Cops Caught Speeding

page 32 Issue No 53, June 2016 a huge thank you to our sponsors delivered free to every address in Kilmallie We welcome John Stewart Auto Repairs as our latest new sponsor, with grateful thanks. A huge thank you to all the businesses below who are sponsoring the newsletter this year. Our newsletter costs have been met by their sponsorship donations, from KCC’s limited funds, from donations from the community and in kind from all our many volunteers.

in this issue

KCC from the chair – p2

slow progress - p2

KCC meetings – p3

community policing – p4

community toolshare - p4

planning applications - p4

slower safer smilier - p5

Councillors’ Corner - p6

Corpach Marina update – p7 investment worries - p8 Banavie Floral - p9

Corpach in Colour - p9

Produce Show p10-11

Kilmallie Playgroup - p12-13

Canal News - p14

Trains of thought - p15

Go Wild on Canal - p15-17

Banavie School News - p18

Community Centre - p18 for his tale told via the side-snippets in this issue in this side-snippets the via told hisfor tale High Notes - p19

Beekeepers - p20 BOYD BROTHERS CLYDEBoyd Corpach Woods - p20 Friends of Banavie Park - p21 (HAULAGE) LTD Fort William Ltd FOCAL- p21 Shinty Club - p22 cops caught speeding The police clinched the trophy in this year’s Go Wild raft race, winning for a second time but only Rugby Club - p23 FORT narrowly beating the Sea Cadets who were in fantastic form this year. The blue flashing light atop the Art Lochaber - p23 cops’ raft gave the constabulary that vital advantage. Both teams squashed the opposition decisively, WILLIAM Christmas Lights - p24 with only the Rugby Cowboys getting a look in in third place. Double the fun this year, with a ladies’ race too - dominated convincingly by the Friends of Banavie Play Park. Full results on page 15 and lots of TYRE Green fingers - p24 pictures in the centre pages. Another great event, all thanks to Stephen Wiseman of the Scottish SERVICES CREEL gig - p25 Waterways Trust and John Stafford and the local canal team. Looking forward to next year’s event Bun-sgoil ghàidhlig- p26 already!

Wild about Kilmallie - p27

Focus on Folk – p28

Ten years ago - p29

W Highland Colosseum - p29

Bygone Scholars - p30 would you like to become a sponsor too? We rely on the contributions from our business community for the cost of producing and distributing this free newsletter to every MacBride thanks to Neil Focus on Business - p30 address in our area. We welcome sponsorship from all businesses located in Kilmallie, or with principal key personnel resident in Puzzles from Pithean - p31 Kilmallie. If you would you like to see your name or logo in print supporting your community newsletter, please join with our Sponsors - p32 current sponsors. All donations, big or small, are hugely appreciated. Please contact us at [email protected] for details. page 2 kilmallie community council page 31

How can we judge whether we’re making progress right now or forward progress? not? Do we know what sort of progress we’d like to make collectively in the next 60 years? Our snippets down the side of each page join up this time to “some straight, some cryptic, some easy, some not so easy” Across tell a tale - penned for us by retired Muirshearlich postie Neil How can we actively participate in shaping and securing the MacBride. Neil’s thought-provoking reflections about progress progress we want? Is it wise to leave the shape of the future 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 But do no harm. Certainly (2,5) are also very apt, coming at a time when the draft West to ever more powerful market forces? 4 Jerry is one (5) 7 They make a trio (5) Highlands and Islands Local Development Plan (WHILDP) is Folk will look back on us in 2076 and again question ‘did we under consideration. 9 I can gel and become cherubic (7) make progress?’ How do we ensure their answer will be ‘yes’? 7 8 9 10 Mia and Mona. Do they make gas? (7) Neil compares the Muirshearlich of now with 60 years ago. But 11 Nephew? No, the wrong sex (5) what will Muirshearlich be like in another 60 years? As well as producing this newsletter, in the last three months 12 The German goes after lad, and ends up KCC has, amongst other things: Will it have been abandoned as a settlement altogether? Or climbing it (6)  held three meetings will it have expanded with new school and shops due to the 10 11 14 End ted dinged (6)  persisted with pressure on BEAR and Transport Scotland influx of migrants from Caol after a decade of floods? Will 18 Elsa and I confused in church (5) incl a letter to the Transport Minister, to get the flashing sheep be shepherded by drones controlled from a central 20 Tell (7) road signs working and to improve the system in the future crofting office in Inverness? Will the township be surrounded 22 Does the hag get to make the stew with soul? to ensure that any failures are addressed quickly by lush temperate rainforest abundant with lynx and beaver? 12 13 14 15 16 (7)  had a presentation from Nevis Landscape Partnership Or will the hillside be a concrete lattice of roads leading to 23 Leper returned to drive back (5)  had a presentation from the Corpach Marina group Serco’s renewable energy mesh? Will the B8004 have been 17 24 Receded (5)  attended the Go Wild event upgraded to two lanes with kerbs and street lighting? Or will it 25 A dimmer fish lady (7)  attended a Highland Council consultation on the draft West have reduced to a grassy footpath easily accommodating our 18 19 20 21

Highlands & Islands Local Development Plan Down personal solar powered parajets? Will Muirshearlich have its  hosted a community consultation on the same 1 Put two tennis items together and make a game own networked rural parliament, or be governed from Oslo?  pursued ‘slower safer smilier’ issues of it (7)  and raised the issue of car dumping with the police. Are any of these conceivable? Back in 1956, Neil’s parents 22 23 2 Urdu rum punch contains wheat (5) We’re always grateful for any offers of help to enable us to could not have imagined the loss of their bus service, let alone 3 Can be round, square, or even pyramid shaped conceived of the arrival of the internet and the ubiquity of the achieve a little useful progress. (3,3) mobile phone. How can we know what 2076 will look like? Mandy Ketchin, Chair 4 Renault car loses its rear end to get the girl (5) 24 25 5 Not the prettiest (7) 6 Sounds like a host and is a host (5) seem to give these signs high priority, KCC wrote to the 8 He was pretty fast for a milkman (5) Transport Minister, Derek Mackay, to ask him to consider Thank you to Tony Whitelocke 13 Intrude. But is Dr the one to do it? (7) slow progress! establishing an emergency fund administered by Central for another great crossword. 15 Mistake (5) One of the Scottish Government’s recent campaigns is called ‘In Government for repairing electronic speed limit signs. We 16 Lewd Del was confused about where he lived (7) Town Slow Down’, encouraging drivers to reduce their speed to suggested there should be a nominated person with a budget Answers to last issue’s crossword: 17 National hymn (6) allow time to respond to the busy environment of built-up who could be contacted regarding the failure of electronic Across: 18 Can be acute, obtuse, reflex and some are right areas and remind pedestrians and drivers to look out for each speed limits signs, and who would take responsibility for 1 TUBULAR, 4 FORTH, 7 MEGAN, 9 CHINESE, 10 LINKAGE (5) other. As regular newsletter readers will know, this getting these fixed in a short time frame. 11 DIANA, 12 REFUSE, 14 STATES, 18 FARMS, 20 AIRPORT 19 Antelope. Does it come from the east land? (5) Government campaign is consistent with KCC’s ‘slower, safer, 22 NOODLES, 23 NORTH, 24 HEART, 25 AEROSOL 21 The first Greek (5) smilier’ strategy for improving safety through reduced traffic The response to our letter was somewhat disappointing. Down: speeds and improving provisions for vulnerable road users. Instead of considering it a matter for Central Government, as 1 TUMBLER, 2 BEGIN, 3 RACHEL, 4 FRIED, 5 RE-ENACT Answers to these puzzles are on the website

we had asked, Mr Mackay passed it back to Transport Scotland, 6 HYENA, 8 NEARS, 13 FORMOSA, 15 TURIN, 16 SATCHEL www.kilmallie.org.uk An important way to improve road safety is ensuring drivers Is this progress? which rather missed the point. Transport Scotland’s reply was a 17 NAUSEA, 18 FINCH, 19 SPLIT, 21 OGRES (follow the link on the RHS of the homepage) are aware of speed limits, and that they stick to them. collection of excuses about the time it takes to manufacture and will also be published in the next issue of the Electronic speed limit signs are a good way of doing this, both electronic signs and the difficulty of monitoring for faults. Answer to last issue’s Picture Quiz No 9: Locheilside Station newsletter for people without access to the internet. the timed 20mph zones outside schools and flashing vehicle- In 1956... 60 years ago... In 60 1956... years ago... activated signs to remind drivers of the speed limits. These are The good news is that both the Corpach and High School signs simple pieces of safety equipment with a demonstrated ability are currently working, and can now be monitored remotely for to dramatically reduce risk. faults. Transport Scotland are also going to hold some emergency speed limit signs in stock, which can be temporarily Many of you will be aware of the problems we have had with deployed if existing signs fail and cannot be fixed. picture these signs in our area not working properly, and the repeated requests to Transport Scotland and BEAR to resolve the issues. Nevertheless, the ‘bigger picture’ is that there needs to be Flashing vehicle-activated 30mph signs were installed on the someone whose responsibility it is to make these things quiz A830 in Corpach, but it took around 18 months of requests to happen quickly and efficiently, and in line with the ‘In Town actually get them switched on. There have been long periods Slow Down’ campaign, that person should be funded through no over the years when the 20mph signs outside the High School Central Government. The relative cost of our proposed fund haven’t worked, meaning that there is no 20mph limit. compared to the human and financial cost of accidents would Pupils at Lochaber High School are seven times be minimal, and would demonstrate that the Scottish 10 more likely to be killed crossing the road on Government really is committed to road safety. their way to school if they are hit by a car

driving at 30mph rather than 20mph. Russell Leaper, Secretary where in Kilmallie? As Transport Scotland and BEAR do not

page 30 page 30 though only the school bus now runs.

Grateful thanks to ‘Roamer’ of of GratefulLochaber ‘Roamer’ forwarding to lovely Newsfor old these photos thanks school bygone banavie scholars scholars bygone banavie whichand were David’s himJane sent to Inverlochy. byMacraefather David of Hecky and dated ?1932, Hecky is again in front row, 4th right.and from is frontrow, Hecky datedin ?1932, again dated 2nd isleft; Hecky frontrow, from ?1929, in (Hector) lived(Hector) atTorcastle dated ?1926 Hecky is in front row, 4th left; from dated Hecky is frontrow, ?1926 in More old pictures school next issue. in . From top to bottom: bottom: From topto

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Community Council. Community of Kilmallie or team the newsletter the views of necessarilynot are newsletter this in Viewsexpressed [email protected] at us Email Ketchin Mandy Sue Chadney 772383 MacLugash Jan 772252 Hutchison Christine newsletterteam: Your of the one team. please contact newsletter, then receive the doesn’t who know anyone of you If area. Kilmallie in the business and home every newsletter to the getting in helps who everyone We’d like tothank party. political any promoting impliedno way inwere KCC that and intentional not This was newsletter. as last their the same time leaflets at accidentallysomeelection have received may who Banavie in people of to the small number Apologies way, doplease anyget in touch. in involved like togetIf you’d help. with someextra alwaysdo we worthwhile. can But makesit that it isappreciated lives busy otherwise very into all slotted and voluntary,all produce, to effort of it amount takes huge a publication, it’s justquarterly though Even a newsletter. the thatappreciate they letsknow who us everyone and occasional contributors, regular fantastic and our teams,to volunteer all our delivery all thanks ever, As Member Vice Chair Treasurer Secretary Chair casein changes. of Facebook or website the check Please December. and July excluding month every of Monday 4th the on Centre Kilmallie Community in at 7:15pm held currently are Meetings meetings. our all at welcome most are public Members the of COUNCIL COMMUNITY KILMALLIE community

kilmallie

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

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special meeting, special arewe obliged convene to one request a specialrequest meeting, alwaystry we would Remember you you Rememberdon’t havetowait regular a for to accommodate one to if urgentand practicable. people (residentand people eligiblevote) request to a now open for 2016 applications from community groups. groups. fromcommunity 2016 applications for open now meeting ifmeeting something is there youurgentthat Monday 27th(inclAGM) June (but check Secretary (but with case last of any in Don’t we’vechangedDon’t schedule...ourforget within if14 Evenwithin days. less20 than people place and astimeplace remain beforethe same think needs think Ifto be discussed. atleast 20 your ideas and concernsideasand your local issues for 7:15pm atKilmallie Community7:15pm Centre Monday 26th September www.lochaberhousing.org.uk/communityfund.html on 4th on the Monday monthof every minute changes cancellations) minute or Monday 22nd August meetings welcome welcome (excluding July and (excluding December) KCC KCC the placethe toshare we now meet wenow all all at

