Ardgay District

ardgay & district community Council newsletter

£1.00 [suggested donation] Issue No. 26 = winter 2014-2015 = caithness and sutherland local development plan main issues report The assets of Ardgay & District that the CaS Plan should take into consideration The Highland Council is preparing a new development plan which is now in its consultation stage. So far, Ardgay & District assets have been almost totally overlooked in the Main Issues Report. This plan could be in force for the next 20 years so your Community Council would like you to talk to the planners and tell them what you think needs to be in this plan.

CaS Plan is a long term development plan, which more likely will affect the development in your area until 2035. The Main Issues Report is divided in four themes: Employ- ment, Growing Communities, Con- nectivity and Transport and Envi- ronment and Heritage. There are three strategies in the plan, but sad- ly none of them covers your area: Energy business expansion, Sus- tainable Rural Development Corri- dor and East Coast Connectivity & Tourism Corridor. What should our strategy be? A&DCC has created a map highlighting Ardgay & Dis- trict’s many assets (page 5). Please help your Community Council by submitting your views on the pro- According to the first draft of the Main Issues Report, Ardgay & District area appears posed plan. (Continue on page 4) to have no assets at all. /© highland council 2014. Crown copyright and database right 2012

Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust, invited to submit a stage 2 application to Big Lottery to rebuild Shin Falls Visitor Centre (page 13)

Tai Chi, Whist, 1st Ardgay and District a Cinema Club... Community Council Winter checklist, Events discover seasonal Children’s Art in the area, Gardening, Children’s pages, activities of local Competition Telephone guide, Bus groups Page 16 Page 20 timetable, Crosswords... Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust BUSINESS SERVICES

Competitive rates for bookkeeping, payroll, printing and photocopying.

To discuss your requirements, call: 01863 766190 or [email protected]

Company Limited by Guarantee registered in Scotland: SC401019. Registered Scottish Charity: SC043587. Registered office: The Trust Offices, Dornoch Road, Bonar Bridge Sutherland, IV24 3EB

Pete Andrews Business support in Driving School Sutherland

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• Accessing finance • Business planning Patient Friendly Tuition • Taking on staff Refresher Courses • Improving efficiency Pass Plus • Winning public contracts Areas Covered: • Branching into new markets and much more... Ardgay, Bonar Bridge Lairg, Golspie, Tain Contact us: Dornoch & Alness David Knight, Senior Area Business Manager Marianne Ross, Recruitment Adviser

Business Gateway, Bonar Bridge, IV24 3EB Tel. 01863 766 884 Mob. 07763 133 922 01863 766128 [email protected] email. [email protected] [email protected]

ardgay & district community Council newsletter WINTER 2014-2015 = P age 3

Contents

7 9 14 19

ARDGAY News KoSDT NEWS children & young people =CAS Plan ��4 =KoSDT, a year of successes �� 12 =Gledfield Primary School and =Ardgay & District CC Assets Map ��5 =Falls of Shin update ��13 Nursery �� 19 =Kyle of Sutherland Fisheries new =1st Ardgay & District CC Children’s office headquarters ��7 gearrchoillE Wood �� 14 Art Competition �� 20 =Remembrance Sunday ��7 =Hamish, the tartan dragon �� 20 =How to apply for funding ��8 what’s on in the area ��15 =Community Council members from the manse contact details �� 8 adult clubs & societies =”A Christmas Message from your =Pantomime in Ardgay �� 9 =New Kyle of Sutherland Cinema minister” �� 21 =ALISS database �� 9 Club, a winter full of films ��17 =Ardgay Public Hall’s future �� 10 local services a-z ��22 =Christmas message from Ardgay gardening Community Council �� 10 =Green manures ��18 crosswords ��23

Ardgay & District photographs editor’s letter Long cold nights would like to thank all our Icontributors, but particularly those who have ventured to send us a message for the first time. I hope you will like the Ardgay & District CC Assets Map. Please send your views to the Highland Council to ensure that our community is not ignored in the CaS Plan! There is also some very good news: an exciting update on the Falls of Shin Visitor Cen- tre project, the Kyle of Suther- land Fisheries Trust’s new office, the 1st A&DCCN Children’s Art Competition and many activities from the various groups and Snowy 2010 winter by Donald H. Bain clubs in the area which surely L ooking over towards Ardgay from Bonar Bridge on the 7/12/2010. This was a will make the long cold nights very cold winter with temperatures down to -18 degrees at night. ahead more enjoyable. < Donald Bain is a skilled local photographer. Some of his works can be seen at Kyle of Sutherland’s Scenery Facebook page. Silvia Muras Editor P age 4 =WINTER 2014-2015 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Ardgay & District News Ardgay & District Community Council Assets Map Our Community Council area has a significant number of heritage sites, tourist at- tractions, indigenous wildlife, prime salmon catching rivers and deer stalking areas. Could we make our area even better? How should we plan for that? (Starts on front page) in the Bonar Bridge description. within our Community Council This is how the Main Issues Re- However, this industrial estate is boundaries that have archaelogi- port describes Ardgay: actually part of the Ardgay & Dis- cal or historical interest are: Cro- “Ardgay sits within the Dornoch trict Community Council area. ick Church, designed by Thomas Firth National Scenic Area. It is Ardgay & District CC area is Telford and closely related to the situated on the A867 and the Far rich in both built and natural envi- Highland Clearances, Carbisdale North railway line and benefits ronment. It is part of the Dornoch Castle, the last castle built in Scot- from a train service to Inverness. Firth Scenic Area, and part of the land, an Edwardian massive stone Piecemeal development between Special Area of Conservation (SAC) building near the place of the Bat- Ardgay and Lower Gledfield will of Dornoch Firth & Morrich More. tle of Carbisdale (1650), a part of be discouraged.” (Page 56) It has remarkable woods: the Cal- the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, Ardgay, in fact, sits on the A836, edonian forest of Amat (SAC) and whose battlefield has been inven- Meikle Ferry to Tongue road and the ancient oaks of Gearrchoille toried and protected by Historic also benefits from being on Nation- Community Wood, which could Scotland. Our neighbour CC, Cre- al Cycle Route 1. There is also some benefit from becoming a Special ich, has been similarly overlooked confusion surrounding the Indus- Landscape Area (SLA), and rivers in the Main Issues Report. Please trial Estate, which in the report is such as Carron and Oykel (SAC), consult our map and send us your called “South Bonar” and included rich in ecology. Among the places feedback.< coc nta t your cc through the website www.ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil.org.uk Windfarms, Broadband, The Lady Ross, Community Benefit Funds and Parking in Ardgay

hese are five of the topics which have featured involved in what is happening in Ardgay & District over the last year as special interest items. and to make your views known when our commu- TSome years ago the CC decided to extend the nity is being consulted. This is especially true at the regular CC meeting by dedicating the first half hour moment when we are being asked to have our say on of certain meetings to a topic of special interest to the new Caithness and Sutherland Plan. This plan is the community. The CC hoped that this would en- intended to be in place for the next 20 years! < courage members of the community to come along Have your say on the new CaSPlan at and hear about developments and give their views. www.highland.gov.uk/casplan The CC is always delighted to see local residents at and the core path plan review at its meetings and keen to hear their views. www.highland.gov.uk/corepathplans The five special interest sessions above drew a total attendance of 33 members of the public. 19 of these at- A pproved minutes of Ardgay & District tended the Lady Ross session. The CC would like to say Community Council meetings a big thank you to all those who have attended these special interest sessions and to those who attend the A vailable online from meetings at other times to give their views. www.ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil.org.uk The CC would like to hear from more of you because and in your local library. one of the main functions of the CC is to represent your Next meetings: views to other agencies including the Highland Council. 9th february 2015 & 9 march 2015 The CC would like to encourage you to become ardgay public hall 7 pm

ardgay & district community Council newsletter WINTER 2014-2015 = P age 5 C

Loch

Clashcoig CC Resolis Alness CC Alness Dornoch C Dornoch Migdale Little Creich Dornoch CC Rogart CC Rogart CC DornochFirth April 2011 April EddertonCC Edderton CC L’aro

