Braemar Buzzard Informing the Community Issue 19 - Dec 2010 Buzzard Compiled by Doug Bruce & Pamela McAree

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year to all our readers from Braemar News Group

A big thank you to all those who have supported the Buzzard during the past year. Contributions and help are very much appreciated and have enabled the Buzzard to keep being delivered to your door.

INSIDE

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2 Editorial Community Update

3 Focus On.... News from Mar Lodge

4 Christmas Fayre

5 Seasonal entertainment Presents for the past

The Musical production of Charles Dickens‟s Christmas 6 Buzzard Juniors Carol is now in full swing. The cast and crew are working hard to deliver a memorable show. 7 Coire na Sqreuchaig

1 Braemar Buzzard Informing the Community Issue 19 - Dec 2010 post office is in a supermarket it will be interest- ing to hear what other communities in this area say). Geva will of course be addressing the ru- ral perspective with particular emphasis on re- Braemar News Group (BNG) mote rural. Coming in the next issue of the Buzzard: Please let Geva know what you think  Details of the forthcoming AGM in March. (ASAP) by emailing her at: Anyone interested in joining the group [email protected] or  0771 287 (membership is free!) should contact the 2463 Thank you and she looks forward to hear- Buzzard in good time before the AGM at ing your views.

[email protected]  Launch of the Buzzard website - peruse all Scottish Parliament Elections the old back issues and submit event details With public sector spending cuts high on to a continuously updated „What‟s On‟ the agenda, never before has the rural vote for the Scottish Parliament Elections (to be held on Thursday 5th May 2011) been so important. Community Update: So a date for you to put in your diary next year,

Congratulations Dr Fulton! Wednesday 20th April at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall. Braemar Community Council invites you to The Scottish Cardiac Society has introduced the first ever Braemar Question Time when you a special award to give recognition to members will be able to put questions to the various candi- who have given a distinguished contribution to dates for the constituency. John Macpherson cardiac medicine over many years. This award will chair the meeting and each candidate will be takes into account clinical care, teaching of under- asked to speak for about three minutes at the graduates, doctors in training, the promotion of start of the „Hustings‟, outlining why people in professional development and the quality and in- this community should vote for them. ternational importance of research. The first to More about this event plus „How to submit receive this honour is Dr WFM Fulton. Bill Fulton your question‟ in the next issue of the Buzzard has had a long association with Braemar and, with but please feel free to contact one of your Com- his wife Frances, has been a householder in Brae- munity Councillors if you want further informa- mar for 39 years. As Kenya‟s first Professor of tion. Medicine he was a founder of Nairobi‟s University Geva Blackett Medical School and at Stobhill General Hospital in Vice-Chair, Braemar Community Council Glasgow he developed a programme of cardiopul- monary resuscitation. Business and The Scottish Cardiac Society comprises all Development Plan the cardiac physicians and surgeons in Braemar Community Ltd and their trainees. At the September meeting of thanks everyone who com- the Society Bill Fulton was presented with a silver pleted the Castle Consultation quaich inscribed “The Scottish Cardiac Society – form included in last month‟s Lifetime Achievement Award – Professor WFM Buzzard. The community and Fulton” the consultation process will continue once the consultants What do postal services mean to are appointed. you? The necessary funding to Geva Blackett has been asked to speak at a semi- commission the Business and Development Plan nar in London which will examine the future of has been secured at a cost of £10,000 - Aber- postal services in the UK. deenshire Council awarded £5,000 from the Her `slot‟ needs to address our perspective Community Asset Fund, £3,500 of Leader fund- on the long term prospects for the network. ing from the , £1,000 Should non commercially viable Post Offices be from Area Partnership under their Initiative kept open? What effect would closures have on Grant Scheme and Braemar Community Ltd will rural, urban and sub-urban communities? Could add in the final £500. the functions offered at the post office be trans- The invitation to bid has gone out to 8 con- ferred to other locations such as supermarkets, sultants. It is intended to have the Plan ready for consideration by the community during February. pubs or other widespread outlets? (and as our

