Ballater and Crathie Eagle, Autumn 2019, Issue 95 by Faye Swan

THE

eagle

Ballater & Crathie Community Magazine • No. 95 • Autumn 2019 • £1 where sold

•Caption this Photo to Win a Prize! – See Page 48 for details•

Inside Your Autumn Eagle: Autumn’s definitely here, but there’s plenty going on to cheer about. So check the diary, dig out your woollies, and get involved!

Diary 4-5 Amy Stuart Fraser 28 & Glengairn by Gill Fraser Ballater Flood Response 37 Public Event A Walk in the Park 38 Glen Fearder, by Katrina A. Farquar 42 Pottering About... by Stella Potter 44 National Park Update by Grant Moir, CEO

BEAST by Claire Aiken

Community Action Plan 49 Year One Update Geva’s Musings with Geva Blackett Peter J. Argyle Councillor’s Report

56 58

The Forgotten Mountaineer 59

by Duncan Macrae

Royal Guard to the Rescue 61

by Lorraine Barr

Cover photograph of Darrel Cameron, taking part in Ballater Victoria Week’s Cartie Race, taken by Andy Thompson

Local Groups Aboyne Academy Report: 41 • Ballater Clinic: 9 • Ballater Films: 33 – 34 Ballater Flood Response Group: 35 • Ballater Highland Games: 18 Ballater School: 53 • Ballater W.I.: 9 •BCE: 13 • BRD: 10 • BRHS: 8 BRHS Show Results: 16 • Buttony: 17 •CLAN: 11 • Chiels: 12 Churches’ Letter: 14 • Crathie Opportunity Holidays: 22 & 24 Crathie School: 25 • Glenmuick Church Silent Auction: 21 Lego Club: 27 • Library Page: 15 • V & A Halls: 54 Victoria Week: 32 •Young At Heart Deeside: 26

. Advertisers’ Index: 62 .

Advertising

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Thank You

Grateful thanks to Margaret Balfour, Ian Mitchell, Helen Murray, John R Stephen, Lilian Sutherland and Mrs M van Berkel. You can also donate by putting money into our tins in the Library or Yules Newsagents.

The Eagle Diary September Sat 14

A Music Photography Exhibition by Amy Muir, Thistle Dhu, Monaltrie Ave, 11 – 5pm. Exhibition runs until 23rd September Sun 15 FOCUS Craft Fair, Victoria Hall, 11am – 5pm Tue 17 Ballater Job Club, Ballater Library, 1.30 – 4pm Thu 19 Ballater Floral Art Group, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30 – 10pm Demonstration by Anne Rendae. Thu 19 Ballater Flood Response Group – Public Meeting, Albert Hall, 6.30 – 8.30pm Sat 28 Ballater Farmers’ Market, Church Green, 10am – 2pm Sat 28 Ballater Films Presents: ‘Mary, Queen of Scots’, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30-10pm

October Fri 4 Sat 5 Tue 8 Sat 12 Mon 14 Tue 15 Thu 17 Sat 19 Sat 26 Sat 26 Sat 26 Sat 26

Glenmuick Parish Church Silent Auction, Victoria Hall, 7 – 10pm Family Race Night, The Barrel, 7.30pm Crathie School Bingo Night, Crathie Church Hall, 6pm FOCUS Craft Fair, Victoria Hall, 11am – 5pm Ballater & Crathie Community Council, Crathie Kirk Hall, 7pm – 9pm Ballater Job Club, Ballater Library, 1.30 – 4pm Ballater Floral Art Group, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30 – 10pm Demonstration by Sakura Florist Lorna Fall Fest Fundraiser, Live music on the Church Green, 12 noon – 12 midnight Ballater Farmers’ Market, Church Green, 10am – 2pm Wee Jim Landscapes Darts Open, Ballater Golf Club, 12 noon Halloween Disco, Victoria Hall, 4 – 6pm Ballater Films Presents: ‘Fisherman’s Friend’, Mike Sheridan Room, 7 – 9.30pm

Ballater Eagle Copy Deadlines

Winter – November 1 for early December publication Spring – February 1 for early March publication Summer – May 1 for early June publication Autumn – August 1 for mid-September publication

What’s On? Are Your Dates Here? For inclusion in this FREE section of the Eagle, please contact Faye Swan on 013397 55345 or info@swandesign.uk.com

Sat 26 Provisional date for CAP Village AGM. Date, venue and time TBC Sun 27 Across the Grain Doric Event, Albert Hall, 3 – 5.30pm Wed 30 Ballater Local History Group Meeting, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30 – 9.30pm

November Sat 2 Mon 4 Mon 11 Thu 14 Thu 14 Sun 17 Sat 23 Sat 23 Wed 27

Charitable Chiels’ Bonfire & Fireworks Display, Monaltrie Park, begins 7pm Ballater Royal Horticultural Society AGM, 7.30pm, Victoria Hall followed by presentation on “Invasive Species on the River Dee” by Estée Farrar. Ballater & Crathie Community Council, Mike Sheridan Room, 7 – 9pm Ballater Victoria Week AGM, Mike Sheridan Room, 6 – 10pm Ballater Floral Art Group Charity Night, Victoria Hall, 7.30 – 10pm Katrina Murray: ‘A Wintry Theme’ Crathie School Christmas Fayre, Crathie Church Hall, 12 noon – 2pm Ballater Farmers’ Market, Church Green, 10am – 2pm (last one in 2019!) Ballater Films Presents: ‘Rocketman’, Mike Sheridan Room, 7 – 10pm Ballater Local History Group, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30 – 9.30pm

December Mon 2

Ballater Royal Horticultural Society Quiz Night, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30 – 9.30pm Sat 7 ‘Deck the Halls Ball!’ – V&A Halls, details TBC Mon 9 Ballater & Crathie Community Council, Mike Sheridan Room, 7 – 9pm Wed 11 Ballater Local History Group Quiz Night, Mike Sheridan Room, 7.30 – 9.30pm

January Sun 26

An Afternoon with Rabbie Burns, Albert Hall, 2 – 5pm

Ballater Library Winter Staffed Hours Monday 12.30 – 2.30 • Tuesday 10 – 12 & 4 – 7 Wednesday 10 – 12 • Thursday 10 – 5 Friday 10 – 4 • Saturday 10 – 12

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Contact Your Representatives

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

Alexander Burnett MSP  0131 348 5642 Alexander.Burnett.msp@parliament.scot

WESTMINSTER Andrew Bowie MP  0207 219 2791 andrew.bowie.mp@parliament.uk ABERDEENSHIRE COUNCIL

Peter Argyle:  013398 82973 email: cllr.p.argyle@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Geva Blackett:  013397 41541 email: cllr.g.blackett@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Paul Gibb:  07388 956148 email: cllr.p.gibb@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK Geva Blackett  07876 475269 geva.blackett@btinternet.com

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Eagle Who’s Who & Where Contact the Editorial Team: eagleballater@gmail.com

Treasurer: Elaine Adams  56149 Subscriptions Secretary: Avril Fyfe  56162 Advertising Manager: Karen Garioch  013398 80986 Distribution Manager: Bill Braid  07775 614359 Diary Secretary: Faye Swan  55345 Design: Cat Houston, Ollie Francis Additional Production Team: Stella Potter, Sarah Herbert, Emma Stewart Eagle Online: www.ballatercommunity.com

...editorial...

Well, that’s another fun-packed Ballater summer all done and dusted. We may not have had the constant glorious weather of last summer, but at least there’s still green about. So welcome to our autumn edition, packed with reading and reports of summer activities and pointers to autumn and winter ones. We are still without a dedicated editor, so share the editorial tasks around the team as well as advertising, finance, distribution and design. Because of this, differing groups of us take over our email – eagleballater@gmail.com at various stages within production. Sometimes this means that emails are not responded to as fast as we might Ballater in Bloom - A display at the BRHS like, so sorry if we’ve taken a while to Summer Show, captured by Gillian Cassie get back to you. However, we’re always up for a street chat if you’d like to bring something to our attention. One of the things we have initiated is a house style, so with grateful thanks to our editorial team member and perfectly pernickety proof-reader, Sarah Herbert, all articles are now consistent with our house style. Readers probably don’t notice this, but we do and think it is the professional way of producing your community magazine. And it’s only right that a community magazine should add its own congratulations and huge ‘thank you’ to those special people within our midst who put so much effort into making our community – and indeed the wider world – a better place, and who have at last been recognised for what they do. Let’s name them: Amy Muir – founder of Ballater Farmers’ market, advocate for the development of our green spaces and (a particular thank you from the Eagle Team) a photographer who is ever generous with her work and time when our village is involved – who has won Inspiring Aberdeenshire’s Inspirational Volunteer Award (See Page 56); Christine Sloan, the founder of Crathie Opportunity Holidays, who has received an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list (see Page 22); and Jenny Gow, who has raised over £130,000 in support of local causes, and launched ‘A Bear Named Buttony’ (See Page 17), which has now sent out more than 2,500 ‘Buttonies’ to children with stomas since its inception in 2015. Jenny, too, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Ladies, we salute you all!

Local Group News

A round-up of news from our local groups

Ballater RHS

by Elizabeth Wilson

The Society has been very busy over the summer. The Plant Sale on 1 June exceeded all previous takings, raising an incredible £1640, which went towards funding our Annual Exhibition and Flower Show! A huge thank you must go to everyone who donated plants, baking, books, raffle prizes and also to those who gave up their valuable time to help at the Sale. Jim Clark and Colin Wilson again planted up the tubs with annuals supplied by Aberdeenshire Council. Ryah Scripps won the prize for her garden design which was planted up in the flower bed outside Emslie’s shop. As last year’s coach outing was so successful, we decided to have another on 17 July. Our first stop was Edzell Castle Garden, which dates back to 1604. Although small, it is most unusual with nesting holes and flower recesses set into walls which also depict a series of historic stone panels. Parterres of box, shaped and trimmed into the design of Fleur de Lys, Scottish Thistle and English Rose, contain

a selection of roses. This was followed by a substantial lunch at the Panmure Arms Hotel. Next, it was on to the House of Pitmuies, near Forfar. Despite a few showers of rain, we were undeterred and thoroughly enjoyed exploring the stunning garden comprising herbaceous perennials, superb delphiniums and old-fashioned roses, together with paving rich with violas and dianthus, an interesting kitchen garden and an attractive tree and fern lined woodland walk. This exquisite garden is a hidden gem and well worth a visit www. pitmuies.com Everyone agreed it was a wonderful outing. Who knows where we’ll end up next year? As I write this, the next task was preparing for our 143rd Annual Exhibition and Flower Show on 17 and 18 August. It seems no time at all since last year’s one. The weather has been so changeable, it’ll be interesting to see what and how many entries we receive. HRH Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, has kindly donated a Prince of Wales Check Throw as first prize for our raffle. Our forthcoming season’s programme is currently being finalised. Our AGM takes place in the Mike Sheridan Room in the

Important date? Special event? Got something to say about your group? Get in touch with the Eagle at eagleballater@gmail.com Halls on Monday 4 November at 7.30pm. Afterwards, Estée Farrar will give an illustrated presentation on “Invasive Species on the River Dee”. The usual fun Quiz Night will be held on Monday 2 December. The Society was founded in 1859 and to ensure its future, we need younger members. I’m 62 and currently classed as one of the “younger” members! Do come along and give us your ideas. Remember details about forthcoming meetings can be found in the Eagle “Diary”, on posters displayed throughout the village prior to each meeting, and of course, our website http://ballaterroyalhorticulturalsociety.weebly. com which gives comprehensive information about the Society. All are welcome, and refreshments are available afterwards.