Loch Bonar Bridge Craigton Ardgay Torroble

Kyle of Upper Ardchronie Invershin Achinduich Sutherland KilmuirEaster and Logie Easter CC Falls Kincardine of Shin

Lower

River Shin House Lairg Gledfield Fearn Wester Ardgayhill Invercharron 1650 Culrain Inveran Bettyhill, Strathnaver andAltnaharra CC Soyal Dounie Achany Gruids Claonel Carbisdale Castle Rhelonie Linsidemore ArdrossCC Dingwall CC Kiltearn CC Lodge 649 Carn Lairg CC LairgCC Braelangwell Salachaidh Achnahanat Wester

Altass Gruinards River Carron River Ardross CC Amatnatua Lodge The Craigs Birchfield Glencalvie Glen Rossal Rosehall Loch na

Fuaralaich Croick Castle

Achness Glencassley

Waterfall Doune Invercassley Diebidale Forest

River Cassley Diebidale River Diebidale Glencalvie Forest Brae Ardgayand DistrictCC 710 Alladale Lodge Amat woods Beinn

Tharsuinn Alladale River Alladale CreichCC 701 Ardgay and District and Ardgay Carn a’ Creich CC Choin Deirg Compiled by the author using data from Google Maps, Highland Council, Forestry Comission, National Biodiversity Biodiversity National Comission, Forestry Google Maps, Highland Council, from the author using data by sletter Compiled Deanich Lodge

Loch na River Oykel

StrathpefferCC

Claise Moire Glasha Burn Glasha Oykel Bridge

Ardgay & District CC River Einig River ouncil new Lubcroy C Community Council BoundaryCommunity 639 Sithean Raireag 842 Strathpeffer CC Freevater Forest unity Carn Bàn mm o C

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Choire Mhòir Fhuarain Garve andDistrict CC Meall an rdgay & rdgay A Assynt CC Assynt CC ilvia Muras/ ilvia S Lochbroom CC broom CC Network’s Gateway, Renewables-map.co.uk, Royal Commission of the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and Wikipedia. and Wikipedia. Committee Conservation Joint Nature Scotland, Monuments of the Ancient and Historical of Commission Royal Renewables-map.co.uk, Gateway, Network’s © Loch © © Crowncopyright. All rights reserved 100023369 2011 P age 6 =WINTER 2014-2015 ardgay & district community Council newsletter Legend O A C D WILDLIFE: P A B C C HERITAGE: G P Mountain N W R P TOURISM: I W W INDUSTRY & RENEWABLES: ndustrial ark oint of special int ictish attlefield ailway aledonian Forest astle hurch of historical interest tlantic eer olf rchaelogical remains ( ational tters alking ind F ind F

C H ourse unting arm (proposed/planned) arm (active) C S S T r C oss ta almon r E B y ail state ike cle tion B onar A T R rea r out ail erest B e 1 ridge- C airn or A rdgay B roch)

© Silvia Muras / Ardgay & District Community Council newsletter its four faces. has clocks on three of the castle’s tower only I 3rd land- wife of S C built in 1907 for Mary C dow prior to their departure. sages on the church east win - churchyard and scratched mes - of people took shelter in the C notoriety due to the T E on land donated by C t has 356 windows and homas utherland, the second state. learance in 1845, when dozens roick aroline, arbisdale D L uke of e C I G veson- t was designed by T hurch was built in 1827 eorge D elf uchess of C ord and it acquired S astle was utherland. G S ower, uther- B G alnagown lencalvie lencalvie of wild vital for sustaining important populations able biodiversity. O course the elusive, highly adapted otters. trout, freshwater pearl mussel, and of ykel and arrive in descended from the first pines to ice-age; arriving about 7,000 the of (ancient old-growth) boreal forest is the name given to the former old A A mat Woods is a remnant of the tlantic salmon, sea tr S C C C cotland. arron rivers aledonian aledonian Forest are directly S cotland following the T has been restored as a wildlife pond. access has been improved and the former curling pond birch. ancient broadleaved woodland, predominately oak and T heir clean w T he he P G S ine forest. have a remark- earrchoille Wood is a 30 acre semi-natural cots pines of S ince being in the care of the local community, out, brown aters are T his BC

. as the Kirk radical time, dominated by 1650 by the was fought on 27 of S of Montrose, against the T bald James P of monument unique to the northerly example of a type S ty, S T mid-8th century. dine, home of the Kyle of cottish he t utherland he Old icts and carved from the one , which is the most contains A rgyll and a grouping of B C attle of ampbell, 1st Marquess G C raham, 1st Marquess o G C venanters, known overnment of the hurch of Kincar- P H R T arty eritage he Kincar o C yalist leader arbisdale arbisdale . A pril pril A S rchi - ocie- dine ardgay & district community Council newsletter WINTER 2014-2015 = P age 7

Ardgay & District News

Another line of Pylons

SSE Power Distribution recently held a public consultation event in the Bonar Hall to explain their plans for a new pylon line from Beauly to Loch Buidhe. The line will go through our area. If you didn’t manage to attend the information session then you can still see the plans and comment online at : www.ssepd.co.uk/beaulylochbuidhe

The new offices in Ardgay, a focal point for all wild fisheries interests in the Kyle. the Trust has purchased A building in Ardgay