2 Braemar Buzzard Informing the Community Issue 19 - Dec 2010

News from Mar Lodge Estate We are very pleased that the pinewood Our Postie regeneration is visibly progressing in Glen Edward Anderson has Quoich, Glen Derry and Glen Luibeg. Trees are been 10 years in the job. Prior really evident now, and can be seen easily in to this he was over 20 years in the lower Quoich not far from the car park. banking. Along with Bruce We had a good sporting season, taking Murray, who is postie for Inver- 78 stags with guests and having four weeks of cauld/St Andrews Terrace/ let hind stalking. We are maintaining a deer Balnellan Road and Place, Ed- population in the estate at a level which we ward covers an area of approximately 80 miles. It hope will allow us to continue shooting the starts at the Mill of Inver and goes as far as Al- same number of sporting stags each year. lanaquoich and Glenshee. There are 360 delivery Mar Lodge is fast becoming a very popu- points. Normally it is an 8 hour day but in adverse lar wedding location and this year we hosted weather conditions it can stretch to 10. Wintry weddings on most of the weekends throughout weather can slow deliveries considerably and earlier the summer. Over the winter the lodge is un- this year they didn‟t leave at all on two oc- dergoing refurbishments to upgrade the apart- casions, the diesel filters had frozen in the vans. ments and increase its suitability for holding Asked if there had been any memorable large functions. events in his time as postie, Edward said there had Chris Hewitt‟s position as property man- been many but would not quote on any! ager is being covered by Alexander Bennett the regional Group Manager for NTS until a new person is appointed. Contact with us should Scotland’s first ever Venison Festival continue to be through the Estate office. We Took place at the end of October and was a were also all sad to see Stewart Cumming the roaring success. Over 25 events took place at vari- head Stalker leaving after over 30 years at Mar ous locations across Royal Deeside and the festival Lodge. We will greatly miss his company, skills succeeded in showcasing the area to the wider and knowledge of the estate. world. The Venison Festival was not just about eat- The Mar Lodge Nature club had a great ing, it included a wide range of events from safaris, final session in October walking up Glen Con- slide shows and talks to ceilidhs and concerts and nie, listening to the stags roaring and watching will definitely be repeated next year. them fighting. A range of successful events this The Dine on Deeside Festival will take place year included the Summer Fun Day, Gathering from 18 -27 March 2011 throughout Royal Deeside. Ceilidh and the Bonfire night with fireworks and For more information please contact: torchlight procession. Thanks to the Castleton [email protected] or  013397 Dancers and Community Council for their con- 55283. tributions towards the cost of the fireworks. We Please check out the website: also recently hosted a Local History Group visit www.discoverroyaldeeside.com for details of events around Allanaquoich, and the Braemar Scouts across the Deeside area. survived a very chilly night under hand built shelters as part of a survival weekend !! John Carnie - Royal Deeside & the Cairngorms Destina- Copies of the five year management plan tion Management Organisation. being reviewed will be available from the Estate Braemar Community Ltd (BCL) AGM for anyone interested. Took place at „Taste‟ on 29th November with reports on all the current projects including Brae- Shaila Rao mar Castle, Corriemulzie hydro electricity feasibility study and Auchtavan. Kindrogan Field Studies Centre The „Queen Mother‟s‟ cottage at Auchtavan is Did you know? - the Field Studies Cen- now under lease to BCL and it is hoped to develop tre at Enochdu (on the road between Pitlochry it as an information centre. The feasibility study at and Braemar) runs a huge range of courses - Corriemulzie has been encouraging and a everything from basketry to woodlands nature „champion‟ is being sought to take the scheme for- photography, mountain flowers and astronomy. ward (any volunteers?) Suggestions for develop- For more details go online at http://www.field- ments of new walking paths in the area and a studies-council.org/kindrogan/ bridge across the Dee were also invited.

