Sponsored by Rothes Wind Ltd. Issue No 31

THE ROTHESIAN

Sept 2005 Sponsored by Rothes Wind Ltd. Issue No 31

ROTHES WIND FARM PUBLIC OPEN DAY

Developed through Natural Power Consultants Rothes Wind Ltd are offering the general public the and owned by Fred Olsen Renewables Ltd, the opportunity to visit the Rothes Wind Farm on Friday Rothes wind farm comprises twenty two turbines, 23rd and Saturday 24th September by providing free situated at Cairn Uish, in Moray, 13km south west buses up to the site from the Laichmoray Hotel in El- gin. Buses will run approximately every 30minutes of Elgin and 10km west of Rothes. from 10am until 5pm although confirmed times will The wind farm has an installed capacity of 50.6 be made available in due course. Megawatts (MW) which is equivalent to the annu- In addition to the site tour, a public exhibition will be al average consumption of over 32,000 homes or held at the Laichmoray which will provide information about the wind farm’s development, construction and first four months of operation since being officially opened by Allan Wilson MSP, Scot- tish Deputy Enterprise Minister, in May 2005. There will also be the chance to speak with the wind farm designers as well as members of the construction team at this event. Refreshments and facilities will be provided at the Laichmoray and there will also be limited bathroom facilities available on-site. Note that for visitors who wish to leave the buses and walk around the site in the de- marked area, they are advised to wear clothing and footwear appropriate to the time of year and the ex- posed moorland location. This should consist of warm and weather-proof outer layers and sensible shoes with 29% of the Morayshire’s total electricity require- non-slip soles. Sandals or high heels are not recom- ments. This substantial output would be achieved mended. For further information about this event, please con- using an entirely indigenous resource, which is tact the co-ordination team (Natural Power) on 01644 also renewable, contributing significantly to secu- 430 008, or alternatively, see press for further details. rity of UK electricity supplies. The wind farm will also deliver important envi- After discussions with Rothes Council, it may be pos- ronmental benefits, including the potential to re- sible for the company to provide a small bus, with fa- duce emissions to the atmosphere by fossil fuel cilities for infirm passengers/wheelchairs users, for power stations. Over the lifetime of the wind Rothes people who are unable to get to the Laich- farm, this could mean a reduction of around 2.3 to moray. 3.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, the main If you require this service, please contact Jean Allan, climate change gas, as well as substantial saving 44, Land Street, or phone 831220, before 16th Sep- in emission of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides tember. and sulphur dioxide.

You may contact The Rothesian by e-mail, using the following address: [email protected] KERBSIDE RECYCLING COMES ROTHES HORTICULTURAL AND TO ROTHES INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY

The judging of the gardens took place on the first week of Kerbside Recycling is the biggest change in waste st management since the introduction of green wheelie August and the results were:- Best Kept Garden - 1 Mr R Gauld, 22 Land street. 2nd Mr Ernie McWilliam, Provost bins, and involves houses across Moray being given a Christie Drive. Containers and Tubs - Mr Ernie blue box for paper & cardboard, an orange box for McWilliam, Provost Christie Drive. Hanging Baskets - Mr cans & glass and a brown bin for garden waste. Alex Dean, Green Street. Best Vegetable Garden - Mr Jeff Lindsay, Green Street. The blue and orange boxes will be collected weekly, The judges were most impressed with all the beautiful gar- and sorted at the kerbside into a specially designed dens in Rothes and really had a hard job deciding who new vehicle. The brown bins will be collected fort- should take the prizes. nightly - the material is shredded and composted. Due to the amount of material that can now be recycled, Editors Footnote:- collection of the green wheelie bin for household waste will change to fortnightly, alternating with the A new shield will be presented this year to the winner brown bin collection. of the Containers and Tubs Section. The shield was donated by Betty Tilley in memory of her parents, The service is being introduced by the council to meet Mary and Andy Sherret. stiff recycling targets set by the Scottish Executive (all local authorities must recycle 25% of waste by 2006) and tough ‘landfill diversion’ targets set by the Euro- pean Union. When waste is buried in a landfill site, it decomposes, producing gases which contribute to global warming. To combat this, the European Union GRADUATION DAY set a target for all EU countries to decrease the amount June Thomson of 74 Provost Christie Drive, Rothes of biodegradable waste landfilled by 25% by 2010. graduated from Robert Gordons University, Aberdeen

with a BA Honours in Social Work in July. She first The scheme is already working well in 10 Moray returned to further education in 1997 when she com- towns, and by March 2006 will serve approximately pleted an HNC in So- 82% of households in Moray. It has been well re- cial Care at Moray ceived by householders; the scheme is designed to be College. She returned as convenient as possible for residents, whilst still al- one year later and lowing the council to recycle as much waste as possi- gained a certificate in ble. Counselling before

deciding to study for a More information was delivered to houses in August, a degree at university. few days before the boxes and bins were delivered. June is now working More details are available now from for the Community www.moray.gov.uk, or by calling the council waste Mental Health team at team on 01343 557054. Dr. Grays Hospital, Elgin