Kyle of Sutherland Fisheries Trust Remembrance Sunday new office headquarters Wreaths laid at Ardgay War Me- morial on Sunday 09 November: The former Alladale Country tributaries and 61 named lochs Legion Scotland Wreath laid by Store and Café, (Frasers Shop and lochans. Jack Fraser, Ardgay Community for those with longer memories) A comprehensive study of an- Wreath laid by David Hannah, and will provide much needed space gling in the Kyle region, carried Gledfield Nursery Memorial Mes- and facilities for the staff of both out by Glasgow Caledonian Uni- sage laid by the Whittock Family. the Trust and the Kyle of Suth- versity for the Trust in 2007, con- There was a small attendance at erland District Salmon Fishery cluded that wild fishery activities Ardgay due to the Legion Scotland Board. were worth almost £4m annual- Parade and Church Service of Re- Dr Keith Williams, Di- ly to the local economy, membrance being held in Bonar rector of Kyle Fisheries supporting 86 fte jobs Bridge, (they alternate each year anticipates the new office representing 13.7% of between Ardgay & Bonar Bridge). will become a focal point all employment in the for all wild fisheries in- area. Kyle Fisheries terests in the Kyle catch- itself employs Dr Wil- CAB Outreach Clinic ment, which extends from liams, Director; Audrey Citizen’s Advice Bu- the outer end of the Dornoch Campbell, Administrator; reau has launched in Firth in the east to Ben More As- Hugh Mackenzie, Head Bailiff, November a month- synt in the west and includes the and Bailiffs Philip Blowers, Iain ly Oureach Clinic in rivers Evelix, Carron, Shin, Cass- Gollan and John Audsley. < Rosehall Village Hall. ley and Oykel. Together these A udrey Campbell Admin This new service is available on main rivers, with their many the first Thursday of the month, tributaries, burns and fresh wa- Kyle of Sutherland Fisheries Trust 2 pm– 4 pm. More info: ter lochs drain 163,647 hectares * admin@kylef isheries.org E ast Sutherland CAB of land and amount to some 46 ) 01863 766 702 Station Road, Golspie KW10 6SN miles of tidal zone, 70 miles of www.kylef isheries.org * [email protected] principal rivers, 400 miles of ) 01408 633 000 P age 8 =WINTER 2014-2015 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Ardgay & District News

C ommunity Council Members How to apply for and Contact Details Community Benefit money David Hannah Chair The Beinn na Oighrean Windfarm Awards S mall projects under £250 1. Go to Ardgay & District CC website: www.ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil.org.uk/ Marion Turner Vice-Chair funding where you can find full details. 2. Or send a letter to Teresa Langley (see right column)

Alan Lawrence The Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Treasurer Community Benefit Fund Projects under £2,000 Phil Olson 1. Go to Ardgay & District CC website: www.ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil.org.uk/ funding where you can find full details. 2. Send an email to beinntharsuinn.awards@ardgayand Betty Wright districtcommunitycouncil.org.uk 3. Or send a letter to Teresa Langley (see right column)

Bob Sendall SSE Achany Community Fund Between £250 and £10,000 + 1. Visit sse.com/beingresponsible/responsiblecommu Teresa Langley nitymember/localcommunityfunds/achany for more Secretary info and to download the application form. 2. Complete and return to [email protected] or by Royal Mail to: Fiona Morrison, Corporate Affairs, SSE, 10 Henderson Road, Inverness, IV1 1SN Silvia Muras 3. Next deadline: 30 April 2015. E.ON Rosehall Community Fund Between £2,000 and £25,000 + 1. Foundation Scotland administers E.ON Rosehall C ouncillors Representing the Community Fund. Visit www.foundationscotland.org. Highland Council North, West and uk/programmes/eon-rosehall.aspx for full details 2. Alternatively, you can ontact Carol Elliot by email Central Sutherland Ward 1 [email protected] or call 07500 779 227 George Farlow if you require any further information or advice. 3. Next deadline: 30 April 2015.

Hugh Morrison thanks from kos youth development group:

Haley Bangs, Chair of the Kyle of Sutherland Linda Munro Youth Development Group, would like to thank the Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Community Ltd community benefit fund and Ardgay & District Community Council for funds to purchase screen printing equipment. This is an exciting kit that provides dynamic, challenging art projects for all ages. ardgay & district community Council newsletter WINTER 2014-2015 = P age 9

Ardgay & District News

Telford in the Kyle of Great success of the Pantomime in aid of Sutherland Open Day Gledfield Primary School Parent Council The Telford in the Kyle of Suth- Pinocchio, the live panto- erland project is finishing its in- mime brought to our com- vestigation of the influential 19th munity by M&M Theat- century engineer and road builder rical Productions on the Thomas Telford. A lot has been dis- 12th November at Ardgay covered in a very short time! Partic- Hall was a great success. ipants documented an unrecorded Participants also enjoyed bridge, and created a display, trail refreshments, snacks, face and geocache. An Open Day on painting and small games. 31st January, Bonar Bridge Hall, The event was funded by 1-4 pm will present all of these and Beinn na Oighrean Wind- more. All welcome! < farm Awards. <

Core Paths Plan Review Caithness & Sutherland The Highland Council is review- ing its core paths plan for the Caithness and Sutherland area. Core paths are the key routes that provide the public with a reason- able, recreational access network in their area. As part of this review the Council has produced consul- Ardgay Christmas tree tative reports for the Caithness This year our Christmas tree was kindly donated by Dounie Estate. Special thanks to Andrew Mackenzie and Snowy for getting such a nice tree. and Sutherland areas, in order to seek public feedback. They are a useful tool for volunteers and careworkers available on www.highland.gov.uk/ corepathplans. Comments are The ALISS database for local well-being invited until the 27 March 2015, and they can be sent via email to Voluntary Groups East Suther- formation –visit www.aliss.org to [email protected].< land (VG-ES); Council for Vol- find out more. Alongside finding untary Services (CVS) North; out what services folk in Suth- and East Sutherland Communi- erland use Irene also asked peo- Winter checklist ty Care Forum have asked Irene ple throughout the county what MacLeod, Skerray to input ser- gaps in provision there are and R: þ top up anti freeze CA vices used regularly by older or what needs people have. This has þ change to winter tyres þ warm clothes, blanket, food vulnerable people in Sutherland then been incorporated in a re- ice scraper & shovel to a new database called ALISS port which will inform a poten- þ check lights (A local information system for tial good neighbour/befriending/ Scotland). ALISS is a search friend at home service in Suther- þ HOUSE: fuel, food, torch & batteries and collaboration tool for land provided by local volunteers. for a few days health and well-being resourc- There is also a trial befriending þ clear gutters es. It helps signpost people to service starting soon which will þ grit salt by the door useful community support. take place in S&E Sutherland. þ check on neighbours Organisations can also create Irene finished her work at the end an ALISS account for them- of November.

Ardgay & District News Ardgay Public Hall faces the future with optimism

The hall committee hope you all Development Trust officer, and Ca- to a new SCIO. It had been thought enjoyed the Ardgay Christmas Fair. triona Hill, CH Architects, Bonar this was on course to be completed The fair is an essential fundraising Bridge, are now actively engaged in by the turn of the year, but the origi- event for the hall, so, a big ‘Thank- taking the hall’s kitchen, insulation nal solicitor withdrew as he had sud- You’ to everyone for your support. and heating projects forward; all denly decided the work requires a The committee would also like projects the committee have pre- more specialised firm than his own. to thank Community Energy Scot- viously attempted to tackle alone, Such a firm is proving elusive, but, land, who, with help from the SSE but which, ultimately, proved too with the help of SCVO, the commit- Highland Sustainability Fund, in- onerous a task for them. The com- tee will endeavour to conclude this stalled the PV panels on the main mittee are grateful to both Helen matter as soon as possible. hall roof last October. The annual and Catriona for their positive en- The date of the hall’s next man- feed-in tariff payments from these couragement, and for the ongoing agement meeting will be displayed new panels will also make a wel- support of Ardgay & District CC. on the notice boards and everyone come contribution to hall funds. will be made most welcome. As the New Year approaches it is a new legal structure In the meantime, the com- pleasing to report that the there is a Another issue the committee are mittee would like to wish each new, optimistic outlook for the hall. continuing to pursue is that of trans- and everyone one of you a Merry This is due to the fact that both ferring the hall’s legal structure from Christmas & a very Happy New Helen Houston, Kyle of Sutherland the present Unincorporated Trust Year.< Rhonwen Copley, Secretary

