ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Price: £1.00 ISSN 2514-8400 = Issue No. 44 = SUMMER 2019 = World Heritage Site bid for The Flow Country This exciting project could bring a globally-recognised accolade to the North Highlands and help to preserve this incredible environment for future generations.

This year, The Peatlands Partner- ship will attempt an important step in the process of securing World Heritage Site status for The Flow Country. In addition to an exten- sive community consultation, we will submit a technical evaluation to the UK Government, explaining why we feel The Flow deserves to be recognised alongside such illus- trious names as The Great Barrier Reef, The Grand Canyon and The The proposed site is home to many bird species, such as these black throated divers. Taj Mahal. (Continues on page 7) Declaring a Climate emergency in The Highland Council Are local authorities responding to the glob- al Climate crisis? Find out how to join a lo- cal group to protect the environment Page 4

The work of the Kyle of The ‘Massacre of the Rosses’ Sutherland Development Trust Page 8 Police brutality and sympathetic press in one of the last and harshest clearances in the Highlands, the Greenyard evictions Page 16 The Hub has activities for all Page 18

What’s on this Learn about a Summer near you, honey bees 36 pages featuring including Gala and how to Opening times, Telephone guide, Week events help them Bus & Train timetable, Pages 22-25 Page 31 Sudokus & Crossword

MENU

Sample Menu 11.30am until 2pm Bonar Bridge Community Hall

Leek and Potato Soup

—00— Chicken Pie, Roast Potatoes and Mixed Vegetables

—00—

Lemon Meringue Pie and Cream —00—

Sandwiches/Toasties - Prawn Mayo/Cheese/Tuna mayo/ Ham —00—

Childrens’ Snack Boxes (sandwich, yoghurt, raisins and fresh fruit juice) —OO— Cappuccino, Mocha, Latte or Hot Chocolate Tea/Coffee Fruit Juice, Bottled Water—Still or Sparkling —OO— Takeaways must be ordered before 11.30am and collected by 1pm. Please phone 0798 5626340/01863 766190 to order. ardgay & district community Council newsletter SUMMER 2019 = Page 3

Contents

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ARDGAY News =Get to know what is happening at children & young people =Declaring a Climate Emergency ����4 the Kyle of Sutherland Hub �����������������18 =P4-P7 & P1-P3 Gledfield Primary ��28 =Community Council Elections ���������5 =Invercarron Games, cancelled �����������19 =Gledfield Nursery ��������������������������������30 =CARES conference ����������������������������� 6 =How to apply for wind farm funds & =Hamish, the Tartan Dragon �������������30 =Flow Country, proposed Unesco summary of latest Awards ������������������������20 World Heritage site ����������������������������������� 7 =Success of #DigitalKyle ���������������������21 Wildlife =The work of the Kyle of Sutherland =Honey Bee �����������������������������������������������31 Development Trust ������������������������������������8 what’s on in the area =Local CAB opens a Multi-Channel =Events for all ����������������������������������������22 CHURCHES Hub to help with benefit claims ��������10 =Gala Week programme ��������������������23 =Kyle of Sutherland Churches dates =Ardgay Public Hall ��������������������������� 12 =Summer concerts ��������������������������������24 for your diary ���������������������������������������������32 =Kyle of Sutherland Heritage ��������� 13 =KoSDT new Office Services �������������14 adult clubs & societies �������������26 local services a-z ��������������������������33 =New face at the CFS ���������������������������15 =The Massacre of the Rosses �������� 16 gearrchoille wood ��������������������27 puzzles ������������������������������������������������������ 35

Ardgay & District photographs editor’s letter Heritage & children

atural and historical Nheritage features promi- nently in this Summer edition: in an article about the proposed Unesco recognition for the Flow Country, in the Kyle of Suth- erland Heritage Society news, and in the shocking story of the Greenyards clearances. Children are also key: we can look for activities with them in The Hub and the What’s on pages, as well as finding out what Gled- field Primary pupils have been up to this term. Thank you to all A&DCC contributors (23 to this issue) and to the volunteer distributors who brought this copy to you. I hope you’ll enjoy Crofthouse by Louise Worthy this issue as much as I do! < Derelict Crofthouse at Wellgreens, Culrain. Silvia Muras Editor Page 4 = SUMMER 2019 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Ardgay & District News Declaring a Climate Emergency After our last meeting in April, Ardgay & District Community Council wrote to the Highland Council urging councillors to declare a state of Climate Change Emergency in Highland.

At the April meeting of the Community Council we bon emissions to net zero by 2050 for UK and by discussed the Climate Crisis the world is now facing, 2045 for Scotland. and agreed to call on The Highland Council to declare Declarations alone will do nothing, but the good a Climate Emergency which required prompt and de- news is that we do not have to wait for governments cisive action to reduce our Carbon emissions to zero. to take action, there are a lot of organisations (e.g. The Council debated the issue on 9th May when Cllr Friends of the Earth, Centre for Alternative Technol- Davidson, the leader of the Council, put forward a ogy, Greenpeace) giving advice about how we as in- motion seeking member support from across the dividuals can reduce our personal carbon footprint chamber to declare a state of Climate Change Emer- – including by reviewing the way and amount we gency in Highland. Members voted by a clear major- travel, how we heat our homes, the food we eat and ity to form a climate change emergency panel. This the stuff we buy. follows declarations of Climate Emergency by UK, As a community we can get involved with explor- Scottish and Welsh governments. ing ways to address community transport and devel- Also in the news recently has been the publication op local energy schemes – as mentioned in the re- of the UK Climate Change Committee report which port on CARES conference. < Betty Wright, Chair called on the Government to legislate to reduce Car- Ardgay and District Community Council

Planet Sutherland, new local group to fight Climate change

Are you worried about the plan- can do to benefit our wee corner et? Have you given up hope? of the earth. Ideas will vary from Before attending a workshop in community veg and fruit trees to the Lairg Learning Centre with plastic recycling ideas and trans- Arabella and Lynn from The port improvement and beyond. Energy Advice Saving Service We’ll also be looking into some (formally with the KOSDT), my fact-finding ventures to deter- answer to both those questions mine the truth behind the plane- was a definite Yes! tary costs regarding many topics Fortunately I came away from such as meat vs veg and organic the workshop with hope. Hope vs local. that there is something we can Hopefully we’ll identify many tiny, still do to help. My mind has easy changes that will truly help. been sparking with ideas ever Of course, there is much good since, and it transpires that I’m work being done by many local not alone. folks and local businesses al- A small group of us are gathering ready. If you’re already doing on the 1st June to see what we something or if you are interest- ed in coming along or hearing WHY PLANET SUTHERLAND? more about our wee project, Nature is loaded with fractal shapes. This code named “Planet Sutherland”, fern leaf exhibits one of the key charac- teristics of fractals: self-similarity. Each please do get in touch by email- tiny leaflet is curled into a shape which ing [email protected] mimics the larger frond. (don’t forget the “1”) . < Anna Patfield ardgay & district community Council newsletter SUMMER 2019 = Page 5

Ardgay & District News

A new CC for Ardgay & District will be formed in November Community Council Elections 2019

As per the usual four year cy- Sutherland. Highland Council, cle, elections for all High- Nominations Drummuie, Golspie KW10 6TA. 24th September to 8th October land Community Councils are due Tel: 01408 635335 Mob 07747 elections to take place in Autumn 2019. Wednesday 20th November 048776, or phil.tomalin@high- This is your opportunity to work land.gov.uk. with other people to represent the Are you eligible? If you are interested in becom- views of your community across Anyone can become a member of ing a Community Councillor, you a wide range of issues, from new their CC provided they are: can nominate yourself between buildings and roads to services

Gledfield Mill Pottery Open Studio Handmade wood fired pottery

Sunday 7th July 2019 10am-4pm Page 6 = SUMMER 2019 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Ardgay & District News Community and Renewable Energy Scheme conference (CARES)

We attended this conference – using electricity locally. This would Community and Renewable En- increase the carbon saving of the ergy Scheme, part of Local Energy project, and realise savings for local Scotland – on behalf of the Kyle of residents on their fuel bills. Glass recycling bins Sutherland Development Trust and The revenues from such projects Now that the potholes on the the Community Council to learn could be used to address local is- designated site for the glass re- how communities and businesses sues such as: Community transport cycling bins have been repaired, throughout Scotland are develop- and Fuel poverty. we expect the Waste Managent ing local energy schemes and using There are ongoing discussions Office at The Highland Council the revenue from these to help their with local energy developers about will be making arrangements local communities. shared ownership of their proposed to move the glass banks back to A number of the projects focussed schemes which could bring these the Industrial Estate in the fol- on working towards creating a smart ideas to reality – exciting times! < lowing weeks.< local grid – producing, storing and Betty & Andy Wright ardgay & district community council: Betty Wright, Chairperson, silvia muras, Vice Chair, Marion turner, Treasurer & Secretary, rob pope, andy wright, DR BUSTER CRABB (Co-opted member), leslie pope (Associate member), mary goulder, Minute Secretary how to contact councillors north, west & central sutherland ardgay & district community council Linda Munro 8, Munro Place, Bettyhill KW14 1TD Tel 01641 521 366 [email protected] By phone By post Kirsteen Currie Rowanwood, Lamington, Kildary, Invergordon 01863 766 100 (Marion Turner, Secretary) IV18 0PE Tel 07787 221 572 [email protected] Hugh Morrison Orcadia, Lerin, Durness IV27 4QB By mail Tel 07557 566 543 [email protected] Marion Turner, Secretary A&DCC Oldtown, Ardgay IV24 3DH msps Caithness, Sutherland & Ross Gail Ross M5.13 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP Email Tel 0131 348 5927 [email protected] @ [email protected] Donald Cameron M2.18 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP Tel 0131 348 6989 [email protected] Website John Finnie MG.16 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP www.ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil.org.uk Tel 0131 348 6898 [email protected] Rhoda Grant MG.06 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP Facebook Tel 0131 348 5766 [email protected] Ardgay & District Community Council Edward Mountain M3.18 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP Tel 0131 348 6143 [email protected] Drop-in Sessions Douglas Ross M2.08 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP We will be holding clinics from 1 to 4 pm at the Tel 0131 348 6140 [email protected] Ardgay Stores on the following dates: MG.05 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP 13th JULY, 10th AUGUST & 14th SEPTEMBER David Stewart Tel 0131 348 5766 [email protected] Please stop by for a cup of tea/coffee and chat. Maree Todd M4.05 The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP In person Tel 0131 348 5784 [email protected] Ardgay Public Hall, at 7 pm. Next meetings: 12th august mp Caithness, Sutherland & easter Ross 14th october Jamie Stone House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA Tel 01862 892 726 [email protected] ardgay & district community Council newsletter SUMMER 2019 = Page 7

