social matters insofar as they affect service provision, healthcare, education, residents of the Highlands and Islands. transport links and more is tough in the face Donald Cameron MSP Ghlèidh Còisir Ghàidhlig Sgìre Loch Abar an duais shònraichte – This time we asked our three Highland Councillors page 26 Cuach Cuimhneachan Mairead NicDhonnchaidh – aig Mòd nan our Highland councillors’ corner about the Ward Discretionary Fund page 7 Soirbheachas ann an Eilean Siar air a’ mhìos a chaidh seachad. In my opinion Discretionary Budgeting is a budget. This budget creates a lot of buzz looked on favourably. We tend to spread Seo an dàrna bliadhna aig a’ chòisir a bhith a’ seinn le chèile fo stiùir really good method to help projects. There and interest, almost in the way an auction this budget over the year. Raghnaid Walker. ’S e Raghnaid fhèin a sgrìobh an co-sheirm air an are 3 types of Discretionary Budget - all does and tends to be through social media What I would like to see is more of the Steòrnabhagh òran a sheinn iad mar an taghadh aca fhèin – Òran an Tombaca, designed to help constituted organisations and constituents voting for their chosen Highland Council funds devolved to local agus abair gun do sheinn iad gu math e airson a’ chiad àite a and communities in similar ways, but project. This type of discretionary budget communities to encourage more local Success in Stornoway glèidheadh. Nas cudromaiche, tha measgachadh dè luchd- possibly different scales. The best known works really well for youth groups, schools people and groups to determine how the Lochaber District Gaelic Choir retained the prestigious 'Margaret ionnsachaidh agus fileantaich na Gàidhlig anns a’ chòisir agus one is the councillors’ discretionary budget and communities that have a specific money is spent locally. Imagine being able Duncan Trophy', at the Royal National Mòd in Stornoway last choisinn iad Cuach Cuimhneachan Iain MhicNeacail airson nan which we spend jointly, either by consensus project and target in mind. to participate in a roads or bridges budget month. comharran as àirde. or agreeing to differ. The larger, but lesser The budget we as councillors are most for your community or better still The choir, only in its second year, conducted by Rachel Walker, who used fund is the Capital Discretionary closely associated with is, the Councillor’s community land or woodland. Rather than arranged their own choice piece, 'Oran an Tombaca', gave an Dh’ obraich gach ball anns a’ chòisir gu cruaidh airson a bhith Budget, administered by Highland Council Discretionary Budget which has been almost pouring money out in the same old way, the energetic rendition to gain first place. More importantly, the choir ullaichte airson nam farpaisean agus abair gu robh iad uile a’ and all councillors, primarily for larger halved in the past few years due to financial public would be tasked and energised to comprising of both fluent and Gaelic learners was awarded the John fuireach air feadh na sgìre eadar Nis agus Sgalpaigh! projects, as brick in the wall funding. In cut backs and part being given to the come up with innovative solutions to McNicol memorial trophy for the highest marks in Gaelic. other words, once all the other funders Participatory Budget, to tie in with provide vastly improved returns for the It was down to the commitment of all involved that the competition As dèidh làithean-saora goirid, bidh an còisir air ais air an àrd-ùrlar have committed, but there is still a Community empowerment and Localism. capital invested. Just think on how was so successful as the choir travelled independently and were mu chuairt sgìre Loch Abar a’ seinn. Ma tha sibh ag iarraidh significant gap - and as a result a good That said, we still have a fairly healthy communities could spend profits reaped accommodated in a plethora of venues from Ness to Scalpay! barrachd fhaighinn a-mach mun a’ chòisir, bidh oidhche fhosgailte sustainable project would fail, you could amount and are willing to help any good from run of river schemes or turbines After a short break the choir will soon be performing at several aca anns an ùine ri teachd. apply to the Council. sustainable project or community council owned by their community which were local events in and around Lochaber. If you are interested in finding The second is the participatory budget, initiative, especially if the project has funded by discretionary budget money for out more about the choir, there will be an open night in the near Anne Marie Campbell amounting to £30,000, which formerly was additionality. For instance a £4000 project the real betterment of their community. future. Tomonie part of a larger councillor’s discretionary requiring £1000 to close the gap would be Cllr Allan Henderson

I doubt if any Lochaber Councillor would educational end of term visits. Many others One such decision was a cap of £200 on agree that local discretionary budgets should like Kilmallie Parent & Toddler Group and school trip activity. To make things a little be considered in the future as a budget Banavie Floral Improvements received more complicated for some clubs and saving as has been suggested by some in funding. Thousands of pounds were also organisations, Highland Council also agreed Inverness. Those budgets have helped so spent on Christmas trees and lights for the that a sixteen page application form had to many local organisations and clubs achieve Ward. These are but a few examples of be completed. One positive decision that their goals and, in some cases, survive. It payments made at that time from the ward has found favour with main stream clubs would be in no-one’s interest to pass control discretionary budget. and organisations is our participatory of discretionary budgets to a centralist Local However, things changed in 2007 when budgeting processes “Your Voice Your Authority in Inverness. The last thing we eight wards became two with three Choice” where communities get to vote for require in Lochaber is more decision making councillors in the North Ward and four in the projects which they feel deserve funding. In being transferred to the Inverness honeypot. South Ward. Many more applications were this way, the public gets to participate in When I was first elected in 2003 as the sole received from clubs and organisations discretionary budget decision making. The councillor for the Kilmallie/Invergarry Ward, throughout the extended wards with each other way to access our discretionary budget each of the eight councillors representing application being considered by all is to apply direct to the Council as normal. the eight wards within Lochaber had a ward Councillors within their relevant ward. With reduced resources available, scrutiny of