thanks to everyone who helps our community Photo album Christmas message from Ardgay CC

e wish everyone a Mer- org.uk> Jeannie Sparling - whose ry Christmas & Happy efforts ensure that we get nice WNew Year and thank feedback about the village toi- you all for helping to keep Ardgay lets. Carol Laver & Doreen Bruce & District a clean and happy place - who make sure passengers no- to live. This year we have so much tice how nice our railway station to be thankful for, our new shops looks. Jockie Hewit - for his hard are up and running. work with the 12 flower tubs. Paul The station, quietly celebrated Whittock and his team for the its 150th anniversary. Gledfield bright & cheery Christmas lights School litterpicked the village and & tree. it has stayed mostly litter free. The There are too many others to Gearrchoille Community Wood mention all the names but they -is looking great, have a walk keep all our community groups round and check it out. Our War running smoothly, and work very Memorial - again won a Legion hard to ensure we will have two Scotland award for being pristine. Public Halls, Church presence, We also wish to thank the spe- Primary school & Nursery, Golf Invercarron Highland cial people who go that little bit Club, Boys Brigade, Badminton Games 2014 farther to help our community. Club, Scottish Country Dancing, A photo of the Two Chieftains Silvia Muras - who keeps us in- Tai Chi and all the rest. Well done at this year’s Invercharron formed through our excellent and please keep going. If I missed Games, Dierdre Mackay (Chieftain) and, Miles Jones newsletter. Phil Olson - for the you it was not deliberate - but (Junior Chieftain). very high quality website

Crannag Bistro December 2014

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Haggis Pakora, raita, Kilt Lifter Chilli Sauce Leek, Pear and Stilton Soup, garlic croutons Duck Spring Roll, rhubarb & ginger relish Pork, Apricot and Pistachio Terrine, spiced mango, oatcakes

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Sutherland Venison Medallions, poached pear, port jus seasonal vegetables Turkey Thali Indian platter of festive treats Slow Cooked Belly Pork, Aultbea white pudding mash, redcurrant & apple Highland Beef Paleron, horseradish mash, red wine gravy seasonal vegetables Blue Cheese & Butternut Squash Wellington

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Baked Rum Cheesecake Mincemeat Soufflé Baileys Chocolate Pot Panettone Bread & Butter Pudding

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Three courses - £25.00 per person

Booking essential on 01863 766111 or [email protected]

P age 12 =WINTER 2014-2015 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust kosdt had its Annual general meeting in invershin hall Land Fund. That the Trust now owns the building does not mean that the KoSDT AGM: report of a year community has won the battle to re- tain the post office as a standalone marked by successes business – it may just be round one! The Trust is becoming recognised within the network of Subsequent funding from the SSE Regional fund has meant that Ca- community development as an organisation which will triona Hill our in-house architect have a significant impact on the economic and social has been able to crack on with the wellbeing of the Kyle of Sutherland. upgrading of the post office house. Catriona is currently considering Highlands and Islands Enterprise the potential for houses to be built (HIE) has recognised our ambition on the land behind the post office. and indeed our activities during the year by giving the Trust Communi- greening kyle ty Account Management status. At Being an area which derives much a meeting with representatives of from the natural environment it HIE one senior official said that the seemed that a project to reduce Trust was “an exemplar in its field”. carbon emissions would fit well with the overall aims of the Trust. a great team leader The Trust secured funding from The success this year has been due the Climate Challenge Fund to to the commitment from our De- employ two full time and one part velopment Manager, Helen Hou- time member of staff to work with ston. Helen has brought knowl- the community to reduce its energy edge and vigour to the Trust and use, reduce food waste and increase the Directors have been open to local food growing. Throughout the new ideas and pathways which the next two years I believe we will she has suggested. The purchase of Bonar Bridge Post all be hearing a lot about this sub- Office, a successful project thanks to the As activity at the Trust increased support of the community. ject from the Greening Kyle Team: during the first part of the year HIE Valerie, Rhionna and Irene. very kindly offered to part fund a is the number of Scotgrad Associate and with further KoSDT members support from funders funding support from our two Com- 67 (November 2014) The Trust could not have had any munity Council Beinn Tharsuinn significant success without the sup- funds Kirstin Pickett was recruited. local organisations are port of funders both local and na- Kirstin’s role was to support ongo- supported by the Trust, tional: Scottish Land Fund with, ing work and to build her knowl- 23 giving them access to Big Lottery Scotland, SSE, Foun- edge and skills to allow the Trust dation Scotland, Highland Council, to offer a business administration £81,000 the local distributing panel at both services to small business, organisa- for projects and events. Ardgay and Creich Community tions and to local people. Councils and the local EON Acha- full part ny Windfarm Panel members. Purchase of the post office time time staff Due to successful project fund- KoSDT major achievement this year 3 &3 ing bids the Trust now has three full is undoubtedly the purchase of the time and three part time staff who Post Office. The Trust would like to now offer a wide range of services to thank everyone in the community £274,549 householders, community groups for their support. Without this sup- is the income of the KoSDT for and individuals. port we would not have been able the year ending June 2014. Why not become a member of to secure funding from the Scottish the Trust - it is free to join.< ardgay & district community Council newsletter WINTER 2014-2015 = P age 13

Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust the new building is expected to be opened in spring 2016 The Trust is going ahead with the purchase and construction of the Falls of Shin Visitor Centre Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust has been recently invited to submit a Stage 2 application to the Big Lottery Fund to finance the erection of the new tourist attraction.

The Kyle of Sutherland Devel- opment Trust are pleased to an- nounce that after having explored various funding and ownership options, they are now in a posi- tion to make a formal offer to Bal- nagown Estate to purchase the site of the former Falls of Shin visitor centre. Thereafter, the Trust has been invited to proceed with a Stage 2 application to the Big Lottery Fund to finance the construction of a new attraction. The Trust will continue to work with the stakeholders associated with the Falls of Shin site in order Falls of Shin Visitor Centre site. The building was destroyed by fire in May 2013./ SM to develop and build a new centre, which will include a café, shop venture supported by Capital In- Shin application had successfully and exhibition. vestment provided by the Estate. passed the Stage 1 review and the It is hoped that the new visi- < The vision plan was met with project has been invited to submit tor attraction will be opened in enthusiasm from all stakeholders a Stage 2 application. Spring 2016. and the KoSDT were encouraged < Over the next three months to explore funding options the KoSDT, together with their Project Summary < In June 2014, KoSDT were in- Design Team, will prepare a de- < The Falls of Shin visitor centre vited to apply to a fund adminis- tailed planning application and was destroyed by fire in May 2013. tered by First Port business plan. Both of these are < Immediately thereafter a work- < In August 2014 KoSDT pre- essential components of the Stage ing group was set up including sented a detailed application to 2 Big Lottery Application and it is Balnagown Estate, Highland First Port but were unfortunately hoped that this will be ready for Council, Forestry Commission, not deemed to be suitable for the submission in Spring 2015. Highlands & Islands Enterprise funding stream and were, instead, The success of the project will and Kyle of Sutherland Develop- redirected to the Big Lottery Fund depend very much on the support ment Trust. < A submission was made to the of the local community and the Ko- < In May 2014, KoSDT were in- Big Lottery in September using the SDT are particularly grateful for vited to present a vision plan to material prepared for First Port. the encouragement and backing Balnagown Estate to explore the < In November 2014 Big Lot- that have been given so far. < H elen possibility of a community led tery confirmed that the Falls of Houston, Development Manager

The Trust Offices, Dornoch Road, Bonar Bridge IV24 3EB @KS O utherland ) 01863 766190 * [email protected] Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust P age 14 =WINTER 2014-2015 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Gearrchoille Community Wood

Conference delegates chatting in the Community Centre (left) and John Muir’s birthplace (right).

