Photo by Peter Teago

AN CARRANNACH The General Interest Magazine of Lochcarron, Shieldaig, Applecross, Kishorn, Torridon & Kinlochewe Districts

NO: 370 November 2018 £1.00

Loch Carron Coastal Rowing Association

The highlight of the season so far has undoubtedly been the 13 mile Castle to Crane race on 15th September. The longest rowing race so far in Scotland, it runs along the Clyde from Dumbarton Castle to the Finnieston Crane on the riverside in central Glasgow. Despite only being the second year the race has been run it already attracts over 75 boats of all shapes and sizes. As long as you have a seaworthy craft you can have a go so, early in the summer, we decided to enter both skiffs to see how we would get on. As it happened the fleet this year ended up with 50 St Ayles Skiffs, the largest number ever assembled, so we were in good and very challenging company.

Crews (four rowers and one cox for each skiff) were selected in July and training started in earnest as neither crew wanted to be tail end Charlie or worse still not actually finish the course. We expected the row to take up to 3 hours and as well as sore muscles, navigation channels and low flying planes we also had to face the perils of skiff bot - don’t ask for details but the waddle gives it away.

Training runs gradually lengthened as the crews gained fitness with Strome regularly in reach on a midweek evening and one lucky crew made it all the way to Plockton and back on a perfect summers day.

By the time September arrived we were ready – some logistical challenges to overcome in getting two skiffs to the starting point at Dumbarton and hotels to be booked but all was managed and Friday 14th saw a dozen local residents heading south. Having safely delivered the skiffs to the Marina we assembled in central Glasgow for a pre race dinner and early next morning boarded a fleet of buses hired to transport the crews back to the starting point. The organisation was impressive with the boats starting in groups of 20 depending on category (Over 50, Open etc). The Maid of Lochcarron was early away with the over 50s and Black Raven started some 30 minutes later in the open category.

There was a bit of tide to help on the early part of the row but after that it was just about finding a rhythm and keeping going. The skiffs quickly crossed the estuary and entered the River Clyde passing wrecks, light buoys and a surprising amount of wildlife which helped to distract thoughts of weariness and soon the Erskine Bridge was in sight.

Black Raven carried a passenger equipped with a music system and for a while the beat of ‘heave away’ from Skipinnish set a good pace however fast jigs were not helpful and rebellion threatened when Abba turned up!

(Continued on page 2)

1 (Continued from page 1) AN CARRANNACH In truth the constant pressure to hold position in the race was Published by An Carrannach Society, Lochcarron. all the motivation required and the scenery soon changed from trees to buildings as the skiffs entered the industrial Chairperson: Joanna Macpherson part of the city. By now muscles were aching and the finish

Deputy Chair Roger Cundiff was in sight but where exactly was it? Black Raven had just been holding off a chasing boat for three miles and the crew Editorial Content Material for publication must be emailed assumed it was under a footbridge where a pipe band was to Michelle Teago at stirring up emotions and supporters waving – but no, after [email protected] or a phone easing the oars it became apparent there was another 200 call to 01520 722688 metres to go and the chasing boat was now only 10 feet behind. A mad sprint for the line followed and honour was Sub Editor Joanna Macpherson held but how that last section hurt…

Area Representatives: The aches are soon forgotten however in the glow of achievement and both crews can be proud of a great effort Applecross: Lenore Small 01520 744 337 with Maid of Lochcarron finishing in 2 hours 18 minutes and 31 seconds and Black Raven in 2 hours 19 minutes and 54 Kishorn: Carol Cocks 01520 733 213 seconds. Shieldaig: Lucy Kerr 01520 755 368 Torridon: It was a great event and we’ll be back next year – if you’re tempted please get in touch as competition for places will be Features: A Word from the Church/On Reflection Gardening – To be confirmed tight. Nature Notes – Hatty Arthur – 01520 722 551 Email: [email protected]

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Treasurer: Alec Cormack Mackays Cottage Strathcarron IV54 8YX In other news, we will have held a mini regatta by the time 01520 722603 this article is published so hopefully 5 or 6 skiffs will have [email protected] been seen in the bay in a series of informal races planned as a taster for a larger event early next year. Insertions: Births, marriages, deaths, acknowledgements. Congratulations, Finally, Dee Gilks took over as Chair of the Rowing thanks notices – No charge Association at a well-attended AGM in September and a number of new committee members are now in place. The Subscriptions: 11 issues post paid, U.K. £25.00 Europe £54.00 club is in excellent hands and can continue to go from Australia £66.00 strength to strength We may even start to creep up the Canada and USA £60.00 rankings at regattas as well as undertaking some longer and Contact [email protected] more adventurous rows and if you want to be part of it then please get in touch with secretary Nick Reiter on Material intended for publication must include your name and [email protected] or give Dee a call on 722376. address. Please note we can now accept copy in any format.. Do you have a drinking CLOSING DATE FOR THE DECEMBER 2018 ISSUE problem?

MATERIAL MUST BE RECEIVED BY NO LATER THAN 15TH NOVEMBER PLEASE Do you want help? Errors and omissions excepted. Ring The An Carrannach Society does not accept responsibility for the content/accuracy of reports, Alcoholics Anonymous articles and advertisements received. The views expressed by contributors are NOT necessarily those of the Society. 0800 917 7650

2 3 CHURCH OF SCOTLAND APPLECROSS, LOCHCARRON & TORRIDON

Charity No: SCO32334 Times and Places of Worship for November 2018

4th November Lochcarron 10.30am Torridon Community Hall 1.00pm

11th November Lochcarron Community Service of Remembrance and Wreath Laying in Lochcarron Village Hall 10.15am Shieldaig 1.00pm Applecross 1.00pm

18th November Lochcarron 10.30am Kinlochewe 1.00pm Services to celebrate Guild Week

25th November Lochcarron 10.30am Applecross 1.00pm Shieldaig 1.00pm Short Memorial Service Lochcarron 7.00pm

Minister Rev. Anita Stutter Tel. 01520 722783 Email [email protected]

ALL ARE WELCOME

All Saints (Scottish Episcopal) FREE CHURCH LOCHCARRON & Mission APPLECROSS invites you to its monthly service You are welcome at our services Lochcarron Church Street IV54 8YP Sunday 4th November 2.30pm

Sunday 11am and 6 pm (Kinlochewe Church of Scotland building)

(Crèche and Sunday school) Celebrant and Preacher: Midweek Wednesdays 7.30pm

Revd Pam Shinkins Applecross Camusterrach IV54 8LU 3 pm every Sunday 2nd December service 2.30pm come and sing your favourite carols for Other events as intimated. Advent and Christmas Scottish Charity SC038169 Everyone made welcome Rev M. Florit 01520 722999 Further info: (01445) 781346 [email protected] (Scottish Charity Number: www.freechurch.org SCO04655)

4 On the first day of that week when Peter was told about the resurrection of Jesus, his outlook on life changed forever. From that day onwards, Peter may have ON doubted, like we do, a number of things. He may have doubted his own suitability as an apostle; he may have doubted the strength of his faith, or his commitment to REFLECTION Christ. But there was one thing he could not doubt; in the same way he could not doubt that he had been at one time fishing on the Sea of Galilee. When he went to see the tomb where Jesus’ body had been placed, after John had already gone in, he saw it. Or maybe we Certain Uncertainty, or Certain Hope? should say, he did not see it. The body of Jesus was not there. As Jesus had told them, he had conquered death. I think that one of the words that particularly describe From that moment on, his living Lord became his the circumstances in which we find ourselves, living hope! especially at the present time, is “uncertainty.” This is where our hope for time and beyond time lays. We look at the situation the UK finds itself in with the The one who said, “I am going to prepare a place for Brexit process, and as we think about the outcome of it you,” has done exactly that. He defeated death; and in all, we say “it’s certainly uncertain.” We look at the doing so, has assured for all those who trust in Him, an European scene and ponder how the challenges of inheritance, “a salvation ready to be revealed.” It’s immigration may be solved; the many who come from there; it’s ready; it’s for all who have their certain hope Africa and the Middle East, some fleeing war-torn in Jesus Christ. areas, some looking for a better future, and we say, “it’s certainly uncertain.” May this hope be yours also.

Last time I wrote for this section, I did so having as the Rev. Marcos Florit point of departure the talks between US President, Donald Trump, and North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, at the Singapore summit. But after these months, some Thank You From The Guild of the tensions seem not to be easing, and we wonder what the outcome of the talks will really be, and we think “it’s certainly uncertain.” They came, they sang, they touched our hearts,

Life seems to be characterised in many ways by The Male Voice Gospel Choir, uncertainty. Even on a daily basis, we are often With hymns of praise - of hope and glory, uncertain of what the next step should be. And in the Telling us the wondrous story, face of that uncertainty, we often resort to hope, and we Of Jesus and His love for us, say, “let’s hope things turn out alright.” We may even Who healed the sick, the blind, the lame, get a bit religious and say, “Let’s hope, and pray; let’s Of how he died and rose again, hope and pray.” We hope; meaning we express a strong "He is risen, He is risen" the preacher did subjective desire that things may turn out as we want, proclaim. and if we can get somehow a bit of help, better. Blessings abound where e'er our Saviour reigns.