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page 3 there were 8 houses in Muirshearlich. page 4 page 4 There were 3 telephones, allow community groups a selection of tools they could could they oftools selection a groups allow community share was to tool the behind idea The area. the tourists to and residents local both of benefit forthe environment thelocal regenerating and protecting of passion shared a from comes LEG and Team Town the between The partnership Lochaber. areas across outdoor improve help to used be to groups local amongst will shared be ‘tidy own their out carry to use to Lochaber in groups local share for tool delivercommunity to a have collaborated (LEG) group Environmental Lochaber and Team Town William The Fort toolshare community nominated local police station in Lochaber for surrendering for surrendering Lochaber in police station local nominated the with 12th, June on ends This campaign safe a manner. in tothese surrender licence,opportunity the a wish obtain to not do but weapons haveair who public the of members enable to running campaign surrender air weapon national havea currently Scotland Police this for preparation In certificate. weapon air an holding without weapon air an acquire or purchase use,possess, to person offence a for an it making December 2016, 31 on effect into will come 2015Act Licensing (Scotland) and Weapon level, Air the national a On Scotland? Police within nationally and locally new both what’s So, hour! 11th the things at like doing quite nothing day; following was the newsletter this quarter’s for deadline the that Hutchison Christine by reminded I was meeting council community May’s attended lastnight just Having policing community afoot afoot plans 19/05/16 16/05/16 04/05/16 05/03/16 11/04/16 29/03/16 06/03/16 -

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16/01361/FUL 16/01361/FUL 16/02076/FUL 16/01362/FUL 16/00850/FUL 16/00850/FUL 16/01631/PNO 16/01631/PNO 16/01143/FUL 16/01039/FUL - permission already granted), OHL = Overhead Electricity Line Electricity = Overhead OHL granted), already permission follow typically (ie Conditions in Specified Matters MSC = Notification, = Prior PNO Consent. Listed Building LBC = Application, FUL= Full Principle, in =Permission PIP Secretary. KCC please contact email, by lists weekly receive to like would you If News. Community of Kilmallie 2014edition Sept seethe Lists, Weekly Planning about information further For determined. havebeen already may Some 03/06/16. ending week up to months, three thelast in Lists Weekly the on noticed we’ve that applications Here local the are picks’. The community tool share tool Thecommunity picks’.

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- related building (non works Lochaber Environmental Group Environmental Lochaber Officer Community Waste Zero Cara Mackay [email protected]. or 01397702583 on Sue Keen with contact in please get then event local a for tools borrow like to would more.If you much picksand litter trowels, rakes,hand shears, garden cans, watering spades, include events such for available LEG by donated The basis. tools needed’ ‘as an Keen Sue on by administered be will and run to want communities that pick litter or up tidy any facilitating for will available be The tools ‘one usedasa be only would sometimes tools that purchase and bank’ ‘break the to having without up’, ‘clean own havetheir to groups local other with share and borrow fornon Tel. 101 7GAPH33 William Fort BLAR MOR, Station WilliamPolice Fort Scotland of Police Service [email protected] Council Community for Kilmallie Officer Liaison Sergeant Police Andrew Bilton, area. Lochaber or Kilmallie the in Policing local on comments feedback or any welcome Iwould articles, newsletter Asprevious per offenders. any targeting in and Corpach limitthrough speed the of raising awareness in assisted has Hillview Drive by sign 30mph monitoring speed erected recently the and area Corpach the within speeding raised regarding CC have Kilmallie that concerns the support to committed are Police Scotland Locally, the Blar. on located station William Fort weapons being air - emergency emergency

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page 29 page 29 and a motorbike... still some bicycles...

When you are on duty you live on the boat. I've seen many page 5 page 28 changes in the work; there is obviously more reliance on focus on technology, procedures are checked and double-checked for slower, safer, smilier safety reasons. I am now the skipper of the Isle of Mull, the You may remember in our last newsletter, there  'I reported a driver who almost failed to stop while the lollipop This time we focus ferry running between Oban and Mull and the necessary was a questionnaire included that you could lady was stationary in the middle of the road almost and on David Malcolm, turnaround time is 15 minutes. Working on cargo ships has complete, asking if you thought a Puffin crossing on the A830 at children were crossing... In my opinion I have rarely seen a lorry folk Calmac skipper also changed - now we have massive container ships and one of three sites would be beneficial. We have had an amazing that looks like it is travelling at 20 during school crossing tankers undertaking lengthy passages which must be tedious response - with 46 completing it online, and 38 handing in times...... given the number of near misses and speeding that I I was born and brought up in Danderhall, near Dalkeith. At the paper copies. Most of these surveys were very much in favour for the crew. On the ferries we are always on the go so it's have witnessed over the years I believe there is a high High School in Dalkeith I was keen on sports, especially of having a crossing at either the Canal bridge, the Co-op or Banavie probability of a serious incident at the Banavie school crossing swimming and rugby – neither of which I was able to follow never boring. School, with many attached comments including: unless measures are put in place.' through on board a merchant ship. There is no family I was on the Ullapool – Stornaway route in 2005 when we  'Banavie school crossing is an accident waiting to happen and  seafaring tradition but when I left school at 16 with the aim experienced the dreadful flood that put us out of our house 'Multiple near misses at all 3 locations over last 10 yrs living the speed limit is seldom adhered to' locally and 6 yrs opposite the coop' of getting a job, the merchant navy was considered a good for 8 months. I knew that there was going to be bad weather career choice as there were so many ships around at that – a combination of an unusually deep depression and tidal  'Drivers do not respect the white stick'  'My son was nearly knocked over at Drumfada coming off the surges – but I've never seen or felt anything like the winds of school bus. Children have no perception of speed!' time, a lot of which were British run and crewed. My  'Poor sight lines at both ends of the bridge and traffic going too 140 mph that hit Ullapool for 10 hours. I was stuck there application to join BP brought about my first trip to London fast'  'Frequently see people dashing out to cross the road and having for 4 days of interviews, being put up in a smart hotel - The while the water reached a depth of over a metre in the near misses. Have observed this as a pedestrian as well as a  On visit to France 'impressed by the measures taken to ensure Merchant Navy Anchor Hotel - all of which was quite a house and Marion and the children were evacuated by driver' traffic is slowed down through each village... What a contrast culture shock for me. However BP didn't want me so I went neighbours. with the low priority given to pedestrian safety in Britain!'  'Have had to brake heavily for pedestrians stepping onto the back to school to study more science at Higher level. road at the canal bridge' One consequence of being out of the house was that we And also many people citing near misses: went away a lot – to Cyprus, to Canada where Marion has  'I see on a weekly basis pedestrians having difficulties in I was then accepted as a cadet with the Denholm Shipping  'Kids running across between traffic' Company of Greenock. They were a large company with (at family – and then we made the decision to buy a house in crossing at all the above locations. The canal bridge is the most hazardous because of the speed of vehicles, particularly those that time) 120 ships, and I trained and worked my way up Canada for holidays. We had always loved going there and  'Saw a car offside mirror knocked off by passing car' coming from Corpach.' with them until I got my Master's Ticket. I served mainly on we now go to our house in Alberta whenever work and  '....a police van came along at high speed as children were going the Bahamas cargo runs, also sailing to the US east coast school allow. We can fish, kayak and sail on the lake in the to school narrowly missing my two grand-children'  'Several near misses at school crossing with speeding drivers summer, we ski and I watch ice hockey in the winter and we and drivers driving past as lolly pop person is on the road . ports, away for months at a time and returning to Dalkeith in  '....drivers reluctant to slow down for the school crossing are always busy visiting folks and relatives, doing jobs for Drivers ignoring the 20 mile a hour signs' between passages. patroller. She is a brave lady doing this job' ourselves and others. The family all feel at home there.  'I am aware of difficulties at The Co-op as I see people waiting The shipping industry experienced a severe downturn in the  ' I have had to run across at the canal bridge as a vehicle I had for a long time to pluck up the courage to cross to the island 1970's and 80's; I was made redundant but immediately got not seen became apparent' and then wait again to cross to the pavement' another job with Caledonian MacBrayne - I'm not sure that  'My husband had a near miss at the canal bridge when crossing Although we have had such a good response to date, we would still the tropical experience of the Bahamas really prepared me on his mobility scooter, due to poor sightlines, you can't see like to see many more questionnaires returned, so that we have a for a seafaring life off the west coast of Scotland! I was relief traffic, and traffic can't see you' good body of evidence to take to Traffic Scotland - and so that we Master on several of the well-remembered CALMAC boats,  '.....lollipop lady has nearly been hit numerous times and can make a good case for getting the crossing we evidently need. such as the Suilven on the Stornoway – Ullapool route; the sometimes traffic just doesn't stop' The online survey can be found at

Claymore on the Oban – Barra route. I met my wife Marion www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DHKQ9F3 - or a paper copy can be  'Canal bridge pedestrians some with pushchairs, cyclists and on the Pioneer when I was Chief Officer on the Mallaig – obtained from any of the Community Council members. I know people portering canoes and kayaks having to jump back on to Armadale run. She was teaching on Skye and taking a group Annette and the other Community councillors will join me in the pavement.' thanking you for all your support! of schoolchildren on the boat. At that time we had more interaction with the passengers than we have now; we made Carol Anne Campbell our own safety briefings and other announcements, so the children wrote to the Chief Officer, who replied to the Hi folks, representative from Transport At last! The vehicle school, and the rest is history... Scotland. I would like these people to activated speed signs are I am hoping that this effort to have physically stand at the side of this finally working, and crossings installed is not grinding to a We moved to Banavie in 1989 as Marion's family had a croft road at Banavie swingbridge with me making a difference. PS Andy halt after all our hard work. there, then to Corpach in 1990. The house we live in was and see for themselves how I have to Bilton tells us that the signs built by a Mr Simpson who was a boatbuilder before the David’s lovely Border collie, Skye. Just recently, with the traffic level cross this road. Unless we do this, no- record speed data from every Mallaig railway was constructed. His boatyard was where increasing with the onset of the one is going to do anything at all passing car. Data so far shows that 90% of about this situation. I know we are vehicles have slowed to 30mph. Sounds our garden is and we discovered a large depression in the I am considered to be a good cook and when I am at home I tourist season and with the bright am in charge of the kitchen. When asked what is my sunny weather, I have been standing supposed to be doing an audit of good on the face of it, but it means ground which could be flooded at high tide to float out the at the side of the road for up to 15 the whole road but in the that 1 in 10 cars is exceeding the "signature dish" the family unanimously replied "Tomkatsu line,one of which had a shared boats he built. After our three children were born I was on a minutes at a time, waiting on a big meantime I have had enough speed limit through the village - doesn’t routine work schedule of 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off; on my 2 Chicken" – a somewhat spicy Japanese dish. Happily I like enough break in the traffic to cross. I and I want the "powers that sound so good. weeks off I returned to my sporting interests and became cooking! I also enjoy walking our dog, keeping the garden am becoming increasingly depressed be" to stand there with me Fortunately the very involved coaching school rugby and shinty. tidy and I've helped to teach all my children to drive. and even more angry at this where I have to cross and see for police can tell what situation. My sight is deteriorating themselves what it's like. time of day most