Ardgay & District News

The Flow Country, proposed World Heritage Site

(Starts on front page) The Flow Country stores an incred- is the best way to bring about a World The proposed Flow Country World ible amount of carbon (400 million Heritage Site which brings benefits to Heritage Site straddles Caithness and tonnes!) and healthy blanket bog everyone, which is why we are taking Sutherland, lying at the heart of one continuously removes carbon from The Flow Country World Heritage of the largest areas of blanket bog in our atmosphere. These peatlands Site on tour! We are currently part the world. This globally rare habitat also act as a natural filtration system way through an extensive community includes a wide range of peatland for the rivers and streams that run off consultation, which will see us hold- vegetation, bog pools and of course it; thus, providing cleaner waters for ing fifteen drop-in sessions around many important bird species. our fish and other aquatic wildlife. Caithness and Sutherland. In addi- The Flow Country is considered tion to this, we will also hold three big the best habitat of its type, anywhere benefits for the area events from the 5th-7th July in Lairg, in the world. It is the quality and ex- A World Heritage Site is quite differ- Thurso and Inverness respectively, tent of the blanket bog that gives this ent to some of the existing environ- which will consist of three fascinating site outstanding universal value and mental designations in the north of talks from world-class speakers. justifies its current position on the The Highlands and could bring some Throughout this period it will also UK’s tentative list for World Herit- very unique benefits. These benefits be possible to give your feedback age Site status. The peat throughout include branding opportunities for through our website, at: http://www. this remarkable ecosystem records local producers and accommodation theflowcountry.org.uk/world-herit- the history of the plants, animals and providers; educational resources for age-site/ or through The Highland people who have made this region local students of all ages; modest in- Council’s Consultation portal at: their home for thousands of years. creases in heritage and eco-tourism https://highland-consult.objective. In addition to being a globally-ra- and the potential to leverage more co.uk/portal/environment/flow_ re type of peatland, blanket bog has money for peatland restoration and country_whs/flow_country_whs. been recognised as an important other agri-environment. < Joe Perry, Project Coordinator habitat for the environmental ser- We feel strongly that involving local Flow Country World Heritage Site vices it provides. The blanket bog of people and businesses in this project Working Group Page 8 = SUMMER 2019 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Ardgay & District News

The work of your Development Trust by David Watson, Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust Manager

S you will be aware, clear that public sector in- bers of staff have moved on We are looking at viable al- as a result of Scot- vestments are now much to more secure opportuni- ternatives. Atish Government harder to secure. This has ties as their contracts were Given this, there is a budget cuts, KoSDT have a knock-on effect for other running down. We are now need to move the Trust been unsuccessful in our funding pots such as local in the process of re-apply- onto a more sustainable, bid to the Climate Chal- community benefit funds ing to the Scottish Govern- long-term footing to en- lenge Fund (CCF) to con- secured from local Wind ment for funding to con- sure that we continue to be tinue to deliver The Ener- Farms. The availability of tinue with provision of the able to deliver for the com- gy Advice Service (TEAS) community benefit fund- Community Foodstop and munity in years to come. To across Sutherland, despite ing is more competitive Keep Active Together Pro- do this we are looking at the application being rec- than ever, meaning that gramme. These projects generating income in other ommended for approval. there are inevitably going support one full-time and ways such as consultancy This has resulted in the to be more disappoint- two part-time staff mem- services, community own- loss of the service and the ments as the funds do not bers. The funding bid will ership of renewable energy loss of three highly valued have the ability to support be submitted in June and generation and through a members of staff. all applications. community endowment CCF is the Scottish fund With current political “There is a need fund. set up to tackle climate uncertainty, we have to face At the same time, we change through reducing the reality that KoSDT, just to move the Trust will continue to assist and local carbon emissions. as any other charity, social onto a more develop projects which will However, the budget to enterprise and small busi- sustainable, deliver long-term sustaina- support new projects ness in the country will long-term footing ble growth that strengthen through the CCF was cut have to be fit for purpose to ensure that we the local community and from £5 million last year to and ensure that it remains continue to deliver make a difference to the £2 million this year. Only sustainable in the future. lives of local people. We 22 schemes were funded This will undoubtedly have for the community will, of course, also con- in 2019, compared to 65 in an effect on KoSDT and the in years to come” tinue our work in facilitat- 2018. 43 projects, includ- number of staff members it ing other organisations to ing the application from can employ. In October of although, we are confident thrive. Indeed, in May and KoSDT, that were recom- 2018, after a sustained peri- of being successful, the les- June alone, KoSDT will mended for approval by an od of growth, the Trust was sons learned from our un- have submitted six funding independent panel, were employing 17 members of successful application to applications to help de- not funded. This is despite staff. However, funding for the climate challenge fund liver community projects, repeated declarations from 14 of the 17 staff members mean that we also have to secure jobs and help with Scottish Government that was unsecured past June be realistic that the invest- communication within the we are in the midst of a cli- 2019. Therefore, there is a ment may not be secured. area. mate emergency. realisation that employing This would be another Please feel free to drop On-going public sec- 17 staff was extraordinary huge blow to KoSDT and into the Trust offices at The tor cuts, such as this, have and, whilst it should, of the area that we support. Barn, Ardgay at any time to changed the funding land- course, be applauded, but However, the Board have discuss ideas, existing and scape considerably in re- it will be unlikely to be the made it clear that they new projects, how to get cent times. Historically, norm as we move forwards. wish to proceed with the more involved, or just to one in three Third Sector We have already lost Foodstop, come what may, gain a better idea of what funding applications were three staff members as a as this is a valuable service we do and how we do it. successful; that statistic result of not securing CCF that needs to continue to Here’s to a sustainable is now one in twenty! It is funding; three other mem- deliver in our community. future. < SALMON NETTING ON THE KYLE

PAST PRESENT FUTURE

KYLE OF SUTHERLAND FISHERIES In association with KYLE OF SUTHERLAND HERITAGE SOCIETY at Kincardine Old Church Heritage Centre

TUESDAY 2nd JULY 2019 at 7.30pm

Scotland’s wild salmon population is in crisis. Levels of wild salmon are at their lowest level since records began in 1952. 2019 is the ‘International Year of the Salmon’ and salmon conservation must become a national priority. We are proposing a Salmon Netting project on the Kyle aimed at combining aspects of both heritage and the gathering of scientific information that will contribute to the management of the species locally.

Page 10 = SUMMER 2019 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Ardgay & District News National Advice available at a local level for Universal Credit and Financial Health Checks East & Central Sutherland Citizens Advice Bureau have now two advisers in the Multi-Channel Hub, prepared to help citizens with these claims and checks.

A new national telephone ing you can get face to face and webchat advice service support when needed. is being delivered by 39 Cit- The service opens at 8 am izens Advice Bureaux all and once we’ve logged in we across Scotland and East & will be put into a national Central Sutherland CAB are queue were we might re- delighted to be involved, em- ceive either a Help to Claim ploying 2 people locally to call or webchat or a Finan- help deliver the service. The cial Health Check call. Multi-Channel Hub will pro- The call/webchat that we vide help if you need help to take could come from an- make a new Universal Credit ywhere is Scotland as it is claim or if you would like a a national helpline so our Financial Health Check. ‘Find your local bureau’ tool The Help to Claim line is comes in very handy. Some there if you’re thinking about queries may only be just a claiming Universal Credit quick question like want- for the first time. Advisers ing to know the website that can talk you through cre- they need to access to claim ating a new email address, Steven Sinclair, Multi-Channel Hub Adviser. universal credit. Others may preparing for a work coach require step by step help appointment, sorting evidence How to access completing the claim online or for a claim and finding internet the services we could even refer them to their access and these are just a few of To contact the national services use local bureau so that they can at- the things that we can assist you the details below: tend a face to face appointment. with. HELP TO CLAIM LINE: Once the telephone call or A Financial Health Check can <08000 232 581 web chat is finished we update help you if you are struggling to FINANCIAL HEALTH CHECK LINE: our case recording system so make money last or worried about <08000 857 145 that all the details of the conver- how to pay the bills. We can check Both lines are open from 8:00 to sation are logged in case the cli- if you’re receiving the money that 18:00 Monday to Friday ent needs to phone back. you are entitled to and also look to Alternatively the web chat can be After that it’s then back into make sure you aren’t paying over accessed by going onto the queue waiting for the next the odds for services. www.cas.org.uk/helptoclaim contact. No call/webchat is The service offers national tele- and clicking on the chat with us ever the same so it really keeps phone helplines and a web chat icon. Web Chat is also available the job interesting and very re- from 8:00 - 18:00 Monday to Friday service, giving you an opportunity warding being able to make to ask a quick question or receive people feel more at ease when some guidance regarding making making a new Universal Cred- a universal credit claim. We can East & Central Sutherland it claim or helping people to also refer you to your local Citi- Citizens Advice Bureau. save money through a financial zens Advice Bureau to arrange a ) 01408 633 000 health check. < Steven Sinclair, face to face appointment, ensur- * [email protected] Multi-Channel Hub Adviser ardgay & district community Council newsletter SUMMER 2019 = Page 11

Ardgay & District News free service provided by your local Citizens Advice Bureau efit checks can be carried out at this time getting the Financial Health Check FHC process started. If you are involved with a lo- A Financial Health Check to accessing cheaper deals new service to local groups cal group or organisation (FHC) is a completely free and saving you money. A and organisations. Home and feel that a FHC be of and confidential service search for the best deals visits are also available benefit to you and your which begins with a full available is done using var- for anyone with an illness members please contact benefits check to deter- ious comparison sites; one or disability that prevents the office and an appoint- mine whether you are in client has saved almost them from attending the ment can be made for a receipt of all benefits you £500 each year by switch- office or an outreach clinic. group visit. are entitled to; 500,000 ing their electricity suppli- Working with commu- Contacting your local Scots are not claiming er, telephone contract and nity groups has been very FHC adviser couldn’t be what they have a right to home insurance. successful. This involves easier. Simply call the East claim. We can also look A typical day in the life speaking with those in & Central Sutherland Cit- into any grants or exemp- of a FHC adviser can vary attendance and allowing izens Advice Bureau on tions which you may not from a day in the Golspie for discussion within the 01408 633000 to book be aware of and consid- office working with -indi group around the topic of an appointment or email: er what you are currently viduals and families, to where money can be made [email protected]. paying on your utility bills heading out into the com- and saved. If somewhere

Local mini digger hire

Most ground work catered for, ditching, trenching, foundations material handling, rock breaker for stubborn boulders,

concrete etc, 3 tonne Full Day Half Day ( Prices Ex VAT.) rubber track machine Kyle of Sutherland Residents £9.50 £5.70 Full Rate £12.50 £7.50 ideal for sites • Half Day Slots: AM: 8:30am – 12:30pm | PM: 1pm – 5pm with restricted access. • Desk Rental includes Power and Guest Wi-Fi. • Printing costs are over and above rental costs. Contact: [email protected] to book a slot. Phone Dave The Barn, Drovers Square, Ardgay, Sutherland, IV24 3AL www.kyleofsutherland developmenttrust.org 07860675194 Tel: 01863 766190 Company limited by Guarantee registered in Scotland: SC401019 Registered Scottish Charity: SC043587 Page 12 = SUMMER 2019 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Ardgay & District News Volunteers needed for Ardgay Public Hall To help at fundraising events or to come along to the committee meetings with fresh ideas for other events which would help boost the hall funds.