discretionary budget and was responsible for Budget cuts from Westminster to the spend will be crucial. considering applications from various clubs Scottish Government in turn created budget It is an evolving situation. We must and organisations within the ward. cuts to Local Government. Discretionary publicise what is on offer to ensure that any Each year, many thousands of pounds were budgets like all other budgets suffered and isolated or vulnerable groups are also I tried planting sweet peas in Oct last year: didn’t make any awarded to numerous clubs and until things change at a national level, this catered for and, to that end, some monies difference as they were rubbish this year. They can be planted early organisations within the Kilmallie Ward. type of funding will continue to be at risk. should be held back in each Ward. though so will try them about end of Jan. green fingers In 2004 and 2005, Banavie Primary School There has also been an increase in I would like to take the opportunity to wish

received £1,000 and £1100 respectively applications resulting in difficult decisions everyone a Happy and Healthy Christmas Here we are at the end of another year in the It pays to keep an eye on things like hoses, power washers etc so towards end of term educational visits. having to be made by Councillors in their and New Year. garden. It is chilly now but still things to be that they don’t get frozen. Even in a garage it is a good idea to Invergarry Primary School received £500 and ward. done, so on with the gloves, boots and hat cover them: once frozen they are probably ruined. Same with tins £600 over the same period for their Cllr Bill Clark neuesFrohes Jahr ! Bliadhna Mhath Ùr ! and get outside. of emulsion paint that have been put in a shed and forgotten.

If you have hellebores (Christmas roses), now It’s a good chance to check tools, lawnmowers , shears etc. Make The Council discretionary funds are limited or in Resources committee. Two recent award would have been about the largest is the time to cut off the foliage so that the flowers can be seen sure they are clean and a smear of oil doesn’t go amiss. Maybe but very useful for making sure projects examples of this Fund being used in source of funding. properly. They are just lovely and will be out in the next few weeks start the mower a couple of times in case there is a problem in the either get going or are completed. Lochaber are the indoor sports training Given the huge pressure Council budgets whatever the weather is like. I prune the long stems on roses about spring: really annoying when you take it out for its first cut and it Discretionary funds are often the final piece facility and Mallaig Swimming Pool. The are under, the outlook for discretionary half way, to stop them getting damaged by the winter winds but won’t start. of the jigsaw that enables a funding package indoor training facility was not successful, funding is bleak. Local groups will leave the proper pruning till March. The garlic should be settled in to come together or they are the initial only being offered a smaller part of the sum increasingly have to look to national by now and needs a touch of frost for a good crop next year. Keep feeding the birds and check if you are having a bonfire to funding to develop business proposals. requested, which has really stymied the programmes for funding. This centralisation Sprouts are at their best just now: if you cut off a plant at the base make sure there isn’t a hedgehog hiding for the winter. Once the The discretionary fund process at the project. The Mallaig Pool was successful in is a worry. My concern is that rural and they will keep for ages if they are hung upside down in a garage or jobs have been done, settle down with tea and scones (or a dram) local level is run from Lochaber House and its application for £275,000 towards a semi-rural communities in the Highlands like similar. and get the catalogues out, plan your garden for next year and get decisions on funding are made by the Ward £1.1million refurbishment and Kilmallie will lose out if competing against ordering. councillors (myself, Allan and Bill). All our redevelopment, which should see the Pool well-resourced urban groups - who simply Some things will be in storage just now: carrots, beetroot, potatoes. funding decisions to date have been continue to thrive. have a greater population from which to Keep an eye on them so that the sand or whatever you have them Happy Christmas unanimous, or at least without objection In both cases I argued strongly for the draw volunteers and hence expertise to stored in doesn’t freeze. Leeks, if you were lucky enough to have and enjoy the from any one of us. Such awards are usually funding to be made available. One major develop projects. The Scottish Governments any that didn’t go to seed, are fine left in the ground. We also have winter views in the a few hundred to - exceptionally - a few difference which might account for one need to be held to account to make sure some carrots we forgot to lift so, hopefully they will be all right if garden and keep thousand pounds. being fully successful and the other not was grant funding in future doesn’t they get frozen and are left to thaw in the ground. Begonias were an eye open for Much larger awards have been made the scale of the funding requested. The predominately favour urban projects. lifted and, supposedly, labelled for next year. I always get them the first bulbs from the Council’s Capital Discretionary Council emphasises the contribution of the mixed up and end up with giant ones in the window boxes and popping up. Fund. This Fund is run from Inverness and discretionary funds should be minor in the Cllr Ben Thompson small ones in the big tubs. I like the element of surprise! Keep decisions on it are made by all Highland overall scale of the project. In the indoor them frost free. Same with dahlias and fuchsias. Morag Mackell Councillors, either at full Council meetings training facility’s case, the discretionary

2016, it will be an offence to use, Should any member of the public not page 6 possess, purchase or acquire an air wish to keep an air weapon they can After Christmas we will start to page 27 community weapon in Scotland, without holding an continue to hand it in to the police for kilmallie singers practice for our spring concert. air weapon certificate. (Existing firearm surrender and destruction. In 2017 we are excited that we are