How local should decision making be? Unfortunately our efforts have stalled when (which should speed up the flow but does about faced with inertia or even resistance from nothing for the volume of traffic). And then I'm a strong believer in the principle of Transport Scotland. Why is that? Simply compare how impossible it has been to get subsidiarity, that is making decisions as put, local priorities (safety) are ignored a pelican crossing for Banavie Primary locally as possible. Unfortunately too many when they clash with national priorities School. kilmallie public bodies are greatly over centralised to (traffic speed). Inverness or Edinburgh. All investment in our road network is to be Transport Scotland’s mission statement on welcomed. But the priorities for our in- One example that will be familiar to readers safety is woeful. Their "Safer and Stronger" town and village trunk roads (any trunk The Cuckoo is Transport Scotland, who are responsible principle suggests little more than safer road not a 60 basically) should be in the We heard our first cuckoo of spring on for all of the A830, including through communities are those that are closer hands of local communities, not a national 2nd. April at Glenfinnan, but this was Banavie and Corpach. Kilmallie Community together, ie have "better journey times" organisation, and certainly not swiftly followed the next day with one Council and Banavie Primary School parent between them! There is absolutely nothing an organisation with no stated at Glen Loy. council have both been very active trying to in their mission statement that a concerned priority to make roads safer for improve road safety along that particular parent might identify as focus on safety. TS children and pedestrians. The familiar call is only made by the stretch. are simply directed towards maximising males, the female call – a rich, bubbling traffic speeds. Witness how easy it has been Cllr Ben Thompson chuckle – being much less familiar. The to install a new roundabout at Inverlochy cocks call continuously throughout the

glens until the end of May, and are How local should a Local Authority be? The in Scotland make it extremely difficult to With redesigning of the present Highland simple answer is, Very---- but then reality, have real local authorities. At best they will Council, which I imagine will be a often highly visible. Often two or more austerity, sketchy broadband, lack of always be area authorities, as was suggested streamlining of services delivered, males can be seen chasing a desirable resources and personnel all kick in. Many of in the previous ‘local council’ title--- separating statutory services from non- female. us remember the good old days of Lochaber Lochaber District. statutory and disaggregation of community District Council, based in Fort William. That I am not too precious where a local council services budgets to 8 areas, now under way, By the time this newsletter reaches was regarded as local authority, but was sits. What is more important is, where the the seeds are being sown for active your door cuckoos will be silent, and photo courtesy of Cora Boesenach that local to Knoydart, the small isles, or local authority jobs are located to help the communities to get involved in their own birds will be busy stoking up on food for Lochaline? I rather think not. economy of the villages and make the destiny. I have always felt that planning and their migration south. Their favourite In all honesty it would be great to have the response times more efficient. I do not licensing could be delegated to local areas. snack is a hairy caterpillar, typically barred breasts and long tail. The head as the drying of the Sahel, the grassland type of model that Norway has, but frankly believe we need local authorities in every There is overarching policy now in place we have missed that boat, as it has evolved town/village. To me, to be a local authority, which could allow for local variations. those of eggar or fox moths, which are and bill are quite different, however, areas fringing the Sahara, which are over many years when resources were more it is more important to have single member While I know that some people can watch locally common. Cuckoos are one of the and the predominant colour is grey. essential for migration stop-overs, and available and less services were delivered wards, with local representatives with no councillors debating on sketchy webcasting, few birds that can cope with the irritant changes in their wintering grounds

than today’s Highland Council of 750+ political labels. It is not where, it is whom. it is no substitute for personal hairs on these caterpillars; they Famously, cuckoos are brood parasites, through global warming are much more separate streams of work. In government This would allow for the islands, peninsulas involvement. It is also cost effectively skin their prey before eating which means that they lay their eggs in likely to play a role in determining the Norway even has a minister of Local rural and urban areas to have their own prohibitive and fairly bland it. the nests of other birds. The young future of the cuckoo. The cuckoo is an Government and Modernisation to oversee council. You could still have a town or city watching. cuckoo often hatches before the other adaptable species, however, and this all the municipal authorities. council as generally their needs are Cuckoos are amongst our shortest eggs and soon sets about heaving other harbinger of spring is likely to be with Unfortunately having missed that model the completely different to the sparse rural Cllr Allan Henderson residents, and by the end of July the eggs and nestlings out of the nest. This us for a while yet. geography, terrain and lack of straight roads areas. adults have all gone. They appear to then allows it to have the undivided winter in Central Africa, in countries attention of the foster parents. The Decentralising local decisions from Inverness establish Localism by setting up Local Area proposal out of the question. such as the Congo, having crossed large gape of the young cuckoo is a Wildcat sighting? to Lochaber has been discussed since Committees without giving them any real When the Scottish Government Southern Europe and often skirted super stimulant to the parents, On a different tack, I had a further view Highland Council came into existence in power. It was recently agreed that Area centralised the Police and Fire Services, round the Sahara on the way. The overcoming the obvious size difference of what I believed to be a wildcat just 1996. During that time, Councillors have Committees would decide which local roads Highland Council was quick enough to bleat outside of Banavie at the beginning of favoured devolving powers to the areas, or to prioritise during bad weather along with a about local areas losing out. Now, when it migration route has only just become of the foundling from their normal and one telephone box... and one telephone April (returning from a Lochaber as they now call it providing Localism, share of the appropriate budget. It is hardly comes down to devolving Local Government better known thanks to advances in offspring. The preferred victim of particularly in the build up to local elections revolutionary. I believe in decentralising decision making powers to areas like technology that have allowed choice locally is the meadow pipit, Natural History Society meeting about because Councillors know full well that is Local Government powers, e.g. Planning and Lochaber, Highland Council is withholding geolocators to be attached to the back though other birds such as sedge 10pm, appropriately enough!). It was what the public want to hear. Licensing Committees should be devolved to Local Government powers from the very of birds. These retain data on the light warblers and reed buntings may be feeding on a fresh rabbit carcass by the In a democracy, everyone has an the areas. I also believe that those people it claims to represent. level in relation to time, thus allowing parasitised. Further south the reed side of the road. I have had several opinion. In my view, communities are best committees should be serviced by local staff. A commission chaired by Rory Mair, ex the likely position to be calculated. warbler is often chosen. The cuckoo is sightings of this or a similar cat placed to make Local Government decisions If Lochaber had its own devolved conjoined COSLA Chief Executive, will investigate the Some of you may have followed the capable of adapting the colour of its between Banavie and Muirshearlich etc computers, mobiles, of telephones, affecting their own areas. Lochaber has Planning and Licensing Committee serviced type of democracy people across the progress of ‘Chris’ the cuckoo on eggs to match those of the hosts, to the over the past couple of years, with seven out of a total of eighty Councillors. A by local staff, we would save money as Highlands wish to see. I say, “Unshackle further sightings reported from Glen number of years ago, I chaired a sub- Councillors and Officials would not have to Local Government and give it back to the Autumnwatch. extent of adding appropriate markings, Loy and elsewhere. I would be very committee in Highland Council with a view travel. I was informed that the Area areas to permit local decisions to be made so that they blend in better. to devolving powers to the areas. If the vote Planning Manager and the Area Solicitor by local Councillors on behalf of local Far fewer people have seen rather than interested to hear of any other had been taken in the foyer, we would have from outwith Lochaber would have to people.” Unfortunately, that could only heard cuckoos. They are not Cuckoos are still common throughout sightings in the area. If someone has a had a positive result. Unfortunately, at the attend. In my opinion, if the Lochaber happen if more politicians were willing to particularly shy, however, and often sit the Highlands, whereas in England and large tabby cat with a thick bushy tail in meeting, the Party whips came out and Planning Team Leader was in attendance give up their central power base. out on telegraph wires or other vantage Wales they have become greatly the vicinity then this would also be Councillors voted against the proposal. along with a locally based solicitor, as was Don’t hold your breath. points where they can look for victims. reduced in numbers. The abundance of useful to know! Later, a vote at the Governance Group the case for many years, this would be Cuckoos are about the size and shape meadow pipits and a wealth of prey Meeting was lost to devolve the Planning sufficient. However, as the solicitor based in Cllr Bill Clark of a small bird of prey and can easily be items mean that numbers are likely to Jon Mercer, Glenloy Wildlife and Licensing Committees to the areas. Lochaber House left recently and as it has To date, the Council has taken steps to been decided not to fill this post, it puts my mistaken for sparrowhawks, with their remain high here. External forces such Drama and Multimedia Project with Artair  Children in our school have had page 26 Donald. They produced a fantastic exceptional results with various page 7 performance of Làithean M’ Òige/My competitions including the John Muir Kilmallie Community Council plan to hold a bun-sgoil Childhood Days at our Christmas Concert. Trust Poetry Competition, Rotary Club  Sgoil-àraich – C3 children took part in our Poetry Competition and Lochaber Music excellent Christmas nativity Bè Bè Festival. Betlehem and our Sgoil-àraich had their  Our children took part in DrumFun Community Consultation ghàidhlig own magnificent nativity performance. workshops and are currently involved in  Our C3/4 class produced a fantastic the Youth Music Initiative. in our Gaelic slot this time, an article on the drama which was showcased this month  Our children took part in various about gaelic education, rather than an with Mallaig Primary School and Generation Science workshops including Caol Regeneration Company’s proposals for article IN Gaelic Acharacle Primary School. Space Base and Marvellous Magnets. Our It is hard to believe that nearly a year has  We raised £82 for Sports Relief and £220 children also attended a very interactive passed since Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar for Marie Curie. workshop on chemical elements delivered (Lochaber Gaelic Primary School) opened its  We offer a range of afterschool clubs by Dr Daniel Price from the University of Corpach Marina doors to children, staff, families and the including Football, Art and a School Choir Glasgow.

community. The state of the art building through the medium of Gaelic. We also  Our C6 children attended swimming includes five large teaching classrooms, restarted Coisir Òg Lochabar (Lochaber lessons this term and have worked really Your chance to have a look at the current proposals three support for learning rooms, a fully Youth Choir) which is growing in hard to develop their skills in the sport. equipped nursery, out of school care room, numbers.  Our C7 children had a brilliant week and to let KCC know your views. community room, canteen, large multi-use  All our children take part in the mile a day skiing. hall, recording studio, vast outdoor space scheme where all classes run or walk a  Our children took part in a sponsored and multi-use pitch. The current role sits at mile a day. walk last week to raise money for two Kilmallie Community Centre 70 children in the primary and 18 children in  All our children are first aiders. local campaigns – Fight for Frances and the nursery which is set to increase next  Our Rights Committee organised a the Daisy Fund. Date and time still to be confirmed year. The school has very quickly become Fairtrade Tuckshop for the school and part of the community hosting many events have been working on children’s rights Over the next couple of weeks there are Please let KCC Secretary know if you want to be notified of date and time across the year for all the community and responsibilities. some key dates to highlight: as it will probably not be possible to publicise to everyone via the newsletter including ceilidhs, coffee mornings/  Our Pupil Council organised a Sports  16th June – our nursery children will be afternoons and last week the school’s very Relief/World Book Day event. going on their trip to the Locheil Outward successful school fete which raised  Our Gaelic, Culture and Community Bound Centre • To limit disturbance, operational policy of the marina will not £1900. The school has become a Gaelic hub Committee are working hard to promote  17th June – our end of term cèilidh with permit commercial scale maintenance and repairs, although for the area with Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Fèisean the use of Gaelic in school and are music from our children, Sileas Sinclair, Update from emergency/urgent work will be considered, e.g. if a vessel nan Gàidheal and Commun na Gàidhlig all organising Gaelic learning sessions for Deirdre Beck and many cannot safely proceed to sea. based in offices in the building and working local residents to come in and learn some others. 7pm. Please come along. Caol Regeneration in partnership with the school. The school Gaelic whilst having lunch!  20th June – all our children will be going It was therefore identified that more funding was required: offers a Gaelic mother and toddlers every  Our Technology, Careers and Skills to Blair Drummond Safari Park for their (a) to test and detail the new concept Tuesday and Wednesday morning and Committee have been working hard on whole school trip Company (b) to progress Planning and Marine Scotland applications and

Cròileagan Grianach (2 year old playgroup) our website and trying to set up a  21st & 22nd June – our P7 children will be (c) to shape design and build tender documents. currently runs Monday, Wednesday and An update presentation, followed by a question and answer computing science club! going to the Isle of Skye for their session, was provided in April to the Kilmallie Community Council. We have been successful in making funding bids to Highland

Friday mornings which is set to expand to a  Our Outdoor Learning and Gardening residential trip The same presentation has subsequently been given to members of Council, Scottish Canals, The Crown Estate, and Highland and five day service. There are also a number of Committee are busy building wood piles  30th June – our Leavers’ assembly which Islands Enterprise, assembling a further £40,000 to move to the opportunities to learn Gaelic in the school the local ward forum of Highland Council, at which it was warmly to attract insects and bees as well as will commence at 10am. All very received. A similar session is planned in the near future with Caol preconstruction stage. This has allowed consulting engineers with with a family class on a Monday morning currently applying for funding to buy a welcome. considerable marine project experience to be retained, also a local and various evening classes. Community Council. Polygrub to grow our own fruit and architect. vegetables. For more information on the school, please The main points covered are as follows: The Business Plan will shortly have to be updated when Consulting On Friday 4th May, Alasdair Allan MSP  Our ECO committee have been focussing visit our website at www.bsgla.co.uk. Join The original marina design (2011) has been overtaken by the Engineers' reports are available and before submission to potential officially opened the school. The day was on healthy eating and setting up our us on Facebook and/or follow us on Twitter. outcome of engineering studies undertaken in the Autumn of 2015. funders for the capital construction works. Also a new European marked with two special ceilidhs which were school’s ECO code. These studies identified very substantial volumes of silt and rock on LEADER fund is now open, and the process of applying for funds to both extremely successful.  Our nursery, C1 and 2 hosted a St Iain Eòsaph MacNèill/John Joseph MacNeil the foreshore at Corpach which would have had to be removed to retain Project Management services has begun. It is intended that Andrew’s Day Cèilidh and a Burns Cèilidh. Ceannard na Sgoile/Head Teacher Throughout the year our children have deliver the original design, rendering this impracticable. Community Planning and Marine Scotland approval is obtained by late 2016, taken part in many events and have had feedback from the 2015 consultation has also significantly and that procurement and capital funding applications commence many achievements. Here are some of the influenced the design. Since then we have been fortunate to enjoy by end 2016. An optimistic forecast would be that the marina is events and achievements the children have the benefit of innovative work undertaken by Gael Force Marine, an commissioned by end 2017, however a more realistic timeline is taken part in throughout the year: engineering firm based in Inverness with extensive experience of likely to be end 2018 or early 2019.