As the poet would have it - Hope entail further funding applications to vid Hannah (Chairman) , Rhonwen springs eternal in the human breast. ensure its completion. Copley (Treasurer), Fiona Venters But what is hope? So, what can you do to help keep (Booking Secretary), Jockie Hewitt According to my dictionary, your hall committee hopeful? and Silvia Muras (committee Mem- Hope is an optimistic state of mind Every funding application, like bers), or, just come along to any man- that is based on an expectation of the successful submission to the Be- agement meeting, they are always positive outcomes with respect to inn nan Oighrean fund which re- advertised in the hall, on the village events and circumstances in one’s life cently enabled the renovation of the notice boards and via the hall Face- or the world at large. Carron Place fire escape path, has book page. It’s also the necessary mindset of to include at least a small element And finally, don’t forget to look out the hall committee every time a grant of self-generated finance. Could you for the October AGM notices – date application is submitted on behalf of help at fund-raising events like the yet to be confirmed. The commit- Ardgay Hall. biennial auction on 14th June or the tee continue to remain hopeful that At the time of writing the out- annual Christmas Fair in November? many of you will attend this meeting comes of the two current applications Or, do you have any fresh ideas for to comment on what has / has not are still awaited. The first concerns other events which would help boost been achieved over the last twelve the renovation of the car park wall the hall funds, so that the committee months and at least have your say and the second the funding of a pro- has the resources to hopeful submit about what is hoped will be achieved fessional architect to enable the es- future applications and continue the in 2020. Not to mention hoping that sential refurbishment and insulation building refurbishments? you would also like to help by volun- of the Ladies and Disabled toilets; a If so, all you have to do is contact teering to join the committee too. < project which in itself will inevitably any committee member, that’s Da- Rhonwen Copley, Secretary

Bank of Scotland services

At the recent Lloyds Banking Group AGM in Edinburgh on the 26th May 2019 I tackled the Board with their move that customers should use the Post Office where their local bank branch has gone. This is all very well if you have a Post Office to go to. In Scourie, for instance, the Post Office is no longer. The next PO is at Kinlochbervie, some 15 MSP praises local children miles away. In Brora there is no permanent Post In a letter received by the Kyle of Sutherland De- Office, as it closed when the shopkeeper retired, velopment Trust last May, Scottish Minister Mai- and the Post Office sends a mobile unit twice a ri Gougeon MSP thanked Sutherland children for week. The Government in Westminster is happy to their Climate change postcards submitted by Lynn say that the furthest a customer is from a post office Munro, from the Energy Advice Service. is no more that three miles. She said, “I am really pleased to see so many Why not pop in for tea and chat on a Tuesday young people showing that they care passionately morning to the Village Hall between 10-12 noon, about protecting the planet and the local environ- while the Bank of Scotland mobile unit is in oper- ment. I was interested in the many ideas and opin- ation? Cheques will soon be able to be scanned and ions the pupils have on how climate change might sent to the Bank via one phone App.< Michael Baird impact Sutherland and what can be done to help.”< Bonar Bridge Post Office SERVICES AVAILABLE: ardgay & district community Council newsletter — Cash deposits and withdrawals via chip and pin — Postal services — Post Office© card account — Postal orders — Moneygram — Electronic bill payments — E top-ups — Pre-order travel money — Car tax — Euro and US dollar currency

Ardgay Stores & Highland Café Salmon netting at Bonar Bridge, 1930s / © marion Sinclair Kyle of Sutherland Heritage Society with Bonar Bridge

OPENING TIMES: Thur 7:30am-8pm History Group update Mon 7:30am-7:30pm Fri 7:30am-7:30pm Tues 7:30am-7:30pm Sat 8:30am-7pm Easter 2019 and the Soci- joint project he wishes to Wed 7:30am-7:30pm Sun 8:30-5:30pm ety’s 20th Art Exhibition undertake - collaboration took place. Some 30 artists will be needed to fulfill mounted over 100 pictures the work. All interested and supplied cards and will be most welcome. ARDGAY & DISTRICT prints. Some of the artists On July 17th at too came to act as stew- 7:30pm, Sarah Horne, Community Council newsletter ards and the committee daughter of the late Dr & are most grateful for their Mrs MacGregor of Craig- Advertising Tari assistance. Thanks too are dhu, Bonar Bridge will be extended to the two visi- speaking of one of her an- Full Page  Design tors who arrived to see the cestors, a niece of prison size A4 available Contact us church and helped to dis- reformer Elizabeth Fry. £40 mantle the exhibition. An evening of Scottish to get a quote An evening of poetry ceilidh dancing with some  Get help with reading was held early in demonstrations and mu- Half Page sizes & fi les April, and was enjoyed sic (date to be confirmed) size A5 - landscape  by those presents. (Some Tuesday 3rd Septem- Reach 100% £20 of your target poems were new even to ber, “One Man’s War”, on me!) An evening of music the 80th Anniversary of  Boost your was provided by Veda (vi- the start of WWII. Not 1/3 Page business for less olin) and John (piano) in much of the fighting but size A5 - portrait May. the people and places and £25 Our June events have the backdrop of five years yet to be confirmed. One in Africa - and beyond. is to be either a Sunday And October, during 1/4 Page lunch or evening at the the Archeology Festival a size A6 - portrait Crannag bistro by invi- “Round Table” open to all tation of the proprietors. to bring photos, letters, £10 Numbers are limited so etc about the area or the names please to Valerie family to share. Module who will hopefully have All meetings are open Smallest size more information soon. to the general public, res- £5 On the 2nd of July idents and visitors alike Next there will be an evening (except the visit to The edition: with Sean Robertson of Crannag) and entry is Booking & enquiries: 15 Sept. the Kyle of Sutherland by donation. < Valerie (Silvia) 01863 766 690 Fisheries Board about a Mackenzie-Harris [email protected] Page 14 = SUMMER 2019 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Ardgay & District News

Tulloch Road Land

KoSDT had previously been granted planning permission to build three units of affordable housing on the land that the Trust owns next to the Post Office in Bonar Bridge. However, after ex- ploring this further it has become clear that the business case does not stack up, so the Trust will not proceed with this project. This means that the site will be put on the market as a self-build plot with a rural housing burden. Any funds that are raised from the sale of the land will be used for KoSDT Office Services the development of communi- It is now possible to rent a ‘Hot Desk’ in The Barn (open plan) of- ty assets. If you are interested in fice space on certain days of the week. Please contact valerie@ky- purchasing the land, please con- leofsutherland.co.uk if you would like to book a slot. tact Valerie Houston at valerie@ Notes: kyleofsutherland.co.uk. < l Half Day Slots: AM – 8:30am – 12:30pm, PM 1pm – 5pm l Desk Rental includes Power and Guest Wi-Fi. Funding Announcement l Printing costs are over and above rental costs. Subject to availability!< KoSDT has recently been award- ed £21,250 of ‘CARES’ funding HOT DESK TARIFF from Local Energy Scotland to Full Day half day help us secure financial and legal advice that will help us to explore Kyle of Sutherland Residents £9.50 £5.70 future opportunities for commu- Full Rate £12.50 £7.50 nity ownership of renewable en- ergy projects.< * Prices Ex VAT.

Playpark Developments

Earlier this year it was reported that The Highland Council had planned to close the children’s play park in Carnmhor Road in Bonar Bridge because the equipment was deemed to be unsafe. KoSDT has been communi- cating with the Highland Council to find ways to retain the facility without taking ownership of the site, and we have been seeking quotes to make improvements to the park. Funding still needs to be sourced to allow this to move forward. In the meantime, KoSDT has been con- tracted by Edderton Village Hall committee to redevelop its existing play park over the summer months. Funding for this project was secured by the Hall committee from Leader, Beinn Tharsuinn Wind Farm, Ward Discretion- Bonar Bridge playpark was deemed to be unsafe. ary Fund and Balblair Distillery. < ardgay & district community Council newsletter SUMMER 2019 = Page 15

Ardgay & District News A new face at the Community Food Stop

Over the summer months the Com- Lee McNeish, the student who munity Food Stop in Bonar Bridge has been placed with KoSDT said, Hall will have a student based at the “The Community Food Stop caught café as part of a ‘Food, Poverty and my attention because I have a strong Social Exclusion Internship Project’ belief in the importance of food as a which is a partnership between the foundation to bring people together Scottish Council for Voluntary Or- and as a starting point to address ganisations (SCVO) and the Uni- social issues, especially loneliness versity of Edinburgh. and isolation.” The Trust looks for- The project (funded by the Scot- ward to welcoming Lee – please feel tish Government) has created in- free to come and chat to him if you ternship opportunities for nine come to the Café! < students to undertake a piece of research to develop an understand- KoSDT ing of the impact and value of their The Barn, Drovers host, third sector organisation’s Square, Ardgay work conducted around food, pov- IV243DH erty and social exclusion. ) 01863 766 190

PLOT FOR SALE TULLOCH ROAD, BONAR BRIDGE, IV24 3EF O. I. R. O £30,000

Photocopying Prices May 2017

Black and White A4 single sided 15p A4 double sided 20p A3 single sided 20p A3 double sided 25p 2 Colour Copies 530m A4 single sided 25p A4 double sided 35p Views across the Kyle A3 single sided 35p A3 double sided 45p

Laminating A4 60p A3 £1

Price on request for bulk copying. Planning Permission Granted Set in centre of Bonar Bridge with good facilities close by Rural Housing Burden applies once sold Contact Us | 01863 766190 or [email protected]

Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered office: The Barn, Drovers Square, Ardgay, Sutherland, IV24 3AL Scottish Registration: SC401019 Scottish Charity: SC043587

Scottish Charity: SC043587

www.facebook.com/kyleofsutherland.Development Trust. Telephone: 01863766190 Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust is a company Limited by Guarantee Registered in Scotland: SC401019 and a registered Scottish charity: SCO43587. Registered office: The Trust Offices, Dornoch Road, Bonar Bridge, Sutherland, IV24 3EB Page 16 = SUMMER 2019 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Ardgay & District News

Ordnance Survey map of Strathcarron (ca. 1878-1883) Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland. The Massacre of the Rosses Ten years after the Glencalvie clearance, when the interest of the press in the “Highland problem” was beginning to wane, Donald Ross published a pamphlet describing in detail the brutality some 40 policemen used against women in the Greenyards eviction in Strathcarron.