or shotgun certificate holders will still So it's that time of year again, the nights are long and the days going to be led by a new conductor, policing short, but we at Kilmallie Singers have an excellent way to fill those Catherine MacDonald. Catherine is be able to use and possess air weapons Can I conclude by wishing all the long winter evenings: we've been thinking and singing about no stranger to the choir and we look I am writing this article during the early until their firearm or shotgun certificate residents of Kilmallie the very best over Christmas... since October! forward to this new chapter in the hours of the morning on my last night expires). the festive period and look forward to life of Kilmallie Singers. We meet in shift of the week, where temperatures working with you again in the New It would be so good to see you all at our Christmas concert this the Kilmallie Church of Scotland in have plummeted to minus 4 degrees, The deadline for air weapon Year. December. Our concert is in the Duncansburgh Mackintosh church Caol every Thursday: October to April the lowest recorded this winter in Fort applications being processed before the on Saturday 17th December at 7.30pm. Tickets on the door or from from 7.30pm to 9.15pm (approx). William! new laws are introduced on 31 Andrew Bilton, a member of the choir, priced £5 for adults, £4 for concessions and December 2016, has now passed and Police Sergeant £1 for children. The programme includes a wide variety of We're a choir of about 50 members: some read music, some can't; During these winter months we will be any person who has applied for an air Liaison Officer for Kilmallie Community Christmas songs and carols, some old, some new, some traditional, some are young, some aren't; some sing high, some (mainly the engaged in a number of campaigns both weapon certificate after 31 October Council some modern; something for everyone, including a lolly for the men) really don't. We would love you to join us whether as a children who want to accompany us to one of our special songs. potential new member or simply as someone who likes to listen to nationally and locally, looking to 2016, which has not been granted by 31 [email protected] We promise that even the Ebenezer Scrooges amongst you will feel good quality local music. promote road safety by encouraging December 2016, will be committing an more Christmassy by the time you leave. Ishbel Murray motorists to check the weather and offence unless one of the following Police Service of Scotland road conditions prior to travelling and measures are taken, while awaiting the Fort William Police Station ensuring their vehicles are suitably new certificate and authorisation being BLAR MOR, Fort William Permission was kindly given by Messrs roadworthy for potential bad weather. granted: PH33 7GA Torlundy I Smith and D Matheson of Premiere Developments, the land owners, and with For those travelling on bikes we are  air weapon is stored with someone financial assistance from Rio Tinto Alcan it promoting the use of high visibility who has an Air Weapon Certificate. Tel. 101 for non-emergency was finally moved to a new resting place clothing that is both warm and  air weapon is stored with someone hydro- in the grounds of the Lochaber Smelter. waterproof and to consider investing in who has a current Firearm or some good quality lights. Shotgun Certificate. It is doubtful if the machine will ever run  air weapon is stored with a electric again but it could become a challenge for Road safety aside, I would like to Registered Firearms Dealer. some apprentices to at least give it a remind locals that from 31 December facelift. However the group who worked turbine on splitting the machine from its pipe Over one hundred years ago a hydro work were surprised at the ease with Here are the local applications that we’ve noticed on the Weekly Lists in the last three electric generator at Torlundy supplied which the rust covered bolts came apart. months, up to week ending 02/12/16. Some may already have been determined. power to Inverlochy Castle which at that It is unusual that this machine survived time was the home of Lord Abinger. When the war effort which called for all kinds of plans metalwork to be salvaged and re-used. For further information about Weekly Planning Lists, see the the BA put the tunnel through from Loch Sept 2014 edition of Kilmallie Community News. Treig and harnessed the rivers from the hills above, the River Lundy was no longer There are a lot of interesting facts

pertaining to the history of this machine If you would like to receive weekly lists by able to drive the turbine. but that is another story. afoot email, please contact KCC Secretary.

The turbine then lay unused until by chance it came to the notice of a few local This is a valuable piece of our local PIP = Permission in Principle, FUL = Full Application, enthusiasts in 2007. A great deal of work industrial history and the local Historical LBC = Listed Building Consent. PNO = Prior Notification, and a lot of willing helpers were required Society and friends and The West OHL = Overhead Electricity Line, ADV = Advertisement to clear a hundred years of rubbish from Highland Museum are delighted that it has MSC = Matters Specified in Conditions (ie typically follow-up details to a permission on top of the machine and prepare it for been saved. already granted), extracting it from its abode. Alex Gillespie Hyvää uutta vuotta ! uuttaHyvää vuotta Thomas Telford Corpach Marina, Construction of the car park, slipway and change of use

E ku odun, eku iyedun ! eku iyedun E ku odun, 08/11/16 16/04706/FUL of the canal buildings. Pier, Canal Basin, Corpach

19/10/16 16/04747/PIP Erection of house, Carinbrook, Banavie

Erection of Steel Portal Frame, Biomass Building, Land 170M North of Glen Suleag Car 07/10/16 16/04509/FUL Park, Fassfern

06/10/16 16/04445/PIP Erection of house, renewal of 13/03995/PIP, House Plot 2, Coilleras, Wilson Way, Banavie

Erection of house, upgrade existing access, installation of septic tank and soakaway 10/10/16 16/04161/FUL (renewal of 13/03142/FUL) Grianan, Corriebeg, Kinlocheil