WASTE COLLECTION – NEW BINS

Did You Graduate The new waste containers have now been delivered in this Year? Rothes. One red, one blue and one brown. If anyone If you graduated this has been missed out could you please contact Peter, year or have a family our street cleaner, he has some spares. member who has,

please let the Rothesian know. We like to hear of your progress.

2 This issue sponsored by Rothes Wind Ltd. THE GRANT HALL UPDATE. ELEMENTARY FOOD HYGIENE CERTIFICATE Two years down the line and improvements are still being made to the Hall. The main hall floor has just Thanks to a grant from Moray Action for Communi- been stripped and re-lacquered and looks really good. ties (MAC) the church is able to offer free Elementary Work on replacing the asbestos roofs starts, hopefully, Food Hygiene training in Rothes some time this month. Thanks to some help from Pearl Kirk Hall. This is a great opportunity for anyone in- Paul, we secured grants to the tune of £20,000 to help volved in voluntary community organisations to do cover the roofing costs. this training and obtain the Elementary Certificate This means that our own funds of approximately from the Royal Environmental Health Institute of £20,000 can be used for internal repairs and redecora- Scotland (REHIS). There are no fees but there are a tion. limited number of places on each course so please It all seemed like an impossible dream two years ago, book early. Places will be allocated on a first come, but is finally taking shape. first served basis. Another very successful Bingo by Mackie and his team means that we are also able to order some more Initially there will be three courses and you can book new lightweight folding tables. for these in the Kirk, in the Library or at the Cot- With the closing down of the Charity Shop in the High tage. Please put your name on the lists for the dates Street, and the Bingo we benefited to the tune of and times that are most suitable for you. Or you can £1000. At the request of the Bingo Team two tables phone Colin Munro on 831793 to reserve a place. are being given to the Church Hall. Bookings are still good and the Diary for next year has All the courses take place in the Kirk Hall except in started to fill up. The latest booking for 2006 being for th the morning of Saturday 17 September when the Kimberly Westmacott’s wedding reception on 19 course will start in the Kirk and then move across to August. nd the Hall later. Our AGM takes place on Sunday, 2 October at 2.00pm. Everybody is more than welcome to attend Course A - will take place between 10.00am and and ideas for moving forward would also be very welcome. It’s always nice to see new faces and sometimes 5.00pm on Saturday 17 September. our brains get just a wee bit stale. Course B - will take place between 10,00am and Thanks once again to all those people who have sup- 1.00pm on Tuesday 20 September and between ported us over the last two years - we’ve been glad to look after your hall for you. 10.00am and 1.30pm on Wednesday 21 September.

Course C - will take place between 6.00pm and

9.30pm on Tuesday 27 September and between

6.00pm and 9.30pm on Wednesday 28 September.

Art Classes Course D - will take place between 10.00am and 5.00pm on Saturday 5 November.

Rothes Community Ltd are looking into providing an Art Class over the winter months. The class will cover all mediums of painting except oils.

If you are interested in taking part please drop note Foul Play! into the Cottage or phone 831474 on any weekday between 10am and 4pm in September. Could you also This is a plea from a number of people in the town. state your preference for daytime or evening classes. Could dog owners please ensure that their dog fouling is cleaned up especially in the play park. Why not just keep a plastic bag in your pocket, so that you’re prepared when your dog is caught short!

This issue sponsored by Rothes Wind Ltd. 3

1st Rothes Rainbows.

Rothes 2+ Group is having a Coffee Morning on Sat- Once again we have started back after a very enjoya- urday 17 September, and donations of raffles and ble holiday, this term we are focusing on Friendship homebakes would be most welcome. and will be having Roundabout nights and a few We have been awarded a grant from the Co-op of themed nights. We still have a roll of 10 girls and are £500, which we will be using to get more interactive hoping to increase to 15 over the next few months. books and soft play equipment. So a big thank-you to them. The new term has started well, with one new face, and a couple more are expected in September. As always registration forms are available from Linda Smith, Health Visitor; Louise Reid, secretary on 831851 or from the group itself during sessions.