 A very successful transition into the new constructing marinas, with many on the West Coast including Mallaig, Lochaline and Lochboisdale. There has also been very The project group remains focused on delivering direct benefits to

...there are uncounted numbers are uncounted ...there school helpful guidance from Scottish Canals, one of the key project the many waterborne users -  a number of sporting events including a from local small boat owners, triathlon, basketball tournament, dance partners. As a result of these various inputs, a new concept has emerged with the floating infrastructure positioned further to college students, and visiting platform showcase, swimming boat owners - and to delivering championships, badminton tournament, offshore in deeper water. the indirect benefits to the netball league, cross country Significant changes from the original concept can be summarised local economy, including firms championships, Cuach na Cloinne as: and employees engaged in buttons old press A and B !) the (remember (Football Tournament) and a rugby • Scale reduced from 80 to 50 pontoon berths, plus 10-12 small boat repair and maintenance, festival. boat berths retail, hospitality, and more  We raised £600 for MacMillan Cancer • Proportionate reduction in parking space requirement general tourism operations. from a very successful Coffee Afternoon • Likely dredge volumes are very substantially reduced and £250 for Children in Need. • Piling has been replaced by anchors and chains Keep up to date with this  We have a weekly Saturday club called • New amenities and office buildings have been replaced by an project at Club Spòrs where children develop their upgrade of existing canal property adjacent to the Sea Lock www.corpachmarina.co.uk. skills in a variety of sports. • The proposed boat and trailer park adjacent to the railway has  Our C4 – 7 children were involved in a been eliminated Caol Regeneration Company

page 8 investment worries page 25 John Young of Common Weal alleges that Yes, we want Highland Council to invest CREEL is the new local community group bringing gigs, events and entertainment to small venues in and around Kilmallie Is Highland Council Highland Council invest in Raytheon, a their funds wisely for a good return, but and nearby places. Details of our first concert below. To find out more, join our mailing list, or share ideas, please email company which produces missiles used in surely no - not to promote war, not to cause Susie and Mandy at [email protected] investing our money numerous war zones from Palestine to human misery, not to bolster the arms trade Yemen. He alleges too that a number of or tobacco industry? in the arms trade? local authorities have invested in Lockheed Martin, a major contractor for the Trident I call on Highland Council to: When we pay our Council tax to Highland nuclear weapons industry, despite Holyrood Council each month for ten months of the voting to oppose Trident renewal. Could 1) confirm or deny John Young’s year, I imagine like me you assume it will all Highland Council be amongst them? allegations go directly towards paying for education, social services, mending potholes, rubbish As well as direct investments, there are also 2) declare the details of all their direct and collection and the like. All worthy stuff that investments in the arms trade via local indirect investments immediately, and benefits communities. government pension funds. Allegedly subsequently each year when they ask Glasgow City Council Strathclyde pension us to pay our Council Tax, and I realise that the Council doesn’t keep its fund has invested in 12 of the world’s top 20 money under the mattress - I assume they arms manufacturers. 3) divest themselves as soon as possible put it in the bank at some preferential rate (and before next local elections in May of interest given that it is £££millions, until Highland Council Pension Fund’s Annual 2017) of any investments, whether such time as they need to write the Report 2014-2015 lists British American direct or indirect, in the arms trade or cheques. Tobacco as their 2nd biggest equity holding. any other activity that is not ethically Smoking kills! Yet Highland Council are supportable by the community they Clearly too they need to keep significant investing in it. Smaller and indirect serve. Even if we have to suffer more financial reserves in hand to cover investments are not listed in full in the hardship as a result, it will wash the contingencies, for disasters like major storm report so the extent of their investment in blood off our hands and help save the damage to the road network, or major the arms trade is not openly identified in it. death and severe suffering of thousands repairs to school roofs, or major of others (millions of others in the case environmental health crises, and they need I agree with Andrew Smith of Campaign of the tobacco industry). to maintain a pension fund too. To avoid Against Arms Trade who says: “Councils these reserves depreciating in value over should be investing in the social good and I hope KCC might devote Councillors’ Corner the years, I assume they need to invest that working to build better communities, not to this topic in the next newsletter so we money in things like funds, bonds, stocks, pouring public money into companies that can see where our local councillors stand on futures, whatever, not just to get a return fuel conflict and profit from war. the matter. on their money for our common good, but to invest in worthwhile social endeavours in “Many of these companies have armed Mandy Ketchin

the process. Don’t they? Well possibly not human rights abusers, and have caused always! devastation across the world; Scottish This article was written on 04/06/16 in a personal councils should take a stand and make clear capacity, not on behalf of KCC. Sources include: Common Weal South Lanarkshire allege that enough is enough.” they have obtained information from a  Common Space article ’Killing in the name of: series of Freedom of Information requests Highland communities may be suffering Scottish council arms investments revealed’ that reveal Highland Council, along with from some stringent austerity measures as a 03/06/16

eight other Scottish local authorities, as result of the financial strictures placed on  Letter from John Young, 23/03/16 having invested directly in some of the the local authority - but none of our hardship comes close to the suffering and world’s leading arms manufacturers.  deprivation of war. Highland Council Pension Fund Annual Accounts and Annual Report 2014-2015 Can that really be true? Do our Highland Councillors and officials really sanction that public money - our money - is put to such What do we expect questionable ends? Local Authority Investing in schools, funds to be used for? If Common Weal’s reports are validated, Highland Council have realised profits of roads, housing? £4,645,385 from military and aerospace investments in recent years. Victims of conflict in Sanaa, Yemen, 2015. Can we be sure that our Council Tax and Highland Council employees’ pension contributions aren’t

Urgent messages came by telegraph... came messages by telegraph... Urgent If this is true, there is surely blood on our contributing to scenes like this? hands. Photo: Ibrahem Qasim

are there now 27 houses in Muirshearlich...

Is Highland Council investing our money in the nuclear weapons industry? page 24 KILMALLIE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FUND page 9

open-minded about future events. Comments and suggestions on Chairman’s report this, or any other matter, are always welcome. (submitted at the AGM on 11th May 2016) Members of the committee receive many words of appreciation Committee members have already met several times in 2016 to and interest from visitors and community members regarding the review the performance of the lights and to make plans for next lights. We always point out that there would be no lights at all festive season. were it not for the encouragement and support which we receive from local organisations and individuals. In that regard we would As many people will have noticed, some of the lights were rather like to thank the following for their practical help over the past disappointing this year. This was due, we think, to the high winds twelve months: and heavy rain in December. Small quantities of water regularly penetrated the bulb holders on the Corpach Christmas tree and this Duncan, staff and customers at Tradewinds – Race night Fund- caused the circuit breakers to trip almost continuously. Fortunately raiser the tubs around the village are empty back down into the bulb, ready to fuel we have recently been approached by a qualified electrician who Robert Skinner – Use of scaffolding tower for pole lights Banavie Floral but it will not be long before they are the blooms again the following year. lives locally and he has offered to help on a voluntary basis. With Kevin Byrne – Many hours of electrical works and use of van bursting with colour, thanks to the She says as a rule of thumb you should his help and expertise we are confident that we can resolve this Robbie Milne and Council Lighting Dept. – Safety checks and advice commitment and hard work of Sheena wait at least six weeks after the flowers problem in time for next years festive season. Scottish Woodlands – Supply of two Christmas trees Improvements and the other volunteers of Banavie on bulbs have died before cutting them

Stuart Hood - Erection and disposal of trees Thanks to Sheena Macintyre for sending Floral Improvements. Sheena tells us down. Ideally you should leave them till The LED lights on the “living tree” also sustained considerable Jim Milne, Centre Manager – for, as ever, general helpfulness. us this picture of the beautiful display that daffodils shouldn’t be mown too entirely dead but this isn't really an damage in the high winds and worked only intermittently. We of daffodils at Banavie earlier in the intend to replace these with more robust types or to find a more On the financial side we have received generous support from soon after they start to die back, option if you want to replant a pot. secure fixing method. many local businesses and individuals. There are too many to spring. As the newsletter goes to press, otherwise not enough goodness goes enumerate here but be assured that your support is greatly On a more cheerful note the Banavie lights performed well and the appreciated. Our accounts have been independently examined and new pole lights which we purchased from the manufacturers last were ratified at the AGM. Copies can be obtained from our year were much admired. treasurer, Sue Hood at 01397 772400.

This summer we will be checking over the equipment and replacing In conclusion we would like to thank everyone faulty parts. We need to purchase several new flashing bulbs and who supported us last year. We are also some lengths of fluorescent tubing. All of these items are particularly keen to hear from anyone who extremely expensive! would like to attend our meetings or to get involved in any way. Just contact any As will be seen from the above we are still very much on the steep committee member. part of the learning curve! Paul Brian Our “switch on” ceremony this year was held on 27th November. Chairman Although it was a success and was well attended we purposely kept Kilmallie Christmas Lights Fund

it very “low key” and this prompted some disappointment from some members of the community. We did this because we are always nervous about the weather prospects in November. There are also many other public events at this time. Nevertheless we are

In 2016... In 2016... Much fun to be had in a game of ??? cricket in the glorious evening sunshine outside Kilmallie Community Centre. eye kept in case they get dry. Pick out the tops of broad beans to prevent blackfly. Apparently you can eat the tops! If carrots need green to be thinned, throw the thinnings in the bin and put the fleece or enviromesh back as soon as possible. We lost every carrot last year should be presented on paper plates, unless because we didn't protect them. If you have beetroot either thin otherwise stated, and should have a competition them before they form or leave them for a while and you can eat label stapled to the plate. Competition labels will the tiny thinnings. Keep an eye on cabbages etc and pick off any Corpach in fingers be available in the hall the morning of the show. caterpillars. Jams and chutneys must be covered correctly - NO Here we are in June, so the garden is beginning to reap the rewards TIN LIDS please. We would hate to have entries of all the hard work that we have put in, preparing the ground, Keep picking off the side shoots on tomatoes and stop them when planning and putting in the plants we have nurtured. Now we have they’re about 5 or 6 trusses. Start feeding when the first fruits Colour disqualified because they don't adhere to the to look after them by keeping the weeds down, feeding, watering form. Summer is fast approaching and hopefully the rules. The rules are printed on the front of the when necessary and, most of all, enjoying them as they come into tubs along the roadside are blooming. As always schedule. bloom. Some fruit bushes need to be pruned but I am hopeless at we would like to say a huge thank you to our

Annual Awards page 23 On Saturday 21st May our end of season Annual Awards Dinner was held at Banavie. This year’s winners were:- Inter School Tag Rugby Competition  Player of the Year – Euan Larter On May 4th over 250 pupils from around Lochaber attended  Most improved Player – Innis Ireland our Annual Inter School Tag Rugby Tournament. It was a  Club person of the Year – Gary Hendrie clean sweep for Lundavra Primary School in the morning,  Players Player of the Year – Euan Larter seeing them taking away the trophies for the P4/5 and the P6/7 competitions. In the afternoon the standard of rugby Congratulations to all. The Youth Awards will be handed out shown by the S1/2 pupils was a treat on the eye, there was on Saturday 18th June. some great talent amongst the young players and there

were some very competitive games, which made for an Youth Rugby exciting afternoon of rugby. It was an all Mallaig final, with The rugby season is almost finished for our Mallaig 'A' taking the young players. On that day we will trophy back home. Thanks arrange some fun games, food and hand to all the schools who out the Awards . The players in all age groups attended and to all the have had a busy season with lots of games both home and coaches from the Rugby away for them to try out the skills they learnt at their Club who volunteered weekly training sessions. We would like to thank the players their services to referee for their commitment to training and playing regularly and and also to the Active also to the parents for dedicating their time every weekend School Co-ordinators. during the season. Our U16’s have their last game on 4th June at home against Ross Sutherland and the U14’s have Sevens Tournament their last game on Saturday 11th June at home against This year’s Sevens Tournament was cancelled for the first Biggar. The last day for the Mini’s & Midi’s is Saturday 18th time ever in the club’s history. This was due to late call offs June. We hope you all enjoy your break and look forward to and re-scheduled league fixtures for other clubs. Over the seeing you all after the summer holidays. past couple of years the number of teams attending have been dwindling as the season seems to be going on And finally…. longer. The Sevens tournament is the climax to our Season Congratulations and good luck to Gary for both players and members and is always looked forward Hendrie & Mairi Macdonald who are to as its relaxed day seeing lots of good rugby and plenty getting married on Saturday 20th August, craic around the pitch and in the clubhouse. The Club have we hope you have a brilliant day decided that they will review their date to try and avoid the celebrating with all your family and clash of the end of season rush in games. friends. New players of all abilities are welcome – if you fancy giving rugby a try, come and see us at Banavie. We are 1st left after the Moorings Hotel

www.lochaberrfc.co.uk

After a successful annual exhibition, Art Lochaber now turns its head to the new programme of workshops starting in the autumn.