By appointment to HM the Queen Purveyor of Meat and Poultry

Ballater Clinic Public Holiday Closure The clinic will be closed on Monday 23rd September 2019 If you require urgent medical attention during this public holiday please call NHS 24 on 111 Please ensure you reorder any of your usual repeat medication in plenty of time prior to this date.

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BRD Cambus O’May Bridge Project The Cambus O’May Suspension Bridge is a sorry sight at the moment, barricaded off at both ends, bent and broken with no slats across the base and causing the paths of the Deeside Circular Walk to become overgrown from lack of use – one of the last scars of Storm Frank casting a blight on our beautiful landscape and environment. The bridge was built in 1905 and was a gift to the public from Alexander Gordon some ten years after his death, along with the Polhollick Bridge and several other buildings in Ballater. It is a Grade B listed structure, which had to be re-built in 1988 for safety purposes and was then re-opened by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. At that time, it was built to exactly the same design as the original to preserve that real Victorian feel. It forms part of the Cairngorms

by Kate Allum

National Park Core Path Network and has always been a popular spot for locals and visitors as it crosses the river at such an eye-catching spot. With all that history, heritage and beauty, it is sad to see such an iconic feature in its current state so long after the flood. There are many of us who want to see the Bridge restored to its former glory, but there is a problem. The Council owns the Bridge and has allocated a significant amount of money to its refurbishment. However, it is not enough money to commit to starting the work and there are no guarantees as to when the remaining money will be available. The total cost of the repair is in the region of £400,000. Understanding that the Council has pressure on its finances and has already spent a lot of money on flood repairs, BRD has decided to work with the Council to try to raise the remaining funds with a shared ambition to start the repairs next summer. We estimate that £150,000 will be required over and above the Council funding – a significant amount, but we believe it is achievable through funding and donations. We are determined to make this happen, but help is always gratefully received - so, if you have any ideas for fund raising, getting funding or want to make a donation, please get in touch at info@royal-deeside.org. uk, so we can move forward and get the Cambus O’May Bridge rebuilt. The first donations have already been received so the journey has begun…….

Volunteers needed for CLAN CLAN Cancer Support, which offers support to people affected by cancer, is urgently looking for volunteers to help in its shop in Bridge Square, Ballater. The shop is open 10am – 4pm Monday to Saturday and the charity is asking local people to help donate three hours of their time to help in either a morning or afternoon shift. Volunteers would be able to utilise their skills to best support the shop activity – whether that be putting together eye-catching window displays, working on the till, chatting with customers or helping to check stock. The CLAN charity shop plays an important role in providing funds to support the practical and emotional support provided by CLAN at its wellbeing centres across the north-east. In Ballater, trained personnel provide a monthly drop-in support at St Kentigern’s Church Hall on the third Tuesday of each month between 10am –12pm. CLAN regional retail manager Colin Tough

says: “We encourage Deeside residents to help out at our CLAN shop in Ballater. Volunteering for CLAN is incredibly rewarding as you can see how important the work done by CLAN is for anyone affected by cancer. We support people at some of the most difficult times of their lives and the income from our shops is vital to fund counselling and complementary therapies sessions.” If you have three hours to spare – or more – please contact Colin Tough on 01224 647000 or colin.tough@clanhouse.org. CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort, support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness. Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

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Charitable Chiels

by Scott Fraser

The Chiels Challenge for Victoria Week was going to be a fancy dress wheelbarrow race, which we were all looking forward too. However, the attentions of a certain newspaper – which seems to be using us for target practice – kind of put paid to it. But we did carry on with our ‘Wheel of Fortune’, which was pretty successful.

During the summer we assisted Ballater Enhancement Group with putting power cables round the Church Green. The Green is in much need of some TLC and hopefully it will get some before next summer! We a r e r e f u r b i s h i n g the Christmas Lights on Glenmuick Church spire during the weekend of 21 September, pulling in all our resources to carry out an operation which will restore one of the village’s Christmas attractions that has sadly been missing for the last few years. We all feel it at the annual ‘switch on’, when everyone looks up expecting the spire to light

The Auld Kirk B&B andCoffee Lounge Open from 10.30am ‘till 5pm Tuesday to Saturday. Homemade soups and stews freshly-made daily, with sandwiches and fresh-baked cakes. B&B open all year round. Please contact Helen & Kevin Telephone: 01339 755762

up, and we have put in a lot of time and effort to ensure that it does happen this November. A little advance notice, that our Community Bonfire and Fireworks Display will take place in Monaltrie Park on Saturday, 2 November, and I think we will have another go at our very successful ‘Build a Guy’ event. There should be plenty of hay or straw this year, unlike last. Beat Retreat to finish off Games Day this year was a real treat, with Ballater and District Pipe Band putting in an incredible amount of time and effort to perfect an absolutely amazing display yet again, for a cause that we all hold so dear: the Ballater Bear, ‘Buttony’. Over the years the Beat Retreat and Funcy Dress Friday have raised a staggering amount of funds for charities: in excess of £15k for The Archie Foundation, Help for Heroes, ABF – the soldiers’ charity and ‘A Bear Named Buttony’, to name a few. The amounts just get higher and higher; hopefully we can continue with this trend, but to coin an auld Archie slogan, ‘Mony’s a Mickle maks a Muckle!’ The Chiels themselves kick-started Funcy Dress Friday by almost filling one tin on their own. Good lads, it’s much appreciated! £1,200 this time, totalling more than £3k over the last three years. The funds this year may not entirely go to bears but something we feel may be as special – but still in the name of Buttony. I would like to thank everyone for their continued support of the Chiels, and B u t t o n y, too. Aye!

28th September 26th October 23rd November

Ballater Churchesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Letter

Dear Friends, We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful place as Upper Deeside. For many of us, all we have to do is step outside the front door or look out of the window to see green, or hills, or wide open spaces. The environment surrounding us provides much needed space in which to breathe, to be, just to exist. Yet it is an environment increasingly under threat. As last summer, this summer has so far been so hot that there is an increased risk of fire up on the mountain sides. The water tables were not replenished fully over the winter, which means those of our community who get their water supplies from wells and springs are in difficulty. Our farmers have been struggling to harvest the crops, due to a combination of heat and thunderous showers. The ten hottest years since records began have all taken place since 2002. Global warming is an issue that is affecting us in Upper Deeside, whether we want to acknowledge it or not. There is only one world. We care about this. Not just because it is

fashionable, but because we believe we have a duty to look after this world in which we live. From a Christian perspective, if we believe in a creator God, if we understand ourselves to be stewards of his earth, we must look after his creation. You may or may not believe in God. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OK. But no matter what your views, we cannot stand by and let the world continue in its downward spiral. We must look after its resources, along with its people. Love for neighbour also includes love for this world. The repercussions of environmental crisis affect not only ourselves, but the wider world. We can do this in small ways or large. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. We can leave patches of ground to go wild. We can make sure we recycle. There are a myriad of ways to help our world. We can try to make our towns and villages as environmentally friendly as possible. For the sake of the world and of its people, we need to make a start. With every blessing, Rev Canon Vittoria Hancock; Rev David Barr; Father Chris Brannan

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Library Page by Sabine Muir Author Visit

We had a visit from author Lexi Rees, whose debut novel is now available from the library. ‘Eternal Seas’ is a thrilling adventure for children aged seven to twelve. It is the first in the Relic Hunters series. Lexi was born in Edinburgh and brought up in the Highlands. She’s a regular visitor to Ballater. Her website is www.lexirees.co.uk/home

Craft Club

We’ve had another busy year of craft club activities. A lot of the last term was spent creating entries for the Ballater Horticultural Society’s Children’s competition. Our talented little crafters entered over seventy beautiful entries into the Ballater Royal Horticultural Society’s children’s section. Well done everyone. Photos will be posted on our Ballater Library Facebook Page.

Summer Reading Challenge

Bookmark Competition

The children had to design a bookmark with the theme ‘The Love of Reading’. There was a record amount of entries this summer and we will feature them all on our Facebook page in due course. Four entries have been selected from this branch to be judged at HQ. The overall four winners will get their entry made into a professional bookmark and receive a prize. Good luck to Lily Timmins, Rowan Tammi, Amelia Fraser and Islay McKenzie-Wilson. Well done to everyone who entered.

Old Pens & Used Stamps

We are still collecting old pens and felt tips for recycling. Just drop them off with us and we’ll do the rest. Also, please keep your used stamps. We are collecting them for RNIB. Please leave a 1cm margin around the stamps.

Books on Legs

We are starting a new Books on Legs service in Ballater, with the help of members of the Scolty Centre, who have offered to deliver and collect books on Monday afternoons, under the supervision of their keyworker Linda Kennedy, starting on 2 September. If you are unable to come to the library but are within walking distance please get in touch with us on 01339 267700 and we will arrange for this service. We have audio books and large print as well as mystery, romance, biographies and non-fiction. Just tell us what you enjoy reading!

Hearing Aid Batteries

We now stock hearing aid batteries, please pop in during staffed times if you need them.