1st Rothes Brownies. ROTHES TODDLER GROUP Well the summer is well and truly past and it is back Rothes Toddlers meets every Tuesday and Thursday to fun and games. We were all delighted with the girl's morning 9.15am to 11.15am upstairs in the Grant window boxes at The Cottage, they have come on Hall. First session is free and only £2 per session there- great, thanks go to Sophie, Hannah and Shannon for after (price per family). Tea, coffee, juice, toast and bis- all their hard work. We will be continuing with this cuits provided. We're very friendly so come along and project and are hoping to plant spring flowering bulbs say hello. in the Autumn. We are busy preparing for the Friends The first Tuesday of each month is Undersea Adventure of Guiding AGM on Thursday 22nd September, the Day when we put up our themed airflow playtent. We girls are hoping to put on a small concert for family also have a range of ride-ons and trikes, a trampoline, and friends. We are also going to be starting our Fire slides, a selection of baby toys and equipment, as well as Safety Badge with the help of Rothes Fire and Rescue a variety of other toys to suit children from birth to Service. school age. Older siblings are welcome during school On the fundraising side, we have distributed our holidays. Christmas Webb Ivory catalogue, anyone wishing to We will be holding a fundraising Soup and Sandwiches have a catalogue for a browse please contact Jennifer day in the Church Hall on Sunday 16th October between or Bev. 12.00 noon and 3.00 pm (adults £2, children £1 - home- We have welcomed two new faces, Paula and Ronni, made soup, sandwiches, tea and buscuits will be provid- and we still have spaces to fill, so if you would like ed) and there will be a cake stall and raffle as usual. All any further details for either Rainbows or Brownies welcome. please contact Jennifer on 831201 or Bev on 831137. Our Balloon Race held in June was a fun event and we had calls from a variety of towns in the North-East. The first caller with a valid balloon number was Kelly McNair of Rothes winning £5. Shona Willets of Aber- lour won the £20 prize for the first balloon found and Ann of Walkers won a Bottle of wine for the balloon that went the furthest (found on the beach at Cruden Bay). We are also looking to purchase some more trikes and 3- wheel scooters, if you have a trike or scooter in good condition that you are looking to sell, please get in touch. For further details regarding any of the above please contact Jo on 831 604.

4 This issue sponsored by Rothes Wind Ltd. MA GRANNY ROTHES LOON IN POMPEY

Ma Granny never had the things that maist folk hae Royal Marine, Craig Henderson, has recently been the day promoted to Band Colour Sergeant. He has been post- She never saw a TV set or heard a tranny play. ed from Rosyth to HMS Nelson in Portsmouth. Craig, She never yaised a microwave, eye level grills an’ a Rothes loon, grandson of Mrs Jenny Milne, Mackay things Court, is now in charge of the HMS Nelson Volunteer She used tae yaise an auld black range, an twa gas Band. His responsibilities range from arranging and burning rings. conducting the music to driving the band-wagon and setting up the gig. His late grandfather, Bill Henderson, a well known Ma Granny never ate kebabs or Chinese kerry oots local musician, would/will be delighted to know that She never drank a can o’ coke or tasted kiwi fruits Craig is keeping up the family musical tradition. She never smelt the curried scent o’ spicy vindaloos His parents, Colin and Kate Henderson, Pluscarden, An’ she never (though she stayed three up) had stair- head barbecues.

Ma Granny never wore t-shirts no even in her teens She never wore a mini skirt or frayed an’ torn jeans She never had her hair in spikes or dyed it green or blue An’ she never had her airms tattooed or had a sniff o’ glue.