The violence and brutal- full account of twenty cases estates of Greenyard and The Greenyards evic- ity following the tenants’ with graphic descriptions Glencalvie. The Glencalvie tions were postponed to resistance to the evictions of their beatings and inju- clearances followed, with a avoid unwanted interest. in Greenyards surpassed ries, a harrowing read. correspondent to The Times According to John Prebble, any reported cases at the reporting on the impro- Gillanders had been plan- time. Donald Ross, a law- delayed eviction vised refugee camp at Cro- ning clearing the property yer in Glasgow who had The story began when in ick churchyard. The case one tenant at a time (there been particularly active 1842 James Gillanders of the evicted Highlanders were only four tenants but reporting the Highland placed an advertisement attracted great sympathy close to 400 people in to- clearances in the press, stating that farms were to from Press and readers all tal). It was hoped to exe- came to Strathcarron a few be let as sheep walks on the over the country. cute the evictions quietly days after the events. He and efficiently within four interviewed witnesses and years. However, he had victims, and even collected Who was Donald Ross? been busy with his own pieces of evidence on the Donald Ross, referred to as the “friend” of the Highlanders marriage to the landlord’s spot. His detailed descrip- by his rivals, was the most outspoken critic of the Highland daughter, and forgotten to Clearances in the 1850s. He was born in 1813 and grew up tions of the injuries and his in Skibo Castle Estate. His family were tennants of the Mill start procedures. account of the conduct of at Clashmore, and in 1842 they were evicted and the family Gillanders, the landlord the constables was deemed dispersed. Donald moved to Glasgow and was remarkable law-maker Steward and the to be “incredible” even for for defending the poor in court. He became an activist and tacksman Alexander Mun- his own (radical) newspa- prolific writer of pamphlets and articles in newspapers such ro met secretly in Tain and as The North British Daily Mail, the Inverness Advertiser, and per, the Northern Ensign. from 1850, in the Northern Ensign. The Knoydart clearances decided to clear the prop- After the editors modified in 1853 and the Greenyards evictions were undoubtedly the erty in early 1854. Munro to a large extent one of two most famous cases Ross documented. He set up ‘The was confronted by his sub- Ross’ articles, he decided to Highland Benevolent and Industrial Society’ and was secre- tenants, but he denied any publish a pamphlet called tary to ‘The Glasgow Celtic Society’ to help his fellow High- intention of clearing Green- “The Russians of Ross- landers. Unfortunately all went wrong for him when it was yards. The Sheriff tried to exposed that he had fabricated a fundraising letter, and he shire, the massacre of the ended up emigrating to Nova Scotia with his family. < deliver the summons twice, Rosses”. Here he gave the and in both occasions his ardgay & district community Council newsletter SUMMER 2019 = Page 17

Ardgay & District News men were met by Strath- carron women who intim- The story of Grace Ross idated them and burnt the Stephen Fisk, on his web- the river and stood there summons. The second at- site abandonedcommu- with the water up to her tempt on the 20th March nities.co.uk narrates the waist. Eventually the by William MacPherson, ordeal of the victims. One police moved away from the “Gauger Affair”, had of them was Grace Ross, her, and she came out of been particularly humili- aged 21, from Cawdearg, the river, falling prostrate ating for the police, so they well known for her ‘good on the bank. People on sought a tougher approach. conduct and amiable the northern bank held The group with the re- disposition’: “She was hands and waded across sponsibility of delivering watching as a specta- towards her. They carried the summonses the third tor when a policeman her across the river and Grace Ross time around comprised struck her a savage blow survived the took her back to Caw- about 40 men from Inver- with his baton on her brutal attack. dearg. Grace Ross sub- ness, Ross-shire and Tain. forehead. She collapsed sequently made a good It was led by Mr Taylor, immediately. The blow caused a cut four recovery. She married and brought up the Sheriff-substitute. The inches long, exposed the skull, shattered a family, and lived at Cawdearg for the group met at Midfearn the frontal bone, and carried into the rest of her life. She died on 1913, a month soon after midnight. Don- fissures pieces of the cap that was on before her 82nd birthday. One of her ald Ross reports that they her head. For a few minutes Grace lay descendants, Alastair McIntyre, Grace’s drank several bottles of unconscious, but then she tried to crawl great grandson, still lives there today. He ale, port, and whisky that away towards a wood. The police no- told me that Grace used to demonstrate night. They reached Gled- ticed her, and started beating her again her injury by placing a button in the field by carriage at dawn on the back and shoulders. She ran into depression on top of her head.” < on the 31st March. When the police arrived In the end, only two at Fearnaich field, close to people were charged and the boundary of Greenyard, they both plead guilty to a they found about 60 to 70 breach of the peace: Anne women and a lot of boys Ross (12 months prison) and girls assembled there, and Peter Ross alias Bain and a dozen men in the (18 months hard labour). background, according to Peter Ross was not pres- Donald Ross. The Inverness ent at Fearnaich but was Courier, which gives Tay- charged for the “Gauger lor’s version of the events, Affair”. The court case en- states that there were 200 Fearnaich field, across the river Carron on the right hand side, dend quickly and quietly. women and 100 men. site of the Massacre of the Rosses. ©alistair macintyre There was no public up- Taylor instructed them 19 women and four men later died from the inju- roar, and by mid 1850s, the to move out of the way, but were seriously wounded in ries-, Ann Ross of Hilton public opinion had shift- they did not immediately the baton charge and were by Langwell (56), Catherine ed to the Crimean War. move. Without further de- interviewed by Ross: Chris- Ross of Langwell, Grace “Where are the Highland- lay Taylor ordered the con- tine Ross (aged 50) wife of Ross (21), Naomi Ross, Ann ers?” was asking the Press, stables to clear the way and John Ross at Greenyard, Munro of Cornhill by Lang- when the recruitment for knock down the women. Ann Ross (40), Margaret well, Helen Ross of Wester this war failed miserably The police rushed among Ross, daughter of Thomas Greenyards, Donald Ross in the Highlands. “Across the women, striking them Ross Amat-na-Tua, Mar- (68) -a Waterloo veteran-, the Atlantic, feeding the violently on the head with garet Ross, Elizabeth Ross the young lads George and strength of other lands”, their batons, and levelling (22), Janet Ross, Margaret Donald Ross, David Munro Donad Ross would answer them to the ground. Macgregor Ross (47) -who from Culrain... bitterly. < Silvia Muras Page 18 = SUMMER 2019 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Ardgay & District News

Music and Movement session, The Hub is open 7 days a week. aimed at children aged 0-3 years old. The Hub, activities for all ages Do you know what goes on behind the doors of the Kyle of Sutherland’s very own Rainbow? There’s a lot more than meets the eye!

As a registered charity and social In 2018 the Hub secured Christians Together, Lairg & Dis- enterprise, we are a not-for-profit £181,561.33 of external funding. trict Learning Centre, Highland organisation that continuously aims Some of this covers a period of 2-3 Highlife have all funded wonderful to reinvest in services and facilities years, some is for revenue and some projects at the Hub. that meet the needs of all commu- for particular projects. All of it is nity members, our outlying neigh- awarded with belief in our project After School/weekend and bours, and tourists who bring in and the communities we serve. Holiday clubs much needed income to the whole The National Lottery Community In January with funding secured area. The Hub is voluntary managed Fund, Tudor Trust, The Foyle Foun- from the Aspiring Communities by a small group of dedicated locals, dation, Hugh Fraser Foundation and Fund along with an Assistant Man- a wonderful staff team of 8 employ- Aspiring Communities Fund (the ager we were able to recruit a play- ees, 7 brilliant casual employees and Scottish Government) have been worker. This has hugely impacted over 19 priceless volunteers ranging our lifeline funders during 2018 with on what we have been able to offer at in age from 12 to 73. commitments continuing from some the Hub to the Primary age group as Being situated in a remote rural into 2019 and 2020. As a fledgling well as allowing us to maintain the area with a small population the project, with annual running costs in services that had started some time project is working hard to reach excess of £150,000 per annum, with- ago on “The Bus”. Since starting sustainability, although with huge out these funders we simply couldn’t we have offered over 143 different costs and limited income this is very have continued operating. They sup- activities including weekend clubs difficult, and so we rely heavily on port staff costs, utilities and give us and an action-packed Easter Holi- external funding to meet core run- the breathing space to research and day activity program. It is thanks to ning costs and provide the wonder- develop new ideas. the ACF and Beinn Tharsuinn that ful array of activities we do as well as we can offer these activities for free investing in things like resurfacing Projects making them accessible to all chil- the car park and entrance area to Aspiring Communities Fund, The dren irrespective of circumstances. the industrial estate. Scotch Whiskey Action Fund & Reach for the Stars is a three- So just how much investment has Foundation Scotland, The Cat- year program of activity for 3 year The Hub attracted to the area and tanach Trust, Youth Scotland, Be- olds and under. These classes help what exactly does it support? inn Tharsuinn Community Benefit, parents to learn skills that they can ardgay & district community Council newsletter SUMMER 2019 = Page 19

Ardgay & District News replicate at home and mix with oth- the area instructors providing Kem- er parents reducing the isolation po, Boogie Bounce, Yoga, Insanity that can come with living in a ru- and HIIT step. ral community. Some of the classes we have offered so far through The So, what’s coming up Cattanach Fund are “Sing & Sign”, At present we are focusing our fund- “Reflexology” and “ante natal yoga”. raising efforts on employment for a Additionally, we have provided full-time fitness instructor and coor- Cancellation “Messy Play” sessions at two local dinator. Many of you have said that playgroups. you would like more help in the gym of Invercharron at times that we can not currently Highland Games Youth Café meet with existing staff, and more ex- In November we ran our first Youth ercise classes. We have listened and Unfortunately the Inverchar- Café for young people of Second- are trying our hardest. Unfortunate- ron Highland Games commit- ary School age. Every other Satur- ly, we had the application refused by tee has had to take the decision day evening the multi-use room is a funder recently, but fingers crossed that the games will no longer turned into a funky lit, eatery with another one will see the benefit to be taking place. music. The young people are giv- the community and the broad posi- It had been hoped to run the en food, smoothies and an activity. tive effects it will have. games this year with a small These have included a ma- We have an ac- but determined Committee. gician, nerf wars, quiz- tion-packed fun filled However, due to personal cir- zes, mocktails with Summer program for cumstances the size of the the Wild Highland 0-18 year olds and committee has now dwindled Drinks Co and oth- have been busy in to a level that means that it er fun games. Com- the café developing is impossible to carry out the ing up we have new healthy sum- planning, organising and fund alcohol awareness mer tasty treats. raising that is required in the activities and self- We wouldn’t be months preceding the games to defence. This project motivated, existing, deliver a successful games. runs until November Easter Club and able to carry on It had been hoped that the 2019 and is growing each without you the lovely games would take place in Bo- week in popularity. A model of people who use and support nar Bridge this year with a view how to engage, reduce isolation and the Hub, we hope you enjoy your to creating more interest in the increase cohesion amongst this age visits. If you haven’t been in, pop in games from the local commu- group it has simply been brilliant. there is always someone to show you nity, however this has not been These cafés are free for the youths to around this amazing project we are possible. In line with its consti- attend thanks to the “Scotch Whisky so lucky to have. If you would like to tution the assets of the games Action Fund” and lots of willing vol- get involved – even for just an hour will be frozen and be made unteers. or two – please don’t hesitate to get available if a new committee Also, for this age group we have in touch using the details below or is established to resurrect the youth gym supported by the Hub, just pop in for a chat. < games. youth Clubs supported by Highland The games committee would Highlife and Youth Scotland. like to thank past committee Carol Shaw, There are so many projects it is Co-manager members, volunteers, judges impossible to list them all but a few Kyle of Sutherland Hub and sponsors for all their past are flower arranging and cookery efforts and local landowners ) 01863 769 170 supported by the Lairg Learning for their provision and more Centre, a mother’s day afternoon tea www.kyleofsutherland.com recently offers of land on which supported by Christians together. * [email protected] to hold the games. For further As well as these projects the Hub * [email protected] information e-mail: mail@in- has been able to secure and bring to Kyle of Sutherland Hub vercharrongames.co.uk < Page 20 = SUMMER 2019 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Ardgay & District News How to apply for Community Awards