Job Club

If you are looking to improve your job prospects; gain further training/qualifications; need help with writing your CV or preparing for an interview, the monthly Job Club can help. Tuesdays 17 September & 15 October, 1.30–4 pm in the library. If you are interested, please contact Greg Douglas on 07775 013694 or greg. douglas@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Important Points to Note Our hours are featured on the Eagle Diary Page - note the new hours on Fridays. May we please remind people that the library is not part of the halls booking process. Any queries about booking should be directed to the website, or Faye. Posters and letters should be dropped off via the post box at the halls. Thank you for your cooperation.

BRHS Annual Exhibition & Flower Show Report by Elizabeth Wilson

We w e r e ver y disappointed with the number of entries and turnout at our 143rd Annual Exhibition and Flower Show on 17 and 18 August. Thanks must Photos by Gillian Cassie go to the few stalwarts who entered multiple exhibits. Although the sudden changes in weather; viz.; heat; interspersed by wind and rain were a factor in the Horticultural section; it was most disheartening to see so few entries in the Children’s Section; especially as the future of the Society will ultimately depend on them. There were some new entrants in the Home Produce section; with preserves again being the favourite exhibit; and the Craft section showed a diverse range of talent. Best in Show went to Vittoria Hancock; Rector of St Kentigern’s; intricate; finely knitted shawl. HRH Prince Charles; Duke of Rothesay; kindly donated a lovely Price of Wales Check Throw as the first prize for our raffle; which was won by Sabrina Humphrey. Our President; Margaret Glennie; kindly presented the prizes to the talented prize winners listed to the right.

Carnelian

“Feel Good Factor”

Lynn Park – Massage Therapist Swedish Remedial Massage Thermo Auricular Therapy 1 Netherley Place, Ballater Tel 07793 354249

Patron’s Quaich: Vittoria Hancock; Alex Copland Rosebowl: Brakeley Gift Room; Committee’s Cup: Brook Taverner; Cook Cup: Jane Oliver; Margaret Anderson Memorial Cup: Alex Melvin; Murdoch Cup: Hugh Inkster; Sandy Anderson Memorial Cup: Alex Melvin; Paget Memorial Trophy: Alex Melvin; Webster Cup: Hugh Inkster; Ballater Amenities Cup - George Baikie; Jock Gray Memorial Cup: George Baikie; Copland Trophy: Marcus Humphrey; James Hay Memorial Cup: George Baikie; Captain Frai Silver Trophy - Marcus Humphrey; Manse Cup: Jane Oliver; Monaltrie Trophy - Hugh Inkster; Society’s Trophy: Alex Melvin; Cassie Trophy - Jane Oliver; Donald Coutts Cup - Alex Melvin; Allan Forbes Trophy: Jane Oliver; Butcher’s Cup: Sheila McFarlane; TSB Cup: Fiona Donaldson; Green Inn Trophy: Frances Johnstone; Anderson Cup: Frances Johnstone; Deeside Hotel Cup: Evelyne Baikie; Abergairn Trophy: Sheila MacFarlane; Claire Bruce Cup: Mollie Houston; Dee Valley Cup: Harris Fraser; Peter Appleyard Trophy: Amelia Fraser; Banksian Medal: Alex Melvin; £5 Garden Voucher: Alex Melvin; £5 Garden Voucher: Alex Melvin.

Buttony Bear News by Jenny Gow

It’s been a busy summer for Buttony. Bear 2500 left us, this still seems unbelievable really, a few bears I said in May 2015... Buttony has been out and about, we started the summer with an invitation from David Cobban of the Brakeley Gift Room to be the charity associated with the Surveyors’ Lunch he was organising. On the day David and his colleagues raised enough to sponsor 91 Buttonys, just terrific. In June we had a great day at the Balmoral Castle & Estate Teddy Bears’ Picnic and the kids loved the entertainment: Buttony Bear, a princess and some fairies. There was also the Victoria Week Teddy Bears’ Picnic where glitter tattoos were the order of the day. The Ballater Farmers’ Market has adopted a Buttony and they sponsored another four at the July market. It is just so great to meet

17 new Buttony friends at these events, as raising awareness and making it more acceptable to talk about bowels is one of the main aims of the project. Buttony couldn’t live in a more supportive village. £1200 was raised for Buttony by the amazing Ballater Pipe Band, at the Beat Retreat, and Ballater Games Stewards ‘Funcy’ Dress Friday. This donation is fantastic in its own right, but it was actually the third year we have benefitted from this fundraiser, with a total over three years of £3075.54. To everyone in Ballater and Crathie we’d like to say a huge thank you for all you do for Buttony; your support is hugely appreciated.

Ballater Highland Games

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Wow!! The Games Committee must have done something right to deserve such a lovely weather day in the middle of some awful weather. Games Day started with entertainment from the 47th Culter Boys Brigade Band before the traditional events started at 11am. Not long after, we had the honour and privilege to welcome our Royal visitor, HRH Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, who enjoyed with us the spectacle of the Lonach Pipe Band and the Lonach Highlanders entering the arena, their first visit to Ballater Games since 1987. They had marched through Ballater to the Games Park ahead of the combined Bands, which included our own Ballater & District, the Highlanders 4 Scots Pipes & Drums, and five others. The Duke of Rothesay presented a Games Crest to Alan Mitchell who had served the Ballater Games for 50 years, before the combined bands entered the arena to march past the Games Committee and salute the raising of the Games Standard by our Royal visitor, who then had to leave for another engagement. Our traditional events, including a further appearance of the Highlanders, continued until it was time to welcome our other important visitor, our Chieftain, Captain Alwyne Farquharson, who had celebrated his 100th birthday earlier in the year, and was now attending his 71st year as Chieftain! With his party, he entered the arena through his Honour Guard formed by men from the Queen’s Royal Guard, to be greeted by the Ballater and Lonach Bands. The 4 SCOTS, The Highlanders, 4th Battalion, then entered the arena to play a new pipe tune entitled “Leal and Siccar” (the Games motto meaning loyal and certain), specially commissioned by the Games VC to celebrate the Chieftain’s centenary.

The Lonach Pipe Band and the Highlanders had come to Ballater to honour our Chief tain who is also one of their Honorary Vice Presidents. They made a presentation to Captain Farquharson of the first of the bottles of this year’s Lonach Whisky 2019, together with two engraved Lonach whisky glasses. The Games Committee had commissioned a new trophy, again in celebration of the Chieftain’s 100th year, a silver plated “Chieftain’s Salver” to be awarded each year to recognise local excellence in one of traditional disciplines of Highland Games. This first year the chosen discipline was Highland Dancing, and the trophy was presented by the Chieftain to Abigail Gray from Ballater.

Our traditional events, and appearances of the Pipe Bands, continued in sunshine throughout the day, and were enjoyed by all, ending with our unique Tilt the Bucket fun. With the help of all our wonderful volunteers, we had another great Ballater Highland Games which was enjoyed again by a huge number of Patrons and spectators. Photo by Amy Muir

ROARING STAG TWEEDIE BEASTIES HANDMADE GIFTS COFFEE EMPORIUM

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Glenmuick Church, Ballater Silent Auction Friday 4 October 7.30 – 9.30pm in the Victoria Hall “Come and bid a bob or two!”

Glenmuick Church held a very successful Silent Auction 13 years ago raising over £1,600 so now we think it’s time for another! The community uses the church for a range of activities to bring people informally together in a relaxed setting; learning computer skills, enjoying local walks with a leader, singing as part of an ecumenical choir, local pipe band, children’s Summer Club, Crafty Quines making items for charity and much more, and some funds are needed to cover basic costs. The auction will be divided into broad categories to encourage everyone to participate and help make this an enjoyable and profitable evening – with some music and a glass of wine to relax everyone!

Some Suggestions: Desirables – Eye-catching, interesting stuff – maybe with a history Items which need to be valued to ensure we don’t sell short – not fair to donor. Maybe have a couple of tubs/trays for gold, silver etc. We all have tangles of chains which could be weighed and sold on, and items which we no longer want. Goods & Services – Load of logs / kindling Dung for garden before winter Services – cleaning, ironing, typing, shopping Friendship visits

Anything else You can Offer? Sports & activities – Round of golf Day’s fishing

Cycle tour round Deeside Photography tuition – afternoon out and about and maybe follow-up editing & printing Trips & outings – Transport to airport, hospital etc. Run in a fancy vehicle including afternoon tea x 2 Christmas shopping run Tour of working estate Autumn wildlife safari

Many of the above could be donated as vouchers, able to be redeemed when convenient to both parties! Would you be able to help out in some way, or to donate? If you would like further information, or you have some suggestions, please talk to Sheena Kerr, Kathleen Mackay, Bell Macaulay or David Barr, or join us for a cup of tea after kirk on Sundays! By appointment to HM The Queen Chemists

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Crathie Opportunity Holidays’

We are celebrating the award of the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list to Christine Sloan for ‘Services to people with disabilities and to tourism.’ Christine’s award was a tribute to her efforts and success as the founder of Crathie Opportunity Holidays which provides high quality and specially equipped holiday accommodation for disabled people and their families and carers next door to Crathie Manse. It was Christine’s vision to restore the re-

dundant and neglected Crathie Manse Stables as holiday cottages. The Manse Stables, which are owned by the Church of Scotland, were built over 200 years ago in solid granite, but had fallen into a poor state. With the support of the parish – where her husband, Reverend Robert Sloan,

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was minister from 1996 until 2005 – Christine led the way first in getting the Church of Scotland to lease the buildings for a new use and then in establishing a business plan and raising funds for the holiday cottages. It took four years of determined efforts and repeat applications for grants to raise sufficient funds for building work to begin in 2001. The refurbished Manse Courtyard opened its doors to visitors in 2002 since when over 820 people with disabilities, along with their friends and families, have enjoyed holiday breaks in the accommodation. The project has won many plaudits from its visitors and awards such as Visit Scotland’s prestigious Thistle Award. Internally, the four cottages have been designed to ensure that there are no barriers

to occupancy by people with disabilities. An extensive range of fixtures and free-standing equipment has been installed and improved with the support of specialist organisations and local fundraising. Support for visitors is provided by the manager Maggie MacKay, her staff, and enthusiastic and hard-working local volunteers. Crathie Opportunity Holidays is a fine working example of redundant Church of Scotland property being turned to new, highly productive use for the disabled community. Its success is a worthy tribute to the vision and pioneering effort of Christine Sloan, the staff, and the many helpers in the Parish and local community. More information for visitors, and anyone wishing to contribute to the project, can be found on the COH website www.crathieholidays.org.uk

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Crathie Opportunity Holidays

The cottages at Crathie Opportunity Holidays have been busy with new and returning guests. The Wednesday Coffee Mornings give the guests a chance to meet and chat with local residents in a relaxed social setting. This is a most rewarding time for both the guests and our local volunteers. We are indebted to all the volunteers who bring home baking and serve. Sometimes there is the added bonus of the volunteer gardeners joining in the general chat and fun. The gardens and tubs are looking at their best adding to the enjoyment of the lovely setting by the river. Our volunteer gardeners work so hard

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to keep the property looking so beautiful. As part of Ballater Victoria Week, we had a Film Evening showing ‘Stan & Ollie’. The splendid buffet provided is a great part of the success of the evening and the funds raised are being used for the replacement of essential equipment for the guests. Our Golf Day at Balmoral in October will be our major fundraising event. We hope the sun will shine giving the golfers a great opportunity to appreciate the scenery while enjoying their golf. Special thanks to all our sponsors and helpers who make the day so successful. We have raised nearly £46,000 over the years from this major event in our calendar. Friends of Crathie Opportunity Holidays are the backbone of all the above events, as well as keeping the gardens tidy throughout the year. They are all volunteers willing to help if and when they can. If you would like to join the “Friends” please call Maggie Mackay on 013397 42100 for information. You will be most welcome and your talents will be put to good use. We are so grateful for the support and goodwill from folk both locally and beyond – THANK YOU ALL.