3 Braemar Buzzard Informing the Community Issue 19 - Dec 2010

Our own Christmas tree Crathie Kirk Hall Coffee Mornings Many thanks to all those If you want a cheery smile who kindly Or to help a charity worthwhile donated their If you are just passing by extra Christ- Come from Balmoral or the Isle of Skye mas Tree Enter in and take a seat Decorations You are sure of a super treat for what was then an un- The venue is Crathie Kirk Hall known cause. Where they‟ll make room for one and all Having on April through October on a Monday Morn several occa- Tables full of the fancies they adorn sions visited the decorated tree it is obvious that Teas, coffee and cappuccino‟s too other decorations have been added by villagers. Will take away the morning‟s blue Where is it located? Take a walk in the wood, find a bench to sit on and look over your left shoulder. Oth- The ladies are such a delight erwise this photograph may help! Good hunting. Who have baked long into the night To give us all these joys to behold Of pleasures yet to be sold Carrot, ginger, fruit and chocolate cake Tiffin, scones and much more they make A Spot of Christmas Fayre We as one would like to say Thank you ladies for making our day Tiffin And when the new season does appear We will be back have no fear Oven Temp: 350F/180C/Gas Mark 4 For our cappuccino and tea Cooking time: 30 minutes And meringue with raspberry.

1 cup coconut, 2 cups cherries, 2ozs sul- tanas, 3 ozs caster sugar, 1 egg, 8oz cook- Braemar & Crathie Hunger Lunch ing chocolate Which took place on 29th October at Crathie

Hall raised £637 for Water Aid. The organis- Melt chocolate and spread on bottom of 7 ers would like to thank everyone who partici- inch tin. Mix coconut, sugar, sultanas and pated. chopped cherries. Beat egg and add to mixture. Spread on chocolate. Bake for 30 minutes.

Biscotti

8 oz ground almonds 6 oz caster sugar 2 egg whites Tablespoon cinnamon

Beat egg whites until stiff. Add to other in- gredients. With wet hands roll into balls and slightly flatten. Place on greased tin. Cook for short while at 350F. Take off Christmas past at Invercauld with palette knife. Arms Hotel. Recognise anyone?

4 Braemar Buzzard Informing the Community Issue 19 - Dec 2010 Seasonal Entertainment

Braemar Christmas Musical Christmas Carols A Christmas Carol Village Hall At Invercauld Arms Hotel and Fife Arms Hotel Performances at 7.30 pm: This will be for charity and volunteers to join in are Wednesday 15th, Thursday 16th needed

Saturday 18th, Sunday 26th Please see the notice at the Chemist for timings.

Matinees at 2.30 pm: Saturday 18th & Sunday 26th Church Services

Prices: Adults £6.00, Concessions £4.50 Child £3 St Andrews Church Christmas Eve 24th December Carol Singing at 5.00 pm followed by Mass at 5.30 pm Festival of Carols

Braemar and Crathie At Ballater Christmas Mass will be at 7.30 pm on Interdenominational service of readings Christmas Eve 24th December. No Christmas Day and carols, Braemar. Mass.

Sunday, 19th December at 6.00 pm Braemar and Crathie Parish Church At Crathie It is hoped to have the dedication of the December 24th 9.00 pm Christmas Eve Service new church clock at this service, weather permitting for its installation. At Braemar Watchnight Service Christmas Eve 11.30 pm

Presents for the Past Alison Grant MacKintosh

So what do you give the family genealogist for Christmas? I‟d start with a large A4 spiral-bound notebook, to prevent those „where did I put that scrap of paper?‟ moments. Add a supply of disposable propelling pencils – perfect for use in archives, which don‟t allow pens, and they don‟t need sharpening. The General Register Office of Scotland does gift vouchers – you can give an online subscription, in units of £6 each. For £6 you get 30 credits, valid for 90 days – although I‟d suggest being gener- ous, as 30 credits don‟t go very far. More info at www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk The Four Another good present would be membership of the Scottish Ge- nealogy Society. For £20 a year you get a quarterly journal, access to Stages Of the library, which includes access to ancestry.co.uk, a programme of Life : talks, and advice from very knowledgeable volunteers – ideal for any- one within striking distance of Edinburgh. More information from 1. You believe in www.scotsgenealogy.com Santa Claus.