C ommemorating john muir’s life, father of national parks was threatening great swathes of unique ecosystems, Muir found- News from the Gearrchoille ed the Sierra Club in 1892, hoping One of our members took part in the annual conference that people would get hooked once held by the Community Woodlands Association in Dunbar they experienced the beauty of wild places. In early 1903, Muir took As many of our members will know, 2014 happens to be the cente- President Roosevelt on a camping our community woodland has nary year of the death of John Muir trip in Yosemite – the rest is histo- benefited for years from support (1838-1914) - father of National ry. There’s a brilliant website about and advice by the Community Parks - who was born and spent his Yosemite National Park on the in- Woodlands Association (CWA), early years in Dunbar, before Daniel ternet. And you might also want formed just over 10 years ago, Muir took young John and the rest to check out the brand-new John roughly at the same time as our of the family to Wisconsin in 1849. Muir Way which runs all the way woodland was gifted to the com- The white house in the photograph from Dunbar to Helensburgh. munity by Mohamed Al-Fayed of is John Muir’s birthplace (now a For me, the highlight of many Balnagown Estate. Ever since, fascinating museum dedicated to interesting presentations at the one or two of us have enjoyed tak- his work) and next to it you see the conference was a talk on Growing ing part in the annual conferences much larger building his thrifty a Forest Garden. We heard about held by CWA to keep all its nearly father was able to acquire later. A various useful reference books 200 member groups up-to-date. self-taught naturalist, John Muir and case studies and – a real eye It’s a perfect event for woodland- walked thousands of miles all over opener – saw a photograph of a ers from all over Scotland to share North America, recording count- geodesic DIY greenhouse, made expertise and grumbles. less botanical species in his travels. quite cheaply out of alkathene pipe Realising that illegal exploitation and some glass substitute.We also making the connection learned that Indian runner ducks This year the conference theme was make useful slug hoovers. As you about “Making the Connection”, and join gearrchoille cw can see from the second picture, it took place in bonnie Dunbar, East The Committee would welcome the organisers had left plenty of Lothian, where the community have any friends to come along to the time for chatting and renewing worked wonders since setting up volunteer work parties on the old friendships; and I mustn’t their own woodland group in 2001 firstT hursday of each month to forget to mention the conference although they didn’t own the wood help preserve the ancient Oak- ceilidh which has become a CWA until 2007. If you’re interested, have wood. No membership fees, no ‘institution’. It was really good to a look at their Facebook page. The other commitment required, just charge the old volunteering batter- conference offered field trips and a turn up at 2:00 pm. ies … Why don’t you get in touch great range of talks on everything Contact: David Hannah. with us if you fancy attending the from finance and funding to wood- Tel 01863 766 061 2015 conference on our behalf? land weddings and green burials. < Brigitte Geddes, GCWA ardgay & district community Council newsletter WINTER 2014-2015 = P age 15

What’s on in the area

bonar bridge hall 20 Children’s dec. Film Session At 9:30 am Kyle of Sutherland Cinema Club will be screening a family film about a doubting boy who boards a train to the North Pole. Free and suitable bonar bridge hall for all ages. 20 dornoch Upcycling 31 Hogmanay jan. 8 week course rosehall hall dec. Street Party Upcycling means transforming 20 Christmas your old, unloved or broken items T he last day of the year culminates dec. Dance into products of better quality, like in a lively street party in Dornoch this gorgeus cutlery jewellery. This Square. Open to all from 10:00 pm. Friends from The Sutherland Ac- is an 8 week course beginning on There will be dancing to a celidh cordion & Fiddle Club organises a Tuesday 20th January in Bonar band, hot snacks, a lone piper just Christmas Dance on Saturday 20th Bridge Hall. The course will focus before the “Bells” and a splendid December. A great opportunity to on jewellery making. Spaces must firework display to welcome in the wear your kilt! All welcome. Doors be booked in advance. Contact: New Year. This is a real family event open at 7:30 pm, Adults £6, chil- Rhionna Mackay / Greening Kyle. and children are very welcome. dren under 16, £2.50. Tel. 01863 766 554

from 3 to 5 pm

21 Solstice Sizzle dec. Ledmore & Migdale Woods Telford in the Kyle of Sutherland Join us for a fabulous afternoon of storytelling and music with Bob Pegg at Torroy Croft. A sau- sage sizzle and winter fruit punch will keep OPEN DAY AND LAUNCH us warm! FREE and booking essential. Sat. 31st Jan 2015, Bonar Bridge Hall, 1-4 All food and drink supplied. Bring outdoor clothing. All ages wel- Come see the results of the Telford in the Kyle of come. Contact Juliet on 07810 Sutherland project which explored the impact of th 027556 or ledmoremigdale@ 19 century engineer, road & bridge builder woodlandtrust.org.uk Thomas Telford. Free – all welcome!  Display about the impact of Thomas Telford scottish country dance  Launch of Telford in the Kyle of Sutherland Tourist Trail leaflet 6 Ardgay Rally  Launch of a new geocache march  Survey results of an unrecorded Telford bridge T his year our Rally will take place in Ardgay  Georeferenced old maps Public Hall on Friday 6th March from 7:30 pm until  Binder of resources to explore midnight. Come and . dance with a Live Band. For further information contact [email protected] or 077888 35466 See posters in February for more details. Contact: David Hannah Tel. 01863 766 061 P age 16 =WINTER 2014-2015 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Adult Clubs & Societies Local groups are a fantastic way of keeping in touch with friends or make new ones, share skills, learn new things, take some exercise or simply have fun