Crathie School

by the School Pupils Taste of Grampian

Crathie school has recently entered the taste of Grampian schools healthy packed lunch competition. We split up into three different groups; The Picky Pork Pies which consisted of Zara, Neve and Evan, The Little Chefs which consisted of Fynn, Marley and Skye and The Hot Diggity Dogs which consisted of Logan, William and James. One group, The Picky Pork Pies was able to go to the final with their delicious open sandwich, veggie kebabs, strawberry milkshake and some yummy chocolate from the Dee Valley Confectionary. Well done Picky Pork Pies!

Our Weekend at PGL PGL is where we have our residential at Dalguise near Perth. There we do activities such as problem solving, challenge course and giant zip wire. We had to stay in a dome because there was a huge thunderstorm. We had a great time!

Our Prize Giving Day On Wednesday the 3rd of July we had our prize giving. We s h a r e d s o m e posters about how we are damaging the environment. After some of us played piano, we sung a song ‘Touch The sky’ from the film Brave. We were presented with the highest John Muir award for our outdoor learning this year. Some of us also received prizes.

by Aileen Longino We recently held a taster session for the new eBikes in Aboyne. It was a glorious day and everyone enjoyed the experience and thought the bikes were brilliant.

people living in the Aboyne Ballater and Braemar areas and their surrounding villages. We are also looking to run a bike confidence course for those who have maybe not ridden for a number of years, but would like to get involved. This will be free to our members and run through Cycling UK by qualified instructors. We are hoping to do this in the autumn. Starting on Tuesday September 24 in the afternoon we will be running a block of six Fit Steps classes with Danielle based in Aboyne’s Masonic Hall (next to Dinnies Fish and Chip Shop).

We are hoping to run further sessions and are always looking for new members. Membership is free and open to any older

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There will be a nominal payment for members. This is exercise with music going at a pace that is suitable for you. We are hoping to put on other classes over the autumn months so if you are interested in joining in and becoming a member email membership@youngatheartdeeside.org.uk find us on facebook youngatheartdeeside or check out our website: www.youngatheartdeeside.org.uk

We also advertise events in the library.

Ballater Lego Club

Ballater Lego Club is back! First Tuesday of the month, in the Mike Sheridan Room, V&A Halls, Ballater, 3.30pm until 5pm. All the usual club resources are available, which is LOTS of Lego, books and magazines, plus a We-Do Robot kit! Extra themes and challenges are also set to make each session different and fun. Master builders are welcome to come and create what they like, or take on a challenge.

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Age P3 and upwards are welcome and cost is £4 per child, including snack, payable at the start of each session. Children P2 and younger are also welcome to attend with a parent or guardian, at £2 per child. We have Lego for all ages and sizes. Meanwhile, the Lego Station has finally gone on display in Ballater Library. It’s still a work in progress with a few finishing touches to be applied as well as a number of Ballater “characters”… Any suggestions welcome. We are grateful to our ninja supervisors for their support of this venture. Any further assistance from volunteers would be appreciated too. Our child protection policy is available to view any time, just ask. Check us out on Facebook or email Cat on catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk for more details or to register your interest.

Amy Stewart Fraser and Glen Gairn May 2019 and one of the youngest of Amy Stewart Fraser’s great great grandchildren is joining in with “Book Bugs” at Ballater library. This is her first visit to Glen Gairn but her mother, grandfather and great grandfather have been coming regularly since they were children. Amy – christened Agnes May Anderson Lowe – was born at the Manse in Glen Gairn In December 1892. Her father, the Reverend James Lowe, was the minister of the parish from 1891 to 1918 and his older daughter had very fond memories of the area. She turned the memories into four books – “The Hills of Home”, “Dae Ye Min’ Langsyne”, “In Memory Long” and “Roses In December” – all written when she was in her seventies and eighties. She had moved away from the area in her teens, first to secondary school and college, and then with her husband, Dr. Mark Stewart Fraser, to Carlisle. However her thoughts always returned to Glen Gairn and

from the 1920’s she rented, and then bought, a small cottage in the area. She came every year in the summer months, and after the death of her husband in 1966, usually on her own. She never learned to drive so was supported by the local community – deliveries from Strachan’s and Sheridan’s, lifts from neighbours, contacts with friends, chats with the Postie. Amy had five children, twelve grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and now 24 greatgreat-grandchildren (and counting). All these generations were and are frequent visitors to the cottage in the Glen. Originally the building was very simple. There were three rooms, lit by Tilley lamps, and one heated by an open fire over which the kettle boiled. Water was collected by bucket from the stream until an enterprising relative supplied a small tank, pipe and outside tap – running water! Eventually electricity and telephone came to Glen Gairn and Amy embraced both, giving

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by Gill Fraser some reassurance to her children that she could call for help in an emergency. Her eldest daughter provided maintenance – the annual painting of the outside for example – and in time this responsibility fell to three of the grandchildren. Everyone has their own memories of “the cottage” – games in the garden, walks in the hills, bird watching, board games by the fire, shopping in Ballater, visits to the Highland Games in Ballater, Strathdon or Braemar – a long list and each person will have their own highlights. Over the years (127 since Amy was born) there have been many changes but the spirit of Glen Gairn, and all that Amy Stewart Fraser loved, remains. She dedicated her first book, “The Hills of Home”, to “my children and grandchildren and their grandchildren” – that generation is now visiting her home and long may it continue!

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Ballater Filmsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Halloween Party The Victoria Hall is set to rock on Saturday October 26th as Ballater Films host its annual Halloween Party for ages 0-P7. There will be music, games, fun and a chill-out zone for those who want a quieter moment or two. Gary Boden will officiate as only he can... There will be prizes for best costumes (home-made!) and your decorated pumpkins. Refreshments including hot dogs (we will get more this year!) will be available to buy at reasonable prices. A responsible adult MUST accompany ALL children and academy age folk are welcome to come and help, just get in touch. Entry is ÂŁ2.50 per child, accompanying adults get in free and are also welcome to dress up! Supported by Friends of Ballater School Parent Council - thank you! Look out for posters and on social media for more details. See you there - wooooooooooo!

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Ballater Films by Ade Scripps

Ballater Films has an exciting line-up for you this autumn/winter season. We kick off on 28 September with Mary Queen of Scots (15), where Mary Stuart’s attempt to overthrow her cousin Elizabeth I, Queen of England, finds her condemned to years of imprisonment before facing execution. This well-received film features star performances by Saoirse Ronan and Margo Robbie as the clashing queens. Entry is by donation to Ballater Films (suggested donation per person £5). Doors 7pm for 7.30pm start. Refreshments will be available and most likely a raffle. Our October film is Fisherman’s Friends (12A) on Saturday 26th, a special event in aid of the V&A Halls, with buffet and welcome drink. Ten fishermen from Cornwall are signed by Universal Records and achieve a top ten hit with their debut album of Sea Shanties. Tickets priced £12 will be available from Yules or Brakeley Gift Room, with limited numbers on the door on the night if available. Licensed bar. Raffle board (no prizes required). Doors 7pm for 8pm start. On 23 November we bring you the Elton John biopic Rocketman (15), in aid of Friends of Ballater School Parent Council. This musical fantasy about the fantastical human story of Elton’s breakthrough years stars Taron Egerton as the flamboyant and troubled star. Tickets £12, including buffet and welcome drink. Raffle prizes welcome. Look out for future posters for further details. No news on a date yet but we hope to bring you a very exciting and eagerlyanticipated chilly sequel in December... look out for posters and on social media for updates on that. And no film festival this year (boo) but we will look into that again next year. Most films are in the Mike Sheridan Room with doors opening 7pm and fundraising films also use the Albert to serve any food and drinks included in your ticket. For more info go to our website http://www.ballaterfilms.co.uk or Facebook page, email info@ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk or call Cat or Ade on 55243. We look forward to welcoming you to Ballater Films. Thanks to all who support.

Ballater Victoria Week by Cat Houston

How many Queen Victorias can you fit in a Fiat 500? The weather did little to dampen spirits as the village saw a wide range of activities to amuse all during the annual festival that is Ballater Victoria Week. The week kicked off with some Potted Sports on the green for the youngsters, a showing of the fabulous film Stan and Ollie in aid of Crathie Opportunity Holidays, and a terrific Vehicle Parade and Sunday Fayre, complete with a Cartie Race down Bridge Street’s incline. Things got messy on Monday at Messy Play, and the Small Pet Show, Rufts Dog Show and Hobby Horse Trials went down a treat. On Tuesday the Victoria and Albert Halls were busy with Lego play sessions and a Playbus, while the Green was also buzzing with the Ballater Local History Group’s regular photo exhibition and a new event celebrating all things tartan from clans McRae and Farquharson. Alongside Buttony Bear’s picnic and the wonderful fancy dress comp, Bonnie BVW Babies, judged by some of Ballater’s older residents, there was much to keep all ages happy. The evening’s TV Quiz Show Quiz played host to 15 teams. Our planned sporting events took a dive on Wednesday as rain stopped play but there was still fun to be had with Samba Drumming and a Board Games fiesta, safe inside. Thankfully the clouds parted for the Highland Games on Thursday as Ballater welcomed thousands to the village, and the BVW crew got a rest until the evening, when the Ceilidh put visitors through their paces.