Yet, the Bible speaks to us about faith as “the The Guild supports many needy projects, assurance of things hoped for.” How can hope and assurance, certainty, go hand in hand? In what way is at home and abroad, the Christian faith more than a strong subjective desire Caring and sharing to help ease their load, that something will be as hoped? The apostle Peter in An offering was taken on that special night, his first letter helps us understand. He wrote: “Blessed Which raised £246 to help ease their plight. be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be We thank the Choir for their evening of praise, born again into a living hope through the resurrection "Be still for the presence of the Lord is here" of Jesus Christ., to an inheritance … reserved in One could feel a presence in the atmosphere. heaven for you, …” (1 Peter 1:3-5). Many thanks to the ladies for a lovely tea, Notice how Peter relates hope with an inheritance that Lots of goodies to eat, enjoyed by you and me, those that set their hope in Jesus Christ have. And he says that the inheritance is reserved. Well, are we sure The evening was enjoyed by all who came, we’ll get it? Are we sure it’s not just a dream, a strong And we hope to have the Choir back again, desire that it’ll be so? Peter was sure; we can be sure; Lord bless us all and keep us in Thy care - Amen. why? Because it is grounded on something absolutely solid. Something that happened in time and space, not Jessie Mackenzie. just in the minds of people.

5 One of the first things that we garden mostly took care of itself. did when we moved to Lochcarron was to build a Then, five years ago, my husband retired and I stopped garden. Behind our house was working full-time to concentrate on going back to work a steep, muddy slope, the as a artist. i have a wee studio at home and love retaining walls had fallen painting local landscapes, but my hobby, my place of down and there was rubble meditation, my special place is my garden. With more and weeds everywhere. If we time I decided that I would tackle the wilderness that hadn’t had young children at was most of my garden. I invested in a very good book the time, then we probably would have taken several called The Garden Revival Expert by Dr years to work on it. But we did and we wanted them to D.G.Hessayon and feeling like I had far more in have somewhere safe to play and my daughter’s common with Mary Lennox the second time around I favourite book at the time was The Secret Garden by set out to reclaim space from the brambles and the Frances Hodgson Burnett. Unlike Mary Lennox’s weeds. garden there were no walls surrounding our little patch, no old roses or blowsy perennials to revive. But it’s a The great thing about the Hessayon book is that it fairly decent sized space, although it’s to the north of encourages the gardener to tackle the garden our house as it’s on a slope it faces south and, as it incrementally, slowly over several seasons. So I drew can’t really be seen from the road it does feel very up some plans and worked on various areas, bit by bit. private if not secret. The soil was quite poor then, but it The first year I levelled enough space to build a was sheltered by trees on both sides and gets lots of vegetable garden. Where I have grown a large variety sun and plenty of rain. of things over the past few years - some with more success than others. Next I levelled another part of the We booked a local landscaper and they came and garden and built a retaining wall to create a fruit cage. I levelled parts of the garden, built steps and terraces, a cut back some large bushes which were just winding bark path and a big shed so my children had unsalvageable and recovered others by pruning them somewhere to play. At the very top of the garden, in over two or three years. I built a rockery and more amongst the trees we had a decking platform built, paths and a compost heap - of which I am very proud. where we could sit and watch the loch below. This year I laid gravel along those winding paths and I now have (my pride and joy) a greenhouse, which However we had very little money for plants so that replaced the old shed and where I successfully grew first year and for several years afterwards I got gifts of tomatoes for the first year ever. tough shrubs, to provide year round structure and which could survive children and pets: spireas, Reclaiming a garden is a very different experience brachyglottis, hebes and cotoneaster. Every time I from creating one in the first place. Pruning plants walked along the High Street I admired the gardens back that I planted as small shrubs nearly twenty years along the way. I took notes of what grew well and ago, taming plants which grew too profusely and sometimes I was given small pieces of perennials or finding old favourites that still bloom from cuttings cuttings of things that I’d asked about or admired to taken years ago gifted by friends and neighbours, some add to my collection - such as small clump of innula, of whom are no longer here. which loves my garden and honeysuckle which rampages along the fence. I sowed perennial seeds and The soil is much richer now, from years of mulching drifts of cosmos and poppies and cornflowers and for and from the humus that I have dug into every bed as I my birthday that year I treated myself to a tiny revived each part of the garden. As I dug and weeded Japanese Maple and cleared the soil I would find mementos, a plastic bucket that almost looked brand new, toy soldiers who As time went on we bought a sandpit and made a wee buried themselves amongst the shrubs and plastic pond from an old sink. A friend of ours built a small dinosaurs that had to make do with me as a fort for the children to play in and the seating platform palaeontologist as I recovered them when I made way at the top of the garden, became a tent or a sailing ship for a new shed or a new plant or two. with the simple addition of a piece of rope tied to the trees over which we draped sheets or bunting. In those Gardening has kept me fit, given me food to eat that days the garden was full of my children and their I’ve grown myself and a space to sit in the sunshine on friends and various pets. My daughter had her own one of those gorgeous days we get here on the west small patch to grow and my son marched dinosaurs coast. It has helped me make friends and be inspired through the flower beds and hid toy soldiers in and given me so much pleasure. My garden now is amongst the shrubbery. very different from the one I planted 20 years ago as we have changed it slowly to keep up with our needs. As my children grew older we spent less time in the This summer it was crammed with roses, and herbs and garden. We kept one area fairly weed free as alive with birds, bees, butterflies, frogs and toads. It is somewhere to sit in the sunshine and let much of the a special place, a secret place and in the centre of it all space grow as it wished, just spending time when we is a Japanese Maple that I planted myself, that has just could to clear the paths and gather fruit from the shed its autumn clothing and which is now around 12 brambles that grew so profusely every autumn. The big feet tall. shed grew rickety after one too many storms and the Cindie Reiter

6 Winter Opening @ Torridon Youth Hostel From 28th October the hostel is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights for the first 3 weekends in November. Advance booking recommended – we are already full on some nights. December & January: sole use groups throughout December & January. February 2019: Open 8th to 23rd February inclusive. March 2019: Reopen for new season Friday 8th March. Time for a change? We are currently recruiting for the 2019 season and have full time and part time positions available. If you can only work a small number of hours a week we can offer job share and we can also offer ‘school term time only’ contracts. Please get in touch with Mat to discuss options available to give your income a boost whilst fitting in with your lifestyle and other commit- ments. Hostelling Scotland is a charity formed in 1931. Torridon Youth Hostel is part of a network of over 60 hostels across Scotland. We offer twin & family rooms as well as shared dormitory accommodation from as little as £20pppn. Email: [email protected] Tel: 01445 791284 Web: hostellingscotland.org.uk