08/09/16 16/04101/PIP Siting of residential chalet, Mingarry, Corpach

02/09/16 16/03960/FUL Erection of two storey extension, 16 Annat View Corpach We are an outdoor-loving family. My page 5 page 28 focus partner works for Nevis Range on the hill, East Lochaber and Laggan Community Trust my son loves snowboarding and I get up the hill when I can. I go out riding along the canal and love taking my daughter on her on folk pony Apple out on lots of adventures! My This time our focus is on animals are my best friends; they are Jessica Crighton, who lives in Banavie. calming and empathic, I love riding and would like to do some long distance, You will probably have seen the channels wherever possible. We had a case, with a view to holding public I was brought up in Cambridgeshire until the endurance riding, such as from bothy to announcements in the media that GFG very good initial meeting with GFG meetings during week commencing 9th age of 11 when my family moved up to bothy, when my daughter is older. Alliance have bought the aluminium Alliance on Thursday 24th November January, to allow us to report to . I went to Lochaber High School We moved to Banavie earlier this year from I have been a member of Art Lochaber from smelter from Rio Tinto. Folk have been and will be meeting them again in the members and further test local project and stayed in the hostel during the week as Fort William and we love it here. The a young age and have enjoyed exhibiting in asking the Trust what the new New Year. ideas. at that time there was no Ardnamurchan children can walk down to see my mum as their annual exhibition. I took higher art in ownership means. We always knew High School. Although it was a big thought she lives close by. I have a part-time job in school and my mother is also an artist. that Rio Tinto would prefer to sell to a During December we will be pressing John Hutchison to leave your home I soon found that there Harbro which is good for me as painting can However I am mainly self-taught and over single party, which is why we kept open forward with developing our business were lots of young people all living together be a potentially isolating occupation so the the years have developed my own style. I and I have fond memories of my time in the social side of work is important. I also learn like to create large contemporary portraits hostel; I am still in touch with friends from about animal health and feed working there. my hostel days. of Scottish wildlife and livestock. My art and photography started to take off which I feel that I am following what I have always Thomas Telford Corpach Marina Ltd I did well at school and went to Dundee Uni allowed me to do it as a full time profession wanted to do – the combination of creating The marina project is progressing well with a Planning Application Canals who are extremely supportive of this project. We also have a to study geography and psychology. and I now run a successful open studio on art, plus wildlife observation and now submitted to the Highland Council. As part of our Marine lot of goodwill and support from all local Highland Councillors, However I did not like the big city: I missed the industrial estate with another creative photography in my working life together Scotland licence application, a public consultation event was held in many local businesses and organisations home and the Highlands too much so I left friend. with keeping my own animals and horse- the Kilmallie Community Centre on 6th October; there was and members of the public. This uni after a short while to return to Lochaber. riding, all within this inspiring and beautiful considerable interest in the project and a number of positive and widespread support has been further Wildlife and sporting photography is my I worked at various local businesses and the landscape. helpful suggestions were made by attendees. We have also demonstrated by approval this month of winter seasons at Nevis Range as a liftie, and other passion. I have had some great submitted marine soil samples for analysis to facilitate dredging, a £50,000 funding package for project I was a keen snowboarder. opportunities from Achnacarry Estate which Jessica this will be needed for the marina pontoons aspect of the project. management services - with allows me to go out into the hills and study Crighton contributions from the Lochaber I have always had a strong passion for the behaviour and appearances of garrons, We are working to finalise the detailed layout of the pontoons and LEADER fund, Highland Council, HIE, the animals: as a family we kept goats, sheep, stags, and wildlife... I use a full-frame DSLR the access gangway, this is taking time and effort to ensure that the Crown Estate and Scottish Canals. dogs and ponies and now my own family has camera so can get good close-ups. I recently gangway and marina are fully accessible for everyone. The final quite a few! I have recently got a Appaloosa got a Highly Commended in the Field Sports layout will be available to view on our website Andy McKenna, Chair X Thoroughbred called Cody. We also have a Photographer of the Year competition, (www.corpachmarina.co.uk) before the end of November. Thomas Telford Corpach Marina Ltd German pointer called Zaffi, a miniature which delighted me. I get the inspiration for We continue to work closely on operational issues with Scottish spotted pony for my 3½ year old animal- my wildlife portraits from close study of mad daughter and my 10 year old son has a animals in their own habitat - the glorious gecko. We keep a couple of bottle-raised scenery of West Highlands. I am also a lambs which have grown into sheep and are freelance photographer. Top: Jessica painting in her studio destined to be eaten soon! Middle: Jessica and Cody Bottom: Jessica’s winning photograph

Remembering… For a few generations now, Kilmallie folk have an appropriate location to set off fireworks on remembered their war dead at the Memorial in the 5th of November is completely beyond me. Banavie. Luckily, I arrived first on the Sunday which just gave time to clear up an armful of the usual It’s possible that you might not know that the firework detritus and bottles. In the unlikely gu Jauno gadu ! gu Jauno gu Jauno gadu ! gu Jauno

Memorial is located at the end of the old A830, event that the perpetrators are reading this ī ī extending due west from Banavie, to the north article, I’m sure the populace will support me in of the present A830. The Memorial is accessed asking that you leave the place tidy next year or, from the turning place by a few flights of steps better still, go somewhere else… with handrails; all is in fair condition though the Community Council hopes to be able to gain John Hutchison Laim Laim funding for access improvements. Badabrie

Numbers attending the service have been increasing in recent years and around 30 were greeted appropriately by piper Ruth MacCallum from Banavie. The Rev Dr Richard Corbett from Kilmallie Church of Scotland and the Rev Chris MacRae from Kilmallie Free Church of Scotland jointly led the short service. Richard poignantly set our act of remembrance in complete context by reflecting on his own family links with two World Wars.

The service is traditionally held at 3pm on Remembrance Sunday and you may want to think about attending next year?

Our forebears chose outstanding locations for our war memorials and Banavie is no exception with commanding views of the Ben, the Mamores and towards Fort William. Why anyone should think that our War Memorial is page 4 page 4 Gelukkig nieuwjaar ! thatencouraged he all to passengers the embarrassed the of vehicle standard atthe journeys driver the was where so on this bus we’d heard not of before route, bothfor passengers staff. Until recently and These crowdedproblems vehicles caused inappropriatebusesno luggage with space. partly Citylink/Stagecoach using due to passengersturned beingThis was away. oftencompletely with sometimes full, all not was news, good asthewerebuses This service it popular. However, very was the 2016summer timetable. were pleased were they that reinstated in campaign restore to services, and these we do this aSunday. on the KCC joined theRaigmore for day were able longer no to wanting visit to relatives friendsor in easily homeand at weekends, come those working studyingcould or not Inverness in init 2015, meant area our from those servicesbetween Inverness Fort and William route.bus When Sunday Citylink cut reliant thisbusservices for on important between Fort William Inverness,weare and in theWith trainservice direct no area. Highlands, enableand to all live us to work Joined buses on the

the community who are deserving of the title ‘Local Hero’. ‘Local title ofthe deserving are who community the of members four of each to £25 worth vouchers of award offer an we’reto going and £100, value to the are doubling KCC award. special a for use them we’d like to We decided So fit. thought we use as to KCC to vouchers the generously donated the resident personally, profiting comfortable about Not gesture. compensatory goodwill a vouchers as of £50 worth gave resident kindly the and issue, the addressing in helpful Co of the TheManager op. Co the at noise disturbance morning early about concerns resolve residentto Corpach a with worked KCC recently - - what to vouchers? the do with up in transport the links are vital