The rain also sadly put ed It’s A Knockout and the time to pack in a Car Boot ers and a Family Disco, wh pretty weather-proof, invo large water hoses anyway. £250. Running all week acros ements was the ever-pop local litter picker, Gangsta for this year, the Random while Graeme’s Toy Train enthusiasts to the old Pos BVW Co-ordinator Adria fantastic week in sometime Huge thanks to everyone ticket, hung some bunting nated anything or just cam

paid to this year’s hotly anticipate River Flotilla, but there was still Sale, Theatre from the Duns Playhile the Duck Race on the Green is olving several fire personnel with . Burgundy duck 72 won its owner

ss the village and against the elpular Scarecrow Trail, featuring a a Granny, Trump and Boris. New Raffle also proved a draw Heaven welcomed many st Office building. an Scripps said: “We had a es challenging conditions...! e who took part, bought a g, raised a gazebo leg, dome and was amused. Thanks also to all our sponsors, advertisers and helpers. And the answer, by the way, is 11.”

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on Mondays at Glenmuick Church Hall, Ballater 10am - 12noon OR 5pm - 7pm (from 1 October 2pm - 4pm) Have your questions ready and bring your own device if you wish. We have wi-fi you can connect to. If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come to us because your computer device is too heavy, canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be moved or any other reason, we can come to you. This is on a trial basis. Just email:

Keep17simple@outlook.com or call 013397 56111 and we can agree a day or time.

Please note as there is no charge for this project, we are unable to fix broken devices during the sessions. This event has been sponsored and supported by the following groups and without them it would not have been possible: Charitable Chiels, BRD Ltd, Glenmuick Parish Church. With a special thanks to Neil Henderson without whom the BT line would not have been possible.

Ballater Flood Response Group 35 by Michael Coletta

After a long wait Aberdeenshire Council have finally issued the findings of the flood consultants who were appointed to identify the best possible solution to protect the village from future flooding.

to engage with all relevant stakeholders in the village to ensure that all views and concerns are gathered and presented to Aberdeenshire Council in advance of a public meeting.

The authority is seeking to call a public meeting to discuss its findings. However your community council believes that for such a meeting to be productive, and in the best interests of the village, it would be beneficial for the community to have its own views established in advance.

It is hoped that this strategy will ensure that all voices are registered in a manner that the community are in control of, thereby focussing the council on the issues that are important to all residents.

Therefore, a group representing the Ballater and Community Council, Ballater Royal Deeside and Ballater Business Association as well as the former Ballater Flood Group (led by Tony Cox), Ballater Caravan Park, Golf Club and local residents has been established and met on 12 July to discuss how best to proceed. This new group has been named as the Ballater Flood Response Group (BFRG). At that meeting Tony Cox and Douglas Johnston who have been actively pursuing the technical discussions relating to the flood itself with Aberdeenshire Council, recapped on the excellent work that they have done to date in establishing the facts and shared some solutions that they had previously submitted to the Council. It is unclear from the report as to whether their valuable work has been taken into consideration. Tony and Douglas will be meeting with Aberdeenshire Council on 21 August 2019 and they hope that at that meeting they will be able to close out the technical discussions once and for all. This may not result in agreement by both parties but will enable the community to consider the consultant’s report in context. The BFRG has agreed to meet on 28 August 2019 to discuss the outcome of the technical meeting and, if appropriate, will develop plans

Questions regarding the feasibility and funding of the proposed plans and whether the authority has the inclination to consider alternative plans that may arise from the technical discussions that have taken place or from consultations exercise will be submitted very shortly. A copy of the flood report can be found by going to: http://ballater-fps.com/supplementary-reports

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Aberdeenshire Council and RPS Consulting Ballater Flood Study Public Engagement and Stakeholder Event Date: Wed 25 September Location: Beaton Craigie Room – The Victoria and Albert Halls, Ballater As you may already be aware, Aberdeenshire Council is working with RPS Consulting to evaluate flood risk within Ballater. We are holding a public engagement event in the form of a ‘drop-in information session’, to be held in the Beaton Craigie Room (of the Victoria and Albert Halls) on Wednesday 25 September and would appreciate input, from both the local community and other stakeholders, on the preferred flood protection option being considered. Please drop in any time between 3pm and 7pm, when there will be representatives from both RPS Consulting and Aberdeenshire Council on hand to provide further information on the flood study and to talk through the potential option, with 3D scheme visualisation and alternative route drawings. This will be the final opportunity to provide comments on the preferred option prior to submission for consideration by the Scottish Government. We hope to see as many as people possible attend the event and please pass on word of this invitation to anyone who may be also be interested.

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A Walk in the Park – Glen Fearder The grave of a giant – the last of his race – can be found in beautiful Glen Fearder. Well that is what I have always been led to believe, but then my father has always enjoyed telling us stories! To start the walk, drive up through Crathie heading towards Braemar, past Balnault Farm and Cottages, then about half a mile onwards there is a lay-by on the left. Park up here and cross the A93 following the sign post up Aberarder. Walk up the tar road and you will come to a bridge which crosses the Fearder Burn; a road leads up to the right to Ballachlaggan where apparently 18 bothersome tenant farmers were hanged in the barn by the order of the Laird of Invercauld! Follow the tar road and after about a mile you arrive at the old mission church which has

had various uses, from a school to storing bales of hay, and now is a holiday home. The road continues up the glen; when you arrive at a junction, take the right hand road down towards the recently renovated farm house of Balnoe. The left hand road leads on to the Keiloch. The road splits again at the bottom of the brae, the left taking you to Middleton of Aberarder and the right going past Balnoe and onto the abandoned farm of Balmore. After passing the farmhouse go straight ahead and along the edge of a field – please remember to close any gates you go through. This is an old droving road which went over the east shoulder of Culardoch to Loch Builg then onto Tomintoul. It did actually become a public road in the 19th century but proved difficult to use and

Glen Fearder view: from Auchtavan towards Lochnagar

by Katrina A Farquhar

maintain and therefore fell out of use. Back to our walk: you will cross a burn and meet up with the track from Ballachlaggan, turn left and

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start of Auchtavan land. Around here near the burn is the ruins of St Manire Chapel where at one time a market was held, which later moved to Clachanturn. Take the small path to the left through what was open moorland but birch trees are quietly taking over. You get a stunning, different view of Lochnagar from here. You will now see the ruins of Auchtavan village and I always find it amazing how many houses are here, you really try to imagine what life would have been like all those years ago with a vibrant little community. Braemar Community Enterprise has an open day here every year and you can come up and visit the house which they have sensitively restored allowing your imagination to run wild! If you have the time you can carry on a bit further and you look down on another ruined settlement, not quite as well known as Auchtavan, called Auchnagymlinn, once the highest farm in the glen. This is where the grave of the giant is supposed to be! Deeside Historian A.I. McConnachie said you could see the outline of the grave and it was over eighteen feet long! Perhaps another story is maybe more believable about a family who were all over seven feet tall and all died young. Sadly in the Muckle Spate of 1829 Auchnagymlinn was destroyed by sand and gravel so therefore all traces of the giants have disappeared except for the stories! The easiest way to return is to go back the way you came which isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always my favourite choice, I do like a circular route.

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You can if you have plenty time keep following the track, although you will cross two burns and you arrive at the Keiloch, then walk back down the Keiloch track meeting up at the Balnoe junction. This however will take quite a bit longer. The walk up to Auchnagymlinn and back is around six miles.

Creative Writing Workshop Report from Aboyne Academy On Wednesday 12th June, despite the wind and wild weather and dressed in our finest waterproofs, our class ventured outside into the woods and found a quiet place to sit. We were lucky to have Merryn Glover, Cairngorms Writer in Residence, leading a creative writing workshop to support our own creative writing. Once we had found a spot, Merryn told us to close our eyes and listen carefully to our surroundings; to the birds, trees, and wind. We wrote down everything we heard, saw, smelt, and touched. We then went on to write a paragraph about the nature around us. After being outside we came back into the classroom and wrote our own Cairngorms Lyric. We had never heard of them, and our class enjoyed learning how to write them. To write them we had to follow certain rules and we learned some Scots nature words, and tried to include them in our poems. Some words we learned were: nose-feast, which means a storm; and jowie, which means fir cone. by Catherine and Erin

The Cairngorms Lyric This is a new kind of poem invented this year as part of the Shared Stories: A Year in the Cairngorms project. It’s inspired by poetic forms like the Japanese Haiku and the American Sentence, but unique to the Cairngorms! The Cairngorms Lyric is made up of · fifteen words · an element of nature from the Cairngorms · a work or name of non-English origin It can be in any language but must include one non-English word. It can be any line length, any number of lines and any number of sentences. Anyone who has spent time in the Cairngorms National Park is invited to submit writing to be

featured on the project website and the end of year anthology. For more information, please search “Shared Stories Cairngorms” online.

Examples of our Cairngorm Lyrics: The rainbird is unphased by muggle and eard-din, the doo is nowhere to be seen.

by Lily

Stomping up the hill, marching through the squelching muggle, a splorroching smile lifts my spirits.

by Ms G

Pottering About... by Stella Potter Goodness, the seasons seem to turn faster and faster the older I grow. I thoroughly enjoyed going past Tullich Cemetery this summer, with the wonderful new dry stone walls and glorious swathe of wildflowers. They were going over a bit when I eventually got round to taking photos, but the contrast between the carefully laid stone and vibrancy of the flowers warmed my heart knowing that the insects will have been enjoying them as much as me. As the nights start drawing in it seems only a few short weeks ago that I was enjoying the growing daylight and the first warm rays of sunshine. I had my own wee ray of sunshine staying with me for a few weeks – my delightful youngest. After four years of hard work she graduated and it was the first graduation I’ve ever attended. I never went to mine as I baulked at the expense and didn’t feel the need to wear a long black gown and briefly shake hands with an academic dignitary I’d never met, and my eldest had her Dad and Grandma attending hers. But my other daughter felt otherwise and, admittedly, she now only has me and her sister left. So I shrugged off my grumpy pants and went with her sister.