Bonar Bridge Local Kyle of Sutherland Pilates

History Society Heritage Society Sessions at Bonar Bridge Contact: Marion Fraser W ebsite www.kyle-of- Community Hall, Mondays ) 01863 766 235 sutherland-heritage.org.uk from 10 to 11 am. Open to all Contact: Steve Copley but please call in advance. ) Contact: Moira Chisholm Kyle of Sutherland 01863 766 174 ) 01863 810 786 Ardgay Badminton Cycling Club Club Kyle of Sutherland W ebsite: www.koscc.co.uk Joggers S cottish Women’s Ardgay Public Hall. Facebook: Kyle of Sutherland Rural Institute New Times 2014-2015: CC Contact: Chris Leaders trained by Jog Mondays Beginners ) 07543 466 699 Scotland. All levels of fitness All ages welcome. Ardgay 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm - £2.00 are welcome. Public Hall 7:30 pm 3rd Thursdays Teens 5:30 to 8:30 Facebook: Kyle of Tuesday each month / pm - £3.00 / Adults 7:30 to Sutherland Joggers Culrain Hall 7:30 pm 4th 10:30pm - £3.00 Contact: Thursday of the month. Note: overlap to allow teens Eliza / Caroline / Gemma Contact: Mrs. Jean Jack to play alongside adults for ) 07743 228 661 ) 01863 766 646 1 hour. Extra play £1.00 per E dderton & ) 07799 391 281 hour for all. ) 07545 929 768 District Gardening S utherland New Members: any ability Walkers Club and all age groups welcome. Club C reich & Kincardine Contact George Ross winter programme Art Group SUNDAY 25 JANUARY ) 01863 755 329 The gardening club usually Balblair Wood and Littleferry meets on the first Monday of Meets in Bonar Bridge Hall Links. OS 21 805958 A rdgay Scottish the month from September tearoom on Wednesdays 8.5 miles, paths, road, woods Country Dancing to May in Edderton Commu- from 10 am to 3 pm. All are and open coastal area, nity Hall. Meetings start at welcome. circular. Leader: Les Chris- Club 7:30 pm and everybody is Contact: Joan Mulligan tie: 01408 633615. The walk Now dancing in Bonar Bridge welcome. Normally we have ) 01549 421 321 starts from the Littleferry Community Hall, but we will a guest speaker, and during SNH Car Park at 10:00 am be back in Ardgay Public the growing season there SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY Hall, if it’s ok, from Tuesday is the opportunity to swap Dornoch and Loch Fleet, via 6th January. plants and cuttings. Mem- Embo. OS 21 803885 7:30 to 9:30 pm, £1.50 per bers also enjoy discounts at 8 miles approx., low level session or £15 for the full Scotsburn Garden Centre easy terrain, coastal path, term to 28 April 2015. and Dornoch Garden Centre. disused railway line Contact: Doreen Bruce January 19th - club meal and tracks through woods, ) 01863 766 852 at Luigi’s, Dornoch. ending at Skelbo, one way. Monday February 2nd Kyle of Sutherland Leader: Jon Jenkins: 01862 Bonar Bridge – speaker will be renowned Whist Club 810382 The walk starts from Ardgay Golf Club local exhibitor John Ross. Bonar Bridge Community Dornoch Airstrip at 10:30 am Monday March 2nd – the Hall. Wednesday evenings at AGM - Wednesday 4 Market Stance, Migdale Road, annual, not too serious club 7:30 pm. March 2015 at 7:30 pm Bonar Bridge. Sutherland quiz night. For more infor- Contact Mrs. Rosemary Golspie Community Centre IV24 3EJ mation ) 01863 766 061 Logan Contact: David Hannah ) 01863 766 199 ) 01862 811 381 ) 01549 421 282 ) 01863 766 601 ardgay & district community Council newsletter WINTER 2014-2015 = P age 17

Adult Clubs & Societies

new community association in bonar bridge-ardgay Kyle of Sutherland Cinema Club: watch films and meet like-minded people Last november Kyle of If you enjoy having a free Tai Chi Sutherland Cinema Club local cinema, why not become Ardgay Public Hall - started screening films a member. It costs £15 / year Wednesdays 7 pm £2. on the second and fourth and it will give you access to For up-to-date info on dates Friday of the month at our growing film library. The and times please contact: Bonar Bridge Community winter programme includes Margaret Hall. The initiative is born a French comedy about a ) 01863 775 329 with the aim of bringing millionaire and his caretaker world-cinema, classics and new releas- (20th December), and a Scottish come- S utherland Radio es to the local audience. All our screen- dy which features the Balblair distillery ings are free, thanks to the support of (14th January). Please contact us to re- Control Club Beinn Tharsuinn Community Fund ceive our newsletter with the titles of By Ardgay Garage. and they are followed by an informal next screenings.< Silvia Muras, chair Facebook: Sutherland Radio talk. Refreshments such as popcorn, ) 01863 766 690 Control Club soft drinks and tea & coffee are availa- * [email protected] ) 07703 196 005 ble for as little as £2. Kyle of Sutherland Cinema Club P age 18 =WINTER 2014-2015 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Gardening Green Manures

reen manures are ‘crops’ that are grown for the

Children & Young people Gledfield Primary School < Kirsten Macneil Cluster Headteacher Rosehall & Gledfield Primary Schools rag bag Many thanks to everyone who donated ‘rags’ to the school for our Rag Bag appeal. We gathered a staggering 425kg of rags and received a cheque in the amount of £170 for our school funds. This is a fantastic charity which re- cycles all old clothes, shoes, linen etc. All items in good condition war memorial are sent to Africa to help children Gledfield Nursery learnt about Remem- and families in need. We have al- brance Sunday. They made their own pop- ready started collecting more so py and walked to the memorial on Friday any donations would be gratefully 7th November to lay their wreath. received.

parent council children in need Our Parent Council has been working Our Pupil Council organised a fun hard to get funding to allow our pupils to packed day at the school for Chil- experience many different things. So far dren In Need and raised an amaz- this session the pupils have experienced ing £188.36 for this very worth- a multi-cultural dance workshop, a magi- while cause. Rosehall Primary cian, Halloween party and a pantomime. joined us at Gledfield for the day. All of which have been enjoyed greatly by All pupils entered a competition our pupils. Our Parent Council has also to design a super hero outfit for helped to subsidise the cost of transport Pudsey Bear. Pupils in the photo for our swimming lessons. A huge thanks show off their winning designs. to our very active Parent Council.

ardgay village craft fair Gledfield pupils have again opened the village craft fair by singing some festive songs to get everyone into the Christmas Gledfield School Sports Day. spirit. Barty Jones heads for the winning This year the pupils line. A great day was had by all at the decided to sing songs school’s games which included running, for charity. relay, obstacle, potato and spoon, and sack races. Photo: Rev Anthony M Jones. P age 20 =WINTER 2014-2015 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Children & Young people ardgay & district community Council Kyle Of Sutherland Youth Development 1st childrens Art Competition Group BUS CLUBS 1st PRIZE 1st PRIZE 1st PRIZE Monday: Nursery to P1 P2 to P4 P5 to P7 Art Club 0-5 years 11:45 am -2:30 pm (Bring Crayola 6 52 Piece Super Washable Hexagonal Mega Art Set own lunch) costs £1 Kids Paint shaped 258 Piece Tuesday: arts and crafts After School Club p1-p3 set 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm C osts 50p Wednesday: 10:00 am - 11:00 am Music & Movement 0-5 years. Costs 50p Thursday: The rules: After School Club p4-p7 l The competition is open to all children from Gledfield, Bonar Bridge and Rosehall 3:45 pm – 4:45 pm Primary Schools, from Nursery to P7 l Entries are grouped by age (Nursery-P1, P2-P4 C osts 50p and P5-P7) l Artists may submit as many artworks as they want. l The size of the art- Youth Group s1 & over works and the painting/drawing technique are the artist’s choice. l The artists should 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm choose one of the following themes for their artworks: C osts 50p My favourite animal or Winter or This is me Friday: l Artworks should be submitted at their Primary School before the 31st January Art Club 0-5 years 2015. l All artwork submitted to the competition must be the original idea and cre- 10 am - 11 am £1.00 ation of the credited artist. Copying of any pre-existing image is not acceptable. Contact: Hayley Bangs Colouring in an outline printed or drawn by someone else is also not acceptable. ) 01863 766 310 l Winners’ artworks and the name of the artists will be published on the next issue of Ardgay & District newsletter (#27 Spring 2015) and the prizes will be given by a Community Council member at the artist’s Primary School after 15th February.