- op was very understanding and and understanding was very op local heroes local heroes maximise thenprofit, their timetabling is Citylinkservices is doing to is running route is wellexcess clearly that. all in If of Thisis requiredservice. justify to running a indicated average that an 20passengers of Transport ForumShielBuses meeting, economically viable. Indeed atarecent full through would winter be the clearly through summer the togetherathird with theover A winter. bus service running full on average were buses one around third provide itsaid data. the has However that business case. to refused Citylink has numbers the that so canconsider they asked informationabout for passenger considering and runningservices has these summer.bus Another company is no assurancethatback againbe it will in the eveningor service winter, the through and We morning are leftwithSunday again no assurance KCCwere given to amistake. both thethe andwritten timetables services, didn’t buses run. the Apparently some timetables showing continued Sunday would run despite Unfortunately all year. service Fort William from Inverness to assurance that evening 16:45Sunday the We were happytoo. be to given the it’s anservice important people local for some people summervisitors use it who are service would year continue whilst round; We thensought this Sunday assurances that demand the for was service. there muchcomplain. how Nevertheless,shows it

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  be: can and writing be in must Nominations address. and name own giveto your Remember award. ofan deserving are they think you why 200words morethan no tellusin and forward, put like to you’d people of addresses and names the us know let Please Local Hero award toHow nominate forsomeone a vote. community a to it put will then and the community from fornominations KCC are looking  we will who wins How decide and community in Kilmallie. in community and placespeople, the to contribution voluntary valuable made a have people who for looking particularly are we awards forthese But ways. so many in heroes are people many So newsletter. June 2017 winners the in the of names the will publish and to vote, detailshow of with together newsletter of the next issue the in nominations of shortlist a willKCC publish 2017. January is 31st nominations for date The closing

and Banavie noticeboards and Corpach the at boxes suggestion KCC’s of one into posted [email protected] emailto sentby delivered by hand to any member any of to KCC. hand delivered by

- full

- bus travel. prospects theirbusinessby encouraging of positiveway thatthe termhelps long hopebus thecompanies in engage a will as itpollutionWe reduces and congestion. cars benefitwhen usebus othersservices, benefit. useto thoseEvenwho their prefer improveand to theseeveryone’s work for the current services.try to chance offers It a beendrivendiscontent by widespread with withinForum LochaberTransport the has BusThea of recent Users’ group formation round service wouldtotally be viable. busproper year atall,providing when a full. We lose thethere in out as winter no is route asthe are away, turned are buses too get to want who booked, on the or bus mid summer,not people have when who the for not fit outthe purpose.Wein lose

- - front of the Banavie Hotel in the 1880s the in Banavie Hotel of the front in archive,one this photo Goodwin’s from Andy charabanc a gem Another of August 1939 it was re 1939 it August In abeyance. into went troop scout boy the WW1, of end Towards the Scotland. Institute) Rural Women’s (Scottish SWRI the of branch William Fort the of founders the of one was Gooch 1917Mrs In church. inside the him to plaque commemorative a is also There William. Fort graveyard, Church Andrews St in He is buried 1915. in Gallipoli at received wounds from England in died and Yeomanry Berkshire the with War World Inverness of Commissioner Scout appointed was later He December1911. or scouts boy of troop Corpach Banavie and of the scoutmaster first the became Gooch Gooch. Major S Mrs E and Major by tenanted was 1900s house the the In them. work to large staff a with gardens extensive were quite there that believe I private tenants. to rented and enlarged years was it over the and Estate, Lochiel for house factor’s as a was built House Torcastle Torcastle Torcastle

- - shire. He served in the First the in shire. served He the second oldest in in oldest second the - raised during November raised during

- established by by established

Neil MacBride Neil around!. lying bottle odd bethe stillmay knows there Who possible. spirits as wine and of bottles many as rescue made to was rush a that rumour unconfirmed an fire there was caught hotel the When yards. hundred overseveral hand by dug painstakingly was and MacLean, and Pringle firm, a local by was installed supply This Muirshearlich. in burn a came from which erraticwater supply an had Torcastle at fivehouses and The hotel site. the on now is house private A demolished. being of yearsbefore number a for ruin as a sat 1950and May in down burned it But anglers. with very popular was and hotel a to converted 1947 was it in Then military. the overby taken was House Torcastle WW2 During still Kilmallie? in they Are Church. Parish Kilmallie in were re 1913and in Mrs Gooch by were given troop of the colours The ordinary Banavie School. of headmaster Cameron, Walter