Small projects projects under under £250 £2,000 The Beinn nan Oighrean Windfarm Awards The Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm l Go to Ardgay & District CC website: Community Benefit Fund www.ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil.org. l Go to http://ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil. uk where you can find full details and download org.uk to download the guidelines and applica- the application form. tion form. l Send your completed application form to l Send your completed application form to secretary@ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil. [email protected] and to secretary@ org.uk ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil.org.uk l Next deadlines: 12 August 2019 & 14 October l Next deadlines: 12 August & 14 October 2019 2019

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

SSE Achany Community Fund E.ON Rosehall Community Fund

l Visit the fund’s page http://sse.com/communi- l Foundation Scotland administers E.ON Rosehall ties/fundlocations/achany/ for more info and to Community Fund. Visit https://www.foundation- download the application form. Please note that scotland.org.uk/programmes/eon-rosehall.aspx for there are two different forms: £2,000-£10,000 and details. You can apply online or download the ap- £10,000+. plication forms (£2,000-£25,000 and £25,000+). l Complete and return to fiona.morrison@sse. l Alternatively, you can contact Eilidh Gunn by email com or by Royal Mail to: Fiona Morrison, Corporate [email protected] or call 07801 530 Affairs, SSE, 10 Henderson Road, Inverness, IV1 1SN 218 if you require any further information or advice. l Next deadline: 31 October 2019 l Next deadline: 31 October 2019

Summary of Awards made by Achany Community Fund in year 9 List of awards from SSE Achany Community Fund from January 2018-January 2019

Year 9 has seen the panel the areas of benefit of the l Kyle of Sutherland from variable sum make decisions on the fund. The panel consists Development Trust £19,000.00 Achany Community Fund, of 12 members represent- Contribution to Develop- l Culrain and District Hall Kyle of Sutherland Ap- ing the three community ment manager post for Towards structural survey prenticeship Scheme and councils which make up two years and Architectural services E.ON’s Rosehall fund. The the Area of Benefit for £80,000.00 £10,000.00 panel have had to make Achany wind farm (Ar- l Lairg Community l Lairg and District some difficult dgay & District, Association Community Initiative decisions, with Creich and Lairg). Contribution towards Development Officer Post a visible reduc- In 2018 SSE, as equipment for Communi- £17,500.00 tion in funding the developer of ty Centre to operate as a l Edinburgh International opportunities, the number the Achany Wind Farm, wedding venue Science Festival of applications and espe- contributed £93,547.30 £6,000.00 Science workshops within cially those from organ- into the main Achany l KOSAS local primary schools isations based out-with Fund. Apprenticeship funding £2,000.00 ardgay & district community Council newsletter SUMMER 2019 = Page 21

Ardgay & District News Success of #DigitalKyle More than 80 people attended the wide pro- gramme of events organised locally by the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust.

Inspired by Safer Inter- tion so that people of all net Day 2019, KoSDT ages could enhance their teamed up with several digital skills, use online organisations including resources to support and Highlands & Islands En- market their businesses terprise, SCVO One Dig- and to have fun too! ital, Police Scotland, Uni- Lynsey Gilmour from versity of the Highlands Edderton, whose chil- and Islands STEM Hub, dren took part in the Mhor Collective, High- UHI STEM Hub work- land Wireless, Brora shops said, “My children Rangers Youth Initiative, both had a fantastic time Google, and Business at the workshop. It was Gateway to curate a se- really accessible for dif- ries of free digital themed ferent levels of learning events that took place need, and being really throughout February hands on kept the kids and March at the Kyle of engaged throughout. Sutherland Hub We’d definitely recom- Over 80 people took mend the workshops, Collective. He com- tending if you need these part in the programme, and I’m fact I’m hoping mented, “It was a very skills...” with the events being to arrange one for my good interactive course In the future KoSDT targeted at different age Rainbow and Brownie aimed at folk with some aims to work with part- groups, with the aim of Units next term.” or no knowledge of digi- ner organisations to run raising awareness about Bonar Bridge Ardgay tal communications and similar programmes to cyber security risks for Golf Club Board Mem- digital concepts. The explore different themes both families and busi- ber Terry Jones attended course was well struc- that will be of interest to nesses – but also to help the ‘Digital Storytelling’ tured and run. The ven- Kyle of Sutherland resi- increase digital participa- workshop run by Mhor ue was ideal. Worth at- dents.< Kirstin Langlois

‘Am Bratach’ magazine closed following May edition

The board of North West Sutherland Council for Com- describes, had their “priority article” when opening the munity Action, publishers of Am Bratach, announced magazine. One subscriber, journalist Kirsty Gunn, pub- the closure of the magazine in the May issue. In its edi- licly praised the range and quality of writing on offer in torial “Final curtain falls on Am Bratach” the board ex- Am Bratach in a column published by The Scotsman in plained, “Following a decision made in April, the publi- March 2018. “It’s a full afternoon of engaged reading cation will be wound up after the May edition. Thanks and, in its way, as absorbing as The New Yorker or Scot- are due to the many readers, subscribers, advertisers and tish Review of Books, other journals I take,” she wrote, a contributors who have supported the magazine over al- generous tribute.” most twenty-eight years of continuous publication. Am An article published in The Northern Times on the Bratach was first published in November 1991.” [...] 18th May reported that the publishers [...] have given “Over the years, Am Bratach attracted a varied and the departure of their editor as the reason for the “reluc- loyal readership, each of whom, as John MacDonald tant” decision to close it down. < Page 22 = SUMMER 2019 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

What’s on in the area

gledfield mill, ardgay, 10am - 4pm the hub, 8 pm 7 Pottery Studio Open Day 20 Gearrchoille july june Come along and AGM visit the pottery and see what Gearrchoille Community Wood we do. Pottery items for sale committee AGM, followed by illus- and free tea/coffee and home trated talk by Ross Watson of The bakes available. You can also Woodland Trust. Teas / coffees: £1 enjoy a walk by the River Carron. 10am to 4pm. kincardine old church, 7:30 pm 2 Salmon netting on the Kyle july Kyle of Sutherland Fisheries in association with Kyle of Sutherland Heritage Society & Bonar Bridge History Group. Scotland’s wild salmon population is at its lowest level since records began in 1952. Salmon conservation must become a national priority. The Kyle of Sutherland Fisheries are proposing a Salmon Netting project on the Kyle aimed at combining aspects of both heritage and the gathering of scientific information that 42 Astle , Auchlea & skelbo house will contribute to the management of the species locally. 13 Three Gardens near july Dornoch Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open for Charity. 10am to 4pm. Admission £5, children free. 42 Astle: Organic wildlife garden at the edge of boggy moorland. Auchlea: Extensive, herbaceous borders with a wide variety of colour and species. Skelbo House: Extensive woodland garden with spectacular views over Loch Fleet. Mixed Lo e herbaceous borders, rose garden and shrubberies. Small ts of Fun F s for Everyon lochan and river walkway. Mature trees throughout. mac & wild, falls of shin, 6pm - 7:30pm amily Event 9 Yoga Glenmorangie Ground, a9, tain july With Yoga Up North. Monthly beginners class 13 Tain Highland Gathering on Hatha yoga in our beautiful restaurant surrounded july by nature. Learn simple asanas (yoga postures) and pra- A traditional Highland Gather- nayama (breathing exercises) which help bring peace ing with all the usual events - Highland to the mind and body. 6pm-7.30pm, second Tuesday of Dancing, Piping, Track & Field Events, every month, tickets £10 (can be paid on the door). Cycling, and, of course, the Heav- ies - see the Heavies compete in ledmore & migdale, 12:15 am - 2:15 pm a special Caber event where they attempt to turn one of the longest 18 Red Squirrel Adventures and heaviest Cabers in the Games june circuit! Local Events commence Organised by the Ladybird Club & 11am - Open Events from 2pm. The Woodland Trust, and aimed to children Entry - Adults £6.00; Under 16 aged 0-5 accompanied by an adult. Meet at £2.50, Car Park £2, Programme Torroy car park. Bring outdoor clothing and £1. Toddlers free a packed lunch. Free / Donations welcome. ardgay & district community Council newsletter SUMMER 2019 = Page 23

What’s on in the area

dornoch, 7:30 pm 20 Sutherland Show july Sutherland Agricul- tural Show is a great day out for all the family with plenty to see and do including the trade stands, moy estate, inverness, 10am - 5:30pm from main ring of enter- Highland Field Sports Fair tainment, sheep, 2 cattle, horses and aug. Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd August. Full range ponies, poultry, dog of activities, including Pipe Bands, Birds of show, flower and Prey demonstration, Tug of War, Gundog and Fishing vegetables and food demonstrations, pets parade, Foxhounds and Terrier and crafts. Well behaved dogs are welcome on leads. racing, freestyle mountain bike stunt teams, Pony Rides. Adults: £8. Children (5-14)/concessions: £5. Under 5s: Tickets: £15 per adult, Under 16’s Free. Includes free car free. Family ticket: £18. Parking free. Saturday night parking & a complimentary programme per car. marquee dance – 9pm start. Tickets: £10

Kyle of Sutherland Gala Week 2019 Bonar Bridge, Ardgay, Culrain, Invershin & Rosehall areas

Lot ne s of Fun Family Events for Everyo Saturday 10th August - Sunday 18th August

SATURDAY 10th august thursday 15th august Fruit & Veg Show, Queen Flower Festival, Arts & Crafts, Crowning and Tipsy Tea Party. Earthtime, Wheelbarrow & Space- hopper Race and Bingo. SUNDAY 11th august friday 16th august Raft Race and Car Treasure Hunt. Arts & Crafts, Family afternoon:

BBQ, Bouncy Castle & Games, monday 12th august Darts Night and Ceilidh Family Bingo, Book Bug, Science Session, Junior Jigsaw and Fun Run. saturday 17th august Duck Crafts, Race & BBQ, tuesday 13th august Youth Cafe, Pub Quiz & Grand Flower Festival & Pancake Day, Raffle Draw. Sing & Sign, Arts & Crafts and Pet Show. sunday 18th august The Big Tea Party See Programme (coming soon) will be available in local shops and wednesday 14th august from the Committee members for 50p. Flower Festival, Bug Hunt, Soup (All events are subject & Sweet, Kids Film, Clay Pigeon www.spanglefish.com/kyleofsutherlandgalaweek/ Shoot and Whist Drive. to change) Kyle of Sutherland Gala Week

See Programme (coming soon) or email [email protected] for a copy Page 24 = SUMMER 2019 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

What’s on in the area

summer CONCERTS

bonar bridge hall, 7:30 pm 28 The Seer june Brought to you by Sutherland Sessions. Commissioned in 2017 by Fèis Rois and premiered at Celtic Connections, ‘The Seer’ is a 45 min suite of new music based on the life and prophecies of 17th Century prophet, The Brahan Seer. Growing up on the Black Isle, acclaimed northern meeting park, inverness fiddler and composer Lauren MacColl has 23 Madness long been immersed in aug. the tales of this ‘High- The original Nutty Boys, back together with land Nostradamus’, all their greatest hits, including ‘Baggy Trousers’ and ‘It stories deeply imbed- Must Be Love’. They are Britain’s most successful chart ded in the aural culture band in music history, having had over 30 top twen- of the north. Lauren’s ty singles. Despite their impressive back catalogue, music is accompanied Madness continue to record new material and released by images from artist the critically acclaimed studio albums ‘The Liberty Somhairle MacDonald. Of Norton Folgate’ and ‘Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da’ in The accompanying album was shortlisted for both Al- recent years and ‘Can’t Touch Us Now’ in 2016. At 6 pm. bum of the Year and Composer of the Year at the Scots £42.90. Tickets: www.ticketmaster.co.uk. Trad Music Awards.Tickets: Adults £12 / £10 concession. Under 12s free. Tickets available on eventbrite.co.uk bonar bridge hall, 8 pm 24 ardgay public hall, 8 pm Peter Price, Acoustic aug. Blues & Beyond 29 Queen Dance - Penny Lane june Broadway World Organised by the Kyle of Sutherland Gala says, “His audiences are taken Week. Meet this year’s Gala Queen at the Queen Dance! on strange and exotic journeys, After the success of last from the folk and country blues year’s vote, the committee style of Robert Johnson, Blind are repeating the local voting Willie McTell and Lead Belly, to options: an online vote and jazz, Latin and world music. A a voting box in a local shop. gifted artist, Peter’s performanc- Voting closes on 22nd June. es demonstrate a mind-boggling The top 3 will be announced mastery of the acoustic guitar, a and PennyLane will decide rich singing voice and a relaxed on the Gala Queen at the yet compelling stage presence. Queen Dance. £10 Admis- Organised by Craic ‘N’ Gigs. sion. BYOB. Over 16s only More info: [email protected] (ID required) / 07906 173 993 (Anna) ardgay & district community Council newsletter SUMMER 2019 = Page 25

What’s on in the area

summer CONCERTS

Bught Park, Invernes, 3 pm carnegie hall, portmahomack 5 The Proclaimers 30 Doghouse july aug. Twin brothers Charlie and Craig first came The unique sound to everyone’s attention when they hit the charts in the of Glasgow’s Doghouse Roses late 80s with anthems like ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ lies in the threads that con- (later adopted by Peter Kay for a memorable charity nect British folk music and video and single) and ‘Letter From America’. Since then Americana. Their third album, a steady flow of “Lost Is Not Losing”, released successful albums in November 2016, received have followed and widespread critical acclaim, while the duo continue to their material took delight audiences across Europe as they gather material a surprising turn for their fourth release. 7:30 for 8 pm, Entry £10. BYOB in 2013 when it was used in a new British musical Sun- shine On Leith, tak- ing its name from their 1988 platinum album. General ad- mission: £42.45

strathpeffer pavilion, 7 pm 1 The Merry Widow sept. Opera Bohemia

Opera Bohe- mia, Scotland’s professional touring company, returns to Strathpeffer Pavilion with one of the world’s best loved operettas, The Merry Widow by Franz Lehár. Set in the romantic city of Paris, various suitors squabble and fight to win the hand of the recently widowed, but very wealthy Hannah Glawari. The Merry Widow is full of iconic and stunning Viennese melodies, including show stopping numbers like ‘Viljah’, ‘The Merry Widow Waltz’ and ‘Chez Maxim’s’. Tickets – Adults: £16 // Concession: £14 // Un- der 18s: £6, available at www.wegottickets.com. Page 26 = SUMMER 2019 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Adult Clubs & Societies

Ardgay Scottish Sutherland Country Dancing Walkers Club

Club We meet the 4th Sunday of Tuesdays at 7:30 pm the month, all year round. in Ardgay Public Hall. sun 23 june Cranstackie, Kyle of Sutherland £2 per session. Starts on Kyle of Sutherland ascent & Ben Spionnaidh, Tuesday 1st October. Growing Group descent and re-ascent; 12km Joggers Contact: David Hannah Meetings last Monday of the / 7.5 miles, tracks, open Facebook page: Kyle of ) 01863 766 061 month at Invershin Hall from grassy fell, with rough boul- Sutherland Joggers [email protected] 7-9 pm. all aspects of grow- ders near summit. Leader: Contact: ing fruit, vegetables and Stan Holroyd: 01408 621370. Elissa ) 07743 228 661 Ardgay Badminton flowers, including garden- Car sharing essential, due to Naomi ) 07818 482 341 ing for wildlife. limited parking. Catriona ) Club 07929 886 105 25TH june: Roses: the sun 7 JULY -Summer At Ardgay Public Hall. different types and their Special- Falls of Kirkaig and Bonar Bridge ADULTS: THURSDAY uses in your garden Fionn Loch. 13km / 8 miles Ardgay Golf Club evenings, 8 - 10pm 29TH july: Garden wildlife: approx., track, linear. Leader: Supported by Keep Active how to encourage and Jon Jenkins: 01862 810382. Market Stance, Migdale Together (KoSDT) discourage in your garden. Meal after the walk at Peet’s Road, Bonar Bridge. Contact Gregor Laing 26TH august: Fruit grow- Restaurant, Lochinver. (Ring ) 01863 766 199 ) 01863 766 223 ing: what will and what in advance to book). JUNIORS: (P4 upwards) will won’t grow in the far north SATURDAY 27 JULY Ben Kyle of Sutherland be back in October. and how to grow it. Wyvis (Munro). No dogs. Cinema Club wednesday mornings, Contact: Jean Leader: David Hannah: 10am - 12pm, organised by ) 01863 760 190 01863 766061 Regular film nights will be Keep Active Together sun 25 AUGUST Balblair back in September. Bonar ) 01863 766 702 Edderton & District Wood and Littleferry Links. Bridge Hall, 7:30 pm. Film Racquets may be borrowed, Gardening Club Leader: Jon Jenkins : 01862 nights every 2nd and 4th and players of all abilities are 810382. Contact the Walk Friday of the month.Free ad- welcome. First Monday of each month. Leader the day before the mission / £2 Refreshments. Edderton Community Centre, walk to confirm that it is Contact: Silvia Ardgay & Culrain 7:30 pm. Club meetings will taking place. Facebook: Kyle of Sutherland SWI resume in September. Two Contact: David Hannah Cinema Club of our members are open- ) 01863 766 061 ) 01863 766 690 All ages welcome. SWI ing their gardens for charity Facebook: Sutherland meetings on the 3rd Tuesday under Scotland’s Gardens Walkers Group Kyle of Sutherland each month. Ardgay Public Scheme; Amat and a par- Whist Club Hall 7:30 pm. ticipant on the Dornoch Kyle of Sutherland Contact: Mrs Gillian Glennie Gardens’ Trail. Members also Heritage Society Will be back in Septemper. ) 01863 766 674 helped at the Marie Curie 7:30 pm, Bonar Bridge Hall. Plant Sale at Foulis Castle on With Bonar Bridge History Admission £2 including tea. Creich & Kincardine 19th May. Contact: Patricia Group. Tuesdays 7:30 pm at Contact: Rosemary Logan ) the Heritage Centre, Ardgay. ) Art Group 01863 766 061 01549 421 282 2nd july: Netting in the Meets in Bonar Bridge Hall Pilates Kyle: past, present & future Tai Chi tearoom on Wednesdays 17th july: Sarah Horne talk from 10 am to 3 pm. Bonar Bridge Hall, Mondays 3rd september: “One Ardgay Public Hall. All welcome. 10-11 am. Contact: Moira Man’s War”. Contact: Valerie Monday 2:30 pm £2 Contact: Doreen Bruce Chisholm Mackenzie-Harris Contact: Angela ) 01863 766 852 ) 01862 810 786 ) 01863 766 700 ) 01549 421 336 ardgay & district community Council newsletter SUMMER 2019 = Page 27

Gearrchoille Community Wood

(Left) Volunteers enjoying a cuppa and a blether. (Right) There are not just trees in the woods, there’s ivy and 100+ species of lichen. Oak tree planting and invite to AGM Gearrchoille Community Wood volunteers meet on the first Thursday of each month, at 2pm. This year we will be holding our AGM on Tuesday 20th June at The Hub.