Jemma Derbyshire returns in October with a colour workshop, and Jonathan Shearer will lead a landscape workshop in November. Both will be held in Glencoe visitor centre. from Fort and also MacLennan’s lorry William. If you would like to see the programme in more detail please visit our website artlochaber.co.uk or contact secretary Dorothy on 01855 821296.

Lorna Finlayson page 22 Kilmallie Shinty Club Kilmallie has had a good start to the We have constructed a We also now have an online supplier of season with all teams progressing wooden fence around the Club kit - Gilmour Sports, all sales through well. Training for seniors is on a playing area of the shinty pitch this web site help the Club. We are Tuesday and Thursday night 7pm till and are selling advertising constantly fundraising and lotto tickets can 9pm down at Canal Parks. Under 17's boards - if you would like to be bought in Corpach Hotel and training is on a Monday night at advertise with us please Tradewinds. 6.30pm at Canal Parks. contact me on 01397 700800. Linda Campbell

... the Co-op... and Colquhoun's from Corpach... Our final term is sunbathe and eat delicious ice the hoses later on to soak one of page 12 well under way. cream. Whilst at the beach we our friend’s Mum, she was wearing page 21 We welcomed a were visited by some exotic birds, a green suit and looked like “a new family to the singing happily in the air leaving us frog”. It was such fun spraying the centre after the all a lovely colourful feather to play water at her. All aboard we took What’s happened since our last update? Well, we’ve been Easter Break. The with. This was such fun we danced turns to drive and sound the very busy working away to improve our local play area - by the children enthusiastically welcomed with the feathers and tried to noisy siren. It was really scary for him into their play with one child catch them on certain areas of our some of us and it was extremely time you read this, new picnic tables should be in place at being very responsible adopting the body. Some of us were lying while loud. This was such hard work that the park for everyone to use and enjoy over the summer, role of a buddy to assist with others made very creative shapes afterwards we moved upstairs into and we’re continuing to have positive discussions with settling in. and balances… where had the little the canteen to enjoy a snack before Scottish Canals. bird gone? Out of the window she heading to the soft play area to Prior to the Easter break we had Plus, we’re delighted to announce that the next ‘Party in the flew. Our trip was coming to a finish off the morning. What a fun the opportunity to engage in many Park’ family fun afternoon will be held on Saturday 24 close: it was beginning to get dark day, we had all been so busy and activities at playgroup and within September, from 2-5pm. and we lay with our friend from active. the wider community. Firstly we Banavie Nursery underneath the No Fuss events are once again kindly donating their fabulous were off on an outing on ‘the big Contd over page sky and watched the twinkling blue number 47 bus’, to take part saddlespan tent for the day and we’ve got loads of great stars over head, the clock chimed in a drama session in Caol. We activities lined up for kids of all ages, including nature crafts, and was placed back inside the were very vigilant while we waited campfire fun, bouncy castle, pony rides, kids’ disco with biggest treasure box we had ever P.S. Don’t forget you can keep in touch with what’s going on in the bus stop, thinking about Cheezy Beats and a grand finale with Drum Fun. Mark it in seen, and off Julia went on her by searching ‘Friends of Banavie Park’ on Facebook, where where we should stand to stay safe, the calendar now and we’ll see you there! next adventure. We wondered you can also drop us a message if you’d like to get involved additionally we all wore hi viz where she would go. Lisa Wharton or help out. jackets so the ‘cars would see us and not squash us’. The bus Our week was full off adventures timetable was very confusing! We too as the following day we were had quite a long wait during which heading to the Fire Station in time we played lots of games, “Fort William town”. We had been counting vehicles, predicting which looking forward to this trip for a colour of car/lorry would arrive very long time. Indeed most of us Friends of next and trying to guess the sounds had been dressing up, using hoses, Caledonian Canal Lochaber of the ‘chirpy birds’. At last the bus radios, computers and axes to arrived; we all piled on and learn all about fire men and ladies. Scottish Canals’ new mirrored box at tentatively made our way to our We were so excited and on arrival Neptune’s Staircase offers an opportunity seats. The bus driver was very kind were shown into the locker room to re-enact an old Harry Worth joke! but and waited until we were all safely where we viewed all the firemen’s has also caused frustration - most early

clicked into our seats before he clothes. Phew they smelt really mornings a crow has been spotted moved off. We chatted along the funny! Each locker was very tidy frantically trying to attack its reflection! way and pointed out our houses, and all the clothes and hard hats the shops, the big school, and boats were ready for the next shout. The The canal is rather short of places to sit. LOVING this new resting place near on the canal. A couple of us had fire engine was ginormous: we Woodend. never been on the bus: it really was couldn’t wait to have a look inside. quite exciting especially as all our Chris showed us lots of equipment, teachers and a couple of Mummies small and large axes: they were so were with us. We reached our heavy it was hard for us to lift destination in Caol, disembarked them. The cameras were like and lined up ready for the march magic as you could see coloured to the hall. We were all extremely images of all the boys and girls good at listening and walking standing around and the hoses carefully along the pavement. We were so long and heavy. We used arrived at the hall, took our jackets off and headed into a very big room where we were met by a lady all dressed in white and a massive big trunk… What were we

Telegrams cost 12 words for 5/- cost(25p now) 12 words Telegrams to do? All of a sudden something There were at least 2 mobile grocery vans... at least grocery 2 mobilewere There inside the chest began to tick: Julia lifted out a large clock which signified the beginning of our magical journey. Firstly we jumped aboard an express train which took us on our trip where we visited FOCAL is a subgroup of the Kilmallie Community Company (entirely independent from Kilmallie Community Council) beaches pretending to surf on the For more info, or to be added to our mailing list, please contact Jan MacLugash big waves, build huge sand castle, 01397 772383, email: [email protected] Kilmallie Playgroup contd predictions of what was going to receiving nurseries, our end of term page 20 happen next. A lady came in to trip and our shorts and shades page 13 Lochaber Back at playgroup we had been visit them and chatted about the party. learning about people that helped shapes that they would make Beekeepers us and how to care for living things It is with mixed emotions that I’m during their growing cycle. We in the environment. We suggested adding in this final piece. I have were so excited when we came in Association that we could construct a farm for accepted a position in another on a Monday morning as the all the animals. The children childcare centre and will be leaving Our Training Apiary caterpillars had gone into the ‘J expertly looked after the baby Kilmallie Playgroup at the end of We’ve often been asked – what is an ‘shape: it was time to move them calves, sheep and pigs and were term. It was not an easy decision to Apiary? It is the place where colonies of into their big house. We were very very excited to see baby calves in make because I truly enjoy working bees are kept and it’s all happening at the allow just one to emerge and mate with up We plan to attend the Road to the Isles careful not to bump them or LBA Training Apiary. Our bees have been the field as they walked to with all the parents, children, staff, to 20 drones and come back and start the Show on 11/06/16 and if it’s good weather frighten them. Two weeks later very busy in the recent lovely weather! We playgroup. A small group made board members and the wider whole process again. we’ll bring the bees along too! We hope to they had all come out of their have three colonies that are used to show see you there. Do contact our Show great tractor men ploughing and community. I would like to take sleeping bags and were fluttering beginners how to manage and look after During May we’ve been carrying out a very Convenors (Jim or Alison Blair) for more info seeding the fields, while others this opportunity to express my them. We also take the bees to schools and successful Beekeeping Beginners Course – about in the net. It was time to let at [email protected]. assisted in planting vegetables in sincere gratitude as I have met and groups in our enclosed Observation Hive to the photos show some of the students them go free away from the “busy the outdoor garden and in pots worked with some wonderful explain how bees live and work and help inspecting the first hive under the watchful If you would like us to bring the bees along road so big lorries didn’t get them”. pollinate our flowers. indoors. A number of children people over the last 15 years and eye of Dorothy MacPhee! and give a talk to your group or if you would The woods behind playgroup were like more information about what we do experimented with various craft can’t thank each and every one of The first colony is taking a bit of time to an ideal location for us to go. We Swarms then please do call our Secretary (Sarah materials to create a farm mural you enough for entrusting your expand but the queen is laying well mainly carefully opened the zip and Now is the season when bees start to Kennedy) on 07768 805040 or e-mail which brightens up the playgroup children into my care, allowing me on the right hand side of the frames which is enthusiastically watched the swarm. This is the natural way that bees [email protected]. wall. We used mud to play in and not only to nurture them but to be quite unusual. The wild colony in the can split into two colonies and therefore painted ladies flutter away. It was second hive haven’t moved up into the new Mrs S R Kennedy, LBA Secretary make pictures of potatoes. Our part of your families’ lives. This job expand and is normally triggered because great, so exciting and a number of brood box but we hope that will happen Tigh Na Feidh, Achintore Road, mud kitchen outside was a has enabled me not only to develop they’ve run out of space in their current the children held the butterflies during the warm weather so the young bees Fort William, PH33 6RN, favoured place to explore. At times as a Manager but as a person. I location. It’s the existing old queen which can make the wax to draw out the combs. Tel: 07768 805040 carefully in their hands helping leaves the hive with most of the flying bees the children find tiny little bugs wish families and staff of Kilmallie E-mail: them on their way. full of honey from their stores to convert and spiders and are beginning to Playgroup every success for the [email protected] into wax and build their new home. They ask questions on how they grew. This term is so busy, we have a future. Find us on Facebook! leave the young queen and bees behind to Our teachers had a surprise for us: number of exciting days out Regards, Carole continue the process in the old location. they had ordered a butterfly kit for planned before the end of our year

Please do contact our Secretary on the playgroup. We were all so absorbed - visiting the new library in Caol, Carole - you’ve been a fantastic number below should you see a swarm so and excited when it arrived: the meeting up with our friends from contributor to the newsletter over the we can collect it and make sure it is safe! caterpillars were “so, so tiny”. The Little Learners and Stramash to years. We’ll really miss your great

children on a daily basis viewed the take part in a sponsored walk for Next Events Playgroup reports. Wishing you all the Here is a picture of this wild colony with the tubs with the caterpillars, the Daisy Fund, our sports day and very best for the future. The Training Apiary inspections have new box on top removed – how beautiful discussing sizes and shapes, making transitional visits to a number of

begun at 2pm on the inspection dates as but not good for us as we can’t inspect the scheduled on the Training Apiary page of colony and see if they are doing ok or if they our website – do contact us if you would like need help! to attend one of the sessions. The queen has gone missing from the third We attended the Go Wild on the Canal at colony – has she swarmed? We don’t know! the beginning of the Wild Lochaber Festival We found 7 or 8 queen cells that were all on Saturday 21/05/16 at Banavie and capped at the last inspection and Denis Muir chatted to lots of folk – the honey cakes (very experienced beekeeper) decided to were very popular! cut out all but one of the queen cells to

Update May 2016

The two work parties mentioned in the last newsletter were well attended. They achieved the various aims of litter picking, holly pulling, path clearing and, importantly, finishing the planting of the pine saplings in the "pinewood".

Also thanks are due to the chainsaw team from the

to take people back from the pictures in back people town. from to take South of Scotland Electricity Board who came as and sixpence (2½ p) for each word thereafter. thereafter. for each (2½ p) word and sixpence promised and made an excellent job of clearing up and making safe the windblown trees behind Guisach Terrace.