Ma Granny never had a hoose wi’ mod cons like we hae The kitchen was her living room, the lobby her hall- way The carpets were but clootie rugs that she’d made visited Craig in July. They attended an outdoor con- piece by piece cert at a local school’s VE celebrations – in blazing An her vacuum wis a besom heid that worked wi’el- sunshine. Dad – as the band members insisted on call- bow grease. ing him – sat in with the band. In shorts and t-shirt,

Colin played clarinet, borrowed from one of the pu-

pils. The young lad was delighted and asked if Colin Alas ma Granny’s crossed the vale ower tae the ither would leave in some good notes! side The annual Volunteer Band Festival of Music is held She’s sairly missed but nonetheless that’s whaur she’ll in the Guild Hall, Portsmouth in July. This year, 9 have tae bide bands competed for various musical categories. De- Hoo’ever should she get tae hear o’ a’ the things lighted to say that Craig led his band to win the covet- we’ve got ed top trophy of Best Royal Navy Volunteer Band. I’m shair she’ll shed her heavenly wings an’ come They also won best Soloist, best Drumming Display back like a shot. and runner-up in the best Concert Performance. The Commodore of HMS Nelson is delighted with the band’s achievement – the first time the top prize has Author unknown. gone to Nelson. He has, as a reward, invited the band . members to be his guests of honour at a lunch time celebration. Craig would have preferred he had promoted him to Captain!

This issue sponsored by Rothes Wind Ltd. 5 Dear Madam, Speyside High School Award Winners 2005

Recently visiting my grandparents' graves in Rothes, I The Annual Awards Ceremony was held on 10th June. noted yet again the wide expanse of well-mown un- Achievement Award winners from Rothes include:- marked lawn where lie the paupers' graves...always a poignant reminder of the times of hardship that my First year Amy Cotton Art and design, Food technolo- grandparents themselves shared with many. It sudden- gy, Geography, religious and Moral Education and applica- ly struck me that many young people today may well tion in First Year be quite ignorant of the meaning of this space in the Calum Firth Science churchyard and that in time others might consider it Kaeleigh Thomson Mathematics worth reusing or building upon. I feel this would be a Erin Taylor Modern Studies and Science sad eventuality and the final insult, if it were to hap- (Dad Alan brought up in Rothes and Gran, Brown Taylor, pen, for those who probably bore many others in their stays in Land Street) lives. I wonder therefore whether others would agree that it would be a fitting gesture to raise a simple me- Awards for Attainment in Third Year Standard grade morial (probably in the prevailing black stone) to the and Intermediate Courses Kaz Johnston Social and Vocational Skills many unnamed who lie there - men, women and chil- and Int2 Hospitality dren - who were as much a part of the town as those Vicky McGregor Drama with named memorials. If the appropriate authorities Greg Thomson German were agreeable I am sure many like me would be happy to contribute to such a memorial, which might have Awards for Attainment in Fourth Year Standard Grade something like the following inscription: and Access Courses. Nicholas Cotton Craft and Design, English, This memorial is raised by the people of Rothes to the French and Geography memory of those many townsfolk and children buried Martin McLeod Technological Studies here in past years in a pauper's grave with no other Awards for Attainment in Fifth Year record of their passing. Daniel Bremner Int1 English Sebastian Cotton Higher Physics and application Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. in Fifth year Leigh Fenton Int2 Mathematics I have always been very impressed at how well kept Kate Johnston Application in Fifth Year and respected the graveyard is and hope this sugges- tion may find favour. Awards for Attainment in Sixth Year Yori Johnston Int2 Administration, Advanced Margaret Devitt Higher Biology and application in Sixth Year

([email protected]) Additional Nicola Innes was a member of the Cairngorm Video PS. I was in the area with my mother, Mrs Nan Hib- Project Group bard (95) to present a copy of her memoirs to the Nicola Innes and members of S3 Residential Rothes Photo Exhibition Group, who helped so much Garry Liebnitz Challenge Award team with photographs.(Betty Johnston, Graham Jefferson, Raymond Johnston and Dorothy Tawse) A photograph Jenna Scott member of group for the Young of the presentation at Gordon Castle, Fochabers, is Enterprise Exam and the Walker Tro attached. phy for Stall Presentation The book will be available to view at the next Photo Kate Johnston Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award

Exhibition. Sebastian Cotton John Falconer Prize for Mathematics and Science in Physics

And finally special congratulations to Yori Johnston who won the Sloss Memorial Prize for Academic Excellence in S6

NEXT ISSUE

The date for submission to the Christmas Issue of the Rothesian, is Monday 14th November. Please put this in your diary now!