Torridon Youth Hostel, by Achnasheen, IV22 2EZ

7 PORTRAIT OF A VILLAGE remembers, sitting in the home she shares with Sue in Lochcarron. “Sometimes it was also quite a glamorous job.” Profile: Meg Robb But not every hour was Happy Hour. When you were ordered to report to the office at two in the morning, while still in the throes of a party, you simply had to jump – and The secret life of Meg... sometimes this could be a painful exercise. One morning, Guy discovered Meg, trying to recover from the night before by Peter Barr by resting her sore head against the cool cast-iron safe – and trying to recall the combination. Lochcarron, October 10, 2018: The producers of the Bond Asked if she ever felt frightened, plunged into one of the films have declared that there will never be a female 007, but world's major troublespots, Meg replies that she was always maybe they should visit Lochcarron and have a few words well aware of the dangers but like everyone else in the with Meg Robb, a former secret agent whose real-life Service, she couldn't afford to be frightened and simply got adventures put the fictional Bond in the shade. The man with on with the job. One day in Tehran, however, danger came a licence to kill may be well known for admiring female knocking. “It was the first time I suspected someone knew co-stars in their underwear, but what would he have thought what I was actually doing,” she reveals. While walking in of Meg, who went to Berlin at the end of the Second World the street, she realised that she was being followed by a War with a gun in her knickers? “I didn't want to hide it in shadowy figure, and immediately headed for home. Inside my handbag,” Meg explains. “That would be obvious.” her flat, she locked the door and sat in silence, holding her Now 97, Meg was recruited by the Secret Intelligence breath, waiting to see what would happen – and fearing the Service (better known as MI6) in 1942, while working in a worst. Suddenly, somebody knocked very hard on the door, bank in central London, when a former colleague home on but Meg knew it would not be wise to answer... leave from Egypt told her “girls like you” were welcome at In the end, she never found out who had been on her the office in Cairo. At this point, Meg didn't realise what tail, but it reminded her that spying is a dangerous game. she was in for, but without hesitation, she asked him: “How Later on, when Meg was based in Bangkok, one of her do I get to Cairo?” female colleagues was shot in the street. Was that a random “Phone this number,” he said, handing over a small incident or something much more sinister? “I guess we'll scrap of paper. And so her adventures began... never know,” says Meg. After basic training at Bletchley Park, where she “I had a fascinating war but also a dirty war,” Meg likes learned about coding and how to use “secret ink,” Meg set to say. “People did a lot of things they wouldn't be proud off for Cairo to work as “a secretary,” under strict of, ” she explains. “There were occasions when the Service instructions to “keep your eyes open” – and not tell anyone would consider it convenient if someone was silenced, and what she was up to. In fact, her mother never knew that Meg there were always ways and means to make it happen. But it was an MI6 agent. “If she had known, it would have been all was war and there were lives at stake, and no-one would last round the district in no time,” says Meg. Her father may very long if they struggled too much with their conscience.” have had his suspicions, she thinks, but her role in the war Soon after the end of the Second World War, Meg remained secret for decades. The family believed that she travelled to Berlin (with the gun in her knickers), and found worked in the Foreign Office, dealing with passports – a herself in Hitler's bunker, shortly before it was “destroyed” suitable cover because at that time MI6 headquarters were by the Allies. Expecting it to be a modest military structure, above the Passport Office in St James in London, occupying Meg was surprised to discover the underground complex several floors above the public area. was much more extensive, with dining rooms and sitting When you join MI6, it's a serious business –not just for rooms and other “normal” features of domestic life. you but also people close to you. Several years later, in Meg then spent three years in Thailand, a country at the 1951, when Meg informed her bosses she intended to marry, heart of international intrigue. Normal life also continued, her fiancé Alec had to be cleared by the Service – even however, and “Brown Owl” found time to establish though he'd been a Major in the Royal Corps of Signals. Bangkok's first Brownie pack and receive a trophy from the “For all they knew, he may have been a spy,” says Meg, Queen of Siam at a tennis event. who turned down an offer to be posted to China, choosing to become a wife instead – and then a mother. Her children Liz (a Special Needs Dental Surgeon) and Sue (who has lived in Lochcarron since 1976) knew nothing about their mother's secret career until they were adults, while Meg's brother Peter, who enjoyed a career as a distinguished specialist in tropical diseases, also knew very little. Meg's “Official Secret” was a subject that the family never talked about... After six months in Cairo, Meg was posted to Jerusalem, and after working there for 18 months was suddenly told to “drop everything” and head for Tehran – another hotbed in the Middle East where secret agents came together from countries all over the world. The major role of MI6 at that time was to gather intelligence and recruit agents, and Meg's job was to pass on information through the network, from agent to agent, and send encrypted messages to HQ in London, reporting what MI6 needed to know. In addition to her “ordinary work” as a secretary, she also helped her boss, Guy, make contact with people of In 1951, Meg retired from MI6 and settled down to interest by organising parties where she would discreetly family life in North London. The man who gave the speech introduce them to Guy as they mixed with the rest of her at her farewell was Nicholas Elliott, the MI6 agent who later guests. “Find out what you can about this chap,” were her extracted a confession from his old friend, the infamous usual instructions. traitor Kim Philby, just before Philby defected to the Soviet “We partied hard, played hard and worked hard,” Meg Union. Looking back now, Meg feels very fortunate to have

8 been a witness to history and regards her “secret life” as a thrilling adventure: “I was doing things and going to places HIGHLAND HOSPICE COFFEE my parents could never have dreamed of,” she says. Her dedication to the Service was officially recognised in 2005 MORNING when she was invited by the Queen for lunch at Buckingham

Palace, as part of the events to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, sitting side The members of Lochcarron Highland Hospice by side with military bosses, Prime Ministers and leading wish to take this opportunity to thank everyone clerics. who in any way contributed to the success of our MI6 today is very different from Meg's day, symbolised Coffee Morning on 13th October. We were very by its very public headquarters on the banks of the Thames, grateful for all the Baking Table contributions “blown to smithereens” in recent Bond film Skyfall – a far cry from the much more “secret” building in St James. But and purchases; for the money donations; for all some things never change, says Meg. The Service still your contributions to the 100 Square and Raffle; gathers intelligence and passes it on to the people who need for all the purchases you made from the Cards it. Fake news and social media may seem very modern, but and Gifts table and also for purchasing our misinformation and black propaganda have always been part Refreshments.

The total sum of money raised on the day is as follows: Refreshments 165 Raffle 162 Squares 58 Cakes 94 Cards etc. 386 Donations 35

TOTAL £900

We would also like to thank all our ‘extra helpers’ who helped on the day. of the business. Nowadays, despite several health scares, Meg still Our Lochcarron Hospice group is very depleted enjoys the occasional sherry and going to church every in numbers and if anyone would like to join us to Sunday, and in recent years she's also continued to travel, help fundraise for our Highland Hospice in including trips with Liz and Sue to Rajasthan (camel Inverness, please phone Rita 01520722995. trekking) and Mexico (swimming with dolphins). The adventure continues... Thank you again. R.S. Meg's advice to young women contemplating a career in MI6: “Go for it! Enjoy the opportunities...” Land Court

CROFT 305 RHUDUE Lochcarron Estate Rent Collection PETER MALONE

Friday 16 November 2018 I would like to offer my sincere thanks for all the support, encouragement and kind wishes received Lochcarron Hall, upstairs meeting from both crofters and non crofters during this room prolonged, and stressful process involving the purchase of the above croft. 9.30am – 11.30am I am delighted to report a successful outcome after three years since first approaching my landlord on the th 7 October 2015. If it is not convenient to come to Jeremy Benfield, my solicitor (MacPhee and Partners, Fort William) a specialist in crofting matters, deserves the Rent Collection please send special thanks for all his advice and diligent hard work your croft rental payment together in bringing this traumatic period to a successful conclusion. with your rent book (which will be Perhaps now after three wasted years, I can look receipted and returned) to: Ann forward to future plans and continue crofting.

MacKay, Coulags, Strathcarron, Thank you again for all your support Ross-shire IV54 8YU Peter

9 Strathcarron Project supporting the Howard Doris Centre

Howard Doris News The latest news is the Fund Raising Launch! Huge thanks to you all who have already contributed to our Strathcarron Project fund raising and to the amazing generosity of the many staff for giving time, thoughts and preparation for this fund raising launch early in October...not to mention wonderful donations of delicious nibbles and endless beer and Prosecco. The highly amusing, grumpy pair "Howard and Doris", played by Peter Barr and Pam Bright set the scene for a little history from Helen Murchison, director of the Strathcarron Project with a reminder that we have had "A star" scores in annual inspections. Joanna Macpherson, representing the fund raising committee then pointed out that we need funds to continue this and made a plea for us all to think of contributing a little every month. Pick up a form at reception at the Howard Doris Centre and set up a standing order. Meanwhile more thanks to John Murphy with his furniture making talents who has helped our Man Shed project to produce this amazing bench for the front of the centre. They have also beautifully refurbished the coffee tables in the hall and created 2 notice boards. Do we have more projects or more men interested in joining? Do we have any others with hidden talents? Have we any green-fingered folk wanting to help with the garden... the weather must improve sometime. Have a look at "Events at the HDC November 2018". Come and join in. Pictured here is a normal peaceful afternoon with a group playing whist and all enjoying a cup of tea and drizzle cake. Outings to Aviemore steam train and to Invergordon have been enjoyed by many. Obviously that includes eating out! Lunch at The Storehouse and ice cream in Strathpeffer. Ice cream?? Brr.

For one night only!! Fish, chips and mushy peas take-a- way night Friday 2nd November at 18.00 – 20.00 hours £8.95 per person

Call in or phone to place your order, on 01520 722541

100% of profits to go to the Strathcarron Project

The Howard Doris Centre needs your help!

Have you set up your standing order yet?

Please support the Howard Doris Centre which supports your local commu- nity

Why are we asking for your help?