Secretary: Paul Biggin, Shore Lane House, Corpach, Fort William PH33 7JJ Tel: 01397 772459 email: [email protected]

Some of the planting team and a litter picker page 14 page 19

canal news After last year’s slow start with the failure at Cullochy Weir, this year has started smoother with only a few minor hiccups, most of which were out of our control. The only Scottish Canal failure at the Climbing at WW1 drama start of the season was when we had a broken collar strap at the The pupils in S3 studying Drama have just office gate at Corpach, this resulted in us closing the lock-gate ‘Three Wise Monkeys’ completed their performances of short plays where most folk cross the canal between Caol & Corpach for a After the popularity of the climbing courses linked to the WW1 Cross Curricular number of days while the gate was being held in situ by turfers. over the past few years, Miss McCourt and Project. Pupils were involved in one of three Hopefully that will be the last breakdown for the season. Miss McWalter recently took a group of plays: ‘The Canary Girls’, ‘The Telegram Girl’ interested S1-S3 pupils to the new Three and ‘VAD (Victim Always Dies)’. These plays The Lock-keeping team are now about to go onto longer hours and Wise Monkeys climbing centre in Fassifern focus on different aspects of life in 1914- will be working from 8am till 6pm seven days a week from the 30th Road, which opened earlier this 1918 changed by the war: women working May. month. Pupils who went along got an in munitions factories; delivering telegrams

introduction to the centre from the staff, containing bad news and volunteer nurses in Oil pollution exercise were taken through safety and kit and then the hospitals and on the front line. Each We had a very successful multi-agency oil pollution exercise at the given instruction on how to use the walls pupil had to specialise in two production and bouldering room. areas from: acting, lighting design, sound beginning of April. Agencies and companies taking part were Police Lights were produced entirely with design, costume design, set design and Scotland, SEPA, Coastguard, Scottish Canals, ClydeBoyd, The recyclable materials that were translucent This was a brilliant opportunity for any S1 make-up/hair design. Underwater Centre, Great Glen Shipping and Briggs Marine. Under as well as wire, plastic straws and sellotape Port Authority regulations we have to conduct a multi-agency Tier 2 pupils and those who hadn’t had a chance to sign up to any courses before to get some only. exercise once within the lifetime of an Oil Spill Contingency Plan which has also been renewed at the beginning of March 2016 and climbing experience. Along with more Art-Technical-Physics experienced climbers who did amazingly Pupils chose the top twelve lights from their runs till 2021. As we come under the small port umbrella we also collaboration peers based on set criteria then Mr Cameron mobilise twice a year for small spill exercises and carry out desktop well after being away from climbing for over a year, we also had first-time beginners who Ms Barr in Physics, Mr Cameron in Technical and Ms Barr were invited along to judge the and communication exercises annually. and Miss McCourt in Art & Design recently final six lights that met the criteria best, excelled. got together to work on an impromptu and based on scientific and technical aspects (3 x Photos show multi agency participation, containment booms in situ informal cross-curricular S1 unit in Art and design teams from 1b and 3 x design teams & skimmers used to remove oil from water to holding tanks prior to Eilidh Galloway (1RS) said, “I wanted to try something new and different so I tried the Design. Pupils were asked to design lights from 1g). dispensing under the control of SEPA. climbing session at Three Wise Monkeys. I for a proposed opening of an underwater was so excited and had an amazing sea life centre in the local area to feature bio Learning to save a life Go Wild on the Canal experience. My favourite part was when I -luminescent sea creatures. Members of Miss MacCallum’s Heartstart The event was again a great success this year with eleven teams just got to lean back on the rope without a group have between awarded certificates taking part in the raft races, 8 teams in canoe races, 3 teams of care in the world and slowly fly back down After studying the sea creatures through for completing the course and learning vital youngsters in the Rockhopper challenge and the two divisions of to the bottom!” sketching their shape/form/pattern/ the sea-cadets taking part in the rowing race. features/colour-mixing, pupils then learned lifesaving skills. Pictured left to right are: how bio-luminescence worked in an S1 Kiera Smith, Rebekah Krupnikova, Jaime Reckon 300 to 400 people attended in the evening and all seemed Science lesson. Narvaez, Ruairidh Byrne, Rhian Daly, Kieran

to enjoy the fun night. Jordan and Jamie-Lee Laverty.

Lots of photos on the centre pages, and even more photos, taken by Martin Briscoe, can be seen at - https:// picasaweb.google.com/112024322341540036387/6287266780186 650033?authkey=Gv1sRgCKibgPOh3Iv9kgE&feat=

Events to come 2016 Sail Caledonia Corpach 28th May, Corpach to Gairlochy 29th May 13 vintage dinghies plus support vessels Caledonian Challenge Sponsored Walk 11th & 12th June – Gairlochy to Crianlarich. Three Peaks Yacht Race Corpach basin 14th, 15th & 16th June Ben Nevis Challenge Saturday 18th June Run /walk up and down Ben Nevis; cycle to Gairlochy; canoe

raft from Gairlochy basin into Loch Lochy and back and then cycle back to Nevis Centre. Other news Fort William Marathon Towpaths Banavie to Corpach and past Moorings Hotel nearing

In 1956 in Muirshearlich there were 2 were cars, In in 1956 Muirshearlich there 31st July completion. Memory Sponsored Walk 11th Sept, Corpach to Banavie and back open to all for more Sculpture in situ Neptune’s Staircase. detail contact Jo Cowan. Coast to Coast Cruises up the canal have started again for the Summer - please a late Saturday evenings was night busand there on 11th & 12th Sept visit Clyde Marine website for more detail – local skipper Neil Kayak, Cycle /walk/run – Inverness to Glencoe MacKillop, Banavie, will be at the helm. World Canal Conference, Inverness 19th to 22nd September John Stafford For more info on events on Canal visit Scottish Canals’ website. Canal Superintendent

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Term 4 update Fun Night was great and we had thought March: some new activities such as: a During March, the following happened: climbing wall, a bungee run, The West Highland Line P7 Skiing, Scottish Schools, Ski Mountain Rescue Van and is OUR Railway – competition and Fairtrade Tuckshop. Makeup. We have yet to find We were up at Nevis Range a lot! out the certain amount of money it should serve Competing in the ski competition was: Poppy P7, Mia P7, raised on the night, but everyone hopefully enjoyed OUR needs! Cory P6, Archie Mac P6, Tom P6, Robyn P5, Jackson P5 and themselves. If you helped us with this event in any way we The West Highland Community Rail Megan P5. Taking part in the school skiing was the are extremely grateful! whole P7 class, they all took part in either Partnership has commissioned a major photo: J M Briscoe skiing or snowboarding and all enjoyed it. Our survey to find out why many of us don’t conduct a short survey of the local P7 Spring Fling Coffee Afternoon travel by train. Once they know, they intend population throughout the membership Fairtrade tuckshop was good and we really and Daisy Tea went incredibly to do something about it! area. They have been asked to establish understood the meaning of Fairtrade and The West Highland Community Rail well and in total we raised what people’s existing travel needs are, and Partnership is a voluntary membership what it does. £360.07, with £180.35 going to The West Highland Community Rail why they choose to go by train – or not! organisation. Membership is open to The Daisy fund. Thank You to Partnership is a newly established Local accommodation providers and visiting any organisation with an interest in April: everyone who attended or contributed. community organisation. Their membership tourists will also be surveyed later in the the West Highland Line. All community area covers the West Highland railway year. During April, P7’s hosted their monthly councils in the membership area are tuckshop. This month was healthy corridor from Mallaig to Crianlarich, as well automatically given associate Recently, the P7 class went up to Lochaber High as its hinterland. The partnership works with The simple questionnaire is available online foods and we had a bunch of things to School for a tour! It is massive and most of membership. sell, our profit was over £40 (ish). Due to the railway industry to make train travel a at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/westie and the pupils are sure they will get lost… They more attractive option for locals and visitors we hope many locals will get involved and the Easter holidays, not a lot happened in The partnership’s Board has will be ok! We were guided round the alike. They want to keep the roads less busy complete a copy. Hard copies will be made April. representatives of community High School in groups by S5’s on study and the air less polluted. available at local community hubs, such as organisations throughout the leave- (they were happy to come in). village shops and post offices, from 1st June. May: membership area.

So far in May, we have had our Fun Night, A Coffee Surveying local Deidre Beck The survey results will be compiled by the Website (under construction): Afternoon and P7 High School Tour. transport needs and CRTR and made available on the Westie’s www.westhighlandcrp.co.uk website which will be set up soon. All obstacles to train travel community councils in the Westie’s For more details about the survey, membership area will be notified when the To make sure the partnership’s work please contact CRTR’s Steve Taylor at results are ready and will be asked to addresses the real obstacles to train travel, [email protected].

suggest schemes that may address the Kilmallie Community Centre they need to prove where and what the problems identified. existing barriers are. They have therefore For more details about West Highland It’s been a busy half year for the Kilmallie Community Centre with Customers who have used the Centre over the past few weeks are: commissioned the Centre for Recreation CRP, please contact Hege Hernes, a wide variety of events being held at the Centre. The survey is funded by ScotRail and the Commandos Speed March, Michael Bowman Transport Training, and Tourism Research (CRTR) at the Secretary, on 01397 722295. Association of Community Rail Partnerships. We are delighted to announce the launch of our website recently – Children’s Party, Children’s Dance Class, Christmas Lights University of the Highlands and Islands to it can be found at www.kilmalliecommunitycentre.co.uk. You can Committee, MSP Elections, Caledonian Canal Training, Scottish

see all the facilities that we have available as well as the location Childminders Association, Birchwood – First Aid Course, Joy Biggins and the contact details for our Centre Manager. We have set up a Dance. new downloadable Booking Form which will enable customers to Our thanks go to our regular customers for supporting the Centre: detail their requirements on the Form. This will ensure that the Go Wild on the canal service we are proud of delivering will continue at the same high NHS Highland, Lochaber Beekeepers Association, The Mustardseed level. We do ask that customers contact the Centre Manager first Fellowship, Mums & Toddlers, Scottish Country Dancing, Zumba The event made a welcome break from tradition this year - for Sea Cadet Rowing race to ensure that the Centre is available for the dates they require classes, Lochaber Music For All, Olde Tyme Dancing, Kilmallie the first time it wasn’t pouring with rain! But while the Dragon Division. before completing and submitting the Booking Form to the Centre. Community Council. spectators stayed nice and dry, rather a lot of competitors got Rockhopper Challenge It may not be known within the community that the car park next Please remember that the contact details for making bookings is well soaked, much to the entertainment of the crowds lining the Mixed group of kids to the Kilmallie Community Centre does not actually belong to us – canal side! Canoe Group race pairs our Centre Manager (Jimmy Milne) on E-mail: st it belongs to the Highland Council! We are well aware of it’s rather [email protected] 1 Nevis Partnership nd dreadful state of repair and have quotes to resurface it ranging Mobile: (07787) 866813, Tel (01397) 712663. Thanks to Stephen Wiseman of the Scottish Waterways Trust, 2 Coastguard rd from £22,125.00 plus VAT to £26,900.00 plus VAT! For the past and John Stafford and the team from Scottish Canals, this was 3 Water rats two years we have been in communications with the Highland We look forward to continuing to serve the community over the another fantastic event. Not as many stalls this year but still a Raft Race st Council to either bring the car park up to an acceptable standard next few months! great atmosphere and huge fun. We got double the excitement 1 Lochaber Police nd The MacBraynes bus ran 6 The MacBraynes days a week... or alternatively arrange for the transfer of the car park to the Sarah Kennedy this year with a ladies-only raft race following on from the ‘open’. 2 Sea-Cadets Kilmallie Community Centre Limited. If it is in our name then we While the women might have clinched the prize for best dressed 3rd Gay Cowboys (Jonathan McCook) will be able to apply for funding to bring the car park up to the raft, the best dressed raftsmen were undoubtedly the Rugby Club Raft Race ladies st same standard as the rest of the Centre. We will be putting a Kilmallie Community Centre cowboys - a sight for sore eyes, though the tightness of their 1 Friends of Banavie Play Park nd petition together and leaving it in the foyer of the centre so please Station Road, Corpach, Fort William PH33 7JH shorts probably made the cowboys eyes water somewhat. 2 Lochaber Ladies Police and cart. lots of bicycles a horse 1 motorbike, and do pop in and sign it - your support would be much appreciated! Scottish Charity SC000604 3rd Thank Goodness Not Ginger Thanks to all the competitors, the piper, the stallholders, Davy Best Dressed Raft Four Hot Flushes We were delighted to welcome Kate Forbes (our new MSP!) to CHAIRMAN post vacant at present McCook’s family, and everyone else who contributed in so many Kilmallie Community Centre on Friday 20/05/16 for an impromptu SECRETARY Mrs Norma MacLellan, ways, for giving everyone an evening of great entertainment Thanks to all who took pictures for the newsletter - you can see get together to celebrate her success in the recent elections. We 12 Hillview Drive, Corpach, Fort William 01397 772597 value. some of them over page. Sorry we could only afford to bring you wish Kate every success in her new role and look forward to TREASURER Mrs Sarah Kennedy 0776 880 5040 them in b&w this time, but you can see them all plus many more, receiving her support in all aspects and areas of Lochaber! Do hope it can all happen again next year! in colour at www.kilmallie.org.uk