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dedicated in 1963 in dedicated Bill was also working full alsoworking Bill was it. for £20,000 paid he groceriesand and cigarettes newspapers, store selling general independent an was Bryce.It byBill run was Stores) Caledonian called time this (by shop 1975, the to 1970s ofthe beginning From the dates? those Stores between Caledonian the kept who Kilmallie in know anyone Does 1971. over about in Bryce took So shop. became Spar a it store the at time parents’ her during that She thinks work. live and to Lochaber to returned has daughters the of one 1981but in on moved Thefamily School. High Lochaber and Primary Banavie attended who family young their with came up They Mrs Cameron. and Mr Stores a to Caledonian sold 1975Bill Bryce In sales. their boost to master from order the an get try to and down run would they bay the came into – German and Dutch mainly – ships when cargo that recalls Bill timeand that thrive at exactly not did Business Glasgow. from transported been having morning the late in quite doorstep the on dumped been had they after together them all put to had as he time and tedious especially were papers time. The Sunday that at businesses asCorpach butchers Dunlop's and chandlery Cuthbertson's John store, general Stevie Stafford's Billremembers timealthough that at newspapers selling shop was only the It cigarettes. rolls and papers, daily their get to in came Mill workers Paper and Pulp the when mornings the in was day ofthe time 6am. The busiest from week a days 7 was open shop asthe himself weekends the working shop, the in man young a employed he so Construction MacGregor's

- the Suttons left in 1963 and Bill and in 1963 left Suttons the Caledonian Stores Stores Caledonian

West Highland Highland West to Caledonian Caledonian to Warehouse Warehouse Colosseum Colosseum

and now now and - time for time Sue Chadney Sue - consuming consuming from from

page 29 page 29 Feliz año nuevo ! page 30 Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh !  weeks. sectionswith Explorersregularly meet the in on hall, alternate KilmallieScouthave Group been3 nearly it leasing for All 50years. The current hallbelongs the to atCorpachScotland, Church of but 100 years Scouting 2011. of inOctober BanavieKilmallie 1911. startedNovember of in celebrated the its formed and 3rd 2nd numbered Fort & William. 1st, Corpach & theOctober 16th,By group 3 firstWilliam.groups in Fort were number boys in of Cameronfor and Square inspiration the this was speaker MrCCBranch Castle. of atInverlochy Headdressed agood On Monday 25thhe same September the year guest the of was Inverness, the boys from he Northern arally counties. addressed of SaturdayNorthern September, Meeting Park 23rd atthe in Autumn Baden 1911, of visited Powell on Highlands the and In 1909 arally During London. held was Palace, atCrystal the Scouting wasGeneral started Baden inby Sir Robert 1907 Powell. Group ScoutKilmallie     Ballachulish. William The itself. older also travel Explorers asfar from all the over from area, asthere currently is not agroup Fort in Although meetingCorpach,the the is in place young peoplecome

are currently 8members. 7:00pm. This started recently section thereup and has again Beavers aged6 6:00 - Cubs aged8 7:30 - Scouts aged10½ and nationally. the organised opportunity join inactivities to regionally with regularly are asthe majority They leaders. however do have Network aged 18 between 7:30 Explorers aged14

Moira McDiarmid Moira show care. you and us Please cherish world withwe you wondrous share: This and low. hushed its hold beauty, To will thesnow arms falling catch Our allaround. scatter goldness And we the ground will autumn bronze In the summer's through day. With birdsong sway branches will our dappled Sun gladness bring. and hope Will always spring leaves our in of greening The trees beautiful our of soul from the A call 7:30pm. Thiscurrently section 6members.has 9:00pm. about This 20members. section currently has

Thanks toJohnson Ken Thanks from Banavie - 10½ aWednesday on years between old meet who sent us these two these who poems us sent -

9:00. This section has 9members. - 8 years on aMonday old meet between 6:00

- - 14 years old meet on aMonday between - 25 years old. This25 years section meet old. don't 18 years old meet18 years on alternate old Tuesdays

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01479 872989 [email protected] 01479 872989 District Steven, Jenny Commissioner please me. contact interestedIf inoffering child enrollingyour or in Scouting help,        adults, together based work Scouting values the on of and: Scouting takes whenplace young people, in partnershipwith The Scout Method      As Scouts guidedvalues: by these weare The Values ofScouting contribution to society. theirpersonaldevelopment, them make empowering apositive to Scouting existsengage and activelysupport to young people in The Purpose of Scouting Our Mission statement overseas. Edinburghin UKand both International camps Scotland, and Explorers get Network and involved in Duke Expeditions, of large (650 Highlands alternate &IslandEvery Region. there avery is year sections involvedgroupsin getwiththe Districtand the even other camping campsiteInsh, local atour Spean atolder Bridge. The sleepovers,camp visits,badges,skillsandtheseby out crafts, trying activitiesThe from of sectionsgames,wide section a run

make and by live their Promise. undertakenew and activities challenging take responsibility make and choices share spiritual reflection in learndoing by takeoutdoors indoors part activities and in enjoy whattheydoing fun arehave and with others make and friends. Co Belief we live. Care Respect and loyal. Integrity withWe - act integrity;we are honest, trustworthy - buds, coloured leaves, followed by sparkling snow, leaves,followedsparkling by coloured buds, operation - In praise of our In praise Think of your landscapes without shapes of landscapes our your Think

We support the othersand care of take world in which How we provide colour throughout the colour year, How provide we - Without us the skies would be greyish, bare, bare, greyish, be the skieswould Without us - We explore and beliefs faiths, our attitudes. to let our leaves flicker with the sun’s light. sun’s with leaves toflicker letthe our 1000) camp on the on 1000) camp Isle Black Showground. Scouts,