Books: the best general guide at present is the Who Do You 2. You don‟t believe Think You Are Encyclopedia of Genealogy by Nick Barratt. For specifi- in Santa Claus. cally Scottish genealogy, I recommend The Scottish Family Tree De- tective by Rosemary Bigwood. 3. You are Santa And for a present that helps a local charity, remember I can offer Claus. research at the special Braemar rate of expenses (currently £13 a 4. You look like day) plus a donation of £5 per hour to Braemar Mountain Rescue. You Santa Claus! can contact me through Braemar News Group.

5 Braemar Buzzard Informing the Community Issue 19 - Dec 2010

Hi Buzzard Juniors Star letter

It is almost your favourite time of year again. Christmas is just around the corner. We hope you will all be getting into the spirit of the season by going to see the local production of A Dear Santa Christmas Carol in the village My mum would like a set of hall. Charles Dickens who wrote the original story is responsible fluffy pink earmuffs so she for bringing back to life many of won’t have to listen to me and the traditions of Christmas that we know and love today. Did you my brother fighting. My dad know that one young woman would like new skis so he can go when she heard of Dickens‟s death said, „Dickens dead? Does faster and beat me in a race. that mean Father Christmas is dead too?‟ My granny would like a robot to In the last issue of the Buzzard we asked you to send in your letters to Santa with what you help cook and clean because would like him to bring in the way of gifts for granddad is hopeless. Grand- members of your family. We have had a great response and Father Christmas is going to get a dad would like a new hammer lovely surprise when he reads all the letters. I as he broke his last one. My think some of the family members will get a bit of a surprise too. The star letter is printed in full brother would like a silent paint alongside, with excerpts from many others be- gun. Well, he wants the loudest low. All entries will remain anonymous. Come on mums, dads and grandparents see if you can gun ever but I thought a silent guess which one is meant for you. one would be better for me. And I

would like a Merry Christmas. My Mum would love a bottle of wine be-  cause she really likes it and my grandma Thank you. would like some ‘get rid of wrinkles’

cream.  My brother needs a girlfriend.

 My mum would like a holiday in California, Congratulations!

but with my dad and me on holiday some- to Alistair Walker - who has been selected where else. to represent Scotland at the World Schools  Can you please bring my family a pig that Orienteering Championships in Italy from 21-27th May 2011. Alistair will be part of a could fertilise the garden? Then we five person Academy boys team could eat it. who were selected following performances  My grandma needs new glasses because at the Scottish Schools Championships in June and a further selection competition in she keeps losing them. early October.  Please can my mummy grow taller and my dad would like Wagner voted off the X- Alistair needs to raise £600 towards costs and he is well on his way following his ta- factor. ble at the Christmas Fayre and donations  Please give my dad money and my mum from various other sources (but any further new clothes. Granny would like a Buddha. financial support would be very welcome!)

6 Braemar Buzzard Informing the Community Issue 19 - Dec 2010 biodiversity. A short length of “access and rescue route” has been put in as a temporary measure on the north side of the burn to allow the scarifying ma- chine to access the northern section of the area whilst creating a minimum of ground disturbance. This “rescue route” will be reinstated once the machine is off the hill. The next step is to plant the trees – these will be a mixture of native Scots Pine (sourced and contract grown from seed collected at Bal- Coire na Sqreuchaig lochbuie Forest in Balmoral). Native broadleaves