Austerity has hit local councils and integrated NHS services hard. Pick up a form at Reception in the Centre or email [email protected] More details are available on www.strathcarronproject.org

10 Monday Cross Stitch & Tapestry, Lounge, 2.00pm Tuesday Thursday 1 November Knit and Knatter, Small Lounge, 2.00pm Guided imagery, Small Lounge 11:30am Wednesday Friday 2 November Quilting & Patchwork Group, a chat if you prefer. Dining Men Shed, Bealach Café Room, 2.00pm Monday 5 November Poetry, Library 11:30am Friday Afternoon Whist, Lounge 1:45pm Computer session 2:00pm Tuesday 6 November Shopping in Dingwall, Early Lunch Our website address is www.Strathcarronproject.org Wednesday 7 November Boccia Bowling, Lounge 1:45pm Thursday 8 November Discover your Creativity, Lounge 11:30am Bingo, Lounge 1:45pm Friday 9 November Photography, Lounge 1:45pm Drama, Small Lounge 1:45pm Monday 12 November Tai Chi ,Dining Room 11:30am Raiki ,Small Lounge 11:30am Tuesday 13 November Singing for fun with Hatty, Small Lounge 11:30am Wednesday 14 November Diabetes Awareness Day, 0 Bridge the Years, Lounge 1:45pm Are you worried about Thursday 15 November Guided Imagery, Small Lounge 11:30am someone’s drinking? Points of View, Small Lounge 1:45pm Friday 16 November Men Shed, Bealach Café Skittles, Lounge 1:45pm What is Al-Anon? Monday 19 November AL-Anon Family Groups provide support to Gardening Day anyone whose life is, or has been, affected One to One Shopping, Day trip by someone else’s drinking regardless of Tuesday 20 November Fit as a Fiddle, Small Lounge 11:30am whether that person is still drinking or not. Wednesday 21 November For some of our members, the wounds still Book group, Small Lounge 1:30pm run deep, even if their loved one may no Whist Evening, Lounge 7:30pm longer be a part of their lives or have died. Thursday 22 November Discover your Creativity, Lounge 11:30am Someone else’s drinking can affect your life Exercise Class, Dining Room 11:30 – be it a relative or friend, male or female. Boccia Bowling, Lounge 1:45pm Friday 23 November Whatever your relationship to the drinker, Photography, Lounge 1:45pm whatever your story, Al-Anon can help. Drama, Small Lounge 1:45pm Tuesday 27 November Three Degrees, Dining Room 11:30am At our meetings we protect the individual’s Singing for fun with Hatty, Small Lounge 11:30am anonymity and confidentially. Film Afternoon, Lounge 1:45pm Wednesday 28 November Skittles, Lounge 1:45pm We protect the anonymity of the problem Thursday 29 November drinker at all times. Guided Imagery,Small Lounge 11:30am Pampered Palms, Lounge 11:30am The Al-Anon helpline is listed below. Friday 30 November Men Shed, Bealach Café St Andrews Lunch, Dining Room Helpline: 020 7403 0888(10am – 10pm) Music with Sandy MacVarish, Lounge 1:45pm www.al-anonuk.org.uk email:- [email protected] Other regular weekly events

Sunday facebook.com/ Praise and worship, Main Lounge, 4.00pm AlAnonfamilyGroupsUK Monday & Friday Bridge Group, Library, 1.30pm

11 WEATHER RECORD - SLUMBAY Margaret (Peggy) Michael SEPTEMBER 2018 Lochcarron's oldest resident died on 25th September 2018. At the Howard Doris Centre Lochcarron in the presence of her Max Temp Min Temp Rainfall in devoted son David a month short of her 101 birthday. Date: in oC in oC inches She was married to Alex Michael and they 1 15.80 12.60 0.03 had 4 sons, Alasdair, Jim, Ewen and David. A hard worker all her days best known for 2 19.80 4.90 0.08 her excellent garden at Lobban Cottage in 3 17.10 6.70 0.01 the village. A great lover of animals and birds. She fed 4 ducks that flew in, every 4 16.30 7.40 0.03 day, from the loch. At one time a robin used 5 14.30 7.90 0.13 to follow her everywhere even into her house, and when she was unwell and took to 6 14.30 7.80 0.07 her bedroom upstairs the robin even visited 7 15.10 6.80 0.05 her there. The family would like to thank all her 8 17.80 8.30 0.06 friends who were kind to her especially "Baba" and Marybell. To Doctors Strath 9 13.80 10.00 0.79 and Macgregor and all the district nurses for 10 13.20 9.80 0.75 all their professional care. Also to her home carers whom she loved as well as the 11 13.70 8.90 0.64 nursing staff at the Howard Doris Centre. 12 14.30 8.70 0.39 Her funeral service, which was well attended took place at the Free Church, 13 12.80 8.70 0.73 Lochcarron and was conducted by Rev. 14 12.70 5.90 0.15 Marcos Florit. 15 14.20 7.30 0.89 16 13.60 9.20 0.17 17 16.30 10.60 0.85 18 13.20 9.20 0.68 Carols for the 19 12.10 8.30 0.56 Community 20 12.70 5.10 0.09 The annual "Carols for the 21 12.40 7.40 0.26 22 11.80 4.60 0.43 Community" service will 23 11.40 5.30 0.24 th take place on Sunday 16 24 12.50 6.10 0.06 December at 4pm in the 25 14.40 9.70 0.58 26 14.30 11.20 0.82 Village Hall, Lochcarron. 27 12.30 5.20 0.18 28 11.90 6.80 0.02 All are invited to the 29 10.80 6.40 0.23 service to join the 30 10.70 4.30 0.20 Community Choir in singing some of your TOTAL SEPT 2018 10.17 RUNNING TOTAL 2018 47.41 favourite carols. TOTAL SEPT 2017 6.95

RUNNING TOTAL 2017 53.10 12 Lochcarron Community Fund Annual disbursement from the Allt a Chonais Hydro Scheme to the Community. The scheme is open for bids. £4600+ available! Applications to the Lochcarron Available by ordering Community Fund are encouraged from individuals and groups within the LCC online or from local area. Projects must be for the benefit of retail outlets. residents within the LCC area. Visit Applications can be made ANYTIME for the LCC to consider at their next www.lochcarron.org.uk meeting. Applications MUST BE MADE for information about FULLY IN BOTH ELECTRONIC AND local events, where to PAPER FORM. Application forms can be obtained from the Secretary, stay, eat, shop and visit. Lochcarron Community Council, Jacob House, Croft Road, Lochcarron, IV54 8YA or email:lochcarroncommunitycouncil @hotmail.com:

13 The newly instated Applecross War memorial Dishonour the gift plot On land and sea and air During the latter part of Sept. 2018, the pristine You stood beside your comrades work carried out by Kenny Macbeth in landscaping Some in fear the newly instated war memorial area was defaced But you fought there. by a person driving a vehicle which was witnessed as a campervan, up and down the newly landscaped And now your names in stone area, creating ruts. Where childhoods came and passed, Look quietly o'er the bay This can hardly be termed as an accident as the We brought you home at last. bank down to the memorial stone is much too hazardous for anything other than a 4X4 and both But not all those for freedom's sake you fought sides of the soft area, well off the pathway on either Might understand their actions here and now To side were deeply rutted. desecrate the place on which the stone Stands quiet upon that place your names endow. The fundraising and endless research for this project was undertaken by a few full and part-time residents of Applecross and the money raised was A memory of what you gave to us matched by the Applecross Trust who also Your names will never, ever be forgot bequeathed the land. for now, on land and sea and air You gave us grace to live where you did not. It appears that those who were involved in this mindless behaviour feel no shame as they did the In politics or bigotry they stand deed then just drove away. Many campervans A gift of freedom from the silent names The right come, utilize, create more wear and tear and leave to raise a voice upon this land without bringing any benefit to the place, but for Who saw and watched the desecration games. one of them to cause wanton damage to our newly instated war memorial plot, humble as it might be, Perhaps one day you'll start to understand is unimaginable in its crassness. To stand a little while and just reflect The sacrifice these souls gave to their land. Ken Griffin. Sept 2018. To honour, not abase, just show respect.