6 This issue sponsored by Rothes Wind Ltd. Rothes Diary 3rd December Social Club Coffee Morning 8th December GREEN BIN Collection Day Please note that the diary displayed in the Rothes 15th December BROWN BIN Collection Day Library window, is updated every two weeks and 17th December Social Club Tombola takes in changes which occur during the time be- 22nd December GREEN BIN Collection Day tween the Rothesian quarterly editions. Please keep Sandra informed of events and meetings as fund- 2006 raising works best with no competition! ***** Visit Rothes Community Website September http;//www.speyside.moray.org/Rothes-on- 1st September Linda’s Keep Fit Class for 50+ at 6pm Spey in the Kirk Hall re-starts! E-mail address [email protected] 2nd September Re-cycling facilities at end of Land Street 3rd September Social Club Coffee Morning 3rd September Rothes Annual Flower Show at the Hockey Photo Grant Hall Schedules now available th st 8 September 1 BROWN BIN collection day plus In our March edition we had a photo of a Rothes the boxes th School Hockey Team of the past. In the June edition 10 September Rothes Bowling Club Coffee Morn- we had a letter from Eric McFarlane with possible ing 12th September Local Holiday names for the girls. Betty Johnston has recently hand- 15th September GREEN BIN Collection day plus the ed in a copy of all the names. She found them on the boxes back of a photo. 16th September Re-cycling facilities at end of Land Street Back row (l to R) :- Helen Hardie, Valerie McMillan, 17th September Coffee Morning Rothes 2+ Group Olive Hay, Elsie Hendry, Jessie Grant, Roberta Paul. Church Hall Front Row (L to R) :- Constance Newlands, Renee 17th September Social Club Tombola Shanks, Doris Miller, Mary Milne, Noel Christie. th 20 September Ladies Group new session 22nd BROWN BIN Collection day 23rd/26th September Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival visit www.dufftown.co.uk for details 24th September Church Coffee Morning 29th September GREEN BIN Collection Day 30th September Re-cycling facilities at end of Land Street

October 1st October Social Club Coffee Morning 6th October BROWN BIN Collection day 13th October GREEN BIN Collection Day 15th October Social Club Tombola 20th October BROWN BIN COLLECTION Day 27th October GREEN BIN Collection Day

November 3rd November BROWN BIN Collection Day 4th November Rotary Strathspey and Reel Concert at Speyside High School 5th November Social Club Coffee Morning 6th November Remembrance Planters will be available by the War Memorial for Crosses and poppies. 10th November GREEN BIN Collection Day 13th November Remembrance Sunday 17th November BROWN BIN Collection Day 18th November Children in Need 19th November Senior Citizens Coffee Morning 19th November Social Club Tombola 24th November GREEN BIN Collection Day 30th November St. Andrew’s Day

December 1st December BROWN BIN Collection Day

This issue sponsored by Rothes Wind Ltd. 7 MORAY COMMUNITY PLANNING SPEYSIDE COUNCIL

As part of The Moray Community Planning consultation, road shows were carried out in 2004 further to The Speyside Council met on 23rd June, the main topic this initial process, now a more community-targeted for decision being the threatened closure of rural consultation will be held in your area. schools. In view of the action by communities themselves it was decided to limit our action at the time to During the month of September your Local Neigh- adding our voice to all the other protests that had been bourhood Forum Support Worker, Rosalind Adie will submitted to Moray Council. The problem has now be contacting you through local groups and organisa- ‘gone away’, albeit only temporarily maybe, but the tions, inviting you to take part in the Community Plan- Speyside Council will remain aware of the threat and ning Consultation. be ready to help local communities should help be needed. The consultation will take the form of a short ques- Also on the agenda at the last meeting was proposals tionnaire and will not take more than five minuets of by Clydesdale Bank to make further cuts in the provi- your time. This is one of the main ways in which you sion of banking services in rural areas. The bank has can have a real say about issues that effect you direct- been approached to try and get an idea of their pro- ly. posals and to lay down a marker of protest but so far only a very unsatisfactory, ‘wishy-washy’ reply has Once the consultation has been completed individuals, been received. This will be considered at the next representatives of organisations/ groups in your locali- meeting of the Council which is scheduled for 15th ty will be invited to become active participants of your September with the possibility of an approach to the Local Neighbourhood Forum. banking ombudsman. The Forum will be a great opportunity for people to John Tilley, Vice-President engage effectively, express their concerns regarding community issues and take decisions about local service delivery.