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to enjoy the fun night. Jordan and Jamie-Lee Laverty.

raft from Gairlochy basin into Loch Lochy and back and then cycle back to Nevis Centre. Other news Fort William Marathon Towpaths Banavie to Corpach and past Moorings Hotel nearing

Kilmallie Playgroup contd predictions of what was going to receiving nurseries, our end of term page 20 happen next. A lady came in to trip and our shorts and shades page 13 Lochaber Back at playgroup we had been visit them and chatted about the party. learning about people that helped shapes that they would make Beekeepers us and how to care for living things It is with mixed emotions that I’m during their growing cycle. We in the environment. We suggested adding in this final piece. I have were so excited when we came in Association that we could construct a farm for accepted a position in another on a Monday morning as the all the animals. The children childcare centre and will be leaving Our Training Apiary caterpillars had gone into the ‘J expertly looked after the baby Kilmallie Playgroup at the end of We’ve often been asked – what is an ‘shape: it was time to move them calves, sheep and pigs and were term. It was not an easy decision to Apiary? It is the place where colonies of into their big house. We were very very excited to see baby calves in make because I truly enjoy working bees are kept and it’s all happening at the allow just one to emerge and mate with up We plan to attend the Road to the Isles careful not to bump them or LBA Training Apiary. Our bees have been the field as they walked to with all the parents, children, staff, to 20 drones and come back and start the Show on 11/06/16 and if it’s good weather frighten them. Two weeks later very busy in the recent lovely weather! We playgroup. A small group made board members and the wider whole process again. we’ll bring the bees along too! We hope to they had all come out of their have three colonies that are used to show see you there. Do contact our Show great tractor men ploughing and community. I would like to take sleeping bags and were fluttering beginners how to manage and look after During May we’ve been carrying out a very Convenors (Jim or Alison Blair) for more info seeding the fields, while others this opportunity to express my them. We also take the bees to schools and successful Beekeeping Beginners Course – about in the net. It was time to let at [email protected]. assisted in planting vegetables in sincere gratitude as I have met and groups in our enclosed Observation Hive to the photos show some of the students them go free away from the “busy the outdoor garden and in pots worked with some wonderful explain how bees live and work and help inspecting the first hive under the watchful If you would like us to bring the bees along road so big lorries didn’t get them”. pollinate our flowers. indoors. A number of children people over the last 15 years and eye of Dorothy MacPhee! and give a talk to your group or if you would The woods behind playgroup were like more information about what we do experimented with various craft can’t thank each and every one of The first colony is taking a bit of time to an ideal location for us to go. We Swarms then please do call our Secretary (Sarah materials to create a farm mural you enough for entrusting your expand but the queen is laying well mainly carefully opened the zip and Now is the season when bees start to Kennedy) on 07768 805040 or e-mail which brightens up the playgroup children into my care, allowing me on the right hand side of the frames which is enthusiastically watched the swarm. This is the natural way that bees [email protected]. wall. We used mud to play in and not only to nurture them but to be quite unusual. The wild colony in the can split into two colonies and therefore painted ladies flutter away. It was second hive haven’t moved up into the new Mrs S R Kennedy, LBA Secretary make pictures of potatoes. Our part of your families’ lives. This job expand and is normally triggered because great, so exciting and a number of brood box but we hope that will happen Tigh Na Feidh, Achintore Road, mud kitchen outside was a has enabled me not only to develop they’ve run out of space in their current the children held the butterflies during the warm weather so the young bees Fort William, PH33 6RN, favoured place to explore. At times as a Manager but as a person. I location. It’s the existing old queen which can make the wax to draw out the combs. Tel: 07768 805040 carefully in their hands helping leaves the hive with most of the flying bees the children find tiny little bugs wish families and staff of Kilmallie E-mail: them on their way. full of honey from their stores to convert and spiders and are beginning to Playgroup every success for the [email protected] into wax and build their new home. They ask questions on how they grew. This term is so busy, we have a future. Find us on Facebook! leave the young queen and bees behind to Our teachers had a surprise for us: number of exciting days out Regards, Carole continue the process in the old location. they had ordered a butterfly kit for planned before the end of our year

Update May 2016

Also thanks are due to the chainsaw team from the

Secretary: Paul Biggin, Shore Lane House, Corpach, Fort William PH33 7JJ Tel: 01397 772459 email: [email protected]

Some of the planting team and a litter picker Our final term is sunbathe and eat delicious ice the hoses later on to soak one of page 12 well under way. cream. Whilst at the beach we our friend’s Mum, she was wearing page 21 We welcomed a were visited by some exotic birds, a green suit and looked like “a new family to the singing happily in the air leaving us frog”. It was such fun spraying the centre after the all a lovely colourful feather to play water at her. All aboard we took What’s happened since our last update? Well, we’ve been Easter Break. The with. This was such fun we danced turns to drive and sound the very busy working away to improve our local play area - by the children enthusiastically welcomed with the feathers and tried to noisy siren. It was really scary for him into their play with one child catch them on certain areas of our some of us and it was extremely time you read this, new picnic tables should be in place at being very responsible adopting the body. Some of us were lying while loud. This was such hard work that the park for everyone to use and enjoy over the summer, role of a buddy to assist with others made very creative shapes afterwards we moved upstairs into and we’re continuing to have positive discussions with settling in. and balances… where had the little the canteen to enjoy a snack before Scottish Canals. bird gone? Out of the window she heading to the soft play area to Prior to the Easter break we had Plus, we’re delighted to announce that the next ‘Party in the flew. Our trip was coming to a finish off the morning. What a fun the opportunity to engage in many Park’ family fun afternoon will be held on Saturday 24 close: it was beginning to get dark day, we had all been so busy and activities at playgroup and within September, from 2-5pm. and we lay with our friend from active. the wider community. Firstly we Banavie Nursery underneath the No Fuss events are once again kindly donating their fabulous were off on an outing on ‘the big Contd over page sky and watched the twinkling blue number 47 bus’, to take part saddlespan tent for the day and we’ve got loads of great stars over head, the clock chimed in a drama session in Caol. We activities lined up for kids of all ages, including nature crafts, and was placed back inside the were very vigilant while we waited campfire fun, bouncy castle, pony rides, kids’ disco with biggest treasure box we had ever P.S. Don’t forget you can keep in touch with what’s going on in the bus stop, thinking about Cheezy Beats and a grand finale with Drum Fun. Mark it in seen, and off Julia went on her by searching ‘Friends of Banavie Park’ on Facebook, where where we should stand to stay safe, the calendar now and we’ll see you there! next adventure. We wondered you can also drop us a message if you’d like to get involved additionally we all wore hi viz where she would go. Lisa Wharton or help out. jackets so the ‘cars would see us and not squash us’. The bus Our week was full off adventures timetable was very confusing! We too as the following day we were had quite a long wait during which heading to the Fire Station in time we played lots of games, “Fort William town”. We had been counting vehicles, predicting which looking forward to this trip for a colour of car/lorry would arrive very long time. Indeed most of us Friends of next and trying to guess the sounds had been dressing up, using hoses, Caledonian Canal Lochaber of the ‘chirpy birds’. At last the bus radios, computers and axes to arrived; we all piled on and learn all about fire men and ladies. Scottish Canals’ new mirrored box at tentatively made our way to our We were so excited and on arrival Neptune’s Staircase offers an opportunity seats. The bus driver was very kind were shown into the locker room to re-enact an old Harry Worth joke! but and waited until we were all safely where we viewed all the firemen’s has also caused frustration - most early

... the Co-op... and Colquhoun's from Corpach...

www.lochaberrfc.co.uk

After a successful annual exhibition, Art Lochaber now turns its head to the new programme of workshops starting in the autumn.

Lorna Finlayson page 24 KILMALLIE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FUND page 9

pruning so just hack away when I feel like it, not good volunteers for helping to weed, water, plant and The Schedule for the Gardening and Produce Show Feeding tubs, window boxes, hanging baskets will help to prolong advice I'm afraid. Apparently gooseberries, red prune. is on the next two pages, and you can pick up the flowering time. We use a liquid feed, half strength, at every currants and white currants fruit on old wood so extra copies from the Post Office counter in the Co-op in Goodwin). Banavie Post Office (Mrs from watering, but try not to get it on the flowers and do it early some pruning can be done on the new growth, Corpach. morning or evening, if you can, to avoid the midges. Herbaceous possibly in July. Our Gardening and Produce show this year will be held on borders don’t really need much attention but dead-heading is a Saturday 3rd September in Kilmallie Hall. Entries can be good idea and keep an eye on things like delphiniums which really Keep picking sweet peas as this prolongs brought to Kilmallie Hall between 9am and 11am on We look forward to seeing you in September. If anyone need staking early in the season and not when they start to fall flowering. Saturday morning. The main hall will then close for judging would like to help out either with maintaining the roadside over, which is what I usually do! Lupins are prone to greenfly so at 11am and will re-open to the public at 2pm, with the tubs, or with the Gardening and Produce Show than please check them before they come into flower and deal with them with Lots to do and enjoy. A nice G&T on a summer evening with the presentation of awards being held at 3pm. We look forward contact us on the number below. Help gratefully accepted! whatever suits. smell of sweet peas, tobacco flowers and night scented stock. to seeing everyone’s wonderful entries and would like to Perfect. Also coffee and a bun in the morning and tea and cake in offer a few words of advice: please READ THE SCHEDULE and Louise and Nicola (Corpach in Colour) In the vegetable garden, keep earthing up potatoes both in the the afternoon. (contact Nicola: 772870 or [email protected]) ground and top up soil if they are in bags: the latter also need an Morag Mackell make sure your entry is exactly what is asked for. Entries page 8 investment worries page 25 John Young of Common Weal alleges that Yes, we want Highland Council to invest CREEL is the new local community group bringing gigs, events and entertainment to small venues in and around Kilmallie Is Highland Council Highland Council invest in Raytheon, a their funds wisely for a good return, but and nearby places. Details of our first concert below. To find out more, join our mailing list, or share ideas, please email company which produces missiles used in surely no - not to promote war, not to cause Susie and Mandy at [email protected] investing our money numerous war zones from Palestine to human misery, not to bolster the arms trade Yemen. He alleges too that a number of or tobacco industry? in the arms trade? local authorities have invested in Lockheed Martin, a major contractor for the Trident I call on Highland Council to: When we pay our Council tax to Highland nuclear weapons industry, despite Holyrood Council each month for ten months of the voting to oppose Trident renewal. Could 1) confirm or deny John Young’s year, I imagine like me you assume it will all Highland Council be amongst them? allegations go directly towards paying for education, social services, mending potholes, rubbish As well as direct investments, there are also 2) declare the details of all their direct and collection and the like. All worthy stuff that investments in the arms trade via local indirect investments immediately, and benefits communities. government pension funds. Allegedly subsequently each year when they ask Glasgow City Council Strathclyde pension us to pay our Council Tax, and I realise that the Council doesn’t keep its fund has invested in 12 of the world’s top 20 money under the mattress - I assume they arms manufacturers. 3) divest themselves as soon as possible put it in the bank at some preferential rate (and before next local elections in May of interest given that it is £££millions, until Highland Council Pension Fund’s Annual 2017) of any investments, whether such time as they need to write the Report 2014-2015 lists British American direct or indirect, in the arms trade or cheques. Tobacco as their 2nd biggest equity holding. any other activity that is not ethically Smoking kills! Yet Highland Council are supportable by the community they Clearly too they need to keep significant investing in it. Smaller and indirect serve. Even if we have to suffer more financial reserves in hand to cover investments are not listed in full in the hardship as a result, it will wash the contingencies, for disasters like major storm report so the extent of their investment in blood off our hands and help save the damage to the road network, or major the arms trade is not openly identified in it. death and severe suffering of thousands repairs to school roofs, or major of others (millions of others in the case environmental health crises, and they need I agree with Andrew Smith of Campaign of the tobacco industry). to maintain a pension fund too. To avoid Against Arms Trade who says: “Councils these reserves depreciating in value over should be investing in the social good and I hope KCC might devote Councillors’ Corner the years, I assume they need to invest that working to build better communities, not to this topic in the next newsletter so we money in things like funds, bonds, stocks, pouring public money into companies that can see where our local councillors stand on futures, whatever, not just to get a return fuel conflict and profit from war. the matter. on their money for our common good, but to invest in worthwhile social endeavours in “Many of these companies have armed Mandy Ketchin

Urgent messages came by telegraph... came messages by telegraph... Urgent If this is true, there is surely blood on our contributing to scenes like this? hands. Photo: Ibrahem Qasim

are there now 27 houses in Muirshearlich...