It was a strange experience. It was a cold, wet, windy and thundery day at Hogwarts – aka St Andrews. We guests were bemused at the strange pomp and odd spectacle of six golden maces, loads of Latin including a Latin song and graduates kneeling before the vice-chancellor to be bashed on the head with a 16th Century leather cap. It felt like we’d walked into a time warp. If

not that, at least a weird parallel universe. For what seemed an eternity we stood, sat and applauded when everyone else did, though clapping with great gusto for our wee gown-clad MA. We amused ourselves speculating on how PhD subject titles could be far snappier, or at least more in a language we understood. By the time we’d taken photos and arrived at the after-ceremony garden party – in a huge marquee – I was soaked to the skin and never been so glad of two hot, strong and sweet cups of tea whilst the thunder gods hammered their loud approval. However, I had managed to keep my grumpy pants at bay and was glad we were there to witness this odd ritual. The delightful daughter returned to Ballater after the Graduation Ball, to make funding applications to raise the eye-watering $100,000 she needs to do her MA in Columbia NY next year, and for us to have some quality Mum and Daughter time. She spent a few weeks working at the Carriage before saying her goodbyes to the eclectic staff as she’d landed a year’s work in London. They were very kind to her – and to me when we went for a memorable goodbye dinner, thank you! Amongst her leaving gifts was a packet of Reese’s Peanut Cups that she’d acquired a taste for in her study abroad in the USA. On yet another horizontal rain day we went to Stonehaven for the London train, windscreen wipers hardly managing to keep up. I made her a large packed lunch as it felt like it was at least

43 one good thing as a Mum I could do, as, however adult my offspring have become, there’s still some deep-seated maternal pleasure in feeding them. Popped in the Peanut Cups too. Two large suitcases, one huge rucksack, a big bag including lunch and an excited daughter were on their way, due to arrive around 5pm. We kept in touch by text as we were concerned the heavy rain might delay her journey, especially as only a few days before flooding and landslides had closed other railways in Scotland. But all was well, and south of Newcastle it became like a proper summer day, with no wind, sunshine and blue skies. Phew! We both relaxed. She said she’d eaten her lunch, bar the Peanut Cups, and we agreed she’d text when she arrived at King’s Cross. Whilst I was doing a curry batch cook late afternoon, R4 informed me there had been a huge power cut across the UK. Scurrying to the internet I discovered that “across the UK” wasn’t quite accurate as the problem affected South England and a bit of Wales and N Ireland. Just about to text her to check she was nearly there she messaged me at the back of 5 to say the train had stopped 10 minutes from King’s Cross due to the power cut. We joked about catastrophising the Scottish weather and not considering any other delay, I joked that SE England was clearly bedazzled by her presence. We assumed as she was so close it wouldn’t be long. Time went on. There clearly was good spirit on the train, despite the food running out, but at least there was still that basic British staple: tea. A kind woman gave her a packet of crisps, she returned the favour with a Peanut Cup and they chatted over a cuppa. After about three hours the tea ran out. I was surprised there wasn’t a riot! At least there was free water -I didn’t really want to imagine the state of the toilets… and the hours ticked by… I tried hard to be cheerful and supportive, but by then our joviality was a distant memory. Eventually, after a long, long 8.5 hours on a stationary train they arrived at the station. Another hour later she got

to the front of the taxi queue and exhaustedly made it to her flat around 3am. So what did I learn from her experience? Firstly, to make even bigger packed lunches! Secondly to be hugely appreciative of our modern communications. Finally, to realise how proud I am that somehow we have raised an adult who doesn’t panic, keeps positive, understands that sometimes you have no control of your circumstances and have to go with it. I very much doubt I would have been so sanguine, especially at her age. In fairness I must also add that I’m just as proud of her sister for finding and following her own path without undue drama. I’m happy they both graduated but I’m far more proud of the strong, independent, capable, fabulously opinionated yet caring, true to themselves young women they are. They warm this old feminist’s heart to the very cockles. May your heart’s cockles be warmed through the dusk of the year too.

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CNPA

by Grant Moir, CEO

The summer holidays are well underway (at the time of writing) and visitors are flocking to the Park’s natural, cultural and entertaining attractions. Visitors to Deeside are especially being well catered for with the rebuilt Fife Arms Hotel and the new Highland Games Centre in Braemar as well as the rebuilding of the Old Royal Station in Ballater following a devastating fire in 2015. The promotion of the Snow Roads Scenic Route is also contributing to a rise in visitor numbers. You, therefore, could argue that there is no need to worry about making plans to enhance the economy of the Cairngorms National Park. Most of you will know that Scottish National Parks have four aims: to conserve and enhance the area’s natural and cultural heritage; promote sustainable use of the Park’s natural resources;

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promote understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Park and to promote sustainable economic and social development of local communities. It’s this last aim that is the focus of a consultation now currently underway. The Cairngorms National Park Economic Action Plan (EAP) sets out some key actions to help ensure that the Park has a sustainable economy that supports thriving businesses and communities for many years to come. The Economic Action Plans sets out five priority themes to provide focus, not only for the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), but all the partners involved including local authorities, the enterprise networks, other public sector bodies, land owners and business and community groups.

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The objectives set out in the plan are varied covering promotion and investment in infrastructure and supporting and attracting business as well as business diversification. There are also proposals to help ensure we retain young people in the area by working more closely with education and training providers, promoting the living wage within the National Park and supporting community and business-led housing delivery. There are definitely key challenges especially in relation to housing, ensuring a working-age population, a heavy reliance on the tourism industry for employment as well as uncertainty around Brexit and concerns about climate change and biodiversity loss. When your main economic driver is tourism there will always be challenges and conflicts around strengthening the Park’s economy while at the same time protecting and enhancing what makes the area special. But if we can develop and strengthen the Park’s economy in a sustainable

and inclusive way then this will be of benefit to all. The Cairngorms National Park covers six per cent of Scotland and is the UK’s most important place for wildlife and nature conservation. It is also home to around 18,000 people and attracts 1.8 million visitors per year. But house prices are 30% above the Scottish average and yearly earnings are at 26% below. There are also limitations around both physical and digital connectivity, increased logistics costs and an aging population – all of this presenting policy makers with challenges. I would encourage anyone with a particular interest in the health of our economy to please get involved and have your say on how we achieve a strong and thriving economy for years to come. To view and respond to the consultation on the Cairngorms National Park Economic Action Plan please go to www.cairngorms.co.uk/ working-partnership/national-park-strategies/ economic-strategy/

BEAST by Claire Aiken

Claire is an S3 pupil, and entered the Association for Scottish Literary Studies / Robert Burns World Federation Writing Competition 2018 with this story. She won a Certificate of Distinction Highly Commended with it. Well done Claire.

Swimming desperately, searching for land, but plain water was all I could see. Each stroke I took, the lower my head sank. My body aching, all I wanted was one small bit of land to rest on. I stopped swimming. Frozen with terror, I began to turn, facing my fear. People had said about what lived in these waters and if you ever met with one then death wasn’t far behind. Hundreds of attacks had taken place, though there had only ever been one person who had survived to tell the tale, but from that day had suffered a tremendous fear of water. You were classed as mad in this area if you even remotely doubted their existence. Now facing one of these horrific beasts, Established 1998

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they looked a lot better than how they had been described to me. Little did I know that they had two sides. Gazing up at the beast it looked like a perfect horse. Its eyes big and dark, pulling me in, and a fine flowing mane that was practically calling my name to stroke it. I told myself no. Years ago I had learnt a valuable lesson about petting random animals after my incident with the neighbour’s cat. But the beautiful beast was drawing me in, closer and closer by the second. I couldn’t stop, continually swimming slowly towards it. As much as I wanted to, I just wasn’t able. My eyes glued to those mesmerising locks. I was overcome by desire to just reach out and caress that luxurious mane. Never in my entire life had I ever pleaded so much with my brain. Though, without a brain, the beast’s attack would have been well under way. It was the only thing trying to persuade my body to halt, but my brain was fighting a losing battle and soon I would have my hand attached to the beast’s alluring tresses. Suddenly I came to a stop. No longer did I want to stroke this beast. Its fur was rapidly disappearing, revealing a warty, slimy skin. Desperately I tried to swim away, but strength was gone. The tide edging me ever closer by the second; I needed more energy, just a tiny bit more, and I could have escaped. My body did not agree. I took one last frantic stroke in a futile attempt to escape. My poor leg kicked against its rumbling stomach. It turned, slowly towards me; its once big dark eyes were now slits, red with fury. My foot couldn’t move, it was glued to the beast. Every strand of hair had gone, leaving only its horrific side. The beast began to plunge downwards, the water

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now alarmingly close to my chin. The salty tang of sea water splashed around the bottom of my mouth. I was going to drown. I was going to die. My nose fully submerged and my foot still stuck, there was no hope. I had a maximum of three minutes before my brain would begin to die. My saviour swam before my eyes. With as much strength as I had left, daringly I reached out. The beast began to turn its head towards me, it had noticed. Immediately the beast’s fur grew back; I stayed perfectly still, so not to disturb it. The beast abruptly swam away from me, in pursuit of the little silver fish that was my saviour. Now swimming upwards, the thought of fresh air was firmly in my mind. Spluttering as I emerged, gulping mouthfuls of fresh air, but soon I gladly readjusted to the air. As a result of having been attacked by a life threatening beast I had found what I believed to be a small stone in the middle of the sea. I would rest here for now. Placing myself on the stone, suddenly it came to me; the beast I had narrowly evaded was a Kelpie. I had escaped an attack of a Kelpie! The stone started to move and wriggle. I had just sat on a dolphin.

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Ballater & Crathie Community

2018 - 2023 Community Action Plan

Year One Update

The Community Action Plan (CAP) was launched in June 2018 amidst much enthusiasm and optimism for the five years ahead. I am pleased to say that the positivity within the community remains as strong today as it did when the work to develop the plan started two years ago. The foundation stone for this is the tri-party relationship that continues to strengthen between your Community Council, Ballater Royal Deeside and the Ballater Business Association. These organisations collaborate with each other for the benefit of the Ballater and Crathie Community and to support the groups of volunteers in the village, without whom the CAP would not be deliverable. A large thank you must go to those who have stepped forward to form the Community Action Team (CAT) and support the various groups and stakeholders in working to deliver the 152 action points that you, the residents of Ballater and Crathie wanted to be considered within the CAP. Of these action points 29 have been completed and 25 are underway, which would suggest that one year on there are 98 not yet started upon. This doesn’t represent the whole picture, so what does it mean? It is easier to report the progress of the various groups that have been formed, to demonstrate that while an action point is pending, it really is a matter of timing and circumstance. Note also that while there are 152 points, there is duplication across groups, required to assist the groups in focussing on the points for which they are responsible.