14 A Service of Reflection Lochcarron Sailing Club News The summer sailing season has for those not looking forward to come to a close. We had our Christmas “Final fling” on the Wednesday 10th October with games on the water until it Christmas is fast approaching. For many started to get dark, and hot drinks and cake afterwards. it is a time to look forward to, meeting up The “de-rigging” work party was on the following with family and friends, people who are Saturday. Many thanks to everyone who came and helped pack up the boats and organise the boat yard for dear to us. But not for everyone is winter. Although the main season has finished, there Christmas a happy time. are still events coming up this autumn: Autumn race series: For those who have lost loved ones For everyone who can sail a triangle course, no need to Christmas can be a hard time, with an have raced before, club boats are still easy to access. Please come about 45mins before the race time in empty chair at the Christmas table. For order to set up a boat. others December can be a tough and RYA training day: Encouraging racing in clubs. All instructors, coaches lonely month. All around us we are and interested volunteers are welcome. The day will be continually reminded of all that is part discussion, part on the water activities. Laying up supper: perfect, happy families, beautiful The club has its annual dinner and prize giving on the decorated houses, Christmas tables 9th November. Welcome drink, two courses (BYOB), decorated to perfection filled with all prize giving, quiz / games. 6 for 6.30pm. Contact Steven Proudfoot for tickets by 4th November 722870 kinds of delicious food. But what do you Events this Autumn: do if you feel down, have no money to Laying up supper: 9th November, 6 for 6.30pm RYA training day, Encouraging racing in clubs: 24th organize a Christmas lunch, or live far November 10am - 4pm away from loved ones and have no Autumn sailing 1: 2pm, 4th November Autumn sailing 2: 1pm, 18th November possibilities to visit relatives. Autumn sailing 3: 1pm, 2nd December For that reason, we will hold a service in Christmas sail: 1pm, 30th December the Church of Scotland just before the Thank You Advent period starts. It will be a special Hughie and Kirsty Matheson would like service for people and families who have to thank all those who helped on the day lost a loved one recently or some time ago Hughie took a stroke, especially Fiona and for those who have mixed feelings Shillaker, also to the ambulance crew about the forthcoming festive season. Colin and Sue for getting him to After the service there will be a chance Raigmore so quick. to meet each other in a more informal Thanks also to staff in ward 2a at way over a cup of tea or coffee. Raigmore hospital and to the staff at The service will be held on Sunday the Broadford hospital for the great care he 25th November at 7pm in the Church of received. Scotland in Lochcarron. We would also like to thank all who If you have special wishes for this service offered help and all who visited him and for example a reading, a song, a piece of for the many cards and gifts he received. music or a poem, please let me know before Sunday 18 November. Hughie Matheson Rev Anita Stutter 7 Keilburn Crescent 01520 722783 Lochcarron IV54 8YT [email protected]

15

APPLECROSS WAR MEMORIAL

DEDICATION and SERVICE of REMEMBRANCE

Sunday 11th November 2018 10.45 a.m

The DEDICATION will take place at the Memorial by Cruary Car Park (weather permitting - otherwise Clachan Church)

SERVICE of REMEMBRANCE will follow at Clachan Church 11.30 a.m

Refreshments will be served after the Service

All welcome

SAMARITANS Whatever you’ve done. Whatever life’s done to you. Call Samaritans. No pressure. No judgement. We’re here for you any time. 0845 790 9090.

16 17 ‘From the high summit, the solitary figure would watch LOCHCARRON LIBRARY NEWS the dawn come up…’ (Highland River) With the nights drawing in, the weather deteriorating most borrowers will do one of And for the Primary School competition (P5-P7) the theme two things: is: They will either lie low, refuse to go outdoors, ‘Everything was very quiet and still.’ (Blood Hunt). and wait for the good weather OR. They will realise they are in for the long haul, and decide to curl up Entries forms and rules are available from the library, and with a good book, a cup of tea or something stronger! for information or to enter just go to: As you might expect, I, like many, would favour the latter www.highlifehighland.com/neilgunn option, however we are finding that something, be it the Once again please take a note of our contact details and darker nights, is affecting numbers visiting us for our opening times at the end of this article, and remember too, Tuesday evening session. With more of us having to work, our Self Issue kiosk (situated in the Howard Doris reception) it is essential that HLH libraries run sessions to suit all, not for borrowing, returning and renewal of books. just those who are able to come to during the day – hence Tuesday 9.30am-12.30pm 6.00pm-8.00pm the thinking behind this session. But recently the uptake for Wednesday 2.00pm-4.30pm this session from 6-8pm has been poor. This is surprising as Friday 2.00pm-4.30pm it is run with working people in mind. As we are only open Telephone: 01520 722679 10 hours per week, I do urge everyone to use as many Email : [email protected] sessions as they can, as it is not helpful for the long term, if any of our sessions are poorly attended! When we volunteered to watch the Gatehouse for Attadale Gardens we had no idea how interesting it would be. We Our new Guest Wi-Fi, ‘HLH –Guest-Wi-Fi’ is working well have had a wonderful, happy and entertaining time there. and suitably serving our visitors and non-members. It is also We have met such lovely people from all parts of the worth noting that this is free, and can be used for the world, many of whom talked to us about gardens and duration we are open. Recently, I had a very satisfied visitor places they had been and were going to. Everyone is who said how marvellous she thought libraries were, telling friendly and we have not had a dull moment. We have also me the story of how she found herself in London, waiting for learnt a lot about gardening. If anyone is thinking of joining her son, and had several hours to kill. Out of the corner of us I would encourage you to do it. You can do a short time her eye, she saw a library, and spent the next few hours or a whole day and as often or little as you want. We like warm, comfortable and totally engrossed in several books. the whole day together and take a picnic lunch! Hoping to She said how marvellous libraries were (including see some of you soon. John and Rosemary Ireland. Lochcarron), and couldn’t think of any other place where you could do this, and all for free! When people are waiting for meetings to start or for one of the mobile banks, we become very popular for browsing, or just as a warm shelter from the weather! So do remember, a public/community library is a welcoming place for all.

Book week Scotland 2018 comes early this year, starting the w/c 19th November. We plan to have 2 primary class visits during the week centred on discussing recent books read, fun library based activities - this time constructing limericks or poems, and then each child borrowing at book. We are still working on the dates, but they will hopefully be during the week advertised, as will presentation of the Primary Bookbug packs to new Primary 1’s. And with a Bookbug Rhyme/Story/song session at 9.30am on Wednesday 21st November, Book week Scotland, is set to be a busy week. Please take the time to visit is, if you can! At any one time, Lochcarron Library will have entry forms for a variety of different Writing competitions. If this is your inclination, please ask a member of staff on your next visit. October/November time is Neil Gunn writing competition time which is organised by High Life Highland and the Neil Gunn Trust. This year the closing date is Friday 8th March 2019. As usual there are adult, secondary and primary sections. The adult themes are as follows:

‘Suddenly something came out of the land, some cool shiver of Spring’ (The Serpent). ‘…at last, all the pieces, the whole pattern.’ (The Key of the Chest)

Poetry should be no more than 40 lines, Short stories up to 2500 words. Entry is £8 per entry, with a £500 1st prize, £300 2nd prize and £200 3rd prize. For the Secondary school competition (S3-S6) the theme is:

18 Sunday the 4th – LOCAL MUSICIANS – from 3pm-6pm in the bar The local musicians from Lochcarron play a mixture of Scottish traditional and popular tunes. Other musicians are welcome to join in. A great afternoon of music, food, and drinks! All welcome. The regular musicians are volunteers so this session is dependent on availability. Please check our website or Facebook page nearer the time.

November Closing @ the Inn The Inn is scheduled to be closed, in some capacity, from the 5th of November, for up to 3 weeks. The final details are still being confirmed (it’s only the 15th of October here) but the broad timetable is below. When the bar is open it will be normal bar service. When food service is on offer, it will be a specially adapted, menu. This will include lovely soups and winter casseroles!

Monday 5th – Saturday 10th (inclusive): CLOSED Sunday 11th: Bar open, normal hours & food service, from 12pm till 9pm Monday 12th – Friday 16th (inclusive): Bar open, 5pm till close & food service, from 6pm till 9pm Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th: Bar open, normal hours & food service, from 12pm till 9pm Monday 19th – Friday 23th (inclusive): Bar open, 5pm till close & food service, from 6pm till 9pm Saturday 24th – Onward: Back to normal!

Please be advised we will do our best to stick to this timetable but not everything is within our control! We will keep customers up to date with what is happening through Facebook, website and local notices. If you are travelling to drink/dine with us please give us a call on 01520 744 262 to check that all is as expected!

Applecross Inn-Side Out Given our temporary kitchen arrangements during some of November this will still be in some capacity. Again, if you are travelling to visit the van specially please give us a call to check it’s operating.

Applecross Brewing Company All 3 ales Applecross (Pale Ale), Sanctuary (Red) and Inner Sound (Black) are now available on tap in the pub and selling very well! All 3 ales are now available in 500ml bottles. Please admire the lovely art work when all 3 are lined up. They make a great present or souvenir (Christmas is coming…) Please ask at the bar for more info.

The RNLI Fish Supper Fundraiser A huge thank you to all those who supported our participation in this years RNLI Fish Supper fundraising. At the time of going to press we were expecting to have raised £1000 to donate to the RNLI charity. Well done everybody, a great result.

Festive Season… Heads up… We will be CLOSED on Christmas Day (except for the bar open 12.30pm till 2.30pm for drinks only) & CLOSED completely on the 1st and 2nd of January 2019. The full list of our opening hours will be in the December/January edition so please check for any other deviations from the norm!

Please check out our website for info on upcoming local events, and follow us on Facebook for updates!