If you would like to find out where the questionnaires ROTHES SCHOOL ASSOCIATION can be accessed in your area or would like one of the consultation team to visit your group please contact Rothes Primary School PTA updated its constitution Rosalind Adie your Local Neighbourhood Support last school year, and it was decided a new name was in Worker on 01343 829026. order, so as not to exclude the other vital members of staff at the school. The Rothes School Association’s main role is to help with fund-raising and our curtain raiser this year is a Bags2School event on Fri 16 September. FIREWORKS CODE This is a very simple way of earning funds for the school. A lorry will be parked outside the school on Please be aware of the Firework code and keep your the date, at 9.00am and will be collecting any unwant- celebrations to the 5th November! If you intend to ed good quality clothing, bedding, curtains, soft toys, have a private party, inform neighbours who have pets belts, handbags and shoes. These will be sold on to so that the animals can be kept safe. This includes wholesalers in Russia, Latvia & Lithuania, and the horses. Many animals are absolutely petrified by the school gets £200 per tonne of items collected. ‘bangs and whooshes’ that they can be made very ill. Bags will be handed out to children at the school for Do not let your fun be spoilt by the knowledge that filling, but they will accept items in ordinary black you have caused undue stress to a friend or neighbour bags. and their pets. If you would like to help the school out for little effort, and a chance to de-clutter your wardrobe, either bring your bags to the school on the day, or phone the school on 831269 to arrange for collection.

Your donations will be much appreciated.

8 This issue sponsored by Rothes Wind Ltd. ROTHES JUNIOR YOUTH CLUB Whisky Changes

The two pictures of Cardhu Distillery were handed in by Mr Bill Calder, 64 High Street, Rothes and the picture of Glen Grant by Betty Johnston. Although Bill spent most of his working life as a lorry driver he had a spell at Cardhu Distillery where the picture of him The Youth Club will open on Tuesday 13th September ‘breaking up the klinkers’ was taken. When talking to in The Grant Hall. Bill, who is now 91 years old, we got to musing on the changes seen in the whisky industry over the years. Primary 1-3 6pm till 7pm. We thought it would be a good idea to ask our readers Children are to be dropped of no earlier than 6pm and to let us know of the changes they had experienced. collected from the coffee room. Admission - £1:00

Primary 4-7 7pm till 8:30 pm Children are not to arrive any earlier than 7pm and are to line up at the inside main hall door. Admission - £1:00

There is a tuck shop, offering a wide selection of sweets and drinks, prices varying from 5p upwards. To prevent the children from losing their money, could they bring it in a purse/wallet, clearly named which can be handed in to us on the door. For safety reasons could you also ensure that your child wears suitable footwear for playing games and activities, trainers would be preferable. Anyone willing to help at either session please let me So come on all you know and we will set up a rota system. distillery workers, if Any questions please feel free to contact Elaine on you have a story to 831845. tell send it by e-mail to the Rothesian, give it to one of the team or pop it into the Cot- Gala tage in New Street. We will be delighted to share your experi- The Gala Group in partnership with Rothes Com- ence of the changes munity Ltd will be organising an open day at the with our readers. Cottage in October/November when the cheques from the gala will be presented to the participating groups.

This issue sponsored by Rothes Wind Ltd. 9 Rothes Community Spirit PETITION FOR SCOTLANDS ARMY REGIMENTS

To keep the town attractive to the public and tourists For over 350 years, the Scottish Regiments have throughout the year Rothes Council relies heavily on served our country, during war and peacetime. Our the help of the community. soldiers are world renowned for their bravery and pro- Each year we try to increase our Christmas lights and fessionalism. Our Regiments are unique, and every bit floral displays. This council year we increased our as much a part of our culture as that of Scottish clans, Christmas lights in the Square by community effort tartans and castles. and got a grant from Moray Council for more hanging But they are more than just history and culture – they baskets. are our present and our future. They defend us from For the floral displays we have to thank Jim Anderson aggressors. They are our security in an insecure world. and his team for the planting and Speyside Garden The Government has made a mistake in agreeing that Services for ensuring that the displays are watered reg- our regiments be disbanded and amalgamated. Al- ularly. Thank you Gordon and Robbie. ready, recruitment has slumped to less than half that of For the Christmas Lights display we rely on Keith the previous year. Would-be recruits are not prepared Ross and his team who annually erect and dismantle to join a large, faceless super regiment – they want to the lights. Keith would personally like to thank Neil join their local regiment. Most serving soldiers are McKenzie, Mike Wall, Willie Grant, Andy Cameron, unhappy with the planned changes, and some are pre- Robbie Thomson, Gordon Thomson, Doug Willetts, paring to transfer or leave the army altogether. Our Ian Bruce, Graham Borthwick and Gary Davies for soldiers have been denied a democratic say in the fu- their keen support. Also I Fraser & Sons and the ture of their Regiments. You can give them that voice. Speyside Garden Services for providing transport. Last but by no means least the Council acknowledges The Scottish “Petition to Parliament” aims to collect the community contribution to the running costs of the ONE MILLION signatures, and present them to Par- lights through the collection jars. We will give a total liament on St. Andrews day. figure of all money collected this year in the next Petition forms are available for signing at the Cottage, Rothesian in December. and in some of the shops in Rothes. The work of our community has been recognised by Please sign the petition, and help to save the Scottish many, this year and over the last few years. If anyone Regiments – once they are gone, they are gone forev- has ideas for further improvements, would like to help er. in the future or would like to join the Rothes Council please let us know. You will be most welcome.