Unfortunately, one group, Care in the Community, which has seven action points, has no leader and has therefore stalled, resulting in Aberdeenshire Council reviewing the relevant action points and looking to assist. In the meantime, if there is anyone in the community who has experience of working in the care sector and feel that they can help, please do contact the CAT.

Allotment Group

A working group has been formed to tackle environmental issues within the community including a community clean up, alternative energy sources, improved recycling, community garden and produce swap shop and a more environmentally friendly approach to transportation. This group is extremely active in working towards these goals.

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Group Work

The first action of the CAT was to agree the allocation of action points across the 11 lead groups identified and formed during the CAP production process, most with volunteer leaders being appointed to drive the groups forward.

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sion and will assist in progressing action points more quickly.

Ballater Royal Deeside

The introduction of guided tours (3 action points) is proving a challenge. Communication within and marketing of the village covers 17 points and discussion is underway with other lead groups to tackle this. A village AGM is provisionally being planned for Saturday, 26 October 2019, where a large turnout from all groups as well as the local community it is hoped for. Remaining issues (e.g. rates, business support, employment & training services) require engagement with government agencies, but given the high level of retired business people in our community, it would be extremely helpful if their knowledge and experience could be accessed to the benefit of the local economy.

Completed actions to date include the formation of a group to tackle communication issues and the setting up of an IT training service for the village. Other, shared points will be covered later.

Events Team

This has proved to be a challenge, simply because the action points require support and infrastructure to be in place before they can progress. This is group will benefit greatly from the progress of communication action points.

Heritage Group

A group has been formed, bringing together some high-profile projects, and discussions with Visit Scotland, Aberdeenshire Council and the Cairngorms National Park are ongoing to improve exposure within the Royal Station. This is also prompting the consideration of a long-term home for a heritage centre, which is one of the remaining action points.

Ballater & Crathie Community Council

With by far the largest workload, this group and has successfully completed 16 points by forming groups to tackle issue around the village centre, e.g. installation of electric charging points, securing the visitor information centre, tackling affordable and care housing, and transportation and parking. Ongoing pending actions include improving relationships with the local estates, increasing the number of volunteers in the community and improving safety on the roads within the community.

Ballater Enhancement Group

It was intended that the already well established BEG would be driving the points in this area along with new members who were bringing a different focus to the village enhancement project. Progress has been made; the biggest task required here is a Town Audit, which is nearing its conclu-

Paths & Bridges Group

A working group has been formed, but there is room for more volunteers. The paths around Ballater have been mapped and funding is being sought to address repairs identified as being necessary.

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Playpark Group

This group made good progress in developing a plan to improve the existing playpark. However, discussion regarding development of housing near Monaltrie Park has placed this on hold.

V&A Halls The V&A Halls Trustees have reviewed the CAP and are working on their own action plan to provide a broader range of services that can protect this community asset, while continuing to provide the valuable facilities that are enjoyed by local residents.

Communication Group The CAP highlighted the need for better communication in the village beyond the medium of the Eagle. In total there are 20 ‘communication’ action points that have been grouped together and a working group has been formed from CAT members to focus on this. Key areas being ad-

dressed are information sharing, WIFI coverage, signage and events management. The group has engaged the services of some community members to review Ballater’s digital exposure on the internet, be that social media or web pages, asking them to consider what is and isn’t covered, and present potential solutions to streamline and improve what is currently available. Concurrently, identification and ownership of traditional communication touch points within the

village is being considered, with a similar goal to the digital review. Too much communication can result in lost messages; therefore a strategy needs to be developed as to how best to get messages out to the community and visitors. Understanding these areas will assist in the planning and communication of village events, as well as highlighting important issues to the community. Free WIFI coverage in the village centre was suggested as an action point and is still being debated. As mentioned earlier, work is underway to run what is being termed ‘a Village AGM’. The intention here is to hold an annual meeting where anyone working on a project, big or small, for the community is able to share project details with the rest of the village, lifting the profile of their work and hopefully receiving support from others with similar interests. Collaborative and inclusive approaches to challenges can deliver fantastic results and it is hoped that the AGM will form environment where these can grow. So here we are, one year down, four more to go. Once again, a huge thank you to everyone involved. Without you, nothing will happen, and while it may feel that things are moving slowly, I hope this article has demonstrated that positive action is underway. The CAP is still available to view and download in digital format by going to – http://www.marrareapartnership.org.uk/ our-work. Everyone is encouraged to view this, particularly if you want further details on any of the points above. Those interested in volunteering their services to any group working to deliver the CAP, should contact Michael Coletta on 07974 229381, michael.coletta@hgv.com.

Thank You from Ballater School

The Eagle Team has received a lovely ‘Thank You’ card from Ballater School, for the cheque given to them out of funds raised from sales of our 2019 Calendar. “[we]are writing to than you all for the most generous donation you kindly gave to Ballater School. As mentioned when we received the cheque, we will use the money to enhance our school ground, in particular we are planning to develop a memorial garden in memory of Kathlees Cowe, our nursery teacher, who died last year. “We will keep you updated with the progress of our garden.” We can’t think of a better way to spend the money, and we’re delighted. It was your generosity that made this happen, so we hope you’re delighted, too. Time constraints mean we aren’t certain the Eagle will be able to produce a calendar this year, but we thank you all for the support we’ve received over the past two years.

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who have been relentless in their quest to reach this target.

Work Started

by Ed Bushnell Refurbishment Target Reached

We hope you all have had a great summer, in spite of the Ballater weather. We are now looking forward to autumn, especially as Trustees of the Halls, because we have finally reached our target needed to carry out the refurbishment of the former Library space. Our grateful thanks go to Ballater Caravan Park, BCE, and to The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation, who have generously increased their original donations to help us achieve this target. Special thanks must go to fellow Trustee Jimmy Armstrong, ably assisted by Gordon Riddler,

With the continued help of David Cobban and Sarah Russell at Ian Roger, Architects, we have been successful in appointing AJC as the contractor to carry out the necessary works, which started on 5 August and are now progressing well. We have a provisional completion date of 27 September for the new toilets and the Community Hub, with the frontage to the old Library space following shortly thereafter. AJC contractors are using the Beaton Craigie Room as a base during their time here and this has understandably caused some inconvenience to groups using this room. We sincerely apologise for any trouble this may have caused, but we have tried our best to minimise the impact this has had. With your cooperation and understanding, we have been able to reduce the financial settlement figure to AJC, by allowing them to use this facility.

Lighting Upgrades

Ross Davidson, Electrician, is continuing to upgrade the lighting in the Mike Sheridan Room and the Victoria and Albert Halls and we expect this to be completed in the next few weeks. Ross is scheduling his work to take place when the Halls are not being used and we appreciate his cooperation by doing this. I sincerely hope that all our Hall users will soon be enjoying the much-improved lighting in all the Halls. All the high-level lights are being replaced with higher intensity LED Strip lights, allowing for the number of units to be reduced, with a corresponding reduction in the lighting bill for the Halls. Dimmable wall lights are being fitted in the Victoria and Albert halls, and Mike Sheridan Room to provide a flexibility not enjoyed in the past. All the Trustees have spent a great deal of time and effort researching different lighting solutions and hardware and taking advice from experts in this field, before reaching our decision. One other feature we have been keen to in-

corporate during these changes to the lighting is for the switches in the Mike Sheridan Room to be operated from either end of the room, which I am sure will be appreciated by everyone. HANDY NUMBERS Ed Bushnell – 013397 53882 Dr Douglas Glass – 07778 466817 Gordon Riddler – 013397 55308 Stan Tongue – 013397 53263

Outdoor Seating

I have been delighted to see how many people have been enjoying the bench seats, donated by John and Judith Edrich, especially during Victoria week. It was rewarding to see so many visitors sitting there enjoying the views to the Craigendarroch Hill. We have also purchased three planters and, once planted with flowers should bring a bit of added colour to the courtyard in the future. Stan has fitted them with lockable castors to make for easier moving.

catering for Weddings, Conferences, Group activities or any other party or celebration, by groups or private individuals. The Trustees and our Hall Keeper will make sure you have an enjoyable time.

Membership

We are always looking for people to become members of the Halls, it costs nothing to join. Fill in the Membership Registration Form, which will only take a minute to do. The more members we have from our community the better placed we are when seeking funding from other organisations, so join now! For further information or to obtain Membership Registration Forms please call/leave a message for Janet Riddler on 55308 or email: membership@victoriaandalberthalls.co.uk Please continue to support your Halls and continue to use this wonderful facility we have in our village.

Routine Maintenance

With a Halls complex such as ours, it is a never-ending task to maintain the buildings to a high standard and the maintenance team guided by Dr Doug Glass are now moving on to their next item of concern, namely, repairing the roof of the Victoria Hall and the Lift upgrade. Hopefully we will be able to see real progress soon. We are also having to think about redecoration of all Halls after the upgrade works, which will take us a while to complete, until we have the funds available. The curtains in the Mike Sheridan room are needing replaced, so I appeal to anyone out there who may be thinking about changing theirs and ask you to consider donating your old ones to the Halls. We would be very grateful.

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Geva’s Musings

with Cllr Geva Blackett

young people. This year I decided there was someone very special in Ballater who deserved recognition and after ‘conspiring’ with that person’s mother, I entered a nomination for the Inspirational Volunteer Award: Amy Muir. I was delighted when I heard that the nomination had been shortlisted for the final and realised I actually had to come clean to Amy – who until that stage didn’t have a clue! That was way back in February.