19 News from Applecross and Lochcarron Primary A couple of investors came on Schools board; Mazie and Bella Naidheachdan bho Bun- contributed money they had sgoiltean A’Chomraich agus earned in the holidays and this went towards wax lids, rubber Loch Carrainn bands, muslin cloths, and sugar. We wrote letters to the Democracy in Action at Lochcarron inn asking Judy if we could Primary School sell our products there. From Asking great questions, and having an understanding of the there we developed our processes involved in making decisions is something that our products ready for sale. It was decided that we would find P4’s – P7’s having been focussing on recently. Under the out and use the Gaelic names of all the places we live in heading of “Democracy” the children have been using their Applecross and then write the name of the jam in English – extensive research skills to find out how we can listen to “for all the people that wouldn’t understand.” The list of others, as well as having and expressing their own opinions products was: and thoughts. Coille Mhùiridh Bramble Jelly These skills were really evident and positively put into Clachan Bramble Jam practice when the class was visited by Ian Blackford MP, A’Chomraich Apple Jelly who is our local Member of Parliament for Ross, Skye and Toghsgaig Hedgerow Jelly (a mixture of haws, brambles, Lochaber. It was encouraging to see just how confident and rose hips, rowan berries and a lot of elderberries) articulate all the children were is asking some really Camas Tearrach Rowan Jelly challenging questions, and then take part in a fascinating Cùil Duibh Rosehip Syrup debate with Mr. Blackford. These included: Lòn Bàn Hazelnut butter • Why did you become an MP? Alba Apple and Pear Jelly • How do you become an MP? The jars all came from spares lying round people’s homes, • Who do you like best, Theresa May or Donald which then needed to be washed and sanitised as the jams Trump? were made. The children set up a production line of labels, • Why are we getting the road closures and what can price tags, and covers; working in much the same way we you do to stop them? cleaned and processed all the fruits - as a team. There were • How can you help us to get better roads without many conversations over how to price everything - What potholes? would people be prepared to pay? Perhaps more? As a • When will we get a new school? souvenir of their time in Applecross? These jams are not commonly available and are all hand-picked locally, what would that be worth? The jars were all different sizes so the prices needed to reflect that. Older children created information leaflets explaining some of the berries and their health benefits, as well as recipes used. These could be given to people who were not sure of what they were buying. We also made adverts for the business after watching some old jam ads, and came up with a catchphrase – SPREAD.TASTE. EAT. REPEAT! Finally it came to selling; this was the easy part - Around 150 jars were sold in a little over a week. An incredible response! The children enjoyed chatting to people and telling them what they had been doing at school, while happily collecting their money. They even sang a few songs to people in the inn. We ended up raising £531.16 with only £24.33 expenses, leaving a net profit of £506.83. Season ends for the Applecross Sticky Right at the beginning the children decided they would be in Fingers team charge of how the money was spent, a school trip was Applecross’ newest business has finished for the season decided on – Paris or Harris! Now we are forming a group so after a term of hard work. The school year started with the the children can be in charge of planning their own trip, children and teacher noticing the glut of brambles and making their own decisions on how to spend the fruits of fruits growing round the school and in the hedgerows. A their labour. A full cycle! plan was hatched to start a business harvesting, processing Thanks to everyone who helped us on this journey! and selling the products of the nature around us. In between picking fruit and cooking jams and jellies we worked through setting up our business. First we developed a vision for our business:

“To make and sell jams/spreads made from local wild fruits and berries to tourists and locals, as both a souvenir and a delicious product.”

We then had to think of a name for the business and a logo. This was tricky work and required a lot of discussion and democratic voting. It was decided that our business would be called Sticky Fingers: Applecross Jamary School and our logo came from this name and the rowan tree from which we picked our first berries.

20 Making a Difference In Preserving our reciting poetry. Domhnall Macpherson Raffell won first place in poetry for Beautiful Lochcarron Environment Gaelic Medium pupils and Callum Watson took third place. In the learner’s poetry competition, Izzy Furness won a cup and gold medal for first place and Cain Courtney won a silver medal for second place. Kiera Gillies came third in this competition. In the poetry competition for Gaelic Medium pupils Primary Just before the Summer 5 – 7, Vivienne Goodman Holidays all the children and staff with the invaluable came second and Jack support of parents/carers and members of the Lochcarron Stewart third. Community Council, got together and did a fantastic job It was a long day for of cleaning up the shoreline from the school to the Spa everyone because we just shop. Armed with protective gloves, high viz vests, litter missed the road opening pickers, plenty of black refuse bags and bucket loads of and had to wait two and a enthusiasm we collected over 18 bags of rubbish. half hours for the next opening. Anyway, it was good that almost half the school took part in the Mod

Getting out on the Water with the Lochcarron Coastal Rowing Association All the children in Mrs MacLennan’s and Miss Starr’s class would like to say a huge thank you to the rowers at the Lochcarron Coastal Rowing Association who hosted a visit to see the skiff. A St Ayles skiff is a wooden rowing boat with four oars, each rowed by one person, and a cox to steer. We asked if we could go along to experience the boat because we are studying the Vikings, and have been making The children were truly amazed at the range of discarded Viking long boats with Mrs MacLennan. John explained rubbish they uncovered, and, in particular, how much how this was done so that Steven knew that we have been plastic there was in the form of drinks bottles and cartons. learning about Viking longboats. Indeed, they all took their responsibilities so seriously that they have re-formed the school eco group. This will, When we arrived, the wind was a bit too strong to go out in initially, focus on how we can all contribute to ensure our the skiff, but Steven showed us how the skiffs were built, school is as environmentally aware and friendly as and told us a bit about the history of boats powered by oars possible. The children are very positive about using these in the West of Scotland. Then Doug showed us the oars they school examples to spread the message right across the use and explained that some of the oar is actually hollow, to village and include those who stay and enjoy our truly make it lighter. After that, Lorna and Steven showed us their amazing location. new boat, the Fitheach Dubh (Black Raven).

Happily, the wind began to die down and the rowers decided Am Mòd Ionadail Loch Aillse that it was safe to go to sea. Most of us took the chance to go Diluain 8mh Damhair chaidh buidheann bho Bun-Sgoil out, and Garry and Dee rowed us out into the loch. It was LochCarrainn gu am Mòd ionadail anns an Aird-Sgoil a’ amazing. Cain said that his favourite part was being able to Phluic. Dhaontaich 19 airson falbh agus feuchainn anns na look down into the water. Keira thought that the speed of the co-fharpaisean Bàrdachd agus seinn. boat was really surprising. All the children who went out Bhuannaich Domhnall Macpherson Raffell a’ chiad duais into the boat really enjoyed that part of the visit, and said ann am bàrdachd airson na fileantaich P1 – P4 agus they would go again. We all agreed it had been a great trip. thàinig Callum Watson anns an treas àite. Anns an Thanks again! co-fharpais airson luchd-ionnsachaidh P1 – P4 bhuannaich Izzy Furness cupa agus bonn òr airson a’ chiad àite agus fhuair Cain Courtney bonn airgid airson an dàrna àite. Fhuair Kiera Gillies an treas àite anns am farpais seo. Anns an co-fharpais bhàrdachd airson sgoilearan anns na h -aonadan Ghàidhlig, thànig Vivienne Goodman dàrna agus Jack Stewart treas. Se latha fada a bh’ann airson a h-uile duine seach’s gun do chaill sinn am fosgladh anns an rathad agus cha do dh’fhosgail e a rithist gu 2.35. Co dhiubh, bha e math gun deach cha mhòr nach leth dhen sgoile dhan a’ Mhòd.

Lochalsh Provincial Mod On 8th October the local Mod was held in Plockton High School and a group of Gaelic Medium pupils and learners went from Lochcarron Primary School. Nineteen volunteers from the school took part and this meant that almost half the school roll was taking part singing and

21 Old Crofting Customs

Rummaging in a dark corner of the shed, I came across a Gordon Macpherson Branding Iron. This is a long tool with a square end on which there are initials. This was heated to a high Service of temperature and used to stamp the owners mark on a black face sheep horn. Remembrance Modern day sheep have electronically recorded tags. In pre computer years, it was as important that the owners could identify their sheep. Each crofter in a township would have A service of remembrance an individual mark e.g. a notch on the left ear and a keel mark on the right. Sheep were allowed on the 'Inbye 'land will be held at Church of in the Winter but come the Spring, after lambing they were sent out to the hill in order that the arable land could be Scotland, Lochcarron to cultivated. The Dipping Day was a big event in the crofting calendar. celebrate the life of It was originally designed to combat sheep scab. The Gordon Macpherson of policeman was required to attend to make sure that all was done properly. Arineckaig, On the agreed day, all the fittest men with their dogs went off early to gather the sheep from the furthest reaches of on 8th November 2018 at their territory. The older men went to the fank to fill it with spring water add the potions and make sure all was ready. 11.00am. Getting the sheep into the holding pen was tricky as the old ewes were well aware of the unpleasant procedure and tried Please join the family every trick to escape. When all were safely gathered in, afterwards for each sheep was immersed in the dip before being allowed to scramble out to the dripping area, where the surplus dip refreshments at Attadale drained back into the tank. Very few undesirable residents in the fleece survived this treatment. The sheep were then House. released, to wait for their lambs before heading back to the hill. Until recent times the only sheep to be seen were Blackface or Cheviot but nowadays there is a big variety of breeds in the area. Dip is now forbidden but are the modern equivalents any better? Dipping and regular heather burning kept the tick population under control. Certainly this was labour in tensive but those were the days when Estates and Sheep Clubs employed shepherds and when townships operated as a team. Finally there was the Clipping Day when all the sheep were sheared. The once important wool is now prized by few.