- it’s up to you to save us, good humans, good tosave us, toyou it’sup We have self mature trees we need good humans to help to help protect humans we good need

by the reckless use of the power saw. the of power recklessuse by I will end this ode with one last view last with will one ode I this end Look up at us humans down down below at us humans up Look we also feel, you know, letgrow. know, us we you feel, also Protect us and we will love you wetoo. you love will Protectand us to help us grow to majestic heights, grow tomajestic us to help not much beauty for you toshare. you for beauty much not We have no voice, no one tocare, voice,no We no have Alas our lives are livesare cutbeing short our Alas a tree. as beautiful as something something as beautiful as a tree. as beautiful as something -

with swaying leaves of green. of with leaves swaying We make apositive difference; co we

from the slaughtering few. the slaughtering from we skies the blue cover

If only I could see could I If only if only I could see could I if only

- Ken Johnson Ken respect and others. respect for

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- operate -

[email protected] us at Email Ketchin Mandy Sue Chadney 772383 MacLugash Jan 772252 Hutchison Christine team: newsletter Your keep going. couldn’t simply whom we sponsors, without our to as always Thanks one or occasional regular, be a like to ifyou’d touch in please get do so like, the stories and photos, news, features, articles, material, whether fornew looking We’re always ago,. over4 years up started wesince issue single a missed haven't whom some of contributors, regular our value We particularly Kilmallie. relevance to of topic a about written or Kilmallie in someone living by written all either articles, of variety great a weAs have ever presses. the off themcoming of days of couple a just within letterboxes Kilmallie the all nearly through newsletters the getting are, the teams efficient how by impressed We’re always issue. this you bring weatherto winter the forbraving teamsdelivery our to Special thanks Kilmallie Community Council. Kilmallie Community of teamor newsletter the of views the necessarily not are newsletter this in Views expressed Members COMMUNITY Secretary Chair changes. of case in Secretary the with check Please December. and July excluding month every of Monday 4th the on Centre Kilmallie Community in at 7:15pm held currently are Meetings meetings. our all at welcome most are public Members the of COUNCIL KILMALLIE Treasurer

community

kilmallie

Jim Ramsay Campbell Anne Carol Ketchin Mandy [email protected] 7LY PH33 Banavie, House, Canal Russell Leaper [email protected] Hutchison Christine Salen, Banavie PH33 7LY Banavie PH33 Salen, MacLugash Jan [email protected] news

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off contributor.

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page 3 Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku ! page 2 Setting boundaries page 31

kilmallie There’s a looming issue that we need to deal with, as a community. The independent body, the Boundary Commission for Scotland is undertaking a “2018 Review of UK Parliamentary Constituencies” and the proposals were published on 20th October for a 12 week community consultation closing on 11th January 2017. “some straight, some cryptic, some easy, some not so easy” The big picture is the desire to reduce the number of MPs at 1 2 3 4 5 6 Across

Westminster to 600, with Scotland reducing from 59 to 53. The 1 Simon was the Saint (7) council boundaries are assessed on the basis of population, the calculation 4 Mates got confused for this engine(5) being total electorate divided by the proposed number of MPs, “Fast away the old year giving 74,769 across the UK, with each constituency required to be 7 There is no sun about for these words (5) 7 8 9 passes…” the carol sings – within 5% of that, namely between 71,031 and 78,507. While the 9 This goes over my head(7) and so it has! They say the idea is praiseworthy, the practical outcome for us here in Kilmallie 10 The grandee is all at sea when it goes boom (7)

years pass more quickly and is that the Canal becomes the boundary, with Camaghael going to 11 I am one. So are you (5) that’s true for the Community ‘Argyll, Bute and Lochaber’ along with Caol and Fort William, 12 London’s river (6) Council too, with our various activities. leaving Banavie, Corpach and Locheilside within ‘Inverness and 10 11 14 Rubber in this era, service included (6) Skye’. See pages 10 and 11 for more information. 18 Hoard(5)

Important for us this year has been road safety and we continue to 20 Acorn grows into it. Teak ore is about too (3,4) KCC will be considering how to consult the community and react to encourage Transport Scotland to provide safer crossings at Banavie 22 Progressed when devolved is headless (7) Swing Bridge, Banavie School Road end and at the Co-op in this Review. We must respond and so should you as individuals. 12 13 14 15 16 23 He’s mentioned in 15 (5) Corpach. You may have seen the traffic counters and cameras at Please watch our noticeboards and our website for details. 24 Lost romany lacking direction looking for the swing bridge in October – we have still to hear from Transport 17 dignitary(5) Scotland the results of their survey – but we will continue in our aim to make crossing the A830 safer for our community. Community land ownership 25 Let in again (7) We hope you have been following the East Lochaber and Laggan 18 19 20 21 Down Community Trust and their aspiration to buy the Rio Tinto Alcan First Minister speaks to Kilmallie Estate land on behalf of the community. The announcement of the 1 Could be thing to do after this evening (7) The First Minister visited Kilmallie for the second time this year – sale of Rio Tinto’s assets in Lochaber on Wednesday 23rd 2 Jerry or Mickey (5) November 2016 was welcomed and I know that ELLCT are still The Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon delivered the Charles Kennedy 22 23 3 Goes into space, or your salad (6)

involved in the process – we look forward to hearing how they Memorial Lecture at Lochaber High School (in Kilmallie, of course) 4 This goes before kebab (5) progress. in mid-November. The lecture formed a closing highlight to the 5 Confused in games. They are puzzling (7)

Lochaber Ideas Week – I wasn’t able to attend but I hope some of 6 This girl is game mixed with direction added (5) you did. The Ideas Week Team produced an impressive panel of So, in sending my best wishes for Christmas and the New Year, I’ll 24 25 8 A black card (5) four MSPs for a ‘Question Time’ panel of Kate Forbes, David finish with the same carol, “Hail the new, ye lads and lasses!” 13 Little fish (7) Stewart, Donald Cameron and John Finnie. I found their knowledge Christine Hutchison, Chair 15 Drake got in a twist when he did this to the on local issues quite refreshing and encouraging! Thank you to Tony Whitelocke [email protected] leaves (5) for another great crossword. 16 Vote back in (2-5)

17 Singer Stevie is this (6) Minister, Michael Gove who said that ‘I 18 The cat got it (5) think people in this country have had Answers to last issue’s crossword: 19 Young eel (5) enough of experts’. What is education for fact and 21 Kingdom (5) unless it is to equip our children with the Across: expertise that they need for their future 1 BOB A JOB, 4 CREAM, 7 CABIN, lives? 9 ROCKING, 10 RELEASE, fiction 11 ADMIN, 12 IMPOSE 14 MISSED, The lack of respect for facts is starting to rok ! astný nový 18 ASCOT, 20 AMNESIA, picture quiz no 11 encroach on all aspects of life beyond where in Kilmallie?