Is Highland Council investing our money in the nuclear weapons industry? Drama and Multimedia Project with Artair  Children in our school have had page 26 Donald. They produced a fantastic exceptional results with various page 7 performance of Làithean M’ Òige/My competitions including the John Muir Kilmallie Community Council plan to hold a bun-sgoil Childhood Days at our Christmas Concert. Trust Poetry Competition, Rotary Club  Sgoil-àraich – C3 children took part in our Poetry Competition and Lochaber Music excellent Christmas nativity Bè Bè Festival. Betlehem and our Sgoil-àraich had their  Our children took part in DrumFun Community Consultation ghàidhlig own magnificent nativity performance. workshops and are currently involved in  Our C3/4 class produced a fantastic the Youth Music Initiative. in our Gaelic slot this time, an article on the drama which was showcased this month  Our children took part in various about gaelic education, rather than an with Mallaig Primary School and Generation Science workshops including Caol Regeneration Company’s proposals for article IN Gaelic Acharacle Primary School. Space Base and Marvellous Magnets. Our It is hard to believe that nearly a year has  We raised £82 for Sports Relief and £220 children also attended a very interactive passed since Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar for Marie Curie. workshop on chemical elements delivered (Lochaber Gaelic Primary School) opened its  We offer a range of afterschool clubs by Dr Daniel Price from the University of Corpach Marina doors to children, staff, families and the including Football, Art and a School Choir Glasgow.

page 6 our Highland councillors’ corner wild page 27 This time we asked our three Highland Councillors: How local should a Local Authority be? We particularly liked Ben Thompson’s comments about Transport Scotland - he perfectly illustrates the problem.

In 2016, there are now 37 cars and vans... In 2016, there fast now, which is hard enough to With regards offences occur, and cope with, and I've just had my two brilliant Banavie blogs Annette will be targetting cochlear implant upgraded to a new An Appetite for Lochaber - An Edible Life - those times more speech processor which is not as good At the Lochaber Disability Access closely. “There is a tendency “permaculture and polytunnel adventures as the last one which means it gives to take everything around me for granted, from a West Highland croft” Group hustings before the me less accurate hearing to use to Holyrood election, SNP candidate Don’t risk points on so I am going to look at Lochaber with fresh “Pignuts in full bloom here, I have often cross the road. All in all I feel at the Kate Forbes did undertake to help your licence. eyes.” grubbed about for the nut, like my Gran end of my tether now. Annette and KCC with the crossing Don’t risk the lives “4.55am The Song Thrush taught me. I think I’ll teach the boys this It’s time to organise a visit from our campaign. Now she’s elected MSP, of your own woke me twice...” year” newly elected MSP Kate Forbes, and a it’s a good time to ask her. community. http://itsmosblog.tumblr.com/ https://anediblelifeblog.wordpress.com/ page 4 page 4 There were 3 telephones, allow community groups a selection of tools they could could they oftools selection a groups allow community share was to tool the behind idea The area. the tourists to and residents local both of benefit forthe environment thelocal regenerating and protecting of passion shared a from comes LEG and Team Town the between The partnership Lochaber. areas across outdoor improve help to used be to groups local amongst will shared be ‘tidy own their out carry to use to Lochaber in groups local share for tool delivercommunity to a have collaborated (LEG) group Environmental Lochaber and Team Town William The Fort toolshare community nominated local police station in Lochaber for surrendering for surrendering Lochaber in police station local nominated the with 12th, June on ends This campaign safe a manner. in tothese surrender licence,opportunity the a wish obtain to not do but weapons haveair who public the of members enable to running campaign surrender air weapon national havea currently Scotland Police this for preparation In certificate. weapon air an holding without weapon air an acquire or purchase use,possess, to person offence a for an it making December 2016, 31 on effect into will come 2015Act Licensing (Scotland) and Weapon level, Air the national a On Scotland? Police within nationally and locally new both what’s So, hour! 11th the things at like doing quite nothing day; following was the newsletter this quarter’s for deadline the that Hutchison Christine by reminded I was meeting council community May’s attended lastnight just Having policing community afoot afoot plans 19/05/16 16/05/16 04/05/16 11/04/16 29/03/16 06/03/16 05/03/16 -

ups’ or ‘litter or ups’

16/01361/FUL 16/01361/FUL 16/02076/FUL 16/02076/FUL 16/01362/FUL 16/01631/PNO 16/01631/PNO 16/01143/FUL 16/01143/FUL 16/01039/FUL 16/01039/FUL 16/00850/FUL 16/00850/FUL - permission already granted), OHL = Overhead Electricity Line Electricity = Overhead OHL granted), already permission follow typically (ie Conditions in Specified Matters MSC = Notification, = Prior PNO Consent. Listed Building LBC = Application, FUL= Full Principle, in =Permission PIP Secretary. KCC please contact email, by lists weekly receive to like would you If News. Community of Kilmallie 2014edition Sept seethe Lists, Weekly Planning about information further For determined. havebeen already may Some 03/06/16. ending week up to months, three thelast in Lists Weekly the on noticed we’ve that applications Here local the are picks’. The community tool share tool Thecommunity picks’.

Erect house, Banavie Ramona, Land 40MEastof Erection of garage/storage Erection building, 71CamaghaelArdeeven, of house,Erect Erection Banavie house,LandRamona, of 85M NE Land atAbhainn Scheme Hydro Bheagaig Kinlocheil Prior Notification for Forestry Notification Prior Alterations create selfcontained to Lodge residential Muirshearlich Oak annex, Erection of holiday Erection letting Cottage PH33Cruive CamaghaelWilliam unit, Fort 7NF ChangeTorcastle holidayresidential,to usefrom Lilac letCottage, of

- related building (non works Lochaber Environmental Group Environmental Lochaber Zero Waste Community Officer Community Waste Zero Cara Mackay [email protected]. or 01397702583 on Sue Keen with contact in please get then event local a for tools borrow like to would more.If you much picksand litter trowels, rakes,hand shears, garden cans, watering spades, include events such for available LEG by donated The basis. tools needed’ ‘as an Keen Sue on by administered be will and run to want communities that pick litter or up tidy any facilitating for will available be The tools ‘one usedasa be only would sometimes tools that purchase and bank’ ‘break the to having without up’, ‘clean own havetheir to groups local other with share and borrow fornon Tel. 101 7GAPH33 William Fort BLAR MOR, Station WilliamPolice Fort Scotland of Police Service [email protected] Council Community for Kilmallie Officer Liaison Sergeant Police Andrew Bilton, area. Lochaber or Kilmallie the in Policing local on comments feedback or any welcome Iwould articles, newsletter Asprevious per offenders. any targeting in and Corpach limitthrough speed the of raising awareness in assisted has Hillview Drive by sign 30mph monitoring speed erected recently the and area Corpach the within speeding raised regarding CC have Kilmallie that concerns the support to committed are Police Scotland Locally, the Blar. on located station William Fort weapons being air - emergency emergency

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page 29 page 29 and a motorbike... still some bicycles... page 30 page 30 though only the school bus now runs.

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Community Council. Community of Kilmallie or team the newsletter the views of necessarilynot are newsletter this in Viewsexpressed [email protected] at us Email Ketchin Mandy Sue Chadney 772383 MacLugash Jan 772252 Hutchison Christine newsletterteam: Your of the one team. please contact newsletter, then receive the doesn’t who know anyone of you If area. Kilmallie in the business and home every newsletter to the getting in helps who everyone We’d like tothank party. political any promoting impliedno way inwere KCC that and intentional not This was newsletter. as last their the same time leaflets at accidentallysomeelection have received may who Banavie in people of to the small number Apologies way, doplease anyget in touch. in involved like togetIf you’d help. with someextra alwaysdo we worthwhile. can But makesit that it isappreciated lives busy otherwise very into all slotted and voluntary,all produce, to effort of it amount takes huge a publication, it’s justquarterly though Even a newsletter. the thatappreciate they letsknow who us everyone and occasional contributors, regular fantastic and our teams,to volunteer all our delivery all thanks ever, As Member Vice Chair COMMUNITY Secretary Chair casein changes. of Facebook or website the check Please December. and July excluding month every of Monday 4th the on Centre Kilmallie Community in at 7:15pm held currently are Meetings meetings. our all at welcome most are public Members the of COUNCIL KILMALLIE Treasurer community

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

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page 3 there were 8 houses in Muirshearlich. page 2 kilmallie community council page 31

driving at 30mph rather than 20mph. Russell Leaper, Secretary where in Kilmallie? As Transport Scotland and BEAR do not

in this issue

KCC from the chair – p2

slow progress - p2

KCC meetings – p3

community policing – p4

community toolshare - p4

planning applications - p4

slower safer smilier - p5

Councillors’ Corner - p6

Corpach Marina update – p7 investment worries - p8 Banavie Floral - p9

Corpach in Colour - p9

Produce Show p10-11

Kilmallie Playgroup - p12-13

Canal News - p14

Trains of thought - p15

Go Wild on Canal - p15-17

Banavie School News - p18

Community Centre - p18 for his tale told via the side-snippets in this issue in this side-snippets the via told hisfor tale High Notes - p19

Wild about Kilmallie - p27

Focus on Folk – p28

Ten years ago - p29

W Highland Colosseum - p29

Our June 2016 newsletter carries an article (page 8) entitled KCC offered Allan Henderson and Ben Thompson, our two 'Investment Worries'. It draws attention to recent claims, Highland Councillors who are members of the current published in Common Space, by Common Weal South administration, an opportunity to respond to the Common Lanarkshire (CWSL) that Highland Council are investing, directly Space article. Ben Thompson responded, and Allan Henderson or indirectly, in the arms trade. These claims were made confirmed he was happy to leave the response to Ben. The following CWSL's series of Freedom of Information requests to timing of the publications and print deadlines was such that Scottish Local Authorities. The newsletter article also raises KCC could not include Ben's helpful response in the body of the concern about Highland Council Pension Fund's investment in newsletter, but we print it separately below. We are grateful the tobacco industry. for the clarification Ben provides on this sensitive issue.

impractical to work out where the steel comes from, who ultimately makes the silicon chips for the IT infrastructure, who supplies the extra contract engineers needed on demand. The Investing and language those few clients therefore used then was to restrict investment in companies "substantially involved" in the defence industry. the arms It doesn't take a genius to work out what would happen if that "substantially involved" restriction became commonly used by all pension funds. The first outcome would be that the share prices of the defence companies would suffer. Those trade companies would then become more attractive acquisition targets for more diversified industrial conglomerates - meaning Recent Common Weal FOI requests have revealed that the those not "substantially involved" in the defence industry. The pension funds of many public bodies including Highland end result would be pension funds entirely free to invest in the Council have invested in the defence industry. Many rightly defence industry once again, but with far less transparency. question the ethics of such investments. General Electric, manufacturer of wind turbines, medical devices and jet engines aming many, many things is a good The phrase "defence industry" is not the one used by objectors example of what would become widespread - it has many $ - the phrase commonly used is "the arms trade" which hints at billions of defence sales, yet those billions make up only ca. 3% what the basis for objection actually is. To be clear, objections of its total business. It is not "substantially involved" in usually stem from three viewpoints: firstly, (one I share) that defence. supplying weapons to murderous regimes should be stopped; secondly, that profiting from the sale of weapons is unethical; How then do we best address investments in the arms trade? and thirdly, that the production of weapons per se is simply wrong. Calls to divest entirely from the arms trade will not work - in the short or long run. The best solution is to shine a bright light In my former career as an investment manager I had clients on the activities of defence companies and make them justify with each of those viewpoints. I'd say that the vast majority their actions to governments and shareholders. Driving had the first viewpoint, a select few held the second, and defence manufacturing into the arms of industrial perhaps one fund objected entirely to weapons manufacturing. conglomerates like GE simply makes that much more difficult Another way of putting it is that nearly all pension fund clients and isn't in anyone's interest. are happy to invest in companies that supply NATO and its allies and the police of those countries. My own view is that shareholders, such as the Highland Council, need to be far more activist with their own In practical terms that meant nearly all clients were content to shareholdings. Councils need to be making the point more allow investments in the defence industry - as long as we could forcefully as shareholders that they do not accept unethical show we were activist shareholders who could actually take behaviour, such as selling arms to objectionable regimes. For company management to task should their weapons end up in that we should thank Common Weal for the timely reminder of the wrong hands. this important issue.

Ben Thomson The very few clients who wanted nothing to do with the defence industry at all could not and cannot exclude Councillor, Caol & Mallaig, Highland Council themselves from weapons production entirely. It is simply