Helen Murchison

Stromeferry Bypass Feedback from the Drop-in Sessions

Thank you to everyone who attended the drop in sessions at Lochcarron and Achmore or who took the time to email or phone with comments and questions about the rockworks at the Stromeferry Bypass. The Council’s website has now been updated with the list of comments/questions and responses. It can be found by going to the Stromeferry bypass page (www.highland.gov.uk enter search for Stromeferry bypass) or by following the link:

https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/1523/ transport_and_streets/104/stromeferry_bypass/3

One of the comments we had was a request for weekly updates about how the works are progressing. A weekly updates section has now been added to the Stromeferry bypass page and we aim to publish this every Monday during the planned works. It will provide updates on what work was done the week before, what works are planned for the coming week and how the programme for completion is running. The link for this section is:

https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/1523/ transport_and_streets/104/stromeferry_bypass/2

22 Community Councils’ Minutes Comhairle Choimhearsnachd Gearr-chunntais

MINUTES (draft) of LOCHCARRON COMMUNITY 14th & 21st Sep – Nothing relevant COUNCIL 2nd Oct - Change of use of outbuilding to house at 13 Meeting Monday 8th October 2018 Achintraid, Kishorn, Strathcarron, by Mr John Parker of 7:30 pm Village Hall Beehive Cottage at same address. Members Present: Treasurer’s Report: Mrs Helen Murchison BEM (Chair), Mr Roger Cundiff The Treasurer submitted the financial statement from where (Treasurer), Mrs Emma McCallum (Secretary), Mr Alec the current balances stand at: Cormack, Mr Robert MacInnes, Cdr Q Banting RN (Temp Community Council: £2237.43 & Minute Sec.). (Hall Hire £12) Also Present: Community Fund: £12,951.71 Ms Siobhan Murray (SSF) (Adopt a Barrel award £600) Apologies: Mr John Macpherson, Ms Aileen Grant, PC (Grant from Chonais Hydro £8934.47) Craig Allan, In answer to a question regarding confirming funds being Approval of Minutes Monday 10th September 2018: deposited in the CC’s accounts, the Treasurer explained that The date for the meeting at Kishorn should have read 19th internet banking would be the only way this could be done September (not October). The minutes were subsequently immediately and that this was not worth it for us as a business agreed unanimously. account. He must go into the nearest branch to do this and this Matters Arising: is Dingwall at present! Kishorn Village Speed Survey. PC Allan has emailed that Secretary’s Report: the survey is complete. He will forward the results as soon Sent: as he gets them. - Community Council Scheme Review – The Questionnaire Social and Affordable Housing Q Banting explained that has been returned. The Sec. attended the drop-in session. he had sought advice from the Ward Manager as to whom to Nothing significant to report. He asked if the number of approach for a briefing on housing in Lochcarron. He co-opted Members to the LCC could be increased to 3. See regretted that due to the Bypass problems, he had failed to below for the response – basically NO! take this further but would re-address the subject. - Response sent to SALAD. Thanks for their support on the Lochcarron stone Failte sign Mr Andrew McKenzie is to bypass but CC did not wish to get involved with Skye Airport. apply a strong cleaning solution. Q Banting will then - Acknowledgement and thanks to Cllr Kate Stephen in continue with further cleaning and touch-up. The cleaning response to her resignation HC Cllr. process is on-going. Received: Stromeferry By-pass Rockface works. - Scottish Water in the north - Autumn 2018 newsletter - Mr Robert MacInnes provided a copy of his Facebook nothing specific for us summary of the community meeting held by HC in the - Email invitation to a commemorative Armistice 100 event on Village Hall 27th Sep. Council commended Robert Saturday 10 November from the Highland Council Convener MacInnes for his pro-active efforts on behalf of the and Inverness City Provost. No-one from CC wished to go. Community. Aileen Grant (in absentia) presented a paper on - Email from Highland Council - formal review of its Polling future action to be taken by the CC. This was discussed. Districts and Places – Response form was filled in by CC. Emma McCallum pointed out that HC had answered most of Basically content with current polling station arrangements. the issues very straight forwardly. This can be viewed on the - Email from Carolyn Smith Development & Infrastructure HC website under Stromeferry Bypass – “Feedback from Highland Council about holding a community drop-in event in drop-in events”. However, it was felt that the issue of Lochcarron Village Hall in the afternoon/evening of Thursday classifying the A890 as a trunk road, at least for public 27th Sept questions to [email protected] notification purposes, should be pursued. Roger Cundiff - Email from Cllr Kate Stephen – stepping down at end of agreed to write to the Transport Minister on the CC’s behalf. Sept. Both the Chair and Alec Cormack hoped that since the - Email from Cheryl McIver Elections Officer re: max by-pass was bound to be closed again in the future, lessons number of co-opted members for LCC remains at 2. (see from this closure would be learned; in particular there above) should be a longer lead-in time for the closure arrangements - Email from Hannah Stevens – The Parliament Project – to be scrutinised. encourage more women to consider standing for political Chair’s Report: office -Workshop Saturday 20th October 10.30 – 12.30 in the Helen Murchison said she attended and was asked to be one Highland Council Chamber. of the speakers at the Presentation Day for Kishorn Port held Police Feedback: at the drydock site on 19th Sep. She said that there were PC Allan reported by email that on the 19th September at 0855 about 100 people present with presentations given at a hours a driver was charged with driving at 27mph in a 20mph senior level from the stakeholders. The atmosphere was zone outside Lochcarron Primary school. The driver’s licence positive with general agreement that the facility could make a significant contribution to decommissioning and was endorsed with 3 Penalty points and a £100 fine re-cycling structures under well controlled conditions in Lochcarron Community Fund update Scotland rather than this being done outside the country. - The Annual Report has been sent. If anyone wants to read it, Kishorn Port would be ideally placed to take on this work. please ask the Sec for a copy. Planning Applications: - The Allt a Chonais grant has been received (see Treasurer’s The Community Council has been notified of the following report above) planning applications for - Application form has been given to the Village Hall WARD 5 (Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh): - The Signed agreement for Coulags Hydro has been 7th Sep - Repair, reinstatement and amendments to pony forwarded. We await news of the grant for this year path (part retrospective) on Land 4040M SE Of Allt A - Q Banting asked the CC to consider how we might best Chonais, Achnashellach, Strathcarron by Hon Nicholas support a possible approach by Strathcarron Project for the Wills of Coulags, Strathcarron. Howard Doris Centre. At a presentation recently, the Project