by Andymack & Sil

MEET HAMISH THE TARTAN DRAGON A shy veggie dragon who lives One morning in December, Morag went to visit Hamish. She on Carn Bren spoke about Christmas, and gave him a pretty tree bauble. Hamish loved everything about Christmas! The next morning, he went down to the forest to fetch a tree and planted it at the entrance of his cave. Later that evening, many animals gathered to admire Hamish’s tree decorated with one red shiny bauble. ardgay & district community Council newsletter WINTER 2014-2015 = P age 21

From the Manse... A Christmas Message From Your Minister....

ear Friends Christmas is here once Dagain and our hearts and minds are hopefully centred on what the season is all about! Christmas reminds us that whatever our differences - all are welcome to worship and adore at the cradle of Bethlehem. Christmas is the high point of the Christian calendar but, we know that it is more than just a red letter day on a calendar. It is 21st December: ‘Community Carol Singing Around The Tree’ at Ardgay Parish Church a call to something much higher, far greater than ourselves. Hymn In 1739, the Wesleys published hope you will join us in celebrating writers of old have tried to encap- under the heading ‘Hymn for the greatest gift of all. sulate the message in the familiar Christmas Day’, ‘Hark how all the Wishing you all every blessing carols we love so much. welkin rings’, better known in it’s lat- for a Happy Christmas and a Pros- Irish Sunday school teacher er version as ‘Hark! The Herald An- perous and Healthy New Year. Mrs C. Frances Alexander tried gels Sing’ . John Telford says of this Your Friend & Minister, Rev An- to explain the significance of the and his ‘Hymns and Sacred Poems’: thony. < Rev. Anthony M. Jones Virgin Birth in her hymn ‘Once in “the effect of Wesley’s conversion Royal David’s City’. ‘O Little Town is manifest in a glorious outburst The Kyle of Sutherland Churches of Bethlehem’ was written by the of song’. One line of the Christmas Kincardine, Croick and Edderton linked with Creich and Rosehall Parishes great American preacher, Philip hymn reminds us of the great expe- Brooks for his own Sunday school rience of Christmas through which Minister: Rev. Anthony M. Jones at the church in Philadelphia and, he had passed: “Born to give them The Manse, Manse Road, Ardgay, Sutherland IV24 3BG was inspired by a visit to Jerusa- second birth’. Many of these all- ) 01863 766 285 lem in 1806. time favourite carols we will sing at * [email protected] ‘While Shepherds Watched this year’s Christmas services. We their Flocks by Night’ was penned by Dublin born Nahum Tate, son CHRISTMAS SERVICES IN THE KYLE OF SUTHERLAND CHURCHES of an English minister, later Poet Laureate. Our own Philip Dod- Friday 12th December Wednesday 24th Thursday 25th at 1.30pm - School December December - 10.30am dridge, gave us ‘Hark the Glad Christmas Christingle Short Christmas Day Christmas Eve Sound the Saviour Comes’, writ- - for all the family at Toy Service for all the ten on 28th December, 1735. This Rosehall <11.30pm - Watch- family at Ardgay was not an Advent hymn surpris- night Service at Ed- Parish Church. Sunday 21st ingly. It is based like all the hymns derton Parish Church Children bring a fa- December at 10.30am on a passage from scripture Luke vourite toy! - Children’s Nativity <11.15pm - Christmas 4.15, 19, and was intended to be at Creich Parish Eve Watchnight Ser- sung after the sermon. Fifteen Sunday 4th January, Church vice at Creich Parish - Combined New years later Dolly Byrom came 2015 Church Year Service at Creich down to breakfast on Christmas Sunday 21st Decem- <11.15pm - Christ- Parish Church at 11am morning and found on her plate, a ber at 6.30pm - Community Carol mas Eve Watchnight for Creich, Rosehall, hymn written by her father, John Singing Service at Service at Rosehall Ardgay and Edderton Byrom. It was ‘Christians Awake, Ardgay Parish Church Parish Church Parish Churches Salute the Happy Morn’. P age 22 =WINTER 2014-2015 ardgay & district community Council newsletter

Guide to local services A-Z

BRADBURY CENTRE high SCHOOLS LIBRARIES POLICE Bradbury Centre Bonar Tain Royal Academy Bonar Bridge Libray Local Police (Inverness) Bridge 01862 892 121 01863 760 083 0845 600 5703 01863 766 772 Dornoch Academy Mobile Libraries Ardgay & National Emergency 101 01862 810 246 Strathoykel, Strathcarron Confidential Line: BUSES 0773 330 0761 01463 723 321 MacLeod’s Coaches KYLE OF SUTHERLAND Textphone: 01408 641 354 KoS Development Trust NHS 01463 723 325 Bradbury Centre Bus 01863 766 536 Migdale Hospital 01863 766 772 KoS Fisheries Trust 01863 766 211 POST OFFICE 01863 766 702 Doctors Creich Surgery Bonar Bridge CAB KoS Youth Development 01863 766 379 01863 766 219 Citizens Advice Bureau Group Nurses Creich Surgery Golspie 01863 766 310 01863 766 237 PRIMARY SCHOOLS 01408 633 000 Gledfield R oyal Bank of Scotland Bradbury Centre Bus 01863 766 580 CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Mobile Timetable Tuesday bonar bridge circular Bonar Bridge Kincardine Parish Church Bonar Bridge War Memorial (Via Spinningdale, Tain and Edderton) 01863 766 221 Rev. Anthony M. Jones Arrive 13:35 Depart 13:50 920 - Wednesday Rosehall 01863 766 285 Bonar Bridge Bonar Bridge 01549 441 348 Cherry Grove Cherry Grove è 10:30 14:40 Mc a Leod’s Coaches è

DVLA Timetable Spinningdale Spinningdale RECYCLING CENTRE DVLA Inverness 10:39 14:31 Bonar Bridge Ardgay èTain 0300 790 6801 Clashmore Clashmore 01349 868 439 10:53 14:19 Ardgay Ardgay Tain old CO-OP Tain old CO-OP 06:46 / 09:08 07:42 / 10:35 ELECTRICITY 11:02 14:08 scottish water 11:28 / 14:23 13:35 / 16:25 24Hr Emergency 17:20 / 17:48 19:20 Tain Lamington St Tain Lamington St 24Hr Emergency è 11:04 14:06 0800 300 999 è 0845 600 8855