On a wonderfully sunny morning =There was a wildfire here in May our members (you- the owners of and with permission from Balna- 2016 which burned an extensive the wood!) to come along and share gown Estate (who still own the area area (about 20%) of the wood and their ideas for future activities they of the Gearrchoille between Oak- did unknown amount of damage would like to see happening in the wood Place and the second gate), to the complex ecosystem in the wood and also to support the work we planted out about 40 young oak understory and to the lichens that is done in the woodland. This trees which had been grown from growing on the trees (Over 100 year our AGM will be held at The acorns collected from the wood. species of lichen have been re- Hub on Tuesday 20th June at 8pm This area was heavily grazed until corded in the wood). A few of the (after Adult Boogie Bounce). For fairly recently, so there are good trees also suffered more damage those unable to attend – you can open spaces for planting out. Some than initially thought and now still register your support by filling of the ground may be a bit too wet appear dead. The area affected is in a membership form, copies of for oak trees to thrive. We shall see! to the south of the path, so most which are available in the shelter We have recently been ap- visitors to the wood will not ap- in the wood. Following the AGM, proached by a couple of local preciate the extent of the burned Ross Watson, North Scotland site groups wishing to use the wood as area. manager for Woodland Trust, will a venue for outdoor activities. As =The warnings issued recently by give an illustrated talk about their your community wood, the Gearr- the Scottish Fire Service about work at Ledmore and Migdale in- choille is available for all to use, but the high risk of wildfires. cluding proposed introduction we do ask that you respect the ‘No As many of you will know, the of red squirrels. See you there! Fire’ policy. To arrive at this deci- Gearrchoille Community Wood Ar- < Betty Wright sion we considered: dgay was formed to take ownership = What a unique place the Gear- of the Gearrchoille wood on behalf gearrchoillecommunitywoodardgay.org.uk rchoille Wood is – it is hugely of the local community. As a compa- *[email protected] biodiverse and needs to be cher- ny we are obliged each year to hold )01863755316 ished. an AGM which is an opportunity for Gearrchoille Community Wood Page 28 = SUMMER 2019 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Children & Young people Gledfield Primary School

p4-P7 At Gledfield, cussing on meeting Our rejuvenated Health and these needs out of doors. willow structure makes an amazing Wellbeing is a core part Some of what has been learning space. of our curriculum along achieved has been made Miss Rannie with Literacy and Nu- possible with the expert meracy. SHANARRI help of parent and com- is the acronym used to munity volunteers, for help everyone under- which we are very grate- stand what health and ful. This is what the P4-7 wellbeing means – it in- pupils have to say about INCLUDED: If cludes physical, mental what they have learned someone looks sad we ask them if and social wellbeing. so far. < Patricia Rannie, they’re OK. Lily This term we are fo- P4-P7 Teacher

SAFE: We did a safety audit to see what needed fixed in our playground to make it safe for everyone. Alistair

HEALTHY: Being outside is good for exercising your heart. Rhianna

HEALTHY: Doing the Daily Mile helps keep us fit with our friends. Kieran SAFE: P6 and P7 Road Safety Offi- cers learn how to raise awareness of ACHIEVING: I have got road safety in the school and lead us much better at climbing when we are on trips. Ewan up the net on the climbing frame. Bella

RESPECTED: When it is nice weather the whole school eats together at our playground Café. Tilly

RESPECTED: This term P5 and P6 are learning about playground leadership and it’s fun. Kyle NURTURED: We welcome new pupils to our playground. Maddie

RESPONSIBLE: We pick ACTIVE: Lots of us worked up litter because we know hard to dismantled the earth it can end up in the ocean mound – and it was very and hurt animals. Logan muddy sometimes. Harvey ardgay & district community Council newsletter SUMMER 2019 = Page 29

Children & Young people

This term our inquiry is “Where p1-p3 does food come from?”. We have enjoyed going on two different field trips to learn about various animals. We first learned all about eggs and chickens from P2 pupil Grace Barnett’s mum, Rosemary Barnett. We then visited Croit Lara in Bonar Bridge to see pigs, chick- ens, horses, and rabbits. We were fortunate enough to use the Bradbury bus for transport. < Hannah Willows, P1-P3 Teacher

Ardgay Game made a donation to our school and we were able to get new reading books.

P1/2/3 students listen as Rose- mary Barnett teaches them about eggs.

Olivia Allan (left) and Brooke Shaw (right) on the Bradbury bus.

P1/2/3 students at Croit Lara in Bonar Bridge. Stacie Macdonald and Poul Brix led Dylan Patterson petting the pig. the tour around their croft. Page 30 = SUMMER 2019 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Children & Young people

The nursery children have been work- NURSERY ing really hard this term to rejuvenate their outside play area. Can you believe that 3 and 4 year olds painted this? A big thank you to Susan Bremner and her oldest son Lo- gan for all of their help. Last term we got to try Yoga with Mrs. Ansbro. Who knew they could lay still for 5 minutes? < Nikki Beesley Nursery Teacher

We added flower pots!

The pupils did a great The children did very well and job painting the fence. enjoyed the yoga sessions.

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

by Andymack & Sil

One Summer afternoon, Hamish and Morag “Let’s see... I like thistles and broom, and were sitting in the sunshine. “What’s your sweet yellow whin flowers, but my favourite favourite food?” asked Morag. food is heather in bloom!” said Hamish. ardgay & district community Council newsletter SUMMER 2019 = Page 31

Wildlife

abdomen Honey bee thorax apis mellifera head

eye n In the United Kingdom are three main types of bees: the bumble- antenna bee, solitary bee and the honey bee. The Honey bee is thinner, less furry and less stripy than the well proboscis known bumblebee. Its colour var- ies between brown, grey, black and yellow. n Often the honey bee gets confused with a wasp or a hoverfly- sting the wasp has brighter yellow and leg black strips, and a hoverfly is smaller pollen basket and doesn’t have pollen on the legs. n Their history goes back to the Neo- n The worker bee spends the first forager bee and goes out in lithic age- the bee fossil in the natural three weeks in the hive. During her search of nectar, pollen, propolis museum in New York is believed to 6 week lifespan in summer -6 month and water. n Unfortunately, all over be over 80 million years old. in winter- she is constantly busy. Her the globe pollinating insects are Egyptians, Greeks and Romans duties include guarding and defend- in decline and the possible causes were known to keep bees. n Honey ing the nest, clean and empty cells are: Habitat loss: ‘topped’ grass, bees live within a “superfamily” also in brood area, and feeding larvae, fewer garden plants, fewer plant known as a colony. n There are queen & drones. n The female worker diversity, intensive monoculture, loss three different classes in a colony: secretes wax, makes combs and of nature or hay meadow lands; Queen, Workers and Drones. converts nectar into honey. n Bees Diseases: the main threat is the var- The queen’s only role is to mate and can uncouple their wings and use roa mite, which causes weakness and lay eggs. She controls the colony via them as a fan in combination with a deformities; And Pesticides. n The pheromones. Her fertile eggs be- certain amount of water via evapora- average flying speed is 14mph. n come female workers whereas the tion to control the hive temperature Their wings stoke over 11 000 times non fertile eggs become male bees and humidity. n After the nursing per minute. n Heather honey is called drones. n The drones have no and domestic stages, at about three not runny- its like jelly. n They forage sting and their sole function is to re- weeks of age, she becomes a in a radius of 1 to 3 miles from their produce with the queen on the wing. hive. n In case of being stung, do n Every bee has the same four stag- What can you do not use tweezers to remove the sting, es in life: egg, larvae, pupa and to help the bee? just wipe it, otherwise you pump the adult. The eggs all hatch after three = On a forage flight they remaining venom into your body. n days into larvae. n The larvae are fed collect pollen from one type of Due to lack of bees some crops in by the female workers constantly flower or plant each trip. Plant same China are pollinated by hand using with royal jelly and a mixture species of flower together to save the feather brushes. n Royal jelly is of honey and pollen. Only the bee energy.= Eat honey. This will keep believed to be one of the most queen gets feed solely royal beekeepers looking after bees. nutritious substances on planet jelly. n After 5 days -6 days for = Cut your ivy late- this provides the Earth. n If you would like to learn the drone- it’s the start of pupa last source of food for the bee before more about bees or beekeeping stage (they spin a cocoon around wintering. = If you see a swarm, let locally please contact the Sutherland themselves) n Queens will emerge the local beekeeping association Beekeepers Association. Otherwise as adult bees after around 16 days, know – they will deal profes- please contact The British Beekeep- workers after around 21 days, and sionally with it-. ers Association via www.bbka.org.uk drones around 24 days. n Sabrina Ross Page 32 = SUMMER 2019 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Churches

The Congregation at Creich Church Summer with the Kyle of Sutherland Churches

Kyle Churches – What’s on sponsored walk during this time! with Games for children and History We are looking forward to welcom- Sunday 30th June - Congregational display. ing a student minister and his family Lunch after service, everyone wel- Midsummer Madness coming for the summer to the Kyle come to come for a bite to eat and Churches and join in our activities. a blether. Friday 21st June – Kincardine Church So when you see activity at the Saturday 24th August- Gift Day In Ardgay manse you know what’s happening Ardgay Village Hall 2 - 4.30 pm Schools Out – all children and their and can stop and say hello! carers are invited to come along to Creich Church, Bonar Bridge an afternoon of crafts and games Services April to September followed by a BBQ. Primary school 11.30am and then October children need to bring a parent or to March 10.30am. other responsible adult with them – Alternate Tuesdays at 11am dep. carers you can have some fun too. From Kyle Bakery – Tortoise walks Secondary school young people are - July tbc: Young Folks Day – de- welcome too once the bus get in – tails to be confirmed bring an adult if at all possible. – or The Manse, Ardgay Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th send them on ahead for a cuppa! August: 10am - 4pm daily – Flower If you care to, you can sponsor a Kincardine, Croick & Edderton Festival & Pancake Day member of the congregation to take Services 11am in Kincardine Church, Friday 13th September: 7pm for part in a “Relay Marathon” – 26 miles Ardgay each Sunday except second 7:30pm in Bonar Bridge Hall – 60s so come and cheer them on! Sunday of the month at Edderton, buffet dinner & dance < Mary Stobo with Croick 3pm on second Sunday in the month. Rosehall kyle of sutherland Friday 21st June - 3pm onwards. Friday 5th July to Sunday 7th July: churches Midsummer Madness – Fun after- Flower Festival in the church l Website: www.kyleofsuth- noon with crafts and games for chil- Sunday 7th July: 6.30pm Songs of erlandchurches.org dren and their carers followed by Praise in the church l KCE: Rev Mary Stobo a BBQ. This event is free! Members tbc: 12 noon to 3pm – Outreach 01863 766868 of the congregation will be doing a BBQ for Rosehall Parish Church

bonar bridge & lairg EAST SUTHERLAND & TAIN free church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCh

l Website: www.bonarandlairg.org l Website: www.episcopaldornochtain.org l Elder: John Mann l Priest in Charge: Rev James Currall 01863 766 472 01862 881 737 ardgay & district community Council newsletter SUMMER 2019 = Page 33

Guide to local services

Village Halls & Mobile Library Bonar Bridge Train times Venues for hire Recycling Centre GLEDFIELD, CULRAIN From 19/05/2019 to 14/12/2019 carbisdale Ardgay PubliThe c Hall ¨ Monday: 1 pm - 4:30 pm inverness è ardgay Fiona Venters / 01863 766 602 Thursday: 27 June / 18 tuesday: 1 pm - 4:30 pm Monday to Saturday: [email protected] July / 8 August / 29 August / wednesday: Closed 07:00 (08:33) Catering serv. available 19 September 2019 The Hub thursday: 8 am - 12 pm 10:41 (12:05) Catering serv. available Gledfield School 9:30 10:40 8 am - 12 pm Jan Burdett / 01863 769 170 friday: 14:00 (15:29) Catering serv. available Gruinards 10:55 11:10 saturday: 9 am - 1 pm [email protected] 17:12 (18:39) The Craigs 11:30 11:50 sunday: Closed Kincardine Heritage Centre Corvost 11:55 12:10 18:31 (20:01) Catering serv. available Braelangwell 13:15 13:30 Valerie Mackenzie-Harris / Sunday: Cornhill 13:40 13:55 01863 766 700 Culrain 14:10 14:45 17:54 (19:23) Catering serv. available Ardgay Church Hall Mr & Mrs Charge 14:55 15:10 Post Office Ardgay ardgay è inverness Mary Stobo / 01863 766 868 Wester Badarach 15:20 15:40 Ardgay Public Hall Monday to Saturday: Housebound service 16:00 16.30 tuesday: 14:30 - 17:00 Croick Church 06:14 (07:43) thursday: 13:00 - 16:00 [email protected] edderton - ardgay 06:43 (08:12)