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2005 Senior Citizens

th In Rothes, Remembrance Sunday is observed at the The new session starts on Wednesday the 5 October War Memorial at 12 noon, followed by a service in the in the Church Hall at 2.30pm. All old and new mem- Kirk at which the Roll of Honour, in these last few bers are welcome. years, has been read out,. Very few families in Rothes th have been untouched by the conflicts of the 20 Cen- tury and with this being the 60th Anniversary of the Computer Classes end of the Second World War, it would be appreciated if the service at the memorial, in particular could be The computer classes will be starting again in the respected., Please could traffic, avoid the area at the week beginning the 10 October. It is envisaged that time of the service? all sessions on offer last time will be on offer again. As has been the custom for several years now, there At present we are investigating the possibility of doing will be planters in position by the War Memorial on a Passport certification course with the help of Spey- 6th November for the Rothes equivalent of the Gardens side School which is an accredited centre. All those of Remembrance in other areas. Please feel free to uti- interested in taking part in the classes this session lise these for your tokens. Glen and Sandra Ross will please pop your names and telephone numbers into the have a small supply of crosses available for use. Cottage. I will contact you all when I get back from holiday. Pearl Paul

10 This issue sponsored by Rothes Wind Ltd. Rothes Bowling Club Ben Aigan, Ben Aigen, Beneagen?

This season has seen an increase in members, although we would like to see some younger players coming Recently we have had a number of queries regarding along. The Gala Triples competition was won by the proper spelling of Ben Aigen. We thought it was Sandy Cameron, Charles Newlands and Richard Ja- time to do some research on the matter. mieson, the Bartlet Pairs winners were Ena Gill and Scott Cameron, at the time of going to press the Green We found there were references to a number of differ- Champion, Rennie Handicap Cup, Forsyth Cup, Sen- ent spellings i.e. Ben Aigan, Benaigan, Ben Aigen and ior Shield and Pharmacy Two Bowls Pairs have not Beneagen. yet been completed. It seems that all versions had been used at some time The Annual Open Pairs competition sponsored by on maps and various newspaper reports going back to Rothes Garage and Bells Scotch Whisky, attracted an the seventeen hundreds. The reason for this is that be- entry of 54 pairs. The winners being James and Jessie fore formal education was introduced the person com- Farquhar of Portgordon who defeated Dougie and piling the maps or newspaper reports relied on the spo- Norrie Milne of Grantown. Graeme Christie of Rothes ken word of the people interviewed and their own in- Garage presented the prizes, and we are extremely terpretation of how that word would then be spelt. grateful to all those who donated raffle prizes and to The interviewer was also rarely a local person with the ladies who provided excellent soup, sandwiches, knowledge of the local dialect and sometimes not even tea and cakes. a native of Scotland, hence the many spellings of Ben Aigen and other Scottish place names.

With the coming of formal education the spelling of ROTHES WIND FARM COMMUNITY place names was formalised. The correct and officially FUND accepted spelling of our hill is Ben Aigen.

Rothes Council had discussions at their meeting on Monday with Mr Donald Spiers of Natural Power. The meeting agreed the following points. All applica- The Cottage tion forms will be assessed by a sub-committee of the Rothes Council consisting of The Chair, Vice-chair, The Cottage has been well used this summer with visi- Secretary and Treasurer plus two nominees appointed tors from all over the world calling in to use the e-mail from the membership on an annual basis at the AGM. service, for tourist advice and local information. The Also on the sub Group will be the minister represent- most frequent requests have been for information on ing the church and the head teacher representing the local walks and the Whisky Trail. school or their nominees. The applications with the sub group’s recommendations will then be considered Our new venture of goods for sale has gone extremely by the full Rothes Council before being forwarded to and we plan to extend this further. Our greatest suc- the company. It was also agreed that applicants will cesses have been the cotton bags, the tea towels and be expected to provide part of the project costs from the tartan army t-shirts. The tartan army t-shirts have their own funds or efforts. A number of other issues now been to Italy, to Hampden Park on a number of were raised and will be discussed further with the occasions and are about to go to Norway. Happy company. wearing boys, we have one left! Another new venture “Ruby’s Pictures of Rothes” has Agreed dates for applications will be 1st September been very popular with visitors and locals. She re- and 1st March each year. Application forms will be views them on a weekly basis so pop in and see what available from the Cottage, 86 New Street, Rothes, is on offer. AB38 7BJ. Over the season we have been really fortunate in hav- PLEASE NOTE - The date for applications this ing a pool of willing volunteers. A big thank you to year will be 1st October and 1st March. Application each and every one. forms can be picked up at the Cottage.