(The corrie frequented by Jackdaws) such as hazel and alder as well as birch and rowan will also be planted. You will have noticed the activity above the golf The scheme is being implemented and pro- course in recent weeks on either side of Allt ject managed by Scottish Woodlands on behalf Coire na Sqreuchaig. This is the first step in a of Invercauld Estate. If you have any questions, native woodland expansion scheme. A fence please contact Scottish Woodlands Ltd  has been erected to keep out the deer and rab- 013398 81391 bits. A modified forestry forwarder is currently scarifying the area. The scarifying is akin to Weather information screefing the ground for planting. The tines Check out the „Invent‟ section on the break up the heather vegetation layer and ex- Met Office weather site (click the pose soil to allow nitrification to naturally occur in „Invent‟ tab from the home page). the soil and release available nutrients for the This part of the website is experimental at the young trees to take up. Only the drier areas are moment but has lots of good features to explore being turned over by the scarifier – the wetter for local weather information. areas are being left alone to promote habitat and www.metoffice.gov.uk

Gifts and Gardens wish Braemar Service Station

all our customers Barry and Joanne would like to a Very Merry Christmas thank everyone for their custom during and 2010 and wish them all the best for 2011 Best Wishes for 2011 Stocking all your winter essentials: We will be closed throughout January except on * Rock Salt * De-icer * Snow Shovels * Saturdays * Coal * Peat * Logs * Kindling * * Winter Tyres* 10 Invercauld Road, Braemar T: 013397 41070 Invercauld Road, Braemar. E: [email protected] Tel: 013397 41210

Fife Arms Hotel, Braemar

Christmas & Hogmanay Festive Meals Festive Lunch : £12.95 New Chef Christmas Day Lunch: £35 Hogmanay Dinner/Dance: £39

Bookings Now Being Taken Call: 013397 41644

7 Whats on in and around your village?

Mobile Library Service Date Event Dec 11 Sat Village Senior Citizens Lunch, Invercauld Arms. Wednesdays On the following dates : Dec 11 Sat Braemar School Xmas Fair, 11am - 3pm. Dec: 15th, 29th th th Dec A Christmas Carol, musical performed in the village hall. Jan: 12 26 15/16/18/26 Details page 5. Feb: 9th, 23rd Mar: 9th, 23rd Dec 19 Sun Festival of Carols, 6pm, Braemar.

Starting at the Dec 25 Christmas Day! (details of Church Services see page 5.) School (2.30 pm) and finish- Jan 6 Th AGM & talk, History Group, Village Hall. (Normal meet- ing at St An- ings of History group, every 3rd Sunday). drew‟s Terrace (4.55 pm). Jan 20 Th SWRI Scottish Night party at Kindrochit Court 7.30pm. Jan 21 Fri Burns Supper in Braemar Village Hall. Village £10 per ticket. Bin Collections - Thursdays Jan 24 Mon Braemar Community Council, 7.30 pm Braemar School Wheelie Bins: rd Jan 29 Sat Ceilidh in Braemar Village Hall Dec: 23 , Ceilidh band Clachan Yell held by Braemar th th Jan: 6 , 20 Ski Club Feb:3rd, 17th Feb 21 Mon Braemar Community Council, 7.30 pm, Braemar School. Mar: 3rd, 17th Recycling: Mar 18-27 Dine on Deeside Festival Dec: 16th, 30th Jan: 13th, 27th Apr 20 Wed Question Time 7.30pm Village Hall Feb: 10th, 24th Weekly Events

Wednesdays Scottish Country Dancing. 7.30 - 9.00 pm. Castleton Hall. Open to all (adults). More info  013397 41225 Thursdays Braemar Fruit & Veg stall. 12.00 - 1.00 pm. Village Hall. Orders may be given in advance to Mary at the Health Centre (Tuesday for Thursday collection). Thursdays Scout Group - Beavers, Cubs, Scouts. More information  Duncan 013397 41030. SORRY Meeting regularly over the winter months:

To all those of you who History Group (contact Neil Bain 41420 for details) have donated copy but it Walking Group (contact Richard  41225) has not been used this time. Please send news/articles for the Buzzard to:

We have been lucky to [email protected] have received far too Deadline for next edition: Feb 7th 2011 much for a small edition. Compilers next edition: Maggie MacAlpine & Liz Robertson Look out for the March Adverts: Cost £15.00 per eighth of page number. Contact Maggie MacAlpine  013397 41245