Edderton è Edderton Edderton Edderton Customer Help 11:17 13:53 Customer Help 06:58 / 09:20 07:28 / 10:20 0800 300 111 Ardgay Ardgay è 0845 601 8855 11:40 / 14:35 13:20 / 16:10 11:39 13:33 17:35 / 18:00 19:05 è Bonar Bridge Bonar Bridge FIRE BRIGADE è TAXIS Cherry Grove Cherry Grove Fire Station Dornoch Tain Lamington St Tain Lamington St 11:42 13:30 Ronnie’s Taxis Ardgay 01862 810 297 07:081 / 09:301 07:18 / 10:11 01863 766 422 11:50 / 14:451 13:111 / 16:001 bonar bridge - alness 1 1 A&B Taxis Ardgay-Bonar

17:45 / 18:10è 18:55 919 - Tuesday

FORESTRY COMMISSION è 07549 999 760 Bonar Bridge Bonar Bridge ASDA ASDA Forestry Commission Tain Tain Cherry Grove Cherry Grove è 07:11 / 09:33 07:13 / 10:03 10:30 13:45 Scotland 11:53 / 14:48 13:03 / 15:52 è TRAINS 01309 674 004 Ardgay Ardgay 17:48 / 18:13 18:47 10:34 13:40 National Rail Enquiries 06:46 Monday to Friday Easter Fearn Easter Fearn 0845 748 4950 GOLF CLUB 09:08 Monday to Saturday 10:42 13:33 Bonar Bridge-Ardgay GC 14:23 Saturday only Ardross Ardross VETS 1 Connects with Stagecoach bus to/ 10:58 13:17 01863 766 199 from Inverness Rogart Vets (Farm Alness è Alness

11:15 13:00 è Animals, Pets & Horses) HIGHLAND COUNCIL 01408 641 352 Mobile Library Ardgay The minibus has a wheelchair lift Drummuie Golspie which will be available as part of Easter Ross Vets Tain Every 3rd wednesday 01408 635 370 the service. The service will divert 01862 893 142 09/12/14 - 21/01/15 - 11/02/15 - 04/03/15 on request to pick up prebooked Service Point Bonar Bridge Oakwood Place, Ardgay passengers up to a mile from the Johnston & Farrell Tain 01863 766 083 Arrive 13:45 Depart 14:00 route. These journeys must be 01862 894 223 The Lady Ross, Ardgay booked by 14:00 on the previous Service Point Dornoch Arrive 14:00 Depart 15:15 working day 01863 766 772 Kessoks Equine Vets 01862 810 491 01463 731 107 ardgay & district community Council newsletter WINTER 2014-2015 = P age 23

Classified ads

Business Opportunity involved in, the local commu- days at their regular services Booking Ardgay Public Bonar Bridge Post Of- nity. Citizens Advice Bureau of worship at 10.30 am and Hall. Contact: Fiona Venters fice. The current sub post 01408 633 000 12:15 pm For further details 01863 766 602 mistress wishes to give up telephone: 01863 766 285 her contract with Post Office VOLUNTEERS for Gledfield Booking Kincardine Counters. When the contract Primary School. If you have Gazebo / Small Marquee Heritage Centre, Old Church changes hands it will have the any skills you would like to The Community Council have of Kincardine, Ardgay. Mrs. status of a Local Plus. This will share with our pupils or just a small gazebo / marquee Mary Stobo 01863 766 868 create space for an increased fancy helping out in any way available for hire for commu- retail offering. Contact Helen please get in touch. 01863 nity activities. Contact Marion Booking Ardgay Church Houston on 01863 766190 766 580 Turner or Phil Olson 01863 Hall. The Reverend Anthony 766 100. Jones – 01863 766 285 TUTORS WANTED We are al- board members We are ways looking for skilled Tutors keen to recruit at least a cou- to help develop new learning ple more Board members. An- opportunities. Lairg Learning yone interested in helping with Centre: 01549 402 050 the management of the Brad- bury Centre should contact Dr. VOLUNTEER ADVISERS Brian Martin 01863 766 147 WANTED No special skills are needed –except for some OCCASIONAL ORGANIST basic computer knowledge- REQUIRED The Church of and full training is provided. Scotland Ardgay and Ed- Becoming a CAB adviser is derton parish churches are an excellent way of making a currently seeking an organist contribution to, and becoming to assist on occasional Sun- Crosswords Across 3. A film telling the story of a real person’s life. 5. A boy; a youth; a stripling. 7. The back part of the neck. 8. The highest point of the rolling hills on the Alladale Estate and of the Ardgay & District Community Council area. (Two words) 9. Fishing lodge in Strath Carron. 11. A short game played over the remaining holes when the main match finishes early because one player or team has won by a large margin. Down 1. A lover of cats. 2. Lasting for a markedly brief time. 4. One of a class of cellular, flowerless plants, having no distinction of leaf and stem, usually of scaly, expanded, frond-like forms, but sometimes erect or pendulous and variously branched. They derive their nourish- ment from the air, and generate by means of spores. 6. To hide your true feelings, opinions, A&DCCN / eclipse crosswords.com etc. 10. The watery part of milk that forms after the milk becomes thick and sour in the Around the end of December, the solution will be published at: process of making cheese. www.ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil.org.uk Dornoch Road Bonar Bridge 01863 766111 Open all year round, subject to bookings, to provide a local service.

Crannag Bistro Crannag Teatime Takeaway

Do you have visitors over the festive period? Dornoch Road Bonar Bridge We are serving a special menu from 01863 766766 Tuesday 2 December to Saturday 20 December. Open Tuesday to Saturday Open as usual on Hogmanay 5.00 pm to 7.30 pm Why not book a table with before going on to serving freshly baked your party? pizza, homemade steakburgers and Bannerman’s scampi, We look forward to seeing you at the Crannag local sausages etc soon! Phone in your order and we will Booking is always recommended have it ready for collection. www.crannag.com facebook.com/crannag Menu available at Highlands & Islands Restaurant of the Year 2010 facebook.com/crannagteatimetakeaway

ardgay& d istrict community Council newsletter

E ditor: Silvia Muras Sanmartin Ardgay Community Council members: (Full contact details in page 8) Design & Layout: Silvia Muras Sanmartin David Hannah (Chair), Marion Turner (Vice-Chair), 01863 766 690 / [email protected] Alan Lawrence (Treasurer), Phil Olson, Betty Wright, Contributors to this issue: Andymack, Donald Bain, Bob Sendall, Teresa Langley (Secretary), Silvia Muras Hayley Bangs, Audrey Campbell, Rhonwen Copley, Brigitte Geddes, David Hannah, Helen Houston, councillors: Rev Anthony Jones, Rhionna Mackay, Irene MacLeod, (Full contact details in page 8) Kirsten Macneil, Jim McCourt, Beverly Morrison, George Farlow, Hugh Morrison, Linda Munro Marion Turner, Betty Wright.

Distribution: Rhonwen Copley, Brigitte Geddes, Gaye Online version AVAILABLE FROM: Hart, David Knight, Teresa Langley, Alan Lawrence, www.ardgayanddistrictcommunitycouncil.org.uk Davy Ross, Bob Sendal, Jeannie Sparling, Anna Advertising, letters & contributions: Sutherland, Marion Turner, Vicky Whittock, Iain Worthy, Betty Wright. 01863 766 690 [email protected] (Please contact us if you are not receiving the newsletter)

This Edition of the Newsletter is published with Partnership / Funding from the E.ON Rosehall Community Fund Supported by Foundation Scotland