This issue sponsored by Rothes Wind Ltd. 11 Beaumont Hamel and the Rothes Connection at the unveiling of the memorial in 2006.

Many visitors to the Somme are familiar with the figure of a Highlander, leaning on his rifle and looking towards the ‘Y’ ravine which is the 51st(Highland) Division Memorial in the Newfoundland Memorial Park. Not far away, in the centre of Beaumont Hamel is another memorial, a flagstaff presented by the High- land Division, to commemorate the capture of the village on 13th November 1916. This was a hard-fought battle which is now regarded as ‘the foundation stone on which the reputation of the Highland Division was built’. Each year the villagers promised to fly the Scottish Standard on the anniversary of the battle. Sic a Scare Ah near deid! (The Tricolore and Standard were also presented.) Several years ago the flagstaff was damaged with only Ah was walkin’ doon the road ae nicht, a stump remaining, although the original commemora- T’was dark and pourin’ rain. tive plaque is still attached to it, and it is all too easy to Ma mither’s umbrella ower ma heid. drive past without noticing it. Ah wis feared – bein’ oot ma lain. The Western Front Association Scotland (North) Branch have risen to the challenge of restoring the Each step Ah took made a ringin’ soond, flagstaff to its original purpose after talks with the vil- Ah could feel ma hert fair beatin’, lagers and French officials with a new flagstaff, using There wis naebody near for miles aroond, as much of the original as possible, the original plaque Ah wis gaun tae the village hall meetin’. and a new commemorative stone. It is hoped to have the project completed in time to be unveiled for the th Efter ah’d gid by the wud, 90 Anniversary of the Battle in November 2006. It widna be sae grim. Ah wis beltin’ on at an awfu’ scud, Rothes lost five sons at this battle. An thinkin’ o’ ma brither Jim. They are:- Interred at Beaumont Hamel British cemetery When a’ at aince, ah nearly drappit, L/Cpl. A. Reid of the Seaforths, age 19, son of Robert Ah niver got sic a scare, Reid a native of Rothes. When ah realised ma heid wis happit, Ah wis near deid for wint o’ air. In Mailly Wood Cemetery Pte. Duncan G, Allan, Seaforths, age 21, from Inch- Ah thocht a man hid steppit oot, berry An’ wis guan tae kidnap me, Pte. John Forbes Strachan, Seaforths, age 22, from 22, An ower ma heid he’d thrown a cloot, Breich Street, (District Clerk) son of Forbes Strachan So his face ah widna see! Pte. William Wilson, Gordons, age 21, of 98, High Street, son of John Wilson and Marion Sharp Ah jist stood there, ah couldna speak, Pte. Robert Mutch Taylor, Gordons, age 28, family Couldna pit ae fit by the ither, from Rothes Twa seconds seemed tae be a week, Ah wis foonered a’ the gather. All are remembered in the Rothes Book of Remem- brance in the Church. It is worth noting that this day Ma bluid ran cauld, ah wis stuck tae the spot, saw the greatest loss of life amongst the sons of Ma mooth wis as dry as a prune, Rothes in any conflict. So ah’ll niver forget the fricht ah got, The nicht ma brolly fell doon. The estimated cost for this Flagstaff Project is £5,000. The North Scotland Branch members launched an ap- Mrs M Brown, Rothes peal to raise this amount which it was expected would take about fifteen months. The sum has been sur- passed in about fifteen weeks, which will also allow for a fund for future maintenance of the site. The new commemorative stone will be of local sandstone and there will be a bronze plaque affixed. In addition, the 51st Highland Brigade,(the successors of 51st Highland Division) have intimated their intention to be present

12 This issue sponsored by Rothes Wind Ltd.