22 REFEREE, 23 RANGE, 24 NICHE, Šť Happy New Year ! Happy New Year Everyone is entitled politics. Large commercial companies used to be concerned about public image. Giving 25 SACHETS to their own opinion customers incorrect information was once a Down: big deal, but is slowly edging towards 1 BACARDI, 2 BABEL, 3 BARREL, but not their own acceptability. High profile companies like 4 COCOA, 5 ENIGMAS, 6 MEGAN Volkswagen have been caught cheating in 8 NEARS, 13 PACIFIC, 15 INNER, facts ways that harm the whole of society but 16 DIAPERS, 17 CADETS, 18 ARRAN, ‘Everyone is entitled to their own opinion they are still in business. More close to will affect our lives in all respects. Parents 19 THREE, 21 SENSE but not their own facts’ is a quote generally home, I was recently without an internet trying to teach their children to tell the truth attributed to US politician and academic connection for 3 weeks. Every few days BT now have to explain why people who should Answer to last issue’s Daniel Moynihan. A real concern is that repeated the same story about a fault at the be role models can get away with, or even Picture Quiz No 11: recent political campaigns in both the UK exchange which needed a visit from a benefit from, dishonesty. Decisions will no Sorry, no idea, it’s a mystery - we were and US have been swung by poorly different engineer to the one that they had longer be based on facts or evidence and hoping you could tell us! informed opinion presented as fact or sent on the previous occasion. It was clearly commercial companies will feel no need to sometimes just plain lies. In times past, obvious to both the BT representative and provide reliable information to their being exposed for giving knowingly incorrect to me that this could not be the case but customers. We all have a role to play in information would often spell the end of a they repeatedly stuck to the same script. ensuring that neither politicians nor politician’s career. Now, politicians seem to When companies can tell customers things commercial companies can get away with that are obviously not correct without just saying whatever suits them at the time. Answers to these puzzles are on the easily shrug off being caught out for website www.kilmallie.org.uk misrepresenting facts and rant against fearing any consequences then the (follow the link on the RHS of the ‘experts’ as a way of avoiding inconvenient customer becomes helpless. If we accept, or Russell Leaper, Secretary homepage) and will also be published truths. Ironically, it was an ex Education even vote for, dishonesty in politics then it in the next issue of the newsletter for people without access to the internet.

page 32 Issue No 55, December 2016 a huge thank you to our sponsors delivered free to every address in Kilmallie We welcome Wilmington Science and Maths Tuition as our latest new sponsor, with grateful thanks. A huge thank you to all the businesses below who are sponsoring the newsletter this year. Our newsletter costs have been met by their sponsorship donations, from KCC’s limited funds, from donations from the community and in kind from all our many volunteers.

in this issue

KCC from the chair – p2 fact and fiction - p2 KCC meetings – p3 on the buses- p4 local heroes - p4 ELLCT- p5 Corpach Marina - p5 remembering - p5 community policing – p6 planning applications - p6 Councillors’ Corner - p7 missives from MSPs – p8-9 sawmill - p9 Banavie Park - p9 boundary changes - p10-11 Banavie School News - p11 Caramel takes biscuit - p12 Lochaber Small Boats - p13 Community Centre- p13 Canal News - p14 Grace Wegner and Jack Boyd getting ready to switch us on Focus on Business - p14 and feedback... and pictures...and articles...and stories articles...and pictures...and and and feedback... Banavie Floral - p15 BOYD BROTHERS Corpach in Colour - p15 lighting up Corpach for CLYDEBoyd Christmas Lights p15-17 (HAULAGE) LTD High Notes - p18 Fort William Ltd on the verge - p19 Corpach Woods - p20 Christmas FORT spotlight - p21 see page 15 and centre pages for more pictures Lochaber Athletic - p22 WILLIAM Shinty Club - p22 Music, music, music - p23 TYRE Art Lochaber - p23 SERVICES CREEL - p24 Rugby Club - p24 wild about Kilmallie - p25 success in Stornaway - p26 Green Fingers - p26 Kilmallie Singers - p27 Torlundy hydro - p27 We rely on the contributions from our business Focus on Folk – p28 community for the cost of producing and distributing this Torcastle - p29 free newsletter to every address in our area. We welcome sponsorship from all businesses located in Kilmallie, or Andy’s photo archive- p29 with principal key personnel resident in Kilmallie. If you Caledonian Stores - p29 would like to see your name or logo in print supporting First Minister unveils mosaic scouts - p30 community your community newsletter, please join with our current First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP was in Lochaber High School to deliver poems - p30 consultation sponsors. Kshama Wilmington the Charles Kennedy Lecture on 17 November as part of Lochaber Ideas Week. She All donations, big or small, are hugely appreciated. would you like to become 07557 051205 Puzzles from Pithean - p31 stopped off to unveil three impressive mosaics created by a group of High School 14 Dec Please contact us at [email protected] for details. a sponsor too? 01397 772499. Sponsors - p32 pupils, Gabrielle Campbell, Rianne Gilchrist, Julia Kaczor, Josie Rigby and Ryan Watchman. The First Minister took time to speak to the young artists see page 11 please send us YOUR letters... send letters... us YOUR please and even posed for selfies!