23 announced they need £50k per annum to cover a projected and Police Report None provided. continuing shortfall in general funding. Ms Siobhan Murray Correspondence Correspondence received from: said that Scottish Sea Farms Ltd might be interested in Craig Allan (police, Lochcarron) emailed to say that Robbie supporting the Project. She would pursue this further. Bain would be updating us regarding signage (wording/ Any Other Business None. cleaning/positioning) at the foot of the Bealach na Ba The Meeting Closed at 9:45 p.m. mountain road. Date of next meeting: Kate Stephen advised that she was no longer a Highland Monday 12th November 2018 at 7:30 pm Lochcarron Councillor for Wester Ross, Strathpeffer & Lochalsh. Village Hall (Upper) AOB Applecross Community Company Survey: It was not- Members of the public are most welcome to attend ed that the results of this survey will be available at: Community Council Meetings which are held on the www.scdc.org.uk/applecross Path signage: It was noted that second Monday of each month. many visitors walk along the road from the Coal Shed to the (email:[email protected]) White Gate, and are unaware of the footpath. Action JG to mention this to the Trust Streetlight: IF reported that one of the streetlights in Milton was not working Action AB agreed to look into this. Meeting Closed: 8.44 pm Applecross Community Council Meeting Next meeting: Tuesday 13th November 2018, 7.30 pm. Held at the Community Hall, Applecross Members of the public are warmly encouraged to attend MINUTES (Unapproved) – Tuesday 9 October 2018, these meetings. If you would like to add any items to the 7.30pm agenda please send these to the Secretary by the Friday Present: Ali Brown, Ruaridh Cameron, Ishbel Ferguson, before the meeting. Ewen Gillies, Jon Glover, Sarah Paramor, Mark Stewart Please note our new email address: Apologies: Jacqueline Liuba Future Meeting Date: Tuesday 13 November, 7.30pm [email protected] Minutes of Previous Meeting Approved. Actions from Previous Meeting Roads JG had forwarded Minutes (Draft) of Shieldaig Community Council letter to Kate Stephen. Website MS creating website. Tuesday 2nd October 2018 Shieldaig Village Hall 7 pm SSE compensation JG had contacted SSE, but receive no Members Present: Kalie Wilkinson (Chair), Susan Holmes, response. Money still awaited. Bin provision AB had not heard Claire Munday (Secretary), Duncan Carmichael. Applecross from the Council bin rep. Community Company It was sug- CC member: Alasdair Brown. Torridon & Kinlochewe CC gested that a member of the Community Council attend the member: Anne Macrae. Ward 5 Manager: Robbie Bain. PC quarterly open board meetings recently suggested by the Craig Allan. Robert Gordon. Apologies: Lisa Fraser, Viv Community Company. Path networks Research into funding Maclennan, Gordon Drysdale. Cllr. Kate Stephens has stood options ongoing. It was noted that the subject of paths came up down as Highland Councillor on 1st October; there will be a by at the recent Applecross Forum meeting and in the Applecross -election on 6th December. Community Company survey. Action: JG to liaise with Joint Community Council Meeting (Shieldaig, Applecross, Applecross Community Company. Post Office JG had written Torridon & Kinlochewe). This was an opportunity, with to the Post Office requesting a backup broadband system. Robbie Bain & PC Craig Allan present, to discuss shared Participatory Budget Scheme JG awaiting feedback on the issues. Kalie asked Alasdair & Anne and then ourselves to application. Tourism Management: JG met with members of raise matters of concern. State of the roads & poor driving Applecross Trust; see below. Cycle Events: SP had emailed standards. Robert Gordon asked what had happened to the Hands-On Events to confirm acceptance of the proposed dates money Cllr. Kate Stephen said had been promised by the for 2019 races and Bealach closures (Bealach Beag, 11/5/19; Scottish Government for Highland road repairs. Signage at Bealach Mor, 31/8/19) Helicopters: JG was in contact with the Tornapress & Applecross coastroad junction were discussed. Healthcare Association about their needs in this regard, and There are motorhomes towing cars driving over the Bealach had also spoken with the Applecross Trust. and causing holdups; however if signage limits the length of Update on Meeting with the Trust JG reported that he had vehicle then commercial vehicles will be excluded. Craig met with two members of the Applecross Trust, and that they distributed a leaflet from Transport Scotland, “Driving in were keen to help with tourist management. It was agreed that Scotland”, giving advice to visitors about driving on single it is key to have data on numbers of visitors, amount of traffic track roads. Blue passing place signs have been requested on etc, in order to work together on tourism management. the Applecross coastroad for 2 years; currently there are none. Update on Applecross Forum Meeting SP outlined the main Chemical toilets: there appears to be no provision for its’ points covered in the Applecross Forum meeting. Full minutes disposal outwith official campsites. Robbie had requested HC will be available on: www.applecrossforum.org a couple of years ago to raise with the Scottish government the Update on Shieldaig CC Meeting AB attended a meeting in possibility of Scottish Water taking on the responsibility of Shieldaig about tourism management and roads. He reported chemical waste disposal. Nothing has come of this. Fires: that a light-up sign had been suggested for the junction of the visitors should be informed about the risks of lighting fires. coast road, to show when the Bealach road is closed. There Lack of public toilets & subsequent use by visitors of road had been further discussion about the sign at the foot of the verges: it is a public health issue that people are increasingly Bealach; Robbie Bain had agreed to update the councils. using the road verges as a public toilet. Robbie explained the Highland Council Representation: It was noted that Kate complexity of the different contracts communities have with Stephen is no longer a Highland Councillor for Wester Ross, HC regarding their public toilets. Community Council Strathpeffer, & Lochalsh. It was noted that it has been difficult Review 2018: Robbie reassured us that HC has no hidden to contact the Highland Council in recent months, and that agenda about amalgamating CCs. The review is an opportunity there has been no Highland Council representation in for CCs to raise any boundary issues, provide suggestions & Applecross Community Council meetings this year. Action raise concerns regarding their experience of representing their MS to seek a meeting with Robbie Bain to discuss the communities. Possibility of public meeting with NC500: Community Council’s working relationship with the Highland Kalie asked if it would be a good idea to arrange a meeting Council, and how this should be articulated, in terms of with Tom Campbell & David Whiteford from NC500, MSPs, problem solving and joint strategic planning, by the Councils, Community Councils from SW Ross, Highland Councillors in in the new circumstances created by austerity. this Ward, visitscotland to discuss the issues which have Report from the Treasurer Opening balance: £3798.85 changed residents’ day-to-day way of life. Anne Macrae said Closing balance: £3798.85

24 there is a North Highland Initiative meeting on 23rd October. Approval of Shieldaig CC Minutes Tuesday 4th September LOCHCARRON VILLAGE HALL 2018 Matters arising. Meeting is arranged for a return visit by Iain Moncrieff for 4th October to discuss road issues raised at the previous visit earlier in the year. This includes blue passing A G M place signs, cattlegrids, rumble strips, double yellow lines at Nanny’s corner, road verges/ potholes, public toilets. Alasdair and Anne are interested in joining this meeting. (Post- CC th meeting: Iain Moncrieff had to cancel Thursday’s meeting and Thursday 8 November will send us alternative dates). Kalie is distributing “40mph 7.30pm stickers” which our CC ordered at a cost of £95. This is for use on the village top road and coast road and can be stuck to the Committee Room up stairs sides of wheelie bins. Robbie Bain said that the signs could not be dug into road verges, as previously minuted, or applied to HC property. Community Council Review 2018: Kalie and Your Village Hall needs you to attend Claire filled this in on line. Speed monitoring on Shieldaig top this meeting if you use or wish to use road: PC Allan has not heard back from Greg Otreba regarding moving the 40mph sign down to the junction entering the the Hall in the future (i.e. including village from the south; since this is a recommendation by HC, representatives of current users). Craig and Robbie Bain felt that Shieldaig CC should accept this as the best outcome, even if the speed monitoring was Your input is ESSENTIAL as we are in compromised by roadwork traffic lights in July. the process of planning the way we Police matters: No crime has been reported in our area. Community Resilience: we hope that HC Resilience Officer, would hope the hall is going to Steve Mardon, will attend our next meeting. Kalie will send operate in the years to come. Steve a summary of our Community Emergency work so far, and Duncan will liaise with Steve about arrangements for 6th The Village Hall is a very important November. Viv has arranged defibrillator training with Philip Community asset. Maclachlan for 25th October Thursday 7-9pm in Shieldaig Hall. Finance Lisa confirmed that our annual HC grant has been paid Please make every effort to attend. - £336.14 on 13/8/18 (gross: £422 minus £86 for public liability We would really like to hear your insurance). Planning matters: Planning application summary 18/04031/ suggestions. S42 Ste NW of Sgeir Dughall, Loch Torridon, Diabaig. Changes to conditions has already been permitted by HC with some detailed comments relating to the environmental management plan for this site. Correspondence: Highland Small Communities Housing Trust: we are Lochcarron Village Hall renewing our membership. Hands on Events: Linda and Alasdair Lawson have been in touch with Shieldaig, Hall Caretaker/Cleaner (part time) Applecross, & Torridon & Kinlochewe CCs about forward planning for 2019 events. The suggested dates are Bealach Beag Lochcarron Village Hall Committee is looking 11th May & Bealach Mor 31st August. The suggestion that the events are started an hour earlier was considered not acceptable for an individual to be responsible for: to local communities. A general discussion followed about managing and facilitating the hall bookings pedal bikes highlighting the change in behaviour over recent years. For example, some cyclists are running competitive times providing a high standard of hygiene and over the Bealach and are not prepared to pull over into passing cleanliness throughout the Hall places to allow motor cars to pass. working for approximately 12 hours per AOB: Broadband: Robbie suggested contacting Stewart Robertson, Director of Digital Highlands & Islands, to find out week with some flexibility the possibilities of rolling-out broadband connections to there might be an opportunity for this households on the coastroad. Kalie will contact him. Development officers: Kalie explained the benefits that position to be shared Applecross had gained from having a paid development office, and suggested that Shieldaig could apply for one through the Responsibilities and Duties Community Development group. Date of next meeting: 6th November Tuesday 7.30 pm . to keep the kitchen clean, hygienic and tidy. Thereafter CC dates in 2019 are 5th February, 5th March, 2nd to ensure all rooms are clean and tidy th th st April, 7 May. 4 June AGM, 3rd September, 1 October. to clean and tidy all areas of the Hall setting up main hall/small hall for specific bookings to be able to work independently

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