Bonar Bridge Community Hall Wednesday: 26 June / 17 July Post Office 09:07 (10:35) Catering serv. available Sally Thompson / 01863 766 883 07 August / 28 August / Bonar Bridge 10:54 (12:26) Catering serv. available Bradbury Centre 18 September 2019 monday: Closed 15:30 (17:02) Catering serv. available Lorraine Askew / 01863 766 772 tues: 8:30-13:30 / 14:00-17:30 Ardvannie 13:00 13:25 18:52 (20:10) Catering serv. available Invershin Hall Oakwood 13:40 14:00 wed: 8:30-13:30 / 14:00-17:30 19:28 (20:57) Elissa Steven / 01549 421 369 Ardgay Hall 14:10 15:10 thur:8:30-13:30 / 14:00-17:30 Housebound 15:15 15:35 fri: 8:30-13:30 / 14:00-17:30 Sunday: Rosehall Hall 8:30-13:30 / 14:00-17:30 Arabella 16.30 16:50 SAT 14:49 (16:16) Catering serv. available Ann Malone / 01549 441 345

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

D Anna Patfield D 01863 766 231 Dog Behaviourist & Trainer D D D Pawsability D D www.PawsAbility.co.uk ® D D D MOTs on cars and bikes, welding, tyres,

Dog Behaviour Help servicing, diagnostics and much more... D D Dog Training D Puppy Training & Early Learning D Main dealer warranted servicing

D Prevent puppy problems arising with puppy early D Hours of business: Monday to Thursday 8:30 - 5:30 learning and puppy socialisation & training. friday 8:30 - 4:30 saturdays by appointment only D Sort out lead pulling and jumping with your dog. D Or resolve more complex behaviour problems from Contact us on Facebook: Ardgay Garage D aggression to separation issues or barking. D

D Group Workshops D Group workshops on various topics – Reactivity, D Nutrition, Puppies, Aggression etc. Details at D www.pawsability.co.uk/workshop D D

D For more information please see D www.PawsAbility.co.uk D or call 07906 173993 / 01863 760004 D

D D PLUSFree On-Line Help & Advice pages. D D D D D D D D D D D D D D

Page 34 = SUMMER 2019 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Guide to local services

B L Stagecoach Bradbury Centre Bus Bradbury Centre LIBRARIES 01863 766 772 Bonar Bridge Libray 67 - mon to sat 920 - tuesday BUSES 01863 760 083 TAIN èLAIRG Bonar Bridge to Dornoch via Spinningdale Bradbury Centre Bus Mobile Libraries Tain Lamington St Tain Lamington St 1 2 2 01863 766 772 01349 852 698 06:45 07:00 08:32 11:48 Bonar Bridge Bonar Bridge 08:00 10:11 09:27 14:42* Cherry Grove Cherry Grove Stagecoach Highlands N 13:11* 15:45 17:271 17:42 09:40 10:20 3 3 13:30 14:20 01463 233 371 NHS 16:30 18:45è 17:57 20:12 Edderton Edderton è Spinningdale Spinningdale C Doctors Creich Surgery Layby at Post Box Layby at Post Box 06:551 07:102 08:222 11:38 CAB Golspie 01863 766 379 09:48 è 10:12 08:10 10:20 09:17 14:32* 13:38 14:11 01408 633 000 Nurses Creich Surgery 13:20* 15:55 17:171 17:32 3 3 Clashmore Clashmore

CHURCHES 01863 766 237 16:40 18:55è 17:47 20:02 Carnegie Hall Carnegie Hall è

Ardgay Hall Ardgay Hall è 09:54 10:06 Church of Scotland Migdale Hospital 13:44 14:05 01863 766 868 01863 766 211 07:071 07:222 08:102 11:26 08:22 10:33 09:05 14:20* Dornoch Sq Dornoch Sq Scottish Episcopal Church P 13:32* 16:07 17:051 17:20 10:00 10:05 13:50 14:00 01862 881 737 PHARMACY 16:523 19:07 17:353 19:50 D Mitchells Chemist Bonar Bonar Bridge Bonar Bridge 920 - wednesday 07:101 07:252 08:072 11:23 Bonar Bridge circular to Dornoch DVLA Inverness 01863 760 011 08:25 10:36 09:02 14:17* via Spinningdale, Tain & Edderton 0300 790 6801 POLICE 13:36* 16:10 17:021 17:17 3 3 Bonar Bridge Bonar Bridge E Non Emergency: 101 16:55 19:10è 17:32 19:47 Cherry Grove Cherry Grove ELECTRICITY Emergency: 999 Invershin Invershin è 09:30 14:40 POST OFFICE 07:151 07:302 08:022 11:18 Spinningdale Spinningdale Power Cuts 08:30 10:41 08:57 14:12* Layby at Post Box Layby at Post Box 105 Post Office Bonar Bridge 13:41* 16:15 16:571 17:12 09:38 14:31 01863 766 219 17:003 19:15 17:273 19:42 Clashmore è Clashmore SSE Customer Help Carnegie Hall Carnegie Hall 0345 026 2658 PRIMARY SCHOOLS Lairg Post Office Lairg Post Office 09:54 14:19 Gledfield 07:271 07:422 07:502 11:00 F Tain Tain è 01863 766 580 08:42 10:55 08:45 14:00* Bus stop at Co-Op Bus stop at Co-Op Fire Brigade Dornoch 13:57* 16:29 16:451 17:00 10:02 14:08 Bonar Bridge 3 3 01862 810 297 17:12 19:29 17:15 19:30 Tain Tain 01863 766 221 1 2 Lamington Street Lamington Street Fisheries Trust (KoS) 00:00 Mon-Fri when Academy is open. 00:00 Mon-Fri when Academy is Closed. 00:00 Mon-Sat 10:04 14:06 Rosehall 3 01863 766 702 00:00 Mon-Fri 00:00*Does not operate on Fri- Edderton Edderton 01549 441 348 days when Academy is open. Saturday only. Forestry Commission 00:00 10:17 13:53 Edderton 01309 674 004 Ardgay Ardgay 01862 821260 10:39 13:33 G Stagecoach R Bonar Bridge Bonar Bridge Bonar Bridge-Ardgay Golf 167 - MON TO FRI Cherry Grove Cherry Grove Recycling Centre Bonar 10:42 13:30 Club lairg èdornoch 01349 868 439 Operates every Tuesday and 01863 766 199 Lairg Lairg Football Ground Football Ground Wednesday apart from Christmas

S è H and New Year weeks. Scottish Water 24Hr 07:31 16:42 Highland Council Invershin Invershin The minibus has a wheelchair lift

Emergency è Customer service o/s Hotel opp Hotel which will be available as part of 0845 600 8855 07:39 16:34 the service. 01349 886606 Customer Help Bonar Bridge Bonar Bridge Bookings: 01863 766 772 Drummuie Golspie Post Office Post Office 0845 601 8855 01408 635 370 07:46 16:29 è T Ardgay Ardgay Service Point Dornoch opp Ardgay Hall o/s Ardgay Hall Ronnie’s Taxis Ardgay è Mobile Banking 01862 810 594 07:49 16:26 01863 766 422 Tain Registration Office Ardgay Ardgay Royal Bank of 01349 886 644 trains o/s Ardgay Hall opp Ardgay Hall 07:59 16:16 è Scotland High schools National Rail Enquiries Bonar Bridge Bonar Bridge Tuesday

0845 748 4950 è Tain Royal Academy o/s Police Station o/s Police Station Bonar Bridge War Memorial 08:02 16:13 01862 892 121 V Arrive 12:05 Depart 12:20 Spinningdale Spinningdale Dornoch Academy VETS o/s Post Office opp Post Office 01862 810 246 Rogart Vets 08:10 16:05 è Bank of The Hub 01408 641 352 Clashmore Clashmore Scotland Telephone Kiosk Telephone Kiosk 01863 769 170 Easter Ross Vets Tain è Tuesday 01862 893 142 08:19 15:56 K Dornoch Dornoch Bonar Bridge War Memorial KoS Development Trust Johnston & Farrell Tain Cathedral Square Cathedral Square Arrive 10:00 Depart 12:00 01863 766 190 01862 894 223 08:27 15:40 ardgay & district community Council newsletter SUMMER 2019 = Page 35

Puzzles Sudoku Easy Medium Hard

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

Crossword Across 2. Mathematics: A curve or geometrical figure, each part of which has the same statistical character as the whole. 3. An Indonesian and Malaysian dish consisting of small pieces of meat grilled on a skewer and served with a spiced sauce that typically contains peanuts. 6. A low and marshy or frequently flooded area of land.7. So myste- rious, strange, or unexpected as to send a chill up the spine. 8. A friend; a Spanish term applied in the Phil- ippine Islands to friendly natives. 9. Lasting a very short time Down 1. Plural: A caste of priests, philos- ophers, and magicians, among the ancient Persians. 2. Field in Strath- carron where the events known as the “Massacre of the Rosses” took place in 1854. 4. Scottish: (especial- ly of weather) dreary; bleak. 5. A red or brown resinous substance collected by honeybees from tree buds, used by them to fill

crevices and to fix and varnish honeycombs. / eclipse crosswords.com A&DCCN

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ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Editor: Silvia Muras Sanmartin ardgay & district community council: Betty Wright (Chairperson), Silvia Muras (Vice Chair), Design & Layout: Silvia Muras Graphic Design Marion Turner (Treasurer / Secretary), Rob Pope, Andy [email protected] Wright, Dr Buster Crabb, Leslie Pope. Contributors to this issue: Andymack, Michael Baird, councillors: Linda Munro, Hugh Morrison, Kirsteen Nikki Beesley, Melanie Bell, Rhonwen Copley, David Currie (More details on page 6) Hannah, Kirstin Langlois, Valerie Mackenzie-Harris, Fiona Morrison, Anna Patfield, Joe Perry, Patricia Ran- Next Edition: 15th september nie, Sabrina Ross, Carol Shaw, Steven Sinclair, Elissa COPY DATE: THIRD WEEK OF august Steven, Mary Stobo, David Watson, Hanna Willows, Louise Worthy, Andy Wright, Betty Wright. www.ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil.org.uk Distribution: Rhonwen Copley, Brigitte Geddes, Advertising, letters & contributions: David Hannah, Jockie Hewitt, David Knight, Teresa 01863 766 690 Langley, David Mackay, Silvia Muras, Davy Ross, Bob [email protected] Sendall, Jeannie Sparling, Anna Sutherland, Marion Turner, Vicky Whittock, Iain Worthy, Betty Wright. Facebook: Ardgay & District Community Council

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