Amy Muir receiving her Award

Inspiring Aberdeenshire is one of the council’s biggest annual events. The awards celebrate the achievements and successes of our people across Aberdeenshire who go the extra mile for their communities, often with little official recognition. Winners in the past have included residents, council staff, community groups and

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Unfortunately due to a current bout of ill health, I was unable to go with Amy to the prestigious event at Haddo House at the end of June but she kept me in touch… “Geva, I won!” came the message – I don’t really know why she was surprised, but I have to say I was delighted both for her AND for Ballater because the Farmers’ Market is such a huge success, allowing local producers to sell their ‘wares’

and the community (and beyond) to have a blether or two with folk they maybe don’t see all the time. Its great too that the Seed Box, a Ballater stalwart, has taken on running a similar event in Aboyne. Well done Amy, thoroughly deserved and you see: you ARE an inspiration! Turning to the Cairngorms National Park, I was approached by the Henley Business School (part of Reading University) to host a delegation of high-ranking Chinese officials from Hainan Province in south west China for a day, and although we didn’t come to Ballater, I hope that the obvious admiration they showed for our landscapes and wildlife will tempt them back as visitors. My aim was to show how one community in the Park was helping to achieve all the statutory Aims. We started at Glenshee with a discussion about the economy of winter sports, jobs, wildlife, and planning before visiting the new Highland Games Centre in Braemar where they were piped off the bus by Angus and Fergus Wood, before having a look round. A quick lunch at the Fife (and a peek for some at the hand painted ceiling in the drawing room by renowned Chinese artist, Zhang Enli) and we were off to meet up with Angus McNicol and his team at Invercauld for a fascinating tour which took in agriculture, moorland and high hills. I had been asked if I could show the delegation a fish farm. Having explained we didn’t have any here but that we DID have one of the most famous salmon rivers in the world, we ended up with

Edwin Third from the Dee Salmon Fishing Trust on the old brig at Invercauld, before they had a quick trip round Braemar castle to round the day off! A whirlwind tour, but hopefully enough to whet some appetites… The Park Authority are currently consulting on the Economic Action Plan for 2019 – 2022 and it is askingfor answers to three questions: 1. Are there other significant economic trends, challenges, opportunities or data sources that we should be taking into account in developing this Action Plan? 2. Do you support these Actions to deliver the economic strategy as set out in the National Park Partnership Plan? 3. Are these delivery and monitoring arrangements appropriate for the Economic Action Plan? We ARE out and about talking to people but please, have your say… you can find the proposed plan on-line at: www.cairngorms.co.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2019/06/100620Cairngor msNationalParkEconomicActionPlan-1.pdf As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you need my help.

Geva with the Delegation

Councillor Matters

with Cllr Peter Argyle

I write this on the day that the Met Office is forecasting the UK will enjoy/endure the hottest day on record, with a likely high of 39 degrees. This will undoubtedly add to the debate on Climate Change and What Should Be Done. There are growing demands for extreme and immediate action, not least from folk busy gluing themselves to buildings and underground trains but there are no simple solutions to this massively complex issue. It would be naive to pretend there are, particularly at a time when politics throughout the UK are in a perfect storm. We are faced by challenges so enormous that it seems impossible for any of us to do anything to resolve them. Brexit is clearly dominant, but our collective and individual response to Climate Change cannot be ignored. The Scottish Government has declared a “Climate Emergency” and a number of councils across Scotland have done the same. I do wonder what this term means, beyond the simple words themselves. Surely an “Emergency” demands an immediate response; in this case an urgent move to a carbon neutral economy and society. That we are moving in that direction is undeniable. Policy-makers are seeking to increase the pace of change without bringing down the entire economic and social structure. Technology is key, but solutions take time. There have been calls for an end to new

licences for oil and gas exploration in the North Sea, for example, but such a step, without an immediate and massive reduction in demand for oil and gas in the UK, would simply drive up imports and leave the UK more vulnerable to overseas markets. Demand will not drop until we have viable and affordable alternatives to the internal combustion engine, heating and to plastics. Alternatives will come – but not tomorrow. The North East is using its talent and experience to lead the transition away from Oil & Gas to other energy. I am keen to see Aberdeenshire Council remain pragmatic on these issues. We will be looking in detail at the Scottish Government’s declaration and what that means for the council and what more we can be doing to reduce our carbon footprint, directly as a council and collectively as a region. However this must be seen within the context of year-on-year reductions in local authority funding and Scottish Government’s restriction of councils’ discretion on local taxation. The sort of changes we could and should introduce are expensive; should we prioritise these over the delivery of core council services? Services have already been significantly reduced; what else should we reduce or stop to address the “Emergency”? The Council will be considering our response to the Scottish Government’s declaration in August. We need to be pragmatic and practical, avoid “virtue-signalling” and sound-bites, identify costs and funding for any actions to be taken and strive to ensure that policy-makers in Edinburgh take the same approach. The Scottish Government has declared a Climate Emergency; it is ministers’ responsibility to set national priorities for action. It is vital that the funding is in place for those actions to be delivered by local government and other partners. Hard choices for everyone in Scotland.

The Forgotten Mountaineer by Duncan Macrae

Alexander Mitchell Kellas was born in Aberdeen in 1868 as one of nine children, living at 28 Regent Quay. He had strong Ballater connections by virtue of his mother, Mary Boyd Mitchell, who hailed from Ballater, and his maternal uncle Alexander who farmed at Sluivannichie; the house still exists only a hundred yards or so from where I am writing at the moment. The farmhouse continues to be occupied by descendants of Alexander Mitchell, namely Sandy and Lindsay Mitchell. Alexander Kellas was, in some ways, a lucky young man. He could look out from his house on Regent Quay to ‘clipper’ ships such as the Thermopylae, built in Aberdeen to bring tea back from China – streets – or perhaps, oceans – ahead of the Glasgow-built ‘Cutty Sark’. Alex’s family prospered and they moved in 1878 to 48 Garden Place. Incidentally, I was born in No. 32 Garden Place, not a stone’s throw away. Alex was enrolled

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in Aberdeen Grammar School, and instead of becoming either a lawyer, a doctor, or a clergyman, he became a very successful research chemist. Alex, through his many visits to his uncle at Sluivannachie, fell in love with the Cairngorms. He served his apprenticeship as a climber and survivor in these very mountains. In 1885, summer holiday time, he and his brother, Hendry, decided to head for the Shelter Stone at Ben Macdui. They left Sluivannachie at 7.45am, arriving at Braemar at midday. In Braemar they purchased a loaf of bread, a packet of biscuits and a bottle of lemonade. With this substantial fare they made their way through Inverey, up Glen Lui to Glen Etchachan and eventually reached their objective – the Shelter Stone. They had walked a total distance of 35 miles in around 12 hours. Such are heroes made of! Alex Kellas subsequently joined the Aberdeen Cairngorm Club and became a close friend and

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climbing partner of Professor Norman Collie of Fearlas Mor fame – the long grey man of Ben Macdui. He first travelled to the remote Himalayan peaks of Sikkim and Garwall in 1907. He achieved a number of first ascents in the high Himalayas, the most notable being Pauhunri, at 23,500 feet, the highest summit then ascended by man. The lightweight style of his small expeditions and explorations, unlike those thereafter, his intimate knowledge of the Sherpas and high altitude physiology, made him one of Scotland’s greatest mountaineers. He was the first man to die on an expedition to Everest, not an achievement to be proud of! In 1921 he had a mountain in north west Sikkim named after him; Kellas Peak (at 21,917 feet still unclimbed, as far as I know). He is buried in the Rongbuk Glacier at Kampa Dzong, within sight of some of the Sikkim Peaks he had climbed. I visited his memorial in 1967. He was a shy and lonely man, known only by his immediate family and his beloved Sherpa. He was a better man than me, Gunga Din!

Queen’s Royal Guard to the Rescue 61 by Lorraine Barr

Once upon a time we planted 90 trees…believe it or not that was three years ago. For people who are not aware of the trees a quick recap. To celebrate HM The Queen’s 90th birthday and to help reduce the water flowing down the River Dee I organised the purchase and planting of 90 trees. The area given to us by the Balmoral Estate Manager was across the river from the golf course, on a slope. Planting by took place over several very wet windy days, carried out by Willie Inglis and Dave Barr, with David Hanson digging holes with his tractor and Jack Lanigan helping with the final touches. All of this was completed by August 2016 and we named the enclosed area “The Queen’s Orchard”. This is not the story’s end; at least four times a year Dave and I go over and check the location to ensure the trees are still fit and healthy. On the first anniversary of the planting (July 2017) we noticed that the area around the trees within the Orchard was hosting very long grass and gorse. So we went about clearing this area; little did we know how hard it would be to try and clear this sizable sloping area! Four days later we were eventually finished, vowing that we would find another way the following year – but we were very pleased with ourselves. Keeping a watchful eye on the area I prayed alternately for rain and sunshine and was horrified when the snow came, but the little trees stayed rooted and held on waiting for the spring to come. In the spring of 2018, we thought we would get ahead of the grass taking a firm hold and offered to pay some Ballater youngsters to help clear the area. Unfortunately, the work was not carried out. August dawned and Dave picked up his strimmer and made his way to the Orchard, hanging his head in dismay saying, ‘never again!’ Here we are in August 2019 We started in March asking landscapers and gardeners if they would take on the job. After months of trying, no one wanted to do it and no amount of money seemed to encourage them. With sinking hearts, we resigned ourselves to the fact that no one wanted to do the job. Trumps blaring, horns sounding and cheers from the crowd, a very lovely Sergeant Kevin Smith in the Royal Guard asked if there was anything the soldiers could do to help the community. Immediately we thought of the trees and they jumped at the chance to support the Orchard. Our thanks go to the lovely people of the village who kindly allowed us to borrow their strimmers. Five soldiers of the Royal Guard. Two hours. Job done! I cannot express my gratitude for these men who not only gave up their time to come and make it possible for the 90 trees – The Queen’s Orchard – to have another chance to survive without grass and weeds strangling them. They, along with countless others, allow all of the UK to feel safe in their beds at night, each day is a challenge for them as they could find themselves in the midst of a desert storm or tropical forest or even here in the UK on our very streets fighting terrorism. All our uniformed services do an amazing selfless job each, and every day of their lives, I include all services: Royal Navy, Army, Air Force, Police, Fire Service – full time and retained. We are very lucky to live in a peaceful country where walking from one end of our village to another does not put our lives in danger. These are the men and women that make this possible. From the bottom of my heart and the 90 owners of the trees – THANK YOU!

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So the question is...How many Queen Victorias can you get in a Fiat 500? No, we don’t know why, either, but it’s got to be something to do with Ballater’s annual Festival of mayhem and madness – find our whether they all got in, plus answers to more of Life’s big questions, inside, in the centre pages!

Ballater and Crathie Eagle, Autumn 2019, Issue 95

Articles inside

Ballater and Crathie Eagle, Autumn 2019, Issue 95